Although there is a tinge of reluctance in the Lord Sage's eyes when it comes to extending Spernik any sort of olive branch, they confirm Utar's assumption/suggestion with a silent nod. In response, Spernik himself looks a bit frightened, and thoroughly defeated. Utar has a good look at both of them:
@Utar/@MB:
The Lord Sage is not happy with Spernik and clearly believes the man should be thoroughly and promptly incarcerated. That said, they are the kind of person to digest all pieces of information before making a decision and, hence, are eager to continue discussions with CRAP and look over the items the party brought back... just not in Spernik's presence. To the extent additional information can be gathered from questioning Spernik directly, the Lord Sage is willing to suffer the fool's presence for a bit longer, if so needed.
As for Spenik, the man is completely defeated. He has been gagged and hog-tied for days, humiliatingly paraded back to Mantor's Library, and forced to face the person he had swindled. Spernik seems to understand that things will not end well for him and that his best hopes is to keep a noose away from his neck. He is afraid and you feel he is willing to cooperate at this point in hopes of keeping his life.
Before any questioning can begin, Obsben finds a spot on a comfy-looking sofa nearby (one of three). Basil joins her, which earns a snicker from Cassra.
Graxx then kicks things off by offering a drink of water to the recently un-gagged prisoner. Spernik accepts before settling in to listen to the first question. He answers after a tired sigh: "Tibeem and I were the only ones working on finding the Circle of the Scale." Spernik's voice is weaker than before. He does not look defiant at all.
Utar offers a second question, which receives an expected answer: "Just the two... Lex Geographica and The History of the North. Not many tomes here cover the obscure Circle of the Scale. It took us several months to even locate just these two and forge fakes." After a pause, he adds. "Well, there is a third book of lore I took but that one was for my own leisurely study. You already found it in my backpack, surely."
The Lord Sage not only agrees that a scribe should confirm what Spernik is saying but, in fact, offers the services of the Master Scribe herself. Cassra steps up and goes over the two original tomes Obsben had put on the table. It takes her some time but she soon confirms that those are indeed the originals and that Spernik's account matches up with what the library had uncovered. That said, both Cassra and the Lord Sage are surprised to learn of a third book. The Lord Sage suspected that was the case, as CRAP may recall, but getting the confirmation straight from the thief's mouth seems to have offended them a bit. The eloquent half-elf remains silent in response. Cassra speaks for both of them: "And where is this third book?"She looks at Obsben.
Listening quietly from a corner, almost as if wishing for the others to forget she is in the room, Neya compares Spernik's words with those the scribe had given up during the first interrogation, as well as with the mission details from when they first met the Lord Sage, and concludes that all seems to square up for now.
Though Obsben complained a little if the sofa was on the small side, her words are accompanied by a few giggles of her own while trying to get comfortable. Though seeming half-distracted before long with idly petting Basil, the attention suddenly thrown her way again gets a confused look before Obsben makes a silent 'o' with her mouth and nods.
"Oh yes, I have that one as well." She admits. But it's not until there's an awkward moment's pause or someone points it out again that she finally goes, "Oh, you want that one too, I suppose. Didn't seem as relevant as the other ones, but give me a second."After some shuffling about in her seat to get at her pack, Obsben proceeds to pull out a number of things, including Spernik's journal, had she not already done so by then. But along with a few of the stolen scholar's pack items is produced a third book of lore. "Though admittedly, I didn't get much a chance to go over it nearly as much as the other books."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After Obsben returns the book, Utar nods and turns to Spernik. Speaking plainly, Utar attempts to put the squeeze on, hoping Spernik's sense of self-preservation outweighs his fear of the Cult of the Dragon.
"Is there anything else you'd like to add at this point? I would advise you to speak freely as it's likely to keep you from the grasp of the Black Fist. They strung Tibeem up without missing a beat. I imagine they can make room for you next to him."
