Seravin's Tales of the Night Below (Two Updates this Week - 07/24/07)
- Thread starter Seravin
- Start date
Gambling
On this cold winter evening of the last month of the year, Ker Stev Orundol is a happy man. Things are going quite well for Ker Orundol who also happens to be the manager of The Blue Gorgon.
On the one hand this dark-haired middle-aged man is employed by one of the wealthiest merchant’s in Corlean, Ker Quereth Holtson. Better, his stock with Ker Holtson is rising while the star of his chief rival, Ker Deverex, seems to be falling. Conceivably in a few months Ker Orundol sees himself as Ker Holtson’s senior lieutenant; especially if he does well in the current tasks.
Which brings us to the other hand, which is currently in equal favor. Ker Orundol has a second, secret, employer – Father Dark. To date Ker Orundol has done nothing to risk his job with Ker Holtson, nor has he been asked. Instead, the Gorgon’s manager has passed on useful bits of information to Father Dark and has even distributed certain information on request.
Four days ago Father Dark personally asked Ker Orundol to take on three advisors who were furthering a money-making scheme currently in the making. These swarthy-skinned ‘advisors’ were remarkable in that they nearly identical-looking brothers who had just recently come south through the pass with Baron Roth’s contigent.
Normally this request would have made Ker Orundol nervous, but Quereth Holtson had standing orders to make as many contacts as possible with anyone of means or title. Stev Orundol was able to pass on that he was doing Baron Roth a favor by allowing observers on his premises as a precursor to perhaps opening up business opportunities in the north. Thus he was able to serve two masters.
Stev Orundol would be greatly surprised to know how he was being played by the current events. Fortunately for his peace of mind he was blissfully unaware of how central he was to certain dark and ugly plots.
----
The carriage drove up to The Blue Gorgon and slowed to a quick stop. The four sweating horses hung their heads in fatigue. The source of that fatigue was apparent when the carriage driver opened up the door and three large men stepped out, followed by a white-haired woman.
All were dressed in elegant finery, though their taste in clothing and jewelry was haphazard ad seemingly eclectic. Each of the men was large and in fit condition. While they didn’t wear armor they each bore a sword with the familiarity of long use, and they had a presence and bearing that said they were field soldiers of some sort.
The woman was a white-haired half-elf wearing a striking blue dress with a silken, black cloak and bearing a crystal-topped staff of some white wood. Her taste in jewelry was as equally eclectic as her companions but like them she wore it like it was Imperial regalia.
The four companions looked at each other and made their way up the stairs of the gambling house to the front door, ignoring the curious onlookers.
---
Ker Orundol was on the floor supervising when the four people entered. Balraj, the oldest of his ‘guest advisors’ had shown him their pictures and had named each. Unforunately neither Balraj nor his brothers were here this evening. No one had thought that these four would be here so soon.
No matter. Ker Orundol moved smoothly through the crowd with an unflappable smile. “Welcome to the Blue Gorgon.” He greeted. “Are you here for a game of chance perhaps? We have several excellen tables…” he started to sweep his hand towards the back of the house when he was interrupted by the youngest man.
“Can we just hand over the money now and be done with it?*”
Orundol stumbled to a stop. He wasn’t expecting that. “I’m sorry…?” He asked, somewhat confused. In broad terms he knew that these people were here to gamble and lose money publicly. He wasn’t privy to the details but assumed there was something illegal involved. Regardless, his role was clear and his innoncence had to be maintained.
Gamely, the manager continued. “This is one of the finest gambling establishments in all of Corlean. It’s not normal for people to just ‘give’ us money. They come here to take their chances at a fortune.”
The younger man, Captain Kellron thought Orundol, looked exasperated for a moment but then covered it with a sigh. “Very well. A private room then with some sort of card game. You do have those?”
Orundol paused. This wasn’t what was supposed to have happened, but he was capable of rolling with it. “Certainly sir. Are you sure…”
“Quite.”
“Very well.” The manager brightened with a though. “Let me get you a server. We have several excellent young ladies who are quite quick and accommodating.”
One of the other men, the middle-oldest, who had been surriptiously looking around pointed out a nearby serving girl. “She’ll do. Just show us to the room.”
Orundol looked and saw that it was Semina who was just walking by with a tray of drinks. He almost sighed. She wasn’t the prettiest of his girls and he had no idea of how accomadating she could be – hopefully very accomadating. Still the man had picked her out of the crowd and so was probably attracted to her. Orundol signaled the girl and waved her over.
“Semina, tell Rina that she’s taking over your shift. These folk are your newest responsibility. Please show them upstairs to Jessica’s room. I want you to supply these good people with anything they ask for. Am I clear?”
Semina curtsied. “Yes sir. I’ll take good care of them.” She promised.
Orundol nodded. It would have to do. He looked to the young woman who had accompanied the men, the wizardess Jallarzi. “And you ma’am?” He inquired. “Would you prefer a more… manly server?” He asked delicately.
She looked bored. “No thank you. She’ll be fine.”
“Very well then, I’ll leave you in Jessica’s more than capable hands. Please inquire if you have any questions.” With that Orundol bowed and let Semina take them to the private rooms upstairs.
---
The game was ‘Lord’s Luck’, a fairly simple card game that required more luck than skill, but could still be influenced by both bluff and strategy**. There was a brief period of chaos while they changed out the bag of gems that Kellron laid on the table to gaming tokens. it might have been easier not to bother, for Kellron turned out to not be a very good player.
In about six hours he was down fifteen thousand gold lions. With the sunrise only a few hours off he and his companions decided to call it quits for the night, telling Jessica they would be back the next evening.
The dark-haired dealer smiled prettily and accepted the proffered tip with grace, impressed with their generosity in adversity. Jessica had seen reckless gamblers before and correctly pegged them as neophytes; but she had never seen a new player lose so much so casually or with so much boredom. The next morning all her fellow dealers heard of her newest players, of their generosity and the enormous amount of wealth that they were willing to lose.
---
*Sadly, I don’t recall the exact conversation anymore, but it was more or less along these lines.
**I presumed that all dealers in the house had +10 to Profession (Gambler). The players were making untrained checks vs. Jessica’s every hour. Every point of difference between the opposed check equaled 1,000gp that went to the high roller.
On this cold winter evening of the last month of the year, Ker Stev Orundol is a happy man. Things are going quite well for Ker Orundol who also happens to be the manager of The Blue Gorgon.
On the one hand this dark-haired middle-aged man is employed by one of the wealthiest merchant’s in Corlean, Ker Quereth Holtson. Better, his stock with Ker Holtson is rising while the star of his chief rival, Ker Deverex, seems to be falling. Conceivably in a few months Ker Orundol sees himself as Ker Holtson’s senior lieutenant; especially if he does well in the current tasks.
Which brings us to the other hand, which is currently in equal favor. Ker Orundol has a second, secret, employer – Father Dark. To date Ker Orundol has done nothing to risk his job with Ker Holtson, nor has he been asked. Instead, the Gorgon’s manager has passed on useful bits of information to Father Dark and has even distributed certain information on request.
