This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya will try and put together any connection, however tenuous, this crime wave may have. Outside of the fact that the targets have been books. She will even settle for any simple pattern.
"Oh, I've already done that, and unfortunately there wasn't much clue left there. Except otherwise reaffirming our thief's knack with lockpicking using mundane means." Obsben reconfirmed for Utar. Looking back to Agin, the halfling furrowed her brows and said, "Is that so? Hmm... then-..."She turns to the party. "I s'pose we might wish to speak with that elven fellow I saw on the way here. As he seemed particularly... interested in us. Could be a red herring as some stories call it, but maybe we get lucky. Otherwise, we do still have other-..." She side-eyes Agin. "Interesting leads we can yet follow-up on 'fore the day is out."
@Neya: As best as you try, at least at this moment, you can't see any linkages beyond the one other CRAPers have already put together. A book about the Weave and potential theories on its inner workings and a book with at least some information on a concentrated source of raw magical power (Pool of Radiance) could indeed be connected. Whatever connection those two have with the third book, if any, alludes you right now.
Agin looks a bit puzzled by Utar's question and gladly lets Obsben clarify that she has already examined the crime scene proper. That said, Agin looks even more lost when the topic of discussion changes to an unknown elf, red herrings, or other leads. Silence feels the room for two or three very long seconds after that, so Agin feels like he needs to break it: "Does... Does that mean we are done here? If so, I hope to see you next when you bring the tome back to me."Agin politely gestures to the door and shakes the heavy pouch of coin he has been holding this whole time, as if to remind the CRAPers of the deal they just struck.
Seeing as no other had much to add, and as her own questions were ether answered or exhausted, Obsben curtsies before taking her leave, paying no mind to the coin pouch on the way out. As far as she was concerned, her words were just ambiguous enough not to confirm or deny any deal truly being struck. And even if not, such concerns were for the future.
Once outside and preferably out of immediate ear shot of anyone, she would as asked look around for the elf, and try to subtly point them out for the group. As well as describe them for the party so they too can join in the search. However, unless forced to give chase almost immediately after, the wizard left the group to continue discussion on plans of action to first focus on quietly sending a message to Harper.
"On trail of thief with potential ties to Pool. Possible Arcane Trickster of sorts. Not you, I hope? If not, know any locals that fit?"
"We certainly have our work cut out for us. But we should be able to recover it, regardless" Neya says to Agin. With the meeting finished, she moves outside.
Overhearing Graxx's conversation about someone keeping an eye on CRAP, she decides to do so so for anyone else following them.
Agin leads the group to the door of his establishment and responds to Neya's affirmation. "Then, I will see you once you have." There are no more words exchanged between CRAP and the 'nobleman' while the party departs and the shop door is locked behind them.
Graxx is eager to follow the lead Obsben has mentioned recently, and the halfling shares some information with the group as they walk through Podol Plaza. As usual, Podol Plaza is a hive of activity, with hundreds of people milling about. The fact that the sun is down does little to diminish the flow of people in this area of the city.
Obsben excuses herself for a moment as Neya keeps an eye out.
"Not me or mine. The city is full of thieves who can weave small spells here and there... Just ask the Welcomers. I'll ask around."
As it turns out, CRAP does not need to find the elf. As you round a corner, the elf steps from the mouth of a nearby alley and stops in the street in front of you. “The Welcomers send their regards and have information that you may find useful. Follow me,” the elf says with a worried look before ducking back into the alley. Before you can properly take in the scene, the elf has already moved out of your field of view.
After mentally debating whether to send another message to excluding the welcomers from Harper's search, Obsben refrained and presumed clarity on the matter would find its way to the man either way during his side of the investigation. Seeing the others begin to move away as well, any further hmm'ing and hawing flees further from mind as the lightling hurried to catch up to the others more longer strides. "Found'em already?"She asks at first, before eventually (hopefully?) seeing the elf and sagely nodding without questioning while following along. For now.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya is cautiously optimistic about this new development. Emphasis on the "cautiously." Last she heard, outside of Moneus, the rest of the Welcomers do not have the best opinions of CRAP. She tries to read the elf's body language to discern his disposition.
