Celdryn Lyre

Character art by Brahahaga

Celdryn Lyre harbors many secrets, some of which even eludes himself. He enrolled at Stryxhaven in hopes to control his untamed magic, yet his newfound social life has proven even more difficult to manage. One would think being a shapeshifter would make life easier.. but a ticking time bomb can only hide for so long.

## Character Biography

### Acceptance

In a lavish, but empty, mansion, Celdryn sat in a big comfy armchair reading fiction when an envelope bearing his name landed next to him.  He opened it to find an acceptance letter to Strixhaven University School of Mages.  He decided to keep envelope from parents, as they’d probably find out anyway and began planning a to-do list.  His mother, looking very well put together, leaned in to tell him she was heading out with his father for the evening and to ask whether he needed anything.  Celdryn said no, but was so excited by the letter he spontaneously grew gills.  Seeing that, his mother called him out on his claims, forcing Celdryn to reveal his admission letter.  His mother grew very excited and distracted, but eventually remembered her dinner engagement.

Celdryn’s parents would ultimately be too busy to attend the Strixhaven parent mixer session.

### Arrival and Orientation

Celdryn decided to be an early arrival, hollering goodbye to parents and teleporting before they could reply.  He appeared in the Archway Commons where he saw a few tables, but not many people.  Celdryn saw a young human woman laying things out when he arrived.  When she greeted him, Celdryn turned away and tried to assume a more handsome and taller appearance before returning her greeting.  The woman introduced herself as Nora and got his uniform and welcome packet, noting the former seemed a bit small.  Celdryn nervously grabbed uniform and left before she could give him complimentary soap.

Celdryn practiced his appearance and speaking voice before leaving for his mandatory orientation. In the hallway, he bumped into a small owlin.  Celdryn was startled into his normal speaking pattern before assuming an affected tone, something that Nelloris noticed as they exchanged names.  Celdryn was about to ask if she was heading to Orientation when he noticed her manga. The two immediately bonded over their mutual interests.  Celdryn was so excited he forgot to concentrate on his image.  They were interrupted when Kai opened the door, commented on Nell being the one with the ‘porn comics’ and left without another word. Nelloris and Celdryn thought Kai was ‘so cool’.

Kai, Nell and Celdryn made it to Orientation and were directed by a minotaur to the Hall of Oracles.  Kai assumed he was asking for a tip and gave him a copper piece. Seeing that, Nell and Celdryn wondered if they were expected to tip as well.  Nell admitted she couldn’t afford it because she spent all her money on anime and manga, then proceeded to blurt out that she also wrote fan fiction in her free time.  Celdryn asked if he could read it sometime.

The three then entered the hall and met Arlynn and Telbron.  Telbron recognized Kai from a charity event they had attended two months ago.  After they exchanged names, Telbron recalled that Kai almost got kicked *out* of the charity event, after the two got in a fight, and approved of how thoroughly Kai irritated Telbron’s father.  He later confided that his father made him start working out after the altercation. It was at that point that Nell realized Kai was *the* Kai-El, recognizing him from his StonelyFans account.  She promised to show a confused Celdryn later.

The students were then greeted by the Snarl, who welcomed them to Strixhaven and told them that the orientation consisted of a scavenger hunt.  As a list appeared, the Snarl told them the list had clues leading to various places throughout the Biblioplex.  They had the rest of the day to solve as many as possible, with the opportunity to win prizes for each riddle they successfully completed.

Arlynn and Kai guessed the first clue referred to the Snarl itself.  They said ‘Snarl’ aloud.  Nelloris noticed pool underneath Snarl and ran towards it, with the others following.  When Nell stuck her hand in the pool, she retrieved a Potion of Healing.  The list automatically checked off the first clue, signaling they successfully solved the riddle.

The students consulted map for the second clue.  Arlynn, using her knowledge of Strixhaven, guessed it referred to either the Art Gallery or the Student Activities Complex.  Nell then introduced herself to Arlynn and thanked Telbron for his assistance earlier. After some discussion, Arlynn excitedly led students to the Student and Alumni Art Gallery.  Reading the clue again and noting a reference to inspiration, they found a portrait whose placard included that reference.  Telbron felt around the portrait and found a switch that popped open a hidden compartment in the nameplate.  He retrieved five Strixhaven pennants and handed them out to each of the students.  When another team of first-year students came in, Kai pretended it took them a long time to solve the riddle.  Celdryn took a moment to catch on.  Arlynn was completely oblivious to Kai’s deception.  Nell excitedly thought this was like one of her mangas.  Celdryn used Prestidigitation to further conceal the hidden compartment, triggering a Wild Magic Surge that turned him invisible.  Everyone but Telbron noticed Celdryn had disappeared and called out for him.  Celdryn waved a hand in front of Kai before poking his cheek, prompting Kai to flail wildly and almost hit him.  He then gently shook Arlynn by her shoulders.  While Arlynn thought the gallery was haunted, Nell guessed Celdryn was trying to communicate. After Celdryn’s invisibility wore off, Arlynn stiffly introduced herself to the sorcerer.  Telbron distracted the other students with Thaumaturgy (specifically, the sound of crows cawing) so they could continue.

Looking at the next clue, students guessed it referred to the Biblioplex Café and headed over there. There was a gnome barista and a long lineup.  Nell grabbed the list and flew to the front of the line.  The customers protested, prompting Nell to try and elicit sympathy until Arlynn cast Sleep, knocking out twelve of them.  One of the students who’d remained awake yelled at them until Celdryn cast Friends.  Kai scolded the remaining two students for raising their voices in the library. Telbron Intimidated them with Thaumaturgy while Kai loomed over them, scaring the two away.  Now free, Nell and Arlynn presented the list to the gnome barista, who looked at the customers and silently handed goodie bags over to Arlynn. Arlynn took bags and pulled Nell away. Nell thanked Kai and Telbron for coming to her aid.  Kai bought coffees for the remaining thirteen students, while Telbron added a silver coin as tip.  They ran away as the customers woke up (or shook off the Friends spell).  Once they were safe, Arlynn handed out the goodie bags. Each held a scone, artisan mints and a 10% off coupon for the café.

The next clue led the students to the Book Garden.  All the flora reminded Nell of home, prompting her to sit down between some bushes. To her surprise, the bushes took turns poking Nell and waving hello.  At Kai’s prompt, Nell showed letter.  Nell suggested Kai and Telbron wade into the bushes, who promptly patted the two men.  When they returned the gesture, the bushes gave them stuffies (Kai got an art elemental stuffie (mascot of Prismari), while Telbron got inkling stuffie (mascot of Silverquill)).    Celdryn waded into bush and gave it a pat, receiving an inkling mascot as well.  Nell waded into the bushes, dragging a reluctant Arlynn after her.  After they patted the bushes, Nell got a pest mascot (mascot of Witherbloom), while Arlynn patted the bush and got a spirit statue (mascot of Lorehold)

Looking at the list, the students saw there was one final clue that made a reference to stars. After some quick brainstorming, the students headed to the amphitheatre.  Various other students were nearby, some of whom appeared to be part of a LARP club.  Kai-El and Telbron hopped up onto the stage, while Arlynn, Celdryn and Nelloris stayed behind, though they did not know what they were supposed to do.  At Nell’s request (echoed loudly by Arlynn), Kai-El took off his shirt.  Arlynn, Telbron and Nelloris cast Prestidigitation, Thaumaturgy and Druidcraft, respectively, to enhance the performance.  Kai gyrated for a moment before ripping Telbron’s shirt open. Remembering that a similar event occurred at the aforementioned charity event, Telbron punched Kai.   As Kai fell to the stage, some hooded lanterns popped out of the stage.  Seeing that, Arlynn assumed everyone else had to get on stage and remove their shirts. Getting up, Kai hit Telbron back. Nell was so overwhelmed by the drama that she fainted, though Celdryn caught her before she hit the floor. Coming to her senses, Nell reached out to Kai and Telbron, touched their abs and cast Cure Wounds.  Arlynn then climbed onto the stage and began to remove her shirt.  Celdryn saw her, experienced another Wild Magic Surge and sneezed a Fireball at the LARP club which exploded one of their chests.  While magical safeguards put out most of the fire, one of the flaming bits woke up a disguised mimic that began lashing out at anyone nearby.

Most of the students began attacking the mimic with various spells and cantrips. Arlynn was initially oblivious, focusing on removing her shirt as no more hooded lanterns popped up, but eventually joined the fight (with her bra protecting her modesty). Nell suffered a serious wound when the mimic bit her, but managed to avoid getting eaten. In the end, Arlynn killed the creature by using Catapult to hurl a book at it. Exhausted and grievously wounded, Nell sought permission to drink the Potion of Healing. Arlynn checked on Nell, unaware of her current state of undress. Nell admitted she was not prepared for university to be so eventful (episode 1).

### First Year

Arlynn helped Nell drink the healing potion, inadvertently revealing how well-endowed she was.  Nell seemed overwhelmed, either from the recent combat or the number of shirtless students.  Telbron and Kai also noted her confused state.  Arlynn offered to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation before Kai reminded her about the lanterns.  After Arlynn summarily dropped Nell to the ground to retrieve the lantern she’d won, Telbron helped the stunned owlin up.

Other students began to congregate, drawn to the conflict, while the LARP club doused any remaining flames.  An owlin flew down and asked if everyone was all right.  Celdryn asked if it was common for the university to house mimics on the school grounds.  The owlin asked if that was the source of the commotion, prompting Kai to question her knowledge and competency.  She introduced herself as Professor Mavinda Sharpbeak and explained she had been sent to handle an incident at the café involving students using illegal enchantment magic, adding that could be an expellable offence, before being drawn to the ruckus at the amphitheatre.  Nell explained they were attacked by a mimic and defended themselves.  Celdryn added they were also protecting their fellow students, while Kai emphasized that they saved them.  Professor Sharpbeak asked the students to introduce themselves. Celdryn nervously explained he was new to Strixhaven, which the professor recognized.

Seeing how Telbron’s shirt was torn, she cast a Mending cantrip.  Sharpbeak then urged Kai and Arlynn to put their shirts on, reminding them Strixhaven was a prestigious institution.  Arlynn complied, but accidentally mixed up her shirt with Kai’s, causing some confusion before Nell corrected them. Once they were clothed, Professor Sharpbeak repeated her earlier statements that casting enchantments on fellow students would normally be an expellable offence.  However, given their actions against the mimic, she was willing to overlook that incident.  She did instruct them to read over their welcome packet and school rules, as they did cover the use of unauthorized magic.  Sharpbeak also corrected their mistaken impression that the scavenger hunt was a form of competition.  When Nell realized she hadn’t gotten a lantern and asked if she had to take her shirt off, Sharpbeak hastily explained that she simply had to give some kind of performance.  A gnome girl from the LARP club came over and explained that the students had given a performance when removing their shirts, one that included dancing and fireworks, which the professor conceded would meet the requirements.  Sharpbeak also suggested they visit the Student Activities Centre and channel their energy into the clubs and extracurricular activities that were available at Strixhaven, requesting that they refrain from getting into any more trouble.  Kai was particularly interested in the Iron Lifters’ Club and urged Telbron to join him.  Kai also asked if Professor Sharpbeak was in charge of Prismari College, but was told that that privilege fell to the Deans.  Arlynn was embarrassed at the realization that she’d gotten into trouble with a professor.  Sharpbeak then bid them farewell and began casting more Mending cantrips on anything that needed it.

The gnome girl ran up to Arlynn, gushed over how she’d defeated the mimic and introduced herself as Rosie.  When Celdryn asked, Rosie explained she was also a first-year student, but knew people who had attended Strixhaven before and joined the LARP club as well.  Rosie asked Celdryn how he recognized the mimic before, thinking he must be a powerful mage to be able to cast something as powerful as a Fireball spell.  Kai made some boastful claims on Celdryn’s behalf, much to his embarrassment. Rosie urged them to join the LARP club and ran away, before returning to give them pamphlets.

Kai threw away Celdryn’s LARP club pamphlet before he could read it, dismissing it as too nerdy.  Nell commented on Kai’s attitude towards anything nerdy, told him she was a nerd herself, and asked if that made her bad.  Kai said she wasn’t bad, but she shouldn’t become nerdier, citing pornography as a perfectly acceptable pastime.  A confused Arlynn asked what pornography was.  The conversation went on to include the merits of different kinds of relationships, how everyone was feeling and Kai’s desire to check out the Iron Lifters’ Club and see if it could help him maintain his fitness regimen.

After being reminded that she hadn’t gotten her lantern, Nell got up and tried to take off her shirt.  Celdryn reminded her that Professor Sharpbeak had told them such measures were unnecessary, then, seeing that she was unconvinced, tried to stand between Nell and the professor.  Nell revealed to her friends that she was also well-endowed.  Celdryn chose to recite a poem about knowing who you were and being true to yourself, rather than take his shirt off, and was embarrassed by the resulting praise.  Spotting the crumpled LARP club pamphlet, he retrieved it and put it away.

The friends went to the Student Activities Club and found it was fairly empty.  While there were rows of tables, only a few of them were staffed with club members. Celdryn looked around but, having read the welcome packet, had already chosen some clubs to join.  He approached the Distinguished Society of Fine Arts table, where he saw Nora run up and put her possessions down before greeting him.  She asked about his first day on campus and whether he participated in the scavenger hunt.  Celdryn told her about their mimic encounter.  Nora was shocked at first, but then expressed interest in seeing the mimic corpse.  Celdryn agreed and told Arlynn where he was going.  Nora started to leave with Celdryn, but briefly doubled back to tell an orc named Mak about the mimic and urge him to follow them.

Celdryn, Nora and Mak went back to the amphitheatre, where there were several more professors.  After conferring with one of the professors, Mak put something in a spare vial and told Celdryn and Nora he’d made a discovery.  When Celdryn asked, Mak revealed that he’d taken some black goo from the mimic and intended to study it, as mimics did not typically contain such substances.  Celdryn was confused, as he mistook mimics for chest creatures.  Mak also told them that the professors were trying to pass off the encounter as some kind of leather treater.

