It was good enough. The fall of a flying city had to leave a huge mark on the local ecosystems. And right now all they needed is a narrowed down location. So, she was searching for something like "After the crash of Lathery..." The epicentre of the changes would be the coordinates. As for the ice... It was unlikely that Shadovar just randomly thawed a section of the glacier, most likely they had a hunch where to look. It sort of hinted that location can be in the lake itself - a sad perspective but not without... perspectives either  - but the idea had to be confirmed first.

“The search should go well then, Netheril and the Shadovar make for a pretty strange history.” He said to Kris, waiting for the librarian to finish treating with Irmiel and Sistri. “This place looks quite high class. Did you find someone you know? I mean, do you think someone recognized you?”

It was unlikely, considering that no one came to talk with them. Or to take Kris away. He didn’t notice anyone taking noticing of their group either so her disguise should be working just fine, but there was wisdom in considering all the possibilities. That and it was it would be good to know the warrior saw someone she wished to speak to.

Not too long after the librarian returned and it is their time to ask about books. The satyr tried his best to be as polite and could. Sadly the books had already been taking and for a rather familiar group. The Flaming Fist acted faster than he could have imagined.

“Is this something we can do? I mean, talk to an author?” Llwyd asks the librarian, honestly surprised. He thought any book on the subject would have been written by a long gone sage. A fruit of their research. If at least of the writers was still alive then he could be a worth lead to follow. “I would be very grateful if you would be so gentle as to point us toward one of them.”

Sistri tries to quickly go through the geography book.  She looks for anything that might point them to areas to investigate.

Kris picks up a massive, dusty tome from the shelf and pries it open.  A Brief History of Bread.  "No, not this one." She slams it shut and a cloud of dust envelopes her head.  Coughing, she shoves the book back onto its shelf and turns her attention back to Llwyd and the librarian.  "I'm sure the author wouldn't mind!  If I wrote a book I'd want to know who finds it interesting.  Please say they're alive.  And in Suzsail?"

The librarian is taken aback as they both ask, then she chortles, "I was joking. But I suppose one of the military manuals was written by General Silvermace. He's been retired for some time, but is an expert on Shadovar, their tactics and military behavior. I suppose if you could somehow request an audience with him, he may be able to help you. Also, Alophandar Emmerask, Sage of the Court could probably tell you a thing or two about Netheril if you're really looking for it. He's getting pretty old, but if you've got some connections maybe you could gain an audience." 

Irmiel and Sistri learn that the High Ice was melted by the Shadovar not to find any city, but for a desire to return the desert of the Anauroch back into a lush fertile land as it was in Netherese time. Also, looking at a map of HighMelt Lake....it was massive. The lake itself could take a generation to fully search. 

(And what about the local ecology? Any mentioning of the city crash around?)

Llwyd is genuinely intrigued by the surprised reaction of the librarian. Only when she explains the original meaning of her words he understands. That is how much we lack common sense, he understood. Somehow, he felt it was a good thing. It was thanks to that that they managed to get two new leads. The kind he doubted the Flaming Fist, or any other mercenary company, for that matter, would get.

“On my part, I am happy for giving you something of a funny moment. The most beautiful curve of a body is a smile after all.” He says trying to be gentle, unconscious that his words were more likely to sound flirty. “I believe the patron of our company can easily send a request for audience to Sage Emmerask but finding the esteemed general may not be so simple. Would you happen to know where and how we can request an audience with sir Silvermace?”

If she knew then he and Kris may have found something better than a book. An ally. If nothing else the retired general was sure to be an enemy of the Shadovar. Considering that the efforts of the contracted companies are a good way to undermine the Nethrese terrorists the man may as well lend his knowledge.

Sistri and Irmiel get a sense of some timelines. Over 2000 years ago, the cities crashed. Then ice covered up the north and the Anauroch desert formed. Then in the last 100 years, the Shadovar melted the high ice and caused some ecological changes. So...any sign of the city crashing are long gone.

The librarian smiles at Llwyd, a bit of a twinkle in her eye, "The Silvermace family have an estate in the city. If your patron is connected enough to get you in with Sage Emmerask, I'm sure getting an audience at the Silvermace family househould will be no problem."

Sistri takes a moment to try and see if there is any indication of how the Shadovar melted the ice.  And if there was any indication of how the ice came about as there seemed to be a sea in the time the city fell.  Beyond that though she'd not seeing much fruit from look at things after the ice melted.  

