The Obscene Ogre ((Open Roleplay Thread))

[DM Betelgeuse]

    The gangs of Suzail have always been prolific and out in force. From the docks, to the outlaying farmland thugs, bandits and ne'er do wells have always been seen. They rarely engage in open hostilities with themselves or the guards, but,  the back streets and alleys are usually decorated with the detritius of conflict. Blood, teeth and weapons are frequently found as the sun breaks and illuminates what the darkness had hidden.

    Rumours begin to circulate around Suzail of a steady increase in the violence, and the ruthlessness of it, that has been witnessed and cleaned up. There seems to be a new operation in town, or one that has always been here but recently under new leadership, that wears an emblem that depicts an ogre making an obscene hand gesture. They are quickly making a name for themselves as being frighteningly efficient, ruthless and intelligent.

    When the gang is operating the guards either seem to be temporarily blinded, or not at all present.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    Over the past few days large amounts of adventurers are seen coming and going from the Obscene Ogre. The Gang Members are also coming and going. More and more of the local business' are also seen coming and going from the Obscene Ogre.

    There definitely seems to be an increase in activity. A lot of chests, containers and bags are also seen being moved in.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    A larger than normal gathering was seen heading to the Obscene Ogre. All of the normal patrons where ejected from the premises and the building was placed under lockdown by the current owner and his operation.

    Hours later, a large collection of people left. One individual left with a large wagon stuffed full of coin, gems and adamantine. So much adamantine.

DM Grizwald DM Private P

[DM Betelgeuse]

    Two figures are seen walking into the Obscene Ogre, underescourt from someone wearing the Street-Dragon colours. One is wearing all black and a super fancy and charming hat and the other seems to be wearing a jesteresque outfit and is glowing a strange hue of pink. A few hours later they both exit the Ogre, without escort.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    Salt could be tasted on the tongue as the winds rolled off from the water, howling it's way around the warehouses and establishments present on the docks of Suzail. The inhabitants of the docks pulled their cloaks tighter and carried on their day. It made no difference to them, did it? They lived it every day.

    The hulking figure of Griz "The Obscene Ogre" Evenwood could be seen strolling across the docks, hand in hand with Cella of the Ogre. Cella was wearing one of the uniforms of Griz's gang and she looked content and happy, for the first time in a long time. Griz had his two large, baseball bat sized shilleagh hanging from his belt. They where almost a trademark now. People often saw them before him. They stopped off at random stalls to buy food, drinks and various perishables.

    They could also be seen approaching the working girls and guys of the docks, the ones prone to make a living laying down, for what seemed like business discussions. They approached them all, but; they seemed to prioritise the ones who looked like they had been beaten or had otherwise had a rough time. Griz would always wait a ways away while Cella approached the girls to converse with them quietly. Griz was only seen involving himself if anybody gave either Cella, or the working folk, any trouble. His prsence alone was enough to dissaude most trouble makers, however.

    By the time their walk around had come to an end, the Ogres "bed side staff" had increased by a strong sixty percent... and a few of the previous handlers where nursing facial injuries.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    On a cold, wet morning a group of suzail guards can be seen outside the Obscene Ogre. They were talking with the ogre like proprietor who had a happy look on his face. He had his thumbs hooked in his belt as he discussed matters. Some of his employees where stood outside with him, quietly observing what was happening.

    After a few moments, two of the employees walked away with the guards towards the nearest barracks for questioning. Griz watched them leave with a neutral expression on his face before he vanished from sight. Did he enter the Ogre? Who knows.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    The entirety of the Obscene Ogre Gang, the street-dragons, where sat in the back room of the ogre. The thick, sweet smell of cigars hung heavy in the room which looked like a pea soup fog. One-Two had been released from his questioning with no charges raised. He was sat, staring intently at his hands. A madness about his eyes as he clenched and unclenched his fists. The large figure of Griz was sat in his large, high back chair and Madam Cella was sat on his lap. He had his left arm around her, his hand rest on her hip, while a large stogie was held in his right. The Wizard of Odds was at the table poking through his books, as he does, while Ponyboy and Baby-Face sat quietly together in quiet discussion. Twiggy paced around the room tapping his left hand thumb against his thigh while he used the right to smoke a cigar. The group was sat in mostly silence, just enjoying a silent moment.

    Their silent reverie was occasionally broken by whimpering, crying or moaning coming from under the floorboards. Each time a sound was heard, Twiggy walked over to a specific spot and stamped his feet before uttering "Shut up ya cretin or al find a bigger rat!". The noises immediately stopped at the threat and the room chuckles to itself.

