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Riddleport, city of sin and debauchery, is waiting for you. It’s the place of pirates, thieves and crimelords, it’s where crime pays!
Most of Riddleport’s buildings are composed of wood—logs or planks—with multiple floors and steep, high peaked roofs of wooden shingles. They are built in close quarters, and in some cases their wooden upper floors sag and lean together from the constantly sodden conditions. Stone fireplaces ward off the bitter winter cold and the
chill that lingers in the fog-laden streets for much of the year, save for in high summer. During this two-month period, warmer air currents from the south bring a muggy, oppressive heat along with great black mosquitoes that breed in the nearby marshes. Many burn peat treated with incense in their hearths during these months to ward off the vermin with their thick smoke.
The major streets of Riddleport are cobbled, often becoming rain-slick cataracts during the wet seasons. Cobbles are often missing or crushed by the incessant traffic, leaving gaping holes and ruts in even the most well tended thoroughfares. Side streets tend to be relegated to
muddy tracks that are swift to turn into stinking morasses of sucking mud and filth. Riddleport doesn’t have much of a sewage system, and relies mainly on gutters along street edges to carry refuse to the river and harbor. One feature unique to the major streets is the frequent oil lamps mounted on iron poles that provide beacons of light in the benighted mists. These are set in sturdy hurricane lamps and burn thick, rancid oil from barrel-shaped reservoirs at the lamppost base—a byproduct and innovation of the Gas Works. These wavering lights give off illumination
equal to a torch in even the foulest weather but are not well-tended—just over a third of them are out on any given night, in need of repairs or refueling.
Above the city a shadow hangs in the sky called the Blot by Riddleport folk. Once thought to be a cloud but soon became evident that it often moved at odds with the wind. Scholars, investigators and others have come to Riddleport to witness this strange phenomenon. As of yet it’s still a mystery.
All of you are here to attend the grand gaming event being held at The Golden Goblin Gambling Hall tomorrow. Its morning and you have the day to yourself before the big event; some of you are just arriving into town and some of you are already in the city. Today is going to be a nice warm sunny summer day. Your stomach grumbles in hunger and you’re in need of a good bath to freshen up.
Zaranae awakens in the modest room she is renting in one of the many inns catering to the constant influx of travellers. After a few minutes, she arises, beginning her day as she does most, with the only truly orderd aspect of her life, her daily regimen of stretches and exercises. She works the kinks out of her body, stating with slow stretches and working her way up though vigorous calisthenics and intense muscle work, not stopping until her body is covered with a glistening sheen of sweat.
Invigorated, she grabs her gear, and donning a worn shirt and a pair of loose breeches heads to the nearest bath house for a soak before preparing to see what the day will bring.
Tvaliss wakes up by mid-morning and rolls out of the bed he is renting at the Gold Goblin. Gathering a few things in his pack, the elven wizard leaves his rented room and heads downstairs. Meeting Saul on the way down, he politely stops and converses with the man for a bit, assuring him that he would be at the Tournament. Heading across the game floor, he nimbly avoids any workers who might be putting the last minute touches on the decoration. Taking in the absurd extravagance of it all, Tvaliss continues to the main enterance and out the doors. Approaching one of the doormen, the elf asks, "Where can I go to rent a carriage?"
In response, the doorman scoffs and says, [b]"Carriage? EH Ya hear that Hallen, the fancyboy wants a carriage!" Turning back to Tvaliss, the doorman says, "Sorry, can't help ya there pal, You'll jest have to walk like the rest of us.
Politely nodding his head at the man's words, Tvaliss moves away from the pair at the door. Fancyboy? He had been in Riddleport for at least a week now and he was starting to understand some of the slang of this human city, but there was still some that eluded him. Filing it away for later examination, Tvaliss shifts his attention to keeping his robes away from the muck in the crowded street as he made his way to the nearest bathhouse.
...
I feel dirtier than when I had entered, Tvaliss complained to himself as he stepped out of the bathhouse. Though he was indeed much cleaner than before, the bathhouses here just didn't compare to the bathhouses back home. "At least my clothing recieved a solid cleaning", the wizard mumbled to himself as he reflected on his generous use of what he was finding to be a very useful cantrip. The filth that seemed to cling to everything made sure that that particular cantrip, one which he use to only use for concentration practices, was readily available in his mind. Making his way to the market to fetch a bite to eat, Tvaliss then heads to his usual spot on the highest hill in the city. He had found this place part way through his first week there, and though it was a bit far, it gave the wizard an excellent view of his subject, the Blot which had caused quite a stir among the populace when it had first arrived. Finding a comfortable place, the elf first applies a little arcane talent to make sure the spot was clean. Then he pulls out his writting equipment, and sets to work comparing his own observations with those from his father's friend.
Tvaliss spends a good portion of the afternoon in his research and begins to pack up when he notices that it is quickly approaching time for the Tournament to begin.
