The Casino Of Souls

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A black wispy figure shoots through the air, flicking from table to table with a blink of an eye. Red lights stare out where its eyes should be, and it hisses, proceeding to make a clacking sound. The figure wears fancy clothing and a greatsword on their back. The color is all black except for its eyes, as you can only make out their silhouette. Hair falls down their face, and they wear a hood over their hair that covers two large horns sticking out from their head. Wherever they go, they avoid light. Shade Vanale is a well known person here. It threw away most of its soul in gambling deals and is controlled by warring souls that seek to use it for their own means. 

(they/it pronouns in case anyone was wondering) 

 

 An assistant watches Shade as they flit around. the assistant's mask depicts a sorrowful frown, unlike many of it's kin who bear smiles and laughs.

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

A black wispy figure shoots through the air, flicking from table to table with a blink of an eye. Red lights stare out where its eyes should be, and it hisses, proceeding to make a clacking sound. The figure wears fancy clothing and a greatsword on their back. The color is all black except for its eyes, as you can only make out their silhouette. Hair falls down their face, and they wear a hood over their hair that covers two large horns sticking out from their head. Wherever they go, they avoid light. Shade Vanale is a well known person here. It threw away most of its soul in gambling deals and is controlled by warring souls that seek to use it for their own means. 

(they/it pronouns in case anyone was wondering) 

 

 An assistant watches Shade as they flit around. the assistant's mask depicts a sorrowful frown, unlike many of it's kin who bear smiles and laughs.

 Shade glances towards the assistant, frowning. They flash around the assistant, inspecting them. 

Quote from tarasque2897 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 The beast grins. "Excellent. Now, if I were a wagering man, which I am not, I'd bet that you would prefer a bodyguard to being stronger. With a heart like yours, I can hardly imagine that you'd feel comfortable without an extra set of eyes to protect you." He puts away his instrument and gently holds out a paw to shake. "They call me Big Boogie Woogie."

 Maxwell holds out a paw to shake as well, his chest fur falling down. "I quite would. What form of compensation might you require?"

 He gently takes Maxwell's paw, giving it a firm shake while being careful not to hurt the smaller creature.

"The first soul you earn - or win - down here. I don't gamble, see, I invest. My game is to help folks like you grow strong and healthy, then take a bit of the proceeds to help someone else."

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

A black wispy figure shoots through the air, flicking from table to table with a blink of an eye. Red lights stare out where its eyes should be, and it hisses, proceeding to make a clacking sound. The figure wears fancy clothing and a greatsword on their back. The color is all black except for its eyes, as you can only make out their silhouette. Hair falls down their face, and they wear a hood over their hair that covers two large horns sticking out from their head. Wherever they go, they avoid light. Shade Vanale is a well known person here. It threw away most of its soul in gambling deals and is controlled by warring souls that seek to use it for their own means. 

(they/it pronouns in case anyone was wondering) 

 

 An assistant watches Shade as they flit around. the assistant's mask depicts a sorrowful frown, unlike many of it's kin who bear smiles and laughs.

 Shade glances towards the assistant, frowning. They flash around the assistant, inspecting them. 

 They are fairly small, and hold themselves like a sad child. They don't seem to carry any weaponry. Their head is encased in a metal cage, the spikes of which seem to dig into their neck. Eventually, they speak.
"Hello, sinner."
Their voice is one of a young girl, choked slightly with tears.

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

A black wispy figure shoots through the air, flicking from table to table with a blink of an eye. Red lights stare out where its eyes should be, and it hisses, proceeding to make a clacking sound. The figure wears fancy clothing and a greatsword on their back. The color is all black except for its eyes, as you can only make out their silhouette. Hair falls down their face, and they wear a hood over their hair that covers two large horns sticking out from their head. Wherever they go, they avoid light. Shade Vanale is a well known person here. It threw away most of its soul in gambling deals and is controlled by warring souls that seek to use it for their own means. 

(they/it pronouns in case anyone was wondering) 

 

 An assistant watches Shade as they flit around. the assistant's mask depicts a sorrowful frown, unlike many of it's kin who bear smiles and laughs.

 Shade glances towards the assistant, frowning. They flash around the assistant, inspecting them. 

 They are fairly small, and hold themselves like a sad child. They don't seem to carry any weaponry. Their head is encased in a metal cage, the spikes of which seem to dig into their neck. Eventually, they speak.
"Hello, sinner."
Their voice is one of a young girl, choked slightly with tears.

