The elves of the Mierani Forest have been hiding something from outside eyes for hundreds of years, but now, this sinister secret has escaped. What at first seems to be a sudden uprising in unsanctioned banditry in the Riddleport hinterlands is in fact something altogether more menacing—the dark elves have come to Varisia. Yet the threat presented by the drow from below may be nothing compared to a new threat from the skies above. Can a new group of heroes save the world from the Second Darkness?
While Kazalin claims to worship Desna, he has never been in one of her temples. Tonight, the night before the Golden Goblin Tournament begins, this all changes. Kneeling before her alter, he utters a prayer "Hear me Desna! I've have traveled far, selling my sword to the highest bidder but always for just cause. I have always followed the tenants taught to me by your priestess, Anca. Now i pray for a favor of you. I wish to wander no more. I kneel ere before you to ask your for your favor upon me, that Saul may see me for what I am, a man worth hiring. Let him see me this way that I may remain in Riddleport with Anca for the rest of our days!"
When he has finished his prayer he rises, and exists the temple.
Uleoraque, (pronounced yew-li-or-ak) is a selfish hedge wizard who makes a living as a con artist and a deceiver. While, few details are to be shared about his past, one thing is rather clear. Uleoraque learned well how not confront his obstacles directly, and instead chooses to meander around them. He owns a small cart in the Riddleport bazaar, where he peddles mostly useless charms to the locals.
Uleoraque, (pronounced yew-li-or-ak) is a selfish hedge wizard who makes a living as a con artist and a deceiver. While, few details are to be shared about his past, one thing is rather clear. Uleoraque learned well how not to confront his obstacles directly, and instead chooses to meander around them. He owns a small cart in the Riddleport bazaar, where he peddles mostly useless charms to the locals.
Typo corrected ;)
Zoft a instrumental performer for local inns seems to go from town to town. When he heard of the Order of Cyphers his face lit up like a bon fire with glee and raced to town looking a for a local tavern to entertain at listening for stories and possibly a way to join. He tried to change the instrument every night. Which in his favor gave him respect from the locals for his talents. He would hear great stories from time to time and local gossip about the order that they are looking for help. Sadly realizing he hasn't learned much about magic and can only identify simple magic weapons and a few tricks. He now trains himself till he feels worthy.
Being each of you have seen the blot, you may do one of the following, spend 2D6 hours studying the blot. doing this will allow you to roll local, nature or arcana checks to learn about the blot.
You can gather rumors.
or you can just simply look at the blot and study it's movements and patters by starring at it for 2 hours. doing this will allow you to roll a search check.
you may only do each skill once. please post your results (if any. you may choose not to do any of the skills) on the gameplay tab. as expected.
If you choose to do nothing you may go to the Gold Goblin Gambling
Hall and prepare to Cheat the Devil and Take His Gold!! =D
thanks =D and let the fun begin!!!! =D
Kazalin wakes before the morning of the Gambling tournament. He is about of average hight, with dark hair that just covers his eye and reach the base of his neck. His skin is a bronze color. The most intriguing thing about him though, is his eyes, as they are golden.
"I've got a day burn before the Gold Goblin Gambling tournament.... Kazalin looks up at the blot in the sky wearily. I never did get use to seeing that, it just has bad news written all over it....Maybe the Cyphermages have found something out about it. Kazalin goes the the local library.
For James's eyes only please
So the Cyphermages no nothing more than we do....Gah! I spent all this time here for nothing..... Kazalin returns the information he found to the proper location before he leaves the library. Making his way through town he continues to seek out information on The Blot, asking anyone who will take the time to speak with him.
Eventually Kazalin arrives at the temple dedicated to Desna. By the time he arrives at the temple the sun has gone down, and the stars are out. He pauses at the door on his way through. For the first time ever, he places a few gold coins in the offering dish.
No one is in the temple...
He walks to the alter in the middle of the temple.
While Kazalin claims to worship Desna, he has never been in one of her temples. Tonight, the night before the Golden Goblin Tournament begins, this all changes. Kneeling before her alter, he utters a prayer "Hear me Desna! I've have traveled far, selling my sword to the highest bidder but always for just cause. I have always followed the tenants taught to me by your priestess, Anca. Now i pray for a favor of you. I wish to wander no more. I kneel ere before you to ask your for your favor upon me, that Saul may see me for what I am, a man worth hiring. Let him see me this way that I may remain in Riddleport with Anca for the rest of our days!"
