GM Jhaeman's "Dawn of Flame, Chapter 3: Sun Divers" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

Disappointed by that one answer, but thrilled overall because they at least have a chance at the ship, Zharis sees Lurian off with a smile and a promise to keep in touch, pays the bill, messages the team with a full report, and then heads back to the Casino to do more gambling.

Eight days to make $75,000 chips... or as close as they could come. As she walked back to the Casino, she tried to calculate how much gambling she could do in one day while still getting enough sleep to think clearly. It was going to be close, and she was going to have to be very, very lucky.

I'll take that other roll I previously made now, and one more 4 hour stretch (rolled below), but if this is just straight gambling, then maybe I should just do all the rolls and see if we can make it? I don't know if anyone else wants to try with the gambling, and I definitely don't want to bore everyone to death. ... So let me know if I should just do all the rolls, but if not, these are enough for today, so Zharis can get back on a normal sleep cycle.

Skimmer Cards Bluff: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 14 + (1) + 1 = 20 -.5
Skimmer Cards Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 +.5
Skimmer Cards Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (4) + 1 = 12 -1

Zharis wins 2,000 chips in her first 4 hours of playing, but then she loses them again in the second 4 hours. She realizes that gambling isn't quite as fun when it seems like a must-do thing rather than a fun diversion, and she quits early, going back to her room in the suite to play her vidgame and go to bed early. Another long day of gambling tomorrow... and her luck wasn't really turning the way she would have liked. Were they going to be able to pull this off?

Day Two

It's been a long day for most members of the expedition team. Hani and Xylian were successful on their mission to collect data on Mataras, Zharis entered into a partnership with Lurian Straza and then both won and lost at the skimmer card tables, and Tulgram and Jin lounged around, waiting for some action.

After a quick evening meal together in the restaurant to debrief, the prospects of a good night's sleep (and/or some vidgames) sound quite appealing.

But when you take the elevator up to the hotel floors, Hani pauses just before opening the door to your suite.

@Zharis: We need to play this out day-by-day. Adventure is what happens while you're planning other things :)

Hani immediately stops what he is doing and steps back from the door. On comms he informs the rest of group. "Listen everyone...someone has obviously tampered with the lock to our suite. Meet me up her ASAP."

Hani gives the door and area around it a quick perusal.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

I think that we are all already there... the DM set us up with a group dinner after which we all come up to the suite together.

As soon as Hani notices something is wrong, Zharis nods at him and draws her weapon.

Thinking that Hani is clever for using comms instead of talking, in case anyone inside can overhear them she also sends to the group

>I don't have a long-range weapon... confiscated by front desk. Should I go first and try to bluff, or, Jin, what do you suggest as the security expert? Should we contact hotel security? It *probably* wasn't them because they wouldn't have had to mess with the lock.<

Xylian, unsurprised by the security breach, sends a message to the casino's 'security', then leans against the wall and begins thumbing through a list of language courses on his tablet. The fight with the hologram was merely a well-timed distraction to find Lurian. He wasn't going to risk fighting whomever is inside the room over property that isn't even theirs. "We use the Sun Runner as collateral." He says blandly. The hotel rooms should be insulated enough that normal talking would not penetrate the room and besides, it would be suicide for anyone who intended them harm to exit the room into the confined hallway, where Jin would be at an advantage. "To 'Vestranis', a ship is a ship. It is likely myself, this Lurian, and possibly Hani are the only ones who can use the Sun Diver to its full potential. The Sun Runner is a top of the line ship and would be worth just as much to them. We leave it with them. If we do not return, they keep it. If we do return, we give them first pick of the coronal artifacts - of no immediate scientific value - we bring back to cover the debt."

Assuming Zharis shares de info she got from the lady.

"We did not leave anything in there, it should be fine."

Well, let's wait for security then

Two Vestrani security guards arrive in less than a minute, their gauntlets humming with energy. They nod when they hear your explanation and examine the door. Soon, two more appear, and they throw open the door. There are brief flashes of laser fire and the sound of slugs ringing out as one of the guards stumbles back, wounded. A female voice from inside shouts "It's not them! Evac, evac!" The whoosh of a jetpack can be heard, followed by the sound of grapple guns being activated. The security team advance more carefully, this time with pistols drawn and set to a lethal setting. After several minutes inside, they emerge.

