
DM Brainiac |

Will vs Daze: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
Baldrek jabs at the mpeshi, but the beast avoids his strikes. Patizamo fails to feint, but he delivers a critical spellstrike that gouges a deep, bleeding wound in the creature's body! Ubasu inspires courage and soothes Baldrek's wounds. Safiki further heals Baldrek. Mokhasi gives the mpeshi a mental jolt. Pilzip fails to recall anything further about the mpeshi. He hits with his ray of frost.
Bleeding from Patizamo's blow, the creature focuses its wrath on the magus. It manages to destroy all of Patizamo's mirror images but misses the real the magus!
Horn, Tail: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 221d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 281d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Mirror Image: 1d4 ⇒ 31d6 ⇒ 3
Persistent Bleed: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Ubasu Yimbalè |

Seeing how the tide is turning, Ubasu urges his companions to take heart and finish this. "Quick! Before its rage consumes us all!"
Action 1) 'Shield' (+1 AC) | Actions 2+3) Telekinetic Projectile
Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 2) + 5 = 12
Inspire Courage: +1 status bonus to attack and damage (duration: 2 rounds left)

Pilzip |

Pilzip drops down to get behind the creature and tries to drop it before it does any more damage.
shortsword: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 = 15 for slashing: 2d6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) - 1 + 1 = 6 and sneak: 1d6 ⇒ 5
shortsword: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 - 4 = 26 for slashing: 2d6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) - 1 + 1 = 6 and sneak: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Baldrek Zar'Zaron |

His many wounds healed, Baldrek bolts forward with his spear, stabbing twice at the mpeshi!
Strike, IC: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 = 28
Damage, IC: 2d10 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6) + 3 = 11
Strike, IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26
Damage, IC: 2d10 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1) + 3 = 9

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Mokhasi still seems to be trying to pull some of his magical attacks, to avoid killing the electrical beast, but he guides the bard.
Guidance on Ubasu, Daze on Mpeshi, Will Save DC 20 - on a critical failure stunned 1.

Safiki Jakande |

Rapidly running out of useful spells, Safiki joins Mokhasi in trying to daze the creature.
◆ Shield (+1AC)
◆ ◆ Daze: 4 mental damage. Will DC20; on a critical failure stunned 1.
AC: 19
Prepared Spells:
Cantrips: Daze, Detect Magic, Electric Arc, Forbidding Ward, Light, Prestidigitation, Shield, Stabilize
1st:
2nd:
Divine Font Uses: 0
Conditions: None
Effects: None

DM Brainiac |

Will: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 271d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
The mpeshi weathers the mental assault, but Baldrek manages to strike the beast twice. Pilzip moves up behind it and delivers a backstab that pushes it past its limits of endurance. The mighty beast collapses, and Safiki quickly stabilizes it. From there, you are able to drag the heavy creature back into its cage.

Ubasu Yimbalè |

Pilzip's poignant observation causes Ubasu to roll his eyes. The Grippli is right, and keeping a creature like this in captivity will only in misery. "Some of nature's beauty is never to be ours, but always to be free. Cage it, and ... well, I only need to imagine what I'd be like, feel like, were I to be caged. Where some might thrive, others will wither."
Ubasu is uncertain where all those words came from, but the words are genuine and certainly sincere.

Safiki Jakande |

"Agreed." Safiki reassures himself one more time that the mpeshi is stable before standing. "I don't like this place at all. Perhaps someone else feels the same way and is the one behind opening all these cages...although they're irresponsible at best if so."

DM Brainiac |

Oba is genuinely impressed that you were able to wrangle the mpeshi without killing it, and exclaims, “Have you thought about a new profession? I could use people like you for my business!”
With the other beasts secured, you can now investigate the griffon cages. A sign on a stake between these two cages reads, “Griffons: 2.” The doors to the cages are still wide open, and black feathers are still littered about in the trampled mud.
An infiltrator’s pick is stuck in the mud, plainly left here several days ago. The specially made pick is longer than most, with strange grips and pads that make it awkward to use. Pilzip realizes that the pick is well-suited for grippli use! Oba does not recognize the distinctive lockpick, and she insists she doesn’t know anyone who would want to sabotage her by releasing all of her beasts.

