Esi merely shrugs at Iovia's question. "I have little knowledge of these creatures myself. You can check at the Powderpile for cages is my best advice."
To M'baba she says: "I have only heard this tale, and have not witnessed them in action. but I understand they are just wantonly destroying items in the storage area with no rhyme or reason that has been discerned so far." M'baba has less knowledge of gremlins or pugwampis than has already been shared.
As the group separates for the day, Za Minyahil wanders the Academy grounds a bit, looking to see if there's other garden spots besides that of the kitchen. It was a beautiful space, to be sure, but very...utilitarian, and they were sure Lumusi would not want them continually underfoot there for things such as meditation or botany research.
Place: The Spire Dormitory, Magaambya Academy, City of Nantambu, western edge of the Mwangi Expanse, Garund, Golarion
Time: Wealday, 3 Rova, 4724ARMorning comes again, but the rain has not really let up since you arrived in Nantambu. Regardless, you eat breakfast or other morning rituals and gather together in the Common Room of the Spire Dormitory in anticipation of the next challenge of your Perquisite. A few minutes before the appointed hour, Esi strides confidently in. "Morning o!" she says cheerily without a trace of sleepiness. She bobs her silken umbrella in greeting. "It's just me today. I'm the only one of us who plans to join the Tempest-Sun Mages. That's the branch that defends Nantambu and the people around the city from outside threats, big and small. Today, you are going to help us with a very small threat. Some gremlins have gotten into one of the school's storage rooms. I want you to get them out without harming them."
"I mean it," Esi adds with emphasis. They're sour little pests, but they haven't done anything except throw some jars around and be obnoxious. The Magaambya doesn't approve of killing anyone just because of who they are. A student was expelled because of it, back before I came here."
"Between you and me, I don't think anyone will mind if you gave them one or two whacks to the head, but get them out of the storage room and release them off the grounds -- really, its probably better to release them outside of Nantambu entirely."
"Any questions?"
Za Minyahil bobs their own head in a nod to Esi.
These Tempest-Sun Mages seem to be where my own skills would serve best, they think to themselves. The stipulation to not kill, however, was surprising. It was very different from how mages in Nex learned, where the power of magic was the power to kill, power that was meant to be used on the enemies of your people. And pugwampis, along with the rest of their gremlin ilk, were dangerous vermin in a place where so much magic was thrown around every day and an accident of any kind could cause a cascading disaster that would scar the land as badly as Geb's necromancy. Once only needed to look at Ecanus for that lesson.
"Tell us of this expelled student, that we may not repeat their mistakes," they ask.
Nyandra wakes the next day, stretches, and this time doesn't reach for the now-absent glass in her room. She arranges her hair in pigtails, something that always puts a smile on her face, and this time dons a simple black dress. It's actually a size too big for her, and looks well-worn, but she carries herself with a confidence others have not yet seen from her.
Breaking her fast, she keeps to herself. Rather uncharacteristic for her, but she's learned her lesson from the previous couple days: she finds the new experiences here draining, and needs to reserve her energy for the tasks assigned rather than socializing as much as she'd like. So many new people and new places! She hopes it will calm down in the coming days so she can adjust and get to know her classmates and everyone else better.
She listens to Esi, hands folded in front of her. As before, she positions her hands so her index fingers and thumbs meet. She nods at the tip to check the Powderpile, but remembers how it was too much the first time. A relevant question comes to mind, one that she's eager to explore to assist in being nonviolent. She ponders for a moment and tries to recall what she knows about them.
Raising an eyebrow at Za Minyahil's question, she wonders how Esi will respond--the last time she was asked an uncomfortable question like this, it didn't go well. Maybe Za Minyahil will have better luck?
"Ugh, gremlins are the worst." Her people are also very peaceful, but even so there is no love for gremlins. Personally, she has no problem with bashing them with her maul, but if the rules are for a peaceful solution, fine, she'd try.
To Za Minyahil, Esi replies: "I don't know the details of the story, unfortunately. As I said, it happened before I started as a new initiate but the warning still applies. If you are more curious about it, I am sure someone who has been here longer may know."
