This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
On the road:
Picking up on their mutual friend, Utar pushes a bit regarding the sorrow that surrounds CRAP's absent member.
"You know Doozey? Halfling ranger? Lots of pets? I agree there is a air of sadness around him, but he doesn't talk about his life before too much. It sometimes feels like he's trying to make up for somekind of past mistake no matter the cost to himself. I worry that we might end up losing him to it and we don't even know how we can help him other than stand beside him and hope it never happens."
On the subject of creatng stories from CRAP's adventures, Utar laughs, "I guess you could. Maybe check with the others first?"
In Phlan:
While the group waits to return their mounts, Utar asks whether he should announce their immanent arrival via the weave. "I can get a message to Ekmong and the Lord Sage, make sure they're available for us?"
Looking towards the sky, he tries to gauge the time of night. survival - 17
"Hmn. Could be him. Not a whole lot halflings out there become debbie downers, ya know? Not much reason to out in the world to get that sad without magic being involved, and we always have quite the large family to help pick us back up again." She explained. "Anywho. The one I knew only had this big fluffy dog with him at the time, and was kinda stinky like a ranger. But, I wouldn't know for certain, as we didn't really interact for all that long. But either way, it's good at least your Doozey has folks like you worry about him. And sometimes that's enough." She uses a mage hand to give Utar a pat on the shoulder and grins over and up at the half-orc.
Back on to the subject of stories again, Obsben happily agrees and speed up as needed to make like inquires to the rest.
Back in the Present:
"Eh, up to you. I did kinda tell'em already to be ready the night before with some stuff, but couldn't hurt to ring'em up ahead of time."Obsben admits. "Also, uh... about that whole curse business before? I don't want to make things awkward, but if you, Utar, maybe have the magic for it right now to remove one, mind doing so for me? Because I kinda get the feeling when someone important eventually ask to keep for safe keeping, I'm gonna try to nibble their grubby fingers off."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The group delights at the realization that Obsben has met Doozey and Biscuit in the past, but any further conversation on the topic has to wait until the witch girl collects authorization from the other CRAPErs to put their adventures down into vellum.
Interestingly, the talk about Doozey also seems to postpone any more discussions on Obsben's likely curse.
ARRIVING IN PHLAN:
The group quickly comes up with a list of priorities. First, Utar makes sure that no one is following them. He is certain this is the case but also recognizes that they just arrived, so the chances of them already having a tail are small to begin with.
Next, Obsbensends a message to Harper while Utar considers sending a couple more to Ekmong and the Lord Sage. Here is the half-elf's response to the halfling:
"Understood. Try to find a way of doing so while inside the library, if possible. Either way, I'll be waiting outside when you come out."
The next item on the list is returning the mounts. Obsben prefers to skip this step for now but, at Utar and Graxx's insistence, she relents. The visit to Enrst's Livery is a quick one, and conversations are kept purely transactional in nature. CRAP says goodbye to Basil, Opal, and GlühoofII, at least for now. Tross, the mustachioed older half-orc supervisor, returns about half of the initial cost you paid:
Graxx: I assume you want to keep the Animal blanket for Glory, but if you return it you can get 1gp back.
Next, they determine whether it is an appropriate time to reach out to the Lord Sage. Neya is under the impression it would be acceptable to do so. Utar looks up to confirm that the last sun rays will soon hide behind the horizon. The sky is purple in color, with a bright orange base to the west.
As the group begins to walk, Obsben resurfaces the conversation on curse removal...
(OOC: Let's resolve potential additional Sendings and curse removals before moving on to the Library.)
Utar spends a moment thanking Gluhoof II for their service and requests that the animal takes it easy for a few days. Assuming that the Glory won't say no to a little more animal feed when back at the Leadstopper place, he returns the rest of Gluhoof II's tack to Tross.
Finding a quiet moment in the livery building, he sends two messages, the first to Ekmong, the second to the Lord Sage.
Ekmong:
Ekmong. Utar. Task completed. Back in Phlan with thief in tow. A chance to start repaying our debt. Meet outside library, one hour's time.
Lord Sage:
Making our way to you. Will be at the library in the next hour. Utar.
