Maelorn move forward to the door, jams his hammer under it and tries to lever it up enough for Bron to escape
Thunder-Klar, with her very large hammer ready, swings at the barbarian with the choke chain, her face strained and sweat forming on her brow under the strain of the heavy weapon.
Cindersteel bites the barbariann, it being the largest of the targets that have just appeared. teeth gleaming and glowing with an unnatural sharpness.
Seeing his compatriots descend on the ape Zand points his wand at Smeed, a ripple warping the air as the magical projectile finds an unerring path to the target
Knocked down and pinned under the door, Bron lets out a grunt, followed by a string of the foulest curses that many of them have ever heard as he reached to one edge and does his best to pull himself out from under the door. However, not able to get good leverage with only on arm, Bron's cursing quickly changes to strained curses as he unsuccessfully pulls at the door's edge.
Grapple check:
Round 1
Thunder-Klar ____________________________________
Thunder-Klar, with her very large hammer ready, swings at the barbarian with the choke chain, her face strained and sweat forming on her brow under the strain of the heavy weapon as she slams a savage blow to the creatures right leg.
Zane __________________________________________
Zane points his wand at Smeed, a ripple warping the air as the magical projectile finds an unerring path to the target, striking his left foot and making him yelp.
Maelorn ________________________________________
Maelorn move forward to the door, jams his hammer under it and tries to lever it up enough for Bron to escape, but the combined weight of the ape and Smeed is still too much.
Cindersteel _____________________________________
Cindersteel bites at the ape, teeth gleaming and glowing with an unnatural sharpness; but misses as the ape dodges.
Bron___________________________________________
Knocked down and pinned under the door, Bron lets out a grunt, followed by a string of the foulest curses that many of them have ever heard as he reached to one edge and does his best to pull himself out from under the door. However, not able to get good leverage with only on arm, Bron's cursing quickly changes to strained curses as he unsuccessfully pulls at the door's edge.
Joseph ________________________________________
Joseph takes a mighty swing and chops all the way through the apes right arm as it raises it in defense, and hacks deeply into its body. Blood geysers as it falls dead. [Bron goes "Oof"] Smeed now stood alone, a panicky look on his face.
Nakoda ________________________________________
Inspire Courage (+1/+1)
It took a brief second for her to decide, but she still loaded the crossbow, familiar with the motions, at least. Her Tribe-sister was in-between her and the targets, so she could not get a good shot.. yet.
Smeed__________________________________________
Screaming hysterically, Smeed swung wildly again.
Scimitar vs AC17: Critical threat!
... Crit confirm? Crit confirmed! damage is cutting damage.
Round 2
________________________________________
Thunder-Klar
Zane
Maelorn
Cindersteel
Bron
Joseph
Nakoda
Smeed
Seeing the vicious slash Smeed delivers, Zane raises his cane calling upon its arcane power. The words coalesce in his mind, taking form as he recites the syllables.
A thick viscous substace manifests along the hilt of Smeed's weapon.
Unable to cast directly on Joe without risking a strike, Maelorn floods the area with healing energy, exempting only Smeed and his ape (presuming the ape is even alive)
Getting frustrated that he couldn't move the door, Bron's curses pick up in volume and vulgarity. Then, with a muffled *oof* as the baboon's weight fell fully on top of him, he pauses for a moment before his curses pick up yet again, slurring together into incomprehensible babble as the door starts to rattle from some incredible exertion. Then, with a loud "GRRAAAAHHH!!" coming from beneath the door, it miraculously begins to lift off the ground several centimeters as a hand, knuckles white from the iron grip it had on the wood of the door, once more begins to tip the door as a fuming Bron begins to emerge. It is incredible that the man is even able to move the door at all with the dead weight piled on top of it. Rising from between the floor and the door that had just recently pinned him, Bron stands and turns to face Smeed, his fierce gaze turning on the moneylender as his entire body became flushed with some unknown rage.
Grapple Check:
Round 2
________________________________________
[npc]Thunder-Klar ___________________
Steps up and swings at Smeed: Hit! for crush damage.
Smeed crumples around the earthbreaker and flies back six feet through the door and slide into the middle of his counting room, unmoving.
END OF COMBAT.
Maelorn channels and heals everyone except Smeed. Joseph wakes up.
