@Utar: Cassra indeed has blue ink stains on her hands, as usual, as well as on her chin. Also...
@Utar:
Whatever thought she might be having has quickly been replaced by a mix of fear and disgust, both clearly sourced from Basil's presence in the room. If she is guilty of anything, she is not showing it at this exact moment.
As the CRAPers reunite and begin to catch up, Cassra takes a few steps back, adding distance between her and Basil. The attendant steps in the opposite direction, saying goodbyes silently as she return to her post at the gate. Master Opanrael "welcomes" the rest of the group: "Finally the meeting I was told to expect. Before you go rummaging the archives, do any of you mind telling me why Aya Glenmiir said you would speak in her behalf? I understand hers was one of the books taken... or should I say ours?"
"Ah yes~ She was rather... concerned about how you and others that might employ her services might perceive her abilities going forward. But personally, I believe she is worrying over nothing. For based on her description of protections, which I further confirmed in the remnants left in the wake of the theft, she truly went above and beyond in security." Obsben expressed. "If there were any means of improvement to suggest, I fear that even most nobles would not be able to cover the cost, let alone find the experts to actually put them in place." She further explained in a matter of fact tone, before giving a shrug. "Bashaba simply saw fit it seems to put her against a foe just as willing to go above and beyond in order to overcome her defenses."
Opanrael replies: “You went over her security measures in person, then? Well, I do not know you or have reason to trust your judgement. However, I shall once again rely on the Library’s wise decision making. If you were select to assist in this matter I’ll have to assume your credentials are of adequate merit. So, I’ll take your word for it. Nonetheless, we should look into furnishing Aya with some scrolls that could enhance her defenses a bit. Perhaps spells that block divination or administer protection glyphs… Such an approach shall also serve as an appropriate insult to her skills. A slap on the wrist if you will… I will have to think about it all.”
Cassra interrupts shyly: “In the meantime, we should make our way to-to-to the archives. They are located underground, and are quite vast. Wi-wi-without knowing where to start our search, it may take some time to find anything worth of note.”
Listening to the exchange, Utar raises an eyebrow. "Is there a list of all the books the library has lent out and to who? And who within the library would have access to it? Finally, is there a standard of security required for the folks who have taken books, because of there isn't, you should think about implementing something?"
"How does one keep from getting lost in these large archives? Would these missing two leave clues or signs behind where they could find their way back out?" asks Graxx.
"Fair enough, sir'rah." Obsben gives a dainty bow. "I am certain either way that she'll appreciate the leniancy in the matter, and mayhaps going forward, our success in dealing with the thief will inspire further confidence in the Library's decision to hire us for you."She said politely, before then turning to Cassra and giving her a simple nod in answer. As much as a short rest might be in order, the witchling was yet confident of finding one easily enough at some point in their search.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Opanrael nods sagely in response to Obsben, clearly considering the subject concerning Aya Glenmiir resolved for now. When Utar revisits it mere seconds later, the Head Curator does not take kindly to the line of questioning: "If there are such records or security standards, they are beyond your need-to-know."
Cassra tries to move away from the potential awkward moment by loudly responding to Graxx's mission-focused question. "I'll do my b-be-best in guiding you down there, bu-but-but Garda would know best, to-to-to be honest." She takes a deep breath and says with conviction: "Let's go!"
Unless CRAP has anything to mention at Opanrael's presence, Cassra guides the group towards the Archives.
Down hallways and staircases, and through passageways and storage rooms, Cassra moves with definite purpose. The group descends staircase after staircase with a lamp held over Cassra's head serving as the guiding light. Finally, the Master Scribe stops at a door and pushes it open; the smell of stagnant air, old paper, strong glue, and ancient dust filling the stairwell. “Inside,” she says. This section of the library is deep beneath the ground and in complete darkness apart from the sources of light CRAP brings with them.
Vast rows of long bookshelves and wall compartments are replete with old tomes and dusty scrolls as far as the eye can see. You can tell not many people are allowed down here. You all fear you'll start sneezing soon enough.
