DDEX 01-06 The Scroll Thief [5e Adventurers League] (Inactive)

Game Master Aeshuura

Glenda is angry, and the fish she holds seems to shift in colour as it whips about in a frenzy, seemingly feeding on Seraphyna's magic as well.

Where do you think you're doing? Glenda shout. Words of power spill out of her mouth, as she flings the fish again...

She casts magic missile again, making the fish strike the halfling twice and the elf once
Magic missile on halfling: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 = 7
Magic missile on elf: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Going.. not doing. Duh.

Sera continues to struggle against the magics, her diminutive frame jerking roughly into one of her magical girl poses. The magic begrudgingly forms into the desired effect, but controlling the blast forces Sera to redouble her efforts.

Boom?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d10 ⇒ 6
Inspiration for effect?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Can Krissina cure Rakish without exposing herself to attacks? If so she'll do so, if not, she'll continue to attack the elf.

Cure: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (1, 8) + 3 = 12 use a level 2 slot
or
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Looks like I should at least achieve something this round either way... And keep Cutting words with same conditional orders

Initiative Order:
Rakish: 22
Seraphyna: 17
Glenda: 16
Krissina: 16
'Elf': 15 -27 hp
Drakr: 13
Halfling 2: 12 (asleep)
Halfling 1: 5 (asleep)
Halfling 3: 5 -20 hp
Fronar: 3

Seraphyna, suddenly inspired, throws her eldritch blast at the elf, hitting him square in the chest! He clutches at his chest cursing you as he collapses to the ground!

At that, the halfling throws down her sword and raises her hands to the air, I give up! They're not payin me and me boys enough fer this!

Glenda, you do not need to expend your spell slot, if you wish. Krissina, I am going to assume that you will still cast cure wounds on Rakish? You can choose to use a lvl 1 slot if you wish. What is your next step? You may take a short rest if you wish, and essentially, the halflings are at your mercy.

Glenda grabs the halfling by the collar and shoves the fish in her face.
Who hired you? How did you know about our investigation?

When the last foe surrenders, the light of power continues to blaze in her eyes. She glances to her sides, looking for a foe to channel her rage into. Not seeing any, she tromps away from the party around the corner of a building. In a brilliant flash of reddish light, the weight in the air vanishes.

A few minutes later, Sera returns, looking more her normal self, and quite sheepish about her actions. Sorry about that. When you make your pact, they don't always tell you what to do when you are having trouble controlling things. I didn't hurt anyone on our side, did I?

Fulta checks on her men, if you let her, and says, I dunno, the longshanks what hired us wore hisself a black mask that covered the upper part o his face. The only thing what might be o interest to ya is he had blue smudges on 'is fingers.

She matter-of-factly begins undoing her belt and slides her belt pouch off. Promptly, she takes a handful of coin from each of her halfling guards that still snore loudly, and dumps them in her pouch and toss it to Glenda, Spoils o war, if'n ya let us go.

On the body of the 'elf', you find that it was, in fact, a human in disguise. A quick search finds a total of 25 gp in coin. In the pouch from the halfling, named Fulta if you ask, there are another 25 gp in coins and a potion, most likely a potion of healing.

You guys can talk amongst yourselves. Then when you are ready, let me know what you want to do next.

"I didn't see yer magics hit anyone of us... " Drakr replies to Sera, before turning his attention to the halfling as she throws her money pouch to Glenda.
"You might want to consider changing career paths or at least take employment from more reputable folk who don't have to hide their faces... Where did you meet this masked scribe? And What do you know about this man, " Drakr asks, nudging the corpse of the 'elf' with his boot. "Why is he dressed up like an elf?"

Rakish wakes up with a grumble, rubbing his head and wincing at his various wounds. His hand finds the location where the bolt slammed into his side, and he discovered the boot missing. He looks around on the ground for it, and then picks it up. The healing magic must have removed it from his body.

He stands up, and looks around. Satisfied his companions have ended the fight, he sheaths his axes.

Looking down at the body of the elf, he says, He did not bring the taste of an elf. Why did he bring the sight of one?

Grabbing the corpse, he drags it over to an inconspicuous corner and covers it with refuse. During this time, his companions are able to question the halflings.

When they're done, he'll say to the halfling, If you ever bring your scent to my nose again, I will eat you.

When it is time to go, he says, We will leave this area. It will be discovered by the guards. A tavern will bring us a short rest.

I say we do a short rest and get lunch at a local inn or tavern, then visit the library.

Spend a 1st for now if combat's over (sadly my first roll was only a 1, so that's 4HP, if it looks like we aren't going to get a short rest I'll give you some more.

Krissina raises an eyebrow at Seraphyna, "You made a pact with something? Careful, you might end up with something like me in your future..." she smiles, in an attempt to show she's attempting humour.

Int: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Any significance of blue ink, other than the obvious inking of things that are blue... (Further +2 if History/Arcana is relevant)

Also with Song of Rest, if we do rest up everyone gets an extra 1d6 hp back

Might as well use up my second wind. Either I'll really need it soon, or it'll refresh when we short rest.

1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Is that all you can tell us? That his hands had ink? Glenda says.

