
Alandra |

Zalen Candorian |

Even though the King's demeanor remains inscrutable to Zalen, nevertheless he, being a seasoned negotiator, would never agree to an opponents first asking price. As well, he thinks (1d20+5=21) he is pretty sure of the reason for Alandra's nudge so he quickly begins to mentally prepare his bargaining strategy.
Zalen feigns disinterest (1d20+8=18) and casually says "Hmmm, 5 'items' you say? But I "need not concern my self with their content"? Well, I must admit my dear sir I do find that to be a strange request. How should I be able to properly judge the value of something without knowing what it is?" Zalen pretends to think about something for a moment " I shall tell you what though. As it is, we have almost compiled enough information on our own to ruin the depraved ambassador, I was merely seeking the final straw, so to speak, from you. However I feel it would be in my best interest to be in your favor mighty King of Arachnids so I shall make you a magnanimous bargain. I have 25 Chelaxian Platinum Pieces here in this bag" He hefts it again " and I shall give you all of them and in return take the cumbersome items regarding the ambassador off of your hands. What say you? " As his finishes he attempts one of his charming (1d20+6=11) grins, not quite managing to pull it off to this best of his ability this time though.

GM TerraNova |

The King of spiders laughed. It was a genuine laugh, not out of sheer derison, but one with some amount of joviality. "Mister Candorian, you may fancy yourself a hard bargainer, but maintain some perspective. You are offering me a tenth of what i confidently expect from this issue. Can you really say this is an offer i should feel inclined to consider, rather than having your retinue removed from this room?"
"You have stones, i give you that. But a true man is not just courage and fancy talking. Mister Candorian, are you in any shape familiar with the game they call Knifesies?" He did not wait for a reply, but the man he had send away returned with another thug. A young man, maybe twenty, maybe somewhat younger. Sweating profoundly in ill-fitting leather armor. "Gillard here has failed me in some issues, and is looking to get back into my favor. You are expecting me to forego a large sum of money."
Knowledge: Local 15 - DC 10 for Krek or any rogue:

Ayedah |

Knowledge (local) : 14
Knifesies? Ayedah's frown deepened. She didn't like the sound of that, and the sight of the man that was just brought out didn't help. Whatever this contest is, it does not seem pleasant. Does he expect Zalen to duel this man somehow? Or could any of us volunteer in his place?
She sized the man up, wondering if she could subdue him in a fight without killing him. Through from the sound of things, his loss would likely end with him suffering Devargo's mercy anyway...
Sense Motive? : 18

Alandra |

Krek |

My computer has been unexpectedly out of commission this week, so forgive my late reply
Krek knew of the little game Zalen was to play, and while he didn't mind watching it, Krek hadn't the quick reflexes needed to be good. Though he knew their situation was probably a precarious one, the atmosphere was at least exciting to him - and the spiders were entertaining too!
Most of all, however, Krek was intrigued by the beast in the cage. He'd never seen one before! It's color was as exotic as it's body, and he had to restrain himself from asking about it. It's likely his gaze forfeited his curiosity to whomever was watching him though - he was rather transfixed by the creature.

Zalen Candorian |

Zalen searched his memory (1d20+6=13) for information on the game Devargo suggested. He did seem to recall playing a more innocent version of the game as a youth. He had also seen some examples of the adult version played, usually by sailors down by the docks. None of those games ever seemed to end very well...for Either player.
GM can you give us some more detailed info on Exactly how the game would be played as Devargo means it?

