"Well"  Grobbik snaps open his eyes.  The exercise had been successful in one thing certainly, his environment had evaporated away entirely for a small while.  He had nearly forgotten that he was sitting in the classroom in small chair across from Brother Loke, attempting to find why he was so unable to conduct any magic other than that of water and ice.  "Usually blocks of these sort are self made".  Loke continues, "The mind reacts to some unnatural event or fear by creating limitations to block itself from creating the same fear.  When I was examining your aura I saw a certain possibility of expanding your abilities, though it won't be quite as easy as just believing you can do it." Loke glances upward and wafts his open hand upward lazily to exaggerate the word.  "There are potions that would help you to discovering new abilities - I believe I may even have most of the ingredients for one of them, but it would take time, and I would expect you to gather the remaining ingredient, which may prove to be more difficult than the rest of the endeavor all together."  Loke considers his words for a minute before continuing.  "Yes I think this may work.  If you are interested, I can start the potion quickly while you go gathering, you should have plenty of time, I'll have to mature the potion for at least three weeks before I'm ready to move on to the last stages."

"I suppose you are wondering what you would need to collect?"  Loke continues after a moment, looking at Grobbik with a half smile on his lips.  "It is simple enough, though rather difficult to find.  Do not worry, it is not dragons blood or anything as dangerous as that, I have enough of that to get along with.  What I would need is simply a magic item of most any sort to touch to the potion in its final stages.  After that it would be ready to drink.  Well, do you want me to start the process?"

OOC:  This thread is for Grobbik Feezle only

Grobbik sighs to himself.  So much turmoil at the school.  It was a competitive environment, to be sure.  And many of the kids learning magic were young in one way or another.  Surely he was, in experience and worldliness, if not in age.  Sailing had opened his eyes perhaps better than some, but none of them were really ready to be out in the world yet.  Add magic into that environment, and the results were bound to be volatile.  No adult would give a child a sword until they were ready to handle it, but many at the school had discovered their gifts before they were ready.  But then again, life never worked out smoothly anyway.  Who was really ready when challenges were thrown at them?  The real test of a goblin was rising to the occasion, like any human would.

When Grobbik looks up from his introspection, there is Brother Loke.  Grobbik did want to grow his abilities, but after all the turmoil and loss he was a bit anxious at the mention of a potion and magical items.  Still, he was curious, and couldn't help but follow up with his teacher.

"Well, yes, and no.  Wait.  Yes.  I have seen what failed spells can do, after the attack of the demon.  But even with that in mind, knowing I should be cautious, I just have to know what you have in mind.  Yes, let's do it.  "

Brother Loke nods at Grobbik's response, seemingly encouraged by his hesitant acceptance.  "Good.  It is good to have caution when dealing with the unknown.  However, take confidence in the fact that a single mage working his magic will always be more capable than any group - as I told you in the class from which the demon sprung, not to mention I consider myself slightly more capable than Andros Wilmer."  Brother Loke stands up, stretching his legs and walking halfway around the chair he had been sitting in before he turns and addresses Grobbik again.

"Now finding our item may prove tricky.  Though the monks here are quite capable, many of us have taken vows of poverty that would preclude us from owning the very items which you seek but I can think of at least one example.  Baron Graves has a necklace that he has taken to wearing that I know to be magical and it will serve this purpose exceedingly well.  Fear not, the thing will not be destroyed in the use, and we will be able to give it back as soon as it meets our purposes."  Loke pauses for a moment, thinking on the matter.  "Still, I think that perhaps just asking for it may bring much more trouble upon you than if you neglect to mention that you are borrowing it, the Baron is not often the sharing type..."

Grobbik follow what his teacher says, but stealing from the Provost of the college was a very risky thing, and not to be undertaken lightly.  The goblin became suspicious at the suggestion, and so of course he had to say something about it immediately.

"What does this necklace do, Brother Loke?  Perhaps it is powerful if the Provost of the college wears it.  I don't know that I can just steal something like that for you, without knowledge of what it does, trusting that you will use it for only it's intended purpose.  The students in this place maneuver for favor and recognition enough.  I can only imagine what it must look like among the teachers.  I would be exposing myself to severe punishment up to and including death depending on what exactly I would have gotten myself into.  You are asking much of me.  While I do trust you as my primary professor here, I am not privy to the politics here.  What's in this for me if I get caught?  And what proof do I have that you are making this request in good faith?  Perhaps we can negotiate a contract that we could put in writing to assure me at least some level of safety?"

