Its another night at the Gold Goblin, and everyone seems to be having a merry time. Saul has been spreading word of how you handled unruly customers and it seems to have drawn a fair amount of people.
He takes you all up on the catwalk above the main gambling floor to watch the crowd.
"There," he says quietly as he points to a bulky man with short hair. "Keep an eye on that one. Didn't think we'd get a visit from Clegg Zincher this early on."
You're reminded that he's one of Riddleport's Crimelords and has no love for Saul. Also, given that Saul isn't known as a gambler, his presence here probably serves a different purpose.
"Very well. Should he cause a disturbance, what level of force should we use in response? I have a simple spell ready today that might be able to knock him unconscious, but it will only function if he is somewhat weak-willed and somewhat inexperienced. Does that have any possibility of succeeding? Or should we instead respond more forcefully should he cause a disturbance?" Tural asks, plainly.
"I ain't got no beef with Zincher nor any o' his people, so far as I know," Meghan comments, "nor should any o' his folk have a problem with me. I'll go chat 'im up a bit an' see if I can learn anythin'."
Meg heads down to the gambling hall floor and approaches the crimelord, smiling pleasantly. She asks what sort of games he's interested in and if he'd like a drink or a bite to eat. She makes it a point not to address Zincher by name or let on that she knows who he is: to her, he's just another new potential customer.
If it was a crimelord he probably didn't come alone. Lords of any kind rarely did.
When Meghan moves to talk to him Elea stays fairly close behind but still keeps her distance. She had to know what was going on but the man shouldn't get the idea they are ganging up on him.
Ryssa flicked her tongue out a few times as she kept an eye out not only on Saul, but also on her surroundings too, in case Saul was acting like a decoy.
"Hm...If I wanted to ruin someone's business how would I...Oh Calistria's beautiful ways! The food!"
Ryssa made her way to the kitchen to make sure things were alright.
Taton has made no secret of his distaste for Zincher, but he keeps distance for now, acting merely in his usual capacity as a bouncer, someone to keep the riff-raff out and the violence to a minimum. His eye does take extra time on the crime lord, though.
Saul shoots Tural a shocked look.
"Are you daft? You wanna drive me out of business. Even if he's a well known crime-lord, what'll it look like if assault a customer. You are only allowed to go the offensive should he actually attempt some sort of crime. Unfortunately, Clegg can be a jerk all he wants here and I don't think we can touch him without some nasty repercussions."
Even under the expereinced and trained eyes of those trying to suss out possible accomplices, it actually seems like Zincher has come alone. You're not sure if that's a good or bad thing...
Clegg seems to approach a few games, play a few rounds. Those that recognize him definitely make some distance thought. Still, the general atmosphere seems pleasant still. But you notice Clegg looking around, as if searching for someone.
And then he looks up. He sees you all.
He smiles.
Bringing his hand in the air, he makes a "come here" motion with one finger at your general group.
Saul mumbles something about checking the books, and walks off to his office.
Ryssa doesn't see Saul beckon them over as she is too busy making her way towards the kitchen.
"Fair enough. I merely wished to inquire. I could charm him, if desired."
Tural notices Clegg motioning them over, and cautiously makes his way over.
Not trusting himself to be closer to Zincher and not perpetrate a most horrific act of violence, Taton remains where he is. His eye narrows at the crime boss's presumption. He'll let the others hear whatever the scum has to say.
Elea looks at the others before carefully approaching. She's once more toying with the heavy knot on a cord that's tied around her right wrist.
She stands still in front of Clegg, arms crossed over her chest while the knot bounces up and down in her right hand. "What do you want?"
Clegg has a mocking grin on his face as those who approach do so.
"I'm so flattered that the fabled heroes to personally come to my assistance."
"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."
Ryssa arrives in the kitchen, the smell of frying oil and roasting meats almost as shocking as the spouts of steam and clatter of pans.
Oy! What are you doing in my kitchen?" the cook shouts angrily.
"Very well. You've met us. However, I've met your type before. You want us for something. So, what might that be?" Tural makes no attempt to hide the distaste in his voice for crime bosses.
Meghan stands a bit behind the two new employees, hoping that the pair can walk the fine line between not showing fear of the crimelord and going so far as to insult him.
Not getting any hunch as to what the thuggish man is up to, Meghan remains quiet. Probably trying to scope out the new competition and intimidate us a bit at the same time she decides.
CLegg smirks that way that makes you think it's alright to haymaker someone, but he holds his hands out in protest.
"I'm just here to play some games." he claims. "though that's a pretty face you got there. Aasimar, I'm guessing? How 'bout you come work for me, I'm sure I'll find some folks who'll pay a large sum for some pretty easy work."
Only giving a glance to Elea.
"What I want is a drink," he remarks, "And don't be afraid to wear something pretty before you get back."
"You're a big boy, you can go to the bar yourself. I could also escort you to the exit, if you'd prefer that." While she tried to keep her voice as neutral as possible her resentment at his latest remark did shine through. She was nobody's serving girl and she sure as Hell wasn't some wench to dress up.
