"It might be good to set an example... It was not just 'a few casino chips' after all... It was quite a haul. Perhaps if you give us back _all_ the chips and what you owe... along with some spoils for the trouble of our having to come all the way out here... we might just let you live," the dwarf says, eyeing the man.
The hooded man turn towards the new voice but quickly stops as he feels something pointy near his throat (remembers he's blindfolded)
Hey, have you seen where I live? Why do you think I have to steal money? I'm not that rich...
Without taking her eyes off of the sleeping sod, Krucina signals to Hal that there is one person she can see. She tries to stand so that he has a clear shot if it comes to it. The dusky woman then places her rapier point to the snoring mans throat and kicks his boots vigorously.
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Hal moves his angle of attack enough to fire at the slumbering human. He decides that anything short of surrender will earn the man a blunt arrow in the head.
(yikes)
(oh yeah, a deuce-deuce)
Cameron shrugs, and stares at the man bluntly, "The why's don't concern me. Just there whereabouts of the chips. I do hope you still have them, or that could be unfortunate." The last word is said sharply, and given the presence of Nessa and Dolgrin, little is left to the imagination.
After a moment Cameron adds, "Of course if you continue to dissemble, I'll just assume you spent the lot... That would present us with the kind of problem that only your head gift wrapped in a box would solve. I honestly don't want to go there, but if you force the issue that's exactly what will happen." He looks at the man almost pleadingly, but there is a hint of iron behind this, after all this man did steal from what amounts to a shrine to lady luck...
The man in the bed groans, trashes around in the bed, tries to rises, fails, kicks back at Krucina without being really conscious of his actions, and falls back in the bed
Veris my botlle? Veris my weine?
He's still totally drunk
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@cameron:
Yeah I still got them. Haven't had much time to use them, ya know?
Without taking her eyes off of the drunk, she spies the chamber pot under the bed and pours it over the man's head.
Alayna wonders to herself about the bat winged gilly. Can'na leave 'er an 'im alone or it's gunna be only 'er in a tick.
Hal/Krucina:
The man coughs under the watery filth, and rises from his bed clumsily
What the H...Who are you? Can't a man have a little rest?
He seems angry and tries to push back Krucina.
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Cameron, Nessa, Dolgrin, Alayna
Fine, fine. I'll give you the chips. Whatever...I'm not into a position where I can argue. You won, I lost. But at least I'll be alive..hopefully.
The hooded, blindfoled man seems to accept his defeat
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"Clear your head, human. And tame your tongue," Hal slips his arrow back into the quiver and draws his longsword. "Consider your next words carefully,for they can set you free, or end the book of your wretched life."
He shoulders his bow and works his shoulders. "I want your identify the room in which Beltias stayed. Then I want you to provide an object in that room personal to him. Lastly I want the names of every member of this crew." There is no move towards the filthy human, just the menace and purpose in Hal's stance. "If you believe the other elf to be dangerous for his dedication to your charlatan leader, consider that I have no connection to any of you, and won't care if you draw another breath into those miserable lungs."
"We'd got the sheets full'a wind, now to tack to the cretin that got us sent 'ere." Alayna waits anxiously for the next step - it's time to get out of this hovel!
@Hal/Krucina:
The man protests
I know no Beltias! I'm just here to take care of the children and the poor, by the Dawnflower! We just rent rooms to get a few coins so we can pay for some meals!
The man has indeed an old holy symbol of Sarenae around his neck. He stinks of old bad wine too (among other things)
@Alayna: the three legged dog is chewing on your boot..
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He eyes the symbol hanging about the man's neck. "The Dawnflower you say?" The tip of his long sword comes up, hooking on the string looped through the symbol.and raising it up so the lantern light shines upon it. "Your goddess casts long shadows in this cursed city when she should be burning out the wretches with her holy fire." Hal'dorel's eyes go from the symbol hanging in the air then back to the sodden drunkard. "Do you think her Everlight shines down upon you as you spend coin for wine instead of these destitute children of yours?" He let's the necklace fall but never let's his gaze slip from the man. "See to it you visit some remainder of that drunken human brain of yours before renting to this sort. And see to it every spare coin aside from what buys you food and water finds its way into the coffers. Or I'll come back here and flay your body and leave it in the sun for your goddess to burn away."
Human swine. Vermin. Even given the charge of caretaker for their younglings, they can't scrap together the spine to do that right.
Hal'dorel steps back and sheaths his blade, fishing out a pair of gold coins and tossing them on the bed. "For the children." He nods for Krucina to leave the room. "There's more where that came from should you suddenly recognize Beltias for us. He is a renter here, a human who hides behind disguises and is leader to the rabble in the other rooms. You have a few minutes to decide if your memory is worth anything."
