Ellanise accompanies the others through the halls and outside. Her eyes scan every face as she looks for Aldeon Kryn. She knows not what his academic schedule is, which buildings he frequents, or even where his dormitory is located. She considers — not for the first time — seeking his aid in this matter. But — once again — she decides against it. If she happens upon him, so be it. Otherwise, it is probably best to leave him out of this matter.
As she keeps catching the eyes of other students, however, she decides it wouldn't hurt to be friendly and perhaps learn something from them. She touches Käinen on the arm. "I'm going to talk to some of the students if anyone is looking for me," she says quietly. Once her message is conveyed, she looks for students who are congregating in the area — ones that look like they may spend time near Professor Marsh's office.
Perception: 12
Seeing a small group of students sitting nearby, she approaches them, her mouth arched into a pleasant smile. "Good morning," she says in greeting. "I'm a friend of Professor Marsh's. He's had something stolen from his office," she motions toward the building. "Have you seen or heard anything out of the ordinary in this part of the academy?"
With the plan loosely in place, each of you sets off—individually or in small groups—to tackle the avenues you find most pressing. Whether it’s scouring the courtyard beneath the academy window, mingling in the Arcana and Astronomy wings, or stepping outside to speak with the city guard.
Rowan
Kneeling amidst the grass and decorative bushes, you meticulously search for footprints, disturbed earth, or chipped stone fragments from the wall above. Despite the dew settling on the greenery, your practiced eye notices a subtle trail of flattened stems leading to one of the shrubs closer to the wall’s base. While checking the bushes, you catch a lingering scent that seems out of place in an academy courtyard—faintly spicy, almost resinous. The familiar scent reminds you of the subtle aroma from Professor Marsh’s study which you most likely just assumed was normal for his quarters. Taking a sample with your fingers, rubbing it between your thumb and index finger, you decide whatever incense was dropped here doesn’t appear common to local markets, hinting at travelers or individuals with exotic connections.
A short distance away, a patient caretaker in a wide-brimmed hat trims ornamental hedges with expert care. When you approach, they seem friendly enough, though somewhat preoccupied. They mention noticing odd footprints in the grass that weren’t there the day before—likely around the same shrubs you’re examining. They recall “a whiff of something spicy” lingering in the air at dawn, but dismissed it as leftover campus alchemy experiments or travelers passing through. The Gardener, when asked about what they might have seen, doesn't reveal any strange sightings, but after a moment, produces a small note they found in the shrubs a day or so ago.
On one side, it’s scrawled with mundane doodles or random lines—easily dismissed as student doodling. However, the other side reads,
“Gardener says the northern roses are finally ready to bloom tonight. If you’re still free, meet near the lattice by the old vines. I’m done tending the last row, so it’s your turn to pick what you need—just make sure to finish before dawn. The caretaker can be stubborn about letting folks roam after hours. Remember to keep an eye on the weather, or we’ll both be caught out in the storm!”
Teryn
As you head inside to gather information among scholars and students, small clusters of advanced students debate arcane theory by large windows overlooking the city. Professors in layered robes confer at chalkboards cluttered with star charts and cosmic diagrams. The atmosphere buzzes with academic fervor. Casting a glance around for suspicious behavior yields nothing overtly alarming—you don't pick up any immediate guilt or malice. Still, you do notice a group of three enthusiastic students near a tall display case of meteorite fragments. They exchange heated whispers about “celestial junctures” and wave you over after catching a brief moment of direct eye contact as you peer around the room.
When approached, they happily rope you into their conversation, asking your thoughts on a rumored upcoming cosmic alignment. One student, an elegant looking human noblewoman, firmly argues there is nothing of the sort, while another, a halfling man in fine robes, references “a rare planetoid’s pass”—echoing Professor Marsh’s talk of Aracine—but can’t recall exactly where they heard the rumor. They're trying to remember details of the event: names of celestial bodies, how rare the event is, and if there are any events tied to it.
They’re eager for outside perspectives, especially yours, as anyone in this area of the academy not dressed in proper academy attire is generally a visiting scholar of some sort who might have some knowledge of astral phenomena.
Byldeth
As you venture outside the academy gates to the local guard post, you find a low, stone building abuzz with morning routines—guards returning from patrol, scribes noting incidents in ledgers, and a few citizens lodging minor complaints.
Overworked and maintaining a skeptical exterior, a stern-looking human woman with a plaque that reads: "Sgt. Holt" on her desk, looks up from a clutter of paperwork. She blinks at anyone approaching in polished armor or otherwise distinctive gear. As you announce you require help, Holt’s expression pins somewhere between curiosity and weariness. She’s not unsympathetic—just pressed by a backlog of duties. She lets out a short sigh, "What seems to be your issue?"
Ellanise
You accompany Käinen through the academy corridors and out into one of the open courtyards before peeling off, offering a quiet parting word so your companions know where to find you. The bustle of morning classes has escalated—small clusters of students lounge on benches, review scrolls for upcoming lectures, or exchange idle campus gossip.
Spotting a group of three sitting near a low stone fountain, you approach with a polite smile. Two of them appear deep in conversation about some astronomy paper; the third absently flips through a tattered notebook. Your greeting immediately commands their attention. Your tone is friendly, yet the mention of a theft brings a flicker of intrigue to their eyes. They glance at one another uncertainly.
The first student, a lanky half-elf with a short fringe, offers a hesitant shake of the head. "Odd? Not that I can think of… I mean, it’s the academy, right? People stay up late all the time, reading or practicing spells.”
The second student, an animated human with ink-stained fingers, looks concerned. “I usually study in the Astronomy Wing. If anything weird happened, it was probably after midnight. I’m too busy sleeping then.” They then give an apologetic shrug.
They seem to collectively decide they haven’t noticed anything suspicious—until the last one, a soft-spoken Tiefling wearing thick spectacles, perks up as if recalling something. They glance between the other two, then back to you with a curious frown. “Well, I don’t know if it’s connected—but a little while ago, I saw someone around the courtyard by the professor’s offices late at night. It wasn’t outright suspicious… but they were just… standing there, staring at the sky like they were in a trance or something.” He shifts in place, adjusting his spectacles. “At first I thought, hey, it’s not uncommon for students to stargaze. But the way they did it… gave me chills. Like they were… basking in the moonlight. I—I approached, tried to say hello, but they barely acknowledged me. No conversation, no reaction. It felt off.” The other two exchange uncertain looks before the Tiefling speaks up again, “They left eventually. I think it was near Professor Marsh’s building—but again, the academy’s big, and I didn’t see exactly where they went. Could’ve been a visitor or a traveling scholar who just… had a weird vibe. But it stuck with me.” He lifts a shoulder, clearly uncertain if this is relevant but feeling compelled to share. “Sorry it’s not more. It might be nothing, but… it sure wasn’t normal, if you ask me.”
