Cyrelia MitWD Session 0

Homu ist Tot (GM): 13
9
16
...
The date is Uktar 10th, 1106. It's morning.
Cyrelia and her retinue have been traveling for some time now, having finally arrived at their goal. They've taken ships, walked on foot, and rode in carriages, and have just spotted the towering city of Quairn on the horizon. Each of the metropolis' spires jut out into the sky like knives.
Making their way closer, they arrive outside the gates of the city, where they find a rather significant line of people waiting to be allowed entry. The line consists mainly of humans, but elves, dwarves, and the occasional gnome and goblin can be seen, tinkering over their contraptions. A gatehouse staffed with guards is located at the front of the line, and a duo of guards in tabards bearing the insignia of Quairn appear to be boredly working their way through the documents of a woman. Eventually they wave to the guardhouse, before the woman nods and enters through open gates.
Homu ist Tot (GM): any money you spend won't be taken from your sheet since this is just sess 0
lmk if u want me to rp ur retainers or if u'll handle them
Shiro: you rp them
Homu ist Tot (GM): k
Cyrelia Veandri: why is this kirby music
how is this fitting
Homu ist Tot (GM): shut the fuck up and eat my kirby music
give me two adjectives to describe ur wiz and scout
personalitywise
each
Cyrelia Veandri: scout; discplined
wiz; enthusiastic
for example scout I imagine to be the well-reserved type and the wizard to be the happy-go-lucky want to explore everything type of deal, or at least in my mind, but you can take liberties and handle them vaguely like that or whatever
Homu ist Tot (GM): do they have any nicknames or some shit they refer to u by
Shiro: uhh, the scout would probably just refer to me as Cyrelia, I can see the wizard giving me a nickname though
you can pick one if you want or I can

Cyrelia Veandri stands in line, shifting from foot to foot occasionally as she lets out a sigh; towering over most other people as she dons a colorful green dress with a scale-like pattern on it, a cloak at the top that hooks around and flows down behind her lightly flapping whenever a breeze comes by.

Cyrelia Veandri looks over towards her companions, making sure Rhovull is behaving since she's never been this far from home, and wouldn't want to cause any trouble.
Cyrelia Veandri: "I don't think we should have any trouble getting in, right? This line seems pretty long."

Petro Daeris scratches his goatee.
Petro Daeris: "It should be fine, but it'll be best to lay low until we're inside."

Amara Fasatra gives a strained smile, looking around herself constantly.
Amara Fasatra: "This is really... Everyone's peeking at us, aren't they? People stared a lot while we were traveling, but I've never felt so many at once."

Petro Daeris nods.
Petro Daeris: "As I said, it'll be best to lay low. We don't need to attract any more attention than we already are," he replies as a child further behind in line points at Cyrelia, squealing in wonder.

Cyrelia Veandri nods in agreement with Petro. "Agreed, trying to avoid making any scenes would probably make it easier for us to get in..I feel like the guards are already going to give me a difficult time; but maybe I'll be wrong."

Cyrelia Veandri reaches into her pack she brought, taking out a dried piece of meat and showing it to Rhovull, to keep him busy while they waited in line.
Cyrelia Veandri: "...You both know I don't speak the best common, so if needed you might have to translate for me. and Rhovull, you behave."
Shiro: also just as a note their either talking in draconic or elvish, probably elvish since its easier for petro to learn it than draconic I'd assume. also rhovull cant speak but guard drakes still understand draconic
so whenever I'm talking to him I'll be talking in draconic since thats the only thing he understands
Homu ist Tot (GM): ok
The two agree, while Rhovull begins absentmindedly chewing his meat. Your group is given a wide berth, both on account of your size and the intimidating presence Rhovull extends, especially while eating. Eventually a couple exhausting hours in the sun pass, and you're next in line.
The duo of guards look reluctant to deal with you, keeping fair distance. One of them glares at the other, before the one being glared at sighs and approaches. "Documents," he asks. He's requesting your travel papers that detail the reason for your entry into the city and your identity. Unless Cyrelia has a reason to hide such things, she does posess them.

