Saul Vancaskerkin's page

Gold Goblin

Saul listens patiently to Dank’s struggling Common, but nods knowingly when he’s given the description of the flag and crest. “Ah, and you seek to find them. Now I understand. I can’t say I have met any of those, uh, yellow-bearded fellows in recent history. But I don’t get out as much as I used to, although, I do have a few ideas of places where you could seek them out. Do you think they have just arrived in Riddleport? Chances are, then, that they have come by boat. Checking down by the wharf should be a good place to start. If anyone has seen people with that kind of crest come into town, it’ll be down there. Seafarers fresh off the boat are often in need of a quick drink, and rarely want to travel far for it. There are a number of river-side joints to grab a stiff drink at, with plenty of barnacle-encrusted regular patrons with vigilant eyes for newcomers. Of course, persuading people to release that kind of information may prove to be difficult, or expensive.”

Saul firmly shakes Dank’s muscular hand, deftly slipping five gold coins into it. “Thank you for your help today. I’m off to take care of some business tonight, but should you be in need of work, you’ll be able to find it here.”

Saul heads out of the Gold Goblin, wearing cleaner clothes than any of you have seen him in before. Not clean, mind you, just cleaner Both of his bodyguards accompany him.

Gold Goblin

"Ah, good evening everyone!" Saul says with a twirl of his key-arm. He begins to address the large newcomer; "Larur tells me that your name is Dank, and that you are the one responsible for the quick and decisive ending to the commotion out front. For that you have my gratitude." he says, with a slight bow. "I could use a man like that in my employ, however, you look like a bit of a...well...a traveller, really. You must have journeyed far to reach these land. Do you intend to stay long in Riddleport? If so, I am prepared to offer you a security position here in this gambling hall. I hear that we have such a position that has recently opened up.", he says annoyedly.

"As for the rest of you, fine job in sending more recruits, err, potential employees my way. We've got a number of fine looking ladies to work the floor, and some strong backs to support them. If this keeps up, we'll be able to open tomorrow night!" Saul attempts a futile clap.

“You see, Zincher’s not the only man in town to run a little arena gig. We’ve got one ourselves, right under the Goblin. These are some of our current combatants, but things change all the time. We’ve let goblins and even zombies into the mix. Gambling by-laws being what they are in this town, we have to keep this all on the hush-hush. While I don’t doubt that Zincher knows about it, as long as we don’t make a big deal out of it, the Gendarmes won’t act. There’s enough people who know about the fights to keep it worthwhile without having to advertise. We charge a cover fee to watch, and there’s another bar down here. I’ll show you that in a minute. Let’s take a look at the fighting pit itself: The Octahedron.”

On the way to the pit, you notice that the hall (35) is lined with numerous weapons and implements for Octahedron combatants intelligent enough to make use of them, as well as a variety of chains, harnesses, spiked collars, leashes, and other animal training equipment.

The Octahedron itself (39), is a sand-floored fighting pit with eight pillars supporting a standing area above (38). The arena above has a see-through glass floor, allowing attendees to watch the goings-on safely, but intimately.

“We generally have events twice a week. We’ve got one planned for tomorrow night, actually. I’ve just got to sort someone out to work the bar. Let me show you that now.”

You head back to the first level of the basement, and Saul pushes on what looks like a normal section of the wall, revealing a passageway beyond. (34) “This corridor lends access to the standing area of the arena, and The Red Room. We charge double for drinks down here, but people don’t usually mind. It’s an underground bar in every sense of the word.”

This rough chamber (33) has a short bar and a number of battered tables and chairs squeezed into it. The walls and floors are crudely painted a rusty red.

“And that’s basically it. The grand tour. Everything the double-G has to offer, above and below. I had a pretty good number of people show up yesterday, and some of them mentioned you. You’re doing a good job of rustling up some workers. If that keeps up today, we should be able to open tomorrow night. The fight’s gonna go on either way, but it would be nice to start making money again. Don’t you agree?”

Ugh, Sorry for the delay. More laptop trauma. This time involving fire and smoke.

As you are all chatting and grabbing some breakfast, the sound of movement above you becomes more evident. The rest of the crew must be awake now. Soon enough, a rowdy looking bunch of men (obviously some of the new guards) come down the stairs, followed by the slightly waif-like Marzielle. They introduce themselves, and get to work on breakfast.

