After the initial suprise wears off Helene nods in recognition to each of you. She extends her hand out to the musketeer, "Greetings Arnaud. I am glad to see you."
She pauses upon seeing the man and his bodyguards at the back of the room. Helene steps forward confiding in a low voice.
"My sincere apologies for my tardiness I was delayed by... most unusual circumstances."
She continues to walk forward amidst the wreckage, "Evening Minister d'Honaire. I suppose I should not be surprised to see you here. I trust you are unharmed."
The man at the back stands up, his glass of red wine being filled by one of the succubi waitresses. He lains forward on a brass railing overlooking the casino floor.
"Ah, Mademoiselle deSuis. Always a pleasure. Thank you for your concern I am quite unharmed. Thanks to the exploits of these fine chaps and ladies." He waves his arms to indicate your gathering. "Bravo! Bravo! Truly as Monsieur Vancaskerkin said you are an inspiration to us all in these troubled times. But I sense you are here on other business. As for your newfound friends Monsieur Vancaskerkin please let them know that the Ministry of Justice shall provide a reward commensurate for their timely efforts."
D'Honaire holds a long gaze at each of you as he withdraws to the back table once more resuming a lively whispered conversation with his new waitress.
Helene turns to Vancaskerkin and gives him a level stare. "I can see that my concern in this investment was justified." Turning again to your group, "The gendarme will be on their way soon to apprehend these villains. If we need to talk to them I believe Minister d'Honaire will ensure we have access to them. After all, they had ruined his evening out. I had hoped to make this a more pleasant meeting but I must be brief. After we truss these scum up for the law, do you wish to retire somewhere more private, perhaps your office Vancaskerkin? Then I shall tell you why I called each of you here."
"Whatever is convenient for you," responds Becacine with a warm smile. Turning to M. d'Honaire, she adds, "and we are grateful to the Minister, of course, for his most generous offer of a reward. Speaking for myself, I assure you that I was all too proud to perform my civic duty, as any good citizen would have." The woman in red looks the Minister in the eye as she speaks, but quickly drops her gaze, not wanting to... arouse too much interest from the man.
I don't know that I want to become too deeply entangled in the affairs of the Minister, thinks Becacine to herself. Hopefully, Helene has something else in mind for us.
"Yes, best to let the gendarmes take over from here. It seems to me that this, incident, is a strong argument that a facility of this sort needs considerably more security. It is a rare stroke of luck that we were around to intervene."
"Let us proceed with our business, after this, I am eager to get this evening over with."
Sorry zonked will post tomorrow. rehearsals, open house at the school its late.
Helene beckons you towards Vancaskerkin's office. The portly proprietor busies himself with returning order to the wrecked casino and readying for the arrival of the gendarmerie.
Helene motions you to have a seat at the table as she closes the office door. Wine, port, cigars lay ready and open on the table. Helene pours a glass of wine as she talks.
"Two years ago a great crime was committed against our family. Only three blocks from here my to be husband while ensuring my safety from the fire was shot in the back and killed like so many that night. I swore I would find the bastards responsible for it and slit their throats. I do not plan on reneging on that pledge. But as I've learned it will take time."
The Minister pauses containing her resentment and frustration.
"Two years I have laid low in Chateaufaux keeping only discrete contact with officials here in Lucine. My investigations have turned up little. After only two years one of my most trusted agents returned with only a name of someone or a group; the Brain. His body was found in Perrault Bay two days after he sent that message.
Helene sits and looks out the window over the inky waters of the Bay.
"My nomination was entirely unexpected. I am still not certain who on the Council sponsored me. Now that I am back I plan to use my resources to find out more but truthfully we need a presence again in the underworld to start a true search."
"And that is where this casino comes in. As Minister of Public Works I was able to secure a certain influence over dear Saul. The Goblin is ideally situated in neutral territory. The Renier and the Sarti's boundaries are not clear. This casino has potential, not only as a profitable gambling hall but a meeting place, a place to regroup. We still have many friends here. Many would rather see us back then work for the Renier or the Sarti. My contacts tell me life is much harder in the city. The Renier are thuggish, violence flares openly, things are more uncertain and uglier. Indeed, in some warrens of the city things are a veritable powderkeg."
