Doug's Strength of Thousands Campaign

Game Master Doug Hahn

SoT (Semester 1-4 Year 4): Map & Reference, Quest Board, Handouts, Macros | Loot | Hero Points


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SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Soomdevi:
A shadowy voice chuckles in your ear. I knew you would delight in secrets…

Soomdevi feels something unlock inside his mind. He hears the shovel-snake's shadow-brother hissing under one of the benches. But when he looks, there's nothing there.

Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava breathes in. When she breathes out, she feels a whisper in the air. Who will listen?

Skoril feels his right foot get heavy, and his left hand lighter. Balance and counterbalance in the moment will help him dance across river stones, or shove danger away with his club.

Teacher Ot turns to Alrinkiri, wondering what they will choose.


"Kiri" | They/Them | N automaton rogue 12 | hp 128/128 | Hero Points 1/3 | AC 30 (31 w/shield); F+18 R+24 (evasion) W+18 (↺Resist Magic) | Resist acid 5 | Speed 30ft (35ft when hands free) | Prepared Spells: 1st force barrage, heal, 2nd invisibility, revealing light, 3rd heal (3rd), time jump, 4th mercurial stride | Perception +19M; darkvision; 1/hour see invis: available | Focus Points: 1/1 | Restorative Familiar 6d6: 1/1 | Current conditions: | ◆◇↺

Alrinkiri observers their new classmates, gauging both their choices and any lingering reaction to Alrinkiri themself. "I have come seeking the secrets of my past" they say after Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava speaks. "I too shall choose the lips."


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

I hope you will find them. Teacher Ot stands, brushig off his robes.

At the Magaambya, we seek to understand our differences. Where others might dismiss a trait as irrelevant or troublesome, we understand that the things that make us unique in life are key to who we are as people. And it is who we are as people that defines our magic. Sometimes, it is things that are different about us, things that societies have taught us to hate, that show what our talent will be. To the north, people say that children with white or red hair have strong potential for magic. Here in Nantambu, we recognize that left-handed people are skilled at undoing spells. One student of mine is terrified of butterflies, even though he considers it ridiculous. Yet in exchange for this fear of fluttering whimsy, he has one of the most orderly minds for games and strategy that I have ever seen.

Sometimes, we do not understand our magic, and that lack of understanding causes pain. People who are uncomfortable in their own skin are incredible shapechangers but often feel unsettled until they recognize the shape they were meant to be. Those who feel an urge to jump from high places often become frightened of themselves, but they are simply channeling the untrained will to fly.

Sometimes, our talents are not revealed by happy means,” Teacher Ot face becomes somber, and he continues, “One student here had a family who planned her life out from birth to death, punishing her when she deviated the slightest bit. She only found freedom in the thought of her grave, and as a result, the dead began to speak to her. Here, she has freedom to choose her own path, but her necromancy remains strong.

I want you to ask yourselves: what about you defines you, even if others rarely notice it? Is there something inside you that pulls at you, perhaps defying rational explanation? Thus, I return to my first question: who are you, and how can that person best be guided to grow?


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

Chimwemwe frowns in thought. He slowly fiddles with his puzzle box in both hands as he considers the question. I am the son of a witch and an engineer, but that is not whoI am. He looks down at the colored tiles that make up the floor of the gazebo, which inspires an idea. His head wobbles side to side as he fashions an answer in his mind. After several silent false starts and a long pause, he says, "I am the composite of my experiences." No. That doesn't sound right. My experience biases me, but that is still not who. Too late.

He purses his lips for a moment. "I'm not sure how to answer the second part." He glances at Teacher Ot and then down at his lap where he resumes fiddling with the puzzle box.


M Gnoll Magus 12 | HP 152/152| AC 32 | F +21 R +20 W +18(S>CS) | Perception +15, Low Light Vision, Scent(30)

Akoril nods [i]My parents say I'm too impulsive... was I too impulsive? I bet I was too impulsive."[i]

Shaking his head back into focus mid lecture from Ot he finds himself off guardat the question "I am Akoril, the elven magics weave their ways through my soul."