Zalen Candorian |

Ya, I'm sorry if I'm seeming dense, but I still don't have any idea really about how the game is supposed to begin or proceed...could you maybe describe a 'typical' game? ie "two men stand at opposite ends of the table, both waiting for the other two make their move. At an agreed upon signal, they both...." sort of thing perhaps? We can carry it into the OOC, if you like?
Also, am I correct in assuming that Zalen doesn't really have a whole lot of choice at this point whether he actually plays or not? ;-)

Ayedah |

Alandra sensed Zalen's hesitation at playing the game of knivesies.
"I'll play, if you tell me how."
"What-No! I'll do it." Ayedah said without thinking, simultaneously shocked at the younger Shoanti girl's suggestion and what her reaction may have just gotten them into.
She didn't want to insult Alandra, she deserved the respect due to her clan, but the thought of the girl getting involved in what this was starting to look like had shocked her into action. She didn't like it, but she could see Krek, Zalen, or herself putting themselves in harm's way like this more readily than Alandra and Jillian. She hadn't quite shaken the tendency to think of Jillian as a child even though she knew better. It was just an instinct to think of her that way. And Alandra was similar. She knew she wasn't that much older than her, and Shoanti her age faced risk all the time, but Alandra didn't strike her as a warrior. She reminded Ayedah more of her tribe's elders and shamans...
Damn it, she thought. She had hoped to let Zalen handle all the talking. She could not help but worry that she may have sabotaged him with her outburst and volunteering to go in his place.

Zalen Candorian |

Heh heh, well I must say, even though everyone's outbursts have likely Not helped ease our cause at all, I still like it! Increases the Drama (plus I just feel better when everyone gets to be involved) And, just for the record though, Zalen is not Unwilling to Play, he just does not like to Play by Other people's rules or BE Played. (and his Player just wants to know how to Play the game! lol But maybe we'll just see how this all Plays out right now...;-)
Zalen, at first somewhat shocked and taken aback by the outbursts from the two young women, manages to Internalize (bluff) (1d20+8=28) his emotions and smoothly comes up with a response.
"Well, as you can see for yourself, my dear King of Crawlies, I somehow manage to inspire great loyalty in my followers and they all have a strong desire to see no harm come to me." He pauses for a moment to let that sink in " I would be willing to pit one of my minions against yours, if that suits you." Zalen takes a quick unobtrusive breath and decides to up the ante a bit "OR, You, could play this little game against me yourself..." He lets the question hang in the air for a moment then quickly reaches (slight of hand)(1d20+7=17) for one of his hidden purses, with a flourish making it seem to appear as if out of nowhere and throws it and the first one on the table "...Or, we could just save ourselves some time and pass on this little distraction and I can simply double my price. What say you?"
And with that he once again leans casually back against the table, as if he couldn't care less which option Devargo chooses.

GM TerraNova |

Ouch! You do not call the crimelord "king of crawlies!"
While the crimelord had watched the exchange between the two Shaonti somewhat bemused, his face turned blank when Zalen adressed him again. He certainly did not seem to appreciate the friendly barb, and did not even put a second look at the offer. "On the table, Candorian. Gillard, all's forgiven if you give me his fat lips".
The henchmen watched this development with obvious glee, one of them already pushing the hapless thug on the table - who eyed Zalen with the look of a man ready to kill for his one big break. Probably he hadn't expected half a chance anymore, but if the King of Crawlies was as good as his word...

Zalen Candorian |

Oh C'mon! King of Crawlies? What? Spiders=Crawlies...geez...Some Lord of Arachnids needs to have a better sense of humour ;-)
At Devargo's command Zalen at first merely raises an eyebrow. He seems to think for a moment and is about to say something, but then seems to reconsider and doesn't (likely he remembered where is-in a room with several toughs, the man whom they all fear and who knows how many and how poisonous spiders. Not to mention the fact that this room is in boat filled with much more of the same of both types of followers of Dervargo's-the two legged and the eight legged kind)
Zalen sighs dramatically and says nonchalantly "Well, it is not my habit to sully my hands with common work any longer, as I'm sure you can relate Lord of Eel's (he's deciding to play it safe for now and stay away from any spider comments for the moment ;-)." He stands a little bit straighter, stretching back his shoulders "However, I don't suppose a few moments exercise will do me any harm" He turns to his companions, pretending he heard protestations from them "No No my lovelies, I insist on taking care of this myself. Besides, look at the man, what could I possibly have to worry from him?" throwing as much derision as possible into the last word as he indicates his soon to be opponent. Zalen then picks up the two bags of PP's and tosses them Krek. "Hold on to these for me, I'll be back for them in a second or two"
Then, standing in place, Zalen gathers himself and suddenly performs a graceful and astonishing leap (1d20+7=25) and somersault onto the table. He then grins down at his doomed foe, still continuing his efforts to shake the man. "I hope you won't take it too personally when I kill you?" he asks innocently.
Zalen then stands ready to be bound to the other as he whispers over his shoulder to Krek (who should be standing, as per the rules of the game, along with the rest of our party at our end of the table, and who is now holding three of the PP bags) 'Match whatever they bet'
Finally he turns silent and prepares himself for the fight. Initiative (1d20+3=21) He does, however, still have a wide grin on his face.

