While walking with Captain Longplank (and I'm guessing his companion and Henk) to the fights, Sath decides to inquire in regard to the incident on the docks this afternoon.
"Gentleman, I'm sure you've heard of our sideways run-in with Falken Drango this afternoon on the docks, I was wondering what you had heard about the incident and find out your opinions of the pirate- the charges for which he has been charged seem so out of character with everything I have heard told about him."
Astrianna looks at Hawkins strangely. "You're not shtaying in our room... how do you know where it is?"
He gives her a crooked grin.
"I guess it's 'cause I keep my eyes open," he says as he returns her look.
"Alsho." She points at him. "You owe me a drink. Not now... head's swimming."
He nods.
"Don't worry - you'll get your drink."
"But as for now, it seems like you need to get that gear off, climb into bed and get comfortable..."
It is nearing 10 pm when the group, except Dirk, leaves the inn and makes their way to the Broken Skull...
Despite being a bit leery about going to the Broken Skull, she doesn't want her friends to go without her since they will likely get into some kind of trouble.
Adriel heads to his room and doffs his Ceremonial Armor Silks, revealing his regular armor and grabs the rest of his usual ensemble. Looking like the Battle Hardened Warrior again. He leaves his pack in his room, carrying all his weapons and his coin purse only. (Though his wand is in his Quickdraw sheath as usual).
He heads back down stairs, still musing over weather his Arcane pool was enough on it's own to win if he were to enter himself. Then decided against it. He spent enough time getting into fights with stakes far greater than coin already. Plus, no need to mess up his handsome face.
While walking with Captain Longplank (and I'm guessing his companion and Henk) to the fights, Sath decides to inquire in regard to the incident on the docks this afternoon.
"Gentleman, I'm sure you've heard of our sideways run-in with Falken Drango this afternoon on the docks, I was wondering what you had heard about the incident and find out your opinions of the pirate- the charges for which he has been charged seem so out of character with everything I have heard told about him."
"We spent most of our day either securing the ship and repairs or at the fights. We heard Darius assisted the Dragoons and tried to apprehend Falken. Now, Falken's a pirate, he's given me chase once but never managed to board my ship." He slaps Henk on the back. 'He is greedy but he is not ruthless. I suspect, but have no evidence, that he didn't kill his crew someone or something dangerous such as benthic serpent could have down that." He pauses placing a hand on his chin. "I heard his trouble began a month ago," he looks up at the waning moon a few days past full, "he was having trouble with his ship and ran her aground after a witches-breath fog blew up, carrying his ship Nightslink, onto a reef down the coast from Shaw. He left his ship, with his crew, and full cargo holds as he went back for help in port. Came back, after single-handedly crewing a stolen sloop, he found the decks a wash with dried blood but the holds full. Then the dragoons set upon him, he killed a couple but got away for a few days."
The crowd entering the Broken Skull is impressive, clearly a popular place to be, when you make your way inside there is raw savagery aura to the place. It's near riotous atmosphere and there's a loud roar as a man's head is knocked backwards, his feet fly several inches off the ground, then his body thumps hard on the bloodied canvass mat. He doesn't move.
The smell of sweat, thick smoke, urine, and copper permeates the olfactory senses. Two man, one skeletal the other saggy flesh are stacked to crosses across the way, clear evidence that punishment for being caught cheating is harsh. Customers simply ignore, lean against, or hit the remains.
Astrianna changes out of her nice clothes and into her studded leather armor clumsily, but successfully. She gulps down quite a bit water and re-fills her canteen from a pitchter, giving her head a shake. The bard belts on her sword and slings her bow case across her back, followed by her haversack.
She walks more or less functionally but it's pretty clear to anyone observing that she was drunk. The bard sticks close to Embri and leans on her briefly now and then. Astrianna looks at the Captain curiously. "Nightslink wash his ship? I thought Father Trafalgar said it was the Wave Riders... That what his crew was called? You know whereabouts he landed?" She gives Darius an elbow. "Hey crime-stopper, you should ask your new dragoon friends where Falken's ship is at. Bet it's a nice one."
