Lief closes his eyes, leaning back in his chair, then opens an eye, his head slowly rolling in Garridan's direction. "It's called 'demurring', Garridan. I would not ask for another's vial, as to avoid appearing selfish, but you have your god's blessings. You're forcing us to ask for healing, whereas I'd rather accept healing begrudgingly at your insistence." He smiles cheekily at the confessed cleric.
"Kid might not hold up in battle so well but he could probably talk ya to death."
Ederin winks at Lief as he laughs. He almost pats him on the back but he's not sure how deep the wound is, and he pulls his hand back before making contact. Running his hand through his hair to try and cover the awkward gesture he looks to the priest.
" Might as well heal em up though. Gets rid o' the scar from what I hear. Wouldn't know though, do my healin' the old fashioned way. "
He glances casually at the various scars on his arms and looks almost fond of them.
"By the way Dimitrio, thanks for your help. Seems we took out two o' these thugs together. Not bad for a couple of cows, eh?"
"Demurring?," he shakes his head. Sounds like foolishness to me, he thinks. "Well if you say so," he says with a grin and continues with a chuckle, "It is fortunate that you both are so good at this demurring business because I can only help one of ya, who's it gonna be?
Saul’s remaining bouncers and other staff sort out the few gamblers and assemble the would-be thieves in the main gambling hall. Before long, the Gendarmes arrive, likely summoned by Saul, and take the thieves away. As the few staff continue to clean up the mess, Saul and his bodyguard approach the party.
Saul smiles at the group of you and seems to think for a long moment. Eventually, he seems to come to a decision, ”Come, let us go upstairs to my private dining room and discuss what has happened tonight. After all, I still have a few hired hands about, and the kitchen is undoubtedly brimming with fine food and no one to eat it. Come, join me and let’s see what we can salvage of this night.”
His smile is infectious and he, hopefully, leads you just through the edge of the kitchen, virtually untouched by the recent upheaval, through another door and up the stairs to the private second floor.
"Demurring?," he shakes his head. Sounds like foolishness to me, he thinks. "Well if you say so," he says with a grin and continues with a chuckle, "It is fortunate that you both are so good at this demurring business because I can only help one of ya, who's it gonna be?
Dimitrio winces again but it's mostly for show. "Heal up the young man. I have a few tricks up my sleeve if needed. Maybe Saul will somehow provide for our injuries."
He winks, "In any case, it's always good to show that our lives were in real danger if we have to negotiate..."
Saul smiles at the group of you and seems to think for a long moment. Eventually, he seems to come to a decision, ”Come, let us go upstairs to my private dining room and discuss what has happened tonight. After all, I still have a few hired hands about, and the kitchen is undoubtedly brimming with fine food and no one to eat it. Come, join me and let’s see what we can salvage of this night.”
The bard nods, "Food and drink sounds just about right at this time so yes, we will join you to... discuss what happened here tonight."
He grunts as he gets up and turns to Saul, "Our lives were on the line here and some of us got a nick or two. Do you have somone in your service than can patch us up?"
Kaylanye heads upstairs, less worried that she might be reprimanded for her role in stopping the incident. She allows the others to go first, keeping her good manners of guests before staff.
"Do you have someone in your service who could patch us up?"
She leans her head into whisper at Lief, her eyes darting to Dimitrio.
"I offered him my vial, but he would not take it. Yet he whines like..like a Varisian, to be honest. I have a cousin whom he reminds me of. Is he injured? Does he want the one I have? Did he not say he had his own?"
Kaylayne shakes her head, answering her own question. She pulls out her vial, offering it a second time to Dimitrio.
"I work here. Would you accept this vial now?"
"It is fortunate that you both are so good at this demurring business because I can only help one of ya, who's it gonna be?"
Lief coughlaughs as Garridan offers a variation on a shell game. "Well, of course it should be Dimitrio, I wouldn't think to step in front of the better swordsman." The young man studies the god man, and waits to see his decision, given the recent admission.
"I offered him my vial, but he would not take it. Yet he whines like..like a Varisian, to be honest. I have a cousin whom he reminds me of. Is he injured? Does he want the one I have? Did he not say he had his own?"
Lief nods, looking from vial to Dimitrio, and back to Kaylayne. He matches her volume when responding. "Seems only proper to begin with the vial we were each given in the Lurch. Unless he's already sold it off to pay for chips to gamble. He does strike me as confident."
...
Lief follows the rest up the stairs, preferring to hang back and let the older folk take the lead with Saul. Fine, let's get on with it. What bold tales begin to unfold behind closed doors on second floors...
He winks, "In any case, it's always good to show that our lives were in real danger if we have to negotiate..."
Ederin nods approvingly at Dimitrio's comment.
"Almost makes me wish I'd taken a hit, cause that's not a bad idea."When Saul approaches, he falls quiet, listening to what the man has to say, but not offering much in return. His stomach growls its approval at the offer of food.
Haven't had anything but grog since this afternoon.
Kaylayne shakes her head, answering her own question. She pulls out her vial, offering it a second time to Dimitrio.
"I work here. Would you accept this vial now?"
