Session 14
General Summary
Last Time,
Orvin returned to the Spire Dormitory late at night and met with Nymeria. The two talked on their hopes and dreams; Nymeria wanted to be more open with others, and Orvin wished he was better. Expressing that he need not do this alone, Nymeria convinced Orvin to be more open with her in the future. At Ulawa's office, the students had several questions based on evidence they'd found in their investigations, including Rubina's dream about (what the party believes to be) the Vesicant Egg. Ulawa shared about how the artifact had been lost before she'd ever been allowed to study it by the Iobane, the elves who keep tabs on the holy site of the Doorway to the Red Star, as the elves hoped to recover it through her study. Ultimately, she believes it may not be real but mostly folklore, since it has never been found. Adira asked about her family, and if Ulawa knew them, to which she answered she did and implied they were not friends. Eshe asked Ulawa about the caterpillars, to which Ulawa expertly swerved the conversation into getting her hands on one of Eshe's scarabs. Turning then to the insect overpopulation on campus, Ulawa explained her methods and findings. Orvin didn't quite buy it, however, and got the cohort into some work: go check on the local centipede population as well as a few reports of strangeness on campus, and report back.After speaking to Anchor Root and imbibing some centipede antivenom, the Anteater Cohort rolled out to the Evergreen, meeting with Shade-in-Autumn and Thema. There, they discovered Tian-Shun longhorn beetles were boring strange runes into Mafika's constructs, and took a sample in hopes of finding a cure to the infestation. At the Dining Hall, they learned from Esi it'd been closed for the day after a mite infestation had been discovered, leading the cohort to go agree to give Ignaci some help in the kitchen. And help he did need, since he was pinned inside a cauldron with two huge swarms swirling around him! After a quick battle (and some reassurance for Ignaci), the cohort determined the centipedes had come from below--the expected place for centipedes in the dry season--and put together that maybe Ulawa's theoretical solution was really only a theory after all.
Now, they head to the Speaker's Stage in order to finish their task of gathering some biting giant water bugs...
People Will be Like "Why Aren't the Eldritch Gods Nice to Humans" and then Crush the Bugs in Their House for Existing"
We jump in to the western shore of the Magaambya with nature thriving, and describes a stone bridge leading to a circular speaking space of the Speaker's stage. Nearby is the markets of Nantambu with the general hustle and bustle of the city goers As the party makes their way to this location, there are reeds decorating the bridge and the stage is otherwise abandoned except for one individual on the stage.
A younger woman with bright colorful hair of turqoise holding a string instrument. Not recognized by anyone. A small crowd of people have come to listen. Biting waterstriders are somewhere in the area. Eshe learning that this musician is playing a style from Nirithria (?sp). From the consortium of Nocticula! Very traditional shamisen playing and folk singing.
Eshe approaches and compliments the artist for their skils! Itsuko Ozaki. A prospective student it seems! Reporting that she has been told to be a shoe-in for the interview. Arriving to the Magaambya a week ago, finding out that due to difference s in calendars, she is 6 months too early for her interview. Seemingly in awe of us, and taking in our descriptions, she offers to leave to allow us to do our job.
Itsuko saying that she was requested to join by Teacher Mafika, and she showed great excitement when learning that some of the party members are in the tempest sun mages too. Learning that Itsuko is staying at a local tavern while she waits for her interview.
Itsuko asking about the violence on campus and wondered what we thought about it. The party not lying expresses that there are some concerns but that people are taking the time to address the various concerns. Itsuko leaves expressing their excitement to hopefully join the spire dormitry. She makes her exit and the party turns their attention toward their buggy task at hand.
Knowing that Water bugs and Water striders share the same environment, we are tasked to see why the naturally docile water striders are biting. Water bugs however are very cruel and violent. These two bugs having a symbiotic relationship and typically leave eachother alone.
Eshe takes some time to turn Rubina's rope into a fishing net and twine to put some bait on to get these creatures without harming any of the party members get harmed. Adira at bat critically succeeds in obtaining specimens of water bugs. Water striders appear afterward, and we successfully palm them out of the water. Seemingly the water striders aren't actually biting people.
As the party is making some warning signs, the party is asked to do a performance. Orvin volunteers and interests a large group of on lookers. Out of the crowd Magistrate Mayor Asanda appears to offer a gift to Orvin as he advertises briefly for ArcaniCo and makes his way into the crowd. Orvin immediately makes his way across the bridge to move towards the party's next objective, while the other party members feel confused as to why such an important individual appeared and left so quickly.
