"Ye be righ' matey! Arrr, in fer round 1!" She gives Grog'tial a cheerful kiss on the cheek, and takes a seat (trying not to trip with something on the way) ready to take part in the game of dice.

Later at night Count Karnstein sits over an open book in his cabin, reading a chapter on beholders' plotting strategies, from time to time nodding slowly with a mysterious smirk in deep satisfaction - he begins to think like a beholder! "My everwatchful friend, the domino pieces are falling", Count says in a muffled, sinister voice. Speakin' o' domino, I wonder if the book has anythin' to say 'bout gamblin'. I might need it soon.

But before he can check, he gets distracted by his guest's arrival. "Ah, come in, come in. Sit, or whatever. Let's get straight to business, shall we." Count Karnstein looks at fellinoid with a piercing eyes, trying hard to don his most imposing, beholderish look. "Bored much, mate? All the action 'n' excitement misses ye, eh? Well, I'll be damned if I don't 'ave just a perfect assignment fer a bloke like ye! Secret assignment, mind ye. See, I brought somethin' neat fer our good lady Aeshma, but I need t'make sure it'll be a perfect fit or she won't be too cheery 'bout it, I imagine. An' I need yer 'elp with that. Y'want 'er 'appy, no? Moreo'er, I guarantee I shall miraculously forget that ye sold me out! Listen, all y'ave t'do is sneak into 'er cabin while she ain't there, find some o' 'er slippers an' provide me with 'er shoe size. An' that's it, easy peasy. So, whaddaya say? Think y'are up to the task, or am I askin' too much from a retiree?"

-----

In the casino, Count Karnstein observes the card game in disbelief and comments on it loudly: "What a jest, deck must be rigged - Count momentarily focuses his sight on Devin - or not shuffled at all. Those vampirates probably won that whole treasure fair 'n' square with competent dealers like this, I daresay. Stop playin' right now or ye gonna jeopardize our last mission elsewise!"

Count turns back abruptly, visibly irritated, and goes back to the dice table. He doesn't have much to lose so obviously will opt for the second round. If he'd win two times in a row, he could almost get back what he paid for a potion.

"Oo me won! Dis dwarfs beer delicious, do ye mateys want to try it? It has three refills each day!
Sorry for Happy mug, but still useful for other stuff."

"Is snowman new frend? Hello, me Durik"

Second order:
- Weapon Oils Fire

Can he move ? Does he have legs ? Is he staying all day on the main deck ? Can he talk thanks to the magic ?

Gilius will also order a Cold Resistance potion to Aeshma and give her a peck on her cheek for all her work.

Yes he can move, not with legs but he can slide around the main deck. He doesn't fit to go below deck. He's just fine up on deck in the cold where he won't melt. Yes, he talks, he already wished you all Happy Holidays. :) Think "Frosty the Snowman" with a deep voice like Mighty for reference. When the Ship leaves, he might choose to stay ... or leave with a certain jolly old Elf.

For those pre-ordering Potions of Cold Resistance ... the Lighthouse is in the distance, but if anyone actually looks at the Lighthouse Island with a spyglass, they'd notice it doesn't look covered in white. While you cannot make out details, there is a slight shimmer around it, and there doesn't seem to be ice around or on the island.

Ok then, I changed it to a weapon enchantment then

??? Aeshma doesn't do weapon enchantments. Durik's weapon is already doubly enchanted, Lucky from the Fate wrap and Knock-back. Aeshma does do Gem enchantments but you already have yours, the Turquoise. I'll take off the potion order and refund you the silver.

Edit: Oh, I see, you meant you edited to order a Weapon Oil. Since your new post bounced things to a new page I didn't see it until I went back.

"Grog'tial no!!! You must keep winning!"

Kyp says as he does the double or nothing with cards again.

Mission 6 - Gaming Round 2
My luck at cards was better than I thought. Got 1 whole gold piece. Nice! Better not risk it though. I know getting good luck in the first round is only meant to entice you to risk it for the next round. No thank you. Stop while I'm ahead and use my piece wisely is what I say. Besides, I'd much rather spend my time talking with Aeshma. She is unlike any that I've ever met before...