Bron finally heaves the door off of him and rises enraged, only to find no enemy targets.
Scanning the room, looking for Smeed, it slowly dawns on the big man that the moneylender had been taken care of. At this realization, his rage seems to subside, his body relaxing as fatigue overcomes him briefly. Spotting the baboon now laying next to the door, Bron comments, "That's why that door was as heavy as Torag's anvil." Then, stooping to pick up his lost heavy flail. He simply takes up the long haft of his weapon, letting the heavy ball and chain hang to the ground as he looks in Smeed's direction, "Is he Pigmeat?" Bron asks as he walks over to check on the defeated moneylender.
The man took direct hit with an earth breaker (think giant meat tenderizer). He lives for the moment, but another few rounds will do for him.
Joe stands up, sword in hand, and looks down at Smeed.
"Damn, that bastard can hit hard."
He then walks around to the opposite side of Smeed to make sure he's surrounded, and makes sure to kick the scimitar out of Smeed's reach.
"Anyone bring any rope?"
As you bind him, you look around the room you are in and realize that this is his counting room. Hundreds of coins lay about, mostly copper and sliver, but with some gold as well. There is a heavy safe as well which promises to hold more. Up in the corner is a strange device...
You recognize it as a very specialized device for sawing coins in half (through the edge), scraping much of the precious metal from the interior, refilling it with base metal and putting the halves back together again. It is quite skillfully done, if the coins in evidence are any indication.
It is also tremendously illegal; even the gang lords who control this city don't want people messing with the valuation of currency. Even being in the same room as one can get you drawn and quartered.
Through the other door you can see Smeeds living quarters; a prime example of a relatively rich man with no taste. A large bed, erotic portraits, a deluxe fireplace, dining table, closets...
And a small toilet/bathroom.
Pulling a length of rope from his pack, Bron moves into the counting room and sets about tying up the injured man. Stealing a glance at the room as he did so, his eyebrow raised in confusion as his glance fell upon the strange device that was hanging on the wall. Then, figuring it was some strange device meant for counting coin, Bron goes back to his work, finishing tying off the last knot. Then, he lays the still unconscious man on the ground as he says, "Hope he comes to soon. Who knows if the gendarmes are comin' to check on the ruckus this has caused."
Joe snaps his fingers and points at Bron.
"That is a really excellent point."
He then walks over to the shutters and has a look out at the street before drawing them closed. He then jogs downstairs.
When Joseph looks out onto the street, he sees the neighborhood has returned to desultory life. Someone has kicked the dead dogs aside out of the middle of the street, some feral cats ripping flesh out of the wounds. When he looks for the masterwork crossbow Smeed drops, naturally it's already gone.
Slowly under Nakoda's ministrations, Smeed comes awake again. He finds himself surrounded and trussed up like a prize hog. He looks around fearfully, but doesn't speak.
As the interrogation begins, Zane shifts his gaze into the magical spectrum his eyes glowing silver as he scans the room in detail.
As Joe walks back in the room, he gives Smeed a halfhearted kick as he walks by him. "You are such an ass," he mutters, before beginning a thorough search of the room.
Smeed looks defiant and keeps his mouth shut. Unless…
He breaks down.
“I tell ya, I don’t know what yer talkin’ about! I don’t know nothin’ about no murder! Yer Saul’s boys right? He done gone too far now; he’s steppin on Boss Croat’s turf. None a you gonna get out o’ town alive now…
The safe is about a couple thousand pounds in weight and is about 3’x3’x4’.
There is a desk and several lockers full of files and ledgers.
Looks to you like it’ll take you most of a day to work through.
His armor is a well made Studded Leather with a basic enchantment [+1].
The shield he had was a similar quality Large wooden shield [+1].
He had two potions of Bulls Strength (clearly labled).
The sword is an exotic looking scimitar; the blade is a masterwork Shoanti style, but the hilt is a richly embellished Chelaxian style. A gift to somebody? Or from?
He had a pocket case of five Quadiran Cigars (worth 5gp each).
He had a necklace of garnets (worth 200 gp).
He had a belt pouch of 25 gold sovereigns and five platinum lunas.
One vial with five doses of what you think is Black Adder venom (not labeled at all).
