Flax thinks back to the crew, "I hope you guys are hatching a plan back there."

I would like a Perception check from Beshlog, please. And anyone else in the tunnel who is not paying attention to Flax and the game.

The Beast is apparently willing to bet a lot, as it places more chips on the betting pile. "So...what are you going to do if you win the prisoners?" the Beast asks

The Elemental looks up at that "He's only played a few hands. Why should he get the prisoners? We've played at least half a dozen and no one has run out of chips yet! You guys need to hurry up, I'm getting bored!" the fiery core of the Elemental glows hotter in its chest as its emotions become inflamed. The Ooze, who so far has remained silent, nods its agreement

The Beast replies after a moment of thought "How about this: we all bet all our chips. Winner takes all?" The other creatures agree, then turn to Flax, waiting for his opinion

Perception: 11

Remembering the attic of undead behind us, Ember will pay attention behind us.  

Probably can't see anything so she'll concentrate on listening.

Perception 17

Artan is watching the game. He's tempted to do something a bit reckless. But decides to wait until things develop a bit further 

Beshlog notices nothing, but Ember sees: 

Artan, you notice that wisps of smoke seem to floating down the corridor, issuing from under the door that leads supposedly to the Master's lab.

"Well?" the Beast prompts Flax "What do you say? One last round? Winner takes all?"

Flax gives him a look, appraising, suspicious, but then says, "Sure, why not?" and moves all his chips forward.

Ember uses "Subtle Spell" metamagic to cast "Protection from Evil & Good" without V or S components.

If this telepathic link allows it, she'll tell about seeing & hearing stuff in the shadows, without talking.

Kordia will repeat the message from Ember to the other two - Flax and Beshlog and then sends her own message.  "Looks like we are getting boxed between our table of card playing monsters and whatever might be coming behind us.  I HOPE it is not whatever undead was up in that room!   Question now is... do we fight on two fronts -- charge forward -- or charge backward?"  The three linked minds can almost sense the unspoken sigh, "Charge forward and we can expect 'reinforcements' from the rear.  Charge the rear and the card sharks will be alerted and become the 'new rear reinforcements'.   Gods, I hate this town!   Flax, say the word and I will start sending daggers your way.   Say something else and I will cover you if you decide to regroup 'backward'."

"See if Flax "wins" us and he can claim us now.  If he looses, we dash past them while they're suprised and head for the Master's door", Ember thinks in response.  "That gets all our enemies on one side of us."

Artan looks at the smoke coming from the masters door, oblivious to this conversation happening mentally with the others. "Kordia, something is happening over at our target location. Smoke coming out, so I believe time is of the essence. I have a scimitar that I will not be using, would this be any help to you if a fight does break out?"

ok, Flax, I’m going to need 3 more Sleight of Hand or Intelligence (Cards) checks

Who is Ember casting her spell on? It says any creature you can touch

With all this whispering going on, I would like everyone but Flax to make a Stealth check.

Kordia glances over at the door Artan pointed out and communicates it via link to the others.  She turns to Artan, "I am sorry I can not link to you, I am at my limit already."

She gives a half smile, "Flax may win.  If so, we keep playing this out.  If Flax loses, Ember plans to storm that smoking door because.. it seems we may have more incoming danger behind us as well as the creatures at the table.  We are fast running out of time and options."   

She glances back and then scans all the other doors.   "Keep your weapon.  I am not totally powerless or weaponless."   She shifts and is up on her toes ready to move.  "Best be ready to move at any moment now."

I believe Artan and Kordia are the only two whispering. Everyone else is telepathically communicating. "Link? And if you are sure. I am extremely unlikely to use the scimitar, relying on my magic and staff instead."

Stealth: 24 (the digital die looked like it was going to settle on a 2, and then rolled over to the 20)

Oh, yeah. Good catch and good use of that ability. Only Korda and Artan need to make a stealth check then, and Artan already did so. (nat 20!)

Kordia -> Stealth -> game log/digital dice ==  27

Both of you are fine. 

Waiting on those checks from Flax

(OOC Ember had cast the PFG&E spell on herself.  We had a discussion about "what spell should Ember get to replace "Shield" since her tattoo (or cloak?) counts as armor.  Go ahead.  Get the "touch yourself" jokes out of your systems.)

Botting for Flax. I'll use intelligence (cards) checks, since that is what he used last time

First check: 2

Second check: 6

Third check: 7

And rolling in a spoiler for the other participants:

The Elemental wins the hand!

the Dryad starts really strong, and it almost looks like they are going to sweep all the competition, but the Elemental makes numerous small, tactical plays throughout the game, until it's big break comes and it puts down the winning hand. The table erupts in chaos. But eventually settles down. The Elemental stands from their chair, and says "Well, since I won, I'll go collect my reward. You can come and watch if you want"

The Ooze looks up from their not winning pile of cards "But we can't abandon the guard post..." but the Elemental shushes the blob, and starts to walk towards the passage that the rest of the party is hiding in!