At the newly installed baccarat table, Cameron gathers up the cards with an economy of motion won from long practice. He casually riffles the deck several times followed by a rapid sequence of cuts and rounded out by a faro shuffle, all in a matter of seconds. He deals the cards fast and accurately, each ending up within a hairs breath of it's intended destination.
Thoroughly enjoying his status as a mascot, Borgmurch spends the following few days performing tricks for the amusement of the public ”This is the Gold!” he says, showing everyone a gold coin ”And this is the Goblin!” he points to himslef and bows to the crowd. ”And this is how they come together!” he has one of the “succubi” throw the gold coin into the air, then quickly cocks and shoots an arrow at it.
Most of the times he misses, and even if his antics and confidence draw a laugh or two from the crowd, his show has little success: now the Gold Goblin’s second floor balcony has quite a few arrows sticking out of its parapet.
”Yes, I did not want to damage a good gold coin!” excuses himself Borgmurch This would work much better if we used rats. Why does Bosssaul refuse to let me throw rats in the air… Umhpf. He is not a very good manager. A good manager plays to his employees’ strengths.
He watches from his perch on the second floor balcony. The rats come and go, they feed off of one another and call survival amusement. While be believes the proprietor is seeking to better his lot, true repentance would mean leaving the city and starting somewhere new.
But he'd long given over the struggle to understand the motives of the lesser races. Now is the time to observe and to wait. In the evenings Hal'dorel would pray and meditate and dream of his homeland. The stink of Riddleport drifted away and we replaced by the fragrance of flora and unspoiled woodlands. Each morning, he would awake and go find Inceku, the dog he'd befriended while in town. The animal's coat had improved since Hal's attentions, going from mottled browns and blacks to richer browns. The ridge of fur along his spine that grew in the opposite direction named his breed in the elf's eyes, a Ridgeback from the southlands. Smart and courageous, Inceku seemed to be a dog left behind by travelers or perhaps by owners falling into one of the many dark holes of depravity the city had to offer.
During the evenings, Hal earned his pay searching for the lay abouts and cons and thieves and blood letters spoiling to steal from Saul. It isn't much, but it affords Hal the ability to not spend time idly as awaits the big event alluded to by his elven contacts outside the city.
(+2 vs Humans)
♤ ♡ ♢ ♧
Looking at her knew harem of succubi to command, Nessa takes great delight in giving them pointers on the role, "Alright girls, I want to see the sultry, I want to feel the seduction rolling from you. The more you entice the clientele into purchasing food, and particularly drinks, the more you can distract their focus so they stop thinking as much about what they are doing, the more money we bring in. A distracted customer spends more money and makes bad wagers."
When she is out on the floor she sets an example for her staff to learn from, always riding the edge of acceptable behavior, but not quite going across it. She flatters, cajoles, and seduces everyone she can into enjoying their time at the casino so that they will stay longer and return often.
Dolgrin wanders through the casino floor, glancing at the players and their accoutrements, as well as taking to the balconies for a better view. He tries to focus on areas where 'luck' seems to, more often than not, favor the player over the house. The dwarf was not one to trust in luck, despite the term 'games of chance'.
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Customers are impressed by the lovely ladies commanded by Nessa. Their dancing skills are not very good, but they are too scantily clothed for anyone to argue.
The tables are soon buzzing: the new card dealer, at the baccarat, has some very impressive tricks up his sleeve. But he seems fair, and doesn't cheat. Everyone get his luck. Money come and go.
The strange goblin is given a wide berth.. who knows where the next arrow will land? Why does Saul allow a real goblin into his gambling hall, and with a dangerous weapon?
On the upper floor, Dolgrin and Hal quickly spot some trouble. A small group of loudmouths, probably more than tipsy, soon get everyone attention, kicking an empty chair and pushing customers.
One of them point a finger to the dwarf manager, Larur Feldin, probably mistaking him for the owner
We want our money back, you short legged slimy bearded cheater! We were in the tournament, your "Cheat the Demon and get our ..his gold" . We put money on the table, and got stealen and cheated! We want our money back before we go back on our sheep.. er.. ship.
Another adds
Yeah, that was nearly two months pay that disappeared yesterday! Gives us our money. You have no right to steal money out of hard workin" sailor's mouths!
The two last whistle appreciatively at the dancing girls
Hey, I'd gladly show this lass how hard workin" I am...
The first one who spoke takes a handful of Larur's beard
My fists are itching, be quick...
