”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.
Trying to hide the disappointment from his voice, "We'll be back for your blessing once I get the shrine in order, thanks. As far as the wand goes that seems like a fair price we'll take it, and adds, "May your wine never sour."
"Well it seems as if you don't think the worship of drunks and sops is authentic."
Kaylayne holds up her hand, trying to get a word in, but Garridan 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?"
When Garridan finishes speaking, Kaylayne tries to answer in order.
"Since the first part of your statement doesn't reflect how I feel, then your conclusion does not follow," Kaylayne answers, looking around that enthusiastic inebriants around them. "I believe some drinkers do. I believe some bar owners do. I don't think that says anything about my vocation. I make money the way I can."
Kaylayne doesn't 'remember' to answer the last part of the question.
Dimitrio partakes of the dark ale, wiping the foam off his mustache.
He nods, "Good stuff here. One can used to this religion." He signals the butterfly wings over his heart, "Me, Desna is my patron. She looks after travelers and dreamers and, of course, brings me luck."
He drinks again, "And I sure am a lucky man if I say so myself."
Dimitrio mingles with the patrons trying to find out about the artistic scene in town. He subtly asks about theater, dancing, and music and suggests that the Gold Goblin has put on quite a show.
"D' you believe the opposite Garridan ? That every soggy plumb from here to the Shackles is a believer? I've raised a few glasses to the lucky drunk m'self but it don't mean much once I'm sober. No offense."
He nods as Dimitrio explains his own beliefs and takes his turn when the dancer finishes.
"Normally I tell people I follow Erastil, they take a look at the bow and figure it makes sense. I'm about as devout as Calistria is prude. Only say it 'cause my father did, just kinda stuck even after we buried 'em. Way I see it, you let all their names pass your lips on occasion and one is bound to help you out."
He shrugs and motions for another drink as he finishes his first. "Might be more dedicated if you can make drinks like this at the Goblin though."
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Lief takes Larur up on his offer of a half-priced private room, taking the key briskly, and pulling eight sails from his belt pouch. "Let's see the month out, shall we? If you need me vacated sooner, for bigger fish, I'll need to consider other options."
...
When the conversation turns to a purchase of a healing wand, Lief only briefly questions the intent. "Saul was kind enough to heal us before when we were injured on his floor. Isn't that part of the job description here?" When the conversation turns to the temple of Calistria, Lief quiets down, and listens. When Ederin encourages Garridan to patronize the Caydenites, he does his best to conceal his disappointment, but doesn't speak out against it.
...
"Just don't come complaining when my ranged combat isn't up to par."
"Aren't you going to be dancing and singing most of the time? Why are you concerning yourself with Ederin's job?"
...
""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."
Lief considers Saul's words. "This is your establishment, master Saul. Your roost. Was it more difficult to avoid the attentions of the gendarme because the chaos spilled into the street? If someone causes trouble, do you have a room in here for questioning the troublemaker, before alerting the gendarme? Sorry, perhaps this is more Ederin's cup of tea. I only agree it would have been good to question your attackers directly."
...
Lief takes interest in Kaylayne's knowledge of the market, and the temples. "I expect to be occupied today, so I won't keep you, but I'd appreciate learning which vendors are respectable, and who are not. Perhaps I might join you later in the week?"
...
Lief waits until the others have departed for the Brewery. He is a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He heads to the kitchen, nipping on mainly fruits and juices in their stores. He eats light, as his stomach stirs restlessly for the imminent conversation with his brother this day. The time it takes to eat, he feels reasonably sure he can head out peacefully.
The Humpwhale comes into view easily enough. The flag of Magnimar, hanging somewhat listless from the mast above the crow's nest, draws his eye, and makes his heart beat a little faster. Steady the nerves, Lief. He'll sense that the quickest, and use it against you.
Taking to the deck, he asks around for word on his brother. A swab lets him know that he hasn't left for the day, so Lief takes to below decks, finding Bert in the cargo hold, taking a last-minute inventory.