Loke smiles slightly at Grobbik's prodding, though it seems fairly evident that it is not an entirely natural expression.  While it does not quite sour into a sneer, Grobbik could be easily convinced that the thoughts behind it are patronizing rather than kindly.

"I think perhaps you give our provost too much credit.  He is not landed, and has yet to earn the wealth that he desires so plainly.  Still, he has more of it than the vast majority of his staff, as is evident by the fact that this necklace is one of the few pieces that I know to be magical.  I cannot tell you what it does because I do not really know myself, I can guarantee to you however, that I have no intent whatsoever of using it for any purpose."

Loke pauses a moment, putting his hands on the chair back in front of him.

"Your concern for the interpretation of your actions is not misplaced, though to be fair, I have not suggested stealing the necklace, only borrowing it for enough time to serve your uses before returning it to its rightful owner.  Still, how that act may be perceived could be an issues...  For example, being caught in the Provost's chambers would likely earn detentions, being seen touching the gems likely a thorough interrogation...  Being caught with them on your person would be dicey, though death is an absurd conclusion to jump to.  Expulsion may be an option, though I doubt sincerely that it would come to that."  Loke pauses slightly on Grobbik's last words.  "I do not think a contract is possible, though if you wish, I can ask the Provost on my own to borrow the item - I think it a fool's errand though, the man is selfish and often obtuse when it comes to serving any purposes but his own.  Conversely if you do not wish to take the risk it is no concern of mine and I am happy to continue your instruction in the magic of water."

Grobbik thinks about the information Brother Loke has supplied him with for perhaps a minute.  He has a lot to think about, because of the potentially illegality of the request, and then also because of the political ramifications.  After a couple minutes he finally asks a couple questions of Brother Loke.

"I have a few questions.

If any magical item would work, why couldn't we use any old run-of-the mill power stone?  Does it have to be that specific item, or is that just the most convenient one you know of.  I ask because my family might know of something that we might be able to use.  My father is very well traveled and knows a lot of people, as does my mother.

Another question...  Perhaps we could write up a contract with the provost.  If all you need is 5 minutes of access I'm sure I could write up something that would be appropriate.  I would be glad to offer my services, depending on what he feels might be appropriate.  If we can find a way to do it that wouldn't get me expelled or worse, i would prefer that option.  I'm not above stealing or borrowing the necklace if that becomes necessary, but I have my livelihood and my reputation to think of here.  There are long term goals I need to consider, and staying on good terms with the college is preferred.

Finally, how difficult are you expecting this to be?  I mean, does he keep his door unlocked while he travels the countryside at predictable times?  Or are we talking 6 guards at all the exits with crossbows and battleaxes.  And by that I don't mean their wives.  There could be magical protections as well, which I wouldn't see given my current limitations with magic.  I don't have much skill at thievery, so you'd have to explain to me what I'm supposed to do if push comes to shove. "

"Yes,"  Brother Loke starts.  "Good question.  I do not know if a powerstone would be strong enough for the base of the potion - it is possible, but my suspicion is that it is not.  I suppose I would be willing to try if you found a common powerstone, but be warned, I do not have enough ingredients to make a second attempt, and there is no doubt in my mind that if the object does not have strong enough magic power than the whole of the potion will be ruined.  I do not think that it has to be any specific item, and if you think that your father could be counted on to provide an enchanted artifact that will suffice, you are welcome to pursue that route.  However, I can guarantee that the necklace we are talking about will fulfill the needs of the potion, which is why it comes to mind."

"If you believe that your best chance of procuring the gems is by reasoned argument with the provost, I assure you that you are deceived.  However, I will not discourage you from that route if your sensibilities deem it most appropriate.  Certainly if you ask and are turned down, you will stay on good terms in the college - but I think it will be that much harder if you attempt to acquire it through other means."

