@Utar: You look over the windows, opening them to properly investigate their frame. Whatever dust you were hoping would hold the marking of a clue has been long cleaned up. Marten Foss keeps a tidy home. Nonetheless, you note that the widows lack a locking mechanism. You'd imagine that they could be open even from outside.
@Graxx: From what you can gather from a quick flip through, the author of this particular book is someone who claimed to be a "close acquaintance of the famed Ren o' the Blade." The book is mostly a long description of a handful of minor side adventures Ren has reportedly partaken in between the ones that might be more well-known. An interesting tid-bit you pick up on is that Ren used to be the cook at the Laughing Goblin Inn, and that the author here claimed that "Ren kept to himself and was considered to be a quiet man." There are no illustrations in this book apart from sketches of maps describing minor adventures. None of them are immediately recognizable apart from one which points to the marshes east of Phlan. You remember these marshes, or more precisely, a peat farm near these marshes, from your very first quest alongside Utar, which had you swear vengeance on behalf of a donkey.
@Obsben: A good look at the book reveals less than you'd like, but you do find a spot where moisture of some kind was absorbed into a page. Perhaps a droplet of sorts, likely a few days old at least. It has no scent, and you have no guarantees it was left behind by the thief. For all you know, Marten decided to have a read right after a sweaty sparring session the other day. Speaking of Marten, once asked if you can cast a spell on him, you can tell that the dwarf is not a big fan of the idea. Nonetheless, given that he is in a much better mood after witnessing Neya's and Vera's fight, he nods along in agreement. He asks which one of the two spells you mentioned you'll select.
Absoultely zero clues at either crime scene. One with plenty of security which was easily bypassed and one with absolutely none and two windows which could be opened from the outside! Short of dividing Phlan in a grid system and turning himself into a sort of magical dowsing rod, except for stolen books, Utar had to admit that he was not fond of how well organisd this thief, or thieves, seemed to be.
Moneus was clear though, this wasn't the work of the Welcomers, so that ruled one group out, although past experience told him that other, unaffilliated groups did run operations within Phlan. Thinking over his own contacts, he remembers a halfling with a fondness for shiny things. Composing a message he considers the content and sends the same to Aleyd Burrall as well.
Tracking thieves in Phlan. They've taken books, scrolls, magical items from Noble Quarter. Contacts says it isn't the Welcomers, any ideas on likely culprits/fences?
Though it seemed to take her a second to register the 'either or' in the counter from the dwarf, Obsben furrowed her brow and tapped her chin in consideration for a moment, before then ultimately opting to try and detect any lingering traces of magic in the air, and says as much, before finding an unoccupied corner of the room to sit down and focus for a time on conjuring up the magic.
If after a magical sweep turns up nothing as well, she'd finally look again to Marten and ask, "Just out of curiosity, do you make a habit of drinking anything while reading these books? You or anyone else that, uh, is allotted the freedom to peruse them."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya struggles to see any connection between the two thefts. One book of magical studies and one book of folk tales. They could be tangentially related, but it far too soon to tell. Perhaps the last victim could clear up any commonalities. She will wait until any last questions are answered.
Graxx thinks back to the peat farm. Could this be where the Pool of Radiance could be.
"Thank you for telling me about Ren. We must complete the collection of this great warrior so that generations to come can hear of their adventures.", says Graxx.
Graxx can think of no more questions to add value at this location.
Weave... Pool of Radiance.. Scrolls... Wizards are at play here.
Marten nods in agreement with Graxx. while Neya struggles to find the connections between the two books that the others have seemingly made. While the two humans occupy Marten for a few more minutes, Obsben pics a corner to cast a ritual and Utar picks another to send a couple of messages.
@Utar:
From Rag: "No recent fencing of books or such items that I am aware of. Whoever did this didn't do it for the money. Rag out!"
From Aleyd: "I know, I set you in this path. Did you hit your head? That said, the point about magic items and scrolls is indeed news..."
@Obsben: Once your ritual is done, you look around to detect only the faintest traces of a lingering magical effect on Marten. The dwarf was put to Sleep sometime in the past few days. You spot no other magical sources in this room. As for an answer to your question: "A 'abit? Ar'yas calling me a drunkard? And I invited yas into me 'ome. No, I don't 'ave such a 'abit, and yas better get goin' anyhow."
