The purple-skinned tiefling listens and considers what is said, then glancing over at his friend.
"I feel we should trust them, and I do believe they are sincere with helping someone lika Larine rather than expelling her. Give me a nod if you agree and I will share with them what we know so far. If not I suggest we politely end the meeting here and ask to think it over, but I do think Larine could use the support to distance herself from the group she has been helping."Guardok can hear in his mind.
History if relevant to know about Professor Johenne Totsky: 21
The magic mirror is of great interest to Guardok, who listens attentively when it is spoken of.
"That sounds ideal if the mirror can be portable?", he suggests. "Especially so we can watch backstage whilst we are on stage. That way, we wouldn't scare off the culprit and could catch them red handed".
When talk turns to their suspects, he shakes his head, "I haven't heard of Professor Totsky, what do they teach?".
When he hears Mal in his mind, he startles just a little, before regaining his composure. He thinks for a moment, before nodding. When Mal starts to speak, he leans in to whisper to him.
Malvyn nods in agreement with Guardok's comment on the magical mirror. As the purple-skinned tiefling sees his friend nod and then whisper he nods back and starts to speak again. "We will share what we know with you, well almost at least, it might take a moment so perhaps put another kettle on." He says with a quick grin before starting the story from the beginning, with the incident at the orientation day, the black oily substance that they recovered and that later mysteriously disappeared from the laboratory, then the frog incident and the strange tracks they found, then the incident at Bow's End, the the two trips to Silkmeadow and Mei's contact with the entity Disyn, and finally the late night visit at Captain Dapplewing's manor. "It seems that a friend of a friend was drawn in by this organization, and she might need help to leave the group, but according to her this group has already infiltrated Strixhaven on many levels, even professors, so we must indeed be careful who we trust. The professor who tasked us with retrieving the magical book from the manor's attic is a Professor Hopplefepple though."He finishes, not sure if everything is relevant but perhaps their hosts were able to connect some dots for them.
The two professors listen to Malvyn as he speaks. There's a glance between the two when Professor Hopplefepple is mentioned. But Aithne answers first on a different topic.
"A friend of a friend was involved with the Oriq and now doesn't want to be?" she asks. "He is probably in quite a precarious situation. Has he told the Oriq he wants to leave? They probably shouldn't, unless they already have. But I see why you might have made the inquiries you did. I presume they told you a bit about the group. And this is why you have a clue that something might happen at the Rose Festival?"
Arvol had gotten a grin on his face as Malvyn spoke. He's a bit more serious as his wife speaks of the person involved with the Oriq, but he picks up the conversation. "I'm not sure what we can do, but if your friend needs help, let us know and we'll do what we can." He then turns to his wife. "Now, breaking into Dapplewing Manor, that brings back memories. Do you remember the doll?" She nods as he goes on, addressing Malvyn and Guardok. "It was Sassy Sally Jane that you recovered?" He shakes his head. "We liberated the doll from there too on a dare when we were students! And then ended up planting it at the podium during some boring lecture. Do you remember that Aithne? We then remotely activated it right in the middle of that lady speaking! She was so shocked! Never knew what happened to the doll after that."
Aithne smiles at Arvol, though soon adds. "Perhaps we should get back to pertinent matters?"
He nods. "Yes, yes. I find the book rather interesting. You got it for the professor? Why did he want it?" He looks lost in thought a moment. "I'm not sure what it could be though. Did you get a look inside the book at all? Or, no, you didn't. Do you think your friend might have? It would help to know what that was. There must have been some purpose in getting that book."
Aithne gets up while you are all still taking, taking the hot water pot with her to the kitchen area. Arvol continues, "I am also very curious about the missing samples. You mentioned though finding a shoe print there near the building with the bent nail on the bottom. And your friend Mei had a dream about a similar shoe print near the pond where those frogs had been found. It seems like that suggests the owner of that large shoe was involved both with the frogs and would have been around the Campus Labs where those samples went missing from."
