The Lady’s Hand (A Dickings & Dalliances Adventure) - (Closed Except By Invitation)

[Nouh_Bdee]

This thread is a bit of an experiment. The goal is to roleplay a story through actual play of a version of D&D altered to include rules for contests of sex. Not every sexual encounter will bother with these rules, but instances where a “win” or “loss” would be interesting will.

I’m going to be the DM, and the other players will be introducing themselves shortly. I hope any readers enjoy the story, and please bear with us as we iron out (or in) the kinks in this system.

TW: There will be non-con content in this thread.

If you're interested in playing a role, please send me a PM. I don't know how many roles will be available, but there will probably be some availability.

Hope you enjoy reading!

*****************

It’s a slow night at Swords & Sheathes, but nights in the middle of the workweek always are. The lobby of the brothel is a large room, with an oak bar at one end that doubles as a reception desk and a small lounge at the other with a few upholstered chairs. A few whores mill about, some of them glancing at the heavy oak door in anticipation any time it opens.

It opens again, and a tall human man with golden blonde hair walks in. His robes are clearly expensive, and several of the whores look up with hope in their eyes. He glances around the room, eyes flitting from the woman doing some kind of embroidery to the orcish-looking cleric nearby. His shoulders tense as he feels himself sized up by the harpy near the bar, but recovers quickly.

He walks over to the bar and motions for the bartender’s attention. With the floor behind the bar raised, they’re at each other’s eye level, and Dezzan the goblin walks over with their patented scowl. Regulars and employees all know it to be false, the goblin’s warm, friendly nature clear to anyone who spends any amount of time with them. The stranger doesn’t know that, though. He frowns before clearing his throat and proceeding anyway.

“Excuse me, good…person…I would, well I suppose I would like to start a glass of your most crisp gewurtztraminer.”

“Wot?” Dezzan asks, still not sure whether the man is going to be trouble or not, and giving Sprite the harpy a look just in case. He clearly doesn’t belong at Swords & Sheathes: his clothes are far too expensive, and his demeanor is one of nobility. While Swords & Sheathes is far cleaner and more well-run than Thrusty’s, or Gams & Clams on the river, it was not the most high-end brothel in Qelaz. That honor went to Tulips on the west end of Market Street. This man would fit right in at Tulips.

“Oh, uh, I,” he stammers, realizing that this brothel may not have the alcohol selection he’s accustomed to. “I’ll have an ale.” As Dezzan turns to pour the ale, he slips a handful of coppers onto the bar, slightly overpaying for the drink. It’s unclear if he suspects this or not. “Also, I was hoping you might be willing to tell me if there are any adventurers who frequent this fine establishment, and if any are here now.”

As he says this, a tall elf walks in, handsome with dark brown hair and silver eyes. His traveling clothes make the human suspect he might be just the type of man that he’s looking for. He raises his hand and flags down the new arrival.

“You, sir!” He gestures to the stool next to him. “You look like an adventurous sort. Allow me to buy you an…ale?—I am confident they have ale—in exchange for a bit of conversation, yes?”

 

[siobhancan99]

Taryn perked at the well-dressed man's order. Gewurtztraminer was a fickle, difficult-to-grow grape that thrived in colder climes like this. The local variety was more than passable, but not a popular choice as it paired best with spicy food. That was not the local cuisine. It made a fine dessert beverage though. A man of some means and refinement if he was ordering it. At least someone with some exposure to the finer things in life. Someone, perhaps, of her own station.

She'd been born the child of the Margrave and Margravine of Tensch. Raven-haired and emerald-eyed, she was clearly not the child of the Margrave himself. The pointed ears of course pointed towards far different parentage. Still, her mother's lands were more valuable than her father's and so he'd maintained the fiction she was his own, and everyone in the region had simply gone along with it. As a result, she'd had the benefit of a wealthy upbringing without any real responsibility. She would never be called upon to do anything in service of a house that wasn't genuinely hers. As the children of privilege often do, she'd faffed about experiencing the finer things in life until she grew bored.

Now, as she sat doing needlepoint in the corner, she was experiencing that same boredom. At first, the brothel had been a new experience. The voice in her head, the whisper in dreams or on the back of the wind had directed her to come here. It had picked what brothel patrons she would deign to tend to, and the acts she'd perform. That had been diverting if at times disgusting and demeaning, but the novelty of the odd sex and the cryptic things she'd been encouraged to whisper post-coitus was wearing thin. This was novel, at least. Something to break up the monotony of blowing drovers and barrel makers and caravan guards for a few silvers she didn't even need really. Maybe this wasn't her business.