The other two nod, as though this is the first time they’re hearing it, too. They don’t appear to have more concrete details—no cloak color, no visible insignia—but the memory of that strange, silent figure resonates.
You note that while it’s far from definitive proof of wrongdoing, it’s an unusual occurrence in a place otherwise bustling with friendly chatter and open scholarly pursuits.
Teryn approached the group with a polite smile, his silver eyes bright with interest. The energy of their conversation was infectious, and he seamlessly folded himself into their circle, his refined posture and warm demeanor helping him blend in as though he belonged.
“Ah, celestial alignments,” Teryn began, his tone measured yet enthusiastic. “Such events always capture the imagination, don’t they? The notion that the heavens themselves might hold sway over our world…it’s both humbling and exhilarating.”
Turning his attention to the halfling, Teryn gestured lightly with one hand, as though encouraging the young scholar to elaborate. “You mentioned a rare planetoid—Aracine, if I’m not mistaken? That’s a fascinating detail. I’ve read that its pass is so infrequent that it’s practically legendary among astronomers. Yet, rumors of its alignment seem to be circulating with surprising frequency of late.”
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to convey a sense of shared intrigue. “It’s curious, though—I haven’t encountered much written about this particular event.”
Teryn’s gaze remained attentive and encouraging, his tone never straying from one of genuine curiosity. He subtly directed the conversation back to the alignment itself, offering tidbits of his own knowledge to keep the discussion lively.
“Of course, the significance of such an alignment depends on the celestial bodies involved,” he added, his voice carrying the practiced cadence of a seasoned scholar. “Certain conjunctions are known to amplify specific schools of magic, for example.”
He cast a thoughtful glance at the noblewoman and the other students, inviting their thoughts while subtly keeping the halfling engaged. “It seems we’re on the verge of something extraordinary. But with so much speculation, it’s hard to separate fact from rumor. What do you all make of it? And you,” he said, addressing the halfling directly with a small, encouraging smile,“where do you think this buzz about Aracine truly began?”
Persuasion to get the Halfling to remember and share where he heard the rumor: 12 w advantage from perfume
He left the group just after Teryn presented his findings about magic, to talk with what appeared to be a custodian. The cupboard by his side and the paper on his hands suggested the man worked by there, that he was likely to have seen anything out of order in the area. Something like, at the very least, an individual staring at the building. Skilled thieves studied both their target and their surroundings, after all. Käinen doubted the man saw the criminals in the act, considering he was alive and well.
“Good morning, sir.” The goliath started as he approached the custodian. “I’m with Professor Alden Marsh, investigating signs of a unauthorized entrance in his office.” No need to mention the theft, he thought At least not yet. Doing so at that point would only spread word about what happened. “Would you happen to have seen anyone new around the area in the last week? Or someone wandering here during an unusual hour. Maybe someone acting strangely?”
There was a chance the man had seen nothing. The criminals knew their way around the wards of the academy. Maybe they could scout without being physically present or turn invisible as they looked around. No use thinking about worst-cases, Käinen told himself while waiting for an answer.
Rowan holds the note between thumb and forefinger, glancing at the gardening tool in the caretaker’s hand and inhaling a final hint of that faintly spicy aroma lingering in the air. “I’ll have to ask my colleague later,” he murmurs, more to himself than anyone else, “see if he knows a spell that uses something like this.”
Turning the paper over, he taps the line about northern roses and arches an eyebrow at the gardener. “I’m guessing you didn’t say anything like that, right? Do we even grow ‘northern roses’ here?” Then, Rowan eyes the mention of vines and a lattice. “We have any old trellis with vines on it? Possibly a spot folks could meet unnoticed?” He politely requests, “Mind showing me exactly where you discovered it?” and when the gardener obliges, he thanks them. “I need to show this to my colleague, do you mind if I hold on to this?" he says wryly. '—and maybe check the handwriting or, uh, code behind it,' he thinks and slips the paper into his pouch (if permitted).
With that, Rowan makes a quick farewell, then sets off to find Teryn, Ellanise, or Käinen—whoever he crosses paths with first—to share the strange note and ask if Teryn recognize the spicy scent (that might still linger on his finger tips?) from any particular ritual or spell, or if Ellanise, or Käinen can make any sense of the message (like whether it is thieves' cant).
"I had an item stolen from me." Byldeth states, "The symbol of my divine order." He made sure to state it slowly, weighing his words to make sure the woman understood the value, "An antique jewelry imbued with magic to protect from the forces of the night. It has been in my family for centuries . . . So, i require an investigation on any suspicious activities." The dwarf crossed his arms, awaiting for an answer.
Ellanise smiles reassuringly. "Anything more you can remember about the stranger? Their species, hair color, skin color ... height, weight ... You don't need to be specific. Anything you can remember will be helpful. And, do you remember what night this was? Also, when you say they were staring at the sky, were they facing the building, or was their back to the building? I ask because I wonder if it's possible they were looking up the building instead of at the sky."
With multiple threads of the investigation unfolding at once, the academy’s halls and courtyards grow steadily busier in the late morning sun. Scholars and students move about—some intrigued by your presence, others too engrossed in their own studies to notice. Each of you garners a small piece of the puzzle from the folks you speak to, drawing the investigation slowly toward a more concrete picture.
Teryn
A casual circle of scholars—two humans, a half-elf, and a bright-eyed halfling—eagerly discuss the rumor of Aracine. Your polished demeanor slips seamlessly into their conversation. As you raise the question of where these whispers originated, the halfling leans forward, excitement lighting their features. “Yes, that's it! Aracine! Legendary, right? Hardly passes within view more than once a century. Now that everyone’s buzzing about it lately, I heard a traveling scholar mention it in passing maybe a week or two ago. I didn’t catch their name, but they asked me who at the academy might really know their stuff about cosmic alignments.” They chuckle sheepishly, fiddling with the fringe on their satchel. “I, uh, sorta bombarded them with questions. I was so thrilled someone was into the same niche astronomy obsession I have. Ended up suggesting they talk to Professor Marsh—he’s the local expert, after all. After that, they left. Didn’t say where they were headed.” The student shrugs. "They seemed polite enough, just… I dunno, intense. Wore dusty traveling robes, asked me not to mention our chat—said they didn’t want to cause a stir with half-baked theories.”
Two of the other students nod along, confirming they’ve also heard slight rumors of a visitor asking about Marsh’s research. None can precisely recall the traveler’s species or face—only that they seemed very focused on the professor’s cosmic knowledge.
