Black Dragon Gambling Den - Ultropolis RP Forum - FictionPress.com

FictionPress.com - let the words flow

MacFluffers's Forums » Ultropolis RP

Topic Subscription

Forums » Ultropolis RP » Black Dragon Gambling Den

Author

Post

Topic: Black Dragon Gambling Den

It was dark that night. After all, the buildings were so large they normally kept the moon out of view, and the stars blocked. The people in Ultropolis's Chinatown did not like artificial light, and many of the lamp posts were disabled. To the people of the Black Dragon Gambling Den, it did not matter. Several of the people in the den were not even aware it was night time.

The small building was underground, underneath a fish market. The location was choice; far away from the police station, in the middle of gang territory, and closed off from most people. The entrance was a simple stone staircase that decended about fifteen feet. The inside was somewhat more interesting.

To one side, there was a bar, with a large cache of alcohol. There was a kitchen in the back, where fresh fish brought down from the market was prepared for the gamblers' food. In the back, beyond the kitchen, was a black door. Few people entered through that door, and even fewer came out.

All over the place, there were tables devoted to gambling--it was a gambling den, after all. There was every game one could imagine; black jack, Texas hold 'em, mahjong, Cho-Han bakuchi, and more. Underneath each table was a submachine gun, ready to be used by the dealers in case of an emergency. The bartender had a pistol of his own, and the cook was handy with his knives.

It was controlled by the Black Dragon Ring, a local Chinese gang. There were rumors that the Black Dragons had ties to the Triads, but there was little evidence other than certain shadowy businessmen that acted like lords among peasants, even with the Black Dragon leaders.

The quality of the establishment was mediocre at best. The owners did not care; after all, people came not for the food or environment, but for the gambling. And gambling there was.

((Player controllable NPCs: Shen, the bartender; Kufu, the chef; and the dealers at the gambling tables: make them as you need them.

Shen is cool and informative (You may need to bribe him if you want any important information). Kufu is tough and strong. The dealers are cold and manipulative.))

#1 Sep 15th 2007, 7:09pm . Edited Sep 25th 2007, 11:58am

Michael walked into the shady establishment. He headed straight for the bar and ordered a bloody mary. When Shen returned with the drink, Micahel overpaid by one-hundred dollars in cash. Understanding, Shen whispered into his ear. Michael nodded, and Shen went to the next customer.

There was no demon activity at the moment, much to Michael's displeasure. He knew that it should be a good thing, but it meant to him that he had no business at the moment. He sat back and enjoyed his drink, wondering what he should do with he newly discovered spare time.

#2 Sep 16th 2007, 3:16pm

Kaelin entered the establishment and went for a nondescript spot at the bar. She didn't like this place, it was filthy, shady, dangerous, and downright disturbing. Unfortunately it was also cheap, and she was dead broke. Dad had tried to get her to hack into another gang's computer system. She'd refused, but she could tell it wouldn't last much longer. Kaelin would have to do a couple favors for 'her ol' pop' as he called himself, or get thrown out.

Luckly not many people were here yet. Less chance of a shootout starting up.

#3 Sep 16th 2007, 7:23pm

Michael saw Kaelin enter and take her seat. He thought that she seemed out of place--a young girl like her, in a gambling hall? Then again, Sarah was still in college, and she was a demon-slayer, so he decided he was overthinking himself.

The other people there were regulars Michael had seen before, and very few were interesting. He decided he might as well chat with the newcomer. He walked over to her and sat in the next seat over. "Shen," he called, "Get this girl a pint."

Michael faced the girl and said, "So, why is a girl that doesn't look like a prostitute hanging around here?"

#4 Sep 16th 2007, 7:32pm

"Why does any girl hang around here?" She looked at Michael, crittically. "Because they don't have any other choice." She threw down the little bit of money she had for the gin. Let them buy you a drink and they thought they were entitled to something.

#5 Sep 16th 2007, 7:35pm

Michael sighed. "I apologize if my forwardness offended you," he said. "And you always have a choice."

#6 Sep 16th 2007, 7:38pm

Kaelin shrugged.

"It's here or back home." She took just a sip of Gin, testing the potency. You could never be too careful. "And what is someone who ever says the words 'I apologize' doing here?" She gave him a quizical look. The concept that someone halfway descent might actualy come here crossed her mind, she was here after all.