Four days ago Father Dark personally asked Ker Orundol to take on three advisors who were furthering a money-making scheme currently in the making. These swarthy-skinned ‘advisors’ were remarkable in that they nearly identical-looking brothers who had just recently come south through the pass with Baron Roth’s contigent.
Normally this request would have made Ker Orundol nervous, but Quereth Holtson had standing orders to make as many contacts as possible with anyone of means or title. Stev Orundol was able to pass on that he was doing Baron Roth a favor by allowing observers on his premises as a precursor to perhaps opening up business opportunities in the north. Thus he was able to serve two masters.
Stev Orundol would be greatly surprised to know how he was being played by the current events. Fortunately for his peace of mind he was blissfully unaware of how central he was to certain dark and ugly plots.
----
The carriage drove up to The Blue Gorgon and slowed to a quick stop. The four sweating horses hung their heads in fatigue. The source of that fatigue was apparent when the carriage driver opened up the door and three large men stepped out, followed by a white-haired woman.
All were dressed in elegant finery, though their taste in clothing and jewelry was haphazard ad seemingly eclectic. Each of the men was large and in fit condition. While they didn’t wear armor they each bore a sword with the familiarity of long use, and they had a presence and bearing that said they were field soldiers of some sort.
The woman was a white-haired half-elf wearing a striking blue dress with a silken, black cloak and bearing a crystal-topped staff of some white wood. Her taste in jewelry was as equally eclectic as her companions but like them she wore it like it was Imperial regalia.
The four companions looked at each other and made their way up the stairs of the gambling house to the front door, ignoring the curious onlookers.
---
Ker Orundol was on the floor supervising when the four people entered. Balraj, the oldest of his ‘guest advisors’ had shown him their pictures and had named each. Unforunately neither Balraj nor his brothers were here this evening. No one had thought that these four would be here so soon.
No matter. Ker Orundol moved smoothly through the crowd with an unflappable smile. “Welcome to the Blue Gorgon.” He greeted. “Are you here for a game of chance perhaps? We have several excellen tables…” he started to sweep his hand towards the back of the house when he was interrupted by the youngest man.
“Can we just hand over the money now and be done with it?*”
Orundol stumbled to a stop. He wasn’t expecting that. “I’m sorry…?” He asked, somewhat confused. In broad terms he knew that these people were here to gamble and lose money publicly. He wasn’t privy to the details but assumed there was something illegal involved. Regardless, his role was clear and his innoncence had to be maintained.
Gamely, the manager continued. “This is one of the finest gambling establishments in all of Corlean. It’s not normal for people to just ‘give’ us money. They come here to take their chances at a fortune.”
The younger man, Captain Kellron thought Orundol, looked exasperated for a moment but then covered it with a sigh. “Very well. A private room then with some sort of card game. You do have those?”
Orundol paused. This wasn’t what was supposed to have happened, but he was capable of rolling with it. “Certainly sir. Are you sure…”
“Quite.”
“Very well.” The manager brightened with a though. “Let me get you a server. We have several excellent young ladies who are quite quick and accommodating.”
One of the other men, the middle-oldest, who had been surriptiously looking around pointed out a nearby serving girl. “She’ll do. Just show us to the room.”
Orundol looked and saw that it was Semina who was just walking by with a tray of drinks. He almost sighed. She wasn’t the prettiest of his girls and he had no idea of how accomadating she could be – hopefully very accomadating. Still the man had picked her out of the crowd and so was probably attracted to her. Orundol signaled the girl and waved her over.
“Semina, tell Rina that she’s taking over your shift. These folk are your newest responsibility. Please show them upstairs to Jessica’s room. I want you to supply these good people with anything they ask for. Am I clear?”
Semina curtsied. “Yes sir. I’ll take good care of them.” She promised.
Orundol nodded. It would have to do. He looked to the young woman who had accompanied the men, the wizardess Jallarzi. “And you ma’am?” He inquired. “Would you prefer a more… manly server?” He asked delicately.
She looked bored. “No thank you. She’ll be fine.”
“Very well then, I’ll leave you in Jessica’s more than capable hands. Please inquire if you have any questions.” With that Orundol bowed and let Semina take them to the private rooms upstairs.
---
The game was ‘Lord’s Luck’, a fairly simple card game that required more luck than skill, but could still be influenced by both bluff and strategy**. There was a brief period of chaos while they changed out the bag of gems that Kellron laid on the table to gaming tokens. it might have been easier not to bother, for Kellron turned out to not be a very good player.
In about six hours he was down fifteen thousand gold lions. With the sunrise only a few hours off he and his companions decided to call it quits for the night, telling Jessica they would be back the next evening.
The dark-haired dealer smiled prettily and accepted the proffered tip with grace, impressed with their generosity in adversity. Jessica had seen reckless gamblers before and correctly pegged them as neophytes; but she had never seen a new player lose so much so casually or with so much boredom. The next morning all her fellow dealers heard of her newest players, of their generosity and the enormous amount of wealth that they were willing to lose.
---
*Sadly, I don’t recall the exact conversation anymore, but it was more or less along these lines.
**I presumed that all dealers in the house had +10 to Profession (Gambler). The players were making untrained checks vs. Jessica’s every hour. Every point of difference between the opposed check equaled 1,000gp that went to the high roller.
Imruphel said:Hey Seravin,
I'm continuing to really enjoy your posts. Being greedy I'll simply finish with, "MORE PLEASE!!!"
Well, my girlfriend is back after a week-long business trip
- but here's what I've started to put to paper.Thanks for the encouraging words, they do help.
Happy Turkey-day to folks...
Dates and Engagements
As a matter of safety the companions (excepting Kestral who was maintaining her cover) were staying at Sword House. Specifically Lieutenant Jared had received permission to set up their magical hut in the high-walled courtyard behind Sword House. The hut was easily as comfortable as anything the church could provide and allowed a measure of privacy while still granting it the security of the church itself.
This was well and fine for Jared, Kellron, and Aerseleth, but Jallarzi could care less. The journey-wizard was confident in her abilities to protect herself from most any attack and she had things to do. Upon waking up after their less than stellar night of gambling Jallarzi decided to spend her day at the Library.
The lion-headed door knocker greeted Jallarzi as she arrived at the Library with its’ grindingly slow speech. “Yooou haaave a vissssitor, Journey-wizzzard. Massster Shalzerith awaits you in the Bluuue Roooom.” Perhaps Jallarzi suspected, perhaps not, that the knocker had been purposely enchanted to speak thus – a bit of magical humor
Regardless, she sniffed. “Thank you.” Replied the half-elf. “I’ll be right there.”
The Blue Room of the Corlean Library is aptly named, with all the furnishing and fabrics done in various shades of blue, contrasting with the white-washed walls and ceiling. It was one of the most comfortable rooms in the Library and the one most often taken over by the masters when visiting. It is an excellent place to study or just read.
