Tippy looks thoughtful for a moment.
"well, it seems to me Desna brought me here for a reason. So I accept your offer, it'll be interesting I'm sure at the least."
A series of emotions, largely unreadable, cross Antianel's face as he ponders Saul's unexpected offer. Slowly, however, he says, "I... would very much like the chance to participate in this endeavor."
While Tsadok considers the offer, the well-dressed dwarf from below enters, carrying a large bag over his shoulder. He sets it down next to the fireplace, making a fairly heavy thump, then turns to Saul. "The pyrite-brained thieves downstairs have been dealt with, Saul; the gendarmes have them in custody. I did, however, take the opportunity to strip them of anything that looked useful after asking a couple questions." He gestures toward the bag. "The leader's name is Thistlecrit, and he says they were hired to steal the silver by an intermediary. Probably a dead end, since he didn't have any details he could offer about whoever did the hiring.
"Anyway, that's the good news. The bad news is, the useless lot of mine tailings you hired have largely quit after tonight's fun and games, so we've got another round of hiring to do."
Saul nods, then looks around at you all. "Forgive me, friends, for not doing this earlier: this is Larur Feldin, my floor manager. Larur, I've made an offer to these good people to become junior partners in the casino; assuming they accept, perhaps they'll be able to fill in some of those spots we'll be needing."
"Sounds good," rumbles Larur. "'d be nice to have some decent workers around here. It's a pleasure to meet all of you. If you'll forgive me, I took the liberty of cashing you all out, at 150 percent of value, in thanks for what you did." (Saul blinks in surprise, frowning for a moment before nodding slowly.) "I also thought you probably deserved whatever spoils you might be able to claim from the thieves, so what's there should be yours." He gestures again to the bag.
To his new 'benefactor,' Tsadok smiles, "I'm happy to oblige. However, I am a bit more of a researcher, but my appearance is more likely that of a bouncer. I'd be happy to help with your venture here. Anyone making better of themselves deserves that chance."
All:
Saul smiles in appreciation of the half-orc's words. "Thank you," he says, "your support means a great deal to me. I hope we can find ways to help each other, whatever our goals." He looks around the room. "Well, why don't we go downstairs, take a tally of who's left, and meet the rest of the staff. As part of our arrangement, I am happy to provide some of our suites on this level for your permanent use, and you are welcome to join me in the dining room here for meals, on the house; I can give you a tour, and then we should all probably call it a night. I imagine we have a lot of work ahead of us over the next few days, as we get ready to re-open."
Saul takes the group back down to the first floor, where you meet all of the remaining staff: one of the dealers, a pixie-ish woman named Lixy Parmenter, who apparently is the sole operator of the Ghoulette wheel; the Ulfen brothers, Beyar and Hans, who serve as the cashier-cage guards; Bojask, a pale man who reeks of brandy and animal stench, who apparently works as the animal wrangler for the Gold Goblin's underground gladiator pit; and the two remaining barmaids, Mirri Salassa, the nominal head of the serving staff, and Marizelle Ajuela, a tall redhead with a fiery spark in her eye. (All are human.) These six, plus Saul and Larur, are all that remain from the floor staff of the casino. (There are servants and cooks who don't work in the casino proper as well - apparently most of those, largely unaffected by the evening's events, have chosen to stay on.) They generally greet the new part-owners with pleasant nods and speculative glances, though Bojask can only be described as "surly" at best.
"Clearly," says Saul after introductions are over, "we have a lot of hiring to do. I want to get this place cleaned up and restaffed in time to open in three days' time. Are you ready to work?"
Tsadok's smile turns to a frown as he sees how vastly understaffed the casino is, let alone the mess on the main floor from the fight.
"I can do either catwalk work or the bouncer work as necessary, but we'll need more than a burly half-orc to keep people honest around here."
With that he motions for Mirri and Marizelle to help start getting tables up from all the excitement earlier. He starts somewhat uncertainly, not really having ever been in charge, "You... help get this cleaned up. We wanna start interviews tomorrow. You got friends that want work, and that will work, bring 'em in."
Looking over to Saul, somewhat for approval as he's picking things up,
"I'll personally guarantee their safety while they are here. I won't guarantee that safety if they steal or help to steal from the casino. That is the only deal I will make."
Tsadok's smile turns to a frown as he sees how vastly understaffed the casino is, let alone the mess on the main floor from the fight.
"I can do either catwalk work or the bouncer work as necessary, but we'll need more than a burly half-orc to keep people honest around here."
