@Reva - The man-at-arms blinks when you threaten to disembowel him and you leave him mouth agape. As you approach Hans and Beyar, they turn and notice your approach.
"'ello girl, what can we..." says one. "...Do for you?" says the other finishing his sentence. As you explain your new role, they direct you to what will be your post, basically walking the floor between the kitchen doors (Area 12) and the private dining rooms (area 10) making sure no uninvited guests or strangers enter where they are not wanted.
As you watch the interplay of the two men, they have obviously worked together a while. The habit of finishing each other's sentences continues and one always seems to know what the other is going to do or say next.
With that he dismisses you and asks you to send in Vris next.
Saphren arrives late to the interview queue, but there still seem to be some loitering around the cashier cage waiting to meet with the management. You see a well-armed guard at the cashier's and two big brutes showing around a tall woman at the back of the once sumptuous, now seedy main hall.
Taking a seat, you see a surly dwarf and a rather attractive half-elven girl remain along with a scantily clad elfin woman who is dancing suggestively, her white hair moving, apparently of it's own accord along with her.
Soon, a perky gnome girl leaves the office, and the half-elven woman is called inside.
Before entering Vris murmurs a brief prayer to Shelyn under her breath. As she steps into the office she sweeps back her hood and cloak, ensuring that her armor and the silver medallion of the The Eternal Rose around her neck are the first things that the dwarven manager will see, apart from the friendly smile beaming at him. "Good afternoon. Let there be no misunderstanding between us sir - I am not here to apply for work as a barmaid or floozy. However if you are in need of honest individuals with the wit to count past ten, or the ability to identify a cheat out on the gaming floor, then perhaps you might find some use for me as a cashier or a spotter?" The half-elf priestess focuses the full intensity of her attention the dwarf, smiling and using all of her charm, but underneath she is just daring him to suggest that Vris dress as succubus...
Trig hops out of the interview smiling. "I think they're hiring just about everyone!" She runs home to freshen up her makeup and rub lotion on her skin, since much more of it will be on display than usual. She makes sure it is the very best shade of lavender it can be, and rubs some grease into her hair to make sure it is shiny and spiky. She returns to the gambling hall a few hours later, tries on the outfit, which fits her perfectly, and shimmies about looking at herself in a mirror.
@Vris Feldin is a little taken aback by your forceful forthrightness. "Where do these dames come from?" you hear him muttering to himself.
Finally, he exhales and says: "Not my first choice, but maybe you can fit a special role for me tonight? It'll take subtlety and tact, not your strong suit so far I'd say, but a priestess of Shelyn might be perfect if you can be tricky. Well, girl, can you be tricky?"
"I sincerely apologise if you thought me tactless, but this seemed to be a situation for being forthright, not subtle." Vris takes no offense at Feldin's comments - she had tried to be the opposite of subtle when she walked in. "Tricky I can do if the need arises. But please understand that I'll have no part of anything immoral or outright dishonest. If what needs doing doesn't compromise that, then I can be as sneaky, convoluted and twisty as you like." Cocking her head to one side, she relaxes her posture and grins at Feldin in a far more natural way, dropping her 'holier-than-thou' priestess pose. "So tell me, what's this 'special role' you have in mind, and how much does it pay?"
Reva examines the two men with a keen gaze, listening and not saying much.
"How sweet. That could be useful to know."
"Thank you gentlemen, I'll assume I'm free to familiarize myself with the layout."
She turns heel and takes a look over the people lined up for work, nodding briefly to Trig as she joyfully scampers out, and taking a moment to appreciate Bu's constantly moving hair. As Reva wanders around, she listens in on conversations and inspects every nook and cranny she can without appearing too conspicuous.
This hardly looks like a haven for demonic or devilish activity. Just base sin.
Saphren continues his wait in line, content that the position give him a chance to continue to observe potential patrons and employees.
@Vris: Feldin smiles. "I need you to be a "cooler". If someone gets on a hot streak, if one of those gamblers is taking the house, I need you to be a distraction that takes their mind off the game, and breaks their streak. Can you do that? It's not immoral, maybe a little dishonest, but only a little...You come to the party, act like a guest, when I give the signal, you make your move on the gambler in question, you break his streak, I'll give you half our take-back. You the girl for me, or not? Sure looks like you are..."
He waits for you to make your decision.
