Part 2: On the Job: Session 5

[15:43] <@Daroskt> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:44] <@Daroskt> ~~~Chapter 1: Shadow in the Sky~~~
[15:44] <@Daroskt> -Session 5-
[15:44] <@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.
[15:45] * Daroskt is outside, leading the charmed snake away and down to the sewers.
[15:46] * Raam_Pitfighter is on his way back from finding a bed for the passed out maid.
[15:47] <@Daroskt> As Daroskt is maintaining his spell, a strange purple haze surrounds the space where his magical energy is being channeled. The haze doesn't seem to effect the spell, but hangs in the air for a few seconds before dissipating and drifting upwards.
[15:48] * Katarina frowns at the note, picking it up and heading out the door straight to Saul. She nudges Daroskt on the way, showing him the note. "T-trouble."
[15:48] * Raam_Pitfighter "Ah, darn human can't stand the poison."
[15:49] * Daroskt watches the Haze dissipate, then turns back to Katarina, "So it would seem." He looks at the note and frowns, "It would seem our benefactor's concerns were correct. The question is how; we kept our eyes on him the entire time."
[15:51] * Raam_Pitfighter walks back in to see Daroskt talking to Kat.
[15:51] * Katarina nods, still walking to find Saul. "W-well... I'm s-sure he has other wizards... he probably had one of th-them help."
[15:51] * Raam_Pitfighter "What'cha two blabering about?"
[15:52] * Daroskt nods, "Or it could have just been someone else who slipped by our notice."
[15:52] * Raam_Pitfighter "RAAM DOESN'T LIKE BEING IGNORED!"
[15:53] * Daroskt looks to Raam, then points him to the note, "It would seem Saul's concerns about today's important 'guest' were warranted." He looks back to Katarina, "Should we show Saul or keep this to ourselves?"
[15:53] * Katarina blinks and whimpers. "L-l-loud..."
[15:53] <Katarina> "W-we should show Saul."
[15:53] * Raam_Pitfighter "hmph, Threats eh? Humans never know how to follow up such threats."
[15:55] * Daroskt nods and looks up, "He was just up in the catwalks with us, so he should still be around."
[15:56] * Raam_Pitfighter "Better be, I don't like men who run at the sign of bad news."
[15:56] * Raam_Pitfighter smiles "or I'll have to show him some new danger."
[15:57] * Daroskt rolls his eyes and goes to find Saul.
[15:57] * Katarina shakes her head, following behind Daroskt.
[15:59] <@Daroskt> Saul is found making his way back to the gaming floor, hobbling along on his cane, "I heard screaming. Is everything well?"
[16:01] * Katarina walks to Saul to show him the note, holding it out timidly.
[16:02] * Raam_Pitfighter "Look at the threat this puny human makes against you. Stupid human."
[16:02] * Raam_Pitfighter sits on the floor and examines his weapon.
[16:03] <@Daroskt> Saul doesn't have a hand free to pluck the note, and leans over to look at it. He sighs and shakes his head. "I honestly expected this, but I've no intention of cowing to Clegg or any of the other crimelords. The best thing we can do is just ignore this, and stand firm for now."
[16:04] * Raam_Pitfighter immediately stands up at the comment of ignoring a threat "YOU DON'T WISH TO SHOW THIS PUNY MAN YOUR STRENGTH?"
[16:04] <@Daroskt> Saul raps his fingers against his cane and taps it a couple times, "What cause the scream anyways?"
[16:04] <Katarina> "A-a sn-snake... it was in the kitchen."
[16:04] <@Daroskt> Saul blinks at Raam, "The best show of strength I can put forth right now is resilience. I can't go to the overlord without more proof, so the best bet now is to show them that this act will not scare me off."
[16:04] * Raam_Pitfighter "WE COULD GO RIGHT TO THIS MAN AND BURN THE FLESH FROM HIS BONES!" after saying this he smiles with a hint of his teeth showing.
[16:06] * Daroskt just facepalms at Raam, "Not everything has to be solved with violence you know. While in some cases it's unaviodable, I've no desire to be an instigator and draw more trouble for ourselves than we can handle."
[16:06] * Raam_Pitfighter "bah, back in my homeland, even the smallest of threats were meet with death."
[16:06] * Daroskt looks at Raam, "Is this city your homeland?"
[16:06] * Katarina starts to sneak behind Daroskt. Raam is getting a little bit too intense...
[16:07] * Raam_Pitfighter smiles at that comment, "I could make it my homeland." laughs after thinking about the humans bowing before him.
[16:07] * Raam_Pitfighter gets tired of this conversation and pull out his hourglass and looks at it intently.
[16:08] * Daroskt rolls his eyes, "Yeah, well, when you are, you can call the shots. For now though, we should heed the wishes of our benefactor." He then turns to Katarina, "Besides, something else has just come up that warrants a bit of meditation on my part."
[16:08] * Katarina raises an eyebrow. "Wh-what's that?"
[16:09] * Raam_Pitfighter puts away the hourglass and gets away from the group of people around him to sit in solitude.
[16:10] * Daroskt looks down at his hands, "I'm not entirely certain. I know only what I witnessed. When I cast that spell to charm the snake earlier, as well as when I healed the injuries of the scullery maid, the magic carried a... bizarre side effect. Some kind of strange purple mist."
[16:11] * Katarina nods. "M-maybe there i-is someone th-that could help us in this t-town? A-a wizard, or scholar, m-maybe?"
[16:12] * Daroskt shakes his head, "I know the cause already, the question is why, and it is probably something any other spellcaster has already begun to look into. When the mist began to disspate, it only lingered a few moments, it floated up into the sky... right into the blot."
[16:14] * Raam_Pitfighter finally walks back to the group, calmer then when he left, but still mad at the thought of not bringing swift death to a person who makes threats, but doesn't press the idea anymore.
[16:14] * Katarina nods in understanding. "Wh-what do you propose w-we do?"
[16:14] * Raam_Pitfighter mutters under his breath "shove a torch in the mans ear."
[16:15] * Daroskt shakes his head, "For now, nothing. The mist was not poisonous, nor did it carry any other ill effect. As I said, I shall meditate on it and seek counsel from Gozreh, if there is any to be had."
[16:15] * Raam_Pitfighter "who is this Gozreh?"
[16:17] * Daroskt scoffs at Raam, "He is the wind, and she the waves. The God of nature itself. Surely you are no so ignorant as to not know at least something of the Gods."
[16:19] * Raam_Pitfighter "Do you make sacrifices to this God?"
[16:19] * Daroskt frowns, "No, she would hardly appreciate anything so barbaric."
[16:19] * Raam_Pitfighter "Are you making fun of my people?"
[16:20] * Daroskt shakes his head, "No, just you."
[16:20] * Katarina twiddles her fingers around her own Desna necklace, looking down.
[16:20] * Raam_Pitfighter turns his head to look directly at Daroskt "I told you earlier how I feel about threats, don't make me take away the respect I hold for you."
[16:21] * Daroskt chuckles, "That was an insult, not a threat. Tell me then, what god do you serve that asks such sacrifices?"
[16:22] * Raam_Pitfighter "HAHA, GODS, I serve no god, nor do I worship any, for no god can give me anything I need, Only I can give myself what I need."
[16:22] * Raam_Pitfighter "I abandoned the god my people worshiped long ago."
[16:23] * Daroskt shrugs, "Suit yourself. Do not expect me to offer any prayers on your behalf then."
[16:23] * Raam_Pitfighter smiles while thinking of the day he abandoned his god and his people "O, what a bloody day that was."
[16:23] * Daroskt doesn't really feel he wants to ask, and returns to his room to meditate
[16:24] * Raam_Pitfighter turns to look around the room and asks "Where is Larur, I wish to taste the Dwarven ale."
[16:26] <@Daroskt> Larur himself is back behind the cashier's cage.
[16:26] * Katarina doesn't really know what else needs to be done today... She did need to find some blunt arrows, so she decides to try and find a merchant outside, leaving the gambling den.
[16:26] * Katarina has no idea where she is going and just wanders.
[16:26] * Raam_Pitfighter goes to Larur, "So, Larur, Would you mind having a drinking contest with some Dwarven ale?"
