(OOC: Not sure with a Passive Insight of 14 if someone like Obsben would pick up on any underlying tensions between Crap and Cron, so the roll below is for that. If a more specific target is needed, she'll direct it at Cron)
(Ignore otherwise if debriefed previously on all known CRAP interactions with the moves and shakers of Phlan)
Despite all opposing appearances up to a point, even Obsben wasn't so socially deaf as to not eventually find herself quirking a brow or furrow them at certain points within the initial exchange; her interest piqued, and brief moments of concern being allowed to show through as a result. But regardless of whether little or much at all congealed into a firm conclusion, she hesitates not in seizing the brief window in between response for a bit more pep talk for Utar.
"Lebonon 'e Lebonosa, eh?"She spoke in halfling while side-eying the Half-Orc. Words that had little actual meaning regardless of tongue or translation. But for Utar at least, the words carried a strange uplifting strength to them, further kindling the fire within him. Whether he took full advantage of this or not however... that choice was up to him.
--> Granting Utar(d6) bardic (the time preference being just before he speaks up candidly)
However, if things look to be turning south with the man's candidacy one way or not, she rolls her eyes, a pinkie twitches, and then suddenly and with little fanfare... a moment replays itself back to the beginning of Utar's request! Though Utar would be beset by a feeling of deja'vu and a vague certainty of needing to try a few different words(adjust tone, etc) to get hopefully a better result, only Obsben (and maybe any temporally sensitive outer beings) would be fully aware of any temporal changes. Yet her expression is as placid as always as she watches events unfold again.
--> If persuasion check is necessary but would be a fail even with bonuses, spending a use of Chronal Shift to force a re-roll on Utar.
(@MB: That bit of RP was so good I have to reward it. I'll let you roll both checks with advantage. So that we can keep moving, allow me to roll those extra dice on your behalf.)
You certainly pick up on some sort of animosity here between Bolver and CRAP. Harper likely shared with you what he knows, but his knowledge of details on this relationship is not vast. You know what Utar told you about CRAP's actions leading to a murder, or at least expediting that plan, and Harper has told you that two Black Fist officers were on the scene: Aleyd and Cron. You know there is rivalry between the two, and you know CRAP sides with Aleyd, which is reason enough for Cron to dislike the group. Nonetheless, it appears that this has not devolved into offensive behavior toward each other. Like competitive siblings whose parents tell them they have to be nice to each other, except here, it involves internal power structure and politics within the Black Fist.
@Utar:
First of all, you pick up that Cron is omitting some information. Whether your persuasive actions convince him to relay more details remains to be seen at this specific instant, but even if they do, you wouldn't put past him to still try to hold on to the juiciest details.
Second, you know that appealing to the man's pride is a fruitful tactic here. Failing that, you feel a coin purse might push him over the edge. He might have been a lowly corrupt guard once and old habits die hard.
Finally, you understand that he understands that you are all, ultimately, on the same side. That said, you suspect this man still want to play "the game" so that he comes out on top and Aleyd and her friends don't. The safety of Phlan comes first, but if his career benefits from it, well... you know.
Cron given Obsben a side look that momentarily conveys a "what's wrong with this lady" sort of feel. He also glances at Graxx but, receiving only silence in return, turns to face Utar again. The Tormite's respectful approach is much more to his liking.
"Yes, well, I suspect you speak the truth," he eventually responds. "It wouldn't hurt for me..." he catches himself and course-corrects, "hmm... the Black Fist to develop their relationships with the Lord Sage and House Brokengulf further. You be sure to tell them how I have graciously facilitated your side investigation, as fruitless as it is bound to be." He reaches into the cloak/cape draped over one of his shoulders and hands Utar two pieces of paper: "These were the only things Tibeem had on him when we apprehended him, though I doubt they are of any significance: a mundane shopping list and a receipt from the shop. You could find something like this on every other person walking the streets of Phlan."
