Expand all

Hide all flags

Hide context

Hide tags

Hide checkflag

Hide setflag

Hide roll

Hide approv

Hide ruletag

Hide node id

Synopsis:

The player comes across Mol and Raphael playing a game of lanceboard (Forgotten Realms chess). The devil is clearly beating Mol, but with the player's help, she can win.

Cinematic Notes: Mol and Raphael are sitting down throughout this entire scene. Raphael teleports out of his seat at the end and is no longer on screen.

How to trigger:

Walk up to Mol and Raphael in the Tavern.

7.
Raphael
: Your move, Mol.^devnote
- 49.
  Mol
  : You trapped me. I didn't even want to take this one.^devnote
  - 199.
    Raphael
    : Calimshan rules, dear. The first piece touched is the first piece moved.^devnote
    
    82.
    Mol
    : That's garbage. No matter where the knight goes, I'm gonna lose it.^devnote
    
    179.
    Raphael
    : Then make the sacrifice useful. Guard your Mystra, or come for my Cyric.
    
    95. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_Karlach
    
    198.
    Karlach
    : What's going on here?^devnote
    
    193. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_End_Karlach
    
    110.
    Mol
    : Oh, hey. I remember you. Booked it from the grove before the druids could kick us.^devnoteDEN_AttackOnDen_State_DenVictory = False, GOB_State_LeadersAreDead = False
    
    201.
    Mol
    : Smart. You smart enough for lanceboard? It's my first time playing.^devnote
    
    Link to Node 181
    
    96.
    Mol
    : Hey! What's a big hero like you doing in a dustheap like this? ^devnoteHAV_EnteringHaven_State_MolVouched = False
    
    Link to Node 83
    
    61.
    Mol
    : Look who made it! For once I saved your butt out there, didn't I? We're square now, chief.^devnoteHAV_EnteringHaven_State_MolVouched
    
    83.
    Mol
    : Say, do you play lanceboard by any chance? It's my first time playing.^devnote
    
    181. Player: [PassiveRoll] dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_GaleSuggestion = FalseRoll (Wisdom, Insight) vs 14 (0)
    
    213. [RollResult] True
    
    31.
    Narrator
    : *The keen gleam in Mol's eyes reveals the lie. She knows the game well, and she wants to win.*dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_NoticedLying
    
    127. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_Gale
    
    108.
    Gale
    : He's laid a fine trap for you, Mol. But it looks to me like his Cyric could be dethroned.WIZARD = Falsedad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_GaleSuggestion
    
    80. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_End_Gale
    
    89. Player: Gale's right. Put pressure on him. Attack the pieces in front of his Cyric.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_GaleSuggestion['Gale 1']
    
    92. [Jump] Jump to Node 169 (1)
    
    206. Player: Fall back. Protect your queen above everything else.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Fighter = False
    
    57. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_Gale
    
    173.
    Gale
    : That's... certainly another strategy. A losing one, but a strategy nonetheless.^devnote['Gale -1']
    
    171. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_End_Gale
    
    93. [TagCinematic] ^devnote
    
    58. [Visual State]
    
    100.
    Raphael
    : You should be more careful who you listen to. Retreat begets regret. Always.^devnotedad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Retreat
    
    121. [Jump] Jump to Node 220 (1)
    
    209. Player: You know this guy's a devil, right, Mol? No beating one of them., REALLY_KARLACH
    
    209. Player: You shouldn't be playing games with this man. He's a devil.
    
    27.
    Mol
    : Sure, and I'm Zariel's firstborn. Don't be distractin' me.^devnotedad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Devil
    
    53. [TagCinematic] ^devnote
    
    203. [Visual State]
    
    Link to Node 121
    
    33. Player: Put pressure on him. Attack the pieces in front of his king.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_GaleSuggestion = False, dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Fighter = False, WIZARD = False, BARD = False, MONK = False
    
    169. [TagCinematic] ^devnote
    
    187. [Visual State]
    
    37.
    Raphael
    : My, the Theskan Double Counter-Gambit. Vicious. Exactly what I would have done.^devnotedad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Theskan
    
    Link to Node 40
    
    149. Player: Sorry, kid. I've never played lanceboard.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Fighter = False
    
    52.
    Mol
    : Pfft. Guess no one's good at everything.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Don'tPlay
    
    157. [Jump] Jump to Node 53 (1)
    