When Jallarzi entered the room she stopped at the doorway and looked over the sole-occupant. She had heard of Master Shalzerith but could not recall anything more specific than that he was an expert on planar creatures.
Seated on the lounge, reading, Master Shalzerith at first glance looked larger then he really was. His immaculate gray master’s robes helped with that illusion, but looking past that Jallarzi could see that the man was perhaps only a few inches taller than herself and quite thin for a human.
The other seeming illusion was that the wizard looked old; his medium-cut, immaculately groomed hair was white as snow in the mage-light of the room. It took Jallarzi a moment before she realized his hair was actually the silver color of a wizard who had used life-extending magics.* She had no doubt that his eyes would bear the steel-gray mark of those same magics. Aware of the signs, the woman quickly noted that the hands holding the book were completely unblemished. As an afterthought Jallarzi finally noticed that the wizard had a droopy moustache, equally as silver as his hair.
At that moment Shalzerith looked up at her entrance and smiled with delight, apparently recognizing her immediately. “Journey-mage Jallarizi! It is so good to finally meet you.” He exclaimed as he set the book aside and gracefully stood up.
Jallarzi saw that her first guess was right. Shalzerith was seemingly ageless and there was no telling how old he actually was. The young journey-wizard bowed as a gesture of respect. “Thank you master. The door guardian said you were waiting for me?”
“Quite so. Quite so.” Agreed Shalzerith, rubbing his hands together. Then gathering himself he came straight to the point. “I was hoping you might do me the honor of having brunch with me. I have a proposition of sorts to discuss with you.”
Jallarzi froze. “I uh..” She stammered, unsure of what to say. There was something in his tone that indicated that his proposition might be more…intimate than business-like. He wasn’t unhandsome, and compared to one of the temporary servers at the Gorgon last night, Shalzerith exuded both confidence and power. “I’m afraid I’m busy this morning, maybe tomorrow?”
“Oh. Of course.” He was obviously disappointed. “I guess this is quite sudden and I am told you are quite the busy woman. Tomorrow would be fine. Shall we meet here then? At this time?”
Jallarzi nodded mutely, then found her voice. “Sure. Meeting here would be fine.”
Shalzerith smiled broadly again. “Excellent!” He retrieved his book and then bowed to Jallarzi, a gesture of respect that masters rarely gave journey-folk. Jallarzi was too distracted to notice. “On the morrow then. I wish you luck in today’s researches.” With that he grabbed his staff that had been leaning against the lounge and left the room.
---
Later that night
The same carriage bore the four companions back to the Blue Gorgon that evening. Again, they were dressed in their finest clothes, augmented with their finest magical baubles. Again, out of courtesy and respect to the traditions of the city more than anything else, the men had decided against wearing their armor, but they were still protected as well they could be without it. Also, they still bore their swords, unwilling to give those up.
As they stepped out of the carriage, Jared touched Kellron’s arm. “Hold up. I want to check something.” With that he pulled out his holy symbol and small vial of ointment. Applying the yellow ointment to his eyelids, Jared invoked a brief prayer to Sarath at the same time.
The priest then surveyed the building with his protected sight, confident that no illusion or enchantment could trick him. No grim demons hovered about the gambling house and the patrons entering and leaving looked normal enough. “It seems safe enough.” He reported.
“For now.” Muttered Kellron. With that, he, Aerseleth, Jared, and Jallarzi climbed up the steps to the door, letting their carriage driver leave for the night.
---
Predictably, Ker Orundol met them as they entered, apparently waiting for them. Nearby were several pretty young servers and the unremarkable, but curiously handsome Semina. “Ah, my good and dear friends!” He called out upon noticing them. “I trust you are here to try your luck again.” He chortled. “Surely your luck can only improve now.” The manager’s voice was pitched to carry over the crowd as he went up to greet the new arrivals. Indeed, Ker Orundol’s voice was heard quite clearly by everyone nearby.
Kellron glared but kept his silence until they were much closer. “Just show us to the same gaming room.” He almost-snapped as he looked around.
“Of course.” Agreed the manager amiably. “I’m sure you’ll prevail over Jessica’s luck this evening.” He then waved to the nearby women and his smile was almost a leer. “Can I provide you fine officers with the fine company of our women this evening?”
Kellron shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. We’ll take the same girl we had last night. What’s her name…Semina.”
“As you wish. I trust that Semia has been most agreeable to your every desire then?”
“Whatever. Just show us the room.”
Ker Orundol snapped his fingers and looked gestured Semina over. “Please show our esteemed guests back to Jessica’s private table and get them anything they would like to drink. It’s the least we can do after all.”
Semina curtsied and turned all her charm on to Kellron. “If you would follow me good sirs?” She invited. With that the handsome-looking woman led them through the crowd and up the stairs to where the private gaming tables were sequestered.
As Ker Orundol had no doubt intended several pairs of eyes watch the the three officers and the white-haired woman ascend the grand stairway.
---
This time there was a guard at the door to the private gaming room. He was a large, burly man with no neck to speak of. His swarthy skin seemed to glint with a bit of sweat, no doubt caused by the the formal clothing he was wearing. No one noticed, but the man was dressed in a style similar to the elaborately formal-dress of the Heralds, though the colors were blue on black. The man’s glittering black eyes surveyed the group with a look of contempt, but he stepped aside without a word to let them pass.
Jared hung back however. “I’ll be right in.” He promised, with a look to the guard. “I just need to speak with the…gentleman here.”
Kellron and Aerseleth nodded, barely looking back while Jallarzi gave him a curious look as she went inside.
Jared waited for the door to close before speaking. “Why are you here?” He demanded.
The contemptuous guard smiled lazily. “Guard duty.” He rumbled out with a deep gravelly voice. “I’m told there’s some money to protect.”
To Jared’s vision a shadow hung about the guard like a shroud. It was as big as an ogre and mostly humanoid, the way a mishappened goblin was a humanoid, though it had large bat-like wings and a whip-thin prehensile tail that darted about like a snake. The creature was unclothed and the priest could see that its body was completely covered with spiky, blood-red scales. It was apparent that no one else saw it like this though. The building would be emptied if they had.
Jared’s pulse quickened as he tried to remember the texts. “Are you here for a fight?” He asked.
Again the man, rather the fiend, smiled. “Only if you are. Would you care to try me?”
Cornugan? Or pit fiend? Thought Jared. Both were large but there was a world of difference between the two. He was leaning towards a pit fiend, but a helpful little voice in the back of his mind suggested the lesser horned devil as a possible alternative.
Gathering himself, the priest shook his head. “No. Not unless you’re here to cause trouble. If that’s the case we’ll send you back immediately.”
The creature sneered. “No need to worry little human. I’m not here to start a fight, but I will finish it if you start one; you have my word on it.”
“This isn’t over.” Promised Jared as he moved to open the door. He trusted the creature not at all, but he didn’t think it spoke a single lie. Regardless, a fight now would cause a lot of death and chaos. Whatever it was, the beast almost certainly could summon hell-flame as well as others of its kind. The thought of random devils appearing in the crowd below almost made him shudder.