Looking at what Cron is calling a shopping list, Utar reads: "Sheaf of vellum (1), chalk dust (1lb sack), leather case." The receipt is pretty mundane, but it names the vendor as "Cockburn's Grocery".
Cron seems to assume that the conversation here is about to come to an end. He looks at the corpse hanging from the gate: "I shared the information I have, but Tibeem is hanging up there to send a message. The body stays there."
@Utar:
As mentioned above, you suspect there is a bit more to Cron's knowledge. You take it he is trying to leave so that he is not at risk of revealing whatever it is he is keeping close to his chest.
(OOC: On the mention of the name Tibeem, Neya, Graxx, and Utar may roll a history check.)
(@Ori: I am considering the persuasion check as a partial success -- More info? Yes. Access to the corpse? No. -- I assumed this was enough of a success for Obby not to use Chronal Shift. Let me know if you agree.)
Not for the first time since finding out about her position, Utar wonders how Aleyd ended up part of the Black Fist.
Continuing to play the part, Utar nods along with what Cron says, "Of course, Sir. The message must be sent."
Narrowing his eyes a little, as if weighing whether to ask the next question, he pats the pouch which Ekmong passed him containing the platinum pieces. "Would I be speaking out of turn if I were to ask whether this Tibeem revealed anything under questioning that might prove useful to our investigation? However, trivial, House Brokengulf would be able to show their immediate gratitude."
A twitch, a snap of the fingers, or even with a thought, and just like that, things could've been irrevocably changed for all. For Obsben, the previous few moments had lasted longer than the any percieved time of the others. But soon enough, she closed her eyes and relaxed her shoulders, leaving things to play out without any temporal "fixing".
She perks up once more should Utar read the list allowed, and even giggled at the name of the vendor's name. But then her expression suddenly hardens as she looks up to the Half-Orc. She starts to open her mouth to speak, but hesitates for a moment before looking away softly shaking her head.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
History: 5
"Ah, well. Can't undo what's already has been done." Neya shrugs.
Then an epiphany hits, "While a person could be silent about their movements, their actions could still speak volumes. You said he had a list and a receipt? May we take a look at them?"
The name "Tibeem" rings a very distant bell in Graxx's, Utar's, and Neya's minds. They recall hearing this name during one of their first visits to the Laughing Goblin in the wake of the Tea Kettle's closure. There was some misunderstanding that night and CRAP got mixed up in a brawl. A trio of humans with ink-stained hands and clothes joined in the fight, apparently for the fun of it all. One of them was called Tibeem. Now knowing they were scribes, the ink-stains finally make some sense. The three of you exchange a look, wondering if it might be worth paying Izmael and Markoth a visit (link).
Cron replies to Neya's question first: "The papers are yours to keep. My investigation is already concluded." (We can assume Utar read their contents aloud.) Graxx's question is next: "I can only assume they stayed at the staff quarters at Mantor's Library."
The lieutenant spares Obsben another glance, half expecting her to have a follow-up question as well. His face briefly shows some relief when the halfling doesn't seem to have a question in her. Assuming the conversation is over, Cron begins to turn to return to his own quarters. It is then that Utar interrupts him with a subtle offer. He looks around as if to confirm no one around is looking in his direction. Then, he silently extends a palm toward Utar, making sure his cape conceals the gesture to anyone outside the range of this conversation. Utar understands that this is not the time to discuss specific amounts of coin. It is clear the man is ready to accept the entire pouch.
Utar sends out a silent prayer to Torm. He hopes the information he is buying is worth it.
Hiding the pouch in his own hand he makes as though he is shaking the proffered hand of Cron Bolver. Leaning in he awaits the information, not letting go of the pouch or the hand.