Dimitrio smiles, "I most certainly will accept your generous offer..." He looked at Saul, "Provided your even more generous boss reimburses you. I'm sure we saved him a few golds that he could do that, eh?"
Once upstairs you pass a few closed doors and into a sumptuous sitting room with two plush but well worn suede couches sitting before a low fire and short end table. Passing beyond, you enter an oddly shaped room filled with a fine dining table marred by a few nicks and scratches surrounded with fine high backed chairs and surmounted by a trio of gold candlesticks. The walls of the chamber are covered in thick purple tapestries depicting gold threaded nymphs frolicking in a silver-threaded forest.
He gestures for his personal guard to leave and asks him to send in food and wine. The man gives you all an uneasy glare, but does what he’s told and leaves you alone with his charge. Before long all manner of feast and drink is brought up from a kitchen brimming with food for hundreds and no one to eat it. All the choicest bits are delivered to the long table and Saul bids you to dig in.
Once the wine is poured and the servants leave the group in peace, Saul gets down to business. ”Let me introduce myself, I’m Saul Vancaskerkin, owner and operator of the Gold Goblin which will, I hope, someday rival the other gambling halls in the free coin district.”
”Before I go on though, can you tell me what happened downstairs? It seems my hired goons were blinded by something, but you lot were not. What happened, and who are you?”
"But look at my manners, here I am ignoring you! One moment please!" Saul gets up and leaves by a side door briefly. He returns quickly with two potion vials which he gives to the two wounded (standard CLW potions).
"There you go! That should set you up - best I can do!"
Lief observes the others for awhile, his appetite not what it normally is. When Saul offers another vial, Lief pulls out his empty one, and compares the two. He doesn't hesitate to drink it, once he's sure of its contents.
He smiles at Garridan, and nods, tucking away the second empty vial of the night. His injury fully restored, and the food being consumed without ill effects, Lief dives in, glad for the sumptuousness of the servings.
”Let me introduce myself, I’m Saul Vancaskerkin, owner and operator of the Gold Goblin which will, I hope, someday rival the other gambling halls in the free coin district.”
"So... you plan on dethroning Cromarcky from his advantageous roost, then? Seems the only realistic way of competing against the free coin district, doesn't it?"
"What happened, and who are you?”
Lief keeps eating, and listens to what his fellow Lurchers have to offer in ways of an explanation for their collective presence in the Gold Goblin.
"An odd request, sir, but could you provide me a sample of your handwriting first? It would help me clarify a few things in my head, what, with all the confusion."
"So... you plan on dethroning Cromarcky from his advantageous roost, then? Seems the only realistic way of competing against the free coin district, doesn't it?"
Saul laughs loudly, "No, nothing as grand as that! I have no aspirations to control Riddleport, merely to run an exceptional gambling hall. I think I can do it competitively even with the good Cromarcky's advantages."
"An odd request, sir, but could you provide me a sample of your handwriting first? It would help me clarify a few things in my head, what, with all the confusion."
He looks at you VERY confused. "I'm sorry, did I hear you right, a 'writing sample'? You've certainly piqued my interest there, why would you want a writing sample?"
Know (Local)
Kaylayne looks about the room uncertainly. She decides to eat, rather than serve the others, hoping that she is reading the situation correctly. Saul doesn't seem to want her to serve others.
Kaylayne lets others serve themselves before she helps herself. She sits uncomfortably in one of the high backed chairs, somewhat away from her employer. She doesn't want to be too close in case he needs anything.
* * *When it's her turn to introduce herself* * *
Kaylayne brushes the hair from her face, rising to introduce herself.
"My name is Kaylayne, Mr. Vancaskerkin. I've been working for you for a few months. I usually work the back bar, so you may not recognize me," Kaylayne says in her proud Varisian voice. "I didn't see what happened at first, the burst of light took my sight for a while. One of the thieves was demanding my tips...no, not going for the sales of drink, but the tips! Anyway, I don't think they were there brightest of thugs. He managed to take the tips of another barkeep, and I followed him when my sight returned. I helped your bouncer catch that one with a bit of magic and..." Kay's eyes go to Dimitrio, "...we almost captured a second."
"I'm sorry, did I hear you right, a 'writing sample'? You've certainly piqued my interest there, why would you want a writing sample?"
Lief takes a moment to consider Saul's reaction.
"We're not here by happenstance. The five, uh, four of us were socializing at the Druken Lurch. Kaylayne was working there, not socializing. An unknown actor in this presented us with a letter and a curative, and bade us visit this night to foil the raid. Even paid our entrance to do so. I have that letter, and am curious to know if it was you who sent it. Comparing its writing to your own would help me resolve that speculation."
"My name is Kaylayne, Mr. Vancaskerkin. I've been working for you for a few months. I usually work the back bar, so you may not recognize me," Kaylayne says in her proud Varisian voice. "I didn't see what happened at first, the burst of light took my sight for a while. One of the thieves was demanding my tips...no, not going for the sales of drink, but the tips! Anyway, I don't think they were there brightest of thugs. He managed to take the tips of another barkeep, and I followed him when my sight returned. I helped your bouncer catch that one with a bit of magic and..." Kay's eyes go to Dimitrio, "...we almost captured a second."
