Fredirick Solo Fights

You find yourself sitting in a tavern at a gambler's table. You've been on a pretty solid winning streak when suddenly the door slams open and a man in a chain shirt and shield steps through. You recognize the tabard draped over his chest. This is a guard of House Bartin, the proprietor of the gambling hall you are in!

He looks your way and walks over, setting a hand on your shoulder.

Fredirick, is it? I think it's time we took a short walk. My employer would like to have a word.

The man shakes his head at you as he flexes his hand to resist the coin.

You would try to bribe a member of House Bartin? Surely this isn't your first time in our establishment. Now please, come with me before I am forced to summon my colleagues.

You make your way through the crowded space and make your way outdoors. When you exit, you notice that there isn't anyone else around and the street is rather dark. He turns to the right and starts heading towards the wharf.

As you walk along, the man keeps his pace, not saying much until you ask him a question.

Headed to the wharf. Bossman's main office is down there, just past the jetty.

Your luck has been unusually good. You've not been here much, have you? All of the major business owners have their offices on Waters Road. We just need to go in by the back door. Boss doesn't like it much when we bring gamblers in by the frontways. Sets the wrong impression. he says as he turns down an alley to the right. You can see a small pathway between buildings at the other end of the alley.

As you look about, you don't see much, a few crates about halfway down the alley. You do hear voices behind you and see a pair of city guards walking your direction.

The boss come out here? For the likes of an overlucky sot? Yeah, that's not happening. You should really come with me, if you know what's good for you.

What in the hells boy! Get down from there! Don't you know that's a good way to get shot?! the guard seethes at you from down the alleyway.

The footsteps from behind you are getting louder.

You hear several shouts from the wharf, and a few twangs.

DEMON! come cries from below.

Four arrows streak toward you as sailors on the ships launch arrows as the aerial threat, two missing and two slicing into you. They deal 9 total damage (5 and 4 respectively).

You find yourself at a card table, playing a fairly complicated betting game called Full Court. You are up on the night, but not exceptionally so. The gambling house is packed with bodies.

There are a quantity of attractive women in the room, many of them working as waitstaff bringing drinks to players and the like. There are a fair number of attractive players as well. The bouncers are usually obvious, standing by doors in chain with large clubs by their side and wickedly curved blades on their hips.

You do spot a trio of men throughout the room, as well as one woman, that all have similar clothes on and the pommel of a rapier at their hip. More than that, you aren't sure of however. They could be official guards in plain clothes or they could be criminals looking for a mark.

SO I says to her, 'Look, I'll be around for another hundred years after tonight. I'll have to think about how horrid this was for me long after you're dead toots!' the elf says. The woman nods with a chuckle. Evendyr, you do have a way with words. It still won't get you in my pants, but it is a way, that's for sure. In fact, there's a dwarf I'm more interested in. I hear he's got a verifiable rock down below, if you'll take my meaning.

What? Oh, this? I got mine from Berrick Denamin's shop in the western quarter. Go beyond the wharf district and head east. His spot is out by the hills.

I mean, I suppose. I didn't custom order mine or anything. I had a need for a blade and he had a fair number of these laying about. Not overly expensive, I think I paid 35 gold for mine.

Fine blade? Are you saying I don't have cause to have a fine blade? Bah. Backwards tourists. In this town, appearance is everything. Without a fine blade, you are a lazeabout, a ruffian, a no good scallawag thief looking for a score. With a blade on your hip, and a nice one at that, you are respected and aren't assaulted. It's a safety mechanism from a nasty world. She says with a snarl.

She snorts slightly. Aren't you just the silver-tongued devil. How's your luck at the tables been so far? She asks, somewhat mollified by your apology and compliment (real or not).

Oh, I'm not much of a gambler. I'm a watcher. Help to keep the riffraff from flipping tables and assaulting guests. Not glamorous, but plenty of cash and a chance to knock some heads. Why, you interested in a lady with silvers to spare?

The woman snorts at you a bit. Well, like I said, we get paid well, but I'm not looking to give that wealth to a customer. Better to spend it on my own luxuries.

She leans in close to you. "Strong liquor and stronger men." Her smile is feral.

Roll a perception check, please.

You just barely notice a stance shift in the two other folks you spotted with the same rapiers. Not hostile or moving yet, but they are definitely now watching you.

You do not.

There is a staircase leading upstairs along the back wall.

As you come up the stairs, you see a dim hallway. There's doors down each side, with a variety of sounds emanating from behind their oaken faces. At the far end of the hall is a single gilded door, with a pair of thugs standing out front.

Their arms go out, hitting your chest.

Patron's ain't allowed in the offices. Get yer arse back down the stairs before we move it there.

As your spell goes off you see the glint of sleep creep a bit across one of the man's eyes before he blinks and it's gone.

Hey boy! What did you do to me? Where'd you get them cards?! the one who had the look on his eyes says as he starts to advance on you.

You leap over the banister, however, as you do so, your toe hooks on the edge of the rail and you end up landing hard on your knees, managing to catch yourself before you sprawl out onto your face.