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[D&D 4E PbP] Second Darkness Chapter 1: Shadow in the Sky (IC)
Canticle
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Second Darkness
Chapter One: Shadow in the Sky
"It has happened before. A star from the heavens lances down upon an unsuspecting world, devastating and destroying in a storm of fire and ash, making oceans from mountains and graveyards from nations. Today, this event is remembered not for its violent destruction, but for the thousand years of darkness it created—darkness both metaphorical in the descent to barbarisim and physical in the blotting out of the sun from the smoke and ash that blanketed Golarion. It was the end of the Azlanti race, yet it was the genesis of another. For as the proud Azlant fell, new eyes devoid of color and kindness opened in the deep caverns of the Darklands. And as this new race prospered deep below, its number swelling in secret, the seeds for a Second Darkness took root."
"It has happened before. A star from the heavens lances down upon an unsuspecting world, devastating and destroying in a storm of fire and ash, making oceans from mountains and graveyards from nations. Today, this event is remembered not for its violent destruction, but for the thousand years of darkness it created—darkness both metaphorical in the descent to barbarisim and physical in the blotting out of the sun from the smoke and ash that blanketed Golarion. It was the end of the Azlanti race, yet it was the genesis of another. For as the proud Azlant fell, new eyes devoid of color and kindness opened in the deep caverns of the Darklands. And as this new race prospered deep below, its number swelling in secret, the seeds for a Second Darkness took root."
Riddleport. City of Cyphers. Haven for those of ill repute. Dangerous, filthy, loud, full of promise.
And, for now, home.
Dramatis Personae:
Rachael 'Rose' Lianna, The Soloist
Nathaniel Lacey, The Player
Elysia Skalfrin, The Sageling
Citadel, The Awakened
Yan Kibbers, The Evermerry
Edalph 'Crimson' Thafalsson, The Shadowed
Nathaniel Lacey, The Player
Elysia Skalfrin, The Sageling
Citadel, The Awakened
Yan Kibbers, The Evermerry
Edalph 'Crimson' Thafalsson, The Shadowed
This is your in-character (IC) thread. All actions taken by your character should be handled here.
Style, protocol and formatting:
- Please make use of the third person present tense when narrating your character's actions. This is how play-by-post writing ought to be handled; your posts are describing events as they occur, not as they once took place.
CORRECT: "Meepo cowers in the corner while the big nasty orc shuffles past."
INCORRECT: "Meepo cowered in the corner while the big nasty orc shuffled past." - Out-of-character (OOC) instructions or comments by me to you will be handled in bold, and in brackets ([]). You can make short OOC inquiries here, but for lengthy OOC discussions please use the OOC thread.
- We will be using Invisible Castle or Orokos for all dice rolls. Please create a free account and familiarize yourself with how rolling works. When making an actual in-game roll, please use your character's name and the campaign "PA SecondDarkness". I will ask for rolls that do not use the proper campaign to be re-rolled.
- Please wrap all actions/rolls in spoiler tags. State your actions, in order, followed by any applicable dice rolls. Link all dice rolls to the corresponding Invisible Castle roll.
- When an encounter begins, and as monsters are introduced, I will provide initiative orders and basic monster stats (HP and defenses) so that you don't have to wait to find out if your attack hit/killed your target. I will also roll initiative for the PCs.
- This list may - and likely will - be amended as issues arise.
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The Blot hangs in the sky, the work of some errant child god intent on scrawling its sooty fingers across the ceiling of creation. For all the speculation of where the hole rent in the sky came from, it has seemingly done little to affect the mood of the city of Riddleport itself. Its denizens - who run the gamut of upstanding, seemingly upstanding, and "Why bother?" - have other matters to concern themselves with. Matters that lie much closer to the ground. Worldly matters.
"Bounder, bounder, bounder! No doubles, no doubles!" comes the cry, inexplicably louder than the already raucous din of the crowd inside the Gold Goblin gambling hall. For reasons that are your own, you have come to participate in the spectacle that is Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold.
Just inside the main doors, two sultry beauties scantily clad and wearing faux bat wings, devil horns, and tails play the part of alluring succubi. Both are employees of the Gold Goblin, and they cheerfully register contestants for the tournament and process entry fees. Armed guards stand nearby to either side of an immense treasure chest into which each patron’s entry fee is added. The guards are on hand to not only protect the money, but to prevent any overzealous admirers from trying to dare the infamous touch of a succubus.