At that point, they were joined by Kai, Nell, Telbron and Arlynn. Nora said hello to the other students. Mak then told the others what he found and that he would have to experiment on the sample to learn more. Celdryn asked if he could help.  Mak agreed, inviting him and Nell to join him the next day.  Nora thanked the group for showing her the mimic.  She also asked Arlynn if she could borrow a book from her, as she had (also) fallen afoul of Universal Planar Services.  After giving Arlynn some suggestions on what kind of reading material she was looking for, she commiserated with Telbron on their shared experiences with Universal Planar Services.  Kai offered his opinion on the rival Goblin Postal Service.  Nora then returned to her club table.

Nell then noted that Kai wasn’t looking well.  Kai admitted he was hungry, but what he really wanted was beer.  Celdryn was told about the party and, when asked, admitted he had never been to any parties.  A stunned Kai had to sit down and hyperventilated into a bag.  A helpful Nell told Celdryn it was like a particular issue of a manga they read before urging her friends to get their drink on.  Kai misheard her and wondered if Celdryn would have a carnal encounter before he would. Telbron rolled his eyes.  A worried Celdryn asked Nell if they had to pay for drinks.  Telbron assured them they could put it on his father’s tab, so long as they did not overdo it.

They made their way to the Bow’s End Tavern.  Nell walked up to the bar and asked for a Goblin Grenade, Kai ordered three Kinky Kenkus and a Genie and Tonic.  Telbron asked that the drinks be put on the Stevedore tab.  After they all finished, Kai ordered another round. Telbron decided to slow down while Nell resolved to keep up with Kai.  Celdryn nursed his first drink until Kai encouraged him to ‘open his throat’. Taking him literally, Celdryn enlarged his throat and poured the rest of his drink down.  Kai looked at his drink and wondered if he was seeing things in his inebriation while the other students expressed varying degrees of surprise. When a second round of drinks arrived, Celdryn downed his glass in a similar fashion.  Impressed, Kai wondered if Celdryn was the Chosen One.  Celdryn then grabbed another drink from a passing waitress and, in an uncharacteristically confident manner, finished it in one go and told the others they were two drinks behind. Shaking his head, Telbron declared he would not even try to keep up.  Kai eagerly chugged another drink while Nell asked for a Slippery Nipple. Celdryn needed a moment to compose himself, but assured the others he was fine.  He and Nell declared their appreciation of each other before agreeing to have more drinks.  Arlynn decided she wanted to join them and finished her drink.

Kai revealed that he saw Arlynn by the Cheer Table and told her she would look great in a cheerleader uniform.  By sheer coincidence, four cheerleaders came in and the friends took a moment to admire them.  Emboldened, Celdryn decided to walk over and asked the cheerleaders to help them navigate the various drinks available on campus.  As one of them began recommending the Strixhaven Strut, Celdryn interrupted her and invited them to join his friends, volunteering Telbron to buy their drinks.  Celdryn led the cheerleaders back and introduced them to his friends as J’dell (a halfling), Jeta Stream (a water genasi), Jetam (an elf) and Joy (a tiefling). Telbron wondered if this was the same Celdryn they had met at the beginning of the day.  Nell sidled over to Telbron and asked if he would be okay buying all these drinks.  Telbron reassured her that his father had encouraged him to make connections, but had not provided any limitations on how.

The cheerleaders bought some Strixhaven Struts and demonstrated how to drink them. Celdryn’s attempts to flirt with one of them failed as he became momentarily, and visibly, ill.  Telbron abstained, deciding to ‘babysit’ the others and cut Celdryn off from any more drinks.  Seeing this, Kai and Celdryn tried to encourage him to continue drinking. Kai also cast a Resistance cantrip on Celdryn so he could keep partying.  Telbron reluctantly agreed to join them in another round, only to regret it as the room began spinning.  Nell noticed his vertigo and apologized for all the peer pressure.  Arlynn declared she had a perfect performance and asked Joy the tiefling if she got a prize.  Joy agreed and suggested another drink, but Celdryn suggested a kiss instead. A drunk Arlynn agreed and kissed Joy. As the two began making out, Nell declared she had gained so much material for fan fiction, Celdryn was shocked at this latest development and Kai broadcast the whole thing to his StonelyFans with his sending stone.

More students began trickling in.  A well-dressed first-year student strode up to the bar and ordered a round of drinks for his companions like Telbron had done.  Celdryn then struck up a conversation with J’dell, suggesting Kai was already poised to become the next silkball captain.  Kai played along, asking her about Mage Tower before asking her opinion on various ales.  J’dell recommended the Witherbloom ales, explaining that students guilty of infractions often had to perform unpleasant tasks in Witherbloom’s Detention Bog, whose conditions were ideal for brewing ales.  Hearing about the creatures that roamed freely in the bog, Kai wondered if that was where the mimic came from.  He then summarized their mimic fight to the halfling, playing up Arlynn’s role with Celdryn’s help.  Arlynn mistakenly thought someone had mentioned more shots.  Celdryn obliged and asked for more shots with Thaumaturgy, only to be chastised by a bartender’s louder use of the same cantrip. When the drinks arrived, Celdryn used Mage Hand to drink his shot.

Nell sat in Kai’s lap, much to his surprise, and gave him a kiss.  Celdryn noticed.  Kai waved Bageira over and introduced everyone.  As Bageira sat down, an increasingly inebriated Celdryn commented on her height.  She explained how she just met Kai and asked whether he would also join the Iron Lifters. Celdryn tried to impress her by shapeshifting some extra muscle, but she easily discovered his deception and ordered water for everyone.  After Celdryn asked how she could help Kai, Bageira offered some tips… and suggested food would be a good idea considering how early it was and how drunk they were. She ordered a round of chicken wings after Nell was assured they wouldn’t eat *her* wings.

A group of musicians came in, led by a stunning elven singer who drew Celdryn’s attention.  The well-dressed student and his group cast judgemental looks at the friends’ table. More students were coming into the tavern.  Arlynn finally registered the order of food and agreed she could eat.  Kai and Bageira debated the merits of carbohydrates before he challenged her to an arm-wrestling match.  They exchanged some trash talk before Kai lost decisively. Kai good-naturedly agreed to have some fries.  Arlynn asked if she could have some and offered them to Joy, who declined as she was on a diet.  The cheerleaders said their goodbyes and left.

Nell and Kai sensed that the well-dressed student and  his group recognized Telbron.  Celdryn noticed they were looking at someone, but was so inebriated that Nell was worried about him.  Kai asked Telbron if he recognized the people looking at their table.  After turning his head, he recognized him as someone he had met at one of his father’s events, but he could not remember, or care to remember, his name.  Celdryn waited until that student went to the washroom, found a secluded hallway, morphed his face into a distorted version of the student, went to his friends’ table, faced the other table, wandered into the crowd, returned to his normal features and returned to his friends.  He bowed to Telbron before face-planting on the table.  The friends, clearly worried, tried to find the other student, who they called out Grayson, and queried him when he returned from the washroom.

After helping Celdryn up, Bageira revealed she was in Lorehold College and asked the group which college they hoped to enter.  Kai admitted his family had a legacy in Prismari and felt he had no choice but to go there.  Telbron revealed his famiy had a legacy in Silverquill.  Nell hoped to get into Witherbloom.  Arlynn gave her response through a mouthful of fries.  Celdryn mumbled ‘Goldfeather,’ but some of the students guessed he meant Silverquill.  Nell told Kai and Telbron they should go to whichever college they wanted to enter.  Kai claimed he wanted to go to Prismari because it was the best.  Telbron admitted he hadn’t really decided for himself yet, but wanted to stay on his father’s good side so he would be left alone while he was attending Strixhaven.  The others guessed Telbron might have some father issues.  Nell added he was surprised how many people seemed to resemble the characters she’d read about in her manga.

Celdryn kept admiring the elven singer, which Kai noticed.  A moment later, he saw the singer enthusiastically wave to a blonde elven first-year student.  To his shock, he recognized the other elf as Elowyn, one of his first friends and one of the few people who knew about him, his family and his life.  The others noticed him keeping his head down.  When Nell asked, Celdryn asked her to keep it down, insisted things were fine and claimed he was just drunk.  He asked that if they met the student talking to the elven singer (who he was clearly infatuated with), that they not trust anything she said. After some questions over how they knew each other (and some queries from Kai on whether it was sexual (which Telbron translated)), Celdryn reluctantly admitted they knew each other as children but she had since made his life miserable.

With that settled, Kai challenged Bageira to another arm-wrestling match while Arlynn sent a surprisingly legible text to Larine and asked if she was coming to the Bow’s End Tavern party.  After Larine confirmed she was coming in an hour, though, Arlynn responded with an incoherent series of emojis before dropping and cracking her stone.
Celdryn debated whether to confront Elowyn.  Arlynn offered to give her a piece of her mind.  Nell offered to cast a Chill Touch cantrip to spoil her beer, but Telbron advised it, considering her drunken state and the likelihood of getting the group into trouble again.  Celdryn was open to exploring other spells if they did not require a target.  Arlynn suggested another Sleep spell, which Kai and Telbron quickly discouraged.  Nell listed other spell options before Telbron distracted her with a question about manga characters.  Kai tried reading a manga for himself, only to read it backwards and bend the spine (much to Nell’s and Celdryn’s horror).  He then challenged Bageira again to an arm-wrestling match and won (due partly to Celdryn’s Silvery Barbs).

Kai and Bageira left just as Larine walked in.  Spotting Arlynn, she walked over and joined the group.  Arlynn apologized for not responding to any texts as she’d dropped her stone.  Larine noticed the lipstick on Arlynn’s face from her makeout session with Joy. Arlynn’s claims of having trouble applying lipstick failed miserably.  Celdryn’s attempts to wipe it off only made matters worse.  Laureen claimed to want to see her friends and said her goodbyes, but the group noticed she sat at an empty table before some other students eventually joined her.

Celdryn looked up again, only to meet Elowyn’s eyes and hurriedly turned his gaze back to the table.  He asked whether Elowyn was looking their way.  Arlynn declared that she was traditionally attractive, well put together and had a ‘resting bitch face’.  Upon further examination, she amended the last description to ‘active bitch face’ (to which Nell and Telbron agreed) as Elowyn was staring daggers their way.  When Nell asked, Celdryn admitted their relationship had shattered after he revealed who he was.  He then took a few deep breaths before looking at Elowyn.  After they exchanged glances, the elf looked in various directions before heading to the bar.  Celdryn declared he’d just made the worst decision of his life.  Nell tried to start a bet over how Elowyn would react. Telbron guessed she did not have enough gold, to which Nell replied she did… given the net cost of her manga collection.  Ultimately, Elowyn sat down with her drink at another table.  Celdryn concluded that first year would be more interesting than he thought before suggesting another round of drinks.  Telbron asked if Celdryn wanted to leave, but he declined as he thought Kai would return.  Nell corrected him, saying he had left with Bageira, prompting Celdryn to ask if they should look after him.  Celdryn tried to stand up, only to be forced back down by Telbron, who insisted everyone drink water as he could not carry the rest of them back to the dorm.  Nell tried to fly, only to fail mid-flutter. Expecting this outcome, Telbron was already in position to catch her as she fell, noting she seemed to enjoy being saved.  Celdryn commented on how light she was, due in part to her hollow bones.  Telbron responded that it was her eyes that caught his attention.  Celdryn whispered to Arlynn that they should give Nell and Telbron some privacy and led her away to find Kai.

Arlynn and Celdryn caught up with them, saw their interaction, and watched as she escorted Kai into his dorm.  Arlynn was confused as Bageira was a second-year student. Using his considerable knowledge of manga, Celdryn guessed they were going to have sex.  Arlynn decided he was knowledgeable and worldly before agreeing with Celdryn’s suggestion that they find the others.  They returned in time to see Telbron carrying Nell out of the pub. Celdryn grabbed Arlynn by the collar and pulled her back, but not before Nell saw them.  A confused Celdryn asked aloud what was happening, to which Arlynn guessed Nell and Telbron were going to have sex.  Celdryn then offered to help Arlynn patch things up with Larine, but Arlynn declined, asking if he wanted to talk about Elowyn instead.  Overwhelmed with gratitude, Celdryn gave Arlynn a hug. They returned to Arlynn’s room to hang out and chat, but not before Celdryn ran back into the pub for one last look at the elven singer (episode 2).

When he woke up, he left Arlynn and returned to his dorm.  Unfortunately, he had trouble with his key and wound up lying in the hallway until Kai stumbled across him. Celdryn asked where he’d been.  Kai replied he ‘d spent the night in his room and asked if Celdryn had spent the night in the hallway, suddenly concerned that his new friend couldn’t afford a dorm room.  Celdryn assured him that he had a room and began fumbling with his key again.  Kai took pity on him and gave him the cup of coffee he was holding.  Celdryn downed the cup and immediately felt better.  While he tried to remember what happened the previous night, Kai asked him if he had soap.  Celdryn told him he had some in his room and began struggling with his key until Kai took pity on him, took his key and unlocked his door for him.  A grateful Celdryn found a bar of soap and handed it over, saying he’d go to the bathroom afterwards.  Kai assured Celdryn that the communal washrooms had multiple stalls and went so far as to split the soap bar in half before leaving Celdryn, who promptly passed out on the bed.

Celdryn eventually woke up and left to take a shower, only to bump into Kai (carrying a bag and wearing nothing but a towel), Arlynn, Nell and Telbron.  Kai was explaining that the only clothes he had were soiled. Hearing Kai, Celdryn offered to clean his clothes.  A confused Kai thought he was going to do his laundry for him, only to see him cast Prestidigitation and belatedly realize he could have cast the same cantrip himself.  Telbron told them he was going to leave and departed with Nell in his arms.  Nell shouted her goodbyes over his shoulder.

