SE05 : EP02 - Scavenger Hunting

The day has finally arrived, the party's return to Strixhaven. They arrive through five roads that wind through the colleges of Quandrix, Lorehold, Prismari, Witherbloom, and Silverquill. They soak in the marvels before them. once on the inner roads they arrive at archway commons. Friendly porters take down their information and check-in their luggage. A clerk also applies magic sigils to their weapons to register them, before giving them instructions to head to the Biblioplex.   The friends that wound up together during Open house find themselves back together again on the steps of the great central library of campus. Comparing notes they find they are all in the same orientation, Noon session group B. It directs them towards the Hall of Oracles. Wherever that is,   Inside the Bibloplex they see the main hall flanked by the student store and cafe. Seating fills the rest of the entranceway. A number of students mill about or lounge around. First years stick out due to their street clothes. Most of the student body wear some or all pieces of their school uniforms. They approach an empty information booth, after a moment a scruffy-looking owl sprints down the hall, hops over the counter, greats them. It's Javenesh Stoutclaw one of the mentors they met at the open house. He welcomes them back and points them in direction of the Hall, but mentions they won't be ready for them till noon. He points out the magical reflections of the Dawnbow around the room. The floating rocks that make up Dawnbow hover over the Bibloplex following the trace of the sun, working as a rudimentary clock.    They are invited to explore the Bibloplex and meet people. They explore around. Olivier explored the area around the hall looking in on the snarl and its pulsing mystical energies. Warren and Merrit examine the confoundingly clever stairs that adapt to their users. Lionel picked around the 2nd floor, looking into the stacks. Similarly, Mercy wanders the main stacks on the 1st floor. Kayla explores the west wing and ends up finding the Alumni Gallery. As the noon bells sound the party musters back at the Hall of Oracles. As they enter the hallowed space the calm is palatable. A soothing voice plays in their ears.   "Brillant scholars welcome. These walls will become a second home to you as you pursue your education. It will be yours to study, engage with your fellow students, and form some of your great memories. Before your schooling commences let us learn the layout of this great library with a scavenger hunt."   Pieces of parchment appear in their hands. They layout five clues that lead to places in the Bibloplex that will yield items for them to turn in. Studying the clues they see the first one refers to the snarl. The walk up to the pool on energy bellow the raindate energy. Lionel plunges his hand into the water. A crackle of energy rides up his nerves and for a moment he is lost in the intense feeling of innovation. Cleverness, knowledge, inspiration, and courage charge though his mind. Then a gentle push nudges him back to his senses. A magic potion of healing now is seated in his hand, along with the taste of mint chocolate in his mouth. The other students try it and find similar sensations but the magical effect only yields one potion to the group.    They split up as different members of the team think they have solved the clues. Kayla, Merrit, and Lionel head off to the art gallery. Within they find paintings, sculptures, and works of art they can't quite explain. Also two other first years, Cadoras and Tuli, both of whom they met at an open house. Tuli slides up to Lionel gently sliding her fingers through is fur. Cadoras walk up to Merrit and they compare notes about the clues they have been given. Realizing they are completely different the four of them work together to solve both. Eventually leading the discovery of a pendant to prove the solution.   Outside at the book gardens, Warren and Olivier work to find awoken shrubs among the topiary. The clue refers to "petting" them. After attempting to part the tops of each shurb one specific one opens a crown of golden orange leaves and moves branches to reveal a plush of living ink, the Silverquil mascot.    Meanwhile, Mercy headed to the cafe to investigate one of the clues. She meets with Aisla Fitzbottom the manager. After looking over the clues, she presets Mercy with the solution and a sandwich to boot,   The group gathers again at the Biblioplex amphitheater behind the Hall of Oracles. There they see Quentillius Antiphiun Melentor III passionately belting out a monologue upon the enchanted stage. Afterward, he greet the party and inquires what talents they have. There is a murmur among them but no one steps forward. He lets them know it only takes a quick performance to summon the item they need, patting a pocket on his belt. Leaving them to it he walks off. Starting at each other for a short spell, Kayla becomes impatient and accends to sing an orish drinking song. After singing a bit more spirited than intended a later manifests on her bel, the last clue solved.   No sooner than Kayla steps off the stage, a scream erupts from the far side of the western wing. Taking to action the party rushed toward the danger that most students and running from. They bump into a petite Rosimyffenbip “Rosie” Wuzfeddlims. She curses her lack of weapons and is surprised that the party is armed. Seeing this as splendid she encourages them to go after the box with teeth everyone is panicked by. They head past her and see a costume trunk that has grown spiked teeth and a wriggling tongue.   Combining their skill together the team takes care of the monster with deft attacks and the clever use of magic. After the mimic curls within itself and becomes a mundane box again, Professor Sharpbeak flies in. She praises the students for their quick actions. Her feathers puff up with pride. She vows to follow their careers carefully. Also she collects the scavenger hunt items and rewards them with a prize of two gold coins apeice.