Obsben is reminded to turn in the third, less incriminating tome and does so directly to Cassra when she extends her hand in a request. The Scribe Master spends no more than a few second going over the book before closing it abruptly and affirming: "One-on...-o-on-one of our more common issue-iss-issues, and one of which we have many-ma-man-maaaa-many copies. We thank you for bringing it back, no-none-the-none-nonetheless-less."
She then looks at the journal Obsben also picked out of her pack and asks: "Not one of our t-to-tomes-omes?"
Meanwhile, Graxx's and Utar's attentions are still on Spernik. In response to their next bout of intimidation, the faux-scribe shakes his head and confirms: "I understand and, no, I cannot think of anything else to share."
With that, the Lord Sage is ready to send Spernik out of the room. "Perhaps now is the time to send this thief away?" They point to the elf at the door and propose: "My colleague here can keep an eye on Spernik after we lock him inside a vacant dormitory chamber, not his own." The Lord then turns to face Obsben and Basil: "Perhaps the mastiff can help keep an eye on the criminal? Perhaps you'd like to escort him there yourselves and then come back here?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"No. Just his journal, which may or may prove enlightening for the talks to come next."Obsben replied to the Cassra in a rather matter-of-fact sort of tone. At the Sage's request soon after, Obsben squints at the man in seeming faux suspicion that she quickly plays off as a jest in a smile. And yet...
Insight: 24. (She's trying to figure out if the sage is up to something and trying to get her out of the room or otherwise)
"Hm. Might be a tough sale to get him to stay there. But, I think I got a few special treats that aughta convince me Basil here." She assured the Sage. "That is, unless any of the rest of you'd like to volunteer take him along, and perhaps keep him company while the rest of this sordid little business gets sorted out."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar nods and exhales, "Thank you Spernik. We've someone coming who may want to quiz you on the Cult of the Dragon. Think on that and see whether there's anything you recall which help prove your further usefulness to them."
Looking to the Lord Sage and then the elf scribe, "Until then, let's get him somewhere secure. I am happy to be part of an escort. I take it that the vacant room is truly empty?"
Graxx places the sending stone back in his pack for now.
"Yes, send him away for now." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Utar.
"I wish to have an audience with the Captain before they meet with Spernik. That gives us time to discuss any other important topics tonight with our current audience."
Graxx smiles and nods toward the Lord Sage and Cassra.
You sense no malice in the Lord Sage's suggestion. They likely looked at you because you seem to be the guard dog's handler.
"It doesn't matter,"Spernik says to Utar. "They will find me regardless."
With Neya and Utar also agreeing to the proposed next steps, the Lord Sage signals for the elf at the door to show the way after confirming that they will indeed pick a truly empty accommodation. Obsben, Utar, and Basil follow the elf while encircling Spernik. It takes some time but they are eventually lead to an empty wing of the dormitory area, where Spernik is assigned a featureless, furniture-less, colorless room. The elf confirms that she will be posting guard at the door and asks: "Will the guard dog stay inside with the bound prisoner?" She doesn't necessarily look like she has done this type of work before, but room looks secure enough.
In the Lord Sage's office, Neya and Graxx maintain some small talk with Cassra and the Lord. The Lord takes this opportunity to abscond into another room. After a little while, they return with a tabletop lockbox in their hands. They open it and remove three pre-counted pouches of coins from within. They clarify: "Each of these three pouches contains 100gp, corresponding to the promised reward for each tome returned." They then lock the lockbox back up and push it forward on a table. "And the rest of this box's contents are the 1,200gp promised for the safe return of Spernik, the Tome Thief. That brings us to a total of 1,500gp." Finally, they remove a final pouch from a deep pocket and add: "This one contains the additional 150gp I promised for extra articles of research interest. I'll hold on to this one a while longer until I have the chance to look at what you brought, but I have no doubt I'll be parting with it soon enough."They add a pleasant smile at the end of the admission.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Inside Spernik's Cell:
Utar casts a wary eye around Spernik's new accomodation. If there's a window, he's checking that it is locked. He runs a hand along the walls checking for draughts that might indacte a false wall or secret passage.