That task complete, he turns to the next. Given this is likely some kind of relic of Tiamat's given the nature of the place in which they found it, he opts to go straight to the big guns and begins preparataions to cleanse Obsben's soul!.
Looking around the livery, he concludes that it might be the best place to undertake the work out of direct sight, stepping into a suitably quiet stables, he begins preparations, marking out symbols within the dirt of the floor and inviting the halfling to step into a simple circle he's also drawn out. Inviting Obsben to sit and doing so himself, he begins a series of repetitive chants, each building upon the first, layer after layer. The words seem to hang in the air and linger, creating an unnerving sensory experience.
The white hand on his pauldron glowing all the brighter throughout, Utar's own hands begin tracing potent religious symbols in the air, his fingers deftly moving through each holy pattern until his own hands begin to glow as well. He rests a glowing hand on Obsben's forehead, closes his own eyes and...
(OOC Are we ok saying that Utar has the necessary spell components to cast the spell? If so, will alter his inventory accordingly. Think he previously had some diamond dust from the House of the Hand, but think we spent it on a previous mission. Obviously chosing to end the curse on the shield, or at the very least, breaking Obby's attunement to it.)
Neya returns the horse and the equipment she rented. She will then wait until Utar is finished with Obby's cleansing ritual before returning to the library with them.
Despite knowing full well that her gold pouch would never be full, the choice is inevitably made by Obby to keep Basil around. "A company of two keeps away the terrible blue as they say." She sung as she stood in waiting outside the livery and played with Basil's face. The game comes to a swift end seeing Utar ready with an answer for her curse in more ways than one. For a moment, genuine concern creeps into her expression as the miracle called upon by the cleric. But then, her expression smooths as relief floods her system, leaving her once again in her customary expression eerie serenity... if the spell worked as intended at least!
Immediately after, Obby leaps up to try and wrap her arms around Utar's neck in a hug and mumbles through many thanks, before eventually letting him go again. "Seems I'll have a few more chapters yet to add to my story. Thank you so much, Utar."She expressed, then look to Graxx with an apologetic grin. "I'm sorry, Graxxy. While it did allow the weaving of a couple of spells, the shield yet stubbornly hung onto to its other secrets. But, if the Safe was able to prepare even a little bit like I asked, mayhaps something more can be discerned at least." She said. "Either way, I... This might sound strange and perhaps even concern, but I would still carry it for a while longer yet."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
As negotiations at Ernst's Livery come to an end, Obsben finds herself unable to say goodbye to Basil. As the initial rental price was already the full purchase price, Tross is more than happy to make it all a final sale, if that is the halfling's intention (as opposed to just keeping the rental going for a while longer.)
Once outside, Utar asks that Neya and Graxx keep an eye out as he invites Obsben to a relatively quiet corner somewhere behind the stables. It is in this secluded location that the Tormite begins preparing his cleansing ritual. The process involves markings on the ground, repetitive chanting, glowing hands, and a considerable amount of diamond dust. Despite all needed preparations, however, the actual transference of divine magic into Obsben's body is quite swift. The spell seems to first do away with the lightling's partial reluctance to go through the ritual. Then, as intended, it severs the little witch's connection to the relic scale, freeing her of any curse she had unknowingly signed up for and restoring her health.
-> Obsben's max HP is no longer debilitated.
The caster and the recipient of the spell are both given a few minutes to regain their poise but soon, CRAP finds themselves walking toward Mantor's Library. Despite being already dark now, someone seems to be waiting for the group at the library's gate. That said, the bookworm-looking elf has been clearly instructed not to open the gate right away. She expectantly waits for some sort of signal or confirmation from CRAP's part...
Obsben raises a brow at the half-elf, and looked about ready to say something before Utarchimes in. "Lex a wha-...... Ooooh.... Very clever, Utar. I would say it would've been nice to let the rest of us know least we make a mistake, but then that would've defeated the purpose, huh?" She smirks at Utar from the back of Basil. Looking then to the elf she adds, "Is it okay if Basil comes in with me, by the way. I promise he'll be on his best behavior." Obby assures, but one look at the lightly panting and slobbering mastiff may undermine all that...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The elf attendant nods at Utar before then turning to Obsben and Basil: "I... I guess so."