The bard has sobered up a little by the time they walk to the Broken Skull, and can maneuver through the crowd unaided. She wrinkles her nose at the malodorous atmosphere "Shelyn's tits you see those guys on the wall? Cap'n wasn't kidding!"
The savagery intrigues her greatly, a grin spreading across her face as she witnesses a man go flying across the arena and fall to the mat. "Oooh this is gonna be great!" The bard slaps Henk on the back. "I'll be a-cheering for you Henk. I think I'll even make up a little chant just for you- Bet I can get the whole place singing it."
Adriel raises an eyebrow at the gruesome display of tye cheaters.
You know, it's sights like this that remind me why I have so much trust in the goodness of mankind. And it's why I don't mind killing people for a living....if I show up at your door, you did something to put me there.
The bard laughs at Adriel, giving him a hard slap on the back. "Humans are gonna inherit the world at this rate elf, and they'll keep you plenty busy in the process."
Sath looks at Adriel and chuckles- "Oh, so you're Not a psychopath then- psychopaths kill for no reason, and you kill for money?" She continues to chuckle, to cover how much she's affected by being around so much Primal Humanity.
Darius tries to enjoy the festivities as best he can, given his situation. When he can, he pulls the Captain aside and asks, "So who, aside from the pirate, would likely want me dead for my actions? It makes no sense to me, but you know the Razor best."
Astrianna looks to Henk, clearly excited. "Where do we make bets at? When's your fight?"
"Well," He says in a hushed tone, "Port Shaw has it's web of intrigues. It could be a simple as merchant, one who thinks you are helping the dragoons and perhaps Falken owes cargo or monies to, or perhaps, someone who thinks you were helping Falken and orchestrated the breakout." He shakes his head. "Don't know now...too soon to tell, but you may want to look up Father Trafalgar for assistance, he has his ways or go to the Run Aground good people there." He gets ready to head in, "I'll ask around."
the Captain will motion towards a couple betting agents that are located in the tavern, "Lesser fights limit are usually under 500 gold, it scales up and well."
Astrianna has an excited grin on her face. "Let's make some gold friends! I'll be right back..." She asks for the odds on the next fight and attempts to flirtatiously squeeze some information out of the betting agents about what the next two combatants.
Inside, the roar of the crowd deafens, and the tables are arranged haphazardly around a ring in the center of the establishment. The meaty, unmistakable sound of fist on face resounds from within, echoed by cacophonous cries of savage joy from the crowd.
Sath looks at Adriel and chuckles- "Oh, so you're Not a psychopath then- psychopaths kill for no reason, and you kill for money?" She continues to chuckle, to cover how much she's affected by being around so much Primal Humanity.
Adriel smiles at Sath, No my dear, not a Psychopath. Just a realist. There are plenty of ways to make money in this world. MOST of the time I am a bodyguard for those who can pay and I don't ask too many questions. Usually that means I protect scum from other scum. I don't MAKE anyone attack my client. Usually one good slash and freezing your feet to the floor is enough to deter an attacker...but if someone continues, well I do what it takes to stop you. Only ever twice have I actually had to kill the man paying me. One time it was a merchant who paid me for protection while he went through a hamlet to off all the poor folk who owed him money. He managed to kill one till I realised his intent. Then he suddenly left a note, forgiving the hamlet their debt and he was so racked with guilt for what he did he stabbed himself in the stomach 4 times and cut his own throat. The other time it was a guard captain who wanted an eye on his back when he went whoring. After he'd finished with the woman he thought he'd try her 5 year old child. Then he passed out inexplicably and woke up, tied up for the sewer rats.
The elf looks almost apologetic.
I dont make the world this way, Salt.
The betting agent looks at Astri and with pursed lips replies, "The next tw'match's are even munna a couple toughs try'in ta move on. Limits a hundred gold der." A skinny little man walks up to him and whispers in his ear. He simple nods. "Th'one after is nam'd event a man fought well t'day and is takin' on local fav' Dugan. One gold will pay your coin back plus 15 percent gold on the challeng'r."
Even money for under-card opponents. Limit 100 Gold.
The five Local champions:
The five local favorites have limits up to:
-1000 gold for Dugan, Varion and Grunner.
