Jammers:Turn 7, Chapter 6 Summary

The Ongoing adventures of my Spelljammer PBEM game.

Comments, questions always welcome:)

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

IC:
<At the Laughing Beholder>

Freneth watches quietly, apparently little at ease in the friendly, but
rough, crowd. Sitting as far away from the giff as possible, he takes a few
sips of an ale. His face twists bitterly as he tastes the stuff, but he
makes no complaint, and works at drinking it slowly.

Leera gazes up at the ceiling for a moment. "Ivory Knight...." She shoots
Holland an inquiring glance. "Isn't that the fellow who we saw at Barre
Sinister with this Cain fellow and that Tauran Ship and those scro?" She
pauses. "Here, his ship looked kinda like this.... help me if I miss a
detail..." Leera quietly murmurs a few arcane syallables, makes a quick,
short gesture over the table, and brings into view on the table a small
three-dimensional image of the Barre as seen from above. She keeps it low
to the table so that only those at the table can easily see it. She places
it on the table so that the Post-Captain's bulk interposes between the Art
and the pirates. The ships take form one by one.

At the long pier closest to the asteroid can be seen the former NIGHT
PROWLER, now the NIGHT WIND. "Here's ours." Next in, at another long pier,
are a black Hammership and a white squidship. "The black one is Kain's, I
think; the white is the SPECTRAL something or other." At a short pier is an
Eelship. "Our friend Laocoon." Farthest out at a short pier is a wasp and
another Hammership. "Let's
see, Herminard- the scum- and this one was a minotaur ship.... someone said
it was a navy ship." Leera pauses a moment. "Why don't they fly cow ships?
Or maybe flying cow platters?" She sniffs.  "I miss him already."

Freneth gasps at the demonstration, his eyes drinking in the image. He
watches the play with fixed attention, his ale forgotten.

Collecting herself, Leera asks "Quite a collection, eh Post-Captain? Did we
tell you how we aquired our current ship from this lot?" In fast motion,
the events of the ship liberation play out. The actions of a particular
white-haired wizardess in a well-cut royal blue robe with a pair of wands
hanging from her belt are particularly dramatic and decisive.  "So, did we
pick the right ship? Maybe we ought to have gone for one of the big ones?"
She grins.

"Aye," Wilhelmina answers, "the Ivory Knight or Cain might've rung ye bells!"

"Tymora's Luck!" Sabbagh breathes, "That doesn't look good for Bralspace at
all."

Frowning, Leera asks "Why do you say that? We were just talking about how
many pirates there are.... what's wrong with these ones together?"

Sabbagh says, "Pirates are usually chaotic, disorganized. They fight each
other as much as they attack shipping. But if the pirate groups of
Bralspace ally themselves with the scro... well, the scro are not
disorganized. This could mean they intend an offensive soon in Bralspace.
The war could spread beyond the scro and the elves. It could become a
general conflict."

A pair of sailors walks in through the main door into the already crowded
tavern common room. One is a tall, slender human dressed in black leathers
with a red bandanna at his throat. The other wears a black leather vest and
is a big, ugly, bald-headed brute covered with scars.

"Speak of the devil." Wilhelmina snarls, "There's the blackest of the
rogues himself. That's Cain."

Glancing over, the Company members can see not only Cain and his companion,
but also seated at a booth along the far wall (not connected with Cain,
just sitting in the line of sight) Herminard and two women.

Holland's knuckles turn white around his mug, "And there is my kidnapper!"
Holland asks, "Is there a Bral bounty on Cain?"

"Yes, 10,000 gold I believe." Wilhelmina answers, "Much luck anyone would
have collecting it. he'd have to be taken in the act of piracy, charges
have never been proven against the scoundrel, and one would have to take
his hammership, the RAMPAGE. Not to mention he's one of the more skilled
warriors in the sphere. I've heard the bets are even money in a duel
between him and Lord Cartan. Of course, for my money General Tomojak could
take either with ease."

Holland frowns, "Sounds like a dangerous guy."

"How odd," Pate muses.  "There is a bounty on him, and Andru actually
_cares_ that it be _proven_ he's a pirate?"

"Of course." Sabbagh says, "Those bounties are paid by the Council of
Captains, so if he were destroyed but his piracy _unproven_ then the job
would be done for free."

