As you approach the Gold Goblin, you see crowds of people standing near to the old gambling hall, talking excitedly. Evening is coming on, and things are ramping up for the night's big event, the Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold Tournament. All around you, you hear excited whispers and boasts of people eager to take part in the Tournament.
As you approach the front doors, you can tell that this place has seen better days. Although it has been recently repaired and refurbished, definite signs of age indicate that this was one of the earliest gambling halls in Riddleport, particularly the weathered brass half-dome on the roof that has turned a rather flat shade of greenish-brown. Guarding the front doors is an over-sized golden statue of a Goblin. Potential players are rubbing the pile of coins at his feet as they head past into the hall.
As you walk through the main doors, you see two women wearing horns, tails, and bat wings flirting with the patrons as they register contestants for the tournament and take their entry fees. Behind each of the two faux-succubi, an armed guard stands, keeping a watch over the large treasure chest into which each contestant's gold piece is being tossed and over the two women to make sure that a look, don't touch policy is kept in place.
Past the registration table, the hall opens up into a large gaming floor. The hall is already half-full of gamblers losing their money to the sharp-eyed dealers and croupiers. More succubi-dressed waitresses travel the room, taking drink orders and delivering drinks to the gamblers, and several bouncers alternately lean against the wall and wander the floor to keep an eye on things.
In the center of the room, a large podium stands with an immense chest chained to it. It is flanked by the largest pair of bouncers in the room, who stand bare-chested with exotic pants and sashes and a large scimitar apiece. Above the chest is an over-large birdcage hanging from the cloth ceiling. Inside the cage crouches a devilish little creature with bat-wings and a pointed tail who spits curses at gawkers and glowers at everything and nothing.
Skorabor stops and stares at longingly at the immense chest. Uptil this point the dwarf has been quite vocal on his poor opinions of Riddleport and questioning what good a trip to the Golden Goblin would do, but this sight has left him dumbstruck. After a moment he turns to Davlamin and whispers: "Do you know where our table is?"
"I have no idea, good dwarf. I shall ask when I make enquiries for Moonchaser." Davlamin said from his wolf steed as he paused thoughtfully in front of the large chest. Pulling out a single gold coin, he chuckles quietly to himself while absent-mindedly scratching Moonchaser's ears.
"I'm not sure how much good the entrance fee will prove to be for me, considering I have only a single gold piece to my name after this fee..." Davlamin said as he flips his coin into the chest. "Perhaps my good friend Skeith will be happy to lend an old hermit a few coins, but if not I am sure I can merely amuse myself by watching you two gamble."
Davlamin slowly dismounted from his wolf, who gently stooped to make the task easier for the crippled Gnome. Limping forward slowly and yet still managing to command the attention of others as he struggled with his steps, Davlamin snapped his finger and addressed the faux-succubi who he was registering himself with.
"Infernal mistress- (superb wings by the way), as you can see my loyal companion Moonchaser may alarm others within the gambling hall." Davlamin began, gesturing to the wolf sat obediently and watching with interest. "Can I trouble you to arrange for him to be led to a warm fire in the hall where he may rest his weary bones from carrying my sturdy frame? I assure you, he is quite tame and when resting looks more like a dog than a wolf. And while I have your attention my dear, would you please ensure we are shown our table once me and my friends have registered?"
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One of the succubi, after a questioning glance at the wolf, calls over one of the bouncers. A hushed conversation ensues, and then the bouncer nods, points to a brazier near the edge of the hall, and walks back among the gambling tables. The succubi calls to one of the waitresses, who leads the wolf toward the brazier and then comes back to show you to an empty table. Once you are seated, she asks coquettishly:
"What would you fine gentlemen like to drink this evening? Any of you have a preferred game? Specialties of the house include Bounder, Ghoulette, Golem, and Skiffs. And you'll each have to sign one of these before you play."
With that, she reaches beneath the table and pulls out three identical sheets, placing one before each of you. The document reads as follows:
"I, _____________, do hereby sacrifice my immortal soul and the worldly sum of 10 pieces of silver to the Devil to hold in escrow against his own stakes of 10,000 silver coins in the gambling tournament being held at the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall of Riddleport on this Oathday, 14th day of Arodus, 4708 AR.