When he has finished his prayer he rises, and exists the temple.
With his prayer to the goddess of the stars finished, he heads to the temple's roof, where he knows he'll find Anca. "I knew I'd find you up here, starring at the stars."
Gather Rumor check for James
Anca: The stars are so pretty this time of year. One day I will travel and see all the different constellations. You will travel with me, my love. I have been hired by a ship to bring the blessing of Desna upon their vessel that they may arrive safely to their destination, Magnimar. You should join me. I am worried for your safety should the Blot be something more than we expect. I feel the desire to travel now more than i ever have before, as if Desna is warming me to leave.
At first Kazalin is in dismay from the news Anca told him. But he quickly pulls himself together. When do you leave? I have already dedicated myself to the Golden Goblin tomorrow. Perhaps, though, in Magnimar I will be find the life I want for us, where no one knows of my life as a mercenary. But you must at least allow me to participate in the tournament tomorrow. When do you leave? Kazalin waits for Anca's answer. Very well. Pray to your goddess, that I get or don't get this job, but I wont have the fact that I am not fully awake tomorrow cause me to lose out on this chance." He kisses Anca. "Wish me luck tomorrow darling"
On his way back home he again blows a kiss to Anca from the ground, where she is still watching the stars.
Anca: I leave at dawn tomorrow. I'm sorry I will be unable to celebrate in your success tomorrow, which I am sure there will be plenty of. I know not how long I will be gone. Goodbye, my love.
Zoft a instrumental performer for local inns seems to go from town to town. When he heard of the Order of Cyphers his face lit up like a bon fire with glee and raced to town looking a for a local tavern to entertain at listening for stories and possibly a way to join. He tried to change the instrument every night. Which in his favor gave him respect from the locals for his talents. He would hear great stories from time to time and local gossip about the order that they are looking for help. Sadly realizing he hasn't learned much about magic and can only identify simple magic weapons and a few tricks. He now trains himself till he feels worthy.
I like your backstory Jay, but I have some questions about your ability scores.
*I am literally as dashing as my portrait suggests*
Note: Average height with a small trim goatee and flamboyant magician robes.
In confident stride, I enter the tavern, scanning about looking for those less assured of themselves; the primary targets of my craft.
As I enter the Golden Goblin, I acknowledge the halted footsteps behind me. I turn, still holding the door open and say "It's a nice conversation piece, isn't it," watching Kazalin look unto the sky.
Just inside the main doors, two sultry beauties scantily clad and
wearing faux bat wings, devil horns, and tails play the part of
alluring succubi. Both are employees of the Gold Goblin, and
they cheerfully register contestants for the tournament and
process entry fees. Armed guards stand nearby to either side of
an immense treasure chest into which each patron’s entry fee is
added. The guards are on hand to not only protect the money,
but to prevent any overzealous admirers from trying to dare the
infamous touch of a succubus.
Beyond the registration table is the hall’s game floor. Dozens
of gamblers, waitresses dressed as succubi, and bouncers mill
about the room, wandering amid tables offering various games
while dealers shuffle cards, roll dice, and spin wheels. Moving
through this throng are a dozen more of the barely clad, batwinged
vixens serving drinks and batting coal-black eyelashes
flirtatiously for tips. In the center of the chamber is a short
podium atop which sits a massive gold chest affixed to the floor
by similarly gaudy chains. On either side of it stands a barechested
bouncer in the exotic garb of some foreign sultan’s
court. Each stands with muscled arms crossed over his chest
and with a naked scimitar of prodigious size tucked through
his waistband. High above them, from the hall’s cloth-draped ceiling, hangs a brass birdcage within which crouches a small,
bat-winged, pointy-tailed devilish creature that sulks as it gazes
over the room and occasionally rattles the bars threateningly.
Here is the document that you are asked to sign before you are allowed to enter. It also asks for a 1 GP fee for entry.