[16:27] <@Daroskt> Larur looks up (way up) at Raam, "Ah, so yer gonna take me uup on dat eh? Well, wait until we close down, then I'll break out the cask I've got. Jes don't tell Saul, I've been keeping this one fer meself."
[16:28] * Raam_Pitfighter "Would you mind putting a little wager on this contest? Say 20 gold peices."
[16:30] <@Daroskt> Larur chuckles, "A wager ye'say? Ye'd bet agin a dwarf in a contest o'drink? Yer on big laddie."
[16:30] * Raam_Pitfighter smiles, but this time for a sense of joy, "So, is that a yes I hears?"
[16:32] <@Daroskt> Larur nods, "Yep, yer on."
[16:33] * Raam_Pitfighter "Good, maybe you can be the first person to best me in a drink contest. I'll be back down once you close up."
[16:33] * Raam_Pitfighter goes upstairs to his room to rest until the contest can begin.
[16:34] <@Daroskt> As Katarina makes her way down Wharf Streetm she is approached by a hunched over man with a cane and a cloak covering his face. "Excuse me miss, I hate to be a bother, but you look to be a lady of wealth, and I was wondering if you'd spare a moment to listen to a poor father's plea?"
[16:34] * Katarina blinks and nods. "S-sure."
[16:35] <@Daroskt> The man smiles, "Well, you see, it's most dreadful. My daughter, she ran afoul of some pirates while tending a tavern, and now they've taken her for ransom. I'm just a poor old beggar, and have no coin with which to pay them. If you could spare a bit of coin, I'd be eternally grateful."
[16:37] * Katarina looks to the man with slight suspicion, not sure whether or not to believe him...
[16:37] * Katarina nods sympathetically. "H-how much do you n-need?"
[16:37] <@Daroskt> The beggar nods, "Anything you could spare would be a boon my lady."
[16:39] * Katarina nods, handing him out seventeen gold pieces. "I-I hope you find th-them..."
[16:40] <@Daroskt> The beggar seems surprised and impressed by the 'donation' "You are truly a saint miss, thank you, thank you." He gives her a bow and a sweep of his filthy cloak before hobbling off.
[16:42] * Katarina nods and smiles to herself. That was nice... She continues wandering, looking for a weapons store to buy her arrows.
[16:42] <@Daroskt> Katarina goes about her shopping without any further interruptions
[16:44] * Katarina hands 3gp to the shopkeeper, buying 60 blunt arrows. She starts to head back to the gambling hall after, placing the arrows in her quiver.
[16:51] <@Daroskt> The rest of the day passes without incident, with the exception of the bitten scullery maid waking up and quitting in a huff. After the Goblin closes down, Larur bribes Bojask with a mug of the Dwarven Ale to bring it up form the cellar for his contest with Raam.
[16:54] * Daroskt returns from his meditation, curious about whether Raam could actually stand up to the dwarf in this respect.
[16:55] * Katarina looks around for the others. She wouldn't mind watching a drinking contest, though she probably would not compete...
[16:56] <@Daroskt> Larur pours Bojask the first mug of the ale, as promised, leaving the man to go get drunk, as per usual, and then pours one each for himself and Raam_Pitfighter. "Yer a big lad, I'll give ye that, but let's see if'n it's good fer summat, or just fer show."
[16:57] * Raam_Pitfighter "Haha, lets do this little man."
[16:57] * Raam_Pitfighter "have we agreed upon the wager of this game?"
[16:58] <@Daroskt> Larur shows off his Dwarven Fortitude by chugging the first mug. He sets it down and nods, "Aye, twenty gold pieces I believe was yer stake."
[16:58] * Raam_Pitfighter brings the mug up to his lips and sniffs it, loving the smell, drinks it. "Let us see if your gold will stay in your pocket or come to mine."
[16:59] * Katarina watches the game from afar.
[17:00] <@Daroskt> Larur raises his empty mug and chuckles, bellowing out, "Cheers." He refils each mug and downs his second.
[17:01] * Daroskt watches curiously, leaning over to Katarina, "Five silver on the dwarf drinking the hothead under the table... counter."
[17:01] * Raam_Pitfighter "This ale tastes much better than I could have imagined." Lifts his mug to Larur, "Cheers to you as well my little dwarf." and then gulps down the second.
[17:02] * Katarina giggles and nods. "I-I'll bed five silver o-on the giant... he's a l-lot bigger."
[17:03] * Raam_Pitfighter pulls 20 gold out of his pocket and puts it on the table so that whoever is left standing can take their winnings.
[17:04] * Daroskt nods and pulls out his five silver to place against Katarina
[17:05] <@Daroskt> Larur refills the mugs with a smirk, "Yer doin' well big laddie. Lessee how far ye can get."
[17:05] * Raam_Pitfighter "HAHA, this drink tastes great, I can see why you have been drinking this over orc mead, but I feel you are getting tired, yes?"
[17:05] * Katarina pulls out her own five silver, watching the game.
[17:06] <@Daroskt> A few other bouncers, including Hayden, have gathered to watch this contest. Saul is not present
[17:06] <@Daroskt> A few other small wagers are placed
[17:06] <@Daroskt> Larur tips his mug to his coworkers and then downs the third mug.
[17:07] * Raam_Pitfighter lifts the third mug with a smirk on his face, having about as much fun as he can without having his sword out.
[17:07] * Raam_Pitfighter downs his third drink/
[17:09] <@Daroskt> Larur gives a slight hiccup and chuckles, "Been too long since I had the good stuff." He looks to Raam, who is beginning to wobble, "Ye sure ye can take it laddie?"
[17:10] * Raam_Pitfighter "OO, don't doubt me dwarf, this stuff may be stronger than I thought it would be, but I'm not one for quitting."
[17:10] <@Daroskt> Larur nods and pours a fourth set of mugs.
[17:10] * Raam_Pitfighter brings the mug to his mouth and gulps it down.
[17:11] <@Daroskt> Larur chugs his mug as well. Some cheers rise up from the coworker audience.
[17:12] <@Daroskt> This round seems to favour neither competetor, but on the whole, Larur is looking to be holding his drink better.
[17:13] <@Daroskt> Larur chuckles at Raam, "Ye can quit any time ye like lad, an I won't disrespect ye fer it. I'll even only take half yer wager."
[17:13] * Katarina frowns. Maybe the giant isn't so tough after all?
[17:13] * Raam_Pitfighter "HAHA, I NEVER BACK DOWN FROM A BET."
[17:13] * Daroskt leans in to Katarina, "Never bet against a dwarf when it comes to drinking."
[17:14] <@Daroskt> Larur pours the mugs for round five, feeling confident and slugging his back to another round of cheers.
[17:14] * Katarina rolls her eyes. "H-he'll win... p-probably."
[17:15] * Raam_Pitfighter brings the drink up to his lips thinking about bringing forth his inner rage to help him win.
[17:15] * Raam_Pitfighter decides not to and gulps down his fifth drink.
[17:16] * Raam_Pitfighter "I hope there is enough drink in that barrel of yours to quench my thirst."
[17:16] <@Daroskt> Once again, the round seems to end in a stalemate. Larur readies up the sixth set of mugs and raises his, "Yer a real challenge laddie, never has anyone but another dwarf lasted this long with me."
[17:17] <@Daroskt> Larur clinks his mug against Raams and downs it once more
[17:18] * Raam_Pitfighter drinks his with a hint of respect for this dwarf, since he has never been given a compliment before.
[17:20] <@Daroskt> This round definitely favours Larur, who still seems to have all his wits about, while Raam is slipping further and further into inebriation.
[17:20] * Raam_Pitfighter "I'm feeling a bit woozy here dwarf, how are you and your friends going to carry me to my room if you do win?"
[17:21] <@Daroskt> Larur pours the seventh round to a roaring cheer from his coworkers, "We'll leave ye on the floor ta rest. Unless ye wanna quit now and hit the hay."
[17:22] * Raam_Pitfighter wishes now that he had not abandoned his god, looks over to Daroskt and asks "I ask if you could pray to your god for me, do it this time and let me stay concious,"
[17:22] * Raam_Pitfighter drinks the seventh drink.
[17:23] * Daroskt does nothing, having stated specifically that he would offer no prayers on Raam's behalf. He is a man who sticks by his word for good or ill, and thinks a touch of humility might be good for the giant.
