Terex discovers both a forward the communication as well as a way that he could falsify the identity of any of high spirits communicating. In fact, he notices that this method of falsification is already being used by user "Narvus" as well as two or three others.
Terexaltherin notes down the false identities, and looks to see if there's any way to backtrace their communications.
Azzim reports the deceivers, saying over the link, ::I completed a general sweep of the city. It's much as we expect, but I did see a pair of deceivers. I wasn't able to get close, I wonder if they're using the device Arlo found? Should we try to capture them?::
"Im in meetings here trying to unravel this mess, the pouless is happy as they are no longer being worked to death. But this will take the next three days."
Mazra continues consulting with Lyra on organizing the Plannar Alignment Structure, mostly about the proper working conditions the Planning Bureau.
Terex continues to monitor the comm channels but it frustratingly difficult to get a location for the more important figures...
But following Azzim's lead, by early on day 2, the party is able to trace a Deceiver the Crystal Testing Bureau, a bureau organized similarly to the Planning Bureau. The difference is the bureau seems to check the crystal production of the entire city, sending back crystals considered wanting in quality. Staking out the bureau, you find the same franticness but also with an underlying feeling of anger - testers apparently eager to create hell in the lives of certain craftpeople. The Deceiver involved, impersonating a shiny metallic earth spirit and going by Ithith, seems to be the second command of the Crystal Testing Bureau but the head seems confused and apathetic leaving most decisions to the assistant.
Terexaltherin reports on his findings to the group, then 'says', Ideally we can reveal this Deceiver without revealing just how much we're tracking this group. See if there's a way to seem like we've 'stumbled onto' how something's odd, and see what crawls out of the woodwork as we push. I'll keep monitoring their communications as we do.
Monel does his best to smile ruefully, "Well, I suppose I could try my usual wise-fool approach to this character. Or we could find someone unjustly penalized (of which I think there are many) and issue a complaint. Maybe talk to our contact Mazra. If we really feel adventurous, we could threaten this character and see if they bring in reinforcements and see what the reinforcements look like... Quite few options, you think?" Doing his best humble-brag as Seelie Court Royal Investigator...
I'd say we should find those who have been treated badly by the current circumstances and start encouraging them to make some noise, Terexaltherin says, after a moment to think over Monel's suggestions. That should get our opposition talking and moving without revealing our hand too much.