Sterling read the message after Oriace released it. The Stone of Golorr? This was getting serious... more so than it already was, at least.

Quote from cyreon >>

“At dawn we circle Gralhund Villa—eyes, not steel—looking for servants, deliveries, neighbours who gossip with loose tongues. If the detector sings again, we trace it to a window or gate and mark every guard post. Meanwhile, one of us should petition the Open Lord’s office, share what Dalakhar died to tell us; if they’re hunting the Stone of Golorr as well, better we stand under their shield than in their blind spot.”

"I can petition the office," he offered. Staying on the good side of the law was important, after all.

(@DM: what time of day is it now? Would Sterling have enough time to visit the Open Lord's office before retiring for the evening?)

It's late. You spent the whole day searching the two wards for the nimblewright. It is definitely a job for the morning 

Oriace suggests, "Let's just rest and get up early tomorrow. It looks like we're in for a long day."

You have a rest, and wake up the following day with a plan. Those of you going to the manor, give me a stealth check (if trying to blend in) or alternatively I will accept a deception check if you are trying to stand out but make it seem as if you are there for a completely different purpose (such as a street performer or advertising your tavern)

Sterling, you can get an appointment with a member of the Open Lord's staff who will take a message from you for the Open Lord. 

Stealth: 22

Oriace Stealth: 16 (and Bardic Inspiration to Wagner in form of telepathic praise for their efforts.)

Mana tries but fails to stifle a sneeze. There’s something in the air.

Stealth: 6

Quote from PlotArmored >>

Mana tries but fails to stifle a sneeze. There’s something in the air.

Stealth: 6

 Ugh... This makes me wish we were already level 4. I'm planning to take the Bountiful Luck feat and that would cut down on rolled 1. 

Sterling headed to the office. Upon being stopped by the staff, he delivered his message:

"Dalakhar came to us for help in safeguarding the Stone of Golorr, which has been taken. It's likely the Zhentarim are involved, and in particular one 'Urstul.' We're currently tracking down Dalakhar's killer, and will update you with what we find."

Message delivered, he will then turn and head back to join the others.

(OOC: I forget... did we name our group yet? If not, it's getting to the point where we need one!)

The good news is, I'm going a group check and so the low roll is balanced out by the two good rolls. 

You are uninterrupted in your sleuthing. Someone can make a perception/investigation check with advantage (both checks can be made but each by a different character)

Sterling, they look confused by your message. "Dalakhar? Stone of Golorr? I'm afraid this doesn't mean anything to me but I will pass this on."

Oriace Investigation 23

Mana whispers a curse in Undercommon for nearly blowing their cover. He shakes his head and refocuses.

Perception: 25.

Investigation: 19

Knowing the others were likely trying to be subtle about their approach, Sterling headed toward Gralhund Villa at a quickened pace, then once near, began plying his trade as a bard. Minor magic was used to appear to be promoting the tavern... and while he was always up for advertising, if he could distract from the others by drawing attention to himself, so much the better.

(( OOC: He'll use Minor Illusion and Prestidigitation to attract attention, in particular both flavoring the water of any curious passers-by to his closest approximation of the tavern's best ale, and dressing them in illusory garments to promote his personal crafts as well. ))