Inros lays down 300 gold as half the entry fee and 50 of his own. He gives Thelix a confident nod.
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Thelix climbs onto the table nervously and lets himself get strapped to the thug across the table who continues to eye him. A quick count down and the game begins with Thelix proving to be the faster one. He lunges for the dagger grabbing it before the thug. With a quick flick of the wrist he tosses it off the table landing at the base of Devargo's throne who jumps up at the gesture. The thug changes the direction of his hand seeing the dagger fo flying off the table, he scoops up a bunch of coins and thrusts them in his pocket.
Off to the side Sarastal, Yselle and Inros cheer on Thelix on as the table wobbles with the two men atop it, a few coins roll off the playing surface also. Sarastal waits excitedly for the blood to start to flow but with the dagger gone out of the playing area blood will be hard to come by......
"What!?" Sarastal stamps her foot in indignation. She picks up the dagger and shakes it at Thelix scoldingly. "You're supposed to be using this, remember? Or did Gorum become the God of Peace when I wasn't looking?" She sighs and shakes her head, disappointed.
With a glance at Sarastel, Thelix attempts to bullrush the opponent, hoping that they are a bit unbalanced from bending over to pick up the coins.
And slips himself in the coins, unable to get good footing.
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Both players eye each other up again with shouts coming from both sides of the table, Thelix can hear Sarastal below him grumbling about his decision to discard the knife. Its enough to distract him as he moves forward in an attempt to push the fellow off of the table but loses his footing on the loose coins lying on the table between them. The thug at the same time was bending down to grab up more coins but bump his head on Thelix instead and lands on his butt with no coins in his hand to add to his pouch dropping the few he had over the table.
Yselle and Inros both seem to be extra quiet as they watch the match proceed.
On the throne Devargo pounds his hand down on the arm with glee, his love of watching the knivesies very apparent. All of the thugs stand behind the man on his butt except one who is now sitting off to the side having moved out of the way of the game deciding not to particpate in such matters. His clothes are in tatters and it looks like he hasn't eatten in a while but he does look to be one who can take care of himself.
For Theruska
Thelix once again tries to bull rush the off balance opponent off the table. He pulls on the connected hand, then reverses the momentum and pushes.
And feels his opponent begin to loose balance.
Theruska is really interested in the contest going on, for it could mean a quick way of getting to some money. He is confident that he would have a chance of winning, when he is relying on his training without armor and unarmed.
Getting more exited the longer the fight lasts, Theruska gets up from his chair again, shouting up at the table: "Worshipper of Gorum! Don't forget to pick up some coins too!"
Inros jumps excitedly as Thelix gets in a great move! He also takes this opportunity to look around for anything unusual:
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Regaining his footing, Thelix get ready for another attempt to rush the thug off the table. As he begins the thug thrusts out another fist at your head and would of hit but the coins on the table hinder him like you a moment ago(Forgot bullrush causes an Attack of Opportunity). taking the opening the thug gives you, Thelix grabs the thug's hand while he is off balance and pushes hard enough to force the thug to slip on the coins and off the table landing on his back really hard pushing the air out of his lungs with a loud burp sounding noise. The room goes quiet except for the clink of coins falling to the ground. The rest of the thug's eyes turn to Devargo for his reaction no one even bothering to see how the man on the ground is doing. Thelix teters on the edge of the table still strapped to the thug laying on the ground gasping for air. A shout from the side of the room sounds off, "Worshiper of Gorum, don't forget to pick up some coins too!" Inros takes time while all eyes are on the game to scan the room looking for anything out of the ordinary but nothing catches Inros's interest except for the man stepping out of the shadows of the room routing for Thelix which is diffinatly out of place in their current situation. The girls clap at the success of their friend, Sarastal a little disappointed by no blood shed but happy with the extra coins made.
Devargo, now standing, waits to see if Thelix can stay on the table before speaking that the match is over. If the intruder falls the match is a draw and must be restarted, so he waits.
For Baern
Thelix drops prone to his stomach on the table to keep the weight of the other man from pulling him off the table, and begins to pull coins towards his pouch with the other hand.
"That's it? One person gets pushed off the table." Sarastal sighs. "I thought it was called 'Knivesies', not 'Oops, I Fell'. What a letdown. Don't fall, Thelix," she calls out, without much enthusiasm.