After asking the man what he knows of Larur's death and seeing Smeed's resistant expression, Bron simply grins. Then, crouching down, balancing his weight on the balls of his feet while resting his arms on his knees, Bron stares at Smeed while he says, "Hey Joe, looks like we got a Turtle here." Then, speaking directly to Smeed, Bron continues, "Yah know what a Turtle is? Its a fella who gots a tough outside...a shell is ya will. But on the inside he is all squishy. How about it...you a Turtle, Turtle?" After Bron is finished speaking, he simply continues to stare at Smeed, as if urging him to say something useful.
Intimidate:
At Smeed's exclamation, Bron turn his head towards the others, letting them know that he had no idea whether to believe Smeed's words or not.
Maelorn deflates, rubbing his temple as he sits at the nearest surface. His eyes on Smeed, he slowly shakes his head, "I am tired, and it is people like you who make me so. We knock politely at your door, and you attack us. You claim no knowledge of Larur, yet his bloody cloak sits in your trash, creating a smell that anyone nearby would note."
"You are either a liar or a fool; probably both. I've had my fill of dealing with venal people, and I've had my fill of cleaning up Saul's messes."
He abruptly gets up, "I'll be outside." He steps out and begins going door to doo, looking for anyone who may have seen what happened. Though he expects it is hopeless, perhaps he can at least recover Larur's body and give it a decent burial.
OK boys and girls, fair warning. In the process of residing my apartment complex, they managed to cut my cable/internet connection. No idea as to when it'll be fixed, so posting will be erratic.
Nakoda returns with a squad of the Riddleport Gendarmes; the brutal mercenary police who’s only loyalty is to Overlord Cromarcky’s coin. Their presence ended the open gang warfare that plagued the town before then, and led to the relative stability the citizens enjoy to this day.
On being presented with the bloody cloak, the Gendarmes looked to be about to take the lot of you in for some vigourous questioning, until the Sergeant went over to the workbench with the odd device. Putting a knife to the edge of one of the coins there, he levers the two halves apart to reveal it as counterfeit.
He turns to look at Smeed and says; “You poor stupid son of a b~&%%. It’s the Arena for you now.”
He pauses to thank you all briefly for revealing a counterfeiter, then hauls Smeed off.
Not being a fan of the Gendarmes, Bron looked around for an escape route as the Overlord's guard threatened to haul them all in. However, once the Sergeant focused on the counterfeiting tool, Bron relaxed a bit and stood back, letting the Gendarmes do their work. After they hauled Smeed off, Bron says, "I say we take what we can an split before they decide to come back. We did what we came here ta do. Though it could have gone a little smoother, tha Boss should be happy with tha results."
"I would really like to look through this, see if there's anything relevant to us. It'll probably take most of a day though. Also, anyone know someone who can open that safe? I'm trying to think if I know anyone with the requisite skills..."
Joe goes silent as he continues looking through paperwork, and tries to think if he knows anyone.
You search through the building as well as the trash outside, but find no trace of Larur Feldin besides the bloody cloak. Somewhat encouraging is the fact that you find no sign that human remains were ever fed to Smeeds dogs.
Before Joseph can secure the services of a competent and “trustworthy” lock picker to open the safe, a crowd of Boss Croats union organizers chase you out the back way as they take over Smeeds operation. You are only able to scoop up a couple thousand crowns worth of coins that were stacked on the counting bench.
When you have time, and wary of possible counterfeit coinage, you examine them closely first. (batches of 250 gp value)
Batch #1
Real.
Batch #2
Counterfeit.
Batch #3
Real.
Batch #4
Real.
Batch #5
Counterfeit.
Batch #6
Real.
Batch #7
Real.
Batch #8
Counterfeit.
The papers, when you have time to examine them, are perfectly straightforward usorious loan transactions (up to 250% interest!), but otherwise squeeky clean. You suspect more interesting papers might have been in the safe.
When you return to the Golden Goblin, Saul is saddened by the evidence of Larur’s death, but grateful you were able to bring his killer to justice. That evening, he hosts a memorial service in his honor; most of the gambling hall’s employees join in.
Grateful for your efforts, and mindful of the risks you took, Saul officially recognizes Thunder-Klar, Bron and Joseph as junior partners and bumps everyones base pay to 25gp per week.
Over the next week, make your rolls for helping out at the Gold Goblin (you are partners after all).
