Mae nodded once, "Yes, we probably should get going. I'll just see about a privy on the way out and then yes, we should get on. I'm sure there's something interesting to see on the way." She smiled a bit and got up to take care of herself and then met Mei outside the restaurant.
Guardok spins around looking for a clock. "Late? Oh dear, I thought I would make it just on time", he says sheepishly.
He then watches as Conys leads the first group through, preparing to follow. This is only the second time he has been teleported, and he is gets a little buzz of excitement, shifting from foot to foot as he waits. "What happens if you jump just as they are teleporting you? Do you need to be touching the ground for it to work?", he whispers to Zanther.
Before his fellow genasi can answer, the landscape changes, not dramatically as they are still in an urban area, but it is certainly noticeably different.
"Have you been here before Zanther? Have I asked you that already?", he says, his excitement still obvious as he follows along.
"Well, I suppose you are here just in time," Zanther concedes.
"I'm not an expert really on teleportation though," Zanther is saying, as you've already teleported. A gnome man that is traveling with you quickly interjects. "The portal opens within the plane of the circle that has been transcribed here. If you were to jump and stay in there as long as the portal is open, I suppose you would not teleport. But that would be some jump!"
Once there, Zanther replies. "I have been here before. And I don't think you've asked yet. But I've only been here briefly once." He continues walking along with you. "How are you feeling about the competition? Ready to have some fun?"
After her conversation with Mae, Meiattempts to messageKnapand Malvyn. She quickly realizes that they must be too far away. Having eaten their fill, and perhaps a bit more than that, the two girls make their way back onto the street. You can see just a few feet down from the restaurant is a sign for the stop of one of the carriages that would take you towards the Aven Academy.
After retracing you way back towards the corner, Meiis finally able to get in touch with the two boys. For their part, the stomachs are not nearly as overfilled, but their drinks and pastries are long since finished. Knapand Malvynsoon join the girls on the main street and wait for the carriage.
It is less than five minutes for the carriage to arrive. There are a couple of others already on board, but there are plenty of place available to be seated. Pulled by horses, it moves off at a gently pace as it moves along down the street. You see numerous multi-storied buildings. You aren't sure about them all, but many seem to be residences. You note a grocer on one corner, numerous stalls filled with vegetables, fruits, breads, and other staples. There may be a few shops, but they don't look open yet today.
The carriage makes only a few more stops, then the driver is calling out the first stop for Aven Academy.
"So you do have to touch the floor", Guardok replies with a nod to the gnome.
On the walk he is filled with nervous energy, "Can't wait. I find the waiting the worst part actually. When you are ready for something but have to wait. One more practice should get rid of that nervous energy though".
"What about you, Zanther? You've taken on a lot with running the club, are you looking forward to us all competing?".
Mei makes her way out of the carriage, apologizing for any knees bumped or feet trod on as she goes. Once off the street, she quickly puts her Guardok shirt on overtop her current attire as they head to the campus grounds, her hair thoroughly mussed about from trying to get it over her thick braids.
She'll keep an eye out for any signs indicating the path to the arena.
Mae felt a little queasy on the carriage ride after the large breakfast, and was quite happy to finally be back off of it, stretching a moment as well. She helped Mei get her shirt on and offered to help fix her hair if she wanted. She took a look at the area with a sense of appreciation and then also began seeking out a hopefully obvious sign of where to go.
(Perception: 8 rolled in log. Mae has no idea, she's still recovering from overindulging at breakfast :D)
Malvyn gratefully accepts the magical berries, pocketing them and giving his roomie a friendly smile, then following along to find some good seats at the arena, hoping Guardok was doing well in the meantime, his purple tail swaying slightly behind him in excitement over the coming competition.
"Yes!" Zanther says to Guardok. "Once you get into actually doing it should all fall into place. But yes, the waiting is hardest to me too." The walk is fairly short to make your way through the campus and to a building just on the edge of Aven Academy. "I am very excited to see how the team does. We've got a number of talented people. But I hope everyone can contribute a little bit. It's been a fun challenge to organize things."
