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Mazra goes back to the now upright table and gathers his trusty stein, saddened by the spilt contents.
"Drinks on the house, you say", Mazra addresses Saul then looks down upon his empty stein. "I could use a place to sleep it off anyway."
Mazra moves to stand next to Nel. He then whispers to the Warrior when he is certain no one else is able to hear, "Este ceva ce se întâmplă pe aici."
Saul's smile becomes slightly more strained as Tamiro asks about payment for stopping the criminals. "Let us move this into one of our private lounges. I dislike discussing business in public, after all. I'm sure we can find an agreement that suits both of us."
He turns to one of the workers who recently finished cashing out customers. "Larur, bring the wine and ale. Some spirits too - and make sure it's the good stuff!"
He gestures towards a hallway. "This way, if you will."
Tamiro follows the man to the hallway. As he walks, he looks over to the woman warrior and grins at her, "You fight well for a gaijin! Fight with emotion, strength!"
As he passes her towards the hallway, he will ball his fist and knock on her shoulder roughly, "We will fight many good fights together. But first! Coin and drink!"
Vark looks a bit flustered at the offer, nervously adjusting his hat as they walk down the hallway to their private room, "I do appreciate the compliment, but, erm, eh... partners?"
This guy must surely be desperate! An offer of partial ownership and we've only just met! What's he really up to...?
"Hmm, well, I shall have to think on that. How about we discuss this in more detail after we've had some time to relax in your lounge? I'd be delighted to play us a song or two." He flashes a grin up at Saul, hoping that it appears genuine, but in reality he is quite worried that there is much more to this man than he is leading us to believe.
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Mazra will approach Larur with his empty tankard. "Larur eh? The name's Mazra. I think I will try some of your ale?"
Mazra will drink down the full contents in one long gulp. He thinks that he better get it now, just in case things don't turn out as friendly. He hands over his stein to Larur for a refill. He begins to sip this full tankard more casually. Good ale has a slight fruity flavor and this stuff was as good as it gets.
Mazra will then walk over to Vark, "Your lyrics added a little thrust to my blade. Thanks!" He will then raise he stein to those that participated in the fight, "Good fight one and all. Cayden is sure to be proud this day."
Offering a small smirk to Mazra, Nel acknowledges his message with a wink. From what she remember hearing around the dock workers, Saul always had some sort of scheme up his sleeve so it wasn't a surprise that Saul would be hiding something. Rolling her shoulder as the Tian man followed Saul to the back, Nel sighs. It was not her intent to get a minor crime-lord interested in her skill set. Nel turns in her chips and recieves nine silver pieces back for her trouble.
Giving one last forlon look to the resting city, Nel calls out after the retreating backs. "Fine, Saul. I'll hear your proposition." Following the samurai to the back, Nel contemplates what Tamiro called her. "Gaijin?" she mumbles to herself, unsure how she should take the samurai's statement. She might have to brush up on her Tien if they were going to be running into each other more.
Vara looks about the room of fallen thieves, and smiles at the gnomes bawdy son of victory. The air around her hands ripples slightly as her wooden fists return to flesh.
"Réttlæti er gert."
"Victory- of a sort. I could use more experience. How would I have fared alone- even against one man? A northerner? ..."
"It would please me to speak; I am here to seek work after all, and got swept up in the night's- excitement. And I could well use a drink! Or- a few." She bows her head slightly.
Straightening, she turns to the others, with whom she has thus far exchanged precious few words.
"You have fought bravely. I commend you. I am Vara. I am from the North." She smiles nervously, hopefully.
The thin Varisian man remains quiet, perhaps a bit standoffish, while Saul goes on. He seems to be listening...and thinking. I wonder. Is he just so desperate that he's willing to throw everything into this last get rich scheme or is there something else going on. Finally he speaks. "Sure, I could probably use a job if that's what you have in mind and this lot surely showed themselves to be good companions at cards and in the fight. I'll hear you out about this 'partnership.'
"Well met! I am Mazra from Sandpoint. It looks like only a few of us had the courage to take action," Mazra offers a handshake to Vara.
Vara takes Mazra's hand and smiles shyly. "Aye, for many it is easier to flee. Though the boons of courage are much greater, it is said."
She flips golden hair out of her face, "Sandpoint? That is where- the butterfly festival happens, yes? Much in the south?"
