The day has finally arrived! You've moved to campus, picked up your tomes and uniforms, and are about to embark on your academic career at Strixhaven University! Nervous excitement fills the air from the throngs of other first year students and a few harried looks of older students. Counselors and staff bustle about as well, guiding students and offering assistance to anyone who needs it. Flashes of magic erupt here and there from well-meaning (and some not) pranksters, club officials bark out offers for their various activities.
The school mascots are even out joining in the new school year chaos! A spirit statue parades about with the colors of Lorehold, an air elemental does aerial acrobatics in Prismari colors, a strange fractal construct in Quandrix colors almost seems to reflect and duplicate itself at will and then return to a singular entity, an Inkling splorps about making various poses in its Silverquill shimmering colors, and finally an enlarged pest in Witherbloom colors scoots about poking at students who dare to get too close.
As you all take in the grand scene on a beautiful day you are reminded that before you can embark on your actual studies and courses, you must attend orientation! Your notes say it is held at the Biblioplex, the large library structure in the middle of campus.
Majestic marble archways, tomes seemingly stacked for miles, and the infectious energy of hundreds of young adults fill the Biblioplex, the grand library at the heart of Strixhaven University. The sights, sounds, and sparks of magic in the air are wondrous.
Your acceptance letter stated that you must report to the Biblioplex’s Hall of Oracles to receive instructions on new-student orientation. The hall sits at the center of the Biblioplex’s first floor, and you can already see students gathering there. You do hear that orientation is given every few minutes throughout the day, so if you wish to explore the Biblioplex at all first you are more than welcome to do so.
But there is a pleasant looking ebony skinned human female, dressed red and blue robes with gold trim, who stands near the entrance welcoming and directing students who sees each of you as you arrive. "Welcome new students! Who might you all be?"
Fianna rolls her eyes and let's out a little huff. So far she has refused to adopts the Prismari colors excepting a long, loose scarf she wears because she likes the way it artfully trails after her. She didn't really want to come here and she's totally adopting that air of the loner cool kid who would rather be anywhere else than here. While she wants everyone to think she's too cool for school the truth is she knows she doesn't measure up to these others in terms or magical skill. She has a few tricks and can do a few more if she takes the time and follows the recipes... But her real talents lie elsewhere and this isn't the school that teaches those kinds of things. Which is, perhaps, why everyone wanted her to come here.
"Fianna," she answers distractedly. "And I refuse to wear a name tag..."
"Ah yes, of course! Welcome! If you are ready to receive your orientation, just head right over there and we will be with you shortly!" Her ruby red eyes glimmer with a happy sparkle as she directs Fianna to an open ended atrium further in, past a second help desk.
Katar looks around the campus...he's finally here! His eyes are bright with excitement as he takes in everything there is to see, the man who had invited him here had described the place to Katar, but words can't do justice to the marvels surrounding him. He turns to the well-dressed woman "Oh...me, I'm Katar Wildeyes."
The darkly fair woman smiles back brightly, "Yes! I see! Welcome! Right this way to orientation, you can follow that new student right there!" She points to Fianna who has just passed. As you begin on a small shrub comes waddling by across the way, trying desperately not to get trampled by the hordes of students engaged in some sort of activity, heading to a small garden area off to the left inside the building.
He wanders around, watching the hustle and bustle of orientation day. Though his homes over the years were each such to a handful of different races, to see the veritable menagerie of peoples all gathered here was a sight that he had never thought to behold. The mix of clothing styles and colours was a visual assault on his senses compared to the basic greys worn in the mountains, and the sound of a dozen different languages could be picked out from the humdrum of a hundred different conversations. The air was charged with anticipation and he was ecstatic to be a part of it all.
Quickly re-reading his acceptance letter, then folding it neatly and tucking it back into his pocket, he looks towards the Biblioplex, at everyone caught up with the flow of people steadily making their way there. He adjusts his sack of belongings on his shoulder after being briefly jostled by others in the crowded throng, and tries to weave his way through ready for orientation. Ready for another begining in this alien and wonderous place.
