[PFS-Online Gameday] The Cypher Neb Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master Nebten

The mysterious Thassilonian monument known as the Cyphergate has been an object of intense scrutiny since the founding of Riddleport beneath it, and the mostly indecipherable runes running across its length have posed numerous questions to those who study it. While research regarding the arch has been a slow effort, the gigantic artifact has spurred numerous sages to dedicate their lives to unraveling its secrets, creating an exclusive collaborative known as the Order of the Cyphers, headed by the learned crime lord and Speaker of the Order, Elias Tammerhawk, and populated by scholars who refer to themselves ostentatiously as cyphermages. Little has been discovered of the gate’s purpose in past centuries, driving cyphermages in recent years to send out invitations to scholars in distant lands to come and examine the Cyphergate, in the hope that additional minds will reveal more of the landmark’s mysteries.

The dawn breaks the autumn air as sunlight creeps across Heidmarch Manor. It is upon these extensive manor grounds the eccentric married Pathfinder couple of Sir Canayven Heidmarch and his wife Sheila host Varisia's first and only Lodge. The Pathfinder Society have only recently started to use this gateway into the young lands that inherited the priceless secrets of ancient Thassilon. It are these secrets that the Decembirate currently wish to discover.

As the light cracks the window of your room within the Meeting House, you remember that you are to to have breakfast with Lady Heidmarch within the Manor itself regarding a Pathfinder mission. As the Heidmarches rarely take guests here, this meeting is considered to be an honor saved only for extremely dignified Pathfinders.

The jaunt from the Meeting House to Heidmarch Manor is interrupted by a pair of huge ponds filled with vibrant, multi-hued koi. You are able to cross the center of the larger pond by a pair of arched wooden bridges connecting to a whitewashed gazebo that sits on a small rock island. A rowboat tied to the near by dock bobs gently as the morning breeze picks up. Across the northern bank, a small open-air tower overlooks both ponds.

Upon arriving at the Manor, you are quickly escorted to the lounge. This room is squared with dark maroon walls, walnut trim with brocade rugs on its floor. Arrangements of plush velvet and leather couches provide comfortable seating, while a crackling fireplace creates a cozy feel. A small, glass topped bar in the corner boasts an elegant collection of vintage brandies and fine elven wines. Upon this bar, young servants bring in platters of pastries and fruits. Coffee and teas are offered to those who wish a cup.

"Lady Heidmarch will be with you shortly. Make yourself comfortable."

Please introduce yourselves with character descriptions.

The ruddy dwarf with the large great sword wasn't much for idyllic scenery, ponds, or gazebos. He remained fidgety during the travel to the Manor, a fish out of water in such niceties. He nodded toward the others but held off an introductions until the proper time. A symbol of Gorum could be seen dangling from his neck, occasional tangling in his beard.

A smile finally breaks across his face when it's clear they have permission for breakfast. He expression fell once again, when breakfast turned out to be fruit and pastry. "Er, where's the breakfast? Sausages, potatoes? This food isn't fit for battle! My stomach will be rumbling so loud, there'll be no sneaking, that's for sure.".

Dejected, he requests coffee. Upon receipt, he takes a deep drink, then fills the rest of the cup up with brandy. He grabs several pastries and flops down on the couch, inhaling them each in a single bite. ,"I'm Hagrym. Nice ta meet'cha."

Entering the room Grazden frowns again at the overblown opulence and extravagance of the "lodge". The frown only accentuates what is already a permanent scowl in the form of a scar running deeply across the dwarfs lower face. The remnant of an orcish ambush, the scar cuts from upper right lip to lower left jaw, leaving a gap where no beard grows.

Nodding briefly to the dwarf lounging on the couch, Grazden ignores both food and comfort, instead choosing to stand off to one side. Pulling out his whetstone, he begins carefully sharpening both of his axes.

A half orc wearing a fine chain shirt enters the room and uncomfortably looks around. He looks at the bar and the foods provided and moves toward then but then stops as if deciding against the treats. Cautiously he looks at the two dwarves that have already arrived, noting the appetite of the one named Hagrym and the visible scar of the other.

After a moment, the oracle will find a quiet place to stand, out of the way from the others so that they might move about and take some of the refreshments offered. If addressed directly, he nods and nervously says, I am Narvik Drak, at your service.

