Marcus listen to Nessa's proposition
I'm sorry, Nessa, I don't think this will be possible. Not on the long term, at least. We could meet a few women here from time to time, but Mistress Pamodae asked for all the holy servants of the Honeyed Sting to come to the temple tonight. I had the information just after my own sweet meeting with two lovely women. I supposed you were already gone, that's why I'm here, to warn you so you will be able to be there in time.
Nessa looks surprised at Marcus's response, "You're right, I did miss hearing that, is there something particular going on? And when are we to be there?"
Heard a bit here and there, seems some of our faithful are missing. Who, where, why, I don't know yet. But if there is some foul play, we must exact revenge. We shall all be at the Temple before supper. It's a private meeting, so you can't take your little one with you. Can you find someone to keep her tonight?
Damn, she hasn’t noticed me. Izkrael keeps proceeding ahead toward the large group gathered around the table. Why social interactions have to be so hard?
Working up the courage, he approaches to the table taking slow steps and staring at the man bearing the holy symbol of Desna, he asks, raising his voice as far as he can : He waits the man to reveal his identity, then he adds: I need to talk to you, in private.
Realizing to have been abrupt and perhaps even threatening, Izkrael adds in a whisper: Hal Dorel sent me. I’ve got something to tell you on his behalf. Follow me.
That said, Izkrael proceeds toward the exterior of the Gold Goblin, possibly leading his interlocutor just outside the inn’s door.
Nessa nods, "If worse comes to worse she can simply stay in my quarters with Zith but I'll see if Alatna or Cameron will watch her for me. I'll see you then Marcus." With the business attended to Nessa says to Sylee, "So does that sound good to you? Hanging around with Cameron and Alayna while I'm at the meeting?" Once Sylee says her piece Nessa looks around for Alayna and, not seeing here, looks for Cameron. It's about that time when she hears Izkrael's voice and gets a good look at him. Nessa stairs a moment and says, "Uncle Izi?!"
Hearing Nessa’s voice, Izkrael turns to her. Nessa…You’re quite changed from the last time. I didn’t remember you had… He tries to say, looking at her wings, horns, and … body. Those large wings.
Izkrael puts up a perplexed frown. After all, although slowly, even she grows up. She was an adolescent the last time I saw her…And now she’s a woman, or something…and I must treat her accordingly. How fast things changes. Is this the curse of the forlorn?
Embarrassed and confused at the same time, he take a brief pause, then continues, lowering his voice: Seems like even you are grown up. I’ve been searching you for the last few days: I needed some information. I’ve found you here by accident: an elf named Hal Dorel sent me here to speak with some of these people. I’ll explain everything in a moment. He says apologizing with a nod to the man named Cameron before going out of the Gold Goblin with him.
Nessa seems surprised at the news of Hal speaking to Izkraeel but throws her arms arround him in a hug before she replies, [b]"Well, come back and see me when you two are done alright?"[b]
Cameron looks at the hooded elf all in black, with wary surprise. Remembering his manners, he replies quietly in elvish "That would be me. A thousand pardons for my lack of welcome, but your arrival is the third surprise of the morning."
Cameron follows him and asks, "How can this humble servant of The Dreamer be of service? Oh a message from Hal! His ah... Well the manner of his departure was most sudden. I know he can look after himself, but I'm worried about him."
He’s fine. I met him this morning and he told me that Inceku has found an empty grave seeking your uncle in the hills.
Izkrael looks up at the sky, staring at the Blot. He seems like he has nothing more to say for a few moments, his dark eyes fixed on that shadow in the sky. In a whisper, he then abruptely says: Hal Dorel sent me here saying this is a good place to keep an eye on…that thing. Do you know anything about it?
I had a dream, weeks ago, about the Blot, as they call it. A friend of mine, a varisian harrower, told me that my dream definitely had a meaning, and I’m here to find out which. Maybe in the future I will tell you about that dream: if you are a servant of the Dreamer, you’ll be certainly able to help me in deciphering it. But for now I only need a place where to stay and keep an eye on that thing. Hal Dorel told me that this “Gold Goblin” was a good place to start and that there’s work available. Is there anything I can do? All I ask in return is a place where to sleep, eat and maybe some gold to buy new clothes and arrows.
'Why is he speaking in common? Ah. The usual reason.'
If Cameron is bothered by this knowledge, he doesn't show it. It would be far from the first time his mispronunciation had that effect... Cameron glaces up at the weird spectacle in the sky and shrugs, "Only that it's trouble enough for the gods to have noticed. I was sent the most singular reading the day it appeared, sent me here if you'd believe. The cards suggested a grand journey, I suppose we've had an adventure of sorts but it's not quite what I imagined. Anyway we have an opening for, uh..."
