The back door gives Samir little trouble. Another key on the ring slides in smoothly, and then with a twist and a click, the door unlatches and swings slowly open. Beyond is a narrow set of stairs leading downward in a tight spiral. The air here smells stale. Clearly it is not a place that gets much circulation. After descending for about 15 ft, the stairs end in an archway that leads to a room about twice the size of the one above. About half of the shelves here are filled with documents, while the other half lie empty.
Vilus looks through the occupied shelves and skims the titles and labels. Some of the documents are more recent and sensitive in nature, but most appear to be down here due to their age and lack of relevance. Early drafts of founding documents, blueprints from the city's initial construction, scrolls of various fibers with expired trade agreements from half a century ago. But it does not take long for Vilus to find what they are looking for. In the section with more confidential documents, he finds an envelope at the end of one of the rows, bound with a thin red ribbon. As he is about to grab it, he notices something on the ribbon. Beckoning Samir with his light closer, Vilus is able to make out faintly that a little bit of ink has bled through the ribbon. It appears as though something were written on the ribbon, on the side facing inward toward the file so it couldn't be seen from without. Looking closer, Villus starts to feel a buzzing in his head as he makes out the darkened outline of at least one godtongue rune.
Meanwhile above ground in the main section of the archives, Fenear claps with glee at the display. "How is it that you do that? I was under the impression that the genasi were not overly fond of magic. Is that just an innate ability you all possess? Oh, and as to the footnote, I imagine it is making reference to the pantheon of the long-extinct high-elves. When humans moved into the elven ruins at Teyra'athal, they found murals and artifacts that highlighted their religious beliefs. Apparently, they believed in the Holy Triumverate of Aldrumin, Melnada, and... Oh shoot, what was the third one? Ancient religions was never my specialty. Either way, many of the gods worshipped today were supposedly the children of these three gods, or alternate interpretations. But the old beliefs largely died with the last of the high-elves, so it's hardly surprising you haven't heard of them."
Vilus wide eyed, checks around the document to see where this ribbon stops, whether it restrains the document from being lifted or not. "If we can get it out of here we can deal with the runes elsewhere, just gotta be careful moving it" he hovers his hand over the document feeling whether the buzzing in his head intensifies or not, If not he tugs slightly at the document trying to slip it out of the file without removing the ribbon.
Samir's breath hitches as he realizes what Vilus has found. There was no telling what the consequences of pulling that ribbon unprepared could be. He glances at the others, fidgeting with his glasses for a second. "It looks to be binding the envelope itself, preventing it from being opened, or possibly destroying the item itself should it be triggered. Or the opener, I suppose. We should be able to take the envelope itself, ribbon and all, I think. So long as the ribbon remains undisturbed, then the runes shouldn't activate, and we can deal with it when we have more leisure." He shifts his ever-present satchel forward, opening the flap wide and revealing... well, honestly, it just seems dark and empty inside that bag. "If you can slip it free without disturbing the ribbon, drop it in here. It will be safe there until we can take it out and study it."
Vilka extends his hand forward and then stops, from his hand a shadowy mage hand appears and pinches the document between a thumb and forefinger, lifting as to keep the ribbon wrapped around and intact. Slowly, slowly he eels the paper from the file and finally pulls it free lowering it carefully into Samir's bag. (18 sleight of hand), he doesn't say anything in response to Samir, nor does he speak the entire time it takes to move the document, concentration weighs heavily upon the disguised Goliath.
Once it is secured Vilus gives some of the other confidential documents a look over to see if 1, anything catches his eye, or 2, anything else is bound with trapped ribbons.
Carefully, carefully, the paper is pulled free. Vilus senses just how fragile the ribbon is. Certainly by design. Whatever curse is placed upon must be designed to trigger when the ribbon is broken. But his hands are steady, and the list comes loose from the file with no issue. He gives it a once over to make sure there is nothing written on it before putting it in Samir's bag.
Looking around, he sees several other files wrapped with red ribbon, but nothing seems to be inscribed on any of them. In fact, the material of the other ribbons is different. Sturdier. Most likely part of standard practice for certain sealed documents that Marigold simulated for the shipping list. But a thought occurs to Vilus. If the cult would go to such lengths to protect this document from prying eyes, why not simply destroy it?
Without further issue, Vilus and the others are able to make their way back into the main body of the archives where they can hear Fenear engaged in conversation with Ashley and Malachi. There is still no guard in sight.