A small black haired gnome in blacksih armor giggles as walks into the room with a spring in his step almost bouncing into the room. As he sees there are already people present he waves happily and smiles at everyone.

" I am Ashiel, but you good people can call me Ash. It's very nice to meet you. In fact..it's very nice to be here. Don't you agree?"

He quickly moves over to the table with the food and starts to touch things, picking some up, sniffing them, some times putting them back.
As he turns around with his mouth full of some of the food you can see black smears of soot on the things he picked up and put back..and slowly you realize...it's actually a red haired gnome ..in armor which used to be green and blue..but he is entirly covered in what seems to be a blend of soot, ash and grease.

He sits down on the couch next to Hagrym. As he tries to rub his right hand on the front of his clothes to clean it up a bit it just seems to get dirtier. Then he extends his hand towards Hagrym offering a hand shake.

"Nice to meet you master dwarf, seems us 2 are the only ones actualy eating this fine food. You don't think the others have a stomage bug do you? Maybe that's why they are so grumpy?"

Hagrym pauses before accepting the gnome's extended hand. Good thing I'm done eating, or this soot would have me gagging for weeks!. "Well, Ash, I don't know if I'd call this either 'fine' or 'food' but it's here. Might as well hope some of it will stick to my ribs. I'm Hagrym, I'd advise on trying the brandy...best thing here."

A very tall man with reddish skin and pitch black hair walks into the room. He has tiny horns that protrude from his forehead, but the strangest thing is that he has a tail. His red eyes almost seem to glow as they scan the room, scowling at the people he sees in there; particularly the gnome. He walks toward the food table, his splint mail clanging a bit and his mace slapping at his side. Aerodus snarls at the food, but takes some anyway. Then he notices the sooty fingerprints and whirls to glare at the gnome. As he whirls, a necklace comes out of his armor bearing a red upside down star: the symbol of Asmodeus.

Aerodus finds himself a seat, and only then does he introduce himself. "I am Aerodus Wintrish of Cheliax."

By Desna, this is the worst wretched hive of scum and villainy I have ever set my foot in. Thank gods lady Luisila gave me that excellent tip where to spend a cozy night, otherwise who knows if I'd be still alive this morning. That lass, and her Calistrian sisters are really artists... - lost in thought, burly ranger quickly reached the Manor. Soon after he was escorted into a room full of demi-humans.

Haraldir was clad in typical outdoors clothes - drab and thick linen shirt, pants which were once blue, obviously of very sturdy make, an undetermined light green piece of clothing which resembled overcoat, and a heavy brown cloak, patched in several places was casually slung over his shoulder. Each and every piece of clothing had at least one, if not several pockets, and it was obvious that some of these were stuffed with minor items. He carried a large rucksack in his left hand, filled to the brim, a quiver with dozens of arrows was firmly tied upon his left thigh while his right hand was gripping a very large bow.

Scanning the crowd quickly, his gaze lingers a bit longer on the tiefling. Although they were a rather common sight in Riddleport, ranger was still not used to their looks which betrayed their link towards the demon-kin. The fact that this particular tiefling also carried openly red simbol of Asmodeus did not help at all.

Well, you wanted to see Varisia, didn't you? Now enjoy it.

With a frown on his face ranger bows his head lightly towards the people already gathered in the room: "Hello fellow Pathfinders. My name is Haraldir, at your service. An expert of a kind in the wilds, and a new comer to Varisia."

Then he approaches the table, taking a cup of coffee in his free hand, making sure that his both hands are full, thus hopefully preventing the red haired gnome from shaking hands with him.

Grazden eyes up the group as they take their places in the room. The dwarf seemed sturdy enough, and could likely handle his own in a fight. The rest though... well, he knew why they put him with folks like this. The tiefling looked frail, and it went without saying that he'd seen stouter half-orcs in his day. They both looked as though they could pull their weight if things got ugly, but he'd likely have to step in.

The human and the gnome were the real problems though. Did the gnome even HAVE a weapon? Like as not it would only cut itself if it had a blade. The human was armed well enough for sure, but looked better tuned to the thrust and parry of the training ground then the hack and slash of a dungeon.

He'd stay in front of them though. He'd take the blows and eat the arrows. He knew his role, and he knew he could protect them a damn sight better than the Venture-Captain. Like as not another under-informed and ill-advised grave robbing or some such thing.

I don't own the tielfing player companion, but my intention is for Aerodus to be more devil-blooded than demon-kin... He is from Cheliax after all :p

Sorry for any confusion, but you are all in Magnimar right now.

