The Magaambya campus is beautiful as you cross the Welcome Walk. Overlooking the school's terraced gardens and the surrounding city of Nantambu are massive mosaics of Jatembe's Ten Magic Warriors. The view is only slightly spoiled by a powerful rainstorm. Meeting you at the school's entrance is a human man with colorful clothing and warm eyes. The ran does not touch him, and once you're within a few feet of him, it stops hitting you as well. As your clothing rapidly dries, he speaks with a gentle, soothing timbre to his voice.
"Welcome, and a kind hello, new student. It is my pleasure to instruct you. You may call me Teacher Ot. You are embarking now on a life of study and service. We see within you intellect, passion, and judgment — in short, the virtues to build upon the strengths of the thousands who have come before you. We follow the footsteps of Old-Mage Jatembe, who showed us that the price of magic is the responsibility to better the world.
"Before you can select your first-year classes, you must complete your enrollment with an informal interview. I promise it won't take long, and we can conduct it while I walk you to the Spire Dormitory where you'll be staying. To start, who are you? What most interests you, what do you consider your greatest strength, and what work have you done to bolster those in and around the Magaambya before now?"
Quinnan smiled at the man, a mere shadow in his clouded vision. The rain made it harder to make out his surroundings, but his guide wolf in training, Brighteye, was doing a wonderful job of guiding him towards the man, with only a few stops to try to chomp at the large raindrops soaking their clothes.
Once shielded from the rain and properly greeted, Quinnan smiled up at the man, his face a bit clearer thanks to him being so close.
"It is my pleasure to meet you Teacher Ot. This here is my friend Leif," he pointed at a clump of seaweed peeking out from underneath his cloak. "And this pup is Brighteye, my guide dog." the wolf pup sniffed the man gingerly before huffing and sitting on his rump.
Quinnan thought for a moment before answering the mans questions, taking his time so he could gather his thoughts.
"I am Quinnan Wildleaf. I have been blessed by the land and wish to become a steward of our lovely world. I have a special place in my heart for plants, and I love a good meal!"
As the wolf pup began to follow the man, Quinnan continued answering the questions posed to him.
"I would say my greatest strength is my complete devotion to the betterment of nature and the beings in it. I have spent many years tending to the wildlife and plant life around my home, now I would love to widen my view to help habitats that are struggling all over Galerion. I think Magaambya can teach me what I need to know to do that."
His smile never wavered, even as the slimy tendrils of seaweed snuck over his neck and pulled up what turned out to be a small leshy sitting itself on his shoulder to look up at the welcoming man in bright clothes.
Teacher Ot smiles at your companions - and it broadens at your answers. He chuckles. "I, too, love a good meal. As you're a plant tender, you'll definitely want to visit both the Shifting Greenhouse and the Leshy Gardens when you get the chance! If you're game, I have a test for you." He coos, and a blue quail flutters out of a nearby bush. "Can you get a feather from this bird without plucking one?" He watches appraisingly to see what you do next.
Quinnan smiled at Teacher Ot, the idea of a good meal making his stomach grumble. Was it almost time for supper? He absent-mindedly rubbed his stomach.
Hearing the gentle coo and a rush of feathers, Quinnan looked around, finding he could see the little bird as it pecked at the ground.
"I will try my best." He told Brighteye to sit, stay, and slowly approached the tiny bird. With his hands out in front of him to calm the creature, he pulled out a small bag of seeds.
"Hello, little one. Do you have a feather you can spare? Perhaps one that has fallen from you recently? I would love to have it. I have seed here that's quite delicious. I'll give you some if you'd like."
The little leshy tried to aid with gentle coos of its own.
The quail coos back at your leshy and hops over. No feathers are dislodged yet, though.
With small, deliberate movements, Quinnan carefully reaches into his pouch of seeds and tosses some on the ground in front of the quail.
"That's right, little buddy. Have some yummy seeds."
Trying not to startle the quail, he slowly moves closer, seed in hand, to see if the bird would eat the seeds. If he could get it preening, perhaps it would shed a feather or two for him.
The leshy coos again, its gentle noise carrying through the rain. Once the bird approaches, it reaches out with its seaweed arm to stroke the little bird.