Krek |

Reflex save = 10 - 2 = 8
While Krek catches one of the bags, the other eludes his grasp, dropping to the ground with a weighty clink. No matter. Picking it up, he now had a task other than gawking at the purple pet in the cage. Krek was thrilled to help out - the entire situation was a good deal of fun for him, even if it was dangerous.
Krek loosens the strings, ready to match the bets on the table.

GM TerraNova |

The King of spiders looked at Zalen's acrobatics with a sour face, and his voice still sounded like a hiss more than any human voice really should. "Mark my words. I'll double every wager from them. Can't have that cur outdo me on my own ship."
From his throne on out, he tossed a few silver coins onto the table, which clattered around the fighters feet. "Just to make things more interesting."
Gillard, his opponent, was visibly intimidated by Zalen's acrobatics, and even more so when he considered that his master had just given the party carte blanche to put as much weight on his shoulders as they liked - the Lord of Eels End probably would not appreciate him losing large amounts of money. That might have been the reason why he was that much slower, that much less ready, that much less alert.
One of the toughs leaned over to Alandra "Too late for prayers now - 'sides, won't help your guy much anyway. Father Skinsaw's more merciful than the boss when you cost him money."
Zalen wins initiative

Zalen Candorian |

Zalen lunges for the knife but mimes a stumble and 'Accidentally' (1d20+8=19) kicks it off the table. If he can do so without being observed by anyone else he'll wink and whisper to Gellard "Guess they won't get our blood That easily!" but if not, then he'll just wink or say nothing.
If he still has a move action he'll go for some coin as well.

GM TerraNova |

The man didn't seem to appreciate the break Zalen had given him, but instead tackled right into the man, clawing at him. It might have been a girlish move, but one of his fingers actually stuck in Zalen's eye, sending a shocking lance of pain through the man.
The man goes for an unarmed attack, causing 2 lethal damage. If you want to gamble, I'll tell you this is your time. Just a hint :) That is, unless you don't trust Zalen to pull this one off.

Ayedah |

Ayedah gritted her teeth, holding her arms crossed tightly to keep herself from joining in the fight when she saw how Zalen's mercy for the man was repaid. That didn't work for her tongue however, as she spat out a particularly inflammatory curse towards the man.
How well can he fight without a weapon? He had never struck her as a sturdy brawler, but rather someone that relied more on grace...
Ayedah quickly reach down for her coinpurse, throwing out twenty gold coins at Zalen's feet.
20 gp on the table

Zalen Candorian |

Attempting to set his opponent up for a devastating follow up strike, Zalen skillfully Feints (1d20+8=21) to one side, successfully throwing his opponent off balance for the his next attack against him.
(If he can he will also grab for some more coins again as his move action)
[ooc]PS, can we assume Krek has also, as per instructions, been throwing PP's on the table to match the bets (which Devargo has also sworn to match! This could become a big pot Quick! ;-)

GM TerraNova |

Krek kept tossing out coins as if it was not money, but merely playing chips. "Hey, toss out the other money! Zalen's got that guy covered, and you won't find better rates than the Kings" he proclaimed.
The thug elbowed at Zalen's head, and thus exposed himself to his attack. To add insult to injury, he only managed to glance Zalen's shoulder. As more coins were added to the table, though, the shuffle threatened to throw off one of them - and that would end the game quickly.