Boredom won out, however. She stood and walked over to the first man "The gewurts in this region is passable, but the Spatelese Riesling is better. There's a serviceable one at the winery. You should investigate it while you're in town."

 

[Poprockz]

When Arx had walked into Swords and Sheathes, he had expected to have a drink, sit down, and to possibly hire a whore for the night if any of them tickled his fancy. He usually chose the ones who weren't very clever, as they were much less likely to try or succeed at swiping his coin purse during the night. Being a light sleeper, even the clever ones had a hard time succeeding at this, but it still happened on occasion. When it did, he didn't mind walking away without reprisal as he couldn't help but commend such masterful thievery. In a sense it was like a game, and he was not a sore loser.

What he didn't expect was to be propositioned as soon as he walked into the establishment. True, the form he currently wore was of a very handsome elf hunter he used to know, but it didn't warrant immediate attention. Still, he had seen this man's type before: rich, hesitant, but eager. Looking for something a little spicier or more "adventurous" than what he was used to. Perhaps he had a wife at home who had all the charm of a dead fish when he wanted intimacy. Maybe he wanted his whistle whetted by a man who would hold him down while they did so, or perhaps he wanted to try a threesome and needed a second sausage for a spit roast. Whatever he wanted, by the look of the coins on the counter and his manner of dress and speech, it was likely Arx could squeeze some coin from him. All he had to do was wait until the man was asleep, or his guard was lowered.

It seemed as though one of the whores had sniffed the man's coin out as well and was making their own move. Though he supposed he and the woman could split the profits if they managed to work one over on the man. After all, he wasn't one to take a whore's hard-earned money. He didn't recognize any of the drinks she was spouting though- probably stuff that rich people and their consorts enjoyed.

With a charming smile directed at the rich man, he strode over and sat on the barstool that had been offered, the man leaning over and resting his arm on the bar before making eye-contact with Dezzan.

"Hey, bartender it seems like this man is footing my bill. I'm a bit on the fence about what to drink, but I'd take the Ives if you've got it, with extra honey. Usually I take three sprigs of mint and an olive, but I'm feeling on the sweeter side of things. Buuut, if that's not in the cards, I'll have whatever you recommend." For all intents and purposes it sounded like he was simply joking around with the goblin, a mischievous grin on his face as he made a playful finger-gun at him. However, what he really wanted was to see if the bartender was in the know and could help him get in contact with this city's guild.

Thieves Cant translation: I'm looking for a fence.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Dezzan the bartender’s small green palm rubs against their face. “Taryn, ya been ‘ere long enough ta know we ain’t got none uh that. If ya want a cut, steer ‘em ta stuff we got. ‘Ow many times the boss told ya that?”

The stranger is slow to react to three people talking nearly at once, but he recovers and pats Taryn on the arm. “Don’t worry, dear—Miss Taryn, was it?—I’m not planning to run right off to the winery. I’d like to have a drink here.” His tone is friendly, but not yet friendly enough to suggest he’s decided to be a customer. He turns to Arx and then his eyes bounce back to Dezzan.

“Ah, yes, an Ives for the gentleman, if you please. On me, of course, and one for me as well. It sounds delightful.” He’s speaking loudly, clearly unconcerned with anyone hearing him flaunt his wealth. “Or, if you’re out of the Ives…” he pats Taryn’s arm again. “I’d like whatever Miss Taryn recommends; of what you have in stock.”

Dezzan looks at Arx first, not letting on in any way that they understood the man’s code. At least, not to anyone who wouldn’t already know. “Don’t ‘ave the Ives ‘ere, ‘fraid. But! Used ta work at Thrusty’s. ‘Ey’ve always got it in stock. Or The Wobbly Wyvern if ya’re not paticulah about the extacurikulahs.”

With Arx answered, Dezzan started to reach back to the shelves, with a look back toward Taryn to see what she was apparently choosing for the gentleman.

