Part 2: On the Job: Session 4

[15:49] <@Daroskt> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:49] <@Daroskt> ~~~Chapter 1: Shadow in the Sky~~~
[15:49] <@Daroskt> \Part 2: On the Job/
[15:49] <@Daroskt> -Session 4-
[15:49] <@Daroskt> The first couple days after the fiasco at the 'Cheat the Devil' gambling tournament, the Gold Goblin remains closed while Larur the floor manager seeks out some new bouncers and waitresses, and the remaining staff works on getting the place back in order and fixed up. During this time, Saul gives the party a tour of the facilities
[15:49] <@Daroskt> In addition to what they had already seen, Saul takes them up to the security catwalks that pass overtop of the gambling floor, the kitchen, the private dining rooms, the wine cellar, the scullary, and even to the Octahedron, a sand covered fighting pit in the lower level where Bojask wrestles beasts for wagers.
[15:51] <@Daroskt> The Octahedron is a sandpit arena where, 2 nights a week, a beast wrestling performance is held. Wagers can be placed, and spectators pay a 1 silver piece cover charge.
[15:51] * Katarina keeps quiet throughout the tours, just taking in the strange-- to her at least-- facilites.
[15:52] * Raam_Pitfighter looks at the sandpit, and wonders if maybe one day he will be in there showing everyone his strength.
[15:53] * Daroskt notably does not approve of beast wrestling for sport, but does not say anything for the sake of not jeopardizing his new arrangement. He had work to do, and while there were many others probably studying the phenomenon as well, he meant to do so from a different angle than the one usually approached by scholars.
[15:56] <@Daroskt> During those first couple days, the party has a chance to get to know Saul's other staff members. They are primarily acquainted with Larur Feldin, the dwarven floor manager. As Saul himself is often away for business purposes, Larur oversees most of the Goblin's day-to-day operations and duty assignments. Since the party were hired as special consultants, he gives them free reign on where to assign themselves when doing normal work at the Goblin.
[15:57] * Katarina decides to watch out for those attempting to cheat at the games, when she is not required at another post. She is... unsure where else she might fit in.
[15:58] * Daroskt prefers to avoid direct confrontation when possible, and joins Katarina in the rafters for support.
[15:59] * Raam_Pitfighter watches for puny men who would attempt to cheat at these games.
[15:59] <@Daroskt> After two days of repairs and restaffing, the Gold Goblin reopens for business, allowing the party to perform their daily duties there. Outside of that, Saul allows them to come and go as they please, so long as they remained available in case he had any more specific assignments for them.
[16:04] <@Daroskt> Each of the party members seems to have the eyes of a hawk, with each of them managing to catch a cheater in the act and have them removed from the hall.
[16:04] <@Daroskt> Later that evening...
[16:07] <@Daroskt> Whilst the party members are going around the floor, the door swings open to admit a gaggle of surly sailors. They look quite drunk and are very loudly complaining about the tournament a few nights earlier, saying the house cheated them and that they hadn't been able to win back their losses. They quickly draw some whispered complaints from other patrons.
[16:08] * Katarina frowns, and being on the catwalk, nudges Daroskt. "P-perhaps w-we should ask them to leave?"
[16:09] * Daroskt looks to Katarina, "They seem drunk, so I'm not certain they will listen to much reason. Not that I've ever been all that skilled at talking anyways."
[16:10] * Raam_Pitfighter looks at Kat with a sinister smile "Ask? HA, I think it would be better suited if we threw them out on the street where they belong."
[16:11] * Katarina sighs. "B-but... w-we don't always need to fight..."
[16:12] * Daroskt nods, "As much as I'm reluctant to admit it, that tends to be the case with drunks. Although," he notes, looking to Raam, "if we are to fight them, at least try to extricate them in one piece."
[16:12] * Raam_Pitfighter "Maybe we don't, but what's the fun in life if you can't spill a bit of your opponents blood?"
[16:12] * Raam_Pitfighter "I don't need my weapon for these fools."
[16:14] * Katarina scratches her head. "I-I c-could probably r-remove them without my weapons as well... if it comes to that."
[16:14] * Daroskt looks to Katarina, "I don't suppose you have blunt headed arrows or something, do you?"
