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It is a beautiful morning in Riddleport the sky clear except for the odd seagull or other types of bird, there is the usual buzz of chatter in the streets but this time not just about the blot (as the locals call the great black cloud in the sky) this time people are excited about that evening there would be a tournament held in the newly opened Gold Goblin Gambling hall, called "Cheat the devil and take his gold"...
Narnel has never been very comfortable with the people of this city, though that makes sense as he's never been overly comfortable with people anywhere. So, as normal, he mostly just tried his best to make sure that none of the bustling crowds touched him as the swirled along the street. A precaution both to keep his already light coin-purse intact as well as to keep from catching anything they might be carrying.
He sighs a bit whenever he hears someone mention the gambling event tonight, shaking his head, not quite sure just how he got himself involved in this again, wasting some of his last coin for entry. He sighs a bit, wistfully, knowing the real reason was that with so many people who will be in attendance tonight, including some of the cities best and brightest he hoped he may find someone who understood him so he could find some kinship in this accursed city.
Such a thought is quickly banished though as he curses himself quietly under his breath in half a dozen languages(just for practice) to keep his mind out of the clouds and focused. If he is ever going to crack the cypher of the gate and prove himself, he must keep working rather then letting his mind drift to such ethereal and unlikely things.
So for now he just waits in front of the Gold Goblin for the tournament to start, hoping he will at least win back the coin he squandered on entry, stretching to try and catch glimpses of the cypher-gate as best he can, paper in hand to doodle any details he feels he may have missed before.
Luex takes a quick glance into the sky, glad that he is getting his land legs back rather quickly. In the hustle of the busy streets walks around causually, figuring that this little tournament this evening might be well worth the time, if not for the coin then the chance to get his name out there. He stares back ahead then on a whim he pulls down his wide brimmed hat, and his fiddle plucks a chord and decides to post near a wall and try to earn back some of his entry fee for the tournament. He decides on a somber tune to see how the locals treat his selection.
Zareby stands in front of the gate, his scarf fluttering in the breeze. He takes out a single gold piece, flips it into the air, and catches it again. "Now, lets win us that jackpot.", he says softly as he begins to grin.
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Leux
Leux knowlede ressults
Blakely flew up to investigate the eerie shadowy Blot a week after it appeared and reported that the interior was strangely cold but that the Blot itself seemed no different than a regular cloud, apart form it's unusual color.
Blakely's been out of town lately, on a long journey to Magnimar and thence to Korvosa to research the Blot in the libraries there. In his absence, the Order of Cyphers has been leading the charge on additional localized investigations of the Blot.
Narnel knowledge ressults
Riiddleport has a long history of mysterious phenomena connected to its infamous Cyphergate Riddle—the long-sought hidden purpose of the stone arch that rises over the harbor. Old accounts tell of strange lights moving in the sky and sounds issuing forth from it without explanation. The manifestation of a shadow in the sky is something new, though.
No known magical traditions explain the existence of the hovering shadow, and it does not bear the trappings of any known spell.
The wizard Argentus Blakely (a noted Cyphergate scholar) postulated that the Blot is some sort of convergence for focusing arcane energies. He has yet to prove his hypothesis but is running several experiments to test its validity
Zareby knowledge ressults
Blakely flew up to investigate the eerie shadowy Blot a week after it appeared and reported that the interior was strangely cold but that the Blot itself seemed no different than a regular cloud, apart form it's unusual color.
Blakely's been out of town lately, on a long journey to Magnimar and thence to Korvosa to research the Blot in the libraries there. In his absence, the Order of Cyphers has been leading the charge on additional localized investigations of the Blot.
Perform string insturments 1d20+11=26
Leux starts hitting his stride and picks up the tone and speed of the song going to more of a classical nature he starts to gradually loose himself in the music but still keeps in touch with his surroundings.
Rorsius Walked steadily through the growing crowd in the morning mist. The brisk sea and bright sun did little to disguise the stench of Riddleport. The tradesmen and locals said that it was a more legitimate town now. Rorsius knew it was a lie. Rorsius recalled it clearly, hardly more than five years ago when he worked Under that Bastard Bannagran. Rorsius recalled beating coppers out of beggars, and beating loyalty into them. He recalled quite clearly the snap of cartilage and the crunch of bones and the spray of blood upon his face and clothes. He remembered how hard it was to get the color of crimson out of his parchment shirts. Rorsius visibly shuddered and instinctively darted his eyes about to see if anyone had noticed. he shoved his hands into the pockets of his overcoat and pulled it tighter against him as his mind wandered into memories. Rorsius recalled how dirty he felt-How much he loathed his very being. He remembered the night of the fire, and recounted the events in his mind.
