Syl returns your nod and begins to eat.
After you're done breakfasting, you return to the Arcanimirium where you find Miet wrapping up a class on Illusion magic. He gives you a smile and motions to an empty bench. About 10 minutes later, he's finished his lecture, answers a few questions, and bids his students goodbye. "Good morrow, friend! Did you find your answers?"
"It's a start", Skaar explains as the students pass him. "We're ready to take off but I thought I should make good on my promise to teach you some about spherecastin' first. You got some time and a good place we can talk for a bit?"
"Why, yes, that would be marvelous. I have some time before my next class, so why don't you step into my office." He gestures to a nearby door.
Skaar follows. "I didn't realize you were a teacher here too."
Miet smiles. "We're both full of surprises, aren't we?"
"I guess so", the Unfailing Pillar laughs. "Accomplished mage, gladiator, and respected schoolteacher. Anything else I should know?"
"I think that just about sums me up. Although 'guest lecturer' would be a more accurate title. How about you? Gladiator, practitioner of forgotten magic, anything else?"
"Traveler, athlete, lover", Skaar explains smirking at the end.
"I do have to ask that whatever I teach you doesn't come back to me. I don't mind if you share it with others but they can't find out who you learned it from. I've got reason to believe I've got some pretty powerful enemies out there."
Miet gives you a serious nod. "Of course. I fully understand the need for discretion."
It takes several days longer than you'd anticipated, but Miet's finally able to grasp the basics of spherecasting. While creating illusions by this method is still beyond his capacity, he's learned how to manipulate small objects with his mind. In addition, the theories you've imparted have given him the framework he needs to continue studying and researching on his own.
Even though he hadn't planned to spend quite so much time in Nex, seeing Miet pick up the basics of spherecasting was worth the wait.
"Well done!" the big orc offers in praise. "Keep practicing and I'm sure you'll go far. When I come back here I expect to see you teachin' lessons on Spherecasting."
"This is quite a fascinating and versatile system of magic. I'll definitely keep at it. Who knows - next time you visit, my illusions might even be able to fool you!" Miet chuckles.
Syl sits in on each of your sessions but doesn't seem to possess any talent for spherecasting. Some minds are able to grasp the concept quicker than others, it seems.
"Do you think your Riddler friend might be willing to help get us where we're going? We could use a ride to Katapesh.", Skaar explains.
"I don't mind the exercise but we're in kind of a rush."
"I'm sure he won't mind, but you'll probably have to owe him a favor."
"Fair enough. It wouldn't be the first time", Skaar chuckles.
"Okay, then. I'll get in touch with him later today. You should be able to get on your way by tomorrow at the latest."
It quickly becomes clear that Nex has become a very ... compact ... city, as it's entirely encompassed by that strange transparent dome. From what you can tell, outside the dome is a barren wasteland patrolled by enormous green and red golems. Inside the dome, however, everything seems identical to any other city - although perhaps having a bit more of a magical bent. All the major streets are well-lit by continual flames, and there's clean drinking water available for both people and horses. Everything seems well-regulated, and the diversity among the citizens is almost comparable to Kaer Maga. Of course, there aren't any monstrous races represented, but you do see a fair number of Elves, Dwarves, and Half-Orcs - all getting along. There are a surprising amount of Elemental-Kin living here - mainly Sylphs.
In terms of sightseeing, there are three main attractions. The Arcanimirium dominates its area, and on the other side of the city is the immense palace of Bandeshar. Paving a path between these two structures is Warlock's Walk, which appears to be where most people go to relax. The fountains are breathtaking, and as you watch, you realize that they're inhabited by a number of playful Elementals.
"What do you think?", Skaar asks while the duo cross the popular Warlock's Walk. "All this wonder enough to keep you from missin' the sea?"
"Don't like the sea. Big waves. Monsters. Nasty hardtack. Swab the decks. Don't like the sea."
She seems to enjoy watching the living water fountains, though.
