Tylaerys too seems lost in the mesmerizing music performed, dancing like there was no tomorrow, but she also notices Yeshil finding her own rythm on the dance floor, smiling warmly at the girl but deciding to not interfere in any way with the girl's impressive and exotic moves that she truly admires.


(For some reason I'm imagining Yeshil doing a Wednesday dance with Tylaerys watching in awe ;-) Wednesday Addams | Dance Scene | Netflix - YouTube )

OOC: Yes, that's perfect! At the time I was thinking about the dance scene from season one Umbrella academy, but this is spot on.

     As the dancers get to dancing Finn eases off bit by bit.  Not slowing but rather softening the sound of his drumming, aiming to turn the music back over to the halflings entirely.  He isn’t looking to put on a show, just kickstart things and hopefully let the momentum continue on its own…

Seeing that the crowd is getting into it, the halflings drag out the song for a full 10 minutes.  There are more than two dozen on the dance floor now, some keeping to more traditional moves, while others take inspiration from Yeshil and just let their freak flags fly.  A few try to dance with Yeshil, before mentally calculating her age and backing off.

As the song concludes and the dancers need a breather, the halfings take a bow and announce they are going on break for half an hour.  They set down their instruments and take a seat on the low stage, disappearing from view among the crowd.

Finn, you notice the gnome on the dance floor giving you a suspicious look as he heads back to his table.

     "Haaaaaaave you met Finn?" Finn asks smugly as he slides up next to the gnome, flashing his best smile.

     "Heh, sorry but there was nobody else to introduce us," Finn quickly follows up with as he joins the gnome at the table.  "You had some pretty good moves out there on the dance floor.  I like anyone who can bust a move.  Figured I would come and say hi.  You local?  I just got in town a couple of days ago and I know nothing around here yet... Have any tips for a newbie?"

     All in all Finn is trying to talk up this gnome and try to get an idea what they're all suspicious about... Insight - 19?

Seemingly not gaining any attention herself, Tylaerys returns to Jirel's side after a while, getting another drink and hanging out in the bar. After a while she starts watching the crowd again, hoping to spot someone who could be a porter to sit down and talk to.

Perception: 16
Insight: 21

While the others danced, Jirel returns the warrior’s nod prior to gulping down her first drink. He was incredibly tall for a human. She wipes her mouth with the back of her arm. She had ‘earned’ his approval. The giantess grunts. She was poor at striking up conversations. “Come ‘ere often?” Honey eyes do look him over, curious to see if she recognizes anything else about the man. She starts on her next drink. Did he have any unique regalia, symbols or gear that would identify him as a local, a faction agent, far traveller or mercenary for example? Of course she couldn’t help but wonder if he was truly human, or where big tall ones like him could originate from.

Finn, the gnome looks at you with a furrowed brow and then answers.  He makes no pretense about his suspicions.  "You, a newcomer to town?  A likely story.  I saw what you were doing there.  I was watching you like a hawk watches a squirrel stealing acorns!  There wasn't hardly a soul interested in dancing, and then you pranced in and started thrumming your thumbs on that board over there.  Then look what happened; half the bar on the dance floor, gyrating and jigging like they'd got fire ants in their breeches all the sudden! This was your doing, wasn't it? Some enchantment, I suspect!  What was your game?  The motive behind your madness?  You're probably trying to rob these poor souls blind with your trickery! What's your plan, huh? Pickpocketing while they're distracted?  Is that it?"

"If so, what did you score?  For the proper cut, I could be persuaded to keep your secret to myself.  Radecere Perethun, sad to make your acquaintance under such sordid conditions.  Just pulled into town with my kin, lately of Athkatla, bound for Neverwinter.  Now about my cut...?"

Tylaerys, the most likely candidates for porters are the three groups mentioned in post #1499.  They seem to be quite clustered together, though it might be possible to sequester one or two of them by persuasion or guile to answer questions.  One group, of mixed races and genders, seems to be socializing and having a good time, while the group of human men and the group of half-orc men both seem to be devoid of humor and have more of a business-like demeanor.

The tall man thinks a moment before he answers Jirel's question.  "I have drank here before, but no.  I do not frequent this place."  Of the options you mention, his dress suggests far traveller more than anything else.  He is clad in leather armor, tailored to fit and protect his unique body type, and he almost certainly must have obtained it in one of the large cities of the sword coast.  The rest of his gear, however, looks more primitive.  He has tattoos of unfamiliar symbols on his shoulders and neck, and he wears one long braid, with the feathers of a large, dark bird woven into it.

     Finn laughs heartily and gives good old Radecere Perethun a clap on the back.  Probably a bit harder than necessary.  “Ahh, you are a keen one, I will give you that!” Finn says, impressed.  “You spotted me out, for sure.  You are so right, my fine fellow.  Who would ever want jiggling and gyrating for it’s own sake?  Oh no, no, no… There must be ulterior motives.  Yes!”

     Finn leans in conspiratorially, while being extra wary of his own pockets and pouches and such, and whispers to his new friend.  “But it was not coin I am after pilfering.  Nor goods of any kind.  I am after something much more valuable….”  Finn looks left.  Finn looks right.  Finn then dramatically looks behind him before once more leaning in and whispering to Radecere the Sincere.  “I am looking to steal words!”