About this point his wife returns with a steaming pot of hot water. "More tea for anyone?" she asks while she's standing. "Do you suppose it could be a student that had access to the labs that made the samples disappear? I mean, it seems an administrator or something would have had to be involved for all the records and tracking to get messed up with something like that. But if the Oriq are recruiting students, it seems one in the Campus Labs would be ideal for a number of reasons."
Arvol nods at his wife's comments, seeming to agree. "There's clearly a clue there. But I'm not sure how you find the shoe," he muses. "Hmm, anyway, this Disyn also sounds interesting. I can see why Professor Lang might have been interested in learning more. She's quite the expert on various unusual forms of living entities. Something I know nothing about, but still intriguing. But you said you found a broken mask? An Oriq mask?" He looks around at everyone in the room. "Now what would they have been doing out there?"
There's a lull in the conversation as the professors seem to mull over the information. "Well then, that is quite a lot to think over," Aithne says. "Is there anything else you have to share? Or wish to ask of us? I will certainly get to work on finding a portable silver mirror and look up that enchantment again. We'll likely have to go to the Rose Stage to cast the spell. And choose what area we actually want to watch."
Arvol quickly adds, "Oh, and Professor Totsky. I believe he is a Silverquill Professor of Shadow. Hmm, what does he teach? I think he used to cover the Linguistics in Spellcasting course. His expertise is Bantermagic."
"And sincerely. If your friend of friend needs any help, we would be glad to provide it. Just let us know," Aithne adds.
"Yes, it should be noted that the friend of a friend was the one that warned us about something possibly being planned for the Rose Festival." Malvyn says with a nod. The purple-skinned tiefling then raises an eyebrow as it turns out the professors were once up to shenanigans themselves, but he realized that all professors had been students at some point, and it shouldn't be surprising that these two professors in particular had also been sneaking into that manor. It all makes the tiefling a bit more relaxed about the fact that he had clearly broken some rules during his own nightly visit there.
"Unfortunately I never had a look at the book myself, but I know something about it." Malvyn says and shares all that he had found out about the magical book with it's magical items. "There could of course be some magical item in particular in that book that the professor needed but it's all pure speculation on my part."
"Yes, the bent nail shoeprint is one of our best leads actually, but so far we have come up with nothing I'm afraid. And yes, we should consider the Oriq having someone at the labs. And we will of course relay your kind offer of help to the friend of a friend." Malvyn says, glancing over at Guardok to see if he had anything to add.
"We were told the name of the book, right Mal. When we were originally asked to help. It was the Arcanum something. Indexus, perhaps. Does Arcanum Indexus sound right?", Guardok adds, but otherwise is impressed by Mal's account.
He smiles at the mention of Sassy Sally Jane, "I hadn't thought to pull a prank with Sassy Sally Jane", he says, before realising he has admitted to also taking. "I mean...well, yes that was there as well. We took it too".
"Bantermagic sounds fun, I might have to look into that next year. Although, I guess not if the Professor is an Oriq", he also adds, somewhat disappointed.
"I'm sure there are other professors that specialize in Bantermagic. Though I don't know who. Silverquill never much drew my interest," Arvol says.
"It is good to know an exact name for this book," Aithne adds. "I can do a little bit of research to see if I can find out anything about it. Perhaps we can figure out what might have been Professor Hopplefepple's goal in getting this."
Arvol then responds to Guardok's comment. "It's fine you didn't think of pulling a prank. I most likely wouldn't have if I didn't have Aelyn to help me come up with them!" He grins, "Anyhow, I'm sure you have studying to do with exams coming up. We should probably get you on your way. Perhaps you should stop by my office again, say next week after the exam?"
"Finally, please don't hesitate to find us if your friend needs something sooner," Aithne says. "They are welcome to come visit us if they wanted to. But I can understand why they might be wary of coming here. And hopefully we'll have that mirror figured about by early next week for you to use. Anything else?"
Arvol laughs. "Yes, I would be glad to plan on a practice next time Guardok. And I can show you out."
"Perhaps I will show them out and you can clean up," Aithine suggests. She moves towards the door, snatching a cloak along the way. "No need to go all the way back to Kollema Hall. You can access the avenue back to the main campus this way."
