Waterdeep: Camel Heist (2020)

The group returns briefly to the other room, where you encountered the wraith.

Scupper, you search through the books that you had previously noticed.  This takes some time, just under an hour.  Eventually, you find something that might be useful.  One of the books has a short note scrawled on the first page:  For my most promising student, and then it is signed by August Crellethar.  

Does the book itself look useful or would I be looking for this student's name somewhere? (Did the wraith give us his name?)

The book is a history of the magical guilds of Neverwinter.  The wraith didn't give you its name.  If you look through the book for the name of its owner, you don't find it.

Unless anyone has any ideas, I'm flummoxed.

Someone see what you can use this for. Maybe that thing is his favorite student. Maybe ye can bribe it. I've no idea. But it's a book from the arch mage.

(if we namedrop and hope it's the archmage we can maybe bluff this guy. Charm offensive. And if that fails poke him in the eye.  Eyes. )

The monster said archmage Crellethar and this book is a gift from August Crellethar so...if you name drop, use his first name sos he knows you know him.

Dekhan, yer the trustworthy lookin one, you do the lying. Looks better that way. (I'll give. advantage)

should we take the book too? Flash it and pretend I’m the favorite student?

(Page 300! Woot!)

While the others go off in search of books, Varinth looks alarmingly at his rapidly dwindling supply of wine. He has a quick slug for taste. He pokes his head around the doorway to the Beholderish's Lair.

Hulloo He smiles. He leans up against the frame. I don't suppose you have any backy in there by chance? he holds up the pipe in reference.

I'm fer anything. No idea what'll work best. I'll wait next to the door but just out of sight so i can best help with guidance.

Scupper walks over to Vaz and waits to see how things go.

We didn’t come across anything with the wraith’s name on it, did we? If only you guys had let me talk to him before we killed him!

I do not, the floating creature responds to Varinth.  I have little use for the things, and mages and other workers are not permitted to smoke on the premises.   I suggest you discuss this with the quartermaster; his office is to the south and west of hear, near the entrance.  He may have supplies, and suggestions on where to consume them.  The creature's manner seems helpful and sincere.

Thank you, I shall do that. says Vaz

He taps the pipe on his hand and gives it a quick blow to make sure it's clear.

While I'm here, might I ask, how do you perceive time? he enquires perhaps a little too casually given such a complex question.

On this plane?  The floating eye creature muses.  As the linear progess from past to future, with occasional deviations due to magical forces.  To be honest, I don't perceive it all that much.  For anything regarding the higher planes, I'm afraid that lies beyond the reach of my present employment.

Scupper mumbles to Vaz

Vaz...ask him what's to the northwest? And if intruders could have gotten there?

(bestowing advantage if there's a roll)

Oh my colleague was just asking, we believe that there may have been a breach, what is to the northwest of here? Could nefarious types gain access to that part of the factory?

Northwest?  The Wave Echo Cave?  Or the Furnace?  Either way, you should inform the mine authorities immediately.  I'm afraid my task is rather specific and I am not permitted to leave my post, but please do ensure this is investigated.  Intruders would be most undesirable and might hinder the proper operations of the mine.  The creature visibly shudders at the thought.

The proper authorities are already aware. They were the ones who tasked my colleagues and I to find and apprehend these interlopers. I've been meaning to ask someone, do you know what makes the waves in that chamber?

Varinth tries to make the conversation seem... trivial.

I see.  I can report that I have seen no sign of unauthorised interlopers.  For the functioning of other areas of the mine, please speak to the mine authorities; as I say, my duties restrict me to this room.  Please take care not to stray beyond your current point, as regrettably I would be forced to take the appropriate measures to safeguard the integrity of the Forge.

Of course, I'm not coming in any further. We believe the intruders are being guided by someone calling themselves The Spider but we do not believe it is in any way arachnid in form. We feel it will try and breach this room in the near future. Thank you for your help.

Varinth will close the door and walk away from the doorway and speak with scupper while having another sip.

Welp, that's that. Should we just camp out here and wait for Spider to come to us?

Thank you for your concern.  The creature continues to float, watching over the room and its contents.