He struggles for the right word and eventually sighs, "Well I suppose an enforcer. To be honest the job is pretty dan... No scratch that, it's really dangerous. The Goblin's owner Saul is, how to say this, he's uh had a checkered past. The local cappas are not exactly keen on our operations and we've been raided by thieves and shaken down by gendarmes. If you've got a cool head under pressure and you can shoot that bow, well I'm sure they'd take you on." The unstated question is: why on earth would somebody want such a job?
Dangerous, eh? He says it like there was even a single non-hazardous job in this slum... I can shoot it, I assure you, Izkrael answers with a smirk. Seems like he’s tied to the Blot too, just like me. Oh, Song of the Spheres, if this is your plan I can’t oppose it. Let’s wait and see where this takes me. In any case, I was tired of working as a monster hunter. There are things worse than wolves and firepelt cougars in this world. Maybe my arrows will find more deserving targets.
Izkrael looks at Cameron, and only in this moment he realizes to have not introduced himself. My name is Izkrael, anyway he says while he steps back in the Gold Goblin. I suppose those people sat around the table are going to be my new colleagues. I should probably introduce myself to them.
They’re just like Hal Dorel described them. Only the pirate female carrying a whip is missing. I saw her getting away. Maybe I’ll introduce myself to her another time. Oh gods, please make this talking as quick as possible. I’ve already talked too much for a single day. Izkrael returns to the Gold Goblin’s hall and waiting for Cameron to follow him, he approaches to the table where the others are sat.
Ignoring stealth and subtlety, Krucina walks directly towards Cameron and the newcomer.
Her eyes are yellow slits as she looks the elf in the eyes. Her accent is strange to the man as she asks: You have seen Hal Doral? Spoken to him? He is well?
Her strange features seem more elongated with her demeanor more cross.
Cameron walks inside and says, "Well met Izkrael. Might I introduce Krucina? She's part of our rather unlikely little family. It seems you've already met Nessa. After you've said hello I'll introduce you to Larur the manager."
Introductions over, Cameron gets back to the gambling tables and performs a ritual blessing by shuffling and fanning out a deck of cards face down and then rubbing two dice together before putting everything neatly back, ready for the day's work.
Izkrael stares at the strange girl in front of him: Her eyes are yellow…I’ve never seen something like this before. He’s fine, he replies to the girl, with his slightly raucous whispering, I talked with him today.
Seems like she cares for him. This Hal Dorel managed to make friends here…Can’t say I envy him, but either…
He said that he’s sorry for not having you on his side in this hunt. He hopes to come back, he also said.
Izkrael feels a spontaneous connection with the gray-skinned girl, maybe due to the fact that she bears some uncommon physical features too.
Izkrael then stares at the dwarf sitting at the table and the gray-skinned girl: My name is Izkrael, anyway.
Phew. Introductions are over. Hope that this the days to come will allow me to speak less and act more.
Sylee seems happy with the proposed plan and will stay at the Gold Goblin with Alayna and Cameron, even if she makes Nessa promise she will kiss her before going.
Larur grumbles something about people not staying long enough in their jobs, but accepts Izkrael as a remplacement for Hal.
One elf goes, one elf comes... You won't see dwarves goin" on errands like that when a job needs to be done!
The day starts small at the Goblin, the crowd of gamers isn't very strong, but it could have been worse. The afternoon seems a little better, and soon the evening comes.
A man with a broken nose, in his late twenties, starts winning big at a table near Cameron. Is there something suspicious?
Your bard plays joyful tunes and ballads, but keeps a short sword near at hand, after Zincher's "visit".
Nessa must soon go to the meeting in her Temple.
During the course of the shift Nessa keeps an eye out for Alayna and, when she has the chance, asks her and Cameron to come aside with her a moment. Once they have some privacy she says, "Alayna, Cameron, I know I'm asking a lot of you, but could you watch Sylee for me again this evening around dinner time? Please? There's a meeting at the temple and I've been told not to bring Sylee there during it. I don't know how long it'll last, but I'll meet up with you here when it's over." She smiles almost shyly as she says, "I know you'll probably think less of me for asking that, but Sylee had such a great time with you and Cameron, especially you Alayna, and you two are the only ones I feel I can trust leaving her with." Her eyes fill up a bit like she's worried about being rejected by both people.