Akoril however dodges the second question.


"Kiri" | They/Them | N automaton rogue 12 | hp 128/128 | Hero Points 1/3 | AC 30 (31 w/shield); F+18 R+24 (evasion) W+18 (↺Resist Magic) | Resist acid 5 | Speed 30ft (35ft when hands free) | Prepared Spells: 1st force barrage, heal, 2nd invisibility, revealing light, 3rd heal (3rd), time jump, 4th mercurial stride | Perception +19M; darkvision; 1/hour see invis: available | Focus Points: 1/1 | Restorative Familiar 6d6: 1/1 | Current conditions: | ◆◇↺

"I am I, and I am here. That I can say for certain."


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Teacher Ot notes that you dodge the second question. I still struggle with the second part, at times. I am still growing and learning, too!

He reaches into his pocket and produces a few yellow-and-blue beads made of durable glass. As students of the Magaambya you are expected to wear a string of beads at all times. As he talks, he hands one to each of you. These strings identify you as initiates. They let everyone know you represent our school. He hands each of you a length of hemp twine. Please, begin your string with my bead to show everyone that Takalu Ot has admitted you to the Magaambya. He grins. Welcome!

You can wear the string however you want or incorporate it into your outfit; you will be getting more beads throughout this book and may want to track them.

Teacher Ot points through the pouring rain. In the near distance, you can see four fifty-foot high pillars of stone, rising from the corners of the low building. That is Spire Dormitory, where you will stay while you are students at the Magaambya. There are other students there too, and I am sure you are excited to go socialize — he claps — class dismissed!

He walks off into the rain, waving goodbye. You are free to explore the campus (though without Ot's protection it will be a very wet endeavor), or head to the dorms and get settled in.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

"Thank you, Teacher Ot," Chimwemwe says. He threads the twine through the bead and then ties the string into a loop hanging off of his belt. "Oh!" He hastily packs and secures his things before hefting his pack onto his back. Grabbing his spear, he eyes the rain and seems to be counting something. When the moment seems right, he makes a dash through the downpour toward the dormitory.

The speed with which he moves despite the bulk of his belongings reveals his strength.


"Kiri" | They/Them | N automaton rogue 12 | hp 128/128 | Hero Points 1/3 | AC 30 (31 w/shield); F+18 R+24 (evasion) W+18 (↺Resist Magic) | Resist acid 5 | Speed 30ft (35ft when hands free) | Prepared Spells: 1st force barrage, heal, 2nd invisibility, revealing light, 3rd heal (3rd), time jump, 4th mercurial stride | Perception +19M; darkvision; 1/hour see invis: available | Focus Points: 1/1 | Restorative Familiar 6d6: 1/1 | Current conditions: | ◆◇↺

Alrinkiri stands up on their hind legs long enough to secure the bead snugly around their neck so that it is held in place between two flexible tubes. They run a few steps, drop down to all four to run a few more, stand once more to make a slight adjustment to the twine, then nod, satisfied. Noticing some puzzled looks, they hesitate a moment, then explain "while I am glad to wear this bead, I do not wish for it to clatter and draw attention." With that, they fold their cloak and tuck it into a small oilcloth pack worn tightly on their left flank and sit on their haunches, unbothered by the rain but unsure where to go next.

Horizon Hunters

NG Fetchling Dhampir Shadowcaster Witch 10 | HP 98/98| AC 25| F: +17, R: +17, W: +17| Perc: +17 | Focus Points: 3 | Speed 25ft | Spell DC: 29 | Active conditions: None
GM Doug H wrote:


I want you to ask yourselves: what about you defines you, even if others rarely notice it? Is there something inside you that pulls at you, perhaps defying rational explanation? Thus, I return to my first question: who are you, and how can that person best be guided to grow?

Soomdevi's first thought is: I hear voices. But he says, "The shadows speak to me. And I don't mean that like a metaphor. I mean they really do."

