"Hail Devargo Barvasi, King of Spiders," Kessel says stepping forward, his deep rich voice filling the room, "I am Kessel Cobey, from Waterdeep, Bardic Priest of the Ironwood lodge. I have come here today seeking information. a valuable commodity for sure but a commodity I have been assured you deal in. When I told certain individuals about my tasks in dark rooms about the city one name was always whispered in response to my quarries, Devargo, the spider king. "He will have the information you seek", they said, "he traps many secrets in his silken webs, he has loured many fat flies into his parlor". I am one who always listens to sound advice and so I came to the spider's court hopping for an audience. I thank you for seeing me and my companions. I apologize though, you are entertaining, and I wouldn't want to bother you or your guests with this rather sticky diplomatic situation."
Diplomacy:
Devargo seems amused "Well Kessel Cobey of the Ironwood lodge I do know many things, But it will cost you. What are you looking for?"
"This might sound like a foolish question, but my training demands that I ask, is it safe to discuss business in front of your . . . associates?" Kessel asks lowering his voice to what seems like a near whisper, yet his voice carries, reaching everyone in the room, "the information I seek is of a political nature."
Devargo starts to get up from his chair , spiders scatter as he moves , with a harsh laugh he says"Political nature, why would I care, who it hurts or who it does not. This is My domain, and I decide who stays and who goes. And just how hey go.' He walks to the table and the men look a bit nerves. '"How about a bit of entertainment Velos, your knife.' A rough looking brute with a scare across his face, looks uneasy as he hands Devargo his knife.
Devargo gives Kessel a cold smile "Lets play a little game of Knivesies' He says driving the knife into the center of the table "One of your men vs one of mine. If yours wins I'll let you tell me what you want'
"Knivesies?" Kessel asks raising an eyebrow, "I'm not familiar with that particular game. Some sort of bloodsport I assume, perhaps you could have one of your men enlighten us."
"I'm aware of the rules," Bean states simply, "Two men on the table, everyone anties up, then stands behind their man. They have one hand tied together with their opposite, and a dagger is put in the middle between them. They can either grab coins, or beat each other down. If someone dies his side loses, otherwise the one with the most coin in his pouch when either a coin gets knocked off, or there are no more coins on the table wins... it's Devargo's Favorite game actually."
Devargo smiles at Bean "Your dandy is right Kessel I do so enjoy a good game' He says as he makes his way back to his throne " I could use a bit of entertainment, and I am guessing you really need to tell me that name, so amuse me"
"Fair enough, although I can't see why it's called Knivesies if there's only one knife," Kessel says with only a hint of dry wit, "allow us a moment to choose our champion."
Kessel quickly turns to the others.
"Well," he says, his voice actually a whisper now, "what do you think? Who's got the fastest hands? I might have a trick or two up my sleeves but I don't think I'm the best choice for combat. I should be able to mend any wounds you have afterwards.
"Well, help mend any wounds," Kessel adds nodding to the priest of Sune.
Keen talks quietly with Kessel.
"Hmm... I'm not sure, would reg even do this? I mean it's a blood sport.
"I'm not that great with knives but would they care if I used my claws? What about magic?"
Celena still outside begins to wonder what is taking the others.
"Combat is against a paladin's code?" Kessel muses, "well it needn't be to the death if that would ease your mind. The rules allow you to knock your opponent out or off the table. Whichever you like. Or you could just grab more coin then the other. So here's what you do: grab some coins, stick all but one into your pouch and throw the last onto the floor, should be an easy win. You will need to dodge the other fellow with the knife though."
"won't work Kessel... if you knock off a coin you lose. However I think a deal could be struck where losing is just as advantageous to us as winning." Bean continues quietly whispering only to Kessel,
"IF say that halfling paladin was to do the combat... and lose it says something to the "power" and "acceptance" of the Spider in town... an air of legitimacy... the fact that the guard came and lost helps him. In exchange we get the information afterward as a "pity gift" which he "graciously" imparts on us. The problems are: Getting the halfling to accept it, Getting the spider to agree, and getting it done without everyone in the place knowing what's happening."
Kessel scratches his head, "That's not what you just said though Bean, you told me that the round ends when a coin falls off the table. Perhaps I'll need some clarification. Do you think someone could talk Celena into participating? In the mean time do you think you could champion us Reg?"