    Griz eventually spoke to the room:

    We have done well so far. Managing to take Suzail from that fat b*$&£^d as easily as we did is a blessing in itself. We have also consolidated the working girls to our wing, under Cella, which is increasing our profit. The Wizard is also running the bookies, making us a small fortune. For the moment, everything is going well... a little to well. I do not trust it. We cannot become complacent or we will have the likes of Slinger and Harp moving in on us. Which is laughable.

    Stage one, though, was a success, and you can all take a few days to see your loved ones and celebrate because soon... stage two starts... and that is going to get messy, more than likely. But we will come through the other side successful - all of us. We have all been through far to much together to fall at this hurdle. I have your backs and I know you have mine and we need to rely on that loyalty because soon recruitment starts properly and with new faces... comes new problems. So keep your eyes open.

    If any of you still want to hang around and bunk here, feel free. Just keep me posted as to what your plans are. Me and Cella will be holding things down here for a while, might event take some time to play at being a real couple - go for some drinks and dancing. Who knows? Anyway, dismissed lads. See ya soon.

[darthweasel]

A healers rounds.


Per her talk with Griz, Ash enters the establishment to tend to any medical needs the working girls may have.

One may have the corruption of illness removed. Others tended to by more mundane needs. And a bit of healing hands.

[darthweasel]

Another round of checks for healing needs.

[DM Betelgeuse]

Feb 10, 2023 18:56:42 GMT -5 darthweasel said:

Another round of checks for healing needs.

    A few girls report some minor, industry related maladies but there are no signs of violence or otherwise harsh treatment that individuals who work in such a career may come to suffer from. They are happy for Ashdi to heal/help them and chat idly with her as they wait.

[darthweasel]

No expense is spared for the needs to be met. (Can deal with the gold in game sometime)
Near mastery of using the mundane methods as well as a touch of divine as needed.
During small talk she brings up a that she has another healer on retainer should it be needed. She also passes on any beauty tips they seem interested in.

[Masterbard Alyster Darkharp]

Alyster Darkharp has been for well over a decade now, a fixture at the Obscene Ogre for a few days each moon. Even though he is known to be an individual of higher means, he still slums it in the first room on the right. He often reads there for hours, or sometimes spends time hidden away writing there. He is long familiar with the staff and although often present he doesn't seem to eat the food or drink the drink, if one observes long enough. He occasionally entertains, various visitors in the room, but those visitors are never the working girls of the Obscene Ogre, with them he is a perfect gentleman. While other men leer at the girls, the Bard spends more time engaging in gossip with them and other patrons. He spends a significant amount of time with the merchant who rents a room in the back hall, and they seem fairly friendly with one another. He can sometimes be found lingering near the Ogre by night, smoking his pipe as he wanders the nearby streets and alleyways when he steps out for air during his time rooming at the Ogre.

[freezn]

Since returning to Cormyr, Meesha Grimm has been seen setting up shop on the strip of grass just outside the Ogre on the way to the Bull. She lays out pink pillows and roses, her table is anointed with drinks, fresh fruit and her many paints and brushes. And lastly, before she settles into her position on the bench, she places her sign, proclaiming her intent to offer free "beautification" services. Then she settles in, exchanging small talk with those passing by until a collection of working girls (and maybe even gents should they happen along), starts to gather around her. With all the skills honed in a youth spent in luxury and unbearable hours spent amongst the more vain inside the Alizarin Academy, Meesha sets to work cleaning up those who come to visit her. She washes their faces properly before moisturizing, applying foundation, concealer, high lighting those features meant to allure and minimizing those that might drive potential customers away. All the while she puts on a friendly and polite face, joining the girl's in their complaints about the day, the clientele, and whatever else ails them. She doesn't lead the conversations anywhere in particular, seemingly content to let the girls be at ease. She places flowers in their hair, allows them to drink or eat to their hearts content as they wait and for those interested, she teaches them how to speak more eloquently, providing them the edge they might need for more... sophisticated clients.

If ever the enchantress notices she is being watched by those not partaking in her services, she would simply smile, making eye contact as she gives her little finger wave. If she just so happened to seemingly point these individuals out to the girls, and make whispered insults or comments about how creepy or unseemly these individuals were, surely it was only to partake in harmless gossiping.

The sign.

Her set up.

