In reply to Kali (msg # 15):

Excellent.  We are going to be great friends, I can see it already.  It's been a long time since I've had one of those...

Styx for a second loses himself, as he remembers his missing friend Stones.  His mercenary company wasn't the same without Stones.  I mean, how much more clever can you get than Styx and Stones Mercenary Company?  He smiles to himself, then breaks out of the reverie to go and drink in Stones honor.

Heeding Ersin's warning, I move my money pouch higher up, where little prying hands could not reach.  Being 7'11" had its advantages you know.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:55, Wed 15 July 2020.

Despite the warning, Styx and Kali decided to go to the Spitting Mermaid, bringing with them a promise that Ersin and Wind would join them soon. As they were walking away from the ship some urchins started their well-rehearsed routine of begging to distract from the pick pocketers to do their deed, but the observant group did not play that game, one little girl sporting a nasty bruise on her wrist for her efforts of trying to steal from Kali.

The Spitting Mermaid was easily found, being only one street away from the wharf. The three stories structure was well maintained, a fresh coat of paint recently applied, the small fountain giving the inn its namesake running clear water. After checking in with the brutish muscle bound man that served as a bouncer, that gave them strict but said too often instructions that weapons would not be allowed to be unsheathed, the duo was allowed in. The evening crowd was just beginning to filter in, so Styx and Kali had their pick of tables, in the otherwise classic looking inn, with the bar along the back wall, a fire being prepared to be lit in the hearth set on the wall left of the entrance, a staircase to the right of the bar.  Two serving maids were chatting with the barman, while keeping for eye on new arrivals in the common room, that could sit about 50 patrons.

As soon as the duo picked a table, the youngest maid, a willowy blonde teenager came to them and said:

Welcome to the Spitting Mermaid, what can I get you?

Ersin and Wind separated from their erstwhile companions to go look for books and curiosities. While there was the regular assortment of wood carvings by sailors too old to go back to sea, Ersin did not find what he was looking for near the docks. Asking around, he was directed further in the city, to the marketplace, where he could maybe find a shop still open. Walking quickly, they reached the market as the street vendors were closing their wares, the sun almost gone. A small team of youth wearing the royal colors were hard at work lighting up street lamps in the main arteries of the city, which allowed Wind to notice a shop with a unfurled scroll as a banner.

Ersin, maybe you would find your books here?

Just as he was saying so, the door opened and a old man came out, wearing an ink stained vest with a lit lantern that he carefully put on the ground before turning around to close the door, taking a key in his pocket…
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:43, Wed 15 July 2020.

"Good spotting Wind, but it seems I'm too late." I consider begging the owner to let us in anyway but decide against it. It's not urgent and I can come back in the morning. I look around to orient myself so that I will remember where to come tomorrow. "Well unless you have something you want to do how about we go meet the others at the Mermaid." The Tabaxi said nothing seemingly absorbed watching a pair of Seagulls in flight.

As he made his way back to the wharf and along the waterfront he casually listened to the conversations around him. They were all normal: a young man complaining about his nagging mother, a young woman complaining about some stupid boy, and a pair of old-timers complaining how it was so much better in the old days. Just a regular city with people going about their every day lives. That was a good thing; just not for me. From Charlie's stories it seemed that adventure was easy to find; all I had to do was go to the local pub and it would find me. Alas, that was not my experience. I enjoyed hunting down those bastard pirates and the money was good but it was not going to get me the recognition I craved.

As we came up to a three story building, its white paint on fire with the setting sun, I watch as Esa scampers up the side of the building before hopping from window to window peering inside. I am not sure if she can actually see inside or if it just amuses her to pretend.

"The other two are inside. Will there be criminals here?"

"I am sure there are but unless they bother us we'll be leaving them alone." I smile at her single mindedness when shes hungry.

"Very well. But they said there's a fighting ring here so there'll be violence. And gambling!"

Yes I am sure there'll be. Styx will probably be neck deep and I will need to haul him back to the ship tomorrow. He's not nearly as clever nor charming as he thinks. Hopefully, Kali won't let him get too crazy."

"Hmm, maybe you should let yourself get a little crazy. It might do you good." By now Esa was casually draping herself on top of the fountain batting at the water flowing from the mermaid's mouth.

