TBSI Episode 1: Our Story Begins...

## The Story

Returning from their not-date at The Blue Boar Inn with the druid Annelle (and Ursin babysitting), Misha delivers a possible lead for the party to follow on identifying the scroll rods they've stolen. There is a scholar at the Library named Master Keelo Ornus who might know something that will help them.

Mirabella, Misha, and Valen decide to head to the Library to get more information on the scroll rods, baked goods in hand from The Half-Baked Tart. Brox heads off on their own to talk to a guy. On their way, Misha notes that a storm is on its way.

Outside the library, they encounter Lumi performing there. Mirabella tips her with a cupcake. Misha tips her with a flower. Valen realizes Lumi is being monitored by no less than four younger members of The Thieves' Guild and covertly informs Lumi to get inside the library while tipping them with the coins gathered from the original stolen satchel. Colluding with Valen, Mirabella tosses a batch of cupcakes, blames it on a local uppity apprentice kid, and starts bawling as a distraction to get Lumi to safety. Misha assists in the emotional chaos by blaming the apprentice as well. A city guard tries to step in to offer Mirabella and Misha assistance but mostly just is there for emotional support for a moment, uncomfortable though he is.

Lumi goes inside The Drachen Falls Library while Valen covers for them on their way in as best they can. Valen tells Lumi to take a seat while they wait for the others. When the others join them, Lumi introduces herself to everyone. Misha compliments Lumi's singing. Valen asks a few questions of Lumi trying to get to the bottom of why the Thieves' Guild would be interested in Lumi. Mirabella introduces herself, and gives Lumi back her cupcake. Valen gives Mirabella a handkerchief to blow her nose, which she does very loudly. Misha invites Lumi to join them because Valen suggests it might not be safe outside the library.

At the front desk, Misha speaks to the librarian about seeing Master Ornus. The librarian goes to check with him about seeing the party. Valen pokes their head out the door and notes that the members of the Thieves' Guild they spotted before are lingering around outside the library and remains cautious. The librarian returns and sees them to Master Ornus's office, Lumi choosing to come along with them.

The party slowly describes the item to Ornus, trying to glean information without giving him enough to get him in trouble. It doesn't take long for him to catch on that it's a sketchy situation. The master seems wary of the party, seeing as their description is vague and hints at danger, but seems to show a little more interest s they start describing the scroll rod finials. He seems mostly disinterested but has them go fetch the scroll rods so he can take a look, telling them if they're not back in a given time period, he will be having a drink at the nearby bar, The Inkstone Tavern. The party decides to go to the tailor Razzmandias Grumm's where the rods are being kept. They invite Lumi to tag along and, after some gentle reassurances, Lumi decides to follow their lead.

Upon collecting the rods, they place them in Misha's quiver with her arrows, then gather some scrap fabric to pretend them have them in the bolts of fabric as a misdirection with a plan to rendezvous at The Inkstone if things go wrong. They make it back without any issues, though a storm has rolled in and the weather has taken a change for the worst. When they return, Keelo takes a look and informs them that they are in the possession of a rare artifact set known as The Scroll Rods of Viz Kadesh and tells them about Viz Kadesh, a Dwarven mage who used them as part of a device used to control dragons. They ask a few questions about how they might deal with what they have, but the scholar insists he can't help them any further but might know people who could. He indicates it would be difficult and dangerous to destroy them.

As they wrap up, a knock sounds at the door and the librarian says someone is there to speak to Keelo. When the party asks if he's expecting anyone, he says he isn't. Everyone is unsettled. The sage tells the person to come back another day with a shout through the closed door, and opens a hidden side door so he and the party can leave by other means where they might not be seen.

## Notable Characters

* Mirabella Rosehip Heartblossom
* Misha van Dyne
* Valen Aloro
* Lumi
* Keelo Ornus
* Razzmandias Grumm
* Viz Kadesh

## Notable Locations

* The Blue Boar Inn
* The Drachen Falls Library