I do enjoy this game lets try a little higher stake places 10 silver on the table. rolls a 9 Lets keep my original stake rolls a 1

Kratos seems to look all pouty "Awww I can't speak that one little winged man...sigh" With that she skips off the see what she can find then she spots the winged lady, Humm what does hold them wings on she thinks. Deciding she wants to find out she walks up to one and puts her widest smile on "Hi there, I like your wings, what holds them on?"

"Then it is your trials that have shaped you into what you are today. Do not regret the path you have chosen." He says bluntly.

Rorsius frowned surprisingly. His mind searching for a similar conversation. The ones he recalled discussed his worthlessness, or money owed to Bannagran, or as of late-how his stitching wasn't up to par. He didn't pity himself, it was just that he had never noticed how alone his life had been. He smiled to hide his thoughts. "It's a first in awhile for me too." he lied.

"So, what do you do, for a living?" She asks curiously, unable to resist trying to find out a little more about the redheaded man after sharing so much about herself. "Or in your free time?" She adds in case he has no career, or doesn't wish to share it.

"I'm a tailor."He said begrudgingly."Though it isnt much of a living.I cant remember the last thing I sold. I made this though. I like it." He said dryly."It's better than what I used to be.

Rashmi looks over Rorsius' coat with a smile "You are clearly skilled, you should be proud. But if this place in life brings you despair then perhaps it is too far beneath where you truly belong in life" She muses thoughtfully "If that is the case, I hope you find your place and certainty some time soon"

"You're too kind."He replies. It almost sounds tinged with sarcasm, but it was not."I guess that's what we're all trying to do. Find a place." He observed, looking Rashmi over curiously."Though If my gut Isn't lying to me, I don't think I'll be overly fond of my new place once I get there.But I accept that risk."

Rashmi looks thoughtful for a long moment before speaking up in a level tone, a small smile curling her lips "To know your life is to know contentment. To Rise above your life is to know uncertainty. To sink below your life is to know despair" She quotes, looking thoughtfully into Rorsius' eyes as she finishes.

"You are clearly a deep thinker, you will find your life, I am sure of it. The only issue you may have is embracing it fully, taking pleasure in all aspects of your life, no matter how mundane they may appear to most."

"I don't take pleasure in much, I'm afraid." He frowned at this realization Rashmi had brought. He had always knew this, he supposed. But wounds kept in the dark always looked more grotesque when finally allowed to breath. Pleasure Wasn't very important to him." I like my coat." He told himself more than her and managed a slight smile." And i take pleasure in good company." He told her, although on some level, he knew that this was probably the best company he had had in his life, and surprisingly-That didn't sadden him in the least.

With a gentle smile Rashmi sips her drink. "Then perhaps we need to find more good company for you, a life without pleasure is a very sad life indeed" She replies certainly "You're an interesting man Rorsius, if company brings you joy then I am sure with time you can gather a great many friends who you will find 'good company'"

He smiles."I don't get along with most.He warned simply. Glancing about the floor to find the others. His eye's settle on Leux."Nor Do I make idle threats." Again he warned, just as simply before his eyes returned to Rashmi's. "Indeed this is the first thing I'd call pleasurable company i've had." He stated, that flicker in his eye dancing back. "Life's just peachy...save for whatever evil is heralded by the blot."

Rashmi watches him with concern for a moment before replacing her polite smile and inclining her head in another small bow. "Thank you, for considering me pleasureable company. I am enjoying spending time with you also" She replies genuinely before looking thoughtful again.

"As for the blot, I truly hope it doesn't herald something dark, but even if it does, I am sure the people who do the good and right things in this world will prevail"

Rorsius smiles and lets his sight wonder off but his eyes snaps back as if offended at her last statement. "I'm having a hard time seeing who the people who do the good and right things are. They seem farther and farther between." He softens his expression." In any case, I dont plan on letting it catch me off gaurd"

Rashmi's body language tenses slightly for a moment at his snapping. "You lack faith" She comments certainly and a little sadly "No matter how many bad people you meet, and unpaletable experiences you go through, you should never give up hope. There are good people in the world, good and just people and whilst not every dark matter can be resolved people will do their best to combat the darkness, because that is what is right."