Upon the party leaving across the bridge, they notice Itsuko playing for some students and their children. Only Eshe notices that Itsuko is drawing the attention to several crocodiles. Orvin noticing only one.
After a more brutal fight the party kills one crocodile and scares off the other two. Onlookers rush to heal up the party members. Itsuko hugging Eshe and Rubina tigthly with sincere gratitude and words of thanks. From the group of onlookers a short golden dwarven woman Oba Sudi makes herself known with hands on her hips. Golden ornametnal bangles, necklaces all matching her amber eyes. Very stocky but standing with bravado and undeniable confidence. Telling the party that we did some very nice work. Upon a society check we know that she is Makeena's business partner. Nym's friend. Oba Sudi is the person that has basilisk tears mentioned long ago during the chicken buying challenge. Oba's wonderous creatures. the sole magical creature dealer within in Nantambu. ArcaniCo has constantly tried to buy out her business. She tells us that this is rare behavior for the river crocodiles. She says that there is a Gbahali nearby that is pushing the crocodiles out of their local habitat. A magical beast that is intelligent. A combination of lion and crocodile. Large, fast, cunning, and civilized enough to engage in cruelty. They swallow their prey whole to hide itself. It kills creatures and leaves evidence so other creatures are blamed and driven away. allowing it to remain in secret and allows it more access to hunting grounds. Very sociopathic. Common folklore that it enjoys watching other creatures suffer retaliations that were not it's own. Just for enjoyment. It is considered huge and is roughly twice the size and weight.
Oba offers to buy the creature from the party to try and bring out the Gbahali. Eshe removes some bones from the creature to bring to Noxolo, and the party agrees to sell the body to Oba.
Mpeshi, a mosterous goat that have the behing of a crocodile and they constantly have lightning bouncing between their horns and scales. They are incredibly intelligent.
Oba reports that she has captured a Mpeshi before and a gryphon to boot. Very much flexing her skills as a monster capturer. Oba gives the party members coins for payment and thanks us for our hardwork and kindness to her.
Itsuko is called over and given portion of the payment. Itsuko thanking us and the party offering to put in a good word to guh Teacher Lesedi who would be interviewing her. the party breaks to return to Teacher Ulawa to hand in their stuff. Along the way the party overhears some harsh words towards Ignaci potentially being better left to die for being chellish (devil worshipper and slaver) with the rejections of the party members there is a diplomatic engagement to try and shift some ideas that are held by him. With a critical success the party seems to shift some ideas from onlookers with the individual being sassy stomping off LIKE A COWARDDDDD.
Rubina takes time to send an emergency signal to Mariama. Mariama Anchor root and Chizire rush over to the party ready to fight thinking there was violence happening to the party. Mariama and Rubina step to the side to discuss Rubina's concerns with Mariama being asked if she is a slave. Mariama asks about who said such things, Ashley and Rumatla being the culprits. Rubina reports information shared on how Ignaci was a slave owner, and how he had owned slaves previously. Mariama confirms that this is true in how Ignaci's family from before had owned Mariama's family. Rubina starts to cry, and asks Mariama to explain further. Mariama reports that her family cleaned Ignaci's family's house. Mariama reports that she would play together with Ignaci in the garden and hung out with him pretty much everyday. Ignaci ended up being home schooled, so there hasn't been a day that they were seperated ever in their lives. Ignaci was given a choice at the docks to leave with his family or not, he returned to Mariama and her family and rebels burned the whole house burned down. Ignaci went into the burning mansion to look for Mariama and her family. He was left behind after everything had happened. Mariama having thought that his place was back with his family, but now thinks that his place is wherever she ends up going. Believing that his place is with her. He almost died to help her family. Mariama thinks Ignaci will die from him throwing himself in a situation to help that was none of his concern.
Rubina looks visibly angry still, but is trying to be understanding as Mariama explains it. Listening through the pain, Rubina takes a moment to sigh and express recognition that the situation is complicated. Rubina states that if Ignaci ever makes Mariama feel less than, that she can come to Rubina. Rubina will be sure to give him a stern talking to. Mariama replies that she knows its uncomfortable and is probably why she didn't want to tell anyone. "Not everything is perfect" you can't trust someone based on how they initially present. Mariama continues to express the details of her first interaction with the party. Rubina says" You weren't evil you were stupid" Mariama says that she could say the same thing about Ignaci. Mariama knows that he isn't absolved, but knows that he is working hard to be better. Rubina says that she will leave the power in Mariama's hands, and reports that Rubina's anger is blocking her judgement. Rubina relaying again that she will always support Mariama in whatever way possible. Mariama shares with the party that Ignaci's biggest fear is bugs, and if we ever want to bother him deeply that we could use that fear. Mariama back tracks and says that this statement was evil, and asks Rubina to forget that. Rubina mentions how Ignaci was attacked by centipedes before, and she nervously sprints off cursing to check on him.