For a few moments Vris is unable to articulate any response to Feldin's offer. I... what would the Lady think of me doing that? Is it immoral? I wouldn't be changing anyone's luck as such, just making sure that the house didn't loose too badly. But it would involve deliberately deceiving people. I just don't know if that's the sort of thing I should do... She's so taken aback by the suggestion that she sits down on one of the chairs without invitation, her eyes wide and mouth working soundlessly as she tries to think of a response.
After a minute, she takes a deep breath, and looks the dwarf in the eye. "That mode of employment raises several... interesting... questions on points of religious doctrine for me. Provided you don't expect me to actively influence another person's luck, I think I can agree to act as a distraction and attempt to passively dampen a winning streak, or 'cool' it as you say." Vris stands back up and smiles at the manager, giving him a half-smile but still frowning a little in thought. "It's certainly not the sort of employment I had in mind, but yes, I'll see how it works out. I'm certainly good at speaking with people, and being a 'distraction' if that's what's needed, so yes, I accept."
"Again however, I must tell you that I will not use my goddesses' power to directly interfere with an honest gambler's luck - which I could do, by the way - as that would be an abuse of the trust between her and I. Simply using my charm and... uh... natural assets to do so shouldn't cause any doctrinal conflicts, however." She pauses and thinks for a moment, then adds "I don't think that The Eternal Rose would be upset if I used minor spells to detect anyone using magic to cheat however, then use her powers to bring things back into some sort of equitable balance."
This line is not movin at all, is it? Saphren asks of the guy in front of him. Seems like we been waiting for days.
@Vris: "I knew you were the girl for me when I met ya. Remember you can donate your earnings to that goddess o' yours if you break a streak whether you do it naturally or not. Come find me when the tourney opens at 7." The dwarf grins from ear to ear, pleased with is own cleverness as he shows you to the door.
@Magnus: As Larur Feldin calls you in his face is dark. "Not much need to hire anyoen else, brother, but I hate to turn one of the Sons of Stone away. What skills 'sides drinking and mining, ya got? Can ya cook?"
@Saphren: The dwarf grunts when he sees Saphren is the only person left in the interview queue. "Yer a stubborn one, hanging on, I'll give ya that. What job you want, breed? Not sure we need yer kind working at the Goblin at any rate."
Saphren looks hard at the dwarf. I'm a tough. Can'tcha tell? You don't need me, unless you want to prevent trouble, and take care of trouble if it show up. I got a way about me that discourages bad behavior. For instance, if some uppity dwarf were to call me a "breed" I'd give um this look. He leans into the dwarf's space for just an instant, his eyes glaring in such a way that says serious harm could be done before any help could arrive.
He leans back out before the discomfort can grow into an insult.
Feldin laughs at the display of bravado from the half-orc. "Ok, ok. Just trying to get a reaction and see how fierce you are. Guess it'd have the usual suspects quakin' in their boots, eh? If you want to work the door, making sure no uninviteds are here, then you have that job."
He reaches out to shake hands indicating no hard feelings. If you take it, he escorts you to the door telling you to be back around 6.
Saphren is quick to take the hand. Am I on the clock now? If not, when do I start?
Saphren: The cagey dwarf is pleased with himself. Report to Hans and Beyar at 6. We need the doormen to be fierce, and you have to wear the turban costume which you can pick up on the way out. Glad to have you on board."
The costume is a pair of baggy pants, no shirt, a giant turban and an oversized dull-bladed scimitar.
@Magnus:We can RP your interview as you need to. I'll FF the rest of the group to closer to opening hour if you have no objections.
@Reva: The private dining rooms are open and empty, you can see into them but there's not much to see there yet. They are setting up for private guests dining or side-games. The kitchen is a bustle of activity and you can explore it as you want, but there doesn't appear to be much out of the ordinary there. As you walk your post, you see a short balding man come down the stairs with a pair of scantily clad beauties. He heads towards Larur's office laughing all the while. Beyar who is passing nearby says: "That's the boss Mr Vancaskerkin. You'd do well to steer clear of him, especially today."
Magnus enters the office, shaking Larur's hand enthusiastically and greeting him in Dwarvish.
"I can count the coin, also. he says, rubbing two fingers together. "I have... ehhh... good head for the numbers. Traded silver on Crimson Coast Road. I fought with the Fifth Batallion back in my youth. The cooking? I can cook, also." he says, folding his arms. "But I did not come halfvay across Varisa to scrub pots, if that is your meaning."