Devargo Laughs from his throne "Well Kessel, no one with a set of balls among your men huh' The men laugh as they clear the table "I am growing a bit impatient, Man up or get out"
"It's not that sir Devargo," Kessel says turning from the group to face the spider king, "I'm afraid there needs to be some clarifications on the rules. My companions are nothing if not diverse in ability and method. We will front you a challenger as soon as you can answer us some questions: Are you allowed using magic? Are their any additional rules of engagement we should be aware of? Any maneuvers strictly prohibited. Supposing one is practically immune to ordinary metal would he or she be banned from competition? Our priest is confused about the coin hitting the floor, does that mean a loss? I'm familiar with many fighting stiles sir Devargo, being from the north we of the old blood have many ways of solving disputes, but it's best to ensure you know all the rules before competing. Not that rules need to be followed of course, but it's best to appear to be following the rules, especially when your host has been kind enough to offer an invitation."
Devargo leans forward "Well now, No you may not use magic, You only have your skill and that knife there. You may not cast spell before, not may you use any other weapon.. cheaters tend to only play once. The game ends when the coin comes off, but if your dead, knocked out or knock off, you lose. Now shall we play> Frado your up' he says with a grin as the scar faced man starts toward the table
"I'll do it," Bean shrugs, handing his walking stick, circlet and a few other items to Kessel before whispering to him, "If the worse happens give the circlet to Ellen of Merchant House Tredu... Reg knows where to find her. The wand should go back to the temple in town, the rest I'm not worried about... just put it to good use."
Devargo lets out a gut busting laugh "Ah the dandy want's to man up does he. Strap im up boys and place your bets " He says with another laugh as Bean and Frando are tied together, the men toss coins behind Frando and when the last coin drops some one yells 'Begin!
Frando's Init
Kessel does his best not to act surprised when Bean volunteers, it wouldn't due to show doubt, but as the men are strapped together Kessel pulls out his lute and begins gently strumming the string.
"What do you like to listen to King of Spiders?" Kessel asks, "if you'd like I could play you something from Waterdeep, those songs are popular in the courts and manors around the realms for some reason. I prefer more traditional tunes myself."
Devargo's laughs again "What a fine ideal, play something lively!" He says as the betting starts
Frando is faster then keen reaching for the dagger, but given courage by Kessels song and seeing the opening Bean reaches for Frando' leg
Trip
Frado kicks at Bean bruising the cleric but bean wraps his arms around the thug and off the table Frando goes.
Upon his throne Devargo lets out a gut busting laugh "The dandy knocked him off!, well done dandy< well done" He says clapping
"That Kessel, just earned you the chance to tell me just what you want.This time don't wast my time. One the floor bean is untried and Frando takes a good ribbing from the other thugs . Devarog calls down "He gets it all, ha, ha, ever silver" One of the thugs gather up the coins 5 gold and 36 silver and hands it over to bean
Hakeen helps Bean get untied and helps him off the ground. "Thanks Bean!", and pats him on the back.
Kessel does his best to not act surprised when Bean win.
Bluff:
Kessel continues playing as Devargo makes his demands, "Waste your time?" he muses, "where you not entertained? I would never dare tell a king his business, but I would ask that you respect mine. Everything needs to be revealed in time," Kessel suddenly stops playing, "but you are correct, it is time to give you the name: Amprei, Ambassador Amprei."
Surprised at how well that went Bean looks at the bruise and decides to leave it... women love scars and while minor it was an interesting conversational piece.
"Oh yes I have what you need. Some very racy letters to his married lover. Husbands do not tend to be understanding, powerful ones even less. They have been useful. However I like you. Say 800 gold and I can let you have them"
"This is of course the unpleasant part of any negotiation," Kessel says, "I was thinking more along the lines of 400 but I wouldn't want to undercut the lord of spiders by half, perhaps your majesty might consider 500?"
Devargo comes off his throne still smiling but with a predatory glint in his eyes "Heh, I like you kessel I really do but I have found them to be of use. Say 650 and I'll let you have them for the entertainment "
Kessel makes a big show of pretending to internally debate the issue, it seems like a tough decision for Kessel, but in reality Kessel knows not to push his Luck. Devargo has nearly met Kessel halfway and in front of his own goons no less! Kessel sighs and nods.
"You drive a hard bargain Devargo, king of spiders," Kessel says sounding defeated, "650 it will have to be. allow us a moment to pool our coin."
"You do that, I'll get what you came for" With that he goes below deck to retrieve the items and comes back holding two letters "Heh, you should read some of the stuff in here. He has some interesting ideals to say the lest. Would have saved him a world of hurt if he had just gotten himself a good whore"
Kessel takes the opportunity to secretively take 650 gold out of the pouch Kroft gave the group for bribes. The goons would do better not seeing the fat coin purse.
"It's the nature of people to want what they cannot have," Kessel says, "which is fine, as if that were not the case people like you or I would find ourselves out of work. I imagine our little ambassador craved danger and adventure, which is lucky enough for us, because I suspect we both have profited off of his infidelity."