(OOC: Please describe how you'd like to begin your search here and roll a relevant skill check. Depending on how you go about it, you can roll either investigation, history, survival, or some other check you think better matches your description. One of you may claim Cassra's help. Additionally, everyone should roll a CON saving throw {DC 8}.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before Opanrael leaves:
Utar openly bristles at the Head Curator's response and feels his ire rise, his tusks becoming more prominent and his hands clench into fists. "I am not asking for the particulars of your security arrangements, however, I do want to know which members of staff have access to the list of loaned items. Given that we are investigating a spate of recent thefts of these books, I do not think it is too much of an ask, epsecially given we recently uncovered a Cult of the Dragon cell operating within your staff and we now have two more 'missing' members of staff, I do not think that is too unreasonable an ask. Anyone seeking to protect that information only draws suspicion onto themselves. I would not want to have to bother the Lord Sage about such things, but given the emerging severity of the situation, if I cannot get what I need from you, I will go over your head."
Hoping that the structure of Mantor's library contains the ability to discipline lower members of the organisation, Utar hopes that dropping the Lord Sage's name might help put a little fear into the Head Curator. If not, the whitening of his knuckles might remind the Head Curator of some particularly unpleasant times in their past.
Insight - 23 (21) however Opanrael responds, does Utar think he is on the level or playing him a merry jig?
In the archives:
Calmer now, Utar looks to Cassra, and produces his driftglobe, "I assume a magical source of light would be acceptable here while open flames from candles or torches are a definite no-no? Let me know if anyone needs a bit more light." Sticking close to the Master Scribe, he starts to gently prod a few questions her way, leaving gaps for her to respond;
"What can you tell us about the two missing members of staff?"
"Do they tend to keep to themselves?"
"Do they keep odd hours?"
"Do they frequent any taverns within the city?"
Still not completely trusting Cassra, or at this point, many of the library staff, he watches her responses and tries to guage whether she is omitting anything.
A wiser and proper halfling might've stepped up after the exchange between Utar and the Opanreal to help further smooth things over. Obsben, however, watched with some small amusement on her face. But though she gets the itch as well to jot some things down, her fingers were instead laced behind her back as she looked on with interest. That is, at least until it further ushered along to the archives alongside Basil.
Back at the Plot:
When they finally do arrive at the archives Obsben wastes little time before instilling a bit of lumination in a dagger and holding it aloft. A more just in case measure than anything, as the party would all too likely need to split up at some point to check out various stacks. "My, oh, my~ This >is< quite an extensive puh-... puh-... puh-a-choo! Mn... sorry..." She rubs at her nose. While Utar is busy further interrogating Cassra, Obby searches her person until able to produce a rag normally reserved for dealing with ink stains. And though not thrilled initially, a few liberal uses of magic to remove any lingering stains and dousing it with a bit of water from her waterskin leaves her smiling in satisfaction before tying it about her face.
With that done, and following a whispered request of Basil to stay alert for any "odd sounds", she dismisses and resummons Salty Bottom to her side, and has him hold on to the knife light. "Speaking of the two, were there any particular sections that they frequented, or were assigned to, for lack of better words. If so, it would prefer that we start there with your guidance."She request of Cassra. Though regardless of whether she could be provided with such a start point, or if the party would be forced to rely on their own skills and luck, she'd see set her focus going further on trying to find clues hinting at any recent occupation within the archives among the various stacks or reading desks. Then from there try to puzzle out any findings suggesting whether they left in a hurry, were forcibly moved, or... something else altogether. All with the assistance of Salty Bottom, whether it necessarily be intentional or not on his part.
-Obsben's Con Save(DC 8): 18(18). (if at adv. from covering mouth and nose with damp cloth: 14(14)) -Basil's Con Save(DC 8): 9(9). -Salty Bottom's Con Save(DC 8): 8(8).
