"Wow. These folks certainly came prepared."
Zareby looks over the goods, then gathers up his cards and chips and follows the party back.
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Saul leads you all up a stair case and into a fairly nice office like room with a desk with a bottle of fine looking wine on it and a comfy chair behind it and 4 chairs in front of it along with one chair by the fire place, which has just been lit by the Dwarf Larur. He holds up a hand in greeting, OK gimme your chips then and I'll give you em back in coins double.
While you deal with the chips Saul pours the wine into several glasses silently counting you all, Seven is it?
After a sip, he looks around at all of you. “Let me begin at the beginning. Some years ago, I was the leader of an important organization in Riddleport. Not one of the official ‘crimelords,’ as they’re called, but a man of influence, nonetheless. Trouble was, it wasn’t really a good position to be in, all things considered. I didn’t earn the sort of money I might have hoped for, nor did I find the kind of respect I really wanted. That life cost me my health, my sons, my wife, and eventually, my left hand.” He waves the stump and its odd, key-shaped prosthetic. “In the years since my wife’s death, I have scraped along, trying to find some way to earn a retirement that can support me. I’m not interested in a return to the life I lead in my youth – I just want something I can build a future on, to salvage something of my remaining years.”
“Unfortunately,” he says, “while I want to leave that life behind, it probably hasn’t left me.the attack tonight was an attempt at retribution, I’m sure. I have enemies, and they will strike at me again, I suspect. And that, my friends, brings me to you.”
“Here is my proposal. If my business here is going to succeed, it seems clear that I will need friends I can trust, friends with the skills necessary to protect my investment. But I know that those friends will need a reason to help me – they need to share my investment. I think you could be those people, and in order to make that happen, I am willing to share what I’ve built here. If you’re willing to come on board, I will make your junior partners in the Gold Goblin. In addition to a base wage, you’ll earn a share of the profits. Once we’re making some, anyway. You’ll have ‘covers’ as croupiers, bouncers, however you might best fit in, and of course, if you can do those jobs well, you’ll be improving the profitability of the casino – but your real purpose will be security. It’s my hope you’d serve more as a deterrent than anything else, of course, and your performance here tonight should help that.”
“What do you say?”
Zareby slumps back in his seat slightly. This is a bit of a dilemma. One hand, the house always wins. On the other hand, he'd just be going up into a much bigger house, and roulette is played with daggers, not a ball. Of course, a dagger only kills you if it's your back it's in...
"Saul, you got yourself a deal."
Jean-Paul listened to Sauls proposal keenly. He had come here, hoping to find work and now he had been offered a partnership. How fickle was luck indeed. Silently he offered a prayer to Desna for blessing him so.
"Well Saul, let's hope all your enemies are as incompetent as the poor buggers lying dead on the Goblins floor. Count me in!" his Chelaxian accent sliped in on the last statement, his enthusiasm causing him to slip into old habbits.
He also places all the weapons and gear on the table in front of the group, ready for distribution. Almost as an afterthought he put the collected gold and silver with the pile as well.
"Well, since we all seemed to have worked on stippoing this, I see no reason why we shouldn't all profit from their defeat. Let's divvy this stuff up"
Looking over the goods, Narnel takes an immediate interest in the two magical items, though he frowns a bit at the wand and the pallor from before seems to touch him again. "This would seem to contain a rather nasty spell within, a way to electricute your enemies with but a touch. It is a good thing that the wizard did not get his hand on any of you. Fortunately its cruel power is mostly drained. I have little interest in such a thing, or in any of the weapons for that matter, though if I could claim this scroll as my own, I would be most appreciative. I would like to add it to my book some day. It should allow me to shrink an item to a more portable size. A most useful thing."
He glances up towards Zareby. "You proved quite capable with your power back there, it seems you are more then just a gambler. Unless anyone else is schooled in the arts arcane, I suspect he would be most benefiting of the wand itself. Of the other goods, I have little knowledge or concern."
Frowning a bit in consideration he finally looks at Saul again, now that the writings that hold his interest are bypassed. "I... Suppose I could help you with this. I would need time to perform my studies of course, but I could do much of that from within your establishment."He glances down at himself for a moment."I don't think anyone would mistake me for a bouncer. Perhaps a roll as an oddsmaker? I am skilled with numbers, perhaps I could aid the house in this. This is an odd job, but I had hoped to find my brightness in this world. Perhaps this strange set of circumstance is what I was seeking."
"You proved quite capable with your power back there, it seems you are more then just a gambler.