The party is led through a familiar path and up to an office few are allowed to reach, that of the Lord Sage. A knock on the door and a few seconds later, CRAP is invited to enter. Unlike in their previous visit, CRAP meets the Lord Sage at the "living room" area of their office instead of going further in the veritable apartment the Lord Sage calls an office and into the personal study where CRAP last had their secretive meeting with the Lord.
The Lord Sage is pouring over a scroll while sitting at the head of large wooden table. Their office is meticulously arranged and flawlessly neat and clean. Next to them, standing, is a young-looking halfling lady with short blonde hair; her hands and shirt stained with smudges of blue ink. They discuss the contents of a scroll before stopping and turning to CRAP. "Welcome, friends of the library." The Lord spares just a brief look at a bound and gagged Spernik, but maintains their elegant poise, sharing no words with the former scribe. Instead, they introduce the halfling lady: "This is Cassra Brandywine, the Scribe Master here in Mantor's Library. She has been helping me prepare as best as we can following Obsben's vague directions."
Cassra turn to face the party and says a timid "Hello". She seems somewhat offended that a mastiff has been brought to this office, but the Lord Sage does not seem bothered in the least. Cassra then asks: "Should the f-f-forger be allowed to w-w-witness whatever it is we are about... abo.... ab.. .about to do here?" the Lord Sage nods and asks CRAP: "How about we lock Spernik back in his old dormitory room for now? We have no guards per se here but it doesn't look like he is in any condition to overcome his bindings. I can ask one of the other library assistants to keep an eye at the locked door while we converse. Is this agreeable?"
"I can do it, my Lord" the bookworm elf who led you here volunteers from her spot on the other side of the entrance to the Lord Sage's apartment.
Seeing the look on her fellow halfling's face upon seeing Basil is enough to elicit just the widest of Cheshire smiles from Obsben. But of course, if the Lord or anyone else started to look at her too closely, her expression immediately flips back to normal as she turned to absently pet her pupper.
"A most prudent action, Lord Sage. Especially considering that Spernik and his friend hadn't been acting entirely on their own." Obsben turns back to Cassra and gives a little wave of her fingers. "By the way. Nice to meet you, Cassra. And thank you for your assistance in all this." Looking then up to the Lord Sage, Obsben expression turns slightly more serious. "I'm sorry I couldn't explain things better. Magical messaging, while useful, do have their little limitations. And once you've seen what we discover, and with your Scribe Master here's help, hopefully discern more about it, it'll perhaps be easier to understand why discretion is the better part of valor. Especially given all that's happen to lead us to this point."
It's on that note that Obsben fished out what journals and other books Spernik had absconded with, along with her half of the notes taken(minus the extra copies) on the group's own findings and recording of the site. "These are for you as well. As promised. Not sure if you want the robe I mentioned in there, but I did keep it and it is relatively intact." She mentions, stepping up to offer the Sage the items.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Uh, if Spernik and Tibeem were not acting alone, I would suggest we question him now, better to root out anyone else still in place before they either abscond with Spernik or silence him more permanently. At the very least you could enquire as to what books he forged and whether any more of their work is on the shelves. If you implictly trust those watching him there is less urgency I suppose."
The Lord Sage does not seem bothered by the mastiff's presence, and Cassra shifts her gaze from Basil to Obsben as the fellow halfling says 'hello.' "Oh, yes... of c-co-course. A pleasure."
The Sage nods in agreement with Obsben regarding caution. So much so, that they insist a decision is made regarding Spernik before accepting to take a look at any of the many items Obsben is eager to show them. She is politely asked to wait a bit longer before sharing notes, sketches, books, and robes. Graxx watches this with rising concern:
@Graxx/@Grx:
Your moment of doubt is only that, a moment. You reckon the Lord Sage is being overly cautious and does not want to give Spernik a chance to betray their trust again. They seems excited about the items Obsben wants to show them but are disciplined enough to maintain their poise and delay that source of gratification.
Utar pipes up with an alternate suggestion. The Lord Sage replies: "I trust your judgement. If you reckon we ought to question Spernik before sending him away so we can analyze the prizes you brought me, then we shall do just that. I refuse to direct a word toward the thief, however, so please, lead the interrogation."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar nods, "Very well, I assume that Spernik's co-operation, or not as the case may be, in this endeavour will be noted? A little incentive for him would go a long way."
