Obsben simply shrugs, not seemign to concerned one way or another about the group's future course. But as she hopped out of her seat she comments, "I'll go get Basil. She seemed particularly unnerved at his presence, so he may help in loosening lips if it comes to it." If on her way out she happened to pass by Sagin, Obsben gives him a thumbs up and quick "Thanks for the grub" on her way out.
Conveniently, had it not come up in Graxx summarization, Obsben fails to allude to any mentions of the spellbook, and had every means to study it on the way to the library and away from the good captain. But as far as the coin pilfered from the man, such volunteering of information is something she'd leave to the whims of Utar and Graxx.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Of course, thank you," Neya says. She does not want to rouse too much suspicion with a suspect. Since she's alone right now she will have to be careful with how she words things and keep an eye on Brandywine's mannerisms.
"No, I should be able to take it from here." Aleyd responds as she watches Graxx put Soares to sleep. "A bit cruel if you ask me, but I am willing to give you folks the benefit of the doubt."
As Graxx and Obsben leave, Aleyd waves and says "Farewell for now and good luck with the rest of the investigation." It looks like she is staying behind for a bit, probably to either finish a plate of food Sagin just recently served her or to give Utar a chance to say a few words before he decides to either stay or go.
Sagin takes the passing complement well, though he shies away from responding with words.
Allowing the attendant to show her the way, Neya is soon led to Cassra Brandywine's office. The attendant knocks on the door and waits for the Master Scribe to open it. "Oh, Meia, H..he..ello. How are y-y-you? Please step inside."
She paces around the office a bit, lazily arranging a pile of books as if that would make the mess in here more palatable. "I am sur-r-surpirsed to only see o-o-on-one of you but I hope you bring good news. How fares-es-es the investigation?"
Outside, Graxx, Obsbsen, (and maybe Utar?) are arriving at the closed gate. There is no attendant at the gate to receive them at this hour, at least not at the moment.
"Sorry it's another rushed meeting, Aleyd. If you see or speak to our tiefling friend, let him know that we think whoever is behind the break ins is likely magically inclined. Knew enough to break some pretty intricate warding, might not be enough to pin point our thief, but might narrow the list? Not sure it's this one, but he definitely has some tricks. Anyway, I'd better go catch the others."
Turning back before he leaves, he adds, "Sagin is becoming quite the cook, so there's no danger in staying for dinner. I'm sure he'd like some company. Also, drinks soon? I've something else needs bringing to your attention but chasing B takes priority right now."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Hm~ Not certain if I should say 'that about figures' or to suspect something at this point. But either way, we can't stand out here all day now can we?" Obsben says as glances up to her companions, then removed her hat revealing Salty Bottom still napping away on her head. A few sharp nudges in the side and a bit of flailing later, the familiar is eventually roused from its slumber and handed a quickly written and well lit missive by the lightling, before being bid to take flight and try to find himself a point of egress into the building. Then from there seek out the attendant to pass along her request for entry.
(OOC: Not sure if there's any obvious open windows or what-have-you in sight, but if not, here's a perception check for Salty Bottom, assuming some Ward doesn't destroy him.)
"Admittedly, it was slow start at first," Neya begins. "Nothing really seemed to line up. At first, we thought we had something that could be of high concern. But, at the other two locations, the books stolen started being somewhat random. We weren't sure we were making any sort of progress. That is until we found out somebody didn't like us investigating."
"Somebody hired some sellswords to try and scare us away. Thankfully, they failed, but we didn't get away completely unscathed, either. At least it's nothing life-threatening."
"It's curious, though" She folds her arms as to contemplate something "We didn't start until just this afternoon. But, already, we had someone try and attack us, this evening. For an action to be done this quickly, it almost seems the culprit may not actually be too far away."
Throughout this detail-free debrief, Neya is gauging Brandywine's reaction.