During the date with Aeshma, BenKii tells her that he grew up on a farm in a sub tropical climate on a continent far far away. It was during this time that he grew an appreciation for the stars. The starry night skies back home were filled with beautiful wonders that he'd view with his telescope. The varying star systems, colorful nebulas, expansive galaxies, and strange new worlds inspired him to become a captain not to plunder the seas for riches but to explore and discover all the wonders that had yet to be found. There was so much to be discovered but admmitted that finding Aeshma was perhaps the greatest wonder he'd found thus far.

Upon hearing of her half-angel ancestry, he says with a smirk, "Could've fooled me. By the looks of you, I'd say you were a full angel." When she mentioned music and dancing, "I'll have to show you my music collection someday." then realized this planet probably doesn't have mp3 players, "I mean, from my... different music boxes...yup. Lot of neat boxes of music I've found over the years. Sadly I'm no good at dancing. Looks like fun but never found the time to learn it properly."

All in all, BenKii thought it was a good date and he'd hoped that Aeshma thought so too. He asked her if she'd like to spend some more time tomorrow with him perhaps practising together throwing darts for the upcoming competition. Could be fun.

He'd hold off asking Aeshma for another potion order and instead asked Refyx about getting 1 Oil of Spiderclimb. Could be useful in certain situations.

When BenKii sees the snowman, he is taken aback at first, "Holy moly Christmas!" Then settles when he sees it to be harmless. Just more magic stuff on this crazy planet. BenKii was a reasonable person but he'd just seen some very unreasonable things lately. He heard the snow thing greet everyone with a "Happy Holidays" and responded back, "Greetings snow being. Have a happy Holiday yourself!" Then shook its...stick hand I think??

[BenKii shares details about himself to Aeshma during their date and asks her if she'd like to play some darts with him tomorrow. He will also order 1 Oil of Spiderclimb from Refyx.]

Is Durik in for Round 2, or is he happy with winning the Tankard of Plenty and doesn't want to risk it?
Cards or dice, your draw or roll would have to beat the Dealer's card or dice roll. If you win you'd win another magic item, but if you lose you'd lose the Tankard.

"Mum often said to not gamble.. or at least not after me already been lucky. So Durik keeps tankard, thanks"

Devin raises an eyebrow at Count then shakes his head and motions to the dealer for Round 2. "They said this be coming out of the other treasures they collected from the casino winnings, not the treasure we retrieved. If ye must, consider it a bonus for collecting the treasure for them."

When it is time Devin will work with Grog'tial to study and unravel the forgeries and falsehoods contained in the documents. He will also work with his lady and Captain Aylar to look over and compare the charts and maps found, looking for clues and what they may reveal. In his spare time he'll practice his blade and dart throwing on Woodkett. He also nips another apple crumb tart and a couple snickerdoodle cookies.

When he sees the snowman, Devin will assess it for danger. Upon seeing his lady, Aeshma and Gilius at ease around it, he will figure it be a bit of conjuring of the three major magic users. He greets it with a smile and a slight bow, wondering what other games or surprises his lady may have in mind.

When Cap'n Rummyfangs comes up and whispers to him [per PM], Devin listens then nods with a grin. He melts back into the shadows for a moment, then reappears, two snowballs in his hands. With a wink he hands one to the mischievous Cap'n Rummyfangs and lobs the other at Captain BenKii where he stands near the snowman. (Devin would not try to hit the ladies until they choose to enter the playful fight and throw at him first.)

Priorities as before.

[Devin counters Count's concerns and will play Round 2 at cards. When it is time he works with Grog'tial looking over the forgeries and false documents, and with his lady and Captain Aylar comparing the false charts and maps. Devin practices throwing his blade and darts and after assessing it for danger, greets the snowman, then listens to Cap'n Rummyfangs and starts a snowball fight.]

Mission 6 - Gaming Round 3
*Turn Ends 11:59PM UTC, 27 December 2024.*

NOTE: Due to the Christmas holiday, this turn is extended to Friday. Casino gaming results at the end.

Timeline for clarity: Invitation to the casino, return to the Ship and feast, night rest, breakfast, casino trip, snowman built ... fight!

