Chim gives them pause, but only for a moment. Run away before you get hurt, little student. Fire-Pot doesn’t want thieves here. They step closer. But you can always pay your debt in blood.
"We are not thieves, and we do not wish for anyone to get hurt, but we shall not be scared away so easily as that!" Alrinkiri crouches into a pose that is unmistakably predatory, the lights on their face glowing a blood-red. "Now, run along and tell Fire-Pot that we wish to speak with him! Perhaps he has some sense and we can end this without your blood being spilled!"
Akoril does the best he can to form his mask into a threatening bird of prey while his allies do the heavy social lifting.
One of the minotaurs knocks on a hut's door. Oi. Go get Fire-Pot. We may need reinforcements against this lot.
A fourth minotaur scuttles off into the cave. A fifth minotaur steps out of the other hut.
You wait a few minutes in awkward silence. The minotaurs stare at you. You stare back.
Soon, from within the dark cave, you see dim flickering flames. Blinks growls.
Out steps a man who reeks of sulfur. His beard and mustaches are well-trimmed; he has bombs strapped all over his body. It must be Fire-Pot Ubanu himself.
Behind him slinks a skeletal smilodon, its bones smoking with heat and dripping with boiling blood. It hisses at Blinks. Fire-Pot strokes the creature's smoldering head, comfortably touching the red-hot bone. The catlike creature moves back into the cave, content to hide for now.
He steps quickly forward as he speaks — clearly, his temper is getting the better of him as negotiating behind his troop of greataxe-wielding guards would be tactically efficient. "So, you dare show up here!? In my house!? After REJECTING me from your little club FIVE TIMES, HUMILIATING ME FIVE TIMES, and then STEALING 300 gold in reagents and HARD LABOR from me because you lack the talent to create special alchemical items yourselves!? Are you here to take even more from me now!? To HUMILIATE me more!?" The minotaurs wince and step back. They must be used to the man's temper.
The smell of sulfur emanating from Fire-Pot gets stronger and stronger as he rants and raves. He clutches a bomb in a white-knuckled fist…
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Wisps tries to use her kindliest expression.
"You have clearly been mistreated. We would like to make amends. Please, can we talk? There is no need for bloodshed."
"You are at least properly polite. There is no need for bloodshed… yet. I simply want to be paid the 300 GP your Magaambyan peers promised for the stonerot solvent I made them."
"We could go find the students and get them to pay," Chimwemwe says to Curling-Wisps-of-Smoke. "Hopefully, it wasn't Ignaci."
He turns back to Fire-Pot and speaks up, testing a gambit and, at least, spreading the story of Ignaci's demise. "It wasn't Ignaci was it? Because Pacula led him to an assassin who murdered him."
"What!? no of course not Ignaci is one of my best customers and further he isn’t a student of the Magaambya!
The students' names are Oyo and Mtembe. One was short and sneering, the other was thin and tall and always scowled. They were quite the idiotic duo. Hardly knew what the difference was between an acid and a base."
He shakes his head. It makes me so the school lets in dolts like that, but I, a talented genius alchemist and powerful sorcerer, am time and again!" The smell of sulfur grows as Fire-Pot gets mad just thinking about the times the university rejected his applications.
Alrinkiri growls at the mention of the names. "Those two idiots. We had our own run in with them. If it makes you feel any better, we beat them senseless." They get quiet for a moment, then mutter "well, everyone else did. I was...busy for most of that fight." They think for another moment, then as "They were not students at the time, just liars. In fact, they were using your reagents to harm the Magaambya, on behalf of some boss named Salthiss. Last we saw those two, they were being hauled off to the Chime-Ringers. Probably on a slow elephant to Thuvia by now."
"Oh GOOD they deserved a good beating. That's more like it."
It has been quite a while. Maybe over a year. I've sent invoices. No one has been listening."
"I'm sorry your contacts have been ignored. Whoever you sent them to should at least have replied, even if to tell you your 'customers' were not affiliated with the Magaambya."
"I do have to ask, though: you seem to be quite well known for your explosives and accelerants. Bombs are forbidden on campus, however, so I'm not sure you would have been...appreciated properly, should the university have more favorably viewed your application. Would you have been happy in such an environment, had you been admitted?"
"Would you have been happy in such an environment, had you been admitted?"
"Pfft. I'm better than that now! I don't have a sponsor. Never needed one. Who needs to be part of that place!?"
Akoril notes outloud trying to help "Need is not what one thinks of when joining, more of how you can improve on the Strength of Thousands before before you."
"I'm glad to hear you're not holding a grudge" Alrinkiri says, trying to be diplomatic. "Still, I can't help but wonder if the university might need someone to shake things up from time to time. If you change your mind, I may be able to help you gain admittance. You would have to be willing to commit to serving those around you, though--that is at the core of the university. Someone like you might be a real asset to the community. Think about that, if you will, and if you decide you wish to apply again, come and see me at Spire dorm."
