BrOp's Shadow in the Sky (PFRPG) (Inactive)

Game Master Branding Opportunity

"Hope so," Thumparr replies taking a gulp of beer. He wipes the foam from his beard with the back of his hand and asks, "So where are you from, Ngozi? You too, Elf-toes dancer."

As he moves away from the elves and back towards the mismatched trio in the bar area Mell realises that the crowd is becoming restless...something had better happen soon or there might be trouble ..more trouble than the bouncers can deal with.

Seemingly in response to Mel's unspoken thought, the dealers and croupiers stop their games and tell folks that they will continue momentarily. As the windows begin darkening with twilight, several gamehall employees enter, carrying torches shaped like pitchforks skewering burning heads made of straw and cloth. They light several large braziers, giving the hall a more infernal hue.

A hush falls over the gathered crowd as a short man climbs to the central podium, accompanied by two gorgeous "succubi," and stands before the gold, chain-lashed chest with a demoness on either side. He wears a formal suit, and his thinning black hair is slicked back. His left arm ends in a stump just above the wrist, and affixed to it is a bronze cap from which protrudes an oddly shaped key.

Judging from the hushed conversations around you, this seems to be Saul Vancaskerkin, the owner of the Gold Goblin and host of the tournament. He bows before the crowd and clears his throat before speaking.

"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."

The winged devil-like creature suspended in the golden birdcage above the crowd begins to screech and flies into a rage, banging the cage bars, spitting, howling, and screaming vile epithets in a language that none of you understand.

Please make a Knowledge (the planes) check to identify the creature in the cage.

Gornak "takes 10" for a grand total of 9. :-)

Gornak "takes 10" for a grand total of 9. :-)

You sadly can't make an untrained Knowledge check. You need to have at least a rank in it.

Kappasc muses to himself, "hmm...what is the curious creature."
1D20+9=22

As Beriadan watches Saul on stage, he smirks a bit. The owner is a good showman at least. then hearing the snarls and hisses, Beriadan's gaze travels to the ceiling, where the stranger creature was caged. What by Calistria's whip is that? As if hoping to get an answer to his question, Beriadan simply looks at Kap who seemed to be studying the caged creature.

Kappasc muses to himself, "hmm...what is the curious creature."

1D20+9=22

Kappasc:

Kappasc smirks to himself as he realizes what the caged little devil is. Aside to Beriadan, [Elven] Your face wears your curiosity, friend...the creature is but an a foul-tempered imp...I have to wonder how Saul came to owning his own.[/Elven]

Thumparr sucks his teeth and elbows Gornak. "What kind of critter do ye think be in that cage? Some kinda devil or sommat?"
Thumparr looks around the room, self-consciously checking his weapons and gear to make sure there are no thieves working the place.

"So where are you from, Ngozi? You too, Elf-toes dancer."

"Gornak is from Belkzen, land of dwarf-crushers." Gornak grins, evidently thinking he just made a clever joke.

Speculating on the tiny monster, Gornak sagely opines: "That is goblin. Hall is called Golden Goblin, so that must be goblin."

Hearing Dwarf and Half-orc attempting to identify the creature, Kap walks over to the imposing Half-orc and Dwarf and correct their misidentification.
Thats...uh...thats no goblin, gents...just a...um...Imp! Seems to be here more for show than anything.

"So where are you from, Ngozi? You too, Elf-toes dancer."

Ngozi looks absentmindedly up at the caged creature, looks around at everyone else who is watching it, then shrugs and returns to the conversation at hand. Why people stare? Little thing screech like Silverback, but too small for trouble. "Ngozi is from Mzali, far to south. Ngozi gone many years, want go back now, yeh, but need money. And you, dwarf man - eh...Thumparr, where you come from?"

"What kind of critter do ye think be in that cage? Some kinda devil or sommat?"

"Never seen goblin looking like that before. Small for goblin. Maybe goblin child?"

Thats...uh...thats no goblin, gents...just a...um...Imp! Seems to be here more for show than anything.

"Imp, whats that, elf man?"

"Nope, that's not imp. That's goblin."