Utar looks to both Spernik and the Lord Sage before beginning.
Stepping up to Spernik, Utar removes his gag but stops short of loosening his bonds and then takes a step away.
"I would suggest that a fine place to start would be to confirm exactly which books were forged during your time here, Spernik. We can confirm at least two and can return those to the library now. Lord Sage, could I impose on one of your scribes to confirm what Spernik says?"
Obsben acquiesces to the Lord's request without much complaint. But as she herself could think of little more in the moment to further interrogate Spernik on that hadn't been uncovered or wouldn't require being more... intrusive to get to the truth, the lightling took to finding the most optimal seat to keep a watch on just about everyone... including Cassra. And if she couldn't find one by normal means, then she'd settle for the ground near her chosen spot, absently petting Basil during the interrogation.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx feels at ease and now knows he was just overthinking things. The Lord Sage is to be trusted.
Graxx takes a different approach to the interrogation at first.
Graxx reaches in his pack and retrieves his waterskin.
Graxx shows the waterskin to Spernik and kneels down next to them.
"Here... Get you a drink. I'm sure that throat is dry as a gourd." says Graxx
Graxx will hold the waterskin to Spernik's lips if accepted.
"Now Spernik... We know you were working with the Cult of the Dragon who is working with the Thayans and working on forming alliances. My question to you is... Is there anyone else in town or nearby that you were working with or knew of your mission?" asks Graxx.
On the road:
Picking up on their mutual friend, Utar pushes a bit regarding the sorrow that surrounds CRAP's absent member.
"You know Doozey? Halfling ranger? Lots of pets? I agree there is a air of sadness around him, but he doesn't talk about his life before too much. It sometimes feels like he's trying to make up for somekind of past mistake no matter the cost to himself. I worry that we might end up losing him to it and we don't even know how we can help him other than stand beside him and hope it never happens."
On the subject of creatng stories from CRAP's adventures, Utar laughs, "I guess you could. Maybe check with the others first?"
In Phlan:
While the group waits to return their mounts, Utar asks whether he should announce their immanent arrival via the weave. "I can get a message to Ekmong and the Lord Sage, make sure they're available for us?"
Looking towards the sky, he tries to gauge the time of night. survival - 17
On the road:
"Hmn. Could be him. Not a whole lot halflings out there become debbie downers, ya know? Not much reason to out in the world to get that sad without magic being involved, and we always have quite the large family to help pick us back up again." She explained. "Anywho. The one I knew only had this big fluffy dog with him at the time, and was kinda stinky like a ranger. But, I wouldn't know for certain, as we didn't really interact for all that long. But either way, it's good at least your Doozey has folks like you worry about him. And sometimes that's enough." She uses a mage hand to give Utar a pat on the shoulder and grins over and up at the half-orc.
Back on to the subject of stories again, Obsben happily agrees and speed up as needed to make like inquires to the rest.
Back in the Present:
"Eh, up to you. I did kinda tell'em already to be ready the night before with some stuff, but couldn't hurt to ring'em up ahead of time." Obsben admits. "Also, uh... about that whole curse business before? I don't want to make things awkward, but if you, Utar, maybe have the magic for it right now to remove one, mind doing so for me? Because I kinda get the feeling when someone important eventually ask to keep for safe keeping, I'm gonna try to nibble their grubby fingers off."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
On The Road:
Graxx points erratically at the mention of the Biscuit.
"That's the one! You knew Doozey! Ah, what a small realm. I miss him..." says Graxx as he trails off.
Back in Present:
"Yes, Utar, if you can help please rid Obsben of this curse! We cannot risk it taking control of them."
ON THE ROAD:
The group delights at the realization that Obsben has met Doozey and Biscuit in the past, but any further conversation on the topic has to wait until the witch girl collects authorization from the other CRAPErs to put their adventures down into vellum.
Interestingly, the talk about Doozey also seems to postpone any more discussions on Obsben's likely curse.
ARRIVING IN PHLAN:
The group quickly comes up with a list of priorities. First, Utar makes sure that no one is following them. He is certain this is the case but also recognizes that they just arrived, so the chances of them already having a tail are small to begin with.
