@part(gambling, root = "/mit/abstract/Characters/sheet.format")

@subsubsection(The Gambling Ring)

You are involved in one of the most crucial aspects of the Thieves'
Guild's operations, the running of untaxed and illegal casinos for the
Guild's profit -- and, of course, your own (the two are more or less
synonymous, after all).  Here, on the Castle where many rich and
influential people are gathering from every portion of the World, is
an ideal location for such a recreational device.

There are, in general, three methods of running an illegal gambling
ring.  You can either attempt to keep it secret from the Guard
entirely, attempt to bribe the Guard into leaving it alone, or attempt
to fool the Guard into thinking it legal.  The first is difficult if
you aren't in your own territory, and the second is nearly impossible,
given the Oathbound nature of Guardians.  The third, for its part,
requires a bit more cleverness and planning, as legal establishments
are generally sanctioned by the House of Guilds and have paperwork to
prove it.  On the other hand, yours is not an organization lacking in
cleverness.

The Casino Night you are going to be running on the Castle is being
run under the pretense of legality, and you must make sure not to
arouse suspicions.  The event is already scheduled, however; all that
remains is the actual running of it.  You have also discovered that
for the most part, traditional gambling fare (poker, craps, blackjack
and so forth) are extremely profitable; however, it is always useful
to provide some more unusual, carnival-like events.  Many otherwise
respectable and dignified people will find themselves perfectly
willing to engage in some very silly competitive sports and activities
if a monetary reward is offered.  If the odds are right, they'll even
pay for the privelege.  And those not willing to compete will often
place side-bets, if encouraged properly; it's all a matter of timing
and planning.  If you offer both traditional gambling events and some
more unconventional activities, you should manage to keep the rubes
paying and the Guards guessing.

The real problem you need to worry about is that only a small fraction
of the numbers you expected to have around the Castle have actually
arrived.  Without such large crowds, you'll have to work a lot harder
to achieve a reasonable income, and the Shadow Cabinet has been
putting down pressure that indicates a definite need for those funds.
It has to be your job to separate your customers from their money.

Each of you reports directly to a project manager, Gilead Joel, who
reports to the Shadow Cabinet.  He will be giving you your assignments
for the weekend, and is officially functioning as the Casino's
moderator.  He should be contacting you shortly after your arrival on
the Castle.