"Stood in the firelight. Sweltering.Bloodstains on clothes and hands felt just like map of violent new continent. Felt cleansed. Felt dark soil turn under my feet and knew what all the animals know that makes them wail out like banshees in the night. Looked at sky through smoke heavy with human and half-orc fat and recognized that the Gods were not there. The frigid, suffocating dark goes on forever and we are alone,Beneath any higher power that might be in the heavens.Live our lives, lacking anything better to do. Devise reason later. Born from oblivion; bear children, hell-bound as ourselves, go into oblivion. There is nothing else. Existence is random. Has no pattern save what we imagine after staring at it for too long. No meaning save what we choose to impose. This rudderless world is not shaped by vague divine forces. It is not the Gods who kills the children. Not fate that butchers them or destiny that feeds them to the dogs. It’s us. Only us. How the Streets stank of fire. The void breathed hard on my heart, turning its delusions to glass, shattering them. Was reborn then, turning former weakness into present strength. Free to define Own existence. Free".
Rorsius shook hard, as if coming out of a nightmare, to find himself before the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall, Riddleports latest. Whether it was a whore or slaughter-house, Rorsius was yet to discover.He had been searching for answers since the Blot's appearance, Ultimately coming up short. His latest hunch had led him to this hall. He had a feeling someone within knew something about the shadow in the sky. He ignored the stares that his unnerving presence brought him.
Luex bows in gratitude, "Thank you so very much." when his performance is over he picks up the coins and decides to head toward the merchant section of town. Since arriving he finds himself actually a bit hungry and inquires to the closest woman"Good morning fair lady, but would you be able to point me to the best food stand."
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Rorsius knowledge ressults
Leux
*winks back
Strolls over to the stand and looks over the wares and decides to pick out a fresh ripe piece of fruit and places the appropriate coins on the counter.
Looks over to the side and exclaims "Ooh weapons" and continues over to the store "I need a few knives"
Zareby Narnel and Rorsius
Thinking to himself that this area is a bit boring, heads in the direction of the Gold Goblin to see what all the fuss is about
Rashmi walks through the crowded streets with ease and quiet confidence, the soft red fabric of her saree giving the occasional gentle flutter in the sea breeze. With a small spring in her step she makes her way towards the Golden Goblin Gambling Hall, interested to see what new arrivals have been attracted by the tournament. With a grin she hops up on a short wall to get a better view over the human traffic, holding her hands out to either side of her gently she carefully balances as she wanders along, keeping her eyes peeled for something interesting.
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rashmi
Rashmi's knowledge results
With a small bounce Rashmi hops off of the wall and strides with confidence over to the slowly gathering crowd around the Goblin. A bright smile coming to her open features her eyes are drawn instinctively to the others wearing red, scanning over the man with the scarf and the bright collar of another's long coat.
Looking at the crowd outside the Golden Goblin. Leux searches the crowd to to scan the "high rollers" and to any who would look like good companions for the long night ahead. "Who knows, I might get a good story before the festivities begin, most certainly I shall get a good one by the end of the night"
Rashmi suddenly perks up at hearing a certain phrase and in an unexpected flurry of movement she dashes in the half-elf's direction, coming to a stop beside him and speaking in a cool, calm voice, a voice that's a stark contrast to her bright skin and garb.
"Did I hear you say good story?" She enquires curiously.
"Why yes, good lady" Bows respectfully. "I take great pride in trying to hear as many as I can. And hopefully create a few of my own. Either way I feel that the great stories lead to innovation and I shall do my part in that path" as he chuckles to himself "Sorry, where are my manners. I am Menchalatl Solielx, but my friends call me Leux. Who might I ask graces my presence with such beauty?
"You certainly have a way with words Mr. Solielx, I'm sure you have a few tales of your own you could tell quite expertly" She compliments in a tone of quiet confidence "I am known simply as Rashmi" She introduces herself, only the faintest hint of sadness in her tone at having no family name to give.
" Oh, I probably do, but the main way I tell stories is through my gift of music with my fiddle. If you are interested I could play a tune for you. While we wait for those good stories" takes out his fiddle and plucks a chord.
Another warm smile grces Rashmi's face at the suggestion "Only if you play something I can dance to" She replies with a calm ease.
starts playing the fiddle gauging the reaction of Rashmi,gradually increasing in tempo till the the melody feels right and continues playing, pretty much making it up as he goes along. All the while thinking to himself that this is going to be the start of a very good story.
With a faint smile Rashmi closes her eyes and listens closely to the notes and the tempo, carefully analysing the music so different to that of her homeland before starting to move. A small sway at first, building to more and more dynamic movements, dance steps filled with the high energy and interesting stances typical of dances of far away Vudrani lands.
Narnel raises his brow a bit at the woman who spoke to him and just gives her a small nod of his head in response. I've never really been much of a gambling type, so I can't say my hopes are so high at seeing that purse. I suppose the biggest gamble I've made was coming to this city. He pauses at that thought, frowning some. Yes, definitely a fat chance he's going to win if thats the sort of luck he brings to the table.
