Second Darkness: Curse Your Luck

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

"Knowing Clegg, he wants to send a message," Saul mutters to answer the questions. "I don't know about the heist, but I wouldn't put it past him. I'll leave it to you all if you want to confront him or not, I best head to the office to double check the locks."

Dougal, you can definitely tell that Clegg moves in a way that shows he isn't here for gambling, moving from table to table, watching occasionally. It doesn't seem like many people are bothered by him, but its obvious when people recognize who he is, showing alarm, and trying to mind their own business. Such reactions are met with a smile, and nod.

Sindorah, you don't see anyone who seems to be in league with Clegg, and are fairly certain that he's here alone.

Silvio nods. "Like Syeira says, we should have a chat with Clegg. Show him some hospitality. An important man like him shouldn't be left unattended. Who wants to join me?"

Silvio isn't the best person for a Diplomacy check, so someone else should start off welcoming Clegg, and Silvio can chip in some Intimidate checks if Clegg gets nasty.

Orendel scans the floor from the catwalk, looking to see if Zincher brought friends...or if something else was going on.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Appearance // Current Mood: Sleeping // HP: 9/9
Spells: 1st - 5/5 // Active Performance: none (11/11)
Buffs: 0 // Debuffs: none //
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Without another word to her allies Sin makes her way from the catwalk down the the gaming floor were Clegg was located. With a big smile, the priest called out to the man, [/smaller]"Well well, a pleasure to meet you sir! What brings you to the golden Goblin? Come to test your luck? Taste or food and drink? Hear the soothing tune of our local bands? Or just to admire the finest gambling hall in all of riddle port?" The priest approached him as she spoke, making sure to draw the attention of those around her in some degree. No matter what happened in this exchange, she wanted to make sure other would see it.
[/smaller]~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~
Skills Used:
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Actions used:
none

Nodding to Silvio then scrabbling after Sin. Ensuring to catch up with her so he is walking next to her. Smiling at the man, "Like my stunning companion said it is a pleasure to meet you. Is there anything we can get you? A particular game you are looking for?"

Diplomacy aid other: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Silvio comes with the others, but unlike them he remains silent. His focus was to gauge Clegg's reaction to their arrival and discern his motives. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Clegg takes a step back, placing a hand on his chest in mock surprise.

"I didn't expect the fabled heroes to personally come to my assistance."

By his glare and smile, he knows exactly who you are and most definitely your real reasons for approaching him.

"Relax, relax. I just came over to check out Saul's newest project and meet his newest pals."

He nods at you all and finishes, "That means you."

Smiling widely, "Wonderful. And I did not realize we had reached the 'fabled heroes' status. I prefer to go by Dougal."

"Dougal eh? I'll remember that."

There's that nasty grin again.

"Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to my games. This is a gambling hall, ain't it?"

Any word on Orendel's Perception check?

Silvio remains silent, staring coldly at this nasty crime lord. He wish he could just give Clegg a beating and haul him off to the clink. Instead, he finds his fists clenching and unclenching at Clegg's attitude.

Keeping his smile on his face, "Certainly sir. You wanted to meet me and now we have met. Have fun and please let me know if here is anything you need."

With that said Dougal would leave him to his game.

Silvio would also depart unless Sindorah is still hanging out.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ah, sorry Orendel. It appears that he's alone at the establishment, best you can tell.

Orendel watches Zincher make small talk with the others and then dismiss them, and thinks for a bit.

If what little I've heard of Zincher since I arrived is true, he's one of the more powerful crimelords in this city. It doesn't make sense for him to be just sitting here without a posse of men watching his back, since it'd be easy for one of the other leaders in the city to ambush him in the bustle of the house floor. Either he's sending a message to Saul that he's so unimportant Zincher can just waltz into the Goblin without fear...or there's something else going on.

He descends from the upper floor and begins moving through the house floor, on the lookout for anything suspicious. He'd been caught unprepared once, and it cost him everything. He wasn't going to make the same mistake again.

Can Orendel take 20 on a Perception check to scout the crowd?

I'm stuck between a few directional paths, all pretty defining for my character. Sorry for the delay, if I'm taking to long absolutely play though without me, My character will have been too unsure of herself to act(much like her Author), otherwise when I'm sure of my choice I will post. Just letting you all know I'm still here.