"Sounds like a worthy endeavor anyway..." 'Pate smiles.

Holland asks, "What do you know about Herminard?" as he looks to see if
Cain has any contact with Herminard, but the black-clad pirate has crossed
to the other side of the room and taken a table with his companion.

"Who?" Sabbagh asks.

Holland replies, "I guess he is not that well known," and then falls silent.

Holland asks in an undertone, "Leera, Talus: Do you have invisibility and
sleep-color spray spells memorized?"

Talus leans over and murmurs back, "I have colour spray memorised, along
with a web and sleep spell. But we should not start anything here. Too many
eyes, not to mention Luigi's, I don't think we want to upset him." The
half-elf grins, "Just give him a broad smile and send him a drink, say a
Bleeding Pirate."

Holland replies, "I don't intend to start anything here but when we leave
and get out onto the streets, they might try to start something."

Holland rubs his chin for a moment and then says with a shrug, "What the
hell; I'll be right back."  Holland takes a second to adjusts his
starwheels and then stands up. Holding his mug of ale Holland walks across
the room to Herminard's table and with his stump indicates, "Mind if I sit
down?"

Italapate laughs. "That's funny," he decides. Then he stands up, "Of
course, it won't be if he gets himself killed...."

Allagan says, "The Captain certainly is brave."  Allagan shifts in his seat
as he watches Holland and Italapate.

Kain gulps down his ale and raises his mug for another as he watches
Holland's and then Italapate's approach to Herminard's table. "They're
nothing if they aren't... mmm... forward," he grins, mumbling a 'thank you'
to the barmaid who drops off his next drink.

"Train any dirtkickers lately?" Kain laughs.  "Interesting time on the
FLOWFISH we... ahhh.. had. 'specially when the Post-Captain and Italapate
got going sometimes."  Kain still smiles, but he watches the other table
with interest.

Meanwhile, over at Herminard's table...

'Pate pulls an empty chair from a nearby table, turns it around, and sits
down next to Holland. He sets his still untouched drink on the table in
front of him. He smiles at the ladies, then nods to Herminard.

One of the ladies, a woman with wild, long auburn hair wearing various furs
smiles back, while petting a ferret sitting on her lap.

Herminard looks very surprised when Holland walks up. "I'll be a neogi's
mother!" He exclaims. "Please, do sit down. How in the hell did you escape?
Milken seemed pretty motivated to keep you there." he pauses... "Unless you
work for him now?"

Holland sits down in the booth and sets his mug down.  Holland looks at
Herminard and says, "Milken, Froa and company are no longer with us."

Herminard smiles, "I told him he was in too deep, trying to ambush you with
a Dragonfly. He wouldn't listen."

Holland says, "I know that you were hired to do a job, I have done similiar
in the past, so I am going to offer you a deal." Holland takes a drink of
his ale and continues, "You return the items and coin you took from me and
we call it even."

The half-orc lady in studded leather on Herminard's left answers, "That
hardly seems right. The job was done, and the pay is ours by right. But..."
she touches Herminard's arm lightly, "Perhaps a game of chance, a fair shot
to recover some of your lost wealth?"

Pate's eyes brighten. "A game of chance? One of skill and not pure
happenstance?"

The half-orc nods. "Of course, though fate plays a role in all games." She says.

Holland replies, "It hardly seems right to kidnap and cripple a man, but it
happens." Holland says, "I have no talent for games of chance but I do seem
to have a talent for surviving and eliminating my enemies."

"_We_ did not cripple you." the half-orc interjects. "That was Milken."

Holland continues, "Excuse me if I am blunt, but I would like my sword and
scarab, they have personal value to me, and my platinum back. You can have
the rest, as well as what Milken gave you, I won't begrudge you that for
your efforts. But know this, Milken betrayed me and caused the death of my
close friends. It took me several years and my hand but I got to stand over
his dead body. I am offering you truce; we will not part as friends but we
will not part as enemies either."

Herminard laughs. "You were not exactly difficult to down before. You are
only alive because Milken was a fool. You may pursue a vendetta with me if
you wish, but it will bring neither of us any profit. I certainly am not
going to give up my profit from my last job." He gives Holland a sly smile,
"After all, you are already searching for spell trading partners."

