As Mutt is working, two bouncers come up to him. The first one to speak to him is a Taldane man. "'Scuse me. Boss?" Mutt wheels his head to look at them. "What is it?" The two slightly cower before the terrifying man before the Taldane works up the courage. "We may have an idea on how to improve business." Mutt's brow raises before he fully turns to them. The man continues, "Well, me an' Michal here were talkin' and we thought 'Well, why not get some of the churches involved?'" Mutt's brow raises even more. "Well, y'see, Boss. There are plenty of churches around here. We're thinking that you lot could try to talkin' to the churches of Cayden and Calistria, and, Hells, even Desna, since she's a goddess of luck an' all. Maybe they can support this place. Or maybe send some of their people here to help. Or maybe help spread the word. Or anything like that." Michal, a Varisian man, stays silent, but nods enthusiastically.
Mutt stays silent as he stares at the two. He then points to the Taldane and asks, "What is your name?" The man looks terrified before answering, "F-Fredrick, sir." Silently, Mutt walks up to Fredrick. The Taldane closes his eyes, as if waiting for pain to come in. He slowly opens them when he feels a weight on his shoulder. He sees Mutt's hand on it. "Good work, Fredrick. You too, Michal." The biracial man the proceeds to walk off. Fredrick and Michal grin at each other before splitting off to do their jobs.
Mutt finds the others and tells them of the idea that Fredrick and Michal had told him.
"Getting other churches involved in this?" Fiona reacts to the idea with a mixture of curiosity & wariness. "I suppose it could prove beneficial. How would we go about approaching them?"
I have no idea where any of them are in this city either...
------------------
Once the next day gets underway, Fiona steps out onto her podium. This time, her costume is a slinky red dress, slit up to her thighs and with elbow-length gloves. She looks a bit uncomfortable wearing such a dress; whether it's because of stage fright, the heat of the torches or the tightness of the dress is unclear.
After stepping onto the podium, she whistles a little tune and conjures up some balls of light. A bit of mood lighting, for the show...
And then she begins.
"This is the end...
Hold your breath and count to ten...
Feel the earth move and then
Hear my heart burst again..."
The lights start slowly circling the podium.
"For this is the end.
I've drowned and dreamt this moment...
So overdue I owe them...
Swept away I'm stolen..."
The lights turn brighter and red.
"Let the sky fall...
When it crumbles,
We will stand tall
Face it all together..."
"Let the sky fall...
When it crumbles,
We will stand tall
Face it all together,
At Skyfall.
At Skyfall..."
In stark contrast to her previous show, Fiona's performance is the pinnacle of elegance--no provocative movements or sultry tones, but a strong voice backed by graceful motions and eye-catching lighting.
Mutt raises his brow. "Well, we go to the churches and talk to them. Isn't it obvious? If we don't know where the churches are, we ask for directions."
-------
As Fiona does her performance, Mutt stands silent, ever watchful, an impassive look on his face. Again, he finds himself staring a bit. He turns away, continuing his job, while trying to remove the sight from his mind. 'I really need to hit something...'
On Larur's account, Bofur exchanges some of the gauze used to disguise the catwalk from the patrons below with a darker material that resembles the blot. He contacts the Cyphergate Academy, or whatever the school of mages is called, and asks them about hiring the services of an illusionist for the evening. "Nothin' too fancy, mind ye. We dinnae want the customers to think the world's comin' to an end. Just oooh and aaah at the unusual events like them odd birds that dove into the bay." He uses the opportunity to check out the arcane school while he's there.
Before departing, Saul nods over to Mutt.
"Tournament sounds good. The octahedron hasn't seen much use recently. Talk with Bojask about setting things up."
---
The group set to work over the course of the week, getting their plans into operation. Fiona's performances receive incredible reviews, and after a couple of days it becomes clear customers are showing up simply to watch her perform. Mutt's authority over the bouncers seems to be working out well and with combination of Bofur watching from the catwalks and Variel managing the games and spotting cheaters seems to keep business flowing smoothly. Although the customers aren't exactly racing in, the Goblin is humming along well.
