The dagger radiates as magickal, of several schools, the strongest being Transmutation.
An inconspicuous looking man in simple garb enters the tavern, going straight for the bar "An ale please." Hmm, bar as one in of many, at least whoever asked for me isn't as stupid as that merchant who invited me to his house in open day.
Once he has his drink he shortly sniffes at it and while taking a first sip starts to muster the other patrons.
The man under the hood makes no movement to stop her as she takes a sip, though the drink she has picked up is a very strong whiskey, straight up, and likely tastes awful to her unless she has already developed a taste for whiskey.
"Tabby, huh? I'll remember that," the man replies. Once again, it's as if he hasn't spoken at all, and the wind is carrying his voice to her.
When she indicates her desire to mark one of the players, the man chuckles a bit. "Were you not paying attention? We are all here because of our skills, but more than that. I'm willing to bet everyone in this room is a thief or a brute, and the personality that goes along with that is greedy, selfish, and cruel. If they catch you, they'll end you. It's not worth the risk, in my opinion."
TAbby leans in as close as he will allow
Its the risk that makes it worth while
Atbby takes the risk and kisses him on the cheek.
Tabby finishes the drink Darkstalker had purchased and begins to circle the room around the card game taking in the personalities of all the players. taking note of those that make eye contact with her.
Rupert tsks as Cairn folds. "Tonight's not your night, eh Cairn? Or maybe it's just not your game." Pulling in another pot, he picks up the deck to deal. "Cheer up! It's starting to look like a Wealday afternoon for you. If you've got no hand of your own, why don't you use hers?" He jerks his chin to indicate the fetching young woman causing the commotion between a half-orc and a very drunk-looking dwarf mere feet away from the table. He gives another half-grin as she catches his eye. "Miss, my friend here needs a hand or two; his are a bit clumsy tonight. Care to help him out?"
Seeing his opportunity once again, Rupert attempts to stack the deck. However, the glint of the bloody-looking dagger catches his eye and startles him. He loses his grip and drops the cards. He laughs and tries to play it off. "Hmm, looks like mine are a bit clumsy too." Looking up to address the woman again, he cocks an eyebrow to match his sly grin. "Maybe when you've finished helping him, you can take some time off work and come play with me."
"I dress to impress... men will smile and nod and give you anything you want as long as you look pretty enough. They wouldn't even notice when I take out a dagger and cut off their manhood and feed it to my crow" Her words are said to slightly startle the elf, and to emphasis her point Chaos caws loudly at Castieen. Natalia smiles at her jest.
Castieen simply moves his wine glass in a small circular pattern, hoping to stir up a bit more of the body of the wine before he takes another drink."It seems we're cut from the same stock. As long as you look enticing enough, fodder let their guard down. It's true for men and women alike. That being said I'm impressed, but I'm not fodder." his eyebrows arch high for a moment as he tilts his head slightly, and gives Natalia a well meaning wink. He locks eyes with the bird when it caws, with the look of a caged beast observing a caged songbird, it is unclear if the look is one of pity, hunger, or both- but it's altogether unsettling.
Castieen lets his actions betray his controlled exterior for a moment and his strong features show obvious surprise." Well it seems you impressed our hosts. Cheers." He finishes rather dryly, and refreshes his palette with a last gulp of the dark red wine. He smiles widely once Natalia slams the dagger into the table, obviously entertained.
"Barkeep where's that damn other bottle of wine!" He exclaims over the general murmur of the tavern. a young human barmaiden arrives moments later with the bottle in hand. The girl was no older than 17 or 18 if Castieen was the type to guess and she was obviously frightened. Castieen smiled a knowing smile and took the bottle from the girls hand while slipping her a gold piece. He let his long fingers linger and brush softly against the girls arm for a half of a moment, His dark eyes meeting her bright blue irises in stark contrast." Thank you dear,you may go now." He assured her politely as her face went from that of fear to bewitched by the elf's angular good looks. As if pulled from it suddenly, the girl's already ruddy complexion blushed slightly and she nodded and scampered off.
