Lisette shakes her head regretfully, "I'm sorry, Bal, but no. I-" the young woman hesitates slightly. "I rarely leave my lab unless someone is too ill to walk over. Even then, I am told - repeatedly - that the, ah, 'peculiarities' of my approach, as your father has termed it, often makes people shy about visiting unless direly pressed. This is all to say that, even were such a visitor to arrive, I might be the last to know of it."
Balasar nods. Perhaps one of the guards would have heard rumors from town, but I suspect that whoever or whatever we're facing took pains not to be noticed. Which brings us back to the question of the best way to proceed. A trip to the university archives in town might prove profitable, but I don't know that we have the time to spare for it, as we don't know the motivation of our foe or when the next strike might be.
Wendell nods, "That would also mean sneaking past your father's patrols. It's not impossible, but I don't have the ability to get everyone out magically. If you'd like though, I could fly out and back in. That would also leave everyone else here in case these murderers make another attempt."
Balasar muses thoughtfully. Much as I dislike splitting up, that may be our best option. How confident are you in your ability to get out and return without being detected? At this point, there’s no telling who may not be themselves, and I don’t think my father would be terribly kindly disposed towards anyone caught disobeying his directions, especially at a time like this.
Wendell grins, "You yourself said that your family doesn't employ elves. With Fluss as my eyes in the dark and a bit of luck, I think I'll manage just fine. Just a word of warning, I'll try to make it back within a few hours, but research might take time... and I don't think we have a way to make contact if something happens. What will the rest of you be doing? Where should I meet you when I get back?"
He thinks for a moment, "Also, What would you like to have be the focus of my research? I could try to find out more about the Nightseige, more about the Delmirev history, or more about the chef's affliction... and I could split my focus, of course, but that might produce inferior results."
Wendell grins, "You yourself said that your family doesn't employ elves. With Fluss as my eyes in the dark and a bit of luck, I think I'll manage just fine. Just a word of warning, I'll try to make it back within a few hours, but research might take time... and I don't think we have a way to make contact if something happens. What will the rest of you be doing? Where should I meet you when I get back?"
He thinks for a moment, "Also, What would you like to have be the focus of my research? I could try to find out more about the Nightseige, more about the Delmirev history, or more about the chef's affliction... and I could split my focus, of course, but that might produce inferior results."
Balasar nods. Very well then; I think it's worth the risk since you're willing to make the attempt. As far as the focus of your research, the three main things that stand out to me thus far are the chef's peculiar infatuation with brains, the deceptive nature of Clearwater's appearance, and the presence of good condition Drow weaponry in Clearwater's possession, which suggests some sort of connection to the Underdark. I suspect that all three of these are related, so I think trying to find something that could explain these phenomena should be your primary focus. There may also be pertinent information in the history of the Nightsiege or Clan Delmirev, but I cannot say for certain if those would be profitable avenues of research.
In the meantime, the rest of us will lay low and attempt to discreetly gather additional information. We won't start anything overt, but if our foe attempts to strike again, we'll of course step in. In terms of contact... Balasar turns to Lisette: do you have anything that could help? You were able to contact me to get me back here; perhaps something similar could be employed to stay in touch with Wendell? It may prove crucial for him to be able to communicate his findings to us without delay.
Balasar makes two history checks, the first to see if there's anything in his knowledge of the Nightsiege that's pertinent to the situation at hand or might aid Wendell's research, the second to see if there's anything relevant he can recall from the annals of Delmirev history more broadly.
Lisette nods. "It would take some time to prepare the spell, but I could do so. The trouble is that the effects of the spell are immediate - that is, once it is cast, I must immediately send a message and the recipient must immediately respond. It could be useful if we urgently need to get in touch, but I could only cast it once each day, as the actual magical cost is quite high and the effects are draining."
Wendell grins, "You yourself said that your family doesn't employ elves. With Fluss as my eyes in the dark and a bit of luck, I think I'll manage just fine. Just a word of warning, I'll try to make it back within a few hours, but research might take time... and I don't think we have a way to make contact if something happens. What will the rest of you be doing? Where should I meet you when I get back?"
He thinks for a moment, "Also, What would you like to have be the focus of my research? I could try to find out more about the Nightseige, more about the Delmirev history, or more about the chef's affliction... and I could split my focus, of course, but that might produce inferior results."