The light from the rising sun performs a splendid dance upon the windows of the Magnimarian manor house. After everybody is about half way through their beverage, a raven haired middle aged woman dressed in a form fitting purple full length dress.

"Good morning dear Pathfinders, I am Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch. I am glad you came to our call."

She walks over to the bar and pours herself a coffee. She begins to speak about the mission at hand in her distinctively low, breathy voice.

“As I’m sure you’re well aware, much of the reason Riddleport was founded where it was is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the Thassilonian monument as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire. The Order of the Cyphers has been amassing support from outside sources for some years now, and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid Elias Tammerhawk and the cyphermages.”

Heidmarch takes a bite out of a chocolate-filled biscuit before continuing. “Just recently, however, we received word from Elias himself that several of the visiting scholars haven’t arrived in Riddleport Bay as expected. It seems as though a band of raiders, led by the Vudran pirate Alejia Netrav, has been intercepting the ships at sea, killing the crews, and destroying the ships. While Riddleport is hardly a stranger to the likes of pirates, Overlord Cromarcky has declared it illegal for any ships that wish to return to Riddleport Harbor to attack ships bearing the Riddleport flag. Alejia’s ship is clearly coming from Riddleport—the attacks all took place just outside Riddleport Harbor—but attempts to identify her ship have been unsuccessful so far.

“I needn’t explain to you that the Pathfinder Society is also very much interested in the secrets of the Cyphergate, and that the deaths of these knowledgeable scholars have severely hindered progress in unraveling the artifact’s mysteries. The unexplained attacks are beginning to wear on the other sailors of Riddleport as well, and if something isn’t done about the matter soon, there will be no shortage of civil unrest, if not anarchy.

“In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza—who is also a former member of our Society. We fear that he may be Alejia’s next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako’s safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia’s cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation. While in Riddleport, keep a low profile and try to avoid pulling any of the crimelords into the situation. Tammerhawk would appreciate discretion and subtlety if possible. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan.”

The Venture Captain finishes her her biscuit as you digest your mission and cook up any questions you may have.

Hagrym had no immediate questions. "Search the Wharf District and then teach some pirates a lesson. Nov that's a mission after my own heart!"

We should make our way to Riddleport immediately then. Narvik states softly. Looking at the Venture Captain, he nods. We will see this through. The half-orc then steps back, allowing any from the rest of the group to ask any questions and take the lead in the mission.

Ash finishes chewing his food and looks around the room at the other pathfinders

"So we should leave now?"

Grazden grunts in response to Ash's question and prepares to leave.

"You said 'a few days,' when is the Topaz Titan scheduled to dock?"

"The exact date we do not have. But I am sure you are able to gather that information once you arrive in Riddleport," Heidmarch says in-between sips of her coffee.

Ash starts preparing to leave as soon as the others are ready to go. Waving merrily to the esteemed Venture-Captain.

"Does anyone know anything about this wharf district we are going to? Other then that it will typicaly be full of drunken sailors that is. Or about this Alejia person?"

Even after couple of adventures, Haraldir was still reluctant to "take the lead". He waited patiently for some of his newly met Pathfinder colleagues to ask (what he considered to be the right) questions, but seeing that none were forthcoming, he decided to finally act.

Clearing his throat, he stepped towards the Venture Captain: "A mighty nice necklace you have there ma'am. It matches..." - here he fidgeted for a second, trying to find the right word - "...erm, yes, it matches the color of your eyes perfectly."

Oh Ezrek, what I would give if you were here now!

"Anyway ma'am, I'd have a few more questions, if you do not mind? First, how do you suggest that we prevent assault on Hirako? Should we be proactive and find Alejia and his (hers?) ship in advance, or do we attach ourselves as bodyguards of a sort to Hirako?"

After hearing the answer, ranger continues his veritable barrage of questions: "What about this Hirako? What does he look like, how can we recognize him? Are there any contacts we might use in Riddleport? Is there a base of operations, or a safe house we might use? And finally - are there any additional resources Society is willing to part with, which may help us in our mission?"

Assuming the question was for her, the Venture-Captain answers Ash's question.