Even more prominently are the sounds of smashing glass above. Heavy thudding footsteps shortly add to the sound, and a jovial looking Saul steps into the kitchen. His hair is dishevelled, and he’s wearing an old stained robe, it’s reddish hue long faded. A series of dirty grease stains on the side of his good hand betray access to a handkerchief. He smiles when he sees all of you, and lets out a hearty “Good Morning”, half in alarm, almost as if he didn’t expect to see any of you. The stink of alcohol is prevalent; his dirty red nose and swagger reveal Saul’s breakfast plan.

He approaches you, and pats each one on the back. “I’m glad you’re all here, actually. I just remembered that I forgot to show you everything yesterday.”, he says with a sly wink.

“Hey Larur, can you take care of things up here for a little while? Get some breakfast into that rabble. And don’t let them break anything.”

Saul walks over to the eastern part of the kitchen wall, and moves aside a dirty tabard hanging there. A door is revealed! Cradling his cane in his arm, Saul fishes a key from his pocket, and unlocks the door. “Beyond here, is the basement. A number of things happen down here, and I wanted to explain what we do here, fully. You too, kid.”, he says, directed at Mel. “Follow me.”

Please find Map 1 here and Map 2 here.

“This room is the wine cellar (31). Only Larur and I have keys to it.”, he says, unlocking the door for you all to see. Rows of bottles, mostly port and other alcohols. A few bottles lay smashed on the ground, and a sickly sweet smell fills the room. “Ugh, what a stench. I’ve gotta clean that out one of these days. Let’s close it up for now. I’ve got someone I want you to meet.”

Saul moves to the next room in the passageway(32); a portcullis bars a further door. Whatever’s in here, it obviously doesn’t want to be disturbed. Saul bangs repeatedly on the door beyond, with his cane. “Bojask, open up! It’s Saul. I’ve got the new junior partners with me, and we’re lookin’ for a tour!”

Saul shakes his head; "If you think you can rustle up some workers, I don't care what rocks you have to look under. I'll need to interview them as well, but if you trust 'em, send 'em my way for sure."

"Gierixa, my dear, I must admit that I have something of a black thumb when it comes to plants. I seem to be able to kill them just by looking at them. If you can somehow take care of them, I'm sure it would do wonders to liven up the place. Your bouncer duties are quite light until we're open, so feel free to make yourself useful in any manner you'd like. That goes for the rest of you, as well. Make yourselves at home!"

"No, no. You'll not need to dress up like anything. The fiendish costumes were just for the girls last night. It's all schtick. The main component of any of these uniforms is the Gold Goblin Badge. If you really would like to not wear a uniform proper, you can simply make sure the badge is affixed onto your normal clothes. As long as they're not too ostentatious. The whole point of the uniform is so that you don't draw too much attention to yourselves. The players shouldn't really be watching what you're doing anyway. That certainly helps us." Saul's grin is a slimy one. Saul rummages through his coat pocket for a number of keys that he had set aside in anticipation of your question; "The keys are here. My room's shares some of its walls with yours as well, so as long as you don't keep me up all night, we'll be in great shape."

I think only Bexilarius wanted the room, though there are multiple keys. Angvar's not allowed, and Mordecai is staying in one of the lower rooms. Gierixa prefers to sleep outside, and Ozbadin stays with his father. Mel can stay with the rest of the regular staff, but she probably has a place at Zinchers.

For easier reference, the two main maps of the area are here and here.

Starting with the dining room(27), Saul leads you through each room, barely giving you enough time to register everything. His two personal guards, Hans and Beyar, walk in front of him, opening each door and entering each room before he does.

Exiting the dining room you enter a chamber that you have necessarily passed through before; you've never given it much pause at it obviously serves as some kind of waiting room (24). Two plush-but-worn suede couches sit before a roaring fire and low end table here.

"Guests who have business with me wait here, and we sometimes take our ease here as well. A bell pull in the corner there summons a server to take complimentary drink orders."

Saul waves at one of his guards, and they open the door into the next room.

"Though you won't spend any considerable amount of time here, I thought for the sake of transparency and accountability I would show you where all the real work takes place. My office."

This room (25), holds a massive desk with a chair covered in the hide of a wyvern. Quick and keen observers will notice that numerous paintings hang on the walls, including one that shows a group of canine therianthropes gathered around a table playing a game of golem. A humidor on the desk holds a number of fine cigars next to a mother-of-pearl snuffbox. Several cushioned chairs sit before the desk itself for visitors.