"Well, look who returned to the roost? Did Riddleport have its way with you last night? You find some warm pair of thighs to redden those cheeks of yours?" Bert knows the reaction he'll get for kidding his younger brother with such talk, but the tone is largely one of concern, and relief to be able to josh Lief about it in hindsight.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you..." Lief considers his next move, with thoughts of bloody redheads and blabbing ghoulheads dancing behind his eyes. "Bert, I think I found an opportunity, actually. Something long-term here. It'll let us angle for deeper relations here, is my take on it. I know you want to spend more time in Korvosa on the next leg, right? You could get there sooner if you weren't so worried about investing time here... if you left me to make that time." He checks himself, starting to understand that the more he talks, the less his brother will hear.
Bert studies his younger brother, but allows his silence to encourage Lief to continue.
"I've already found accommodations, and have made acquaintance with a business man who has already suggested talking with the cyphermages. Leave part of the inventory with me, and I'll present it thoroughly. A month here, and I should be able to do our business justice. I know you weren't given much say about trusting me through last night, but you have my word- I'll not be swayed in our purpose here. Should it prove even easier than we thought, I might even beat you back to Magnimar." Lief brings his smile full bore.
"Lief, you know what you're asking, don't you? They trusted me with your safety..." He didn't need to ask, of course. "Alright, you. Time for you to earn it, then." A tussle of the hair seals the agreement.
They spend the better part of the morning reviewing their choices on Lief's Riddleport inventory. They laugh over the books' backstories, minor revelations revealed in turns. Once secured, Bert helps Lief lug his possessions through town to the Gold Goblin, giving Bert a sense of where he's now deposited his younger brother.
"Don't make me regret this, brother." A quick twist of his nipple, and Lief barks out in discomfort.
"I won't, brother." Lief rubs his chest uncomfortably. "I won't."
...
The week proves all sorts of entertainment for Lief. As the city experiences magnetism and purple vapor trails, the young man notes all relevant details in his journal. For his newness to town, he seeks to fill in the missing time period preceding his arrival. Part of his daily excursions include gathering information regarding previous anomalies throughout the city akin to the quirky metal monkeybones and purple paradox.
He starts to adjust his sleep schedule to help him more easily access workers of different establishments for their activity well into the night. He is respectful enough to patronize establishments in which he spends time, acquiring information through casual conversations. He allows himself four-hour shifts, with time for meals and transit to and fro between the various hotspots of Riddleport. He never challenges those who find his inquiries uncomfortable, and hostile characters are noted for later discussion among the staff of the Gold Goblin.
He spends a goodly amount of time in his room, writing, but when he tires of it, he wanders into the common room, where the others bunk, and listens in on their conversations, both mundane and arcane. He enjoys the banter well enough, but comes back time and again to their first encounter at the Lurch. Finger pointing at each of them, in turn. Why these folk? Desperation? Boredom? Dimitrio seems to be the only one genuinely excited about this turn of events, I wonder what the others will look like in a couple of weeks...
Lief takes Larur up on his offer of a half-priced private room, taking the key briskly, and pulling eight sails from his belt pouch. "Let's see the month out, shall we? If you need me vacated sooner, for bigger fish, I'll need to consider other options."
"Of course, but it shouldn't be a problem. We're no where near capacity, and I don't expect that to change for some time. And if we all do our jobs exceptionally well and it does? Well then I'll owe you won't I - and won't bounce you from your bed for a few extra silver." he grins.
Lief considers Saul's words. "This is your establishment, master Saul. Your roost. Was it more difficult to avoid the attentions of the gendarme because the chaos spilled into the street? If someone causes trouble, do you have a room in here for questioning the troublemaker, before alerting the gendarme? Sorry, perhaps this is more Ederin's cup of tea. I only agree it would have been good to question your attackers directly."
Saul replies, "Aye, it may be my establishment, but it's their city. If, or rather when, they poke their head into a business, they’re in charge. I may not always like it, or like the fact that the overlord sometimes looks the other way when he shouldn’t, but they’re the closest thing to law we have around here - and a little law keeps the real scoundrels at bay and scheming rather than out in the open and attacking in force.”
”Remember, we’re the little guys here, gotta play nice.” he shrugs.