As for the second question, he says, "I think it's best to just be straight forward with me, and tell me the truth about things. I can handle it."

He accepts his bead gladly, almost with relief. He hangs it around his neck, and shows it to Soot with some pride.


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N female anadi (polychromatic anadi) bard 12 | HP 140/140 | AC 30 | F +18 R +19 W +22 | Perc +22 (spiritsight) | Stealth +4 | Speed:30 ft | Active Conditions: ---

Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava looks around carefully, then performs a transformation of her own. Suddenly, an enormous spider in many colors appears before the group.

Her voice is the same as in her other form.

"I am Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava. I wear a mask so much that it is a part of me. I weave stories. I make friends. I keep secrets. There is much more power to stories and words than many realize. The stories do not only remember the world, but shape it. This power is in me, but I wish to wield it in a good way, that helps others, and not just for my own benefit."

The spider extends a limb forward and takes the bead, then presses it next to her head. She transforms back, and one of her colorful braids now neatly threads the bead.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

Chimwemwe pauses in the rain and looks upwards. He raises his hand and speaks a word that is imperceptible at the distance and in the downpour. "ਸ਼ੀਲਡ!" There is a crackle of blue energy and then, at least for a brief while, the rain is diverted over his head by an invisible disc. He looks back, already soaked from his hasty dash toward the dorms and shouts, "I should have thought of this earlier!"

He continues towards the dormitory at a more leisurely pace. However, before long, the invisible disc seems to vanish and the rain falls on him once more. With a jump, he starts running once more.


M Gnoll Magus 12 | HP 152/152| AC 32 | F +21 R +20 W +18(S>CS) | Perception +15, Low Light Vision, Scent(30)

Akoril takes a spare bow string, doubles it over itself for a better length and adds the bead before wearing it as a necklace.

From there Akroil hurries to dorms, needing to relive himself something fierce by now.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Teacher Ot grins at Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava. Everyone can be whoever they want to be here. You might be pleased to meet Strands-of-glowing-dawn Tzeniwe and her children. He turns. But I will let them introduce themselves!

☀☀☀

You make your way across campus to the dormitory. The campus can be explored later… when it isn't raining.

As you approach, a young woman trots out, shielding her head with a silk umbrella reinforced with dry reeds; she carries a satchel of more umbrellas. Above, the four stone spires rise until they are lost in the mist.

You’re the new students, o? She notes that each of you have a Teacher Ot's bead on display… except Alrinkiri, who's hidden theirs. She shakes her head at them. Sorry, only students are allowed inside the dorms. Campus regulation. She hands out umbrellas, including one to Alrinkiri, whom she addresses. You can keep dry going home at least. You don't have to give it back, o!

Art on slide 2. I will include each student's name, specialty, and chosen branch even though you might not know all that quite yet.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

Chimwemwe accepts the umbrella and expands it over his head. "Thank you," he says, forgetting to introduce himself. "Alrinkiri is one of us."


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

I'm Esi, by the way, she says as she hands the umbrella to Chimwemwe.

She peers at Alrinkiri. Did you space out and lose it already? Teacher Ot can get you a new one, it's no problem. Last time Mariama forgot her beads she went to town, got drunk, and accidentally started a cult. That is the kind of thing that happens when people think you're a teacher instead of a student of the Magaambya. We have to be responsible, o.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

Chimwemwe arches an eyebrow, wondering if Esi is joking. "I'm Chimwemwe."


M Gnoll Magus 12 | HP 152/152| AC 32 | F +21 R +20 W +18(S>CS) | Perception +15, Low Light Vision, Scent(30)

Akoril tries to respond with elegance but it comes out as more of a bark "Akoril."

Horizon Hunters

NG Fetchling Dhampir Shadowcaster Witch 10 | HP 98/98| AC 25| F: +17, R: +17, W: +17| Perc: +17 | Focus Points: 3 | Speed 25ft | Spell DC: 29 | Active conditions: None

Soomdevi introduces himself and takes an umbrella.