[17:25] <@Daroskt> Raam manages to hang on for round eight while Larur pours the ninth round, looking defintely impressed by Raam's resilience, but still completely unphased by the dwarvish ale.
[17:25] * Raam_Pitfighter brings the next drink into his mouth hoping that he can stay awake.
[17:27] <@Daroskt> Raam does manage to stay awake... barely. Larur is still standing strong as he pours the tenth round, having nearly drained the cask at this point.
[17:28] * Raam_Pitfighter drinks the tenth drink and says "dwartsk youar e valieslnt oppeont."
[17:29] <@Daroskt> Larur guffaws, "Yer not so bad yerself, but ye might wanna count yer blessings ye haven't dropped. Quit while ye can lad."
[17:29] * Raam_Pitfighter "A PRITFIETER NEVEERRE QUIEST"
[17:30] <@Daroskt> At the tenth round, Raam once again manages to just barely stay standing, btu Larur is still completely unphased. There was only one round left in the cask, so this would be the decider.
[17:31] * Raam_Pitfighter "MASEYR IVES SHOULSELIKT HAELKST LEST MASE AOGT"
[17:32] <@Daroskt> Larur takes his 11th drink with gusto, the bouncers cheering and stomping
[17:32] <@Daroskt> Miraculously, Raam manages once again not to pass out in spite of his severe inebriation.
[17:33] * Raam_Pitfighter "CANSTE TELES YOUS SOMETHSE DWARSF?"
[17:33] <@Daroskt> Larur slams his mug down and applauds Raam, "Ye've performed well laddie, so much so that I'll not call ye laddie no more, but it seems we've tapped the keg." He looks to the other bouncers present, "So, since it's not a win by knockoot, who do y'think won?" He raises his mug, with all of the bouncers cheering for him.
[17:33] * Daroskt leans over to Katarina, "our panel of judges says the Dwarf won."
[17:34] * Raam_Pitfighter "isveslks slkest slkes slis slick sli"
[17:34] * Katarina blinks away her surprise and smirks, shaking her head. "I-I suppose so..." She hands over the 5 silver to Daroskt.
[17:35] <@Daroskt> Larur nods, "Looks like ye lost friend, but ye've earned me respect. Keep yer gold."
[17:35] * Raam_Pitfighter looks over to the dwarf, "MABYESLK IVESE TISEK YOSE NO AWS MARO"
[17:36] * Daroskt chuckles and hopes the giant's hangover in the morning would teach him a lesson, then heads up to bed.
[17:36] * Raam_Pitfighter walks over to the dwarf to give him a hug.
[17:36] * Katarina waves goodnight to Daroskt, heading to her own room.
[17:37] <@Daroskt> Larur is slightly offput, but shrugs and offers a pat on the back in return, then gets up and heads off to his own lodgings.
[17:39] * Raam_Pitfighter heads up to his room thinking that he may have lost, but he finally understands that dwarfs are not to be messed with when it comes to drinks.
[17:43] <@Daroskt> The following morning sees Raam hungover and the Gold Goblin down one employee. The scullery maid that was bitten by the snake had quit in a huff, leaving a gap in the staff. However, opportunity was about to knock
[17:45] <@Daroskt> As Katarina and Daroskt sit in their usual spot on the security catwalks, watching the gaming floor, the door opens to admit someone who looks like they don't really fit in with the scene. The person in question, at first glance, looks to be an elf woman, although close inspection would reveal that her ears are less prominent and her skin a shade tanner, marking her a half-elf
[17:46] * Katarina keeps watch on the half-elf. She isn't taking any chances.
[17:46] <@Daroskt> The half-elf woman has wavy red hair and two tattoos on her face that mark her as being Varisian. She's wearing an elegant green dress that suggested she had at least a modicum of wealth, which raises the question of why she was coming to a dump like this.
[17:48] * Daroskt eyes the Half-Elf woman curiously. She was very pretty, and he couldn't help but wonder what a Varisian, noble or otherwise, would be doing in a dive like the Gold Goblin. "Do you want to go and speak with her, or shall I?"
[17:49] * Katarina shrugs. "Uhm... I-I c-could, unless you w-want to..."
[17:49] * Raam_Pitfighter walks over to Daroskt and Kat, with a hand on his head from the throbbing headache he has.
[17:49] <@Daroskt> The half-elf woman looks around the place curiously, drawing a number of curious looks from the other patrons as well. She was making as much of a scene as Clegg had, although this time it seems to be all intrigue, rather than intimidation.
[17:50] * Daroskt nods to Katarina, "I doubt she would have any interest in prolonged conversation with a half-orc, and the brute might scare her off." He looks to Raam, "Welcome back to the realm of the conscious."
[17:51] * Raam_Pitfighter "mmm."
[17:51] * Katarina waves at Raam and nods, starting to descend the catwalk towards the half-elf.
[17:51] * Raam_Pitfighter asks Daroskt "who dat?"
[17:52] <@Daroskt> The Half-Elf woman has, as policy dictates, gone up to the cashier's cage and turned in a dagger that was her only weapon, and now seems to be making enquires about who owned the place. Saul was out for the day, leaving the party members (as juniour partners and part owners) as the ones effectively in charge.
[17:53] * Daroskt shakes his head, "An Elf, or at least half-elf. Not sure what she's doing here, but she seems a touch out of place."
[17:53] * Raam_Pitfighter "Could say the same about me." laughs at that comment.
[17:53] * Katarina walks in hearing distance of the half-elf, listening for any information as to /why/ she wanted to see Saul or the rest of them.
[17:54] * Daroskt nods, "Yeah, but she's a might better to look at. Not that she'd care to be looked at by the likes of us I wager."
[17:54] * Raam_Pitfighter whlie laughing feels the pound of his headache again, and realizes that he should do as little as possible while this pain is there.
[17:54] <@Daroskt> The cashier on duty points to Katarina, prompting her to turn around and look at the ranger, "Ah, hello. Are you in charge here today?"
[17:55] <@Daroskt> The helf-elf speaks formally and pleasantly.
[17:55] * Katarina nods weakly, walking closer. "O-oh, uhm... y-yes." She holds out her hand. "K-katarina."
[17:56] * Raam_Pitfighter hears the comment that Daroskt made to him, but ignores him.
[17:57] <@Daroskt> The woman shakes it firmly, "Samaritha Beldusk, at your sevice ma'am." She gives a polite curtsey. She then asks, "I was wondering, do you have any positions available right now? Employment wise I mean."
[17:59] * Katarina raises an eyebrow, not quite expecting that question. "W-well... I th-think so... w-we just lost a maid, s-so we probably need someone else..."
[17:59] <@Daroskt> Samaritha smiles at the prospect, "Can we sit down and perhaps discuss this properly? I'm sure you've all manner of questions about my qualifications."
[18:00] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow curiously, "Why in blazes would an elf want to be employed by this kind of place?"
[18:00] * Katarina nods. "W-well... I-I'm not sure Saul w-would allow me to h-hire someone... B-but, w-why do you want to work here?"
[18:01] * Daroskt looks to Raam, "Should we go down and listen in on this interview?"
[18:01] <@Daroskt> Samaritha nods, "Well, it's a bit of a long story." She looks to a nearby table, "Mind if we sit down?"
[18:01] * Raam_Pitfighter "Might as well, but I don't want to do anything too serious with her."
[18:02] * Raam_Pitfighter "A lady of her wealth wanting to work here? Seems weird."
[18:03] * Katarina nods, sitting at the nearby table. "S-sure... I do n-not mind."
[18:03] * Daroskt shrugs, "Could be her parents making her take out an honest job, although I've yet to meet a noble who actually has such desire for character building." He stands up, "Shall we go introduce ourselves at least?"
[18:03] * Raam_Pitfighter "I'll be right behind you."
[18:03] <@Daroskt> Samritha smiles and nods appreciately, sitting down next to her, "So, you're probably wondering why a lady like me wants to work here. AM I right?"
[18:04] * Daroskt heads down the stairs and onto the gaming floor, he stands aside at first though, waiting for some manner of explanation first.