With that he motions for Mirri and Marizelle to help start getting tables up from all the excitement earlier. He starts somewhat uncertainly, not really having ever been in charge, "You... help get this cleaned up. We wanna start interviews tomorrow. You got friends that want work, and that will work, bring 'em in."
Looking over to Saul, somewhat for approval as he's picking things up,
"I'll personally guarantee their safety while they are here. I won't guarantee that safety if they steal or help to steal from the casino. That is the only deal I will make."
Saul nods approvingly. "I admire your spirit, my friend. Let's get the easy stuff cleared up now, and then we can get to the hard part tomorrow. I shouldn't have much trouble getting a few carpenters and the like in here from dockside, but the regular staff will be a bit trickier."
1d20 + 5
Antianel steps up to help right the tables and chairs without hesitation, but his expression remains troubled.
Lyre will spend her time helping clear things up in the goblin also if there are on site accommodations moving into one of those and doing it up a bit.
As if on cue to Saul’s mention of hiring, a slender female elf with black hair and an inviting smile slowly walks over to the group. ”Excuse me sir.” She says in a sweet tone directed at Saul. ”I couldn’t help but overhear that you are in need of employees after what took place today. The name is Daelin sir and I can be very persuasive to passersby and have a pretty quick hand to entertain guests. Would you consider me for a position? I am sorely in need of employment.”
As if on cue to Saul’s mention of hiring, a slender female elf with black hair and an inviting smile slowly walks over to the group. ”Excuse me sir.” She says in a sweet tone directed at Saul. ”I couldn’t help but overhear that you are in need of employees after what took place today. The name is Daelin sir and I can be very persuasive to passersby and have a pretty quick hand to entertain guests. Would you consider me for a position? I am sorely in need of employment.”
Saul blinks in surprise, looking over at the last few stragglers picking up their winnings from the cashiers to see whether anyone else was eavesdropping. Seeing no one, though, he turns back to Daelin, looking her over. "Entertainment, eh? Might be worth something. Can you show me a trick or two?"
Lyre will spend her time helping clear things up in the goblin also if there are on site accommodations moving into one of those and doing it up a bit.
At Saul’s request, Daelin brings her hand up next to his ear and gives it a good wiggle, then brings her hand back with a shiny coin. ”How long have you been hiding this up there sir? I bet you forgot about it.” Daelin says with a big grin. The feat would be far less amazing if she had been wearing a shirt with sleeves.
Saul blinks in surprise, then nods, seemingly satisfied. "I think you'll do," he says, but looks around at the rest of the group. "Your thoughts, friends?"
"Oh thank you sir! I would like to get started right away. I will help clean up for now." Daelin responds with a giddy giggle, then proceeds to where Antianel and Lyre are cleaning up and begins to straighten things up. Offering her hand for a shake to Antianel and Lyre "Nice to meet you both, I am Daelin. Seems like we are gonna be workin' together."
The next few days pass swiftly, and at noon on Moonday, the Gold Goblin is once again able to open its doors for business.
At first all goes well; indeed, business seems quite good, as the events of the previous week seem to have raised the city's awareness of the casino somewhat. Dice rattle across tables, cards flip with sharp snaps, and the Ghoulette wheel makes snide comments at all who come near. The bar is busy as well, despite the relatively early hour, and Larur is kept busy bringing supplies out of the kitchen. Still, everything seems to be going well, and Saul, as he wanders the floor and works the crowd, looks quite pleased as the day wears on.
Antianel turns toward the corner of the casino, looking concerned. He drops his hand to his blade as he begins heading that way. "Mario! Lyre! Inside, quickly!" he calls over his shoulder as he goes.
Perception:
DM:
Tippy will claim a bottom bunk in our suite, and make himself at home. Then he'll wander down to the shrine Saul mentioned and do what he can to spruce it up if necesary.
Tippy continues to greet customers and whateverelse a pit boss does, just barely oblivious to whatever may or may not be happening.
Tippy will claim a bottom bunk in our suite, and make himself at home. Then he'll wander down to the shrine Saul mentioned and do what he can to spruce it up if necesary.
The shrine is a small statue of Desna, appearing as a beautiful half-elven woman in a flowing gown, large butterfly wings spreading out from her back, surrounded by small candles and sticks of incense. Small offerings have been placed around it by gamblers looking for any blessing they can find, and finger smudges mark where some of them have also rubbed the statue for luck.
