1. New Student Orientation

The Biblioplex's first floor has been transformed into a magnificent assembly hall for the opening ceremony. The enchanted shelves moved elsewhere while enchanted chandeliers floated overhead, casting warm, golden light onto the gathered first-year students. Hundreds of chairs were arranged in neat rows, facing a grand podium backed by a shimmering flying tapestry depicting the four Founder Drakes. The air buzzes with excitement and the faint hum of magic.

One by one, the eight deans enter the stage, each dressed in the flowing robes of their college, adorned with symbols of their magical disciplines. Last enters Headmistress Seraphina Drakelight, the current Voice of the Founders, her platinum dragonborn scales shimmering in the light.

"Welcome, future mages, to the hallowed halls of Misthaven University. For over eight centuries, this institution has stood as a beacon of magical discovery, a sanctuary where the boundless potential of magic and the mind converge. You are now a part of that legacy, heirs to the knowledge safeguarded and nurtured by generations before you.

You are here not only to study magic but to forge your place in the world. Here, you will confront challenges, encounter wonders, and uncover truths about the universe—and yourselves—that will shape your destinies. Know this: you are not alone on this journey. Your peers will become your allies, your rivals, your confidants, and your friends. The bonds you forge here will be as enduring as the magic you master."

As the students listen in rapt attention, the headmistress gestures behind her, inviting the eight deans forward. Each steps to the edge of the stage in turn, their presence a reflection of their school’s essence.

---

Dean Kaelith Sylvaris (Perceptio):
"To perceive is to understand. Magic flows through the world in infinite patterns, and the school of Perceptio teaches you to see them. With knowledge comes clarity, and with clarity, the power to illuminate the future."

Dean Ragnor Steelmantle (Dominatio):
"Magic is not merely to be understood; it is to be wielded. The school of Dominatio will teach you to command, to shape reality with your will, and to leave your mark upon the world."

Dean Lyric Singsilver (Creatio):
"Creation is the heart of magic, the spark from which all beauty and wonder arise. The school of Creatio will teach you to summon, to inspire, and to give life to your imagination."

Dean Nyla Flickertwist (Mutatio):
"Transformation is the soul of adaptability. The school of Mutatio will show you how to alter, evolve, and reshape both the world and yourself. Change is not just survival—it is magic."

Dean Cyril Everquill (Amplifico):
"To amplify is to empower. The school of Amplifico teaches you to lift others, to heighten strengths, and to achieve greatness through cooperation and growth."

Dean Calien Mirthwhistle (Illusio):
"Illusion is a tool as subtle as it is profound. The school of Illusio will teach you to weave perception, to craft truth from shadows, and to wield deception with precision and purpose."

Dean Varek Hollowthorn (Excidium):
"Destruction is not an end—it is a beginning. The school of Excidium will guide you in mastering entropy, wielding the forces of decay and ruin to clear the way for renewal."

Dean Althea Greenshade (Tutela):
"Protection is the greatest gift a mage can offer. The school of Tutela teaches you to shield, to heal, and to preserve life, ensuring that magic serves as a force for good."

---

The eight deans step back as Headmistress Drakelight addresses the students once more.

"Magic is a paradox—a unity of opposites, a force that can both destroy and create, deceive and reveal, transform and preserve. At Misthaven University, we embrace these contradictions, for it is in understanding them that true mastery arises. You will be challenged to explore both sides of every college, for balance lies at the heart of all magic.

Remember this: your time here is not just an opportunity to learn—it is a chance to define who you are and who you will become. Welcome to Misthaven University. May your journey be filled with discovery, growth, and brilliance."

With a graceful sweep of her staff, the air above the Biblioplex transforms. A dazzling array of fireworks bursts into existence, shimmering with magical hues that seem impossible—golden spirals of light, emerald flares that bloom into glowing vines, and sapphire sparks that twirl into tiny galaxies.

The fireworks interact with the space around them, weaving through the towering bookshelves and circling the floating chandeliers. Some take the shape of mythical creatures: a phoenix of fire that sweeps across the ceiling, an iridescent dragon that roars silently, and a cascade of butterflies that flutters above the students before vanishing into shimmering stardust.



The grand finale fills the hall with a burst of silver and gold light, forming the university’s crest—a radiant dragon encircled by eight magical runes. The crest lingers for a moment, then dissolves into thousands of glimmering motes that gently drift down, evoking gasps of wonder from the students as they fade before reaching the ground. The hall fills with thunderous applause as the Headmistress and the deans bow. The first-year students rise from their seats, their hearts pounding with excitement, ready to embark on their magical journey.

The applause from the fireworks has barely faded when a warm voice echoes across the hall. Professor Ellowyn Starforge, the university's head of student orientation, steps forward. A friendly dwarven woman with braided silver hair and a laugh that seems to resonate like a bell, she claps her hands together.



"All right, young mages, time to stretch those legs! Gather round—your tour of the Central Campus begins now!"

Groups of students are divided and led by enchanted, floating lanterns that hover just ahead, bobbing gently as though eager to lead the way. Professors and upper-year students serve as guides, weaving through the Biblioplex and out into the campus.

Greta, Zix, Dorian, Marlena and Kiraen are chosen by one of the lanterns. It seemed almost alive, swaying slightly as though urging the five students to stay together.

From behind them, a cheerful voice broke the comfortable silence.

"Ah, now here we are! Group Fourteen, the finest of the bunch, wouldn’t you agree?"

The man who had spoken strode up alongside them, his long robes shimmering faintly, like moonlight on water. Dean Calien Mirthwhistle, head of Illusio, had a charm about him that seemed both effortless and deliberate, as if he couldn’t help but make himself the center of attention. His dark silvery hair was swept back and his eyes sparkled with a mischief that suggested he found everything and everyone just a bit amusing.



