Johnathan accepts the berry given to them. That’s kind of you Ward, thank you. I should be fine, I’ll just need to gather some ingredients from the forest. He gives a knowing look to Shavaris. He didn’t want to scare the newcomers with his condition, not yet at least. He looks to Kerwyn, I don’t mean to tell us where to go, I’m just giving my idea. We are nearby and I think we should have a look, but I understand that this might slow us in finding the mare. It’s up to everyone where we go.
He looks up and realises that it’s noon already. I’m just gonna need to buy some supplies for my magic and I should be ready to go… but I think some of you want to see a circus? Is this still happening?
The day gave way to night soon enough, and it became clear that the circus was going to be a real event. As it turns out, Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival was just that; a large part of Whichaperch showed up to see the strange menagerie of creatures, actors, and entertainers that had slowly trekked into town. The Circus had a fantastic hype game, with magical lights coming on all around the erected tents and the various carts being wheeled closer to the tents as darkness fell and then the Thri-Kreen acrobats starting their antics outside the tent well before time. They were juggling intricate combinations of rocks and books, burning torches and live chickens, and doing complex handstands and human (human?) pyramids and twirling flaming batons with blades on the ends which, apparently, are just flaming glaives.
There was already a kid who'd been turned to stone while peeking under the tarpaulin that covered the cart labeled 'Cockatrice'. It looked like he'd gotten more of an eyeful than he'd bargained for.
As midnight approached the Ring Master, if that's what she could be called, made her appearance; a fierce Leonin lioness wielding a whip that she was quite adept at cracking. She flourished her arms and the front walls of the tent were hauled up by two Orc strongmen that looked like they could bench-press all of the Dawn Guard and their mounts without so much as breaking a sweat. One of them head the chiseled good looks and flowing hair of a courtly heartthrob...but with a ferocious underbite.
Kobolds ran to and fro acting as ushers, welcoming people into benches and seats erected all along the peripheries of the mixed indoor-outdoor event. A Thri-Kreen made her way through the crowd, two arms holding up a large tray of exotic delicacies, the other two arms passing out goodies.
"Fried cornlizard!" She called in an insectile buzz while holding up a lizard that was skewered on a stick, fried and breaded. Another hand sported a cactus covered in sweet looking flowers. "Sweet Desert Nectarine! Bat eye boba!"
"Ettercap candy!" A Halfling added, traveling with her while holding up spooled lumps of spiderweb on a stick. They were brightly colored blue and pink and purple, while spiderwebs, still looked absolutely delicious.
"Welcome to Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival!" The lioness shouted, another crack of her whip for flourish. "I am your host, Mommy Baba, and I thank you for coming out to see our show, and our exotic creatures! Some of these powerful beasts you will recognize as having been with the show for many, many years! And some of these fabulous wonders...WELL! As you can see, they were more than some...expected!"
She gestured toward the petrified kid that was looking into the cart of Cockatrice's.
"Still here is the cart that once held the Unicorn YES! That Unicorn, now the last of her kind! And there..."
She pointed toward a cart clearly labeled Manticore...
"...Is the magnificent Manticore that started my predecessor, Mommy Fortuna, down the road that would lead to her fame and then..."
Her pointing finger glided away from the Manticore and thrust accusingly at the cart labeled Harpy...
"...her death at the hands, no,talons, of the Harpy that killed her with help from non-other than the Unicorn!"
The crowd gasped.
The lioness turned and cracked her whip at the Manticore's cart, and two Kobolds jerked the tarp back. The vicious beast inside roared and snarled and venom dripped from the barb of its tail and sizzled against the floor of its confines...
While the Dawn Guard watched the show, the food trays passed by them, offering up tasty snacks for mere coins.
“Cornlizard, right here please. Yes, thank you!” Kerwyn stands up and looks fascinated at the array of creatures, chewing with gusto in his cornlizard as he sits down. “Whoooo hoooo! Wouldya look at that! Whoooo weeee they grow em large down on the farm. Whoa! Don’t let that thing out of there!”
With all of the excitement of a little kid in a candy shop, Kerwyn forgets where they are and what they are doing for one night. Fascination and awe are registered on his face, when the harpy is brought out and uncovered, he shrinks back, but can’t help himself as he looks on in curiosity. “D’ya think that’s what killed it? Vile beast. I got there after everything had happened. Looks capable of it. Wow, take a look at that.” Kerwyn rocks up and down on his feet, occasionally standing on tip toes to have a good look.
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
During the day Johnathan leaves the others to get supplies. He buys magical components to cast find familiar twice and doesn’t see anything else that would be useful. When he is along he would turn into a dark alley and start to conjure black shadowy flames around himself. As the flames disperse Johnathan is invisible and he heads towards the woods. He will hunt for quite a while. It’s been days since he fed properly and even though he was in a weakened state there was almost some primal instinct inside him that made him hunt. Johnathan fills his flask and gains his strength back. His skin was still pale but he looked more energetic, more alive. Be uses magic to clean himself up and returns to the others.