”Although I don’t know if it matters at this point,” he says, looking down at his soaking wet clothes.

But once the umbrella is opened, Soot crawls out from Soomdevi’s hood to look around, and Soomdevi does feel relieved, perhaps even optimistic, without the constant weight of rain falling on him.

”How do I get to start a cult?” he asks, flashing his fangs when he smiles.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

Chimwemwe looks over at Soomdevi and chuckles, certain that he must be joking. Hands now full--one with his spear and now one with an umbrella--he glances at the heavy satchel at his side and then to Esi. "Hmm, could we see our rooms? Unpack our things?" he asks.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Spoiler:
Chimwemwe's Perception (T): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Akoril's Perception (T): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Soomdevi's Perception (T): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Curling Wisps of Smoke Reliava's Perception (E): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Alrinkiri's Perception (E): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Chimwemwe wrote:
Chimwemwe arches an eyebrow, wondering if Esi is joking.

Akori thinks she's joking about the cult but the rest of you sense that Esi is a genuine person —not the kind to tell lies.

The beads are essentially your uniform, essentially. NPCs may be put off or confused if you are hiding them, and you are expected to wear them in town as representatives and students of the school. Perhaps one of you can help Alrinkiri find a way to wear theirs without them clattering around.

Soomdevi wrote:
”How do I get to start a cult?” he asks, flashing his fangs when he smiles.

Esi rolls her eyes. By being irresponsible? By being a chaos magnet? She sighs. I shouldn't gossip.

Chimwemwe wrote:
Chimwemwe looks over at Soomdevi and chuckles, certain that he must be joking. Hands now full--one with his spear and now one with an umbrella--he glances at the heavy satchel at his side and then to Esi. "Hmm, could we see our rooms? Unpack our things?" he asks.

Right, o. She begins walking with you up the gravelly path. You don't have rooms assigned. You pick them… all the good ones are taken, though. I'll show you around.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

A catfolk sprawls beneath the eaves of the dormitory building, a sliced and sticky mango laying on a cloth on his chest. He looks up from licking the juice off his fingers, his mouth spreading into a toothy smile. Care for some mango? he says cheerfully while gesturing idly to the fruit. Or if you’d prefer something to cheer you up from the rain, I have some wine brewing back in my room.

Ugh! Don’t offer them your moonshine! Esi scolds. She gestures at the lounging cat. This is Chizire. Don’t become a slacker like him.

The cat nibbles on another slice of mango. Mmmm. I don’t need to study. Amurruns have the best magic, everyone says so. Esi here is trying to run the entire school. Even playing teacher for the new students, it looks like.

Esi blows out a sharp breath. Koride told me to get them settled. Said that handling the new students was our job.

Fft. Do we look like attendants to her? Not yet, we aren’t, Chizire replies, turning his attention back to peeling the skin off another slice of mango. Esi waits for a moment before scuffing her foot at Chizire tail and then stepping over him to go inside. Mango slides tumble to the ground. OW!

Art on slide 2


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

"I'm Chimwemwe," he says to the amurrun. Considering the mango, he adds, "Maybe later." He watches Esi step over Chizire, and then looks back to the catfolk. He seems reluctant to step over he just met, but he very much wants to get inside. The conflict plays out across his expressions. He delays the action by squatting down, trying to prop his spear with his left hand while not stabbing a hole in the umbrella, and helping to pick up the scattered mango slices for Chizire. "Sorry."

Horizon Hunters

NG Fetchling Dhampir Shadowcaster Witch 10 | HP 98/98| AC 25| F: +17, R: +17, W: +17| Perc: +17 | Focus Points: 3 | Speed 25ft | Spell DC: 29 | Active conditions: None

"Some wine would be great, actually," Soomdevis says, looking down at Chizire. "Do I just go help myself or what?"