The remaining three students were left wondering what had happened.  Kai hollered down the hallway, asking if Nell and Telbron had sex, which momentarily drew the attention of another student.  Nell hollered back that she and Telbron just talked about anime as she was too drunk to do anything else, before loudly asking if Kai and Bageria had sex.  Kai said no (but nodded his head in silent confirmation).  Arlynn took him literally by his word until Nell hollered an explanation.  Nell then shouted that they should continue their conversation in the café so they wouldn’t have to keep yelling down the hall.  Arlynn promised she would ensure Kai put on pants, which derailed any lewd jokes he was about to make.  Instead, Kai showed Arlynn where she could find some coffee, surprised at the quality of the dorm amenities.  Arlynn was not surprised, as her parents had told her Strixhaven was the best educational institution on the plane.  As Arlynn continued to recite more and more factoids to a thoroughly confused Kai, Celdryn went to take a shower.

After having some coffee, Arlynn went to find Celdryn.  She found him coming out of the shower and noted his skin was unnaturally dewy before changing to a more human texture.  Celdryn tucked his shirt in and left, only to bump into Arlynn.  Celdryn allowed her to think his change in skin tone was due to his practice of using shampoo as skin moisturizer.  Arlynn told Celdryn she was gathering the others so they could have breakfast together.  Celdryn joined her and the two wondered what happened between Nell and Telbron the previous night.  They wondered if doing anime was a euphemism for sex.  Having reached Telbron’s dorm room, Arlynn called through the door and told Nell and Telbron that Celdryn wanted to know if they had ‘anime’d’ each other last night.  A confused Kai stepped out of his room and, joining them in the hallway, asked the same question out loud.

They made their way to the Firejolt Café, only to hear someone call out Arlynn’s name excitedly.  Turning around, they saw Rosie the gnome charge up and ask if they were doing anything.  After asking if they were going to Firejolt, she urged them to follow, telling Nell she’d enjoy it.  When they arrived, Rosie told them she would go in first, and that the others should casually make their way to the back room later.

The friends went inside and quickly saw Larine sitting at a table with Grayson and a distinguished-looking girl.  There were several other students in the café including an owlin sitting by himself, Greta, an earth genasi, Nora and the elven singer.  At the coffee bar, Javanesh could be seen chatting with a barista.

Celdryn’s eyes were drawn to the singer, but the friends recalled he was fixated on the other elf who had talked to her.  They also wondered how he was able to drink so much without a hangover.  Kai was still confused as to why they had followed Rosie inside.  Nell told him the gnome had something cool to show them.  Arlynn decided to apologize to Larine, despite the fact that she was with friends, explained things had escalated faster than expected with the person who’d given Arlynn lipstick, and expressed hopes that they could hang out.  Larine’s friends gave Arlynn judgemental looks.  Grayson also glanced at Telbron.  Arlynn rushed away before Larine could say anything more.

Seeing the friends, Nora greeted them.  Telbron took the opportunity to tell her his uniform had finally arrived, after travelling through twenty different planes (including the Abyss).  Nora admitted she knew someone who had something similar happen and the incident ended with an imp hitching a ride in the package.  Telbron admitted he was not sure if there were any imps in his package as he had not opened it yet.  Nora assured him he probably did not have to take any precautions.  When Telbron asked if there would be any repercussions for attacking any imps, Nora suggested he make sure the devils were not actually university employees.

Nora then introduced Aurora Winterstar, who recognized him as she had performed at some of his family’s events.  Nell complimented Aurora on her voice.  Aurora recalled seeing them at the Bow’s End Tavern enjoying themselves.  Celdryn looked away awkwardly.  Aurora recognized Kai as well, through the messages they had apparently exchanged on StonelyFans.  After swapping compliments, Kai and Aurora agreed to meet up for drinks (and maybe more) some time.

Kai asked if anyone wanted coffee.  Nora and Aurora declined, indicating they already had some.  Heading over to the coffee bar, he ordered coffees for everyone (white chocolate mocha with extra caramel sauce and an extra shot of espresso for Nell; espresso deep roast with a long shot of espresso for Telbron (per his request for the strongest thing they had); espresso macchiato for Celdryn (despite his request for the cheapest thing they had and black coffee for Arlynn.  He paid for the coffees and added a tip.  Arlynn grabbed her coffee from the bar, having followed Kai without his knowing.  Kai brought the other coffees back and told Celdryn he’d made his drink a little more expensive as thanks for the soap.  After they got their coffees, they noticed Rosie trying to get their attention and trundled over to the back room.

As they walked, Celdryn asked Arlynn if she was okay, noting she was acting different since talking to Laureen.  Arlynn gave a series of vague responses.  Celdryn respected her desire for privacy and offered to lend an ear if she needed it.

They saw Rosie sitting with a blond elf who had a small crate.  There were many other people, including a dryad, Mak and a loxodon in military garb with a wealth of gold piercings.  Rosie waved them over and introduced them to the elf, whose name was Cadoras.  Cadoras whispered to Rosie that she thought they were inviting one person over, not five, but was assured it was fine.  Nell piped up that they were all as smart as one person, rendering Telbron speechless and offending Arlynn.  Telbron told Cadoras that Nell was still waking up.  Rosie told Cadoras that Nell looked like the kind of person who would know about certain things and urged him to open the box.  He slowly complied, revealing four glowing frogs.  Cadoras told them she’d found the frogs in a creek behind the café, but had never seen any creatures like them before and wondered if they were native to this plane.  Nell offered to cast Speak With Animals, picked one up and greeted them.  To her surprise, they belched and grew in size until they were the size of large dogs.

The students swung into action, casting various spells. Arlynn hid behind Rosie and asked why the frogs grew in size, but Rosie did not know. Kai scored the first frog with a Guiding Bolt from his eyes. Nell hid behind Telbron, who went down after two frogs latched on his arms. Arlynn killed two frogs with a flaming log that she launched with Catapult, while an injured frog died after botching an attack against Kai. Nell cast Spare the Dying by kissing Telbron, then kissed him again to regurgitate a healing potion into his mouth. Arlynn belatedly pointed out that pouring the healing potion into his mouth would also work.

Celdryn and Telbron were distracted for their own reasons.  The others noted the frogs shrinking back to normal size, leaving behind a oily black substance that Nell recognized was similar to the ooze from the mimic.  Arlynn investigated the black substance, going so far as to lick it, and concluded it was sweet to the taste.  Mak overheard, came over and took a sample.  He also looked at Nell and Telbron before suggesting that they put off any scientific experiments until the next day.  Nell assured him they did not need time to recover, so Mak decided they should begin his investigation at once.  Nell and Mak then wandered off.

The loxodon in military garb asked the others if they were all right and whether they needed to see the nurse.  Telbron wearily agreed.  Celdryn agreed as well after learning it wouldn’t cost anything.  The loxodon introduced himself as Rampart and led them to the nurse’s office, having assured them that he’d memorized the campus map and knew where to go (episode 3).

As Nell and Mak walked to the Witherbloom campus, a curious Celdryn caught up and asked if he could tag along.  Mak looked slightly disappointed, but masked his feelings and allowed him to accompany them.  He led Nell and Celdryn to one of the laboratory buildings and brought them to one of the rooms.  Mak led Nell and Celdryn to one of the buildings.  After taking them to one of the rooms, he asked them what schools they wanted to join.  Nell promptly told him Witherbloom.  Celdryn was overwhelmed by the smells until Mak waved a smelling salt under his nose, then answered Silverquill.

Nell and Celdryn helped Mak grab various pieces of scientific equipment.  Mak explained that the black ooze from the frogs looked similar to the substance taken from the mimic.  He was interested in testing the frog ooze for any magical residue, especially since the sample of mimic ooze was somewhat old by the time he’d tested it and it had no detectable magic.  Celdryn asked Mak whether the ooze mutated the frogs or turned some other fauna into frogs.  Mak suspected the latter.  While his experiment was incubating, Mak pointed out and explained some of the other experiments that were taking place in the building.  As they were talking, a large dryad opened the door for a beautiful elven woman.  Recognizing the elf as Aurora, Celdryn tried to hide behind Nell.  Mak gave him a look before glancing at Nell, who simply dismissed her friend’s behaviour as no consequence.

Once Aurora and the dryad left the room, Nell asked Mak about researching sentient mushrooms and their potential as familiars.  Mak believed some mushrooms, possibly on other planes of existence, could become familiars and had asked some Quandrix students of his acquaintance to bring back any specimens that might be suitable.  He also felt there was no reason mushrooms could not act as familiars, given that books and other non-organic items had been summoned for such roles in the past.  Mak revealed he had found a Find Familiar scroll and offered to give it to Nell, who eagerly accepted.

Seconds later, the experiment was complete.  Mak studied the findings and was disappointed to conclude that the ooze did not have any magical properties.  However, he did confirm it was the same substance as the sample taken from the mimic. He theorized the ooze might have mutated both the mimic and the frogs, though he admitted mimics were not normally seen on campus, and suggested they keep their eyes out for any more instances of creatures being affected by this substance.  Mak was visibly pleased when Nell gave thanks and expressed a desire to spend more time on the Witherbloom campus with him, but quickly added that Celdryn was welcome to return at any time.

Classes began the following day.  While the students had chosen their own electives, they all were expected to take Magical Physiology, a course scheduled for the end of the day (last class of day).  Kai showed up early in disguise (wearing glasses) and went to the front row.  Nell showed up with Telbron and dragged him to the front.  Arlynn joined them in the front door.   They failed to see Kai, not recognizing him in his glasses.  Meanwhile, Celdryn sat in one of the back corners, secretly practicing his magic and trying to cast levelled spells.

Before long, the teacher arrived and went to the front of the lecture hall.  She introduced herself as Professor (Veralda) Lang and welcomed them to Magical Physiology. After taking attendance, she gave an overview and class outline, explaining that the focus this year would be on slaadi, owlbears and otyughs. Celdryn asked for the correct spelling of those creatures. Nell wanted to know Lang’s favourite mushrooms. Telbron asked which of the creatures she was teaching was her favourite.  Lang admitted she had never been asked that question but picked owlbears.  She thanked him for his question by name, which drew the attention of several students.

After class, Nell asked her friends if they wanted to go out for ice cream, wondering where Kai was. As if on cue, Kai walked behind a dryad, took off his glasses and joined them.  Nell wondered where Kai had been all day, but invited him to join them for ice cream.  Before they left, one of the condoms Telbron grabbed from the infirmary fell out of his pocket.  Celdryn retrieved it and, after Kai identified the brand, returned it to Telbron. Nell’s eyes widened before she flushed and hurried her friends to the ice cream shop.

At the ice cream shop, Kai tried samples.  He did not like the first few options (frankenberry, razberry (that was somehow spicy). Eventually, Celdryn chose a combination of blueberry bulette blast and witch cream.

Over the next month or so, the students would take their classes.  They spent some of their free time on extracurricular activities or picking up jobs around campus, with Celdryn getting a job at the Firejolt Cafe while signing up for the Drama Guild. Celdryn went to the Firejolt Café.  Seeing that they were looking for workers, he submitted his resume and was immediately hired.  On his first day, he met his trainer, a tanned white-haired woman named Mina.  He was forced to admit he had no prior barista experience, so Mina patiently taught him the basics.

The training was interrupted by a commotion outside.  While Mina investigated, Celdryn tried to make another drink, only to break the coffee pot he was using.  He took it outside and was surprised to see Mina and two other students in a tense conversation with Kai.  When he asked what was going on, one of the students explained that the other, Mina’s brother Carlton, had taken his textbook.  Celdryn tried to defuse the tension with an offer of coffee (from the broken thermos).  After returning the textbook, Carlton and the other student eventually left.  Mina pointedly declared that Kai did not need any coffee and went back inside with Celdryn to fix the thermos and continue his training.

At some point, the friends went to the Firejolt Café for coffee. Celdryn was already there, finishing his shift with the help of his notes and cue cards. As he had slowly improved his barista skills, Mina allowed him to make the occasional drink for his friends in order to gain more experience. Kai was the next to arrive. Mina ignored Kai and gave Celdryn a look when Kai greeted him. Celdryn tried to convince Mina he wasn't so bad, but she seemed unconvinced.

Arlynn came in wearing a lab coat, covered head to toe in soot, requesting a spicy raspberry latte. After realizing who she was, Celdryn directed her to Kai and hastily gave her some paper towels to put underneath--and around--her. Kai was shocked to see Arlynn's state. Arlynn explained she had followed a checklist of tasks during her first day as a lab assistant, but had neglected to erect a blast shield.

Seeing the soot that Arlynn was leaving around her, Mina walked over and tried to clean it up, only to find it strangely--and magically--resistant to her efforts. Celdryn brought over drinks and was fascinated by how hard the soot was to clean. He also noticed that Arlynn had left a trail of soot behind her that meandered throughout the campus. Arlynn suggested her lab could help deal with the soot before remembering she promised to order coffee for them. While the contact information and the list were all covered in the soot, she managed to interpret the order as four black coffees. Kai ordered three Underdark coffees for himself, Nell and Telbron. Mina took Arlynn's order, but pointedly ignored Kai. Seeing that, Celdryn took care of Kai's order.

Shortly after, Nell and Telbron arrived. After Nell let Arlynn and Kai assume she was pregnant with Telbron's child, she presented her new mushroom familiar, Shae Taki. Arlynn was confused until Nell explained she had cast a Find Familiar spell. Kai was confused that Nell and Telbron were actually dating. Shae greeted the friends with burbling comments and happily accepted Arlynn's offer of coffee. Nell began taking notes as her familiar drank the coffee, becoming covered in Arlynn's soot, and greeted all of Nell's friends... with the notable exception of Telbron. Telbron wondered if Shae's aloofness was because they sensed he was a warlock.

