"I am glad to hear that," the Sage says in response to Utar's commitment. They then silent collect all questions and requests directed at them and simply say: "Follow me. We have a few stops to make."
While CRAP is led into the library proper, the Sage responds to Obsben's question as the halfling specifically requested for it to be addressed while the group walks. "Mantor's Library is largely funded by the modest fees collected for performing research, transcribing, and translating, which are supplemented by donations from the city's wealthier citizenry. Part of these funds go into paying our contracted scribes and providing them the supplies they need. However, I am sure they also procure their preferred personal effects from any given shop in town. Let's see... There is always the bazaar at Podol Plaza where you can find general goods, Ernst's Livery for your stable-related needs, Matteo's or Alero's shops for the weaponsmithing enthusiasts, Randolph Tzintin for your leathers, Cockburn's Grocery for adventuring goods, Brice Vang's shop for armor, Dockside Treasures for oddities, the apothecary whose name escapes me for potions and salves, and... Jerome of Melvaunt for those who may need the services of a fence... to name a few." Noticing raised eyebrows, the Sage clarifies: "I had a few contacts check with the fence already. I don't believe any of our tomes made it to them."
(OOC: CRAP is familiar with many of these shops, though not all of them.)
As the group walks, you notice the bags under the Sage's eyes, a clear indication they have not been getting the rest they ought to. The Sage continues to fill the air with information as the group advances through the many halls of the library: "Two days ago, Spernik and Tibeem, two scribes newly hired by the library, were caught sneaking out of my offices. When questioned as to their purposes, they fled. The Black Fist was summoned to bring chase. They managed to capture Tibeem, but not before he slew one of the guardsmen while trying to flee the city. Spernik, however, escaped. The Black Fist was eager to hang Tibeem in some sort of quick revenge plot veiled as justice, but I am sure you have gathered this much already from your visit to the Stojanow Gate. I managed to visit the thief before his execution but Tibeem was tight-lipped and did not reveal to me the details or reasons for the thefts."
The Sage leads CRAP into a chamber filled with writing tables and high stools, which are arranged around the perimeter of the room. "This is the Scribes' Hall." The din of quills scratching parchment fills the room as scribes work at their desks, though two are notably empty. The Lord Sage identifies the desks as being assigned to Spernik and Tibeem and invites CRAP to have a look. They add: "Spernik and Tibeem had been employed in the service of the library for just over four months, and while skilled, they were unexceptional workers. There is not much left on their desks but you are welcome to ask the other scribes any questions you may have. Once you are ready to move on, let me know and I can take you to Spernik and Tibeem’s room next."
The Sage's reluctance to elaborate on the books is purposeful. You guess that they do not want to speak of the tomes in detail in the presence of other scribes or even in the halls where eavesdroppers may hear the information.
(OOC: There are four scribes working here at the moment. If approaching any of them with questions, please roll a CHA-based check of your choice. The DC is just 10.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Heading to Tibeem and Spernik's workspace, Utar casts a quick eye around the rest of the room from where they'd sit and work, checking on how easy it is to watch the door and how much supervision the other scribes might be able to have of them.
Giving himself a few moments, he watches the other scribes directly, trying to see if any are looking particularly shifty or nervous.
Approaching the lucky, or should it be unlucky, winner. Utar leans over their shoulder, "Mind telling me what you're working on and how well you knew Tibeem and Spernik?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I'll take Spernik's desk." says Graxx as he walks over and begins using his hand to go over the desk in detail. Searching for any crevices or holes where something may be hidden.
Investigation: 19
After Graxx has completed his fondling of the desk he will say aloud to where the scribes can hear to help Utar's interaction.
"I doubt the two were working alone. There has to be others involved. If they come forward on their own it'll go a lot easier on them. I'd hate for more deaths to be had today." says Graxx.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I'll search Tibeem's desk." Neya volunteers.
