Rowan clears his throat softly and pulls the folded note from his pouch, offering it for the others to see. “While pokin’ around below the study window, I found this wedged in some bent shrubs. Talks about ‘northern roses’ and a lattice by old vines—makes no sense to the gardener, who’s never seen those roses, nor any vines worth mention. Smells like a secret meeting plan to me—like they’re hiding instructions under flowery talk.”

He then lifts his free hand, rubbing thumb and forefinger together as if testing a residual texture and offers it around for a taste of smell to anyone interested. “I also caught a whiff of something spicy in the dirt. The gardener said he smelled it too, but figured it was just alchemy experiments. Anyone know a spell or concoction that leaves a strong, resin-y smell behind?” His teal-blue eyes scan the group expectantly. “Might be we’re dealin’ with an exotic component or a specialized magic that isn’t homegrown. If we can figure out what it is, we might have a lead on who used it.”

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.

After you’ve each shared your fragments of discovery in the main corridor, a short pause fills the space. Passersby offer only cursory glances as they hurry to lectures or errands.

Teryn
Something about the “soot-like residue” strikes a chord with Teryn’s deeper knowledge of arcane lore. While any number of magical components can look like ash or dust, one possibility gnaws at the back of his mind: diamond dust, commonly used in abjuration spells like Nondetection.

If this residue is indeed diamond dust, it could explain how the thieves slipped past wards or concealed their presence—after all, the spell in question can hide a person (or object) from divination or scrying attempts. It also meshes curiously with the sense of Abjuration magic earlier, as if lingering with the wards around Professor Marsh’s office, possibly indicating that the thieves disguised themselves against magical detection while they studied or infiltrated the building.

Kainen
Rowan’s folded note, full of references to “northern roses” and “old vines,” suggests orchestrated timing and a stealthy rendezvous. Its significance grows even sharper now that you suspect it to be written in Thieves’ Cant, confirming beyond doubt that at least part of this operation was a well-coordinated heist.

Byldeth
Byldeth’s mention of the harbor district resonates with the other clues:
Figures fled east: Possibly heading into older, less patrolled parts of Luminaar.
Exotic incense or a spicy residue: Could be tied to merchants, smugglers, or travelers who frequent that part of the city.
Any deeper foray into the harbor likely involves sifting through a hive of taverns, warehouses, or even underworld contacts if you’re willing to tread such ground. It’s still a broad area, but it’s a tangible step closer to your quarry.

Receiving the note from Rowan, Käinen divides his attention between paper and halfling. Flower and bloom, that was code for the best time to an operation. The roses should be the obstacle disarmed. The lattice and the old vines should mean the target location. The part about the weather was a code to prioritize staying vigilant and avoiding capture.

“Holy shit!” The goliath said with a smile. “You are right, this is a bunch of instructions. Translating the whole thing it says: The ward on the academy’s northern wall is no longer active. Rendezvous at the base of the tower or window, where the infiltration point is located. Now that disabling security is complete, it’s up to the second team to acquire the book quickly, ideally before sunrise. Beware of guards, staff, or patrols in the area. Keep vigilant and if anything goes wrong or suspicion arises, abort the plan to avoid being caught.”

At least no investigation was useless, Käinen said with the voice of his mind while thinking that had he stayed with Rowan the truth of the note would have been found considerably earlier.

“Do the gardener knows of anyone who walks around the bush where you found this?” He half expected mention of more featureless individuals. “We may have to ask about the process of disarming the wards.”

Teryn’s silver eyes light up with realization as Rowan hands over the note and Käinen begins to interpret its coded language. The mention of the residue suddenly clicks into place, and he raises a hand thoughtfully to his chin, his voice calm but threaded with urgency.

“I believe I may have an answer for the soot-like residue,” Teryn says, glancing between the others. “While many magical components resemble ash or dust, one possibility fits well with what we’ve uncovered so far: diamond dust. It’s a key component in certain abjuration spells, particularly Nondetection. Nondetection renders someone or something immune to divination and scrying attempts—it’s a classic tool for those who wish to remain unseen, even to magical eyes.”

He lets the group absorb the information for a moment before continuing. “This aligns with the faint sense of abjuration magic I detected near Professor Marsh’s office. It’s entirely possible the thieves used the spell to cloak themselves—or even the Concordance—while carrying out their plan.”

Teryn turns his attention to Rowan, his gaze sharpening with interest as he tries to recall such a smell from his studies of magic and alchemy.