One of them speaks to you. "Clear. Intruders escaped. No signs of theft or explosives. Guest Services will arrange for you to stay in a new suite." Without further ado, the security team departs, a maintenance team arrives to repair the damage from the gunfire, and your comlinks buzz with information on how to access your new suite on a different floor. The Vestranis may be a criminal cartel, but their customer service is second to none.

Please feel free to react. No further dangers happen overnight, so you can proceed to Day Three when ready.

I did share everything in a message to the team earlier... you can all assume you know everything about Lurian/Lu and that she gambled the ship away for 75,000 chips, but thinks if we have at least 50,000 that they'll be willing to negotiate.

Zharis sleeps somewhat fitfully, wondering who had broken into their room and why, and wondering if they were going to try again.

When they have breakfast delivered to the suite, she asks Jin

Is there something we can do to secure the room or warn us about that happening again? I'm a little worried that we're going to be ambushed without a way to protect ourselves. Also, who do you think it was? One of the gangs we took down, or the people behind them... the guys who make the slave collars?

After they eat and talk it out, she goes down to gamble.

Fine with anything else you guys want to discuss here... not trying to rush, just rolling for my daily gambling.

Skimmer Cards Bluff: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 14 + (1) + 1 = 31 +1
Skimmer Cards Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 -.5
Skimmer Cards Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (6) + 1 = 12 -1

Zharis loses 1000 chips in her first 4 hours of gambling...

Skimmer Cards Bluff: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 14 + (1) + 1 = 21 -.5
Skimmer Cards Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 +.5
Skimmer Cards Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + (4) + 1 = 27 +1

... but wins 2000 chips in her second 4 hours, for a grand total of 1000 chips won for the day.

She wonders if she should start gambling and sleeping in 8 hour shifts... she wasn't going to be able to make nearly enough unless she found a way into a high stakes game.

Also, question... we are on day three, but it was day 2 when Lurian told us that she had eight more days to spend here before they scrapped the ship, so is day three day 1 of the 8 she mentioned, or is the timeline different? Just trying to figure out when we need to panic. :)

@Zharis: Ha, yes, I probably explained it in a confusing way. This is Day 3 of your stay at the casino. Effectively, you have until the end of Day 10 to raise the chips.

@Everyone: After having spent a few days in the casino, small talk and overheard chatter indicates that not all the games are random or just for those who are good at bluffing and card-counting. For example, someone physically-inclined might enjoy the Wall of Many Mountains, while someone with an engineering background could tip the odds in Meteorite Roulette.

At some point Hani will get bored with eating expensive seafood and soaking in the hot tub in the suite.

Nah. He won't get bored of that.

But that doesn't mean he won't occasionally venture out to try something different. The Meteorite Roulette table sounds like it could be interesting. He will venture forth to the casino and observe for a bit before placing a bet.

Speaking of other games... do all of them work on the 4-hour investment idea, or are there some where you can just play one game, or a shorter amount of time? Do they all have betting limits? Maybe I am basing my opinions on just this one game that seemed like the only skill game?

"We are defanged and deep inside the opponent's territory - our best bet is too remain close together and react as possible. It is probably someone new. I do not believe older enemies would to be able to infiltrate and react so quickly to our presence here... someone connected to the infrastructure, but not in control of it."

Interesting... so maybe someone who wants the ship for themselves, or doesn't want it used?

"We are defanged and deep inside the opponent's territory - our best bet is too remain close together and react as possible. It is probably someone new. I do not believe older enemies would to be able to infiltrate and react so quickly to our presence here... someone connected to the infrastructure, but not in control of it."

This is a good point.

Hani attempts, as much as possible, to remain in the sight of Zharis while in the casino area. He checks in regularly on comms with the whole team.

Damn it... I don't like to suggest such things... Usually my people play by the rules, no matter how strange these rules may be. But sometimes you need to take by force what the weak are holding in their hands instead of dancing to their tune. I mean... the casino always wins, doesn't it? So why play along with them. With such a security service, we can just pick up everything we need. I'm a scientist, not a dice and card player. I'd like to get to work, not waste time on all this. So if we need to be tough, let's be...

Having mumbled all this rather irritably, Tulgram pronounces the following words more firmly.

Let's steal the damn ship.

Day Three

Zharis gambles at the skimmer tables, but her luck doesn't hold--she still comes out in the black, but hasn't done nearly as well as the day before.

