ATCL14.4 Other Establishments

If the players want to visit some of the other buildings in Cipello they can. There may be restrictions, for instance, only Mage's allowed in the Mage's Guild, and only theievces invited to enter the Thieves Guild.
Assess on a one by one basis.

Mage's Guild

Asus and Suilven talk to Zalman about an artifact they heard mentioned in the dungeon between Malachar and Kaelithra. It seems to be important to the Elves, but they didn't catch much more than that. While they are in Cipello, it would be worthwhile Zalman doing some research in the Mages Guild.
Zalman approaches the Mage’s Guild in Cipello, his cloak billowing slightly in the crisp morning breeze. The guild’s walled garden exudes an air of mystery and tranquility, with its magical wards faintly shimmering in the light. Passing through the iron gate, he entered the large building, which appeared far grander inside than its modest exterior suggested. The faint hum of magical energy hung in the air.
Inside, Zalman was greeted by a human wizard who introduces himself as Calderian Voss who, despite his youthful appearance, has the weariness of someone who had spent too many nights pouring over books.
“How may we assist you today?” the wizard asks, adjusting his spectacles.
Zalman explains his purpose—a vague reference to a "Shard" mentioned in a conversation between some aquantiances, and his hope to find more about its significance. He refrains from sharing too many details, wary of possible influences in the guild.
Calderian directs Zalman to the guild’s library, an expansive, candlelit chamber filled with towering shelves of ancient tomes, scrolls, and magical artifacts. The room smells of aged parchment and faintly of burnt herbs, and a dwarven mage, muttering to herself, waves dismissively as he enters.
As he scoured the shelves, Zalman seeks anything that might hint at a magical shard, focusing on elven history and artifacts. After hours of flipping through texts—his fingers dusty with grime from handling neglected tomes—he stumbles across a reference in a book of elven lore.

Search for historical evidence of Elven Shard
Zalman awarded for Arcana DC25

The passage described an artifact known as the Aeolian Shard, an ancient relic tied to the Elves’ elemental mastery and spiritual heritage. The text mentioned it as a "keystone of harmony" among the Elven kingdoms, said to resonate with the melodies of nature itself. However, the details were sparse. There was no description of its current location or its exact power. The passage hinted that the Shard had been lost during a cataclysmic event ages ago, its fate shrouded in mystery.
Frustrated by the lack of further detail, Zalman tries questioning the guild members, but they offer little beyond vague remarks. “Elven artifacts are not our specialty,” Calderian said apologetically. The dwarf mage merely grumbled something about “pointy-eared nonsense” and returned to her work.
As the day wears on, Zalman emerges from the Mage’s Guild feeling a mix of accomplishment and frustration. He has a name— The Aeolian Shard —and confirmation that it held great significance to the elves, but little else. The mystery of why Malachar and Kaelithra would be interested in it deepens, leaving Zalman with more questions than answers. Perhaps Asus might shed more light on its importance.

Parent Plot

ATCL14 In Cipello