Zalen Candorian |

Attempting to take advantage of his earlier feint, Zalan jabs a shot (1d20+3=9) at a delicate area of the man's anatomy. Yet at the last moment, the mounting coins on the table cause him to lose his footing and he misses.
Daaaaaaamn it! IC didn't come through for me when I Needed it! I'm assuming that, even with no Dex to AC a 9 still misses? If by some chance if Does hit lemme know and I'll roll damage.
PS I believe Krek's now holding 3 of the 25 coin PP bags, Z's got the third hidden away on him still.

GM TerraNova |

Sorry for interdicting Krek, but i want to move this forward. And sorry for taking several turns now, because... well. I'll not be able to update as frequently as i wanted, but don't want to drag this to christmas.
Krek grunted, and said "Well, talking about balls. Here's some more on Zalen", as he put the bribe money he was holding on the table. The platinums numb shine seemed to change everything. The man, Gillard, realized he was done for. No chance the King would forgive him costing him so much money. He savagely attacked Zalen again, almost berserker-like, rammed his shoulder into Zalen's stomach 1 lethal, and collected more coins as the man staggered and tried to retain his footing on the rapidly filling table.
Zalen crashed down hard on the table - but saw his chance. He grabbed a handful of the neatly stacked platinum, ignored the elbow in his back, and stuffed the coins into his pouch... save one, which he flung towards the king. It rolled off slowly, toppled as it crossed the carpet.
The game was over. No question who won. And while Gillard tried to grab Zalen's throat, and choke the life out of him, his "friends" stepped in soon enough. "It would appear, Mister Candorian, you are a lucky man"
The King took defeat in stride, it seemed. No shouting, no threats... not any real emotion, it seemed. "It would further appear your financial reserves just got considerably deeper. Deep enough to make a sensible offer."
Sense motive DC 15:

Zalen Candorian |

After catching his wind and giving a surreptitious kick to the man who had tried to strangle him even after the game was over (mumbling to him "I even gave you a chance, you scum"), Zalen straightens his attire and puts on his usual megawatt grin. "Well I can't argue with that, my dear Devargo, for the fates have, I must admit, been kind to me."
Not bothering to completely tally up the King's bill and sensing that it was past time for them to get out of there, Zalen has one final thrust to attempt. Feeling it might be wise to leave the sour man happy instead of angrily counting his losses, Zalen broaches an idea that had been forming in his head since he arrived.
"In my experience, my dear Sultan of Silk Weavers, it has always been best to leave both parties feeling they have profited in some fashion at least from an exchange. So my proposal is this- I couldn't help but notice that disgusting bedraggled creature by your throne there. While I despise creatures and vermin of all sorts, I do know of a collector who has an interest in oddities. What he does with them I do not know and do not care. Perhaps he keeps them, perhaps he tortures them to death, who knows. But if you throw that beast there into the deal I'll consider our debt even and shall even add this" and Zalen removes the last pouch he had on him (assuming Krek has collected back the original three?) and tosses it for an easy catch to Devargo "as something small for your trouble and hospitality" and Zalen smiles again, more subdued this time, but confidant the man would accept his offer (Diplomacy) (1d20+6=18) and believe his lie (1d20+8=26).

Ayedah |

Ayedah smiled with relief when it became clear Zalen had won and shot Gellard a withering glare. Now, how much longer must we keep dancing to entertain this bastard?
She was thankful when what seemed to be the final negotiations came. She was steeling herself to inquire about the small dragon, and was surprised when Zalen made his offer for it. She bit her cheeks to keep from smiling. His lie certainly sounded better than the reason she was planning to give for buying it.