Aleyd looks a bit dumbfounded as the rest of the group leaves in a rush, leaving an unconscious Soares completely to her care. She did say she had it under control, but the swift departure still left her a bit surprised. "Drinks soon, yeah..." She responds without blinking as Sagin pulls on her limp arm as to direct her to a dinner table, where a hot plate awaits her.
AT MANTOR'S LIBRARY'S GATE
Not wanting to wait, Obsben spurs Salty Bottom into action. The flying monkey is easy to spot as he flies away, a result of him carrying a magically lit note. The familiar's search for a recipient for the note is short lived as Salty Bottom soon gets distracted by something else, as he is known to do. This time, the monkey is chasing similarly lit firebugs, which have gathered in and around the library's gardens in this warm evening.
Trying to find an alternative to relying on the winged messenger, Graxx begins analyzing the gate and walls. The former is not robust in any way, and the latter should be fairly straightforward to climb.
A minute or two behind Graxx and Obsben (and her mastiff), Utar catches up now.
IN CASSRA'S OFFICE
"I am glad to he-he-hear you are all al-all-right after being accosted like that." Cassra responds. "I'm starting to see what the Lord Sage saw-aw-saw in you already: resilience." Once Neya comments on the swiftness of the attack, Cassra theorizes: "Either that or they have been following you for some time... Or both!"she finishes her statement with a dash of surprise.
She then asks: "Well, did you le-lea-learn anything from these ruffians?"
@Neya:
For now, Cassra seems to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. She is smart enough to realize you are retelling the evening's developments in broad strokes, and seems to be interested in and waiting for more details, which she assumes you are about to reveal.
You do not pick up on any physical or emotional or behavioral hint that she is blatantly lying or omitting something at this moment.
"For certain, three of them were contacted by the whomever ordered the attack. This same person even introduced a subordinate of theirs to take the lead," Neya begins to elaborate. "Evidently, their superior was only known simply by 'B.' While that alone isn't really saying much by itself. But, upon interrogation, one of the others did reveal that whomever hired them had blue, ink-stained fingers."
She continues to monitor Brandywine's emotional state, as well watching for any sudden movements.
"Hello Utar." Obsben says while not taking her eyes off of Salty Bottom. "Can't say that we've had, but I'd wager their quite locked. And if not, well..." She trailed off from there, either to simply leave things there or having been drawn in watching Graxx' attempts to scale the gate. And attempt she was ready to nudge at reality to see him at least possibly successful in the one endeavor, so that she may readily follow the pair in seeking an audience.
-If need be, burning a use of Chronal Shift to Grant Graxx a re-roll on the climb check.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Needing a pick-me-up, Utar reaches into his pack and pulls out a bulbous vial of healing liquid. Adrenaline made it easy to forget the pain of the previous fight, but it was now finally catching up to the Tormite. (Utar recovers 19 HP.)
AT THE LIBRARY'S GATE
Upon arrival, Utar suggest the obvious approach of opening the gate. The three CRAPers exchange looks as if getting ready to feel embarrassed by the simplicity of the solution to their problem. However, Obsben is right: the gate is locked. Graxx confirms it.
Not wasting any more time, Graxx then climbs over the wall. It is not a tall one and, despite the tribesman's uncharacteristic poor form, the wall does not offer much of a challenge. A minute or so later, Graxx is on the other side, manipulating the locking system on the gate. A tug and a twist are all that is needed to undo this key-less locking mechanism. The gate swings open, allowing Obsben and Utar to join Graxx in the library's courtyard (or would it be a front yard?) Salty Bottom is still chasing fireflies.
(@Ori: An 11 beats the {DC 10} off the check, so no need to spend Chronal Shift this time.)
(@MB, @Grx, and @Ori: Where to from here?)
IN CASSRA'S OFFICE
"Blue ink?!" Cassra asks in response while raising her own hands closer to her face. She then frowns and rubs her chin thoughtfully, leaving a blue smudge. "If the th-th-thief had access-ess to this ink," she says quietly, "then it doesn't just s-s-s-sound like we are dealing with a thief; it s-s-s-s-sounds like we're dealing with a rat!"
