Who? That stony-faced fellow? Lorsan replies with genuine surprise to Prof Evergreen's mention of the curator. Inwardly he chides himself for not picking up on the identity of such an important figure, having taken him for a butler. But outwardly he busts out another quip. I confess I thought it was another statue until it spoke. 

Then as the Professor offers a drink, Lorsan takes the opportunity to try to extract more information: Ah, excellent choice, Professor, then adds with a wink and a smile: I wouldn't risk offending you with a refusal, you might turn me into something unnatural! After a short laugh, and as he steps aside with Evergreen (hoping that Uril won't get into trouble on his own), he continues: Perhaps I could invite you to pay a visit to Briel's School of the Arcane in Baldur's Gate. As a guest presenter - at your convenience of course. Despite my tenure I confess I'm a rather mediocre practitioner myself. However, these medallions you speak of... something like that could be very useful at Briel's, to keep the students out of the faculty quarters and such. You wouldn't happen to have one spare, would you? Something I could duplicate or reconfigure upon my return?

OOC: Does this warrant another Persuasion check? 19
Second roll if required: 24

Forgetting about the mission at hand for a bit and letting his curiosity and thirst for knowledge take the foreground, Uril hovered over to some of the other rooms in this second floor. Who knows what amazing tidbits he might learn about "Creatures of the Past", or "Underground Wonders", or even some additional "Archeology Displays".

(OOC: Uril is taking a stroll down the narrower parts of the second floor. Looking at the map, does he eventually find a door in the "Archeology Display", that would presumably lead into the room where the gem is?)  

 Professor Evergreen continued to bloom under Lorsan's praises fully enjoying the conversation. He expressed his desire to visit Baldur's Gate one day, promising to visit the School with a lecture maybe and now to visit his new friend (who surely being just modest). And yet he could not help dearest Prof. McTurjey. Not right away. "You are right to express your interest, it's quite the device, if I may say so myself. And yet, I do not have any of them on me - nor can we just as a guard. You see, the curator keeps all the medallions in his office - one of his numerous paranoid habits. Never witnessed it myself, but heard each guard has to sign for one every night and then return in the morning. However, should you visit me tomorrow - say, at noon? - in the Colledge, I will be delighted to share both the design and the spell. It is indeed quite useful."

Uril casually walked along the enfilade of the 15-foot-square exhibit rooms, enjoying the display (archaic-looking objects behind the glass displays, small exotic creatures - hard to tell if taxidermy or preserved with magic, the heavy-looking druses of all kinds of crystals plus more exotic creatures somehow encapsulated in crystals or covered with them, and finally, reached the Archeology display with - yes, a door obviously leading inside the Gemstone wing. A guard standing in front of this door only glanced at one of the guests obviously only interested in displays. The door itself looks heavy and most likely locked.

Uril was happy with his discovery but, lesson recently learned, did not overplay his hand. He spends an adequate amount of time appreciating the displays in the archeology room before backtracking to the main area in the second floor and looking for either Early or Banks. Assuming he can spot both, Uril will favor approaching the elven girl, lest he ruins whatever play Early is trying to pull on the black-haired lady he is surely duping.

Uril walks up to the area with the privies, catching Robin just as she is walking out of one. Passing by her, he whispers: "Follow me after I am out of the privy." He then enters one of the privies, counts to 30, and walks back out, just in case someone is observing him. He then calmly walks back to the enfilade, sure that Robin is following him. Once back in the 'Underground Wonders' room, Uril will signal for Robin to continue on to the 'Archeology Displays' room and whisper again as she walks past him: "Back door leading you to your baby." He then stays back in the 'Underground Wonders' room and admires the displays there.

Feeling as though he has juiced Professor Evergreen as far as necessary, Lorsan looks to extract himself and pass on his newly-discovered information to the others. Taking enough time to thank him profusely, make a few more empty promises, as well as an excuse about keeping the professor from his other admirers, Lorsan politely takes his leave.

The elf scans the crowd for any of his colleagues... Uril and Robin don't seem to be anywhere in sight. Early is not far away, chatting with a rather attractive female - well, attractive for a human at least. Not wanting to interfere in whatever scheme Early's charms were working, but looking for an opening to convey his intel, Lorsan lingers nearby...

Robin hadn't really wondered too far yet to do her own exploring, but she was handed a set of instructions. So swigging back to down a fresh glass, and snagging a snack or two, off she goes to check it out. Having been reviewing the additions to the map in her head, she at least knew which way to go. Beyond the 'new' closet.

While looking over displays in the "Underground Wonders" room, Uril kept an eye on Robin. He didn't quite fully understand her skill-set yet but had hoped that showing her a back-way into the target room would lead to, at a minimum, some intel gathering.

