Cheat the devil and take his gold! Saul Vancaskerkin's reopening of the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall and its tournament has been the talk of the town for the last two weeks, rivaled only by the shadow looming in the sky.
Riddleport already hosts a large number of scholars, but as word of the blot has spread, additional investigators from locations as far as Magnimar have come to witness the strange phenomenon, their numbers swelling the city’s population. Arguments over the source, nature, and implications of the shadow rage in areas where scholars congregate, but when it became apparent that the shadow was having little direct impact on the city itself, most of Riddleport’s citizens moved on to other concerns, leaving the matter to the bookish sages in order to get on with the business of doing business.
Of course, the majority of the city’s residents find the influx of new marks to be quite welcome, and both pickpocketing and the confidence business is booming.
returned after several hours.
cloud—apart from its unusual color.
Lost for the most part, Kertria is more enamored with the city than the blot for now.
Gabsen wasn't concerned about the Blot. If that thing high in the sky was baffling the greatest minds, he wouldn't got a clue by himself, so why bother?
It has been hard enough to find some job in that unknown town, but finally, the Gold Goblin was offering some opportunities.
Being a bouncer isn't really glorious, but for an ex soldier, it's not that different that getting guard duties, with the added advantage that a bouncer stays inside the building.
Besides, it wasn't tough work: you just have to look big, nasty and ready for a fight, to make sure a fight doesn't start.
Gabsen was quite good at that.
The last days and nights weren't really enjoyable, money was still scarce so Gabsen lodgings were of poor conditions, and food was as bad as in the army.
The big man shaked himself out of his daydreaming, as memories of "the good ol"days" in the army-well, the armies. And a few bunches of sellswords too, with more or less devious reputation- threatened once again to invade his brain.
Keep sharp, soldier! Awake and angry!
Dot
Balthazar stares longingly into the Blot. Wondering to himself if it is something he will have to deal with in the weeks to come. He raises his mug to his lips and drinks the liquids inside. It all seems strange, him getting a job as a bouncer anyway. He never really thought himself imposing or threatening. Being 7' tall and an orc had its advantages. Usually not having to even say a word to people, he just needed to stand there. Dull yet it pays. And that was all that matters. He takes on last deep drink from his mug and heads back inside.
Nel quietly waits in a shadowy corner. She's watching the half orc drinking. She is waiting for... Something. And he is interesting, acting one way, actually another. A possible threat...or a possible ally.
Nel had learned through hard experience that few can be trusted, but something in her wanted to. She'll be careful this time. Besides she needs the work.
Volk at first came to this place to confirm the existence of Fiends. It a hodgepodge of filth and sin seemingly ripe for the taking by such creatures. Upon entering however, it as clear that was not the case. His search brought him to a call-house and gambling den; Seemingly nothing more. The entrance cost him a pretty gold, which recently he took from the corpse of a bandit. o he figured he might as well stay and *cough* enjoy the scenery.
Volk was not attractive by any means and his condition along with lack of experience being separated from contact for so long, made it.. a trial to interact with ANYONE. So the women here stirred something inside him or his pants. He wasn't sure. watching intently was so pleasant. He did so openly without care for hiding it.
It was much better than watching the Blot.. that only brought bad memories. That Looming darkness, it disgusted him. Which also did not make his current situation much more palatable.. as the shadow of this apple which he required for sustenance was much too heavy. It required him to pick at it slowly.. bite marks appearing in the fruit.
--------------------------------
Just inside the main doors, two sultry beauties scantily clad and wearing faux bat wings, devil horns, and tails play the part of alluring succubi. Both are employees of the Gold Goblin, and they cheerfully register contestants for the tournament and process entry fees. Armed guards stand nearby to either side of an immense treasure chest into which each patron’s entry fee is added. The guards are on hand to not only protect the money, but to prevent any overzealous admirers from trying to dare the infamous touch of a succubus.
Beyond the registration table is the hall’s game floor. Dozens of gamblers, waitresses dressed as succubi, and bouncers mill about the room, wandering amid tables offering various games while dealers shuffle cards, roll dice, and spin wheels. Moving through this throng are a dozen more of the barely clad, batwinged vixens serving drinks and batting coal-black eyelashes flirtatiously for tips.
