Campaign Thread

[Bela Gin]

"Well... Is this one of the more expensive places to eat? Or does everything in Jovian cost more than I want it too?"

[Richard Slade]

Judging by the number of clerks, and the number of people lining up to see them, this bank is transacting a LOT of money. The number of *visible* guards is relatively low, but no doubt there are plenty more - it's just a matter of looking properly.

Richard looks around for a some sort of assistant for newcomers, or a director of traffic to assist people to the correct line. Perhaps there will be someone that can give him some information about how the place runs. He takes some time to inspect yet another statue of Jove - this one is accompanied by a sword, which is an addition to the others he's seen so far.

[I'm Murrin]

Bela:
"Oh, I don't know..." Sara says. "I couldn't afford anything in the city."

*

Richard:
On a closer look, the sword, which rests across the statue's lap, appears to be silver. Her eyes are sapphires. As you admire it, a young clerk - who had been standing to one side of the entrance - approaches you. She's a young, fair-skinned woman, dressed smartly in red and gold - the same outfit as the other clerks you've seen - with brown hair pulled back into a neat pony tail.
"Good afternoon, sir," She greets you with a professional smile. "Are you in need of any assistance?"

[Richard Slade]

Richard smiles at the woman, "Good afternoon. I've just arrived in this amazing city and I am wondering if you could guide me how to open an account? I am hoping to make a little money on my trip - my boss is a merchant with some fine textiles to sell, and if I can make some money to help sell them, I'll need to deposit it. Can you tell me about how the bank deals with deposits and accounts?

"Any information you have I'd be grateful." As an apparent afterthought, "Oh, do you do tours? This place looks incredible - I'd love to hear about its history."

[Bela Gin]

"Well, we're here now. A bit of a costly lesson, but we may as well order. I'll ask about more affordable places at the inn."

I don't order too much. I only suggested this thinking Sara could use a meal. Since I ate not long ago, I'll be fine.

[Paula Ridgeway]

Unlike Bela, Paula orders a large meal with an extra plate so that Sara does not feel awkward in ordering something for herself. That way, Paula could pick at small bites while Sara ate the motherlode of the meal. Two cups of tea for each of them and a small plate of cakes to finish it all off.

Paula talks warmly to Sara about this and that. When she feels the time is right, she gets down to business.

*persuasion*

With a sip of her tea, Paula asks gently, "So, Sara, tell us how we can help you."

[I'm Murrin]

Paula and Bela:
"You are going to think I'm a fool," Sara says, sheepishly looking down at her food. "I was having some money problems. It seemed like I might not be able to pay my rent this month. So I said a prayer to our Lady and went to the gambling house.
"It sounds like a foolish thing to do. But I am not stupid. I know how these games work, I had a system, and I knew I had the Lady on my side." She looks up at Paula, and for the first time you see a spark of anger in her eyes. "They cheated me. The game was rigged, and I lost everything."
As quickly as it appeared, the spark fades, and tears begin to form in her eyes. "I have two children, Paula. If I do not pay, we will be thrown out on to the street. I have no family, my husband is gone, I have nothing. All I could think to do was come here and ask the Lady to show mercy on me."
A kinda of sick, desperate hope lights up her face. "And perhaps she has. I think perhaps the Lady brought me to you two. Bela, you were kind to me when no one would listen. Surely you were sent by Jove to help me."

[I'm Murrin]

Richard:
"I'm afraid we don't, sir, this is a place of business," the clerk responds. "A holy business, but business all the same," she adds, her smile for a moment seeming more genuine. "Although," she looks thoughtful, "I believe the Guild historian keeps records of the construction of the Bank, along with the rest of the city."
"As far as opening an account, the process is simple enough, you only need to sign some documents and provide an initial deposit. If you wish to do so now, I believe Frederick over there would be happy to help you." She indicates one of the clerks' windows to the right of the room, at which sits a small, balding man, dressed in the same uniform and wearing glasses, who does not currently appear to be busy with any customers.

[Bela Gin]

"Sara, I don't claim to know much about Jove, or any other god. But I had a very strong feeling when I saw you walk away from Richard. I thought it was a mistake. I thought we were supposed to meet you. So I fixed it. I didn't have any feeling about why, though. Maybe for the reason you think." *shrug* "I suppose time will tell. I'm not sure what we can do for you. What casino were you in? What game did you play?"