    86. Player: 'Accidentally' jostle the board Mol's way. ROGUE = FalseRoll (Dexterity, SleightOfHand) vs 10 (0)
    
    189. [RollResult] True
    
    Link to Node 36
    
    98. [RollResult] False
    
    124. [TagCinematic] ^devnotedad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_FailCheat
    
    188.
    Raphael
    : Oh dear, aren't we clumsy? Let me put these back in place.^devnote
    
    106. [Visual State]
    
    220. [TagCinematic] ^devnote
    
    160.
    Mol
    : Hells. Thought I had you.^devnoteHAV_MolsDeal_State_LostGame['Gale -1', 'Shadowheart -1', 'Minthara -1']
    
    139.
    Raphael
    : They always do.^devnote
    
    101.
    Raphael
    : You came close, though. All you needed was a dash more courage.^devnote
    
    168.
    Raphael
    : You will remember that, won't you, when you consider my offer?
    
    Link to Node 74
    
    73. Player: Rig the game with some sleight of hand.ROGUE
    
    36. [TagCinematic] ^devnoteHAV_MolsDeal_Event_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_Cheated, dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Cheat
    
    12. [Visual State]
    
    40. [TagCinematic] ^devnote
    
    76.
    Mol
    : How's that for Calimshan rules?^devnoteHAV_MolsDeal_State_WonGame['Astarion 1', 'Gale 1', 'Shadowheart 1', 'Karlach 1', 'Wyll 1', 'Minthara 1']
    
    151.
    Raphael
    : Brava! Lovely work. I see I was right to make you the offer I did.
    
    94.
    Raphael
    : You will consider it, won't you?
    
    74. [TagCinematic] ^devnote
    
    1. [Visual State]
    
    141.
    Raphael
    : What a lovely specimen she is. A blushing apple, begging to be plucked.HAV_MolsDeal_Event_FinishedGame
    
    137. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_Karlach
    
    22.
    Karlach
    : Please let me smack this creep.^devnote
    
    41. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_End_Karlach
    
    192.
    Raphael
    : [TagAnswer]
    
    46.
    Raphael
    : She might have won, you know - if you hadn't made her retreat.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Retreat
    
    184. Player: I guess we'll never know., REALLY_KARLACHREALLY_KARLACH
    
    25.
    Raphael
    : Indeed. There's no telling where life will lead us - into the Hells, out of them again...
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    84. Player: It's in her best interest to retreat from a devil.
    
    152.
    Raphael
    : Look outside. There's no one else for her to run to.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    180. Player: Is that why you're here? To play games?
    
    161.
    Raphael
    : To play the game. The vast lanceboard of souls.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    205. Player: Just bugger off back to Hell, would you?
    
    138.
    Raphael
    : Hell is wherever I take it. I just call it Hope, remember?
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    150.
    Raphael
    : Her victory was hollow, of course. Frankly, I expected better of you - did Mol ask to have your god win the game for her?dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Theskan, dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_DivineIntervention
    
    167. [Jump] Jump to Node 148 (1)
    
    38. Player: A god is quite handy when dealing with devils. CLERIC
    
    91.
    Raphael
    : Oh, I promise on every treasure I own... you've never dealt with a devil like me before.^devnote
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    117. [Jump] Jump to Node 180 (1)
    
    182. [Jump] Jump to Node 205 (1)
    
    207.
    Raphael
    : I noticed your little trick, by the way. You should trust Mol - she never asked for your god to interfere in the game. dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Theskan = False, dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_DivineIntervention
    
    Link to Node 167
    
    Link to Node 117
    
    Link to Node 182
    
    154. Player: I'll not take lessons on morality from a devil, thanks. CLERIC
    
    19.
    Raphael
    : Morality? No. The lesson is rather more about autonomy - not some you zealous types know much of.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    131.
    Raphael
    : She might have won, you know - if you hadn't been so hell-bent on exposing my truer nature.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Devil
    
    148. Player: Someone's gotta look out for her., REALLY_KARLACH
    
    197.
    Raphael
    : A pity no one did the same for you, all those years ago.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    103. Player: She has a right to know your truer nature.
    