I, ________________________ , do hereby sacrifice my immortal soul and the worldly sum of 10 pieces of silver to the Devil to hold in escrow against his own stake of 10,000 silver coins in the gambling tournament being held at the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall of Riddleport on this Oathday, 14th day of Arodus, 4708 ar. I understand that my soul will be placed on deposit in the Hells’ deepest pit of Nessus. Furthermore, I understand that all winnings shall be catalogued in concordance of souls, to be represented by teeth, eyes, and hearts of the damned. By participating in the gambling tournament and beginning in the first pit of Avernus, my winnings shall earn my way deeper through the Hells on the following schedule: Dis—1 gold eye Erebus—3 gold eyes and a Badge of Dis Phlegethon—5 gold eyes and a Badge of Erebus Stygia—10 gold eyes and a Badge of Phlegethon Malebolge—25 gold eyes and a Badge of Stygia Cocytus—50 gold eyes and a Badge of Malbolge Caina—75 gold eyes and a Badge of Cocytus Nessus—100 gold eyes and a Badge of Caina I understand that if I should lose my stake in the tournament I shall receive the Devil’s Mark and my soul shall be cast upon the rocks on the shore of the River Styx. I understand that if I elect to cash in my winnings before reaching the pit of Nessus I shall forfeit my soul and 50% of the cash value of my winnings for said early departure. If I am the first player to reach Nessus, then I am granted the redemption of my soul and the right to Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold in addition to collecting my winnings. In such a circumstance, all other players shall receive the Devil’s Mark and forfeit their souls. This is I do swear.
Witnessed by: __Old Scratch
about 2,500 feet and appears to be roughly 250
feet long by 130 feet wide.
"yes....yes it is." I've been trying to figure it out for sometime now but to no avail. Do you know anything about it?" Kazalin responds to the magician.
In response to the paper we are too sign, Kazalin doesn't even finish reading, "is there perhaps a different contract I may sign? One that doesn't sell my soul to a devil?"
"Well, that's a lot to take in, although it certainly doesn't hurt my eyes," Uleoraque says aloud with a chuckle. "I'll take my leave then stranger." Uleoraque lets the door shut on Kazalin and walks further into the tavern to spectate on some gambling, until he is confronted with the document. "Heavens to Hells that's a lot of writing for a bank-note if I've ever read one. Might as well sign it," Uleoraque signs the paper, pays up, and walks in to spectate on some gambling.
Uleoraque turns to acknowledge the inquisition, quickly before wandering off. "All I tend to know about anomalies like that kid, is what people tell me."
The succubi holding the contract looks confused and a little startled. Two bigger men behind her begin to walk over.
I'm sorry sir but that's Mr. Vancaskerkin orders. If you don't sign I'm going to have to ask you to leave.
As Uleoraque spectates, he sees nothing unusual. Just a bunch of people gambling. The chip counter is at the back of the building. the price for each chip are listed in the contract(in case you forget their value).
Uleoraque turns around and begins walking toward the succubi. He puts a hand on her shoulder and casts Charm Person. "Don't you remember, he was on the guest list!"
Picking up on what the Magician is up too, Kazalin begins to play along, "That's right. I'm a friend of Sauls, he asked me to attended today, unfortunately I lost the invitation."
"It would be most foolish to turn him down and disappoint your employer by refusing one of his personally invited guests... in my opinion.
By this time the two burly looking men reach the counter. Is there a problem here? one of the men ask.
Yes there is. the succubi replies. This man is trying to gain entry but i cannot seem to find the guest list anywhere!
Mr. Vancaskerkin said he wants EVERYone to sign. Burly man #1 replies We aren't tolerating any trouble makers tonight. Agree to the rules or leave.
"No," Uleoraque thinks to himself, [i]"I already have a charmed slut in here, no reason to burn my ass on that stick in the mud."
Kazalin throws up his hands, "Very well I'll sign, but I'll make sure that Saul hears about this when I next see him!"
You're holding up the line. Either sign the damn paper or get the hell out. Your choice. replies burly guy #1
Kazalin signs.
Speaking to the maid, Uleoraque assures that the guards' intrusion wasn't her fault. Uleoraque ponders Kazalin's strange behavior.
"I guess I'll never know, and I'll probably never care"
As the windows begin darkening with twilight, several
gamehall employees enter, carrying torches shaped like
pitchforks skewering burning heads made of straw
and cloth to light several large braziers,
giving the hall a more infernal hue. A hush
falls over the gathered crowd as a short
man climbs to the central podium,
accompanied by two gorgeous
“succubi,” and stands before the gold,
chain-shrouded chest there with a
demoness on either side. He wears a
formal suit, and his thinning black
hair is slicked back. His left arm
ends in a stump just above the
wrist, and affixed to it is a bronze
cap from which protrudes an
oddly shaped key. This is Saul
Vancaskerkin, the owner of the
Gold Goblin and host of the
tournament. He bows before
the crowd and clears his throat
before speaking.
