The dwarf flags down a cogwork archivist, which rolls over on its sleek wheels. It towers over Arvol and the surrounding humanoids - the construct must be at least ten feet tall!
"Argus, please find a copy of A Brief History of Arcavios by Erikos Syron for this young man," The librarian says. The construct silently rolls away, determined to fulfill the task assigned to it. "It's no problem, you can talk to the archivists directly or ask us for help. It's what we're here for, after all!"
After about a minute, the archivist returns with a book clutched in its grip. It reaches down and hands the book to Arvol, then looks to the librarian. "That'll be all. Thank you, Argus!"
"You are welcome, Librarian Okoro,"the construct replies in a serene voice before it rolls away.
"No, that is all. Thank you very much Librarian Okoro." Arvol says to the dwarf, mirroring the archivist.
He checks out the book, then runs to the student store to make sure he has all his required uniforms, books, and supplies. He then sets out from the Biblioplex, trying to find the dormitories.
It has been three weeks since Orientation, the fateful day that brought all of you together through the bonds of education, activities, tardiness, and trunk-slaying. Since then, you have all made yourselves at home at Strixhaven. This magical place, though certainly overwhelming at first, has truly grown on you. You’ve made friends, joined clubs, worked jobs, and maybe even learned a thing or two. With all of your conflicting schedules, it can sometimes be hard to meet up as a full group, but you always manage to find time to come together and hang out, happy for the company and a reprieve from the demands of college life.
Ambre tackles a tough schedule, taking every class available to first years along with joining two clubs, despite three separate warnings from Professor Sharpbeak for the sake of her health, but she defies the odds and stays afloat, at least for now. The sleep-deprived prodigy is something of a phenomenon among the first year class and has received a small measure of fame for her legendary study habits and dangerously slim sleep schedule. When Ambre is not studying, she devotes her time to the clubs she signed up for: the Distinguished Society of Fine Artists and the LARP Guild. While spending time with her fellow artists and learning about different disciplines, she tries her hand at many different styles of art, creating some unique glass and metal sculptures that range from realistic and representational to abstract and avant-garde. She develops a bit of a reputation as an artistic wildcard, constantly surprising her fellow members with what piece she brings into each club meeting. A second year Prismari student by the name of Nora Ann Wu is probably the greatest appreciator of Ambre’s work, and she always makes it a point to provide her insights and compliments. The sophomore has taken Ambre under her wing, eager to make her feel welcome in the school’s artistic scene. She spends a lot of time working with Cadoras as well, even collaborating with him occasionally on art pieces that combine her technical expertise with his skill for conjuring fractal structures. As a last-minute decision, Ambre also joined the LARP Guild after helping them salvage their supplies following the trunk incident. Though quite inexperienced, her friends Rosie and Cadoras helped her develop a swashbuckling rogue character complete with a dashing costume and a very cool prop rapier of Ambre’s own design. The tinkerer has taken rather quickly to the role-playing and has earned the respect of her fellows, particularly Cadoras; his archer character often teams up with Ambre’s rogue, and when there’s no Guild or Society meetings to attend, they sometimes hang out and discuss art, adjusting to school life, and more. He’s grateful to have found such a good friend so early in the school year! Cadoras’ fondness for Ambre is shared by the entire LARP Guild, and they have offered their knowledge regarding monsters to her whenever she may need it.