"Thank you for bringing this in-i-info-information to me. I shouldn't be surprised, not after the whole Tibeem and Spernik episode, but-t-tt-t alas... Here I am without words." She thinks for another second or two and then suggests: "I may need the opinion of a colleague on this. Why d-d-d-don't we go talk to Master Opanrael, the library's Head Curator?"
@Neya:
Still going off your previous insight roll: her reaction seems natural to you. You agree she shouldn't be surprised at this point, but she seems to be nonetheless.
Despite all temptations to leave the flying monkey to his entertainment, Obsben... on second thought does indeed leave him to it, and simply waves goodbye in parting before turning to the others. "Don't forget to lock up behind us, Graxx, as it is the least we can do for breaking an entering like so."She suggests of the taller folk. "As for point of egress, shall we go knock on the front doors? Or might we be doubling down on this smashing our way in? I'd teleport one of you inside otherwise, but such is just not in the cards right now."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Agreed. Simplest approach is best. We need to catch Neya up."
Approaching the doors to the library, Utar does as Obby suggests and knocks, putting his fist to the door three times. Should nothing happen, he'll take his earlier advice and try the door itself. Should nothing still happen, Utar will take a quick look at the building, trying to spot any likely windows that a boosted halfling, or boosted Graxx might make use of. Failing that, whether anyone might have left a key under a flowerpot.
Graxx will relock the gate as requested before hustling to join the others.
Graxx sizes up the door and takes a few steps back.
"If you need me to smash that door give the word and I'll give it all I've got to bring it down."
In the mean time Graxx will do what he can to be useful and use Divine Sense.
Divine Sense
As an action, you can detect good and evil. Until the end of your next turn, you can sense anything affected by the hallow spell or know the location of any celestial, fiend, undead within 60 ft. that is not behind total cover. You can use this feature 3 times per long rest.
"Yes, let's... I believe I may have a handwriting sample both you and the High Curator should look at," Neya says as she pulls the coded note out, more trusting of Cassra's words. "Perhaps one of you might be able to determine who it is?"
Obsben leaves Salty Bottom to play in the courtyard while the CRAPer trio approaches the door. Ten different possibilities cross Utar's mind but, by the time he is trying the door knob, he is surprised by the sudden appearance of a returning library attendant. "Oh, you startled me." She say, recognizing the group after a second of fright. "I led one of your colleagues to the Master Scribe's office just a few moments ago. I was on my way back to gate duty." She pokes a head out to look at the courtyard and asks, more confused than confrontational: "How did you get in?"
@Graxx:
For the five or six seconds you attune to your senses, and within 60ft, you are sure there is no celestial, undead, or fiend present, unless they are behind total cover (behind a wall, inside the building, etc.) No portions of the library within range seem to be either desecrated or consecrated.
IN CASSRA'S OFFICE:
The Master Scribe takes a look at the note Neya shows her. "Hmm... It does loo-lo-look somewhat familiar, but I can't be s-s-s-sure." She hands the note back to Neya and adds: "Follow me. Master Opanrael is a bit grumpy, but he can h-h-he-elp us."
Following Cassra along a few hallways and taking many bends, Neya is eventually led to a heavy wooden door with a metal plaque that says "Master Librarian Opanrael, Head Curator at Mantor's Library." Cassra pushes the door open without knocking. The smell of paper, glue, and ink fills Neya's nose as the door the the Head Curator's office opens. Before Neya's eyes stands a man that appears to be as dusty and worn as the books and scrolls that are stacked neatly around his office. The contrast with Cassra's own messy workspace is instantly apparent.