Pointing to a door at the other end of his office, Saul simply states: "And that's the room where we keep our records. It's locked, and not worth getting the key. You won't need to deal with them or our accounting, so don't worry yourselves. Beyond it is my personal room, and I'd like to keep a modicum of privacy in that respect. I'm sure you understand. Back through the waiting room now!"

Without ceremony, the door (into 22), is opened. This cold, sparsely appointed chamber has a small fireplace, a threadbare rug, and 12 simple cots with thin mattresses. A curtained-off section holds a privy bucket and a window for emptying it.

"This is where the guards sleep. Some of the cooks too. Mel, if you need a place to stay, you can stay here. As most of my employees are gone, you have first choice of cots! The next room, is the dressing room! You'll like this one."

Saul seems to grow more and more excited as he leads the group through the place. He puffs up more and more as he gets the chance to show off his hard work here.

The dressing room (23), has numerous closet rods and a clothesline strung across it that hold the costumes and uniforms worn by the gambling hall’s employees. "All servers, bartenders, cashiers, and floor personnel have a uniform. You can find one in here that fits you. In addition, sometimes costumes are utilized by the Goblin’s employees, such as for the tournament, or on the occasions when dancers or entertainers are hired. You saw some of those costumes last night. I'm not sure we'll be needing them any time soon, but I might be able to make a bit of coin selling them to the House of the Silken Veil. Maybe I could send one of you there on that task..." he says, trailing off.

"That's pretty much it for upstairs. There's the catwalks accessible through the tapestry in the dining room, but I already showed you those. Time for downstairs."

Saul leads you down the stair into another room (14). This simple chamber holds a few battered chairs and cushions. A spittoon in one corner is about half full of foul-smelling remnants. "This is the staff lounge. I let the other workers rest here when they get the chance. But not too long, of course.", Saul snickers.

"That room over there is the scullery (13). We stack the firewood for the whole place just outside it, and in the morning we distribute it to all the other rooms. If you ever need it, that's where it'll be. One of my favourite places to be is up next."

You emerge behind the bar that serves the whole place(15). A long bar of polished wood extends along the back wall of the room and curves around at the end. Behind are mirrored shelves holding all manner of glassware as well as kegs of ale, beer, and mead and bottles of wine and liquor. At each end of the bar is a large tip jar. "The idea is that this bar serves the entire house with a constant line of serving wenches taking orders and carrying trays of drinks between the bar and the casino floor. Two bartenders work the bar during the casino’s hours, serving drinks and occasionally picking a sot’s pocket. A'course, we don't have any wenches and we don't have any bartenders. Important folks to hire. They need to have charisma, presence, and quick fingers. Keep that in mind. Next!"

Saul is practically springing from room to room now, waving his key arm with enthusiasm. He just points out the rest of the places in a flurry. "Those are the privies (16). That's more than enough information. Let me show you the private rooms. We're gamblers first, drunkards second, and innkeepers fourth, that's what I always say. I'd rather not be bothered with all the renting of rooms, but revenue is revenue."

Saul himself pushes through the doors into a large atrium (17) at the entrance to the private rooms. It is floored in white marble, although the hallway and rooms themselves have only thin, somewhat worn carpet over wooden planks. In the center of the chamber stands a marble statue that once depicted a robed maiden holding a harp, although its head and one arm are now broken away and missing. Saul strides over to the piece and caressess it gently. "Such a beautiful piece. Very rare, and very old. It came from an ancient and forgotten temple long ago. I used to be a collector of art you see. Moving on!"

Saul systematically pushes each door open as you walk down the hall. The basic guest rooms (19) are all equipped with a single bed, a fireplace, and a table. There is a suite (20) that is basically identical to the other rooms, save that it has a small side room with two cots for manservants or storage. A master suite (21) suite consists of a large anteroom with a chaise lounge and two chairs as well as a master bedroom with a kingsized feather bed and modest furnishings.

"We rent the Master Suite out for three gold a night, the regular suite for a single gold, and the basic rooms for five silver. It seems like a lot, but meals are included." When Saul opens the door and discovers what Mordecai has done to his room, his visage whitens. "Mordecai, I don't know what you're doing in that room, but I would prefer that you cleaned it up immediately. I've already got Old Scratch to deal with, and he's more than enough fiendish company."

