Lorsan Brightwood, pockets recently heavy from a bit of side work decided it was time to see what Evershoal had to offer in... entertainment. He had enjoyed his time in Quillpond, but he'd quickly been kicked out of the local card circle. Winning too often, it seemed, was not appreciated.
Asking around the Unknown, someone pointed him towards a local gambling house named The Jolly Knave. He chuckled at the name. Hopefully there was truth in that, he hated sour and serious gamblers. Donning his best (and hoping Ciara Danaan was at least up to date on current fashions), he tucked 40 gold in various pockets and pouches and strolled to his future winnings. He chose to ignore the look of disappointed exasperation the Shield gave him. Really, if there was anything he was good at, it was this. Mercy wasn't giving him nearly enough credit.
True to his word, Lorsan doubled his winnings over the course of evening. The Jolly Knave lived up to his name, full of bawdy music, laughing people, and much drinking. Late into the evening, Lorsan stumbled from the gambling tables and over to the bar. He needed to either sober up or find somewhere to sleep for the night - experience had long ago taught him he'd wake up in a gutter (at best) if he left in his current state.
While flirting with the bar staff, Lorsan entirely missed the exchange of a few gold pieces between one of the men he'd tossed dice against and a very attractive Tiefling woman. She nodded to a Wood Elf across the room, and he gave her a knowing smile before both made their way to the bar. Sliding onto the stools on either side of Lorsan, the pair made it their business to keep his tankard full and his attention on them.
Lorsan couldn't believe his run of luck - not only had he pockets full of coin, he had clearly caught the attention of not one, but two admirers. He and the Elf had traded a few glances throughout the night, but he assumed the Tiefling was far out of his league. It didn't take too long before intentions were made clear and one of the pair held up a room key. To be honest, Lorsan hadn't remembered a lot of what came next. The emotions and the physical attraction, sure. Everything else was hazy.
Sunlight streamed through an open window, making Lorsan's head explode in pain. A heady incense still clung to his nostrils. This will be a hangover to remember. he thought, getting his wits about him.
Reaching to cover his eyes from the offending light, he realized he couldn't move his arms. Trying to twist to see what was going on, he found himself quite firmly bound to the sturdy posts of the bed by lengths of silk rope. He was also stark naked. He laughed at the absurdity of it (immediately regretting making the loud noise). Sinking back into the comforting silence, it dawned on him that he was the only person in the room. No one else stirred. Turing his head side-to-side, he saw his clothing neatly folded on a nearby chair. On top, also folded neatly, was his empty coin pouch.
Lorsan dropped his head back to the mattress, cursing. He'd been played, though he seemed to have enjoyed the game at least. Still, naked and tied to a bed was not how he intended to be found by the staff. Stirring deep in his mind, he called Mercy to his hand in the form of a deft dagger. Nothing happened at first. An amused tsk-tsk-tsk filled that same place in his mind. You really should learn to listen to me. Mercy replied. I should leave you like this, she mused. But that would mean I'd have to start over with someone else I suppose...
He felt the weight of the dagger in his hand. Releasing the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, he freed himself. He moved too quickly to sit up and the room spun again. Mercy laughed in his head again. Much slower and with more than a little colorful language, he got dressed. Sticking a foot into boot, he yelped in shock as it hit something hard. Turning the boot over and giving it a solid shake, a much smaller coin purse fell to the floor, along with a note.
For your trouble. We've run this con on far less enjoyable marks.
- S
Results of a Downtime Gambling action - Lorsan succeeded at 1 of the 3 rolls, losing half of the money he gambled.