Beyond the registration table is the hall’s game floor. Dozens of gamblers, waitresses dressed as succubi, and bouncers mill about the room, wandering amid tables offering various games while dealers shuffle cards, roll dice, and spin wheels. Moving through this throng are a dozen more of the barely clad, batwinged vixens serving drinks and batting coal-black eyelashes flirtatiously for tips. In the center of the chamber is a short podium atop which sits a massive gold chest affixed to the floor by similarly gaudy chains. On either side of it stands a barechested bouncer in the exotic garb of some foreign sultan’s court. Each stands with muscled arms crossed over his chest and with a naked scimitar of prodigious size tucked through his waistband. High above them, from the hall’s cloth-draped ceiling, hangs a brass birdcage within which crouches a small, bat-winged, pointy-tailed devilish creature that sulks as it gazes over the room and occasionally rattles the bars threateningly.
[OOC: Please introduce yourself into the scene in whichever manner you wish, in whichever order you wish. You may arrive individually, arrive in groups, have been there already, show up late, and so on. You should also feel free to inquire about what you see around you; the Gold Goblin is a busy place right now.
Finally, you may already be aware of certain bits of information regarding recent events, based on passive skill results. I will be providing these in individual spoiler boxes soon.]
"Where's she run off to?"
A few passers-by look up at the sound of rumbling boulders. Ah, that's right. The Blot. Citadel turns down an alley and heads towards that ink-stain on the sky, remembering just how much she had spoken about the Blot.
There are some who would love to be in a crowd like this. Speaking of which, he'd heard that Rose was coming. Crimson smiles wryly and wonders if she's forgiven him for calling her tail "stubby" yet. For certain, he'd drunk more than he should've that night.
He stretches, and scans the room in that quick moment. Security's tight, he thinks. Then, What am I doing here? I'm no gambler.
Well, but that's life, isn't it? Always a gamble, with your neck on the line as likely as not.
Crimson feels his meager purse, tucked away deep, and shakes his head at how he came to be in these straits. He wonders briefly if Vancaskerkin needs more help for tonight, but the thought roils his stomach. He wants be done with this lot, but doesn't know how or why.
He needs a drink, but keeps his hands to himself. To give himself something to do, he scans the crowd again. If I was workin' tonight, what would I be watchin' for?
___________
Second Darkness: Crimson Thafalsson (Level 1 Fighter, HP 26, AC 19, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 13, Init +2, Surges 9/9)
Rose:
A local cyphermage and stargazer named Argentus Blakely first noticed the Blot before it was visible to the naked eye. He called it an “atmospheric shadow” and it was subsequently named for him as it became more visible.
Nathaniel:
A local cyphermage and stargazer named Argentus Blakely first noticed the Blot before it was visible to the naked eye. He called it an “atmospheric shadow” and it was subsequently named for him as it became more visible.
The Blot changes shape and size somewhat, but is generally ovoid in shape and hovers alternately over the harbor and gulf just south of Riddleport. It is dark like a shadow but does allow some light through, albeit dimly, and flying objects can faintly be seen through its obscuring haze. It casts a faint shadow on the ground beneath it depending on the angle of the sun.
Elysia:
A local cyphermage and stargazer named Argentus Blakely first noticed the Blot before it was visible to the naked eye. He called it an “atmospheric shadow” and it was subsequently named for him as it became more visible.
The Blot changes shape and size somewhat, but is generally ovoid in shape and hovers alternately over the harbor and gulf just south of Riddleport. It is dark like a shadow but does allow some light through, albeit dimly, and flying objects can faintly be seen through its obscuring haze. It casts a faint shadow on the ground beneath it depending on the angle of the sun.
Riddleport has a long history of mysterious phenomena connected to its infamous Cyphergate Riddle—the long-sought hidden purpose of the stone arch that rises over the harbor. Old accounts tell of strange lights moving in the sky and sounds issuing forth from it without explanation. The manifestation of a shadow in the sky is something new, though.
No known magical traditions explain the existence of the hovering shadow, and it does not bear the trappings of any known spell.