Violant had a lump in her throat all day, knowing that this was the big day, when she would leave her training, leave her home in the House of Silken Veils to seek her own fortunes.
Truthfully, the woman she thought of as her savior had shown great patience with her, as she’d completed her acolyte’s studies weeks before, and had been dithering around the temple, instead of finding her own way in the world. Their last ‘discussion’ on the topic had been… final, and Violant knew that she had pressed her foster-mother’s patience to the breaking point, clutching to her skirts like a frightened child.
So now she wove through the familiar streets to the wharfs, wrapped up against the air in the morning shadows, not yet warmed by the touch of the sun. Som was at her side, and she had not the heart to explain to the simple half-orc that this would be the last day they worked together, because it would break her to see the intimidating brute start crying. She smiled slightly as he babbled alongside her, pointing out gulls circling, as if he hadn’t seen such a thousand times before, and found it wondrous every time how they hung in the sky like that. A few of the working girls at the temple would have picked one of the less intimidating, more human-looking, of the protectors to watch over them and make sure that their clients didn’t get out of hand, but Som was the one who was most fiercely protective of ‘his girls,’ and too much a child in mind for his own needs to ever become onerous.
It was the first bit of good advice that her foster mother had given her when they arrived from Magnimar, to choose Som as protector whenever possible. Counsel beyond price, it turned out to be, as some sailors weren’t interested in waiting until they got to the House of Silken Veils, but would instead grab at the enticing ‘sample’ dancing before the signs. But they never made a second grab, not after Som was finished 'explaining things' to them.
They’d found a decent spot on the wharves, out of the way of the dock-workers, some of whom whistled and clapped to see her taking up station in their area, and Som set down the sturdy crate he’d brought with him, and offered his meaty hand to her like a bashful gentleman. She ascended the crate and began swaying slightly, yellow scarves billowing around her slim figure as she stretched her neck and limbs, loosening up for the day’s exertions. Som had pulled the large shield off of his back that served as a billboard for the House of Silken Veils, and set it down in front of the crate to let the new sailors coming down their piers know where they could find respite in Riddleport. Within a matter of moments, a couple of young children had staked out position near Som (but out of reach of his irritated swats), ready to take copper coins to lead anyone attracted to Violant’s dancing to the House of Silken Veils.
It was an hour before the first ship came in, and she considered it a good omen that she recognized the Stone Raven, a regular from Magnimar. As expected, a party of dwarves from the Gas Forges had already shown up to greet them, and there was the usual gruff and boisterous dwarven bickering between the two parties before they started ferrying their cargo past Violant’s position. Once faces were turned in her direction, she began dancing in earnest, playing to her audience and flashing the daggers at hip and shoulder, knowing that the sailors arriving liked to pretend that Riddleport was a place of exotic danger, and that a dancing maiden with visible blades would just add to that feeling. The various dwarves, grunting under their burdens, filed past her, many looking up admiringly, but unable to tear their attentions away from their unloading and transport duties, but she made note of which ones seemed new, and likely to seek directions at a later time, blowing them kisses, or sending a scarf out to trail across their shoulders as they passed close to her.
Som also played his role, snarling menacingly, and it was a credit to her performance that at least one of the dwarves had failed to notice the scimitar-wielding half-orc standing ready until he was within striking range of said scimitar, and stepped back, reaching for a weapon of his own before his companions pulled him away, laughing at him in their rough barking language.
She recognized the Stone Raven’s captain, who everybody called Twistbeard, because of the dozen painfully-tight braids he kept his thick brown beard tied into, and he walked right up to her position as she wiggled and smiled at him, a genuine smile, instead of the flirty promising ones she typically gave her viewers. “Ah, Little Sting, yer a sight, as always. They still not feeding you, lassie?” he joked, pretending that she was ‘too slender’ for his tastes, even if it was no dark secret that he preferred the lads to the lasses.
Hours passed, ships came and went, and even some new ships with sailors unfamiliar with Riddleport, giving the wharf-children some coin, leading them to the House where Violant had grown up and ceased being a street-child like these unlucky souls, the House that, it seems, she had now out-grown…
Charsis wakes up and splashes cold water on himself to freshen up. He leaves his Earthbreaker, Bolas and most of his possessions in his room. Strapping on his Short Sword he heads downstairs for breakfast and then onto the Library he has been directed too.
Once there, he does some research for the rest of the day, skipping lunch in his enthusiasm to learn more about the mighty Red Dragon of his dreams.
He heads back to the Golden Goblin as it is getting dark, making it there as the tavern begins to fill in earnest for the night's festivities. Sitting down at the end of the bar, he orders an ale and some meat. The meat comes out with bread and potatoes and he wolfs it down, sating his growling stomach and washing it all down with a long pull of ale.
Having spent most of her day rather uneventfully, Zaranae decides to end her boredom with a visit to he most entertaining place in town. The Golden Goblin.