That was, actually, a very good question: how did an ice field come to be in the place of the sea? The librarian was certainly asked about that (about the books speculating on the subject)! But other than that... "Dead end. It looks like Lathery is either under the ice or under the water. Not ... easy to track. Or to reach. And with every book confiscated all we can do is wait or try to beat the other groups to the next library. Maybe Candlekeep has at least copies of books, so few people can read at once." That was all she could suggest on that matter. "Kris, is your family acquainted with the general? Or with the wizard? Can be both - a ticket to get there and a danger to walk in." 

“Thank you for the help.” He said to the librarian with a smile. “Let’s go, Kris. We will need to plan the next meet with our patron.”

Back at the entrance of the library he kept waiting for Sistir and Irmiel. They had agreed it was better to masquerade as not being part of a single group so it was better to wait for them outside. When the two arrived the elf was the first to speak, mentioning the results of her search. Llwyd made time same and soon enough the spellcaster started formulating a plan.

“I don’t think it is a good idea to use Kris or her family’s name. It would leave too vivid of a track to be noticed.” The satyr mentioned remembering their discussion on the day before, about the message. “Her parents could send swords against us, make it difficult or even impossible for our company to deal in business. Worst case scenario the information leaks and the whole underworld can attempt to abduct a certain noble lady.” And that was just what he could think about. At this point he fully expected things beyond his imagination to be just as likely to happen. “We could try using Sistri’s family contacts but in truth we would do better checking with Charlie. Maybe he has the connections to arrange the audiences. If not, I believe that we can try talking at the Silvermace state. If nothing else the general should be quite averse to the Shadovar and we make direct opposition to them. Maybe this will be enough to gain his help.”

"That's what I meant by the danger," the bad habit of never finishing an explanation or assuming people know what she was thinking about, often caused confusion around Irmiel. "Would be very risky for Kris to show up in these high profile places".

While the group is moving about the library doing their research, Sistri notices that aside from a few nobles, there is also a member of the Black Talons doing research here. He wears a long cloak and has a deep cowl over his head as he reads a book.  That said, Irmiel notices that while they've been reading their books for the past hour, the Black Talon person hasn't really moved, and has not turned a single page. 

Otherwise, the group manages to share information about what they've found with each other, while trying to play coy about being together. 

Sistri and Irmiel look up the cause of the high ice, which apparently formed by some sort of hostile, underdark race called Phaerimm. You ask about some books on these things and find references to strange flying worm like creatures that were very powerful magically and battled the Netheril empire in a long standing war. The things were said to have four short arm hands sticking out from the front of their head and could nullify magic as part of their powers. It's said they were from deep within the Underdark, though others say they were from some alien plane of existence. They were the ones that advanced the ice after the fall of Netheril.  As for how the Shadovar melted the ice....there is no information on that.

Is there more to search for here, at the moment, or do you head back to Charlie? 

Kris pouts.  "Yes, I fear that using my name will only lead my family's security forces right at us.  But as Llwyd says, the general is likely sympathetic to our cause.  If we can just explain our mission, he may be willing to help.  It appears we've gleaned everything we can for now.  Would you like to check in with Charlie before we head to the next research site?  I'm worried about him after this strange visitors."

“Oh, apologies.” He said finally understanding what Irmiel meant by her words. “I though you were suggesting to use the name, the connections, of her parents to get the audiences, which to be fair seems like it could work just fine, where it not for the risks it entail.”

That was the reason for suggesting something similar from the part of Sistri’s family. Maybe her name and Charlie’s influence together could make the whole process of arranging an audience faster. Llwyd was not particularly hurried but considering the impetus of the other companies it was best for them to move swiftly.

“I didn’t think on the possibility of her being recognized.” He admitted glancing at Kris before turning his eyes back to Irmiel. “Maybe we should use make-up or bandages to hide her facial features. Simulate a disfiguring wound, without spells, since magic can be noticed and with everything that happened yesterday it wouldn’t be strange for an adventurer to be wounded. Not to mention it could strength the point that the information we seek is to deal with the Shadovar.” Something that the satyr thought likely to earn them the sympathy of the retired general. “Anyhow, are we returning to Charlie or do we have something else to procure? Like spell components or mounts.”

