Waterdeep: Camel Heist (2020)

Strix waits patiently for the social anxiety to pass, wondering if maybe flouncing in with that fancy pipe from the ghost might convince him you're a trusted apprentice.

(Vaz already used a pipe trick)

I say we move North and then Northwest. It's gotta be where he is. No sense in this needling this bastard in the eye any further.

"Fair nuff" says Vaz and produces his little ball of flame and strolls off into the darkness, puffing on his empty pipe, thinking himself rather distinguished.

Incantis contacts the creature's mind. "Ahh it's good to hear my native tongue. Who would you say are the mine authorities?"

The quartermaster, the chief overseer, the archmage of course.  I'm sorry, as I have said, my duties involve this particular room, and I'm not familiar with the wider operations of the mine.  I'm sure if you speak to the appropriate designated person, they will be able to assist.  

Incantis, where are you standing as you interact with the creature?

"Quartermaster? Strix is Quartermaster! Looks - has Quarterstaff, proves it! Quarterstaff work for Quartermaster - make sense! Not deny! Can come in, yes?" Strix calls from the corridor, twirling his stick around in a manner that's definitely more marital than performy in case you're thinking it will require a roll....

Strix, make a Deception check.  Would anyone like to support Strix's deception to give him advantage?  If so, please say how.

(NO! Tricked into joining in the social engagement with my negative modifiers! )

18 (If advantage happens, 6)

(Save your typing! :D )

I see.  Very well quartermaster, you and your... team... may enter.  Please do not disturb the archmages' equipment though; I'm expecting him back any moment and he does get so irritable when items have been moved without his permission.  I should inform you that some of the gentleman standing around over there appear to have some important news to report to you.  

The creature backs off a little, but remains vigilant over the room.

 Thank you, steward! Would you be so kind as to tell us of the history the forge? I love histories and the story of this place is one of my favorites!

I do not know the history of the forge.  I repeat that I am merely on guard here until the Archmage Crellethar returns, which I hope will be very soon.  I feel that it has been... a long time since he was here.  Several hours longer than planned, I suspect.  You are most welcome to take a look, but please do not touch it, as you may disturb the magical energies.  The creature nods once again towards the brazier with the dancing green flame.

"Not touch? But was sent check forge ok! Hmmm.... quandry.... Mebbe help? Guard show quat'master forge work. Guard forge summet! Quat'master not touch!"

Emboldned by his success, Strix pushes his luck.

Strix, make a Deception check with disadvantage.

Our quartermaster is always eager to challenge tradition. It's why Archmage Crellethar chose to promote him. He's certainly not...traditional. (impart advantage to cancel disadvantage?)

No, sorry, doesn't work in this case.

Dekhan frowns in consideration Hmm... well, perhaps you could just fill us in on what has happened since the Archmage has been out. I’m sure he’d like to be filled in.

Realising he has just wandered of into the dark by himself, Vaz stops. 

Guys?

Nothing much has happened.  I've been waiting here, watching the Forge.  I don't recall anything unusual; some fellow over there, he nods to the south towards the room where you met the wraith, shouting about something or other, I don't really remember.  And then you showed up.  I'm sure the Archmage will be back shortly, he's not usually gone long.

I see Dekhan lets his eyes drift about the room looking for anything of interest: books, keys, magic looking items... Steward, do you have any holy water laying about?

Dekhan, you see dust covering most of the room, except for the brazier on the stone pedestal with the dancing green magical flame.  You also see some armour lying on a bench in one corner, and a door to the north.  No sign of books or other interesting items, though you can make a Perception check if you wish.