A statuesque blonde woman stands up from her table with a fluid grace that belies her almost 6' frame. She steps up to the gentlemen, and flashes a smile. "O'course we're all 'ere ta have a good time-wut? The rum, the dice." She tosses her head, ponytail bobbing, towards the dancing girls. "Lookie 'ere lads, these gents they got more steel than you all combined, and seems ta me well, they got something to guard. Settle down, or go. But if ya keep up the brawlin' face ye'll be short fingers for countin' scars if ya catch my meanin'." She winks, her sea colored eyes twinkling. Maybe the drunks can see the levity is deadly serious...
Cameron walks down the stairs in his rather fine croupier's outfit. He glances at the tough looking blond and then address the unruly bunch, "Gentlemen we've all been robbed here, robbed of hope if nothing else. The fault lies entirely at feet of the band of thieves who tried to steal everyone's hard earned silver!" Internally Cameron adds, 'Well that's not exactly true, Saul was idiot for putting up such an extravagant purse without the security to match. He's at least partly to blame.'
Cameron eyes the group appraisingly, thinking 'This lot don't seem too smart with their money. I have an idea for how to settle this and I don't think I'll be risking much with it.' In a conciliatory tone he says, "Now I hear your complaint, perhaps I could put in a word with the manager for you? I'm sure we can come to some kind of accommodation. Perhaps you'd like a couple of free hands at the baccarat table? Blessed and certified by Lady Luck Herself. If you are fated to win, well so you shall, if not well you had a good time anyway! Can't say fairer than that?"
Cameron's delivery has the air of a sermon, not that he really intend this to be one.
Having heard about possible troubles from one of the girls, Nessa goes to investigate and finds the blonde woman and Cameron speaking with them. Deciding that paring the group of drunks down a little might be wise, she moves up to the two who were whistling at the dancing girls, "So, you like what you see do you? I'm glad you appreciate the talents of my harem. I'm Nessa and all of these pretty young succubi are mine. Would the two of you like to be mine too? I promise you will enjoy yourselves." As she speaks to them, Nessa slides up closely, batting her eyes at them and trailing a hand around each man's face and down their chests.
Dolgrin sighs when he spots the troublemakers. Keeping an eye on them as he moves to the stairs down, his nostrils flare when he sees one of the men grasps Larur's beard. Laying hands on a dwarf's beard! They dare!
The dwarf yanks out his dwarven waraxe as he descends the stairs, the crowd parting upon seeing his sharp blade. He hears and sees the others attempting to diffuse the situation through fear, boredom, or enticement. They'd best hurry then. If those thugs are still there when I arrive, there will be a reckoning!
The four sailors don't know how to react, when in quick succession one tall blonde start to put fear in their intoxicated hearts, a man ask them to join a gambling table to make up for their lost money and a creature from the land of their most lustful dreams, who seems to enjoy sea men, offer her charms.
They stand confused and, for a few minutes, seem to have lost all will to fight.
Errr.. Ranos, what do we do now? ask one of the sailors to their leader, the one who took an handful of dwarf's beard
A second mariner says, with a big goofy grin on his face
It would be an insult to refuse such a beautiful girl... It would be a welcome break from the marine tradition, Ranos, think of it. And I'm not talking about the rum or the lash.I'm still not able to seat.
Another one sighs
Never had too much luck with the girls, and I have no money to pay the whores. I want to try the dices and card games, Ranos. I'm sure Desna will smile at me tonight. I can feel it deep to my storm-soaked bones.
He rubs his calloused hands, already dreaming of the big load of money he could win
Ranos let go of Larur's beard, recognising defeat without having enjoyed a fight
Do as you wish, lasses. You're not worth Besmara's spit. I'll... I'll get something to drink myself. If I'm able to pay it.
Ranos walks to the bar, and see Dolgrin walking down the stairs, his big dwarven axe in hand. With a pale face, he turns to Larur
Maybe it would even be better if I pay you a beer, boss? You see, just like good buddies... Let's honor Cayden with a drink or two
Hearing that, a Caydenite in the crowd whistle and shouts
As Cayden himself once said:"Let my foe be foolish, and my bud wiser!"
As the drunken sailors disperse Alayna begins whistling an old sailing tune. She looks around, hoping to pick out someone of note to suggest she get a permanent position in the establishment. She notes the 'succubus' and the dandy, the dwarf (with axe in hand) and thinks, A dandy in the handy, better than wut makes ya randy, and well, live steel ne'er been a friend ta my skin.
She turns to the fine gentleman and asks in her patois, "G'day, goodman. Have ya a moment ta talk about a wench and wages?"
