The Fireball Gazette

Arriving in Goldenbank, the crew sought out a discreet, low-profile harbor on the outskirts, wanting to avoid any unnecessary scrutiny from the local authorities regarding their vessel, Allison & Son's. They hired some rugged mechanics to patch up the ship and strip its identifiable figurehead to keep things under the radar. However, they were hit with a real blow when they discovered that Wilma and Cecilie had pulled an unauthorized exit, leaving nothing behind but a few meager coins, the Liquid Flux, and the magic ruby.

Near the docks, the crew ran into Cordelia "The Lioness," a legendary pirate with a storied history alongside Mad Matt. While she gave them a fair warning about the perils of Mad Matt’s reputation, she showed no hostility - true frontier respect. She pointed them toward the university, spinning tall tales of Devil Whales and Tritons that had wiped out much of Mad Matt's former ranks. On their way to the academy, Tiyana visited a local blacksmith who forged the magic ruby directly into a shortsword, essentially upgrading the blade with some serious magical firepower.

The University Visit
At the university, the crew met Lady Levine. A bit disappointed they hadn’t even made a dent in the Port Elgin attack, she laid out the facts: the presence of Flux on Kenver's shores was increasing, bringing along zombified Husks that threatened the peace. Tasked with investigating the potential of this liquid, Lady Levine practically recruited the crew into the university as lecturers to ensure a smooth flow of intel. Despite Mad Matt’s "don't tread on me" attitude toward authority, Tiyana saw it as a prime opportunity to boost her social standing and signed on.

Mad Matt then tracked down Professor Kafhiri to help decode the book he salvaged from the shipwreck. After initially mistaking him for a mere student due to his halfling stature, Kafhiri quickly moved past the slight and was eager to get to work. Using a dictionary provided by Professor Hisashi of Yufune, Matt could finally grasp some of the Ancient Deep Speech it was written in. The text seems to detail the raw power and biology of the Marid - a species of dangerous deep-sea predators roaming the waters between Kenver and Midai.

Becoming Lecturers
With Lady Levine’s endorsement, the crew officially registered as lecturers for the adventuring course. However, to unlock access to the University Communication Network, they have to prove their grit by completing one adventure alongside a student. They were assigned Ava, a young half-elf with plenty of spirit but struggling with the basics of magical ordinance.

Given the choice between a long, grueling seven-day trek to Kestle Mill or a high-stakes exploration of crab-infested caves, the crew opted for the latter - true adventurers crave the challenge. Promising to teach Ava the fundamentals of real-world combat and keep her safe under fire, they prepared to head into the caves near Goldenbank.

Classroom Confidential: Goldenbank Students’ Anonymous Opinions on their Professors

Collected by the Fireball Gazette Investigative Gossip Department

“I had Lady Levine for two semesters, and while her classes were the most rigorous I've ever endured, they were also the most rewarding. She has an unmatched understanding of monsters and their elemental properties. Her strictness pushed me to my absolute limit, but I came out with a solid foundation for my future ventures.”

“Taking a class with Professor Kafhiri is like riding a wild stallion! You never know which tangent he’ll take next. One minute we're discussing Elvish poetry, and the next, he's deep into Dwarvish mining chants. His lectures are unpredictable, but that passion is what it's all about. If you can keep up with his pace, you’ll learn more than you ever imagined about linguistics. Plus, his enthusiasm is infectious!“

"Lady Levine's classes are notorious for their difficulty, but the knowledge gained is top-tier. Her expertise in the elemental properties of monsters is fascinating. She's tough, no doubt, and her uncompromising nature can be daunting, but I respect her immensely. Her passion for the subject is legendary and has inspired me to delve deeper into my studies."

"I never thought I’d have a crush on a professor, but Lady Levine changed that. Her intelligence and beauty are a powerful combination. Her lectures on the elemental properties of monsters are fascinating, but it's her commanding presence that truly captivates me. Do you think she’d step on me if I asked her?"

"I’m really struggling in Professor Kafhiri's class. His energy is amazing, but his high-velocity lectures leave me scrambling to keep up. He moves from one topic to another so fast I often miss the key points. I need more time to process the info, but he’s already onto the next linguistic nuance. It’s frustrating because I want to learn, but that lightning-fast style makes it a real struggle."

"Classes in the adventuring course have been great, but I’m ready for some real-world practical seminars!!! We’ve learned a ton about strategy, weaponry, and wilderness survival, but it’s all theory right now. I’m itching to work with actual adventurers and see how these skills hold up in the field. The thought of applying this in a hands-on environment is thrilling. I know it’s going to be tough, but I'm ready to face those challenges head-on!!!"

"I’ve always been focused on my studies, but Lady Levine has me questioning everything. Her intelligence and beauty are undeniable, and I can't help but feel drawn to her in a way I've never experienced. It's confusing but also exhilarating. Every lecture leaves me with more questions about myself..."

"Lady Levine is such an enigma. She's brilliant, gorgeous, and somewhat intimidating, but no one even seems to know her first name. It’s strange, really. You’d think someone as renowned as her would have that detail public. I’ve asked around, but no one has a clue. It’s like she’s this mysterious figure shrouded in secrets. I’m beginning to wonder if it’s intentional, adding to her mystique and the aura of authority she carries."