Fyn overhears the planning as he attempts to seduce the gnome, and mulls over the potential gain from either before downing my drink and walking away from the gnome with a final wink (just in case he's still around later). I wander towards the group but stay in the current form for now. "What's the plan?"

Fist pulls the effeminate Fyn onto his o'er leg, so as to give the appearance of some dirty ol' man enjoying some female comp'ny. No' entirely untrue, but also no' the p'int. 

Leanin' in, his voice practic'ly growls with enthusiasm: "Sex 'n' gold, boyo. Sex 'n' gold."

He'll start w'thout Gotu, but has no problem explainin' it all again. Ignorin' Molly for only a momen' n' wrapping an arm round the changelin', he starts wit an import'nt question: "What d'you lads know of the Red Ligh' District...?"

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

Asbestos is now a halfling (I think?) 

 ((He is a very tall halfling now. At least the tallest a halfling could be ahha. very much just short probably 4'3. more human looking))

Asbestos stood there with the group, not really sure what to think. Originally he had wanted to go ask Zeren if he wanted to see his mushroom garden (and also to hear the gossip), but when it turned out they were actually plotting something (a guess he had on a whim that unfortunately turned out to be there), he stuck around. It seemed all and good at first until Molly came around, then his nerves were up. At least the attention wasn't on him, but on Fist apparently. He squinted. 'Ah, well then. Okay?' He couldn't quite make out what was going on there, but Mad Molly was just as elusive to him as was trying to grab oil from water, so he tried his best to look away from her, and unfortunately by extension, Fist. 'Diddly dum dee dee' He hummed in his head. 

"Ah, well, yes. Very well." He mumbled at Fist's orders, fiddling with his fingers and with his eyes everywhere but on Molly. 'Oh what a lovely wallpaper they have here. I never noticed it.' Yet he's traveled through those wall many times before. The changeling hadn't even noticed Lace was there until she spoke out loud. 'Fyn?' He was momentarily distracted and was going to go run over to the other changeling boy, but saw he was distracted with the gnome so he resisted. Instead he was about to throw his arms around Lace until he walked off and he reeled back the embrace. "Lace! Always on the case. Never stops in a race." He made up a random rhyme after he watched her run off. 

When Fyn did actually come to the group... and then promptly got put on Fist's lap. Asbestos felt a little bit squeamish. He averted his gaze away. "Yes. Sex and the gold. Two of my very favorite things." He whispered under his breath, not at all sarcastically, but just a deflated agreement.

"I can go check those crouching figur-" He started in a quiet whisper, before getting cut off by Fist. "Oh yes. I know the Red Light District. Been there many times before, yes. Women. Ladies. Everywhere. Yes... Some men and others too there, yes. Last time I was Carolina..." He winced, recalling that memory with the last job where he was an beautifully striking orc woman. He felt nearly suffocated by those sailor men who had swarmed him.  They wanted a lady who can dominate them, but also that they could dominate. The contrasting demands made his head explode. He managed to get through though and whatever loot the guild had wanted at the time was gotten. He was just glad he made a quick escape. "I can go out there as her again... yes. How's about you Fyn? Are you up for it?" His gaze never leaving the floor. He secretly hoped it was a 'no', but either way he would go along with it.

Gotu rubbed his eyes as he realized he wasn't feeling up to sniffing out hidden dangers in the tavern alone. He decided it was safer to join the group for backup. With more people around, he figured they'd have a better chance against any trouble that might pop up. So, he got to his feet and made his way over to where the others were gathered, ready to stick together for safety's sake.

Or if things go down south, burn the entire place to the ground.

Fyn nods. "I'm no stranger to the Red Light District either. I've got more than a few popular identities on that side of town. Ones that can fetch quite a high price." And though he doesn't say it aloud, Fyn figures it could be a good distraction from the grief. Something Fyn could probably use.

Quote from nonamedndplayer >>

Gotu rubbed his eyes as he realized he wasn't feeling up to sniffing out hidden dangers in the tavern alone. He decided it was safer to join the group for backup. With more people around, he figured they'd have a better chance against any trouble that might pop up. So, he got to his feet and made his way over to where the others were gathered, ready to stick together for safety's sake.

Or if things go down south, burn the entire place to the ground.

 If he gets close enough, he may hear Fist's plan for the firs' step. "So. While t' o'ers are dealin' wit te boat, me, you boys," he nods back to 'Sbestos and gives Fem Fyn a quick squeeze with his arm, "the cat, and the Wizard'll go out an' rob a couple o' sailors offa te 'Cracked Pearl.' Fer those o' ya gearin' fer te ship, tha's yer target. Don't forget it. Fyn, it's a classi' grift. Ye play a pimp, try to sell them Gotu 'n 'Sbestos as whores. I'll cover as a guard while the cat waits in te shadows. Once they done their gropin' an' made up their minds, we lead 'em somewhere dark and bea' te holy Hells outta 'em. If'n the contact was righ', each 'o 'em oughta have a heap o' gold on 'em. An' tha' tells us if te bigger job is worth te risk."