#7 Sep 16th 2007, 7:45pm

"I figure it's best to show people your nicer side whenever possible. It makes people feel better, and helps avoid conlict," explained Michael. "At least, that's the logic. It's really just a habit."

#8 Sep 16th 2007, 7:52pm

Kaelin was actually surprised by his answer. Most guys down here weren't exactly the nice kind, and the fact that it would end up as a habit meant he didn't usually hang around the riff-raff. She put the gin down and scrutinized him for the first real time. "Well then, tell me what your doing here and maybe I'll tell you why I'm here."

((need info: are demon hunters commonly known? Would she have heard of them/know them by appearance?))

#9 Sep 16th 2007, 8:00pm

((They're rumored on the underground, but only the right people know about the business. Shen, since he is an information warehouse, knows surface information, but few who aren't directly involoved know of it. Your character may have heard something, but not much.))

"I came here with the intent of getting some information, but my hopes were not fulfilled," Michael explained.

#10 Sep 17th 2007, 2:16pm

Kaelin nodded, if there was one place to get information it was here. Gang members and people from just about everywhere came here. If she wasn't so determined to abandon this realm Kaelin could have made a killing off the inside information she had within some of the major software companies. But software programming was, in a way, an exclusive club. If you opened your mouth then you'd never get to show your face anywhere reputable again.

"Well I'm just an out of work engineer who can't afford anything better." She purposely ommitted the word 'software'. The last thing she needed was someone else who wanted her hacking into a system somewhere. It wouldn't be so irritating if it wasn't that she could actually succeed about half the time someone asked.

((blah, I'm sort of taking some creative liberties here. It seems to fit the setting, but If you don't like it or have any specifications don't hesitate to tell me.))

#11 Sep 17th 2007, 5:01pm

((Meh, it's fine.))

"In an overcrowded city like this, it's no surprise," Michael said. "Our population density is beyond Tokyo's. Millions of skilled workers, and only several hundred thousand positions that need to be filled. And the mayor wonders why the gangs are so large..."

((If you are curious about the city's nature, I added some stuff on the rules thread at the bottom. It help explains the universe I'm trying to set up.))

#12 Sep 17th 2007, 5:16pm

Kaelin didn't comment, although she wore a sour expression on her face. She had been 'in' at one point, exclusive member of the technological elite. She still had much of the equipment, things that were too valuable to sell. Things that techies took very great care of and never, ever let others have access to.

She still hoped that her reputation and experience would land her another longer lasting job. But she was beginning to doubt it. she took a sip of her gin.

"yeah..."

((I read it, that's part of the reason I feel fine making this up. It seems to fit the city. If there's a gang and tight unofficial groups like it there is probably also a series of 'elite' castes made of techies, tradesmen, or officials.))

#13 Sep 17th 2007, 5:51pm . Edited Sep 17th 2007, 5:53pm

"Why don't you leave? Money? Familly?" Michael asked, hoping he was not breaching her comfort zone again.

#14 Sep 17th 2007, 6:02pm

"Leave? then I'd be stranded somewhere totally foreign with no money." She took another sip, thinking. "Most of the major projects are here anyway, leaving would mean going further away from most employers."

((If Michael is knowledgeable he can probably figure out her occupation from this.))

#15 Sep 17th 2007, 6:14pm

Michael nodded. "Fair enough."

He could not figure out what her profession was, but he believed it was something technological. Most groups had overseas branches, but tech organizations had a tendency to isolate themselves. After all, a photograph of a bluebrint was all that was needed to steal their developments, and transporting their equipment or even ideas meant risking such situations.

"Well, there's anything anyone can think of in this city. Eventually an oppurtunity will pop up for you. That I can assure."

#16 Sep 17th 2007, 6:37pm

She frowned at this remark, it hit close to her current situation.

"oh I've had plenty of opportunities, it's finding one that doesn't involve getting dragged down into the gang wars that's the difficulty." Kaelin took another sip and mulled over her prospects. Chances are that within a couple weeks she'd be out on the street, from there things would just spiral down. It was almost enough to make her forget herself and do whatever would get her mind off it.

#17 Sep 17th 2007, 6:44pm

"True enough. That's why I'm freelance."

Just then, an idea struck Michael. "Can you handle a weapon?"

#18 Sep 18th 2007, 4:27am

Kaelin pulled back her jacket to expose the pistol at her hip sitting snugly in its holster.