[16:14] * Katarina shakes her head. "N-no... I do not."
[16:15] * Daroskt nods, "Maybe put some of you first week's wage towards that then. If we killed everyone who came into a place like this drunk, it really wouldn't speak well of us or our employer."
[16:17] * Raam_Pitfighter looks at the drunks with a smile, for it has been a little too long since his last fight.
[16:18] * Daroskt looks to Raam, "Well, why don't you handle it then. I imagine you have at least some skill with your fists. If needed, Katarina and I can offer support from up here, but I imagine you won't need it."
[16:20] * Katarina frowns. "I-I c-could help... If I-I can't fire arrows, th-then I should help... I could tackle them a-and tie them up..."
[16:20] * Raam_Pitfighter "You offer any help you can while I go and destroy these whelps."
[16:20] * Daroskt smirks, "Great plan, glad you thought of it." He whispers to Katarina, "Stay up here. I imagine we shoudl let him get a bit of his lust for violence sated."
[16:22] * Katarina shakes her head. "B-but if they cause trouble... I-I should help."
[16:24] * Daroskt nods, "You can help from up here, where they cannot reach. Besides, if he is as strong as he looks, he can probably handle four drunks by himself."
[16:24] * Katarina sighs and nods, drawing her bow should the need for it arise.
[16:25] * Raam_Pitfighter hops over the catwalk so that he can be on the floor with the drunks.
[16:26] <@Daroskt> Raam lands with a house shaking Thud on the floor 20ft below. The drunken sailors are noticeably startled by the brute dropping down in front of them.
[16:30] * Katarina blinks and mentally groans, mumbling as the half-giant jumps off of the catwalk. "Raam is going to get killed at this rate..."
[16:30] <@Daroskt> Raam should have just taken the stairs, and his attempted jump ends with him falling flat on his ass. The Drunken Sailors' quickly switch their tune from shaken to laughing.
[16:31] <@Daroskt> Each of the sailors draws a shortsword and points it at Raam
[16:36] * Daroskt shakes his head, "I'm not healing that unless they actually hurt him. The fall was his own bloody fault."
[16:37] * Katarina frowns, drawing an arrow aiming her bow at the nearest sailor's foot, letting it fly.
[16:38] <@Daroskt> The sailor's foot is pierced by the arrow, causing him to yelp in pain and then faint.
[16:40] <@Daroskt> The three remaining sailors roar and rush Raam angrily
[16:44] <@Daroskt> The first sailor manages to cut Raam along the side, the second flails about, not aiming very well, while the third comes close, but his sword is strangely pushed away by Raam's metal armour.
[16:44] * Daroskt blinks at the near miss, "That's... odd."
[16:46] * Raam_Pitfighter "You bastards think you can hurt RAAM PITFIGHTER?"
[16:47] * Daroskt looks to Katarina, "I cannot heal him unless I can touch him, I'm going to start heading down. You pick them off from up here like the first one."
[16:47] * Daroskt gets up and begins moving down the catwalks towards the stairs to the first floor.
[16:49] * Katarina nods to Daroskt.
[16:56] * Raam_Pitfighter stands up after jumping down from the second floor and turns on the opponents with a rage like no other.
[16:59] <@Daroskt> Raam slams the sailor who cut him in the face with a fist the size of a barstool. The blow sends him reeling, breaking his nose, his jaw, and knocking several teeth out. He's flat out cold and sprawled on his back.
[17:01] * Katarina readies another arrow, aligning her aim with a second sailor's foot, letting her arrow fly.
[17:03] <@Daroskt> Katarina's arrow embeds itself in the floor.
[17:03] <@Daroskt> The two sailors, bellies full of drink, have no intention of backing down without a fight. They once again try to stab at Raam, although his raging and standing makes it a bit more difficult.
[17:06] <@Daroskt> One of the sailors slips past, but the other one manages to land a blow, worsening Raam's wounds
[17:07] * Daroskt moves with as much haste as he can muster ti get downstairs
[17:08] * Raam_Pitfighter looks at his wounds and only now realizes that his jump from the catwalk down was a horrible choice.
