Chimwemwe peers at the word scorched onto the wall. "It appears there is a motive beyond pyromania," he comments. Listening to what Alrinkiri and Akoril have found, he sets out on his own investigation of the area.
Alrinkiri and Akoril hear that a middle-aged human man wearing patchy leathers and reeking of sulfur loitered around all three areas.
Ahassunu remembers a man named Ubanu, a hot-tempered applicant who, despite several tries, never earned admission to the school.
Chimwemwe notes the smell of sulfur here, tinged with ozone. He has smelled that smell from Ignaci's alchemy lab too.
Akoril muses outloud "That gives us an obvious suspect, but these things are rarely that simple. Maybe we should talk with Ignaci and they might be able to tell us more about the fire at least."
"Honestly, it likely smells like my room at times, so I'm not jumping to conclusions," Chimwemwe says. "Let's investigate the other places now. More evidence may help us sort this out."
You go to the second location and decipher the following:
YOUR
And the first:
PAY
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"Debts your pay?" wonders Akoril outloud.
"I think we may, hmm, may have investigated in the opposite order," Chimwemwe comments. "So debts? That does not make much sense with the story Ahassunu told us. I wonder if that's a false lead." He furrows his brow. "Ignaci might have, hmm, no, I shouldn't speculate in public, but he's someone we should at least talk to."
"Yes. We should begin canvassing for information about this Ubanu as well, to verify whether he is connected."
You canvass and hear about a man named Ubanu who sells reagents. but no one know s he lives.
Back at the dorms, the Vidrian alchemist is grumbling to himself as he rewrites that day's notes for the third time because the first one had a spelling error, and then he spilled tea on the corner of one page of the second set. Which class is impossible to tell, as the notes are also encoded in one of Ignaci's personal ciphers.
Make a check of some sort to butter up Ignaci. For example, talking shop about alchemy to segway into the topic of the fires and the name you heard.
"Ignacio, you always have your ear to the ground and know everything that's going on around here. We could really use your help with something."
Soomdevi chats with Ignaci about what he noticed people were wearing while he was around town, and what fashion trends they could then predict for the upcoming season.
The latest movement is the "Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People” — of which I'm a member. We Vidrians and others who've suffered under the yoke of colonialism are taking the fashion of our oppressors and making it our own. In my case, vastly improving upon it with exuberant flamboyance that shatters the seriousness and severity of Chelaxian garb. It's how to dress as a modern cosmopolitan person.
He gestures at his outfit: a black jacket patterned with pinwheels of color, and neon yellow pants and a collared shirt.
I didn't think you were canny enough to recognize this. You and Noxolo are so goth, I can give you some pointers on ambiance and elegance any time.
"Ignacio, you always have your ear to the ground and know everything that's going on around here. We could really use your help with something."
Wisps explains the situation. Ignaci nods, happy for the diplomatic compliment. He knows it's also true.
I may have heard of this Ubanu… but he sells the ingredients for bombs which are forbidden from being crafted or sold on campus. I would hate to think you suspect me of such a thing. He smiles innocently.
I can help you though, I know someone who may occasionally be supplied by Ubanu. I'll take you if you like. She won't talk to you without me.
"That we be great," Chimwemwe says. "The number of uses for accelerants beyond bombs is limited only by a creator's imagination, so of course we don't think you'd be making bombs--outside of approved experimentation labs because I am ceetain that a plethora of alchemists have come through the Magaambya. We're investigating fires that were left behind. Do you know if anyone owes Ubanu or your "someone" a debt?"
As I said I know someone who knows him. Do you want me to take you to them?
"Yes, please do."
Akoril nods as well.
"It is lucky for us that you are willing to accompany us, in that case. We will do our best not to make you regret it." Not wishing to embarrass Ignaci, Alrinkiri chooses not to mention how nervous he seems.
"A familiar introduction would be useful though," Chimwemwe says, not sensing whatever Soomdevi is.
Ignaci rolls his eyes at Soomdevi. "You’re CLUELESS without me. I have an old contact from the days — during the Revolution in Vidrian. We’ve known each other for a long time." Ignaci looks off into the distance for a few moments, lost in memories. "She will help you if I ask nicely. Because she trusts me. But you’ll owe me." He takes out a bird feather token and whispers something into it before releasing it. "Let’s go."