Before Holland can respond he continues, "But be that as it may, I am
willing to give you a chance to win back one of your items. This longsword,
for example. Myself and Ginsese here, against you and your friend from the
Pueblo in a game of cards. Who ever has one the most coin from the other by
midnight wins the longsword, and we part as... acquaintences. Well?"

Holland frowns but turns to Italapate, "Would you be willing?"

"I don't know about cards....," Pate mumbles, "But, as the challenged,
Herminard would have choice of weapons.  Okay, name your game."

Holland says, "Okay; however, lets play for the scarab.  It has more of a
sentimental value to me. If that is agreeable, I would prefer we got the
cards from a third party."

Herminard shakes his head firmly, "No, the scarab is far to valuable, as you
well know. Sentimental value indeed."

Holland replies simply, "Yes, it was given to me by the priests Ponfly and
Waltor, to aid me in the search for the traitor Milken, it has a lot of
sentimental value."

Herminard chuckles, "Of course, but then Milken is dead now, so I guess you
don't need it anymore." Herminard pauses, "Of course, if you put something
of equal value of yours up against my scarab, then perhaps we can reach an
arrangement."

'Pate muses. "What do we have that would be of equal value to a piece of
bug-shaped jewelry? Oh, there's Vais!" he grins.

Holland frowns but reaches into his pouch to pull out a ring, "I have not
checked it yet for other properties, I haven't had the time, but I know it
has invisbility." Holland puts the ring back into his pouch and takes a
drink from his mug before saying, "I always wondered how Milken got around,
I knew he couldn't be that sneaky on his own." Holland says, "I would be
willing to put up this ring against the scarab."

Herminard smiles, "Would you demonstrate the power of the ring?"

Holland looks flustered for a moment, then twists the ring, which
disappears on his finger. But Holland remains visible. Forestalling the
rejection he sees on Herminard's face Holland adds, "I will also include
this owl feather amulet, soverign against diseases. You had it checked when
you took me before, yes?"

Herminard thinks for a moment, then assents. "Yes, those are of comparable
worth. We have a wager then. Your ring and amulet versus my scarab, plus
whatever monetary winnings each accumulates."

Holland says, "Just one more little matter. I'd like to have one of my crew
'champion' for me. I do not know anything about cards and it would not be a
challenge. They are over there, I'll just go grab one and we can start."

"You sneaky bastard." Herminard says, "Can't even win it back yourself?"

"Let him recruit help." the half-orc female says with a tusk-filled grin.
"Ill-chance strikes even the most skilled among us."

"Very well, princess." Herminard tells Holland with a grin, "Go get your
champion."

Holland stands and returns to where the crews of the NIGHTWIND and FLOWFISH
are sitting. Holland addresses the COSS and says, "I have spoken with
Herminard and he has agreed to wager some of my stolen equipment in a game
of cards. The team that has won the most gold by midnight wins. Italapate
is one half of the team.  My skill at cards is sadly lacking so I am
allowed someone to stand in for me."

Holland asks, "Anyone here good at cards, who doesn't have anything better
to do for the next few hours?"

Raken shrugs. "Sorry, my skills are sadly lacking. I lose at solitare
badly.  Cards was never one of my stronger skills."

Talus leans forward, "I have played a hand or two or a variety of games,
but I also know how easy it is to lose as well as win, even without any...
intervention in the game."

Holland says, "Well, I never was one for gambling. Would you sit in my
place?"  Holland adds with a weak smile, "Using my money of course."

Allagan pulls his money pouch off his belt and hands it to Talus, "I'll
help.  You can use my gold for 'seed' money."

Talus grins, "Gambling with someone else's money? How could I refuse!"

Holland replies with a smile, "I was hoping you wouldn't."

Back at Herminard's table...

'Pate turns his chair around in proper fashion as Holland returns to the
COSS table. He leans back over the back of the chair, watching Holland
recruit Talus.  Then he turns back to Herminard, and juts a thumb in
Holland's direction. "Man, I cannot believe you're letting him weasle out
of the game like that," he shakes his head.

Herminard shakes his head and chuckles, "Well... While I don't exactly fear
Holland or your group, killing him would be damn inconvenient, and there
would be no profit in it. So we play our game. Win or lose, Holland will be
satisfied. He's already downed Milken, and Milken was the source of his
trouble."

Holland and Talus return, and the preperations for the game begin.