Both Nyandra and Ntuni know the same basic facts about pugwampis the Ikto has already related. They are mischievous, they spread misfortune to those near them, and they are obsessed with kholo (gnolls). Nyandra can assume that they may speak or at least understand the kholo language since they are often found together.
"With due respect to your curiosity, Za Minyahil, the details of what the former student did have no bearing on our task. For all we, or even Miss Djana knows, this former student is nothing more than a parable, with the lesson of 'do not kill unless absolutely necessary."
"We have a task: remove the pugwampi from the storeroom and set them free outside the school, preferably outside the city. We have a limitation on the task: we are not allowed lethal force."
"Half of our group have relayed the exact same information about the targets. It is reasonable to infer that collectively we have all the information that we will receive. With that information, I would propose a modification to my proposed plan, that we ask Anchor Root to assist us in luring them into transport cages."
"However, there are very likely better plans than my own. If anyone else has one, please suggest it."
Iovia looks around at the other students after she finishes speaking.
"Half of our group have relayed the exact same information about the targets. It is reasonable to infer that collectively we have all the information that we will receive. With that information, I would propose a modification to my proposed plan, that we ask Anchor Root to assist us in luring them into transport cages."
"My chief concern there is for Anchor Root. Perhaps it is too soon to say but she is becoming a friend to me, and she is very shy. This might be quite stressful for her. We can ask, of course, but it should be done gently if we feel we must."
While listening to the others, Nyandra recalls that the pugwampis do understand the kholo language. She waits for a natural gap in the conversation.
"If I may suggest something? The pugwampis, if I recall, should at least understand the kholo language. If we are to remove them peacefully, I would suggest starting there. We may not even need to impersonate a kholo to do so, just using the language may be enough. Try to form an understanding. Or at least try to talk first. They may be pests from our perspective--" here, she inclines her head to Ntuni, acknowledging the dwarf's comment from earlier "--but regardless, that they have a language means they can be reasoned with. They clearly want something, and if we can figure out what that is, we may have a far easier time with this task than otherwise." A pause, as she considers how likely this is. "And I should of course consider I'm being naive. Maybe reasoning with them is impossible. Regardless, being able to communicate with them will be helpful."
He goes on "If I can have some practicing, maybe I can pass for one long enough to fool them."
"I do speak the language," Ikto comments, offering his services if no one else does.
Ntuni nods to M'baba. "I agree with M'baba, and I think being able to talk has nothing to do with them being reasonable. We are free to have hope though."
"Now, about bringing Anchor Root, I'm... unsure. Isn't this our task? I think asking her for pointers could be fine, but bringing her alone might defeat the purpose of our perquisite of us doing these tasks."
"Besides, wouldn't we want to ASK Anchor Root if she's even interested first?" Za Minyahil adds with a shrug. "From what little I've seen of her, getting even a small favor like this from her might take just as much gentle convincing as persuading the pugwampi to leave of its own accord."
"Besides, wouldn't we want to ASK Anchor Root if she's even interested first?"
"No. First we are talking about if we should ask her or not. If we agree not to, which is my vote, then there is no point in bothering her."
Raising an eyebrow, she adds. "Not for a moment I assumed any of us would drag her without asking her first. That is just common sense and basic decency."
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M'baba says "Well, I'm going to try to fashion some cages. About this size should do it?" he shows with his hand the size for some cages that he imagines would fit a pugwampi. He also says "We should also come up with a back-up plan in case the trap fails. Some way to knock them out. Do we have any magic that would accomplish this?"
Ikto admits "I am not sure of the 'rules' here at times, how much help we are expected to ask for. I do not think it would b reak the rules to ask Anchor Root for help, but yes, I worry it is not good for her. Do any of us have magics of illusion or the like? the ability to appear as a kohlo?"
"Besides, wouldn't we want to ASK Anchor Root if she's even interested first?""No. First we are talking about if we should ask her or not. If we agree not to, which is my vote, then there is no point in bothering her."
Raising an eyebrow, she adds. "Not for a moment I assumed any of us would drag her without asking her first. That is just common sense and basic decency."
Za Minyahil raises their own "eyebrow" in response.
"Ntuni, that's what I was saying."
They shrug at M'Baba and Ikto's suggestions.