The quail eats the seeds and then begins to preen itself, plucking out several feathers before hopping back into the bushes.
Teacher Ot claps his hands. "Well done! Respect for all living things is something that we emphasize at the Magaambya." He continues walking with you before stopping and indicating a pebble on the ground. "What about nonliving things? Can you make this stone dance by itself?"
Quinnan smiled at the praise, and Leif shook with pleasure. With his new challenge, he thought for a moment, then concentrated on the pebble.
"I can try!"
Stepping closer to the pebble to see it as best he could, he began concentrating on the small rock, spinning his ring on his thumb. The ring started to glow as he asked the rock to tremble.
The ground under the pebble shakes briefly, causing it to vibrate for a few seconds. Teacher Ot nods approvingly. "Excellent. As you've shown, sometimes taking an indirect approach to a problem is better than attempting to solve it with brute force." Nodding at a candle next to the pathway, he asks, "Can you light this candle without flint or matches?" You note that - unlike Teacher Ot and the area around him - it's quite wet from the rain.
Quinnan thought for a moment, then whispered to his leshy friend. Jumping off of his shoulder, Leif ran to find a few sticks. Returning with two branches soaked from the rain, Quinnan decided to try to make it work anyway. Peeling away the wet bark, he got to the core of the wood, hoping it would be dry enough to spark.
Unfortunately, the rain has completely soaked the wood, making it impossible to light. Teacher Ot doesn't seem bothered. "Sometimes a task may seem insurmountable at first ... but it may simply be because it can't be accomplished alone." He snaps his fingers, and the tip of one of your branches is set ablaze, allowing you to light the candle. You notice that the dry area has extended to include that area, keeping the flame from being immediately snuffed out.
The two of you watch the candle for a moment before setting off on your walk once more. "We've almost reached our destination." He reaches into a pocket of his robes and hands you a small bone. "Before we get there, can you soothe the soul of this bone?"
Quinnan was at a loss, stress beginning to prickle his neck. He took the bone, looking at it with a blank stare. He could help people feel better by cooking them a delicious meal, but how was he supposed to do that for a thing could not eat?
In a small voice, he sheepishly handed the bone back.
"I cannot, but if I could learn, I would use the skill to help those I can."
Feeling a little put-down, his leshy climbed back onto his shoulder and hunkered under his cloak. Leif gave him a quick touch on his cheek with its wet and slimy seaweed arm. Feeling the support radiating off his pal, he smiled at Leif and patted him.
"Thanks little man." he said quietly.
Teacher Ot nods and puts the bone back in his pocket. "There's no need to feel embarrassed. True strength comes from being able to recognize and acknowledge your weakness. Well done." He waves a hand, and glowing symbols appear in the air before you. "What is your choice?"
At first, the glowing symbols were foggy in their blurred vision. Then, as if by magic, they cleared, and Quinnan was presented with six symbols. Brighteye let out a low growl, and Leif began reaching out for the symbols, but this was his choice. Quinnan shushed his companions and focused on the symbols, thinking hard about which one called to him the most. Finally, he pointed towards the mouth.
"With your mouth, you can communicate with others, learning how to better assist, and a smile can brighten anyone's day. I choose the mouth."
The symbol vanishes when you point to it, and a moment later, so do the others. You quickly realize that you feel different, as if you've discovered something you always could do - but didn't realize until this moment. Teacher Ot smiles. "Your first lesson is complete."
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“At the Magaambya, we seek to understand our differences. Where others might dismiss a trait as irrelevant or troublesome, we understand that the things that make us unique in life are key to who we are as people. And it is who we are as people that defines our magic. Sometimes, it is things that are different about us, things that societies have taught us to hate, that show what our talent will be. To the north, people say that children with white or red hair have strong potential for magic. Here in Nantambu, we recognize that left-handed people are skilled at undoing spells. One student of mine is terrified of butterflies, even though he considers it ridiculous. Yet in exchange for this fear of fluttering whimsy, he has one of the most orderly minds for games and strategy that I have ever seen.