I understand that my soul will be placed on deposit in the Hells deepest pit of Nessus. Furthermore, I understand that all winnings shall be catalogued in concordance of souls, to be represented by teeth, eyes, and hearts of the Damned. By participating in the Gambling Tournament and beginning in the first pit of Avernus, my winnings shall earn my way deeper through the Hells on the following schedule:
Dis - 1 Gold Eye
Erebus - 3 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Dis
Phlegethon - 5 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Erebus
Stygia - 10 Gold eyes and a Badge of Phlegethon
Malebolge - 25 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Phlegethon
Cocytus - 50 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Malebolge
Caina - 75 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Cocytus
Nessus - 100 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Caina
I understand that if I should lose my stake in the Tournament I shall receive the devil's Mark and my soul shall be cast upon the rocks on the shore of the River Styx.
I understand that if I elect to cash in my winning before reaching the pit of Nessus I shall forfeit my soul and 50% of the cash value of my winnings for said early departure.
If I am the first player to reach Nessus, then I am granted the redemption of my soul and the right to Cheat the Devil and Taken his Gold in addition to collecting my winnings. In such circumstances, all other player's shall receive the devil's Mark and forfeit their souls.
This is I do swear.
Witnessed by: ___ Old Scratch"
She reaches beneath the table again, pulls out a pen and a vial of ink, and sets it before you while you read the document. Then she leans forward and watches you three while presenting an impressive display of decolletage.
Skorabor walks up to his assigned seat and sits down.
"I'll take whatever dwarven brew you can offer", he says while recieving the paper sheet. His eyes widen as he reads the document.
"What?! You expect me to sign away my soul for a few gold?", he exclaims seeming appalled at the suggestion. He turns to Davlamin and says: What is this devilry you have gotten me into?
Having secured his mule in a safe location where it would not be bothered (and where his possessions would certainly not be stolen), Skeith reached up and raked his fingers through his silver hair as he entered the gambling hall. He glanced around [Perception] and took in the spectacle as best he could. There was quite a collection of gold here. This tournament definitely had everyone fooled, Skeith couldn't help but think to himself. He vaguely heard Davlamin ask him to relinquish some of his leftover change and he simply shrugged at the gnome's question.
"If you need it, I suppose I can part with it." He reached beneath his duster and fingered a few coins from the pouch inside his tunic. Flicking a coin apiece towards both Skorabor and Davlamin, he took the third and final coin and tossed it into the pot along with the others.
As the succubi brought the tournaments contract before them, he simply picked up the pen, dipped its tip into the ink, and splotched one of his many alias' onto the papyrus: Drenafein Malenti. Returning the pen to its keepers, he settled back and continued to survey his surroundings. He chuckled once at Dav and Skora though before completely relaxing. "I wonder if having already sold my soul to the Nine Hells is considered cheating." To the succubus, he replies: "I don't drink, but thank you for your concern, my darkest lady."
Barnabus arrives looking around town and deciding that he needs a drink before continuing to look for this mage guild or whatever it is called.....
"Might I get a drink here?"
Skorabor walks up to his assigned seat and sits down.
"I'll take whatever dwarven brew you can offer", he says while recieving the paper sheet. His eyes widen as he reads the document.
"What?! You expect me to sign away my soul for a few gold?", he exclaims seeming appalled at the suggestion. He turns to Davlamin and says: What is this devilry you have gotten me into?
Davlamin chuckles once more and pats Skorabor on the shoulder heartily.
"Just representing different stages of the competition my friend! This is no true infernal contract we sign, merely an imitation of the real thing- come now my angry friend, you wouldn't be afraid to sign would you?" the Gnome playfully goads, signing his name on the parchment.
"I want a game of skill, where luck alone does not determine my progress. I want to look at my opponent while in a terrible situation and grin toothily, looking totally assured of my victory. Do you have such a game my lady?"
Vesara is at the Order of the Cyphers and is reading about a gambling competition that is going to be getting underway shortly.
"Of course i'm not afraid. I just think that signing your soul away is not a matter to be taken lightly", Skorbor replies trying to save face while he signs the document rather reducantly
"I want a game based on skill, as well. If i am to gamble with my gold, i should be by my own hand. Not by the fickle wims of luck", he says and places a coin pouch on the table
"Of course i'm not afraid. I just think that signing your soul away is not a matter to be taken lightly", Skorbor replies trying to save face while he signs the document rather reducantly
Oh I completely agree my friend, it is a rather distasteful, but such is Riddleport unfortunately. Best to try and see the funny side eh?