"What do you think, Basil? Mind keeping lil' Spudnik company. He's so oh very down these days and could use a friendly face I bet."The Mastiff cants his head briefly to the side at the request before ultimately just going back to wagging his tail and panting happily before her. "Mmmmmnn~ Good enough, I suppose! In you go, Mister. You keep him company and keep him safe from any bad people."She said as she mustered more strength that even Doozey has ever put on display (without the use of the gauntlets) in shoving the poor beast inside.
Salty Bottom chitters and seems to laugh from his perch on Obsben shoulder. That was until the lightling set him down in the room as well. "And like Sir Lucious Lips would say, the more company the merrier. Do be a good boy, Salty Bottom."She said with a grin, kissed her familiar on the forehead, and then begin her return with Utar, trusting the man had done a significantly good enough job inspecting the room for good measure.
Once back with the Lord Sage and others, Obsben is fairly straight to the point while pulling the wrapped up scale -- which never EVER left her person for even a second thus far... as far as she's aware -- off her back, but kept it covered and in hand as she asks, "So, to the other matter I asked you about before. Do you have everything you need prepared?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Before Spernik can be placed within his empty chamber, Utar has a close look inside. He confirms the librarians chose an appropriate inward-looking room, such that it has no windows, only a ventilation grate on the upper portions of the wall. The walls are plain and all seem perfectly mortared. The only source of light is a candle waiting to be set alight, which the elf librarian/scribe is happy to do once she is asked to. There are no furniture pieces within, so there is no need to worry about false-panels or improvised table-leg weapons.
Obsben leads Basil inside and delivers some commands. How well the mastiff interprets them remains to be seen (please roll a animal handling check), but Salty Bottom is asked to keep them company as well... not that the familiar has a good record in keeping watch.
Spernik is left inside, the door is locked, and the elf librarian pulls a chair to sit on just outside the door. She produces a book to help her pass the time.
The movement of coin seems to either leave Graxx and Neya speechless or fail to amuse them. Either way, it is only the return of Utar and Obsben to the room that breaks the silence. More precisely, the delivery of the relic scale forces the silence away. Obsben's question about the librarians having all preparations in place is met with a display of magical scrolls. The Lord Sage and Scribe Master begin to unfurl a few scrolls and soon seem to naturally slip into the elvish language, reading from the scrolls at times and talking between themselves at others. The words are lost on CRAP, whose members cannot understand this particular language.
Nonetheless, many of the examinations that follow are familiar to the party. Utar recognizes the divine energy evoked by a Detect Evil and Good spell, Obsben recognizes the materials used for the Identify and Detect Magic spells, Neya remembers observing the casting of Legend Lore at least once in the past, and Graxx has witnessed the casting of Dispel Magic many times by now. After many trials and deliberations, the Lord Sage turns to address crap again. Their response in not wholly unexpected: "This is an interesting relic. On the surface, it seems to give its wielder the ability to launch streams of fire at desired targets, but it hides something deeper within. Something that is being warded by a strong layer of abjuration and illusion magic. Something we cannot get to with conventional divination means. This relic will require extended study. I thank you for bringing it to me. You can rest assured I will spare no effort in solving this enigma." Cassra turns to Graxx: "D-di-id you say the relic can h-hh-...-har-arm you? As in, it can harm its wielder? Perhaps a cur-cu-crus-se-se-curse or some type of hex?" The Lord Sage responds: "Maybe... but it could go deeper than just that. As I said, this will require time, expertise, and resources."
After pausing for a bit to give a chance for the party to respond, the Lord Sage asks: "Now, did you say you also brought notes, sketches, rubbings, and robes?"
@Ori: You trust Basil understood your orders well enough.
"... We do indeed. I believe I was able to keep most of my presonal short hand out of my notes. But I would be happy to go over them with you to clarify as needed."Obsben rather briskly replied, and promptly begun rummaging through her pack for what back up notes and sketches were there to pass along, trusting the others to give away their own in short order. As well as the robe, which although had been neatly folded and prestidigitized clean of dust, still carried a bit of frost damage from the barely shielded cone of cold.