Investigation: 15
Afterwards, she approaches one of the scribes and poses a question, "I was wondering if you saw any strange behavior from them at any point leading up to them being caught?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Obsben started to follow after the others, she stops and decided instead to stick with the sage. "A few more questions, if that's alright? As I was curious if you knew how exactly this Tibeem slayed the guard? A question perhaps that should've been brought up with the Fist, but this was news to me. And the means may be quite telling as to what sort they truly were. Because of course both of us may be somewhat loathe to admit that the Black Fist are /that/ lacking in ability." She said and admits, regardless of any prior answers given by Cron, indirect or otherwise.
"It's also been some time since I've myself done any scribe work. So, I'm curious if there are any particular staples used here? Chalk and Chalk Dust perhaps? And do forgive me if this is, uhm... a more sensitive subject. But would any of this transcribing involve spell usage by any chance to help comprehend particular unique text perhaps?" She further inquired. Throughout the question and despite her nonchalant veneer, she would study the sage closely as he answer, searching for any signs of discomfort that might've went beyond her own tendacy to unnerve others.
Placing yourself just behind Tibeem's and Spernik's desks and having a look about you notice a couple of things. First, they are adjacent to each other. Perhaps they managed to convince their supervisors to assign these desks to them or perhaps the fact that they were presumably hired together just lent itself to such arrangement. Second, the desks are angled in such a way that they provide some privacy to each scribe. The entryway is in plain view of the desks but someone standing at the door or in the center of the room would not have direct line of sight to the scribes' work.
Next, looking at the four scribes currently in the room in turn, you spot a middle-aged female human who seems to be less disturbed by the sudden interruption in their work then the other three scribes. You approach her and ask your questions. She seems a bit bothered, clearly wanting to continue working. She gives you a short answer: "I am working on a historical piece describing the founding of Phlan upon the Valjevo Valley, surely nothing of interest to your investigation." She never puts her quill down. "I interacted with those two criminals very little. They had been working in the library for some months but were very private, as am I. They rarely engaged in conversation with the other scribes." You don't suspect any foul play from this lady (passive insight).
You carefully examine Spernik's desk. It seems like a fairly standard piece of work furniture to you, except for the specific angled design, which is reminiscent of an architect's table. You imagine these are issued by the library itself, so you are not necessarily surprised when you fail to identify any hidden compartments, drawers, crevices, or buttons. Apart from an inkwell and a couple of quills, the desk seems to be quite empty.
Moving to the center of the room, you project your voice in a intimidating manner towards all scribes present. You notice that one of them, a male human of similar age to your own but sporting much less impressive facial hair, seems to be looking nervously at you and darting his eyes from Neya's direction back to yours, then at Utar and again back to you. Having already remembered coming across Tibeem and Spernik at the Laughing Goblin that one time, you recognize this man as being the third ink-stained patron that night of the tavern brawl. His name is Ellison, if your memory serves you right. Before you can approach him more directly, he responds to your threatening words by volunteering some information: "They... They... They rarely ate at the library, those two. They tried a few taverns in town but their favorite was always The Laughing Goblin. I... I... I... joined them a few times, but always felt unwelcomed by them." You don't think Ellison is lying to you (passive insight).
Your investigation of Tibeem's desk comes up with similar results as Graxx's. Despite being of a specific design, these desks seem standardized to a degree that makes them uninteresting to you. Like the other desks, some mundane quills and inkwell set are neatly arranged on them. The one difference you can spot is that Tibeem seemed to be using a specialized tool on whatever it is he was working on. This strange item is a pillar folding compass. You are familiar enough with navigation and maps in general to know this tool is most often associated with cartography.
You then approach the other two scribes in the room, a female half-elf with a light scar on her cheek and a male elf who could be either 50 or 300 years old, it is hard to tell. They both shrug after exchanging a look. The male elf then simply says: "We know nothing of interest about those two." You have no reason to doubt their joint statement (passive insight).