Mel co cks an eybrow at Sails appearence..looks like the olod loser has gone to some effort to make himself presentable. He notes the key on the stump and remembers how Saul lost his hand. Turning his attention to the creature above the crowded room he curls a lip at the flow of invective coming from its foul mouth filing some of the choicer insults away for future reference.

Hearing one of the elves identify the thing as an Imp..he notes that also resolving to do some checking up later.

Beriadan, loath to leave his new friend, follows after Kap as he heads towards the dwarf and half-orc. Simply remaining quite for not, the elven ranger holds back a laugh as he hears the half-orc make his misinformed statement. Then in response, Beriadan says, "I would trust my friend in his words. For that surely isn't a goblin. If you want to get a good look at a goblin, you have but to step outside to see a rather massive, bronze version of one." Then Beriadan will extend his hand in greeting as he says, "The name is Beriadan, tracker and swordsman."

Sevegny watches the imp with fascination. This is the very first time she has come face to face with an other-dimensional creature.

"For that surely isn't a goblin." Then Beriadan will extend his hand in greeting as he says, "The name is Beriadan, tracker and swordsman."

Gornak snorts. "Gornak knows what a goblin looks like, Beriadan. That is an imp-goblin, goblin that looks like imp. Just like owl-bear is owl that looks like bear."

He gives Beriadan's hand a big SQUEEEEZE.

Beriadan wrote:

"For that surely isn't a goblin." Then Beriadan will extend his hand in greeting as he says, "The name is Beriadan, tracker and swordsman."

Gornak snorts. "Gornak knows what a goblin looks like, Beriadan. That is an imp-goblin, goblin that looks like imp. Just like owl-bear is owl that looks like bear."

He gives Beriadan's hand a big SQUEEEEZE.

"Ye ain't got sense the gods gave geese! That ain't no damn goblin! Seen plenty of the buggers in the Mindspin Mountains near me home town of Janderhoff." He nods at Ngozi in answer to his question, then looks back up at Gornak. "Ye must be from Nutsack...it's a little town south of Bunghole."

"Name's Thumparr," he holds his hand out to Beriadan. "What brings ye to the GOBLIN?" he says the word loudly, glaring at Gornak and jerking his thumb toward the imp in the cage.

Not meaning to be rude...but probably coming off that way anyway, Kappasc addresses Gornak with a slight hint of arrogance and a squint of the eye, That is an imp, trust me...I've studied these things quite a bit.
Noticing both the dwarf and his new friend, Beriadan, taking his side, he softens his attitude quite significantly. As his fleeting annoyance leaves him he notices that he's arguing with a half-orc he'd rather not get into a fight with and, a little flustered, tries his best to apologize, erm...I mean...I'm sure you've seen a lot...and I could see how you might think it's a goblin...but I assure you its an imp annnnd...uh...... Kap quickly turns red as he realizes he's probably digging himself a deeper hole and in an increasingly flustered bout of embaressment, he exlaims Hi...I'm Kappasc! Learn-ed Wizard!

Once the Imp has had his say in the birdcage above your heads, a number of the "succubi" hostesses come around with pieces of printed parchment, made to look old and browning on the edges.

Saul continues, "My delightful temptresses are passing around the contract for the tournament. Without signing it or making your mark on it in some way, there's no way in. Please peruse it momentarily, it is but a simple formality. You need not sign in blood, ink will do quite nicely."

The owner chuckles to himself, pointing to the waitresses who are also holding quills and ink bottles.

You catch a glimpse of one of these contracts as it goes by. It reads:

I, ______________, do hereby sacrifice my immortal soul and this wordly sum of 10 pieces of silver to the Devil to hold in escrow against his own stake of 10,000 silver coins in this gambling tournament being held at the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall of Riddleport on this Oathday, 13th day of Arodus, 4708 AR.