Although Vara does make such small talk to get to know these others who stood and fought, she would be attentive as soon as Saul begins to share the details of the deal, as well as follow the group into the meeting room.
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She flips golden hair out of her face, "Sandpoint? That is where- the butterfly festival happens, yes? Much in the south?"
"Yes! Last year's Swallowtail Festival was beset by Goblins. It was a terrifying time for Sandpoint that came right after other terrifying times. It was as though Sandpoint was cursed," Mazra says with a look of reflection.
He continues, "My mentor, Father Zantus, kept us busy at the Cathedral. He would not let us leave the town until very recently."
Listening to the others speak of where they are from, Tamiro can't help but chuckle. People in this land cannot help but explain of where they are from. Speaking up loudly, and in broken Taldane, he says "I am Tamiro. It does not matter where I am from. I am glad you fight well, I fear this would have been a bit more difficult otherwise!"
Pulling his blades in their scabbards from his belt, he places them down on any table by him as he awaits his drink.
"Saul!" he bellows, "Where our drinks?"
Saul leads through the interior of the building, up a flight of stairs and into a private room filled with plush couches and dark wood tables. In the corner is a knotted rope that goes into the wall. Bottles of Chelish wine and Dwarven ales spread across the dark wood table. A bowl of Talden chocolate sits on an end table, dark and shiny under the lamp light. In the center low table, a pile of damaged goods sits. A few weapons and a spellbook are available.
He cracks his knuckles and smiles before saying,“It’s great to discuss this with you. If there’s any particular drink or meat that you need, please let me know. That rope in the corner is attached to a bell in the kitchen. If you ring it, someone should be up shortly to take your order. Of course, anything we serve can be made for you, including healing potions. Please, make yourselves comfortable.”
“I want to commend all of you for your actions. These were taken from the would-be thieves. Thanks to you, we were able to recover the silver and have the thieves waiting downstairs for the gendarmes. If you wish to speak to them, I can ask the gendarmes to wait until you complete your business. Their valuables," he gestures to the pile on the table, "are yours now."
Rapier
Light Crossbow with 10 Bolts
Wand of Shocking Grasp (8 charges)
Sickle
Bracers of Armor +1
Spellbook (containing hold portal, magic missile, shield, grease, identify, magic aura, true strike, detect magic, flare, ghost sound, open/close)
50 gold house chips
4 sets regular leather armor
4 rapiers
16 daggers
4 shortbows with 80 arrows
30 gold
“First, though, a toast to you and your work,” he says as he pours everyone a glass of champagne before serving himself. “Desna smiled when she sent you here tonight. Your bravery is admirable, especially in a town like this.
“I’ve arranged room for you all to stay, for at least tonight. In addition, there’s a small satchel for each of you. Inside, you’ll find your entry fee refunded, as well as a few chips for the future. Of course, if you would like to turn them in immediately, I’ve informed my other staff that you are allowed to cash in your chips at 150%.” He beckons to the door, and a man comes in, bearing six small bags. Inside each is 10 silver pieces and 5 gold chips. There is also, strangely, a breath mint in each bag.
“I am sure you know this, but I am Saul Vancaskerkin. I’m a retired gang leader in Riddleport, happy to be done with that sort of life. The life of crime was fun, yes, for a while, but it stopped being so appealing once I lost my health, my fortune, my wife, both my sons and my left hand." He looks down at his key-hand before continuing. “After my fortune was depleted, I took what little funds I had left and purchased this place, the Gold Goblin, from the previous owners. It was once world-famous, but, as you clearly can see, it’s fallen. I’m too old to be a gang leader again, you see, and I thought I could eke out a living here.
Saul sighs, and places his glass on the table before reclining slightly in his chair. “I no longer am part of the crime scene in this city, you see, but I feel my enemies remain. They would love to see my ruined, and I can’t help but think that tonight’s robbery was part of their plans. Angvar, the human man our beautiful half-elf nearly killed, seems familiar to me. I have reason to believe he’s the leader of a group of street toughs that contracts themselves out to the crime lords. They mainly work as part of the protection racket and strong-arm people into doing what they want. Of course,” he muses, “I could always ask Zincher for help, but I feel like a different opportunity presents itself.