Intimidation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Glenda pokes her nose right in the halfling thug's face.

You should be glad we don't turn you over to the Black Fists. she says. Now go else you're going to end up inside the Lizardman's stomach!

"You might want to consider changing career paths or at least take employment from more reputable folk who don't have to hide their faces... Where did you meet this masked scribe? And What do you know about this man, " Drakr asks, nudging the corpse of the 'elf' with his boot. "Why is he dressed up like an elf?"

Looking down at the body of the elf, he says, He did not bring the taste of an elf. Why did he bring the sight of one?

You'll brook no argument from me there! The masked man found us, paid good money too. We thought we was just scaring you folk off. How wrong we were... As fer the elf? I knew somethin' was up. Maybe he just wanted to look like a Welcomer? She looks at his hands a bit hopefully, Them gloves is some fine craftsmanship. If you don't wants 'em...

If you recall, the Scribe Master had such markings on her fingers. It is not too difficult to come to the conclusion that many a scribe may have those blue-stained fingertips.

Is that all you can tell us? That his hands had ink? Glenda says.

The halfling woman pales a bit all thoughts of the gloves gone from her mind, Look, in our business, askin' questions can more oft than not lose us an opportunity. I'm sorry, but there is not a spit of information that I got left ta give you!

Once you are quite done with them, they scramble off, not daring to look back.

I wouldn't normally tell you this, but if you are planning on taking a short rest anyway, you could return to your cozy tavern and leave a report for Knight Burral while you rest. If that is the plan, you may spend HD to heal up and recharge any short rest abilities.

That was, indeed, my plan. :)

Drakr takes the gloves from the 'elf' and inspects their quality. He also checks the mans fingers for ink...
Investigation? : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

"Sounds like a good idea " Drakr replies to Rakish and then gives the lizardman an appraising look. "You're a tough one, taking all those hits... I like you! How about we head back to The Cozy and give Knight Burral an it if a report. Seems like this guy was trying to frame the welcomers?"

Drakr will bring the gloves, planning to check them for magic when he has ten minutes to spare at the tavern.

Cast detect magic as a ritual.

Krissina returns to the tavern with the others, if Knight Burren is there, she will speak of what we've found so far, otherwise she will retrieve her lute and play a simple tavern tale to soothe the nerves and calm the mind.

Song of Rest +d6 healing during a short rest. I don't think anyone else got hit, but lets try and get Rakish back fighting fit - do you need any more spells throwing your way?

Bah thieving halflings. Ate the wrong pie when they were young, that's what I say Glenda mutters.

At the tavern, Glenda praises Krissina's song. That be some fine singing. Soothing it is. Even fishy isn't whacking around as much.

She scratches her head at what the party has learned so far. So we're not really much the wiser after all that. The thief is probably a scribe of some sort? Perhaps the librarian will know about the blue ink... Glenda says.

The gloves are notably fine, like they were just purchased, but have no magic. However, upon removal you find that the man's three outside fingers on his right hand are tattooed in an almost fanatic fashion. The tattoos seem to be a trio of dragon heads each making its way around each of those three fingers. While this is far from the expected blue stains, it seems that these tattoos are more than mere fancy...

Drakr's investigation also turns up a letter that is tucked up the man's sleeve. It reads:

"Just get it done, Soares. If they find me, then the last four months have been a complete waste. Ensure that the Whisperer's faith in us was not ill-placed."

As mentioned before, the only other things of note are the 25 pieces of gold in the man's pouch.

--

You return to the Cracked Crown to nurse a beer and your wounds. The innkeep throws you a nod as you take seats and order drinks.

Rakish, you want to burn some HD to heal? Then I will continue.

HD Recovery: 3d10 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 10, 4) + (3) + 9 = 29

Total 29, with current of 14, that makes max HP.

Want to type more,but my kids are crawling all over me.

In response to Krissina's inquiry, Sera nods, Aye, I've bonded with the Fae. Most are cheerful and happy, but I'm learning that they have a mighty vengeful streak, and tend to give me more power then I can handle when my friends lives are on the line. then, adding with a giggle, Don't worry, I'll stay far away from any horny menfolk!

After the group collects their bribe to not kill the remaining Halflings, and returns to the tavern, the tiny half-elf joins in the discussion. Well, we know that a skilled thief was used, knowledgeable about arcane arts as well, given the disruption of the magical protections. Also, given the ink on the perp... hehe, perp.. anywhay, given the ink stains, can likely guess the mastermind of this is some learned person. Given that what was stolen, I'd guess that someone is investigating something, and thinks these books might contain a clue. So a scholar hires some muscle, both to steal the books, and rough up poor, innocent lizards who are just looking for lunch in all the wrong places. We have two names, Soares, and Whisperer, I wonder if we mention it to those who have been thieved, if they would ring a bell?

Sera then stops to think, The Whisperer sounds more like a title... priest title, or historical figure? Hmm...

Thinkity think: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Souras? Whisperer? Who are they? Don't think I know anything about them at all! Glenda wonders.

History: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 Well, at least it's not an attack roll...

