"Well, in any case, it won't do to just mill about the entrance like this," Emmentian says with a glance about the room, "it might raise suspicion."
"When you are ready to take a closer look at the pool, he comments to Lynnara, "come and find me, for now I think it would be best to get into character." With that, he holds out a hand to his 'wife', and heads towards one of the colourful games on display, "shall we my dear?"
Reaching a table headed by a large spinning wheel, the gnome takes one of the gold bars from his case, and with a polite smile to the others at the table, places it on the area denoting the top third of the numbers on the wheel.
[i] The sooner we get this doen, the sooner i'm out of this stupid dress [i] With a sigh, Talic turns to Celeste "Why don't you show me around place, perhaps I can even try my hand at one of these interesting games."
Finding a suitable table, Talic will pretend to have no idea how gambling works. [b]"Oh dear, I'm not sure what I should do, but it looks like such fun.
Would sleight of hand help him in manipulating the dice? if so...
wager 100g
3:1
'Let's start moving up the floors, slowly, casually, shall we Samisel? My money is on the angry figure in the window being Rhone himself, masquerading as him could be risky. Maybe if we waited until he left, so I could get a good look then tried to get back under the pretense of having forgotten something? It's a flimsy plan. Can you think of better?'
Deston wanders towards a table and looks at the game.
"Sarah, come here and let's try this."
He hands her a gold bar and waits for her to throw the dice.
He then places a bet himself takes a go.
Ahh, just like the rest of our endeavors, a lot of playing and yet we are in the same spot."
Then Deston wanders in an apparently distracted manner to another table and lays down a bet as if the money has little meaning.
Deston will keep an eye on Talic and when he begins to make his way towards the vault Deston will try to precede him so as to provide a distraction for guards there.
Perception Security Booth
Perhaps, Qarxan, I should proceed to the security booth to see if I can help while you try to catch a glimpse of Rhone.
With a genuine smile, Talic collects his winnings. "I can't believe I won. I really shouldn't bet anymore, but this is just so much fun."
As Talic tosses the dice, he asks "What is that lift over there? I've never seen one like it and would love a tour"
[b}"Ahh.. we've come to some diversion I see. Something to make this party lively I hope."[/b] Deshwa with Anton in tow wanders towards the fish arena after glancing the pool She picks a fish and opens up with a 50 gp wager.
"Ah," The gnome lets out a contented sigh, "this is so much more relaxing than contract negotiations. Let's try this one more time..."
Placing another bar in the same location as last, he watches contentedly.
"Perhaps this isn't my game, dear." Emmentian comments to Marilyn, "maybe I'll have a little more luck with those fighting fish, and some of those species look quite exotic..."
Leading his 'wife' closer to the partitioned area of the pool, he peers into the depths to assess the fish within.
Emmentian eyes the different fighting fish with a calculating stare. While fish aren't his specialty by any means, he does know a thing or two about predatory instincts and animal dominance. He snatches a crumb off of an hors d'ouvre and drops it directly in the middle of the different fish, watching intently what follows next. Initially, a larger orange and white coi fish bullies its way to try to grab the morsel, but just as the coi is distracted by the bit of food, a smaller, deep blue racerback comes in from the side, biting hard at the coi's eyes and stealing the crumb.
Emmentian chooses the blue fish as his champion and places his bets. 30 seconds later he is 100 gp richer. The rugged man chatting up Lynnara takes notice of the win and saunters over. "It seems you know fish, my lucky friend. Although, any Saamish breeder worth his salt can tell a hungry fish from a gluttonous one. Perhaps you seek a bit more of a challenge, yes? I see you have a pet there, a mist marsh viper, if I'm not mistaken. I hear they swim well. I have 300gp that says my black mouth eel trumps your viper in a duel to the death. I'll even give you 2:1 odds. What say you?" the man asks, a glimmer in his eye.
He then turns to Lynnara and says, "Come over here, m'lady, I've got quite the spectacle to show you, should our short friend over here decide not to take the coward's way out!"
'What say you Samisel, shall we chance a bum's rush of impersonation, or wait and gather more information before I imitate that dear, noble boy?'
"This is just wondeful, A VIP game you say, that sounds delightful"
Talic will tip the staff at the table 30g (out of the 50 he stole) and follow the gamin manager upstairs.
Deston still appears distracted, but nods and says,"Why not? It's just money and it might actually be entertaining."
Looking over to Sarah,"Shall we?" as he holds out his arm.
Emmentian narrows his eyes to regard the fish handler with an appraising look, "You got quite the eye yourself," he comments, "of course, I would need to see your eel before I agreed to risk this fine specimen, he's valuable breeding stock and it wouldn't do to risk him heedlessly."
Qarxan, it appears that the Wilds smile on us tonight. Having seen the young noble, can you disguise yourself now? He seems to have made quite an impression on the guard. If we act quickly, they should be more willing to overlook any minor inconsistencies. Be brusque and unpleasant. Demand to look over the records again to make sure nothing is being mishandled, make a distraction and we'll see if we can score our prize.
