Archivist

The Archivist is a tiefling employed by  Raphael and can be found watching over his precious collection in the Archives of the House of Hope.

Involvement

“

I see the Orphic Hammer has caught your eye. It really is a magnificent exhibit. Wholly unique.

„

— Archivist, upon observing the player character approaching the Orphic Hammer

House of Hope

Before entering the Archives,  Hope warns the party about the Archivist. She says the party must exploit his weakness to get by. She says he fears authority figures, like Verillius Receptor, a High Inquisitor of  Zariel who has official permission to audit Raphael's collection. Verillius' true form is so ghastly and mind-scarring that she takes on guises when she comes to visit. The party can exploit this by pretending to be that guise. If Hope fails to get out the name, then a successful use of  Detect Thoughts (DC 10) can be used on the Archivist to reveal the name as well.  Karlach can also introduce herself, and say that she is acting as Zariel's High Inquisitor for a similar effect, without needing a check.

Passing a DC 15 Deception check has the Archivist fully believing the ruse. Unfortunately, he cannot give access to the  Orphic Hammer /  Soul-Sworn Contract, as they are each surrounded by an impervious sphere. The sphere requires a magic code that only Raphael has. Instead, he refers the party to wait in the Boudoir until Raphael has returned. The Archivist can relinquish the pass to the Boudoir if spoken to by Karlach or successfully passing as Verillius Receptor, and then asking to see the Orphic hammer, or succeeding a DC 25 Intimidation check. Lastly he can be pickpocketed for the pass.

Attacking the Archivist, even if killing / knocking him out from a single strike and far from any witnesses, instantly breaks the  Debtor's Attire and raises the alarm.

Items

•  Boudoir Invitation
•  Security Breach

Speak with Dead

• Who are you?

  • Archivist

    Raphael's... archivist... a most important man...

• What did you do here?

  • Archivist

    Maintained... the collection... and legal documentation...

• How did you end up in the House of Hope?

  • Archivist

    Calculated... true value of my soul... then sold it...

• How can I get the Orphic Hammer?

  • Archivist

    Sweat... blood... tears...

    • Archivist

      And... every other fluid... look to the boudoir...

• How do I get the contract?

  • Archivist

    Sweat... blood... tears...

    • Archivist

      And... every other fluid... look to the boudoir...

Related literature

•  A List of Essential Personnel

Gallery

• 
  Archivist's model.

External links

• ⁠Archivist on the Forgotten Realms Wiki