Ubasu Yimbalè |

Oba's words cause Ubasu to snort. A flimsy smile finds its way to his face, and when he speaks, the words come out slow. It's almost as if Ubasu is actively restraining himself from saying the things he really wants to say. "Mhm! Your business wouldn't be the same with us onboard, that much I do know, but I'm honored. Say, Oba, in return for us helping you with this situation, could you do us - or well, me - a favor? Since I can't stop you from continuing your trading in exotic animals, could you at least put some effort into giving them acceptable accommodations while they're with you?"
Hm, have we met any Grippli so far? Other than Pilzip, of course.

Pilzip |

"A good gift! Please, Oba, if anything suspicious happens, could you get word to us at the Magaambya? I'm the meantime, I can ask around, see if I can find any rumors about larcenous gripping."
Probably Diplomacy or Society?

Safiki Jakande |

Safiki sends an approving look Ubasu's way as he gets Oba to agree to better conditions for the animals. "I'd recommend investing in some guards as well. Whoever is targeting you I doubt they'll stop now."
"Unfortunately we're still no closer to figuring out why the griffons came all the way to the Magaambya and attacked the anadi. Unless our mysterious saboteur deliberately led them there for some reason. Pilzip, I'll join you in seeing what I can find about potential gripplis with a grudge against Oba, the anadi, or both."

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Mokhasi raises a finger, "yes, a bigger cage - but not only that, you may not need a cage at all. Get them to love you, and respect you, and they will come back to you because they are your friends. It would lead to a healthier outcome - and they will not try to break free at all!" He looks just as miffed as the others regarding the circumstances.
He sighs, "but thank you for your gift" and inclines his head. He turns to the others in the group. "It seems all of our leads have run out. Perhaps to find more we can begin asking around the Magaambya for additional odd occurrences? We have many friends within the schools that may have things to share."
He retrieves his journal and writes a few notes into the margin of a page full of text.

DM Brainiac |

"The griffons attacked anadis? Oh, I can probably explain that," Oba says. "I used to feed those griffons spiders by the sackful. The arachnid treats kept them calm. They probably fixated on the anadis as the most spiderlike food available."
Asking around Nantambu about criminally-inclined grippli doesn't produce much in the way of results. Nobody seems to know anything that might lead to further leads.
When you report to Janatimo about Oba’s Wondrous Creatures, he observes that perhaps someone’s trying to teach Oba a painful lesson, but he isn’t sure who it would be. When you explain why the griffons attacked the anadis, he notes that it is both more mundane and more fantastical a coincidence than he would have imagined.
Janatimo praises you for your bravery and diligence. He promises to look into matters further and be in touch with you again soon. In the meantime, you have classes to attend!
You are now level 5 and may make 2 study rolls in the downtime as several months pass!

Pilzip |

Pilzip spends his research time looking into the habits of the strange creature he encountered while investigating the attacks on the school. He also gathers as many stories as he can about serpentfolk in the Mwangi.
Study (Rain Scribe; Jungle Lore DC 18): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Study (Uzunjati; Jungle Lore DC 14): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Rain Scribe 4; Uzunjati 2. I'll gain the Survey Wildlife feat and Additional Lore: Serpentfolk.

Baldrek Zar'Zaron |

Tempest-Sun Mages (Athletics) - DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Rain Scribes (Medicine) - DC 16: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25
Baldrek spends as much time with Esi as possible, which means obviously that he spends most of the time studying. He quite loves to study anatomy however!
Esi bonus gives me a crit on the main branch. This will put me at Tempest-Sun Mages 5* and Rain Scribes 2*, the '*' meaning that he automatically gets to level 6 on the main branch and 3 on the secondary when he hits level 6!