"As for the difficulty of this task, I can only guess.  Certainly, convincing him to part with it, even for a short while, will be nigh impossible.  But I think depending on how you assault the task, you may find it within a certain possibility.  I can help you with certain precautions if you would require it.  I expect that he would lock his doors, though there is no additional security in the way of magic, it is against the rules of our college to cast permanent enchantments on anything which resides here, and besides, I imagine it would be beyond his capabilities even if he should want it.  The Provost has always been mostly accomplished in flashes and show when it comes to his magic..."

Grobbik nods as Brother Loke talks through all of his points.  In response, he asks "Why can't the Provost be present during the procedure, to safeguard his property?  I don't know if you work together with your fellow mages or not, but this is an institution of learning after all.  I get the sense that it is competitive and secretive, but maybe quid-pro-quo on some learning topics might be worth the time and effort among the professors.  Do you think that might be viable?"

Brother Loke smiles at Grobbik's question though it is hard to discern much beyond the iron mask of his expressions.  "Grobbik, I will not attempt to dissuade you from the path you feel is best.  I will tell you that I think tempting the fates with a common powerstone would be foolish - but aside from that, you must determine your own path.  If you wish to try and encourage the Provost to submit his treasure than so be it - perhaps your efforts will surprise me with their outcome.  However, do not be confused.  This is an institution of learning only - we do not dabble in research of the magical arts, only the instruction of youth.  Most of the Brothers here have taken vows that would prevent their owning objects that would even be fit to be enchanged to serve our purposes.  We do not have an enchanting college here because the practice is too slow to be of much use in warfare.  Whatever your plans for the provost may be, I would encourage you to weigh the cost of failure.  But the choice as to what course you must take is yours."

AS much as Grobbik wants to try and reason through the situation that has been put in front of him, it isn't meant to be.  He feels a debt to Brother Loke, considering the professor has been responsible for basically all of his training.  Plus, his teacher had shown a willingness to try and overcome what seems like a mental block on Grobbik's part.  And, ultimately, he was curious what exactly Brother Loke had in mind.  Grobbik had many conflicting impulses when it came to the situation, but in the end it came down to an acceptance that Brother Loke had faith in no other way...

"OK, I give up.  What do I have to do?"

OOC I tried to play the negotiation to the point where it would get annoying but not overbearing.  I figure the point has been made, and I'm ready to move on.

As Grobbik asks for instruction, Brother Loke laughs abruptly.  "I have told you what is needed, acquire the necklace and I can help you.  If you are looking on instruction on how to take it, I'm sure I have no idea.  I can tell you that the Provost normally leaves his doors open so that the professors can reach him if needed.  I won't suggest how to get it, though your best option will certainly be to investigate first.  You have plenty of time for the potion to get ready so there is no need to rush."

OOC:  Sorry, post is a little rushed to try and get something up and moving - I want to give you options to get ready, but Loke won't instruct you on how to steal the necklace.  That being said, I'll give you an opportunity to roll against observation to try and glean information about the job.  If you want to continue the conversation with Loke, feel free to, otherwise I can move forward to you gathering information on your own.

In a resigned tone of voice, Grobbik responds "Yes, Brother", before he takes his leave and begins planning the necessary steps.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Tue 19 July 2016.

It was a matter of about a week for Grobbik to even start coming to terms with the prospect of taking the necklace.  He was no thief, nor did he have the necessary skills to start imitating them.  Still, he was smart enough to study the lay of the land without attracting too much attention.  Honest with his lack of skill with following, he instead take the long route, though it chafes his sense of adventure, at some points openly studying in a hallway nook, other times concealing himself in the shadows by the Provost's Office.  Over several days, Grobbik managed to find the provost's quarters (truth be told he had never thought about them much) but had also fairly well learned his schedule.  Up somewhere around 6AM, he would ready himself for the day and make the unchanging route to his office, where he would spend at least an hour, though after that things became a bit more random.  Perhaps he would spend the whole day in his office, or perhaps he would scuttle about the College, meeting with the brothers or local authorities or nobles who came to call.  Given that Grobbik had his own responsibilities during the day, his information was often incomplete, though Grobbik's impression was that the Baron's schedule was highly fickle through the daytime hours.  Likewise, the hour he returned to his chambers was not fixed, though he was certain of one thing.  Once the Provost was in his rooms he did not leave but stayed there the entire night until he started his cycle again the next morning.