“I am impressed with your abilities and I think you are just the folk who can turn my fortunes around. Word will spread soon that the Gold Goblin is nothing to mess with if you serve here. You’ll answer to me – and only me – and take whatever role you wish. Our dear gnome here could sing all he wants, while the rest of you could serve as bouncers, dealers, cooks… whatever suits you. That, of course, would only be your cover. Truly, you’d be working for me as messengers, bodyguards and consultants. In exchange for this, you’d be paid a regular salary of 10 gold a week, as well as a cut of the profits. You would be able to stay here, free of charge, with your meals covered.
“I hope that you do find this deal agreeable.””
to get his other son Verik to aid him in covering up some key evidence, but Verik had had enough of his father’s life of crime and fled Riddleport as well to become a member of the Korvosan Guard.
With no allies left but his third wife Bertrida, Saul decided to abandon Riddleport as well, but Zincher was ready for him and cashed in a favor with the Overlord to have Saul’s home surrounded. He hoped to have the gendarmes take Saul into custody, but the plan fell apart when it became apparent that Saul’s house was on fire. The gendarmes managed to stop the fire before it spread, but not before it claimed Bertrida’s life. They caught Saul in a nearby ally trying to flee, and in the inquest to come it became apparent that he’d murdered his own wife and lit his house on fire in a desperate attempt to fake his death and distract the gendarmes long enough to escape Riddleport. The Overlord was not pleased, but at Zincher’s request, Saul’s execution was “downgraded” to heavy fines and a hand. Of course, Zincher wasn’t arguing for mercy— death would have been just that to Saul. Zincher wanted Saul alive but destitute and maimed—alive so he could live for a long time with the repercussions of his family’s role in Falk Zincher’s death.
Over the past several years, Saul has painstakingly rebuilt his fortune and reputation to the point where he was able to purchase and refurbish the crumbling Gold Goblin game hall. To date, rumors hold that Zincher is watching Saul’s progress, watching and waiting to strike—Zincher himself has publicly stated that “Saul has paid his dues. I bear him no further ill will and wish the man luck in rebuilding what’s left of his life.”
Tamiro looks at the champagne before pouring it into the dwarven ale for the toast. Taking a deep drink he listens to the proprietor keenly. A full time job that paid extremely well. It appeared the goddess of luck was indeed with him. Ten gold was a better pay than even his mother was attaining!
Taking another long drink of ale he sighs loudly and grins, "Job sounds good Saul! My blade, it is yours."
Picking up his sheathed sword, he holds out to Saul by the sheath, perpendicularly.
"Perhaps now, my mother, she is well off. I can be a man of my own."
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Mazra's growing desire to lead a Gamblers life fits well into this situation. "Agreed. I can be a Dealer," Mazra announces thinking of the opportunity to watch other professionals ply their trade. He then takes a gulp of the ale, wondering what the Dwarves did differently to brew something this exquisite.
Mazra will look back to the party as a whole, "I could use one of the daggers. Concerning the rest of the stuff, I say have at it. I personally don't see anything else I need. We could then sell what is not needed, and split the coin. But I am open to any better plan."
Mazra will look back to Saul, "If you have any bread, cheese, meats that would be nice, thanks."
Remembering what he had heard about Saul over the few short days he had spent in Riddleport prior to the tournament, Vark begins to fidget even more, sweat appearing on his brow and slicking his palms, "Um, yes, I would gladly perform here for a... ah... fair wage."
As the conversation shifts to the other members of the party, Vark begins to whisper very softly, pointing to each ally from the battle in turn.
Whisper, whisper: Do not to trust Saul any farther than you can throw him! He killed his own wife to save himself from Zincher and the Overlord. We may be getting tied up with the wrong sort of people here. The very wrong sort!
As conversation continues, "Ah, a glass of water for me, thanks. And maybe one of those chocolates?" He gestures to the box on the end table with a shaking hand. As he raises his arm you notice a dark stain under his armpit.
Vara has heard of Saul during her time in town, but as far as she could tell, he is truthfully a retired rogue gone clean, and this deal seems just the sort of job that would be perfect cover for her remaining stay in Riddleport.
"I shall gladly work in this place and watch over it. I shall take a cover position you think me most suited for."
Vara helps herself to some dwarven ale, and takes a hearty swig, her cheeks slightly pink after her drink, she sighs.
