Saphren shakes his head. Even shares.
Reva shrugs. "I am no expert at dividing goods and have no particular interest in what's here aside from the money. Maybe if someone wants to use that wand or something, they can buy it out of the share. If there isn't enough money we can work something out. I have no idea how much this stuff is worth though."
"How about, if Miss pretty white hair dancer -- sorry I didn't catch your name -- wants the wand, she can put the coin it would get from selling it into the pot for the rest of us? I'm not sure how much it's worth either, though."
Likely worth hundreds. Magic and all. Wish I could do that magic crap. Damn handy.
Magnus shares a chuckle with Trig. "Schmuck. Da."
Tapping to untapped Dwarvish instincts, Magnus will try to assess the value of the wand and golden braces, and divvy out the gear equally, jotting things down in his little black notebook.
The two tattooed bodyguards, Hans and Beyar, approach your group which is dividing up loot and says: "Da boss, Mr V wants to see ya in his office. All of ya. Get yer stuff and let's go up there."
The kindly bruisers show you upstairs into the kitchen and then into the staff lounge (Area 14) where stairs lead up to the second floor of the Gold Goblin.
Once upstairs, they lead you down a hallway to a waiting room. The room has plush-but-worn couches, a roaring fire, and low end tables. A braided rope bell-pull stands in a corner. One of the bouncers pulls the rope, and a scantily attired waitress appears to take drink orders.
"The boss will be here soon. Wait here." says Hans (or it is Beyar?) and they both leave out the door.
"No more for me." the dwarf grunts to the waitress. "Be a sveetheart and get us some cheese and blood-sausage, vill you?"
"Water," says Reva curtly to the waitress. Clasping her hands behind her back, she begins to pace the room, looking it over curiously.
"I highly doubt he's just going to want us to stand guard over the casino after that performance. He saw us kill people so knows what we're good at. I wonder what's next."
"For me too, Katia! And a half-sized flagon of ale?" says Trig, having caught her fellow server's name earlier in the evening. "Thirsty work, tonight. I guess you had more chances to drink in the kitchen."
Trig stretches, seemingly at ease in her skimpy outfit, and looks around the room curiously.
The Elf woman seems significantly disinterested in much of the goings-on, particularly once it becomes apparent that the ?wizard? responsible for the flash is dead.
Politely requesting a glass of wine from the waitress Trig identified as Katia, Vris takes a seat near the elven dancer. "You seem... bored, actually. How do you manage to be so calm and detached after something like that robbery?" says the priestess to Bu.
Katia the waitress departs and in a few moments is back with the orders for everyone. While she's passing out the last of the drinks, the door opens and Saul Vancaskerkin walks in a sheepish grin on his face.
"My friends, I have a proposition to make, but first, let me tell you a bit about myself..." He sits on one of the couches, admiring the lovely ladies.
"I am a retired gang-leader from the old days of Riddleport, but my life of crime was far from lucrative and cost me plenty. My health, my fortune, my family and even my left hand. After my sons left and my wife died, I took the little fortune I had and scraped together enough to purchase the down-on-its-luck Gold Goblin which was once a famous spot in Riddleport." He frowns a bit, his eyes sad and far-away as he reminisces.
"Being too old to return to a life of crime, I've been running the Goblin as a legit business, but I still have many enemies in town, many of whom would like to see me ruined, or worse...I live every day in the shadow of some thug's retribution."
"This attack tonight is case in point. I recognized the leader, Angvar Thistlecrit as he and his band of toughs have been around the Goblin before. They have contracted out to other crimelords in town, mostly for protection rackets and strong-arm jobs."
"This attack makes me think I should just throw myself at the feet of a boss like Clegg Zincher and beg for mercy, but before I did that, I wanted to ask you a favor." He looks around at each of you meaningfully, searching for acceptance.