"Now, you lot are fortunate, indeed. Not only do you get the best lantern—look at it, positively radiant—but you also have the great pleasure of my company. I assure you, no one else on this tour has such excellent fortune."

The lantern wobbled in place as if in agreement.

Kiraen had been shading her eyes during the fireworks, even with her dark glasses it caused her some discomfort. She smiles at Greta, but after Dean Calien Mirthwhistle introduction she turns her attention to him.
What is the difference between illusionay pleasure and "real" pleasure?
It it not a question about perception? Where is the border between illusion and reality?
She is somewhat taken aback by the smug professor, but hide it in a respectful question. The way she talks and hold herself, it hints of courtly training.

She is dressed in a loose shirt and tight pants that gives the impression of a flexible outfit. A long thin dagger is strapped to her thigh. The hilt is of a silver like material and set with a red stone. A similar looking bracelet* sits on her offhand wrist.

A vaguely humanlike creature with nondescript facial features took a step forward. It was once again wearing the less flashy shape known to some as Zix the Traveller. Road clothes, a modest dagger subtly worn on the belt - not truly hidden, but placed so as to not attract more attention than it needs to. On its shoulder sat a corvid seemingly uninterested in its surroundings and quietly preparing to doze off right there and then despite the commotion."From what I've heard from many people, it's not the fleeting and ephemeral and fleeting nature that makes people disagree whether a given pleasure is worthwhile, but its realness or lack thereof," the traveller smiled.

Marlena's still swept up in the excitement from the fireworks! It was unlike anything she'd ever seen. The headmistress had brought it on with but a mere wave of her staff, too. She must be a mage of terrifying power. Oh, how I'd love to see her cast something a little more dangerous!

Clutching the strap of her large satchel, she joins her assigned tour group. She's lanky and tall for a young elf woman, standing at six feet two inches. A grey cloak hangs off her shoulders, and underneath it is light but sturdy leather armor, decent quality but otherwise mundane. A well-stocked toolbelt rests around her waist, gleaming gently with magic to any observant eye. Black gloves extend up to her elbow. She pushes her glasses up with the heel of her hand and takes stock of the group. Recognizing Kiraen and taking a small bit of comfort in the somewhat familiar presence, she smiles at the half-drow."I'm Marlena. It's nice to meet you!" She offers her hand to Professor Mirthwhistle, Greta, Zix and Dorian. After shaking with anyone that accepts it, she asks Mirthwhistle a somewhat blunt question. "Professor, forgive me, but will this be worthwhile for those of us who've already seen most of the campus?" She only wishes to make sure she's being efficient with her time.

I'm sure that Dean Mirthwhistle will enlighten us with facts we didn't knew about the familiar halls and buildings.

Kiraen turns to Greta. Greta, are you are first-year student aswell? I got the impression that you were a senior.

Where are you from Zix? Never heard that accent before

"I'm all the way from the seaside, but have travelled throughout the land from there to here - well, almost here, usually - more than once. What about you? Yours isn't familiar to me either."

Her cheeks are touched with a tinge of pink. Though she could definitely head back and do some tinkering or studying, the Illusio dean's charm draws her in. She averts her gaze when she realizes she's been staring for a bit too long. "Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt to stick around..." Marlena concedes, brushing her thick ponytail over her shoulder. "I've been burying myself in books since I started working at the Biblioplex. A break would do me some good."
"Is that right? Do you often force yourself into the good graces of others?" Marlena flashes an amused smile as she looks down at Greta. She notices the dwarf's muscular physique. "You're very... solid," she starts, but she quickly tries to amend her statement when she realizes it could be taken in offense. "I-In a good way! You look good!" Too far in the other direction... Mildly embarrassed, she clears her throat. "Uh, what do you do? Duel?"

Dorian has been hanging back, watching through the crowd for people he might know while his group cleaners the professor with questions. After the initial avalanche wins down he steps forward and offers the professor his hand. "Professor, I'm Dorian LaCroix. We conversed by letter and I want to thank you for your kind words. I look forward to learning much of Illusio."

Dorian is a rakish man, his hair mussy in such a way as to look haphazard but perfectly so. Fine aristocratic features, a casual flamboyance and with no hint of shyness, he's clearly comfortable around strangers. His clothing is similarly fashionable, nearly cutting edge. If there is one odd thing about him, it's that his expensive clothing seems worn perhaps a little too often.

Those who know such things might recognize his last name, that he shares with an absurdly wealthy family with fingers in all sorts of industry and seen regularly with nobility.

Thank you professor, but I have never been a princess. Never will be. My mother... Kiraen stops herself again. She is still oversharing stuff she should not.

Not wanting to hold up the guided ture any further she just nods to Greta and look expected at the professor. A quick not-so-subtle glance at Dorian evaluates the last member in their group.

Zix frowns slightly for a second at the lack of a reciprocal answer, and exchanges a questioning glance with its corvid companion.

I would expect not, since you have traved the surface on the land. I was raised in the underdark, below the land.
I hope that by the end of the year I wont need these glasses anymore. Her tone is light hearted.
Its awfully bright up here, but I will get used to it - or so they say. That is the one blessing of my human blood. Adaptability

The creature ponders. "Hmm, haven't been there before. Perhaps I should try to add that to my course of travels at some point."

No, you should not. The drow can be... She is searching for a good word. Unforgiving.
I wish I could change them, but I can't.
Look them up in the library before you foster any ideas about venturing into the underdark.