Lace turns to look for Gotu.  She's taken no more than a couple of steps when she sees him coming.  

So she turns around & keeps listening.

Asbestos eyes lit up at Fyn's response and he audibly gasped. Though he wasn't into the nightlife scene himself, he was surprised by the competition. "Wait are you not Celiana, the silk satyr? Or no wait was it... Adaline the colorful... kobold" He didn't know the actual names or if any of the sex workers there had any actual titles, but anyways he continued, "Gosh. Golly. I'm honored. Delighted to be in your presence! Do you have recommendations, yes? Any pointers?" He shook the other changeling's hand hard, up and down. He would not actually want to use those tips, but it would come in handy for next time, yes. 

The squeeze and catching word of 'groping' made him antsy, so he said, "Oh yes. Righty-o. Sounds splendid. Very fine and well. Thank you." He gave a meek thumbs up, then playfully tossed back his long, red braided hair in an effort to show he was cool with it. "I do wonder what those peoples over there are doing. Hmmm, yes, very interesting..." He tapped his chin and mumbled, really to himself, but loud enough for the others to hear. He averted his gaze from Fist, Molly, and Fyn for a minute, and turned around to see Lace behind him, to which he threw his arms around her and then let go. "Lace~ Oh how marvelous! Would you like to go see what those others-" He pointed over towards the crouched group, "-be doing, yes?" He didn't want to go over there by himself, and also asking someone else if they were in the mood for going was his own way of saying how much he did wanted to do something.

((for when they go over there...

Stealth: 20 + 5 = 25 YOOO NAT 20 LET'S GO

Wisdom: Perception: 4 +1 = 5 nooooooo

btw he sounds like Starfire from Teen Titians in his girl voice))

In the dimly lit corners of The Falling Goat, Molly listened intently as Fist outlined his scheme, a twisted smile slowly unfurling across her lips. Her gaze, sharp and gleaming with a morbid delight, fixed upon him as he detailed the cunning plot. With Drusilla clutched tightly to her chest, she leaned closer, her voice a chilling blend of adoration and madness.

"Ach, Fist, you are truly ein Meister of the dunkle arts," Molly cooed, in her usual macabre manner of speaking. "So einfach, yet so diabolisch brilliant. It's the pure Eleganz of Täuschung und Dunkelheit."

She paused, her laughter bubbling up like a dark potion simmering over an open flame. "The way you weben fear and Führung into einen Tanz of doom is Poesie, mein dear," she whispered, almost affectionately. "Ein wahrer Künstler with the Schatten as your Leinwand."

After her brief but fervent praise, Molly's demeanor shifted subtly. The chaotic light in her eyes dimmed as she retreated into a quiet, watchful silence, content to hover near Fist like a ghost waiting for the night to deepen. Her presence became less intrusive, yet the eerie aura around her lingered, a constant reminder of the madness and mystery that danced hand in hand within her. As the group prepared to set off, Molly remained a sinister shadow, ready to follow Fist into the darkness, her loyalty as unwavering as it was unsettling.

Seein' the wizard approachin', Fist's smile is wide, almost gracious.

"Well, Boyo? Think ye can play yer part?"

I nod along with Fist's plan. Certainly not the first time we've done something like this. "Just leave the talking to me and things'll be fine. We don't want a repeat of last time." 

I do my best not to laugh at Abestos' reaction. "Remind me later and I'll give you a few pointers."

Quote from SunDial365 >>..He averted his gaze from Fist, Molly, and Fyn for a minute, and turned around to see Lace behind him, to which he threw his arms around her and then let go. "Lace~ Oh how marvelous! Would you like to go see what those others-" He pointed over towards the crouched group, "-be doing, yes?" He didn't want to go over there by himself, and also asking someone else if they were in the mood for going was his own way of saying how much he did wanted to do something.

((for when they go over there...

Stealth: 20 + 5 = 25 YOOO NAT 20 LET'S GO

Wisdom: Perception: 4 +1 = 5 nooooooo

btw he sounds like Starfire from Teen Titians in his girl voice))

Lace raises both eyebrows at the quick hug. “Well I was listening…”, she says as he drags her along. “…But you seem more on edge than a beard on a razor. What’s the trouble then?”
Seeing that ‘Best is trying to sneak, she tries as well as they approach the (suspected) game of dice.

Stealth: unnatural 20

Quote from BoldHand22 >>

Seein' the wizard approachin', Fist's smile is wide, almost gracious.

"Well, Boyo? Think ye can play yer part?"

"If my cut of the share is a bit more, then fine, but within reason. Otherwise, forget it," Gotu scowled, his hands briefly flickering with flames, a sign of his frustration getting the better of him as he nearly cast Fire Bolt just now but gained enough control to stop it from fully being cast. 

@Asbestos and Lace

Since their attention is on something else and no one was actively looking for anyone you are both able to approach undetected. (Your rolls were good enough that they probably wouldn't have noticed if they were on the lookout.)