A decent meal, good liquor and perhaps a night's entertainment. All can easily be had there and the perfect cure to a boring day.
She saunters in, form fitting armor freshly oiled, heeled boots adding an alluring quality to her walk, and breathes in the smell of ale,food, sweat and excitement.
Yes, tonight will definitely not be boring.
Alone for the first time and secretly hating the world, Ivan enters the dirty streets of the pirate city in only his tan exercise pants from his gi, his dyed leather vest, and a Varisian scarf old Heliv gave him before she too turn away from him.
Having taken no money with him and not knowing the city well, he is guarded. Everyone looks like a theif or pirate to him, especially those that seem normal. He figures they must be playing a role to set people at ease before they strike.
He vows to himself that that will not be him. He eyes everyone hard and practices isometrics as he moves through the streets, trying to warm up his muscles and make them appear bigger with the exercise. .
He eventually calms down a bit when his stomach starts to growl and he realizes he needs help to find out what to do next. Swallowing his hurt and his pride he picks up the nearest person he can reach and forcefully asks where a man who like him can find food and employment.
It was almost noon by the time that Orren finally woke with a mighty yawn under the wool blanket. He rubs his sleep-filled eyes before emerging from the covers in the buff. The young woman beside him groans something unintelligent as she drops back into a deep sleep. The Varisian quietly dresses, collecting his possessions as he draws forth a single wildflower that he leaves beside the seamstress' head on her pillow. "Sleep soundly, my princess of the night. Do not wake yet but let the dream of us linger beneath your golden crown," he whispers softly into her ear. She was a pretty lass and quiet a bit of fun for a tumble in the hay but with her sailor husband returning that day, Orren didn't wish to chance another ugly incident. Not until after the 'Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold' tournament was over anyway and he had filled his pockets with silver or gold.
The woman stirs once more on the bed as he quickly darts out of the door into Riddleport's streets. His pack strung over one shoulder, Orrenn fumbles at strapping his belt in place while dodging between the flow of pedestrians. With his pants no longer in danger of falling to his ankles, the handsome bard primps his long raven-black hair and straightens his colorful head-scarf.
First things first for the day, a bite of breakfast comes in a nondescript meat-pie that Orren purchases from a vendor's cart. The un-named meat is a bit tough but edible as he wipes the thick gravy from his lips and continues on his way. A refeshing bath sounds nice to follow it up as he heads to a inn that lets you use a tub for a few copper. The heated water with scrapping stone removes the sweat and stink from the previous night's fun which had lasted to the wee hours of that very morning. He would have to find another place to sleep that evening and perhaps a warm body to share it with though he'd need all his energy for the tournament the next day, he just couldn't say no to a pretty face. His mother always told him that was going to be the death of him one day. It almost was on more than one occasion.
Cleaned and smelling nice once more, Orren sets up next to a street lamp, pulling his fiddle forth from its worn case. He tests the strings with gentle plucks and makes a few adjustments before making his bow sing across it. He fills the street with music as he loses himself in the rhythm though aware enough to nod in thanks when someone happens to toss a copper or two into his open case beside him.
The day passes too quickly, and a few hours after noon, another girl comes to relieve her, a willowy ethereal woman of Tian Xa who called herself Min De, who set up some peach-scented incense at the base of her stand, and set to work with a cool professionalism. Min had never liked Violant, thinking her spoiled by her close relationship with one of the working priestesses, and it slightly spoiled her nostalgic feelings to be so abruptly reminded of some of the less pleasant people working at the temple.
Som guided her back to the House of Silken Veils, and she favored him with a chaste kiss on the check, causing him to blush and stammer, as the big silly always did, before heading into the steam room to clean herself, before changing into fresher, and more modest, clothing.
Fondling the heavy links of the metal armor that she'd worn only a few times before, she finally pulled the chain shirt over her padded undershirt, feeling off-balance from the unwanted extra weight. But still, she was going into a place where Som would not be watching over her, and she might have need of her traditional 'three stings,' the daggers worn at hip, arm and concealed under her long hair at the base of her neck, before the night was out.
Hoisting her bag of coins, which she carefully concealed in a neck-purse beneath her chain shirt, and covering her clunky armor with a loose fluttering vest made from crossed yellow linen scarves, she set out for the Golden Goblin, to register for the tournament.
Perhaps she would win enough coin to outfit herself with scarves of silk. More importantly, perhaps she would find a job, as her fosterage at the temple was now officially done...
Chadwilt woke up to a massive tongue savaging his face.
Attempting to get his bearings he so ever gingerly turned his head slowly in either direction, first to the left, then to the right. Since this was well over the hundredth time he had done this in about just as many days he quickly realized he was in a cramp, austere room face up towards the ceiling about three feet away from the bed.
Coraline, his 110 pound red coated mastiff, had been dutifully licking away at his face letting him know it was well past noon and she had better get some food in both there bellies.
