Jandar, you know where I am staying. Come by later this evening and I can tutor you in a few things.
Maybe I should tutor more of your students since this is the second time they have decided to use magic beyond their ken, Toff. Perhaps this is the reason none of your students have passed the test. Poor teaching from a poorer teacher.
She smiles are her comment. Orion, come along. she commands.
From a small shadowy corner Ganorok peeks out.
"Has he left? Good!"
He moves out of the shadows, and looks around.
"What did I miss?"
After hearing what you have to say, he smiles in a charming way.
"I know who our competition is? Do you want to meet them?"
By all means! replies the enchantress. Tell me Mouse, do you do other sorts of work that I can hire you for?
Aizel sighed slightly. He didn't like indentured servitude. It smelled too much like his time as an apprentice, which he privately thought of as 'slavery'. Once this was over, he'd have to buy off the girls contract. Or at least reduce it to a reasonable level.
He was also less than impressed by Enothai's actions so far. Her use of magic was abusive as all hell, robbing others of there freedom. Hopefully she wouldn't turn such a spell on him. It rarely ended well.
"Can you give us the details first?" he asked Ganorok quietly. "I'd like some details before we have a run in."
Orion calms the girl, telling her that Toff was angry now, and promising to have another talk with him after he won the breaching festival the next day...which should put Toff into a better moot. And while on topic, he invites Seska to join the celebration. Ghadame and Tessara would be there, as well! And her boldness and eagerness to proof herself to others are qualities well appreciated among his kin and profession.
After she leaves and we meet up with Ganorok:
"Ah, ratling, you missed the fun...but it would seem you had some by yourself. By all means, do tell us what you know, while we go to meet them.²
Mouse jumps excitedly.
"The headmaster kept good dossiers of each one of the contestants. I learned quite a good deal of us all."
She blushes a little and avert his eyes from Enothai.
"In some cases even more than I would have liked..."
He recomposes himself a little.
"Well, what we have is:"
He starts to give you the information:
Fatmire (N male halfling rogue): Fatmire is a young looking halfling. A “freelance thief,” he is hoping that Korvosa’s thieves’ guild, the Cerulean Society, wouldn’t have a presence at the Breaching. When he realized Illia Ean was competing, he started having second thoughts. he has made a name as the best "freelance thief" in Korvosa, so he won an invitation.
Illia Ean (CN female human rogue): Korvosa’s thieves’ guild, the Cerulean Society, has a longstanding open invitation from the Acadamae to send one (and only one) member to participate in the Breaching Festival. The Acadamae security appreciates this “free” testing of their defenses, and the Cerulean Society would dearly love to claim the prize money. Guildmaster Boule doesn’t send a representative to the festival every year—but this year he sends Illia Ean. She’s both clever and quick, and makes quite a good living at her profession with ease.
Knur of the Gilded Claw (CN male dwarf fighter): Knur is a short dwarf, surly and scarred from years of work in Riddleport’s gas works. After quitting the gas works, Knur moved southeast to Korvosa, where he’s spent most of his time moving from one gang to another, invariably working as a thug or muscle. He’s currently “between gangs,” but managed to secure an invitation to this competition after spending more money than he’s comfortable thinking about on bribes. Neither kind nor intelligent, Knur has but one motivation in the competition—to get the gold. He has a viselike grip (hence his nickname) to go with his keen ability to read people.
Maganrad (LN male human enchanter): Maganrad is an Ulfen wizard and a student teacher at the school — as a result, he’s a crowd favorite, since he’s the one who represents the Acadamae most directly. He came to Korvosa by ship as a young boy from Kalsgard in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, and quickly took to the local language and culture. When he discovered he had magical talents, he made arrangements to fund his entry into the Acadamae, where he has studied for the last 9 years. Although he is certain he could have passed the graduation tests years ago, he is mindful of the 10-year enrollment commitment at the school, and has not pressed the matter. Soon he will qualify to graduate and earn himself a place on the Acadamae’s prestigious staff. He hopes that adding “winner of the Breaching Festival” to his list of accomplishments will help secure this goal.
Ganorok smiles as widely as his head allows.
"They all are staying on grounds... so, want to meet them?"
an ulfen you say? And a wizard? I would be interested in meeting this crowd favorite and take his measure. replies the elf.
"They do sound like an interesting bunch," Aizel replied with a small smile. At least none of them sounded like they directly favoured murder over more direct methods. Aizel worked best at head on challenges.
"As a member of the school and an Enchanter, it does seem like Maganard would be a good choice to talk to." If he tried to enchant Aizel, it would not go especially well for him.
"Aye, definitely let us meet them. I admit, I am surprised that some of those entered voluntarily and sound like competent individuals, from what you gathered. Was there any mention of suicidal tendencies in any of them?"
"Suicidal? Yes, in all of us. Dean Toff forgot to mention that almost all the participant have not only lost, but also died in the Breaching."