Likely to Alayna's surprise and certainly to the sailors who decided to come with her, Nessa moves her wings as she siddles up next to her companion, wrapping one around him, and suing her tail to snag a drink for him which she moevs up to his mouth so he can take a drink, "Why don't we go somewhere more private for a bit sailor boy, it'll be a lot of fun." She leads her companion to a back room she has set aside for just this use.
"It might add a bit of luck to us all to have more like us about." She glances down at his holy symbol and then winks at the card-sharp.
Oh my! Calistria would be proud! She grins at the very forward devil girl and her new catch.
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Hal'dorel watches quietly as the rabble carry on about their lost wages. He marvels at their unmitigated gall, to complain of others stealing their 'hard earned' coin, theyb chose to involve themselves in this establishment! It is like a fool of a human wondering why he was dying after drinking a bottle labeled as poison.
"Senseless animals..." Hal mutters to himself.
Over to his left and at a distant table, Dolgrin stands and begins thumping down the stairs. There's anger in his dwarfish eyes, clearly sparked by on of the humans grabbing for Larur's beard. Hal rests a hand on his bow and stands smoothly, moving towards the bannister overlooking the gaming floor. A blunt arrow goes to the knock and the elf rests a hand on the rail, watching and waiting.
No. There won't be target practice today. He returns the arrow to its quiver and shoulders the bow. There's almost a feeling of dissapointment when Cameron adds his influence to a blonde woman. Add to it Nessa's alluring behavior and the drunken fools lose their will to dispute.
The new face in the establishment, the one who'd spoken first, is an interesting sort. Intriguing much as Cameron had been intriguing during their first meeting. Perhaps another human of better nature than her peers?
Hal descends the stairs and approaches over Cameron's shoulder, listening to the exchange. At meeting go eyes with the blonde woman, the elf inclines his head slightly in greeting.
The tension is defused, and each sailor indulges in his favorite vice, one of them following Nessa happiy, two others joining the various games, and the "leader", Ranos, at the bar
Later after the sailors have departed, some richer some poorer as befits Desna's plan. Cameron seeks out the tall confident woman who helped keep the Sailors in line.
With a roguish grin, he tips his hat and tells her, "Evening ma'am. I've been meaning to thank you for your assistance with those sailors. Things were set to get real ugly if you hadn't stepped in when you did. Saul tells me you've joined the team, good to have ya aboard! I'm glad he's seen sense, this place needs all the security it can get. He thought his reputation was sufficient to keep everything safe, if you can believe it!"
He pauses for a moment and studies her face and adds, "Hope you dont mind me asking ma'am, but didn't I see you a few days ago at morning prayer?"
"You may 'ave. My lucks been a bit becalmed o' late and prayer seems a likely cure." She grins and explains, "No, not hired on board yet, but hopin'. See a shippy got me in a bad way an' I need ta' find my feet maybe this time off the waves for a bit."
Seeing the elf watching, and hoping it's the right move, she inclines her head the same way, Is this hallo in elvish?
From the balcony, Saul was watching the irate sailors, and how you handle them. When all is peacefull again, he comes down the stairs, puffing himself, and walks to the central podium
I have something worthy of your attention to say, gamblers of all ages and condition. I'm proud to announce the Gold Goblin is under a new management, and these people
He points at each of you in turn
Are my new business partners. No more criminal lawlessness will be allowed, in the interest of fairness. Weapons are banned, unless you are part of my staff. This will help to protect better, and will ensure no one of you has an unfair advantage if you have a ...disagreament to settle. The streets of our good town being what they are, your weapons will of course be given back to you before you go. I've heard there are thieves, cutthroats and thugs in the dark alleys, and that sometimes you can even do worse encounters: the Gendarmes of Riddleport. No one is safe from these guys.
That little joke gets a few coarse laughs and catcalls
And lemme finish my little speech with a word to the wise. I'm pretty sure there are, here and now, a few spies who got money from the ... competition. So tell your bosses that the Gold Goblin is under good guard. Any act of hostility will be met with force.
There are, in the crowd, a good mix of chatting, grumbling, and even a few applause.
Later that night
Larur comes to see you, after the day ended
Not an excellent day, but not a too bad day either. Can't complain. Especially as you managed to calm the situation peacefully with theses sailors. Boss Saul gave me some good news for you: you got your day off tomorrow. Heard there was a lady who would like to join the team? What's your name? The Boss saw you earlier, and asked me to put you on the payroll, if you can start right now. That's 10 gold a week, afore you ask.