Skaar chuckles. "Good, then you won't miss the Wormwood too much."
Noticing her interest in the dancing elementals, the Unfailing Pillar concentrates long enough to peer into the girl's thoughts and hopefully glean more about her troubled past.
You may pull a specific piece of information out of a creature’s mind (Will negates). This is usually enough information to answer a single, specific question to the best of that creature’s knowledge, in no more than 25 words. A creature who successfully saves against this powerful charm may choose to provide no answer to your question or attempt to lie with their Bluff skill. If you use this powerful charm twice on the same creature to ask the same question, the same answer (correct, no answer or lie) is given again.
There doesn't appear to be any greater meaning in Syl's interest in the elementals. Perhaps she just likes the shapes the dancing water makes. However, your focus does reveal a block in the girl's mind. You sense that Syl was once a much different person before the trauma happened. She's forgotten who she used to be.
Her madness is a scar left by whatever the Lamashtan's did to her. Don't worry little Syl, soon we'll even the score and that scar will finally fade.
You have a restful night, untroubled by strange dreams. When you awake, you find Riddler waiting for you in the dining room. "I hear you need my help?"
”Sure did”, Skaar explains between scratching himself and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. ”I was hopin’ you could help me out. The girl and I need transport to Katapesh but that’s a bit outside Miet’s experience. I don’t have much coin but I’d owe you a favor and I don’t give out favors too often.”
The big orc sits down and pulls a platter of eggs closer. ”You eat already?”
"I have eaten, thank you, but by all means, take your time. When you're done, we can leave. I'll contact you later about that favor."
Skaar nods to Syl. "You heard the man, eat up. This might be your last good meal for a while if you don't like spicy Katapeshi food."
Once the two of you are done eating, the Riddler tells you to join hands and mutters a short imprecation. A moment later, you're in the desert. About a half-mile away, you can see a large city.
"Thanks again Riddler. I'll be in touch", Skaar offers in gratitude after the disorientation from magical travel fades.
Gesturing for Syl to follow, the Unfailing Pillar begins his trek into the city proper.
You're soon greeted by a large shantytown full of colorful rugs, exotic spicy foods, and countless vendors hawking their wares. You've arrived at the Daystalls district.
Though his hulking form sweats readily under the punishing heat, Skaar is glad he's minimally dressed. He can only imagine how much the fools dressed in head to toe furs must be suffering.
"We should find a place with rooms. I get the feelin' we're gunna be here a few days. Any of this look familiar?", he asks Syl.
Syl seems very distant as you walk, as if she's reliving a memory. There's a long moment of silence before she responds by pointing at a building slightly distant from the others. "There. I was there, before."
Skaar nods and heads for the indicated building. ”Okay, stick close.”
As it turns out, the building is an inn run by a muscular Gnoll. He gives you a crooked smile and greets you in rough Common. "Good day. Want something cold and refreshing? We also have rooms available."
Skaar gives the inn's proprietor a grunt and a nod of greeting. "Just the rooms for now. We've got business in town."
"Five silver a night. Each." The innkeeper states matter-of-factually. From what you can tell by the decor, that's a rather good deal.
Skaar didn't have much coin but it didn't mean much to him either. The hulking orc drops the requested silvers in the gnoll's furry paw. "We'll need food and drink later too."
"Let's get started", he suggests to Syl once the rooms are taken care of. "I know it hurts, but do you remember anything else about what happened last time you were here? A place maybe? Katapesh is a damned big city and her roots go deep. We might have to do things the hard way and ask around. Not that there's anything wrong with that - the 'hard way' can be fun."
Syl shakes her head vigorously but says nothing. Whether she doesn't remember or just doesn't want to talk about it isn't clear. Of course, spend enough time asking the locals, and the cult will likely find YOU. And you haven't had a good fight for a while....
Skaar and Syl hits the streets, asking around for information on cults of Lamashtu and abducted young women.