Saul closes the door without further discussion. "Let's show you how the money stuff works, hey?"

You cross the large hall and enter a foyer that lends access to the cashier's counter and cage, (3/4) which is secured by a row of vertical bars set firmly into the stone floor.

"Two cashiers work here during normal business hours. There's about ten grand worth of chips in the back there. This room here (5) is where my boys Hans and Beyar sleep. Their room connects to the cash storage and other rooms. They have keys to all of that, and I leave it in their capable hands. There's a counting room and the vault back there (7/8), and that's about it. Don't think I don't trust you, yet. It's just that I don't trust you yet." Saul says with a guffaw. "You'll get keys to everything when the time is right. I reward my loyal employees well, you'll see! You may even get your own office, like Larur. Wanna see it?"

Saul pushes the door open into the Floor Manager's office (9). It's outfitted with an elaborate mahogany desk and a comfortable chair. Before the desk sit two more chairs of less-comfortable design with manacles set into their arms. The walls are painted a flat black, and a single candelabra provides only a dim light.

"Typical disorganized Larur. The desk is covered in records, receipts and who knows what. This chamber is also where Larur Feldin and a few of the guards sweat anyone caught or suspected of cheating the house."

Giddily, Saul creeps over to Larur's chair and rummages for something under the desk. A click is heard, and saul produces a loaded light crossbow and a vial holding one dose of a blue liquid. Placing his finger in front of his lips, Saul jokes; "Shh!"

Leaving this chamber, Saul shows you the private dining rooms (10). These rooms are comfortably appointed and hold two or three tables and a dozen or more chairs. "Normally we rent these out for private parties at a rate of 5 sp per hour. When rented privately, all food and drink prices are triple what is charged elsewhere in the casino. It may seem like extortion, but...well, I have no excuse. It pretty much is. Chances are if you have the coin to rent the room, you have the coin to be generous with your food and drink. Which is prepared in....." Saul attempts to create a drumroll, tapping his hand and key against the table; the result is a horrible staccato of beats. "...the kitchen!"

This room (12), is the heart of all meal and snack preparation in the casino. Side pantries hold dry goods and serve as cold storage for sides of meat and fresh vegetables. "We need about a dozen workers here to make sure this place is running at full efficiency. We offer meals at about a half of what you'll find anywhere else in town. It helps bring people in, y'see."

Saul and his entourage leave the kitchen, and re-enter the main domed hall. He does a quick lookaround. "And that's basically it! Oh, well, there's the cellar, but it's not really worth going down there. Bojask's room is down there and sometimes we run some light combat in the little arena below the place. But we try not to advertise that too much. If Zincher got wind of us cutting into his business...well, forget it! The money we make off those events is not worth the trouble."

*phew!

"I hope all this helps illustrate more clearly what we do here, but, more specifically, I hope that it gives you a sense of your roles here. Not only do I need each of you to find a niche and a job to fulfill, I'm going to need your help in filling all the other positions. I hope that you'll be to send some talented folks like yourself my way. We're shut down right now until we get fully staffed. The sooner we open, the sooner we all start making money again. They can't all fall into my lap like Mel did here. So go out, find some talent, and bring it back. Larur's out working the street's right now for me. And give your own roles some thought too. We need a balanced team! Any questions?"

"Fine, watch his back, wash his back, whatever. Seeing you has made me lose my appetite either way. I'm ready to continue yesterday's brief tour, if the rest of you have had enough."

Saul smiles warmly at the young boy, clapping his hand against his stump in approval. "Very well. Once you've all finished eating here, it's time to give the grand tour. All the better that Mel be present for that. We can talk in more detail about what roles you'd best wish to perform here, once you have a better idea of the machine that is the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall."

However, Saul looks visibly upset at the presence of Angvar; "I thought I told you to keep your pet on a tight leash."

Without waiting for Mordecai's response, Saul snarls at Angvar; "What is so urgent that he could possibly have need of your services right now. His boots look clean enough. We're in a private meeting."

Uproariously, Saul jumps out of his seat; "Hah! What a quick boy. Even I didn't see it coming. You possess either tremendous luck or skill. If indeed Desna smiles upon you, then all the better for you to spread that grace throughout this gambling hall. If your skill is the determining factor here, then I am also quite sold."

