"Ho there friend, you seem to have missed the end of the line...of course if you are a close friend of the owners then perhaps he mistakenly forgot to mention your arrival, however as he is an attentive and sensible man I am fairly certain he'd have arranged additional hospitality"
Winter maintains a steady and assertive air of his own, polite, and with no implied threat - but with a determined inflexibility.
Clegg Zincher, the amn at the entrance is Riddleports most powerful crime boss, a legend in the City of Cyphers.
@ Winter:
One of the bodyguards sneers at you and cracks his knuckles, but his boss just shakes his head and smiles back at you
Oh yeah, I'm surprised Saul hasn't told you who Iam. But I'm not here for chatting, I'm here to play some games of chance and I got the money, so I don't think this will be a problem, mhh? We're unarmed and my boys can even wait outside if they should make you nervous.
When Bree identifies the man, and sees Winter speaking to him and his cronies, she scans the crowd looking for one of the other group that she can make eye contact with and gesture over.
Oh yeah, I'm surprised Saul hasn't told you who Iam.
"Saul hasn't told me who you are, and neither have you; If you could be so kind as to introduce yourself then perhaps we might be able to clear up the confusion and invite you in as a guest. Otherwise please join the queue."
@ Bree:
It's not problem for you to get eye contact with Sable, Sebastian or Corvax.
@ Winter:
Oh sorry, where are my manners, I'm Clegg Zincher, also proprietor of some businesses in this city, amongst them some gambling halls. Just wanted to see what kind of establishment Saul has opened.
Oh sorry, where are my manners, I'm Clegg Zincher, also proprietor of some businesses in this city, amongst them some gambling halls. Just wanted to see what kind of establishment Saul has opened.
"Well then Cleg, I am Winter. Perhaps you'd best save your coin for your own needs, and simply follow me on a tour so you can see for yourself what sort of place we are building here. Your men can wait there, no point in having them come in for such a short visit, come..."
"As you can see, we are trying to build a clean and honest establishment, as far as that goes. Erastil has taught me a lot on the ccyle of things, and I have applied the workings of a farm to the working of a casino, I seek a gentle garden here, I suspect you desire rougher and wilder fruit. Now Riddleport is an enormous field, and there is only limited space and limited resources, however as you and I are growing crops that can harmoniously live in abundance, there is no competition between us as we seek different sustenance...do you get where I am going with this?"
By this time, Winter has shown him the basics of the floor, and is heading him back towards the door.
Bree will motion to Sable to join her behind the bar.
@ Winter:
As your tour slowly leads back to the entrace, Clegg says
Hey, you're nice guy and I'm not the evil crime lord most people think I am...I care for my employees, protect their families, pay their kid's schools, buy medicine for their old ones and all the stuff, you know.
So, let me warn you of Saul, he's the devil in disguise and really man, I know what I'm talking about. So, Winter, right? If you're looking for a job in the future, drop me a note.
He slaps you on the shoulder and leaves the Goblin on his own.
Winter resumes his post and gives a knowing nod of comraderie to Kabal for having his back.
It doesn't take more than a minute until Saul arrives at your side, short winded and with rosy cheeks
What in the nine hells did this idiot want here?
"To be sure that we could all live side by side without there needing to be bloodshed. He seems to agree with me. At least he was wiser and more sensible than Beltias"
Saul stares out at the dark streets of the City of Cyphers, you can nearly feel the wrath burning inside him
I will kill Clegg one day, I just need reason and oportunity, I so hate this bastard...Winter, it's good to know to have such a strong fighter amongst my men.
Winter stays silent, watching Saul take on yet another angry and wrathful mood.
"A Fighter yes, but a long term planner too, it is Erastils way. Work to a favourable condition, plant the seeds, tend them carefully, then experience His abundant blessings"
The short man relaxes and grins his roguish smile once again
Oh yes, exactly my motto...work slowly and in secrecy and strike only when the time is nigh, heh.