[18:04] * Raam_Pitfighter whispers to Daroskt, "I thought you said we were to introduce ourselfs, but here we are standing away from the conversation."
[18:05] * Daroskt shakes his head, "Let's see what Katarina does. If she she thinks trouble is afoot, she'll probably call us over. Unless she wants to consult us about hiring her, if she is sincere."
[18:05] * Katarina nods, smiling lightly. "Mhm, th-that is correct."
[18:07] <@Daroskt> Samaritha nods, "Understandable. If I am to be perfectly honest, this is not what I had in mind when I first came to Riddleport a few weeks ago. I was actually hoping to appentice under one of the town's Cyphermages. The whole mystery of the cyphergate is incredibly alluring. Unfortunately, with that wierd blot in the sky, most of the mages are too busy to take on an apprentice."
[18:08] * Katarina gives Samaritha a small sympathetic smile. "S-so you need f-funds?"
[18:08] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow, "She's a wizard? Intriguing."
[18:09] * Raam_Pitfighter whispers to Daroskt "What blot in the sky is she talking about?"
[18:10] <@Daroskt> Samaritha nods, "Frankly, yes. The few weeks here have nearly emptied my stipend. I was at first considering a boat back to Magnimar to cut my losses, but apparently a tidal surge has damaged most of the boats moored in the harbour right now, so none are sailing today."
[18:10] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow to Raam, "Your perception needs some serious work if you haven't noticed the great shadow up in the sky over the city."
[18:11] * Raam_Pitfighter "Why would I look up at the sky?"
[18:11] * Katarina smiles. "I-I'm s-sure that Saul wouldn't mind..." She looks around and motions for Daroskt and Raam_Pitfighter. "J-just need to make s-sure with these two..."
[18:11] <@Daroskt> Samaritha continues, "So, since that happened, I figured I'd take one more shot at employment, although most prospective jobs I've been offered require... looser morals than I would allow myself."
[18:12] <@Daroskt> Samaritha looks pleased at the prospect of being hired. "If you do take me on, I'll definitely work hard. It's just a matter of waiting until an apprenticeship frees up, and I need to make a living until then or else head back home and give up completely."
[18:13] * Daroskt ndos to Raam, "Looks like that's our cue." He walks over to the table and seats himself next to Katarina
[18:13] * Raam_Pitfighter walks to the table and sits next to Daroskt.
[18:13] * Katarina nods and looks between the half-orc and half-giant. "S-so... Wh-what do you two think?"
[18:14] <@Daroskt> Samaritha is, notably, not entirely enthusiastic about her employment prospect, but seems honestly appreciative of the chance to make a living whilst still pursuing her dream.
[18:14] * Raam_Pitfighter "How are you with a sword?"
[18:15] * Katarina frowns and rolls her eyes. "Th-that's not important f-for a maid..."
[18:15] * Daroskt facepalms at Raam, "Ignore him, he's hungover. Now then, if you've no objection to waitressing or scullery work, I think you would definitely fit in. There is also the possibility of working as a Greeter if Saul finds you apt.
[18:15] <@Daroskt> "
[18:16] * Raam_Pitfighter "hmm, i may be hungover, but I don't like the idea of having a maid who can't handle herself with any trouble that might approach her."
[18:17] <@Daroskt> Samaritha pointedly ignores Raam, but nods to Daroskt, "Defintiely sounds like a deal. Are we in business?" She then looks to Raam, "I'm a student of magic who specializes in transmutations, I've no need for a sword."
[18:18] * Raam_Pitfighter "Well, magic or sword, as long as you can handle yourself I see no trouble in letting you work here."
[18:18] * Daroskt gets a curious idea and whispers to Katarina, "Perhaps I can ask for her help with those items we pilfered from Angvar, since they are arcane magic, of which she claims to be a student."
[18:19] <@Daroskt> Smaritha leans away from the whispering, figuring they were discussing her employment
[18:19] * Katarina blinks and nods happily.
[18:20] * Daroskt smiles and looks to Samaritha, "We'd have to confirm it with Saul to be fully sure, but I doubt he would object to someone of your grace and appeal working here. As well, if it isn't any trouble, there is a small bit of help I would ask of you personally."
[18:20] <@Daroskt> Samaritha raises a curious eyebrow.
[18:20] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to Smaritha, "So, can you cook anything that might quench my hunger, or perhaps have something that can heal my hangover?"
[18:21] <@Daroskt> Samaritha rolls her eyes at Raam, "If you like, I can shrink you to a smaller man so as to lessen your appetite instead."
[18:21] * Raam_Pitfighter ignores the comment.
[18:23] * Daroskt laughs openly at Smaritha's moxie. "Well, my favour is simply this," he retrieves the items pilfered from Angvar back on the night of the raid and presents them to Samaritha. "We confiscated these from a wizard who attempted to rob this place, but aside knowing that they carry magic, I have not been able to determine their function."
[18:24] <@Daroskt> Samaritha immediately looks intrigued when presented with the magic items, "Now that is the kind of help I could get into." She smiles and pulls out a wand from her sachel, pointing it at the wand, scroll and bracers in turn.
[18:25] <@Daroskt> Each object glows faintly as Samaritha points the wand at it. She nods and smirks, "This is some decent stuff here. That wand contains an electrical spell, although there's not much juice left in it. The Scroll is an impressive spell that will shrink any object to 1/16th it's size, and the braces are identical to my own."
[18:26] <@Daroskt> Smaritha rolls up her sleeves and reveals a similar pair of braces, "A bit of abjuration magic meant to offer moderate protection from attack." She rolls her sleeves back up and slips the wand away.
[18:26] * Katarina nods and looks to her bracers. "I-Interesting..."
[18:27] * Raam_Pitfighter "Moderate protection from attack eh? Maybe I could use some of those barcers"
[18:27] <@Daroskt> Samaritha notes, "Magic bracers like that don't do much if you're already wearing armour though, but you can get some decent coin for them. From my apprenticeship search, I know a couple places that'd take those off your hands if you don't need them."
[18:28] * Daroskt smiles, "My most gracious thanks then." He pulls out ten gold coins and slides them over to Samaritha, "For the services of your wand, if nothign else. I'm convinced, and I'm sure Saul will take you on."
[18:32] * Katarina smiles to the half-elf, nodding her head in agreement.
[18:32] * Katarina looks to Daroskt. "Wh-where is Saul, a-anyway?"
[18:32] * Raam_Pitfighter "hmmm, might as well sell those if we don't find a need for them."
[18:33] * Daroskt shrugs, "He is often out on business. He could be dealing with loans or upkeep or any manner of things I don't really care to think about."
[18:34] * Katarina nods and looks to Samaritha. "Th-then perhaps y-you should come back tomorrow?"
[18:35] <@Daroskt> Saul actually returns later that afternoon, and it takes almost no effort on the part of the party to convince him to hire the attractive half-elf. He quickly sets her up for greeting and waitressing, as Daroskt suspected, and even grants her use of one of the guest rooms, after she notes that she doesn't have a place to stay.
[18:37] * Daroskt , at Smaritha's suggestion, goes out to find one of the dealers to pawn off Angvar's gear. Samaritha's suggestion even nets him a slightly better than average price for them.
[18:38] * Katarina smiles. Gold coins!
[18:41] <@Daroskt> A couple days later, after Samaritha's hiring and Saul's weekly work on the Goblin's profits, he announces to his trio of partners that their efforts, with some definite wheel greasing thanks to Smaritha, that the Gold Goblin is once again turning a profit. He pays them each thier weekly 10gp salary, and a bonus of 5gp each as promised out of the profits.
[18:45] * Katarina squees in excitement, she's made so much in these past weeks, it was like a dream!
[18:45] * Raam_Pitfighter looks at his gold, still not satisfied, considering the amount of wealth he took from his parents.
[18:48] <@Daroskt> A few days later, about a week after Samaritha was hired, the party gets up for their morning work, only to find that the ever-punctual Larur is not present. Instead, they are greeted by Saul himself, who carries a grave expression.
[18:49] * Katarina frowns in slight worry, looking to Saul. "I-Is s-something wrong?"
[18:50] <@Daroskt> saul raps his fingers against his cane and sighs, nodding, "I am afraid so. It would appear that our mutual friend and my trusted financial consultant, has gone missing."
