Welcome to the Witchlight Carnival!

It's been years, but it seems as though it was only yesterday. Just like the first time, a portal opens in the bare, clear sky, and the wagons of the Witchlight Carnival descend; it is a kaleidescope of colors, as wagons large and small, each sprouting a pair of dragonfly or butterfly wings, and pulled by foxes and horses with wings of their own, flutter and glide gracefully to the earth, accompanied by showers of confetti and glitter, and with music like the tinkling of bells. No sooner do they touch down to ground than the carnival's attractions begin to magically unfold from the wagons.

Scores of carnival hands emerge from the wagons and busy themselves with preparations. Rarely could you find such an astonishing variety of fantastical folk, with dwarves and elves and gnomes mingling with centaurs and fairies and countless other unusual creatures. Watching from a respectful distance, you see what appears to be a small walking tree ambling around the perimeter of the nascent carnival site, distributing acorns which promptly sprout and grow into splendid oak trees to rim the carnival's edge. Even some of the existing trees seem to uproot themselves and move aside, re-planting themselves comfortably in more convenient locations. What's more, a great length of wavy blue ribbon unfurls from the walking tree's branches, and transforms into a lazy, sparking river, encircling the site.

Watching the spectacular arrival takes you back to the first time you remember visiting the Carnival. You have a dim memory of sneaking into the carnival as a child without paying for a ticket. That memory has grown foggy over time, though it still conjures a weird admixture of emotions — wonder and awe mixed with loss and regret. During this childhood visit, you lost something. You tried to find it, but the carnival owners — a pair of elves named Mister Witch and Mister Light — were decidedly unhelpful.

“Silly little screeching cricket,” said Witch. “You forgot to buy a ticket.”

“The carnival goes round and round,” said Light. “The multiverse is our playground. Nothing’s free and nothing’s lost. Every visit has its cost.”

As time passed, your heart became less heavy, and you gave less and less thought to those childhood events. Now, for reasons you can’t explain, the longing to retrieve that which you have lost has resurfaced, as though an old spell has faded away, allowing you to feel the loss as sharply as if it happened yesterday.

Now as the sun slowly sets, with the Carnival's preparations complete, you find yourself standing near a ticket booth by the entrance at twilight, just as the carnival is about to open. The first stars of night twinkle above the apricot sunset. Giant dragonflies whir overhead, trailing streamers, and a low mist curls over the ground. Through a floral archway, you glimpse wondrous and vibrant creatures — elf stilt walkers, dancing faeries, and painted performers. Everywhere there is laughter, pixie dust, bubbles, and the wistful tune of a whistling calliope.

Glancing around, you see others waiting in the queue - mostly humans and halflings from the nearby town of Nashkel, many of them children and parents, but some young couples and a few elderly. They chatter excitedly as they wait with trembling anticipation for their turn to by a ticket from the ancient-looking goblin perched behind the ticket counter. But amongst these revelers are others that stand out from the crowd - others that look as troubled as you. Without knowing how or why, you sense that each of them has lost something as well. Perhaps fate has brought you together...

Flynn sits in front of a building watching the carnival arrive scowling at the memory

Flashback: ill get him this time. She'll fall for me for sure.  Not that overgrown pig in fancy clothes.  The teenage half elf rushes past the fair boundary not even noticing. His target in full sight. Gaston you me..now with the pipes. with his newest composition  he can't be beat not this time. Both men ready their pipes and commence a lively duel songs flowing and blending together seamlessly neither getting the advantage. now now play it. Flynn starts playing his new song but it falters.  The notes aren't coming out correctly. What is happening . As Gaston finishes laughing and with the girl in his arm. Flynn bows his head.  what went wrong. It was perfect this morning.  There is a tap on his shoulder.  Silly little cricket. You forgot to buy a ticket.....

Zeg floated down to the ground and settled.  The land had spoken to him, he had felt the, not a disturbance so much as... a change. But something else also drew him. 

He watched the trees get planted and grow before his very eyes.   What lay hidden behind them was the answer he had sought for so long. He was sure of it.

An itch, a knowing, that somehow what had happened eight years ago, he could learn something about it.  He was older now, but perhaps not wiser.   He had tried to study to learn what had happened but those efforts had failed.  Time moved on and he found a place for himself.  But what he had lost always nagged at him, it was always so obvious as he looked up to his family.

This time it would be different he told himself.  Today he would buy a ticket, go through the front gates.  He would pay the cost, no matter what.