-Obsben's Investigation: 26(26). (if SB can Help, then here's the adv roll: 24(24). -Basile's Staying Alert: 19(19). (relying more on his keen hearing)
If either Obsben's Con Save would be a failure or her investigation check is sub 15, using Chronal Shift to force a re-roll. See spoiler for re-rolled base number:
-15(15).
(OOC: Can't recall if I used her last bardic inspiration or not, but removed that for now.)
The Head Curator narrows his eyes at Utar, seemingly unintimidable: "You have just arrived in my office, and even though the door is still swinging open, you are ready to thrown unpleasantries and demands. Go ahead... whatever your name is... Bring your complaints to the Lord Sage. Let us see if they will side with their newest hireling or a decades-long faithful servant. Don't overplay your card, young man."
@Utar:
You may have hit a nerve, bruised his ego, but Opanrael's arrogance seems to indicate that he is dedicated to his trade to a fault. He doesn't strike you as someone who would betray the Library.
Perhaps noticing Obsben's look, or Cassra's desire to leave, Utar thinks better of giving a response to an old stubborn librarian and leaves the chamber. There are more important fights to win.
Cassra looks at her own lantern as Utar mentions open flames. "You are right," she says as she twists the lantern off. With the cleric's driftglobe and the witch's familiar's dagger filling in for sources of light, the group begins to advance further into the archives. The going is slow, as the party finds itself thoroughly examining many rows of shelves in case a vital clue is just beyond the next aisle. As they go, Cassra responds to the many posed questions:
> "What can you tell us about the two missing members of staff?"
> "Garda is a middle-aged woman who is the q-qui-quiet type. She enjoys the isolation the w-w-w-work at the archives allows her. It is no w-w-wo-wonder she asked for as many shifts here as she could. Ellison spends more time as a proper scribe, but he joined somewhat recently. A good hire as far as I can tell, desp-des-despite coming along around the same time as those other two t-t-tr-troublemakers."
> "Do they tend to keep to themselves?"
> "Guarda does, but Ellison is a bit more sociable."
> "Do they keep odd hours?"
> "Not that I know. I think I have seen b-b-bo-both of them working l-l-laate into the night before, but all librarians and scribes do... It-I-It-It is nothing our of the ordinary."
> "Do they frequent any taverns within the city?"
> "The Lord Sage mentioned to-to-to me that, during your first investigation h-h-h-here, you confronted Ellison on his habit of frequenting-ing-g The Laughing Goblin with Tibeem and Spernik, but nothing came out of it. Do y-y-you not remember?"
@Utar:
Cassra seem to be giving you straight answers, but some of them sound a bit too short to you. Maybe she is just trying to focus on the search.
Five, ten, twenty minutes pass and the search of the archives bears no fruit except for the answers Cassra gives to Utar's questions. The half-work is trying to keep an eye around while he walks and talks, but he knows one of those actions is suffering a bit. Thankfully, there are three other members of CRAP here to pick up his slack, and one of them even brought a hound. Speaking of Obsben, the halfling eventually asks a question of her own but, this time, Cassra only answers with a shrug of her shoulders and a hand to her nose, clearly trying to stifle a sneeze.
Twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five minutes pass. By now, Neya is the one trying to lead the group while attempting to find signs of books or dust being disturbed. It sounded like a good plan but Neya begins to think she has lead the group astray. Passing on the baton, she lets Graxx take a stab at dust-hunting. Forty, forty-five, fifty minutes pass before the tribesman finally spots a set of light footprints pressed against the floor of a particularly dusty aisle. Obsben cannot contain the excitement of finally finding something to follow. The halfling takes the lead astride Basil now, and looking up instead of down.
Fifty-five minutes pass and Obsben approaches a small book bound in red leather, which has fallen to the ground. She reads the cover and notices a name she has heard before: "Ren o' the Blade". The halfing comes to the realization that they had promised to check in on old Marten Foss' collection at the library! That realization is then interrupted. Everyone has been able to hold in their sneezes so far, except for Obsben's initial sneeze upon entering the archives, and Basil in particular has been able to hone his nose to the slightest changes in scent now that the group has been down here close to an hour. Basil's sense of smell picks it up first but, after the group begins following the rushing mastiff, the stink of blood becomes apparent to all.