As night fell Johnathan’s mood drastically improved. He was quiet excited for the circus as he has never been to one before. They only visited the big cities, not his little village in the middle of nowhere. As Johnathan watches the show he starts to see what it is really about. They have monsters on display. This is very dangerous. He looks towards the kid that was turned to stone, and then to the crowd that cheer in wonder of such a sight. Am I the only one that thinks this is going to far? As the rest of the show plays out Johnathan sees the cage of the unicorn. He looks in shock at this and whispers to the others, They would cage up such an important creature. This circus is messing with creatures that they shouldn’t. This is when Kerwyn asks about the battle of the unicorns. Johnathan gives a sigh, almost wishing he didn’t know. The unicorn was killed by goblins in the Faron woods. I know this cus I saw it happen. I was there. The last line that the lioness says sticks with Johnathan. BEHOLD! Creatures of night, brought to light. If only they knew.
The day may have begun with a depressing sight but it was quickly put aside as Delph moped on Shavaris' shoulder. There was just too much going on for them to stay upset. The preparation and anticipation of a circus coming had an infectious air to it. Delphinium knew they were in a new land but surely it wasn't as bad as it seemed to them... right? The fairly let the excitement get to them as they tried to forget the sight of the poorly treated horses. Instead they continued to hang around Shavaris and with an almost childlike wonder got excited over everything. Especially the circus. It seems that Delphinium's companions were looking forward to the event as well. Delphinium would ask a lot of questions and learn about how there would be animals performing and doing tricks, acrobats flying through the air (without WINGS!) and many other wonders. The day flew by as Delph would ask Shavaris many questions about living in a city. It would become clear to any listening that the only experience with city life Delph has ever had has been to go into a small nearby town to beatup some hunters that killed for fun and not for food... also the deer was a good friend of his sister. Delphinium seems to be a veritable treasure trove of information about forests, animals, plants and other natural things though.
As the day goes by and the circus comes closer Delphinium's excitement grows to such a state that they are literately flying circles around Shavaris' head. "Oh! Oh! Oh! Hey! Look! Its those insect people! Do you think I can fly with them when they fly? Oh! Can I join in on the show! I bet that will be a lot of fun! Much more then watching. Oh! I've never seen a plant like that. Sweet Desert Nectarine?" They zoom over to the vendor and say "I WANT ONE!" Its definitely too big for Delphinium as they flutter back to their shoulder perch and start eating it. Its like they have a snack as a body pillow. They start eating all the same and they get a big smile at the sweet flavors on it and seem extremely happy.
Delphinium is very excited to see all the activity. Especially the acrobatic Thri-Kreen with their juggling "Are those areal chickens?" Delph seems delighted as the chickens are juggled with ease. Delphinium seems so excited that they might join the show as they flutter into the air and almost seems like they want to join the acrobats in their performance. As they perform Delph flutters away from the group inch by inch as if trying to decide if they will join the act and they look back to Shavaris and say "I'm going to go join them! That should be fun! Here hold this for me Shavaris!" The tiny fairy seems extremely excited as they try to hand Shavaris what is left of their sweet desert nectarine. Apparently no concept that they can't just join in on the show.
With mopey little Fireflight on her shoulder, Shavaris heads into a couple of shops. She doesn't try and cheer them up, honestly enjoys the break from the hyperactive fairy. She sells the loot that the team had acquired in the caves, but keeps the scroll, wondering if any of the new team members can use it? She grabs a few items and asks Delph if they need anything. As talk of the circus brings Delph out of his misery, and she is bombarded with questions about the city, she reminds him that she too is from a forest. "The Wandering Forest in fact,"she says very proudly, "Honestly, until recently I had never left the forest. So all your questions about living in the city? You'll have to ask someone else, preferably one of our team, not a random stranger." she gives them a knowing eye as she says this.
As the team gets back together before heading to the circus, Shavaris hands out 16 gold to each of the Dawn Guard, "Delph, I can carry your portion if you'd like."As they start making their way to the big tents, she stares in wonder at all that is going on before them. She tries to set aside their mission for the evening and try and enjoy herself for once. As soon as she tries, Eloise sneaks into her mind again and her happiness is knocked down a bit.
While Delph is buzzing around her head, they make their way into the carnival and decides to join in on getting some of the foods to eat, though she goes for the Fried Cornlizard. As the sticky sweetness of the nectarine drips down her shoulder, she is relieved when Delph flies off again. As they hold out their treat for her to take so they can join the act, she grabs it and watches the fairy fly off, this should be interestingshe thinks. Then to the rest of the Dawn Guard, "Help me watch out for Delph, they are having too much fun I didn't want to spoil it, but I don't want them to get into trouble."
Aoe enjoys the show and takes in all the information… he thinks about the forest and their path towards the labyrinth… it has been so long since he visited… Aoe wondered if things were different there.
seeing the newest member of dawn guard not in control of their own curiosities, Aoe wondered if they had officially agreed to them joining, or if they were still a provisional member… his trust for Johnathan had grown, and kerwyn always seemed mostly steady and worthy of carrying the medallion… shavaris he enjoyed… truly a delightful level of on the edge but still paying attention to the overall mission at hand…
“I guess we’re gonna see how this circus deals with audienxe particupation joining the stage show! all the exotic animals around… I’m sure they have many tools for pacifying most creatures… though our own fairyfist version of a punch buggy isn’t anything they’ve seen before.” Aoe laughs while grinning toward the others, then looking back to watch the show.
