"I'll show you the way... Awhile ago, I did some research there where I was trying to figure out some of the wand making stuff," Uragum said as he gestured for the others to follow. With a happy look on his face he made his way leading them.
Hex nods and follows the rest to the library. As they're walking, she questions Ola and Uragum. "Does Sylyra always act like that? Don't mean to offend but it seems to me like he's avoiding you guys or at least trying not to be seen with you. Which is weird considering how he was basically flaunting Ola off the other day."
Ola smiled a little. "Just do not take anything he does personally. Sylyra has ... a peculiar ideas of reputation building. Can not say I understand his desire, and certainly not the methods, but it generally harmless and does not impede group's efficiency. Consider it a quirk habit of a companion, which indulging helps to put his mind at ease".
The library was not something she visited before, but she knew about existence of Lord Sage as she knew about most authorities of the city (she did not join Lords' Alliance for nothing). He was rumored to be a very devoted caretaker of what was left of the books collection there. Ola found herself even curious to see the man.
Sun-bleached colonnades frame the austere facade of Mantor's Library, the most prominent institution in Scholar's Square. A solitary bench sits next to a tranquil pond at the fore of this property in the center of the square. The grounds are well-manicured and festooned with blooming flowers and other local flora.
The library is busy even after sunset, and dozens of scribes and other scholarly types are moving between desks and shelves in the vast reading room that greets you as you enter. Signage in front of the many stairways and doors along the edges of the room indicates that access to these areas is restricted.
Feeling fairly confident that scribes and scholars pose no threat to his standing in Phlan, Sylyra comfortably catches up to and joins the others, though he does keep his hood up. He looks about the room. Despite it being much larger than his family's library, he was sure most of Waterdeep's libraries would put this one to shame ... not that he'd set one foot inside any of them. He had a social life and a reputation to maintain. Reading did nothing to advance either. "You've been here before?" he asks, not really addressing any single member of the party.
In response to Hex's question about Sylyra's behavior Uragum frowns. "He isn't avoiding us. He's avoiding being seen with me. Lets just say I have a reputation he is trying to avoid." He'd lead the rest of the party purposefully to their destination without much else said. When making it there, he'd take a moment to take the in busy, yet quiet surroundings. With single nod in Sylyra's direction he'd run a hand over the top of his head thinking for a moment and just said, "Yes, this way. I'm sure we'll need to check in up front. They will direct us from there."
Uragum would lead them to the front desk taking care to move quietly to respectful to the others on-site. When given the chance, he'd flag down one of the workers. "Good fellow, we are hear in response to the request the Lord Sage put out. Can you alert him that we are here?"
Despite the fact that this group is not the library's typical clientele, the Lord Sage is quickly alerted of your arrival, and within moments you are escorted to a small office with the curator of Mantor's Library himself. The half-elf is quite old, but still carries himself with a bit of youthful vigor. He is taciturn while his scribes leave the room, displaying little emotion. When only he remains in the room with you, he begins.
"Two days ago, two scribes that we recently hired here at the library - Spernik and Tibeem by name - were caught sneaking out of my offices. When questioned as to their purposes, they fled. The Black Fist was summoned to give chase. They succeeded, partially. Tibeem was captured, but not before slaying one of the guardsman. Spernik escaped. As it is presumed that he has left Phlan, the Black Fist is no longer interested in finding him. Hence, the call to arms that you have answered."
"Understandable." The Lord Sage did not waste time for any kind of formal politeness and Ola was not about to correct or contradict his habits. "Did Spernik stole anything before he fled? Did Tibeem said anything about Spermik's whereabouts? Or anything useful at all?" These were all the questions she could master - Ola was serious (as in "more than usual") about her unfamiliarity with the "catching thieves" procedures.
Sylyra waits patiently as the librarian answers Ola's questions before asking a couple of his own. "What does this Spernik look like?", hoping to get a physical description including race and any distinguishing marks. "We will visit the Black Fist to get their side of this as well, but do you believe he has left Phlan?"