Nell asked Celdryn how his barista job was going. He told her it was going well, but became overwhelmed with shock when remembering his attempts to make latte art. Celdryn did bring one of his attempts over, which seemed to depict a horrified face mouthing 'Please kill me'. Seconds later, he experienced a Wild Magic Surge that transformed the latte into a unicorn with an equally horrified face. The friends—and Mina—were shocked and confused. Nell and Telbron wondered if there was something hallucinatory in their coffee. Kai tried to wipe his soot-covered hand on the unicorn and saw that its hide remained pristine. Arlynn offered the unicorn her coffee just as Kai slapped the unicorn's rear. The unicorn reared up, spilling Arlynn's coffee, and bolted out of the café, breaking down the door in the process. Celdryn offered to clean things up and have the costs of repairs taken out of his paycheck. Mina assured him the latter offer was unnecessary as they had insurance to fix the door, adding it was not the first unicorn to mysteriously appear on campus. Telbron insisted he help Celdryn clean, a gesture that was much appreciated (episode 4).

As he got used to his classes, Celdryn found Beginning Computational Magic was his favourite.  He often studied it with Telbron. While Kai was too proud to openly ask Celdryn for help at first, he eventually asked to study with him under the guise of correcting his practical use of evocation.  Celdryn quickly figured out that Kai needed help, organizing study sessions after his barista shifts ended.  He also arranged the exchange of notes, only to find out Kai’s notes consisted of doodles and Sending Stone numbers.  Over the next few weeks, Celdryn proved to be an effective teacher… though they found time to wonder about the particulars of Telbron’s and Nell’s relationship (and whether Telbron got scratched and bled by Nell’s talons).

Celdryn, Kai and Telbron also prepared for their Magical Physiology course.  Given Professor Lang’s scientific slant, they found her approach to creatures such as slaadi to focus on the technical side of things. As exams approached, the need to study intensified.  Celdryn was inclined to study on his own, rarely initiating efforts to organize study groups as he didn’t want to bother anyone else.  However, he did review notes with Kai for Introduction to Evocation.

When Telbron approached Celdryn and Kai to arrange a study group for Magical Physiology, Kai thought it would be fun to invite twenty or thirty people at a time.  While Celdryn was stunned at the size of this ‘study group,’ Telbron recognized that Kai actually wanted to party.  Telbron, on the other hand, really wanted to pass his classes, particularly Beginning Computational Magic.  Kai eventually decided to ‘study’ on his own.

Telbron decided to invite Melwythorne to join his Magical Physiology study group with Celdryn.  They found him studying various religious texts simultaneously in one of Strixhaven’s lab buildings.  After Melwythorne and Celdryn exchanged names, Telbron explained he was trying to organize a Magical Physiology study group.  Melwythorne was surprised Telbron wasn’t studying with Nell until he remembered Owlidays.  Telbron asked if he had any books about that because he didn’t know anything about those holidays and was grateful when Melwythorne handed him one that he wrote himself.  The three of them agreed to study together.

Shortly after they started studying, Celdryn saw Aurora outside a nearby window.  He was entranced until he realized that she was talking to Elowyn.  Aurora eventually saw Melwythorne, knocked on the window and waved to him.  Celdryn hesitantly waved, thinking she was waving at him, but awkwardly stopped once he figured it out.  Elowyn waved at Melwythorne, but quickly left with Aurora once she saw Celdryn.

Melwythorne noticed Celdryn’s behaviour and asked if he’d met Aurora and Elowyn.  When he asked if Celdryn wanted Aurora and Elowyn to study with them, Celdryn reluctantly agreed.  Telbron realized who Celdryn saw and how uncomfortable he looked.  Leaping to his friend’s aid, he suggested to Melwythorne that they should keep the study group at its current size.  Celdryn whispered his thanks to Telbron when Melwythorne was not looking.

Celdryn’s study preparations did not help as much as he expected.  Out of desperation, he pulled an all-nighter on his own.  His fatigue triggered a Wild Magic Surge that made him start glowing brightly.  After apologizing to the students he woke up, he continued to study under a blanket. Celdryn would wind up late for his Magical Physiology exam, stumbling into the exam room at the last second like a dead man.  Everyone noticed him; partly because his uniform buttons were askew, partly because he was faintly glowing.  His face drooped, revealing his changeling nature, as he received exam from Lang.  Concerned, she wondered if he needed to see a nurse.  Lang quickly recognized he was exhausted as Celdryn called her ‘sir’.

Professor Lang told them the exam would consist of two portions: a multiple-choice section on red, blue, green, grey and death slaadi and a short essay question on common ways to calm slaadi in order to avoid dangerous encounters.  They later got magical missives informing them that they passed.

The next few days’ worth of classes were fairly relaxing.  As the Owlidays were still going on, Arlynn and Nell were still off campus.  They heard rumours of an event taking place at the Bow’s End Tavern, which were confirmed when Javanesh waved to Kai.  Javanesh explained he had a shift at the Bow’s End Tavern and admitted some Wizard Gizzard machines were being retired.  Kai revealed he had never heard of them.  Realizing he had not encountered them yet in his Evocation courses, Javanesh explained they shot out magical orbs for target practice.  After a few semesters, though, their magic dwindled and they became less reliable.  The Bow’s End Tavern had a longstanding practice of inheriting them to entertain the customers.  Javanesh invited Kai and his friends to come, revealing he was donating a prize.  Kai and Telbron eagerly accepted.  Celdryn quietly agreed to come as well.

The four of them went to the Bow’s End Tavern.  As Javanesh split off to start work, Kai offered to buy drinks.  However, Celdryn insisted on buying the first round of ales (after the kindness they’d showed him in the past).  The three of them clinked ales and drank, spotting the machines Javanesh was talking about.  Curious, Celdryn finished his drink and went over to try the machine.  Kai and Telbron followed.

As another student turned away, after failing to hit the magical mote, Celdryn stepped up and scored on the first try.  He was so excited, he released another Wild Magic Surge as he threw his hands up.  Kai and Telbron joined him for a bro hug… then all three of them started floating up into the air.  Kai launched Celdryn forward, causing him to float over the crowd… and crashed into the wall.  Telbron struggled to control his flight, wondering how Nell made it look so easy.

Javanesh pulled a still-floating Celdryn down, told him he won, and gave him a gray Bag of Tricks as a prize.  Excited, Celdryn thanked him with a hug.  Javanesh added that he’d give them a round of drinks on the house.

Celdryn saw Kai talking to Aurora. After Kai returned, Celdryn wondered if he knew her.  Kai admitted he might come to know her well as they were going to have drinks together.  He then realized Celdryn was interested in Aurora and offered to introduce them to each other.  Kai gave Celdryn a pep talk, complimenting his appearance and encouraging him to have more confidence in himself.  Celdryn felt he needed more drinks.  Kai agreed, though he recognized Celdryn should not consume too much alcohol, and flagged down a bartender for shots of duergar vodka.

Kai called Telbron to join them.  Telbron struggled, as he was still floating, but eventually cartwheeled over. When he arrived, Kai told Telbron they had to do everything in their power to get Celdryn and Aurora together.  When asked for details, Kai declared that Telbron was ‘swakward’ (suave but awkward) and they needed to elevate Celdryn to Telbron’s level in the hopes of getting him to Kai’s level.  Kai gave him some cologne via Prestidigitation, while Telbron established mood lighting with Thaumaturgy.

When Aurora finished singing and joined them, Kai quickly introduced his friends and manoeuvred her towards Celdryn.  Aurora side-eyed Kai, guessing he was setting her up with Celdryn.  As a distraction, Kai remembered she was trying to get into Witherbloom and mentioned Telbron’s girlfriend had the same hopes.  Aurora admitted Witherbloom’s focus on the duality of life and death complimented her dhampir nature, then asked what colleges they were going in.  Recalling Kai’s online history, she knew he was going into Prismari.

Celdryn expressed hopes of entering Silverquill.   Aurora was slightly surprised as his studious nature made her think of Quandrix, but admitted it made sense based on comments from a mutual friend who didn’t have the highest opinion of him.  Celdryn suggested she should not believe everything that their mutual friend said, as they had not seen each other in some time.  A skeptical Aurora revealed she had met that acquaintance/Elowyn a couple years ago at an event for her parents, that they had become friends and that she/Elowyn planned to go into Lorehold.

Kai tried defusing the tension by asking if anyone wanted drinks.  When Aurora requested a glass of dhampir red wine, admitting it was somewhat stereotypical of her, Kai lied that Celdryn liked it as well.  At his prompting, Celdryn agreed to buy drinks for everyone. When he paused to calculate the price, Aurora assured him that she had a small tab from the bar and offered to cover the drinks.  She got three glasses of wine (and a root beer for Telbron, who requested something without alcohol).

After their drinks arrived, Aurora asked Telbron what college he would enter.  Telbron admitted he was expected to go into Silverquill like the rest of his family, but felt an increasing desire to be his own man rather than fulfill a family legacy.  Aurora admired that sentiment, remembering she’d sang at one of his family’s events.  She found the experience of seeing Telbron’s and Elowyn’s world of privilege interesting, as she herself came from a more common background.  She guessed Celdryn must have come from a family of some importance if he knew Elowyn.  He admitted they met through their parents, vaguely implying his family were influencers of some sort.

Kai remembered he and Aurora were talking about collaborating for their followers.  He suggested Celdryn do some script writing, as he aspired to enter Silverquill, and Telbron act as their producer, using his family wealth.  Telbron warned that if his famiy got involved, they would expect a cut of the profits.  Aurora expressed an interest to turn one of her songs into a music video.

Just as Celdryn agreed, the group suddenly heard a clamour, with pots and pans crashing and bowls breaking.  As people started running to the exits, a dwarf cook stumbled out of the kitchen.  She cried out that the steam was trying to kill them and begged for help before crumpling to the floor.  Javanesh and Aurora tried to make his way to the kitchen but was blocked by the crowd.  Celdryn, Kai and Telbron decided to investigate on their own.

Entering the kitchen, they saw several young employees passed out in the kitchen.  Above them, four steam mephits were flying around, regularly hovering over and dipping themselves into a certain cauldron. Telbron decided to blast the cauldron.  Some dark-coloured stew splashed out.  He then summoned an Armor of Shadows. Celdryn cast Mage Armor, then opened his new Bag of Tricks, pulled out a badger and told it to attack.  It tried to attack the steam mephit, only to get blinded by stew. Kai cast Chromatic Orb and killed a mephit. One of the mephits exhaled a breath of steam.   Kai and Celdryn barely took any damage, but Telbron was seriously hurt.  The other mephits attacked Kai, one of whom hit.

Telbron Hexed the mephit that attacked him, then Eldritch Blasted it. Celdryn tried the Bag of Tricks again and summoned a Giant Elk.  As it grew, its antlers broke through the ceiling.  Celdryn commanded the elk to attack, and watched it hit a mephit. Kai cast Thunderwave, hitting all three mephitis… and Telbron.  Telbron would have been knocked out the door, but Celdryn cast Silvery Barbs, effectively rewinding time to curse the mephit that succeeded and increase Telbron’s luck. Several mephits attacked Kai, but only one of them hit.

Turning around, Telbron killed another mephit with his Eldritch Blast. Celdryn tried the Bag of Tricks for a third time and summoned a dire wolf.  He had the elk attack a mephit and killed it. Then he had the wolf attack the last mephit. Kai cast another Chromatic Orb and killed the last mephit.

Celdryn asked Kai and Telbron if they could destroy the elk and wolf before anyone else came in.  After Kai balked, Celdryn had the animals try to hide.  Javanesh burst in, saw what happened and wondered aloud what happened.  Kai blamed the mephits.  Celdryn, Kai and Telbron then checked on the employees and found they were okay.

Seeing the cauldron was still bubbling, Celdryn grabbed a bucket of water and put out the fire.  Telbron looked at the cauldron’s contents and saw it was black and oozy, but wasn’t sure if it was the same goo they’d seen before.  Celdryn took a look for himself and thought it did look similar to the goo.  At that, Telbron began looking for a way to get a sample.  Kai tried to find his hat.

Celdryn and Kai saw Mac walking towards them, only to casually walk away quickly.  Celdryn tried to call him back, but Mac just kept going.  Hearing that, Telbron cast Thaumaturgy and called after Mac.  Mac just kept going around the corner.  Celdryn and Telbron found that suspicious.  Kai wondered if they had found their villain… (episode 5).

After his exams, Celdryn’s parents invited him to join them for his post-exam holidays.  He teleported to their present dwelling, a large house that was rather run-down compared to the family mansion.  Peeking through the front door, which was ajar, he saw several items covered in sheets and shoes at the front door.  Taking the cue, he removed his own shoes, stepped inside and called out.  His mother called out from above and asked if it was Celdryn.  He called back to confirm his identity and asked if his father was there.  Receiving no response, he grew suspicious and prepared some magic as he walked upstairs.  He heard a variety of mysterious noises, but was drawn to a door that closed before him.  As he took a look, the magic he prepared became a Firebolt.  He was then startled by his sister Niq, causing a Wild Magic surge that caused his Firebolt to go off.  As Niq laughed at her prank, he shapeshifted into her form and laughed back.  His sister explained parents were off on a job and couldn’t get word to him in time, so they asked her to wait for him.

They found a room and caught up on events.  Celdryn marvelled at how dusty and unkempt the place was.  Niq explained their parents needed someplace off the beaten track and this was the summer home of their clients.  When asked, his sister felt her time at Strixhaven was fairly uneventful—and she somehow learned some things and passed most of her exams.  Celdryn asked if she ever had trouble fitting in and whether she was seeing anyone.  She replied that she fit in wherever she was at the time and was seeing a few people, but only for job covers.  He wondered if he was supposed to do those things, to which Niq replied that he should be true to himself.

