Utar watches Obby spill forth a stream of utter bullshit, but knows better than to try and change tack now. They've started down this path and Torm help him, he'll help her get to the end of it.
"So you're saying we can talk now? You heard that, right? Well, I guess we best catch up with Neya now our jape has been sprung early. Would you help us?"
"Thank you Head Curator. My name is Neya, or Meia - whichever you prefer - I am of the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party." Neya introduces herself. Seeing that the Head Curator is not entirely happy with his work being interrupted, she continues. "I will not waste your time, my friends and I been investigating a string of book thefts that have been occurring throughout Phlan. While we have not located the stolen tomes, we may be close to finding out whomever the culprit may be."
"Recent revelations from our search and suspicions from Miss Bradywine lead us to believe that the person behind these incidents might be employed by the Library." Neya avoids revealing that this is not the first time.
"I do not make this assertion lightly. We have learned from a sellsword that attacked us during our investigation that whoever hired them that their fingers were stained blue." she holds out the coded letter. "Futhermore, this contains lightly-ciphered orders from the culprit to a subordinate of theirs. Perhaps you might recognize the handwriting?"
The attendant laughs nervously once Obsben is done spinning her tale, and then once more when Utar and Graxx add on to the lie. Very visibly not following what Obsben was saying, the lady just admits defeat and hangs onto something Utar said, responding shyly: "Hmm... yes, of course. Let me take you to the Master Scribe's office, where I took your friend."
It takes more than a few minutes to navigate the library and reach Cassra Brandywine's office. The attendant knocks on the door but there is no audible response from the other side. An uncomfortable period of time passes and the attendant tries again. After hearing no evidence that someone is coming to open the door, the attendant suggests: "Perhaps they went somewhere else?"
IN MASTER OPANRAEL'S OFFICE
"Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party?" Opanrael reaches for a handwritten note placed on his desk. "Ah yes, I trust you are the…" he pauses as he looks Neya over, "…person that Madam Glenmiir mentioned in her note. You are quite late to our appointment, and I was expecting more than just one of you. She said you came to speak on her behalf. What precisely can I do for you?"
Ignoring Aya Glenmiir's plight for now, Neya elaborates on the team's investigation. Opanrael's initial reaction is one of disregard, in what is likely an urge to go back to his duties: "I know very little regarding the circumstances of the theft of the books you refer to, but I am aware of their disappearance." However, when Neya produces the note, the Head Curator's interested is piqued. He examines it and agrees: "The ink used in this note is indeed of the type typically used by the scribes of the library. Perhaps you are right and one of our tenured scribes is the thief you are looking for..."Master Opanrael catches himself, his facial expression lightly betraying disbelief in his own words. "What am I saying? No reputable scribe would do such a thing. I have considered your accusation for a moment but I fear I have to dismiss the idea that any of my staff members would commit such a despicable act against the library's property. However..."
Master Opanrael goes silent for a full minute before turning to Neya again. "Where are my manners? If Mantor's Library hired you, then I must assume you are one of Phlan's top investigators. With that recognition in mind, I'll share this with you: I have spent most of the day today worried and frustrated because two of my staff members are missing. Their absence has thrown the day’s shifts intodisarray and kept me busy trying to rearrange schedules to ensure that the Library continues to run smoothly."
Returning to the matter at hand, the Head Curator adds: "If your hypothesis has some merit, then I suppose there is a small chance that these two developments could be connected, that is, a healthy dose of skepticism could suggest that their disappearance may not be coincidental." Opanrael nods sagely, allowing the silence to be filled by Neya's incoming response.
Cassra Brandywine remains silent for the entirety of this conversation.
Utar considers whether this missed connection is in fact an opportunity to have a look through the Master Scribe's officer, maybe uncover some evidence of her being the mysterious 'B'.
"Would you mind if we waited here for them? They know we are coming and that we would meet them here. Wherever they are, I'm sure they will be back soon. Besides, you'll be due back at your post and we would hate to get you in any kind of trouble given our earlier shenanigans."
Whether the attendant leaves them in the office or not, Utar will take a moment to glance around the room for any non-obvious hiding spots - hidden walls, secret drawers, magical obscurements or similar.