Dimitrio tips his flask to Layne as he drinks it down. "To your generosity and my health."
Feeling renewed and invigorated, he picks up where Layne left of, "Yes, there was a most unfortunate accident where one of the thugs attempted to surrender just a tad too late, and I ran him through with my blade. Unintentional to be sure, but one should know the risks of the thug life."
He then gets up and bows, "My name is Dimitrio. I am a dancer...among other things." He sat back down and allowed Leif to continue his line of questions.
Ederin continues his quiet spell, choosing to eat and listen for a while longer. When Lief brings up the note they got from he Cyphermage he finally joins in.
"If I'm bein' honest I w-" he takes a moment to finish swallowing the food in his mouth,"was startin' to think it was all a stunt. Till that chandelier exploded and blinded near everyone in the hall. A blind audience ain't any good. Surprised I didn't have my own sight knocked out."
He takes a quick drink and wipes the remainder from his chin with his forearm, then points to himself.
"Ederin, by the way. Took care o' that redhead proper quick, if you don't mind my braggin'. Anyway, Lief has a point figurin' maybe you hired us quiet like, 'specially if you couldn't trust your own guards. What I can't figure is, why us?" He waves his knife slowly around the table.
"Didn't know any o' this lot before today, except maybe Kaylayne here, but only as a barmaid at the Lurch."
"And if it wasn't you..." Ederin shrugs as if to say "Than I go nothin'"
"You might know who planned this set up though. No street rat can organize gettin' a mage on their payroll. Must be someone with sweets to share."
"We're not here by happenstance. The five, uh, four of us were socializing at the Druken Lurch. Kaylayne was working there, not socializing. An unknown actor in this presented us with a letter and a curative, and bade us visit this night to foil the raid. Even paid our entrance to do so. I have that letter, and am curious to know if it was you who sent it. Comparing its writing to your own would help me resolve that speculation."
"Ahh, VERY interesting indeed! Someone has my back, if in an odd way." He gets up and gathers some foolscap, scribbles a little humorous ditty on the back, and shows it to the group.
"My name is Kaylayne, Mr. Vancaskerkin. I've been working for you for a few months..."
Saul smiles, ”Oh yes, I remember you though I must admit to have forgotten your name, and for that I apologize. Went for the tips huh? Yeah, I imagine there’d be more in the till, but it was after the first round, and we had just cleared the various drawers, so maybe there was more in tips than the till. Still, thank you for doing what you could to stop the brutes.”
He then gets up and bows, "My name is Dimitrio. I am a dancer...among other things." He sat back down and allowed Leif to continue his line of questions.
”A dancer?” he says with raised eyebrows, ”An excellent profession indeed!”
"Ederin, by the way. Took care o' that redhead proper quick, if you don't mind my braggin'. Anyway, Lief has a point figurin' maybe you hired us quiet like, 'specially if you couldn't trust your own guards. What I can't figure is, why us?" He waves his knife slowly around the table.
"Didn't know any o' this lot before today, except maybe Kaylayne here, but only as a barmaid at the Lurch."
"And if it wasn't you..." Ederin shrugs as if to say "Than I go nothin'"
"You might know who planned this set up though. No street rat can organize gettin' a mage on their payroll. Must be someone with sweets to share."
He turns to Ederin, ”Yes, it is quite strange, but no, I am not the one who hired you to protect my own place, though the thought does have merit.”
”I want to properly thank you for your assistance downstairs and talk a little about some business we might do together.” He leans back and takes a slug of wine. He sets down the glass, leans back in and continues with a little story.
”You see, I’ve come a long way to get here. I won’t bore you with my past as a somewhat successful gang leader, but suffice to say that all came to a crashing halt, and with it my hand” he raises his key-covered stump ”and my wealth. I did not let it get me down however, and I have bowed and scraped, saved and even stolen, a little, to get back to where I am now. And now it all changes.”
He gets up and pulls one of the curtains aside on the south wall and motions you all to take a look. As you close, you see it’s actually a window looking out onto the floor below. You can also see a catwalk where guards might watch the gamblers below. There must be an illusion blocking the view from the gaming floor.
Saul interrupts your reverie, ”It might not look like much right now - but this is mine and I’ll fight for it - I won’t let those crime lords with an axe to grind try and run me out of business!” he slams his cane on the ground and lets the tapestry fall back into place. He moves smoothly back to the table and freshens your drinks before sitting down again.
”Look, I’m impressed with what I see here. Your energy just might be what this place needs, a little notoriety - a little something unexpected. Something to shake things up a little.”
”I want to hire you, in whatever visible role you suggest, but really as consultants, and, well, protection. Oh, not as common guards, but rather more specialized than that. What do you say? Would you at least consider working for a reformed scoundrel such as myself?”
He turns his glass in little circles on the table as he waits for your response, or more questions.
Lief tucks their letter away, hesitantly content that Saul is innocent of the letter-writing.
"Ederin, by the way. Took care o' that redhead proper quick, if you don't mind my braggin'. Anyway, Lief has a point figurin' maybe you hired us quiet like, 'specially if you couldn't trust your own guards. What I can't figure is, why us?"