"My offer is this; come back to Port-a-Lucine. I will install you as partners in this establishment. It will be yours co-owned with Saul. You will turn a good profit but also be in a place to reconnect with the underworld and to find out who gave the orders that night."
She finishes her wine.
"Tell me your thoughts."
Yvon enters the room, surveys the spread on the table and stands behind a chair. He pours himself a glass of port, but doesn't drink it. He then takes a cigar, lights it, and stands, arms crossed, at his chosen seat.
"We all had losses that night," his gaze circles the room, taking in the assortment of characters who would be his partners, "but it sounds like you have little to go on. You have brought us in to help run a casino? And just hope that a lead falls into our laps?"
Yvon takes a puff of his cigar and a sip of port, thinking for a moment while surveying the room again.
"Does this place at least make any money?"
Gisele stays outside while the others file in. A few seconds after the door closes, she knocks lightly, and then opens the door; a tray of drinks balanced on her other palm.
"Drinks, courtesy of Mister Vancaskerkin." She circulates about the room, then takes up an unobtrusive spot at the rear of the room, blending into the background as much as possible.
Nicholas looks somewhat uncomfortable as he always does in social situations. He nervously goes over and gets a glass of wine, endeavoring to look busy.
Hearing Helene's proposal, he chimes in "I'll do what I can to help, but I'm not sure I'll be much use in running a casino. Perhaps I can be of more use in the investigation. As always, I'll do what I can for the family, in the end, I'm only here because of the kindness shown to me by the DeSuis. I'm eager to get a chance to pay back blood for blood for what was done to us."
Jean-Pierre nods.
"I could certainly see my way to assisting in this endeavor; it would be nice to not have to rough it, again. The chance to improve the Family fortunes is also an excellent incentive."
Bécacine helps herself to a glass of red wine, then takes a seat beside Helene.
"My dear Helene," she says, "I never left Port-a-Lucine... nor did I dare to dream that the DuSuis family would ever return to reclaim its rightful territory. Things have indeed been hard for me since that fateful night two years ago... and I would be all too happy to help you find the bastards that brought down the family and make them pay..."
The crimson-clad woman smiles a black smile, relishing the thought of revenge. She takes a sip from her glass.
"Your offer of a stake in the casino is very generous. To what extent do you trust Saul?"
Arnaud does not sit. He stands, listening, with crossed arms and a furrowed brow. After theier benefactor has said her piece, and the rest have spoken their's, he speaks finally:
"I am at your family's and yours continued service, my lady, however you may see fit. Your vengeance is mine."
Gisele listens to these men and woman pledge themselves to this unknown scion of house De Suis. She knows none of them, having still been an apprentice to Henri Maguvoir, the house's chief assassin. She stands in silence, her tray in hand and in the silly succubus outfit, waiting to maybe speak to Helene in private...and to find out how in the hells the woman found her.
Helene's calm blue eyes regard the assembly with a level gaze, "Your reactions and loyalty are gratifying friends. I hear many of you have questions and I would not expect otherwise."
Standing up holding her glass of wine she looks out the window over the wreckage of the casino floor. "As for the Goblin, its has the potential for profit though incidents like this might change that fact. Saul is on my leash and of course must be watched. Still the man is not foolish and he is being well rewarded."
She turns to regard the group, "As for Yvon's question, I see your ... direct manner is unchanged. Good. You are right, a lead is what we need. As I stated earlier it took many years even just to find a name. My time as advisor to Minister d'Honaire allowed me access to many reports. Many of which are not made available to the other council members. These reports from police, spies, and informants give every indication that the Brain is active here in Port-a-Lucine and ever since our removal its influence has spread. The Brain's goals are unclear. Its agents seem to be as likely to be involved in robberies and extortion as they are to be in anti-government activities, organizing revolutionaries in the Labour's Quarters. This last part is what has D'Honaire so concerned. And the matter that no one has successfully infiltrated a cell and lived to tell the tale.
