For her part, Iovia has taken to the school easily. For her, it's not only a bastion of (mostly) peace, but a way for her to mingle with people from all over the expanse.
And she does mingle.
In class, she's one of those people who are not at all afraid to ask questions, and socially, she gets involved in many activities, especially things that she is not good at. If she does horribly at something, she picks herself up, asks for advice, and tries again.
Of course, her twin faiths are on display with the bracelet that she wears, and the morning prayer session she has outside. She never asks people to join her, but never turns anyone away if they want to. She's not preachy, either. She'll answer questions about her dieties, but she doesn't proselytize to people, and is genuinely curious about other religions.
She arrives cheerfully at the professor's office. "I'm sure that whatever task she has for us will be interesting.", she opines as she waits for the professor to arrive.
M'baba is happy to show his notes to Ikto, but he warns him "It's a bit disorganized, but I can find myself in there. I just ask that you return them to me by the end of this week please, I like to look at them."
Ikto nods and looks them over while they wait, "Thank you, I'll copy these and return them to you." He assures.
She arrives cheerfully at the professor's office. "I'm sure that whatever task she has for us will be interesting.", she opines as she waits for the professor to arrive.
"That's true, her subjects are seldom dull."
Teacher Ulawa's office is in the Heron Archives, one of the first ten buildings constructed for the Magaambya in the days of Old-Mage Jatembe. Each of these venerable buildings is named for one of the Ten Magic Warriors -- in this case, Black Heron.
Heavy curtains cover the windows in Teacher Ulawa's large office, with several oil lamps emitting a low light. A dizzying variety of glass encasements feature insects and reptiles, and a large cage hanging in a corner holds a small and surly vulture. Bookshelves are stuffed with papers, scrolls, and tomes in orderly piles. Shadow boxes on the walls hold dead insects pinned open to display their internal anatomy.
"You might have heard I'm the insect expert here," says Teacher Ulawa, looking up from a scroll while tucking an errant piece of her headscarf back into place. "This means when the school has bug problems, they like to make it my problem. And since the group of you are still Initiates, I am making it your problem."
"Something -- or, more likely, a series of unrelated and coincident things -- have been disturbing insects around the Magaambya, enough to threaten the ecological balance if left unchecked. Anchor Root and a few others have told me that something seems to be agitating them" For the moment a look of genuine concern crosses Teacher Ulawa's face, proof that she's perhaps not as dismissive or disaffected as she seems. The look quickly fades. "Got to the places on this list, take note of any strange activity, and collect insect samples for me. Take immense care in collecting samples -- further disruptions could cause the very problems I prefer to avoid." She flaps a dismissive hand and returns to work. "Oh and do remember to wash thoroughly before returning with my samples."
She provides you a list of three locations on campus: the Leshy Garden, the canal near the Speaker's Stage, and the dining hall's kitchen. After she gives the list, she has another thought and takes it back for a moment scribbling "talk to Anchor Root about centipedes" on it as well.
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M'baba is a little intimidated by Ulawa's office. He still puts on a brave face and listens attentively. He feels a bit disrespected by the way the Professor treats him and his friends. However this is not the first time he is not treated like he wants to, and it won't be the last. He thinks "I guess this isn't one of the Professors I'll bond with then."
He understand the problem with insect imbalance. As much as he hates insects, they are still important to keep nature's way of things. But this just adds to the animosity he feels towards this particular person. When he speaks, his tone is a little less diplomatic than it should "Professor, pardon me. As you say, we are but initiates. We are at a magic school. We may be under-qualified to determine what counts as 'strange activity'."
Ikto smiles at the mention of his friend Anchor Root "Anchor Root really does know a lot about them. I'll be happy to help. I'm a storm druid, but animals are of interest to me so maybe I can aid them."
She sighs, not hiding her impatience. "I assume you have seen bugs before, initiate. If they are doing something you have never seen before, then bring me a sample and report it. Does that clear it up?"
To Ikto she replies: "Yes Anchor Root has an affinity for insects. She may be someone good to talk to, which is why I added it to your list."
Za Minyahil throws themself into their studies headfirst following the incident. They seem to be overcompensating academically to try and recover some sort of "lost honor." When they aren't studying or practicing spells, they're drilling with a practice dummy, with a newly repaired shield. More than once, one of the other students needs to remind them to take a break so they do not burn themselves out so early in their term, and to actually mingle with others outside the classroom. The whole point of them coming to the Magaambya had been because they couldn't solve the problems of ghoran reproduction alone, and no one was judging them as harshly as themselves.
When called to Teacher Ulawa's office with the others, their petals bristle a bit. The first time she'd arrived in the classroom late made Za Minyahil immediately not like her, so used to the kind of militaristic punctuality that permeated Nex, a nation constantly preparing for war. They weren't disturbed by her interests, indeed understanding the nature of decay and the growth of fungus was just as important to the tenets of the Leaf Order as those of flowers, fruit and trees, but their patience for her had worn thin already.
They listen to her explanation of their task and nod, their flowery face impassive.
"Do you need the samples alive or preserved, Teacher Ulawa?" they ask.
