Even more thinking

I went back to work feeling a lot more confident.

I wasn't quite sure I understood the full extent and machinations of using this thing yet.

So, for the moment, I had decided to wait at least a couple of hours, to see at what rates the points would go up by themselves.

The evening shift was approaching, so I took the time to make a mental list of all emplyees in the establishment that I could influence both directly and through Katnia.

First, obviously, there was Katnia herself. She was a strong dwarven woman with fiery red hair and was the owner of the inn. She was an ex-adventurer that had decided to settle down and leave her fighting days behind. While in her toned and strong body you could still see her years of world experiences, she had managed to get a rather lived in look. She was starting to get some weight and roundness over her muscles, giving a more short-stack look. I often struggled not to look down her vast cleavage when talking to her.

Despite her temper and her no-shit-allowed attitude she was really kind hearted, and could show a strong sense of motherly protection. That's why I was still surprised she would ever end up mixed up with the Dusty Cloaks.

Jenn was a young student of the Lapislazzuli Academy of Magic. Coming from a family of farmers, she could barely afford an academic tutorage while slaving herself as a waitress to keep up with the costs of the Academy. I could only admire her for trying and do something most of us considered a "rich people thing". Usually either you were born with magic, or you needed some kind of status to reach for a high education. Jenn was proof that smarts and dedication were the only two things someone really needed if they really wanted to learn.

You could never find her without some dusty old book in front of her face every time she didn't have to serve at the tables. She had a thin fragile frame, and was quite short and lithe. The Tiefling blood in her had manifested in light purple skin and a small pair of horns growing under messy black hair.

Nikah'lan was the newest member of the establishment and was tentatively working as a waitress until Katnia could find a better use for her. She had a bit of an attitude problem that often resulted in doing her job poorly. I didn't really know a lot about her, as she often kept to herself outside of complaining about customers.

She had a tall lanky body and one of the most beautiful faces I had ever seen. She had a thin nose, large brown doe eyes that complemented her dark skin and short golden curly hair.

The cook, Zaavi, was not a fan of me. She would probably be the one I would have to work the most on if I ever would want to include her in whatever I was trying to accomplish. The Goliath woman was standing at 8 feet tall, with broad muscular shoulders and a perfectly toned ass. Her hair was tied in a long black braid that stopped right under her bare back. She always kept her back uncovered to show the intricate dark lines that covered her body, tying her to her half-giant lineage.

Though technically not a hired worker, Basil was here every night, strumming lightly at his lute in hope to gather some coins or companionship for the night. He was a tanned half-elven man, with light facial hair and a handsome face. He sometimes brought some friends, men and women, with him to join him in small shows and concerts, and after they usually reserved a room to enjoy a little shared fun. I would lie if I told you that I never quietly spied on them during their private nights of debauchery.

That was about it. Outside of maybe some usual boring patrons, there wasn't really anyone else that came to mind. It was still a great start.

And a slow project.

Of course, once I had a good production of BS going, I could expand my influence outside the tavern. I had a couple of targets in mind, like the small magic shop of Madame Yilda, where I could try and gather more information about this artifact. Or the Slayers, a local adventurer's guild. They could help with the Dusty Cloaks problem in a more permanent way, provided I had coin.

Honestly, if this thing was really as powerful as it seemed, I could go for the Dusty Cloaks directly.

My thoughts were interrupted by the noises of chairs moving. People were starting to come in, as dinner time was getting close.

I gave a quick glance to the artifact. 34 BS, 4 more than a couple of hours ago.

I started pouring drinks while keeping an eye on everyone. Thankfully I considered myself quite good at my job, and I could multitask with spilling ale from barrels while maintaining light conversations about nothing and keeping monitored the whole room.

I gave a chuckle, watching Jenn chase a goblin girl out of the establishment. She was a well known thief of that neighborhood. People called her Twig, but no one knew her real name.

She often used some magical tricks to disguise herself and, as much often, she failed in her endeavors. I heard from people who had to stick around her for a few hours speaking of a bad luck charm. They said she was cursed or something.

That never stopped her from trying, though. Better to steer clear from her, before her bad luck rubbed on me or this place.

+1 BS. 35 BS. Just enough for something tame. I hope.