Cyrelia Veandri searches in her bag again for her papers this time, after a minute of digging around she finds them; making sure their all straight and handing them over. "...Here" she plainly says, speaking in a softer tone.
Wet Noodle: Quick interrupt
Where do I put this backstory
Shiro: bio / info
tab
on your sheet
Wet Noodle: ok
Homu ist Tot (GM): im gay
also whats the reason you documented for your entry to the city

Cyrelia Veandri slowly reaches into her bag to get out a waterskin and take a sip while she waits for the guard to look over the papers, having gotten quite thirsty while waiting for two whole hours in line.
Homu ist Tot (GM): usual reasons are 'work' 'travel' 'vacation' ect
Shiro: She would have documented she was traveling here due to work
so work
Wet Noodle: is "Looking for Work" applicable
Homu ist Tot (GM): yea thats 'work'
Ixallis Vatorez: I have a mugshot for token making if you need it
Shiro: the guards dont need to know every last detail so she didn't go into extreme depth
Homu ist Tot (GM): send whatever u want made into a token to wolf
make sure to whip him like the slave he is
Cyrelia Veandri: The Paper has the reason listed for entry being 'Heading into town for a few months at least for work.
The guard, a younger, scrawny looking guy with an ill-fitted tabard and mop of brown hair cautiously steps closer to take the documents. After stepping back and looking them over, he shows them to the older guard who bullied him into taking care of Cyrelia, who nods after some whispering. "Right then, that'll be two thumbs for entry, and another for the... beast." The thumbs he's talking about would be copper pieces.
Coppers are thumbs, silvers are falcons, electrums are blue eyes, golds are golden lions, and platinums are tricrowns.
Shiro: thats gonna take a bit to commit that to memory you should pin that in the discord
Homu ist Tot (GM): i did

Cyrelia Veandri gets her coin pouch from her belt and unties it, taking out a few coins and handing them to the guard; and also gets our four and hands them to Amara and Petro, assuming that they would have to pay the same price; and wanting to pay for their entry.
Cyrelia Veandri: "...His name, Rhovull."

Cyrelia Veandri speaks a bit roughly as she hands the coins to the guard, waiting for her papers to be returned to her and then entering the city with Rhovull, if allowed.
The guards nod, not finding much interest in their job after the monotonous hours and day by day of it. They don't seem to particularly care about the creature's name.
The older one stamps the documents before handing them back and accepting the payment, "Make sure you have the beast trained, the guards inside won't hesitate to put it down if it becomes a problem. You can head to Azir's Menagerie if you need a place to keep it while you're here, folks won't be fond of it in the streets. Here's a guidebook and welcome to Quairn." He rattles off mindlessly, the phrase engraved into his mind already.
The guards move out the way for Cyrelia to enter the gates.

Cyrelia Veandri nods as she tries to take it all in; not fully understanding bits here and there due to her rough knowledge of the language currently, but she shrugs it off knowing she'd figure it out later or her companions could help her, as she steps into the city and waits with Rhovull on the other side of the gate for the others to join her, looking down to Rhovull as she speaks in Draconic to him.
Cyrelia Veandri: "You heard him, you have to be good or people will be scared of us and hurt us."
Wet Noodle: 19 year old half drow
lets goooooo
I think his backstory is as done as its going to get

Rhovull tilts its head, snorting out a burst of frost. He harumphs, restless after being in one place for more than a couple hours and attempts to head off somewhere.

Petro Daeris tersely says a command, to which Rhovull stops moving and returns to his side.

Amara Fasatra restates what the guards said in Draconic, smiling to herself over being helpful.
Entering the city, you're met with wide cobbled streets, filled with passerby. Some of them give you some strange looks, but seem relatively uninterested.
Glancing at the guidebook, it's more of a brochure. Unfolding it reveals a map of the city, with a general explanation on each of the four layers. Right now you're in the middle layer, a slight tinge of magic sends tingles through your fingertips, seemingly originating from the brochure.
Homu ist Tot (GM): fk u jm

Cyrelia Veandri gives Amara thanks as she heads onto the city streets, glancing around for a moment before opening up the brochure and investigating it after she feels the magic from it. "Odd...do human cities usually carry magic within their brochures? I didn't expect it."