Celdryn then asked how to pass the time.  Niq advised against holding any ragers as they did not own the property, but suggested running some old cons in some of the nearby areas.  Celdryn perked up and the two siblings began plotting.

After a few days relaxing—and pulling some cons—Celdryn had to return to school.  Niq gave him some parting words of encouragement, and a hug, before leaving.  Celdryn sneaked to the back of the house and used a rock to write the date on the wooden boards before teleporting back to Strixhaven. Celdryn and Telbron returned to the university campus next to each other and exchanged greetings.  Telbron told Celdryn his trip home went as well as could be expected, explaining that his family was all business and, as such, were not the most pleasant people to be around.  Celdryn simply said his trip home was nice and offered to buy Telbron coffee after they dropped their belongings off in their rooms.

Arlynn heard Celdryn and Telbron walking down the hallway and popped out of her room, startling the two of them.  She accepted their invitation to join them for coffee. Upon entering the Firejolt Café, Celdryn greeted Mina and asked for three coffees.  Arlynn and Telbron overheard Shae burbling about coffee and saw Kai and Nell sitting side by side.  Arlynn came over and, noting some empty chairs at their table, wondered if anyone was coming back to occupy them.  Nell realized Telbron had returned, dragged a chair over and launched herself into his arms.  Telbron asked how she was doing, sensing she had not enjoyed her time home based on her letters.  Nell confirmed things only improved after she left her family and returned to Strixhaven.  She explained she’d passed the time hanging out with Kai.  Despite Kai’s efforts to silence her, Nell told the group she’d gotten him hooked on manga.  Kai then made some comments that offended Arlynn.

Nell asked how Telbron was doing after his spectrepox flare-up.  He replied that he was doing well, and that his father worried way too much about it.

Nell reassured Telbron that she had kept his ring safe.  Telbron asked if anything weird had happened, as he was currently drawing his magic from the ring and his family did not know that yet.  Kai wondered if they were engaged.  Arlynn admitted she had not noticed as she was still processing Kai’s comments.  Celdryn hastily brought over the coffees in an effort to pacify the situation.  Kai added some ‘water’ (actually vodka) to Arlynn’s coffee as a (successful) peace offering.  As Celdryn handed out the rest of the coffees, Nell offered Shae to Telbron, only to be dismayed at the lack of enthusiasm her familiar expressed to her boyfriend.  Nell then admitted they’d been there for three hours, though she’d spent the time reading manga.  Kai had apparently spent the time coming up with names.  Celdryn recognized Kai and Nell were talking about manga, silently observed the chemistry between them, then asked how they had done on their exams.

After a pause, Celdryn asked how everyone had done on their exams.  Kai and Nell said they did well.  Celdryn admitted he couldn’t remember.  Arlynn asked Kai for some ‘spicy water’.  After he accidentally spilled some on himself, he left to clean himself up—but not before leaving the vodka at Arlynn’s request.  Nell recalled that Arlynn had spent a surprising amount of time in the exam room.  Arlynn made it clear she did not want to discuss it and asked about their vacations.  Celdryn replied he had an enjoyable vacation with his sister, as his parents were not around.

At that point, Rosie ran up to Arlynn.  She handed her a letter, only to stop and ask where Kai was.  The students gave various responses laden with innuendo until Kai came back.  He forgot who Rosie was, but eventually remembered she was the ‘LARP nerd.’  As a joke, he offered her vodka, which she took three times.  He then relented and gave her a bottle that actually contained water.  Rosie drank some before Alynn smacked the water bottle to the ground and cracked it.  Celdryn gave in to Kai’s indignation and Mended the bottle back together.  Arlynn cast Prestidigitation on the bottle and Nell cast Druidcraft on Kai.

The letter was addressed to the ‘big heroes on campus,’ challenging them to recover ‘the legendary Sassy Sally Jane’.  While the note was not signed, it told them to meet the sender outside Captain Dapplewing’s Manor at midnight.  Arlynn thought it sounded like a spooky caper, while Nell thought it might be fun.  Telbron, to Kai’s question, only knew it had nothing to do with his family as his father did not believe in fun.  Nell asked Kai if it came from his family, but he did not recognize the handwriting.  Nell and Telbron agreed that they were more disaster magnets than heroes.

Recalling what he read from the Strixhaven brochures, Telbron told the students that Captain Raymous Dapplewing was a military veteran and owlin mage who was one of Strixhaven’s first professors, holding faculty appointments in Lorehold and Silverquill.  Dapplewing had built the manor using his military pension, where he could retire in the evening and hold lavish dinner parties or seminars.  Upon his death, he bequeathed the manor to the university, who named it in his honour and preserved most of the original furnishings.  The upper floor libraries were converted to offices for esteemed dual-college faculty members, who met with students during the day.  The manor also hosted dinner parties and cocktail hours for those faculty members, their most promising students and visiting alumni.  As no one lived there permanently, the manor was locked overnight and security measures were in place. Arlynn, Celdryn and Kai knew Sassy Sally Jane was a magical doll. Celdryn remembered how his sister tried, unsuccessfully, to retrieve Sassy Sally Jane.

The students guessed that breaking into the manor to retrieve the doll was against the rules, and might even be a form of hazing.  While Celdryn expressed some reservations, they ultimately decided to attend the meeting at midnight. Kai thought they should prepare by having frequent small meals to get enough nutrients and protein.  Arlynn and Nell agreed that they should eat, mostly because they were hungry.  Celdryn cast Mage Armor, followed by Arlynn, Kai and Telbron (through the ring that Nell was still wearing).

Celdryn kept wearing his school uniform, but added a hood to obscure his features.

They easily found their way to Captain Dapplewing’s Manor and saw a small group of students waiting underneath a massive oak tree in the front yard.  Rosie demanded Mina pay up, as she’d successfully bet that they would come.  Mina and Kai exchanged insults before Grayson emerged from the shadows.  Celdryn began asking questions, to which Grayson replied that he had Rosie transcribe the note and this challenge had nothing to do with the LARP club.  He observed that Celdryn was interested in joining the Entrepreneur’s Society but Telbron had not, to which the latter replied he was trying to step out on his own and follow his own interests.  Celdryn observed Grayson seemed to know a lot about them, to which Grayson replied that: a) he and Telbron moved in the same circles and b) the students had made a name for themselves.  Kai, after conferring with Celdryn, wondered aloud if that was a good thing, prompting Grayson to get to the point: if the students were successful, they stood to make a great deal of profit.

Grayson told them that Sassy Sally Jane was a talking doll with a proprietary animating intelligence magic that let it learn new things.  If the ‘AI’ could be reverse-engineered, it could be used for a great many things.  As such, Grayson offered gold and shares in a theoretical future company if the students retrieved the doll. Celdryn was certain Grayson was telling the truth—or he was a really good liar.

The students quickly had a huddle.  Celdryn suggested keeping the doll for themselves.  Telbron assured them that Grayson was trustworthy.  Arlynn proposed giving a noncommittal response to Grayson’s proposal.  They ultimately agreed to break into the manor, though Celdryn added that they could negotiate arrangements once they acquired the doll.  Grayson agreed and provided the following information:

* Watch out for the Earl, an automaton that might offer hostilities to anyone caught after hours who was not a professor.
* The stairwells could adjust themselves to the strides of different people.
* They could ignore any glowing runes they might see.
* Sometimes the doll was on display, sometimes it was not.
* The doll was known to say some really inappropriate things, especially at the wrong time.
* There was a student storage area on the second floor.
* Some display cases could be found on the first and second floors.

The students began debating how to get in when Kai asked what stopped past efforts to acquire the doll.  Grayson admitted the Earl tended to catch most students in the act and alert the faculty.  Hearing that, Celdryn decided to shift his shape to resemble Professor Brenneth Blackstone, a dhampir Scriptology professor from Silverquill College.  He tried the front door, only to find it was locked.  Nell saw a key glinting from a nearby potted plant.  Pulling it out, she saw the inscription Prof. Eudora.  With Celdryn’s help, she opened the door.  Celdryn went in first to test any security measures while Telbron cast Light on his ring.  Seeing no reaction, the other students went in.

They saw coatracks carved into statues of various people.  Kai and Nell noticed nothing else as they were strangely distracted.  Arlynn, Celdryn and Telbron recognized them as Captain Dapplewing’s favourite military compatriots, some of whom were professors, while others were frequent visitors to the campus.  They also saw the dwarf statues were so lifelike that they seemed to be breathing.

As Celdryn approached one of the dwarves, it turned towards him, greeted him as ‘Professor Brenneth’ and offered to take his coat.  He declined, pretending he and his companions would not be long.  Celdryn tried to ask about any security measures and learned the Earl was online.  He tried to ask the dwarf to have the Earl make tea, only to learn the automaton was behind him.

Turning around, the students saw a clockwork butler setting a table.  Seeing that it had not noticed them, the students silently discussed where the doll might be.  Celdryn had the idea of approaching the Earl under the guise of the Professor.  Unfortunately, the Earl saw through his disguise, sounded the alarm and reached for Celdryn.

Arlynn tried to cast Sleep to no avail. Nell cast Shillelagh and awakened her Halo of Spores, which dealt necrotic damage to the Earl. The Earl then charmed Arlynn, who suddenly wanted to approach the Earl. Kai tried to punch the Earl, but slipped on the carpet. He hit Nell in the jaw instead on the way down. Celdryn Commanded the Earl to reset, but it resisted his spell. Shae glared at Kai, dealing him psychic damage in the process. Telbron cast Witch Bolt. Seeing it fail, he Hexed the Earl instead.

A Charmed Arlynn walked towards the Earl and hugged it. Nell hit the Earl with her Shillelagh'd quarterstaff. The Earl grabbed Celdryn and Kai and clanged them together like a set of cymbals. In the process, Celdryn clipped Arlynn and broke the Earl's charm. Celdryn then experienced a Wild Magic Surge that caused him to cast Fog Cloud on himself. Kai knocked the Earl's legs out from under it and destroyed it with one punch. The party found themselves trapped in the Fog Cloud... (episode 7).

The Fog Cloud proved to be somewhat problematic for the students.  Nell fumbled around and gripped Celdryn’s… parts.  Celdryn yelped and warned the others that there was a threat with them, causing Kai to hurt himself while trying to engage the ‘enemy’. Arlynn fell down near Celdryn while Nell tripped over the Earl and fell between Celdryn and Kai.  Celdryn fumbled around and bumped into Kai.  Realizing the fog was causing too many problems, Kai cast Gust and blew the fog away.  Telbron walked past Arlynn to help Nell up.  Kai helped Arlynn up after repeatedly asking if she needed help, then decided to carry her until she could walk again.

Looking around, Celdryn looked around and found a small velvet purse underneath a nearby chair. He opened it, only to close it after discovering it contained fifteen gold pieces rather than the doll they were looking for.  Telbron and Arlynn noticed his discovery but were not inclined to take it for themselves. Celdryn also found a poker with a silver tip and mentioned his unusual find to the group.

Meanwhile, Nell wandered off on her own, going to the second floor via the magical stairs, which magically grew and shrank depending on who was climbing.  Celdryn went behind her, followed by Kai, who was carrying Arlynn. Telbron used the runes to teleport to the top.  He chatted with Nell before Kai hollered for them to stop blocking the stairs.

Once everyone was on the second floor, they looked around. Celdryn went to the next one and found it was full of day beds.  Seeing Arlynn was still disoriented, Kai offered to let her sleep in one of them. The eladrin wound up lying down for a short time.  Kai continued carrying her as she had not fully recovered.

Nell and Telbron returned to the others.  Celdryn noticed Nell’s lipstick was smudged and pointed it out.  Nell quickly cleaned herself and Telbron up. Celdryn then walked into a spacious lounge filled with paintings of magical creatures and mounted collections of insects and reptiles. Three pteradons formed the room’s centrepiece.  As he stepped into the room, he didn’t realize his disguise had faded.  The eyeball of one of the pteradons turned towards him.  The three pteradons then swooped down and attacked.

Panicked, Celdryn let loose a Wild Magic surge that serendipitously gave him resistance to everything. Arlynn sensed something was happening, launched herself from Kai’s arms, took cover by a doorway and held her action. Telbron entered the room, moved his Hex to the pteradon closest to Celdryn and Eldritch Blasted it. Shae got close to Nell and helped her. Nell flew into the room, came to a hovering halt near the pteradon attacking Celdryn and cast Poison Spray, then used her Halo of Spores to kill the pteradon. Arlynn realized the pteradon went down so easily that Sleep would likely affect one hostile. Casting the spell, she did indeed bring one pteradon down, though the other one came very close to succumbing. Kai pushed his way into the room, saw what was happening and tried to circle kick the pteradon, only to miss as it was falling asleep. Celdryn got up and cast Firebolt. A lone pteradon attacked Kai. Arlynn Phase Stepped in between two of the pteradons, Charming them in the process, and told Telbron to open the window as she had a plan. Telbron walked over, opened a window and ducked out of the way.  Arlynn encouraged one pteradon to fly out, then woke up the remaining live pteradon and shooed it out the window.

The students then noticed Celdryn looked shiny. Kai tried to stuff the dead pteradon into the couch.  Nell grabbed a bottle of alcohol and Celdryn put a book over its head to make it look like it passed out.  The students then split up to continue their search.

Arlynn and Celdron continued their investigation, entering a messy storage room with loose parchments, boxes and many spilled items. Arlynn found a secret door that led to a much more organized room, albeit one that had not been disturbed in some time judging by the amount of dust.  While Arlynn did not find the doll, she did find two Potions of Mind Reading tucked into some boxes.  Celdryn advised her not to tell Arlynn.  On the way out, they saw a box with a Universal Planar Services shipping tag that was leaking ink.  Opening it, they saw two broken bottles that used to contain ink.  Curiously, the ink seemed to be crawling up and out of the box. Then ink tendrils attacked Arlynn and Celdryn.

