There were several tables the party could join. The most popular game was Baldur's Bones, of course.
Baidu r's Bones: Each player requires several six-sided dice. The rules are as follows: • Each player puts the agreed ante in the pot. • Each player rolls three dice. Play then proceeds clockwise around the table, with the host of the game going last. • On their turn, a player can choose to "stand .. or "roll." If the player stands, the next player can take a turn. A player who rolls takes an additional die and rolls it. If the total of their dice exceeds 21, they "bust" and are out of the game. Otherwise they can keep rolling additional dice until they either stand or break. • After everyone has had a turn, the highest point total (excluding players who busted) wins the game and takes the pot.
But not only. Gip, Liar’s Dice, Tymora’s Spinner, Twenty-One, Hand of Fate, even Crown & Anchor got a separate table with a carved grid on it. Here people did take their games seriously.
Gyp (Min 5 gp buy-in). A player rolls 2d6. If they roll a 7 or 12, they win. They can double their bet to add 1d6 to the total. Payout for winning players is 3:2.
Liar’s Dice (Min 10 gp buy-in). A player rolls 5d6 and keeps their roll secret. Each player takes turns bidding a face value and a number equal to the number of dice showing said face value amongst all player’s dice. A player has two choices during their turn: make a higher bid or challenge the previous player’s bid. Raising the bid means either increasing the quantity, or the face value, or both. If a bid is challenged, all dice are revealed. If the bid is true, the bidder wins and the challenger is eliminated. If the bid is false, the challenger wins and the bidder is eliminated.
Tymora’s Spinner (Min 10 gp buy-in). Each player chooses one of two options: choose a number between 1 and 20, or choose whether the result of the die roll will be odd or even. The dealer then rolls a d20. If a player chose a specific number, they win triple their bet if the die lands on said face. If a player chose between even or odd, they win 1.5 times their bet if the die lands on a correct face. A player loses otherwise.
Twenty-One (Min 25 gp buy-in). A player rolls 2d10. The dealer does the same, keeping the first die hidden. Each player, including the dealer, takes turns rolling any number of additional d10s. All die faces are face value, except for the 1, which can be worth 1 or 11. If the dealer scores a 21, all players lose. If a player scores a 21, they win. If neither occurs, a player loses if their total is less than the dealer’s, and wins if their total is greater than the dealer’s. Payout for winning players is 3:2. If both the dealer and a player score a 21, that player wins their bet back 1:1.
Hand of Fate (Min 50 gp buy-in). A player rolls 1d12 and keeps their roll secret. Each player has the chance to raise the bet, call the bet, or fold. This continues until all bets are equal. A d12 is then rolled which all players can see. Each player has a second chance to raise, call, or fold. A second and final d12 is rolled and each player gets one last chance to raise, call, or fold. Once all bets are equal, all dice are revealed. The player with the highest combined total of their die and the public dice wins 80% of the pot (20% going to the casino). Ties split the 80%.
Crown & Anchor. A betting game. Player's can put any amount of gold on a grid numbered 1 through 6. They then roll 3d6 one time. If 1 die match their bet number, they win 1X the original bet. If 2 dice match their bet number, they win 2X the original bet. If 3 dice match their bet number, they win 3X the original bet. If 0 die match their bet number, they lose the original bet.
Crown and anchor? Remembering the dragon crown back in her room, Choir decides that it might be an omen. She slips two of the less shiny golf pieces out of her coin pouch and places them on the 4.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
Choir knows that Akadi has a notoriously short attention span. Her luck is unlikely to repeat. But she pockets the two new gold pieces, and places the two less shiny ones again...this time on the 3.
4
6
5
Yes, Akadi's attention has definitely wandered. Choir shrugs.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
Ordrag favours Crown and Anchor also, and he watches Choir play a couple of rounds before jumping in himself.
(If this is consistent with rules of the game) He places one gold coin each on the 2, 4 and 5...
3, 6, 1
Having decreased his pot from 3gp to 2, he then places 1gp on the 1 and 1gp on the 6.
5, 4, 2
And he is back to 3gp again. He is also aware that winning or losing carelessly would both attract suspicion, so he pockets his gold and wanders off to see how the others are faring, and then to casually make his way down the stairs into the next area, with the intention of scoping the place out.
The same grumpy looser scorning Choir, was equally angrily watching Ordrag's success muttering under his breath about newbie luck and cheaters. The size (arms and weapons) of half-orc, kept thous complains quiet enough but after Ordrag's final win (and his loss) he dropped the dice and went to the bar.