Reva cocks an eyebrow as she looks at Vancaskerkin before turning back to Beyar.
"Why does he have a key... oh whatever. I need to be patient about this. It's frustrating not to find anything, but if I start breaking into parts of the casino I'll end up dead. Well, explore what I can without getting in trouble. No telling what I may find out.
"Thanks for the advice, I'll just stay quiet and do my job. Any places here off-limits?"
Vris wandered out of Feldin's office feeling a little discombobulated. Apparently I now have a job as a 'cooler'. Now if only I knew what that actually meant... She gave a brief smile to Boo - who was still waiting in line - then drifted over to some chairs near one of the gaming tables and sat down to wait until her friend had been interviewed. Seeing the half-orc who had been in line exit the office as well, Vris gave him an uncertain grin as he walked by. "So, have you been hired too?"
Trig struts her stuff, while looking about trying to find anything interesting before the gambling begins.
"Psst," she whispers to one of her fellow servers, "That's the boss, right? What's with the key?"
Blossom watches as the casino boss, Saul Vancaskerkin, enters the room with Larur. Just when she thought they had forgotten her (how is that possible?) the dwarf calls her in. He stands inside as Vancaskerkin sits at the desk. "So yer the dancer, eh?" says the boss in a gravely low voice. [b]"Let's see what ya got, sweet thing." Larur shuffles his feet uncomfortably. "Mr V is trying to say, can you dance for us a bit? We want to make sure our talent is top of the list before we book any entertainment."
@Magnus: The dwarven floor boss sighs with a "what can you do" expression. "The kitchen is the only job I have left, brother. If there were more, I would consider you. Guess you'll be close to the second helpings at least. You can head to the kitchens now, if you like." With that he sends you to the door.
@Reva: The tattooed guard says:"The cashier area and Mr Feldin's office down here. Most of the upstairs, and all of the downstairs is off-limits. Being found there will end up most unpleasant for whoever is caught."
@Trig: The other barmaid shrugs. "Seems like he got cross-ways with Clegg Zincher, and they took his hand, least-ways, tha's what I heard." The girl gives a you bored look, stifles a yawn and goes back to painting her nails.
As her moment before the prospective employers approaches, Blossom's increasing agitation becomes greater & greater, finally reaching a point where Vris or any other close friend might recognize it.
Consequently, when she is at last allowed on the stage, (such as it was), her performance was almost explosively evocative, resembling a Varisian 'story dance' in it's subtle & overt meanings. Curiously, at least to those who did know her, her hair was no more active than would be expected of a dancer whose locks measured from her head to her feet.
Saphren salutes the dwarf, backs out of his office, and goes to collect his uniform. He is horrified to see the falchion like blade has no edge and plans to address (and dress) this between now and 6:00 pm. He shrugs when he realizes he cannot wear all of his leather armor but plans to wear his breeches under the pantaloons and have his jacket close by.
His mind is preoccupied with plans to sharpen the show blade and he almost misses the friendly inquiry. Another breed/ he thinks to himself just for a moment and a smile crosses his features. We are takin over the joint. Stopping to speak he says in a friendly manner Yes, this one has been selected to wear a costume and protect the other guests. And you? Surely with your grace and beauty you are a dancer, no?
Magnus gives a resigned smile, revealing several gold teeth, and embraces the dwarf. "I look forward to working with you, brother. May`du zayn als shteyn un dayn boykh ful mit fayer."
He hobbles toward the kitchens, unstrapping his shield and gauntlets as he walks. He pauses in front of the priestess and the outlandishly-dressed half-orc. "Vhere are the kitchens? I must confess myself quite, ehhh, lost."
May you be as stone, and your belly full of fire.
Trig finds out that Magnus will be working the kitchens, and looks forward to some delicious dwarven cooking.
Striking up a conversation with the tall and well muscled half-orc, Vris shakes her head in response to his question. "No actually, my elven friend who just entered the office is the dancer. Apparently I'm going to be one of the 'coolers' working the floor - providing a distraction to anyone who starts getting too big of a winning streak against the house."
She looks at Saphren a little more carefully, noting the costume and the faux-falchion he is currently examining. "So that's what they're giving you to wear? At least it's better than the sequined handkerchiefs they were telling the female employees to wear. Sure, they'll look sexy, and I suppose that much bare flesh will provide a welcome distraction to the punters, but I'm just as glad I get to choose my own outfit."