Syeira, having watched the brief exchange from her vantage point on the catwalk, makes her way down to the casino floor when she sees the group moving away. "Well, that was less hostile than I was expecting," she says, almost sounding disappointed. "What did he have to say?"

Silvio heads back with Dougal and meets up with Syeira. "Clegg didn't actually SAY anything. Just said he's checking out this place and us. But got a dark vibe around him - every time he grins it feels like a threat. I'd love to kick out the slimy bastard, but don't have a reason to do so."

Orendel continues moving through the crowd, making sure to be aware of his back.

Cherry stays at the bar, though as Orendel moves through the crowd she gives a nod of the head to draw him over.

"I shouldn't leave the bar, see if you can get someone to ask if he wants a drink," she says. "I know it's not your job, maybe get one of the waitresses."

Orendel nods in return and sidles over to one of the serving girls.

"Offer our...celebrity guest...a drink."

Orendel chews his lip and shakes his head.

"Know what? Forget it, lass. I'll see if I can't get him to open up myself."

He gingerly makes his way towards Zincher, deliberately attempting to look casual as he takes a seat next to him.

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Cherry runs a hand over her face with frustration.

"5 gold says he doesn't last 5 minutes over there," offers Silvio. He was looking forward to seeing the outcome--from a respectable distance.

Clegg notices Orendell casually trying to make his way over.

"Orendell," he says in greeting, that smug grin on his face as he gives a mock salute.

He finishes his hand and seems to win decently. He slides over a gold coin for Orendell.

"For your hard work, heh heh.'

Clegg saunters away before Orendell can say anything, and leaves a small bag with the bouncer at the door, tonight.

"No way I would take that. Soldiers are an odd and unsubtle group." Shaking his head and watching the scene rapidly unfold.

"I am thinking we should check in with the bouncers at the end of the night. See if they noticed anything we missed."

I am assuming the bag to the bouncer is an odd thing."

Orendel blinks in surprise.

"The f@#% did he know my name?!" he says to no one in particular.

Silvio will check in with the bouncers at some point, as he probably does during a typical day. "You're telling me Clegg left behind a present? You should've come to me right away. What is it?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

After Clegg Zincher departs, Orendel stands up and rejoins the others.

"What the hell was he playing at?"

Patting Orendel on the arm, "He is trying to unbalance us. Either he knows something we do not or is trying to appear that way."

"He seems to think knowing who we are matters when a lot of people know about us from that first night. Do not lose any sleep over it."

Cherry leans idly against the bar and says, "I wish you'd asked him what kind of drink he wanted. Then I would've known what to make if we needed to slip him a mickey later."

The bouncer, Beyer, shows you the bag, which contains 20 gp.

"He told me to split it among myself and the heroes." Beyer admits.

Suddenly, a scream pierces the air in the gambling hall. The cook, hefty and red faced, stumbles into the main room.

"Bigred snake's got into the scullery!" he shouts (dishwashing area). "It already bit someone!"

Orendel looks at Dougal.

"You're the local here, so I trust your judgment, though having the attention of a local leader known for his brutality is something I'd rather have waited at least a month or two to get. I'm still getting used to Riddleport, I'd like some time not having to watch my damn back."

When Cherry explains her plan, Orendel facepalms.

"Cherry, not to sound too much like a p!sser, but you probably should have explained that when you asked me. We can't really pull off tactics if we're not communicating with each other."

The conversation is interrupted by the screaming cook and when Orendel hears what's being said, his face grows red with anger.

"I knew! I KNEW something more was going on! While we were all focused on Zincher, we weren't watching the rest of the Goblin and he outflanked us!"

He takes up his poleaxe and dashes to the kitchen.

"Damn it! He was a distraction!" hisses Cherry. "Someone better see to the injured customer while someone else gets the damn snake."

"Motherf--." He cuts himself short and grabs ahold of his favored book. "Come on, let's go. Beyar, you keep an eye out here in case this is just an even bigger distraction. You see anything weird, you holler."

Silvio dashes to the scullery.

Those of you who choose to, rush to the scullery and find an unconscious worker that isn't looking that well (-1 hp and dropping). Next to him is a large red snake of the species Cindersnake known to some of you.

It hisses angrily and will lash out at any of you who attempt to come closer.

"Dammit! Silvio, you've got healing-magic, right? Keep that kid alive while I engage the snake!"