He looked around at those gathering to enter the Carnival.  Did these people seek what they lost? Would they lose something here?  As he watched he saw others that seemed they may have the same haunted look he felt he did.  Did they also come to seek what they had lost? 

Zeg moved forward as the line moved.  He tried to catch the eye of those others with the same troubled look he bore.  Misery does love company. 

Spoilers used here for convenience only. No secret information (yet).

Flynn:

Zeg: 

A teary-eyed Harengon walks towards the entrance of the Witchlight Carnival, his heart filled with sadness for things did not turned out as he expected. However, with the sight of the long line of people brings a deep, happy sigh from his lips, and he can't help but think. "Welcome home, Cottontail." As he reminisces about his first visit to the magical carnival many moons ago, the memories appear hazy and elusive. Sneaking in as a small Harengon was a breeze, however, one thing remains crystal clear, the image of Luz, whom he met during that initial visit. He eagerly anticipates reuniting with her inside the carnival. The memory of Mr. Witch and Mr. Light, the peculiar Elven figures he encountered on that day, also flicker in his recollections, their presence leaving an indescribable impression.

Something about his recent journey to the outskirts of Nashkel triggers a long-forgotten memory within Cottontail — a memory of losing something significant, though the details elude him. He senses it has to do with secrets, a feeling that gnaws at the edges of his consciousness. "Oh, how I long to share this sensation of lost memories with Luz." He muses, hopeful that she might provide the answers he seeks.

Although he finds it amusing that today of all days he needs to purchase a ticket to enter the carnival, Cottontail willingly abides by the rules. As he contemplates how long will take him to reach the ticket booth, a captivating spectacle unfolds near the entrance, momentarily distracting him. He watches with a mixture of nostalgia and wistfulness tugging at his heart, realizing that the magic he once found awe-inspiring has lost some of its luster.

With a slightly melancholic sigh, Cottontail's attention shifts to the curious figures nearby. He spots a Half-Elf who seems slightly out of place, and his gaze then falls upon an introspective Owlin, a sight that strikes him as particularly odd. Embracing his whimsical nature, he approaches both individuals, a freshly picked carrot in hand, which he nibbles on absentmindedly. "Ehhh, what's up docs?" he playfully quips, a glimmer of mischievousness in his eyes. The words tumble out, a mixture of camaraderie and curiosity, as he hopes to strike up a conversation and perhaps find companionship amidst the wonders of the Witchlight Carnival.

Zeg had just reached the front of the line and he looked up at the goblin and listened to his words.  He was about to answer when a harengon approached and broke his train of thought.  "I, uh... one moment please." he said to the newcomer and turned back to the goblin.  "Well, uh, I was told once that nothing’s free.  Come to think of it they also said nothing’s lost." he pondered again for a moment and then stood a bit straighter.  "Just a ticket please.  Once I didn't buy a ticket, I will buy one this time, thank you."  He reaches into a pouch and hands the goblin 8 silver pieces.

“Hey, listen!” Flynn feels a thwack against his back, then a bop on top. A flitting fairy folk flutters, fussing profusely at the frowning fellow. Navi’s skin shimmers in a multitude of colours, while her hair a deep rich blue and her eyes a vibrant blue. Her wings resemble those of butterflies, and those close enough to get a whiff of her would smell scents of nectar and sweet honey.  “Let’s go alreadayyyyy!” She’d flit off into one direction, return to the man, bop him, circle him, then flit off into another random direction as if trying to get him to follow her, yet in no apparent specific direction. “Silly little cricket, you forgot to buy a ticket!” She echoes. Bop bop. “Oh ho ho, not today! No sireee!” Bop, bop. “No ‘forgetting’ this time right?” Bop. “Hey, listen!” The frazzled fairy looked more generally lost rather than looking as if she’s seeking for something lost. “Come onnnnnn!” Navi starts tugging at some fabric to try to get him to budge. “Tickets this way!”

What’s up docs?