Sistri tries to keep any of the information she has gathered quiet until the group is outside the library. If caught up about the idea of meeting authors, she certainly would see if her family might have connections that would help them.  "I think checking on Charlie and seeing if he can help first is a good idea. Let's head there for a brief stop then be on our way again." 

She will also mention to the others, after they leave, about a member of the Black Talons having been in the library. 

(OOC - Given her "Knight of the Order" background she probably would have more links to followers of Miekilli - which likely doesn't help here.  Her noble family was rather minor, so less likely than Kris' family to have connections.) 

Irmiel fully agreed to return to Charlie. "He does not look like someone with connections, yet, he got us the contract." (She was still impressed by the free pass into the Candlekeep and now almost expected the man to pull another miracle) "And speaking of ingredients... There is something that might be needed but let's discuss it there." 

(to be clear, the free pass into Candlekeep, and the teleportation tickets, as well as the other library passes were included in the package he'd received when signing up for the contract.) 

The group departs the Suzail royal library. It is late afternoon as you're escorted through the rich hallways by two guards. Kris recognizes a few more dignitaries as they move along, but doesn't recollect their names or positions. Existing the royal grounds you head back to Charlie's.  Charlie has already given you 100 gold pieces each (please record) and it appears he's dedicated to this cause. As you get back to his book store you see two carpenters busy at work. Books have been stacked in piles from a backroom and a bookshelf there against a wall is being disassembled. 

Charlie ushers you into the main store, which is still closed, and sits you all down.  "So, I've decided to modify my shop rather than get a separate space. The backroom there is a storage room for me. On the other side is another storage room and a bedroom I don't use. I'm going to have the carpenters put a door through there, and then cover it with a swinging bookshelf. I'm very excited!  They are both friends and quite discrete. I fear they think I'm getting rather eccentric in my old age."  He grins, "Did you find anything out? What's next? By the way, I should remind you, tomorrow those Red Raven folks will be coming to the shop to look around. I assure you, any books of interest will be hidden away, and the carpenters are going to spend the day working on the swinging bookshelf at their workshop."  

You take a moment to explain about Sage Emmerask and the Silvermace connections. He hmms and hawws over this for a bit and then shakes his head, "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I'm not really all that connected to the noble families. It sounds like you might be able to just ask the Silvermace family. Perhaps if he knows that you're going to thwart Shadovar, he'll be happy to help you just for that reason alone. The Sage is one of the most powerful and wise people in the kingdom. The inner ring of advisors to the crown. I'm afraid I've no clue how you might see him. I will think about it, but....don't hold out hope."

They were fast to agree that the best course of action was returning to Charlie. Irmiel mentioned something about ingredients and the satyr could not help but feel curious about it. He imagined how much plants and the like existed in the city. Suzail didn’t see like the kind of place where someone would be able to grow much, but there was so many people and trade that he wouldn’t be surprised to find herbs he never even heard about. Where it not for the recent attack, maybe he would peruse the markets. A thought he put away as they arrived at the shop.

Recounting their findings to Charlie they discovered the man could not gain them an audience, but he agreed with Llwyd on the possibility of the general helping. Even if indirectly, they were going against the Shadovar. Although, if what they said during the attack on the administrative building was true then there would be nothing indirect about their conflict.

“Maybe the general can get us a meeting with the archmage.” He said with surprise, clearly just now realizing the possibility. “That said we will need to disguise or at least some bandages. Would happen to have this or know where we could get such things?” 

He wanted to ask if the man was good doing make-up and then realized that he didn’t know if anyone in their group was. I need to pay more attention when suggesting plans, he said with the voice of his mind.

"So, shall we try and see if the general might indulge us with a visit first? And then be on our way to Arabel? Though I'm not sure we will have much more luck."  Sistri says.  "How far is Arabel?  We should reach that by the end of the day and then we could be there tomorrow while Charlie is engaged with these Red Raven folks."

She then steps over towards Charlie. "I did have one question.  We found little to pinpoint Lathery but read a lot about Highmelt Lake.  Do you know how the Shadovar melted the ice? Might that have been one of those Mythallars?"  She sounds like she doesn't really think so but is trying to scramble for clues. "I'm also trying to put things together - was the ancient narrow sea, the ice, and now Highmelt Lake all essentially the same place? Or might we be able to narrow where all of these things might overlap?"