Next, Obsben sends a message to Harper while Utar considers sending a couple more to Ekmong and the Lord Sage. Here is the half-elf's response to the halfling:
"Understood. Try to find a way of doing so while inside the library, if possible. Either way, I'll be waiting outside when you come out."
The next item on the list is returning the mounts. Obsben prefers to skip this step for now but, at Utar and Graxx's insistence, she relents. The visit to Enrst's Livery is a quick one, and conversations are kept purely transactional in nature. CRAP says goodbye to Basil, Opal, and Glühoof II, at least for now. Tross, the mustachioed older half-orc supervisor, returns about half of the initial cost you paid:
Next, they determine whether it is an appropriate time to reach out to the Lord Sage. Neya is under the impression it would be acceptable to do so. Utar looks up to confirm that the last sun rays will soon hide behind the horizon. The sky is purple in color, with a bright orange base to the west.
As the group begins to walk, Obsben resurfaces the conversation on curse removal...
(OOC: Let's resolve potential additional Sendings and curse removals before moving on to the Library.)
Utar spends a moment thanking Gluhoof II for their service and requests that the animal takes it easy for a few days. Assuming that the Glory won't say no to a little more animal feed when back at the Leadstopper place, he returns the rest of Gluhoof II's tack to Tross.
Finding a quiet moment in the livery building, he sends two messages, the first to Ekmong, the second to the Lord Sage.
Ekmong:
Ekmong. Utar. Task completed. Back in Phlan with thief in tow. A chance to start repaying our debt. Meet outside library, one hour's time.
Lord Sage:
Making our way to you. Will be at the library in the next hour. Utar.
That task complete, he turns to the next. Given this is likely some kind of relic of Tiamat's given the nature of the place in which they found it, he opts to go straight to the big guns and begins preparataions to cleanse Obsben's soul!.
Looking around the livery, he concludes that it might be the best place to undertake the work out of direct sight, stepping into a suitably quiet stables, he begins preparations, marking out symbols within the dirt of the floor and inviting the halfling to step into a simple circle he's also drawn out. Inviting Obsben to sit and doing so himself, he begins a series of repetitive chants, each building upon the first, layer after layer. The words seem to hang in the air and linger, creating an unnerving sensory experience.
The white hand on his pauldron glowing all the brighter throughout, Utar's own hands begin tracing potent religious symbols in the air, his fingers deftly moving through each holy pattern until his own hands begin to glow as well. He rests a glowing hand on Obsben's forehead, closes his own eyes and...
(OOC Are we ok saying that Utar has the necessary spell components to cast the spell? If so, will alter his inventory accordingly. Think he previously had some diamond dust from the House of the Hand, but think we spent it on a previous mission. Obviously chosing to end the curse on the shield, or at the very least, breaking Obby's attunement to it.)
Neya returns the horse and the equipment she rented. She will then wait until Utar is finished with Obby's cleansing ritual before returning to the library with them.
Extended Signature
Despite knowing full well that her gold pouch would never be full, the choice is inevitably made by Obby to keep Basil around. "A company of two keeps away the terrible blue as they say." She sung as she stood in waiting outside the livery and played with Basil's face. The game comes to a swift end seeing Utar ready with an answer for her curse in more ways than one. For a moment, genuine concern creeps into her expression as the miracle called upon by the cleric. But then, her expression smooths as relief floods her system, leaving her once again in her customary expression eerie serenity... if the spell worked as intended at least!
Immediately after, Obby leaps up to try and wrap her arms around Utar's neck in a hug and mumbles through many thanks, before eventually letting him go again. "Seems I'll have a few more chapters yet to add to my story. Thank you so much, Utar." She expressed, then look to Graxx with an apologetic grin. "I'm sorry, Graxxy. While it did allow the weaving of a couple of spells, the shield yet stubbornly hung onto to its other secrets. But, if the Safe was able to prepare even a little bit like I asked, mayhaps something more can be discerned at least." She said. "Either way, I... This might sound strange and perhaps even concern, but I would still carry it for a while longer yet."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Ekmong's response to Utar:
"Great news, and all within half a tenday. I am pleased. Wrap your dealings with the Lord Sage. I'll be there in an hour."