Cyrelia Veandri attempts to figure out the nature of the magic, looking over the map to see if anything changed on it.
Upon closer investigation, tuning to the resonation of the brochure causes the map to grow dim and transparent, before completely fading away. In its place is a message plainly writted, 'Those who can read this are invited to Morgrave University to discuss future academic prospects - 5761'.
It seems like the map itself is illusory, and this is the true writing underneath. Interesting. Morgrave University's location is clearly depicted on the illusory map, and Rhovull growls in restlessness.

Cyrelia Veandri looks over to Rhovull as she hears him growl, then back to the map. "Hm..So, there's a message here that talks about..academics? so, knowledge? I should look into this."

Cyrelia Veandri clears her throat. "Petro, do you want to find an inn and take Rhovull with you? there was also that Azir's place but I don't know if I trust leaving him alone..and then me and Amara could go check this out."

Cyrelia Veandri taps her chin as she thinks, looking the map over to memorize the location.

Petro Daeris tights his gloves.
Petro Daeris: "I'll take care of the inn and Rhovull. We can't really keep a Drake just anywhere, so he might have to stay in the menagerie. I'll look things over to make sure they're alright, keep Amara, she looks like she's going to get lost," glancing at the side he spies Amara beginning to stray from the group as she examines the various goods layed out at the sidestreets.
Amara Fasatra: "Oooh, this is the biggest place we've been to this entire trip! Is it bigger than Dragon's Maw? Everything before this was boring little villages and towns."

Amara Fasatra is called for by Petro before she manages to wander too far off, then regroups to head off with Cyrelia.

Rhovull harumphs, snorting at passerby. Some children shriek in a mixture of fear and delight. They look thrilled.

Cyrelia Veandri nods to Petro, waving him off as he goes to find an inn. "Alright, you have enough money right? I can pay you back for our rooms once we meet up again; come Amara, lets go find out what this job entails."

Cyrelia Veandri starts to walk off, making sure Amara is sticking close to her through the crowded streets as she takes slow and careful steps, and makes sure not to hit her head in case of anything sticking out on the road above her.
Petro Daeris: "I've got it under control," Petro confirms before seeing you two off.
You follow the brochure towards Morgrave University, crossing several bridges high above the sky that link buildings together, climbing up and down stairs repeatedly for a significant period of time. At times Amara mentions her fear of slipping and falling off the stairs hundreds of feet below. Oddly, none of the citizens you pass by seem to be scared of that.
Eventually, you make your way up one more flight of steps, arriving at the landing to an opened portcullis. Draped emblems in bright blue and red colors hang beside it, and above is a moderately large plaque reading 'Morgrave University of Academic Pursuit'.
Entering, you cross through a courtyard containing what look like several modestly dressed robed individuals, each seated spaced apart from one another. Some of them are taking notes, others reading through a heavy tome. Some glance up with a curious look of recognition.
Entering the front door, you see a series of chairs lined against the wall as well as a simple carved wooden desk with a single elven woman perusing some paperwork. Seems to be a reception area.
Cyrelia Veandri: do I have to duck through the doors?
I'll assume so
Homu ist Tot (GM): ya
quawk
quack

Cyrelia Veandri ducks as she enters the room with Amara by her side, walking up to the desk as she brings her hands together, looking down at the receptionist. "...Excuse me? your brochure."

Cyrelia Veandri shows the brochure to the receptionist, unsure if the illusory map was visible to her as well, but she took a guess that she knew. "It...said to come here?"

Cyrelia Veandri would love to sit down after all this walking and standing, but figures no chairs here were for her size, so she stands at the desk while she waits for an answer.
The woman, a prim and proper beauty, shuffles her documents away before addressing you. "Please state the four digit code," she gives an attentive smile.

Cyrelia Veandri glances over to Amara to make sure she hadn't wandered off anywhere on her walk here. "The code is five, seven, six, one."

Amara Fasatra occupied with tasting the sweets in a bowl beside the receptionist. She looks pleased.
The receptionist holds a hand out for the brochure, before donning a pair of spectacles. After a moment of cursory glance at it she nods, "That's correct. Please place the tip of your finger on the pad," she speaks before reaching through a drawer and producing a thin, transparently purple crystalline hexagon. She grips it by its sides carefully, before placing it on the counter. It's about palm-sized.