“Sometimes, we do not understand our magic, and that lack of understanding causes pain. People who are uncomfortable in their own skin are incredible shapechangers but often feel unsettled until they recognize the shape they were meant to be. Those who feel an urge to jump from high places often become frightened of themselves, but they are simply channeling the untrained will to fly.
“Sometimes, our talents are not revealed by happy means,” Teacher Ot's face becomes somber, and he continues, “One student here had a family who planned her life out from birth to death, punishing her when she deviated the slightest bit. She only found freedom in the thought of her grave, and as a result, the dead began to speak to her. Here, she has freedom to choose her own path, but her necromancy remains strong.
“You don’t have to share, but I want you to ask yourself: what about you defines you, even if others rarely notice it? Is there something inside you that pulls at you, perhaps defying rational explanation? Thus, I return to my first question: who are you, and how can that person best be guided to grow?”
Quinnan nods as he takes in the words of the older man, smiling as he explained the atmosphere of the school.
His brow furrowed, when asked the question, absent-mindedly petting Brighteye.
"I don't know exactly who I am yet, but I know I just want to make this world better than how I found it. Any knowledge you can give me I want to use to improve life for all, not just people, but the flora and fauna, too. Teach me and I will learn."
Teacher Ot nods. "A noble goal. We'll do our best to make your wish a reality." He hands you a yellow-and-blue glass bead on a string. "Initiates of the Magaambya are required to wear a string of beads at all times. Each bead is unique and represents a step of your journey - in this case, your admittance to the academy and my role as the person who gave your entrance interview."
As you take the beads, a woman exits the building in front of you carrying a spider-silk umbrella. "You’re the new student, o? You’ll be rooming with us in Spire Dorm. Come in, I’ll show you the place." The woman gestures with her umbrella toward the door, taking a few
steps back toward the building’s welcoming, dry overhang.
A catfolk sprawls beneath the eaves of the dormitory building, a sliced and sticky mango laying on a cloth on his chest. He looks up from licking the juice off his fingers, his mouth spreading into a toothy smile. “Care for some mango?” he says cheerfully while gesturing idly to the fruit. “Or if you’d prefer something to cheer you up from the rain, I have some wine brewing back in my room.”
“Don’t offer him your moonshine!” Esi scolds, before addressing you again. “This is Chizire. Don’t become a slacker like him.”
“I don’t need to study. Catfolk have the best magic, everyone says so,” Chizire says. “Esi here is trying to run the entire school. Even playing teacher for the new student, it looks like.”
Esi blows out a sharp breath. “Koride told me to get him settled. Said that handling the new student was our job.”
“Fft. Do we look like attendants to her? Not yet, we aren’t,” Chizire replies, turning his attention back to peeling the skin off another slice of mango. Esi waits for a moment before scuffing her foot at the catfolk’s tail and then stepping over him to go inside.
Tying the string of beads around his wrist, Quinnan smiles at Teacher Ot.
"Thank you. I appreciate your time."
Quinnan lets out a laugh at the exchange between the two, though their faces were hard to make out. Mango did sound really good right about now.
"I would like a piece of your mango, actually. Perhaps I may sit with you, and we can share a pipe later on? You are, of course, welcome as well, Miss Esi. I'd love to get to know you both!"
Patting Brighteye on the head, Quinnan moves closer to see the two better and take refuge from the rain under the overhang.
"My name is Quinnan Wildleaf, But everyone at home calls me Q or Quinn. I answer to both." He shook off his cap of rain, a silly thing to do, given its soaked-through state. With a better view of the others, he smiles.
"So about that Mango! Oh, and a tour, I would very much like to get changed." He laughed merrily, the small Leshy on his shoulder cowering under Quinn's cloak. Only two beady eyes could be seen.
Chizire tosses you a slice of mango. "Sounds like you're my kind of guy. Ignaci'll probably want to join you for a smoke, too."
Rolling her eyes, Esi waves you onward. "Come, I'll give you the tour!" During the tour, you meet a well-dressed youth who gives you a charming smile and a bow that seems polished and rehearsed. "Good day, sir. I'm Ignaci Canterells. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
A crash from a nearby bedroom draws your attention. Inside, a gnoll who's even shorter than you is leading a fluffy chicken around on a stick as it eagerly gobbles up dozens of ants. When she notices you standing in the doorway, she gives a horrified squeak and hides behind a chair.