Watching from the door, Vilus projects a message directly into Ashley's mind, "on our way out of the archives, distraction needed, please" he eyes around the door looking for any observers who might catch them leaving somewhere they aren't supposed to be. (15 perception)
Ashley's smile dims a bit at the mention of other fire genasi's and lets him in, "Actually, you're right. Most of us do not have this ability, I was blessed with magic and it wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms." she shrugs, "But I have found new ones, luckily as I do enjoy being able to do such things."
She listens as the man describes what he knows and winces internally as Vilus's message comes surprisingly, but with good news. To keep the man's attention down, she spreads out her hand and places it palm down on the desk, in a spot that would take his attention away from where they are coming, "Now, one last trick before we head out.. I showed you some fire, which is easy for me, but how about some frost? This is a bit more difficult.." and she trails off as frost creeps into the desk starting from her hand and out about a foot or two before she stops it. When the others arrive, she lifts her hand back up, giving it a bit of a shake. "Ah yes! Sorry we took so long, Fenear just had such good information! We're ready to go though." and she turns back to Fenear, "Thanks! I hope to see you again soon!" And keeping the man's attention, she reaches out her hand to shake his, hoping that will be enough for the others to slip the keys back on the desk.
If Joren can see out past Fenear, Ashley and Malachi 60' to a point where he might plausibly come around a corner, he tries to provide further distraction. As Ashley begins her demonstrative casting of frostbite and Fenear's head is down, he sends his echo out 30', then 30' further and swaps places with it. Ambling around the corner into view on the "correct" side of the archives for Fenear's expectation. He waits just until Fenear's head looks like it is beginning to come back up to make his "swap entrance," scratching himself and calling out in a the bored, oafish voice of an utter meathead:
"Are you two showing off your adorable little magic tricks again. This place is boring me to death. All these letters and documents. Who is having time to study it all? Sword in my hand is what I am needing, not a bloody book. Being ready to go now finally?" Joren grunts impatiently to drive home his point, acting the perfect ideal of the dumb jock bodyguard, bored with his more studious and magical companions' discussion. Hoping to draw Fenear's attention and annoyance to himself, and thereby provide further cover for Vilus, Malachi, Samir, and Marion to make their exit.
Vilus hears no one at first, but as they approach the entrance to the archives where Fenear's desk is, he hears Jean-Lou's voice out in the hall, engaged with someone who seems anxious to end the conversation. Likely the replacement guard. Joren, who Vilus thought had been standing right next to him, suddenly approaches the desk from the far side. Between him and Ashley, Vilus sees his opportunity to slip the keys back onto Fenear's desk. (DC 15 Sleight of hand with advantage)
Vilus in his human guise, walks on over to the desk and mage hands the keys out from his illusory robes trying to again hold the keys firmly as to not jingle them about, they lower and move around the desk bur as Vilus loses sight on the keys they slip from his mage hand, causing a loud cacophony as they hit the floor, vilus quickly dispels the mage hand and shivers himself into the desk as if tripping over, he clears his throat, "oops! Excuse me, What was that noise!? Anyway, having fun are we? I'm sorry to disturb, but I have a meeting to attend and I need to away with my entourage here, you understand... And apologies for knocking your desk, it seems the gem of this robe may need taking up a little" he looks through his brow at Fenear with a polite smile.
Fenear looks over at Vilus, puzzlement on his face. Then he looks down to see the keys on the floor. His previously bubbly expression sours a bit. "Whatever shenaniganry this is, I am not amused. You've gone and knocked my keys right off the desk, you bumbling oaf." He slowly pushes himself up from his chair and then groans as he bends over, one hand supporting his back. He grabs the keys off the floor, and then straightens again, eliciting a few faint popping noises from his bony spine. "Sorry, that may have been uncalled for. I just take my job very seriously. I never let these keys out of my sight."
The voice of the guard in conversation with Jean-Lou gets louder as footsteps approach. "I'm sorry sir, I just need to check in with the man I'm replacing before we continue this conversation. I'm running late as it is."
"No, wait..." Jean-Lou calls out after him as the guard steps through the doors to the archive and walks quickly past the group at the front desk. Jean-Lou rushes through the door right behind him, but stops when he sees the adventurers all standing around, safely out of deep storage. "Never mind," Jean-Lou says. "It can wait until after your shift!" Without another look at the group, he turns and departs from the room.
When everyone emerges, they find him standing out in the hall, looking contemplatively out a large ceiling-height stained glass window contemplatively. He sneaks a glance over his shoulder as the emerge, simply raising an eyebrow as if to ask Did you get it?