Osben looks to Utar with a raised brow, but then both went up as something clicks in mind. She turns at that point to the attendant and smiled. "Indeed. Though I'll confess to have some suspicions on where they could've gotten off to, I fear we would only be eating up more or your time chasing down such a presumption."She admits. "Still... hmm... So how about instead if you do have the time."She gestures to Graxx and Utar.
"These two fine fellows can wait here in case they do return soon. And meanwhile, you and I can try and find, uhm.. I believe their name was... Curatoooor Delphin? Oprah? Hm.. Oh, Opanrael! That's the one~ ... I think. Anyhow, we were to meet them as well anyways, so might as well potentially kill two birds with one stone. At worse it'll just bit a bit more walking on your end to get these two knuckleheads later, but I'd be happy to make it a bit more enjoyable by sharing a few stories I've heard on the road on the way there. Sounds good?" She asked sweetly.
(@Lerus: In the interest of not overshadowing Utar's check, the above could maybe consider the help action to the charisma check you asked for OOC. Though if a separate check is preferred, I'll leave it in the below spoiler. Also if his check would still result in a 10 or less, using Chronal Shift to force a re-roll)
(OOC: Forgot about Basil just that quick. I assume he's still with Obby for now, but if the attendent would be under orders to make sure the dog stayed out this time, then she'd give Salty Bottom loose orders to keep him company in the courtyard.)
Charisma Check: 18(18). (if deception is more appropriate add 8 to the roll, if Persuasion add another 4 instead)
(@Ori: Yes, Basil is just quietly following along, much better behaved than SB.)
(OOC: Yes, let's allow Utar to roll the check since he initiated the lie this time. He can roll with advantage due to the help action. In the meantime...)
The library attendant looks at Utar with a confused expression on her face. "I am sorry. I don't mean to be rude but I am not allowed to leave you here by yourself." She thinks for a moment and reconsiders: "Although... you are right. I do need to go back to the gate. Who knows what would happen should visitors arrive at an unattended gate?!"
She looks at a silent Graxx briefly before her attention is taken away by Obsben: "Oh, I love a good travel story, I'd be happy to hear some." She then frowns a moment later. "But I really shouldn't... Doesn't it seem strange to you that your proposed solution to resolve the matter of a split party is to further split the party?"
The attendant keeps going back and forth in her mind, trying to decide whether she should leave at least some of the party waiting here un-escorted.
(OOC: Decision pending; it is conditional on @MB's deception roll.)
IN MASTER OPANRAEL'S OFFICE
"I like the directness of your questions, Investigator Neya. I wish my fellow librarians respected my busy schedule as you do, your tardiness to our appointment notwithstanding." Opanrael clears his throat before answering Neya's latest questions. "Two of my staff members are missing: Garda Greenleaf and Ellison Berenger. Garda is a senior librarian with a flawless record of attendance... until today, that is. Ellison, however, is a scribe who has only been employed at the library for about four months, but has otherwise proven to be a reliable hire."
"I'm sorry," the attendant says. "I cannot leave you here waiting unattended. I can either escort you elsewhere or I am happy to wait here with you. The gate will have to wait."
"Aww, that's too bad," Obsben said. "Though for the record, it's only strange if such a proposal would've meant us being across dimensions." She further explained, then looked to the others. "Either way, sounds as if it'll be the tricky way for us. Shall we try Oprah's or you two fine with waiting here. Personally, I'd prefer to check and be sure, least we become forgotten after my little prank went so awry earlier."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I do not know much about them personally, but if you are interested on where they were supposed to go, then I can tell you that myself." Opanrael responds, reaching for a ledger on his table. "They were schedule to be working in the Archives today; that may be a good place to start looking."
Cassra then finally speaks again, but not before smirking. "The Archives is a vast place, so anyway of n-na-narrowing down where Guarda and Ellison m-m-mi-ight be would be quite helpful." Opanrael shrugs and both librarians then look at Neya for suggestions. Assuming Neya mentions workstations again, Opanrael clarifies: "Garda's work is all done at the Archives. Elisson spends a good time there too, but not always."
