Megan's Second Darkness 1

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

"Do you yield, Erin? If so, do it now."

[Megan Robertson]

Erin's response is couched in language that would get me banned if I repeated it here. He raises his arms and a ball of purple fire crackles above his head... then fizzles out as he goes down.

The rats continue to feast, one large fellow climbing on to Erin's face and...

..."Enough" says Speaker Tammerlake, dispelling his creatures with a gesture. "I think we are done here, Master Ironleg. Your judgement, if you please."

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

DM, is Erin unconscious? If so, I'll stop the fight.

[Megan Robertson]

Erin is lying unmoving... and somewhat chewed upon. Blood slowly oozes from assorted rat bites.

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

"Stop the fight. Master Tammerlake is the winner. Clerics, if you please," Ironleg gestures toward the challenger.

[Megan Robertson]

The crowd goes wild as Speaker Tammerlake bows to Ironleg and walks from the arena. The guardian Cyphermages lower their arms and follow him, almost in procession. Younger ones are jumping up and down with excitement, though.

The arena's tame cleric scuttles out and crouches over the body, making passes with his hands and muttering, then waves to his assistants to bring a litter.

"I think we'll save him but there is disease to contend with," he says as the body is carted off.

A smallish dark-haired man in a dark red robe turns to Eroril in excitement.

"Never doubted the Speaker... but I've not seen him do that before. Quite spectacular!" He holds out a hand. "I'm Dioden, by the way. Are you interested in magic? Is your girlfriend?"

[Eroril Bazbek]

"Er, uh hmmm. Girlfriend? No, no, she is not my girlfriend."

Eroril, taken aback a bit by the question regarding a girlfriend, stammers a bit before regaining his usual composure.

"Yes, nice to make your acquaintance Mr. Dioden. I am Eroril Bazbek, a cleric of Torag at your service." Eroril does not take the man's hand, but instead bows low and then rises. "While I have sought entrance to the libraries of the Cyphermages to augment my knowledge of the Cyphergate, my interests lie more toward the divine then the arcane. However may I introduce you to someone who is very interested in learning the arcane arts?

Eroril steps to the side and presents Samaritha to Dioden. "May I present to you Samaritha. She is quite interested in magic. In fact, that is why we came to watch the duel today. Though I must say, Master Tammerlake made short work of it."

[Megan Robertson]

"My pleasure," says Dioden, bowing and kissing Samaritha's hand.

She regards him solemnly.

"I came to Riddleport, Master Dioden, with the intention of studying to be a Cyphermage. If you know of any openings for an apprentice, I'd appreciate hearing of them. I'm working at the Gold Goblin meantime... even potential students need to eat!"

Dioden promises to let her know, then is swept off by some of his friends. Indeed most of the crowd is dispersing, many heading off to local inns whilst most of the Cyphermages are heading back to the Lodge for a big celebration.

Where now, folks?

[Eroril Bazbek]

"Well things should be hopping at the Gold Goblin tonight with all of this excitement in the air. I think I'll return there and prepare for my shift at the tables."

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

With the remnants of teh deul cleaned up, Ironleg also decides to return to the Goblin, although he had a great time being back at the Arena again.

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Kozaric shakes his head then finishes his drink. "One gold for three minutes of seeing a man being eaten by rats. No wonder this city is a cespool."
Kozaric leaves his glass and walks back to the Goblin by himself to think about human socity and why he left the monastary.

[Diego Dellarillos]

Diego shakes his head. Perhaps it was entertaining, but it lacked a certain pageantry. This town could definitely use someone witha flair for the dramatic.

Shaking his head still, he attempts to spot a familiar face for the walk back to the casino.

[Megan Robertson]

As you get ready to go, Ironleg, Zincher gives you an additional 10gp and says that he's thinking of coming to the Gold Goblin tonight, to "check out Saul's newest project and meet his newest pals" as he puts it.

[Megan Robertson]

Does anyone want to do anything before we move on to the evening? Else I shall do so on Monday.

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Ironleg is ready to move along.

