Gameplay Thread!
The night before, each of you were sent a letter at your lodgings while relaxing between missions at the Grand Lodge in Absalom. Every such summons carries an aura of mystery. Will you be being called to explore distant continents? Race the Aspis to an uncovered ruin? Risk life and limb to rescue agents under siege from the Tyrant's forces? With bated breath, you each crack the letter's seal to see that your presence is requested at the Grand Lodge's lobby the following morning, in order to...
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Chaperone!
Yes, it seems your skill sets are to be put to the ultimate test: escorting and guiding dozens of teens and pre-teens from the Dacilane Academy as they travel to the Woodsedge Lodge for a field trip.
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Hancock glares at his manservant, Bruce, who whistles innocently. Hancok wastes any preparation time grumbling. About stupid teens. About Bruce and how he is always pushing Hancock to be more social. About the idiot leaders in the society that should know better than to give Hancock this assignment. When he finally shows up for the job he is in QUITE the mood.
Hancock is unkempt, slouching, and mumbling to the point where it is an official speech impediment. Due to these shortcomings he was assigned an 'interpreter', the indomitable Bruce who translates Hancock's mumbles into eloquent speech, often taking liberties with the translation much to Hancock's annoyance.
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Ahas, a bulky nagaji that has shiny green scales received his first missive from the Society. But he does not expect that his first one is chaperoning students. A bit disappointed though still hopeful that something exciting will happen, begins to prepare and meet the other Pathfinders with the same task.
Upon arrival, he introduces himself, "My names is Ahas Ahasan. Its is nice to meets you. This is my first mission with the Society, and I hopes to learn from everyone of yous. Sss." he tells them, trying to avoid the unnecessary ss but can help it to flick his forked tongue once in a while.
As you reach the Grand Lodge for the trip you can hear the group before you see them. Pakced into the lodge's lobby are a gaggle of young people talking excitedly to each other, as well as a few working Pathfinder agents occasionally struggling to move through them to get to their work. As you approach, the crowd parts to step out of the way for a man in an Eagle Knight’s uniform. “Pathfinders!" he says with a wide smile. "So good to see you today. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to assist with our little educational venture. Allow me to present the students of Dacilane Academy!”
J Dacilane raises his voice and sweeps his gaze over the students, who all fall silent and give friendly nods or shy half bows.
"Why don’t you introduce yourselves to the students, and tell them a little bit about your adventures in the Society so far?” J glances back to the six/seven of you, while the students stare at you with anticipation.
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Betel looks a little shy. Well ... I ... my my .. all of you sort of remind me of my schooldays ... Mom was a Pathfinder so I was schooled at Dacilane ... oh ... my adventures .... well, lemme see. I've taken part in a fishing competition, helped salvage treasure from a sunken ship and ... um ... made friends with a talking skull. That's the important thing about being a Pathfinder ... making friends
Something I wasn't that good at doing when I was there
Oh ... my name is Betel. My name's up on the Valedictorian board.
And that's why I didn't make many friends. I was a nerdy little swot back then. Always hanging out in the library.
She looks around for the shy, quiet student that would be standing a bit apart from the others.
Yep - that would have been me
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The first introduction is for his fellow Pathfinders. Just in time, the students led by J joins them and Ahas needs to introduce himself again to them. "Hello, students. My name is Ahas Ahasan. You cans just call me Ahas. It is nice to meets you all. As for adventures, this is my first missions with the Society, unfortunately. But I am interested to actually learn more from your perspectives. I came from a lineage of undead slayers, if you ask, with the dutys of bringing the undeads back to death. Well, that is not an interesting topics for yous, I suppose. Anyway, I also suppose you all know we are going with your field trip, is it right?" he says as he stares one of the students, his slit eyes seems to intimidate or something which is not his intention, if anyone will ask.
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Hancock growls as Bruce steps forward.
"My charge here is a bit... reticent. He has participated in more than a few missions and supplies the muscle. He would probably be happy to be the disciplinarian of the group, I'm sure."
Indeed, Hancock's scowl briefly, BARELY, turns into a smile and pats his maul.
"Though I don't think that maul is the right instrument of discipline."