Baern looks up from his mug after the guards' comments. He drinks the last of his ale and heads towards the office. "Just want to see what the commotion's 'bout, is all.", he mumbles as he approaches the guards.
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Thelix teters on the edge of the table for a moment before deciding to drop onto the table to keep himself from falling. He manages to lay down onto the top of the table without touching the floor and wins the match. Devargo's face grows into a deep frown, first looking at one of his potential thugs rooting for these intruders standing there in taters and in need of a bath, then he steps down and gives a swift kick to the wannabe thug. You have failed me you piece of dirt, get out of here now and I don't want to see your face around here ever again or I will feed you to my pets! Devargo points to the door as he says this, spittle jumping from his mouth in his fury. Two of the other thugs help the loser to his feet roughly and assist him out of the room and up onto the deck of the boat. Devargo turns back with a sudden smile and asks, Care for another match blue one, maybe one of these other will give you a better fight than that piece of dirt? Sarastal sighs with fustration at the match, not what she expected and diffinately not what she paid for to see but all of the coins on the table are now their's so at least it was not a complete loss. Outside Baern confronts the Devargo's enforcers who do not budge, unwilling to let the dwarf onboard and are about to tell him to shove off when two thugs drag an unwilling man from below and give him a heave towards the enforcers. Boss wants this one gone forever if you know what I mean! The two turn and go back below as the enforecers grab and escort the man off the boat, totally forgetting the dwarf standing there as they take care of the bosses business........
"That was exhilarating, but not exactly enjoyable". "I much prefer fair fights, and this one is definitely slanted to whomever gets the dagger first". "That's why I tossed it aside". "Only even combats are fair".
"I would much prefer you just give us the information we need, then we'll be on our way, and leave you to your sport".
Baern watches the men drag away the loser; after all, if he worked here he probably was a criminal anyway. (At least that's what he tells himself.) He then stands next to the door, ready to rush in if a fight seems to break out.
Diplomacy 1d20+1=19
"We can keep playing your game, and you can keep losing money and men, or you can just tell us what we want."
"Tit for tat -- we played your game, now you play ours, right?"
After the game is done, Theruska shrinks back to the shadows, near the door out of the room, but he keeps his ears open, his hands free.
He looks over the group, which of them best to approach, and how. Should he offer to play Knivesies for them? Or ask them for help afterwards?
Or should he leave and try his luck elsewhere?
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Moving from the top deck into the interior of the boat, Baern positions himself quietly outside the doorway into the throne room. He can hear the chatter going on in the room, something about a game of sorts and the group who entered needing information about somehting but Devargo is not giving it up as of yet.
Inside Devargo shakes his head, glances around as if looking for someone but turns back to the group and states, That was a good job you did in the game but I think you got lucky against that weakling. Lets try again shall we, you want to go again there holy one, try your luck again? He glances around once more looking a little more closely but finds nothing. His eyes once more turn back but this time right to the pile of gold sitting on the table which hasn't moved yet. Over in the corner, the man in tattered clothing slinks in the shadows watching what's going on and thinking how best to proceed. This group of folks seem more like the people he would associate with than this Devargo charater and his villians. Standing so close to the wall he also begins to notice the wall is covered in spider webs which start to stick to him as he stands there. Tiny movement on the webbing also attracts his attention....Devargo starts speaking again after he hears what the inquirers have to say, Well I can safely say I do have the information you seek but am still unwilling to just give it up over a little sport that to be honest completely bored me it was over so fast. Shall we sweeten the pot a little, say we add a few more coins to that fine collection there and you go against one of my enforcers this time, winner take all......you win you get the information and the gold minus the entrance fee of course and if my guy wins you get nothing and leave and never bother me again?.......A sly smile on his face appears as he says the last but it disappears just as fast. The room goes quiet except for the creak coming from the slight waves pushing the boat to and fro. With a quick nod and a finger pointed towards the door to one of the thugs, Go get Mace and tell him to get below on the double, I got a little job for him!
Over in the corner, the man in tattered clothing slinks in the shadows watching what's going on and thinking how best to proceed. This group of folks seem more like the people he would associate with than this Devargo charater and his villians. Standing so close to the wall he also begins to notice the wall is covered in spider webs which start to stick to him as he stands there. Tiny movement on the webbing also attracts his attention....