Navi’s fingers slip, sending her lightly summersaulting through the air in the wrong direction. ”Oouf.” The fairy catches herself and bobs mid air, giving herself a little shake. Her eyes fall over the munching Heregon and then the Owlin requesting their ticket from the goblin. Big blue hues widen and she zips over in excitement, her attire lighting up in enthusiastic flickers. Navi encircles the two, weaving herself in a figure 8 pattern. “Nothing’s lost, but everything has a cost!” She chimes in. “Hey, listen!” She calls out to Flynn to get his attention. “I knew the way! See!” She buzzes enthusiastically as if she knew where to get the tickets the whole time. “Need tickets too!” 

no one struts like Gaston. It such a putz like Gaston. Blah blah blah like Gaston  he sighs then jumps a little at the blow to the back

Flynn watches the fairy for a bit then holds out his hand. alright alright already ill go. would you like to ride? It much take a bit of energy flying around like that.  he reaches into his pocket for the 8 silver and starts making his way towards the strange owl and rabbit? Figures near the booth.

names Flynn by the way

The goblin ticket-master breaks off serving the owling to bark at the harengon as it approaches the others: Hey, Cottontail! No cutting in! You know better than to try to pull a fast one on ol' Nikolas Midnight. Now wait your turn! Both Zeg and Faelan can't help but notice two young human boys slip around the back of the ticket booth while Nikolas is distracted, and sneak inside the carnival grounds without purchasing a ticket.

Turning back to Zeg, Nikolas receives the silver coins and hands the owling a large ticket (at least it looks large to the little owling), a map of the carnival, and a small set of colorful paper butterfly wings with arms straps. Rattling off some quick instructions mixed with some personalised banter, the goblin says: Wear your wings, or carry them if you like, so they know you've paid. No falling asleep in Northwind's branches! Not that you're likely to, you probably just woke up! Big Top Extravaganza tonight at midnight! Prepare to be delighted! Off you go!

Nikolas then turns to Faelan, Navi, and Flynn, who are now standing together at the head of the queue. Speaking to each in turn in his quick, well-practiced spiel, he says:

Now for you, Cottontail. You know the rules: Nothing's free and nothing's lost, every visit has its cost. It's eight silver, or you can take the lucky dip; nothing to fear, all in fun. Watch out for the gondola swans though, they'll talk even YOUR ears off.

Greetings to you too, fair fairy fairgoer! You could probably enjoy the Pixie Kingdom without even drinking the potion, by the look of you. Eight silver for a ticket, or you can take a gamble on a fey pact; nothing to fear, it's all in fun. Ticket's good for eight attractions.

As for you good sir, you fit the description all right. Your ticket's been paid for already. Those bagpipes will have to stay here though - don't want to upset the other guests. Ha! I'm jesting, of course. Do whatever you like, although I'm sure you'll enjoy the music at the Feasting Orchard. Just mind you don't overdo it on the custard.

Then as each pays the silver or accepts the temporary fey pact (your choice), Nikolas hands each fairgoer a pair of wings of an appropriate size and a map. Faelan and Navi each receive a ticket, however Flynn receives a white envelope with the letters E.T. embossed in gold, inside of which is a ticket like the others.

Map of the Carnival (I'll also post it on the campaign page for future ease of access):

already paid?  looking very confused. paid by who if you can tell me good goblin. Or at least tell me it wasn't paid by sarcastic voice Gaston that fat windbag  if he paid ill buy my own.

Eh? What was that? replies the old goblin, putting a large earhorn to his ear as if deaf, although Flynn can tell a performance when he sees one. Oar and a spade? All in a daze? Well, good luck with that. Next!

Waving the next patron foward, Nikolas appears to ignore Flynn. However, as Flynn passes the booth, the goblin gives him a subtle wink and whispers: I'm guessing this "Gas-town" you mentioned doesn't have the initials E.T.

"Hey old Nick, take it easy doc!! Say, what da yah know. If I take the lucky dip, does it mean that I get to go on all the attractions for free?" He winks to the old Goblin, he then looks around and he gets closer to Nikolas. "Hey yah seen Luz by any chance? I thought she would be by the entrance waitin' for me. Ye know..."

Not free, my fleet-footed friend. Nikolas waggles his finger at Faelan. Everything has its cost, remember! However... and with this he beckons the harengon closer ...Perhaps you can help old Nikolas out. There was a kenku that entered earlier. One of the first through, in fact. Had an unsavory look about her. Walked with a limp, too - shouldn't be hard to spot. Perhaps you can keep an eye out, and let Thaco take care of her if there's any mischief.

Faelan knows of Thaco the Clown, a particularly unlikeable fellow and over-the-hill attraction who now simply acts as bouncer and, along with Burly the bugbear, guards the staff area during carnival hours.