It was not much to go on, but at least it was a start.  On top of that, he had gleaned something of the security...  The Office did not seem to be locked at any point during the day or night, though his chambers seemed to be locked at all times, Grobbik having tried them both at night after the Baron slept as well as during the day while he was out.  Schedule and accessibility would have to be a sizable portion of his plan.  Despite his best efforts though, Grobbik had yet to lay his eyes on the necklace itself.

It was late on a school night when Grobbik returned to his bed in the Hall of Soldiers, tired though hopeful in the prospects of his mission.  It seemed as much as ever that the roomates had drifted apart, with both Judoc and Indrid sleeping soundly, neither having wasted the thought or sleep to wonder where their roommate was spending his time.  Though when he settles down onto his bed to remove his shoes, he notices something different at his desk, a scrap of paper, and a small key that is not his...

This may help you in your pursuits.  Grobbik has barely finished a sentence before he can start to smell the note smolder and he sees a wisp of smoke curl up from a single corner.  It seems you would come to the same conclusions based on the late hour of your endeavors tonight, but now may be around the right time of day to make your move lest he wear the object during the day...  The potion is almost ready"

By the time he has finished reading, the flames are already engulfing the small note, and as he lets if fall out of his hands, the fire reduces it to ash, floating a few feet away from his bed...  Luckily it seemed no one in his room had seen the small blink of fire.

OOC:  Sorry for the lag, though hopefully all the busyness has died down at this point and we should be able to continue as you are ready.  Don't feel you have to respond directly to this post, it is more of a status update than anything else.  You've about exhausted your skill of making obvious notes without putting yourself in a compromising position.  You certainly can look to get more information, but it will likely entail either trying to A. Break into his office B. Break into his chambers or C. Engage the provost in some sort of conversation.  Any of those will need to be roleplayed.  Feel free to jump to whatever point you feel may be necessary if you want to take any of those actions.  Conversely, if you feel that there is something that you likely would have learned that I haven't covered you can ask it in OOC at any point.  Let me know where you want to go from here and we can move forward at your convenience.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:04, Tue 02 Aug 2016.

As the ash slowly settles to the floor, Grobbik considers his options.  None of them look great to him.  It seemed like the best way to approach this would be to get some sort of position that might allow him access to the Provost's quarters or office.  Quietly Grobbik decides he will ask Brother Loke for an excuse to enter the office, so he can see what it looks like and get familiar with the layout.  He couldn't just walk in on his own, but if he could get into the office he might be able to spy the amulet in question.  Perhaps he might even have an opportunity while he was there...

Though he knows he must take action soon, Grobbik decides to take the slow path towards the necklace.  He pockets the small key, imagining it will have use later but decides his best option will be to attempt to make his way into the Provosts offices on somewhat legitimate purposes.

---

The conversation had been short, and perhaps near disastrous on Grobbik's part... he had come to Brother Loke asking for a reason to go to the Provost's office, and the look on the brother's face had prompted Grobbik to add 'perhaps to deliver documets'.  Loke's smile had grown slightly as if reading Grobbik's mind but he agreed, and scrawled a few lines on a scroll before sealing it and sending it off with Grobbik with the instruction to take it to the provost's office.  The walk is not long, and over the past fortnight, he has found well enough how to make his way there.  Unsure of the exact protocol, Grobbik stops at the closed door of the office and knocks.  "Come in!"  A smooth baritone beckons from within.

Grobbik feels a strong bout of anxiety as he approaches Brother Loke with his plan.  Showing his face in the office was very risky, because it would immediately make him a suspect if something were to happen.  However, it was the best plan he could come up with, and he wanted to see the object of his search before risking it's theft.  He was no thief, so Grobbik didn't really know how best to approach this.  It was his best guess after being uneducated on the topic.