Joren wonders for a moment if the supposed right thing to do in the world of Vilus' clandestine subterfuge is to throw out further misdirection and act towards Jean-Lou as if the party was not in fact successful in retrieving the document. But not surprisingly, he finds that he does not care.
He gives the goliath council-member a quick, truthful nod, making the briefest of eye-contact and touching the hilt of his greatsword at his back.
He continues speaking to the party, as if a bored and disgruntled bodyguard, muttering: "Please be telling me you all are done with this grubbing around with official business. You should be having enough parchment now to wipe all of your rear ends with. Can we finally be getting a drink now?"
"you have my apologies, good day sir." Vilus says to Fenear and promptly leaves, meeting Jean Lou's gaze as he walks toward the door Vilus makes no physical or noticeable acknowledgement of the council member, but does project a though into his mind, a whisper "you have our thanks", and with that Vilus is gone, hoping that the group are following behind.
Samir simply glances at Joren with an exaggerated roll of his eyes and gestures towards the exit in a clear "lead on" sign, attempting to maintain the demeanor of a person mildly annoyed by another person's constant whinging and complaints.
Heading back to the groups new digs, at the old healers shop, Vilus enters and immediately starts preparing a table for Samir, clearing it and making sure there is ample room and light to work. "One thing about this document is bugging me, if the cult knew it existed and had access to it, then why not just destroy it? There has to be a reason as to why they'd leave it intact... The ribbon is obviously a trap of some sort, but is the document itself also a trap?, a lure?, a misdirect? Either way if there's any chance this thing explodes or something we should be prepared."
Malachi mumbles an apology to Fenear and follows the others out of the room. He deliberately avoids eye contact with Jean-Lou, no sense in having any casual observers make a connection between the two groups.
Back at the shop, Malachi leans against the table and considers their options. “Why do anything with the list? Just pass it off to the Councilor and collect our reward. Let him deal with the runes and the obvious trap. We already have a lead on Marigold and on the entrance to the cultist tunnels. What do we need from the list?”
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The back door gives Samir little trouble. Another key on the ring slides in smoothly, and then with a twist and a click, the door unlatches and swings slowly open. Beyond is a narrow set of stairs leading downward in a tight spiral. The air here smells stale. Clearly it is not a place that gets much circulation. After descending for about 15 ft, the stairs end in an archway that leads to a room about twice the size of the one above. About half of the shelves here are filled with documents, while the other half lie empty.
Vilus looks through the occupied shelves and skims the titles and labels. Some of the documents are more recent and sensitive in nature, but most appear to be down here due to their age and lack of relevance. Early drafts of founding documents, blueprints from the city's initial construction, scrolls of various fibers with expired trade agreements from half a century ago. But it does not take long for Vilus to find what they are looking for. In the section with more confidential documents, he finds an envelope at the end of one of the rows, bound with a thin red ribbon. As he is about to grab it, he notices something on the ribbon. Beckoning Samir with his light closer, Vilus is able to make out faintly that a little bit of ink has bled through the ribbon. It appears as though something were written on the ribbon, on the side facing inward toward the file so it couldn't be seen from without. Looking closer, Villus starts to feel a buzzing in his head as he makes out the darkened outline of at least one godtongue rune.
Meanwhile above ground in the main section of the archives, Fenear claps with glee at the display. "How is it that you do that? I was under the impression that the genasi were not overly fond of magic. Is that just an innate ability you all possess? Oh, and as to the footnote, I imagine it is making reference to the pantheon of the long-extinct high-elves. When humans moved into the elven ruins at Teyra'athal, they found murals and artifacts that highlighted their religious beliefs. Apparently, they believed in the Holy Triumverate of Aldrumin, Melnada, and... Oh shoot, what was the third one? Ancient religions was never my specialty. Either way, many of the gods worshipped today were supposedly the children of these three gods, or alternate interpretations. But the old beliefs largely died with the last of the high-elves, so it's hardly surprising you haven't heard of them."
Joren sees the look on Vilus and Samir's faces. One he's seen before, back under Opportunity Knocks, half-exhausted.
"Our cultist friends keeping up with their usual tricks? Inscribing tricks and traps with their runes?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Vilus wide eyed, checks around the document to see where this ribbon stops, whether it restrains the document from being lifted or not. "If we can get it out of here we can deal with the runes elsewhere, just gotta be careful moving it" he hovers his hand over the document feeling whether the buzzing in his head intensifies or not, If not he tugs slightly at the document trying to slip it out of the file without removing the ribbon.