Patizamo |

Cascade Bearers (Arcana) vs. DC 17: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Reroll (Mariama) vs. DC 17: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Cascade Bearers (Arcana) vs. DC 17: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Patizamo finds that these investigations have left him struggling a bit with his Cascade Bearer studies. Fortunately, the prolonged period of time without any allows him to at least catch up a little bit.

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Cram (Study) Uzunjati (Academia Lore)-DC 18: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Cram (Study) Uzunjati (Academia Lore)-DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Study Cascade Bearers (Arcana)- DC 16: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Mokhasi's work on compiling their story is going extremely well within the Uzunjati. He seems to be working hard to weave in the developments so far, though after a while - he essentially completes the allegory of the mephit, leaving the tale simply one of a fantasy story, replete with carefully drawn illustrations on finely cured white leaves within a bound book. The mephits' story ends with the fire mephit returning, joining the others in ascension, and the mephits finally being allowed into the city - where each is able to ascend to a higher form of elemental - all who mix and combine with each other's elements - reflecting what each learned from each other in their time together. Ash, smoke, magma, ice, mud, and others - the mephits learned to trust each other, and soon became the guardians of the city.
It was clear that Mokhasi intended the story to be merely the first in a larger line of stories - and that other looming threats were on the horizon. To this end, other mephits of positive energy, aether, and shadow eventually found themselves also in the city, and Mokhasi spent an entire book explaining - with madcap hijinks, how they joined the now higher elemental beings, and eventually themselves graduated to minor paragons of elemental form. The fire and smoke elemental was bound to patrol the city - but the new friends joined with the old and were tasked to solve problems while the fire would act as a permanent guardian. It soon became clear, through subtle hints, that the narrator themself was a companion of the elementals - something of a 'familiar' which followed them around.
This narrator was unreliable, and as the tale continued, it became clear that they had their own opinions on the matter. The story began to weave in other allegory - notes in the sidebar, and it was not clear that it was wholly on the side of the elementals.
The instructors in Uzunjati were intrigued, and hoped to read more, giving Mokhasi good reviews of his work, and hoping for the next volume.
Mokasi's work was so fervent, and his writing so copious, he was even able to adapt the story to that of his work in the Cascade Bearers - it sparked a few innovations in magical theory, and he was able to adapt them to his own magical knowledge in innovative ways.
Mokhasi crams using the Okoro benefit, rolling two studies. His first is a critical success, raising his level from 3 to 5, and his second is a regular success, raising his level to 5*, which means at level 6 it will automatically raise to 6 without additional study. His Cascade Bearer level is also successful with the second study roll, going to 2*, which will raise to 3 upon level-up to 6.
Mokhasi raises his dexterity by 2, con by 2, int by 1, and Wisdom by 2.
He learns the skill feat quick repair, as well as the ancestry feat amazing Ageless Patience. He also becomes an expert in performance. He learns haste and stinking cloud, but will also learn/research spells during the break as well, hopefully using his Magical Shorthand feat.

Ubasu Yimbalè |

Ubasu is still a relative stranger to the other inhabitants of the dorm and so he takes on the challenge of his studies all on his own. The Alijae does, however, compromise on his one-man approach by making it a point to spend at least a couple of hours a day studying in the dorm's common room. While this is far from the ideal place to do so, it allows him to connect with the other students and get a feeling for what's going on: happenings and events on campus, their lives, their studies, and that time is moving forward. Inside his room and the sun-starved libraries, the passing of time simply comes to a screeching halt.
And yes, Ubasu knows that it's in his elvish nature to be somewhat blind to time, but unlike his full-blooded Alijae brethren, time has it out for him. Know that you stand in their world with one foot, but in that of men with the other. Not Ubasu's words, but those of a kind halfling cook. Whenever he recalls the exchange, the half-elf hears the 'spludge' of a delicious vegetable stew hitting his plate. Oh Gods, not now! But it is too late for already he is starting to feel peckish. Not so immune to time now, are we?
Will post a level-up overview later. I'm using the updated skill check modifiers, however. INT goes up by +2, proficiency scales with level, so Lore goes from +10 to +12, and Diplomacy from +12 to +14 thanks to the level and the crown.
Study Emerald Boughs - Diplomacy - DC 20: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
Cram Uzunjati - Academia Lore - DC 16: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Cram Uzunjati - Academia Lore - DC 16: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
I'm unsure if, after checking the first Uzunjati check, the DC for the second check goes up to 17. I assume it might, but right now, it wouldn't matter, but who knows, it might at some point! Emerald Boughs goes up to 6*, and Uzunjati to 2.

