Alda swept down the stairs from her gossip at the Buffet. Nodding to Maryam she left the Museum and headed for the Sage's Quill. Stepping into the inn, her disguise spell fell away, leaving her as just High Cleric Althea. She walked inside and up to a private room. Dr Dannell and her guards were waiting, a crystal box shimmering with arcane symbols sat on the table.
Adrian handed over her daggers and she rearmed herself.
As the dwarf gives Kyreth instructions he looks to Lady Graham. Seeing the faintest nod from her he leaves and returns shortly after with a platter and a mug. He places them in front of the dwarf and moves to take his position near Lady Graham again.
Thank you kindly Kyreth. He set the plate of mixed sweet and spicy pastries, between him and Lady Graham, and snagged a meat one to eat blowing on his fingers. Still warm by Moradins Beard! Well done!. He takes a pull of his dwarf spirits and sighed contentedly.
Do try the spicy meat rolls they are exquisite! Have you ever had dwarf spirits Lady Graham. It's just like drinking in the Dwarf Halls themselves. So little of it is exported. The innkeeper Arne brews his own and whilst tasty it lacks the ambience to make it truly outstanding. Though here the Bard plays well enough to visit any of the Halls.
"Oh dear, the minstrel will apparently both see the underdark and the dwarven halls within long." Lady Graham comments, not quite sounding like she envies him. "And forgive me for not tasting the spicy rolls, if you say they are exquisite I'll take your word for it doctor." She adds a bit aloofly before turning to her assigned tiefling student speaking quietly. "I believe the evening draws to an end if you'd be so kind to inform the others."
Her eyes discreetly follows the tiefling student to make sure he relays the information to their two accomplices before she is ready to give the tiny mischievous Allosaurus-driver the go ahead.
Not at all dear Lady Graham. A Bard is a minor celebrity in the Halls. Feted and well paid, however I have no intention of sharing the Bard, and will happily pay him more than the normal rate. Besides Bards are full of news even gossip. He can live with us or rent in the city. I had no intention to make him into something that he isn't, just to take advantage of a skilled Master musician. He'll know where to find us. Stonecrusher Mansion is well known in the Merchants District.
He took a long drink and snagged another morsel, sweet this time, the tart apple melting in his mouth.
As the murmurs of nobles ripple like silk through the Gemstone Wing and the chandeliers above catch the golden flickers of candlelight, Mavilius rises from his broad embroidered chair. He bows low to the assembled guests, his voice smooth as honeyed wine.
“Honored patrons,” he begins, letting his voice carry with theatrical ease, “I now present an original composition. Inspired by the crown of this exhibit: the Murkmire Stone.” He smiles, letting the name hang in the air like a spell. “A tale of timeless love…Muckmire in the Moonlight.”
Performed with delicate precision on viol and voice, it tells the tale of an ancient allosaurus, frozen in time beside the egg of his unborn child, their bond preserved in the muck and rediscovered in these marble halls. The melody rises and falls like breath through mist, weaving sorrow and hope into each verse. It’s a song not just of creatures, but of memory, silence, and the strange poetry of fate—an unexpected jewel among noble ears, and the perfect distraction for a heist in motion...hopefully.
The nobles are riveted by the song and stare at the Murkmire Stone, entranced.
Horthnar listens to Mavilius then notices the heart of the stone is now letting off a soft glow. He removes his spectacles, cleans them and then gasps. He had seen a miniscule change and now didn't know what to do. His hand involuntary grasps the hilt of his eating dagger.
One hand on his dagger he accidentally knocks a spoon on the floor, on automatic he leans over to pick it up. He saw the bag of holding and gasped. Coming back up he leans over and whispers to Lady Graham That is Denise Dannells bag, I'd know it anywhere we used to be adventurers together. She left it to Cassee. Whatever you intend to do, do it soon! I don't think we have much longer before that thing hatches and I can't protect you with this dagger! I'll help you get the guests out of here, just give me the word.
Exa feels a little jolt of excitement and anticipation race through her when Kyreth gives her the signal. She subtly shifts her weight to the balls of her feet and reflexively stretches her hands. She will be ready when the time comes.
She finishes pouring a drink for a noble who had perhaps had one or two drinks too many already and politely excuses herself with a curtsy. She pads over to the back of the room, farthest away from the exit, making sure she isn't swept up in the rush to escape. Her eyes lock on the prize ahead of her, picturing the moment she and her companions liberate it from its display.
The young waterdhavian lady is calmly enjoying the entertainment as the stone starts glowing and she realizes the egg is suddenly closer to hatching. She discreetly nods to the dwarf and messages her mischievous accomplice that he is up.