Saul wipes his mouth and throws his napkin onto his half-eaten plate.

"If there's no further discussion on the matter, I'd like to accept your proposition, and offer you employment. Please let me introduce you to your bosses."

Winking at Bexilarius he adds;"And I hope the rest of you don't take that little show to heart. You've already proven yourself to me and each other."

"You don't think you're a tad frail, though? Are you eating enough? Please, help yourself." Saul smirks, as he gestures to the food at the table.

"Anyone here have any questions for Meldrak? Excuse me, Mel?

"Ah. This is exactly what I'm talking about. Keen, enthusiastic, spry workers. That's exactly what we need. Boy, I am Saul Vancaskerkin." Saul takes a moment to size Mel up.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm. This will be an interesting exercise. Here you stand before me and my other partners. You have every opportunity to sell me on why I should hire you. But more than that, you have the opportunity to sell them as well. Usually I make decisions like this myself, but I'll put it to a vote. They are free to ask you questions, and then we shall vote on the matter. So tell me, to start off, what is your name, and what are your talents?"

Saul is happily lunching away at the end of the table. The table itself has a number of things splayed out across it. Various cheeses, some fresh fruit, cured meats, bread, and wine constitute this lunch.

When he sees you enter, he gets up from his chair, and looks a little embarassed. "Please excuse the barbaric nature of this meal. I know nothing has been prepared, but this is the best that I can do in my present situation.", he says, waving his key-arm around for emphasis. "Although, it does help me illustrate my point and purpose for bringing you in. We have no one to work for us. Most of the staff quit last night over that fiasco. And, while I can't blame them fully, it's disheartening. I've started to interview some people, but I need to fill almost every position here. That is, of course, after we sort out some of your roles in all of this. Please, sit down. Have something to eat."

Saul sits down to eat again, not waiting to see if you'll join him.

"Then I'll give you the grand tour. Once you get a sense of how things work here, I'll get a sense of what other positions I'll need to fill."

Ozbadin

"That would suit me just fine. Take whichever room you prefer. I do not, however, want his moaning and weeping to interfere with the daily running of the business, nor do I want it to affect any of the other customers or guests. I think the whole business of slavery is a tad heavy handed for my tastes, but you can do what you need to do. As long as it doesn't affect me, I don't really care. Sound fair? Good."

"In regards to his name, I'm afraid I only know him as Angvar. If that is simply a pseudonym, I can't be sure. I must confess I don't know him personally, but these kinds of things travel around a city like this. I'm sure you understand."

Saul does not seem to care what you do with the bottle.

"Ah, well, if it will insure your decision, I guess I do have one more room to show. Follow me!"

Saul leads you out of the Catwalks and through the dining room again, this time moving to unlock a door at the other end of the room. Swinging it open, he reveals a comfortably furnished room with a fair bit of space. Three bunk beds are shoved against the walls next to a pair of wide wardrobes. A small table with three chairs is pushed into one corner, and two overstuffed chairs sit on a wolfskin rug before the hearth. The entrance to a small privy is covered by a thin curtain.

"I happen to have 4 extra keys to this room, if you should so desire it. You can stay here at no charge. I'll make sure Larur includes it in the contract."

Saul looks away as Mordecai binds the hands of the mage.

"Well then, I guess we're all settled. Larur, will you see to drawing up the contracts? I think now's as good a time as any to show our new friends and partners around the place."

Saul draws your attention to the walls of the dining room. The walls of the chamber are covered in thick purple tapestries depicting gold threaded
nymphs frolicking in a silver-threaded forest. With a flourish, he pulls up one of the tapestries, revealing a passageway beyond.

He encourages you out into the passageway, which shortly becomes a criss-cross of catwalks suspended above the main gambling floors. These narrow, swaying, railed catwalks hang suspended by chains hooked to the ceiling 10 feet above. Immediately below them is a layer of gauzy curtains serving as the false ceiling for the area below.

"This is where the magic happens, folks. This is where, I imagine, some of you will spend your time. Watching cheaters, watching rowdy drunks, watching pretty ladies....it's all part of the gig. We can see them, but they can't see us. It's a good set up."

Saul draws your attention to a number of angry gamblers cashing out their chips. Movement on the level below is pretty sparse; most of the attendees of the gala have dispersed, and a few rowdy customers are chatting with some of the disgruntled staff.

