In Coppers to Crowns, Erudisia breaks two silver pieces for the old glass chess piece, so similar and yet so entirely distinct from her own amulet. She places it in her pick with an idle thought that it can be placed in her secret study when next she ventures in.
She compliments Little One on his fetching new fascinator, then follows Bell to Wizards of the Wide, where they inspect the scrolls. She is tempted briefly by the scroll of Find Familiar, inspects the scroll of Comprehend Languages to see only how it varies from her own spell (minimally in function but maximally in form), then turns to the foci. It is hard at a glance to tell what, if any, could offer a benefit beyond that of her own crystal dragon chess piece.
She turns to the proprietor. “My father, back when he and his band of merry adventurers were still questing across the face of Faerun and ridding the world of evil and megalomaniacal menaces, he told me the story of how he gained his scaled cloak, and his band each a dragon’s tooth sword, a talon wand, and a drinking horn of jewelled splendiferousness from a flight of grateful gem dragons who had fallen here from deep in the astral realm… do you have anything like? Or perhaps in red oak or walnut — I always find those very fetching woods.”
In answer to Erudisia’s request, the shopkeeper removes a magic wand from the folds of his cloak and casts a simple illusion: an image of a pair of cloaks of dragon scales. “Like one of these?,” he asks hoarsely though smiling. “Yes. We have them, though not here. 1000gp, Milady, would be enough of a deposit for us to allow you a perusal. While you are there, I believe we have some fine wooden items as well…”
When Bell asks the shopkeeper for directions (her former Persuade roll still covers this), he points along the northern edge of The Wide, which you have reached, and tells you, long white whiskers shivering with each word, “Ah yes, Amberdune Books. Of course, they have been here for some time, although you’ll have to put your trust in foreign folk…”
He eyes Bell and fearing he has overstepped, backtracks. “Not everyone from far and away is as civilized as the young lady,” he says, referring to Bell. “While not everyone around here knows the meaning of civility, do they?” The last he says quite loudly, staring over Bell’s shoulder at a cordwainer in a neighboring stall, who does not look up from his polish but flips his middle finger at the speaker.
Perhaps ten stalls down along the edge of the Wide, you see, beyond a number of The Watch chatting while keeping eyes on guard, a bookseller’s stall announcing itself as Amberdune Books.
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DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Erudisia sighs longingly; the illusionary cloaks are exactly of the style of her father’s. Alas. A 100 platinum deposit is as yet beyond her means. She begs off, apologetically, before following Meredith to the exotic book stall.
As she leaves, she offers a middle finger to the seller, in the style of acknowledgement she noted from the cordwainer - some local sword coast gesture of affection, no doubt.
That is soon driven from her mind, however, as she notices the heavy Watch presence by the Amberdune stall. Are they there for protection or enforcement, or something more sinister still?
To Erudisia’s eye, The Watchmen she sees are merely standing where they are, eyes scanning the area with desultory indifference, looking bored but not unattentive.
It is now mid-morning and the sun has burned off the fog over The Wide entirely when Meredith approaches the Amberdune Bookstore stall. With the bustling sounds and smells of the enormous outdoor market plaza ever in the background, several customers are peeking at books, thoughtfully reading a line or two then replacing them. Two human shopkeeers are keeping an eye on the customers and on their wares. Both shopkeepers have the light brown complexions and brown, wavy hair Meredith knows to be typical of the people of Amn.
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DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Erudisia comes to stand behind Meredith, who has much more market experience and much more human experience, nodding at her to take the lead in the investigation. She looks to see if Little One is approaching, in case they need some intimidation to get results.
Meredith smiled slightly Amnians were not uncommon in Calimport, " Good Business!", she called out in greeting.
" We've certainly found the pearl within this enormous oyster of a bazaar."
She ran her eyes over their clothing noting the metal used in their accoutrements and thus their rank as merchants back home.
As long as they were Silver or above Meredith was sure they could be a lot of use in their investigations.