Nobody stopped Ordrag from exploring, if a patron need to go downstairs, he was free to do as he wished. This windowless lounge fills an entire deck and is lit by oil lanterns hanging from the 8-foot-high ceiling by 1-footlong chains. The deck has a bar, couches, coffee tables, and tables where patrons could socialize and gamble in a more private atmosphere. Three bouncers stand in plain view across the deck.
Near the aft wall a pair of couches and a coffee table transformed into a sort of a personal office. A man (over thirty by the look of him, well groomed, dressed in black) sits alone on the starboard couch, his feet on the table and his eyes on the room. A small devilishly looking creature with wings and spikes all over his body perches on the back of his couch. The port couch is open and right now no one is seeking audience with the man, so to speak. There are a few relaxing patrons - talking (quietly), drinking, a couple even gambling. At the end of the bar closest to the man in the "office", sits a sleepy eyed human with red hair in a ponytail, that does not drink, talk or gamble.
Ordrag's appearance met with curious looks from practically everyone, except gamblers, but no one asked any questions. Yet.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Not really having any prepared plan, but also not wanting to appear suspicious, Ordrag saunters over to the man in black, who from their instructions he assumes to be Amrik.
Me hear yous the one to see about a loan. Just asking for a friend. Deception: 4
If the conversation seems to continue as normal (Insight: 6), Ordrag will try to progressively gain more info, asking first about terms of the loan, then about Amrik's other clients, and eventually into anything associating him to financing the Cult of the Dead Three. He will try to make questions as general as possible, rather than get caught in obvious lies.
If the conversation goes south, Ordrag will try a more aggressive approach ( Intimidation: 11 ) such as insinuating that they have Mortlock in custody. And he will silently pray to Umberlee that his companions saw him go below.
Fran was only spectating, and perhaps that in itself could be suspicious. Gambling always felt like a suckers game. Sure, the highs can be high, but the lows are really low. Though, she can understand one’s desire to pass the time in such a way. I’m order to make an attempt to blend in, the artificer would try her hand at a game, and not one that her friends just tried. It might be best if she tries a different game. Fran will take a seat at the Gyp table to play 2 rounds. She’ll place 5G on the table each round.
Round 1: 6 | 4 double bet to add: 4
Round 2: 4 | 2 double bet to add:3
The artificer would keep an eye on where her friends are, and when she’d notice Ordrag go below alone, she’d make note to head that way after one more round whether she won or lost. This way she won’t make it obvious she’s following him down.
Round 3: 3 | 4
(lol dice changed when I added the double bet to the first and second rolls 🤦🏼♀️ I did win round 3 I think. But no worries! Fran will walk away 25g down. Maybe she’s the ‘friend who needs the loan’ lol)
The bouncers are visibly relaxed when Ordrag went to the man-in-black corner, but "sleepy-eyed" human at the bar fixed his gaze at half-orc's back. The demonic thingy staring was also far from comforting, but Ordrag fearlessly began his interrogation.
"Friend wants to know," smiled the man warmly, though his look at the Ordrag's shabby outfit was quite skeptical, "of course. Well, conditions are quite simple and no different from any other place. Well, may be a little bit different, but not nothing to be afraid of. Standard 10% - I am not greedy. And the first loan would be no more than a 100 golds - depending of the situation, of course. Obviously, your friend would not expect me to lend money to a total stranger without any security measures. Therefore we here can do it in two ways: if your friend happened to have something of a great value, it can be used a safety deposit. If not - the friend will have to convince me of his ability to pay me back, and sign the agreement with some means, that would allow me to track that friend down, should he decide he would rather not return the money. Sounds fair?"
Sounds fair, Ordrag repeats, confident that the conversation is going well so far (and following the progressive line of questioning described above). In a slightly reduced volume he continues: But me still not sure about security. What kind of security your other clients provide? This friend of mine might have sensitive assets that him don't want to disclose, if you get me.
It's easier to deceive if you don't tell lies, so in his mind Ordrag is thinking of Adray as the friend in need of a loan (which he said he was) and the white dragon mask as the sensitive asset of value, so as to avoid a completely fabricated story. So far no actual lies have been told.