[17:10] * Raam_Pitfighter looks at the closest enemy to him and gets ready to slug this one, hopefully as hard as the last.
[17:12] <@Daroskt> Raam's blow manages to land, just barely. It seemed the same odd force that was messing with the sword swings of the sailors was also making it hard for Raam to swing his fists in his breastplate. His raw strength however, is more than enough to drop the other sailor.
[17:15] * Katarina frowns as she nocks her third arrow, whispering to Desna, "Please... hit." The arrow flies from the longbow, aimed at the last sailor's foot.
[17:15] <@Daroskt> Desna apparently had her attention focused elsewhere, as the arrow hits the floor.
[17:16] <@Daroskt> The last remaining Sailor doesn't seem to have noticed that his companions are all spent, and continues slashing at Raam
[17:16] <@Daroskt> He doesn't manage to land a hit though
[17:17] * Daroskt finally manages to make it to the ground floor. He comes up to Raam and places a hand on the worst of his wounds, clutching his holy symbol and muttering in that strange language again.
[17:18] <@Daroskt> Raam's wounds close, but he's still somewhat beaten and bloodied.
[17:18] * Daroskt grumbles to Raam, "That's all I had prepared to day. Hopefully the bruises will teach you a lesson about long falls."
[17:21] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to the last enemy and smiles wickidly "You ready to fall just like the rest?" And while saying this he is readying yet another punch.
[17:25] <@Daroskt> Raam delivers a gut wrenching blow to the mans chest, the audible cracks of his sternum and several ribs breaking as he flies clear across the gabling floor and right out the door. His shortsword hits the ground a moment later.
[17:25] * Daroskt sighs, "Glad that's over with. Take their weapons and toss them out, and next time don't make stupid jumps from the catwalk."
[17:26] * Raam_Pitfighter "That'll teach you to mess with RAAM."
[17:27] * Raam_Pitfighter turns to face Daroskt and pulls out his weapon.
[17:28] * Daroskt shrugs and gathers up their swords and any gold the drunks might have on them. He manages to collect 17 gold pieces, as well as the four Short-Swords. He leaves their armour on, figuring at least they might learn something from that rather nasty beating. He looks up to Raam. "What are you doing?"
[17:28] * Katarina sighs, about to sling her bow... until she sees Raam_Pitfighter pull his weapon on Daroskt. She aims an arrow down at Raam, ready to fire if he attacks.
[17:30] * Raam_Pitfighter roars as loud as he can and then thrusts his weapon into the ground and looks at both Daroskt and Kat and says "You two have fought valiantly by my side, and I cannot ask for anything more so I thank you with the most honor I can give."
[17:31] * Daroskt blinks and stands up. That was not what he had been expecting at all. "I see. Well... you're welcome. Just try not to pull any stupid stunts like jumping the catwalks again."
[17:31] * Katarina raises an eyebrow, slightly confused as she slings her bow.  She starts to make her way down the catwalk.
[17:32] <@Daroskt> A couple minute after the drunks are extricated, the gambling hall gets back to normal, and the bizarre magnetic field dissipates, allowing for full freedom of movement again.
[17:33] * Daroskt points to Raam's sword, "You might want to take that out though, before we get charged for repairing the floor."
[17:34] * Katarina nudges Daroskt as she reaches the ground floor, looking around for her arrows. "D-did you take the arrow out of the s-sailor's foot?"
[17:35] * Daroskt smirks, "No. I'm hoping it will serve as a lesson when they wake up. If they wake up, Raam hit them ridiculously hard."
[17:35] * Raam_Pitfighter "HAHAHAHA, you might be right, these puny humans don't make floors hard enough for my liking." While saying this he takes the sword out of the ground and puts it back where it belongs, on his back
[17:35] * Daroskt mentally notes not to piss Raam off, considering the man's sword was larger than the half-orc.
[17:35] * Raam_Pitfighter "looking forward to it."
[17:37] * Katarina nods, and thinking she should probably get back to her post, starts to move back towards the catwalk.
[17:37] <@Daroskt> The night goes on without further incident, allowing the party to take some rest. The following Day, Saul approaches them and happily notes that their efforts have helped the Golden Goblin regain its losses from the interrupted tournament. He pays them each 10gp and hopes for another lucrative week to follow.