" Magic is somewhat frowned upon back in their homeland so best not to be too flashy.", she turned and whispered to the others, noting the way the morning sunlight filtered through Bells somewhat still frazzled hair....she coloured slightly and turned back towards the stall with a broad smile.
Meredith smiled slightly Amnians were not uncommon in Calimport, " Good Business!", she called out in greeting.
" We've certainly found the pearl within this enormous oyster of a bazaar."
She ran her eyes over their clothing noting the metal used in their accoutrements and thus their rank as merchants back home.
As long as they were Silver or above Meredith was sure they could be a lot of use in their investigations.
" Magic is somewhat frowned upon back in their homeland so best not to be too flashy.", she turned and whispered to the others, noting the way the morning sunlight filtered through Bells somewhat still frazzled hair....she coloured slightly and turned back towards the stall with a broad smile.
Persuasion ( First Impressions)- 16
“Yes, a single pearl in the wide ocean, an oasis of scholarship and imagination in a desert of mundanity, a golden goblet on a shelf among cracked crystal. That’s what we are, if you’re a lover of books," one of the shopkeepers answers. He is perhaps 30 years old, handsome, with a booming voice. “May I help you find what you are looking for? Perhaps a book of poems, such as this one?” He cracks open a tome and begins reading with an oratory tone, drumming up business and putting Meredith in the spotlight with him.
“What light through yonder window breaks?
“And brighter than the full moon shines?
“‘Tis starlight from the evening star
“For which my heart in daytime pines
“But quick, my soul this moment takes…”
Meredith sees no silver upon him, or gold, or copper. A humble ring of polished amber sits upon one finger, and an earring of tin on one ear.
Sitting on a stool within the tent, behind a waist-high table with books laid upon it, the other shopkeeper, a woman as reserved as the man is extroverted, shifts her glance among all nearby, upon the Watch, and upon her wares. Behind her is a chest, set on its side, with books within it with gold bindings on their covers. A sign advertises BOOKS FOR SALE 25GP EACH. *ASK ABOUT PRICELESS SPECIAL ITEMS.
Bell stays back and keeps looking from the performance at the book stall, Little One and the nearby Watch. " I hopeMeredithand Erudisiacan talk these people into helping us. I am fine with books but terrible with persuading people."
Meredith is a little confused.....this man did not act like any Amnish she had met before......perhaps he was further from home than the miles would tally.
She indicated Erudisia with one hand, " We....would like to make some purchases.......and some inquiries.", as she spoke the last word she turned her head to address the woman rather than the man.
“Make some purchases?,” the man echoes. “Wonderful. My cousin at the table can help you.” He smiles widely before picking up a different book and reading a few lines from it performatively to no one in particular after Meredith turns to the woman.
“From Candlekeep?,” the woman asks. It seems to take a moment for her to register the word. But when she does, her eyes crinkle in the smile of a merchant ready to make a sale. Yet her hand also grips the edge of her skirt tightly in response to something in Meredith’s forceful tone. “Everything you see is for sale, and if you want more items than you can carry, my cousin here can help lighten the load,” she says, gesturing toward the man, who is muscular.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
" And perhaps our assistant can carry your cousin in turn....", Meredith quips looking back at Little One and Bell with a quick smile.
They do not appear defensive......Meredith decides to push her luck a little...
" I was wanting to enquire if perhaps you know anything about books that are not books but something else entirely......have you come across such things in the trade?"
She paused for Erudisia to bring her formidible self and much better memory into proceedings....
" And perhaps our assistant can carry your cousin in turn....", Meredith quips looking back at Little One and Bell with a quick smile.
They do not appear defensive......Meredith decides to push her luck a little...
" I was wanting to enquire if perhaps you know anything about books that are not books but something else entirely......have you come across such things in the trade?"
She paused for Erudisia to bring her formidible self and much better memory into proceedings....