And so far no lies have been heard either - Ordrag's senses tell him, Amrik sees him as a potential client, or someone who can bring yet another client. The man himself looks interested in a deal and genuinely anticipates all the foreplay the deal includes - talking to the client, bargaining, probably a good chat with someone you can help on his own expense. It seems Amric truly enjoys this part of his life and does not see it as a burden.
"Surely you do not expect me to talk about my other clients? Some of them upstairs as we speak, I am sure of it. Can give you a couple names, so your friend can ask them himself. My clientele is of ... broad range, but I do not differentiate - money is money. The item will be kept safe and not here, of course, my guards will see to it. Written agreement will see to it, that we both get what we wanted."
Adray will make his way about the room trying to take in the general layout of the floor, noting doors, windows, possible escapes and then keeping an eye out for security. If he can make out anyone he recognizes from the Flaming Fist he'll make a quick stop and tell them that his group needs to make an arrest tonight of someone there, no names, and that person might put up a fuss and either ask for their assistance in keeping the mother patrons out of it or giving the option to vacate so as not to ruin their time off.
Fran would come down the stairs and do a quick scan of the place. She notices Ordrag already in conversation, but then also notices a man at the bar staring at his back. The artificer would trot down the stairs and make her way to the bar. She'd let out a grunt and a sigh, to play up her just losing 25g as she takes a place next to the 'sleepy-eyed' man. "Need somethin' tall and strong after losin' coin like that." The redhead would scoff as she flags down the bartender.
Ah. Me see you are a man of discretion, replies Ordrag. Then taking advantage of the fact Fran is distracting the thug at the bar, he lowers his voice and leans in closer to show he is getting serious.
Me explain why me ask. Me know of one of your clients, which is how me got your name as a referral. You see, us has been doing business with ... and Ordrag looks around, leans in even closer, looks Amrik right in the eye, and lowers his voice to a whisper... the Cult of the Dead Three. Us heard that you provided their finance, and my friend he figured if that true, then you must be the right one to ask for loan. Because his security item is very valuable and someone VERY powerful want to take it from him, so he need strong assurance that it be kept safe. As you dealing with Dead Three, we figure you must have secure arrangements for sensitive items, and so me ask about them before we deal.
Here Ordrag pauses, sits up a bit straighter, and returns to a normal voice.
But me understand you not want to discuss with random sailor. Hows about you meet my friend, he show you his valuable item, so you know we is legit. Then you will understand why me be so careful about this.
At this, Ordrag looks around for Adray and signals him to come over. He takes care not to acknowledge Fran at the bar. (Don't want Amrik to get spooked thinking we have brought a whole gang)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Adray spotted three obvious members of Flaming Fist. Two immediately declared they are off duty, though might help a fellow should he yell for help (then they returned to the game and it was very unlikely they would be able to hear anything). The third one - a bitter middle aged man - at first said he does not care, the bastards suspended him for a ten-day without pay for "dereliction of duty" (he spat on the deck) but then looked as if he reconsidered and said he might help (without exact indication to whom).
Another kenku bartender gave Fran a glass of something that looked (and smelled) strong and crude - some kind of sailor's drink, that bartender presented with a low-voiced comment "Best damn Crash ever!". Yet, the red haired man gave Fran only one short look, a bit longer one to Brutus, and continued to watch Amrik and his new client.
Meanwhile, Ordrag's declaration of familiarity with the cult was met with incredibly natural surprise from Amrik: "Did you now? And here I thought you were sent to me by Laraelra, just like everyone else. You see, when I mentioned how broad my clientele is, I probably spoke too soon. I am afraid religious type rarely visits this fine establishment, and unless your ... mmm... eccentric business partners were here incognito and managed to deceive me into lending them money, I do not think I ever came across one of them. I would also mention, the deception is highly unlikely." Amrik smiled charmingly and apologetically in the same time, demonstrating with every gesture how sorry he is for your misinformation. He looked every bit genuine, if only a touch less relaxed than a moment before - but the situation did become a bit unusual, did not it?
"Of course, it does not mean your friend should not ask for help - this is what I am here for after all, but he might expect something I simply unable to provide."
"Aye cheers teh that!" Fran would lift her glass up to the bartender with extra enthusiasm to 'accidentally' elbow bump the fellow red head. "Oh 'ey! My apologies sir! Can't help but get excited fer a good brew." She'd flash the most naive smile she could. "Do ye' like mah loyal pup?!" She'd give Brutus a good hollow clap, "Pretty neat eh? Probably the only thing I wouldn't bet." Fran would try to let out a hearty dwarf inspired chuckle followed by a wink.