Arcana/Nature: 8/19

Turning to Käinen, Teryn gives a nod of approval at the goliath’s interpretation of the note. “Your decoding confirms this is a highly coordinated effort. They know exactly what they’re doing, from disabling the wards to staging their escape. If we can determine who has the expertise to disarm wards so precisely—or where they might have sourced the diamond dust and resin-like material—it could point us toward their identities.”

Rowan whistles low, then lets loose a string of rustic swear words under his breath. “Sweet churnin’ butter and blasted gooseberries,” he mutters, shaking his head as the implications of Käinen’s translation set in. “It ain’t just one sneak-thief crawling through a window—seems we’re dealin’ with a whole pack of foxes in the henhouse. One was out there killin’ the alarm, and a bunch more slithered in for the actual snatch. By the fields, that’s a mighty coordinated plan.” He frowns, running a hand through his hair in agitation. “Must be a right proper organization behind it, if they got spells, lookouts, an’ a crew to do the lifting. Never met a single petty crook that thorough.”

His teal-blue eyes flick around, as though half expecting an old foe to pop out from behind a bookshelf. “And if we’re rootin’ around the local black markets to sniff out names, well, I just hope the fields from my past aren’t still sowin’ trouble. But guess if we want to catch these rascals, we’ll have to dig in.” He forces a thin grin, though his jaw remains tight. “Harbor district then, I suppose. Might be one of those corners where word travels faster in the shadows than it does out here in open daylight. Don’t like it much, but we gotta turn these stones if we’re fixin’ to find that tome.”

Byldeth hums, caressing his beard. "So . . . it seems there is indeed a greater evil. . ." He murmurs something, "Probably even greater than the one i was searching for? . . ." The dwarf stays silent for a few seconds, before taking out and sipping the green vial. "Ngh, that hit the spot-" He coughs, before shaking his head, "We need to go foward with the fact that we may have a big organization on our hands. We don't know how much they are. So we need to proceed with caution!" He states, brandishing his shield. 

"Well, i suppose our next destination will be the harbor?"

Ellanise makes eye contact with Käinen as she picks up on his use of thieves cant. She gives him only the slightest of acknowledgements before letting her eyes move away. His question is something she will need to address at another time. But when he takes the note and begins revealing the code, she can't help but smile. Afterward, she holds out her hand to the goliath and takes the note to scrutinize herself. She is impressed that he decoded it so quickly.

@DM: Does this encoded message look like the work of the Rats or a rival group Ellanise would recognize?

Ellanise is still looking over the note when the halfling begins bandying about "sneak thief" and "petty crook". She turns her blue eyes on him, a smirk pulling at the corner of her mouth.

In response to Byldeth, the female elf speaks up: "We should probably return to Professor March and apprise him of what we've been able to learn. Some of this information may lead to more help on his part. After that, we can decide whether our next stop is the harbor. This evening, I can attempt to make contact with someone I know in the city who might have insight on the theft." She looks at Käinen again. "She would be wary if all of us show up, but I think I could bring one friend along."

Rowan feels the elf’s gaze and gives a slight shrug, his smile edged with a weary note. “I, uh, used to run with an outfit myself,” he admits quietly, eyes flicking off to the side. “Not quite as big as this lot, maybe, but I’m grateful to be out. Truth is,” he pauses, a touch of unease crossing his face before he shakes it off, “it’s not always easy to tell if you’ve truly hopped the fence or just wandered into a new pasture, waiting for old wolves to come sniffin’.” He leaves it at that, pocketing his worries for another time, then nods in agreement. “Anyhow, I’m all for lettin’ the Professor know what’s what—better we share the load before heading to the harbor, if that’s where the trail leads.”

Between Teryn’s theory about the diamond dust, Ellanise’s guarded realization that the handwriting on the note feels strangely familiar, and Byldeth’s lead on the thieves’ eastward escape, your group’s discussion culminates in an unspoken consensus to loop Professor Marsh back in.

Ellanise
A close look at the handwriting shows a subtle elegance—more refined than most street-level thieves. While you can’t be certain, the strokes remind Ellanise of someone who’s bent the rules before. There’s a hint of apprehension as she considers whether Aldeon Kryn, an adventurous academic, might be involved. But without more proof, it remains a wary suspicion.

Teryn
Teryn, meanwhile, finds no direct link between the incense smell and any particular magical component; it’s likely a mundane but exotic substance. Coupled with the possible dust residue, however, it all underscores how carefully the thieves evaded detection.

With questions still swirling, you agree to report what you’ve learned. One by one, you depart the corridor where you’d convened, heading for Professor Marsh’s wing. The walk feels almost nostalgic—reminiscent of your first arrivals, but now you stride with a shared purpose. Students and staff glance at you with curiosity but give you space, as if sensing the gravity of your mission.