He takes this opportunity to stand and move to Lady Natalia's table, fortune favors the bold, he figured. He refills his glass on the commute over and notices Natalia's empty glass. " Perhaps in moving closer, I'll make myself that much easier to watch Madam." He jests as he busies himself with refilling her empty glass. His eyes turn to the half orc who lingers close." And perhaps this man want's to join us. The wine is yours should you wish to join us, I see no glass or I would fill it up myself friend. " His movements and words seem dual natured, said in such a way that seems oddly friendly and entirely off putting. As he sets his eyes briefly make contact with the Half elf female who was formerly setting with the small cloaked figure at the bar. He gives her a gracious nod and watches her with curious intent for a moment longer before returning his eyes across the table to lady Natalia and her newly filled glass." I suppose it's a wise choice to be so distrusting in a place full of miscreants. Perhaps the knives chose you for such discrepancy."
"Son second thought, I dun car about your name. I need some air!" Ranus stumbles from the bar to the street outside. Once there he ducks into the nearest alley and discards Ragar's purse somewhere hidden. He puts the gold in with his own. He then wipes the vomit from his beard. Bah. 10 gold for all that work? Better go back and see if there's anymore softies. He goes back into the Shadowed Dragon, resuming his act of drunkenness.
He stumbles over to a semi-open area of the pub and says loudly "Who wannsh ta 'restle?" cracking his knuckles and looking around to see if there are any takers. Lets see how tough these other bruisers are...
Natalia looks to the class of wine, "I'm afraid I only drink Irrisen Ice Wine, everything else is too warm for my tastes." She grasps the blood knife and removes it from the table. She continues to hold it and turns it over in her hands. She snaps her fingers and Chaos, her crow, returns to his master and perches on her shoulder. He fans out his wings slightly.
She looks back to Castieen with a slight sneer, "I'm afraid you are slightly wrong. We are very different. I pride myelf on knowing as many people in the underworld as I can, and our motives and tact are the similar, but our methods and morales are very different. Something you will learn one day..."
Castieen lets out an alarming chuckle, and cuts it off abruptly as he snaps his head back at the crow. At first it is a face of cool determination, not unlike that of a jungle cat about to pounce. This slowly turns into a sneer as he levels his eye on the untouched glass of wine and then finally, obviously with some effort, to a slender smile. His left hand lashes out effortlessly from beneath airy folds of silken sleeve. The glass had shattered on the ground half way across the tavern by the time his hand had returned to his person and he had composed himself." To hell with the wine then. I couldn't tell you the last time it tasted good honestly... although i certainly don't mind the warmer tastes. It's a shame for you to limit your palette in such a way." the elf declares coldly and takes a sip of the wine from his own glass. " One learns very little of motives and tact in under an hour. Methods and morale are things shown in action, Perhaps someday you will learn not to judge so quickly." He offers, perhaps with a fleeting moment of genuine kindness." But i'm sure it's an effective defense mechanism, and you're the one holding the blood kniife, so by all means, have another glass of your ice wine, Enjoy the brief time we have while our blood is inside our veins dear, cheers."
Natalia leans back in her chair with a satisfied look on her face. She looks at the blood knife in her hand and resists the urge to plummet it into the chest of the elf. She's not one for personal violence preferring to work through others, but it would be even more satisfing then making the elf reveil a true part of himself.
"We must always remember to wear our mask, especially in a place like this..."
Satisfied with the assistance she has provided Rupert she turns her attention to Lady Natalia. During the commotion between the dwarf and the half-Orc she casts message and sends a silent message to her friend: Are you ok?
As Sweet watches the elf throw the glass across the room, she grits her teeth. For the first time since enterring the Shadowed Dragon, the charm has left her face.
Ragar reaches down, and he immediately realizes that someone in here stole his pouch. He grows irate, but not so much to realize that it must have been the drunk dwarf after he left the bar. He was the only one to touch him, besides the sweet little lady.