"At the very least, I can play the part of a commanding Nexian magister and threaten arcane doom upon their heads should they not vacate the premises. For something as unsophisticated as a gremlin, fear can be just as powerful as any spell, even if I don't actually follow through on the threat."
Za Minyahil raises their own "eyebrow" in response.
"Ntuni, that's what I was saying."
"Apologies then. I thought you were chiding us about something we were not intending to do." Turning to M'baba, she adds. "I can help with the cages."
Nyandra follows the conversation as it flows around her, quietly listening and making notes of everyone's perspective. What a lovely, passionate group of people! She nods at M'baba's and Ntuni's insight about likely not being able to communicate with the pugwampis with a bit of a blush. "You're right, that was a bit too naive. I agree with Ntuni and Ikto that asking Anchor Root isn't what folks have in mind for us." She speaks a bit quickly here, her thumbs twiddling in loops as she nervously tries to dispel what she sees as tension forming between the others. "I'm happy to help with building the cages, though--while most of my time was on the stage performing, everyone in a theater troupe needs to learn how to build things and be useful with their hands. Are we agreed that's what we should do? I think we should check the Powderpile for supplies first." With that, she decides to keep people focused on-task and starts walking to the Powderpile, hoping folks follow.
Nyandra goes to the Powderpile to see what they have to help build cages. She leaves with a spool of wire and some folding hinges. The rest of the fairly primitive cages are made from sticks gathered from Magaambya grounds. With Ntuni and Nyandra's help, M'Baba attempts to craft a cage like you might carry a chicken or other small animal in. After about 90 minutes of combined work, the group comes up with a rickety cage but they are unsure if it will be sturdy enough to hold a creature inside.
success
failure
While the others work on constructing a cage, Iovia takes a different tack on things.
She walks into Nantambu, where she looks for a pet store, or an agriculture supply store, to purchase one or two travel cages, the sort one might use for a dog, or cat, or chicken, and then returns to campus.
She is back within two hours if she is successful or not.
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Iovia finds a couple of wooden frame wire cages that seems sturdy enough, with a sliding and latchable top. They are 1gp each at the sundries supplier, and there are a half dozen available. They are each big enough to hold 2-3 large chickens (since that's how you measure everything now).
"At the very least, I can play the part of a commanding Nexian magister and threaten arcane doom upon their heads should they not vacate the premises. For something as unsophisticated as a gremlin, fear can be just as powerful as any spell, even if I don't actually follow through on the threat."
"Well, let us hope we do not need it but good to know. Thank you, Za Minyahil."
Seeing Iovia go shopping, he joins her, but he looks for things that might lure the fae. Bright strings, treats, and mouse skeletons (Some of them are morbid). They can put them in the cages so the PUgawumpis might want to go in during transport.
The shops near the magic school have string and small sweet and savory treats easily available, but Ikto cannot find any mouse skeletons for sale in the nearby area. He spends 2 silver sails on these small items.
Iovia finds a couple of wooden frame wire cages that seems sturdy enough, with a sliding and latchable top. They are 1gp each at the sundries supplier, and there are a half dozen available. They are each big enough to hold 2-3 large chickens (since that's how you measure everything now).
As Iovia returns with cages, Nyandra looks down at the rickety cage she helped the others build, sighs, and rests her face in the palm of her hand. "Of course. Of course buying cages is a better idea! Goodness. Thank you for keeping us grounded, Iovia! I have to say my experience as a stagehand and my eagerness to help made it hard for me to see the obvious solution. Regardless! Now we have some cages, can anyone think of anything else we'd need?" She turns to each member of the group, gauging their thoughts.
The shops near the magic school have string and small sweet and savory treats easily available, but Ikto cannot find any mouse skeletons for sale in the nearby area. He spends 2 silver sails on these small items.
Two silver down, Ikto contemplates the idea of trapping living mice and, he can't bring himself to do it. If the gremlins used this chance to torture the mice... well, he is of the Storm, not the beast, but he'd never want that on his mind. Perhaps the Powderpile has something morbid in case that's the gremlin's interest? And at least I have the treats and string
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M'baba thinks it is a good idea to buy the cages, especially how he was having trouble building them. In his village he had to do everything himself, but in the city things are a lot more available. He says "I think 3 cages are enough."