Käinen
Meanwhile, Käinen splits from the group to approach a custodian organizing supplies near a tall cupboard. The man is middle-aged, wearing a simple linen vest and carrying a clipboard of tasks. He blinks at the goliath’s imposing figure, but politely adjusts his stance. He responds with guarded curiosity, “Unauthorized entrance in Marsh’s office? Huh. Well, haven’t seen anyone forcing a door, if that’s what you mean. But a few days back, I did spot someone lurking near the Astronomy Wing’s side stairwell late at night—didn’t look like a student I recognized.” He flips through a few pages on his clipboard, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Seemed to be jotting notes or sketches. Could’ve been an alum or a visitor, so I didn’t question it. They left soon after I turned the corner. I found a small smear of something on the wall—sorta resinous or oily? Don’t know what it was, just wiped it off without thinking.” Scratching the back of his head, he shrugs. "That’s all I’ve got, friend. Sorry if it’s not much. I usually don't poke around with a lantern unless something’s obviously broken.”
Rowan
Down in the courtyard, Rowan carefully pockets the parchment with the message after showing it to the gardener—who indeed looks baffled by its talk of “northern roses” and “old vines.” Shaking their head, they say, “I certainly never wrote that. And we don’t grow a single variety of rose in this patch—just ornamental shrubs and a few night-blooming jasmine near the Astronomy Wing. …As for a trellis or lattice, well, there’s an old iron framework by the east side, but it hasn’t supported real vines in ages. It’s more decorative than anything.”
They gesture to the base of the wall, pointing out a tangle of slightly bent stems where they found the note. “Probably got stuck there by the wind—didn’t pay it any mind. Take it if you like. Trash is trash, but if it helps you folks… good luck.” Before Rowan leaves, the caretaker remarks they’ll keep an eye out for any more suspicious debris or footprints.
Byldeth
Traveling beyond campus grounds, Byldeth finds the guard post: a squat, stone structure with tired-looking guards exchanging shifts. Sergeant Brenna Holt, a lean woman with sharp eyes and short-cropped hair, stands behind a desk piled with reports. She looks up at the paladin’s polished armor with grudging respect. With a terse but not unkind tone, she says, “An antique symbol of your order, stolen? In the city, or specifically the academy?”
When Byldeth suggests the theft occurred recently—around the same time as the missing tome—Holt groans, rummaging through her stack of half-filed scrolls. “I did get a brief note about unidentified figures moving quickly near the academy gates last night. No official alarm was raised, and they vanished before the patrol could intercept.” She unrolls a small parchment, skimming it with narrowed eyes. “They were heading east… that’d put them toward the old harbor district if they kept going. But we don’t have enough detail to start a manhunt.”
She sets the scroll aside, meeting Byldeth’s gaze with tempered sympathy. “I can put out word to keep watch for a relic matching your description—though we’re short-handed and busy with other city matters. If you hear anything else or dig up more specifics, come back. I’ll try to help. But without a solid lead, I can’t promise a grand mobilization. We barely have enough boots to patrol the markets.”
Ellanise
Meanwhile, Ellanise’s gentle questioning draws out additional tidbits from the group who witnessed a star-gazing stranger:
“I—uh, let me think… They were definitely taller than me, but not huge—maybe a human or half-elf, slim build. Hard to tell in low light.” They rub at their neck, recalling the memory. "Couldn’t see face details or skin color well. They wore a hood. I do remember them, well… tilting their face upward. Not looking at the building, but the stars. It really seemed like they were absorbing the moonlight. Gave me goosebumps.” Glancing at Ellanise, they shrug. “They left pretty abruptly. Maybe about a week or so ago. I didn’t think to chase ‘em. Didn’t seem illegal to just… stand around. But I… wish I’d asked a name.”
They apologize they can’t recall more—only that the vibe was unsettling.
As the day wears on, things are appearing to align—though the larger picture remains elusive. Each of you stands at a crossroads, deciding how best to connect them. The academy grounds are still alive with the hustle and bustle of regular staff and students, blissfully unaware of the mystery.
Forthcoming like a Warden, Käinen thought as the custodian answered his question. The behavior of the lurking figure was a nice fit for a scout studying the field before action, almost too nice. Someone from a group of thieves capable of bypassing the academy wards should be able to act without being seen. Unless they were in a hurry. Marsh spoke of the position of the celestial bodies. Maybe the thieves needed the book before a specific formation and had to work with less precaution than the ideal.
“Thank you for the help and no need to apologize.”He answered with a kind smile and a soft voice. “That resin, could you describe its color and smell?” Such things could be relevant later. “And would you happen to remember any characteristic of this figure? Clothing, approximate height, apparent gender, color of skin or hair…”He should, considering that he didn’t think it was a student he recognized. “It would also be helpful if you could precise how many days ago you saw them.”
Put together, those details should allow one to ask those working by the entrances for this suspect. It was a flimsy thread, Käinen had to admit, but still a start. More than that, depending on what the others found.
Question: Does Käinen believe the custodian is being honest?
Teryn inclined his head thoughtfully, his silver eyes flickering with intrigue as the halfling recounted their interaction. “A traveling scholar, you say? Fascinating. I'd love to have a chat with them as well."
Intense, with a face no one could recall...Some sort of magic to hide their identity, or perhaps even alter the witnesses' memories? Intriguing indeed. Teryn gave a courteous nod to the group, his tone polite but tinged with a sense of purpose. “Thank you for your time and your curiosity. It’s minds like yours that keep the wonders of the cosmos alive.”
With that, he turned gracefully, his thoughts already spinning. A traveler so focused, so discreet—they might have been seeking more than mere knowledge. He decided it would be prudent to follow up on this lead and perhaps consult Professor Marsh directly about any visitors he’d recently received. But first, he needed to regroup with the others and share what he had learned.
"In the academy, more precisely." The paladin stated, nodding. He listens closely. figureS means that it was, indeed, more than one thief.
The old harbor district . . . that was an important lead. Maybe the culprits had a hideout around the place? The dwarf started to slowly caress his beard, thinking that the others must have found clues that may add onto his own discovery. "I understand, miss. You've been of great help already." He nods, smiling. "I wish for the greatest luck for you, and for the radiant flame to guide your path." If the woman woudn't give him more information, Byldeth would give a simple goodbye, walking away to go back towards the professor. He had the information of a possible lead. Hopefully they were right.