Aithne, of course, spends most of her days in the Biblioplex. Very on brand for the shy bookworm. Rumor has it she read the entire textbooks for Magical Physiologies, Basic Magical Auras, History of Art and Magic, and Introduction to Archaeomancy front to back in one sitting. Her professors compliment her and say her work shows great promise, which she does not quite know how to handle; she simply thanks them with a blushing smile before scurrying off to her next responsibility. When Aithne cannot be found in class, you can almost certainly find her at her job in the Biblioplex, sorting books and aiding other students in their hunts for information. She becomes quite popular among the more studious members of the Strixhaven student body; if she does not know where the tome or scroll you’re searching for is, you can bet that five minutes later she’ll have it ready for you to peruse to your heart’s content. Aithne also finds great fulfillment in the Dead Languages Society, where she tackles the mysteries of translating and interpreting ancient texts with great gusto. One of her first big projects with the club was translating an ancient kor play with Quentilius Anitiphiun Melentor III, the freshman Playactors Guild representative that she recognized from orientation. The project turned out to be a great success, thanks to Aithne’s comprehend languages spell and Quent’s flair for the dramatic; the two bond over the process and become pretty good friends. The aasimar grows especially close to Drazhomir Yarnask, her fellow book clerk and Society member. The two spend many hours silently stocking books together, and he’s recently drafted Aithne’s service in his project to translate orcish poetry. Drazhomir has even shared his own poetry with Aithne, which has put such a smile on her face whenever she thinks of it that she grows even more likable to even the most stone-hearted of Strixhaven denizens. She still has not quite gotten used to all the widespread positive attention.
Arvol’s thirst for knowledge and can-do attitude is very much appreciated by the faculty and students. His questions spark interesting and enlightening tangents that leave everyone a little smarter than they walked in, and he’s often asked to join others’ study groups. This extends to his activities in the Dragonsguard Historical Society, where he engages in thought-provoking exchanges and debates with his fellow members, particularly fellow first year Rampart Sooviij. Though their opinions sometimes differ, they maintain a healthy and respectful friendship. His work on the Strixhaven Star bears fruit too; the article regarding the trunk incident on orientation day is on the front page of the next week’s edition of the paper and generates a lot of buzz - not bad for his first article! He’s placed as an assistant to the investigative journalists alongside his friend Aelyn and fellow first year Grayson Wildemere, who also runs the gossip column. Grayson is a little hard to get to know; he seems to be more interested in knowing everything about those around him than in sharing any personal information, but Arvol gets the feeling that Grayson thinks of him as a friend. All three of the first years work with Mina Lee, the star investigative journalist of the paper. Mina comes to value Arvol’s intelligence, hard-working attitude, and rebellious streak, treating him almost like a little sibling - she claims that he reminds her of her younger brother Maru. Arvol has yet to figure out how he feels about this, but it seems that Mina considers him a friend, at least.
Aelyn becomes pretty popular on campus as word of a handsome musician that stepped out of fairy tale spreads like wildfire among the first year class. He’s had no shortage of propositions to go to coffee or dinner from several students, but he’s gently let them down - after all, he’s only got eyes for one woman on campus. He may have joined the Star for Arvol at first, but now he’s definitely going to stay for Mina Lee. Aelyn has been chosen as an assistant to the investigative journalism team; one would think being so close to Mina would distract the romantic, but he manages to stay on task very well, and Mina is more than capable of redirecting his attention in the event he does get distracted. The two develop the beginnings of a proper friendship in time, both inside and outside of the paper’s office. Grayson Wildemere, his fellow assistant and the writer charged with the gossip column, seems to have taken a shine to Aelyn as well, and the two often work together to seek out information using their sharp wits and good looks; they have not quite gotten to know each other yet, but Aelyn just may break down those walls someday. In addition to his work at the paper, some time after orientation, Aelyn participated in a spontaneous jam session with fellow first year Aurora Luna Wynterstarr at the Bow’s End Tavern. Both of their musical skill and stellar artistic expression combined made for a night of wonderful entertainment; Tulk “The Bulk” Tusktooth, the tavern’s manager, says he’s never seen the clientele go so wild for a musical act before. The two agreed to form a musical duo and perform original compositions and improvisational jams for the tavern-goers, and they have become rather popular with the indie music scene on campus. One might think that Aurora’s tragically beautiful hurdy-gurdy dirges and Aelyn’s mystical Fey-like strings would conflict, but they actually blend together quite beautifully!