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A1: Soaring Spire
Esi explains, "This spire has a unique quirk that allows you to jump over it and land without injury."
A2: Common Room
A3: West Bath
The water here is always warm and fresh. The antechamber to the south has numerous piles of laundry either drying or waiting to be washed - much to Esi's disapproval.
A4: Washroom
A5: Gnoll's Room
Aside from the ants and a few dried chicken droppings, this bedroom is quite tidy. Stacks of small, cleaned animal bones sit in the corners, and several large tubs appear to hold various insects.
A6: Esi's Room[/b]
This room is crammed to the brim with hiking and sports sticks, cut pieces of leather, carving supplies, book glue, parchment, stray books, and half-done sewing projects.
A7: Student Bedroom
Games of all kinds, from wooden board games to dark boards and hoops, have been piled high in this room. Everything appears impeccably organized with not even a speck of dust or mud on anything.
A8: Chizire's Room
Most of the space is occupied by what appears to be a moonshine still, but there are also a few potted plants.
A9: Student Bedroom
This room is filled with wooden practice weapons, old scrolls, impressive-looking knickknacks, and a stuffed lizard toy. Everything smells like narcotics.
A10: Student Bedroom
This room is covered in large spiderwebs. Stuck to the floor, walls, and ceiling are numerous children's toys.
A11: Ignaci's Room
In addition to a second chest, desk, and bookshelf, this room holds a large collection of glass alchemy equipment.
A12: Student Bedroom
This room holds an impressive collection of weapons, but the most notable item is a large pair of cloth and reed dragon wings.
A13: Student Bedroom
This room holds a large collection of flowing outfits, several small chests, and a tall jug of what appears to be water. Almost everything - including the furniture - is crammed against the walls, leaving a large amount of clear floor space in the center of the room.
A14: Empty Bedrooms
Esi shows you all of them. "Feel free to take whichever one you'd like for yourself." Once you lay claim to a room and begin unpacking, you discover a scrap of yellow cloth on the bed. Folded inside is a sunburst-shaped glass bead.
A15: East Bath
This is kept slightly cooler than the west bath. Aside from a few heaps of clothes, it's empty.
A16: Mask Drawing
The wall here is adorned with a well-rendered drawing of Nethys, god of magic. Inked next to this are the words, "All-Seeing Solutions: Pay in Light, Let the Darkness Show Wisdom!"
A18: Pond
This deep pond is home to numerous frogs.
After the tour, Quinnan relishes in the quiet of his chosen room, the one with a window on the southeast side of the complex. He begins unpacking, carefully placing the bead he finds on his string before tying it back around his wrist.
He unpacked Brighteye's bed, sized for a full-grown wolf, even though now it dwarfed the small pup. The pup still gratefully settled into his bed, gnawing on a bone treat Quinnan threw to him soon after.
He also set up a small terrarium-like structure perfectly suitable for his little seaweed friend and lowered him onto the table so he could relax in the mini habitat for the night.
"I think this will do quite nicely!" He said with a smile and a glint in his eye. After a few minutes of shuffling through his trunks, he found his pipe and smokeweed, called Brighteye, and began to wander the halls, looking for Chizire and Ignaci.
He huddles them to where the pond sat still and melodic with the sounds of the frogs. He made himself comfortable by the water, patting the spots next to him.
"I got this from a friend who grows special flavors into his smokeweed. He promised this would be delightful."
Without another second, he fumbled into his pocket for a match, then happily lit the plant in the pipe, inhaling the smoke deeply before holding it for a moment, then exhaling.
"Oh, yes. This tastes just like Jasmine. Give it a try!" He passed it to Chizire with a smile, patting Brighteye on the head as he snuggled into Quinnan's lap.
On the way to the frog pond, Chizire ducks into his room and comes out with a bottle of clear liquid and three tiny glasses. Once you offer him your pipe, he gives you one of the glasses and pours a bit of the liquid into it. "A sip for a puff. A fine trade, yes?" He blows a ring of smoke before passing the pipe back.
