Round 6: The Grand Opening of the Golden Phoenix

[Gengy]

1 hour ago, Kythia said:

The fourth spy, the leader, wasn't with them though. He had made a quick update to the others then headed off in the direction of the hotel. Coedd intelligence on the Birabu was as weak as it was on most offworlders but they had solid reasons to believe two things: The casino was the front for an intelligence gathering operation and the head of the operation could be found in the hotel. Beyond that, they weren't sure. But he had a simple plan. He entered the hotel and started making his way upwards, towards the penthouse. The first time he was stopped by one of the strange bird people he looked up an enunciated as clearly as he could.

I've got a message from B Either the person who stopped him would know that "B" was the codename of the head of Coedd's intellgience network, widely and correctly belieed to be one of the senior linguists in the ArkHive or they wouldn't. If they did, either the message he carried would get him further or it wouldn't. This seemed to be the easiest way to answer those questions.

 

Silver Hotel, Two Floors Below the Penthouse

 

Bowchi Juh was Zheannow. Not just any Zheannow, though, but one of the eight Jiowchu; and should one of the two Jian Ban that serve directly under the Shadow of the Flock enter a cycle of rebirth, Bowchi Juh was expected to step forwards and either guide the fledgling, or become the new Jian Ban to better support the Shadow.

 

As such, Bowchi Juh took their responsibilities seriously.

 

Including the assignment to guard the Face of the Flock's room at the top of the Hotel. Why the Face of the Flock was afforded this luxury when Pung Neow lived in Gungsheen City, Bowchi Juh did not know. Nor was it their place to ask. The Shadow guided, and the Zheannow flew where they needed to fly. Bowchi Juh had been given worse assignments.

 

It was during this musing, though, that the Jiowchu noticed someone out of place. Bowchi Juh was not an expert on the other races, but the nature-esque statures of the Coedd were something they were briefed upon. Most notably because of the Coedd's... peculiarities towards secrets. It was something to keep an eye on. The rumor was that what one Coedd knows, all Coedd know, but Bowchi Juh had no evidence to support this theory. Still, to see one boldly wandering around up in the Hotel, unescorted, meant that they were either coming to their room or they had snuck away from their Biarbu guide for more personal reasons. And since no rooms on the third and second highest floors were for guests, it couldn't be the former.

 

Which meant Bowchi Juh would need to do something. Stepping forwards and opening their black wingspan to block the hall, the Jiowchu turned their head so one eye could look at the guest... and the other could blink out a message of caution to the other Zheannow nearby under Juh's command.

 

Bowchi Juh was about to speak up when the Coedd instead said, "I've got a message from B."

 

Ah. Well. That changes things. How to respond? Carefully, of course.

 

"Honored Guest," Bowchi Juh said, tucking in their wings once more, "this one regrets to inform you that you are approaching an area dear to the Biarbu's interests. If you are a messenger, perhaps the one whom you need to deliver your message to can be found within our V.I.P. Lounge? It is down near the Hotel lobby. This unworthy one would be pleased to escort you personally."

 

The Shadow would want to hear this message.

[Lumaeus]

Her Arkhival Majesty, Queen Constance of Comment, steps out of a spaceship that is more cargo-transit than anything (and how does it fly?) dressed to kill. A golden tophat, Arkhive honeyyellow, shines bright like a diamond. Her dress appears at first to be an inky black thing, iridescent in the light, but close inspection would reveal millions of close-cramped words woven of black thread against a golden background, so dense that it nearly overwhelms the eye. The hypothetical observer, equipped with microscope and patience, would be able to make this out as the unpublished, unperformed script to "Space Ocean's Eleven: The 5D Musical." She also has giant spikes as shoulderpads because she just felt like it that morning. Twisting around them, anaconda like, is a spiraling honeycomb, each cell capped over but showing purple within.

She holds an unlit cigarette in a long cigarette holder and it's very cool.

Tipping her hat to Pung Neow and giving a wink to the spies and a smile to Siobhan, Constance walks confidently to the Black bird table. Casually setting 250chits down in a smooth motion, she says "Deal me in."

If I'm right, I'm at a 20. I'm gonna hold regardless of anything, but I will chat to other players with that patented Constance commentary

Edited April 10 by Lumaeus (see edit history)

[Featherscale]

Glim sushes her daughter and bows to the Sansarite diplomats before leading the party away. She catches a glimpse of the arrival of the dashing Queen Constance. She has no opinion on the aesthetics of the human form, but is wowed by the artistry of her dress.