The Allosaurus
Suddenly there is a roar from the massive dinosaur, shaking the museum, drawing the attention from everyone present, the roar completely drowning out the mischievous giggle from somewhere inside it. Then after a dramatic moment of stillness it slowly starts moving, lifting one massive leg forward, it's clawed foot obliterating a small table with refreshments, sending debris across the floor, the head turning as if searching for prey as it roars again, sending the attendees scrambling, and with a few more steps it nears the gemstone wing, threatening to crush all those not fleeing for their lives under it's heavy clawed feet.
Lady Graham
The young waterdhavian lady is hysterical as she flees towards the guards in the gemstone wing, spraining her ankle as she stumbles near them. "I can't walk, you two, get me out of here!!" She says with full hysteria.
The two guards at the door to the Gemstone Wing grab hold of Lady Graham and pull her away from the feet of the Allosaurus. The six other guards come running, their dress swords in their hands, more decorative than sharp.
The Allosaurus blocks the way out of the Wing. Horthnar takes a deep breath and then shouts Necromancer, everyone move now! He swiftly marches over to the cleaning cupboard door and opens it. Heronn get Lucina out now! Hide in the exhibits until its over!
Susan the student runs over and Shouts follow me! as she heads through the hidden door, opening the one at the far end.
Heronn lifted his mistress in his arms and elbowed his way to the front of the panicking nobles, several of them falling down in their speed of exit, masks and wigs everywhere.
Exa's heart starts to race with nervous excitement, her heartbeat pounding rhythmically in her ears. There's a moment where the thrill of the job almost overcomes her before her even keeled professionalism sets back in. Time to get to work.
"Oh gosh!" she says in her most worried voice to any of the nobles and students lingering with her near the back.
"Quickly, quickly, follow the others. It's gone amok!"
She tries to usher the guests toward the cleaning corridor, encouraging them to flee to safety.
The nobles are pushing each other and a fight breaks out that Horthnar steps in to stop No fighting! Save you strength and form an orderly queue, someone help Lady Randsome up. Leave the masks, for heaven sake a reanimated Allosaurus is trying to eat you, hurry up! The last of the nobles file into the secret passageway.Then Horthnar follows them.
When the chaos begins Kyreth rushes to aid the fleeing nobles "Quickly, this way, quickly". He helps to herd the panicked crowd towards the only exit. With the guards preoccupied dealing with the panicked nobles he moves to retrieve the bag of holding, moving carefully to avoid being noticed.
You find yourselves alone in the Gemstone Wing, sounds of guards fighting are in your ears as they force the door shut. How long this will last you don't know. Best to make use of your time.
Exa moves immediately for their main objective, gesturing quietly but urgently to the others to help her with the murkstone.
"We need to swap these smoothly and make sure the pressure plate isn't triggered. Pass me the replica. I'll slide it into place while someone else lifts the real one off."
She glances at the now-glowing stone with the first hint of concern creasing her brow.
"But be careful. It looks ready to crack any moment..."
As the Allosaurus crashes forward with a mechanical roar, Mavilius gasps and, with a flourish that would make any stage actor jealous, he collapses to the ground in a dramatic faint.
The moment the last noble vanishes through the hidden door and the din of panicked guards echoes into the hall, Mavilius opens one golden eye, smirks, and rises with practiced grace. With a swift gesture, he casts Disguise Self to look like a suspicious cloaked drow. He moves over to the others, ready to help as needed.
Kyreth looks at Exa and Mavilius "Can you two handle the stone? If you can then I have a couple of other targets to try." Kyreth will try to open whichever display case the key fits (Sapphire and/or Ruby).
Exa meets Mavilius's golden eyes with her own yellow, feline eyes filled with delight and mischief.
"Now or never," she says to her partner in crime.
This is it. Her time to make all those years on the street worth it. The countless fingers dipped into unsuspecting pockets or slipped into unguarded handbags. Her fingers trained for deftness and finesse by years of delicate pilfering and snatching. Now, tonight, she would use her talents for something that really mattered.
With one swift, fluid movement, guided by Mavilius's delicate expertise, Exa slips the murkstone off its plinth and immediately replaces it with the replica. She holds her breath for a moment. Two moments. Three moments. No alarms? No traps? Dare she breath a sigh of relief or utter a little cheer of triumph?
Sleight of Hand: 27
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Alda (Althea)
Alda swept down the stairs from her gossip at the Buffet. Nodding to Maryam she left the Museum and headed for the Sage's Quill. Stepping into the inn, her disguise spell fell away, leaving her as just High Cleric Althea. She walked inside and up to a private room. Dr Dannell and her guards were waiting, a crystal box shimmering with arcane symbols sat on the table.
