The Caretaker, the Shambler, the Vestal Christine, and the Collector are all huddled around the table, playing poker.  The Caretaker, representing the House, places the first bid and deals out all of the cards.  Everyone looks at their cards, and the Caretaker makes sure the Shambler isnât using its polyps to cheat again.  The polyp to the Shamblerâs left throws in a few chips.  Christine sees it, and raises it a few more.  The Collector throws in someoneâs head in a bag.  The Caretaker and Christine scowl, but otherwise keep their thoughts hidden.  The Caretaker fishes around in his pockets before throwing out a writ to finance the winnerâs next expedition.  Almost as an afterthought, he throws in a small gleaming trinket.  Christine looks at it, and nearly chuckles at the Dodge Stone, glistening in the candlelight.  She knows itâs almost worthless, but manages to keep a straight face.  The Shambler pokes one of its polyps, which spits out an engraved musket ball with a rune of Madness glowing an angry red.  The Vestal looks over the pot, looks at her companionsâ faces (avoiding the Shamblerâs multidimensional stare), looks at her cards, then throws in all she has.  The Collectorâs fiery head flares up in surprise.  He looks at his cards hurriedly before folding.  The Caretaker folds as well, not wanting to give up another writ.  He turns to his left and swats the polyp trying to read his cards from beneath his elbow.  âNo cheatinâ,â he says, forcing the Shamber to either go all in or fold, but either way get out.  The Shambler analyzes its chances, then folds.  The Vestal Christine grins triumphantly, laying downâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚâŚ.. a two of wands, a five of cups, a six of swords, a ten of wands, and a Queen of swords.  The Collectorâs lower jaw falls off his skull and clatters around his head-cage, and everyone stares in open-mouthed disbelief as the Vestal scoops the lot into her pack before quickly walking out the door.  âAh hope that werenât anyfin impoâant,â croaks the Caretaker before wandering off to another part of the hamlet.