Cyrelia Veandri lets Amara enjoy herself for the time being as she puts her finger down onto the pad without another word; deciding not to question it to look more professional, despite being quite curious as to what it would actually be doing.
The pad glows for a moment, before changing hue to a murky green color. The receptionist thanks and prompts you to remove your finger as she daintily retrieves it. Despite already wearing a pair of glasses, she dons a monocle over them as she peruses the pad with approval. "The real thing, you seem to be more than a bit experienced in the arcane arts. You'll have to forgive the test, occasionally someone cheeky will ask someone who can read the brochures what the code on them is and claim to have found out on their own." She taps the pad, returning it to its violet color and places it back in its drawer before folding her hands and asking, "And what exactly it is do you seek from the Morgrave University of Academic Pursuit? We offer lectures and resources on the arcane, history, religion, mathematics and other academic prospects. We're best known for our exploration branch, who oftentimes head into the deep unknowns of the world, finding previously unearthed relics and artifacts from times long past."

Amara Fasatra 's eyes light up.
Amara Fasatra: "Oh, that's right. This is a place of learning, isn't it? Is there any place better than this to get started on collecting information?" She looks to Cyrelia while chewing on a piece of hard candy.

Cyrelia Veandri nods. "...So you wear two sets of glasses to tell?" she speaks in elven, having taken the account of the womans racial features; finding it easier to speak in her native tongue than in common. "I have a hard time speaking in common, so excuse me on that part; also, I've been exploring recently and am new to the world outside of my home continent, so I would like to know more about this...exploration branch? and I might be interested in seeing what resources you have, if its something to further my own knowledge that I may be missing."

Cyrelia Veandri glances over to Amara. "Precisely what I was thinking...aren't you suppose to let those melt in your mouth first and suck on them?"

Amara Fasatra tilts her head, her pointed ears lowering in thought.
Amara Fasatra: "That'd take forever won't it?" A small crunch is heard as she continues chewing on candy.
Meanwhile, the receptionist widens her eyes slightly before switching to Elvish. "The exploration branch is..." She rattles off some complicated directions, before pointing at a map of the University hanging on the wall. There's a 'You are here' pin at one spot, looking closer, you can see the path that you /think/ you should take to get to the room she mentioned.
"It's currently headed by Clayton Coulbard, Director of Exploration. He's off on business at the moment so all affairs are being sent to Kythaela Fensys the Vice Director instead. You can find her inside that room, she's very well known in the scholarly field so any questions you have on the intellectual front can be handled on her end as well. Do be careful not to get lost," she finishes.

Cyrelia Veandri tries to follow the directions from the receptionist, but gets lost part of the way through until she points to the map, giving a small nod as she looks it over, to see the route. "Oh, I see. . . alright, so I'll be seeing Kythaela then? thank you very much, I'll head right that way."

Cyrelia Veandri gestures for Amara to follow her.
Cyrelia Veandri: "...I'd have to test it out, but come on, help me find this Kythaela person."

Amara Fasatra leisurely scoops another couple candies before following, the receptionist glances at her awkwardly before leaving it be.
Heading through the halls, there's more than enough space to walk on account of the student traffic the place probably gets. During the trip you only pass by one or two of them, apparently free from classes at the moment. Eventually after a couple wrong turns and Amara asking for directions, you arrive at the sturdy oaken doors to the designated room. Opening the door exposes you to a gust of what smells like dust and ink.
You find yourself inside a library with rows upon rows of shelves. They're filled with a variety of books on subjects painfully split into increasingly specific categories from 'Fauna and Flora of the Bohreal Highlands' to 'Myths of the Olden Fae of Teriasville'. To be honest, it feels kind of meager compared to the Royal Archives.
Amara Fasatra: "Oh, wow. This is big! How're you supposed to ever even find anything through here?" She asks, fortunately she's never been allowed in the Royal Archives so her expectations weren't skewed.
At Amara's statement, a voice calls out "May I help you?" from a counter tucked away in a corner. Looking in the voice's direction, you see a mousy, slightly plump woman hidden between a large pile of books on either side of her. Her ears are just as pointed as Amara's. Her dishwater hair and small brown eyes hint of dash of human blood at some point in her ancestry. Other than that she seems fairly plain.

