The dwarf monk ambles up to the Golden Goblin during the early afternoon. He knew of the upcoming tournament beginning that same evening, and knew that his ability to notice unusual things could come in handy to spot during the card games. He expected there might be a decent salary to be had for his skills.
He swung open the door and looked around for someone to talk to about possible employment. As he opened the door, he hoped that some of his past acquaintances from the town would not be present.
Eroril Bazbek stands up from the rock he was sitting on for the past 3 hours as he studied the massive Cyphergate. He stretches to his full 4' 1" height trying to iron out the kinks in his 74 year old back. Still young by dwarven standards, squatting for 3 hours and looking at a massive 350 foot tall arch can take its toll on one's body. He has brown eyes, red hair and a ruddy complexion. His beard and mustache are medium length and carefully tended. Metal rings made of copper, iron and a few pieces of adamantine adorn his beard and signify some of the discoveries he has already made.
As he gathers his writing utensils and paper and carefully stows them in his backpack, he wonders if fortune will shine on him this night at the Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold tournament tonight. He has been able to earn a few gold pieces here and there healing some of the dwarfs injured in their toils at the Gas Forges. But to really make progress in his studies, he needed to secure a room at the Cypher Lodge where he would have access to its extensive libraries. Unfortunately, for a non-cyphermage such as he, the 20 gp per day fee was just too steep. Perhaps he could win enough at the tournament tonight to secure week's worth of lodging.
He heads off to the Golden Goblin to pay his entrance fee and secure his entry into the tournament.
Kozaric stood and starred at the Gold Goblin, with both excitement and apprehension. It had been 3 weeks since his arrival to Riddleport, and it has not been at all what he had expected. The humans that he had longed to be part of for so long were not like he was. Monastery life had left him with a different outlook on life, values, and discipline than the humans he had encountered so far. From the first day Kozaric had learned that most people here are out for themselves, and don’t mind taking or tricking others to increase what they have. Having heard of the tournament, he realized this would be the largest gathering of people he had ever witnessed. This would greatly increase the odds of meeting like minded individuals that one day he may be lucky enough to call friends. Gambling itself, he had decided, was not for him. Sure there is some skill involved, but he cannot see why you would risk your money, or for others everything they owned, on the fickle will of luck. No, Kozaric had decided the best way for him to interact at the tournament was to get hired on. So, after adjusting his tunic and checking the positioning of his weapons, he heads to the Goblin and walks through the door.
Standing strait, similar to military attention I address the human. "No sir, I did not come to gamble; I came wondering if the Goblin may be in need of my skills for a job. I understand that tonight should be a very busy night for your establishment, and that you may still be looking for trustworthy individuals to assist in keeping as much order as possible.”
Having arrived in Riddleport just this morning, Cavan spent the late afternoon perusing the city streets, taking in the sights and smells of the city. As the day waned, he decided that it might be entertaining to attend the gambling tournament that he had heard so much about, so he departed for the Wharf district of town in order to satisfy his piqued curiosity.
As he ascends the steps to The Gold Goblin Gambling Hall, he smiles and blushes at the beautiful women at the top of the staircase before entering the spectacle that is occurring inside.
“Well first off Sir, I have a knack for observing things others may miss. Second, I am good at reading others body language to judge their intentions. Not to mention my martial training that you may be able to put to task.
Perception:
Sense Motive:
"Good morning, Mr. Vankaskerkin. Guess that makes two of us," he says, nodding at the dwarf he did not recognize standing beside him. "You've got me pegged, all right. I'm a bit...down on my luck, you might say. I think I would be a real help spotting for the tourney, as it looks to be a massive undertaking. I, too have a good eye for finding out cheaters."
Eroril bows low and introduces himself. "Eroril Bazbek at your service. I did come to play in your tournament. But as you well can see, I am not originally from these parts. What is the nature and rules of the games that will be played tonight and will there be one ultimate winner? I understand the entrance fee is 1 gp. Shall I pay now or when the tournament begins?"
Perception:
Upon realizing that the casino has not properly opened for business, Cavan recoils back from the door. Having noticed that the beautiful casino girl is looking in his direction he heads over and makes small talk, "So, are they in there stacking the tables in their favor? If we stay out here too long that blot up there might unleash all hell on us."
"Cavan Prylfellow's the name. And you are?"
"Thank you, sir. I'd be happy to keep a look out for you this evening. What time do you want me to report for duty? And just to be sure, if I catch a cheat, what is protocol? Do I let you know and you take care of the problem, or do I ask them to leave?"
"And stay out!"
It was a message he had heard at least a dosen times since his return to Riddleport, and this time the words barely registerered. His long journey and build up anger towards his former friend he betrayed him had gotten him into more fights and brawls than ever. And he would be lying if he said that some part of him wasn't enjoying it.