An ooze attacked Celdryn with pseudopod, dealing enough damage to dissolve his shirt. Arlynn made protesting noises. Hearing noise, Nell ran in and cast Inflict Wounds, enhanced with her Halo of Spores. Arlynn attacked an ooze with a book. Shae ran away from Nell, waddled to Telbron and Helped him (by acknowledging he existed). Telbron made his way past Nell and Celdryn, moved his Hex to one of the oozes and cast Eldritch Blast. Celdryn cast Vicious Mockery, but got covered in ink. Kai came in, wondered what was going on, cast Guiding Bolt from his eyes and killed both oozes (though he was slightly blinded by the shot).

Celdryn was clearly in rough shape, so Nell cast Cure Wounds.  He thanked her and cast Prestidigitation to clean himself. However, he noticed there was one splotch that did not come off.  Looking closer, he thought it looked like the goo they’d encountered on and off during school.  Nell wondered where the package came from, only to discover it was mostly burned with radiant light.  Celdryn cast Mending to reform the package label.  He saw it was addressed to the Strixhaven campus, but the label was ripped beforehand.  All he could see of the sender were the initials “U.M.”

The students wondered where the doll was.  Arlynn, however, happened to be closest to the window and heard movement outside. Looking outside, she saw a group of professors opening one of the back patio doors.  Arlynn warned the others.  Nell advised they should find a place to hide.  The students began running up and down the hallway, frantically looking around for hiding places… and Nell noticed a crack in the centre pillar. She also noticed an open door leading into the pillar.  They saw a stairway inside the pillar leading up and quickly ascended.  Kai was the last student in and closed the pillar behind him.

They found themselves in a cramped attic with boarded windows with various oddities including dozens of dolls, a dress with wings made of bone and a rocking animal shaped like a roc.  Celdryn investigated the dolls while Nell rode the roc, finding a pink-haired doll dressed in tartan.  He asked the doll if it was Sassy Sally Jane and it gave a cheerful, if vague, response. Celdryn told his friends he’d found the doll, put it in a cloak pocket and began examining the windows.

Meanwhile, Arlynn noticed the doll underneath was a white-haired leonin wearing a suit, sporting an impressive mustache and gripping a coin purse.  Arlynn promptly claimed the second doll and named it Issacah. She then reached for the dress, which suddenly fired bone spurs at her. Kai cast Guiding Bolt, then moved near Arlynn to offer himself as a distraction. Celdryn cast Catapult to throw the creepiest doll he could find at the dress and shattered the wings that were attached to it.

Arlynn grabbed the dress, still intent on having it.  Nell desired it until she realized it was fitted for someone much, much taller than her. Celdryn told them he could Mend it later.  He then opened one of the windows facing the front, as the professors were entering through the rear door and carefully climbed out the window.  He only made it a short way along the roof before suddenly falling.  Nell and Arlynn both tried, and failed, to catch him, and watched helplessly as he slid down the roof and fell to the ground below.  Nell flew down and cast Spare the Dying on Celdryn.  Celdryn assured her he was (barely) fine, and deliberately fell on his back to cushion the impact to the doll.  Hearing Kai, she flew back up.

Meanwhile, Kai got impatient and jumped out.  He asked if Arlynn needed help.  When Nell came back up, Telbron asked her to hold on his ring and popped into it. Shae, who was perched on him, fell on the ground and looked unimpressed.  Nell flew down with Shae and the ring… but locked eyes with one of the professors. As the professors ran down the stairs, Nell urged the students to run.  Arlynn slid part of the way down with Kai’s help and Phase Stepped to the ground.  A stunned Kai began arguing with Arlynn about why she did not use that ability earlier, then cast Thunderclap on the roof as a distraction and jumped off the roof.  Arlynn caught his hand and helped him land safely.  Celdryn tried to compliment Arlynn.  Kai grabbed them and ran.  Celdryn offered to help her study.  Nell flew with the ring in her talons.

Unfortunately, Celdryn was so smitten that he tripped and fell.  The doll fell out of his robes and insulted him.  Celdryn cast Catapult on the doll to shoot it towards the students. The other students saw the doll land in front of them.  Looking back, they saw Celdryn surrounded by professors.  The students kept on running, with Nell scooping up the doll.

Before the professors arrived, Celdryn changed his features to look like Grayson Wildemere.  The bugbear professor asked what happened. ‘Grayson’ claimed this was a harmless prank.  The professor told him of all the damage that had been caused.  ‘Grayson’ claimed he’d been put up to a prank to sneak in and out. When the professor asked who put him up to it, Celdryn claimed it was one of the Mage Tower players who challenged him to prove himself.  They told him to report to the Witherbloom deans in the morning and give a complete description.  Celdryn asked for one of their names and the bugbear identified himself as Professor Eudora. The professors walked ‘Grayson’ back to the first year dorms, emphasizing the ‘prank’ was serious enough to be grounds for expulsion.

They were almost back when another professor ran up to them and quietly spoke to Professor Eudora. Celdryn heard them say they found more of the black substance and were gathering samples, but felt they had to bring Dean Valentin and Dean Lisette in on this.  Eudora reluctantly agreed and walked Celdryn the rest of the way to the dorm. The professor left after reminding him to report to the Witherbloom campus first thing in the morning, much to Celdryn’s relief.

The other students came out of the nearby bushes to join him once the coast was clear. Arlynn declared Celdryn to be a fucking legend, while Nell thought the real Grayson would be very confused. Celdryn asked Telbron what might happen, who suggested telling the real Grayson what they did or continue pretending he was Grayson for now.  While Arlynn thought they should give up Grayson, Nell felt the best option was to masquerade as Telbron for a little longer, as fingering Grayson could backfire on them.  Kai asked whose description Celdryn would give if he met the professor.  Celdryn wondered if he could get away with a vague description.  Kai half-jokingly asked if Celdryn was planning on making some enemies to use as scapegoats.

As the students talked, a group of Mage Tower athletes shoved Celdryn aside and tried to get inside. Kai came to Celdryn’s defence, but his attempts to punch one of them wound up shattering the door glass instead. He then proceeded to confront the athletes until another professor called him out by name.  Kai realized she was Professor Uvilda Mistcoiler, the Prismari Dean of Perfection.  She told him he would be cleaning up the campus for a month as punishment for his actions, and to report to her office in the morning.  As the athletes went in, Kai glared at them until the Dean warned him to get his anger in check, pointedly telling him that his father’s status as a prominent donor would not shield him from the consequences of his actions.  Kai asked how much she saw and observed bullying was a serious problem on the campus. Dean assured him she had witnessed enough of the altercation and would report the athletes to their coach, who could closely watch them as well.

Once the students were inside, Arlynn took some of the ooze from Celdryn’s clothes and threw it at one of the athletes.  The athlete caught her in the act and went to the washroom to clean their attire.  Celdryn asked Arlynn for one of the mind reading potions.  He apologized to Kai for indirectly getting him into trouble and thanked him for his support.  A concerned Kai asked if Celdryn was okay as he could have been hurt.  Celdryn simply followed the athlete into the washroom.

Celdryn followed the athlete into the washroom, drank the potion and tried to read their mind.  Unfortunately, the athlete realized what he was doing.  Celdryn then went on the offensive, threatening to kill them if they ever tried to hurt his friends again.  He then smashed the mirror, elbow dropped the sink, altered his appearance to look like he’d been hurt and cried out for help. Arlynn ran in and asked what happened.  Celdryn claimed the athlete had assaulted him. In return, the athlete claimed his innocence, declared Celdryn was crazy and left.  Celdryn assumed his normal appearance as soon as the athlete departed, much to Arlynn’s amazement. He then returned to his room and tried to calm down (episode 8).

Celdryn got up early to meet Professor Eudora.  He stopped by Telbron’s room and asked him to occupy the real Grayson Wildemere should he see him.  Telbron promised he would if he saw him.  Celdryn then went to the Witherbloom building, transforming himself into Grayson along the way, and found Professor Eudora’s office.  ‘Grayson’ claimed he was not given any names but provided vague descriptions of the mastermind’s supposed appearance, including a Strixhaven hoodie, adding he was in a crowd of Mage Tower fans.  Eudora accepted the admittedly generic description and warned that any repeat offences would result in expulsion.  Celdryn acknowledged his mistakes, saying he was only trying to establish a place for himself at Strixhaven.  The professor encouraged him to focus on his studies and find more productive avenues before letting him go.  Once he had a chance to change back to his normal appearance, Celdryn reported back to Telbron and suggested they should keep an eye out for Grayson, as he could be expelled through no fault of his own.  Telbron agreed, though he felt they had little to worry about once Grayson had the doll.  He asked if Celdryn was okay, looking pointedly at his bandaged hand, but Celdryn assured him he was fine.

Nell tried to organize a study session for their upcoming exams through a group chat.  Arlynn replied that she was not feeling well and was at her mothers’ place.  The sheer number of emojis confused Nell, who thought Arlynn might be having sex for some reason.  Telbron confirmed he could make it via the group chat… while sitting next to her.  Kai initially said he did not see the need to study, but later explained he had been distracted sending lewd photos of himself.  He then sent the same picture to the group chat. It was clear that Celdryn saw the chat, but he did not give any response.  Kai asked Celdryn whether he wanted to do a double photoshoot.  Celdryn remained silent.  Nell told anyone interested in studying to meet in fifteen minutes.

Nell and Telbron eventually made it to Celdryn’s room and knocked on his door.   To their surprise, Celdryn appeared to have a pale colourless complexion with sunken eyes.  He assured them he would be fine but just needed some time alone.  Nell suggested he visit the nurse, which prompted him to concentrate and transform into a more normal appearance.  Celdryn partially confirmed Nell’s guess that his current state had something to do with his powers, adding he had a lot on his mind and promised to join them next time.  A concerned Nell reminded him that he had friends who were willing to listen if he wanted to talk.  Celdryn then started experienced a Wild Magic Surge that made the door flare with a blinding light.  Telbron tried to dim the light with Prestidigitation, only to add the sound of actual fire.  Seeing there was nothing they could to, Celdryn wrote a sign on the door to explain the situation to any passersby while Nell and Telbron left.

Celdryn later went down to the dorm lobby to study.  At some point, he saw Professor Eudora come in to water plants.  The professor noticed his bandaged hand and asked if he needed to see the nurse.  Celdryn replied that he might visit the nurse after he did some studying.  Eudora introduced himself and shook Celdryn’s hand.  Celdryn would subsequently be too emotionally drained to focus. He eventually felt settled enough to go to work.  As his shift overlapped with Mina’s, she stopped to see how he was doing, noting his bandaged hand.  Celdryn waved it off as some magic that had gone awry and explained he was busy studying for exams.  A dubious Mina offered to buy him coffee if he wanted to talk and, when he declined, encouraged him to take the time to look after himself.

The students continued studying until it was finally time for exams.  They entered the lecture hall, where Professor Lang had exam packets laid out.  The first half was a multiple-choice section on owlbear hunting, eating, mating, fighting and living habits. The long form section was on owlbear companions—taming, training and handling owlbears.

After exams, the students went for coffee.  When they returned to their dorm, they all received papers.  Kai was surprised to discover he passed with the highest marks out of all the students.  Nell passed with flying colours, though she did better on the multiple choice section than the long form.  Celdryn saw a bit of red on the multiple choice, but made up for it by deducing how to answer the long form section.  Unfortunately, Telbron barely passed the multiple choice section and failed the long form—ultimately failing the exam as a whole.  When the students compared results, Kai’s delight contrasted with Telbron’s silence.  When asked, Telbron curtly told them he failed and slammed the door shut in frustration.  Kai wondered if Telbron’s spirits would be lifted if he saw Kai’s monkey.  Nell was confused, while Celdryn was very concerned until receiving confirmation that the monkey was a pet (sort of) rather than a euphemism.  Kai abruptly asked whether Celdryn got his text and what his shapeshifting could do.  In response, Celdryn shapeshifted an extra set of abs, which Nell found titillating.  This made Kai consider the possibilities of Celdryn using his abilities as a personal trainer.

Celdryn turned the conversation to more serious matters, wondering if Telbron thought he could retake the test.  While Telbron knew there were tutoring services available, he was more worried about his father, who expected his son to maintain a certain reputation.  The students saw Telbron was shaking in fear.  Nell held his hand and tried to reassure him.  After some thought, Celdryn expressed his gratitude to Telbron for all the kindness—and drinks—he provided and asked for the opportunity to return the favour.  Telbron allowed him to buy one drink.  Kai and Nell wordlessly agreed to follow and the students went to the Bow’s End Tavern.  As they entered, they saw Javanesh working—though he paused to wave at them—and Aurora’s band playing.

Once they had found a table, Celdryn went to buy the first round.  The bartender understood his request of ‘bad exams’ and began making dwarven drinks.   While waiting, he was joined by Elowyn, who declared it was time they talked.  Not looking at each other.  Celdryn wished things were different and offered apologies.  Elowyn returned the apology, acknowledging her hurt feelings and childish overreaction cost his parents their jobs.  It was implied that that incident forced them into a life of crime.  He reluctantly explained that his family was still struggling and barely managed to scrape enough funds together so he could attend Strixhaven.  Elowyn started to leave when Celdryn asked if she knew who he was.  She replied that he appeared to be a kind, generous and fun individual, but she did not know whether that was genuine or a façade that might hopefully become reality.  Celdryn commented that there were times where he felt she was the only one who truly knew him.  Elowyn told him that the ability to change his appearance did not mean he could change who he was.  The two said their goodbyes and returned to their respective tables.