"The Wharf District is one of the more rough-and-tumble areas of Riddleport. It lies hard on the edge of the very docks of the city and is where much of the city’s day-to-day action of commerce and thievery occurs. Nearest the docks are a series of warehouses and cheap grog houses where merchant and pirate crews alike mingle in a haze of rum-soaked blood and debauchery.

As for Alejia, while she is a lowly pirate, she possesses more enemies than friends in Riddleport. She has been known to backstab many business partners to get to where she is now. Her sudden disappearance and recent activities have only spurred public resentment of her, and many would like to see her dead. In any case, don’t be surprised if your investigation gets you entangled with some of her less savory ex-associates Once you arrive, ask around. You maybe able to find out more then I am able to provide today."

In response to Haraldir's compliment, Shelia fingers the necklace that lies perfectly on her exposed flesh. "Oh, this old thing. Why thank you. I see there is still some civility among Pathfinders.

"Master Gurukaza is Tian man, in his early sixties. Last I saw him he had a long flowing white beard grown through years of study. Like most cyphermages, he has runic tattoos on his arms.

“With regards to local allies, Elias is a powerful figurehead in Riddleport. Alas, his rivalry with Overlord Cromarcky is well known; few would seek to get involved in their complicated feud. Cromarcky’s direct underlings and the peacekeepers of the town, the Riddleport Gendarmes, know of the troubles the Order of the Cyphers has been facing as of late, but they are hesitant to do anything about it, as they fear punishment for helping Elias. Elias himself wishes to keep this investigation as discreet as possible, and have it dealt with immediately. If you really need to get away, the House of the Silken Veil may harbor some old friends.”

"How you accomplishment your mission is up you. After all, you are Pathfinders, be resourceful. Remember, get Gurukaza to safety or put an end to Alejia’s piracy. Both would be preferred. After all, your reputation depends on it.

"Now, if there is nothing else, I have arranged passage for you on a Taldan cargo ship called the Opparan Opal that will be leaving within the hour. Hurry to the docks, and you’ll be in Riddleport before you know it.”

Ash thanks the Venture-Captain for the information she has provided.

It was a general question to everyone in the room ..and the VC was in the room...so yeah, the question was to her as well as everyone else

Ranger nods several times while trying to memorize the facts provided by Venture-Captain. When she finishes, Haraldir bows in a show of respect, and then takes several steps back, showing clearly that he has no more questions and is ready to go.

Seeing the others were ready to head out, Hagrym slams his brandy filled coffee, then grabs a couple more pastries, sadly shaking his head. He climbs to his feet and follows the others head out the door.

"What kind of breakfast doesn't have sausages," was the last thing those still remaining in the room hear as he vanishes through the entryway.

Narvik simply nods to the Venture Captain and follows his new teammates out the door. I hope this Riddleport place isn't too far off. I hate ships.

Ash waves at the Venture-Captain,picking up some snack for the road from the table with the food smiling all around as he leaves after the departing team members.

"Don't worry Miss you can count on us to try to be as discreet and unremarkable as we possibly can be."

The statement is a bit less convincing the Ash intended as he leaves some more black smears around the room.

As the group begins to leave, a young serving girl proudly produces a cloth sack for Hagrym.

"Sausages, Master Dwarf."

When you arrive at the docks, it appears trade between Magnimar and Riddleport is strong. There are ships leaving several times a day to traverse the Varisian Gulf for the City of Cyphers but you are able to find the Opparan Opal without any delay.

It takes a full day to travel across the Gulf and you arrive in Riddleport in the morning.

Welcome to Riddleport. You are currently in the Wharf District which appears to be one of the more neglected parts of town. A block away from the harbor proper, crowds of people mill about on the street or file together through the main doors of one of the buildings. Overseeing this gathering is a larger-than-life-size statue of a goblin, apparently cast in glittering gold, that stands atop the entry stairs with a smirking expression of satisfaction on its face, as if personally enjoying the crowds that shuffle past it into the doorway beneath the gambling hall’s gilded dome.

What would you like to do?

For the first time since he sat entered the place, a broad gin spread across the dwarf's face. "Now that's more like it," he laughs, giving the server a bow with great flourish.

"Call me old fashioned, but a tavern is always a great place to find out information on someone, I always say. Let's find one and begin digging, unless someone else has a better idea?"

Sounds like a good idea to me. Since Narvik doesn't have a better idea he'll be quite agreeable with the dwarf's plan. D we want to start here, this place with the goblin statue?

Aerodus scowls. But, as he has no better ideas, follows the group silently.