-2000 gold for Amory and Jin.
Dugan: A bet on the challenger who wins has a 15%. So a 100 gold will pay out 115 gold
Varion Drakemoor: A bet on the challenger who wins has a 25% payout. So 100 gold pays out 125 gold.
Brunner Hammerfell: A bet on the challenger who wins has 50% payout. So 100 gold pays out 150 gold.
Amory Fairbanks: A bet on the challenger who wins has a 100% payout. So 100 gold pays out 200 gold.
Jin: A bet on the challenger who wins has a 150% payout. So 100 gold pays out 250 gold.
David after your comrades leave to go to the fights you notice most of the people at the inn have left or retired to their rooms. It is after 10 pm. There are one of the two tables of dragoons has left for the night but there is still a table of four finishing after dinner drinks. There are 7 people at the bar, 5 men and 2 women. Several appear to know each other while 3 look like they are on their own. The owner is hustling about talking to wait staff and help giving directions as the place gets cleaned up.
Darius listens to the betting payouts, and decides to watch one of the fights before taking part in any gambling. He wanted to see how these things were run before wagering any serious coin.
Astrianna grins and nods before slapping down 25 gold to get her feet wet on the next fight.
"Hmmm, this seems like an unsavory place... should be fun." Sath thinks to herself as she makes her way through the room- "Henk is fighting Dugan, correct?" she asks the captain.
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Paul considers options as his companions leave to go watch a fight.
While he’s interested in a good sparring match, he feels that it would be better to have better gear and equipment before heading out. Given the late hour, it seems that it is likely too late to do any real shopping at this time; but he is curious.
Heading down to the general tavern he approaches the barkeep –
”Evening,” he says pleasantly.
”Whiskey, if you got any,” he says to the bartender with a friendly smile.
”I’ve heard tell that there are a few decent places to buy goods and gear around here. I’m looking for weapons, though; and possibly magical items as well… You got a line on where to find that stuff?”
”Good stuff, I mean – I’m not looking for junk but the real thing a particular shop or something like that?” he asks.
As he sips the drink and listens to answers, something occurs to him.
”Hey, I heard tell that a lad escaped from the law today and there was a ruckus about it… I heard most of the folk around here seemed pretty supportive of the lad that ran off, except for the law, I guess,” he says with a smile.
”You got any notion on why the law’d be after a man that most folk seem to think is innocent? I mean – why bother hunting down a good man unless they had a reason… I just can’t think of a good reason is all…” he muses.
”Any ideas on why they may have done that? I mean – why the locals would have called a man innocent if he were really guilty, and if he was guilty, why would the authorities want to crack down on the man?” he asks casually.
Astrianna grins and nods before slapping down 25 gold to get her feet wet on the next fight.
Darius walks up notes Astrianna place a bet, and says, "Put 100 gold on the same fighter for me, 'Keeper. I trust the ladies instincts," handing over the coin. He takes his receipt and keeps it in hand as he waits to see the fights results.
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The first two fights run the following odds:
groon 1 (-135)
groon 2 (+115)
So pick you poison. I'm going to hand wave the results with a dice roll, rather than go through the rounds. When the favorites fight I'll be more detailed.
As far as Henk fighting Dugan the odds are:
Dugan (-245)
Henk (+185)
”Whiskey, if you got any,” he says to the bartender with a friendly smile.
"Rhinohus Smoke,"" she pours teh whiskey, "Best we have...2 gold." She smiles.
”I’ve heard tell that there are a few decent places to buy goods and gear around here. I’m looking for weapons, though; and possibly magical items as well… You got a line on where to find that stuff?”
”Good stuff, I mean – I’m not looking for junk but the real thing a particular shop or something like that?” he asks.
"Well, Jaspar Jak's has good gear...descent prices but everyone who wants quality enchantments needs to pay the premium that SS levies....he is the best and he knows it."
As he sips the drink and listens to answers, something occurs to him.
”Hey, I heard tell that a lad escaped from the law today and there was a ruckus about it… I heard most of the folk around here seemed pretty supportive of the lad that ran off, except for the law, I guess,” he says with a smile.