Oh I completely agree my friend, it is a rather distasteful, but such is Riddleport unfortunately. Best to try and see the funny side eh?
"That depends on how the game proceeds, doesn't it? If i fill my pockets with gold you'll see me laugh plenty."
"Be this tha order o Cyphers?"
The faux-succubus gathers up the signed documents, checks that they've been signed, and then places them to one side.
"Sounds like you boys will be wanting a game of Golem. Pit you against each other and against any other players who end up joining you." She takes the documents, turns them in, and then returns with a deck of cards and an amulet. She places the amulet in front of the first player to her right, then takes the cards and begins shuffling them expertly. "Each of you will be dealt a hand of five cards. Hands are assigned values based on what cards you get."
"Once you have your hand and have seen it, the first round of betting begins at the amulet. You can bet, raise one coin, or fold. If you fold, you're out until the next game. Once bets are complete, players may discard up to two cards face-down and receive two more. Then begins the second round of betting."
"Once the second round of bets is complete, if only one player remains, he wins the pot. The house takes 5%. If more than one player is left at the end of the second round of betting, the house 'ups the Golem,' or turns over the discarded cards. The player with the highest hand must beat the best possible hand formed by the Golem to win. If the player with the highest hand doesn't beat the Golem, he matches the pot, then all cards are shuffled and a new hand is dealt to those who were still in at the end of the first set. Play continues until somebody wins the pot. The house takes 5%, and then a new game continues with the amulet traveling one player to the right."
"It's more a game of skill than Bounder or Ghoulette are. You're betting against each other that what you have in your hand is better than the other players and that it's better than the Golem will be. If Golem doesn't strike your fancy, I'm sure we can find another game for you to play. Would you like me to deal, or would you like me to find one of those big, strong, silent types?" She gestures toward the wall where several men of that description are leaning, then leans forward and places the cards on the table, and the view again improves considerably.
Vesara: You see a young human weaving his way into the lobby of the Cypher Lodge where you're reading about the Tournament. He has on a splotchy cloak over what seems to resemble a barrel around his person, and he's using a spear as a walking staff. There's a large scorpion sitting on his shoulder.
"Be this tha order o Cyphers?"
Vesara sits down the flyer and gives her full attention to the young man. Yes it is. My name is Vesara, can I be of assistance?
Skeith waves the cards off away from him and stands from the table, facing the rest of the gambling hall. Looking to his two companions, he shrugs."I'm no good at games of chance unless my immortal soul is involved," he says somewhat sarcastically. "I'm going to take a look around and see what's what here in this place."
Moving away from the table, he begins to peruse the gambling hall taking into account the variety of games the facility has. Moving up to the golden statue at the entrance of the hall, he smirks at some of the players going about their superstitious activities. He'd never been one to believe in superstition, so he couldn't help but find it funny that such a blatantly-falsified game of chance such as Cheat the Devil would convince people to ignore their logic and common sense and resort to petty superstitions in place of them.
He feigned a yawn and waltzed back into the hall, wandering from game table to game table to see what sort of coinage he could get himself into.
Vesara sits down the flyer and gives her full attention to the young man. Yes it is. My name is Vesara, can I be of assistance?
"Vesara, I am Barnabus and have traveled from the swamps tah get a look at this blot. Is there a library or documents I might examine?"
"And a person tha I can speak tah?"
It sounds like the Golem is the right game for me my lady! Davlamin says with a grin. But my understanding is this? The house never folds? Shame... You may deal my lady. I prefer to converse while I gamble. Is the Imp real or illusionary?
"This is the Order of Cyphers and we have a vast library. I will take you to the assistant to our leader Elias Tammerhawk. He should be able to give you permission to look at the documents or any other information you may desire"
Vesara leads Barnabus through the maze of hallways to a small office.
"Many thanks to yah Vesara, are you perchance an entrantress?"
"An enchantress no, I try not to dabble into that art. I am but a humble conjurer. I specialize in creating things that are not there. What brings you to town? There is an interesting gambling invent going on, I was thinking about going. Would you like to accompany me after your meeting."
"I will go there with you afterward."
"I look forward to seeing the city."
Skeith: As you stand by the statue of the goblin, you realize that it is brass, not gold, although the shine seems to distract most people. In looking around the hall, you see a number of different games. Many people seem to be playing games involving dice, there's one table set with a ghoulish-looking head mounted on a spinner that seems to be screaming insults at people, a dozen tables have card games going, and there are a few games involving little boats in three-by-three boxes. There are the usual assortment of types amongst the gamblers. There are those who are tense, those who are confident, those who are too drunk to care. Nothing really seems out of the ordinary.