He approaches the ebony lady, her call acting like a beacon to the myriad of fresh faced folk. Eventually he finds himself standing before her, his hand outstretched in greeting. He quickly looks her over for any hint at a name or position, but failing to find any his thoughts ring out in her mind, "Good day! Aard'len Raspen. And you are?" He enquires politely, unsure whether he is speaking to faculty of anyone else that may be important.
The student she sees stands a whisker under six feet, his tousled and red hair, reminiscent of autumn leaves ablaze, cascades down to just a little above his shoulders, framing a face adorned with freckles like stardust. He possesses an air of self-confidence apparent from his confident stance and the tone of his thoughts. He remains attired in his muted grey travelling clothes, despite noting slthat a number of other students have already changed into their uniforms. He hopes that was not a requirement, before drawing his attention back to the greeter.
He approaches the ebony lady, her call acting like a beacon to the myriad of fresh faced folk. Eventually he finds himself standing before her, his hand outstretched in greeting. He quickly looks her over for any hint at a name or position, but failing to find any his thoughts ring out in her mind, "Good day! Aard'len Raspen. And you are?" He enquires politely, unsure whether he is speaking to faculty of anyone else that may be important.
"Pleasure to meet you Aard'len Raspen, I am Kota Jahir, one of the librarians here in the Biblioplex, and part of this year's welcoming committee. I hope you like it here!" Up close you can see as she turns to greet another student coming in, that her hair is tightly braided in long strands down her back, with several differently colored beads fixed along the braids, but they are all held by a gold band at the bottom, keeping them together but loosely so.
Katar is clearly a little disappointed; he remembers the man telling him about the creatures of Strixhaven, but the knowledge had slipped his mind in his excitement. He follows Fianna into the atrium, eager to talk to someone else who seems to be a new student he asks "How did you get accepted? Are you new here too?"
The sound of hooves is always so distinct upon stones, wood and most hardened surfaces that it is almost impossible not to identify. Something Keibel was keenly aware of as eyes begin to turn towards the sound as she enters the school grounds for the first time. She wasn't sure how many other centaurs would be here at this school but it was an amazing opportunity for her to push herself. To learn new skills, find new allies and achieve victories in things she can only imagine.
Folks staring was fine to the blonde haired centaur. She was beautifully dressed for the occasion. Blue and silver combined to give her a regal look. If anything the attention only emboldened her. Let them gaze. She has nothing to hide and so much to show. She moved with purpose and confidence. Enjoying the sight of the mascots which seemed to bring a small smile to her face. Otherwise she seemed to more an imposing figured that looks ready to bark orders at others. Keibel knew where to go and checked the map twice to make sure she knew where to head. The Biblioplex. Student orientation will be there but before that there seems to be a group of folks greeting new arrivals.
A few folks gathered of various races plus one in specialized robes asking for identification. It seems she wasn't the only new arrival today. One introduces themselves as Fianna, one Katar, Another Aard'len, Keibel steps up after Kota the librarian introduces herself. The centaur declaring with authority and purpose "I am Keibel Proudhoof, cleric of Iroas and firstborn of the Proudhoof family. I appreciate your welcome Kota Jahir." she nods in thanks to Kota then declares before another explanation is given by Kota, "I understand that is our destination." She points at where Kota was indicating to for the others. If no one grabs her attention after saying this she begins to trot towards the building they were directing others.
Aard'len nods his thanks to Kota and his hope that he does indeed 'like it here'. The sheer density of people for her to greet must make for something of a daunting and tedious task, but he gives her credit for the manner that she goes about it. Reading that this is neither the time nor the place to be asking in depth questions of her, he accepts the gentle ushering onwards and once more becomes part of the faceless mob.