DM Brainiac |

Yes, the DC goes up after the first success.
A few more months pass as you apply yourselves to your studies, then each of you receive a handwritten letter:
My dear pupils–
Once again, you’ve exceeded the Magaambya’s high expectations of its students. You’ve shown that you are ready to expand the scope of your connections and your magical studies, learning how magic and the world both shape each other.
Because of this, I am pleased to advance you to the rank of conversant. You will represent the school to the outside world while you continue your studies. This representation is significant, and it reflects the trust the Magaambya is ready to place in you.
It’s true that your advancement is unusually rapid, but your services and exploits have been unusually admirable. I, and many others, feel this advancement is long overdue.
Join us at dusk a week from today. I’ll ask you to speak briefly about how you see magic being most useful in the world, so please think about that in the meantime. I know I’ll be telling your tales one day.
—Teacher Janatimo

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Mokhasi had been playing some games with Okoro, having grown fond of the fellow’s board games. Mokhasi was never quite as good as the other student, but he was pleased to find someone else who appreciated cerebral puzzles like him, especially someone else who favored Uzunjati.
He is plying a game in the common room with Okoro and a few other students when he receives the notice of becoming a conversant. Having dipped his toes into many more physical activities than he was raised with in the last few months, the lean elf seemed to have grown heartier, with better control over his muscles than before, though he is still very weak the physical kids seem to give him a measure of respect given he and Patizamo’s success fighting the leshy mechs. Mokhasi is a bookish wizard, still, but he seems to have gained a more expansive view of the world in his time at the school.
He raises his notice, ”conversant? This is a blessing. Though - did you all receive this notice? I do not know the answer to this question…” He taps his chin, ”if you asked me in my village, I think I would have seen magic as a way to gain mastery over the world that can be chaotic. But now I am far less certain. What do you all think?” Muto also appears to be lost in thought, though the little floating stone entity has become much more independent as time has gone on, it still seems to take some cues from Mokhasi, especially when the mage is being thoughtful.

Pilzip |

"To me, magic is a way to learn about the world more fully, and to deal with what you find more ably. Magic lets us understand the world and protects us from dangers we might find." Pilzip is pleased that his studies have been paying off.

Baldrek Zar'Zaron |

Baldrek was sitting on a couch, playing his lyre while Esi as besides him, singing some poems. He stops the music, and opens an arm so his girlfriend can snug with him. When he got his letter, Esi was obviously happy for him and proud, but he did felt she was a bit disappointed of not receiving one as well... Baldrek did agree with her, since she was way smarter than he was.
"I have a very different answer than you do, but I'd like to keep it myself for now, since it is not fully defined yet." He says. "I'd also suggest that you do the same... not to harbor any sort of competition, but instead because if the question will be asked to each one of us, our answers should resonate with ourselves in a unique way, and not be influenced by what the others have to say about it."