The Blot has no known analogy in nature.
Birds and flying creatures appear to avoid the air space around the Blot. Although it resembles a dark cloud, the wind seems to have no real effect on it.
Citadel:
The Blot hangs at a fairly constant altitude of about 2,500 feet and appears to be roughly 250 feet long by 130 feet wide.
Riddleport has a long history of mysterious phenomena connected to its infamous Cyphergate Riddle—the long-sought hidden purpose of the stone arch that rises over the harbor. Old accounts tell of strange lights moving in the sky and sounds issuing forth from it without explanation. The manifestation of a shadow in the sky is something new, though.
No known magical traditions explain the existence of the hovering shadow, and it does not bear the trappings of any known spell.
The Blot has no known analogy in nature.
Birds and flying creatures appear to avoid the air space around the Blot. Although it resembles a dark cloud, the wind seems to have no real effect on it.
Yan:
A local cyphermage and stargazer named Argentus Blakely first noticed the Blot before it was visible to the naked eye. He called it an “atmospheric shadow” and it was subsequently named for him as it became more visible.
The Blot changes shape and size somewhat, but is generally ovoid in shape and hovers alternately over the harbor and gulf just south of Riddleport. It is dark like a shadow but does allow some light through, albeit dimly, and flying objects can faintly be seen through its obscuring haze. It casts a faint shadow on the ground beneath it depending on the angle of the sun.
Riddleport has a long history of mysterious phenomena connected to its infamous Cyphergate Riddle—the long-sought hidden purpose of the stone arch that rises over the harbor. Old accounts tell of strange lights moving in the sky and sounds issuing forth from it without explanation. The manifestation of a shadow in the sky is something new, though.
The Blot has no known analogy in nature.
Crimson:
A local cyphermage and stargazer named Argentus Blakely first noticed the Blot before it was visible to the naked eye. He called it an “atmospheric shadow” and it was subsequently named for him as it became more visible.
The Blot has no known analogy in nature.
The Blot changes shape and size somewhat, but is generally ovoid in shape and hovers alternately over the harbor and gulf just south of Riddleport. It is dark like a shadow but does allow some light through, albeit dimly, and flying objects can faintly be seen through its obscuring haze. It casts a faint shadow on the ground beneath it depending on the angle of the sun.
The Blot hangs at a fairly constant altitude of about 2,500 feet and appears to be roughly 250 feet long by 130 feet wide.
Blakely flew up to investigate the eerie shadowy Blot a week after it appeared, and reported that the interior was strangely cold but that the blot itself seemed no different than a regular cloud—apart from its unusual color.
The Blot first appeared over Riddleport about a month ago and has remained in the sky ever since. It has changed size and shape and has even disappeared intermittently, but has always returned after several hours.
Crimson's watch on the crowd is broken as an attractive "succubus" - horns set tellingly asymmetrical atop her head - steps in front of him and holds out what looks to be a fairly elaborate contract, purring, "Come now, doll, a chance to cheat the devil isn't without its cost! A gold coin to the coffer and your name to the parchment, if you will."
Crimson:
It's clear to those inside that the games being enjoyed currently are largely non-sanctioned and merely part of an ongoing reception as participants trickle in.
"Ey, here's myy fee, honey. Now, howsabout bringing me an this fella 'ere a coupla drinks? Pour 'em strong an I got a bit of a tip in it for ya," he says, inartfully winking.
Yan scans the room, looking for a couple cheap games that he could toss down a few gold on, once the fetching waitress comes back with the drinks for Crimson and himself.
"So, uh, how're ya doin'? What's yer game? I'm a sucker for anything with cards, or dice, or maybe wheels, or pickin stuff, but that's it. Also, whatever this 'Cheat the Devil' business is. Plus, [leaning in conspiratorially] I'm getting into the bookmaking biz. I'll let you know when I got a good lead on somethin, give ya a good tip, since we're such good friends 'n all. By the way, [We haven't met yet, right? what's yer name? I'm Yan. Yan Kibbers."
Descending the stairs, she pauses just before entering the very packed and loud mass before her. While not wholly unused to crowds, she still missed the reassuring presence of her extremely crotchety teacher. Though mostly because Kelemon would inevitably manage to insult someone. People trying to kill her (or each other) she could handle. And really, this whole gambling thing was a really bad idea, she just kn...