Returning his gaze to the cypher-gate in the distance, he tilts his head slightly, catching note of the music that begins to play and the swaying woman beside the musician. The pair have quite some skill it seems. He listens carefully to the tune as if counting the bars of it in his head, even the mathematical formula of music a beautiful thing to him. He's very careful to try and be subtle about his interest however, it just wouldn't due to appear overly curious and draw attention back to himself, but he's not nearly as skilled at playing it cool as he seems to think he is and the slight bob of his head to the sound probably makes it fairly obvious that the bard's audience is growing.
Kratos walked the streets, the little gnome was abuzz with the chatter. She liked the chatter of city. Oh yes, she did like this city Besmara smiled on this place, yes she did. Such a free willing place, full of strife and conflict.So much like an over full kettle ready to boil she rubbed her hands together at the thought. She skipped down the streets singing in the hob posh language of hers, drawling looks as she skipped past, rapier dangling and the skull and cross bones of her goddess slinging about her neck as she happily roamed the streets. She stopped at a tavern far from the docks thinking a pint might be nice, only to spot the wagon loaded with barrels. It was not the cargo that caught her attention but the rope holding it and that lovely knot. Yes it was such a nice knot, 3 finger slip very well crafted truly a master or knot making had done such a thing. She had to have it. Making her way toward the wagon she looked and saw no one watching her, she lovely caressed the knot before cutting it free, with a hop and a skip around the coiner she was by the time the barrels came tumbling, the shouts and disorder mattered not to her as she held her new prize with a smile she placed it in her pouch with her other treasures.
Know feeling even better she skips along the crowd singing the ranchist song she knows. Slapping a fine looking human chap on his bum as she passes, she burst out in wicked laughter. By Besmara today might be fun
Narnel raises his brow a bit at the woman who spoke to him and just gives her a small nod of his head in response. I've never really been much of a gambling type, so I can't say my hopes are so high at seeing that purse. I suppose the biggest gamble I've made was coming to this city.
"Hey, it's the best bet you will ever make. Trust me, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Besides, not everyone can handle the risk it takes to be a good gambler."
Zareby leans against the gate, watching the lovely dancer.
Narnel starts a bit as he is spoken to directly, dropping out of his reverie with the music, looking over to Zaerby. I... I suppose not. If everyone were a capable gambler, then there would be no one to lose the money required to win. He looks over the man, deciding that he looks rather like one of the locals and so he tries(painfully) to communicate in a way he assumes he will understand. You can't have a score without a pigeon.
He shrugs a bit and glances back out towards the cypher-gate.I hope you are right about the benefits of my wager. In my time here it has not paid out yet. I suppose I can only... He fumbles the sentence for a moment, trying to remember what he read up about gambling since he decided to enter the tournament. Can only continue to raise and hope fate folds its hand to me.
He shrugs a bit and glances back out towards the cypher-gate.I hope you are right about the benefits of my wager. In my time here it has not paid out yet. I suppose I can only... He fumbles the sentence for a moment, trying to remember what he read up about gambling since he decided to enter the tournament. Can only continue to raise and hope fate folds its hand to me.
"Well, if anything fate's the dealer in the game of life. You know what happens when the dealer wins? Everyone loses. Sure, the dealer usually comes out on top in the end, but if you leave while you're ahead, you'll still ahead. But where's the fun in that, eh?"
Narnel frowns some at the words but nods his head.This is true. If only it were up to each of us just when we pushed away from the table. He shakes away the brooding mood he felt washing over him and glances back at the tavern behind him. You are playing? Have you done many of these?
Slowly winds down the music and scans the crowd. He looks for the closest tavern and decides he might want a drink before the night starts. He bows to Rashimi "Thank you miss, for you presence and graceful movement to compliment my fiddle here. I was thinking that I might want a drink before the contest begins and was wondering if you would care to join me. I am sure I can tell at least one good story"
Rashmi gives a small bow in return, her smile never leaving her face. "It would be most rude of me to decline such a gracious offer." She replies calmly. "I would love to hear whatever tales you have to share."
"It's a Fool's game girl. The devils gambit. You'd serve yourself better to earn it the honest way." He says harshly to the girl. He doesnt wait for a response, turning to face the pair performing. Something was bright about them, a welcome change. He scoffs at the elf and red scarfed man speaking of fate. "Fate is a misconception. An excuse designed to shirk responsibility away from those who are too weak to determine their own destiny. You'd do well to abandon such notions." He says in a gravely voice that hardly matches his relatively small frame.Again, uninterested in any sort of response- he moves past the pair and past the crowd to watch the performance-His eyes fixed on the exotic beauty of the woman in red. A sharp, unnerving glance at the huddling masses in his way was all that was needed to clear his line of sight. And so there he stood for several moments even after the performance ended-Eyes locked upon her, his hands shoved into his coat pockets.
