The parchment breaks like any normal peice of parchment.

Satisfied that the paper is defeated, Kess goes to leave the house with the others.

Once everyone is clear of the house and we start making our way to the black market, Razz tilts his head, scanning the village with an exaggerated squint before looking back at the party.

"So, just a thought—since these notes are a little out of date, does that mean we’re also missing a few familiar faces? Anyone who was around last time but hasn’t popped up yet? You know, just making sure we haven’t misplaced any important… acquaintances."

Kessintra tilts her head at Razz's question as she tries to remember. "Well, the Baron and Izek, but they're dead. I guess we haven't seen the toymaker, Blinsky, this time."

"We will need to find someone in the black market with a lot of gold in order to bulk-sell these books... that could be dangerous"

"The toymaker isn't someone we shared all our details with either though. I'm thinking that damn invisible imp was following us."

Everyone make an investigation check to find the black market. 

Chipper has advantage due to his background.

"Hm, could be. Good thing we have Ada with us now. No fiends should be able to sneak up on us."

Kess investigation: 5

Garrick investigation: 24

Razz investigation: 11

(( He can add guidance to someone if needed but I think we're probably good with a 24? ))

Ada Investigation - 9

"I can periodically use my divine sense. Hopefully that will be enough so he doesn't get the drop on us," Ada agrees.

[[ what time of day is it now? trying to think of when to finally recall Skipper from his watch on the castle ]]

Chipper Investigation: max(10,17) + 7 = 24
//Garrick and Chipper are on fire! kindred souls!

"And the hallowed grounds of the church should keep the imp from spying on us whilst we sleep." says Chipper. "Although a couple alarms should do the trick otherwise."

It's around 6:00 pm.

You find yourselves on an odd street in town. It appears to be in an otherwise normal shopping district, but there are many shady figures dotted up and down the road. In addition, almost every time you look into an alleyway, there's two people in the shadows, trading gold and silver for small bags. There are cultists patrolling the area, but they don't seem to care about the crime going on around them. The cultists seem to recognize you, but they aren't hostile.

Kessintra considers attacking the cultists, but figures they simply haven't heard that all their leaders are dead yet. After looking around she approaches one of the shady figures who seems to deal in weapons and tries to sell the four scimitars. She'll also buy another shortsword and 3 arrows, then ask about silvering weapons.

Persuasion for better prices if needed: 22 + 1 guidance 

Razz is going to fly up above the street and have Hooty land on Kess and from Hooty, Razz is going to ask Guidance on Kess to hopefully help with her haggling.  He'll do the same for anyone he sees talking to any of the "Vendors".

"Hooty, let’s see if we can get them at least one discount before someone gets suspicious."

He buys the scimitars for 22 gp each. He sells the shortsword for 5 gp. There's still some blood on it. "Silver, eh? Looking to hunt werewolves?" He chuckles. "I know a guy who'll do it for 75 gold, but he tends to..... 'borrow' prettier blades. You know, ornate hilts, damascus, that kind of thing."

“Do you know of anyone that wouldn’t mind acquiring a large collection of books? Very high quality and very expensive. It could be very profitable for the buyer if they know how to move them.”

Kessintra smirks, listening to the merchant with interest as she wipes off the new blade and sheathes it at her side. "Just a precaution. My blades are plain, so that shouldn't be a problem. Where's this friend of yours?"

I’ll also give the 3 fancy dresses and the collection of fine wine glasses to Kess to sell.