13th of Rova, 4708 AR
The setting Rova sun bathes Riddleport in a brilliant crimson glow, its light casting long shadows across the port’s myriad of crooked alleys and narrow side streets. With the light comes a sharp chill on the wind, bearing the scent of brine and pungent smoke from the Gas Forges. It is a time when Riddleports predators begin to rouse themselves and hunt—thugs take up cudgels in search of a mark to beat and rob, while more furtively-inclined folk move quickly and through the shadows in search of wealthier prey.
And others still prefer to let their prey come to them.
Sitting on the western edge of Riddleport’s Wharf District, a scant few streets from the waterfront and even fewer steps from several convenient alleyways, the Gold Goblin Casino’s doors are open and ready for new customers. Within, the drab colours and filthy avenues of the City of Cyphers give way to a riot of gold, red and brown—well-tended carpets, immaculately polished wood paneling and silken banners hung from the ceiling serve to distract one from the harsh reality they left behind. Standing at the casino’s threshold is an 8-foot tall statue of a golden goblin, its manic grin turned upwards toward the evening sky… towards the cloud of inky blackness hanging over the town like an ill omen.
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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, bat-winged 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.
Through an archway to the north of the gambling floor is the casino’s bar, The Goblin’s Tankard. With two bartenders on duty and a whole bevy of different liqueurs and other intoxicants on offer, the Tankard is currently seeing brisk business as the evening begins.
Alorea stops just inside the doors of the casino, taking in the elaborate decorations and fine furnishings adorning the gambling hall. "Ha! Now this is right up my alley! Shame the rest of Riddleport can't be as fabulous as this place!"
The sassy swashbuckler grins widely. Standing a hair shy of three feet tall, the dark-skinned halfling has curly brown hair, expressive eyes, and a curvaceous build. She wears maroon leathers over a brown blouse and leggings, which are slightly tattered and worn. A rapier hangs from her belt.
Alorea heads over to the half-dressed registrars, stepping up on a stool put there for the smaller folk. "Evening, loves. I'd like to sign up for the tourney, if you please."
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"Good gods Saul, how can you afford this?" Isabel mutters as she steps through the door. She stops in the middle of the hallway and pivots slowly, examining the decor, the staff and most importantly the fittings. A number of irritated patrons push past amid grumbling but Isabel continues to turn until a smile curves the corner of her mouth.
"Ah. That makes sense." She doesn't bother to explain what and just continues onwards into the casino proper. As she passes a couple of the 'succubi' she exchanges nods, as a patron of most of the cities casino's she knows a lot of the regular staff and quite a few of them are moonlighting here tonight.
She steps up towards the registrar, finding herself behind a halfling who is balancing on a stool.
"I'll sign up too." She says, "It's nice to see you Giorgi. How's the wife doing?"
The registrar, a comely pale girl with deep red hair and a smattering of freckles across her nose, gives Alorea a 'customer service' smile and offers her a sheet of paper from behind her stand.
It reads as follows...
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,
13th day of Rova, 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
She also pushes an inkpot and quill forward. "Just sign at the top and we can begin."
Giorgi, the shirtless, olive-skinned mountain of a bouncer by the door, gives you a nod. "Been coughing a bit lately, but otherwise same as always." He replies in his curt, rumbling manner.
"Dunno if I should be surprised to see you coming 'round."
Sorina enjoyed the last crimson rays, closing her eyes and letting a small kittenish smile play across her lips. Even with the chilly breeze, the priestess dressed in a fitted black shirt, the top handful of buttons left unbuttoned so her décolletage was on display and the cloth fitted to her graceful curves, accentuating them favourably. She wore black pants this evening - hugging the length of her long legs. Finishing the look with high black boots, Sorina left her long, wavy hair down, with only a few strands on each side picked up and braided in intricate weaves to show off her ears. Adding a dash of perfume to the base of her neck, cleavage and wrists - it was an alluring earthy scent which would not overpower her natural feminine scent, but elevate it. Beneath the shirt is the thin wooden carving of three daggers on a leather cord - the holy symbol of the Savored Sting. At her belt, Sorina has a knotted yellow silk scarf and her scorpion whip. In her boot, she hid her cold iron dagger. To her eyes she added kohl and smudged it for a sultry look, making the amber of her eyes brightly flare to life. Brushing her soft curls one last time to ensure the light would catch and shine off the soft brown strands, she readied herself (readying her pack) to leave the House of the Silken Veil and make her way to the Gold Goblin.