Balasar nods. Very well then; I think it's worth the risk since you're willing to make the attempt. As far as the focus of your research, the three main things that stand out to me thus far are the chef's peculiar infatuation with brains, the deceptive nature of Clearwater's appearance, and the presence of good condition Drow weaponry in Clearwater's possession, which suggests some sort of connection to the Underdark. I suspect that all three of these are related, so I think trying to find something that could explain these phenomena should be your primary focus. There may also be pertinent information in the history of the Nightsiege or Clan Delmirev, but I cannot say for certain if those would be profitable avenues of research.
In the meantime, the rest of us will lay low and attempt to discreetly gather additional information. We won't start anything overt, but if our foe attempts to strike again, we'll of course step in. In terms of contact... Balasar turns to Lisette: do you have anything that could help? You were able to contact me to get me back here; perhaps something similar could be employed to stay in touch with Wendell? It may prove crucial for him to be able to communicate his findings to us without delay.
Balasar makes two history checks, the first to see if there's anything in his knowledge of the Nightsiege that's pertinent to the situation at hand or might aid Wendell's research, the second to see if there's anything relevant he can recall from the annals of Delmirev history more broadly.
History 1: 6
History 2: 4
Sadly, nothing comes to mind regarding Balasar's own family, but something tickles Balasar's brain regarding the Nightseige. After a moment, he recalls that High Hills took prisoners from the Nightseige. The city guard were able to secure a great deal of information from both the Drow and Drow battle thralls they captured before executing the former and banishing the latter. That information should exist in a large tome with a blue cover and silver clasps somewhere in the library.
Lisette nods. "It would take some time to prepare the spell, but I could do so. The trouble is that the effects of the spell are immediate - that is, once it is cast, I must immediately send a message and the recipient must immediately respond. It could be useful if we urgently need to get in touch, but I could only cast it once each day, as the actual magical cost is quite high and the effects are draining."
Wendell's eyes bug out a little, "There's a spell for that? Once this is over, we're trading." He collects himself, "Ah, if you are willing to of course."
Lisette nods. "It would take some time to prepare the spell, but I could do so. The trouble is that the effects of the spell are immediate - that is, once it is cast, I must immediately send a message and the recipient must immediately respond. It could be useful if we urgently need to get in touch, but I could only cast it once each day, as the actual magical cost is quite high and the effects are draining."
Wendell's eyes bug out a little, "There's a spell for that? Once this is over, we're trading." He collects himself, "Ah, if you are willing to of course."
With a small, musical laugh, the healer replies, "Perhaps I could share it in exchange for your notes on that flying spell, yes?"
Lisette nods. "It would take some time to prepare the spell, but I could do so. The trouble is that the effects of the spell are immediate - that is, once it is cast, I must immediately send a message and the recipient must immediately respond. It could be useful if we urgently need to get in touch, but I could only cast it once each day, as the actual magical cost is quite high and the effects are draining."
Wendell's eyes bug out a little, "There's a spell for that? Once this is over, we're trading." He collects himself, "Ah, if you are willing to of course."
With a small, musical laugh, the healer replies, "Perhaps I could share it in exchange for your notes on that flying spell, yes?"
Wendell nods excitedly, "Can't have too many flying wizards, I say... plus I have to imagine any Delmirev guests would appreciate the entertainment possibilities that would open up. I'll be off then. It should be dark enough to cover my flight, but let's see if we can find a gap in the patrols as a group. I do NOT want to explain myself to your family's guards."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
If the group is willing to follow Wendell closer to the estate boundaries, please make a group stealth and perception roll. Everyone rolls once, and successes and failures will be weighed as a total.
With a thoughtful expression, Lisette speaks before the group can leave. "Though I am not as good at sneaking as I once- that is, as a known member of the household, I may be able to provide an element of delay or distraction that could - quite inadvertently, of course - create the needed gap. With things as they are, certainly it would be understandable that a healer should wish to ascertain the good health and mental state of everyone in the household. The possible presence of an uncaught murderer tends to wear on one's nerves, after all, not so? I would not even have to tell any untruths: certainly the clan does not wish their guards to be so strained as to be making mistakes. Were I to be out for one of my nightly walks about the grounds, and upon seeing a particular guard, should I just happen to remember that I wished to speak with him and briefly ask after his wellbeing, why, I would just being taking the initiative in performing a sensible and obvious duty before anyone thought to ask me to do so. There is no deception in such simple happenstance, right?" Lisette smiles almost innocently with this last question.
Lisette nods. "It would take some time to prepare the spell, but I could do so. The trouble is that the effects of the spell are immediate - that is, once it is cast, I must immediately send a message and the recipient must immediately respond. It could be useful if we urgently need to get in touch, but I could only cast it once each day, as the actual magical cost is quite high and the effects are draining."
