"Aye," Orendel adds removing his own armor and looking for a place to set it. "We're not on a forced march here."
He sighs a bit.
"Gonna have to see about getting a proper armor stand once I've got some more money. Even as damaged as they are, I've got to keep my arms and armor in as good condition as I can."
He elects to place it on the floor and his bedroll near it, out of the way of any major foot traffic in the room.
"And we'll have to speak with Saul about washrooms. I can't be the only one in need of a bath."
Appearance // Current Mood: Drunk // HP: 9/9
Spells: 1st - 4/5 // Active Performance: none (11/11)
Buffs: 0 // Debuffs: no armor AC=11 //
The priest was just about to pass out before she was shaken awake. "What? I'm up, I'm up. Who my dress?" Sin had left her armor in her room she had rented out. All she had with her was her iron gauntlet.
Smiling at Sin, "Darling why don't you take off that gauntlet and your shoes so you can sleep in an actual bed."
Orendel gets a concerned look on his face.
"How much did that lass have to drink tonight?"
"More than enough for someone of her size, especially since the bar was not serving a lot of food," says Cherry immediately - like any good bartender who knows exactly how drunk each customer is. "She needs to get a lot of clean water into her and get to bed. And she'll probably need a little help in the morning."
The tiefling lass looks about the accommodations and doesn't seem bothered by the quarters in the least. "I've slept in much worse places! This will be a welcome place to call kip for a while."
Nodding along with Cherry's explanation, "She will definitely feel it in the morning."
Once Sin is in bed Dougal would throw himself into the newly vacated chair.
Appearance // Current Mood: Sleeping // HP: 9/9
Spells: 1st - 4/5 // Active Performance: none (11/11)
Buffs: 0 // Debuffs: no armor AC=11 //
"Zzzzzzzz...."
Over the next several days, a few things occur.
You notice that you get a bit of recognition in the streets, some you recognize from the tournament, and others you've never met at all. Though, it does come to your attention that Saul is going out of his way to tout your names, possibly a business move or a genuine favor of sorts.
Then there's the strange blot in the sky (mentioned at the beginning of the adventure). You haven't experienced it yourself, but you hear rumors of random metal objects becoming magnetized among other random effects.
As for your new positions of junior partners at the Gold Goblin, you get to know the rest of the remaining staff pretty well. Larur Feldin seems to act as a manager of sorts, and while his gruff dwarven demeanor is a bit off-putting, he personally thanks you for your efforts during the robbery. His time is often out recruiting new staff members. Hans and Beyar are two sturdy human males that spend the majority of their time at the front door serving as bouncers. They have an enjoyable sense of humor, though Hans is a bit handsy trying to pat the asses of female staff. That probably doesn't go over well. Lastly, there's Bojask a human male who spends most of his time wrangling beasts in the basement for the twice-weekly arena fights.
Saul himself has been a bit sparse as of late, running from one errand to another. As such, most of your orders and tasks come from Larur.
So...if you want to work at the Gold Goblin, how do you help? Here are some examples of possible skill checks you can perform. If you have a suggestion for something else, please run it by me first.
Each Sunday, the Gold Goblin’s Profit Rating can change.
After Saul makes his weekly Profession check to influence
profitability, each PC gains a bonus (or a possible cut in
pay) as indicated. Remember, the PCs’ weekly pay is 25 gp
at the start. As they accomplish missions for Saul, he might
give them raises. If a Pay Cut exceeds the PCs’ weekly pay,
they do not have to pay Saul the difference—they merely
don’t make any money that week.
Profit Rating Weekly Bonus/Pay Cut
–4 –20 gp
–3 –10 gp
–2 –5 gp
–1 –2 gp
0 0 gp
1 +5 gp
2 +25 gp
3 +50 gp
4 +100 gp
The Gold Goblin’s profitability is ranked on a scale of
–4 to 4, with –4 indicating failure, 0 indicating breakeven,
and 4 indicating success. Currently, the Gold
Goblin’s Profit Rank is at –1; in order to raise it to 5 or
above, the PCs must accomplish weekly tasks to shore up
the business. In addition, certain key events that occur
during the adventure can give the Gold Goblin’s Profit
Rank a bonus or penalty as well. Every Sunday, Saul (or
whomever runs the business after Saul’s out of the picture)
makes a Profession check (innkeeper, gambler, or tavern
keeper), applying the Gold Goblin’s current profitability
as a modifier to the roll. He also applies any modifiers
earned by the PCs during that week to the roll as well. It’s
a DC 20 check to increase the Gold Goblin’s Profit Rating
by 1, but if the check fails by 5 or more, the Gold Goblin’s
Profit Rating drops by 1.