Cron receives the pouch in a well-practiced concealing handshake. He waits for a moment, flares his nostrils as if preparing to say something deeply personal, and then shares: "We were able to extract one piece of information from the man, but we have no indication whether it is true. He said the plan was to head north along the Stojanow River towards the Dragonspine Mountains. I believe that's where his partner went." At his point, Cron can feel CRAP's eyes asking the questions their mouths are still forming. It is clear the man recognizes that not following on this lead constitutes some sort of failure on his and the Black Fist's part, hence the reluctance to admit it. Nonetheless, Cron has a standard statement for such occasions: "We haven't investigated these rumors further because they're out of the Black Fist's jurisdiction at this point. Unlike those mercenaries of the Red Plumes, we respect the concept of city boundaries and jurisdictions."
Before leaving to, at this point, mostly avoid having to look at CRAP for the time being, Cron takes a step down from his prideful platform and says: "Should you find the other conspirator, we've got a spot waiting for him on the gate next to his friend."
With that, the Knight Lieutenant leaves your presence.
(@MB: Please deduct the entire 30 platinum pieces you handed over to Cron.)
Releasing the Knight Lieutenant's hand, Utar feels somewhat vindicated, but wonders whether he's been sold a very expensive lie. Or whether Tibeem was able to buy his friend some extra time by pointing the Black Fist in the wrong direction. Still CRAP might be able to piece things together with a bit of luck.
Only once Cron was well and truly out of earshot would Obsben let out a sigh of both relief and exasperation. She then looks up and scrutinized Utar for just a few moments, before relaxing into her usual absent-minded smile. "To the library indeed. Which shall hopefully prove just as enlightening as everything else has been so far."She adds in as well and readily follows after the others.
Having picked up two other leads within the city, and potentially one more beyond it, CRAP decides it is time to leave the Stojanow Gate and head to Mantor's Library instead. On the way there, Graxx shares some of the financial burden of their recent discoveries with Utar.
Mantor's Library was once the most prominent institution in Scholar's Square, a section of Phlan sandwiched between Podol Plaza and the south walls. That said, and with the exception of perhaps the sun-bleached colonnades which frame the austere facade of the building, the library's exterior is nothing remarkable. It is a large property near the center of the city but the architecture does not set it apart from the other nearby structures. The lack of a clear sign on the front of the building ensures only those familiar with the city may know upon a glance that this is indeed Mantor's Library. A solitary bench sits next to a tranquil pond at the fore of the property. Since its recent reopening, the grounds have been kept well-manicured and festooned with blooming flowers and other local flora.
Upon entering the grounds, you are approached by a young human clerk. She kindly asks if she can help you find anything but reminds you that the library will close soon. Upon being presented the summons, she disregards the library's working hours and asks you to wait by the solitary bench while she fetches the Lord Sage. The young woman can't help but gush about her leader: "The Lord Sage of Phlan has a seemingly inexhaustible reserve of energy which they devote to curating and expanding the library's vast collection of encyclopediae, treatises, and compendiums, which are now accessible to the public once again. I'll fetch the Lord Sage in just a moment."
A few minutes pass before someone approaches the bench. This person is not accompanied by the clerk. They are a tall and slender half-elven person of surpassing age. Thanks to their half-elven blood, they nonetheless still retain a bit of youthful vigor. This person wears fine robes adorned with golden threads woven in elaborate designs, and their face does not easily reveal their gender. You begin to wonder whether the word "Lord" might truly fit this person or if it is simply a static title. Their voice is equally androgynous in nature. "Welcome to Mantor's Library. I am the one who has the honor to steer this institution. Pardon my cautious approach but may I kindly confirm your patronage by examining the summons you hold?"
Upon being presented the summons, the Lord Sage welcomes you once more: "Very well, I am glad to receive you here and hope you are able to do more to help resolve this unfortunate matter than the Black Fist has. How would you like to start your investigation?"
On the walk to the library, Utar pockets Graxx's proffered monies, "My thanks. I doubt we'll need it at the library, but if it makes it through the investigation I'll be sure to invest it in something for Leadstopper Manor."
Standing from the bench at the approach of who he assumes is the Lord Sage, he bows his head in greeting.