[18:51] * Katarina blinks. "W-where..." Her brow contorts in confusion. "W-where would he b-be, or w-who took him?"
[18:52] * Daroskt frowns, Larur had been good company, and had provided great amusment by drinking the overconfident half-giant under the table.
[18:54] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to saul with complete anger, "WHO DARES TAKE AWAY MY MOST TRUSTED DWARF FRIEND? WHOEVER HAS TAKEN HIM WILL SURELY DIE."
[18:55] * Raam_Pitfighter while saying this he almost went into a complete rage, but kept himself from doing so.
[18:56] <@Daroskt> Saul winces a bit at Raam's bellowing, but turns to answer Katarina, "When last I saw him, I had sent him out to the office of a local moneylender. You see, in order to help finance the reopening of the Goblin, I borrowed the sum of 2000 gold pieces. Largely thanks to your efforts, the profits were finally high enough to pay back a decent chunk of it. 500 to be exact, after thus far I'd barely been ableto pay back anything at all."
[18:56] <@Daroskt> Saul seems a bit sheepish at admiting to the loan.
[18:57] * Raam_Pitfighter still in complete anger, "I WILL FIND OUR DWARF FRIEND AND TAKE THE PERSON WHO TOOK HIM FROM ME AND BURN HIS FLESH SLOWLY FROM HIS BODY."
[18:58] * Katarina slowly backs away from the giant, hiding back behind Daroskt.
[18:58] * Daroskt places a hand on Raam's shoulder, having to reach a bit, "Calm yourself. He was our friend too, and I am certain we shall get to the bottom of this. First though, we should learn what we can." He looks back to Saul to see if he has any more information.
[19:00] * Daroskt places his other hand comfortingly on Katarina's shoulder.
[19:02] <@Daroskt> In spite of his rage, Raam realizes that Daroskt is right, and his anger, while not ebbing, can be shifted aside to listen
[19:03] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to Daroskt, finally calming down a bit, and says to Daroskt "Fine, I'll clam myself, but I will do whatever it takes to get our friends back, and when I do I want to destroy whoever may have hurt him.
[19:04] <@Daroskt> Saul nods appreciatively to Daroskt, then continues, "At first I sent a runner to his appartment to see if perhaps he had slept in or something. Unlikely I know, but I wished to be thorough. Unfortunately, he reported back to me that Larur's appartment had been burgled, the door left hanging open and Larur himself nowhere to be found."
[19:05] * Katarina nods. "D-did they find anything pointing to who b-burgled it?"
[19:07] * Raam_Pitfighter keeps himself quiet in this situation, feeling that if he were to speak again he might start screaming again.
[19:08] <@Daroskt> Saul shakes his head, "No, but I have my supicions. You see, I put the Gold Goblin itself up as collateral for the loan, and the moneylender in question, one Lymas Smeed, I believe to be in the employ of none other than Clegg Zincher."
[19:09] <@Daroskt> Saul notes, "After that note and the snake, I wouldn't put it past Zincher to have Lymas do something to Larur as a message against me."
[19:09] * Katarina nods. "S-so, w-we should get to Clegg? D-do you have a-any idea how?"
[19:10] * Raam_Pitfighter can't keep himself quiet any longer and says "RIPE DOWN HIS PLACE AND FIND OUR DWARF IS THE BEST IDEA."
[19:11] <@Daroskt> Saul shakes his head, "Clegg would likely be too well protected, and again I have a lack of proof that it was him. However, I do know the address of Smeed, if you wish to pay him a visit. I can also give you Larur's address if you wish to begin investiagting there."
[19:12] * Raam_Pitfighter "I trust your invetigation at Larur's house." begins to smile as he says "let'
[19:12] * Raam_Pitfighter "let's pay this Smeed a visit."
[19:12] * Katarina nods, fine with either plan. "P-perhaps w-we should investigate f-first?"
[19:12] * Daroskt nods, "If the house was left open to burglars, there'd likely not be anything left by now, given the nature of this town."
[19:13] * Daroskt looks to Katarina, "But if you wish to be thorough, there's no reason not to check on both."
[19:13] * Katarina shrugs. "Y-your choice..."
[19:14] * Raam_Pitfighter "TO SMEED!"
[19:15] * Daroskt nods, "I would personally prefer, and I'm sure Raam agrees, to pay Smeed a visit first (yup). If he is responsible, then it would be prudent to get to him first, lest he run to Zincher for protection that we cannot penetrate."
[19:15] * Raam_Pitfighter "FOR MY DWARVEN FRIEND I'M WILLING TO TRY AND PENETRATE ANYTHING!"
[19:16] <Katarina> "O-okay..." She looks to Saul. "D-directions, please?
[19:16] <Katarina> "
[19:16] <@Daroskt> Saul nods and gives the party directions, both to Smeed's Flat on Rat Street, and to Larur's appartment for afterwards.
[19:16] <@Daroskt> -Intermission-
[19:17] <@Daroskt> Rewards: No CRs
[19:17] <@Daroskt> Story Bonus: Making the Gold Goblin profitable again. 135 Experience each.
[19:24] <@Daroskt> -The Flat on Rat Street-
[19:25] <@Daroskt> Lymas Smeed occupies a townhouse crammed into the tennements along Rat Street, in a run down area of Riddleport. The front door faces the street, and is fitted with a sign showing a stack of gold coins. It reads: "Rat Street Loans, by Appointment Only"
[19:27] * Daroskt looks from the door to Raam, "Let's try to get in first, then you can deal with Smeed. If we come crashing through the front door, he'll likely flee before we can break it down." He looks back to Katarina, "You are the least imposing, I think you should try first."
[19:27] * Katarina sighs and continues forward. No appointment. Oh well. She looks to the others. "P-perhaps you two sh-should look for more doors? W-we can all cover a different o-one..."
[19:28] * Raam_Pitfighter "hmph, no appointment eh? I'll give this little swine an appointment he won't soon forget."
[19:28] * Daroskt nods, "Not a bad idea. He looks to Raam, "Check the back. If there's a door and he tries to flee though it, you're welcome to nab him and deliver his dues. If we don't manage it first."
[19:29] * Raam_Pitfighter "If you get him, hold him down for me I'm sure I can beat out some information." walks to the back to see if he can find a door."
[19:30] <@Daroskt> Raam is just barely able to fit through the narrow alley and move to the back of the flat, stepping around a pile of barrels and crates and refuse to spot the back door.
[19:30] * Daroskt steps aside, allowing Katarina to approach the door.
[19:31] * Katarina walks up to the door and knocks timidly and gently, obviously not using her full strength.
[19:33] * Raam_Pitfighter stands in the back of the building, waiting for anyone to try and run past him, who instead will be met with a sword through their gut.
[19:34] <@Daroskt> The door remains shut, but a panel at eye level slides away, revealing a pair of beady, shifty eyes. He seems to be sweating already for reasons unrelated to the presence at his doorstep, but his eyes narrow upon seeing Katarina. "You. Saul's getting awfully big for his britches if he thinks he can muscle me into forgetting his debts."
[19:34] * Daroskt facepalms. He should have thought about disguising themselves. Of course an employee of Clegg's would recognize them
[19:35] * Katarina shakes her head. "N-no, we're j-just looking for Larur... we thought you might kn-know something?"
[19:37] <@Daroskt> One of Smeed's piggish eyes bears a nasty sty. They narrow further, "I don't know anything about Saul's goons, but if one of them's gotten himself offed then good riddance. You can tell that bleeding, ash faced oaf that if he ever sends you thugs here again, what he owns me is going to double!" The eyeslot slams shut and muttered profanities are head behind the door.
[19:38] <@Daroskt> Raam, upon crossing the barrels, spots a poorly hidden green cloak, trimmed in sable that is immediately recognizeable as Larur's. The cloak has been slashed and is stained with warm, fairly-fresh blood.
[19:39] * Raam_Pitfighter picks up the cloak and goes back to his friends with anger in his eyes never before seen.
[19:40] * Raam_Pitfighter "look at this, I'm about ready to tear down that door with my sword if they don't open it this time.
[19:41] * Daroskt looks at the cloak and frowns, "It seems Saul's suspicions were correct." He looks at the cloak, then back to the door, "He's not about to open up for us, knowing we work for Saul. Katarina, you and I can cover the back this time, Raam... break it down."