"You're right but you know how bad it gets back home if I do anything even remotely scandalous. You'd think everyone in Waterdeep has better things to do then gossip about me."

I shake my head to clear it of such thoughts and approach the large bouncer at the door. After a prepared speech about not drawing weapons on the premises Wind and I are waved in. It's still early so business hasn't picked up yet and there are numerous open tables and the two barmaids are gossiping quietly at the bar between taking orders. Now where are the others??? Ahh there they are. I get Wind's attention and point out the others and we head over.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

As Styx walks by the much smaller than him bouncer and flexes his much larger muscles, he ducks into the tavern and takes a look around, scoping out the clientele, hoping to find someone he can chat up to get some information on.

After grabbing a table, the waitress is immediately upon him asking for drink orders, most likely due to his overly handsome nature.

Good Evening!  What's your name and what drinks are available?  Before you answer that, I hear you guys have a fighting ring!  How exciting!  Where can we find that and what good info can you tell us about it, you know...who are the contenders, and the movers and shakers around these parts?

Summary:

Uses Ear to the Ground Background Feature to scan and find contact.

You are in frequent contact with people in the segment of society that your chosen quarries move through. These people might be associated with the criminal underworld, the rough-and-tumble folk of the streets, or members of high society. This connection comes in the form of a contact in any city you visit, a person who provides information about the people and places of the local area.

21 Persuasion on the Waitress to get as much info as I can about the Fighting Ring, who the main contenders are, any weaknesses or affiliations, how the gambling works, who are the real players in the game, etc...

Oh, you would need to talk to mister Ognib about that, sir. The ring is not really here in the inn, but mister Ognib does take the bets and organize the fights. Would you like to participate? I can let him know to come see you. He’s not here right now, it’s still early for him.

Can I serve you anything? The cook has prepared a pork roast today, with potatoes and fresh bread. My name is Lissy, if you need something, you can call me

Styx ordered dwarven ale and the meal, joking with the maid that it was strong and hearty like him, to which she politely smiled. Despite her young age, she did have some experience and boasting sailors was one of the things she had quickly learned about. At least the bugbear did not try to grope her with those long arms of his!  The tiefling with the purple hair also ordered dwarven ale to go with the roast, and she left to get their orders.

Styx looked around the room, quickly detecting some signs that this place was probably under the protection of the local thief guild, and he smiled at a fellow that he was certain was a guild member, the lad clumsily trying to look uninterested. It was then that he saw Ersin and Wind come in through the door.

*********************

As the tabaxi and half-elf decided to rejoin their companions at the Spitting Mermaid, Wind felt talkative, as he suddenly decided to climb a unlit public lamp, disturbing the crew of humans trying to do their jobs.

Didn’t you want to try to see if he would have let us in anyway, Ersin?

We might have been able to convince him to re-open and let us in but why. I do not urgently need a book at the moment. Besides books are expensive and I may not have enough on me. Is it fair to delay him going home and having his dinner when I may not buy something anyway. No I will come back in the morning.

Wind pondered this a moment before nodding, as the human in charge was cursing at the tabaxi, which simply ignored him.

City life is so strange sometimes, everything stops with the sun. Life doesn’t stop with the light, but the humans don’t seem to understand that…

Even if life doesn't stop when the sun goes down it usually isn't the same creatures out and about. Is it more strange that creatures like owls and bats retreat to their dens when the sun come up?

With a word and gesture, he casted a simple spell and the lamp magically lit up, the oil burning as it should. Squinting, he jumped down the lamp post, closing and opening his green eyes rapidly to readjust after the sudden flare up.

You are so right! But so am I, the nocturnal moth is as much a part of life as the mosquito that flies during the day.


They continued on, as fire lights lit up around them in the buildings, creating strange shadows in the streets.

How can humans live with all that fire around them? They are so clumsy, I’m surprised the town hasn’t burned down yet.

Fire is always a danger but it is not like the entire city is build of wood. Still there are races that cannot see as well in the dark as others and they have to find some way to compete.

The duo finally arrived at the Spitting Mermaid, and located their companions, just as a young blonde serving maid left them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:39, Thu 16 July 2020.

If Styx catches the eye of the thief, he'll wave him over, inviting him for a drink as well.

There they are!  Ersin, Wind, come join us for a drink!