---------------------------------
Examples of such duties include:
Barker, calling people on the street to come in and play.
Greeter, welcoming people at the door.
Dealer or croupier (run games for customers).
Crafter, making advertisements.
Staff manager (oversee the help).
Performer, entertaining the crowd.
Spotter (patrol the catwalks or the floor itself and watch for cheaters).
As a general rule, you can assume that a character can spend 4 hours a day working for the Gold Goblin and still have enough time left in his day to adventure, craft magic items, shop, or relax.
-------------------------------------------------
Key skills that influence the profitability of the Casino:
BLUFF (DC 15): Spend 2 hours a day cajoling citizens and tricking them into visiting the Gold Goblin.
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 20): 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.
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.
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.
Perception (Batch 1):
Perception (Batch 2):
Perception (Spotter):
Intimidate (Bouncer):
Though he at times had an eye for the small details, Bron wasn't too interested in spending his time sorting through the coin and only gets through the first and second batch before his impatience got the better of him. His work as a junior partner though, he takes up with zeal. Working the full 4 hours, Bron devotes his time working with Nakoda, making sure the troublemakers are tossed out before things get too out of control. Also, he lends his eye on the floor, spotting the trouble makers he would later throw out.
On his off-time, he can be seen enjoying a drink with Nakoda or talking with Joseph and Thunder-Klar about things they have seen and done. Though not the religious type, after a few drinks, Bron can even be seen extolling the limited amount he knew of the Drunken Hero to Maelorn. If the others came away learning anything about the strong Riddleportian, it was that though he wasn't the brightest, he was genuine and he certainly knew how to handle his drink.
Joe spends a few hours a day both dealing cards and observing the crowds. He also seems surprisingly interested in the details of the loan transactions he took from Smeed. He definitely enjoys the drinking and chatting, and is obviously fascinated by the gambling, but he also spends some time trying to convince Saul that it would be worth branching out into loans, and that approaching people that show a good payment history with offers of lower interest rates could make the casino even more money.
Maelorn spends the next few days uncharacteristically quiet, keeping an eye out for cheaters, but not socializing with the staff or other 'junior partners'. His off-time is spent working on his armor.
Midweek, he seems to make a decision, and goes to speak to Saul in the back.
"Saul, I don't like to step back from my word, so I am still here. But I do have something to say. Since our inclusion as junior partners, it seems our primary duties have been to clean up the messes left by your former life. On the street, we are beginning to be known as your "enforcer's". I signed up be the Maker is interested in building things, and while a partnership is not physical, it is nonetheless a construction, and good in the Maker's eyes."
"I did not sign up to be your mercenary. If you have further enemies waiting to strike at you, I suggest you either hire brutes, or retire. I will continue to aid the Goblin and protect it, but I will no longer be dragged in to assaulting your enemies, who target the goblin as a matter of revenge against you."
He'll then return to the floor, continuing to watch for cheaters.
That week, Saul comes out of the counting house with a big smile. Profitability is very good, and with all bonuses the partners take home 75 crowns and the junior partners take home 50 crowns each.
Both Nakoda and Thunder-Klar have occasion to visit the Shoanti enclave. The language of home fills them with nostalgia, and the people are glad to see you. Your rising fame seems to encourage them in their daily struggle.
Cindersteel is an object of some fear and respect in the enclave, and an exotic draw at the Golden Goblin itself.
Despite Nakoda's best efforts, there is still no sign of Baral.
A blind witch going by the name Tholek’mard has set up shop there, and you can buy a nice selection of potions from her (the Shoanti discount is 20%).
One day, while perusing her selection, she turns her blind eyes to you.
”Black as the heart of the Prince of Lies is the water that rolls towards you, engulfing all you love…”
When you gather your courage to question her, she replies with a puzzled look that she didn’t say anything.
Bron Hartigan spends some of his off time at the Publican House, a boisterous tavern sacred to Caiden Cailean.
There one day Bron overhears someone who had drunk a way too much about how he had overheard some of Clegg Zinchers boys planning to loot some of the cargo off a ship named “The Foamrunner”.
Coincidentally, Saul has a shipment of expensive Chelaxian liquor coming in on the Foamrunner tomorrow...
Joseph arranges through his contacts the aquisition of a specialized scales device to make sure the coins that pass through the Gold Goblin aren't counterfeit.