Rowan thanks the gardener one last time, shooting them a friendly nod. With the note safely in his pouch, he turns a quick circle in the courtyard, searching for any sign of Teryn, Ellanise, or Käinen among the flowing crowds of students and staff. When he comes up short, he exhales in mild frustration and offers a rueful smile to himself. “Feels like trying to find a lone egg in a chicken coop at feeding time,” he mutters under his breath. Deciding not to waste more daylight, Rowan gathers his bearings and sets off toward Professor Marsh’s study. Perhaps one of his companions has already swung back there. Failing that, at least the professor might point him in the right direction—or offer a private nook to puzzle over the mysterious note. As he heads through the academy’s winding halls, Rowan keeps his eyes open for any familiar faces.
Ellanise at first frowns. A week ago. It seems the theft happened more recently than that. The star gazer may have nothing to do with the theft. Then again, they could be related in some way. It's too early to start ignoring possible clues.
The female elf adjusts her face and adopts one of pleasantness. She thanks the students for their information and heads back to share what little she's been able to glean with the others.
As the custodian finishes recalling the details, he shrugs apologetically, “The smear was… dark gray, maybe blackish? Didn’t smell like anything, best I can recall. Figured it was soot or old paint. And the robed figure… well, they looked like any other student to me—hooded, average height, I couldn’t even tell you if they were elf or human. Just… seemed off, you know? This was, uh, maybe two days back. Sorry I can’t be more specific.” He offers a faint smile in apology, returning to his clipboard of tasks.
Though the information is sparse, it bolsters the notion of someone scouting the area in plain sight.
In time, each of you wraps up your respective inquiries: Teryn among eager astronomers, Rowan in the courtyard with the gardener, Ellanise chatting with students about a mysterious stargazer, Byldeth returning from the guard post, and Käinen emerging from his conversation with the custodian.
Your paths eventually lead you all back to the academy’s main corridor, its lofty arches and wide windows letting in an abundance of midday light. Students pass by in twos or threes, some clutching bundles of parchment, others juggling ink-stained books, their whispered conversations forming a soft backdrop of scholarly bustle. A quiet corner near a series of tall windows proves a convenient rendezvous point—roomy enough to gather without hindering foot traffic, yet out of the direct flow of hurrying students. The gentle tap of nearby footsteps and the distant hush of turning pages in adjoining halls serve as a subtle reminder of the academic world moving along around you.
One by one, you converge here, arriving with a mix of expressions—some thoughtful, others resolute or quietly intrigued. The scattered bits of evidence, hints, and observations gleaned from the morning’s investigations now hang in the air, ready to be pieced together. There’s no immediate crowd or prying ears, just the mild echoes of distant lectures and the ambient murmur of curious passersby who pay you little mind.
No alarms ring out, and the city’s clamor beyond the academy walls remains subdued. The atmosphere of scholarly normalcy contrasts with the urgency of your findings, underscoring the subtle tension threading through your gathering.
“You were already helpful, sir. Thank you.” Käinen answered genuinely. Sure thing, he didn’t had the description of a culprit, but now remained little doubt that scouting was done before the theft and the smear could by itself be a clue. It was more than what he had before talking with the custodian, it was a start.
He was in the academy, so it should be plenty of people capable of identifying the substance. First, the goliath decided, he would check with Teryn. If nothing came to the elf’s mind then they could always reach for Vasha or the professor. Hoping his colleagues had better luck he followed to the main corridor.
“Should we look for a more discreet location to share our findings?” He asked as the entire party reunited. “Not that I have much to share.” The goliath continued, lowering his voice. “Talked with the custodian by the garden. There was a hooded figure of average height looking around the office two days ago. Clearly not a student, ran away upon noticing the man and left a stain made of a substance between dark grey and black. The custodian thought soot and cleaned it without problem.”
His eyes went to the warlock, giving space for him to speak his thoughts.
Notes: @DM, would Käinen know of any soot-like substance used in burglary?
"That’s certainly curious,” Teryn began, his voice tinged with intrigue. “A hooded figure, soot-like residue…Perhaps the remains of a spell component?"
Arcana/Nature? to try to recall such a substance: nat 20+5/18
He turned slightly, his gaze settling on each of his companions in turn before continuing. “Among the astronomers and scholars I spoke to, I learned of a traveler who visited the academy a week or so ago. They were inquiring about cosmic alignments and rare planetoids, specifically Aracine—just as Professor Marsh suspected. This visitor was described as intense and secretive, in dusty traveling clothes. Oddly enough, none of the witnesses could recall anything about their appearance, possibly due to magical influence. One of the students pointed them toward Marsh, but beyond that, they left no real trace.”
Byldeth hums, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on them. "I found where they are possibly hiding. The old harbor district in the east. It's where the guards said the suspicious figures were possibly heading."
Ellanise raises one eyebrow at Teryn, and after Byldeth provides what will likely be their next destination, the female elf says, "Also about a week ago, a student noticed someone here staring up at the night sky and basking in the moonlight as if entranced. It could be your same traveler. They, also, could not describe the individual to me. Unfortunately, that's all I was able to learn."
"'Entranced'..."Teryn repeats with interest, trying to picture the strange scene Ellanise described in his head. "Indeed, it sounds like the harbor district should be our next destination. We should stay wary for danger; with no identifying characteristics to go by, there is no telling if this traveler was a single individual or actually a team much like us."
“Remember the footprints in the office?” He asked after Teryn. “We’re dealing with a team, no two-ways about it. The problem is, the harbor district is far from small.” They needed to narrow the search further. “I can only think of three ways to search our friend. One, we go to the harbor official and see if they saw someone whose features they can’t remember arriving or leaving the city. Two, we go into taverns asking the same thing of its respective keepers. Three, and this is a last resort, we try to get the information from a crime lord.”Smuggling was a part of every port and those behind it usually had better eyes than any authority. They had to. For business, for survival. “We can ask guards or dock workers about places owned by dangerous folk, go there and sing our song to the bartender about what we’re seeking. Considering everything we heard we’re dealing with newcomers on the scene so anything on them should be on sale, for the right price.”
After speaking, Käinen turned his eyes to Ellanise. ‘To sing’ was one of the expressions that meant ‘speak the thieves cant’. If she understood that she would now the message for her – I understand what you meant about having a history, I won’t pry, but I need to know if it’s safe for someone with your history to walk around criminals
Ellanise accompanies the others through the halls and outside. Her eyes scan every face as she looks for Aldeon Kryn. She knows not what his academic schedule is, which buildings he frequents, or even where his dormitory is located. She considers — not for the first time — seeking his aid in this matter. But — once again — she decides against it. If she happens upon him, so be it. Otherwise, it is probably best to leave him out of this matter.
As she keeps catching the eyes of other students, however, she decides it wouldn't hurt to be friendly and perhaps learn something from them. She touches Käinen on the arm. "I'm going to talk to some of the students if anyone is looking for me," she says quietly. Once her message is conveyed, she looks for students who are congregating in the area — ones that look like they may spend time near Professor Marsh's office.
