Chadwilt drinks the first of the four glasses he has in front of him just to steady his nerves. It was well past the hour he was accustomed to 'being merry and with not a care'.
Saul smiles. He says, Who else will join this young lady? He looks at each of the remaining heroes waiting for an answer....
‘First I believe you’ll be wanting this friend Saul.’
Chadwilt produces the shrunken chest from his vest pocket and hands it over to Saul.
‘Many a soul were signed away for that tonight.’ Chadwilt remarks as he places the prize right in front of the Gold Goblin’s proprietor.
‘You are quite the lucky one dear Saul, your customers did not turn into a mob and have gone, for now at least and now you only have to deal with Us ! And we in turn can deal with any angry patrons who decide to take issue with you or any other future issues. that I'm sure will arise.
‘Might I suggest we begin the … Parley ?
hmmm, junior partner... that may make it hard for my to leave this sinkhole when I need to. However, these have been the most suitable accomodations I have been able to find... Sipping from a glass of "elven" wine (It was actually elven wine, but Tvaliss will never admit it), Tvaliss leans forward slightly as he says, "As much as it may pull me away from my studies here, it seems you may need my advice. I accept you wise offer."
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Saul keeps an eye on the rest of the group waiting for their decisions. The first to make a movement is Chadwilt who hands over the shrunken box of silver coins to Saul. He jumps up with the box and hurriedly places it on one of the tables nearby. He smiles and says You never know when the spell might wear off you know! He turns back to Chadwilt, Yes we were quite luckly not to many people were hurt in the robbery and after we get staffed back up we can continue as planned, with all your help I hope.... Tvaliss jumps in for the moment and throws his hat into the pot so to speak and accepts Saul's offer right at the same time as Chadwilt suggests that they all begin to parley. Your invoking the right to parley huh, I know this is a pirate town and all but there is no parley here, I am not a pirate, I am a lot of things but pirate is not one of them, the terms are set as that is all I can afford right now so I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request to parley! He smiles warmly to Chadwild who seems not to be able to figure out where this man is coming from. So will you join your other fellow's here and help run the Gold Goblin?
Charsis has been quietly listening to the proceedings from the back near the door and having heard Zaranae's pledge to assist Saul he finally steps forward to stand beside her and agree to help Saul in his endeavours.
"This is nasty business here so I'll throw my hand up and say yes to helping you. Especially with that nice little bonus involved."
Chadwilt takes two large sips out of his second glass of wine and eye’s the third glass in front of him.
‘By declining my request of parley , as is your right sir; it is in turn my right, by the buccaneers code, sanctioned by the Overlord of Riddleport himself, that I am not beholden to you, nor to this establishment nor your peers nor their peers, and as such, I am a free agent and your sir are not my captain, albeit, a captain of industry at this juncture; a countenance that I neither I ask for nor seek, BUT should you seek my sword arm sir, then it would be to your benefit and the benefit of your peers and theirs’ the same, that you then sir should very well request such aid as that I can provide, as demonstrated by myself in bringing three would be felons down and the fact that in returning what is yours by ownership to you, and liberating you from dire consequnces of such a loss; and thus if we are all then agreed, YOU sir, should then request parley’ that we may continue.
Chadwilt somehow finishes his third drink while still sipping his second glass; no one in the room seems to fathom how this is accomplished; ambidextrous drinking being only mastered by a mere few drunkards and takes many years of debilitating hangovers to perfect.
Charsis seems to think that there was an insult offered to Saul somewhere in Chadwilt's drunken ramblings and steps up behind him menacingly. He puts a hand on his shoulder and says, "Mr Vancaskerin has been more than kind to us in his offer. If you don't want to hear more then it might be time for you to be on your way."
"Oh don't worry about him, a few more glasses and he'll be curled up in a corner with his mutt."
[sorry for the delay!]
Violant has been quiet, fortifying her nerves with her first drink of the evening, from Saul's wine bottle.
"This sounds like a great opportunity, and I'd be thrilled to be a part of it." Looking around at the others, "We seem to work pretty well together."
Tvaliss didn't understand the half elf's rambling since he seemed more like a drunkard than an actual bucaneer, but he refrained from commenting and simply waited for the drunk to accept or decline Saul's offer.
