As you descend the stairs the common room is nearly full, even at this hour, yet there is a suppressed air to the place. The news of the Mendicants is the talk of the city. "Good morning," Greycane calls, the only smiling face you see in the room. "Bram's been working on a new recipe for wall plaster."

"It's not plaster, it's porridge, and it didn't stop you eating two bowls!" Bram retorts, turning his nose up to Greycane. You grab bowls and sit down to eat.