Klok stayed relatively anonymous on campus until Arvol’s article was released; soon, people were pointing out the ‘dashing loxodon’ in the days following orientation. Despite being a first year, he spends a good deal of time going back and forth to the Witherbloom Campus for classes, work, and club activities. His time spent in the Horticulture Club is well spent, and he learns about all sorts of magnificent plants native to the swamps of Sedgemoor, such as pendrake root, trudgestools, groffmoss, pestunias, and more! His eagerness to learn and sharp memory is much appreciated by his fellow Club members, as is his keen sense of smell when it comes to tracking down plants in the bayou. At the Campus Magic Labs, Klok spends a lot of time preparing specimens and acting as an assistant to research staff and senior students, aiding them in the event they need any help with their arcane research. This experience is invaluable, as it is not only is a networking opportunity for him, but also a chance to catch a glimpse into all sorts of magical research. Between working and club activities, Klok has quickly grown close to Witherbloom second-year Urzmaktok Grojsh. The orc has taken the first year loxodon under his wing, almost like an older sibling. The two spend a great deal of time together, conducting research and examining various plants while Urzmaktok advises Klok on which classes to take, which teachers to watch out for, and more. Though he has many responsibilities, Urzmaktok offers to help Klok study whenever he needs it, whether he is able to personally show up or have a friend help him out. The orc’s studying habits are rather intense, for he often takes on more work than he can handle, but Klok is starting to get used to the academic regimen.
Despite your crazy schedules, you can always count on seeing your friends in Magical Physiologies class. Held in one of the Biblioplex’s many lecture halls, the course covers the anatomy, abilities, and dispositions of monsters commonly encountered while adventuring. Here, you’ll read popular accounts related to Aberrations, Monstrosities, and Oozes, as well as studying how best to either avoid a fight with such creatures or battle them and emerge triumphant. The class’s professor is the dryad Verelda Lang, a respected arcano-biologist who teaches Quandrix College courses in addition to her Witherbloom College and general education offerings. It’s your last class of the day, and you can tell everyone, even Professor Lang, is itching to get out.
"... And of course, keep in mind that 'salad' is not aproper pronunciation and is frowned upon in any academic context,” Professor Lang says, looking up to the glimmering arcane clock mounted on the wall. “Alright, I’ve got a meeting with Dean Kianne at 2:30, so I’m letting you all out a little early today. Happy Friday from your favorite professor. When we come back on Monday, we will wrap up our unit on Slaadi and begin review for the exam for next Friday. Please direct any additional questions to my inbox in the Faculty Office since I can’t stick around today. Class is dismissed, have a good weekend everyone.”
With that, you all pack up your things and head out into the Biblioplex proper. It turns out all of you don’t have any obligations later, so this is finally an opportunity to hang out as a group for the first time in a while.
Finishing up the last of her notes with a flourish, Aithne capped her inkwell, wrapped her quill, and began tucking her notes and books into her pack. Settling the bag's dual straps over one shoulder, she looked around to see where her classmates had gathered before moving to the door to exit the lecture hall. Her earrings today were silver studs with curled scarlet ribbons (at least a foot in length) affixed to them. The ribbons tangled lightly in her hair-- which she'd left loose today-- adding brilliant streaks of color to the dark mass. "Would anyone want to go to the, um, cafe?" She inquired as she approached. Aithne paused and fussed with her glasses for a moment before admitting, "I missed lunch this afternoon and could use a snack."
Arvol quickly speaks up. "I'd love to too. Oh, and neat earrings Aithne. The red looks nice with your black hair and... umm, the way it goes with your hair." He blushes slightly as he realizes how silly he sounded. "Anyway, we should go. Don't you have to work later tonight?"
Aelyn had forgotten his books and had borrowed stuff and shared book with his loyal friend Arvol so he had nothing to carry as they left the lecture hall. "Sure, you know I'm easily convinced to visit the Firejolt Cafe Aithne." Aelyn says with a smile, following the others, giving Arvol a discreet friendly nudge after his compliment to Aithne.