Samir's breath hitches as he realizes what Vilus has found. There was no telling what the consequences of pulling that ribbon unprepared could be. He glances at the others, fidgeting with his glasses for a second. "It looks to be binding the envelope itself, preventing it from being opened, or possibly destroying the item itself should it be triggered. Or the opener, I suppose. We should be able to take the envelope itself, ribbon and all, I think. So long as the ribbon remains undisturbed, then the runes shouldn't activate, and we can deal with it when we have more leisure." He shifts his ever-present satchel forward, opening the flap wide and revealing... well, honestly, it just seems dark and empty inside that bag. "If you can slip it free without disturbing the ribbon, drop it in here. It will be safe there until we can take it out and study it."
Vilka extends his hand forward and then stops, from his hand a shadowy mage hand appears and pinches the document between a thumb and forefinger, lifting as to keep the ribbon wrapped around and intact. Slowly, slowly he eels the paper from the file and finally pulls it free lowering it carefully into Samir's bag. (18 sleight of hand), he doesn't say anything in response to Samir, nor does he speak the entire time it takes to move the document, concentration weighs heavily upon the disguised Goliath.
Once it is secured Vilus gives some of the other confidential documents a look over to see if 1, anything catches his eye, or 2, anything else is bound with trapped ribbons.
Carefully, carefully, the paper is pulled free. Vilus senses just how fragile the ribbon is. Certainly by design. Whatever curse is placed upon must be designed to trigger when the ribbon is broken. But his hands are steady, and the list comes loose from the file with no issue. He gives it a once over to make sure there is nothing written on it before putting it in Samir's bag.
Looking around, he sees several other files wrapped with red ribbon, but nothing seems to be inscribed on any of them. In fact, the material of the other ribbons is different. Sturdier. Most likely part of standard practice for certain sealed documents that Marigold simulated for the shipping list. But a thought occurs to Vilus. If the cult would go to such lengths to protect this document from prying eyes, why not simply destroy it?
Keeping his echo summoned, Joren looks around for any interlopers (other than ourselves!) or other hazards.
"How are we looking? Ready to go, having what we need?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"got it, let's head back" as they leave Vilus makes sure to lock any door that he opened with the stolen keys, before heading back to the front desk
Without further issue, Vilus and the others are able to make their way back into the main body of the archives where they can hear Fenear engaged in conversation with Ashley and Malachi. There is still no guard in sight.
Watching from the door, Vilus projects a message directly into Ashley's mind, "on our way out of the archives, distraction needed, please" he eyes around the door looking for any observers who might catch them leaving somewhere they aren't supposed to be. (15 perception)
Ashley's smile dims a bit at the mention of other fire genasi's and lets him in, "Actually, you're right. Most of us do not have this ability, I was blessed with magic and it wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms." she shrugs, "But I have found new ones, luckily as I do enjoy being able to do such things."
She listens as the man describes what he knows and winces internally as Vilus's message comes surprisingly, but with good news. To keep the man's attention down, she spreads out her hand and places it palm down on the desk, in a spot that would take his attention away from where they are coming, "Now, one last trick before we head out.. I showed you some fire, which is easy for me, but how about some frost? This is a bit more difficult.." and she trails off as frost creeps into the desk starting from her hand and out about a foot or two before she stops it. When the others arrive, she lifts her hand back up, giving it a bit of a shake. "Ah yes! Sorry we took so long, Fenear just had such good information! We're ready to go though." and she turns back to Fenear, "Thanks! I hope to see you again soon!" And keeping the man's attention, she reaches out her hand to shake his, hoping that will be enough for the others to slip the keys back on the desk.
