The Next Step Forward

[Anastasia]

Easy enough. You're allowed in from here, to a vast library, books everywhere. Books packed and sorted, shelves from floor to roof. The entire place is made of stained wood with red carpets, multiple floors with the occasional stairway allowing access to a higher floor. Light comes from candles dotted all about, flames burning gently yet no wax spilling from the candles.

"Hey Queen, try and grab a book, would you?" Jarem says, "It's easiest to explain this after you see it."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa gives the man a flat look, knowing there's a trick or trap somewhere on it, but indeed, she uses her Telekinesis to pull a random book to her.

[Anastasia]

The book is not moved. Instead a voice asks aloud, "F3 and E5, what am I the beginning of?"

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa runs the terms through her head, working for an answer.

Knowledge roll here? I mean, I know they're chess square references. I don't have e a board in front of me to reference though.

[Anastasia]

That and the Red Knight has a long running chess reference theme. Got any skills related to it?

[Iron Dragoon]

I have no idea what skills would be applicable at all.

[Anastasia]

Int check in that case.

[Iron Dragoon]

> roll 1d20+9 Int
<Rei-chan> Iddy rolled : 1d20+9 Int --> [ 1d20=17 ]{26}

[Anastasia]

You recall a tidbit: There's a way to win a chess game in only a few moves, if your opponent is exceedingly foolish. Called Fool's Mate, it can begin with those notations - chess notations in particular.

[Iron Dragoon]

"The Fool's Mate? An opening gambit?"

[Anastasia]

The book flies up and into your hand once you speak.

"Got it," Jarem whistles as Emily tilts her head to the side. "You need lore, tactics and insight to read the books here. Often, you may not know the answer to the book you seek, requiring you to study elsewhere. But a wise mind sharp in tactics will find the books here come to them, while those that are not will spend time learning and sharpening their minds." Gesturing about with a sweep of his arm, "The mind is a weapon as surely as a blade or spell, she teaches us to hone it well."

[Iron Dragoon]

"So... Like a novice's spell exercises... Though a code at the same time... Tiered. There must be meaning in the progression of knowledge. Breaking the system is possible, then, given the right starting point, which reveals the superior students. An interesting system... Something we might put into function at the guild. Would prevent foolish over reach."

[Anastasia]

"Yes. To quote one of my own students," Jarem clears his throat and smiles, "You have to become learned to learn. It cuts down on all sorts of foolishness."

Emily nods along at that, "Oh, it was a chess...oh! I should have..." Murmuring to herself, "But I don't play chess."

"First time for everything," Jarem says, "If we have some time tonight, I'll play a game with each of you. Games like that are a popular past time here, all manner of strategy and tactical games to keep our minds sharp."

[Iron Dragoon]

"Might be interesting to see how I match up. Though I imagine I'm not nearly as practiced as you."

Idly, Allysa opens the book in her hand and flips through it.

[Anastasia]

It looks to be a book on basic battle tactics titled War's Fundaments.

"Sure," Emily says, "It can't be that hard to learn."

After a dry look over at Emily, "Now then," Jarem says, "Queen, narrow down what you want to look for here?"