Charsis reaches out to brace himself and Zaranae against the bar as the tremor hits, wrapping his arms around her for safety.
Zaranae recovers from her shock with a quick grin, covering her uneasiness at the quake.
"Nice to see there's still a few real men in this town." She gives Charsis a wink.
Once the tremor subsides Charsis releaes his grip and grins back at Zaranae. His gaze becomes hard once more as he crosses his arms and turns back to the barmen.
Tremor
'Oy ! It would come as no surprise to me if the Tarrasque decided to wake up and it happened to be beneath Riddleport.'
'Keep your drinks safe mates !!'
To himself Chadwilt thinks, 'would be thieves and now tremors, does the whole world conspire against me having an honest drink ?'
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As the tremor subsides and the shock of it wears off folks in the city of Riddleport begin to go about their normal duties except for those who suffered minor damage to their homes or businesses begin to clean up. At the Vines of the Earth shop the owners wife Krile is shaking as her eyes dart around the room to see if their is any damage to her and her husbands stock. She smiles as she sees none and turns to Tvaliss, Yes I am ok, thank you for asking. My husband did a good job it seems in setting up this shop and protecting the bottles from harm. After introductons are made she puts on her business face and asks, So how may I help you? Are you looking for something in particular, we have one of the best selections in this part of Golorian as you can see. And we have contacts in Absalom who can get their hands on wines we do not usually carry here. She smiles again and waits for Tvaliss to respond.
At the same time the two at the Chained Pony continue with their inquires about strong men who might want a job. The younger one who is now shaken up and wet from beer spilt on him points his hand to the corner where four young gents sit discussing the tremor, steins of brew raised and grins on their faces thinking the whole thing silly as the small panic in the room subsides.
Vee and the ladies hang onto each other as the ground shakes, they let go as it slows to a stop. The ladies chuckle at each other and say their goodbyes ready to start their new lives or at least their coins in their pockets. They leave Vee standing there alone on the docks, lost in her own thoughts on what to do next.
Olaf's Brews is in a state of chaos, many drinks are on the floor and the patrons are upset about it, Chadwilt being one of them even though he has yet to get a drink in hand since arriving but just the thought of lost spirits brings a pain to his heart.
Violant will continue making the rounds, attempting to find a few more women who would be suitable recruits. By afternoon, she'll be a bit worn out from all the walking and talking, and will head back to her room at the Golden Goblin to see about mending that battered wine-tun to turn it into a suitable vessel for bathing.
She's already figured out how to supply the water (with magic), and how to keep the water clean and pure (yet more magic), but hasn't found a suitably decadant way to *heat* the water. Her smile turns calculating as she recalls that elven arcanist fellow, who may have exactly the sort of magic she needs, and, as an added bonus, seems to have a bit of a decadent streak himself...
"Looks like we have a few prime candidates." Zee leads Charsis over to the table where the four are enjoying themselves to make introductions.
"I am glad that you and your wares are safe. As I said before, I am here to peruse your wares. I have arrived from the Gold Goblin, where I have taken on the task of supplying the re-opened Hall with a variety of fine wines. What I am looking for is a selection that will appeal to people of all means. Not to suggest that your shop carries an inferior brand of wine, simply that I am hoping to find a few brands that not only the more wealthy can enjoy, but also a few that those with less means would be able to sample, for as you may know, wine is something that all people should be able to enjoy." With his words spoken, Tvaliss smiles as he waits for the lady's response.
Charsis follows Zaranae this time, content to let her do the talking. We want the best results after all and it seems prudent to give the men what they want... "within limits", he thinks to himself, content in the fact that the first one to touch her will get an extremely large fist connected squarely with their nose.
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With the small tremor over and people of Riddleport moving on to business at hand, most folks chuckle it off joking amongst themselves and such trying to cover up their nerves, their hearts slowly beating at a regular pace now. Not to be distracted from her mission even by the world shaking, Violant continues to make her round to find help for the Gold Goblin, she finds a few more in her travels who would be suitable but not sure if they will keep to their promises of showing up. Guess just will have to wait and see, all of the women should be their in the morning for training before the re-grand opening the next night. Heading back to the Goblin for rest, food and hopefully if she can get the barrel fixed, a hot bath before bed.