Dolgrin huffs a breath through his beard as the situation seems to diffuse itself and the man releases the Larur's beard, even to the point of offering the other dwarf a beer by way of apology. He shrugs and slides the axe back into place, giving another glare around the area. He considers moving to see this new person as Cameron had been but upon seeing the damned elf join in that process he instead trudges back up to his previous position. Not in any mood to be in proximity to one of his type. We're trying to keep things calm, not start a brawl.
Cameron is concerned about the middle aged man loosing all his money at the table. He seems a little out of place and certainly out of luck. Seeing that nobody else wanted to play right now, cameron heads after the man and asks gently, "Sir, it seems you've hit a patch of sour luck. I don't wish to pry, but whatever problems you're facing, you wont find the solution by playing more hands at the baccarat table. Fate has moods and if you carry on like this, well that doesn't bear thinking about. Look I'll buy you dinner and a drink on the house if you promise not to gamble any more money tonight. I've been told I'm a good listener if you needs somebody to talk to..."
Returning from entertaining the sailor, who leaves in a daze, Nessa moves up to the group with Larur, "Fir a sailor he was a tad disappointing, he must have had too much to drink because I had to do most of the work." Despite the aggravated tone Nessa seems fairly content. "A day off huh? That could be fun, I think I need to do some shopping anyway."
"Day off? Will the place be closed?" Dolgrin asks. "Don't rightly know much else to do in this town. I suppose I can explore..."
Nessa looks at Dolgrin in shock, "Are you new here Dolgrin I thought that surely a string dwarf like you woyld know his way around town alread? I'd be happy to show you around if you want, I grew up here and knowit fairly well " She looks at the others, "Between growing up and working the streets at times I can probably take you where you want to go."
"Ten crown a' day!? Oi, right, what'll I be doin'? Rattin', riggin' or lookout?"
At the devil-girl's suggestion, Alayna says "Aye a guide'd be pleasant-seems this kind o'town aint kind at all to the newly arrived. Where d'ya have a mind ta go?"
Bouncing in delight at the interest of at least one person causes a number of interesting things to be seen, particularly since she is in a skimpy succubus outfit like the other girls working at the club, "I had planed to go shopping, but I can show all of you around the town in general if you like."
Willing to let the mad tiefling have her fun, "Sounds grand, o long as you hide them weapon a' yours!" Alayna grins.
At the mention of a days rest Cameron muses, "I'd like to find out what happened to my uncle Millon. He went hiking into the hills a few weeks ago, said he wanted to check something out. Quite unlike him to be away so long, but I'm not sure what I can do. A day off isn't enough time for a search."
Hal leaps at the chance to escape the confines of the town. He steps quietly to Cameron's side and says, "If I can be of service, Clan Hawkinter, I am available to scout the surround."
Looking at Alayna with an almost hurt expression, "But don't you like my weapons?" She holds her finger nails out and it is easy to see they are actually claws this close up. She giggles before she continues, "I will, if I didn't I'd be working, and I don't plan on doing working tomorrow, at least not until time for devotions anyway. Of course, to call prayer time work is a bad, bad thing, prayer time is fun, and always pleasurable." Her tone at the end leaves no question as to what she means.
"I was hired to guard some fop for the tourney... protect him from angry husbands and whatnot... so I know the area around where he lives and a broad swath of the city that goes from there to here," Dolgrin replies to Nessa's question before pausing in thought. Hrm... she's the closest thing I've seen here to a proper fiend... Although she does seem to ply her... wares in a fashion similar to such beings, she isn't what I'm looking for... Still perhaps there is a better chance to run into such a one with her... "Not really much for shopping mind, but I suppose I can help guard and perhaps carry some of your purchases while you can show me the rest of the city. Works?"
Cameron nods and replies, "That would be most appreciated Hal. Milon is also a priest of Desna, and it's possible wanderlust has struck, but I doubt he'd go on an extended journey without saying. Anyway he's slightly taller than me, with a bald pate hazel eyes and paunch. I think he wanted to explore the caverns in the nearby Calphiak Mountains, I was expecting him back by now. The thing is the caverns are supposed to be labyrinthine and I fear he got lost, or worse..."
In a delighted tone Nessa replies,"That's fine with me," she leans down and give Dolgrin a quick kiss on the head.
"Hmmm, such a place is not one for hu..." Hal coughs into his hand and say, "...humble travelers. Especially for they travel alone."
A glance back to Dolgrin ad he wonders if it'd be wise to bring the dwarf along where caverns are concerned. Then again, I'd rather deal with Bogmurch than a dwarf... He stops himself as an idea occurs to him. He gestures to the door and says to Cameron, "Do you have anything personal to this man? Something he had on his person at some point?"
