"My name?" Ryder looks left and right to make sure the man is speaking to him. "Ryder. It's my first time here." He scopes out the other people at the table.
If Ryder spots anyone nearby who is obviously Chelish, he'll try to spark up a conversation: "What about you? Come here often? Chelish, eh? Here on business or pleasure?"
If there is no one who appears even remotely Chelish, Ryder will go another route... When his first bet is lost, Ryder will shout out loud, "Abadar's scorn! Might as well have bought a Chelish whore! At least I'd have some shame to take home with me!"
Ryder places another 5 gp each on 5 and 6.
There is a ton of history here, but here's the condensed version...
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Halleck IV, Emperor of Cheliax, charges Field Marshal Jakthion Korvosa with the founding of a colony in the untamed (and unexploited) frontier region known as Varisia. (4404)
Field Marshal Jakthion Korvosa led a small army against the native Shoanti tribes that inhabited the area. After a harsh winter, they set up a palisade at the mouth of a fast moving river. This palisade was built near an ancient pyramid that the Shoanti deemed sacred. Many battles were fought.. the palisade became Fort Korvosa (4407), and after the Shoanti were defeated, eventually became the most prosperous city in the new lands.
In 4606, the Cheliax patron god Aroden died bringing the Chelaxian empire to its knees. Cheliax factions formed, civil war was fought. The city of Korvosa was in a sense, cut off from the Chelaxian Empire during this time. Once the dust settled, the more traditional Cheliax left the empire to form their own colonies, while the new Cheliax remained. But the damage had been done..
In 4633, the Korvosan people voted that Lord Eodred would have his title changed to King.
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There is obviously a lot more history leading up to this year (4708), but this is the gist of what happened.
Yes the Cheliax do dress a certain way, so it would be possible to spot one that is not trying to hide his heritage.. However, since Korvosa is a split off of the Cheliax empire, it would be next to impossible to discover one that did not want to be discovered.
-
For future reference, the commonly used derogatory word for someone of Chelish decent is simply "Chel"
Chel: Mildly derogatory term for people of Chelish descent. Widely used as a contemptuous dismissal in the rest of the world. In Korvosa, the word has evolved into a hate-filled ethnic slur. Use of this word constitutes a grave affront in the city, and using it against the wrong target likely finds the offender beaten, lynched, or killed.
*Going with the Chelish Whore Comment as there are no obviously Chelish people here....
You hear a few people laugh and others cheer at the prospect of your comment. The man operating the wheel chuckles as well. "Im sure the girls at the house of clouds could pretend to be one for you if you wish" he says with a grin.
"My name is Anpugit, my brother and I run this place."
The bets are placed and he spins the wheel again.
The wheel comes to a halt, slowing past the 2,2,2 landing on the 4,4,5. (you hit on the 5)
"And we have a winner!" As he starts to dish out payments, one of the patrons becomes quite irate.
"THIS IS BULL. YOU RIGGED IT!" And he try's to take his money back from Anpugit.
The enforcer is quick to intervene... A struggle ensues and the enforcer calls in reinforcements.. They then proceed to throw the man overboard, to the cheers of the other patrons.
The man is able to swim back to shore cursing the entire time. He does not come back to the pier.
"I'm sorry about that. Some people just cant handle it when they lose. Where were we.." He proceeds to finish the payouts. "First timer, you say? That must have been quite the sight. Well, now you know what NOT to do anyway." He says with a joking chuckle.
*There is an open spot now if someone would like to take it.. otherwise it will be filled up before the next spin
Dylan was looking around to see if anyone in the crowd reacted to negatively to the whore comment. If no one reacted, Dylan will take a seat and place a bet of 5g on 3.
Dylan says in a friendly tone "Good sir, the shame would come from buying a whore...can't charm your way into a lady's good graces on your own."
Dylan says to the 'spinner' "Do you get many chelish in this establishment."
Ryder quips back at Dylan, "The only charm I need is right here in my coin pouch."
Ryder leaves his 10 gp lie on the 5 (5 gp original bet + the 5 gp won), and doubles-up by placing another 10 gp back on the 6.