At the Chained Pony, Zee and Charsis continue on with their work and head over the to the table of young brutes. They notice the hot beauty stop at their table and as one stand up to introduce themselves. The four being Davis, Carx, Mox and Netar, Davis being the one who looks to be the leader of the bunch. They offer a chair to Zee at the same time they notice the big man behind Zee, Charsis who gives them a look, which changes their attitudes towards Zee instantly. They hastily introduce themselves to the big man and even Mox gives up his seat so Charsis can sit next to Zee. Davis the leader orders another round of drinks for everyone and then turn to the two, So how may we help you two, you look like you have got something you might want to ask? He settles back with his newly arrived drink takes a sip and waits to hear from either not being so sure who is in charge of of the two at the moment.
The lady smiles at Tvaliss, the hint of coins in her eyes, she reponds to the elegant elf before her, We do indeed carry a wide selection what you are after. We deal as I have said before is many contacts from across Golorian from elven wines from Kyonin, to Chaliax fire spirits to grog from the Sodden Lands. Thick and dark brews from the Linnorn Kings, Taldorian Spice Apple Brandy and Honey Mead from Nirmathas to name a few. Why don't you browse around the shop and make a list of things you want and also note ones you are interested not here and we will sit down and make a deal, you know payment, delivery and the such. She walks over to the counter, grabs some scrap paper and a writing utensil, she hands them over with a smile.
Taking the lady up on her offer, Tvaliss takes the paper and pencil and begins to browse the selection, stopping every once in a while to take note of a wine or two. Impressed that this shop is able to get elven wines here, he decides to test the lady's words and notes a few rare elven wines that he did not see among the selection. Once his selection is made, he returns to the lady and says, "Here is my selection. You will note two columns. The longer column on the left is is for the Gold Goblin and will come from its funds. The shorter column on the right is for my own personal stock and will be handled as a seperate payment."
When the lady peruses the list, she will note the left column consists of 8 wines of varying degrees while the right column consists of 3 elven wines to excellent quality.
Charsis gives the man a nod in thanks and slides in next to Zaranae. He introduces them both and gives them an outline of what they need, asking them if they'd be interested in working for the Goblin.
'Dear friend Olaf, all's the pity for your fine brews have no place on the floor, and I won't let them go to waste ! Coraline my dear, help yourself...'
Coraline gingerly starts lapping up the bigger puddles of spilt beverages.
'My dear Olaf, how have you been ? It's been awhile hasn't it ? It’s been at least four days since I passed out in your beloved establishment. And four days may as well be a lifetime when I'm away from the best of the best brews in Varisa.'
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In the Vines of the Earth shop Tvaliss browses around finding a few selections of wine for the Goblin and some for his personel collection. He hands over the list to Krile who gives it a quick examination, This will not be a problem for us to handle! How much of each wine on this list do you require? She waits for an answer and then goes on with, I will put the order together and have it delivered later on this evening where you can check the order and settle the bill at that time. Will you be at the Gold Goblin at that time?
Sitting at the Chained Pony, Charsis and Zee continue to chat with the strong arms. Charsis takes over the conversation telling of the opportunity of working at the Gold Goblin. The four do seem interested, but they are trying not to let on that they are wanting to see if they can up the wage. But between the booze in them and the shapely form of Zee they are having a hard time concentrating their efforts to this end.
Olaf smiles at Chadwilt as he notices him and Coraline for the first time after the rumble. Ah it is good to see you my friend! How have you been? Its been awhile since you have stopped by, the last time you were here we had to drag you out back to sleep off your three day drinking quest. Well my friend what will it be, I have a brand new brew I just finished yesterday and I must say it is one of my best to date. Its light and full of flavor, it goes down quick so you have to watch out or you might end up out back again! Maybe I should just set up a cot for you now huh? He says the last with a chuckle all the while watching Coraline help with the cleaning of his floor....