The following skill checks can influence the Gold
Goblin’s Profit Rating. A character must accomplish that
particular skill’s requirement at some point during the
week, and at the end of that week he makes the appropriate
skill check. Granting Saul a +1 bonus on his Profession
check requires a different DC for success depending on
the skill in question, but if a PC fails this skill check by 5
or more, he actually imparts a –1 penalty on Saul’s weekly
Profession check.
Bluff (DC 15): Spend 2 hours a day cajoling citizens and
tricking them into visiting the Gold Goblin. If this roll
is failed three times, the character’s spreading reputation
makes further Bluff checks automatically fail unless he
successfully Disguises himself.
Craft (DC 15): Spend 2 hours a day and 10 gp to create
eye-catching advertisements.
Diplomacy (DC 15): Spend 2 hours a day managing the
help and greeting customers at the Gold Goblin.
Diplomacy (DC 13): Spend 4 hours a day convincing
citizens to stop by the Gold Goblin.
Intimidate (DC 15): Spend 2 hours a day working as a
bouncer at the Gold Goblin. Failure by 5 or more indicates
a customer at the Gold Goblin picks a fight with the
character. The customer is typically a Riddleport Thug or
Thief, but can be a more dangerous foe if you wish.
Intimidate (DC 20): Spend 2 hours a day threatening
customers of competing game halls that if they don’t
check out the Gold Goblin, something bad will happen.
After 1d4 such weeks of this tactic, the other game
halls embark on similar campaigns, at which point
this check can no longer increase the Gold Goblin’s
profitability, but if someone doesn’t make the check
anyway, the competition imparts a –2 penalty on Saul’s
Profession check.
Perform (DC 15): Spend 2 hours a day performing for
customers at the Gold Goblin.
Profession (gambler) (DC 15): Spend 2 hours a day
working as a croupier or dealer at the Gold Goblin.
Spot (DC 15): Spend 2 hours a day looking for cheaters at
the Gold Goblin.
Finally, a character can give Saul a bonus to his
profitability check by donating gold to the cause. Every 50
gp donated grants Saul a +1 bonus for that week’s check, up
to a maximum of +5 for 250 gp.
The Gold Goblin is open and staffed, and you all have the run of the day. You can assume you can work at the Gold Goblin and still have plenty of time for whatever.
Orendel spends much of the initial week walking the Goblin's floors as new customers arrive in the wake of the tournament, keeping a sharp eye out for suspicious characters so the events of the Tournament don't repeat themselves.
"The first thing to do around here is make sure the customers are law abiding citizens. Or at least as law abiding as this city can muster. Keeping out the troublemakers will mean the rest of the customers can enjoy their time more." Silvio spends a couple of hours when things get busy to help Hans and Beyar keep the peace in the bar.
Keeping the peace is dicey at times, and Silvio has to thump a few heads with the Book to keep things in control. But the ambiance of the Gold Goblin does seem to improve.
While he's working, he inevitably has some time to chat with the other bouncers, Beyar and Hans. "So how'd you get this gig? And how come you didn't bail on Saul like the rest of the staff after the attack? You've gotta know that more trouble's coming, right? Also Hans, or should I call you "Hands"? You gotta keep those hands close, okay? We want this place to be classy, and grabbing the women doesn't help that."
He also wants to figure out more about the people who went after the inn. He asks around to see if the name "Angvar" means anything to anyone, or of there were stories about people matching the description of the attackers.
Happily leaving in his free time to let friends know of his new employment and requesting that they visit him when they are able.
More than a little distracted with learning the ebb and flow of the work her Dougal spends far more of his 'work time' watching than actually drumming up business. More than once Dougal snaps at Hans for his crude behavior, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar after all. And he is always quick to apologize in place of Hans.
