Culuril's Strixhaven Adventure

(Is everyone other than Chierhy wearing school uniforms?)

(OOC - I would say Daxle and Naevyn are not. Kadyr is in his uniform.  As is Shuvadri.)

In the morning, Naevyn was also in the lounge when Shin had returned to deliver his tale.  "You say this creature sub-divided? Like right before your eyes? That's so interesting." He seems very intrigued. 

Shuvadri is also there to hear of this adventure. "This sounds very dangerous. Are you sure you are alright? We should probably get you checked out. Are you sure it didn't touch you at all?  The others also?"  She had stepped closer, even as Chierhy was reacting to the information. 

"Yes. almost as if it was a magical effect, the creature appeared to self-replicate in response to my cantrip, form a swarm of smaller selves.  Neither I, nor Guardok, Rain in Summer and Pinky-toe were harmed by it, though it was a close thing.  Nor did we touch it.  My bruises are from non-lethal blows delivered by Guardok during our sparring - in truth, he could have knocked me out cold had he employed his full force."

The goblin glances at Shuvadri, Chierhy and Kadyr in their proper uniforms and groans audibly.  He knows he should change out of his slightly sweaty clothes, but during his recent adventuring days, he has grown accustomed to spending a week or more in the same clothes, only occasionally taking time to wash them.  While his hygiene has been much better since arriving in Strixhaven, he does not look eager to follow suit with the uniform.

"Shuvadri... may I ask, are uniforms... mandatory?"  As Shin asks almost plaintively, Pinky-toe pauses her preening on his shoulder, appearing amused.

Shuvadri's head swivels just a bit as she seems to take in all of those not wearing uniforms. "School uniforms are a sign of your prestigious appointment as a student of Strixhaven University. It is seen as an appropriate identifying mark of those attending the school. Of course, there is no formal requirement to wear uniforms. Though I will note that there are cases where some professors will expect more formal apparel in the form of an appropriate uniform." 

She seemed to have picked her words carefully, but the plain meaning of her words is clear that uniforms are not required.  

Chierhy is holding her tongue at the moment as she recalls the prior night when, after accompanying Aspen back to Cloudblower Hall to find Arinchu, she returned, alone, to the tavern. On the way, there had been rustling and clicking in the treetops. Chierhy had stopped, curious to see if whatever it was would reveal itself. It remained hidden, and Chierhy now surmises that if it was the same creature Shin described, she had done the right thing by letting a sleeping jackal lie. 

“I had almost forgotten,” Chierhy decides to offer. “Last night I heard something in the treetops. Did the creatures you encountered sound like this?” Chierhy attempts to replicate the clicking sound from the prior night. Being somewhat tone-deaf, as we have already learned, the Wagaduan is oblivious to the fact (Performance: 7+2=9) that the sound she produces is only vaguely close to what she heard.

(I’m away from computers for a few days so I’m skipping color formatting. Back home Friday!)

“I had almost forgotten,” Chierhy decides to offer. “Last night I heard something in the treetops. Did the creatures you encountered sound like this?” Chierhy attempts to replicate the clicking sound from the prior night. Being somewhat tone-deaf, as we have already learned, the Wagaduan is oblivious to the fact (Performance: 7+2=9) that the sound she produces is only vaguely close to what she heard.

Shin gamely pays close attention to Chierhy's odd vocalizations and nods or shakes his head truthfully based on whether the sounds Chierhy produces resemble the sounds the creature (and subsequent swarm) had made.  (OOC:  @DM can decide whether Shin thinks so or not).

He then waggles his own hand and produces three Minor Illusions in succession, the first two representing still images that look like mediocre impressionist paintings of, first a strange hairless feline creature with rabbit-like ears watching from a bush, then second a swarm of much smaller versions of the same creature in combat with figures that look like a goblin, an earth genasi and a tabaxi with an owl flying overhead.  The third Minor Illusion attempts to replicate the sounds he had heard from the creature.

"This is a significant data point, Chierhy.  We discovered from following the tracks that there were likely others of this creature nearby, and it is possible that your experience last night may further validate the plausibility of such a hypothesis.  In any case, if any of you hear or encounter such a creature, remember that, at least in our case, it only became aggressive when magic was used in close proximity to it.  And the swarm also appeared to be trying to eat my familiar.  I have heard second-hand that such creatures may also be drawn to arcane components and spell focii."

