Our heroes find themselves at Fizban's College of Aracana and Dragonology hoping to utilize the resources therin to find out more about the dragons of Eternum and boons to use to ultimately take down Ileana and the Remnant of Orcus for good.
Upon arrival, they discover the the college has been attacked by goblins who seems to have been empowered by a new, malevolent force in Eternum's calamity state. Victorious, they assess the casualties and venture further inward to try and find survivors. Making their way through the abandonded college, they discover clues about the students, professors, and life at the college. Using their newfound knowledge, they overcome the examinations of the Pre-Labyrinthian passageway and the Labyrinth and find the surviving students and Professor Varen Aquilarios in the Vault.
On the way, they discovered the Dragonology wing which contained artifacts of great power on display-- unfortunately, under heavy lock and alarm. To their wisdom and credit, the party decided that overt theft was probably not in their best interest at the time.
Further details about the time as Fizban's were included in Bim's diary.
From the diary of The Incredible Bim:
Dearest Diary,
It's me again, The Incredible Bim. But alas, you know that I need no introduction. In fact, you and I have spent quite some time together on this ship since my compatriots seem intent on leaving me to babysit this accursed ship. Although, between you and me, I've grown fond of the half ogres. For all their flaws, they are easily entertained so long as they stay drunk. My only fear is that Sankara will soon realize his stock of Ravani Wine has grown dangerously low. But that's not my problem.
As any good bard who is worth their salt would, I eagerly waited for a report from Fizban's College. One never knows when inspiration will strike. And I'm long overdue for a song.
It seems as though quite a bit happened and although I'm jealous that my beautiful eyes never witnessed these events first-hand, it has allowed the pleasure of mining every detail for a good story.
[Bim goes on detailing the events of Fizban's from the fight into the courtyard up to the final confrontation with the Hall Monitor Automaton.]
... which brings me to my next point-- Professor Varen Aquilarios, an interesting fellow and it would seem the professor of divination. Sixty percent of the time, diviners are right every time. That's all I'll say, after all my dear diary you know slander is beneath me.
Professor Varen Aquilarios profusely thanked US for what WE did for him and his poor students. It's just a shame that I wasn't there sooner to prevent so great a loss. However, there was one question that nagged our minds: How can a college of magical professors, all skilled in the lingua arcana not defend themselves from goblins et al? The answer, unfortunately, begets more questions.
It would seem that the attack suspiciously took place after the Arcana Consignato had taken place. Now, of course I knew what this meant, but I could sense that my precious half-ogres were vexed by such terminology, so for their sake I inquired on their behalf. What Lucky, Bjorn, Sankara, and Gallogk couldn't tell me, a little legend lore can fill in. Gods dammit I'm good.
Apparently, my dear Alexander, the voidborn extraordinaire, wasn't too keen on a college for wizards operating unchecked. So, a few hundred years ago, he approached the school with an ultimatum. Submit to oversight from Glynndarryl or be snuffed out entirely. Obviously, they conceded. The Arcana Consignato was implemented. To each faculty member and student, a ring was given. Each day at a set time, any remaining spell energy a wizard hasn't used is siphoned back to a depository in Alexander's sanctum called the Arcana Ingenium. To think, all of that spell energy, every day... like a magical tax. But who am I to judge? If this is the energy that powers the making of pocket watches and automatons, who's to say this isn't all for the greater good?
Oh diary, prepare yourself for some salacious gossip. Apparently, Othorion Caphax refused the Arcana Consignato. Maybe that's why he never made it past part-time adjunct in academia? Shame.
On to other things.
Shortly before our departure, Professor Varen Aquilarios both raised and lowered our spirits. First, the good news: Varen was kind enough to give the party the Portents of Aquilarios.
[Portents of Aquilarios. The party has four portent dice usable only once each. On a d20 they are: 4, 6, 10, 15. You can replace any attack roll, saving throw, or ability check made by you or a creature that you can see with one of these foretelling rolls. You must choose to do so before the roll, and you can replace a roll in this way only once per turn.]
And then he lowered our spirits. In his study of divination, Varen has come to learn the truth of Eternum and the Voidborn. He warns that the threat to The Sliver did not end in Mirkarkden. A growing wound festers to the southeast in the ruins of Quaymire. Although a force prevents him from scrying directly, there is an overwhelming evil and blossoms in the muck.
Additionally, Varen cautioned us regarding Gabriella, First of the Voidborn. Grief and anger are a dangerous combination. He told us that he sees a possible timeline where the Voidborn do something unprecedented-- take the affairs of The Sliver into their own hands and directly influence events-- a sort of emergency executive order so to speak... rules be damned I guess.....
Varen wished us the best and said he needed to begin the work of rebuilding the college and helping his students grieve.
Oh fuck. I have to go. Juan and Twoo are arguing again.
Incredibly,
Bim.