 

[siobhancan99]

Taryn looks at the goblin a moment and considers whispering infernal words into his mind with her powers, but ultimately tamps down her inner mean girl. "The gentleman will have a lager." She grins "and I'm guessing just the one he will be nursing. He's here to hire swords and not of the pork variety" She makes a ring with her finger and thumb and slides a finger of her other hand through, as if to suggest anal sex. "But since he's not in a tavern, which is I believe the traditional place to gather out-of-work mercenaries whatever he's hiring for is either lewd or rude or ... well maybe he doesn't like taverns." She turns to the stranger and the elf, not understanding a word of the exchange between the elf and the goblin. "definitely secret of some sort. The kind of work that a man wants discretion for. Who is more discreet than a whore or a whoremonger?" She leaned against the bar, setting her needlepoint down, all that was visible was the livid purple of a tentacle. "So what sort of adventurers were you seeking?"

A small smile perked at the corner of her mouth as she regarded the man. Wealthy, but conspicuous in the absence of identifying information. No livery or heraldry to indicate a noble background. No conspicuous uniform to tie him to the new wealth of the merchant classes. Some care taken to preserve his identity. Though that was true of many that came to find comfort in the embrace of the staff here. It seemed almost an affront to inquire after the man's business, but he'd inquired after others after all. He'd practically invited the scrutiny if you thought about it. At least to Taryn's mind. There was also something, a whisper, a pressure in the back of her mind. Not quite curiosity from her patron, but it had in some fashion noticed.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

The stranger raised an eyebrow as Taryn stated clearly and confidently exactly why he was there. As Dezzan turned to get two lagers, he also plopped another handful of coppers on the bar, with extra included to make sure the bartender knew that Taryn had earned her cut. Then he turned to the woman and gave her an appraising look.

“I can’t deny any of that, my dear. You have me quite thoroughly pegged.” He looked around the bar. “Discretion is an important part of what I’m looking for, as is an adequate level of…comfort towards more scandalous subjects.” He looks at Arx to try to include him. “Would it be safe to assume that either of you would be interested in some work a bit more…*adventurous* than you’d find here?”

 

[Poprockz]

Arx's only response to the information about the fencing was a thoughtful, "hm," as the bartender looked the woman to get the drinks flowing. Truth be told, he would drink just about anything, though he always found the ale at brothels to be stronger than the regular taverns. That was why he liked frequenting brothels- they were never stingy with the strong stuff. It was to their benefit that their patrons get boozy and horny after all. He imagined that they had a deal with an alcohol merchant where the merchant got a heavy discount on the brothel's services for their own booze discount. He was grateful for the information, and thus made a mental note to slip a coin to the goblin later.

When the woman started to speak, he at first listened to see what kind of drinks she would recommend for them. The further she got in her monologue though, the more intrigued he became. She had a very sharp eye, and a sharper mind it seemed. Part of him was a bit disappointed that the man wasn't there for a good fucking - it was one of the easiest ways to scam someone. However, he couldn't help but be curious about what sort of job the man was offering. As Teryn had said, it seemed as though he wanted all of this to be on the down-low which was right up his alley.

He tried to tone down the small smirk on his face from the man having used the word "pegged" before he turned to him, raising an eyebrow and shrugging. "I might. I'd like to hear what the job is before I opt in though."

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

“Hmm…” the man frowned. “I suppose that’s fair, although I would prefer not to give all the details until I’m certain everyone in earshot is…committed…” He looked around, eyes flicking to the goblin, who shrugged and walked to the other end of the bar.

“There’s an object I’d like…obtained. It’s…well, it’s in some Delathi ruins that are not currently open for legal excavation, so there is some risk involved.”

He leaned back against the bar. “That said, I have it on good authority that the ruins are unguarded, at least officially.”

He leaned in and looked Arx in the eye. “Is that enough to pique your interest?”

 

[Poprockz]

Now this man was speaking his language. He wasn't familiar with Delathi ruins or excavation having been only given a cursory education in history, but it sounded like a burglary at heart. A grin was given in response, "so, you would like something procured in a... nonconventional way, one might say. Something very valuable, I might guess. I doubt a place that has something like that wouldn't have things in place to keep out guests even if it's not advertised."

He pretended to mull it over a bit, rubbing his chin and tilting his head sideways. "Sounds risky. What's in it for the associates that want to undertake that sort of gamble? My services don't come cheap."

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

A bit of the levity is wiped away from the man’s face, and it becomes clear that this type of negotiation is something he enjoys, likely something he does for a living. His eyes narrow, and a small smirk quirks up the corner of his full lips.

“Three hundred gold per person.”

He takes a breath, let’s that sink in. It’s a good rate for a beginner adventurer.

“But if you can bring me the artifact promptly, say by…five days from now, and entirely without incident, I’ll make it four.”