Appearance // Current Mood: Preachy // HP: 9/9
Spells: 1st - 5/5 // Active Performance: none (11/11)
Buffs: 0 // Debuffs: None //
Sin woke the next morning eager to work, waking all of her new allies. "Rise and shine, Milani does not smile on sleeping in you know." The priest had bounced back from her bender the night before with amazing fortitude. Must be her young body, able to take a beating and bounce back with surprising ease.
Sin spent her week preaching to the people in the streets, particularly focusing on areas near rival businesses. In her sermons she would focus on invading forces and those unable to protect themselves. After she felt she had reasonably planted fear into her audience, she would quickly shift tone. The young girl would sing the praises of the Golden Gobln and share the known tale of the 'would be robbers'.
Figuring that she won't be swaying over any potential customers with her winning charm or girlish figure soon, Syeira chooses to let her artistic skill draw the interest of the Riddleport's citizens instead. For a few hours everyday, she can be found in their communal living space, artist tools splayed out haphazardly as she crafts new signs for the casino. Keeping to the theme of the place, most signs feature the gilded goblin statue or scantily-clad serving girls beckoning the viewer in. 'The Gold Goblin' dominates the top of every advertisement in elaborate golden script, while the bottom portion holds Syeira's personal touch, 'Find Your Fortune'.
Once the signs are finished, Syeira goes to place them around the city in areas she finds a lot of foot traffic. The rest of her days are invariably spent in and around the Order of Cyphers, trying to find someone who knows anything of the blot in the sky, but comes up empty. Whoever said talk was cheap has clearly never visited Riddleport.
As good as her word, Cherry takes up the bar, organizing it, handling inventory, cleaning and arranging the beverages for display and ease of use. She proves quite proficient at mixing and pouring drinks, displaying a surprising knowledge for someone of her youth, and also handles the counter books and requests for private parties and rental spaces. Once engaged she is a boundless font of energy, bouncing from task to task before settling back at her home behind the bar, always ebullient and talkative, with the occasional sarcastic witticism for those who displease her.
In contrast to the tense first night, she's cheerful and even charming to her new co-workers.
When Sin wakes that morning, she notices Orendel is already up and has moved to a relatively uncluttered storage space where he practices with his poleaxe before breakfast.
During what brief time he has not watching the Goblin's floors and people, he catches up with his new colleagues a bit. He finds Syeira's signs impressive.
"If you made signs like these for a recruitment office you'd have an army of your own in no time!"
He's also a bit surprised when Sin goes out and sermonizes to the populace. Her talk of invading forces makes him glower a bit, as he ponders if it's a joke at his expense, but when she changes tack to promote the Goblin it makes him quirk an eyebrow. When they both have a moment off, he makes a point to speak to her.
"I've seen firebrand chaplains before, but none with quite your style, lass."
Syeira chuckles softly at Orendel's praise. "Oh, that's very kind of you," she says, setting down her brush but making no move to rise from her spot on the floor. "But a clever woman has no need of an army. Just a few good soldiers," she replies with a wink. After examining her hands and finding no traces of paint, Syeira stands and brushes herself off. "Truth be told, I haven't done anything quite so artistic since I was a little girl. Even then, I knew I wanted to be a Harrower, but my Nana said I was too young to hear what the cards had to say. So I painted a deck of my own. It's nice to see that my talent has improved a little since then."
"Anyway, how have you been dealing with the recent turn of events? I imagine it's not so exciting as your previous line of work, but perhaps that's for the best?"
Orendel nods.
"Aye. It's strange. I'd been on the run for so long it's a bit strange being settled again. It's a relief to not live hand to mouth in the woods. Though a soldier isn't really supposed to be EXCITED by battle. That's how a barbarian thinks. Soldiers fight with the hope that one day there'll be peace and they won't be needed."
He inhales sharply, and strokes his chin, before attempting to change the subject.
"I've only met a few Varisians before now. A couple of caravans would pass through Tarrentown on a semi-regular basis, and we'd have Szcarni camp followers sometimes..."
Then he grimaces as he realizes what he's just said.
"You ever had to deal with yzobu-s#@% from folks because you're Varisian? I know those Szcarni types give you lot a bad name."
Work Occurences
Orendell's keen eyes are quick to spot a few card players with sleeves a bit too puffed out and quickly reveals them to have counterfeit cards.