Grazden scowls at Aerodus' scowl. Nobody outscowls Grazden.

Just for the record, this has to be the most ethnically diverse group I've ever partied with. 2 dwarves, a gnome, a half orc, a tiefling, and one human. Normally, my group's are 90% human. I like the change!

I think this has been one of the most "normal" groups I've been in for the last year or so. No tengu, aasimar, nagahi,fox people, ect and only 1 tiefling. Not better or worse..just different ;)

Ash hops around from one foot to the other.

"Can we, can we go to the place with the BIG golden goblin statue? It seems like such an interresting place to take a look around"

Ships and boats were not Haraldir's favorite mode of travel, so he was more than glad when they finally disembarked. Sea sickness made his reactions slow, and his judgement was impared also. In some other situation, he would probably be against going directly into the most obvious tavern, especially since they seemed to lack someone for the role of "party face/diplomat". But, right now he was more than happy to follow his companions inside, hoping for a shot ot two of some strong brandy, to help him soothe his stomach.

"No better ideas Hagrym. Let us go inside and make Ash happy"

"Lead on, then. I don't always come across the best, so it might be better for me to just grab a mug, and let you all ask the questions. "

Just inside the main doors, two sultry beauties scantily clad and wearing faux bat wings, devil horns, and tails play the part of alluring succubi. It is easy to spot armed guards on hand to not only protect the establishment, but to prevent any overzealous admirers from trying to dare the infamous touch of a "succubus."

In unison, both women hail the party in a perky voice, "Greetings. Welcome to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall."

With open arms, they wave you all into the Gold Goblin.

Once in side you see the hall’s game floor. Dozens of gamblers, waitresses dressed as succubi, and bouncers mill about the room, wandering amid tables offering various games while dealers shuffle cards, roll dice, and spin wheels. Moving through this throng are a dozen more of the barely clad, bat-winged vixens serving drinks and batting coal-black eyelashes flirtatiously for tips. In the center of the chamber is a short podium atop which sits a massive gold chest affixed to the floor by similarly gaudy chains. On either side of it stands a bare-chested bouncer in the exotic garb of some foreign sultan’s court. Each stands with muscled arms crossed over his chest and with a naked scimitar of prodigious size tucked through his waistband.

As Haraldir and Hagrym saunter over to the bar, they are immediately greeted by woman with a big bright smile and smooth, healthy looking skin. And she has all her teeth too!

"Welcome to the Gold Goblin, handsome, the hot spot for turning fortunes and winning wagers beneath the arch. Looking for the squarest games, most honest dealers, and prettiest blamed barmaids anywhere in the port? Well, you found ’em, sugar! Ready to be a rich man? Hope so, ’cause today’s your day. Belly up to a table and get to winnin’; we’ve got the gold to make your dreams glitter. Good drink, fine food, and warm company’s extra, but we’ve got all that too—at prices so cheap we might as well be giving it away. So find a spot, honey, order a pint, and leave it all to us, ’cause here, even a goblin could win his weight in gold!

This place isn't as bad as I thought...Aerodus thinks to himself, looking around. He walks up to the bar and orders a drink from the barmaid, smiling. "Thanks. We seek a... friend of ours. One Captain Alejia. You wouldn't happen to know any thing about her whereabouts would you?" Aerdous slides a gold coin across the bar, along with the payment for his drink. He keeps his fingers on the gold piece until he hears her answer.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Ash looks almost giddy, looking left and right; not knowing where to focus on next. So much to see, so much to do.

Ash asks the first person passing by: "What's so important that it has to be kept in a locked down chest protected by guards?"

"A 'friend' you say. One 'captain.' Well I don't know too many captains. At least not your friend. But if she's around here, she's in a bad spot. While we are trying to bring prosperity back to the Wharf District, it has declined into a state of shabbiness and crime. It is really bad throughout many of the run-down shops and warehouses," the barmaid says with a devilish smile to the devil-kin.

"You may want to talk to Lixy Parmenter. She knows a good deal of the 'captains' in Riddleport. Lixy runs the Ghoulette table near the center of the room. If you never played, its a hoot. That girl likes to show the people a good time. The more you win, the more friendly she becomes. Quirky, eh?"

Ash asks his question to a random half-elf wearing a chocolate colored top hat and royal purple coat tails. "Isn't the suspense terrible... I hope it'll last."