In the center of the chamber is a short podium atop which sits a massive gold chest affixed to the floor by similarly gaudy chains. On either side of it stands a barechested bouncer in the exotic garb of some foreign sultan’s court. Each stands with muscled arms crossed over his chest and with a naked scimitar of prodigious size tucked through his waistband.
High above them, from the hall’s cloth-draped ceiling, hangs a brass birdcage within which crouches a small, bat-winged, pointy-tailed devilish creature that sulks as it gazes over the room and occasionally rattles the bars threateningly.
--------------------------------
After sometime a short portly man escorted on either side by two succubi makes his way to the center podium, where he addresses the crowd. No doubt this must be the Gold Goblin's owner, Saul Vancaskerkin.
“Welcome, one and all, to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall and your chance to cheat the Devil and win back not only your soul but all of his gold as well.” He says this last as he pats the large chest before which he stands. “I hope you found your reception by the Devil’s lovely temptresses suitably entertaining.”
This is met by a general murmur of laughter and a few catcalls.
“Let’s take this moment to thank Old Scratch himself for attending this event. Not only did he loan us these lovely, dark angels, but he also emptied the deepest vaults of Hell itself to provide the gold for this tournament.”
“Of course, he plans on replacing what he loses in gold with the souls of those of you who don’t win. The tournament rules are quite simple—as you play, you’ll earn more chips. And with those chips, you’ll be able to bribe your way out of the current Hell you’re trapped in, working your way down deeper until you get to Old Scratch’s treasury. Currently, all of you are Old Scratch’s prisoners in the first of the Hells, Avernus. If you want to work your way down to the ninth circle, you need to win games. Each time you win, you’ll be awarded a golden eye. If you come in second, you’ll get a silver tooth. And third place wins a copper heart. These bits of flesh and bone are what the devils use in Hell for currency, and they’re what you’ll need to pay in order to bribe your way into the next layer of hell. The first player to win a game after reaching Nessus not only keeps his winnings for that game, but also earns back his soul and the ten thousand silver coins that the Devil put up for this tournament. You can, of course, decide to cash out your winnings at any time you want, but if you do, or if you run out of money entirely… well, that means Old Scratch gets you.”
Vancaskerkin grins evilly and the caged imp cuts loose with another profane tirade.
“And that earns you the Devil’s Mark and an escort out of the game hall until the tournament is over. What, you ask, exactly is this Devil’s Mark? Well, it’s something too utterly horrible to even contemplate. The forfeiture of your very soul, it is. But I suppose I can show you what it is— gods know I more than deserve the Devil’s Mark. In fact, better make it two, girls!”
With that, the two succubi accompanying him lean over and each firmly plants a kiss on Saul’s cheek with their ruby-red lips. When they pull away, their lip rouge has left clearly visible prints in the same shocking red on his cheeks.
Saul beams as he cries out, “The Devil’s Mark, everyone!” which is greeted by a flurry of shouts, catcalls, and hoots. “Now, let’s cheat the Devil and take his gold!” which prompts one more rabid flurry from the imprisoned fiend above, and with that, the tournament begins.
As the 'opening ceremony' ends, Kertria finds herself laughing and giving a small round of applause to the owner of the gambling hall. Turning back to her table, she sees she has five cards before her.
"Right... How do we play this game? I mean, where I am from, we have some card games, but none involving coins or tokens or anything."
There was little reaction from Volk. He still did this all just to not squander the entrance fee. However losing did not seem undesirable now. How does the lips of the Female gender feel? His body more than his mind seemed most interested.
Volk looks upon the elf, intently. His knees were up to his chest as if he were meant to seat himself on the ground. The cards grasped firmly yet concealing. The gaunt man seemed so reproachful and unassuming. The endless presence of sleep deprivation under his eyes. With a simple response he says, " Dealer.. Explain "
Shade sips her drink and smirks at the lambs about to be fleeced. Will these people never learn. The only person to make money here was going to be Vancaskerkin.
Still, looks like a happy crowd. Wonder if it will stay that way when the money starts flowing out of their hands.
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Strigala had investigated the blot, and so far she had a name that might mean something.
But, right now, she had more immediate concerns. Her painted lips grinned as she heard Saul begin his speech and the catcalls; she was tempted to use her powers to give the patrons even more of a show, but did not want to upstage Saul. He had been nice to her, even if his theme would make the priests in her former temple faint, and she was not about to cause trouble for him. She held her tray before her, ready for the speech to finish.
