shapes of men nor beasts
Pod was a bit of a gambler himself in his 'younger' days, (whose kidding who, by Shi'ido terms Pod was still a fresh faced baby shiftling) but after 133 years of the galaxy it had certainly lost it's glitz and glamor. Dont get me wrong, Pod was most definitely not upturning his nose to the idea of gambling addiction - he himself had a rather addictive personality, hence his current occupation - but he was wise enough to prefer the credits in his pocket rather than out on a card table. Or maybe not wisdom, but rather his cynical personality. He didnt like to take unnecessary risks, lest they were somehow tipped in his favor. He liked to win, to reap reward. Losing was generally much too common in places like this. Pod knew better than to bet. The real winning would be taking advantage of these civilian fools, their judgement and joy muddled by drinks and adrenaline. On the contrary he had nothing wrong with the people that did enjoy their good boughts of gambling, in fact Pod rather preferred dealing with such people. They tended to be his best customers, willing to give up an arm and a leg for some temporary euphoria and dissociation, or maybe even an advantage in a game of luck. That was what being in a casino was all about anyway. Besides, the people watching in a casino was truly unbeatable. Especially this one. Pod enjoyed being associated with luxurious things, he felt right at home in the golden lighting, surrounded by splendor and riches. The gowns and suits, the beautiful ladies and well made cocktails. This is where he belonged.
At some point in his surveying Pod lit his death stick, the luminescent stick emitting a pungent orange smoke that further declared his presence. He was lucky, a resistance to deadly toxins pumped through his blood. It was a genetic trait, something passed down from his Balosarian father. It allowed for his excessive use of death sticks, preventing his own addiction from turning fatal. In a normal humaniod species, every death stick would take a couple years off your life. Shaving off time until you got hooked, and soon death would be near. Pod was not affected by this unfortunate side effect, and instead his addiction was simply wildly severe. As you might expect from a drug stick dealer. Nevertheless, Pod was not bothered by this. He thrived in the temporary euphoria the drug gave him, making his chest puff out a bit and his chin tilt up to the ceiling. He did feel a bit full of himself by now, full of drugs and alcohol thats for sure.
He would catch a glint out of the corner of his eye as he passed the Sabaac tables, a subdued glow that cast it's rod out to him. He turned his head, nibbling at the bait. He saw a stout little alien, no bigger than an R2 droid. A nova crystal hung from his rodent-like teeth, he was being beckoned. Hook, line, n' sinker. Pod's interest piqued, the corner of his mouth quivering as it fought back a knowing grin. He would recognize a Nova Crystal anywhere, their rarity and value as currency was not lost on him. Pod sidled up to the Chadra-Fan, a hand going up to pinch the death stick and pry it from his prickly jowls.
"Can I help you sir?" Pod inquired, his tone soft and feeling like a forced friendliness. Very professional, very business man yes yes. It seemed to be an unspoken understanding of what he was, what kind of service he could offer the young alien. He was positioned so the others at the table were unable to hear the two men's conversation or spy and sly under-the-table exchanges.
Root Rocks...
He paused, a moment of silence hanging in the air as a monstrous smile curled slowly across his face. "I haven't heard anyone call it that in years" He did in fact have root rocks. Yarrock, a spice that Pod had known (and experienced) to expand consciousness and confidence - other side effects consisting of hallucinations and increased tendency for violence. There was a reason it was taken before warfare. Yarrock was banned from most worlds, and most definitely banned from casinos of any sort. They were high value, but their price was reflective of their reward. They would have to keep this transaction discrete. "Feeling violent tonight my friend?"a comment tinged with humor, a reference to the drug's past as a preparatory aid given to warriors before battle. "I can make this happen yes, in exchange for the crystal. I would also suggest, to make this transaction perhaps the most beneficial to you, Glitterstim" Glitterstim, another high value spice that provides a temporary telepathic boost and heightened mental state to the user. Having taken a peek at the sabacc board, Pod figured he might need all the help he could get.
