Lorsan takes the group's bag, digs around in it briefly, but finding nothing useful to assist him opening the adjoining door (besides Uril's mace), he turns his attention instead to the big table... 

Investigation: 7

It seems the room was prepared to work as a common room - all sensitive information (provided there was any) must have been locked in the drawers. Lorsan found one interesting thing, though - a list of names. Presumably, a roster of the guards. There were twelve names with the first one being Captain Brenda Dhanvhal.

Finding himself in the middle of a suddenly tighter crowd, Uril had no choice but to move closer and closer to the most prized piece in the museum. He felt like a true spectator now. A museum full of wonders was simply too much for his hungry mind to ignore. He had spent time observing displays, reading plaques, overhearing comments from other visitors. It felt like he was destined to do more of the same now. Uril felt a bit guilty. This whole criminal heist thing, be it to save the world, was all pretty new to him. He wasn't sure if he was doing it right.

The one thing he could contribute to, he thought, was the acquisition of further knowledge. Taking advantage of the multitude of cramped visitors around him, Uril utters a question or two to no one in particular, hoping it could simply be assumed to have come from the interested crowd instead of from him specifically: "What language is inscribed on the piece? Has anyone translated it yet?"

Having hoped for more, but not wanting to prolong his absence, Lorsan decides to leave the office and make a different play for a medallion. Taking the bag, he strides confidently back out into the main foyer and directly up to the lonesome guard.

Your medallion! he snaps with hand outstretched. Having only heard the curator speak briefly at the front door, Lorsan does his best guess at the tone of Aldo's voice. Give it to me! He then mutters under his breath, as if to himself, about the incompetence of Captain Dhanval, and how could an officer misplace a medallion.

OOC: I'll use Inspiration to make a skill check with advantage. Add +6 for Deception or +4 for Intimidation, if either are appropriate: 19

If the ruse is successful, Lorsan turns sharply and ascends the stair once more, dropping his spell at the mid-point. Aldo Van Licton transforms back into Professor Thor McTurjey, who then slinks sheepishly into the display room, mumbling inane excuses for tardiness to anyone listening, and makes his way to the side of Dr Literat. Sorry to leave you alone there, Doctor, he whispers. What did I miss? 

(Lorsan can keep the Inspiration)

The guard clearly panicked and obviously instinctively clasped his right side in search of the demanded medallion. Then, with an expression "Is it a trick question?" or "What did I do to get on the curator's bad side?" the guard blinked a few times and tried his best to answer confidently and loud enough to be heard (the second attempt was relatively successful). "Following the safety protocols, guards should enter the curator's office in the order determined by their current night assignment and collect their safety medallion. Guards must return their safety medallions to the curator's office in the morning in the same order as they collected them the night before." His eyes became less glassy and he even allowed himself a quiet question "Did someone lose a medallion last night?!" 

Back in the Gemstone wing, Uril enjoyed an intellectual conversation. Professor Evergreen was happy to answer any question while the Duke was enjoying the attention to his surprise (acknowledging all the expressions of admiration, which nobles in the crowd were very generous with).

"The language proved to be difficult to determine, it's been millennia since anyone spoke it. So far, magical means also proved to be inefficient - don't think we did not try everything we had. Whether we are dealing with the encryption or the writing is warded against magic, remains to be seen. But I can assure you, we will crack that nut, so to speak!"

Expressionless, Robin just stood there when the bells would toll. Witnessing the throng of people move forward, she realized she was over it. Blowing a raspberry with her lips, she reaches for snacks from the abandoned table and proceeds to stuff her dress. Readjusting herself and ‘admiring’ the additions, Banks meanders over. Instead of heading to the Gemstone wing with everyone else, she finds a good ol’ wall. Not just any wall though. 

With everyone else busy with the grand fancy pants’ and their announcements, Robin looks around for some foot, and/or hand holds. No care for whether it’s a display, or simply just a piece of fancy decoration, she’d use what nearby surface if needed for added leverage. Banks looks up at the vent, and hikes up her dress. Taking a couple steps back, she trots to gain momentum to hopefully spring herself up to make an attempt to access, and pull herself up into the vent space to get comfortable and hide. Worst case, she fufills the expectations of her as an embarrassment and gets escorted out of the establishment for drunken tom foolery.

Roll 1: 9 + 7 for Stealth 
Roll 2: 12 add +7 if I can apply acrobatics to the attempt, or +2 if athletics
(I don’t think I have an inspiration to us, and doubt there’s any advantage here with the guards in their positions, but if there’s advantage with everyone distracted with the grand announcement for stealth, or if there’s advantage for foot leverage for the climb, OR if it anything’s at D/A for her being considered out in the open, here’s an extra roll: 7 )
Guidance(?): 4 if it hasn’t been 10 mins yet, and if it’s possible to apply it to the lowest roll, or if I have to pick before I hit post, stealth would probably be the priority. 

With a grunt of approval, Lorsan (as the curator Aldo Van Licton) responds to the guard's dutiful answer, while trying to keep the dialog to a minimum.

