For Guilliame:

Alice puts a generous handful of tea into the large pot that is used to make the tea and then pours the hot water from the kettle into it.

 Then, talking to everyone in general, she casually asks, "Anything interesting happen out at the stockyards?"

"Brock has started up a new game which attracted a fair bit of interest however it also attracted four sailors trying to hex the results. Brock threw them out and they may later have roughed up the winner on his way home. I say may as the winner, a man named Hazluk, was not all he seems. I would like you all to watch out for him pay attention to whatever he is doing. Watch out for the four sailors as well. I also chased a fugitive across the stockyards before he disappeared. He left these behind though."

I hand around the flask.

"Have a look but do not open the flask."

I gesture to Guilliame for the found lantern and take a closer look including opening the reservoir and sniffing the contents. 

[OOC Perception]

10

"Oh, that reminds me, Jack could you top up out lantern thanks."  Pass it over.

[OOC: This is more of an Investigation check than a Perception check.

It can be confusing but normally Perception checks are to see if something can be noticed and generally only apply for a short periods of time. Investigation checks, however, generally require more time and also are likely to involve a number of senses and the chance to examine something carefully, as with this situation. They are also more likely to give a range of answers depending on the experience of the roller and the value of the result.

In the end, this means that Dora's roll would be lower because her bonus with Investigation is lower that her bonus with Perception. However, as far as she is concerned the found lantern just contains normal lamp oil and she learns nothing more than the fact that it is a superior quality lantern.

With regard to feedback from the others of the Watch, I will do another post later today explaining how that works and what, if anything, is revealed. However, it will likely be this afternoon as I have to take Jennifer into Canberra this morning for her procedure.]

[OOC thanks for your willingness to tutor me Phill. Good wishes to Jennifer.]

[OOC: Rules information with regard to helping with skill checks.

When two or more characters are attempting to do the same skill check, they can either all make individual checks or the group as a whole can make a single check at Advantage with the value of the character with the best bonus in the situation being added to the roll.

I will use this second method for the Investigation checks of Jack, Luca and Alice.

Also, I have realised that the check Dora made earlier should more realistically be an Intelligence (Area Knowledge) roll rather than a plain Investigation check. This means the result of her roll should actually have been a 12. However, that isn't high enough to make a difference.

Investigation check on the lantern for the assembled Handsmen: 15

Investigation check on the flask for the assembled Handsmen: 10

]

After looking at the lantern, Alice remarks that she has seen a store in the Mercantile District that makes and sells this type of lantern and that they are fairly expensive.

However, none of the handsmen can shed any light on the origin of the flask, but they all agree that this would also be an pricey item to purchase because of the expensive cost of the lead glass and the fine chain and the obvious custom nature of the construction.

[OOC: Currently sitting in the carpark waiting for Jennifer to finish the first of two medical procedures today—not allowed to go in the building as either a carer or visitor.]

"How's that brew going and where is Barrus with the milk?"

"Here!" comes an answering shout.

Turning, Dora see Barrus, earthenware jug in hand, approaching. "Ho there, Handleader. Did I here you calling for milk?"

The swarthy Sorendenese handsman steps up onto the raised platform of the guard post and the hand of third watch of the Scholar's Ward is once more complete.

"It has been very quiet here," says Barrus. "What has been happening with you?"

After Dora relates recent events again and cups of char have been distributed, Barrus also takes a turn in investigating the lantern and the flask.

[OOC: Barrus' rolls:

Investigating the lantern: 7

Investigating the flask: 5

]

"I have seen work like this before," says Barrus, hefting the flask. "I think it is made by an artisan here in the Ward... And, if I am right, there will be the mark of the Zemna Glassworks pressed into the bottom of the bottle."

With this, he begins trying to take the flask out of its leather carrying case...

[OOC: I would like you both to make Area Knowledge rolls to see if you know anything about this glass maker. You might also be interested in this article about glass on the World Anvil site.]

7

[OOC: Sorry Andrew, I thought Guilliame had already made an Investigation check on the flask but now realise he used See the Arcane instead.]

For Guilliame:

[OOC Area Knowledge]

7

"Barrus, check out the maker's mark but don't take the lid off. I know that the contents are a drug used in black magick and I don't want any chance of spillage here."

Quote from che_ja_pa >>

[OOC Area Knowledge]

7

For Dora:

[OOC: That is a failure. Roll for Experience: 18

 Whereas, the above is a success. Dora gains some experience, which I will add to her character sheet.]

[OOC: 

Barrus's Dexterity Check: 20

]

After several tries at forcing the tight-fitting leather case off the flask, Barrus pulls out a small knife. 

"Is it alright if I cut some of these stitches?" he asks. "It looks like the cover was sewn into place."

"Just be careful. If this is made at Zemna Glassworks there may be magic involved."

Barrus looks at Guilliame and nods in understanding, then he looks back at his handleader waiting to see what she says.

Firmly and loudly  "hold up Barrus!"

Turning to Guilliame looking him directly in the eye "I don't want my Handsman endangered by magick that he has no skills to deal with. Will you do it?"

Louder and to all in the room "if the magus can do this, then I want everyone out now."

Quote from che_ja_pa >>

Louder and to all in the room "if the magus can do this, then I want everyone out now."

[OOC: Technically, the characters are all on a partially covered platform. There is a cabin also on the platform (see diagram here), but there isn't enough seating inside and the large table and the fireplace is outside. Note also that Guilliame has yet to see the inside of the cabin.]