He looks around the room, glancing at the harpy and at the half-orc dressed in cleric’s robes among others.

“I think you’ll need more than just the two of you, though.”

 

[siobhancan99]

Taryn was about to dismiss the request and return to her corner when she heard a sound like the toll of a bell in her head. She sighed "I'm in" She gathered up her needlepoint and looked at the men, from one to the other "what can we expect on the way to the ruins? at the ruins?" She sat on a stool and primly crossed her legs under her long skirts, resting her hands on her knee as she watched the men for their reactions. "Honestly I've no idea where that is. Still, it seems interesting enough and I've just been informed I'm done with what I was doing here. At least" she paused "I'm reasonably sure I'm done with what i've been doing here. For now."

 

[justspitballing]

Sprite, Class: Barbarian Race: Blood-Toll Harpy


Sprite the Blood-Toll Harpy did take note of the very well dressed man as he entered, but she simply took quick note. He was very well refined, showing off his wealth a bit to much for any intelligent person to do so. A man as upper class like that would never want to get his hands dirty, which meant he was no danger to Sword & Sheathes.

Sprite sighed heavily to herself as this dawned on her. It was a slow day today, just like yesterday, and yesterday well, Dezzan walked in on Sprite forcing a wine bottle up her ass. This was a brothel, but people weren’t supposed to get a show for free, nor was she, a guard and protector of this establishment, supposed to give a show. She knew her skill in combat around here, around the city itself as she sometimes did guard duty for the walls around the place, could not be matched, but Sword & Sheathes would only let so much slide.

As such Sprite once again, as she often did, felt a need to prove her worth. She would have given anything for this man that walked in to be some kind of evil vampire out for blood, but she doubted he was. Anything for her to fight and prove herself. She did like this place after all, seven years ago last week was a long time for a harpy to spend anywhere.

She had told herself she stuck around because she had disgraced her clan by being captured by elves, which she of course had, and they of course sold her here. But she liked this place. They let her do what she wanted for the most part. Allowed her to become a guard for the establishment even though most would see her as a wild beast. She also felt great strength from tossing out the odd drunk that spent to long in here and bothered to many.

And she had to admit, this place turned a crank on her. Made her thirst for delights of her own body. People didn’t ever seem to effect her. She was better then most all of them anyways. But this place, the heavy breathing, the clothing being tossed down from the stage, the intense animal like screams from behind the doors. It made her head spin at times. Though if a man did touch her wanting that his hand would be broken with a fast pace, which is one of the reasons she was set as a guard after being sold to this brothel.

As the conversation went on around the drinks though it became more clear that Sprite could still help. This well off man wasn’t a danger, but everyone around him could very well try to rob him blind. So, that was still guard duty, and Sprite was still needed for it. As such she stayed close and listened the whole time, but kept silent all the same. She did not care for gold at all after all.

But then the man looked right at her and said she would be needed to get this unknown item. She of course could not decline. She wanted to look strong once more, a Harpy like her must always be strong after all. If she did say no she would be showing a lot of weakness.

“If you got me then I can’t imagine you needing anymore. I once cut down a raging pack of Winter Wolves as they came down from the mountain side,” Sprite was quick to point out.

Of course it was actually only one Winter Wolf that was a few steps shy from death due to some horrible disease. The man did not need to know this.

“I can get what you want, even though I do know it is likely more dangerous then you are making it sound. But whatever horrors there are standing in my way, they wont be standing themselves for very long,” Sprite went on.

 

[Poprockz]

The rogue whistled appreciably at that sum, thinking to himself that this wasn't petty change for a grab and dash. Truth be told, he could use the money for his own interests as he hadn't taken much when he left his home city recently. He didn't quite enjoy the idea of working with others though. Having people tagging along was too noisy, too uncontrollable. What if one of those fools bumbled in and ruined things, raising all the alarms that were likely in place? No, the smaller the party the better in his opinion.

He glanced at the elf when she spoke up in that almost bored tone, thinking to himself that he didn't think he would mind if she came along as well. She seemed intelligent, and most importantly she seemed like the sort of person who wouldn't rush in without carefully considering things first. Though... she seemed a bit odd to him; maybe it was the tentacle handkerchief.

