T'risa sat back enjoying her own company as she sipped at the wine. She was a little surprised to see so many of her new team knowing one another already. She was reminded of a discussion she'd had with Fleet Admiral J'nai over this very coincidence, knowing that the Fleet Admiral felt certain people had a connection no matter where they were and these people tended to congregate. She could almost feel those tangible connection between the group. Sipping at her glass of wine, T'risa enjoyed the warmth and the music as the group gelled together.

Stops in his tracks as his old friend introduces him to his companions. You can see a smile cross his lips seeing the two ladies with Bruce.

"hello, a pleasure to meet you both"

So a day or two after the ship shopping but while the others are still deciding on what to get next, Tal will go out into the city and look for a game to play in order to see if he can get some extra funds for a second ship or whatever.   Realizing that their funds are meager at best and possibly some extra cash might be in order.   He will take only 5,000 cr. and play both cards and bet on the local races.   At the end of the day he will apprize both T'risa and Nera of his progress via commlink.   In the process of trying to acquire more funds he will keep his eyes and ears open for any information about the war, "She" or anything else of use to us as a group.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Sat 19 Sept 2015.

Tal strolls into the bar and walking up to the bar itself asks the barkeep about the local gambling scene in a discreet manner all the while ordering a non alcoholic drink.   He will start his carousing in the hopes of some information will be spilled by the various patrons.   (Tal is not adverse to buying a few rounds while at the bar.)   After about an hour and a half at the bar, Tal will quietly leave for the gambling house.

When he arrives at the gambling house, he will take a moment to inform those in the know within the group what he found out, leaving the analysis to them.   Tal will find a quiet place to call both Nera and T'risa, most likely the bathroom or some such.   If he can't get them in person, then he will leave a message on their comms.


04:17, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 6 using 2d6.  2nd carousing roll (Hammer and Sword).
04:15, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 2 using 2d6.  1st carousing at the Hammer and Sword.

04:31, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 4 using 2d6.  streetwise roll (Hammer and Sword)

Tl spends a couple of hours buying drinks and chatting. The mostly Valkiir crowd is willing to talk, and eager to take advantage of the drinks. But what he collects is a hefty bar tab, and mostly dockside chatter about this ship, or that ship...or who is looking good at the track.Noting of any interest, or any reliability is forthcoming from the more working class patrons.

A quick trip to the tracks is not that hard, the entertainment area if mostly outdoors, with shooting ranges, arenas for everything from boxing to swordplay. And a massive open air track winding through town and out into the wilds for high speed grav bike races

The track is a major tourist draw since full contact, and unlimited races are held weekly and daily speed trials take place at all hours.The crowd here is a mix of locals, colonists from other regions and off worlders on various tourist junkets, and adventure holidays. From the lines a the betting booths, the valkiir, competitive strek, and tendency to bet on anything that moves is in full force

After the Hammer and Sword, Tal heads to the racetrack in order to gamble.   While enroute to the racetrack, Tal will leave messages for both Nera and T'risa about what ships are leaving the port.   The information may be of some use in the future, Tal didn't know how, it was just his job to try and get information for both ladies to use.   He phoned Alex, Bruce, Rick, Cain and Balkiir as to where he was going and what he was doing and all.

"Come and get me if anything changes, rescue me if need be or come and join the fun if you want in a couple of hours," Tal will say in the message to the men.   When he arrives at the track, Tal will try to find a host/hostess to ask about procedures, money limits, game locations and policies.   He will in turn carouse with the hostess hopefully and order something to drink, that is non alcoholic and something light to eat.   He'll do more carousing until his food and drink are ready.   When it is ready he'll find a nice quiet place to sit down and eat.   While eating he will just sit there, listening to and watching everyone eat, doing this in the hopes of getting something juicy.

If asked by the hostess or by security about my glasses, he will assure them that they are harmless to the establishment by un-tinting them and will even allow them to see for themselves that they are just standard DD/R glasses, with no calculating ability for mathematics at all.   Tal will warm up his gambling muscles at the Blackjack table, trying to carouse there.   From there he will then go to the poker tables and try to carouse there as well by buying a few drinks etc.