As Brother Loke discussed the plan with him, Grobbik was surprised to realize that the original plan included his discipline.  Goblins were well accepted in the broader human society, but pockets of discrimination still existed.  It made sense to send a goblin in for discipline even if he hadn't done anything.  The cover story was probably better than what he had suggested, but since he showed some initiative Brother Loke seemed to accept his suggestion.  To be honest the whole discussion was a bit nerve-wracking, since he was already anxious about the heist, and then had the possibility of discipline on top of things.

After composing himself, and thinking about how to do the whole delivery as innocently as possible, Grobbik approaches the office.  Even though he didn't have any experience with acting or lying, his experience with weapons and spells taught him that he performed best when calm.  He tried to relax as much as possible before knocking on the door.  When he was told to enter, Grobbik pushes it open in what he hopes is a nonchalant fashion, on his way to entering the room.

Grobbik pushes open the door to the administrative offices and walks beyond into a room he has only glimpsed for moments at a time from the outside.  The door he just entered lays on the south wall near the west corner.  It spans about five paces deep by ten or twelve paces wide.  The west half of the room seems to be dedicated to a sort of waiting area - various items decorate the walls.  Immediately in front of Grobbik there was a shoulder-wide painting of the college castle, its white towers dominating the cliffs even as they themselves rose like unruly scrub out of the oceans.  To his left side, it seemed the wall was dominated by an enormous charter in aging script dated to 1652 and giving the rights and authorization to construct and operate a Templar College.  Behind him and to the right there was a large couch, functional and Spartan though it certainly looked more comfortable than the seats that the students occupied in their classrooms.

The other half of the room was dominated almost entirely by a monstrous desk, the widest section of two perpendicular work surfaces carried only a ledger, nearly three feet deep and half again as wide composed into orderly grids with various scripts and scribbling in each block.  The other half carried a host of scrolls, loose paper and books, an inkwell and various tools for edging and graphing.  Sitting there, making notes on the ledger was an aging man, likely even older than Brother Loke, though his whitened hair and the edges of wrinkles seem not to diminish an impression of crisp attentiveness and acuity.  Behind the man, on the north and east wall are shelves that are built floor to ceiling and house an assortment of leather tomes, scrolls, and books, neatly arranged.  On the back wall near the middle of the room is a single oaken door which hangs slightly open.  Just higher than eyelevel is a plaque which reads Baron Edgar Graves, Provost.

From behind the desk, Brother Hiliath looks up from his notes, accounting for Grobbik in a few moment's glance.  His eyes fall on the wrapped and sealed parchment in Grobbik's hand as he pre-empts Grobbik's explanation with a single worded question, "Yes?"

Grobbik tried to put on an anxious face, but it wasn't that hard to fake since he really did have butterflies in his stomach. He had expected something more of a greeting, so he also found himself started at the lack of engagement. Given the bureaucracy required to run a college like this, maybe he shouldn't be surprised. After all, he was a goblin.  While he wasn't a second class citizen, he wasn't exactly what the commoners looked up to either.  Quietly he sighed to himself.  Then, he tried to look remourseful, while he quietly handed over the parchment in his hand for Brother Hilath's examination.

Brother Hilath grabs the scroll lightly, looking at the seal before laying it back down on the table.  "I'll assume it is for the provost?"  He asks, refraining from breaking the seal as he sits back.  "I can take it if you wish.  There's no need to bother him if you'd rather avoid it."

Grobbik winces inwardly, but grudgingly admits this could be the break he was looking for.   He tries to let a little of his fear show as he shakes his head and responds "I should do it."  He hopes that comes across as convincing, since he was just as reluctant to go in his heart as the words insinuated. He had different reasons of course, but Brother Hilath needn't know that.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Sat 22 Apr 2017.

Brother Hilath nods, handing the scroll back to Grobbik.  "He is in, knock first."

Grobbik nods in thanks, attempting to make the apprehension he felt for getting caught appear to be the genuine apprehension of a student visiting the provost.  It seems to work well enough, for the brother immediately goes back to his ledger and pen, finding his last markings as he goes into scrawling a few more lines.

Grobbik knocks at the door twice, and is answered near immediately with the provost's voice.  "Come in."