Despite rejoining the group a second or two too late and having her mind elsewhere until then, or perhaps because of it, Obsben is ready to follow the Welcomer into a more private setting. The other CRAPers go along with it too, though Graxx and Utar keep their wits about them. Because of it, they have a chance to take in their surroundings as they dip into the alley.
Looking down the alley, Graxx and Utar can see that it goes for about 100 feet or so before turning sharply to the right. The elf waits about 20 feet into the alley and begins walking further in once the party starts to follow. Keeping his distance, he leads you down the alley. "We secured a private location just around the bend." The street is dimly lit by weak oil lamps during the evening, and you can feel the sharp smell of unwashed bodies, animal manure, and fresh and rotting food. The air is filled with the sounds of distant bartering, laughter, and horses whinnying, even in the early part of the evening.
After following for a few seconds, just before you reach the turn, Neya's sixth sense begins to tingle. Something is wrong. She pauses for a moment.
@Neya:
You realize the elf is not really an elf, but instead someone who has put their proficiency with a disguise kit to good use. Their hair cleverly hides their ears, but you begin to suspect this actor may still have both of theirs.
This gives the monk-fighter, and perhaps the party overall, some pause...
Slowing his pace, Utar wonders for a moment. Moneus had no information for them earlier except that it wasn't the Welcomer's. Could then really have gotten this together so quickly? And why not send Moneus with this information?
Utar calls out to the elf, "Maneus sent you, yes? Tell me, is my dragonborn brother well?"
He keeps the slower, more deliberate pace and hopes the elf's response picks up on the obvious errors and corrects them, else he's just led his friends into a trap. Still, is a trap still a trap if you know it is a trap?
Seeing through the disguise, Neya is even more on-guard. But, instead of calling the "elf" out on it, she will play along with this charade. If someone is going this far to lead them into a possible trap, perhaps they would inadvertently give more info than they currently have.
Though confused for a moment, Obsben caught on quick and made certain to keep the feeling from reaching her face. And even if the Elf caught on as well -- at least as far as to correct the dragonborn comment -- the halfling adjusted her position so she stood closer to behind Graxx, and cycled through some memorized spells in anticipation of at least some excitement. She's otherwise content to let things play themselves out...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The elf notices the party's sudden reluctance. "Come on, now, just a few more yards. We wouldn't want to share this information out in the open. Our secure spot is more suitable. Surely, good investigators such as yourselves can recognize the value of discretion, right?"
Utar responds to the encouraging request with a friendly question concerning a potential common acquaintance, a "dragonborn" named Moneus. The elf maintains his smile and lets a couple of seconds go by before responding...
(OOC: This interaction will depend on how the requested deception roll goes, so I'll keep it short today.)
(OOC - Utar's character sheet is showing inspiration but not sure that is a hangover from the last campaign. In case he does have it, I'll spend it for advantage here: 18)
(@MB: It might be the second inspiration from your downtime activity. Either way, let's record its use now and go with that 18.)
The elf finally answers: "Aye, his old scales are getting less patient by the day! That cranky lizard won't stop talking about you. I'll send him your regards. Now, come."
DM's Screen:
A: 20 H: 3 S: 18 T: 11
(OOC: If doing anything other than calmly following along, please go ahead and roll initiative.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar continues his slow pace and grips Lightbringer Neya and Graxx had met Moneus on a number of occasions while Obsben met him earlier today. He hopes the others remember and regrets not establishing a 'go-word' with them before.
"Ha! That scaly so and so! He ever mention our other comrades?"
Pulling Lightbringer and quickening his step, Utar says the words, "Because you're about to meet them!"
Initiative: 20
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Neya will try and put together any connection, however tenuous, this crime wave may have. Outside of the fact that the targets have been books. She will even settle for any simple pattern.
Intelligence: 6
Extended Signature
"Oh, I've already done that, and unfortunately there wasn't much clue left there. Except otherwise reaffirming our thief's knack with lockpicking using mundane means." Obsben reconfirmed for Utar. Looking back to Agin, the halfling furrowed her brows and said, "Is that so? Hmm... then-..." She turns to the party. "I s'pose we might wish to speak with that elven fellow I saw on the way here. As he seemed particularly... interested in us. Could be a red herring as some stories call it, but maybe we get lucky. Otherwise, we do still have other-..." She side-eyes Agin. "Interesting leads we can yet follow-up on 'fore the day is out."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
@Neya: As best as you try, at least at this moment, you can't see any linkages beyond the one other CRAPers have already put together. A book about the Weave and potential theories on its inner workings and a book with at least some information on a concentrated source of raw magical power (Pool of Radiance) could indeed be connected. Whatever connection those two have with the third book, if any, alludes you right now.
