Tippy Fullbottle |
"Indeed, follow me, gentlemen," Tippy says, leading the way deeper into the Goblin and around the corner past the bar. Once he's gotten those four men clear of the crowds in a place few can see, he turns and crosses his arms, "Now, if you'll just let me see your writs, I'll see that you gentlemen are taken care of...appropriately."
Marcus Whiteshae |
Now within the confined quarters, Marcus lays a hand upon hisscimitar and steps to be adjacent to the last man and readies an action to pull his blade and two handed attack him should anyone turn hostile.
Why did you bring them into a confined space? If they don't back down, we'll have to fight.
Just a friendly inspection gentleman, if they check out, you can rejoin the line in your previous position with a round on the house. If you think they may be TATTERED or UNREADABLE we'll happily escourt you out to enjoy your evening elsewhere.
Marcus prayed that the writs were legit or that the men were smart enough to leave.
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
A couple of others attempt to follow the group, over hearing the starting of a new counter near the bar. They are turned about and made curious by the event, keep eyes and ears to the rear as they realize something is about to happen. The three men who nervously find themselves surrounded, know things have turned real they heed every word said heavily.
"By all means, feel free to have a look. Come on lads, hand them over. Not sure why you had to make up a story to get us back here but you'll get no trouble from us. So as you wish."
The man hands over the three writs, his and those of his companions.
Marcus Whiteshae |
Marcus makes no attempt to take the writs, instead he remaims.at the.ready but keeps his tone friendly.
Apologies, sir, but this IS a gambling den after all and we must ensure no undesireables ruin an honest mans chance at a refund. Tippy, if you could grab a croupier to check the writs please.
Tippy Fullbottle |
"Four gentleman acting suspiciously with their writs. Probably best to avoid a scene if they are fake. Maybe if they are fake, we'll offer them a visit to the VIP room out the back by way of apology for casting suspicions. Feel free to scold us if they are fake, it'll help sell it."
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
Croupier in reply to Tippy.
"Oh, both exciting and cunning boss. I am most happy to join you in this ploy. Give me a moment to compose myself and polish my monocle and i shall follow along momentarily."
The croupier thinks ahead and makes sure there is a v.i.p room available but wastes little time doing so then heads to the bar area to greet the three 'gentlemen'.
Croupier, "Good early evening to you gentle seamen. How fare you this evening." He proceeds quickly beyond the rhetorical pleasantry. He takes the writs and taking mere moments on each of the three, shrugs his shoulders and nods happily."These seem to be in order Master Tippy. Shall I get these processed presently?"
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
You are both aware the croupier was covering a falsehood. In truth, he doesn't believe the writs are legit.
Croupier "Okay gentlemen, if you will come with me."
The croupier ushers the three men ahead and throws a look back at Tippy and Marcus. He then directs the men to a the available v.i.p room and makes attempts to make the men more at ease.
Croupier "I wont be long with your payments but for the time being, allow me to offer you the hospitality of a v.i.p suite to compensate you for that small misunderstanding. I will send some drinks and food along in quick order."
Tippy Fullbottle |
Once the men are inside, and the croupier left, Tippy beckons to Marcus, Ethaniel, and a couple bouncers to join him in the VIP room with him.
"Well, gentlemen. It seems we have a problem, or rather, you do."
Marcus Whiteshae |
Crap. Why the Hells did he bring them here? We could have thumped them outside and sent them on their way.
Suddenly an idea comes to Marcus' mind. When Ethaniel and a couple of bouncers come in he makes his play.
Well, Gentlemen. If you haven't yet guessed, our man tipped us to your fakes. Now we have a problem. Obviously we cannottolerate this behavior but this.is a reopening and I don't feel like killing tonight. You have a choice. Keep in mind what happened to those who tried to rob us the other night before you answer. Your choice is simple.
You man up an lay your right thumb on the desk to be broken and then you get to quietly walk out of here with a lifetime ban, Plus Tippy gets to knock out whomever of you was stupid enough to come up with the idea OR you can all resist in an enclosed room with multiple.armed and skilled men and be carried out. Which is it?