I understand that my soul will be placed on deposit in the Hells' deepest Pit of Nessus. Furthermore, I understand that all winnings shall be catalogued in concordance of souls, to be represented by teeth, eyes, and hearts of the Damned. By participating in the gambling tournament and beginning in the first Pit of Avernus, my winnings shall earn my way deeper through the hells on the following schedule:

Dis - 1 Gold Eye
Erebus - 3 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Dis
Phlegethon - 5 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Erebus
Stygia - 10 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Phlegethon
Malebolge - 25 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Stygia
Cocytus - 50 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Malbolge
Caina - 75 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Cocytus
Nessus - 100 Gold Eyes and a Badge of Caina

I understand that if I should lose my stake in the tournament I shall receive the Devil's Mark and my sould shall be cast upon the rocks on the shore of the River Styx.

I understand that if I elect to cash in my winnings before reaching the Pit of Nessus I shall forfeit my sould and half of the cash value of my winnings for said early departure.

If I am the first player to reach Nessus, then I am granted the redemption of my soul and the right to Cheat the Devil and Take His Gold in addition to collecting my winnings. In such a circumstance, all other players shall receive the Devil's Mark and forfeit their souls.

This I do swear.

Witnessed by: Old Scratch

Anyone who can, please make a Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (local) check. Also, anyone who took a Campaign Trait is automatically entered in the tournament. All others must pay 1 gp. Participation in the tournament is not mandatory, but all other gambling will stop while it goes on.

Knowledge (local)1d20+5=10

Mel snorts as he reads the contract then shakes his head at the scantily clad girl offering him a quill.....

"No thank you darlin' I won't be wagering my soul this evening"

The youth turns back to the bar area finding a spot where he can observe the crowd and the games

"No thank you darlin' I won't be wagering my soul this evening"

"Me neither," Thumparr growls. "Me soul's the only thing worth value me still have. Ain't givin' it up fer some stub," he jerks his chin in Saul's direction, "and a bunch of trussed up gutter whores."

Thumparr spits and turns to look up at Gornak.
"Figure ye can't read, numb nuts, so I'm telling ye that the contract calls fer ye mortal soul. Take me advice and let's get us another beer and watch the show."

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20+9=13
Assuming my check doesn't inform me that this is indeed a binding contract to some infernal being:
Kap chuckles lightly to himself, I doubt your immortal soul is really at stake here...I mean, you're only signing in ink, not blood...Old Scratch is but an Imp, and look around...this is all a bunch of parlor tricks...To each their own, though...I will be joining the tournament.

Gornak scowls. "Gornak reads good. Don't care about soul, and already paid fee. Might as well enter."

Gornak takes a pen and writes down his mark, the orcish runes for "Elf" and "Foot".

I have no interest in actually playing out a bunch of gambling games; I'd be perfectly happy if you just tell me if Gornak wins or loses.

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20+9=13

Assuming my check doesn't inform me that this is indeed a binding contract to some infernal being:

Although Kappasc does not have extensive knowledge of infernal contracts and their master Asmodeus, it is as he guessed, this is simply more "window-dressing" for the event and not binding in the least.

"Ngozi agree. Not worried about soul, Besmara protect that," and with a shrug Ngozi will fill in his mark with an X and pass the paper back to one of the waitresses.

I have no interest in actually playing out a bunch of gambling games; I'd be perfectly happy if you just tell me if Gornak wins or loses.

Ditto.

Ebenadar finally looks up as the commotion breaks his gaze away from the barmaid, who takes the opportunity to slip away while his attention is elsewhere.

Ebe's so pleased to see the object of his affection return with a piece of parchment to sign that he does so without hardly glancing at it.

Beriadan, also not one to waste money, decides that he might as well try his hand, though he is loath to actually gamble away too much on it, especially now that he knows that nothing more than a few coin will be at risk at this event. Therefore, he will sign his name when his copy of the contract reaches him and then he will say, "Let's see what these human games of chance have in store for us, shall we?"

With that, Beriadan will head towards the exchange counter and trade in a meager 2 silver to spend on this Tournament.

Up on the podium, in front of the treasure chest, the owner of the Gold Goblin continues:

"Of course, he plans on replacing what he loses 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 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 in an unknown language. "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 the Devil's Mark? Well, it's something too utterly horrible to even contemplate. The forfeiture of your very soul, it is. But I supposed I can show you what it is; gods know I more than deserve the Devil's Mark. In fact, better make it two, girls!"