He taps a crooked finger on his crooked mouth.  "I was musing to Guardok on the question of whether such creatures simply wandered into Strixhaven, magic-sensitive creatures drawn to a place dedicated to magic, yet particularly dangerous here for obvious reasons!  Or whether some bad actor may have placed them here intentionally.  Or perhaps someone released them here unintentionally, the result of an experiment or research gone wrong."

Shuvadri's head swivels just a bit as she seems to take in all of those not wearing uniforms. "School uniforms are a sign of your prestigious appointment as a student of Strixhaven University. It is seen as an appropriate identifying mark of those attending the school. Of course, there is no formal requirement to wear uniforms. Though I will note that there are cases where some professors will expect more formal apparel in the form of an appropriate uniform." 

She seemed to have picked her words carefully, but the plain meaning of her words is clear that uniforms are not required.  

Shin stares at the owlin resident advisor for a moment, his small stature making him look like a particularly ugly recalcitrant child.  With an overly theatrical sigh, he trundles towards the lift so he can visit his and Naevyn's room up on the ninth floor to change into his uniform, even though not required.

Chierhy took in Shuvadri’s statement in good humor. She had brought only 5 or 6 outfits with her - or rather, Oluwole had brought the case containing them from Wagadu here to Strixhaven, to her room. 5 or 6 outfits were not nearly enough for full time residence for the entire year. Her uniform would have to be worn, and regularly, even though the colors washed out her complexion made her look like an acolyte — a cultist, even. She would postpone wearing it as long as possible.

So, when Shin heads back to the lift, she says, “Shin… I am not wearing my uniform either today. If we… sit together for orientation, neither of us will stand out.”

While this was plausible, Chierhy wasn’t sure how much she believed it. But, she thought, she was better hiding her revulsion at the goblin’s appearance when she wasn’t surprised by him. If he is nearby during orientation, perhaps she can make it through the day without showing her emotions, she reasons. ‘Besides, he is remarkably intelligent and might be able to offer good hypotheses should questions arise.’

Quote from DandDSince1973 >>

So, when Shin heads back to the lift, she says, “Shin… I am not wearing my uniform either today. If we… sit together for orientation, neither of us will stand out.”

While this was plausible, Chierhy wasn’t sure how much she believed it. But, she thought, she was better hiding her revulsion at the goblin’s appearance when she wasn’t surprised by him. If he is nearby during orientation, perhaps she can make it through the day without showing her emotions, she reasons. ‘Besides, he is remarkably intelligent and might be able to offer good hypotheses should questions arise.’

Shin hesitates.  Sit together?  So many I have met, once they are repulsed by me, never lose their aversion.  And given the general nature and habits of goblins, statistically speaking, I find myself unable to ascribe blame to them.  Could Chierhy be an exception?  Fascinating.

"Perhaps we shall not stand out, though in truth, I think I would stand out even in uniform, because, you know..."  (He points at himself).  "In other locales, off-worlders such as yourself might stand-out as well, but not here as present company demonstrates in microcosm."

The goblin almost turns back, but, remembering that he is still a bit sweaty from the morning's exertion, which would not have been a problem during his adventuring stint, but now...  "No uniform then... I will simply change into my other set of ordinary apparel for propriety's sake."

(Evidently, Shin only owns two sets of clothes).  He heads for the lift.  Pinky-toe rolls her round eyes extravagantly.

Shin is not really sure about Chierhy's vocalizations. They don't seem to match, but it's hard to tell if it's actually different or just the quality of the sound. 

For her part, Chierhy doesn't seem to think the sound Shin replicates sounds the same. 

Naevyn jumps into the discussion about the uniforms. "I'm not going to change either. I'm sure it's fine."  Daxle seems to agree.  

Eventually Arinchu and Bretria come out, also in their first-year uniforms.  

Shuvadri looks around. "We just need Aspen now.  And to get Shin back. But we have time." After a brief pause, she asks, "Did you all enjoy your first night at Strixhaven? 

Shin's brow furrows at the creature sounds Chierhy is trying to imitate.  "I suppose an alternative hypothesis is that it was a distinct type of creature?"

He hastily ascends the lift and changes into his (only) spare set of clothing, musing that he should either learn the Prestidigitation cantrip or find a friend who knows it if he wishes to make efficient use of his time and avoid having to do laundry.