Silvio swaps in with the two regular bouncers and though the sight of new face brings a few miscreants crawling, a small display of his bound book cracking the banister sends them scurrying. Even Hans cleans up his act whenever Silvio is around.
Dougal, though a likable sort, isn't able to convince his friends to visit that "questionable establishment." Still, he does get a few saying if he's desperate for money they could help him find a better job, which is a bit of an insult though meant well.
Sindorah takes to the streets and ushers in large crowds from other gambling halls, though she notices some unsavory folks watching her, probably keeping tabs on her actions. Still....the tactic seems to do well as business comes roaring in.
Saul is particularly impressed with Syeira's advertisements, and though a few are taken down or ripped to shreds by competition, a fair few are displayed in shops and taverns, the artwork pleasant to the eye regardless of the advert within.
Cherry takes to the business well and the staff remark they have never seen the crowd as well boozed as they were after her shift. Everyone is joyously gambling their money away, and Cherry finished each shift with a complimentary cup of alcohol from the top shelf. Sure a few customers get a bit flirty and pushy, but nothing she can't handle.
[ooc]I'll roll the profit checks when a week passes, don't make anymore job rolls until then.
================================================
The first night after the tournament you all are either milling about the gambling hall or working. The hall is filled with laughter and music sprinkled with the occasional cries of defeat or squeals of victory. But it comes to your attention that there's a commotion occurring at the front.
Stools are being thrown, patrons pushed, and cards and chips scattered as six men become unruly. You all recognize them as surly patrons from the cheat the devil tournament, and also remember them not doing so hot.
"THIS PLACE IS A SHAM!" one bellows, wobbling a bit as he smashes his empty bottle against the wall.
"WE deMAND A REFUND!" another cries angrily.
If she takes offense to Orendel's recount of his past experiences with Varisian people, Syeira doesn't show it. "I don't think so, no. I've spent most of my life in a small farming village about two days north of here. Most of the others who live there are also Varisian, and they, like my family, have forgone the tradition of wandering in order to build a more permanent home. We would occasionally have a few Ulfen or Shoanti who would make camp within the town, but if they ever had issue with me, I'd wager it was on account of being a witch rather than being a Varisian," she explains, shrugging nonchalantly at the thought.
Syeira sits at the bar, nursing her mug of mead and ruminating on the lack of success she's had in discovering the nature of the anomaly when the sound of disgruntled customers reaches her. She's tempted to remain right where she is and let Silvio and Orendel handle the mess, but responsibility (and an equal interest in not having anything cut into the casino's profits) has her pushing through the crowd and toward the disturbance before she can regret it. Arriving at the scene, Syeira takes in the six unruly men before silently urging the crowd on all sides to back away. Spotting Silvio, she makes her way over to him and places a hand on his shoulder. "I think this your area of expertise. Bona sort."
"Damn ruffians making a mess of this place. I'll take care of this." Silvio pushes through the crowd, and is surprised to feel Syeira's touch on his shoulder. Ne nods in appreciation, then turns to the task at hand. "STOP THIS INSTANT!" he shouts, bursting through out of the crowd. "Each of you are guilty of mayhem and need to leave, NOW. Or we'll have to do to you what we did to those would-be thieves. Oh yes, I know you all saw what happened to them. They were beaten, bound, and sent off for their punishment. And that's EXACTLY what'll happen to you, if you give me the chance." He loosens his book on its chain, ready to take on the first ruffian that wants to test him on his threat.
The rowdy group of men immediately stop, cowed by Silvio's terrifying display. It also seems to have an effect of immediately sobering them up.
"Look," one man steps up, taking a calmer approach and speaks in a softer voice. "We just got the rough end of a bad deal. Can we at least get back our initial door fee?"
Silvio shakes his head, having little sympathy for these folks. "I see no unfairness here earning you your door fee. To the contrary, it is these innocent bystanders whose evening you've interrupted that deserve recompense, and I'll see that they get it. Now, I will have to ask you to leave. Please." Silvio took on a polite but still firm tone. He didn't want this crowd back here ever again.
Bristling with his friends 'well wishes' sitting in the back of his mind souring what should have been a fun and exciting first night under new employment. Nearly growling when he hears raised voices but stopping short when he hears Silvio get loud. Hmm. Seems he is good for more than making Cherry laugh. Good to know.