He glanses at Alyana and adds, "Of course we're both supposed to be working tonight. Not the best environment for her. What time was your meeting? Hopefully Alayna and I can figure something out."
Cameron discreetly keeps an eye on the young man, trying to figure out what he's about. Of course trying not to look at him makes this difficult, although he gets an inkling based on his body language.
Of course the actual the actual cards played were visible to all. With the practices ease of a habitual gambler, Cameron keeps a mental tally. Perhaps there is a pattern? Maybe he's using a system... Most of those are banned.
Izkrael spends most of his first day at the Gold Goblin positioning himself in front of the Gold Goblin's entrance, giving a watchful gaze to anyone entering in the inn. In the meanwhile, he carefully monitors the Blot to see if he can find out something by merely watching it for a long time.
As evening approaches, Izkrael comes in the Gold Goblin and pays attention to the customers. When he notices that the man with the broken nose is beginning to draw attentions to himself by regularly winning, Izkrael takes a closer look at him, just to see if everything is as it should be.
Izkrael spends his day without talking too much with anyone, confining himself to short answers or simple nods.
At some point in the night Cameron has a 5 minute break to deal with bodily functions. He makes a point of finding Larur, presumably in his office, and tells him, "Got a young man at the table. He's been steadily winning hand after hand. If he's cheating I can't spot it. Do you want to set an upper limit? A winner may be good for publicity as long as things don't get out of hand."
Strange... Izkrael thinks while he moves closer to the man, hiding himself into the crowd, As far as I know, Varisian are very skilled at tattooing. Maybe he's a foreigner. Izkrael takes a closer look at the man's tattoo, curious about it.
Alayna grouses, "Aye, betcha I ken keep the wee lass safe as any." An' better than some... That evening she settles in and takes Sylee up on the scaffolding over the floor. In a conspiratorial whisper, Alayna shares some tidbits, "From up here we can see the whole deck. Look for cheaters, look for thugs. Spot trouble 'afore we run aground on it." She points to Cameron, who is watching a particular table like a hawk, "See there, he's on ta' someone tha' may be sharkin'. Cam's good at this, better than anyone I'ad ever crewed with."
Larur answers Cameron
Maybe you should try to get our money back, if you think he's cheating? Can't you be better at cheating than he is?
Then he stops
Sorry, boy, maybe that's an offense to you and your deity... I must be in business with Saul for too long. Give him five more dealings, then stops, by order of the house.Offer him a free ale, or anything else not too costly. Too bad Nessa got her night out...
Nessa looks at Cameron and replies, "It's just...look, I don't get close to people much and, well...thank you."[b] She quickly returns to her work of watching Sylee and getting things ready. Once the evening is underway Nessa goes about her business, serving patron and managing her girls.
She sits with the girl for a bit before she leaves and says, [b]"Let me show you something about make up. I heard about before and thought we should talk. You see the way we dress here, the other girls and me, is intended to Stan ou4 and be obvious. The thing we're trying to accomplish is not for girls your age. You really are a bit young for makeup but I'll tell you a secret about it anyway, you ready?" Nessa leans in and whispers to her, "Less is more. You only want to use a little bit, like this," Nessa applies a small amount of powder to Sylee's face, "Just like that. You don't need much more than that. I bet you that Alayna might take you into the catwalk to help her keep a look out so let's try these on," Nessa finds a pair of what would be shorts for a woman but fit Stl like pants and a sad to use as a kind of belt. She helps Sylee put them on and then says, "There, with those pants and that tunic you look ready. Let's go find Alayna and then I'll head to my meeting."
They track down Alayna and Nessa says, "Your assistant is ready Alayna. That's you agaon." She kneels and gives Style a big hug before she says, "I'll see you later Sylee, I promise." With that Nessa heads to the meeting at the House of the Silken Veil.
Cameron says solemnly, "Larur you know I can't do that. They know I can't do that either. Anyway I can watch, although we'll need more eyes than just mine. Can't always spot the scam from the dealer's seat, particularly if they are good. And I meant they, will be more than one more than likely."
He quickly heads back in and spots Alayna and has a quiet word, "Reasonable chance he has help in the crowd, I may need help in a few. Word is the table closes soon. I'll ask nicely to begin with. Can you ask the barkeep to send a bottle of wine over at my signal?"
He then quickly heads back down to the table and unboxes a new deck of cards. He quickly and professionally shuffles this before inviting the lady to his left to cut the cards, as is house custom. With practiced ease he deals the cards face down and settles down to watch how the young man is doing, whatever it is that he's doing.