Marcus is being sincere. If they offer thier thumbs, he'll smash them on to break them and get Tippy to sap whoever they finger for the job. If not, well he gave them a choice...
Tippy Fullbottle |
Of course, when Tippy originally said a "VIP room" out back, he had really meant a back door to the neighboring alley, but the croupier obviously hadn't caught on. :)
Tippy looks shocked at Marcus' terms. Deciding it's time to try good cop, he says, "Now Marcus, I'm sure all that's unnecessary, though probably a lot of fun for us. I suspect these gentlemen will probably be quite content choosing to slip out the back way and never show their scummy faces around these parts again."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
Having expected the next thing to pull aside the curtain to their v.i.p room to be a waitress. The trio of pirates pale as they see the looks of pleasure and enjoyment on the faces of the armed men who instead once again stand before the group. None says a word before Marcus and Tippy speak, pained by the ultimatum the lofty one Marcus was laying out.
If they had paled when they realised they had been out witted and uncovered then at Marcus' words they were utterly drained of any remaining blood in their faces. Granted a reprieve and allowed to flush meagerly when Tippy's counter offered his companion. You could say that each of the three would fawn at Tippy's knees (as best as those of average human height could to a halfling) for sake of the halflings leniency. The men quickly accept Master Tippy's conditions completely disregarding those too painful to even think about and take on a state of readiness and eagerness to action their escape from Marcus' presence.
Pirate, "It were not any of us three that had the thought of swindling ya. I know Gaff here seems the smarter of us but even he don't have the knack to even come up with this scheme. No harm done though, seeing as your security and all is top knotch."
Marcus Whiteshae |
Marcus is somewhat surprised at Tippy's mercy. He considered himself a good soul and wanted to let them go, but in the business they were in such mercy was not wise.
'What is happening to me'
It seems the short one is in a far more generous mood than I am. How am I to ensure you take me seriously if we just let yougo with out so much as a black eye? Perhaps WE can be persuaded to be nice.
Slowly Marcus draws his scimitar and signals for the guards todo likewise.
You can here to steal. So I'll see you learn that same lesson. Empty your pockets, drop any weapons and remove your shoes. You can all walk back to your ship, broke and heelsore, but in one piece at least. If I see you here again, you will instead PAY your way home via the pit downstairs.
Once the men drop thier stuff, Marcus will assist the guards to escort them out a.back door. Roughly.
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
They proceed to comply, still mostly content with this outcome. However, as the men are standing there barefooted one of them suddenly lets out a scream of pain. He lifts a foot and yells out as blood pours from what appears to be a nasty little sharp toothed bite which almost removed some flesh entirely. Very quickly the other two men yell out and they become filled with terror as something very small and invisible becomes apparent with small bloodied foot prints littering the floor. An evil little laugh burst forth at a spot where blood drips to the ground and this sets the men hobbling in fear out of the room and straight for the front door.
Iscarel |
Iscarel stands in the doorway at the sound of the commotion, arms folded and eyebrows raised. "Having fun without me, are we?" he says, with a smirk, nodding at the man hobbling out the door. "...and here I was certain we were supposed to rob our customers blind at the game tables... hmm?" he jeers.
"I do hope there's a cut for me."
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
Yes, the Imp 'Scratch' decided to bite this time.
These men may have been caught red handed and that's right up their alley. They know not to come carrying too much of value when in a swindle. Carry just enough to get trouble makers off your back but not to the point you disadvantage yourself. That being said, the gear collected has little value.
- 50gp, 20sp
- a silver case with 4 cigars (4gp value)
- A tattered pouch containing dice with Calistria's sign carved in relief on each face.
- 3x Daggers in concealed leather sheaths
- A waterskin filled with port
- Assortment of jewellery (15gp value)
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
The remainder of the night goes by and after the spectacle of the three hobbling men early on, there were no problems thereafter. It was a great point of conversation and source of laughter which carried the reopening through in high spirits.