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Chizire gets comfortable again and yawns while Chimwemwe picks up the mangoes. He looks at Soomdevi. Mmm. My beautiful tail can only take so much abuse. Better give Esi what she wants… which isn't getting drunk on her tour, I can tell you that. Chizire accepts a slice from Chimwemwe, brushes it off, and places it on the cloth. Anyway, it's a little early and these mangoes are delightful.


"Kiri" | They/Them | N automaton rogue 12 | hp 128/128 | Hero Points 1/3 | AC 30 (31 w/shield); F+18 R+24 (evasion) W+18 (↺Resist Magic) | Resist acid 5 | Speed 30ft (35ft when hands free) | Prepared Spells: 1st force barrage, heal, 2nd invisibility, revealing light, 3rd heal (3rd), time jump, 4th mercurial stride | Perception +19M; darkvision; 1/hour see invis: available | Focus Points: 1/1 | Restorative Familiar 6d6: 1/1 | Current conditions: | ◆◇↺

Alrinkiri looks puzzled for a moment at Esi's question about their missing bead, but before they can respond they've been handed an umbrella. Seeing their new classmates open them, Alrinkiri stands up on their hind legs and does the same, though you get the distinct impression they haven't used one before. After a moment, you hear them mutter "Oh, the bead!" and reach for their neck. Feeling along the cord, they realize that the bead from teacher Ot has slipped around to the back of their neck and is held their by the tension of the cord. "Sorry, I have it here, hold on." After a few moments of awkwardly trying to retie the cord while holding the umbrella, including one loud *thunk* of reed against metal, the bead from Teacher Ot is visible once again. "Thank you for the umbrella. I am called Alrinkiri."

Arriving at the dormitory building, they fold the umbrella and lean it against the wall under the eave. They nod in greeting when introduced to Chizire, declining his offer of mango and wine, and seem content to wait and follow their new classmates inside.

Horizon Hunters

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NG Fetchling Dhampir Shadowcaster Witch 10 | HP 98/98| AC 25| F: +17, R: +17, W: +17| Perc: +17 | Focus Points: 3 | Speed 25ft | Spell DC: 29 | Active conditions: None

"Wow," Soomdevi says when he realizes Chizire's offer was insincere. "Like I could get drunk off a glass of wine. But I see how it is."

He follows Esi inside without giving the amurrun another glance.


N female anadi (polychromatic anadi) bard 12 | HP 140/140 | AC 30 | F +18 R +19 W +22 | Perc +22 (spiritsight) | Stealth +4 | Speed:30 ft | Active Conditions: ---

"Hello, Esi! I am Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava. It's so nice to meet you!"

She accepts a piece of mango from Chizire. She brings it to her mouth with one hand, while covering her mouth with the other as she eats.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

"Sorry," Chimwemwe says as he folds the umbrella and squeezes past Chizire in order to follow Esi.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points
Soomdevi wrote:

"Wow," Soomdevi says when he realizes Chizire's offer was insincere. "Like I could get drunk off a glass of wine. But I see how it is."

He follows Esi inside without giving the amurrun another glance.

Chizire yawns. You aren’t the one whose beautiful tail is in danger of being crushed by Professor Esi. You don’t even have a tail.

He grins. And anyway, my wine packs a punch.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Eli leads the way inside. All the best rooms are taken, of course, you can —

As the first of you steps into what looks like a common room with overstuffed old furniture, a tiny voice squeaks

EEEEEK!

— umm… pick from what's left… Esi trails off as she peers around the room.

A chicken hops up onto the sofa. SQUAWK!

It starts pecking at the stuffing.

DC 14 Perception:
There is a small, aardwolf-faced gnoll trembling behind the couch.

Map of dorms on Slide 1. I am placing NOC tokens as we move through and will add labels for key locaitons.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

Perception:

Perception (T): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"A chicken? Ha!" Chimwemwe says with an amused grin. "My friends will be right at home here if there are other animals in the dorms." He frowns with a sudden thought. "Hopefully, the chicken doesn't eat them. Or get eaten."


