The Betting Pool is a large fountain area, with topiaries in the shape of mythical creatures. Marble pillars mark the place as a almost greek courtyard in style. Various alabaster figures carry tomes around with them, with quills taking bets as various groups announce their intent to enter the Dungeon, placing bets in Experion to the varying bookie statues. At the end of the pool, a large statue with a variety of floating alabaster eyes floating around it reviews each petition, writing down the odds for each. Two guardian statues stand to each side of the Master of Bets, five feet back and ten feet away.

After hearing in the vine that the Master of Bets was in charge of registering the ones going into the Dungeon, Mudahn made his way straight there.

"We wish to enter the dungeon. We are to announce it here before entering, yes? that is standard procedure?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:02, Fri 17 Nov 2023.

Myranti followed the group and balked at the beauty and splendor of the Betting Pool area.  He was barely paying attention to Mudahn as he spoke, lost in the amazement of the alabaster floating eyes.

Sunwalker Ordel walks up to Mudahn, raising his hand to greet him, with the wolf creature next to him. "Blessings of the Earth Mother upon your group. I am Sunwalker Ordel, and this is my friend Warl, the Kyree battlemaster. We are interested in joining you if you would welcome the aid of a healer and tracker. We would pledge our aid for an equal say within your group, if you are interested."

The wolf creature looks at Mudahn, cocking its' head slightly. In your mind, you hear a wry voice. I think we would prove invaluable in your attempt to survive the Dungeon.

While waiting for an answer from the Master, Mudahn gives a brief nod to the two newcomers.

"I can't speak for the whole group, but we are all newly acquainted with each other. I don't see the problem with having two new additions. If anything, I suspect we may part ways while inside the dungeon, if there is a difference in opinion on which path to follow."

Tao heard the introduction offered by Sunwalker Ordel of himself and Warl, and adds to Mudahn's response: "I too am a healer...but then, a party of adventurers heading into the depths of the 'Dungeon of the Mad God', can't really have too many clerics...if you ask me!  Welcome."

"My power fortifies your heart and bodies.". Faelindri said proudly stepping up to the circle.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Mon 20 Nov 2023.

In reply to Faelindri Billowstone (msg # 8):

Vaelon lifted the little one up on his shoulders so that she could better see the proceedings and not be, "underfoot".

"Yes, let's get this rag-rag troupe underway.  Is there an entrance fee?  What are the Odds on *that* guy surviving?", Myranti said pointing to the Minotaur.  He stood on the outside of the gathering group. casually sitting next to the pool, watching the light shimmer and dance on it's surface.

The alabaster eyes turn to examine you as you approach, each one descending to circle you before returning to their position. The Master of Bets looks up briefly from their work, his perfect stone visage smiling just slightly. "That is, the standard procedure, as you put it. There are enough of you of equal talent that I do not have reservations in sending you within. Be warned, many do fail in their first attempt, but the amulets you have around your neck will enable others to bring you back should they make their way out of the Dungeon.

As for fees, there are none. Now if you wish to place a bet, that is open to any of the bookies once I have accepted your entrance." As it speaks, it waves a hand over the group, ethereal golden chains attaching to each of your bodies, fading swiftly. "The odds I give for the Tauren are 4 to 1 of surviving the first level of the Dungeon." He reaches into thin air, and with a gesture conjures a simple flat stone with a rune marked upon it. "Take this to the entrance of the Dungeon and place it upon the altar. It will open the portal to the first level. Each activation is unique, so I cannot offer you any clues as to what will be beyond the portal, but once within, you must find the next rune stone from the strongest monster on the level to leave. Make sure you gather any experion crystals you find, as it is the preferred currency within Haven." The statue like being spoke, before going back to its' master ledgerbook.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:09, Tue 21 Nov 2023.