@Neya: Scholar's Square is a relatively quiet corner of Phaln, but it is the city's central place of learning. It contains small trade schools, some small wizard-y like bookstores and study halls, housing for affluent scholars of the city and, most notably, Mantor's Library, which had only recently been reopened. The Cracked Crown inn is located in the Scholar's Square as well, and the currently closed Tea Kettle is just a stone's throw away.
Aleyd gladly collects the four signatures in her document, immediately rolling it up afterwards and placing it within a tube. When prompted by Obsben regarding Moneus, Aleyd looks toward Utar as if to indicate any questions should go to the half-orc, who doesn't disappoint and fields the halfling's question... in a way. The knight follows the cleric's invitation with a few words and a small smile: "Perhaps a little later, once this matter is resolved." She then lets the party leave the Cracked Crown, clearly intent on staying behind. If asked, she explains that this spot was picked for its discreetness, and that she would rather keep this arrangement that way by not exiting the place in one large group. From previous interactions, Utar, Neya, and Graxx would also know that Moneus wouldn't want to be seen with Aleyd and vice versa, despite their past association.
Once outside, it doesn't take too long for the group to be intercepted by a trench-coat-wearing tiefling. Moneus sports a slender build and a faintly pinkish tone to his skin. His horns sprout for the corners of his forehead, curving up and back and gaining a deeper red coloration the farther they grow. His deep fuchsia hair is long and kept in a ponytail, and his facial hair is maintained at a couple of inches' length, though it is somewhat unkempt. His left ear is missing, a sure sign he is a member of the Welcomers, Phlan's underground thieves' guild turned vigilantes if going by their own reports.
"Greetings, old friend," he talks to Utar first. He turns to Graxx and Neya: "And new friends," finally glancing at Obsben: "And soon to be friend, I can hope". Moneus looks tired, as he always does. "I take it you have had your conversation with the good ol' captain. She has told me most of it. Let me tell you the same thing I told her: the Welcomers are not behind these book thefts, though we have taken notice of them." He begins to roll a cigarette. "We have not been able to ascertain who is behind these thefts as of yet, but I fear it may be the work of some foreign agent seeking to defame our newfound vocation as underground vigilantes who work for the betterment of the citizens of Phaln." He turns to Obsben at this point and winks, though it is hard to tell if he meant it as a sign of coyness, deceit, or just emphasis. "Although you may trust my word, many around town wouldn't. I am in search of proof the Welcomers are not responsible for these thefts. If you are to solve this mystery, I reckon you can do that favor for me too, can't you?" He lights up his tobacco stick.
Obsben shrugged at the mention of friendship, but still bore a smile for the one-eared Tiefling. A smile that only grew at the later wink, though hardly lost much of its air of eireness. "Is your intent to then work directly alongside us then, sir'rah? If so, hmm..."She looked him once over, and then canted her head from side to side. "Your a touch scrawny, but that missing ear aughta earn a bit of sympathy if played well..."She mentions, pretending at least to be unaware of its significance in "local political alignments", as it were.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar can't help but smile at the sight of the tiefling. "Moneus, it has beeen too long my friend and if I can help you in any way, you need only ask it. If you are to come with us on this investigation, then I am doubly glad."
Graxx nods in agreement with Obsbens and Utar's statements.
"If someone is working to put the blame on the Welcomers they are seeking to hide their true intent. This must be uncovered both for the Welcomers new reputation and to see what danger these thefts really mean." says Graxx.
Graxx thinks for a moment.
"I see no reason why we cannot clear your all's names and find who is behind all this. I want to get to who's calling the shots behind these acts." says Graxx.
Moneus chuckles at Obsben's comment regarding his ear and then listens to her and Utar's question/request. He replies with a saddened expression: "I am afraid I have to disappoint you. The credibility of the innocence claim would only be tarnished if a Welcomer was part of the investigation team. This brief meeting itself is already risky enough. Should any mischievous party notice it, they could simply claim I am arranging for your false resolution of the investigation. Conversely, acting as an independent third-party, you would only enhance the eventual proof. In fact, to make it more contractual rather than a favor, I'll be sure to pay you for your findings. I still have to figure out what that payment will be but I'll make sure it is worth your time."
He then turns to a Graxx, agreeing with his claim: "Indeed, those might be one in the same. I'd say that bringing the guilty thief to light, alive, would suffice to keep the Welcomers' name untarnished... at least regarding this specific series of incidents."