Perception: 12
Seeing a small group of students sitting nearby, she approaches them, her mouth arched into a pleasant smile. "Good morning," she says in greeting. "I'm a friend of Professor Marsh's. He's had something stolen from his office," she motions toward the building. "Have you seen or heard anything out of the ordinary in this part of the academy?"
Persuasion: 24
With the plan loosely in place, each of you sets off—individually or in small groups—to tackle the avenues you find most pressing. Whether it’s scouring the courtyard beneath the academy window, mingling in the Arcana and Astronomy wings, or stepping outside to speak with the city guard.
Rowan
Kneeling amidst the grass and decorative bushes, you meticulously search for footprints, disturbed earth, or chipped stone fragments from the wall above. Despite the dew settling on the greenery, your practiced eye notices a subtle trail of flattened stems leading to one of the shrubs closer to the wall’s base. While checking the bushes, you catch a lingering scent that seems out of place in an academy courtyard—faintly spicy, almost resinous. The familiar scent reminds you of the subtle aroma from Professor Marsh’s study which you most likely just assumed was normal for his quarters. Taking a sample with your fingers, rubbing it between your thumb and index finger, you decide whatever incense was dropped here doesn’t appear common to local markets, hinting at travelers or individuals with exotic connections.
A short distance away, a patient caretaker in a wide-brimmed hat trims ornamental hedges with expert care. When you approach, they seem friendly enough, though somewhat preoccupied. They mention noticing odd footprints in the grass that weren’t there the day before—likely around the same shrubs you’re examining. They recall “a whiff of something spicy” lingering in the air at dawn, but dismissed it as leftover campus alchemy experiments or travelers passing through. The Gardener, when asked about what they might have seen, doesn't reveal any strange sightings, but after a moment, produces a small note they found in the shrubs a day or so ago.
On one side, it’s scrawled with mundane doodles or random lines—easily dismissed as student doodling. However, the other side reads,
“Gardener says the northern roses are finally ready to bloom tonight. If you’re still free, meet near the lattice by the old vines. I’m done tending the last row, so it’s your turn to pick what you need—just make sure to finish before dawn. The caretaker can be stubborn about letting folks roam after hours. Remember to keep an eye on the weather, or we’ll both be caught out in the storm!”
Teryn
As you head inside to gather information among scholars and students, small clusters of advanced students debate arcane theory by large windows overlooking the city. Professors in layered robes confer at chalkboards cluttered with star charts and cosmic diagrams. The atmosphere buzzes with academic fervor. Casting a glance around for suspicious behavior yields nothing overtly alarming—you don't pick up any immediate guilt or malice. Still, you do notice a group of three enthusiastic students near a tall display case of meteorite fragments. They exchange heated whispers about “celestial junctures” and wave you over after catching a brief moment of direct eye contact as you peer around the room.
When approached, they happily rope you into their conversation, asking your thoughts on a rumored upcoming cosmic alignment. One student, an elegant looking human noblewoman, firmly argues there is nothing of the sort, while another, a halfling man in fine robes, references “a rare planetoid’s pass”—echoing Professor Marsh’s talk of Aracine—but can’t recall exactly where they heard the rumor. They're trying to remember details of the event: names of celestial bodies, how rare the event is, and if there are any events tied to it.
They’re eager for outside perspectives, especially yours, as anyone in this area of the academy not dressed in proper academy attire is generally a visiting scholar of some sort who might have some knowledge of astral phenomena.
Byldeth
As you venture outside the academy gates to the local guard post, you find a low, stone building abuzz with morning routines—guards returning from patrol, scribes noting incidents in ledgers, and a few citizens lodging minor complaints.
Overworked and maintaining a skeptical exterior, a stern-looking human woman with a plaque that reads: "Sgt. Holt" on her desk, looks up from a clutter of paperwork. She blinks at anyone approaching in polished armor or otherwise distinctive gear. As you announce you require help, Holt’s expression pins somewhere between curiosity and weariness. She’s not unsympathetic—just pressed by a backlog of duties. She lets out a short sigh, "What seems to be your issue?"
Ellanise
You accompany Käinen through the academy corridors and out into one of the open courtyards before peeling off, offering a quiet parting word so your companions know where to find you. The bustle of morning classes has escalated—small clusters of students lounge on benches, review scrolls for upcoming lectures, or exchange idle campus gossip.
Spotting a group of three sitting near a low stone fountain, you approach with a polite smile. Two of them appear deep in conversation about some astronomy paper; the third absently flips through a tattered notebook. Your greeting immediately commands their attention. Your tone is friendly, yet the mention of a theft brings a flicker of intrigue to their eyes. They glance at one another uncertainly.
The first student, a lanky half-elf with a short fringe, offers a hesitant shake of the head. "Odd? Not that I can think of… I mean, it’s the academy, right? People stay up late all the time, reading or practicing spells.”
The second student, an animated human with ink-stained fingers, looks concerned. “I usually study in the Astronomy Wing. If anything weird happened, it was probably after midnight. I’m too busy sleeping then.” They then give an apologetic shrug.
They seem to collectively decide they haven’t noticed anything suspicious—until the last one, a soft-spoken Tiefling wearing thick spectacles, perks up as if recalling something. They glance between the other two, then back to you with a curious frown. “Well, I don’t know if it’s connected—but a little while ago, I saw someone around the courtyard by the professor’s offices late at night. It wasn’t outright suspicious… but they were just… standing there, staring at the sky like they were in a trance or something.” He shifts in place, adjusting his spectacles. “At first I thought, hey, it’s not uncommon for students to stargaze. But the way they did it… gave me chills. Like they were… basking in the moonlight. I—I approached, tried to say hello, but they barely acknowledged me. No conversation, no reaction. It felt off.” The other two exchange uncertain looks before the Tiefling speaks up again, “They left eventually. I think it was near Professor Marsh’s building—but again, the academy’s big, and I didn’t see exactly where they went. Could’ve been a visitor or a traveling scholar who just… had a weird vibe. But it stuck with me.” He lifts a shoulder, clearly uncertain if this is relevant but feeling compelled to share. “Sorry it’s not more. It might be nothing, but… it sure wasn’t normal, if you ask me.”
The other two nod, as though this is the first time they’re hearing it, too. They don’t appear to have more concrete details—no cloak color, no visible insignia—but the memory of that strange, silent figure resonates.
You note that while it’s far from definitive proof of wrongdoing, it’s an unusual occurrence in a place otherwise bustling with friendly chatter and open scholarly pursuits.