For his part, Arvol shrugs his shoulders and starts to collect up the teacups and heads for the kitchen area even as you all are still preparing to go.
Apart from the interesting discussion about the Oriq and the forging of a promising alliance, the purple-skinned tiefling also took some note of the interactions between the two professors, wondering if that was how living together with a partner was. Would he ever live like this? Did he want to? The concept seemed both quite scary and tantalizingly pleasant at the same time. It was also interesting to hear how history seemed to repeat itself. With this in mind the two professors' assistance would be invaluable, like having two mentors during their studies at Strixhaven.
"Thank you again for seeing us professors." Malvyn says with a polite bow to their hosts as he rises from his seat to leave. A part of him wanted to hear more about their days as students but that would be for another time. The mention of that other name suggested there were more of them once, perhaps even a group like the one he had found himself in.
Malvynand Guardokare led along a different direction away from the chasm. After a short distance through a tunnel you end up back above ground and shortly back to the main avenue back to campus. Aithne bids you farewell. "I'll see you at the Biblioplex, Malvyn. Again, please let us know if you need anything. Otherwise, we'll meet next week."
It doesn't take too long but the two are shortly back to Dresar Hall.
(OOC - Up to you if you wish to speak with anyone about the conversation before the Exam. Just say so.)
Thursday comes around and everyone is in Magical Physiologies class. Professor Lang reminds you all that the exam is tomorrow. And while regular classes will be done for the year, you will still all meet Monday to learn about your upcoming activity to collect spell components in Sedgemoor, the bayou surrounding the Witherbloom College campus. "As you know, we have been learning about otyughs, and that is what the exam will cover. If a place is disgusting, there's a chance on otyugh is nearby. They often collect bones and carrion and mix it with trash, waiting for it to ferment before eating it. Another sign of an otyugh's presence is shiny glinting treasure coming from such piles, as the creature like to hoard treasure from their victims. Keep in mind, trash does not belch! If you hear a pile of trash belching, it's likely an otyugh."
"Now, some spellcasters have been known to use otyghs as guardians, as they both can protect lairs as well as dispose of enemies. Particularly evil folk who wish to keep away from prying eyes can hide out in underground place, knowing that such stench-filled place strewn with trash will discourage authorities or others who might snoop around. For such foul locations, an otyugh is an excellent sidekick. It is good to remember though that these creatures are Aberrations. There is really no telling what all their motivations may be. So, there is some risk in intentionally dealing with such creatures."
"We will spend the entire class period on the Exam tomorrow. I will post scores on Monday following class. That's it, best of luck, and class is dismissed," the professor says.
(OOC - Studying Phase: Choose any one ability to make a roll for studying and describe how you use that ability for studying. If you study with someone else, you get Advantage on the roll. Success means you get 1 re-roll for the Exam. There is also an option to "Pull an All-Nighter" which gives you 2 re-rolls on a Success, but you have Exhaustion during the Exam, meaning rolls are made at Disadvantage. You do not have to study. Maewill automatically get 1 additional re-roll due to her extra dedicates study time during this term.)
Guardok would suggest not bringing up the conversation before the exam, so as not to distract anyone.
He will once again look to study with Rubina and Quentillius, making a little play out of the information and learning the information much like learning lines.
Performance (using student die from Gymnastics club): 2+7+4=13
Malvyn would again thank the kind professor for seeing them. It was reassuring to know that there were good and sensible people on their side, and he was already looking forward to see more of the Lorehold college. He nods in agreement to Guardok's suggestion, but after the exam he would ask Guardok to join him and meet with Larine to offer her the way out.
The purple-sknned tiefling would grin briefly at the belching comment. The Otyughs were truly disgusting creatures but that didn't mean they couldn't still be interesting to study, he'd just prefer to not be close to that belching. After class Malvyn would fully focus on his Otyugh studies in the Biblioplex and later in their study room at Dresar Hall, using his usual investigative studying technique partly developed as an investigative journalist for the Strixhaven Star, although now also having his mind further awakened by his dark tome with new guiding insights.