"Sure can, it would be hard to grow up with my family and not know how to use one."

#19 Sep 18th 2007, 5:35am . Edited Sep 18th 2007, 6:09am

Michael glanced at the weapon and nodded. "Then I have a proposal. I could always use an assistant; my last one went off to work on his own. You could work with me until you find a job you can take. I warn you, it involves combat. Interested?"

#20 Sep 18th 2007, 12:22pm

"What exactly do you do?" Kaelin asked. She needed money, and a job offer like this wasn't bad, but she wasn't going to do something that would get her in trouble and kill whatever chances she still had.

#21 Sep 18th 2007, 12:35pm

"Depends on how flexible your imagination is."

#22 Sep 18th 2007, 6:48pm

Kaelin looked at Michael, her steely gaze locked on his eyes.

"I won't do anything that'll cause trouble. I need to keep a clear reputation to have a chance at another job. That said, I do need the money."

#23 Sep 18th 2007, 6:55pm

"Very few people are involved in the business. I highly doubt anyone would even know you were in it, as long as you're with me. Your reputation would be fine."

#24 Sep 18th 2007, 7:06pm

Kaelin hesitated for a moment. She didn't like the idea of all this secrecy, it could too easily lead to trouble. But she did need money, and if what he said was true this would suit her perfectly.

"I'll take your offer then." She extended a hand out to him. "What's your name? Mine is Kaelin Zhostin."

((He may/may not have heard the last name before. He dad is supposed to be a minor crime boss, I haven't hashed it out entirely yet. If you have anywhere you want him go ahead. :P))

#25 Sep 18th 2007, 7:10pm

He took the hand and shook it, ignoring the gnawing familiarity with the name. "Michael. Michael Angen."

He stood from his stool and said, "Come. It's best if I explain things in greater detail outside."

((It's late, so I'm going to bed now.))

#26 Sep 18th 2007, 7:12pm

She nodded and stood up, following him out of the den.

#27 Sep 18th 2007, 7:48pm

Slythris entered bearing a small laptop computer. He was here for a specific mission, not as a pass time. The Black dragon was already a dump of human despiration, there wasn't anything he could do here. The demon sat down at a lone table and began looking up information on the name Karen Silva, using all the information he found to broaden his search. He Placed a few fifties on the table, but kept his hand on them until Shen showed up.

"I need information on someone named Karen Silva." Slythris said.

((ok, can you tell me what would be online about her? and when would be known in the underground? If Slythris finds anything online he'll use it to broaden his search. Meaning studying any associations she's associated with and looking for images that look like her.))

#28 Sep 22nd 2007, 1:55pm

Interesting, Slythris thought after Shen had left. She is running, trying to escape her former employers. This would be easier then he expected, all he had to do was find them and find her.

or...

The demon had enemies too. The web of blackmail, treachery, poletics, and gang warfare around him was extensive. Could I use her? He wondered. Probably not, not by persuading her. Maybe if he offered her protection...

Slythris stood up and left the gambling den. He had work to do.

#29 Sep 22nd 2007, 2:28pm . Edited Sep 22nd 2007, 2:28pm

RainingStars170

The band, which had been playing cool but smooth jazz music in the background, suddenly struck a new tune, and someone called, "Julianne! You're up!"

One of the dames that'd been lounging near the pool tables, lazily smoking a cigarette, flicked it aside and sprang up on stage. She was a lithe brown-skinned beauty, her worn but completely unstressed face framed by black hair, streaked with auburn and light brown highlights. Anybody could tell she didn't have much of a life by the state of her used clothing, the most noticeable article of which was her jean jacket displaying hand-painted peace signs and four-petaled flowers.

Julianne gripped the mike, her greenish eyes viewing the crowd with smooth confidence, "Hand in my Pocket, ya'll," she announced in the low coarse voice that only a smoker could have. Yet her tone had a rich quality as she sang out;

I'm broke but I'm happy

I'm poor but I'm kind

I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah

Her voice pressed the "Yeeeah!" letting it ring across the room, clear above the band music and murmur of her audience.

I'm high but I'm grounded

I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed

I'm lost but I'm hopeful...

"Baby!" she sang loudly, to be answered by several cat calls.

What it all comes down to!

Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine!

I've got one hand in my pocket,

And the other one is giving a high five!

All this time her eyes rested contentedly on the audience, though the song rang with truth and passion.