Opanrael is a dignified human in the twilight of his life, with a surprisingly bright stock of red hair in a long braid. His teal-colored eyes have a pale-cast, betraying hints of elvish blood somewhere in his family's history. He wears plain red robes in the style of the other librarians, with a single silver chain and insignia indicating his elevated status as the Head Curator. Despite his poise, Opanrael is in quite a state. "Master Scribe," he says in a hurried voice. "I have no time for whatever it is that brings you here." He looks over to Neya, "but I guess etiquette demands I ask who is this that you bring to me after introducing myself." Without making an effort to drop his quill or shake Neya's hand, Opanrael states: "I am Master Librarian and Head Curator Openrael. Please, tell me who you might be."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Oh we were here with Neya." Obsben chimed in before any of the others could incriminate themselves. "You see, I like to prank people every now and then, probably 'cause I might've been a gnome in a past life or something. But anyways, I tricked Graxx and Utar here into thinking I had wild magic surge of source, turning all three of us invisible and mute. Though only the former was true in the sense that I did cast such a spell on'em. A very experimental one, admittedly. And to make a long tale short, I secretly message Neya my plan, but uh... kinda missed the timing on when I was supposed to drop the spell and spook ya." She explained, before looking back and gesturing to the flying monkey.
"I even thought to add a different layer with some ghost light magic, but that too didn't quite work out as you can see." She turned back to the elf and gave her widest and most apologetic smile. "Sorry about all that."
Obsben simply shrugs, not seemign to concerned one way or another about the group's future course. But as she hopped out of her seat she comments, "I'll go get Basil. She seemed particularly unnerved at his presence, so he may help in loosening lips if it comes to it." If on her way out she happened to pass by Sagin, Obsben gives him a thumbs up and quick "Thanks for the grub" on her way out.
Conveniently, had it not come up in Graxx summarization, Obsben fails to allude to any mentions of the spellbook, and had every means to study it on the way to the library and away from the good captain. But as far as the coin pilfered from the man, such volunteering of information is something she'd leave to the whims of Utar and Graxx.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Of course, thank you," Neya says. She does not want to rouse too much suspicion with a suspect. Since she's alone right now she will have to be careful with how she words things and keep an eye on Brandywine's mannerisms.
Extended Signature
AT THE LEADSTOPPER RESIDENCE
"No, I should be able to take it from here." Aleyd responds as she watches Graxx put Soares to sleep. "A bit cruel if you ask me, but I am willing to give you folks the benefit of the doubt."
As Graxx and Obsben leave, Aleyd waves and says "Farewell for now and good luck with the rest of the investigation." It looks like she is staying behind for a bit, probably to either finish a plate of food Sagin just recently served her or to give Utar a chance to say a few words before he decides to either stay or go.
Sagin takes the passing complement well, though he shies away from responding with words.
With Basil in tow, Obsben pulls out a spell book from her pack and begins to study it on the go. Whether Graxx mentioned the spellbook seems to matter little now, as Aleyd never asked or showed interest in it if she even knew about it. A quick study of the book reveals the following spells: charm person, mage armor, shield, sleep, misty step, suggestion, bestow curse, phantom steed, vampiric touch, greater invisibility, stoneskin, dominate person. Whatever cantrips Soares knows are not reproduced in the book.
(@MB: What is Utar doing?)
AT MANTOR'S LIBRARY
Allowing the attendant to show her the way, Neya is soon led to Cassra Brandywine's office. The attendant knocks on the door and waits for the Master Scribe to open it. "Oh, Meia, H..he..ello. How are y-y-you? Please step inside."
She paces around the office a bit, lazily arranging a pile of books as if that would make the mess in here more palatable. "I am sur-r-surpirsed to only see o-o-on-one of you but I hope you bring good news. How fares-es-es the investigation?"
Outside, Graxx, Obsbsen, (and maybe Utar?) are arriving at the closed gate. There is no attendant at the gate to receive them at this hour, at least not at the moment.
"Sorry it's another rushed meeting, Aleyd. If you see or speak to our tiefling friend, let him know that we think whoever is behind the break ins is likely magically inclined. Knew enough to break some pretty intricate warding, might not be enough to pin point our thief, but might narrow the list? Not sure it's this one, but he definitely has some tricks. Anyway, I'd better go catch the others."