Ryder responds to Anpugit's comment from before the last spin,"House of Clouds, you say? I was eyeing that place on the way in." Ryder tosses 1 gp to Anpugit, "So, who should I ask for?"
There was no negative reaction that you noticed.. some had neutral reactions, but in this place, the kind of comment Ryder made is commonplace.
You're playing it off like you don't know each other, but Anpugit has seen this song and dance before. He decides to play along.
"Ahh, a clever dig if I've ever heard one sir, and taken in stride Ryder, well done." The bets are all placed.. "Shall we spin again?"
As the wheel is spinning he answers Dylans question... "No, we don't get many Chelish patrons in here that often. But you get one or two from time to time."
The wheel rolls around, stopping on 1,1,1... (no win for either of you) "Big winner to the gentleman on table 6!" He continues payouts.
He turns to Ryder.. "If you are truly seeking companionship, Madam Halvara could set you up with one of her fine "companions". Or, if you're a real gentleman, Halvara herself could fulfill your needs."
Dylan says "Well, I don't know if gambling is for me. I think I may stroll around and check out some of the other boats. Good Day, Gentlemen."
And with that Dylan leaves to check out the next boat, C6 Dragon’s Breath Corridor—Dream the Dragon’s Dreams at Affordable Prices! Dylan orders an Ale saying "Hello Sir, Could I get an Ale over here." When the bartender arrives with the drink Dylan asks "Anything interesting happened today?" pause for answer "What else to do you have to drink, do you have a list?"
If he gets a list and prices Dylan will pick out some of the more expensive items and asks " Whoa, those are pretty pricey, who buys them?" If he replies foreign dignitaries, nobles, ambassadors or any others of interest, Dylan asks Really, any I may have herd of?"
if he gives up no names, Dylan will walk away disappointed tossing the bartender a gold coin and scope out the rest of the bar slowly sipping on his drink.
The boat isn't quite what you think it is.. but accomplishes similar goals.
This once proud vessel, the Dragon’s Breath, has been painted in gaudy red. A sign at the aft entrance reads simply, “Pass Into the Dreams of the Dragon.”
Thick, pungent smoke assails the nose belowdecks, the open interior of which is partitioned with silken curtains and filled with large beds and couches. Glossy-eyed patrons loll about and mewl, their minds burning with shiver, pesh, qat, flayleaf, and other exotic drugs.
The smoke is thick and it doesn't take you long to realize the effects will be intoxicating... You are immediately approached by a small human merely three feet tall rolling a hookah to and fro on a cart muttering.. "Get Smoked! only 5 gold!"
As Dylan leaves the Twin Tigers, Anpugit turns to Ryder, "Your friend is a terrible liar..." He then flashes a grin.. "And, perhaps an even worse gambler."
"I appreciate your subtle methods, however if there is something else you wanted to discuss we could move to a more discrete location." He nods towards the aft cabin.
Dylan scopes out the boat before heading back to the Twin Tigers to get out of the smoke before his eyes get to irritated.
*The previous perception is what I used to describe the boat scene, you wont need to roll another.
If you were looking for something in particular, say any obvious Chelish patrons, your perception did not reveal any.
You only get a few seconds to look before the short human ushers you out for not paying for the privilege. One wouldn't have to stand in the room for long before succumbing to the effects that the others have paid for.
Depending on what Ryder does, when you get back to the TT, he may or may not be there still.
When Dylan leaves, Ryder thinks to himself, So much for staying within sight of one another.
Ryder leans in towards Anpugit to see if he'll let on more of what he's getting at... Ryder plays dumb and whispers, "...like, how to convince this Halvara I'm a 'real gentleman'?"
If Anpugit suggests something to the effect that he recognizes what we're really after, and that he might be of assistance to us, then Ryder will say, "Ah... yes... something more discrete indeed... can my friend come too?" If Anpugit indicates a friend can come, then Ryder will stand up and motion to Amendithas (tee-hee) for him to follow us to the aft cabin (since Dylan isn't around, and I presume Amendithas is still milling about the area somewhere. Ralof can just continue to mill about un-associated for a while).