I see someone hasn't forgotten the rules. I'll speak to the Duke - he may be looking for a new captain after tonight. You might be the man for the job. Say nothing of this for now, however. Now... your medallion! I'll make note of it for the morning. Quickly now!

Hoping the ruse will boost the poor guard's ego, Lorsan waves his hand again in front of the man expectantly.

The guard certainly had never heard of rollercoasters, but after speaking with Lorsan-the-curator, he looked as if he had just experienced one for the first time in his life. "But... It's not the eighth bell yet, curator. I will get the medallion right after Sareena, I mean, guard Shu, from you right before the building is closed." The poor lad was sweating and afraid to look the "curator" in the eye as he struggled to provide answers that wouldn't anger the curator further.
Lorsan did not need a special skill to see that the man is not lying. This was logical too, considering the number of people without medallions around here and the curator's paranoia about secrecy and security.

One good thing, though, already came from this interrogation. If there was a single head not turned toward the stone presentation, it would be drawn to the reciting of the inner rules of the museum security. Thus, Robin had free reign to hide as she planned without alarming anyone. She hoisted herself up using the pedestal nearby and crawled into the cramped space. It's stuffy inside, but Robin managed to find a relatively comfortable position and settled in to wait. She could hear the muffled sounds of the party below and see the light coming from behind the ventilation grill,  but she also knew it was not for long - two hours and the party is over.

((Stealth 10 would be enough with the double noise around, and with climbing 18+ (if inspiration was spent for advantage) she practically flew up the wall))

If anyone missed the map with marked ventilation and through closet, it is here:

Realisation dawn on Lorsan, and he deduces that the medallions have not yet been handed out, and will not until closing time. He thinks quickly, wanting to return to the egg show but not wanting to waste the opportunity. Feeling confident that the disguise is holding up, he attempts on more ploy with the guard, continuing to keep the sentences brief:

Well trained, I see. You passed the test. Now, I must return. Check if my office is locked.

Lorsan nods vaguely in the direction of the other two doors, not certain which is the curator's, if any.

Disguise definitely held well. Completely lost guardsman saluted and immediately marched to the central door, pulled it with the force, turned around, marched back to Lorsan and reported that the door is properly locked.

With another grunt of satisfaction (which internally is a groan of disappointment) Lorsan turns on his heel and walks back upstairs, dropping the magical disguise when least in view, and joins Uril in the display hall.

Uril didn't know where Robin was now, but he did feel the sudden end of the divine pull of his previous spell. Even the minor miracles required active concentration sometimes. This was enough for the follower of Deneir to realize Robin was on the move. So, when Lorsan reappeared next to him, Uril shared a quick whisper: "Robin is working," he said, trying to keep mentions general in case the proximity to other guests made even whispers unreliable. "Handsome noble is schmoozing," he nodded towards Early. "And I am trying to learn more about this fascinating stone. Did you know that it has been millennia since whatever language is inscribed in the Murkmire gem has ever been uttered? Well, at least that's what your new friend said a moment ago."

Uril continues to exchange whispers with Lorsan, which are hopefully lost to others in the cacophony of  "Ooohs", "Aaahhs," noble compliments, and exaggerated scholarly claims. The contents of his next several whispers were all more academical, and had possibly little to do with actually completing the mission. A quest in a museum is both the perfect match and weakness for Uril. He is studied enough to fit in, but all the different sources of additional bits of knowledge here were too much of a distraction. He couldn't help but be legitimately interested in all that was displayed here, the centerpiece gem most of all. He uttered another question: "The piece looks quite heavy! Could you elaborate on the logistics of moving it from the ruins? That in itself is certainly quite the achievement!" 

That was a good question (that is, if Uril meant to summon another round of lengthy explanations). Professor Evergreen was so happy to continue to demonstrate his vast knowledge, that he did not care about the origin of the questions. "Avery good question! I can spot the learned scholar among us. Very good. Yes, the stone should be quite heavy indeed. So much so that we debated the amount of magic necessary to apply for transportation, which would be the problem considering the sort of anti-magical matter of the object. And yet, it is light as a feather! Observe." Professor asked Duke's permission (got a satisfactory nod) and lifted the big green rock up. Then carefully placed it back. "Incredibly light yet sturdy. If the map on the surface leads to the deposit of the moon jade, that alone would be a treasure beyond words."

The guests were still admiring the incredible rarity or expressing their admiration to the Duke (that is for the noble part of the crowd) while scholars joined the conversation about the qualities of the "moon jade" and possible interpretations of the writings. But the gatherings follow the same law and soon it would be expected for the guests to disperse again (the dazzling display of treasure was quite attractive, and the wine and snacks were still there, with chocolate cake soon to be added). Still, for the moment the room was quite crowded.