He follows Krucina out into the hall and goes to the room with the prisoners.
Nessa seems down that her plaything has just become off limits, her lips moving into a pout as she gets up off of the man, "So much for my fun today. Oh well, I already had some, before we killed that one thug."
Neutrally Cameron asks the man, "So where are they?"
If the man indicate he wants to show him, Cameron says, "Planning on going somewhere later? There's no rush. We'll wait till my colleagues return."
Debating kicking or feeding the dog, Alayna squats down next to the poor critter, "Peeps like you need a new master, aye?" She lets the terrier chew on one of her gloved fingers while checking her pockets for a tidbit for the lucky little limper.
@Cameron
I'll show you.They are in the lower bell room. No one but me knows where.
@Hal
THe man gladly accept the gold coins, but in his drunkeness has a bad choice of words
You're a good man... Alas, I don't know who this Beltias might be, so I can't recognise him. I see you are hurted, do you need the Dawnflower to cure your wounds? I hope there wasn't trouble...
@Alayna
the dog gladly licks your hand, unfortunatly, you have nothing in your pockets it could find edible
Becoming bored, Nessa notices Alayna trying to befriend the puppy and walks towards her, "You know, maybe Jhonas has a scrap of food they could spare for him." Keeping her hair arranged and wings closed around herself, Nessa kneels and reaches out to let the dog sniff her hand before trying to pet it with surprising gentleness.
Dolgrin, giving the man a glare, keeps close to him, ready to strike out with his axe should the man attempt betrayal or escape.
Cameron and Dolgrin escort the hooded man, while Nessa and Alayna talk about dog food.
The dwarf and the cleric follow the thug till a small room with the "Mission bell" signon thge door, which is quickly opened.
"Hoodie" points out a wall
There, in the east wall... there's a small cache, where I put the casino chips, among other...things.
Sensing a chance to keep the prisoner alive Alayna seizes on the opening. "Aye, 'e may!" She scoops up the tripod-dog and makes her way downstairs, "Come'long and keep yer fangs in yer gob!" Alayna grins letting the demon girl know it's a jest. Once downstairs she asks for Jhonas.
"Can ya' spare a bit from the sculery? Lucky needs a bit a' meat for bein' such a bomb as 'e was."
"But they're such lovely fangs, pointy and poisonous. I guess I should though, I wouldn't want to scare of Jhonas." She follows along, still wearing the tattered remains of her clothing and concealing herself with her wings and hair as best she can. When Alayna asks Jhonas for a bit of food for the dog Nessa chimes in, "Please Jhonas, could you?"
The hooded man takes a small purse out of the cache, and gives it to Cameron.
Inside are all the stolen gambling chips... and a few other things.
Cameron sees some jewellery inside the bag, with the gambling chips: a quartz short sword pommel, a silver anklet chain, a signet ring.. The hooded man, Beltias, seems to have accepted his defeat. His gang is no more. Hal can easily rip part of his clothes for his hunting dog to smell. The elf prisoner is still groggy, but can be helped to walk.
Six-Aces, the mage, ask for his freedom, after having cooperated as much as he could.
Alayna and Nessa go down the stairs, but unfortunatly, Jhonas is out, having gone to buy a few groceries for the children. The cook reluctantly gives a few scraps for the dog, complaining it's always barking too loud. Alayna's three legged new friend is quite happy with the unexpected gift. The small child is still looking at her with hope in her eyes, clutching her old dirty doll...
The drunk cleric, Father Padrick, manages to restore part of your health, calling twice the favor of Sarenae on you. But he's not much effective, even if it's better than nothing.
Padrick asks for your discretion in this sad business, and promise to heal you once each if needed, without money asked (but any contribution for the good of the poorhouse will be welcome, of course.)
It will be time to go back to the Gold Goblin, and give back the missing gambling chips to Saul.
Neassa smiles at the cook, "Thank you for that." Catching sight of the little girl eying Alayna she asks, "Why is that child staring at you?"
The battle fury dying down and with the situation clearly in hand, Krucina takes a moment to reflect on all that's occurred in her short time with her new companions. Saying more to herself than anyone else, "I am truly glad that is over. Enough blood has been spilled."
Seeing Nessa's now shabby clothing, she breathes heavily and slowly removes her cloak. Her hands shaking slightly, she pulls her hair around her neck as best she can to conceal her awful scars.
Draping her cloak over Nessa, she says, Here, drogi, until we get you something more befitting
As everyone else is leaving, she pulls a small pouch from her boot and pushes it in Father Padrick's sweaty hands. Take this and use it for food and medicine, tak ksiądz?"