"That is a bit complicated. Allow me to start from what we know. Spernik and Tibeem had been employed by the library for just over four months. They were skilled workers, but unexceptional. I searched their room after they fled. There were two rare tomes within that had previously been stored in my personal library. When the books were taken back to be filed, however, two clever forgeries were already there in their place."
"In addition to this, the books were found packed in a large haversack along with other equipment typically associated with an extended expedition; extra clothes, rope, food and water, things of that nature. What worries me is that only one haversack was found despite the fact that both Spernik and Tibeem lived within the room."
"I believe, therefore, that Spernik possesses other stolen books, or has hidden them in remote places. The balance of the situation is delicate...killing him ensures that what he may have hidden will never be found."
"Did Tibeem said anything about Spermik's whereabouts? Or anything useful at all?"
"As I mentioned, Tibeem was arrested after he murdered a guard in his attempt to flee the city. I visited him, but the man was tight-lipped. I was not able to discern any details or any reason for the thefts. One with more experience in interrogation, or more believable threats, may experience grander luck."
"What does this Spernik look like? We will visit the Black Fist to get their side of this as well, but do you believe he has left Phlan?"
"He has almost certainly left Phlan. The Black Fist have assured me that their search of the city was quite thorough. I believe them in this instance, considering that they were able to find Tibeem. As for Spernik's appearance, the flyer that you have answered was drawn to the best of our ability."
"Did you or the Black Fist have any idea where Spernik may have gone, other than out of Phlan? Which way did he leave or even where he may be planning on going?"
"I would prefer not to lend out the forgeries, as the request for help was open to all, and others may have need of further information. However, we did compare the originals to their forged copies, and found that each contained subtle factual inaccuracies. It would seem that the two scribes intentionally changed the contents."
"The original History of the North had a chapter referencing the Circle of Scale, a sect of druids that sought to enslave dragons. This chapter was missing from the forgery. In addition, the original Lex Geographica contained an entry referring to a circle of standing stones located in the Dragonspine Mountains, at which a group of dragon-worshipping druids once resided. This entry, as well, was missing from its forgery."
"Neither I nor the Black Fist have an inkling as to where Spernik may have fled, unless these omitted entries are in fact clues. That is why I am outsourcing this work, so that the thief may be tracked down and brought back, with all of his stolen goods intact. For bringing our fallen scribe to justice, I am willing to offer fifty gold pieces, plus an additional one hundred gold pieces for the safe return of any other books or tomes that were stolen from the library."
Hex nods her head, seemingly satisfied with the information and reward. She turns to look at the others, watching to see if they have anything else to say.
"So, someone is trying to erase information regarding dragons. Again, dragons." Said Ola thoughtfully. It seemed the reptiles were chasing the group - no matter what they were doing, some kind of dragon would turn up. "I wonder if someone is trying to resurrect that druidic circle. Guess we have to walk to the Black First quarters and talk with that other thief. Thank you for your time, Lord Sage. If you can tell where did you visit the prisoner, we will be on our way." Ola gave a short polite head bow and was ready to go, she did not have any more questions.
"Would you allow us to read the information that was omitted from the forgeries?" Sylyra presses. "These are surely strong clues as to why these thieves were here and where Spernik must have fled — if not now, ultimately."
"The Black Fist keep their prisoners at Stojanow Gate, near the castle," the sagely half-elf says. "If, as you say, they already owe you a favor, then you should have no trouble."
"Of course, you may read the forgeries yourself, though I believe that to be a poor use of time, as I have already done so and relayed all information to you. Every moment we spend repeating ourselves is a moment that Spernik slips further away."
Sylyra's face becomes blank as his opinion of the stuffy librarian lowers another notch. Clearly, he will be of no more help. The elf smiles a mocking smile and gives a tiny tilt to his head. "Thank you for your time." He turns and heads for the exit and the road to the castle.
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"I'll show you the way... Awhile ago, I did some research there where I was trying to figure out some of the wand making stuff," Uragum said as he gestured for the others to follow. With a happy look on his face he made his way leading them.