[Megan Robertson]

Evening at the Gold Goblin

All the signs are that it's going to be a good night. Samaritha has settled quickly to her new role, the rest of the new hires are working like a well-oiled team and there are some delightful smells coming from Dyfrig's kitchen.

[Megan Robertson]

Midway through the evening, Saul calls you all together and takes you up to the catwalks above. He points out a familiar figure amongst the crowds, seated at one of the Golem tables... Clegg Zincher!

He says that he wants you to keep your eye on him. Most of the other customers are giving him a wide berth and keeping an eye on him as well, and the man's croupier seems particularly nervous.

"Clegg isn't known as a gambler," he tells you, "So he must be here either to send a message to Saul or for some other reason. I have no intention of removing the man from the premises, but I would like you to watch him and try to determine what he's doing here."

Ironleg:

Indeed, in your long association with the Arena, you have never known him place a wager himself, although he encourages spectators to bet on fights. While you haven't discussed it with him, you have heard him say that he prefers to spend his money on certainties...

[Eroril Bazbek]

"I suggest I take my next dealer shift at Clegg's table. That way I can get close to him and see if I can pick up any information about why he is here or if see if he is acting suspiciously."

If Saul approves of the plan, Eroril will casually walk to Clegg's table, and take the dealer's place. As he deals the cards out, Eroril listens for anything suspicious from Clegg. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Ironleg attempts to avoid detection, but attempts to maneuver himslef closer tot he table when Zincher is gambling. If there is no way to blend into the crowd, he will join the General on teh catwalk above, attempting to get a clear view of the scene.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Stealth 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

[Diego Dellarillos]

Diego will mosey through the crowd, meeting and greeting and doing his best to entertain the crowd. However he'll attempt to end up close to Zincher in order to keep an eye on him.

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Kozaric will once again walk the catwalk (On the catwalk, yeah on the catwalk yeah)paying attention to the goblin's new guest, but still watching the crowd for trouble.

[Megan Robertson]

Saul appreciates your offer, Eroril, and you are soon seated at Clegg's table. He's a cautious player, always taking the safe option when it's his turn, watching what the other players are doing and sipping from a mug of ale.

Ironleg, you worm your way through the crowds with ease, although several people accost you with their take on this afternoon's duel and queries about whether you are going to make a habit of refereeing at the Arena.

Diego, you work the crowd with your usual style (although perhaps a Perform check would be in order). Zincher appears to be concentrating on his game.

Meanwhile, Kozaric, you occupy your customary overwatch position.

All in all, it seems to be the sort of night every casino owner (and his crew) dreams of: a large, peaceful crowd playing the games of chance and enjoying the food and drink...

.. then there's a sudden scream from the kitchen area, and Dyfrig rushes out as white as a sheet.

"There's a...a... HUGE red snake in my scullery... almost bit me..."

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Hearing the kitchen ask for help, Ironleg springs into action. "I'm on it!" he yells towards the rest of teh staff, and continues to weave his way through the crowd to the kitcehn area.

[Diego Dellarillos]

Perform: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Diego, hearing the cook's call and feeling a bit guilty for not quite placating him earlier, runs to the kitchen as well, eager to redeem himself.

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril, pushes the ruckus in the kitchen aside, and continues to deal cards. He starts a casual conversation with the player to Clegg's left hoping to draw Clegg into the conversation.

"Hmmmph, don't be alarmed, it appears there is bigger ruckus in the kitchen than there was at that duel today down at the arena. It didn't live up to the hype if you ask me. One spell each, and then down. Were you there today?"

[Megan Robertson]

Those rushing into the kitchen: You find a scene of total chaos. There is indeed a large red snake (anyone have Knowledge: Nature?) in the scullery, it's now taken refuge under the washing-up tub and worse has bitten the lad who does the washing up who, up to the elbows in suds and dirty plates, didn't get out of its way in time. The pastry chef, an elf called Zenani, one of the new hires, is attempting to attend to him, but clearly doesn't know much about snakebite.

Meanwhile, Eroril, you attempt to engage your table of players in conversation... a couple of them were at the duel, one says that he won the money he's playing with tonight - "My wife doesn't normally let me have much to gamble with, but I didn't tell her what I won this afternoon!" - but you notice that Clegg is staring over towards the kitchen door, with a slight smile flickering about his lips, which vanishes as he turns to you.