He then bows and attempts to bring the conversation to an end: "So, as to minimize the risk of being accused of foul play in setting up this investigation, I shall now take my leave. Thank you for agreeing to clear our name of this misdeed."
Moneus lingers for a second or two, just in case anyone has any last thoughts they'd like to get out.
(OOC: If you are ready to move on, where would you like to go next?)
"Alive might be a touch tricky. But if you've already heard of most recent exploits, it's certainly not outside the realm of possibilities." Obsben said, then gave Moneus a wink. "And do take care of yourself out there. As we live in, uhm... interesting times from what I've observed so far."
She leaves things at that and a bow of her own unless the others have further need of her wisdom or voice. And short of anyone having other suggestions, her own -- if needed be said -- would be to make the Great Library/the Head Scribe the groups next destination.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Moneus seems intrigued by what Obsben says, revealing he is not completely aware of what the halfling called "most recent exploits". Nonetheless, the tiefling decides not to pry and simply nods his goodbyes to the group.
CRAP swiftly decides to pay Mantor's Library another visit and, as such, it is convenient that they are already in Scholar's Square. The group is recognized at the gate and allowed to enter without a password this time around. Now into the front yard of the library grounds, you notice the sun-bleached colonnades that frame the austere façade of the building and a solitary bench that sits next to a tranquil pond at the fore of the property. The grounds are well manicured and festooned with blooming flowers and other local flora.
The attendant who let you in escorts you though the grounds, into the building, and toward Cassra Brandywine's office, as it seems you were expected. As you walk through the library, you can't fail to notice that the staff has a seemingly inexhaustible reserve of energy which they devote to curating and expanding the library’s vast collection of encyclopediae, treatises, and compendiums. You even catch a glimpse of some wealthy citizen in the process of delivering a sizeable donation at one of the library's attendant counters. This strikes you as appropriate for an scholarly institution such as the library, which is funded by modest fees collected for performing research, transcribing, translating on top of the donations from the city’s wealthier citizenry.
You finally arrive at your destination. A sign on the door reads "Cassra Brandywine - Scribe Master". Beneath that, a small piece of wood hangs on a nail with the word “IN” written on it in chalk. As you knock on the door, a voice from an unseen source calls out “Just-ust a moment!” There is the creaking of a wooden chair followed by a muttered curse and then a loud crashing noise, which you deduce to be caused by a few stacks of books being knocked to the floor. The door opens, revealing the young-looking halfling with short blonde hair you met once before. If you had to guess, she likely cuts it herself. Her hands and shirt are stained with smudges of blue ink. Her clothes are well made despite the ink stains.
The Scribe Master’s office is small and very cramped – a problem made worse by the sheer number of books that are stacked haphazardly on every piece of furniture within. This is quite the striking difference from the meticulously organized office of the Lord Sage, which you witnessed during your last visit. In fact, looking around, you notice the same blue marks on furniture and decorations in the office, as with her hands and clothes.
Cassra brushes herself off and introduces herself again, forgetting for a moment that she already met all of you. Realizing her faux-pas, she closes her eyes and repeats each of your names to herself in turn, as if recommitting them to memory: "Fubar, Grass, Meia, and... Bigsben."She smiles, convinced she got your names right. "I assume-ume that you were sent-ent-t he-here by Captain Aleyd Burral, is that right?" She pauses, seemingly awaiting confirmation before proceeding.
Utar smiles at the absent minded scribe then chuckles. "You can call me Fubar. It wouldn't be the first time I've heard that one used. And yes, Aleyd sent us. There have been some break ins around the square, what can you tell us?"
"Mmhmm. Bigsben. Not ta be confused with Obsben. She's a right rascal." Obsben(?) said in a slightly deeper voice with a more rural drawl. After she giggles a bit, her next words come out in her usual ethereal sounding voice. "Pleasure to make your reaquiantance as well, Cassra. But yes, what can you tell us about that whole afair. For as far as we're aware, books have been apparently gone snatched up from the locals."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Cassra claps silently three times, happy with herself for 'correctly' remembering the four names. She even smiles at Utar and Neya, who happen to be standing nearest to her. With her self-esteem temporarily boosted by the successful start to this social engagement, the Scribe Master's anxiety is diminished and Cassra's speech even improves a bit: "Yes, very good. Specific details coming up." She invites everyone to sit if you can find non-cluttered spots and then continues: "Three exceptionally rare tomes were stolen from various people residing in Scholar's Square or surrounding areas, each two days apart. By the time you returned with the books stolen by Spernik, the first of these three new robberies had already taken place, and the second one was underway, though we did not know about them at that point in time. The third theft happened the day before yesterday."