 “Sinner…” Shade rasps. “Have I committed any sin that wasn’t simply being unlucky? Luck kills us all. Luck will kill you too. Hmmmmmm…” 

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 He pats the assistant on the head and turns back to Alastair. "But you'd rather be higher up on the totem pole." He straightens his thick, leather collar. "I can help with that."

 "Of course. After all, I wanted to work with you for more than just your musical talent." Alastair replies, tapping his cane on the ground. "I wish to elevate myself, gain power. Coming to hell was the first step on a bumpy road to a better existence."

 "And what would that better existence look like to you, Allie?" He tilts his head slightly, revealing one glowing iris set into black sclera.

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

Quote from tarasque2897 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 The beast grins. "Excellent. Now, if I were a wagering man, which I am not, I'd bet that you would prefer a bodyguard to being stronger. With a heart like yours, I can hardly imagine that you'd feel comfortable without an extra set of eyes to protect you." He puts away his instrument and gently holds out a paw to shake. "They call me Big Boogie Woogie."

 Maxwell holds out a paw to shake as well, his chest fur falling down. "I quite would. What form of compensation might you require?"

 He gently takes Maxwell's paw, giving it a firm shake while being careful not to hurt the smaller creature.

"The first soul you earn - or win - down here. I don't gamble, see, I invest. My game is to help folks like you grow strong and healthy, then take a bit of the proceeds to help someone else."

 "A noble goal. Thank you for your endeavor, Big Boogie Woogie."

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

A black wispy figure shoots through the air, flicking from table to table with a blink of an eye. Red lights stare out where its eyes should be, and it hisses, proceeding to make a clacking sound. The figure wears fancy clothing and a greatsword on their back. The color is all black except for its eyes, as you can only make out their silhouette. Hair falls down their face, and they wear a hood over their hair that covers two large horns sticking out from their head. Wherever they go, they avoid light. Shade Vanale is a well known person here. It threw away most of its soul in gambling deals and is controlled by warring souls that seek to use it for their own means. 

(they/it pronouns in case anyone was wondering) 

 

 An assistant watches Shade as they flit around. the assistant's mask depicts a sorrowful frown, unlike many of it's kin who bear smiles and laughs.

 Shade glances towards the assistant, frowning. They flash around the assistant, inspecting them. 

 They are fairly small, and hold themselves like a sad child. They don't seem to carry any weaponry. Their head is encased in a metal cage, the spikes of which seem to dig into their neck. Eventually, they speak.
"Hello, sinner."
Their voice is one of a young girl, choked slightly with tears.

 “Sinner…” Shade rasps. “Have I committed any sin that wasn’t simply being unlucky? Luck kills us all. Luck will kill you too. Hmmmmmm…” 

 "The seven deadly sins... Pride, wrath, lust, sloth, gluttony envy and greed." The assistant says, scratching their mask's right eye. "All who walk the halls of the Casino have committed one of those in their time. After all, we are in hell, are we not?"

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

A black wispy figure shoots through the air, flicking from table to table with a blink of an eye. Red lights stare out where its eyes should be, and it hisses, proceeding to make a clacking sound. The figure wears fancy clothing and a greatsword on their back. The color is all black except for its eyes, as you can only make out their silhouette. Hair falls down their face, and they wear a hood over their hair that covers two large horns sticking out from their head. Wherever they go, they avoid light. Shade Vanale is a well known person here. It threw away most of its soul in gambling deals and is controlled by warring souls that seek to use it for their own means. 

(they/it pronouns in case anyone was wondering) 

 

 An assistant watches Shade as they flit around. the assistant's mask depicts a sorrowful frown, unlike many of it's kin who bear smiles and laughs.

 Shade glances towards the assistant, frowning. They flash around the assistant, inspecting them. 

 They are fairly small, and hold themselves like a sad child. They don't seem to carry any weaponry. Their head is encased in a metal cage, the spikes of which seem to dig into their neck. Eventually, they speak.
"Hello, sinner."
Their voice is one of a young girl, choked slightly with tears.

 “Sinner…” Shade rasps. “Have I committed any sin that wasn’t simply being unlucky? Luck kills us all. Luck will kill you too. Hmmmmmm…” 

 "The seven deadly sins... Pride, wrath, lust, sloth, gluttony envy and greed." The assistant says, scratching their mask's right eye. "All who walk the halls of the Casino have committed one of those in their time. After all, we are in hell, are we not?"

 Shade holds its head high. “I do not sin.” They say. 

