Part 1: Cheat the Devil, Take his Gold: Session 3

[15:40] <@Daroskt> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:40] <@Daroskt> ~~~Chapter 1: Shadow in the Sky~~~
[15:40] <@Daroskt> -Session 3-
[15:41] <@Daroskt> "Well, that's an odd question... ah. Well, I'm afraid I don't, as I said, not one for magic and such. However, if you two don't have any place pressing to be, perhaps you'd like to join me for a drink upstairs? I would be interested in a recounting of your apprehension of the culprits, if nothing else."
[15:42] <@Daroskt> As Saul speaks with the PCs, his few remaining staff members go about cleaning up the floor and putting things away. There are three of them, two humans and a dwarf.
[15:42] * Katarina nods. "S-sure... though I was blinded a-at the time... I d-didn't see the others..."
[15:43] <@Daroskt> Saul blinks in surprise, "You managed to take down Angvar and his ycloptic strumpet while blinded? That is astounding!"
[15:44] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow, "You know the name of the assailant?"
[15:48] * Katarina smiles and nods her head meekly at the compliment, raising her eyebrow at realizing what Daroskt asked.
[15:49] <@Daroskt> Saulo nods, "Yes, I know who he is, at least now that I got to take a look at him. I'm not sure abotu his vixen, but Angvar himself is well known amongst the crimelords of Riddleport, to whom I used to belong. He's often called upon for strong arm jobs. His presence here suggests that one of those crimelords was responsible for this heist."
[15:51] <@Daroskt> Saul lets out a bit of a sigh, "I might have been at first tempted to seek protection from the Crimelords in light of tonight's events, but with this revelation, I do not think that would be wise. As well, I'm far too old to get mixed up in all of that again." He looks to the two heroes before him though with a slight twinkle in his eyes, "However, a mutually beneficial opportunity may have just arisen, if you'd be interested in heari
[15:52] <@Daroskt> -in hearing me out."
[15:54] * Katarina looks to Daroskt. He knows more about the city than she does... "Wh-what do you think?"
[15:55] * Daroskt is intrigued, "Is this proposal a job offer? I admit, that's something new from where I'm standing."
[15:57] <@Daroskt> Saul chuckles, "Well, why don't you join me upstairs and we'll discuss this." He calls over to the dwarf employee gathering coffers, "Larur, would you mind grabbing a bottle of wine from the cellar to share with these fine folks? Oh, and when you join us upstairs, wake Bojask. I picked the wrong night to give him off."
[15:58] <@Daroskt> The dwarf nods and sets the coffers down at the cashier cage, "Cer'ainly sir." However, before he gets a chance to head to the cellar, a heavy pounding comes at the door. Saul titls his head, then motions for the dwarf to answer it. "Perhaps the Gendarmes managed to apprehend some of the fleeing culprits already."
[15:58] <@Daroskt> The dwarf opens the door to admit...
[16:00] * Katarina looks to the door. That was loud...
[16:01] * Raam_Pitfighter Walks into the room, and looks at all the people on the inside of this tiny establishment.
[16:03] * Raam_Pitfighter a tall Half-Giant, standing at 7'8" with gray skin, similar to the color of slate, with dark red eyes, muscles toned, and black hair.
[16:04] * Daroskt slowly reaches for his Greataxe, certain this was more trouble coming.
[16:04] * Raam_Pitfighter is wearing Breastplate armor, stained with blood, and a Large Greatsword strapped to his back.
[16:05] * Raam_Pitfighter "What was this Gamblin Tournament that I've heard so much about."
[16:05] * Katarina blinks and her eyes widen. She quickly gets into a defensive stance as she draws her greatsword, shaking nervously. "B-b-b-big...."
[16:06] <@Daroskt> Saul blinks at the enormous man standing in his hall, "Well sir, I'm afraid you've missed it. Although..." he sizes the man up, "If it's coin your interested in, I might have a job for you. I've recently found myself rather painfully shorthanded."
[16:06] * Daroskt lets his hand fall back to his side. Apparently it was just an oaf with a poor sense of time.
[16:06] <@Daroskt> *you're
[16:07] * Katarina is still frozen in a defensive stance.
[16:07] * Raam_Pitfighter ignoring the tiny human "BAH, ALL I WANTED WAS TO USE THE REST OF MY PARENTS GOLD!!"