Once she's done she'd ask, "You said before that it would take you some time, yes? Do you two have an estimation on that? Or for that matter, reliable protections or protection details to help oversee the project? If not, then besides these fine fellows, I might have some friends that I could speak to that would be more than willing to assist, I'm sure."She looked up and over to the rest of the party. "Not to deny these fine fellows an opportunity of a future job, of course. But who knows when the city or there Noble patron might have cause to call upon them, after all."
"It also seemed the circle of druids were not as inactive as we thought they were," Neya adds. "Their temple was awash in necromantic energy. From their leader, down to his followers - even a large snake in one of the chambers was some sort of reanimated undead."
"I am glad you may be able to unlock it's secrets safely." says Graxx.
Graxx looks down to the pouches of gold and the lockbox.
"Thank you for providing the payment. I'm glad we were all able to make it back safely and get the thief and tomes back to where they belong."
Graxx thinks to himself about what the uses for Gold maybe. He could use an enchanted saddle to protect Glory from his axe but he wants to first ensure his companions needs are taken care of as he has worked around the axe and Glory for the most part.
Graxx looks to Neya at the mention of the Snake and the Undead.
"Yes! I had not seen a large undead snake before. That was a sight to be seen." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Obsben and then back to the Lord Sage.
The party passes their many notes, sketches, rubbings, and robes to the librarians (Obsben is sure to keep a copy for herself). The Lord Sage and the Scribe Master begin pouring over them immediately, dividing their attention between the haul and the party. The Lord Sage then apologizes: "Apologies for our excitement in examining the many notes you brought back to us. Not much information is available on the Circle of the Scale, so this in quite an enticing haul. Alas, these are all worth the time to research more calmly."They place the last pouch on the table (150gp) and add: "And as promised..."
Regarding Obsben's offer, the Lord Sage replies: "Oh, I wouldn't want to bother you good folks with boring guard duty while we spend what I fear is going to be a significant amount of time with the relic and all of these notes. I believe we have suitable safety measures and will be sufficiently recluse, but if you would like to subcontract the task of additional security to these trustworthy contacts you mentioned, I am willing to accept. You have proven you are deserving of my trust. Please send a representative of this third-party to me. Tell them to use the same password at the gate as you used tonight."
Assuming Neya and Graxx describe the Scalebinder in detail, the Scribe Master replies: "That is in-in-indeed worrisome. However, from-...-fr-from what you describe, I surmise that this Scalebinder himself might have dabbed into necromancy-yyy-y-mancy in his search to eternally guard the relic. It sounds like he was successful, and that he h-h-ad-had-had plenty of time to befoul the temple and his followers-wers-wers. It is a good thing you have put an end to all of that."
The Lord Sage looks up from a parchment rubbing and adds: "We'll get Spernik into a proper cell and make sure the Black Fist does not execute him. Since he is my prisoner now and all stolen items have been returned, I hold more bargaining power than Lieutenant Bolver."
Following a bit more of conversation, Graxx notices the scholars are eager to begin their work and suggests that this conversation might be done. The mission has been accomplished with aplomb, and the reward has been paid. Everyone exchanges one last look among themselves just to be sure there is nothing left unsaid.
(OOC: Does anyone want to say/offer anything else? Otherwise, there might be a couple people waiting for you outside, as requested.)
Although there is a tinge of reluctance in the Lord Sage's eyes when it comes to extending Spernik any sort of olive branch, they confirm Utar's assumption/suggestion with a silent nod. In response, Spernik himself looks a bit frightened, and thoroughly defeated. Utar has a good look at both of them:
@Utar/@MB:
The Lord Sage is not happy with Spernik and clearly believes the man should be thoroughly and promptly incarcerated. That said, they are the kind of person to digest all pieces of information before making a decision and, hence, are eager to continue discussions with CRAP and look over the items the party brought back... just not in Spernik's presence. To the extent additional information can be gathered from questioning Spernik directly, the Lord Sage is willing to suffer the fool's presence for a bit longer, if so needed.