As quietly as she can make it and still be heard, she speaks to Sable in Elven, "That man that Winter was just showing around... that's Clegg Zincher, Saul's worst enemy. I don't know all of the details, but Saul was at least somewhat responsible for the death of Clegg's brother. It was Clegg who took Saul's hand. If he's here now, it's not a friendly visit.
Looks like he's leaving again, I wonder what he's saying to Winter. Anyway, it doesn't really matter. Just tell the others that I really don't think any of you should sleep here tonight, just in case and we should all be on guard until we get out of here. Just because Clegg is leaving now, doesn't mean he won't be coming back..."
Seeing Winter return with the haughty man on tow; Kabal returned the nod with one of his own. He'd stayed out front keeping an eye on the two bodyguards and sizing them up...i woudlnt half mind testing myself against those two. they look big enough. doubt theyre as mean as me though...
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Sable nods to Bree, and makes his passes through the crowds, stopping to alert Sebastian, Kabal, Corvax, and finally Winter to Bree's trepidations. He speaks softly in Elven, or clarifies in Common for those who do not know the speech of elves, ensuring Larur or Saul are not within earshot when he passes the message along.
When Sable reaches Winter he also adds,
The night at the Goblin slowly comes to an end and even the most lucky and unlucky figures at the the gambling tables realize that the establishment is going to close soon. Saul seems content with the evening and gives all of you a slap on the shoulder and mutters something like
Good work, well done, now get some sleep..
Still, the turning up of Clegg Zincher seems to have irritated him deeply and he only barely manages to smile his friendly smile.
Larur also appears worried, yet does not speak about it and is especially unsatisfied with everything...so ends a strange evening in the Goblin.
Winter does his rounds of the Casino after close, thanking the employees and making sure that everyone is well. If the opportunity presents itself, he asks what is bothering Larur.
Eventually getting a hold of Sable, Winter sits down by a fire in the common area where it is comfortable and others may join. He pulls out a small heavily beaten leather covered book with a small wooden bow affixed to the cover.
"Erastil, or 'Old Deadeye' as We know Him, and Blackfeather eh? Well we need to first start by understanding Erastil himself, who sends us wisdom in the 'Parables of Erastil' which begins with the first seed of wisdom we need to bear closest at heart always and forever..."
The first gift you ever receive is your family.
"It tells us that for his second gift, Old Deadeye crafted the first bow as for us mortals so that we might learn to hunt and survive in this dangerous world"
"Erastil is a father and mentor, not one who spouts philosophy but instead gives us practical advice and hands-on teaching. Gruff, reserved and stern, but loving toward us his mortal children, Erastil is our protector and provider. He believes it is man’s duty to help others, cooperation leads to friendship and safety, and if a man respects the gifts of nature she will sustain him. He loves old customs that encourage strong family bonds, and enjoys hunting for
sustenance but not for sport, as he loves all animals, especially the hooved ones."
"Erastil’s travels amongst us as an upright old trapper with weathered skin, clad in well-used leathers, and carrying a simple bow. Sometimes he has the head of an elk, when he is angry or must battle or as his herald,the Grim White Stag, a moon-pale stag five men tall at the shoulder, with strong saplings instead of antlers and legs wrapped in green vines."
"Erastil’s legendary companions are the truffle hunting boar Proudsnout,the reckless treant Scorchbark, and the shapechanging eagle-archer Blackfeather."
"Thats right, though he has a fondness for the cretures of the earth who provide us with all we need to survive, he also looks to the hunters in the sky, the owls and the eagles. Blackfeather is twice loved by Erastil, being both a man and a bird, one who can change shape as needed, sent to watch over communities in need, to shoot arrows true at the hearts of those who would harm His children, then take flight so high he can see over the biggest obstacle or most problematic mountain and guide them with his wisdom."
Winter closes the book and puts it away.