[16:09] <@Daroskt> Saul motions to Katarina, "I'm not familiar with this man, but..." the shouting shakes the rafters. "Goodness, that's a powerful set of pipes. Are you certain you aren't interested? I think you'd be exactly the kind of muscle I need."
[16:09] * Raam_Pitfighter snickers while saying "But, if there is killing to be done on this job of yours then I'll take part, no matter the coin."
[16:10] * Katarina whimpers, she is sure this giant is bad news...
[16:10] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to the human "What are you so afraid of litle gurl?"
[16:11] <@Daroskt> Saul blinks, "Well... that's a start I suppose. Why don't you join us upstairs?" He resumes hobblign towards the stairs, with Larur the dwarf heading back to the cellar for that wine.
[16:11] * Daroskt isn't quite sure he's keen on working with a blood-stained barbarian who seems to have a thing for killing.
[16:11] * Katarina looks around nervously... she is the only 'little girl'... "Uhm...Y-you?"
[16:12] * Daroskt places a hand on Katarina's shoulder, "Peace Katarina. He has not come with weapon drawn, so we should at least give him a chance. Apparently he is simply not very good with keepign time."
[16:12] * Raam_Pitfighter gets into the human girl's face and says "If I were you, I wouldn't be puttin your puny weapon up against me like that, might give a man the wrong idea."
[16:13] * Daroskt frowns, "And you should not speak like that to a friend of mine, lest -I- get the wrong idea." Chip the boar moinks approvingly from atop his shoulder. He's still a foot shorter than Raam though.
[16:14] * Katarina whimpers, her lip trembling as the smelly giant draws near. She takes some solace in Daroskt's words, putting her greatsword back in its scabbard. "O-okay..."
[16:14] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to half-Orc, "HAHAHAHAHAHA, You don't scare me."
[16:15] * Daroskt shakes his head, "Intimidation was not my intention. I was merely expressing concern for my friend's well being."
[16:17] * Raam_Pitfighter "Well-being?, you actually think that I want to bring harm to her?" says under his breath "Well maybe I do."
[16:17] * Katarina subtly (not likely, with her shaking) moves behind Daroskt, hiding.
[16:19] * Raam_Pitfighter looks around "Now I have forgotten why I was here."
[16:19] <@Daroskt> Saul calls from the top of the stairs, "You're here to listen to a job offer." he taps his cane a touch impatiently
[16:20] * Raam_Pitfighter "AH YES, the puny human needs MY assistance."
[16:20] * Katarina quickly rushes up to Saul, eager to get far away from the giant.
[16:20] * Daroskt turns away from him and heads up the stairs as well, not really caring if the Giant followed or not.
[16:21] * Raam_Pitfighter follows the two upstairs, wondering if his sword will be able to taste blood once more.
[16:23] <@Daroskt> The two heroes of the evening and the blood-stained half-giant are led to a sitting room on the second level. A pair of plush but worn suede couches are positioned near a low end table. Saul himself is now seated in a worn but still rather nice looking armchair. He has gotten a fire going in the hearth.
[16:24] * Raam_Pitfighter "Do you have any Orchish Mead?"
[16:24] <@Daroskt> Saul grasps a pull cord near the fireplace that sounds a bell. A few minutes later, Larur, the dwarf, comes in with the offered bottle of wine. He looks to the large man, "I thought a nice wine would be suitable for the evening, but if you'd prefer someting stronger, I can have it brought up."
[16:25] * Katarina walks over to the couch nearest to the fire, sitting on the farthest end of it. As far away from Raam_Pitfighter as possible.
[16:26] * Daroskt snorts. Orcish mead tasted like piss. The wine would be an interesting experience though. He takes a seat next to Katarina, "The wine will be fine for us, thank you."
[16:27] * Raam_Pitfighter "What are you snorting about little one?"
[16:27] * Katarina nods. "W-wine?" She mumbles, "I-I've never tried wine..."
[16:27] <@Daroskt> Saul nods, "I might have a cask, Larur, could you go check please? As well, bring Bojask, Hans and Beyar up here as well, Since they were willing to stay, I felt they should be here to hear out my terms as well."
[16:28] * Raam_Pitfighter "NEVER TRIED WINE? What a weak human."