In order (this post, not done by initiative but by timing and story): Count, Grog'tial, Kyp, Argy, Gilius, Durik, BenKii, Devin, Rummyfangs, Aylar

-----
Count Karnstein: (roll dice*6)
After dinner, you peruse your book, reading a chapter on beholders' plotting strategies. You nod slowly with a mysterious smirk in deep satisfaction, feeling sure you yourself are beginning to think like a beholder! "My ever watchful friend, the domino pieces are falling", you say to yourself in a muffled, sinister voice. Speakin' o' domino, I wonder if the book has anythin' to say 'bout gamblin'. I might need it soon.

Before you can check you get distracted by a spectral rumball disturbance at your door, and your guest's arrival. "Ah, come in, come in. Sit, or whatever. Let's get straight to business, shall we." You look at the Felinoid with piercing eyes, trying hard to don your most imposing, beholderish look.

Cap'n Rummyfangs flicks an ear and raises his eyebrows in inquiry, not bothered a bit by your posturing. His tail moves slowly side to side as he waits for you to get to this business you mentioned.

You decide to move on. "Bored much, mate? All the action 'n' excitement misses ye, eh?"

Cap'n Rummyfangs shakes his head. Not bored at all, his countenance seems to say.

Hmph. This isn't going quite the way you thought, but you increase your look and decide to get straight to the point. "Well, I'll be damned if I don't 'ave just a perfect assignment fer a bloke like ye! Secret assignment, mind ye. See, I brought somethin' neat fer our good lady Aeshma, but I need t'make sure it'll be a perfect fit or she won't be too cheery 'bout it, I imagine. An' I need yer 'elp with that. Y'want 'er 'appy, no? Moreo'er, I guarantee I shall miraculously forget that ye sold me out! Listen, all y'ave t'do is sneak into 'er cabin while she ain't there, find some o' 'er slippers an' provide me with 'er shoe size. An' that's it, easy peasy. So, whaddaya say? Think y'are up to the task, or am I askin' too much from a retiree?"

Cap'n Rummyfangs fixes you with that unnerving otherworldly gaze all felines seem to have. You consider perhaps beholders aren't the only ones who are deeply observant and see things beyond this plane. Then his ears go back and he bares fangs. In that moment you realize perhaps you've made a mistake, seeing only the mischievous playful exterior and forgetting the fierce and loyal fighter who spit in the Necrodrider's face. His eyes regard you for a long moment as he goes very still. Then his whiskers twitch as he nods ever so slightly, seeming to think of something. With a grin he spits a rumball to the floor before turning and fading through the door without opening it. You're left starring at it, unsure as yet to what his answer truly was. Evidently beholders aren't the only mysterious plotters.

In the casino, you observe the card game in disbelief. "What a jest, deck must be rigged," you comment loudly for all to hear while focusing your sight on Devin, "or not shuffled at all. Those vampirates probably won that whole treasure fair 'n' square with competent dealers like this, I daresay. Stop playin' right now or ye gonna jeopardize our last mission elsewise!" Several of the ghosts of Baldbeard's crew glare at you.

Devin raises an eyebrow and shakes his head at you before motioning for the dealer to continue for Round 2. "They said this be coming out of the other treasures they collected from the casino winnings, not the treasure we retrieved. If ye must, consider it a bonus for collecting the treasure for them," he says nonchalantly.

You turn back abruptly, visibly irritated, and go back to the dice table. You don't have much to lose so decide to opt for the second round. You figure if you win twice in a row you should almost get back what you paid for a potion. The ghost behind the table hands you the dice with a scowl.

Grog'tial:
After a quite decent roll at the dice table and winning a gold, you decide that will do and to take your win for now. As you start to walk away from the table you notice Argy coming in, looking somewhat forlorn. You let her know that it isn't too late and she can still participate, then stay to cheer her on.

Afterwards you order a Potion of Mental Resistance from Aeshma and a batch of regular bolts from Refyx. While there you ask more about the specific types of suitable wood and what all is involved in balancing and tempering.