CRAP's search has led them to a small room tucked away in a distant corner of the vast Archives. Despite the room's size, it is no less cramped than the rest of the Archives, packed tightly with shelves that are filled near to bursting with books, scrolls and other works. Rounding a shelf on the far side of the room, the group sees a small reading table; the dark shape of a body slumped over it. "Gods save us!" Cassra gasps as she runs into a corner and retches violently.
Graxx quickly lifts his axe and goes on his guard.
"On your guard! They could be watching us right now!" says Graxx.
Graxx looks from side to side then approaches the body.
Graxx will first look at the body to try to determine the cause of death and the place his hand on the neck of the deceased to check for warmth or cold to try to determine how long they have been dead.
Neya checks the area around the body for signs of a book being taken. If the motive is the same and this person was in the wrong place at the wrong time, there might be a fourth book stolen.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"All but one or two maybe."Was Obsben's almost reflexive response to Cassra's gasp as she looked on nonplussed at the body with her hands soon finding its way to her hips. Well, one hand at least, as the other still had "Ren o' the Blade" held tucked closely to her side. She does eventually turn away to look at Utar with an almost disapproving look. But then with a shake of her head, she urged Basil onward in following after Graxx so that she too could take a look at the body. If/When Graxx fails to turn the head about for identification, she waits only long enough for him to finish his examinations before blithely summoning a mage hand to adjust at least the head about for a look at the face for identification.
At least... based on how the pair were last described to them, in any case. And though none too thrilled to get any closer, Salty Bottom hovers ever close at hand with dagger in tow to better illuminate the space. Once satisfied even in failing to confirm anything of the identity, Obsben quietly urges Basil to carry on acting as her legs as they maneuvered throughout the room, searching for any signs or blood that might suggest where a killer might've gotten off to after committing the deed.
-Survival: 4. (Would use investi, but believe survival is more appropriate. T.T)
(@Grx: Let's call that a medicine check, for a final roll of 19.)
Graxx approaches the body for examination. The body is that of a middle-aged female human wearing a plain set of grey, homespun robes. Her left hand loosely holds a quill; the tip stained with bright blue ink. She is lying face down in a small pool of alarmingly fresh blood. Thin rivulets of dark blood run from her ears; standing in stark contrast to the pale flesh of her lifeless face. With the help of Salty Bottom's light and Obsben's mage hand, it becomes evident to Graxx that the victim died from a single blow to her head. If the tribesman had to guess, based on the fresh blood, she was killed approximately less than two hours ago.
Looking at Utar and cleaning her face, Cassra confirms the body's identity by painfully uttering her name: "Garda."
Focusing on the area around the body, Neya's initial evaluation is not that helpful. Books are simply scattered everywhere. Some are on the desk, others on the floor near the desk, and many others about the room in general. The warrior-turned-investigator finds it hard to narrow down her search at this moment. She thinks she might have to focus on specific areas of the room.
Obsben's own search for a trail of blood yields little for now. Perhaps a more thorough examination is needed, or perhaps a different approach altogether.
Graxx perks up.
"Gone missing?!" Graxx exclaims!
Graxx gives a nod towards Neya.
"I'm glad we're here. Let us search these two out." says Graxx.
@Utar: Cassra indeed has blue ink stains on her hands, as usual, as well as on her chin. Also...
@Utar:
Whatever thought she might be having has quickly been replaced by a mix of fear and disgust, both clearly sourced from Basil's presence in the room. If she is guilty of anything, she is not showing it at this exact moment.
As the CRAPers reunite and begin to catch up, Cassra takes a few steps back, adding distance between her and Basil. The attendant steps in the opposite direction, saying goodbyes silently as she return to her post at the gate. Master Opanrael "welcomes" the rest of the group: "Finally the meeting I was told to expect. Before you go rummaging the archives, do any of you mind telling me why Aya Glenmiir said you would speak in her behalf? I understand hers was one of the books taken... or should I say ours?"
