Thoroughly annoyed by the ruination of the evening, Amunyet responds to Saul, "You mean the individuals who are tied up and/or unconscious? That would have been my first guess, as well. Yes, they are the perpetrators."
"If I may interject, Mr Vancaskerkin, I was a witness to what happened. These are, indeed, the majority of those who attacked your establishment, apparently led by these two." Zavos points to the wizard and the woman. "My good friend Kelne, the lovely Tessirda and that loud Ulfenman fought valiantly to protect your property and your patrons. Had the three of them not come to the aid of your guards, the situation would be much worse. Personally, were I in your position, I would reward them handsomely."
To Amunyet: "I apologize for interrupting, good lady."
Tessirda nodded, but felt it unnecessary to add anything further. The chips bought back at a ten percent markup was remarkable, but not really her concern. What was going to happen to these two thugs might be, though.
Thoroughly annoyed by the ruination of the evening, Amunyet responds to Saul, "You mean the individuals who are tied up and/or unconscious? That would have been my first guess, as well. Yes, they are the perpetrators."
Saul reddens a little. "Yes, of course."
"If I may interject, Mr Vancaskerkin, I was a witness to what happened. These are, indeed, the majority of those who attacked your establishment, apparently led by these two." Zavos points to the wizard and the woman. "My good friend Kelne, the lovely Tessirda and that loud Ulfenman fought valiantly to protect your property and your patrons. Had the three of them not come to the aid of your guards, the situation would be much worse. Personally, were I in your position, I would reward them handsomely."
Saul nods and thinks for a moment. "Yes a reward; you certainly do deserve one. It so happens I have an idea about that. After we get things squared away down here would you all care to join me in my office? We can discuss your reward there over a bottle of wine."
He turns to the well-dressed dwarf. "Larur, go wake up that fool Bojask and tell him to get out here."
"I'd gladly join you. But first, what do you intend to do about the prisoners? In the end, they stood down. That should count for something." She quickly checked if anyone else was in dire need of medical attention, but it seemed to have worked out rather well. So other than being responsible for a lot of lost money, they might get out of this with just one black eye.
Kelne's ears prick up slightly at mention of a 'reward'. It could be that he'll come out of tonight ahead of the game. Well, further ahead than he already is, he reflects, regarding the pile of chips in front of him.
"I'll be with you as soon as I've cashed this lot in," he says, "After the others have taken their share, of course." So saying, he starts dividing the pile of chips into five more or less equal shares. He's not entirely sure how many people were involved in the fighting, but five shares ought to cover it. And he can always rearrange them if need be.
"I'd gladly join you. But first, what do you intend to do about the prisoners? In the end, they stood down. That should count for something."
"Well, I was going to turn them over to the gendarmes, if they ever get here. Did you have something else in mind?"
Then to Kelne: "Don't worry about cashing in your chips just now. I will make sure you all get 150 percent of face value on them. I'll have Larur take care of it."
"I will join you in your office, with the others. However, I spent the entire 'altercation' unable to see, so please ensure that this woman here," Amunyet indicates Tessirda, "and the other gentlemen get the reward."
"If I may, I would like to attend this meeting with my friend."
"If I may, I would like to attend this meeting with my friend."
"Of course. I had already assumed you would."
"Well, then, I am at your disposal," Kelne says, mildly amused at the turnabout, with Zavos now tagging along to keep an eye out for him. The offer of 150% value for the looted chips is something of a surprise. Clearly, Vancaskerkin is buttering them up for something. All that remains to be seen is for what.
Tessirda looked at all the looting going on, then shook her head. "The Gendarmes will be fine, just tell them how it went down. They used non-lethal means, and I don't think any lasting wounds were inflicted."
She took one of the pouches, Angvar's to be precise. "I think this Penalty payment will be enough." She said, weighing it in her hand. "Anything else, I'd gladly take, but i don't really demand any more."
"The Gendarmes will be fine, just tell them how it went down. They used non-lethal means, and I don't think any lasting wounds were inflicted."