"We have already spoken with the Black Fist regarding this matter and while they are happy to close the book on this, we are acting at the behest of House Brokengulf and are not of the same mind as Knight Lt. Bolver."
Casting an eye quickly around the corridor, "Are you happy for us to discuss the particulars here, or would you like us to wait until we are somewhere less conspicuous?"
Dropping his voice to a whisper he adds, "Perhaps the location where the missing book is usually stored or the forger's workplace?"
"Perhaps we could inquire as to the contents of the books that were forged?" Neya asks. "Considering them being forged makes it obvious they were specifically targeted. Even general overviews may provide some clues, if you can't immediately recall specifics."
"Utar does raise a fine point. But, I don't imagine some things at least can't be asked in route." Obsben chimed in as well. "As the saying goes, you catch more pixies with honey than you do salt. And if we're devishly lucky, we might catch the right ear on the way that could also further... enlighten us if cornered."
She shrugs. "Food for thought. Speaking of food, do you know the name of the location where most of scribes and so forth get their supplies for daily use here? A most peculiar name came up before, and I find myself wondering if its really real." Osben smile falters for a second as she looks off to empty space with a raised brow. "True, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't cover all our basis. These are the forgotten realms after all." She stage whispered to the space, then turned back to the others to listen eagerly to further exchanges.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
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(OOC: Not sure with a Passive Insight of 14 if someone like Obsben would pick up on any underlying tensions between Crap and Cron, so the roll below is for that. If a more specific target is needed, she'll direct it at Cron)
Insight: 19.(19)
(Ignore otherwise if debriefed previously on all known CRAP interactions with the moves and shakers of Phlan)
Despite all opposing appearances up to a point, even Obsben wasn't so socially deaf as to not eventually find herself quirking a brow or furrow them at certain points within the initial exchange; her interest piqued, and brief moments of concern being allowed to show through as a result. But regardless of whether little or much at all congealed into a firm conclusion, she hesitates not in seizing the brief window in between response for a bit more pep talk for Utar.
"Lebonon 'e Lebonosa, eh?" She spoke in halfling while side-eying the Half-Orc. Words that had little actual meaning regardless of tongue or translation. But for Utar at least, the words carried a strange uplifting strength to them, further kindling the fire within him. Whether he took full advantage of this or not however... that choice was up to him.
--> Granting Utar(d6) bardic (the time preference being just before he speaks up candidly)
However, if things look to be turning south with the man's candidacy one way or not, she rolls her eyes, a pinkie twitches, and then suddenly and with little fanfare... a moment replays itself back to the beginning of Utar's request! Though Utar would be beset by a feeling of deja'vu and a vague certainty of needing to try a few different words(adjust tone, etc) to get hopefully a better result, only Obsben (and maybe any temporally sensitive outer beings) would be fully aware of any temporal changes. Yet her expression is as placid as always as she watches events unfold again.
--> If persuasion check is necessary but would be a fail even with bonuses, spending a use of Chronal Shift to force a re-roll on Utar.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar is 100% spending that BI. 6!
Graxx remains silent as Utar speaks so eloquently.
Graxx’s mind does wander when interrogation is brought up.
He thinks of old times and bad guardsman crazy guards man.
He knows he can no longer do that now on the Paladin path.
He waits to see if Utar was successful.
(@MB: That bit of RP was so good I have to reward it. I'll let you roll both checks with advantage. So that we can keep moving, allow me to roll those extra dice on your behalf.)
-> Insight: 26 or 14, whichever is higher.
-> Persuasion including Guidance and Bardic Inspiration: 11 or 17, whichever is higher.
@Obsben:
You certainly pick up on some sort of animosity here between Bolver and CRAP. Harper likely shared with you what he knows, but his knowledge of details on this relationship is not vast. You know what Utar told you about CRAP's actions leading to a murder, or at least expediting that plan, and Harper has told you that two Black Fist officers were on the scene: Aleyd and Cron. You know there is rivalry between the two, and you know CRAP sides with Aleyd, which is reason enough for Cron to dislike the group. Nonetheless, it appears that this has not devolved into offensive behavior toward each other. Like competitive siblings whose parents tell them they have to be nice to each other, except here, it involves internal power structure and politics within the Black Fist.