He carefully sat up, both relishing and resenting the pounding in his head that at least told him he was still alive, albeit, with enough alcohol in his blood stream to stop a dwarf.
That’s when he noticed the slumped body of a dwarf face down on the bed.
While no words left Chadwilt's lips there was the distinct mouthing of "Uh Oh" as the pounding in his head decided to accentuate the situation.
“I don’t suppose he’s with us eh, Coraline ?” he said quietly as he patted the red mastiff. Chadwilt delicately pulled himself up from the floor, surprised that his bones did not creak and ache from sleeping on such an unforgiving surface.
‘Must still be a bit numb from the from last night’s drinking … excellent!’ he thought as he gave the dwarf on the bed another look.
A very dim, very sloshed, half memory from the night before came to him.
“Gravin ?” he said.
There was no response from the dwarf, who from the looks of thing’s, could very well have been dead.
Early the night before, as he was hitting his second watering hole of the evening, he had encountered a group of dwarves drinking quite heavily who were making boasts about each others capacity for putting ale away. Of course Chadwilt did what came natural to him; he called over to them and proceeded to join them. Since the dwarves were already well into it, and he himself had only had five drinks since supper, the half elf vigorously downed two ales for every one the Bearded Folk consumed.
That’s when his memory got even more foggy.
He remembered the self proclaimed leader of the dwarves being called Gravin Goldhammer. The rotund dwarf had parted his ash grey beard down the center and styled his beard by pulling the ends apart at an angle as if to show that his beard covered greater width than it actually did. What was dwarves and beard size issues anyways ?
At length the company of dwarves either begged off or passed out and it was Chadwilt and Gravin left; they must have made it … here.
He was certain that this was the same said dwarf, despite the fact that whatever they had been drinking over the course of the evening had added no less than six matted new colors in the most hostile of patterns on the dwarf's beard.
He called out ‘Gravin’ again, this time with more gusto that it caused him to cough from the effort.
He got the most sublime of responses. The body of the dwarf on the bed *simultaneously* let out a snore and a fart.
At his side, Coraline, who was trained in the art of war, left her master's side and retreated to the end of the room as she let out a pained whimper.
Wrinkling his nose and gagging Chadwilt braced himself against a wall.
“I was not aware that was even possible. Ugh!”
A minute or five later, he regained his composure; he cracked his neck, and decided on a new course of action.
He walked over to the head of bed where the Gravin lay and steadied himself and shouted:
“Fire! Fire! FIRE!”
The dwarf leapt up with speed that would shame a starving halfling diving for a birthday banquet, all the while beating his chest and beard multiple times with enough force to have flattened a raging hobgoblin twice over.
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Its the night before the big event at the Gold Goblin and you'd think tonight would be a quiet one as they get ready for it but the place is pacted as Zaranae enters the place. Standing before the main doors is an 8 foot statue cast in shining gold to resemble a larger than life goblin. Once inside she sees silken banners hanging from floor to ceiling along the walls and wide verticle blinds are drawn over the windows. In front of her is a mass of chaos, the casino floor where all kinds of games are being played by all shapes and sizes of folks. She spots the bar area in the back and to the right of the huge hall. Before she takes a step any further a huge muscled man puts out his arm and brings her to a halt. You'll need to leave your weapons at the table over there little lady! He's pointing to a table just to the right of the door with another bouncer stands guard of the table.
Having spent the day doing research of the blot and finding no answers Tvaliss leaves his usual spot and heads home or at least his temporary one. He's lucky to have gotten a room at the Gold Goblin, they only have five normal guest rooms and two suites. All are booked now of course. The owner Saul must think he's somekind of big spender to let him stay at the Gold Goblin for no fee. A little food and wine would be a good way to finish off the night. Tomorrow is going to be a long day and an even longer evening with the big event taking place even though not really to him of course due to his elven heritage but these humans are very annoying and even more so all crammed together.
Violant heads over to the Gold Goblin and finds herself confronted by a line to get into the place. A manner of folk are in front of her waiting, shouting, singing and a few pushing in line claiming other to be cutting in front of them. She waits in line for awhile, the line not moving because the gambling hall is totally full. It might have been better to come earlier seeking a job but she had to finish her last day didn't she. After about a half hour she notices one of the bouncers checking her out and nudging his partner and pointing. The one pointing leaves his post and enters the Gold Goblin only to return a few minutes later with another man in tow, hand on the guys neck, he shoves him out into the street. You're done for the night, come back tomorrow! The man gets up and brushes himself off, gives the bouncer a look then heads off home or some other pub who will have him. The bouncer steps around the crowd in line and approaches Violant, We have space for one more if you care to enter now little lady? Shouts begin as those near enough to hear what was said.....