As for Spenik, the man is completely defeated. He has been gagged and hog-tied for days, humiliatingly paraded back to Mantor's Library, and forced to face the person he had swindled. Spernik seems to understand that things will not end well for him and that his best hopes is to keep a noose away from his neck. He is afraid and you feel he is willing to cooperate at this point in hopes of keeping his life.
Before any questioning can begin, Obsben finds a spot on a comfy-looking sofa nearby (one of three). Basil joins her, which earns a snicker from Cassra.
Graxx then kicks things off by offering a drink of water to the recently un-gagged prisoner. Spernik accepts before settling in to listen to the first question. He answers after a tired sigh: "Tibeem and I were the only ones working on finding the Circle of the Scale." Spernik's voice is weaker than before. He does not look defiant at all.
Utar offers a second question, which receives an expected answer: "Just the two... Lex Geographica and The History of the North. Not many tomes here cover the obscure Circle of the Scale. It took us several months to even locate just these two and forge fakes." After a pause, he adds. "Well, there is a third book of lore I took but that one was for my own leisurely study. You already found it in my backpack, surely."
The Lord Sage not only agrees that a scribe should confirm what Spernik is saying but, in fact, offers the services of the Master Scribe herself. Cassra steps up and goes over the two original tomes Obsben had put on the table. It takes her some time but she soon confirms that those are indeed the originals and that Spernik's account matches up with what the library had uncovered. That said, both Cassra and the Lord Sage are surprised to learn of a third book. The Lord Sage suspected that was the case, as CRAP may recall, but getting the confirmation straight from the thief's mouth seems to have offended them a bit. The eloquent half-elf remains silent in response. Cassra speaks for both of them: "And where is this third book?" She looks at Obsben.
Listening quietly from a corner, almost as if wishing for the others to forget she is in the room, Neya compares Spernik's words with those the scribe had given up during the first interrogation, as well as with the mission details from when they first met the Lord Sage, and concludes that all seems to square up for now.
Though Obsben complained a little if the sofa was on the small side, her words are accompanied by a few giggles of her own while trying to get comfortable. Though seeming half-distracted before long with idly petting Basil, the attention suddenly thrown her way again gets a confused look before Obsben makes a silent 'o' with her mouth and nods.
"Oh yes, I have that one as well." She admits. But it's not until there's an awkward moment's pause or someone points it out again that she finally goes, "Oh, you want that one too, I suppose. Didn't seem as relevant as the other ones, but give me a second." After some shuffling about in her seat to get at her pack, Obsben proceeds to pull out a number of things, including Spernik's journal, had she not already done so by then. But along with a few of the stolen scholar's pack items is produced a third book of lore. "Though admittedly, I didn't get much a chance to go over it nearly as much as the other books."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After Obsben returns the book, Utar nods and turns to Spernik. Speaking plainly, Utar attempts to put the squeeze on, hoping Spernik's sense of self-preservation outweighs his fear of the Cult of the Dragon.
"Is there anything else you'd like to add at this point? I would advise you to speak freely as it's likely to keep you from the grasp of the Black Fist. They strung Tibeem up without missing a beat. I imagine they can make room for you next to him."
Intimidation - 10
Graxx reaches in his pack and retrieves his Sending Stones.
He turns to Utar.
"Shall I send for them?" asks Graxx.
Obsben is reminded to turn in the third, less incriminating tome and does so directly to Cassra when she extends her hand in a request. The Scribe Master spends no more than a few second going over the book before closing it abruptly and affirming: "One-on...-o-on-one of our more common issue-iss-issues, and one of which we have many-ma-man-maaaa-many copies. We thank you for bringing it back, no-none-the-none-nonetheless-less."
She then looks at the journal Obsben also picked out of her pack and asks: "Not one of our t-to-tomes-omes?"