"Ah yes~ She was rather... concerned about how you and others that might employ her services might perceive her abilities going forward. But personally, I believe she is worrying over nothing. For based on her description of protections, which I further confirmed in the remnants left in the wake of the theft, she truly went above and beyond in security." Obsben expressed. "If there were any means of improvement to suggest, I fear that even most nobles would not be able to cover the cost, let alone find the experts to actually put them in place." She further explained in a matter of fact tone, before giving a shrug. "Bashaba simply saw fit it seems to put her against a foe just as willing to go above and beyond in order to overcome her defenses."
If check is needed(see spoiler):
Persuasion: 10.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
-Persuasion: 17.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: I’m on mobile so bear with me, please)
Opanrael replies: “You went over her security measures in person, then? Well, I do not know you or have reason to trust your judgement. However, I shall once again rely on the Library’s wise decision making. If you were select to assist in this matter I’ll have to assume your credentials are of adequate merit. So, I’ll take your word for it. Nonetheless, we should look into furnishing Aya with some scrolls that could enhance her defenses a bit. Perhaps spells that block divination or administer protection glyphs… Such an approach shall also serve as an appropriate insult to her skills. A slap on the wrist if you will… I will have to think about it all.”
Cassra interrupts shyly: “In the meantime, we should make our way to-to-to the archives. They are located underground, and are quite vast. Wi-wi-without knowing where to start our search, it may take some time to find anything worth of note.”
Listening to the exchange, Utar raises an eyebrow. "Is there a list of all the books the library has lent out and to who? And who within the library would have access to it? Finally, is there a standard of security required for the folks who have taken books, because of there isn't, you should think about implementing something?"
Graxx listens to the discussion of the Archives.
"How does one keep from getting lost in these large archives? Would these missing two leave clues or signs behind where they could find their way back out?" asks Graxx.
"Fair enough, sir'rah." Obsben gives a dainty bow. "I am certain either way that she'll appreciate the leniancy in the matter, and mayhaps going forward, our success in dealing with the thief will inspire further confidence in the Library's decision to hire us for you." She said politely, before then turning to Cassra and giving her a simple nod in answer. As much as a short rest might be in order, the witchling was yet confident of finding one easily enough at some point in their search.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Opanrael nods sagely in response to Obsben, clearly considering the subject concerning Aya Glenmiir resolved for now. When Utar revisits it mere seconds later, the Head Curator does not take kindly to the line of questioning: "If there are such records or security standards, they are beyond your need-to-know."
Cassra tries to move away from the potential awkward moment by loudly responding to Graxx's mission-focused question. "I'll do my b-be-best in guiding you down there, bu-but-but Garda would know best, to-to-to be honest." She takes a deep breath and says with conviction: "Let's go!"
Unless CRAP has anything to mention at Opanrael's presence, Cassra guides the group towards the Archives.
Down hallways and staircases, and through passageways and storage rooms, Cassra moves with definite purpose. The group descends staircase after staircase with a lamp held over Cassra's head serving as the guiding light. Finally, the Master Scribe stops at a door and pushes it open; the smell of stagnant air, old paper, strong glue, and ancient dust filling the stairwell. “Inside,” she says. This section of the library is deep beneath the ground and in complete darkness apart from the sources of light CRAP brings with them.
Vast rows of long bookshelves and wall compartments are replete with old tomes and dusty scrolls as far as the eye can see. You can tell not many people are allowed down here. You all fear you'll start sneezing soon enough.
(OOC: Please describe how you'd like to begin your search here and roll a relevant skill check. Depending on how you go about it, you can roll either investigation, history, survival, or some other check you think better matches your description. One of you may claim Cassra's help. Additionally, everyone should roll a CON saving throw {DC 8}.)