Steeling himself, Jared entered the room, letting the devil see his back. The only thing harder than that was trying to figure out whether or not to tell Kellron now or later. Jared didn’t know the paladin well enough to know if Kellron would insist on an immediate fight.
---
Jessica was a dark-haired and dark-eyed woman of moderate looks and exceptional dexterity. The gaming table was hers to command and she knew it. She could deal from the top, bottom, and middle of the deck at whim and all the while make you think you had control. It was her job after all.
She smiled sweetly at the two men and the woman as they entered; noting that one of the men was talking to Ker Orundol’s 'advisor' outside the door. “Good evening, Captain Kellron.” She greeted as they made their way to the chairs around her table. “Ker Orundol said that you would might be back this evening and made sure to stock the private bar up here just in case. You’re to be afforded every liberty.”
Kellron closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Sighing, he gave in. “Thank you.” He looked at Semina and waved towards the bar to the side of the room. “Get me something.” He half-asked/half-ordered.
A few moments later Jared entered and just shook his head at Kellron’s questioning gaze. “I’ll tell you later.” He said.
With that they took their seats. Jessica forbore talking until their drinks were set before all.
“The same game, Captain?” She asked brightly, reaching for her cards.
“Like it matters.” Spoke the soldier. At Jessica’s uncomprehending look, he relented. “The same game would be fine.”
Jared spoke up. “Do you mind if I play the first few rounds?”** He asked.
Kellron shook his head. “Go ahead.” He invited.
Jessica smiled happily and laid the cards out before them for their inspection. She then pulled the small bell-cord next to her. “Let me call Karl up here and he can trade out your gems for chips then.”***
Already waiting for the signal, Karl, the House money-changer was soon there, flanked by his ever-present two guards. He quickly and professionally went through their proffered coins and gems and gave them full value in chips. Just as professionally he left the rooms with much more attentive guards, clutching a largish bag quite tightly in his two arms.
The games then began in earnest.
---
Jessica was a professional dealer and gambler, and her altar to Lady Hyla was the gaming table. Jared was a priest-soldier who won his fights on the battlefield. Over time the outcome was a forgone conclusion, but if they had trusted to the first few hands the priest would have walked away richer than he had came in.
They played for almost seven hours and while Jared won more than a couple hands based on his instinctive grasp of the strategy, Jessica ultimately bled away thirty-five thousand gold lions in markers. When Jared won, he won big. Unfortunately he lost just as big as he won.
Almost like he’s trying to just get it over with. Thought Jessica, thinking they would soon call it a night. The soldiers had lost over twice what they had last night in almost the same amount of time.
She was very surprised when Jared turned to Kellron and spoke somewhat wearily. “I’m getting tired of this. Do you want to take over?”
For the first time that evening a gleam appeared in the captain’s eye. “Sure.” He said agreeably. He then turned to the dealer, pushing their markers towards her. “Can I bet this all on one hand?”
Jessica paused. All the dealers were kept to a limit on what they could lose. She would easily surpass that limit if she accepted and lost. “I’ll have to talk to the manager before I accept.” She temporized.
“Go ahead. We’ll wait.” Offered the captain helpfully.
Jessica pulled the bell-cord again and they quietly waited. Semina helpfully filled everyone’s drinks, providing Jessica with water from a pitcher.
---
Ker Orundol soon arrived and Jessica explained what Kellron had proposed. The manager was obviously taken aback and cast a nervous eye towards the door. Eventually he agreed, but told them that it was the end of Jessica’s day. A new dealer would be up shortly.
The group shrugged indifferently. Jessica looked a little shocked, but only Semina caught her look of betrayal. Semina correctly surmised that Jessica had been hoping for the tip, but was just as relieved to not be responsible for a possible twenty-thousand lion loss. The pretty dealer needn’t have worried though, for Jared made a show of providing her the same tip as she had received the night before.
Ker Orundol then leaves with Jessica and the House winnings, bidding the companions to wait. A short while later an older gentleman arrives, dressed in the blue on black colors of the gambling house. His dark hair is starting to go gray, giving his beard a salt and pepper appearance. His gray eyes look over the four friends with a fair amont of curiosity as he takes his place at the dealer’s seat.
“Good evening, folks. My name is Dok****. I’m told you want to bet it all in a single hand.”
Kellron nodded. “That’s right. It looks to be about twenty-thousand.” He offered helpfully.
Dok nodded thoughtfully as he eyed the markers. He then took and spread the cards out for everyone’s inspection. Once everyone was satisfied, the dealer gathered up the cards and began shuffling them expertly. “Lord’s Luck?” He asked lazily as he began to deal.
Two minutes later it was all over and the Blue Gorgon was another twenty-thousand gold lions richer.
---
Ker Stev Orundol couldn’t be happier as Dok came down the stairs with a sack of markers in his hand a somewhat incredulous air about him. The dealer held in his hand what would be an incredibly good take at any time, but was apparently less than a third of what the House had already won from just this one group.
Orundol went upstairs quickly to see to his guests. As Father Dark had promised, he had just brought in seventy-fve thousand gold lions in tow nights. He never thought a single patron would lose that at his establishment – the bulk of that in a single night no less.
Briefly he wondered what sort of money laundering scheme was going on. Orundol still couldn’t figure how Father Dark was going to get his cut of the money. He dismissed the thoughts as he approached the private room and its sullen-looking guard.
“Balraj.” Orundol greeted his advisor again for the third time that night. The manager was always careful to be polite around the burly ‘advisor’. There was something about the man that could unfailing scare him if he thought about him for too long.
“Orundol. Your dealer did good and fleeced them honestly.”
“Ahem. Yes. So I’m told. I was going to see if they wanted to continue gaming.”
An evil looking grin passed the man’s face, like a scar of lightning against storm clouds. “Heh. I’ll be interested in their answer.”
With that Balraj turned and opened up the door and let the manager in.
---
“I’m told you’ve finished gambling?” Asked Ker Orundol as he entered the room.
Kellron waved his hand over the empty gaming table. “As you can see we have no money left.” Despite having lost so much money, there was no trace of bitterness in his voice, just a plain matter-of-fact quality, like saying ‘water is wet’.
Jared eyed the guard just outside the door, behing the manager. “Given how it is so late, we were hoping you could provide a couple rooms. Maybe for free. It’s a little late to go back home at this time of night.
“Of course. I’ll see to it at once. Do you wish to go downstairs and mingle?”
“We’ll stay here until the rooms are ready.”
“Of course.” Repeated the manager, a little disappointed. “I’ll have someone fetch you once the rooms are ready.” With that, Orundol turned and left the room, closing the door behind himself.
Certain that they were alone, except for Semina, Jared turned to Kellron. “I’ve been holding back. That guard out there is a devil of some sort. I think it might be a pit fiend, but I don’t know. I didn’t want to start a fight with the crowd out there though.”
They all started at Jared’s pronouncement. Before they could formulate any questions, Jared continued speaking. “I think it’s here to give us our ‘reward’ for losing the money. I’d like a few minutes to speak with it before we decide to do anything else.”
