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On the way, I'll actually pay for everyone, offering a bit extra (5GP) for the boatmaster to keep the scow as out of sight and unnoticed as reasonibly possible. As it boards, and then again as we depart, I'll stand at the edge, helping the other on and off without risking getting wet or dirty like a proper gentleman.
Entering the place, I'll nod towards the man with the club, offering a gentle we are not here for trouble smile, and simply ask for a (preferably corner) seat and ask for a humble meal and some wine. As the many female patrons and guest nod, wink, and smile, (somewhat oblivious to attemts to flirt) I'll simple nod back, not inviting anything I might regret later. From there I'll observe the contest, for now, trying to ovrhear or decipher the rules.
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Before we head out, if possible...
Esmerelda smiles kindly at the girl as she copies the map onto her parchments, inquiring quietly as to the pirate woman who had the tattoo made.
As she finishes her work, she will pass the girl a small note about to the pirate, if Esmerelda reasonably believes the girl has information about the target of her mission.
With a message she believes is vague enough to be nonsensical, but clear enough to make the target understand its meaning.
(My Faction Mission is to get word to the pirate . . )
The bouncer scowls at Andrazi's question, and puts out his arm. "What're looking for, mate?" he asks, preventing Andrazi from continuing. He ignores the rest of the party, however, and you just walk right in.
Inside, the house is in full swing, with a large group of drunken patrons in a circle around two men. As you maneuver through the crowd, there is a huge crash of furniture from within the circle. Expecting to see a brawl, you instead see a man laying under a pile of broken mugs. Next to him, another man stands, balancing a table with a dozen or more mugs on it over his head. The crowd cheers the man standing, and he gently lowers the table to the ground and bows elaborately.
Another man, wearing an apron stained with ale and other liquids, strides forward and raises the winner's hand in the air. "Big Arvin wins the round!" he yells, and the crowd roars again. Money exchanges hands around the room, and wagers are placed on the next round.
At this, Andrazi rejoins the group, having extricated himself from conversation with the bouncer.
The man's eyes narrow at Andrazi, and he holds a finger to his lips. "Over here, for drink's sake - you want to start a riot?" He turns back to the crowd and bellows, "Big Arvin wil now face the next challenger!" A large half-orc steps forward, flexing his msucles, adnt he crowd closes in around them, betting heavily.
The High Publican leads you away from the crowd to the corner of the room, where you can almost hear what he's saying.
"So you're from the Consortium, hey? Well, here's the thing. I got the mug ready, as ordered, had it out on the bar this afternoon, all ready to go. And then, we got into this debate about drinking people under the table... one thing led to another, and suddenly we have this contest lifting tables full of drink over head. The Brothers gathered up a few trinkets for prizes..." he nods towards the bar, "...and they grabbed the mug, too. Before I noticed, it has already been put into the kitty for the winners. I can't pull it out now without having a brawl on my hands." He looks at you apologetically, but then smiles.
"But I've figured it out - I can admit you folks as late entries, and you can win and choose whatever prize you want! You haven't been drinking as long as these boys, you should have a pretty decent chance of winning."
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"Oh, good, a contest of strength, and here I thought I would be useless!" Esmerelda smiles cheerfully, clearly finding her sarcasm amusing. "What are the rules, exactly?"
The High Publican looks relieved that you're going to allow him to save face. "It's simple, really. You just have to lift the drinks over your head. You can lift drinks with a bar stool, a table, or a heavy sideboard. You can try and lift three, six, or nine mugs. If you spill them, you're out. Everyone that succeeds wins; ties are broken first by heaviest furniture, then by number of drinks, then by a drinking contest if you're still tied. Got it?"
Watching the round that is just finishing, you can see that this contest is a test of both Strength and Dexterity.
Which of you will participate in the contest? You can all participate if you like.
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I will simply offer words of encouragement and guidance using my Nobility Domain power to grant a +2 to checks as needed. Think of it in a drill sgt voice, good-naturedly barking orders.
(posting from phone or Id go into more flavor detail but essentually +2 Moral bonus to all checks for a round, and I can do it up to 6 times as needed. Even if two people want to try the contest, should be good for both).
"One more round!" bellows the High Publican. "These strong fellows have challenged Big Arvin and Fisheye Fwerd for the grand prize!" When the crowd realizes that only three of you step forward, and further, that one of the 'strong fellows' is a female gnome, the house erupts in laughter.