She resolves to pay respects to the leader of the Biarbu while here. Such a forthright and simple people, whose leader has a day job, rather than being a fulltime lawyer! Such was the tradition in The Combine, and she was gratified these strangers didn't keep to the elaborate double-speak and fake faces that so impressed humans.

 

But first, she should play a game. She determines the best odds are probably for the one called Path of Destiny. Using her reverse theremin, she manipulates 305 chits to the attendant...

 

"Let's see my path, eh?"

 

Her daughter cringes in embarrassment, as daughters are wont to do.

[FriendlyHeadcrab]

"A Push... nothing happens!? Boring! Do it again, but with 100 more chits this time!"

 

If Skod were paying attention, wheeling, dealing, and all matter of politics were happening all around them. But they were here to WIN!

[Frostwander]

Charyti d'Partout arrives in the Golden Phoenix from a passenger vessel without any entourage. She wears a white ruffle-sleeved tunic, with a deep red wrap-skirt over black trousers and knee-boots. Her wavy copper hair is worn loose about her shoulders, with a rose pin on one side keeping it from her eyes. From her belt hangs a long rapier, peace-knotted in a show of good intentions.

Deep bows from the Biarbu greeters are met by an equally deep and flourishing response, admiring their feathers as she listens to the safety briefing. "But of course, and I am most gratified at the provision for an appropriate place to defend my own honour. Though I doubt you would allow any guests so crass as that it would be required."

Charyti confidently strides through the walk with the air of one who knows where she is going, though her eyes flick rapidly to and fro to take in the brilliant sights and people, Biarbu and guests alike. She heads straight into the casino - the hotel can wait - reveling in the opulence of its presentation. Accepting her chits, she tucks them away for now within a small purse produced from the front of her tunic, and returned to that same location.

[volthawk]

Cagairmòr gives a small shrug and a "It is what it is." when...that one never did say their name, huh?...makes a comment about their differing luck, before focusing back on the game at hand. "Alright, new hand, I'm in. Same bet as before."

Gambling

Another 500-chit round of Black Bird.

Initial Hand

Third Card

Another 16? Okay then.

Screw it, fourth card

Sticking on 21.

 

Edited April 10 by volthawk (see edit history)

[Gengy]

Black Bird, Table 1a, Casino Floor

 

Sha Ren awaits further bets, but when everyone is satisfied with the number of chits they wager, they again shuffles the cards in full view of the guests, almost causing them to float in front of everyone. Once it is clear that the cards are very shuffled, Sha Ren deals two cards to every guest and also themselves; once more tapping the table to signify they have finished.

 

"Once more, this one is pleased to be of service. May your Fate smile upon you!"

 

BlackBirdDealer

 

Sha Ren smiled down at their face up card, the five of Edicts. Those who knew the game knew that the Dealer would be drawing at least one more card.

 

---

 

Casino Floor, Elsewhere...

 

Yun Chi is excited to hear from the producer that everyone watching wants to see them bet on The Chosen Ones again. Yun Chi is eager, but also knows that they will not get more chits when these run out. It was Yun Chi's decision, and those who said otherwise would be going against the Tenants. After all, you must Respect the Fate of others.

 

Yun Chi pulled the lever, risking another 250 chits.

 

ChosenOnes250

 

5️⃣ 5️⃣4️⃣

 

Yun Chi stared. Sheer pleasure radiated from them. Success! They were among the Chosen Ones, and had achieved victory!

 

(BRB +125 Chits)

Edited April 11 by Gengy (see edit history)

[Frostwander]

Charyti struts over to the most crowded table of Black Bird players, hooking one ankle around a chair to slide it out for herself before sitting on it sideways, one knee draped up over the arm. "Well! Royalty, knighthood, beauty ... this is the place to be, I see!" She gives a winsome smile to each of the other players, then the dealer, as she dips a velvet-gloved hand into the front of her tunic for a small pile of chits.

"Deal me in."

---

By the fourth card, Charyti's score shows a total of nineteen. "I think that'll do me."

Edited April 11 by Frostwander (see edit history)

[EmBark]

"As religious ambassadors, it is our duty to make friends with the Biarbu. So, naturally, we have to go to their Casino."

With those words, flightmaster Pako had taken Guyineber along for the ride all the way to Badal. Then, after arrival, he had shoved the chits into her hands, wished her good luck making friends ("and I won't mind if you make some money too") and then wandered off to the Hotel's VIP lounge.

Guyineber had sighed, then resolved to make the most of it, using the Consul's dime.

---

"Room for one more?" The eight-foot tall verdant green llort woman asked as she sat down at table 1a for a game of Black Bird. She looks over to Charyti, then to the cards, then to the dealer. "That is to say, deal me in?" She holds up a hand full of 400 chits.