Lissy wait, we need more ale!

Lissy turned around when she heard her name, and noticing the other two customers, she nodded her understanding to Styx. Maybe she would get a good tip out of this bunch of newcomers tonight!

The pimpled faced youth at the bar that Styx had noted was working really hard to keep watching the thickening crowd and not seem like he was. But it was so hard to not glance over to the strange crew at the corner table, the enticing purple haired horned woman having caught his fancy. He had only heard about bugbears before, and had no idea what the feline-like person was. Taking a swig of his mead, he nearly drowned and started coughing.

I looked up when Styx called out to Ersin and Wind, finally, they arrived.

You two are behind, you'll have to drink fast and catch up. You will be no fun if you are sober. I laughed. Sober folk at the bar are boring.

When Lissy returns with ales for Ersin and Wind, I ask, Lissy, you said the fighting ring was not here in the inn, is it close by? We're only in port for the night, you see.

In reply to Kali (msg # 23):

Oh no, ma'am, it's really close. Jensen, the barman and owner of the Mermaid doesn't want fights in his bar and so decided to create the ring, when he was in Baldur's Gate. But they didn't like the idea there so he found a way of having it here without the King's men asking too many questions. It's actually next door!

I'll get you your meals in a minute!

And she moved away, going from table to table to continue serving the clients in her half of the bar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:43, Thu 16 July 2020.

"Oh I doubt I would be able to keep up with the likes of the two of you in that regard. The pointy ears make me too delicate." I say with a smile as I raise my ale in a toast.

Esa appears on the table sniffing at Styx's Dwarven Ale, "What about that time when-"

"You don't have to remind me! I vividly remember the pitchforks the next morning!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 04:46, Thu 16 July 2020.

Styx motions for Kali to lean in: Kali, come here for a sec.  You see that youth over there.  He's definitely Thieves' guild, but obviously green.  He's totally smitten with you.
 Think you could use that to your advantage and get us some much needed info on the fighting ring, etc..?

Styx keeps looking around the tavern to make sure he's the only Thieves' Guild member.  He would also like to use insight to make sure the member isn't faking his incompetence.

Insight: 10

When Lissy returns with their dinner, I lift my right hand to get her attention. "You said earlier that Jensen is in charge of the fighting ring next door? Please point him out to me, I am interested what the rules are."

Esa meanwhile was nosing around the young man at the bar who had taken a fancy to Kali. "This ones heart rate is high and its face is flushed. Is it dying?"

I barely suppress the laugh before it can escape. "No, though he may wish he was if he knew we had noticed. He is attracted to Kali."

"The purple-haired one?"

I smile at the response, after all these years she still refuses to use names. "Yes the purple-haired one."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:05, Sun 09 Aug 2020.

Lizzy came back with four well filled plates of pork, boiled potatoes and fresh bread, that she deposited in front of the quartet, and said to Ersin.

Mr. Jensen is the owner but he’s not managing the ring sir. Mr. Ognib is. Oh, you’re lucky, here he is! I’ll go tell him you want to talk to him.

The serving maid pointed at an extravagant hat that just got to be seen over the bannister of the stairs before  fluttering away, the now more than half full inn taking her attention. She did go towards the stairs and spoke before pointing to the table and catching something with a glint of gold, hiding it in her bustier. The owner of the hat went to the bar first, where a glass of wine was already waiting for him, spoke a few words to the pimpled face youth and strode confidently towards the table.

In front of you appeared a gnome dressed in a custom made shirt of the finest Calishite red silk with matching pants, fine leathered black boots, the aforementioned hat was a blue turban with a great feather in front, held in place by a golden medallion. The gnome’s hair and beard were perfectly groomed, it’s brown color just with a little hint of gray gave him a distinguished air. When he spoke, his high pitched voice was precisely modulated.

My sweet Lissy tells me you are interested in our little entertainment?

I look over at the Gnome and try to hide a smirk. Esa has perched herself on his shoulder with her front paws on top of his turban and is trying to bite the lightly bobbing feather.

"We are indeed. We are staying at the Drunken Boar while our captain is securing us a new cargo. We heard about your entertainment and want to know what the rules are. While I barely know which end of this here sword is supposed to go into the other fellow, my compatriots," waving in Styx's and Kali's directions, "are more capable and may be interested in participating. Me and my ginger friend," I say pointing at the Tabaxi across the table, "both like to make the occasional wager and thought this may be a grand opportunity."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Thu 16 July 2020.