[Richard Slade]

"I'd love to learn some more from the Guild historian - I imagine the history of this city would be a fascinating story. I'll chat with my boss about opening an account here too. If it's not too much trouble, can you tell me how to seek an audience with the historian?"

[I'm Murrin]

Bela and Paula:
"It's called Smoak's Tavern, in the sprawl. I play cards, dice are too random. It's... Mr. Smoak is my landlord. He owns most of the street."


Richard:
"Oh, I don't really know. It just seemed like if you're interested in our history that would be a place to look. I suppose you would have to inquire with the Guild."

[Richard Slade]

"Thanks for your help. I hope to be back at some stage to open an account."

Richard looks around for a Guild member. It wouldn't hurt to enquire now and see what the response might be to an audience with the historian. If he has no luck with a Guild member, he might need the persuasive talents of Paula and/or Bela.

[Bela Gin]

"How do you know you couldn't lose with your system if they weren't cheating? Is your system cheesing? I'm not judging, just trying to get a clearer picture of all this.'

[I'm Murrin]

Richard:
The bank's staff are all technically Guild members, and you see one or two other people who look the part going about their business in the bank.

Bela and Paula:
"At first I thought I was just unlucky. I had a few bad hands, but I was careful, I paid attention. When I knew the odds were in my favour, I put my money down.
"Then the dealer played cards they couldn't have had. That I am certain of. I... got a little upset, and they kicked me out. I only had a little money left, then out of nowhere Mr Smoak pays me a visit, demands an advance on the rent. He took everything I hadn't already lost to his game."

[Basically, Sara was counting cards. It's possible she's overconfident of her abilities in that regard, but she's absolutely certain she was cheated.]

[Bela Gin]

"An advance on your rent? That seems unusual. Coming immediately after you were cheated out of the little money you had makes it even more suspicious. It makes it look like he wants you out. Why would that be? Either because he wants you gone, or because there's someone else he wants to have your apartment. Or, less mysterious, he wants you unable to pay with money, so needing to find ... another method of payment."

[I'm Murrin]

Bela and Paula
"He raised the rent last month, he knows I can't afford it. He clearly wants me gone. I don't know why, maybe he just wants someone who will pay more."

[Paula Ridgeway]

"All due respect, I don't know who would want to pay more for living there? We passed through the area on our way here and frankly, anyone with more money would choose a better place.

"As far as the casinos go, I have no doubt they cheated you out of your money. I'm a fairly good card player and I lost money, too. Casinos are typically like that - they are there to make money and they are better at it than we are. They only let you win to keep you playing.

"Do you have any skills that could render you a better job? A maid or perhaps a seamstress? I have had some luck as an actor. Travelling troupes are always looking for talent.

"Of course, if none of these are options for you, perhaps Bela and I can go speak with your landlord and see what we can do. Perhaps we could persuade him to be more kind."

Paula gave Bela a meaningful look.

[Bela Gin]

"And with a name like 'The Sprawl', I don't suppose there are legal authorities you can appeal to."

[Richard Slade]

Richard walks over to the most likely looking Guild member and says quietly "Excuse me, the assistant clerk" Richard turns toward the woman that assisted him "mentioned that a Guild member might be able to help me speak with the Guild historian. Are you able to help me? I'm new to the city..."

[I'm Murrin]

Bela and Paula:
Sara says to Bela, "No, so long as people like Smoak pay their dues to the Guild they don't much concern themselves with what they're doing in the Sprawl."
Then, to Paula, "I work as a seamstress. It doesn't pay enough; nothing does. And there's always someone else there waiting to take your job if you don't like it. A city like this, people come from all over looking for a piece of the wealth. And Lady forgive me but it seems even a Goddess can't give every one of them what they need."

*

Richard:
You approach a tall, bald man in a suit, wearing a silver Guild pin on his breast, who had just left the counter and was heading toward the exit. The young clerk, who is still within earshot, looks mortified when you indicate her to the man. As the gentleman responds with a confused, "I'm sorry, who are...?" she quickly steps over to intervene.
"I'm so sorry, sir, just a misunderstanding," she says, then ushers you aside. The man gives a stern-faced hmph then continues on his way. The clerk's smile now looking a little strained, she says to you, "I must ask you not to bother any of our other customers, sir. If you want to speak to the historian I'd suggest you go through official channels at the Guild Hall."