The wonky man then becomes lost among the crowd.

Looking rather lost in the revelry of the gambling house, Grazden attempts to keep an eye on as many of the goings on as possible.

Grazden will take 20 on perception(for a 25) as the group wanders the area.

Hagrym heads to the bar and orders a pint. He listens to the tiefling working the barmaid. Once the information is gained, he turns and jerks his neck in the direction of the table where Paramenter is holding court. "Lets see what the lady has to say, eh?"

Narvik looks about uncomfortably as it is obvious he doesn't care for all the people being in the same crowded room as he is. Let's just find this woman and be out of here, can we?

I will give Aerodus Guidance for when he next confronts someone.

Ash walks over to the rest of the group (as we walk towards the Ghoulette table I assume).

"They have a closed, guarded chest of unknown content in the middle of the room..do any of you have any idea of what could be inside it?" And what is that game (Ghoulette?) they are playing at that table over there?"

Aerodus rolls his eyes at the gnome. "I do not know what is in that chest. Probably a prize of some sort. And, as I have not played Ghoulette, I could not venture a guess as to what it is."

Aerodus continues to walk to Lixy Parmenter (race?). Once there, he smiles at her. "Miss Parmenter, I am told you are at least somewhat famliar with the captains in this area. Have you heard of a certain captain named Alejia?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Stepping to the side and ettling in near Hagrym, Grazden orders a drink. After a few deep swings he turns and nods to Hagrym.

"Not half bad."

"It's definitely passable. Better than the elven swill back at the VC's abode, though, that for sure.". Hagrym waits for a reaction from the woman before adding anything to the tiefling's story.

As the party makes their way through the festivities of the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall, they find themselves before a table with numbers on it. At the far end of the table is a black and red gambling wheel with a small skull atop the center post. When the group surrouds the table, the skull's eyes glow green and it begins to talk.

“Look at these mighty adventurers! Ready to rescue the ale from any mug! Hahahaha!”

Beside the wheel is a short cut, black haired woman that is sporting some faux-horns on her head. Compared to the other women barely wearing any clothes in the Gambling Hall, Lixy is dressed as if she is ready to go exploring at a moments notice.

"Well, hello there stranger. I see you know my name, I'll give you that one for free. Anything else, it will cost you a spin. Don't worry, I'm pretty easy going. I'm just not that easy. Dungo, say hi.

The skull speaks in response to Lixy's cue, "Hi demon breath. Did somebody leave eggs in your pack or is that just you?

"Be nice. We insult them afterwards. By the way, are those real horns?"

Aerodus mumbles "Devil..." Then says to Lixy: "Yes, they are quite real indeed. Give me 1 gold on Skill, Courage, and Something Nice. But then I want an answer, deal?" He holds out the 3 coins for her.

"A game of chance, eh? Scoot over, Aerodus...let me have a look.". The dwarf studies the table and pulls out two gold pieces. "Put these on Brains and Hygiene, and lets see what happens."

"Go ahead and place them on the table sirs. I can't take the coin from your hands."

Once the gold pieces have been placed, Lixy takes hold of the skull and spins it like a top upon its pedestal.

"Yah I know Alejia and I'm sure we both know what she's been up to lately. Before they took to their latest unlawful deeds, Alejia and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport. Her crew is known for its ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets, often switching or altering ships to conceal her true whereabouts."

While she appears human from a distance, Alejia is actually a vishkanya from distant Vudra, making her blood and spit deadly poison against foes."

Ghoulette Spin: 1d12 ⇒ 3 Demeanor/Presence

In addition to her charming wiles, Alejia is known for her elaborate disguises and magical ability to alter her appearance. I hope that answers your question. Oh I'm sorry, no winners this time. Care to try again?"

The skull then begins to spout his insults. "Oh, goat-boy, why the long face? Did your mother dress you in those clothes, or just chew out holes in her favorite spots. Hey dwarfy, buck up. You have as much personality as a chamber pot. And they are at least useful to have around."

The floor of the wheel then open up and the coins disappear below.

"Will I get in trouble if I punch that skull?"

"What more can you tell us about vishkanya? I don't think I've met any of them before? And the main question...have you heard where she's hiding herself now? We need to find her."

Knowing the scheme, the dwarf pulls three more gold from his pockets. "Brains, Hygiene, and Body."

I marked off the previous two gp lost. I'll do the same with these three after you make your post, DM.