Having little success, Adray looked about for Ordrag and the others. Fran and Ordrag where not in sight. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary so he made his way to Polly and Choir. He told each that it was time to be making their play. He expected Fran and Ordrag to already be below and to move in calmly.
With mug in hand, Adray mad his way down the steps with a even pace. Befor making it down he touched the mask briefly to ensure it was still present and finished the decent. He scanned the room casually before eye before spotting Fran and Ordrag. Stopping at the bar with his mug he set it down by Fran. "Something warm barkeep," he says and pays once it is ready. He then makes his way to Ordrag and just stands and waits.
Ordrag sees how difficult it will be to get Amrik to admit to associating with the Cult, but he is too far along to abandon this line of inquiry yet. He will smile knowingly at Amrik's claim he doesn't deal with 'religious types'. Using a small amount of flattery, Ordrag presses on:
Me understand, sir. You is covering your arse. Me suppose with your family being who they is, you is cautious. But me seen plenty of two-bit loan sharks borrowing to drunks and gamblers, and you is not like them. You is a top-deck discerning businessman, and us has it on good authority that you were the man for the job. In fact, although he requested anonymity, me confess it was your own brother Mortlock that assured us you was the only one in Baldur's Gate that could operate at this level.
Then, hoping to appeal to Amrik's avarice, Ordrag tries a genuine lie. He waves to the newly-arrived Adray to join them on the couch, and hopes he can pick up on the act and play along...
Perhaps we must be open with each other if we is to form a relationship of trust. This here is my 'friend' and business partner. Let me explain what we really here for. Then again leaning in closer and speaking lower, Ordrag says: We is hoping to use these funds to start a fight between the Cult of the Dead Three and the Cult of the Dragon. If you is funding both sides, this could be a real opportunity for you. Me don't know if you is just a finance guy, but me figure if Mortlock is in the game then perhaps your family is invested in this. That's your business, but me figure more chaos in this city could play into your hands, and make you rich on the side.
Adray laughed before saying, "And now I know why they call you Nibs." He then fished out a three gold coins and hands them over.
There were several tables the party could join. The most popular game was Baldur's Bones, of course.
Baidu r's Bones: Each player requires several six-sided dice. The rules are as follows:
• Each player puts the agreed ante in the pot.
• Each player rolls three dice. Play then proceeds clockwise around the table, with the host of the game going last.
• On their turn, a player can choose to "stand .. or "roll." If the player stands, the next player can take a turn. A player who rolls takes an additional die and rolls it. If the total of their dice exceeds 21, they "bust" and are out of the game. Otherwise they can keep rolling additional dice until they either stand or break.
• After everyone has had a turn, the highest point total (excluding players who busted) wins the game and takes the pot.
But not only. Gip, Liar’s Dice, Tymora’s Spinner, Twenty-One, Hand of Fate, even Crown & Anchor got a separate table with a carved grid on it. Here people did take their games seriously.
Gyp (Min 5 gp buy-in). A player rolls 2d6. If they roll a 7 or 12, they win. They can double their bet to add 1d6 to the total. Payout for winning players is 3:2.
Liar’s Dice (Min 10 gp buy-in). A player rolls 5d6 and keeps their roll secret. Each player takes turns bidding a face value and a number equal to the number of dice showing said face value amongst all player’s dice. A player has two choices during their turn: make a higher bid or challenge the previous player’s bid. Raising the bid means either increasing the quantity, or the face value, or both. If a bid is challenged, all dice are revealed. If the bid is true, the bidder wins and the challenger is eliminated. If the bid is false, the challenger wins and the bidder is eliminated.
Tymora’s Spinner (Min 10 gp buy-in). Each player chooses one of two options: choose a number between 1 and 20, or choose whether the result of the die roll will be odd or even. The dealer then rolls a d20. If a player chose a specific number, they win triple their bet if the die lands on said face. If a player chose between even or odd, they win 1.5 times their bet if the die lands on a correct face. A player loses otherwise.
Twenty-One (Min 25 gp buy-in). A player rolls 2d10. The dealer does the same, keeping the first die hidden. Each player, including the dealer, takes turns rolling any number of additional d10s. All die faces are face value, except for the 1, which can be worth 1 or 11. If the dealer scores a 21, all players lose. If a player scores a 21, they win. If neither occurs, a player loses if their total is less than the dealer’s, and wins if their total is greater than the dealer’s. Payout for winning players is 3:2. If both the dealer and a player score a 21, that player wins their bet back 1:1.