Saul seems approving of the business loans idea; he shares with you that he forsees it more likely he would form a bank to handle that kind of thing.
While studying the papers you took from Smeed, you see that Boss Croat was taking a lot of the money and hiring bully boys and low mercenaries for some reason, more than the Docks turf would reasonably need. Is he planning a street war with someone?
Zane is surprised as Samaritha charges up to him shrieking a waiving a paper around. She tackles him and in between kissing him, yells out; ”I got it! I got it! I got it!”
Samaritha explains eagerly that she just landed an apprenticeship with the Cyphermages! Studying with Master Elias Tammerhawk himself. She is sorry she won’t be working as closely with you as she had been working in the Goblin with you, but she couldn’t pass up the opportunity of a lifetime. You spend the rest of the day (and night) celebrating, and the next day help her move to the Cypher Lodge.
Escorting her, you help fend off sullen groups of mystery cultists; more and more such religious fanatics who believe that the Blot is a sign from (god, goddess, devil, whatever…) and that Cyphermages (or all mages) are blasphemers that should be eliminated for the good of their souls.
While there, you witness an expedition by Master Po (along with two apprentices) who lifted up to the Blot using a flying carpet. The expedition failed again, one apprentice plunging almost to his death when he fell off. All in all a good day.
With all the events, you realize something. With all the theories flying about, you realize deep in your heart that the Blot is some kind of Arcane magic, not celestial. No proof of course, but that is what experimentation is for!
Saul slams his drink down onto his desk at Maelorns words and stalks over to a window to stare out over the city.
”I am more than a little surprised at you, given your experience serving the poor and downtrodden, that you find it shocking and surprising to find violence at large in our fair city.” His face is bitter as he holds up the key grafted to his arm.
”If surrendering and taking whatever thugs and bullies dish out…” He grimaces and bites down on what he was about to say. He takes a deep breath.
”No, that was uncalled for, and I apologize. You are a good man, I know; and you would prefer to be out helping the poorest and most vulnerable and not working at a gambling hall.
“Maelorn, the Golden Goblin is going to be a success. Whoever has it will have a great deal of money, and such things will attract the greedy attention of violent men. The gang lords will try to take control of the Goblin, and I will fend them off.”
He sighs. ”But…”
”I am not as young as I used to be, it is true; and I grow tired more easily as time goes on.”
He turns to you.
”It seems I am in need of a new Floor Manager. If a day comes in, say, a year from now that I should retire and make you Chief Executive Officer of the Golden Goblin, why I think of how unhappy the gang lords would be, and I would be happy with that.“
He smiles a little.
”What do you think? Could you build something with the Golden Goblin?”
"Ugh, nevermind. I will take the floor manager position for now, and there is no need to promise me a future position. My counsel to you, if you'll hear it, is to try and find some way to make some peace with your enemies. That, by the way, is an activity in which I would be happy to represent you."
Zane celebrates the night away with Samaritha, thrilled that she achieved the first of her goals. As he helps her move in he observes the increased hostility towards mages, glad that she would be surrounded by others while he is at the Goblin. As he kisses her good bye he slips a slender wand into her hand, striated colors swirling in the crystal at its tip.
"Keep this with you. Color spray's good at controlling a crowd."
The instictive insight into the blot was both exiting and apprehensive, whatever was coming, it was big, and mages would be at the forefront.
It would also mean that soon the area could become a dangerous place for arcane spellcasters.
DM
You don't know offhand, but a little research down at the docks, a few drinks bought, and you are told it's coming in just after sunset tomorrow; about 7pm.
Joe spends some time asking around town to people he knows if anyone has any idea what Boss Croat is up to.
Figuring he still had time, Bron returns to the Publican House after his investigation to enjoy the last hour or so before patrons are asked to leave. Crashing for the night, he remembers to write the information he had found out down after nearly forgetting it when festing. The next day, when all have gathered to meet in the morning, Bron finds time to tell Saul and the others, "I heard a rumor while I was soaking myself at the Publican House. Seems that some o' Zincher's men are gonna be pulling a heist on the Foamrunner tonight when she comes ta port. If I was a betting man, I'd say they are gonna make off with the Chelaxian liquor that Saul ordered fer the hall, unless someone goes ta make sure it gets here okay."