Taking a step forward to get away from the webs Theruska makes a decision.
He moves up to Thelix, clears his throat to get the attention of the group, then speaks silently so that (hopefully) only the group can hear him:"I'm sorry to interrupt, but, may I make a proposal to your cause?
I know I don't look like much, even more so with this worn down clothing, and not much else in my possesion, but I'm rather skilled in fighting unarmed and unarmored... something most of you didn't take on, as I see it.
So I'm willing to fight for your side, if you need that information Devargo has as desperately as I need some money."
With that he falls silent, looking around the group if they want to take the offer.
Sarastal looks at the shifty new character. "While I would love to see a game of Knivesies that actually involves the shedding of blood, how do I know that you're not working for Devargo and willing to take a fall?"
"I have the same worries as Sarastal, but I did see this man rooting for Thelix earlier. That is something in his favor. One of Devargo's thugs wouldn't do that."
Sarastal shrugs. "As long as you aren't a pacifist like our 'war priest' here, go right ahead. But if I think you're taking a dive..." She gives her most threatening glare, which isn't saying much.
Thelix frowns slightly as he looks the new acquaintance up and down. "Hmm I don't enjoy fighting without armor and weapons. And I must say I've got some pretty good moves myself, but still..."
"I will take you up on the offer". "I feel naked without my armor". He jumps down from the table and offers his hand to the newcomer. "I am Thelix, priest of the LORD IN IRON". "I would have your name, were I to share my gold with you".
"Thank you for the opportunity." the monk speaks, taking the offered hand.
"My name is Theruska, Theruska Thull.
I just hope this ... Mace... whoever he is, is not too skilled in this sport. Regardless, I will do my best."
He then puts down his backpack and rest of his belongings, after which he turns to Devargo and asks: "Master Devargo, I'm not that clear on the rules of Knivesies. Does it have to be the right hand that has the leather strapped on?"
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Devargo sits back down on his throne waiting for his fighter to show up. A smirt appears on his face as he watches the chatter on who will face his man. The man in tattered clothing wants to face his guy, should be easy money he thinks to himself. Outside the door Baern hears the footsteps decending into the boat heading in his direction and looking about he sees nothing that will keep him from being seen. The group still talking in hushed tones decide to go with this new person who has offered to help. Thelix's gut tells him this individual is on the up and up as Sarastal mentions something about taking a dive. Thelix speaks up and takes the man's offer after hearing Inros's observations feeling the matter is now settled. Now this mission all hinges on a strangers help in a den of thug! Inros while watching the other thugs talk amongst themselves and Devargo picking at something on the throne, he spots movement at the door into the room. It was very quick but it looked to be a dwarf dressed in an old and worn Korvosa guard uniform....Heavy foot steps can be heard decending into the ship by everyone in the room...........
Baern has a bit of a conundrum right now. Either he goes back upstairs, where he will meet with the guards coming down the stairs, or he goes into the throne room, in which case everyone else would know he's there. So, he decides to simply hide in the dark corner and hopefully no-one sees him.
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Devargo sighs and explains the game to the man in tattered clothing, Its a simple game to play, 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 on 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. There are two ways to win the game, 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. 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. If both are still up it comes down to whoever has the most coins in their pouch At the end of the game all coins are 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. So if you win the information they seek will be given and I guess you'll get some new clothing and food!
He puts his fist against his face, elbow on the arm of the throne, bored waiting for his man to show. He hears the footsteps and jumps off the throne, a grin apprears on his face and says as the giant man enters the room, well its about time you clod, get on the table and win me some coins or your spider food! The man quickly rushes over to the table and begins to climb up making the table groan under his weight. Baern blows out his breath as he somehow was missed by the big man who passed seconds ago. Inros watches as the man passes the dwarf without noticing, curious now on who is watching them and the goings on, maybe a agent of the guard undercover, hmmmm. Sarastal watches the giant enter, not bad looking for a thug type but someone who could diffinately be interesting. He is wearing typical well kept black leathers and a longsword he takes off and drops to the floor with a loud clank. He cracks his neck and back getting ready for the contest. He finally eyes his opponent and snickers outloud and turns to his boss, Easy money boss! Thelix steps back out of the way with a look of relief on his face having not to face the giant of a man. Devargo speaks up, Ok lets get this game on, times a wasten, get your man up there now or are you going to forfeit the coins and leave without which you came for huh?