[16:28] <@Daroskt> The dwarf nods, "O'course sir." He strides off to go and check.
[16:28] * Katarina frowns and her shoulders slump.
[16:29] * Daroskt is liking this Half-Giant less and less. He looks to Katarina, "Nor have I, it shall be an interesting experience."
[16:30] * Raam_Pitfighter never takes a seat, and instead decides that standing will be more preferable than sitting.
[16:30] <@Daroskt> Saul pours them each a glass and sets them on the table. "Now, since you two were of great help this evening, I'd first like to offer you a bit of a reward. You are welcome to keep anything you claimed from the aprehended thieves, and if you have any house chips left, I'll cash them out for 150%."
[16:32] * Katarina scratches her head. "W-we already coined in our chips..." She shrugs and sighs, taking her glass of wine and trying a sip. It's bitter, but... she likes it, taking another small sip.
[16:32] <@Daroskt> Saul chuckles, "I'll have Larur check the ledgers and pay up the difference then."
[16:33] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow, "Awfully charitable for someone who was just robbed and lost most of his staff."
[16:33] * Raam_Pitfighter "May I take the rest of that wine?"
[16:33] * Raam_Pitfighter "I haven't had a good drink in weeks."
[16:34] <@Daroskt> Saul shrugs and pushes the wine bottle to him. At least he seemed to be a simple fellow. He looks to Daroskt, "It's nto really so much Charity as it is an... incentive to hear me out."
[16:36] <@Daroskt> A few moments later, the dwarf returns with a large mug of mead that he sets before Raam. He also is accompanied by three humans, one of which is someone the Party hadn't met yet. He's a burly man with both eyebrows pierced and a heavy brow, who looks like he's been woken from drunk-sleep.
[16:37] * Raam_Pitfighter takes the bottle of wine and drinks it in one gulp.
[16:37] * Raam_Pitfighter "OO, Is that the mead?"
[16:38] <@Daroskt> Saul gestures to them, "Now, for some proper introductions. You probably know who I am already, and these are my employees. The drunk there is Bojask, my personal bodyguard, the dwarf is my trusted friend and financial overseer, Larur Feldin, and those two in the back are Hans and Beyar, my last two bouncers."
[16:38] <@Daroskt> Each of the employees nods when acknolwedged and Larur nods to Raam, "It is, although ye shulda try dwarvish mead sometime. Far better brew."
[16:38] * Katarina nods, still sipping some of her wine. "I-I'm Katarina."
[16:39] * Raam_Pitfighter takes the mug and drinks it as fast as he can.
[16:39] * Daroskt nods, "Daroskt, humble servant of Gozreh." He then looks to Raam for an introduction, along with everyone else
[16:40] * Raam_Pitfighter puffs his chest and states boldly, "I am RAAM Pitfighter, name earned from my first battle with my tribe, son of Goreg Ramhead."
[16:41] <@Daroskt> Saul chuckles, "Most impressive. I am very pleased to meet you all." He then waves his good hand to dismiss the other employees. "Now, shall we get down to business?"
[16:42] * Raam_Pitfighter "I can ask for nothing more than to get on to my next hunt."
[16:42] <@Daroskt> Larur thinks he's going to have to challenge Raam to a drinking contest at some point, but leaves with the others. Bojask trips on his way out but quickly picks himself up
[16:44] <@Daroskt> Saul nods, "Now then, as I have already said, I am a former gang leader from the old days of this city. However, in spite of the status of the current crime lords, my career was anything but lucrative. In the end, it cost me my family, my wealth, my health, and finally my hand." He holds up the key-like protrusion from his left wrist stump.
[16:44] * Katarina nods, finishing her glass of wine and looking-- disappointedly-- at the empty wine bottle Raam drank.
[16:44] * Daroskt offers Katarina his glass, having only taken a couple sips.
[16:45] * Katarina brightens up, giving Daroskt an appreciative smile as she takes the glass, sipping on it for now.
[16:46] <@Daroskt> Saul sighs and continues, "With my wife dead, my sons exiled and my fortune squandered, I had little recourse left. However, I am too old to relocate or turn again to a life of crime, and instead scraped together what I could, eventually scrounging up enough to purchase this hall and refurbish it with the hopes of gaining a modestly profitable venture."