Utar mentally kicks himself. Should have sent that second message to Moneus. Any fence worth their salt isn't going to be known to the Black Fist. With Marten now agitated again, Utar notes the dwarf's short fuse.
"Ah, yes, we should be onto the next crime scene. Thank you for your time, Marten. We'll be back with your book."
A nonplussed Obsben canted her head to the side in genuine seeming confusion. And despite Utar and Neya's attempt to quickly cut off further arguing, she would at least say, "Most people tend to drink tea or even coffee while relaxing and reading a book, which is why I asked. But as my compatriots here have more or less said, we should depart for our other business." She polite bows her head. "Pleasant day. And if you recall anything from a few days ago -- that being when you were magically put to sleep for a time -- do seek us out. Or don't. Up to you really." She says to Marten, then looks to Utar as if expectant of him leading the way out.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
With Marten's mood swings coming in fast, CRAP decides it is time to get going. Nonetheless, Obsben still finds an opening to share a thought or two aloud. Marten seems puzzled by the magical sleep claims, responding with a simple "What!?" as the group takes their leave. On the way out, Vera finds an opening in the cloud of crowding trainees around her to wave at Neya.
The walk back toward the center of town is a swift one as Neya knows where she is going. The street are a bit fuller now with work shifts being done and folks trying to find their favorite watering holes. Soon enough, CRAP finds the small, dusty shop in Podol's Plaza that they were looking for. The small building's front door opens into a small, cramped office. Looking within, you can see a number of different heraldic banners on the walls, each hanging above what looks like a gaudily-decorated family tree set into a frame. “Oh, hello there,” a voice calls from the back. "I was about to close shop for the day..." he adds, likely hoping you'd graciously offer to come back in the morrow.
The small, cramped shop is well-lit by candles, and has many windows that serve the same purpose during the earlier ours of the day. The smells of paper, ink, and glue linger in the air. While the shopkeep talks to you from an unseen spot, you can hear the sounds of pages turning and the scratching of quill on paper. “Or were you sent here from the library?” He ventures a guess. "If so, it was about time."
Learning the lesson from the last crime scene Neya calls back. "Yes, could you come out tell us about what was stolen and the circumstances surrounding the theft?"
Following Neya's lead, Utar quickly chimes in, "We also apologise for the lateness of our arrival." and hopes that this victim of crime is prone to less dramaitc mood swings.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the group are making their way to their next destination, Obsben tries to keep a subtle eye out for anyone taking too much an invested interest in the parties movements.
Though regardless of sny odd sightings(or lackthereof) along the way, she keeps her own council for the time being. In the meantime, she carried on after the others, and while Ney and Utar (and maybe even Graxx) covered the initial greetings, Obby settled for slipping some jerky under her hat before saying aloud, "We also have a note written up by the head scribe to further confirm our identities, if it helps. And if it makes you feel better, our visits with others have been quite illuminating, and with your assistance, we may yet find our thief soon enough."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx hesitates for a moment by the questioning of their timing.
After Neya and Utar have spoke Graxx chimes in as well.
"Rest assured, the reason we were late was we were on official business investigating these crimes. We hope you may be able to provide more information to help us fill in the gaps and catch these thieves."
Perhaps out of habit or perhaps feeling something might be amiss, Obsben is extra careful in keeping an eye open during the walk to the third crime scene. She notices that a few people in the streets indeed seem to let their eyes linger when watching CRAP pass by. One male elf looks particularly interested in the adventuring party, but he does not move a muscle from his leaning spot on an alley wall. Obsben takes note and keeps moving along.
AT THE THIRD CRIME SCENE
While Utar and Graxx seem to get hung-up on the comment concerning their (or the library's) tardiness, Obsben and Neya move straight into business. The shopkeeper comes into view: a handsome human male, with long black hair framing a narrow face. He has piercing green eyes that seem to be made especially for looking at people with contempt. He dresses in fine clothes of silk and linen and wears no less than half a dozen gaudy rings on his fingers. He wields sarcarm in the way that only an unenthused nobleman would: "I’m very excited to be a part of this," he says while rolling his eyes and getting the note referenced by Obsben to confirm CRAP's affiliation.
"CRAP... quite a respectful and professional name," he says sarcastically. "I would expect little more from Mantor's Library, but beggars can't be choosers." He returns the handwritten note to Obsben. Then, looking at Neya, he continues: "The book, Lords and Lineages of Phlan, is a catalogue of every noble house that has resided within Phlan. The first entry dates back over seven hundred years ago. The book has been in the Lamarck’s family for two centuries. I am its current legal bearer, Agin Lamarck." He then glances over a shouder and says: "The book was secured within a drawer in my personal desk, which was locked and protected by powerful spellcraft."
