Making It Big In The Big City (Inactive)

Game Master PirateDevon

We are in private, with the exception of of our own bureaucratic staff.

And Harrison doesn't feel it is appropriate to talk about offing someone in front of said bureaucratic staff. That merely creates possible witnesses. Not to mention that said talk makes him uncomfortable. While he might push his luck with petty crimes like theft and breaking and entering, he does not care for the concept of murder.

Tirkala definitely wasn't talking about murder; she was talking about literally shipping him to Osirion in a crate. So, only kidnapping, humanoid trafficking, and aiding someone to enter a nation illegally. :P

Tirkala nods to Harrison, taking the hint from what he said. She also makes a mental note of what Mael said; kidnapping wouldn't work... As she follows Mael out (if he leaves the room), she leans to whisper to him.

"I bet our 'dear friend' tax collector only has such an attitude prioblem because he can't get a date. Maybe he was rejected by a prostitute and has been bitter ever since?"

She grinned as she left Harrison to his work and tried to think of where she's needed next.

Forgot a sentence.

Oh, I assure all of you, that I do not jest.

Ease up there Lucky...no one is asking you to compromise your principals. I never said anything about offing anyone. I just suggested that he be dealt with in some manner out of the public eye, like catching him in a compromising position for leverage.

Yeah, you stay on that, Lucky, and buy us some time.

He follows Tirkala out of the room, and in a low voice, responds.

I was just going to inquire around about his marital status, and weather he had any particular vices that we could exploit. Would you mind finding out what you can along those lines from our patrons, and I will check with the girls?

Osk follows the group up, then follows the 1.5 elves out, offering Lucky a "yeah yeah" hand wave as the halfling offers his concerned look.

Stepping down with Maeltheron and Tirkala Osk lazily scratches beneath his armor, It seems to me its more effort than its worth for now. Bureaucrats tend to respond to bureaucrats better than anything. If we can win at his own game in his own arena our victory would be complete. Digging into his vices and blackmailing him would only serve to have him use the system against us wouldn't it?

Harrison would shoot Maeltheron a dirty look before offering a grateful nod to Osk, as he allows himself to become consumed in the work ahead of him and the bureaucrats.

I misread things and was thinking of the initial threat. Either way, the talk of shipping off the tax collector would throw him off as well. As I said, he might test his luck with small crimes, but he has no interest in anything larger than that.

Erager, Harrison will spend his time working with the bureaucrats until he feels they have ironed out the details. Once he feels secure in what they have found, he'll approach the others with his findings.

Harrison, the four of you are able to work out all the details in about forty minutes. Once again, the debt comes from a technicality ignoring another section of law. Nothing is owed to the state for any reason.

The rest of the evening passes without much event. Your security throw out a few gamblers who have had too much to drink, but nothing else of interest. Will let you roleplay anything else if you want, but after that we'll move on to the next day.

Harrison would slap his hand down upon the table as they finish up. "Well done my friends. Well done indeed." As he continues on, he'll take their findings and put them away into a safe location. "We've done good work here tonight and I greatly appreciate that." Once finished, he would stand up and hand each of the three bureaucrats a silver coin. "Truly, I appreciate your hard work tonight. Let me give you this as a token of my appreciation and I'll get out of your hair."

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Once finished saying his goodbyes, he'll head downstairs to find Osk and give him the good news. "We've done it Osk. We cracked the puzzle and found the prize. We've nothing to fear of those documents."

Tirkala nodded to Mael, then frowned at what Osk said.

"Not planning to blackmail him just yet, I think. Just want a backup plan in case the legal route proves about as useful as trying to negotiate with a boar."

Despite that, she decides to wait until the next day, slipping into the bar to look around for patrons. Mainly, she wanted to find one likely to have the information she was looking for... She was hoping to see a guard in the crowd.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Cedany spends most of the evening tending to the opening night, after checking on Atona, “if that halfling comes back, let us know, we're handling it. If you need to, take the night off."

Thank you Cedany. I am okay now. He was just so angry is all.

Tirkala does find a group of guardsmen sharing a meal at a table near the center of the room, most likely just off duty.

Tirkala smiled. Oh, good! This should be easy!

She walked over to the guards, making certain not to hide her approach; making guards nervous didn't entirely strike her as wise, after all.

Diplomacy: 1d10 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

"Good day! I'm Tirkala." She smiled as she continued. "I hope you do not mind my bothering you; I noticed such fine members of the city watch around and figured you might want some conversation. But if I'm intruding, I can leave you."

Hopefully, the direct approach works...

As the halfling shares his good news, the brawler nods slowly and affords the bard half a smile, Who knew throwing you in a room with paper-pushers would lead to such positive results. Is this the end of the great social career of the "Lucky Halfling? On to the great stacks of the district council chambers?