"Kiri" | They/Them | N automaton rogue 12 | hp 128/128 | Hero Points 1/3 | AC 30 (31 w/shield); F+18 R+24 (evasion) W+18 (↺Resist Magic) | Resist acid 5 | Speed 30ft (35ft when hands free) | Prepared Spells: 1st force barrage, heal, 2nd invisibility, revealing light, 3rd heal (3rd), time jump, 4th mercurial stride | Perception +19M; darkvision; 1/hour see invis: available | Focus Points: 1/1 | Restorative Familiar 6d6: 1/1 | Current conditions: | ◆◇↺

Perception:
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Alrinkiri glances at the couch, then rises into a bipedal stance an effort (perhaps misguided) to be more approachable. "Are you ok?" they call out, seemingly speaking to the couch.


N female anadi (polychromatic anadi) bard 12 | HP 140/140 | AC 30 | F +18 R +19 W +22 | Perc +22 (spiritsight) | Stealth +4 | Speed:30 ft | Active Conditions: ---

Perception:
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"Hello! Do you need any help back there?"

Horizon Hunters

NG Fetchling Dhampir Shadowcaster Witch 10 | HP 98/98| AC 25| F: +17, R: +17, W: +17| Perc: +17 | Focus Points: 3 | Speed 25ft | Spell DC: 29 | Active conditions: None

Perception:
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Why is there a chicken in here?"

Soomdevi is confused.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Ahh. It's okay, Anchor Root. This is the new cohort. Esi's voice is gentle. Look! There's even another gnoll here. She nods at Akoril.

You can see the tips of the gnoll's ears above the back of the couch; They quiver for long seconds, and then she steps out and dusts herself off. The chicken hops off the couch and circles her feet.

Ummmm… I'm ok. Sorry. She scuffs her feet on the floor. We're just hunting ants. That's why my chicken is here. She's my friend. As if to punctuate this, the chicken pecks at something on the floor and gobbles it up. Sorry if we're in the way.

Esi smiles warmly. You're never in the way. Everyone, this is Anchor Root.

Art on Slide 2


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

"I'm Chimwemwe," he introduces himself to the gnoll, his tall frame inadvertently, imposingly looming. "Are the ants drawn by Chizire's mango wine, by any chance?"


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Ummm… I don't think so… She looks at the floor. But maybe? There are lots of them coming in lately, but Chizire's been making wine for a while now….

The chicken gobbles up another ant.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Esi tsks. And some of us do all their chores, o. She shoots a look to the lounging mango-eater on the porch. We keep the dorm clean.


M Gnoll Magus 12 | HP 152/152| AC 32 | F +21 R +20 W +18(S>CS) | Perception +15, Low Light Vision, Scent(30)

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Akroil reaches his hand down to Anchor Root, "Come, rise up, maybe you can help me pick the best room of what's left..."


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

"I wonder if there's a way to build an enclosure where you could watch the industriousness of ants," he murmurs to himself.


N female anadi (polychromatic anadi) bard 12 | HP 140/140 | AC 30 | F +18 R +19 W +22 | Perc +22 (spiritsight) | Stealth +4 | Speed:30 ft | Active Conditions: ---

"Hello, Anchor Root! I can tell that we're going to be friends." Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke Reliava finds an ant off the ground and offers it to the chicken.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

"Is there a schedule of chores posted somewhere?" Chimwemwe asks Esi. "Or classes? Teacher Ot sent us here right after admitting us, and I was so excited that I did not ask what to do after that." He adds with a thoughtful frown.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points
Akoril wrote:
Akroil reaches his hand down to Anchor Root, "Come, rise up, maybe you can help me pick the best room of what's left..."

Ummm… I might not pick right… but I can try if you want.

Anchor Root solemnly nods at Akroil, promising to do her best. The chicken gobbles up Wisps' ant. Anchor Root moves into the shelter of Esi's shadow; you can tell the two of them are good friends. Perhaps, in time, Wisps will be too.