Hani decides to try his luck at "Meteorite Roulette." High stools surround oval tables here, each table with a casino employee standing at one end. Hovering above the center of each station is an electromagnetic sphere painted to look like a nonspecific jungle planet, spinning lazily in place. Each table has a grid of available bets that correspond to numbered continents, oceans, and islands on the planet, After each round of betting, the table’s operator calls “no more bets” while lobbing a stylized “meteor” into orbit around the larger sphere in a direction opposite to the planet’s spin. The meteor’s orbit decays until, after several seconds, it strikes the planet, sticking to a location through electromagnetic force. It's obvious that the goal is to place a bet on where the meteorite will hit--either a specific square (for a big return on the wager) or simply water or land (for a smaller return). After winning bets are paid out and losing bets are collected, a new round begins.

Just a reminder to everyone to keep track of chips separately from credits (since the former has an fee to exchange).

@Zharis: Not every game has the "4 hours per session rule." But the "any winnings made from gambling more than 8 hours in a day are halved" applies to the whole casino. The premise is that you get tired and have trouble concentrating after that point.

Tulgram, I'd rather not risk our lives if we don't have to.

She messages him (and the whole group) and adds

>We should absolutely not talk about that inside the casino. I have no problem with people scouting it out and finding out where the ship is in case it comes down to that eventuality, but let's not talk about it out loud here or on any public channel. Someone is trying to kill us, and they are certainly spying on us. Also, we would have to figure out how to get our weapons back first, because it is likely to go bad and we'll have to run. Until then, I'm giving the non-violent way a chance. It's not just our lives we're risking, but Lurian's too, and they have a LOT of security.<

> I agree. Let's wait for your success for about 5 days. And then we'll start planning the hijacking. This will be our plan B.

Tulgram himself will go to the reception to make a row.

Listen up. No, just listen to me! First, a live hologram attacked me and my friends. And now some robber got into our room and the guards had to fight with him. But if we hadn't noticed that the lock was opened, then we would have had to fight! Listen up. Give us our weapons at least to keep them in the room. We will not walk around the complex with it, but after such incidents we will feel safer that it is under the pillow.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Jannik, the bald human day-attendant at Guest Services, gives a well-practised apologetic expression. "I'm very sorry, sir, but casino policy on weapon safety is there for the protection of everyone in the casino. We cannot make any exceptions."

We'll wait to see what Hani does in Meteorite Roulette, and then, if no one else has anything to do today, move onto Day Four.

> If you are concerned about safety, stay on the Sun Runner. That is what I am doing. Not for safety. < Xylian messages. He is unsure why his elegant solution to the ship problem goes unanswered, but he has found throughout his life that he rarely understood why anyone did anything. People were so flighty and irrational. He approaches the slots, attracted by the flashing lights and repetitive, lowfi chiming from the machines. Why did everyone look so happy over a game of chance? Not even a game of chance; the casino no doubt rigged the machines to only pay out infrequently, no matter how 'fair' the odds may seem. What is the point? You would see better returns investing your credits in low risk index funds.

How do the slots work? Since Xylian doesn't believe in luck and would not gamble on a pure dice roll, I figure it will be entertaining for him to try the game that is pure luck, gambling on a dice roll. Or... log... spin. What are the little reels in a slot machine called, anyways?

engineering: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Hani places a 100 credit bet on the meteorite hitting an even number.

He finds this all thoroughly entertaining.

He also finds it rather ghoulish--a meteorite hitting a planet? Still, his dark sense of humor appreciates the concept of this game.

GM, you may roll the dice for Hani (as stated in the rules). Please roll an "even" number!

**something unintelligible in an unfamiliar dialect, but judging by the intonation, it's a curse in duergrar**

> Btw, I agree with Xylian! Let's try to trade one ship to another.

After finishing writing the message, he rather rudely demands to give him a weapon, because he is going to leave this "unprotected and deadly garbage dump."

> Xylian, I'go with you. I have something to improve in my equipment after selling the grains. And there are experiments that I would like to conduct while the game is going on here. A doctoral dissertation will not write itself.

Zharis responds

>The ship does not belong to us. It belongs to the organization that sent us. They may be willing to donate some money towards our goal, or the DCI might as well, if we contact them, but we can't just sell the ship without contacting them.<

Assuming the same with the ship that we do own, which is not here, but which the DM already said we could trade for upgrades or something, but not cash.