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Stepping up finally from behind everyone the quiet Charsis decides to throw in his hat with the rest of the group. Saul nods his head and shakes Charsis's hand, I am glad you decided to stay on with this little enterprise! He barely finishes his statement when Chadwilt jumps into the conversation again, again with the parley, he puts on his best face and turns to Chadwilt, I am indeed in your debt as I am to all of you here who helped save what could have been a final ending to my business. We took a few steps back but should be able to move foward rather quickly with everyone's help. I believe, sir I am over paying you for the services that I have asked of you. You will recieve free lodging here first off plus the gold coins I will be handing you each week and on top of that a share from the weeks profits and then all of the booze you will undoubtly consume while doing so, add that all together and I will be broke in two weeks. Now what say you good man, will you join this little adventure or quibble over a few coins? If you want more coins, fine but then no booze at ALL, your choice! The room quiets a bit as the drunkard thinks over what his next speech will be, Charsis now having accepted Saul's offer jumps to the aid of him, trying to ease matters between the two men. Zee makes one of her snip remarks and dismisses the whole thing ready to get going on this new job. And finally last but not least Vee speaks up after she's got a few drinks in her, she accepts the offer from Saul and looks around the room saying how well everyone has worked well together so far so this should be very successful venture. Saul smiles warmly at the last of the group to speak up and thanks her for her help. Lets all turn in and get some sleep, the sun is almost rising, we need to rest so tonight we can be ready to open the doors, there's a lot to get done before that can happen so a quick rest and then we start! I will show you to your rooms now if you will follow me please! I'll put you two ladies together if that is ok? He gets out of his seat but waits looking at Chadwilt for his answer, Are we done here or would you like to parley some more? The studied elf gets up ready to rest a little and get some time in with his books, research it seems is going to be a juggling act for a short while and the blot does't seem to be going anywhere to fast. Maybe between shifts he can sneak out, hmmm, have to work something out with Saul.......
"I'll put you two ladies together if that is ok?"
As they start to move out, Charsis slips in beside Zaranae and places a hand on her arm, whispering in her ear.
Zee returns the grin with one full of promise.
'I may regret this in the morning, but then again what don’t I ever regret come every morning anyways? Well let it not be said that Chadwilt Carinio is ever one to spoil a party ! But Saul, dear fellow, from an unapologetic drunk to a reformed crime operative, I’ll shake your hand on this on the condition that we get twice our money back from the chips we have on us and I require a bottle before bed, and I go to bed quite often ! '
Charsis' grin widens as he walks over to Saul and whispers in his ear as well.
Saul:
"Ah, Saul if it's alright with you then Zaranae won't need to bunk in with Vee. She has a pressing engagement to attend to in my room."
He gives Saul a wink and a clap on the shoulder.
Tvaliss simply makes his way to his room, not paying much heed to what the others are doing.
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Saul smiles and offers a hand to Chadwilt, Glad to have you aboard son, we have a real shot at making this a thriving business! With that he leads everyone down the steps and shows where the guest rooms are to those who do not currently have rooms here. He leaves not caring who bunks up with who it being a long day and ready for some sleep. He heads back into the main room with his body guard to make sure things are closed up tight and the money left is secured, he has a little smile on his face as he does so thinking of Charsis being smitten. The group stands in the hallway and says their goodnights, Tvaliss and Chadwilt go off to their rooms they already have leaving the rest in the hall to figure out who is sleeping where and such.