DM : The Shade Over Runewarren | Vaelen Gravesong : Shadow of Eternal Night
"Fear is the weight we carry, love is the treasure we bury."
Teryn approached the group with a polite smile, his silver eyes bright with interest. The energy of their conversation was infectious, and he seamlessly folded himself into their circle, his refined posture and warm demeanor helping him blend in as though he belonged.
“Ah, celestial alignments,” Teryn began, his tone measured yet enthusiastic. “Such events always capture the imagination, don’t they? The notion that the heavens themselves might hold sway over our world…it’s both humbling and exhilarating.”
Turning his attention to the halfling, Teryn gestured lightly with one hand, as though encouraging the young scholar to elaborate. “You mentioned a rare planetoid—Aracine, if I’m not mistaken? That’s a fascinating detail. I’ve read that its pass is so infrequent that it’s practically legendary among astronomers. Yet, rumors of its alignment seem to be circulating with surprising frequency of late.”
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to convey a sense of shared intrigue. “It’s curious, though—I haven’t encountered much written about this particular event.”
Teryn’s gaze remained attentive and encouraging, his tone never straying from one of genuine curiosity. He subtly directed the conversation back to the alignment itself, offering tidbits of his own knowledge to keep the discussion lively.
“Of course, the significance of such an alignment depends on the celestial bodies involved,” he added, his voice carrying the practiced cadence of a seasoned scholar. “Certain conjunctions are known to amplify specific schools of magic, for example.”
He cast a thoughtful glance at the noblewoman and the other students, inviting their thoughts while subtly keeping the halfling engaged. “It seems we’re on the verge of something extraordinary. But with so much speculation, it’s hard to separate fact from rumor. What do you all make of it? And you,” he said, addressing the halfling directly with a small, encouraging smile, “where do you think this buzz about Aracine truly began?”
Persuasion to get the Halfling to remember and share where he heard the rumor: 12 w advantage from perfume
He left the group just after Teryn presented his findings about magic, to talk with what appeared to be a custodian. The cupboard by his side and the paper on his hands suggested the man worked by there, that he was likely to have seen anything out of order in the area. Something like, at the very least, an individual staring at the building. Skilled thieves studied both their target and their surroundings, after all. Käinen doubted the man saw the criminals in the act, considering he was alive and well.
“Good morning, sir.” The goliath started as he approached the custodian. “I’m with Professor Alden Marsh, investigating signs of a unauthorized entrance in his office.” No need to mention the theft, he thought At least not yet. Doing so at that point would only spread word about what happened. “Would you happen to have seen anyone new around the area in the last week? Or someone wandering here during an unusual hour. Maybe someone acting strangely?”
There was a chance the man had seen nothing. The criminals knew their way around the wards of the academy. Maybe they could scout without being physically present or turn invisible as they looked around. No use thinking about worst-cases, Käinen told himself while waiting for an answer.
Rowan holds the note between thumb and forefinger, glancing at the gardening tool in the caretaker’s hand and inhaling a final hint of that faintly spicy aroma lingering in the air. “I’ll have to ask my colleague later,” he murmurs, more to himself than anyone else, “see if he knows a spell that uses something like this.”
Turning the paper over, he taps the line about northern roses and arches an eyebrow at the gardener. “I’m guessing you didn’t say anything like that, right? Do we even grow ‘northern roses’ here?” Then, Rowan eyes the mention of vines and a lattice. “We have any old trellis with vines on it? Possibly a spot folks could meet unnoticed?” He politely requests, “Mind showing me exactly where you discovered it?” and when the gardener obliges, he thanks them. “I need to show this to my colleague, do you mind if I hold on to this?" he says wryly. '—and maybe check the handwriting or, uh, code behind it,' he thinks and slips the paper into his pouch (if permitted).
With that, Rowan makes a quick farewell, then sets off to find Teryn, Ellanise, or Käinen—whoever he crosses paths with first—to share the strange note and ask if Teryn recognize the spicy scent (that might still linger on his finger tips?) from any particular ritual or spell, or if Ellanise, or Käinen can make any sense of the message (like whether it is thieves' cant).
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Order Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant Path Barbarian - Runewarren || Shaephina - Half-Drow Blood Cleric/Wizard - Murder Court || Ianjin - Gallus Open Hand Monk - Mad Empiricist || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute Court || Arista - Human Frost Giant Sorcerer - The Old Keep ||
"I had an item stolen from me." Byldeth states, "The symbol of my divine order." He made sure to state it slowly, weighing his words to make sure the woman understood the value, "An antique jewelry imbued with magic to protect from the forces of the night. It has been in my family for centuries . . . So, i require an investigation on any suspicious activities." The dwarf crossed his arms, awaiting for an answer.
Ellanise smiles reassuringly. "Anything more you can remember about the stranger? Their species, hair color, skin color ... height, weight ... You don't need to be specific. Anything you can remember will be helpful. And, do you remember what night this was? Also, when you say they were staring at the sky, were they facing the building, or was their back to the building? I ask because I wonder if it's possible they were looking up the building instead of at the sky."
With multiple threads of the investigation unfolding at once, the academy’s halls and courtyards grow steadily busier in the late morning sun. Scholars and students move about—some intrigued by your presence, others too engrossed in their own studies to notice. Each of you garners a small piece of the puzzle from the folks you speak to, drawing the investigation slowly toward a more concrete picture.
Teryn
A casual circle of scholars—two humans, a half-elf, and a bright-eyed halfling—eagerly discuss the rumor of Aracine. Your polished demeanor slips seamlessly into their conversation. As you raise the question of where these whispers originated, the halfling leans forward, excitement lighting their features. “Yes, that's it! Aracine! Legendary, right? Hardly passes within view more than once a century. Now that everyone’s buzzing about it lately, I heard a traveling scholar mention it in passing maybe a week or two ago. I didn’t catch their name, but they asked me who at the academy might really know their stuff about cosmic alignments.” They chuckle sheepishly, fiddling with the fringe on their satchel. “I, uh, sorta bombarded them with questions. I was so thrilled someone was into the same niche astronomy obsession I have. Ended up suggesting they talk to Professor Marsh—he’s the local expert, after all. After that, they left. Didn’t say where they were headed.” The student shrugs. "They seemed polite enough, just… I dunno, intense. Wore dusty traveling robes, asked me not to mention our chat—said they didn’t want to cause a stir with half-baked theories.”
Two of the other students nod along, confirming they’ve also heard slight rumors of a visitor asking about Marsh’s research. None can precisely recall the traveler’s species or face—only that they seemed very focused on the professor’s cosmic knowledge.