Ignaci stays quiet for the most part. He responds when spoken to but is very precise with his words. You get the sense that he very much cares about making a good impression and doesn't wish to cause offense. "Oh, I should probably warn you," he tells you at one point, "On Stardays, I host game night in the common room. Nothing rowdy or disruptive for those who wish to study, but I have a variety of board games for those who wish to partake. You're welcome to join, of course, but there's no obligation."
Quinnan gratefully took the small glass, shooting the liquid back before grimacing at the burn.
"Wow, this is good stuff, Chizire! Hit me with another, if you please!"
Taking the pipe again, Quinnan put his lips to it and took another drag from it before passing it to Ignaci.
"Oh, that sounds delightful. I would love to play as long as there's room for me. Sounds like a great time."
He could get used to this, new friends, a lovely pond to smoke by, Brighteyes cold, wet nose poking him for a treat. Yeah, this will be a great time.
Near the end of your smoke session, Esi comes outside. "O, rest time is over! There's still much to do! You need to register an account at the dining hall and the Powderpile. Which do you want to do first?"
Taking one final drag off his pipe, Quinnan stood up, Brighteye getting in position to guide him.
"Let's go to the dining hall first. I could use a snack. It's been lovely, lads. Feel free to join me anytime for a smoke and a chat." He gave the signal for Brighteye to follow Esi. "Lead the way!"
Esi leads you through the pouring rain to a large building with handsome mosaics and plenty of seating. Soon, a young woman with her hair tied back bustles out to meet you. "A new student! Welcome to my domain! I'm Lumusi Yao, head cook. The dining hall is open from sunrise until two hours after sunset each day. Log your meals here." She indicates a book near the entrance. "We provide two daily meals free of charge, but any others will need to come out of your monthly stipend." She then gives you a glass bead shaped like a mango. "Add this to your string."
Quinnan could barely see with the rain pelting down, but luckily, Brighteye had no issues. The wolf pup guided him behind Esi, doing his job perfectly. When they finally made it to the meal hall, Quinnan breathed a sigh of relief as the delicious smells of the hall surrounded him.
"Lovely to meet you, Miss Yao. I would love to learn some of your favorite meals from you. I am quite the foodie myself!"
Hearing that two meals were free, but he needed to pay for the others sounded fair enough. You can't always eat seven meals in a day, and it seems that to do so would be hard on his coin purse. So he decided to take four meals a day, with the other three foraged from the land around him.
Taking the bead, he quickly untied the string with the others and placed it on his string, tying it back around his wrist.
"Thank you! I appreciate your hospitality. I will be back for breakfast first thing tomorrow." With a friendly smile, he took a big breath through his nose, appreciating the delicious smells.
"Where to next, Miss Esi?"
Lumusi smiles at your enthusiasm. "We're always looking for volunteers to help out - harvesting vegetables from the community garden, gathering fresh fruit, washing dishes, that sort of thing. It doesn't pay anything, but we'll make sure you're well-fed. Let me know if you're ever interested."
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"Next is the Powderpile," Esi responds before hustling you all the way to the other side of the Magaambya. As it turns out, this is the student supply store. The proprieter, a grumpy kobold named Xhokan, gives you a small lump of clay. "Roll this into a bead and then give it back." Once you do so, he exchanges it for a tan glass bead in the shape of a bulging sack. "Here you go. It's for your bracelet." He waits for you to put it on and then brusquely shows you around before handing you a small pouch of coins. "This is your initial stipend. Please make sure the amount is accurate." He then hands you a messenger bag. "This is your monthly allotment of supplies. There should be a pouch inside that holds your cost-of-living allowance. Come back at the first of each month for a refill. If you run out of supplies or need specialized equipment for any of your classes, you can purchase them here during business hours. We open two hours before lunch and close promptly at sunset. No exceptions."
Quinnan beamed up at Lumusi. "I'd be honored to help out any way I can. I have quite a green thumb, or so my mother says. I will settle in and come find you once I am ready!"
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Letting Brighteye read the way, Quinnan listens to the rain as they walk across the campus again. When they make it to the Powderpile, he takes the clay and works his hands, trying to make an appealing shape. When he is done, he hands it back to the kobold and takes the bead offered to him. Carefully untying his bracelet, he delicately puts the bead on the string and then fastens it back around his wrist.