The morning and well into mid day everyone rests, after everyone cleans up another meeting with Saul is set up to plan for the day and the future. The meeting takes place in the main gambling hall, Saul has food brought in since he has no kitchen staff left. the meal is good and plentiful. Once everyone's belly is full Saul get to business calling the table to attention, Ladies and gentlemen of the Gold Goblin I have done some thinking about how to proceed, I have come up with a plan, first we need to hire a new staff which each of you will be in charge of in your areas of work. Tvaliss, I would like you with all of your knowledge of the finer wines and brews to be in charge of the bar. Restock the bar as you see fit with a mix of high and low end beverages, also find us a couple of good tenders of the bar. Zee and Charsis are in charge of the bouncers, find more reliable ones, six should do, you already have Hans and Beyar who will keep an eye on the front entrance while everyone is out and about. Vee I think you will be good at finding us some beauties to fill is as wenches, find them and dress them however you feel will bring in the business and keep the drinks filled. And lastly Chadwilt, you will be my drunken spy once the gambling starts up, sit in on games, sit in the bar, drink and be merry but all of the time you will be keeping an eye out for persons who wish to do harm to this hall and myself. Do not drink to much mind you I want you to be productive not laying on the floor passed out or in bed with some interesting person whom you have taken a fancy too. Bed who you wish but remain focus on the final prize. The better the hall does, the coins in each of your pockets. Until we open why don't you Chadwilt help Vee out with finding some wenches, with your charm and her beauty you should be able to bring in some winners. This time hire both male and female, I noticed last night we had a fair amount of ladies with nothing to look at plus a few gentlemen who quite bored with the ladies I had hired. With the wave of his hand he bid all of you good luck and be careful out there. Oh by the way, while you are out there it might be good to put your ear to the ground and see who hired those who tried to rob me last night. We open in two days! He drops a few bags of coins on the table for hiring purposes and he also hands you each your first weeks pay for your own needs. He leaves the table discussing with Larur his floor manager about hiring kitchen staff and new posters saying something like "Grand Re Opening of the Gold Goblin under new management" should do the trick. Larur heads off to hire kitchen staff and Saul with Bojask in trail head for his office leaving the rest of you to begin your duties..............
Chadwilt uses his right hand to pinch his left palm, then gingerly reverses the action in a very well practiced manner and pinches his right palm with his left hand; then rather indelicately bites his inner mouth cheek (twice!), assured that he is not dreaming he then says,
‘So you’re paying to me to drink and find wenches… er, women to ‘work’ for us … and these same women will be serving me drinks …’
Chadwilt has had drunken dreams not as good as this!
Perception Check for Chadwilt. (1d20=13)
Smiling at the proposition of money, after coming to Riddleport with not much but the clothes (and weapons) on his back, he turns to Zaranae and whispers "well I must say I am still feeling worn out after last night, but ready to keep working with you closely".
Louder he says, "so, seeing as I am new in town, where do you think we should start looking for men or women to do the bouncing?"
Perception Check for Chadwilt. (1d20=13)
Smiling at the proposition of money, after coming to Riddleport with not much but the clothes (and weapons) on his back, he turns to Zaranae and whispers "well I must say I am stll feeling worn out after last night, but ready to keep working with you closely".
Louder he says, "so, seeing as I am new in town, where do you think we should start looking for men or women to do the bouncing?"
Zaranae smiles, her mind momentarily reliving the more enjoyable parts of the previous day, and gets ready for the day's work. It seems that Riddleport had more to offer than she thought.....
"I am thinking we probably shouldn't be splitting up, especially since I don't really know my way around town. Besides, the two of us together should be able to convince almost anyone to join up."
"I must admit though, having no experience with this kind of thing I don't know where to start, other than searching other taverns and the like."
"Good point, the rough and tumble types tend to spend time in the lower end taverns. We could start there."
During the evening, in the 'ladies quarters,' which she currently has to herself, Violant considers where and how to recruit young women to serve as waitstaff and hostesses. She's quite aware of the number of shiftless *men* idling around Riddleport looking for work, but Calistria's temple didn't have quite as many young women hanging around, hoping to sample the wares.
Still, in a town like Riddleport, there must be no shortage of young women who would like any sort of work that doesn't land them on their back, and perhaps the ranks of wives, mistresses and lovers of ship's crewmen might appreciate some gainful occupation during the time when their sailor-man is out to sea and their hours are their own.
Somewhat peevish over the lack of bath in the room, she also turns over in her mind plans to remedy that barbarous shortcoming.
The morning comes around and Zee and Charasis seem ready to seek out bouncers and security folk from the rougher elements (likely the exact same sort of people that the would-be thieves recruited for their failed raid last evening!), and Violant waves to them jauntily before heading out, stopping only to pat Coraline on the head.