This time it is Bruce that aims a disapproving glare at Hancock instead of the other way around.
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You see a Vudrani women walk up wearing a heavy coat. " My name is Ada this my first mission too. Im a student at the Magaambya and I decided to join you all. Its so fun seeing all the fresh faces. It reminds me of the time when I joined the college. I was so happy and then he got me to jump off a building. That took a while to heal...."
After refocusing she adds,"Ooo yes what I have I done recently that won't potentially harm you.... Think think..."
Snapping her fingers she takes out a small pouch,"This is called gun powder. I've been studying its properties and its very fascinating. Its ability to rapidly burn provides numerous interesting applications. Perhaps I'll demonstrate later when we are at the lodge."
The students listen to all of your tales with varying degree of attention. Several look on rapt at each of your words - a half-elf a a goblin in particular are scratching notes on their notepads throughout the introductions - while others listen with polite interest. Hancock's substitution of growls and a hype-man for his speech elicits a faint smirk from a taller Ustalavn boy, while a large red-headed lad seems to be more enthralled by Ahas' words.
When you've all introduced yourselves, an elderly gnome man in purple-trimmed robes and a hat that screams 'academic' steps forward. See students? You'll all be in excellent hands! Now, go and make sure you're all packed and ready so we can head out to the lodge soon.
As the children mingle amongst themselves and check their backpacks, the gnome reaches into his own robes and begins fiddling with some papers. Yes, yes! Thank you for joining us. My name is Thandmere Krelsun. I am a professor of history for the Academy, and we all appreciate that you are taking the time to help enrich the student's experiences. Now he hands several sheets of parchment over to each of you. Here are the rules for the field trip, and a list for you of the all of the tasks that the students are expected to accomplish today. They have all been told these rules repeatedly so I cannot imagine there should be any trouble, but you never know with youths. He sighs. I have also written down the names of a few of our higher achievers. They could perhaps help you if there is an issue with one of the other students. But please remember that them accomplishing these tasks Professor Krelsun's finger jabs at the paper for emphasis is the point of this trip! If you need to know anything, please ask me now. We hope to leave in a few minutes.
“You shouldn’t need any special equipment,” pipes in J to add, “But bring what you normally would on an assignment. It will be interesting for the students to see fully equipped Pathfinders. I hope that you enjoy getting a chance to influence the next generation.” J lowers his voice and leans so the students will not overhear, “Also, do be on your best behavior. They are children and they can get influenced by bad habits as much as they can good ones.”
Good. Good Profesor Krelsun says with a nod. Avoiding a divine smite would be ideal. This is intended to be an educational trip to a Pathfinder Lodge, not the Pit of Gormuz! If you are all set then, I shall just let the Agents know that we are ready so that they can retrieve the key.
Then gnome shuffles off to speak with one of the Grand Lodge's workers, you see that the students around are talking excitedly to each other about the upcoming field trip.
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Though Hancock is not interested in making any new friends, Bruce drags him along to meet and greet and starts regaling him while he squirms uncomfortably.
"Does anyone have any questions for Hancock?" Bruce finishes with a dazzling and encouraging smile, which is in direct contrast to Hancock's scowl, which he turns on anyone that might start to respond.
Betel goes to talk softly to Hari about their lessons, what they've been studying and school life in general as if comparing notes.
The half-elven child is surprised, but excited as Betel approaches them. So, you were a student at the Acadmey too? You must have really excelled if you're already in the field. And you mentioned a talking skull the child pulls a parchment and quill that had been hidden somewhere in their sleeve and begins eagerly taking notes. We've been studying Primal essences and the Second Crusade lately, but an animated artifact sounds fascinating. Was it a construct, or necromantic? And that sunken treasure: did you have any unique skills that helped out with that recovery?
Hari continues to pepper Betel with detailed questions about her experiences in the field, but your answers and experiences seem to let you form a nice bond with them.
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Though Hancock is not interested in making any new friends, Bruce drags him along to meet and greet and starts regaling him while he squirms uncomfortably.
"Does anyone have any questions for Hancock?" Bruce finishes with a dazzling and encouraging smile, which is in direct contrast to Hancock's scowl, which he turns on anyone that might
Many of the class look nervously at the growling dwarf behind the servant. Eventually one raises a shaking hand.