     Finn says it with all the sincerity, mystery and intrigue he can muster.  And he’s not done.  “Not just words.  Phrases.  Sentences.  Whole ideas and concepts!  I’m trying to find out what the people know…. Their thoughts… Their dreams… Their secrets!”  Finns excitement level rises as he talks on but he is careful to keep his words to a loud whisper, for this is all hush hush and on the down low and his new conspirator must realize this.

     “Now, Radecere Perethun, my friend, my partner and fellow collaborator…. You have given me your name, freely and from your own lips.  Now, seal the pact by telling me a secret!  Tell me a secret that you would tell none other or all shall be forfeit!  Hurry!  Tell me now!”  As Finn says this his eyes swim and alter thanks to thaumaturgy - His pupils contract into pinpricks and then expand to fill his entire eye.  Contract and expand, contract and expand...  rhythmically, much to the same beat as he was pounding out before when Radecere first noticed him.

The music stops and the dancers disperse, leaving Yeshil feeling a little conspicuous once again. She moves off into the darker corners of the room and watches both patrons and companions alike, observing their activities. In particular she watches Finn and Tylaerys, as they move so comfortably among the crowds. No, such extrovert behavior is still too distant for the green-skinned outcast. But she can tell they are busy gathering intelligence, and doesn't wish to be the only one empty-handed after this social foray. She picks a group of patrons and sidles up as close as possible to eavesdrop on their conversation...

If Ty picks the friendly group, then Yeshil will listen in to one of the more surly groups (the humans), or vice versa.

Stealth to approach within listening distance: 25
Perception to listen in on the conversation: 8

Not quite sure how to go about this, Tylaerys still approaches a mixed group of with a more positive mood, trying to get one of them to dance with her.

Insight to determine who would be willing to share things with her: 20
Persuasion if needed to get them to dance, and then buy her a drink: 23

If succesful, and let's face it, someone looking like Tylaerys would not fail this part, the blonde half-elf takes her time asking them about their very interesting work as a porter and being very sympathetic with any troubles they might have with less work due to fishy business going on.

Deception if needed: 22

Finn:

The gnome's eyes slowly widen in horror as you perform before him.

But then he sets his jaw, hardens his expression and crosses his arms.  "All right then, demon.  I figured this day would come sooner or later.  If you want secrets from me, then I want something in return.  I wish to form a pact with you.  I want access to magic to make myself invisible and a useful, chance based power.  I'm not particular on the form it takes... magical loaded dice, a coin I can control whether it lands heads or tails, the ability to manipulate the outcome of horse races... dealer's choice really.  Just something to give me an edge."

"Oh... and just putting this out there, I may have already traded my soul.  I technically lost it in a bet at a lumberjack competition, but it was just to some half-elf so I'm not sure if that is actually spiritually binding or not.  But, full disclosure, its possible there may be another claimant out there.  So buyer beware, and all that."

You notice a man at an adjacent table is watching your conversation with all the awe of the drunk.

Yeshil:

You creep up within listening distance of the group of humans you suspect to be porters.  They all look to be between the ages of 18-40 and have strong, tanned physiques, though a few of the older ones are starting to look softer around the middle.  They are engaged in tense conversation, their voices low against the din of the bar.  As you slip ever closer, you make out the following:

"...I think the orcs have the right of it.  What use is a guild that doesn't look out for its own?  If a few at the top get their palm's greased while they leave the rest of us high and dry?"

"Then you're as much a fool as them.  You expect the Rats and Crossers to just let you slide on in and take a cut?"

"No, I expect the porters to stand up for themselves!"

"Yeah, or maybe you don't have as much skin in the game as the rest us...".

"I've got boys sitting adle as well.  I don't like it any more than you do, but the way to address this is within...".

"Hey!  What's that kid doing there?!"

The entire group shifts to look at Yeshil, who had crept just a little too close, straining to hear.  Almost immediately, the group begins to disperse in something just a hair short of panic, leaving half-empty drinks and heading for the exit, muttering things about 'damned eyes everywhere.'

Tylaerys:

You approach the 'happier' group of porters and focus in on a young man who looks like a good target for a friendly interrogation.  You spend the next 20 minutes chatting him up and he buys you another drink (your choice).  

Around the time Yeshil is scaring off the angry bunch of humans, this young man is telling you that you are the most beautiful woman he has ever known and asking you to come with him to the Highharvestide celebrations in a few days.

While you initially thought he would be a good source of information, you slowly realize he is just a polite airhead.  When you probe for details about shipments and portage, he steers everything back to how pretty you are.

As the blonde half-elf slowly realizes exactly how useless source of information the young man is she politely thanks him for the mint flavoured Moon Juice, a drink she has gotten a real taste for now, saying something vague about maybe seeing him at Highharvestide celebrations, banking on him to be air-headed enough to not realize the chance, or rather risk, of them just running into each other there would be pretty slim. She then heads back to the comfort of Jirel's presence, keeping a slight distance to not interrupt the blonde giantess if she still talks to the really tall man, staying by the bar and keeping eyes and ears out for any gossip at the bar.