A few weeks ago, I found reports that indicated the Brain was moving in on the docks down here or at least there were sign of their agents. Use the Goblin as a base and we can probe the docks reassert our friendships and locate one of these agents. Its not much I admit but its a start."
Yvon looks the group over, frowning...
"Welll, as long as it makes money, I can get behind the Goblin." he throws a suggestive wink to Helene, " Are local services on the house?"
Well, it's something. Perhaps, if we're really lucky, some of the survivor's from tonight's attack are affiliated with this Brain. It's a long shot but if he's trying to control the docks perhaps he wanted to muscle in on a new business. If anyone has knowledge about the two ringleaders of tonight's raid perhaps we can locate their quarters before the guard does, we may find information that could confirm or deny this association.
As for the casino, I'll help where I can. Perhaps I can think of some magic tricks to spice things up.
Jean-Pierre raises an eyebrow.
"A profitable venture, and the opportunity to re-establish the Family? I find your suggestion to be... intriguing. I am very tempted to take you up on your offer."
Good, I am glad to hear your interest. And yes, Nicholas I would concur that finding out who Sarivec was working for would be a be a first step. Regardless, of this new player there are still the Renier and even the Sarti to deal with.
And what say the others?
Helene walks over to the succubus-clad waitress retrieving a drink from the tray, "And you Gisele, what are your thoughts? I admire your caution and discretion. You come recommended, Monsieur Magovoir spoke highly of you to his colleagues. One of those colleagues has been working for me these past years attempting to find out who was responsible for our house's downfall. You may recall a Monsieur Reynard Vale. A Mordentish gentlemen that often played chess with your former master. Vale spoke of you and of your Master's favourable opinion. It was he that arranged for the delivery of my message to you.
Also, you may be interested but Lucretia Estrada is rumoured to be back in Port-a-Lucine.
I took some liberties with your background but yes you recall Vale as being an old friend of Magouvir and they often played chess. Vale was to your knowledge not attached with any Dementlieu house. He was known to travel across the Core. A few rumoured that he was ex-Kargatane (Azalin's secret police) from Darkon. Vale is a dandy with a fondness for music, opera and dance. Sabotage, poison are his favourite methods but he is handy with a blade but never uses guns.
Estrada was one of Magouvir's former students. One that you had your suspicions of as being possibly involved in Magouvir's murder.
Helene turns to the rest of the group, "While Gisele ponders this feel free to take a look around. You may want to speak with Monsiuer Vancaskerkin. As for Nicholas' suggestion I think it merits further investigation. But I shall have to slip out before the gendamerie arrive. I would like to keep our partnership quiet. Oh, and one other thing, be very cautious if you have occassion to meet Minister d'Honaire. For reasons I do not entirely understand he is supportive of our cause but he is not to be trusted.
The colour drains from Gisele's face as Helene speaks so openly about her past in from of all these people. At the mention of her old mentor a pang of sadness and regret churn in the pit of her stomach, but her colour soon returns at the mention of her old rival, Estrada!! Almost a year she spent looking for that turn coat!! And now, as a casual afterthought, Helene mentions that she is back in town. If she was unsure about joining these people before, she is sure now.
Waiting until her new mistress is finished speaking, Giselle speaks up, her voice cold and hard.
"I too will join this group, but not for money or position, but rather for simple revenge!" She eyes the group, almost daring any of them to gainsay what she has said.
Arnaud laughs once, cold, without humor.
"I must mirror the... lady's sentiment. I'll take no profit from this... venture." his vision sweeps the casino floor and his right eye twitches slightly. "I just ask enough to keep myself quartered and armed. So that I may be rested and ready for what is to come."
"I don't suppose any of you are skilled in the interrogations of the dead?" he asks with another humorless laugh, gesturing at Sarivec's body.
Helene nods to Arnaud. "I shall be on my way to leave you to your work. Oh and to start off a retainer, say 250 sails each (gp) for the month. With an extra 100 for tonight's efforts. Saul will provide you with payment once the officers have come and gone. If you need to reach me at the Ministry use Saul. If you doubt him then speak to the concierge at the Ministry of Public Works and inform him you are friends of Phillipe. She will know what you mean."