Bofur's attempts to put together a Blot-themed night start coming together well enough. He makes his way to the Cypher Lodge, a huge stone structure and the headquarters for the Cyphermages. There, he finds a packed building where many are lodging, attempting to get apprenticeships with the mages. None of the Cyphermages even spare Bofur a glance, but he manages to strike up a conversation with an enthusiastic half-elven woman named Samaritha. Unable to find an apprenticeship, she is looking for work, and gladly agrees to handle the illusions for the Blot event in exchange for regular employment. The Night of the Blot is scheduled for that coming Fireday.
Enthusiastic and willing to help where he can, Fredrick shows up to work and excitedly says that he's arranged a meeting at the Publican House, the famous temple of Cayden Cailean in Riddleport for this coming Starday, the day after the Blot night.
---
It is finally Fireday, and Bofur's decorations are up and ready to go. Samaritha has arrived with a bevy of illusion spells memorized. The four of you are now on the floor talking with staff before the doors open for the evening. Saul has been good to his word and promoted the night strongly - it's hoped there will be great business tonight.
Mutt approaches Bojask. "Bojask! I need to have a word with you!" His loud voice echoes against the walls. When he reaches him, Mutt says, "Saul and I have decided to hold a tournament in the Octahedron. I would like to hold it in a week or so. As for the specifics, I do have some ideas. No beasts. Have an entrance fee. No killing. Little to no magic. There are some things that I would like to work out with you on. What's to be done about betting pools, how much to charge as the entrance fee, what to do on weapons, things like that. I was wondering if I can work with you to straighten things out."
---
When Fredrick reports in, Mutt gives a small smile and a nod. "Excellent job, Fredrick. Keep up the good work." He then leaves to report to the others.
---
Mutt stands, doing his usual job. When the illusionist, Mutt approaches her. He says stoically, "You're the illusionist and new employee, Samaritha, right? My name is Mutt. I'm head of security here. If you have any problems or if anyone gives you trouble, let me know. I'll straighten it out." He punches his fist into his hand.
Pleased with - and almost a little embarrassed by - her enthusiasm, Bofur sits down with Samaritha to discuss some of his ideas. "As an illusionist, I bet you've a much better imagination that I do, lass. Here's what I had in mind. We had a wee bit o' trouble last week with some disgruntled customers, so we wanna make the evening entertainin', not threatenin'. (We got those bouncers fer that!) If any of our patrons have a little win tonight, the croupier or dealer will signal to you. Maybe have their cards or dice or ball wink at 'em conspiratorially to cheer 'em on. Or have that damn dessicated goblin head over there spew up gold glitter on 'em. If a customer has a big loss, do somethin' a little lighthearted to keep people in the right mood. Have the dice look sheepish and embarrasse' or somethin'. Or make it look like a cream tart goes flyin' at the croupier!" He laughs at his own idea. "You get the idea. We saw some birds acting out of character the other day. Practically wiped themselves out, they did. Perhaps it could look like cards fly off the table into the shape of birds and flutter around the room momentarily? Feel free to improvise, as long as the intent is to keep patrons happy, thirsty and eager to gamble! Get it?"
Fiona's riding on a wave of pride (mixed with anxiety) upon learning that the customers of the Gold Goblin are really enjoying her performances. As she's picking out a new costume, Mutt approaches her.
"Fredrick reported in. He managed to arrange a meeting at the Publican House this Starday. That's the temple of Cayden Cailean."
"Really now?" Fiona looks up from sliding her dress down over her head. "Remind me to thank him for that."
"I have to admit... I'm quite nervous about this Blot-night." She says as she smooths her red dress out around her thighs. "I'm trying to think of a good song to sing. I should also go introduce myself to the new illusionist..."
Mutt nods at Fiona. "I'll be sure to remind you of that."
When Fiona brings up her nervousness about performing, Mutt simply says, "It does you no good to be nervous. Best to just head out there and face it head on."