Krek |

Pleased with the spectacle of the game, Krek made no hesitation to match each bet on the table. Fortunately, the results were in their favor, and while his smile was not as polished as Zalen's, it was probably twice as large.
Further, his head pivoted immediately towards Zalen with the offer to purchase the exquisite creature, his hands then putting whatever of the other platinum he had at Zalen's feet in case he needed it for negotiation. Judging by the King's reaction, it seemed he'd expect it. The move being so unplanned though, Krek wondered as to what the talkative human wanted with it.
However, that wasn't even the reason while they were here. The information they were supposed to get was still out there, and Krek turned to the King, waiting for Zalen to continue the talking.
My apologies - I felt I was clear when I meant for Krek to simply match bets as necessary; he wasn't going to be making any of his own.

GM TerraNova |

"You should watch your mouth in the future, Candorian. You'll have the letters, consider it my gambling debts. But while the pest annoys the hell out of me, I'll greatly enjoy having something you desire." The underworld boss seethed, but wasn't quite willing to concede such total defeat.
"Now, if you'll kindly leave my ship and never dare set a foot upon it again, I'll have one of my men deliver the lettersto you." He wasn't looking as if he was going to do accept an argument at this point. The pseudodragon, however, began a high-pitched (but rather melodious) chattering at the news. While each of the heroes could understand it, they also quite readily realized that no actual sound occurred. It was probably some direct mental communication.
"Oh, please don't leave me with him. Just do something. I don't know how, but he's just taking sick pleasure of torturing me. My name is Majenko, and i swear to you, if you can get me out of this cage I'll serve you. For a full year, at least!" The mental plea had hardly finished, when the vengeful King of Spiders glared at the man he had grown to hate so much in so short a time. "Something the matter, Mister Candorian?"

Ayedah |

Ayedah's heart ached at the thought of leaving the creature behind to be tormented further, and knowing it was intelligent made it that much worse.
Keeping her arms crossed, she spoke up. "What about me? I'll buy it for myself. Never eaten dragon before." Bluff: 14 She hoped the pseudodragon would believe her at least. She hoped it would fly into a panic, just to make it more appealing to Devargo.

GM TerraNova |

The dragon indeed flew into a panic at Ayedah's words, sending words of soothing, and trying to desperately reason with the latest monster to appear before him. The king merely laughed. "Well, Lady... your lucky day i guess. I'm a ladies men. I'll have one of my people kill one of the others, there's enough of them around. Care to have it with scales, or treated? We could have a nice, private dinner with it."
He was playing a cruel joke, so much was certain. Either he believed her - then he was flirting in a very crude fashion, implying her affections might be so easily bought. Or he knew she was not into it, and tried to impress the feeling she might be to blame for the demise of another of these creatures upon her.

Krek |

The dragon indeed flew into a panic at Ayedah's words, sending words of soothing, and trying to desperately reason with the latest monster to appear before him. The king merely laughed. "Well, Lady... your lucky day i guess. I'm a ladies men. I'll have one of my people kill one of the others, there's enough of them around. Care to have it with scales, or treated? We could have a nice, private dinner with it."
He was playing a cruel joke, so much was certain. Either he believed her - then he was flirting in a very crude fashion, implying her affections might be so easily bought. Or he knew she was not into it, and tried to impress the feeling she might be to blame for the demise of another of these creatures upon her.
The refusal of the King to give up the little dragon was a bit of a killjoy for Krek - the day had been pure entertainment so far. While he really didn't want to see the fascinating thing get hurt, there was little doubt to Krek the power of the King was beyond them.
He turned around, putting the coins back in the pouches, ready to go.

Ayedah |

The dragon indeed flew into a panic at Ayedah's words, sending words of soothing, and trying to desperately reason with the latest monster to appear before him. The king merely laughed. "Well, Lady... your lucky day i guess. I'm a ladies men. I'll have one of my people kill one of the others, there's enough of them around. Care to have it with scales, or treated? We could have a nice, private dinner with it."
He was playing a cruel joke, so much was certain. Either he believed her - then he was flirting in a very crude fashion, implying her affections might be so easily bought. Or he knew she was not into it, and tried to impress the feeling she might be to blame for the demise of another of these creatures upon her.
Ayedah fought to hide her disgust with Devargo's proposition and the horror she felt at the thought that she would get another of the creatures killed. For a moment, she thought of pushing her luck, to call his bluff, but she could not bring herself to put one of the creatures at risk.
She replied, "Thank you, but I prefer to kill what I eat. I have to give them some chance." She kept her tone polite but with an unrefined edge, hoping to play to the stereotype she assumed many Korvosans applied to her people. "There should be plenty to go around in this city." She pretended to lose interest, as if it had only come at a whim.
Bluff: Natural 20 (oh, now I get it)
I'm sorry, she thought, ashamed of her own inaction and cursing herself for not being more quick-witted. I can't start a fight here, not now. I don't know what else to do...