Tvaliss notes on the list the amounts, just 1 bottle each of his personal selection and 15 each of the selection for the Goblin. After noting the amounts, Tvaliss says, "That should be fine for starters. I should be at the Goblin later today, but if not, then I direct you to one Saul Vankaserkin. I am just a junior partner, but Saul is the true owner of the Goblin. If I am not there, then he will be able to settle the bill for the shipment." Handing the slip of paper back to the woman, Tvaliss gives a curt nod and says, "It has been a pleasure. May your vines stay healthy and may the future grant you great harvest." With that, the wizardly elf spins on his heel and heads for the door.
"C'mon boys, you know you want to at least check this out.....good pay, hot girls, drinks flowing like water and rubbing elbows with just about all walks of this town. What's not to like."
Halfway through her statement she takes a long langushing stretch.
Halfway through her statement she takes a long langushing stretch.
Charsis watches the curves of her body as she stretches and ever so slowly pulls his eyes away. He turns to th others and says,"so whatta ya reckon boys. Are ya in or out?"
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The lady nods her head and waves at Tvaliss as the elf leaves the store. He grabs the next ferry back across to the main city but as soon as he boards a sudden tidal surge hits the whole of Riddleport's harbor area. The ferry is pushed up against the piers and knocks him off his feet. Charsis and Zee both hear a commotions coming from outside as they wait for their answer. People at the doorway jump back out of it as water comes rushing into the tavern. Shouts and screams from the harbor area can be heard as well as the nearby boardwalk groaning under the pressure of the sudden amount of water. Tvaliss watches as people on his side of the city get washed out to sea followed by a second smaller wave that comes in sending the ferry back into the pier with a loud crash. Most of the customers of the Chained Pony race out the back trying to get away from the water surge from the tidal wave. Before the four gents do the same they shout back they'll take the job and will see them later....
Charsis grabs Zaranae and hoists her into his arms and out of the water, moving to the bar and placing her uon it, he climbs up after her, wringing himself out.
"Well at least we got some help. What in the hells was that?"
Tvaliss gets to his feet and quickly pulls his note book out along with his quill. Getting some ink, he begins to furiously scribe notes in elvish on what had just occurred. Recent events are certainly not normal for this region of the world, mayhaps having to do with the Blot and possible effects on gravitational forces. Must look into.. Before Tvaliss could finish scribing his thoughts, the second tide comes in, forcing the elf to grab the rail and his quill goes over the edge. As he is once more jarred from his feet, and slammed into the railing as the boat hits the pier. Letting out a short stream of curses in his mother tongue, Tvaliss pulls himself to his feet, disembarks from the ship as quickly as he can and heads to the nearest goods shop to find himself a replacement quill.
Zaranae stands on the bar alittle out of breath from both the sudden torrent and Charsis' act of chivalry. he glint in her eyes shows that crazily enough she's enjoying this. All of it.
"I don't know but I told you things were getting interesting in ths town. Poor Saul must be out of his mind by now."
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The water recedes back into the ocean but the damage has been done minor that it is. Many beachcombers and several stevedores were taken by the waves now servants of Gozreh. Washed up seaweeds, small crustaceans, swamp barracuda and reefclaws flounder on the docks and streets. Minor damage can be seen to boats and larger vessals docked in the port as well as the piers themselves. Shops and taverns along the wharf still spit out water, some even had about two feet of water enter them. Fast thinking Charsis grabs Zee and dashes out the back of the Chained Pony as the water filled up the waterfront tavern. They get a little wet but miss most of the two large surges of water. They laugh it off as they make their way back to the Gold Goblin to check on the gambling hall and the others, their mission was a success at least they think so, those gents will show, they better! No sign of anyone when they get back to the Goblin until they find Vee lounging in her newly made bathing tub not even aware of the event that just occured. Tvaliss rejoins a short while later still damp and unhappy after getting knocked around on the ferry and then eventually convincing the ferry driver to take him across. Once across he sloshed thru the wharf area to get back to the inn but for a quick stop at a small shop to buy himself a replacement quill. The only satisfaction he has is his goal was completed before the wave hit. Saul and the rest return awhile later. He simply states tomorrow should be a good day for business, people are going to want to forget the events of the past day. With that he leaves for his office leaving anything that needs attending to, he's sure Larur will handle. Larur asks each of you how things went and their assessment of their assignments??????