When she mentions introducing herself to Samaritha, Mutt simply nods.
Samaritha listens eagerly to Bofur, nodding as he speaks. "I getcha, I think I know what you're looking for. Like everyone else I've been fascinated by the Blot. It's... just done things. The birds, sometimes weapons become like magnets, strange waves of energy that make your hair stand on end. I think I can play with that - it sounds like fun Mr. Bofur!"
Later on, while she meets Mutt, Samaritha nods affirmatively. "I can handle my self in a fight, but that's not why I'm here. I'll letcha know if there's trouble Mr. Mutt."
---
After a week's worth of prep and some mediocre business, everyone is ready. The Blot decorations are hung, Samaritha is set up in an over-the-top Cyphermage outfit in a spot near Fiona's performing area on the central podium, the staff are ready to go, Bofur is in position with his crossbow, and the bouncers are good and mean. The doors swing open to reveal a proper lineup and soon the Gold Goblin is alive and well.
The night is an immediate success as the theme makes light of the heavy sense of doom hanging over Riddleport. People are relieved to see the Blot reduced to a trick at a gambling parlour, and show up ready to drink and have fun. Samaritha remains seated quietly by Fiona, her face a mask as concentration as illusions spring up around the hall, aural and visual. The Blot decoration ebbs and changes shape, sparks fly as dice are thrown, and a subtle choir occasionally joins in with Fiona as she sings.
A couple of hours into the night, after Mutt has soundly beaten up a cheater spotter by Bofur, the group are all summoned while Fiona is between songs to the upstairs. There, Saul awaits everyone, quickly beckoning them over to the catwalks.
"There!" Saul says nervously, pointing his key hand to a bulky, short-haired man quietly playing at a Golem table. He's a recent arrival, and the customers are giving him a wide berth.
"Clegg Zincher, one of the greatest crime lords in Riddleport, and our prime competition. He runs the arenas in this part of town, our little octahedron is nothing compared to massive operations he has. And we're in the same neighbourhood. And arenas are just a different kind of gambling. Clegg himself has never played a hand of golem in his life, he's no gambler. He's here to check us out or send a message. Watch him like a hawk! Hell, talk with him if you feel brave. I'm going to be in my quarters."
With that, Saul retreats, letting you get back to work and decide what to do, if anything, regarding Clegg.
Bofur nods to the others, hangs his crossbow behind him and heads downstairs to meet the famous Clegg Zincer. "Are you enjoyin' our li'l theme evenin' Mr. Zincher? Gatherin' a few ideas for yure own establishment?"
Mutt looks to Bojask and says, "I also think we may want to involve some beast fighting in the tournament somewhere."
---
Mutt nods at the half-elf. "I'm here if you need me." He then walks off to do his job.
----
Mutt is rather impressed at the effort that Bofur put into this Blot event. It seems to be going well. However, there is a steady stream of cheaters and troublemakers, though they meet Mutt's fists.
When Saul calls him, Mutt stops by Fredrick. [smaller]"Saul needs me upstairs. Until I get back, you're in charge." The Taldane man is shocked for a bit before nodding in determination. Mutt heads to the upstairs where Saul shows the group Clegg. Mutt stares at him for a bit. 'A top crime lord... who specializes in arenas and competitions... Seems like my tournament just found its primary competition. I may need to look into this. But not now.' He then smirks. 'Though, I might be able to put some of the things I've seen in Kaer Maga into the tournament.'
After Saul leaves, Mutt heads downstairs and calls a small meeting with the bouncers. Seeing them gathered around, Mutt begins. "I'm sure you've noticed by now, but we currently have Clegg Zincher in our midst." At the nervous mumbling that starts, Mutt simply holds a hand up to silence them. "There's nothing to worry about. Just continue your jobs as if it were any other day. I'll keep an eye on him." Seeing the men nod, he dismisses them, except for Fredrick and Michal. "You two, when the event's over, I need to talk to you. Saul told me that he was our competition for fighting and arenas. I need to learn more for our own tournament to be a success." The two nod and head off.