Delph takes Shavaris up on their offer to carry their potion of gold. "The coins are just too big for me to carry that much! I barely fit the 10 I have in my bag! Do I really need that many? Yeah. I think it best you hold them for me then."
At the circus the second Shavaris takes the snack Delphinium joy over bubbles and they start to glow like a little blue ball of light. They zoom off into the act like a shooting comet. They go right to the nearest Thri-Kreen hover in front of their face and say "Hey there! I'll play too!" Delphinium tries to guage when they will move, throw or jump. They just want to stick out a bit so the tiny fairy flies at top speed around them in fancy flying spirals darting in and out like they are trying to dodge the Thri-Kreen. Their goal of making a show of dancing light spiraling around the acrobat troop. If they try to catch Delphinium the fairy just thinks it's part of the act and uses their speed to keep their distance. Delph will even land on the head of one of the performers if able, then dash off the second they try to catch them. Will be extremely delighted if it turns into a game of tag.
As Delph is trying to join the circus impromtu style, the ring master comes forward and begins their announcement. Delphinium has their attention brought to the petrified kid and talk of the unicorn. Multiple carts having been brought out in Delphinium's mad dash of excitement. They look curious and their blue glow dims and goes out as they realize the child was turned to stone. Where is their parents is all Delph can think until it is mentioned about a harpy being here that the unicorn freed. Delph thinks it's a shame it got caught again, maybe I can free it? Oh! Maybe it knows where the unicorn went! Delph will say to the Acrobats "Oh! Sorry. I got to go! It was fun playing!" Then they dash away towards the Harpy cage to peek under the tarp and hopefully get to talk to it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
When ward sees Delph trying to go towards the Harpy he will try and get their attention. "This might help a bit firelight." Ward says as he casts speak with animals twice for the both of them and then goes invisible( this time making sure to try and keep any leaves from falling off himself). Then he will move with Delph to try and get near the Harpies cage.
Stealth if Needed: 13
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P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
While Delph becomes a real ball of joy, it truly lifts Shavaris's spirits, she turns to Kerwyn to comment on it and sees his eyes alight themselves with all the going ons of the circus. As the ringmaster reveals the harpy, Shavaris is taken aback. So this is the kind of circus we are at, she quickly takes a headcount of their group, she finds all but the newest recuit, the Traveling Ward. Interesting, she thinks, maybe he has changed his mind and doesn't want to join us after all? She tries not to let it bug her as she contemplates what the lioness announces. They had or have the unicorn? I can't believe that. Such a creature would be locked up with these folks?As Johnathan grumples about how goblins killed the other unicorn, she leans over to him and Aoe, "Even so, we should try and see what we can find out about what they think they had. Honestly, I think the whole thing is a hoax, but there might some truth to the lies."
The acrobats are too busy performing and shooting Delphinium through flaming hoops and trying to not light their chickens on fire as things begin to...what? Degrade? The lioness snaps a disapproving look at Delphinium as they rush away from the performance and peak beneath the tarp, then cracks her whip over the harpy's enclosure.
"An anxious little thing!" The lioness says with a smirk. She flourishes as Delph peeks beneath the cart, and then the Kobolds drop the tarp.
The thing beneath the tarp is most certainly not a Harpy. Or, at least, no Harpy like anyone has ever seen. There is a literal gasp amongst the crowd as the thing inside the cage cracks its deadly cold eyes and looks around with a menace that not even the Manticore or the Midgard Serpent could muster. This thing before them, this thing that Delphinium has unwittingly revealed early through their interjection, is murder incarnate, a thing created with only one singular purpose. Death. An artist that revels in blood and carnage the way a painter may smear subtle earth tones. The Harpy, if that's what it is, is shaped very much like a large bird of prey, and is covered in a combination of scaled armor and dark feathers. The beaked head is both avian and draconic. There is also a strange detail; adorning the chest of this horror, this singularly inhuman abomination, are three relatively human breasts.
The monster shifts on the pole upon which it roosts and looks with cool calculation upon the crowd. It is quite obviously thinking of ways to kill every single person there.
"Creatures of night, brought to light!" The lioness announces, her attention turning from Delphinium. She never even notices Ward as he disappears and makes his way across to the Harpy's enclosure. "Behold, the Harpy!Exquisitely evil, is it not? Like many of Mommy Baba's menagerie, this beast is a remnant of Mommy Fortuna's original show! Look into the predatory eyes, and I dare you not to shudder in fear! It was this creature that the unicorn released so long ago, and it was this creature that did take Mommy Fortuna's life right there in the midst of the carnival! Ah, ah! Little one, not so close! The Harpy is simply waiting for her moment with which to deprive you of life!"