14:21, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 8 using 2d6.  carousing at the blackjack  table if possible (conversing, buying drinks etc.).
13:32, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 11 using 2d6.  carousing at the poker table if possible (conversing, buying drinks etc.).
13:31, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 7 using 2d6.  gambling at the poker table.
13:30, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 5 using 2d6.  gambling at the blackjack table.
13:29, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 5 using 2d6.  streetwise roll the whole time.
13:29, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 6 using 2d6.  streetwise roll the whole time.
13:29, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 12 using 2d6.  carousing until food and drink are brought.
13:28, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 6 using 2d6.  carousing with the host or hostess.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Tue 22 Sept 2015.

"Greetings Tal.  I am with T'risa and the ship broker, discussing the the outfitting of our home for the near future.  If time permits, I'll join you later for a little action, assuming you have left any to be had.  I hope you meet with good fortune."

OOC- I believe this is a couple days after the ship shopping and set up, while they are doing all the work we asked for.

After getting the call Alex makes his way to Tal, he moves with ease in the crowd, nodding to people a drink finds its way to his hand, it's hard to say by looking if it is alcoholic or not, seems almost too generic. He is wearing khaki shorts that are too old, hiking boots, and a T-shirt with a black vest of many pockets stylized with the angel on the back. He has multicolored round specs and he pockets them when he sees Tal Gaming, his eyes show friendly recognition.

Good Greetings my friend, it is Alex, are you finding the game you enjoy?
He gives his name and leaves Tal the opportunity to use a pseudonym if desired.

He looks at the location judging it to be an innocent appearing tourist trap for gambling, but he suspects it is really a wretched hive of scum and villainy and so he keeps his awareness at maximum vigilance, watching for trouble.

Alex joins in for some gaming with Tal and others, he stays cautious betting only a few hundred but plays easily.

22:29, Today: Alex rolled 13 using 2d6+2.  Int + gamble.
22:29, Today: Alex rolled 6 using 2d6+4.  Int or EDU + streetwise.
22:34, Today: Alex rolled 1 using 1d2.  random odd is dangerous even is safe.

rolled 1,1 to judge the venue and crowd, arbitrarily consider it a very dangerous place regardless of weather it really is.

This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Wed 23 Sept 2015.

In reply to Alex (msg # 80):

"Hi Alex, it's Tul Advair, it's so good to see you again.   These Human games are what I played on the ships I was on but give me a good Cesti Baklec* game any day.   Are those pesky little bees done with the alterations yet, I hope so, the mistress can be so cross when things aren't done the way she wants them."   Tal will say in both exasperation, with an air of a servant and in a show of relief that anyone can see is genuine.   When he is done with the current hand, he'll get up and personally walk off with Alex, still talking about innocuous things.   Taking Alex to a fairly public place that is secluded but noisy.   The most secluded one we can find, once we sit down, Tal will order a non carbonated drink of some sort and something light on the stomach.   When Tal orders he'll ask if, "Alex, you want something, the Nachos, are to die for."

When his food and drink and when Alex's stuff arrives they will sit down while eating and exchange information about this and that in order for Tal to give Alex the rundown on what he found out.   When done Tal will get up, mentioning that he is going to the track to bet on some races and that Alex could come along if he wants.   "Another pair of eyes and ears wouldn't hurt anyway, you've been lucky ever since I've known you," Tal says to Alex in a genuine friendly way and by showing it with a pat on the shoulder.

*Baklec: is a Cesti game of combatants using (KLINGON) Batleths or highly lethal but both ceremonial and decorative swords, while using their natural weapons and senses.   It is a cross between UFC, MMA, Thai kickboxing, boxing and dance.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Wed 23 Sept 2015.

I am not familiar with your Baklec, do they have such a thing among the races here? Alex says, looking around as if he expects someone to jump him from the shadows.