She looks over her shoulders, as if she had forgotten something and was trying to remember it. She then suddenly looks at Graxx: "Oh, yes! Details! Well, The first book was stolen six days ago from the office of Aya Glenmiir, who is a wizard who maintains a small shop in Scholar's Square. The book was a treatise on the Weave titled 'The Weave: A Collection of Impractical Observations.' The second book that was stolen belonged to Marten Foss, a retired adventurer. He kept it in his private collection in his home in the Nobles’ Quarter, so not exactly the Scholar's Square but nearby." she nods rapidly as if requesting agreement that the two districts of the city are close enough. "The book was a personal memoir of Ren, a long-dead ranger of repute and once one of Phlan’s most famous citizens." She pauses for a second to catch her breath. "The third and final theft was that of a book titled 'The Lords and Lineages of Phlan.' It was in the possession of Agin Lamarck, a local minor noble who specializes in the history of Phlan, specifically genealogy and heraldry. Although he resides in the Noble's Quarter, he works in a small, dusty shop in Podol's Plaza during the day, so just a stone's throw from here."
The retelling of the thefts brings Cassra's more insecure demeanor back to the forefront: "With the-these thefts hap-happening-ning in different locations, none of them-em being Mantor's Library, you may be w-w-wondering why is it that I was the one reporting them to the B-Black-ck-ck Fist. Well, we at the Library are involved in the investi-invest-investigations because one of the stolen books is ou-our-our property, which is something that has caused me no end of t-t-t-trouble. Once I heard of the other two, I noted their similarities and followed-d-d the official Black Fist proce-pro-procedures, but I knew who I wanted to look into this." She looks at Obsben now: "And it is even better you didn't bring that... clumsy large d-do-dog with you this time." The irony of that statement is completely lost on the Scribe Master, who sits in one of the most cluttered offices you have ever seen.
She digs into her pockets but is reminded by her actions that she does not carry coin in them: "As before, we-we-we are sure our intermediary has already agreed with you on some sort of re-re... ahm... reward, but the Library is ready to provide additional incentive-ive for the retrieval of the books. What would you say to 1,000gp? Unlike last time, I do not-not-not care whether the thief is caught or not. The books are p-p-pa-pa-aramount. Do we have an agreement?"
Utar nods, "You've agreement from me. Those book titles sound quite disparate to me though. A treatise on magical theory, an autobiography of a ranger and a local history... Which one of the titles was in the Library's collection? And is there anything you can tell us about the thefts directly, any common themes to them, or calling cards left behind?"
"That's assuming there is a reason for taking them outside of money. With the right buyer, anything could be quite valuable," Neya says. "Where would we find the victims of these crimes at this time? Perhaps they may provide some insight?"
"I think I've heard rumor of a couple of those,"Obsben quietly commented in reference to the stolen books, but otherwise remained quiet so the rest of the details could be delivered without distraction. At the mention of the 'clumsy dog' Obsben slowly but surely let a smile bloom and grow into an almost cheshire one. But again, she reamined quiet unless questioned on something until the end.
"And this might be a stretch, but do you also recall how their previous owners and borrowers looked when they spoke to you? Were they exceptionally nervous? Upset? Or did they say or notify you of anything... curious about the thefts?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar signs his name to the agreement.
"Once we've wrapped this up, we can have a few jars and I'll tell you a story or two about Moneus, Obsben. Maybe one about Captain Burrall as well."
Utar winks at Aleyd, "And yes, you've both likely got a tale or two about me. But might be nice to have a drink or two, properly catch up?"
@Neya: Scholar's Square is a relatively quiet corner of Phaln, but it is the city's central place of learning. It contains small trade schools, some small wizard-y like bookstores and study halls, housing for affluent scholars of the city and, most notably, Mantor's Library, which had only recently been reopened. The Cracked Crown inn is located in the Scholar's Square as well, and the currently closed Tea Kettle is just a stone's throw away.
