[...Wow, he draws like a pre-schooler. Husk somehow, miraculously, manages to keep his face impassive instead of laughing. He carefully extracts the drawing and slips it into a pocket, tossing the rest of the pad at Jonathan, who doesn't quite manage to catch it before it skitters across the ground and into a corner. The kid is really off his game tonight.]
Uh-huh. A piece of paper with a radio drawn on it. [He nods like this makes complete sense.] Not exactly conventional, but hey, if it works.
[50-50 chance this is just Alastor making a joke at his expense. He won't immediately assume the worst, because Alastor is such a fucking weirdo that communicating through a shitty drawing of a radio makes complete sense for him.
Husk's interest is clear when Alastor proposes they play a few hands. He stands from his seat and downs the contents of his glass in one go, gesturing to a poker table.]
Ahah, heh, I didn't think it'd be polite to trounce you right off the bat, but since you've offered.
[If Alastor had expected a laugh, or for it to be taken seriously, his expression gives away neither. Instead, he looks quite pleased at the chance to play against Husk. Then again, who wouldn't? Plenty of high rollers come swaggering into the Casino, thinking that they can put down riches and even their souls down and come away more powerful than they entered. A fool's folly, the inevitable price of over confidence. Husk can string them along, toy with them before the kill, but it always comes in the end. It's how he got where he was, wasn't it?
But Alastor only stands with a pep to his step, calling his cane to his hand as he takes his drink with him. Has he taken more than a sip, two, since it'd been given to him? No matter, who cares.
He takes his choice of seat at the center of the table's curve, putting himself directly in front of the House seat.]
I don't know, I rather think I might stand a chance. It may have been a while since I've played myself, but I'm certain it'll come back as swiftly as the memory to swim or butcher a pig!
[Cheerfully:] Well, if anything escapes your memory, I won't mind pausing to fill you in.
[It's perhaps not surprising in hell that a lot of people are overconfident enough to challenge him despite his title. He always bets big, enticing - enough that people are willing to put their souls on the line for the promise of power, but he's not yet lost his pot, and he doesn't ever expect to.
He takes his place opposite Alastor and waves to Jonathan to set them up, who hastily takes up the position of dealer.]
Game's No Limit Texas Hold 'Em. You wanna bet something, the chip'll come to you. [A chip appears between two of his fingers, which he tosses onto the table as the first bet. 25.
Jonathan deals their cards, and he gets a pair of suits. Not a bad start.]
Quite a nifty feature, that. Must make clean up a dream! [What sort of clean up he means, well, he does so enjoy a double-entendre. If there's any uncertainty or embarrassment in his voice when he speaks up again, he's doing very well to cover it.
But he does lift the edge of his cards to peek beneath with the edge of his thumb, otherwise leaving the long fingers to rest against the cards as he plays with interest the unique manner of these chips. A part of the other Overlord's powers, he could guess well. So he simply thinks on matching that first amount, his free hand calling the chip to it with a quiet 'ooooo' from a non-existent audience.]
I'm afraid you'll have to run me through the rules, my good fellow. Seems a bit after my time, I'm afraid. [Yet he tosses the 25 chip onto the table before himself, playing in good sport.]
That's what I have staff for. [The magic tricks he liked to show off in Las Vegas are just straight-up magic here, and becoming an Overlord has enabled him to give them a broader application. But he doesn't usually bother with clean up.]
If you've played Five-Card draw or the like, you'll catch on easily enough. Cards face-up in the middle of the table - those'll come in a minute - are community cards, and you make a five card hand out of the community cards and your hole cards. [He taps his two cards on the table.] One card'll be added to the community cards on the dealer's turn, then the betting round, and so on. Now then...
[He takes another glance at his cards before tossing a green chip onto his pile.]
(ooc: Yep! That's pretty accurate! 5 community cards total - 3 cards for the flop, 1 for the turn, 1 for the river. Dealer burns a card between each. Don't worry too much on explaining hehe.)
Hmm.. [Certainly sounds simple enough. One finger taps the back of his cards in thought before entertaining himself with a play of fingers on the opposite hand to call the next chip to them.]