When you reach the familiar oaken door, you find Vasha standing outside, arms folded with her usual composed air. Upon seeing Rowan specifically, she arches a brow and allows the slightest hint of a grin. “What, no acrobatics through the window this time? A pity—you seemed quite proud of that approach.”

She steps aside, inviting the entire group in with a polite bow. The room inside is much as before: stacked texts, half-organized scrolls, and the faint odor of old parchment. Professor Marsh stands near an overfilled shelf, sifting anxiously through notes. At the sight of everyone, he straightens, relief evident in his tired eyes. “Oh, thank the stars—you’ve returned! I’ve been dreading every minute you were gone, wondering what might have happened. Did you find anything that can guide us forward?”

His question hangs in the air, a hopeful edge threading through his words.

Rowan tips an imaginary cap at Vasha with a grin. “Figured I’d give your window a rest this time—don’t want folks thinkin’ I’m a stray cat searchin’ for a warm barn.” With that, he steps inside, boots scuffing lightly on the floor.

To the professor, he offers a brisk nod. “Well, we re-checked the courtyard beneath your study. Found some bent stems, a whiff of something spicy in the dirt—like a crop that shouldn’t be growin’ in these parts—and, most importantly, a note that turned out to be coded instructions for sneaking around your wards. Looks like we aren’t dealing with just one fox but a whole pack, and they used your yard as their path into the coop. Means they took their time, scoping things out before snatching the Concordance. Now that we know for sure that they bypassed your ‘fence,’ we can maybe guess who’d have that know-how, too.” He gives the professor a reassuring shrug. “Might not be the whole harvest, but it’s enough seeds to plant us a next step, I reckon.”

Walking the hallway to the professor's study, Ellanise considers the four individuals with her. Käinen and now Rowan both appear to have a history with those who spend their time in the shadows and on the wrong side of the law. Did Teryn as well? She looks over at the dwarf's back and smiles. The paladin was clearly a do-gooder. Surely he doesn't have a checkered past. Then again, she was doing her best to leave that part of herself behind and to follow the teachings of Ilmater. Byldeth, too, could have eschewed a life of crime and chosen a more noble calling. Her thoughts are interrupted as they reach the professor's door.

Entering the study, she gives Vasha a slight nod of greeting. Then, listening to the farmer's summary of what they had learned, she feels both pleased and also disappointed. Perhaps she is being impatient, and she chides herself silently.

"We are hoping some of these revelations might jog your memory," Ellanise says. "Or perhaps you've remembered something since we left your company? We plan to follow a lead to the harbor. If there's anything you can add that might narrow our search, we would appreciate it."

After Rowan and Ellanise finish their summaries, Teryn steps forward, clasping his hands loosely in front of him. His tone is measured and composed, but there’s an undertone of intrigue as he begins.

“Professor, I believe we’re dealing with more than just skilled thieves. The residue found outside your study—what the custodian described as soot—may actually be diamond dust, a key component in spells like Nondetection. If so, it would explain how they bypassed your wards undetected. It suggests not only an advanced understanding of abjuration magic but also significant resources. Diamond dust is not exactly easy to come by, after all.”

He pauses briefly, his gaze steady. “Additionally, Rowan’s discovery of the note and Käinen’s translation indicate a highly coordinated effort. This was no crime of opportunity; it was methodical, with multiple individuals working in tandem. They knew the wards were down and timed their actions precisely. Whoever orchestrated this is not only well-versed in arcane theory but also experienced in planning and execution.”

Teryn takes a step closer, lowering his voice slightly as if to underscore the gravity of the situation. “There’s also the matter of the resinous scent Rowan mentioned. It’s not a common magical component, but it could point to a specific spell or ritual. Perhaps it was part of the process to disable your wards or something used to mask their presence further. If we could identify its origin, it might give us another lead.”

Byldeth's eyes widened. "Divination magic? By Bahamut's golden dragons! This is really above common thievery." Byldeth exclaims, "If that group went through all this problem to steal a book, they must be planning something big. like-like- Trying to take over the city! Or enslaving people! Or necromancy! they will make an horde of undead!" He puts both hands on his head in worry. "We must stop them at once!"

"Luckly paladins are expert on dealing with undead! Let's find the head necromancer and show him the flames of retribution!"

(Sorry, I've been sich the last few days.)