The last comment is directed at the two comely "succubi" flanking him. They lean over (both being taller than the rather diminutive Vancaskerkin) and each firmly plants a kiss on his cheek with her ruby-red lips. When they pull away, their lip rouge has left clearly visible prints in the same shocking red on their 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 tirade from the imprisoned fiend above, and with that, the tournament begins.

OK, so far in the "Yes" column for playing in the tournament are Kappasc, Gornak, Ngozi, Ebendar, and Beriaden, with Thumparr and Mel abstaining. And don't worry, we'll be resolving the tournament with straight-up Charisma or Profession (gambler) checks. No need to play everything out. I just need to know how much gold in chips you are betting for each game. Remember that to advance to the lair of Dis you need to cash in 1 gp of chips to get a "Badge of Dis" that allows you to get out of the following level, Erebus.

Thumparr gawks at Saul, "Old Scratch", and the bawdy maids and then harrumphs and orders another beer. He then looks at the other person nearby who didn't sign their name. "Well, at least I ain't alone in me misery. The lipstick from them tarts are prolly poisonous anyway."
He eyes the young man(?) and says, "Me name's Thumparr - who ye be?"

Tag Mel

Do we start out with 1 gp in chips, or is the entrance fee just a fee and we have to buy more chips?

Do we start out with 1 gp in chips, or is the entrance fee just a fee and we have to buy more chips?

Your "Looking for work" trait means that the entrance fee is covered. You have to buy chips just like a regular gambling game. You can buy as many or as little as you want, and they're just pieces of woods dipped in paint with crude symbols on them.

Copper Heart = Dull red = 1 cp
Silver Tooth = Dull grey = 1 sp
Gold Eye = Dull gold = 1 gp

Mel takes a sip off ale as the Dwarf introduces himself.

"Meldrak Eden...scribes apprentice" the supposed lad answers in a voice that sounds barely broken.

please remember Melissa is using her disguise skill and is not obviously female. ie she has her breasts bound flat and isnt wearing any sort of cosmetic enhancement

Mel takes a sip off ale as the Dwarf introduces himself.

"Meldrak Eden...scribes apprentice" the supposed lad answers in a voice that sounds barely broken.

"What brings ye to this hole, lad?"

"I'd thought to seek an evenings entertainment here"replies the youth..."but I do not find the ..uhh..choice of subject appealing"

He directs a look of scorn at the scantily clad women.

"Still you can never account for taste can you"

"I'd thought to seek an evenings entertainment here"replies the youth..."but I do not find the ..uhh..choice of subject appealing"

He directs a look of scorn at the scantily clad women.

"Still you can never account for taste can you"

"Trollops, all of 'em. Better be careful dipping yer wick in one of 'em. Might catch sommat ye can't get rid of."

The boy blushes at the dwarfs crude comment takes a further sip of ale to cover his embarassment and nods

"I'm Riddleport born and bred..well at least I think I am..they found me on the doorstep of the orphanage"

The boy blushes at the dwarfs crude comment takes a further sip of ale to cover his embarassment and nods

"I'm Riddleport born and bred..well at least I think I am..they found me on the doorstep of the orphanage"

"Well then, what can ye tell me about this place? I ain't be in town long and I already got the itch that sommat is...wrong about it. Like the..." Thumparr looks around and leans in toward Mel, whispering rather loudly, "...the Blot - that damn cloud gives me the willies. What about ye, eh?"

So how much is everyone wagering? I will give you the odds and you can play as long as you want, as long as you use Invisible Castle. Just post the results. As stated above, each check is either a straight-up Charisma check or a Profession (Gambler) check. Remember you get to choose how much you're betting each time you roll, just put it in the Invisible Castle notes section. Here's the breakdown:

Roll 1-9 = Loose 100% of your stake
Roll 10-11 = Lose 50% of your stake
Roll 12-13 = Lose 20% of your stake
Roll 14-15 = Break even
Roll 16-17 = Regain stake plus 20%
Roll 18-19 = Regain stake plus 50%
Roll 20-21 = Regain stake plus 100%
Roll 22+ = Regain stake plus 100% For each 2 pts by which your result exceeds DC 22, increase the additional win by another 20%

If this is too detailed and nobody is interested, please let me know and we'll skip right to the next "encounter".