"Thank you, Arvol." Aithne brightened immediately, the compliment adding a spark to her eyes and a hint of color to her cheeks. She reached up to tug lightly at the end of one of the ribbons, pulling the curl into a straight line, then releasing it and allowing it to bounce back. Pleased to have the approval of her classmates, she offered Aelyn a smile. "It doesn't, um, have to be the Firejolt." She teased lightly, "We could go to the main cafeteria too. Worse coffee, but, ah, more selection on the food. Or we could go somewhere else entirely?" She added, suddenly realizing that-- apart from a few brief trips-- she hadn't taken much time to explore the campus. "It's rare we're finished with class this, um, early."
"A, ah, compromise, then?" Aithne suggests. "I'll make a stop at the Biblioplex cafe for something I can take with me and I'll, ah, meet the rest of you for drinks at the Firejolt in a few minutes?" Her nose wrinkled and she smiled wryly as her stomach rumbled. "I might have skipped breakfast too..." She admitted quietly. "An article was just written about a fascinating new development in spellcraft. The theory proposes that a magic scroll could be written in half the time if a, um, combination of mechanical function and magical preparation could be fused. It's all theoretical of course, but the implications are beyond anything..." She trailed off. "Um. Anyway, I wanted to finish reading the discussion and before I knew it..." Aithne shrugged, taking a moment to resituate her pack on her shoulder.
"Umm, well, I could really use one of those sandwich specials from the Biblioplex Cafe, so I'll come with you Aithne. We can meet you other guys at the Firejolt Cafe in just a bit, right?" He takes a step over towards her. "I don't know a thing about writing magic scrolls, but that sounds like an interesting improvement. Hopefully the theory will eventually pan out."
He shifts his own pack onto his back, ready to head off for the Biblioplex.
"Yes, you fly along now my little lovebirds." Aelyn says, smiling to himself. "How about you two, settle for what the Firejolt Cafe can offer?" He says to Ambre and Klok, continuing towards the Firejolt Cafe.
Klok was about to mention he would go along to grab some food oblivious to the possible blossoming relationship but upon hearing Aelyn decides his hunger can wait "Yes, yes, we can meet you at the Firejolt"
"Did you miss lunch too?" Aithne inquired of Arvol as he volunteered to join her in the Biblioplex cafe. She exited the lecture hall and began making her way toward the cafe. For once, her arms weren't filled with books or papers. Everything she'd had with her was tucked neatly away in her pack. It left her hands feeling unusually empty. "I love the tea at the Firejolt Cafe, but I could really use a proper meal."
Aelyn enters the Firejolt Cafe, immediately checking if Mina is working, making his way toward the counter. "The usual?"He says to Klok and Ambre, motioning for them to grab a table by the windows.
Aithne and Arvol stop at the Biblioplex cafe and grab the sandwich of the day - grilled halloumi and morels on wheat - to go, then meet up with the rest of you on the way to the Firejolt Cafe. It's another lovely day at Strixhaven; cool temperatures, sunny skies, just the right amount of fluffy clouds. Central Campus is bustling now that the school year is in full swing, with students of all ages rushing to class, trying to catch the shuttle to one of the satellite campuses, playing games, practicing spells, and more.
As you all get closer to the Firejolt Cafe, you all hear a somewhat familiar giggle... but Ambre recognizes it immediately, and seconds later she feels Rosie Wuzfeddlims's hands wrapped around her arm. "Ha! Caught you in an ambush! You're lucky we're not playing today, or I'd have eaten you!" The gnome giggles. "Hey Ambre, hey trunk-slayers! You’ve all got to see this! We found these weird frogs and snuck them into the Fireside Lounge at Firejolt Café, and now we’re going to race the little hoppers! Quick! Come see before the professors find out!”
"Heh, sounds like great fun Rosie, but do you think Mina...ehm, the Firejolt Cafe is okay with that?"Aelyn asks, hoping that he won't get mixed up in anything that will antagonize lovely Mina.
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"Whoo!" Ambre exclaims, fist pumping the air. "I love making new things!" And with gusto starts about working on new paper mache heads for the group.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
The dwarf flags down a cogwork archivist, which rolls over on its sleek wheels. It towers over Arvol and the surrounding humanoids - the construct must be at least ten feet tall!
