The young half-elven blonde listens attentively to Yeshil's story as she gracefully walks alongside the green-skinned girl through the Baldurian evening towards Basilisk Gate and the Stonyeyes, giving the girl an empathic smile and look as she talks about her past. "It seems like Gath cared for you in a way at least." Tylaerys says quietly as the gitl finishes. "Not that it is a competition but my parents were just glad I was out of their strict and correct aristocratic lives when I left Waterdeep, not the kind of parents I would wish for anyone. But I guess they kept me safe, mostly to not tarnish the family name though." The half-elf says with a roll of her silvery eyes, but the she laughs softly at her own embarrassing past. "So you are going to be a famous wizard then?" Tylaerys says with an encouraging smile. "The Arcane Brotherhood will be glad to have you. I suppose it will help you if you do well with your current mission?"

Exiting the Blade and Stars, the group find themselves on the not-so-quiet streets of Baldur's Gate after dark.

Here near the Basilisk Gate, the streets are wider and most intersections have a small square with a brazier or a well.  There is still light traffic here, as some businesses never truly close and couriers and porters move at all hours.  There are also small groups of tavern patrons, either coming or going, and the occasional minstrel or acrobat working a street corner looking to earn some coin.  In the narrow spaces between buildings, you sometimes spot beggars peering out at the passers by.  And as noted previously, there are regular patrols of Flaming Fist soldiers looking to keep the peace.

You happen across the path of a group of Flaming Fist officers with something other than duty on their minds.  There are four of them, their armor doffed and barely able to stand, arms on each others' shoulders and singing a song about 'the perfumed maids of Calimshan.'  The odor of booze arrives a moment before they do.  One of the men looks up, eyes the five of you, and then points a finger at Finn.  

"Aye now, fair ladies. And croc-[Hic]-idiles," he adds with a sincere bow toward Jararaka.  "Is this here ill-mannered ruffian," still pointing at Finn, "causing you any trouble?  The Flaming Fist is here to prote-[Hic]-protect you."  

One of the other men looks at the first, then at the five of you, then raises a fist in the air in apparent support of the first man's statement.

With a friendly smile, Tylaerys confidently steps closer to the Flaming Fists. "Although certainly not having the good manners of you dear gentlemen, I can assure you this is our trusted servant and escort. We thank you for your concern and we are all grateful the Flaming Fists are ready to protect innocent girls even while off duty. I hope you will all have a continued pleasant evening, thank you again gentlemen and good night." She says with a war yet firm tone, who would be one heard from the patriars of Baldur's Gate, polite but not inviting to any further conversation.

Persuasion if needed: 24
Deception to sound like a patriar if needed: 16 Another roll if the exquisite green dress, the jewelry and being noble herself helps to pose as a patriar: 7

     Finn is only too ready to step up and trade barbs with the drunken dullard, Flaming Fist or not, though Tylaerys is a bit quicker on the uptake and Finn decides it best to wait and see if she can diffuse the situation.  Misses Binklesworth, however, is not so patient.  She slips out of the oversized pocket she was riding in and struts over to the soldiers, using all he cat class and style as she does so.  Nothing nefarious or stealthy, just a cat doing cat things and positioning themselves... just in case.

Yeshil says nothing, appearing to simply be waiting and watching to see how things transpire, cowering behind Jirel if she can. However, she is far from idle. With a whisper and a flick of her fingers, she casts the Mage Hand cantrip, and directs the invisible hand toward the back of the group...

Sleight of Hand to avoid detection: 11. Attempting to pick the pockets, lift a purse or steal anything else convenient from the furthest soldier.

Tylaerys' speech is enough to captivate and sooth the booze-fueled aggression of the soldiers.  Two of them get into a back and forth bit about whether or not they are actually off duty, which seems to be incredibly funny to the two of them but not to anyone else.

A third man watches with wonder as a pouch lifts gently and then separates from the belt of the fourth.  As he looks, he slowly raises a finger and points at the pouch, following it along as it drifts away.  He looks back at his finger, at the floating pouch, at his finger, and then mumbles, "I think I might be magic..." though he goes ignored by the others.