Okay calm down, Elysia tells herself. You've already payed the entry fee, might as well see if you can at least make it back. And Citadel said he'd be here, so you've got someone to hide behind if someone tries to knife you if you manage to get lucky.
Taking a firm hold of her staff, the young woman finally descends into the crowd and begins looking around for her construct friend.
"Ah, you were in your cups, so 's no wonder that you don't remember. The name's Crimson." He considers the state of the fellow next to him. Was luck smiling upon him after all?
"Maybe we can find a quiet corner for a dice game, just the two of us..."
Approaching the Golden Goblin, Nate returns to the moment. With a glimpse inside, he conceives a plan.
Nate stumbles at the door, catching himself just before falling into the waiting Succubus. He apologises quickly.
"Please forgive me, my lady! I assure you, I ususally keep my composure around even the most beautiful women, but I catch the merest glimpse of you through the door and..."
He gestures helplessly, grinning as if to say "What can one do?"
"Perhaps it was just the set of the horns on your head, but I suspect not. Here is my entry fee..."
With this, Nate fumbles once again and two gold coins drop with loud and distinct clinks into her coffer.
"Again? I am so sorry, sometimes I just get so nervous when I gamble." Nate looks up from the coffer to the Succubus ruefully and it is very obvious that it's not the gambling that's making him nervous. "May I...?"
Not waiting for a response from the costumed "Succubus" -- who is by now both charmed and flummoxed -- he reaches in and grabs two coins. Quickly palming one, he displays the other to the Succubus as a show of his honesty and reaches for the parchment.
"I very much hope you are not the devil I am to cheat tonight; I think I would feel quite bad about that after the trouble I have caused you. Perhaps I could pay you back? I think I'll use this very coin to buy you a drink or two... At least say you'll allow me to place a bet with it in your name!"
And without waiting for an answer or a name, Nate straightens, turns, and strides off. The Succubus peers at the parchment, and makes out his mark:
D. Versade
Eventually she realises that her quill pen is missing.
Bluff on Succubus: 1d20+10 17
Typical. Only Crimson could be standing in the middle of a party like this with a frown on his face. Serves him right too Rose thinks, rubbing the end of her tail. When he's noisily interrupted by a drunken halfling she gropes for a name, Yan Kibble? Kippler? no wait, Kibbers, that was it. Rose averts her gaze and does her best to huddle further back into her far too well lit corner. If the little sot comes over for a chat she'll never be able to concentrate on the contestants. Although great fun at parties, the faithful of Cayden Cailean were rarely good company when you needed to focus.
[Yan leans in and whispers as they make their way across the floor]
"I gotta system, I know it'll work, but I need a partner. You in? I'll cut ya a fair share. I can explain when the time gets close, but basically I just need ya to smack me in the noggin when I give ya the signal. Easy, right? Easiest gold ya ever made, I bet. Secret technique us followers of Cailean 'ave been working out. "
Hopping into one of the seats at the dice table, Yan whistles to the waitress for their drinks.
But then again, probably half the crowd is intent on cheating in some way or another. Crimson snorts as he sees Nate in the crowd, and he revises his estimate upwards.
Everybody has a system, he thinks. He's broken enough bones to know that it's true.
If he's feeling charitable, maybe he'll knock Yan on the head before the halfling gets into trouble. And if he then helps himself to the cleric's purse while unconscious, then it's just his fee for saving the little fellow's life.
Crimson smiles for the first time that evening.
"So, Crimson, who else 'round 'ere tonight is notable? Ya probably know 'em all. I think I recognize a lotta these folks, but it's a bit blurry in 'ere tonight. Must be that blasted Blot, messing with our vision, I bet. Ya see that lady o'er in the corner? Lily, or, Daisy, or Rose, or somekindaflower? You see that wizard or cyphermage or what-the-Blot-ever come down the stairs o'er there a second ago? Don't seem fair to me, letting wizards gamble. Get some unfair advantage, I'd reckon, with their magic. Course, I got a nice advantage with Cayden's guidance, but that'd diff'rent. Gods'r in control anywhoo, so I may as well figure out which way they're leaning and jump on board, amirite? Course I am. You've been around, ya know it.