At the threshold, Sorina took in the tall golden goblin statue with the manic grin and she found it amusing. The tallest goblin I've ever seen, she private mused; mirth brightening her amber eyes before she caught sight of the inky black clouds hanging over the town and instantly sobered. Returning her gaze to the casino, she inwardly remarked, Such wealth openly displayed. What is your game, Saul?
The two faux-succubi registrars were an interesting touch and Sorina took her place behind the curvaceous Halfling and blonde Half-Elf. "Wonderful costumes," she complimented the two beauties, before adding "Good evening, my dark beauties. I'd like to be sign up for the tournament, if you please," Sorina's voice has a sultry raspy quality - part natural and part cultivated over the years of training at the House of the Silken Veil. She casts a long, lingering look at the armed guards just beyond the ladies; a small smile meeting them in quiet greeting.
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There's a loud clatter and the yowl of a startled cat from the alley across the street as a goblin tumbles onto the muddy cobblestones.
"HEY, WATCH WHERE YER GOIN' YOU STOOPID KITTY!" Eh-Acka Loudmouse shrieks, getting up and shaking her fist behind her.
She wipes some of the mud off her crudely-patched hauberk, which jingles as it hangs off her lanky, hungry form, and adjusts the cheap, black wig on her head. Then she checks behind her, breathing a sigh of relief as her hands find her instrument, safe and sound.
"Stoopid...could have broke it! Cats be worse than dogs sometimes, clawin' and bitin' and gettin' in the way!" She looks around to get her bearings and her eyes are immediately drawn to the impressive gold statue.
"Feh...so this be the place." She strides up to the entrance and sees a couple of longshanks standing in her way, along with a shorty on a stool. "HEY!" she barks. "WHAT'S THE HOLD-UP?!"
Alorea takes her time reading the contract. Having grown up in Korvosa, she knows all too well the dangers of real Infernal contracts. Fortunately, this seems to just be a parody. All in good fun.
The shrieking goblin behind her causes her to turn and scowl. ”Keep your panties on! You’ll have your turn soon enough!” She turns back and signs her name on the ‘contract,’ then passes the inkpot to the woman beside her. She then hops down off the stool.
She strides up to the entrance and sees a couple of longshanks standing in her way, along with a shorty on a stool. "HEY!" she barks. "WHAT'S THE HOLD-UP?!"
Hearing a shrill voice behind her, Sorina turned around and then looked down upon the excitable goblin, one brow arched, "Eager are we, little greenskin? Careful of the scowling halfling, lest you lose your tongue, my feisty friend." Mischief glinted in Sorina's amber eyes before she winked at the goblin. How fun it would be to watch the small ones fight one another under the looming golden goblin. Then she cast a furtive glance at the nearby casino bodyguards and inwardly sighed. They would never allow it. What a shame.
Sorina turned to see the halfling had finished her business with the registars, and, as the woman before her moved forward, so did she.
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Giorgi, the shirtless, olive-skinned mountain of a bouncer by the door, gives you a nod. "Been coughing a bit lately, but otherwise same as always." He replies in his curt, rumbling manner.
"Dunno if I should be surprised to see you coming 'round."
"Why wouldn't I be here?" Isabel replies with an easy smile. "You know me, I love a good high stakes game. Do you have any idea how boring it is being a paperpusher? All scratch-scratch and those stuck up officers yelling when you spell something wrong. I need to blow off steam as much as the rest of you!"
She reads the contract over the halfling's shoulder, not a difficult task, and signs her own copy with easy penmanship just as a rather attractive woman joins in to sign up herself. Isabel steps back and is taking a moment to appreciate the other woman when a cacophony kicks up between a goblin of all things and the halfling who had just joined the tournament. She glances at Grigori and makes a slight gesture towards the brewing scuffle as if to say 'Look at how much fun you get!' before returning her attention to calistrian.
"That tongue of yours is going to get you in trouble if you aren't careful." She says, a grin curving the corners of her lips. "And no, they'll never let a real fight break out. But I might be able to offer you some other entertainment this evening, to make up for taking your coin." The calistrians have sex appeal down to an art, one that Isabel has never really studied, but if there's one thing she does know it's that confidence is sexy and she has plenty of reason to be confident.
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A tall, cherry-haired half-elf woman joins the queue, not dolled up nearly as much as the other women in attendance - looking rather plain by comparison without makeup and a dull-colored, practical outfit. Erileth smiles cheerfully at the others as she walks up - this should be a fun evening if nothing else!