He stood from the ground, collected his massive hammer that had been thrown besides him and dusted himself of. With a dismissive wave of his hand he shook his long dark hair and turned around and walked away. If they didn't want his money he certainly wasn't going to force it on them. And it wasn't like he was to blame for anything. Afterall that other guy had been starring at him all afternoon.
Putting his big hands in his pocket he sighed. Only a handfull of goldcoins left. Barely enough to pay his rent for the next week. But of course, perhaps he wouldn't have to worry about that after tonight. If only Desna would look favorably upon him he would turn his pocket full into a dragons hoard at Sauls gambling competition tonight at the Gold Goblin.
But that was a couple of hours away, so no need to hurry. The night had barely begun.
"Hope i got some left by then" he mumbled as he entered the next tavern.
The statue of the goblin is made of brass rather than gold. You suspect that the young lady is interested more in the human's purse than his body...
"Sir, two things I have noticed since my arrival sir. One, your Golden Goblin there is actually brass, and two, unless you’re getting a...how did they say....cut, you may want to watch this one (point my thumb towards the female) around your clients gold. You may end up losing customers. Sir."
OOC: I am fine with not doing the actual gambling but will go with the group.
"Sir, my name is Kozaric of the Bow. You will not regret hiring me Sir."
To the Girl: There are two things in life you should never trust, m'lady; the first is a gambling man, and the other is a big, dark, supernatural scar in the sky that comes out of nowhere" smiles wide trying to lay on the charm.
Eroril bows again, "Thank you for the information and now that I see you are putting in protection against cheats, I feel more confident that Desna may bestow her generosity on me. I shall return later when the games are ready to begin."
Eroril turns and leaves the Golden Goblin and wanders through town until the tournament begins.
Ironleg will not do anything in particular with just an hour before his reporting for work.
Kurth stumbles out of the tavern with a couple of gold coins less than he came with. He find his way through the crowd to the Gold Goblin and get in line to pay the fee and sign the contract.
When he spots the gold chest he rub his hands together and lick his lips. Luck is with him tonight, he just know it.
Kozaric aproaches the the two scantly clad women."I am Kozaric, Mr Vankaskerkin hired me this morning. Can you tell me where he needs me to muster?"
Kozaric takes the red stone and tucks it into his belt pouch.
"Thank you mam, and might I say that both of you look exceptionally stunning this evening."
Without waiting for a reply, Kozaric tuns and walks towards the gambling tables to start his watch.
Irongleg steps in line behind the cluster of people entering the facility. He notices the fellow he had met earlier state his business with the ladies, and receive his token. "Belive you have one of those for me as well, ladies. Mr. Vankaskerkin has put me on the payroll as well."
Upon receiving his marker, he briefly looks around the building, and at all the decor for this tourney. After a few seconds, he rights himself and begins walking throughout the thrush of people, making sure nothing untowards was happening.
Perception
Sense Motive
Cavan saunters casually into the Goblin. First he makes a preliminary stroll through the major portions of the casino, and then having taken in the giant spectacle, he finds his way to the bar and orders a drink. Afterwards, he settles into a nondescript location and prepares to enjoy watching the evenings entertainment.
Eroril reads and rereads the contract. "Aye, Torag would not approve. This is not the way into the cyphermage lodge. The entry fee is much more than I can afford. I'm afraid I'll have to sit this tournament out." He steps out of line and heads to the bar and takes up a spot near Cavan.
As Eroril carefully studies the contract, he checks it for magic. Knowledge(Arcana)
As the tourney had not yet hit full bore, Mikhail walked over to watch some of the Golem hands. With such a large gathering, he suspected no one would be dumb enough to try to cheat for the pittance in this game compared to what was to come.
Kozaric weaves his way through the crowd intent on his duty of locating cheaters. He notices the dwarf that was hired with him this morning watching a hand of what someone had called golem.
"Greetings friend Iron Keg. We did not properly introduce ourselves this morning. I am Kozaric of the Bow, formerly of the Brothers of Erastil. I have only know one other pump sucker as you are called here in my life, Vanderhan Anvilhands, he was part of a group of adventurers that stopped for a time at our monastery to recover from their travels. Do you know him? He seemed a like a good sort."
(OOC: Pitched similar to the tone and delivery of Dan Aykroyd playing Joe Friday in the movie: Dragnet)
"Nice to meet you Kozaric. My actual name is Mikhail Tunnelsmith, but as you can tell, everyone sort of knows me as 'Ironleg.' Unfortunately my path has not crossed with that of Vanderhan. I hope he represented my kind well. If you aren't too involved with mining around here, you wouldn't have met many of us, to be honest. Practically every dwarf in this town is a miner."