He orders the Nachos taking Tal's advice. He eats and listens to Tal


Yes, I have not always been lucky but often enough when in need. I would indeed enjoy departure to another extablishment. This place ... It reminds me of something...
He says pausing, as he is convinced this place seems too perfect to be real. He can't put a finger on it exactly. But the way they act like a normal shipyard entertainment facility is grating where's the boss? It just seems a little odd.
I understand you were one of the soldiers back on TaumTan when I was ... Eh ... In need of retrieval... Yes?
That was a tough time... Where have you been since the ?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:44, Wed 23 Sept 2015.

"That was a hairy time," Tal says in answer to his question about the rescuing of Alex.   His expression is for a brief moment, a thousand yard stare, reminiscing about a perceived battle or not.   "What have I been doing since my time in the military, you ask, well I've been a scout for four years, spent some time on the seedier side of life, through no fault of my own, of course," Tal will say with a sheepish grin.  "And I spent sometime in the brig as it were, being rescued from myself while in jail, by a beautiful blonde bombshell, in a red dress with blue eyes of a TAU woman.   Now I'm here on this planet working illegitimately and gambling my life savings just to make more money"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Wed 23 Sept 2015.

Seedier side of life. Alex repeats.
And jail, and a bomb shell woman sounds like a good story my friend.
...
Tell me, you said something when I joined you about money and information- are you not here just for enjoyment before our travels? I do not think our boss-T'rissa is in need - her funding seems sufficient, I invested what I could but I suspect it was only a rock in the void after I am seeing the ship.

"It's a long story and I'll tell it to you later," Tal responds hurriedly in answer to the first part of Alex's question looking both left and right, unnerved by something he'd just figured out.   "Well in answer to your question of money and information, I thought we could supplement our funds quickly by gambling some.   It's quicker than investing."   Tal will look both ways both left and right and in a hushed tone respond to the mention of the ship and T'risa's funds.   "T'risa's funds may be adequate but mine are not."   Continuing in that hushed tone Tal states, "I thought we could get information about what the people are getting and saying for that matter about the war, various ships leaving or coming into port and other such information in general.   In wartime there's always speculation about who's fighting who, and what really is going on etc."

"In fact, that ship that's in the news, the Inga Rhae left this very not more than two weeks ago."   Responds Tal in that same hushed tone and with an air of recognition in his voice.   "I just put two and two together just now after having heard something about it from my two hour bar hop to the Hammer and Sword today.   It was just one ship among many that have gone missing or that have come and gone to the port.   I just thought that many ears were better than just two."

The tall man has been stooped through the discussion over their food. He nods at his partners discussion.
Your instincts, my friend, are astounding. . He says quietly.
I too, have some experience in these things, though I am somewhat out of practice and have been less active in the nepharious lately.
...
Still - if you would have my help I have some thoughts. There are things here that remind me of a sting I was involved with decades ago. So I recomend we make our way to the races.

Alex finishes and pays, he is wary of the wait staff only smiling as they approach and paying with minimal discussion. He is used to being ignored due to his low social status, and when they are done he (and Tal hopefully) make their way toward the races.

He explains on the way. In most cities, gambling is more successful on games were others compete rather than gambling games. For cards and others you compete with others, some of them will usually be better and it's hard to win. Here you bet on the outcome.
One trick is to find out what big bosses are doing, what races are rigged? Legally or not... And ride their coat-tails yes? Now you are not competing anymore. We can do this here...

How much do you want to bet?

Alex will take much of the time using streetwise /int to figure out what races or events will be rigged, or what events will be most helpful to the criminal powers. Use the result of that roll to add effect to get a bonus on gambling. Then Tal and Alex can put their resources into a solid high value bet.

EDIT: EDIT: cut out the second part. put it back since GM used it

At some point in the crowd, Alex buys a wallet and stuffs 50Cr in it. They step out of the crowd and speak subtly.
Now for information, yes? People like me, or like I've been are poor and unnoticed. They live under the others. They have more information that the working people at the bar ... We can find one - several are here you catch bees with honey do you not?

Alex puts on his rainbow rowdy glasses and puts the wallet hanging halfway out of his pocket. He grins like a country bumpkin on his first visit to the city. This is a trap for a pickpocket.

