Kettlesteam agrees. “I’m coming with you! They’ll have to talk to us this time!”
You head back to the staff area, enclosed by the thorny thicket. Luckily, Dirlagraun is headed in the same direction as you. He looks surprised to see you here.
“Friends, what brings you to this spot? This is not one of the carnival attractions. Besides, it’s almost time for the Big Top Extravaganza. You should go get some seats, they fill up fast.”
Pal will say, "We have business with Mr. Witch and Mr. Light. It is of the upmost importance. We have reason to believe they may be responsible in part for things going missing here at the Carnival." Pal will pause for a moment then add, "Including your lost kit." He will let that sink in before continuing, "We believe they are beholden to something called the Hourglass Coven and allow it to take things from this carnival. For what purpose, we do not yet know, but we aim to find out. Please help us. We bear no ill intent, we only wish to recover what's been lost and stolen."
Pal hopes his earnestness will help Viola persuade Dirlagraun.
The black catlike beast stares at you, tail twitching, tentacles up in the air. You’ve certainly struck a chord at the mention of the lost kit.
Then, in a low growl, he says, “You must hurry. I have come to escort them to the Big Top for the extravaganza. I’ll let you in first and then wait a few minutes before I come. If I come with you then they’ll be too eager to proceed to the extravaganza. This way you’ll have a little time with them. You’ll probably have to get past Thaco, though. Be warned, his bite is worse than his bark.”
As he says this, he waves a shoulder tentacle at the thicket, which pulls away once again to reveal a passage through to the caravan inside. He’s careful to stand to the side of the opening, out of sight to those within.
Going in, you spot the crusty old clown leaning against Mr Light & Witch’s wagon, clearly frowning through his painted-on smile, puffing on a bubble pipe. He looks up as the thickets shift and sees you entering. His eyes narrow. “Back so soon? You shouldn’t be here, it’s time for the extravaganza. Where’s Dirlagraun?”
"Dirlagraun, oh, he will soon be along, we were asked to show your masters a trick and then to perform a merry song please let us in, and we will be quick." Viola rhymes and plays a few happy notes, hoping crusty the clown will let them by. Deception with help from Pal i hope: 9
Calanon will follow the others, keeping quiet as he does so. As they get closer he will stand back a tiny bit as they talk to the clown. If needed he will move to get a direct view of where the Mr. Light and Mr. Witch are and then use his Fey Step ability to teleport to them if he catches sight of them.
Thaco takes out his pipe to point it at you aggressively. “Now’s not—“
Then Pal’s spell hits him and he slumps back and slides down the side of the wagon into a sitting position, head down and eyes closed. The pipe falls from his fingers onto the ground. His breathing is deep and even, asleep.
Mr Light’s voice comes from the wagon. “Thaco? Dirlagraun? It should be time to go, yes?”
Mr Light and Witch are standing in the wagon, looking like they're ready to head out. Witch has donned his top hat and a fine brown coat. Light looks as though he's touched up his makeup. On entry, Mr Light dramatically falls back with a hand to his chest and says, "Oh, my! This is unexpected. Thaco, why haven't you announced unexpected guests?"
Witch pulls out a gleaming golden pocket watch from his waistcoat pocket and checks it. The watch seems to emit a glow that illuminates Witch's face for a moment before he snaps it shut and put it back in the pocket. You note that the watch is attached to a fine golden chain. Witch says in his low voice, "Can this wait? We're due at the extravaganza."
Pal will say, "We're here to help. Whatever direction this conversation takes, bear in mind our intention here is to help." He will look at both Witch and Light before adding, "We know about the Hourglass Coven." He motions to Kettlestream and indicates that they mimic what they've heard. Once done, Pal will say "We want to help you free yourselves and your carnival from whatever twisted bargain is in place. So that the Witchlight Carnival can truly be a place of merriment and escape, where attendees can forget about their worries, not add to them. But we need your cooperation. We need to know what's going on. After all, it would be bad for business if word got out that your carnival has ties to some sinister cabal that kidnaps or robs its attendees."