"I am impressed by your strengths and abilities. You handled that robbery well. Would you consider working directly for me, as bodyguards, or consultants? I'd pay you each 10gp/week and take you in as junior partners, sharing the Goblin's weekly profits? Heck, you can even live up here in the private apartment. You could continue your jobs here or just enjoy yourself until called upon."
He looks around making eye contact with each of you meaningfully, "Well what say you all? Will you help an old fool out?"
Magnus listens intently, maintaining a suspicious glare at the man even as he struggles with the Taldane, mouthing out individual words and brow-furrowing. He lights up at the words "junior partner", but keeps his mouth. He shoots Trig a searching look, trying to figure out if he's being had.
Trig whispers to Magnus:
"Mr. V, I'm up for it, but I like to have my own space, sized right for me, and all. I'll politely decline the private apartment, but I'll make sure to rent a place nearby."
Magnus answers Trig's dish-washing comment with a loud harrumph, but he joins in the dwarvish conversation. "Eh, du bist nisht farkert. On mo’es iz tomid a to’es."
Eh, you are not wrong. And as the long-beards say, 'To be without money is always a mistake.'
"I have place." he growls, rubbing two fingers together. "Very cheap. But I vill take this offer of vork. In ze counting rooms or as bodyguard. By Draangvit, in kitchens if ze money is ze same." he shrugs, clearing his throat, clearly uncomfortable to be talking so long. "Just do not cheat me."
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At Vris' query, Blossom stops her 'dancing', dropping bonelessly to sit next to the half-elven priestess. "Den" She whispers breathlessly into her friend's ear in reply.
Nàme, zhè dāngrán kàn qǐlái shì...
Yǒuqù.
Yěxǔshì sīchóu sī tīng dāyìng wǒ ma?..
Xiǎnrán yǒu gèng duō de bùshì yīgè jiǎndān de pìnyòng.
"Wǒ jiēshòu!" Blossom bursts out impetuously before frowning, standing straight & bowing formally as she intones. "The offer which you proffer is both acceptable & equitable, it would be both churlish & ill-mannered of me to quibble."
interesting
Perhaps is what the Sacred Sting promised?..
Obviously there is more here than a simple offer of employment.
"I accept!"
As Vris listens to Vancaskerkin's offer her eyebrows rise in surprise, an expression which turns to evident hesitation when Trig, Magnus and Bu all accept the deal. "While I did come to The Gold Goblin looking for a means to earn some coin which would not be at odds with my vows, I'm very surprised by your offer on such short acquaintance, Mister Vancaskerkin. Yes, between us our efforts foiled the robbery earlier, however violence is not something I personally am accustomed to, nor do I wish to become so. It's unclear to me precisely what you would be expecting of us should we all accept what seems to be a generous offer. So let me be clear at least - I cannot be a part of anything nefarious or underhanded. The Eternal Rose would not be at all forgiving of such behaviour on my part."
"Nothing about this quite adds up. We stop the robbery, but he asks us to stay with him immediately? And I doubt he's 'gone legit' or I wouldn't be here, if I'm to trust that my mission has purpose."
"I'll take your offer and will stay in the apartments," says Reva. "With the same reservations as Vris here. You say you've gone legitimate, then I'll be happy to keep a legitimate business alive."
"Legitimate. I'll have to donate my ill-gotten gains and do penance for this."
"Tá cinnte níos mó ná mar atá sé a ligean isteach. Cheapann tú go bhfuil tú níos mó ná ciallmhar do bpátrúin?"
"Cén fáth eile a cheapann tú go bhfuil tú anseo? Blossom whispers as the two half elves prevaricate.
"Why else do you think you are here?"
Reva does a double take before fixing her eyes on Bú. Reva's eyes blaze with anger.
"How -dare- she judge me? No... don't engage her. She's just some arrogant elf who wants to teach the half-breeds how to behave."
Her expression calms somewhat and she whispers a few curt words back to
Bú before she turns to Vancaskerkin.