"How did it go down, exactly?" Saul asks, as the well-dressed dwarf returns from the back rooms with a burly man still blinking sleepily.
"Oh, let me introduce Larur, my floor manager, and Bojask, my bodyguard."
The tournament players are slowly redeeming their chips at the cashiers cage and leaving the Gold Goblin.
Sorda spends a little while examining the bracers, wand and scroll. He casts a small spell over the items just to see if that helps. Detect Magic
Sorda spends a little while examining the bracers, wand and scroll. He casts a small spell over the items just to see if that helps. Detect Magic
DM
Zavos motions to Tessirda and Kelne to step aside with him.
"If you will trust me to do so, I would be happy to negotiate financial terms for you on whatever this gentleman is looking to hire you for."
Uzes adds little to the story presented by the others, given that he spent most of the time hiding out in the back room he really didn't want to steal from their glory. He does stick around though for the prospect of some work, his time on the docks doing day labour was exhausting and not very fulfilling.
Sorda:
"You feel free. I always get the short stick in such haggling, so you won't make it any shorter." Tessirda offhandedly replied to Zavos, before returning her attention to the Saul.
"The woman used magic to incapacitate and confuse, when she probably could just as easily have caused a real panic by killing a few people in a fireball. That has to count for something. The man stood down willingly. Now, i am not saying they deserve to go free, but the noose is a bit harsh for that, don't you think?"
"You feel free. I always get the short stick in such haggling, so you won't make it any shorter." Tessirda offhandedly replied to Zavos, before returning her attention to the Saul.
"The woman used magic to incapacitate and confuse, when she probably could just as easily have caused a real panic by killing a few people in a fireball. That has to count for something. The man stood down willingly. Now, i am not saying they deserve to go free, but the noose is a bit harsh for that, don't you think?"
Still very put-out by the whole attack, and angry at having been blinded, Amunyet adds, "Of course, it's possible they weren't skilled enough to use a fireball, and would have if they could. And it is a miracle no one was injured in the panic, as often happens. I am amazed there were not more injuries, or even a death."
She does soften her tone a little after a moment's thought, and continues, "Still, Tessirda is right. The noose may be a bit harsh. I suppose they were not TRYING to kill anyone."
Saul nods in reply to Amyunet and Tessirda. Just about then a squad of gendarmes appear at the main entrance.
"Everythning's OK here, we have it under control." Saul tells the leader, who takes a glance at the bound captives, then shrugs, turns around and leaves. The others follow him.
After the gendarmes leave, Saul turns to Angvar. "What did you hope to accomplish here?". Angvar starts to speak, but Saul cuts him off. "It doesn't matter. I am going to let you all go, on the condition that you leave town immediately. And all of your gear is forfiet." he says, waving at the pile of loot. "Now, get out of here!".
Angvar gives Saul a long look, then nods his head.
"Bojask, help them get the unconscious ones out to the street." Saul tells his bodyguard.
Sorda explains to the others within earshot, "a magical wand, twelve inches long with the faint colouration of a high ink, possibly behir blood judging from the use of the wand. It also contains several charges and would have badly hurt anyone with one touch."
He then moves on to the bracers, "silvered and unadorned, a practical device for helping a mage protect themselves a little, like a layer of armour, well a thin layer anyway. A bit like walking around with pillows everywhere. Or leathers. No I am not sure of that. Nevertheless this is a valuable item and would benefit an unarmoured person greatly. In fact isn't there a sect of chosen monk-mages somewhere that regard these items as the only real form of protection. Now what are they called? Yellow something?"
He then shows off the scroll, "arcane, simple spell, allows me to shrink an item. Could have its uses."
"What shall we do with them?"
"What shall we do with them?"
"It would seem to me that you may be the only one to be able to make use of them, Sorda. Although if your own magic is better than those bracers for protection, perhaps you could sell them and distribute the proceeds among Ulli, Tessirda, and the others who deserve a reward for stopping these thieves."
Sorda nods, "I have no armour spells. Shield yes, armour no."