Meanwhile, Graxx's and Utar's attentions are still on Spernik. In response to their next bout of intimidation, the faux-scribe shakes his head and confirms: "I understand and, no, I cannot think of anything else to share."
With that, the Lord Sage is ready to send Spernik out of the room. "Perhaps now is the time to send this thief away?" They point to the elf at the door and propose: "My colleague here can keep an eye on Spernik after we lock him inside a vacant dormitory chamber, not his own." The Lord then turns to face Obsben and Basil: "Perhaps the mastiff can help keep an eye on the criminal? Perhaps you'd like to escort him there yourselves and then come back here?"
"No. Just his journal, which may or may prove enlightening for the talks to come next." Obsben replied to the Cassra in a rather matter-of-fact sort of tone. At the Sage's request soon after, Obsben squints at the man in seeming faux suspicion that she quickly plays off as a jest in a smile. And yet...
Insight: 24.
(She's trying to figure out if the sage is up to something and trying to get her out of the room or otherwise)
"Hm. Might be a tough sale to get him to stay there. But, I think I got a few special treats that aughta convince me Basil here." She assured the Sage. "That is, unless any of the rest of you'd like to volunteer take him along, and perhaps keep him company while the rest of this sordid little business gets sorted out."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar nods and exhales, "Thank you Spernik. We've someone coming who may want to quiz you on the Cult of the Dragon. Think on that and see whether there's anything you recall which help prove your further usefulness to them."
Looking to the Lord Sage and then the elf scribe, "Until then, let's get him somewhere secure. I am happy to be part of an escort. I take it that the vacant room is truly empty?"
Graxx places the sending stone back in his pack for now.
"Yes, send him away for now." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Utar.
"I wish to have an audience with the Captain before they meet with Spernik. That gives us time to discuss any other important topics tonight with our current audience."
Graxx smiles and nods toward the Lord Sage and Cassra.
“True, the results of our investigation is not for those with questionable connections.” Neya says. “But there are some concerning implications.”
Extended Signature
@Obsben:
You sense no malice in the Lord Sage's suggestion. They likely looked at you because you seem to be the guard dog's handler.
"It doesn't matter," Spernik says to Utar. "They will find me regardless."
With Neya and Utar also agreeing to the proposed next steps, the Lord Sage signals for the elf at the door to show the way after confirming that they will indeed pick a truly empty accommodation. Obsben, Utar, and Basil follow the elf while encircling Spernik. It takes some time but they are eventually lead to an empty wing of the dormitory area, where Spernik is assigned a featureless, furniture-less, colorless room. The elf confirms that she will be posting guard at the door and asks: "Will the guard dog stay inside with the bound prisoner?" She doesn't necessarily look like she has done this type of work before, but room looks secure enough.
In the Lord Sage's office, Neya and Graxx maintain some small talk with Cassra and the Lord. The Lord takes this opportunity to abscond into another room. After a little while, they return with a tabletop lockbox in their hands. They open it and remove three pre-counted pouches of coins from within. They clarify: "Each of these three pouches contains 100gp, corresponding to the promised reward for each tome returned." They then lock the lockbox back up and push it forward on a table. "And the rest of this box's contents are the 1,200gp promised for the safe return of Spernik, the Tome Thief. That brings us to a total of 1,500gp." Finally, they remove a final pouch from a deep pocket and add: "This one contains the additional 150gp I promised for extra articles of research interest. I'll hold on to this one a while longer until I have the chance to look at what you brought, but I have no doubt I'll be parting with it soon enough." They add a pleasant smile at the end of the admission.
Inside Spernik's Cell:
Utar casts a wary eye around Spernik's new accomodation. If there's a window, he's checking that it is locked. He runs a hand along the walls checking for draughts that might indacte a false wall or secret passage.