Before Opanrael leaves:
Utar openly bristles at the Head Curator's response and feels his ire rise, his tusks becoming more prominent and his hands clench into fists. "I am not asking for the particulars of your security arrangements, however, I do want to know which members of staff have access to the list of loaned items. Given that we are investigating a spate of recent thefts of these books, I do not think it is too much of an ask, epsecially given we recently uncovered a Cult of the Dragon cell operating within your staff and we now have two more 'missing' members of staff, I do not think that is too unreasonable an ask. Anyone seeking to protect that information only draws suspicion onto themselves. I would not want to have to bother the Lord Sage about such things, but given the emerging severity of the situation, if I cannot get what I need from you, I will go over your head."
Hoping that the structure of Mantor's library contains the ability to discipline lower members of the organisation, Utar hopes that dropping the Lord Sage's name might help put a little fear into the Head Curator. If not, the whitening of his knuckles might remind the Head Curator of some particularly unpleasant times in their past.
Intimidation - 18 (23)
Insight - 23 (21) however Opanrael responds, does Utar think he is on the level or playing him a merry jig?
In the archives:
Calmer now, Utar looks to Cassra, and produces his driftglobe, "I assume a magical source of light would be acceptable here while open flames from candles or torches are a definite no-no? Let me know if anyone needs a bit more light." Sticking close to the Master Scribe, he starts to gently prod a few questions her way, leaving gaps for her to respond;
"What can you tell us about the two missing members of staff?"
"Do they tend to keep to themselves?"
"Do they keep odd hours?"
"Do they frequent any taverns within the city?"
Still not completely trusting Cassra, or at this point, many of the library staff, he watches her responses and tries to guage whether she is omitting anything.
Insight - 17 (19)
does Utar get lost in the stacks? - 13 (14)
Does Utar sneeze away any of his hp? Con Save - 21 (11)
With Opanreal Business:
A wiser and proper halfling might've stepped up after the exchange between Utar and the Opanreal to help further smooth things over. Obsben, however, watched with some small amusement on her face. But though she gets the itch as well to jot some things down, her fingers were instead laced behind her back as she looked on with interest. That is, at least until it further ushered along to the archives alongside Basil.
Back at the Plot:
When they finally do arrive at the archives Obsben wastes little time before instilling a bit of lumination in a dagger and holding it aloft. A more just in case measure than anything, as the party would all too likely need to split up at some point to check out various stacks. "My, oh, my~ This >is< quite an extensive puh-... puh-... puh-a-choo! Mn... sorry..." She rubs at her nose. While Utar is busy further interrogating Cassra, Obby searches her person until able to produce a rag normally reserved for dealing with ink stains. And though not thrilled initially, a few liberal uses of magic to remove any lingering stains and dousing it with a bit of water from her waterskin leaves her smiling in satisfaction before tying it about her face.
With that done, and following a whispered request of Basil to stay alert for any "odd sounds", she dismisses and resummons Salty Bottom to her side, and has him hold on to the knife light. "Speaking of the two, were there any particular sections that they frequented, or were assigned to, for lack of better words. If so, it would prefer that we start there with your guidance." She request of Cassra. Though regardless of whether she could be provided with such a start point, or if the party would be forced to rely on their own skills and luck, she'd see set her focus going further on trying to find clues hinting at any recent occupation within the archives among the various stacks or reading desks. Then from there try to puzzle out any findings suggesting whether they left in a hurry, were forcibly moved, or... something else altogether. All with the assistance of Salty Bottom, whether it necessarily be intentional or not on his part.
-Obsben's Con Save(DC 8): 18(18). (if at adv. from covering mouth and nose with damp cloth: 14(14))
-Basil's Con Save(DC 8): 9(9).
-Salty Bottom's Con Save(DC 8): 8(8).
-Obsben's Investigation: 26(26). (if SB can Help, then here's the adv roll: 24(24).
-Basile's Staying Alert: 19(19). (relying more on his keen hearing)
If either Obsben's Con Save would be a failure or her investigation check is sub 15, using Chronal Shift to force a re-roll. See spoiler for re-rolled base number:
-15(15).