"When it comes to blood matches, Master Dealer, I care not for the spectacle but to provide somewhere that those in dispute can settle their differences without endangering the public or breaching the law. Thank you for your services tonight, I think I am done and will cash in. Here's 10gp for your trouble."

He gets up and heads towards the cashier's counter without a backward glance.

[Eroril Bazbek]

"Thank you very kindly sir. I hope to see you regularly here at the Gold Goblin." Eroril pockets the 10 gp's.

Eroril then looks up to the catwalk to try to get Kozaric or Cephadrel's attention. If they see him, he nods in the direction of first Clegg as he walks away, then the door and then moves his head side to side to say No.

After he has gotten the attention of one of his compatriots, Eroril than looks to a relief dealer to signal that he is ready to be relieved.

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

"Get back Zenani, and try to pull him wtih you. Once you get clear, go get Eroril, and tell him he is needed. He'll take care of the boy." With that being said, Ironleg moves toward the snake's position, ready to strike, if it came at him. At the least, he wanted to divert its attention to him for the time being.

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Seeing Ironleg and Diego rush to the kitchen, Kozaric maintains his position waiting for one othem to call for assistance if needed.

[Megan Robertson]

In the kitchen

"Right," gasps Zenani, and hauls on the unconscious pot-scrubber. "Give me a hand, Diego..."

The red snake peers out from under the tub, staring blankly in the way snakes do, tongue flicking in and out.

In the main hall

Kinsey, a young human dealer, comes over to take Eroril's table. He picks up the cards and resumes the game.

Kozaric, gaze fixed on the kitchen door, you see one of the kitchen help, an elf girl whose name you cannot recall, scurry out looking agitated and shouting, "Where's Eroril? He's needed..."

Cephadrel, what are you doing?

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Kozaric bounds from the catwalk bow in hand and moves towrds the kitchen while looking to find Eroril. He moves to the kitchen helper and takes her by the arm wispering into her ear,"Keep your voice down girl. We must not spread panic."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

[Cephadrel Drocaloron]

Cephadrel follows Clegg out trying not to be noticed
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
If he can get alone with Clegg, Cephadrel will cast charm person on him.

[Megan Robertson]

Kozaric leaps down from the catwalks, landing rather heavily and surprising most of the guests who had not even realised that there were accessible catwalks up there! One lady screams...

"Master Ironleg sent me for Master Eroril, Sir," the elf gasps, but more quietly. "Billy, who scrubs the dishes, has been bitten by the snake..."

In the kitchen, Dyfrig returns and arms himself with a large cleaver.

"Let's see what snake tastes like..." he says, stepping over the scullery-lad's body and looking round for the serpent.

Outside, Clegg Zincher has cashed in his chips and left the casino, pushing something into the doorman's hand as he goes.

Cephadrel follows, slinking as quietly as he can along the wall. Zincher doesn't seem to be paying any attention as he makes his way north then west past the northern end of the Arena and into the Leeward District, a sprawl of residential properties. There are plenty of people around, though, and it's difficult to see a chance to get up close to him unobserved... until he stops at a five-storey tenement block and starts frisking himself for his keys.

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril hears his name being called from the area around the kitchen. As he watches Cephadrel follow after Zincher, he turns toward the kitchen and rushes in to see what is happening.

As he enters the kitchen, he sees Zezani attempting to treat one of the dishwashers on the floor and Ironleg and Dyfrig searching for something under the washbasin.

"What happened in here? Is that boy alright?"

[Cephadrel Drocaloron]

Cephadrel smirks as he casts charm person.
"Clegg, buddy, why were you at the Gold Goblin tonight? I didn't think you were the gambling type"
do I need to make a diplomacy check? if so
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

[Diego Dellarillos]

Diego moves to help remove the pot-scrubber, whispering as he does, "Oy, I've got a potion that lets you hide from animals. They can't see you; old thieves' guild trick. Cuts down on guard dogs catching you."

[Megan Robertson]

IN THE KITCHEN: Billy the pot-scrubber is unconscious and bleeding heavily from a double puncture wound in his left leg.