Standing up Vris realises that she barely comes up to the beefy half-orc's shoulders. "Well, I'd best start introducing myself to everyone else here. My name is Vris. And you are...?"
The big green guy shuffles the load he is carrying in order to extend a hand. I am called Saphren. He pauses to consider for a moment then notes We will be on the floor together. Perhaps we could set up a set of hand signals indicating potential trouble, need help, watch the door, all clear, etc. What do you think?
"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, especially from my point of view, Saphren." Vris gives the half-orc a genuine smile, grateful for the suggestion. "While I'm good at talking to people, and I can hold my own against an average opponent, I'm no warrior. So knowing I could call on you for help would be reassuring. Besides, since I'll be in a dress, wearing armor or concealing more than a knife will be impossible."
The priestess considers for a moment, then suggests "I'll carry a ladies fan with me, and use that to signal you if something is wrong. Likewise you could tell me if you see anything by hand signals as you suggested. We can work out a code now if you like, or if you're not in a hurry, you could wait and meet Boo. She may want to be included in this." Vris spends the remaining time waiting for Boo to emerge from the office discussing the signalling idea with Saphren.
Trig overhears Vris and Sephren speaking, and skips over, wearing one of the aforementioned sequined handkerchiefs. (She makes it look natural, however, as if this lavender-skin-baring outfit was what she'd been wearing for years.)
"Hi! I'm Trig. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard you saying you wanted a system of warning if trouble starts. I can help! I might look like just a bit of lavender candy, but I've got magic that can definitely help in a fight."
As Reva paces the area she finally comes to stop by the group. Reva is a wiry, tall half-elven woman with severe features and black hair pulled back to reveal her pointed ears. Her voice is soft and tinged by a Varisian accent, but her manner is crisp and controlled.
"I'd met a couple of you earlier on the street. Your friend ah... Boo was a bit of help to me. I am Reva. We've received little direction here and so I'd like to join in your coordination. I've been hired to guard the back end here, by the private rooms and kitchen."
She looks at Magnus.
"Not that you look like you need guarding. But if we cover front doors, back rooms, casino floor, entertainment and kitchens we are prepared to react in case of trouble."
Saphren takes a seat, showing interest in the conversation and quickly outlines a half dozen simple and easy hand signs that should not require bluff/sense motive to be understood. I too am somewhat hampered by uniform. I am to go shirtless so armor will be somewhat of a problem for me. I am working on the weapon problem and should be able to secret all manner of smaller weapons under these pantaloons, or even in this turbin. I could likely carry that small mace for you, if you like.
At the mention of Boo he cocks an eyebrow. You have allies? This is well. Who is this Boo?
When trig saunters up, Saphren, just for a moment looks at her like food. Blinking hard he actually shakes his head vigorously once before responding. Magic? Magic can be good... Who are you little one? Are you also recently employed? The half orc seems to be dealing with her lack of clothing by looking over her head and not directly at her.
Vris introduces herself to Reva and Trig as well, happy to have them involved in the conversation. "Um, it may be worth mentioning that I have some ability at healing, if necessary. In case there's any real trouble, I mean." When Saphren offers to carry her light mace for her she smiles at the half-orc again. "You're proving to be a very helpful fellow - yes, that would be good. Better to have a weapon with someone nearby than not have any available at all." To Trig she asks when the gnome mentions magic, "What kind of arcane spells do you employ Trig? Are you a sorceress or a wizard then?"
"Trig Glittergold, at your service! Yes, just got a job as a server, and I'm already liking these outfits! It's kinda liberating to wear something like this -- my father would absolutely s$*# his britches to see me like this! I guess it's a good thing it's warm in here though."
She answers Vris, "I've never had much of a head for book learning -- unless it's account books, I know a bit about those.* Magic just comes naturally to me. I guess that makes me a sorceress? I know a few tricks. I can make the ground shake around a person's feat, knock them down -- that's what I figure will help the most if someone gets too rowdy. If things get really rough I'll shoot rainbows at the eyes of people, or make some animals appear to fight them -- but that's a last resort. Hmm, so I think I can get those signs without a problem... but if I make a sign you might have trouble seeing me over the crowd. Can I use a trick so you can hear me whisper even if I'm a hundred feet away? I'll keep on the lookout for trouble."