Lief tries and fails to mask a flinch, as Ederin rattles off his own name, and his name to Saul. Should have cautioned them about revealing too much information to authorities before we left the Lurch. That's on me now.
When the short man brags, Lief sets down his mulled wine. "You're the one who killed her, Ederin? You're proud of it, killing a woman? Did she attack you first? She's dead over a robbery, man. 'Preventing a raid', and 'slaughtering those who fail to yield' aren't the same thing, by a mile." The young man pushes his plate away, apparently no longer hungry. He keeps the wine, though. It's very sweet.
"Would you at least consider working for a reformed scoundrel such as myself?"
Kaylayne says nothing, as she already works for the man. She still wonders who she got selected into this group, let alone invited to work with them on other matters.
"I already work for you. But I'll accept other duties if there is a raise involved...?" Kaylayne leaves the question hanging.
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"You're the one who killed her, Ederin? You're proud of it, killing a woman? Did she attack you first? She's dead over a robbery, man. 'Preventing a raid', and 'slaughtering those who fail to yield' aren't the same thing, by a mile."
Ederin listens to Lief upbraid him as he savors a few bites of food.
"New to Riddleport, eh? Well if it makes you feel better, she might still be breathin' if that brute hadn't picked her up and tried to run off. Not gonna fret about what might've been. Besides, I seem to recall you shoutin' 'Good job Ederin!' when it happened, and somethin' about puttin' down dogs."Kid nearly gets cut in half and has the stones to be mad at me for defendin' people?
He shrugs and takes a chug of wine, than looks at Saul as Kaylayne asks about pay.
"Knowin' the pay would certainly make up my mind. While we're at it, what kind of specialization are we talkin'?"
New line of work would be good, the old one is leavin' a bad taste in my mouth anyway.
He looks uncomfortably at Kaylayne, but moves past his faux pas with a, "Yes, erm..."
”Well, uh, Garridan, you’re quiet, but I expect you’ll want to know the offer as well as the others so I’ll continue. I must admit, tonight has set me back considerably. I put a lot into tonight and I won’t see it back out. Not by a long shot. So I’m afraid I’ll have to start small - just 10gp to each of you, per week.” he grins at his own folly.
”And that can go up! You see I’m offering you a piece of the take. 10gp for now, but if we do well, and I’m sure with your help we will, your share will improve. Why, I could see it going as high as 60gp a week at our peak!”
"As for what you'd do, well, you'd be junior partners of a sort. There would be a 'front' job, like Kaylayne might continue bartending from time to time. But really I'd ask that you help me run the place. Help bring in clients, act as a dealer, and maybe even a little dancing. Also, security. Help watch for cheats, and stop things like what happened tonight. You know, supplement the bouncers and fill in for their, ah, inadequacies."
"I expect you may wish to discuss this on your own for a moment, so please, let me excuse myself." he reaches over, tops off his wine, then steps to the tapestry, moves it aside, and reveals a door to the catwalk above the gambling floor. Opening it, he strides out, presumably to watch the goings on below, while you deliberate.
"New to Riddleport, eh? Well if it makes you feel better, she might still be breathin' if that brute hadn't picked her up and tried to run off. Not gonna fret about what might've been. Besides, I seem to recall you shoutin' 'Good job Ederin!' when it happened, and somethin' about puttin' down dogs."
Lief sips his wine, willing himself to overcome the shudder when his body registers the alcohol. "Yeah, the 'good job' was an attempt, however feeble, to call you out as separate from the actual raiders, so you'd run less of a chance of being run through by the guards once their sight returned. In a way, though, it does make me feel better that, had circumstances been different, she might have still lived." He shakes his head, more comfortable with thinking on less bloody things.
...
" Would you at least consider working for a reformed scoundrel such as myself?”
"I'm not sure what a 'reformed scoundrel' is, master Saul. You're running a gambling hall, which tends to be the province of scoundrels, and you aspire to compete with scoundrels in the free coin district. They likely don't play fair." Lief grows quiet, in consideration.
"Yes, some time to talk sounds good." He waits until Saul has left, and raises his eyebrows to the others, the universal sign of curiosity.
10 gp per week? That's much more than what I make now. Not including tips.
Kaylayne shrugs, considering the offer. She knows that she'll take it, of course, but wants to give herself the illusion of choice.
I can give up my other shifts at the Drunken Lugg.
Kaylayne smiles at the idea of working slightly less, a gift of time that she might never have again. She misses the good ol' days in her small Varisian town, the lazy nights of beersudsing and tavern talk.
"Sure. I got nothing to lose, but I won't do anything that involves hurting the innocent, or animals, or children," Kaylayne states with conviction to the party with the intent of repeating the same to Saul. "I already know that Riddleport is Riddleport...but I won't pass on any ill harm to others...." ...especially not after what happened to me. I won't let that happen to anyone who doesn't deserve it...especially not by my hand.