Kellron and Aerseleth exchanged glances with each other while Jallarzi and Semina did the same.
Kellron nodded. “Okay. Five minutes unless we hear a fight break out.”
Jallarzi murmured her agreement also.
Aerseleth kept his counsel to himself. For now Kellron was the scion of the blade and he decided the strategy. Kestral as Semina also remained quiet, keeping in character.
Jared invoked a discern lies prayer and then exited the room to confront the devil. Semina then walked up quietly to the closed door and laid her ear against it to listen in as well as she could.
---
The devil sneered at Jared as the priest exited the room and closed the door behind himself “I’m told you had some tough luck.” Commiserated the fiend.
Jared ignored the remark, looking the speaker over carefully. His spell of true seeing had long since expired so now he saw only the guise of the man. The disguise seemed perfect. “I’m told you have something of ours.” He said finally.
“Me? Have something of yours? I’ve never even met you before today.”
“Two days ago we received a letter that said something of value would be returned to us if we lost seventy-five thousand gold lions here.”
The devil snorted. “And you believed it? Perhaps you found humility. I’m told poor people have that. Or maybe you gained some good sense. Gambling is for people who like to lose money.”
Jared’s voice was as cold as ice as he responded. “The only thing that’s preventing an all out attack on you right now is that we think we’re going to get our friend back.” He looked the devil in the eye. “Can you or can’t you provide this?”
The beast paused, not the least bit worried, but under orders not to start the fight. “I do not personally hold what you seek. I can however send a messenger to the person who does. If you wait here until…sun-up say, you’ll have what you seek.”
Jared’s divination against lies revealed no falsehood. “We’ll wait for you.” He promised, turning his back on the devil for the second time that evening, to enterthe private room and let his friends know what was going on.
---
Four long hours passed. Instead of going to their prepared rooms they passed the time in the gaming room; not trusting anyone or thing in the gambling house. Kestral, as Semina, stayed with them, keeping her cover.
The room didn’t have a window, but they were able to mark the time from the lamps and occasionally peeking out into the main room. Not that it did them much good other then allow them to pass the time estimating just how much time had passed.
Eventually the sun came up though and shortly thereafter there was a gentle tapping at the door. Aerseleth looked up at the noise and made sure everyone else had heard it before opening the door. A woman stood there in the blue on black colors of the house. Holding the woman’s hand was a blonde-haired little girl, perhaps all of five years old.
Kestral almost gasped out loud. The little girl was Erica, Beth’s adopted sister. The woman mastered herself though and looked the girl over. Erica looked healthy enough and she was dressed in clean, if not so fancy, clothes.
The wide-eyed little girl looked into the room with a fair amount of trepidation. Clutched in her free hand was a small, black wooden box, carved with images of leering faces. She looked over them all and finally picked out Kellron. She held the evil-looking box out. “This is for you lord.” She offered.
Kellron got up and walked over to the little girl. Kneeling down he accepted it. “Thank you.” He reached for his pouch and then realized he was broke. “Anyone have a coin?” He asked.
Jallarzi fished out a gold lion and passed it off to Kellron who gave it to the girl.
Erica accepted it, her eyes growing even wider as she realized what it was.
Kellron looked to the girl’s escort. “See that she gets breakfast and that she keeps that coin.” He told her. Unspoken was a warning against thievery.
The woman understood the unspoken threat completely. The rumors of this group had been running around for the last two days; and she had seen them leave earlier this evening in a righteous rage that she had no wish to inflict upon herself. The woman left quickly, bowing respectfully.
Shortly thereafter the four companions left the Blue Gorgon. Semina checked in with the floor manager and then left by way of the servant's entrance. Soon enough they would all meet at Sword House.
---
*It’s been a staple of this world that all wizards have silver hair and gray eyes. I’ve since modified it to wizards who have used potions of longevity or consistently use 9th level spells.
**Jared’s player noted that profession skills were Wisdom based. He intended to win a bit and get back some of their own. He almost succeeded, but the multiple rolls were against him.
***I had forgotten about this. Almost all of their treasure had been converted to something more portable than 150k in gold. I just assumed the gaming house would have an appraiser on hand to value possible gems/jewelry proffered as a stake. It made it simpler.
****Yeah. It was a bad name, but at least it didn’t start with a ‘J’. I decided that the House would use only their best dealer for a single, high-stakes hand, so I decided that Dok had Profession (Gambler) +15.
As a matter of safety the companions (excepting Kestral who was maintaining her cover) were staying at Sword House. Specifically Lieutenant Jared had received permission to set up their magical hut in the high-walled courtyard behind Sword House. The hut was easily as comfortable as anything the church could provide and allowed a measure of privacy while still granting it the security of the church itself.
This was well and fine for Jared, Kellron, and Aerseleth, but Jallarzi could care less. The journey-wizard was confident in her abilities to protect herself from most any attack and she had things to do. Upon waking up after their less than stellar night of gambling Jallarzi decided to spend her day at the Library.
The lion-headed door knocker greeted Jallarzi as she arrived at the Library with its’ grindingly slow speech. “Yooou haaave a vissssitor, Journey-wizzzard. Massster Shalzerith awaits you in the Bluuue Roooom.” Perhaps Jallarzi suspected, perhaps not, that the knocker had been purposely enchanted to speak thus – a bit of magical humor
Regardless, she sniffed. “Thank you.” Replied the half-elf. “I’ll be right there.”
The Blue Room of the Corlean Library is aptly named, with all the furnishing and fabrics done in various shades of blue, contrasting with the white-washed walls and ceiling. It was one of the most comfortable rooms in the Library and the one most often taken over by the masters when visiting. It is an excellent place to study or just read.
When Jallarzi entered the room she stopped at the doorway and looked over the sole-occupant. She had heard of Master Shalzerith but could not recall anything more specific than that he was an expert on planar creatures.
Seated on the lounge, reading, Master Shalzerith at first glance looked larger then he really was. His immaculate gray master’s robes helped with that illusion, but looking past that Jallarzi could see that the man was perhaps only a few inches taller than herself and quite thin for a human.
The other seeming illusion was that the wizard looked old; his medium-cut, immaculately groomed hair was white as snow in the mage-light of the room. It took Jallarzi a moment before she realized his hair was actually the silver color of a wizard who had used life-extending magics.* She had no doubt that his eyes would bear the steel-gray mark of those same magics. Aware of the signs, the woman quickly noted that the hands holding the book were completely unblemished. As an afterthought Jallarzi finally noticed that the wizard had a droopy moustache, equally as silver as his hair.
At that moment Shalzerith looked up at her entrance and smiled with delight, apparently recognizing her immediately. “Journey-mage Jallarizi! It is so good to finally meet you.” He exclaimed as he set the book aside and gracefully stood up.
Jallarzi saw that her first guess was right. Shalzerith was seemingly ageless and there was no telling how old he actually was. The young journey-wizard bowed as a gesture of respect. “Thank you master. The door guardian said you were waiting for me?”