He picks up the items and walks around the rest of the gang, "what do think? keep them or sell them? I can use them or selling them may raise several hundred gold eyes, more or less."
"Well?"
Zavos addresses Sorda: "I am sorry, sir. I hadn't realized that you took part in stopping the thieves. With respect, it would seem unfair to give one stranger the dragon's share of the value of the goods of the vanquished, especially when that stranger had no apparent role in defeating them."
"Unless, of course, there was some aesthetic merit in presenting the stranger with such a windfall." He smiles and inclines his head towards Tessirda and Amunyet.
"I cast my spells in aid of the guards, and would hardly expect to walk away with everything. Although, perhaps that armour could be altered..."
Sorda hands them all over to Zavos. A wand. A pair of bracers. And a scroll.
"You decide then."
The man wanders off to cash in his chips, shrugging off any other comments.
As someone who had nothing really to contribute, Uzes does not pretend to own a share in the magical loot, though he is happy to trade in his tokens for the higher amount. He'll stick with the group but feels he still has to earn his way in.
Zavos' mouth drops open, then closes with a snap.
Blushing, he says, "Er, I seem to have caused offense... that was not my intent."
Looking around at the small gathering, he continues, "Please, if any of you are a friend to this gentleman, extend my sincere apology. I hope that he will join us for this meeting."
"I was only attempting to look out for the interest of my friend, and have no interest in these trinkets for myself. I only came here tonight for some amusement."
His eyes fall on Amunyet's holy symbol. "Lady, I believe that you may be the best among us at dealing with Items Left Behind. I shall keep silent."
Zavos' mouth drops open, then closes with a snap.
Blushing, he says, "Er, I seem to have caused offense... that was not my intent."
Looking around at the small gathering, he continues, "Please, if any of you are a friend to this gentleman, extend my sincere apology. I hope that he will join us for this meeting."
"I was only attempting to look out for the interest of my friend, and have no interest in these trinkets for myself. I only came here tonight for some amusement."
His eyes fall on Amunyet's holy symbol. "Lady, I believe that you may be the best among us at dealing with Items Left Behind. I shall keep silent."
Amunyet gives a smirk. "Ah, so you wish for me to dig you out of the hole you have dug for yourself. I am sorry, but I must decline; one thing I learned long ago was to avoid arguments where money is involved. I'm sure you would do very well; if you have no interest in the 'loot', even better! That makes you impartial, yes?"
"However ..." Amunyet looks around until she spies Zindit. "Ah, Zindit, my dear - our diplomatic friend is correct; it would be best if Sorda joined us this evening in Mr Vancaskerkin's office. Would you be so kind as to try and assuage his anger and get him to return?"
The line at the cashiers cage gets shorter as more patrons redeem their chips. Bojask helps Angvar and the conscious goon get the three unconscious goons and the half-naked Thuvalia out to street.
Saul listens to the bickering among the party members with a wry smile on his face.
Zindit was still half-dazed and confused at exactly what happened as she watched the pile of the captured thieves' gear grow, so much so that she missed Sorda's leaving.
When Amunyet spoke to her, it startled her back into the here and now. "U-um, me? W-why?" she started to nervously ask before she realized what a meeting with the casino's owner could mean. Work! She desperately needed that, but she did not dare follow Amunyet in there without Sorda or Ulli. "I'll get him.", she murmured as she ran off to catch up with the mage.
When she did, she reached out to his sleeve, tugging it to get his attention. "Sorda! Mr. Vancaskerkin wants to see us! They were talking about a reward and they might have something for us to do!" She was pleading with him. She really wanted to go, but not alone.
"Of course!" Sorda places a hand on Zindit's shoulder, eyes twinkling. "These chips are magical, watch as they turn into gold. Ha Ha Ha!"
He scoops up the gold and pockets most of it. "Here is one lucky silver for you, don't ever lose it."
"Now lead on and show me the way to Mr Vandercaskin and this work. I wonder what he wants us to do? I hope it will leave time for my studies into the Blot, especially after the revelation from that nice Lady Amunyet."