I think we might all be better off with his energy focused in the right places.
"I'm afraid any such thing will have to wait a little while, though. We are on the trail of a rather urgent matter, which is what brought us to your doorstep in the first place. Are you willing to hear us out?"
It’s hard to think of something better than money, but... if you would sponsor me, and help me get past the first trial, that would help a lot. I've always had magic in my blood and it can be hard to control."] Indeed, as his temper is soothed the reek of sulfur fades. "But what can you offer me as a guarantee you'll help? Last 'students' who came through here said they'd do something too and ripped me off. "
"I'll give you this for free. I'll tell you what those fraudsters wanted. They wanted a substance that could neutralize and break down powerful acids. They said they were studying some kind of magical acid. They couldn’t even describe it all that well—it was plain they were just ordering it on someone else’s behalf, and I guessed it was for a teacher.”
Alrinkiri unclasps the string of beads they still wear tightly about their neck, offering it to Fire-Pot. "These are my beads, the first of which was given to me on the day I walked out of the jungle and on to campus. They marked me as a student, and represent a turning point in my long life. They are among my most treasured possessions. If you are willing to accept these as my assurance, I ask that you hold them until such time I can give you the first bead of your own to mark the beginning of your studies."
I know what these beads mean. Yes, I'll hold them as assurance. If you sponsor me I hope you can also help me pass the aptitude test Ot performs. He didn't like how I chucked that stupid rock into the forest when he asked if I could make it dance. So annoying. The smell of sulfur grows… then fades as he accepts Akoril's beads.
Back at school Janatimo is initially hopeful that Ubanu could take classes at the Magaambya, but a quick search of school records reveals his troublesome application history and explosive temper. "For the school to admit him, someone must accept close responsibility for his coursework and behavior, to help ensure that Ubanu keeps his temper under control. if you agree to do so, I'll arrange to have him provisionally admitted after re-taking the exam. When you are ready for that too, of course."
Ubanu is so grateful he gifts you the best weapon he’s ever made. its spearhead is crafted from gold with ivory inlay; it has a ruby set into the shaft that always feels hot to the touch. He calls it a Fulminating Spear.
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"A river can be diverted to turn a mill, even the most stubborn of goats will clear a field, and a fire, carefully set, will prevent an inferno. I believe Ubanu has much to give his community, if only we help to guide his energy. I will take responsibility for doing so."
A few days later you're in the dorm; it's rather quiet because Esi's cohort of Conversants (herself, Anchor Root, Tzeniwe, and Okoro) is away taking care of a griffon problem. Seems there were griffons eating local animals and they need to be humanely driven off.
You're all sitting in the lounge, relaxing when Binji comes running up. "Binji Help! Look what she found!" She carries a taxidermy poison dart frog that's nearly as big as she is. There's a note attached.
"Let's meet under Shifting Frog.
— J"
Clearly, a note from Janatimo.
The Lore Speaker waits at the appointed location, below the massive statue of the magic warrior Shifting Frog. "“Ah! You received my message, and perhaps interpreted the silly clue that accompanied it. For the first time, I have a good lead on where Froglegs can be found. I know why she’s been so hard to find in Nantambu: she’s not in Nantambu. Instead, she’s just outside the city, in a swampy, unpleasant area where the city sewers deposit waste. It’s not a place people want to go, which seems to have suited Froglegs well. If we wait much longer, she may relocate. We must act.”
Janatimo gives a wide smile.
“I say we, but I really mean you. Froglegs was involved in the heinous attack on your friend, and we suspect there is more to this. You are ready for this task. I need you to arrest Froglegs!”
He pauses to see if you have any questions.
I would assume she is surrounded by her closest allies.
Akoril thanks Binji. "You've been doing really good work, why don't you see if you can find a good spot for the frog and we'll talk more after we follow up on the note."
OK! Binji proceeds to spend the whole evening looking around for the perfect spot for the frog.
"I worry about rewarding him for arson," Chimwemwe muses on the way back from Ubanu's. "However, starting a fight was not the right answer either."
----
"Perhaps we should discuss what we know and prepare for what we can expect," Chimwemwe suggests.
"I worry about rewarding him for arson," Chimwemwe muses on the way back from Ubanu's. "However, starting a fight was not the right answer either."
"I'm sorry I did not consult the rest of you before making that offer; I hope you do not think it rash." Alrinkiri goes quiet for a moment as they pad along beside Chimwemwe. "I know what it's like to be shunned, and I know what being a part of the Magaambya has meant for me. I think beneath Ubanu's hot-headed exterior is a strength worth guiding toward better ends."
janatimo gives you EACH a set of average manacles, two moderate healing potions, and a moderate antiplague. He also gives each of you a simple necklace containing a lump of scented wax, which should help offset the smell of the unpleasant swampy environment.
Wisps lays a hand on Alrinkiri's shoulder. "It was a kind thing to do. It is possible that it will turn out badly, but I still think it is better to give people a chance."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Froglegs will be well protected. How did you find out her current location? Are you sure this isn't a trap?"