You let the rest of the team take care of investigating the Scribes' Hall and, instead, approach the Lord Sage by the entryway. "I am not surprised the Black Fist omitted that detail. Perhaps they are embarrassed of admitting they lost one of their own to a simple scribe, or perhaps they don't want to give people the impression that the execution was a simple act of revenge. Either way, omitting details is the least of their crimes." The Sage's unhappiness with the Black Fist's handling of the investigation is plain to see. "I believe it was a simple stab with a dagger, or at least this is what I was told by the Black Fist. The arrest happened outside of the library as the duo tried to escape town. I was not present for the killing of the guard. As for their ability, let it be clear that the fleeing criminal slayed a young guard, not one of the knighted officers," they clarify.
Answering you second line of questioning, the Lord Sage shares: "Indeed, we use an array of tools in our work. Chalk, parchment, ink, inkwell, quills, and many other pieces of standard equipment of the sort. Our scribes are trained in at least one language other than Common so they can perform their duties more flexibly, but you are right in deducing that we sometimes have to employ magic for more complex requests. We have a few scrolls at our disposal, and comprehend languages is a spell we always have in stock. Guidance is another one, which we use to give our scribes a little magic encouragement if they deem it necessary. Very astute of you, this observation."
Finally, they say: "Do you think your companions are satisfied with what they learned here. Just let me know when you are ready to move on to the next room of interest."
Neya is satisfied with what she has found. With that compass in mind, she figures that the forgers may have made a few maps as part of their fabrication efforts.
Obsben smiled softly and gave a somewhat informal curtsey. "I can be when not being otherwise--"She glances off and smirks at the empty space beside her."Distracted... Anyways--" Her gaze drifts upward once more to the Sage. "Safe to presume that our rogue pair did not employ the use unique borrowed scrolls? Or the unique ones for that matter? And they never came to you perchance at all for permission to access anything particularly spicy did they? Something perhaps thrown out casually or played off as misremembrance of something else?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Ellison thinks hard for a moment before guessing a response: "Hmm... I heard they murmur the name Skald once... Or was it Skoval? Something like that. Maybe it was a family member, but I wouldn't know."
As the group moves onward to their next stop, the Lord Sage continues to respond to Obsben's questions. "I have to admit there is a chance they took some scrolls with them too. We have not yet identified all tomes they might have forged or supplies they might have stolen. But save that thought, as well as your other question. We'll be able to talk more frankly once we reach my offices. Before that, however, let me show you to the thieves' quarters."
The group moves up a set of stairs to reach a dormitory area. The Lord Sage guides you to the third door to the right side of the hallway, swings the door open after unlocking it, and elaborates: "Apart from my initial cursory search of their shared room, I have preserved the rogue scribes’ chamber in the state they left it. I alone have the keys to it currently, but you should feel free to search it now. I found two rare tomes that had previously been stored in my own personal library. To Obsben's earlier question, they did not ask permission to gain access to these tomes. When the books were taken back to be filed, two clever forgeries were already on the shelf in their place. That is the only reason we were able to spot the forgeries. Upon comparing the original tomes to the forged copies, each contained subtle factual inaccuracies. It seems that the two scribes intentionally changed the content of the forgeries. There is no telling what other tomes might have been forged without a duplicate to be filed in the same spot, and there are simply too many tomes to carefully look through in any adequately short amount of time. If we are to find more forgeries, we would need the originals for a proper comparison, which can be quite the time-consuming task as I am sure you can appreciate."
The Sage then points to a desk in the room and continues: "The books were found packed in a large haversack on top of the desk, along with other equipment typically associated with an extended expedition: extra clothes, rope, food and water, etc. There was, however, only one haversack despite the fact that two people lived in this room. I do not know what to make of that."
With a hand gesture, the Sage then invites CRAP to enter and have a look for themselves. The room is rather small and furnished with a bunk bed, a narrow desk, and two small dressers.
"The Black Fist only caught Tibeem. Spernik could have escaped and would explain the fact that only one rucksack is here. We should be sure to search that rucksack along with the room itself. Now, if none of you mind..."
Stepping into the room, Utar finds a quiet spot and mentally prepares himself to open his senses to the weave.