"Thank you, Mr. Xhokan. This is a beautiful bead." He smiled as the creature handed him his allowance and bag.
"Wow, I wasn't expecting all this. You guys really take care of your students, don't you? I will use all this wisely; thank you for your generosity."
He would go through everything when they were safely in his room once more, but the weight of the bag told him all he needed to know.
"Do you happen to have any animal rations in stock? Just in case I can't give Brighteye me scraps?"
Xhokan leads you to a corner section of the Powderpile. "We've got feed for carnivores, herbivores, and birds. There's also a small selection of training gear and enrichment aids."
Quinnan nods, cataloging the info for future use. "Thank you, sir! I will be visiting you a lot then! Only the best for my companions!"
He pats Brighteye on the head, who licks and nips at his hand playfully.
"Left the other one back in my room. It needed to soak for a bit. Anyway, where to next, Miss Esi?"
"That's everything for today! Tomorrow, you'll be able to select your classes for the semester and receive your first service project. As a new initiate, you'll spend your first semester getting exposure to all five of the branches so that you can make an informed decision on which ones you'd like to focus on."
Quinnan nodded, tapping Brighteye's harness before smiling back at Esi.
"Then I'll head back to my room and finish settling in. Thank you so much for your time and assistance."
With a short, sharp whistle from his master, Brighteye began guiding the blind halfling back towards his building.
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When finally back in his room, Quinnan immediately checked on his little plant friend. Seeing it was fine in its space, he quickly found a place for his remaining belongings and, after a quick dry with a towel, dressed himself in warmer, dry clothes.
"This place is going to be quite the adventure." He murmured under his breath, before laying on his bed, exhausted from the day.
The next morning, you have a big decision to make: what classes to take for your first semester at the Magaambya! As a brand new initiate, you're limited to general studies for now, but there are still quite a few interesting-looking options.
Course List
- Alchemical Formula Notations and Basic Alchemical Reactions
- Druidic for Beginners
- Exploring Ancient Ruins
- History of the Magaambya
- Prayers and Rituals
- Spellbooks and Scribing Methods
- Stars and Planets of the Material Plane and their Influence
- The Cantrip Project
- The Eight Schools of Magic
- The Elements as a Source of Magic
- The Power of Tattoos
Looking down at the parchment with all the classes listed, Quinnan carefully considered each one. He knew he was definitely going to take Druidic for Beginners, putting a check by the class, and he had to take History of the Magaambya and The Cantrip Project, which left him with two classes to choose.
He read through the list again, his inkpen hovering over the words as he collected his thoughts. Finally he put a check next to Stars and Planets of the Material Plane and Their Influence and The power of Tattoos, the last one more out of curiosity then practice. He didn't have any tattoos, but learning about their use with magic could come in handy.
He clicked his tongue and Brighteye guided him to the person taking their papers and handed his in.
"This should be a very interesting semester!" he quipped to the person taking the papers. Underneath his cape, a little seaweed head peeked out, then quickly retreated back to it's cool moise hiding place.
After you select your classes, you're met by two of your fellow dormmates.
“Ah, the green shoots blossom in the rain,” a well-muscled and clean-shaven dwarven man calls out with a smile. He gives a friendly wave. “It was meant to be me and Root meeting you, but I guess not?”
“I swapped with Anchor Root,” Esi replies, brushing the point aside before addressing you. “Over the course of the semester, you’ll be helping with each of the school’s five branches. Haibram and Anchor Root seek to join the Rain-Scribes. It’s the branch that explores the world and helps other travelers make their way through uncertain territories. That means Rain-Scribes have to work well with both nature and people.”
Haibram continues, “We can really use your help. The Kafesi Market won’t deal with anyone they know is part of the Magaambya. Since you’re new, you should be able to get in without a problem. You’ll be looking for, er, chickens.
“Did you know there’s such a thing as endangered chickens? Of course, any chicken that comes too close to me is endangered,” Haibram grins. “A farmer outside of Nantambu, Bisola, said her family used to keep Ojofiri chickens. Said they could hatch anything, even a dragon egg! I don’t know about that, but she wants to raise Ojofiris again, so we’re going to get her some. Ojofiri eggs aren’t very hardy and the birds aren’t good layers, so they mostly got put in soup and now there’s hardly any left. Well, we caught wind that someone at Kafesi has a few chicks. Do you think you can purchase some for us?”