Another lucky guest of the Gold Goblin, Charsis, sits at the end of the bar and takes in his surroundings, he notices a very lovely lady entering the gambling hall from across the room, dressed in a form fitting outfit and tatoos on her upper arms, She's being told to leave her weapons at the door. He also takes note of an elf taking a seat at a table behind him, not many elves in the gambling hall so he's seems out of place here to the well trained eye. Tonight is a night of rest because he starts work tomorrow as one of the bouncers. A big crowd is going to be on hand and Saul said they were going to need extra help for the event. Looking back at the women at the enterence who seems to be having trouble because she seems not to want to leave her weapons on the table. He smile, that will be him tomorrow and he'd get to talk to the lovely looking women......
Zaranae glares at the guard."So you're telling me everyone in here left their weapons at the table over there? There's not enough room for that to be possible. You're singling me out aren't you?"
She points past the guard, "That guy still has his weapons, what the hell??"
For a brief moment, Violant feels bad for the man who lost his place for her, but wastes no time taking advantage of the doorman's gesture and moving to the head of the line, favoring the doorman with a smile and making sure to 'accidentally' brush up against him as she passes into the gambling hall so that she can thank him for catching her 'stumble.'
All-too-aware that Som isn't here to break any hands that reach for her unbidden, she quickly moves past said doorman, before he gets any unwelcome ideas...
Inside, the press of people signing up for the tournament is briefly overwhelming, and brings back an unpleasant memories of the crowds in Magnimar. She firms her resolve and gets into line, smiling vacuously as she looks around wide-eyed as if she is new to the big city, hoping to score the arm of some dumb fish who will step in and 'show the little lady around.' It shouldn't be terribly difficult to pretend to be young and inexperienced... she thinks wryly, considering that she isn't pretending.
Tvaliss watches the mass of people as he sits calmly at the bar, trying his best to smile amongst the throng of people. Looking towards the door, he notices the tatooed woman as well as the young girl that the gueard let in. Of course they give extra care to the women, he thinks as he takes a sip from the glass of wine he had been nursing that night. He had brought this particular bottle from his homeland and was gonna savor every sip of the fine wine.
Taking one more scan of the room, Tvaliss simply scoffs at the chaotic scene on the gambling floor before turning back to his drink and mentally review today's observations.
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I wanted to take a moment and wish you all a merry holiday and a thank you for playing in my games! You all have given me a lot of enjoyment over the year this being my only outlet for gaming due to my work schedule. So Thank You!
And as a bonus since in moments I will be turning the BIG 4 0 Seattle time a gift from me to everyone, the BIG 40 XP for your pc!!! Spend it wisely LOL!
I will pick up the games tomorrow late afernoon, but tonight I must celebrate my birthday with drinking and dancing! Its 80's night at the club so if you want to join in just crank up some 80's music and think of your DM!
Merry Christmas from Seattle,
Zoo
Yes indeed. Have a good day. I would like to assume that Ivan made his way to the event looking for work if he hasn't already been hired by someone attending or something like that if that is alright with you.
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Thank you all! Im glad I only turned 40, 1040 would have killed me I think. Well now that the fog has lifted from my head back to regular scheduled programing!!! ;)
As Ivan stomach starts to growl even louder, he grabs out to an old man travelling the other way. The old man is shaking as the large man asks his questions directly to his face. The old frail man just points in the direction down the street. Ivan looks to where he was pointing and sees a large line in front of a what looks to be somekind of gambling hall. Letting go of the old man without even a thought he procedes to what he hopes is food and work. As he gets closer he notices the line is even longer than he thought it to be. Hunger getting the best of him he ignores the line and the stares making his way to the front. Two very large bouncers halt him as he gets closer, You need to stand in line like the rest there big guy. One of them says.......
Standing down the street from the Gold Goblin, Orren plays his fiddle for all the passing people heading to the nights fun. His music is making a few pause though and even stop to listen. Many leaving coins in his case as they move on as he begins into another song. Tonight is becoming a good night for the musician. Seeing a large line begin at the gambling hall a thought occurs to him to move down closer to it, might bring in a larger sum with everyone just standing there waiting to get into the place......
Chadwilt eyes begin to run not from sorrow but from the sight in front of him has the half dressed dwarf runs around in circles pounding on himself trying to put out a fire that is not there. He suddenly calms as he notices Chadwilt holding back the mirth and seeing no fire anywhere in the room. That was not a kind thing to do there my friend, never mess with the beard or the axe must come down! Even if we are friends....well I think we are.......my head still hurts..hard to remember all that happen...Do I know you?
Ivan sneers at the guards and asks if there is work to be had here.
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The guard stares back at Zaranae and says, Sorry mam those are the rules, guests staying at the Gold Goblin have special privileges. The bouncers waits for her to disarm.....
Violant has to stop before actually stepping foot into the place as an outraged good looking female in black leathers argues about having to leave her weapons at the door and knowing she's next in line to disarm...
As Tvaliss sits slightly amused by the humans, a wench wearing a red tight top, somekind of red under garment on her lower half with her cheeks hanging out, a tail, faux bat wings and red devil horns stops by and asks, Do you need more wine?