Uh, does he talk? then after a puase, in a quavering voice Or does he just not speak Taldane?
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Yes. I'm Betel Capella ... you may have heard of me from the School Yearbooks ... but yeah, as I said, my Mom was a Pathfinder too so we were staying here in Absalom when I was growing up. It seemed logical that I would then be enrolled in Dacilane and yeah... she blushed a bit ... got top of my class in my final year but ... I sort of neglected my social skills to achieve that. You really don't wanna make that mistake. When I started my ... erm ... Pathfinder training, I had a lot to catch up on, especially with the ... um ... co-operate part.
I have to admit, Primal essences is fun. I concentrated on that as well as the Arcane and the Occult. History, not so much, but Mom said that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Wasn't my best subject though.
The skull? Not exactly sure. It's not necromantic through. Zarta and I managed to determine that. Unfortunately it got shipped off to Nex so, I haven't been able to talk to it recently
She grinned a bit at the mention of the 'unique skills'. Yeah, you could say that. I'm half undine, half elf, so I can breathe underwater and all that. You could call me an aquatic elf. Wasn't allowed to join the school swimming team though as it was said that my heritage could give me an ...... unfair advantage. I was the only undine at the time so, I can only hope more have enrolled to make their own team. Really disappointed though - I really love to swim.
Betel would also get to know the other students if there is time.
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"OfcsItk." Bruce mumbles almost incoherently in dwarven.
Bruce chimes in with an explanation.
"My friend Hancock, here, has a speech impediment. It is a tribute to our fine society that he has found a home among its members and traditions. In the society, no person is overlooked because of race, religion, ethnicity, or speech issues. We are a team, and as a team we carry each other through our weaknesses and encourage each others strength!"
"And my good friends strength is his... strength. Why, he single handedly lifted a 500 pound fish right out of the water during a fishing expedition while everyone else was fiddling around with fishing poles."
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Ahas is about to approach but maneuvers quickly towards Vim Moneymaker, to not overwhelm the students just in case. He introduces himself again to Vim and ask something. "So hows is school? Does J also teach heres? And what can you says about your historys professor?" he then leans closer so that he can whisper. "And whats is he talking about Pits of Gormuz? Have you alls gone there?"
Hero Point:
Yes. I'm Betel Capella ... you may have heard of me from the School Yearbooks ... but yeah, as I said, my Mom was a Pathfinder too so we were staying here in Absalom when I was growing up. It seemed logical that I would then be enrolled in Dacilane and yeah... she blushed a bit ... got top of my class in my final year but ... I sort of neglected my social skills to achieve that. You really don't want.........
Fascinating Hari says as Betel offers more of her history. And that's such a shame about the swim team. Luckily they've changed that rule since you left; we now have different divisions in the league that gives everyone a chance to compete. Tels would probably know more about that. He's the ruk captain but I think he helps out with most of the teams.
The half-elf continues to chat with Betel as the two bond over their backgrounds and elven-ness.
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Hepcut's not much for nerds, which seems to cross off most of the list of stand-out students. Which is fine, she didn't do so great in school back in Matakali either. But Tels seems like he isn't a complete wad.
"So what's ruk like?" she says, "We didn't play that where I grew up.
The large red-headed boy looks up at the orc as she approaches. Ruk? It's great! You and nine other kids - well, more than that, but only ten on the pitch at a time - have to get the ball from one end of the field to the other and get it through your ring at the far side. It's pretty rough-and-tumble, but the city league we play in has got some more safety restrictions, cause of our ages. You notice as he talks that he is heterochromatic - one eye blue and the other a dull green. It's great exercise, especially for the younger kids. I try to make sure their runs're blocked well. I may not be as heroic as you all he gestures, clearly meaning Pathfinders as a group But you gotta try to help out where you can, right?
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Ada approaches the Kobold and says,"You know thats a very pretty bird. Its quite obvious you take care of her well. Where did you get her?"
The kobold looks up with a start, as you see she had been reading a scroll from her backpack. oh, that's ruffles. she responds softly. hes been helping me out with my magic. hes great, except sometimes he gets a bit to curious and wanders off. but ive told him he needs to be on his best behavior today, isnt that right ruffles? Geltra stares at the pidgeon, who merely coos back.