After Celdryn passed around the drinks he ordered, Nell proposed a toast to friends and the support they offered each other regardless of their fathers.  After drinking, Kai voiced his opinion that they should do something fun.  Celdryn quickly became intoxicated.  Telbron tersely told Kai he did not have the luxury of enjoying the same activities as he had to help run the family business while at school.  Kai retorted that they were here for education and wondered if Telbron’s hair had gone prematurely white from stress.  Nell found those remarks rather insensitive while Celdryn tried to smooth things over.  After commenting that Telbron seemed tightly wound up, Kai got confirmation that the Stevedore family was paying for his schooling and he was the sole remaining heir.  Kai suggested he could turn the situation to his advantage as his family needed him more than he realized.  Telbron told him there were fates worse than death, thanked Celdryn for the drinks and stormed off.  Nell ran off after him.

Once their friends had left, Celdryn quietly told Kai that he had not given Telbron the support he needed and, in fact, had gone too far.  Kai disagreed as Telbron had been acting increasingly strange.  He believed he was simply showing Telbron some tough love and trying to get his friend to fight back, as his past method of coping was not working.  He then provided some more information on the monkey he’d rescued.

At some point, Celdryn eventually shapeshifted into a duplicate of Kai.  The two drunkenly danced together, thoroughly entertaining Aurora, Bageira, Elowyn, Greta and the rest of the crowd.  Kai dipped the shapeshifted Celdryn, lifted him over his head, then ripped their pants off.  Celdryn then experienced a Wild Magic surge that saw vines grow out of the ground, encapsulated the pair and suspended them in midair.  Eight people had nosebleeds and fainted at the sight.  Mina then walked in, took one look and walked back out.  Elowyn may have considered Celdryn’s use of his abilities to entertain the crowd endearing.  The two received a rousing ovation and several free beers before the vines released them.

Celdryn stumbled back to his table, still bearing Kai’s appearance, and passed out.  He was later roused by Aurora.  She had her band find Celdryn a spare set of pants to borrow and escorted him back to his dorm.  However, he was so drunk that he accidentally directed Aurora to Kai’s room and missed her confusion at how the weightlifting equipment and medals did not match her impression of the shapeshifter.  They were then startled by the monkey, who popped up near the bed and chittered at Celdryn.  In her shock, Aurora bumped open a drawer and spied a drawing.  Celdryn recognized Nell’s art style and saw it depicted Kai and Nell locked in an embrace.  A shocked Celdryn claimed he drew the sketch, that he was in his room and he would see Aurora tomorrow.  After Aurora left, Celdryn passed out again (episode 9).

Celdryn woke up, having recovered somewhat from his night of drinking.  He wrote a note explaining that he’d mistook Kai’s room for his own and promising to owe him coffee, deliberately setting it on top of the picture Aurora had found.  With that done, he returned to his actual room (episode 10).

Celdryn was woken up from his sleep by a soft noise.  He shuffled over to the door and softly said hello before another tap told him the noise was from a rock hitting the window behind him.  He opened the window, almost getting hit by a rock, and saw a woman who looked at him.  Her hood fell back, revealing it was her sister, Niq.  She insisted he join her.  He quickly changed, gathered his things and tiptoed downstairs.

He joined her underneath a tree and asked what was going on before realizing she was drunk.  Through giggles, she told him he was a nerd and suggested she had been drinking for three days.  Niq told Celdryn she had earned a huge payday for a job and asked him to accompany her to Mirage, though she commented he looked too nerdy as he was wearing his school uniform.  He had reservations about the gambling and revelries available in Mirage, but decided to come in the hopes of keeping her out of trouble.

Celdryn followed his sister through a portal into Mirage.  Niq immediately began dancing down the street and chatting with random passersby, before returning and telling Celdryn again he had to change as he looked too nerdy.  She brought him to a nearby shop and had him try various articles of clothing until he made a selection that resembled an eclectic mix between Roman and Arabian garb.  Niq carelessly tossed some gold to pay on it and dragged him throughout Mirage.  At one point, they saw a hillbilly woman, a huge man with a huge beard and a halfling in some kind of uniform.

After a few hours, Niq asked Celdryn what he wanted to do.  He decided to see a play as he felt he was the least skilled in his family at assuming new identities.  Niq agreed and took Celdryn to the last showing of a burlesque show.  While he was embarrassed, Celdryn was impressed with the quality of the production and quickly lost track of time.

Eventually, Niq had enough food to sober up and asked Celdryn if she should send him back to school.  Celdryn was shocked and wondered how much time had passed.  Niq guessed he’d been gone a day on Strixhaven time but encouraged him to have a good time.  Celdryn reluctantly insisted on going back to school, as he didn’t know how he passed the last exam.  Niq respected his decision and handed him a bag holding his school uniform before opening a portal.  Celdryn went back to Strixhaven, but not before looking back at Mirage and vowing to return some day.

Celdryn stepped through a portal and emerged in the back part of the dormitory.  Niq stepped out and gave him a big hug before stepping back through the portal and disappearing.  Suddenly feeling exhausted from his recent revelries, Celdryn went back to his room to sleep.

Walking down the hall, Celdryn saw Nell outside Kai’s room, which was across the way from his own.  In his exhausted state, he simply thought Nell looked goth.  Nell marveled at Celdryn’s outfit and said he looked like he had a fun time.  Celdryn then realized Kai was naked.  Kai realized Celdryn went to Mirage.  Marveling at his fashion sense, Kai asked Celdryn if he had any connections.  Celdryn was too confused to answer.

At that point, Arlynn returned and asked if Kai was ready for coffee.  Desperately needing coffee, Celdryn went into his room and used his shapeshifting abilities to quickly change out of his Mirage outfit and into his school uniform before returning to the hallway.  Nell was very confused by the whole situation.  Arlynn gave Nell a hug and received a banana from Kai.  The friends then saw a monkey in Kai’s room, some for the first time. Celdryn silently begged the monkey not to say anything.  The monkey made a motion that they were watching him before hiding in Kai’s room. Having concluded any distractions, the friends went for coffee.  Celdryn repeatedly cast Prestidigitation along the way to remove the magical glitter that had transferred to his school uniform, with limited success.

At the Firejolt Café, Arlynn, Celdryn, Kai and Nell sat at a table.  Arlynn fed Oozac bits of banana.  Celdryn watched the ooze familiar in fascination.  Curious, Shae hopped off Nell’s shoulder and waddled closer to Oozac.  After the familiars burbled at each other, Shae asked for some banana.  Arlynn gave Oozac some banana to give to Shae.  Oozac took the banana and gave it to Shae, only to cover it in ooze.  Shae alternated looks at Oozac, Nell and the banana but—after some encouragement from Nell—eventually devoured the banana.  Arlynn asked if Celdryn had met her new familiar yet and held them out to him.  Oozac reached out and grabbed Celdryn’s face.  Celdryn patted Oozac back and saw a thin sheen transfer to his hand.  Curious, Celdryn licked it and observed it tasted like cinnamon and banana.

As Mina got the students coffee, they saw Nora walk up with a huge stack of flyers and exchanged greetings.  Nora saw Celdryn’s haggard look and wondered if the students had a rough time with exams.  Kai said no, while Arlynn declared she had a great time last night.  When Celdryn expressed curiosity, Nell bluntly told him that Arlynn and Kai had sex.  Kai chose that opportunity to stand up, completely oblivious to the conversation.  He asked Celdryn if he wanted any coffee, giving him an impromptu shoulder massage.  Celdryn complimented Kai while Nell made various sexual innuendos.  An increasingly confused and disturbed Nora admitted she did not know what she had walked into and had only come by to invite them to the Rose Stage Festival that was taking place next week as she was a member of the Fine Arts Guild and helped paint their props.  While Nell mimed sexual acts, a flustered Nora explained the festival was an annual improv show and thought Kai might be interested as he was planning to go into Prismari.  Celdryn assured her that Kai was going into everyone.

Seeing Telbron, Celdryn offered his congratulations, as he mistakenly thought Kai had slept with everyone.  Telbron observed that the conversation topics had not changed.  A distressed Nora explained to Telbron that she was handing out flyers for the Rose Stage Festival next week.  Celdryn took one of her flyers and showed it to the others.  Kai encouraged Nora to go on stage and perform, but she explained that she was too busy working behind the scenes on projects like painting a very lifelike owlbear.  After Nora left, the friends agreed that they would like to participate in the festival.

The following week, the friends went to the titular Rose Stage where the Festival took place.  They viewed the outdoor performing space, which consisted of a main stage—decorated with a huge rose—benches packed with spectators, an orchestra pit and an enclosed annex building behind the main stage.  Looking down, they saw Aurora and one of her bandmates, Rubina, in the orchestra pit.  They saw a few students in costume improvising an amusing, bawdy conversation on stage, with various props standing by for use near the stage’s edge.  In the shadows, they also saw Quentillius Antiphiun Melentor III, a member of the Playactors Drama Guild, directing the performance and sending new actors on stage from behind the scenes.

Kai and Celdryn wanted to go on stage.  Arlynn agreed to join them, but was leery at the prospect of going on stage.  When Kai reminded her she’d gone on stage at the beginning of the year, Arlynn admitted she had been uncharacteristically brave at the time.  She ultimately decided to watch from backstage and take things from there.  Nell decided to sit in the audience, as she had participated in enough drama recently, but promised to provide special effects if needed.  Telbron decided to give Nell her space and go backstage to provide sound effects with Thaumaturgy.

Arlynn, Celdryn, Kai and Telbron went backstage, where they were greeted by Quentillius.  When asked what he could do, Kai proclaimed he was the CEO of improv.  Quentillius approved his attitude and had the students pick names out of a box.  Arlynn repeated her request to stay behind, and was assured by Quentillius that she could help out with other matters like handling props.  Telbron volunteered his services with Thaumaturgy.  Kai then realized that Nell was not with them.  Telbron explained she was sitting this activity out.

Reaching into the hat, Kai picked the swashbuckling servant while Celdryn picked the bawdy noble.  When Arlynn asked if she could be an owlbear, Quentillius assigned her the role of a very hungry monster.  Kai and Celdryn grabbed whatever costumes and props they thought were appropriate.

The performers on stage—a furious-looking ship captain and a cat in a business suit—continued acting until Quentillius grabbed Kai and pushed him into the scene.  As the cat ran off stage, Kai began improvising with the captain.  They exchanged a few words—punctuated by Telbron’s Thaumaturgy—before the captain traded places with Celdryn.  Kai and Celdryn put on a performance that grew increasingly bawdy and laden with innuendo as Celdryn opened up his shirt and bared his chest, Nell cast Gust and Telbron cast Thaumaturgy.  The audience found Kai and Celdryn hilarious.

Quentillius then pushed Arlynn onto the stage.  Amidst Telbron’s sound effects, she announced that she was an owlbear… and appointed insurance adjuster for the ship.  Kai called out for an owlbear, prompting Nell to Wild Shape into the creature and join them on stage.  Quentillius ran out on stage and showed Nell a note, telling her she was to play an adult in a toddler’s body.  Nell adjusted her Wild Shape into a baby owlbear, while Arlynn claimed she was her senior colleague.  One of the other students wheeled the giant owlbear prop on stage, prompting Telbron to cast more applications of Thaumaturgy.  The audience seemed slightly disappointed by the change in pace, but still found the performance highly entertaining.

However, things took an unexpected turn.  Telbron had problem seeing from the backstage, but the other students saw something weird from the owlbear prop.  The roars of laughter from the audience turned to sounds of confusion and fear as monstrous shrieks began to come from the prop.  As the friends watched, the owlbear prop turned into an actual, enraged owlbear that charged towards them… (episode 11).

The students looked at the owlbear, who had just come to life.  Meanwhile, they saw paper birds transform into real birds that attacked the audience and people backstage.  Furthermore, they saw prop swords become real swords and started attacking students.  After wondering if any of the students behind him made that noise, Telbron got out from behind the stage.  He Hex’d the owlbear before casting Shatter.  The owlbear shook visibly and almost turned back to wood and paint for a moment before recovering and shrieking at Telbron. Kai ran to the bottom of the stage, shouted at the owlbear to draw its attention, then fired a Guiding Bolt.  The owlbear exploded into bits of wood that rained down on the students. Remembering her classes, Arlynn had obtained a muffin from her backpack.  She expressed dismay that Kai had destroyed the owlbear before she had had a chance to apply her lessons.  Nell, still in her owlbear form, gnawed on a piece of wood.  They watched as several professors entered the Rose Stage and began dispatching the remaining hostile props.

Nell saw the bottom of the platform was covered in black goo.  Dropping her Wild Shape, she motioned her friends over.  Arlynn came over to investigate, sullenly eating her muffin.  She gave Kai half a muffin at his request.  As they looked, a professor hopped up behind them and asked what had occurred.  Nell explained the various props came to life.  Telbron said he didn’t see anything backstage.  The professor noticed the black goo and asked what it was.  Nell explained that they’d encountered the goo throughout their year.  Celdryn scooped some of the goo with a dagger, which he handed to the professor at her request.  The students cited various encounters with the black goo, causing the professor to realize they were the ‘underclassmen’ that the other faculty had referred to.  As the students watched, she pulled out a flask and poured some of its contents on the goo, causing it to bubble.  The black hue turned to smoke and vanished, leaving behind a semi-opaque mucus-yellow substance.  She rubbed the substance between her fingers, tasted it and declared it was what they expected. Celdryn, Telbron and Nell recognized the professor as Professor Johenne Totsky of Silverquill.

The professor asked why the students had never brought the ooze to the attention of the faculty.  Nell explained that Mak, from the Fantastical Horticulture Club, had been investigating the ooze.  She and her friends had assumed he had informed the other professors.   Totsky darkly guessed the Witherbloom professors had kept it under wraps for fear that others would learn their supply had been tainted.  She told the students that the substance was eldritch balm, which originated from an underground spring in the Sedgemoor swamp and was used to magically treat and strengthen a wide variety of objects.  The black ooze that the students had found throughout the year was actually eldritch balm that had been tainted in some way.  Totsky suspected that the spring had been tainted in some way and wanted the students to investigate, but realized they had no reason to enter Sedgemoor on their own as they were only first-year students.  Instead, she suggested they offer to collect magical ingredients and samples from Sedgemoor for Professor Lang, as she commonly assigned such tasks to first-year students who showed promise.  Totsky gave the students the flask she had used and directed them to find the spring, which was in the northwest area of the swamp.  If the spring looked unnatural in any way, she told them to empty the flask’s contents—holy water—into the spring.  Arlynn would end up carrying the holy water for safekeeping.