Mommy Baba pulled the whip back and snapped it again, and several Kobolds struggled to wheel a new cart forward, this one labeled Midgard Serpent. She continued speaking, telling of the wonders of this beast that had no physical end, and then the veil dropped. Inside was a coiling snake, writhing over itself in a pattern that the band couldn't decipher; it appeared to move without end, and was miles of endless sinew and muscle somehow in the wagon that held it.
"Cornlizard! Desert nectarine!" A hocker called as they passed out food. The crowd was starting to go while for the desert nectarines. "Bullywug-egg soup! Shambling Mound Salad!"
The desert fruits were selling quick. Juice trickled down a dozen chins as the crowd went wild for the sweet tastes. One man was chugging from a bowl of Bullywug-egg soup in one hand and Bat Eye Boba in the other. The crowd laughed and awed as a new cart was brought forward, this one labeled Satyr...and inside was a very bored looking Satyr, sitting on a stool, reading a book.
The Cockatrice cart remains parked off to the side with its single petrified spectator.
Johnathan is distracted by the show that he doesn’t notice Ward disappearing with magic. He looks at this “harpy” with almost a look of fear and pity. If I were caged for someone’s entertainment I would also be giving looks to others, but it is also quite monstrous. Something doesn’t make sense to Johnathan. Why would the unicorn, a creature of pure joy and kindness, release such a horrible monster? It doesn’t make sense, unless this thing isn’t a monster as the show proclaims. Johnathan thinks back to old stories on monsters to recall any knowledge on the “Harpy”. Throughout the event Johnathan hasn’t been eating the food that the show offers, seemingly suspicious of the whole thing.
History: 2
Johnathan continues to watch the other animals being brought forward, me watches in shock as the snake continues to move with no end. As the Satyr is displayed Johnathan starts to get more concerned. All the previous monsters showed little sign of intelligence, just some wild animals in cages. But the Satyr was reading. This isn’t right, he whispers to the others. They aren’t just holding monsters, they’re enslaving all manner of creatures. This one looks more human than monster. Johnathan couldn’t help but feel for Satyr. He doesn’t usually cares for random strangers, but Johnathan just kept thinking If they saw my true side I would be in a cage just like him. I would become something that others would look and see a monster, a thing. He turns to watch the crowd cheer in excitement at these creatures, seemingly amazed at the attractions.
Johnathan knew what he had to do next, but was worried that this would draw unwanted attention. He wanted to free some of these creatures, at least the none hostile ones. This circus is playing a dangerous game and it must stop. He whispers to the others, The Satyr might know what happened to the unicorn. If it can read then it can understand a language, maybe even common. We have to speak to him after the show, when there are no eyes on us.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kerwyn’s jaw drops open and stays there when he sees all of these mystical creatures. He gazes at the one titled “Death incarnate” trying to remember anything about this creature, any description that would fit.
History : 4
Survival : 4
As he finishes his Cornlizard he hears Johnathan beside him and says to him “I agree, we need to talk to it somehow after the show is over. Someone here may have knowledge about the unicorn and the mare, even the ringmaster, but we need to be on guard. I certainly wouldn’t want to be locked into a crate and wheeled out for peoples amusement.”
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Wow, this is quite a menagerie, Shavaris doesn't know which way to look first as the ringmaster performs her show. The monstroscity of the harpy is not something she imagined she'd see here tonight. With her recent travels, she didn't think much would affect her, but she was wrong. Trying to place if she has heard of this creature before...
History 17
Seeing the creature such as the Satyr being paraded out, she mirrored the same feelings that Johnathan and Kerwyn were saying, "If either of you get the chance, try and talk with it. Honestly, if you can, set it free, this isn't right."The cart with the stone child keeps drawing her attention and she knows she has to satisfy her curiosity. Leaning closer to Johnathan, she whispers, "Do you mind making me invisible? I have to check this creature out." She bends down before he does, hoping that other circus-goers do not notice her blink out, and then grabs a scrap of fabric.
She sneaks over to the Cockatrice cart, hoping not to make a sound..
Stealth 13
She then ties the piece of fabric around her eyes, making sure she cannot see that way. Using her blindsight, she gently lifts up a corner and sees what she can inside the cart.
Delphinium begins to loop and twirl a bit oddly in the air but when the tarp is pulled Delphinium gets quite a startle when the harpy is revealed. Such a murderous looking thing. They stare at it for awhile a bit mesmerized by the evil look and glare it has. Delphinium waves to the lioness as the ringmaster gives Delph a warning and the fairy replies "Oh! Good to know. Thank you Lion Lady! Hee hee hee, lion lady has pretty fur. Can you twirl? It'll shimmer like a rainbow!" The fairy looks around after and sees the harpy again and as Delph looks at the harpy. The tiny fairy is close but luckily the Ringmaster stopped them as they seem out of reach of the harpy.... hopefully. Delph stares back at the creature and just asks "Why do you want to deprive me of life? You look so mad. If you want to get out you should stop wanting to kill people. You.... You're not fluffy enough to be a harpy too. You should get more feathers! Is that why you're mad? You don't look like the other harpies?"