The dwarf blunders back into the bar, looking for a tussle.
Name's Ragar, and I believe you have something of mine dwarf! I will gladly force it out of you, fool!
Ragar rises to his full height and approaches the dwarf, staring down at the drunken thief.
Intimidate:
Castieen watches Natalia glance at the the dagger with murderous intent and can't help but laugh, albeit briefly."Masks are well and good, but I have nothing to hide here. Our tall mysterious friend who gifted you with the dagger made sure of that." He allows his eyes to trail off to the blonde female who has kept an eye towards Lady Natalia and offers her a smug smirk." Everyone gathered here has blood on their hands in one way or another. You're among peers, no need to be ashamed of what it is that you are, take pride in it, your maleficence ." He finishes with a winning smile and turns his attention to the dwarf and half-orc" It seems there is even some entertainment scheduled for the night. Three gold pieces on the firemaned half orc!"
It would seem oppurtunity has presented itself in new ways.
as the testoerone lays thick seeing the half orc and dwarf about to square off.
Tabby steps up to the pair
If there is a bout to be a match then you will most definately need a ref, or if you prefer, a ring girl. now if you two would come together we discuss the rules.
she put her arms around each and pulls them closer and whispers I never really cared for rules
After some time Thiran can't help but notice the group of people gathered in one corner and overhears some of their conversation. It seems I'm far from the only one invited here today.
He starts to approach the group just as the big guy and the dwarf seem to be getting into a brawl. Some of them seem to be far from subtle, talking about such things in the open. Well, that can't be helped.
"I would hold that bet if you have no problem to open the pot to a stranger. And if you dare to, I would even raise my bet to ten gold pieces."
When Sweet sees the satisfied look on Lady Natalia's face, the hardness wears off and the charm returns.
She capers around Rupert to the far side of the table. As she passes behind him, she brushes the back of his neck lightly with the tips of her fingers. She stops less than a foot off his left side still resting her hand on his shoulder.
Why that is just what I was thinking? We would make a pretty good team.
She continues watching the game while keeping a sharp eye on the elf next to Lady Natalia.
Sweet looks at the hand Rupert is holding and thinks to herself Ah...he is bluffing She raises her eyebrows in excitement for his fabulous hand and then acts like she just realized she gave away the nuts to the others.
Bluff:
The Darkstalker blinks in genuine surprise when she kisses him and smirks as she walks off. "Damn, that kitten has claws. I'd better watch out for her." Glancing at the bartender, the Darkstalker rolls his eyes and slides another handful of coins across the counter. The bartender apologetically refills his drink.
"I would hold that bet if you have no problem to open the pot to a stranger. And if you dare to, I would even raise my bet to ten gold pieces."
Castieen entertains a smile, quirking slightly at one corner at the betting man's leering eyes."Well hell, ten it is friend." He declares, tipping his glass in his direction
Ragar continues to look menancingly down on Ranus, bearing his potruding fangs in a low growl and holding his fists clenched in anticipation of the Dwarf's next action.
Grrrrrrrr.....
Thiran gets himself a chair and leans back "However our small bet may end, this promises to be entertaining."
Ragar reaches down, and he immediately realizes that someone in here stole his pouch. He grows irate, but not so much to realize that it must have been the drunk dwarf after he left the bar. He was the only one to touch him, besides the sweet little lady.
The dwarf blunders back into the bar, looking for a tussle.
Name's Ragar, and I believe you have something of mine dwarf! I will gladly force it out of you, fool!
Ragar rises to his full height and approaches the dwarf, staring down at the drunken thief.
Intimidate: 1d20+8
As Kyrani speaks up, Ranus says "Don' need no ref! First one pinned loses!" He does not allow her to touch him. He turns back to Ragar. Wow, this guy is pretty big. Hope this wasn't a mistake.
"I dun have nothin' o yours, but if you think you can take Ghostbeard yer a fooooool." he says dribbling a bit. He rushes at Ragar with a sudden roar, his 'drunken' stumble conspicuously absent.