Before she goes too far, Uril says: "I am not sure what the next step is, but I'm here to support you in whatever it is you do next." Uril had derived those words from the wisdom of Deneir, and hoped they now carried a wisp of guidance with them to Robin Banks.

Early eyes wander the room as he tries to imitate her bored aloofness, and nods, "Your sister, she is very interested in these types of things then? I have to say, I find it all a tad boring. It sounds like obligation dragged you along.  I'm Eugene, whats your name?" 

"Just Eugene?" The woman slightly raised her brows and tilted her head. Raven-black cascade of hair reflected the light of numerous everlasting lamps and strategically fell around perfectly white shoulders. "How peculiar. Would never imagine someone like you have such a ... human name. Though have to confess, I am not that familiar with the elven culture. My name is Lady Aurelia di Valette, pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord Eugene." Her smile held more amusement now than simple politeness and so did her expressive, ebony eyes.
"Yes, I'm afraid Celeste is hopeless when a new piece of art or any kind of rarity enters the city. Father should not have encouraged such silliness but I am afraid he can not help it either. I suspect his dealings with Varkenbluff are at fault too. You know how it is, visits should be returned, especially when money is involved. What obligation brought you here?"

Meanwhile, Lorsan managed to free himself from his new and very appreciative friend (after the promise to visit Professor Evergreen the next day) and was able to catch up with others. The guests were moving along the tables, talking, whispering, looking at all kinds of oddities and artwork, some listening to everpresent Evergreen, who found new audience and another skeleton to talk about.

Despite Duke Varkenbluff's absence, by all calculations, the Gemstone wing should be opened very soon.

Uril observed Robin patiently. Meanwhile, the scribe spared a look or two at any other guests also admiring the displays in the "Underground Wonders" room. Were any of them of note? Could they be murmuring something of interest?

-> Perception check: 22 

Early did we he supposed was a flourishing bow, with his hand doing lots of twirls, and then looks up at the lady from his bowed position.  "It is my most gracious and humble pleasure to meet your acquaintance Lady Aurelia. Yes, I suppose my parents had a sense of humor about the name, though I never got to ask them as they sadly were murdered when I was young.  I've grown up alone in the world, except for my wonderous....and rather drunken sister. She is a total slosh most of the time..and I seem to have lost her. She's likely passed out in a closet already.  Perhaps after I've managed some family affairs we will be-chance have'th a chance to speak once more."  He bows once more and walks backwards, still bowed...for a short ways, then twirls into a standing position as he heads back to the front area.  He meanders about, looking for "his sister", but seeing if the coat room is currently guarded.

Lady Aurelia nodded with an understanding smile ("siblings!") and Early made a proper retreat.

There were not that many guests to lose a tall green-haired girl between them (not that she was hiding either) and everyone was able to find Robin. Hopefully, to share information about the moving statues, medallions in the curator's office, secret closets running through the walls (well, one of them), ventilation and what's not.

Judging by the guests' movement - they now were moving mostly towards the Little Chult and actively eyeing the doors leading into the Gemstone wing - it was about time for the doors to open up. Yet, it was not exactly the time, so, the guard captain and curator were still downstairs, as well as the servant relieving the guests from cumbersome items. Neither of them was guarding said items but was there nevertheless and would notice someone entering the offices.

In a way, everyone present is a dignitary, like the dean of the Bardic Colledge, or every single noble here - they have some weight, monetary or scientific. There are whispers around concerning the personal life of different people (some mention even the curator (he is known for his paranoia) and Captain of the guard (she seemes very strict with her guards)), some repeat known horror stories about petrification, talk about huge money spent on this museum, discussion of the collection locked behind the doors. 

As the group tries to inconspicuously huddle and share details, Early scritches his arm pit, then puts his arm around 'his sis', Robin.  "So...uh...if it opens soon we sorta lose our chance right? Unless someone wants to sneak up through the skylights and get in early and do the deed.  Right? There was a skylight, right? Or somethin up there...m'lady..."  

Uril moved along with the crowd into "Little Chult" and closer to the soon to be opened door to the gem-chamber.  Picking up on many of the murmurs in the crowd as he went along, the scribe resists the urge to open up his tome and jot down all the gossip for careful study later. There would likely be no "later".

Uril had also been glad no one had approached him specifically with questions. He felt he'd be able to talk about the content of the displays a bit, but Lorsan was no longer nearby to protect the scribe from questions regarding their fake affiliations. Uril found comfort in that strange anonymity of the moment.

Not sure of what to do next, Uril tried to spot Aldo Van Lictor in the crowd. Perhaps he had moved upstairs recently?

There was definitely a skylight, but the stairs to the attic were sort of guarded - a guard very politely reverted wanderers back to the display rooms. However, should anyone decide to "get lost" among the displays it was probably possible?