((Song not by me. It's "Hand in my Pocket" by Alanis Morissette. I will break the song through several posts so as to give players here time to react to the song and Julianne.))

#30 Sep 30th 2007, 4:06pm

Alex entered the black dragon, looking through the smoke and darkness of the underground den. Music filled the air, "Hand in my pocket" was the song. Rather upbeat for this little den, or was it? He caught sight of the lead singer, a dark, beautiful girl putting her heart into it, or was she? He shook his head in annoyance, perceptions weren't always true, in fact they hardly ever were when it came to him, but sometimes they gave the best option. He sat down at a table and watched the singer.

#31 Sep 30th 2007, 4:21pm

RainingStars170

Julianne caught glance of an attentive listener. She winked at him.

I feel drunk but I'm sober

I'm young and I'm underpaid

I'm tired but I'm working, yeeeah!

I care but I'm worthless

I'm here but I'm really gone

I'm wrong and I'm sorry..baby!

She stepped from side to side, waving her hips with the music, singing directly into the mike.

What it all comes down to!

Is that everything's gonna be quite alright

I've got one hand in my pocket

And the other one is flicking a cigarette

Scattered applause and a half-hearted whoop or two. Julianne didn't care. She was too caught up in her own words. Now she brought out a harmonica, and played it as a substitute for the next verse. If one looked closely, they could see her abnormal teeth making contact with the instrument.

#32 Sep 30th 2007, 6:27pm . Edited Oct 01st 2007, 12:24pm

((Alex has no personality, he is now an NPC.))

John stepped into the black dragon, waving away the smoke in front of him. He was wearing a grey jacket and pants with a white shirt underneath. His monthly salary was bulging in his wallet and he knew just what to do with it. Hang out, play some games, get some good liquor and maybe meet a nice girl.

Speaking of nice girls, the one on stage looked stunning. He sat down at a blackjack table and whispered as she said "baby". He threw a few bills onto the table and started playing, still watching the singer intently. This was going to be a very enjoyable night.

#33 Sep 30th 2007, 7:48pm

RainingStars170

Julianne noticed John's fancy clothes and bulging pockets before she really noticed the guy. Man he was HOT! Her gaze centered on him as she sang after the harmonica solo.

And what it all comes down to...

Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet

Cause I've got one hand in my pocket

And the other one is giving the peace sign

She struck out the peace sign, a laugh in her smile.

I'm free but I'm focused

I'm green but I'm wise

I'm hard but I'm friendly, baby

I'm sad but I'm laughing

I'm brave but I'm chicken sh-t

I'm sick but I'm pretty, baby!

Her voice was hurting slightly now, but thankfully the song was almost finished.

#34 Sep 30th 2007, 8:41pm . Edited Oct 10th 2007, 10:16am

He winked at Julianne while she sung, watching her intently as the song went on. He lost a couple rounds since he was paying attention to the song rather then the dealer. He threw in his chips in annoyance and ordered a bourbon. He liked the singer, she seemed a lot more energetic then most of the inhabitants here. And she had a sort of exotic beauty about her.

((*slaps John* he's a total womanizer.))

#35 Oct 01st 2007, 2:45pm

RainingStars170

And what it all boils down to

Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet

I've got one hand in my pocket

And the other one is playing the piano

What it all comes down to my friends

Is that everything's just fine fine fine

I've got one hand in my pocket

And the other one is hailing a taxicab...

The song ended with a last harmonica solo, "Thanks ya'll for listen'en," Julianne said, jumping off stage as the announcer asked everyone to give her a hand. Most did, but not in enthusiasm since they were busy doing other things. Another singer stepped up, a deep-voiced man who loved the blues.

Julianne meanwhile began her routine of sashaying about the crowd, lighting another cigarrette as she did so. A drunkard reached for her belt. Quick as a flash, her hand slapped it away, "Wait your turn, chump!" she laughed.

"Hey Jules!" another guy called, "Gonna be mine tonight?"

"Thursday!" she promised.

"I'm only paying in cash," he said meaningfully as he bent across the pool table again to take a shot.

"Yeh, yeh," she answered, making her way towards John, "Yo, whats a fancy-pants like you doin in a s***hole like this?" she asked him, taking a seat next to the gambler and putting her feet up on the bar.

((John reminds me strongly of Varan you know.))