"Perhaps you can wear something pretty when you come in next time." The corners of her mouth curled up in what could be interpreted as a grin.
Tural crosses his arms. In a disgusted tone, he says, "Let's let luck decide." He uncrosses his arms, now holding a well-worn coin in one hand. With practiced ease, he flips it and catches it . Without even looking at the result, he says, "Oh, that's too bad. It seems like this isn't your lucky day. Now, why are you really here?"
Ryssa hissed as she looked around.
"Just making sure to keep an eye on things. Never hurts to be safe," she told the cook.
She checks to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary, no matter how insignificant or unimportant it maybe. She uses both sight and hearing to check around the kitchen.
Ryssa looks around frantically, looking for any sign of tampering or possible poisoning. She doesn't seem to notice anything.
Zincher laughs at Elea's brash comeback.
"I like you," he says in his growling pitch, "You and me, we'd have some real fun...."
He turns his attention back to Tural.
"Like I said, I'm here to play some games. I'm a paying customer. I've broken no rules. I'm enjoying this little chat with the local celebrities new lackies, but if that chat turns into harassment....not sure if that'd be any good for business."
He roars with laughter again, and makes a shoo-ing motion with his hand.
"No off with you. I got some gold to win."
Not liking the way Zincher's talking to Elea, Meghan quickly casts a simple message spell, targeting the halfling.
"It's me--Meghan. Why don't you an' Tural look around a bit while I keep my eyes on this fella? Seems strange he'd wave us down from the catwalk only to dismiss us like he just did."
Taton continues the stoic guardian routine, pretending to be aloof and above it all while he's holding back barely suppressed rage.
Elea was about to direct another retort at Zincher when she hears Meghan in her ear. While she was loath to just leave the man she turns around and moves away. She heads back to her previous spot where she has a good view of the entire room.
"You were the one who summoned us. If you wish to be undisturbed, I will happily oblige." Tural turns and walks away from the crime boss, following Elea.
Klegg chuckles and watches both of you walk away. Those above who are keeping watch see him turn around and, over the course of the next half-an-hour, mercilessly out-bluff, out-bet, and out-play everyone who shares a table with him. If he wasn't such a bastard, it'd be a commendable and impressive accomplishment, worthy of a toast or pat on the back.
Eventually he leaves.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Ryssa is going around checking to make sure nothing's been poisoned or there are no secret assassin's going into the game area with a secret knife. She's so focused on the food and staff, she almost misses the frantic movement out of the corner of her eye, but she doesn't miss the scream of fear.
A scream echoes out of the scullery, directly connected to the kitchen, and those out in the gaming area can hear it.
Ryssa, you rush to the end of the kitchen 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.
Tural runs over to the door of the kitchen.
"Hiss yourself!"
She summons a celestial hawk, hoping it will distract the snake long enough for her to pull the worker away from the cindersnake and heal him of his injuries.
"Figure that Klegg would do something like this."
When he sees the snake, Tural reacts in an instant, a glowing set of white runes appearing encircling his hand, but when he sees Ryssa summon an eagle of her own, he instead runs forward to the snake, his hand reaching into a pouch on his belt and withdrawing a pinch of colorful sand. With the same gesture, he scatters it in front of him, and with an eldritch cry, a cone of overwhelming color erupts from his hand. "Cover your eyes!"
Upon hearing the mess in the back Elea rushes towards the kitchen, drawing her rapier as soon as she is out of sight for most patrons.
As soon as she sees the snake she slowly moves closer. Before she closes in on it however she hears Tural shout and instead stays clear just a little longer, ready to dive in at a moment's notice.
Taton actually remains in the gaming area, concerned that this may be a diversion. He becomes if anything more vigilant, as all the others rush for the back.
Meghan shares Taton's fears and moves to a position closer to the kitchen but still with a view of the main gaming area.
"What's goin' on?" she hollers.
"Someone put a snake back here and it bit one of the workers just as I was about to head back to the gaming area. I'll give three guesses on who it was..."
Ryssa hissed at the snake as she tried to drag the poor worker away from the snake.
The snake is blasted by a series of vibrant colors that seem to mesmerize and leave it in a state of prolonged shock.
Ryssa is able to get the worker to safety, but the color in his face is draining fast, and he moans in pain as she drags him across the floor.
Meghan rushes in to help. She casts a quick cure light wounds spell to stabilize her fellow employee and the uses a dagger to cut away the clothing around the wound.
"Never done this before, but I've heard it's the thing to do fer poisoned folk...."
Using her dagger to widen the fang punctures marginally, Meghan leans in and tries to suck the poison out of the wounds before spitting it on the floor.
Eventually, she comes up for air, looking a bit green herself. Spitting a great glob of saliva and poison out, she manages to croak, "Tastes like...poisoned chicken!"
Tural runs over, grabbing his crossbow from his side, and fires a quarrel straight into the snake's body, just below the skull.