Bendis and Marigania seem to lost a little bit of color.
"But, yes, let's go see Maganrad first."
Ganorok leads you towards the students dormitory, and after some walking you arrive at his dormitory.
It's a party. The is a lot of booze, a lot of girls, a lot of noise. You find him in a separate room talking and smoking with some friends, in a much more subdued environment.
He’s tall, lanky, and kindly looking. He wears a tunic and breeches rather than more traditional wizards’ robes, and has a pair of leather bracers over his forearms.
"Yes, what can I help you with?"
[b] Greetings Mangrand. I am the Lady Enothai Lantherion from Kyonin and Maginmaar. I understand you know how to throw a wonderful festival here.says putting her leg on a table next to him.
Aizel glanced over at Enothai as she tried her charms again. "My friend Enothai is most friendly," he added with a small smile and a less subtle hint. "I understand that you are one of the students here, and soon to be a teacher if what I'm told is correct. Can you tell us about the Breaching Festival? We're quite new to these parts, although obviously we're also interested in magecraft."
"Soon to be a teacher, if he survives, Aizel", Orion corrects, with a drink in hand, entering the room with a friendly expression.
"As I could not help but overhear at this party, you are participating in the festival? The last 150 years statistics would suggest that's a rather...risky move. So I reckon you have some secret that you think gives you an edge? Oh, I'm not asking what, we all have out own, to make sure we stay ahead in life, just trying to understand what's driven you to attempt this with such a joyful life ahead?", while Orion speaks those words, he playfully lets his gaze wander on some of the female students, then awaits an (probably meaningless) answer to his question. If received, Orion'll excuse himself and mingle with the party guests, but staying within hearing range, to catch what Aizel's talk with him might reveal.
Before that, though, he remained intensely focused on the minute details of Maganrads expression. Did he really twitch a bit when it was mentioned he surely has some secret, or was that just imagination...
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Mangrand seems a little taken aback by Enothai's pose.
"I once had a dream when a friend of my parents... well..."
He glups.
He looks at Aziel.
"Yes, I will participate in the Breaching Festival. I bet you too. I don't know anything about the traps and the tests. That would be cheating, you know? And I am sure I can win without cheating."
Aizel nods agreeably. "All very true." He didn't add that it would look better in his own wallet. And his resume was already quite impressive. "And no, cheating would be boring. No one needs that." Well, some might, but Aizel didn't care to be one of them.
Well, he was confident. He was almost certainly a high level wizard, probably Enothai's equal and certainly his superior at magic. But it didn't seem like he had much in the way of information. And if powerful magic was all it took, well, this was was a mage's school. Someone would have managed.
"Are you planning to team up with some of the others competing?"
Perking up the elf will reply to the comment made by Mangrand Oh, all this talking about breaching gets me in a mood for thrusting and parrying for hours on end. as she slides her finger down his nose.
In passing, Orion whispers to Aizel:"No use, his overconfidence clouds his mind. Can at most try and make sure he gets a proper burial." before finding Ganorok:"You weren't kidding about them lacking any instinct for self-preservation. Heck, I'm plenty confident in my skills, but I wouldn't try and face this alone- any of the others here at the party, too?"
Ah, if Enothai wants to make his last night memorable, let her...poor guy will probably not make it. Now...was this Tessara I saw before near the bar? Better check...
"Hold that thought, Ganorok, I'll just fetch another drink...one for you, too?"
The elf will sit herself down on his lap and run her fingers through his hair.
Ganorok doesn't accept any drinks.
"But if there is some milk, I would love some."
He scans the room.
"No, no other participants around..."
If available, Orion will fetch some milk for Ganorok.
If able to find one/more of the 3 students he met earlier today, he'll flirt a bit with her/them.
Otherwise he'll pass the time until Ganorok is willing to lead them on to the next participant, being convinced that Maganrad is getting in over his head, but too full of himself to be able to see that.
The elf is content to stay here with Maganrad unless she can go and find her previous guide, what was his name? :)
"The remainder are all thiefs or thugs. As you described them, I don't think the thug is a teamplayer, nor too keen on company. The guilds member may have some inside information from her guild, but I doubt she'll share it. That halfling, fatmire, I'd imagine he'd be most approachable if he's afraid of the guild participant. I doubt he knows much, but I'd like to meet with him on the chance he knew what he was getting into and has a plan."
The elf will stay with the ulfen.
"He knows something worth risking the wrath of the Thieves' Guild," Aizel added, "Might as well see if we can get a hint as to what it is." Hopefully it wasn't simple greed and self confidence again.
Aizel resisted all temptation to reply the Thieves' Guild. If only because he'd prefer information before scaring the man away. "Mr Fatmire? My name is Aizel. I was hoping to offer an echange of information and services before the start of the Breaching Festival."
