Dimitrio signs Desna's wings over his heart. "One should not make fun of the restless dead. Very bad luck."
The bard is visibly shaken by the thought of people taking ghouls lightly. He looks away from the 'ghoulette' and waits to the conversation and people to move on.
Garridan smiles inwardly at Dimitrio's remarks It is a little creepy. But he still can't help but chuckle to himself.
Lief follows the others out of curiosity. As Ederin and Garridan quickly draw their swords, he decides to leave his sheathed for the time-being.
When Dungo is revealed, Lief moves up to get a closer look.
"This will certainly generate a buzz in your clientele. Are there things equally as morbid as this in other local establishments?"
Lief picks a couple of copper out of his pack, and tosses them at the head, testing to see what it does when prodded. Should be interesting when drunks reach over to address an insult...
""And the rest of you? What do you think? What else can we do to improve things?"
Lief retrieves the easier copper to claim, staying well clear of the head. "Honestly, I don't know exactly why I was chosen to interfere here. I enjoyed the excitement of it all, don't get me wrong, but I'm a student of alchemicals, and most of my studies until now have tried to provide me an understanding of the world in which these materials exist. I tend towards the acquisition of knowledge, but not for knowledge's sake, but my own, and my family's. There is business in well-prepared curatives and alleviants. Some of it could be quite profitable to the right buyers." Lief trails off, muttering brief calculations to himself before returning to the discussion.
"Also, I would welcome the opportunity to gain information throughout Riddleport, so if you needed intelligence on your many competitors, I might lean towards gathering it together for you. Or research. I love research. But I would need the books for it. And an oil lamp." He doesn't seem at all finished with his thoughts, but has stopped them from being voiced for now.
The head does indeed snap at the coin as it goes by. It is unthinking, but it is undead of a sort...
Larur says, "Saul thinks it's unique. I've certainly not heard of anything like this in other establishments, they tend to be more conservative. But yes, it would be good to know more and if you can gather that information discretely all the better."
He turns to Ederin eyeing the mans bow, "...and you? Do you want to run security, or do you have something else in mind? Those catwalks would give you clear shots on those who would lie below - though I don't expect a lot of combat in the hall. And we'd need to get you some blunt arrows..." he trails off.
Ederin laughs more out of embarrassment than anything else when he sees what was through the door.
"We were dragged out of a bar, but otherwise the head has the right of it."
He shakes his own head a bit and tries to regain some composure as he sheathes his sword.
"Yeah mate, I can do security, got a handful o' my own blunt arrows till you can supply me with your own. Was thinking about how you could open that pit up too."
"There's already one arena in town, right? But the fighters ain't volunteering, they just get tossed in against whatever comes out at them, but what if we open it up the Goblin's pit to braggarts, Gendarmes, mercenaries?"
"We get people to bet on them, winner get's a cut o' the profits, maybe keep a priest on hand for fixin' the lads. Winners stay rich, so they keep comin', and we got a steady attraction. Everyone in Riddleport has a debt to pay off, let them win their money back scrapin'. Not to the death, just till knock out or surrender."
"Just a thought anyway."
The next few days pass quickly as you spend most of your time getting to know the other staff, figuring out how Larur has the whole place humming, helping with new hires, and just playing catch up. You see little of Saul as he scrambles to bring back the ‘big ticket’ gamblers who were particularly put off by the recent events.
Two days after the raid, the Gold Goblin reopens, but to little fanfare. A few hardcores trickle in the first night, but it’s largely pretty quiet. The first few days are like that in fact. Quiet. Oh, well, there was a group of thug-wanna-bes who came out the first night. They were demanding more cash for their chips, claiming they had been there the night of the raid, but hadn’t gotten 110% for their chips as they fled before that payout was offered. Larur gets involved and agrees to pay out their 110%, but you suspect it was mostly to save face and encourage anyone to gamble.
Saul however is unflappable. He’s visible, friendly, and glad-hands everyone who comes in, making them feel personally welcome. Whatever his past, and other faults, Saul is good with people and good at making them feel important. And his goal-seeking knows no bounds. He talks of adding another floor to the east wing to accommodate more guests overnight. Hotel, gambling house, maybe brewery, a voluntary fighting pit, and who knows what else!