@Utar:
First of all, you pick up that Cron is omitting some information. Whether your persuasive actions convince him to relay more details remains to be seen at this specific instant, but even if they do, you wouldn't put past him to still try to hold on to the juiciest details.
Second, you know that appealing to the man's pride is a fruitful tactic here. Failing that, you feel a coin purse might push him over the edge. He might have been a lowly corrupt guard once and old habits die hard.
Finally, you understand that he understands that you are all, ultimately, on the same side. That said, you suspect this man still want to play "the game" so that he comes out on top and Aleyd and her friends don't. The safety of Phlan comes first, but if his career benefits from it, well... you know.
Cron given Obsben a side look that momentarily conveys a "what's wrong with this lady" sort of feel. He also glances at Graxx but, receiving only silence in return, turns to face Utar again. The Tormite's respectful approach is much more to his liking.
"Yes, well, I suspect you speak the truth," he eventually responds. "It wouldn't hurt for me..." he catches himself and course-corrects, "hmm... the Black Fist to develop their relationships with the Lord Sage and House Brokengulf further. You be sure to tell them how I have graciously facilitated your side investigation, as fruitless as it is bound to be." He reaches into the cloak/cape draped over one of his shoulders and hands Utar two pieces of paper: "These were the only things Tibeem had on him when we apprehended him, though I doubt they are of any significance: a mundane shopping list and a receipt from the shop. You could find something like this on every other person walking the streets of Phlan."
Looking at what Cron is calling a shopping list, Utar reads: "Sheaf of vellum (1), chalk dust (1lb sack), leather case." The receipt is pretty mundane, but it names the vendor as "Cockburn's Grocery".
Cron seems to assume that the conversation here is about to come to an end. He looks at the corpse hanging from the gate: "I shared the information I have, but Tibeem is hanging up there to send a message. The body stays there."
@Utar:
As mentioned above, you suspect there is a bit more to Cron's knowledge. You take it he is trying to leave so that he is not at risk of revealing whatever it is he is keeping close to his chest.
(OOC: On the mention of the name Tibeem, Neya, Graxx, and Utar may roll a history check.)
(@Ori: I am considering the persuasion check as a partial success -- More info? Yes. Access to the corpse? No. -- I assumed this was enough of a success for Obby not to use Chronal Shift. Let me know if you agree.)
History - 19
Not for the first time since finding out about her position, Utar wonders how Aleyd ended up part of the Black Fist.
Continuing to play the part, Utar nods along with what Cron says, "Of course, Sir. The message must be sent."
Narrowing his eyes a little, as if weighing whether to ask the next question, he pats the pouch which Ekmong passed him containing the platinum pieces. "Would I be speaking out of turn if I were to ask whether this Tibeem revealed anything under questioning that might prove useful to our investigation? However, trivial, House Brokengulf would be able to show their immediate gratitude."
A twitch, a snap of the fingers, or even with a thought, and just like that, things could've been irrevocably changed for all. For Obsben, the previous few moments had lasted longer than the any percieved time of the others. But soon enough, she closed her eyes and relaxed her shoulders, leaving things to play out without any temporal "fixing".
She perks up once more should Utar read the list allowed, and even giggled at the name of the vendor's name. But then her expression suddenly hardens as she looks up to the Half-Orc. She starts to open her mouth to speak, but hesitates for a moment before looking away softly shaking her head.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx looks up at the hanging body and puts his hand to his face(facepalm).
Graxx tries to think of same way to salvage the situation since he cannot interrogate anything.
Something clicks in Graxx's mind.
"Thank you for the information. I really appreciate it. Do you happen to know where Tibeem laid their head at?" asks Graxx.