As you enter you see what you presume are some of the other competitors. The Aven Academy team are mostly Owlin and Aarakocra you note. There is another group, perhaps a bit smaller than your contingent from Strixhaven, that is a mixture of races much like your team. Given the space, there seems room for more to come.
Meiis quickly able to spot a number of signs mentioning Aven Academy. One specifically says Aven Academy Gymnasium, with an arrow pointing down the street you are on. As the woman heads off, Maejust follows assuming she must know where she is going. Once Knapconjures up some snack, he and Malvynfollow along as well.
As you walk you recognize that you seem to be walking along the perimeter of the Aven Academy campus. Much different than Strixhaven, it seems to be an integral part of the city of Silkmeadow. You can spot a number of large, towering buildings - reminiscent of Strixhaven - but the colors are different, and the architecture style is not the same. But you can certainly imagine various classrooms close to what you are familiar with within those buildings.
The other thing you notice is the large number of Owlin and Aarakocra about. It would seem that this place attracts a large proportion of such beings.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arriving at the Aven Academy, the purple-skinned tiefling would look and ask around for wherever the gymnastics competition will be held, hoping to find some good spectator seats for him and his friends, also keeping a lookout for Guardok and the others teleporting in from Strixhaven.
Walking through this Strixhaven counterpart, Knap feels a sense of collegial bravado. He’s cheering pumped to cheer on his school and his friend. From his backpack Knap retrieved his Silverquill mascot, its inky cuteness held under the arm. Knap nods politely to the various avian species as he hastens towards the gymnasium.
Mae followed along with the group, commenting once about the vast number and variety of avian and avian-like species, but otherwise kept to herself, looking for a place to sit and watch. While the event started she put her shirt on and watched for Guardok to appear, making rainbow colored music notes appear over her briefly to signal her excitement. (Prestigitation)
"Ha! I suppose they could do fabulous aerial acrobatics. But the competition rules prohibit flight. And magic. it's all supposed to personal physical skill," Zanther tells Guardok. "As for practice, it will start in about 10 minutes. Well, we'll have time to stretch then, warm up, and run through using the equipment here." He has been walking as he's speaking, and he waves his arms at the gym, set up with all sorts of equipment. "There are four teams competing today. Obviously us and Aven Academy. Frankly, I think they will be our toughest competitors."
You reach a spot with a small sign with "Strixhaven" written on it and the symbol of the university. "This is where we warm up! Make sure you get in your stretches!" Zanther calls out. "The Laekrith Institue is supposed to have a team, they're from near the west coast of the continent. And then Nandeno College, from a small valley to the north of here on the west side of the Chimneycomb Mountains."
He looks about, seeing a group coming from the entrance. You see a group with a large contingent of elves, though you see a couple of humans and half-elves too. "Ah, there's the folks from Nandeno. The others will probably be here any moment I'm sure."
Guardok dutifully does as he is told by Zanther, and once they have reached the Strixhaven sign he takes off his coat / cloak and begins to stretch. As he does so he keeps an eye on the competition, trying to size them up. He also keeps an eye on the entrance for the last competitors.
He ponders Zanther's words, regarding this is purely personal physical skill, no magic to be involved. He feels good about it. He feels strong and limber, knowing he has practiced a lot and that he not only represents Strixhaven Academy but also his circus family back home.
Looking around at his team mates he smiles, "We've got this. We have all trained hard, and no matter what happens as long as we give it our best, we can go back to Strixhaven with no regrets".
"Of course, going back with a trophy would be great", he adds with a chuckle. "There is a trophy, right Zanther?".
Guardok's comments get a number of smiles from his teammates in return. "Of course there is a trophy!" Zanther replies with a laugh. "We'll see how things go though, awards are nice but doing our best comes first."
As you are warming up you do see what must be team from the Laekrith Institue. The group is a bit smaller than your contingent from Strixhaven. They seem to be mostly human, with just a few other species. Of particular note though is a pair of lizard folk that seem to be part of the team.
The group of Malvyn, Knap, Mae, and Meimake their way following the signs to the Aven Academy Gymnasium. As you near you can see the rather plan looking building which is situated right at the edge of the campus. You see a number of doors, though most of them are closed. There are a handful of people moving towards a particular door in what seems to be the front of the building. And as you get close you can see some signs saying 'Spectator Entrance'.