He shrugs and motions for another drink as he finishes his first. "Might be more dedicated if you can make drinks like this at the Goblin though."
Looking to his companions he raises his glass, "Now that is something we can all agree on." Garridan finishes off the rest of his drink and arranges payment for the wand. "I think our discourse on philosophy has run its course for now, perhaps we can pick it up again at a later date." he offers as he begins to make his way towards the door.
He shrugs and motions for another drink as he finishes his first. "Might be more dedicated if you can make drinks like this at the Goblin though."Looking to his companions he raises his glass, "Now that is something we can all agree on." Garridan finishes off the rest of his drink and arranges payment for the wand. "I think our discourse on philosophy has run its course for now, perhaps we can pick it up again at a later date." he offers as he begins to make his way towards the door.
Dimitrio has taken a liking to his new companions. Even the heartless wench is slowly coming round.
He raises his mug, "May Desna smile upon us all. And may you always dream of butterflies!"
""Aye, it may be my establishment, but it's their city. If, or rather when, they poke their head into a business, they’re in charge. I may not always like it, or like the fact that the overlord sometimes looks the other way when he shouldn’t, but they’re the closest thing to law we have around here - and a little law keeps the real scoundrels at bay and scheming rather than out in the open and attacking in force.”
”Remember, we’re the little guys here, gotta play nice.”
Lief nods as a student might to a teacher. "Well, that makes sense. It's a new perspective for me, I'll admit. It's like the Shadow District of Magnimar, except an entire city. I've never been through the Shadow, to be honest, but mothers tell similar tales regarding those places where the sun doesn't shine, and Riddleport is likely no different." He excuses himself, and readies to fulfill his obligations for his room and board.
...
When the others return from their pilgrimmage, Lief greets them with questions of success in their endeavor, and any specific points of interest that arose during their stay.
Upon leaving the Publican, 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.
Kaylayne finishes her selling and shopping, making only one additional purchase: a few flowers for the bar at which she works. If this was going to be her new home, she didn't feel bad about decorating it a bit.
Kaylayne eventually returns to the Gold Goblin.
By the end of the week, a lot has changed around the Gold Goblin. The staff is sharper and has a spring in their step, the clientele is more numerous and seemingly less difficult. Even the weather seems to agree and there are some cool evenings with light breezes breaking up the sweltering heat.
Ederin spends the week improving the bruisers Larur hires and turning them into actual ‘guards’. The material he has to work with is rough, and little more than just street toughs. Over the course of the week, the guards learn much and the Gold Goblin begins to buck their reputation as a place that gets robbed to a place of safety in an uneasy neighborhood.
Garridan too had a great deal of success. He caught a few would-be hustlers and helped the Gold Goblin begin to develop a reputation as an ‘honest’ place. Quite a start for so small an operation, but he dreams of a Gold Goblin Ale…
Dimitrio dances like he hasn’t danced in years. Every step, every partner - even the frightened, every nuance just seemed to fall into place. The audience, while small and often distracted by the gambling tables, was never the less responsive - feeding him to greater performances.
Kaylayne also has great success! She does in fact meet some resistance from one of the other barkeeps who used to be her senior just a few days ago, but a little passive aggressive behavior aside all the bar staff seem to be improving incrementally. Ahh, but her signature drink is beginning to take off. The high price is keeping most from even sampling it, but there’s one rakish card who rather enjoys the stuff - and he’s looked up to by more than a few - so it’s taking hold.
Lief rounds out the parties unusually good week. He begins to learn how some of the other casinos do business, and to develop their patterns. He picks up what they do well, and what they do poorly and pass that information to Larur, Saul, and the others improving the Gold Goblin’s own processes. It’s like an outside look, from within.
Even with the parties extraordinary success in the first week, Saul steals the show. His tireless efforts bring in the big gamblers - the high rollers. His ‘Ghoullette’ becomes an attraction all by itself. He even manages a more subdued ‘grand opening’ celebration with a few of the local business owners trying to reach out to the immediate community. Everything, it seems, that he touches during the week turns to gold. Lucky.