Turning back before he leaves, he adds, "Sagin is becoming quite the cook, so there's no danger in staying for dinner. I'm sure he'd like some company. Also, drinks soon? I've something else needs bringing to your attention but chasing B takes priority right now."
"Hm~ Not certain if I should say 'that about figures' or to suspect something at this point. But either way, we can't stand out here all day now can we?" Obsben says as glances up to her companions, then removed her hat revealing Salty Bottom still napping away on her head. A few sharp nudges in the side and a bit of flailing later, the familiar is eventually roused from its slumber and handed a quickly written and well lit missive by the lightling, before being bid to take flight and try to find himself a point of egress into the building. Then from there seek out the attendant to pass along her request for entry.
(OOC: Not sure if there's any obvious open windows or what-have-you in sight, but if not, here's a perception check for Salty Bottom, assuming some Ward doesn't destroy him.)
-Egress Search: 6.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx will try to open the gate by hand and see what type of lock is keeping the door shut.
"We certainly cannot. We will make a way in and ask for forgiveness later." says Graxx.
Investigation: 10
And does it look like something Graxx could scale?
"Admittedly, it was slow start at first," Neya begins. "Nothing really seemed to line up. At first, we thought we had something that could be of high concern. But, at the other two locations, the books stolen started being somewhat random. We weren't sure we were making any sort of progress. That is until we found out somebody didn't like us investigating."
"Somebody hired some sellswords to try and scare us away. Thankfully, they failed, but we didn't get away completely unscathed, either. At least it's nothing life-threatening."
"It's curious, though" She folds her arms as to contemplate something "We didn't start until just this afternoon. But, already, we had someone try and attack us, this evening. For an action to be done this quickly, it almost seems the culprit may not actually be too far away."
Throughout this detail-free debrief, Neya is gauging Brandywine's reaction.
Insight: 13
Extended Signature
AT THE LEADSTOPPER RESIDENCE
Aleyd looks a bit dumbfounded as the rest of the group leaves in a rush, leaving an unconscious Soares completely to her care. She did say she had it under control, but the swift departure still left her a bit surprised. "Drinks soon, yeah..." She responds without blinking as Sagin pulls on her limp arm as to direct her to a dinner table, where a hot plate awaits her.
AT MANTOR'S LIBRARY'S GATE
Not wanting to wait, Obsben spurs Salty Bottom into action. The flying monkey is easy to spot as he flies away, a result of him carrying a magically lit note. The familiar's search for a recipient for the note is short lived as Salty Bottom soon gets distracted by something else, as he is known to do. This time, the monkey is chasing similarly lit firebugs, which have gathered in and around the library's gardens in this warm evening.
Trying to find an alternative to relying on the winged messenger, Graxx begins analyzing the gate and walls. The former is not robust in any way, and the latter should be fairly straightforward to climb.
A minute or two behind Graxx and Obsben (and her mastiff), Utar catches up now.
IN CASSRA'S OFFICE
"I am glad to he-he-hear you are all al-all-right after being accosted like that." Cassra responds. "I'm starting to see what the Lord Sage saw-aw-saw in you already: resilience." Once Neya comments on the swiftness of the attack, Cassra theorizes: "Either that or they have been following you for some time... Or both!" she finishes her statement with a dash of surprise.
She then asks: "Well, did you le-lea-learn anything from these ruffians?"
@Neya:
For now, Cassra seems to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. She is smart enough to realize you are retelling the evening's developments in broad strokes, and seems to be interested in and waiting for more details, which she assumes you are about to reveal.
You do not pick up on any physical or emotional or behavioral hint that she is blatantly lying or omitting something at this moment.
On the way over:
Thinking he'd been saving this for someone else, Use pulls the stopper from a greater potion of healing and chugs contents down.