"Go raibh mí-oiriúnach. Beidh muid ag labhairt níos déanaí."
Shooting a small frown and a very brief shake of her head towards Reva, Vris looks back at Bu and gives the elf a wry smile. "Is féidir leat a bheith pointe ann mo chara. Go han-mhaith, beidh mé ag glacadh le agus is féidir linn a fheiceáil cad a thagann as an tairiscint seo a."
Clearing her throat, the priestess turns her attention back to Vancaskerkin. "Please excuse our little digression. My friend Bu here has convinced me to accept your offer, at least on a trial basis."
Reva and Blossom: As you look for any "tells" regarding Vancaskerkin's honesty, you seem to think the graying crime boss is telling the truth.
"Mainly, you'll keep your day jobs, you seem pretty talented, but as junior partners, you'll help run the place. Hiring staff, keeping riff-raff out, the like. From time to time, there may be other duties, but we can discuss those as they come up. I don't think any of your goddess' will be disappointed in the work you'll be doing..."
The owner stands and excusing himself says:"Thanks again for your aid tonight; couldn't have done it without you. Welcome aboard the Goblin, I'm sure we'll do fabulously. Report to Larur in the morning and he'll show you about and set you up in the dormitory."
He walks through one of the doors in this anteroom, and disappears for the night.
"So I don't think we've firmly decided on how to divide the spoils... I really don't want anything there except coins. Miss Boo might want the wand, and Saphren might want the armor. You listed a total, right Magnus? He's very meticulous and trustworthy, this guy. You all can trust him to keep an accurate account." She pats Magnus's arm, figuring one of the best ways she can flirt with the dwarf is to compliment him in this way.
Reva offers an obviously forced smile to Vancaskerkin as he walks out. She remains quiet for a moment to listen for the footsteps to fade. After a moment, she turns on Bú, her accent coming out in her anger.
"Since you're so free with advice for us lowly half-breeds, I might as well return the favour. Don't you dare question my relationship with my goddess."
Reva reaches beneath her bloodstained armour and yanks out a symbol of Iomedae, shoving it at Bú. Her anger is palpable, but she never raises her voice, speaking rapidly instead.
"Do you know how hard I worked for this? How far I travelled? How much I fought, bled, and lost all for the chance to bask in the Inheritor's light? And now I've been sent to this wretched place to be lectured by some weird elf on humility? 'Don't trust the former crime boss with a pet imp' is the kind of advice you give a child, not me! And what kind of a name is Boo anyway?"
"If you are going to speak that uncivilly to someone who was merely trying to point out an error in our thinking to us, then please do not include me in your statements about 'half-breeds'." says Vris mildly to the dark haired half-elf woman's vitriolic outburst. "I'd much rather have this 'weird elf' gently correct me than be associated with such needless aggression towards one who has done neither of us any injury. I've seen real prejudice against those of us with mixed parentage, and you are imagining a slight where none exists."
The priestess then stands and nods to Bu before turning to the others gathered in the room. "As for the 'spoils' taken from those robbers, I'm happy to accept Trig's suggestions on the matter. I'd like some of the coin - I'm a priestess, not a saint - but since I know very little about where to sell such goods in Riddleport, I leave the matter in your more capable hands." Vris places her half-finished cup of wine down and bows slightly, "Now please excuse me, I feel a little tired and still need to speak with the Mother Abbess at the House of Silken Veils before retiring for the evening, so I'd best be returning there now."
With that she walks through the door, heading for the exit of The Gold Goblin, trusting that Bu is more than capable of dealing with the angry Iomedean half-elf fanatic. Reva just insulted a follower of Calistria who is also a witch. I have no doubt she has reason to be angry about discrimination in her life, but blaming Bu for it and then insulting her was not a smart move...
Reva stiffly stares at Vris and does not respond as she sweeps out.
"Inheritor save me I've done it again."
She turns to Bu and speaks hesitantly.