As for your little spotlight buddy... If she's not at the Big Top, then maybe she's annoying the dragonflies. Or flitting through the Hall of Illusions again. Oh, I know! Go ask, Dirlagraun. She probably knows! Anyway, can't be chin-wagging all night. Good luck!

Faelan remembers that Dirlagraun is a gentle and matronly displacer beast who minds lost children at the Lost Property tent.

"Crowfolk. Questionable looks. Gotta limp. Easy peasy." The Harengon shrugs at the easy task. "Sure thing Chief, I gotchya." Faelan takes the ticket from Nikolas, and gives the old Goblin another wink. He walks into the carnival, and does a quick scan to see if he spots a Kenku that fits the description in the crowd. Knowing the place he has called home for as long as he can remember, he looks at places where if he were a Kenku, he would be.

Perception: 18

With Flynn granting her permission to use him as a rest perch, Navi zips over, hops onto the tips of his fingers like a diving board to launch herself up and onto his head. “All aboard!” He feels her grab onto his hair like some reins, acting as if she’s steering him, when really he’s just moving at his own will.

Catching sight of the kids sneaking by, Navi leans over, obviously watching them get away. It looked and felt so oddly familiar… She’s about to tsk when she snaps back to attention when she’s addressed.

“Hai!” Navi pops up in excitement at being noticed by sir Nikolas. “Mmmhmm! Mmhmm!” She nods enthusiastically at his suggestions to visit Pixie Kingdom. The fairy folk gasps in exaggeration. “Hey, listen!” She fusses, buzzing around like a criminal who just got ‘called out’. “No sirreeee! No way!” Navi spins and dips, then hoists a pile of coins up and plops them down. “I pay today!” Then she blinks. “Only good for 8!?” She says in disbelief. “Ohhhhh but I wanna see them all.” She pouts. 

Bop, bop. Navi zips back to bop Flynn’s head as if he weren’t paying attention the whole time. “Someone already paid for you!?” Bop. “What a gentlemanly thing to do!” Bop bop. “But does it count?” She spins and then plops, resting back on his head a moment in thought. 

Zeg looked at the wings for a moment as he moved forward into the Carnival.  He then tucked the ticket into a pouch and slipped the wings onto his arms.

He then turned around and watched, somewhat amused, as the goblin dealt with the next people in line.  As the harengon entered he gave a quick wave.

"Hello, I'm Zeg, what's your name?"

"hello Zeg. My names Flynn.   Not sure of the name of my little passenger  tho"  Flynn approaches the giant talking Rabbit and offers a hand

Faelan is still looking for the Kenku that old Nicholas told him to be on the look out for, when he is approached by the Owlin and the Half-Elf he approached earlier. "Heyy... What's up fellas. How you doin'?"

Faelan sizes up the strangers. (Not sure if he sees the Fairy) "Name's Faelan Whisperwind, but ya'll can call me Cottontail." He extends his Harengon paw to shake their hands/wings. "Ya'll first timers around hear?"

The fairy folk bursts out from Flynn’s hair. She inhales deeply as if in attempt to contain her excitement, then she practically vibrates as she floats in the air. Unable to contain herself, she bursts forward and zips up to the Owlin and the Harengon. “Oh my gods! Oh my gods! They’re the two from earlier!” Speaking at an incredible rate she claps her hands on her cheeks. “How incredibly rude of me!” Earlier she had heard the Harengon’s greeting, watched with wonder as the Owlin received their wings, and even buzzed around them, before she got completely distracted by her ‘new mount’ and forgot her manners.

The fluttering fairy claps her hands together, “Please forgive me.” She ‘faints’ back in a little flip to loop right back up in a spin with a flourish of glittery sparkles. “I’m Navi!” She beams, fawning over the two. “Hi Zeg! I love your wings!” The flickering fairy presents them with a little blue flower with a little yellow centre. “Hi Cottaintail! I love your ears!” Shaking his paw, she presents the Harengon with a little blue flower as well. They were forget-me-nots. 

Hovering back to Flynn, she parks herself back in his hair. Bop. “Hey, listen!” Bop. Bop. She pats Flynn’s head. “No siree!” Navi blurts. “Not my first time.” She admits. “Yous?” The fairy folk starts fidgeting, braiding flowers together. She creates a crown to place around her, atop Flynn’s head. “Aren’t you gentlemen dapper!” She chimes

”Now, how may I be your guide!?” Navi smiles brightly. She didn’t actually work there.