"You may as well hang onto them for the time being," Kelne says, "We can always distribute them or sell them later, depending." By the looks, there'll be a small swarm of people trooping up to hear Vancaskerkin's offer, which would still leave him with a decent number if a couple say no.
Saul smiles. "Good! That's all worked out then?"
He turns Larur "I think Hans and Beyar can get the last of the people out of here and close up. Will you please fetch us a couple of bottles wine - the good stuff and bring it to my office?"
He turns back to you "Follow me up to my office and we can discuss things there, if you please."
He leads you through the abandoned kitchen and up some stairs to the second floor of the Gold Goblin. Bojask returns from outside and follows you. On the second floor, Saul leads you down a hallway and into a room furnished with two suede couches, a table and a fireplace.
"Please have a seat," he says, "and I'll light a fire."
The young wizard takes an offered chair and looks around the room. Then he leans back and starts tapping his teeth, his blue eyes busy elsewhere.
Zavos sits in the centre of the unoccupied couch. It is obvious that he is bursting with questions, but is doing his best to keep his word and remain silent.
Tessirda took a seat on the couch closer to the fireplace, and crossed her legs. She took a long look over the assemblage. Her eyes rested on Zindit just for a moment until she realized that the curious gnome had reacted really badly before. Best not give her the feeling she was out for her especially.
"Quite the cozy place. I am envious, Mister Vancaskerkin. I certainly could never pay for half of this." She said, trying to get some light conversation going. Always a better start for any kind of dealing, and also maybe not the worst idea to get everyone's mind off the fight they had just been in.
Uzes is last in the room and will stand at the back if there are no other chairs. He still feels like an outsider amongst the group and is hesitant to trust anyone given his history with blown cover. If there is one more chair he'll take it, but sits awkwardly in it.
As Amunyet enters, she will first stop to introduce herself to Uzes and Kelne, saying, "I'm afraid we haven't really met. I am Amunyet Meretshiri, Priestess of Pharasma. Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?" and extending her hand (palm down). Once having met them, she will approach Zavos, extend her arm again, and say, "I dislike setting off on the wrong foot. And I don't believe we were ever properly introduced. Amunyet Meretshiri, humble servant of the Lady of Graves. And besides being a master of making friends, you are ...?"
After that, she will seat herself as close to the fire as possible, as she still hasn't gotten used to the cooler climate of the north ...
Once having met them, she will approach Zavos, extend her arm again, and say, "I dislike setting off on the wrong foot. And I don't believe we were ever properly introduced. Amunyet Meretshiri, humble servant of the Lady of Graves. And besides being a master of making friends, you are ...?"
Zavos replies, "Zavos Szmyr. The odd thing is, I usually am a master at making friends. It's the keeping that causes trouble."
Zavos replies, "Zavos Szmyr. The odd thing is, I usually am a master at making friends. It's the keeping that causes trouble."
Amunyet gives a slight smile, and looks at him closely. "I believe you. I keep few friends myself; it seldom pays when the Mistress of Fate calls us to our second life after such a short time on this world. I have given the burial rights of dozens of people in my homeland, and I can assure you that those being entombed do not care if there is one or one hundred present to see them off."
Saul gets a fire lit then takes a seat at the table, while Bojask stands next to the door.
"As you may know, I used to be somewhat of a player among the crime bosses in Riddleport, but I found a life of crime was not what I had hoped it would be and I was forced to retire. In fact, the life cost me my health, my wealth, my wife, my son and ultimately my left hand."
He holds up his left arm with the key where his left hand used to be.
"So I scraped along for a few years, trying to be legit. Eventually with what little money I had left, I was able to purchase an old run-down gambling hall, renovate it and turn it into a somewhat profitable business. This place, the Gold Goblin."
He pauses for a few seconds and rises from the chair. "Unfortunately, even though I am no longer part of the Riddleport crime scene I still have many old enemies among the crime bosses here, enemies who would not wish to see me succeed, even with a legitimate enterprise. Especially with a legitimate enterprise. So I wasn't surprised to recognize the wizard you detained earlier as a leader of a group of thugs I had seen around the casino before. I know for a fact that he and his friends have contracted out to some of the bosses to do various shady jobs."
