Celestiah researches and finds out more about the Star’s Return Blades. The master who made them was Lyra Stellarum. He collaborated with an astromancer from the Etherian Academy. The noble who commissioned them was Lord Deverus. This was meant to protect his daughter from the Shadowtech Consortium. They were trying to recruit her for her natural talents in celestial magic. Lyra forged the blades under a meteor shower. The astromancer then built the blades under 3 different celestial events so they are bound to the cycles of the stars.

Lupin greases some palms and finds out some information from Xavier Copperhand, a halfling. He says that the security is extremely tight. At the Rusty Nail Tavern, after the fourth ale he says that the wards flicker momentarily when the sound changes. Prof. Helena Vale carries the key to the wards. The champaign toast at 8:30 is a good time to strike; most of the guards will be in the main hall during this time. The exhibit runs until 11pm.

Gordon goes to the Dwarves’ Guild and talks with his people. Unfortunately he doesn’t find anything.

Felric goes to the city archives and finds the building’s blueprints. The 7 main areas are the Grand Foyer, the Central Atrium (with glass dome), East Wing (pendulum is here), West Wing (manuscripts archive), North Gallery, South Gallery, and Staff Corridors. There doesn’t seem to be any sort of a second exit but we could look into the sewer layout. He tries to look into the main city’s drainage system but is not successful.

Korgrath snatches a servant and finds out that the servants will be freshening the flowers at 5:30. The shift changes every 30 minutes.

We aren’t sure that we have a plan, but we will try our best. We head to the event right on time. There are many academics here in fashionable attire, and aspiring students.

Lupin recognizes Orla Brightgear, she has a shop with precious instruments. He chats her up and she says she’s interested in the device but doesn’t know much about it. She says that the hostess was here earlier but she hasn’t seen her in a bit.

When we go by the pendulum, it creates a sense of calm here. We notice that we are feeling others’ emotions and also their thoughts. Celestiah assenses the item and the wards. She thinks that she would be able to remove them with her abilities. She sets up an illusion that makes the room look like everything is normal at the threshold of the door. She then removes the ward from around the main pedestal, and then puts a sack over the device.

Korgrath and Gordon start a brawl and draw the attention of the four guards. One of them runs out to get more help. Felric tries to stop him but fails. The dwarf and ork try to leave through the servant’s wing.

Celestiah and Lupin hoof it out of there.