@Blossom: Vancaskerkin is suitably impressed and flips a pair of gold coins your way for the trouble. "Hire her, Larur. There's somthing about her, she'll be a good draw. Hire her for tonight." With that the diminutive man stalks out the door, pointing out last minute details and looking in on preparations.
The dwarf sheepishly says:"You heard the boss, lady. You're hired! Welcome aboard. He wants the talent to entertain in the private rooms first then work the floor once the juice has started flowing. One-third of your earnings pay to the house at end of the night." He nods and you take it as the cue to leave.
The rest of you notice Vancaskerkin walking around making arrangements. As the appointed hour approaches, he seems to get less self-assured and more shaken.
As you watch, a demonic imp flies from the upstairs to a cage suspended from the ceiling far over head. A pile of 10,000 silver sails is transferred onto the dais at the center of the gaming floor.
As the hour nears 7PM, the place is ready to come alive.
After having communicated a few basic hand signals with Saphren, Reva wanders off as Trig babbles about sorcery to settle by the kitchen. She pulls out a whetstone and a bit of oil to start sharpening her sword.
"Well an imp is something, but hardly serious. It will see everything though, so I must be careful. They are the eyes and ears of the demon army. I wonder if I can talk to Vris about my mission. She's likeable and will get more information than I can. A Priestess of Shelyn should hate demons as much as anyone."
Loud shhnngg sounds ring out as she passes the sword over an oil sword with mechanical repetition.
"Alright. So for tonight I listen in, hear gossip, and watch the imp. He has no staff here, and if he ever wants to run this casino again he'll need reliable people. If I do a good job guarding I might infiltrate and learn more. Get into his good graces."
Finished with the blade, she cleans up and then proceeds to check all of her equipment and armour. Finally, she pours a bit of water onto a cloth and begins cleaning her face and hands, murmuring under her breath.
"Ne sopa, dlvgar ollog naneel od vgear oe oiad adoian ol drilpi mahorela."
Reva finally rises as the commotion starts, and returns to the main area. She glances up curiously at the imp overhead and wanders over to Beyar.
"What's with the thing in the cage?"
Saphren has a good 5 hours to improve the edge on his 'sword'. He purchases a whetstone and applies himself to the job.
Private rooms?..
Blossom nods, her eyebrow arching tellingly at Larur's embarrassment. As she makes her way to examine the private rooms, she holds the Jill up to scritch her neck & belly while inhaling her musk. Released, the Jill goes scampering to find & retrieve Vris so that she & Blossom might speak.
@Blossom: The private rooms in question here are private dining rooms, which have been repurposed into gambling areas for the VIP's at the event. The rooms will be secure and only certain individuals will be allowed inside, so the groups will be small perhaps 8 or 10 people. These would be Area 10 on the Goblin map.
@Saphren: Yes treat as falchion. I'm sure the boss didn't intend to make this into a real weapon, but he didn't count on your industriousness, I guess.
@Reva: The tattooed bodyguard nods at Reva's question. "It is a bit creepy, but that is the 'Devil' in Mr V's theme tonight. Old Scratch owes Mr V a favor of some kind. He's basically harmless and is just up there as a prop."
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As the windows beginning darkening with the twilight, a crowd has begun gathering outside the Gold Goblin. Larur calls all the staff together and tells everyone to get into position.
He sends Saphren to outside the front door, Reva to security on the floor with responsibilities for the private rooms and kitchen area. Inside the kitchen is Magnus busily arguing with the chef about whether or not to add sawdust to the crepes. Meanwhile, Blossom prepares for the VIP crowd in the private gambling rooms. Trig, in her skimpy succubus outfit, waits for the rush in the bar area (area 15) and he pulls Vris aside for special instructions.
Several employees prepare torches and light the several braziers placed throughout the gaming floor, the hellish red light emitted only adds to the atmosphere. Vancaskerkin and 2 gorgeous succubi climb the platform in the middle where the pile of silver coins await, overhead, Old Scratch, the imp, rattles the bars of his "cage".
The signal is given, and Saphren and another turbaned body guard open the doors to emit the milling crowd, which includes Vris. All told, about 100 gamblers make there way into the hall which is eerily lit and stand before the podium.