All in all it’s a better week than Saul could have dreamed of, and he makes that clear to his new, and exemplary, partners. ”I knew you lot would be lucky, but I had no idea! We have far to go, and we can only do so much with what we have, but we’re on a growth spurt from hell! We might just pull this off in style!”
He eagerly distributes 15gp to each party member. ”This is just the beginning - we had so little to work with. If we can string along a few weeks like this, the monster will take over and self perpetuate!”
You can start into your next week, but do not roll, and only go a couple days in as something happens during the week to disturb your revelry.
The place seems even busier this week, Garridan assesses as he makes his rounds. He heads to the bar and takes a break from his responsibilities. While he nurses his drink he tries to figure out how much they can save by brewing their own liquor. After spending sometime jotting down figures on the cost and savings of running a brewery he starts some new calculations on how long it will take to recoup the initial cost of the brewing equipment.
"Put your elbow up more when you draw. I don't care if you think you look stupid mate. You wanna be on the cat walks? I'm not gonna be responsible for you accidently shootin' some pigeon who's been losin' money to the house all night. " He threw his hands up and walked away.
It was the third conversation this week Ederin had with one of the floor guards about being 'moved up' as they were calling it.
Like it's some bloody promotion.
He took advantage of the positions unexpected prestige, he'd never been in charge of anyone before, and if his guards were going to create their own incentives he wasn't going to stop it.
He made a mental note to ask the kid if he had any books on archery, since he'd barely had any real training himself.
Looking up he saw that the sun was going down, he would be late for his meeting with Andy. Later in the previous week the bandit had stopped by the Goblin to gamble and pass some info on men and woman interested in this new 'money pit', they were meeting the first few this eveing.
Could this week be any busier?
Dimitrio's feet almost want to start dancing on their own, and the bard tries hard to give the impression of a 'boss'.
The trio of Varisians is good. Guitar, violin, and percussion just hit the right notes when it came to upbeat music. At least that's Dimitrio thinks.
He found them on the street, playing for loose change and immediately asked them to come to the Goblin. They would fill in the time nicely between his dances.
Noting a couple of his companions near the audition, he asks, "Well, what do you think? Good enough for our clientele?"
When the others return from their pilgrimmage, Lief greets them with questions of success in their endeavor, and any specific points of interest that arose during their stay.
Kaylayne arrives back, her shopping trip less than successful, but she does have one nice small bouquet of flowers.
"Hey Lief. Where'd you go today?" Kaylayne asks, trying to be friendly. "I followed Garridan to his home bar. An interesting place, if you like your sots loud and drunk. We got the wand. I think Garridan has it. And yeah...sold some stuff too."
* * *
"Put your elbow up more when you draw. I don't care if you think you look stupid mate. You wanna be on the cat walks?"
Kaylayne takes her sling up to one of Ederin's trainings, trying out her aim against the archeries of the guards.
"I grew up with the sling, it's about all I'm good with," Kaylayne says, whirling the stone wrapped cloth around her head before sending a stone weakly down. Her aim isn't bad, but there is little force to the impact. Still she practices as if it might come to handy for something more than hunting quail and rabbits, which is what she grew up on.
As Ederin feels with her arms up in failure, Kaylayne playfully sends one at his retreating backside. She is sure she is going to miss...
to hit;
damage.
...but likely nails him good in the backside. "SORRY!! I THOUGHT I'D MISS! Heehee!" Kaylayne smiles. It's the first true smile she's had in months. Many months. A comfortable smile. A happy smile. A smile of not having fear of death over oneself constantly.
Lief makes his rounds, seeking perspective from each of his new associates, noting their contributions, and the success of the first week. He works from oldest to youngest, spending time with each separately.
"Garridan, what does your priesthood think of the Blot? Are they interpreting it as an omen of some sort? Also, do Caydenites frown on absolution of the dehydrating effects of one's consumption by alchemical means?"
...
""Hey Lief. Where'd you go today? I followed Garridan to his home bar. An interesting place, if you like your sots loud and drunk. We got the wand. I think Garridan has it. And yeah...sold some stuff too."