#36 Oct 01st 2007, 3:16pm

"Just enjoying myself. Just because I dress nice doesn't mean I'm stuck up." He replied as Julianne sat down at the table. She was rather stunning in a dark sort of way. And available too if the other men were any indication.

"Get us another glass" He commented to a waiter. He took a drink of his own bourbon and filled the extra glass the waiter had brought from a bottle.

#37 Oct 01st 2007, 3:27pm

RainingStars170

"Don't waist your dough, I can't stomach that sh-t," she said in a matter of fact way, "So you here to have some fun huh? Like the rest of these boys?"

#38 Oct 01st 2007, 3:32pm . Edited Oct 10th 2007, 10:16am

"Why not? Life is short, I'd rather enjoy it while I have it." He finished off his glass and put it down, looking into her eyes with an enchanting smile.

#39 Oct 01st 2007, 3:36pm

RainingStars170

"Ooooh," she winked at his smile, "Live for the moment kind of guy ain't you? I've come across plenty 'o those suckas. So..." she advanced, really close, making to sit on his lap, "You seem like my type," her arms circled his neck, one hand holding the cigarette between two fingers, the other stroking John's blonde hair.

"Jules makin her move!" someone whooped, followed by jeers and other vulgar gestures. Julianne just ignored them.

"Watchout, she bites," another voice rang out, but this time the general response was, "Sssh, shut up man!" and laughter.

((Right. Cue the glance at her teeth, lol))

#40 Oct 01st 2007, 3:44pm . Edited Oct 01st 2007, 3:47pm

He grinned a little, letting her sit down. Then he saw her teeth. The grin died a horrible and painful death, but instead of looking repulsed he simply had a rather serious frown on his face.

"What's wrong with your teeth?"

#41 Oct 01st 2007, 3:55pm

RainingStars170

"Oh, he caught you!" a passing, scantily-clad waitress said, smirking at Julianne. The vampiress in return gave her a sharp-toothed grimace.

"What these things?" she said to John, flashing him a glance of her fangs, "Aw peace out, Chicken. Not like I'm gonna bite you. Seriously," she leaned back and took another puff of her cigarette, "Every fella I come across has the same damn reaction. But it ain't nothin to worry about. Lessen o'course," she grinned at him, "You cheat on me. Other than that..." she blew a stream of smoke into the air, "You got yourself a tame vamp."

#42 Oct 01st 2007, 4:03pm . Edited Oct 02nd 2007, 10:50am

The frown survived for a moment before melting away. Still, her other customers weren't walking dead so he assumed he was OK. Besides, she was hot and her sitting on his lap only made him want to forget the drinking and go straight for the real fun.

"How about you come and spend the night at my place?" He asked.

#43 Oct 01st 2007, 4:07pm

RainingStars170

"Tempting," she agreed, "Right now?" her cigarette was doused in an ash tray, so that she could both hands to gently caress his face.

#44 Oct 01st 2007, 4:11pm

"Right now." He said, the grin returning to his face. "What's your going rate?"

#45 Oct 01st 2007, 4:15pm

RainingStars170

"Twenty bucks an hour," she said, "Take it or leave it."

#46 Oct 01st 2007, 4:21pm

"I'll give you sixty now and sixty in the morning, if you do a good job." He said, grinning.

#47 Oct 01st 2007, 4:26pm

RainingStars170

"You got an expert here," she countered with a wink, "Don't think I'm fallin for it. Caugh it all up now, then lets have some fun..."

#48 Oct 01st 2007, 4:31pm

"Fine then, a hundred now, maybe a bonus in the morning." John stood up and fished the bill out of his wallet. He offered her the bill with one hand and put his other around her shoulder. "Shall we?" He grinned.

#49 Oct 01st 2007, 4:34pm

RainingStars170

"Deal," she said, standing up to snap up the bill. As they walked out of the bar together, she let her hand slide up and down his back.

#50 Oct 01st 2007, 4:49pm

Moderator(s):	MacFluffers,
Rule(s):	Forums are not to be used to post stories. All discussions, language and content, must be suitable for teens. The owner/moderator(s) of this forum is solely responsible for content posted within this area. All forum abuse must be reported to the moderator(s).
Members:	Forum admin/moderator Fanatic (on site for more than 2 years) Fan (on site for more than a year) Regular (on site for more than 6 months) Camper (on site for more than a month) Apprentice (on site for more than a week) Newbie (on site for less than a week)

All times are GMT -8, US Pacific Time Zone.