"We all are more than we seem. Everyone does their best to hide their reaction to the hand they've been dealt. Sometimes, you just get a strange hand. Sometimes literally."
"Electricity? Sure, I'll take the wand. Since I'm the only one here who came out ahead tonight, I'll just take this."
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Excellent! it will be great to have you lot on you you can be anything you want in the building depending on your talents of course dealer, greeter, waiter or waitress,Spotter up on the catwalks would help the roofs fake with some catwalks above it, um... Cook? and you would all have to work only 4 hours a day whenever you like we open at 9 going on till 1. larur will discuss the details with you tomorrow I'll give you a tour then as well. and i guess I'll intruduce you to the staff then as well and you can have rooms as well buti think we only have one room spare at the moment, but it has 4 bunks! I'll get Ashli to show you too it once we're done here
Hmmm, interesting offer. What, good sir, do you have as far as in house entertainment. Or how about bartender. I do enjoy playing this he points to his fiddle. Anyway, I agree to your proposition. May this work out for us all.
Rorsius is pleasantly surprised to see Rashmi waiting and he gives a gentle nod."Thank you." Says the gravely voice. He grabs her hand quickly when she lays it upon his shoulder-as if it was some unexpected attacker, but instead of shifting his hips to throw the attacker over his shoulder, he realized it was Rashmi and turned to observe her hand."I did not expect these to be able to do what they did." He admitted before quickly releasing her hand from his grip as if he was suddenly aware of overstepping some barrier-His more than her own.
With a smile Rashmi shakes her head slightly "It was nothing, I learnt to move in combat as well as to dance and to move through life" She explains with apparent ease as the group makes their way along behind Saul.
At the proposal from the owner the Vudrani woman pauses and appears to contemplate the notion. Silently she patiently waits for the others to all have their say before declaring her own thoughts.
"I'll deal some cards, if you don't mind."
The mere thought of being at the center of such ongoing strife filled her with chills. Kratos tingled with joy and anticipation of it all. Hopping up and down with thrill she sequels Oh, Oh what can I do? What can I do! She sings in a hyper high pitched voice Oh so much I can do some much She claps her hands squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee She crys jumping up and down Oww, oww can I have some wings I do so like the wings. What holds em on? is it silk , Oww I like silk. She beams up at him with the wide smile on her pale face. Like looking at a shark or a bodie to long dead with pools are dark crimson for eyes sparkling darkly in the light
Jean-Paul hadn't met too many gnomes in his time, and given this one's penchant for chaotic exuberance, he wasn't sure he needed to meet too many more. However, the world revolved around different wheels, and he certainly wasn't going to judge too harshly given some of the things he'd seen and done.
Having heard the others state what they were going to do for work, he shrugs and suggests the only thing he's ever been trained to do "Guess I'd be best suited as a bouncer then. Mind you, I'm better at blades than I am with my fists. I can talk my way out if required though, and that's always a bonus when you're trying to run a profitable business I'd say."
"Yay wings!" She cries, Looking up with her dark eyes " Oh yes I can be a waitress, But your tables are tall." She shugs her shoulders and smiles even wider, a fighting thing as the corners near or near her eyes. "I've walked a deck near the eye and wadded though guts and blood waist deep, eh tall tables arnt much"
She seems happy and excited at something she claps her hands and laughs " Corse getting the blood off was a bother, I mean really so much of it. Humm I'll ...oh" She seems enchanted with something and skips over to the wizard. Dagger out as she closes ans with a slice his belt comes off " Oh a nice one so nice, even stills a little damps ....Oh yes you are" With that she drops what looks to be the tied end of his belt into a sack
Looking back at the group and smiling "Wings you say?" she flashes Saul a wide smile
"I would like to earn money to survive whilst I learn more in this place" Rashmi eventually decides with a polite smile. "Although I really am unsure as to what I could do to help around a gambling hall, I am merely a student."
Narnel's jaw drops as the belt is cut, though he doesn't seem to react until it falls from him and he quickly bends to scoop up his pounces and then less quickly takes up his sword again. Holding his pouches somewhat protectively, he slips them into the pockets of his robe, though they are a bit big to fit comfortably. After he is left just holding his sword by its scabbard, unsure of what else to do with it.
Not seeming to know what to even say to the gnome, he glances towards Rashimi "You seem well spoken and pleasant enough. I am sure that you would do well as a hostess." He then glances back at Saul. "When do we begin? And what now for us?" He looks to the others as he says that.
