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Ignaci twirls his scarf at the assassin. "To be fair I did say 'Let's interrogate them, then kill them.' You have to listen, Soomdevi. Otherwise, you'll fall even further behind in class."
"Anyway, that is the most efficient order of operations here. After all—" he gestures at the forest around them "— no witnesses."
Pacula cries even harder. "I can tell you what you want to know! Ignaci, Please! I'm so sorry! Ignaci turns his back on her.
"Hmm. That was too subtle," Chimwemwe says as Ignaci explains his concern that the city council or some part of the government, at least, may have been complicit in the assassination attempt.
He forces himself to not chuckle at Soomdevi's diatribe because of the severity of the situation not because Ignaci did not deserve it.
"Then speak," he says to Pacula. "We'll listen."
Ignaci snorts derisively at the idea of "too subtle."
Pacula turns to Chim and grovels. "Sir, please have mercy! I'm an old friend of Ignaci's. Maybe not anymore." this elicits yet another snort from Ignaci. "We were in the Vidric revolution together. Fighting in our own ways. Some of us came out here to start fresh. I have a connect that sells black-market alchemical on the cheap, and Ignaci likes to tinker, so we meet every so often to make a trade and catch up."
Twirling his scarf, Ignaci reminds his friend: "Nothing illegal or forbidden at the Magaambya, such bomb ingredients… right, Pacula?"
She nods eagerly. "Uhhh yes, that's right. Yup." She points at the unconscious assassin, quickly changing subject. "Nairu there's a real killer, sent from Cheliax, just like Ignaci said. I guess you lot are scarier still. See, certain people in Egorian don't like Ignaci, including his family. They disowned him." Ignaci stares hatefully at the assassin.
"Nairu found me a few weeks ago. Said to let them know when I was meeting my dear old comrade Ignaci next, and that it should be off-campus. They tried to scare me by saying they were here with Frogleg's go-ahead. You know who Froglegs is right? Scariest crime lord around."
"I'd rather die than betray someone. Then Nairu said Froglegs also has a connect with a certain someone high up in government — one of the magistrate-mayors no less! They said the "certain someone" would make sure my friends and family suffered and lived in poverty unless I gave up my friend. Their businesses would get shut down. They'd be unable to find honest work. What could I do with Froglegs after me, AND a corrupt government leader on their side? I was afraid, and they were probably gonna get Ignaci anyway…"
"Did they give you the name of this magistrate-mayor? Or any hints about which?"
She shakes her head. "That's the sort of information a crime lord would keep close to their chest. You'd probably have to beat it out of Froglegs. Or maybe Nairu, but they will probably never talk."
Akoril, really struggling with what to do speaks up. "Asanda... I know the magistrate‑mayor Asanada. Maybe they can help."
Ignaci speaks up; he's been quiet for a few moments. "Here is what I will do. And I have a proposal for the rest of you. I've done this spy thing for longer than you have, you know."
"First: I have decided to leave the Magaambya. I'll disappear until this is solved. I can't trust anyone and they might hurt Okoro next."
"Go back to the university and continue tracking down this Ubanu just like you planned to do. Pacula will tell you where he lives, won't you, Pacula?" She nods eagerly, happy to be alive. "Business as usual. Tell everyone we got separated on the way and you don't know where I went off to, but that I was thinking of taking a hiatus from my studies." He twirls the scarf and frowns. "Well most of you aren't very good liars, but at least make it your public statement."
"In the meantime, make this … assassin disappear however you see fit. Or leave them to me."
"With myself and the assassin vanished, it'll buy you time to solve this problem without arousing suspicion from our enemies. Business as usual, but quietly track down Froglegs, then find out who the corrupt official is… pester Asanda, ask the Chime-Ringers — you seem to have extraordinary faith in these public institutions — but use whatever methods you think best. We might not agree on how to get things done, but you get results. That's why you're conversants. That's why I'll trust you."