Vancaskerkin clears his throat to speak:"Welcome one and all, to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall and your chance to beat the Devil and win back not only your soul but all of his gold as well." He says this last bit as he pats the large chest before which he stands. "I hope you found your reception by the Devil's lovely temptresses suitably entertaining." This is met by a general murmur of laughter and a few catcalls. "Let's take a moment to thank Old Scratch himself for attending this event. Not only did he loan us these lovely dark angels, but he also emptied the deepest vaults of Hell itself to provide the gold for this tournament."
With this, Saul directs the crowd's attention up to the imp in the birdcage. At the cue, the imp flies into a flurry of rage, banging the cage bars, spitting, howling, and screaming epithets in Infernal at all assembled. His theatrics are received with guffaws and even a smattering of applause. As the crowd dies down, Vancaskerkin continues:
"Of course, he plans on replacing what he loses in gold with the souls of those of you who don't win. The tournament rules are quite simple -- as you play, you'll earn more chips. And with those chips you'll be able to bribe your way out of the current level of Hell you're trapped in, working your way deeper until you get to Old Scratch's treasury. If you get deep enough, you win, if not and you run out of money...Old Scratch gets you."
Vancaskerkin grins evilly and Old Scratch cuts loose with another Infernal tirade. "Losing earns you the Devil's Mark and an escort out of the gaming hall until tomorrow. And what is the Devil's Mark? Something too evil to even contemplate, but I guess I can show you what it is -- gods knows it's what I deserve...better make it two girls."
With that, the two succubi lean in and kiss him lustily on the cheek. When they pull away the red lip rouge has left clearly visible prints on his cheek. "The Devil's Mark, everyone!" Saul shouts, which is greeted with more shouts and catcalls.
"Now let's Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold!" this elicits more hoots and rattling from the imp above, and with that the tournament starts.
Vris had returned to the House of Silken Veils in order to borrow clothing more suitable for her role that evening. I wish that I hadn't had to leave my vestments behind in Magnimar when I fled. Hopefully someone will have a dress I can use tonight - there's no time to get one made today, and gods know I don't have the money to buy one anyway.
Having secured a white dress which was very close to what she would've worn as a priestess of Shelyn in any case - and having promised the courtesan from whom she had borrowed it to take care of the expensive fabric - the half-elf girl spent more time grooming and doing her hair before returning to The Gold Goblin early that evening. As a precaution she asked Helga - the huge bouncer who normally guarded one of the three entrances to the Calistrian 'temple' - to escort her to the gambling hall. The leather clad, club-wielding amazon was more than enough to discourage anyone from trying to accost Vris on the streets.
"Thank you, Helga. I should be able to get someone here to escort me back later. I owe you a favor!" She smiled as she entered through the main doors, having flashed the gold pass Feldin had given her at the guards on the way through. Since Helga was technically a Calistrian priestess herself, Vris had no doubt that she'd collect the owed favor at some point in the near future; the faithful of the Savored Sting never forgot either a debt or an insult. Stepping over briefly to where Saphren stood - dressed in his loose pantaloons and turban - she handed him her mace as surreptitiously as she could, before walking out onto the gaming floor. Dressed in the shimmering white gown, with it's cut that accentuated and hinted at was was beneath without exposing too much of it, more than a few heads were turning to follow her progress through the crowd...
"This is appalling. Joking about stealing souls in order to indulge in gambling. Only in Riddleport."
As the guests come in Reva starts walking along the west of the casino from north to south. She keeps her expression as unpleasant as possible and walks with her sword on open display. Occasionally she'll stop to check in on Magnus, Bu, and any of the other new hires she happens to run in to. Otherwise she spends her time scanning the area and listening in, looking for cheats, violence, or anything strange.
Showing up for work a little early Saphren has takem the time to look good in his costume. his strong athletic frame fits the part perfectly and it it was not for the green tint to his skin he could pass for a Quadaran prince.
He watches the crowd poor around him, standing with his feet spread shoulder width and both hands resting on the pommel of his oversized scimitar, its point resting in turn on the floor. The blade's edge is turned to face him so that it is not immediately obvious that it has been sharpened to a silk parting edge. He tries to note anything unusual and in general radiating an aura of calm and good behavior.
Catching sight of Vris, he gives her the "all good" sign (unless its not) and as she approaches he accepts her small mace and places it on a hook hanging from his belt.
As the guests move in he comes in behind them, trying to identify any potential trouble makers or any with concealed weapons.