[16:51] * Katarina nods, listening to Saul's tale with undivided attention. Of course, she continues to sip her wine, finishing her glass quite quickly.
[16:51] * Daroskt nods, "But that plan seems to have gone out the window now that most of your staff has quit."
[16:52] * Raam_Pitfighter still standing, and listening but cares very little of sympathy for ones family as they mean nothing to Raam.
[16:53] <@Daroskt> Sauls shakes his head, "Perhaps, but I've no intention of cowing to those responsible. It will not likely be difficult to replace a few bouncers and waitresses, but you three I can tell are somethign special." That twinkle returns to his eyes. "As I said, my recognition of Angvar, who has been contracted by most if not all the city's crimelords at one point or another, suggests old enmities are not laying dormant."
[16:53] <@Daroskt> Saul smirks, "You three are a very impressive lot, and I believe you are just the help I need to turn my fortunes around."
[16:54] * Daroskt never actually knew his family, but had a mentor that was like a father to him once. He listens on with a touch of sympathy for the old man.
[16:55] * Raam_Pitfighter looks in complete interest now that there is a possibility of killing someone "Are we to kill this Angvaer?"
[16:55] * Katarina feels a touch of sympathy, though only feels pain as she remembers her own parents...
[16:55] * Raam_Pitfighter licks his lips in the thought of killing another so soon after his last kill.
[16:58] <@Daroskt> Saul shakes his head, "Not presently, the Gendarmes have him and his trollop in custody. However, that leads me to my proposition to the three of you." He clears his throat a bit before continuing, "I would like to offer you the position of specialists and juniour partners in my venture."\
[17:02] * Raam_Pitfighter "What do you want us to do?"
[17:02] * Katarina raises her eyebrow. "A-and, wh-what would that be, specifically?"
[17:03] * Daroskt looks to Saul as well, "What would our duties me?"
[17:04] <@Daroskt> Saul smirks, "Well, on the front you would at the Gambling hall, advertisers, croupiers..." he looks to Raam,"Bouncers. However, that will just be a cover. What I really want you for is to act as my personal bodyguards, messengers and consultants."
[17:05] * Raam_Pitfighter "SO WE ARE SPYS?"
[17:07] <@Daroskt> Saul nods, "In a sense. I've no desire to get mixed up in the world of crime again, but that also means keeping them out of my world, which will be the primary reason for your aid. I'm will to offer you ten gold pieces a week, along with a slice of the Hall's profits."
[17:07] <@Daroskt> *willing
[17:09] * Katarina frowns, mumbling to Daroskt. "Th-the city is kind of... run-down. I'm not sure I wouldn't prefer the forest... Wh-what do you think?"
[17:10] <@Daroskt> Saul ponders, "I'll sweeten the deal. This hall may not be an inn, but it does have a few rooms. I'll throw in room and board for free."
[17:11] * Raam_Pitfighter "We are all to share one room?"
[17:11] <@Daroskt> Saul shakes his head, "There would be sufficent space for you each to have your own if desired." He cocks an eyebrow at Katarina and Daroskt, wondering if they wanted to 'share' a room.
[17:12] * Raam_Pitfighter "GOOD, Raam Pitfighter will not share a room with these two."
[17:12] <@Daroskt> Saul grins, "Does that mean you accept?"
[17:13] * Katarina doesn't catch on to Saul's eyebrow raising, and she wouldn't know what to make of it if she did. She nods lightly. "O-okay..." She frowns at the giant. She wouldn't want to share a room with him either.
[17:13] * Raam_Pitfighter "However, I feel this is not of importance right now, Let us talk about what we are to do now."
[17:15] * Daroskt nods, "I have never had the chance to hold down a steady employment before. Lucrativeness aside, I do have something I wanted to start looking into, and some funding for the research would be useful."
[17:16] <@Daroskt> Saul nods to that, "You're welcome to do whatever you fancy on your own time so long as you take care of your duties here."
[17:17] * Katarina nods. "I-I think that would w-work then... I accept." She looks down to her wine glass. "D-do you have m-more?"
[17:18] * Raam_Pitfighter snickers at the idea of doing anything he may fancy during his free time.
[17:18] <@Daroskt> Saul smiles and stomps his cane in lieu of clapping. "Wonderful. I'll have Larur bring up another bottle and inform him of our arrangement. After that, I'd be glad to offer you a tour of the rest of the hall."