---

At the reveal of the second card, Guyineber stares down quietly. Calculating. "Carry the one... I think... I think that's it for me. Thank you." 18.

Edited April 11 by EmBark (see edit history)

[Frostwander]

19 minutes ago, EmBark said:

"Room for one more?" The eight-foot tall verdant green llort woman asked as she sat down at table 1a for a game of Black Bird. She looks over to Charyti, then to the cards, then to the dealer. "That is to say, deal me in?" She holds up a hand full of 400 chits.

Charyti's Sansar-sky-blue eyes go up ... and up. Her smile broadens as she shrugs herself against her chair a bit more. "Oh, by all means."

[FriendlyHeadcrab]

"BAH, is this thing broken!! Quick, put 100 more in!"

Durats angerly thrust 500 chits into the machine.

---

After the bet....

"Ohhh yeah, that's what I'm talkin' abouuut!" 

The five little Rodents hop to the output, scooping at the outpour of chips with greedy little paws.

Edited April 11 by FriendlyHeadcrab (see edit history)

[The Snark]

A blocky Veehran ship disgorges just two Castaways onto the docking ports of Shiwa Yun. The man is dressed in an aurochs-leather jacket that's seen better days, the woman in a long tweed coat; both seem positively drab amidst the flashing lights and colorful plumage of the Biarbu city. The pair are, technically, an official delegation. Though the Group of Seventeen saw little point in sending government officials to a casino on a faraway planet, certain consultants they employ spotted an opportunity.

"Well," says Todd 49186, lighting up a shock-cigar, "here we are."

"Remind me what we're doing here again?" Rhonda 49199 hasn't forgotten anything. In fact, Rhonda 49199 has a near-photographic memory. But her partner in crime-solving has been annoyingly tight-lipped about this trip, and he does love his exposition.

"We're here to see a bird about a man, Rhonda." A faint scent of Shoku Baotsi begins to permeate the air as Todd takes a long drag of his cigar, along with a staticky tingle.

"Probably shouldn't call them that."

"What, birds?"

"Yeah. Bit like walking into a human city and talking about monkeys."

"We are monkeys."

"Sure, but that won't stop people from thinking you're an asshole if you go around calling them that."

Todd sighs. "It's really annoying when you're right. Fine, I'll try and think of a better one-liner before we get to the hotel."

"Not the casino?"

"Nope. We're checking into the Silver Hotel, and then we want to talk to the manager."

Edited April 11 by The Snark (see edit history)

[Kythia]

Siobhan and the others reached the last of the single player games and examined the roulette wheel carefully. Well, pick a number. Coedd is all, so "one" I guess says one but is interrupted by another tapping the rules. What's this...oh, between two and nineteen. Fair enough. Thirty on lucky number seven then? He turned to the others who shrugged agreement.

30 chits on number 7

But Coedd's run of luck was apparently over as the ball stopped on number 3. To various shurgs - they were still up after all - they reclaimed 15 chits leaving the others with the croupier.

1025 chits - half bet = 1010 chits

Elsewhere

Iago Rhwym, the lead spy and a native of Coedd's lands, smiled apologetically - exagerrating the movement and turning his hands slightly to show they were empty: he wasn't entirely sure on the birds' abilities to read human body language and was high enough in the cult of Coedd to have experience in dealing with beings that couldn't (or, minimally, didn't bother) reading body language. I'm so sorry, no offence was intended and he allows himself to be directed back downstairs to the VIP lobby. In there he stops off at the bar and scanned the cocktail list. One of these please he tapped an item, but can you shake it please, not stir it? I just think it'd be nicer. He rummaged through his pockets for currency but the barman (barbird?) shook his head. Well, that was good news.

He scanned the area and, even without knowing Biarbu social rules was easily able to identify the senior Biarbu present. Assuming that a message about his presence had beaten him down here he approached.

Greetings, Coedd is all. He thought back to how the birdmen had spoken and consciously mimics their patterns. This one bears a message from Coedd on matters that may aid us both. This one would be honoured if a suitable time for discussion could be found.

Edited April 11 by Kythia (see edit history)

[Gengy]

Black Bird, Table 1a, Casino Floor

 

The Dealer, Sha Ren, was ever patient. Still, to see a Black Bird to equal a twenty at the table, followed by the ever rare Twenty-One was something to be joyous about. With a nod to the Dhoaine winner, Sha Ren awaited all remaining player's decisions, and then again tapped the table with their beak. It made the appropriate noise, while also causing Sha Ren to bow in front of their guests.

 

Dealing another card, Sha Ren slowly looked to see what destiny had in store.

