Chapter 1 - A Den of Thieves

After shaking off a moment of deja vu, JT suggests that after we enter Cairo, we pull off in a marketplace area and see if our tail follows

"On to the Blue parrot, with a careful eye to our pursuer as we go."


Do we need perception checks or anything to closely monitor our tail?

No. Perception checks aren't necessary.

You enter the city and drink in it's moniker "city of the living". There are people everywhere along with carts, horses, camels, donkeys, etc.. (sorry, at work and don't have the time for pics right now).

The car seems to turn off a few blocks after you enter the city proper. It disappears into the bustling city

I'll update again when I get home, sorry ya'll it's been another nut-buster of a week. I will have this updated tonight though and you should be at the Blue Parrot by then as well.

Streetwise check for any knowledge about Blue Parrot, like how to get a meeting with Fadhal, how to get past guards, how to get in the back door, anything to watch out for, etc etc

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +11" :

10 + 11 = 21

You know that it's a popular spot with westerners and that Fadlala is notorious for being very greedy. They have a gambling area, a hookah bar, a drinks bar and several rooms for VIPs upstairs. The guards are rumored to be all large Turks who serve Fadlala devotedly (why they do is not so certain)

Are all of you ready to go to the Blue Parrot or are there other pre-lim things?

Elliot is ready. We didn't think to copy the map, so he wants to study it very carefully.. Make as many mental notes as he can of terrain, landmarks, ANYTHING and everything that he can commit to memory about it.

...Just in case we somehow lose possession of it.

Is there a roll required to study the hell out of it?  

Olivia is prepared to go to the Blue Parrot. She will park on the street, not too close to the building. Just in case of need of a quick getaway. Once inside, she makes a beeline for the poker table.

JT will lend his knowledge of Dungeoneeing to Elliot's efforts at mentally marking the map, otherwise he is ready to rumble

Anyone who has Knowledge History or just wants to make a basic Int. check, is welcome to do so regarding the map. I actually meant to have this happen sooner. Sorry bout that

Chris wrote:JT will lend his knowledge of Dungeoneeing to Elliot's efforts at mentally marking the map, otherwise he is ready to rumble

Sweet.

So JT and Elliot spend the rest of the ride poring over the map, together, making mental notes, trying to commit it to memory.

whit10 wrote:Anyone who has Knowledge History or just wants to make a basic Int. check, is welcome to do so regarding the map.  I actually meant to have this happen sooner.  Sorry bout that

Elliot knowledge history check: 1d20 = 17
Elliot intelligence check: 1d20+2 (18+2)=20

You would almost swear that you see writing or symbols of some kind that are very, very faded. You cannot be certain though.

You arrive at the Blue Parrot.... a pretty swanky joint!




A valet in a fez offers to park your car. Anything else you want to do before going in?

How about Knowledge Geography and Knowledge Local?

Geography
Roll(1d20)+6:
5,+6
Total:11

Local
Roll(1d20)+6:
3,+6
Total:9

Int Check
Roll(1d20)+2:
19,+2
Total:21

JT is ready to enter

Not sure what Geography would do for you.

Local doesn't reveal anything new nor does the Int. check.

whit10 wrote:Anyone who has Knowledge History or just wants to make a basic Int. check, is welcome to do so regarding the map.  

Geography (from Greek γεωγραφία, geographia, lit. "earth description"[1]) is a field of science dedicated to the study of the lands, the features, the inhabitants, and the phenomena of the Earth.[2] A literal translation would be "to describe or write about the Earth".

whit10 wrote:Not sure what Geography would do for you.

Yeah, Geography.... reading a map..... I don't know what I was thinking   

ok, no new info, gotcha

I thought you meant Geography for something else. I already stated what was discerned from the map.... smart ass.

Hey Josh, you want me to throw a thermal detonator at him?

navyik wrote:Hey Josh, you want me to throw a thermal detonator at him?