In the crowded space between stalls a dozen yards away, Little One’s hulking form is difficult to make out in its entirety. When Meredith motions toward him, the shopkeeper looks, but may not clock exactly who Meredith means. The shopkeeper seems to read the statement as a means of maintaining strength prior to bargaining for a lower price. She is obviously surprised when Meredith inquires about books that are not books. Not what she expected to hear, with its veiled insinuation that her own wares may be suspect. Her face a businesslike mask (which Meredith’s insight roll does not penetrate), the shopkeeper’s eyes flash to the nearby guards of the Watch then back to Meredith. “No. I have not,” she says flatly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Bell sighs as she watches the initial contact at the book seller's stall. She fidgets in place as she hesitates to interject herself into the verbal sparring since she is well aware of her less than stellar skills in persuasion. Still, if it helped resolve the mystery...
Bell pats Little One's hand and walks over to stand beside Meredith and waits for an opening in the conversation. "Ma'am, we are newly tasked by Candlekeep to investigate a mystery.
Candlekeep has had two incidents in a single night - of what seemed to be books transmuting into other forms and attacking staff and students. Why, even our friend over there," ** she points toward Little One ** "was set upon and nearly expired from the encounter. We wish to find the source of these wayward 'non books' to protect others from such dangers.
In good faith, Candlekeep is more than willing to pay a fair price for information as to the source of these 'non books' -- and perhaps - even purchase the tomes which helped guide a person to create such items."
Bell sighs one last time. "No accusations. No fear of detainment or arrest. Just a quiet bit of barter and trade for the sake of saving lives."
A pair of customers, a guildsman and an acolyte, make purchases rather quickly when they see Little One approaching after Bell, and the customers scurry away, throwing wary glances at the ogre, yet other customers continue browsing, their noses in their books, simply squeezing over to make room.
Bell’s questions draw the attention of the male shopkeeper, who offers a parting smile to the guildsman and acolyte, then draws near, listening in.
The woman behind the desk seems quite fed up. “Now. See here,” she begins in an unfriendly whisper. “I will not have you speaking of such things here in front of our customers. I do not know anything about it, and I suggest that if you do not want to buy anything, you move on.”
The man now interrupts, rolling his eyes slightly and patting the woman gently on the arm. “Now, now, cousin,” he starts, with a pouting expression aimed at the woman before flashing a mouth full of white teeth in a winning smile toward Bell, “there is no need to adopt such an attitude. They are here from a bastion of learning, and simply hope to get to the bottom of what sounds like a terrifying mystery.”
“Nearly expired…??,” he says, his glance taking in Little One from toe to hat and shoulder to broad shoulder, awe writ giantly on his face. “Now, that must have been quite a fiend to challenge one so very, erm, gifted in the muscles department? Why, how did you even manage?,” he asks Little One.
Little One tilts his head, his mouth puckering analytically, but, though maintaining a strong note of reserve, he answers truthfully. “Was magic creature. Muscle alone not enough to destroy” comes his rumbling basso.
“Indeed,” the salesman answers, “a magic creature? I shiver at the thought and commend your bravery and resilience.”
“Look, Milady, Ladies, Sir… while your quest is certainly a just one, I’m afraid we are mere booksellers, not printers and certainly not magic users. I’m sorry we can’t help, but I, and my cousin… there’s nothing to say about it. Plain mundane books. That’s all we’ve got. See for yourself?,” he suggests, offering a volume to each of you to peruse.
“How unfortunate. Our only lead is come to naught,” sighs Erudisia. “I will at least peruse a few of your books, as you offer, and ask you: from whom do you gain your volumes — a major supplier or piecemeal in the main part?”
Erudisia takes a moment to glance at the books offered, then asks, “I do so enjoy collected essays. I don’t suppose you have any volumes of Mazfroth’s Minor Digressions, do you?”
Her father’s instruction serve her here, he having once told her that asking an honest question of a lying man might get silence, but asking a foolish question of a proud man will surely get a correction. If the bookseller knows to correct the false title she has offered, of such a rare volume, well … it may well be an answer on its own.