I came here tonight hoping to win some coin and gain employment, for once The Lucky Drunk seems to be on my side, Garridan mulls over the offer. We do have a diverse group, Layne could handle the bar, Ederin security, Dimitrio entertainment, Lief finances, I could over see the gambling, he gets more excited and continues along this line of thought, This could actually work.
Looking to his companions, "I'm inclined to accept Saul's offer." Perhaps they have facilities for brewing, that would sweeten the deal.
"...I must admit, tonight has set me back considerably. I put a lot into tonight and I won’t see it back out.”
Ederin considers Sauls offer as the man leaves them to discuss it when something jumps out at him.
"For all this talk o' money, we haven't given Saul his chest back yet!
I ain't a fan o' stealin' so one way or the other we gotta hand it over."
He rubs his chin and stares at nothing for a few moments.
"Gotta say, a steady 10 sweets a week ain't bad. Never had a job pay that much that often. I'm with Garridan and Kaylayne. I'll be takin' this job when Saul comes back, so long as I ain't hurtin' no one that doesn't deserve it. What are the rest o' you lot thinkin'?"
He rubs his chin and stares at nothing for a few moments.
"Gotta say, a steady 10 sweets a week ain't bad. Never had a job pay that much that often. I'm with Garridan and Kaylayne. I'll be takin' this job when Saul comes back, so long as I ain't hurtin' no one that doesn't deserve it. What are the rest o' you lot thinkin'?"
Dimitrio nods, "Agreed. 10 sails for 'consulting' sounds very reasonable." The bard was already thinking of himself but spoke out loud, "I could probably set up a little stage here and rake in some tips as well." After he realized his faux pas, he added, "And also attract new customers, of course."
He pulls out his lucky coin and starts playing with it. "I say we take him up on the offer. I expect it will include room and board as well. Would you all want to live and work here?"
Lief finishes off his drink, setting the cup down, and looking at each individual present, on the second floor of the Gold Goblin, the night of its grand opening. Fate is certainly a fickle lady...
"I'm struck by the potential here. We have Kaylayne here, a barmaid willing to step in, while her coworkers huddle in the back. That shows character. We have Dimitrio, man of many talents, singing, dancing, among other things. We have Ederin, wise to the ways of Riddleport, and easily able to stand his ground. And Garridan, man of god. Always a good sign, when the good gods are involved." The young man leans his chair back, propping a leg against the table to steady himself.
"I'm inclined to stay, if only to establish a business connection between Riddleport and Magnimar. This place is brand new, so it has no ugly reputation, other than killing floor on its grand opening. A rare thing, if it can avoid the insidious corrupting influence of government and crime lords all. It would be a grand study, at worst."
"I'm in." Bert can't say no to that, and even if he does, he'll see I need to make my own mistakes in life, at least. And he'll let me. He'll have no choice.
After some little while, Saul pokes his head back in and moves smoothly to the wine bottle. ”Don’t mind me, just freshening my glass. That is unless you’ve made a decision?” he lingers a moment as he pours - quite willing to stay, or go if the group needs more time.
"I say we take him up on the offer. I expect it will include room and board as well. Would you all want to live and work here?"
"If the old crook is willin' to put me up, won't object to moving out of my shack in Rotgut.
The small man nods along as Lief discusses his plans and finally joins the rest in accepting the job.
After some little while, Saul pokes his head back in and moves smoothly to the wine bottle. ”Don’t mind me, just freshening my glass. That is unless you’ve made a decision?” he lingers a moment as he pours - quite willing to stay, or go if the group needs more time.
"Far as I can tell, Saul, you just got yourself a handful of junior partners." Ederin will pours out wine for anyone with an empty glass and holds a hand out to Saul.
Wait till the boys here I ain't worker for old Clegg anymore!
"Let's have a toast eh? Looks like we'll be seein' a lot of each other."
”Excellent, I’m so pleased!” he turns toward the door as drinks are passed around and bellows, He turns back to you and says more quietly, ”Bojask is very protective of me as you may imagine, but he’ll come ‘round.”
You have not long to wait before Saul’s Floor Manager and right hand man comes trundling in. ”What do you need boss?” asks the dwarf (image) as he enters the room. He’s bald though he has no gray in his beard. He wears a simple, but finely made blue tunic and leather pants firmly tucked into a pair of stout boots.
Saul turns to him and says, ”Join us in some wine Larur, we have reason to celebrate despite the apparent setback of the evening. I’d like you to meet some new employees, and one promoted one. You know Kaylayne, this is Garridan, Ederin, Dimitrio, and Lief. They’ll be acting in a variety of roles and helping us run this place.”
He turns to the party, ”I am often out and about on business, getting foodstuffs and liquor,” he raises his glass, ”promoting our venture to various important folk, and generally greasing the wheels for us in and about town. So most of the time you’ll report to good Larur here. Oh yes, I’m sure you’ll get along splendidly!”
Larur eyes the party levelly, grabs a glass, and raises it in toast, ”Welcome to the Gold Goblin. I’ll get the particulars of your duties from Saul I’m sure, but we all have one goal in mind here - get more cash into our pockets than we have now. Help us do that, and you’re very welcome indeed.” He takes a drink.