At Larur's request, Violant smiles, pleased with her success.
"At the docks, I spent several hours speaking with young ladies whose sailor-men were shipping out, offering them the opportunity to spend their days more productively than staring out the window, awaiting their return. One group in particular not only had a pair of eager recruits, but even asked if they could pass the invitation on to some of their friends in similar situations, so I only hope that we don't end up with too many hopefuls..." she adds, probably overly-optimistically.
"Apart from the shaking earth, the day was otherwise uneventful."
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Larur takes a seat at the table in front of him, pulls out paper and writing quill and is ready to hear from each person. Violant goes first in her excitement of having been very successful in her assignment. Larur quickly scribbles down Vee's accounting of her day and nods as he does so very happy with her preformance. He smiles at her when done and says, You have done really well my dear, thank you! I hope the rest of you can match her success? He turns and looks to the others seated at the table waiting to hear from them......
Charsis and Zaranae step forward and after a nod from Zaranae, Charsis says, "we also had some success, although the freak flood dampened that success somewhat. We met with some young toughs who showed an interest in the job and agreed to meet us here."
They step to the side to allow someone else to report.
Zaranae wanders to the bar to get Charsis and herself a drink.
"I too met with a modicrum of success. There should be a lady coming later today or possibly tomorrow with a shipment of wines. If you are the one that recieves her, please note that there are a few bottles in that shipment that are for my own personal stock, just note the price and I will be sure to pay for them when I am available." Tvaliss states as he takes a seat and adds, "As for that half-elf who I had left with, I have not seen him since we parted ways on the street, he was heading for a tavern however so most likely entered an alcohol induced coma upon arriving, I suggest that should the man return, you don't allow him anywhere near the stock for fear of 'misplacing' a bottle or five."
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The noise from Larur's quill furiously scribbling down everything the new partners have to say breaks the silence after the group finishes telling of their successes. He shakes his head at the mention of the missing partner but proceeds to write. Moments go by as he continues to write and no one speaks not sure whether they are done here or not. Tired of waiting Zee stands up and gets herself and Charsis a drink. As she finishes pouring the first drink another noise begins, a loud rattling and clatter of large objects breaks the rooms silence. Something large is hitting the roof of the Goblin making a ringing sound on its bronze dome similar to someone striking a bell. The clattering sound is coming from the streets outside as they are hit by whatever is raining down on them. Larur looks up at the ceiling with an expression of wonder, his dwarven facial features showing alarm. Shouts of panic are heard from the streets most likely taking cover from the shower. Hans and Beyar, the only bouncers to stay, come rushing through the closed doors of the Goblin, Hans face first sprals out on the floor at the entrance blood running freely down his face and Beyar slumps to the side of the doorway also bloody. Both look like they have been in some kind of bar brawl and lost. Hans is on the verge of losing consciousness and Beyar groans from his wounds......
Charsis springs forward to bring the men more fully into the Goblin and leaves them in the care of Violant. He grabs the door as it swings shut and throws it back open to see who had attacked the two men and give them a taste of his particular form of 'Justice'.
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Charsis throws open the door looking for the ones responsible for the damage done to the two bartenders but what he finds is a hail storm or what looks to be a hail. Looking at the hail on the ground though he sees tiny pieces of porous black rock looking almost volcanic in nature. More rocks pound the ground and the roofs of Riddleport. City folks dodge for cover but most lay on the ground bleeding from the rock shower......