Frowning persistently, Rorsius finally stepped forward "I suppose I owe you an apology Saul." He said simply, despite his best intentions-still coming off as less than friendly. "I suppose I'd be best suited as a bouncer, as I don't imagine there's much call for a tailor here."
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yes that's fine he says with a wave of his hand at Rorsius. Do you have a keen eye he says addressing Rashmi You could either be on the catwalks or down in the main hall anyway you can sleep in your room tonight if you like and bring your stuff over tomorrow I'll give you a tour than and introduce you to the staff and all that then eh?
Now why don't you deal with all this stuff he says gesturing at the leather the rapiers and the other gear. Ah theres Ashli now! he says pointing to the door where a young woman clad in the waitress cloths with a pair of wings on. stood Whenever your ready I'll take you to your room She says smiling at Jean-Paul.
Still keeping a careful eye on the gnome, Narnel nods. He waits to see if any of the others have any objection to him taking the scroll and if not he picks it up. Otherwise he leaves them to claim the loot they wish since he has no interest in the rest of it. He glances then towards the waitress. "I am ready whenever you are."
Rorsius hardly gives a passing glance at the equipment before shoving his hands in his pockets and turning to the waitress."Lead the way."
Looks at the look. Looks like I could use a few more daggers. Takes 2 of them. Hmm bracers, if no one else is interested in those, I guess my wardrobe could use a little variety. After taking what he finds interesting he waits to follow the others to their room.
Jean-Paul swept a low bow when the girl walked in, his natural fighters grace making the courtesans move graceful and elegent. "Ah, Mon Chere, I see you 'ave returned to grace my presaance with your beauty. I beg of you, make mine ze last room so I can stay with you all ze longerrr.", his Chelaxian accent accentuates some of the words. He unashamedly slips the girl a wink, before helping himself to his share of the gold and silver placed on the counter.
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She blushes and smiles at Jean-Paul before turning from the room okay follow me she leads you down a corridor and around a corner before arriving at a set of 2 doors next to each other she opens both doors okay these two rooms are yours to do whatever you please in them enjoy your stay she says and turns and walks off
Jean-Paul
Jean-Paul bids his new companions adieu, and follows the seductively attractive woman down the corridor "Don't wait up! he whispers joyfully to Rorsius as he passes the uptight monk, a broad smile across his face.
DM
"I'd never dream of it Casanova..." Rorsius replied dryly to the chelish fighter.
"Narnel, Saul."His answer simple, Narnel then follows along the waitress to the room. He moves to take one of the bunks, setting his supplies beside it, not overly comfortable bunking with anyone, but not too uncomfortable with any of the party either that it matters whose room he shares. He does continue to keep an eye on the gnome though, guarding his spell components close. "We rest for the night, then?"
Zareby smiles knowingly as Jean leaves with the waitress.
"Zareby Grenache", he says as he takes a bow. He then stifles a yawn. "Yeah, I could use some sleep." He then takes off his scarf, lays down on a bed, and goes to sleep.
Follows Narnel to the room and picks a bunk. Rest well friends as he places his gear near his bed. He then jumps on the bed just for fun acrobatics 1d20+6=13 he then starts humming a lullaby tune till he falls asleep.
The bracers ,wand or scroll might be useful for Kratos. The other stuff holds no interest as it is sized wrong for her. Smiling up at Saul she says "I am Kratos , servant of Besmara. Oh bunks you say, who do I get to bunk with?" She throws a wink Zareby way as she grins
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OK as the group generally settles into the rooms and goes to sleep and have Beautiful or terrible dreams, they eventually wake in the morning
Zareby gets the wand of Shocking Grasp with 9 charges left
Narnel gets the Scroll of reduce object
Rashmi/Rorsius get the Bracers of armor+1
Leux gets 2 daggers
The light crossbow
the sickle
2sets of leather armor
Rapier
2 Short swords
7 daggers
And the MW leather armor
All goes to the house unless anyone else wants any of it, the Mw leather is stylized for a Womans Curves.
Jean-Paul woke around mid morning. Much later than he normally would have aboard ship, but then he'd had a rather...athletic evening. The girl was already gone, but not too long ago, the heat from her body was still warming the bed.
He rolled to his feet and began a series of rigorous exercisesdesigned to keep his strength and suppleness as keen as possible. Mostly they were designed for use on board a cramped ship, but they worked effectively in this room as well.