[19:41] * Katarina nods, quickly heading to the back.
[19:41] * Raam_Pitfighter moves to the door and readys himself to tear it down.
[19:42] <@Daroskt> The door is bolted sturdily, and doesn't cave to Raam's hammering.
[19:42] * Daroskt quickly moves towards the alley, "He'll have heard that. Let's make sure he doesn't have a chance to slip out."
[19:43] * Raam_Pitfighter pulls out his sword and readys a swing, and before he swings he lets out a great roar, going into a rage.
[19:46] <@Daroskt> Raam takes a heavy chunk out of the door with his sword, the thing nearly buckling from a single hit. Through the hole, Raam can see a terrified Smeed turning to flee.
[19:47] * Raam_Pitfighter yelling now "HOW DARE YOU HURT MY FRIEND, YOUR BLOOD WILL BE SPILLED ALL OVER THIS PLACE." readys another swing on the door, his eyes burning with rage.
[19:48] <@Daroskt> Raam's second swing reduces the door to splinters, allowing for easy access to the flat.
[19:51] * Katarina runs as fast as she can to the back, looking for the door as she quickly draws her greatsword, waiting for the rat to attempt an escape from the back.
[19:51] * Daroskt runs after Katarina, expecting that catching Smeed would be easy once he came out the back, unless Raam got to him first.
[19:53] <@Daroskt> Raam watches as Smeed flees into the back area of the Flat's first floor. His ears are also greeted by shrieks and whoops that sound like they're coming from a particularly ill-tempered monkey.
[19:54] <@Daroskt> Smeed calls out, "Go Get him Otsk." Shortly after that, a baboon runs out of the back room towards Raam, hissing and leaping at him.
[19:57] <@Daroskt> The baboon clings to Raam's arm and savagely bites into it while Smeed turns towards the back door.
[20:02] * Raam_Pitfighter lets out a bellow of rage at both the monkey and Smeed for calling this stupid thing to attack him. "YOU CAN RUN YOU LITTLE DOG, BUT TRUST ME I WON'T LET YOU GET FAR." he readys an attack on the monkey wanting to cut it in half.
[20:04] <@Daroskt> The wiry little baboon is quick, and ducks Raam's wild swing.
[20:06] * Katarina frowns, still holding her stance close to the back door.
[20:07] * Daroskt hears the shrieking of the baboon and wishes he'd stayed at the front. He could have taken magical control of the baboon like he had the snape previously.
[20:07] * Daroskt hols his position now though, Expecting Raam to dispatch it
[20:09] <@Daroskt> Smeed opens the door, only to be met with the tip of Katarina's balde. He staggers backwards, but pulls a Scimitar out of his belt and takes a swing at her with it.
[20:12] <@Daroskt> Smeed's blow catches Katarina by surprise and cuts deep into her side, something vital taking a hit along the way. The shock knocks Katarina unconscious immediately, falling to the street.
[20:13] * Katarina screams as she drops to the ground her small frame hitting the ground with a thud, her blade falling next to her.
[20:13] * Daroskt sees Katarina go down and growls ferociously, whipping his Shield and Scimitar out, lashing aggressively at Smeed.
[20:15] <@Daroskt> Daroskt's anger keeps him from landing a clean hit.
[20:16] <@Daroskt> Otsk the baboon attempts to bite Raam again, but can't get his teeth through the barbarian's armour
[20:17] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to the baboon with sheer rage, and readys to cut him down, this time screaming while doing so.
[20:18] <@Daroskt> Raam turns Otsk the baboon into a bloody smear of reddish paste and entrails
[20:19] <@Daroskt> Katarina bleeds
[20:19] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to the blood, "I'll see your master has the same fate."
[20:19] * Daroskt angrily lashes at Smeed once again
[20:21] <@Daroskt> Smeed winces as he is cut by the Half-Orc's blade, but, after seeing how 'easily' the other went down, figures Saul's partners aren't as tough as they were mae out to be, and fights back.
[20:22] <@Daroskt> Smeed's face switches to a look of regret as Daroskt deflects the blow with his shield.
[20:23] <@Daroskt> Smeed curses loudly and yells as he notices his baboon 'guard dog' is no longer helpign to subdue the bigger brute.
[20:24] * Raam_Pitfighter runs to meet up with smeed and Daroskt, and readys himself to deliver what he hopes to be a killing blow.
[20:29] <@Daroskt> With Daroskt flanking him and nowhere to go, Smeed is skewered messily by Raam. He curses one last time before falling limp on Raam's sword, his scimitar clattering to the floor.
[20:30] * Daroskt immediatly puts away his weapons and kneels next to Katarina, using his Stabilizing spell followed by what healing he has to offer.
[20:31] <@Daroskt> Katarina remains unconscious, but is no longer in any further danger of dying.
[20:31] * Daroskt breathes a sigh of relief, then looks to Raam, "Check his belongings. If he has any potions, he owes them to her for that injury."
[20:31] * Katarina is still, whimpering softly from her wounds.
[20:34] * Raam_Pitfighter looks to daroskt, laughing while he does it, "Kinda hard to look through a mutilated corpse."
[20:36] * Daroskt shakes his head, "I mean check his pockets you daft fool. She's not bleeding anymore, but I've no mroe healing to offer her."
[20:37] * Raam_Pitfighter points his sword to Daroskt, "I don't appreciate these insults you are throwing my way YOU INSOLENT FOOL."
[20:38] * Daroskt , frowns at Raam, "I wouldn't insult you so much if you would focus on helping me keep our friend out of death's grasp."
[20:38] * Raam_Pitfighter does not follow up the threat, but instead laughs at the man.
[20:39] * Raam_Pitfighter "hmph, I still don't like any insults of any kind being thrown my way."
[20:40] * Raam_Pitfighter begins to look through Smeed's pockets.
[20:45] <@Daroskt> Smeed's posessions, in addition to his Scimitar, include two bottles with a liquid inside, a vial that is marked with a sign designating it as some kind of poison, Studded Leather Armour that, in spite of Raam's ferocity, strangely undamaged. He also has a light crossbow of impressive make, and ten bolts for it
[20:45] <@Daroskt> Additionally he has a case of 5 cigars, a garnet necklace, and a coin purse containing 25 gold pieces and 5 platinum pieces.
[20:46] <@Daroskt> Chip noses Katarina and moinks sadly.
[20:47] * Raam_Pitfighter after looting Smeed, looks inside the building for anything interesting.
[20:47] * Daroskt stays by Katarina's side, but claims Smeed's blade. It was of the same make as his own, but of far superior craftsmanship.
[20:49] * Daroskt takes the potions as well, using his ability to detect magic on them.
[20:49] <@Daroskt> The potions are magic, but register as transmutation, not conjuration (which is what healing would fall under)
[20:49] <@Daroskt> Additionally, the armour registers as magic
[20:50] <@Daroskt> Raam's search of the rest of the building yields nothing. Apparently any gold he may have been able to lend was stored elsewhere, or backed by another party.
[20:50] * Katarina continues to whimper quietly and fitfully, in a bit of pain.
[20:51] <@Daroskt> Chip licks Katarina's face
[20:53] * Daroskt frowns at the lack of healing potions, but sets them aside for now. He stores the armour in his own pack along with the crossbow and ammunition. he decided that the coins would go to paying for a local cleric to heal Katarina so as to keep her from staying in such bad shape longer than needed.
[20:53] * Daroskt also carefully disposes of the venom, not interested in keeping it.
[20:57] * Raam_Pitfighter walks back to Daroskt, and Kat.
[20:59] * Daroskt looks up to Raam, "Find anything else?"
[20:59] * Raam_Pitfighter "No."
[20:59] * Daroskt nods, "Then I ask you kindly to carry her and come with me. We shall seek out a temple and have her healed before we return to the Goblin."
[21:00] * Raam_Pitfighter leans down to pick up Kat, and puts her over his shoulder waiting to follow Daroskt.
[21:01] * Katarina grunts. Raam is not very gentle.
[21:01] * Raam_Pitfighter cares little for gentle.
