[Video]

I have seen some impressive things since arriving here, I will admit. This video device alone is amazing in how it changes my research, and these weapons are definitely clever.

However, I've noticed a distinct lack of treasure. There's no gold coins, no jewels, no grimoires of ancient lore or magic, no hidden stashes of magic armor. At least none that I've found.

How am I supposed to build a proper horde if all the money I can find is these little slips of paper or pieces of...I guess it's called "plastic." There's no sense of weight to it at all!

[Action]

Ricasthix has chosen his new lair's location very carefully and has tried to be sneaky about it. However dragons are not without their weaknesses. First of all, it is hard to be sneaky when you're forty feet long and get around mostly by flying. Secondly, a dragon's greatest flaw is underestimating non-dragons. Any other transports that are fast enough on their feet, or just generally clever enough, can probably track his movements back to a cave on a small mountain/large hill a few miles beyond the city limits.

Who wants to explore a dragon's lair?

[Here is a cheerfully smiling Mahdi. He's holding up an obnoxiously cute kitten planner and looking cheerful.]

Hi everyone. I've been thinking. If we're all going to be stuck here for a long time, I figured I should find out everyone's birthday and if they have a favorite meal or type of cake. If you'd please respond to this message with your name, birthday, and a little bit about you, I'd really appreciate it!

On that note, I was thinking. If people keep turning up, we should have some sort of monthly event so everyone can get to know each other, introduce ourselves and catch up and celebrate one another's birthdays. Like a potluck, maybe? There are too many people to do do this at my apartment, so I'd need to figure out a spot. What do you think?

Oh, by the way. I'm Mahdi. I like cats, singing, and cooking. My birthday is Valentine's Day!

( When Charles appears on the video screen, he looks happier than ever. Well, happier than... is standard practise, for this place, and especially given his recent interpersonal shenanigans. Still, he's smiling. )

Hello, everyone. I've rather a large request—I will understand if the need does not suit you—but I do hope that you'll hear me out.

I would like to establish a school, here in Exsilium. It would be for everyone, of all ages. I've received permission, and salary funding, from the Initiative, to gather both teachers and students to... ah, well. ( Charles' expression shifts to an apologetic one. ) To help me refurbish this building and make it a proper educational institution.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will let you all know that I've acquired an old building. It's not in the best of shape, and will need to be fixed up—that is where you come in. Soon, I will need teachers; students, too. But for now—for now, all I need is some volunteers to turn this place into a functional establishment.

( Charles presses a button on his netbook, and this picture appears. )

Your help would be incredibly appreciated.

Thank you very much.