I love the theme of this place. If I ever get back home, I'll have to tell the initiates about it! She could already almost hear the heart-attacks and lectures for that idea.
She waited a couple seconds after Saul was done before approaching her assigned table, her hips having an extra sway to them as she approached. She made no effort to disguise her approach, wanting those at the table to notice her and be ready should she arrive. If they did, she began to speak immediately, unless given a signal to dismiss her for now.
"How may I serve you this evening? I know you must have some sinful desires you wish... indulged." She stopped right there, giving the group a playful smirk. "If gluttony is your vice, we have some devilish delights we take pride in serving. Such lovely morsels to slip between the lips, slowly entering the mouth... Mmm!" She stopped, rubbing her hand down her chest. "Just thinking of them and how well they go down... The lovely effects they have once they've brought someone to their knees..." She then winked at the group as she gave her playful smirk again.
"But if your greed is for more spirited affairs, perhaps you'll enjoy the wilder romp of our delicious alcohols." As she spoke, she emphasized 'affairs.' "You can taste their wrath as they spank your sobriety into submission. The way they make your taste buds beg for more and cry for it to be harder and faster is simply something that must be experienced."
Then her smirk hit full tilt. "And if you need nothing at the moment, but lust for my presence again, let me know. I look forward to seeing which of you is too slothful for beating the Devil at his own games... I shall enjoy marking you so you can feel envy for those who didn't win." She winks again. "I hope that image helps you rise to the challenge."
If my father saw me now, he'd probably point a crossbow at my head and make me leave.
Strigala nods and returns to where she was waiting, just watching the table for this moment. She also keeps an eye out for Saul, in case he needs her help.
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Balthazar looks at this strange human with a curious expression. Seeing how he acts around the pretty ladies was odd, though, he seems to himself have an issue however. He has never really been around women and just coming of age himself, he had questions, but they would have to wait... Looking down at the cards in his hand he becomes even more confused. He must inquire with this man on his experiences and get it right the first time. His eyes then meet the dealers.
Gruntoh oh gruunmpt (slides his head to one side)
The dealer hears a voice inside his mind
Please sir, explain this... game I have stumbled upon.
; +2 from Blue Book
; +2 from Blue Book
Ah, Riddleport. There could almost certainly be no greater hive of scum and villainy out there in Golarion. Well, barring the orcs in Belkezen, but they hardly counted. It was a place where one could get away with virtually anything...
Of course, Lilica knew that already. After all, she spent the last few decades in the city, and had seen a great many things in that time. She had even taken part in a few things that others would consider heinous violations of morality and sanity. In fact, she was embarking upon another endeavor of such illicit nature tonight. But then again, that was merely a religious duty that also happened to help out an old friend, so it evened out as far as she was concerned.
Of course, such holy mission didn't just happen overnight, no matter what some fervent believers may think. Some set-up work tended to ensure that things went smoothly, and that the most painful process possible could be achieved. And so, Lilica went to the Golden Goblin with one of her clients, to meet her target face-to-face and possibly even begin to worm her way into his good graces.
"I'll be back later," she whispered into Rhodes ear while he gambled away his 'hard-earned' money. "Until then sweetie, try to think of a creative way to hurt me. I have a feeling I'm going to be a rather bad girl tonight."
Lilica walked away after that, leaving the man to his own devices. She would stroll up to Gabsen. He seemed like the sort of person that the Kuthite could wrap around her finger with a few words. And if not, well, he had a certain professional air to him, so he might be willing to answer some questions regardless.
"Excuse me," she would say, her tone bubbly and happy. "You seem like you would know a thing or two about this place. My name is Lilica, and I'm interested in employing myself at this place. Could you perhaps point me to the person I could talk to on that front?"
Balthazar looked at this female elf walk up to a bouncer and begin a conversation with him. Something about her intrigued him. His master was an elf but this marks the first female elf he has ever seen. His face became flush though you could barley tell due to his skin tone. He wanted if it was possible to meet this woman, but he was far to shy. He then looks at the man sitting next to him (Volk) and try's to get in a conversation with him.
Grunt gro oh jurtga
Volk hears a voice within his mind
Hello, my name is Balthazar... You clearly have much experience with females, could you possibly teach me your ways. I want to learn...
Balthazar's head turns to the female elf and he adjusts himself in his seat.