Adrian handed over her daggers and she rearmed herself.
Kyreth
As the dwarf gives Kyreth instructions he looks to Lady Graham. Seeing the faintest nod from her he leaves and returns shortly after with a platter and a mug. He places them in front of the dwarf and moves to take his position near Lady Graham again.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
DM
Dr Horthnar Stonecrusher
Thank you kindly Kyreth. He set the plate of mixed sweet and spicy pastries, between him and Lady Graham, and snagged a meat one to eat blowing on his fingers. Still warm by Moradins Beard! Well done!. He takes a pull of his dwarf spirits and sighed contentedly.
Do try the spicy meat rolls they are exquisite! Have you ever had dwarf spirits Lady Graham. It's just like drinking in the Dwarf Halls themselves. So little of it is exported. The innkeeper Arne brews his own and whilst tasty it lacks the ambience to make it truly outstanding. Though here the Bard plays well enough to visit any of the Halls.
Lady Graham
"Oh dear, the minstrel will apparently both see the underdark and the dwarven halls within long." Lady Graham comments, not quite sounding like she envies him. "And forgive me for not tasting the spicy rolls, if you say they are exquisite I'll take your word for it doctor." She adds a bit aloofly before turning to her assigned tiefling student speaking quietly. "I believe the evening draws to an end if you'd be so kind to inform the others."
Her eyes discreetly follows the tiefling student to make sure he relays the information to their two accomplices before she is ready to give the tiny mischievous Allosaurus-driver the go ahead.
DM
Dr Horthnar Stonecrusher
Not at all dear Lady Graham. A Bard is a minor celebrity in the Halls. Feted and well paid, however I have no intention of sharing the Bard, and will happily pay him more than the normal rate. Besides Bards are full of news even gossip. He can live with us or rent in the city. I had no intention to make him into something that he isn't, just to take advantage of a skilled Master musician. He'll know where to find us. Stonecrusher Mansion is well known in the Merchants District.
He took a long drink and snagged another morsel, sweet this time, the tart apple melting in his mouth.
Kyreth
Kyreth moves around the tables and amongst the servers, seemingly at random, warning the others to be ready.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Mavilius
As the murmurs of nobles ripple like silk through the Gemstone Wing and the chandeliers above catch the golden flickers of candlelight, Mavilius rises from his broad embroidered chair. He bows low to the assembled guests, his voice smooth as honeyed wine.
“Honored patrons,” he begins, letting his voice carry with theatrical ease, “I now present an original composition. Inspired by the crown of this exhibit: the Murkmire Stone.” He smiles, letting the name hang in the air like a spell. “A tale of timeless love…Muckmire in the Moonlight.”
Performed with delicate precision on viol and voice, it tells the tale of an ancient allosaurus, frozen in time beside the egg of his unborn child, their bond preserved in the muck and rediscovered in these marble halls. The melody rises and falls like breath through mist, weaving sorrow and hope into each verse. It’s a song not just of creatures, but of memory, silence, and the strange poetry of fate—an unexpected jewel among noble ears, and the perfect distraction for a heist in motion...hopefully.
Performance with advantage from practicing: 22
DM
8 bells.
The nobles are riveted by the song and stare at the Murkmire Stone, entranced.
Horthnar listens to Mavilius then notices the heart of the stone is now letting off a soft glow. He removes his spectacles, cleans them and then gasps. He had seen a miniscule change and now didn't know what to do. His hand involuntary grasps the hilt of his eating dagger.
DM
Dr Horthnar Stonecrusher
One hand on his dagger he accidentally knocks a spoon on the floor, on automatic he leans over to pick it up. He saw the bag of holding and gasped. Coming back up he leans over and whispers to Lady Graham That is Denise Dannells bag, I'd know it anywhere we used to be adventurers together. She left it to Cassee. Whatever you intend to do, do it soon! I don't think we have much longer before that thing hatches and I can't protect you with this dagger! I'll help you get the guests out of here, just give me the word.
Exa
Exa feels a little jolt of excitement and anticipation race through her when Kyreth gives her the signal. She subtly shifts her weight to the balls of her feet and reflexively stretches her hands. She will be ready when the time comes.
She finishes pouring a drink for a noble who had perhaps had one or two drinks too many already and politely excuses herself with a curtsy. She pads over to the back of the room, farthest away from the exit, making sure she isn't swept up in the rush to escape. Her eyes lock on the prize ahead of her, picturing the moment she and her companions liberate it from its display.
Lady Graham
The young waterdhavian lady is calmly enjoying the entertainment as the stone starts glowing and she realizes the egg is suddenly closer to hatching. She discreetly nods to the dwarf and messages her mischievous accomplice that he is up.