Quote from tarasque2897 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 He gently takes Maxwell's paw, giving it a firm shake while being careful not to hurt the smaller creature.

"The first soul you earn - or win - down here. I don't gamble, see, I invest. My game is to help folks like you grow strong and healthy, then take a bit of the proceeds to help someone else."

 "A noble goal. Thank you for your endeavor, Big Boogie Woogie."

 "You are very welcome, my friend. Now, what might your name be?" He places a huge paw on Maxwell's shoulder, smiling warmly. "I'm going to be guarding you, after all."

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 He pats the assistant on the head and turns back to Alastair. "But you'd rather be higher up on the totem pole." He straightens his thick, leather collar. "I can help with that."

 "Of course. After all, I wanted to work with you for more than just your musical talent." Alastair replies, tapping his cane on the ground. "I wish to elevate myself, gain power. Coming to hell was the first step on a bumpy road to a better existence."

 "And what would that better existence look like to you, Allie?" He tilts his head slightly, revealing one glowing iris set into black sclera.

 Alastair considers this. "One free of worry and sorrow, where all can live a harmonious existence." He sighs. "Although I could not bring that fantasy to pass even if you gave me ten millennia. So instead, I simply aim to do what I can to improve the lives of those who struggle."

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

Quote from tarasque2897 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 He gently takes Maxwell's paw, giving it a firm shake while being careful not to hurt the smaller creature.

"The first soul you earn - or win - down here. I don't gamble, see, I invest. My game is to help folks like you grow strong and healthy, then take a bit of the proceeds to help someone else."

 "A noble goal. Thank you for your endeavor, Big Boogie Woogie."

 "You are very welcome, my friend. Now, what might your name be?" He places a huge paw on Maxwell's shoulder, smiling warmly. "I'm going to be guarding you, after all."

 "I am Maxwell. Maxwell Harper Ericson." He nods calmly.

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

A black wispy figure shoots through the air, flicking from table to table with a blink of an eye. Red lights stare out where its eyes should be, and it hisses, proceeding to make a clacking sound. The figure wears fancy clothing and a greatsword on their back. The color is all black except for its eyes, as you can only make out their silhouette. Hair falls down their face, and they wear a hood over their hair that covers two large horns sticking out from their head. Wherever they go, they avoid light. Shade Vanale is a well known person here. It threw away most of its soul in gambling deals and is controlled by warring souls that seek to use it for their own means. 

(they/it pronouns in case anyone was wondering) 

 

 An assistant watches Shade as they flit around. the assistant's mask depicts a sorrowful frown, unlike many of it's kin who bear smiles and laughs.

 Shade glances towards the assistant, frowning. They flash around the assistant, inspecting them. 

 They are fairly small, and hold themselves like a sad child. They don't seem to carry any weaponry. Their head is encased in a metal cage, the spikes of which seem to dig into their neck. Eventually, they speak.
"Hello, sinner."
Their voice is one of a young girl, choked slightly with tears.

 “Sinner…” Shade rasps. “Have I committed any sin that wasn’t simply being unlucky? Luck kills us all. Luck will kill you too. Hmmmmmm…” 

 "The seven deadly sins... Pride, wrath, lust, sloth, gluttony envy and greed." The assistant says, scratching their mask's right eye. "All who walk the halls of the Casino have committed one of those in their time. After all, we are in hell, are we not?"

 Shade holds its head high. “I do not sin.” They say. 

 "Pride." The assistant says, staring up at Shade. "The first sin ever committed, by Lucifer himself in heaven."

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 "And what would that better existence look like to you, Allie?" He tilts his head slightly, revealing one glowing iris set into black sclera.

 Alastair considers this. "One free of worry and sorrow, where all can live a harmonious existence." He sighs. "Although I could not bring that fantasy to pass even if you gave me ten millennia. So instead, I simply aim to do what I can to improve the lives of those who struggle."

Insight: 22 

"Curious. Very curious. We seem to be of similar truths. I spent my ages investing in those who bring light to the world. Death shouldn't change that much for me."
He smiles. "Even as the world crumbles around us, we can always create harmony."

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 "And what would that better existence look like to you, Allie?" He tilts his head slightly, revealing one glowing iris set into black sclera.

 Alastair considers this. "One free of worry and sorrow, where all can live a harmonious existence." He sighs. "Although I could not bring that fantasy to pass even if you gave me ten millennia. So instead, I simply aim to do what I can to improve the lives of those who struggle."