Davlamin and Skorabor: The lady says, "You can't play Golem with just two players." She signals one of the two women registering players, and you are shortly joined by two more gamblers. She proceeds to deal out five cards each to each player, then laughs. "You misunderstand. The house doesn't get a hand. Dealer plays the Golem." She leans forward conspiratorially, and whispers, "Don't tell anybody I told you, but Old Scratch is just paying off a debt to old Saul."
Barnabus: As you wander through the halls after the Elf, you see the usual things adorning the walls: portraits, souvenirs, trophies. Here, there seem to be a large number of wands, staffs, and trinkets on the walls, as well as the associated plagues. A few places have cages with small animals, and there is an entire hallway dedicated to images of strange locations like the Cyphergate. Finally, you reach a small office. Inside the office is a Dwarf with several feet of white beard tumbling down his front. He looks up from the scroll he was reading at the sound of door opening "Yes, what can I do for you?
Skorabor listens intently as he tries his best to grasp the rules of the game. Sadly, wits has never been his strong suit and unsure if he's got it right he puts on his best act to fake it..
"You'll do fine, lass. Just as long it you dealing the cards doesn't stop me from recieving my drink. Ha!" he awnsers the coupier and slams his hand on the table to emphasize his poor joke.
"One down! It looks like it's just you and me now", Skorabor laughts as Skeith leaves the table and gives Davlamin a, perhaps a bit hard, pat on the back.
After being informed that two players are too few and they are joined by the additional gamblers Skorabors grin quickly fades and he puts on his "game face".
"Let's golem!", he declares in a poor atempt at acting as a experienced gambler
.
Sticking her head into the room.
"Sir, I have a young man here who is interested in the library. He may be a new recruit."
Vesara gestures Barnabus inside.
"Many thanks fer your kindness...I am here tah see if tha blot be a threat to existence."
"Yah might could stay as well to help answer questions."
Vesara, Barnabus II: The Dwarf hops to his feet and comes around the desk. "Well, I'll put your name down on the list of hopefuls for apprenticeship, if you like. Unfortunately, I don't know if any of the Cyphermages are taking apprentices at present, but I can look into it, if you're interested. Room and board, as well as access to our libraries, for non-members costs 20 gold pieces. It is a bit steep, I know, but we are the pre-eminent library for arcane mysteries in the area."
He shakes your hand, then retreats around the desk and sits back down. He clasps his hands together on the desk. "As to your other question. Though it pains me to admit it, we aren't entirely sure if Blakely's Blot is a threat of any kind. At the moment, it seems like it's just an odd cloud with some magical traces. Many of our finest scholars are attempting to divine the source of the Blot. If you discover it, I promise that membership among the Cyphermages will not be slow in coming to you. That said," he looks you up and down, the tiniest amount of disbelief showing on his face, "I wish you the best of luck in determining the source of the Blot, and I will let you know in the event that an apprenticeship slot opens up. If you would like to take a room here and make use of the library, please inform the dean at the front desk, and he will set you up." With that, he gestures a dismissal and returns to his reading.
"Did you say 20 gold pieces? If so it is likely tha I will not be staying amonst tha dusty tomes, an when I find tha cause o tha blot I will be charging a hefty sum indeed!"
"It seems I am available now for a tour o tha city."
Heh, did you see that hand Skorabor? No sense in quitting while the goings good, what need have I for money out there in the wilderness anyway... I have to say this makes a nice change from my usual routine, its been too long since I enjoyed the city. Another game my dear, Davlamin's feeling lucky!
"I would be delighted to show you the city."
Skeith made note of each of the bouncers' routes and of the ones that appeared particularly thrilled to be living their career path before returning to his now-gambling traveling companions. "Pray tell, my friends, how is Mistress Luck faring for you thus far?" He stood over his allies and took account of their financial fates. Though they were breaking even, sometimes ahead, Skeith figured if they began to lose too much he would have to deprive one of the locals of the joy of losing their soul. And if they kept winning? Well... Skeith thought he could still play at savior.
"Mistress Luck" has a soft spot for dashing Gnomes like myself young Skeith. Sadly, Skorabor has yet to charm her to his fine dwarven traits. Davlamin quips playfully between hands.