[21:06] <@Daroskt> The closest temple to Smeed's flat is 'The House of the Silken Veil', a temple dedicated to Calistria. The temple itself is shaped like an octagonal pyramid, topped by a blood red steeple. The marble is stained and cracked, making it look sickly, but freshly laundered silk curtains hand over the entrance, wide enoguh for three and tall enough to allow Raam in without ducking.
[21:08] <@Daroskt> Calistria's holy symbol, three daggers in a 'Y' shape overtop of a setting sun, can be seen on either side of the entrance
[21:12] * Daroskt frowns a bit upon seeing that symbol, "I suppose this will have to do." He looks to Raam, "This is the House of the Silken Veil. I recommend keeping your wits about, as the... occupants of this temple are also dedicated to Riddleport's... hospitality industry."
[21:12] * Raam_Pitfighter "ha, keep my wits, maybe they should keep their wits with seeing me walk in.
[21:12] * Raam_Pitfighter "
[21:13] * Daroskt rolls his eyes, "I imagine you'll fit right in then." He pulls back the entrance curtain to allow entry
[21:14] <@Daroskt> Immediately the two are hit with the strong fragrance of exotic incense. Inside the temple is adorned with many luxuries, including silken curtains that hide more private rooms off to the sides of the main room. The place has all the trimmings of a high-class brothel which, in essence, it is.
[21:15] <@Daroskt> A number of scantily clad maidens are visible on the 'temple' floor, either lounging about or eating. A few of them set their eyes on Raam immediately upon his entrance, a coupel of them even licking their lips.
[21:19] * Daroskt rolls his eyes at the courteseans eyeing Raam. They might lose their appetite if they actually heard him speak
[21:20] <@Daroskt> The pair are approached by a woman wearing a low cut purple dress that shows off some rather impressive cleavage. This woman, notably, has two small horns protruding from her forehead, and a spade tipped tail flicking behind her.
[21:20] * Raam_Pitfighter "Hmm, why must they eye me, I have no intimate feelings towards humans, let us get this business done as quick as we can."
[21:20] * Raam_Pitfighter eyes her curiously.
[21:20] <@Daroskt> The woman has raven dark hair and purple eyes with yellow irises. "Welcome to the house of the Silken Veil. What -services- might we offer?"
[21:21] * Raam_Pitfighter "A healer for this lase over my shoulder."
[21:22] <@Daroskt> The tiefling woman nods, "I see. Well, then, I shall take you to madam Pamodae." She turns with a flick of her tail and leads the two towards the staircase at the middle of the pyramid
[21:27] <@Daroskt> Lil leads the party up the stairs, to the steeple part of the temple, that actually looks more like a temple. There, they are met with, along with the sight of a few other barely dressed clerics, the sight of an exceptionally volumptuous tiefling woman who could easily be mistaken for a full-blooded succubus.
[21:29] <@Daroskt> This other tiefling is extrmely shapely, clad in a tight leather outfit with a snakeskin whip curled around her shoulder. Her skin is a light shade of purple, her horns are long and sharp looking, her tail similar to that of Lil. She has a thorny rose tattooed on one shoulder, and cascading black hair.
[21:30] <@Daroskt> She brings a hand to her chin, showing off talon-like nails, deep purple in colour. "Vat do we haff here?" she asks in a sultry tone that would send most men quivering to their knees.
[21:30] * Raam_Pitfighter looks at all the tieflings, and a tear comes to eye as he begins to remember his past.
[21:30] * Raam_Pitfighter leans over to whisper to Daroskt.
[21:31] * Raam_Pitfighter "Please, Daroskt, I beg you I can't stand being here any longer, it brings back way too many terrible memories."
[21:33] * Daroskt nods, "Set her down on one of the tables then and take your leave." He then steps forward to address the tiefling. "Madam Pamodae, we have come her to ask for your services as a healer. Our friend was wounded and requires it." He gestures to Katarina.
[21:33] * Daroskt bows to the Tiefling Madam as a sign of respect, even though he didn't actually have that much for her.
[21:34] * Raam_Pitfighter "I will not leave you, I don't want the same fate to come of you as did so many that i've known."
[21:34] <@Daroskt> Pamodae steps forward, "I can help you I think, if you can pay for our services." She motions to a nearby table for Raam to set her down.
[21:34] * Raam_Pitfighter eyes tear up again.
[21:35] * Raam_Pitfighter moves over to a table and sets Kat down.
[21:36] * Katarina whimpers and groans.
[21:37] * Daroskt produces the coinpurse taken from Smeed to show to the matron.
[21:37] * Raam_Pitfighter whispers to Kat "I'm sorry that we must put so much trust in these demons in order to get you healed, but it seems that we have no choice."
[21:37] <@Daroskt> Madam Pamodae nods and bends down to look Katarina over. She feels around the wound, pulling open one of Katarina's eyes to take a look. A curious expression crosses her face as she looks into Kat's eyes, and then she smiles, "I haff seen much worse. One hundred gold pieces and she will be good as new."
[21:39] * Daroskt nods and passes a hundred gold to Pamodae, who passes it along to one of the others and lays her hand on Katarina, a deep purple light surrounding her hand as she plucks a holy symbol from betwixt her cleavage.
[21:40] <@Daroskt> The lavender light completely heals Katarina's wounds.
[21:41] * Katarina blinks several times, somewhat astonished she actually woke up... after that wound. She looks around in confusion at her surroundings, her amber eyes scanning the room. She sits up erratically. "Wh-where am I?!
[21:41] <Katarina> "
[21:42] * Daroskt places a hand on Katarina's should, "Easy now. You are at the House of the Silken Veil, a temple to Calistria. I have just paid them to heal your wounds, as I had no more of my own to offer. Please be gracious to our hosts." He draws her attention to Pamodae and Lil
[21:43] * Raam_Pitfighter walks out of the temple seeing that Kat is healed.
[21:44] * Raam_Pitfighter sits on the curb outside in the street and begins to cry.
[21:44] * Katarina nods, quieting at Daroskt's words. She looks to the two priestesses gratefully. "Th-thank y-you... b-both of you..."
[21:45] <@Daroskt> Shorafa nods, "Think nuffing ov eet darling, our services will always be open so long as those seeking them can pay."
[21:45] <@Daroskt> Lavender Lil helps Katarina to stand.
[21:45] * Katarina stands with Lil's help, giving her an appreciative smile.
[21:46] <@Daroskt> Lil flicks her tail with a smirk and steps back. Shorafa places a hand on the younger tiefling's shoulder and offers a slight bow to Daroskt and Katarina, "Come back any time you are in further need of our... services."
[21:47] <@Daroskt> Katarina fails to notice that, as she stood up, Lil slipped a branch of lavender flowers and a small slip of paper into her pocket.
[21:48] * Daroskt heads back down the stairs and out of the temple with Katarina in tow. He bows his thanks before leaving, then looks for Raam outside.
[21:49] * Katarina nods to the pair, bowing her head slightly. "Th-thank y-you, again." She follows Daroskt after, looking along his side.
[21:49] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow as he spies Raam crying on the curb, "What's the matter with you? This seems rather unlike you."
[21:50] * Raam_Pitfighter notices the two looking at him and he stands up and immediately stops crying "It's nothing, worry not about me."
[21:51] * Daroskt raises an eyebrow, "I think it would take a lot to make a man like you cry. Or was the incense bothering your nose?"
[21:51] * Katarina raises an eyebrow, confused... quite a bit.
[21:52] * Raam_Pitfighter "It was not the incense, but rather something that happened to me in my past."
[21:52] * Katarina nods. "S-something a-about...?"
[21:53] * Daroskt nods, "Do you wish to speak of it?"
[21:53] * Raam_Pitfighter "A Wizard."
[21:53] * Raam_Pitfighter "If you wish to hear it.:
[21:53] * Raam_Pitfighter "
[21:54] * Daroskt nods, "I am very curious indeed as to what could bring a man as bold as yourself to tears."
[21:54] * Katarina nods. "S-sure." She smiles sympathetically. "W-what is it?"
[21:55] * Raam_Pitfighter sits down and readys himself as he is about to tell these two a story he thought he would never relive. "About three winters ago, my clan was approached by a wizard who promised us great power beyond anything that would be matched in the world."
[21:55] <Katarina> "A-and th-then?"