Kythaela Fensys glances between the two of you, awaiting an answer.
Homu ist Tot (GM): time to take a huge FUCKIN shit
Shiro: ok
Homu ist Tot (GM): ok hurry up bich i wanna play blitz
Cyrelia Veandri: just got back, I had to do something
thought you were pooping so I went brb lol

Cyrelia Veandri coughs as the smell of the dusty room assaults her face, taking a second to adjust to it as she clears her throat and walks in, after she looks over the libraries contents, she lets out a sigh. "It's not impressive compared to what I'm use to, kind of disappointing..but maybe they'll be some good things here still."

Cyrelia Veandri glances over to the voice, making her way over to answer the woman. "We're looking for Kythaela, I'm interested in exploration." she speaks in elven.

Kythaela Fensys remains businesslike, "And what qualifications do you have for undertaking exploration? It can be quite the dangerous job, traps and hazards, beasts and creatures, even the environment itself is a factor. Rest assured that the rewards are just as great and will let you live quite the easy life or pursuit whatever goal you have, but are you certain you're capable of such work?"

Kythaela Fensys gives the two of you a critical look.

Cyrelia Veandri gives a firm nod, crossing her arms. "I did not venture from my home for the easy life- I came to gain knowledge, ancient and lost, forbidden- all of it, anything that is lost I wish to reclaim and believe myself capable of the role this job requires one to fulfill. if I were to turn this down then it would bring me shame."
Cyrelia Veandri: "....Also, Amara wishes to learn as well, so yes; I believe we are capable."

Amara Fasatra nods along, pumping her arms with determination.
Amara Fasatra: "Cyrelia's way better than me, but I still want to help too!"
Kythaela Fensys: "Hmm, is that so. Then what are your skills? Disarming? Weapon training?"
Cyrelia Veandri: "I excel in the arcane arts naturally with my bloodline, and anything to due with older pieces of history..I've never disarmed a trap and I only have mild weapon training, but as only fitting I am great at controlling the elements."
Kythaela Fensys: "As expected of a Greater Dragonborn, and her?" She glances at Amara.
Amara Fasatra: "Ah... I can cast some spells, and er. I'm a quick learner! I'm very knowledgable too," She scratches an arm, not quite good at praising herself.
Cyrelia Veandri: "She's more experienced with travel than I am as well, she's quite a good companion for me to bring along- compliments my abilities well."

Cyrelia Veandri smiles at Amara.

Kythaela Fensys hums.
Kythaela Fensys: "Two magic users, then."

Kythaela Fensys reaches for something on the counter, putting on a similar pair of spectacles that the receptionist had. She looks over the two of you, before flatly saying "The Dragonborn passes, the Elf doesn't," producing a cry of confusion from Amara.

Cyrelia Veandri blinks for a second, then looks back. "Why is that?"
Amara Fasatra: "How- how come?"
Kythaela Fensys: "She has a magical aptitude, but nowhere near enough for the Exploration Branch. She'd die the moment something happened. She's free to try any of our less intensive courses, anyone with talent can take classes in the arcane arts for instance.
"
Amara Fasatra: "Ah... but-," she fails to come up with a rebuttal, ears lowering.
Cyrelia Veandri: "...I need her along with me however, she translates for me- I don't speak common very well yet; plus, she may not be suited for any fighting that might happen, especially with larger monsters, but thats why we are a team."
"Plus...her perception is superior to mine due to her heritage, she might be able to spot things I might miss."

Kythaela Fensys purses her lips.
Kythaela Fensys: "While she does have some useful traits, the point still stands that she doesn't quite meet our expectations. Our branch operates in groups, and a weak link can lead to the deaths of the entire group. I request that you understand that it's not just your lives at stake, but the ones of your potential companions as well."

Amara Fasatra continues to falter.
Amara Fasatra: "I... I guess that's true..."

