The Wharf district has seen better days. Most of its stores seem run down with flaking paint and mossy windows. The salty sea air and the humid cold weather don't help either.
A notable exception is the Golden Goblin. This aging structure has been recently refurbished and turned into a casino-inn.
You wake up in a comfortable double bed, set in a simple but decent inn's room. You are lodged at the Golden Goblin and hopefully the bad weather the town experienced these last couple of days will be over, allowing you to study the mysterious phenomena known as "The Blot". You also have a complimentary invite for tonight’s “Cheat the Devil and steal his gold” gambling tournament.
It's a cold morning; the cooling embers of the fireplace do little to stave off the chill. You are in a comfortable double bed on the inn you chose to visit while researching the Blot. The owner of the inn, Saul Vancaskerskin seems like a nice fellow and he gave you an invite for tonight’s “Cheat the Devil and steal his gold” gambling tournament.
The streets of the lawless town of Riddleport are almost as empty as your pockets this cold and overcast morning. Tonight, you have a pass for the “Cheat the Devil and steal his gold” gambling tournament at the Gold Goblin, hopefully you’ll find some work there, but meanwhile, you have a day to kill.
It’s a cold morning, after several weeks making inquires you found out that the mysterious symbol that connects you to your missing father is somehow related to the purchase of the Golden Goblin, you have a ticket for tonight’s “Cheat the Devil and steal his gold” gambling tournament” where you can finally meet the owner.
Calinder spends most of the morning tracking down leads to find out about the mysterious owner of the green goblin. And he also asks around about why the sudden tournament, whats the owner getting out of it.
Lecian lazily plods around this morning. He intends to take full advantage of the time spent at the Golden Goblin, which pretty much means vacationing, at least until tonight tournament.
Eventually, Lecian makes his way to the dining area for breakfast.
I will spend the day attempting to make contacts with those who might be able to assist my research or whom I can assist with theirs. I will be sure to be back early, though, so that I am rested and ready for an evening of fun and entertainment.
Galahd will spend the first part of the day "casing the joint" in a low-key way (i.e. as many active Perception checks as you think appropriate), noting and committing to memory the locations of all of the doors and windows obvious from outside the building as well as the layout of the city's streets for several blocks in every direction.
If possible, he will also take his midday meal in the common room of the inn, using this in part as a pretext to get a similar idea of the layout of the inn from the inside, piecing this information together as much as possible with his recently gained knowledge of its exterior.
If any time is left during the day after these two tasks are finished but befpre the gambling tournament starts, Galahd will start enquiring among local weapons merchants regarding the availability of an Elven Curve Blade.
A few well placed questions and a couple of copper’s worth of ale shared with an old timer throws some light on the casino owner. It appears that a decade ago, Vancaskerkin was a rising star on the criminal ranks of the pirate town, but his life of crime cost him his wife, his sons and a hand. After several years he’s back in town and trying to make it as a legitimate entrepreneur.
You hear some interesting rumors from a woman whose husband delivers fresh fish to the Golden Goblin. She says that the house is making good business and the casino doesn’t lack customers, but that the owner is always complaining about lack of funds. Maybe he’s paying back a loan he took to buy the place not so long ago. Anyway, she delivered a huge load of smoked reefclaw, a fancy plate for today’s festivities, the woman is sure that an event like that will attract a lot of customers and put the casino on the level with the bigger gambling dens of the better parts of town.
Your bedroom door opens into a carpeted hallway, about 40ft long and ending with a door to the inn’s atrium, a small room with a luxurious white marble floor and decorated by an antique sculpture of a shapely woman playing the harp. The maid that showed you your room told you how it’s a work of art recovered from an ancient Thassilonian site and that’s why it’s missing its head and one arm.
(DM) Appraise DC20 (1d20+9=22) (You realize that the sculpture is very cheap, probably just a couple of years old and damaged by a fall or vandalism)
You walk through the spacious main floor (it’s currently covered by some drapes, you hear the bustling sound of the preparations being made for the night’s event) and into the bar/dining room.