She means to say more about how she may not be in Riddleport for longer than a year or two- less should she detect anyone following her. She stops as she begins to think to herself, if these others become true allies- where else do I finally take a stand?
Then, she hears the gnome's ominous whispers about Saul's shadiness, she begins to grow somewhat disconcerted. "I should like some bread to go with the drink as well- and I should like to try one of these treats here..."
She drinks the remainder of her ale somewhat more slowly, and is sure to eat something before continuing to drink.
Meanwhile, Vara tries to get an over all impression of Saul's intent. Vark's warning may be true, and likely is, but has Saul really changed since then, or does he give the impression of being perhaps more than he says he is?
Taking time to remove her gauntlets as Saul passes out the champagne flutes, Nel sips politely until he mentions her heritage. As she tightens her grasp on her flute, Nel attempts to hide her state of ire as being referred to as a half-elf, but a scowl finds its way across her features unconsciously. Placing the flute down, Nel considers the offer.
"Well Mr. Vancaskerkin," clearing her throat Nel is unable to keep her ire out of her voice. "I will consider your offer with three stipulations. First, I request in addition of free board for myself free stabling of my horse. Second, anything of literary or arcane worth that your liquidation office comes in contact with goes through me before being sold. Finally, never refer to me as a half-elf again. If you must refer to me by my race, I prefer half-varisian."
Cracking her knuckles, Nel stares at the former gang leader before standing. "If these terms are agreeable to you, I will start by questioning the two ring leaders of this failed heist."
As Vark's message is whispered into her ear, Nel fights with herself to keep from rolling her eyes. She had heard of what Saul was capable of when she had first gotten to Riddleport, but the man in front of her was no longer a gang leader. They were in Riddleport, not some fairy land where people did not have terrible baggage.
Tamiro snorts at what the gnome whispers. Downing the rest of his drink, he hears the women mention about stabling for her horse.
"Eh? That's a good point. I have Kino, he will need stabling as well. Gnome! Do not worry of the bosses past. This is Riddleport. If you are worrying about other people around you, well then you best lock yourself away. Save you the energy of who to trust!" Tamiro winks at the gnome.
Slamming the mug down he takes a little food and chows down on it as he roars for a refil, "Am I a respectable employee of this establishment or not?! More drink!"
Nodding with each of the orders for refreshments, he rings the bell to summon the staff and relays the order. The requested items come quickly, and are more lavish than previously expected. He makes sure to place them easily in the middle of the table.
Saul shakes his head a little, contemplating the demands, and sighs, "It's the least I can do. We don't have stables in-house, of course, but I can talk to some of the neighboring businesses to see what their rates of boarding would be. No matter, I'll make sure your animals are well-taken care of and you won't have to even think about it. Let me know where they're boarded, and I'll have some of the other members of the staff make the arrangements tonight.
"And, miss," he says, addressing Nel, "I'm very sorry for offending you. I do see the Varisian in you. It's much more prominent. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for anything like that. Of course, there's very little stuff of the sort coming through here. You're more likely to find someone trying to use severed body parts or weird chunks of silvery metal for currency here than books."
"Of course, I don't believe I've heard from everyone," Saul says with a pointed look at Pluck. "I know it's a decision you have to make, and you may want to think on it, so let me know by tomorrow morning. If you all are interested," he sweeps the room with a grand gesture,"I'll give you a grand tour either tonight or when you wake tomorrow. I'd prefer tonight, but I know it is quite late. First, eat and drink your fill!"
Waiting until everyone else is preoccupied with their meal and ale, he subtly bends to Vark's ear and whispers, "In Riddleport, you'd find it's best not to mention anyone's past, especially if they're offering you the best job you'll find this side of the Cyphergate. If you have any concerns, I'm sure I can convince you of my intentions, given the time." He gives a wide-toothed smile before going to mingle with the rest of the party again.
Pluck nodes at Saul and leans back giving him an exaggerated wink, "In for a copper, in for a gold. I'm on board and I'd say let's have that tour tonight while we're at it."
Vark pales when Tamiro so blatantly calls out his warning to the party, and goes absolutely stark white when Saul leans down to whisper into his ear. With a very noticeable quaver in his voice, he responds, "Um, yes... I hope so, too. It was just something I heard, you see. On the streets. I am sure your intentions are fine! Quite fine, indeed!"