"Mostly certain hardwoods," Refyx answers you. "The heavier ones fly slower but can be hardened to go through things. You need to look at the grain, no knots, those can affect the balance in flight. You want them straight and true. Bolts aren't like carvings where you adjust the turns of the carving to the wood. Bolt shafts can be carved but only to a certain point, then they are turned on a machine and sanded or finished with Craft. After comes the tempering for strength, then the heads and feathers are attached and balanced. Your different metals and points determine how you attach them, balance for accuracy, flight times and uses and the types of feathers best used. You're not going to match my bolts, youngster, but study hard, learn how to gauge your wood and the pattern of its growth by eye and feel and I expect you could be decent in say ... five years, although a decade would be better," the old forest gnome says with a confident nod.

Kyp
"Grog'tial no!!! You must keep winning!" you say as you signal the Dealer to do the double or nothing with cards.

Argy:
You arrive late for the first gaming Too much eating, drinking and sleeping you think. You grab a mug of grog to watch the others play, then hear Grog'tial tell you it isn't too late.

"Ye be righ' matey! Arrr, in fer round 1!" you exclaim, then give Grog'tial a cheerful kiss on the cheek. You take a seat ready to take part in the game of dice. You also decide that later you'll join the dart contest.

Gilius: (roll dice*2)
At the casino you win 3 silver and let it run for another round of throwing the dice.

When the snowman moves and calls out a "Yo-Ho-Ho, Happy Holidays!" you smile and turn to Durik, Clìodhna and Aeshma. "It seems we can do jolly wonderful things together, lads! Maybe we should show our new mate Icy to Grog'tial!"

You attempt to communicate with the snowman and see if you can somehow name and command it, only to hear it tell Durik it's name is Frosty and it is willing to be Durik's friend as it pats Durik with one of the snowy arms the two of you shaped for it. Then it turns and smiles at you and the girls too. It seems the snowman is its own magical being, not able to be commanded, but friendly. It has no legs, but slides around the main deck, careful of the rigging and Crew.

You order a Cold Resistance potion from Aeshma and give her a peck on her cheek for all her hard work. She grins at you and says if you are going around bestowing such blessings, she'll put you to work blessing the water she's melted and purified from the magical snow to make more holy water for the Crew, since it seems to be needed so much lately.

Durik:
In Round 1 at the casino you are surprised to find you win a magic item, the Tankard of Plenty. It is a large golden stein that fills with a rich Dwarven ale up to 3 times a day. "Oo me won! Dis dwarfs beer delicious, do ye mateys want to try it? It has three refills each day! Sorry for Happy mug, but still useful for other stuff."

You're not quite sure if the Tankard is useful for anything but the tasty beer, but it's shiny and golden. Later you find out from the ghost Dealer that it is worth about 10 gold pieces if traded at the right port. You decide to heed your mum's advice and not try your luck further.

After you've build the snowman with Gilius and help place the eye, eye patch, carrot nose and orange rind for the mouth, you watch Admiral Clíodhna and Aeshma dress it with a sash scarf and an old hat. Suddenly the snowman comes alive and wishes you all "Happy Holidays!" to the delight of Aeshma and the admiral.

You look at the others then back at the giant snowman. "Is snowman new frend? Hello, me Durik"

"Hello Durik, me Frosty. I be Durik's friend," the snowman answers in his deep voice, patting your shoulder with one snowy appendage.

Later you order a Fire Oil from Refyx. (Hopefully not to use on Frosty!)

Captain BenKii: (roll dice*3)
You win a gold piece at cards, but decide not to risk it. You know getting good luck in the first round is usually meant to entice you to risk it for the next round. No thank you. Stop while I'm ahead and use my piece wisely is what I say. It looks like you might be here longer than you first thought and your funds are limited. Besides, you'd much rather spend your time talking with Aeshma. As you return to the Ship you think back about your date ...

During your date with Aeshma you tell her you grew up on a farm in a sub tropical climate on a continent far far away. It was there you first beheld the wonders of the starry night skies through your telescope. Aeshma nods, she knows of telescopes and some of her people also study the skies through them, she tells you. You explain that it was seeing these star systems, colorful nebulae, expansive galaxies, and strange new worlds that inspired you to become a captain of a ship. Not to plunder the seas for riches, you are quick to tell her, but to explore and discover all the wonders that had yet to be found. You admit that Aeshma is perhaps the greatest wonder you've found thus far.