Aleyd gladly collects the four signatures in her document, immediately rolling it up afterwards and placing it within a tube. When prompted by Obsben regarding Moneus, Aleyd looks toward Utar as if to indicate any questions should go to the half-orc, who doesn't disappoint and fields the halfling's question... in a way. The knight follows the cleric's invitation with a few words and a small smile: "Perhaps a little later, once this matter is resolved." She then lets the party leave the Cracked Crown, clearly intent on staying behind. If asked, she explains that this spot was picked for its discreetness, and that she would rather keep this arrangement that way by not exiting the place in one large group. From previous interactions, Utar, Neya, and Graxx would also know that Moneus wouldn't want to be seen with Aleyd and vice versa, despite their past association.
Once outside, it doesn't take too long for the group to be intercepted by a trench-coat-wearing tiefling. Moneus sports a slender build and a faintly pinkish tone to his skin. His horns sprout for the corners of his forehead, curving up and back and gaining a deeper red coloration the farther they grow. His deep fuchsia hair is long and kept in a ponytail, and his facial hair is maintained at a couple of inches' length, though it is somewhat unkempt. His left ear is missing, a sure sign he is a member of the Welcomers, Phlan's underground thieves' guild turned vigilantes if going by their own reports.
"Greetings, old friend," he talks to Utar first. He turns to Graxx and Neya: "And new friends," finally glancing at Obsben: "And soon to be friend, I can hope". Moneus looks tired, as he always does. "I take it you have had your conversation with the good ol' captain. She has told me most of it. Let me tell you the same thing I told her: the Welcomers are not behind these book thefts, though we have taken notice of them." He begins to roll a cigarette. "We have not been able to ascertain who is behind these thefts as of yet, but I fear it may be the work of some foreign agent seeking to defame our newfound vocation as underground vigilantes who work for the betterment of the citizens of Phaln." He turns to Obsben at this point and winks, though it is hard to tell if he meant it as a sign of coyness, deceit, or just emphasis. "Although you may trust my word, many around town wouldn't. I am in search of proof the Welcomers are not responsible for these thefts. If you are to solve this mystery, I reckon you can do that favor for me too, can't you?" He lights up his tobacco stick.
Obsben shrugged at the mention of friendship, but still bore a smile for the one-eared Tiefling. A smile that only grew at the later wink, though hardly lost much of its air of eireness. "Is your intent to then work directly alongside us then, sir'rah? If so, hmm..." She looked him once over, and then canted her head from side to side. "Your a touch scrawny, but that missing ear aughta earn a bit of sympathy if played well..." She mentions, pretending at least to be unaware of its significance in "local political alignments", as it were.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar can't help but smile at the sight of the tiefling. "Moneus, it has beeen too long my friend and if I can help you in any way, you need only ask it. If you are to come with us on this investigation, then I am doubly glad."
Graxx nods in agreement with Obsbens and Utar's statements.
"If someone is working to put the blame on the Welcomers they are seeking to hide their true intent. This must be uncovered both for the Welcomers new reputation and to see what danger these thefts really mean." says Graxx.
Graxx thinks for a moment.
"I see no reason why we cannot clear your all's names and find who is behind all this. I want to get to who's calling the shots behind these acts." says Graxx.
Moneus chuckles at Obsben's comment regarding his ear and then listens to her and Utar's question/request. He replies with a saddened expression: "I am afraid I have to disappoint you. The credibility of the innocence claim would only be tarnished if a Welcomer was part of the investigation team. This brief meeting itself is already risky enough. Should any mischievous party notice it, they could simply claim I am arranging for your false resolution of the investigation. Conversely, acting as an independent third-party, you would only enhance the eventual proof. In fact, to make it more contractual rather than a favor, I'll be sure to pay you for your findings. I still have to figure out what that payment will be but I'll make sure it is worth your time."
He then turns to a Graxx, agreeing with his claim: "Indeed, those might be one in the same. I'd say that bringing the guilty thief to light, alive, would suffice to keep the Welcomers' name untarnished... at least regarding this specific series of incidents."
He then bows and attempts to bring the conversation to an end: "So, as to minimize the risk of being accused of foul play in setting up this investigation, I shall now take my leave. Thank you for agreeing to clear our name of this misdeed."
Moneus lingers for a second or two, just in case anyone has any last thoughts they'd like to get out.
(OOC: If you are ready to move on, where would you like to go next?)