Rashmi's eyes held their hold on his own for only a moment." And it seems, Rashmi. That you lack experience." He said bluntly. "Spend some time in Riddleport and see how much faith you have left in humanity." There was a tinge of anger in the statement and his fangs unconscionably protruded slightly out of his lips.

"I am but a stundent, I claim to be nothing more or nothing less, but my faith will never waiver" Rashmi replies certainly "It saddens me that you have become so downtrodden, if you cannot have faith in others then have faith and happiness in yourself. You have no need to be so dark and bitter if you just look in yourself and see the positives rather than the negatives." She adds simply, her eyes never leaving Rorsius.

Having won a fair wager or two, Jean-Paul takes his leave of the Bounder table. He stands and offers a friendly nod to those around him. "Keep that seat warm, I'll be back"

He turns, seeking out one of the coctail waitresses. As he walks up to her, he allows his facial expression to change, trying to "smoulder" a little more. He also gets his mind set back to that of his Noble heritage. Allowing his Chelaxian accent to show just a little more, he speaks to he girl "Ahh, Mon Chere, surely eet ees a crime to wear such clotheeng. My 'art, it skips a beat at the sight of such beauty. I am sure zat the, how you say, Succubi?, Zat they would be jealose of such beauty dressed in their meagrrre forms, non?

He smiles at the girl, hoping to at least elicit a mild interest in him. If he canget her on side, he hopes to get her to introduce him to Saul Caskergen, the man who set this whole thing up. Jean-Paul would have a little advice about security for one. If he was in charge, he wouldn't let a man like himself walk in with weapons!!.

the accent is meant to be french, but I find it hard to type french :) Some of the words are deliberately spelt wrog to bring out the sounds im after. Diplomacy 1d20+5=12 . Of course, I may have laid on the compliments just a little too thick <sigh>

"Unlike you Rashmi,I hold no illusions about the goodness of man. I've seen the goodness of man first hand several times. Perpetrated the goodness of man more than i could ever forget."He was breathing heavier with his last few words, not comfortable divulging his past."I sincerely hope your unwavering faith doesnt send you eyes-wide-shut to your downfall."

"I have faith but I am not blind, Rorsius" Rashmi replies, her tone becoming increasingly flat and firm as she fights a small spark of anger within her at her companion's willingness to just give up. "You seek to deal with the darkness of the blot and whatever evil it may herald yet you have no faith in goodness? Not in others? And maybe not in yourself? How will you be victorious if you have no light to comabt the darkness that plagues you?"

He noticed the spark of anger. His veiled vileness told him to feed the fire, but he fought his instinct."I'm not lacking in faith in myself. I pride myself in being strong enough to overcome my tribulations. I am not downtrodden, nor am I biter. I am aware. I have seen the city's true face, and now it is afraid of me. I know there are good people. I find myself seated with one. I only think you're overestimating the amount of such individuals...Honestly, I'd love to be proved wrong. " It was more than he cared to say. Nearly immediately his body language blocked her out as he crossed his arms and slumped in his seat. How this girl was bringing out more self realization than he cared for.

Not one to labour a point Rashmi gives a light smile and a little nod. "Then it seems we are both hoping for the same thing, for you to be proved wrong on this" She concludes easily "but only time will prove or disprove your outlook for you. I just hope I'm around when you find out that I do not overestimate people. In dire times a hero, or heroes, will arise."

Jean-paul

Leux

A short human man, perhaps in his late 40s, steps up to the dais, accompanied by the two "succubi" from the door. He has a solid, squarish build, thinning grey-black hair, a short beard, and a cane in his right hand. His left hand, however, has been apparently severed at the wrist at some point, now having been replaced with what appears to be a large brass key. Around the room, the dealers have stopped their games and indicated the figure on the dais, even as he clears his throat and calls out, "Attention! Your attention everyone, please!