The Allosaurus
Suddenly there is a roar from the massive dinosaur, shaking the museum, drawing the attention from everyone present, the roar completely drowning out the mischievous giggle from somewhere inside it. Then after a dramatic moment of stillness it slowly starts moving, lifting one massive leg forward, it's clawed foot obliterating a small table with refreshments, sending debris across the floor, the head turning as if searching for prey as it roars again, sending the attendees scrambling, and with a few more steps it nears the gemstone wing, threatening to crush all those not fleeing for their lives under it's heavy clawed feet.
Lady Graham
The young waterdhavian lady is hysterical as she flees towards the guards in the gemstone wing, spraining her ankle as she stumbles near them. "I can't walk, you two, get me out of here!!" She says with full hysteria.
DM
The two guards at the door to the Gemstone Wing grab hold of Lady Graham and pull her away from the feet of the Allosaurus. The six other guards come running, their dress swords in their hands, more decorative than sharp.
The Allosaurus blocks the way out of the Wing. Horthnar takes a deep breath and then shouts Necromancer, everyone move now! He swiftly marches over to the cleaning cupboard door and opens it. Heronn get Lucina out now! Hide in the exhibits until its over!
Susan the student runs over and Shouts follow me! as she heads through the hidden door, opening the one at the far end.
Heronn lifted his mistress in his arms and elbowed his way to the front of the panicking nobles, several of them falling down in their speed of exit, masks and wigs everywhere.
Exa
Exa's heart starts to race with nervous excitement, her heartbeat pounding rhythmically in her ears. There's a moment where the thrill of the job almost overcomes her before her even keeled professionalism sets back in. Time to get to work.
"Oh gosh!" she says in her most worried voice to any of the nobles and students lingering with her near the back.
"Quickly, quickly, follow the others. It's gone amok!"
She tries to usher the guests toward the cleaning corridor, encouraging them to flee to safety.
DM
The nobles are pushing each other and a fight breaks out that Horthnar steps in to stop No fighting! Save you strength and form an orderly queue, someone help Lady Randsome up. Leave the masks, for heaven sake a reanimated Allosaurus is trying to eat you, hurry up! The last of the nobles file into the secret passageway. Then Horthnar follows them.
Kyreth
When the chaos begins Kyreth rushes to aid the fleeing nobles "Quickly, this way, quickly". He helps to herd the panicked crowd towards the only exit. With the guards preoccupied dealing with the panicked nobles he moves to retrieve the bag of holding, moving carefully to avoid being noticed.
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
DM
You find yourselves alone in the Gemstone Wing, sounds of guards fighting are in your ears as they force the door shut. How long this will last you don't know. Best to make use of your time.
Exa
Exa moves immediately for their main objective, gesturing quietly but urgently to the others to help her with the murkstone.
"We need to swap these smoothly and make sure the pressure plate isn't triggered. Pass me the replica. I'll slide it into place while someone else lifts the real one off."
She glances at the now-glowing stone with the first hint of concern creasing her brow.
"But be careful. It looks ready to crack any moment..."
Mavilius
As the Allosaurus crashes forward with a mechanical roar, Mavilius gasps and, with a flourish that would make any stage actor jealous, he collapses to the ground in a dramatic faint.
The moment the last noble vanishes through the hidden door and the din of panicked guards echoes into the hall, Mavilius opens one golden eye, smirks, and rises with practiced grace. With a swift gesture, he casts Disguise Self to look like a suspicious cloaked drow. He moves over to the others, ready to help as needed.
Kyreth
Kyreth looks at Exa and Mavilius "Can you two handle the stone? If you can then I have a couple of other targets to try." Kyreth will try to open whichever display case the key fits (Sapphire and/or Ruby).
Dex check if needed 15
Nyli Bemblade - Gnome Arcane Trickster
Portia Thornleaf - Halfling Rogue
Exa
Exa meets Mavilius's golden eyes with her own yellow, feline eyes filled with delight and mischief.
"Now or never," she says to her partner in crime.
This is it. Her time to make all those years on the street worth it. The countless fingers dipped into unsuspecting pockets or slipped into unguarded handbags. Her fingers trained for deftness and finesse by years of delicate pilfering and snatching. Now, tonight, she would use her talents for something that really mattered.
With one swift, fluid movement, guided by Mavilius's delicate expertise, Exa slips the murkstone off its plinth and immediately replaces it with the replica. She holds her breath for a moment. Two moments. Three moments. No alarms? No traps? Dare she breath a sigh of relief or utter a little cheer of triumph?
Sleight of Hand: 27