"Argus, please find a copy of A Brief History of Arcavios by Erikos Syron for this young man," The librarian says. The construct silently rolls away, determined to fulfill the task assigned to it. "It's no problem, you can talk to the archivists directly or ask us for help. It's what we're here for, after all!"
After about a minute, the archivist returns with a book clutched in its grip. It reaches down and hands the book to Arvol, then looks to the librarian. "That'll be all. Thank you, Argus!"
"You are welcome, Librarian Okoro," the construct replies in a serene voice before it rolls away.
"There you are, anything else we can do for you?"
"No, that is all. Thank you very much Librarian Okoro." Arvol says to the dwarf, mirroring the archivist.
He checks out the book, then runs to the student store to make sure he has all his required uniforms, books, and supplies. He then sets out from the Biblioplex, trying to find the dormitories.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
It has been three weeks since Orientation, the fateful day that brought all of you together through the bonds of education, activities, tardiness, and trunk-slaying. Since then, you have all made yourselves at home at Strixhaven. This magical place, though certainly overwhelming at first, has truly grown on you. You’ve made friends, joined clubs, worked jobs, and maybe even learned a thing or two. With all of your conflicting schedules, it can sometimes be hard to meet up as a full group, but you always manage to find time to come together and hang out, happy for the company and a reprieve from the demands of college life.
Ambre tackles a tough schedule, taking every class available to first years along with joining two clubs, despite three separate warnings from Professor Sharpbeak for the sake of her health, but she defies the odds and stays afloat, at least for now. The sleep-deprived prodigy is something of a phenomenon among the first year class and has received a small measure of fame for her legendary study habits and dangerously slim sleep schedule. When Ambre is not studying, she devotes her time to the clubs she signed up for: the Distinguished Society of Fine Artists and the LARP Guild. While spending time with her fellow artists and learning about different disciplines, she tries her hand at many different styles of art, creating some unique glass and metal sculptures that range from realistic and representational to abstract and avant-garde. She develops a bit of a reputation as an artistic wildcard, constantly surprising her fellow members with what piece she brings into each club meeting. A second year Prismari student by the name of Nora Ann Wu is probably the greatest appreciator of Ambre’s work, and she always makes it a point to provide her insights and compliments. The sophomore has taken Ambre under her wing, eager to make her feel welcome in the school’s artistic scene. She spends a lot of time working with Cadoras as well, even collaborating with him occasionally on art pieces that combine her technical expertise with his skill for conjuring fractal structures. As a last-minute decision, Ambre also joined the LARP Guild after helping them salvage their supplies following the trunk incident. Though quite inexperienced, her friends Rosie and Cadoras helped her develop a swashbuckling rogue character complete with a dashing costume and a very cool prop rapier of Ambre’s own design. The tinkerer has taken rather quickly to the role-playing and has earned the respect of her fellows, particularly Cadoras; his archer character often teams up with Ambre’s rogue, and when there’s no Guild or Society meetings to attend, they sometimes hang out and discuss art, adjusting to school life, and more. He’s grateful to have found such a good friend so early in the school year! Cadoras’ fondness for Ambre is shared by the entire LARP Guild, and they have offered their knowledge regarding monsters to her whenever she may need it.