Käinen
Meanwhile, Käinen splits from the group to approach a custodian organizing supplies near a tall cupboard. The man is middle-aged, wearing a simple linen vest and carrying a clipboard of tasks. He blinks at the goliath’s imposing figure, but politely adjusts his stance. He responds with guarded curiosity, “Unauthorized entrance in Marsh’s office? Huh. Well, haven’t seen anyone forcing a door, if that’s what you mean. But a few days back, I did spot someone lurking near the Astronomy Wing’s side stairwell late at night—didn’t look like a student I recognized.” He flips through a few pages on his clipboard, a slight frown creasing his brow. "Seemed to be jotting notes or sketches. Could’ve been an alum or a visitor, so I didn’t question it. They left soon after I turned the corner. I found a small smear of something on the wall—sorta resinous or oily? Don’t know what it was, just wiped it off without thinking.” Scratching the back of his head, he shrugs. "That’s all I’ve got, friend. Sorry if it’s not much. I usually don't poke around with a lantern unless something’s obviously broken.”
Rowan
Down in the courtyard, Rowan carefully pockets the parchment with the message after showing it to the gardener—who indeed looks baffled by its talk of “northern roses” and “old vines.” Shaking their head, they say, “I certainly never wrote that. And we don’t grow a single variety of rose in this patch—just ornamental shrubs and a few night-blooming jasmine near the Astronomy Wing. …As for a trellis or lattice, well, there’s an old iron framework by the east side, but it hasn’t supported real vines in ages. It’s more decorative than anything.”
They gesture to the base of the wall, pointing out a tangle of slightly bent stems where they found the note. “Probably got stuck there by the wind—didn’t pay it any mind. Take it if you like. Trash is trash, but if it helps you folks… good luck.” Before Rowan leaves, the caretaker remarks they’ll keep an eye out for any more suspicious debris or footprints.
Byldeth
Traveling beyond campus grounds, Byldeth finds the guard post: a squat, stone structure with tired-looking guards exchanging shifts. Sergeant Brenna Holt, a lean woman with sharp eyes and short-cropped hair, stands behind a desk piled with reports. She looks up at the paladin’s polished armor with grudging respect. With a terse but not unkind tone, she says, “An antique symbol of your order, stolen? In the city, or specifically the academy?”
When Byldeth suggests the theft occurred recently—around the same time as the missing tome—Holt groans, rummaging through her stack of half-filed scrolls. “I did get a brief note about unidentified figures moving quickly near the academy gates last night. No official alarm was raised, and they vanished before the patrol could intercept.” She unrolls a small parchment, skimming it with narrowed eyes. “They were heading east… that’d put them toward the old harbor district if they kept going. But we don’t have enough detail to start a manhunt.”
She sets the scroll aside, meeting Byldeth’s gaze with tempered sympathy. “I can put out word to keep watch for a relic matching your description—though we’re short-handed and busy with other city matters. If you hear anything else or dig up more specifics, come back. I’ll try to help. But without a solid lead, I can’t promise a grand mobilization. We barely have enough boots to patrol the markets.”
Ellanise
Meanwhile, Ellanise’s gentle questioning draws out additional tidbits from the group who witnessed a star-gazing stranger:
“I—uh, let me think… They were definitely taller than me, but not huge—maybe a human or half-elf, slim build. Hard to tell in low light.” They rub at their neck, recalling the memory. "Couldn’t see face details or skin color well. They wore a hood. I do remember them, well… tilting their face upward. Not looking at the building, but the stars. It really seemed like they were absorbing the moonlight. Gave me goosebumps.” Glancing at Ellanise, they shrug. “They left pretty abruptly. Maybe about a week or so ago. I didn’t think to chase ‘em. Didn’t seem illegal to just… stand around. But I… wish I’d asked a name.”
They apologize they can’t recall more—only that the vibe was unsettling.
As the day wears on, things are appearing to align—though the larger picture remains elusive. Each of you stands at a crossroads, deciding how best to connect them. The academy grounds are still alive with the hustle and bustle of regular staff and students, blissfully unaware of the mystery.
DM : The Shade Over Runewarren | Vaelen Gravesong : Shadow of Eternal Night
"Fear is the weight we carry, love is the treasure we bury."
Forthcoming like a Warden, Käinen thought as the custodian answered his question. The behavior of the lurking figure was a nice fit for a scout studying the field before action, almost too nice. Someone from a group of thieves capable of bypassing the academy wards should be able to act without being seen. Unless they were in a hurry. Marsh spoke of the position of the celestial bodies. Maybe the thieves needed the book before a specific formation and had to work with less precaution than the ideal.
“Thank you for the help and no need to apologize.” He answered with a kind smile and a soft voice. “That resin, could you describe its color and smell?” Such things could be relevant later. “And would you happen to remember any characteristic of this figure? Clothing, approximate height, apparent gender, color of skin or hair…” He should, considering that he didn’t think it was a student he recognized. “It would also be helpful if you could precise how many days ago you saw them.”
Put together, those details should allow one to ask those working by the entrances for this suspect. It was a flimsy thread, Käinen had to admit, but still a start. More than that, depending on what the others found.
Question: Does Käinen believe the custodian is being honest?
Teryn inclined his head thoughtfully, his silver eyes flickering with intrigue as the halfling recounted their interaction. “A traveling scholar, you say? Fascinating. I'd love to have a chat with them as well."
Intense, with a face no one could recall...Some sort of magic to hide their identity, or perhaps even alter the witnesses' memories? Intriguing indeed. Teryn gave a courteous nod to the group, his tone polite but tinged with a sense of purpose. “Thank you for your time and your curiosity. It’s minds like yours that keep the wonders of the cosmos alive.”
With that, he turned gracefully, his thoughts already spinning. A traveler so focused, so discreet—they might have been seeking more than mere knowledge. He decided it would be prudent to follow up on this lead and perhaps consult Professor Marsh directly about any visitors he’d recently received. But first, he needed to regroup with the others and share what he had learned.
"In the academy, more precisely." The paladin stated, nodding. He listens closely. figureS means that it was, indeed, more than one thief.
The old harbor district . . . that was an important lead. Maybe the culprits had a hideout around the place? The dwarf started to slowly caress his beard, thinking that the others must have found clues that may add onto his own discovery. "I understand, miss. You've been of great help already." He nods, smiling. "I wish for the greatest luck for you, and for the radiant flame to guide your path." If the woman woudn't give him more information, Byldeth would give a simple goodbye, walking away to go back towards the professor. He had the information of a possible lead. Hopefully they were right.