Meanwhile, the blot continues to frustrate the researchers, and other oddities occur throughout town according to rumor and you’re own experiences. One day, small metal items throughout the city became slightly magnetized. Just enough to be noticed, but not really a big problem. Drawing weapons became difficult, silverware stuck together, and that sort of thing. The roulette wheels didn’t work either. But that passed after a few hours.
Later in the week, all magics in the city exuded a strange purple mist. That was weird. The whole ceiling of the Gold Goblin, being an illusory wall, roiled in the purple mist. As did any magics you possess, and any spells you cast. That lasted, off and on, for most of a day. Very strange and not even the best of the cyphermages could explain it.
Otherwise things are pretty quiet the first week…
- - -
You have time to yourselves of course and can do whatever you like in this time in addition to your other duties. Please feel free to expound on what you’re doing during the week, and feel free to be as detailed as you like. Time will pass quickly for a while, but I do not want to miss good role play opportunities. :)
At the end of the week, everyone please roll the following (this is after training to second level), and I’ll modify based on your role play, in support of the Gold Goblin. Good rolls improve Saul’s check to do well that week, very poor roles detract. These rolls influence the following week not this week so please add 10gp to your personal wealth for the weeks work.
Dimitrio - perform (dance) - performing in the evenings (or gather Information to find new talent if you prefer, but not both)
Garridan - profession (gambler) - sitting in a few tables, and suggesting improvements on games
Kaylayne - profession (bartender) - developing new drinks, improving the way the bartenders work
Ederin - gather information - on possible pit performers (or profession (soldier) or the like to protect the casino, but not both)
Lief - gather information - on the other casinos and on things like when wealthy patrons visit Riddleport
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Ederin spends a lot his next week getting a feel for the Goblin, learning the best spots for watching the crowd and giving pointers to the new guards. He sends a few feelers out looking for some pit fighters, but for now it's not his focus. The establishment just got hit hard, people needed to see that Saul had upped his security, and thankfully, from the cat walks no one could tell how tall or short Ederin was. He learned that he made an imposing figure from so high up with his bow, and was starting to figure out how to turn it to his advantage.
He could have learned a little faster, of course. He'd been watching a few of the new serving girls while Larur was getting hustled for more chips, but in the end the Dwarf seemed to prefer having actual business, so maybe it wasn't all bad.
He of course, did not spend the entire week stalking the patrons of his new employer. He went out looking for Bibs, his contact with his previous employer, but she'd always been elusive, he had to settle for leaving a message with Old Jack. Some of his mates from Rotgut laughed at him, saying that he'd be back, but his closest friends all let him buy rounds of drinks and praised him for finally getting out of the slums.
He even asked Kaylayne to show him a bit of magic. He'd always been fascinated by spells, but had never tried learning any, there'd never been much leisure living on the street. Now that he actually had it, he was eager to broaden his skills, if he could.
When he wasn't out on the town or working he spent some time trading stories and insults with the rest of the Goblins employees. Over all a mostly quiet week, not bad considering the mess that got him employed.
What a week, Garridan thinks as he looks back at the week that has just passed. He basks in the contentment and remembers his old tavern. I haven’t felt like this since The Loaded Dice and Dary, best not think about it, he cautions himself.
He can sum up his week with two words dice and drink, both in large measure. He recalls spending most of his time watching the gambling and partaking of the ample stores of the Gold Goblin's ale. The Goblin definitely has an ebb and flow and he navigated the waters with the skill of a Master Pilot in a familiar port, he recalls.
But it wasn't all fun and games so to speak, watching for shaved dice, card markers, card counters and dirty dealers is time consuming. Fortunately, monitoring the games can be done while playing. When he wasn't playing he tracked the house's take on the tables, looking for large variations in order to tell if there is a problem and the need to pay closer attention to a game or dealer.
On his down time he tries to get to know his companions a little better but the newness of everything is overwhelming and prevents him from spending much time with them.