Quinnan thought for a moment, considering their request. Looking down at Leif and Brighteye, he cocked his head.
"What do you say, guys? Can we help them get their chickens?"
Brighteye's tongue loled out of his mouth, and the little lump on his shoulder shifted and cooed.
"I guess that settles it. We will help you get those chickens if that's the last thing we do! Point us in the direction, and we WILL SUCCEED!" He smiled at his silliness, hoping he didn't offend anyone with his kookiness.
Haibram chuckles. "Ojofiri chickens are small with white faces, dark blue feathers, and lavender combs. Their chicks have dark blue feathers with a white underbelly.
"Oh, if you haven't been to the Kafesi Market before, you should know that it's a wandering bazaar; its merchants are shrewd bargainers and not always entirely honest. Keep your wits about you."
Esi hands you a pouch of coins. "This should be enough for four chicks, but the more the better."
Quinnan nods, taking the pouch and securing it on his belt.
"I will do my best and bring back those cute little chicks. You can count on me!"
Preparing to go, Quinnan returns to his room for his walking stick and takes off toward the Kafesi Market, Brighteye leading the way. Looking at the bump on his shoulder, he rubs it gently.
"Are you guys ready to see your papa in action?" The thought of the chicks leaving a smile on his face. They were going to be so cute!
It takes a couple hours of walking in the rain before you're able to track down the market's current location. Once you've arrived, it takes another half-hour to find a chicken merchant named Makena.
Starting gold: 390 (150 starting gold, 230 stipend, 10 assorted)
Buying:
Backpack (2 gp)
Canteen (2 gp)
Coffee Pot (3 gp)
Coffee beans (?)
Flint and Steel (1 gp)
10 sticks of lavender incense (10 gp)
Lamp (1 sp)
20 sheets of paper (8 gp)
Sealing wax (1 gp)
Tea Pot (1sp)
Tea (??)
Animal Harnes for Brighteye (2 gp)
30 days of Carnivore Feed (1gp 5 sp)
a pound of tobbacco (1 gp)
Inkpen (1 sp)
Id also like to buy 3 heath potions but I don't know how much those are.
Ending Gold: 359 gp 5 sp
Finding the chick merchant in the rain was a difficult task, even if Quinnan could see. When he finally found the vendor, he was soaked to the bone. Holding onto the new harness he bought for Brighteye, he approached the chicken merchant.
"Hello, friend! I am in the market for some Ojofiri chicks, and I heard you may have some. I would love to look at your chicks and purchase some from you if you don't mind." Brighteye sat beside his master, licking at the rainwater stuck to his muzzle.
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"Ah, you're in luck, my friend. I do, in fact, still have a few - eight, to be precise. If you're interested, I can sell them for four gold pieces apiece."
Quinnan smiled wide at the merchant, nodding and putting his hand on his coin purse.
"If I take all eight, can we come to an agreement of twenty-five gold pieces with a deliciously sugared batch of cookies to seal the deal?" He began to untie the coin purse from his belt and taking his pack off to pull out the bag of cookies he had baked before he left for the school.
"I'm sure your cookies are delicious, but I highly doubt they're worth as much as two Ojofiri chicks. They're quite rare, you know. I'll sell the lot for thirty gold pieces - and the cookies."
Quinnan thought about trying to get it lower but decided against it. He would just pitch in some of his gold for the difference. He wanted to get them all so the little nuggets wouldn't be separated from each other.
"Deal. thirty gold pieces and the cookies." Smiling, he counted out the 30 gold and handed them over with the bag of cookies. "I do hope you enjoy them!"
Starting gold: 359 gp 5 sp
The eight chicks 30 gp (20gp from the lady)
2 health potions 100gp
preground coffee beans 1lb 8cp
20 cups of tea 6 sp
Finishing total: 228 gp 8 sp 2 cp
"A fine bargain!" proclaims Makena as she puts the coins in her pouch. She presents a cage containing eight Ojofiri chicks. "Make sure you keep them warm and covered. Baby chicks don't do too well in the rain."