Initiative:
You are up!
As the two alpha males square off against each other, another ruby encrusted dagger lands right in between the feet of Kyrani, sticking into the floor. Its evident the Half-Elf has been chosen.
After aiding him in winning yet another hand, Sweet moves behind Rupert and places both hands on his shoulders.
As the scuffle begins to break out across the bar, she slowly leans forward (sliding her hands down Rupert's chest) and rests her chin on his left shoulder. She turns her head slightly and whispers in his ear (intentionally bumping his ear lobe softly with her lip ring), I got 10 on the half orc IF you are interested in some action..
She pauses for a minute and then continues. By the way, the name is Sweet.
She stays leaned over now resting her elbows on his shoulder awaiting his response.
Natalia pays no attention to the brawl, but notices the second dagger appear with some interest. She exampines Kyrani and wonders why she was chosen. She pounders this to herself as the brawl continues
well now that is interesting
Tabby look about the room a bit to see if there is any sign of the blade's origin.
not really expecting to find anything she picks up the dagger a heads back to her seat at the bar next to Darkstalker. Now completely ignoreing the combatants.
appears I have been chosen she whispers to him maybe I can put a word in for you as well would love to have you at my side she tells him with a gentle touch of his arm. and a glimmer of comassion in her eyes.
Natalia sighs in fustration at the exchange between the two "love birds". If both of them get chosen, I swear I may either kill them both or commit suicide from the touchy feelings
Rupert scoops in yet another pot as the woman drapes herself over him. The hair on the back of his neck stands up as she whispers in his ear and he chuckles. "Why, yes it is." He looks appraisingly toward the brawl starting up and looks up at Sweet over his shoulder. [B]"I'm always interested in action. I'll match that bet with ten on the dwarf. Drunks don't know when to quit, and so they never do. Even half-orcs have enough wits to know when it's been had." Scooping his winnings into a purse, Rupert stands and winks at Cairn. "Looks like it's my Wealday afternoon this time, mate. But I'll pay you for the privilege." He flips a gold coin across the table to the man and makes for a better place to watch the night's entertainment. Undoubtedly I've been marked, but for what? It may be fun to find out, but half the pleasure's in the mystery. And all of the danger. Holding his arm out to escort the lady, he gestures toward the roaring brawlers. "Shall we?
Sweet takes the gentleman's arm and follows him to a spot with a better view of the fight. As she passes by Lady Natalia at the bar, she points and mouths (still using message), So are we having fun yet? and then Congratulations on the dagger
A young boy walks into the bar with a backpack and a rolled up piece of paper in his hand. He seems taken aback by the fight in progress but them seems to remember his purpose. He looks around for someone who might be in charge. and decides the motherly looking lady at the bar holding a blood red knife might yield results. He shuffles over meagerly.
Excuse me lady...do you know where I can find the leader of the Blood Knives. I've...I've got this message for them. Could you help me find the leader?
As soon as the hooded man realizes Tabby is coming towards him, he rests one hand protectively over his drink. She looks at him expectantly, and he sighs with exasperation. "Well, good for you," he says honestly, nodding at her dagger. "Appears your bold nature is impressing someone. Doesn't sound good for me then, though. I make a habit of not standing out."
"She sure is touchy-feely. I'd better make sure I have all my coins later..."
"You can call me The Darkstalker," he offers, turning his head to look at her. From beneath his hood, Tabby can only see two gleaming blue eyes, both of them centered on her. "If I get accepted, I'm looking forward to working with you."
Ranus glares at Ragar with the fury of a madman.
Then he grabs for the much larger man's knees...
...but Ragar is able to kick him off.
Once the two are done staring each other down and begin to wrestle he speaks up again, adressing not only the elf but most everyone nearby
"Well then, since we are sitting here together it seems only polite to introduce myself. My name is Thiran and I only recendly came to this fair city. Is there anything special going on here tonight or anything I should of about this place?"