It is indeed a dice game and you both happen to catch the end of a brief exchange between a green dragonborn and a short man with spikey black hair:

Green dragonborn: "... and I would take that bet against you since there is no way with your luck that you could roll a 9 or higher."

Spikey black hair: "Well we won't find out tonight as I'm skinned after that last roll."

Green dragonborn: "Too bad as I was willing to give you 3 rolls and pay 2 to 1 just to give you a chance to win your gold back."

Spikey black hair: "Give me a minute..."

After which the short man with spikey black hair sticks his head up and takes a quick look around, spotting the gathering around Fist his expression brightens and he stands and begins to head over there.

Quote from Dante_Osiris >>

I do my best not to laugh at Abestos' reaction. "Remind me later and I'll give you a few pointers."

Quote from Arthuropodd >>

 

Lace raises both eyebrows at the quick hug. “Well I was listening…”, she says as he drags her along. “…But you seem more on edge than a beard on a razor. What’s the trouble then?”
Seeing that ‘Best is trying to sneak, she tries as well as they approach the (suspected) game of dice.

Momentarily distracted from Lace, Asbestos smiled with glee at Fyn's approval, completely oblivious of the other changeling's stiffed laugh. "Oh my yes! That would be wonderful." 

He gave him a thumbs up before sneaking. Ignoring her hesitancy as he was lost in thought, he lightly held Lace's hand as they walked toward the figures. He caught sight of her suspicion. His eyes went wide then he quickly averted his gaze, "Ah no nothing much is of the worry, yes. Just the ol' nerves is all." His eyes looked everywhere but straight at her, "Just... Last time I was there... As Carolina... I-"

His voice trailed off as he tilted his head as soon as they got close enough, "Hmm... what is it we have here?" Asbestos looked at her with confusion for a second before darting his gaze away.'You're a detective? Can you detect this?' His mouth opened a little, but he didn't say it out loud, only just asked in his head. He squinted at the group, trying to understand what was going on here. 

((Perception check from before 4 + 1 = 5 sadly

*edit: oops I didn't see the message before but I'm too tired now so I'll check tomorrow ahhh))

Quote from nonamedndplayer >>

Quote from BoldHand22 >>

Seein' the wizard approachin', Fist's smile is wide, almost gracious.

"Well, Boyo? Think ye can play yer part?"

"If my cut of the share is a bit more, then fine, but within reason. Otherwise, forget it," Gotu scowled, his hands briefly flickering with flames, a sign of his frustration getting the better of him as he nearly cast Fire Bolt just now but gained enough control to stop it from fully being cast. 

 "I'll do ya one better, lad. Af'er we've got the gold we need from yer lasciv'us johns, while the o'ers return wit the guild's cut, I'll take ya ta a fella I know me'self, sells scrolls at black marke' quality fer retail price."

Smithy listens to Fist's plan and agrees to it. 

"Not sure how much we can do at the ship, all depends on how many sailors are left back there of course. Also, normally we take some time to come up with a sophisticated plan, remember, but in the honor of Biscotti let's do it and see what we come back with."

Fyn laughs. "Very true, Smithy. But how often do we throw out those sophisticated plans when something goes wrong?"

Quote from Secretfool >>

Smithy listens to Fist's plan and agrees to it. 

"Not sure how much we can do at the ship, all depends on how many sailors are left back there of course. Also, normally we take some time to come up with a sophisticated plan, remember, but in the honor of Biscotti let's do it and see what we come back with."

 "Nae, yer mis'nderstandin' me, Smit'y. The brothel's te lil' job. Te ship's a gol'mine to the whorehouses' gol' vein. I'm simply fixin' on doin' a lil' guild business 'n' showin' some wayward souls why ya don' cross te Ravens' protecti'n fees."

Mayhaps Smithy's known Fist long enough to know he also wants to sample their wares once more, before ruinin' their businesses. Mayhaps he recognizes the brute also wants to put the changelings in embarrassing situations for the hell of it, even if it does help. Or maybe he's thinking too much about the job at hand to notice. 

"Oh a game of the dice?" He tiled his head at the scene, and talked in a whisper. Huh, that wasn't quite what he was expecting. To be fair, he wasn't expecting anything but a distraction. Yet when the spikey haired man's attention caught sight of the group, Asbestos's heart started racing. 'Oh dear. Oh my.' And when he got up. The changeling's mind grew clouded with all the worst possible case scenarios. Was he from another guild? Did he know them? Was he coming to kill them? He looked in fear at Lace, then back at the man before dashing in front of him., purposely bumping into him.

"Oh sorry, sir." He giggled in the most girlish giggle he could think of. He twirled his long hair a bit flirtishly. "Were you playing some dice? May I come play, perhaps?" He glanced back at his companions, wondering what they thought of the situation, trying his best to convey on his face a look of 'do you know this man?'. "They do say... luck be a lady tonight." He mumbled warily. At the very least he could buy them some time.

((Charisma: Persuasion: 11 + 2 = 13 darn))