Janatimo winks. "I have my ways. I am a lore-speaker after all. No one knows we know… yet. But go quickly before Froglegs MAKES it into a trap!"
He pauses, thinking aloud. "How you approach this is up to you… scout the area, employ stealth or disguise, or take a straightforward approach. Just remember not to kill froglegs. We are not vigilantes, and we don't want to become like her. I believe that t if you’re resolute and forthright, you can capture rather than kill her."
Akoril nods to Janatimo. "We'll spend tonight making plans and head out in the morning."
---
Later with his fellow students...
Akoril paces back and forth with yet another copy of a map of Nantambu. "Should we be more concerned with our escape route if things go badly, or how to keep Froglegs from escaping?"
Akoril knows the region of the swamp where Froglegs is staying is where the city's main sewer line empties. While magic clears it of pollutants that will do long-term ecological harm to the region, it is nonetheless an unpleasant place to be. As it is near the source of the effluent humanoids who wade into the water can easily contract nasty diseases. Not many venture off the paths anyhow as the water there is a deep bog
Alrinkiri also remembers that there are crocodiles and other predators who love the water there.
"She'll have the advantage over us in a sewer with a name like Froglegs."
]
Akoril notes "We could come at them from the sewers, that would likely be unexpected but not good for our long term health. The question is should we head straight in so there's less chance they know we're coming, or scout it out first so we have a better idea of the terrain?"
To scout you will need to make a dc 22 survival check to find unused tracks through the swamp or an acrobatics to balance.
If you fail you will fall into the water and will need to make a save vs disease.
After that I will roll a stealth check for your oc!
Akoril nods to Soomdevi "Lets make it happen."
---
Later in the swamp:
With mask down Akoril stalks through the swamp, looking for tracks and trying not to fall into the swamp
Akoril finds a path through the swamp, leaping across bridges and balancing on thin strips of earth that barely poke above the brown-green water. The stench makes him gag.
He hides in a mangrove and sees a clearing with well-maintained paths and three huts. The safest way to approach is from the West; there is a swath of clear sewage water off to the East.
He sees lower-ranking thieves leave one of the near huts and walk to the other hut, which seems a bit nicer . Before stepping onto the island between these huts they pause, whistle, and toss a hunk of meat Into the water. It's immediately snatched up by a huge and ancient crocodile.
The last hut is the nicest of all, and is located in the stinkiest and furthest end of the camp near the open water.
"So if we want to avoid the crocodile, we should head back and buy some fresh meat?" Chimwemwe ponders once Akoril has returned and described his observations.
You buy meat and set off to the swamp. As you approach you get a closer look at the first hut, which is really moe of a ramshackle hovel that's built from scraps of metal and wood.
It looks like it could be knocked over with a shove.
You hear a croaking voice within, slowly speaking in a thieve's cant: "Look here, ya dumb cutter. Keep bashin' heads and you'll be for irons. Plus, our marks can't earn if they're bleeding. You get yourself set."
Another voice growls: "Huh? What if they don't gimme the respect I deserve? What's the pay for 'protection' worth if they won't even respect me?"
"Subtelty's the watchword, lest the chimes ring for you. We need our clients ramped up, not laid out."
"That's no fun, Hrroupo."
For now, there is no one outside.
Akoril whisters "Lets cross now. Somebody toss it some meat, Wisps, think you can give a whistle?"
Wisps makes loud sounds of bird calls to cover up the whistle.
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Sensing things going south, Chimwemwe looks toward the rickety hut. He scans the construction for a weakness. Thinking that he has found one, he charges shield and shoulder first into the door jamb.
Wisps fails to cover up Soomdevi's whistle. He tosses the meat into the water and a HUGE old crocodile snatches it up. The creature proceeds to swim away slowly. Soomdevi, Alrinkiri, Wisps, and Chim think this is a truly ancient specimen — lazy in his old age, and from the meandering path he takes, bumping into a log or two on the way, a little senile. Nonetheless, a fearsome enemy — one you're glad isn't attacking.
The people in the gut shout. "We been twigged —" The hut collapses as Chim slams it with his shield. "AHHHHH!" Revealed are two gripplis and a gnoll. One of the gripplis looks liek a rogue of sorts, and the other looks like a spellcaster. The gnoll just looks tough. They're all knocked prone and buried in the rubble.
While this is good, the racket probably alerted the whole base.
"Intruders! Smash 'em up!"
──────────
BOLD IS UP!:
──────────
➤ Chimwemwe
⠀⠀➤ Akoril
➤ Alrinkiri
Green Grippli
Soomdevi
⠀⠀Blinks
Wisps
Gnoll
Blue Grippli
Akoril's mask slides down over his face as he grimaces and moves into position.
There he focuses on the gnoll , his avian glare meeting their eyes before Akoril fires a shot as debris swirls around the arrow.