Delphinium bobs up and down in the air with their fluttering wings as they wait for a response from the harpy. They look behind and Delphinium flutter is a bit erratic as they look all around like they cant focus on any one thing. They look back at their friends and notices that some of the Dawn Guard have moved or are gone.... including Shavaris with Delph's snack too! .
Ward will wait a moment while Delph talks to the "Harpy" and then when there is a chance be close enough to talk but not to get mauled.
"Don't look for me so the ringleader doesn't figure im here. I remember hearing about something like you, a draconic harpy maybe? You mind telling me how you got here, and I might be able to at least give you something that'll fill you up for a day, does that seem fair my friend?" Ward says, hoping that the "Harpy" can understand him and palming one of the good berries.
The slowly disappearing team members of the Dawn Guard don't seem to draw much attention, with their Fairy dashing about spouting who-knows-what about who-knows-what and making flashing lights and so forth amidst the already captivating spectacle. The Thri-Kreen acrobats continue their antics as now they juggle flaming hoops back and forth and take turns diving in and out of them and doing intricate flips and recoveries afterward.
Mommy Baba laughs as Fireflight says something about her being a pretty lion lady. She twirls her whip in the air near them but fails to turn her body until she spins and crack the whip at a troop of her Kobolds who are wheeling in the next cage. The tarp drops. A mighty ape, three times the size of any many, shakes the bars of its confines and roars with deafening fury. The Dawn Guard can feel its roar reverberate through their bones.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kerwyn feels the grip of the Cornlizard deep in his abdomen as it rapidly moves through his bowels. The deep low frequency Giant Ape growl hits him like a sonic wave to the gut, it takes all of his control and fortitude to maintain continence and composure. He looks up and is apparently sitting alone, he looks quickly for an exit. “Excuse me, pardon me, coming through. Pardon me.” he says as he rapidly descends the seating area and steps out of the tent briefly.
Five minutes go by and you see Kerwyn reenter the tent, a look of relief on his face. “Golgothan, thank goodness she doesn’t have that one.” he says in a low voice to himself. “Now where the hell is everyone else?” He combs the tent, looking to spot his companions or anything else awry.
Perception : 7
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Shavaris angrily lets the tarp fall back over the cart labeled Cockatrice and tears off her blindfold. She stands there a bit, invisible and annoyed that she went to all the trouble for that. The stone child though... it keeps nagging at her. So she walks over it to and checks it out.
Investigation 11
After she is through, she stands up and heads over to where she left Johnathan and Aoe. Wanting to remove her invisibility, she focuses and playfully slaps Aoe on the shoulder. "F***ing chickens. Huge yes, but still, nothing but chickens in that cart."
As she gets her bearings, Shavaris looks around for the rest of their team and notices Delph doesn’t seem like themselves. She starts towards them a bit and waves her hand up trying to get their attention, hoping all they need is a rest on her shoulder.
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Johnathan accepts the berry given to them. That’s kind of you Ward, thank you. I should be fine, I’ll just need to gather some ingredients from the forest. He gives a knowing look to Shavaris. He didn’t want to scare the newcomers with his condition, not yet at least. He looks to Kerwyn, I don’t mean to tell us where to go, I’m just giving my idea. We are nearby and I think we should have a look, but I understand that this might slow us in finding the mare. It’s up to everyone where we go.
He looks up and realises that it’s noon already. I’m just gonna need to buy some supplies for my magic and I should be ready to go… but I think some of you want to see a circus? Is this still happening?
The day gave way to night soon enough, and it became clear that the circus was going to be a real event. As it turns out, Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival was just that; a large part of Whichaperch showed up to see the strange menagerie of creatures, actors, and entertainers that had slowly trekked into town. The Circus had a fantastic hype game, with magical lights coming on all around the erected tents and the various carts being wheeled closer to the tents as darkness fell and then the Thri-Kreen acrobats starting their antics outside the tent well before time. They were juggling intricate combinations of rocks and books, burning torches and live chickens, and doing complex handstands and human (human?) pyramids and twirling flaming batons with blades on the ends which, apparently, are just flaming glaives.
There was already a kid who'd been turned to stone while peeking under the tarpaulin that covered the cart labeled 'Cockatrice'. It looked like he'd gotten more of an eyeful than he'd bargained for.
As midnight approached the Ring Master, if that's what she could be called, made her appearance; a fierce Leonin lioness wielding a whip that she was quite adept at cracking. She flourished her arms and the front walls of the tent were hauled up by two Orc strongmen that looked like they could bench-press all of the Dawn Guard and their mounts without so much as breaking a sweat. One of them head the chiseled good looks and flowing hair of a courtly heartthrob...but with a ferocious underbite.
Kobolds ran to and fro acting as ushers, welcoming people into benches and seats erected all along the peripheries of the mixed indoor-outdoor event. A Thri-Kreen made her way through the crowd, two arms holding up a large tray of exotic delicacies, the other two arms passing out goodies.
"Fried cornlizard!" She called in an insectile buzz while holding up a lizard that was skewered on a stick, fried and breaded. Another hand sported a cactus covered in sweet looking flowers. "Sweet Desert Nectarine! Bat eye boba!"