The harpy though... His brows furrowed as the big bird-woman approached, but chose to remain quiet for now. Now that she had offered herself for the trip, it wasn't like voicing his concerns would get him anywhere but a bloody nose. He hadn't paid her much mind earlier because he recognized her to be a guard in the way she stood, and he hadn't had any intention of getting mixed up with her as she didn't seem the bribable type.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

The stranger smiled when Taryn agreed to the job. “Well, the exact location…” he pursed his lips in thought. “We’ll get to that later.”

Sprite’s passion made it easy for the stranger to add her to the team. “You’re hired! With a fighting spirit like that, how could you not be?”

He looked at Arx next, suspecting the elf would say yes. He still thought they might need a healer, and he wondered what deity that cleric served…

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Gristak was, as was somewhat common, used to the endless coming and goings as the brothel started it's day. It wasn't often he was at the Sword and Sheathe, much more common was his presence among the more decrepit workers of the two lest reputable establishments of the city. The ones who needed the protection and healing arts of someone trained in them since childhood. But as luck would have it, the Sword and Sheathe had sent for him that day to see to one of their own. Young Izzy, Isabelle to her clients, had a run in with a less than gentle client, one that thankfully Sprite had taken care of swiftly enough. But Izzy was one of the Sheathe's Flowers, the working girls that brought in the most well paying and the one's a brothel build it's reputation on. Having her injured for too long could affect custom, and that couldn't happen.

Besides, Izzy was one of the most devout in the city, going so far as to have a personal shrine within her private rooms and donating a considerable sum to the faith's efforts.. If he'd let he piety go unrewarded, Pheela would certainly express her displeasure.

Thankfully, her injuries had been nothing severe, and he'd brushed aside her boundless thanks for what little efforts had been required with a smile. Izzy knew him of course, as did many of the brothel workers across the city, no matter their beliefs. Pheela's devoted may not be welcomed openly by most, but to the whores and courtesans, the faith was a much needed means of both healing and protection. Gristak had decided to stick around as the night had truly fallen, content to take up a post off to the side and let the Sheathe go about its normal business, dressed in clothing that denoted him some sort of holy man, though no obvious signs of his particular faith adorned the unassuming garb. Not many unversed in religion knew of Pheela, and fewer still were quick to give her faithful much beyond scorn and ridicule. Safer to simply be recognized for what he was, and not the particulars of who he served. There had been a few offers from the working girls, fluttering eyes and hints of flesh, in thanks for seeing to one of their friends, but he'd refused all the same. He was never sure if they actually wanted him or were doing it out of simple gratitude, him being what he was, but never partook anyhow.

Not, at least, while he was supposed to be here to provide aid to the injured.

It was with curiosity that his gaze fell upon the well dressed man that entered the brothel, looking uncomfortable and not at all sure of himself. A curiosity, rich as he was, but not one that required intervention, not with Sprite about doing her best impression of a disgruntled bouncer. Not difficult for her, in his experience, not with how quickly and eagerly she threw herself into any fight that found it's way to her. It was more surprising to the half-orc, then, that it was a newer arrival who approached the mine. He couldn't recall her name, seeing her only in passing as she'd never required his services, but she'd yet to be approached by anyone among the faithful. Uncertainty bred suspicion. She'd been watched, and noted as odd, but other than that unremarkable. Another surprise was the half-elf man who'd come in, quickly falling into conversation among the three. Adventuring had never been something Gristak had taken much interest in, Pheela's work was rarely found in the wild, unexplored places of the world. At least, that was, until he heard mention of who would be going.

Not only would Sprite, the Sword and Sheathe's guard, but the newest arrival among the workers. Gristak sucked in a quite breath, uncertainty plaguing his thoughts. Sprite, despite her temper and her seeming distaste for him in particular, had been a part of the Sword and Sheathe for years, and to lose her to some ruin would be a sorrowful day for many of the workers who'd grown used to her presence. Perhaps even more relevant to his faith, the newest working girl was seemingly agreeing to go as well, and Gristak certainly couldn't let her go without at least offering his aid. But the city still had need of him, Pheela's small priesthood within the city walls ill equipped to see to the needs of so many working girls...

The wandering gaze of the rich man settling on him decided things for him, and with a heavy sigh Gristak pulled himself from his seat to wander closer.

"You are none too subtle, friend." His voice was deep, his orcish blood giving him a natural, almost gutteral rumble that he'd been told set people ill at ease, despite his otherwise gentle demeanor. "How might I be of service?"

 

[Poprockz]

Arx had opened his mouth to reply before the Orc entered the conversation, the rogue closing it and listening to that gravelly tone as it indicated the orc's own interest. Great. A harpy and an orc. The party was going to be reeeal subtle going in.