His head still turned, he continues after a brief pause: "I cannot guess why anyone would want to steal the book. While rare and old, the book is little more than a collection of lineages and notes made by scribes of past and current noble houses. It is a rather ugly book discussing a dull subject matter and cannot likely bring much in the way of a profit." Finally turning his head back to the party, he concludes his initial remarks: "I was at home, not in my shop, when it happened. The next morning, I found the front door closed but unlocked, and only the one book missing."
"Would any of these Lords and Lineages of Phlan have happened to include writings on the Brokengulf house? If so, could you share more information about what would have been written?" asks Graxx.
Obsben side-eyes Utar as the man brings up the group's name, but would say nothing, preferring instead to promptly return all due attention to the nobleman. Listening and regarding attentively without even a hint of ire over all the sarcasm. "With all due respect, I do hope you do not mind terribly if we take a closer look at this desk. Once initial questions are out of the way. As we will need to in order uncover any other possible clues left behind by our thief. Also, and this may sound like a foolish question, but was whatever spell craft put in place limited only to the desk?"She asks, actually managing to show a level of deference to Agin.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
" 'An ugly book discussing a dull subject matter,' you say? Seems the culprit begs to differ," Neya begins. "Perhaps they may already have someone in mind? Could you think of anyone who would benefit causing you any sort of grief?"
Neya will keep an eye on Lamarck's reactions, no matter how subtle they may be?
"Presumably nothing else within the desk was taken and nothing else within the shop either. Sounds like someone one what book they wanted and targeted your shop specifically. Are you certain nothing else was disturbed?"
Utar paid close attention to the response that Agin codes to give. He's not sure what would be stranger, given the additional thefts at the first crime scene and total lack at the second.
@Utar: You look over the windows, opening them to properly investigate their frame. Whatever dust you were hoping would hold the marking of a clue has been long cleaned up. Marten Foss keeps a tidy home. Nonetheless, you note that the widows lack a locking mechanism. You'd imagine that they could be open even from outside.
@Graxx: From what you can gather from a quick flip through, the author of this particular book is someone who claimed to be a "close acquaintance of the famed Ren o' the Blade." The book is mostly a long description of a handful of minor side adventures Ren has reportedly partaken in between the ones that might be more well-known. An interesting tid-bit you pick up on is that Ren used to be the cook at the Laughing Goblin Inn, and that the author here claimed that "Ren kept to himself and was considered to be a quiet man." There are no illustrations in this book apart from sketches of maps describing minor adventures. None of them are immediately recognizable apart from one which points to the marshes east of Phlan. You remember these marshes, or more precisely, a peat farm near these marshes, from your very first quest alongside Utar, which had you swear vengeance on behalf of a donkey.
@Obsben: A good look at the book reveals less than you'd like, but you do find a spot where moisture of some kind was absorbed into a page. Perhaps a droplet of sorts, likely a few days old at least. It has no scent, and you have no guarantees it was left behind by the thief. For all you know, Marten decided to have a read right after a sweaty sparring session the other day. Speaking of Marten, once asked if you can cast a spell on him, you can tell that the dwarf is not a big fan of the idea. Nonetheless, given that he is in a much better mood after witnessing Neya's and Vera's fight, he nods along in agreement. He asks which one of the two spells you mentioned you'll select.
Absoultely zero clues at either crime scene. One with plenty of security which was easily bypassed and one with absolutely none and two windows which could be opened from the outside! Short of dividing Phlan in a grid system and turning himself into a sort of magical dowsing rod, except for stolen books, Utar had to admit that he was not fond of how well organisd this thief, or thieves, seemed to be.
Moneus was clear though, this wasn't the work of the Welcomers, so that ruled one group out, although past experience told him that other, unaffilliated groups did run operations within Phlan. Thinking over his own contacts, he remembers a halfling with a fondness for shiny things. Composing a message he considers the content and sends the same to Aleyd Burrall as well.
Tracking thieves in Phlan. They've taken books, scrolls, magical items from Noble Quarter. Contacts says it isn't the Welcomers, any ideas on likely culprits/fences?