Hand of Fate (Min 50 gp buy-in). A player rolls 1d12 and keeps their roll secret. Each player has the chance to raise the bet, call the bet, or fold. This continues until all bets are equal. A d12 is then rolled which all players can see. Each player has a second chance to raise, call, or fold. A second and final d12 is rolled and each player gets one last chance to raise, call, or fold. Once all bets are equal, all dice are revealed. The player with the highest combined total of their die and the public dice wins 80% of the pot (20% going to the casino). Ties split the 80%.
If 1 die match their bet number, they win 1X the original bet.
If 2 dice match their bet number, they win 2X the original bet.
If 3 dice match their bet number, they win 3X the original bet.
If 0 die match their bet number, they lose the original bet.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Crown and anchor? Remembering the dragon crown back in her room, Choir decides that it might be an omen. She slips two of the less shiny golf pieces out of her coin pouch and places them on the 4.
Picking up the dice, she rolls...
4
4
2
"Praise Akadi!" she says, gathering her winnings.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
"Lucky crow!" exclaimed one of the looser at the table. "Care to play again?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Choir knows that Akadi has a notoriously short attention span. Her luck is unlikely to repeat. But she pockets the two new gold pieces, and places the two less shiny ones again...this time on the 3.
4
6
5
Yes, Akadi's attention has definitely wandered. Choir shrugs.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
"That's more like it, crow!" commented the same guy, returning to the game.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ordrag favours Crown and Anchor also, and he watches Choir play a couple of rounds before jumping in himself.
(If this is consistent with rules of the game) He places one gold coin each on the 2, 4 and 5...
3, 6, 1
Having decreased his pot from 3gp to 2, he then places 1gp on the 1 and 1gp on the 6.
5, 4, 2
And he is back to 3gp again. He is also aware that winning or losing carelessly would both attract suspicion, so he pockets his gold and wanders off to see how the others are faring, and then to casually make his way down the stairs into the next area, with the intention of scoping the place out.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
The same grumpy looser scorning Choir, was equally angrily watching Ordrag's success muttering under his breath about newbie luck and cheaters. The size (arms and weapons) of half-orc, kept thous complains quiet enough but after Ordrag's final win (and his loss) he dropped the dice and went to the bar.
Nobody stopped Ordrag from exploring, if a patron need to go downstairs, he was free to do as he wished. This windowless lounge fills an entire deck and is lit by oil lanterns hanging from the 8-foot-high ceiling by 1-footlong chains. The deck has a bar, couches, coffee tables, and tables where patrons could socialize and gamble in a more private atmosphere. Three bouncers stand in plain view across the deck.
Near the aft wall a pair of couches and a coffee table transformed into a sort of a personal office. A man (over thirty by the look of him, well groomed, dressed in black) sits alone on the starboard couch, his feet on the table and his eyes on the room. A small devilishly looking creature with wings and spikes all over his body perches on the back of his couch. The port couch is open and right now no one is seeking audience with the man, so to speak. There are a few relaxing patrons - talking (quietly), drinking, a couple even gambling. At the end of the bar closest to the man in the "office", sits a sleepy eyed human with red hair in a ponytail, that does not drink, talk or gamble.
Ordrag's appearance met with curious looks from practically everyone, except gamblers, but no one asked any questions. Yet.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Not really having any prepared plan, but also not wanting to appear suspicious, Ordrag saunters over to the man in black, who from their instructions he assumes to be Amrik.
Me hear yous the one to see about a loan. Just asking for a friend. Deception: 4
If the conversation seems to continue as normal (Insight: 6), Ordrag will try to progressively gain more info, asking first about terms of the loan, then about Amrik's other clients, and eventually into anything associating him to financing the Cult of the Dead Three. He will try to make questions as general as possible, rather than get caught in obvious lies.
If the conversation goes south, Ordrag will try a more aggressive approach ( Intimidation: 11 ) such as insinuating that they have Mortlock in custody. And he will silently pray to Umberlee that his companions saw him go below.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Fran was only spectating, and perhaps that in itself could be suspicious. Gambling always felt like a suckers game. Sure, the highs can be high, but the lows are really low. Though, she can understand one’s desire to pass the time in such a way. I’m order to make an attempt to blend in, the artificer would try her hand at a game, and not one that her friends just tried. It might be best if she tries a different game. Fran will take a seat at the Gyp table to play 2 rounds. She’ll place 5G on the table each round.