It is at this moment that an attendant knocks on the open door leading into Opanrael's office. "Pardon me Masters. These three others..." She looks at Basil and corrects herself. "Four... Four others are also here to see you."Graxx, Obsben, and Utar accompany the mastiff into the room. Cassra recoils upon seeing the quadrupedal creature.
"Apologies that we were not all here together, but some of us were unavoidably detained on other business. Thanks to your very dilligent attendant we were brought to you as quickly as possible."
During their time in the office, Utar will visually check the hands and wrists of Cassra Brandywine for blue ink stains and pay particular attention to her speech lest she be trying to hide her secret allegiance to the Cult of the Dragon.
As soon as Obsben sees the look on Cassra's face, she gave a small but pleasant smile and waggled her fingers in greeting. But if any could look into the lightling's mind at that point...
"Indeed. Rather personal business," She looks to the attendant and gives her wink, knowing full well she hadn't been full understood last time anyhow. "Such things aside, I trust we haven't missed out on too much of proceedings."
(@Lerus: It probably wouldn't be necessary to worry about, but would it be alright to have retroactively included Salty Bottom in the earlier Inspiring Storyteller use? Just thought of it recently after remembering we still haven't taken the time to short rest.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"You're just in time!" Neya says, "We were just about to go to the archives to try and find the whereabouts of a couple of missing workers, Garda Greenleaf and Ellison Berenger. It seems both of them have gone missing today."
Utar watches Obby spill forth a stream of utter bullshit, but knows better than to try and change tack now. They've started down this path and Torm help him, he'll help her get to the end of it.
"So you're saying we can talk now? You heard that, right? Well, I guess we best catch up with Neya now our jape has been sprung early. Would you help us?"
-Adv Roll: 24.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx is a bit disappointed and a bit relieved that he didn’t detect anything with Divine Sense.
At first, Graxx does not know what to do but quickly follows Obsben and Utar’s lead.
Graxx slaps his leg and rolls his eyes and points at Obsben.
”This one here… Always playing pranks… Haha…” says Graxx jovially.
"Thank you Head Curator. My name is Neya, or Meia - whichever you prefer - I am of the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party." Neya introduces herself. Seeing that the Head Curator is not entirely happy with his work being interrupted, she continues. "I will not waste your time, my friends and I been investigating a string of book thefts that have been occurring throughout Phlan. While we have not located the stolen tomes, we may be close to finding out whomever the culprit may be."
"Recent revelations from our search and suspicions from Miss Bradywine lead us to believe that the person behind these incidents might be employed by the Library." Neya avoids revealing that this is not the first time.
"I do not make this assertion lightly. We have learned from a sellsword that attacked us during our investigation that whoever hired them that their fingers were stained blue." she holds out the coded letter. "Futhermore, this contains lightly-ciphered orders from the culprit to a subordinate of theirs. Perhaps you might recognize the handwriting?"
Extended Signature
IN THE COURTYARD
The attendant laughs nervously once Obsben is done spinning her tale, and then once more when Utar and Graxx add on to the lie. Very visibly not following what Obsben was saying, the lady just admits defeat and hangs onto something Utar said, responding shyly: "Hmm... yes, of course. Let me take you to the Master Scribe's office, where I took your friend."
It takes more than a few minutes to navigate the library and reach Cassra Brandywine's office. The attendant knocks on the door but there is no audible response from the other side. An uncomfortable period of time passes and the attendant tries again. After hearing no evidence that someone is coming to open the door, the attendant suggests: "Perhaps they went somewhere else?"
IN MASTER OPANRAEL'S OFFICE
"Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party?" Opanrael reaches for a handwritten note placed on his desk. "Ah yes, I trust you are the…" he pauses as he looks Neya over, "…person that Madam Glenmiir mentioned in her note. You are quite late to our appointment, and I was expecting more than just one of you. She said you came to speak on her behalf. What precisely can I do for you?"