The kobold looks up at Ada. so, youre a student and a pathfinder? how does that work? is it true that the magaambya has all sorts of magic books and scrolls from even the age of darkness?; if i were a student there i dont think id ever want to leave it.
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"OfcsItk." Bruce mumbles almost incoherently in dwarven.
Bruce chimes in with an explanation.
"My friend Hancock, here, has a speech impediment. It is a tribute to our fine society that he has found a home among its members and traditions. In the society, no person is overlooked because of race, religion, ethnicity, or speech issues. We are a team, and as a team we carry each other through our weaknesses and encourage each others strength!"
[dice=diplomacy]1d20+4
"And my good friends strength is his... strength. Why, he single handedly lifted a 500 pound fish right out of the water during a fishing expedition while everyone else was fiddling around with fishing poles."
Some of the younger children oooh and aaaah at Bruce’s retelling of Hancock’s exploits. Standing a bit to the rear of the crowd, a bit older Ustalavan child adds ”See guys, these Pathfinders are incredible! Where we would need to use simple tools, they’re capable of brute forcing their way to victory.” The boy’s face is smiling, but his tone doesn’t seem entirely impressed.
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Ahas is about to approach but maneuvers quickly towards Vim Moneymaker, to not overwhelm the students just in case. He introduces himself again to Vim and ask something. "So hows is school? Does J also teach heres? And what can you says about your historys professor?" he then leans closer so that he can whisper. "And whats is he talking about Pits of Gormuz? Have you alls gone there?"
Vim smiles Oh, no silly. The Pit of Gormuz, that's where Rovagug's trapped and sends out all his monster kids. If we went there, well we wouldn't be coming back. Even Pathifnders like you probably wouldn't be coming back!
The goblin chuckles as she continues talking in a very rapid pace. Professor Krelsun's okay, I think that was just a joke. He's been trying to tell more of them lately. Professor Krelsun's always been a good teacher, but his lectures used to be dull as dirt. For the last month or so he's really been spicing them up though. Much more flair! He really helps us to try and understand the history we're learning about by making us imagine that we're diplomats from Kyonin negotiating a treaty or ancient Jiskan councilors planning battle strategy.
Vim looks up at Ahas The school as a whole's pretty great though.The other students know what it’s like to move around a lot, and the teachers - Professor Krelsun, J, and all the rest - know us well enough to make sure our classes are tailored to our strengths and weaknesses. But me she glances down at the patch of the Open Road sewn onto her vest. I just can't wait to try and be a Pathfinder like you, as soon as I'm old enough and they say I've learned enough to start the training. My uncle Yig - have you met Yig? Have you even been down to Katapesh? I don't think I've seen a lot of people like you there, but its a big city, almost as big as this one - told us all about you guys and how you were really helpful and cleared my cousin and fought off some lions - though he always seems to change the detials about that story for some reason - and that's not even everything because you dont just help people but explore new places and discover things and all of that sounds...
The goblin continues excitedly talking - occasionally allowing the nagaji to get a word in himself - but seems quite Helpful towards you.
Suddenly a loud throat clear comes from near the lobby door. Professor Krelson, now accompanied by a senior Pathfinder agent, waves to get everyone's attention. All right then class, enough dilly-dallying. Let us depart! He and the agent turn and lead you all out of the building and around to the Grand Lodge's garden while J waves you off. The Pathfinder agent unlocks a set of iron gates that is sealing off some ornate hedges, and with words of thanks Professor Krelson motions for you to follow and sets out through the shrubbery.
The hedges form a wide path that branches off regularly to the left and right. Strange yet vibrant flowers bloom along the hedges as you walk, while Krelson carefully consults a map as he moves and diligently checks each of the many wooden signposts within the maze you pass. The children marvel and mutter amongst themselves as they walk and take in the experience, though each time one seems about to step down a side path to look at something you see Tels gently steer them back to the main group.