"Discover why these people want to mess with me and by proxy the Magaambya. Who is the corrupt government official? Killing a student outright doesn't really hold any value to such a person, so this is extraordinary. I have a theory that this whole thing might have been a convenient opportunity to distract university from something else. You need to get to the bottom of it."
"I won't tell you where I'm going. I may be gone for a long time. I'll return again someday, and continue my studies."
"Some of that makes sense," Chimwemwe says. "Well, hmm, all it makes one kind of sense. The name Froglegs keeps showing up in unrelated investigations. They seem to be the, hmm, root of the problem."
He pauses, pulling out one of his puzzle boxes and working it unconsciously. "We don't actually know that anyone in the city is corrupt. The assassin could have been bluffing."
Chimwemwe looks over at the assassin. "The problem is that us killing them or us turning a blind eye to you killing them is the same thing. If we could get more than one councilmember to meet with us to hear Pacula's confession and take Nairu into custody, then, if the corrupt official is real, Froglegs would not be able to leverage them to hurt Pacula's family without showing his hand."
Ignaci considers. "Pacula would be safe because I would be disappeared. They'd have no reason to mess with her. I don't care what you do with Nairu. You could hide them in a cart and sneak them to campus and let Ot deal with them."
"If even one councilmember is corrupt, reporting to them will show your whole hand and put us in danger of getting killed all over again. Froglegs was a priority for the Chime Ringers last semester, and they couldn't root them out. I don't see why this time around would be any different." He shakes his head. "Until these threats are eliminated, I'll go to ground thank you very much. Having grown up under the yoke of despotic colonists, I have a bit less faith in government institutions than you do, Chimwemwe."
Pacula nods. "Me too. I'd rather hide than talk to the Chime Ringers or the Magistrates."
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”Wait, what? No, you can’t leave the Magaambya! If you leave, that’s like letting this magistrate win. What about hanging out? And the parties, and the oracle? Who’s going to help me with my clothes? And Mariama and Noxolo, are you going to leave without saying goodbye? They’re going to be so upset!”
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"Hmm. No, no. If your, hmm, if your family wants you dead, then--," Chimwemwe frowns and furrows his brow. "I can't even imagine how that would make me feel. That's terrible. No, you should, hmm, go where you need to go to feel safe. I'm sorry that it is not the Magaambya. If only we could fake your death..."
"Hm. Your plan has some wisdom to it, if you are willing to bear that personal cost." Alrinkiri pauses in thought for a moment before continuing. "I think Ignaci is right that we need more information before going to the government officials, including hopefully some idea of who can and can't be trusted. We might be able to get some advice in that matter from Ot or from Janitamo, but I think tracking down Ubanu should continue to be our next step. That was our plan in coming here in the first place."
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”Who’s going to help me with my clothes? And Mariama and Noxolo, are you going to leave without saying goodbye? They’re going to be so upset!”
"Sadly they'll probably become goths with just you around to influence them. Soomdevi, just make sure to tell Okoro the truth, and that I —" Ignaci looks away. He'll never let anyone see him cry.
"— never mind. He knows how I feel."
" If only we could fake your death..."
The spy composes himself after a few moments, and grins at Chimwemwe. "Now THAT sounds like a plan."
"It would work best with illusions and enchantments, but I am not skilled with those," Chimwemwe murmurs. "There are poisons and venoms that can cause a person to appear dead, but they are uncommon and can be dangerous. Hmm. The thermoelectrical channeling that powers my armor--. Maybe a device that could slow or mask the flow of energy in a body. Or there is magic that can reshape corpses, I read during one of my necromancy classes." His brow furrows deeper and deeper. He glances at the assassin to make sure she is unconscious. "If I had my wish, we would make it seem as though Ignaci succumbed to the bee poison despite his efforts and have the assassin wake to witness us preparing to carry his corpse back. Then we turn them in--hmm, or no. That might result in the desired result if Ignaci's hypothesis that someone is trying to create a distraction by killing a Magaambyan student here. Hmm. I suppose we could just lie about it while Ignaci hides, but he has a point about us being terrible liars."