Lord Sage's response to Utar:
"Thank you for the update. I'll let them know at the door to bring you straight to my office. Use password: 'Lex Geographica'."
As negotiations at Ernst's Livery come to an end, Obsben finds herself unable to say goodbye to Basil. As the initial rental price was already the full purchase price, Tross is more than happy to make it all a final sale, if that is the halfling's intention (as opposed to just keeping the rental going for a while longer.)
Once outside, Utar asks that Neya and Graxx keep an eye out as he invites Obsben to a relatively quiet corner somewhere behind the stables. It is in this secluded location that the Tormite begins preparing his cleansing ritual. The process involves markings on the ground, repetitive chanting, glowing hands, and a considerable amount of diamond dust. Despite all needed preparations, however, the actual transference of divine magic into Obsben's body is quite swift. The spell seems to first do away with the lightling's partial reluctance to go through the ritual. Then, as intended, it severs the little witch's connection to the relic scale, freeing her of any curse she had unknowingly signed up for and restoring her health.
-> Obsben's max HP is no longer debilitated.
The caster and the recipient of the spell are both given a few minutes to regain their poise but soon, CRAP finds themselves walking toward Mantor's Library. Despite being already dark now, someone seems to be waiting for the group at the library's gate. That said, the bookworm-looking elf has been clearly instructed not to open the gate right away. She expectantly waits for some sort of signal or confirmation from CRAP's part...
Utar gives the elf a nod of greeting.
"Lex geographica"
Obsben raises a brow at the half-elf, and looked about ready to say something before Utarchimes in. "Lex a wha-...... Ooooh.... Very clever, Utar. I would say it would've been nice to let the rest of us know least we make a mistake, but then that would've defeated the purpose, huh?" She smirks at Utar from the back of Basil. Looking then to the elf she adds, "Is it okay if Basil comes in with me, by the way. I promise he'll be on his best behavior." Obby assures, but one look at the lightly panting and slobbering mastiff may undermine all that...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The elf attendant nods at Utar before then turning to Obsben and Basil: "I... I guess so."
The party is led through a familiar path and up to an office few are allowed to reach, that of the Lord Sage. A knock on the door and a few seconds later, CRAP is invited to enter. Unlike in their previous visit, CRAP meets the Lord Sage at the "living room" area of their office instead of going further in the veritable apartment the Lord Sage calls an office and into the personal study where CRAP last had their secretive meeting with the Lord.
The Lord Sage is pouring over a scroll while sitting at the head of large wooden table. Their office is meticulously arranged and flawlessly neat and clean. Next to them, standing, is a young-looking halfling lady with short blonde hair; her hands and shirt stained with smudges of blue ink. They discuss the contents of a scroll before stopping and turning to CRAP. "Welcome, friends of the library." The Lord spares just a brief look at a bound and gagged Spernik, but maintains their elegant poise, sharing no words with the former scribe. Instead, they introduce the halfling lady: "This is Cassra Brandywine, the Scribe Master here in Mantor's Library. She has been helping me prepare as best as we can following Obsben's vague directions."
Cassra turn to face the party and says a timid "Hello". She seems somewhat offended that a mastiff has been brought to this office, but the Lord Sage does not seem bothered in the least. Cassra then asks: "Should the f-f-forger be allowed to w-w-witness whatever it is we are about... abo.... ab.. .about to do here?" the Lord Sage nods and asks CRAP: "How about we lock Spernik back in his old dormitory room for now? We have no guards per se here but it doesn't look like he is in any condition to overcome his bindings. I can ask one of the other library assistants to keep an eye at the locked door while we converse. Is this agreeable?"
"I can do it, my Lord" the bookworm elf who led you here volunteers from her spot on the other side of the entrance to the Lord Sage's apartment.
Seeing the look on her fellow halfling's face upon seeing Basil is enough to elicit just the widest of Cheshire smiles from Obsben. But of course, if the Lord or anyone else started to look at her too closely, her expression immediately flips back to normal as she turned to absently pet her pupper.