Yan takes a deep drink, and thinks for a second.
"You wanna try out my method? 'Ere's how it goes. I take a big swig o' this, ya smack me firmly on my head, though not as hard as that night at th' Badger, then I roll these here dice. You ready? Don't tell me when yer gonna do it, catch me by suprise. Whene'er yer ready!"
Once at the bar, Nate makes himself suddenly timid and unnnoticeable.
The last thing I need now is to be approached or served. Now-- where's Peveril? Damn, of course! They've got rid of all the shiners! No reflective surfaces to see your opponents' cards in, and none to use to find Peveril, either.
A glint of metal by the door distracts him. An imposing construct has entered the room, its robes not quite covering its metallic plating. No, too risky. It's a perfect shiner, but if I'm near it I'll be noticed for sure. Something like that can draw an audience without even trying.
Oh well, I guess the simple ways are sometimes the best.
Nate picks up the stolen tankard, takes a breath, turns around and drinks it all down. Slowly. While the tankard is in front of his face, his eyes are darting, probing.
There he is.
Perception: 1d20+4 → [20,4] = (24)
He doesn't give Yan an opportunity to respond. "No, hold on," he says immediately, "that didn't feel right." Crimson hits the halfling again, this time a hand higher on the back. But no, he shakes his head. "Still not it." Then another blow, not too hard, but still not comfortable either.
After the third time, Crimson laughs, unable to contain himself, but before the halfling gets upset with him, he raises his hands in mock surrender. "No, no, I'm sorry. Truly. But the chance was too good to miss." He wipes a tear from his eye.
Still grinning, he continues, "And besides, what you're planning is too dangerous here." The fighter points out the six burly guards, and then motions to their weapons. "I like you, Yan, so I'm going to save your life today. Try your trick at a smaller game. One that doesn't have so many eyes watching over it."
Nathaniel:
As you continue scanning the room, you're not shocked to discover a couple of the burly guardsmen doing the same, and their eyes pause every so often, hovering over one of the less upright card sharks in the room. Though they don't move to stop any cheating they see, they do briefly signal to each other, no doubt making note to keep an eye out during the tournament proper.
As the informal festivities continue, the faux-fiend hostesses begin making the rounds with sheafs of contracts. They read as follows:
I understand that my soul will be placed on deposit in the Hells’ deepest pit of Nessus. Furthermore, I understand that all winnings shall be catalogued in concordance of souls, to be represented by teeth, eyes, and hearts of the damned. By participating in the gambling tournament and beginning in the first pit of Avernus, my winnings shall earn my way deeper through the Hells on the following schedule:
Dis—1 gold eye
Erebus—3 gold eyes and a Badge of Dis
Phlegethon—5 gold eyes and a Badge of Erebus
Stygia—10 gold eyes and a Badge of Phlegethon
Malebolge—25 gold eyes and a Badge of Stygia
Cocytus—50 gold eyes and a Badge of Malbolge
Caina—75 gold eyes and a Badge of Cocytus
Nessus—100 gold eyes and a Badge of Caina
I understand that if I should lose my stake in the tournament I shall receive the Devil’s Mark and my soul shall be cast upon the rocks on the shore of the River Styx.
I understand that if I elect to cash in my winnings before reaching the pit of Nessus I shall forfeit my soul and 50% of the cash value of my winnings for said early departure.
If I am the first player to reach Nessus, then I am granted the redemption of my soul and the right to Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold in addition to collecting my winnings. In such a circumstance, all other players shall receive the Devil’s Mark and forfeit their souls.
This is I do swear.
Witnessed by: __Old Scratch
Elysia, Citadel, Yan, Crimson:
As the windows begin darkening with twilight, several gamehall employees enter, carrying torches shaped like pitchforks skewering burning heads made of straw and cloth to light several large braziers, giving the hall a more infernal hue. A hush falls over the gathered crowd as a short man climbs to the central podium, accompanied by two gorgeous “succubi,” and stands before the gold, chain-shrouded chest there with a demoness on either side. He wears a formal suit, and his thinning black hair is slicked back. His left arm ends in a stump just above the wrist, and affixed to it is a bronze cap from which protrudes an oddly shaped key.
