Fortunately, Baldrek is able to use his newfound cantrip to keep the dying chicks alive!
It is just after noon when you return to the campus and hand the six chicks to Esi and Haibram. ”Excellent work, o!” Esi says. ”The farmer will be very pleased. You’ve completed your task for today. Meet me back here tomorrow morning after breakfast for your next assignment.”
Patizamo breathed a sight of relief as they successfully delivered the chicks to Esi and Haibram. "I have not dealt with animals like that before. Good job getting them back safely, Baldrek. What shall we do with the rest of your day?"
Baldrek is relieved that the chicks lived, though he believes Patizamo's praise was not deserving. "I also have little experience with animals and my healing training was almost useless this day... if not for the power bestowed upon me by Teacher Ot, they'd have perished."
Baldrek nods to Mokhasi. "How about we look for this conflict between the Magaambya and the merchants?"
You take lunch in the dining hall before going to the libraries to do some reading and research. While there's nothing in the books about the feud between the Magaambya and the Kafesi Market, a bit of information gathering reveals that some of the market’s merchants have sold dangerous magical items and lethal curses—as a result, the Magaambya has informally boycotted them.
The rain has finally begun to let up by the time you return to Spire Dorm for the evening. When you arrive, they see Haibram Thodja sparring out front with a human woman. The dwarf darts across the battlefield, boosted by gusts of wind that he conjures behind him. The woman spins her staff and parries the clubs the dwarf throws at her.
The fighters break off their match when they see you approach. "Hey!" Haibram shouts. "Let me introduce you to one of our other dormmates. This is Mariama Keitana."
"Welcome!" Mairama says with a smile. She looks to Mokhasi and Ragnar, repeating the word 'Welcome' in both Elven and Amurrun. "Linguistics is one of my hobbies, along with combat theory and occult lore."
"Heh, yeah, watch her with that last one!" Haibram laughs. "Just last week, Mariama summoned a devil in class!"
"That was an accident!" Mariama insists. "I was trying to prove a complex mathematical theory, and it just happened! You know how my luck goes!"
"At least it wasn't a repeat of the exploding nose incident," Haibram says.
"We don't talk about the exploding nose incident," Mariama says icily.
Patizamo is somewhat confused by the results of their research. "Why would the merchants of the Kafesi Market sell dangerous magical items and lethal curses if they're superstitious about the magic practiced at the Magaambya. Wouldn't they be more fearful of such magic so they wouldn't sell it?"
Patizamo watches the sparring match with interest. He'd developed some of his own techniques for blending magic and combat, but seeing others who pursued the same line of inquiry gave him ideas to further his study. Perhaps he, too, could spar against some of them to refine his techniques?
Upon introduction, he offered a short bow of his head. Exploding nose incident? Her tone as regarded it said any questions would go unanswered at best, so instead he said, "It is good to meet you, Mariama. I am Patizamo. I have studied some of the ways to blend spell and sword in my own studies. Is this taught here, or is it more of a self-guided instruction?"
”They do teach hybrid studies here!” Mariama says excitedly. ”If that is your interest, then I would suggest you join the Cascade Bearers, like me and Chizire! We value visionary magical theories and creative innovations, including the paths of the magus, as they call them.”
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Mokhasi nods along, ”one of the sources is incorrect. Are you certain they are superstitious? It doesn’t make sense that they would trade here at all if they were.”
Mokhasi watches the fight with interest, leaning on his staff. When Mariama mentions that she’s a cascade bearer, Mokhasi looks disappointed, for some reason, ”must all cascade bearers be so… physical then? My village told me that they thought it would be my best fit, given that I was told I have a gift for “understanding the cross-applicability of spells and their sources”. Whatever that meant. But it looks like they learned most of their information from older books.” He gestures at his robes ”I am a poor physical specimens, again - too many books I believe.” He chuckles to himself.
”Oh, don’t worry. Not all Cascade Bearers study combat theory like me,” Mariama says. ”Just look at Chizire! That cat doesn’t have a physical bone in his body! Just drinks and sleeps all the time. Honestly, I don’t know how he does as well in class as he does! Anyway, there is plenty of room in the branch for more cerebral thinkers.”
Raknar approached Haibram as the others talked. He asked ”So, you are a hunter?”
”A hunter of excitement, you could say!” Haibram laughs. ”Sparring, racing, sports, hang gliding. However I can get a thrill, I’m there!”
Realization hit Raknar at the dwarf’s words. He was a thrill seeker. The only thing he hunted was the next rush.
”Apologies. When I heard the description of the Rain-Seekers, I thought…I was mistaken…”
”All good, brother! The truth is, I want to join the Tempest-Sun Mages and rain fiery destruction down on my foes, but the branch’s obligation to defend the Magaambya has left me unwilling to commit. I don’t want to be tied down, you know? I want to see the world! So for now, I’m satisfying myself with learning how to survive and thrive in any circumstances by studying under the Rain-Scribes.”
Patizamo smiles as Mariana mentions the studies pursued by the Cascade Bearers. ”That is good to know. I am sure that I will be better able to refine my technique under the excellent tutelage here at the Magaambya than trying to learn on my own. I will definitely consider joining the Cascade Bearers.”