Going back to his post greeting people. Normally seeing new faces and being friendly is all he wants but his heart really cannot get into it. Sleep did not find him last night and it is wearing on him heavily. Rubbing his hands together and trying to ignore the feeling that the blood is still there when he knows that it is not.
Orendel watches as Silvio browbeats the..."gentlemen" into at least not making a scene, and slowly approaches from behind Silvio. He doesn't say anything as he waits for the men to respond to Silvio's ultimatum, in case he needed someone to back up his words. Whether with different kinds of words...or with his fists...
The group of men Silvio cowed grumble as they leave, but they do so peacefully, and Silvio is looked at with a newfound respect by patrons and workers alike.
=====Back in the breakroom=====
You all are taking a breather from the work, getting some water, maybe even a little alcohol. I mean, you are junior partners after all. Where's the fun if you aren't allowed to drink on the job?
Your conversations are interrupted as Larur Feldin enters the room carrying what seems to be a small barrel, not even opened.
"Apologies," he starts as he sets the barrel down and pulls out hammer and chisel, "if I came off as unfriendly at first. Wasn't sure if you lot were worth your salt yet, even after the robbery incident. But I've watched you work and take to this place. You want to see it succeed, maybe to line your own pockets, maybe because you really care. Regardless, you've all put in effort, so I've made my mind to do the same."
He notches a hole in the barrel top and sticks in a spigot. Setting it on its side at the edge of the table, he lets it flow until his own mug is full of rich amber liquid that smells of sweet nectar and memories. You can tell that this liquor would be several shelves higher than top shelf and must have come from Larur's personal stash.
"To good business and good relations," he says simply inviting you all to fill your tankards, glasses, and mugs.
Appearance // Current Mood: Sleeping // HP: 9/9
Spells: 1st - 5/5 // Active Performance: none (11/11)
Buffs: 0 // Debuffs: none //
The priest heard the commotion coming from outside, but had faith her partners would handle it. Some short few moments later Larur enters the room. As he pours the liquid Sin feels her mouth water. "Oh I shouldn't." she mutters as she greedily pours her own glass. The priest waits for each other ally to get a glass before drinking herself.
Smiling at the offer and taking a glass. Having no real desire to wait to drink for the others, he only waits for Larur do drink first. Almost groaning into his first sip, "Thank you Sir. This is a most wonderful bit of effort."
His charm clinks against his mug at the second drink and he watches Sin over the rim of his mug. I think she is the sort to develop a bad habit. I suppose I will find her later.
As the chastised group of men take their leave, Syeira goes to find whichever of Hans and Beyar she can. Once she does, she straightens herself to her full height of 5'4" and tries to pull off a fraction of the authority Silvio had just demonstrated. "You see that lot of poor losers slinking out right now? Make sure the door staff get a good look at them, too. If they so much as breathe in the direction of the Gold Goblin, I want Silvio and Orendel informed about it? Understood?"
-----
In the break room, Syeira sits at the table with her Harrow cards spread in a fan around her, merely re-attuning herself to their energy. When the dwarf walks in with a barrel, Syeira collects her cards and shows them away, freeing up the table for Larur. Helping herself to a glass of amber liquor, she raises her glass to the toast before taking a drink. "That is good," she agrees after a little hum of appreciation. I guess Papa was right. Dwarves do have the finest selection of liquor. Taking his intent to put in effort at face value, Syeira asks the dwarf, "So how did you come to find yourself working at the Gold Goblin, Larur?"
"Cheers," says Cherry, taking a very small sip of the liquor after hoisting her cup. She leans forward on the table somewhat lazily, saying "You know what they say, find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life."
Silvio raises his glass with the toast, then smells the alcohol before taking a sip. "You really brought out the good stuff, Laurur! I'll say, I never did expect to be working in a casino, but I have a pretty good feeling about the folks who are in on this."
Orendel blinks in surprise as the men shuffle out, then lets out a small, barking laugh.
"And here I thought I was gonna have to play drill sergeant with these troublemakers! That was impressive, Silv."
=====Back in the Breakroom=====
Orendel happily accepts a mug of his own and raises it in toast.
"To good business and good relations!"
After taking a sip, his face lights up.