Round 1: 6 | 4 double bet to add: 4
Round 2: 4 | 2 double bet to add:3
The artificer would keep an eye on where her friends are, and when she’d notice Ordrag go below alone, she’d make note to head that way after one more round whether she won or lost. This way she won’t make it obvious she’s following him down.
Round 3: 3 | 4
(lol dice changed when I added the double bet to the first and second rolls 🤦🏼♀️ I did win round 3 I think. But no worries! Fran will walk away 25g down. Maybe she’s the ‘friend who needs the loan’ lol)
just an unstable unicorn.
The bouncers are visibly relaxed when Ordrag went to the man-in-black corner, but "sleepy-eyed" human at the bar fixed his gaze at half-orc's back. The demonic thingy staring was also far from comforting, but Ordrag fearlessly began his interrogation.
"Friend wants to know," smiled the man warmly, though his look at the Ordrag's shabby outfit was quite skeptical, "of course. Well, conditions are quite simple and no different from any other place. Well, may be a little bit different, but not nothing to be afraid of. Standard 10% - I am not greedy. And the first loan would be no more than a 100 golds - depending of the situation, of course. Obviously, your friend would not expect me to lend money to a total stranger without any security measures. Therefore we here can do it in two ways: if your friend happened to have something of a great value, it can be used a safety deposit. If not - the friend will have to convince me of his ability to pay me back, and sign the agreement with some means, that would allow me to track that friend down, should he decide he would rather not return the money. Sounds fair?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sounds fair, Ordrag repeats, confident that the conversation is going well so far (and following the progressive line of questioning described above). In a slightly reduced volume he continues: But me still not sure about security. What kind of security your other clients provide? This friend of mine might have sensitive assets that him don't want to disclose, if you get me.
It's easier to deceive if you don't tell lies, so in his mind Ordrag is thinking of Adray as the friend in need of a loan (which he said he was) and the white dragon mask as the sensitive asset of value, so as to avoid a completely fabricated story. So far no actual lies have been told.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
And so far no lies have been heard either - Ordrag's senses tell him, Amrik sees him as a potential client, or someone who can bring yet another client. The man himself looks interested in a deal and genuinely anticipates all the foreplay the deal includes - talking to the client, bargaining, probably a good chat with someone you can help on his own expense. It seems Amric truly enjoys this part of his life and does not see it as a burden.
"Surely you do not expect me to talk about my other clients? Some of them upstairs as we speak, I am sure of it. Can give you a couple names, so your friend can ask them himself. My clientele is of ... broad range, but I do not differentiate - money is money. The item will be kept safe and not here, of course, my guards will see to it. Written agreement will see to it, that we both get what we wanted."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Adray will make his way about the room trying to take in the general layout of the floor, noting doors, windows, possible escapes and then keeping an eye out for security. If he can make out anyone he recognizes from the Flaming Fist he'll make a quick stop and tell them that his group needs to make an arrest tonight of someone there, no names, and that person might put up a fuss and either ask for their assistance in keeping the mother patrons out of it or giving the option to vacate so as not to ruin their time off.
Fran would come down the stairs and do a quick scan of the place. She notices Ordrag already in conversation, but then also notices a man at the bar staring at his back. The artificer would trot down the stairs and make her way to the bar. She'd let out a grunt and a sigh, to play up her just losing 25g as she takes a place next to the 'sleepy-eyed' man. "Need somethin' tall and strong after losin' coin like that." The redhead would scoff as she flags down the bartender.
just an unstable unicorn.
Ah. Me see you are a man of discretion, replies Ordrag. Then taking advantage of the fact Fran is distracting the thug at the bar, he lowers his voice and leans in closer to show he is getting serious.
Me explain why me ask. Me know of one of your clients, which is how me got your name as a referral. You see, us has been doing business with ... and Ordrag looks around, leans in even closer, looks Amrik right in the eye, and lowers his voice to a whisper... the Cult of the Dead Three. Us heard that you provided their finance, and my friend he figured if that true, then you must be the right one to ask for loan. Because his security item is very valuable and someone VERY powerful want to take it from him, so he need strong assurance that it be kept safe. As you dealing with Dead Three, we figure you must have secure arrangements for sensitive items, and so me ask about them before we deal.