We flash to the other party members regalling the days tales to Anchor Root and Chizire. Eshe offers the bones to Anchor Root to go hand over to Noxolo who has been studying a lot throughout the day. Chizire and Anchor Root make their way back to the dorms. Eshe iconically says " See you later….girlies" chizire responds "Byyyyyeeeee".
Adira approaches Rubina to follow up on what Mariama said. Rubina expresses that things are fine and Mariama is safe, but there is a discomfort for how Ignaci treats Mariama now and then. Adira looks concerned as Rubina is white knuckle gripping her gear through this conversation. Adira expresses the importance of everyone following up with Mariama as the situation is very complex. the party breaks to go to Teacher Ulawa to hand in the information.
Rubina brushes by Eshe and offers thanks as they make their way to the library. Eshe nodding back in understanding.
The party arrives at Teacher Ulawa's room, as she is nearing the need of her list of papers to grade. Ulawa beaming at the sight of the various jars. Ulawa fawning over the insects, the party sees that her hands are wrapped in gauze and we can see bits of blood appearing from her wounds. Ulawa reporting to Eshe that the scarab was remarkable, and ended up in a terrarium across the room. Ulawa reporting that she had been bitten several times on her hand and her shoulder.
Ulawa mentions how they were suprised to see a Tianzong beetle and asked if it had been tracked in by Mafika. Rubina relays the information about the beetles and the rune, and what hapened after carving a portion of the rune. Rubina looks as if she is trying to use this exercise to focus her thoughts away from Mariama. Brief and to the point in her report.
Ulawa stating that she will get a concotion of NEEM oil made to help navigate the issues with the beetles. Ulawa reports that she will hunt down the beetles but keep a pop of them to see if they will remake the rune in captivity.
Adira explains what occurred with the centipedes. Explaining how it was two hordes that attacked the dining hall. Originating from a crack in the burn pit after biting one of the attendants. Further reporting that mites were seen on the food as well beforehand. Ulawa begins to rub her eyes and brow for several seconds after that statement. Without looking upward she states that "There is something to your theory" explaining that if the mites were in the kitchen, then the centipedes followed them and in fact the bugs concentrated and not ran away. Ulawa states that there will need to be an investigation from here, explaining that this has become above our paygrade now, and that Teacher Ot and other high level mages will need to be brought in.
Eshe relaying that every hypothesis needs to be tested, and is thankful that Teacher Ulawa rejected the idea originally. She begins to offer a reward and Rubina's fist unclench slightly and her features soften. She offers a bookmark that is in fact a scroll of augury (Rank 2). she says to not ask the same god the same question twice. Eshe asks for a follow upon what Teacher Ulawa learns from her research into the bug concerns on campus. Eshe reframing and saying that they were asking for the notes on their scarab.
Ulawa reports that nothing eye catching about the water bugs right now but she will continue to look into them with her other research. the party leaving to follow up with Teacher Ot on how he has been doing. Orvin stops the party to voice his concerns on the magically locked door that contained the individual handcuffed and unable to utilize magic. Adira knowing that the lock had been set a long time ago. the party knowing that the tree stump library having been shut down since Teacher Ot was still a student. Orvin expresses concern as to how much of what Kirshkin said is rooted in truth with how willing she was to fight and die for a cause. Adira expresses how Musarasa was indeed evil and unsure if he was the individual that truly had been manacled. Wondering as to what the secret truly is, and concern if something is catching up with him. Adira expressing concerns of not pushing Teacher Ot too much too quickly and wants to just check on his well-being first. Rubina reports that there are sometimes records of students who cause problems and reports that it may be helpful in finding others to get information from. Eshe reporting that they were wanting to ask Teacher Ot about the other members of his cohort to see if there are other routes of questioning that the party can pursue.