[17:41] <@Daroskt> Saul also makes a public announcement from the podium at the center of the gambling floor. "These three fine fellows are my new partners in business. Now then, in light of the events of last night, I am instigating a policy against any further criminal lawlessness on my premeses. If there is anyone here who is spying for my enemies, know this: Any further hostilities against me, my business or my employees shall be met with force."
[17:42] * Katarina nods meekly at the statement, though probably isn't the best show of force as she shies away from the attention.
[17:44] <@Daroskt> Saul continues, "As well, considering what happened, I am instituting a no-weapons policy. Henceforth, patrons of the Gold Goblin will be required to check their weapons at the door."
[17:45] <@Daroskt> Saul points to Larur, "Your belongings will be kept secure in the cashier's cage, and returned to you upon your departure." His statements are met with a smattering of applause, but mostly grumbling.
[17:46] <@Daroskt> A few days later...
[17:51] <@Daroskt> The party, maintaining their vigilant observation from up in the security catwalks are, surprisingly, joined by Saul. He acts non-chalant at first, making a bit of smalltalk, but then draws the attention of his 'business partners' to one person in particular.
[17:52] <@Daroskt> The indicated man, sitting at the 'Golem' table, is rather bulky and has short hair, along with a permanent sneer plastered on his face, as well as a gold medalion on a chain hanging from his neck. Noticably, many other patrons are giving him a wide birth and eyeing him nervously as well.
[17:56] * Katarina raises an eyebrow, looking down to the man. "Wh-who is he? Wh-why's everyone so nervous?"
[17:57] * Daroskt keeps an eye on the man, "His face seems familiar... but I can't seem to put my finger on it."
[17:57] * Raam_Pitfighter "is that the man you told us of?"
[17:59] <@Daroskt> Saul nods, "That man is none other than Clegg Zincher, one of Riddleport's crimelords, and most likely the one responsible for my troubles on the night of the tournament. He turned in his weapon and hasn't broken any house rules, so I've no intention of throwing him out, but he is not known to be a gambler."
[18:00] * Raam_Pitfighter "maybe he would like to gamble how hard my fist will hit his face."
[18:01] * Katarina shakes her head. "W-we'll keep an eye on him."
[18:03] * Daroskt looks to Raam, "Bad idea. We give this guy trouble without any proof, his whole syndicate falls on us. He's a crime-lord- for a reason."
[18:07] <@Daroskt> Saul nods, "As I said, if he doesn't cause trouble, I won't either, but do keep an eye on him just in case."
[18:09] * Daroskt nods and keeps watch over the out of place Crimelord.
[18:09] <@Daroskt> Saul raps his fingers against the catwalk railing, "He's not known to be a gambler, so it's likely he's here to check out my operation, or possibly send a message to me of some sort."
[18:09] * Katarina does the same, unslinging her bow, though not aiming yet.
[18:11] <@Daroskt> As the party keeps watch over Clegg, he plays a few hands of golem before standing up and collecting his gear to depart. He leaves a generous 20gp tip with the bouncer, "Split that with Saul's new 'friends', with my best wishes." He then departs.
[18:11] <@Daroskt> The sneer never leave's Clegg's face as he speaks.
[18:12] * Katarina frowns, her suspicions rising.
[18:13] * Daroskt relaxes a bit when Clegg leaves, "Shall we go down and get our tip then?" The man was most defintely suspicious, but apparently all he had been doing was scouting for the time being.
[18:13] * Raam_Pitfighter "is the man trying to intimidate me?"
[18:14] * Daroskt stands up and passes Saul, heading for the gambling floor.
[18:14] * Katarina follows behind Daroskt.
[18:16] * Daroskt looks back to Raam, "Not so much intimidate as investigate it seems. At least he was... marginally civil."
[18:16] * Raam_Pitfighter follows Kat.
[18:17] * Raam_Pitfighter "just because he is civil doesn't mean he doesn't have bad intentions."
[18:17] * Katarina nods. "R-right... surely h-he is 'investigating' for s-something... a-and it can't be good."