"For starters i'd like to say i'm sorry i'm late i should have been doing this earlier"

"My name is Saul Vancaskerin, and it is my honor to be your host this evening. 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 his gold as well." As Vancaskerin says this last, he waves his cane toward the large ornate chest behind him. He turns back to the crowd, putting an arm around each of the girls he is with and pulling them slightly closer. "I trust you all found your welcome from the Devil's delicious beauties suitably entertaining?" At the crowd's roar of approval, he smiles broadly.

"Let's take a moment and thank Old Scratch himself for attending this event," Vancaskerin adds, pointing his cane toward the cage overhead and the demonic figure inside. "Not only did he loan us these lovely dark angels, but he also emptied the deepest pits of Hell to provide the gold for this tournament!" As the room bursts into applause, the tiny figure in the cage roars again in its high-pitched voice and shakes the bars.

"Of course, he plans to replace what he loses in gold with the souls of those here assembled. Currently, you're all trapped in the first of the Devil's Hells, Avernus. As it said on the contract you signed when you arrived, if you want out, you have to go down - and to go down, you have to win games. The more you win, the further down you go, and the closer you get to Nessus, the deepest Circle of Hell. The first player to reach Nessus not only keeps his winnings, but also wins back his soul and gets to claim the ten thousand silver coins the Devil put up for this tournament. You can, of course, decide to cash out your winnings at any time, but if you do, or if you run out of money entirely, well, that means Old Scratch gets you."

Vancaskerin grins evilly as the caged devil begins another screeching tirade. "Here's the thing, though. When Old Scratch gets his talons into your soul, that earns you the Devil's Mark and an escort out of the tournament. What is the Devil's Mark, you ask? Well, it's utterly too horrible to contemplate. The forfeiture of your soul, it is. Still, I suppose I can show it to you. Gods know, I more than deserve the Devil's Mark. In fact, better make it two, girls!"

As Vancaskerin says this, the two "succubi" lean toward him, each planting a loud, wet kiss on his cheeks. As they pull away, you can all see the ruby-red prints of their lipstick on his cheeks. Vancaskerin beams as he cries out, "The Devil's Mark, everyone!" The crowd roars, laughs, and hollers, and over it all, Vancaskerin calls, "So let's cheat the Devil and take his gold!"

Inwardly Jean-Paul is very pleased. Hopefully this girl can get him to Saul for an interview at least. Who knows, maybe she'll even feel happy enough to come back to his room after her shift finished. Gods new he'd been aboard ship fo 6 months before landing in Riddleport, and a beautiful girl to share his bed would make agreat night.

Outwardly he smiled warmly to the girl "Ah then , zat ees the infamous Saul Voncaskerin. An impressive man, non?. Tell me, 'ave you ze ability to deliver ze devils mark? For surely, losing ones soul may be worth ze price for such a thing eh?". Reaching out he casually takes a wine from the girls tray. He takes a gold piece and places it into her hand, folding her fingers over it and giving her hand a gentle kiss "please, ze change is yours my beauty. A small price for allowing mee ze prrrivelage of your time? Alas, I must depart, for I need to see Mr Voncaskerin about a business proposition. Unless....per'aps you would be able to introduce us? Maybe zen I would 'ave more time to get to know you better non?. He raises one eyebrow at her, his blue eyes offering more than just conversation.

Hehehe, sleazy huh. Oh well, i never was much of one for pick up lines. Diplomacy 1d20+5=19 , but apparently Jean-Paul is, woohoo.

Narnel finally looks up from his rapt attention of the poker game when everything stops while Saul is speaking. He considers the man's words, pleased with the spectacle of it all, though a frown comes to his face when he sees the 'mark' placed upon his cheeks. He rolls one of the tokens down along the back of his fingers, considering it. However helpful the rest of the prize may be, a kiss is far from what he is after.