"This game is called Seven Ladies, one of our most popular and exclusive games here in the VIP lounge. If you're not familiar with it, it involves more cunning and strategy than most of our games here. The dealer issues each player two cards face down, then proceeds to deal out five more cards face up on the table. Each player bets against one another to see who has the strongest hand of five cards. It's quite exhilarating, and it's possible to win just by bluffing and convincing the others that you have the best hand, even when you don't. Since this is a high stakes game, minimum bets start at 300gp. If, after a few games, you wish to secure a portion of your winnings within our vault, I will be more than happy to escort you there and oversee the transfer.
The gnome looks between the eel and Cirrus for a few moments, then leans his head down to let out a quiet hiss to the snake, "What do you think, feel like taking this eel on?"
"Why not? I could do with a snack."
"Very well," the 'Saamish merchant' says, looking back up to the fish breeder, "mist marsh vipers aren't quite as comfortable in the water as eels, but I still think that he'll more than match up to your pet."
Trying desperately to hide a his excitement, Talic moves towards and open seat. Placing 300g on the table, Talic will make a quick scan of his opponents. "How thoughtful to invite me to join your little game."
Our blowhard of a guest here is just asking for a takedown. Before the fight starts, I'll give Elementian's fish a Bless making a big mocking Presentation. "Powers of the Waves bless my friend's little warrior this evening. Technically it's before the fight anyway, but I'd rather hold the fact that I'm casting not be to noticeable anyway.
Your challenge is impressive. I shall put 200 gold nobles on Cirrus as well. If you've got the bravery to meet my bet as well as that of my companion."
Suddenly thoughtful, he looks around hesitantly."As much as I would like this impending victory to be public, I'm afraid such an illegal and unsanctioned competition would likely lose me my job. We need a more private venue than this to hold our little gladiatorial battle." He eyes both Emmentian and Lynnara cooly. "I don't trust the two of you, but I suppose you being privy to a bit of confidential information wouldn't hurt anything. Follow me, and don't tell anyone what I am about to show you."
He leads the two couples out of the pool and around to the back side of the bar, where he unlocks a secret door and quickly ushers everyone inside. The room's interior is nearly pitch black, save for the soft blue glow of water coming from a large circular hole cut into the floor. Sea water laps softly at the edges, and below lies the artificial reef and its teeming wildlife. The animal handler lights a large lantern, brightening the room, and then gestures to the hole.
"This is the wet hatch, the sole means of access to the reefs below. This is how my divers and I feed all those little fishies that you rich party-goers love to ooh and aww over. I'd be a little careful around those edges, if I were you. There's more than just wee fish in those waters. The bosses brought in a live razor-tooth shark as a deterrent to potential thieves, and boy is it a big one. Fifteen, twenty feet at least, and mean as a freshly kicked hornet's nest. Makes feeding the rest of the fish a real pain. Only thing that keeps him away, oddly enough, is piss. We use mule urine, cause it's got more of a kick to it, and the razor-tooth can't stand the smell. But even then it's hit or miss. If he's hungry enough, or if there's blood in the water, he'll turn up quick, piss or no piss. However, he's probably sleeping right now, and I doubt he'll interrupt our little contest. Viper and eel aren't exactly tasty morsels to a shark the size of a house."
He walks over to a wooden barrel filled with murky sea water, pulls on a pair of thick leather gloves, and reaches in. "This," he says with a wicked smile, "is my baby. The southern black-mouthed eel.". In his hands is something that resembles a slimy, writhing mass of blood red rope. It's wide flat head repeatedly strikes at the glove, sinking it's needle-like black teeth into the sturdy leather again and again. The strange man holds the grotesque creature like it's his firstborn, his eyes gleaming with pride. "The black-mouths don't get as much recognition as the electric eel and the moray, but when it comes to sheer ferocity, nothing can touch them. They are fiercely territorial, and heaven help you if you swim right into the middle of a school of them, as they will tear your flesh to ribbons in seconds."
He motions to Emmentian to drop Cirrus in the water. "Well then, shall we?" he asks.
Lynnara will take in as much of the scenery as she can, doing a bit of oohing and aahing during the process. She will note things such as tidal marks just in case that might be relevant.
Qarxan takes Samisel's suggestion and quickly ducks out of sight, once their he casts disguise self to appear in body and dress like Rhone Penderghast. He then practices the accent and tone of the man's voice, getting as close as he can, and deciding to add an angry cough when approaching to mask strangeness in his voice.
He then returns to Samisel and makes obvious his conferring with the elf, as he does so he asks Ophilia to wait near the entrance to the floor and cause a loud distraction if she sees Rhone returning.
Finally, Samisel in tow he approaches the Security Vault.