    59.
    Raphael
    : She'd never take your word for it - not with my angelic complexion.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    140. [Jump] Jump to Node 180 (1)
    
    114. [Jump] Jump to Node 205 (1)
    
    118.
    Raphael
    : She might have won, you know. There was no need for your attempt at sabotage.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_FailCheat
    
    165. Player: Anything to annoy a devil., REALLY_KARLACH
    
    102.
    Raphael
    : I'm afraid you'll find me more difficult to ruffle than that.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    44. Player: I had a feeling the odds weren't in her favour.
    
    29.
    Raphael
    : Whose ever are?
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    221. [Jump] Jump to Node 180 (1)
    
    21. [Jump] Jump to Node 205 (1)
    
    134.
    Raphael
    : She cheated, of course, but that's half her charm.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Cheat
    
    212. Player: Leave her alone. I'm warning you., REALLY_KARLACH
    
    32.
    Raphael
    : Oh please, Karlach. Let us abandon this cack-handed attempt at solving your problems by fixing hers.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    0. Player: And what is the other half?
    
    67.
    Raphael
    : My favourite kind: ambition.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    215. [Jump] Jump to Node 180 (1)
    
    88. [Jump] Jump to Node 205 (1)
    
    66.
    Raphael
    : The Theskan move suggestion was inspired. I had no idea you played.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Theskan
    
    174. Player: Beating devils brings out the best in me., REALLY_KARLACH
    
    135.
    Raphael
    : So it seems.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    87. Player: There's plenty about me you have no idea about.
    
    200.
    Raphael
    : Don't I, indeed...
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    196. [Jump] Jump to Node 180 (1)
    
    11. [Jump] Jump to Node 205 (1)
    
    158. Player: A list of my many hidden talents would stretch to Avernus and back. BARD
    
    143.
    Raphael
    : I can most certainly believe it.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    54.
    Raphael
    : She might have won, you know - with a little push in the right direction.
    
    163. Player: I figured the girl could handle herself., REALLY_KARLACH
    
    9.
    Raphael
    : Just like yourself - isn't that right?
    
    204.
    Raphael
    : But don't you worry about Mol - it goes without saying she still has the unconditional freedom to choose the only option she has left.
    
    60. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_Astarion
    
    113.
    Raphael
    : Now, let's talk about you. I sense there's something you want to ask me.REALLY_ASTARION
    
    104.
    Astarion
    : I do. I have a proposal for you.
    
    24.
    Raphael
    : A proposal? If you're hoping to taste my blood, little vampling, think again. It burns hotter than Wyvern Whiskey.
    
    70.
    Astarion
    : This is serious business, devil.
    
    81.
    Astarion
    : My old - well, a long time ago, someone carved infernal runes into my back. They are a fragment of a contract. I'd like to know what the full contract says.ORI_Astarion_Knows_PoemInfernalHAV_MolsDeal_State_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_AstarionAskedRaphael
    
    Link to Node 65
    
    63.
    Astarion
    : My old - well, a long time ago, someone carved some runes into my back. I'd rather like to know what they say.^devnoteHAV_MolsDeal_State_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_AstarionAskedRaphael
    
    65.
    Raphael
    : Hmmmm...
    
    13. Player: What are you talking about, Astarion? What scars?ORI_Astarion_State_PartySawScars = False
    
    5.
    Raphael
    : You haven't told them? And you've kept your clothes on this whole time? How unlike you.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_RaphaelRemovedClothing
    
    123.
    Raphael
    : Why not let them see? Don't be shy.^devnote
    
    43. [Visual State]
    
    153.
    Astarion
    : Gods damn it.^devnote
    
    146.
    Raphael
    : Don't worry - I'm motivated to help you. Scars often tell such wonderful stories - I think yours might be truly exquisite. I'll see you soon.^devnoteHAV_MolsDeal_State_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_AstarionAskedRaphael, ORI_Inclusion_End_Astarion
    
    190. [Visual State]
    
    97.
    Astarion
    : Well. Now you know.
    
    45.
    Raphael
    : [TagAnswer] HAV_MolsDeal_Event_RaphaelPoof
    
    129. Player: Why didn't you tell me earlier? I could have helped.
    
    107.
    Astarion
    : I - perhaps I should have. I'm not exactly used to asking for help and being met with, well... help.
    