"A most prudent action, Lord Sage. Especially considering that Spernik and his friend hadn't been acting entirely on their own." Obsben turns back to Cassra and gives a little wave of her fingers. "By the way. Nice to meet you, Cassra. And thank you for your assistance in all this." Looking then up to the Lord Sage, Obsben expression turns slightly more serious. "I'm sorry I couldn't explain things better. Magical messaging, while useful, do have their little limitations. And once you've seen what we discover, and with your Scribe Master here's help, hopefully discern more about it, it'll perhaps be easier to understand why discretion is the better part of valor. Especially given all that's happen to lead us to this point."
It's on that note that Obsben fished out what journals and other books Spernik had absconded with, along with her half of the notes taken(minus the extra copies) on the group's own findings and recording of the site. "These are for you as well. As promised. Not sure if you want the robe I mentioned in there, but I did keep it and it is relatively intact." She mentions, stepping up to offer the Sage the items.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar's forehead wrinkles.
"Uh, if Spernik and Tibeem were not acting alone, I would suggest we question him now, better to root out anyone else still in place before they either abscond with Spernik or silence him more permanently. At the very least you could enquire as to what books he forged and whether any more of their work is on the shelves. If you implictly trust those watching him there is less urgency I suppose."
Graxx ponders….
Graxx does not want to leave the group alone but also does not want to leave Spernik alone either.
Graxx is feeling a bit anxious about the meeting for some reason…
Graxx looks to the Lord Sage. Do they seem off? How do the react once the objects are shown to them?
Perception: 26
(@Grx: Let's call that insight instead.)
The Lord Sage does not seem bothered by the mastiff's presence, and Cassra shifts her gaze from Basil to Obsben as the fellow halfling says 'hello.' "Oh, yes... of c-co-course. A pleasure."
The Sage nods in agreement with Obsben regarding caution. So much so, that they insist a decision is made regarding Spernik before accepting to take a look at any of the many items Obsben is eager to show them. She is politely asked to wait a bit longer before sharing notes, sketches, books, and robes. Graxx watches this with rising concern:
@Graxx/@Grx:
Your moment of doubt is only that, a moment. You reckon the Lord Sage is being overly cautious and does not want to give Spernik a chance to betray their trust again. They seems excited about the items Obsben wants to show them but are disciplined enough to maintain their poise and delay that source of gratification.
Utar pipes up with an alternate suggestion. The Lord Sage replies: "I trust your judgement. If you reckon we ought to question Spernik before sending him away so we can analyze the prizes you brought me, then we shall do just that. I refuse to direct a word toward the thief, however, so please, lead the interrogation."
Utar nods, "Very well, I assume that Spernik's co-operation, or not as the case may be, in this endeavour will be noted? A little incentive for him would go a long way."
Utar looks to both Spernik and the Lord Sage before beginning.
Does Utar get the impression that Spernik and the Lord Sage will enter into these questions in good faith? - 13 (26)
Stepping up to Spernik, Utar removes his gag but stops short of loosening his bonds and then takes a step away.
"I would suggest that a fine place to start would be to confirm exactly which books were forged during your time here, Spernik. We can confirm at least two and can return those to the library now. Lord Sage, could I impose on one of your scribes to confirm what Spernik says?"
Obsben acquiesces to the Lord's request without much complaint. But as she herself could think of little more in the moment to further interrogate Spernik on that hadn't been uncovered or wouldn't require being more... intrusive to get to the truth, the lightling took to finding the most optimal seat to keep a watch on just about everyone... including Cassra. And if she couldn't find one by normal means, then she'd settle for the ground near her chosen spot, absently petting Basil during the interrogation.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx feels at ease and now knows he was just overthinking things. The Lord Sage is to be trusted.
Graxx takes a different approach to the interrogation at first.
Graxx reaches in his pack and retrieves his waterskin.
Graxx shows the waterskin to Spernik and kneels down next to them.
"Here... Get you a drink. I'm sure that throat is dry as a gourd." says Graxx
Graxx will hold the waterskin to Spernik's lips if accepted.
"Now Spernik... We know you were working with the Cult of the Dragon who is working with the Thayans and working on forming alliances. My question to you is... Is there anyone else in town or nearby that you were working with or knew of your mission?" asks Graxx.
Persuasion: 5
As Neya listens to the interrogation, she pays attention to Spernik’s expression to judge whether or not he’s truthful.
Insight: 24
Extended Signature