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Dimitrio’s new magic was quickly put to good use. He repaired his shirt, previously skewered by the thug, and even made a new dancing outfit. Wide cuffs really followed his twirling well. His other spell would also be put to good use.
It was late morning, and there were no customers in the Gold Goblin.
Dimitrio sighed again. He grabbed Zuria’s hand one more time. the view from the catwalk was… invigorating, but he could see why the girl was hesitant. It was pretty high. He explained the start of the routine one more time, ”So when the percussionist finishes his entrance, we jump on to the floor.”
The fear etched on her face told him all he needed to know.
”No, really. It will be fine. You just grab my hand and you’ll be safe.”
The girl, although a decent dancer, was clearly not a risk taker. So there was only thing left for Dimitrio to do. Before she knew what was going on, the bard grabbed the girl’s hand and jumped.
Zuria’s scream soon turned to nervous laughing as she floated down to the floor. A second later they were safely on the ground, and Dimitrio turned to her. Thanks for sure, maybe even a kiss…
The girl, still nervously laughing, slapped him hard on his face, ”Never do that again!” Her laughter turned to sobbing until the dancer held her in his arms and comforted her. Yeah, she is ready and we’ll try it tonight.
That night was huge success, and the bard was already making a name for himself with his magical dancing. The two musicians were decent and the girl, although not a risk taker, was a good dancer and even better looking. All she had to do was smile and let Dimitrio take the lead.
And for some reason, tonight was extra special. The bard’s magic was closely followed by a purple mist, which just seemed to be part of the show.
He grabbed his partner’s hand and took a bow. The applause was intoxicating. Yeah, life is good
Day 1: Prof (Barkeep)
Day 2: Prof (Barkeep)
Day 3: Prof (Barkeep)
Day 4: <vacation day @ market>
Day 5: Prof (Barkeep)
Day 6: Prof (Barkeep)
Day 7: <vacation day @ market>
Kaylayne works hard initially, trying to make the best of her lucky break. Initially, she focuses on barkeep training and, well, customer service. She shares what she knows of making drinks and 'tending to the other barkeeps, not minding at all if others refuse her instruction.
Later in the week, she experiments with different liquors. She wants to find a unique drink for the Gold Goblin's elite clients, who can pay for something above and beyond the normal rabble. She experiments with the juice of the Goodberry, a minor magical trick she picked up long ago.
She hopes that the innate goodness of the goodberry juice, when combined with a suitable intoxicant would produce a high-priced gambling euphoric for the elite. Since she has limited access to Goodberreis, she limits the number of available drinks to only 8 or 16 a night and has priced the item to exclusive levels.
At least once per day, she takes some time to examine the leather armor. Magic is more of a pastime than any serious endeavor, but the armor provides an elusive mystery to her that she seeks to unlock.
Day 1: Spellcraft - leather armor
Day 2: Spellcraft - leather armor
Day 3: Spellcraft - leather armor
Day 5: Spellcraft - leather armor
It's not until day 5 that she feels that she has uncovered the magical secrets of the armor.
On days 4 & 7, if possible, she takes for herself. She trusts the rest of the party to manage things while she shops in the Riddlport disticts. Ostensibly, it's to shop for potential liquors and mixes, but really Kaylayne just wants time out of doors and around many people. It's a place that she feels safe from her own death. She hopes.
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He even asked Kaylayne to show him a bit of magic. He'd always been fascinated by spells, but had never tried learning any, there'd never been much leisure living on the street.
Kaylayne tries. She doesn't know much, but tries to explain magic to Ederin as much as she understands it in hopes of expounding on her own dilettante's reservoir.
"You think about the way you wish them...and some combinations of words, gestures, and thought combine to create effects. I don't really understand how it works...but it seems that the very universe itself has some predestined shortcuts that allow the altering of reality," Kaylayne tries to explain, but poorly.
"I don't know why, if you move your hands like this," Kaylayne says, demonstrating one hand pushing away from her body, then swirling around her head, "Then speaking strongly the words 'KLAATU BARADA NIKTO!', then showing your holy symbol or offering a sprig of a flower bud, seems to keep evil from you. Evil has a much more difficult time harming you after this spell. The universe just makes it that way."