Daelin wraps up her performance abruptly and gives a quick bow. She makes her way through the crowd quickly to the bar. Standing behind the sailors Daelin announces in a loud voice "Why don't we even this group up a little more gents?" while palming a dagger.
A small group of drunk sailors has cornered Marizelle against the back wall of the casino as Mario, Lyre, and Antianel run up. Daelin joins them as well, producing a knife with a quick flourish. Even as the elf speaks of evening the odds, however, a half-orc meteor plummets through the gauzy curtains that make up the casino "ceiling," landing just in front of the group . Tsadok lands hard, but stays on his feet, even as some of the nearby patrons cry out in surprise and alarm at his entrance. "I believe it's time to go, boys," he says, glaring around at the group.
Antianel says nothing, but steps up to the half-orc's shoulder and ostentatiously tightens his grip on his blade's hilt.
A small group of drunk sailors has cornered Marizelle against the back wall of the casino as Mario, Lyre, and Antianel run up. Daelin joins them as well, producing a knife with a quick flourish. Even as the elf speaks of evening the odds, however, a half-orc meteor plummets through the gauzy curtains that make up the casino "ceiling," landing just in front of the group . Tsadok lands hard, but stays on his feet, even as some of the nearby patrons cry out in surprise and alarm at his entrance. "I believe it's time to go, boys," he says, glaring around at the group.
Intimidate Check:
(6 total modifier +2 for entrance)"I don't intend on making this pleasant if you don't leave right now." Tsadok says with anger in his eyes.
A small group of drunk sailors has cornered Marizelle against the back wall of the casino as Mario, Lyre, and Antianel run up. Daelin joins them as well, producing a knife with a quick flourish. Even as the elf speaks of evening the odds, however, a half-orc meteor plummets through the gauzy curtains that make up the casino "ceiling," landing just in front of the group . Tsadok lands hard, but stays on his feet, even as some of the nearby patrons cry out in surprise and alarm at his entrance. "I believe it's time to go, boys," he says, glaring around at the group.
Intimidate Check:
1d20 + 8 (6 total modifier +2 for entrance)"I don't intend on making this pleasant if you don't leave right now." Tsadok says with anger in his eyes.
|
Mario weaves through the patrons, slides under a gaming table and does a flip over the heads of the sailors to land between them and Marizelle.
Acrobatics:
Brushing himself off idly, he turns to the sailors in apparent surprise and gives a friendly grin.
"Boys! Welcome to our casino! I must say I'm a little surprised to see you here with the Bellagio down the street offering free drinks to sailors... But you came to us to pay full price!"
Bluff:
Seeing the group seemingly materialize from nowhere to change the situation from 6 on 1 to nearly even and apparently lead by a fearsome flying half-orc, the sailors shift their stances uneasily and exchange looks. "Yeah," says one, "maybe we should go check out the Bellagio." It's hard to tell if he actually believes Mario's lie or is simply taking the excuse, but the result is the same: all six file quickly past the group and out of the casino.
From behind you, on the dais Daelin just vacated, you suddenly hear Saul's voice. "Good people!" he cries. "You see before you the heroes who protected the Gold Goblin from vile thievery four nights ago! They are now on staff here, acting as security for the casino! See how well their actions and reputation protects you? Come, meet the new head of security, Tsadok Duskwalker!" He gestures for Tsadok to join him on the dais. As the half-orc does so, Saul continues, "Master Duskwalker, it is my order that, from here on out, all visitors must surrender any weapons when they enter the casino, weapons that will be held safely away in the cashier's cage and returned only when the patron leaves! The Gold Goblin will remain secure, good people, I promise you that!" And, leaning over, he whispers for Tsadok's ears alone,
Lyre having not even really noticed the goings on stands there with a mildly confused look on her face but bows anyway.
Tippy seems a bit surprised by the sudden excitement, but seeing how it looks to be well handled already he returns to watching the other customers and performing his normal duties.
Tsadok smiles and waves to the crowd, obviously uncomfortable with all of the sudden attention. "Sorry for the disturbance, folks! I'm a bit eager to please, and I am pleased to see so many people playing nice. I won't be out here unless someone's not playin' nice! I'll play nice right now and let y'all set yer weapons up where they belong, and I'll be on my way to keeping everyone out of trouble" He then whispers something to Saul:
DM:
Once he's down from the stage, he walks over to Mario and Antaniel, individually if necessary, and says a word of thanks for getting the thugs to disperse. He whispers to Antaniel "Thankfully no blood this time... That's a horrible stain to have to get out." He winks and smiles.