Aithne, of course, spends most of her days in the Biblioplex. Very on brand for the shy bookworm. Rumor has it she read the entire textbooks for Magical Physiologies, Basic Magical Auras, History of Art and Magic, and Introduction to Archaeomancy front to back in one sitting. Her professors compliment her and say her work shows great promise, which she does not quite know how to handle; she simply thanks them with a blushing smile before scurrying off to her next responsibility. When Aithne cannot be found in class, you can almost certainly find her at her job in the Biblioplex, sorting books and aiding other students in their hunts for information. She becomes quite popular among the more studious members of the Strixhaven student body; if she does not know where the tome or scroll you’re searching for is, you can bet that five minutes later she’ll have it ready for you to peruse to your heart’s content. Aithne also finds great fulfillment in the Dead Languages Society, where she tackles the mysteries of translating and interpreting ancient texts with great gusto. One of her first big projects with the club was translating an ancient kor play with Quentilius Anitiphiun Melentor III, the freshman Playactors Guild representative that she recognized from orientation. The project turned out to be a great success, thanks to Aithne’s comprehend languages spell and Quent’s flair for the dramatic; the two bond over the process and become pretty good friends. The aasimar grows especially close to Drazhomir Yarnask, her fellow book clerk and Society member. The two spend many hours silently stocking books together, and he’s recently drafted Aithne’s service in his project to translate orcish poetry. Drazhomir has even shared his own poetry with Aithne, which has put such a smile on her face whenever she thinks of it that she grows even more likable to even the most stone-hearted of Strixhaven denizens. She still has not quite gotten used to all the widespread positive attention.
Arvol’s thirst for knowledge and can-do attitude is very much appreciated by the faculty and students. His questions spark interesting and enlightening tangents that leave everyone a little smarter than they walked in, and he’s often asked to join others’ study groups. This extends to his activities in the Dragonsguard Historical Society, where he engages in thought-provoking exchanges and debates with his fellow members, particularly fellow first year Rampart Sooviij. Though their opinions sometimes differ, they maintain a healthy and respectful friendship. His work on the Strixhaven Star bears fruit too; the article regarding the trunk incident on orientation day is on the front page of the next week’s edition of the paper and generates a lot of buzz - not bad for his first article! He’s placed as an assistant to the investigative journalists alongside his friend Aelyn and fellow first year Grayson Wildemere, who also runs the gossip column. Grayson is a little hard to get to know; he seems to be more interested in knowing everything about those around him than in sharing any personal information, but Arvol gets the feeling that Grayson thinks of him as a friend. All three of the first years work with Mina Lee, the star investigative journalist of the paper. Mina comes to value Arvol’s intelligence, hard-working attitude, and rebellious streak, treating him almost like a little sibling - she claims that he reminds her of her younger brother Maru. Arvol has yet to figure out how he feels about this, but it seems that Mina considers him a friend, at least.
Aelyn becomes pretty popular on campus as word of a handsome musician that stepped out of fairy tale spreads like wildfire among the first year class. He’s had no shortage of propositions to go to coffee or dinner from several students, but he’s gently let them down - after all, he’s only got eyes for one woman on campus. He may have joined the Star for Arvol at first, but now he’s definitely going to stay for Mina Lee. Aelyn has been chosen as an assistant to the investigative journalism team; one would think being so close to Mina would distract the romantic, but he manages to stay on task very well, and Mina is more than capable of redirecting his attention in the event he does get distracted. The two develop the beginnings of a proper friendship in time, both inside and outside of the paper’s office. Grayson Wildemere, his fellow assistant and the writer charged with the gossip column, seems to have taken a shine to Aelyn as well, and the two often work together to seek out information using their sharp wits and good looks; they have not quite gotten to know each other yet, but Aelyn just may break down those walls someday. In addition to his work at the paper, some time after orientation, Aelyn participated in a spontaneous jam session with fellow first year Aurora Luna Wynterstarr at the Bow’s End Tavern. Both of their musical skill and stellar artistic expression combined made for a night of wonderful entertainment; Tulk “The Bulk” Tusktooth, the tavern’s manager, says he’s never seen the clientele go so wild for a musical act before. The two agreed to form a musical duo and perform original compositions and improvisational jams for the tavern-goers, and they have become rather popular with the indie music scene on campus. One might think that Aurora’s tragically beautiful hurdy-gurdy dirges and Aelyn’s mystical Fey-like strings would conflict, but they actually blend together quite beautifully!