"This the line to sign up? Can't wait to test my luck!" she asks, grinning. When it comes her turn in line, she frowns at the ominous-sounding contract, but reasons it's gotta be all for show. She signs her name at the top in a steady hand.
"That tongue of yours is going to get you in trouble if you aren't careful." She says, a grin curving the corners of her lips. "And no, they'll never let a real fight break out. But I might be able to offer you some other entertainment this evening, to make up for taking your coin." The calistrians have sex appeal down to an art, one that Isabel has never really studied, but if there's one thing she does know it's that confidence is sexy and she has plenty of reason to be confident.
Had the other half-elven woman read her mind regarding the fighting smalls? Perhaps my expression gave it away. Sorina chastised herself for a moment before letting a slow smile spread across her bow-shaped mouth.
She took a step closer to the woman. "My tongue can be careful. Yet, I'm certain someone would prefer its unrepentant mischief." Sorina reached out and twined a loose strand of woman's blonde hair around her long, tapered finger. "I do enjoy entertainment. If I'm to forgo coin, I will be recompensed to ease my...aching loss. To the victor go the spoils..." Sorina's voice became raspier as her words weaved a less-than-subtle seduction.
Letting her finger slowly slide from the curl, Sorina reached the table, read the contract and signed her name in beautiful, flourishing penmanship.
"This the line to sign up? Can't wait to test my luck!" she asks, grinning. When it comes her turn in line, she frowns at the ominous-sounding contract, but reasons it's gotta be all for show. She signs her name at the top in a steady hand.
"There must be some jest about three half-elven women standing in line...," a soft, husky laugh escaped her lips, winking at both women.
The cherry-haired one looks guileless. I wonder if it is an act, Sorina privately contemplated.
"Let us hope we all have a good evening. Luck can be a fickle mistress...", she answered the newest half-elf entrant.
The registrars offer contracts to the other women as they approach the stand (with the two of them looking quite incredulously at the little goblin for a moment) before gesturing for them to step inside. "May fortune favour your souls, darlings." The redheaded one says with a little grin.
The bouncer, Giorgi, looks down at Eh-Acka with a curt glare. "Don't you start any trouble, now. I get word that you're raising a ruckus, you're outta here."
"I can do more with my tongue than all of you longshanks!" Eh-Acka replies, sticking it out at the two half-elves, not seeing the third one come up behind her. When Erileth asks if this is the line, Eh-Acka gives her a confused look.
"Sign up? Trouble? I'm here to sing an' play my wheely-fiddle! This here 'Gold Goblin' needs a REAL goblin!"
She emphasizes her point by pulling her hurdy-gurdy around to her front and starting to crank it, the strings stirring to life. She plays a few notes and is surprisingly not terrible.
"May fortune favour your souls, darlings." The redheaded one says with a little grin.
Noting the red-head's discomfort, Sorina inwardly smirked. She wouldn't last long in the House of the Silken Veil.
"Thank you, my flame-haired beauty. Keep up the good work."
Sorina heard the bouncer's words to the loud-mouthed goblin and she instinctively knew the greenskin would ignore the warning. And right on cue, the goblin began playing her music and Sorina simply laughed, again.
Once she finishes her little impromptu performance, Eh-Acka looks up expectantly at the bouncer, Giorgi.
"Well? Whadaya think? You hirin'? I can sing too!"
She took a step closer to the woman. "My tongue can be careful. Yet, I'm certain someone would prefer its unrepentant mischief." Sorina reached out and twined a loose strand of woman's blonde hair around her long, tapered finger. "I do enjoy entertainment. If I'm to forgo coin, I will be recompensed to ease my...aching loss. To the victor go the spoils..." Sorina's voice became raspier as her words weaved a less-than-subtle seduction.
Alorea chuckles as she overhears the conversation. ”Well, sweet-cheeks, I guess that the spoils are gonna be mine, cause I intend to be the victor! See you ladies at the tables!”
The halfling bows with a flourish, then dashes off to find the nearest game and start gambling!
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Isabel offers the red-headed registrar a rather more genuine smile of sympathy as she moves on, having threaded her arm through the calistrians so that they walk together.
"So, is there a name to go with the mischievous tongue?" She asks, "I'd like to know what I should be screaming later. I'm Isabel, by the way, although when I win I'll be expecting you to call me Mistress."