I'll match, then. I used to spend some time on occasion in a few hands, now and then. Never anything this fancy, mind you, but no less cut throat!
[With their bets called, Jonathan throws down the cards for the flop. Two hearts, one spade, and Husk takes care to keep his expression schooled despite that being a great flop for him. He just needs one more heart to get a flush.]
That so? Not one for casinos? [Which would make sense, since he apparently hasn't played enough to have encountered Texas Hold 'Em. It's the standard game everywhere these days, though Five-Card Draw is probably more common for casual play.]
[Alastor matches the bet, rolling an invisible chip across his fingers like any half-rate magician might before flicking it as it comes into reality to join the growing pile. Why not have a bit of fun on his errand this evening? The games mean nothing to him, nor does the money have much care given to it. He had more than enough to deal with anything he could desire for himself... but what he desired most had a price far more expensive than money.]
The other way around! It seems they're not one for me. [Complete with a tilt of the head and a very knowing smile around narrowed eyes. After all, half the patrons of the Casino looked ready to wet themselves when the Radio Demon entered.]
I get the feeling no matter the face I wear, the good people will know. [That smirk again, the tip of one ear giving the slightest flick, before he touches his own chest.] The voice, my good man! The voice would be a dead giveaway!
[As if the following static and general aura of terror around Alastor would vanish with a disguise, but his response follows the joke Husk set up.]
Mmm... well- [He looks down to his cards, still not having looked at them a second time, and flips his fingers to call another matching bet.] I spend my time in the city, of course. So much to see and do, so many new faces to meet. Have you spent any time in Cannibal Town, by chance? What a delight! Such wonderful places to dine and quite the unique group of souls. Of course, I find myself drawn to the many musicians we have, even if not always to my taste.
[In some ways, it is more than most know about Alastor. It almost seems... ordinary. Yet in another way, it tells nearly nothing. Other Overlords have plans of power, growing their territory, making more money... yet there's none of that in Alastor's reply.
But he turns it back onto the other, giving a smile that holds the least amount of teeth yet.] What about you? What captivates the time of a gambler outside the play of the cards?
Come on, you telling me you couldn't put on an act?
[If he can act like a radio show personality 24/7 - because Husk doesn't believe for a moment that Alastor isn't just projecting the image he wants people to see - he can certainly manage a few hours of pretending to be normal. He might even manage to fool a few people.
He makes a face at the mention of cannibal town. Yeah, no. He hasn't dropped in.] Can't say I have been. Different, you know... dietary requirements. I'm sure they're a friendly bunch, though; Rosie's lot always does seem to be smiling.
[It's unsettling, but he's not going to mention that, because Alastor's smiley too and he might get the wrong (well, right) idea.
It would be good to know what some of Alastor's aspirations were, but it doesn't seem to be forthcoming. Husk goes a similar route while offering his own answer:]
Oh, I'm fond of musicians myself. Collected a few souls for that purpose - the pianist you heard out there is the most recent acquisition. Apparently he used to off people by strangling them with piano wire, heh. [It's a little funny.] The jukebox is nice and all, but nothing beats a live show. Put on my own, on occasion, but I don't have much time to just pull out the old saxophone these days.
[One more card. And thankfully, it's a heart this time. He fights back a grin and adds two more greens onto the pile.]
[Given that this is only their first hand, Alastor wants to know more about Husk's play style. After all, is the game of souls not but a game of chance and skill? How much one could bluff? This all draws together a web, one that he sees no need to tighten around this particular Overlord among all the rest, but he always liked to be ready. The man with the greater knowledge is one step ahead, after all.]
The saxophone? [That bit of brightness to Alastor's already showy voice hints that he actually is interested to hear such a tidbit.] Ah, I will have to convince you to dust off the old girl! It has been a while since I did the same, but for lack of another. What do you say - a chance for us both to break out a few rusty skills and enjoy ourselves?
[Is he serious? Just playing into Husk's comment to make small talk or get in his good graces? The hardest part of dealing with Alastor is the mystery - trying to figure out what is real and what's not in his words. Yet he seems like he means the suggestion and who has heard of playing music with the Radio Demon??]