"Not much to see right now, I'm afraid. I think I'll continue the rest of the tour tomorrow. Say around noon? Come by then. We'll take a look at the contracts that Larur will have drafted, and I can show you around the rest of the place. Sound fair?"

Map of the second floor is here. You start in 27 and move to 30. If you'd like to summarize the rest of your evening, that is fine. If not, we can play out from here. Mordecai, for one, has some loose ends to work out.

Saul answers each person in turn, starting with Mordecai.

"Well, I can't say I know much about the gods and all that, but I must confess, I do know that you work at the mortuary. While I think working here would be a much more lucrative position for you, I shudder to think what would happen if the dead just started piling up at the mortuary's gates. Of course you can attend to those duties."

Saul refills his glass and takes a sip of his wine. "I guess I should explain more thoroughly what I'm asking of you. As you saw by the dramatic exiting of most of my staff, I'm going to need to hire new positions in every capacity. I'm not looking to hire you four as petty workers. Rather, as junior partners, I'd like you to think of yourselves more as supervisors of the place. Of course Larur manages most of the day to day stuff. Your talents will be used in special circumstances. I hope that makes it a little clearer. I have no intention of working you like dogs. A few hours a day working here should be sufficient, on top of any special jobs I may have for you."

Saul clears his throat, as he begins to respond to Bexilarius.

"Bexilarius, was it? Not only do I have to thank you for retrieving the chest, but you took down the slime that stole it in the first place. You have my thanks and offer. But I hope tonight's circumstances help illustrate the nature of running a gambling hall. It may seem like safe money, but if we're not diligent, some cretin may swoop in and try to snatch it. It can definitely be a bumpy ride. Making it all look smooth on the outside is our job. And don't you worry about the contract none either. Larur will draft some up in a few moments. Dear boy, the devil contract was just for show. I know for a fact it scared some of the lesser minds. Anything for a good show. That's what I always say."

Saul turns his bloodshot eyes to Gierixa next.

"Fair lady, it's nothing more than a twitch, I assure you. Involuntary, but spurred on by the stress of the evening. Please accept my apologies. I'll not force your hand in any way, but this armour is at least a little cleaner than what you are wearing now.

Addressing the last member of the new group, Saul calls out from across the room; "Hey Sailor. What have you got to say about my offer? I saw the way you swung that scimitar. I could use someone like you. Besides, I was thinking of calling you my 'Furious Four'. The 'Furious Three' just doesn't have the same ring to it!"

Gierixa, regain 7 hit points. Mordecai, the vintage is from 20 years ago. The wine is from Alkenstar. If you sniff for it, the same musky smell from before is still there. Sorry Bex, your perception was too low.

Convert your chips in for 150%. Unless you want to work it out among yourselves, assume that you each take 8 of the thug's gold teeth before cashing it out (for a total of an extra 12gp each). EDIT**Whoops, took me a long time to type this out. Sort out the gold teeth thing amongst yourselves.

Clapping his hand against his key-arm, Saul sits down at the head of the table, looking at the rest of you, with a nod to Mordecai.

"Take what you will then. He's right. This suit of armour could certainly fetch a pretty penny. Although it fits a woman's curves the best", he says, with a wink at Gierixa, "it is well crafted. And I assure you, I have much more to offer than a paltry handful of bloody equipment. We need to work out a few things first."

"Names. Let's have them. I can't go around calling he, he, he all day long. I'm Saul Vancaskerkin, as you well know. My dwarven friend here is Larur Feldin, Manager of the Gold Goblin. These are my best men, Hans and Beyar. You'll meet Bojask later. I hear he's still passed out."

"Let me tell you a little about myself", he says as he pulls a vial from his coat pocket. He rolls it across to Gierixa. He winks again, licks his lips and rubs his tummy, pantomiming what he wants her to do.

"I've been in Riddleport as long as I can remember. I'm a fast learner, you see. And I put that to good use. I crawled my way through the muck of this city to make it as something of a crimelord. That life of crime, however, was far from lucrative and in fact cost me my health, my fortune, my family, and my left hand. With my wife dead, my sons exiled, and most of my fortune gone, I took what meager funds I could scrape together and was eventually able to purchase the Gold Goblin. It used to be a successful gambling hall, you know! But, it changed hands so many times. When I got a hold of it, it was little more than a rat-infested warehouse. But look at it now! Well, before the blood and the screaming, anyway."