Shade keeps watching. A fancygirl plying her trade. Seeking employment. whatever.
Volk's eyes flash open losing their once bored ardor for one of alarm then justified wariness. They narrow as his gaze locks on the Orc and follow his direction to the Elf, well, the one not currently at the table. He could see what the Orc meant, she was stunning and one again his lower body reacted appropriately, he would need to figure out what this reaction is sooner or later. What concerned him more was the fact an individual had invaded his mind.
His gave returning to the cards, head not moving to show interest Volk speaks to the Orc. " I don't know where you come from, but speaking in someones head without permission is rude. Sorry to disappoint but I have no experience with the Female gender.. besides observing them from a distance. They get mad less that way. " staring straight at his cards once more. Indeed he told no lie, that is what he was currently doing even now but less out of conscious effort and more out of instinctual desire. In his experience it went over much better when they weren't aware.
Gabsen looked at the elf woman.
She was tall, even taller than him.
Her body was...strange.
Too strong.
Gabsen has seen soldiers with less muscles than her.
She tried to look the part of the prostitute, but their was more of her than the obvious.
What, Gabsen didn't know. If he wasn't endangered, I didn't care.
The girl was probably a leader of men, but for Gabsen, it only meaned that she could easily lead them to their doom.
Gabsen took some pleasure making her waiting a few seconds before answering, in a gruff voice that clashed with the elfin "I'm so happy i'll let my voice flirt with the clouds..." voice
Tell me what you're good at first, elf. Then I'll maybe tell ya who you might bother.
Nobody could be that happy. Not without certain substances. And she seemed too smart to be up her throat in drugs.
Gabsen didn't like smart people.
Smart people were a bunch of walking problems.
But hopefully, this could soon become someone's else problem.
His eyes dart from the elf woman to the room, staying alert.
The dealer turns beat red at Strigala's entrance and reaches for a nearby towel before explaining the rules of the game.
"Ok gentlemen and lady, what we are playing here today is called Golem. First, take this here" As he passes a amulet over to Volk.
"That's the amulet, and whoever owns it controls the Golem, get it? At the end of every game, pass it to your right. Now, in Golem we don't use face cards, every card is simply valued between 1 (The Ace) and 13 (The King) in four suits, Iron (Clubs), Stone (Diamonds), Flesh (Hearts) and Clay (Spades)."
"After that the game plays like a game of five-card draw. With each player being able to exchange out up to 2 cards on their turn. Starting with he or she who controls the Golem. They may either bet, raise, or fold. After which they can exchange their cards. Those they give back however go to the Golem's Hand."
"If all the players fold except one, then they will take the pot. If not after all players remaining have exchanged their cards, they will compare hands to determine a winner. However, the winner of the table must then beat the Golem's hand (Made up from all the discarded cards). If they fail to do so, then the pot must be doubled using their money and another hand is immediately played again using the new larger pot."
"What do you say? All make sense?"
Lilica would continue to smile sweetly at Gabsen's curt response, tsking softly as she did so. It was plain to see why he got this job, of all things. Man had all the personality of a post, but there was a certain intimidating factor to him. It was good to see what sort of person Vancaserkin would put on the payroll.
"Oh," she would say, her tone still seemingly delighted. She would reach into her clothes after that, pulling out a wooden holy symbol of Calistria from somewhere in her outfit, idly playing with it in plain sight. "A little of this, a little of that. Most of my life has been in the pursuit of the worship of my deity, in ways both official and unofficial. But I'm a fair hand at other things, such as cooking, sailing, tax-work, tavern-keeping... A girl tends to pick up a thing or two when you've lived as long as I have, you know. I suppose if I had to flatter myself, I would say that I was a woman of many talents."
She happened to catch a few men staring out of the corner of her eye, including what appeared to be a pair of orcs. ... Well, probably orcs. If one wasn't, then he was just terribly ugly. Which really was such a shame, as far as Lilica was concerned. After all, few things caused as much pain as ruining something truly beautiful. Like maybe one of the waitresses...
The Kuthite quickly discarded the thought. Such things could wait for a time. After all, it wasn't like she wasn't going to get in a prayer service later anyways with her client. She could try to snag more people, but why bother now? That sort of joy could wait for when Rhodes started to become more jaded.