(Investigation: 12 Another roll if Aurora would team up with him as per ususal: 22 + Star dice: 3 + Guidance: 2 )
Mae is thoroughly disgusted by the idea of having to traipse around rotting, possibly belching trash, and is already looking and feeling exhausted from the semester. She has still only emerged from her room long enough to go to class and tutoring for the most part, having lost most of her will to do much else even if she could.
Still, if Larine came by to help her study she would accept without a lot of protest, and not so much at Larine as at the otyugh. She'd attempt making some sort of melodic or rhythmic patter to help her remember information, though the biggest driving force for her to pass is to just not have to spend another semester in tutoring.
Performance: 13, at advantage if Larine helps: 24 (rolled in log)
Rubina and Quentillius are more than happy to join Guardok to study. Rubina is much more willing to go along with making up the little play to study. Quentillius is a bit more about taking a standard tactic of reviewing his notes and reading up on the topic. Though as the two of you start putting lines together to remember all the details of otyughs, he joins in with offering different facts to be woven into the tale.
Aurora had planned an uncommon night off from performing at the Bow's End to be able to study. She joins Malvynin the study room of Dresar Hall to work with him in his investigative approach to studying.
Larine had been a constant visitor to Mae'sroom over the past several days, assuming Maehad welcomed her. She kept her visits shorts if Mae wasn't interested in too much company. But the day before the exam, Larine is completely focused on studying. Not much musician herself, she is more than happy to let Maemake up the rhythms and melodies. She just worked on learning them. She'd even try singing them in her somewhat awkward singing voice. Larine may not sing well, but that doesn't stop her from having fun.
(Each character gets 1 re-roll and Mae will get 2 re-rolls for the Exam.)
Friday soon arrives and you make it to Magical Physiologies for your exam on the otyugh. "Alright, alright, take your seats and I will get the exams passed out." Students get settled in place and papers passed out. "Everyone may begin," Professor Lang says. "You have one hour. Good luck!"
There are again two sections on the exam:
First is Otyugh Lair Evidence. It has multiple choice questions about physical signs pointing to the presence of an otyugh. (Investigation Check)
Second is Otyughs as Guardians. This requires writing short essays about details of which intelligent creatures might use otyughs as guardians. (Persuasion Check)
(You can make your initial roll for each Check first, then decide which you want to try to re-roll. You will keep the higher result. Mae, you can make your 1st re-roll then decide if you want to re-roll the same Check or try the other.)
The day of the exam comes, and Guardok is as always quite nervous. Despite having been through this process twice before whilst at Strixhaven, it was not something he ever had to deal with prior to that, and so it still feels a bit daunting.
Otyugh Lair Evidence Investigation: 12+2=14
Otyugh as Guardians Persuasion: 8+5=13 - Re-roll: 14+5=19
Mae feels even worse the day of the exam, at least in terms of spirit, although she hopes to pass just so she doesn't have to see that professor again.
She looks at the questions about lair evidence and wonders how anyone could miss a giant pile of nasty smelling trash that belches and moves and quietly prays she never finds out. (Investigation: 17, rolled in log)
Still trying to quell a queasy stomach, she looks at the next section about using the creatures as guardians, again questioning anyone who would consider such a thing. (Persuasion: 22, rolled in log)
As she finishes up the last bit, there is a brief moment where she considered the thought of having one someday just to keep most people away, but quickly decided she also didn't want to live in a garbage waste pile either and be sick constantly. She turned her work in and hurried out back toward her room, although if Larine was there she'd accept company back to the dorm even if she still wasn't up for a lot of conversation, just quietly hoping against hope she actually passed this time.
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The purple-skinned tiefling listens and considers what is said, then glancing over at his friend.
"I feel we should trust them, and I do believe they are sincere with helping someone lika Larine rather than expelling her. Give me a nod if you agree and I will share with them what we know so far. If not I suggest we politely end the meeting here and ask to think it over, but I do think Larine could use the support to distance herself from the group she has been helping." Guardok can hear in his mind.