While Kali decided what she wanted to do with the green guild member, Styx had to pull back from the fun and games.  It was time to focus.  This was his element after all; seeing the real players amongst the rabble, knowing how to operate within the darker realms of thieves and understanding their thinking.  He needed to make sure Ognib knew he wasn't someone to prey on and keep it ambiguous enough to throw him off guard.

Good evening Ognib!

You have quite a nice set up here!  I am curious about your green decoy over there.  He's not very convincing.  I wouldn't want you to tarnish the reputation of your guild, so I was wondering, is he the son of a higher up and so you had no choice in the matter about placement?

Also, the bar maids seem quite experienced...in more than just delivering food and drinks.  I'm guessing they are your pairs of eyes, bodyguards, and pulse on the crowd?

My companions and I are just looking to get acquainted with the fighting ring and I was curious if there were any openings left?  Any cost to enter? Anyone we should watch out for in the ring, who may not fight fair?

Just curious about how the whole thing works, and most importantly...where can we place our bets!
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:56, Fri 17 July 2020.

The tabaxi slurped noisily taking a huge gulp of beer after Ersin little discourse, then started muttering something, foam dripping from its fur. Raising his eyes, he saw that the gnome was looking at him disapprovingly, to which he shrugged, burped, picked a potato with his extended claws and dropped it in it’s mouth, not a care in the world.

Ognib turned back to Ersin, after clearing his throat.

The Drunken Boar is a fine establishment, but I’m certain Jensen’s hospitality would have satisfied you, lady and gentlemen. I am always looking for more entertainers and if your companions are willing to participate, I’ll be glad to arrange it.

Styx then spoke and Ognib gave him a sly smile, twirling his mustache between his fingers.

Now now good sir, you do have a good eye! We do pride ourselves with hiring the very best, are you looking for a job? Between you and me, sir, not many look past that young man, I am impressed! And I am not an easily impressed gnome!

He looked at the quartet for a moment, still twirling his mustache. His smile suddenly lit up, a mischievous look in his eyes.

And I think I will make you my guests tonight, it is so rare to have the pleasure of meeting such… shall we say exotic, visitors as you. Lissy! Please open a tab on my account for my guests.

I know you wish to partake in our little entertainment, but civilities do require a proper introduction. I am your host tonight, Sebastopol Ognib, and you are?

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir. I am called Ersin and these are my friends Feather in the Wind, Kallista, and Styx." I say pointing to each of my companions in turn. "We appreciate your generosity."

Insight Check - Ognib's intentions (14)

Ersin introduced everyone to Ognib, but he used my formal name. While fighting is not the time to be formal, so I interjected, I do prefer Kali to Kalista while in informal situations and fighting rings are about as informal as they come, so please call me Kali. I would also like to know the specifics of the ring as I would like to enter. I get a deep-seated pleasure from bashing others around. My mother called it my biggest flaw as it came from my father's devilish side. He would be so proud.

I chuckled to myself before continuing, Are there preliminary rounds before one gets brought in front of the audience? Or is it more of a free-for-all where anyone who wishes to enter gets to fight and be bet on?

My my my, miss Kali, you have such enthusiasm, this is refreshing! This is going to be a grand night, I can feel it in my mustache! It’s a series of rounds that are determined when everyone is registered, there is still a good hour before we start. Anyone else wants to partake in the entertainment?

He looked at the group, his eyes lingering a little more on Styx, as if expecting him to fight too. Wind raised his head from the food and used a claw to pick at a piece of pork wedged between 2 teeth, oblivious to the entire conversation.

The rules are simple. No armor, no weapons, no magic. The combat is over when one combatant yields or is unconscious. Try not to permanently injure your opponent, we do try to keep our entertainers wanting to come back. Our friends from the temple of Selune do offer some healing at a modest fee. If you win, you can easily afford it… If you lose…

He shrugged, obviously not concerned by the fate of the losers.

Of course, there is some betting, the odds are determined by our bookmakers when everyone is registered. With someone new and exciting in the ring like you, Miss Kali, it is going to be a very interesting night!