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I noticed that the prior DM never responded to a query regarding Inceku, a stray dog I'm befriending. I wasn't sure if I could start training him before he becomes my animal companion later. My conversation with Cameron reminded me. Is there any chance of me being able to teach him some tricks? I was thinking of three; Come, Heel & Track.
Or should I wait until 4th level for Hunter's Bond.
Cameron thinks for a moment and replies, "Yes there's some old clothes of his back at the shrine. Would that do?"
"Missin' a crewman?" Alayna smells another job, but then, maybe it's not just a job, This one'd certainly pray to tha Dreamer for help if'n I were lost ta the wind. "I know it's a tragic thing ta lose a mate over the rail. Anythin' I can do ta help?" She is earnest in her question, and confident that she can help, if you need it. If nay, the devil girl is still offering shopping an' tour. But if'n I go with her, I may need a deeper hood to stay away from certain undesirables.
.
.
Hal looks at the blonde and simply inclines his head. "I am Hal Greenwater. If you've the knack for not getting in the w... For tracking or at least keeping an eye out for danger as we search, yes, you'd be welcome." And I'll be able to verify your usefulness as part of this cadre.
To Cameron he nods. "Yes, some of his clothes would be perfect."
The elf heads upstairs briefly to grab his gear then returns to Cameron and Alayna. "Let us go to the shrine and gather his belongings."
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Once outside, Hal let's out a piercing whistle. After a moment a waist-high shadow coalesces for the alley next to the Golden Goblin. Into the light trots a svelte dog of muscular build, eyes of golden-brown hue. While Cameron knows the animal from the few times he's seen Hal in town, the elf takes a moment to introduce him to Alayna. "His name is Inceku," he says to the woman.
He mutters a quick word in elvish and points to Alayna, "Duine maith." The dog looks Alayna up and down then raises his head to sniff the air near her. Inceku seems to draw his own conclusions and then trots over to walk alongside Hal.
"Inceku will aid us in following your friend's trail." He says to Cameron.
Cameron explains to Alayna that, "Aye, my uncle has gone missing exploring some caves. He's another priest of Desna - actually he's the one who initiated me. And uh." Cameron sighs unhappily, "He's the closest blood kin I have left..."
He then nods to Hal saying, "Thanks, go and pack for an excursion and find one of Milon's jumpers." He looks at Inceku approvingly and says, "My haven't you got bright eyes and a glossy coat!" Turning back to Hal, he continues putting a brave face on it, "Inceku looks like a smart dog, I'm sure he'll find the trail before long."
Privately however Cameron thinks, 'If there's one to be found... My family is no stranger to sudden inexplicable disappearances.'
He gives Inceku a pat on his head. Over the past few week he'd spent time caring for the stray, recognizing the bloodline of the animal early on. The dog emits a contented grumble at the attention of both Hal and Cameron's discerning eye.
A part of Ha'dorel buried deep within the exterior of distrust stirs. He's no stranger to the ties of family and he recognizes the concern in Cameron.
Hmmm, Clan Hawkwinter continues to surprise me. He is unlike most of the rabble in this city.
》 (find the trail)
》 (Tracking | +2 vs humans)
A bit annoyed that his exhibition with the bow was both weak and poorly received, Borgmurch spends the rest of the night scrounging food at the buffet, occasionally getting an elbow to the head from the taller customers - he doesn’t mind: there is no corner nor brick of the sewers he hasn’t bumped into.
When Saul announces the next day is off he smiles with the others – he would’ve probably worked as a ratcatcher anyway the next day. But then he catches wind of Cameron’s plan.
“Hey! That Priest should be bigger than a rat – so, much easier to catch, yes? You will gain much help with me, Priest nephew of a Priest.”
Then he notices the tall blonde woman in the group. “Hello! My name is Borgmurch, the very best ratcatcher in Riddleport! You have a very nice hat, but you do not have a tail. The other woman in the group has a tail. I think she wins, but you are probably good too.” he extends his hand upward towards Alayna, smiling a disturbingly wide, filed-teethed smile.
Hal nods greeting to the little goblin Slayer, thinking the creature's rugged nature may serve well within the confines of the caverns into which Cameron's uncle may have gone.
"Good morning, Bogmurch. Did you finally give up on the target practice for the opportunity of real work?" Next to the elf, Inceku sits down and cocks his head to the side, wrinkles furrowing atop his head, studying the goblin curiously.