Ah, Judgment, is there nothing in existence with a greater sense of irony? [A bit of laughter, one trickling by even poor Jonathan over there.] Provided they have some skill, a musician is always a worthwhile addition to anyone's menagerie, and given your tastes I have no doubt they would have the necessary proficiency!
[He matches Husk's latest raise with barely a second look. Is he foolish with his money, or could his hand be that good? It's very possible Alastor is that good with a bluff, or maybe just that new to the game he's over estimating?]
[He's got one hell of a poker face, Husk'll give him that much. There's nothing about his expression, nor how he holds himself that gives away the intentions of his offer, nor what his hand might be. But with how long he's been an Overlord, he can probably afford to gamble without concerning himself with the cost.]
Why not? [There's plenty of reasons 'why not'; the foremost being that Husk is Alastor's usual quarry, but he's curious enough to accept. After all, who has heard of playing music with the Radio Demon?] No convincing necessary. It's about time I dusted her off. You can come in for a duet at your leisure - preferably through the back door, this time, so you won't spook the livestock. Security'll let me know when you've arrived.
[A little risky, giving Alastor access to his back rooms. But if the man wanted to sneak in to do something untoward to him, he wouldn't need an invitation for that.]
Life after death? [His mouth tips into a smile.] They ain't getting an invitation without proficiency. Personal taste, but also because my hearing's too sensitive these days to tolerate mediocrity. [Husk gestures to his twitching ears, his smile turning wry.] Same for you, I imagine?
[Deers have good hearing, right?
He sets his cards face down, preparing to show his hand.]
Delightful! [And thus far, he is indeed actually so. There are ways into the Radio Demon's good graces - and times a million more ways to get into his bad ones - and music is certainly one of the good ones. Of course, provided that their choice in music has taste, and thankfully for Husker, Alastor considers his tastes acceptable.
Husk is very correct on his assumptions. Alastor's entrance through the front door had been very pointed in choice; he came where there had been a significant amount of 'innocents' (as innocent as anyone in Hell could really be) and for all the death and destruction Alastor had been known to cause, he didn't bother with anyone outside of his chosen target(s) unless they interfered. No spooky stuff, no taking over the music in the Casino, just the calm knowledge that the Overlord he wished to meet was there and someone would be along to gather him.
If he wanted Husker dead, the feline's dying yowls would already be lined up as a part of his next broadcast.]
Mm, quite so. [With just the slightest flick of a single ear, but the fact he was willing to play along with the joke shows he is actually in quite the good mood. What an intriguing fellow this Husker is turning out to be! It would be interesting to test his musical abilities in the near future; after all, he had just spoken his agreement on getting skilled musicians into one's service...
A long knuckle gives a quick double tap against the table, just to the side of his cards, and Alastor nods.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
lmao yes, Alastor's just giving him his daily enrichment
Date: 2024-02-18 03:27 am (UTC)Uh-huh. A piece of paper with a radio drawn on it. [He nods like this makes complete sense.] Not exactly conventional, but hey, if it works.
[50-50 chance this is just Alastor making a joke at his expense. He won't immediately assume the worst, because Alastor is such a fucking weirdo that communicating through a shitty drawing of a radio makes complete sense for him.
Husk's interest is clear when Alastor proposes they play a few hands. He stands from his seat and downs the contents of his glass in one go, gesturing to a poker table.]
Ahah, heh, I didn't think it'd be polite to trounce you right off the bat, but since you've offered.
/comic book guy - worst. owner. EVER.
Date: 2024-02-18 03:38 am (UTC)But Alastor only stands with a pep to his step, calling his cane to his hand as he takes his drink with him. Has he taken more than a sip, two, since it'd been given to him? No matter, who cares.
He takes his choice of seat at the center of the table's curve, putting himself directly in front of the House seat.]
I don't know, I rather think I might stand a chance. It may have been a while since I've played myself, but I'm certain it'll come back as swiftly as the memory to swim or butcher a pig!
excuse me while I google how to play poker :')
Date: 2024-02-18 04:25 am (UTC)[It's perhaps not surprising in hell that a lot of people are overconfident enough to challenge him despite his title. He always bets big, enticing - enough that people are willing to put their souls on the line for the promise of power, but he's not yet lost his pot, and he doesn't ever expect to.