Uril, happily lost in the crowd, indeed managed not to attract attention. A provincial (from Waterdeep inhabitants' point of view) scholar could feel invisible here and look around all he wanted. He could not spot the curator for quite some time but was probably right waiting for the opportunity.

Minutes went by, the guests continued to chatter as they mingled about the open rooms of the museum, adorned with paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from all over the world. Suddenly a sound of a bell broke the relative quietness. Then another one, and another. Somewhere outside the city bells must have started ringing too, signalling six o'clock of the afternoon. With the first peal, the outside doors of the museum closed (leaving two guards outside), while both the Captain of the guard and the curator turned and walked upstairs, with much relief on both faces. The servant watching the rooms looked at their backs with clear envy. Anyone observing could bet the man wanted to join the crowd.

The guests moved to the Little Chult as well, following the clear signal and now were standing silently waiting for something. For a few moments, nothing was happening but when the silence seemed to explode into a disapproving rumble, the lackey at the doors leading to the Gemstone wing stepped aside and both doors opened up slowly and silently. A tall, imposing man with a regal air about him stepped out from the Gemstone room and smiled at the crowd. Lady Aurelia di Valette was right, the Duke definitely liked dramatic entrances.

"Good evening and welcome my dear guests," he spoke, his voice echoing through the silent room. "I hope you will forgive my postponed arrival. As an excuse," (the man definitely did not care about any kind of forgiveness or excuses) "I am delighted to share with you my latest acquisition." With a flourish, he stepped aside, turned and made a welcoming gesture as if introducing some ambassador to a king. "Ladies and gentlemen, let me present you The Murkmire Stone!"

The room behind the Duke was filled with display cases, each one containing a dazzling array of precious stones, jewels, and other treasures (explaining all the security measures around). But the stone was definitely the centrepiece of this incredible collection. It was standing in the middle of the room on the black pedestal and looked exactly as Dr. Dannell described: a large, pale green egg-shaped stone that shone softly from within and was covered with patterns, which seemed to resemble writing.

"This rare and exquisite piece," Duke Varkenbluff continued, "was discovered in the ruins of an ancient city. It is said to have been carved from a single piece of moon jade by the priests of a forgotten god. But what makes it truly remarkable is the writing on its surface. Some say it is a secret code, while others believe it to be a map leading to a treasure beyond anyone's wildest dreams." The guests leaned in closer, their curiosity piqued and Duke Varkenbluff smiled enigmatically. "I invite you all to take a closer look," he said. "for I doubt you will ever see another wonder like this."

With the opportunity to sneak in before it opened lost, Early shrugged and made his way along side the others, trying to line himself up with Lady Aurelia if possible.  He is impressed with the entrance, and the display of gemstones.  Why were they focussed on this egg thing? They could all get rich taking one of these other ones.  Ooooh oh, right, but this thing is an egg and they're saving the city.  Of course.  Meanwhile, his mouth is already working and making noises that he has little control over.  In a voice loud enough for the Duke to hear he says, "The thing looks like a giant egg. I hope it doesn't hatch."

As the doors open and the guests shuffle in, Lorsan brushes past Early and whispers I'll join you all presently, then lingers at the back of the pack. As the last of the guests pass, Prof McTurjey slides to his left, and muttering words of magic he slips hurriedly down the stairwell... but the person who emerges onto the bottom floor is none other than Aldo Van Licton. With an urgent stride, 'the curator' moves directly toward the office, giving the lone and left-behind guard a silent, sharp stare of authority, until he passes through the office door (if it is still ajar), and casts his eyes around in search of the security medallions, the group's bag, or anything else of interest.

(Will still need that deception roll)

Between shinies of all kinds around, the duke's speech and Early's exclamation, the disappearance of Prof McTurjey remained unnoticed. He passed by the servant at wardrobe duty unopposed only to realize, the curator would not turn his office into a temporary storeroom. Most likely, this was the office of the Captain. Might be not a complete loss - the big table could hold something interesting. Besides, Lorsan found out the offices were connected - there was a door, leading into the central office. Locked, however.

Meanwhile, Early could enjoy reaction to his words. The triumphant expression on the Duke's face for a split second changed to annoyance, however, Professor Evergreen was there to save the day. "And astute observation, Lord...," he frowned searching for the name in his memory but immediately brushed the search aside and finished with a neutral expression, "dear guest. We can not for sure know why ancients chose this shape for their repository of wisdom - or a map!" He raised his finger underlying the possibility. "Perhaps it has something to do with the vision of it as a seed of all knowledge? Who knows!" You could tell he already liked the idea. "One thing, however, is quite certain - rocks do not hatch. Quite proven scientific fact." You could hear some laughter in the audience to which Professor answered with a smile. "The only thing that can come out of this "egg" is bright ideas. We will make sure of it." He bowed to some applause.

Deception: 11