Inside there is a little table set up with two owlin manning it. "It is 1 copper for entry please."
In response to Malvyn'squestions, the other owlin says, "There is seating on all sides of the arena. You will find that the bets spots depend on which particular event you are most interested in seeing up close. Or if there is a particular school you are here to support, each team has a warmup area displaying the symbol of their institution. You are free to sit wherever you like."
Once the group has paid, you move beyond the foyer and walk out into the stands surrounding a fairly large gym floor a few feet below. The space is perhaps a tiny bit larger than the area where Guardokand the team would practice. But not by much. The bench seats for the spectators are mostly empty, though a small crowd has already arrived. Maeis quickly able to pick out a spot on the edge of the gym floor where "Strixhaven University" is written along with the university's symbol. A few more moments and she spots the earth genasi, already practicing.
Many of the others are practicing as well. Eventually you can pick out a sign for Aven Academy, as well as the other two schools that are competing today. From all appearances, it seems that warmups are finishing up. Where the Stixhaven sign is located there are plenty of empty seats, right up to the edge of the railing nearest the floor. Guardokat the moment though is in a different area practicing.
Guardok doesn't hide his fascination with the other troupes, especially those of more unusual lineages like the newly arrived lizardfolk. His curiosity stems from wondering what their routines will be like, having additional appendages.
He carries on with his warm up routine, making sure to stretch his muscles and not do anything too intricate, or give anyone a preview of his actual routine.
Malvyn leads the way through the spectator crowd towards the empty seats by the Strixhaven sign, looking around, trying to spot Guardok and Zanther. He was not used to be in crowds and he was glad to sit with friends, hoping the whole thing wouldn't get too loud and rowdy. He would of course do his best to show his support for Guardok and the others from Strixhaven.
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(I think the horn guys are fine with proceeding the story and find Guardok :-)
Mae nodded once, "Yes, we probably should get going. I'll just see about a privy on the way out and then yes, we should get on. I'm sure there's something interesting to see on the way." She smiled a bit and got up to take care of herself and then met Mei outside the restaurant.
"Well, I suppose you are here just in time," Zanther concedes.
"I'm not an expert really on teleportation though," Zanther is saying, as you've already teleported. A gnome man that is traveling with you quickly interjects. "The portal opens within the plane of the circle that has been transcribed here. If you were to jump and stay in there as long as the portal is open, I suppose you would not teleport. But that would be some jump!"
Once there, Zanther replies. "I have been here before. And I don't think you've asked yet. But I've only been here briefly once." He continues walking along with you. "How are you feeling about the competition? Ready to have some fun?"
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
After her conversation with Mae, Mei attempts to message Knap and Malvyn. She quickly realizes that they must be too far away. Having eaten their fill, and perhaps a bit more than that, the two girls make their way back onto the street. You can see just a few feet down from the restaurant is a sign for the stop of one of the carriages that would take you towards the Aven Academy.
After retracing you way back towards the corner, Mei is finally able to get in touch with the two boys. For their part, the stomachs are not nearly as overfilled, but their drinks and pastries are long since finished. Knap and Malvyn soon join the girls on the main street and wait for the carriage.
It is less than five minutes for the carriage to arrive. There are a couple of others already on board, but there are plenty of place available to be seated. Pulled by horses, it moves off at a gently pace as it moves along down the street. You see numerous multi-storied buildings. You aren't sure about them all, but many seem to be residences. You note a grocer on one corner, numerous stalls filled with vegetables, fruits, breads, and other staples. There may be a few shops, but they don't look open yet today.
The carriage makes only a few more stops, then the driver is calling out the first stop for Aven Academy.
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
"So you do have to touch the floor", Guardok replies with a nod to the gnome.
On the walk he is filled with nervous energy, "Can't wait. I find the waiting the worst part actually. When you are ready for something but have to wait. One more practice should get rid of that nervous energy though".
"What about you, Zanther? You've taken on a lot with running the club, are you looking forward to us all competing?".