"And there is my lesson on humility. You have done no wrong and only intended good. I apologise."
The half orc listens to Vancaskerkin story and offer of employment with some interest.
When the old crime boss turns to him in turn to receive his answer Saphren replies. I know of you Mr. Vancaskerkin. There is more to your tale than you are tellin. And there are a few old bosses that have reason enough to hold a grudge against you the way I hear it told. Still your words ring true enough and I am willing to bet your coin is good, so I'll accept your offer but only after being paid what you think I am worth for tonight's work. That was under separate arrangement, I am sure you will agree. I risked life and limb for you tonight, all while blind, and unarmored at your insistence. So, what do you say my sword work was worth? The large green half breed holds out a hand. You are asking we trust you to deal fairly with us Mr. Vancaskerkin, when we know you have not always dealt fairly with your employers. Show me that my trust is not misplaced.
Saphren is somewhat taken back with the elves and half elves start to fight and wisely stays out of it.
When the discussion of loot comes up Saphren offers I know a few people in town. I can move this stuff quick enough, but cannot promise top coin while doing so. Still I am willing to try if you want all would like.
"I'd be willing to take our time a bit to make sure we get best sale price. It's not like we're leaving town tomorrow or it was questionably acquired. "
"I have no opinion, this is your area of expertise, not mine. I trust you will do things fairly. That said, I think I should retire." Red-faced and obviously ashamed, Reva turns on her heel and stalks out out of the room.
Vancaskerkin smiles at you, but not a warm smile, not by a long-shot. "Sure I made mistakes in my past, and maybe there some in this hell-hole of a town that won't forgive so easy. That's why I need you; to watch my back. Tell you what, to square things I will offer to pay you each 50 gold and also buy whatever loot you took off those thugs and want to sell. I'll even pay a fair price, at 20% more than you could re-sell for in town. If that doesn't show my good faith, nothing will."
"I think we should accept."
Trig is trying to control her excitement, but is largely unsuccessful; she is bouncing on the balls of her feet, causing a moderately distracting display in her server outfit.
The half orc smiles back, matching the coldness, but offers his hand. My sword is yours Mr. Vancaskerkin. I predict we will grow to trust and like each other.
"That is my sincere hope." says the one-handed man shaking with the half-orc.
Making her way back to the Calistrian temple, Vris sticks to the main streets and thoroughfares in an attempt to avoid any unsavory encounters, although it being late at night by this time she is still lucky to get there without incident. Pulling back the hood of her cloak, she nods to the guard at the entrance and immediately makes her way past the public areas, where patrons are still awaiting private 'counselling' from the sacred courtesan-priests and priestesses, despite the late hour.
Stopping only to change out of the borrowed dress - now clean and unspoilt thanks to Trig's use of prestidigitation - she then walks towards the inner sanctum of the House of Silken Veils, where two humorless-looking guards in the black and yellow livery of Calistrian enforcers stand either side of the chapel doors. Clearing her throat a little nervously, and placing her hand on the holy symbol of Shelyn she wears around her own neck, Vris nods to them and meekly asks "Is the Mother Abbess within at the moment? If it would not be inconvenient I would like to speak with her regarding The Gold Goblin and it's proprietor. There was an incident there, earlier this evening, in which I became involved."
The Mother Abbess sees you into her private chamber where some unusual apparatus stands in the corner; trying to imagine it's possible use makes you wish that you could erase those thoughts from your memory.
As you ask about Vancaskerkin, she nods with understanding: " I have heard of the trouble at the Gold Goblin tonight, and am glad you are unharmed, sweet one. Saul Vancaskerkin has a long history in Riddleport, mostly as a petty criminal and swindler. He got on the wrong side of one of the town's real bosses and lost a hand, but I'm not going to get into that now. It is possible he is redeemed and on the straight path, but that is not his history or nature, so keep a close eye out."
"Now, do you have time for some more...leisurly pursuits?" she asks cocking an eyebrow at you meaningfully.