He takes a sip of water, which turns into him draining the entire glass. He sets the glass down as if he hadn't realized he had picked it up, and glances nervously about the room before saying, "So, how about that tour?" He smiles, trying to appear nonchalant and failing miserably.
"A tour would do well tonight. And for that, we would be wise to keep clear heads," she raises her tankard and winks at Mazra, and then takes another, somewhat modest drink.
"Tour?" Tamiro says in confusion.
"Why would I need tour? I have food and drink and bed. Go have fun, I will walk around later." he says, tearing a chunk of bread off and washing it down with another large gulp of ale.
Saul smiles widely. "Of course, a tour! We'll start in a moment. First, though, I'd like you to meet the rest of the staff." Saul opens the door and calls for four other men, and the file in.
Saul introduces the men, one-by-one, as Larur Feldin the floor
manager, Hans and Beyar the guards, and Bojask, Saul's personal body guard.
"If you wish to go for the evening, Larur will be happy to escort you up. Otherwise, please come with me for your your tour." Saul smiles, his teeth glinting. He then begins the tour, leading the group through the first and second floor, stopping at each room for any particular questions.
Map of the Gold Goblin 1st Floor
Map of the Gold Goblin 2nd Floor
2. Casino Floor
3. Cashier
4. Cashier's Cage
5. Guardroom
6. Cash Storage
7. Counting Room
8. Night Vault
9. Floor Manager's Office
10. Private Dining Rooms
11. Cellar Entrance
12. Kitchen
13. Scullery
14. Staff Lounge
15. The Goblin's Tankard
16. Privies - These are private bathrooms marked with a sword and a cup, but no other indication of what gender each bathroom is meant for.
17. Atrium
18. Master Suite
19. Guest Rooms
20. Guest Suite - A nicer version of the guest suite that includes lodgings for servants.
21. Linen Storage
22. Staff Quarters - These are for common staff, or temporary hired guards.
23. Dressing Room - Includes costumes for theme events, or for performances.
24. Waiting Area (Where you met with Saul)
25. Owner's Office - Saul's personal office.
26. Record Room
27. Dining Room
28. Saul's Personal Bedroom
29. Your Quarters. Three bunk beds are shoved against the walls next to a pair of wide wardrobes. A small table with three chairs is pushed into one corner, and two overstuffed chairs sit on a wolfskin rug before the hearth. The entrance to a small privy is covered by a thin curtain.
30. Security Catwalks
"Well, I guess that's for you all to figure out. I'm not one of those obsessive managers," Saul says with a laugh.
Pluck pays particular attention to the windows and doors during the tour. "Just the back entrance through the scullery Saul? No other ways in or out? Given that you were just attacked, we'd better know everything."
Relaxing as Saul agrees to most of her requests, Nel follows the group as Saul herds them from room to room, quickly ascertaining the strategic points of each room and their weaknesses. When they are introduced to the other four employees, Nel gives each of them a firm handshake. "Don't worry about sending someone to grab my horse. I can handle it. She's got a temper on her and doesn't like being handled by anyone else besides me. Just give me a stable and I'll move her there in the morning."
As the scuffle of bedtime activities begins, and the group goes to claim beds, Nel begins to take off her armor and clean it and her blade before relaxing to write out the days events in her journal. As she writes, she addresses the rest of the party. "So, it looks like we will all be living in the same quarters for a while. This should be fun, eh?" Cracking a smile, Nel finishes her entry, before collapsing on her bed, ready for a good nights sleep.
Throughout the tour, Vara gazes about during the tour, mainly impressed by the sheer enormity of the place. The only other place she has been in near this size was her grandfather's hall- and he was a jarl in the North!
It was strange for her to see a place this big that was not a fortress or a castle.
"Höll á veraldlega langanir," she muses aloud as the tour nears an end.
"A palace of worldly pleasures."
In response to Nel, in the bunk room, "Aye, our accommodations are intimate, especially for a group of men and women. However, we are fortunate to enjoy such hospitality!"
As she begins to remove her leather armor to prepare for the night's rest, she idly comments, "This place is unlike any other dwelling I have had. Has anyone else ever been in such a place?"