"I think it was called the Ten-Teated Sow, which threw me off, because sows normally have twelve. Plenty of sots, mostly loud, but talkative, which is very useful if you can avoid them touching you or flicking spit. Ah, you talk of a marketplace? Eventually, I'll need to visit there as well. Would you mind explaining who to patronize, and who to avoid?"
...
" "Well, what do you think? Good enough for our clientele?"
"I think you need to find more attractive musicians, ones that can dance while they play. Also, full sets of teeth. That speaks volumes for a well-to-do business."
...
"Ederin, I think your pit shouldn't involve fighting, at all. You need grease, or mud, and buxom women." Lief looks very serious when bringing up this suggestion.
As Ederin trudges along the Riddleport streets towards his meeting he considers a few of the weeks events, some more painful than others, and realizes he's really starting to get comfortable with the ragtag group that saved the Goblin.
----------------------------------------------------------
Noting a couple of his companions near the audition, he asks, "Well, what do you think? Good enough for our clientele?"
"Don't know much about song mate but it sounded pretty good to me." He pulls out a chair as if to sit, but after a seconds pause he pushes it back in and leans against the table instead.
"By the way, remind me to talk to Saul about keeping slings outta the building." He rubs his lower back as he talks, his way lower back.
"If they can keep the room feelin' good though it'll inspire some heavy bettin' I'm sure."
---------------------------------------------------------
"Ederin, I think your pit shouldn't involve fighting, at all. You need grease, or mud, and buxom women." Lief looks very serious when bringing up this suggestion.
"Kid this fightin' pit is about more 'an' entertainment. If I wanted to get my rocks off over a pair of big udders I'd find a brothel and do it proper." He's still laughing a bit at the suggestion whIle to explains his motive to the young man.
"People like me ain't got much in life. Don't get much trainin'. We learn how to fight an' for most, that's it, it's all you need in Rotgut, and most o' the other districts too. Now I got a way for those poor saps who ain't been taught nothin' but fightin' to earn some money for themselves that don't involve crackin' skulls or stabbin' each other. Might even higher a few of 'em on as guards."
" "Well, what do you think? Good enough for our clientele?""I think you need to find more attractive musicians, ones that can dance while they play. Also, full sets of teeth. That speaks volumes for a well-to-do business."
"Attractive musicians?! That's what we dancers are for! Zuria is a fine girl and I can certainly represent the male of the species very well if I say so myself."
He twirls his mustache, "You do see how the ladies lust after me, right? Heck, I've had to turn down to indecent proposals."
He nods, "As for teeth... well, you can't have everything. I'll just tell the old guy to keep his mouth shut. I'll keep looking but these may have to do for now unless you can find me some."
Earlier in the week, every weather vane in Riddleport suddenly turned with a screeching of metal heard all across the port to point directly towards the Blot, even resisting the actual currents of the wind. After 10 minutes or so (during which several weather vanes are snapped off to tumble to the street below), they were suddenly released from whatever held them and returned to normal.
Some also say the blot has grown in size or thickness, but the Cyphermages who have been studying it refute the claims.
One evening, around the middle of the week, Saul catches your eye and leads you all upstairs to the cat walk. He points down below to an ugly man in green (image), ”That’s Clegg Zincher the crime lord… and my enemy unfortunately. He’s not, as far as I can tell, doing anything wrong, but his presence here is a problem. I’m not going out there while he’s there - could lead to trouble. You lot handle it however you like. I’ll wait here, and watch him closely until his departure.”
Saul doesn’t seem afraid of Clegg, but he’s definitely uneasy, and not happy with the intrusion.
""Kid this fightin' pit is about more 'an' entertainment. If I wanted to get my rocks off over a pair of big udders I'd find a brothel and do it proper."
"People like me ain't got much in life. Don't get much trainin'. We learn how to fight an' for most, that's it, it's all you need in Rotgut, and most o' the other districts too. Now I got a way for those poor saps who ain't been taught nothin' but fightin' to earn some money for themselves that don't involve crackin' skulls or stabbin' each other. Might even higher a few of 'em on as guards."