Streetwise / edu to be a perfect target. Streetwise/Dex to catch the thief by the hand. Streetwise/int or maybe use inverse social, to get a bonus for my low social status to convince the thief to stay with me that I will let him/her have the money after sharing food and talking.  Then I'll use interrogation with a bonus from the effect of the convincing roll to get info from the urchin or others maybe go meet a whole group of pickpockets. I'll roll later
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Sat 26 Sept 2015.

Tal will indeed get up when Alex does and will walk beside him while Alex is reciting what he is doing.   All through Alex's talking, Tal is thinking that maybe Alex might have to teach him something about this type of behavior.   Tal has the rudimentary knowledge of such things, it seems his friend has much more than that.   When Alex had asked how much he wanted to spend on the high valued bets, Tal was taken aback but only for a moment because he was so intently listening to Alex's plan which was better than his that Tal Atvar was impressed and the fact that he had to take stock of how much money he had spent on this little excursion already.

"I have 11.5k left after the expenditures so far, I can put it all on one or multiple bets," whispers Tal into Alex's ear.   After that, Tal turns his attention back to the crowd, as Alex puts his scheme into action.   If this worked than by all means, Tal would ask Alex to tutor him in the ways of subterfuge.

Alex concentrates for a moment as if in prayer. Then they work together to talk with the locals, analyze public data and get to know the flow of the street, major gangs and bets in order to find the race or fight that seems is the best payout to the local bosses.

Alex nods, yes I agree we shall try. One time is good ... If you follow the crime-boss too many times, the crime boss will notice you.He takes all of Tal's money and his own (2,300 for me, save 40 for dinner if fail)
And places the bets.

Alexandrite for the win, Sir.
Yes, Sir - all of it.


8:31, Today: Alex rolled 13 using 2d6+4.  Gambling (doesn't include streetwise effect).
Total benefit from streetwise could be -2 up to +1 if it's +1 which is likely there is a potential for a +6 effect!
Looks like a success no matter what, hopefully we had some lucrative odds because I'm thinking this was a day's work.

If effect is +1to+5 add +1 to the above roll, if -1 then -1, if -2 or more then -2
18:30, Today: Alex rolled 11 using 2d6+6.  Streetwise to support gambling. Includes Psi.
Effect +3 if DM +0, +1 if DM -2, -1 if DM -4, -3 if DM -6
Tal if you want to roll an assist on this and you get 8+ you can improve my roll
If you get 7- you can worsen my roll unless GMS rules that aid is only positive.

18:30, Today: Alex rolled 10 using 2d6+4.  Enhanced awareness. Adds Psi, +2 to all skills until I fail a check successful
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Fri 25 Sept 2015.

The track was busy as the infamous Nomad transit hub in the main city. Peple jostled and passed each other, but with some shrewd work the pair spotted what they were hoping for. a light fingered Human youth, with a sly smile as he began to trail Alex not at all put off by the crowd or appearance of his mark.

The thug watched as Alex made his bets then waited, watching Alex more than display for the big race.

Alexandrite wines at a 2 to1 rate...the crowd seems suprised that the obscure rider manages to even finish the  race after a near crash in an earlier race.
OOC
It takes a while for you to attract the attention of a criminal type. Valkiir are inatey hard to pickpocket...and violent toward petty theft..But after placing a few bets on information you gather simply by watching for patterns of betting by some less than honest looking sorts you can pick up on their pattern and follow it.

if ya dont mind wwe'll reorder the events so you nab your sucker after the race while he was trying to lift your wallet...

Roll 2d6 using you melee unarmed , if you don't have unarmed specialization use a +0 (from melee)+str mod

Very good my friend - says Alex as he hands Tal his winnings on a data wafer. 34.5k total including what you put up
We can discuss later if this is what you wanted or if you wish to take further risks.

I am much happy.

They continue to present themselves in the crowd when the thief strikes Alex spins, holding on.

23:47, Today: Alex rolled 8 using 2d6+3.  melee unarmed/dex.
If successful: Alex turns quickly taking the thief's arm hooked with his own and brings the fellow into an embrace.
If fail: Alex turns quickly but the thief backs off and Alex smiles wide putting psionic energy into his charisma to quickly gain the man's trust.

put 6, Psionic points into Boost Charisma
00:01, Today: Alex rolled 8 using 2d6+3.  personal enhancement. Use 6 Psi points new Psi is 3. Persuade skill now 3 from 0 for length of this interaction

Either case dialogue the same.