Graxx listens and thinks hard but he comes up with nothing.
He then listens to Utar’s idea.
”I got it.” Says Graxx
Graxx will carefully go through each item in the haversack fondling each one to see if any items are hidden. He will also look to see if any clothing has initials or something written in it to identify ownership.
"Could also be that the haversack is bigger on the inside. Much more convient, and perhaps even easier for clandestine activity. My Master once knew a spell to open smaller pockets of dimensional rifts for his own convenience." Obsben's burrows then furrow at a thought.
"But an extended expedition though? While masquerading as scribes? Hmm..." She rubs her little chin. "Unfortunately, my knowledge is a touch lacking on this city, so this may sound a bit outlandish." Said the halfling known to talk to herself and supposedly cursed with good luck. "But... are there yet parts of the library that are -- how would one put it -- still under construction? Or has even some old parts that have been cordon off perhaps? Or even a location nearby that might suggest a need for such activates?" She asked plainly, but before the sage could answer, she held up a finger. "And fourthly, or so I believe, might I inquire into what the tomes were originally about.. again, if already spoken before."
"I guess that would be the most straightforward explanation,"the Sage admits to Utar as the Tormite enters the room and begins casting his ritual.
Graxx then volunteers to go through the haversack. Inside, he finds the exact items the Sage had named: clothes (without initials), several rations, a skin full of water, and rope. Some additional adventuring gear can be found inside too: pitons, a hammer, a couple of unused short torches, and a tinderbox. Graxx is careful enough to confirm that there are no hidden compartments in/on the haversack.
While her fellow human focuses on the pack, Neya gives the room a cursory look. A piece of paper on the desk catches her attention. She picks it up and reads what is written on it, but it turns our to be a simple list of things to be purchased from some of the stores in Phlan. The stores are not named but the listed items match those in the receipt the party has already collected from the Black Fist.
Obsben lets the others do their thing while she continues to ask questions of the Sage. They show interest in the line of questioning the thorough halfling is seeking: "I was just surprised as you are to learn they were preparing for a long trip." They put a hand on their chin before answering the next question: "Apart from a few repairs here and there or maintenance work, I am afraid no grand refurbishing is taking place in the library at this moment. As for cordoned off areas, I would say that my private quarters are as close to it as it gets from the perspective of a contracted scribe. I previously mentioned, they had no trouble finding their way into my private library." Smiling faintly at the insistence of hearing more about the tomes, the Sage then replies: "Yes, the tomes. Let us reach my offices before I delve into those details. Just let me know when you are ready to leave this chamber."
At this point, Utar completes his ritual. The haversack is not magical, but the cleric detects a simple source of magic coming from one of the dressers behind him. Looking into it, Utar discovers an illusory false panel. Beyond it, there are two sets of black clothing and purple robes, reminiscent of a certain tiefling pirate the group defeated back when they first visited the unnamed isle in the Moonsea. That said, these robes are less striking than those worn by Ixas, which may suggest lower rank.
Looking into the false panel, Utar's brow furrows. "Curious. I wonder why these weren't packed."
Indicating the robes to the Lord Sage, Utar moves to pull them from their hiding place, "May I?"
Assuming that he can take the robes out, Utar gives them a once over and pats them down for pockets. Investigation - 19.
Should he find anything, he will share the findings with CRAP and the Lord Sage briefly, "We can discuss this further once we're back in your chambers, I too would be very interested to know which forgeries have been discovered so far. I suspect that there will be a strong link between them and these robes."
Utar stuffs the robes into his pack before they leave the room.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"I am glad to hear that," the Sage says in response to Utar's commitment. They then silent collect all questions and requests directed at them and simply say: "Follow me. We have a few stops to make."