Ignaci slips out of campus through a side gate under Ibex’s watchful gaze. He takes a circuitous route through the city, cutting through back alleyways and backtracking. You duck under low bridges, and across a rickety plank on the outskirts of the city before entering the jungle on a dirt path. Ignaci moves too quickly for much conversation.
Finally, you make to a small and secluded cabin out in the forest. Here, a Vidrian woman of Chelaxian Heritage is packing crates into a wagon. She turns and smiles sadly at her friend.
"Ahh IGNACIO… you came right on time, as usual, just like the little bird said you would."
Ignaci pauses at the entrance to the clearing.
Wisps and Alrinkiri sense something here is VERY wrong. It's almost as if the woman is giving a signal by saying Ignaci's more formal name. Scanning the forest for danger, they spot a strange-looking eagle perched in the trees behind the cabin. Its massive wings are jet black and tipped with yellow, like flickering flames. Its red eyes sparkle.
The woman has a tear in her eye. She whispers: "I’m sorry," and turns away.
Ignaci's eyes go wide. "No—"
A bowstring snaps on the rooftop. A black-and-red feathered arrow flies through the air.
… the arrow drives itself in Ignaci's chest so deep it protrudes from his back. He falls to the ground, dying. The arrow-tip drips with venom.
Ignaci's throat begins to turn purple. It seems this assassin knows about his allergy to bee venom.
The assassin — a masked elf — speaks calmly. "You've done well betraying your dear friend, Pacula." The woman who gave the signal hangs her head in shame. "And earned your reward."
Pacula — that seems to be the name of Ignaci's friend — cries in pain as she takes an arrow in the leg. She stumbles away, trailing blood. She won't get far.
"No witnesses. Kreekos, kill!" The terrible eagle spreads its wings… but first, Alrinkiri gets to act.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
???
➤ Alrinkiri
Kreekos the Fiendish Eagle
Wisps
Soomdevi
⠀⠀Blinks
Akoril
Chimwemwe
Ignaci
Alrinkiri instinctively crouches low as the bow-string twangs. Seeing the their classmate fall, however, they snap into action, quickly drawing a scroll from a pouch and reading it, causing healing magic to flow into the alchemist.
Ignaci coughs blood as his eyes flutter open. Damn. This is why… trust… no one…
A hoarse cry from the fiendish eagle — it sounds positively devilish! The hellfire-colored creature launches itself from the tree and up into the air before dive-bombing at Chim from 120 feet in the air!
The claws scrape along the inventor's armor. With a scream of frustration, Kreekos soars back up into the air, behind the group.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
???
Alrinkiri
Kreekos the Fiendish Eagle
➤ Wisps
➤ Soomdevi
⠀⠀➤ Blinks
➤ Akoril
➤ Chimwemwe
Ignaci
Akoril's mask slips from their forehead down over their eyes as the feathers sharpen into near shimmering spikes as Akoril draws their bow and returns fire at the elevated archer, trying to get into their assailant's mind.
The sudden buffeting assault of sulfurous feathers and scratching of talons against his armor brings Chimwemwe out of his confusion by the sudden betrayal and assault. The adrenaline must enhance his precision as he traces the invisible tattoo on the inside of his shield arm. The runes on his armor, his tattoos, and his eyes flare with pale blue light as energy is released into his body.
He glances back at the eagle and then looks to the archer on the roof. With a grim expression, he slaps his mask into place and then manipulates several points on his armor. He slaps the middle of his chest, causing sparks to leap erratically from rune to rune.
Chimwemwe throws his arm toward the archer and releases a raw bolt of lightning across the roof.
Smoke streams off of his pauldrons and vambraces while several runes continue to spark erratically.
The assassin dodges Akoril's shot.
They also dodge the bolt of plasma. Shall we toy with them a bit first, Kreekos?
Wisps whispers "Don't worry. We'll get them."
She sends two warning shots at the figure on the roof.
The elf nimble dodges, and the stinger misses.
The magic missiles slam into them. Now that… stings.
They shoot at the illusion with their bow —
— the bee vanishes. Cute trick.
They dash along the rooftop and leap off into the middle of the courtyard, cat falling onto their feet.