No alarm is raised, and you are able to separate yourselves from the drunkards and continue on through the Basilisk Gate and into Stoneyeyes.

Yeshil, you gather the pouch and find 1sp, 14cp and a single brass token.  One side of the token is stamped with a 'U' and the other side with the number 25.

Outside the gate, the foot traffic is slightly less than that inside the city.  The din of a well populated area at evening time remains, but the sounds of crickets and the screeching of small bats overhead remind you that you are outside the vast walls and, technically, not in the city any longer.  The lighting is also less regimented, with the torches lining the main roads in Stoneyeyes only lit at a rate of about 2/3.

Within easy walk of the Basilisk Gate, you encounter two likely watering holes to visit.  

• The Bloated Goat is a hole-in-the-wall type establishment.  The building has just one door and one window, with a sign reading 'DARTS' the only clue as to the wonders you might find inside.
• P&W Cantina is a livelier looking place.  A low stone wall creates a private patio around the actual building, though no one is seated out there now.  From inside, you can hear the sound of someone playing a lute and people clapping along.

The young blonde half-elf can't help but smile to herself as she sees the pouch float away, expecting it to be either Finn or Yeshil helping themselves to a contribution to tonights festivities. "So, where were we?" She says to the green-skinned girl as they resume their walk to the Stonyeyes.

As they pass Basilisk Gate and reach Stonyeyes, Tylaerys looks between the two places to visit. "Let's go over there..." She says, inclining her cute head to the livelier place of the P&W Cantina, taking Jirel's hand to try to gently tug her along at least. "...I'm sure there's people more in a talking mood at that place. We could of course split up if we want to cover more ground?" She adds but she seems to prefer having her new family close together if possible.

     "This a night off or are we fishing for information tonight?" Finn asks though he knows the two are not mutually exclusive.  Personally he is in a wait and see mood, not sure what either of these bars have on offer.  The one has music so that is something...  And as they seem to be heading to that one he sends Misses Binklesworth off to the other to do some reconnaissance.

Quote from Oberon99 >>

The young blonde half-elf can't help but smile to herself as she sees the pouch float away, expecting it to be either Finn or Yeshil helping themselves to a contribution to tonights festivities. "So, where were we?" She says to the green-skinned girl as they resume their walk to the Stonyeyes.

You said the Arcane Brotherhood will be glad to have me, Yeshil repeats with perfect recall. She remembers most things that have been said, but this phrase in particular caused her to smile when first spoken. The repetition however is given somewhat absently as her attention is on the small token that she has extracted from the soldier's pouch. Yeshils wonders what it is for. Hey blondie, she says to Tylaerys, although without any of the spite from the last time she used the appellation. You ever seen one of these before? Yeshil passes the token to Ty.

Quote from Bartjeebus >>

... a single brass token.  One side of the token is stamped with a 'U' and the other side with the number 25.

Raw INT check to figure out what the token's purpose is: 22. Adv if Ty can Help: 12. +2 for PB if History, Investigation or Arcana apply.

The young blonde half-elf smiles warmly as Yeshil calls her Blondie. She wasn't used to that but as long as the intent didn't seem malicious she didn't much care what she was called. She carefully accepts the small brass token into her hand, briefly studying both it sides. "I think I've seen similar things at gambling dens, a crude betting marker perhaps, from a place whose name starts with a U." She says softly, pausing briefly before continuing with a warm smile. "You may not think it of me but I used to visit all kind of places back in Waterdeep, wasn't popular with my family, but then again nothing I ever did really was. So where did you get it?" Tylaerys finishes with a curious smile, returning the brass trinket to Yeshil.

(Tylaerys would happily give the help action but it looks like Yeshil got this ;-)

[Tylaerys already has inspiration, otherwise I would give some for the correct guess.]

Yeshil, as soon as Tylaerys speaks her mind, you're certain she is correct.  This item is almost certainly a chip from a gambling house.  Furthermore, even in her brief time in the city, Yeshil would have heard of the Undercellar, a subterranean marketplace below The Wide in the Upper City.  It is a labyrinthian network of black markets, gambling houses and brothels.  While you haven't actually seen any of their chips before, it stands to reason that the U most likely is for 'Undercellar.'  The 25 is probably a denomination, though whether it is equivalent to gp, sp, or some other currency exchange is not obvious.