"Ladies first, my dear!" shouts Big Arvin, with a bow. Esmerelda steps forward, and Big Arvin smiles. "I recommend a stool, m'lady... easier to lift." A brother runs up and pours 3 mugs of ale, places them on the stool, and then stands back.
Soth-Loren shouts words of encouragement and inspiration, and Esmerelda's magic gives her strength. She grabs the stoool with both hands and heaves with all her might. . It's just too heavy for her, though, and she can only lift the stool more than a few inches. As she sets it down, ale sploshes out of the cups and onto the floor. The crowd roars with laughter.
"My turn," grunts another man, one with a lazy eye that points outwards, regardless of where the other one is directed. He moves up to the stool Esmerelda tried, and tries to lift it. He lifts it about halfway, but then drops it and it crashes to the floor, splattering ale everywhere. The crowd roars again, and several of the men start calling him "Fisheye the gnomish princess".
Andrazi is next, and is given a table with 6 mugs on it. He easily lifts it over his head, and avoids spilling any ale at all. A cheer erupts from the crowd as he sets the table back down.
Leastrie goes next, but can't get the table over his head. He does manage to put it down without spilling any, though.
Finally, Big Arvin takes a turn. He calls for a heavy sideboard, with 9 drinks on it - the only way to beat Andrazi at this point. His huge muscles ripple as he flexes and prepares to lift. The crowd hushes, and he makes his attempt. He manages to lift it over his head, but and then sets it down with only a little spillage.
The crowd erupts, money changes hands, and the high publican steps in. "The winner - Big Arvin!" Big Arvin swaggers over the bar, to choose his prize. You see his eye hover on a jeweled chalice, and he takes it and holds it high. The High Publican garbs the other prize, a battered metal mug, and hands it to Andrazi. "Here you go, mate - paid in full."
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As we regroup after the "contest, Soth-Loren will mutter, "Two of the three items art in our hands. I expected this one to be more difficut, but ne reason to questioneth the destiny we art handed", he says with a small chuckle. Motioning towards the door, "Shall we", stepping aside to allow the lady to exit first.
You exit the Publican House and head back to the ferry stop. A light drizzle has begun, making the wait for the ferry less pleasant. As you wait, several groups of passersby stop to check you out, in each case calculating that you are more of a fight than you look to be worth.
A short ferry ride reunites you with Esmerelda's pet, and you head east, towards the House of the Silken Veil, the brothel-temple of Callistria. The building is easily visible due to its blood-red spire, which towers over most of the buildings in town.
As you approach, you can see that the grimy marble building has three apparent street entrances, each one hung with fresh linen curtains and flowers. Large security goons stand outside each entrance, watching the crowds enter and leave. From upper-story windows, provocatively-dressed men and women lean out, calling down to passersby and inviting them in to sample the delights inside. The heavy floral scent of incense wafts out to the street below.
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"Whilst we art here, I have, . . . I must, I needeth to ask the ladies present therein, at least I presume they are to be ladies, a few questions.", he says, following Andrazi in.
Whispering a quick, soft prayer, he says "Don't judge me. . ." looking up to the heavens, gathering his cloak a bit tighter and taking hold of his money pouch before entering.
Walking within, he heads to whatever sort of rception or desk is present, asking to speak to someone in charge on behalf of one Major Colson Maldris, needing to, "evaluate the talent, and um, . . . see the goods. . .".
Soth-Loren approaches a lithe young woman inside, and she puts her arms around him and starts to lead him inside. "You'll need to speak to Madame Pamodae about that, but there's no rush... I can give you a "sample" right now," she purrs. Other attendants appear and latch on to the rest of you, so that each of you has a companion or three as you walk into the main room. You see sights you have never seen inside a temple before.
A strikingly beautiful woman strides towards you, and you notice the attendants and many of the clients bow slightly as she passes them. a pair of thin, curved horns protrude from her raven-black hair, hinting at an infernal connection."I am Shofara Pamodae," she begins, her voice as smooth as silk and strangely compelling. "What can I do for you, lady and gentlemen?"
[ooc]Initiative:
During the surprise round, Ranvar draws his knife. Please declare your actions based on this. Initiative order is Leastrie, Unknown #2, Soth-Loren, Unkown #1, Ranvar, Esmerelda, Pamodae, and Andrazi.
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Leastrie throws his open hands into the air. Hold, hold!! Pardon my companion, he has never been to a temple of Callistria. He was taken by suprise. He is a little daft, really isn't supposed to be left alone, if you know what I mean. Everybody just put your weapons down. It is a sacrilege to have violence in the temple.