“That’s the spirit,” says the man. “Oh, our supplier? Well, erm, that would be a question for the store manager, Karvala. She does all of the ordering, and… well, it is late in the morning, and she will be here shortly. I wouldn’t want to lead you astray with a guess,” he smiles.
“Mazfroth’s…,” the man answers, tapping his lower lip, “Oh!, yes, erm, yes?, I believe we have it, don’t we…?” he trails off, looking back at the woman at the counter. When you turn to her, you catch her, eyes narrowed, staring at Erudisia, before her glance flashes to the man. “No,” she says, flatly to him, then her expression softens. “No, we do not have a book by that name. We sold a book called Mazfroth’s Mighty Digressions some while back,” she continues, looking Erudisia in the eye with calm reserve. “But it was an only copy.”
The delivery of this statement is matter-of-fact, businesslike, unimpeachable.
(The pair’s Deception roll is 23. But Erudisia’s social tactic is so spot-on that I’m allowing her an automatic critical success on Insight. Somehow, she senses that there is more to the story.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Erudisia taps her finger on her chin, directing her next comments at the sterner woman of the pair.
”That was the one, that was the one. Do you make your own copies? I’d love to see an original, or if not the original then any copies which remain, even if they are not strictly for sale. Do you know the copier if not in-house? You must have a way of securing more, I presume, for such a valuable text — though it is not arcane — or else you would not know it was sold so precisely, when so many books must pass through your hands with such a business.”
She turns her hazel eyes toward the man, away from the harder faced woman, looking up at him softly, as she seems to catch a hold of herself, realising how closely she has come to stand in the last minute. “I apologise, I have a terrible habit of getting carried away when I am excited.”
“I admit, although I am a scholar of Candlekeep, my interest in the tome is not purely academic. I entered the great scholar’s refuge under the instruction of my Patron, a genie of wealth and cerebral interests, and he directs me to such rare treasures to acquire for his own library when the opportunity arises. His wealth is, truly, beyond imagination.
“Forgive me Bell, Meredith, Little One — this other business will only take a small moment and then we can continue our investigation for magical books at the other booksellers stalls in short order, as there is little magical for us here.” Erudisia lies, with a ‘go along with it’ gesture.
(If stonewalled — She will leave a calling card for their manager Karvala, with an invitation to the inn to discuss purchase orders and rare volumes)
In Coppers to Crowns, Erudisia breaks two silver pieces for the old glass chess piece, so similar and yet so entirely distinct from her own amulet. She places it in her pick with an idle thought that it can be placed in her secret study when next she ventures in.
She compliments Little One on his fetching new fascinator, then follows Bell to Wizards of the Wide, where they inspect the scrolls. She is tempted briefly by the scroll of Find Familiar, inspects the scroll of Comprehend Languages to see only how it varies from her own spell (minimally in function but maximally in form), then turns to the foci. It is hard at a glance to tell what, if any, could offer a benefit beyond that of her own crystal dragon chess piece.
She turns to the proprietor. “My father, back when he and his band of merry adventurers were still questing across the face of Faerun and ridding the world of evil and megalomaniacal menaces, he told me the story of how he gained his scaled cloak, and his band each a dragon’s tooth sword, a talon wand, and a drinking horn of jewelled splendiferousness from a flight of grateful gem dragons who had fallen here from deep in the astral realm… do you have anything like? Or perhaps in red oak or walnut — I always find those very fetching woods.”
In answer to Erudisia’s request, the shopkeeper removes a magic wand from the folds of his cloak and casts a simple illusion: an image of a pair of cloaks of dragon scales. “Like one of these?,” he asks hoarsely though smiling. “Yes. We have them, though not here. 1000gp, Milady, would be enough of a deposit for us to allow you a perusal. While you are there, I believe we have some fine wooden items as well…”
When Bell asks the shopkeeper for directions (her former Persuade roll still covers this), he points along the northern edge of The Wide, which you have reached, and tells you, long white whiskers shivering with each word, “Ah yes, Amberdune Books. Of course, they have been here for some time, although you’ll have to put your trust in foreign folk…”
He eyes Bell and fearing he has overstepped, backtracks. “Not everyone from far and away is as civilized as the young lady,” he says, referring to Bell. “While not everyone around here knows the meaning of civility, do they?” The last he says quite loudly, staring over Bell’s shoulder at a cordwainer in a neighboring stall, who does not look up from his polish but flips his middle finger at the speaker.