Early looked around. He'd lost his 'sister' again...and smoozing was sort of fun...but...oh shoot.  They had plans. Plans within plans. They had letters.  He was sure of it. There was a plan Z....but...oh well, there were Uril and Lorsan and they didn't seem to be looking at him with those big "do your thing" eyes...which was good, cause he had soft of forgotten what his thing was. *grumble grumble*.   Also, it was possible that some of those snacks were starting to upset his stomach.  Smiling and nodding goodbye to the pretty thing near him, he made his way out and asked about to the bathrooms. It was with considerable relief that he sat down on the 3rd privy down the row.  While he let himself relax and the stress of pretending to be Eugene settle for a moment, he could hear the chatter of that loud mouthed guy who had to explain everything to everyone.  It was...right through this wall.  He tapped quietly on the wall, and then pressed on it, trying to figure out what it was made from and how solid it was. He'd made his way through walls more than once as part of a dastardly deed.  People seemed to put very little effort into making inside walls solid. 

All tucked into the vent, Robin gets comfortable and makes a little nest for herself. Her dress made plenty good pillow and blanket. She had snacks if she was hungry, and... she reaches down between her thighs to unstrap a smuggled wineskin, something to drink when she gets thirsty. With all her needs covered for the time being, sure Banks could nap, but solitude is when her mind races. This was the time to pick apart possibilities and be open for opportunities. Robin focuses her attention on peeping through the grate. Hoping to take advantage of her 'birds eye view' she'd watch and listen, intending to keep tabs on her 'brother', other two companions, and the security/guards.

Robin would want to note and compare how many guards were inside the gemstone wing, and how many outside. Then when the event closes, do they guard the outside, or do they guard the inside? Where are they likely to be stationed? The doctor wrote security with a question mark for a reason. With a heads up from the beautifully brilliant brain, Robin was vigilant to try to find out what kind of security they'd be working with when the 'lights go out' and people leave. Would there be a narrow window of time? Could she just swoop in just at that 'shift change' or bathroom break moment and snag the egg? If she were successful, should she stow it and herself away, waiting for the boys to collect them? Could the egg fit in here? Could both her and the egg fit in here? Or that closet? Or would she be forced to make a break for it? Should she worry about the bag? Plenty of variables, and plenty of questions, but she had time to ponder. She had time to gather what information she could. Then how to communicate that information?

On that note, Robin would pluck the shiniest metal thing off her, one of her mum's thieves tools tucked into her hair. Should none of the boys meander this way, in either room, she'd have a way to try to catch their attention. It could still be a risk, but it was a back up. She'd be prepared to attempt to reflect light into their eyes to try to get their attention, should it be worth the risk.

Robin's field of view is quite limited. She knows that at least two guards and one servant entered the room but can not see them from her "nest". Though, with so much treasure lying around, one could safely assume, guards will be there all the time.
Robin knew the size of the egg and now could see for herself, that as light as it is, it would be problematic to wrap herself around that thing in the vent. Should she even consider the deed - it was for her to decide. 22 pounds is not that heavy, true, but is not the easiest thing to snag either. Still, as a way out, the vent is a very much considerable path. 
Reflecting light could be kind of a problem not only because one should look up and at the specific spot to notice it. With lots of light and sparkling treasures and glass cases around, even if one would notice yet another spark on the wall - would that one consider climbing up and checking it out while people are walking around? Who knows. She could definitely hope for it.

Early's visit to the place that even a king visits alone and on foot, could be described as a sound idea (in every meaning of the word). First, on the way there, he noticed the guard keeping post by the stairs to the attic, walked along the corridor, looking less at the lone noble and more towards the Gemstone wing. Clearly, more interested in that room. Slipping onto the stairs did not seem to be impossible. Second, the walls resonated very differently. However, the one on the side of the Gemstone wing, was solid stone. Breakable - probably with the right instruments - but not easily nor quietly. Provided there were no special fortifications inside, of course. Still, the wall had to be thinner than the outer wall or most of the inner walls, surprisingly.

Meanwhile, Lorsan and Uril, proved they were scholars to the boot. Once goaded to the actions Professor Evergreen lifted the stone from the pedestal, both could notice tiny glyphs carved into its top under the stone. The runes looked kind of familiar, obviously related to security but taking a moment to remember (make a DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check).

With her limited view from the grate, Robin would settle in to focus on listening. She'd eavesdrop on any conversations nearby that might be interesting to pass the time, while also keeping an ear out for the flow of foot traffic and guard patrol patterns.

Arcana: 17 

Uril is very intrigued! Unfortunately, arcana is not one of the subjects he tends to focus on. He is no slouch on the matter, of course, but, in this instant, he sort of wished he had spent more time transcribing wizardry books. Perhaps that's something for the future...

-> Arcana check: 22 

Arcana could be not an area of Uril's expertise, but both he and Lorsan recognized the obvious (obvious to the specialist, of course) - arcana lock. Should the stone be removed after activation of the spell, all doors leading to the room will lock.

Robin's shift in the vent is uneventful so far. With so many guests around, guards do not patrol the area, and in the presence of the Duke the talks are most polite and related to the exhibition. At least for now.