"I would be delighted to show you the city."
"Where shall we start?"
"Well there is this very large game of chance going on, that has a air of festival about it. Could be an interesting introduction into the life around the city, in the shadow."
Skorabor looks at his cards with a bewildered expression and then over to Davlamin and then back on his cards. "Yes, i'll catch the attention of lady luck any moment now" he replies Skeith with a distant tone which suggest he's not really listening to the conversation but using all of his concentration to focus to understand the game. He looks at his cards and his coin stack. He picks up 50 sp and throws them into the pot.
"I raise", he declares to the rest of the table
"Well there is this very large game of chance going on, that has a air of festival about it. Could be an interesting introduction into the life around the city, in the shadow."
"Methinks a walk will clear my head, lead on lady."
"Although some believe my kind can influence tha fates and bring favor or misfortune I tend to avoid games of chance."
"I raise", he declares to the rest of the table
Well, I simply don't have that many silver coins on my person and cannot match your raise sir...
"They usually do not let conjurors or illusionist play either, and I dabble in both. Maybe we can just watch and see how it all plays out. I must admit I do like to watch people going about their daily business. It is fascinating."
"Do you have a familiar to guide you in your magic?"
"No doubt you have noticed 'tortise' although he is a scorpion...Should I have him crawl into my cloak or is it ok tah leave him in tha open?"
Committing to memory the appearances of both the succubi and the bouncers as well as that of some of the patrons, Skeith decided that he could use a mixture of their forms later should the need arise. He continued to watch as his compatriots were dealt more cards and continued their game of avarice and chance.
After five minutes furious gambling, with Skeith watching on, Davlamin again wins a significant pile (67sp, 9cp) bringing his total to 116sp 4cp. Skorabor catches the fringe of Davlamin's run of luck and wins 10sp, bringing his total up to 60sp. Another round brings Davlamin another 23sp, 3cp (total 139sp, 7cp), while Lady Luck seems to have turned her eye on Skorabor. He wins 60sp, bringing his total up to 120sp.
Vesara, Barnabus II: After an interesting stroll through Riddleport, conversing about this and that, you find your way to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall. You see , and you deal with the same registration nonsense of the contract, etc.
"I raise", he declares to the rest of the table
Well, I simply don't have that many silver coins on my person and cannot match your raise sir...
Blood rushes to Skorabors face as realises that he'd unknowingly put his friend in risk of losing the remainder of his wealth.
"Oh.. i... didn't check... thought...", he stumbles but shines up again when the round comes to an end and Davlamin recieves a hefty sum.
"Ha, i knew you had it in you!", he says with a wide grin and gives the gnome another heartly pat on the back
"Oh.. i... didn't check... thought...", he stumbles but shines up again when the round comes to an end and Davlamin recieves a hefty sum.
Come now Skorabor, its all in the name of fun! What need do I have for gold in my hermit life- the wilds and Moonchaser provide everything I need. This gold is merely luxury!
"Ha, i knew you had it in you!", he says with a wide grin and gives the gnome another heartly pat on the back
Your beginning to catch up yourself! Davlamin exclaims, sipping a cool glass of water. Addressing the dealer, Davlamin asks... So when do we proceed to the next layer of Hell dear?
He smirked as the dwarf's luck started to turn. It seemed the two had things under control for now. He guessed with how Mistress Luck was working for their group at the moment, he may as well take his own gamble. He let his eyes wander, picking out one of the gamblers who'd struck big despite being inebriated. Taking this man as his mark, Skeith waited broke from his companions and waited for his mark to depart.
Slipping out of sight, Skeith removed his upper attire, bundled it together, and packed it away onto the mule. Then he let his natural abilities take over. The change was never easy and never happened the same way twice. As he envisioned the bouncer his skin pigment grew darker. Next his upper body began to expand and his set of abs vanished as his stomach pudged out. He felt his run cage expand and a small crunch reverberated through his body as his spine extended. His skull widened and his vision changed slightly as his eyes accomodated themselves to his new face. The legs were the easiest part of his transformation as they lengthened and grew more muscles. Normal clothing would rip but he'd long since learned this and had a pair of breeches that accomodated his abilities. Soon Skeith did not look like Skeith. Now he was Dias, one of the many bouncers of the Gold Goblin.
Now to wait for his mark. He moved to just outside the hall and waited for his mark to come.