If Anpugit objects to Ryder bringing a friend, Ryder will ask, "How do I know I can trust you?"
"You convince her with your coin-purse" He says with a sly grin. "But, I take it you're here for something else... Information perhaps?" He motions for someone to take over the wheel.
"Your friend can indeed come along, the enforcers are just a whistle away." He then nods to his brother to also come along.
*He didn't object, so your last sentence didn't come into play, however, since you already rolled a sense motive, I'll use it.
You get the sense that he sees this as an opportunity to make a little cash from selling information.
He leads you into the aft cabin and sets up a couple of chairs...
"Now what exactly did you need to know?"
"We have reason to believe that there is a certain high profile individual who is plotting to undermine the entire economy of Korvosa so that he can subsequently buy up large portions of our fair city. This would mean people out of work, unable to make ends meet, much less have anything to spare in an establishment such as yours... We know this individual to frequent Eels End... Now let me ask you, would you help us expose such an individual, even if you knew him to be a 'loyal customer' of yours?"
If he answers positively, and asks what's in it for him, Ryder, will say, "Is not the stability and well being of the Korvosan economy motivation enough?"
If he balks at that idea, "We're prepared to pay for information, but that depends on what you know, or if you can put us in touch with someone who can... Maybe the person that runs this whole place?"
"What happens to the economy of Korvosa is of little concern to me. No matter how bad things get out there, people will always look for the quick coin. They can find that here. And, if a certain individual is gaining property through backhanded deals, who am I to argue? I encourage the practice. But, as far as my 'loyal customers', they come and they go, yet my operation nary skips a beat. The only constant in this world is gold. It alone is the only one loyal to me. And, way more loyal to me than someone of, say.... Chelish descent?"
He pauses a second to confirm the look on your faces confirms his suspicions..
If you try to bluff him, he will sense motive.
If you don't bluff him he will continue... "I know of whom you seek, for 100g I can help you out."
If you succeed in bluffing him. "You tell me what you need, and I may be able to help you out.. For a price of course."
Amendithas sees Ryder move to the aft cabin with the wheel operator and moves to join them.
During their discourse, he wonders whether a little brutal force would help to loosen Anpugit's tongue. Remembering the overabundance of enforcers, he decides against this tactic.
When talk turns to the topic of gold, Amendithas keeps his mouth shut and tries to look as noncommittal as possible. He hopes Ryder can use his wiles to coax the information out of Anpugit.
ralof will try to bluff to anpugit
When Anpugit mentions "Chelish decent", Ryder grins. "I think we're on the same page. What do you know of Gios Amprei?"
If Anpugit demands payment first, Ryder will say, "I'm not going to pay you for something I don't even know you have yet, but be assured I'm good for the 100 gold if what you can tell me is useful." Ryder will draw 1 pp from his coin pouch as a show of earnest, and lays it on the table in front of him (if there is one, else Ryder will just hold it).
*as far as I know Ralof didn't follow to the aft cabin.. Only Amendithas and Ryder went there. Ralof is free to check out the games or the other ships if he wishes.
Anpugit says, "I know he comes to Eel's end every few weeks. He visits Devargo for approximately 5 minutes, then he leaves. All the while with a defeated look on his face. He comes, he goes, but he never spends any time enjoying some of the more delightful aspects of Eel's End."
He Continues, "What you need is an audience with Devargo. But, he doesn't see just anyone. And saying, or doing the wrong thing can get you killed. I can get you in to see him, but it will cost you."
He taps the table in front of the platinum piece.
Ryder slowly slides the pp over to Anpugit, "Does this include a lesson on how not to get killed?" ... "Who is this Devargo, and do you have any idea why Amprei is visiting him? If they're working together, Devargo is unlikely to help us, in which case you've been of no help to us either."
"Devargo? You definitely are not from around here. Devargo runs Eels End. Nothing goes on here without his say-so. And no, I do not know what they discuss when Amprei visits."
He pauses, "But, Devargo has allegiance to no-one. They could be working together, but if you play your cards right, you could convince him otherwise."
He leans back a bit. "So, what say you, do we have a deal? 100g and I get you in, and tell you what you need to do to get in his good graces."