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”Oh, don’t worry. Not all Cascade Bearers study combat theory like me,” Mariama says. ”Just look at Chizire! That cat doesn’t have a physical bone in his body! Just drinks and sleeps all the time. Honestly, I don’t know how he does as well in class as he does! Anyway, there is plenty of room in the branch for more cerebral thinkers.”
Mokhasi blinks slowly, then nods, ”yes, but nonetheless, it is something to consider. A mountain may not plan for an avalanche,
. Thank you, Mariama.” He bows slightly and looks contemplative, into the distance.
Haibram and Mariama chat with you for a bit longer. Eventually, you turn in for the night.
***
The next morning, you find Esi Djana waiting for you after breakfast. ”Morning, o!” Esi bobs her umbrella in greeting. “It’s only me today. As I told you before, I’m the only one of us who plans to join the Tempest-Sun Mages. That’s the branch that defends Nantambu and the people around the city from outside threats, big and small. Today, you’re going to help us with a very small threat. Some gremlins have gotten into one of the school’s storage rooms. I want you to get them out without harming them.
“I mean it,” Esi adds with emphasis. “They’re sour little pests, but they haven’t done anything except throw some jars around and be obnoxious. The Magaambya doesn’t approve of killing anyone just because of who they are. A student was even expelled because of it, back before I came here.
“Between you and me, I don’t think anyone will mind much if you gave one or two a whack to the head, but get them out of the storage room and release them off the grounds—really, it’s probably best to release them outside of Nantambu entirely. And while I am not entirely clear on the distinction between gremlin types, I have been told that these gremlins are called pugwampis.”
Raknar remembers that pugwampi gremlins are fey creatures that cause misfortune to nearby creatures. He also recalls that pugwampis have an obsessive love of gnolls.
Patizamo frowns as he tries to think of a way for them to lure the gremlins out of the supply closet. ”Does anyone know what kind of food pugwampis like?”
Raknar grunts. ”Filthy Fey of foul fortunes. They will be a nuisance to be rid of. Though, they are quite fond of gnolls…perhaps we could enlist our bashful companion to accompany us?”
Patizamo says, "We can try, but Anchor Root is very shy. I do not know if she would agree to this, especially since we are asking her to act as bait. That may also result in the pugwampis following her back here, bringing ill luck to the dorm in general."
Baldrek agrees with Patizamo's assessment. "Also, Root has already passed through the tasks we are facing. Perhaps we should come to a solution that requires our own resources."
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Mokhasi arches his fingers and purses his lips, then puts the two index fingers up against his mouth, pressed together, as if lost in thought. ”Food, or some other incentive, seems to me is the only way to get them to leave peacefully. Which should be our goal in all endeavors.” He gestures a bit, ”I know little about them - all of my reading before now was based on esoteric sources. I must resolve to learn more about the natural world and the inhabitants it seems.” He sighs, with mild consternation.
The gremlin-infested storage room is one of six rooms in a large storage barn on campus. The main door to the barn is open, but a broom handle stuck sideways through infested storage room’s door keeps it jammed shut. From the outside, the you can easily open the door.
The storage room is semi-circular in shape with a 10-foot-high ceiling. The room has two sets of shelves, one 3 feet off the ground and one 7 feet off the ground. Though the room has no windows, a trio of sunrods have spilled out of a gnawed barrel, illuminating the chamber with bright light. Several broken jars litter the floor.
As you look around, you spot four tiny, dog-faced creatures hiding among the shelves. They growl and yip as they reach for jars to throw at you!
Raknar snarls and rushes into the room, trying to take cover behind a crate until the others can get into position to try and wrangle these frustrating fey.
The pugwampis cackle and hurl jars from he shelf at Raknar. Thanks to his cover, only one projectile grazes the amurrun. The gremlins then take cover as well.
Patizamo moved up to just outside the door and holds up some of the meat they'd picked up from the dining hall. "Who wants some tasty food? Yummy yummy meat. Come and get it, little pugwampi!"
He then moved back shaking the meat to try and get the pugwampi to follow him.
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Mokhasi steadies his breathing and mutters a prayer to Yuelral, then steps into the doorway.
Mokhasi stays a little further away than Patizamo, but and waves some cured meat at the little creatures as well, from the doorway, ”yes, my friends, the first one who follows me outside and into the forest may have this plump sausage. It is the most delicious of sausage styles as far as I know.” Mokhasi believes this is true, having chosen a choice-looking one from the dining hall. ”I may even have more - for an intrepid being of noble bearing!”
While the others try to lure the gremlins out, Baldrek readies himself to catch any jar thrown his way.
The pugwampis don't seem to understand your words, but they understand the allure of tasty food! Two of the pugwampis leap down from the shelf and rush past Raknar, following Mokhasi and Patizamo in an attempt to get the meat from them.
The other two pop out from hiding and throw more jars before ducking back into cover, but neither projectile come close to hitting any of you.
Raknar breaks cover after the first two wander out after the food, trying to snatch up one of the ones that refused to go along.