Returning home to remove his armour and shield, Magnus returns in a thick, grimy apron; better suited to the forge than to the kitchens. His axes still hang gleaming on his belt. He glowers at Saphren as he tries to part him from them. "No." he grunts. "I keep my axes." he says, making for the employee entrance.
________________
Magnus blunders through the kitchens like a grumbling, four-foot force of nature, oblivious to the demands of his overseer. He begins to bleed dry one of the casino's hogs in the storeroom, gathering up some pig's blood to use in some proper, dwarvish cooking, quickly finding himself in another argument with the chef. Magnus is left in charge of preparing the vol-au-vents. The surly, somewhat bewildered dwarf corners a young kitchen-hand, brow beating him into finding, and skinning, several dozen voles. The dwarf is satisfied with a job well done, although in his opinion there's better eating on rat. "Humans." he shrugs. "I guess zere is no accounting for taste."
Trig passes by Saphren as he displays his falchion and his physique, and is duly impressed. Not bad looking if you're into green skin, she muses as she shoots him a grin.
She asks the other servers if anyone knows anything about how the devil came to cooperate with Saul. Seems like everyone's too busy to talk, though.
Trig tosses a Message spell on Vris at the beginning of the night, and whenever she's nearby her again. She lets Vris know if she sees anything amiss, although mostly she makes occasional bits of commentary about various guests. "The halfling in the blue waistcoat just pinched my butt! I guess I'll just giggle at him, I'll probably get less of a tip if I make a scene about it."
When dwarven delicacies start to arrive from the kitchen, she begins prattling about how wonderful authentic dwarven food is to anyone who will listen. Seems like most of the people trying the blood sausage, roasted voles, and other cuisine are finding it palatable -- or else they're just too busy gambling and drinking to pay much attention to what they're eating.
Given that, in general, it is difficult for the Jill to say with her when she is dancing, particularly when she is dancing in clothes like this, Blossom will arrange to have her familiar out of the way, but accessible; also able to go find Vris if necessary. Meanwhile, Blossom will alternate between stretching out of sight of customers to keep herself limber & lounging appealingly near the private rooms.
The night's entertainment goes on about like you'd expect. There are winners and losers, happy people and angry people, some who can't handle the liquor well. Some lose all and are given the Devil's Mark by the scantily clad ladies, others gain access to deeper levels of Hell and continue the games.
As Saphren keeps a watchful eye on the door, he notices a tall broad shouldered Varisian who is acting strangely. Often, he looks all around, particularly back by the privies (Area 16). The man seems to be nervous and sweating profusely even though the room is quite cool given the amount of people inside. Reva has noticed the same individual and that he has two friends, who, while not looking as suspicious, still give her intuition a tickle.
In the kitchen, after finding a case of peach brandy in the pantry, Magnus is teaching his new friend the chef new ways of preparing underground insects. Many of the other kitchen staff are making merry as well. The dwarf is setting up an illegal craps game in the kitchen between staff members as well.
Trig is man (or dwarf)handled in new and unusual ways. Not only does she kind of like it, but she earns a significant amount in tips from happy and inebriated gamblers as well. She considers wearing this outfit more often.
Blossom entertains the private room VIP's distracting them from gaming and making a few new and influential friends in the process. On two different occasions she had to get some help from Reva, who is policing the private rooms, when an amorous guest got a little too into the show, but all in all her hair and her "skills" have the rooms captivated.
Vris, however, is out of place. With her divine ability to control luck and the morals to know better, she refuses to participate in the actual games. She instead finds the gamblers are a bunch of loud-mouth louts who are more interested in a lucky streak or quick assignation with a beautiful woman than anything else. By the time the evening is about half way over, and gamblers are slowly descending deeper into the pits of Hell, she decides it will be almost fun to ruin one or more of them as a "cooler". So far no sign from Feldin. Her only saving grace is a brief friendly conversation with Thuvalia, a one-eyed woman (wears a patch over the other) from Varisia who commented on her lovely gown and smiles warmly at her whenever they make eye contact. (no pun intended...)
Saphren gives warning signals to those he can about the tall broad shouldered Varisian who is acting strangely, marking him to be watched. As he watches the man from the corner of his eye he wonders what he might be up to.
Once he is sure the man being watched by another he will go and check the privy areas, or at least the ones for men if they are segregated.