"Hmm, it all seems very strange, Whisperer... whisperer, it doesn't sound like a name, I'd say definitely a title or taken name."
Intelligence: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 +1 Arcana/History

Krissina examines the note, checking the quality of the materials, everything points to a scribe, so she expects the penmanship and materials to be of a certain standard.
Int/Investigate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Rakish's comments about the name Soares seems likely. (See Discussion thread.) And script and paper would definitely point to a scribe or learned person to say the least.

Anything else before we move on to the next? The innkeep passes your message to a messenger boy to take to Knight Burral.

I'm good. Also, regarding discussion thread, I wanted to give my thoughts as a player, but it's not something Rakish would be prone to discuss.

It is an easy conclusion to jump to, as it didn't seem to have been a note that was stolen, but rather was addressed to the 'elf'. But I understand.

"I think the Whisperer was involved with the Cult of the Dragon, a spiritual leader of some sort, how bothersome not to have access to look all this up and confirm."
...
"So where to next? Our instigator seems to be someone educated with connections to the Cult of the Dragon, but that doesn't narrow anything down for us much..." Krissina pauses a moment to think.

"It's a shame we killed this Soares, he may have at least known something more - the note had a familiar tone, it looks to me like he was more than just contracted muscle. Presumably they had worked together before?"

Well, the writing on the note. It's like how cooks prepare recipes yeah? I mean there are certain techniques and seasonings that are always predictable whoever is the cook. Like Lidda always adds too much salt. What I mean is, maybe the librarian or someone can recognise who might have written the note? Glenda suggests.

The library will bring us answers.

So, heading to the library, are you intending to talk to the Master Scribe again? Or would you like to conduct a little more of an investigation?

What are the other investigation options? Also, I don't think we want to talk to the master scribe, just a random scribe to see if they recognize the hand writing.

The is the Master Scribe, and you know of one more, the head of the library, Master Opanrael, the person so referenced by Aya Glenmiir (elder half-elf wizard). There are also several lesser scribes and librarians. It is more likely that a lesser scribe would have a better chance than a librarian to recognize another scribe's handwriting, but there is always a chance.

You lizardmen recover fast! I haven't even finished me ale! Well, back to the library? Let's try one of the lesser scribes first before to one of the head cooks... I mean, librarians Glenda says.

You arrive at Mantor's Library. The place is relatively quiet, but it always has been by your recollection. Like last time, you are approached by a young librarian, Are the masters and mistresses here to see the Master Scribe again?

"No not just now, perhaps you can help us. Do you think you could identify a scribe by something they have written? Or do you have a library of works by current scribes we can compare against?"

The librarian frowns and speaks with deference, That would be most difficult, mistress. Our scribes are taught to make perfect copies. Their personal hand is rarely seen, but for missives. The only personal hand that we have cause to see regularly are the Master Scribe and the Master Librarian.

You will view this and tell us if you recognize it. It matters not if it is from someone living or copied from some past writer.

The librarian flinches a little, but looks at the note, I... I do not recognize it, but perhaps the Master Scribe would. It looks neither like the Master Scribe's nor the Master Librarian's. I... I think this is most definitely the ink that we use here, though. I do hope that helps, if only a bit.

Copy perfectly? How dull! That's not putting your personality into it! That'd make every stew the same! Glenda says.

What about this Soares or Whisperer? Know anything about them? Glenda asks. She pats the fish in its pouch.

The librarian wrinkles his nose a bit, Our scribes take their responsibility seriously. Any fool that can write, can copy a book, but people come to us to make faithful representations.

He looks a little embarrassed at his outburst, I apologize, lady lightfoot. We take our positions very seriously.

In regard to Soares... Neither of those strike a chord. But then, my specialty is Calimshan and the South. I wish I could be more help, but perhaps the Master Scribe could help you more. I would advise seeing the Master Opanrael, but the Master Librarian is extremely busy and does not see anyone, except by appointment.

He looks off in the direction an approaching librarian, Please excuse me, I must take my leave of you.

Not the most helpful fellow... Glenda says.

Insight: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Insight: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Rakish growls, and moves to block the scribe's exit.

Your scent brings apprehension. Your sweat brings fear. You will tell me why.

The young librarian lets out an audible meep, T-two of our scribes have gone missing! The Master Librarian is calling all hands to search.

What are their names? Who are they? I'm guessing they had something to do with the thefts! And did they use... BLUE INK? Glenda says.

He cocks his head, All of the scribes here use blue ink, why do you ask?

Sorry, I was mistaken, one was a scribe and one was a librarian.

He continues to say, The librarian's name is Garda... Greenleaf. The scribe, I don't know well, but Master Opanrael says his name is Ellison.

"If it's not too much trouble, perhaps we could see where they work? Or if they have quarters here, could we see those? Also, why blue ink?"

The hands that wrote this letter are the hands which are responsible for the librarian and the scribe, Rakish claims.

The librarian seems to scrutinize you, Perhaps you should see Master Opanrael first. I have no authority to give you free reign over the library. I am sorry.

All right, let's see him then. If he loves books as much as I love pies I'm sure he'll want to get to the bottom of this! Glenda says.