Gaines Archeological Expedition
We are on the cusp of something great! The secrets of Tairos' origin are waiting for us, we just have to muster the courage to open the door meet it head on.
Ghal Pelor is many things to many people but among for the inquisitive it is a sanctuary to stoke their curiosity and mold them into the scholars of tomorrow. The University of Ghal Pelor is an institution known far and wide for its depthless libraries of ancient lore and a staff of expert professors eager to share what they know. Unlike many of the learning institutes in other cites that focus on the practical, Ghal Pelor's is temple to the past. Students studying there will will specialize in exploration, history, the esoteric formulae of the old College of Magic and much much more.
The University may specialize in less practical subjects but it does believe in hands-on practical learning. As such, it sponsors a number of student expeditions led by seasoned professors and supported by a staff with diverse skill. The Gaines Archeological Expedition is one such effort. The origin for this group begins just over a year and a half ago, inspired by the news and discoveries of the New Sanctuary Expedition. Doctor Malkyn Gaines, the co-chair of the History department, began the ground work to find a patron to finance the trip, both from within the University and from outside sources. Partial funding was secured the University's coffers but the scale and distance of this effort required funding in excess of what the institution was willing to provide. The money and equipment they needed came in the form of Cleavis Fortwinder-Glumpkin, magnate of the Glumpkin Bakery empire.
Cleavis was always fascinated by history, especially ancient history and the origins of Tairos. His office in the Fortwinder-Glumpkin tower is filled with old artifacts, curios, and tomes of ages past. The aging Halfling was eager to make a discovery of his own rather than just read about them in journals or newsletters. He was willing to back the expedition under the condition that he be allowed to come along. Doctor Gaines was less than thrilled with having to baby-sit an old halfling armchair-archeologist but his money was an irresistible lure that made it worthwhile to her.
After several short months of preparation they took the path toward the west, one already laid down by the caravan. Their safety was secured by university gold all along the way till they finally reached the coast. The journey itself took almost a year and was dotted with historical stops all throughout. While the students and staff remained untouched, the effort claimed the lives of many mercenaries and adventurers hired to keep them that way. This is a fact that weighs on some of the staff and students but most share the opinion of Doctor Gaines, that uncovering the past is worth paying any price.
Having negotiated passage and security with the Crew of the Paradise Lost they are now beginning the final leg of their expedition, the unearthing of the secrets of the sun temple on Big Ruk Island.
Structure
Dr. Malkyn Gaines is the head of this expedition and ultimate authority when it comes to all decision making. Cleavis Fortwinder-Glumpkin is often with her and makes his interests or opinions known but they don't carry any real authority. Seraphina Collier is the second in command of this venture. She's the head of security and a former soldier in the army of Ghal Pelor. She served at the The Siege of Beldon before receiving injuries that forced her to retire. She's a competent, soldier world wary who most of the students and staff see as joyless. She has five former military soldiers from Ghal Pelor with her as well and they form the expedition's permanent security arm.
Beneath Gaines and Collier is the rest of the university staff. Fira Lumloren is a half-elf who heads up the archivist team of the department back at the university. Her role is to help catalog discoveries and most importantly to oversee their safe packing for return to Ghal Pelor. Leofrick Runthane is Doctor Gaines' former student and an accomplished archeologist in his own right. He's younger, rather rakish, and something of an adventure-seeker who often finds himself in trouble both on expeditions and when visiting distant locals. His brand of trouble is often infectious, drawing in both student and staff alike. Althalos Bobec is a gnome with a real knack for explosives, despite being only a teenager. Doctor Gaines saved his life many years ago when his family's caravan was attacked by Locklanders and he's served her ever since as tinkerer and engineer. Though his passion is demolitions and as such Malkyn brought him along to breech the walls of the ancient tombs they'd be venturing into. Aubert Cassardi is the history department's most dedicated and senior researcher. He has an almost eidetic memory and an obsession with throwing out random factoids or tidbits of information when studying a new artifact or text. Doctor Gaines has the most practical expertise in the field but she relies on Cassardi's encyclopedic mind for obscure details and context.
Lastly, the students. There are forty of them in total, divided up into groups of ten. Each group reports to one of the staff (Gaines, Runthane, Cassardi, or Lumloren). They share notes, engage in certain lessons together, and take turns studying important finds in these groups.
Culture
Doctor Gaines tries to make sure the students and staff conduct themselves as true professionals at all times but ones her steely gaze is diverted elsewhere their youthful natures shine through. It's very difficult to force a large group of college-aged adults to be anything but true to themselves.
Comments