Eh-Acka continues asking Giorgi questions, holding up the hurdy-gurdy.
"Isn't this thing cool?! The guy who I got it from threw it away as he was runnin' from some big, mean longshanks! Why would you wanna get rid of somethin' that makes such pretty music?! I saved it an' then I taught myself how to play!"
The halfling's faith in her categorical success this night made Sorina smile and she inclined her head as the woman dashed off to the nearest table. The goblin continued playing her instrument before the bouncer as the blonde beauty threaded her arm with hers. This is already turning into an interesting evening, Sorina inwardly remarked.
"So, is there a name to go with the mischievous tongue?" She asks, "I'd like to know what I should be screaming later. I'm Isabel, by the way, although when I win I'll be expecting you to call me Mistress."
She let out a low, seductive laugh; aroused by the the blonde's boldness; her amber eyes flaring brighter. "Isabel." She let the name slide off her tongue in a beguiling manner. "I am Sorina, but some call me Rin. And, you wish to play at Mistress? Then, perhaps, I will allow it, or, show you how it is done," a warm smile graced her lips before her tongue peeked out to lick her bottom lip, making it dewy.
"Now, perhaps, we should find a table so I may watch your gambling genius firsthand, eh?" starting to gracefully lead Isabel to the nearest dealer/table. Then glancing over her shoulder to the goblin lass, she casually asked,
"Are you going to play your music to Giorgi all night, or, do you wish to try your luck at the tables?"
"Try me luck? That could be fun! Don't care if I lose, cuz' I'll be gettin' a job at the end, so I can make it all back later! Soon everyone here'll know the name of Eh-Acka Loudmouse, the Gold Goblin's Goblin!"
She scampers into the door after the half-elves before Giorgi can stop her and follows them to whatever table they're bound for.
"So what we playin'? How do ya play it? Whatcha bettin'? Are you two sisters?"
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"Are you two sisters?"
With the goblin, Eh-Acka, in tow, Sorina was about to take a seat when she heard the question, and, had she been drinking wine she would have spat it promptly out. I'm certain that most sisters are not granted such intimacies and flirtations, she inwardly voiced.
"No, not sisters. We recently met." Sorina gave the exuberant goblin a small, amused smile. What a wicked little creature, if she's toying with us. Hmm. Perhaps Greenskins don't partake in such dalliances. Or...She couldn't believe that all half-elves are related!
"I heard you give your name. I am Sorina. So, you wish to work, here, as a minstrel?"
"YeahYEAH! I used to work for Ol' Man Knockmar, one of his 'Mice,' but now that I got this wheely-fiddle I'm gonna go into business for myself! And this place is 'The Gold Goblin' so I figured having a REAL Goblin working here'd be good for business!"
Eh-Acka scratches under her armpit as she speaks.
"So...uh...what's yer story, Sorina? That's the kinda thing longshanks like you ask when makin' friends, right?"
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Erileth tags along with the others, chuckling at the goblin's comment. "Surely half-elves are common enough around here that one wouldn't assume we're family. Why, we don't even look alike." She smiles at the goblin good-naturedly. "My name's Erileth - nice meeting you folks. You all gamble much? I'm mostly here for the entertainment - I doubt I'll be in the running to win the grand prize." And to inquire about the proprietor, she thought. I'm sure he'll make an appearance at his grand opening...
Ambition is not a bad thing, Sorina contemplated privately as she listened to Eh-Acka speak of playing at the Gold Goblin. And, the goblin seemed very determined to be situated in the gambling house.
"So...uh...what's yer story, Sorina? That's the kinda thing longshanks like you ask when makin' friends, right?"
Sorina's manicured brow raised at the armpit scratching. Not that she hadn't seen coarse actions in the streets of Riddleport; yet in Saul's establishment it appeared out of place. She is a goblin, afterall. They have their own manners. None of my comcern.
"My story is...simple. I'm in hospitality. You could say it is a sacred calling. I do enjoy dancing." Sorina deliberately kept her story short lest her words be used against her. She gave a warm smile.
"Surely half-elves are common enough around here that one wouldn't assume we're family. Why, we don't even look alike." ..."My name's Erileth - nice meeting you folks. You all gamble much? I'm mostly here for the entertainment - I doubt I'll be in the running to win the grand prize."