  

I am surprised no one has mentioned this sooner, given how many thermal detonators, er.... sticks of TNT JT is packing and attempting to find an excuse to throw   

if ya can't beat 'em.....

lol... no, just wait for the pack of skirt wearing, machine gun packing midgets to show up... I'll get him then  

Ugh, I meant to bring stuff to update this right now but I left my gaming crap at home. I'll get you guys into the club after I get home from work and then we'll keep moving.

Feel free to do any other 'prep' before then. Sorry for my absent-mindedness this morning

whit10 wrote:lol... no, just wait for the pack of skirt wearing, machine gun packing midgets to show up... I'll get him then  

Ugh, I meant to bring stuff to update this right now but I left my gaming crap at home.  I'll get you guys into the club after I get home from work and then we'll keep moving.

Feel free to do any other 'prep' before then.  Sorry for my absent-mindedness this morning

All good!

The man in the fez parks your car and you enter the Blue Parrot... (though w/o Bogey of course, lol and with more Egyptians, though most are dressed like westerners)







A couple largish Turkish looking guards are at the door, they look at you momentarily  (as an aside, is anyone showing open weaponry?)

Drinks, gambling and the hookah bar are open to you.

Olivia openly carries her staff, while her sling is in her pouch. She strolls over to the card table. "Deal me in, I'm feeling lucky tonight."

All Elliot's weapons are concealed under his jacket.

JT keeps his wpns concealed, obviously he left the big guns, like the sub locked in one of the cars.

Robyo wrote:Olivia openly carries her staff, while her sling is in her pouch. She strolls over to the card table. "Deal me in, I'm feeling lucky tonight."

The four gentlemen at the table welcome you... the dealer deals you a hand.

Bluff or Sleight of Hand? your choice since there's no gambling skill.

All of you hear what sounds like a loud celebration at the Craps table... a rather rough looking Yank appears to be doing well. (update the clothes a bit)

whit10 wrote:

Robyo wrote:Olivia openly carries her staff, while her sling is in her pouch. She strolls over to the card table. "Deal me in, I'm feeling lucky tonight."

Bluff or Sleight of Hand?  your choice since there's no gambling skill.  

There is a gambling skill in SW, you could house-rule it in, like you did with Pilot, repair, etc.

Or go with it as a Profession: Gambler

Bluff works too, just uses a different Attribute

That's fine... Gambling uses Wisdom as it's core skill (though, since we've started, no one has ranks in it. If it gives you a better chance, because it's wisdom based, go for it.) You can add ranks at the next level. I'd rather not retcon anything just for this.

MAS wrote:Corbet's rifle and satchel full of adventuring gear is in a locked case (that will stay in the car).

One pistol (worn on side as any British officer does), one dagger (ankle sheath), bandoleer and potions on self - with armor under Khaki field uniform.

This was my original load out. But it seems this place is more formal than we anticipated.

Either way, I'll stay in Field Khakis. I am, after all, Jim Corbett.

Gambling (Wisdom) check: Result of the throw of dice "1d20" : 15 + 2 = 17

She chews her gum casually, giving the stink eye to the other players. Upon hearing the cheers at the craps table, she asks, "So who's the damn yankee dressed like a Hollywood reject? He seems to be doing well."

you're fine Matt, many people are dressed similarly to Corbett. In fact... as you drink the place in, you seem to fit right in here, oddly enough.

the dealer at Olivia's table pipes up.. "just some American big shot." he continues to deal. Another player pipes up (a short, somewhat rotund Frenchman).. 'his luck seems to have changed, he couldn't play cards for sheet."

(rolls in secret)

Olivia, the cards are not with you at the moment... your two pair, aces and 7s, don't quite beat the Frenchman's full house, 4s and jacks.

Elliot wants to keep his wits about him so he won't be drinking much. However he wants to blend in, so he decides to go to get a beer from the bar.

To JT, Corbett, and Rothschild he says..

"Maybe we should look for a table, have a drink and get the 'lay of the land' here, so to speak. Can I bring any of you gentlemen anything?"

"Gin and tonic, if you please."

Corbett surveys the room with a hunter's eye. He notes the entrances and exits...the flow of foot traffic.....the behaviors of the patrons. "Who here is predator, and who here is prey...?" He muses to himself silently as he observes the crowd...