"Ettercap candy!" A Halfling added, traveling with her while holding up spooled lumps of spiderweb on a stick. They were brightly colored blue and pink and purple, while spiderwebs, still looked absolutely delicious.
"Welcome to Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival!" The lioness shouted, another crack of her whip for flourish. "I am your host, Mommy Baba, and I thank you for coming out to see our show, and our exotic creatures! Some of these powerful beasts you will recognize as having been with the show for many, many years! And some of these fabulous wonders...WELL! As you can see, they were more than some...expected!"
She gestured toward the petrified kid that was looking into the cart of Cockatrice's.
"Still here is the cart that once held the Unicorn YES! That Unicorn, now the last of her kind! And there..."
She pointed toward a cart clearly labeled Manticore...
"...Is the magnificent Manticore that started my predecessor, Mommy Fortuna, down the road that would lead to her fame and then..."
Her pointing finger glided away from the Manticore and thrust accusingly at the cart labeled Harpy...
"...her death at the hands, no, talons, of the Harpy that killed her with help from non-other than the Unicorn!"
The crowd gasped.
The lioness turned and cracked her whip at the Manticore's cart, and two Kobolds jerked the tarp back. The vicious beast inside roared and snarled and venom dripped from the barb of its tail and sizzled against the floor of its confines...
While the Dawn Guard watched the show, the food trays passed by them, offering up tasty snacks for mere coins.
"Behold! Creatures of night, brought to light!"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
“Cornlizard, right here please. Yes, thank you!” Kerwyn stands up and looks fascinated at the array of creatures, chewing with gusto in his cornlizard as he sits down. “Whoooo hoooo! Wouldya look at that! Whoooo weeee they grow em large down on the farm. Whoa! Don’t let that thing out of there!”
With all of the excitement of a little kid in a candy shop, Kerwyn forgets where they are and what they are doing for one night. Fascination and awe are registered on his face, when the harpy is brought out and uncovered, he shrinks back, but can’t help himself as he looks on in curiosity. “D’ya think that’s what killed it? Vile beast. I got there after everything had happened. Looks capable of it. Wow, take a look at that.” Kerwyn rocks up and down on his feet, occasionally standing on tip toes to have a good look.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
During the day Johnathan leaves the others to get supplies. He buys magical components to cast find familiar twice and doesn’t see anything else that would be useful. When he is along he would turn into a dark alley and start to conjure black shadowy flames around himself. As the flames disperse Johnathan is invisible and he heads towards the woods. He will hunt for quite a while. It’s been days since he fed properly and even though he was in a weakened state there was almost some primal instinct inside him that made him hunt. Johnathan fills his flask and gains his strength back. His skin was still pale but he looked more energetic, more alive. Be uses magic to clean himself up and returns to the others.
As night fell Johnathan’s mood drastically improved. He was quiet excited for the circus as he has never been to one before. They only visited the big cities, not his little village in the middle of nowhere. As Johnathan watches the show he starts to see what it is really about. They have monsters on display. This is very dangerous. He looks towards the kid that was turned to stone, and then to the crowd that cheer in wonder of such a sight. Am I the only one that thinks this is going to far? As the rest of the show plays out Johnathan sees the cage of the unicorn. He looks in shock at this and whispers to the others, They would cage up such an important creature. This circus is messing with creatures that they shouldn’t. This is when Kerwyn asks about the battle of the unicorns. Johnathan gives a sigh, almost wishing he didn’t know. The unicorn was killed by goblins in the Faron woods. I know this cus I saw it happen. I was there. The last line that the lioness says sticks with Johnathan. BEHOLD! Creatures of night, brought to light. If only they knew.
The day may have begun with a depressing sight but it was quickly put aside as Delph moped on Shavaris' shoulder. There was just too much going on for them to stay upset. The preparation and anticipation of a circus coming had an infectious air to it. Delphinium knew they were in a new land but surely it wasn't as bad as it seemed to them... right? The fairly let the excitement get to them as they tried to forget the sight of the poorly treated horses. Instead they continued to hang around Shavaris and with an almost childlike wonder got excited over everything. Especially the circus. It seems that Delphinium's companions were looking forward to the event as well. Delphinium would ask a lot of questions and learn about how there would be animals performing and doing tricks, acrobats flying through the air (without WINGS!) and many other wonders. The day flew by as Delph would ask Shavaris many questions about living in a city. It would become clear to any listening that the only experience with city life Delph has ever had has been to go into a small nearby town to beatup some hunters that killed for fun and not for food... also the deer was a good friend of his sister. Delphinium seems to be a veritable treasure trove of information about forests, animals, plants and other natural things though.
As the day goes by and the circus comes closer Delphinium's excitement grows to such a state that they are literately flying circles around Shavaris' head. "Oh! Oh! Oh! Hey! Look! Its those insect people! Do you think I can fly with them when they fly? Oh! Can I join in on the show! I bet that will be a lot of fun! Much more then watching. Oh! I've never seen a plant like that. Sweet Desert Nectarine?" They zoom over to the vendor and say "I WANT ONE!" Its definitely too big for Delphinium as they flutter back to their shoulder perch and start eating it. Its like they have a snack as a body pillow. They start eating all the same and they get a big smile at the sweet flavors on it and seem extremely happy.