Rowan thanks the gardener one last time, shooting them a friendly nod. With the note safely in his pouch, he turns a quick circle in the courtyard, searching for any sign of Teryn, Ellanise, or Käinen among the flowing crowds of students and staff. When he comes up short, he exhales in mild frustration and offers a rueful smile to himself. “Feels like trying to find a lone egg in a chicken coop at feeding time,” he mutters under his breath. Deciding not to waste more daylight, Rowan gathers his bearings and sets off toward Professor Marsh’s study. Perhaps one of his companions has already swung back there. Failing that, at least the professor might point him in the right direction—or offer a private nook to puzzle over the mysterious note. As he heads through the academy’s winding halls, Rowan keeps his eyes open for any familiar faces.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Pallid Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Order Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant Path Barbarian - Runewarren || Shaephina - Half-Drow Blood Cleric/Wizard - Murder Court || Ianjin - Gallus Open Hand Monk - Mad Empiricist || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute Court || Arista - Human Frost Giant Sorcerer - The Old Keep ||
Ellanise at first frowns. A week ago. It seems the theft happened more recently than that. The star gazer may have nothing to do with the theft. Then again, they could be related in some way. It's too early to start ignoring possible clues.
The female elf adjusts her face and adopts one of pleasantness. She thanks the students for their information and heads back to share what little she's been able to glean with the others.
Käinen
As the custodian finishes recalling the details, he shrugs apologetically, “The smear was… dark gray, maybe blackish? Didn’t smell like anything, best I can recall. Figured it was soot or old paint. And the robed figure… well, they looked like any other student to me—hooded, average height, I couldn’t even tell you if they were elf or human. Just… seemed off, you know? This was, uh, maybe two days back. Sorry I can’t be more specific.” He offers a faint smile in apology, returning to his clipboard of tasks.
Though the information is sparse, it bolsters the notion of someone scouting the area in plain sight.
In time, each of you wraps up your respective inquiries: Teryn among eager astronomers, Rowan in the courtyard with the gardener, Ellanise chatting with students about a mysterious stargazer, Byldeth returning from the guard post, and Käinen emerging from his conversation with the custodian.
Your paths eventually lead you all back to the academy’s main corridor, its lofty arches and wide windows letting in an abundance of midday light. Students pass by in twos or threes, some clutching bundles of parchment, others juggling ink-stained books, their whispered conversations forming a soft backdrop of scholarly bustle. A quiet corner near a series of tall windows proves a convenient rendezvous point—roomy enough to gather without hindering foot traffic, yet out of the direct flow of hurrying students. The gentle tap of nearby footsteps and the distant hush of turning pages in adjoining halls serve as a subtle reminder of the academic world moving along around you.
One by one, you converge here, arriving with a mix of expressions—some thoughtful, others resolute or quietly intrigued. The scattered bits of evidence, hints, and observations gleaned from the morning’s investigations now hang in the air, ready to be pieced together. There’s no immediate crowd or prying ears, just the mild echoes of distant lectures and the ambient murmur of curious passersby who pay you little mind.
No alarms ring out, and the city’s clamor beyond the academy walls remains subdued. The atmosphere of scholarly normalcy contrasts with the urgency of your findings, underscoring the subtle tension threading through your gathering.
DM : The Shade Over Runewarren | Vaelen Gravesong : Shadow of Eternal Night
"Fear is the weight we carry, love is the treasure we bury."
“You were already helpful, sir. Thank you.” Käinen answered genuinely. Sure thing, he didn’t had the description of a culprit, but now remained little doubt that scouting was done before the theft and the smear could by itself be a clue. It was more than what he had before talking with the custodian, it was a start.
He was in the academy, so it should be plenty of people capable of identifying the substance. First, the goliath decided, he would check with Teryn. If nothing came to the elf’s mind then they could always reach for Vasha or the professor. Hoping his colleagues had better luck he followed to the main corridor.
“Should we look for a more discreet location to share our findings?” He asked as the entire party reunited. “Not that I have much to share.” The goliath continued, lowering his voice. “Talked with the custodian by the garden. There was a hooded figure of average height looking around the office two days ago. Clearly not a student, ran away upon noticing the man and left a stain made of a substance between dark grey and black. The custodian thought soot and cleaned it without problem.”
His eyes went to the warlock, giving space for him to speak his thoughts.
Notes: @DM, would Käinen know of any soot-like substance used in burglary?
"That’s certainly curious,” Teryn began, his voice tinged with intrigue. “A hooded figure, soot-like residue…Perhaps the remains of a spell component?"
Arcana/Nature? to try to recall such a substance: nat 20+5/18
He turned slightly, his gaze settling on each of his companions in turn before continuing. “Among the astronomers and scholars I spoke to, I learned of a traveler who visited the academy a week or so ago. They were inquiring about cosmic alignments and rare planetoids, specifically Aracine—just as Professor Marsh suspected. This visitor was described as intense and secretive, in dusty traveling clothes. Oddly enough, none of the witnesses could recall anything about their appearance, possibly due to magical influence. One of the students pointed them toward Marsh, but beyond that, they left no real trace.”
Byldeth hums, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping on them. "I found where they are possibly hiding. The old harbor district in the east. It's where the guards said the suspicious figures were possibly heading."
Ellanise raises one eyebrow at Teryn, and after Byldeth provides what will likely be their next destination, the female elf says, "Also about a week ago, a student noticed someone here staring up at the night sky and basking in the moonlight as if entranced. It could be your same traveler. They, also, could not describe the individual to me. Unfortunately, that's all I was able to learn."
"'Entranced'..." Teryn repeats with interest, trying to picture the strange scene Ellanise described in his head. "Indeed, it sounds like the harbor district should be our next destination. We should stay wary for danger; with no identifying characteristics to go by, there is no telling if this traveler was a single individual or actually a team much like us."
“Remember the footprints in the office?” He asked after Teryn. “We’re dealing with a team, no two-ways about it. The problem is, the harbor district is far from small.” They needed to narrow the search further. “I can only think of three ways to search our friend. One, we go to the harbor official and see if they saw someone whose features they can’t remember arriving or leaving the city. Two, we go into taverns asking the same thing of its respective keepers. Three, and this is a last resort, we try to get the information from a crime lord.” Smuggling was a part of every port and those behind it usually had better eyes than any authority. They had to. For business, for survival. “We can ask guards or dock workers about places owned by dangerous folk, go there and sing our song to the bartender about what we’re seeking. Considering everything we heard we’re dealing with newcomers on the scene so anything on them should be on sale, for the right price.”
After speaking, Käinen turned his eyes to Ellanise. ‘To sing’ was one of the expressions that meant ‘speak the thieves cant’. If she understood that she would now the message for her – I understand what you meant about having a history, I won’t pry, but I need to know if it’s safe for someone with your history to walk around criminals