Osk leads the pair around the complex for an evening check-in with various staff persons, the oread does linger at "the manual" for a moment asking for a strong drink the evokes dwarven spirits and something -tart-.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Harrison would turn his head away and give a little wave of his hand at the flattery. "Oh come now Osk, you know as well as I do that I can hardly sit still for an hour, let alone a lifetime. No no, I nearly chewed threw one of our quills while I was up there, but I knew it had to be done. Where's the little lady (Cedany) at? I want to calm her nerves about the situation and you have a better vantage point than I."

Osk points Harrison in the right direction.

The group of guards smile up at Tirkala in return. Of course. Wouldn't mind talkin' to a pretty lady like yourself. Would you like a drink?

Drad smoothly pushes Osk his drink, the beverage bubbling lightly.

"Much obliged my large friend," he would say with a wide smile and a practiced bow before disappearing into the crowd to search out their young companion.

While moving through the crowd, Harrison would keep his eyes peeled for anything of interest, whether that be beautiful women, distinguished guests (His take 10 check for Knowledge (Local and Nobility) is a 19.), big spenders, cheaters, and anyone else, or thing, that might catch his eye.

Perception with a dash of Archaeologist's Luck: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 3 = 18

Upon finding Cedany, he would give a wave and exclaim. "No worries Miss Cedany. Everything has been handled."

Cedany smiles at the halfling, "Thank you for your help, I know you have as much investment in here as I, but it still means a lot to me." she leans over and gives Harrison a kiss on the top of his head.

Mael heads back to the table occupied by Miriam. He sits down next to her, and leans in close when they are alone.

So, how was the day's take, love? Any issues with the girls? I have not seen too many of them around. I would hope that they are hard at it in the rooms?

Tirkala grinned. All too easy

"Thank you, gentleman. And I'd love a drink."

She took a seat at their table and smiled.

"I hope your visit has been pleasant so far. We take some pride in our customers enjoying themselves, even if we have to toss out the occasional trouble-maker."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

"It does get troublesome when some customers don't behave." She sighs. "But, overall, making certain people enjoy themselves is the goal. Especially the city guard; you are the people who we have to thank for crime not constantly plaguing us, so it's only right you should enjoy yourselves."

She then sighs. "Though, as of late, it seems we have someone who has not enjoyed himself visiting, and I hope you wonderful gentlemen can tell me about him so I may have some idea of how to tailor our service to make him more relaxed and more likely to enjoy himself. And, sadly, his last visit involved a couple of guards with him also feeling uncomfortable. I would rather they not experience such again."

As Maeltheron sits next to Miriam, she rests her head lightly against his shoulder, allowing her hair to fall across her face. Oh, they're all enjoying themselves. She giggles for a moment. Adyni is with Athl Peren--Lord Peren's son--all night. Certainly our best customer so far.

Drad chuckles as one of the men gets up to pay for a drink that Tirkala could have gotten herself for free, but says nothing. The guard returns just in time to here the last of what Tirkala is saying.
The chances of knowing who this is are slim--Absalom's a big city. Still, if he was with members of the watch, we might know him. What's 'is name?

Osk watches Tirkala, Osk watches Cedany and Harrison. Osk watches everybody and drinks, settling in to his "statue" routine as the night moves along.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Aye, I see. Fine job, Miriam. keep up the good work.

He smiles playfully as he lifts her chin and lightly kisses her forehead.

He stands and makes his way to the bar.

Drad, how about a glass of Elven Gold?

His eyes wander to Tirkala, and he smiles to himself as he watches her work the guards for info.

Sure thing Mael.
Without looking, Drad reaches behind him with both of his right arms and begins mixing together several liquids. He finishes with a dash of cinnamon, which is quickly stirred in before sliding the drink across the bar. There ya go.

Thanks. I will add those names to my list of named NPC's.

"It is no problem," Harrison would say with a smile, before continuing on to say, "We have to have each other's backs in this business," with a wink.

Then, taking a look around, Harrison would catch eye of the others. Seeing Tirkala is busy with some of their distinguished guests, he chooses to make his way to Maeltheron.

"Please excuse me Miss, but I feel I should let the others know the good news before the night is out."

With that said, he'll slip into the crowd and start making his way towards Maeltheron.

As Mael spies Lucky approaching, and he smiles as he waves and motions an invitation for the halfling to take the seat next to him at the bar.

He takes a sip of the drink.

Well done, Drad.

This is going well so far.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Tirkala smiled to the guard. "I am certain you know of him. He seems the type to come to your attention often. His name is Sertan Kealdwar."