"I have little experience and no helpful magical ability in this area, so I will trust you to decide on the best course of action" Alrinkiri says, their expression unreadable as always. "I am going to escort Pacula here out of earshot while you do. I believe her story, but I think it would be best for all involved--including her--if only the five of us know the details of what truly happened here."
With that, Alrinkiri gently but firmly walks the wounded 'friend' back into the forest a short distance, until their compatriot's voices can no longer be heard.
Pacula is grateful to Alrinkiri. She tells him where to find Ubanu — in his "Forge." She tells him those in the know also call him "Fire-Pot."
Fire-Pot’s forge can be found in a cliffside cave on the outskirts of Nantambu. He crafts weapons and sells highly specialized alchemical reagents for breaking down and destroying hard materials like stone and metal, as well as bombs. Fire-Pot feels more at home with fiery creatures than other people, so he takes great pains to reduce or minimize his contact with others.
Ignaci nods and looks at Wisps. Wisps, you can be tricky when needed too. What do you think? He scratches his boot on the ground. Akoril, maybe you can lend me one of those nice hats of yours for my disguise.
Wisps nods.
"We will not kill an unconscious person, but I will help you with your disappearance, however I can." She grins wryly. "I do have a way of shaping words."
"Do you and Okoro have a private cypher? One you could use to convey a message so he does not have to suffer our deception, but also we do not risk being overheard?" Chimwemwe asks.
No, but I can create something only he will figure out. Ignaci walks away with his spy tools to create a cipher.
Meanwhile, it is time to begin executing your plan.
Akoril does the hard work of digging out enough earth to be a believable grave.
Wisps stands over the disturbed earth, sobbing loudly.
"Poor Ignaci! He was only trying to do his best! Now he is gone forever!"
"Hmm. Let me see if I can find somethings to help make our performance more believable," Chimwemwe says. He heads into the jungle to look for certain plants with irritating saps and, if he's lucky enough, insects with a venom that will make Ignaci look swollen but not actually kill him. Maybe he can find a mushroom with spores that make thoughts a little foggy, too, for the assassin.
"I'll keep an eye on the assassin, make sure they see the show and then head away, then I'll catch up with you."
With that, Alrinkiri weaves a spell and disappears from sight, their quiet movements hiding sound as well as the magic hides them from sight.
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Wisps wails even louder.
"We must rend our garments in grief!"
The groggy assassin feigns death while watching the fake funeral.
Ignaci's body gets alarmingly swollen — but he is safe. You drag him into the grave — one he can slip out of later. He grits his teeth as you shower his beautiful outfit with dirt. His bloated face whispers. Bow. Wurr fyooddrel ebber.
Wisps wails and rends her garments. Soomdevi reaches into the grave and pulls out Ignci's red scarf and rends it too, just for good measure. Ignaci quietly groans. Bey!
Finally, the assassin slips away, satisfied their job is done.
Janatimo is in his office. He puts down a manuscript of verse. "Ahh, my favorite conversants. I heard there were some fires you've been investigating. Do you need my assistance with anything?"
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”WHAT!?” Janatimo leaps up in alarm.
”Stufents come and go of course, but this seems… sudden.
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"How would Teacher Janatimo have hea--?" Chimwemwe is genuinely perplexed by his classmate's assertion. He scratches his bald brow for a moment before speaking again. "I am not certain if we have discovered the source or purpose of the fires, but they may be related to what what happened during our investigation." He clears his throat and, looking askance at Soomdevi, begins.
"How do I, hmm, I say this. During our--no. Maybe. Hmm. We have investigated several things over the past year for you and for the other teachers. One thing that rises out of our investigations far too often is the name of a rot within Nantambu: a crime lord named Froglegs. Froglegs has been thieving and even murdering for some time now.