Eventually you make a left turn and a way ahead of you the hedge path seems to end. The children step out of the trimmed hedges of the Maze of the Open Road and onto the well-kept lawn of the Woodsedge lodge. Looking up however, you immediately notice something...strange about it. The building looks the same, but the sky is a startling emerald color. There's a flat metallic tang to the air, and you think you can hear the faint tinkling of distant bells on the breeze.
The students don’t seem to have noticed anything odd: they chatter excitedly about their journey through the Maze and speculate on where else it might lead.
Did you see that statue? So life-like?
Are we really all the way in Galt? That took like two minutes!
Where else do you think the Maze can go? I bet it could even go to the bottom of the sea!
Nuh-uh, casue then the water would just rush through and flood the whole place
Well it could be magic, duh!
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"Is that so? I think the academy is doing very well in honing their students. I hopes you would be like a Pathfinder like us. Well, I just got deployed today as my first missions, you see. Didn't expects it would be a field trip of sort. Not sure if this has been the missions. Reading the Chronicles when I am in training, missions looks exciting and all. As for Yig, hmmm. I think I have read about him somewheres. Sound familiar but haven't met. Maybe when I get a mission there, I might finally meet him and tell her about our meeting today." Ahas tells Vim.
"Come now, let's hurry, else your history professor see us sluggish." he adds.
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Ahas joins everyone as they enter and goes the path, following the history professor pouring himself over his map. The excitement and curiosity of the students makes him happy, but kinda stressed when they are sometimes chaotic. Good thing, some students like Tels acts as their shepherd to steer the students back on track.
Ahas continues his conversation with Vim. "This Maze is amazing! I just found myself going through it from one lodge to another! What do you think?" he is so enthusiastic about their maze travel they just had.
Ahas continues his conversation with Vim. "This Maze is amazing! I just found myself going through it from one lodge to another! What do you think?" he is so enthusiastic about their maze travel they just had.
Hancock mutters "Wassup?" while pointing at the strange sky. then he unlimbers his maul, narrows his eyes, and looks around for trouble.
An actual word from Hancock?!? This should be a startling event for the children, but none of the students react. In fact, Vim also doesn't respond to Ahas's question either At first you think they may just be distracted by the Lodge ahead, but suddenly, Hari darts a look across the group and asks, in an alarmed tone, Where’s Professor Krelsun? Where are the chaperones?
The other students fall quiet, all looking around - including right by you - and yelling out your names.
Ada?
Ahas?
Hepcut?
One of the kids turns and starts moving right towards Ada as they call out for you - and moves right through the Magaambyan!
Hancock rushes to a nearby bush and tries to grab onto it. There's a faint resistance to it as the barbarian tries to shake it.
For all Ada's yelling, neither Grelta nor any of the other students seem to be able to hear her. Equally concerning, as you look around you notice Professor Krelsun has seem to have vanished as well.
Ada does feel something though - Hepcut awkwardly bumping into her! It looks like you're not intangible to each other!
Over by a bush, Hancock's direct approach feels strange. There's a weird - slipperiness? is that the right word? - to the branches the barbarian is trying to manipulate, forcing him to adjust and figure out just the right level of force to feel and move them and not just have his hand slide through. But Hancock's anger pays dividends as he does casue many of the leaves to rustle, and even a small branch to snap and fall to the ground! Betel goes over to try and pick it up, but finds the stick impossible to lift. She is] able to manipulate it slightly though, sliding and pushing it along the ground.
While you're discovering this, the children a still calling out for you and growing increasingly panicked. Maybe theyre stuck in the Maze still and took a wrong turn somewhere in there and got attacked by a grue!. Vim yells out. We should look for them!
The goblin turns to race back into the maze but Hari puts up a hand to halt her. Absolutely not! Going in the Maze is strictly forbidden! Besides, this might just be a test.
Then let’s go inside for help, Tels speaks up and gestures toward Woodsedge Lodge. Its a Pathfinder Lodge. There'll be Pathfinders inside who know what to do.
The other schoolkids mutter a general agreement to the idea, and start walking over towards the Lodge.
Separated as in out of phase with reality by the looks at it. Hopefully we can affect the reality they are in.
She walks over to the bush that Hancock is shaking and attempts to break a stick off.
Writing on the ground for instance.
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Cracking his knuckles Hancock tries to manipulate the pencil of someone taking notes. Before trying he asks
"cnsmnecsplltahp?"