History if relevant to know about Professor Johenne Totsky: 21
The magic mirror is of great interest to Guardok, who listens attentively when it is spoken of.
"That sounds ideal if the mirror can be portable?", he suggests. "Especially so we can watch backstage whilst we are on stage. That way, we wouldn't scare off the culprit and could catch them red handed".
When talk turns to their suspects, he shakes his head, "I haven't heard of Professor Totsky, what do they teach?".
When he hears Mal in his mind, he startles just a little, before regaining his composure. He thinks for a moment, before nodding. When Mal starts to speak, he leans in to whisper to him.
"Perhaps keep it anonymous to start?".
Malvyn nods in agreement with Guardok's comment on the magical mirror. As the purple-skinned tiefling sees his friend nod and then whisper he nods back and starts to speak again. "We will share what we know with you, well almost at least, it might take a moment so perhaps put another kettle on." He says with a quick grin before starting the story from the beginning, with the incident at the orientation day, the black oily substance that they recovered and that later mysteriously disappeared from the laboratory, then the frog incident and the strange tracks they found, then the incident at Bow's End, the the two trips to Silkmeadow and Mei's contact with the entity Disyn, and finally the late night visit at Captain Dapplewing's manor. "It seems that a friend of a friend was drawn in by this organization, and she might need help to leave the group, but according to her this group has already infiltrated Strixhaven on many levels, even professors, so we must indeed be careful who we trust. The professor who tasked us with retrieving the magical book from the manor's attic is a Professor Hopplefepple though." He finishes, not sure if everything is relevant but perhaps their hosts were able to connect some dots for them.
The two professors listen to Malvyn as he speaks. There's a glance between the two when Professor Hopplefepple is mentioned. But Aithne answers first on a different topic.
"A friend of a friend was involved with the Oriq and now doesn't want to be?" she asks. "He is probably in quite a precarious situation. Has he told the Oriq he wants to leave? They probably shouldn't, unless they already have. But I see why you might have made the inquiries you did. I presume they told you a bit about the group. And this is why you have a clue that something might happen at the Rose Festival?"
Arvol had gotten a grin on his face as Malvyn spoke. He's a bit more serious as his wife speaks of the person involved with the Oriq, but he picks up the conversation. "I'm not sure what we can do, but if your friend needs help, let us know and we'll do what we can." He then turns to his wife. "Now, breaking into Dapplewing Manor, that brings back memories. Do you remember the doll?" She nods as he goes on, addressing Malvyn and Guardok. "It was Sassy Sally Jane that you recovered?" He shakes his head. "We liberated the doll from there too on a dare when we were students! And then ended up planting it at the podium during some boring lecture. Do you remember that Aithne? We then remotely activated it right in the middle of that lady speaking! She was so shocked! Never knew what happened to the doll after that."
Aithne smiles at Arvol, though soon adds. "Perhaps we should get back to pertinent matters?"
He nods. "Yes, yes. I find the book rather interesting. You got it for the professor? Why did he want it?" He looks lost in thought a moment. "I'm not sure what it could be though. Did you get a look inside the book at all? Or, no, you didn't. Do you think your friend might have? It would help to know what that was. There must have been some purpose in getting that book."
Aithne gets up while you are all still taking, taking the hot water pot with her to the kitchen area. Arvol continues, "I am also very curious about the missing samples. You mentioned though finding a shoe print there near the building with the bent nail on the bottom. And your friend Mei had a dream about a similar shoe print near the pond where those frogs had been found. It seems like that suggests the owner of that large shoe was involved both with the frogs and would have been around the Campus Labs where those samples went missing from."
About this point his wife returns with a steaming pot of hot water. "More tea for anyone?" she asks while she's standing. "Do you suppose it could be a student that had access to the labs that made the samples disappear? I mean, it seems an administrator or something would have had to be involved for all the records and tracking to get messed up with something like that. But if the Oriq are recruiting students, it seems one in the Campus Labs would be ideal for a number of reasons."