"Ah, I didn't realize you were angling for more with your fighting circle. I don't suppose you'd consider alternating evenings. Blood is not a smell I'd want associated with our establishment, and scented oils go a longs ways to covering it up. The sight of the feminine form, in oilier or muddier versions, can go a long ways to quickening the pulse. Quickened pulses make rasher decisions... I only speculate, of course." Lief smiles at the short man, and his open demeanor.
""Attractive musicians?! That's what we dancers are for! Zuria is a fine girl and I can certainly represent the male of the species very well if I say so myself. You do see how the ladies lust after me, right? Heck, I've had to turn down to indecent proposals."
"As for teeth... well, you can't have everything. I'll just tell the old guy to keep his mouth shut. I'll keep looking but these may have to do for now unless you can find me some."
Lief can't help but smile at the entertainer. "I expect your ear for music is superior to my own, so I must defer to your selections, performance-wise. Beggars can't be choosers, eh?"
...
Lief sours a little when he can't recall much on the new 'patron' on their doorstep. He works his way through the crowd and introduces himself to the man in green.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Zincher. I understand you're not on the best of terms with master Saul, and yet you choose to visit his establishment. Are you here to cause trouble, like the trouble we experienced the week before? That would be most unwelcome."
"Ah, you talk of a marketplace?"
Kaylayne shrugs.
"Yeah, it's the marketplace. I..." Kaylayne struggles, not unlike when she was struggling to explain magic to Ederin, but something else. "The market is the market. I just shop and hope for the best. I'll be going next Toilday if you want to come with me. I'll walk you around."
Kay looks at Lief, something occurring to her.
"You've been to a market before, yes?"
* * *
Kaylayne gives Clegg a good long look, burning his face into her mind.
"That's good to know. I should get back to the floor though," Kaylayne says, taking another quick look around to see if Clegg brought any goons with him, either overtly or in secret.
Perception
Sense Motive
Garridan nods his head at Layne's remarks, "Good idea, I best head down too."
When he reaches the floor he watches Zincher and makes sure he isn't cheating.
"The sight of the feminine form, in oilier or muddier versions, can go a long ways to quickening the pulse. Quickened pulses make rasher decisions... I only speculate, of course."
" Alright kid, not sure you're intentions are completely selfless, but I figure a few o' those workin' girls wouldn't mind gettin' out of the slums either. I'll see what I can do."
----------------------------------------------”That’s Clegg Zincher the crime lord… and my enemy unfortunately.
"I've got a few people keeping an eye on him, Saul, in case he decides to get rough. I'll go down and see if I can't convince him to leave."
As Ederin goes to intercept Clegg, however, it seems he wasn't quite fast enough. Ederin watches the interaction to try and get a feel for Clegg's intentions."Pleased to meet you, Mr. Zincher. I understand you're not on the best of terms with master Saul, and yet you choose to visit his establishment. Are you here to cause trouble, like the trouble we experienced the week before? That would be most unwelcome.
Ederin's pulse quickens as Lief approaches Zincher and is about as blunt as he can possibly be. He catches the eye of a few of his guards on the catwalks and gives the signal to stay alert than looks around to see if the man brought any goons with him. He stays near enough to Lief and Clegg to be of use if anything happened, but far enough to stay out of sight, so as not to anger him.
Garridan watches as Lief approaches Zincher. What, he was serious, He thinks as he shakes his head. He moves closer to Lief to back his play.
Dimitrio is also taken off guard by Leif's impetuous action.
Knowing that this was not the best course of action but realizing it was too late to do anything, he accompanies Lief and makes a mental note to talk to the young fellow. Lots of book smarts but very little street smarts...
The bard looks around trying to determine who are the thugs that accompanied Zincher. Now I know you didn't come alone...
Lief, and the rest of you, would know that Clegg Zincher is the owner of Zincher's Arena, as well as numerous other fighting venues around the region. He runs all the gambling on these fighting matches. Zincher also runs most of the organized manual labor in Riddleport, which gives him the power to organize strikes and industrial sabotage.
Garridan doesn’t see any cheating on the part of Clegg in the few seconds he has to check as the party closes in.
Ederin manages to blend in with the crowd as he watches from a few paces away (you’ll have cover penalties for your bow from the crowd, but you’re within point blank range).