Wandering seemingly aimlessly around town for the better part of the day, Violant has her eyes out for two things; women who, if not beautiful, could at least be made alluring with good use of clothing, cosmetics and posture (particularly in a poorly lit bar inhabited by men who are inebriated and / or not overly picky, which broadens her pool of talent considerably!), and a large discarded tun-sized wooden keg or cask for beer or ale, probably to be found behind some tavern. One that is slightly damaged would be acceptable, as she could magically mend minor damage, but it has to be large enough for her to sit comfortably in (and, ideally, not alone!), which means that only the largest would do, to make her a proper waterproofed 'bath.'
Combining her natural grace and prodigious talents of persuasion Violant makes a powerful case to those women who seem like possible 'fixer-uppers' for the serving wench position. She'll stress that it's a venue starting over with new staff, with new management, meaning that those who start early will have the best chances for promotion to hostess, and that the job absolutely does not require the sort of 'extra services' that some places expect of their serving wenches.
The recruiting-of-women will take priority, and she will travel from the docks (and attempt to find out when ships are arriving and departing, to connect with 'sailor's widows' who are wishing their men a safe journey) to the market and back again. She'll try to view each potential hire with an eye for how they can be presented in the best light. If one woman has a shapely figure but a homely face, she might try to picture her dressed as a Qadiri dancing girl, face veiled and mysterious, hips a-sway and coins jinging. In another has a striking face, but a slim boyish figure lacking in curves, she'll consider what sort of figure she would cut in a Tien kimono, which would make her face the center of attention.
If she doesn't see any barrel or cask of sufficient size in her meandering trek from dockside to marketplace and back again, she'll grit her teeth and seek out a cooper to find out how much it would cost to commision such a thing, if he has none in stock, and if she has to pay to have one made anyway, she might as well have it already made into a bath-appropriate shape (since she would have to cut the top off of a cask of suitable size anyway, sand down the edges and make sure to re-waterproof it...).
If she *does* find a suitable barrel or cask that she can fix up on her own, she'll pay a dockworker 2 silver (one at the beginning, one when the job is done, with a third silver as tip if he doesn't piss her off in some way, and pursing her lips the whole while as if spending silver is some great financial hardship, since the last thing she wants to do is advertise that she has gold on her person in this town!) to carry it back to the Golden Goblin and schlep it up the stairs to the 'ladies quarters.'
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As Saul walks away from the group of his new staff memebers he catches what Chadwilt says and pauses, he turns back to him and says, Yes, I am paying you to do what I think is towards your strengths, and I know you will do a good job for me and the rest of the Gold Goblin staff. You will help let people lose their coins with us, gather information on possible threats to us and protect this place from further interuptions of business. Now go and do us all proud! With that he leaves, no longer in ear shot of the group. Charsis watches has this all goes down and notices a single tear run down Chadwilt's face.
With a plan, Charsis and Zee head off to a local watering hole nearby here in the Wharf District. Zee has passed it a few times and looks to be a good starting point. After a short walk they arrive at the Chained Pony, a place where dock workers and mercenary types frequent for cheap drinks and bad food. It's a one story building, old and run down with a lot of traffic over the years. Business is so brisk the management never seems to have the time to stop and fix up the place. The owner is a well known brewer by the name of Dalvin Oxshild, a dwarf whose family line has been the fine art of brewing for a great while, to many years to count by mear humans. His Riddleport Gut Bomb is the highlight of the Chained Pony, his goal to make a great tasting brew but keep the cost down to the public so they will come back again and again. The two enter the tavern to a packed house and the sun has not even begun to think about heading in it's downward path. They see all types and all shapes inside, dock workers, haulers, transporters, brawlers, mercs, adventurers, pirates, captains of ships and the two of them. Most are male with a few women scattered about, the two are going to have to push their way to the bar if they want a drink..............