DM Brainiac |

"This is amazing, o!" Esi says with a smile. "You are the first of our dormitory to become conversants. Do not worry, though, I plan to be right there on your heels!"
The other students are likewise impressed by your rapid advancement. Becoming a conversant is no small thing and doing it at your pace is even more impressive. Other students congratulate you, and faculty members might take special note of how you behave to a degree that they haven’t before. Even before the formal ceremony, you can see how your lives are beginning to change.
***
A week later, at dusk, your friends accompany you to the ceremony. The atmosphere in this lavishly decorated room in Whistle Tower is congenial and lively. People talk in several small groups about magic, politics, philosophy, education, and more. In the center, a large round table is laden with food.
“Smart, to put it in the middle of the room,” opines Chizire casually as he picks up a mango tart, “in case any more giant bugs crash through the walls, that is.”
After a while, Janatimo beckons for everyone to find seats. “Friends, I am glad that you have all made it here to mark the growth of these students. They have proven that their studies don’t register in their minds as mere theory or academic exercise, but as a force that they can use to influence the world at large and in turn be influenced by it. Magic is not a tool we use, but a living thing that we experience and embody. Becoming a conversant means that these students take this understanding and expertise out into the world.
“But before we welcome them officially, I’d love to have each of our advancing students tell you for themselves what is the best use of their magic out in the world.”
Janatimo gestures for you to come forward and say a few words.

Baldrek Zar'Zaron |

Baldrek comes forward bowing to the teachers before addressing his peers. "Magic is a fantastic force, allowing spellcasters to exert their will and desire to shape the world. Yet, once all the glamour and mysticism is removed from it, magic becomes nothing but a tool to be used to solve problems and answer questions."
"However, we should always respect magic for the wonder it is. People have been capable of solving their own problems and answering their own questions without magic for ages."
"We should use magic to help people that can't help themselves. Magic should make people stronger, not dependent on it. We need healers who carry their knowledge about herbs and poultices, and not only priests praying for the Gods. We can build our own homes, instead of shaping stone with magic. We can travel do distant lands, taking the journey and learning from it, instead of crossing the distant in a flesh of magic."
"Magic should always add something, and never take." He finishes with another bow.

Ubasu Yimbalè |

The literal cornucopia of food humbles Ubasu and causes him to pause when entering the room. Such a display of appreciation, let alone the cost of it, drives home the point that they are truly seen as noteworthy by the teachers. Though, what does that say about Esi? Is the key difference between them and Esi that they've seen combat and survived? I should shelf these thoughts, but they're worth mulling on ... later. What follows is a sampling of the food and some small-talk.
When they're beckoned by Janatimo to sit down, Ubasu takes his seat and responds to all the kind words with a warm smile. He's starting to feel at home here.
Baldrek speaks first and offers his thoughts on the question posed to them. The strong man speaks as a soldier would, describing magic in a way that seemingly directly contradicts Janatimo's view of it. But is he wrong? Everything can be described as a tool when the ultimate goal, or rather - task, is seen as a job or a duty. Besides, while the teachers are wise and sage, isn't it our job to rock the boat and challenge conventional wisdom?
Ubasu smiles, wondering if the setting of tonight's lesson is getting to him: he doesn't favor being the center of everyone's attention. Yet here he sits, ready to open his mouth and have everyone look at him. He gets up, glances at the Alijae mask covering his right should, and smile. The mask's eyes and ears are animated, recording everything that's happening. Great, as if the pressure wasn't big enough already!
"Honorable Janatimo," Ubasu says as he inclines his head to pay his respects. He then throws a look at the gathered crowd and nods. "Thank you all for paying witness to tonight's event, it fills me with pride and joy to know I am truly one of you."
The young Alijae then turns back to Janatimo. The man had posed them a question, and Ubasu had spent the week shifting through the immediate responses that popped up in his head when considering the concise question. Eventually, the answer came to him through a conjoining of his Alijae roots and Nocticula. "Magic is an expression of life. Some say that the opposite of life is death, but I'd argue against that. Birth, birth is the opposite of death. Creation, destruction. Life, life is what's in between, and life is about growth. Growth is what defines life. Personal growth, biological growth, spiritual growth - even when we reach adulthood, growth never stops. Our careers, our ambitions, our families, and our communities. Heh, and what about love. Magic then must be an extension of this, of our growth. It is an expression of who we are, where we want to go, and how we want to do things, achieve things. Once our time is up, the record will show how - heh, at least for us Alijae - much we've grown during our years. For me, magic and who we are must be the same thing, like the clothes we wear, and the words we think and say. As such, magic must express to the world who we are: in its effects, its impact, and when it is used."
He then takes a moment to recollect his thoughts and give everyone a second to let his words sink in. It's at that moment that Ubasu realizes he should wrap it up before he spends the entire night on what seemed to be a simple question.
"In conclusion, if wielded as a force of good, a way to bring positive change to our societies and the world, to add wonder and meaning to our lives, magic will be just that. It will be a beacon of hope, and it can inspire those who will walk in our footsteps, just like Old-Mage Jatemba inspired us. Magic should be used to do good."
He can't help but feel that some of the food on offer tonight, notably the cheese, got to him in the end. But the words are spoken with sincerity, and Ubasu bows to the people gathered before clutching a holy symbol of Nocticula in his hands and kissing it. Witness me, and walk with me. You are worthy of love and admiration, may the light forever find its way to your face.
"Thank you for honoring me with your attention and time." The tall Alijae then quickly steps back and eagerly awaits for the next person to claim the spotlight.