This is Saul Vancaskerkin, the owner of the Gold Goblin.
He bows before the crowd and clears his throat before speaking.
“Welcome, one and all, to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall and your chance to cheat the Devil and win back not only your soul but all of his gold as well.” He says this last as he pats the large chest before which he stands. “I hope you found your reception by the Devil’s lovely temptresses suitably entertaining.”
This is met by a general murmur of laughter and a few catcalls.
“Let’s take this moment to thank Old Scratch himself for attending this event. Not only did he loan us these lovely, dark angels, but he also emptied the deepest vaults of Hell itself to provide the gold for this tournament.”
With this, Saul directs the crowd’s attention up to the imp in the birdcage. At the sudden attention, Old Scratch flies into a flurry of rage, banging the cage bars, spitting, howling, and screaming vile epithets in Infernal at all assembled. His theatrics are received with guffaws and even a smattering of applause. As the crowd dies down, Vancaskerkin continues.
“Of course, he plans on replacing what he loses in gold with the souls of those of you who don’t win. The tournament rules are quite simple—as you play, you’ll earn more chips. And with those chips, you’ll be able to bribe your way out of the current Hell you’re trapped in, working your way down deeper until you get to Old Scratch’s treasury. Currently, all of you are Old Scratch’s prisoners in the first of the Hells, Avernus. If you want to work your way down to the ninth circle, you need to win games. Each time you win, you’ll be awarded a golden eye. If you come in second, you’ll get a silver tooth. And third place wins a copper heart. These bits of flesh and bone are what the devils use in Hell for currency, and they’re what you’ll need to pay n order to bribe your way into the next layer of hell. The first player to win a game after reaching Nessus not only keeps his winnings for that game, but also earns back his soul and the ten thousand silver coins that the Devil put up for this tournament. You can, of course, decide to cash out your winnings at any time you want, but if you do, or if you run out of money entirely… well, that means Old Scratch gets you.”
Vancaskerkin grins evilly and the caged imp cuts loose with another profane tirade. “And that earns you the Devil’s Mark and an escort out of the game hall until the tournament is over. What, you ask, exactly is this Devil’s Mark? Well, it’s something too utterly horrible to even contemplate. The forfeiture of your very soul, it is. But I suppose I can show you what it is — gods know I more than deserve the Devil’s Mark. In fact, better make it two, girls!”
With that, the two succubi accompanying him lean over and each firmly plants a kiss on Saul’s cheek with her ruby-red lips. When they pull away, their lip rouge has left clearly visible prints in the same shocking red on his cheeks. Saul beams as he cries out, “The Devil’s Mark, everyone!” which is greeted by a flurry of shouts, catcalls, and hoots. “Now, let’s cheat the Devil and take his gold!” which prompts one more rabid flurry from the imprisoned fiend above, and with that, the tournament begins.
[OOC: Everyone should mark off 1g from their personal effects (if you spent all your gold on character creation, you get a free pass on this one; I'll assume you plundered your couch cushions for hidden riches). Now, we should discuss how you'd like to move forward. Rules exist for the games being played at the tournament, and it's certainly not impossible to play an online version of these games. However, things will progress at a faster clip if we instead take the route of turning this into a skill challenge-esque event, with the games being roleplayed out as much as you care to between checks. If you'd like to chime in on this, do so over in the OOC thread.
For now, you can react to Saul's speech and continue interacting with each other/the staff. I'm liking what I see so far!]
"Well, ain't that a grim way to phrase some basic gamblin' rules? Maybe it'll scare off some o' the competition, 'specially those one that aren't as brave as you and me, right, Crimson?"
Hmm. I really hope that this imp up there doesn't happen to have some ability to, I guess, steal souls or anything, Yan thinks to himself, trying to not break his outward appearance of tipsy bravado. I'm no expert on religious things, but can I remember any stories of similar things happening in the scripture I've studied?
"So, Crimson, I'm gonna head over and see where this, uh, tournament starts. Now, I love the whole process o' gamblin', getting drinks from be-u-tiful ladies and whatnot, so I'm in no hurry to get through it, but I'd at least like to show these amateurs that a true high roller is in the Goblin tonight."