Mutt continues to do his job, all while keeping an eye on Zincher.
Zincher looks over at Bofur and then makes a point of catching the gaze of Mutt, Variel, and Fiona in their various positions around the room.
He smirks, the heavily-scarred face of the man twisting a little bit. His voice is thick with Riddleport accent is deep, gravelly. "I heard so much about Saulie's newest project and newest pals I had to check 'em out."
Somewhat unnecessarily, he points at Bofur, Variel, Mutt, and Fiona in turn. "That means you. Hope you don't mind. Just here to play some golem and take my leave, savvy?"
Zincher turns back to his card game.
Mutt sees that Zincher looks at him. Mutt just stares at him as Zincher points at each one of them. 'I don't like Zincher. I really don't like Zincher. He just has that... stupid smirk on his face. Like the one he had! Now I really need to hit something!' He doesn't do anything, other than continuing his job.
Bofur does an exaggerated turn as though showing off a new outfit. "Well, now, it's nice to know the grapevine's functionin' as it should. I'm sure there's more than enough business in Riddleport for the lot of us. Enjoy your game." Bofur spares a glance for the others to make certain they caught Zincher's scan and to indicate that he doesn't see an immediate threat. Before taking his leave of Zincher, he adds, "'n dinnae take anythin' our gobber says personally. He's indiscriminate." Then he returns to his post upstairs.
Fiona's nerves aren't helped by the sight of all the customers streaming into the Gold Goblin. Letting Mutt & Bofur handle the crowds, she instead tries to focus entirely on singing well, if without any real heart in it. When Clegg Zincher points out the team at his table, she wavers a little in her music.
She's singing a wordless, seemingly improvised song. Hopefully, their new illusionist's magic would be enough to keep the customers distracted from how badly she feels she's singing.
Variel smiles at Zincher. "Always good to have the respected competition visiting. Enjoy your game, and a drink on me."
He moves on, but keeps an eye out for any trouble.
With the staff cautiously watching Zincher, he quietly finishes his game of Golem, losing without much apparent interest in the game. He then nods to the rest of the table, and heads straight for the exit. Stopping there, he drops a bag of money into the bouncer's hand, and points once more to Variel, Fiona, Bofur, and Mutt before he exits entirely.
The bouncer quickly rushes over to Variel.
"Son of a b@*+~ just tipped fifty gold, said to split it with you lot!"
Before the group can really react to the money a shrill scream sounds out from the kitchen to the northwest! Looking through the open door, Fiona can spy from her pedestal the scullery boy, Iain, convulsing on the ground. A large, very angry-looking snake rears over him!
"Help! Some big red snake is in the scullery!"
Mutt
Variel
Fiona
Bofur
---
Snake
Variel sighs. "I have a hard time believing this is a coincidence."
He looks at the bouncer with the money. "Keep that safe, and tell the folks to keep a close eye out. The snake in the kitchen is almost certainly meant as a distraction for something else."
That said, he moves into the kitchen door and pulls out his whip. To the one next to the snake, he says, "Back away *very* slowly, just inch over to the edge of the stove there. The rest of you, over there."
"You seem a lot faster 'n me, Mutt. You wanna give Variel a hand? I'll watch for other threats out here with Fiona." Having said that, he moves a few steps closer to the kitchen and calmly slides a bolt into his crossbow with surprising alacrity.
Fiona is about to comment on how generous the customer was when she hears the scream. Her first instinct is to get into the scullery and deal with the problem, except it's hampered by two important things:
1) She doesn't have any of her weapons.
2) She's wearing a dress that is entirely impractical for combat.
"Right--Mutt, Variel, please take care of it." She sighs, feeling more than a little embarrassed at being this unprepared.
Mutt is in shock at the tip that Zincher gave them. He hasn't ever had that much gold before. But before he can comment, he hears the scream for help. Turning around, he sees some sort of commotion in the kitchen. Something about a snake. With a scowl and a war shout, Mutt draws his greataxe and leads the charge, running for the kitchen.