Day Three

After announcing his intentions to sleep in the Sun Runner rather than stay another night in the casino, Xylian decides to check out the holoslots. Once there, he sees banks of holographic slot machines producing a cacophony of chimes, music, and spoken enticements. Dozens of different models make up the array, each holoslot themed differently, from ones featuring colourful reptilian renkrodas to a game about matching different castes of ant-like formians. A particularly popular model, Kaukariki Surprise, features Castrovel’s venomous bat-monkeys adorably rendered as cartoons with expressive eyes and softened features; the chittering creatures celebrate each win.

Meanwhile, Hani tries his first hand at Meteorite Roulette, betting 100 credits on Even. Alas, the "meteorite" strikes Grid 13, and the telia loses his wager.

Conversation continues via comm over the best way for the group to obtain the Sun Diver.

Xylian, I should probably ask you to pay 10 credits in linecrawler fare for each daily round-trip to Dawnshore Station (where the ship is docked) and back. It's a sort of trivial amount at this level, but could add up to a serum of healing or two.

Hani, if you decide you want to keep playing, you can play up to seven more hours here on Day Three. If you let me know what you want to bet on, I can roll those all at once.

Guess I'll do 8 hours at the slots, betting the max, until Xylian's 2k credits are gone.

> We are not selling anything. We will retrieve the Sun Runner when we return from the interior of the star. <

>Based on possible future earnings? Seems like a risky deal to make with an obviously unethical group... but I suppose it may be necessary. Still, let's see what we can do to obtain it in a non-questionable way first, without risking our sponsor's investment or our transportation home.<

Xylian tries his luck on the holoslots, and on his very first pull wins the jackpot!

The first hour you wagered 500 chips and won 10,000 more. The second hour you wagered 500 chips and won 500 more. The third hour you wagered 500 chips and lost all 500. The fourth hour you wagered 500 chips and lost all 500. In sum for that half day, you are 9,500 chips in the black. You've been playing the slots long enough that you might notice something interesting. Please roll a Perception check.

Per: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Whoo-hoo!

Actually though, DM, I think he won on the fourth roll as well. That's three consecutive numbers... not in order, so it is only 8x, but still... 4,000 chips I believe.

@Xylian: You don't notice anything interesting. Would you like to keep playing? You've got four hours left here in Day Three.

@Jin: Did you want to keep playing the Meteorite Roulette or are you done for the day?

@Zharis&Xylian: Zharis, I think you're right and Roll # 4 is actually a winner. I originally interpreted the "3 consecutive numbers not rolled in order" to mean essentially a backwards run like "3, 2, 1", but Xylian's roll of "3, 1, 2" is indeed three consecutive numbers. So Xylian, please adjust your chip tally accordingly.

Taking a break from the slots, Xylian approaches the guest service desk. He does not recognize whether or not the attendant is the same one he dealt with when the hologram attacked. Indeed, he does not even look at the attendant when he speaks. "I wish to dock my ship here. Helios class research vessel, 45.72 meters in length, 18.16 beam, 36.33 draft. 616 metric tons."

I don't think we ever got "stats" for the Sun Runner, so I'm just making stuff up... I also don't know what the spaceship version of draft/air draft is, so I just used draft.
@GM JhaemanYeah, keep playing/

Dang... in three days of gambling (and a performance and a tip), Zharis has amassed 13,230 chips, and in 4 hours Xylian made 14,000 in addition to his 2,000 starting amount for a total of 16,000 chips... completely surpassing her and earning the title of Gambling Hero. :)

"Ah, Mr. Xuuvats, good afternoon and congratulations--I've heard you've had quite a run of luck on those holoslots!" Jannik says. "Although we unfortunately don't have the facilities to accommodate a vessel of the size you describe, for a special guest like yourself, we do offer a complimentary sunskimmer service to Dawnshore Station."

After speaking with Guest Services, Xylian spends the rest of the day seeing if his luck holds. Although he doesn't lose much, he doesn't win much either. Any annoyingly, just as he gives up on a machine, a little old lady with blue hair strikes it big!

You win 500 chips in the first hour, lose 500 chips in the second hour, lose 500 chips in the third hour, and win 500 chips in the fourth hour. Net for that four-hour block, you come out even.

Okay folks, assume the night passes uneventfully (on or off ship) and let's move on to Day Four.

"What if I wished to take out a loan on my ship? I assume an establishment this large would be able to do that. Also, where might I rent a personal vehicle; I tire of waiting for the train." If the casino itself did not have a vehicle rental service, it certainly would have a preferred vendor for such things. He places two of the purple '500' chips on the desk. "And I wish to cash one of these. The other is for you." It seemed a waste of credits, but Zharis had suggested he 'tip' the attendant to 'butter them up' when he began his enquiry about where the casino bosses might store ships.