What he really wanted to do was request some sort of hazard pay, just in case the orc and the harpy ran in half-cocked and got themselves killed, thus making it more difficult for the rest of them. Or perhaps suggest that the remaining members of the party be awarded the gold of the fallen if they were to perish. After all, if the guy was willing to pay 1200 gold total, it was no different to the patron whether any of them died or not. He at least had some brains though, knowing that to voice such things would turn suspicion on him and generally alienate everyone at the table. Killing teammates or anyone for that matter wasn't something he did without very good reason, but he knew it would be the first thing on their minds if he were to speak up about it.

He supposed if they died, there was always the possibility of him impersonating them to get their own parts of the bounty.

Picking up his lager, he took a long draught of it before setting it down and licking his lips before pursing them slightly. "Mm. Sure. I'll give it a shot."

 

[justspitballing]

“Well, I for one want to hear exactly where we are going and what we are getting. My shift today will be ending, when I want it to be, which is in three hours,” Sprite said, of course this was when her shift was supposed to end. Plus, she wouldn’t leave the place unguarded, even if she did love to act strong.

“My tree, where I do live, it’s just right behind here on the cusp of the forest. Biggest one out there actually, can’t miss it. If you must hide your quest you can tell us there, unless you have a better idea,” she went on.

Said tree was something that in no way seemed like a home. Some of its branches had been repurposed to sleep on, while others had been pulled down to keep privacy. There was also a large boulder that had been moved over to the base of it that Sprite used to sharpen her axe. That was all she needed.

Sprite then turned her head a bit to still keep a look on the front door. She was still working after all.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

“Ah! Wonderful!” the human exclaims, his eyes bright. “Now, I believe I owe you all some more information, and we may kill two snakes with one hoe by preparing yourselves for an important part of the task I have for you.”

His hand goes up toward Dezzan, who had busied themself behind the bar. “My good friend! Would it be safe to assume this establishment has a bathing room?”

Dezzan looks back over their shoulder. “Ya we got one, b—“

“Excellent! Then we shall book it for a long, relaxing session, as well as a whore to bathe us, right away!” He looks at Sprite. “Join us as soon as you’re able, and once you arrive I shall give all of you all the information I can.”

“That ain’t how it works ‘round here,” Dezzan objects. “Ya hire ‘em direkkly.”

The man just plops a handful of gold on the bar. “A gratuity, then, for you, for being so accommodating!” Without waiting for an answer, he stands and raises a hand in the air. “To the bathing room!” he shouts, then lowers his voice to a conversational volume. “Taryn, dear, if you would show us the way…”





Once Taryn, Arx, and Grastik arrive with him to the bath, the man shuts the door behind them and starts undressing. “I’m sure you’re all wondering what we’re doing here. You see, I mentioned that the exact location of the ruins is a bit of a secret, and among the people who know that secret, the most accessible individual I know of has taken employment at Tulips, in the market district. She was recently an academic, you see, researching the Delathi at the very ruins I’m trying to locate. You’ll be masquerading as customers.” He opened his robes to reveal a strong chest, with just a bit of the fat of privilege coating muscles that clearly saw some use. Dressed only in underthings, he paused his explanation. “I’ll tell you more when our harpy companion arrives.”

He pushed his underthings to the floor just as Salira entered the room, her long tail slithering through the door quickly so she could close it behind her. The naga’s vertically pupiled eyes widened to see Taryn and Grastik there. The green of her scales deepened. “Oh, I…Isss there…do…?” she stammered in a voice like a bag of rocks crossed with a wind chime.

The stranger’s entire body is as strong as his chest, with just the slightest layer of natural padding. His cock is limp, but looks substantial. “Ah! Hello there!” The man exclaims before reaching out to take her hand and lift it to his lips. “You’ll be bathing the four of us, plus one more. What’s your name, my dear?”

Salira quickly groks that the man is the important one, as far as her job is concerned, especially once she notices the quality of the clothes on the floor. “Yesss, sssir. My name isss Sssalira. At your ssservice.”

“Lovely to meet you,” he says with sincerity as he lets her hand fall and steps into the large wooden tub in the center of the room. “I hope none of you mind if I partake first? Once the harpy arrives I’ll need to…well, I should explain it to dear Salira here.” He turns to the naga, who had started to prepare the soaps and oils she would use to bathe them all. “We have some rather private business to discuss once our fifth is here, Salira, so I’ll need to cast a spell to temporarily deafen you. I’m sure you understand.”