 

BlackBirdDealer1 7️⃣

 

A 7 of stars. Flipping over their hidden card, Sha Ren revealed the 4 of consorts. With that, Sha Ren's hand was the 4 of consorts, the 5 of edicts, and the 7 of stars. In other words, a 16 total. Another card would be drawn, and would be the last.

 

BlackBirdDealer2

 

The 4 of edicts. This provided a total of 20. With a sad smile towards the Llort player and the player from Caipe Ushere, Sha Ren divided the chits appropriately. A loss for those two, a push for her Arkhival Majesty, and a resounding victory for the Dhaoine.

 

(ARK +0)

(CUD -150)

(LSP -200)

(ELD +1000)

 

---

 

Casino Floor, Elsewhere...

 

Having finally won, Yun Chi almost put back in more chits to see if the blessings of fortune would continue. A small chirp from the producer urged them to move on to elsewhere though; Biarbu who were not as lucky as Yun Chi wanted to see other games. It was, of course, Yun Chi's choice. Yet... they had to admit, they were also curious about playing other games.

 

Yun Chi decided to heed the request, and gave a formal bow to The Chosen Ones machine. An external camera recorded them doing so. The slot machine said nothing in return. It was, after all, a machine. Yun Chi felt silly doing it as soon as it was done, but What has happened, happened. Now Yun Chi would either have to play it off as a one time joke or accept it, and lean into it. The latter would be far more amusing! Perhaps Yun Chi would bow to every machine they played at!

 

Yes. This was decided. It would happen.

 

Spying a 'Path of Destiny' machine, Yun Chi continued to push their luck, and fed the machine with 300 chits.

 

PathOfDestiny300

 

Failure. This was not the Path to Yun Chi's destiny. Still, it was not a total loss either.

 

(BRB -150 Chits)

 

---

 

The VIP Lounge

 

Within the Silver Hotel, on the first floor, was a cordoned off area. Part bar, each of the booths were large encircled tables of various heights, with not only the stools that conformed to their sitter's species, but also privacy screens that damped sound to an almost shocking amount. Each table became it's own little world. There were even small buttons upon the table; ones that took actual weight to manipulate, but once pressed, could signal outside the privacy screen if the guests inside wanted to order... or to be left alone.

 

Standing just beyond the entrance, at the podium typically reserved for the maître de, was a tall and lean Biarbu with the deepest of black plumage. So dark was its coloration, that it seemed to swallow the light around it. If it were not for the stunning blue eyes and shock yellow beak, as well as the perfectly white bow-tie around their neck, guests might be convinced that the Biarbu was not even their at all. The Biarbu held themselves in an almost regal manner, however, that immediately dispelled that notion. While there was very little to see, the sheer presence exuding from the black plumed Biarbu still caught the eye.

 

Perhaps this was the maître de, but from the name badge that floated just below the bow tie, it was unlikely. It read:

 

Ben Ying
-----------
Owner

 

The Hotel Owner themselves greeted VIP guests, and sat them at their private tables, unless they requested to speak with a specific individual. If that individual acquiesced to the request, Ben Ying accommodated.

 

Or at least, that was the plan. Yet, as is often the case, plans fall apart, and a new path forwards must be found. Coincidences occur everywhere, delightfully; so said the tenants, and it was something that at least made Ben Ying's life interesting.

 

For the first thing that happened was that Bowchi Juh arrived, escorting one of the Coedd. The Jiowchu blinked out a quick silent code - messenger - that Ben Ying did not acknowledge. They didn't have to. Bowchi Juh was sure that Ben Ying had seen it, and to react would be to confirm that it was a code. 'Blink' was an inefficient language, and none to subtle if there were suddenly many Biarbu blinking all at once at each other. It remained a coded language... for now... because of it's inefficiency and lack of use elsewhere. Ben Ying was thinking of changing it soon. Still, it was better then the 'Tap Code' which would reveal a being's position even as they informed others of what they knew.

 

After the Coedd walked past - straight to the bar - a Llort arrived. While it was near impossible to identify the Coedd, and might, in fact, be rude to try, considering their culture seemed to have very little individualism, the Llort was a different matter. Ben Ying thought this might be Flightmaster Pako; someone the Biarbu had started getting reports about at least as early as the Elven Conclave. In fact, Ben Ying was so sure of their identification, they took a chance and addressed them as such, "Flightmaster Pako? This one greets you, and invites you to relax within our Lounge. Allow this humble host to show you to a table."

 

Doing so, Ben Ying blinked back towards Bowchi Juh - who had stayed to keep an eye on the Coedd - to take over at the podium. The Jiowchu immediately understood, as Ben Ying knew they would, and this allowed Ben Ying to guide their guest to a private booth.