Here Ordrag pauses, sits up a bit straighter, and returns to a normal voice.
But me understand you not want to discuss with random sailor. Hows about you meet my friend, he show you his valuable item, so you know we is legit. Then you will understand why me be so careful about this.
At this, Ordrag looks around for Adray and signals him to come over. He takes care not to acknowledge Fran at the bar. (Don't want Amrik to get spooked thinking we have brought a whole gang)
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Adray spotted three obvious members of Flaming Fist. Two immediately declared they are off duty, though might help a fellow should he yell for help (then they returned to the game and it was very unlikely they would be able to hear anything). The third one - a bitter middle aged man - at first said he does not care, the bastards suspended him for a ten-day without pay for "dereliction of duty" (he spat on the deck) but then looked as if he reconsidered and said he might help (without exact indication to whom).
Another kenku bartender gave Fran a glass of something that looked (and smelled) strong and crude - some kind of sailor's drink, that bartender presented with a low-voiced comment "Best damn Crash ever!". Yet, the red haired man gave Fran only one short look, a bit longer one to Brutus, and continued to watch Amrik and his new client.
Meanwhile, Ordrag's declaration of familiarity with the cult was met with incredibly natural surprise from Amrik: "Did you now? And here I thought you were sent to me by Laraelra, just like everyone else. You see, when I mentioned how broad my clientele is, I probably spoke too soon. I am afraid religious type rarely visits this fine establishment, and unless your ... mmm... eccentric business partners were here incognito and managed to deceive me into lending them money, I do not think I ever came across one of them. I would also mention, the deception is highly unlikely." Amrik smiled charmingly and apologetically in the same time, demonstrating with every gesture how sorry he is for your misinformation. He looked every bit genuine, if only a touch less relaxed than a moment before - but the situation did become a bit unusual, did not it?
"Of course, it does not mean your friend should not ask for help - this is what I am here for after all, but he might expect something I simply unable to provide."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Aye cheers teh that!" Fran would lift her glass up to the bartender with extra enthusiasm to 'accidentally' elbow bump the fellow red head. "Oh 'ey! My apologies sir! Can't help but get excited fer a good brew." She'd flash the most naive smile she could. "Do ye' like mah loyal pup?!" She'd give Brutus a good hollow clap, "Pretty neat eh? Probably the only thing I wouldn't bet." Fran would try to let out a hearty dwarf inspired chuckle followed by a wink.
just an unstable unicorn.
Having little success, Adray looked about for Ordrag and the others. Fran and Ordrag where not in sight. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary so he made his way to Polly and Choir. He told each that it was time to be making their play. He expected Fran and Ordrag to already be below and to move in calmly.
With mug in hand, Adray mad his way down the steps with a even pace. Befor making it down he touched the mask briefly to ensure it was still present and finished the decent. He scanned the room casually before eye before spotting Fran and Ordrag. Stopping at the bar with his mug he set it down by Fran. "Something warm barkeep," he says and pays once it is ready. He then makes his way to Ordrag and just stands and waits.
Ordrag sees how difficult it will be to get Amrik to admit to associating with the Cult, but he is too far along to abandon this line of inquiry yet. He will smile knowingly at Amrik's claim he doesn't deal with 'religious types'. Using a small amount of flattery, Ordrag presses on:
Me understand, sir. You is covering your arse. Me suppose with your family being who they is, you is cautious. But me seen plenty of two-bit loan sharks borrowing to drunks and gamblers, and you is not like them. You is a top-deck discerning businessman, and us has it on good authority that you were the man for the job. In fact, although he requested anonymity, me confess it was your own brother Mortlock that assured us you was the only one in Baldur's Gate that could operate at this level.
Then, hoping to appeal to Amrik's avarice, Ordrag tries a genuine lie. He waves to the newly-arrived Adray to join them on the couch, and hopes he can pick up on the act and play along...
Perhaps we must be open with each other if we is to form a relationship of trust. This here is my 'friend' and business partner. Let me explain what we really here for. Then again leaning in closer and speaking lower, Ordrag says: We is hoping to use these funds to start a fight between the Cult of the Dead Three and the Cult of the Dragon. If you is funding both sides, this could be a real opportunity for you. Me don't know if you is just a finance guy, but me figure if Mortlock is in the game then perhaps your family is invested in this. That's your business, but me figure more chaos in this city could play into your hands, and make you rich on the side.
(Edited to include Adray)
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?