Safiki Jakande |

Study Time
Safiki spends the next few months frequently visiting Oba’s Wondrous Creatures in-between classes. While the late nights and early mornings often leave bags under his eyes, it's worth it for the reassurance that her animals are indeed being better cared for. Working with the prickly woman also helps him develop his diplomatic skills.
As the months pass without incident he begins to relax and once again focus on his coursework. While he's not fond of Koride and her favoritism, he has to admit her knowledge of entomology is beyond compare. He makes sure to attend every lecture in the hopes that if anything else strange happens with the bugs at the Magaambya, he'll be ready to deal with it.
Cram, Nature DC19: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Cram, Diplomacy DC15: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Study, Nature DC20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Rain-Scribes goes to 5, Emerald Boughs to 2
At The Ceremony
Safiki can hardly believe it. He's not always been the best student, and while he's not the only user of divine magic at the school, there is definitely more of a focus on other traditions. Yet here he stands in the Whistle Tower, about to become a conversant. His luck had truly changed ever since being moved to the Spire Dormitory.
When it's his turn to speak, he stands on his chair so he can meet the eyes of the humans around him. "Thank you for this opportunity." He bows his head for a moment. "I am afraid my answer is very different from that of my peers. You ask what is the best use of our magic out in the world. The truthful answer is that I do not know."
He holds out his hand, spiral amulet of Korada clutched in his fist. "For me, magic is about adaptability. Change. The ability to take what is and turn it into what it could be. If I am in a dark place, perhaps the best use of my magic would be to cast a light. If I am underwater, perhaps the best use of my magic would be a spell that allows me to breathe. To heal, to protect, to fight..." He swallows hard and his voice wavers, "...even to kill, as anathema as that would be...who is to say that might not one day be the best use of my magic?"
"The gods may always know what is the best use of magic, but I am just a simple halfling. All I can do is react to the circumstances I am in, and do what seems right in the moment, and hope that it is right." He looks around the room, and the solemn expression on his face is replaced with a wry smile. "I will use my magic to help as much as I can, where I can, and see where that takes me."

Pilzip |

Pilzip pauses thoughtfully as the others respond. To him, this is a strange question.
"Asking about the best use of magic is like asking about the best use for water or fire out in the world!" The grippli gulps a bit of air and continues.
"We should be learning about magic to understand how it works and find all of its uses, but the best use is the one that we can put it to that helps and protects people. So, there is no one, best use. We must develop judgement to find what is the best use for magic at the time and in the situation we find ourselves in."

DM Brainiac |

Once everybody has had a chance to speak, Janatimo steps forward to close the ceremony. ”Thank you again for showing us where your understanding begins. I look forward to seeing how your understanding deepens and evolves as conversants.” Everyone in the room stands and cheers in celebration.
People stay to chat and eat for another hour or two after the ceremony, wishing you well and striking up conversation. At some point, Janatimo asks you for a few minutes to privately discuss your duties as conversants. He explains that conversants represent the Magaambya in and around Nantambu, advancing the school’s interests and helping the community. He already has a few tasks in mind for you, but he invites you to ask any questions they have about the process or your new role.