"It's a deal, but... " Ryder grips the pp tightly, ...to incentivise you, I'll pay you half now, and half after we all come out of our meeting with Devargo alive - it's our asses on the line, after all, not yours. If Devargo helps us, I'll pay you even more than that."
If Anpugit agrees to the terms, Ryder will hand him 50gp.
Anpugit thinks for a bit... "Yeah, I can agree to that."
After he accepts and counts out the 50gp, he then quips, "After all, if he kills you I'll probably get a cut of the profits anyway"
"Now, listen up. Devargo is currently auditioning for new enforcers. If you want to get on his good side, don't be overly antagonistic with him. Show him the respect he thinks he expects in front of his men and you're in. He loves when he can demonstrate just how 'important' he is in front of new recruits."
He continues, "As you can see from the options here at Eel's End, he enjoys his entertainment. Some more traditional, and some a little more unorthodox... If he finds you entertaining that will certainly help your cause." He rises up from his seat. "Now, as I said, Devargo has allegiance to no one. If you provide a better offer than the one he's getting from Amprei, that will go a long way."
"Shall we go?"
Dylan gets back to the TT and goes to the bar and orders a drink and waits for his companions to return.
"Yes, let's go, but allow me to assemble my companions"
Once out on deck, Ryder will motion to Dylan and Ralof to join him.
If an opportunity arises for Ryder to consume his antitoxin unnoticed, he'll take it, but won't risk being seen doing it. Similarly, if Ryder knows the meeting to be immanent and has a similar opportunity to cast Detect Thoughts from his scroll unnoticed, he'll do so.
Amendithas will follow Ryder from the aft cabin to join the rest of his comrades.
Dylan leaves his drink at the bar and heads over to Ryder. "I would not recommend the next ship. You can hardly see anything in there."
Ryder will nonchalantly excuse himself for a moment while the 'party' is assembling itself. Ryder will find an area away from the commotion, perhaps at the edge of the boat looking out, and will cast the Detect Thoughts spell, if he thinks he's found a place he can do so without raising suspicions.
DC4 CL check for Ryder to activate a 2nd level spell scroll...
DC 5 wisdom check to avoid a mishap...
You gather together after Ryder subtly attempts to cast detect thoughts via the scroll. Perhaps the attempt to do so without raising suspicion interrupted his concentration. Anpugit then leads you across the platforms leading south then west. (you briefly board another ship as you make your way over to the main warship.) The Enforcers know Anpugit and allow him to escort you to the aft cabin where a set of double doors await you. Anpugit opens the doors….
This large room, once a captain’s cabin, has been converted into a throne room of sorts. The walls are thick with spiderwebs, in which scuttle dozens of spiders— some as large as a fist but most considerably smaller. These spiders seem content to stay in their webs and do not venture into the room itself, which is furnished with two sturdy oaken tables surrounded by chairs. Aft, a wooden stage supports a large leather chair, itself covered with cobwebs and scampering spiders. A narrow door stands to port, hanging ajar and revealing a flight of stairs leading below. An iron birdcage hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier, inside of which lingers a tiny, tired-looking purple dragon.
Several men sit among the table boasting about crimes pasts and battles won. They seem to be trying to one-up each other with each and every story. Inside the birdcage, the pseudodragon looks weak and weary… its body covered in several scars.
On the throne, sits Devargo Barvasi, the self-styled King of Spiders. He is a tall man with close-cropped black hair, a warm smile, and blue eyes. He accents his black leather armor with a steel spider-shaped shoulder baldric and a thick chain criss-crossing his chest, linked together in the shape of a spider’s web. His signature weapons—gauntlets fixed with blades over the knuckles— glisten with poison. Now and then, spiders clamber over his skin, but he takes no notice.
Anpugit introduces Ryder, (the only one he bothered to ask the name of), as someone whom paid for an audience with Devargo. He then tosses a platinum piece to Devargo from the money you gave him earlier and after you enter, he takes his leave.
Devargo looks at the platinum piece. "This has bought you a few minutes. Please, come forward. What is it that you wish to speak with me about?"