Darby Deepdelver looks around at the crowds gathered and eagerly eyes anything strange or mechanical with a qualifying glance. The looks on their young quizzical face telegraph to anyone looking "with enough time and resources I can make that" the shield dwarf confident expression shows as they stride through the crowds. Darby stands taller than most dwarves but is only 5'3". The young dwarf is tall however for their kind. They are also beardless and built sturdier showing a honed dwarven physicality that leans it's to brute strength. They have long hair in fiery shades of red and gold on one side of their face. Meanwhile ths other side of their head is shaved almost down to the skin! This chaotic hairstyle displays, as if a badge of honor, three large and jagged scars, like talons, raking across their face. The talons spilt both their eyebrows just missing their large amber-brown eyes but starting again at thier left cheek. Their ruddy, alabaster skin otherwise is unmarred. These scars are well healed but the dwarf shows no difficulty with baring them. They don't hide them but display them proudly. Thier clothing is a plain traveler's cloak over leather tunic and breeches. The only thing rough seems the study iron toed boots they wear that have seen plenty of use. The young shield dwarf looks around at the other students when a momentary flash of panic flickers over their face! "Oh, Nine Hells should I have donned my robes for this," they think as they join the queue to greet the beautiful young woman reigning in the first years into the building Darby knows is meant for orientation.
"Gamut manan," Darby says 'good day' in their native language to the woman giving her a slight bow as they shuffle forward. "I am Darby Deepdelver and this looks like where I'm meant to be," they add but only half sure.
Darby can a read a map to be sure but the social ettitque down the mountain has proven yet another mystery for them to solve! Darby squares their shoulders awaiting a reply with a broad and friendly smile.
"Accepted? More like drafted," Fianna answers Katar with a huff as she plops down in the center of a row of unclaimed seats. "I'm only here til I figure a way out."
"No offense but I'm not really the school type, ya know? Classes and schedules and... Homework? I mean, seriously??" The orange haired girl shrugs and and shakes her head. "Wouldn't you rather be out doing stuff rather than just learning about it?"
"Fianna, by the way," She adds as an afterthought. "And it is new student orientation... We're all new, I think. Might as well grab a seat..."
Fianna nods to the others who wander over, not exactly inviting people to sit with them but not adopting the air of them not being welcome either. She is a little surprised by the centaur and keeps an eye on them, mostly out of curiosity about how they sit. Maybe they'll just stand in the aisle?
Katar sits down near Fianna; his strange eyes, the left eye purple and the right eye red, stand out anyone who passes. Responding to Fianna, he says "I can see your point, but until very recently I didn't know anything about my...gifts."
As a demonstration he murmurs something under his breath and waves his hand, as soon as he does this the strong smell of honey fills the surrounding area. "I guess I see this place as an opportunity to learn...about my gifts, and about the magical world I didn't know existed."
Aard'len listens to the conversation of the two humans that he has ended up near. He's pretty sure their names were Katar and Fianna, though elects not to intrude, just in case they take his actions as eavesdropping. It would hardly do to upset people on the first day... there is plenty of time for that once he has found out who is safe and who he would be foolish to garner the ire of. Instead, his hand and his mind both reach out to the dwarf, though at that height there is a chance it might just be a short human.
No words are spoken, his thoughts simply ringing into Darby's head. "Well, I didn't know what to expect ahead of coming here, and I'm not entirely sure that's changed yet. Still, good to see a dwarf about the place though. Name's Aard'len."
A few folks gathered of various races plus one in specialized robes asking for identification. It seems she wasn't the only new arrival today. One introduces themselves as Fianna, one Katar, Another Aard'len, Keibel steps up after Kota the librarian introduces herself. The centaur declaring with authority and purpose "I am Keibel Proudhoof, cleric of Iroas and firstborn of the Proudhoof family. I appreciate your welcome Kota Jahir." she nods in thanks to Kota then declares before another explanation is given by Kota, "I understand that is our destination." She points at where Kota was indicating to for the others.
"A pleasure to meet you, Keibel Proudhoof." She takes a moment to admire the centaur and then looks over at a set of stairs a ways to the side, where an elephantine type creature approached. Keibel would notice that the stairs magically widened to make ascending them much easier for the larger creature. "Yes, the orientation area is right over there."