Klok stayed relatively anonymous on campus until Arvol’s article was released; soon, people were pointing out the ‘dashing loxodon’ in the days following orientation. Despite being a first year, he spends a good deal of time going back and forth to the Witherbloom Campus for classes, work, and club activities. His time spent in the Horticulture Club is well spent, and he learns about all sorts of magnificent plants native to the swamps of Sedgemoor, such as pendrake root, trudgestools, groffmoss, pestunias, and more! His eagerness to learn and sharp memory is much appreciated by his fellow Club members, as is his keen sense of smell when it comes to tracking down plants in the bayou. At the Campus Magic Labs, Klok spends a lot of time preparing specimens and acting as an assistant to research staff and senior students, aiding them in the event they need any help with their arcane research. This experience is invaluable, as it is not only is a networking opportunity for him, but also a chance to catch a glimpse into all sorts of magical research. Between working and club activities, Klok has quickly grown close to Witherbloom second-year Urzmaktok Grojsh. The orc has taken the first year loxodon under his wing, almost like an older sibling. The two spend a great deal of time together, conducting research and examining various plants while Urzmaktok advises Klok on which classes to take, which teachers to watch out for, and more. Though he has many responsibilities, Urzmaktok offers to help Klok study whenever he needs it, whether he is able to personally show up or have a friend help him out. The orc’s studying habits are rather intense, for he often takes on more work than he can handle, but Klok is starting to get used to the academic regimen.
Despite your crazy schedules, you can always count on seeing your friends in Magical Physiologies class. Held in one of the Biblioplex’s many lecture halls, the course covers the anatomy, abilities, and dispositions of monsters commonly encountered while adventuring. Here, you’ll read popular accounts related to Aberrations, Monstrosities, and Oozes, as well as studying how best to either avoid a fight with such creatures or battle them and emerge triumphant. The class’s professor is the dryad Verelda Lang, a respected arcano-biologist who teaches Quandrix College courses in addition to her Witherbloom College and general education offerings. It’s your last class of the day, and you can tell everyone, even Professor Lang, is itching to get out.
"... And of course, keep in mind that 'salad' is not a proper pronunciation and is frowned upon in any academic context,” Professor Lang says, looking up to the glimmering arcane clock mounted on the wall. “Alright, I’ve got a meeting with Dean Kianne at 2:30, so I’m letting you all out a little early today. Happy Friday from your favorite professor. When we come back on Monday, we will wrap up our unit on Slaadi and begin review for the exam for next Friday. Please direct any additional questions to my inbox in the Faculty Office since I can’t stick around today. Class is dismissed, have a good weekend everyone.”
With that, you all pack up your things and head out into the Biblioplex proper. It turns out all of you don’t have any obligations later, so this is finally an opportunity to hang out as a group for the first time in a while.
Finishing up the last of her notes with a flourish, Aithne capped her inkwell, wrapped her quill, and began tucking her notes and books into her pack. Settling the bag's dual straps over one shoulder, she looked around to see where her classmates had gathered before moving to the door to exit the lecture hall. Her earrings today were silver studs with curled scarlet ribbons (at least a foot in length) affixed to them. The ribbons tangled lightly in her hair-- which she'd left loose today-- adding brilliant streaks of color to the dark mass. "Would anyone want to go to the, um, cafe?" She inquired as she approached. Aithne paused and fussed with her glasses for a moment before admitting, "I missed lunch this afternoon and could use a snack."
Klok smiles at Aithne "I am always available for a snack"
"Sounds like fun," Ambre scribbles something down and opens a journal. "Ya I've got a bit of free time."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Arvol quickly speaks up. "I'd love to too. Oh, and neat earrings Aithne. The red looks nice with your black hair and... umm, the way it goes with your hair." He blushes slightly as he realizes how silly he sounded. "Anyway, we should go. Don't you have to work later tonight?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Aelyn had forgotten his books and had borrowed stuff and shared book with his loyal friend Arvol so he had nothing to carry as they left the lecture hall.
"Sure, you know I'm easily convinced to visit the Firejolt Cafe Aithne." Aelyn says with a smile, following the others, giving Arvol a discreet friendly nudge after his compliment to Aithne.