Hex nods and follows the rest to the library. As they're walking, she questions Ola and Uragum. "Does Sylyra always act like that? Don't mean to offend but it seems to me like he's avoiding you guys or at least trying not to be seen with you. Which is weird considering how he was basically flaunting Ola off the other day."
Ola smiled a little. "Just do not take anything he does personally. Sylyra has ... a peculiar ideas of reputation building. Can not say I understand his desire, and certainly not the methods, but it generally harmless and does not impede group's efficiency. Consider it a quirk habit of a companion, which indulging helps to put his mind at ease".
The library was not something she visited before, but she knew about existence of Lord Sage as she knew about most authorities of the city (she did not join Lords' Alliance for nothing). He was rumored to be a very devoted caretaker of what was left of the books collection there. Ola found herself even curious to see the man.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sun-bleached colonnades frame the austere facade of Mantor's Library, the most prominent institution in Scholar's Square. A solitary bench sits next to a tranquil pond at the fore of this property in the center of the square. The grounds are well-manicured and festooned with blooming flowers and other local flora.
The library is busy even after sunset, and dozens of scribes and other scholarly types are moving between desks and shelves in the vast reading room that greets you as you enter. Signage in front of the many stairways and doors along the edges of the room indicates that access to these areas is restricted.
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Hex doesn't look too impressed by Ola's explanation of Sylyra's behaviour but doesn't question further.
When they eventually reach the library, Hex would grab one of the many scholars around and ask for the Lord Sage, making sure to mention the job.
Feeling fairly confident that scribes and scholars pose no threat to his standing in Phlan, Sylyra comfortably catches up to and joins the others, though he does keep his hood up. He looks about the room. Despite it being much larger than his family's library, he was sure most of Waterdeep's libraries would put this one to shame ... not that he'd set one foot inside any of them. He had a social life and a reputation to maintain. Reading did nothing to advance either. "You've been here before?" he asks, not really addressing any single member of the party.
In response to Hex's question about Sylyra's behavior Uragum frowns. "He isn't avoiding us. He's avoiding being seen with me. Lets just say I have a reputation he is trying to avoid." He'd lead the rest of the party purposefully to their destination without much else said. When making it there, he'd take a moment to take the in busy, yet quiet surroundings. With single nod in Sylyra's direction he'd run a hand over the top of his head thinking for a moment and just said, "Yes, this way. I'm sure we'll need to check in up front. They will direct us from there."
Uragum would lead them to the front desk taking care to move quietly to respectful to the others on-site. When given the chance, he'd flag down one of the workers. "Good fellow, we are hear in response to the request the Lord Sage put out. Can you alert him that we are here?"
Despite the fact that this group is not the library's typical clientele, the Lord Sage is quickly alerted of your arrival, and within moments you are escorted to a small office with the curator of Mantor's Library himself. The half-elf is quite old, but still carries himself with a bit of youthful vigor. He is taciturn while his scribes leave the room, displaying little emotion. When only he remains in the room with you, he begins.
"Two days ago, two scribes that we recently hired here at the library - Spernik and Tibeem by name - were caught sneaking out of my offices. When questioned as to their purposes, they fled. The Black Fist was summoned to give chase. They succeeded, partially. Tibeem was captured, but not before slaying one of the guardsman. Spernik escaped. As it is presumed that he has left Phlan, the Black Fist is no longer interested in finding him. Hence, the call to arms that you have answered."
The Lord Sage pauses briefly.
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"Understandable." The Lord Sage did not waste time for any kind of formal politeness and Ola was not about to correct or contradict his habits. "Did Spernik stole anything before he fled? Did Tibeem said anything about Spermik's whereabouts? Or anything useful at all?" These were all the questions she could master - Ola was serious (as in "more than usual") about her unfamiliarity with the "catching thieves" procedures.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sylyra waits patiently as the librarian answers Ola's questions before asking a couple of his own. "What does this Spernik look like?", hoping to get a physical description including race and any distinguishing marks. "We will visit the Black Fist to get their side of this as well, but do you believe he has left Phlan?"