Ryssa quickly cast a healing spell on the worker, hoping to heal him in time.
Meghan rushes to stabilize the fallen employee, and breathes a sigh of relief as normal color returns to the unconscious man's face.
Tural moves to decapitate the snake, and Ryssa aids Meghan as they work the last of the poison out of his system.
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 two for two, Saul? Pack up, get out of town and you'll be fine!"
Yep, just another night for Clegg indeed.
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The next couple weeks go by without much danger.
Each player may make two checks (one per week) to improve the Gold Goblin's profitability. You may also indicate if you'd like to do something specific with our time in addition to helping out, you may indicate that in your post as well.
Tural would like to, after killing the snake, try to extract any venom he can salvage from it's venom glands and fangs.
For the next few weeks, the aasimar does his best to greet customers as they arrive(Help greet customers, diplomacy DC 15, two hours)
In his free time, he tinkers with his alchemy, making things to order and selling the rest.
After the incident with the big snake and the poisonous serpent, too, Meghan dedicates herself to improving her skills as a dealer and as the Arena's announcer and ring girl.
Elea does what she always does, she keeps an eye on the patrons.
In her spare time Elea, like Tural, starts working on some alchemy projects in order to make some money.
Taton primarily just hangs about, he doesn't necessarily interact much because he's not the social sort. It's not that he isn't polite to the customers and gruff when he needs to be, it's merely that he's fairly likely to cause more problems than resolutions if he actually puts forth the effort.
Ryssa, knowing that Clegg's stunt probably frightened away customers and patrons, decides to go all out in bringing in customers, turning on the charm.
In addition, the tiefling priestess also works with the staff and uses her warm smile to greet customers, making them feel welcome.
She pats Taton on the back telling him to lighten up and to smile before going back to working the customers, hoping to improve the Goblin's fortunes.
First week:
Second week:
Third week:
In the first and second weeks, the Profit rating goes up by 1 each but drops by 1 during the third week. This means you get no pay (since you started in the hole at -1), you get 5 gp each the second week as salary, and no money the third week to make up for losses in the third week.
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Between the Second and Third weeks, Larur (the gruff managerial dwarf) introduces you to another new hire.
"Hello," the young half-elf greets nervously, a smile on her lips as she brushes her wavy red hair out of her face. This reveals the Varisian tattoos on her face and neck.
"Samaritha Beldusk," she introduces herself. "While I would prefer studying the cypher-gate riddles, that requires a master to teach me those things. Unfortunately, none of them are available so I must sustain myself in the meantime."
Meghan grins and offers her hand to the newcomer. "Welcome to the team! I'm Meghan. If ya need any help with anythin', just ask!"
Upon seeing the half-elf, Ryssa mouth drops and she wags her tail, hissing in pleasure.
"Now there's a beauty!"
After asking Calistria for some luck, Ryssa runs up to her and greets her, trying to woo the half-elven woman in front of her.
"A pleasure to meet you sugar! The name's Ryssa and I'm a priestess of Calistria. Welcome to the Gold Goblin, Samaritha Beldusk! My what a lovely name and those tattoos are so amazing! So looking for work, eh? That's good as we could always use some extra help! Meghan and I could show you around a bit. And I'll make sure Saul gets you a job sweetie! I think you'll do great working here!"
"Greetings, Samaritha. I am Tural. Welcome to the staff. I see you are an arcanist yourself? What might be your specialty?"
Taton sees everyone fawning all over the new girl and becomes a bit resentful, as tends to be his raison d'être. He gruffly acknowledges her existence, but keeps to few words. "I'm Taton. I make sure you don't get hurt."
Samaritha, face blushing, takes a half-step back as the volley of questions coming at her like arrows.
"Oh, well, aren't you a friendly bunch?"
She gives an appreciative nod to Meghan, clearly recognizing her expertise in this field. You see her looking at your hands, the creases, and calluses as if reading them. She glances up and smiles at you.
Ryssa's overt flirting is taken somewhat well, with Samaritha glancing away from straight eye contact but not being obviously uncomfortable.
"My speciality is transmutation. Nothing impressive, gods know if I could ply magic for gold I guess I wouldn't be applying here, eh?"
She even gives a respectful half-bow to Taton, seemingly relieved that there's someone concerned for her safety.
Larur chuckles as he watches (most) of the party fawn over the new girl.
"Feel like I'm at the kennel below, throwing steak to the dogs. Good effort all, had my doubts as I've stated, but you lot really seem to have pulled through."
"Well chosen. I'm a conjurer myself, master of the outer planes. I don't know any transmutation spells myself, unfortunately." He gives the half-elf a warm smile, "However, I would be honored if you might teach me some of the basics in some of our spare time?"
Elea shuffles in a bit later, she had been dealing with a very drunk vagrant who wanted to get into the Goblin.
She moves up to Samaritha and extend a hand to her, the ropeshot dangling from her wrist. "Nice to meet you. My name is Elea."