While CRAP is led into the library proper, the Sage responds to Obsben's question as the halfling specifically requested for it to be addressed while the group walks. "Mantor's Library is largely funded by the modest fees collected for performing research, transcribing, and translating, which are supplemented by donations from the city's wealthier citizenry. Part of these funds go into paying our contracted scribes and providing them the supplies they need. However, I am sure they also procure their preferred personal effects from any given shop in town. Let's see... There is always the bazaar at Podol Plaza where you can find general goods, Ernst's Livery for your stable-related needs, Matteo's or Alero's shops for the weaponsmithing enthusiasts, Randolph Tzintin for your leathers, Cockburn's Grocery for adventuring goods, Brice Vang's shop for armor, Dockside Treasures for oddities, the apothecary whose name escapes me for potions and salves, and... Jerome of Melvaunt for those who may need the services of a fence... to name a few." Noticing raised eyebrows, the Sage clarifies: "I had a few contacts check with the fence already. I don't believe any of our tomes made it to them."
(OOC: CRAP is familiar with many of these shops, though not all of them.)
As the group walks, you notice the bags under the Sage's eyes, a clear indication they have not been getting the rest they ought to. The Sage continues to fill the air with information as the group advances through the many halls of the library: "Two days ago, Spernik and Tibeem, two scribes newly hired by the library, were caught sneaking out of my offices. When questioned as to their purposes, they fled. The Black Fist was summoned to bring chase. They managed to capture Tibeem, but not before he slew one of the guardsmen while trying to flee the city. Spernik, however, escaped. The Black Fist was eager to hang Tibeem in some sort of quick revenge plot veiled as justice, but I am sure you have gathered this much already from your visit to the Stojanow Gate. I managed to visit the thief before his execution but Tibeem was tight-lipped and did not reveal to me the details or reasons for the thefts."
The Sage leads CRAP into a chamber filled with writing tables and high stools, which are arranged around the perimeter of the room. "This is the Scribes' Hall." The din of quills scratching parchment fills the room as scribes work at their desks, though two are notably empty. The Lord Sage identifies the desks as being assigned to Spernik and Tibeem and invites CRAP to have a look. They add: "Spernik and Tibeem had been employed in the service of the library for just over four months, and while skilled, they were unexceptional workers. There is not much left on their desks but you are welcome to ask the other scribes any questions you may have. Once you are ready to move on, let me know and I can take you to Spernik and Tibeem’s room next."
@Neya & @Utar (passive insight):
The Sage's reluctance to elaborate on the books is purposeful. You guess that they do not want to speak of the tomes in detail in the presence of other scribes or even in the halls where eavesdroppers may hear the information.
(OOC: There are four scribes working here at the moment. If approaching any of them with questions, please roll a CHA-based check of your choice. The DC is just 10.)
Heading to Tibeem and Spernik's workspace, Utar casts a quick eye around the rest of the room from where they'd sit and work, checking on how easy it is to watch the door and how much supervision the other scribes might be able to have of them.
Giving himself a few moments, he watches the other scribes directly, trying to see if any are looking particularly shifty or nervous.
Perception - 12
Approaching the lucky, or should it be unlucky, winner. Utar leans over their shoulder, "Mind telling me what you're working on and how well you knew Tibeem and Spernik?"
Persuasion - 8
"I'll take Spernik's desk." says Graxx as he walks over and begins using his hand to go over the desk in detail. Searching for any crevices or holes where something may be hidden.
Investigation: 19
After Graxx has completed his fondling of the desk he will say aloud to where the scribes can hear to help Utar's interaction.
"I doubt the two were working alone. There has to be others involved. If they come forward on their own it'll go a lot easier on them. I'd hate for more deaths to be had today." says Graxx.
Intimidation: 19
Edit: Dice rolls.
"I'll search Tibeem's desk." Neya volunteers.
Investigation: 15
Afterwards, she approaches one of the scribes and poses a question, "I was wondering if you saw any strange behavior from them at any point leading up to them being caught?"
Persuasion: 2
Extended Signature
As Obsben started to follow after the others, she stops and decided instead to stick with the sage. "A few more questions, if that's alright? As I was curious if you knew how exactly this Tibeem slayed the guard? A question perhaps that should've been brought up with the Fist, but this was news to me. And the means may be quite telling as to what sort they truly were. Because of course both of us may be somewhat loathe to admit that the Black Fist are /that/ lacking in ability." She said and admits, regardless of any prior answers given by Cron, indirect or otherwise.