Orendel lowers the spear-point atop his poleaxe forward, swaying it left to right to keep the snake's focus on it.

Is there any way to avoid hurting the poor little thing? He's probably scared out of his mind! :(

"Apparently do not listen to me!" Turing tail and rushing back towards the scullery.

Skidding to a stop with wide eyes, "Damn it!" Following his gut a burst of healing erupts from him.

Channel 1d6[/dice: 1d6d6d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 2, 4, 6) = 18

Snapping his head to look at Orendel, "Kill the damn thing!" I am going to need to see Cassandra.

Shall I roll for initiative?

Knowledge (nature) to learn snake's strengths/weaknesses: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21;
Spellcraft to identify Dougal's Channel: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Silvio recognizes Dougal's sudden burst of healing energy for what it is. "Wait, are you some kind of priest, Dougal?" Seeing the man on the floor recovering his strength, Silvio doesn't hesitate. He redirects his focus on the snake, charging forth in an attempt to knock it out cold.

Charge, Holy Book: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19; Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

At Dougal's prompting, Orendel attempts to strike at the snake with a non-lethal blow from the hammer side of his poleaxe.

Non-Lethal Poleaxe Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 4 = 10
Non-Lethal Poleaxe Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Wow I did not realize I messed up that roll. Opps.

Correct channel roll: 1d6 ⇒ 2

I kind of like the idea that your very first channel roll is some awesome display of power from Caydel Cailean. Like he's giving you a taste of what's to come if you stick with him. Since it doesn't actually matter much for healing an NPC, maybe the DM will allow it?

"Steady! Steady!" Orendel says, trying to calm the emotions in the room.

Cherry keeps watch at the bar to make sure nobody tries anything in the main room while all the bouncers are rushing into the kitchen.

Nah, Initiative not necessary.

Silvio rushes forward and brandishing his book he delivers a powerful blow to the cindersnake, though Orendell misses trying to not harm the snake lethally.

Dougal manages to revive the poor worker, a burst of divine energy flaring from his eyes and traveling down his arms into the victim.

The Cindersnake lashes out at Silvo!

[Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Silvio, make a Fort save DC 13, first roll of your post please. On failure, take 1d2 Con damage for 6 rounds, new save allowed each round.

I should've made it clearer, but Silvio struck non-lethally last round. He can do so without penalty. Also, can animals be Intimidated?

Fort DC 13 vs Poison: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10; Con Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 2

"Gaah! Just slice the damn snake, Orendel! The side of your poleaxe just won't cut it!"
After delivering a terrible pun, the Abadarite makes a sidestep to attempt to flank the creature, then tries to deliver a more effective strike.

Holy Book, non-lethal, flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13; Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Intimidate on hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Orendel grimaces, but does as he's told. He raises his poleaxe and brings it down on the snake's neck in one clean chop.

Poleaxe Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Poleaxe Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Extra Damage: 2d10 ⇒ (7, 5) = 12

Syeira moves to the bar, pausing long enough to throw a sideways glance at the ruckus coming from the scullery before giving Cherry an unconcerned smile and asking for a mug of honeyed mead. They were able to take down a bunch of hardened thugs on their own without much effort. I'm sure a snake wouldn't give them too much trouble. Instead of taking a seat at the bar, Syeira leans back against the counter, her eyes narrowed over the rim of her mug as she scans the floor. "It seems like a lot of effort for nothing, coming in here and ruffling our feathers just to slip a snake into our scullery," she muses aloud.

Yeah, that snake is dead.

After treating the worker and informing the guests, those who remained, that everything's alright, it isn't long until you discover a scrap of paper at the scullery. On it, there is a crude drawing of Saul Vancaskerkin, now with both hands missing and a brief threat scribbled below: "Looking to go twwo for two, Saul? Pack up, get out of town and you'll be fine!"

Yep, just another night for Clegg indeed.
Silvio, normally I'd have you roll till you resisted the poison, but there's a time skip next so it doesn't matter too much. You can roll to see if you die eventually though.
=====================================

It's near the first week's end and it seems that with a few employees spooked and one officially down, Saul informs you lot that you'll be conducting some employee interviews to fill out the ranks.

There are several applicants who've submitted interest.

A bit of a fun side-event that you guys can fill up you support circle. Main thing is, come up with a question you want to ask the applicants. And, if you really, really, wanna throw in a background character as a possible job applicant, suggest/ roleplay asking them to consider it.