At seeing the two male customers at the table were ignoring her, Strigala stuck out her bottom lip and pretended to pout, her arms crossing on her chest in a way that only emphasized certain features. She also made it a point to lean just so the dealer could almost get a view without actually getting one, just to see how he'd react to that.
This is a lot of fun! I'm glad they see me as just part of the scenery. I won't want them bothering me on the street about this.
"Observing from a distance is a lot of fun, but I bet you miss a lot of details." She then looked to Kertria. "What about you, loveliness? Is there anything you desire? Something that makes your heart beat, your breathe come short, it uncomfortable to sit as you shift in want and need? Just say the word."
I may have to stop before I cause that poor dealer to lose concentration...
Kertria, somewhat unsure how to act to such vulgarish displays, nearly misses the dealers explanation of the game. Nodding along, the rules were simple enough yet she starts to realize that the game would also require skill along with luck.
"I-I think I understand..."
Taking her cards, she decides to play on.
Turning back towards the sultry seductress, she stammers on. "I-I-I g-guess some j-juice is fine..." By now her face was crimson enough a red dragon could confuse her for one of it's hatchlings.
Balthazar looks at Volk with a curious expression. Then blows a whistle, which no sound is heard from.
Grunt grogru
Volk hears the voice again
Unfortunatly its the only way I can communicate so you are gonna have to accept it... Reguardless, thanks for being a dissapointment.
Balthazar then nods to the dealer after he hears the rules. He'll play along for now. He takes one last look at the elf acrossed the room before playing the game.
He then notices the other female elf standing just a few feet away from him... his jaw drops... he then manually closes his mouth with his hand and looked back at his cards.
Volk looks to the half-elven woman and seems to think deeply for a moment before spouting the words directly from his mind. " I wasnt ignoring you I just thought maybe asking to suck on your nipples would be in bad taste.. but I guess its okay.. right? Now to this game. I think I understand it well. "
Volk drew his cards, quirked a brow and played on a whim. The trick seemed to be not to give the dealer a good hand at least.
He looks to the waitress with his eyes not moving his head " I'd prefer the right breast if I got a choice.. not sure why. "
Shade moves over to watch the game, having finished her drink. She catches volk's nipple comment and snorts.
blunt fellow. Wonder how she'll react. I can see him being beat up with a mouth like that.
Balthazar almost fell out of his chair as he heard Volk blurt out though words. He gets flush in the face and trys to concentrate on the game.
Strigala grinned wide as the elf player blushed and began to stammer.
"One juice for the lovely lady playing the game. Let me know if there's anything else you want, darling." She gave a salacious wink as she finished speaking.
This is too much fun! These poor people are going to have a very hard time concentrating on...
And then she hears Volk's comment, causing her cheeks to redden as a blush came to her own face. But without hesitating, she laughed and waggled her finger at him.
"The Devil is going to love you! You're saucy enough to fit in his court." She winked. "Focus on winning and you might get your wish. The Devil bet a mountain of gold against your soul that he's a better poker player than you. And the winner gets the spoils..."
She then blew Volk a kiss, careful not to actually touch her hand, winked, and turned to head towards the kitchen to get Kertria's order. As she walked off, she threw an extra sway into her hips, just to tease everyone at the table.
With Strigala gone from the table the dealer was able to stop staring, though he waited to watch her leave.
"Saul uhh, knows how to pick them, as they say."
With a dirty look to Volk he reached across the table and picked up the amulet before passing it over to Kertria.
"The lady controls the Golem." then he picked up a few chips from each player and moved them around the table, with Volk taking the majority.
As another passing succubi walks by, the dealer reaches out and grabs a shot off her tray before slamming it back.
"Okay right, back to gambling!"
Volk gave the Half-elf a fleeting glance before looking to the others at the table including the dealer who seemed most effected than the rest.
" Hrmm, she didn't hit me, and instead blushed and ran away. I think that counts as positive progress. Dealer, I must ask if what she says is true. If I win will I get to suckle her teats..perhaps more? I hadn't really thought past the breasts. So I guessed monetary gain might help along that goal. "
As he played it seemed that Volk's comment had jarred the Elf and Orc and somehow he had the majority of the chips.. Go figure.
A Calistrian.
Gabsen knew of that kind of folk. You better have to keep their mouths busy if you don't want to get preached to.