"Colonel, shall I assist Mr. Martin?"

Arcturus2 wrote:
"Maybe we should look for a table, have a drink and get the 'lay of the land' here, so to speak.  Can I bring any of you gentlemen anything?"

"Thanks, mate. I'll take a pint of IPA. But first... I must relieve meself." JT wanders throughout the casino looking for the loo." (and any other back rooms he might find)

whit10 wrote:
the dealer at Olivia's table pipes up.. "just some American big shot."  he continues to deal.  Another player pipes up (a short, somewhat rotund Frenchman).. 'his luck seems to have changed, he couldn't play cards for sheet."

(rolls in secret)

Olivia, the cards are not with you at the moment... your two pair, aces and 7s, don't quite beat the Frenchman's full house, 4s and jacks.  

"I'll try another hand," Olivia says. How much was the pot that last hand? I need to subtract it from treasure.

It's a friendly game so far, $50 buy in.

JT, are you trying to poke around or just looking for the loo?

"Thank you, Mr. Rothschild."

Elliot (and CRIII?) approach(es) the bar and waits for service.

He's looking around carefully to see if he can spot any prominent local who stands out.

Is anyone obviously important (and possibly Mr. Fadlala?)

Elliot assumes he probably has at least one guard/aide, and probably a private, reserved table in a choice location, if not a separate private room..

navyik wrote:"Colonel, shall I assist Mr. Martin?"

"By all means Rothschild, DO make yourself useful. Perhaps you can locate the manager while your about?"

No one fitting the description of Fadlala (an average height, thin, balding Egyptian man) is in view.

There are guards and waiters everywhere, plus the band, dealers and bartenders. Is there anyone in particular you try to speak to?

whit10 wrote:No one fitting the description of Fadlala (an average height, thin, balding Egyptian man) is in view.

There are guards and waiters everywhere, plus the band, dealers and bartenders.  Is there anyone in particular you try to speak to?

Just the bartender when he orders everyone's drinks. Elliot isn't quite bold enough to ask for Fadlala just yet.


Elliot wil pay the bartender and tip reasonably well. If he can f ind an empty table He'll carry everyone's ordered drinks over and motion the party to join him.

How much cash comes out for a round for the party plus tip?

Alright, next hand... Gambling (Wisdom) check: Result of the throw of dice "1d20" : 14 + 2 = 16

whit10 wrote:
JT, are you trying to poke around or just looking for the loo?

yes and yes. poking about and if his confronted by any employees, say he takes a drink from his ale and says in a slightly buzzed voice, "Uh, pardon, mate, is this the way to the loo?"

Is there a billiards table?

Ok.

Olivia: as the Frenchman puts down another full house, kings and 7s, you smile, and place down aces and 10s. Win $50.

JT: the one of the waiters points out a small passage way in the back to you.. as you go back there, you see another hall way covered by some curtains... a big Turk (with a bulge under his coat) eyes you suspiciously if you linger too long.

Corbett: Yes, in another adjacent room.

whit10 wrote:
JT:  the one of the waiters points out a small passage way in the back to you.. as you go back there, you see another hall way covered by some curtains... a big Turk (with a bulge under his coat) eyes you suspiciously if you linger too long.

JT will enter the loo and look about. Any interesting dealings going on? Any windows that one could fit through to exit?

On his way out of the loo, he will approach the Turk like he owns the place, "Good on ya, mate! What's back in 'ere?"

whit10 wrote:Ok. Olivia:  as the Frenchman puts down another full house, kings and 7s, you smile, and place down aces and 10s.  Win $50.

I thought it was $50 buy in. Shouldn't the kitty be more than that?

lol.. duh, yeah it's actually $200. Sorry man (stupid math).   

JT: he just sort of growls at at you. "You! No!"

Elliot is minding his own business, pretending once again to be very interested in his drink.

Is there music or a band playing? I assume Elliot was able to find a table- while nursing his beer, does he happen to overhear anything that would be interesting?