That is very kind of you Ognib.  We'd love to be your guests this evening.

Regarding the fighting ring, I'm more of a lover than a fighter Ognib, but that's never stopped me before, on either front!  I'd be happy to join in the fisticuffs as well that job you mentioned, however, it all depends on the length of said job.  I only have the evening available, as tomorrow I have other plans.  I'd love to work out some future arrangements, upon my return though and if I meet the requirements of the position you have in mind.

For tonight though, both would be welcomed, unless you have something other than the fighting ring you need me for?

Styx smiled.  Tonight was going to be a fun night.

There's only an hour until the fighting starts! I'd better finish eating quickly so I can keep my energy up throughout the fights. If I win, from the sounds of it, I'll have to fight several times tonight.

You mentioned healers were there, let's say I win my first fight, do I have time and the means to heal before the second fight or is that against the rules? I just want to know for clarification before the event starts. I'd rather not be disqualified for getting healed if I'm not allowed to, but at the same time, if everyone else is coming into the fights fresh, I don't want to be the only one that isn't.

I took a few more bites of my roast and potatoes while I waited for Ognib to answer my questions.

My my my, don’t you worry Miss Kali, you will have some time to get healed between fights… if you win, it will not be a problem.

Ognib winked at Kali, still twirling his mustache between his fingers. He turned his sly gaze to Styx.

That is too bad that you are only here for one evening mister Styx, I’m certain someone with your sharp eyes could make a fortune here. And there’s no better place to do that than with the Spitting Mermaid!

The gnome finished his cup of wine and jumped down from the chair he was perched on.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go register miss Kali in our entertainment, and my guest of honor should be arriving soon. The chief bookmaker will be announcing the start of the festivities, simply listen to his instructions! You will be seated in my box, someone will be guiding you there.

He bowed at the waist towards the quartet and left, a mischievous spring in his steps, while muttering in his mustache.

So much to do!

I nurse my ale as the Gnome walks away. I'm not sure how I feel about being his, "box candy," for the night. To be fair, I'm probably the least interesting out of this particular group. If they only knew the truth.

Having gotten bored with the feather on the Gnome's hat Esa has drapped herself on the top shelf behind the bar, one leg dangling over the side. She turns her head to me and flicks her ears, "You could always join in his entertainment. It wouldn't be much but I'd welcome the snack."

"You heard the rules: no armour, no weapons, no magic, no thanks! I'd need to be scraped off the floor within the first 30 seconds. I'm sorry but we'll have to look for another opportunity."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Mon 20 July 2020.

The door to the inn opened with a bang, as a massive blue dragonborn entered, dressed in chainmail, a huge shield bearing the crescent moon of Selune at his arm. He looked around routinely, his gaze lingering on the unknown and unusual quartet, scaly eyebrows furled, as if evaluating them. After a moment, he seemed to react to a command behind him and moved aside, opening the way to two crescent mooned robed acolytes, one human man and a female half elf, that moved left and right, letting a fat blonde man come in, dressed in an extravagant robe with gold threaded crescent moons on a midnight blue brocade background. Ognib dipped low in front of the fat man, the feather on his turban brushing the floor.

Your eminence, what a pleasure to have you with us tonight!

I follow the acolytes, who follow the priest, who follows the gnome. My gaze scans the room with almost bored repetition. How many times have I done this? Follow Torinn, stay close Torinn, it's all a show. The priest is never in real danger, he pays the right people with donated coin to live this lavish life. The acolytes follow because they barley have free will anymore, but me I tire of this show. Oh, I know what I am, window dressing brought along to show off "his eminence's" power. "Look at the Dragonborn who guards me, he's a Paladin, how important must the church think I am." I hear it so much it echoes in my mind. Selune why is this my path, not to serve, not really, but to be a dancing marionette dragon.
My gaze stops at a group sitting together. A Bugbear, a Tiefling, and a Half-Elf together, that is a rarity, even in this place. At least something interesting. Maybe I'll even get to see them fight tonight, I'll probably be stuck against the wall, playing bodyguard, not protecting, not healing...useless.

Keep your eyes focused Acolytes, this is a dangerous place, filled with dangerous people. His eminence's safety is of most importance.

I hear the words leave my mouth with as much expression as I can muster, but my gaze is not on the priest but on the group seated near.