Word of the high stakes (for the Laughing Beholder) game starts to spread
through the tavern, and soon a table is set in the center of the room so
that others can observe the game.

Finally, a clean pack of cards is brought forth and the four players,
Ginsese, Herminard, Talus, and Italapate, are all seated and the cards are
dealt. Ginsese wins a coin flip and takes the first deal.

"All right, Jammers." She says as she starts to deal the cards. "Let's see
whom Chance will curse tonight. The game is five card draw and neogis are
wild..."

After the first hour, despite a flurry of play, the winnings for the two
teams remain essentially unchanged. Much coin has changed hands, so that
Talus and the half-orc have most of it right now, but the two teams remain
even.

The on lookers have beguin taking bets on the outcome, the odds being even
for both teams.

As the second hour commences the cards are handed to Italapate for his deal.

Pate looks at the cards as they are handed to him, then to his meager pile
of coins. "Well, guys... I didn't get 'seeded' like our friend here, and I
didn't take a cut from the latest haul, so I'm going to have to back out."
He passes the cards to the next person in line, then stands up. "Enjoy
yourself, Talus, you have a better chance to win now."

Ferric steps up and hands him twenty platinum shaking his head and sighing.
"Alright Coyote I know this is probably another one of your tricks so that
you don't have to play with your own money but here you go.  Now, I expect
to get most of that back so don't go trying to slip off after tha game with
it."

"Ferric, I am absolutely stunned by the fact that you would say such a
thing..."  then Pate winks. "Pleasure _seeing_ you out in the open like
this... and, don't worry, your coins are safe..."

Pate takes the coin, then turns back to the table.  He picks up the cards
and shuffles them skillfully. He starts to deal. "The game is Mulhorandi
Jack, first three cards down, next three up, costs a gold to get the last
card down. Before the last card is dealt, take your lowest card and pass it
to your neighbor. Flayers and one-eyed Scavvers are wild."  He turns and
grins at a passing serving wench. "Can I get a Sweet Radiance, please?"

Holland shakes his head, a confused look on his face, as he mutters, "And
they wonder why I don't know how to play.."

Over the second hour the fortunes of Talus and Italapate improve, at the
end of the hour Talus is up 32 gold.

Talus hands the deck to Herminard, who seems less happy then before. "Ah,
well. Easy come, easy go." Herminard shuffles the cards and starts passing
them out. "The game is straight five card stud, nothing wild."

"Fear not," the half-orc says to him with a wicked smile, "The fickle
finger of Fate will find the foolish, and once found they shall feel Fate's
fury!"

The outside betting is still pretty much even...

Holland alternates watching the two enemy card players.

Raken watches the game with obvious interest.

The third hour Italapate becomes a relentless juggernaut of success. he
takes nearly every hand, often after getting Herminard or Ginsese to bet
heavily. Talus stays pat, holding onto his 32 gold gain, and Italapate
recoups his previous losses and comes on an additional 84 gold.

The betting begins to go heavily in Talus and Italapate's favor, with the
odds running as high as three to one now against Herminard and Ginsese.

Ginsese seems practical, "Ill fate finds us all." She says, "Ralishaz
insures that we are all humbled before him."

"Shut up." Herminard spits at the half-orc. "You're supposed to visit ill
fortune on others."

Ginsese looks like she is about to retort, but seeing a triumphant glint in
the wild haired woman who stands behind herminard she merely says, "The
chickens have yet to roost, lover."

The deck is handed to Talus for the final hour...

As the hour progresses Herminard and Ginsese begin to make up the
difference, racking in hand after hand. The tension in the room rises
noticably and the betting heats up.

Finally, it's the last hand. Herminard and Ginsese have won back most of
their gold, Talus and Italapate are both even. 49 gold worth of coins lie
in the center of the table. The room grows very quiet.

Ginsese lays down her cards. It's a great hand, two scavvers and three neogis.

Talus then lays his cards dwon with a sigh. No help there, Just a pair of neogi.

Herminard grins as he lays down his cards. "Four flayers, Arcane high."

Italapate drops his cards to the table, and the room gasps. Four dragons,
Arcane high. The best possible hand. Italapate takes the pot.

Date/Time: Midnight 15th day of the 7th Month, 5049 OC

Paul Westermeyer,  westermeyer.3@???.edu
Phd Candidate, History, Ohio State University
Instructor, Humanities, Columbus State Community College