Ignoring Aya Glenmiir's plight for now, Neya elaborates on the team's investigation. Opanrael's initial reaction is one of disregard, in what is likely an urge to go back to his duties: "I know very little regarding the circumstances of the theft of the books you refer to, but I am aware of their disappearance." However, when Neya produces the note, the Head Curator's interested is piqued. He examines it and agrees: "The ink used in this note is indeed of the type typically used by the scribes of the library. Perhaps you are right and one of our tenured scribes is the thief you are looking for..." Master Opanrael catches himself, his facial expression lightly betraying disbelief in his own words. "What am I saying? No reputable scribe would do such a thing. I have considered your accusation for a moment but I fear I have to dismiss the idea that any of my staff members would commit such a despicable act against the library's property. However..."
Master Opanrael goes silent for a full minute before turning to Neya again. "Where are my manners? If Mantor's Library hired you, then I must assume you are one of Phlan's top investigators. With that recognition in mind, I'll share this with you: I have spent most of the day today worried and frustrated because two of my staff members are missing. Their absence has thrown the day’s shifts intodisarray and kept me busy trying to rearrange schedules to ensure that the Library continues to run smoothly."
Returning to the matter at hand, the Head Curator adds: "If your hypothesis has some merit, then I suppose there is a small chance that these two developments could be connected, that is, a healthy dose of skepticism could suggest that their disappearance may not be coincidental." Opanrael nods sagely, allowing the silence to be filled by Neya's incoming response.
Cassra Brandywine remains silent for the entirety of this conversation.
Utar considers whether this missed connection is in fact an opportunity to have a look through the Master Scribe's officer, maybe uncover some evidence of her being the mysterious 'B'.
"Would you mind if we waited here for them? They know we are coming and that we would meet them here. Wherever they are, I'm sure they will be back soon. Besides, you'll be due back at your post and we would hate to get you in any kind of trouble given our earlier shenanigans."
Whether the attendant leaves them in the office or not, Utar will take a moment to glance around the room for any non-obvious hiding spots - hidden walls, secret drawers, magical obscurements or similar.
Perception - 23
Graxx will remain silent and let Utar's recommendation for being left alone be answered before doing anything further.
Graxx will simply smile looking as innocent as possible.
"What can you tell me about these missing staff members? How long ago did they go missing?"
Extended Signature
Osben looks to Utar with a raised brow, but then both went up as something clicks in mind. She turns at that point to the attendant and smiled. "Indeed. Though I'll confess to have some suspicions on where they could've gotten off to, I fear we would only be eating up more or your time chasing down such a presumption." She admits. "Still... hmm... So how about instead if you do have the time." She gestures to Graxx and Utar.
"These two fine fellows can wait here in case they do return soon. And meanwhile, you and I can try and find, uhm.. I believe their name was... Curatoooor Delphin? Oprah? Hm.. Oh, Opanrael! That's the one~ ... I think. Anyhow, we were to meet them as well anyways, so might as well potentially kill two birds with one stone. At worse it'll just bit a bit more walking on your end to get these two knuckleheads later, but I'd be happy to make it a bit more enjoyable by sharing a few stories I've heard on the road on the way there. Sounds good?" She asked sweetly.
(@Lerus: In the interest of not overshadowing Utar's check, the above could maybe consider the help action to the charisma check you asked for OOC. Though if a separate check is preferred, I'll leave it in the below spoiler. Also if his check would still result in a 10 or less, using Chronal Shift to force a re-roll)
(OOC: Forgot about Basil just that quick. I assume he's still with Obby for now, but if the attendent would be under orders to make sure the dog stayed out this time, then she'd give Salty Bottom loose orders to keep him company in the courtyard.)
Charisma Check: 18(18). (if deception is more appropriate add 8 to the roll, if Persuasion add another 4 instead)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
IN FRONT OF CASSRA'S OFFICE
(@Ori: Yes, Basil is just quietly following along, much better behaved than SB.)
(OOC: Yes, let's allow Utar to roll the check since he initiated the lie this time. He can roll with advantage due to the help action. In the meantime...)
The library attendant looks at Utar with a confused expression on her face. "I am sorry. I don't mean to be rude but I am not allowed to leave you here by yourself." She thinks for a moment and reconsiders: "Although... you are right. I do need to go back to the gate. Who knows what would happen should visitors arrive at an unattended gate?!"
She looks at a silent Graxx briefly before her attention is taken away by Obsben: "Oh, I love a good travel story, I'd be happy to hear some." She then frowns a moment later. "But I really shouldn't... Doesn't it seem strange to you that your proposed solution to resolve the matter of a split party is to further split the party?"