A long bar of polished wood extends along the back wall of the room and curves around at the end. Behind are mirrored shelves holding all manner of glassware as well as kegs of ale, beer, and mead and bottles of wine and liquor. At each end of the bar is a large tip jar. A hearth crackles with a warming fire
The place is staffed by two attractive young ladies. Behind the bar, a curvy blonde with her hair in a single thick pigtail brings a tray with fresh bread, scrambled eggs and smoked fish from the kitchen while a slender brunette with short hair is serving hot coffee from a jar to the room’s single customer, an exotic looking but ruggedly handsome half-orc. From his clothes, weapons and the tone of his skin you can easily deduct that he comes from distant Katapesh, probably a desert dweller
(DM) Knowledge: Geography DC10 (1d20+9=21)
By the way the young girl is smiling at him, you know that she doesn’t care where he’s from.
Your bedroom door opens into a carpeted hallway, about 40ft long and ending with a door to the inn’s atrium, a small room with a luxurious white marble floor and decorated by an antique sculpture of a shapely woman playing the harp. The maid that showed you your room told you how it’s a valuable work of art recovered from an ancient Thassilonian site and that’s why it’s missing its head and one arm.
(DM) Appraise (1d20+1=9)
You walk through the spacious main floor (it’s currently covered by some drapes, you hear the bustling sound of the preparations being made for the night’s event) and into the bar/dining room.
A long bar of polished wood extends along the back wall of the room and curves around at the end. Behind are mirrored shelves holding all manner of glassware as well as kegs of ale, beer, and mead and bottles of wine and liquor. At each end of the bar is a large tip jar. A hearth crackles with a warming fire
A slender and attractive brunette with short hair immediately offers you a chair, and moments later the smell of deliciously strong coffee, eggs and some kind of smoked fish fills your nostrils. The girl smiles at you while serving, seeming very interested in your exotic looks.
Another customer walks in, a frowning bald guy dressed in a mage’s robes. He looks everywhere as if he were dissecting every piece of information surrounding him.
(DM) Perception (Far, Close, Back, Top) (1d20+7=18, 1d20+7=11, 1d20+7=25, 1d20+7=27)
You spend all morning observing the building.
This grand establishment has seen better days. A wide veranda runs along the front between two short wings of the building. A massive, brass half-dome tops the building, but it is now tarnished and marred by the impact of years of weathering and bears a patina of greenish brown.
Standing before the main doors of the building is an 8-foot-tall statue cast in shining gold to resemble a largerthan-life goblin. It balances a golden dogslicer on a pile of gold as it smiles smugly down on all customers who pass beneath its gaze. You can easily tell that the statue is made of shining brass rather than actual gold.
(DM) Appraise (1d20+3=19)
The doors themselves are of a strong dark wood imported from southern lands and are decorated with multiple panels depicting signs of luck and good fortune (four-leaf clovers, crossed fingers, and so on).
Only one is open and you see several staff members coming in and out with stuff. Probably preparations being made for the evening gala. The first floor windows are protected by sturdy bars but you notice bigger, unbarred ones on the second floor, specially the North-eastern part of the second floor could provide an easy access/escape from a nearby building’s roof.
There’s also a backdoor, you see a fishmonger woman and a wine merchant unloading crates of merchandise and a older guy overseeing the process. He’s short and his thinning black hair is slicked back. His left arm ends in a stump just above the wrist, and affixed to it is a bronze cap from which protrudes an oddly shaped hook that looks like a key.
|
Galahd will spend the first part of the day "casing the joint" in a low-key way (i.e. as many active Perception checks as you think appropriate), noting and committing to memory the locations of all of the doors and windows obvious from outside the building as well as the layout of the city's streets for several blocks in every direction.
If possible, he will also take his midday meal in the common room of the inn, using this in part as a pretext to get a similar idea of the layout of the inn from the inside, piecing this information together as much as possible with his recently gained knowledge of its exterior.
If any time is left during the day after these two tasks are finished but befpre the gambling tournament starts, Galahd will start enquiring among local weapons merchants regarding the availability of an Elven Curve Blade.