Disguise:
Talic briefly glances at his cards, then begins to study the other players. He smiles inwardly as Deston folds, best to not be betting against each other. To the table he says "If any of you boys wish to keep your egos and your gold, now would be a good time to fold. besides you wouldn't want everyone to know you've been bested by a young lady."
Emmentian crouches low to allow Cirrus to slither gracefully into the water, where the black-scaled serpent holds its position to assesses the eel which it faces.
Naya, if you can, follow Rhone and see where he goes and to whom he speaks.
As Garion and Qarxan approach the booth, Garion says loudly, Rhone, I want to see your security setup. The High Command needs to be sure that Carmella is not going to escape.
Without even glancing at "her" cards, Talic says "Sir, we do not know each other well enough for you to inquire into my bed time" he then checks with 1oog.
Cirrus takes quick advantage of his reflexes to snap guardedly at the larger creature before it can prepare itself.
'Can you help me? Are you paid to ask questions? Open the Wilds-cursed door,' Qarxan/Rhone coughs slightly, implying that that is why his voice might sound a bit strange.
He then waves Samisel forward to open the door for him, with a noble confidence that it will be opened immediately.
Cirrus twists around as he slips out of the eel's grasp, and lashes out again with his fangs.
The animal trainer hangs his head a bit in defeat, but cracks a wry smile and glances at the gnome and the young oracle. "Well fought sir. You had the superior beast this evening. That is indeed a fine specimen you keep."
"Unfortunately, I am without coin this eve, so I cannot give the promised payment in gold." He walks over to a large seaman's chest, drags it over and opens it. "However, I am a man of my word, and if payment is promised, then payment will be given, one way or another. I have here a collection of a few valuable odds and ends that I have acquired over the years. I believe some of these may be of use to a man in your particular profession."
"Thank you," Emmentian says in response with a gracious nod of his head, whilst leaning down to retrieve Cirrus from the now bloodied water, "your own creatures are quite impressive also, perhaps you and I could do business in the future."
"But now, it is indeed quite acceptable to make your payment in goods... after all, what good is money beyond the things it can buy for you?" The gnome takes a close look at the three items offered up, carefully uncorking the urine to smell the contents before nodding sagely, then handling the other two items with similar care. "The shell is of course a truly fascinating piece, but it could be done justice by a princess," he says, inclining his head towards Lynnara, "I will accept the Razortooth urine as my prize."
Inside is a spotless and utilitarian office, complete with several large file cabinets forged of hardened steel. Above the large desk facing the atrium are several mirrors enchanted to continuously scry certain sections of the gambling floor, as well as several of the rooms above. One mirror, peculiarly, is left blank.
The nervous guard clears his throat a few times to break the silence, and says awkwardly, "Uh, sir? I can show you those reports again if you want, but nothing's changed. That wizard fellow you hired is still having difficulties getting the enchantments to stick on the, uh... subject." He looks at the glamoured gnome in trepidation.
With that he gestures to his accomplices, who collect the large stacks of chips and organize them neatly on a large gilded tray. With the two companions and their respective dates in tow, the entire entourage makes it's way to the central lift, and ascend the remaining floors to the very top.
The doors open to reveal a gleaming room of the purest white. Embedded in the center of the opposing wall is a massive circular door hewn from obsidian and inlaid with gold filigree. On either side stand two imposing guards, at rigid attention and armed to the teeth. This, undoubtedly, is the main vault. Seeing the wide eyed stares of the two disguised adventurers, the game manager boasts, "This is Calypsia's central vault, the most secure room in all of Gold-Bottom. The doors and walls are reinforced with two inch thick steel plating. The lock is a work of art, a one-off built custom just for us by the famed locksmiths of Gibralter Security. Every night, after hours, a magical ward is put into place that sounds an alarm if any sort of magic is discharged in the vicinity of this room. In other words, don't worry ladies and gentlemen, your money is perfectly safe here, this vault is impenetrable."
As the group nears the doors, one of the guards holds up a hand, halting the group. "Im sorry sir, I can't let you proceed at this time."
The games manager gives the man a quizzical look, and just as he is about to voice his objections, the guard leans forward and whispers urgently into his ear for several long moments. When he is finished, the bewildered games manager turns to address the group.
"My deepest and most sincere apologies, folks. It appears, due to reasons I cannot disclose, that the vault is currently unavailable to us at the moment. Perhaps we can ensconse your winnings in the cash & carry booth instead?"
** spoiler omitted **
'Yes, yes, bring them to me, then leave me be, I want to scrutinise them.' he then moves to stand beside his desk, coughes lightly then indicates to Samisel to be at ease. He taps his foot impatiently waiting for the documents from the hapless soldier.
"If they are just conducting some sort of sensitive business at the moment, we could come back a little later to deposit our money perhaps?" Deston asks the escort."You did promise us a secure place for our winnings after all."