“Quite so. Quite so.” Agreed Shalzerith, rubbing his hands together. Then gathering himself he came straight to the point. “I was hoping you might do me the honor of having brunch with me. I have a proposition of sorts to discuss with you.”
Jallarzi froze. “I uh..” She stammered, unsure of what to say. There was something in his tone that indicated that his proposition might be more…intimate than business-like. He wasn’t unhandsome, and compared to one of the temporary servers at the Gorgon last night, Shalzerith exuded both confidence and power. “I’m afraid I’m busy this morning, maybe tomorrow?”
“Oh. Of course.” He was obviously disappointed. “I guess this is quite sudden and I am told you are quite the busy woman. Tomorrow would be fine. Shall we meet here then? At this time?”
Jallarzi nodded mutely, then found her voice. “Sure. Meeting here would be fine.”
Shalzerith smiled broadly again. “Excellent!” He retrieved his book and then bowed to Jallarzi, a gesture of respect that masters rarely gave journey-folk. Jallarzi was too distracted to notice. “On the morrow then. I wish you luck in today’s researches.” With that he grabbed his staff that had been leaning against the lounge and left the room.
---
Later that night
The same carriage bore the four companions back to the Blue Gorgon that evening. Again, they were dressed in their finest clothes, augmented with their finest magical baubles. Again, out of courtesy and respect to the traditions of the city more than anything else, the men had decided against wearing their armor, but they were still protected as well they could be without it. Also, they still bore their swords, unwilling to give those up.
As they stepped out of the carriage, Jared touched Kellron’s arm. “Hold up. I want to check something.” With that he pulled out his holy symbol and small vial of ointment. Applying the yellow ointment to his eyelids, Jared invoked a brief prayer to Sarath at the same time.
The priest then surveyed the building with his protected sight, confident that no illusion or enchantment could trick him. No grim demons hovered about the gambling house and the patrons entering and leaving looked normal enough. “It seems safe enough.” He reported.
“For now.” Muttered Kellron. With that, he, Aerseleth, Jared, and Jallarzi climbed up the steps to the door, letting their carriage driver leave for the night.
---
Predictably, Ker Orundol met them as they entered, apparently waiting for them. Nearby were several pretty young servers and the unremarkable, but curiously handsome Semina. “Ah, my good and dear friends!” He called out upon noticing them. “I trust you are here to try your luck again.” He chortled. “Surely your luck can only improve now.” The manager’s voice was pitched to carry over the crowd as he went up to greet the new arrivals. Indeed, Ker Orundol’s voice was heard quite clearly by everyone nearby.
Kellron glared but kept his silence until they were much closer. “Just show us to the same gaming room.” He almost-snapped as he looked around.
“Of course.” Agreed the manager amiably. “I’m sure you’ll prevail over Jessica’s luck this evening.” He then waved to the nearby women and his smile was almost a leer. “Can I provide you fine officers with the fine company of our women this evening?”
Kellron shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. We’ll take the same girl we had last night. What’s her name…Semina.”
“As you wish. I trust that Semia has been most agreeable to your every desire then?”
“Whatever. Just show us the room.”
Ker Orundol snapped his fingers and looked gestured Semina over. “Please show our esteemed guests back to Jessica’s private table and get them anything they would like to drink. It’s the least we can do after all.”
Semina curtsied and turned all her charm on to Kellron. “If you would follow me good sirs?” She invited. With that the handsome-looking woman led them through the crowd and up the stairs to where the private gaming tables were sequestered.
As Ker Orundol had no doubt intended several pairs of eyes watch the the three officers and the white-haired woman ascend the grand stairway.
---
This time there was a guard at the door to the private gaming room. He was a large, burly man with no neck to speak of. His swarthy skin seemed to glint with a bit of sweat, no doubt caused by the the formal clothing he was wearing. No one noticed, but the man was dressed in a style similar to the elaborately formal-dress of the Heralds, though the colors were blue on black. The man’s glittering black eyes surveyed the group with a look of contempt, but he stepped aside without a word to let them pass.
Jared hung back however. “I’ll be right in.” He promised, with a look to the guard. “I just need to speak with the…gentleman here.”
Kellron and Aerseleth nodded, barely looking back while Jallarzi gave him a curious look as she went inside.
Jared waited for the door to close before speaking. “Why are you here?” He demanded.
The contemptuous guard smiled lazily. “Guard duty.” He rumbled out with a deep gravelly voice. “I’m told there’s some money to protect.”
To Jared’s vision a shadow hung about the guard like a shroud. It was as big as an ogre and mostly humanoid, the way a mishappened goblin was a humanoid, though it had large bat-like wings and a whip-thin prehensile tail that darted about like a snake. The creature was unclothed and the priest could see that its body was completely covered with spiky, blood-red scales. It was apparent that no one else saw it like this though. The building would be emptied if they had.
Jared’s pulse quickened as he tried to remember the texts. “Are you here for a fight?” He asked.
Again the man, rather the fiend, smiled. “Only if you are. Would you care to try me?”
Cornugan? Or pit fiend? Thought Jared. Both were large but there was a world of difference between the two. He was leaning towards a pit fiend, but a helpful little voice in the back of his mind suggested the lesser horned devil as a possible alternative.
Gathering himself, the priest shook his head. “No. Not unless you’re here to cause trouble. If that’s the case we’ll send you back immediately.”
The creature sneered. “No need to worry little human. I’m not here to start a fight, but I will finish it if you start one; you have my word on it.”
“This isn’t over.” Promised Jared as he moved to open the door. He trusted the creature not at all, but he didn’t think it spoke a single lie. Regardless, a fight now would cause a lot of death and chaos. Whatever it was, the beast almost certainly could summon hell-flame as well as others of its kind. The thought of random devils appearing in the crowd below almost made him shudder.
Steeling himself, Jared entered the room, letting the devil see his back. The only thing harder than that was trying to figure out whether or not to tell Kellron now or later. Jared didn’t know the paladin well enough to know if Kellron would insist on an immediate fight.
---
Jessica was a dark-haired and dark-eyed woman of moderate looks and exceptional dexterity. The gaming table was hers to command and she knew it. She could deal from the top, bottom, and middle of the deck at whim and all the while make you think you had control. It was her job after all.
She smiled sweetly at the two men and the woman as they entered; noting that one of the men was talking to Ker Orundol’s 'advisor' outside the door. “Good evening, Captain Kellron.” She greeted as they made their way to the chairs around her table. “Ker Orundol said that you would might be back this evening and made sure to stock the private bar up here just in case. You’re to be afforded every liberty.”
Kellron closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Sighing, he gave in. “Thank you.” He looked at Semina and waved towards the bar to the side of the room. “Get me something.” He half-asked/half-ordered.
A few moments later Jared entered and just shook his head at Kellron’s questioning gaze. “I’ll tell you later.” He said.
With that they took their seats. Jessica forbore talking until their drinks were set before all.