Though it seemed to take her a second to register the 'either or' in the counter from the dwarf, Obsben furrowed her brow and tapped her chin in consideration for a moment, before then ultimately opting to try and detect any lingering traces of magic in the air, and says as much, before finding an unoccupied corner of the room to sit down and focus for a time on conjuring up the magic.
If after a magical sweep turns up nothing as well, she'd finally look again to Marten and ask, "Just out of curiosity, do you make a habit of drinking anything while reading these books? You or anyone else that, uh, is allotted the freedom to peruse them."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya struggles to see any connection between the two thefts. One book of magical studies and one book of folk tales. They could be tangentially related, but it far too soon to tell. Perhaps the last victim could clear up any commonalities. She will wait until any last questions are answered.
Extended Signature
Graxx thinks back to the peat farm. Could this be where the Pool of Radiance could be.
"Thank you for telling me about Ren. We must complete the collection of this great warrior so that generations to come can hear of their adventures.", says Graxx.
Graxx can think of no more questions to add value at this location.
Weave... Pool of Radiance.. Scrolls... Wizards are at play here.
Marten nods in agreement with Graxx. while Neya struggles to find the connections between the two books that the others have seemingly made. While the two humans occupy Marten for a few more minutes, Obsben pics a corner to cast a ritual and Utar picks another to send a couple of messages.
@Utar:
From Rag: "No recent fencing of books or such items that I am aware of. Whoever did this didn't do it for the money. Rag out!"
From Aleyd: "I know, I set you in this path. Did you hit your head? That said, the point about magic items and scrolls is indeed news..."
@Obsben: Once your ritual is done, you look around to detect only the faintest traces of a lingering magical effect on Marten. The dwarf was put to Sleep sometime in the past few days. You spot no other magical sources in this room. As for an answer to your question: "A 'abit? Ar'yas calling me a drunkard? And I invited yas into me 'ome. No, I don't 'ave such a 'abit, and yas better get goin' anyhow."
Utar mentally kicks himself. Should have sent that second message to Moneus. Any fence worth their salt isn't going to be known to the Black Fist. With Marten now agitated again, Utar notes the dwarf's short fuse.
"Ah, yes, we should be onto the next crime scene. Thank you for your time, Marten. We'll be back with your book."
"Thanks for speaking with us," Neya says, following Utar's example.
Extended Signature
A nonplussed Obsben canted her head to the side in genuine seeming confusion. And despite Utar and Neya's attempt to quickly cut off further arguing, she would at least say, "Most people tend to drink tea or even coffee while relaxing and reading a book, which is why I asked. But as my compatriots here have more or less said, we should depart for our other business." She polite bows her head. "Pleasant day. And if you recall anything from a few days ago -- that being when you were magically put to sleep for a time -- do seek us out. Or don't. Up to you really." She says to Marten, then looks to Utar as if expectant of him leading the way out.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
As Graxx already thanked the Dwarf he will simply give a smile and take his leave.
With Marten's mood swings coming in fast, CRAP decides it is time to get going. Nonetheless, Obsben still finds an opening to share a thought or two aloud. Marten seems puzzled by the magical sleep claims, responding with a simple "What!?" as the group takes their leave. On the way out, Vera finds an opening in the cloud of crowding trainees around her to wave at Neya.
The walk back toward the center of town is a swift one as Neya knows where she is going. The street are a bit fuller now with work shifts being done and folks trying to find their favorite watering holes. Soon enough, CRAP finds the small, dusty shop in Podol's Plaza that they were looking for. The small building's front door opens into a small, cramped office. Looking within, you can see a number of different heraldic banners on the walls, each hanging above what looks like a gaudily-decorated family tree set into a frame. “Oh, hello there,” a voice calls from the back. "I was about to close shop for the day..." he adds, likely hoping you'd graciously offer to come back in the morrow.
The small, cramped shop is well-lit by candles, and has many windows that serve the same purpose during the earlier ours of the day. The smells of paper, ink, and glue linger in the air. While the shopkeep talks to you from an unseen spot, you can hear the sounds of pages turning and the scratching of quill on paper. “Or were you sent here from the library?” He ventures a guess. "If so, it was about time."
Learning the lesson from the last crime scene Neya calls back. "Yes, could you come out tell us about what was stolen and the circumstances surrounding the theft?"