Arvol nods at his wife's comments, seeming to agree. "There's clearly a clue there. But I'm not sure how you find the shoe," he muses. "Hmm, anyway, this Disyn also sounds interesting. I can see why Professor Lang might have been interested in learning more. She's quite the expert on various unusual forms of living entities. Something I know nothing about, but still intriguing. But you said you found a broken mask? An Oriq mask?" He looks around at everyone in the room. "Now what would they have been doing out there?"
There's a lull in the conversation as the professors seem to mull over the information. "Well then, that is quite a lot to think over," Aithne says. "Is there anything else you have to share? Or wish to ask of us? I will certainly get to work on finding a portable silver mirror and look up that enchantment again. We'll likely have to go to the Rose Stage to cast the spell. And choose what area we actually want to watch."
Arvol quickly adds, "Oh, and Professor Totsky. I believe he is a Silverquill Professor of Shadow. Hmm, what does he teach? I think he used to cover the Linguistics in Spellcasting course. His expertise is Bantermagic."
"And sincerely. If your friend of friend needs any help, we would be glad to provide it. Just let us know," Aithne adds.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Yes, it should be noted that the friend of a friend was the one that warned us about something possibly being planned for the Rose Festival." Malvyn says with a nod. The purple-skinned tiefling then raises an eyebrow as it turns out the professors were once up to shenanigans themselves, but he realized that all professors had been students at some point, and it shouldn't be surprising that these two professors in particular had also been sneaking into that manor. It all makes the tiefling a bit more relaxed about the fact that he had clearly broken some rules during his own nightly visit there.
"Unfortunately I never had a look at the book myself, but I know something about it." Malvyn says and shares all that he had found out about the magical book with it's magical items. "There could of course be some magical item in particular in that book that the professor needed but it's all pure speculation on my part."
"Yes, the bent nail shoeprint is one of our best leads actually, but so far we have come up with nothing I'm afraid. And yes, we should consider the Oriq having someone at the labs. And we will of course relay your kind offer of help to the friend of a friend." Malvyn says, glancing over at Guardok to see if he had anything to add.
"We were told the name of the book, right Mal. When we were originally asked to help. It was the Arcanum something. Indexus, perhaps. Does Arcanum Indexus sound right?", Guardok adds, but otherwise is impressed by Mal's account.
He smiles at the mention of Sassy Sally Jane, "I hadn't thought to pull a prank with Sassy Sally Jane", he says, before realising he has admitted to also taking. "I mean...well, yes that was there as well. We took it too".
"Bantermagic sounds fun, I might have to look into that next year. Although, I guess not if the Professor is an Oriq", he also adds, somewhat disappointed.
"I'm sure there are other professors that specialize in Bantermagic. Though I don't know who. Silverquill never much drew my interest," Arvol says.
"It is good to know an exact name for this book," Aithne adds. "I can do a little bit of research to see if I can find out anything about it. Perhaps we can figure out what might have been Professor Hopplefepple's goal in getting this."
Arvol then responds to Guardok's comment. "It's fine you didn't think of pulling a prank. I most likely wouldn't have if I didn't have Aelyn to help me come up with them!" He grins, "Anyhow, I'm sure you have studying to do with exams coming up. We should probably get you on your way. Perhaps you should stop by my office again, say next week after the exam?"
"Finally, please don't hesitate to find us if your friend needs something sooner," Aithne says. "They are welcome to come visit us if they wanted to. But I can understand why they might be wary of coming here. And hopefully we'll have that mirror figured about by early next week for you to use. Anything else?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Not from me. If I bring my rapier next time, can we practice a bit?", Guardok replies, and then is pretty much ready to leave.
If Mal has nothing more, he will thank them for the tea and make his way out.
"I hope you remember the way back, Mal", he says with a smile.
Arvol laughs. "Yes, I would be glad to plan on a practice next time Guardok. And I can show you out."
"Perhaps I will show them out and you can clean up," Aithine suggests. She moves towards the door, snatching a cloak along the way. "No need to go all the way back to Kollema Hall. You can access the avenue back to the main campus this way."