Dimitrio stays near Lief, ready for anything, but he doesn’t spot the thugs he’s sure are there. More than a few options at the table around him, and you’re not exactly sure which are his thugs, and which are just, well, thugs.
Clegg looks up at Lief from one of the gambling tables where he's holding his own, "You must be one of his new boys. As you say, I'm Boss Zincher, and you are?" He grins slyly.
"You must be one of his new boys. As you say, I'm Boss Zincher, and you are?"
Lief smiles brightly, and extends a hand. "Yes, circumstances have brought about an opportunity for me to support a new business in Riddleport, and earn some coin while I'm at it. I'm new to dynamics, so I mean no offense. You're a businessman, likely competing with Saul, and have come to investigate his rousing good first week. I also suspect you're here to intimidate Saul in one form or another, since you've shown your face to the hall for all to see. There wouldn't be any amenable way to smooth the waters between the two of you, would there? Bad blood makes for bad business."
He smiles his odd little grin and says, "You have me all figured out I guess. Nothing for me to add then."
He turns back to the roulette wheel he's on and places a bet completely ignoring the parties looming presence.
Kaylayne spends a few moments taking in the faces of the goons, and again at the Clegg, before returning to her bar to work. She still wasn't in a good position to help out if things got out of hand, but she definitely was out of range upstairs.
She serves drinks with her eyes darting equally to the Lief-Clegg discussion and the front door for what she hopes she does not see.
Lief half-smirks in frustration. The man is much bigger than he, and he has no authority in the hall to exert. None that Clegg would likely acknowledge anyways.
"I haven't figured out much, Mr. Zincher. You didn't answer me when I inquired about your bad blood. Would you dignify my question with an answer? Are you and Saul at odds permanently?" No matter the response, Lief excuses himself, pulling Dimitrio aside.
"He's decoying, most likely. While we stare at his back, we aren't looking in the right place, so watch yours, and watch his thugs."
Zincher looks up at Lief, "Are you saying I'm not welcome here because Saul and I have unfinished business? Are you here kicking me out of his place?"
He firmly places another bet, having collected his simple winnings from the last, while awaiting Lief's return, and answer.
As soon as Lief hears no worthy answer to his inquiry, he turns his back on Clegg, and returns to the others.
Unmolested, the crime boss leaves after just a few more moments, two somewhat burly guards in tow.
It's not long after that though that you hear shouting coming from the kitchen...
Investigating quickly you come upon a messy scene. Someone has released a rather large venomous cindersnake (small size but big for a snake) into the scullery. It has already bitten two workers, one of whom is down and bleeding out under the snake.
Dimitrio's rapier is in his hand before he even realized it. Keeping his distance and fearing he might hurt the kitchen help, the bard attempts to move the snake away from its current victim.
Lief startles as they stumble into the kitchen, and upon the snake. As he draws his own untouched blade, he jostles Dimitrio by accident. "Sorry, Dimitrio! I thought my draw was shorter than that... won't happen again, I promise..." He takes a snick at it himself, positioning himself for Garridan or Ederin to take the head flank.
As everyone else runs to the kitchens Garridan stays out in the gaming area keeping an eye on things. He thinks, No better time to strike then when we are distracted.
Clegg you bastard.
Knowing Garridan would call if he needed it, Ederin ran to the kitchen, sword drawn, and circled around the snake as Dimitrio and Lief tried to dispatch it.
"Finally got your blade wet Lief! One of 'em anyway."
Kaylayne tries to trust others to handle the screaming and noise, but eventually a combination of curiosity and responsibility pulls her to over to check things out. When she gets there, she begins to make sure all the kitchen help are out of the way and away from the snake, giving the others room to deal with it.
"Get back! Getback! GETBACK!" Kaylayne shoos as she takes charge.
Dimitri lashes out trying to remove the snake from its victim, but fails to connect. Lief does connect, but does not quite kill the slithering beast. Garridan makes sure it’s not a ruse of a ruse and wisely guards the main gambling floor. Ederin rushes in and finishes the snake while Kaylayne keeps the kitchen help safe and out of the way.