"Gamut manan," Darby says 'good day' in their native language to the woman giving her a slight bow as they shuffle forward. "I am Darby Deepdelver and this looks like where I'm meant to be," they add but only half sure.
"Well met, Darby Deepdelver," Kota replied. "It certainly seems this is the place to be, doesn't it?"She flashed an amused smile and then pointed back toward the other gathering students. "Right over there please, your orientation will begin shortly!"
As you all sit and begin to meet each other, you can recall a couple of notes about the campus, namely that the Firejolt Cafe and Bow's End Tavern are both located nearby and are renown for being hotspots of student activity. Each of the other five campuses are connected to the hub by well-maintained roads, and there are shuttles that run every hour on the hour, drawn by horse-like automata. But here inside the Biblioplex things are frantic but exciting, as both new and returning students and faculty meet and catch up. You also notice that beside each magical staircase, there is a permanent teleportation circle that can be used to reach the upper floors of the Biblioplex.
An eager group of new students in front of you suddenly rush off, giggling and shouting in various languages, leaving your group alone just briefly.
An almost sacrosanct sense of calm descends as you step into the Hall of Oracles. “Brilliant scholars,” says a rich, soothing voice radiating from the hall’s central snarl of glowing energy. “Your attention, please."
“As you are now Strixhaven University students, this storied Biblioplex will be your second home for research, studies, and even leisure. There is just one task to accomplish before you officially embark on your academic journey—a scavenger hunt!” A piece of parchment suddenly appears before you with a list of clues written on it.
“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 until the end of the day 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!”
The steady sound of hooves continues to the Biblioplex. She marvels at how the stairs change and morph to accommodate her equine form. She was a bit nervous that she'd have to contend with mismatched stairs for her journey here but instead she is finding magical ingenuity at its finest. Once inside she is excited to see so many new and old students. All mixing, talking, planing and more. This is where she will prove herself. This is where her name begins.
Confidently she trots through the Biblioplex to what appears to be a central area. She remembers there are a couple places of interest for students that she wants to check, like the bow's end tavern, but she need to complete orientation, make acquaintances, and stand out first.
As they reach a place called the hall of oracles she feels... calmer. It is refreshing. Suddenly a voice comes from what looks like a snarl of energy and it seems there is to be a competition of sorts. A game, or rather, a scavenger hunt with prises is their first challenge. Keibel smiles. Nothing brings her more joy then challenges and competition. She loves the thrill of it.
As the list appears in her hands she looks around at who is gathered. This must be their team. She looks at the four others gathered here. She overheard some of their names but it wouldn't be polite to deny them a chance for introductions. She would go first though, she steps forward with grace and purpose as she declares to the others here "I am Keibel Proudhoof. I propose we form a team to work on these clues. I saw other such team getting a small head start. If we work together we should make quick work of this challenge. In fact, i believe i know one's location now." She looks to the ball of energy in front of them and smiles. "I believe you are the first clue, yes?" Although she is not the best at riddles this one she caught. The feeling of calm, the snarl of energy providing light. What else could it be?
Aard'len looks down the list, and his eyes light up at the puzzle he is presented with. Looking around at the group of 5 that he has unwittingly become part of, he starts to show why he has landed himself in Quandrix, breaking down the clues methodically and logically. He muses out load in a raspy, dry voice, so that everyone can hear him at once - one of the things he is hoping to learn whilst here. "Forgetting troubles... that would be relaxing, or some mild amnesiac. Stepping into the light... could reference sunlight outside, an atrium or magical light. Though yes, Kiebel, the obvious answer would appear to be the ball of energy in front of us."
"This second one strikes me as a gellery of past scholars, somewhere that they can be seen readily by us. The next two seem a trifle obvious, clue three is likely the Firejolt for a cake of some kind. The fourth has to be gardens or a botanical area. I'm not sure about this last one though, it seems more to refer to the timing that a place, unless it is an event held in a certain place at the time..." His voice trails off as his thoughts wander inside his own head. He realises that he hasn't introduced himself to everyone yet, and quickly rectifies that, pointing to himself as he does. "AArd'len, by the way. Anyone have a campus map?"