Yan scouts around the place, looking to see what sort of game he could join to get the ball rolling, especially the easiest.
Perception: looking for easy games/easy targets: 1d20+4 23
Stuffing the sheet into a pocket, she continues to the warforged.
"Citadel! Glad you could make it," calls Elysia, smiling in greeting. Halting next to him, she pats on the construct on the shoulder. "I've been studying up on the games played here, so hopefully I won't do too poorly."
"Without a soul to call my own, I haven't anything to barter with. Not that I care much for gambling."
Whilst handing back her contract Rose glances at Old Scratch and wonders what they're doing with an Imp in a cage in the first place, where did they acquire it?
He grabs a contract from one of the nearby hostesses, and gives her a squeeze to make sure she remembers him signing. "The name's Crimson. Maybe we can meet after, when I'm rich." But the "succubus" backs away with a pained smile on her face. Crimson is sure it's not the first time she's been propositioned tonight.
The fighter smirks as she takes his contract away, its signature hidden amongst all the others: Nate Lacey.
Well, it never hurt to be careful, just in case. And if there's one person who could get out of a deal with the devil, it was probably him.
Yan:
As for easy marks, you spy a few who look a bit intimidated by the table games. It looks like others have the same idea you do, though. As you watch, one of the more confident patrons rushes up to an "easy target" and begins drawing him towards a table. You aren't able to make out their entire conversation, but there was definitely a bit in there about "showing him the ropes."
Elysia:
Rose:
I could spot for him in the early rounds... Nate contemplates using subtle signals to communicate opponents' cards to Peveril. It would get him through a round or two at most, though. They're expecting cheating tonight. They'd notice it soon enough -- too soon.
Nate produces an ace from his sleeve. As he passes behind Peveril, Nate scores a runic "?" into the card with his thumb and with a flick of his wrist it is gone. In a flash, it sits in front of the older man.
Peveril stiffens, then seems to force himself to relax -- with what Nate knows is practised speed. He cricks his neck to the right for "No". His coat has been slung hurriedly across the back of his chair and, as Nate feigns interest in the Devil's Mark, Peveril casually rearranges it. In its right pocket sits a mostly-concealed lump: the foolproof method.
Seems like I'll have to find another partner. But how will I find someone competent? How will I know who to pick? It just seems like... like such a gamble!
Nate grins. I'll have to use that.
Watching the play, Crimson makes sure no one's cheating before joining in.
Perception for cheating: 1d20+7 14
There.
A bulky human, holding himself with the wary assurance of security- and body-guards everywhere, was approaching a table. He was following a halfling who was already entertaining the drunks who were its current occupants.
Crimson and... Yan? Perfect. Crimson's a thug, sure, but reliable. Slow. Not a craftly or artful bone in his body. And Yan... Hah. Anyone who prays for luck doesn't understand the concept. I can make myself lucky.
"Hello, lads! For those who drank their memories away, I'm Nathaniel Lacey. The man who'll be leaving here with your money and with the Devil's, too! Let's get this show started, shall we?"
"Oh, Crimson! I have a little project you might be interested in... But that can wait."
Only once he's sat down does Nate notice the pretty Tiefling with the uncomfortably piercing gaze.
Perception: 1d20+4 → [6,4] = (10)
Streetwise: 1d20+3 → [19,3] = (22)
"Do you think you could leave me my pants this time? The night after the Fish Market, it was awfully cold going home." He hunches up as some of the players laugh at his expense, but it's okay--it'll be easier if they're at ease. It's doubtful that they'll get careless so early on, but the effort can't hurt.
What a night that was though, even if ended it with him squatting in front of a fire bare-arsed to warm back up. But now is not the time to be distracted. The dice sit in front of Crimson, and he considers how to play his next move.
He thinks that maybe it's best to stick with what's familiar.
"Let me tell you about a game called Baker Street. Now Baker Street has seven shops, and each one ripe for the plucking. You roll seven dice, and for every five, you've lifted something nice and get a point. For every six, you lift something special, a point and another chance for a grab. The fella with the most points wins the hand. Draws split the pot. So who wants to play with me?"
Crimson throws a gold piece onto the table.
Crimson will opt to aid Nate in the roll, so there may be a +2 modifier to his attempts.