Taking off his cloak and draping it over the tiny birbs, Quinnan smiled at the merchant.
"Indeed! Thank you for these little cuties. I will make sure they are well taken care of."
Shuffling his bag and the cage so he can still hold Brighteye's harness, Quinnan makes his way back to the school, excited to get out of the downpour.
All of the chicks make it back to the Magaambya safe and sound. Esi and Haibram are impressed. "Eight chicks! We only gave you enough for four! You're clearly an incredible bargainer, so we'll need you to come with us for all of our shopping from now on." Esi chuckles, indicating she's only joking ... mostly.
Quinnan smiles at Esi and bows. "Take good care of them! Im happy to help. And if you need me, I would love to be of assistance."
With a tip of his head and a caress for each chick, Quinnan heads back to his room to dry his clothes before going to the mess hall to eat a nice lunch.
After lunch, you're able to meet your teachers for the semester, and - like the doormmates you've met - they're quite an eclectic bunch!
Druidic for Beginners: Koride Ulawa
This class is taught by a human who doesn't care a bit about protocol. She's very informal and easily-distracted - especially when she sees an interesting mushroom or a pretty insect. Students who don't pay attention are made to hold a hissing cockroach during lectures.
History of the Magaambya: Teacher Ahassunu
This class is taught by an absent-minded lizardfolk who - as you might expect - has an encyclopedic knowledge of history ... but knows almost nothing of current events. She also has a surprisingly-large number of astrology-related platitudes. Over the first few weeks, she only shows up to about half of the scheduled classes, and one of those is spent trying to find someone to adopt a flying bird-lizard named Rufus.
Stars and Planets of the Material Plane and their Influence: Teachers Ahassunu and Lesedi
This class is co-taught by Ahassunu and a petite elf. Teacher Lesedi always has her hair perfectly styled and is obsessed with dainty pink dresses ... embellished with the bones of demons she's slain. Most people find her intimidating, especially because of her no-nonsense attitude. As far as you can tell, she possesses no sense of humor, and you can't find anyone who's ever seen her smile - except when she's speaking with another teacher and doesn't realize a student can see her.
The Cantrip Project: High Sun-Mage Oyamba
This class is taught by a muscular human with an impressive collection of scars. The magic he teaches is practical, and he makes a point to showcase combat applications of even the most mundane cantrip. You quickly learn that he holds a deep hatred for apes - but has no issue with monkeys.
The Power of Tattoos: Teacher Zuma
This class is taught by a half-orc who's clearly not entirely sane. He's fantastically skilled at tattooing and can even imbue them with magic. However, at least half of his lectures end up becoming uncomfortable rants about how certain children's games have roots in devil worship and which Nantanbu government officials are possessed by the malevolent ghosts of jungle cats. You're never quite sure if he actually believes the things he's saying or if it's all just an elaborate prank that he's playing.
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After a week or so, it's time for your next service project.
“Morning, o!” Esi bobs her umbrella in greeting. “It’s only 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’re 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 even expelled because of it, back before I came here.
“Between you and me, I don’t think anyone will mind much if you gave one or two a whack to the head, but get them out of the storage room and release them off the grounds — really, it’s probably best to release them outside of Nantambu entirely.”
After a rather unorthodox class taught by Teacher Zuma, Quinnan went back to his room to grab his pipe and something to smoke. When he found what he was looking for, he signaled Brighteye to take him to the little pond near the dormitories. Once there, he settled down on the ground and made himself comfortable before lighting up his pipe and digesting the day's lessons.
He hoped someone would come by to share this moment with him, but until then, he conversed with his two constant companions, Leif and Brighteye.
"Tell me, Leif, how are you liking this new environment?" he nudged the small leshy with a finger before picking him up and placing him in the pond water to soak while he smoked. " And Brighteye, do you find this place suitable?"
Both of his companions made noises to the affirmative, putting a smile on Quinnan's face.
"Very good; I'm glad you have settled in well." He let the silence fall over them again and enjoyed his pipe as the sun began to set, an easy smile on his face.