[18:17] <@Daroskt> As the party reaches the ground floor, Larur ambles up to them. He gives them each five gold pieces from the 'tip'. "Clegg Zincher sends 'is regards. Not that they're wort much."
[18:19] * Katarina nods as she places the gold into her pocket.
[18:19] * Daroskt takes his share and nods, "He didn't do anything yet, so it looks like he's just looking. For now anyways."
[18:19] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to Kat "Let them investigate all they want, it won't matter none when my sword is in their chest."
[18:20] <@Daroskt> Larur chuckles loudly, "Dat's not a bad idea, but Saul won't allow it until 'e can prove anytin'. Can't go up agin a crime lord unless ya got serious stones, or a small army."
[18:21] * Raam_Pitfighter "small army? I AM A SMALL ARMY!"
[18:22] * Katarina wouldn't associate the word small with Raam in any circumstance, but she gets his point.
[18:22] * Daroskt rolls his eyes, "No, you're a big-"
[18:23] <@Daroskt> Daroskt's comment is interrupted by a shriek, as one of the scullery maids comes running down the hall. "Help! HELP! A big snake's got inta the kitchen!"
[18:24] * Raam_Pitfighter "You afraid of a snake puny one?"
[18:24] * Katarina blinks. Snake? She quickly arms herself to help the maid, running towards the kitchen with her greatsword out.
[18:25] * Daroskt pulls out his Scimitar and heads to the kitchen as well. He glowers at Raam, "Not all of us are as fearless as you, now let's take care of this before any of our coworkers get hurt.
[18:25] * Raam_Pitfighter follows quickly behind with a smile on his face and a sword in his hands.
[18:27] <@Daroskt> Upon arriving in the Scullery, the party can see that the snake already struck, with one of the kitchen helpers laying unconscious on the floor, the snake raising itself up for another bite. The snake itself is a fairly large. red cindersnake, at least 5ft long.
[18:27] * Raam_Pitfighter turns his head to regard Daroskt "Fearless, ha, I may be big but I do fear one and only one thing in this world, being fearless is stupidity."
[18:28] * Daroskt actually gains a little respect for Raam at that coment, then looks to the snake. "I'm gonna try something. If it doesn't work, go ahead and lop it's head off."
[18:29] * Raam_Pitfighter "puny snake I could rip its head off with my bare hands."
[18:30] * Daroskt clutches his holy symbol and raises his hand to the snake, muttering again in that strange language he spoke.
[18:30] * Katarina notes that she could easily shoot an arrow into its head to reduce risk...
[18:32] <@Daroskt> The snake follows the motions of Daroskt's hand, looking far less aggressive suddenly.
[18:32] * Daroskt smirks and whispers something to the snake in a completely different language, causing the snake to come up to him. "It worked."
[18:32] * Raam_Pitfighter "humph, seems as though you did a good job, but I'd prefer to have its blood on me."
[18:33] * Katarina blinks in surprise. "A-alright... g-good job."
[18:34] * Daroskt looks to the other two. He first lays his hand on the wounded scullery maid in order to stabilize her, then looks to the other two. "Katarina, see if you can find a hold or something that might have let it in. Raam, take her to a bed to rest. I'll dispose of the snake." After stabilizing the maid, he beckons to the snake, whispering the woodland language to it, and causing it to follow him away.
[18:34] * Raam_Pitfighter "HAHAHA, why do you stutter little one?" "Must Raam show you that not everything should be feared?"
[18:35] * Katarina frowns at Raam's words, her shoulders slumping as starts to search the kitchen for any sign of entry.
[18:37] <@Daroskt> As Raam carries off the Scullery maid and Daroskt leads the snake away under his charm, Katarina finds a scrap of paper underneath an overturned washtub. It contains a crude drawing of Saul, and a note:
[18:37] * Raam_Pitfighter leans over to pick up the tiny maid and slumps her over his shoulder and try's to find the nearest bed to put her in.
[18:38] <@Daroskt> "Looking to go two for two Saul? Pack up, get out of town, and you'll be fine!" The drawing notably has Saul missing his other hand.
[18:38] <@Daroskt> -End Session-
[18:38] <@Daroskt> Rewards: 4 Cr 1/2, 1 CR 1
[18:39] <@Daroskt> 395 Experience each