Investigation - 18
"What do you think, Basil? Mind keeping lil' Spudnik company. He's so oh very down these days and could use a friendly face I bet." The Mastiff cants his head briefly to the side at the request before ultimately just going back to wagging his tail and panting happily before her. "Mmmmmnn~ Good enough, I suppose! In you go, Mister. You keep him company and keep him safe from any bad people." She said as she mustered more strength that even Doozey has ever put on display (without the use of the gauntlets) in shoving the poor beast inside.
Salty Bottom chitters and seems to laugh from his perch on Obsben shoulder. That was until the lightling set him down in the room as well. "And like Sir Lucious Lips would say, the more company the merrier. Do be a good boy, Salty Bottom." She said with a grin, kissed her familiar on the forehead, and then begin her return with Utar, trusting the man had done a significantly good enough job inspecting the room for good measure.
Once back with the Lord Sage and others, Obsben is fairly straight to the point while pulling the wrapped up scale -- which never EVER left her person for even a second thus far... as far as she's aware -- off her back, but kept it covered and in hand as she asks, "So, to the other matter I asked you about before. Do you have everything you need prepared?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
AT SPERNIK'S TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
Before Spernik can be placed within his empty chamber, Utar has a close look inside. He confirms the librarians chose an appropriate inward-looking room, such that it has no windows, only a ventilation grate on the upper portions of the wall. The walls are plain and all seem perfectly mortared. The only source of light is a candle waiting to be set alight, which the elf librarian/scribe is happy to do once she is asked to. There are no furniture pieces within, so there is no need to worry about false-panels or improvised table-leg weapons.
Obsben leads Basil inside and delivers some commands. How well the mastiff interprets them remains to be seen (please roll a animal handling check), but Salty Bottom is asked to keep them company as well... not that the familiar has a good record in keeping watch.
Spernik is left inside, the door is locked, and the elf librarian pulls a chair to sit on just outside the door. She produces a book to help her pass the time.
Graxx recoils and tenses a bit with his brows furrowing at seeing the scale once more.
Graxx takes a step back.
"Please use caution... This item can harm you."
Graxx breathes out slowly.
"I've seen what powerful items can do to good people". says Graxx cautiously.
Graxx shrugs his shoulders a bit and expands his hands.
"But ya'll are much smarter than I am so I'm sure it will be alright."
Graxx gulps and looks on a bit nervously.
-Animal Handling: 18.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
BACK AT THE LORD SAGE'S OFFICE
The movement of coin seems to either leave Graxx and Neya speechless or fail to amuse them. Either way, it is only the return of Utar and Obsben to the room that breaks the silence. More precisely, the delivery of the relic scale forces the silence away. Obsben's question about the librarians having all preparations in place is met with a display of magical scrolls. The Lord Sage and Scribe Master begin to unfurl a few scrolls and soon seem to naturally slip into the elvish language, reading from the scrolls at times and talking between themselves at others. The words are lost on CRAP, whose members cannot understand this particular language.
Nonetheless, many of the examinations that follow are familiar to the party. Utar recognizes the divine energy evoked by a Detect Evil and Good spell, Obsben recognizes the materials used for the Identify and Detect Magic spells, Neya remembers observing the casting of Legend Lore at least once in the past, and Graxx has witnessed the casting of Dispel Magic many times by now. After many trials and deliberations, the Lord Sage turns to address crap again. Their response in not wholly unexpected: "This is an interesting relic. On the surface, it seems to give its wielder the ability to launch streams of fire at desired targets, but it hides something deeper within. Something that is being warded by a strong layer of abjuration and illusion magic. Something we cannot get to with conventional divination means. This relic will require extended study. I thank you for bringing it to me. You can rest assured I will spare no effort in solving this enigma." Cassra turns to Graxx: "D-di-id you say the relic can h-hh-...-har-arm you? As in, it can harm its wielder? Perhaps a cur-cu-crus-se-se-curse or some type of hex?" The Lord Sage responds: "Maybe... but it could go deeper than just that. As I said, this will require time, expertise, and resources."