Kaylayne shakes her head, failing to explain all of magic to Ederin, and showing the depths of her own ignorance.
"I don't know why it works...but it *does*. It does work. I don't know why the holy symbol or the sprig are important, but only if you don't have either of them, the spell doesn't work. I can't explain it...but it just...*does*."
Kaylayne shakes her head, haven given it her best shot. She looks at Ederin, wondering if there are more questions she can fail to answer for him.
Ederin listens as Kaylayne does her best to explain how magic is used, and he does his best to understand whatever it is she's saying to him.
"So some fancy gestures an' words is all it takes for the universe to favor you over some bloke who is evil? If you don't mind me saying so Kay, it sounds a bit...far fetched."
Never the less, he watches her hand motions with a trained eye, the same he's done every time he sees someone cast a spell. Holding his own hands in the air he tries to mimic the motions.
"Kardu blata Ki...?!" He tosses his hands in the air, frustrated that he can't remember the words.
"Well, this ain't gonna be as easy as I figured. I'll keep workin' at it, long as you don't mind me stoppin' by for pointers now and again, eh?"
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Garridan lays stretched out in his bunk with his hands behind his head starting to doze off when he overhears Ederin and Layne talking about magic. Layne doesn’t fully understand it herself, he thinks and concludes, well no one really does but perhaps I can help.
Sitting up he clears his throat, “I don’t mean to intrude but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.”
With a nod and a smile he continues “This is how I always envisioned magic and our access to it; First picture a tavern with thousands of kegs, these kegs are filled with different spells. Now for divine casters it is pretty easy they just ask the waitress for a drink and she goes and gets it for them and brings it back to the table. Your arcane casters on the other hand they have to look at the drink menu and study it, so to speak, and if it’s not on the menu they can’t have it. In either case you have to ask the right way or you don’t get anything.
Taking a breath he continues, “If you follow me, getting the spell is like getting a drink to your table. But how do cast it you ask; well it’s just like taking a drink. When you take a drink you make certain motions to bring the cup to your lips, depending on the occasion you might make a toast, or make some remarks, or some such before you take a drink but eventually you have to drink it.
Satisfied he lays back down and places his hands behind his head.
“If you follow me, getting the spell is like getting a drink to your table...you take a drink but eventually you have to drink it."
Kaylayne looks at Garridan as if the man is speaking orcish, or maybe he is, but it certainly isn't the magic that she understands.
"...but I guess that just proves my point, Ederin. Magic is different to different people. I can't explain it any better than that. Drinking to some, an abstract innation to others, a serious of steps for others. So...yeah..." Kaylayne goes back to cleaning bar.
* * *
Kaylayne will explain to others that the leather armor is magic. She has little interest in it. She offers to sell the items at her next trip to market...if people want. She's sure she can get good value for the items.
Kaylayne will explain to others that the leather armor is magic. She has little interest in it. She offers to sell the items at her next trip to market...if people want. She's sure she can get good value for the items.
Dimitrio eyes the magical leather armor and even tries it on for size. he does a few dance steps, boots loudly knocking on the floor. Not my style The brown color just doesn't quite go well with his dark blue pants, and he decides to keep his black studded armor. It was finely made specifically for him.
He then turned to the others, "Now I understand that we want to buy some healing magic, but we have potions and I can cast a healing spell or two, if needed." The quizzical looks is quickly answered, "An old story involving an old Varisian woman. Some other time."
He turns back to the business at hand, "Unlike our archer here, I don't really have a very effective way to get opponents at a distance and that wand could come in handy. Are we sure we want to sell it? You know we won't get what it's worth?"
He looks at Kaylayne, "Are you sure you don't want to keep those magical bracers?"
He turns back to the business at hand, "Unlike our archer here, I don't really have a very effective way to get opponents at a distance and that wand could come in handy. Are we sure we want to sell it? You know we won't get what it's worth?"
Do we ever get what we think something is worth? Garridan asks himself.
To the bard he replies "I think you would be better off investing in a good crossbow or sling, rather then relying on the wand. It will be used up before you know it." Sorting through the items he holds up a dagger, "Even this will do in a pinch to hit something a bit away"
"Are we sure we want to sell it?"