Laying down in her bunk she lets any idle conversation or silence drift her off to sleep, and then the next day shall rise early for her morning's meditation, just before the break of dawn. Like Mazra, she leaves the casino, though instead instead of a tavern, she seeks the nearest tree growing outside.
There she does her meditation, communing with what part of nature lives within the area, and then returns probably just as the sun has climbed past the horizon.
When Pluck mentions exists from the building, Saul gives a chuckle and says, "Well, most of the windows open easily. If you want, you can test them all tomorrow or hire a caretaker to do that for you. Let me know what you decide, of course. I can't get you any more doors, sadly, as the walls were built when I bought the beast."
Saul bids you all a good night, mentioning, "Be ready to work noontime tomorrow. The night's excitement earns you a bit of a morning off, but I want to give you a good run-down, and talk about your vision for the future of The Gold Goblin. We've got to be strong tomorrow night, show the people that the ruckus last night didn't ruin anything."
In the morning, Nel and Tamiro receive word that their horses are stabled two buildings down, in a local dedicated inn called The Fox's Chase. They are requested to avoid visiting after-hours if possible to retrieve their animals. However, if they anticipate needing to retrieve for previously anticipated events, such as an early departure, they only need inform the inn keeper, Tobias Bryx.
Mazra is able to find the local shrine to Cayden Cailean, a tavern called the Publician, easily. The keeper of the shrine and temple overseer, High Publican Arnando Rolf, welcomes him with a kind smile and says, "I hope to see you often. It's always good to meet fellow followers of the Drunken Hero."
During the tour Vark keeps silent, attempting to remain as transparent as possible. When they are shown to their sleeping quarters, Vark takes one of the bottom bunks, collapsing in a heap of exhaustion.
Vark sleeps well into the morning, unaccustomed to the strain and excitement of combat. When he does rise, he makes his way down to the common room where the others find him at a table with cloth, needle, and thread spread out before him. He turns to the other members of the group, a large grin splitting his face.
Enthusiastically he blurts out, "I want to make us a flag!"
As the others file out for a tour, he throws his feet up onto the now empty table and maneuvers the rest of the food and drink his way. Waving his mug at them he says, "Enjoy friends! I keep the drink company until you come back."
Elaborating on her thought about the strangeness of the casino, she continues to muse to any who listen, "It is unusual... to me, that this place is so huge... yet it is not, well, a castle! Or a lord's house..."
Having slept very soundly, the nightmares in which she hears the screams of many of the people she loves distant, faint, instead replaced by warm, open flames, spinning wheels, and much and strange people wearing masks, Vara awakens refreshed.
She also realizes she had her first dream in Taldane... "Am I finally freed of my dreams?" She ponders. Leaving the casino for her meditation by the tree, she returns feeling even more refreshed.
"A flag?" She replies to Vark's announcement. Bright eyed, Vara envisions a proud banner with the World Tree emblazoned in green on a proud winter-sky field. She shakes her head, sending gold locks flying. Much too obvious. Best to go along with what others have in mind.
"Do you mean a flag for the casino, or for- us as- fellow warriors? What have you in mind, and is there any way I could help?"
While her accent is still recognizable, her speech is perfectly clear this morning, likely more so than the previous eve.
Happily responding to Vara's inquiry, "I want to craft a banner that will inspire us in battle! Although now that you mention it, I could definitely see it gracing the walls of the Golden Goblin. Maybe to commemorate this fortunate turn of events?" Vark's eyes shine at the thought, "Isn't it every bard's dream for their legacy to stand the test of time? A permanent fixture in this house of song and coin would surely be a great start to mine!"
After the luster fades somewhat, he continues, "I imagine an emblem made up of a combination of symbols that hold meaning to each of us. I guess mine would be a musical note since I imagine putting an accordion on there may be overdoing it just a tad," he says sheepishly. "How about yours? I could use crossed swords for Tamiro, and perhaps a mug of ale for Mazra? A horse's head would be fitting for our lady Nel, or perhaps a horseshoe." Vark loses hismself in thought as he pictures the perfect emblem for their merry band of casino owners.
After a moment, he comes to, "Help? Ah, well I guess I'll probably need more thread. In a variety of colors. Is there a place in the city that might sell such items? I'm relatively new here, you see."
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"Then make us a good flag." Mazra cheers Vark on before turning in for the night.
The next morning.