As the party approaches Teacher Ot's office, we see Teacher Lesedi exiting his office telling us that we didn't see her. Teacher Ot greeting us and apologizing for the display from Lesedi. Teacher Ot welcomes us into his office for questions that we have. Seeing now that his office is a battleground with books open everywhere on the floor to specific pages . Transmigration of the soul. first hand account s of resurrection. Treatise on anti-magic and obtaining it. Deep gray book with silver inked words written in Taldane. Eshe knowing that this book in particular it is one of the religions texts of the god of serial killers "The words behind the mask" kept specifically by members of his religion. Like a medical journal/dexter's blood slides. the guidebook on how to be a murderer. Eshe furrowing their bro in concern, and asking what he is trying to learn. Teacher Ot reports that he is trying to confirm that he is right, and so far he is. Teacher Ot taking up the murderer's cookbook and tucks it away. Teacher Ot reporting that this is not his personal book. Teacher Ot looks exhausted and is trying to put a brave face on as the party's superior. Teacher Ot was really pissed at Eshe asking if the murder book was his. Teacher Ot takes a moment to say that the party's grades were very good and Teacher Ot was asked if he will be putting our names forward as attendants.
Eshe takes time to ask about Lyric and Eris to Teacher Ot. Teacher Ot explaining that Adira's parents were good people too. Eshe asking if Lyric and Eris were close, Teacher Ot agreeing. Eshe asking if Teacher Ot knew why they were here at the Magaambya. Lyric being a great bard Eris being good at potions and too smart for anyone else. Eshe reporting that they are aware that they died of something serious. Teacher Ot expressing frustration about this questioning, and then apologizing for lashing out harshly. Eshe apologizes, and Teacher Ot expresses that he understands the pull from the party to research. Saying that he should not be angry and actually thankful if his friends are being asked about so that they do not die a second time. Eshe proceeding to ask if there really isn't anything that the party can do to assist Teacher Ot. Seemingly that he is not sure what his answer should be.
Through the efforts of the party, Teacher Ot turns to the party after wiping his face. He exhales heavily and the luster fades from him. Teacher Ot says that he is afraid that Musarasa is still alive, and that something bad will happen to us. The bad things keep happening on campus, why now? The scar on Mariama's forehead. Him being unsure of what, thinking that he would find out more if he learned more about his life, but still finding himself giving Musarasa immortallity by still remembering him even after everything that had been taken away. Stating that if Janatimo was here he would know what to do, but he isn't and wishes that he could speak to him. Teacher Ot wishes that whatever he has done to earn this fate, he is concerned that it may hurt some of the students. Adira expresses that Teacher Ot is in the best position to help keep us safe with his guidance. Including the other students in the Magaambya. Adira expressing that their family was involved with the past, and she will attempt to follow his guidance to navigate these issues. Adira expresses that the party finds it odd at how Musarasa had been handcuffed and unable to do magic was somehow locked away with a magical lock. Expressing that maybe this information could be helpful. teacher Ot expresses that Musarasa was a skilled qizard, the same as OT. Wizards do not sully their spell books, it is their soul in mathmatics on every page. Someone ripped pages from Musarasa's spell book, because he would hav never done that. If they stole the book to break the handcuffs, then where did those pages go. Whoever locked Musarasa in that room is unknown and has access to unknown powerful magic. Eshe asking if this person could still be in the Magaambya. Ot confirms that whatever enemy is doing these things to the campus, is one of the Magaambya themself. Eshe takes a deep breath. Ot says that when we have graduated, that he may ask for our assistance elsewhere years from now. The knights of Abendago are still out there, and he knows that if anything evil only thrives because we allow it. Someone must take action. for years Ot thought of what Adira's parents did, and he says he realizes now that it might have been the correct course of action. Eshe creates a chineese knot with red string with an onyx bead. Offering a deal that if Eshe graduates adn they were to help Ot with this. when Eshe is ready and can be trusted. Asking if Ot would tell them more about Lyric and Eris, Ot promises. Even offering to recite the songs she did as best he can. Orvin offering his carved bead and a promise to answer the call if he is able to.
Eshe reporting that they intend to graduate with the best grades they can get and says that they will not keep anyone in the Magaambya waiting long. Rubina walking forward to Ot and empathizing with his pain and confusing. Understanding wanting to keep their students safe and waiting for them to be stronger to help out. Rubina states that there was an accident at the school they taught at, and she felt the need to go away. Saying that she didn't ask them for help because they were children. But we are no children so we can be asked for help.
Yayyyy sequence break (oops)
With further talking we learn from Teacher Ot that there is potentially someone within the Magaambya that is actively working to bring the school down. We have been brought into Ot's circle of trust, and we see that he is deeply worried that Musarasa has faked his death.
4 months pass
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