After a big batttle, if you're not too wounded, comes the pillaging, and the burning desire,running through your veins and muscles, just because you're still alive, and your foes aren't anymore.
Women become just another kind of loot.
War never shows the best things in people, and Gabsen was no exception. Still, in his everyday life, Gabsen wouldn't force a woman, and so Calistrian temples weren't unknown to him.
He answered the elf, quietly
I'm sure you got plenty o'talents. You should have come earlier, the boss was recruiting girls for tonight's show, and he's busy now. Why should I trust you?
Volk didn't really care fully what the Dealer had to say, it just would have done better to know if his new goal was well received. Seeing as he had a fair ot as it was from guesswork, Volk could afford some mistakes. He discarded cards that didnt make much out easily and secured strong enough hands. The thought process of possibly getting a pillow out of the half-elf's lap also raised, it was distracting. Something about shapely legs was polarizing to him as well. Overall the game became amusing for much different reasons.
The second round of cards continues and the dealer seems to have recomposed himself.
Suddenly, a woman a few tables over spills her chips all over the floor, this causes more than a few people to stare.
Gabsen, Kertria, and Lilica all sense something is off suddenly. Looking around they spot that a good number of people have suddenly closed their eyes.
Gabsen and Lilica both immediately close their eyes out of instinct, but Kertria is unable to come to terms with the situation in time.
Saved!
Saved!
Saved!
Saved!
Blinded! Rounds
Blinded! Rounds
Saved!
Saved!
Only a moment after Lilica and Gabsen close their eyes, the room is filled with a bright blinding light as fireworks erupt all around the gaming hall.
Screams begin to erupt all over the building, as the woman who had just previously dropped her chips was now standing ontop of the Ghoulette table and shouting as those nearby begin to draw swords.
“All right, folks! Drop to the ground and don’t try anything stupid and we might let you live!”
Two thugs move up on either side on the nearest bouncer to the chest and stab at him with their drawn short swords.
The bouncer is cut down instantly from both sides. Most people who had yet to panic, have now done so.
The other thug takes a swing at the other bouncer close by.
The Bouncer takes a nasty gash to his chest, but remains standing. The rest of the criminals move into position around the center stage drawing closer towards the remaining bouncers.
Volk barely notices te blinding flash that seems to erupt from everywhere. His contemplation on the previous woman's breast contour and nipple color seemed to have saved him from whatever effect it had. The more alarming case happened to be the uproar.. and even MORE important, interrupting his chance at winning some prized nipple!
Without even standing up the man lifted his left hand as his eyes grow dark the runes upon his skin glow violet. It seeps into his fingertip giving of a smokey black mist as a sudden rift in the air tears open dark ichor leaks out of the palm-sized hole before a Spike of pure void lances towards the Thug's heart nearest to him.
The rift shuts close with a loud conflagration of energy as the markings on his left side remain. " You're making it hard to play the game. Take your business elsewhere. Don't interfere with my boob conquest " He slowly stands up looking to the other Thugs and the woman on the table, " Unless you plan on compensating my time? "
Volk's strange violet light spews out from his hands like a spear of lightning, rending through the nearest thug who had been running for the podium.
His legs fly out from underneath him and he crumbles onto the floor bleeding profusely.
Balthazar stands from his seat, casually placing his cards face down. He then speaks aloud, Fethos! His arm outstretched with his hand perpendicular to the floor. A faint hum is heard then silence. He then flicks and turns his opposite wrist and from under his sleeve comes a slim dagger. He then snorts and spits in the general direction of one of the assailants. Everyone withing 60ft hears a voice in thier minds Been a while since I had a good fight.
Strigala shook her head as she headed out of sight of the table, overhearing Volk's remark.
Saul will have to watch that one. He's a contender for winning the tournament. He might expect to win me as well! May have to see if I can distract him otherwise...
And then, just as she reaches the bar, a blinding light fills the open area, causing her to wince and cover her eyes. She tries to remember what kind of spell could cause the magical effect she had just seen as her eyes clear, going over everything she had read while researching her own curse.
"Somehow, some way, this is all your fault," she mutters to the spirits that always hover around her.
She curses beneath her breath as she hears the shouting from the other room. Okay, think... I'm unarmored, unarmed, and dressed like part of the staff. None of the spells I know are even remotely capable of direct damage, the best spell for doing any damage is to summon an animal, and... Her lips then turned upward in a wicked grin. And I'm in the best position to provide a distraction.