Saul having given Vee her task, she quietly heads off on her own leaving the rest of the group with out noticing her except for Coraline who wags her tail at the pat on the head. She wanders the Wharf area of Riddleport for a few hours collecting her thoughts on how to accomplish her new found goals. She keeps an eye out for women who will fit the bill for the Gold Goblin and at the same time a object that will serve as a bathing vessel. After having no success for those few hours she is finally has success and finds a very old wine cask sitting next to a newer one being used as a water collecter by one of the bath houses. The old one is full of holes after much use as a collecter in the distant past and no one having the energy to put the thing out of its decomposing life by using it for firewood. A few inquires and the barrel is hers to do with to her hearts content. The old barrel is given to her freely and the owner of the buildng even pushes his younger son to labor the thing to where the lady desires. They boy does not seem to mind, blushing and stuttering the whole way back to the Goblin, his eyes always sneaking glaces at the pretty lady, the boy being old enough to appreciate such things. Once the bath situation as been taken care she heads back out searching for possible employees. Her Search finally takes her to docks where she watches ships coming in and going. She mostly interested in the ones going and does spot a few possible women who would be perfect for the Goblin. Once one of the ships departs she makes her move and approaches three women who stand and the end of a dock waving as the ship leaves the harbor...............
"Damn it's crowded in here. Says alot for the quality of the drinks though." Zee says as she and Charsis elbow their way to the bar. "So how do you wanna play this?"
Charsis looks around at the crowds. "You know I have no clue. I'm new at this kind of thing. Growing up living off the land tends to narrow on'e scope on such things." He shrugs.
"I'm good at rolling with a plan though, so fire away and I'll get the job done."
'Tvaliss, care fot a walk about ? ' Chadwilt asks as he grabs about two dozen gambling chips (silver) to hand out to work and client prospects.
"I guess the tavern owner should have a pretty good read on his regulars. Lets try that first."
"I live to serve pretty lady. Where you lead I follow. Do you want me to do the talking now that I know the plan, or do you want to?"
He starts shouldering his way through the crowd, clearing a way for Zaranae.
Tvaliss simply nods his head as Chadwilt's words and follows the half-elf out the door and into the Riddleport day. Wandering the streets, Tvaliss looks in on a few shops selling wine and will ask the keeps for prices before moving on to another shop. Tvaliss was a patient man and he was gonna be sure that his new position was looked upon with respect. Chadwilt could bring in the lesser brews, but Tvaliss was gonna be the one to bring in the drinks that truly attracted the clientel.
Seeing the boy's distraction, Violant will flirt with him mercilessly, even favoring him with a peck on the cheek along with his silver piece 'tip,' whispering that perhaps he should look her up in a year or so.
Moving towards the docks, Violant quickly spots the three women waving farewell to a departing ship and prepares herself mentally, being unaccustomed to this new role...
“Ladies, I see that your gentlemen have left you at liberty for the time being, and I would like to offer the three of you an opportunity to greet them with coin, in style, when they return.”
“It’s perhaps harder than it should be for a woman of potential to find work in this town that doesn’t involve unspeakable things, and I, of course, wouldn’t speak of such. This is honest work, the sort that will allow you to welcome your gentleman home with a bottle of wine and a fine pair of boots, and let him know that you are not merely a dalliance that he will move past, but a woman of substance, prepared to run a household and able to be trusted with his coin, as she has coin of her own.”
“Anyone can be a port-of-call girl that a sailor visits when he’s in town and forgets when he’s not, but only a woman who can provide for her man will be the one he comes home to. Isn’t that the goal ladies?”
“And if you sign up, the three of you, you’ll have an advantage over any other staff, as you’ll already have friends there, to watch out for your interests, and not enter into a situation where everyone else is already friends and you are the new girl, finding her place!”
“The starting positions will be serving staff, croupiers, dealers and hostess, and, as you will starting as the casino opens it’s doors anew, after renovation, you will be starting on the same footing as anyone else, and not have to fight your way through the ranks to find a better position.”
"I live to serve pretty lady. Where you lead I follow. Do you want me to do the talking now that I know the plan, or do you want to?"
He starts shouldering his way through the crowd, clearing a way for Zaranae.
"I'm the new girl, you can speak for the Goblin better than I can." she grins, taking the time to enjoy watching Charsis walk ahead of her.
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The crowded tavern of the Chained Pony parts its way to let Charsis and Zee into the bowels of it's entertainment. They make their way over to the bar and find three men slinging drinks as fast as one can. After a bit of time passes and no one noticing them even with a few attempts by Charsis to flag one of them down, Zee steps into view and instantly two of the three approach the two and ask how they may be of service! All eyes are on Zee, none for Charsis who is left to the side of the conversation. One is an older man, a little grey starting to show in his hair but his build tell of a past life as one who swong the sword. The other is a young man, just barely old enough to sling drinks one would say. He is handsome of face and built to match although he looks to be a person who never has had to do any hard labor till this point.