Kettlesteam does his bit and the carnival owners look shocked at the mention of the Hourglass Coven. Light actually flinches at the name. As Pal gives his little speech, Witch’s face darkens and he stands tall.
“Now see here,” he says sternly. “You can’t just barge in here and threaten to blackmail us! Whatever you think you know—“
He’s interrupted by Light’s hand on his shoulder. He has a sad look in his eye. With his other hand, he holds aloft his Witchlight Vane and stares at it.
“They're right, Witch. I can feel it, of course, through this. The sadness. The hurt. It’s there, just beneath the surface. Sure, it’s mostly fun and happiness, but those other feelings are there, souring the whole thing. And it’s getting worse!”
He says the last bit with force and looks at you all with pleading in his eyes.
Mr Witch bows his head and says, “Yes, but you see, we are forbidden from saying or doing anything. Bad for business if rumors get out, yes, but even worse for business if we act against them, if word gets back to them…”
His voice drops to a whisper and Mr Light, with a look of scandal, leaps to the wagon door, peers about, then closes it.
"Well good Sirs, take a seat, tell us all and we'll be discreet." Viola rhymes and finds a place to sit down, ready to listen attentively to their story.
Calanon sighs and shakes his head. "You made a pact with a powerful fey I take it?" He asks as he moves to stand against the wall, stiff and straight as he does his best to look tall.
Light says, “More like they made a pact with us. And we don’t love it. But we had no choice. With Zybilna missing…”
Kettlesteam squawks at the mention of Zybilna. “Tell us of her! What has happened to her?”
Witch says, “We don’t know. She is supposed to be our patron, but she’s absent, replaced by them. And they’ve got a whole new set of rules.”
Light nods and whispers, “They send their foul minions here, steal what they want, and in return we can stay in business.”
Witch hesitates and then steals a shared look with Light. They nod at each other. Then Witch says carefully, “If only someone could go to Prismeer and find out what happened to Zybilna…”
Light adds thoughtfully, “I suspect those brave enough to do so might even find certain other things that have gone missing…”
Pal will say, "If only someone knew how to get us to Prismeer... If only there were SOMEONE nearby with the ability to travel between the planes as they please..." Pal will shrug and say, "Oh well. Guess we're all out of luck. Being slaves to a shadow cabal can't be all bad can it? Should we head over to the Big Top now? I hear it's a can't miss attraction."
There’s a rapping at the wagon door and Dirlagraun’s growly voice is heard, “Masters? Is all well inside? It’s time to go.”
Light springs forward and opens the door. “Yes, we were just entertaining our honored guests. But you’re right, it’s time to go.”
Witch adjusts his coat and hat. “Indeed, time to go. But Dirlagraun, please take us first to the Hall of Illusions.”
Light adds, “Yes, there’s something we wanted to show these fine folks. Won’t take but a few moments.”
Dirlagraun gives a feline bow. “It’s your carnival.”
As they exit, Light finally notices the sleeping Thaco. “Tsk, looks like Thaco is getting too old for the night shift. Let him rest!”
Leaving the staff area, Dirlagraun walks proudly at the front, an impressive sight of graceful beastly power. He steals one or two glances at you, though, and his eyes gleam.
You also pass by Burly, who gives you a silent salute and, when Witch and Light cannot see him, a fist pump.
"Well done in there my furry friend, let's hope they us to Prismeer send." Viola whispers to Pal and strokes him over the back of his head as they follow Mr. Witch and Mr. Light to the Hall of Illusions.
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Kettlesteam agrees. “I’m coming with you! They’ll have to talk to us this time!”
You head back to the staff area, enclosed by the thorny thicket. Luckily, Dirlagraun is headed in the same direction as you. He looks surprised to see you here.
“Friends, what brings you to this spot? This is not one of the carnival attractions. Besides, it’s almost time for the Big Top Extravaganza. You should go get some seats, they fill up fast.”