“Of courssse, sssir,” she replies.

“As a consequence, since I’m not much of a spellcaster, and only dabble in eromancy, I’ll need you to make me cum.”

Salira smiles, the job making a bit more sense now. “And would you like that at the end of the bath or the beginning, sir? Or both?”

“The end would be delightful,” he purrs, relaxing into the warm water, heated by enchanted crystals under the floor. “And of course, I’ll cover the cost of similar attention for any of my companions who wish it,” he adds offhand as his eyes start to close.

 

[siobhancan99]

An insouciant shrug was the only response to the man's lack of information. It had been decided she was going, and so she was going. Just as well. She worked infrequently enough that she'd sold off most of her finery and her horse. 300 Gold was a month of living at her actual standards, but could be stretched further if she wanted to continue to live like a commoner. It was "walking around" money, and she had a feeling that her patron was done here. She picked her hoop back up and began resuming the delicate embroidery of an indelicate subject. "I can't imagine we're actually leaving this evening. Though" she looked around at the decidedly non-human group "I suppose we all see well enough in the dark."

She looked up at the orc and paused. The godly were touch and go for her. Sure they'd made the world but at the end of the day her patron sought to unmake it, to free spirit from the prison of matter and to end the tyranny of linear time. They were, technically, at odds with each other. Still, dreadfully useful to have around really. As for the rest, the Elf perked her interest. As one might expect, her father hadn't been keen to have any around after her birth. She'd never actually met one till now. She'd have to find a way to pester him with the thousand questions that had been percolating in her mind since she was old enough to understand why she was different. The harpy on the other hand. There was something jarring about the seething rage beneath her surface and the wings added a touch of the alien. Sprite was also boastful, to her mind. Still, her berserk fury would probably keep her between Taryn and anything overly dangerous. All in all, a satisfactory party for her first real jaunt into the unknown. "yes we are going to need to know what we're actually looking for before we head out." She agreed with the bouncer, even as she drew her needle through the cloth she was embroidering.

Suddenly, the man exuberantly demanded a bath and so they made their way into the bathroom. Taryn shed her complicated dress with a little effort and finally some help, breathing a sigh of relief as she was released from the corset. "Fuck those things" she muttered, glad to think she'd be free of it on the road. Half-Elven, she was slender but without the almost boyish waifishness that came with being a full blooded elf. Her bush was as black as the hair on her head, her breasts small but pert and her ass round enough to be pleasing. As the man decided to get himself jerked off she parked her narrow ass on a bench and leaned back against the wall, enjoying the heat of the room.

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Gristak had to suppress a growl of annoyance at the seeming whimsy of the noble-born. They were not the clientele he was used to dealing with, and even on the very rare occasions he was called to the Tulip, the necessity of keeping their association with him from the eyes and ears of the usual patrons meant he was most often brought in through a back door. Then again, the noble born had never left him with the best of impressions, and this one was proving to be little exception. The half-orc hadn't actually agreed to whatever proposal had been set forth, hadn't even been directly asked, but the man had apparently decided that even coming over was agreement enough, and was also seemingly deciding to be in the bath for three hours... an interesting choice, all things considered.

He debated following after, but decided against it for the purely practical reason of not wanting to hang around in a bath, watching a noble get "handled" by one of the girls. Instead, he leaned against the counter as the man stepped away, content to wait for Sprite. He watched as Dezzan organized one of the girls to handle the man, Salira sent along with haste at the mere sight of that much gold. The little goblin was many things, but stupid was not one of them, and with that much coin being tossed about, Gristak had little doubt the noble would be wrung for whatever expenses could be managed. He offered a silent prayer to the naga, she wasn't a Flower, too narrow of an appeal, but she was adept at her work. He turned to the goblin then, careful to keep his voice low, and their conversation private, more for the benefit of what few guests hung about the lobby seeking little more than a show, or who were enjoying a little flirtation before being brought up to the private rooms.

"Dezzan, what do you think of our noble friend?"

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Dezzan bites their lip, hard enough to draw blood but not hard enough for the goblin to notice. After a long pause, they shrug. “Harmless. Pays well. ‘Bout da best ya can expeck outta that lot.”

They cock their head at the half-orc with a curious smile. “Ya really goin’ wivvum?”