Saul takes a moment right then to fill Larur in on your deal, he’s apparently very open and above board with Larur, and a few quick questions aside, the details are all laid out before the dwarf in short order.
"Well then," says Larur, "Will you be wanting to be billeted here? There's a room," he gestures to a door in the far wall, "Which will serve you well enough, though it could be more private. There's a curtain separating it out into two, like with the servants quarters, but that's all." he looks apologetically at Kaylayne.
"Here, let me give you a tour of the place, and we can let Saul find a way to dig us out of this mess we're in tonight." he gestures to the door out.
Dimitrio is pleased with the arrangements, "I for one will take you up on the offer of a room." But he quickly adds, "But keep in mind that this does NOT mean that I work 24 hours a day here."
He clasps Larur's hand, "After we are briefed on our duties and have toured the place, I would like to talk to you about setting up some entertainment in this place. I, of course, would be the main attraction, but I'm thinking of hiring other artists to accompany me. When words gets around, I'm sure this will attract a new type of customer here, and that is what we all want, eh? More money for everyone!"
Lief raises his hand, then checks himself, lowering it while he stands to address Saul. "Introductions aside, I have questions. I mean no offense by asking them, but you seem open to direct communication, so I feel I must ask them." Lief looks to Saul for signs of annoyance. Seeing no signs he considers grounds for deferring to the old man, he continues.
"I would know more about your scoundrel past. I know you claim to be a new man, but it would help me to understand the old, especially if I have to speak about this establishment in any outward reaching."
"I will not kill for you, will that be a problem here?"
"Aside from the gambling, does your business facilitate the selling of illicit substances? How many branches of business do you foresee here at the Gold Goblin? And have you heard the Gold Goblin ever called 'Golden Goblin' for any reason?"
"Who are your business associates throughout Riddleport? Are any of them directly involved in book trade?"
"How much of your business will we be entitled to know? I can help you with your books. I expect you only have one set of them."
He stops himself, recognizing slowly that he has many more questions, but should probably start cataloging answers. When Larur offers to put them up in the Goblin, Lief questions the dwarf instead.
"Servants' quarters? As 'junior partners', might we see something more... luxurious?"
He clasps Larur's hand, "After we are briefed on our duties and have toured the place, I would like to talk to you about setting up some entertainment in this place. I, of course, would be the main attraction, but I'm thinking of hiring other artists to accompany me. When words gets around, I'm sure this will attract a new type of customer here, and that is what we all want, eh? More money for everyone!"
Larur shakes back firmly, "Yes, after the tour, let's talk."
"I would know more about your scoundrel past. I know you claim to be a new man, but it would help me to understand the old, especially if I have to speak about this establishment in any outward reaching.”
”Well there is much to know and I’m not sure this is the time for such reminiscing. I was a bad man, but as I’ve said, that time is past and there is much I have to answer for.” he reaches in his tunic and rubs some talisman or other which you cannot quite see.
”But we will have time for such stories in the coming days.”
"I will not kill for you, will that be a problem here?”
”No, I am not a bloodthirsty man. Do as your own personal code suggests.
"Aside from the gambling, does your business facilitate the selling of illicit substances? How many branches of business do you foresee here at the Gold Goblin? And have you heard the Gold Goblin ever called 'Golden Goblin' for any reason?”
”Well there is a fighting pit in the basement Larur and I have struggled to find a use for, but no, I do not plan to break the law here, or sell drugs. When this place was run by another, a year or so ago, it was called the Golden Goblin. I changed the name when I bought it a few months ago - it had been derelict and empty for some time. I suppose some might still call it that, but it would be someone who hasn’t been in the city the last few months - I’ve been promoting this place like mad!” he laughs.
"Who are your business associates throughout Riddleport? Are any of them directly involved in book trade?"
"How much of your business will we be entitled to know? I can help you with your books. I expect you only have one set of them.”
”Well I have many and varied business associates, but they are mine as I’m sure you understand. We are business associates you and I, but we do not own each other.” he thinks a moment, ”I don’t think I know any book traders per se. I’d start with the cyphermages if I were you.”
”Larur and I take care of the books, I won’t need your help there.”
He stops himself, recognizing slowly that he has many more questions, but should probably start cataloging answers. When Larur offers to put them up in the Goblin, Lief questions the dwarf instead.
"Servants' quarters? As 'junior partners', might we see something more... luxurious?"
Larur laughs ”No, the room is quite nice in fact, but it’s not private is all. The servants quarters are at the end of the hall, your room is here,” he produces a key and opens a large room 25’ long and 10’ wide. It’s nicely apportioned with bunk beds all around and a thick tapestry on the far end with one set of bunks well secured beyond it. It’s not private, but it is plush - and very secure.
”If you want your own room, you could always rent a room downstairs in the east wing. They’re not as nice as this, and I’d have to charge you something but it would be private. Maybe 2 gold a week? That’s about half off as they usually go 5sp a night, and the best I could do - we need those rooms for the more sophisticated gambler and guests from out of town.”
After toasting with his new employers, Ederin chuckles quietly to himself, watching Saul handle the assault of questions launched at him.