She made it a point to watch the guards for their reactions, feeling such would tell her just as much about what she was looking for as simply simply asking for information.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

I don't think Tirkala could get any more perceptive than right now ^^

Two of the guards look at you with confusion. They obviously do not recognize the name. The third swears quietly and shakes his head in disgust.
Don't waste your time--there is no way to satisfy foolish lump of *$#... He trails off for a moment before speaking clearly again. That excuse for a state official brings so much extra paperwork into the office. Always complaining about this and the other, always bringing forward claims of unfulfilled contracts and expired licenses... There is no way to win with that one. If you resist he'll keep coming after you. If you give in he'll take advantage of the soft Target.
He shrugs, I don't know how to help you, I'm across.

Harrison would return the wave and smile happily before deftly climbing into the barstool. "Those documents hold no power over us and it's clear he was trying to pull a fast one on us," Harrison would quietly say to Maeltheron as he slid into his seat.

Then, twisting the seat around, he would hold his hand up to Drad and make his order. "Give me something fruity tasting if you would Drad."

Finally, while waiting for his drink to finish, he would turn once more so that he could look over the crowd.

"I think I would like to handle this situation with as much finesse as possible, which is why I suggest me and Cedany welcome him tomorrow and gently inform him of what we found."

Perception Check with a dash of Archaeologist's Luck anyone/anything of note: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 3 = 15

"That, and I think it might be a good idea to make a copy of the documents so that our friend doesn't simply try to destroy the evidence and call it a day before coming back with the same issue later on."

Sound reasoning, Lucky. We will certainly progress in that manner. Tirkala is likely trying to garner a little more info on our tax collector as we speak. No worries, she knows that we do not want to alert him to our digging.

He jerks his head in the direction of Tirkala and her conversation with the guards.

Did you happen to see how we did at the tables today? I spent some time in the back office, overseeing the gameroom, and it appears everything ran smoothly on the first day, but I have not yest spoken to Marcus about today's take. I was going to head back there before turning in, if you would care to join me?

Marcus would be the name of our pitboss in the Gameroom. I need to come up with the other names of the four laborers attached to dealing and such. Should we alot more than a group of five to the Gameroom? Also, I wanted to run down the list of games that we offer. Please provide any input regarding the Gameroom staffing, and games.

By the way, the girls were busy today, primarily Aydini, with Lord Ardcer Perren's son. I suspect that you may find that information helpful.

The look of disappointment on Tirkala's face at what the guard said about Kealdwar was in no way feigned; she actually was disappointed.

Keep coming after us, or take advantage of weakness... Basically, the message is that you can fight him and things go bad, or give in and things go bad. If that guard is right, we need to eliminate him... She pondered a bit more. I wonder if we can get Harrison elected? He seems to know his way around an office. And he's honest enough.

"Gentlemen, I am sorry to hear that." Tirkala sighed. I can't ask more without it getting suspicious. Asking too much information from those trained to hunt lawbreakers... not smart. "But, enough about unpleasantness! So, any of you have exciting stories about being a guard?"

Well, even if I won't get all of the information I want, at least I can get us a set of loyal customers! Ones who like to chat! Potential win!

She still has no idea what Harrison has found :P

As Cedany busies herself around the tavern she calls into the kitchen - "Ah, Martin, just so you know, a nasty little halfling seems to have made it his business to interfere with us. Harrison's dealing with it..." Cedany fills in some of the details to get Martin up to speed with the situation, in case he approaches Martin or otherwise turns up.

As Cedany comes up to Martin, hes snaps to attention as she addresses him.

"My Lady, There is a new refuse pit a couple blocks from my docks. It has itself plenty of room if you need me to take that trash out for you, That is if it is to big of a job for Master Harrison to deal with on his own."

"Im good with firm decisions and getting supplies and what not squared away for cross land travel. This whole political, who you know and who you blow is just so strange. id rather just shove a blade or something in an enemy then not."

Harrison's would glance over in Tirkala's direction for only a moment as he takes in the scene while smiling because of how well they were doing today despite such a minor bump in the road.

"I've not seen any issues arise in the game room tonight, but I'm not sure how we did otherwise. Otherwise, give me a moment to get my drink and I'll be happy to go check in back there with you."

Upon hearing about the noble's visit to their establishment, his smile would broaden.

"That's fine news indeed. We should make sure to make as fine an impression upon the lad as possible. He might make a fine contact at some point or at least bring in some of his friends which in turn might become fine contacts."

Yeah, this is true, but I am not certain how his dad feels about his carousing.

Seeing that something Mael has said made Lucky happy Osk would only shake is head at the sort of trouble that might lead to. Tirkala continues on with the guard and Cedany s off in the kitchen surely updating Martin on the days proceedings. The brawler thinks on it for a minute and rises stopping off at Atona the oread nods at the woman and whispers so only she would hear, There will always be customers and officials who will be mean spirited. Business I am afraid. But you are safe. Always hold that to your heart. Osk offers an involuntary grinding of his stony knuckles to emphasis the comment. Not really waiting for a response he approaches Maeltheron and Harrison,

It is probably time to check the tables and deposits and think about winding down the...