Helene pauses at the door to ensure the business is concluded. She turns at the doorway and speaks over her shoulder, "I sense that our business will be profitable to all us in our own way."
"Haw haw! Profitable work indeed!" Yvon takes a long last drag on the cigar before snubbing into the table. "We shall have o see what this dump turns up. Something decent at least, I'm sure..."
Yvon finishes his port and heads to the floor to keep an eye on his new business and the scantily clad staff.
Well, this has gotten off to a profitable start. Now lets see what we can find out by interrogating the survivors.
It had been a long time since Becacine had felt this good. The return of the DeSuis, an ownership stake in a casino, a chance to serve a cold dish of revenge, and a generous retainer to boot! Her fortunes were finally turning.
"Then let's get on with the interrogations, good sir," says the raven-haired beauty in response to Nicholas. "But as Helene suggested, we need to be quick about it... the gendarmes are sure to be on their way. Is there a place where we might question the... guests... away from prying eyes and ears?"
Jean-Pierre smooths down his ruffled sleeves, and nods in agreement.
"Yes, I, too, would not mind a private 'chat' with those responsible for this evening's little display..."
Gisele moves back out onto the floor of the casino, looking to see if anyone is still around.
"I'm afraid you gentlemen are going to have to take care of the heavy lifting," says Becacine. "But I would be more than happy to assist in the interrogation. Please, do show our guests in... I can't wait to meet them..."
"Perhaps we should split up, and interrogate our captives separately? Doing so at the same time, in smaller groups, should enable us to get the work done faster. This office works for me as a... place to get to know one of our friends better..."
Yvon grunts to the ladies, then moves out to the gaming floor. He grabs one of the would-be thieves by the scruff of the neck and drags him bodily into the office. He throws the thug into a nearby chair, then removes his belt to lash the man down. This belt held his blade, which he sets down, unsheathed, on a nearby table.
"I believe we have some questions for you." Yvon then lights a fresh cigar a picks up his sword.
You look over the two prisoners. One is a red-haired, bearded burly man with a hawkish nose missing his two front teeth and now sporting a swollen black eye from a pistol whip. The other is a pensive-looking fair-haired lad no more than sixteen. His blue eyes dart back and forth. You see he has made an attempt at growing a mustache. However, your attention is seized by the swelling crimson stain on his side continuing to bleed from a sabre cut. As you approach he seems to attempt to talk but only stutters.
Dragged into the office by Yvon and lashed to the chair, the red-haired man begins to rouse from his stupor. He gives a dazed stare at Yvon's cigar and sword, "Ah.. today is not going to be my day is it? Clearly I should give the stars more heed." He smiles a toothless grin.
Arnaud will take a long moment to search the bodies of Sarivec and his woman for anything useful before joining Yvon in the office for the questioning.
Nicholas will wander into the kitchen, looking for a fire poker as well as a torch or something else he can light on fire to bring a flame with.
When he arrives in the office he'll look around and say, "what? I'm a traditionalist when it comes to these things," as he begins to heat the poker red hot.
"Gentlemen, there's no need to be so... barbaric," says Becacine with disdain... or feigned disdain, perhaps?
"Jean-Pierre, will you be a dear? Could you help me with the other young man? Bring him to a room where he and I might find more privacy, and a chance to... get to know one another, away from the prying eyes of our brutish friends... And Gisele, maybe you would like to come too?"
Giselle looks over to the woman and shrugs her shoulders. "Sure, why not. But let’s try not to kill this one. Maybe he will tell us what we want to know. I really hate watching them expire after a 'session' with you."
She looks over to Becacine, and give a sly smile and slight nod of her head.
First the older man in the office;
The red-haired man lolls his battered and bruised head forward under Yvon's stern glare and the glow of Nicholas' firepoker, "Easy lads, Lucien, is an old hand, and I would've told you but for the asking. No loyalty here just another slab of hired muscle. I'll tell you what you want to know. Sarivec, you may know him hired my crew for this job. Easy money he says and a posh crowd to rob. Well I've got mouths at home to feed, what would you've done in my place, I say?"