"Could've fooled me. By the looks of you, I'd say you were a full angel," you say with a smirk when hearing of her half-angel ancestry. "I'll have to show you my music collection someday. I mean, from my... different music boxes...yup. Lot of neat boxes of music I've found over the years," you verbally stumble to cover yourself quickly, realizing this planet probably doesn't have mp3 players. "Sadly I'm no good at dancing. Looks like fun but never found the time to learn it properly."

You hear Aeshma break out in soft musical laughter. "Dancing doesn't need to be learned properly," she says with amusement. "It just needs you to feel the music and let it flow through and move you. I'll show you sometime if you like." Smiling, she mentions there is also the Book on Dancing if you wish to learn more, which helps with dodging too. She knows you are learning the rapier as she's seen you sparring with Devin.

All in all you think it was a good date and you hope Aeshma thinks so too. You take the chance to ask if she'd like to spend some more time with you tomorrow, perhaps practicing together throwing darts for the upcoming competition. She tells you it will depend on her orders list, but asks you what kind of dare or stakes you might like to challenge her with in a game of darts. You notice there is an impish gleam in her eyes.

Thinking of what Aeshma said about her orders, and maybe hoping she won't have too many to see you again, you forego ordering another potion from her and order an Oil of Spiderclimb from Refyx instead. Could be useful in certain situations, you think.

"Holy moly Christmas!" When you first see the snowman, you are taken aback. You settle as you see Aeshma and Admiral Clíodhna smiling at it and hear it greet everyone with a "Happy Holidays!" Just more magic stuff on this crazy planet. You shake your head. You consider yourself a reasonable person, but you've seen some very unreasonable things lately.

"Greetings snow being. Have a happy Holiday yourself!" you say as you reach out to shake it's snowy hand lump at the end of one of it's crafted snowy arms. (Per PM) The next thing you know you are hit with a snowball in the shoulder. You spin around to see Cap'n Rummyfangs baring fangs in a playful grin while tossing a snowball in his paw with Devin beside him, quickly packing another snowball in his gloved hands ....

Devin: (roll dice*3)
"What a jest, deck must be rigged," you hear Count Karnstein say loudly for all to hear while staring straight at you, "or not shuffled at all. Those vampirates probably won that whole treasure fair 'n' square with competent dealers like this, I daresay. Stop playin' right now or ye gonna jeopardize our last mission elsewise!"

You raise an eyebrow then shake your head and calmly motion the dealer to deal Round 2. "They said this be coming out of the other treasures they collected from the casino winnings, not the treasure we retrieved. If ye must, consider it a bonus for collecting the treasure for them," you reply nonchalantly as the dealer glares at Count, then shuffles the deck with a nod to you and draws your second round card.

You see Grog'tial cheering Argy on at another dice table and make a mental note to get together with him later and go over those forged documents. Together you should be able to trace down the forger's signature style and glean information about the deceptions and perhaps the strategy behind them.

Back aboard the Ship, you see the snowman and immediately assess it for danger. When you notice your lady, Aeshma and Gilius at ease around it you figure it must be a bit of conjuring by them. You greet it and them with a smile and a slight bow, wondering what other games or surprises your lady may have in mind when Cap'n Rummyfangs whispers quietly in your ear. You listen, then nod with a grin, fading back into shadows for a moment. You reappear with two snowballs in your hands and hand one of them to your Felinoid partner with a wink. Then you take careful aim and lob the other snowball at Captain BenKii, hitting him on the back of the shoulder. You grab more snow into your gloved hands, swiftly packing another snowball as Cap'n Rummyfangs throws his own and the snowball fight is on!

Captain Aylar and Cap'n Rummyfangs get notified by the Ship that they have acquired a new crew member named Frosty, race listed as snowman.