[Masterbard Alyster Darkharp]

Alyster observes Meesha’s activities as he passes through the area, he himself fraternizing with the working women of the docks, albeit around the fringe of the area, not in the open street and market. He spends time gossiping with the ladies of the evening and resident street urchins near the grocery stalls, making casual conversation with the merchants, and undergoing his normal information gathering routines in Suzail.

At times he stops into the ogre to rub elbows with the lowest element of the Suzail docks, but he steers well away from the Prancing Bull during these forays through the area.

[darthweasel]

Ye verily Ash does another round of healing for the workers of the establishment.

[DM Betelgeuse]

Over the coming tendays punters of the Obscene Ogre can see the Very Good Cormyte Construction Company moving supplies in and out of the Ogre and, if they follow the company inside, they are begining to measure up the place for upcoming renovations.

[Masterbard Alyster Darkharp]

Alyster Darkharp leans against an alley wall across from the establishment, watching the activity. He nods in silent approval as he sees the men wheeling in the floor tiles.

"Finally"

[freezn]

Like a finicky mother hen, on the days that Meesha Grimm drops by she can be seen and heard harassing the poor workers of the very Good Cormyte Construction Company. She fusses over the quality of the materials, the speed at which the crew works, and where supplies should be stored. More often than not she finds her way to the along the side of the crew supervisor or foreman whom she incessantly demands verify and double check the crew's measurements, as well as look over their plans so as to ensure no "mistakes" occur in the proper use of materials or layout.

If ever a complaint should arise, she responds very crisply that if they have a problem with her, they are "free to speak to Mister Evenwood regarding her presence," before turning back to whatever new issue she decided to hassle the crew on.

[freezn]

A few nights throughout the tenday Meesha ends her bickering and fussing over the Very Good Cormyte Construction Company's progress, and proceeds to linger closer to the Ogre still. She wanders outside and finds a place near the strip of grass and the tree nearby where she begins decorating to her own tastes. Fresh flowers are set about in bundles, a well crafted table is placed out of the way of the road. The sorceress sets out drinks of far better quality than what is offered inside the mess of a tavern, and even provides fresh fruit. Then she places up her sign offering free "beauty services" to any who so desire.

Thus she spends her time deep into the night, fixing up women's hair, highlighting men's cheekbones, teaching them how to apply paints so as to enhance their natural assets. All the while she talks of little things, distracting them with light topics and frivolous matters so as to keep those who work throughout the night distracted from the woes of their life.

[darthweasel]

Another ten day another round of Sunite inspired tending to the working girls of the establishment.

[DM Betelgeuse]

Construction continues at the Ogre.

[DM Betelgeuse]

The construction crews clean out of the ogre, the remaining supplies are cleaned up and the final touches are put on the tavern.

It is once again open for business, with a fancy new face lift!

[freezn]

Rumors say that construction was only finished because Meesha hadn't been around for a tenday nitpicking at the crew. Suddenly things were able to get done when every detail wasn't being scrutinized!

[Masterbard Alyster Darkharp]

Alyster takes no pause in moving himself back into normal residency at the Ogre, spending two days there immediately. He comes and goes and for the first time in living memory eats food prepared there.

[DM Betelgeuse]

A few days previous... A fancy wagon is seen pulling up to the Obscene Ogre. A large, rotund individual wearing burgundy is seen exiting it.

He joined a larger group of individuals, what an eclectic bunch, and then entered the Ogre.

Half of the group then departed a few hours later.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    In the early hours of the... errr... afternoon... the now fammiliar form of Twiggy could be seen outside the Obscene Ogre observing a group of street dragons and five pack mules.

    Once the mules where loaded to near overload, Twiggy gave a wordless nod to the other street dragons who began following along behind his gentle stroll. A short halfling in dark clothes walked with Twiggy. Twiggy had always had that ability to lead without talking. He pondered this for a few moments, taking a drag from a cigarette, as he kept an eye on the surroundings. The gentle grunts of the Street Dragons behind him told him they where still following.

    He lead them down a small alleyway as they headed north to the city core. The continued through the city core until they arrived at a street to the north of it - where they took a turn headed for the east gate. Before heading out of the city, they hung a left to stop outside the House of Healing. Twiggy gave a nod to the Street Dragons, who began lining up the mules. Twiggy looked to the small halfling and uttered a few words. The halfling vanished into the House of Healing. Three Street Dragons took up position on the street entrances to the House, temporarily blocking access while the mules where unloaded.

    Twiggy spoke to an individual wearing white robes who was carrying a staff. Was they talked, two of the street dragons unloaded what appeared to be huge amounts of food, healing supplies and bedding/blankets to the house. Once the donation was unloaded, they parted ways.