    202.
    Astarion
    : But what's done is done, so how about we stop talking about it and just get on with things?
    
    191.
    Astarion
    : Although I should probably get dressed first...
    End
    
    130. Player: Gods... the carving must have been excruciating.['Astarion 1']
    
    176.
    Astarion
    : Cazador worked on it from dusk until dawn, all with an ancient blade he called his 'needle'. Cutting and tearing, starting over if I screamed or winced too much.
    
    128.
    Astarion
    : It was a rough night.^devnote
    
    Link to Node 202
    
    133. Player: All I know is you have us doing odd jobs for a devil.
    
    214.
    Astarion
    : It could be infinitely worse. We seem to be rather good at killing things.
    
    223.
    Astarion
    : Let's just go. Standing here chatting gets us nowhere.
    
    Link to Node 191
    
    218. Player: Don't play games, Raphael. Help him out.
    
    Link to Node 17
    
    26. Player: This is a bad idea, Astarion. We should find another way.
    
    17.
    Raphael
    : Oh, such impatience.
    
    159.
    Raphael
    : It's something very important to your master. But is it a love letter, a warning, or a deed of ownership? I could give you all the gory details.
    
    2.
    Raphael
    : But of course, you'll have to do something for me first. Let me think about it and get back to you.
    
    145.
    Astarion
    : You'll 'get back' to me? This is important, devil. When?^devnote
    
    210.
    Raphael
    : Don't worry - I'm motivated to help you. Scars often tell such wonderful stories - I think yours might be truly exquisite. I'll see you soon.^devnoteHAV_MolsDeal_State_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_AstarionAskedRaphael, ORI_Inclusion_End_Astarion
    End
    
    56. Player: I don't think he knows.
    
    28.
    Raphael
    : Really?
    
    Link to Node 159
    
    30.
    Raphael
    : Besides, I do enjoy being in this neighbourhood again. It has such a rich history of abject tragedy.
    
    170.
    Raphael
    : And tragedy, my friend, well there's my bread and bloody butter.
    
    178. Player: Speaking of bloody - the scars on my back. Can you tell me what they mean?HAV_MolsDeal_State_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_AstarionAskedRaphael = False, REALLY_ASTARIONHAV_MolsDeal_State_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_AstarionAskedRaphael
    
    79. [Alias]
    
    Alias to Node 183
    
    50. [Alias]
    
    Alias to Node 6
    
    64. [Alias]
    
    Alias to Node 111
    
    119. Player: So what is this region's history of tragedy?BARD = Falsedad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Q-Tragedy
    
    14.
    Raphael
    : Why spoil it? It's all out there, waiting to be discovered.
    
    72.
    Raphael
    : You never know what you might find if you just... dig a little deeper.
    
    20. Player: Just stay away from Mol, you hear?dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Q-Mol['Gale 1', 'Wyll 1', 'Shadowheart 1', 'Karlach 2', 'Jaheira 1', 'Halsin 1']
    
    115.
    Raphael
    : She won. She has a taste for it now. She'll be the one who comes to me.HAV_MolsDeal_State_WonGame
    
    55.
    Raphael
    : But enough about my lesser pursuits. Why bother with trifles when I'm in the illustrious presence of my very favourite client!
    
    166.
    Raphael
    : Tell me, O apple of my eye, how have you been? You don't have any gills to get green around yet, but you do look a bit worse for wear in this light.
    
    164. Player: I want to know about the scars on my back. What do they mean?HAV_MolsDeal_State_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_AstarionAskedRaphael = False, REALLY_ASTARION
    
    183.
    Raphael
    : But of course, those curious little marks. Something important to your master, no doubt, but what?
    
    6.
    Raphael
    : A love letter? A warning? A deed of ownership? I could give you all the gory details.
    
    111.
    Raphael
    : But of course, you'll have to do something for me first. Let me think about it and get back to you.
    
    51.
    Raphael
    : Don't worry - I'm motivated to help you. Scars often tell such wonderful stories - I think yours might be truly exquisite. I'll see you soon.^devnoteHAV_MolsDeal_State_Lanceboard_ThreeWay_AstarionAskedRaphael, ORI_Inclusion_End_Astarion
    End
    
    211. Player: Might be the infernal engine in my chest.REALLY_KARLACH
    
    34.
    Raphael
    : Poor Karlach. She really suffers so terribly, death haranguing her from every angle. But it hasn't struck yet, has it?^devnote
    
    35.
    Raphael
    : In fact, I'm quite confident you still have a few good days in you yet. Precious time to practise begging for my help with your bare knees in the dirt.
    