Saul pops out of the vault and after learning of the topic of evening decides to take advantage of the situation further. He addresses the crowd from the central podium.
"As you may be aware by events that occurred at the Cheat the Devil tournament and their presence here tonight dealing with some common place swindlers, that the Gold Goblin is under new management. These, my new partners are fit to 'deal' with anything that arises here at the Goblin. No more criminal lawlessness is allowed on the premises and I challenge any of you who are actually spying on behalf of our competitors to go back and tell your bosses that any further acts of hostility will be met with force. Starting immediately the Gold Goblin will enforce a no-weapons policy. Go forth and spread the word and may Desna guide your thoughts."
Iscarel |
Iscarel takes a tentative sip of the wineskin, smacking his lips with a sour expression on his face. "This tastes of a bilge rat drowned in sugar..." he says, mournfully, before taking another swig. "What I wouldn't give for a taste of sweet miruvor" he adds, to noone in particular. He offers Tippy a sip with a soft smile, and presses the skin into his hands dismissively if he doesn't comply.
He draws in close to whoever divvied up the loot, a sickly sweet smell on his breath and a conspiratorial grin on his face. With a quick glance at the doorway he speaks in a hushed voice. "I'll take the dice if noone will have them." he says, trying on a tarnished ring absentmindedly. "Don't bother with the daggers. I've never met a sailor who knew how to keep a blade sharp."
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
Saul and Larur are happy to see business now back in swing and they are able to start moving on from the complete failure of the tournament. Spirits are high as coin again starts moving about the hall. Larur is particularly happy with the performance of his newly acquired staff. The new bouncers are all taking on their duties seriously including Andrezi who was more of the wild card. His manner and street experience at times lends help to what otherwise would escalate into real trouble. All are happy with their employment and accommodation provided by Saul and his partners.
Ascaria de Vintre |
Ascaria's evening is rather quiet as nothing unusual happens at the door. Well, not counting the three barefooted, shaking sailors that hurriedly hobbled off at one point.
When she later hears of her companions' professional handling of the situation she tries to find a quiet moment with everyone of them, encouraging them and expressing her gratefulness for their companionship.
Ascaria's bouncer checks:
Toilday
Wealday
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
The next couple of days after the 'no weapons' policy was declared, many patrons are taken unawares by the new rule. No incidents occur, quelled before they escalate. Those unhappy to part with their weapons don't gain entry and are turned away happily by the door keeps. A few attempt to get through, parting with their main weapon but concealing lite weapons. These too were identified and the patrons relieved of them also. Ascaria was particularly adept at dealing with those infringing on the new rule. She truly was in good form this week so far. Everyone was pitching in to perceive concealed weaponry. So far, so good.
Iscarel |
Iscarel divies up his share of the coin, a silver ring (worth 5gp) and the bag of dice. Dropping them into the palm of his hand, he examines his prize, rolling them across the floor. "Snake eyes. Desna laughs..." he mutters, scooping them up again.
I'll be honest, I've totally forgotten what skill checks Iscarel is supposed to make for his daily checks. I have a fairly broad skill list, I think I could make most of the checks. Here's an intimidate and perception roll, however, if it's still appropriate.
Toilday Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Toilday Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Wealday Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Wealday Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Iscarel |
Thanks for the reminder, Waife. If that's the case, Marcus, that's 12gp and 10silver a head, split four ways. I'll add my cut to my character page now.
DM_Waife_the_BiPolar |
Today, Oathday whilst on shift, Saul comes and collects you, his partners and asks you to accompany him to the catwalks above. He leads you to a specific vantage point and points out a bulky man with short hair playing at a Golem table and says, "Keep your eyes on this one."
Most of the other customers are giving him a wide berth and keeping an eye on him as well, and the man’s croupier seems particularly nervous.
Saul goes on to explain, "That...... is Clegg Zincher, the one person in Riddleport who's hatred for me is unsurpassed. He owns his on gambling houses and he only gambles with others lives, so he must be here either to send a message or for some other reason. Don't remove him as he seems to be keeping to himself mostly but keep an eye on him."