For his part, Arvol shrugs his shoulders and starts to collect up the teacups and heads for the kitchen area even as you all are still preparing to go.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Apart from the interesting discussion about the Oriq and the forging of a promising alliance, the purple-skinned tiefling also took some note of the interactions between the two professors, wondering if that was how living together with a partner was. Would he ever live like this? Did he want to? The concept seemed both quite scary and tantalizingly pleasant at the same time. It was also interesting to hear how history seemed to repeat itself. With this in mind the two professors' assistance would be invaluable, like having two mentors during their studies at Strixhaven.
"Thank you again for seeing us professors." Malvyn says with a polite bow to their hosts as he rises from his seat to leave. A part of him wanted to hear more about their days as students but that would be for another time. The mention of that other name suggested there were more of them once, perhaps even a group like the one he had found himself in.
Malvyn and Guardok are led along a different direction away from the chasm. After a short distance through a tunnel you end up back above ground and shortly back to the main avenue back to campus. Aithne bids you farewell. "I'll see you at the Biblioplex, Malvyn. Again, please let us know if you need anything. Otherwise, we'll meet next week."
It doesn't take too long but the two are shortly back to Dresar Hall.
(OOC - Up to you if you wish to speak with anyone about the conversation before the Exam. Just say so.)
Thursday comes around and everyone is in Magical Physiologies class. Professor Lang reminds you all that the exam is tomorrow. And while regular classes will be done for the year, you will still all meet Monday to learn about your upcoming activity to collect spell components in Sedgemoor, the bayou surrounding the Witherbloom College campus. "As you know, we have been learning about otyughs, and that is what the exam will cover. If a place is disgusting, there's a chance on otyugh is nearby. They often collect bones and carrion and mix it with trash, waiting for it to ferment before eating it. Another sign of an otyugh's presence is shiny glinting treasure coming from such piles, as the creature like to hoard treasure from their victims. Keep in mind, trash does not belch! If you hear a pile of trash belching, it's likely an otyugh."
"Now, some spellcasters have been known to use otyghs as guardians, as they both can protect lairs as well as dispose of enemies. Particularly evil folk who wish to keep away from prying eyes can hide out in underground place, knowing that such stench-filled place strewn with trash will discourage authorities or others who might snoop around. For such foul locations, an otyugh is an excellent sidekick. It is good to remember though that these creatures are Aberrations. There is really no telling what all their motivations may be. So, there is some risk in intentionally dealing with such creatures."
"We will spend the entire class period on the Exam tomorrow. I will post scores on Monday following class. That's it, best of luck, and class is dismissed," the professor says.
(OOC - Studying Phase: Choose any one ability to make a roll for studying and describe how you use that ability for studying. If you study with someone else, you get Advantage on the roll. Success means you get 1 re-roll for the Exam. There is also an option to "Pull an All-Nighter" which gives you 2 re-rolls on a Success, but you have Exhaustion during the Exam, meaning rolls are made at Disadvantage. You do not have to study. Mae will automatically get 1 additional re-roll due to her extra dedicates study time during this term.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Guardok would suggest not bringing up the conversation before the exam, so as not to distract anyone.
He will once again look to study with Rubina and Quentillius, making a little play out of the information and learning the information much like learning lines.
Performance (using student die from Gymnastics club): 2+7+4=13
Forgot about Advantage: 14+7+4=25
Malvyn would again thank the kind professor for seeing them. It was reassuring to know that there were good and sensible people on their side, and he was already looking forward to see more of the Lorehold college. He nods in agreement to Guardok's suggestion, but after the exam he would ask Guardok to join him and meet with Larine to offer her the way out.
The purple-sknned tiefling would grin briefly at the belching comment. The Otyughs were truly disgusting creatures but that didn't mean they couldn't still be interesting to study, he'd just prefer to not be close to that belching. After class Malvyn would fully focus on his Otyugh studies in the Biblioplex and later in their study room at Dresar Hall, using his usual investigative studying technique partly developed as an investigative journalist for the Strixhaven Star, although now also having his mind further awakened by his dark tome with new guiding insights.