 

"You are Flightmaster Pako, yes?"

 

Meanwhile...

 

Bowchi Juh guarded the host podium, and was therefore the second - besides the guards in front of the doors letting people in or discouraging them from entering - to notice the arrival of the Castaways. Bowchi Juh had no idea whom this serious looking individual with the cigar was - as Jiowchu, Juh would know all important people that the Biarbu were aware of - but the guards had let him through, so he must have the appropriate invitation. A second later, however, the man in the strange leather jacket was followed by a woman in a long tweed coat; not just any woman, but Rhonda 49199! It suddenly made sense to Bowchi Juh. Rhonda was here, and this man was her body guard.

 

Bowing to Rhonda, Bowchi Juh spoke, "Welcome to the Silver Hotel, Rhonda 49199. Even here in Shiwa Yun, we have heard of your recent investigation into the supposed raid on New Kildora. It is our honor to have you here. May this one take you and your entourage to a private booth?"

 

A little later...

 

After a conversation with the Llort representative, Ben Ying exited the privacy booth, and was about to retake position at the podium, when the Coedd approached. As Bowchi Juh had hinted at, the Coedd was a messenger.

 

3 hours ago, Kythia said:

Greetings, Coedd is all. He thought back to how the birdmen had spoken and consciously mimics their patterns. This one bears a message from Coedd on matters that may aid us both. This one would be honoured if a suitable time for discussion could be found.

 

"Indeed? Well, this one is unsure how a humble hotel owner can be of aid to the Coedd, but if it is the desire of a guest, please allow Ben Ying to listen. Follow." Leading the Coedd to yet another privacy booth, Ben Ying waited their entry, and then tapped the table to both activate privacy and notify servers that they were not to be disturbed.

 

"Now, this one is interested and you have our attention. Speak your message."

Edited April 11 by Gengy (see edit history)

[EmBark]

7 hours ago, Gengy said:

Black Bird, Table 1a, Casino Floor

[...]

The 4 of edicts. This provided a total of 20. With a sad smile towards the Llort player and the player from Caipe Ushere, Sha Ren divided the chits appropriately. A loss for those two, a push for her Arkhival Majesty, and a resounding victory for the Dhaoine.

[...]

 

---

The VIP Lounge

[...]

After the Coedd walked past - straight to the bar - a Llort arrived. While it was near impossible to identify the Coedd, and might, in fact, be rude to try, considering their culture seemed to have very little individualism, the Llort was a different matter. Ben Ying thought this might be Flightmaster Pako; someone the Biarbu had started getting reports about at least as early as the Elven Conclave. In fact, Ben Ying was so sure of their identification, they took a chance and addressed them as such, "Flightmaster Pako? This one greets you, and invites you to relax within our Lounge. Allow this humble host to show you to a table."

 

Doing so, Ben Ying blinked back towards Bowchi Juh - who had stayed to keep an eye on the Coedd - to take over at the podium. The Jiowchu immediately understood, as Ben Ying knew they would, and this allowed Ben Ying to guide their guest to a private booth.

 

"You are Flightmaster Pako, yes?"

[...]

Black Bird, Table 1a, Casino Floor

@Frostwander @volthawk @Lumaeus

"Aargh!" Guyineber groaned, a little frustrated at her loss. "That's what I get for betting big right out of the gate."

She ponders things for a moment, looking sideways at the interesting set of fellow players at the table.

"So, uh, another game? Anyone?"

Unwittingly, she left it open whether she meant another game of Black Bird, or another game entirely.

 

The VIP Lounge

@Gengy

Pako floated an inch off the ground, but his figure looked somewhat hunched, bent into a position as if he were sitting and with his tail curving behind him and downwards as if it were his seat. Arriving at the hotel lounge, he gave a nod and gesture of acknowledgement of the Biarbu who appeared to serve as maitre d'.

"Greetings, this one." He began, checking the Biarbu's nametag. "Senore Ben Ying. I am most pleased with your reception. Indeed, you have identified me correctly. Can I thus presume I have a reputation that precedes me? Wherefore, I wonder."

He follows Ben Ying to the booths, looking left and right and up to take in the surroundings of the lounge. At least there seemed to be plenty of space for even the tallest llort with the largest horns to fly here. Perhaps that was because the Biarbu were--at least by appearances--an avian species. Pako grumbled in approval.

"A fine establishment indeed. What is the etiquette regarding the use of the booths? I find myself at once in need of a seat and also of enjoyable company. My student is in the casino and will not be joining me soon. Might you have any suggestions?"