Taking a step inside the open doorway of the P&W Cantina, you see a crowded watering hole filled with thirsty travelers and locals.  The stone tiled floor is covered in peanut shells and a rounded bar occupies the center of the room.  Several countertops are spread around the rest of the space on posts mounted into the floor but there are no tables or chairs.  In the far corner, a low stage is setup and a pair of halflings play with dueling lutes.

Most of the clientele are a mix of humans and half-orcs, though there are other races sprinkled into the crowd.  From what you can see of the chalkboard menu, this establishment doesn't serve food, other than a cup of chili-dusted peanuts available with drink orders.

• Heavy Load Cider - 2 cp
• Meadowbrook Mead - 4 cp
• Knight's Embrace Bold Ale - 1 sp
• Moon Juice - 2 sp  (Our secret blend of Amnish Tequila, sparkling water and your choice of strawberry, blueberry, mint or bacon flavorings)

Thrilled to discover a new place of entertainment and enjoyment, Tylaerys steps inside and makes it for the bar, not being able to resist the temptation of having a Moon Juice, going for the mint flavour, briefly making a face as she reads it comes with a bacon flavour option. She then waits for the others to order while leaning back against the bar to survey the crowd, curious if she can spot any potential porters or other persons of potential interest. "You should perhaps challange the winner of that duel?" She turns and says to Finn with a warm smile and a wink, then inclining her cute head towards the small stage.

Perception: 19

(Dang, must remember to use that inspiration, thanks though :-)

     Finn purses his lips in consideration.  "Hmmmm....  Maybe," he replies to Tylaerys.  "But no reason not to just enjoy another's work for a while.  I think I'll just mingle a bit after the drinks come and see what is to be heard..."

     As promised, Finn waits til the drinks come, having ordered a Mead for himself, and then moves about the crowd.  His listens to the halflings, partially, but mostly listens to the general hum and chit chat of the place, eavesdropping as much as possible to see if anything interesting can be overhear.  He'll engage people in chat and banter but he's not really pressing for information so much as hoping it falls out right in front of him.  Frankly he thinks there may be too much possibility his pressing and digging draws attention their way...  Attention they're not yet ready for.

Yeshil finds a clear space to stand, and quietly watches. She orders no drink, but slowly snacks on the peanuts that come with the beverages her companions order. Mostly though, she just watches and thinks. She watches the crowd, observing their interactions, their laughter and light-heartedness - their happiness. She wonders if this is what it means to have friends. She glances at those who she now considers her companions, unsure if friendship is something within her ability, or what it even means, or whether she deserves it...

Tylaerys, if you had to guess, there are at least a few groups of porters here.  There is a cluster of human men, one of half-orc men, and a mixed group of human and half-orc men and women.  They are all young(ish) and very fit.  By their dress, they look to be spending more of their pay on drinks than on clothing; some look to be wearing hemmed tablecloths.  The mood of the mixed group seems positive, but both the human and orc exclusive groups radiate hostility.  Among the rest of the patrons:

• There is a mixed group of humans and half elves trying to get a dance-floor going in tune with the halflings' music without much success.
• There is a tall human warrior standing alone at the bar.
• There is a group of gnomes belly-aching about the lack of proper lodging and accommodations in the city.

     Finn moves to an area close to both the stage and the dance floor where he can find something to hit.  Not punch mind you, but more slap...  With the halflings playing dueling lutes Finn figures the problem for the dancers may just be that they don't have a steady beat to dance to so Finn is looking for a surface to drum upon in order to help them get their party started.  Be it a cask or a railing or just a tabletop he can drum upon he figures he can kickstart the dancers with a steady rhythm.  He's not looking to overwhelm the halflings by any means, nor even to really join in for long...  But with some starting drumming and some stomping of his feet, perhaps the dancers can get over their reluctance.  ((Performance?  11+5 for 16))

     Looking back at the others to keep an eye on them and to see what they're getting up to, Finn smiles and drops a wink to the kid, kind of giving them a nod and a bit of a head movement to the dancers silently suggesting from across the room that maybe they join in.