"I would be delighted to work with all of you." Kalar says, in response to Keibel. After hearing Aard'len's conclusions he looks impressed "I agree with your conclusions, Should we try heading to the ball of energy first?"
The day has finally arrived! You've moved to campus, picked up your tomes and uniforms, and are about to embark on your academic career at Strixhaven University! Nervous excitement fills the air from the throngs of other first year students and a few harried looks of older students. Counselors and staff bustle about as well, guiding students and offering assistance to anyone who needs it. Flashes of magic erupt here and there from well-meaning (and some not) pranksters, club officials bark out offers for their various activities.
The school mascots are even out joining in the new school year chaos! A spirit statue parades about with the colors of Lorehold, an air elemental does aerial acrobatics in Prismari colors, a strange fractal construct in Quandrix colors almost seems to reflect and duplicate itself at will and then return to a singular entity, an Inkling splorps about making various poses in its Silverquill shimmering colors, and finally an enlarged pest in Witherbloom colors scoots about poking at students who dare to get too close.
As you all take in the grand scene on a beautiful day you are reminded that before you can embark on your actual studies and courses, you must attend orientation! Your notes say it is held at the Biblioplex, the large library structure in the middle of campus.
Majestic marble archways, tomes seemingly stacked for miles, and the infectious energy of hundreds of young adults fill the Biblioplex, the grand library at the heart of Strixhaven University. The sights, sounds, and sparks of magic in the air are wondrous.
Your acceptance letter stated that you must report to the Biblioplex’s Hall of Oracles to receive instructions on new-student orientation. The hall sits at the center of the Biblioplex’s first floor, and you can already see students gathering there. You do hear that orientation is given every few minutes throughout the day, so if you wish to explore the Biblioplex at all first you are more than welcome to do so.
But there is a pleasant looking ebony skinned human female, dressed red and blue robes with gold trim, who stands near the entrance welcoming and directing students who sees each of you as you arrive. "Welcome new students! Who might you all be?"
Fianna rolls her eyes and let's out a little huff. So far she has refused to adopts the Prismari colors excepting a long, loose scarf she wears because she likes the way it artfully trails after her. She didn't really want to come here and she's totally adopting that air of the loner cool kid who would rather be anywhere else than here. While she wants everyone to think she's too cool for school the truth is she knows she doesn't measure up to these others in terms or magical skill. She has a few tricks and can do a few more if she takes the time and follows the recipes... But her real talents lie elsewhere and this isn't the school that teaches those kinds of things. Which is, perhaps, why everyone wanted her to come here.
"Fianna," she answers distractedly. "And I refuse to wear a name tag..."
"Ah yes, of course! Welcome! If you are ready to receive your orientation, just head right over there and we will be with you shortly!" Her ruby red eyes glimmer with a happy sparkle as she directs Fianna to an open ended atrium further in, past a second help desk.
Katar looks around the campus...he's finally here! His eyes are bright with excitement as he takes in everything there is to see, the man who had invited him here had described the place to Katar, but words can't do justice to the marvels surrounding him. He turns to the well-dressed woman "Oh...me, I'm Katar Wildeyes."
The darkly fair woman smiles back brightly, "Yes! I see! Welcome! Right this way to orientation, you can follow that new student right there!" She points to Fianna who has just passed. As you begin on a small shrub comes waddling by across the way, trying desperately not to get trampled by the hordes of students engaged in some sort of activity, heading to a small garden area off to the left inside the building.
He wanders around, watching the hustle and bustle of orientation day. Though his homes over the years were each such to a handful of different races, to see the veritable menagerie of peoples all gathered here was a sight that he had never thought to behold. The mix of clothing styles and colours was a visual assault on his senses compared to the basic greys worn in the mountains, and the sound of a dozen different languages could be picked out from the humdrum of a hundred different conversations. The air was charged with anticipation and he was ecstatic to be a part of it all.