    116.
    Raphael
    : I really am at my magnanimous best when people make an effort.
    
    48. [Jump] Jump to Node 85 (1)
    
    222. Player: If you're still offering solutions, I'm all ears.
    
    42.
    Raphael
    : All thumbs, rather, the way you've been stumbling about the place. But at least I can't say I'm not entertained.
    
    Link to Node 35
    
    217. Player: You know, I've never been better.
    
    23.
    Raphael
    : Splendid.
    
    68.
    Raphael
    : And yet...
    
    125.
    Raphael
    : I have this picture in my head - of you tossing and turning in the middle of the night, thinking strange things, dreaming strange dreams.
    
    4.
    Raphael
    : And there's this little voice inside of you asking: 'Is this my will, or is it the worm's?' But you have no answer, and no way of knowing.
    
    3.
    Raphael
    : The good thing is, though, there's only one little voice you really should listen to.
    
    156.
    Raphael
    : Mine.
    
    208. [Jump] Jump to Node 85 (1)
    
    195. Player: Leave me alone, hellspawn.['Wyll 1', 'Karlach 1', 'Halsin 1']
    
    142.
    Raphael
    : All in good time, dear.
    
    39. [Jump] Jump to Node 85 (1)
    
    155.
    Raphael
    : She lost. She is lost. It's only a matter of time before the apple is plucked.
    
    Link to Node 55
    
    109. Player: I can't resist a good tragedy. Indulge me - what happened here?BARDdad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Q-Tragedy
    
    136.
    Raphael
    : Come now, you'd have me tell you? Spoil all the fun?
    
    16.
    Raphael
    : Suffice to say there's ambition, folly, and death aplenty. The rest... well. I'll let you uncover that yourself.
    
    172. Player: Leave.
    
    85.
    Raphael
    : See you soon.^devnote
    
    15. [TagCinematic] ^devnote
    End
    
    62. Player: A little push away from you is exactly the right direction.
    
    77.
    Raphael
    : You underestimate my magnetism.
    
    Link to Node 204
    
    216. [Jump] Jump to Node 180 (1)
    
    120. [Jump] Jump to Node 205 (1)
    
    144. Player: Calimshan fell because its nobility got cocky. Put pressure on his king. BARD
    
    186. [Jump] Jump to Node 169 (1)
    
    47. Player: Why would I play a game that imitates war when I can fight any time I want?BARBARIAN
    
    69. [Jump] Jump to Node 52 (1)
    
    219. Player: This is a game that tests your mind. Look at the board with fresh eyes - what does your opponent hide?MONK
    
    99.
    Mol
    : Hmm. A-ha - his king is wide open!^devnote
    
    112. [Jump] Jump to Node 169 (1)
    
    18. Player: Of course I play. No better way to learn battle strategy than lanceboard. It's fun, too. FIGHTERdad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Fighter
    
    90.
    Mol
    : Didn't ask for your life story - I asked if you could play. What's the next move?
    
    71. Player: You win by taking the king - attack it at all costs. The Vanquisher's Lance stratagem.dad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_Fighter, FIGHTER
    
    147. [Jump] Jump to Node 169 (1)
    
    122. Player: He's set up a clever little trap. But... his Cyric looks rather open, don't you think?WIZARD
    
    132. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_Gale
    
    105.
    Gale
    : Exactly what I was about to suggest.['Gale 1']
    
    75. Player: [TagAnswer] ORI_Inclusion_End_Gale
    
    Link to Node 147
    
    185. Player: Say you don't want to interfere and pray for your god to guide Mol's hand.CLERICdad63dde-f309-491a-1edb-b3ced9a1fccd_Chess_DivineInterventionRoll (Wisdom, ) vs 14 (0)
    
    175. [RollResult] True
    
    10. [Jump] Jump to Node 169 (1)
    
    126. [RollResult] False
    
    8. [Jump] Jump to Node 53 (1)
    
    177.
    Gale
    : I see that glint in your eyes. You've a strategy in mind. The same one as me, I'd wager.WIZARD
    
    Link to Node 80
    
    78. [RollResult] False
    
    194. [Jump] Jump to Node 31 (2)