The elf and the half elf leave the Gold Goblin together a brief time after the others have left, Chadwilt's emotions getting the better of him. They walk about town for awhile passing many interesting shops and taverns. A couple of quick questions of the locals they get an idea where to begin searching. A brewer by the name of Olaf Dunhill owner of the brewery/tavern Olaf's Brews, whose beverages are highly talked about. Another place of interest is a small shop tucked in between the River District and the Windward District across the Inner harbor called the Vines of the Earth. It's a small little shop of fine wines imported from across the world. A few blocks down from the Publican House and a short walk to the Cypher Lodge. Lastly one of the street beggars suggests you might find women and a few men to work at the Gold Goblin but you'd have to somehow steal them away of course is the House of Silken Veil reported to be Riddleport's "Hospitality Industries headquarters"!
The three women smile through tears at the new comer. They listen to her words and nod in understanding. The older of the three just smiles at Vee and thanks her for the kind words but she has five children to take care of at home she needs to get back too. She pats Vee's arm and head off to her home. The other two younger women both seem interested in a job. One because she is scared to wait around waiting for coins from her man who might never return, its a dangerous business they ply on the open seas. The other has her own reasons but is keeping those to herself. They both have questions about the job, Where is this casino you speak of and how much are you paying? What kind of safety do you provide, men who drink and gamble tend to get touchy and demand things of us women who do not wish to be like those women in the brothel's? Can we tell some of the other women who are in the same boat so to speak? They might have other questions but they pause to get the ones they have already asked!
"Gentlemen, you look like strong capable men. I could use a few guys like you. How'd you like to talk a little...business?" Zee breaks into a slow smile with the words.
To the departing mother of five, Violant bows slightly and acknowledges, "It sounds like you have a greater job before you than any I could offer, then, mother. Blessings upon you."
To the replies of the others, Violant replies as honestly as she can, given that she doesn't actually know what the positions will be paying.
"The jobs will be at the Golden Goblin, a new gambling hall that has seen some excitement in the last days, but is re-opening with new management in place."
"New bouncers are being hired as we speak, but if you ask around, you may hear that just last evening, there was a brawl after an attempted robbery, and that not a single guest or employee came to harm, as a team of strong souls put the brigands to rout. Those same people are now working full time at the Golden Goblin, to ensure security."
"The demands of drunkards who might mistake a member of the staff for a different sort of 'working girl' entirely will *not* be tolerated," Violant's face grows very serious as she says this last, and her hand rests possessively on the dagger at her hip, "and as I was raised in the House of Silken Veils, to take up the vows of the Calistrian clergy, you need have no doubt whatsoever that I will respond very sternly to any ale-soaked lout who thinks otherwise! The temple of the goddess of vengeance takes a dim view of those who mistreat women, as I'm sure you are well aware."
Violant's face grows less serious, and she visibly calms down, tossing her hair as if cleansing herself of that unpleasant thought, "Most assuredly, if you know other women who might be seeking gainful employment, you are most welcome to share this invitation, although there will only be a limited number of positions available, so you may wish to spread the word to your closest confidantes first, so that they do not miss their chance!"
26 on continuing Diplomacy roll, if necessary. Ignore otherwise.
Tvaliss listens to the information and digests each bit with a calm smile. Once they have an idea of where to start, the tall elf turns to his counterpart and says, "I suggest that we split up. You shall head for Olaf's Brews while I shall take a look at Vines of the Earth. Then when we have finished there, we can meet up at this Silken Veil to see what aid we can lend to Violant's gathering of women." Chadwilt can tell the the elf is all business, for at the mention of the Silken Veil, there is no change of tone that is common among most human men when a place like the Silken Veil is mentioned.
If Chadwilt agrees to Tvaliss' plan then the wizardly elf will make for the wine shop to see what wares he could procur for the Gold Goblin.
'I love Olaf almost as much as I love his Brews, and they simply love me at Olaf's Brew's ... excellent plan good Tvaliss ! Let's make good time for a good time then, we're off.'