"Alive might be a touch tricky. But if you've already heard of most recent exploits, it's certainly not outside the realm of possibilities." Obsben said, then gave Moneus a wink. "And do take care of yourself out there. As we live in, uhm... interesting times from what I've observed so far."
She leaves things at that and a bow of her own unless the others have further need of her wisdom or voice. And short of anyone having other suggestions, her own -- if needed be said -- would be to make the Great Library/the Head Scribe the groups next destination.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Keep in touch, Moneus and take care of yourself."
Turning back to the other CRAPpers, Utar looks towards Mantor's Library, "Should we go see that Head Scribe then, get the low-down on these crimes?"
"At the very least, someone at the library could point us in the direction of where the theft have occurred," Neya says, pondering the possibilities.
Extended Signature
"To the library then. Let us see what patterns we can form from what they are able to share with us" says Graxx
Moneus seems intrigued by what Obsben says, revealing he is not completely aware of what the halfling called "most recent exploits". Nonetheless, the tiefling decides not to pry and simply nods his goodbyes to the group.
CRAP swiftly decides to pay Mantor's Library another visit and, as such, it is convenient that they are already in Scholar's Square. The group is recognized at the gate and allowed to enter without a password this time around. Now into the front yard of the library grounds, you notice the sun-bleached colonnades that frame the austere façade of the building and a solitary bench that sits next to a tranquil pond at the fore of the property. The grounds are well manicured and festooned with blooming flowers and other local flora.
The attendant who let you in escorts you though the grounds, into the building, and toward Cassra Brandywine's office, as it seems you were expected. As you walk through the library, you can't fail to notice that the staff has a seemingly inexhaustible reserve of energy which they devote to curating and expanding the library’s vast collection of encyclopediae, treatises, and compendiums. You even catch a glimpse of some wealthy citizen in the process of delivering a sizeable donation at one of the library's attendant counters. This strikes you as appropriate for an scholarly institution such as the library, which is funded by modest fees collected for performing research, transcribing, translating on top of the donations from the city’s wealthier citizenry.
You finally arrive at your destination. A sign on the door reads "Cassra Brandywine - Scribe Master". Beneath that, a small piece of wood hangs on a nail with the word “IN” written on it in chalk. As you knock on the door, a voice from an unseen source calls out “Just-ust a moment!” There is the creaking of a wooden chair followed by a muttered curse and then a loud crashing noise, which you deduce to be caused by a few stacks of books being knocked to the floor. The door opens, revealing the young-looking halfling with short blonde hair you met once before. If you had to guess, she likely cuts it herself. Her hands and shirt are stained with smudges of blue ink. Her clothes are well made despite the ink stains.
The Scribe Master’s office is small and very cramped – a problem made worse by the sheer number of books that are stacked haphazardly on every piece of furniture within. This is quite the striking difference from the meticulously organized office of the Lord Sage, which you witnessed during your last visit. In fact, looking around, you notice the same blue marks on furniture and decorations in the office, as with her hands and clothes.
Cassra brushes herself off and introduces herself again, forgetting for a moment that she already met all of you. Realizing her faux-pas, she closes her eyes and repeats each of your names to herself in turn, as if recommitting them to memory: "Fubar, Grass, Meia, and... Bigsben." She smiles, convinced she got your names right. "I assume-ume that you were sent-ent-t he-here by Captain Aleyd Burral, is that right?" She pauses, seemingly awaiting confirmation before proceeding.
Utar smiles at the absent minded scribe then chuckles. "You can call me Fubar. It wouldn't be the first time I've heard that one used. And yes, Aleyd sent us. There have been some break ins around the square, what can you tell us?"
Graxx steps forward slightly behind Utar follows up on Utar's word.
"Grass here. Nice to see you again."
Graxx enjoys a bit of happiness before the coming job.
"When you tell us about the break ins. Could you tell us specifically what has been taken so far? And were there any witnesses?" asks Graxx.
With a shrug, Neya responds, “Yes, I’m Meia.”