[17:21] <@Daroskt> Saul rings the bell, and Larur comes in a few minutes later with another bottle, which Saul pours out three more glasses, one for himself, and one each for Daroskt and Katarina. He holds the rest of the bottle unless Raam asks for it.
[17:22] * Raam_Pitfighter "No drink for me?"
[17:22] * Katarina smiles, sipping on her wine a little bit more eagerly, enjoying its taste.
[17:22] <@Daroskt> Saul passes him the bottle, "Don't worry about it, you don't drink anymore than Bojask does."
[17:23] * Raam_Pitfighter "Ha, maybe we can see who falls over dead first with too much wine in their body."
[17:23] * Raam_Pitfighter grabs the bottle and again drinks it in one gulp.
[17:24] <@Daroskt> Saul takes a moment to talk to Larur about the new employment arrangements, also asking the dwarf to see about hiring some new bouncers and barmaids to repalce those that quit. He gives the PCs tiem to finish their drinks before tapping his cane again for their attention.
[17:25] <@Daroskt> Katarina may have only had three glasses of wine, but having no pre-developed tolerance, falls to the floor
[17:26] <@Daroskt> Saul blinks at this in surprise. "Well... perhaps the tour can wait, and I can just show you to your rooms."
[17:26] * Raam_Pitfighter "HAHAHA THE PUNY HUMAN CAN'T HANDLE HER WINE."
[17:26] * Katarina mumbles and tries to cuddle with the floor. It was such a nice floor...
[17:26] * Raam_Pitfighter "Would you like me to carry her to her room?"
[17:27] * Daroskt shakes his head and props Katarina up, "I will escort her thank you." He nods to Saul who then proceeds to lead the party to the rooms he offered them.
[17:28] * Raam_Pitfighter "HA, I can only hope that you will drop over drunk with her in your care then."
[17:29] * Katarina latches onto Daroskt's arm, ready to 'follow' in a haze, half-asleep already.
[17:29] * Daroskt has no idea how to take that comment, so he just shrugs it off
[17:30] * Raam_Pitfighter follows Daroskt.
[17:33] <@Daroskt> Saul leads the party back downstairs, across the gambling floor over to the guest area atrium, which is floored in white marble, although the hallway and rooms beyond only have cheap, ragged carpeting over planketed wooden floors.
[17:35] * Katarina is still half-stumbling, using Daroskt as a support. She has no idea where she's going.
[17:35] <@Daroskt> Saul gestures to the centerpiece of the atrium, a marble statue of a woman with an arm missing, claiming it to be an ancient, historical piece. The guest rooms themselves, of which there are six in total, are simply furnished but comfortable looking, each with a double-bed and dresser, as well as a table, chair and fireplace.
[17:36] * Daroskt takes Katarina into the first room and sets her down on top of the bed, then steps out and shuts the door behind him before looking into each of the other guest rooms. Since they were more or less the same, he takes the one next to hers.
[17:36] * Katarina yawns and cuddles her pillow as she quickly falls asleep, tired from the day.
[17:37] * Raam_Pitfighter looks around "WHERE IS MY ROOM? CLEARLY THESE ROOMS ARE NOT FIT FOR A MAN OF MY STATURE!"
[17:38] * Daroskt frowns at Raam, "They were graciously offered to us. if you don't like it, go somewhere else."
[17:38] <@Daroskt> A double bed is typically fir for two average sized people, so Raam would fit in one width-wise, although his feet may dangle over the egde unless he curls himself up
[17:39] * Raam_Pitfighter "You dare tell me where to go?"
[17:40] * Daroskt rolls his eyes, "You my friend are far too confrontational." He slips into his own room and disrobes for bed. It was very strange to be sleeping wit ha roof over his head.
[17:41] * Raam_Pitfighter "hmph, Puny man has no balls."
[17:42] * Raam_Pitfighter walks into his room realizing that this half-orc is not worth his time, as he could cut him in half in one slice of his sword.
[17:45] <@Daroskt> \End Part 1/
[17:45] <@Daroskt> -End Session-
[17:45] <@Daroskt> Rewards: No CRs.
[17:46] <@Daroskt> Story Bonus: Completion of Part 1; 200 Experience