"Thank you, Arvol." Aithne brightened immediately, the compliment adding a spark to her eyes and a hint of color to her cheeks. She reached up to tug lightly at the end of one of the ribbons, pulling the curl into a straight line, then releasing it and allowing it to bounce back. Pleased to have the approval of her classmates, she offered Aelyn a smile. "It doesn't, um, have to be the Firejolt." She teased lightly, "We could go to the main cafeteria too. Worse coffee, but, ah, more selection on the food. Or we could go somewhere else entirely?" She added, suddenly realizing that-- apart from a few brief trips-- she hadn't taken much time to explore the campus. "It's rare we're finished with class this, um, early."
"No, I definitely need my daily iced mocha latte with a pump of hazelnut like they serve it at the Firejolt Cafe." Aelyn says with a smile and a wink.
"A, ah, compromise, then?" Aithne suggests. "I'll make a stop at the Biblioplex cafe for something I can take with me and I'll, ah, meet the rest of you for drinks at the Firejolt in a few minutes?" Her nose wrinkled and she smiled wryly as her stomach rumbled. "I might have skipped breakfast too..." She admitted quietly. "An article was just written about a fascinating new development in spellcraft. The theory proposes that a magic scroll could be written in half the time if a, um, combination of mechanical function and magical preparation could be fused. It's all theoretical of course, but the implications are beyond anything..." She trailed off. "Um. Anyway, I wanted to finish reading the discussion and before I knew it..." Aithne shrugged, taking a moment to resituate her pack on her shoulder.
"Umm, well, I could really use one of those sandwich specials from the Biblioplex Cafe, so I'll come with you Aithne. We can meet you other guys at the Firejolt Cafe in just a bit, right?" He takes a step over towards her. "I don't know a thing about writing magic scrolls, but that sounds like an interesting improvement. Hopefully the theory will eventually pan out."
He shifts his own pack onto his back, ready to head off for the Biblioplex.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Yes, you fly along now my little lovebirds." Aelyn says, smiling to himself. "How about you two, settle for what the Firejolt Cafe can offer?" He says to Ambre and Klok, continuing towards the Firejolt Cafe.
Klok was about to mention he would go along to grab some food oblivious to the possible blossoming relationship but upon hearing Aelyn decides his hunger can wait "Yes, yes, we can meet you at the Firejolt"
"Did you miss lunch too?" Aithne inquired of Arvol as he volunteered to join her in the Biblioplex cafe. She exited the lecture hall and began making her way toward the cafe. For once, her arms weren't filled with books or papers. Everything she'd had with her was tucked neatly away in her pack. It left her hands feeling unusually empty. "I love the tea at the Firejolt Cafe, but I could really use a proper meal."
Aelyn enters the Firejolt Cafe, immediately checking if Mina is working, making his way toward the counter. "The usual?" He says to Klok and Ambre, motioning for them to grab a table by the windows.
Klok nods "Yes please Aelyn and perhaps a little snack if they have?" as he turns to find a table by the window
Aithne and Arvol stop at the Biblioplex cafe and grab the sandwich of the day - grilled halloumi and morels on wheat - to go, then meet up with the rest of you on the way to the Firejolt Cafe. It's another lovely day at Strixhaven; cool temperatures, sunny skies, just the right amount of fluffy clouds. Central Campus is bustling now that the school year is in full swing, with students of all ages rushing to class, trying to catch the shuttle to one of the satellite campuses, playing games, practicing spells, and more.
As you all get closer to the Firejolt Cafe, you all hear a somewhat familiar giggle... but Ambre recognizes it immediately, and seconds later she feels Rosie Wuzfeddlims's hands wrapped around her arm. "Ha! Caught you in an ambush! You're lucky we're not playing today, or I'd have eaten you!" The gnome giggles. "Hey Ambre, hey trunk-slayers! You’ve all got to see this! We found these weird frogs and snuck them into the Fireside Lounge at Firejolt Café, and now we’re going to race the little hoppers! Quick! Come see before the professors find out!”
"Heh, sounds like great fun Rosie, but do you think Mina...ehm, the Firejolt Cafe is okay with that?" Aelyn asks, hoping that he won't get mixed up in anything that will antagonize lovely Mina.