He looks over at Dimitrio and shrugs a bit,
"Don't mean offense, mate, but I'm not keen on sharing a room, so I'm one less body you'll have to live with. I'll keep squattin' in Rotgut till I can afford something better. Shouldn't be too long now that I've got myself gainfully employed."
Until he sees the size of the room anyway. He then pats the dancer on the back laughing.
"Everything I just said? Forget it. I'm sleepin' here. Ain't had this much room in my entire life."
He keeps his glass and waits until the tour starts, when the opportunity presents itself to speak with Saul alone, he takes it before catching up with everyone else.
"I ain't told the others this yet, hardly know 'em really, but under the circumstances I figure you got a right to know." He finishes what's left of the wine in his glass and frowns before continuing.
"I've been workin' for Zincher on and off these last couple years. Nothin' too official, doubt he even knows my name, but, you know things don't stay in the dark in Riddleport. 'Cept for any thing under the Blot, I guess." He gives a wry smile and shrugs.
"So I'm layin' it out now, so you don't find out later and hang me for it. Ain't had anything to do with the business between you and him, and I ain't so attatched to most o' the people I met through that work. I'm your man now, and I figure you know a thing or two about tryin' to redeem yourself." He puts his glass down and heads toward the door as he finishes his statement and walks out, not waiting for a reply, hoping he didn't just lose his fancy new job.
The young man listens with keen interest in Saul's responses. Expected as much, but he didn't dodge most of the questions, save for who exactly he is. That promise is one I intend him to keep.
"You are more than kind to entertain these questions. You judged us on actions alone, so I suppose we should start there, yes? We certainly can work together for the short term. We can reevaluate as time goes by."
He takes note of the information regarding the establishment's name as well, before clasping his hands together. He waits for the tour to begin, formulating more questions.
"Sure. I got nothing to lose, but I won't do anything that involves hurting the innocent, or animals, or children," Kaylayne states with conviction to the party with the intent of repeating the same to Saul.
Kaylayne does, in fact, say the same thing to Saul with her acceptance. She nods to Larur when she is introduced, having already made his acquaintance.
Having said her peace to Saul, she joins the party on the tour. She has already seen much of the downstairs, but joins to be polite and social...and so she won't miss anything.
When given the option, Kaylayne opts for the bunked room. She has no particularly overbearing sense of modesty to worry about.
While the others examine the space, ask questions, and generally orient themselves, Kaylayne watches. She watches for signs of turpitude, or debauchery, or evil intent.
And she does not feel any of that. She feels something she hasn't felt in a long time: a sense of calm. Of acceptance. Of belonging and purpose. That things might be alright, even if she were already dead. Just maybe.
Garridan nods his head as his new companions accept Saul's offer. He walks around the room and stops at the bunk farthest from the door "I'll take this one."
Garridan is quiet as his thoughts filled more with mundane matters, and of the tavern he used to own. He thinks of different brews he want to try and games they might add.
Easy money, he hopes.
Larur takes you back into the sitting room and gestures to the far door, ”That leads to Saul’s offices. Strictly off limits of course, unless you’ve business with Saul and he invites you. Best go through me for the time being, as I can probably help you with whatever you need anyway, but we’ll sort that out in time.”
He leads you downstairs and back into the kitchens. He shows you some stairs which he explains leads to some cellar storage and Saul’s bodyguards residence, Bojask. ”Best leave him alone, I do. He’s a little ornery to be honest.” Larur then walks you through the eastern wing, which is mostly the guest rooms mentioned upstairs and a couple bathrooms (which you’d already know about but I didn’t describe earlier).
He walks you to the central stairwell (in the middle of the western section) and leads you below to a gallery over a fighting pit. ”Prior owners had dog fights down here but me and Saul don’t find that very sporting. We was thinking about maybe some goblins, but getting them to just fight each other, instead of trying to crawl out, would be tough. Saul also thought we might have a champion pit fighter some day and place bets on fights with outsiders, but who knows. For now it’s just a pit full of sand. There are some rooms beyond as well on the pit level and even a second bar, but we don’t use ‘em as we’re not using the pit.”
He takes you back upstairs and into the cages in the south. He shows you the security systems they have in place (lots and lots of locks) and explains only Saul has these keys. ”So it would take a wizard something like a dozen castings of Knock to get to and into the vault. Not an easy task for any thief either, these are great locks. I think Saul had them redone to fit that key on his stump, but I could be wrong. No one is allowed in here when Saul is working the locks.” he grins.
He ducks into his office (just by the cages) and grabs a few things before walking with you back out onto the gambling floor, still a mess from the nights activities. ”I’ve sent everyone home for the night. It’s gonna take a day or two to clean this mess up and get us back up and running. Need to hire some more folks as well, we lost some staff and a few guards tonight. So I’ll be busy the next few days.”
He hands you some keys. ”I don’t have enough for everyone, but here’s three keys to the front door and four keys to the room upstairs. You can divvy them up as you wish. I have a key to your room as well, but of course I won’t use it. Saul doesn’t carry many keys, and I don’t think he’s got one to that room either.”