Speaking of cantrips, it is while he is changing that he notices the faint, greenish tinge emanating from his (already greenish) skin.  The aura of his Mage Armor that he had cast as soon as Guardok, Rain and he had squared off against the strange beast.  I wonder if I look even stranger than I usually do...

Pinky-toe raises what passes for her feathery eyebrow at him and the two of them quickly descend the lift once more to rejoin the others, glad that several of them, himself, Chierhy, Naevyn, Daxle and perhaps more would be in uniform-less solidarity.

The walk back to Cloudblower Hall passes more quietly than the journey there, but not awkwardly so. The evening lingers in comfortable silence, the sort that settles after laughter, music, and feet tired from dancing. When Arinchu thanks her, Aspen’s expression softens immediately. “I had fun too.” Her dimple sinks into her cheek More than fun, really. She glances over with an almost bashful smile before looking ahead again. “Watching you dance…” She admits after a moment. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so completely themselves.” The compliment comes simply, without embellishment or expectation. Just an observation she means with her whole heart. As they reach the hall and the evening finally draws to a close, Aspen offers a quiet, “Sleep well, Arinchu. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Only once Aspen slips into her own room does the fullness of the day catch up with her. The flower tucked neatly into her pocket is set carefully beside her bed rather than discarded. Her borrowed clothes are folded with the same care she gives everything else before she changes into something more comfortable. She spends a few unhurried minutes straightening belongings she had already organized, smoothing fabric, adjusting a stack of folded clothes, and eventually placing her pocket bloom in a cup by the window before finally settling beneath the blankets.

The music still echoes faintly in memory. So does Shrub’s scratchy voice. The mural. The Biblioplex. The gardens. The bracelets around new friends’ wrists. Aurora’s performance. Arinchu’s delighted whoop as she was spun across the dance floor. For perhaps the first time since arriving, Aspen feels less like a visitor and a little more like someone who might belong here. The thought lingers as sleep takes her, quiet but certain, and somewhere in the stillness her mismatched eyes soften and one settles into a warm golden hue and the other an earthy green, the subtle shift reflecting a contentment she rarely puts into words.

Morning comes gently. Aspen wakes early enough to take her time dressing for the day, pulling on her Strixhaven uniform with neat care before adding a few touches of herself. A pressed orange flower blooms briefly between her fingertips before she tucks it into a pocket, and she fastens one of her mentor’s well-worn reversible suspenders beneath the robe where just a hint of the colourful side of it peeks through. It is a small thing, but comforting and familiar.

When she reaches the lounge, the room is already alive with conversation. Her ears swivel first toward Shin as fragments of an unusual tale drift across the room, then toward Shuvadri’s concern, Myala’s questions, Daxle’s explanation, and the others gathering nearby.

“Good morning, everyone.” Aspen offers warmly as she steps in, her gaze travelling naturally from face to face. She catches Chierhy’s eye and smiles. She wasn't in her uniform. Unlike Shin, she doesn't look like she's gone running. Instead she's wearing something from her home, which Aspen's eyes traced with gentle admiration and inspiration. "Lovely..." She whispers softly beneath her breath. It was genuine. Her eyes would soon pan over and Aspen gives Arinchu a warm dimpled smile and equally warm greeting. And as she finally takes her seat, she extends her greeting to the rest of the group with the same easy sincerity. "Sorry if you were waiting on me, and thank you for saving space for me to join."

With Aspen's arrival and Shin's return, all of the students from the 9th Floor are present. It's not long before Shuvadri says, "Excellent, we are all gathered together. We will now make our way to the Biblioplex. Let's get going then!" The Owlin heads for the lift for everyone to head down. It takes a couple of trips of the lift to get everyone down, but then she leads on outside, following the broad avenue until you reach the Biblioplex at the center of the campus.  

Arriving outside, you see a handful of groups that seem to be just waiting, while others are headed inside. Shuvadri simply motions for you all to continue with her inside the building. The place looks much as it did yesterday, though you do notice that there is more of a murmur of voices rather than the hush from the day before. You continue past the cafe and shop and make for the Hall of the Oracle.  As you slip inside that space, this seems to be where everyone is gathering. The sound of voices is even more noticeable here, as students wait for Orientation to begin.  