”You got any notion on why the law’d be after a man that most folk seem to think is innocent? I mean – why bother hunting down a good man unless they had a reason… I just can’t think of a good reason is all…” he muses.
”Any ideas on why they may have done that? I mean – why the locals would have called a man innocent if he were really guilty, and if he was guilty, why would the authorities want to crack down on the man?” he asks casually.
...
"That depends you're talking too, it sucks to be robbed on the sea but Falken didn't harm you if you gave him your stuff. he's still a killer and thief. Other's think he's innocent of the charge, it's all a point of view. Besides if he didn't do this crime who cares, he did others."
You notice one attractive customer looks at you when you ask about the pirate. She is drinking a goblet of wine. She smiles when eye contact is make, not turning from you gaze.
"Rhinohus Smoke,"" she pours teh whiskey, "Best we have...2 gold." She smiles.
"Thanks," he says, returning the smile.
After David offers his question, he listens to the woman's response about gear, offering her the coin as he drinks the whiskey.
"Well, Jaspar Jak's has good gear...descent prices but everyone who wants quality enchantments needs to pay the premium that SS levies....he is the best and he knows it."
He nods.
"Jaspar Jak, eh? Well, if he's got the goods, that makes sense he'll put a little higher price on things..." he says with a polite smile.
He thinks a moment and a thought occurs to him about buying gear at that guy's place.
"Say, uh... Is this Jaspar the kind of the guy who's open to a little haggling? I mean - if a lad's offering to buy goods in bulk, or something like that, does he come down a little on price?" he asks her thoughtfully.
David isn't sure about this Jaspar fellow, but he has had some experience with negotiating prices with people in the past; doing what it takes to get good gear. Maybe he'd get lucky with this guy too, especially if his entire crew was buying weapons and armor all in bulk...
As David downs the whiskey and listens to her answer about negotiating, he then decides to ask about this Falken lad and all the stuff that happened to him on the dock, curious to know what she has to say about him...
"That depends you're talking too, it sucks to be robbed on the sea but Falken didn't harm you if you gave him your stuff. he's still a killer and thief. Other's think he's innocent of the charge, it's all a point of view. Besides if he didn't do this crime who cares, he did others..."
David nods, and grins.
"Well, some folk say there's 'Honor among Thieves' - but I guess you're right... That don't make theft legal," he says with a nod, clearly trying to make her feel comfortable by not trying to argue with her sentiment.
As he picks up the bottle and pours another glass of whiskey, he glances over his shoulder and notices a smiling customer with a glass of wine.
Picking up the bottle he moves over to her and nods to the chair by her.
"This seat taken?" he asks the woman with a friendly nod.
Feeling confident in the abilities of Henk and also wishing to show her faith in her former crewmate, Sath goes up to the the betting window.
"50 Gold on Henk"
She takes her bet stub and then goes back to her group.
Seeing Darius put down 100 gold, she decides to up her bet on groon 2 to 50 gold. "Just getting our feet wet Darius! I have a good feeling about the underdogs today- lets make some coin!"
Adriel was still stewing that he'd not be able to enter himself, but is not so in his own head that he won't bet on Henk.
100 gold on Henk
The bartender shrugs with the question about haggling. "Not my business." Clearly not the person to ask.
Random determination on the first fight, highest dice wins.
Fight 1
favorite wins
Fight 2
underdog won.
Astrianna curses with disappointment as the first fight immediately ends with a ridiculous round one knock-out punch. "Aw come on! Does that guy even know how to fight?!" She yells at the ring, obviously irritated at losing her first bet.
The second fight was much better and the bard is hopping the entire time. "HIT HIM! COME ON STOP BEING A FAIRY GET IN THERE F&#* HIM UP!" She cheers and throws her arms up in the air when the underdog finally gets a pin and savages his opponent.
The bard collects her winnings and gives Darius a slap on the back. "Well we made our coin back plus a little extra, can't complain. That first match was ridiculous he had no business in the ring."
"Agreed. Perhaps I should enter next time," Darius says with a wink.
"Glad your instincts won us our coin back in the second fight, had me worried."