Amendithas makes the perception check and can read the spoiler. Once Ralof rolls, if he makes it he can read it as well.
Others will not be aware unless you warn them somehow.
Please place yourself in the room when you get the chance.
*Edit - You can also find a picture of Devargo in my google drive folder.
As Dylan enters the room and everyone files into the positions in the room, Dylan comments "No meeting is complete with out some refreshments." Dylan gets out the bottle of silk that he bought looks for some glasses, if he finds enough he will fill them all, if he does not see any he takes a swig and passes the bottle.
Ryder follows Amendithas into the room and stands directly before Devargo, giving him a very slight yet noticable bow. Enough to show respect and appreciation for the audience, but nothing flamboyant or awkwardly out of place. "I won't waste your time or ours then. We are here seeking information about Darvayne Gios Amprei. We have reason to believe he's looking to benefit at the expense of Korvosa itself. We're willing to pay for any information you can provide that will lead to his plot being exposed."
If the bottle comes by Ryder, he'll take a healthy pull before passing it along.
I moved Ryder & Amendithas in, and Anpugit out:
Dylan takes a swig directly from the bottle (the rest of the enforcers hopefuls are drinking directly from bottles) and hands it to Devargo. It is indeed a terrible beverage.
He stares at it for a second.. Sets the bottle down, and grabs a different bottle from a shelf near his throne. He knocks a few of the webs and spiders off the bottle. They scurry back to the various webbing near the throne. "If we're going to drink, we aren't going to do it with that cheap swill. That stuff is only good for de-greasing gears and Molotov cocktails! Here, try this."
He hands the bottle back in Dylans direction without taking a sip himself.
After Ryder makes his comments about Darvayne Amprei, and the mention of money, his eyes perk up and he leans back in his throne. "So it's information you seek is it? Yes, I know of Darvayne, and I know of his secrets. I may even have evidence of a scandal that could ruin the man.... He pauses a second as if to accentuate his next words. ...Evidence he's been paying me dearly for."
Ryder will take a fake pull from Devargo's bottle if it's passed his way.
As applicable...
"Well, it's simply a matter of naming your price then. How much will it be to buy him out?"
He doesn't seem notice you faking a sip.
Devargo looks disappointed that conversation has turned so quickly to money. "While there is certainly something to be said for direct monetary negotiations, I feel as if the true art of negotiation has become lost. He raises his voice a bit as he addresses his recruits.. "Wouldn't you agree, boys?" The men all voice their agreement cloaked in forced laughter.
"Now, you see these men here?" He leans forward again and points back to the recruits. "They're all vying for a single position among my crew. To earn my favor, do you think it's really just a matter of being the strongest? The most cunning? The one whom paid me the most? Absolutely not. Negotiation is a game, an art. It never stops. And as long as one of them can impress me, it wont matter how strong, or cunning, or rich they are."
He leans back in his throne again. "But, if all you have to offer me is gold, my price is 2,200."
"Indeed, and we may be able to offer more than just gold. The monetary amount is but a starting point for our negotiation. If I were to offer you 1000 gold, how might we settle difference?"
Devargo reaches for a dagger on his belt, and hurls it past your head, embedding into the back wall next to a leather strap and two belt pouches. This takes the recruits by surprise as well as they are noticeably startled... "You could entertain me." he says with a chilling grin. He looks at his recruits "Who's up for a game of Knivesies!"
The recruits cheer and race for the dagger. #1 is the closest and grabs the dagger before the others can get to it. He also takes the leather strap and belt pouches off the wall. The recruits all stand up clearing a table and centering it in the room.
"Which of you wants to take on Kilney here?" Devargo says to you all. "I assume you know how to play? Betting is set at 10 gold!"
Two contestants stand on opposite ends of a long wooden table. Their right hands are strapped together with a boiled leather strap, belt pouches are fitted to their waists, and a dagger is stuck in the tabletop between them. The game begins after a count of ten, during which time observers can place bets by tossing gold onto the table and standing at the end of the table where their chosen fighter stands. As the game begins, each contestant makes an initiative check.