Kaylayne shrugs.
"If you can use it, take it. This place isn't that big, I'm pretty sure we won't need anything like it. But if you want it, take it."
"Are you sure you don't want to keep those magical bracers?"
Kaylayne looks surprised by the question.
"Oh no, why would I want them?"
Having no interest in any of the items, Ederin leaves his companions to discuss their collective loot from the raid as he continues to practice the hand motions Kaylayne taught him.
"Klatoo b'rada tokin?"
"Klatoo barudo Nikit?"
Eventually he gives up and goes to the bar, having been unable to think about anything but drinks since Garridan gave his advice.
Assuming Dimitrio keeps the wand, you have 1,174gp to spend. If you buy a wand of cure light wounds to let the spellcasters focus on different more interesting things, you’ll end up with 85gp per person distributed. Is that what you want to do?
You find that the best place to buy such a wand is the temple of Calistria, which is of course the largest brothel in town. That or Cayden Cailean, the largest pub in town. Either location should have what you seek.
Also, don’t forget the chest of silver that’s going to explode on the bar this week if you do nothing.
To the bard he replies "I think you would be better off investing in a good crossbow or sling, rather then relying on the wand. It will be used up before you know it." Sorting through the items he holds up a dagger, "Even this will do in a pinch to hit something a bit away"
Dimitrio shrugs and concedes the argument, "Well, I have those." He lifts his pant leg and shows his array of daggers. "Just don't come complaining when my ranged combat isn't up to par."
"Oh no, why would I want them?"
Dimitrio grabs the bracers and slips them on, "Actually these will protect you from getting hit. You know so you don't get cut and bleed to death. But, whatever. it's up to you. I guess I'm Ok with selling everything then; there's nothing of real use to me."
The bard lowers his voice and addresses everyone, "Hey, I think we need to tell saul about the chest and the magical cloth. I'm afraid that spell may end at the most inopportune time and we would have a hard time explaining. How about we tell him about it and let him recoup his cash?"
The bard lowers his voice and addresses everyone, "Hey, I think we need to tell saul about the chest and the magical cloth. I'm afraid that spell may end at the most inopportune time and we would have a hard time explaining. How about we tell him about it and let him recoup his cash?"
"I agree it needs to be returned." Garridan considers for a moment and continues, "Dimitrio you are the most eloquent among us why don't you inquire about a finders fee."
Later in the week, she experiments with different liquors. She wants to find a unique drink for the Gold Goblin's elite clients, who can pay for something above and beyond the normal rabble. She experiments with the juice of the Goodberry, a minor magical trick she picked up long ago.
Garridan notices Layne's experiments and offers some advice, "You'll get the best results with Mead." Pointing at the berries he continues, "If you are going to add their juice after the fermentation process, Mead is the way to go. Be careful though, you have to make sure the yeast is inert or else you'll get an explosion when you re-bottle them."
"Actually these will protect you from getting hit. You know so you don't get cut and bleed to death."
"They protect about as much as a stout padded apron," Kaylayne smirks back. "I have real armor behind the bar for when I actually need it."
Did he forget that I'm the one who told him what they were?
"Hey, I think we need to tell saul about the chest and the magical cloth. I'm afraid that spell may end at the most inopportune time and we would have a hard time explaining. How about we tell him about it and let him recoup his cash?"
Kaylayne shrugs, having completely forgotten about the dishragchest.
"Yeah, go. Take care of it. I wouldn't ask for a reward, but it seems odd that Saul hasn't asked about it. In the excitement, I forgot all about it."
Dimitrio had just finished one of his performances, and it was easy to see that the Gold Goblin was beginning to recuperate its clientele. Saul seemed to be in a good mood, and the bard decided to take advantage of the situation.
He called his companions over as he approached his boss, and, after some small talk about how good things were going, he stated, "Boss, we have some additional good news that you're gonna want to hear. You see as part of us foiling the heist a couple of days ago, we found a magical cloth. This cloth has the imprint of the chest that was slated to be the grand prize of your opening."