Delphinium is very excited to see all the activity. Especially the acrobatic Thri-Kreen with their juggling "Are those areal chickens?" Delph seems delighted as the chickens are juggled with ease. Delphinium seems so excited that they might join the show as they flutter into the air and almost seems like they want to join the acrobats in their performance. As they perform Delph flutters away from the group inch by inch as if trying to decide if they will join the act and they look back to Shavaris and say "I'm going to go join them! That should be fun! Here hold this for me Shavaris!" The tiny fairy seems extremely excited as they try to hand Shavaris what is left of their sweet desert nectarine. Apparently no concept that they can't just join in on the show.
With mopey little Fireflight on her shoulder, Shavaris heads into a couple of shops. She doesn't try and cheer them up, honestly enjoys the break from the hyperactive fairy. She sells the loot that the team had acquired in the caves, but keeps the scroll, wondering if any of the new team members can use it? She grabs a few items and asks Delph if they need anything. As talk of the circus brings Delph out of his misery, and she is bombarded with questions about the city, she reminds him that she too is from a forest. "The Wandering Forest in fact," she says very proudly, "Honestly, until recently I had never left the forest. So all your questions about living in the city? You'll have to ask someone else, preferably one of our team, not a random stranger." she gives them a knowing eye as she says this.
As the team gets back together before heading to the circus, Shavaris hands out 16 gold to each of the Dawn Guard, "Delph, I can carry your portion if you'd like." As they start making their way to the big tents, she stares in wonder at all that is going on before them. She tries to set aside their mission for the evening and try and enjoy herself for once. As soon as she tries, Eloise sneaks into her mind again and her happiness is knocked down a bit.
While Delph is buzzing around her head, they make their way into the carnival and decides to join in on getting some of the foods to eat, though she goes for the Fried Cornlizard. As the sticky sweetness of the nectarine drips down her shoulder, she is relieved when Delph flies off again. As they hold out their treat for her to take so they can join the act, she grabs it and watches the fairy fly off, this should be interesting she thinks. Then to the rest of the Dawn Guard, "Help me watch out for Delph, they are having too much fun I didn't want to spoil it, but I don't want them to get into trouble."
Aoe enjoys the show and takes in all the information… he thinks about the forest and their path towards the labyrinth… it has been so long since he visited… Aoe wondered if things were different there.
seeing the newest member of dawn guard not in control of their own curiosities, Aoe wondered if they had officially agreed to them joining, or if they were still a provisional member… his trust for Johnathan had grown, and kerwyn always seemed mostly steady and worthy of carrying the medallion… shavaris he enjoyed… truly a delightful level of on the edge but still paying attention to the overall mission at hand…
“I guess we’re gonna see how this circus deals with audienxe particupation joining the stage show! all the exotic animals around… I’m sure they have many tools for pacifying most creatures… though our own fairyfist version of a punch buggy isn’t anything they’ve seen before.” Aoe laughs while grinning toward the others, then looking back to watch the show.
Delph takes Shavaris up on their offer to carry their potion of gold. "The coins are just too big for me to carry that much! I barely fit the 10 I have in my bag! Do I really need that many? Yeah. I think it best you hold them for me then."
At the circus the second Shavaris takes the snack Delphinium joy over bubbles and they start to glow like a little blue ball of light. They zoom off into the act like a shooting comet. They go right to the nearest Thri-Kreen hover in front of their face and say "Hey there! I'll play too!" Delphinium tries to guage when they will move, throw or jump. They just want to stick out a bit so the tiny fairy flies at top speed around them in fancy flying spirals darting in and out like they are trying to dodge the Thri-Kreen. Their goal of making a show of dancing light spiraling around the acrobat troop. If they try to catch Delphinium the fairy just thinks it's part of the act and uses their speed to keep their distance. Delph will even land on the head of one of the performers if able, then dash off the second they try to catch them. Will be extremely delighted if it turns into a game of tag.
As Delph is trying to join the circus impromtu style, the ring master comes forward and begins their announcement. Delphinium has their attention brought to the petrified kid and talk of the unicorn. Multiple carts having been brought out in Delphinium's mad dash of excitement. They look curious and their blue glow dims and goes out as they realize the child was turned to stone. Where is their parents is all Delph can think until it is mentioned about a harpy being here that the unicorn freed. Delph thinks it's a shame it got caught again, maybe I can free it? Oh! Maybe it knows where the unicorn went! Delph will say to the Acrobats "Oh! Sorry. I got to go! It was fun playing!" Then they dash away towards the Harpy cage to peek under the tarp and hopefully get to talk to it.
When ward sees Delph trying to go towards the Harpy he will try and get their attention. "This might help a bit firelight." Ward says as he casts speak with animals twice for the both of them and then goes invisible( this time making sure to try and keep any leaves from falling off himself). Then he will move with Delph to try and get near the Harpies cage.