Uleoraque gratifies himself for not using Disguise Self.
“Welcome, one and all, to the
Gold Goblin Gambling Hall and
your chance to cheat the Devil
and win back not only your soul
but all of his gold as well.” He
says this last as he pats the large
chest before which he stands. “I
hope you found your reception
by the Devil’s lovely temptresses
suitably entertaining.”
This is met by a general murmur of laughter and a few catcalls.
“Let’s take this moment to thank Old Scratch himself for
attending this event. Not only did he loan us these lovely, dark
angels, but he also emptied the deepest vaults of Hell itself to
provide the gold for this tournament.”
With this, Saul directs the crowd’s attention up to the
imp in the birdcage. At the sudden attention, Old Scratch
flies into a flurry of rage, banging the cage bars, spitting,
howling, and screaming vile epithets in Infernal at all
assembled. His theatrics are received with guffaws and
even a smattering of applause. As the crowd dies down,
Vancaskerkin continues.
“Of course, he plans on replacing what he loses in gold with
the souls of those of you who don’t win. The tournament rules
are quite simple—as you play, you’ll earn more chips. And with
those chips, you’ll be able to bribe your way out of the current
Hell you’re trapped in, working your way down deeper until
you get to Old Scratch’s treasury. Currently, all of you are Old
Scratch’s prisoners in the first of the Hells, Avernus. If you want
to work your way down to the ninth circle, you need to win
games. Each time you win, you’ll be awarded a golden
eye. If you come in second, you’ll get a silver tooth.
And third place wins a copper heart. These bits
of flesh and bone are what the devils use in Hell
for currency, and they’re what you’ll need to pay
in order to bribe your way into the next layer
of hell. The first player to win a game after
reaching Nessus not only keeps his winnings
for that game, but also earns back his soul and
the ten thousand silver coins that the Devil
put up for this tournament. You can, of
course, decide to cash out your winnings
at any time you want, but if you do, or
if you run out of money entirely… well,
that means Old Scratch gets you.”
Vancaskerkin grins evilly and the
caged imp cuts loose with another
profane tirade. “And that earns you the
Devil’s Mark and an escort out of the
game hall until the tournament is over.
What, you ask, exactly is this Devil’s
Mark? Well, it’s something too utterly
horrible to even contemplate. The
forfeiture of your very soul, it is. But I
suppose I can show you what it is—
gods know I more than deserve
the Devil’s Mark. In fact, better
make it two, girls!”
With that, the two succubi
accompanying him lean over
and each firmly plants a
kiss on Saul’s cheek with her ruby-red lips. When they pull away,
their lip rouge has left clearly visible prints in the same shocking
red on his cheeks. Saul beams as he cries out, “The Devil’s
Mark, everyone!” which is greeted by a flurry of shouts, catcalls,
and hoots. “Now, let’s cheat the Devil and take his gold!” which
prompts one more rabid flurry from the imprisoned fiend
above, and with that, the tournament begins.
"Thank you for your assistance back there" Kazalin extends a hand toward the mage. "I am Kazalin
"No trouble. My name is Uleoraque, just call me Ule"
chips color cost
Copper Heart Dull red 1 cp
Silver Tooth Dull gray 1 sp
Gold Eye Dull gold 1 gp
"very well Ule." Kazalin looks up at the imp. "Is that a real devil up there? I knew I shouldn't have sold my soul over....." Kazalin looks pale for a moment, but then quickly regains his self. "Well I guess I have to win it back. Good luck Ule. .......May Desna smile on your fortune." Kazalin seems hesitant with his blessing, but he shakes Ules hand and begins to gamble.
Kazalin decides to start out small and bet only 1 silver.
After Kazalin's failed round of gambling, Uleoraque visibly strains to think for a moment. He paces around the table that Kazalin is gambling at, shadowing a crowd of passersby as best he can. "Excuse me sir!" Uleoraque addresses Kazalin yet again, then whispers in his ear "I believe this tournament could go well for us, assuming we each play our part... and you seem honest... enough."