Deciding that just viewing the event itself is an acceptable waste of the gold he converted into tokens, he tries to take into account who has the best odds of actually winning the tournament. He moves through the crowd over to Zareby and offers him his pouch of tokens(4g, 9s, 10c) with the simple explaination "I am going to join the spectators. You have the odds on your side. Perhaps fate will be blind-sided by that."

With that he moves up to the bar area, stopping a few steps away from the two monks, trying not to get so close as to interfere with their conversation. "Do you mind if I stand up here with you? I don't think I wish the devils mark." The statement certainly is true enough, even if its the kiss he avoids rather then the supposed loss of his soul.

Rashmi gives a warm smile at Narnel's polite appearance and request. Gently she invlines her head to him. "Of course I do not mind." She declares certainly, curious as to why he refuses the mark so adamantly but refrains from remarking.

"Thanks Narnel. Wait, is this even legal? Oh, who cares. I'm going a bit lower with this hand. Only two gold."

Profession(Gambler): 1d20+4=19 Also, anything in particular I have to do to go up in rank, as I have enough to go down to Phelgethon.

Nodding his head politely, Narnel smiles some. "I thank you then, Miss." He orders his normal water and wine from the bar before turning to look out at the different gamblers as they make their rounds. Even having been given permission to join the pair, he still stays a bit away though, giving them some distance if they wish to carry on their own conversation.

Lets go for another one places another 50 silver on the table Lets see what luck has in store for me. 1d20=15 Oh nice, lets double that one. 1d20=11

Feeling that the conversation was at a breaking point, Rorsius simply nodded and glanced over at Saul Vancaskerin. Something about him troubled him. Perhaps it was the fact that he was the one who had put together this whole nonsensical thing."Perhaps, I'm being paranoid?" He thought, but quickly pushed the thought from his hand, He focused on the square man's every word movement, looking for a deeper meaning or danger. Sense motive 1d20+6=26

Huzzah Natural 20!

Zareby

Leux

Kratos

Rorsius

Jean-paul

sorry i didn't post yesterday i'm feeling rather ill at the moment.. but i got the post up finaly

No worries, feel better Apathy. Stuff like that comes up all the time and rather easily, I think we are all pretty understanding of it. I'm sure that Narnel is quite willing to just take in the events and see all the ways that people are gaming so no rush and its not an issue if there aren't, but did he notice any other local wizards around? I can't see him starting up a conversation in any case, but he would likely eves-drop if there are.

Raise the stakes?

Profession(Gambler): 1d20+4=17

Also, we don't mind you didn't post yesterday because you were sick. Stuff happens, after all.

At the mentioning of silk rope the gnomes eyes grow big and she smiles a wide smile "Ooooh I can I see?" she asks with such a small little voice

Aw, it seems my luck is run out here, faretheewell. He picks up his chips and walks over to a golem table. on his way there he says to himself Might as well try most of the games before I go broke. When he sits down at the table he places 300 copper down Lets try to get rid of the change now 1d20+2=12

Get to feeling better Apathy

"Ah, Mon Chere, I await ze end of your sheeft with baited breath!. If I could but 'ave your name, my evening 'ere would be complete." he bends and kisses her hand again, all smiles and genuine interest. It looked like his night was going to work out one way or another.

"Now sadly, I must deparrrt your beautiful company.
I shall seek this dwarf out, and ask about some work. 'Til later this eveneing my beauty". Jean-Paul bows low and departs, hopefully leaving with the girls name.

Moving over to the dwarf he drops his Chelaxian accent and takes on a more serious tone. "Evening sir, I've been told you may be the man to see in regards to getting some work. The names Jean-Paul, fresh from the Siron's song with a letter of commendation from her first mate. You got time to talk?"