Well then, perhaps best to consider that an emergency measure. In turns of a place to meet up when Wendell returns, could we use your quarters, Lisette? We're all familiar with their location, and they're likely one of the safer places on the grounds at the moment.
After Lisette replies, Balasar turns his focus to Wendell: Something that may aid your research: much of the intelligence gathered from the enemy during the Nightsiege was collected in a large blue book with silver clasps. Unfortunately, I do not remember the title of it or where it is in the library, but if you're able to locate it, then it may prove quite fruitful.
Balasar then shifts back to the group at large: I think identifying a gap as a group is a good strategy; I do still need to show my guests around the place, after all, and there are some areas of peculiar beauty after dark. And Lisette, I think you are correct that a... strategic performance of your duties would be quite appropriate in this situation.
Lisette nods. "It would take some time to prepare the spell, but I could do so. The trouble is that the effects of the spell are immediate - that is, once it is cast, I must immediately send a message and the recipient must immediately respond. It could be useful if we urgently need to get in touch, but I could only cast it once each day, as the actual magical cost is quite high and the effects are draining."
Well then, perhaps best to consider that an emergency measure. In turns of a place to meet up when Wendell returns, could we use your quarters, Lisette? We're all familiar with their location, and they're likely one of the safer places on the grounds at the moment.
After Lisette replies, Balasar turns his focus to Wendell: Something that may aid your research: much of the intelligence gathered from the enemy during the Nightsiege was collected in a large blue book with silver clasps. Unfortunately, I do not remember the title of it or where it is in the library, but if you're able to locate it, then it may prove quite fruitful.
Balasar then shifts back to the group at large: I think identifying a gap as a group is a good strategy; I do still need to show my guests around the place, after all, and there are some areas of peculiar beauty after dark. And Lisette, I think you are correct that a... strategic performance of your duties would be quite appropriate in this situation.
"Oh, but of course, Bal! With my - ahem - somewhat misunderstood assistants," She glances not only at the robed skeleton methodically stacking books on a shelf, but also to a pair of unnaturally green and gleaming cat's eyes nestled amongst the shadows atop the same shelf, "my quarters are the last place most members of the household seem to visit. Any imposters would likely stay away as well, if only to keep in character." Looking about the assembled party, she adds, "Consider my lab to be your sanctuary."
If the group is willing to follow Wendell closer to the estate boundaries, please make a group stealth and perception roll. Everyone rolls once, and successes and failures will be weighed as a total.
Lisette shakes her head regretfully, "I'm sorry, Bal, but no. I-" the young woman hesitates slightly. "I rarely leave my lab unless someone is too ill to walk over. Even then, I am told - repeatedly - that the, ah, 'peculiarities' of my approach, as your father has termed it, often makes people shy about visiting unless direly pressed. This is all to say that, even were such a visitor to arrive, I might be the last to know of it."
Balasar nods. Perhaps one of the guards would have heard rumors from town, but I suspect that whoever or whatever we're facing took pains not to be noticed. Which brings us back to the question of the best way to proceed. A trip to the university archives in town might prove profitable, but I don't know that we have the time to spare for it, as we don't know the motivation of our foe or when the next strike might be.
Wendell nods, "That would also mean sneaking past your father's patrols. It's not impossible, but I don't have the ability to get everyone out magically. If you'd like though, I could fly out and back in. That would also leave everyone else here in case these murderers make another attempt."
Balasar muses thoughtfully. Much as I dislike splitting up, that may be our best option. How confident are you in your ability to get out and return without being detected? At this point, there’s no telling who may not be themselves, and I don’t think my father would be terribly kindly disposed towards anyone caught disobeying his directions, especially at a time like this.
Wendell grins, "You yourself said that your family doesn't employ elves. With Fluss as my eyes in the dark and a bit of luck, I think I'll manage just fine. Just a word of warning, I'll try to make it back within a few hours, but research might take time... and I don't think we have a way to make contact if something happens. What will the rest of you be doing? Where should I meet you when I get back?"
He thinks for a moment, "Also, What would you like to have be the focus of my research? I could try to find out more about the Nightseige, more about the Delmirev history, or more about the chef's affliction... and I could split my focus, of course, but that might produce inferior results."
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Balasar nods. Very well then; I think it's worth the risk since you're willing to make the attempt. As far as the focus of your research, the three main things that stand out to me thus far are the chef's peculiar infatuation with brains, the deceptive nature of Clearwater's appearance, and the presence of good condition Drow weaponry in Clearwater's possession, which suggests some sort of connection to the Underdark. I suspect that all three of these are related, so I think trying to find something that could explain these phenomena should be your primary focus. There may also be pertinent information in the history of the Nightsiege or Clan Delmirev, but I cannot say for certain if those would be profitable avenues of research.