Once inside, Shuvadri gathers the group together for a moment. "There will be a welcoming speech, then there will be a bit of a fun activity for you to participate in. We are going to divide each floor up into two groups for that. The first group will be Cheirhy, Shin, Aspen, Myala, and Arinchu.  The second group is Naevyn, Kadyr, Daxle, and Bretira." As she finishes, she starts to look around. "Looks like students are still filing in, but I'm sure we'll get started soon. Just hold tight."  The Owlin wanders off and you all have a bit of time to kill.

It's about another ten minutes until you hear a deep ringing sound of a bell sound.  An older Owlin steps forward towards the central snarl as an almost sacrosanct sense of calm descends over the Hall of Oracles. “Brilliant scholars,” says the rich, soothing voice of the Owlin, her feathers illuminated by the central snarl of glowing energy. “Your attention, please. I am Professor Sharpbeak, and I have the pleasure to be Dean of First-Year Students. Welcome to Strixhaven University!" She pauses for just a moment before continuing. "You have all been specially chosen for our Pre-Enrollment Program, and we are very excited that you have taken this opportunity to get a head start on your time here. I urge you to make the most of it, to settle into life here, and be ready to jump into your more formal studies this Autumn. Strixhaven has a rich and distinguished history of learning and exploration into the arcane. I hope you will find it to have been invaluable in giving you the abilities and experience to carry on into the future!" 

“As Strixhaven students, this storied Biblioplex will be your second home for research, studies, and even leisure," Professor Sharpbeak continues. "And we have a task for you to accomplish before you officially embark on your academic journey—a scavenger hunt!” With these words a small parchment materializes in front of each group. It presents a list of clues:

Clue 1. You’ll forget all about any trouble or plight when you step forward and are ensnarled in light.

Clue 2. Alumni commission works when they retire, seeking promising mages to inspire.

Clue 3. Each group deserves a free treat for their investment. Serve up this list and enjoy your refreshment.

Clue 4. These leafy beds aren’t always what they seem. Give them a pat and see what you glean.

Clue 5. Some stars are ancient, enduring, and bright. But others—maybe you!—are born on opening night.

“The rules are simple,” the voice says. “Each clue on this list will lead you to a different location in the Biblioplex. Simply travel to the area each clue references and perform the action the clue suggests. Time is of the essence. You have only three hours to finish your hunt. Solve as many clues as you can, because at each location, you may win a prize! Now then, off you go!”

Quote from Tybard >>

Shin's brow furrows at the creature sounds Chierhy is trying to imitate.  "I suppose an alternative hypothesis is that it was a distinct type of creature?"

 

Quote from Culuril >>

 

Shuvadri looks around. ......"Did you all enjoy your first night at Strixhaven? 

“Oh…,” Chierhy says, relieved, “…I agree. The creature I heard made more of a clicking sound than that.” This was good news, and the sudden heat she had begun to feel in her chest subsides.

Feeling confident now about her choice of garb, Chierhy relaxes and answers Shavadri.

“For my part, last night was e too sweet! And Aurora’s performance was different from what I’m used to but she was mad oh! That is how we say it in Koula Sambeh.”

Chierhy greets Aspen when she arrives with a warm smile. 

“Interesting…,” she responds when Shuvadri hands her the slip of parchment. The Wagaduan, following the example of her mother, like a school teacher, that is – though, respectfully – coaxes the others in her group into a circle if they are willing. 

“Hmmmm….solving for x, y, z, alpha, beta. Here are my preliminary musings.” Her expression is serious. She reads the clues in order, offering her thoughts.

Clue 1. You’ll forget all about any trouble or plight when you step forward and are ensnarled in light.

“This must be in here and have something to do with the snarls. Indeed, my experience yesterday with the snarls is exactly what the clue says. I forgot about everything in this room…”

Clue 2. Alumni commission works when they retire, seeking promising mages to inspire.

“I have no information. Anyone else?” Chierhy tries to remember anything she has read about commissions (History: 8+5=13 [lol! was almost a 20 then the die rolled away...])

Clue 3. Each group deserves a free treat for their investment. Serve up this list and enjoy your refreshment.

“Is there a cafe in the Biblioplex? If so, we will never starve at Strixhaven, for there is food and drink wherever you turn!”

Clue 4. These leafy beds aren’t always what they seem. Give them a pat and see what you glean.

“I have no information. Anyone else?”

Clue 5. Some stars are ancient, enduring, and bright. But others—maybe you!—are born on opening night.

“Opening night… that sounds like… the Spring Solstice celebration in Wagadu when magic brings the first blooms open to greet the dawn. Perhaps something akin to that?”