"Most immediately, he gave permission for an assassin, Nairu, hired by Ignaci's family to assassinate him just outside of the city proper. We just came from saving Ignaci from this assassin, but we had to feign his death. He will not be returning until he feels safe to do so. The reason for that was, hmm, that Ignaci believed Froglegs was working with people prominently situated in the government.
"Ignaci had two other colleagues here in Nantambu from his days in Vidrian's fight for freedom. Pacula and Ubanu, an alchemist. The assassin threatened Pacula's family with suffering and poverty by leveraging Frogleg's connections in the government. It may not be true, but it, hmm, could be true. So we created a performance to fool the assassin into believing they had done their job, giving Ignaci a chance to escape into hiding."
Chimwemwe takes a deep breath. "I suspect Froglegs has been involved in escaped beasts at the menagerie as well as some other events, but authorizing an assassination on a Magaambyan is bad enough to investigate. I think."
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"So, I take it you hadn't heard?" Soomdeiv says like the idea wasn't so crazy. "People have their ways of finding things out, listening through bones, and all that."
"Chim's got the bulk of it. The other big question is, how do we root out this Froglegs when they have the support of the magistrates?"
Akoril nods, glad that Chimwemwe explained things.
Janatimo sits down and thinks for long moments. Excellent work. I wish Ignaci asked us for help, but the Magaambya will not chase down a tudent who doesn't want to be found. Students come and go quite often, you know — some even end up taking years off and return when ready."
"Unfortunately I believe Ignaci's paranoia is warranted — this time. Attacking a student so near the campus would be a drastic measure."
He pauses and strokes his chin. "Do you know that in theater, when the audience's direction is properly directed to one side of the stage, the stagehands can perform a scene change on the other without them noticing? A truly talented director doesn't need blackouts. I wonder whether someone trying to direct our own attention here."
He turns to Soomdevi. "Thank you for the faith in my abilities. I do hear many things before some would think it possible. I will ask my contacts in the city — discreetly, so it will take some time — in the meantime, you go about your business as usual. Let us keep this quiet. I trust you can help the Spire Dorm cohort cope?"
"Some will be easier to console than others, but we will do what we can."
Back at the dorm it's time to bear the bad news. You look for Okoro first, worried it will get around to him before you can give him Ignaci's note. Unfortunately, Okoro is away in Naantambu at a wine bar, because he had a date night with Ignaci.
You head out into the city, and find the game master sitting all alone with a small empty glass of wine as he waits for his boyfriend. From the crumbs on the table and the annoyed waiter, it seems like he's been waiting alone for an hour or maybe even two. He doesn't even have a book with him, and glances excitedly at the door whenever someone comes in.
Okoro looks up at you. "Ahh, hello! What are you doing here? I would offer you chairs, but I expect ignaci any minute. It's our first date night in ages, you see! This is our favorite place."
Chimwemwe hands Okoro the cryptic note in Ignaci's handwriting and then rests a hand on the man's shoulder. He gives him a few seconds to examine the note before saying, "He wanted to be here."
Okoro slowly decodes the cipher. Ink runs as tears stain the page.
"Why… he's… breaking up with me… and going away? Where!?"
You walk back to the dorm with Okoro, whose shellshocked by the sudden news.
Back at the dorm your friend are shocked and saddened, but almost everyone turns their energy to making Okoro feel better.
Tzeniwe's children run up to Okoro and hug him around each leg; she makes everyone cookies (which the kids proceed to gobble up while the grownups are distracted).
Esi huffs and sets to work putting together a cover story for the dorm, so they can protect Ignaci and cover for him.
Haibram gets to work setting up defenses for the dorm, just in case the assassin comes back.
Chizire makes him a soothing non-alcoholic drink. "Mmmm. this will help soothe your nerves and put you to sleep. Rest is important."
Mariama gets to work on cursing Ignacio for not telling anyone about his problems — but Chim stops her. So she goes to her room and rolls a joint.
Noxolo says Whoah. Then she sadly says, Sorry, and stuff. The "stuff" is laden with meaning.