(OOC: Can't recall if I used her last bardic inspiration or not, but removed that for now.)
--------
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Con Save: 26
Graxx wrinkles his nose a few times adjusting to the smell/irritation of the ancient dust.
While Utar asks questions Graxx sets his sights on finding someway to track these individuals
Graxx looks around.... Then Graxx thinks of his nose... Dust...
Could the dust function like dirt does outside? Can he track individuals by their footprints in the dust or seeming dust disturbance?
Graxx kneels and looks around to see which row they may have headed towards.
Survival: 25
Con save: 20
The darkness, dust and and expanse of the archives is almost overwhelming to Neya. But, never the less the she tries to focus on the task at hand.
Considering the the amount of dust around this part of the library, she tries to discern where some dust has been disturbed within the last day.
Perception: 6
Extended Signature
STILL IN OPANRAEL'S OFFICE:
The Head Curator narrows his eyes at Utar, seemingly unintimidable: "You have just arrived in my office, and even though the door is still swinging open, you are ready to thrown unpleasantries and demands. Go ahead... whatever your name is... Bring your complaints to the Lord Sage. Let us see if they will side with their newest hireling or a decades-long faithful servant. Don't overplay your card, young man."
@Utar:
You may have hit a nerve, bruised his ego, but Opanrael's arrogance seems to indicate that he is dedicated to his trade to a fault. He doesn't strike you as someone who would betray the Library.
Perhaps noticing Obsben's look, or Cassra's desire to leave, Utar thinks better of giving a response to an old stubborn librarian and leaves the chamber. There are more important fights to win.
IN THE ARCHIVES
Cassra looks at her own lantern as Utar mentions open flames. "You are right," she says as she twists the lantern off. With the cleric's driftglobe and the witch's familiar's dagger filling in for sources of light, the group begins to advance further into the archives. The going is slow, as the party finds itself thoroughly examining many rows of shelves in case a vital clue is just beyond the next aisle. As they go, Cassra responds to the many posed questions:
> "What can you tell us about the two missing members of staff?"
> "Garda is a middle-aged woman who is the q-qui-quiet type. She enjoys the isolation the w-w-w-work at the archives allows her. It is no w-w-wo-wonder she asked for as many shifts here as she could. Ellison spends more time as a proper scribe, but he joined somewhat recently. A good hire as far as I can tell, desp-des-despite coming along around the same time as those other two t-t-tr-troublemakers."
> "Do they tend to keep to themselves?"
> "Guarda does, but Ellison is a bit more sociable."
> "Do they keep odd hours?"
> "Not that I know. I think I have seen b-b-bo-both of them working l-l-laate into the night before, but all librarians and scribes do... It-I-It-It is nothing our of the ordinary."
> "Do they frequent any taverns within the city?"
> "The Lord Sage mentioned to-to-to me that, during your first investigation h-h-h-here, you confronted Ellison on his habit of frequenting-ing-g The Laughing Goblin with Tibeem and Spernik, but nothing came out of it. Do y-y-you not remember?"
@Utar:
Cassra seem to be giving you straight answers, but some of them sound a bit too short to you. Maybe she is just trying to focus on the search.
Five, ten, twenty minutes pass and the search of the archives bears no fruit except for the answers Cassra gives to Utar's questions. The half-work is trying to keep an eye around while he walks and talks, but he knows one of those actions is suffering a bit. Thankfully, there are three other members of CRAP here to pick up his slack, and one of them even brought a hound. Speaking of Obsben, the halfling eventually asks a question of her own but, this time, Cassra only answers with a shrug of her shoulders and a hand to her nose, clearly trying to stifle a sneeze.
Twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five minutes pass. By now, Neya is the one trying to lead the group while attempting to find signs of books or dust being disturbed. It sounded like a good plan but Neya begins to think she has lead the group astray. Passing on the baton, she lets Graxx take a stab at dust-hunting. Forty, forty-five, fifty minutes pass before the tribesman finally spots a set of light footprints pressed against the floor of a particularly dusty aisle. Obsben cannot contain the excitement of finally finding something to follow. The halfling takes the lead astride Basil now, and looking up instead of down.