Zalen Candorian |

Somewhat taken off guard by the mental communication and plea from the creature, Zalen awkwardly tries to communicate back with it ' Ah...Dragon?? I'm not sure if I'm doing this right or not but..I hope you know we Are trying to help you...but I'm not sure how we can? It seems we are outnumbered and outclassed here were we to try and take you by force from Devargo and I can't see how throwing our lives away would help any of us...Can YOU think of...any way we might be able to help free you?'
Meanwhile he says aloud "Wrong? What could be wrong my dear Devargo? Events have preceded quite to my satisfaction so far. As soon as we have those papers we shall be on our way and you can torture that disgusting creature to your hearts content."

GM TerraNova |

A motion from the corners of the Kings eyes was all it took for one of the thugs to haul the defeated out of the room. He himself rose. "I would not dream to detain a man so in love with getting deeper into trouble. I will not be long. Until then, enjoy the hospitality of this room."
He indeed was not long. Just when a splash could be heard from abovedeck, Devargo Barvasi returned with a stack of five fine paper envelopes, obviously intercepted letters. "They are signed, but not sealed. Does not matter, the writing is a perfect match, because these are the real thing."
He tossed them towards the group. They came to a rest atop the table, within reach of all the group. "Now please let yourself out."

GM TerraNova |

The Pseudodragon looked at the party soulfully as they exited the room, but all he send towards them was a Please hurry..
The party returned to the docks of Eel's end. Here, the celebration continued unabated, even though in the torchlight, a darker spot tarnished the harbor water close to the 'Eel's End'. It seemed the thug had met a relatively merciful end, being thrown to the jigsaw sharks infesting Korovsa's harbor.
Possibly, the relative frequency of these ends might even have something to do with the shark infestation.

Jillian Greenbottle |

Jillian peers into the gross waters. She pulls back, not only because of the disgusting smell, but also because she doesn't want to encourage the city's problem with jigsaw shark infestation. "Let's get heading out of here, I need some sleep... and a bath." she shudders.

Ayedah |

Ayedah grimaced as they left the cabin. Having to suffer Devargo's company, leaving the dragon behind, and the sight of the blood on the water all left her feeling sick. No excuse for simply walking away seemed good enough to her.
She looked to the others, quiet for a moment, searching their eyes to see how they seemed to feel about the situation before speaking up. "I need to see to something," she said, pointing to the House of Clouds. "I'll be back in a moment." She seemed fearful of what she might find there.

Zalen Candorian |

Zalen grabs Ayedah's shoulder before she can depart and says with a smile "Hold on a moment impetuous one. If we are a Team, that means we do things together yes?" He looks to his other teammates for confirmation. (assuming they all agree? he says) "If you feel now is the time to search for your friend, than we shall all do so together. Ok? And before we go in there, do you understand and are you prepared for what you may find? Or do you still have any questions?"
He then turns to Alandra and says somewhat sheepishly "Ah, and maybe if you could.." he waggles his fingers "...or something? I'm feeling a bit battered and bruised at the moment"

Alandra |

He then turns to Alandra and says somewhat sheepishly "Ah, and maybe if you could.." he waggles his fingers "...or something? I'm feeling a bit battered and bruised at the moment"
"Oh, yeah. Sure Zalen." Alandra said, then closed her eyes and channeled the Power of Pharasma.
channel positive energy (1d6=4), and again channel positive energy (1d6=3)
Everyone feels a wave of energy wash over them, even those in the crowd around them.