Sorina glanced at the cherry-haired half-elf. "We must look alike to a goblin." There was a twinkle in her eye. "Hello, Erileth. Games of chance can be distracting, casting a lingering glance at Isabel, but like you, I'm here for the entertainment." Among other things. Where is Saul Vancaskerkin?
Eh-Acka's face lights up with a toothy goblin-grin at Sorina's description of her profession.
"Dancer, huh?! You need an akcompinning...upcompee...girl who plays music for ya?"
Giorgi watches Eh-Acka play her hurdy-gurdy with a puzzled expression--especially when it turns out her playing is actually fairly good.
"Eh... that's not for me to decide." He finally says. "That's up to either Larur or Saul."
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”Ladies and gentlemen! Might I have your ear a moment?” A rough, raspy voice calls out as the doors at the back of the casino open in unison. A procession of staff dressed in hooded robes and bearing scarecrow heads on sticks files into the room and surrounds a central podium with a large chest on the gambling floor.
Stepping up on the podium is a short, slightly paunchy man dressed in a black formal suit and tapping a gold-tipped cane. His left arm ends in a bronze-tipped stump, upon which an oddly-shaped key is affixed. His thinning black hair is shining a bit with sweat and perhaps some manner of hair oil. A devilish grin is on his ruddy face as two succubi step up next to him.
“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.” He puts his arms around the two succubi accompanying him. Their expressions twitch for only a moment.
“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.” Saul begins to pace back and forth behind the chest.
“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 reaches up with his cane, smacking the imp’s cage. The imprisoned devil 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 roll their eyes and lean over. 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 fiend above, and with that, the tournament begins.
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When Saul makes his appearance, Erileth's eyes are immediately on him with interest. It's probably not hard to guess from her expression that the man seems to be of even more interest to her than the games they're about to play.
Still, she doesn't want to ambush the man with questions moments after his arrival. He's probably got duties to attend to, even if they're just overseeing the contests of dice and skill about the hall. Better to start with some gaming and keep an eye on the man for the moment.
"So! Where do we start?" the tall woman asks with a smile, looking around for an interesting-looking place to start her gambling for the evening.
There are several gambling tables around the gambling floor. The tables marked 'Golem' and 'Skiffs' are currently bustling with players, but there are a couple of other tables with space available:
--Ghoulette: A roulette table with a ghoul head mounted in the centre;
--Bounder: A deep table with green felt, where players bring dice to bear.
A comely 'succubus' comes around to the women's table with a notepad and a charcoal in her hands. "While you're enjoying your stay here, ladies, would you care for a drink from the Goblin's Tankard? Right now we're offering a discount!"
Even with her limited understanding of longshanks social mores, Eh-Acka can sense how uncomfortable the "succubi" with Saul are. Her grin fades a bit.
"Dang, I've seen some of the Mice react to Split-Face like that, and at least HE'S got the excuse that he's ugly. So he's gotta be the boss I gotta talk to get hired, huh?"
When the waitress stops by to take drink orders, her face lights up again.
"I'll take a Goblin's Tankard! What's in it?" she asks.
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The 'succubus' server briefly looks at Eh-Acka with a surprised expression before snapping back to her customer service persona. "The Goblin's Tankard is proud to serve a wide variety of drinks for paying customers. In addition to in-house ales and mead, we have Gas Forge Spirits, Port Peril Wild Rum, Greengold 4650--that's quite popular with our wealthier clientele--and we have a special Devil's Own Cocktail for tonight only!"
Eh-Acka's face lights up with a toothy goblin-grin at Sorina's description of her profession.
"Dancer, huh?! You need an akcompinning...upcompee...girl who plays music for ya?"
"If I ever do, I'll remember you, my friend," she answered politely knowing full well that Shorafa would not be pleased to have a goblin playing the kind of music Eh-Acka seemed to enjoy at the House of the Silken Veil. Still...the goblin lass was eager to play and please.
Sorina's eyes settled on Saul, and, through hooded gaze, she quietly evaluated the man, ignoring the two succubi accompanying him. I have to determine the best way to work myself into Saul's company and good graces. I cannot fail, she privately reaffirmed her objective.
"So! Where do we start?" the tall woman asks with a smile, looking around for an interesting-looking place to start her gambling for the evening.
Casting her eyes around the hall, she spotted a table with empty seats, "I think it would be fun to try Ghoulette, there" pointing to the roulette table with the ghoul head mounted in the centre.
