The library doors groan wider, and Professor Halloway steps in. He takes in the shaken students, the shut iron-bound book, and the black cloth in one cold sweep.
Professor Halloway
Enough. Who breached the restricted archives, and what is that thing doing on my table?
Panurge stands with the others under the dim lamps. The green flame has narrowed to a thin, wavering line, but Halloway’s eyes fix on the book as if it still whispers.
The Student
Professor, we were trying to stop it. Panurge knew what the seal was.
Professor Halloway
Stop it? You handle forbidden archives, summon panic into my library, and call it scholarship?
He reaches for the cloth without touching it, then halts short, noticing the black stain on Panurge’s hand. His suspicion sharpens into dread.
Professor Halloway
Tell me your name, and tell me quickly, before I decide this becomes a disciplinary report, or worse.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep Professor Halloway from exposing Panurge
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what Professor Halloway knows about the seal
“Step forward and explain the seal's threat to the library's safety.”
FAILURE (Good Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Panurge
Panurge takes one careful step forward and says the seal is contained, but not harmless. If the archive wanted to stay sealed, the library must not let anyone speak over the wrong name again.
Professor Halloway
Contained? You stand in my stacks with a forbidden book and a stained hand, and you instruct me on caution?
The professor’s anger lands, but it does not fully hold. His eyes flick once to the shut iron-bound book, then to the black cloth, then to the students, as if the room itself has become evidence.
The Student
He is telling the truth, Professor. The thing answered when the name was read.
Professor Halloway
Then tell me the rest. What, exactly, have you all let into my library?
That question opens a thin, dangerous seam. Halloway is still poised to accuse, but he is also listening now, and his gaze keeps snagging on the black cloth as if he recognizes the script. Panurge has not won silence yet, but he has forced the professor to reveal that the cloth means something to him.
“I ask Halloway what he recognizes in the cloth”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Panurge
What do you recognize in the cloth, Professor?
Professor Halloway
This stitching. This ink that was burned out, not washed away. It is archive-work, older than the current catalog.
Professor Halloway
And this stain, blackwater or something near it. Whoever handled this knew the old containment notes, or stole them.
The Student
He knows it. He really knows it.
Professor Halloway
The seal is not a rumor. It is a reprimand. Someone wrote a refusal around a name, then erased the name to keep the refusal alive.
Professor Halloway
That should never have left restricted storage. Especially not into students' hands.
Professor Halloway
Panurge, if you are sensible, you will tell me exactly who pointed you to this cloth.
Quest Complete
Learn what Professor Halloway knows about the seal
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Good→Great
“Does Halloway already know who brought this cloth here?”
YES (Likely, rolled 25)
Professor Halloway
I know the hand that stole this from the restricted stacks, Panurge. It was not a student, but a colleague who has been whispering about the Blackwater Seal for months.
Panurge
He is not looking for a culprit, he is looking for an accomplice to help him confront the one who betrayed the archive.
Professor Halloway
My name is Arthur, and if we are to keep this from consuming the library, we must speak plainly about who gave you that cloth.