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Both tenders of the bar who have all eyes for Zee only stand and listen to her. She asks if they would talk a little business, they both smile at this and the younger one the faster on the uptake asks, What kind of business do you want to talk about pretty lady we are all ears? You with that big fellow behind you? If you are you could do better right here you know? He grins as he says this with nods from the older man.
The older departing mother turns back and smiles, waves, and then is off to her home to work her full time job. The other two ladies listen to what Vee answers to their questions. Both seem to be of the same mind as what Vee has said is enough to sway them over. Coins to be made in an safe environment with a women who really cares for their safety plus the fact they can be working with their friends to watch each others back. They agree to join up and are ready to rush away to tell others there is coins to be made, the dependence of those men at sea are over.
Tvaliss and Chadwilt come to a plan, each is to go to one of the mentioned places and do what they can to gain beverages and personel for the Goblin, each departs their own way heading for Olaf's and Vines of the Earth. Tvaliss takes a short ferry ride over to the other side of the Inner Harbor. He lands on an old creeky dock swaying with the waves coming in from the Varisian Gulf. He makes his way to his distination with little trouble. Its a small shop attached to a long line of small shops along the roadway. Entering you see rows and rows of bottles from all over Golorian. A nice looking lady approaches you asking how she may be of help? She introduces herself as Krile, wife of the owner who is out of town on business.
Chadwilt heads over to Olaf's which s only a short walk from the Goblin. You walk in and find the place is full of patrons drinking like there is no tomorrow. Olaf's brews are mighty tasty and go down quick. The front of the building is the tavern proper, a medium sized place set up for drinking and chatting. No games can be seen as the only reason to be here is to drink Olaf's wonderful brews. A small fire is going at the back of the room with a gentleman playing and singing softly for background music. With all of the beverages flowing out of the bar you would expect the place to be loud but it is not. The bartenders are busy handing out brews and seem to be following the guidance of a older slightly balding man, who chats it up with everyone along the bar answering questions about his brews and such.
You with that big fellow behind you? If you are you could do better right here you know? He grins as he says this with nods from the older man.
Charsis visibly gets bigger at the statement, raising himself to his full height and puffing out his chest. He opens his mouth to say something, but a restraining hand on his chest from Zaranae is enough to halt the words... for the moment.
"Now now we wouldn't want to break him would we?" She says to Charsis just loudly enough for the brash young loudmouth to hear.
Turning to the men she smiles, "What I need is muscle. Smart muscle. I'm sure you boys know the Golden Goblin. Well I'm here to find some security. See we're doing really well and with more customers we need to expand the level of....service. There's a lot of people spending a lot of money, and a whole lot of very pretty girls there to entertain them."
She looks around the group making sure she has their attention. "What we need are strong, smart capable individuals, who can make sure no one bothers our customers, check people's weapons at the door and make sure that none of the girls has a reason to be upset.
And believe me, these girls can be pretty grateful."
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As everyone is about their duties focused on only what they are doing at the moment, the world decides to give them pause, the ground everywhere in Riddleport begins to tremble. Building shake, glassware falls, people stumble as they walk, books fall off their shelves, pack animals begin to cry under their restraints, women scream, shutters bang open to name but a few of the occurances from the earth shake. It lasts but a few seconds only but it causes everyones heart to race and cling on to something or someone.......
"What the @#$%???!!!"
Violant sways with the treacherous earth beneath her feet, and giggles nervously, making a sort of impromptu dance out of the event, to mask her own rush of terror at the thought of the normally rock-solid stone beneath her feet rolling like the deck of a ship.
She's spent the last few years in Riddleport, and never has the earth moved like this. She considers it an ill portent, and is deeply unsettled at first, although she masks this under a facade of excitement. Finally, she convinces herself that as water can become a solid thing, when it is cold enough, and in no way be unnatural, perhaps the earth itself can move like fluid and also be nothing to fear?
Slight shock crosses the elf's face as the tremor hits. His mind swiftly shifting gears...he ponders the significance of the tremor as he whips out his journal and scribes a few notes before realizing that he was standing in someone elses shop. Putting his ink pen away, he bows towards the lady and asks, "Are you okay, Madame...I hope the tremor has not startled you too much, nor your fine wares. I am Tvaliss and I have come to peruse your selection of wines, if you will allow me."