"The secret room is certainly a safe seeming place, but it doesn't give us an opportunity to look out for trouble. What ever the consensus of the group is works for me."
"I'm thinking that only the leader would be aware of the secret room, and with him being dispatched in a truly potent arcane display, it should be the safest place." Xavier will agree with his fellow wizard.
Let's see then -- you're huddling in the secret room, WAYYY back in the bowels of the keep. And I make HOW MANY wandering monster checks? Three, Four, One per Hour? Seriously, I'll make ONE check when I get to my dice this evening. With any luck, any wandering monsters that happen by will come towards morning, after your advancement has become a fait accompli!
After resting for a couple of days and studying on your own, the Wizards find that their personal power has increased incrementally, and that they have been able to decipher the secrets of some wondrous new magicks. You have all been staying at Boris Stenker's Lonesome Drake Inn and Brewery during this time. Everyone except Francheska should deduct 12 gp for your expenses during this time. Scratch this. It's just been one long and very busy day.
At the end of your self-study, Xavier is surprised by the appearance of his distant cousin, Francheska, at the Lonesome Drake!
[sblock=Xavier/Francheska]Fran is Xav's fourth cousin twice removed on Xav's father's and Fran's mother's side. If I am remembering correctly, that should mean that their great-granparents were siblings? Something like that, anyway. Work with me here, guys?[/sblock]
We'll say that you did all of your studying and so forth very quickly, so, yes, just one day should do it. Just forget about the lodging and meal expenses that I mentioned.
Yes, I imagine that there will be a great deal of scribing to be done by everyone just now. And since Francheska is in Pembrose already, that means that you have a great resource of fire spells, too!
Xavier comes down to the common room in the now-familiar tavern about to order his breakfast, his thoughts totally consumed with the upcoming oatmeal. When he looks at the gathered patrons, as usual only a few at this time of day, one caught his interest and upon closer review, it was his distant cousin, Francheska.
All thoughts of hunger pushed from his mind, the human illusionist )) works his way to the table the elf is sitting at. "It has been far too long since our last encounter Franscheska, it is good to see you in good spirits and health." Xavier says.
"It is quite the chance happening for you to be at this tavern on this day enjoying breakfast." he continues, awaiting an explanation from the elf.
[sblock=Xavier]Good Show, Sir! Heh heh heh, I can't WAIT to read how she answers this one!! Way to play 'Screw Your Neighbor,' and leave Lou holding the bag! [/sblock]