Just then Larur enters the room carrying a tray with two bottles on wine on it.
"Here we are." Saul says, and walks over to a cupboard and starts taking out some glasses. Larur uncorks one of the bottles and starts pouring some wine.
"Thank you Larur. Have some please," Saul says to you, "it's quite good."
After you get a glass of wine (or not), Saul continues.
"So, to get to the point, here is my proposal. As you have seen, most of my staff has quit on account of the attempted robbery. And here you all are, the very ones who stepped up to defend my place of business and foil the crime. So what I offer to you is a chance to work here at the Gold Goblin, at whatever job fits you best. But not only that, I am offering you part ownership of the Gold Goblin, junior partners you might say. You would receive a share in all profits the Gold Goblin makes, in addition to your normal wages."
"So, please, introduce yourselves and tell me what you think of my offer."
Zindit had taken a seat on the floor next to Sorda, keeping him between herself and Tessirda once she noticed the elven woman was in the room. She nervously fidgited with the silver coin Sorda had given her as the others spoke. Amunyet's talk of tombs and burials made her shiver, and she kept wishing for Saul to hurry up.
Once the casino owner finally did make his offer, Zindit nearly leapt up to offer her services before catching herself. What skills did she have to offer that she could mention with Amunyet and Tessirda in the room? Think! Think! She didn't want to simply start catching rats in a nicer building if it could be helped.
She hoped paying attention to the others would give her some idea of what to say.
"Before I can comment further on my willingness, I would need to know more details. What are our wages? How much of a percentage of the profits?"
"As to what I can contribute: every gaming hall needs a resident gambler. One who is charming, who can pull in the big money to the big games, who is a friendly face on the side of the gamblers, who can be counted on to drop most of their wages back into the coffers."
"I think that I would be eminently suited for that job."
"My two friends Kelne and Tessirda would be fine officers within your security force, both in spotting trouble and diffusing it."
"Dependant, of course, on your answers to my questions."
"Before I can comment further on my willingness, I would need to know more details. What are our wages? How much of a percentage of the profits?"
"As to what I can contribute: every gaming hall needs a resident gambler. One who is charming, who can pull in the big money to the big games, who is a friendly face on the side of the gamblers, who can be counted on to drop most of their wages back into the coffers."
"I think that I would be eminently suited for that job."
"My two friends Kelne and Tessirda would be fine officers within your security force, both in spotting trouble and diffusing it."
"Dependant, of course, on your answers to my questions."
"Good questions, sir. Your wages would be 10 gold per week, and your percentage of the profits would be 5 percent each. As for Resident Gambler, well, I really don't have such a position here at the Gold Goblin, but you would undoubtedly make a fine dealer at one of the tables. And you could gamble as much as you like during your off hours."
"And, yes, Kelne and Tessirda would make fine members of the Gold Goblin's security team. I am looking for both guards and a Security Chief, as well as spotters. I would like to hear from them."
"I must be honest with you, Mr. Vancerkaskin: while the offer is interesting, and certainly the first one I have ever received, I am unsure that I can accept. Firstly, what possible use could you have on your staff for a priestess of the Goddess of Death? I know next to nothing of gaming, unfortunately. Secondly, my church sent me here from Osirion to find out more about this blot; I couldn't accept any job that interfered with my duties ... although I admit the funds which my superiors gave me for this journey are getting a bit low. Is there a function I could serve that would still allow me to pursue my researches?"
Saul replies to Amyunet:
"I'm sorry, young lady, I don't remember you name. But I completely understand that you may have other obligations that would prevent you from working here. As far as what kind of position here at the Gold Goblin would suit you, well, you're an attractive young woman, you might do well as a waitress."
Saul pauses and thinks for a second. "Perhaps you could work part time, and still be a junior partner, but only receive wages commensurate with the hours you work. At any rate, we don't have do decide right now, we can think about it and perhaps come to an agreement later that suits us both."