Quickly re-reading his acceptance letter, then folding it neatly and tucking it back into his pocket, he looks towards the Biblioplex, at everyone caught up with the flow of people steadily making their way there. He adjusts his sack of belongings on his shoulder after being briefly jostled by others in the crowded throng, and tries to weave his way through ready for orientation. Ready for another begining in this alien and wonderous place.
He approaches the ebony lady, her call acting like a beacon to the myriad of fresh faced folk. Eventually he finds himself standing before her, his hand outstretched in greeting. He quickly looks her over for any hint at a name or position, but failing to find any his thoughts ring out in her mind, "Good day! Aard'len Raspen. And you are?" He enquires politely, unsure whether he is speaking to faculty of anyone else that may be important.
The student she sees stands a whisker under six feet, his tousled and red hair, reminiscent of autumn leaves ablaze, cascades down to just a little above his shoulders, framing a face adorned with freckles like stardust. He possesses an air of self-confidence apparent from his confident stance and the tone of his thoughts. He remains attired in his muted grey travelling clothes, despite noting slthat a number of other students have already changed into their uniforms. He hopes that was not a requirement, before drawing his attention back to the greeter.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Katar crouches to face the waddling shrub "Who are you? I'm new here, so I'm still getting used to everything."
"Pleasure to meet you Aard'len Raspen, I am Kota Jahir, one of the librarians here in the Biblioplex, and part of this year's welcoming committee. I hope you like it here!" Up close you can see as she turns to greet another student coming in, that her hair is tightly braided in long strands down her back, with several differently colored beads fixed along the braids, but they are all held by a gold band at the bottom, keeping them together but loosely so.
The shrub doesn't talk back, but pauses momentarily and waves a twiggy branch at Katar and then continues meandering toward the garden.
Katar is clearly a little disappointed; he remembers the man telling him about the creatures of Strixhaven, but the knowledge had slipped his mind in his excitement. He follows Fianna into the atrium, eager to talk to someone else who seems to be a new student he asks "How did you get accepted? Are you new here too?"
Clop, clop, clop, clop.
The sound of hooves is always so distinct upon stones, wood and most hardened surfaces that it is almost impossible not to identify. Something Keibel was keenly aware of as eyes begin to turn towards the sound as she enters the school grounds for the first time. She wasn't sure how many other centaurs would be here at this school but it was an amazing opportunity for her to push herself. To learn new skills, find new allies and achieve victories in things she can only imagine.
Folks staring was fine to the blonde haired centaur. She was beautifully dressed for the occasion. Blue and silver combined to give her a regal look. If anything the attention only emboldened her. Let them gaze. She has nothing to hide and so much to show. She moved with purpose and confidence. Enjoying the sight of the mascots which seemed to bring a small smile to her face. Otherwise she seemed to more an imposing figured that looks ready to bark orders at others. Keibel knew where to go and checked the map twice to make sure she knew where to head. The Biblioplex. Student orientation will be there but before that there seems to be a group of folks greeting new arrivals.
A few folks gathered of various races plus one in specialized robes asking for identification. It seems she wasn't the only new arrival today. One introduces themselves as Fianna, one Katar, Another Aard'len, Keibel steps up after Kota the librarian introduces herself. The centaur declaring with authority and purpose "I am Keibel Proudhoof, cleric of Iroas and firstborn of the Proudhoof family. I appreciate your welcome Kota Jahir." she nods in thanks to Kota then declares before another explanation is given by Kota, "I understand that is our destination." She points at where Kota was indicating to for the others. If no one grabs her attention after saying this she begins to trot towards the building they were directing others.
Clop, clop, clop, clop.