This conversation can be on day three or four, doesn't matter to me, GM Jhaeman.

Day Four

In the morning, Xylian heads to the Guest Services desk.

Jannik smiles appreciatively as he slides one chip into his vest pocket and provides the requested credits for the other. "Thank you very much, Mr. Xuuvats. Your patronage of the Vestrani Gaming Complex is appreciated. If I may answer your second question first. For a reasonable price, we can offer rentals on enercycles and hover-cars to facilitate your exploration of the lovely gardens of Verdeon. However, you may also enjoy a guided helicopter tour. I'll transmit a brochure to your hotel room's holo-screen."

Jannik looks gives his customary apologetic expression as he continues. "Alas, the only way to travel between the bubble cities of the Burning Archipelago are via sunskimmers and linecrawlers. I understand you're familiar with the latter, and I can understand why their slowness could be frustrating to a busy individual like yourself. Unfortunately, in regards to sunskimmers, the Sarenites of the Radiant Cathedral maintain strict control over their proprietary solar wind technology, and such vehicles are not available for sale or rental."

He taps his chin. "As to the provision of a loan, the casino's normal policy is not to accept starships as collateral. It's a big galaxy, and curing defaults on payments can be challenging. However, exceptions have been made in the past, and your pleasure is our priority." He taps a few keys on a terminal. "I could arrange an appointment for you with Vestrani Gaming Complex Vice President Taza Nepobo tomorrow morning at 8:20 to discuss the matter. I trust this would meet with your approval?"

Not trying to be a pain on the sunskimmers--that's straight out of the book.

Nice. Maybe that is someone who knows something, or who can at least raise the stakes for us perhaps. Way to go. :)

Today's gambling

Skimmer Cards Bluff: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 14 + (6) + 1 = 29 +1
Skimmer Cards Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 -.5
Skimmer Cards Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + (3) + 1 = 28 +1

Skimmer Cards Bluff: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 14 + (1) + 1 = 35 +1
Skimmer Cards Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 +.5
Skimmer Cards Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (3) + 1 = 12 -1

Zharis makes 3,000 chips in the morning, following it up with 1,000 in the afternoon. Not spectacular, but that along with the news of Xylian's amazing Slots winnings cheered her up considerably.

"Meeting with VP Taza Nepobo at oh-eight-twenty tomorrow to discuss possibility of getting a loan on my ship." Xylian says in monotone. As he makes the statement, he simultaneously sends an identically worded message to his companions via his exocortex. "That would be fine. I do not know how many of my associates would like to sit in on that meeting - at least one other - but we may all be present, if that is acceptable." On to the next subject. "I'll rent an enercycle. The model with the highest top speed." City streets. Lots of intersections and turns. "On second thought, the model with the highest rate of acceleration. A tour of the gardens may be possible towards the end of my stay. Today I have gambling to do." Xylian makes of note of Jannik's name and a brief physical description in his exocortex for potential future encounters. People did not appreciate when their names were not remembered for some reason and this attendant seemed useful, so Xylian desired to stay in his good graces.

I don't know if anyone wants to meet up in-character to discuss things before we go our separate ways for the day, but whenever we're ready to move on with our day, Xylian will do the same thing as yesterday. Slots, betting the max for eight hours.

Zharis responds to Xylian

>Mind if I sit in on your meeting?<

Also okay with meeting up with everyone if anyone wants to... we can ret con it for before gambling if needed.

Jin remains watching over the members of the expedition, having no interest in this gambling debauchery - typical sign of decadent and weak societies.

If there was a martial arts tournament though, he'd probably go for the gold

Sorry I was missing in action yesterday. Had some internet problems here at home. Luckily, my son, who is much smarter than me, was able to reset our router.

Hani just isn't feeling lucky. Sure, he could pump some more chips into meteorite roulette, or some slot machines, but right now Xylian and Zharis seem to be doing fine.

Hani decides to sit on his chips for now, and will likely cash out the slightly more than 2,000 he has on his account in the next few days.

Meanwhile, he decides put on his nice clothes and enjoy the occasional intoxicant. Though it's hard for him to maintain self-control (it would be so easy to return to his partying ways that he had back home on Pygos), he does manage to nurse his drinks.

While Xylian and Zharis are busy gambling, he watches their back. This seems especially important considering somebody broke into their first suite with clearly ill intentions.