After the man has won 5 rounds Cameron makes a beckoning motion to the barkeep. And says evenly, "I'm afraid that's all for tonight, folks! Our friend here has done us proud. The house would like to celebrate his success!" He hands him the bottle and raises his voice saying, "I'd like to propose a toast to our big winner! Luck the likes of which would make the lady herself blush! Three cheers for..." He then stoops to ask, "What was your name again Son?". If the man tells him a name, Cameron will lead a round of cheers for him before packing up.
Grateful for some action, Alayna says, "Aye, Mate. Sylee and I can take another look for 'is friend from the crow's nest." Alayna comes off the catwalk long enough to give the instructions to the bartender - she even selects one particularly voluptuous succubi to stand by to take delivery. "An' don' forget to ask if he'd like it inna bottle or offa yer chest, lass!" With that, the pirate remounts the catwalk and instructs the Sylee to scan the crowd for someone not playing that is paying more than passing attention to the table. Alayna also checks the crowd for the rake that's most likely out there...
As Cameron calls the game off, she watches the crowd for someone that is more angry than disappointed. She expects some jeering, but not murder...she hopes no one comes after Cam, but then, It'll make a better night ta 'ave a dustup...
Sensing the tension building up in the Gold Goblin, Izkrael stays vigilant and looks carefully around seeking any sign of trouble.
Security here is sloppy at best...They didn't even told me what to do precisely. I guess I have to be wary and prevent people from causing troubles, but still...
The man at Cameron's table lost the first three bets, but manage to win the last two, and he has won more than an hundred gold pieces in total, maybe even 150 GP.
That's quite a sum for a single player...
Was he "just lucky"?
Cameron can't see him cheating, anyway.
The crowd has been watching carefully, sometimes placing side bets, and winning a little more money.
As Cameron stops the game and propose a toast to the unknown gambler, a voluptuous succubus-looking wench comes with a bottle of fine wine. The man give both, wench and wine, and appreciative look.
By Cayden Caillean and all the holy spirits, you know how to treat your gamblers! But I don't like to drink alone, in fact, my religion forbids it!
Many laughs in the crowd
Let me buy a round for everyone!
Loud cheers, and everyone rush to the bar to order a drink.
Cameron notices the man hasn't given his name, but he's already saying sweet nothings to the wench
Servants of Calistria, we need your attention. Some of our faithful among the ladies of the night have disappeared recently, as you might already know. No one but us in this town will look after them, probably. But they were serving our goddess, in their humble ways. I want you to keep your eyes and ears open, to find what happened, and to exact vengeance. Only one of the four missing prostitutes has been found, and she was found dead. It might be the deeds of a madman, of an angry wife, of someone taking his beliefs for an excuse, of a rich or a poor, an old or a young. It doesn't matter. Act alone or in groups, call in favors if you want, bribe, cajole, threaten. Whatever the means, the killer must be stopped.
Everyone starts to speak in ushered tones
Whoever succeeds in this mission will be rewarded with a Thousand Blisses, one full day and night of pleasures by the whole community.
Seeing both Cameron and Iz watch the man, Krucina focuses on those around him. Maybe someone out of place, or an accomplice or anyone not acting normally.
Nessa arrives just in time for the gathering, she barely had time to change into something other than her street clothes but she managed a little ensemble. She walked in wearing a set of artfully arranged, very fine chains, the "top" consists of a collar of sorts as well as bands on her upper arm and wrist that are each connected by a fine length of chain. the lower portion is a kind of belt, again of the same fine chains, that has a decorative portion in the front. It really covers nothing and accentuates everything. She listens intently to what is said and then makes her way to the First Sting where she kneels, "Mistress, I will try to enlist my friends from the Gold Goblin to help. I'm afraid that something other than a Thousand Blisses may be needed to entice some of them into helping as they are not...fond...of our works here. Is there an offer I can take back to them as an alternative that may interest them?"
Dolgrin fumes as he wanders the room. A simple glare from dwarf at a customer who had bumped into him was enough for the man to leave well enough alone. Something wasn't sitting well with him. He finally noticed the crowd around one man, and realized, after closing in on the crowd, that this gambler was somehow winning hand after hand. No lucky streak lasted that long... He squinted and looked to see if the source of his short temper were coming from that direction, remaining ready to act if something requiring his sharp axe were to occur.
Izkrael keeps a close eye to the coins fallen under the table, trying to understand what's going on.
Krucina doesn't sense anything really odd, most of the crowd seems happy with a free round of drink. Could it be possible that there is no trap?