“The same game, Captain?” She asked brightly, reaching for her cards.
“Like it matters.” Spoke the soldier. At Jessica’s uncomprehending look, he relented. “The same game would be fine.”
Jared spoke up. “Do you mind if I play the first few rounds?”** He asked.
Kellron shook his head. “Go ahead.” He invited.
Jessica smiled happily and laid the cards out before them for their inspection. She then pulled the small bell-cord next to her. “Let me call Karl up here and he can trade out your gems for chips then.”***
Already waiting for the signal, Karl, the House money-changer was soon there, flanked by his ever-present two guards. He quickly and professionally went through their proffered coins and gems and gave them full value in chips. Just as professionally he left the rooms with much more attentive guards, clutching a largish bag quite tightly in his two arms.
The games then began in earnest.
---
Jessica was a professional dealer and gambler, and her altar to Lady Hyla was the gaming table. Jared was a priest-soldier who won his fights on the battlefield. Over time the outcome was a forgone conclusion, but if they had trusted to the first few hands the priest would have walked away richer than he had came in.
They played for almost seven hours and while Jared won more than a couple hands based on his instinctive grasp of the strategy, Jessica ultimately bled away thirty-five thousand gold lions in markers. When Jared won, he won big. Unfortunately he lost just as big as he won.
Almost like he’s trying to just get it over with. Thought Jessica, thinking they would soon call it a night. The soldiers had lost over twice what they had last night in almost the same amount of time.
She was very surprised when Jared turned to Kellron and spoke somewhat wearily. “I’m getting tired of this. Do you want to take over?”
For the first time that evening a gleam appeared in the captain’s eye. “Sure.” He said agreeably. He then turned to the dealer, pushing their markers towards her. “Can I bet this all on one hand?”
Jessica paused. All the dealers were kept to a limit on what they could lose. She would easily surpass that limit if she accepted and lost. “I’ll have to talk to the manager before I accept.” She temporized.
“Go ahead. We’ll wait.” Offered the captain helpfully.
Jessica pulled the bell-cord again and they quietly waited. Semina helpfully filled everyone’s drinks, providing Jessica with water from a pitcher.
---
Ker Orundol soon arrived and Jessica explained what Kellron had proposed. The manager was obviously taken aback and cast a nervous eye towards the door. Eventually he agreed, but told them that it was the end of Jessica’s day. A new dealer would be up shortly.
The group shrugged indifferently. Jessica looked a little shocked, but only Semina caught her look of betrayal. Semina correctly surmised that Jessica had been hoping for the tip, but was just as relieved to not be responsible for a possible twenty-thousand lion loss. The pretty dealer needn’t have worried though, for Jared made a show of providing her the same tip as she had received the night before.
Ker Orundol then leaves with Jessica and the House winnings, bidding the companions to wait. A short while later an older gentleman arrives, dressed in the blue on black colors of the gambling house. His dark hair is starting to go gray, giving his beard a salt and pepper appearance. His gray eyes look over the four friends with a fair amont of curiosity as he takes his place at the dealer’s seat.
“Good evening, folks. My name is Dok****. I’m told you want to bet it all in a single hand.”
Kellron nodded. “That’s right. It looks to be about twenty-thousand.” He offered helpfully.
Dok nodded thoughtfully as he eyed the markers. He then took and spread the cards out for everyone’s inspection. Once everyone was satisfied, the dealer gathered up the cards and began shuffling them expertly. “Lord’s Luck?” He asked lazily as he began to deal.
Two minutes later it was all over and the Blue Gorgon was another twenty-thousand gold lions richer.
---
Ker Stev Orundol couldn’t be happier as Dok came down the stairs with a sack of markers in his hand a somewhat incredulous air about him. The dealer held in his hand what would be an incredibly good take at any time, but was apparently less than a third of what the House had already won from just this one group.
Orundol went upstairs quickly to see to his guests. As Father Dark had promised, he had just brought in seventy-fve thousand gold lions in tow nights. He never thought a single patron would lose that at his establishment – the bulk of that in a single night no less.
Briefly he wondered what sort of money laundering scheme was going on. Orundol still couldn’t figure how Father Dark was going to get his cut of the money. He dismissed the thoughts as he approached the private room and its sullen-looking guard.
“Balraj.” Orundol greeted his advisor again for the third time that night. The manager was always careful to be polite around the burly ‘advisor’. There was something about the man that could unfailing scare him if he thought about him for too long.
“Orundol. Your dealer did good and fleeced them honestly.”
“Ahem. Yes. So I’m told. I was going to see if they wanted to continue gaming.”
An evil looking grin passed the man’s face, like a scar of lightning against storm clouds. “Heh. I’ll be interested in their answer.”
With that Balraj turned and opened up the door and let the manager in.
---
“I’m told you’ve finished gambling?” Asked Ker Orundol as he entered the room.
Kellron waved his hand over the empty gaming table. “As you can see we have no money left.” Despite having lost so much money, there was no trace of bitterness in his voice, just a plain matter-of-fact quality, like saying ‘water is wet’.
Jared eyed the guard just outside the door, behing the manager. “Given how it is so late, we were hoping you could provide a couple rooms. Maybe for free. It’s a little late to go back home at this time of night.
“Of course. I’ll see to it at once. Do you wish to go downstairs and mingle?”
“We’ll stay here until the rooms are ready.”
“Of course.” Repeated the manager, a little disappointed. “I’ll have someone fetch you once the rooms are ready.” With that, Orundol turned and left the room, closing the door behind himself.
Certain that they were alone, except for Semina, Jared turned to Kellron. “I’ve been holding back. That guard out there is a devil of some sort. I think it might be a pit fiend, but I don’t know. I didn’t want to start a fight with the crowd out there though.”
They all started at Jared’s pronouncement. Before they could formulate any questions, Jared continued speaking. “I think it’s here to give us our ‘reward’ for losing the money. I’d like a few minutes to speak with it before we decide to do anything else.”
Kellron and Aerseleth exchanged glances with each other while Jallarzi and Semina did the same.
Kellron nodded. “Okay. Five minutes unless we hear a fight break out.”
Jallarzi murmured her agreement also.
Aerseleth kept his counsel to himself. For now Kellron was the scion of the blade and he decided the strategy. Kestral as Semina also remained quiet, keeping in character.
Jared invoked a discern lies prayer and then exited the room to confront the devil. Semina then walked up quietly to the closed door and laid her ear against it to listen in as well as she could.
---
The devil sneered at Jared as the priest exited the room and closed the door behind himself “I’m told you had some tough luck.” Commiserated the fiend.
Jared ignored the remark, looking the speaker over carefully. His spell of true seeing had long since expired so now he saw only the guise of the man. The disguise seemed perfect. “I’m told you have something of ours.” He said finally.
“Me? Have something of yours? I’ve never even met you before today.”
“Two days ago we received a letter that said something of value would be returned to us if we lost seventy-five thousand gold lions here.”
The devil snorted. “And you believed it? Perhaps you found humility. I’m told poor people have that. Or maybe you gained some good sense. Gambling is for people who like to lose money.”
