<div class="floatright"><div align="center">(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/53599088_5656895024372573_8025762724677943296_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&amp;efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&amp;oh=29304e1589eb7f23b8f977cbcea0152b&amp;oe=5D1C61B5)<br/></div></div>It was often said of the King of Curs that he wasn’t as stupid as he looked. Charles Bancroft was particularly fond of admitting playfully that no one was as stupid as he looked. Not a particularly well educated specimen on his own, he had rose to his place utilizing an almost animalistic cunning.<br/><br/>That said, he was a great fan of a number of cognitive enhancers to make up for his natural shortcomings and mean streets upbringing. Charles’ headband was a great help, as the majority of his “schooling” involved quick hands and skulkery. Centuries of knowledge mystically at his disposal, it was his natural aptitude and instincts that told him best where to apply it.<br/><br/>Of his own strengths, above all, he was ever vigilant and alert. It had kept him from being backstabbed both in underworld settings as well as political minefields like this one. Charles was painfully aware of his surroundings, as well as the people and opportunities present in them at all times...<br/><br/>Even times such as this, when he was six tall tankards down and his free hand cupping the toned ass of his tiefling valet. The slender man stretched across Charles, giving attention to the young elven girl at his other side. He steadied himself inappropriately with a nimble hand on Bancroft’s inner thigh.<br/><br/>In typical fashion, the Cur seemed bored by the excess, granting more attention to his beverage than his escorts. Instead of seeking conversation in this particular gathering, he was content to be seen and let others find him. He was keeping himself sharp enough, switching between ale and water. Charles knew his place despite his majesty’s graciousness and so he knew his seat at the table came with strings...<br/><br/>It was only a matter of time before a request was made.<br/><br/>His habit in most extravagant dinner situations was to look to the blue collars. The high society actors that passed for nobles had spent years honing their facade. Some with greater success than others, admittedly but for a true read of a party or event, one had to watch the guards and servers. They were a keen metric if anything was going on behind the scenes. Servants were instructed to the delicate proclivities and preferences of all the guests as well as the kitchen gossip. They knew who to keep away from whom and what lure best to use, be it flirtation, food or liquor to subtly draw them away. And no one would betray a silent tension (like a drunken lesser noble that needed to be removed or perhaps high alert after a death threat) more truly than the guards.<br/><br/>Charles ran his fingers up the small of his tieflings back, wrapping his thick fingers in the valet’s hair and tugging him gently away from the elf, whispering an promise of things to come. The young man simply smirked wickedly and stole a drink from his lord’s cup before biting gently at Bancroft’s chin. Charles appreciated a hint of sass in his servants, and so it went unpunished as he casually scanned the room over the top of his mug.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Insight 23</div><div class="spoiler_body">At 2019-03-21 18:01:03, Brittlby (uid: 870) rolls: 1d20k1a3 Result: 23 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=133225)</div></div>