"Damn! I haven't had a brew THIS good since the day I made Standard Bearer. General Kunibert shared some of his family's homebrew to celebrate the occasion."
He looks at the tattered flag still tied to his poleaxe.
"I dunno if he'd be proud or horrified I'm keeping the old flag around like this. You can't even tell who it's from anymore."
Larur lets out a rare smile as he watches you all happily fill your mugs. At Syeira's question, a bit of his old shield up, his face growing hard, reserved.
but....
he remembers his promise to himself.
"Came like most did," he begins, refilling his glass with the last of whatever's left in the barrel. "Looked for my fortune and found my despair. The missus wasn't keen on my employ, but I took to the work well and we needed the money. Especially for the little one."
Even more surprising, you hear a small chuckle escape his lips. But there's something the old dwarf isn't telling you. Something a bit deeper in his heart.
Regardless, he drinks heavily, looks up to you and smiles.
Orendel gives a knowing look.
"Sounds a lot like my own story. But we're making the most of it, right? Hope and water isn't beer, right?"
Cherry leans her elbows on the table and folds her hands together, then rests her chin on the back of her palms. "Aww, you've a wee one at home? That's sweet. What's her name? Or his?"
Larur clinks his mug against Orendells, a sign of comradery.
"Aye, she's the pride of my life. Haven't seen her in a long time, my little flower, Rosenna."
Appearance // Current Mood: Sleeping // HP: 9/9
Spells: 1st - 5/5 // Active Performance: none (11/11)
Buffs: 0 // Debuffs: none //
"Were is she?" Asked the priest, sipping down the last of her golden drink.
Orendel smiles as the conversation turns to more pleasant topics.
"She's with her mother, until ol' dad can get his act back together and start acting like a father...shouldn't be long now. Just a couple more years."
======================================
Its another night at the Gold Goblin, and everyone seems to be having a merry time. Saul has been spreading word of how you handled unruly customers and it seems to have drawn a fair amount of people.
He takes you all up on the catwalk above the main gambling floor to watch the crowd.
"There," he says quietly as he points to a bulky man with short hair. "Keep an eye on that one. Didn't think we'd get a visit from Clegg Zincher this early on."
You're reminded that he's one of Riddleport's Crimelords and has no love for Saul. Also, given that Saul isn't known as a gambler, his presence here probably serves a different purpose.
Orendel's frown returns, though it's tinged with concern rather than contempt.
"Get your act together? What happened?"
=======================================================================
Orendel nudges Saul a bit as they look down at their "celebrity guest."
"Any ideas as to what that purpose might be?"
At the mention of Zincher, Cherry's hands tighten noticeably for a moment. Then she relaxes them quite deliberately and spreads them on the bar.
Orendel notes Cherry's hands, but says nothing.
Must be familiar with him too, he thinks to himself.
Shifting in his seat to listen while quietly sipping on the wonderful drink.
==================
Glancing over at all of the others before letting his gaze fall to Zincher. That poor woman need a hug and an easier time of things.
[ooc]I wanna sense his motive for being here since the boss does not seem to think it is for the gambling alone. No clue if I can hear him from up here or if I am limited to body language. I would also like to see if those at his table are bothered.[/i]
Appearance // Current Mood: Sleeping // HP: 9/9
Spells: 1st - 5/5 // Active Performance: none (11/11)
Buffs: 0 // Debuffs: none //
The priest tries to see how many men are in the area with him, as well recall what she knows of the crime lord.
[/smaller]
Silvio tries also to recall what he knows of this crime lord. .
Silvio addresses Saul. "What do you think he wants? Does he have a score to settle with you?"
Raking his brain while staring at the tables occupants.
"Ah, so that's the man you think might have been behind the tournament heist?" Syeira asks, stealing a quick peek at Clegg from over the rail. She gives Saul the opportunity to answer their questions, and hopefully expound upon why he thinks Zincher would have been involved with the attempt before suggesting, "Perhaps some of us should go down there and make sure Mister Zincher is enjoying his visit. For such a renowned man, it would be a shame not to let him know that he has the full attention of us junior partners." Perhaps it was all the time spent in Riddleport, or the sudden responsibility of helping to run a successful business, but Syeira was beginning to warm to the idea of meeting confrontations head-on.
Orendel purses his lips as he waits for Saul to speak.