"That is a bit complicated. Allow me to start from what we know. Spernik and Tibeem had been employed by the library for just over four months. They were skilled workers, but unexceptional. I searched their room after they fled. There were two rare tomes within that had previously been stored in my personal library. When the books were taken back to be filed, however, two clever forgeries were already there in their place."
"In addition to this, the books were found packed in a large haversack along with other equipment typically associated with an extended expedition; extra clothes, rope, food and water, things of that nature. What worries me is that only one haversack was found despite the fact that both Spernik and Tibeem lived within the room."
"I believe, therefore, that Spernik possesses other stolen books, or has hidden them in remote places. The balance of the situation is delicate...killing him ensures that what he may have hidden will never be found."
"As I mentioned, Tibeem was arrested after he murdered a guard in his attempt to flee the city. I visited him, but the man was tight-lipped. I was not able to discern any details or any reason for the thefts. One with more experience in interrogation, or more believable threats, may experience grander luck."
"He has almost certainly left Phlan. The Black Fist have assured me that their search of the city was quite thorough. I believe them in this instance, considering that they were able to find Tibeem. As for Spernik's appearance, the flyer that you have answered was drawn to the best of our ability."
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"What were the subjects of these tomes?" Sylyra asks. "Would you mind if we took the forgeries?"
"Did you or the Black Fist have any idea where Spernik may have gone, other than out of Phlan? Which way did he leave or even where he may be planning on going?"
"I suspect only Black Fist would be able to answer that question," sighed Ola but looked at the Lord Sage expectedly.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The Lord Sage patiently and thoroughly answers:
"I would prefer not to lend out the forgeries, as the request for help was open to all, and others may have need of further information. However, we did compare the originals to their forged copies, and found that each contained subtle factual inaccuracies. It would seem that the two scribes intentionally changed the contents."
"The original History of the North had a chapter referencing the Circle of Scale, a sect of druids that sought to enslave dragons. This chapter was missing from the forgery. In addition, the original Lex Geographica contained an entry referring to a circle of standing stones located in the Dragonspine Mountains, at which a group of dragon-worshipping druids once resided. This entry, as well, was missing from its forgery."
"Neither I nor the Black Fist have an inkling as to where Spernik may have fled, unless these omitted entries are in fact clues. That is why I am outsourcing this work, so that the thief may be tracked down and brought back, with all of his stolen goods intact. For bringing our fallen scribe to justice, I am willing to offer fifty gold pieces, plus an additional one hundred gold pieces for the safe return of any other books or tomes that were stolen from the library."
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Hex nods her head, seemingly satisfied with the information and reward. She turns to look at the others, watching to see if they have anything else to say.
"So, someone is trying to erase information regarding dragons. Again, dragons." Said Ola thoughtfully. It seemed the reptiles were chasing the group - no matter what they were doing, some kind of dragon would turn up. "I wonder if someone is trying to resurrect that druidic circle. Guess we have to walk to the Black First quarters and talk with that other thief. Thank you for your time, Lord Sage. If you can tell where did you visit the prisoner, we will be on our way." Ola gave a short polite head bow and was ready to go, she did not have any more questions.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Would you allow us to read the information that was omitted from the forgeries?" Sylyra presses. "These are surely strong clues as to why these thieves were here and where Spernik must have fled — if not now, ultimately."
"The Black Fist keep their prisoners at Stojanow Gate, near the castle," the sagely half-elf says. "If, as you say, they already owe you a favor, then you should have no trouble."
"Of course, you may read the forgeries yourself, though I believe that to be a poor use of time, as I have already done so and relayed all information to you. Every moment we spend repeating ourselves is a moment that Spernik slips further away."
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Sylyra's face becomes blank as his opinion of the stuffy librarian lowers another notch. Clearly, he will be of no more help. The elf smiles a mocking smile and gives a tiny tilt to his head. "Thank you for your time." He turns and heads for the exit and the road to the castle.