"I hope that gives you some insight into Erastil, and perhaps to how I might come across, a very strange sight in Riddleport. Perhaps also an insight to how I deal with the difficulties and troubles we face"
Winter goes back to watching the fire, relaxed, ale in hand.
Before you tell the others about the guiding principles of Erastil, you have a short chat with Larur.
The dour looking dwarf isn't very inclined to speak with at first...
Diplomacy -
"Larur, something weighs a little heavily upon you. I am shortly to relax by the fire and talk of Erastil, but would first hear what troubles you tonight so that we may both sleep soundly after"
Larur relaxes a bit and says
Clegg here at the Goblin ain't good. Saul has killed his brother and at the time Saul was sentenced for that, it was Clegg personally who choped Saul's hand off...I guess things will explode sooner or later.
"Maybe, maybe. Best Clegg came and had a look at the place rather than send spies or simply try to burn it down, perhaps it is actually a good sign. One way or another, Clegg and Saul are due a reckoning, though I don't suppose it will happen here"
Clegg is dangerous and a criminal, but most people in Riddleport agree that he is good to those that are loyal to him, maybe he has enough honour in his guts not to burn the whole place down, while we're inside it.
"I don't think he will, if he intended to do that he probably would have just done it and saved himself the visit. Perhaps he was just here to see what is being made, and to see if it was going to be a problem for him to deal with. Nothing we can do for now.
[b]"I'd best be off to talk to Sable about Erastil, you can join us if you'd like..."
Winter doesn't wait for a reply, so as not to put the man in an awkward position of having to refuse if he doesn't want to come.
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Sable sits for a long moment, staring into the fire absorbing Winter's words. The dance of the flames reflects off of his unblinking eyes, mirrored by the blank expression of his winged compatriot on his perch.
At last Sable speaks in Elven, though it is unclear whether he is addressing anyone or merely speaking aloud. "I hear messages upon the winds. At times they are the cooing whispers of lovers as doves pledging their hearts to each other. Other times I hear the keen of proud eagle-like warriors vowing their revenge upon some unknown enemy. More often than not these messages are merely that, spoken into the air and carried around the world unbeknownst to the speakers, but sometimes... sometimes the winds tell me where to go and what to do. Softer than down they light upon my ears and unfold currents of possibility. Korax hears these messages and clarifies what my mind swaths in fog. I am meant to be here, now, in this nest among allies and vultures. If these winds are the voice of Erastil, then he has flown me straight as the crow flies, or as the arrow sails. Where the winds will fly me, I cannot say, but I am intrigued by the course I am set upon. Will I feel the sky's embrace? ..." Sable trails off transfixed by the fire, catching himself after a moment and blinking turns to Winter.
"Thank you."
When Bree sees the group settling in to relax in the Golden Goblin tonight. Bree sighs heavily and heads out the door. Her intent is to sleep on a rooftop directly near by so that she may wake to any noises and stand watch at least for awhile.
@ Sable - Yah I agree, we should all stay here together. I dont know what that guy was up to but I doubt he was here to be friendly. I have the room at the end of the hall if you all need me for anything.
Kabal will have a pint and a meal at the end of his shift and will stay up to talk to the others although he will leave Winter and Sable to their private conversation.
Seeing Bree heading towards the door he calls out
Where are you off to at this hour Bree?
"I prefer to not be set on fire in my sleep, thank you." She says with a smile. "I won't go far, and I'll be keeping an eye on the Goblin as much as I can. I won't get much sleep, but if someone does come creeping around in the night, maybe I can get them before they get you... If nothing happens, I'll be back in the morning."
Well Id certainly prefer it if you slept here with the rest of us but Im sure you can handle yourself. Sleep well if you can and see you bright and early.
Bree nods her head to Kabal. "Goodnight, everyone."