Rowan shifts his weight from one foot to the other, barely resisting the urge to lay out another farmland turn of phrase as Byldeth’s imagination runs wild with talk of undead hordes. Instead, he clutches his belt, fingers tapping idly, searching the runes that his previous belt was covered with, with a soft, nervous rhythm. Even beneath his calm exterior, there’s a restrained spark in his eyes—a muted echo of that fury that the belt had awaken but currently lying dormant. “Let’s not start planting seeds of disaster before we know what’s truly down the furrow,” he says quietly, voice measured. “I figure we should hear what the professor has to say next. No sense churnin’ the whole field into panic ‘til we’re sure where the rot’s set in.” He gives a slight nod at Ellanise and Teryn’s thorough breakdown, then falls silent again, gaze flicking toward Professor Marsh in anticipation of his reply. 

The gentle susurrus of turning pages and quiet footfalls from the surrounding halls contrasts with the urgency in your words. Professor Marsh’s study seems as crowded as ever—stacks of books loom at precarious angles, errant notes half-hidden behind tomes, and a stray quill rolling across the edge of his desk. Vasha stands off to one side, quietly attentive.

Rowan tips his imaginary cap at Vasha, who greets him with a faintly amused look, then launches into a concise report of the findings. Ellanise follows with an elaboration of the group’s plans and hopes that Marsh might recall something to narrow the search. Teryn lays out a hypothesis that the thieves used Nondetection—a revelation that stirs both curiosity and dread in both Professor Marsh and Vasha. Byldeth’s exclamation about possible undead and necromancy elicits a flicker of alarm in the professor’s eyes before Rowan gently reins in the speculation.

At first, the professor is speechless, his eyes shifting rapidly among your faces. He sets down a sheaf of notes he’d been clutching and exhales slowly, "Diamond dust... so they hid themselves from any attempts at scrying or detection? And… instructions for bypassing my wards were found in the courtyard? By the stars, I—this is all so carefully orchestrated. We’re definitely not talking about a mere opportunist.” He rubs the back of his neck, worry creasing his brow. "Undead or not, Byldeth, I fear their aims could be truly catastrophic. In the wrong hands, it could pave the way for large-scale rituals—curses, planar breaches, or illusions of terrifying scope. All are possible if the thieves understand the text well enough.”

Looking up, he meets Ellanise’s gaze, nodding at her question, “I’ve thought hard about anything I might have missed. Only that, weeks ago, I did see a robed figure lingering outside at odd hours. I assumed it was a colleague—but now... it fits your accounts. Whoever they are, they’ve been planning this long in advance.”

Marsh’s hand hovers near a cluttered portion of his desk; from beneath a pile of star charts, he extracts a slim notebook and offers it to Teryn. "These are some of my personal notes on Aracine and other rare bodies. If your leads point you to the harbor, maybe you’ll need more specifics on the alignments. It can’t replace the Concordance, but at least you’ll see what they’re after.”

Vasha inclines her head, addressing Ellanise and Käinen more than anyone else. "You mentioned visiting the harbor. If you’d like the Professor’s endorsement—an introduction to someone reputable in that district—he might be able to write a recommendation. Sometimes the trade guild masters cooperate more freely with recognized academics. It may save time, should you choose. Unless, of course, you prefer your own methods.” She crosses her arms, eyes flicking over Rowan and Teryn, “As for that incense or resin you mentioned... I’ll search the archives for references to imported alchemical goods. Perhaps we can trace the supply, but I cannot make any promises."

With a worried glance at the disorganized stacks behind him, the professor sighs, “I wish I could do more directly—if only I could search the city myself. But my presence might tip off the culprits, or they could vanish at the first sign of an official inquiry. Besides, I have what’s left of my research to safeguard. If there’s anything else you need—maps of the harbor, local contacts—just say the word.” He steps around the table, hands clasped behind his back. “And please, if it’s not too much trouble, keep me informed of what you discover. We can’t let them misuse the Concordance before the coming alignment. Time is shorter than we think.” With that, the professor awaits any final questions, or wishes you the best of luck on your travels, depending on which route you decide to take; Whether you choose to head immediately for the harbor, consult with local merchants, or make other preparations.

Ellanise smiles at Vasha. "That would be good. While we might not need it, it's better to have everything at hand just in case." She turns her eyes on the professor. "It sounds like we'll be in a mess if that book isn't found and fast." Looking back at the tiefling, she finishes. "We can use all the help we can get."

After settling in to wait for the others, the female elf suddenly moves again. A hand with one finger raised shoots into the air as a scowl once again darkens her face. "One more thing: diamond dust." She looks at Teryn. "You indicated that it might be rare. Any ideas were it might be procured?"

Teryn meets Ellanise’s sharp gaze, his silver eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he considers her question. He shifts the slim notebook the professor handed him to his off hand, tucking it neatly under one arm, and folds his other hand under his chin in a gesture of careful contemplation.