He'll then get back up to his 'lookout' post in the rafters. He'll be happy to sit there for awhile, hopefully walking of the pair of sprained ankles he obtained with the sailors.
DM
Once that is settled, he'll find Marizelle and offer to walk her home in case any of the thugs decide to pick fights off grounds.
When you meet with Sam a couple days later in the Goblin's Tankard, she offers a smile (and a slight blush), greeting you, "It's good to see you again." She seems frustrated and upset, but appears to be trying to hide it. She has a stack of notes in a leather folder that she places on the table and begins shuffling through.
In the aftermath of the confrontation with the sailors, word seems to get around about Saul's new "enforcers," and the casino becomes noticably less rowdy over the next couple of nights. Saul appears generally satisfied, and the casino life begins to settle into a routine: open at noon, work a shift in your self-appointed tasks, swap for the closing crew (or vice versa), close at 3 AM, with meals and personal business scattered in between. Larur is a constant presence, taking your new positions as his bosses with absolute equanimity, offering advice and suggestions whenever asked and occasionally even before you realize you need to ask.
Around 5 in the afternoon on Oathday, Saul approaches each of you, hurrying in a way meant to not look like he is hurrying, and whispers into your ears, "Meet me upstairs in the catwalks, as quickly as you can."
DM:
As to his meeting with Sam:
Tsadok will shuffle through the notes, trying to make sense of them. He's very curious about what the theories of the blot are, but wants to take it slower so that everything is reasearched correctly. He's happy to see Sam, as she's somewhat familiar in that she's so much calmer. He'll let her know about his "exploits" at the casino, but not in a braggart's way, more of a report format. He confides he's not terribly comfortable with the idea of all the gambling, but at least now the place seems safer with the rest of the group around.
"What's going on, friend?"
Physically, the Blot is inconstant, changing size, shape and location at seemingly random intervals, but is generally about 250 feet long by 130 feet wide, hovering at about 2500 feet up at a location either over Riddleport's harbor or over the gulf jus south of the city. It is dark like a shadow and casts a faint shadow of its own on the ground, depending on angle of the sun, but does allow some light to pass dimly through and flying objects behind it (clouds or high-flying birds) can be seen, albeit only vaguely. On a few occasions it has even disappeared, only to reappear several hours later.
Overlord Cromarcky has offered a reward of 500 gp to anyone who can successfully identify the Blot and determine whether it poses a threat to the city, but thus far, there have been no successful claimants.
After you tell Sam about your new job, she looks down for a moment, clearly considering, then asks in a quiet voice, "Do you think you might have room for another barmaid?"
** spoiler omitted **
DM:
Lyre quickly heads to the catwalks to see what all the fuss is about.
Tippy excuses himself from whatever floor job he might be involved in and heads up to the catwalks to see what has Saul so alarmed.
(In a low voice) What seems to be the matter Mr. Vancaskerkin?
Antianel quickly puts one of the newly-hired guards into his position and heads upstairs as well. Seeing the others headed that way as well, he frowns and lets his hand fall to his blade hilt.
Daelin finishes up her last performance since Saul approached her and exit the stage area making her way upstairs to the catwalk. "I wonder if there is a problem.” she thinks as she rushes toward the stairs.
Once the group is gathered in the security catwalks, Saul makes his way over to a section of the ceiling directly above one of the golem tables and points down at a man playing there. The man is human, bulky and well-muscled with extremely short-cut hair and what seems like a perpetual sneer. He has the table to himself, although most of the other tables nearby are crowded with people, and his dealer looks extremely nervous. Several people at nearby tables are watching him too, actually, and seem similarly uncomfortable.
"See that man?" Saul asks. "His name is Clegg Zincher. He's one of the crimelords of the city, and he's also more-or-less directly responsible for giving me this." He lifts his stump of a left hand, the oversized key glinting faintly in the darkness. "Zincher's not a gambler, and he wouldn't give his money to me without good reason anyway; he must be here to send some kind of message. I want you to keep an eye on him and see if you can figure out what he's doing here."
"Should we escort him out?" Antianel asks, eyeing the large man warily.
"No," replies Saul, still staring down at Zincher. "He's done nothing so far, and I don't want to look like we're scared of him. Just... watch him. See if you can figure out his angle."
Sounds like a good plan. We'll do our best to keep an eye on him.
"Sure thing boss" Lyre happily replies going to watch him like a hawk