Anchor plays him doom metal breakup songs on a rhythm bone turned up to 11. It makes him cry more… which then makes Anchor cry too… but it's a good cry.
Chimwemwe breaks away to speak with Alrinkiri briefly. "If we are going to hunt Fire-Pot, I have an idea for a reconfiguration of the runes on my armor, hmm--maybe add a few citrine and moonstone to rebalance the elemental flows--that I'd like to try, but it will take me a day or two to finish."
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He eventually makes his way outside where Haibram is working. "May I help?" he asks, reaching for a set of tools. "Nantambu is not as safe as the stories make it sound, but that is not too surprising. It is a city. No amount of magic and ingenuity can make a place a true utopia. While still retaining free will, at least. But the Magaambya has been far less safe than I expected. We all need to be more vigilant. The Magaambya's star charts a worrisome path across space and time, and all of our own stars are influenced by it."
Alrinkiri nods at Chimwemwe's suggestion. "I think that's wise, and I am happy to assist you if that would help."
Alrinkiri considers spending the night hidden on the roof, keeping watch. The assassin seemingly fooled and dealt with, they cannot articulate what worries them, but a threat seems to loom over the dorm that, a menace just out of sight.
Ultimately, they decide that helping a friend is more important. "Okoro, we have studied together the way of the Uzunjati for several years now. What better time to put ways to work than now! Ignaci may be gone from this place," they say gesturing to the common room where the dorm's residents sit, "but he is not gone from here" they tap the side of their head. "Tell us a story of Ignaci, one that makes you smile, and we shall do the same."
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You tell stories about Ignaci, many of which involve his relentless perfectionism and fashion. Even his cattiness is regarded fondly.
Okoro visits the All Seeing Solutions and inserts a silver piece. "Will we be together again?"
Only female wasps are able to sting.
The next morning dawns. It's a weekend, so you are free to do what you like.
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That night, in the tunnels, Soomdevi hosts a wake (and bake) in honor of Ignaci.
"Now I wish I'd gotten to know him better, but whatever. He'll be back, I'm sure."
He turns to Mariama and Noxolo through the thick smoke.
"How much you want to bet this crooked magistrate is involved with the demon cultists?"
"Snake cultists," Chimwemwe says. "Remember the snake people in the old building?"
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Chimwemwe works with Alrinkiri in his room, discussing the theoretical relationships between physical magic and physics the the ancient automaton. He removes several scales with fixed, etched runes and repositions them in a different pattern. He then changes the formula on the paints he uses for the temporary runes, adding crushed moonstone and citrine to the pigments.
When he is finished, his armor not longer feels cool to the touch but rather is notably temperature neutral to the touch. "I think that worked. If I had more time, I would try to invert the energy syphons," he comments.
"Nothing left to do but field test, I suppose."
You head out to Fire-Pot Ubanu’s forge, which can be found in a cliffside cave on the outskirts of Nantambu.
Ubanu vandalized the university and believes they are owed a debt. You can therefore surmise this person may not like a visit from the Magaambya.
Are you wearing masks? Are you presenting yourselves as students?
Fire-Pot’s Forge is at the bottom of a riverside cliff. The gravelly path winds down the cliff until it fans out into a large open shore, which is spotted with a campfire and a few shoddily built huts. A variety of weapons and alchemical goods sit on display in front of the huts, and beyond is a wide-mouthed cave.
The campfire in the middle of the huts has been quenched recently, smoke rising lazily from the burnt logs. Shelves of full vials and racks of weapons stand near the huts.
Three minotaurs with scorched-looking skin lean against the cave wall holding great axes. They’re clearly guards.
"The Magaambya's attacking! It's time to pay your debts in blood, thieves!"
They brandish their weapons. You have but a moment to de-escalate before they attack.
"Why is everyone so aggressive lately!" Chimwemwe laments. "We are only here to talk, but we can handle ourselves in battle just fine!"