Theruska is a bit shocked at the sight of the mountain of a man in front of him. Suddenly he is not that confident any more.
But, what was said shall be done and so he climbs the table, lets himself get bound to the thug.
Initiative +2 (1d20+2=9)
On the count of Devargo he reaches down to the coins to grab a handful and stow them into his pouch.
Inros puts 50 more gold down, of course for Theruska.
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Devargo begins to count down once the fighters are securly tied to each other. Inros quickly drops some coins on the table and steps to Theruska's end of the table. Others also drop there coins and head for the big man's side of the table. Devargo's count slows down though as he want to give Sarastal and Thelix a chance to put their coins on the table, and more for his own pocket he snickers to himself! The big man
cracks his knuckles together as his eyes never leave Theruska's....
Baern hears the counting, the rooms eyes are all on the match, two men standing on the center table with a pile of coins and a single knife between them.....
Sarastal again declines to bet on her own team.
"You better know what you're doing, stranger. And let's see some blood this time!"
Yselle watches breathlessly. She wants to bet, but she knows that betting is not what they are here for ...
Thelix struggling to put his armor back on, hops over on one foot, and digging into his purse places 10 Gold Coins on his replacement's side of the table. Surely The Lord in Iron, has sent this man to replace him so that he wouldn't have to abase himself, and fight without his armor and weapons.
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As the rest of the group moves into position and Thelix finishes putting his armour back on and Inros places more coins on the table as does Thelix, Devargo finishes the count and the match begins, as Saratal gives one last threat and asking for blood this time. The big man instantly moves into motion grabbing the strap with both hands and yanks with all of his strength trying to pull Theruska towards him off balance As Theruska feels a yank on his arm which he was kinda ready for, he bends down and grabs some coins off the table and shoves them into the pouch quickly. Neither goes for the dagger which one could guess will make Sarastal angry. Yselle watches quietly and Baern from outside the doorway. Yselle notices the dwarf standing by the doorway trying to not be noticed. Baern sees the match begin and is not sure what is going on but his intrest in the group taking on the thug Devargo is peeked........
The big man instantly moves into motion grabbing the strap with both hands and yanks with all of his strength trying to pull Theruska towards him off balance
Strength check +0, Balance check +7 (1d20=4, 1d20+7=21)
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Theruska is pulled away from grabbing coins off the table as the big man almost drags him across the table through the pile of coins and right up to his chest, a grin on his face and a shout in your face accompanied by very bad breath, HA, got you now weakling! Theruska did manage to grab some coins which are still in his hand!
The rest of the group watches, being very quiet for some reason while the thugs root on their big man to victory!
Theruska quickly thinks of his options, standing so close to his opponent, some coins in hand. Grapple him? No. Trip him? No. Hit him? Maybe. How to win this? More gold in pocket...
... might work
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.
They won't like that... And it might actually not even work. Still need to try it.
Sarastal clutches her head. "Why did we agree to let this puny guy fight for us? Even the peace-loving priest of Gorum was better! Er...no offense, Thelix."
Baern continues to hide in the shadows, wondering just what is going on.
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The big man crinkles his nose at his opponent's smell now that they are eye to eye which causes him to be reluctant to grab a hold of the man he was going to try and bear hug into submission. Theruska takes that moment to shove some coins into his pouch and at the same time shove some of the coins on the table off of it to end the match. It works but Devargo jumps up out of his throne and shouts, Foul, foul, your cheating and you will now not get the information you seek! I tire of this, show these rats to my pets, they have not eatten in awhile! He slams down his fist onto the arm of his throne and a trap door opens in the middle of the floor showing a large dark hole and strands of web covering most of the opening. Unfortunately one of his thugs was on top of it and falls through with a scream and then a thud leaving three thugs, the giant on top the table still straped to Theruska and Devargo to deal with the heroes!
"Damn..."
Seeing the situation turn sour, Theruska finally reaches down for the dagger, hoping to get it to cut the strand binding him to the thug.