2. Some Lessons Belong in the Classroom

"So the Society of Subtle Truths gave you that medallion? Interesting. I truly hope this whole thing isn't just an elaborate ruse..."

Grappling with the new information, she opens the iron gate and enters the garden of the Wisteria House. She figures this is the 'abandoned house' under which the past supposedly lies. Approaching the house, she peeks through the windows and tries the doorknob.

Kiraen smiles at Marlena, happy that is is a schepital as the rest of them. Then she takes them around the house, to ensure that the arrow is pointing at the house and not something behind it. Afterwards she puts the compass on it side to gauge the elevation of the point that the compas is pointing at.
Only then will she consider knocking on the door.

The magic Item points towards something underneath the house

Marlena looks through the windows.

The interior seems cozy, almost too ordinary. In the living room, worn armchairs and a low wooden table. A compact but fully functional kitchen stands to the side, its countertops tidy, a single teapot resting on the stove. A tiny study, lined with bookshelves, sits tucked against the far wall, its desk covered in neatly stacked parchment and an unlit lantern.

Two bedrooms branch off from the main area, each furnished simply—a wooden bed, a desk, a wardrobe. One room, however, has a window with an enchanting view of the nearby park, where fireflies dance over the grass.

The door is locked. Seems like there is nobody inside.

Kiraen searches for a basement window, a coal shut or other access to the basement.

It doesn't seem abandoned... She notes, frowning. Worn chairs, a teapot on the stove, a tidy kitchen and study... She starts to feel a bit nervous about being here.

"I'm going to keep watch," Marlena tells the others. "I'm quite sure someone lives here, so let's not take too long."

She stands outside the gate and tries to watch out for anyone that may be approaching. Though night is falling, her magically enhanced sight cuts through the darkness far better than it usually would.

Kiraen didn't find any walk-out basement, coal shut or other access. If there is any underground access, it is inside the house.

Dorian watches them peruse the house. "It's good news that they don't want to talk to us, of their home at all. You know who does that? People with secrets, and we're interested in those."

Dorian attempts to boost Kiraen's cat burglary skills.

Zix wispered to the Critic, "We don't look good snooping in there, let's keep up watch while others work."

Dorian lifts his hand, murmuring the incantation under his breath. A faint golden shimmer runs along his fingertips before stretching outward, enveloping Kiraen in a barely visible glow.

Kiraen clenches and unclenches her fists, rolling onto the balls of her feet. The change is immediate. Her movements feel sharper, smoother—as if her muscles already know what to do before she even thinks of it. Marlena, Zix, so far, there is no one around.

Kiraen knocks on the door. They were invited by the compass after all.
If no one answers, she tries to pick the lock. She has seen it done before and might even have tried her hand at it, gaining access to areas in the palace where she should not be. She was only caught once - by her father - who instructed her in how to do it without ruining the lock (and leaving a trace).

Kiraen raps her knuckles against the wooden door, standing tall as she waits. No footsteps sound from within. No voice calls out in greeting.

She knocks again—louder this time. Still nothing. Kiraen exhales, rolling her shoulders.

Fine - she thinks.

She kneels before the door, slipping a small set of tools from her belt. She wasn’t exactly an expert, but she knew enough to get past simple locks. And this was just a cottage, right?

She slides a thin pick into the keyhole, feeling for the mechanism. But as she starts to work, her confidence falters. The lock is… complex. Too complex.

The pins inside don’t shift the way she expects, resisting her every move. It’s not just a matter of difficulty—this isn’t an ordinary lock. Whoever installed it had gone to great lengths to ensure that no casual intruder would find their way inside.

After several long moments, she exhales sharply, pulling back her tools.

Kiraen takes out the scroll of Dominatio. Could I use this to unlock the door you think? The lock knows its locked and unlocked state. We want it in its unlocked state.

I can't open the lock. Perhaps with the scroll, but I have no experience with Dominatio yet. We could come back, later?
Kiraen looks to the others if they have a better idea

"I suppose another option would be to forego lockpicking and instead try to join forces to try scrying behind the barrier. But this is a very risky endeavour given our meagre experience level in the field of Perceptio. Or attempt brute force. Walking away is probably the safest option."

"i think I'll have to vote to walk away. It doesn't seem like we have the tools or ability for this right now," Marlena says, as much as she doesn't want to admit it. Her frustration is evident. However, an idea comes to her.

"Wait. This is a long shot, but try putting that medallion close to the keyhole. Perhaps it'll shift into an appropriate key?" She suggests.

Good idear Marlena!
Kiraen make words, action and places the medallion close to the keyhole.
If nothing happens then they can come back at a later date.

Unfortunately it doesn't work, but it gives Marlena the idea of ​​how to use magitech and Mutatio to create a master key.

You all agree to meet in a few days at the Firejolt Café, before coming back here.