A comely 'succubus' comes around to the women's table with a notepad and a charcoal in her hands. "While you're enjoying your stay here, ladies, would you care for a drink from the Goblin's Tankard? Right now we're offering a discount!"
As she approached, Sorina admired the comely tavern server and gave her a warm, playful smile, "I'll take a mug of Elven wine, my lovely. That is a fine costume for this night. Will you tell me your name?" she spoke to and complimented the girl in her seductively raspy voice.
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The waitress takes Sorina's order with a little smile and blush on her face. "My name's Junia, thank you for asking."
"So, that's one order of Greengold 4650..." She mutters to herself before looking up at the others. "Now, will the rest of you be ordering as well?"
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"Oh I've got to try the special cocktail," Erileth said, smiling at the waitress. "I think I'll be trying out Ghoulette too. Looks... unique."
She then turned to the goblin. "So you're looking to get hired here? Do you know much about Vancaskerkin? I heard he hasn't been in the city for a long time - banished, even?"
Alorea makes her way to the bounder table, hoping to work her way up to the grand prize! ”Let’s see some hot dice!” she says as she lets them fly.
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"I'll have a 'Little Luck' thank you." Isabel says with a smile. It seems likely that the bartender will know the standard drink among the more serious gamblers - its an ale so watered that there's almost no alcohol content at all, but it does provide something to drink carelessly and become 'intoxicated' during the evening.
She went to the Ghoulette table with her fellow half-elves since the specific of the game matter relatively little to her. The cheers from the bounder table catch her eye though and she mimes applause to the halfling who had just thrown the dice before awaiting her turn with the wheel.
The third half-elf's inexpert attempts to pump the goblin for information make her smile, although she does listen. Whoever her temporary companion is asking for Isabel herself is still interested in the answer.
"I'mma try the Devil's Own, since it's only tonight!" Eh-Acka said. "You got any food too? Haven't had anything since that fish I grabbed in the mornin' and that didn't stay down all that long."
Then she thinks on Erileth's question, trying to remember what bits and rumors she'd heard from Split-Face Knockmar and her fellow Mice about this Saul guy.
"A pleasure to meet you, Junia," she silkily replied to the pretty maid. "I'll be at the Ghoulette table when my wine is ready. Thank you, my lovely."
Moving to the available games' table, Sorina watched as the Halfling decided on the other table and watched as her dice flew across the green felt. It appears the Halfling has real skill with dice. Then Sorina moved her eyes back to the wheel before her; waiting for her turn, but interested in seeing what luck the others had.
Erileth had asked the goblin about Vancaskerkin. What intrigue are you playing at, cherry hair? Sorina silently pondered.
With some practiced composure/discretion, Sorina attempted to spot Vancaskerkin in the gaming hall (without drawing the attention of her companions at the table or those who may be watching her) to see who he was speaking with or, if he wasn't on the floor, then perhaps overhear a private conversation of the patrons milling about the floor or at the nearby table/s.
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Junia takes everyone's orders and vanishes into the crowd with a nod and a wink.
As Saul and his dwarf associate walk past one of the tables, you also notice a duster-wearing lady with an eyepatch spill a couple of gambling chips on the floor and stoop to pick them up--and as she does, you notice the handle of something shiny and metal on her belt. Whatever it is, security must not have noticed it when she came in.
Alorea takes to the Bounder table with a vengeance. With her first rolls, she easily bounds the dealer and rakes in a sizeable stack of chips!
"Huh. Always nice to see a new beginner here." The dealer remarks. He runs a hand through his hastily-brushed blond hair and adjusts the red horns on his head. "Going for another roll?"
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Junia returns a few minutes later, carrying a tray with the ordered drinks. A pair of bright red drinks in martini glasses, each with a little cherry in them (conveniently speared on the end of a trident) are handed off to Eh-Acka and Erileth, a sturdy mug containing some caramel-brown(ish) liqueur for Isabel, and a wine glass filled with a violet liquid that sparkles in the gambling hall's torchlight.
"You betcha! Double or nothing, mate!" Alorea declares. She rolls the dice again, whooping at the result!
The dealer frowns for a moment as you bound him again. The frown disappears as you gather up your chips. "So it goes."
"Hey, Gail?" He taps a passing 'succubus' on the shoulder. "Would you be so kind as to get this high roller a drink? Make it something from the Devil's Own cellar. She's earned it."
Gail, the ginger server in question, nods and disappears to the northern part of the gambling floor.