Restore 19
At the gates:
Hands on his knees and bent double, Utar looks to the others. "Anyone...tried...the...doors....yet?"
"Doors... Good call. If that doesn't work I'm going over. We must hurry!" says Graxx.
Graxx will try to open the doors. If it fails Graxx will try to scale the wall and open the door from the other side.
Athletics: 11
"For certain, three of them were contacted by the whomever ordered the attack. This same person even introduced a subordinate of theirs to take the lead," Neya begins to elaborate. "Evidently, their superior was only known simply by 'B.' While that alone isn't really saying much by itself. But, upon interrogation, one of the others did reveal that whomever hired them had blue, ink-stained fingers."
She continues to monitor Brandywine's emotional state, as well watching for any sudden movements.
Extended Signature
"Hello Utar." Obsben says while not taking her eyes off of Salty Bottom. "Can't say that we've had, but I'd wager their quite locked. And if not, well..." She trailed off from there, either to simply leave things there or having been drawn in watching Graxx' attempts to scale the gate. And attempt she was ready to nudge at reality to see him at least possibly successful in the one endeavor, so that she may readily follow the pair in seeking an audience.
-If need be, burning a use of Chronal Shift to Grant Graxx a re-roll on the climb check.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
ON THE WAY TO THE LIBRARY
Needing a pick-me-up, Utar reaches into his pack and pulls out a bulbous vial of healing liquid. Adrenaline made it easy to forget the pain of the previous fight, but it was now finally catching up to the Tormite. (Utar recovers 19 HP.)
AT THE LIBRARY'S GATE
Upon arrival, Utar suggest the obvious approach of opening the gate. The three CRAPers exchange looks as if getting ready to feel embarrassed by the simplicity of the solution to their problem. However, Obsben is right: the gate is locked. Graxx confirms it.
Not wasting any more time, Graxx then climbs over the wall. It is not a tall one and, despite the tribesman's uncharacteristic poor form, the wall does not offer much of a challenge. A minute or so later, Graxx is on the other side, manipulating the locking system on the gate. A tug and a twist are all that is needed to undo this key-less locking mechanism. The gate swings open, allowing Obsben and Utar to join Graxx in the library's courtyard (or would it be a front yard?) Salty Bottom is still chasing fireflies.
(@Ori: An 11 beats the {DC 10} off the check, so no need to spend Chronal Shift this time.)
(@MB, @Grx, and @Ori: Where to from here?)
IN CASSRA'S OFFICE
"Blue ink?!" Cassra asks in response while raising her own hands closer to her face. She then frowns and rubs her chin thoughtfully, leaving a blue smudge. "If the th-th-thief had access-ess to this ink," she says quietly, "then it doesn't just s-s-s-sound like we are dealing with a thief; it s-s-s-s-sounds like we're dealing with a rat!"
"Thank you for bringing this in-i-info-information to me. I shouldn't be surprised, not after the whole Tibeem and Spernik episode, but-t-tt-t alas... Here I am without words." She thinks for another second or two and then suggests: "I may need the opinion of a colleague on this. Why d-d-d-don't we go talk to Master Opanrael, the library's Head Curator?"
@Neya:
Still going off your previous insight roll: her reaction seems natural to you. You agree she shouldn't be surprised at this point, but she seems to be nonetheless.
Despite all temptations to leave the flying monkey to his entertainment, Obsben... on second thought does indeed leave him to it, and simply waves goodbye in parting before turning to the others. "Don't forget to lock up behind us, Graxx, as it is the least we can do for breaking an entering like so." She suggests of the taller folk. "As for point of egress, shall we go knock on the front doors? Or might we be doubling down on this smashing our way in? I'd teleport one of you inside otherwise, but such is just not in the cards right now."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Agreed. Simplest approach is best. We need to catch Neya up."