”There’s no kitchen help in the mornings, though there’s usually some poor bastard in there prepping for the day. The Gold Goblin is open from late morning to late at night every day we can. You can always get one of the kitchen help to serve you upstairs when we’re open.”
”Within reason now of course.” he winks and pats his rather full belly.
”So, tell me, what all will you be doing here for us? What are your plans to get us back up and running? Let’s see what we can do.”
It’s about mid-evening, and Larur gets another couple bottles of wine and some glasses from the kitchens along with a platter of horderves, left behind by the staff. He sets it all up at a gambling table and passes a bottle each way.
”So Dimitrio will be our talent, and will bring in even more talent to accompany him. What about the rest of you?”
"So, tell me, what all will you be doing here for us?"
Perception
Kaylayne opens her mouth to speak, then cocks her ear. She makes a face, closes her mouth and moves to the west, listening again near the rooms.
"Did you guys hear that?" Kaylayne whispers. "I'm sure it's nothing. I'll check it out."
Also, I almost forgot, I have an image of dear Bojask (link).
Larur looks questioningly at Kaylayne and scrunches up his face with curiosity.
The bard sits down to a cup of wine but decides to sip it instead of downing it in one gulp. "Yes, new talent sounds right? Where might I find this talent in Riddleport? Do the other establishment feature any? It would be a good idea to visit the places if they do."
”So, tell me, what all will you be doing here for us? What are your plans to get us back up and running? Let’s see what we can do.”
”So Dimitrio will be our talent, and will bring in even more talent to accompany him. What about the rest of you?”
With a nod of his head toward Larur Garridan responds "By trade I'm a brewer and a gambler. Skills which you may find useful, also I ran a tavern here in ..
"Did you guys hear that?" Kaylayne whispers. "I'm sure it's nothing. I'll check it out."
At the interruption Garridan stops and eyes the rest of his companions.
At the sight of the fighting pit Ederin gets an idea in his head that won't quit. He spends most of the tour politely nodding, laughing a little when it sounds appropriate.
Could be good money, could bring Clegg down here hollarin' an' make things worse.
When Larur finally asks what they can do for the Goblin, Ederin figures it can't hurt to make a suggestion but before he gets a word out Kaylayne starts hearin' things.
Ederin draws his sword and follows behind the barmaid.
"Just had a small army of thugs sack this place today. If you're hearin' somethin' I ain't taken my chances that it doesn't want us dead."
Kaylayne is secretly glad that at least one of the others joins her at the door, though she is not sure that she really heard anything.
Stealth
Kaylayne, trying to stand away from the doorframe, opens the door for Ederin.
Kaylayne, trying to stand away from the doorframe, opens the door for Ederin.
"Oh, after me then, eh?" Ederin whispers mostly to himself as he steps closer and peers inside, hoping he's not about to lose his head.
Satisfied he's not going to die immediately the small man takes a cue from Kaylayne and attempts to enter the room unseen.
"Just had a small army of thugs sack this place today. If you're hearin' somethin' I ain't taken my chances that it doesn't want us dead."
Everyone is on edge, jumping at shadows. He pulls out his rapier and follows his companions, stopping at the doorway. Better cautious than dead, I suppose.
The party peers into the room to find it mostly empty - at least of threats. There is a table setup on the far side with a ghoul head (image) stuck on a roulette wheel of a sort.
Upon seeing you, the head speaks, "My what a horrible looking lot. You folks must have been dragged in here off the streets, how sad for you."
Larur joins you and laughs. "My you must have good ears! This is Saul's latest purchase, 'Ghoulette' or 'Dungo the Savage'. You spin his head, and he spouts off curses for the most part, and you win ten times what you bet if he insults you."
"If he says something nice, which does happen on occasion, everyone 'loses' but they get back 1/10th of their stake as a consolation prize. It was to be quite an attraction, and had done well for us until the unpleasantness in the main hall."
He looks at Kaylayne again in some admiration and moves back to the table.
"OK then, Dimitrio will dance for us, and head up the entertainment - though Saul will likely bring folks in too. I'm not sure where to find good people, but there are usually buskers around town. The more talented end up in the other casinos or pubs, but we might get a few now and again if we offer something special. Can't be too much pay of course, but maybe we can come up with something."
"Garridan, we don't do any brewing here, but maybe we can convert some of the basement rooms for our own brew down the road. Have to clear that with Saul of course, but it's a thought. Gambling now, that's an area we could use some help. We need good gamblers to sit in for the house at a few games, particularly the card games."
"And the rest of you? What do you think? What else can we do to improve things?"
Kaylayne laughs at the talking head, tempted to answer in response but realizing she would feel ridiculous if she did. She smirks, giving the spinner a playful spin.
"I thought I would have seen them installing this, but it must have been when I was out. It had me worried! I was expecting owlbears or something to jump out!" Kaylayne says, returning to the table and her chair. She kicks out her chair and sits.
"You know me, Larur. I bartend. And I think I do a good job. I think I do," Kaylayne, who is not much of a drinker despite her profession, takes a small sip of wine. "I'm happy to help and train others to bartend better. Or work on some custom drinks to celebrate the theme of the Gold Goblin. If you have anything you want to suggest, Larur, I would hear it."