"Thanks, Gail! You're a dear!" Alorea calls after the woman. She counts her coins as she waits for the drink to arrive.
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Isabel, meanwhile, sets herself at the Ghoulette table.
"Ok ladies, watch and learn!" She says with a smile.
It turns out that Isabel is very good at gambling. She quickly seems to gain a read on the wheel and proceeds to use it with cheerful skill and good humor.
After every few wins she turns to Sorina, proffering her coins for a 'breath of luck' or occasionally a kiss on the cheek. "This may be the Devil's house boys," She says with a grin. "But I've got an angel at my side and she's doing a wonderful job."
The half-elf, finally gambling for herself rather than as part of work, seems determined to win her soul clear of hell, and to do so in style.
She then turned to the goblin. "So you're looking to get hired here? Do you know much about Vancaskerkin? I heard he hasn't been in the city for a long time - banished, even?"
"Ya must be from outta town: you don't get 'banished' from Riddleport, ya run for your life cuz you p!ssed someone off. For Saul, that someone was Clegg Zincher, one of the big worgs around here. That's how he lost that hand I hear."
Then she receives her drink.
"Oooh, pretty!" she coos before taking the trident out and biting the cherry off it. With the top of the trident too. She crunches on it thoughtfully as she watches Isabel play.
"Dang, yer doin' great!" she comments. "You really gotta make kissyfaces for it to work, though?"
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Eh-Acka grimaces and makes a disgusted noise.
From your position at the Ghoulette table, you spot Saul easily enough. He's making his way through the crowd to the southern end of the gaming floor, talking with a well-tanned dwarf in an impeccably-clean overcoat, vest and tie. A pair of fake devil horns on his head appear to be the only concession the dwarf has made to the 'hell' theme of tonight's proceedings.
Sorina considered the dwarf companion, noting his features and pondering if she knew anything about this particular dwarf/associate of Saul's, especially if he spent any or much of his time in Riddleport.
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Sorina was happy enough to stand by and watch the gamblers such as Alorea and Isabel. Such games of chance were not to her taste for she would rather keep her hard earned money than give it away to gambling halls who would sooner cheat you out of your coin.
After every few wins she turns to Sorina, proffering her coins for a 'breath of luck' or occasionally a kiss on the cheek. "This may be the Devil's house boys," She says with a grin. "But I've got an angel at my side and she's doing a wonderful job."
Isabel was certainly a lively distraction. Sorina was happy to play along and blow on the dice/coin or kiss the half-elven woman. Instead of the cheek, she took some liberties and brushed her lips against Isabel's, pulling away and playfully rejoining to any who would hear, "If I knew I was to play angel this night, I would have brought along my halo and wings," letting out a soft, sultry, pleasing laugh.
"Dang, yer doin' great!" she comments. "You really gotta make kissyfaces for it to work, though?".....Eh-Acka grimaces and makes a disgusted noise.
Sorina laughed at the goblin's reaction to Isabel's reply. "You need to be kissed more, little greenskin. Perhaps, you'll enjoy it," winking at Eh-Acka.
Drawing nearer to Isabel, as if wishing to kiss her cheek anew, she whispered against the half elf's ear, speaking in Elven,
"Eyepatch, duster lady, southern table, something shiny and metal on her belt. Security must have missed it."
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Alorea's drink arrives not long after Isabel takes to the Ghoulette table. The air around her is filled with the buzz of chatter and laughter, mixing together as she puts her chips down and the wheel begins to spin.
The laughter soon stops as she begins to win.
The first time she sets a stake down, the ghoul head spouts a snide remark about her mixed parentage. It's accompanied by a lot of gambling chips landing in her lap. Her second spin breaks even; her next rewards her with a growl about how she needs to bathe more. "Perhaps you can take some of those chips with you--scrub both yourself and your filthy lucre clean!" The ghoul head howls.
Isabel's next spin is a spectacular loss, but considering how much she's already won it's of little consolation to the increasingly-flustered dealer. He takes her stake back a little too eagerly, a couple of sweat drops running down his pale red brow. His relief is very short-lived--Isabel's fifth spin wins her back her stake and then some, the ghoul head moaning something incoherently snide about her height that's soon buried under the clinking of many chips.
Erileth steps up to the table after Isabel's first few spins and takes a try herself. While the roulette ball doesn't quite land where she placed her bet, it's close enough that she gets her stake back. The dealer looks quite relieved to be dealing with someone other than Isabel, for the moment.