 

[justspitballing]

Sprite was taken aback by the turn of advents with the noble wishing to bath, though who would just sit around for three hours? Still, she would have much rather done this talk at her home, where she was in control. In the bath place, in the bath place,… people got undressed, and they cleaned each other, and they started to want to fuck and…

Sprite could feel her pussy wanting already. This place had such an effect on her, but that was no good. If the noble saw her in such a state he may press her for a kiss or far more. She knew she didn’t want that and if things went that way and she said no to him then she could be left behind at the brothel looking like a weak fool. Still, in a way the noble had called her bluff and the more she just stood around the clearer it would become that she was scared, and she was a harpy! She caused fear, not the other way around!

Sprite stood thinking on things for a good four minutes and then just buckled. She approached Dezzan ready to ask for an early leave so she could go to the bath and get this job properly. She would risk being aroused, but she would have to. She approached the Goblin and Gristak as they started to converse.

“I think that noble is an easy pay, that’s what I think. Dezzan, can someone be gotten to cover for me on this day? You know I have worked more than long enough here to slip off for a few hours,” Sprite stated.

 

[Poprockz]

Arx let himself be led by the flow of the situation, following the rich man into the bathing area. So far, it seemed as though the man was a bit eccentric with his boisterous flourishes and ease in what would otherwise be a dangerous situation for him. Having that much gold on hand made him a huge target and he seemed to have no guards to speak of. What was stopping someone from putting a knife to his throat and robbing him blind? He didn't seem to have any weapons on him, which was confirmed when he dropped his clothes and undergarments to the floor. It seemed too easy, too inviting... Either this man was very foolish, rich to the point where he didn't mind being mugged or ransomed, or he had hired some unseen guards.

Plainly put, the man's obvious vulnerability was quite disturbing. Hopefully, he was able to keep himself rich and alive by the time they came back to get their own gold from him.

He wasn't going to let the chance go to look at his dick, and eyed it thoroughly as the man entered the bath. Most of the time he had to make a guess as to what their genitals looked like, but it was far more advantageous to know. He had never been forced to "prove" his identity by whipping out his manhood or flashing her tits, but there was always a first for everything. Besides, he liked being true to the original design of a person.

A glance was paid to the half-elf woman as she cursed the constricting piece of fabric on the floor. He could only nod in complete agreement and say, "yeah, those things are a bitch." That was the great thing about being in a man's form sometimes- one didn't have to wear corsets at all. Pausing, he took the time to look over her body, taking note of the softness of her skin, and the presumed limberness of her form. She had a nice body, likely just as much pleasurable to have in bed and have to wear.

He contemplated the offer the man was making, offering the naga to service them as well while he took his bath. He had to say, he wasn't completely opposed to the idea. It had been a long ride to this place and he figured it couldn't hurt to blow off some steam. Besides, a good way to get into the fop's good graces would be to play along as well as possible.

"Forgive me, Salira, but I've never taken a naga's services before. What are your specialties?" Not yet taking off his clothes, Arx simply Bent his leg sideways and let his ankle rest on his other thigh.

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

"Someone has to, Dezzan. The girls would have my head if anything happen to Sprite and I could've been there to stop it."

It was a truth, even if Sprite seemed to hold herself above it for the most part. The girls of the Sword and Sheathe had long since grown accustomed to, and even expectant of, the harpy's presence about the building. Enough even that there were some girls that wouldn't work without the bodyguard about the place to inspire a little fear in would be clients. It was similar to, that Gristak liked Sprite, despite she seemed to do little more than put up with his presence when it was required. Far from just the girls, he'd not forgive himself for losing one of their own when he'd the chance to be of use. Thankfully, Sprite arrived only after his comment, clearly eager to see about this new opportunity.

"Delving into ruins is hardly easy work, Sprite. Can't be, if he's wanting adventurous to do the delving."

 

[justspitballing]

“It’s easy work for me. I wasn’t commenting on how hard it would be on you. A lot of things are more easy for me. I’m honestly shocked you haven’t realized that yet Gristak,” Sprite responded as she sat down beside him and spread out her wings, a way of showing her real size.

“But ya, we both know Dezzan this will be a slow night. I will be back, I will work more in two days. You know, the busy night when you actually need me,” Sprite went on. She was getting to dedicated to pleasing, but her sudden arousal was having her talk in a quick and nervous way. She blushed slightly and coughed.

She wished she could have a drink to calm her nerves, but she hated the stuff, only got in the way of the senses needed for combat.