About the only thing that could distract Hani would be if a beautiful female telia were to walk into the casino.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Hmmm...maybe one did...

Jin, there is a physical contest in there... it isn't martial arts, I don't think, but the DM said there was something called Wall of Many Mountains. Not sure of the rules or whatever, but with your strength, might be worth finding out about.

Day Four

"Zharis Incandensia" is quickly gathering a reputation as a fan-favorite at the skimmer card tables, with a small crowd watching her clever buffs and bold betting strategy.

Meanwhile, Xylian arranges for a high-powered enercycle rental and then continues playing the holoslots with the intensity of someone who's not there for fun, but on a mission. He doesn't win any jackpots, but seems to have a real knack with these machines! If the animated bat-monkeys of "Kaukariki Surprise" that chitter to celebrate every win are annoying him, no one else could tell.

Hani slowly slips the ever-present free drinks (though they seem to come around less often for him than for the gamblers).

Xylian, you win 500 chips in Hour 1, win 500 chips in Hour 2, lose 500 chips in Hour 3, win 500 chips in Hour 4, win 500 chips in Hour 5, win 500 chips in Hour 6, win 500 chips in Hour 7, and win 500 chips in Hour 8. That's a net of 3,500. I'm starting to suspect this casino exists more to launder money than to make a profit :)

Xylian, at the end of the day, you can roll another Perception check. The daily cost on your enercycle rental is 30 credits.

That's Zharis, Xylian, and Hani accounted for on Day Four. If Jin or Tulgram want to do anything, or if you all want to get together to talk over plans as Xylian wondered, just let me know. Soon, we'll transition to Day Five and start with the morning meeting.

As it had been some time since Xylian himself had been targeted by an attack from an opponent - perhaps because of the turtle-like obstacle Hani presents, or perhaps because Jin presents a more tempting target - Xylian opts to start leaving his armor on the Sun Runner tomorrow, feeling vaguely safe despite the efforts, or lack thereof, of the law enforcement and security on the star. He purchases a set of reconfigurable clothing which includes, among other options, a protective outfit and helmet for use on his rented enercycle.

> I expect either yourself or Tulgram should be present for the meeting. < Xylian responds to Zharis while he is being fitted for his new clothing before he picks up his enercycle. > I find many people do not like speaking with me. <

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Xylian notices nothing beyond the statistical improbability of him winning so frequently...

Jin, there is a physical contest in there... it isn't martial arts, I don't think, but the DM said there was something called Wall of Many Mountains. Not sure of the rules or whatever, but with your strength, might be worth finding out about.

I agree! Kill that wall!

>Yes... I've noticed that as well. I'll come with you, and do my best to find a more efficient way of obtaining the ship. I assume that is your goal?<

> Efficient. Yes. Get our betting limits raised and find out where the Sun Diver is stored in case we need to steal it. I am still for trading ships if possible, but that will be a topic for another day. We only need to find out where the cartel stores their large, stolen ships. <

DAY FIVE

In the morning, Xylian meets Zharis in the lobby and they're escorted by an impassively-faced security guard. He leads them to another section of the complex and into well-appointed office lined with native Verdeon wood. Behind a sleek silver desk, a lashunta rises, her hand outstretched. "Good morning," she says briskly. "I'm Taza Nepobo. I understand you've come to discuss some financial arrangements?"

If anyone else wants to attend the meeting, I'm happy to assume you make it in as well.

A pic of Taza Nepobo is on Slide # 2.

Zharis moves forward to shake the proffered hand.

Good morning to you as well. Yes, thank you for meeting with us. We are interested in finding out more about our options.

A reminder of Diplomatic Nuance and Expert Negotiator here... unless I fail a check or Xylian aids me (which I don't necessarily suggest), the only part that is pertinent is "If a creature’s initial attitude toward you would be unfriendly, indifferent, or friendly, you instead treat its attitude as one category higher."

This is Xylian, and I am Zharis. We're here at the Casino trying to raise money for a certain scientific endeavor, and so far have had some limited success, but we are concerned that we are still going to end up short of the funds needed. We are wondering what kind of large loan we could take out with you with one of our ships as collateral, what storage or parking services you have for large or small ships, in case we come to an agreement and need to store one of the ships in question here until it can be redeemed, and if we are able to come up with a larger stake, how we would go about arranging to make larger bets, as I understand has been possible for others. This information could be valuable to us as we determine how to proceed, and whether we will be able to meet our fundraising deadline, which is less than a week away.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 13 + (2) + 1 = 27