Captain Rummyfangs comes up on deck at the notice and sees Frosty. Noticing Aeshma standing nearby, along with Clíodhna, Gilius and Durik, he grins as a sudden idea comes to him. Barfdeck coughs up a large rumball into his hand and bounds over to whisper in Devin's ear as Captain BenKii reaches out to shake Frosty's snowy hand. Devin nods and steps back into the shadows where he swiftly makes two snowballs. Stepping back Devin hands one to Rummyfangs, then lobs the other at Captain BenKii. Grinning, Cap'n Rummyfangs surreptitiously infuses the rumball into the snowball and then throws it.

Aylar: (per PM)
You are reading in your cabin, snacking on a dried apple slice, when you get the Ship's notice of a new crewman aboard named Frosty, his race listed as 'snowman.' Shortly thereafter you get the notice that there is a fight going on on deck among the Crew, started by Cap'n Rummyfangs and Devin, and now joined by Aeshma and ... Clíodhna.

-----
*Orders are open again for Aeshma and Refyx. Preference will be given to those who didn't have orders in Rounds 1 & 2, but overages will be pushed into Dart Contest Round orders.

[Reveals of the study of the charts, maps, forgeries and documents, and any Dreams, will come later.]

-----
Casino Results:
Round 3: You can go for double or nothing again, half, or choose to risk some of your own coin in your inventory if you lost the second round. Again, you must beat the Dealer's Roll or Card. If you risk your own funds then you will have 2 chances to beat the Dealer.

Argy, if you wish to try double or nothing your winnings, say you are "In for Round 2" and specify Cards or Dice. Remember in Round 2 you only risk what you won in Round 1, nothing that you already had before. To win your card or dice must beat the Dealer's.

Bellandra and Captain Baldbeard, you have not yet played Round 1 but if you still wish to try, say you are "In for Round 1" and specify Cards or Dice. Round 1 is a guaranteed to win round for Crew.

Dice:
Round 1 -
Argy = 17 = 1 Gold

Round 2 -
Count = 10; Dealer = 9. Close one! Count wins 1 Silver!
Gilius = 14, Dealer = 6. Gilius wins 3 Silver!

Cards: Reshuffled each deal.
Round 2 -
Devin = 7; Dealer = 3. Devin wins 1 Gold!
Kyp = 10; Dealer = 10. Tie, roll again, Kyp = Jack; Dealer = 8. Kyp wins 5 Silver!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Argy leans on the table and places her newly earned gold coin, grabbing the dice again. "In fer round 2"

Merry Christmas everyone

Puzzled Count Karnstein looks at the door for a short while after fellinoid disappeared. Are all ghosts senile or what? - he wonders. Well, we'll see, boots weren't the biggest problem anyway. Now, for the next step. Count sits with some quill & paper in front of him and examines the flask containing potion of clairvoyance. Blast, how the hell does it work? Didn't come with a manual. After a moment of hesitation, Count drinks down the potion, grabs a quill and closes his eyes. Oh, the most honorable Madam Claire, 'tis I, Klaus Karnstein, who humbly asks fer yer assistance. Hmm, did it do it? Then Count concentrates fiercely on the numbers, ready to write them down. These are not lottery winning numbers, nor roulette table numbers, nor geographic coordinates, but the numbers skilled seamstress would write down if she were to make an outfit for Aeshma.

(It should be legit, this is his side-mission and its hidden aspect. GM is not obliged to reveal the actual measurements to anyone - me included - other than Count:))

Perhaps there was an easier way. For instance, Clíodhna could likely know all needed parameters beforehand. But Count Karnstein couldn't appear before her like some helpless schmuck, explaining and asking for aid with such a trifle. What would she think of his competencies as a crew member? No, he would present her with a precise order in a businesslike manner. It was a matter of principle.

-----

"What are ye lookin' at? Pish posh! 'Tis a casino or a bloody nursin' home? Havin' a spot o' emotions not allowed anymore? Warm up the dice, mister, I'm on a roll!"

For Round 3, Count raises with 3 gold.

-----

Upon seeing the snowman, Count momentarily starts to panic, thinking it could be Captain BenKii's gift for Aeshma. He calms down, realizing it's fortunately not the case. This would be a tough one to beat for certain. Seeing Aeshma being busy having fun, Count tries to make an eye contact with Rummyfangs and performs impatient, questioning gestures towards him.

-----

Merry Christmas everyone!