He takes his place opposite Alastor and waves to Jonathan to set them up, who hastily takes up the position of dealer.]
Game's No Limit Texas Hold 'Em. You wanna bet something, the chip'll come to you. [A chip appears between two of his fingers, which he tosses onto the table as the first bet. 25.
Jonathan deals their cards, and he gets a pair of suits. Not a bad start.]
Of all the choices - you picked the one I actually like playing! XD Al on the other hand...
Date: 2024-02-18 04:39 am (UTC)But he does lift the edge of his cards to peek beneath with the edge of his thumb, otherwise leaving the long fingers to rest against the cards as he plays with interest the unique manner of these chips. A part of the other Overlord's powers, he could guess well. So he simply thinks on matching that first amount, his free hand calling the chip to it with a quiet 'ooooo' from a non-existent audience.]
I'm afraid you'll have to run me through the rules, my good fellow. Seems a bit after my time, I'm afraid. [Yet he tosses the 25 chip onto the table before himself, playing in good sport.]
hopefully I've explained this properly lmao
Date: 2024-02-18 05:48 am (UTC)If you've played Five-Card draw or the like, you'll catch on easily enough. Cards face-up in the middle of the table - those'll come in a minute - are community cards, and you make a five card hand out of the community cards and your hole cards. [He taps his two cards on the table.] One card'll be added to the community cards on the dealer's turn, then the betting round, and so on. Now then...
[He takes another glance at his cards before tossing a green chip onto his pile.]
I raise.
/jots down below
Date: 2024-02-18 06:07 am (UTC)Hmm.. [Certainly sounds simple enough. One finger taps the back of his cards in thought before entertaining himself with a play of fingers on the opposite hand to call the next chip to them.]
I'll match, then. I used to spend some time on occasion in a few hands, now and then. Never anything this fancy, mind you, but no less cut throat!
[Sometimes, oh so literally.]
ty!
Date: 2024-02-18 06:21 am (UTC)That so? Not one for casinos? [Which would make sense, since he apparently hasn't played enough to have encountered Texas Hold 'Em. It's the standard game everywhere these days, though Five-Card Draw is probably more common for casual play.]
I bet.
[He tosses in another green.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-18 05:29 pm (UTC)The other way around! It seems they're not one for me. [Complete with a tilt of the head and a very knowing smile around narrowed eyes. After all, half the patrons of the Casino looked ready to wet themselves when the Radio Demon entered.]
no subject
Date: 2024-02-19 07:08 am (UTC)Might want to start going out in a disguise so you can mingle.
[Assuming anyone who wets themselves at the sight of the Radio Demon is worth spending time around.
He waits for the next card to be put down - a diamond - before doubling his bet.]
What do you do with all your free time? S'not like you're managing any territory, other than your radio tower.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-19 03:28 pm (UTC)[As if the following static and general aura of terror around Alastor would vanish with a disguise, but his response follows the joke Husk set up.]
Mmm... well- [He looks down to his cards, still not having looked at them a second time, and flips his fingers to call another matching bet.] I spend my time in the city, of course. So much to see and do, so many new faces to meet. Have you spent any time in Cannibal Town, by chance? What a delight! Such wonderful places to dine and quite the unique group of souls. Of course, I find myself drawn to the many musicians we have, even if not always to my taste.
[In some ways, it is more than most know about Alastor. It almost seems... ordinary. Yet in another way, it tells nearly nothing. Other Overlords have plans of power, growing their territory, making more money... yet there's none of that in Alastor's reply.
But he turns it back onto the other, giving a smile that holds the least amount of teeth yet.] What about you? What captivates the time of a gambler outside the play of the cards?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 03:24 am (UTC)[If he can act like a radio show personality 24/7 - because Husk doesn't believe for a moment that Alastor isn't just projecting the image he wants people to see - he can certainly manage a few hours of pretending to be normal. He might even manage to fool a few people.