The abbesses' none-too-subtle suggestion was merely the continuation of a game which had began the moment after Vris had been granted sanctuary at the House of Silken Veils. Lust and sensuality were not alien feelings to the half-elf priestess, but they were central tenets of the Calistiran faith, and many of the servants of the Unquenchable Fire found it both amusing and challenging to test Vris' own vows of purity. Constantly...
"I am quite exhausted following the incident at the gaming hall, Mother Abbess, so I must beg your forgiveness for not accepting such a kind invitation at this time." She smiled to show that she meant no offense, even as she avoided staring openly at some of the more... intriguing devices in the chamber. "Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Vancaskerkin with me. I believe I will be accepting his offer of employment, at least for now, however your advice to keep a close eye on the situation is well taken."
Bowing to the Calistrian chief priestess, Vris backed away and half-turned to leave the chamber, then paused and added "I am aware of the debt I owe to the Savored Sting and her servants, and I am grateful to you personally for your protection since I have been in Riddleport. If you really wish me to... ah... repay the debt by accepting your invitation, I'd be happy to do so in some form, just not tonight. I really am tired. Goodnight, Mother Abbess."
Saphren settles into his new digs and begins to test the boundaries. Does he have unlimited access to the kitchens? If so he is so making large sandwiches at midnight. How well stocked is the bar? etc. He is also interested in the Imp and will try to strike up a conversation with the little devil given a chance.
Its a big place, and if he is going to live here for a while he wants to understand it. First priority is to explore the open areas and to see which doors are locked or otherwise marked off bounds. He works to befriend the help and learns his way around the servant's areas and certainly learns about all the ways in and out of the Goblin. Soon he would have it all mapped out in his head. Then he would be looking around for things hidden. Any secret doors? any lower levels? Etc. If questioned he calmly responds that he is patrolling. If questioned harder he will have to explain that he heard a strange noise... :) In general his goal is to roam (Hey, I am Patrolin!) the halls until late and sleep as late as he can get away with.
Oh, and he is keeping the costume, at least for now. He will work to incorporate his new MW leather armor into its look. If he can pull it off without it looking too gaudy he may adopt it as his official uniform.
Reva stalks back to her room, shutting the door forcefully and taking a long time to settle herself down.
Perfect. So first thing I do is call upon the Inheritor for aid because I'm scared and they all pick up on what I am. I might as well do away with any pretense of infiltration because that is not going to be my skill. And I may have made an enemy someone with powers I don't understand, nor do I care do. Well, all I can do is put my faith in The Inheritor and move on.
An hour or so passes as Reva removes her clothing, sets her gear out in the room carefully, and then cleans everything she can whilst humming children's hymns. She finishes the little ritual of cleanliness by reading from The Acts. Unable to sleep, she finally dresses up again, and steps out to the main area of the Gold Goblin to explore what she can.
So I'm not allowed in the cashier's area - fair enough. Who would? The upstairs is mostly off-limits so I assume that's where Vancaskerkin sleeps. But what about the downstairs? What's so exciting about a basement in some lousy old casino?
Spotting Saphren doing much the same as she is, Reva walks over, ideally speaking out of earshot from any staff.
"Sorry about earlier, bad day. Find anything interesting? I had word earlier that the downstairs is the most off-limits part of this building. Any idea why its so exciting?"
Saphren, finishing off a snack, looks confused at the apology, but shrugs it off. Er, no problem Reva. We was stressed. he tries. Its easy to read that he took no offense at anything Reva did or said earlier. Found the kitchen. he says, swallowing his last bite. Better stocked than I'da thought. Found the bar too and where they must keep the bar supplies. Room was locked, but looked like an easy open ta me, IF we was ta need ta get inside, you know. Pausing when she mentions the basement he adds Most off limits sounds most fun. Wanna go try and have a look?
I can get along with this guy. All business.
"You're good with locks? Handy. Let's take a look but not go too far.