Perhaps ten stalls down along the edge of the Wide, you see, beyond a number of The Watch chatting while keeping eyes on guard, a bookseller’s stall announcing itself as Amberdune Books.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Meredith is already heading towards the book stall......being foreign and all.........
Erudisia sighs longingly; the illusionary cloaks are exactly of the style of her father’s. Alas. A 100 platinum deposit is as yet beyond her means. She begs off, apologetically, before following Meredith to the exotic book stall.
As she leaves, she offers a middle finger to the seller, in the style of acknowledgement she noted from the cordwainer - some local sword coast gesture of affection, no doubt.
That is soon driven from her mind, however, as she notices the heavy Watch presence by the Amberdune stall. Are they there for protection or enforcement, or something more sinister still?
(LOLOLOL!)
To Erudisia’s eye, The Watchmen she sees are merely standing where they are, eyes scanning the area with desultory indifference, looking bored but not unattentive.
It is now mid-morning and the sun has burned off the fog over The Wide entirely when Meredith approaches the Amberdune Bookstore stall. With the bustling sounds and smells of the enormous outdoor market plaza ever in the background, several customers are peeking at books, thoughtfully reading a line or two then replacing them. Two human shopkeeers are keeping an eye on the customers and on their wares. Both shopkeepers have the light brown complexions and brown, wavy hair Meredith knows to be typical of the people of Amn.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Erudisia comes to stand behind Meredith, who has much more market experience and much more human experience, nodding at her to take the lead in the investigation. She looks to see if Little One is approaching, in case they need some intimidation to get results.
Meredith smiled slightly Amnians were not uncommon in Calimport, " Good Business!", she called out in greeting.
" We've certainly found the pearl within this enormous oyster of a bazaar."
She ran her eyes over their clothing noting the metal used in their accoutrements and thus their rank as merchants back home.
As long as they were Silver or above Meredith was sure they could be a lot of use in their investigations.
" Magic is somewhat frowned upon back in their homeland so best not to be too flashy.", she turned and whispered to the others, noting the way the morning sunlight filtered through Bells somewhat still frazzled hair....she coloured slightly and turned back towards the stall with a broad smile.
Persuasion ( First Impressions)- 16
“Yes, a single pearl in the wide ocean, an oasis of scholarship and imagination in a desert of mundanity, a golden goblet on a shelf among cracked crystal. That’s what we are, if you’re a lover of books," one of the shopkeepers answers. He is perhaps 30 years old, handsome, with a booming voice. “May I help you find what you are looking for? Perhaps a book of poems, such as this one?” He cracks open a tome and begins reading with an oratory tone, drumming up business and putting Meredith in the spotlight with him.
“What light through yonder window breaks?
“And brighter than the full moon shines?
“‘Tis starlight from the evening star
“For which my heart in daytime pines
“But quick, my soul this moment takes…”
Meredith sees no silver upon him, or gold, or copper. A humble ring of polished amber sits upon one finger, and an earring of tin on one ear.
Sitting on a stool within the tent, behind a waist-high table with books laid upon it, the other shopkeeper, a woman as reserved as the man is extroverted, shifts her glance among all nearby, upon the Watch, and upon her wares. Behind her is a chest, set on its side, with books within it with gold bindings on their covers. A sign advertises BOOKS FOR SALE 25GP EACH. *ASK ABOUT PRICELESS SPECIAL ITEMS.
Little One stays with Bell.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Bell stays back and keeps looking from the performance at the book stall, Little One and the nearby Watch. " I hope Meredith and Erudisia can talk these people into helping us. I am fine with books but terrible with persuading people."