Cyrelia Veandri rubs the back of her head. "So what are you suggesting? I leave her in town then while I go out on these explorations? I feel like she should still be able to come with me to an extent; I also have another friend who's a good scout and a guard drake; by no means would I intend for them to come into a dangerous area with me, but they could accompany me to those areas up until that point, and then possibly come in once its deemed safe, no?"
Cyrelia Veandri: "....I'm loathe to abandon my companions, if there is some way I can keep her by my side; at least to an extent."

Kythaela Fensys sighs.
Kythaela Fensys: "Very well, how about this. No matter what, I can't allow her to join the Exploration Branch. But, there's nothing stopping you from bringing her about with you anyway. Just be aware that you would be the only one truly under employment, so you'll only recieve one share even if you bring a dozen friends."

Kythaela Fensys takes off the spectacles, tucking them into the desk.
Kythaela Fensys: "Will that do?"

Cyrelia Veandri looks to Amara. "What do you think Amara? does that sound fine? Rhovull is a good guard-drake, plus you can help me investigate things and get to keep back if things get too heated...and even if we're only getting one share, I'll make sure to give you both some funds of your own for assisting me when possible."
Cyrelia Veandri: "...Plus, it will be a chance for us both to learn more."
"If your fine with it; I am, Amara."

Amara Fasatra nods excitedly.
Amara Fasatra: "Yes, that'd be fine! Thank you miss...?"
Kythaela Fensys: "Kythaela Fensys, Vice Director of the Exploration Branch. Cyrelia and Amara, I take it?"

Cyrelia Veandri reaches out a hand cautiously to shake Kythaela's in greeting, or attempts to at least. "Correct, it's nice to meet you...so when shall I get my first task then?"

Kythaela Fensys smiles, returning the handshake. She's a bit awkward with it.
Kythaela Fensys: "At the moment there's nothing to be done concerning leaving the city, the Director just collected a group of employees and headed off to the Tusken Wastes. He shouldn't be back for a month or so. There'll be some paperwork to do after this. If you've nowhere to stay, room and board is offered in the university for students and residents. Amara and any other friends you have will need to become students if they're looking to stay here."

Kythaela Fensys opens a book, sliding a finger along a page.
Kythaela Fensys: "If you have any questions, let me know. I'm generally always in our Archives here. You'll have access to all of our resources and recieve commisions based on the tasks completed."
Cyrelia Veandri: "I'll probably stay at an inn with my friends, either that or they'll stay at one and I stay here; whatever they would prefer."

Cyrelia Veandri shrugs a bit. "Alright, that sounds fine then, do I do the paperwork now or will I receive it later? and thats the last of my questions I have...well, besides how will you contact me if I decide to stay at an inn?"
Kythaela Fensys: "Just inform me of the inn's location and I'll have a letter sent, if you'd like, we can complete the rest of the forms now."
Homu ist Tot (GM): n we can finish here now
Cyrelia Veandri: alright sounds good
Homu ist Tot (GM): nice ok so
Shiro: amara is cute
Jesusmod: gimme a kiss
Homu ist Tot (GM): gay
whether u stay in the university or an inn you won't be paying out the pocket every day because fuck that micromanagement
you can have all ur buds but the drake in the university if u like if they become students
Jesusmod: my name is drake
Homu ist Tot (GM): go away nathan drake
Jesusmod: im here for adventure
Homu ist Tot (GM): amara can take some magic studying courses & petro can embarassingly take something
Shiro: Petro probably wouldn't care for any right?
Homu ist Tot (GM): yea but he's like
pretty old and surrounded by talented youngsters
so its awk
Jesusmod: hes low-key into it
Homu ist Tot (GM): this an't what he signed up for
Shiro: if amara wants me and her can stay at the university and petro can stay at the inn with my doggie if he doesnt care then, unless Amara would rather stay with petro at the inn
in which case I'll just stay in one too unless im too big
in that case I'll stay at the university
lol
Homu ist Tot (GM): amara would rather stay w/ u
continue in discord or w8 gotta brb
Shiro: yeah but does she want to stay at an inn or take classes at the university
ok