Ivan sneers at the bouncer who looks him up and down as he processes the question. We might, go around back and ask for Saul, he's the owner, tell them Vaug sent you!
As Tvaliss sits slightly amused by the humans, a wench wearing a red tight top, somekind of red under garment on her lower half with her cheeks hanging out, a tail, faux bat wings and red devil horns stops by and asks, Do you need more wine?
Not phased by the woman's form, Tvaliss calmly smiles as he says "Only if you happen to have a nice Silenythan stock from 1041 stashed among your numerous wineracks" Turning back to his half-filled wineglass, the noble elf mentally adds Which I rather doubt, silly humans should spend less time worrying about how much of their bulky flesh they can show, and more time working on their inefficient wine techniques. Too much of a gentleman to voice his rather harsh views on human ideas of attractiveness, Tvaliss gives a curt nod to the waitress as he turns back to his elven wine, once more happy that he had decided to bring along this fine stock from his native lands.
Not wanting to hold things up, Violant draws her two visible daggers (still in their sheaths) and reaches past the heavily-armed woman to hand them to the bouncer.
"It's not like we'd need pigstickers for this lot, sister." she says to the other woman, as she attempts to slip past without a closer examination, taking advantage of the 'scene' in progress.
Zaranae takes in the words of the gorgeous young woman, as she hands in her knives and notes the guard's glance of appreciation (of both kinds).
She looks up, staring the bouncer directly in the eyes as she begins to unload her arsenal.
"Understand this. If anything happens to any of my weapons, I will retrieve this chain, come back here, find you, wrap it around your neck and ride you like a show pony until your purple faced carcass stops twitching."
"Understand?"
She then walks past the guard in the same direction as the other woman.
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The scantly clad wench replies to Tvaliss, I will see if we have your request in our cellar, I will be back shortly. She leaves not expecting an answer from the elf. Both women are let by after they drop off there weapons onto the table. Violant easily gets by as the other lady makes a fuss about her weapons better be there when she returns. Zaranae looking the bouncer directly in the eye can see her demand will be met knowing the bouncer will take extra precautions to make sure her weapons stay where they are on the table. As the ladies they see just inside of the main doors, two sultry beauties scantily clad and wearing faux bat wings, devil horns, and tails play the part of alluring succubi. Both are employees of the Gold Goblin, and they cheerfully register contestants for the tournament and process entry fees. Armed guards stand nearby to either side of an immense treasure chest into which each patron’s entry fee is added. The guards are on hand to not only protect the money, but to prevent any overzealous admirers from trying to dare the infamous touch of a succubus. Beyond the registration table is the hall’s game floor. Dozens of gamblers, waitresses dressed as succubi, and bouncers mill about the room, wandering amid tables offering various games while dealers shuffle cards, roll dice, and spin wheels. Moving through this throng are a dozen more of the barely clad, batwinged vixens serving drinks and batting coal-black eyelashes flirtatiously for tips. In the center of the chamber is a short podium.
Violant leans against the warrior-woman at her side as they pass out of the guard's hearing range, attempting to whisper over the crowd noise into her ear, "I have a dagger, if you are in need later..."
Zaranae grins. "I knew I liked you. The name's Zaranae, my friends call me Zee. I get the feeling tonight's gonna be fun. What's your poison?"
"It's nice to meet you, Zee." Violant says, bowing her head slightly, "I'm Violant, of the House of the Silken Veil. I guess you could call me 'Vee,' if you wish." she adds with a grin.
"No poison for me tonight. I like drinking, and I like gambling, but some things just don't go well together for me..." she admits sheepishly.
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The two succubi wave over to the two new girl friends as they start to make there way down the steps and say, Sign up for the big event tomorrow night, only a few more spaces left, grab them why you can before those behind you in line get your spots! Only people sign up for the games tomorrow night will be allowed into the Gold Goblin! They are standing with big smiles on their faces behind a small table on the other side of the door where the weapons table is located....
Deciding that he should be a good guest and indulge his host, Tvaliss rises from his spot at the bar, taking his glass and bottle with him. slipping his bottle into the folds of his robes, the elven wizard wanders the floor for a but before settling at a table and gambling a bit of his gold. Looking around a bit, he will look for a game that might be a bit more interesting the the standard human game of cards and place a gold on the table as he sits down for the next round.
"Ah what the hell, why not, high risk high reward!"
Zaranae steps over grinning at the succubi girls and signs up, stepping aside to allow Violant to do the same.
Ivan does as he is bid.
"Vaug sent me." He does his best to appear powerful and frightening, but he is nervous and anxious to eat and find a place to sleep. Intimidate 12
Charsis finishes his meal and grabs another tankard of Ale before heading out to the gambling section to take a look at how the games are played. Most of them are a bit much for him and so he is thankful that he will be working tomorrow night and just in on the big game, not throwing his money away on these other ones.