History Check: 17
History: 5
"Ah, well. Can't undo what's already has been done." Neya shrugs.
Then an epiphany hits, "While a person could be silent about their movements, their actions could still speak volumes. You said he had a list and a receipt? May we take a look at them?"
Extended Signature
The name "Tibeem" rings a very distant bell in Graxx's, Utar's, and Neya's minds. They recall hearing this name during one of their first visits to the Laughing Goblin in the wake of the Tea Kettle's closure. There was some misunderstanding that night and CRAP got mixed up in a brawl. A trio of humans with ink-stained hands and clothes joined in the fight, apparently for the fun of it all. One of them was called Tibeem. Now knowing they were scribes, the ink-stains finally make some sense. The three of you exchange a look, wondering if it might be worth paying Izmael and Markoth a visit (link).
Cron replies to Neya's question first: "The papers are yours to keep. My investigation is already concluded." (We can assume Utar read their contents aloud.) Graxx's question is next: "I can only assume they stayed at the staff quarters at Mantor's Library."
The lieutenant spares Obsben another glance, half expecting her to have a follow-up question as well. His face briefly shows some relief when the halfling doesn't seem to have a question in her. Assuming the conversation is over, Cron begins to turn to return to his own quarters. It is then that Utar interrupts him with a subtle offer. He looks around as if to confirm no one around is looking in his direction. Then, he silently extends a palm toward Utar, making sure his cape conceals the gesture to anyone outside the range of this conversation. Utar understands that this is not the time to discuss specific amounts of coin. It is clear the man is ready to accept the entire pouch.
Utar sends out a silent prayer to Torm. He hopes the information he is buying is worth it.
Hiding the pouch in his own hand he makes as though he is shaking the proffered hand of Cron Bolver. Leaning in he awaits the information, not letting go of the pouch or the hand.
Cron receives the pouch in a well-practiced concealing handshake. He waits for a moment, flares his nostrils as if preparing to say something deeply personal, and then shares: "We were able to extract one piece of information from the man, but we have no indication whether it is true. He said the plan was to head north along the Stojanow River towards the Dragonspine Mountains. I believe that's where his partner went." At his point, Cron can feel CRAP's eyes asking the questions their mouths are still forming. It is clear the man recognizes that not following on this lead constitutes some sort of failure on his and the Black Fist's part, hence the reluctance to admit it. Nonetheless, Cron has a standard statement for such occasions: "We haven't investigated these rumors further because they're out of the Black Fist's jurisdiction at this point. Unlike those mercenaries of the Red Plumes, we respect the concept of city boundaries and jurisdictions."
Before leaving to, at this point, mostly avoid having to look at CRAP for the time being, Cron takes a step down from his prideful platform and says: "Should you find the other conspirator, we've got a spot waiting for him on the gate next to his friend."
With that, the Knight Lieutenant leaves your presence.
(@MB: Please deduct the entire 30 platinum pieces you handed over to Cron.)
Releasing the Knight Lieutenant's hand, Utar feels somewhat vindicated, but wonders whether he's been sold a very expensive lie. Or whether Tibeem was able to buy his friend some extra time by pointing the Black Fist in the wrong direction. Still CRAP might be able to piece things together with a bit of luck.
"Time to head to the library then?"
Graxx turns to Utar nods his head in agreement.
"Yes, hopefully their quarters have not been disturbed too much." says Graxx.
Graxx will begin to walk toward the library.
"Let us go." says Graxx.
As soon as the group is out of range of the gate and in private Graxx will approach Utar.
"Costly line of work.. Yes?" says Graxx.
Graxx will place 40 platinum pieces in Utar's hand(deducted).
Only once Cron was well and truly out of earshot would Obsben let out a sigh of both relief and exasperation. She then looks up and scrutinized Utar for just a few moments, before relaxing into her usual absent-minded smile. "To the library indeed. Which shall hopefully prove just as enlightening as everything else has been so far." She adds in as well and readily follows after the others.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Good idea. Once we find out which books have been forged and stolen, we may have an idea about what the reason is."