Insight: 12 

"Curious. Very curious. We seem to be of similar truths. I spent my ages investing in those who bring light to the world. Death shouldn't change that much for me."
He smiles. "Even as the world crumbles around us, we can always create harmony."

 Alastair is fully sincere.

"I hope so." Alastair says, then extends a hand. "I don't believe I caught your name?"

*gtg*

Quote from tarasque2897 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 "You are very welcome, my friend. Now, what might your name be?" He places a huge paw on Maxwell's shoulder, smiling warmly. "I'm going to be guarding you, after all."

 "I am Maxwell. Maxwell Harper Ericson." He nods calmly.

 "That's a good one. You seem like a decent soul, Max. There's a surprising number of those around here. I'm rather glad about that. It makes me unsure of who to lend my soul to."

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

Quote from Bananer28046 >>

A black wispy figure shoots through the air, flicking from table to table with a blink of an eye. Red lights stare out where its eyes should be, and it hisses, proceeding to make a clacking sound. The figure wears fancy clothing and a greatsword on their back. The color is all black except for its eyes, as you can only make out their silhouette. Hair falls down their face, and they wear a hood over their hair that covers two large horns sticking out from their head. Wherever they go, they avoid light. Shade Vanale is a well known person here. It threw away most of its soul in gambling deals and is controlled by warring souls that seek to use it for their own means. 

(they/it pronouns in case anyone was wondering) 

 

 An assistant watches Shade as they flit around. the assistant's mask depicts a sorrowful frown, unlike many of it's kin who bear smiles and laughs.

 Shade glances towards the assistant, frowning. They flash around the assistant, inspecting them. 

 They are fairly small, and hold themselves like a sad child. They don't seem to carry any weaponry. Their head is encased in a metal cage, the spikes of which seem to dig into their neck. Eventually, they speak.
"Hello, sinner."
Their voice is one of a young girl, choked slightly with tears.

 “Sinner…” Shade rasps. “Have I committed any sin that wasn’t simply being unlucky? Luck kills us all. Luck will kill you too. Hmmmmmm…” 

 "The seven deadly sins... Pride, wrath, lust, sloth, gluttony envy and greed." The assistant says, scratching their mask's right eye. "All who walk the halls of the Casino have committed one of those in their time. After all, we are in hell, are we not?"

 Shade holds its head high. “I do not sin.” They say. 

 "Pride." The assistant says, staring up at Shade. "The first sin ever committed, by Lucifer himself in heaven."

 “Shut it. Everyone sins. It was something worse that made me come here.” 

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

Quote from tarasque2897 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 "You are very welcome, my friend. Now, what might your name be?" He places a huge paw on Maxwell's shoulder, smiling warmly. "I'm going to be guarding you, after all."

 "I am Maxwell. Maxwell Harper Ericson." He nods calmly.

 "That's a good one. You seem like a decent soul, Max. There's a surprising number of those around here. I'm rather glad about that. It makes me unsure of who to lend my soul to."

 "Hmm..." He considers it for a few seconds, and begins to snap constantly, as if he's just about to form the best idea in a scenario like this. "You could possibly lend your soul out to different people at different times?"

Quote from EJODM18604 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

Insight: 12 

"Curious. Very curious. We seem to be of similar truths. I spent my ages investing in those who bring light to the world. Death shouldn't change that much for me."
He smiles. "Even as the world crumbles around us, we can always create harmony."

 Alastair is fully sincere.

"I hope so." Alastair says, then extends a hand. "I don't believe I caught your name?"

*gtg*

 He shakes Al's hand. "My real name is Douxgras Amatarou. Most know me as Big Boogie Woogie, or the Boogie Woogie Man."

*Bye!*

Quote from tarasque2897 >>

Quote from Baalzeboop >>

 "That's a good one. You seem like a decent soul, Max. There's a surprising number of those around here. I'm rather glad about that. It makes me unsure of who to lend my soul to."

 "Hmm..." He considers it for a few seconds, and begins to snap constantly, as if he's just about to form the best idea in a scenario like this. "You could possibly lend your soul out to different people at different times?"

 "Well, that's a thought... Perhaps a rotating order? I couldn't possibly divide my soul into pieces. That would be catastrophic for my portfolio." He chuckles, though if his voice was higher it would have been a giggle. "You seem like you'd need it most out of everyone, but I'll give it a few days. You seem trustworthy enough, but I gotta give everyone an equal chance, see. I'll be by your side as long as you need me anyway."