He waited a moment for the news to sink in, "Now after extensive study, both Lief and Kaylayne are pretty certain that the spell could be reversed and you could get the chest and money back." The bard was hoping his story was believable and that there wouldn't be any backlash for not letting Saul know sooner.
"I think we are ready to try to reverse the spell if you think now is a good time." The bard chuckled, "Now what would a service such as this be worth to someone like you?" Dimitrio didn't want to ask for payment outright, but he hoped that Saul got the hint.
”However did you manage that?! The Gendarme said they couldn’t get the location of the chest from the thieves. They claimed it was taken from them while they were unconscious but of course I didn’t believe that for an instant - someone would have seen!”
”I figured it was the Gendarmes just helping themselves, like always. I even lodged a formal protest with the overlord and was ignored. Now I know why.”
”Well I’ll be.”, he still can't believe it’s back.
”What a week it’s been, so much good news. Well this is certainly worth a finders fee - shall we say 20%? I can certainly use the rest to replenish the losses from that night and have a little over besides! Well done indeed.”
Saul is beaming.
"I hope this works," Kaylayne tries to help retrieve the chest, tossing the cloth down upon a stable surface, seeking to break the enchantment. "It should..."
Kaylayne steps back to watch.
"How...how much is in there?" Kaylayne asks Saul not out of greed, but for something else that occurs to her.
"How...how much is in there?" Kaylayne asks Saul not out of greed, but for something else that occurs to her.
As the chest *pops* back with a sizzle, Saul smiles and says, "10,000 silvers all cleaned and shiny for the Take the Devil's Gold Tournament. So 2,000 silvers to you lot for bringing it back. It's quite a bit!"
Kaylayne circles the chest, looking at it as if expecting more.
"Well, this confirms what I had thought. And something you already probably knew, but it's clear now," Kaylayne takes a few coins in her hands and tosses them back in. "This wasn't a robbery for the point of stealing money, it was designed to ruin and destroy you. 1000 gold is a pittance to what the magic cost to pull off the heist."
Kaylayne goes back to leaning against the wall.
"That used to be your problem. As of the moment you hired us, it's *our* problem now too. I wish I had known this the day of the attack, I might have tried to question our attackers to figure out who exactly put them up to it."
Kaylayne rubs her chin.
"Or maybe only one or two of the leaders knew who was in charge. And it sounds like you slew one of them, Ederin."
Froth and foam! Garridan curses to himself as he listens to Layne's remarks. "Do we know where the remaining brigands are being kept? Perhaps it is not to late to question them"
"Or maybe only one or two of the leaders knew who was in charge. And it sounds like you slew one of them, Ederin."
Ederin smirks and gives a sidelong glance to Lief.
"Best not be sayin' that too loud around the librarian here. He's like to lecture me again.""Speakin' of killin' though, we might want more 'an' just these vials if something else ever comes up. If Kay is right about someone being out for Saul, we ain't gonna avoid trouble for too long. Garry, you think you could get a few o' your fellow soakers at the Cayden Cailean to make us a healing wand?"
Saul looks thoughtful and calm, ”Well I have many enemies and it could have been any one of them. Hell even the overlord isn’t keen on me being here as I’m competing with his own casinos. Not a lot of friends around here really, such is my lot!”
"We'll not be able to question them now I'm afraid. Once someone goes to the Gendarmes they pretty much run the show. If we had some influence with the overlord, maybe, but I have none."
"Garry, you think you could get a few o' your fellow soakers at the Cayden Cailean to make us a healing wand?"
Kaylayne nods in agreement with a worrysome protective rubbing of her own shoulders.
I'm going to want that around if we're going to do dangerous things and dangerous people.
"It appears I misunderstood the danger in taking this job. Nonetheless, I'll still do it. After all, all of Riddleport seems dangerous. This job will hopefully have more people around to help deal with it."
Kay looks at Garridan.
"I'm heading into town to shop and sell, if you want we can swing by the Brewery and see if your friends have any wands to sell."
Kay looks at Garridan.
"I'm heading into town to shop and sell, if you want we can swing by the Brewery and see if your friends have any wands to sell."
