18. Curieux, the Cerebral Capital of the Continent
After stepping off of the Orina’s Wind, the party bid farewell to Buzz the Giant, who had decided to sail on the high seas with Captain Loft-hands crew. The remaining adventurers prioritized completing their mission for General Gael’toryn and maneuvered through the city straight towards the Grand Arcaneum. Citing their instructions from the general, the party gained entry into the massive tower, summarily spoke with the receptionist, Sylv Peth, and were then instructed to wait for their task to be accomplished. Hours later, the figure of the Grand Magister Alexandre du Faeien himself greeted them, unsurprised by their appearance, if not bemused that they had not arrived sooner. The party conversed with the archmage for some time, discussing all manner of matters regarding their recent adventures, before he at last began the examination of the delivered corpse, asking for further aid in the endeavor. Afterwards, the Grand Magister determined the presence of a curse gripping the soul of the mutated thief; to extract the answers they needed, the curse first must first be lifted. The archmage then enlisted the adventurer’s aid for when he did find a solution, though he needed time to delve into the exact process. With their audience completed, the party retreated into Curieux proper in the late night for rest.
The following day, the party continued to address their own personal business in the city. Kent visited the tower of his mage mentor, Angramax, only to find it empty and the dragonborn wizard missing. Opting to continue investigating his master’s whereabouts, Kent stayed at the tower while Jester, Varris, and Andraste traveled to the Trades Quarter of Curieux to fit Jester into a new set of armor as well as purchase potions. Over the course of the rest of the day, Jester and company encountered her three sisters, as they finished their shopping: Edna, Kira, and Kyrie. While the youngest sisters displayed enthusiasm at Jester’s return, Edna’s reception proved much colder, if not passively antagonistic. The three adventurers regaled the younger Trow girls of their recent endeavors, and also learned of Edna’s engagement and impending wedding. Despite Edna’s demeanor towards her, Jester strove to give her sister advice, guidance, and support. The younger Trow daughters ultimately left their company as the day drew later into the afternoon, all of them seemingly on good terms.
Meanwhile, Kent analyzed the contents of Angramax’s journal and research, pinpointing a strange crystal as a clue to the mage’s whereabouts. Deciding better safe than sorry, Kent took the crystal to the Grand Arcaneum, as well as completed his registration with the Arcane Society, and eventually garnered time with Miria Daramond. With the aid of the Magister, Kent learned that the crystal may be serving as a medium for imprisonment magic. Showing no further hesitation, Kent infused the crystal with his own magic and dove straight into a cave complex of strange crystals. As he explored the corridors, he discovered the presence of various crystalline sentries, before at last discovering Angramax, weakened and somewhat delusional, trapped in a cage of the same material. While Kent attempted to release Angramax, the rest of the party were summoned to the Grand Arcaneum by a message from Alexandre. After their arrival, Miria sent them into the crystal after Kent, and the trio thus found themselves at the beginning of a crystalline corridor.
"Well, they finished a task for Wenda! So, these adventurers seem the capable sort! Even if they do take their time with things."
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