Even if not in danger of being hit, Baldrek tries to grab the jars, not wanting to waste its contents.
Patizamo continues holding up the meat and waving it, drawing the pugwampi to follow him towards the bridges off the Magaambya and maybe even out of Nantambu.
The two pugwampis continue to chase after Mokhasi and Patizamo. The pair is able to keep ahead of the slavering gremlins, luring them across the campus grounds.
Meanwhile, Baldrek catches the jars, preventing them from breaking. Raknar snatches up one of the remaining pugwampis, who yips and struggles in vain to escape the hold. The last gremlin breaks a bottle over the catfolk’s head!
Baldrek looks around for any container large enough to lock the gremlins Raknar is catching.
Raknar held the first pugwampi by the scruff of its neck firmly before darting over and snatching up the other loose one in a similar manner with his free hand.
He looks to Baldrek and asks ”Find a box?”
Baldrek finds a large enough crate to contain the gremlins. Raknar snatches up the other pugwampi and places both of the shrieking and struggling creatures into the box before Baldrek slams the lid shut. He holds it in place as the two of them carry the trapped gremlins out of the storeroom!
They are able to deposit them far away from campus. The gremlins shout curses and shake their fists before scurrying off. Likewise, Mokhasi and Patizamo lead their hungry pursuers out of the city before finally tossing them the meat and returning to the academy as the pugwampis feast.
Esi is pleased when you report your success. ”Well done! The Tempest-Sun Mages would be happy to count any of you among their number! Your task for today is complete. Tomorrow, you’ll be helping out the Cascade Bearers!”
"It turns out that, like most creatures, pugwampi enjoy eating food and are perfectly content to be lured out that way," Patizamo smiles.
Raknar stepped in behind Patizamo, directly beside Baldrek, before shaking the water off his fur. He then added ”Well, half of them. Don’t forget I had to wrangle the other half myself and shove them in a crate to get them out.”
That night, as you are relaxing in Spire Dorm's common area, a pair of large spiders the size of dogs suddenly emerge from one of the hallways! They jump about the room, chattering and laughing in strangely childlike voices. "Hey! New students!"
"Whatcha doing?"
"Whatcha reading?"
"Play with us! Play with us!"
After a few moments, a middle-aged woman with a long-suffering look on her face. "Zachva! Zandi! Stop pestering them!" She intones a spell, and ephemeral, telekinetic strands shoot forth from her hands, grabbing each of the spiders and dragging them back to her.
"Aw, mama!" the spiderlings complain.
The woman turns to you with a wan smile. "I apologize for my sons' precociousness. I am Strands-of-Glowing-Dawn Tzeniwe." She bows to you with steepled fingers, the spiders clinging to her back.
Raknar had stretched out next to the fireplace, drying himself and basking in the warmth when the talking spiders entered and approached! He sprung over to all fours, bracing his legs in anticipation to pounce when the woman walked in. His posture did not change, and he asked ”What are those things!?!?”
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Mokhasi shakes his head and sighs, ”I have not met any of your people before now. It is a pleasure.” He stands up slowly and extends his hand politely ”I mean - it is my pleasure to meet you, Zachva, Zandi, and …Tzeniwe?” He smiles toothily at the woman and her children, ”my name is Mokhasi.” He also bows to them with his hands extended, his braids flopping into his eyes. He stands up and brushes the braids out of his eyes out again. ”Are you also a student miss Tzeniwe?”
Tzeniwe frowns a bit at Raknar’s reaction, but she doesn’t seem surprised by it. ”I apologize if our appearance has startled you. We mean you no harm. We are anadis, spiders capable of taking human form.”
She returns Mokhasi’s bow. ”Yes, I am a student here, a member of the Emerald Boughs. Advanced education is not common among my people, but I came to the Magaambya to pursue one in the hopes of passing that education down to my children. My rambunctious, misbehaving children.”
Zachva and Zandi seem unperturbed by their mother’s disapproval, giggling as they clamber around her body.
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Mokhasi shakes his head, ”children must play - it’s how they learn. I have known a handful in my time - but they grew faster than me. I look old, but I am quite young myself.” He laughs, ”perhaps we have more in common than meets the eye.” He smiles at the kids, ”I do not know many games - but I will play one with you if you teach me!” He folds his hands in front of himself and looks toward Zachva and Zandi.
”Yay! Game time!” Zachva shouts, leaping in the air.
”Do you know how to play ampe? We will show you! It is fun!” Zandi exclaims.
Much like Raknar, Baldrek is startled when the spiders appear. He always disliked spiders, even if he was not deadly afraid of them. As Tzeniwe introduced herself, Baldrek did the same, polite but distant. "Nice to meet you. I am Baldrek Zar'Zaron."
He doesn't join the game, thinking how to cope with his prejudice against people that are spiders.
Patizamo has no idea how to react when the spiders suddenly erupt into the room. He looks about with a confused look. They weren’t actively hostile, but…still.
He’d never heard of Anadi, but if Tzeniwe was a student here, he guessed they couldn’t be all that bad. ”It is nice to meet you. I am Patizamo. May I also play your game?”