In the meantime, the rest of us will lay low and attempt to discreetly gather additional information. We won't start anything overt, but if our foe attempts to strike again, we'll of course step in. In terms of contact... Balasar turns to Lisette: do you have anything that could help? You were able to contact me to get me back here; perhaps something similar could be employed to stay in touch with Wendell? It may prove crucial for him to be able to communicate his findings to us without delay.
Balasar makes two history checks, the first to see if there's anything in his knowledge of the Nightsiege that's pertinent to the situation at hand or might aid Wendell's research, the second to see if there's anything relevant he can recall from the annals of Delmirev history more broadly.
History 1: 6
History 2: 4
Lisette nods. "It would take some time to prepare the spell, but I could do so. The trouble is that the effects of the spell are immediate - that is, once it is cast, I must immediately send a message and the recipient must immediately respond. It could be useful if we urgently need to get in touch, but I could only cast it once each day, as the actual magical cost is quite high and the effects are draining."
Sadly, nothing comes to mind regarding Balasar's own family, but something tickles Balasar's brain regarding the Nightseige. After a moment, he recalls that High Hills took prisoners from the Nightseige. The city guard were able to secure a great deal of information from both the Drow and Drow battle thralls they captured before executing the former and banishing the latter. That information should exist in a large tome with a blue cover and silver clasps somewhere in the library.
Wendell's eyes bug out a little, "There's a spell for that? Once this is over, we're trading." He collects himself, "Ah, if you are willing to of course."
With a small, musical laugh, the healer replies, "Perhaps I could share it in exchange for your notes on that flying spell, yes?"
Wendell nods excitedly, "Can't have too many flying wizards, I say... plus I have to imagine any Delmirev guests would appreciate the entertainment possibilities that would open up. I'll be off then. It should be dark enough to cover my flight, but let's see if we can find a gap in the patrols as a group. I do NOT want to explain myself to your family's guards."
If the group is willing to follow Wendell closer to the estate boundaries, please make a group stealth and perception roll. Everyone rolls once, and successes and failures will be weighed as a total.
Wendell Stealth: 16
Wendell Perception: 20
With a thoughtful expression, Lisette speaks before the group can leave. "Though I am not as good at sneaking as I once- that is, as a known member of the household, I may be able to provide an element of delay or distraction that could - quite inadvertently, of course - create the needed gap. With things as they are, certainly it would be understandable that a healer should wish to ascertain the good health and mental state of everyone in the household. The possible presence of an uncaught murderer tends to wear on one's nerves, after all, not so? I would not even have to tell any untruths: certainly the clan does not wish their guards to be so strained as to be making mistakes. Were I to be out for one of my nightly walks about the grounds, and upon seeing a particular guard, should I just happen to remember that I wished to speak with him and briefly ask after his wellbeing, why, I would just being taking the initiative in performing a sensible and obvious duty before anyone thought to ask me to do so. There is no deception in such simple happenstance, right?" Lisette smiles almost innocently with this last question.
Well then, perhaps best to consider that an emergency measure. In turns of a place to meet up when Wendell returns, could we use your quarters, Lisette? We're all familiar with their location, and they're likely one of the safer places on the grounds at the moment.
After Lisette replies, Balasar turns his focus to Wendell: Something that may aid your research: much of the intelligence gathered from the enemy during the Nightsiege was collected in a large blue book with silver clasps. Unfortunately, I do not remember the title of it or where it is in the library, but if you're able to locate it, then it may prove quite fruitful.
Balasar then shifts back to the group at large: I think identifying a gap as a group is a good strategy; I do still need to show my guests around the place, after all, and there are some areas of peculiar beauty after dark. And Lisette, I think you are correct that a... strategic performance of your duties would be quite appropriate in this situation.
Balasar's stealth: 4
Balasar's perception: 13
"Oh, but of course, Bal! With my - ahem - somewhat misunderstood assistants," She glances not only at the robed skeleton methodically stacking books on a shelf, but also to a pair of unnaturally green and gleaming cat's eyes nestled amongst the shadows atop the same shelf, "my quarters are the last place most members of the household seem to visit. Any imposters would likely stay away as well, if only to keep in character." Looking about the assembled party, she adds, "Consider my lab to be your sanctuary."
Gong's Stealth:20
Gong's Perception: 11
Many thanks, Lisette, Balasar replies with a grin. If there's nothing else, I suppose we should be off.