Bruce does his best to translate and comes up with "Something about a spell?"
At which point Hancock repeats himself more slowly which, though still pretty much gibberish, produces the correct translation from Hancock's bobbing head.
"Ah, he is asking if someone has a spell that will help him when he tries to manipulate the real world."
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Betel was already wondering if blocking a student's eyes would have any effect when her train of thought was interrupted by Bruce.
Erm .... not sure ... but I get the feeling we're going to have to work together on this. Unfortunately I don't speak or understand dwarven nor do I have the more powerful spells Mom has to deal with languages.
Betel tries to use Prestidigitation to manipulate the pencil.
Betel joins Hancock in trying to get the student's attentions. The process is trickier than you'd expect though - or maybe it is actually what you'd expect: this is a very disorienting situation all around. Both the elf and the dwarf have trouble scraping a message on the ground that the students notice as they all move up the Woodsedge Lodge's steps. Tels gives a few knocks, but after a moment with no answer opens up the door and goes inside.
Inside the lodge’s great room appears abandoned. Books lie open on reading tables and a fire is burns cheerily in the room’s massive hearth. A set of animal-shaped drouge tiles stands spread across a table as if interrupted mid-game, and an account book rests next to an abacus on the table in the southwestern corner. Hushed exchanges between students are the only sounds.
A few students begin settling into the cozy chairs as Alec Gracekin calls out, “Hello? Anyone there?” When no answer comes, he shrugs and says, “I suppose we can do whatever we like then,” before collapsing sideways into a chair and throwing his feet up on a fine mahogany table.
im going to get my assignment done Geltra counters. there's supposed to be an interesting taldan artifact in this room. it shouldn’t be hard to find. Most of the rest of the students groan at the suggestion that they should do schoolwork under these circumstances, but the kobold begins examining the metal plaques around the room, looking slightly abashed at having spoken up in front of everyone. Her pigeon, Ruffles, coos contentedly on her shoulder.
Vim meanwhile is scurrying about the room, looking at every tabletop and trying to open any drawers she can. Maybe they left a note, that would be the thing to do right? Oh! or maybe they DID leave a note but its in a code we need to figure out!
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Ada falls on her butt as Hepcut bumps into her. "You know good idea checking that out. I admittedly was wondering if we could do that ourselves," she says while getting up.
"That's the trick Geltra. Let's get some homework done," she says while trying to gently shove one of the plaques closer to Geltra.
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Hancock also starts exploring the room. Really, what is the point of communicating something when there is nothing to say except 'I am here?'.
Bruce chimes in as if almost reading his mind, "What exactly should we say to them? Provided we can say anything, of course."
Bruce feels like a good plop so he emulates Alec and plops into a chair.
Hancock gets comfy, while Ada moves closer to Geltra. As the kobold is looking at some of the plinths spread around the room with a somewhat confused look on her face, Ada focuses, concentrates, and slides a plaque by the kid.
This Geltra sees. And starts at. the plaque, it moved! the plaque moved on its own at me! She steps back in surprise while many other students come forwards to crowd around.
Ah! is that a ghost? Are most lodges haunted do you think? We did end up at Woodsedge Lodge right, and not one of the other spookier ones? Vim says Or, on no!, this is Galt, a bunch of people died in Galt! Are the ghosts angry at us? Are they going to try to chop our heads off? Quick, look around, are there any blades or guillotines, or stuff like that because stay away from them! The goblin keeps spiraling as Hari approaches and looks at the moved plaque.
It's just a bit of metal Vim. Not dangerous. And Geltra said it moved towards her while she was trying...
Hari looks up and around the room. Are you there? Professor? Chaperones? Lodge members? If yes, please give us another sign!
Betel is able to move the tile towards Hari, who looks at it and then vaguely in the direction the undine pushed it from. So, you are here. But which ones? Are you the professor? Ada and Betel and the others? Do you know what's going on?
Hari and several students begins to circle around the board - some even passing through you in the process. One enterprising dwarf grabs a blanket and tosses it vaguely in the direction of Betel. It unfortunately does not help outline you like a ghost but just passes through her (the aim wasn't great either).