Good greeting brother! Alex says seeming to know the man, Ha you've found your wallet, here take it, there are 50 CR left, Thank you for loaning it to me, your good friend, Alex. This is Tal, he is cool, like us.
_{We mean you no harm, we are alike, please speak with me a little while and keep the money.}

Can my friend and I buy you lunch? We can go where you would like for a short chat, say ... 20 minutes and a meal?

00:08, Today: Alex rolled 9 using 2d6+3.  persuade, not including attribute or aware.

I have -2 Soc, if that is +2 because of his Soc then I will use that, otherwise use Int or EDU +1 plus any DM for giving him the money.
used up psi points so no longer have awareness bonus
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Sat 26 Sept 2015.

Tal is impressed when Alex talks to him about their earnings and resists the urge to say "lets do it again" because it wasn't wise to tempt fate or the house especially since getting funds weren't why they were really here.   When the little thief made his move, Tal was ready to help Alex nab the little cretin, even though he tried hard not to look at the wallet, or in other words, being anxious for the trap to be sprung.

12:50, Today: Tal Atvar rolled 8 using 2d6+2.  melee unarmed.

Are you guys cops?"the thief asked seeming to be more confused than afraid. the unexpected move by Alex completely taking him out of his prepared fight or flight response. He almost handed the wallet back looking at it as if it were a live grenade,minus the pin.." What are you guys up to?"

No my friend. We are doing our homework for a job. Alex looks knowingly.  You understand I hope.

Alex walks with the thief and Tal. My friend, Tal has some questions, I was looking for an information source. Do you have one? Somebody who know all the local action. We want to be sure we aren't stepping in places we shouldn't if you know how I am saying.

...

Of course we don't expect anything for free.

"My good fellow I do have some questions about the illegal underpinnings of this particular port and the various starships that have been coming and going to this port of call, besides the various attacks on these very ships after they leave this starport.   If you cannot answer these questions could you see your way to giving us an introduction to the ones that would know.   Rest assured, I've already got the various ships from a working class bar.   I'm not wanting what they were carrying so much as the scuttlebutt about where and why they were attacked and destroyed."   Tal stated to the pick pocket once they were in a secluded place so that they meaning Alex, the sneak thief and himself could talk despite the overly loud racetrack.

Do you know who or what the ship Inga Rhae was carrying?
Why would pirates attack such an armed ship?    Who stands to gain from such attacks since this is only one of many such attacks?   Where do the bad guys hang out (known port of call)?   What pressure if any can be done to stop these attacks?   Can we (as a group) stage an ambush for information, resources, contacts for future considerations etc.?
Probably the most Important; What is it that you want for this information (to the crime boss or the informant)

We want to get a little more about other ship attacks and also find out if it's just business or if there is some fervent political or fanatical background for attacks or criminal activity that might relate to a foreign sponsor (She)   Also what can we find out about the Omaeda Coven? and their behavior off planet .
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Thu 01 Oct 2015.

" Hey, I'm just some goof on the street here guys." The punk shook his head, "You want someone in with the Circle..or one of those crazy Tau witches....I dont go near those crazy bitches. They'll cut your set off just for looking at their...assets...if ya know what I mean."


"Give me say a hundred, and hand me your phone...I'll give you the number to a guy I know.let him know swiggy sent ya. And for another hundred, I'll send anyone who comes asking around the other way....even I know not to ask about those ships."

Tal willingly hands the punk 100 cred note and his personal network device in order so the lad can input the information.   "There is an extra fifty credits in it if you dial the number and introduce us to this fellow on the other end of the call."   Tal said to the punk as he handed the kid the phone.   In fact, Tal will show the kid the 150 credit wafer just to show he had it and will continue the conversation by saying,"Do you know where we could a reputable informant for future information on the city."

Alex watches the young man through his glasses looking for signs of deciet.

19:58, Today: Alex rolled 5 using 2d6.  Read aura. - fail