Realizing he was going on a bit, he quickly changed the topic back to something more relevant, [b]"You think anyone will have the stones to attempt to cheat in this tourney?"[/b
Slowly scanning the crowd, Kozaric stands next to Ironleg.
Ironleg,…that does make more sense then Iron Keg. I am sure that almost everyone here is just a fun loving citizen out for a good time, but for those undesirables that may try to take advantage of out employer, we will be here to stop them and show them the error of their ways.
"Sounds like you aren't from around here, Kozaric. Where are you from? In town just for the tourney?"
Continuing to scan the crowd looking for cheats, and observing all he can. Kozaric raises an eyebrow and speaks to Ironleg. “No Ironleg I am not from here, I am from the The Brotherhood of the Bow Monastery located in the beautiful Mierani Forest. A very fine place to learn and grow, understanding the good wholesome values of Erastil. As for why I am here, I guess I am here for the same reason others find themselves traveling to a city that such as this. Self enlightenment.”
Cavan is sitting casually at the bar when Eroril walks up. He notices the dwarf from outside and tries to make small talk. he says, "It's something to see in here, eh?"
After some consideration, and now assured that his soul is not at risk, decides he will take a chance and join the tournament.
Eroril answers Cavan "Yes it is quite the spectacle, I am Eroril Bazbek of Tar-Kazmukh, at your service", bowing low. "If you excuse me for a moment, I have decided to register, but perhaps we shall see each other later at the tables."
Eroril leaves the bar and rejoins the line. In a short time he hands over 1 gold piece and signs the contract with a flourish, announcing to no one in particular:
"I'm surprised everyone is so quick to throw away their souls on a fools errand. With Desna and Torag bestowing their blessing upon me, there is no way I can lose!"
He then begins to mill about the room looking for the best game to choose. He passes by Kozaric and Ironleg who he recognizes from earlier in the afternoon.
"Ah, two of our esteemed floor men. I saw you as you were hired this afternoon. Eroril Bazbek of Tar-Kazmukh at your service", he says bowing low, "I do believe I have a fair chance of winning knowing that cheating will be snuffed out by fine gents such as your self." Now looking at Ironleg, Eroril continues "Where do you hail from brother?"
After giving the gambling room a quick scan he locates the bar and quickly make his way to it.
After ordering a drink he turn to Cavan "I find I do better at these things with a little buzz in my head, if you know what i mean" he says with a grin and allmost down his mug in one mouthfull
Addressing Kozaric, the dwarf smirks, "Self enlightenment? Yeah, I guess we all are seeking that, in our own way. If you find it, how about you fill me in on it, as well?" He laughs heartily and smacks his new friend on the back.
When the 'other' dwarf he had met earlier in the day comes to his side, Ironleg responds to his greeting. "It's a pleasure, brother. Mikhail Tunnelsmith...around here people call me Ironleg. I am from right here in the fine city of Riddleport. Father is a carbauxine miner at the Gas Forge, of course, as the name suggests, but I am not quite sure that is the path Irori has lain out for me. How about yourself, don't seem to recognize you? Other than winning a large batch of gold, what are you doing in town?"
"Irori is wise to suggest a different path for you. I have been fortunate to be able to heal some of the more serious injuries that the miners have incurred in those mines. Very, very rough down there. I fear it will shorten the life of even the most hardy of dwarves.
I have come to Riddleport to learn more about the Thassilonian ruins that are abundant in these parts. Tonight's tournament, it's just a means to an end. I just hope to win enough to allow me entry into the cyphermage lodge. Just a few days in their library would help me trememdously."
Turning to Kozaric, "Did I overhear you mention you are searching for 'Self-Enlightenment'?" That must be a challenge in this town. But someone with your keen eyes I suspect just may succeed despite this town's..." Eroril pauses and glances at Ironleg. "...unsavory reputation. Present company excepted, Ironleg. I was quite impressed with how you spotted that the statue was not actually gold."
”My self-enlightenment will not help you on your quest, Ironleg. My Sensei taught that the secret to life is this.” Kozaric holds up one finger. “ One thing. That one thing you have to figure out yourself.”
Kozaric then turns to the other dwarf. ”Good evening Mr. Bazbek. You may rest assured that with my self and Mr. Ironleg patrolling the tables, we will locate anyone trying to cheat this fine establishment.”
‘Thank you Mr. Bazbek, my training has honed my senses to pick out subtleties that others mearly glance over. As for my quest for self enlightenment, we are all on that quest, though most do not realize it.”
Continuing with Kozaric...
"Very true, very true, and please, call me Eroril. As for my quest, Torag has laid out my path. He has imbued me with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. I pray that he intercedes with Desna to help fund my quest through victory in this tournament."