Cameron looks at the things in the bag and nods, "Like I said, I just wanted the money back. There is in fact more here than the chips. Perhaps you might like the excess back? Although given the circumstances, I'm afraid I'm going to impose on you to help me one last time. Now a vicious little bird told me a man called Millon was recently seen asking foolish questions here. I'm hoping you can shed some light on that. Does that name mean anything to you? If not I can jog your memory with a description..."
Alayna blushes at the girl's attention. To Nessa she says, "The wee lass is a'drift and needs a cap'n. She wan's me ta guide her ship." She squats down in front of the girl and opens her arms, Tha Dreamer has set us in this port, but I cannae stay with you, Lass. She whispers to the child, "We will see if we can' make yer lot better, but I cannae be your mom." She keeps the girl close to her, remembering what it was like to be cast adrift in the cruel seas.
A tear slides down her cheek.
A viscious little bird? How can a bird be viscious? Millon, the priest of Desna? No, I don't know him well. I meet him once or twice, here and there, but that's all. The man muttered something about a quest for his goddess and having to travel far and wide, but I'm not a very religious man.
At the explanation of the child Nessa quickly kneels down and hugs the girl a tear in her eye, "You know what honey, I'm an orphan too. I'll try to help you too, us orphans have to stick together afterall."
Dolgrin frowns as Cameron offers to return some of the items in the bag. "They're probably stolen too... No point in him keeping all his ill gotten gains... Or any for that matter. Unless he's imparting something useful... although from the sounds of it, it's not."
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Beltias
Hal'dorel's shadow crosses the doorway as they discuss the spoils of their little raid. He moves into the room and moves around the bodies to pull his arrows. "He seems a clever sort," he adds, plucking an arrow from the half-orc and casting it aside after a disgusted sniff. "I'm sure he can replace what's been lost here."
He rises and wipes his hands together. "And I'm sure he has more sense than to lie to us." the ranger looks straight at Beltias, referencing the info provided about Millon. "He knows that if his words prove false, I'll track him down like the vermin he is and put an arrow in his eye. In fact..." Hal pulls a fresh arrow from his quiver and taps it against his thigh. "...perhaps no loose ends is a better message than letting this one go."
One less human to trouble me. This lot are so passionate about their revenge... To remove him would be practical.
Cameron's eyes raise at Dolgrin's unexpected intervention. "And it's better if we in turn steal these? No I'm being uncharitable, you didn't mean that. Still can't say I want any of his leavings.", he replies evenly although you can tell by his eyes that he's angry. Perhaps a little at Dolgrin, but rather more so at Beltias's lackluster response.
When Hal enters, Cameron takes the opportunity to count the chips and double checks they are authentic.
After Hal has said his piece, Cameron adds, "Oh I think he's clever enough. Clever enough to know this is just business, and holding grudges in this town is a good way to get a man killed. Clever enough to realize that the Gold Goblin is now forever off limits."
He glances around once more, and wrinkles his nose, "I believe we are done here."
The chips show the engraved face of a goblin on one side, and two G on the other side.
Cameron has seen enough of these on the table of the Gold Goblin to know it's the real stuff.
He counts an hundred chips, that was what requested of them.
Beltais seems really afraid of Hal now.
Cameron walks out.
Alayna says "We leavin' fer now, but ya can bet yer last copper we'll be back ta see ya, lass." She lets go of the girl, and makes eye contact with Nessa, looks like we have a thing in common, eh? She waves one last time to the girl as she follows Cam out of the mission. Then she wipes the tears from her face.
* * *
On the way back to the Gold Goblin, Alayna asks Cameron, "They say the Dreamer deals in omens and symbols, but do ya think a chancy meet is a' omen?" Or did she jes wan' me to know the demon girl may nee' a guide to 'er Stars? An' why it be ta me?"
You're soon back to the Gold Goblin, where Saul waits for your return, pacing back and forth.
Feldurn, his dwarf accountant and assistant, let out a sigh of relief when he sees you
Well, I hope you got the chips... Saul has been on everyone's back since you left. Hope everything all right?
As he see some of you with bruises and cuts, torns clothes, there's real concern in Feldur's voice.
Saul bigger voice booms in the gambling hall
He doesn't even seem to notice, or care for, Krucina. Only his gambling chips are important.
Feldur speaks to you quickly, in hushed tones, as Saul descends the stairs
I'd like to give you a bonus, but we don't make much money this week... Let's hope Saul will be in good mood enough to give you a day off!That's the least he could do.
Cameron frowns, concerned the casino isn't doing well, and asks Feldur quietly, "Maybe there is something we can do about that. What do you think is the main problem? Not enough punters?"