Mei makes her way out of the carriage, apologizing for any knees bumped or feet trod on as she goes. Once off the street, she quickly puts her Guardok shirt on overtop her current attire as they head to the campus grounds, her hair thoroughly mussed about from trying to get it over her thick braids.
She'll keep an eye out for any signs indicating the path to the arena.
Mae felt a little queasy on the carriage ride after the large breakfast, and was quite happy to finally be back off of it, stretching a moment as well. She helped Mei get her shirt on and offered to help fix her hair if she wanted. She took a look at the area with a sense of appreciation and then also began seeking out a hopefully obvious sign of where to go.
(Perception: 8 rolled in log. Mae has no idea, she's still recovering from overindulging at breakfast :D)
Knap hops out of the carriage with unfiltered excitement and putting his shirt on back to front. "Here we go folks, Guardok's Groupies."
Taking his wand (which really just looks like your everyday twig with leaf on it), Knap twirls the tip around a sprig of mistletoe in his other hand.
10 berries the shape and colour of black pearls sprout on the sprig.
"I know we've eaten plenty already but I've figured out how to transmute some nourishment for on the go."
He gives the others 3 berries each and pockets the sprig and remaining berry in his pocket.
Malvyn gratefully accepts the magical berries, pocketing them and giving his roomie a friendly smile, then following along to find some good seats at the arena, hoping Guardok was doing well in the meantime, his purple tail swaying slightly behind him in excitement over the coming competition.
"Yes!" Zanther says to Guardok. "Once you get into actually doing it should all fall into place. But yes, the waiting is hardest to me too." The walk is fairly short to make your way through the campus and to a building just on the edge of Aven Academy. "I am very excited to see how the team does. We've got a number of talented people. But I hope everyone can contribute a little bit. It's been a fun challenge to organize things."
As you enter you see what you presume are some of the other competitors. The Aven Academy team are mostly Owlin and Aarakocra you note. There is another group, perhaps a bit smaller than your contingent from Strixhaven, that is a mixture of races much like your team. Given the space, there seems room for more to come.
Mei is quickly able to spot a number of signs mentioning Aven Academy. One specifically says Aven Academy Gymnasium, with an arrow pointing down the street you are on. As the woman heads off, Mae just follows assuming she must know where she is going. Once Knap conjures up some snack, he and Malvyn follow along as well.
As you walk you recognize that you seem to be walking along the perimeter of the Aven Academy campus. Much different than Strixhaven, it seems to be an integral part of the city of Silkmeadow. You can spot a number of large, towering buildings - reminiscent of Strixhaven - but the colors are different, and the architecture style is not the same. But you can certainly imagine various classrooms close to what you are familiar with within those buildings.
The other thing you notice is the large number of Owlin and Aarakocra about. It would seem that this place attracts a large proportion of such beings.
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
Guardok gets an even bigger hop to his step as they enter the building and see the other competitors from the other schools.
"I bet they will be amazing at the aerial routines", he suggests, noticing all the aarakocra and owlin.
"Do we have a set time to practice, or is it a free for all? And who is the other team competing again?".
Arriving at the Aven Academy, the purple-skinned tiefling would look and ask around for wherever the gymnastics competition will be held, hoping to find some good spectator seats for him and his friends, also keeping a lookout for Guardok and the others teleporting in from Strixhaven.
If needed.
Persuaion: 18
Perception: 5
Walking through this Strixhaven counterpart, Knap feels a sense of collegial bravado. He’s cheering pumped to cheer on his school and his friend. From his backpack Knap retrieved his Silverquill mascot, its inky cuteness held under the arm. Knap nods politely to the various avian species as he hastens towards the gymnasium.
Mae followed along with the group, commenting once about the vast number and variety of avian and avian-like species, but otherwise kept to herself, looking for a place to sit and watch. While the event started she put her shirt on and watched for Guardok to appear, making rainbow colored music notes appear over her briefly to signal her excitement. (Prestigitation)
"Ha! I suppose they could do fabulous aerial acrobatics. But the competition rules prohibit flight. And magic. it's all supposed to personal physical skill," Zanther tells Guardok. "As for practice, it will start in about 10 minutes. Well, we'll have time to stretch then, warm up, and run through using the equipment here." He has been walking as he's speaking, and he waves his arms at the gym, set up with all sorts of equipment. "There are four teams competing today. Obviously us and Aven Academy. Frankly, I think they will be our toughest competitors."