He dressed slowly, taking advantage of a wash basin to freshen his face and rinse his upper body before donning his clothes and armour. Finally he checked all his weapons for imperfections and cleaned and sharpened them. Satisfied with his appearence, the fighter moved to his door and opened it quietly, checking for noises ont he other side first. Satisfied there was no immediate threat, he left the room and headed downstairs to meet with Saul and find out what he wanted done.
He'd have to get his sea chest and other gear moved here before the day was out.
Rather then truly sleeping, Narnel simply meditates for a few hours as is the way of his people, relaxing in the bed. As he comes from his trance in the middle of the night, he moves downstairs so that he can light one of the buildings lanterns without disturbing anyone, continuing to simply rest but studying from his book and his notes as he does.
As always Rashmi wakes early and finds herself somewhere out of the way where she won't disturb anyone else to practice her morning exercises and some combat maneuvers. Keeping silent and to herself unless she's approached by any of the others at which point she'll respectfully stop to talk to them.
Rorsius sleeps the best he can, tossing and turning with occasional outbursts and waking up in cold sweats. He had got used to the nightmares, in fact he embraced them-they strengthened him. He woke just as early if not earlier than the rest. Before heading down, he used the wash basin to wash his coarse hair and coarser, scarred upper body. When he went down, he sat off to his lonesome, content to observe the room for now, as he didn't seem to have any explicit orders. If a threat arose, he'd take care of it.
Kratos is up before dawn. She says her prayers to Besmara on the docks, with the sea in her face. She breaths it in feels it move though her. Here with the coming sun standing on the edge of land and sea with the city behind her, birds over head and ships starting to stir she feels close to her Goddess. She feels all tingly and alive with whats happening like shes in the mist of some great struggle and she loves it.
She makes her way back to the others skipping along singing a brandy tune about and elfmaid, and ogre and a pony while the city wakes as she passes.Stopping by a morning vinder she takes in a meal of lovely roasted sweet meats wrapped in some bread. She licks her fingers clean and makes her way back to the goblin singing the same tune as before. Seeing the others gathering at a table shes skips over too them singing as she seems to bounce across the room. "Hi ya! , Rashmi honey you snore but you have the cutest little tush" shes says pinching the monk on the rump as she passes to climb into a chair at the table . Smiling wide at the gathering group "So who we get to kill today?" She asks in a sweet almost child like voice
Zareby comes down around mid-morning and grabs the nearest convenient piece of fruit. "Good morning everyone. *crunch* I'd love to stay around, *crunch* but I still have my day job, after all. See you all tonight."
With that, he walks out and sets out to the nearest gambling den that's open at this hour.
Opens his eyes. When he finally wakes up he notices that he is the last to wake. He shrugs his shoulders and figures what the hell as he rolls out of bed. He slips on down to the meeting room where everyone else is. Good morning everyone. How did everyone sleep. My mattress was a little lumpy but sure beats a boat any day.
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After your various morning activities you all eventually end up in the Gold goblins dining hall where Larur is located breakfast anyone or have you all already eaten he asks pointing to some bread and porridge at one end of the table.
Now down to business you will work four hours a day for 5 days a week which four hours would you like to work? and what jobs were you interested in?
as Saul told me it was something like this yeah?
Zareby Wanted to be a dealer right? seems like his kind of thing
now Leux you said Bartender or musician right? well you can do a bit of both sounds good to me
Jean-Paul a bouncer sounds good to me
Kratos waitress?
umm who else is there? Narnel! how about a spotter up on the catwalks? with those keen even eyes!
ah yes Rorsius bouncer seems to suit you well
And Rashmi would you be more interested in spotting on the catwalks with Narnel or maybe a greeter just stand by the door collect the entry fee and look pretty! hows that sound?
You will all be getting 10gp a week and a small cut of the profits made that week so affectively Saul's making you junior partners!
ok as soon as we're done here I'll introduce you all to the staff! what's left of them anyway a load of them left last night after the heist...
i'll also try and remember to give you exp next post
Jean-Paul nods his head as the terms of work are explained to him. He moved immediately to get a bowl of the porridge and bread. He also helped himself to some strong coffee, to help shake the last of the cobwebs from last nights excess. Four hours a day was not a big comittment for ten gold. IT certainly left him plenty of time to explore the city more and try his hand at other things.
Nodding his head, Narnel looks to the others. "Fair enough I suppose. I would prefer to work in the evenings. I suspect that would be the busiest time in this sort of business anyway and it will give me time to continue my studies during the day where there is light."