(Can I use that deception roll above instead to let Tylaerys get away from the young man without making him upset or anything ;-)
Perception to catch gossip at the bar: 22

     "A pact you say?" Finn asks, curiosity piqued, and uses thaumaturgy to turn his eyes to roiling pits of red with swirling black dots.  Finn takes a moment to appear as if considering his option and then reaches into a couple of pouches.  First he pulls out a brass signet ring with gems cut to resemble a cat's eyes and places it down in front of him, giving the gnome an appraising look as he does so.  Next he pulls out the glass eye he found in the exploded shopfront and places it next to the ring.

     "In time these could do what you seek... And more," Finn promises Radecere Perethun.  "In time...  First thing first though.  What are these secrets you have that make you worthy of entering into such a pact?  And what could you promise me after the pact is made?"

At first Yeshil is disappointed that the conversation broke up so quickly, but then decides that it wasn't amounting to much more than grumbling anyway. It would probably have taken some more directed prompting to get anything specific. Yeshil looks over at the orc-exclusive group and decides to try the direct approach. She walks right up to the table, pushes in to the largest of the small gaps between the orcs, and starts talking fast and glib:

So, those lads have decided to finally do something about it. (She nods in the direction of the group that just left). Tired of sitting idle. Decided it was time to stand up for themselves. After all, what's the use of a guild that doesn't look out for its own, am I right? Being left high and dry while a few at the top get their palms greased! I guess the only question now is whether the Rats and Crossers will just let you slide on in and take a cut...

She looks up at their faces, wondering whether parroting words that she barely understands will generate a sliver of trust, hoping that for once her own green pigmentation will come in useful...

Charisma isn't Yeshil's strong point, but here's a roll anyway. CHA check: 12

(Actually I'd like to modify the post, but don't want to damage the roll.)

Just before moving toward the group, Yeshil chooses one of the orcs making up the gap she will squeeze into, mumbles some words in dark Sylvan, touches a finger to her nose, and casts Charm Person. Her conversation is still directed to the group as a whole, but she hopes to win at least one friend in the only way that's ever worked for her before (until today that is). DC 14 WIS save.

[Yeshil, please make a slight of hand check with advantage.  This is to see if anyone recognizes the somatic components of the spell you cast on the porter, or if it goes unnoticed by his companions.]

Sleight of Hand: 25

Finn:  

The gnome looks down at the glass eye and swallows hard, his hand subconsciously brushing the corner of his own right eye.  "Secrets, you want?  Haven't given me anything yet in return.  I know what to expect from your kind... always looking to see if the milk is free before paying to buy the cow, is it right?"  He scratches under his beard.  "Well, never let it be said I'm afraid to take a gamble.  I'll give you a little taste...".

Slyly, he points back to the table of gnomes from whence he came.  "That that short-timer there with the beard tied up in wooden blocks?  Jorner Weggleteggle, of the Hundlestone Weggleteggles.  A proud clan, with a proud history."  He looks back at Finn's hypnotizing eyes.  "And he has ruined them."

"This caravan we're pushing... it's a desperate, foolhardy endeavor.  I knew he was in debt, but didn't know quite how bad it was till I stole a quick peak at his ledgers one quiet night on the road.  I'm not sure if he's lying to his books or lying to himself, but there's no chance he makes the kinds of margins on these goods he is projecting.  He's taking a gamble, trying to time the market just right and he's not going to pull it off.  More likely, he's going to lose money on this trip and that is going to be the straw that breaks their backs.  The Weggleteggles will be selling off assets and - poof - just like that one of the great gnomish houses will be no more."  He glances back.  "And the rest of them have no idea.  They toast to his good business sense even as he steers them off of a fiscal cliff...".

He looks back at Finn.  "So... how do we do this?  Written contract?  Blood transfusion?"

Tylaerys:

The young man seems initially disappointed but then reassures himself of the strength of your newfound love connection.  He promises to show you the time of your life at the festival and then goes back to planning your wedding together as you retreat to Jirel.

Yeshil:

Yeshil leans over the table and makes her pitch.  There is a moment of confused silence as the crowd of half-orcs takes her in and glances at the departing humans.

"No way," one practically bellows.  "Those cowards would never make a move on their own."

"Yeah, who is this kid?" another asks incredulously.

"No.  She's right," another* interrupts.  "Look, even those humans have finally had enough."

"I can't believe it," says the first.  "Who finally got those layabouts moving in the right direction?"

A few more rise.

"Yeah!  That's what I'm talking about.  We break our backs for coppers, while the old sods at the top skim gold off of our labor!"

Yet another stands, "Are we going to sit here and chit chat while the frakking humans stand up and do something?  Or are we going to fight?!"

The last of the crowd rises and they move out as one, away from the table and out the door.  

Finn, Jirel, Tylaerys and Jararaka all see the angry crowd of half-orcs begin to hoot, holler, and pump each other up before departing loudly out the front door, leaving an innocent looking Yeshil behind at their table.