When inside the Golden Goblin for that midday meal, Galahd will enquire about the availability of a (Common-grade, or ~5 sp/night) room. If one is, he'll rent it and pay for tonight in advance, asking to be shown the room in order to leave his rather bulky bedroll behind during the remainder of the day's errands.
Note that this ploy is intended, in part, to give Galahd even more of a chance to know the interior floorplan of the inn and, otherwise, to simply make certain that he has a place to stay at the end of the tournament.
I will return the girls attention. I will be flirty though not bold.
To Lecian: "Hello, mage, I trust the morning finds you well. You would not be interested in the Blot would you? I was about to order some food. Perhaps we can eat together and talk a bit." He offers a chair and calls for some coffee.
The wizard enters the dining area and makes a quick scan of the room. He briefly studies the only other patron in the room, and the slender waitress, and their interaction. Then he heads to the bar, stopping and turning to when the seated guest adresses him.
Lecian pauses at the candor of the half-orc and raises a brow. "Yes...yes, I'm interested in the Blot." The mage hesitates to take the offer at first, but then moves to stranger's table and takes a seat. "I guess you're here for the same reason."
Ever courteous, Calinder thanks these kind people for their time and offers a couple more silvers in thanks then gets a bite to eat. In the afternoon he heads to the gold goblin to get a first hand look at the place.
Then head inside and make some observations about the decor looking particularly for any infernal influence or symbols that match the one on his fathers charm.
If any staff come over he'll start to make discreet enquiries about the possibility of employment, particularly for tonights event.
"Of course. The thing is, I'm not really the researching type. I had hoped it would lead to some money. I am, however able to be a team player. If you want some help that is."
Galahd:
A scruffy looking and thin man approaches you and tugs at your sleeve.
Sir? I hear you bin askin about an exotic blade..
Mayhap be interestd in what I want to show ya..
Looking to both sides of the street, he motions for you to follow him into a more secluded alley.
Your Sense Motive: vs his Bluff
After you both are out of the larger street sight, in the small alley between to buildings, you notice that someone entered the alley behind you two. The small man grins showing you his crooked yellow teeth while his larger accomplice approaches from behind.
They both chuckle at how they tricked you.
Well, well, elf-blade boy, ol'Roach has all the steel ya need.. and its gonna cost yar whole purse. he spits as he draws a rusty dagger.
"I see," Lecian states. "Where do your talents lay, exactly?"
"Well, it is an unfortunate truth that the direct approach comes more naturally to me. However, I am trying to make some changes. That is what brings me here now, researching the Blot."
After you both are out of the larger street sight, in the small alley between to buildings, you notice that someone entered the alley behind you two. The small man grins showing you his crooked yellow teeth while his larger accomplice approaches from behind.
They both chuckle at how they tricked you.
Well, well, elf-blade boy, ol'Roach has all the steel ya need.. and its gonna cost yar whole purse. he spits as he draws a rusty dagger.
Galahd sinks into a familiar combat stance, smiling grimly, and says, in Common, "How much for two sides of pigmeat, then?"
Calinder:
As you walk down the street you hear the familiar sound of steel beign drawn. You notice that in a shadowy side alley, an elf is oviously getting mugged, flanked by two miscreants, the larger one standing between you and the victim about 20ft from where you stand
Init:
R1(smaller thug): SHAKEN
R2(larger thug:
C (Calinder):
Gh(Galahd): 14
Galahd:
Your bold words and lack of fear make your opponent's will waver, he hesitates for an instant. Trying to cover his fear, he stabs viciously at you. His dagger drawing some blood from your right arm.
Attack: confirm critical:
Damage:
Galahd draws his rapier with a practiced flourish and cautiously returns the brigand's "kiss".
"I could certainly use some assistance," Lecian offers. "What are your plans for the day?"
"Today I was going to find someone to help study the Blot. Check. And later I've been invited to the “Cheat the Devil and steal his gold” tournament."