"It's also been some time since I've myself done any scribe work. So, I'm curious if there are any particular staples used here? Chalk and Chalk Dust perhaps? And do forgive me if this is, uhm... a more sensitive subject. But would any of this transcribing involve spell usage by any chance to help comprehend particular unique text perhaps?" She further inquired. Throughout the question and despite her nonchalant veneer, she would study the sage closely as he answer, searching for any signs of discomfort that might've went beyond her own tendacy to unnerve others.
->Insight: 11.
->Persuasion: 26. (if needed to coax out particular answers from the Sage)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
UTAR
Placing yourself just behind Tibeem's and Spernik's desks and having a look about you notice a couple of things. First, they are adjacent to each other. Perhaps they managed to convince their supervisors to assign these desks to them or perhaps the fact that they were presumably hired together just lent itself to such arrangement. Second, the desks are angled in such a way that they provide some privacy to each scribe. The entryway is in plain view of the desks but someone standing at the door or in the center of the room would not have direct line of sight to the scribes' work.
Next, looking at the four scribes currently in the room in turn, you spot a middle-aged female human who seems to be less disturbed by the sudden interruption in their work then the other three scribes. You approach her and ask your questions. She seems a bit bothered, clearly wanting to continue working. She gives you a short answer: "I am working on a historical piece describing the founding of Phlan upon the Valjevo Valley, surely nothing of interest to your investigation." She never puts her quill down. "I interacted with those two criminals very little. They had been working in the library for some months but were very private, as am I. They rarely engaged in conversation with the other scribes." You don't suspect any foul play from this lady (passive insight).
GRAXX
You carefully examine Spernik's desk. It seems like a fairly standard piece of work furniture to you, except for the specific angled design, which is reminiscent of an architect's table. You imagine these are issued by the library itself, so you are not necessarily surprised when you fail to identify any hidden compartments, drawers, crevices, or buttons. Apart from an inkwell and a couple of quills, the desk seems to be quite empty.
Moving to the center of the room, you project your voice in a intimidating manner towards all scribes present. You notice that one of them, a male human of similar age to your own but sporting much less impressive facial hair, seems to be looking nervously at you and darting his eyes from Neya's direction back to yours, then at Utar and again back to you. Having already remembered coming across Tibeem and Spernik at the Laughing Goblin that one time, you recognize this man as being the third ink-stained patron that night of the tavern brawl. His name is Ellison, if your memory serves you right. Before you can approach him more directly, he responds to your threatening words by volunteering some information: "They... They... They rarely ate at the library, those two. They tried a few taverns in town but their favorite was always The Laughing Goblin. I... I... I... joined them a few times, but always felt unwelcomed by them." You don't think Ellison is lying to you (passive insight).
NEYA
Your investigation of Tibeem's desk comes up with similar results as Graxx's. Despite being of a specific design, these desks seem standardized to a degree that makes them uninteresting to you. Like the other desks, some mundane quills and inkwell set are neatly arranged on them. The one difference you can spot is that Tibeem seemed to be using a specialized tool on whatever it is he was working on. This strange item is a pillar folding compass. You are familiar enough with navigation and maps in general to know this tool is most often associated with cartography.
You then approach the other two scribes in the room, a female half-elf with a light scar on her cheek and a male elf who could be either 50 or 300 years old, it is hard to tell. They both shrug after exchanging a look. The male elf then simply says: "We know nothing of interest about those two." You have no reason to doubt their joint statement (passive insight).