If they prefer mundane items to the experience of a Thousand Blisses, that's their loss. We can give either money or minor healing items, but they have to succeed first. I guess you won't need or ask for money, Nessa?
She kisses you deeply
Taking advantage of the diversion created by the toast, Izkrael approaches Krucina and whispers: There, under the table. See that small hole in the floor? Some coins disappeared in there. What is it?
Cameron tries to keep an eye on things as the man gets up and offers to buy a round.
It proves difficult and he's non-plussed by the way the man didn't say his name. Keeping a smiling face on it Cameron again tries to draw him into conversation, "A follower of the Lucky Drunk eh? Well they're always welcome in my book. Still it would be good to know the name of the fine fellow whose health we're drinking to..."
Cameron listens intently to any reply, trying to spot any nuances or hesitations that might tell him something new where his eyes failed him.
Krucina nods to Iz silently.
She tries to spot anything else out of place with the gambler's hole.
While, in the Temple of the Silken Veil, things are becoming hot and lust is shared, in the Gold Goblin, the situation is cooling off
The unknown gambler drinks a little bit more, and answers Cameron question
Sure, sure, sorry: my name is Anderas Royter. I was thirsty and nearly forgot to be civil. It was a lucky night for me, it seems.
Neither Krucina or Izkrael see something strange in the small crack in the floor.They can't get a closer look right now, as the crack is under a table surrounded by gamblers and staff.
For the rest, Izkrael stands still, now looking away from the crack in the floor. I guess I'll investigate later on.
Having sated her appetite for the evening with the high priestess, and getting cleaned up and changed, Ness left to make her way back to the Gold Goblin. She intended to speak with her friends about the missing faithful, and the offered reward options, to try and recruit them to help. Of course, Nessa being Nessa, she never thought to ask any questions about where the women went missing, what state the one who was found was in, or any other of the myriad important details that might help them find who was behind it. No, she'd leave that up to her friends to think of, her task was simply to help as best she could.
Cameron is deeply surprised to see the butterfly, and tries to spot where it went, but it's darted off somewhere.
He considers for a moment, 'Great dreamer, could this be a sign?'
He looks up at Alayna with a puzzled expression, as if to say, there's something really weird going on.
Alayna whispers to Sylee, "I recognize tha' man - he was a'crewin' a ship wot struck one o' Cheliax's mightiest slavers. Wait 'ere while I spy out his plan in thi' port." She then hurries down off the catwalk and into the crowd. Approaching the man she doffs her hat in salute, "Beg pardon good'sir I heard ya' say yer name and wanted to know if you were 'ere for some work, or just to bring yer good fortune?" Against her better judgement, she is blushing, thinking wildly about how this man must captain a crew that'd spit in the teeth of the Imperial Chelish Fleet!
Cameron seems surprised and asks, "Do you know him?"
"Aye. Tha' name sounds true."
Satisfied that nothing is afoul around the crack or the gambler, Krucina decides to ascend to the balcony to take in the whole establishment from a better perspective. Reaching the railing by Sylee, she leans on it and surveys the patrons from deep within her hood.
Anderas answers Alayna, smiling when he sees her blushing
I'm not seekin" work so far, I've just followed my luck tonight, as always. People say you can't be lucky at games and love at the same time, but seeing a splendid blonde like you, I'm seriously doubting it. And whatever gold I don't spend tonight in drinks, I'll give it to an orphanage.
His eyes twinkles while he gives a long, slow and appreciative look at the young piratess body.
Do you know if this place rent rooms for the night? I wouldn't like to spend the night too far from you. You're giving the word "pirate's booty" a whole new meaning... I understand why you'd be called a treasure.
His smile is warm and inviting, as he shows the empty seat nearest to him.
Care to share a few drinks with me, miss...?
it's so unusual that someone tries to seduce Alayna, usually Nessa got all the attention...
Krucina is surprised that, for once, the night is peaceful, even relatively pleasant. Money comes and go, people drink and chat, a few wenches bottoms are pinched. There isn't even a bar brawl. Of course, there is still the mistery of the rolling coins and the hole in the floor...
Larur comes upstairs and engage in small talk with the strange pale skinned woman
You're Krucina, that's it? Just so you know, tomorrow will be pay day. Let's hope this night will help balance the accounts. If we don't make enough money, the situation will be more tense. Maybe the staff will react badly if we have to cut the costs. Or Zilcher could try a few dirty tricks... so be careful tomorrow.
The Gold Goblin is about to call it a night and close its doors, when Nessa comes back.