Zareby

Leux

kraos

Jean-paul

thanks for all the kind comments guys=)

"Quite simply put, I'm after work. I'm good with a blade, equally good at talking a situation down and am fairly good at spotting trouble as it develops. Overall, I feel I've got what you need in this business.". The words were said with the quiet confidence of a fighting man. Something one develops having faced death and lived through it.

So I'm up to 56 gold from this, right?

"Zareby Grenache. So, feel like one more hand?", he says as he pushes forward another ten gold.

Maybe he'll get a one?

"Something's Wrong."He stated flatly, narrowing his eyes on Saul Vancaskerin. " The slime can hide it well but something is off. He's nervous, he keeps glancing at the door." Rorsius stands to his feet abruptly and watches the man's movements closely, determined not to lose him among the crowd.

At Rorsius' words Rashmi quietly pushes her drink away fromherself and stands with grace and purpose. Leaving the redheaded man to keep an eye on Saul she gives a polite nod of the head to Narnel as though to excuse herself before turning on heel and heading towards the door to keep an eye on it.

Narnel frowns a bit at Rorsius, taking his eyes off the rest of the room for the moment to glance at him. The man most certainly was paranoid, possibly neurotically so, but he also had quite a confidence about him. This was a man who had bloodied his knuckles enough to feel he had genuine reason to be paranoid. It didn't appear that he was alone his assessment either, as Rashimi moves towards the door at his words as if to keep an eye out for any trouble.

Not sure quite what else to do, since while he knew how to handle spells he had never been in a true fight before, he assumes the best he could do would be to make sure that those who know what to do are able. Its not like he would even know what to look for to keep an eye out.

The elf leans in close to Rorsius, placing his hand on his arm for a moment and saying "Keep alert, then, friend." As subtly as he can(which hopefully isn't too hard with all the spectacle around, and them not gambling and thus not being watched overly much) he casts Mage Armor on the monk.

If no one stops him and nothing disastrous happens him to get to her, Narnel makes his way over to Rashimi and does the same, using his bonded staff to cast the spell again. The rest of the group looks to be armored on their own, so his spells would have no effect, and if there is trouble, he would wish to have the woman protected.

Rorisus was shocked for half of a second at Rashmi's unwavering faith in his words as she moved gracefully toward the door. Was she trying to drive home her point about faith in people by showing her faith in him? He hardly had time to consider it. Conversely, the lack of faith in Narnel's words were not lost to him. He simply raised a brow and nodded. "If you don't know what else to do, tell the others to be alert." He instructed forcefully. Turning his eyes and mind from these distractions, He focused once more on Saul, and then to any of his possible escapes.

Perception 1d20+6=21

Zareby

Narnel and Rashmi

Rorsius

Jean-Paul

Since no one seems to mind him, Narnel catches up to Rashimi and quietly mage armors her as well. His brows are knitted together with worry. "Do you think something is really going to happen? He sounded quite serious, but its a bit hard to tell with him whether it is just that he... Um..." He pauses for a moment, realizing that her and Rorsius had been talking closely and she might take offense at his comment. "That he expects something to happen, I suppose. You seem to trust in him enough to watch the door, so I will warn the others. Hopefully this little enchantment will keep you safe if something does occur."

Rorisius keeps enough distance as to not be noticed as he tails the worried man. stealth 1d20+6=21 He gives a glance towards Rashmi for a moment to make sure she was still there.

Just back from seeing Watchmen. Only one word for it. Groovy.

"Sure. Better be a bit more conservative with this round."

He then moves forward five gold tokens.

46 gp left, 5 risked, 1d20+4=21

Stands up and looks for Zareby and decides to go against him at the table. after his current round of course so I can get the answer to my questions in the disscussion thread. As he walks over to Zareby he decides to recite the melody of a little tune and attempts to cast message his way. the message is as follows My luck is out. Want to take what is left in a game of course to make it legit 6gold 135silver 200copper left Davi As he sits down Ho!! my friend we meet at last. Lets get this party started *winks at Zareby