Extended Signature
Having picked up two other leads within the city, and potentially one more beyond it, CRAP decides it is time to leave the Stojanow Gate and head to Mantor's Library instead. On the way there, Graxx shares some of the financial burden of their recent discoveries with Utar.
Mantor's Library was once the most prominent institution in Scholar's Square, a section of Phlan sandwiched between Podol Plaza and the south walls. That said, and with the exception of perhaps the sun-bleached colonnades which frame the austere facade of the building, the library's exterior is nothing remarkable. It is a large property near the center of the city but the architecture does not set it apart from the other nearby structures. The lack of a clear sign on the front of the building ensures only those familiar with the city may know upon a glance that this is indeed Mantor's Library. A solitary bench sits next to a tranquil pond at the fore of the property. Since its recent reopening, the grounds have been kept well-manicured and festooned with blooming flowers and other local flora.
Upon entering the grounds, you are approached by a young human clerk. She kindly asks if she can help you find anything but reminds you that the library will close soon. Upon being presented the summons, she disregards the library's working hours and asks you to wait by the solitary bench while she fetches the Lord Sage. The young woman can't help but gush about her leader: "The Lord Sage of Phlan has a seemingly inexhaustible reserve of energy which they devote to curating and expanding the library's vast collection of encyclopediae, treatises, and compendiums, which are now accessible to the public once again. I'll fetch the Lord Sage in just a moment."
A few minutes pass before someone approaches the bench. This person is not accompanied by the clerk. They are a tall and slender half-elven person of surpassing age. Thanks to their half-elven blood, they nonetheless still retain a bit of youthful vigor. This person wears fine robes adorned with golden threads woven in elaborate designs, and their face does not easily reveal their gender. You begin to wonder whether the word "Lord" might truly fit this person or if it is simply a static title. Their voice is equally androgynous in nature. "Welcome to Mantor's Library. I am the one who has the honor to steer this institution. Pardon my cautious approach but may I kindly confirm your patronage by examining the summons you hold?"
Upon being presented the summons, the Lord Sage welcomes you once more: "Very well, I am glad to receive you here and hope you are able to do more to help resolve this unfortunate matter than the Black Fist has. How would you like to start your investigation?"
On the walk to the library, Utar pockets Graxx's proffered monies, "My thanks. I doubt we'll need it at the library, but if it makes it through the investigation I'll be sure to invest it in something for Leadstopper Manor."
Standing from the bench at the approach of who he assumes is the Lord Sage, he bows his head in greeting.
"We have already spoken with the Black Fist regarding this matter and while they are happy to close the book on this, we are acting at the behest of House Brokengulf and are not of the same mind as Knight Lt. Bolver."
Casting an eye quickly around the corridor, "Are you happy for us to discuss the particulars here, or would you like us to wait until we are somewhere less conspicuous?"
Dropping his voice to a whisper he adds, "Perhaps the location where the missing book is usually stored or the forger's workplace?"
"Perhaps we could inquire as to the contents of the books that were forged?" Neya asks. "Considering them being forged makes it obvious they were specifically targeted. Even general overviews may provide some clues, if you can't immediately recall specifics."
Extended Signature
"Utar does raise a fine point. But, I don't imagine some things at least can't be asked in route." Obsben chimed in as well. "As the saying goes, you catch more pixies with honey than you do salt. And if we're devishly lucky, we might catch the right ear on the way that could also further... enlighten us if cornered."
She shrugs. "Food for thought. Speaking of food, do you know the name of the location where most of scribes and so forth get their supplies for daily use here? A most peculiar name came up before, and I find myself wondering if its really real." Osben smile falters for a second as she looks off to empty space with a raised brow. "True, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't cover all our basis. These are the forgotten realms after all." She stage whispered to the space, then turned back to the others to listen eagerly to further exchanges.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.