"Well met, High Publican," Mazra says to Publican Rolf, and goes about sharing a tankard of ale. Mazra relays to Publican Rolf the excitement of the previous day. He also tells Rolf about the quality of the Dwarven Ale being served at the Golden Goblin.
Mazra will save a few drops of ale from his tankard and pour it out in front of the Tavern.
Mazra returns to the casino for a hearty breakfast. He is ready to begin his new job by noon.
When Mazra sees Varks designs for a banner, "It covers us all. I like it. It will be inspiring to serve under it."
Boom.
"Yes!" She says with a laugh. "Such an emblem would be a symbol of new hopeful camaraderie and friendship. On the walls of the casino, in time, it shall as a warning to evil doers that this place is protected!"
Vara pauses and places a palm on her chin to contemplate her own part of the emblem. Show my birthmark? No- too obvious for now. A more- general symbol- of what I hold dear- hidden among others. While pondering, she muses,
"A symbol that holds meaning for me..." And then, "Ah! A proud, sacred Ash Tree would be perfect among the mug, music, horse's hoof-shoe and swords! What about for Pluck? A scroll, perhaps?" She asks innocently.
"Hmmm... We do have things to sell after our fight last eve. Perhaps you and I, or another could go into town to sell these things, and pick up threads of many colors on the way? I too would like to make use of some of my own coin to pick up some clothing that is a little more local in appearance."
She pauses a moment, and then smiles sheepishly, "I am new here as well, but I would like to see more of the town."
Tamiro drinks as much of the drink and eats as much of the food he can gather for himself before he begins singing songs from Tian-Min in its native tongue, loudly as he stumbles through the hall looking for a bed.
This takes some time in his state of mind, accidentally stumbling into a few rooms along the way as he searches for a bed before finally falling into a bed like structure that seemed to be free.
Stumbling in from somewhere in the casino, Tamiro holds his head grumbling in the morning hours.
"I need a drink, and food. I also found a bed. I hope it is no one elses."
Dropping into a chair at a table, he clangs his blades down on top as he is served the drink and breakfast, drinking deeply and devouring the food.
"I remember we got a job, and free food and drink. That's all. Anyone know what exactly we are supposed to be doing?"
Looking over to the individuals speaking with the gnome excitedly, "What in Shizuru's honorably, bladed arse could have you so excited this early?"
At noon, Saul meets with you in his office, a room dominated by a massive desk covered in wyren hide. Paintings hang around the room, including a particularly fine portrait of therianthropes playing a game of golem, one of the card games the casino offers. He opens his humidor, pulls out a cigar, cuts it and lights it, the acrid smell of smoke creeping over the room. He offers one - of an inferior quality to the one he’s enjoying - to everyone, before putting the case away and sitting in the chairs surrounding a low table.
“Okay, boys - and ladies, of course, not meaning no offense - we’ve only got a few staff, so tonight’s going to be tight. Larur’s working on hiring some people, but those we’ve got for tonight are pretty green, so we’re not going to be opening till training is done all-proper. After today, you’ll likely be talking to Larur the most. I’ve got other business matters to attest to, but if you ever need my ear, just ask for it and I’ll be sure to grant you it.”
“First, while you all are here as my personal staff, you should also be on board in some more mundane position - after all, what’s the point of having secret enforcers if everyone knows the secret, am I right? Vark here seems like he’s good to provide performances and manage the rest of the performers. We could use some of you as a croupier helping out Lixy Parmenter - bless her, Larur managed to talk her back on. She’s so enamored of that ghoul thing she made that I’m not too surprised, but it’s good to have staff. Others of you can help our Larur with hiring and managing, spotting cheaters, or just straight up gaurding the place.” He smiles and looks over Mazra and Nel on that one. “Particularly those who know their way around a weapon. I’d prefer the lucky ones,” he nods at Vara, “staff the games - after all, the house can always use more luck, and every penny we make helps line your pockets. And you, my dear,” he pats Pluck on the back, “you’d make a good manager. Got that real get-up-and-go in your eyes.”
“Though, I want you to know the truth - times are lean, and we’ve got to do all we can to bring the Gold Goblin up to snuff. Let me know what positions you want, and I’ll work it out.”