"Right this way then. Let us enjoy this day, the day Leux and Rhasimi became friends."
Narnel blinks as he is spoken to by yet another person, his brow furrowing a bit. Now this is why he doesn't normally go around opening his mouth to people, its almost like a disease that spreads rampantly after your first hello and soon everyone around you feels they should chip in a 'hi'.
Seeing that the newcomer doesn't seem too interested in what he has to say in response anyway, he turns back towards the fiddle being strum, only to hear it wind down and the song ends. With a small frown at having missed the crescendo, he considers his already light coin-purse, glancing back to Zareby with a quiet "Excuse me a moment."
He then approaches the bard and the dancer as they pack up, drawing out two gold coins and offering one to each. "For your performance."
Rashmi gives another nod at Leux's words, happily moving to fall into step beside him. Gracefully she moves a hand, indicating to him to lead the way. Briefly she scans the crowd and pauses, her eyes meeting those of the intense man in the highcollared coat. With a polite smile she bows her head a little to him before returning her attention to her newfound friend, Leux.
She opens her mouth to speak as the elf approaches and quickly silences. With a shake of her head she takes his hand and closes it over his gold coin. "Keep it, I perform only to take part in, and share, an uplifting experience, not for money"
"She speaks wisely. While sometimes I do play to make a little coin this event was just two friends making acquaintance. Thank you anyway though." putting his hands up in a no you keep it gesture "But we were just heading to get a drink. I now open an invitation to you good sir, would like to join us. Oh, my manners slip me again. I am Leux and who might you be good sir with such generosity?"
Clearing his throat a bit, Narnel considers the invitation. He is going to the golden goblin anyway later that day, and though this does interrupt his study, the idea of being able to sit for a time and the thought of genuine if fleeting company is a good one.
He glances back towards Zareby, realizing that it would be rude of him to imply he would be returning and then simply walk away, and further realizing that it was very poor manners never to have introduced himself only when the half-elf reprimands himself for it.
"I am Narnel, Leux. I would accept your offer, but I'm afraid that I was speaking to this man over here." He motions towards Zareby. "He had interesting ideas on fate and gambling. I hoped they may be of use tonight."
"Ah, Narnel, it does not pose a problem to me, if you were previously engaged that matter must the top of ones priority. Now, sorry for taking up valuable time. But, allow me to offer my opinion, if I may, from the look in your eyes just remember to follow the tune in your heart, for it might brake there was a joy that made it whole." bows respectfully taking off his wide brimmed hat, and when he comes up moves his hand to pull the hair behind his ear, revealing a faint, but still there sharpness to his ear, then replaces his hat.
Rorsius's eyes widen ever so slightly when they meet with the Dancer. Only one very observant would notice such a thing. He stands still while the elf from the gate walks over and listens in on the conversation, his eyes never really leaving the lady in red. When the elf respectfully declines-He steps forward abruptly."I'll take you up on that offer."He says in the voice that's bigger than his body. He nearly shocks himself. This wasn't his normal course of action. But he saw an undeniable light in the two of them. One he thought might help to remove the darkness in the sky. And he couldn't risk losing that in the crowd.
Narnel seems a bit taken aback by the bards comment, as if there was something truly insightful about it. It causes him to second guess his refusal of the offer, glancing to the man he was speaking to again briefly. When the red haired man breaks into the conversation, he watches the other two's reaction curiously and nervously biting his lip a second before commenting. "It seems your performance has attracted quite a crowd. If you are to be taking a large table, then perhaps the offer is still open, though I should invite my acquaintance as well. I am still curious of his thoughts."
Rorsius noticeably arched his brow and tipped his head sideways, his mind hard at work in figuring out what kind of gathering he had got himself into. For a brief moment. He let himself consider some metaphysical hand of fate in all of this, but quickly dismissed the notion, being careful to practice what he preached. He waited patiently for a response.
Zareby watches as the red-cloaked man enters the conversation between the elf and the bard. Curious about what's happening, he ambles over to the group. "So, what's all this about then?"
Just a little startled from the proclamation. "Why sir, you may join us. But first, I would like to know the name of the person I will be sitting down with and sharing tales. I am Leux."
"Rorsius." He says simply.His Canines showing slightly as he hisses out the last 'S' unintentionally.
Politley Rashmi takes a small calculated step back, giving the men space to speak and to introduce themselves to one another, despite her years away from home her upbringing shining through, it was not a woman's place to interfere in meetings such as these.
"Zareby Grenache", he says with a small bow.
"It appears that quite a large table will be needed. Please, come I welcome all."