Aard'len nods his thanks to Kota and his hope that he does indeed 'like it here'. The sheer density of people for her to greet must make for something of a daunting and tedious task, but he gives her credit for the manner that she goes about it. Reading that this is neither the time nor the place to be asking in depth questions of her, he accepts the gentle ushering onwards and once more becomes part of the faceless mob.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Darby Deepdelver looks around at the crowds gathered and eagerly eyes anything strange or mechanical with a qualifying glance. The looks on their young quizzical face telegraph to anyone looking "with enough time and resources I can make that" the shield dwarf confident expression shows as they stride through the crowds. Darby stands taller than most dwarves but is only 5'3". The young dwarf is tall however for their kind. They are also beardless and built sturdier showing a honed dwarven physicality that leans it's to brute strength. They have long hair in fiery shades of red and gold on one side of their face. Meanwhile ths other side of their head is shaved almost down to the skin! This chaotic hairstyle displays, as if a badge of honor, three large and jagged scars, like talons, raking across their face. The talons spilt both their eyebrows just missing their large amber-brown eyes but starting again at thier left cheek. Their ruddy, alabaster skin otherwise is unmarred. These scars are well healed but the dwarf shows no difficulty with baring them. They don't hide them but display them proudly. Thier clothing is a plain traveler's cloak over leather tunic and breeches. The only thing rough seems the study iron toed boots they wear that have seen plenty of use. The young shield dwarf looks around at the other students when a momentary flash of panic flickers over their face! "Oh, Nine Hells should I have donned my robes for this," they think as they join the queue to greet the beautiful young woman reigning in the first years into the building Darby knows is meant for orientation.
"Gamut manan," Darby says 'good day' in their native language to the woman giving her a slight bow as they shuffle forward. "I am Darby Deepdelver and this looks like where I'm meant to be," they add but only half sure.
Darby can a read a map to be sure but the social ettitque down the mountain has proven yet another mystery for them to solve! Darby squares their shoulders awaiting a reply with a broad and friendly smile.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Accepted? More like drafted," Fianna answers Katar with a huff as she plops down in the center of a row of unclaimed seats. "I'm only here til I figure a way out."
"No offense but I'm not really the school type, ya know? Classes and schedules and... Homework? I mean, seriously??" The orange haired girl shrugs and and shakes her head. "Wouldn't you rather be out doing stuff rather than just learning about it?"
"Fianna, by the way," She adds as an afterthought. "And it is new student orientation... We're all new, I think. Might as well grab a seat..."
Fianna nods to the others who wander over, not exactly inviting people to sit with them but not adopting the air of them not being welcome either. She is a little surprised by the centaur and keeps an eye on them, mostly out of curiosity about how they sit. Maybe they'll just stand in the aisle?
Katar sits down near Fianna; his strange eyes, the left eye purple and the right eye red, stand out anyone who passes. Responding to Fianna, he says "I can see your point, but until very recently I didn't know anything about my...gifts."
As a demonstration he murmurs something under his breath and waves his hand, as soon as he does this the strong smell of honey fills the surrounding area. "I guess I see this place as an opportunity to learn...about my gifts, and about the magical world I didn't know existed."
Aard'len listens to the conversation of the two humans that he has ended up near. He's pretty sure their names were Katar and Fianna, though elects not to intrude, just in case they take his actions as eavesdropping. It would hardly do to upset people on the first day... there is plenty of time for that once he has found out who is safe and who he would be foolish to garner the ire of. Instead, his hand and his mind both reach out to the dwarf, though at that height there is a chance it might just be a short human.
No words are spoken, his thoughts simply ringing into Darby's head. "Well, I didn't know what to expect ahead of coming here, and I'm not entirely sure that's changed yet. Still, good to see a dwarf about the place though. Name's Aard'len."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"A pleasure to meet you, Keibel Proudhoof." She takes a moment to admire the centaur and then looks over at a set of stairs a ways to the side, where an elephantine type creature approached. Keibel would notice that the stairs magically widened to make ascending them much easier for the larger creature. "Yes, the orientation area is right over there."
"Well met, Darby Deepdelver," Kota replied. "It certainly seems this is the place to be, doesn't it?" She flashed an amused smile and then pointed back toward the other gathering students. "Right over there please, your orientation will begin shortly!"