Erudisia approaches the sign advertising priceless special items, curiously, but says nothing as yet, while Meredith and the Bookseller speak.
Meredith is a little confused.....this man did not act like any Amnish she had met before......perhaps he was further from home than the miles would tally.
She indicated Erudisia with one hand, " We....would like to make some purchases.......and some inquiries.", as she spoke the last word she turned her head to address the woman rather than the man.
" We are from Candlekeep."
Intimidation-11
Insight- 10
“Make some purchases?,” the man echoes. “Wonderful. My cousin at the table can help you.” He smiles widely before picking up a different book and reading a few lines from it performatively to no one in particular after Meredith turns to the woman.
“From Candlekeep?,” the woman asks. It seems to take a moment for her to register the word. But when she does, her eyes crinkle in the smile of a merchant ready to make a sale. Yet her hand also grips the edge of her skirt tightly in response to something in Meredith’s forceful tone. “Everything you see is for sale, and if you want more items than you can carry, my cousin here can help lighten the load,” she says, gesturing toward the man, who is muscular.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
" And perhaps our assistant can carry your cousin in turn....", Meredith quips looking back at Little One and Bell with a quick smile.
They do not appear defensive......Meredith decides to push her luck a little...
" I was wanting to enquire if perhaps you know anything about books that are not books but something else entirely......have you come across such things in the trade?"
She paused for Erudisia to bring her formidible self and much better memory into proceedings....
Erudisia looks toward Bell, entirely mistaking Meredith’s point.
In the crowded space between stalls a dozen yards away, Little One’s hulking form is difficult to make out in its entirety. When Meredith motions toward him, the shopkeeper looks, but may not clock exactly who Meredith means. The shopkeeper seems to read the statement as a means of maintaining strength prior to bargaining for a lower price. She is obviously surprised when Meredith inquires about books that are not books. Not what she expected to hear, with its veiled insinuation that her own wares may be suspect. Her face a businesslike mask (which Meredith’s insight roll does not penetrate), the shopkeeper’s eyes flash to the nearby guards of the Watch then back to Meredith. “No. I have not,” she says flatly.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Bell - Passive Perception: 13
Bell sighs as she watches the initial contact at the book seller's stall. She fidgets in place as she hesitates to interject herself into the verbal sparring since she is well aware of her less than stellar skills in persuasion. Still, if it helped resolve the mystery...
Bell pats Little One's hand and walks over to stand beside Meredith and waits for an opening in the conversation. "Ma'am, we are newly tasked by Candlekeep to investigate a mystery.
Candlekeep has had two incidents in a single night - of what seemed to be books transmuting into other forms and attacking staff and students. Why, even our friend over there," ** she points toward Little One ** "was set upon and nearly expired from the encounter. We wish to find the source of these wayward 'non books' to protect others from such dangers.
In good faith, Candlekeep is more than willing to pay a fair price for information as to the source of these 'non books' -- and perhaps - even purchase the tomes which helped guide a person to create such items."
Bell sighs one last time. "No accusations. No fear of detainment or arrest. Just a quiet bit of barter and trade for the sake of saving lives."
{game log} Persuasion: 8
A pair of customers, a guildsman and an acolyte, make purchases rather quickly when they see Little One approaching after Bell, and the customers scurry away, throwing wary glances at the ogre, yet other customers continue browsing, their noses in their books, simply squeezing over to make room.
Bell’s questions draw the attention of the male shopkeeper, who offers a parting smile to the guildsman and acolyte, then draws near, listening in.
The woman behind the desk seems quite fed up. “Now. See here,” she begins in an unfriendly whisper. “I will not have you speaking of such things here in front of our customers. I do not know anything about it, and I suggest that if you do not want to buy anything, you move on.”
The man now interrupts, rolling his eyes slightly and patting the woman gently on the arm. “Now, now, cousin,” he starts, with a pouting expression aimed at the woman before flashing a mouth full of white teeth in a winning smile toward Bell, “there is no need to adopt such an attitude. They are here from a bastion of learning, and simply hope to get to the bottom of what sounds like a terrifying mystery.”
