Approach one of the groups of students who seem interested in meeting you

You make your way down the steps toward one of the lingering groups—three students clustered near the hall's eastern exit. As you approach, their conversation dies mid-sentence.

The closest is a goblin woman, barely four feet tall, with vivid emerald skin and sharp, angular features. Her ears are large and pointed, her yellow eyes bright with intelligence. She's wearing nothing but a few leather straps crisscrossing her chest and hips, leaving most of her lean, muscular body exposed. Her black hair is shaved on one side, the other side falling past her shoulder in a sleek curtain.

"Well, well," she says, her voice carrying a slight rasp. "The human came to us. I'm Kez Brightwhisker, engineering major." She extends a hand with surprising formality, and when you shake it, her grip is firm and warm. "These are my friends—Sable and Thorne."

Sable is a pale elf with silver-white hair pulled into an intricate braid, her ears elegantly pointed. She's tall and willowy, wearing a diaphanous silk wrap that covers her breasts and little else, the fabric so sheer you can see her dusky nipples through it. Her eyes are a striking violet.

"Pleasure," she murmurs, her voice like honey. "Political science, same as you. We'll have Intro to Mythkin Culture together this afternoon."

Thorne is harder to categorize—he's got scaled patches on his neck and forearms, golden and iridescent, but otherwise appears human. His build is athletic, his features handsome in a sharp-edged way. He's shirtless, wearing only loose canvas pants.

"Half-dragon," he offers, noticing your curiosity. "Dad's a copper dragon, mom's human. Philosophy major." His smile reveals slightly pointed teeth. "You're getting a lot of attention, you know. Being the only human freshman."

"Can't imagine why," Kez says with a grin that's almost predatory. "Humans are just so... adaptable. Fascinating biology. I've read papers on human cellular plasticity—your species can interface with mythkin transformative substances in ways other species simply can't."

"Kez, don't be a creep," Sable chides gently, though there's amusement in her voice. "He just got here."

"I'm being scientific!" Kez protests, but she's still grinning. "Besides, I'm sure Alex has questions. Everyone does when they first arrive. What's on your mind, human?"

Petra catches up to you, slightly out of breath. "Oh, hey Kez. Sable." She nods to them both, then glances at you. "Making friends already?"

"Just introducing ourselves," Thorne says smoothly. "We were about to grab coffee at the Cauldron before the afternoon rush. Alex, you're welcome to join us. Might as well get the campus tour from people who actually know where things are."

Kez's yellow eyes gleam. "Plus, the Cauldron has the best pastries. And other things, if you're adventurous."