The professor nods as you ask a thoughtful question. "Since it behavior we are considering, it would be preferable to have live specimens, but it may not be possible. Use care, and bring back live creatures if you at all can. The Powderpile may have equipment you need to accommodate."
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M'baba ignores the Teacher's impatience, given he himself matches the feeling, but wants to solve the problem. He remembers how the team handled the centipedes in the Cascade Bearers' task. He says "We should do something similar that we did with the centipedes. Professor, should we expect any of the bugs to be larger than a glass container 'this big'"? while approximating the size of the glass vials they used for the centipedes with his hands.
Iovia listens to the initial task they are given, and smiles a little at M'baba's initial hesitation.
"You should have more faith in us, Mr. M'baba. After all, we have a druid and a ghoran in our little group. We may have the knowledge to accomplish the task.". Her tone there is light, almost teasing.
Then she looks to the Professor. "Could you please define 'immense care' in this context. We have already been berated once, during the Perquiste, for following the given strictures of a task, but not accomplishing it in the way the task giver assumed we would. If there is anything specific that you feel we should not do, could we be told in advance?"
She frowns slightly at the mention of the Powderpile, takes her own notebook, and makes a note.
"A ghoran druidic initiate," Za Minyahil comments, playing along with Iovia's joke.
Yes," says the Professor with a sigh, blowing a loose strand of hair out of her face. "Most bugs will fit in a container that size. I would be most interested if you find some that do not..."
To Iovia she says, "Immense care is exactly what I said. Don't fold, spindle or mutilate. Try to damage them as little as possible, so we can observe their behaviors and if anything is awry. I am telling what to do in advance, and...your past tasks are of little concern to me. What else?"
"We'll be fine, Mr. M'baba. Let's go see Anchor Root, and then start examining the sites." Iovia says, and once the group is out of the classroom, she pauses long enough to cast a spell.
Ikto is in a good mood, "Anchor root is just the person to see, brilliant with bugs and such." He tells the others, "She is shy of course, more than just shy but her heart as you know is good and she wants to help."
Za Minyahil nods.
"Let's go, then."
Iovia casts her protective spell which lasts all day, and then the group goes out in search of the pathologically shy Anchor Root. It appears that the small ant kholo is at home in her room at the Spire Dormitory.
When you knock, she answers the door, eyes lowered, her voice its usual meek timbre. "Hello friends. What brings you to my door today?" The clucking of Anchor Root's pet chicken is quite audible from the hallway, and she appears to have a set of pan pipes in her small hands.
"Anchor root, forgive us for crowding you, but Teacher Ulawa suggested we seek out your help, as you're so knowledgeable in bugs and insects." He will show her the list if the others don't mind then says "Can you give us suggestions about the centipedes?"
In her diminutive and imitable way, Anchor Root explains that she has noticed an uptick in pests, particularly centipedes, burrowing into the dormitory walls. "I know Teacher Ulawa would appreciate a specimen but my pet chicken has eaten all the ones around here. In fact, she has eaten so many, I had Chizire brew a pot of centipede antivenom to feed her. Here, if you are going digging for centipedes, you should take some. Drink up, I already gave some to Lucy. I think there's unlikely to be any side effects...". It might be the longest sentence you've heard her say aloud so far.
"Thank you, Anchor Root." Iovia says, and then she drinks her dose of the antivenom.
"I think we should start with the kitchen, but if you all feel like another place would be better to start, that's fine with me."
Ikto smiles at Anchor Root and gives a gesture of approval, "See you later and we'll talk beetles."[/B]
Then to Iovia "Kitchen sounds fine."
You approach the dining hall and you can see the usually open door is closed. Lumusi Yao is standing outside with a basket of mangoes, and his handing one out to each student. "The dining hall is closed today. Sorry I cannot feed you properly. Try again tomorrow." she tells the surprised students.
Za Minyahil shrugs as Lumusi explains the situation.
"I suspect the reason for that may be why we're here," they say. "Insects, am I right?"
"We have been tasked by Professor Alawa to look into the insect issue." Iovia says, giving more detail than Za Minyahil did with their question. "Would it be alright with you if we went inside to try and investigate the problem?"
She does take a mango, as well, and puts it in a pouch for later. Or to use as bait for insects, or perhaps both.
"Yes," says Lumusi sighing with relief. I can tell you then, even though I don't want this to get out among the other students. We've been seeing a lot of mites recently. Many more than usual, and usual is none at all. Just a short time ago, I received a large basket of fresh cassava. When I opened it, there were so many mites on it that I dropped the basket, spilling the cassava and the mites across the floor. I asked my assistant Abena to sweep up the mess while I shooed everyone away."
She asks you to go inside and help Abena withe mites, and the mess of spilt cassava, and she agrees to let you take as many mites with you as you wish.
After the group is inside, Iovia says "I would suggest that we work with a plan. I'll help Abena with the cleanup. Mr. Banashee, I think your skill set is best suited to investigating the mites and seeing if you can learn anything from them. Mr. M'baba, perhaps you should search for clues. Za Minyahil, I'm not sure what you are best suited for in this case, and I apologize for that." After making her suggestions, she moves to help Abena clean up the fallen cassava.