Pal will say, "We have business with Mr. Witch and Mr. Light. It is of the upmost importance. We have reason to believe they may be responsible in part for things going missing here at the Carnival." Pal will pause for a moment then add, "Including your lost kit." He will let that sink in before continuing, "We believe they are beholden to something called the Hourglass Coven and allow it to take things from this carnival. For what purpose, we do not yet know, but we aim to find out. Please help us. We bear no ill intent, we only wish to recover what's been lost and stolen."
Pal hopes his earnestness will help Viola persuade Dirlagraun.
"Don't say Dirlagraun this doesn't fishy smell,
we only want them us the truth to tell."
Viola chimes in.
Persuasion if needed to get Dirlagraun with us, with help from Pal I hope: 15
The black catlike beast stares at you, tail twitching, tentacles up in the air. You’ve certainly struck a chord at the mention of the lost kit.
Then, in a low growl, he says, “You must hurry. I have come to escort them to the Big Top for the extravaganza. I’ll let you in first and then wait a few minutes before I come. If I come with you then they’ll be too eager to proceed to the extravaganza. This way you’ll have a little time with them. You’ll probably have to get past Thaco, though. Be warned, his bite is worse than his bark.”
As he says this, he waves a shoulder tentacle at the thicket, which pulls away once again to reveal a passage through to the caravan inside. He’s careful to stand to the side of the opening, out of sight to those within.
Going in, you spot the crusty old clown leaning against Mr Light & Witch’s wagon, clearly frowning through his painted-on smile, puffing on a bubble pipe. He looks up as the thickets shift and sees you entering. His eyes narrow. “Back so soon? You shouldn’t be here, it’s time for the extravaganza. Where’s Dirlagraun?”
"Dirlagraun, oh, he will soon be along,
we were asked to show your masters a trick
and then to perform a merry song
please let us in, and we will be quick."
Viola rhymes and plays a few happy notes, hoping crusty the clown will let them by.
Deception with help from Pal i hope: 9
Calanon will follow the others, keeping quiet as he does so. As they get closer he will stand back a tiny bit as they talk to the clown. If needed he will move to get a direct view of where the Mr. Light and Mr. Witch are and then use his Fey Step ability to teleport to them if he catches sight of them.
Pal says, "Piss off clown." in an annoyed tone and casts sleep at him.
25
Thaco takes out his pipe to point it at you aggressively. “Now’s not—“
Then Pal’s spell hits him and he slumps back and slides down the side of the wagon into a sitting position, head down and eyes closed. The pipe falls from his fingers onto the ground. His breathing is deep and even, asleep.
Mr Light’s voice comes from the wagon. “Thaco? Dirlagraun? It should be time to go, yes?”
Viola quickly enters the wagon.
"Yes good Sirs there's soon your show,
but we need to talk before you go."
She rhymes and lets Pal and Calanon in.
Mr Light and Witch are standing in the wagon, looking like they're ready to head out. Witch has donned his top hat and a fine brown coat. Light looks as though he's touched up his makeup. On entry, Mr Light dramatically falls back with a hand to his chest and says, "Oh, my! This is unexpected. Thaco, why haven't you announced unexpected guests?"
Witch pulls out a gleaming golden pocket watch from his waistcoat pocket and checks it. The watch seems to emit a glow that illuminates Witch's face for a moment before he snaps it shut and put it back in the pocket. You note that the watch is attached to a fine golden chain. Witch says in his low voice, "Can this wait? We're due at the extravaganza."
Pal will say, "We're here to help. Whatever direction this conversation takes, bear in mind our intention here is to help." He will look at both Witch and Light before adding, "We know about the Hourglass Coven." He motions to Kettlestream and indicates that they mimic what they've heard. Once done, Pal will say "We want to help you free yourselves and your carnival from whatever twisted bargain is in place. So that the Witchlight Carnival can truly be a place of merriment and escape, where attendees can forget about their worries, not add to them. But we need your cooperation. We need to know what's going on. After all, it would be bad for business if word got out that your carnival has ties to some sinister cabal that kidnaps or robs its attendees."