After pausing for a bit to give a chance for the party to respond, the Lord Sage asks: "Now, did you say you also brought notes, sketches, rubbings, and robes?"
@Ori: You trust Basil understood your orders well enough.
"... We do indeed. I believe I was able to keep most of my presonal short hand out of my notes. But I would be happy to go over them with you to clarify as needed." Obsben rather briskly replied, and promptly begun rummaging through her pack for what back up notes and sketches were there to pass along, trusting the others to give away their own in short order. As well as the robe, which although had been neatly folded and prestidigitized clean of dust, still carried a bit of frost damage from the barely shielded cone of cold.
Once she's done she'd ask, "You said before that it would take you some time, yes? Do you two have an estimation on that? Or for that matter, reliable protections or protection details to help oversee the project? If not, then besides these fine fellows, I might have some friends that I could speak to that would be more than willing to assist, I'm sure." She looked up and over to the rest of the party. "Not to deny these fine fellows an opportunity of a future job, of course. But who knows when the city or there Noble patron might have cause to call upon them, after all."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"It also seemed the circle of druids were not as inactive as we thought they were," Neya adds. "Their temple was awash in necromantic energy. From their leader, down to his followers - even a large snake in one of the chambers was some sort of reanimated undead."
Extended Signature
Graxx looks to Cassra and the Lord Sage.
"I am glad you may be able to unlock it's secrets safely." says Graxx.
Graxx looks down to the pouches of gold and the lockbox.
"Thank you for providing the payment. I'm glad we were all able to make it back safely and get the thief and tomes back to where they belong."
Graxx thinks to himself about what the uses for Gold maybe. He could use an enchanted saddle to protect Glory from his axe but he wants to first ensure his companions needs are taken care of as he has worked around the axe and Glory for the most part.
Graxx looks to Neya at the mention of the Snake and the Undead.
"Yes! I had not seen a large undead snake before. That was a sight to be seen." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Obsben and then back to the Lord Sage.
"Could we be of more assistance?" asks Graxx.
The party passes their many notes, sketches, rubbings, and robes to the librarians (Obsben is sure to keep a copy for herself). The Lord Sage and the Scribe Master begin pouring over them immediately, dividing their attention between the haul and the party. The Lord Sage then apologizes: "Apologies for our excitement in examining the many notes you brought back to us. Not much information is available on the Circle of the Scale, so this in quite an enticing haul. Alas, these are all worth the time to research more calmly." They place the last pouch on the table (150gp) and add: "And as promised..."
Regarding Obsben's offer, the Lord Sage replies: "Oh, I wouldn't want to bother you good folks with boring guard duty while we spend what I fear is going to be a significant amount of time with the relic and all of these notes. I believe we have suitable safety measures and will be sufficiently recluse, but if you would like to subcontract the task of additional security to these trustworthy contacts you mentioned, I am willing to accept. You have proven you are deserving of my trust. Please send a representative of this third-party to me. Tell them to use the same password at the gate as you used tonight."
Assuming Neya and Graxx describe the Scalebinder in detail, the Scribe Master replies: "That is in-in-indeed worrisome. However, from-...-fr-from what you describe, I surmise that this Scalebinder himself might have dabbed into necromancy-yyy-y-mancy in his search to eternally guard the relic. It sounds like he was successful, and that he h-h-ad-had-had plenty of time to befoul the temple and his followers-wers-wers. It is a good thing you have put an end to all of that."
The Lord Sage looks up from a parchment rubbing and adds: "We'll get Spernik into a proper cell and make sure the Black Fist does not execute him. Since he is my prisoner now and all stolen items have been returned, I hold more bargaining power than Lieutenant Bolver."
Following a bit more of conversation, Graxx notices the scholars are eager to begin their work and suggests that this conversation might be done. The mission has been accomplished with aplomb, and the reward has been paid. Everyone exchanges one last look among themselves just to be sure there is nothing left unsaid.
(OOC: Does anyone want to say/offer anything else? Otherwise, there might be a couple people waiting for you outside, as requested.)