"I shall give them a look," Ikto nods, "Insects are a hobby of mine."
As you get ready to enter the kitchen, Lumusi calls to you again. "Now, understand I have never had an insect problem in my kitchen before. Washing the floors with my secret solution, and putting copper pennies in jars of water by the window has always worked for me. Along with some minor incantations from time to time."
As you enter the kitchen, you don't see any mites. It seems that the infestation of the smaller insects has attracted a swarm of centipedes who love to eat them. So instead of the mites you expected, you find hundreds or maybe thousands of centipedes crawling along the surfaces of the kitchen. Along the west wall stands a large black iron cauldron with a lid. You can see the lid shifting slightly and hear cries of help from inside -- that must be where Abena is!
Kitchen Swarm
22 Centipede Swarm
21 Ikto
18 Iovia
9 Za Minyahil
8 M'Baba
The swarm of multiple centipedes moves from threatening the cauldron, crawling over the butcher's block table in the center, and into the doorway where you stand. Suddenly dozens of the small critters are on you, biting, stinging, crawling and getting everywhere. Each initiate gets bit numerous times, though not any one bite is all that painful. They do inject small doses of venom which do start to act upon the heroes as well.
Iovia was also not expecting centipedes, but the swarm was not expecting her either, and she is not a tasty mite.
Words of faith spill from her mouth, and they are answered by a lion! The noble creature appears, tears into the insects, and then vanishes!
She then moves to the cauldron to reassure Abena with words. "Don't worry. We'll keep you safe."
After the group is inside, Iovia says "I would suggest that we work with a plan. I'll help Abena with the cleanup. Mr. Banashee, I think your skill set is best suited to investigating the mites and seeing if you can learn anything from them. Mr. M'baba, perhaps you should search for clues. Za Minyahil, I'm not sure what you are best suited for in this case, and I apologize for that." After making her suggestions, she moves to help Abena clean up the fallen cassava.
Za Minyahil shrugs.
"An extra pair of hands to assist with the clean-up," they suggest.
Then they're attacked by the swarm of centipedes.
"Or a protector to help distract from THIS!"
"See if we can scoop up some into a jar or something! Remember, we do need to collect samples!"
(+1 More if Poison Resistance Feat applies.)
Ikto backs out of the swarm if he can
Kitchen Swarm - Round 1 - continued
22 Centipede Swarm (7hp dmg)
21 Ikto (1 action remains, 1hp dmg)
18 Iovia (3hp dmg, poisoned, off guard)
9 Za Minyahil (all actions remain)
8 M'Baba (2 actions remain, poisoned stage 2, off-guard, 1 hp dmg)
M'Baba is able to hop around enough to not suffer any damage from the bites, but the poison does get him really hard. The venom makes him just a little light headed as he scans the kitchen for implements to make a weapon versus the swarm.
Iovia takes slight damaging from the biting bugs, and she also succumbs to the venom, feeling slightly off-balance and dizzy. She is able to cast a spell and a spectral lion appears striking the swarm with a might paw. Since it is an area attack, it seems to do more damage than Iovia expected. She then moves away from the swarm and towards the cauldron where perhaps Abena is inside.
Za Minyahil is able to avoid many bites from the swarm, and is also able to fight off the effects of the venom, for now. He asks about the glass jars the team used during their first week, and if anyone has them.
Ikto takes the slight damage from bites, but his natural resistance to poison keeps him from suffering any other effects at present. He moves from the swarm, and tries to recall the best way to catch or capture centipedes from his days in the jungle. He recalls that centipedes are voracious eaters, mostly of smaller insects like mites, but they will really eat anything. He thinks they could just put bait in a jar, and a centipede might crawl into it by itself...
fail
Ikto calls out "They're ravenous creatures, and like smaller insects such as mites, but they'll eat almost anything. If we can get bait in a jar, a centipede will follow in by itself most likely."
Kitchen Swarm - Round 1 - continued
22 Centipede Swarm (7hp dmg)
21 Ikto (1hp dmg)
18 Iovia (3hp dmg, poisoned, off guard)
9 Za Minyahil (all actions remain)
8 M'Baba (poisoned stage 2, off-guard, 1 hp dmg)
Ikto rummages in his pack thinking he can draw out trail rations and entice at least one of the swarm of centipedes into a sample jar.
M'Baba spies a barrel of cooking oil in one of the corners of the kitchen and makes his way there, leaving the space of the centipede swarm behind for now.
"Iovia! I apologize for taking one of your jars before asking," Za Minyahil says before they grab into her pack to take one.
Za Minyahil takes a deep breath and dives at the swarm, jar in hand, and scoops up a bunch of its component centipedes, and then slams the perforated lid on to it, sealing it tight.
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Kitchen Swarm - Round 1 - concluded
Za Minyahil grabs a glass jar as soon as the centipedes are seen, then uses it to scoop up a sample of one or more of the critters, sealing the lid on tightly.
End of round 1