Saul gets up from his chair, and starts to pace the room. His glass of wine in his right hand, he waves emphatically with his key-hand. As he paces the room, he steps over and on the unconscious body of the apprehended mage. He makes no pause as he crosses the room back and forth, lost in thought, treating the wizard as if he was nothing more than a lump in the carpet.

"But look at me now. I'm too old to go travelling around the world. And I'm certainly too old to go back to that life of crime. I'm just trying to turn this place into a modestly profitable place that I can eventually retire from. I'm out of the crime scene. That racket is not my bag, but I still have many enemies who are involved in that underworld. Evidently," he says with a kick to the fallen man, "they want to see me ruined! I'm trying to run a legit show here. I've thought about running to Zincher maybe, or one of the other crime bosses, for protection, y'see? But that would mean playing by their rules again. The last thing I want to do is re-enter that world. I'm scared of slipping. I really am."

He stops pacing for a moment, and looks at you, gathered around his table. "But you. You've impressed me. From what I saw, and from what Larur has told me, you may just be the crew to help turn this place around. What would you say if I offered to make you all junior partners of the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall? You would all work directly for me and assist in the day-to-day running of the establishment, serving as dealers, bouncers, croupiers, greeters, or whatever really. That's the first part. On top of that, I'll offer you a position as my specialists. My go-to-guys. Bodyguards, messengers, consultants, or whatever I may need from you. I would love to retain you in that capacity. And, as junior partners of the gambling hall, not only would it all be legit, but you would be given a cut of the hall's profits each week. It makes perfect sense to me. You help me, and you end up helping yourselves in the process. It sounds win/win to me."

Seating himself again, he takes a big swing of his wine, wiping his mouth with the back of his sleeve. "What do you say, then? Tell me about yourself. Let's have names, and an answer? The Gold Goblin could really profit from you guys hanging around."

Mordecai

Saul moves his sharp hand away from the unconscious mage, standing up and taking another drink from his glass. "What was I saying about loyalty and respect? Forget it. If you want him, you can have him. I don't want to know the details, but as long as I don't have to deal with him, I don't really care. With his lover dead, I can't guarantee he'll be very co-operative, anyway."

Yes, the masterwork armour is from the woman. No spellbook was found by any of you. As it's something he only needs in the morning, it probably still lies wherever he was that morning. There are various ways of finding that out, but the easiest is probably through the mage.

"Work off his debt? Here? I hope you have a better idea than that. This louse already tried to steal my money once. Don't even think for a moment that I would trust him near it again. Besides, I've seen him and that tramp of his around. Petty criminals that sell out to the highest bidder. That's all they are. They know nothing of duty or respect for an employer."

"Oh he is, is he?" Saul kicks the man onto his back, kneeling now in front of him. He traces his key-stump along the man's neck and, in the gleaming of the torchlight, it is the first time you realize that there is a sharp edge to the key.

"I wonder who he was working for. What do you think the chances are of him talking if we wake him up, fellas?"

Saul and Larur lead you upstairs, and into a large, bright room. Everburning torches light the breadth of the space, casting little shadow onto the red carpeted floor. A large, black, wooden table takes up the majority of the space, with seating for 16. Inviting you to sit down, he reaches into a curio, and begins pulling wine glasses for his guests. This process takes some time, as Saul really has only one hand. He turns to one of the guards at his side, and asks: "Hans, would you mind getting a 315 and a 316 please?"

Simply nodding, the guard leaves the room and heads downstairs. Hans returns with another guard; in addition to the bottles of wine, they have gathered what equipment they could loot off of the fallen thugs. With no ceremony, they place

Waving his key-stump at the loot, he says "Now now, don't be ashamed. If there's anything there that strikes your fancy, take it. I'll give you first pick. My boys'll take what's left, if there is anything. Consider it a bonus, for everything you did tonight. A bonus on top of whatever chips you have. Larur will cash in your chips for 150% of what they are worth."

Saul chuckles while he pours the wine in each of the goblets. He pours himself a drink as well.

Can I get a Perception(taste or smell) from those of you drinking the wine?

Saul returns, and with Larur's help gathers the four of you a little closer together. You would all have noticed each other during the games earlier. Ozbadin, Bexilarius and Mordecai even played a few round of Golem against each other.

Saul is visibly distraught, but is trying not to show it.