Agin looks a bit puzzled by Utar's question and gladly lets Obsben clarify that she has already examined the crime scene proper. That said, Agin looks even more lost when the topic of discussion changes to an unknown elf, red herrings, or other leads. Silence feels the room for two or three very long seconds after that, so Agin feels like he needs to break it: "Does... Does that mean we are done here? If so, I hope to see you next when you bring the tome back to me." Agin politely gestures to the door and shakes the heavy pouch of coin he has been holding this whole time, as if to remind the CRAPers of the deal they just struck.
Graxx gives a non-affirming response as he is excited to leave and track down this elf Obsben has spoken of.
"We will find the book and see you again soon."
Graxx gives a nod and walks out the door.
**OUTSIDE AND OUT OF EAR SHOT**
Graxx will looking excited to Obsben.
"Tell me of this elf. Do you see them nearby?" says Graxx in a excited whisper loud enough for the immediate group but no others.
Seeing as no other had much to add, and as her own questions were ether answered or exhausted, Obsben curtsies before taking her leave, paying no mind to the coin pouch on the way out. As far as she was concerned, her words were just ambiguous enough not to confirm or deny any deal truly being struck. And even if not, such concerns were for the future.
Once outside and preferably out of immediate ear shot of anyone, she would as asked look around for the elf, and try to subtly point them out for the group. As well as describe them for the party so they too can join in the search. However, unless forced to give chase almost immediately after, the wizard left the group to continue discussion on plans of action to first focus on quietly sending a message to Harper.
"On trail of thief with potential ties to Pool. Possible Arcane Trickster of sorts. Not you, I hope? If not, know any locals that fit?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We certainly have our work cut out for us. But we should be able to recover it, regardless" Neya says to Agin. With the meeting finished, she moves outside.
Overhearing Graxx's conversation about someone keeping an eye on CRAP, she decides to do so so for anyone else following them.
Perception: 5
Extended Signature
Agin leads the group to the door of his establishment and responds to Neya's affirmation. "Then, I will see you once you have." There are no more words exchanged between CRAP and the 'nobleman' while the party departs and the shop door is locked behind them.
Graxx is eager to follow the lead Obsben has mentioned recently, and the halfling shares some information with the group as they walk through Podol Plaza. As usual, Podol Plaza is a hive of activity, with hundreds of people milling about. The fact that the sun is down does little to diminish the flow of people in this area of the city.
Obsben excuses herself for a moment as Neya keeps an eye out.
@Obsben (reply to sending):
"Not me or mine. The city is full of thieves who can weave small spells here and there... Just ask the Welcomers. I'll ask around."
As it turns out, CRAP does not need to find the elf. As you round a corner, the elf steps from the mouth of a nearby alley and stops in the street in front of you. “The Welcomers send their regards and have information that you may find useful. Follow me,” the elf says with a worried look before ducking back into the alley. Before you can properly take in the scene, the elf has already moved out of your field of view.
Casting an eye around for other potential watchers, Utar follows the elf into the alley, his hand unconsciously hovering close to Lightbringer.
Perception - 21
After mentally debating whether to send another message to excluding the welcomers from Harper's search, Obsben refrained and presumed clarity on the matter would find its way to the man either way during his side of the investigation. Seeing the others begin to move away as well, any further hmm'ing and hawing flees further from mind as the lightling hurried to catch up to the others more longer strides. "Found'em already?" She asks at first, before eventually (hopefully?) seeing the elf and sagely nodding without questioning while following along. For now.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx doesn't like going into the alley as it may be an ambush. Graxx's senses go on full alert as he follows along.
He will be scanning everywhere with his eyes.
Listening as intently as he can.
Even his nostrils flare back and forth as he attempts to pick up any scents of danger.