[DM Betelgeuse]

    FOR THE KING! LONG LIVE AZOUN V! AL-OO-SAIR! CA-LAD-NEI! AL-OO-SAIR!

    The sounds of patriotic chanting spilled out on to the docks of Suzail each time the doors of the Obscene Ogre opened. There was a melody to the chanting as a lyrical backing track was heard as a pleasant undertone to the chanting. Alyster Darkharp, who made his name at the Ogre, had taken the stage with his young apprentice Marcus Thorne. Together they had the difficult job of entertaining both adventurer and intoxicated patriot like none they had seen, the Ogre was the home of the true patriots. Or so the punters told.

    It sounded like the punters had tried to add their own percushion to the song, but that was just the smashing of bottles and general roudy behaviour of those inside. As the night moved on, the music and chanting continued... though the chanting became more and more incoherent... while the music remained consistant. People where starting to stumble out and people where still entering.

    Without warning, people began spilling out of the Obscene Ogre. Two Street-Dragons remained unconcious outside while those inside where pushing punters out the door. The bards and adventurers came following shortly after. The feel of powerful magics ripped through the Ogre, stopping all in their path for a moment. Once the magic cleared, the doors where slammed shut, locked and secured and the Ogre fell silent.

    Shortly after... a white robed individual was seen heading into the Ogre in the company of the Bard Darkharp. What could have possible happened?

[DM Betelgeuse]

LONG LIVE THE KING! LONG MAY THE OBASKYR REIGN!  

    In recent days the noise erupting from the Ogre, near every evening, was deafening. The sounds of fighting, breaking bottles and thunderously patriotic screams where heard constantly. The reek of booze was flooding out of the open windows and the amount of drunks staggering out of the Ogre during the early hours was increasing. Since the return of Griz Evenwood, every night has been a celebration. Every cheer was laced with the kind of toxic pride oftens seen with extreme patriotism. Chants of long live the king! erupted every few minutes.

    Music was oftens heard drifting out the windows, accompanied by the carcophony of dozens of drunken thugs screaming at the top of their lungs. Snippets of lyric could be heard:  "Oh, The silver raven was craven, Hiding behind hired steel", "Don't you know the devils wear Sembian brands!" and "While the violent merchants, Were snapping at our heels and spitting on our borders." seemed to be the most popular lines shouted. Stationed at the doors of the tavern where a higher than normal number of Bouncers, all decked out in the attire of the Street Dragons. They where turning away non-Cormytes, jeering at Sembians and shouts of "Cormyte's first!" could be heard being shouted. The only exception was the adventuring community... they seemed able to enter and exit as they wished to.

    The occasional figure could be seen being violently ejected from the tavern, the amount of nakedness they possessed suggesting some kind of impropriety towards the working girls employed by the Ogre. The Street Dragons had made it clear that they have a zero tolerance policy on the girls being treat badly. They even arranged for paladins of the lands to travel by occasionally to assist with curing disease and the other ailments common to the industry. 

    It would seem, to the casual observer, that business at the Ogre was booming.

[Masterbard Alyster Darkharp]

The Bard leaned on a lamp post outside, watching the antics, and listening to the merriment of his countrymen, or as in as much as close to countrymen as halflings and men could be. He liked the Obscene Ogre boys and he sang to himself in a voice that carried when the patrons of the Inn weren't overpowering him with their own singing and carousing. He didn't have the celebratory feeling in him to be inside with them tonight, but he did revel in their attitude, even in his slight melancholy. He strummed his small lute and sang in his warm tenor that carried through the somewhat ugly dockside area:

"Have a drink and Tarry, ole Suzara! Oh those Suzail girls love those Obscene Ogre boys! Have a drink and tarry, ole Suzara! Oh those Suzail girls don't do the broken mirror dance!

He let the song die in the night, thinking about times gone by, times to come, friends dead fighting for Cormyr, and friends who fought for Cormyr, or other causes and still lived.

[DM Betelgeuse]

Posters can be seen hung around suzail, mainly around the Obscene Ogre and the Prancing Bull.

The Funeral Of Arveene Buckman

"It is with great sorrow that we mourn a gem who lost her shine to soon,

Her beauty will be missed by all."

The Obscene Ogre will be hosting the funeral of Arveene Buckman on the seventh of Marpenoth, 1387DR - the year of the emerald ermine .

Those who knew her are welcome to join her colleagues and friends in mourning.

Griz Evenwood, The Obscene Ogre Proprietor.

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