Approaching the doors to the library, Utar does as Obby suggests and knocks, putting his fist to the door three times. Should nothing happen, he'll take his earlier advice and try the door itself. Should nothing still happen, Utar will take a quick look at the building, trying to spot any likely windows that a boosted halfling, or boosted Graxx might make use of. Failing that, whether anyone might have left a key under a flowerpot.
Perception - 15
Graxx will relock the gate as requested before hustling to join the others.
Graxx sizes up the door and takes a few steps back.
"If you need me to smash that door give the word and I'll give it all I've got to bring it down."
In the mean time Graxx will do what he can to be useful and use Divine Sense.
As an action, you can detect good and evil. Until the end of your next turn, you can sense anything affected by the hallow spell or know the location of any celestial, fiend, undead within 60 ft. that is not behind total cover. You can use this feature 3 times per long rest.
"Yes, let's... I believe I may have a handwriting sample both you and the High Curator should look at," Neya says as she pulls the coded note out, more trusting of Cassra's words. "Perhaps one of you might be able to determine who it is?"
Extended Signature
OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY
Obsben leaves Salty Bottom to play in the courtyard while the CRAPer trio approaches the door. Ten different possibilities cross Utar's mind but, by the time he is trying the door knob, he is surprised by the sudden appearance of a returning library attendant. "Oh, you startled me." She say, recognizing the group after a second of fright. "I led one of your colleagues to the Master Scribe's office just a few moments ago. I was on my way back to gate duty." She pokes a head out to look at the courtyard and asks, more confused than confrontational: "How did you get in?"
@Graxx:
For the five or six seconds you attune to your senses, and within 60ft, you are sure there is no celestial, undead, or fiend present, unless they are behind total cover (behind a wall, inside the building, etc.) No portions of the library within range seem to be either desecrated or consecrated.
IN CASSRA'S OFFICE:
The Master Scribe takes a look at the note Neya shows her. "Hmm... It does loo-lo-look somewhat familiar, but I can't be s-s-s-sure." She hands the note back to Neya and adds: "Follow me. Master Opanrael is a bit grumpy, but he can h-h-he-elp us."
Following Cassra along a few hallways and taking many bends, Neya is eventually led to a heavy wooden door with a metal plaque that says "Master Librarian Opanrael, Head Curator at Mantor's Library." Cassra pushes the door open without knocking. The smell of paper, glue, and ink fills Neya's nose as the door the the Head Curator's office opens. Before Neya's eyes stands a man that appears to be as dusty and worn as the books and scrolls that are stacked neatly around his office. The contrast with Cassra's own messy workspace is instantly apparent.
Opanrael is a dignified human in the twilight of his life, with a surprisingly bright stock of red hair in a long braid. His teal-colored eyes have a pale-cast, betraying hints of elvish blood somewhere in his family's history. He wears plain red robes in the style of the other librarians, with a single silver chain and insignia indicating his elevated status as the Head Curator. Despite his poise, Opanrael is in quite a state. "Master Scribe," he says in a hurried voice. "I have no time for whatever it is that brings you here." He looks over to Neya, "but I guess etiquette demands I ask who is this that you bring to me after introducing myself." Without making an effort to drop his quill or shake Neya's hand, Opanrael states: "I am Master Librarian and Head Curator Openrael. Please, tell me who you might be."
"Oh we were here with Neya." Obsben chimed in before any of the others could incriminate themselves. "You see, I like to prank people every now and then, probably 'cause I might've been a gnome in a past life or something. But anyways, I tricked Graxx and Utar here into thinking I had wild magic surge of source, turning all three of us invisible and mute. Though only the former was true in the sense that I did cast such a spell on'em. A very experimental one, admittedly. And to make a long tale short, I secretly message Neya my plan, but uh... kinda missed the timing on when I was supposed to drop the spell and spook ya." She explained, before looking back and gesturing to the flying monkey.
"I even thought to add a different layer with some ghost light magic, but that too didn't quite work out as you can see." She turned back to the elf and gave her widest and most apologetic smile. "Sorry about all that."
-Deception: 20.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.