Meanwhile he only keeps half his attention on the fight while once again mustering the room.
Natalia looks down at Alezzandro and wonders why a little boy would be invited to this gathering of murders, theives and purse snatchers.
Natalia shrugs at the kid with her cool demeanor. "I'm afraid you just missed him. He may show up again, just look for the man who appears out of no where and speaks ominously."
Ragar artfully tosses off the pesky dwarf, and in turn, attempts to get ahold of the little bugger.
Get over here thief!
Standard to Initiate Grapple:
Whispering to Rupert, From the looks of that, it must by MY wealday.
She chuckles and gives him a playful bump with her shoulder.
You ready to share some of the wealth you swindled from those poor suckers?
Lets see the dwarf get out of that.
Ragar artfully tosses off the pesky dwarf, and in turn, attempts to get ahold of the little bugger.
Get over here thief!
Standard to Initiate Grapple: 1d20+7-2
Unarmed Attacks
Striking for damage with punches, kicks, and head butts is much like attacking with a melee weapon, except for the following:
Attacks of Opportunity: Attacking unarmed provokes an attack of opportunity from the character you attack, provided she is armed. The attack of opportunity comes before your attack. An unarmed attack does not provoke attacks of opportunity from other foes, nor does it provoke an attack of opportunity from an unarmed foe.
An unarmed character can't take attacks of opportunity (but see "Armed" Unarmed Attacks, below).
Gripped tightly by the half-orc, Ranus attempts to headbutt his way into dominance of the grapple.
Rupert is taken aback. With mock indignation, he exclaims, "Swindled? Madame, you impugn my honor! The disreputable gentlemen with whom I associate are well-aware of the rules of the game, and I cheated them out of it fairly." Relaxing again, he gives Sweet a sideways look and a smile. "I suppose I did have some help, though. Perhaps you deserve some compensation...?"
Pin Attempt: 1d20+7-2
Sweet smiles slyly at Rupert's comments.
You were pretty good over there.
At the missed head butt-Oh s+%~, come on Ragar. Momma needs a new pair of shoes.
After the dwarf fails to gain an advantage, Sweet lets out a sound of relief. She is obviously more into this fight than an average female would be. Shifting in her seat with each attack.
As it seems no one else wants to introduce him oder herself Thiran turns back to his betting partner and tries to get a conversation starting
"It seems your man is indeed winning, maybe I underestimated his larger size and powerfull build. Well you can't win every time, it's better to loose a small bet than something" He makes a short pause, tilting his head once to each side "else."
Natalia growls at the shouts and grunts of the group around the pair of men wrestling. She gets up from her seat, her cold demenor still in place. She pushes aside a few of the observants to come face to face with both assailants.
"If your both done displaying the sizes of your manhood to each other, you should knock it off, now! Obviously this display hasn't gotten you one of these!!!!" She holds up the golden blood knife to both Ranus and Ragar and waits to see if they listen to her.
Thiran looks surprised at the sudden eruption Now that's certainly interesting. Does she know them or is she just annoyed of the noise? And she seems to have one of those knives.
He calls to her with an smile
"Let them drag it out, else none of them will shut up about how he would have totally won. He then adds with a lower voice to towards the Elf"Besides I don't want to loose my bet due to the big guy currently leading, no matter how dire the dwarf's chances may be"
Without looking towards the voice of the interrupter, she points the blood knife behind her, and points at Thiran with it. Her message is clear from the geasture. Don't Interrupt
Well, someone's certainly angry there, whatever the actual reason may be. Or very confident of her abilities, interrupting a fight like that usually doesn't pay of.
He just shrugs and waits what'll happen next, signaling the barkeep to refill his ale.
Sweet shifts in her seat once again; this time readying an action in case anyone wants to test her friend, Lady Natalia.
Try something tiefling and I'll put an arrow in your eye socket.
Sweet has her hand resting on the bottom of "reaper", the masterwork shortbow strapped to her backpack, for quick access.