He makes a face at the mention of cannibal town. Yeah, no. He hasn't dropped in.] Can't say I have been. Different, you know... dietary requirements. I'm sure they're a friendly bunch, though; Rosie's lot always does seem to be smiling.
[It's unsettling, but he's not going to mention that, because Alastor's smiley too and he might get the wrong (well, right) idea.
It would be good to know what some of Alastor's aspirations were, but it doesn't seem to be forthcoming. Husk goes a similar route while offering his own answer:]
Oh, I'm fond of musicians myself. Collected a few souls for that purpose - the pianist you heard out there is the most recent acquisition. Apparently he used to off people by strangling them with piano wire, heh. [It's a little funny.] The jukebox is nice and all, but nothing beats a live show. Put on my own, on occasion, but I don't have much time to just pull out the old saxophone these days.
[One more card. And thankfully, it's a heart this time. He fights back a grin and adds two more greens onto the pile.]
I almost replied as to this as Angel's account. XD
Date: 2024-02-20 06:32 pm (UTC)The saxophone? [That bit of brightness to Alastor's already showy voice hints that he actually is interested to hear such a tidbit.] Ah, I will have to convince you to dust off the old girl! It has been a while since I did the same, but for lack of another. What do you say - a chance for us both to break out a few rusty skills and enjoy ourselves?
[Is he serious? Just playing into Husk's comment to make small talk or get in his good graces? The hardest part of dealing with Alastor is the mystery - trying to figure out what is real and what's not in his words. Yet he seems like he means the suggestion and who has heard of playing music with the Radio Demon??]
Ah, Judgment, is there nothing in existence with a greater sense of irony? [A bit of laughter, one trickling by even poor Jonathan over there.] Provided they have some skill, a musician is always a worthwhile addition to anyone's menagerie, and given your tastes I have no doubt they would have the necessary proficiency!
[He matches Husk's latest raise with barely a second look. Is he foolish with his money, or could his hand be that good? It's very possible Alastor is that good with a bluff, or maybe just that new to the game he's over estimating?]
sounds like you're picking up the entire cast lol
Date: 2024-02-22 10:17 am (UTC)Why not? [There's plenty of reasons 'why not'; the foremost being that Husk is Alastor's usual quarry, but he's curious enough to accept. After all, who has heard of playing music with the Radio Demon?] No convincing necessary. It's about time I dusted her off. You can come in for a duet at your leisure - preferably through the back door, this time, so you won't spook the livestock. Security'll let me know when you've arrived.
[A little risky, giving Alastor access to his back rooms. But if the man wanted to sneak in to do something untoward to him, he wouldn't need an invitation for that.]
Life after death? [His mouth tips into a smile.] They ain't getting an invitation without proficiency. Personal taste, but also because my hearing's too sensitive these days to tolerate mediocrity. [Husk gestures to his twitching ears, his smile turning wry.] Same for you, I imagine?
[Deers have good hearing, right?
He sets his cards face down, preparing to show his hand.]
Call.
Alastor, Vox, Fizzarolli, and Angel all have accounts and I'm squinting at a Lucifer. XD
Date: 2024-02-22 06:50 pm (UTC)Husk is very correct on his assumptions. Alastor's entrance through the front door had been very pointed in choice; he came where there had been a significant amount of 'innocents' (as innocent as anyone in Hell could really be) and for all the death and destruction Alastor had been known to cause, he didn't bother with anyone outside of his chosen target(s) unless they interfered. No spooky stuff, no taking over the music in the Casino, just the calm knowledge that the Overlord he wished to meet was there and someone would be along to gather him.
If he wanted Husker dead, the feline's dying yowls would already be lined up as a part of his next broadcast.]
Mm, quite so. [With just the slightest flick of a single ear, but the fact he was willing to play along with the joke shows he is actually in quite the good mood. What an intriguing fellow this Husker is turning out to be! It would be interesting to test his musical abilities in the near future; after all, he had just spoken his agreement on getting skilled musicians into one's service...
A long knuckle gives a quick double tap against the table, just to the side of his cards, and Alastor nods.]