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Earlier
Mokhasi is well-versed at this point in an understanding of magic, but his serenity and generally calm demeanor seem to make his answer something of an understatement. He speaks last, after the others have, clapping and nodding along, seemingly to every explanation.
He stands up a little awkwardly, bumping his knees on the table as he does so, and chuckles to himself. "It is a good question. Something for sages to answer. Tales tell of places where there is no magic, or there was. Planes where it is dead. Even areas that are dead to it here on Golarion. In these places, there is life as well! There is war, there is peace. So - then what is it? I think it is a little of all things. War. Peace. Life. Death. Progress. Stagnation. It can be a tool: a crutch for those who are complacent but can drive others to great heights of knowledge. It is that which allows spirits to live in the land itself, and that which can drive the spirit out. I do not know what it is."
He shakes his head, "perhaps I will never know. But I hope that I may always find wonder in it, and in the spaces of the world without it. Birth, death. These are not magic, but are no less magical. Perhaps magic is nothing and everything, a duality of sorts. To the Shory, what we do now would be mundane, boring, uninteresting. To the people of Alkenstar, we break the laws of the universe. I think ultimately, the question is not useful because the answer is entirely relative to the user, the recipient, and the observer. All answers are right and wrong at the same time."
He inclines his head, "I doubt this will satisfy anyone, but it seems to me to be the most true answer." He returns to being seated, and eats a piece of cassava.

Ubasu Yimbalè |

The whole being at the center of attention thing turns out to be very tiring and Ubasu is glad to be sequestered away by Janatimo so that they can discuss their new duties and responsibilities.
"Since we now carry more responsibility upon our individual shoulders, how exactly do we account for our actions as faces to the outside world? Is it perhaps wise for me to start keeping a detailed journal of my daily actions? Sure, my ancestral mask keeps track of everything noteworthy I do, but the mask's allegiance lies with my people, my blood, and not with the Magaambya."

Baldrek Zar'Zaron |

"It is never a bad thing to be sure. If possible, I'd like to know about our new role." Baldrek adds.

Pilzip |

"Will we have many more responsibilities now? What sort of work do conversants do in the city that we haven't done before?"
Pilzip wonders what new sides of Nantambu he might get to explore.

DM Brainiac |

"Many things will remain the same," Janatimo explains. "You’ll still live in the dormitory and receive your regular stipend, and this work doesn’t replace your usual studies! We expect a conversant to be grounded in their studies above all else, balancing it with the tasks that we assign. Often, I will assign these tasks. But any faculty member who needs assistance in the community might reach out to you.
"There are a wide variety of tasks that we ask of conversants. The only commonalities are that they will test your skills and your spirit, and that they are intended to help you learn to serve others. We’ll try not
to assign more than a few tasks each semester, to err on the side of respect for your studies.
"Any other questions?"

Baldrek Zar'Zaron |

Baldrek shakes his head and bows, happy with the answer. "Thank you for the explanation, master. I believe we'll be able to meet your expectations."

DM Brainiac |

Janatimo bows as well. "I have no doubt. Now, enjoy the rest of the festivities!"
You partake of the good food and pleasant atmosphere of the ceremony, which for once, goes off without a hitch! You talk and laugh until it is late at night before returning to Spire Dorm, eager to begin your new roles as conversants.
Over the next couple of days, you become aware of two potential tasks to complete. The kobold quartermaster Xhokan asks you to come by his supply store, colloquially known as the Powderpile, about an unusual matter regarding alchemical supplies.
The second request comes from outside of the Magaambya, but no one else has the time or motivation to deal with it. The request is a pleading letter from a potter named Amaechi who lives and works on the southern side of Nantambu. The fact that Amaechi needs help is plain, but the letter doesn’t explain the nature of his troubles.