Chimwemwe wrote:
"Is there a schedule of chores posted somewhere?"

I tried making a list of all the chores, with a rotating schedule. I even hung it up here, in the common room… but someone kept ripping it down. She brightens. Would you like to help make a new list? Maybe we can get this place running smoothly, o! Anchor and I would love some help making an organized list! Wouldn't that be fun?!

Umm… yeah… says Anchor Root. But she frowns.

Chimwemwe wrote:
"Or classes? Teacher Ot sent us here right after admitting us, and I was so excited that I did not ask what to do after that." He adds with a thoughtful frown.

Esi chuckles. You don't get to go to class yet, o! As you must know, Initiates engage in a period of public service called a "Perquisite" before they become attendants and get to craft their mask. We're all Initiates here in Spire Dorm. You're the newest ones, and we're the seniors. That's why we're all going to show you the ropes over the next few days. You won't meet any teachers until you are formally introduced at the Introduction Ceremony. Then, you can begin class!


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Esi leads you around the corner. A door-filled hallway spans the width of the building. These must lead, at long last, to the dorm rooms. At the leftmost end of the hallway is an 4-foot tall drawing of the black‑and‑white mask of Nethys. The words

“All‑Seeing Solutions: Pay in Light, Let the Darkness Show Wisdom!”

are written above it. Metal glints inside the eyes.

A young man is leaning on the wall near the mask, his hands thrust in the pockets of his blue-black jacket. Around his neck is a silk scarf that accents the hue of his eyes. Esi puts her hands on her hips. Collecting silvers from the would-be cheaters, Ignaci?

He feigns hurt. You wound me, Esi. I am merely here, leaning upon on the wall. I have nothing to do with this amazing contraption. As if to prove his innocence, he takes his hands out oif his pockets to show they're empty. He pauses and looks you up and down with a keen eye. I'm Ignaci. You are surely the new cohort.

Art on slide 2, location of interest labeled on map


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

"I could help," Chimwemwe nods. "Maybe if we made assignments according to predilection and aptitude--Oh! We're moving."

He looks down the hall and raises his hand to return Ignaci's greeting. "If initiates don't attend class, who is there to cheat? Surely, Attendants wouldn't rely on initiates for answers?" He says with a naively bemused expression.


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Esi frowns Perhaps I am not being clear. Initiates attend class — some of the other students who live here are in class right now. YOU do not. Not till after the introduction ceremony, which only happens when Teacher Ot says so.

… and some like to try short-cuts. She frowns at the mask. I wouldn't call them 'reliable.' in the least.


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

"Oh," Chimwemwe says succinctly. After a sizeable pause, he asks Esi, "Is Ignaci that smart?"


SoT (Grad School Year 1, Sem. 1): Maps, Handouts, Macros Enmity: Maps & Handouts | Macros | Hero Points

Ignaci smile at Chimwemwe. I'm right here, you know. It's a little rude to talk about people right in front of them.

And I never share my answers with anyone. The mask does. Sometimes. When it works… it's worth it. Just ask Haibram how he passed 'Topologies of Summoning Circles'!


NG male Human (Lirgeni) Inventor 12 | HP 137/152 | AC 34 (36) | F +21 R +18 W +21 (S>CS) (resist acid 9 (11), electricity 9 (11), fire 6 (8), cold 6 (8), piercing 3 | Perc +18 (darkvision) | Stealth +13 | 30 ft | Hero 1/3 | 1st: 2 2nd: 2 3rd: 1 4th: 1 | Halcyon 1 | Astrology 2/3 | ◆ | ◇ | ↺ | sHP: 104/104 | Active Conditions: see invisible, blindness counter (L6, DC 29), blast boosts (7/10), overdrive

Chimwemwe looks down the hall, traces out his arithmetic in the air with his finger, and then frowns pensively. Then he poses the clarifying question to Ignaci, "The mask shares your answers with anyone? Sometimes?"

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