"My friends! My saviours! Larur tells me you put the boot to the filth that tried to steal my money! For this, I have nothing but thanks to give you. Or...", Saul trails off. "Perhaps I can offer you a little something more. Yes. I can taste success just around the corner."

Saul's eyes glimmer a little, and licks his lips for effect.

"And success tastes like wine. Please, join me upstairs. We can discuss tonight's problems and tomorrow's actions over a couple bottles."

Looking at Mordecai, he continues;"I know you have a taste for the red stuff. Come, join me." Turning to Gierixa, he offers;"And I have a special drink for you too, fair lady. Something that will make those wounds disappear in flash. What say you?"

Saul jumps up onto the middle podium, where the chest once was, and declares to the room at large. "Regrettably, I will have to cancel the rest of the tournament. Any and all chips that you have I will personally refund tomorrow at 110% of their original value! You can't beat that deal. Unfortunately, now is not the time. As you can see, the Gendarmes are on their way, blood is in the carpet, and we are all very tired. Tomorrow, folks! Go home!"

Once a few people clear out he turns to each of you. "You four. Stay right here. I'm putting this in the vault. I'll be right back. I need to thank you."

He leaves the way he came, through the cashier's cages.

Saul strides over to Bexilarius, snatching the chest out of the tiefling's hands. "Oh sweet stinging Calistria", he murmurs, bringing the cloth-like item to his lips.

"Gendarmes! Someone get the gendarmes in here. Have them clean up this mess. What's going on?! Where's the chest!"

Saul, wide-eyed and shocked, scans the room for the chest, while a guard rushes out of the gold goblin.

Some of the newly arrived guards tend to the wounded ones, and the others gather up the unconscious and dead thugs.

Saul waits for this procession to finish before continuing, a smile he cannot contain spreading on his face.

“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 empty birdcage. Once everyone is looking, it explodes with action, a tiny devilish creature appears out of thin air. At the sudden attention, Old Scratch flies into a flurry of rage, banging the cage bars, spitting, howling, and screaming vile epithets at all assembled. His theatrics are received with guffaws and even a smattering of applause. As the crowd dies down, Vancaskerkin continues.

For those who speak Infernal;

For those who make a DC12 Knowledge(Planes) check;

“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.

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.

“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.”

Do you mean two more 0-Level spells? Either way, that's not how it works. There's no swapping slots. I understand the usefulness of having all those cantrips prepared, but you'll have to choose just three. By the way, where is Lock-Jaw?

Saul laughs when you offer him the two coins, "My friend, you are free to sit wherever you'd like! The rooms are all opened up, and there will be plenty of gambling to go around. You keep those coins for betting! I've got plenty of my own!"

Saul moves around to instruct some burly men to hoist a chest on top of a large pedastal.

Through the grimy windows of the gambling hall, Yelex is able to make out the small boy, standing patiently under threat of rain, for him to return.

Saul is pretty easy to spot, running frantically around the gambling hall, barking orders at workers. He's got a lot of work to do, and people are beginning to mill about on the street outside.

Yelex does manage to catch up with him, recognizing him as the chap that he gave a ticket to the day before.

"Ah, my friend. What can I do for you this afternoon? You do understand I am quite busy today."

He flashes a toothy grin.

"Well then! I shall see you tonight, and leave you to your meal. I have much to prepare. Good luck."

Saul heads off through the goblin, and quickly disappears out of sight.

"Ah, that's a smile I was hoping for. There's a pot of 10,000 Silver Pieces to the winner of the tournament. There is a ten silver entrance fee though. I figure it's a good trade-off. For most, anyway. You look like a man with luck on his side, so let me make it your lucky day."

Saul rummages in his burgundy waist coat with his one good hand and eventually produces a small red ticket. He hands it to Mordecai.

The ticket plainly states that 'the bearer is to have his entrance fee waived upon entrance to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall for the 'Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold' event'. The bottom of the ticket is signed in black ink with the initials S.V.

"You will come, won't you?"

Tapping with his key arm, Saul Vencaskerkin cracks a toothy grin at Mordecai.

"Now now, you're not going to spend all your precious earnings on lunch, are you?", Saul jokes. "Because there's plenty of coin to be won tonight. And you need some coin to make some coin, is what I always say. Can I count on seeing you around tonight? Cheat the devil and take his gold is the name of the game!"