She closed her eyes as she began the spell, keeping her voice as low as she can as she called upon power to summon the creature. A fire beetle, which always turned out Celestial for some reason, was her intended summon.
Okay, I just have to have this fire beetle attack the nearest guy, scream about an attack, and then hope it works.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Shade sees the fight begin, and quickly casts a spell
agemey rmoray
Balthazar notices a halfling casting a spell, though he couldn't identify it, she was obviously blinded. So it was most likely not a hostile one.
Jumping from her chair at the noises, Kertria jumps up and is blinded. Drawing her trusty blade, she roars out. "WHO DID THIS?"
Lilica chuckled at Gabsen's question about her trustworthiness. Yes, he made a most excellent guard. Vancaskerkin would be quite an interesting target if all of his employees were like this one. That was good. Those who were well-defended always looked so surprised when they found themselves at the mercy of the cult.
"This is Riddleport," she said, her tone still sweet. "You should never trust anyone."
Then she caught the caster out of the edge of her vision. Her eyes practically glimmered in anticipation at the point when the woman dropped her poker chips. She adjusted her holy symbol ever so slightly, and closed her eyes. Even then, she could "see" the intensity of the flash. Thankfully it would do her no harm, thanks to her luck and quick thinking. She glanced towards the fallen bouncer as she opened her eyes, a barely visible shiver running through her.
"Case in point," she whispered to the bouncer as a wide smile spread across her face. Now this promised to be fun! "Caster in the restroom. I didn't bring my protection tonight, as I'm with a client. But I'm still armed with my faith. Hopefully you can wield yours as easily as I wield mine...."
The elf would immediately raise both hands into the air, the same grin on her face. It was time to play a little game.
"Gentlemen! I assure you that I mean no small harm. As you can see, I am completely and totally-"
The elf spat out a short curse from her true faith, making sure to pronounce it in Elven. A spur of acid rushed towards the nearest thug's face, and a familiar sense of euphoria began to settle into Lilica. She giggled some as the panic and bloodshed began to have their effect upon the crowd.
"-unarmed!"
Seeing the elf casting a blob of acid out of nowhere, Gabsen says
That's why I never trusted you, elf, in Riddleport or deep down at the bottom of the seas. Haven't much faith in gods either.
He stays calm, his eyes searching, securing his hold on his oversized scimitar
Seek the boss.These dudes are small money. Don't look at their eyes, seek who is watching them and givin" orders. We got to walk through the chain of command, locate who's doin" the thinkin",probably the damn mage who blinded everyone, and cut his head off.Don't bother yet with the girl barking orders on the table, she's a drill sergeant, makin" things happenin" for her captain, who's watchin" behind the front lines.
The remaining bouncers other than Gabsen move up if needed and attack their closest foes.
The wounded bouncer returns the attack given to him kind, while the other cuts into the thug's leather tunic but doesn't penetrate.
Round One Summary:
Kertria and Nel were both blinded by an unknown spell.
Two thugs managed to strike down a bouncer, while another gave one a nasty wound, and the others moved around the gaming hall. The Woman on the Ghoulette table seems to be encouraging her fellow criminals. While the man in green heads for the center podium.
Volk was able to strike down a thug, and Lilica wounded one with a Acid Splash. Kertria, Nel, and Balthazar spent their turn buffing or preparing for combat. While Strigala has begun to cast a summon, and Gabsen scans the room for the leader.
End of Round One Summary
Beginning of Round Two!
The woman on the Ghoulette table cries out, "Andiv, kill the sorcerer over there; and anyone else who tries to fight back. Kill the elf, Dansk."
While the man in green follows by saying "The rest of you not busy getting your hands bloody, gather around me."
The thug that Lilica burned, apparently named Dansk moves forward and stabs at Lilica.
But she is able to move aside easily.
The two who had just previously cut the throat of one of the bouncers both team up again on the next one who has moved up.
But this one is prepared and is able to dodge their strikes barely.
The thug who was wounded by the other bouncer slashes back at him.
The bouncer although able to sustain one nasty wound was apparently unable to take another and collapses onto the floor.
The final thug runs to Gabsen and stabs at him.
But Gabsen is able to easily deflect the blow aside with the oversized sword.
Finally, the woman moves down off the table and draws her Rapier.