Calinder, realising that the two brigands accosting an elf in the alley are the same two he dissuaded last week yells out, hey, you too, I thought I told you that type of thing is bad for your health. While saying so he draws his scimitar and moves up to one and placing a backhanded slash accross his oponent stomach.
Seeing that things got serious, the larger thug draws his shortsword and steps in trying to stab Galahd.
Attack:
Damage:
The elf's flashing rapier gives him very little room for a stab and his attack is easily blocked.
The thug barely notices Calinder approaching until he hear his warning, turning around just in time to recieve a slash across his chest.
R1: -7hp
R2: -5hp
The smaller assailant shouts a warning:
It's that crazy cleric from last week!, this is not worth it...
He attempts to flee into the maze of streets, dripping blood from his wounded arm. Leaving his companion to fend off for himself
Urza:
Untrained diplomacy Check on the waitress:
The pretty brunette interrupts your conversation to offer you a tray with some Chellish cigars:
Master Urza, sorry to inconvene you, but I heard you are a Blot researcher. There is a very clear view of that awful purple cloud from my quarters upstairs. Maybe later you would wish to go and see the sights.. I'm off my shift at 10 bells. She gives you a playful wink.
You spend the afternoon comparing notes and researching the blot. Urza aids Lecian.
Knowledge local:
Knowledge arcana:
Knowledge geography:
Searching your papers you find a publication by a local Cyphermage named Argentus Blakely with the theory that the blot is a consecuence of arcane energies being focused on a really BIG scale.
Asking around town you find out that Argentus FLEW into the Blot, reported it to be like a cloud set at a height of about 2.500ft and 250ft long by 90ft wide, with a slightly curved shape. Birds avoid it and you can get inside and it feels a little colder than outside. The Cyphermage left for Magnimar, hearing word that a group of adventures uncovered an old Thassilonian library on the Storval Plateau and interested in the research material may find there.
Comparing it to local maps you can see that it follows an arcing trayectory with a period of over a week, like moving on the edge of a huge circle Further observations of its behaviour on the following weeks may throw a more precise location.
Urza returns her smile. "I'd be remiss as a researcher if I did not take the opportunity to observe the phenomenon from such a vantage point. I believe you will find me a very thourough researcher. I would be delighted to come up to your room... for research purposes that is."
Note this assumes that my time with her does not conflict with my prior obligations and invitations. If it does, I'll invite her to come along with me to the contest. It never hurts to have a pretty lady on your arm at these events.
I think it'd be best if you ran after your little friend, and don't let me catch you doing this sort of thing again Calinder says while twirling his blade.
"Ah, you're going to the tournament, too," Lecian says. "Truth be told, I was looking for a way to make some coin, myself. Perhaps we'll find something tonight," the wizard suggests to the half-orc. "What do you know about the Blot, so far?"
After the two spend some time exchanging and gathering information, Lecian decides to take a break. Back at the Golden Goblin, he tells his new companion he'll be in study the rest of the day. "I'm going back to my room to consider what we learned today." He winks. "I think you got some more research to do yourself," he reminds, nodding toward the waitress. "Let me know what you find out."
Lecian remains inconspicuous until the tournament that night.
The thug looks at his two opponents, his lower lip shaking slightly with fear. He drops his sword and before it hits the stony street he's running for his life whimpering, holding the wound on his chest with his hand and dripping blood.
Galahad has barely been scratched. Calinder suffered no damage.
Galahd looks over at the half-elf. He says, in Elven, "I am called Galahd Riven. I suppose I owe you my thanks and a drink for your assistance."
Then, he sheathes his rapier, walks over to pick up the brigand's short sword, quickly assesses its quality in hopes of selling it in the market for some silvers , and stows it in his belt.
"I know of an inn down the road a bit with a decent stock of drink." Without really waiting for an answer , he turns and starts walking back towards the Golden Goblin, intent on cleaning and dressing the slash across his arm.
The dented and rusted short sword could fetch 20, maybe 30 silvers. If you clean it and sharpen it a bit you may even get 50sp for your troubles.