The snake rears and hisses as the scullery boy beside it collapses to the ground, foaming at the mouth and bleeding out. It is enormous, at least twelve feet long and coloured brightly red, and obviously aggressive. It rears back, and snaps out towards Variel!
Variel yanks his hand back, but he feels the snake's fangs graze him!
Variel lashes out with his whip as the snake strikes, then yelps as the fangs bite into him.
Mutt glares at the snake. He then gives a might scream! His muscles seem to expand. His pupil contracts to a pinprick, his eyes becoming bloodshot. He hears the sound of rushing blood in his ears, making it harder for him to hear anything else. The only things that run through his head are the thoughts of combat... and to kill. With a mighty swing, he brings the greataxe down.
Variel doesn't feel any burning and sincerely hopes he gets a dry bite as his whip cracks over the snake's head. Mutt then lets out a howl and rushes towards the snake, hammering it wiht his greataxe! He manages to cut it badly, but it's still fighitng.
Not seeing any threat from the front of the house, Bofur backs through the kitchen door and turns to face the intrusion.
"Where'n the Sam Hain did that beastie come from?!"
He fires a bolt at it, aiming for the far end away from Mutt.
Everyone in the kitchen flinches, as the bolt goes bounces against the wall and back at the party.
The kitchen staff flee as the snake rears up, biting out at Mutt!
Mutt doesn't feel the snake bite into him. Not does he feel the poison. All he's focused on is brining an end to the creature. With another scream, Mutt swings his greataxe back down on the snake.
Fiona shakes herself out of her surprise, runs over to the boy, and tries to heal him.
"I would like to know that as well myself, Bofur."
Variel steps up and lashes at the snake again, but his whip goes wide.
Mutt hammers his axe down once more, slicing the snake brutally! It hisses and attacks even more viciously as its panic rises. Bofur fires off a huge crossbow bolt, but that one just smashes a lot of dishes.
The snake continues to strike out at Mutt, but misses wildly as Mutt jumps back.
Glaring at the creature, Mutt says, "Time to end this!" he the swings his greataxe, going for chopping off its head!
That does it; Mutt roars his defiance and chops the snake clean in half.
End of Combat
The party still seems to be going on out on the main floor. The snake's poison continues to work its way through Mutt and Variel.
Variel quickly wraps a less-barbed section of his whip around the wound on his arm and squeezes blood and venom out, hoping to prevent the poison from spreading.
After tending to his and Mutt's wounds, the elf examines the snake to determine what type it is, and how it might have ended up here.
Mutt looks at Variel as the inquisitor uses his whip to help treat the poison. The anger seems to leave him. Mutt feels his fatigue from his rage. His muscles feel worn and he feels tired.
Shrugging his axe onto his shoulder, Mutt looks around. "Where did that come from?!"
Variel feels the poison continue to course through his veins as he tries to squeeze out the poison. The Inquisitor shudders violently as he attempts to staunch the wounds.
Variel spends some time drawing the poison out, his pale skin getting even paler as the fast-working venom attacks his system. Finally he slumps back against the wall, exhausted.
"If I find out who put that thing here, they die slowly. From snake bites."
Bofur stands at the door with one eye on the 'house'. With so many people now in the little room, he doesn't want to risk firing off another bolt. Instead he puts away his crossbow and draws his battleaxe. He readies an action to swing at the snake if it comes anywhere near the door to the public (i.e. in his reach).
His fingers vibrating rapidly, Variel works diligently draw out the poison. By the end of it he is pale, bathed in sweat, and racked with tremors.
The kitchen staff return and haul off the near-death scullery boy to be given some bed rest.
"Poor lad, we moved the wash tub and there it was! Underneath our sink!"
The night seems to be continuing without really having noticed the commotion in the kitchen.
With a raised brow, Mutt walks over to the wash tub to investigate.
Relieved at seeing that the scullery boy will live, Fiona walks over with Mutt to investigate the wash tub.