If Joren can see out past Fenear, Ashley and Malachi 60' to a point where he might plausibly come around a corner, he tries to provide further distraction. As Ashley begins her demonstrative casting of frostbite and Fenear's head is down, he sends his echo out 30', then 30' further and swaps places with it. Ambling around the corner into view on the "correct" side of the archives for Fenear's expectation. He waits just until Fenear's head looks like it is beginning to come back up to make his "swap entrance," scratching himself and calling out in a the bored, oafish voice of an utter meathead:
"Are you two showing off your adorable little magic tricks again. This place is boring me to death. All these letters and documents. Who is having time to study it all? Sword in my hand is what I am needing, not a bloody book. Being ready to go now finally?" Joren grunts impatiently to drive home his point, acting the perfect ideal of the dumb jock bodyguard, bored with his more studious and magical companions' discussion. Hoping to draw Fenear's attention and annoyance to himself, and thereby provide further cover for Vilus, Malachi, Samir, and Marion to make their exit.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Vilus hears no one at first, but as they approach the entrance to the archives where Fenear's desk is, he hears Jean-Lou's voice out in the hall, engaged with someone who seems anxious to end the conversation. Likely the replacement guard. Joren, who Vilus thought had been standing right next to him, suddenly approaches the desk from the far side. Between him and Ashley, Vilus sees his opportunity to slip the keys back onto Fenear's desk. (DC 15 Sleight of hand with advantage)
Vilus in his human guise, walks on over to the desk and mage hands the keys out from his illusory robes trying to again hold the keys firmly as to not jingle them about, they lower and move around the desk bur as Vilus loses sight on the keys they slip from his mage hand, causing a loud cacophony as they hit the floor, vilus quickly dispels the mage hand and shivers himself into the desk as if tripping over, he clears his throat, "oops! Excuse me, What was that noise!? Anyway, having fun are we? I'm sorry to disturb, but I have a meeting to attend and I need to away with my entourage here, you understand... And apologies for knocking your desk, it seems the gem of this robe may need taking up a little" he looks through his brow at Fenear with a polite smile.
Fenear looks over at Vilus, puzzlement on his face. Then he looks down to see the keys on the floor. His previously bubbly expression sours a bit. "Whatever shenaniganry this is, I am not amused. You've gone and knocked my keys right off the desk, you bumbling oaf." He slowly pushes himself up from his chair and then groans as he bends over, one hand supporting his back. He grabs the keys off the floor, and then straightens again, eliciting a few faint popping noises from his bony spine. "Sorry, that may have been uncalled for. I just take my job very seriously. I never let these keys out of my sight."
The voice of the guard in conversation with Jean-Lou gets louder as footsteps approach. "I'm sorry sir, I just need to check in with the man I'm replacing before we continue this conversation. I'm running late as it is."
"No, wait..." Jean-Lou calls out after him as the guard steps through the doors to the archive and walks quickly past the group at the front desk. Jean-Lou rushes through the door right behind him, but stops when he sees the adventurers all standing around, safely out of deep storage. "Never mind," Jean-Lou says. "It can wait until after your shift!" Without another look at the group, he turns and departs from the room.
When everyone emerges, they find him standing out in the hall, looking contemplatively out a large ceiling-height stained glass window contemplatively. He sneaks a glance over his shoulder as the emerge, simply raising an eyebrow as if to ask Did you get it?
Joren wonders for a moment if the supposed right thing to do in the world of Vilus' clandestine subterfuge is to throw out further misdirection and act towards Jean-Lou as if the party was not in fact successful in retrieving the document. But not surprisingly, he finds that he does not care.
He gives the goliath council-member a quick, truthful nod, making the briefest of eye-contact and touching the hilt of his greatsword at his back.
He continues speaking to the party, as if a bored and disgruntled bodyguard, muttering: "Please be telling me you all are done with this grubbing around with official business. You should be having enough parchment now to wipe all of your rear ends with. Can we finally be getting a drink now?"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"you have my apologies, good day sir." Vilus says to Fenear and promptly leaves, meeting Jean Lou's gaze as he walks toward the door Vilus makes no physical or noticeable acknowledgement of the council member, but does project a though into his mind, a whisper "you have our thanks", and with that Vilus is gone, hoping that the group are following behind.
Samir simply glances at Joren with an exaggerated roll of his eyes and gestures towards the exit in a clear "lead on" sign, attempting to maintain the demeanor of a person mildly annoyed by another person's constant whinging and complaints.
Heading back to the groups new digs, at the old healers shop, Vilus enters and immediately starts preparing a table for Samir, clearing it and making sure there is ample room and light to work. "One thing about this document is bugging me, if the cult knew it existed and had access to it, then why not just destroy it? There has to be a reason as to why they'd leave it intact... The ribbon is obviously a trap of some sort, but is the document itself also a trap?, a lure?, a misdirect? Either way if there's any chance this thing explodes or something we should be prepared."
Malachi mumbles an apology to Fenear and follows the others out of the room. He deliberately avoids eye contact with Jean-Lou, no sense in having any casual observers make a connection between the two groups.
Back at the shop, Malachi leans against the table and considers their options. “Why do anything with the list? Just pass it off to the Councilor and collect our reward. Let him deal with the runes and the obvious trap. We already have a lead on Marigold and on the entrance to the cultist tunnels. What do we need from the list?”