Loosing the chain from her belt, Zaranae comes up behind Charsis preparing to face whatever waits outside.
Seeming concerned about the sounds hitting the roof, all concern leaves the elf's face at the sight of the hail. With the door open, he quickly grabs up on of the stray hail rocks, doing his best to stay under the cover of the doorway as he does, once he has a sample of the rock, he retreats to the bar, where he begins to furiously scribble notes about the rock in his notebook.
At the sight of her badly wounded co-workers, and the sight of yet more wounded in the street, Violant is torn for a moment.
Heedless of the danger to herself, she hefts a serving tray over her head to use as impromptu 'cover' against the falling stones (having left her shield in her room) and rushes out past Charsis decisively, trying to gauge her paces to remain within 10 paces of the doorway, but within 10 paces of at least some of the fallen townsfolk. Shouting to the sky over the cries of pain, she calls out, "Calistria, lend these folk your loving touch!"
To any who stir at her healing effect, she points to the doorway and shouts, "Get inside, quickly!"
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Zee heads to the doorway of the Gold Goblin and stands beside Charsis as the hail continues to fall at a furious pace, she watches as folks outside get pelted by the small rocks. Tvaliss rushes up and reaches out into the hail to retrieve one of the rocks, he gets smacked for his trouble but does grab one. He quickly steps back inside and begins to examine the black porous rock, it feels like granite but its surely not and it's strangely cold to the touch. He scribbles as fast as he can down in his journal but then a strange thing happens, the rock evaporates right before his eyes. Those by the door start to notice the same strangeness, all of the rock that hit the ground are gone within seconds. Seeing all of the city folk and the two bouncers injured, Vee rushes outside with a serving tray over her head and calls forth to her goddess to aid her and these people. Both bouncers imediately feel better and stand up to help where they can. The people outside do the same but race for the safety of the Goblin at Vee's shouting over the loudness of the rocks falling. The hail storm rages on for a few more minutes before suddenly stopping just like it started. Groans and moans are heard from all over the city for those not fortunate enough to be inside when the storm began....
Charsis stands aside as people start to stream inot the Goblin. He makes sure that Violant and the other two Bouncers are tending to them before walking over to the others. "OK. I've seen some strange things out in the Cinderlands, but that takes the cake."
He turns to Tvaliss. "What in the Hells was that Smart Man?"
Zaranae goes over to Vee, wourking with the injured,"That was a damn gutsy move youu pulled there, good job sister!" She pats her on the shoulder.
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As folks stream in for aid and cover just in case the rocks start to fall again Saul comes racing into the room and demands, What the nine hells is going on here? with Bojask close on his heels. Larur pushes a chair out of the way and climbs out from beneath the table he was under, stopping once he is standing to brush himself off. A gleam in Saul's eye shows up at all of the folks in the gambling hall and a bunch still racing in as fast as they can.....
bump
"It seems that people are coming in for fear of what might happen next. After the strange natural disasters which have been occurring with increased regularity, I woould assume that people wish to find shelter in a solid structure...surprisingly, this one. I suggest that we take advantage of this phenomenon to allow those present to see what the Gold Goblin has to offer, don't you all agree?"
"I'm guessing our resident drunk is passed out under a table iun some hole in the wall."
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Saul listens to the words coming out of Tvaliss's mouth, his eyes twinkle with greed one would say. Those watching Saul can tell he already came to the same conclusion seconds ago before Tvaliss put a voice to it. He turns to Zee, The drunk was bound to happen to disappear on us unfortunately, I was hoping he could be of service and if he ever shows up maybe he will but for now the Gold Goblin is open for business as of right now! There are coins to be made and these good people need something to take their minds off today's odd events. Let do what we can today for them today and then tomorrow the grand reopening with a full staff, so off with you we got customers to take care of................
Intimidate Check. (1d20+3=5)
Bluff Check. (1d20+3=15)
Diplomacy Check. (1d20+3=18)
Perception Check. (1d20=4)
Charsis makes sure that the door is manned, usher ing people into the Goblin with a lopsided grin. He relinquished the door to the other Bouncers once they are fully healed and make shis way around the tables, checking the security and chatting with patrons.