Grobbik pushes his way through the door into the office, a place that seems to be entirely formed on self indulgence.  Much like the office without, the furniture is built off of function with a small bookshelf in a corner that is stacked with a variety of leather bound tomes and books that look varied in age and wear.  The Provost's desk is large and rectangular with a few chairs in front of it, creating a barrier that goes most of the width of the room.  However, the details of the office are all focused on the man that sits the desk.  High on the wall behind him hangs a ten foot tapestry woven with exceedingly rich color and excruciating detail.  The tapestry depicts the Provost, armored, sword in one hand and helm cradled in the other as he stands in front of the Templar coat of arms.  On the adjacent wall, an oil painting is displayed, life sized of the Baron from the waist up, holding the knight's cross.  Beside that is another document, difficult to discern from this distance, though Grobbik recognizes the coat of arms of Emperor Diophrates adorning the bottom right by the signature.

Behind the desk sits the provost for one of the few times Grobbik has seen him the man is not wearing his armor but instead a richly woven doublet that opens at the collar.  His armor rests behind him, supported by a stand that almost makes the suit look to be a headless guard standing behind him in defense.  Though the provost is pouring over what looks to be a letter he looks up quickly as he sees Grobbik walking in the room.

"What is it?"  The provost says, much like his assistant he gets straight to the point.

OOC:  Roll vs. Perception.

Grobbik was nervous as he stood at the desk with brother Hylath.  He wasn't sure that he was acting convincingly.  This sort of improvisation wasn't really his experience, so Grobbik wasn't confident in his ability to pull this off. He was a sailor, not an actor. That showed in the fear and anxiety he was dealing with internally.

As it looked like his ploy was coming off, Grobbik started to relax some. Unfortunately, stressful situations like this tended to bring out his more compulsive side. During finals week Grobbik would often feel the need to chean his room from top to bottom. A clean and orderly area was a reflection of a clean and orderly mind. Unfortunately, the receptionist's area was terribly cluttered, with papers strewn everywhere across the desk. To the normal person, this was obviously the sign of someone who was very busy. However, to a goblin who has sometimes had moments of rigidity,  it tied directly into his need to order things.  It was his best coping skill, although in moments like this his fingers twitched subtly as he envisioned himself placing the papers into neat piles by date and time.

Thankfully, the secretary admitted Grobbik before he could really start obsessing about the contents of the desk. He responded meekly with a brief "Thank you" before he knocked twice, and entered the Provost's office.

If Grobbik was frightened before, seeing the Provost's office didn't make his anxiety any easier. Here was a man with custom wall weavings of him in his spotless armor. As the head of a wizard's school, he had to be an imposing man with enormous capabilities. This wasn't a man to be trifled with, as the oil painting on the wall indicated. He was likely to be perceptive and politically savvy. This wasn't a place where he could take chances.

When the Provost looks up from his paper, Grobbik swallows audibly, and then steps forward respectfully. His heart is in his throat as he extends the eocument to the provost

As Grobbik extends the small scroll to the provost, the man takes it and cracks open the seal.  In the moments that he is reading, Grobbik has just a moment to continue his search around the room.

It seems that there are few places to put something like the necklace, the desk itself was quite possible, Grobbik assumed that there were drawers on the other side that could easily hide the item he was looking for.  However, the bookshelf certainly did not hold it and there was little else in the room that was worth searching unless it was behind one of the wall hangings.

"Tsk."  Graves scoffs after only a few seconds of reading.  "Loke is a fucking madman."

Grobbik looks back at the provost, catching the glimmer of a gold chain hanging about the side of his neck.

Graves crumples the paper up and lets it land on the desk, looking up at Grobbik.  "I have enough problems staffing the Legions and the Templars without arbitrarily punishing students on his whim.  Consider yourself thoroughly chastised and please consider not tempting his retribution in the future.  Loke has more sway here than I care to admit."

And there it was. For a normal person it was in and out, the look into the office all done.  No punishment was actually required. Unfortunately, Grobbik wasn't an ordinary person. He was a goblin, yes, but that wasn't it either. In this case, it was because he was impulsive, and not really built for cloak and dagger work. At least, not yet, at this young age. Before he knew it, the words were out, and he couldn't take them back.

"I put him up to that, sir. I'm not really in trouble. May I please have a minute to explain?"