Standing visibly in front of the Door next to Aizel, in case he has some means to see us, Orion adds:
"We are participants as well. While it's true there can be only one winner, the festival is infamous for it's deadlyness, and I think it's in all our best interests to try and keep the casualities among us to a minimum!"
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There is a sound when the door is unbarred and unlocked, and a young halfling, with eyes that dart from side to side and a worried look checks you out, as well as the corridor.
"Please come in. We must be careful with the Cerulean Society participating too."
Once inside he locks the door and puts a chair to block it.
"A pleasure to meet you, I am Fatmire, the freelance thief. I also think we must, in our best interest, try to cooperate as much as possible to help us survive the breaching. In particular I am worried with the Cerulean Society trying to... facilitate... their member to have an advantage in the competition. It would be very good if we can... watch each others backs... against... unregulated interference from third parties, don't you think? I know it would be hard for me to win, but I sure don't want to lose-lose, if you get my meaning."
"Thank the Gods, you are more realistic than that mage boy. We are staying at the dorms, and run into him first, I should say. What are your concerns regarding the Ceruleans? What kind of advantage do you think they may aim for? As for watching each others back against interference, I agree, but do speak clearly...do you fear an attempt of interference before the festival even begins?
As for winning or not, well, I plan on winning it, obviously, but I'll play fair on my way there. A victory not won fair and square leaves a bitter taste in one's mouth, and I much prefer the taste of good wine. So if we shall talk about tomorrow a bit, we should fetch a bottle to share among us."
Saying that, Orion alternates between looking at Fatmire and Aizel to see if Aizel volunteers or Fatmire produces a bottle from his home, otherwise he'll sigh and fetch one, giving Aizel some time alone with Fatmire to talk.
"And a lot of wine bottles, while I only need one now. Still, I'll try and make certain their bribery is wasted. I believe my dagger is bigger than theirs", touching the handle of his Greatsword with a grin.
Now, I'll be right back, give me a few minutes.
She is more than happy to spend the night with the young wizard.
"Well," Aizel replied slowly, "I am sure we can offer certain deals. I doubt any of us are interested in attacking you during the trials ahead. We are obviously more...martially inclined than your good self." He smiled a little, aware than he didn't look the part.
"But the trials demand a certain focus. I would guess more than one has failed to reach the end because of a pointless fight. And we thank you for the warning of the Society."
Rolling his shoulders, Aizel debated if there was any point in meeting the last two entrants. The Society member might well be less than thrilled at the idea of organized competition, but might be mercenary enough to work out some kind of deal. The Dwarf was likely to try and break something, most likely a limb, and would be in for something of a shock if he tried it with Aizel. But it sounded like money was his main goal, and it was possible he could be battered with as well.
The Bloodrager glanced over at Orion, seeing what he thought.
"Well, Fatmire, there's one thing you did not answer. Do you fear an attempt on your life even before the festival? If so, let me offer a room in the dorm, with us. I think we had some openings."
Upon catching Aizels glance, Orion knew what he was wondering about.
That Society Member is as likely to try and betray us as to say Hello, especially if Fatmire is to be trusted, and my senses tell me he is.
The dwarfen breaker may be reasoned with...the description of him sounded like he was a thug, but then, a stupid thug would not have survived long enough and aquired enough money for the bribes necessary to enter. It may well be he is intelligent enough to see the merit of not working against one another, especially if he is alone, and we are not...safety in numbers is a basic premise of many gangs, so likely a lesson he is familiar with.
"I think we should pay the Gilded Dwarf a visit, too, but let me assure you, Aizel, I share your unspoken doubts about those other participants.
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The Halfling smiles.
"It would be very suspicious, and probably will disqualify the Cerulean participant for the breaching. So I think I am safe tonight. But you are never sure. I will trust my skill, and luck, tonight. But once we are in the Hall, I wouldn't like to have that killer behind me."
---
Ganorok leads you to talk with the dwarven contestant while he talks to you about him. Originally from the Riddleport gasworks, he resigned and moved southeast to Korvosa, where he’s spent most of his time moving from one gang to another, invariably working as a thug or muscle. He's got a good reputation as professional, trustworthy and willing to change his allegiance to the highest bidder, but without crossing his old employer. He’s currently “between gangs,” but managed to secure an invitation to this competition after spending more money than he’s comfortable thinking about on bribes. You find him at his assigned quarters, cleaning and preparing his equipment in a very professional manner.
Knur of the Gilded Claw is a short dwarf, surly and scarred from years of work in Riddleport’s gas works.
He has a viselike grip (hence his nickname) to go with his keen ability to read people. Before you tell him he smiles and questions you.
"So you are going in as a team, yeah? I thought of it, but the other participants don't seem like worth the trouble. But maybe I could work with people like you. How are we splitting the gold?"
"We haven't really considered the way to split it yet. Seems to make little sense as long as we don't know who'll make it out alive. But I believe if someone is unhappy with the way shares are split, we can always settle things with a bout of fisticuffs-"
Should be right up his alley...