[21:55] * Daroskt nods, "Wizards often boast of their arcane might, though most are merely conjurors of smoke and mirrors."
[21:57] * Raam_Pitfighter "My leader had agreed to the wizard's proposal and after three days of preporation, he began his summoning. After two hours of his efforts, he had summoned a greater demon from where I do not know. The demon came forth, and began to bring forth more demons such as succubus, and they all started to slaughter my people,"
[21:58] <@Daroskt> Earlier, in lieu of taking coins, Pamodae took the garnet brooch from the purse as payment for her services, finding it fanciable.
[21:59] * Raam_Pitfighter "I was able to make it out alive, with my mother and father, but I was not able to save my soon to be wife. and we ran and ran from that area. Where we would become scavengers and murderers."
[21:59] * Daroskt frowns, "More than just smoke then. A pitiable fate."
[21:59] * Katarina blinks. "I'm s-sorry...Th-that's awful..."
[22:00] * Raam_Pitfighter "I appreciate your sympathy."
[22:01] * Daroskt nods, "A pity for your lost bride. What became of your parents?"
[22:01] * Raam_Pitfighter "If I ever feel strong enough, I will try and fight that demon that destroyed my people."
[22:02] * Raam_Pitfighter "My parents?"
[22:02] * Daroskt nods, "Do they yet live, or have they since died?"
[22:02] * Raam_Pitfighter "They looked at me as a weaker person for feeling depressed over losing my soon to be wife, and my father had taunted me over and over on our travels and three days before I had met you two, I had cut them down where they stood."
[22:03] * Katarina blinks. "A-ah..."
[22:05] * Daroskt blinks, "Oh. Well, if it's any consolation to you, I never knew my parents. My mother was most likely a prostitute and my father someone's drunken bodyguard. That is simplya guess though."
[22:06] * Katarina nods, though doesn't contribute to the parents conversation... she isn't really comfortable with talking about that.
[22:07] * Daroskt nods, "Anyways, we should return to the Gold Goblin and report to Saul that Larur has been properly avenged."
[22:09] * Katarina nods. "D-did you find out anything else o-or get anything from that man?"
[22:10] * Daroskt shakes his head, "No, Raam killed him without the opportunity for questioning. Given that he wounded you though, I have no complaints about that. Speaking of..." he pulls out the studded leather armor, "You may need to wash it, but since your own armour is damaged and stained, I figured Smeed owed you a replacement."
[22:11] * Katarina blinks and smiles, looking over the new gear. "Th-thank you."
[22:11] * Daroskt nods, "You're welcome. He also had a couple potions that I shall ask Samaritha to identify for us."
[22:13] * Daroskt notes to Katarina, "As well, that armour is weakly enchanted, so it should serve you well."
[22:14] * Raam_Pitfighter "I miss the little dwarf already."
[22:14] * Katarina smiles, holding the armor over her shoulder for now. She looks to Raam_Pitfighter. "W-we didn't f-find a body... h-he might still be a-alive..."
[22:15] * Raam_Pitfighter "And you know that he is alive?"
[22:15] * Daroskt blinks, having not considered that in his anger over Katarina's injuries, "I did not think..." He looks to Raam, "Did you find anything else?"
[22:16] * Raam_Pitfighter "Let us get to Saul."
[22:18] * Daroskt , on the way back to the Goblin, sells his old, beaten Scimitar, keeping Smeed's well made one for himself. He also sells the crossbow and bolts, and the case of cigars.
[22:22] * Daroskt gives 63 gold pieces to each of his friends from the proceeds
[22:22] <@Daroskt> Upon returning to the Gold Goblin, Saul takes them aside, "Well, what did you find?"
[22:24] * Raam_Pitfighter hands Saul the bloody cloak that belonged to Larur, "Larur is dead."
[22:24] <@Daroskt> Saul frowns, "I see... and what of Smeed?"
[22:25] * Raam_Pitfighter "I killed him like the coward he was."
[22:25] * Katarina shakes her head. "W-we didn't find a body... Larur m-may n-not be dead..."
[22:26] <@Daroskt> Saul shakes his head, "I doubt you will find one. There are countless unmarked graves and plenty of places to dump a body in and around this city. It is a great pity that my friend was slain, but at least he was avenged. As well, you have relieved the burden of a major debt from my shoulders."
[22:29] * Daroskt frowns a bit. He didn't approve of the writing off of Larur, but had to admit that Saul was likely correct. He had grown up here, he knew what it was like...
[22:30] <@Daroskt> Saul turns back to the three of them, a small smile on his face, "As much as it is a pity for Larur, there remains the business of the great deal of aid you three have provided me, both with this service and what came before."
[22:31] * Katarina shrugs. "I-It i-is our job, a-after all..."
[22:31] * Raam_Pitfighter wishes not to talk as he is reflecting on the loss of such a newly gained friend.
[22:32] <@Daroskt> Saul nods, "And good work deserves good treatment in return. You are all hereby promoted to full partners in this venture. Your wage shall henceforth be increased to 25 gold pieces a week, and you," he points to Katarina, "I believe are suited to take Larur's place as my floor manager."
[22:33] * Katarina blinks. "Wh-wh-what?"
[22:35] <@Daroskt> Saul chuckles a bit at Katarina's shock, having singled her out as the most intelligent of the three. "As well, if the three of you would be willing to stay on my employ for the next year whilst I put some savings away, I shall retire, and cede full ownership of the Goblin to you. You three are the cornerstones of this hall's success after all."
[22:36] * Raam_Pitfighter cares little of owning a store, however if his friends wish to own it he will stand by their choice.
[22:36] * Katarina smiles widely. "Th-thank y-you!" She clutches her butterfly Desna necklace, thanking her Goddess for her luck.
[22:36] * Raam_Pitfighter reflects back on his last thought, realizing that he just considered them his friends, and that he would not argue with their choice.
[22:37] * Daroskt is rather shocked by that offer. It almost seemed too good to be true. Still, Saul had been a man of his word thus far to them, and had treated them remarkably well.
[22:40] <@Daroskt> Saul is pleased at the expressions warranted by his offer. "Of course, as owners, if you had more wild callings you could sell the place, it would be your decision then, not mine. For now though, that is all." He taps his cane and turns to return to his own quarters.
[22:43] * Daroskt turns to Katarina, "I suggest you get some rest so as to recover from your ordeal. I need to rest as well so that I might restore my stipend of power as granted by Gozreh."
[22:43] * Katarina smiles to the two. "Th-that... is surprising. S-so, I believe I will turn in..."
[22:43] * Katarina starts to walk away to her room, if uninterrupted.
[22:43] * Daroskt heads off to his own room to meditate and then rest
[22:43] * Raam_Pitfighter does not wish to go to bed at this time and instead sits downstairs at some tables, to think about all that he has said today and all that has happened.
[22:44] * Daroskt first has Samaritha identify the two potions, which are revealed to be both be Potions of 'Bull's Strength'.
[22:46] * Katarina slips into her new equipment, trying it on and fitting it. She smiles as it fits perfectly and comfortably. Reaching down to her leather armor, she empties the pockets, seeing as she would be selling it soon.
[22:47] <@Daroskt> The lavender branch and slip of paper fall from the emptied pockets along with anything else that might be in there
[22:47] == Daroskt [[email protected]] has quit [Connection closed]
[22:48] == TenMihara [[email protected]] has joined #FoEFansdoDnD
[22:48] == TenMihara has changed nick to Daroskt
[22:48] * Katarina blinks, looking at the branch and paper curiously. "Wh-what...?" She picks up the paper first, opening it and examining it.
[22:49] <Daroskt> The paper reads: "Your eyes bear a hint of infernal influence. If you ever need council or have questions, Madam Pamodae shall present open ears." It is marked with a kiss in purple lipstick and signed -SP
[22:51] * Katarina reads over the paper a few times. She quickly tucks the letter away, deep in thought as she disrobes and hops into her bed, falling asleep late after thought.
[22:55] <Daroskt> -End Session-
[22:56] <Daroskt> Rewards: Previously noted Story Reward plus one CR 3 and one CR 1/2. 330 Additional Experience, 565 Session total
[22:57] <Daroskt> Daroskt and Katarina are now lvl 2~