“I already paid,” lies Lyssma, looking confused. "I even tipped you generously...?" She continues, as if trying to jog his memory.

"No, lass. I'm sorry to say you didn't. 12 Silver, please." The Orc is getting frustrated, but is used to people trying to get out of paying, for both drink and food.

(Would you like to roll deception to try again? Or persuasion. Either one)

"I could have sworn I did," Lyssma sighs, exasperated and perturbed, and fishes in her belt pouch. "I'm in the middle of a very important meeting, and I always take care of my business up front."

Charisma (Deception) 36

"Oh. Wait a minute, I remember now. So sorry to bother you and keep you from your meeting. Enjoy yourself, and feel free to ask for anything, should you need it." The Orc bows low and walks away behind the bar. Do you now join the rest of the group?

Lyssma follows the others, curiousity written on her face.

"Alright, now that everyone is here, I have a proposition for you all. One that makes us money, which we need, if not at the moment. There's a tournament in town, with the grand prize being 10,000 gold coins. Split five ways, we'd all be fine off, with 2,000 each. It's in two days, which gives us one day to gets leads on the heroes and prepare. All you have to do on the tournament day is show up, sign up, say which fight you want to participate in, and fight. Oh, and for any who are looking, the signer is on our side, but the barman isn't. The signer's name is Victoria Bright, the man in the mask is Akeda, and the barman is Ard. Just a little info. Victoria will join us soon. So, what have you all done with your time? Anything to report?"

"A...tournament," Isala spits incredulously.  "Are we to feign battle before the masses, then, and inspire songs of courtly love?  How does a mock conflict advance the goal of debasing or destroying these champions?  Without knowing the rules of engagement or standards for victory, I cannot say it does at all.  If it does not, I have no desire to tip my hand in anything less than a final battle."

Isala begins to pace.  "The heroes keep themselves isolated in a large compound, one whose grandeur could inspire first envy, then hatred, among the common folk should the seeds be planted and allowed to germinate.  Lyssma boldly entered the compound; what she discovered prior to my arrival, I know not.  When I followed, we were both confronted by an Aasimar.  By his arms and his insufferable condescension, I presume he is a warrior of some Holy Order or another.  Should the rules dictate one of you face him in single combat," Isala continues as a grin animates his features, "I have a surprise in store for our angel friend."

"Do you have a better way of getting quick money? Perhaps some good, honest work? If you don't want the money, fine. More for the rest of us. I like that of you, Lyssma. I'm glad I chose you. And the champion isn't the angel, they always remain unannounced to add mystery and intrigue. This is a good start. Anyone else?"

“Isala, you seem to overlook how operations such as the one you wish to execute work. It takes time and money to pull off”, said Aodh.

As soon as it was sure no one else would see it, it returned to how it was before it entered the portal with everyone.

”Resources of all kinds are needed in order to control what is needed. Information, influence, wealth, and much more are all needed to manipulate the entirety of a population without many problems popping up to ruin anything. Besides, the tournament may prove useful. It can give us an idea of how powerful the warriors of this place can be.”

Aodh turned to the one that called upon their help in the first place.

”As for my own work, I’ve begun to acquire such a resource. There is a sizeable amount of suffering urchins that can be used a number of ways. By acquiring their trust, we can have some people we can do whatever is needed.”

"Good. It is always wise to gather a following to help. Spend tomorrow gaining trust."

"This might be fun! Is it one on one, single elimination, or is it a group event?" Gorgox exclaims and asks. 

"I've no objections to building trust," snaps Isala.  "I broached the idea in the first place.  I do, however, question participation in a tournament.  Gathering intelligence on these champions is wise, but that can be achieved from the audience just as well.  In joining the fray, we cede to them intelligence as well, something worth well in excess of mere gold."

"A different kind of currency must be gained for all of us to toss aside that element of surprise.  You say you have begun to gain the trust of the people.  Should you teach us, I can help -- we can help -- spread your good word to all corners of this hamlet.  If we cannot kill these self-appointed heroes outright, can you leverage a victory into pushing these self-appointed heroes aside?  A cult of personality around you, around us, now *that* is something that could be worthwhile."

"We might accidentally kill one or two of the heroes in the tournament, thus taking care of two problems at one blow" Gordon says to Isala.

Lyssma chuckles at the way Gorgox said "accidentally." 

"Honestly, I would not mind whether we enter the tournament or not. There are things that can be gained from the tournament besides funding and information. Influence can be gained as well. Present a new, talented, upcoming fighter, and a following will form. Let your name be known well enough, and you may even be able to infiltrate their ranks and obtain much more information than some random person can give. Besides, none of us would need to fight to the fullest. We wouldn't even need to win. We just need to perform well enough to be noticed."

Aodh looked down at the crystal around its host's neck.

"Alternatively, you could also use it as a distraction to stage an 'event'..."

"I yield, I yield," Isala chuckles.  "I will whisper your praises in every road and building tomorrow, as the hero who provides true support while the self-proclaimed champions allow them to suffer.  I may even enter as your disciple."

"Or, as you say, I may look to a distraction."

"It depends on how you enter. I'm entering, because I want coin. I assume Gorox and Lyssma are entering too? As a trio, or separately? The others can use the time to help our main goal."

Isala nods.  "How we enter will be determined by what we are entering, and so far, information has been sparse - are we waiting this signer?  The so called civilized folks impose rules; what are they?  Is this single combat?  Groups?  Are there are divisions based on types of combatant?  Is it one battle per entrant, or is there a bracket each contestant must fight through until one remains?  If so, what manner of respite is offered between bouts?  Such things are crucial in designing a strategy."

Lyssma follows Isala's questions earnestly. She is trying very hard to keep her eyes and attention on the subject at hand. "Yes, designing a strategy," she nods.