OBSBEN
You let the rest of the team take care of investigating the Scribes' Hall and, instead, approach the Lord Sage by the entryway. "I am not surprised the Black Fist omitted that detail. Perhaps they are embarrassed of admitting they lost one of their own to a simple scribe, or perhaps they don't want to give people the impression that the execution was a simple act of revenge. Either way, omitting details is the least of their crimes." The Sage's unhappiness with the Black Fist's handling of the investigation is plain to see. "I believe it was a simple stab with a dagger, or at least this is what I was told by the Black Fist. The arrest happened outside of the library as the duo tried to escape town. I was not present for the killing of the guard. As for their ability, let it be clear that the fleeing criminal slayed a young guard, not one of the knighted officers," they clarify.
Answering you second line of questioning, the Lord Sage shares: "Indeed, we use an array of tools in our work. Chalk, parchment, ink, inkwell, quills, and many other pieces of standard equipment of the sort. Our scribes are trained in at least one language other than Common so they can perform their duties more flexibly, but you are right in deducing that we sometimes have to employ magic for more complex requests. We have a few scrolls at our disposal, and comprehend languages is a spell we always have in stock. Guidance is another one, which we use to give our scribes a little magic encouragement if they deem it necessary. Very astute of you, this observation."
Finally, they say: "Do you think your companions are satisfied with what they learned here. Just let me know when you are ready to move on to the next room of interest."
Utar confirms that he is ready to move on from the current room to the next room of interest.
Graxx holds up a hand gently.
"Just another moment please before we move on." says Graxx.
Graxx looks to Ellison non-threateningly.
"Did either of them ever mention anything about their family? Or lovers? Others who they trusted?" asks Graxx
After this Graxx will be ready to move on.
Neya is satisfied with what she has found. With that compass in mind, she figures that the forgers may have made a few maps as part of their fabrication efforts.
Extended Signature
Obsben smiled softly and gave a somewhat informal curtsey. "I can be when not being otherwise--" She glances off and smirks at the empty space beside her. "Distracted... Anyways--" Her gaze drifts upward once more to the Sage. "Safe to presume that our rogue pair did not employ the use unique borrowed scrolls? Or the unique ones for that matter? And they never came to you perchance at all for permission to access anything particularly spicy did they? Something perhaps thrown out casually or played off as misremembrance of something else?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Ellison thinks hard for a moment before guessing a response: "Hmm... I heard they murmur the name Skald once... Or was it Skoval? Something like that. Maybe it was a family member, but I wouldn't know."
As the group moves onward to their next stop, the Lord Sage continues to respond to Obsben's questions. "I have to admit there is a chance they took some scrolls with them too. We have not yet identified all tomes they might have forged or supplies they might have stolen. But save that thought, as well as your other question. We'll be able to talk more frankly once we reach my offices. Before that, however, let me show you to the thieves' quarters."
The group moves up a set of stairs to reach a dormitory area. The Lord Sage guides you to the third door to the right side of the hallway, swings the door open after unlocking it, and elaborates: "Apart from my initial cursory search of their shared room, I have preserved the rogue scribes’ chamber in the state they left it. I alone have the keys to it currently, but you should feel free to search it now. I found two rare tomes that had previously been stored in my own personal library. To Obsben's earlier question, they did not ask permission to gain access to these tomes. When the books were taken back to be filed, two clever forgeries were already on the shelf in their place. That is the only reason we were able to spot the forgeries. Upon comparing the original tomes to the forged copies, each contained subtle factual inaccuracies. It seems that the two scribes intentionally changed the content of the forgeries. There is no telling what other tomes might have been forged without a duplicate to be filed in the same spot, and there are simply too many tomes to carefully look through in any adequately short amount of time. If we are to find more forgeries, we would need the originals for a proper comparison, which can be quite the time-consuming task as I am sure you can appreciate."
The Sage then points to a desk in the room and continues: "The books were found packed in a large haversack on top of the desk, along with other equipment typically associated with an extended expedition: extra clothes, rope, food and water, etc. There was, however, only one haversack despite the fact that two people lived in this room. I do not know what to make of that."
With a hand gesture, the Sage then invites CRAP to enter and have a look for themselves. The room is rather small and furnished with a bunk bed, a narrow desk, and two small dressers.
Frowning, Utar rubs his chin.