You reach a spot with a small sign with "Strixhaven" written on it and the symbol of the university. "This is where we warm up! Make sure you get in your stretches!" Zanther calls out. "The Laekrith Institue is supposed to have a team, they're from near the west coast of the continent. And then Nandeno College, from a small valley to the north of here on the west side of the Chimneycomb Mountains."
He looks about, seeing a group coming from the entrance. You see a group with a large contingent of elves, though you see a couple of humans and half-elves too. "Ah, there's the folks from Nandeno. The others will probably be here any moment I'm sure."
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
Guardok dutifully does as he is told by Zanther, and once they have reached the Strixhaven sign he takes off his coat / cloak and begins to stretch. As he does so he keeps an eye on the competition, trying to size them up. He also keeps an eye on the entrance for the last competitors.
He ponders Zanther's words, regarding this is purely personal physical skill, no magic to be involved. He feels good about it. He feels strong and limber, knowing he has practiced a lot and that he not only represents Strixhaven Academy but also his circus family back home.
Looking around at his team mates he smiles, "We've got this. We have all trained hard, and no matter what happens as long as we give it our best, we can go back to Strixhaven with no regrets".
"Of course, going back with a trophy would be great", he adds with a chuckle. "There is a trophy, right Zanther?".
Guardok's comments get a number of smiles from his teammates in return. "Of course there is a trophy!" Zanther replies with a laugh. "We'll see how things go though, awards are nice but doing our best comes first."
As you are warming up you do see what must be team from the Laekrith Institue. The group is a bit smaller than your contingent from Strixhaven. They seem to be mostly human, with just a few other species. Of particular note though is a pair of lizard folk that seem to be part of the team.
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
The group of Malvyn, Knap, Mae, and Mei make their way following the signs to the Aven Academy Gymnasium. As you near you can see the rather plan looking building which is situated right at the edge of the campus. You see a number of doors, though most of them are closed. There are a handful of people moving towards a particular door in what seems to be the front of the building. And as you get close you can see some signs saying 'Spectator Entrance'.
Inside there is a little table set up with two owlin manning it. "It is 1 copper for entry please."
In response to Malvyn's questions, the other owlin says, "There is seating on all sides of the arena. You will find that the bets spots depend on which particular event you are most interested in seeing up close. Or if there is a particular school you are here to support, each team has a warmup area displaying the symbol of their institution. You are free to sit wherever you like."
Once the group has paid, you move beyond the foyer and walk out into the stands surrounding a fairly large gym floor a few feet below. The space is perhaps a tiny bit larger than the area where Guardok and the team would practice. But not by much. The bench seats for the spectators are mostly empty, though a small crowd has already arrived. Mae is quickly able to pick out a spot on the edge of the gym floor where "Strixhaven University" is written along with the university's symbol. A few more moments and she spots the earth genasi, already practicing.
Many of the others are practicing as well. Eventually you can pick out a sign for Aven Academy, as well as the other two schools that are competing today. From all appearances, it seems that warmups are finishing up. Where the Stixhaven sign is located there are plenty of empty seats, right up to the edge of the railing nearest the floor. Guardok at the moment though is in a different area practicing.
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
Guardok doesn't hide his fascination with the other troupes, especially those of more unusual lineages like the newly arrived lizardfolk. His curiosity stems from wondering what their routines will be like, having additional appendages.
He carries on with his warm up routine, making sure to stretch his muscles and not do anything too intricate, or give anyone a preview of his actual routine.
Malvyn leads the way through the spectator crowd towards the empty seats by the Strixhaven sign, looking around, trying to spot Guardok and Zanther. He was not used to be in crowds and he was glad to sit with friends, hoping the whole thing wouldn't get too loud and rowdy. He would of course do his best to show his support for Guardok and the others from Strixhaven.