Walking down the street to the Golden Gobling you see that the morning sun that's starting to warm the cold day is partially covered by the weird purple cloud the locals call the Blot.
The dented and rusted short sword could fetch 20, maybe 30 silvers. If you clean it and sharpen it a bit you may even get 50sp for your troubles.
Once back at the inn, presuming Calinder accepted the invitation, Galahd orders two mugs of ale, a loaf of bread, and a hunk of cheese .
After doing so, he will apologize and excuse himself in order to take care of his wound back in his room , foolishly doing little more than quickly washing the blood off . He then takes a moment, and considerably more care, to wash any remaining blood from his rapier. Finally, he stows the thief's short sword among his other things before returning to the common room.
Later on, as soon as it's convenient after having been used in combat, Galahd would definitely take the time to give his rapier a fresh edge . At that time, it seems reasonable that he'd also tidy up the short sword as well in order to be able to attempt to sell it later.
Pleased to meet you Galahd. Mine is Calinder Iranescu and i'll take you up on that offer of a drink. Seeing Galahd struggling with his bandage as they head towards the inn he offers, do you need a hand with that?
If acepted he quickly ties an efficient dressing then continues the conversation as they travel. You seem to be a stranger here, what brings you to Riddleport friend?
You seem to be a stranger here, what brings you to Riddleport friend?
"Wanderlust is what brought me here, and an empty purse is what's keeping me. I don't suppose you know of anyone looking to hire a scout or a guard?"
By now, everyone is familiar with the inn area of the Golden Goblin, presented below:
Golden Goblin Inn
1 Grand Entrance
Standing before the main doors of the building is an
8-foot-tall statue cast in shining gold to resemble a largerthan-
life goblin. It balances a golden dogslicer on a pile of
gold as it smiles smugly down on all customers who pass
beneath its gaze. A DC 12 Appraise check is sufficient to
note that the statue is made of shining brass rather than
actual gold.
The doors themselves are of a strong dark wood imported
from southern lands and are decorated with multiple panels
depicting signs of luck and good fortune (four-leaf clovers,
crossed fingers, and so on)
2 - Casino Floor
Walled off with a white cloth, this large room carpeted in deep red is undergoing preparations for the night's gala. You can hear people working.
15 - The Goblin's Tankard
A long bar of polished wood extends
along the back wall of the room and curves around
at the end. Behind are mirrored shelves holding all
manner of glassware as well as kegs of ale, beer, and
mead and bottles of wine and liquor. At each end of the
bar is a large tip jar.
16 - Public Privies
Each of these rooms is a simple privy that can accommodate
four people at once with a modicum of privacy. The door of
one is marked with a sword and the other a cup
17 - Atrium
This chamber serves as the entrance to the guest wing.
It is floored in white marble, although the hallway and
rooms themselves have only thin, somewhat worn carpet
over wooden planks. In the center of the chamber stands a
marble statue that once depicted a robed maiden holding a
harp, although its head and one arm are now broken away
and missing (Appraise DC20 tells you it's a cheap and recent work probably broken during rough handling, not the ancient work of art the owners claim it is)
18 - Master Suite(3gp)
19 - Guest room (5sp)
These rooms are simply yet comfortably furnished with a
double bed, table and chairs, and a fireplace.
20 - Guest Suite (1gp)
21 - Linens room
You were escorted inside by one of the maids who asked you to forgive the preparations and cheked you in in two rooms for 5sp.
(Galahd wound was cleaned and dressed, either by him or by Calinder if he took his offer)
A moment later you are sitting at the Goblin's Tankard bar, enjoying a strong pitcher of ale. The two pretty barmaids are talking about some half-orc foreigner one of them (a brunette with short hair) met. The blonde makes some lewd joke, you didn't hear it all but from the way the brunette blushes and the hands held apart by the blonde you can easily guess they are talking about what a big charisma score he has.
A couple of drinks later, the small scratch Galahd recieved is almost forgotten (back to full Hp).