Perception: 20
Neya is cautiously optimistic about this new development. Emphasis on the "cautiously." Last she heard, outside of Moneus, the rest of the Welcomers do not have the best opinions of CRAP. She tries to read the elf's body language to discern his disposition.
Insight: 21
Extended Signature
Despite rejoining the group a second or two too late and having her mind elsewhere until then, or perhaps because of it, Obsben is ready to follow the Welcomer into a more private setting. The other CRAPers go along with it too, though Graxx and Utar keep their wits about them. Because of it, they have a chance to take in their surroundings as they dip into the alley.
Looking down the alley, Graxx and Utar can see that it goes for about 100 feet or so before turning sharply to the right. The elf waits about 20 feet into the alley and begins walking further in once the party starts to follow. Keeping his distance, he leads you down the alley. "We secured a private location just around the bend." The street is dimly lit by weak oil lamps during the evening, and you can feel the sharp smell of unwashed bodies, animal manure, and fresh and rotting food. The air is filled with the sounds of distant bartering, laughter, and horses whinnying, even in the early part of the evening.
After following for a few seconds, just before you reach the turn, Neya's sixth sense begins to tingle. Something is wrong. She pauses for a moment.
@Neya:
You realize the elf is not really an elf, but instead someone who has put their proficiency with a disguise kit to good use. Their hair cleverly hides their ears, but you begin to suspect this actor may still have both of theirs.
This gives the monk-fighter, and perhaps the party overall, some pause...
Slowing his pace, Utar wonders for a moment. Moneus had no information for them earlier except that it wasn't the Welcomer's. Could then really have gotten this together so quickly? And why not send Moneus with this information?
Utar calls out to the elf, "Maneus sent you, yes? Tell me, is my dragonborn brother well?"
He keeps the slower, more deliberate pace and hopes the elf's response picks up on the obvious errors and corrects them, else he's just led his friends into a trap. Still, is a trap still a trap if you know it is a trap?
Seeing through the disguise, Neya is even more on-guard. But, instead of calling the "elf" out on it, she will play along with this charade. If someone is going this far to lead them into a possible trap, perhaps they would inadvertently give more info than they currently have.
Extended Signature
Though confused for a moment, Obsben caught on quick and made certain to keep the feeling from reaching her face. And even if the Elf caught on as well -- at least as far as to correct the dragonborn comment -- the halfling adjusted her position so she stood closer to behind Graxx, and cycled through some memorized spells in anticipation of at least some excitement. She's otherwise content to let things play themselves out...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx looks confused as well as Utar slows and makes the comments about Moneus.
Graxx suppresses a feral growl as he feels a fight coming soon.
Before slowing his pace with Utar, Graxx will keep his pace normal until he is at the front of the party to act as shield in case danger comes.
The elf notices the party's sudden reluctance. "Come on, now, just a few more yards. We wouldn't want to share this information out in the open. Our secure spot is more suitable. Surely, good investigators such as yourselves can recognize the value of discretion, right?"
Utar responds to the encouraging request with a friendly question concerning a potential common acquaintance, a "dragonborn" named Moneus. The elf maintains his smile and lets a couple of seconds go by before responding...
(OOC: This interaction will depend on how the requested deception roll goes, so I'll keep it short today.)
Utar's deception check: 17
(OOC - Utar's character sheet is showing inspiration but not sure that is a hangover from the last campaign. In case he does have it, I'll spend it for advantage here: 18)
(@MB: It might be the second inspiration from your downtime activity. Either way, let's record its use now and go with that 18.)
The elf finally answers: "Aye, his old scales are getting less patient by the day! That cranky lizard won't stop talking about you. I'll send him your regards. Now, come."
DM's Screen:
A: 20
H: 3
S: 18
T: 11
(OOC: If doing anything other than calmly following along, please go ahead and roll initiative.)
Utar continues his slow pace and grips Lightbringer Neya and Graxx had met Moneus on a number of occasions while Obsben met him earlier today. He hopes the others remember and regrets not establishing a 'go-word' with them before.
"Ha! That scaly so and so! He ever mention our other comrades?"
Pulling Lightbringer and quickening his step, Utar says the words, "Because you're about to meet them!"
Initiative: 20