The snake dies quickly, but so is the dishwasher lying on the floor bleeding out. The other injured man moves behind Kaylayne.
Garridan sees nothing untoward on the main gambling floor as Saul returns to it from the rafters now that Clegg has gone.
Heal (untrained)
When the snake is dead, Kaylayne rushes in to tend to the victims. "Who has that wand we bought? Garridan?! Let's see if it works!"
"Do we have time for him to get here?" Ederin fishes his vial from his pocket and tosses it to Kaylayne, and rushes out to find the priest.
"Use it if you think you have to!"
As he heads into the main room he tries to look calm to not cause more panic. When he finds Garridan he nods towards the kitchen.
"Might be needin' use of our latest purchase, come quick."
Kaylayne's quick thinking and skill with healing stabilize the poor victim.
Still, he is unconscious, and the kitchen staff are mumbling to themselves about the safety of working in such a place as this.
"Finally got your blade wet Lief! One of 'em anyway."
Lief tussles a moment with the threat of venom and the wit of short men so closely bundled together. The tussle is over as Ederin's blade stills the snake, and he inhales with a brief relieved laugh.
As Kaylayne steps in to help the kitchen staff, Lief looks on with interest. When the man's lungs continue expand and contract, the young man nods in appreciation.
"Good hands, Kaylayne." Lief listens briefly to the staff's perturbations, so chooses to speak before excusing himself from the kitchen.
"You are right to be concerned. This attack was personal, against Mr. Vancaskerin at his most vulnerable. That will change swiftly, as our hide will toughen through each attempt to bring us down. Ederin here is quite competent, and will surely talk to Larur about the breach in our rear security." He nods politely, and returns to the main floor.
Garridan is watching the gaming floor when he notices Ederin motioning him to come to the kitchen. He arrives in the kitchen and takes stock of the situation, moving towards the motionless figure on the floor.
He kneels next to the prostrate form, places his hands on the persons head, and offers a quick prayer, "Life and light this isn't your last call."
The man sputters and gasps and comes to. Still not 100%, he's never the less much better than he was.
The others look on and, reluctantly, get back to what they were doing. One hearty soul asks if anyone knows how to prepare Cindersnake, but most react with silence.
Lief eventually approaches Garridan, after the excitement settles down, and the god-man takes up his place overseeing the floor. "That was impressive, Garridan. Kaylayne halted his death without divine intervention, but you, you can bring back the dead? Have you ever failed to help someone with your power?" Lief looks out over the floor, not trying to make eye contact with Caydenite, so as to avoid interrupting him in his tasks.
With a shake of his head Garridan replies, "He wasn't dead, I can't do that. As he walks away from Lief he mutters "Yes I've failed but only the ones I loved."
The man sputters and gasps and comes to. Still not 100%, he's never the less much better than he was.
The others look on and, reluctantly, get back to what they were doing. One hearty soul asks if anyone knows how to prepare Cindersnake, but most react with silence.
Glad the snake was taken care of and the man healed, Dimitrio nonetheless was worried about the morale in the kitchen staff.
Before they left, he spoke, "Wait! Don't just go back to work. Recognize that what happened today was no accident and we'll do our best so that it doesn't happen again."
The bard then started to relate how other groups rallied around these unfortunate circumstances, "You... I mean we are all alive and better because of this. We are stronger and more resilient and that little critter did nothing more than strengthen our resolve. Thank you for working here and keep doing what you do."
Ederin will stay with the two injured workers until he's sure they'll be taken care of. Once they've been seen too he'll check to see if Clegg and his thugs are still around.
On his way around the main floor he'll inform the guards to start including the kitchen in their rounds.
"Doubt anythin' like this will happen again, but it'll make everyone feel safer, yeah? I'll probably keep someone there more permanent startin' tomorrow."
Kaylayne steps back to let Garridan work, happy to have someone who is prepared to do something help. Sighing as she rises, she examines the area of the fight, then goes out the back door (but not before slowly and carefully looking out for things she does not want to see first).
She examines the outside for signs of tracks or debris that might be a clue.
Survival
Perception