As you all sit and begin to meet each other, you can recall a couple of notes about the campus, namely that the Firejolt Cafe and Bow's End Tavern are both located nearby and are renown for being hotspots of student activity. Each of the other five campuses are connected to the hub by well-maintained roads, and there are shuttles that run every hour on the hour, drawn by horse-like automata. But here inside the Biblioplex things are frantic but exciting, as both new and returning students and faculty meet and catch up. You also notice that beside each magical staircase, there is a permanent teleportation circle that can be used to reach the upper floors of the Biblioplex.
An eager group of new students in front of you suddenly rush off, giggling and shouting in various languages, leaving your group alone just briefly.
An almost sacrosanct sense of calm descends as you step into the Hall of Oracles. “Brilliant scholars,” says a rich, soothing voice radiating from the hall’s central snarl of glowing energy. “Your attention, please."
“As you are now Strixhaven University students, this storied Biblioplex will be your second home for research, studies, and even leisure. There is just one task to accomplish before you officially embark on your academic journey—a scavenger hunt!” A piece of parchment suddenly appears before you with a list of clues written on it.
“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 until the end of the day 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!”
The steady sound of hooves continues to the Biblioplex. She marvels at how the stairs change and morph to accommodate her equine form. She was a bit nervous that she'd have to contend with mismatched stairs for her journey here but instead she is finding magical ingenuity at its finest. Once inside she is excited to see so many new and old students. All mixing, talking, planing and more. This is where she will prove herself. This is where her name begins.
Confidently she trots through the Biblioplex to what appears to be a central area. She remembers there are a couple places of interest for students that she wants to check, like the bow's end tavern, but she need to complete orientation, make acquaintances, and stand out first.
As they reach a place called the hall of oracles she feels... calmer. It is refreshing. Suddenly a voice comes from what looks like a snarl of energy and it seems there is to be a competition of sorts. A game, or rather, a scavenger hunt with prises is their first challenge. Keibel smiles. Nothing brings her more joy then challenges and competition. She loves the thrill of it.
As the list appears in her hands she looks around at who is gathered. This must be their team. She looks at the four others gathered here. She overheard some of their names but it wouldn't be polite to deny them a chance for introductions. She would go first though, she steps forward with grace and purpose as she declares to the others here "I am Keibel Proudhoof. I propose we form a team to work on these clues. I saw other such team getting a small head start. If we work together we should make quick work of this challenge. In fact, i believe i know one's location now." She looks to the ball of energy in front of them and smiles. "I believe you are the first clue, yes?" Although she is not the best at riddles this one she caught. The feeling of calm, the snarl of energy providing light. What else could it be?
Aard'len looks down the list, and his eyes light up at the puzzle he is presented with. Looking around at the group of 5 that he has unwittingly become part of, he starts to show why he has landed himself in Quandrix, breaking down the clues methodically and logically. He muses out load in a raspy, dry voice, so that everyone can hear him at once - one of the things he is hoping to learn whilst here. "Forgetting troubles... that would be relaxing, or some mild amnesiac. Stepping into the light... could reference sunlight outside, an atrium or magical light. Though yes, Kiebel, the obvious answer would appear to be the ball of energy in front of us."
"This second one strikes me as a gellery of past scholars, somewhere that they can be seen readily by us. The next two seem a trifle obvious, clue three is likely the Firejolt for a cake of some kind. The fourth has to be gardens or a botanical area. I'm not sure about this last one though, it seems more to refer to the timing that a place, unless it is an event held in a certain place at the time..." His voice trails off as his thoughts wander inside his own head. He realises that he hasn't introduced himself to everyone yet, and quickly rectifies that, pointing to himself as he does. "AArd'len, by the way. Anyone have a campus map?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"I would be delighted to work with all of you." Kalar says, in response to Keibel. After hearing Aard'len's conclusions he looks impressed "I agree with your conclusions, Should we try heading to the ball of energy first?"