Late in the afternoon on February 23rd, Kailar, Sian, Logan, Malvis, Rage and Carburator return to the Angry Goose after a day at the Mage's Guild to find that Aron, Roganna, Kadlian, Dor, Niko, five treants, two blink dogs, a hippogriff, Vastelle, and Windul have arrived and are recovering from their journey in the common room.
"I guess it's an acquired taste," says Barker the treant, as he sips at his third beer.
Carburator says, "Wow! I have never met a treant before." He nods to each one and says, "Hi! I am Carburator. I am very pleased to meet you."
Barker regards the human for a long time before replying.
"I am honoured," he finally replies, in his slow, deliberate fashion.
"Well, my lady, how was your journey?" Logan asks as he sits down besides Vastelle and orders a beer with a raise of his left hand. "Magecraft can leave one quite thirsty," he says with a bright smile, eager to be at full strength in his magical knowledge and ability.
"Cold and wet," the warrior maiden replies, ordering a hot cider.
"Time to get warmed up then, lass!" Logan says with a warm smile as he orders a plate of hot food [eggs, bacon, potatoes, and whatever hot items they have].
Niko sits down and orders two beers and a platter of meats and cheese for himself.
Dor looks at Niko and orders three beers. He swipes meat and cheese from Niko with a big grin.
Kadlian orders more food and drink for all his followers.
"So, what have you all found in your research while we have been gone?"
"How about you also let me know what to prepare for here. I've got a fair amount of spells and other goodies. I'd like to know what kind of threats you plan to encounter up here."
"Until we know the destination, it is difficult to even theorize about the dangers."
Aron takes some tea and waits.
Rage speaks on behalf of the others who have been researching, telling you that they have uncovered a few vague hints and clues but nothing very substantial as yet. More research is required.
"What about the magical items we found in our trip down South? Have you or any of the other mages had an opportunity to identify them? If not, then I suggest we take the time before Hlarn returns to do so. We can ask Umboth to cast the auguries that Hlarn would normally do."
"I can do so," Logan says. After eating, he will check with Kadlian on which items he refers to and will start identifying whatever he can.
"Niko, Roganna, will you both come with us and help?"
Niko looks up from his platter of meat and cheese, wipes his mouth and replies, "To do what?"
"Research. We need to figure out where we have to go."
Niko shrugs. "OK...but it's not my forte."
Roganna nods, "Sure Kadlian, unless I've already planned something else."
Then Roganna frowns, and bites her lower lip. "Crap! I forgot that I am currently careerless and need to train. I had hoped to train as a warrior on the way to being a Bard, so I guess you say I'm passing through. Perhaps one of you kind studly fighter types would be willing to train me in the basic arts? I have some experience, but with only clerical weapons. I was hoping to learn to use a sword of some kind."
She turns back to Kadlian. "I'll be happy to help when I'm not getting bruised and beaten in training. My time will be limited, but as I am also greatly interested in this information and lore in general, I am willing to burn the candle at both ends, so to speak."
"I will join you in the library tomorrow. Windul, Vastelle, I believe both of you can read Common?"
They nod.
"Good, then you can come with us."
"Sure," says Windul, "But I thought one of us was to train Roganna."
Kadlian hits his head with his hand. "Right. I had forgotten that. Okay, Vastelle will come with me, you will work with Roganna."
Malvis, who has been silently stuffing his face with a hearty breakfast while eyeing the treants and the hippogrif, moves over near Carburator and offers, "If it pleases Rage, I would be happy to aid in the research also."
Malvis is afraid Rage is exhibiting yet another personality, that of 'npc', which sounds vaguely ominous to him, as if she has lost control of herself.
Perhaps this is the dark new personna that Rage has been alluding to.
Kadlian raises an eyebrow. "So, what have you been doing while we have been walking from Sandas to Strabath?"
You have an early dinner and pass the evening in the common room.