Answering Nyandra, he says "I think we only need a plan in case the trap process fails. Do we just fight them and knock them out?"
He notices Ikto is thinking deeply, but since the man doesn't say anything, M'baba also doesn't.
"Just because we've failed to craft cages as sturdy as those from the market, it doesn't mean it was a bad idea, M'baba. Should we have succeeded, we'd have done it for a fraction of the price." She tries to comfort the man.
"Roughing them up as a back up plan is enough I believe. And we should get going, uh?"
"As Miss Anzaga said, your idea to build cages was not a bad idea. Mr. Banashee and I chose one way to approach it, and you took another way. I agree that we should head to the storeroom before they totally wreck it." Iovia says.
"Perhaps they'll like this as bait to lure them in ?" He shows the treats and colorful string he purchased
The initiates head over to the storage barn that Esi indicated held the gremlin infection. The outer door to the storage barn is open. The students find there are 6 large storage chambers inside. One room has a broom handle shoved through the door handles. From the sounds of snickering laughter and breaking glass inside, you assume this is the room.
Iovia sets up her cages in the hall, doors open, and ready to accept guests!
She then steps back and casts a spell on herself.
Ntuni decides to bring her hammer in case they need to go for the alternate plan. Otherwise she is ready and nods to the others.
Za Minyahil takes up their shield, but leaves their sword behind.
"A knock on the head from oryx hide won't kill them, but if we do need to wrangle them directly, it may give us the edge we need," they comment.
They crouch by the door, waiting for the others to take position.
As the group readies themselves outside the door, preparing spells, drawing weapons, and readying shields, M'Baba asks a rather pertinent question.
Ikto puts the lures in the cages, or tied to them at least... then follows the others, "Should I call out in Kholo?"
Nyandra smiles at the encouragement from her peers. "You're right, of course. I'm always so hard on myself. Something to work on. As for a backup plan: we may have to use force, but I would strongly prefer not to. I do have something in mind that may help to make them easier to handle."
She brings her rapier in case things get out of hand. As the group is discussing how to lure the pugwampis out, she grips her flute in her hands and nods to Ikto. "That's probably the best way. I was considering playing something to catch their attention, but of course calling out in a language they know is even better." A pause. "Even if I'm not playing to lure them out, I'm happy to lend a bit of aid to people catching them!" She offers a genuine smile here, though her words are a bit shaky.
With the others ready, Ntuni opens the door.
Ikto casts guidance upon himself, then, when the door is open, calls out in Kholo,
Za Minyahil holds their breath as they wait for the pugwampis to answer.
As Ntuni opens the door, Ikto steps to the threshold. As he does, a weird feeling takes hold of his mind, but he forces that to the side, and spins his faith-inspired deception at the gremlins. Going better than even Ikto expected, four of the small pugwampis leave the wonton destruction they were causing and come to the door after hearing the voice and (to them) beautiful language.
The Red Pugwampi stops chucking crockery to the debris littered floor, and cocks its head, listening, but not quite hooked.
The Orange Pugwampi shouts out in Kholo, and launches a glass jar at Ikto just outside the door. The flung jar strikes Ikto smashing against his head, and cutting the skin open. At the attack, the other pugwampis look around very confused.
Ikto is surprised it is working, then a gash opens from the thrown jar, and he says to the others "I'm going to keep trying peace. They say they have 'work' to do. The orange one clearly thinks its a trick, but the green one is listening. If I get hit again, not sure..."
He tries further,
Nyandra cringes as the jar hits Ikto. That looked like it hurt! Still, she tries to focus on the task at hand. She nods at Ikto's words and an idea comes to her mind. She brings her flute to her lips and tries to play a rousing work tune to bolster Ikto's words and his next attempt to convince them to cooperate.
Ikto continues to try to coax the little gremlins into going peaceably, but none of the pugwampis seem to be interested anymore. In fact, they scatter back to the corners of the room, some climbing shelves and begin destroying more things here. None act aggressively toward the initiates, but none seem interested in them either. Nyandra plays a few notes of a song, but the melody seems to have no effect on the gremlins either way.
fail