Extended Signature
Following Neya's lead, Utar quickly chimes in, "We also apologise for the lateness of our arrival." and hopes that this victim of crime is prone to less dramaitc mood swings.
As the group are making their way to their next destination, Obsben tries to keep a subtle eye out for anyone taking too much an invested interest in the parties movements.
-Perception: 18.
Though regardless of sny odd sightings(or lackthereof) along the way, she keeps her own council for the time being. In the meantime, she carried on after the others, and while Ney and Utar (and maybe even Graxx) covered the initial greetings, Obby settled for slipping some jerky under her hat before saying aloud, "We also have a note written up by the head scribe to further confirm our identities, if it helps. And if it makes you feel better, our visits with others have been quite illuminating, and with your assistance, we may yet find our thief soon enough."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx hesitates for a moment by the questioning of their timing.
After Neya and Utar have spoke Graxx chimes in as well.
"Rest assured, the reason we were late was we were on official business investigating these crimes. We hope you may be able to provide more information to help us fill in the gaps and catch these thieves."
ON THE WAY
Perhaps out of habit or perhaps feeling something might be amiss, Obsben is extra careful in keeping an eye open during the walk to the third crime scene. She notices that a few people in the streets indeed seem to let their eyes linger when watching CRAP pass by. One male elf looks particularly interested in the adventuring party, but he does not move a muscle from his leaning spot on an alley wall. Obsben takes note and keeps moving along.
AT THE THIRD CRIME SCENE
While Utar and Graxx seem to get hung-up on the comment concerning their (or the library's) tardiness, Obsben and Neya move straight into business. The shopkeeper comes into view: a handsome human male, with long black hair framing a narrow face. He has piercing green eyes that seem to be made especially for looking at people with contempt. He dresses in fine clothes of silk and linen and wears no less than half a dozen gaudy rings on his fingers. He wields sarcarm in the way that only an unenthused nobleman would: "I’m very excited to be a part of this," he says while rolling his eyes and getting the note referenced by Obsben to confirm CRAP's affiliation.
"CRAP... quite a respectful and professional name," he says sarcastically. "I would expect little more from Mantor's Library, but beggars can't be choosers." He returns the handwritten note to Obsben. Then, looking at Neya, he continues: "The book, Lords and Lineages of Phlan, is a catalogue of every noble house that has resided within Phlan. The first entry dates back over seven hundred years ago. The book has been in the Lamarck’s family for two centuries. I am its current legal bearer, Agin Lamarck." He then glances over a shouder and says: "The book was secured within a drawer in my personal desk, which was locked and protected by powerful spellcraft."
His head still turned, he continues after a brief pause: "I cannot guess why anyone would want to steal the book. While rare and old, the book is little more than a collection of lineages and notes made by scribes of past and current noble houses. It is a rather ugly book discussing a dull subject matter and cannot likely bring much in the way of a profit." Finally turning his head back to the party, he concludes his initial remarks: "I was at home, not in my shop, when it happened. The next morning, I found the front door closed but unlocked, and only the one book missing."
"Hello Agin Lamarck, I am Graxx." says Graxx.
Graxx puts his hand to his chin as he ponders.
"Would any of these Lords and Lineages of Phlan have happened to include writings on the Brokengulf house? If so, could you share more information about what would have been written?" asks Graxx.
Obsben side-eyes Utar as the man brings up the group's name, but would say nothing, preferring instead to promptly return all due attention to the nobleman. Listening and regarding attentively without even a hint of ire over all the sarcasm. "With all due respect, I do hope you do not mind terribly if we take a closer look at this desk. Once initial questions are out of the way. As we will need to in order uncover any other possible clues left behind by our thief. Also, and this may sound like a foolish question, but was whatever spell craft put in place limited only to the desk?" She asks, actually managing to show a level of deference to Agin.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
" 'An ugly book discussing a dull subject matter,' you say? Seems the culprit begs to differ," Neya begins. "Perhaps they may already have someone in mind? Could you think of anyone who would benefit causing you any sort of grief?"
Neya will keep an eye on Lamarck's reactions, no matter how subtle they may be?
Insight: 18
Extended Signature
"Presumably nothing else within the desk was taken and nothing else within the shop either. Sounds like someone one what book they wanted and targeted your shop specifically. Are you certain nothing else was disturbed?"
Utar paid close attention to the response that Agin codes to give. He's not sure what would be stranger, given the additional thefts at the first crime scene and total lack at the second.
Insight - 21