The professor decided to consult with the other professors and help the students calm down.  Before she left, she gave them her Cloak of Protection in case the students needed it.  Nell eventually accepted as she could not cast Mage Armour.  After some discussion, the friends decided to put off their next adventure in favour of studying, as their final exam was the next day. Celdryn decided to study on his own.  Halfway to his room, he realized the professor had not returned his dagger.  He was later interrupted by Telbron, who sought a study partner.  The two of them spent the rest of the night studying together.

The next day, the students took their final exam, which focused on otyughs. Celdryn thought Telbron was struggling with his studying and might need help.  As such, he cast Silvery Barbs (with Subtle Spell) on Quentillius, as his grades were hit-or-miss to begin with, and Celdryn thought a poor performance would not raise suspicions. As this was their final exam, Professor Lang marked them then and there.  Once she had finished, she had the students line up to receive their paper. Celdryn learned he barely passed the multiple choice section, but was advised to work on his memorization.  However, Professor Lang told him he did extremely well on the short essay.   Celdryn felt guilty after seeing Quentillus’s reaction, sensing he might have failed due to Celdryn’s intervention.

Professor Lang told Arlynn and Nell they would have to retake the exam.   She also offered them the opportunity of retrieving magical samples from Sedgemoor instead, explaining she normally granted this task to her most promising students.  After Arlynn and Nell chose to visit Sedgemoor, Professor Lang wrote passes for Arlynn, Nell and their friends.  Nell apologized and promised she’d do better… or prove her parents right.  Lang expressed her belief that Nell would prove everyone who doubted her wrong.  While Lang wrote the passes, Arlynn squeezed Nell’s hand and gave her some words of encouragement.

Lang warned them that they might need galoshes and directed them to a shed that contained tools suitable for harvesting magical ingredients.  Nell took the passes and handed them to her friends.  Kai was confused as he had little sleep the night before, but eventually remembered why they wanted to go to Sedgemoor.  Telbron made a remark about Kai’s memory, to which Kai cruelly made a reference to his previous failures.   Celdryn asked how everyone did on their exams.  Arlynn and Nell claimed they did okay. Celdryn thought Nell passed and Arlynn struggled to pass, but did not press the matter as he had not seen Professor Lang pass a rewrite exam slip to either student.

After gathering whatever supplies they thought they might need, the students made their way to Sedgemoor.  Celdryn cast Mage Armour.  They got a guidebook of things to look out for.  Once they got to the swamp, Celdryn pulled a giant elk from his Bag of Tricks.  After some thought, he named the elk Antony.  Kai and Arlynn thought it was pronounced Anthony.  The students saw two broken-down docks and many islets to the north.  Celdryn, Telbron and Arlynn climbed on top of the giant elk while Nell flew above.  Kai decided to scout ahead and jumped to the central island, before Nell could cast Pass Without Trace.

The central islet had two wooden research sheds with a tree stump between them.  Kai landed and turned around in triumph, only to here a noise behind him.  Turning back, he saw two wargs emerge from behind the tree stump, their skin peeling off their faces.  They began stalking Kai.  The other students on the elk (or flying) took advantage of the distraction.

Celdryn moved up on the elk and Twinned Dragon’s Breath, casting the spell on himself and Antony.  They breathed fire on the wargs. Arlynn cast Chromatic Orb gainst a warg, poisoning the monstrosity.  Her familiar, Oozac, blinded the warg with ink. Nell flew over the wargs, activated her Symbiotic Entity and summoned her Halo of Spores, which had no effect.  She then cast Shillelagh on her quarterstaff. Kai rushed up and punched the unpoisoned, blinded warg twice.  It crumpled down into a heap.  Seeing its comrade collapse, the warg began talking.  As he spoke Undercommon, Telbron understood a few words ‘Power… evil… mine.”  The warg then Disengaged and dove into the swampy waters. Thinking the warg was going for reinforcements, Telbron blindly fired an Eldritch Blast.

Shortly after, Celdryn experienced a Wild Magic surge as the cold of the swamp hit him.  His clothes shrank to half their size.  Celdryn was embarrassed.  Kai thought he saw a previously hidden piercing.  The giant elk ran after the submerged warg.  After Celdryn and the elk breathed fire on it, the warg died and sank to the bottom. Nell admonished her friends to be quiet.  Telbron pointed out the warg might have been trying to summon reinforcements.  Due to her lifetime growing up in Strixhaven, Arlynn knew the swamp was generally safe.  The fact that wargs were here, though, meant something was seriously wrong. The party then split up.  Arlynn and Nell investigated the northernmost research building, while Kai and Celdryn investigated the southern one.

Kai and Celdryn were not very stealthy, in part because Celdryn’s clothes were restricting his movements.  After struggling, Kai helped Celdryn peel his pants off.  Now free, Celdryn investigated the shed with Kai’s help and found a defender sword and a sample kit.  Celdryn gave him the sample kit and walked out with the defender sword.

The students reconvened.  Nell cautioned the others to be quiet after Celdryn was loud.  Speculating about thing and Nell thought swamp was tainted.  Telbron finally revealed what he’d gleaned from the warg.  Celdryn then asked if anyone was good collecting plant samples, explaining he had a sample kit that might help.  Nell offered to trade the Potion of Healing for the kit, but Celdryn encouraged her to keep the potion as he felt she would need it more.  Celdryn then pointed to some plants and wondered if that was what they were looking for.  Kai and Nell realized it was, based on the artwork and Fantastical Horticulture club meetings, respectively.

Seeing a few more islets, Arlynn, Celdryn and Telbron rode Arlynn over to the northeast islet.  Kai followed by jumping, while Nell flew over.  As soon as the elk landed, though, several snakes darted out from underneath a rock and bit Antony, ignoring Nell’s Halo of Spores.

Nell expressed her irritation over the snakes.  Kai, having just arrived, had no idea what she was talking about.  Looking at the dirt released by the vines, she found a root that her guidebook said was quite useful and took a sample.  Kai was confused at why they were gathering samples.  Arlynn or Nell vaguely said they had reasons.

The students decided to go to the southernmost island.  This time, Kai chose to join the others on the elk.  However, as soon as the elk touched a hoof down, it began sinking.  The elk hastily reared back, sending Celdryn flying into the nearby water.  He clambered back on, lamenting that things should have been better considering he’d lost his pants and was now wet.  An oblivious Kai gave him a pep talk, which Celdryn rewarded with a muddy pat on the back.  Telbron and Nell found that very amusing.  Seeing that Kai did not appreciate the humour, Celdryn cleaned him off with Prestidigitation.  Telbron still seemed to find the situation amusing, even after an irritated Kai shoved him off Antony and into the mud.  Nell responded by using Druidcraft to put nice flowers over Telbron and stinky flowers over Kai.  Arlynn and Celdryn felt Kai had gone a little too far, with Celdryn pulling Telbron back on the giant elk and cleaning him off with another application of Prestidigitation.

After enjoying a short rest, the students (and Antony) then moved north.  As they travelled, they noticed the water getting darker and thicker.  Seeing a steady burbling in between two islets, they guessed that was the spring they were looking for.  The elk was visibly hesitant, slowing to a stop before they reached the spring.  The students hopped off and continued on foot, but failed to notice anything.  To make matters worse, Celdryn experienced another Wild Magic Surge, causing rocks and random things to bounce around him.  Kai noticed a waterlogged notebook with a green jewel on the cover bouncing towards him and his friend, and felt weaker and weaker as it approached.  Suddenly afraid, Kai backed up into the water.

Meanwhile, Arlynn felt the spring was being obstructed by something in the water.  A giant scorpion emerged, dripping black ooze, and advanced towards them. Nell activated Symbiotic Entity and cast Shillelagh on her quarterstaff. The elk charged the scorpion and landed a solid hit, flipping it on its back. Celdryn cast Dragon’s Breath on himself and Antony before breathing lightning on the scorpion. Telbron Hexed the scorpion, but missed with Eldritch Blast. The scorpion righted itself, seriously wounding and grappling Celdryn with its pincers, but failed to pierce him with its stinger. Arlynn cast Chromatic Orb, hitting the scorpion with acid.  She then Phase Stepped back next to Kai and charmed the scorpion.  She then had Oozac hand a Potion of Healing to Kai. Kai did not feel well, but gathered his strength and cast Rime’s Binding Ice, aiming carefully to avoid Nell.  Nell cast Wither and Bloom, hurting the scorpion and healing Celdryn. Antony tried to breathe fire on the scorpion, but it dodged most of the damage.  Celdryn breathed fire as well, dealing the killing blow.  He cursed as he fell from the dying scorpion’s grasp into the swampy water (again).

Nell urged Arlynn to pour the holy water into the spring before anything else showed up.  Celdryn asked Kai what was wrong.  A haggard looking Kai asked where the book was.  Hearing his mumbled reply, Celdryn grabbed the book and threw it as far away as he could.  Kai faintly thanked him, claiming the book must have had an evil aura or something. Celdryn, however, realized Kai was not being entirely truthful.

Kai managed to stand up, despite Celdryn’s continued concerns over his wellbeing.  He slapped himself back into a more alert state, only to realize to his dismay that he’d splashed himself with swamp water.  Nell tried to help by dropping scorpion goo on his head, prompting Telbron to start laughing again.  Arlynn ignored–or missed–Nell’s jibe about Kai putting goop in Arlynn’s hair and used Mage Hand to pour the holy water into the spring.  They could see the radiance cleanse the spring and clear the water.  As they looked around, the edges of the surrounding islets exuding the balm that Totsky was talking about.  Celdryn tried to investigate the source of the ooze and found an empty leather satchel.  He also saw various books and items bounce around him.  More importantly, the cursed book began bouncing towards Celdryn, as if caught in a current.  As soon as Kai saw the book coming near, he began wading through the water away from it.  Telbron grabbed the book and opened it, noting it was bound in soft leather and filled with waxed, waterproof paper.  He saw that many words were washed away, but the remainder was written in some kind of language he could not read.  Given that he could read most languages, he guessed it was some kind of cipher.  His only clue was an ‘M’ on the front page.

Celdryn, Nell and Telbron thought the ‘M’ looked the same as the package they found in the teacher’s offices of Captain Dapplewing’s Manor.  They found that suspicious, especially when Telbron recalled the chest also had some of the black ooze.  Celdryn asked Kai if he was feeling any better, then took the book from Telbron.  He put the book away in a bag, after remembering that his shirt was now too tight to fit anything else underneath, and asked if that made Kai feel better.  Kai’s evasive response indicated he was still unwell.  Celdryn admitted he thought the book might be important, but did not want to take it if it made Kai feel unwell.  Nell wondered why the book affected Kai but not anyone else.  Kai was forced to admit that he was allergic to emeralds and they made him weak.  Celdryn pulled the emerald off and sought clarification that putting it in the bag still affected him.  Kai confirmed that he would notice if any emeralds came within fifteen or twenty feet of him.  Celdryn then threw the emerald away and returned the book to Telbron.

Nell declared that they had accomplished what they set out to do and that Arlynn and Nell could return the magical ingredients to Professor Lang without anyone else accompanying them.  Celdryn, Kai and Telbron saw no reason to question her motives.  Celdryn made Antony spit out the swamp flora it was eating and had the giant elk give the students a ride back to campus.

Upon returning to his dorm, Celdryn had a bath.  Overwhelmed by the fact that he had almost died, he let his mind wander. Kai greeted Celdryn, who had not noticed his arrival.  Despite his exhaustion, he thought Celdryn’s voice was slightly higher than normal and asked if he was okay.  Celdryn explained he was just tired, which Kai understood.  After a few minutes, Kai asked if Celdryn was trying a new look.  Celdryn looked down, finally realized what had happened and let out a high-pitched scream.  Kai clapped his hands over his ears, revealing he had only approached Celdryn to thank him for throwing away the emerald.  Celdryn abruptly declared he had to go, ran out of the showers with his hair half-washed, and returned to his room.

Celdryn saw some photos in the group chat.  He tried to turn back to his normal form but found he could not change back. Kai knocked on Celdryn’s door and asked if he had received the texts and photos from Arlynn and Nell.  Celdryn confirmed he had, opened the door, and admitted he could not change.  Kai asked why Celdryn wanted to change, as no one cared what he looked like and he—or she—had proven themselves.  He encouraged Celdryn to come and celebrate, as he owed his friend several drinks for throwing away the emerald.  Celdryn was shocked to hear how much the gem might be worth.  They eventually joined Arlynn, Nell and Telbron and they all enjoyed the rest of the night together. The next morning, the friends received an invitation to dinner at Captain Dapplewing’s Manor.  That evening, they met various professors, received several gifts   feted as heroes of the Strixhaven campus (episode 12).

## Appearance

Celdryn is usually a male humanoid with dark hair and dark eyes. He generally has a height of 5'6" to 5'". However, his appearance has been known to change depending on his emotional state.

## Character Build

* Metamagics: Subtle Spell, Twinned Spell
* Known ASIs/Feats: TBD
* Known Spells:
	+ Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Friends, Mending, Prestidigitation, Thaumaturgy, Vicious Mockery
	+ 1st Level: Catapult, Mage Armour, Silvery Barbs

## Trivia

* Accidentally became involved in Nell's harem anime in episode 1
* Took Magical Physiology, Beginning Computational Magic, Introduction to Evocation, and Psychology of Enchantment Magic in first year.
* As the campaign progressed, it became abundantly clear that Celdryn was a changeling, as was his family.
* In episode 12, Celdryn revealed an existential crisis.