Pleased that their talk with Saul had gone well, Dimitrio greedily counts his money. I haven't had this much in a while
Hearing about shopping, the vain young man invites himself to tag along, "Don't mind if I accompany you all. I still need to become more acquainted with Riddleport, and I'm looking for a new outfit for a dance performance I have in mind."
You enter the temple of Cayden Cailean, a building of clapboard and shingles, and the largest tavern in town. Great bay windows of leaded glass look out over the river, often lit by the revel ongoing through most hours of the evening and night. A sign bearing the symbol of a dented ale mug hangs above the door, and written discreetly beneath it in gold letters are the words “Publican House.” Area Six (link) on the western shore of Riddleport.
It’s a favorite stop for ships’ crews and travelers for its wide selection and fair prices. It is overseen by high publican Arnando Rolf, a bear of a man who is rarely seen without a notched sword swinging at his hip. The temple-tavern is open to all, with the one exception painted in bright red letters in several languages directly above the bar: “No Cyphermages,” a policy enacted several years ago after numerous problems between Rolf and some of the more egotistical and stuffy members of the Order of the Cypher.
It’s hard to know who is a priest, or even who works here, for the chaos of the place is overwhelming. Quite a rowdy place, though there's a feeling of safety here.
"I'm heading into town to shop and sell, if you want we can swing by the Brewery and see if your friends have any wands to sell."
Nodding his head, "Sounds like a great idea considering the potential for danger." He pauses and adds, "Plus I was thinking of adding a little shrine to The Lucky Drunk behind the bar and can pick up a few things at the Brewery while we are there." Looking to Saul, "If that's okay with you, of course."
"Plus I was thinking of adding a little shrine to The Lucky Drunk behind the bar and can pick up a few things at the Brewery while we are there." Looking to Saul, "If that's okay with you, of course."
"Cayden is welcome here, and a little luck makes everyone happy... but not too much luck of course. The house still needs to win!" he laughs and heads to his office while the party does some shopping.
"Lemme get my shirt on," Kaylayne notes, running back to her bar to don her hide shirt. She grabs her mace, dagger, & sling as well.
Upon leaving the Gold Goblin, she spends a moment at the doorway, not yet exiting, looking up and down the street, then up and down again. Only when she is certain that she does not see anything does she move out with Garridan & Dimitrio.
* * *
She does not drink at Publican House, but merely watches the chaos and enjoys the sense of safety among so many other people. She waits for Garridan to complete his business.
It feels like coming home. Garridan smiles as he surveys the tavern with a sweeping gaze. With a purposeful strife he makes to the bar and gets the attention of the barkeep. "I'll have a strong beer, one that would make Little Thunder roar," he asks.
With a smile at his companions he shrugs his shoulders, "It would be sacrilegious not to partake, plenty of time to conduct our business."
Kaylayne sees nothing, untoward in the streets. At least no one who seems to be watching or planning to mess with, the party.
The barkeep grabs a great glass noiselessly and fluidly pours a hearty stout, sliding it to Garridan. As expected the fee is reasonable, and with your newfound wealth hardly noticeable. He lingers a moment, as if to say, ”Anything for your friends?” before disappearing down the other end of the bar to help some other thirsty folk.
This is a religion I could get behind!
"Yeah, I'll have whatever he just ordered." Ederin smiles, happy he's finally got a bit of money to burn and happy for some time not working to get to know the rest of his partners at the Goblin.
"Half expected you to get behind the bar, Kay. Figured you ran a shift at every tavern in Riddleport. This what every temple is like Garridan? How did you people ever organize yourselves into a proper religion?"
This what every temple is like Garridan? How did you people ever organize yourselves into a proper religion?"
"Yep, they're all pretty much like this." He considers the second part of Ederin's question, looks around the tavern, and replies, "It helps to have enthusiastic followers."
Kaylayne smirks, having heard more than plenty from Cayden's followers over the years. She believed that they believed but she followed elsewhere. Luckily, you did not have to be ordained in beer and sanctified in whiskey to tend bar, only understand that others believed in something greater in fermented drink.