Gornak will bet 1 gp. Just tell me if he wins or loses anything. :-)

Gornak will bet 1 gp. Just tell me if he wins or loses anything. :-)

Gornak trades in his gold piece for ten "silver teeth". The men behind the cashier's desk look very worried as the half-orc approaches and trades in his money. They let out large sighs as her turns around and walks away.

Sadly Gornak's game does not go well and he looses his 10 silver teeth.

Ngozi will trade in his last gold piece for ten silver teeth, mutter a small prayer in polyglot to Besmara and Walkena, and then immediately bet all of ten on the first game he plays.

If you don't mind, just go ahead and tell me what happens.

If you don't mind, just go ahead and tell me what happens.

You loose 2 of your 10 silver teeth.

Having already gone to exchange his 2 silver pieces, Beriadan simply has a calm smile as he puts it all down on one game. Then, as the dice are rolled, Beriadan looks on with disinterest until the dice have stopped moving. Looking on with shock, the elven ranger sees that he had actually won a small amount of coin. However, still not a fan of the human style of gambling, he leaves the table, satisfied with his achievement.

Charisma Check 16

Mel shrugs at Thumparrs question

"The Blot?...well most of us try not to think too much about it really. The Cyphermages are supposed to be looking into it and that's good enough for me"

Mel finds the blot of little or no interest It's just there and someone will do something about it eventually

"The Blot?...well most of us try not to think too much about it really. The Cyphermages are supposed to be looking into it and that's good enough for me"

"How can ye not think about it?" Thumparr asks incredulously. "The damn thing's right over yer heads!"

Gornak's nostrils dilate and his knuckles crack as he gives a furious glare to the head on the ghoulette wheel.

"You cheat Gornak. Gornak will not forget this, head."

He staggers away, barely able to control his rage while Saul is around. He cools off for a few minutes, then looks for an opportunity to talk to Vancaskerin.

Bolstered by his encounter with the pretty barmaid, Ebe trades in 10 gold for the tournament, and throws himself at the game tables with vigor.

bets 1 copper (1d20-1=13) - 9 g, 9 s, 9 c
bets 1 silver (1d20-1=4) - 9 g, 8 s, 9 c
bets 2 silver (1d20-1=6) - 9 g, 6 s, 9 c
bets 4 silver (1d20-1=9) - 9 g, 2 s, 9 c
bets 8 silver (1d20-1=19) - 10 g, 4 s, 9 c
bets 1 silver (1d20-1=3) - 10 g, 3 s, 9 c
bets 2 silver (1d20-1=14) - 10 g, 3 s, 9 c
bets 2 silver (1d20-1=14) - 10 g, 3 s, 9 c
bets 2 silver (1d20-1=11) - 10 g, 2 s, 9 c
bets 4 silver (1d20-1=5) - 9 g, 8 s, 9 c
bets 8 silver (1d20-1=2) - 9 g, 0 s, 9 c
bets 1 g, 6 silver (1d20-1=14) - 9 g, 0 s, 9 c
bets 1g, 6 silver (1d20-1=6) - 7 g, 4 s, 9 c
bets 3 g, 2 s (1d20-1=18) - 12 g, 1 s, 9 c

His methodical betting method is off to a good, if slow start, and he's starting to build a nice pile of chips.

how much is needed to win this thing? This could take a while...especially with my low charisma...

Kap approcahes the table and studies the game intently, trying to see if he can use any of his skill in this game of luck...Reluctantly he decides that really only luck applies. Kap offers up his 1gp, muttering under his breath in Elven that, truly, these games are nothing like what he is used to for fun back in Kyonin.
Not to take the fun out of it, but uh Im fine with just moving on after I presumably lose my stake (gogo -2 cha modifyer!).