Pilzip |

"I am more curious about this odd request from Amaechi. What could a potter want with us?" Pilzip looks thoughtful. "I'm also not keep to blow a finger off at the Powderpile."

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Mokhasi nods, ”I agree. I was raised outside of the Magaambya - many of those who raised me were craftsfolk. A potter would not trouble us unless the need was quite dire, strange, or both.”

DM Brainiac |

maechi’s shop is a modest, square-roofed clay building on a slight slant. All around the building is muddy ground. The canal’s retaining wall behind the potter’s shop is gone, and the canal is overflowing its banks. Two nearby houses have collapsed over their cracked foundations. It looks like Amaechi’s shop isn’t long from joining them.
Amaechi emerges soon after you arrive. He is covered in dried clay on his upper body and wet mud on his legs and feet. "Thank goodness you’ve come!” he shouts. He gestures at the chaos around him. “I can’t work like this!
“You can probably tell we are artists in this area, not engineers. That means my neighbors and I weren’t much help to counteract the effects of these floods. We tried to get help from Magistrate-Mayor Asanda—as infrastructure is his responsibility—but he’s apparently too busy to worry about us. I hear he has plenty of help at his mansion, which also flooded, but we don’t have the money to just hire a bunch of people. I’m just glad the school sent help... please tell me you have some solutions!”
The most that physical solutions can do at this point is slow the rate at which Amaechi’s shop sinks; the ground is just too saturated. A magical ritual might help here, though. None of the most commonly-known rituals are applicable, but the Magaambya is full of secret lore.
Heroes who ask Magaambya faculty members about magic solutions to help Amaechi should attempt a DC 20 Diplomacy check to Gather Information. Heroes who perform their own research in the Magaambya’s libraries and archives should attempt a DC 20 Arcana or Occultism check. Each check takes a day to complete.

Pilzip |

Nature: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Society: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
I also have Lore: Mwangi Terrain +9 if that would be helpful in some way.
"We should do some research! I'm sure that the library has a ritual to firm up the ground or contain the flow of the river."
Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Baldrek Zar'Zaron |

Nature: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Baldrek takes a look around. He is also no engineer, but he has studied a lot about nature with Esi. "This flooding is both nonseasonal and unusual... while a ritual might solve the problem, perhaps we should also investigate what has caused it."

Ubasu Yimbalè |

Society vs 22: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
I figured out later I could've also used Nantambu lore for a lower dc *facepalms*
It seems that together, the young conversants should have all the pieces of puzzles they need to figure out the basics of this mystery presented to them. Sadly, Ubasu can only contribute one of the missing pieces to the others, but share it he does. "These canals rarely flood. In fact, it's so rare that I think the last flood happened well over a decade ago."
It's then that Amaechi the potter joins them. "I'm so sorry you find yourself in this predicament, Amaechi. I cannot promise we will find a magical fix, but we will definitely try." He purposefully avoids the details of their findings and a possible solution, not wanting to give the man false hope nor make him a part of the process. After all, he is not Magaambyan.
The Alijae completely fails to comprehend that perhaps this is not the Magaambyan way, but rather the Alijae distrust for strangers kicking in.
Ubasu will seek out help from the faculty members once they return. He has a feeling the water might be seeking revenge on the potters, as they create prisons for all liquids, and perhaps some sort of water elemental or creature is fighting for their freedom. He thinks the thought might sound ludicrous, so he will only share it if really pressed on his thoughts.
Diplomacy vs 20: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

DM Brainiac |

Pilzip's research produces a potential ritual that could help, called unseen underpinning. It is a variant on the unseen custodians ritual, but instead of conjuring puttering unseen servants, the ritual creates stronger, immobile unseen servants that support a building’s foundations.
Meanwhile, Ubasu is able to learn about a second ritual from the teachers of the Magaambya. This ritual is known as community repair.
Either one could have the potential to help Amaechi save his shop!