Winter notes Bree leaving again. After she is gone, he ponders a little further. "She seems to be troubled, not keen on embracing family, I guess all we can do is keep inviting her to the table and hope that she accepts. It's hard for the wolf who has run alone for a long time to fold back into a pack"
Once Winter has finished his second (or third) ale, he heads off to bed.
While Winter holds court, Sebastian will seek out Samritha. Sipping a glass of red wine, "How was your first today? A bit different from the stuffy mages I imagine? By the way, did you have any luck getting a Thasseloian dictionary? Saul's been keeping me too busy, but if you haven't maybe you can suggest where I can get one tomorrow."
Samaritha looks tired...warily she looks up to you from her bed, she has thrown herself on fully clothed
Oh Sebastian...I totally forgot about the dictionary, I'm so sorry. Yes, I know a good bookshop, which also sells specialties like a Thassillonian dictionary...normally the Cyphermages keep an eye on things like these...but this man has some good connections. His shop is called the Cyphermonium and close to the centre of the city, I could accompany you in the morning...or around lunch, if you don't mind.
"That sounds good. Maybe we can swing by the Cyphergate too. It would be nice to have an insider's view. A think Sable, at least, would like to join us too. But you look tired, I'll let you get your rest." Sebastian goes and finds his room and hopefully gets a goode night's sleep.
The next morning begins like every other morning in Riddleport...but as the sun begins to rise and the first seagull screams can be heard, suddenly a heavy tremor jolts you all out of your dreams. The whole gambling hall is shaking!!! Correction:
.
Corvax rolls out of bed, bleary eyed and with a dagger in hand before he even realises what is happening.
As the floor underneath him continues to shake he stumbles out into the corridor.
"Wha' in the nine hells is goin' on!?"
Seeing no sign of attack he stumbles back into his room and pulls on a pair of trousers and a shirt before
trying to make his way down the stairs and see what is going on outside.
The shaking and rumbling woke him ...from a most delicious dream involving a most delicious...well, best not to dwell on that now, gotta see whats happening first... At first he thought he was back on the damned boat pitching back and forth and side to side; until the quaint room came into focus. The brute figured he didnt have much time before this whole decrepid place came tumbling down on his thick head. So he dressed as safely as he could and snatched up his weapon belt and kit before heading for the nearest exit bellowing at the top of his lungs. The shaking building had him crashing from one side of the narrow hallway to the other.
Bree digs in and grabs on, to whatever she can and lying as flat as she can. "Bloody hell!"
Fire Drill? Sebastian for a moment thinks he is back in the dormitories. "Quick Lora, Samaritha, you two need to hide..." He pauses to untangle where he is, what was a dream, and what was a memory.
The shaking continues and everything sorts itself. Riddleport...shaking...not good.
Sebastian finds his trousers and times his hops to the shaking and gets his legs through.
Carrying shirt and sword. He reaches the door and then the tiling hall. Just like the set I helped build for "Azanti, We hardly knew Ya."
Seeing Kabal bouncing off the walls as he comes up the hall, "Don't fight it. Roll with it." And proceeds to walk in a drunken gait smoothly up the hall banging on doors, listening if anyone needs help.
While Bree finds a good hold at the roof's weather vane those inside the Golden Goblin are mostly able not bump their heads at doorposts or worse. As you all try to get through the actual gambling room to reach the entrance, Saul bounces out of his office, cursing like a merrow's mother
AAARGH, WHAT...hey Sebastian! What is that?
The rest of the staff also scramble to the door, while the walls suddenly show first cracks and fissures.
As Sebastian helps Samaritha and some of the less balanced (and perhaps less clad) staff find the door. Meanwhile, his mind is counting the cracks, the rate of spread, and noting if the beams are showing stress.
"Stay away from the center of the room everyone! Move along the walls! Head for the street and then get clear of any tall building! Come on Boss Man, it's an earthquake!."
From the door Sebastian looks back up the ceiling beams above the casino. Cracks appearing with more rapidity and then his eye focuses on Ole Scratch's cage swaying dangerously on its chain.