He periodically takes a moment to watch Zaranae's smooth movements and admire her battle hardened body, a fact which leaves him a little remiss in actually paying attention to a lot of what's going on around him.
The awareness of Charsis' distraction pleases Zee greatly, her mood making her far less intimidating than she usually is. Inversely, the smile on her face and hitch in her step greatly enhances the reactions of the customers, unused to security in such an alluring package.
Through it all her eyes miss nothing, the adrenaline still coursing through her from the earlier events of the day.
with the crowd of people rushing in, not even Tvaliss' elven eyes can keep an eye on everyone, however, his noble training does aid him as he speaks with the patrons and does his best to see to their needs, Elf serving men, this I must not let people from my homeland learn about.
Violant blushes a little at Zee's words of encouragement, having been called many things in her life, but never 'gutsy.'
As the potential patrons are ushered in, and Saul gets a mercenary gleam in his eye at the opportunity to cash in on her actions, her face darkens a bit, but the look is quickly replaced with a genuine-looking smile as she puts aside her reservations and becomes the consummate professional.
She seems to be everywhere at once, reassuring and comforting startled residents who have sought temporary shelter, and even manages to work in some words about how fortunate those people are, and how perhaps it's a sign that their luck is about to change! She moves with an easy seductive grace, using her skills as a dancer to make her movements among the potential patrons elusive and tantalizing, weaving between them with drinks and whispered words of encouragement, her eyes remaining sharp for others, who, like Saul, seek to take advantage of the temporary confusion to fatten their own purses at the expense of others...
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Charsis starts out maning the door watching those who come and go, as he stands there he takes time to convince people passing by to enter the Goblin even going to far as to trick them a little saying something like its safer in here or pretending to jump thinking more rocks are falling. Getting folks to come into the Goblin is easy for Charsis but he has trouble once inside keeping an eye on things with Zee in constant view. Zee however has no difficulty with her job as she keeps things under control, a couple of cheaters caught, helping at the door and greeting new customers and watching for trouble from persons who have had to much to drink. In the bar, Tvaliss jumps behind the counter and begins to pour drinks. Its a busy time which keeps his focus from some of the customers who walk off with a few drinks without paying, but all of the people who he serves really take no notice that he is an elf serving humans, a few dwarves and one halfling(the one who walked off with the drink). Vee hits the ground running doing whatever it takes to bring coins to the Goblin and hence into her own pocket. Rushing around handing out drinks, doing little dances, blowing on dice, kisses on the cheek and the like.
The night goes smoothly until a few drunks start causing a problem, Charsis remembers them from the other night. They complain about the tournament and accuse the house of cheating them. They slam down more drinks and one even pushes Charsis who tries to clam them down. The drunk gets in his face backed up by his three friends, he pokes Charsis in the chest, You owe me money and a drink for the losses I took the other night BOY! thinking Charsis is the one in charge here....Tvaliss looks on from behind the bar only 10 feet away. Vee and Zee are in the main room working but do notice the ruckess coming from the bar area........
Zee makes her way over to the commotion, but in an effort not to disturb customers, spends a few moments smiling, winking congratulating or otherwise mollifying those she passes on her way
She approaches from behind the drunken thugs, subtly loosening her chain as she goes.
Charsis looks over at the man and his associates with a blank expression. He flexes his muscles and puffs out his chest dramatically before addressing the lead drunk.
"I can assure you right now that I or the house have no intention of paying you one single coin. What happened the other night was unfortunate, but as this is a gambling hall, you took a gamble by even coming."
He calmly swings his gaze to look at all of the drunks in turn, returning his gaze to the leader. "I think it's now time that you and your friends were on your way. In a quiet like manner if you will. I know Saul wouldn't like it if I were to break anything, but personally it wouldn't pain me in the slightest if it were any of you that got broken." He cracks his knuckles for emphasis.