Tylaerys registers the many potential sources of informations around her, planning to take her time in this place to find out something useful for the team's mission before leaving, but there was nothing wrong with taking pleasure in your work so as she notices Finn starting to lay down a beat on the dance floor, making her hips sway, looking up at Jirel with an almost apologetic look, perhaps over not being the serious harper agent she should be, then tugging along Yeshil onto the dance floor, hoping to cheer the somber green-skinned girl up, hoping to show her a good time. "Come Yeshil, don't let me embarrass myself up there alone." She says with a warm and encouraging smile. "Pleease." She adds with pleading silvery eyes before weaving through the crowd to hit the dance floor, dancing as she can with her fairly tight-fitting green dress, her bare arms in the air and her hips swaying slowly to Finn's captivating rythm, smiling radiantly at the people around her, almost instincively using her draconic magic to make tiny fireworks above her to enhance the feeling of party.

Use Minor Illusion.
Performance to dance reasonably well: 4

The only rhythm Jirel could lead is a primal beat, wild and free. It was incredibly more appropriate for those versed in the civilized ways of the city to jump in. Finn could set the tone while Tylaerys encouraged with grace. With a gentle pat of encouragement she’d send the half-elf off to enjoy herself to the rhythm and with a jut of her chin she’d encourage the Yeshil to join the other two on the dance floor. The giantess was curious to see how the feisty little one was going to respond. If Jirel were to guess, the Little One would tag along after her. And that was fine with her (and easier to keep tabs on her). It just seemed better for Yeshil to think it was her own idea.

The giantess positions herself at the bar next to the tall lone human male warrior. Jirel lifts a hand and flags the bartender down to order one of each (1 cider, 1 mead, 1 ale and a strawberry moon juice). She was a thirsty woman and may as well sample the local spread. Jirel then turns her back to the bar, propping her elbows up on it as she leans back against to keep an eye out. Eyes and ears open and alert, she’s watching over her companions out on the dance floor, and perhaps sizing some folks up. No she wasn’t looking to start a bar fight or anything, but she wouldn’t say no to a bit of a flex, a show of strength. She’d be willing to try her hand at some sportsmanlike wrestling, even if it were just a basic arm wrestle, should no brawls spontaneously break out on their own.

It's not immediately clear how the halfling performers feel about Finn playing backup percussion, but the humans and half-elves trying to dance hoot and holler and give him big thumbs up.  A couple more stragglers from the outer reaches of the bar come forward to dance, including Tylaerys and one of the gnomes.

Back at the bar, most of the patrons shy away from Jirel's intimidating stares and flexes.  Nearby, the tall human warrior sizes her up and nods with professional approval, returning his gaze back to the bar in front of his mug of mead.  He is outrageously tall for a human, taller than Jirel and likely more than 7'... though he is lanky and wiry.  

Yeshil resists Tylaerys' tugs at first, but relents when the pleading begins, prefering to follow rather than attract any further attention. She slouches into the centre of the dance floor, pulling her hood close around her to hide her face as deep inside as possible. The half-elf starts swaying suggestively, and Yeshil turns away uncomfortably, simply standing in the centre of the crowd hoping in vain to look inconspicuous. And yet, hidden though she may not be, it doesn't seem like anyone is paying her any direct attention. In fact, one could almost hide in plain sight in such a place, given a big enough crowd. This idea allows Yeshil to relax a little, and she starts to listen to the music...

The melody from the halflings and the beat from Finn is difficult to ignore. Yeshil's fingers starts to tap involuntarily. Her head jogs ever so slightly from side to side. Her shoulders start to move...

Suddenly Yeshil starts to gyrate erratically. Her arms and head move in a jerky fashion, in time with the music, but not at all fluidly...

I'd roll a Performance check too, but Yeshil isn't really performing for anyone. She's lost in her own private zone. Maybe a DEX roll to see how good she moves? 12