"I would love to travel to town with you to do a little shopping, Vara." Vark responds, looking up at her with a large grin. "Yes, I think a scroll would be perfect for our mysterious friend Pluck. Maybe we can ask around for a tailors shop?"
In response to Tamiro, "We're waiting to meet with Saul at noon. I am crafting us a banner to use in battle. See the crossed swords here?" He points to the rough sketch he had in his journal, "That is your symbol. What do you think?"
Surprised that Saul wanted to appoint him talent manager, Vark was beginning to think he wasn't such a bad guy after all, "Saul, I am flattered that you would have me manage all of your stage talent. I gladly accept and look forward to a prosperous arrangement for all!"
The fact that he was the only one available for the job didn't seem to cross Vark's mind.
Nel awakes in an instant, a trait forged by training drills and life on battlegrounds. It takes her a moment to remember where she is, as she is sleeping in an actual bed and not in her bedroll on a borrowed floor, before she remembers the previous night.
Stretching and looking forward to a morning of grooming her horse, Nel leaves her Scale mail in the room, not anticipating to need it to groom her horse. As she cuts through the kitchen on her way to her horse she nods in greeting to Vara, Vark, and Tamiro. Glancing at the sketch that Vara and Vark are working on, she raises an eyebrow at the horseshoe. "What's the horseshoe for?"
Grabbing an apple and a glass of milk to drink, Nel half-sits, half-leans against a table as she eats her breakfast. Turning her attention to Tamiro, she addresses him, "I'm off to take care of my horse. Did you want me to look after yours as well?"
Finishing the apple, Nel chucks the core out a window for rats to find. As she leaves, a symbol of noble crest can be seen on her back that appears to be a stylized version of a rather large and ancient book with words written in an ancient language that frame the crest. It reads Η γνώση είναι το μόνο πράγμα που είναι μεγαλύτερη από ένα και μόνο ζωή .
Nel had arrived first to the meeting, dressed in her armor with her long-sword hanging by her side. Listening to Saul going over the various responsibilities, she makes a mental note to thank Lixy for returning. "I can help with getting the word out and greeting guest. Despite my combat prowess, I prefer to avoid fighting. After all a battle not fought is a battle won, or so I've been told." Flashing a smile to everyone else, she waits to hear what they have to say.
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Mazra notices the symbol on Nel's back.
Having no idea what it says, Mazra's inquires of Nel, "The book symbol and writing on your back, I have never seen the likes. If I may, what is its meaning?" Mazra is honestly curious. He is intensely interested in people. He would spend countless hours at the Hagfish Tavern in Sandpoint listening to travelers and sailors tell their tales, their histories, their loves and their losses. For Mazra is a simple man, content with a full tankard of ale. He finds the complex lives of others fascinating.
After Saul's training, Mazra takes the position of greeting guest to this fine establishment.
That evening Mazra would return to the Publician for a tankard of ale. He would spread the word to all he would meet on the streets and in the tavern.
He may not have had enough ale in him to be as enthusiastic as he could be. ;)
Responding to Nel's observation, "Why, it's for you my lady Nel. Gabraltar is a fine steed , so I figured it was quite fitting, unless you had something else in mind?"
As Nel turns to leave, the gnome spots the symbol tattooed on her back...
"Perhaps an ancient tome would be more suitable?"
After a few performances on stage, Vark accompanies Vara to do some shopping with their newfound coinage. He stops in a tailor shop and purchases a variety of thread before returning to the Golden Goblin for another round of performances in the evening.
Mazra, when you discuss the Gold Goblin in the Publican, you notice that your fellow clerics maintain a genial attitude, but seem somewhat perplexed as to why you would be doing business rather than drinking.
She admires Vark's sketch of a generic tree.
An Ash tree has roots to match the branches above, mirroring itself in earth and heaven, holding both together. I could show you... she thinks, and she says, "It is lovely! We could add a little more detail, here, and here. Lines for branches, and maybe a little for roots. I shall help you with the color too- black buds and the greenest leaves!"
As Nel finishes her apple and talks to Vark, Vara listens quietly as both Vark and Mazra comment on Nel's armor. Vara takes a glance herself to see the strange symbols on the back of the armor as she leaves.
Brushing blonde tresses from her face to get a closer look, Vara gasps slightly at the unfamiliar symbols. "Are those a kind of Runes?" She blurts. She then lowers her head, cheeks pink.