He makes his way back out into the common area and makes a note of Zaranae again. He glances at her companion, but quickly dismisses her as skin and bone, preferring the fighter's build of Zaranae. He makes his way over to them.
"Might I offer you a drink," he says to Zaranae and then with a quick rethink he also turns and asks Violant, but his gaze doesn't linger, instead turning back to Zaranae with a lopsided grin on his face. He hoists his tankard as if to accentuate his question, loudly proclaiming "my name is Charsis Son-of-Air, Shaman of the Tamiir-Quah," he pauses, "well I would be a Shaman by now at least if I were still with my people. But one must follow his dreams if he is to be happy mustn't he. What dreams lie inside that pretty head of yours this night. Come, chase away that scowl and share a drink with me. Tomorrow night I will be up there on the door and you can be sure that I will take extra special care with your weapons."
"Or mayhap you might be allowed to keep that chain if I can convince you to bed here with me this night," he thinks to himself, elicting another grin.
Seeing Chadwilt try and stifle his laughter, the ale soiled dwarf refocused his eyes from Chadwilt to the large red mastiff, then finally to the room he was in and came to the realization that if there indeed was a fire, niether he nor his prized beard were in any immediate danger.
He then cursed in Dwarven, followed those curses with even more elaborate curses in Taldan, and finally said words that could only have been described as the Alchoholics Cant. He then smiled, pleased with himself, let out the most exquisite and prolonged burp and fell head first back onto the bed.
Before Chadwilt could utter a single word or even raise an eyebrow the dwarf passed gas again.
And again.
That was well enough for the the war hound and his master. Chadwilt made for the door and with great effort gagged the word "Coraline" but it was unnecessary because the mastiff overtook him the moment he had opened the door. Out of breath, both half elf and his 'stalwart' companion found themselves in what seemed to be a stairway above a large room that was being set up for some special event. Quite a number of gambling tables were easily visible and nearly a score of men and women darted about in various stages of preparation.
Chadwilt eyed a couple of women who seemed to be trying on somewhat elaborate demonic costumes. A worried thought crossed his mind as he hastely checked his many pockets and pouches to see if he had spent any of his money on those gambling tables or those women the night before. After a minute of rough math he breathed a sigh of relief and refocused his eyes on the two ladies adjusting their costumes.
After he let his eyes rest on the women for a moment or five he redirected his attention to the rest of the scene below. The circus of activity seemed to have a rather interesting ringmaster:
A short, balding human in aged but somewhat respectable finery was directing the elaborate preparations. What drew Chadwilts attention was one of the man's hands seemed to have been replaced by a golden key stump.
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On his way to the next gaming table Tvaliss is intercepted by the same succubi who took his earlier drink order. Good sir, I was able to locate a bootle of your requested wine only its from the year 1042. Is this to your liking I hope?
Zaranae signs her name to the list of guests for tomorrows event. The young girl informs her of the 1 gold addmission fee and tells her she must stop by the table again tomorrow. And then she begins to sign in Violant
Ivan takes the path around the building to the back enterance and knocks on the door. Its answered by one of the cooks of the Gold Goblin and nods as she hears the name, Vaug. As you walk through the back area where all of the dishes are washed and into the kitchen itself your stomach gives a big grumble as all of the kitchen's smells
assult your nose. Your taken through a couple of doors then into what looks to be the staff lounge where a few people are hanging out. A large man eyes you up and down and says without you saying anything yet, You'll do, you can start tonight in fact, I had to fire two other tonight due to stealing and grabbing to much succubi tail! Your shift will start in an hour, grab some food and find me on the floor. Your job will only be for tonight and tomorrow night unless Saul the owner takes a liking to you. See you in an hour! He walks out the door leaving you in the staff lounge with a few others chatting amongst themselves.
As the girls move about the gaming area they are approached by an very large man with short brown spiky hair....
Chadwilt leaves the smelly naked dwarf behind knowing the dwarf will sleep for a few hours more before he's ready to drink again. He makes his way out guest wing of the Gold Goblin and into a sea of chaos, the gambling hall is packed with all kinds of people playing games, drinking and eatting. He also notices preperations for tomorrows big event as staff members move about through the crowd trying to get their tasks completed. Chadwilt also spots a short balding man directing things and talking to guest as they pass by. A foggy thought enters his mind as he remembers he knows this man. After a few moments he remembers the man to be the owner of the Gold Goblin, Saul, you think his name to be......
Orren sets up over by the enterance of the Gold Goblin and begins to play again. The people standing in line having their minds taken off the wait enjoy his music. His case filling up with gold, silver and copper faster than he could even imagine, boy tonight going to be a great night.....
I hope everyone had a great holiday season! Now its back to the game!
Tvaliss, shocked that Saul was able to get a fine elven label out of elvish lands, hides his shock and flee behind a feinted grimace as he says "This will suffice". Then, waiting as his glass is poured, he nods as the waitress offers him a glass. I am going to have to ask Saul how he came by such a find...I would be insulted that a human has such a stock, if I wasn't so thrilled.