Fifty-five minutes pass and Obsben approaches a small book bound in red leather, which has fallen to the ground. She reads the cover and notices a name she has heard before: "Ren o' the Blade". The halfing comes to the realization that they had promised to check in on old Marten Foss' collection at the library! That realization is then interrupted. Everyone has been able to hold in their sneezes so far, except for Obsben's initial sneeze upon entering the archives, and Basil in particular has been able to hone his nose to the slightest changes in scent now that the group has been down here close to an hour. Basil's sense of smell picks it up first but, after the group begins following the rushing mastiff, the stink of blood becomes apparent to all.
CRAP's search has led them to a small room tucked away in a distant corner of the vast Archives. Despite the room's size, it is no less cramped than the rest of the Archives, packed tightly with shelves that are filled near to bursting with books, scrolls and other works. Rounding a shelf on the far side of the room, the group sees a small reading table; the dark shape of a body slumped over it. "Gods save us!" Cassra gasps as she runs into a corner and retches violently.
Going to check on Cassra, Utar kneels by her, careful to keep his knee out of any vomit.
"Do you recognise them, Cassra? Is it Guarda or Ellison?"
Graxx quickly lifts his axe and goes on his guard.
"On your guard! They could be watching us right now!" says Graxx.
Graxx looks from side to side then approaches the body.
Graxx will first look at the body to try to determine the cause of death and the place his hand on the neck of the deceased to check for warmth or cold to try to determine how long they have been dead.
Survival? : 23
Neya checks the area around the body for signs of a book being taken. If the motive is the same and this person was in the wrong place at the wrong time, there might be a fourth book stolen.
Investigation: 7
Extended Signature
"All but one or two maybe." Was Obsben's almost reflexive response to Cassra's gasp as she looked on nonplussed at the body with her hands soon finding its way to her hips. Well, one hand at least, as the other still had "Ren o' the Blade" held tucked closely to her side. She does eventually turn away to look at Utar with an almost disapproving look. But then with a shake of her head, she urged Basil onward in following after Graxx so that she too could take a look at the body. If/When Graxx fails to turn the head about for identification, she waits only long enough for him to finish his examinations before blithely summoning a mage hand to adjust at least the head about for a look at the face for identification.
At least... based on how the pair were last described to them, in any case. And though none too thrilled to get any closer, Salty Bottom hovers ever close at hand with dagger in tow to better illuminate the space. Once satisfied even in failing to confirm anything of the identity, Obsben quietly urges Basil to carry on acting as her legs as they maneuvered throughout the room, searching for any signs or blood that might suggest where a killer might've gotten off to after committing the deed.
-Survival: 4. (Would use investi, but believe survival is more appropriate. T.T)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Grx: Let's call that a medicine check, for a final roll of 19.)
Graxx approaches the body for examination. The body is that of a middle-aged female human wearing a plain set of grey, homespun robes. Her left hand loosely holds a quill; the tip stained with bright blue ink. She is lying face down in a small pool of alarmingly fresh blood. Thin rivulets of dark blood run from her ears; standing in stark contrast to the pale flesh of her lifeless face. With the help of Salty Bottom's light and Obsben's mage hand, it becomes evident to Graxx that the victim died from a single blow to her head. If the tribesman had to guess, based on the fresh blood, she was killed approximately less than two hours ago.
Looking at Utar and cleaning her face, Cassra confirms the body's identity by painfully uttering her name: "Garda."
Focusing on the area around the body, Neya's initial evaluation is not that helpful. Books are simply scattered everywhere. Some are on the desk, others on the floor near the desk, and many others about the room in general. The warrior-turned-investigator finds it hard to narrow down her search at this moment. She thinks she might have to focus on specific areas of the room.
Obsben's own search for a trail of blood yields little for now. Perhaps a more thorough examination is needed, or perhaps a different approach altogether.