Jared’s voice was as cold as ice as he responded. “The only thing that’s preventing an all out attack on you right now is that we think we’re going to get our friend back.” He looked the devil in the eye. “Can you or can’t you provide this?”
The beast paused, not the least bit worried, but under orders not to start the fight. “I do not personally hold what you seek. I can however send a messenger to the person who does. If you wait here until…sun-up say, you’ll have what you seek.”
Jared’s divination against lies revealed no falsehood. “We’ll wait for you.” He promised, turning his back on the devil for the second time that evening, to enterthe private room and let his friends know what was going on.
---
Four long hours passed. Instead of going to their prepared rooms they passed the time in the gaming room; not trusting anyone or thing in the gambling house. Kestral, as Semina, stayed with them, keeping her cover.
The room didn’t have a window, but they were able to mark the time from the lamps and occasionally peeking out into the main room. Not that it did them much good other then allow them to pass the time estimating just how much time had passed.
Eventually the sun came up though and shortly thereafter there was a gentle tapping at the door. Aerseleth looked up at the noise and made sure everyone else had heard it before opening the door. A woman stood there in the blue on black colors of the house. Holding the woman’s hand was a blonde-haired little girl, perhaps all of five years old.
Kestral almost gasped out loud. The little girl was Erica, Beth’s adopted sister. The woman mastered herself though and looked the girl over. Erica looked healthy enough and she was dressed in clean, if not so fancy, clothes.
The wide-eyed little girl looked into the room with a fair amount of trepidation. Clutched in her free hand was a small, black wooden box, carved with images of leering faces. She looked over them all and finally picked out Kellron. She held the evil-looking box out. “This is for you lord.” She offered.
Kellron got up and walked over to the little girl. Kneeling down he accepted it. “Thank you.” He reached for his pouch and then realized he was broke. “Anyone have a coin?” He asked.
Jallarzi fished out a gold lion and passed it off to Kellron who gave it to the girl.
Erica accepted it, her eyes growing even wider as she realized what it was.
Kellron looked to the girl’s escort. “See that she gets breakfast and that she keeps that coin.” He told her. Unspoken was a warning against thievery.
The woman understood the unspoken threat completely. The rumors of this group had been running around for the last two days; and she had seen them leave earlier this evening in a righteous rage that she had no wish to inflict upon herself. The woman left quickly, bowing respectfully.
Shortly thereafter the four companions left the Blue Gorgon. Semina checked in with the floor manager and then left by way of the servant's entrance. Soon enough they would all meet at Sword House.
---
*It’s been a staple of this world that all wizards have silver hair and gray eyes. I’ve since modified it to wizards who have used potions of longevity or consistently use 9th level spells.
**Jared’s player noted that profession skills were Wisdom based. He intended to win a bit and get back some of their own. He almost succeeded, but the multiple rolls were against him.
***I had forgotten about this. Almost all of their treasure had been converted to something more portable than 150k in gold. I just assumed the gaming house would have an appraiser on hand to value possible gems/jewelry proffered as a stake. It made it simpler.
****Yeah. It was a bad name, but at least it didn’t start with a ‘J’. I decided that the House would use only their best dealer for a single, high-stakes hand, so I decided that Dok had Profession (Gambler) +15.
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Imruphel said:
Thanks.
Things start to get a whole lot more complicated now. It was starting with this section that my game notes became longer - but I'm still finding that I'm recalling things that never got written down. :\
As will become apparent, things start to become complex. Let me know if something doesn't make sense.
RedShirtNo5
First Post
Seravin, just delurking to say this is getting better and better, and still providing lots of inspiration/fodder for thought on my campaign. I'm also realizing that I need to go back and reread a large section of your SH. I think I follow it, but need to refresh my memory.
Now, I have to ask
?
For the past few months I had my group on a side-trek to investigate a second kidnapping scheme run out of a small city a week's travel from Thurmaster. This was mostly so that they would have enough experience to reach 5th level before getting into the guts of Book 2. But now the party has followed this plot path into a second entrance to the underdark. So now I need to start tying the two threads together. In addition,
.
Now, I have to ask
is Balraj connected to the pit fiend from Book 3
For the past few months I had my group on a side-trek to investigate a second kidnapping scheme run out of a small city a week's travel from Thurmaster. This was mostly so that they would have enough experience to reach 5th level before getting into the guts of Book 2. But now the party has followed this plot path into a second entrance to the underdark. So now I need to start tying the two threads together. In addition,
one encounter has been with a succubus, who will provide alot of interesting opportunities for mischief in the city, as well as a connection to the demonic group from Book 3
Redshirt,
To answer your question - sort of. There's no direct connection.
.
I like your tie-in with the second set of kidnappers and I hope it goes well. I wish I had thought of it myself actually.
It just so happens my group got interested later on in the rumors of additional kidnappers and decided to side-trek it themselves. In their case it was because they weren't comfortable with any of their other choices in the 3rd book, so they made their own. At least it allowed me to explore where all the
were coming from.
Imruphel, thanks for the encouragement.
In my defense I had to aquire two certifications for work this month and then the holiday's happened.
I'm hoping to post something on Kellron's new criminal record by Friday or Saturday.
To answer your question - sort of. There's no direct connection.
However, as it will hopefully become apparent, there is a connection of a sort. Balraj's boss is an ally to the pit fiend in the 3rd book
I like your tie-in with the second set of kidnappers and I hope it goes well. I wish I had thought of it myself actually.
It just so happens my group got interested later on in the rumors of additional kidnappers and decided to side-trek it themselves. In their case it was because they weren't comfortable with any of their other choices in the 3rd book, so they made their own. At least it allowed me to explore where all the
giants
Imruphel, thanks for the encouragement.
In my defense I had to aquire two certifications for work this month and then the holiday's happened.
I'm hoping to post something on Kellron's new criminal record by Friday or Saturday.
Huh. So that's what a database failure and no backup looks like. 
My theory is that the board somehow 'knew' that Piratecat and Sep were going to post this week and the anticipation killed it.
Fortunately I logged in this morning to see if ENWorld was up and caught Spoony Bard's message and had enough forethought to grab my cached posts from Google. The only thing I lost was my Story Hour Index info. I'll have to see if I saved that somewhere.
The following posts were originally posted from Jan 1, 2006 - April 30th, 2006.
At the end of the repeats I'll put in a final post that I'm done.
I'm only reposting what I originally put up - keeping the quotes as they were.
My theory is that the board somehow 'knew' that Piratecat and Sep were going to post this week and the anticipation killed it.
Fortunately I logged in this morning to see if ENWorld was up and caught Spoony Bard's message and had enough forethought to grab my cached posts from Google. The only thing I lost was my Story Hour Index info. I'll have to see if I saved that somewhere.
The following posts were originally posted from Jan 1, 2006 - April 30th, 2006.
At the end of the repeats I'll put in a final post that I'm done.
I'm only reposting what I originally put up - keeping the quotes as they were.
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