Lucien's face twists into a pained expression as he spits out blood onto the floor. "Sarivec, didn't say who we were working for but I know how the gangs operate. Sarivec was working for the Sarti, didn't want the competition, their already at war with the Renier. If it had been the blasted Renier they would've wanted a bigger cut."
Sense Motive DC 14
The younger man in the kitchen,
The fair-haired boy stutters and stammers as his bleeding frame is dragged into the kitchen. You see his eyes widen with panic as he eyes the various butcher knives and other implements hanging prominently.
"Please, please I don't know anything... Help me I'm bleeding!"
Sense motive
Yvon shrugs, "Seems logical. Just an easy paycheck. Sarti, you say. I buy it. You seem too dumb to hold back. Anything else you wanted to know, Nicholas?"
I'd like to search Sarivec's quarters to see if he left anything that might give us more details about the Sarti's operations. I'd like to know where he lived and where he recruited fellows like you.
[Mostly, I really want Sarivec's spellbook. But any hints about the Sarti's operations or regular recruiting grounds would be helpful.]
The younger man in the kitchen,
The fair-haired boy stutters and stammers as his bleeding frame is dragged into the kitchen. You see his eyes widen with panic as he eyes the various butcher knives and other implements hanging prominently.
"Please, please I don't know anything... Help me I'm bleeding!"
Becacine waves Jean-Pierre out of the kitchen, but invites Gisele to stay.
"So you are, so you are, my dear. And I certainly wouldn't want your blood to stain my gown. The rules of the game are simple. You tell us your name and what we want to know, we bind your wounds and you stay alive... and who knows, maybe we can even become... friends?"
Becacine stands in a suggestive pose with hands on her hips, giving the young lad an opportunity to take a good look at her enticing cleavage. She leans forward to look in his eyes, giving him an even better vantage. There is fire in her eyes.
"If you don't tell us what we want to know... I will be sad that you don't want to be close to me... And you might bleed to death in the process... slowly, or quickly..." She drops her gaze momentarily to the young man's wound, then looks at the various cleavers strewn about the kitchen.
"So tell me... what is your name? My friend and I really want to know you better. Wouldn't you like to... take us both? Somewhere more private, once you've gotten the... proper care, of course... Who put you up to this, and why?" Becacine walks around the man as she questions him, blowing her warm breath on his neck from behind and planting one quick kiss on it... Just enough to stir him up?
For those In the kitchen:
The bleeding youth gasps as his lifeblood continues to seep out pooling around his feet. Despite his condition the lad is entranced by Bordelon's manner.
Weezing, he replies haltingly, "Sarivec's woman, she's the boss. Was the boss. Got Sarivec to put our crew together for her. Made it look like Sarivec was in charge but I could see the way they looked at one another. Clear to me the woman was calling the shots. Sarivec said it would be easy money and well I never could stand that fat prick, Vancaskerkin. She never said who gave her the lead but ... the night before we met at a tavern, the Blood of the Vine, there was a man there she was talking to. I'd never seen him. Seemed rich real dapper dandy. Cept he talked funny, had a glazed look in his eyes like he wasn't totally there. .. Told Sarivec to take a hike while he talked to her. I don't know I got curious did some eavesdropping while they were in the back... Listen I didn't hear everything but.."
The boy stops as his body spasms and blood lolls from his lips. After a moment and in obvious pain, "The man in this hollow voice said, the DeSuis woman asking about his associates. Not to harm her but make sure she wasn't welcome. Not to let them interfere with the Grand Plan or something like that. The way he talked it wasn't... natural, I can still hear that voice ,kept stopping like someone was telling him what to say. Said the time would be soon to change all of Dementlieu. I got spooked and got out of there. The plan was to rendezvous at the Blood before dawn to split the loot. By Ezra, that's all I know now c'mon I'm dying here!"
"Is that all? You wouldn't hold back from us now, would you?" asks Becacine as she looks the lad in the eyes while wrapping her arms around his neck.
Gisele watches the other woman coax the information from the wounded boy. [b]"I thing we have got about as much use from him as we can. Now then, what shall we do with him? "[b/]