Extended Signature
"Mmhmm. Bigsben. Not ta be confused with Obsben. She's a right rascal." Obsben(?) said in a slightly deeper voice with a more rural drawl. After she giggles a bit, her next words come out in her usual ethereal sounding voice. "Pleasure to make your reaquiantance as well, Cassra. But yes, what can you tell us about that whole afair. For as far as we're aware, books have been apparently gone snatched up from the locals."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Cassra claps silently three times, happy with herself for 'correctly' remembering the four names. She even smiles at Utar and Neya, who happen to be standing nearest to her. With her self-esteem temporarily boosted by the successful start to this social engagement, the Scribe Master's anxiety is diminished and Cassra's speech even improves a bit: "Yes, very good. Specific details coming up." She invites everyone to sit if you can find non-cluttered spots and then continues: "Three exceptionally rare tomes were stolen from various people residing in Scholar's Square or surrounding areas, each two days apart. By the time you returned with the books stolen by Spernik, the first of these three new robberies had already taken place, and the second one was underway, though we did not know about them at that point in time. The third theft happened the day before yesterday."
She looks over her shoulders, as if she had forgotten something and was trying to remember it. She then suddenly looks at Graxx: "Oh, yes! Details! Well, The first book was stolen six days ago from the office of Aya Glenmiir, who is a wizard who maintains a small shop in Scholar's Square. The book was a treatise on the Weave titled 'The Weave: A Collection of Impractical Observations.' The second book that was stolen belonged to Marten Foss, a retired adventurer. He kept it in his private collection in his home in the Nobles’ Quarter, so not exactly the Scholar's Square but nearby." she nods rapidly as if requesting agreement that the two districts of the city are close enough. "The book was a personal memoir of Ren, a long-dead ranger of repute and once one of Phlan’s most famous citizens." She pauses for a second to catch her breath. "The third and final theft was that of a book titled 'The Lords and Lineages of Phlan.' It was in the possession of Agin Lamarck, a local minor noble who specializes in the history of Phlan, specifically genealogy and heraldry. Although he resides in the Noble's Quarter, he works in a small, dusty shop in Podol's Plaza during the day, so just a stone's throw from here."
The retelling of the thefts brings Cassra's more insecure demeanor back to the forefront: "With the-these thefts hap-happening-ning in different locations, none of them-em being Mantor's Library, you may be w-w-wondering why is it that I was the one reporting them to the B-Black-ck-ck Fist. Well, we at the Library are involved in the investi-invest-investigations because one of the stolen books is ou-our-our property, which is something that has caused me no end of t-t-t-trouble. Once I heard of the other two, I noted their similarities and followed-d-d the official Black Fist proce-pro-procedures, but I knew who I wanted to look into this." She looks at Obsben now: "And it is even better you didn't bring that... clumsy large d-do-dog with you this time." The irony of that statement is completely lost on the Scribe Master, who sits in one of the most cluttered offices you have ever seen.
She digs into her pockets but is reminded by her actions that she does not carry coin in them: "As before, we-we-we are sure our intermediary has already agreed with you on some sort of re-re... ahm... reward, but the Library is ready to provide additional incentive-ive for the retrieval of the books. What would you say to 1,000gp? Unlike last time, I do not-not-not care whether the thief is caught or not. The books are p-p-pa-pa-aramount. Do we have an agreement?"
Utar nods, "You've agreement from me. Those book titles sound quite disparate to me though. A treatise on magical theory, an autobiography of a ranger and a local history... Which one of the titles was in the Library's collection? And is there anything you can tell us about the thefts directly, any common themes to them, or calling cards left behind?"
"That's assuming there is a reason for taking them outside of money. With the right buyer, anything could be quite valuable," Neya says. "Where would we find the victims of these crimes at this time? Perhaps they may provide some insight?"
Extended Signature
"I think I've heard rumor of a couple of those," Obsben quietly commented in reference to the stolen books, but otherwise remained quiet so the rest of the details could be delivered without distraction. At the mention of the 'clumsy dog' Obsben slowly but surely let a smile bloom and grow into an almost cheshire one. But again, she reamined quiet unless questioned on something until the end.
"And this might be a stretch, but do you also recall how their previous owners and borrowers looked when they spoke to you? Were they exceptionally nervous? Upset? Or did they say or notify you of anything... curious about the thefts?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx looks puzzled.
"How in the realm did they know the books were at these places? These are very specific."
Graxx waves his hand at Cassra.
"Don't worry. I'm not expecting an answer here. Just thinking out loud."
Graxx thinks a bit more.
"I could understand knowing a library had certain books but this.. So targeted..."
Graxx looks at the group.
"Any thoughts?"