(Investigation: 12 Another roll if Aurora would team up with him as per ususal: 22 + Star dice: 3 + Guidance: 2 )
Mae is thoroughly disgusted by the idea of having to traipse around rotting, possibly belching trash, and is already looking and feeling exhausted from the semester. She has still only emerged from her room long enough to go to class and tutoring for the most part, having lost most of her will to do much else even if she could.
Still, if Larine came by to help her study she would accept without a lot of protest, and not so much at Larine as at the otyugh. She'd attempt making some sort of melodic or rhythmic patter to help her remember information, though the biggest driving force for her to pass is to just not have to spend another semester in tutoring.
Performance: 13, at advantage if Larine helps: 24 (rolled in log)
Rubina and Quentillius are more than happy to join Guardok to study. Rubina is much more willing to go along with making up the little play to study. Quentillius is a bit more about taking a standard tactic of reviewing his notes and reading up on the topic. Though as the two of you start putting lines together to remember all the details of otyughs, he joins in with offering different facts to be woven into the tale.
Aurora had planned an uncommon night off from performing at the Bow's End to be able to study. She joins Malvyn in the study room of Dresar Hall to work with him in his investigative approach to studying.
Larine had been a constant visitor to Mae's room over the past several days, assuming Mae had welcomed her. She kept her visits shorts if Mae wasn't interested in too much company. But the day before the exam, Larine is completely focused on studying. Not much musician herself, she is more than happy to let Mae make up the rhythms and melodies. She just worked on learning them. She'd even try singing them in her somewhat awkward singing voice. Larine may not sing well, but that doesn't stop her from having fun.
(Each character gets 1 re-roll and Mae will get 2 re-rolls for the Exam.)
Friday soon arrives and you make it to Magical Physiologies for your exam on the otyugh. "Alright, alright, take your seats and I will get the exams passed out." Students get settled in place and papers passed out. "Everyone may begin," Professor Lang says. "You have one hour. Good luck!"
There are again two sections on the exam:
First is Otyugh Lair Evidence. It has multiple choice questions about physical signs pointing to the presence of an otyugh. (Investigation Check)
Second is Otyughs as Guardians. This requires writing short essays about details of which intelligent creatures might use otyughs as guardians. (Persuasion Check)
(You can make your initial roll for each Check first, then decide which you want to try to re-roll. You will keep the higher result. Mae, you can make your 1st re-roll then decide if you want to re-roll the same Check or try the other.)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The day of the exam comes, and Guardok is as always quite nervous. Despite having been through this process twice before whilst at Strixhaven, it was not something he ever had to deal with prior to that, and so it still feels a bit daunting.
Otyugh Lair Evidence
Investigation: 12+2=14
Otyugh as Guardians
Persuasion:
8+5=13- Re-roll: 14+5=19Malvyn feels thoroughly prepared, even feeling excitement as he starts to examine the test...
Investigation: 15 + Star dice: 3
Persuasion: 24
...but he finds the second section surprisingly challenging...
Persuasion: 15
...although in the end, as he turns in his papers, the purple-skinned tiefling feels fairly confident about his result.
Mae feels even worse the day of the exam, at least in terms of spirit, although she hopes to pass just so she doesn't have to see that professor again.
She looks at the questions about lair evidence and wonders how anyone could miss a giant pile of nasty smelling trash that belches and moves and quietly prays she never finds out. (Investigation: 17, rolled in log)
Still trying to quell a queasy stomach, she looks at the next section about using the creatures as guardians, again questioning anyone who would consider such a thing. (Persuasion: 22, rolled in log)
As she finishes up the last bit, there is a brief moment where she considered the thought of having one someday just to keep most people away, but quickly decided she also didn't want to live in a garbage waste pile either and be sick constantly. She turned her work in and hurried out back toward her room, although if Larine was there she'd accept company back to the dorm even if she still wasn't up for a lot of conversation, just quietly hoping against hope she actually passed this time.