There are two ways to win Knivesies. You can either force the other contestant to fall off the table, or you can grab for the gold and drop it into your pouch. Snatching a fistful of 1d10 coins off the table is a standard action that provokes an attack of opportunity. Since each opponent has only one free hand, the first round is typically a mad lunge for the dagger, forcing the slower opponent to make grabs for gold. There aren’t any more rules beyond this; most Knivesies games devolve into tabletop brawls, with the first person to drop or touch the ground losing.
The game ends once a contestant is unconscious, dead, or knocked off the table; as soon as no coins remain on the table; or as soon as any coin is knocked off the table. When the game ends, an unconscious, dead, or de-tabled contestant is automatically the loser. Otherwise, the winner is determined by which person has the most coins in his pouch. At the end of the game, all money is emptied from the pouches back onto the table. Half the total is paid to the winner, while the remainder is split evenly among all of those who stood at the winner’s end of the table.
If you ask him how to play:
"It's simple.. We tie right hands to eachother, and you fight. You win by either knocking your opponent off the table, by killing him, knocking him out, or by having the most coins in your pouch when a coin is either knocked off the table or there are no more coins left."
Ralof looks at Devargo with puzzlement. Ralof is quick to draw a bow and point an arrow at Devargo and says, "How about you just give said guy an out?"
Devargo's Sinister smile turns into one of anger as he addresses Ralof, "I would put that away if I were you..." as he finishes his sentence, you see an eerie sight as dozens of the spiders that were previously crawling among the webbing move onto Devargo's body.
"My price just went up... 2,600." he pauses... "And your friend just volunteered to be tonight's entertainment methinks. Up on the table, Elf-Dog. Let's see if your bite is better than your bark."
Amendithas is waiting for his turn at either of the bottles being passed around.
He is quite familiar with the rules of Knivesies, having witnessed and even taken part in matches in the past. He contemplates volunteering when Ralof threatens Devargo.
Upon witnessing the spiders, his hand moves reflexively to his sword, but he stops himself from drawing it--for the moment.
Ralof looks at Devargo with pure anger and with out thinking ralof fires a arrow at him.
Right after Ralof draws his bow, Dylan yells "Hey let keep this civil, no need for violence." and Dylan steps in between Ralof and Devargo.
Ryder has seen Knivesies played before, but never taken part. It was a favorite among others who had also worked for Gaedren Lamm. Ryder is none too interested in volunteering to play. As the room is rearranged, Ryder steps away from the center of the room and watches, a little taken aback by how this meeting is unfolding. Ryder doesn't really notice Ralof draw his bow until after Dylan steps in. Ryder then, eyes wide, motions a little frantically for Ralof to stand down. Ryder turns back towards Devargo, "Umm... Knivesies, eh? Whew... I've seen it played, not really my game, but if it's entertainment you want, that I can do..." Ryder pulls his magic Sleeves off, and then puts them back on as (or simply 'changes' their appearance to) a flashy Entertainers Outfit, does a little skip-rhythm-dance (like 3-seconds worth), and takes a little bow, and gives Devargo an inquisitive look as if asking if he's interested in more...
*edit* I forgot to 'call my shot' on the Perform, but since I'm only giving a little 'taste' I didn't really think about it, but Ryder would have gone perhaps for an "Enjoyable" DC15 performance, just as a little taster... not too boring, but not risking looking too much a fool in a tense moment...*/edit*
Attempting to defuse the situation further, Amendithas speaks up.
"Sir, there's no need for violence. What say I buy everyone a round? Maybe one of those delicious Molotov cocktails you mentioned earlier?"
If Ralof decides not to shoot and puts his bow away, here's what goes down...
The table location is fine, we can use that. The recruits start surrounding the table getting ready for the game to begin.
Once Ryder makes his teaser performance, Devargo flashes a smile. "Hold that thought. First, we gamble. Then, we drink! Then the performance... Kilney is itching to prove his worth, and your Elf-Dog looks like he needs to work off some aggression."
Upon hearing Amendithas' comment on Molotov cocktails, Devargo and the rest of the recruits lets out a boisterous laugh. "I like you, Mutt, you amuse me"
Devargo's mood seems to have shifted from volatile situation earlier. "Shall we begin?"