Basically insert casino security business *here*, don't see the need to role play it per se. Are we open all night? Does the district or our own interests have us shut down for a part of the night?

"Perhaps I could do some research into workings of a textile business and somehow incoporate some subtle lessons into the lad's nightly endeavors to help appease his father..." Harrison would muse while rubbing his chin.

As Osk speak, he'll come out of his revelry and nod his head. "Sounds like a plan, big man. Just need to wait for my drink and I'll be good to go."

I would assume that most of the operations close down for some time during the morning with a skeletal crew still working overnight to accomodate any guests staying with us.

The guard who recognized Kealdwar goes into a tale of a were rat infestation he had to deal with, obviously embellishing a fair bit.

It's going to take me a little bit to get back into the game. I'll start up with the next day probably tomorrow.

Tirkala grinned as she listened to the story, just relaxing and enjoying the talk. When it was over, she looked over and noticed everyone was together and sighed.

"It's been nice talking with you fellas, and I how you'll stop by again. But, unfortunately, I need to get back to work. Boss might not like it if I just relax all night."

She stood and smiled at them. "I hope to see you around!"

Then, with a wave to the guards, she headed over to where the group was.

"So, anything interesting in those papers?" Tirkala asked quietly. "Because it seems our 'friend' likes to take advantage of any business that gives in, but keeps constantly going after any business that doesn't."

Harrison would offer her a smile, while answering her question, "Those papers hold no power over us, but I would like to settle things in a more private manner when he returns in hopes of trying to prevent, or at least, lessen any further attempts to hassle us in the future."

Tirkala smiled back, then sighed. "Good luck. According to the guards, if you manage to stop him, he just keeps coming."

She frowned as she thought more. Can't endanger Mael... so no tax collector crate shipments...

"If he wishes to continue after our next encounter, then it may come time to find out what he is doing with all this money. Is all of our hard earned tax money going to improve the city we so love?" he would ask with a whimsical smile.

The evening draws to a close, and everyone goes to bed.

Early the next morning, before anyone is up (around 4 am), Cedany is awakened by a heavy and insistent pounding on the door to her room.

Unless it is in your character's nature to wake up an hour before anyone else does (the cooks start preparing at about 5:30), everyone else is still asleep.

If it's alright, Harrison will have had a copy of the documents created. He'll have placed the real documents in the safe and taken the copy with him to his secret abode.

That's fine, Harrison.

Osk does't sleep. He is a vigilant presence always, tirelessly watching....no no that's Batman. Osk sleeps like a damn rock. Never moves. Might be dead. Never really sure. Loud sounds? Pyrotechnics? ZZZZzzzzz

Cedany's already waking up, her ring of Sustenance means she only needs 2 hours of sleep (her standard sleep pattern will probably be 2am-4am, unless there's a reason she needs to be up at those times).

She answers the door in her nightclothes, acting groggier than she is.
"Whass th'matter, it's not even light yet."

Her club will be leaning against the wall just beside the door within easy reach if she needs it.

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 (just in case)

Dang, that's a good roll blown on appearing sleepy...

Ring of sustenance as well ^^

The night before, Tirkala had grinned wide at Harrison's suggestion and nodded enthusiastically. She didn't mention that part of her enthusiasm was not limited to stopping him; she also wanted to get all of his wealth.

The next morning, Tirkala was just waking up as well, yawning. But she was in no hurry to go anywhere; instead, she was just enjoying the feel of the gold against her skin. She smiled to herself as she continued to lay on it.

If we get enough profits, I wonder if Cedany will oppose adding an extra vault for me to sleep in so I could sleep on the gold... Maybe get enough profit from the tax collector? I bet that if we got the right leverage, he wouldn't mind giving up all of his wealth... If all else fails, we could always strip him naked, pour ale all over him and in his mouth, then have him thrown out by a bouncer and tell the city guard he got drunk and started stripping on a bad.

She frowned a bit. But then we might not get ahold of his gold... Well, may have to sacrifice that just to get him off our backs.

Perception to hear pounding on door: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

A customer stands before Cedany, disheveled and angry. He has clearly not had enough sleep.
Someone's bangin' on your entrance, he growls. Woke us all up; you got a lot of makin' up to do for all the customers this guy's bothered. He says the last with a pretentious air, as though it's your fault someone is acting out.

Tirkala, I already rolled perception for everyone, but without the -10 for being asleep you will also hear the banging on Cedany's door (although not the main entrance)

Oops! You can tell I'm half-awake today. I think I would get that asleep penalty in real life!