The attendant keeps going back and forth in her mind, trying to decide whether she should leave at least some of the party waiting here un-escorted.
(OOC: Decision pending; it is conditional on @MB's deception roll.)
IN MASTER OPANRAEL'S OFFICE
"I like the directness of your questions, Investigator Neya. I wish my fellow librarians respected my busy schedule as you do, your tardiness to our appointment notwithstanding." Opanrael clears his throat before answering Neya's latest questions. "Two of my staff members are missing: Garda Greenleaf and Ellison Berenger. Garda is a senior librarian with a flawless record of attendance... until today, that is. Ellison, however, is a scribe who has only been employed at the library for about four months, but has otherwise proven to be a reliable hire."
Utar's here goes nothing check! - 10
IN FRONT OF CASSRA'S OFFICE
"I'm sorry," the attendant says. "I cannot leave you here waiting unattended. I can either escort you elsewhere or I am happy to wait here with you. The gate will have to wait."
"Aww, that's too bad," Obsben said. "Though for the record, it's only strange if such a proposal would've meant us being across dimensions." She further explained, then looked to the others. "Either way, sounds as if it'll be the tricky way for us. Shall we try Oprah's or you two fine with waiting here. Personally, I'd prefer to check and be sure, least we become forgotten after my little prank went so awry earlier."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx thinks for a moment.
"Trying Oprah.. Opanrael's sounds good to me." says Graxx.
Graxx turns and looks to the attendant.
"It's better to stretch the old legs than standing around here I think." says Graxx with a wink.
"Could I get permission to look at their workstations and quarters?" Neya posits. "There may be some clue as to where they went"
Extended Signature
IN OPANRAEL'S OFFICE
"I do not know much about them personally, but if you are interested on where they were supposed to go, then I can tell you that myself." Opanrael responds, reaching for a ledger on his table. "They were schedule to be working in the Archives today; that may be a good place to start looking."
Cassra then finally speaks again, but not before smirking. "The Archives is a vast place, so anyway of n-na-narrowing down where Guarda and Ellison m-m-mi-ight be would be quite helpful." Opanrael shrugs and both librarians then look at Neya for suggestions. Assuming Neya mentions workstations again, Opanrael clarifies: "Garda's work is all done at the Archives. Elisson spends a good time there too, but not always."
It is at this moment that an attendant knocks on the open door leading into Opanrael's office. "Pardon me Masters. These three others..." She looks at Basil and corrects herself. "Four... Four others are also here to see you." Graxx, Obsben, and Utar accompany the mastiff into the room. Cassra recoils upon seeing the quadrupedal creature.
"Apologies that we were not all here together, but some of us were unavoidably detained on other business. Thanks to your very dilligent attendant we were brought to you as quickly as possible."
During their time in the office, Utar will visually check the hands and wrists of Cassra Brandywine for blue ink stains and pay particular attention to her speech lest she be trying to hide her secret allegiance to the Cult of the Dragon.
Perception - 26
Insight - 9
As soon as Obsben sees the look on Cassra's face, she gave a small but pleasant smile and waggled her fingers in greeting. But if any could look into the lightling's mind at that point...
"Indeed. Rather personal business," She looks to the attendant and gives her wink, knowing full well she hadn't been full understood last time anyhow. "Such things aside, I trust we haven't missed out on too much of proceedings."
(@Lerus: It probably wouldn't be necessary to worry about, but would it be alright to have retroactively included Salty Bottom in the earlier Inspiring Storyteller use? Just thought of it recently after remembering we still haven't taken the time to short rest.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx eases a bit once he has eyes on Neya and knows that she is safe.
Graxx looks and sees that Neya is not currently in combat with Cassra and Opanrael so they must not be the guilty party.
Graxx stands up straight.
"I trust everyone is up to speed."
Graxx gives a little bow
"We are here to assist with the next steps in this investigation." says Graxx.
"You're just in time!" Neya says, "We were just about to go to the archives to try and find the whereabouts of a couple of missing workers, Garda Greenleaf and Ellison Berenger. It seems both of them have gone missing today."
Extended Signature