It was made pretty clear that anyone caught snooping downstairs won't see the next day. Little bit at a time, we'll find out the most that way. Also make more money. I was also told the cash was obviously off-limits, and part of the upstairs. Probably Vancaskerkin's private area or something."
Trig walks (skips, bounces, dances) along next to Magnus as they leave the Goblin. As before, she has taken off her shoes to walk the cobblestones barefoot, but she has put on her robe from before (over the succubus server outfit). "We should get housing nearby, after all, we don't want to have such a long walk to work. I also like the way these stones feel, it's an auspicious place to be. Magnus, I would suggest that we get a two-bedroom flat together, but I suspect you might think that's improper, for a single man and woman to share a dwelling. If so, maybe we could get flats in the same building or next to each other? I trust you and you being relatively nearby would make me feel safer."
Reasonable advise Reva. Saphren quickly agrees. This is a sweet deal. I'd hate to get tossed out my first night.
Magnus stands awkwardly by he door, giving the others a stiff farewell before joining Trig. "Thank you." He grins at her. "Der mentsh iz treyf, ober zayn gelt iz kozer!"
"I do not much mind the walk." he says, shrugging. "Breath of cold, clean air before I go to the mines. But this would not be improper. In Janderhoff we do not start our own clanhold until ve are married under Bolka's watchful eye. I am used to sharing." He strokes his beard in thought, glancing about the nearby buildings. "I am not so sure about this neighborhood." he says, anxiously. "Too many humans, not enough sons of stone. But can you find a place? Vhere vill you go this night?"
He is no good, but his money is okay!
The map of the first and second floors of the Gold Goblin are here.
As Reva and Saphren explore the Goblin. The first floor area off limits is the cashier's cage, counting room, and vault (Areas 6.7.8) but leave little to imagination from what you can see.
The upstairs, where Saul's office anteroom (where you met him) was located holds a staff quarters, a dressing room for talent, Vancaskerkin's private suite (one of the off limits areas) and the private dormitory that has been offered to you (Area 29).
There are some stairs leading down to the basement, but you run out of time to explore that area further.
Trig laughs merrily at Magnus's quip.
"Well, I guess I'd be open to finding a flat in a neighborhood with more dwarves in it. I do like having lots of men with beards around! Not too near that tavern, though. Some of the cobblestones were nice but they were pretty beaten down and had seen too many troubles pass over them."
Not for the first time, Magnus may wonder about this little gnome's unusual connection to the earth -- it's more of the kind of thing a dwarf might say, if she were very odd.
"I brought all my current kip with me to the Goblin, stashed it in the staff room when I was wearing the sexy. You don't leave stuff in the common room where I'm -- where I WAS staying. And I don't want to go back there. So pick the neighborhood, but I'm renting a flat tonight. We've got enough dosh to convince a landlord to let us in."
The rest of you pass an uneventful evening, quietly contemplating your future with Saul Vancaskerkin or eating midnight snacks in the Goblin's galley.
16 Gozran 4709, Absalom Reckoning
The next morning, you sleep long and hard recounting your battle with would-be robbers and the key for a hand of Saul, your partner. You attend back to the Goblin and find the place half-empty. Many of the staff did not return after last night's debacle and the crowd from last night has turned into two or three old gaffer;'s dropping their pensions for a chance at the big time.
About mid-afternoon, Vancaskerkin descends from above and calls you together. Larur Feldin comes out of the counting room and an impromptu meeting is held on the floor.
"We need to get this place humming again," Saul says. "Work with Feldin on finding the right staff. You may have to work and cover tonight since most of our people have gone AWOL. I'll go see about drumming up some business."
With that, Saul brushes out of the goblin in a whirl.
Feldin nods and welcomes you warmly as junior partners in the endeavor. He answers any questions you may have.
Reva folds her arms, looking over Feldin.
"Alright, so what do we need, and where do you usually find them?"