“Nearly expired…??,” he says, his glance taking in Little One from toe to hat and shoulder to broad shoulder, awe writ giantly on his face. “Now, that must have been quite a fiend to challenge one so very, erm, gifted in the muscles department? Why, how did you even manage?,” he asks Little One.
Little One tilts his head, his mouth puckering analytically, but, though maintaining a strong note of reserve, he answers truthfully. “Was magic creature. Muscle alone not enough to destroy” comes his rumbling basso.
“Indeed,” the salesman answers, “a magic creature? I shiver at the thought and commend your bravery and resilience.”
“Look, Milady, Ladies, Sir… while your quest is certainly a just one, I’m afraid we are mere booksellers, not printers and certainly not magic users. I’m sorry we can’t help, but I, and my cousin… there’s nothing to say about it. Plain mundane books. That’s all we’ve got. See for yourself?,” he suggests, offering a volume to each of you to peruse.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
“How unfortunate. Our only lead is come to naught,” sighs Erudisia. “I will at least peruse a few of your books, as you offer, and ask you: from whom do you gain your volumes — a major supplier or piecemeal in the main part?”
Erudisia takes a moment to glance at the books offered, then asks, “I do so enjoy collected essays. I don’t suppose you have any volumes of Mazfroth’s Minor Digressions, do you?”
Her father’s instruction serve her here, he having once told her that asking an honest question of a lying man might get silence, but asking a foolish question of a proud man will surely get a correction. If the bookseller knows to correct the false title she has offered, of such a rare volume, well … it may well be an answer on its own.
“That’s the spirit,” says the man. “Oh, our supplier? Well, erm, that would be a question for the store manager, Karvala. She does all of the ordering, and… well, it is late in the morning, and she will be here shortly. I wouldn’t want to lead you astray with a guess,” he smiles.
“Mazfroth’s…,” the man answers, tapping his lower lip, “Oh!, yes, erm, yes?, I believe we have it, don’t we…?” he trails off, looking back at the woman at the counter. When you turn to her, you catch her, eyes narrowed, staring at Erudisia, before her glance flashes to the man. “No,” she says, flatly to him, then her expression softens. “No, we do not have a book by that name. We sold a book called Mazfroth’s Mighty Digressions some while back,” she continues, looking Erudisia in the eye with calm reserve. “But it was an only copy.”
The delivery of this statement is matter-of-fact, businesslike, unimpeachable.
(The pair’s Deception roll is 23. But Erudisia’s social tactic is so spot-on that I’m allowing her an automatic critical success on Insight. Somehow, she senses that there is more to the story.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
(Thank you)
Erudisia taps her finger on her chin, directing her next comments at the sterner woman of the pair.
”That was the one, that was the one. Do you make your own copies? I’d love to see an original, or if not the original then any copies which remain, even if they are not strictly for sale. Do you know the copier if not in-house? You must have a way of securing more, I presume, for such a valuable text — though it is not arcane — or else you would not know it was sold so precisely, when so many books must pass through your hands with such a business.”
She turns her hazel eyes toward the man, away from the harder faced woman, looking up at him softly, as she seems to catch a hold of herself, realising how closely she has come to stand in the last minute. “I apologise, I have a terrible habit of getting carried away when I am excited.”
“I admit, although I am a scholar of Candlekeep, my interest in the tome is not purely academic. I entered the great scholar’s refuge under the instruction of my Patron, a genie of wealth and cerebral interests, and he directs me to such rare treasures to acquire for his own library when the opportunity arises. His wealth is, truly, beyond imagination.
“Forgive me Bell, Meredith, Little One — this other business will only take a small moment and then we can continue our investigation for magical books at the other booksellers stalls in short order, as there is little magical for us here.” Erudisia lies, with a ‘go along with it’ gesture.
(If stonewalled — She will leave a calling card for their manager Karvala, with an invitation to the inn to discuss purchase orders and rare volumes)