Kessel lays the coins on the table and accepts the letters.
"Thank you for your hospitality great spider king, but now I fear we have urgent business elsewhere, perhaps our paths shall cross again, but until then we bid you adieu."
Kessel bows and makes his escape, not appearing to rush, but not exatly sauntering either. When they rejoin their gnome companion Kessel barely says a word.
"We got what we came for," he mutters, "let's differently move."
After the group has put a few blocks between them and the docks, Kessel walks a bit slower.
"Good work everyone," Kessel says, "Bean I must say I never would have pegged you as a wrestler, those were some very good moves, good work everyone. Let's all be vigilante for tails and make our way back to Kroft. We managed to get what she wanted at a reasonable price."
Perception
On their way out Bean smiles and nods to the various people he had met during the evening, exchanging small pleasantries with a few, and noting the location of the temple to one or two others.
Smiling Bean answers Kessel humor in his voice, "Well, there's wrestling and then there is wrestling Kessel... and sometimes the two aren't that different. Some of the tactics that a good priest or priestess of Sune must use sometimes have more applications than simply in the bedroom... however I must confess that I too was a little surprised it worked as well as it did, but we'll simply thank Sune for watching out for us."
Bean keeps an eye out too, while the had left the Spider in good spirits that didn't mean some simpleton wouldn't get the wrong idea and have a go at them... and who knows, maybe something else would come along to spread more of Sune's joy their way.
Kessel coughs uncomfortably at Bean's Sune comments.
"Yes," Kessel says, not wanting to start a religious debate, "I'm sure she had a part in it."
Keen pats Kessel on the back. "That worked out better than I expected."
Celena heads over to them after they have safely cleared the building.
"So did you get what you were looking for?" She asks
Kessel bows and makes his escape, not appearing to rush, but not exatly sauntering either. When they rejoin their gnome companion Kessel barely says a word."We got what we came for," he mutters, "let's definitely move."
Celena heads over to them after they have safely cleared the building.
"So did you get what you were looking for?" She asks
"Yes," Kessel says again, "let's move."
"Ha! we got more than we expected. Bean you were awesome, lets say we go back and bet some of that gold on you this time? You made it look easy!"
"Lets not" Celena quickly interjects "We should be returning with those as soon as we can."
Kessel doesn't stop walking.
"I agree," Kessel says to the gnome, "our host seemed genuinely pleased but I'm sure he's not against reneging on an agreement and one can't be sure of the people he employs either. We just payed a rather large sum of money and an ambitious thief might suspect there was more to be had. At the very least they know that these letters are worth somewhere in the range we just payed. We can visit the spider fellow some other time if you'd like Keen."
"Sure, sure, we can come back tomorrow. Maybe put Bean in a disguise so they won't recognize him."
Bean sniffs, "Hardly... I don't do disguises, those are for young lovers with little tact. I left in good standing, and if I come back it will be the same."
He then smiles charmingly, but with a jesting air, "After all how could someone not love me?"
As you make your way from the docks it is clear the cities troubles are not over, signs of vandalism can be seen, as well as some of the dark looks people give your group as you pass. Soon you hear shouts as you make your way down a street calls of 'Die dandy" and "Death to the Whore-Queen!" can be heard. As you make your way toward the intersection you can see a crowd has gathered , six mean with make shift weapons seem to have a well dressed man cornered by a fountain.
One of them, a fat bald man with greasy muttonchops framing his rotund face, jeers and addresses the young man in a booming voice, “Bet’cha
never worked an honest day’s wage in your life, eh, Queen’s Man? M’brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was younger than you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist again. Wanna know what it feels like?” He says holding a pipe threateningly
"They say the queen has spies throughout the city," Kessel says in a conspiratorial tone to the folks gathered, "rough men, who can blend into a crowd. People she can use to kill the kings supporters. People who will start riots so she can have cause to send in her hellknights. She needs support of the other nobles right now and if their people are being killed on the streets it will likely turn them to her."
"I don't know if that's true or not," Kessel adds with a shrug, "rumors are sometimes true, but I do know that only message that killing or maiming some fancy dressed prig is that the streets need more guards. And people like Ileosa love lots of guards, it makes people frightened, and it makes it easier for her to crush resistance."
Bluff
or (if it's possible)
Diplomacy
Keen moves in close to the fountain on the south side (skirting the mob) and moves about 20' away from the thug with the pipe and bares his claws. "If you want to live you will drop the pipe and clear out of here", gesturing at the 6 thugs, "all of you."
Intimidate