The brunette, still blushing, comes to refill your mugs and tells you about the night's gala, and that you are invited as guest of the house. The opening is at 8 bells.
You seem to be a stranger here, what brings you to Riddleport friend?"Wanderlust is what brought me here, and an empty purse is what's keeping me. I don't suppose you know of anyone looking to hire a scout or a guard?"
Actually it's funny you should ask, I'm also looking for work and heard there may be the chance of a job at the Gold Goblin here. As he says this he studies any other patrons in the room by looking through the mirrors.
After he's served new drinks he says to the barmaid, It's lovely to see they have such fine genteel ladies helping customers here. My friend and I have been looking for an establishment just such as this to stop our wanderlust, do you happen to know if the management are hiring at the moment? Surely with all the work going on you'd be in need of a couple of strong hands to help. He flashes her a winning smile as he says this.
You were escorted inside by one of the maids who asked you to forgive the preparations and cheked you in in two rooms for 5sp.
...as well as the layout of the city's streets for several blocks in every direction.
Although grateful for the assistance in the alley, Galahd is not given to easily trusting strangers and, thus, brushes off Calinder's offer to help properly bandage his wound with gruff machismo. A couple of tankards later, the gaunt elf is ruddy with ale and appears to be feeling little pain .
The ale doesn't appear to improve his mood, however, and the taciturn elf slips into a brooding, pensive silence, lost in the reverie of a century worth of memories. Before too long, he rises and says to Calinder , "Thanks again for your help with those thugs, but I should retire for a while before this evening's event." He scans the room, deliberately taking note of its other occupants , before stalking off to his room.
Upon returning to his room, he spends the remaining hours between applying a fresh edge to his rapier, inspection and maintenance of his other weapons and gear, attempting to improve the shape of the thug's short sword , and several hours of meditation so that he can be fully alert in the evening. Shortly before seven bells, he returns to the common room intent on finding a spot from which to observe the gathering crowd .
After speaking with Lecian, Urza goes shopping in preparation for the night's events. Then he'll go to his room to rest and wait for time.
Galahd:
You are very pleased with your work, after polishing and sharpening the short sword, oiling and retying the leather on its pummel, the weapon is in a much better state. You estimate that you could easily get 50sp for the weapon.
At the arranged hour you go to the main hall, at the entrance 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 your entrance for the tournament and process entry fees, your invitations are pre-paid but 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.
They hand this document for you to sign:
Calinder: Knowledge Religion DC 10
Lecian: Knowledge Religion DC 10
Calinder and Lecian can easily determine that the document is a mockery, intende just for fun and not any kind of soul-binding document.
Knowledge The planes DC 15
Lecian:
Lecian realizes the irony of having a girl dressed like a DEMON handle a soul contract atributed to a DEVIL, when you know that the two kind of fiends would be mortal enemies.
After signing, the nevertheless very attractive girls pull the red silk courtain that covers the entrance to the main room....
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 atop which sits a massive gold chest affixed to the floor by similarly gaudy chains. On either side of it stands a barechested bouncer in the exotic garb of some foreign sultan’s court. Each stands with muscled arms crossed over his chest
and with a naked falchion of prodigious size tucked through his waistband. High above them, from the hall’s cloth-draped ceiling, hangs a brass birdcage within which crouches a small, bat-winged, pointy-tailed devilish creature that sulks as it gazes over the room and occasionally rattles the bars threateningly.
Lecian: Knowledge the planes DC10
An imp, lowest level of devil. Despicable but relatively harmless creature.
Calinder: The decorations, including black candles and pentagrams really don't appeal to your fiend-hating nature, even if done for commercial flavor by people ignorant of the dangers of the lower planes.
Urza: The "Sultan's Guards" are clumsy an laughable attempts at reproducing the look of a true royal guard from your lands.
"I hadn't thought about it before now, but if Succubi were handing these things out more men would sign them. Hell would probably have to stop for a time just to expand so they could contain all the souls." Urza goes in with the gleam of gold in his eyes.