“Diamond dust is indeed rare,” Teryn begins, his tone measured, “and its procurement isn’t something that just anyone can manage. It is a key component in many high-level spells, but it’s also used in various rituals, particularly those tied to Abjuration or Restoration. Its cost alone makes it prohibitive for common thieves or even most lower-level spellcasters.”

He glances toward Vasha before continuing. “There are only a few ways to obtain it in a city like this. The most obvious would be through jewelers—those who specialize in cutting gems and might have byproducts from their work. However,” his voice drops slightly, as if sharing a secret, “many magical components of this nature are sold through more...discrete channels. Alchemists and enchanters who cater to spellcasters, particularly those not eager to leave a record of their purchases.”

Ellanise’s nod of recognition told him she wasn’t sure. Not the best of answers, but better than a negative, of that much he was sure. There was also her honesty. When Rowan mentioned his past Käinen could not help but think everyone else was a former criminal. Maybe that was the reason they were called.

Vasha’s comment, soon after their arrival, was also unexpected. She was so serious during the night before that was almost strange to find she had a sense of humor. Either that or she’s lamenting he didn’t get caught in the wards. The idea made him think how easy it could have been for her to orchestrate the whole situation.

As his companions spoke, the goliath paid attention to the behavior of both human and tiefling. Their voice, expressions and body language, he tried to pay attention in everything.

“Vasha, could you sign and introduction letter of your own?” He started, finally breaking his silence.  “We may need the professor’s missive, of course, but his name may be too flashy.  The name of his assistant, on another hand, can strike a balance between authority and discretion.”

It was likelier they would need to use their own ways, but time had taught him that there can never be such thing as too much caution.

Notes: Does  Käinen notices any strange reaction from Vasha or the professor in regards to any information the party brought?

Your group’s quick exchange of insight and concerns fills the cramped space of Professor Marsh’s study with a mix of urgency and determination. The professor, fidgeting beside a small end table crowded by loose papers, pays close attention to Teryn’s explanation of diamond dust and its significance. Meanwhile, Vasha maintains her usual poised stance, ledger held close against her side, though a slight crease in her brow reveals her growing curiosity.

As Ellanise raises the question of where diamond dust might be acquired, Teryn clarifies the rarity and cost attached to such a component, specifically how it’s linked to higher-level Abjuration and Restoration spells. He points out that specialized jewelers or clandestine magical markets are the most likely sources, reinforcing the suspicion that the thieves possess advanced connections—or deep pockets.

Professor Marsh nods in grim agreement, his eyes darting to the precariously stacked books. “I suppose there’s no shortage of unscrupulous dealers, especially in a city as large as Luminaar. But it’s far from common. That alone speaks volumes about the thieves’ resources.”

As the discussion shifts to forging alliances or securing cooperation in the harbor district, Käinen requests an introduction letter from Vasha, rather than relying solely on the professor’s name. Vasha blinks, a faint hint of confusion or surprise flickering across her features—she’s used to facilitating on Marsh’s behalf, but seldom being the primary signatory herself. Vasha, thoughtfully, says, “My name doesn’t carry the same academic weight as the Professor’s, but if you think discretion calls for it, I’ll write or sign whatever you need. I just hope it’ll be enough to secure any assistance you require.” A tiny smile tugs at the corner of her lips before she regains her neutral composure. "I’ll draft something that references your connection to the academy without putting Marsh front and center. It might open fewer official doors, but perhaps it’ll avoid undue attention.”

Käinen, meanwhile, keeps a subtle eye on both Vasha and Marsh, gauging their body language and reactions to the group’s latest revelations. Nothing about them seems off—no flashes of guilt, no telling shifts that would hint they’re withholding more than they’ve already shared. If anything, Vasha appears genuinely focused on logistics, while Marsh remains visibly anxious over the stolen tome’s implications.

Vasha speaks up again, “If it’s the harbor, you’ll want to move swiftly. Professor Marsh can offer a short letter as well—should you need the academic clout—but I’ll provide one under my name. Just… be careful. Once you leave these halls, you’re effectively out of our protective bubble.”

Marsh, for his part, watches you all with an air of concerned admiration. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am. If you turn up anything else—especially if you confirm who’s behind this—please return or send word. The city might not realize it yet, but we’re all depending on you to recover that tome before something dire happens.”

Ellanise says, sounding hesitant, but determined, "On our way to the harbor, I'd like to split off from the group to leave a message for an old acquaintance. I'll ask them to meet me later tonight. They might have information concerning the theft. It will not take long. Perhaps I could catch up to you at Stormgull Plaza. That way, we can enter the harbor together to continue our investigation."