Let's play!
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
???
➤ Alrinkiri
Kreekos the Fiendish Eagle
Wisps
Soomdevi
⠀⠀Blinks
Akoril
Chimwemwe
Ignaci
Chimwemwe stops in his movements reaching toward his boots. "Well. Perfect."
Alrinkiri's lights flash a deep blood red and they snarl as they dash around behind the advancing archer, slashing at her as they take up position.
Sadly inter finds their intimidate unsuccessful, as is their strike. It misses by a large margin, but the assassin uses their nimble dodge when targeted.
SCREEEE! Kreekos dives down at Chim again!
Its talons clutch the inventor around his shoulders — he feels slowly lifted into the air, but then he slips from the eagle's grasp because his armor is too heavy!
KRAAWWWW…………K! The squawk of frustration sounds not unlike Lucky bones.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
???
Alrinkiri
Kreekos the Fiendish Eagle
➤ Wisps
➤ Soomdevi
⠀⠀➤ Blinks
➤ Akoril
➤ Chimwemwe
Ignaci
Akoril nods to Soomdevi as their mask's wings unfurl in rainbow glory as Akoril recharges and fires a slowing arrow at the eagle.
Kreekos slows down……… a lot…
The stars on Chimwemwe's palm sparkle as he touches his shoulder. The wounds heal. He will need all his strength to face the assassin.
Though thin trails of smoke still rise from his armor, the runes and tattoos still glow with energy. He lowers his shield and charges at the assassin, trying to crush her between Alrinkiri and his shield.
Wisps does a quick patch on Ignaci.
She moves into the middle of things.
"You thought that you could defeat us! You must not know who we are. You should run, while you still have a chance!"
Wisps Battle medicines Ignaci and then blasts out a dreadful dirge!
Blinks fails to connect.
Ignaci pulls out a syringe. Did you really think I wouldn't walk around with a cure for my allergy!? He stabs it into his neck and pumps himself full of antivenom! Then he crawls over towards a crate to take cover.
The assassin feints against Chim, pretending to strike at him with their bow:
Then they Quick draw their rapier and stab him:
They move away, looking for Ignaci. Where are you, my little chickadee? Your friends are so dull and I'd like to make sure you stay dead!
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
???
➤ Alrinkiri
Kreekos the Fiendish Eagle
Wisps
Soomdevi
⠀⠀Blinks
Akoril
Chimwemwe
Ignaci
Alrinkiri darts after the mobile archer, sliding to a stop beside them and taking advantage of the supernatural fear in their eyes to look for a weak spot.
The assassin nimble dodges, and even frightened Alrinkiri's first attack misses.
The eagle, slowed, dive-bombs the magus!
Blood is drawn.
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
???
Alrinkiri
Kreekos the Fiendish Eagle
➤ Wisps
➤ Soomdevi
⠀⠀➤ Blinks
➤ Akoril
➤ Chimwemwe
Ignaci
Chimwemwe follows after the assassin. He swings the shield at the enemy and then raises it defensively, expecting retaliation. "What could Ignaci have done to deserve murder?"
Akoril gets his arms up too late to stop himself from getting clawed. He quickly zots both assailants with an electric arc.
Before backing off.
The assassin grunts as Chim's shield slams into them. They don’t answer his question. They easily dodge the bolt of plasma. Why waste one's breath on dead witnesses?
Wisps and Soomdevi are up!
Wisps chuckles. "You're going to find you need every breath you can get."
Wisps sends a bolt of fire at the frightened assassin.
Wisps' produce fame goes wide by a mile or two.
The assassin grimmaces as their shadow is stolen by a giggling shadow-soomdevi. However they twirl the rapier using their dexterity and not their strength…
Ignaci, still hurt and knowing he's outmatched by this enemy, opens a crate and ducks inside. "I have no choice but to trust you with my life. Don't mess up."
They stab at Chim, who's doing the most damage:
They stab again, trusting their Denial of Advantage to keep them up:
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
???
➤ Alrinkiri
Kreekos the Fiendish Eagle
Wisps
Soomdevi
⠀⠀Blinks
Akoril
Chimwemwe
Ignaci
Alrinkiri slashes twice at the frightened assassin, then raises a defensive ward to protect themself.