You arrived JUST at the righ time, as several
gamehall employees enter, carrying torches shaped like pitchforks skewering burning heads made of straw and cloth to light several large braziers, giving the hall a more infernal hue. A hush falls over the gathered crowd as a short man climbs to the central podium,
accompanied by two gorgeous “succubi,” and stands before the gold,
chain-shrouded chest there with a demoness on either side. He wears a
formal suit, and his thinning black hair is slicked back. His left arm
ends in a stump just above the wrist, and affixed to it is a bronze
cap from which protrudes an oddly shaped key. This is Saul Vancaskerkin, the owner of the Gold Goblin and host of the
tournament. He bows before the crowd and clears his throat before speaking.
“Welcome, one and all, to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall and your chance to cheat the Devil and win back not only your soul
but all of his gold as well.” He says this last as he pats the large chest before which he stands. “I hope you found your reception by the Devil’s lovely temptresses suitably entertaining.” This is met by a general murmur of laughter and a few catcalls. “Let’s take this moment to thank Old Scratch himself for attending this event. Not only did he loan us these lovely, dark angels, but he also emptied the deepest vaults of Hell itself to provide the gold for this tournament.”
With this, Saul directs the crowd’s attention up to the imp in the birdcage. At the sudden attention, Old Scratch flies into a flurry of rage, banging the cage bars, spitting, howling, and screaming vile epithets in Infernal at all assembled. His theatrics are received with guffaws and even a smattering of applause. As the crowd dies down,
Vancaskerkin continues.
“Of course, he plans on replacing what he loses in gold with the souls of those of you who don’t win. The tournament rules are quite simple—as you play, you’ll earn more chips. And with those chips, you’ll be able to bribe your way out of the current Hell you’re trapped in, working your way down deeper until you get to Old Scratch’s treasury. Currently, all of you are Old Scratch’s prisoners in the first of the Hells, Avernus. If you want to work your way down to the ninth circle, you need to win games. Each time you win, you’ll be awarded golden eyes, silver teeth and copper hearts. These bits of flesh and bone are what the devils use in Hell for currency, and they’re what you’ll need to pay in order to bribe your way into the next layer of hell. The first player to reach Nessus not only keeps his winnings, but also earns back his soul and the ten thousand silver coins that the Devil put up for this tournament. You can, of course, decide to cash out your winnings at any time you want, but if you do, or if you run out of money entirely… well, that means Old Scratch gets you.”
Vancaskerkin grins evilly and the caged imp cuts loose with another
profane tirade. “And that earns you the Devil’s Mark and an escort out of the game hall until the tournament is over. What, you ask, exactly is this Devil’s Mark? Well, it’s something too utterly horrible to even contemplate. The forfeiture of your very soul, it is. But I suppose I can show you what it is— gods know I more than deserve the Devil’s Mark. In fact, better make it two, girls!”
With that, the two succubi accompanying him lean over and each firmly plants a kiss on Saul’s cheek with her ruby-red lips. When they pull away, their lip rouge has left clearly visible prints in the same shocking red on his cheeks. Saul beams as he cries out, “The Devil’s
Mark, everyone!” which is greeted by a flurry of shouts, catcalls, and hoots. “Now, let’s cheat the Devil and take his gold!” which prompts one more rabid flurry from the imprisoned fiend above, and with that, the tournament begins.
Urza takes a moment to look at the little devil inside the cage. He asks Lecian, "Is that what I think it is and is it wise to have him out here like that?"
With only a small amount of reservation Cal signs up under an assumed name and makes his way onto the gambling floor mixing with the other patrons. He acknowledges Galahd if he sees him in the crowd and also takes note of any other interesting gamblers or those that stand out.
Lecian rather carelessly and hastily signs the document, much of his attention taken by the atmosphere around him. He taps Urza on the arms with his elbow. "Maybe you can charm a couple of these waitresses into spending time with us," he partly suggests, and partly requests.
The wizard looks up at the imp and nods. "Uh huh," he affirms. "I don't think it can do any harm as long as it's in the cage." Lecians continues to watch the devil, not really sure of truth of his last statement.