Tvaliss starts into his glass of wine as he notices the two woman, one built like a warrior, and the other slim and dexterous, more like what he was accustomed to, though nowhere near as regal as a common woman from his homeland. He also notices the brute who has started to make small talk with the pair. Smirking at the large man's obvious courting attempt, Tvaliss shifts back to his game as he loses sight of the group behind a small group of passing gamblers.
Zaranae exchanges a quick glance with Violant and tries to suppress her grin.
Easy on the eyes, bold, willing to spend his money...a sight better than the average around here, and he feels like...danger. This could be fun. she thinks to herself.
"A firewater for me and anything my friend wants. I'm Zaranae and this is Violant, Charsis Son of Air."
After decisively paying her one gold piece entry fee and moving past the sign in process (at which she signs in under the name Vee Amori), Violant makes sure to keep up with Zee.
"Oh, I'll just have an ale, thanking you kindly, strong sir." Violant says, to the half-hearted offer of a drink, before turning to view the crowd. At the first opportunity to ditch conversation with Zee's new friend, she'll wander off and find some other people to talk to, sliding smoothly from patron to patron, less 'chatting' and more 'working the crowd.'
Spoiler for Zoomackulas
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As Tvaliss goes back to his game he notices the wine is a little off so he takes another sip to make sure, yep its a fake to his elven taste buds. Distracted he misses out on a few turns of the game and ended up losing what he had put onto the table.
The girls continue to check out the new comer trying to chat with them. They both notice other eyes on them as well, an elf who keeps tasting his wine like somethings wrong with it and a man taking with what looks like the owner. The man standing in front of the two seems to have only eyes for Zee which gives Vee a chance to look around the room to see what else is going on and who seems interesting to her.
For Vee
I should have known it was too good to be true, Tvaliss thinks to himself as he spits the second sip of inferior wine back into his glass before collecting his coin and rising from the table before the next hand begins. Those reading the elf's face would probably imagine the grimace is in response to the lost gold, not having the fine elven tastes to know when a wine isn't suitable to drink.
Not too concerned with the lost gold, Tvaliss simply smiles as he takes his leave and heads off to find the owner of this establishment in order to mention that one of his bottles may be mislabeled. As he approaches, he sees Saul chatting with a rather disheveled halfling and will respectfully stand out of earshot, human earshot that is, as the two finish their conversation. Once the two have finished talking, Tvaliss will politely approach the short, balding human about the possible mislabeling.
Having identified the fat drunken man as being the best target in the room, Violant settles back and begans scoping out the room for *other* people who have noticed this particularly juicy pigeon. She's not sure if she's got what it takes to rob someone, but perhaps she could earn some of that fat man's gold by keeping him from getting his throat slit.
Spoiler for Zoomackulas
Charsis hails one of the devil witresses and puts in an order for two ales and a firewater. He then turns his attention back to Zaranae, not even noticing that Violant's attention has wandered.
"So what brings a pretty thing like you to a gambling den like this?," he asks with that lopsided grin on his face. On someone else his size that grin would look silly, but on Charsis it makes him appear more than the savage Barbarian his clothing implies.
The waitress returns with the drinks and he hands one of the ales to Violant, all the while keeping eye contact with Zaranae. He hands her her drink, making sure to brush her hand with his as he does so.
"Would you like a seat?"
Before she can answer, he turns and grabs the shirt of the drunk sitting at the table behind them. A weedy man, Charsis easily hoists him from the chair and deposits him unsteadily on his feet. He picks up the man's half finished ale and hands it to him, ignoring the man's feeble protests. He pulls the chair out and offers it to Zaranae, moving around the table as the drunks's friend hurriedly vacates his chair and moves to follow his companion away from the Barbarian. He sits opposite her and waits for her answer to his previous question.
Laughing Zaranae accepts the offered seat. "Just looking for fun and excitement. Think I can find that here?"
She grins.
His face taking on a boyish gleam, he responds "I'm sure that I can help you out with both fun and excitement tonight." He ends with what looks like a wink, but Zaranae thinks it could have just been a trick of the light.
“You’re the veritable eye of the hurricane, eh Saul ?"
"Busy, busy bees everywhere and it’s barely three or four hours the time of day I should be awake.
“And the floors of your guest chambers are not half bad, although the company in said chambers are a tad wanting.”
Remembering the morning’s ordeal the half elf added, “And perhaps you should look into getting proper ventilation in those rooms as well.”
“So now, more importantly and to salvage how this day started, who do I have to … impose on, to get some” Chadwilt paused as he looked at Coraline dutifully guarding his back. “Get some hair of the dog in your fine establishment?” he finished, using the quick turn to further discreetly scan the room.
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Ivan gobbles up as much stew and bread as the cooks will tolerate him taking, then heads out onto the floor after doing some warm up exercise so he can seem more 'beefy'.