Eroril, he's suffering from blood loss. Perhaps snake venom as well, but you are not sure about that - hard to tell whilst he's unconscious, and you cannot see the snake.

OUTSIDE ZINCHER'S HOUSE: Clegg visibly starts at your voice, Diego, and almost drops his keys.

"Eh. What's it to you?" he blusters, in an over-loud voice. "I just came to check out Saul's newest project and meet his newest pals - of whom I believe you are one. Hmmm. Perhaps... how committed are you to him?"

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril moves to the pot scrubber. He pulls out Torag's holy symbol, and incants "Torag, most righteous, send your healing power through your humble servant and heal this unfortunate soul." As the last word is spoken a white light emerges from Eroril's holy symbol and fills the room with a healing energy. 1d6 ⇒ 6

It is Cephadrel that is speaking to Clegg. Diego is still with the pot scrubber.

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Does Ironleg still see the serpent?

[Megan Robertson]

Oops, yes - sorry, mistyped! It is indeed Cephadrel who is accosting Clegg.

Eroril, you pray to your deity, and feel His power course through you. Billy the potscrubber opens his eyes and looks around, somewhat confused, as the wound on his leg ceases to bleed and begins to close up.

Ironleg, you look back from the display of healing to find that the snake has vanished... probably back under the tub, as you cannot see it slithering along the wall to either side.

[Eroril Bazbek]

"It is ok Billy, you were bitten by a snake, but I have healed you. What I can't tell is whether or not there is any remaining toxin left in your system. You may be weak for a while. Do you remember anything about the snake? Where it may have come from? Or anything strange before it appeared?"

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

"Keep your talents at the ready, Eroril. I am going to go flush the beast out. If it tags me, I will need you," Ironleg gulps, taking a deep breath, approaching closer to the tub area, scanning for the snake.

[Cephadrel Drocaloron]

"Oh you are a sharp one Mr.Zincher. You are correct that I am in the pay of Saul, though I don't think I'd say I'm committed to him. I would be open to some agreement that would be to our mutual benefit."

[Megan Robertson]

In the Kitchen:

Billy says he was scrubbing a big soup tureen when he felt a sudden pain in his leg, first he knew about anything lurking under the tub.

As you advance, Ironleg, there is a loud HISSSS... and the snake slithers out, coiling round and rearing up the front third of its body, unblinking eyes staring at you.

Outside Zincher's house:

Clegg's eyebrows go up.

"I had intended to retire for the night, but this is a matter worth pursuing. Can I offer you a nightcap? I have a reasonably tolerable brandy..."

[Cephadrel Drocaloron]

"That is a fine suggestion, lead the way"

[Mikhail "Ironleg" Tunnelsmith]

Ironleg jumps forward and attempts to use his punishing kick ability on the snake, trying to knock it prone. If I hit, DC 13 Fort save to resist being knocked prone.

Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Uhh, isn't a snake normally prone?

[Megan Robertson]

In the Kitchen:

You are trying to KICK a snake? Which is, as Kozaric points out, generally in a somewhat prone state...

OK. You kick. And miss.

As for the snake, it strikes!

Snake bite attempt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 It sinks its fangs into the leg you are standing on, doing 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4... you feel a strange combination of a burning sensation and numbness in that leg.

At Zincher's House

Clegg invites you in, Cephedrel.

Cephedrel:

You are soon seated in a comfortable study, with a glass of better-than-tolerable brandy in your hand.

"I make no bones about it, Sir," says Clegg. "I want Vankaskerkin out of business and out of town, and I'm prepared to invest to make that happen. An inside man could be... beneficial to me. Are you interested?"

If you are reading this and are NOT Cephedrel, remember this is something you don't know in character!!!! I trust you to behave appropriately :)

[Eroril Bazbek]

Eroril leaves the potscrubber and tries to help Ironleg. As he moves toward the snake, he pulls out his warhammer and takes a mighty swing.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Eroril's blow clangs off a leg of the sink and misses the snake badly.

[Kozaric of the Bow]

Kozaric steadies himself and takes aim at the snake.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4