"Talk with us quickly and you won't be late,
but no good Sirs, this can't wait."
Viola rhymes, waiting for Pal and Cal to enter the wagon.
Davis follows the others into the wagon, but stands back as he lets the others do the talking here.
Kettlesteam does his bit and the carnival owners look shocked at the mention of the Hourglass Coven. Light actually flinches at the name. As Pal gives his little speech, Witch’s face darkens and he stands tall.
“Now see here,” he says sternly. “You can’t just barge in here and threaten to blackmail us! Whatever you think you know—“
He’s interrupted by Light’s hand on his shoulder. He has a sad look in his eye. With his other hand, he holds aloft his Witchlight Vane and stares at it.
“They're right, Witch. I can feel it, of course, through this. The sadness. The hurt. It’s there, just beneath the surface. Sure, it’s mostly fun and happiness, but those other feelings are there, souring the whole thing. And it’s getting worse!”
He says the last bit with force and looks at you all with pleading in his eyes.
Mr Witch bows his head and says, “Yes, but you see, we are forbidden from saying or doing anything. Bad for business if rumors get out, yes, but even worse for business if we act against them, if word gets back to them…”
His voice drops to a whisper and Mr Light, with a look of scandal, leaps to the wagon door, peers about, then closes it.
"Well good Sirs, take a seat,
tell us all and we'll be discreet."
Viola rhymes and finds a place to sit down, ready to listen attentively to their story.
Calanon sighs and shakes his head. "You made a pact with a powerful fey I take it?" He asks as he moves to stand against the wall, stiff and straight as he does his best to look tall.
Light says, “More like they made a pact with us. And we don’t love it. But we had no choice. With Zybilna missing…”
Kettlesteam squawks at the mention of Zybilna. “Tell us of her! What has happened to her?”
Witch says, “We don’t know. She is supposed to be our patron, but she’s absent, replaced by them. And they’ve got a whole new set of rules.”
Light nods and whispers, “They send their foul minions here, steal what they want, and in return we can stay in business.”
Witch hesitates and then steals a shared look with Light. They nod at each other. Then Witch says carefully, “If only someone could go to Prismeer and find out what happened to Zybilna…”
Light adds thoughtfully, “I suspect those brave enough to do so might even find certain other things that have gone missing…”
Pal will say, "If only someone knew how to get us to Prismeer... If only there were SOMEONE nearby with the ability to travel between the planes as they please..." Pal will shrug and say, "Oh well. Guess we're all out of luck. Being slaves to a shadow cabal can't be all bad can it? Should we head over to the Big Top now? I hear it's a can't miss attraction."
There’s a rapping at the wagon door and Dirlagraun’s growly voice is heard, “Masters? Is all well inside? It’s time to go.”
Light springs forward and opens the door. “Yes, we were just entertaining our honored guests. But you’re right, it’s time to go.”
Witch adjusts his coat and hat. “Indeed, time to go. But Dirlagraun, please take us first to the Hall of Illusions.”
Light adds, “Yes, there’s something we wanted to show these fine folks. Won’t take but a few moments.”
Dirlagraun gives a feline bow. “It’s your carnival.”
As they exit, Light finally notices the sleeping Thaco. “Tsk, looks like Thaco is getting too old for the night shift. Let him rest!”
Leaving the staff area, Dirlagraun walks proudly at the front, an impressive sight of graceful beastly power. He steals one or two glances at you, though, and his eyes gleam.
You also pass by Burly, who gives you a silent salute and, when Witch and Light cannot see him, a fist pump.
"Well done in there my furry friend,
let's hope they us to Prismeer send."
Viola whispers to Pal and strokes him over the back of his head as they follow Mr. Witch and Mr. Light to the Hall of Illusions.