"The Black Fist only caught Tibeem. Spernik could have escaped and would explain the fact that only one rucksack is here. We should be sure to search that rucksack along with the room itself. Now, if none of you mind..."
Stepping into the room, Utar finds a quiet spot and mentally prepares himself to open his senses to the weave.
(OOC - Ritual casting of detect magic.)
Graxx listens and thinks hard but he comes up with nothing.
He then listens to Utar’s idea.
”I got it.” Says Graxx
Graxx will carefully go through each item in the haversack fondling each one to see if any items are hidden. He will also look to see if any clothing has initials or something written in it to identify ownership.
Investigation: 16
Neya nods to the Lord Sage as thanks and enters the room and takes a look around.
Perception: 18
Edit: roll
Extended Signature
"Could also be that the haversack is bigger on the inside. Much more convient, and perhaps even easier for clandestine activity. My Master once knew a spell to open smaller pockets of dimensional rifts for his own convenience." Obsben's burrows then furrow at a thought.
"But an extended expedition though? While masquerading as scribes? Hmm..." She rubs her little chin. "Unfortunately, my knowledge is a touch lacking on this city, so this may sound a bit outlandish." Said the halfling known to talk to herself and supposedly cursed with good luck. "But... are there yet parts of the library that are -- how would one put it -- still under construction? Or has even some old parts that have been cordon off perhaps? Or even a location nearby that might suggest a need for such activates?" She asked plainly, but before the sage could answer, she held up a finger. "And fourthly, or so I believe, might I inquire into what the tomes were originally about.. again, if already spoken before."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I guess that would be the most straightforward explanation," the Sage admits to Utar as the Tormite enters the room and begins casting his ritual.
Graxx then volunteers to go through the haversack. Inside, he finds the exact items the Sage had named: clothes (without initials), several rations, a skin full of water, and rope. Some additional adventuring gear can be found inside too: pitons, a hammer, a couple of unused short torches, and a tinderbox. Graxx is careful enough to confirm that there are no hidden compartments in/on the haversack.
While her fellow human focuses on the pack, Neya gives the room a cursory look. A piece of paper on the desk catches her attention. She picks it up and reads what is written on it, but it turns our to be a simple list of things to be purchased from some of the stores in Phlan. The stores are not named but the listed items match those in the receipt the party has already collected from the Black Fist.
Obsben lets the others do their thing while she continues to ask questions of the Sage. They show interest in the line of questioning the thorough halfling is seeking: "I was just surprised as you are to learn they were preparing for a long trip." They put a hand on their chin before answering the next question: "Apart from a few repairs here and there or maintenance work, I am afraid no grand refurbishing is taking place in the library at this moment. As for cordoned off areas, I would say that my private quarters are as close to it as it gets from the perspective of a contracted scribe. I previously mentioned, they had no trouble finding their way into my private library." Smiling faintly at the insistence of hearing more about the tomes, the Sage then replies: "Yes, the tomes. Let us reach my offices before I delve into those details. Just let me know when you are ready to leave this chamber."
At this point, Utar completes his ritual. The haversack is not magical, but the cleric detects a simple source of magic coming from one of the dressers behind him. Looking into it, Utar discovers an illusory false panel. Beyond it, there are two sets of black clothing and purple robes, reminiscent of a certain tiefling pirate the group defeated back when they first visited the unnamed isle in the Moonsea. That said, these robes are less striking than those worn by Ixas, which may suggest lower rank.
Looking into the false panel, Utar's brow furrows. "Curious. I wonder why these weren't packed."
Indicating the robes to the Lord Sage, Utar moves to pull them from their hiding place, "May I?"
Assuming that he can take the robes out, Utar gives them a once over and pats them down for pockets. Investigation - 19.
Should he find anything, he will share the findings with CRAP and the Lord Sage briefly, "We can discuss this further once we're back in your chambers, I too would be very interested to know which forgeries have been discovered so far. I suspect that there will be a strong link between them and these robes."
Utar stuffs the robes into his pack before they leave the room.