"Hard to believe that not every bar in town is a church to Cayden," Kaylayne wonders. "Seems every drunk and sop reveres the God, so it would lead to every bar at least pretending the same fealty."
Kaylayne ponders that.
"Ah...there is a stronger god than drink. And that is money. That is probably why not ever bar is consecrated grounds."
"Hard to believe that not every bar in town is a church to Cayden," Kaylayne wonders. "Seems every drunk and sop reveres the God, so it would lead to every bar at least pretending the same fealty."
Kaylayne ponders that.
"Ah...there is a stronger god than drink. And that is money. That is probably why not ever bar is consecrated grounds."
Pretty insightful, he thinks about the barkeeps comments. "It sounds like you don't approve Layne, what do you believe?" Garridan inquires of his new companion.
When the barkeep returns with his drink Garridan enthusiastically offers, "Thank you good sir," as he picks up the frothy mug. He takes a large swig of the brew, draining the mug in one chug, and places it back down on the bar top. With a loud belch he pronounces, "Perfect.
He continues addressing the barkeep, "We're building a shrine to The Accidental God in our tavern so we'd like like to buy a few items," With a breath he continues, " Also, we'll need to purchase a wand of curing wounds." with a smile he continues, "and another beer if you have the time."
He continues addressing the barkeep, "We're building a shrine to The Accidental God in our tavern so we'd like like to buy a few items," With a breath he continues, " Also, we'll need to purchase a wand of curing wounds." with a smile he continues, "and another beer if you have the time."
”Sure thing”, he says smoothly, reaching under the bar and producing a potion vial. He stops, ”Oh, wait, you said ‘wand’ didn’t you? Gotta talk to Arnando for that. It’s a little early for him yet, but I’ll see if he’s around.”
He nods to his compatriot behind the bar and ducks in the back. He emerges a few moments later with the high publican himself! He nods in your direction, and slides back behind the bar and, in one fluid motion, serves a young woman who’d been waiting just long enough.
Arnando approaches your group and says loudly, ”So you’ll need a wand then, and some other items for a little shrine? Should be no problem! What can I do for you?” He smiles broadly and waits to hear how he may serve you.
”So you’ll need a wand then, and some other items for a little shrine? Should be no problem! What can I do for you?” He smiles broadly and waits to hear how he may serve you.
Garridan holds his hands about a foot and a half apart, "I was thinking an alter about this big and a dented silver mug to sit on the alter." He considers for moment and adds, "And perhaps a bit if a broken manacle to circle the mug."
As for the wand we're looking for something cheap, to help us heal up after the occasional dust up, you know the occasional bottle broken over our heads or chair for that matter." Retuning the mans smile he asks, "Do you think you can help us out with this."
"It sounds like you don't approve Layne, what do you believe?"
Kaylayne makes a quizzical face.
"Don't approve of what? What do you mean?" She replies, not unfriendly.
"Don't approve of what? What do you mean?" She replies, not unfriendly.
With a warm smile, "Well it seems as if you don't think the worship of drunks and sops is authentic." With a chuckle he continues, "Which I find a little ironic since as a barkeep you make your living off these same sops and their dedication to the imbibing of alcoholic beverages. Which leads to the question what deities do you revere?"
Garridan holds his hands about a foot and a half apart, "I was thinking an alter about this big and a dented silver mug to sit on the alter." He considers for moment and adds, "And perhaps a bit if a broken manacle to circle the mug."
As for the wand we're looking for something cheap, to help us heal up after the occasional dust up, you know the occasional bottle broken over our heads or chair for that matter." Retuning the mans smile he asks, "Do you think you can help us out with this."
”Sounds like a lovely shrine, but we don’t do woodworking sorts of things here. I can give it a quick blessing when it’s done if you like, you seem like nice folks. The wand is no problem.” he draws a thin simple pine wand from a pocket inside his jacket and offers it. ”750 gold if you please. Wand’s a good deal though, cheaper than potions if you’re going to use it up anyway.” He gives you the eye, and then laughs - a hearty deep belly laugh that is contagious. A few patrons at nearby tables notice, chuckle, and pay some attention to the group to see what jokes they may be missing.