Nessa picks the little girl up to carry her and wraps her wings around both of them, "Why don't you come with us for now? I'll see what I can do to find a good home for you." Nessa gives her companions a challenging look as if daring them to tell her she can't bring the child with them.
Still carrying the child Nessa hears Saul's words and rolls her eyes. She looks at Feldur and says quietly, "We can only hope."
Alayna is more worried for the girl now. I bet ya know a 'grand life' fer the lass! On the walk back to the Goblin, Alayna lags behind a bit and thinks hard on the issue.
Feldur answers Cameron
Not enough gamblers, bad reputation from the recent thieving, a few gamblers winning more than expected, a few minor repairs needed on the buildings after the attempted robbery... Just a bad week, I hope. Maybe next week will be better.
Saul spots the small child in Nessa's arms, and throws another tantrum
What's that? This is no nursery! Your child, your problem, your responsability!Remember I'm paying you...
Feldur interrupts his boss
They got your chips, Boss Saul. It's good news, no?
Saul glares at the dwarf, and barks orders
Count the chips, Feldur. Then gives them a bonus,50 gold pieces each, on the Gold Goblin's chest. Good job. I knew I could trust you.
He gets back into his office, slamming the door behind him.
50 gold each? That's quite a sum... I'd like to have that kind of bonus myself, boys. But Boss Saul must have you in highest regards, I guess. No offense meant.
Nessa bristles at Saul's tantrum but before she can get herself in trouble Feldur derails him. Nessa looks at the child, "Don't worry, he won't hurt you honey. The boss is just an a...jerk sometimes." She asks Larur, "Do you know of any good people who would be interested in adopting a child? I couldn't leave her behind to live on her own and I will find her a family to take her in and love her."
Dolgrin snorts. We should have brought him the thief's hands. Would have brightened his mood.
The dwarf shrugs at the other dwarf as he accepted his payment. "We get results," he replied simply.
Alayna takes her coin. She is surprised by Nessa asking after a good home for the girl. She stays silen however, torn by her mixed emotions in regards to the child. She deserves better than a' shanty, but I cannae give it to her...
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Hal leaves the remaining discussions of chips and wayward human children to the others, taking the opportunity to pull the elf aside. He takes care to walk him to another room, the clean one belonging to Beltias. (In elvish): "I am Hal'dorel Osseus. It was I who felled you from the window, affording you the grace shared by our kind in times of battle." He leads the other elf into the room and seats him in an available spot and pulls the hood from his eyes."[/smaller][/b]
From his pack, Hal withdraws a cloth wrapped square and unwrap it for his prisoner to view. Inside is a portion of elvish bread. "It's been long since my feet tread upon proper earth, but not so long I've forgotten decorum."
The breaking of bread in privacy is an old custom from his home. This version of such along with his accent in elvish would easily mark Hal as being from the cliffside village of Arsmeril that stands as a watch tower of sorts, keeping careful eye on the ruins of Celwynvian.
He seats himself opposite the elf, eyes dipping to see the manacles binding his wrists behind his back. Hal makes as though to release him, but pauses. "Tell me, how has this one found himself in the service of a charlatan and a thief? The association and apparent loyalty is...intriguing. It makes me wonder if there is more to this Beltias than meets the eye. Something more that could put one of the eldar into his service."
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Hal watches Saul turn and close the door behind him. Humans. Never satisfied. To Felder Hal adds, "You can tell him word will get out that those who rob this establishment will be held to a account. This Beltias has lost half his men in the attempted robbery."
He crosses his arms and frowns down at his feet. Why should I care for that human's reputation? How does my employ here differ from...? When does my higher cause for serving this lout make itself known?
The sound of Inceku licking the feet of Nessa's new ward draws his attention. Hal forces his lip to not curl into a sneer. A demonspawn prostitute giving affections and protections to a human whelp? Hmmm, could the child turn Nessa away from her nature? Or will she just plunge this little one into the same darkness?
"Fifty gold. It could go towards sending the little one to Magnimar." Hal shrugs and continues. "A bard in the Publican House once hired me to protect a Sarenrae cleric who travels here to seek younglings for the church. This cleric, Bartleby, he grew up an orphan in Riddleport."
He let's it lay.
Nessa accepts the money gratefully, her tail picking up the pouch as her hands are somewhat occupied. She bristles at Hal's attitude but his words give her some hope for the child's future. "Do you know if he is here? The few worshipers of Sarenrae I've met aren't too bad, I understand she is one of the good deities, though a bit stuffy in her tenants for my tastes. Still, it's worth considering, though I don't know what the little one wants." Nessa looks at the girl, "What's your name sweety? Would you like to see if the man that grumpy old elf suggested would be willing to take you in and send you to Magnimar?"