Stealth if Needed: 13
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
DM:
While Delph becomes a real ball of joy, it truly lifts Shavaris's spirits, she turns to Kerwyn to comment on it and sees his eyes alight themselves with all the going ons of the circus. As the ringmaster reveals the harpy, Shavaris is taken aback. So this is the kind of circus we are at, she quickly takes a headcount of their group, she finds all but the newest recuit, the Traveling Ward. Interesting, she thinks, maybe he has changed his mind and doesn't want to join us after all? She tries not to let it bug her as she contemplates what the lioness announces. They had or have the unicorn? I can't believe that. Such a creature would be locked up with these folks? As Johnathan grumples about how goblins killed the other unicorn, she leans over to him and Aoe, "Even so, we should try and see what we can find out about what they think they had. Honestly, I think the whole thing is a hoax, but there might some truth to the lies."
The acrobats are too busy performing and shooting Delphinium through flaming hoops and trying to not light their chickens on fire as things begin to...what? Degrade? The lioness snaps a disapproving look at Delphinium as they rush away from the performance and peak beneath the tarp, then cracks her whip over the harpy's enclosure.
"An anxious little thing!" The lioness says with a smirk. She flourishes as Delph peeks beneath the cart, and then the Kobolds drop the tarp.
The thing beneath the tarp is most certainly not a Harpy. Or, at least, no Harpy like anyone has ever seen. There is a literal gasp amongst the crowd as the thing inside the cage cracks its deadly cold eyes and looks around with a menace that not even the Manticore or the Midgard Serpent could muster. This thing before them, this thing that Delphinium has unwittingly revealed early through their interjection, is murder incarnate, a thing created with only one singular purpose. Death. An artist that revels in blood and carnage the way a painter may smear subtle earth tones. The Harpy, if that's what it is, is shaped very much like a large bird of prey, and is covered in a combination of scaled armor and dark feathers. The beaked head is both avian and draconic. There is also a strange detail; adorning the chest of this horror, this singularly inhuman abomination, are three relatively human breasts.
The monster shifts on the pole upon which it roosts and looks with cool calculation upon the crowd. It is quite obviously thinking of ways to kill every single person there.
"Creatures of night, brought to light!" The lioness announces, her attention turning from Delphinium. She never even notices Ward as he disappears and makes his way across to the Harpy's enclosure. "Behold, the Harpy! Exquisitely evil, is it not? Like many of Mommy Baba's menagerie, this beast is a remnant of Mommy Fortuna's original show! Look into the predatory eyes, and I dare you not to shudder in fear! It was this creature that the unicorn released so long ago, and it was this creature that did take Mommy Fortuna's life right there in the midst of the carnival! Ah, ah! Little one, not so close! The Harpy is simply waiting for her moment with which to deprive you of life!"
Mommy Baba pulled the whip back and snapped it again, and several Kobolds struggled to wheel a new cart forward, this one labeled Midgard Serpent. She continued speaking, telling of the wonders of this beast that had no physical end, and then the veil dropped. Inside was a coiling snake, writhing over itself in a pattern that the band couldn't decipher; it appeared to move without end, and was miles of endless sinew and muscle somehow in the wagon that held it.
"Cornlizard! Desert nectarine!" A hocker called as they passed out food. The crowd was starting to go while for the desert nectarines. "Bullywug-egg soup! Shambling Mound Salad!"
The desert fruits were selling quick. Juice trickled down a dozen chins as the crowd went wild for the sweet tastes. One man was chugging from a bowl of Bullywug-egg soup in one hand and Bat Eye Boba in the other. The crowd laughed and awed as a new cart was brought forward, this one labeled Satyr...and inside was a very bored looking Satyr, sitting on a stool, reading a book.
The Cockatrice cart remains parked off to the side with its single petrified spectator.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Johnathan is distracted by the show that he doesn’t notice Ward disappearing with magic. He looks at this “harpy” with almost a look of fear and pity. If I were caged for someone’s entertainment I would also be giving looks to others, but it is also quite monstrous. Something doesn’t make sense to Johnathan. Why would the unicorn, a creature of pure joy and kindness, release such a horrible monster? It doesn’t make sense, unless this thing isn’t a monster as the show proclaims. Johnathan thinks back to old stories on monsters to recall any knowledge on the “Harpy”. Throughout the event Johnathan hasn’t been eating the food that the show offers, seemingly suspicious of the whole thing.
History: 2
Johnathan continues to watch the other animals being brought forward, me watches in shock as the snake continues to move with no end. As the Satyr is displayed Johnathan starts to get more concerned. All the previous monsters showed little sign of intelligence, just some wild animals in cages. But the Satyr was reading. This isn’t right, he whispers to the others. They aren’t just holding monsters, they’re enslaving all manner of creatures. This one looks more human than monster. Johnathan couldn’t help but feel for Satyr. He doesn’t usually cares for random strangers, but Johnathan just kept thinking If they saw my true side I would be in a cage just like him. I would become something that others would look and see a monster, a thing. He turns to watch the crowd cheer in excitement at these creatures, seemingly amazed at the attractions.
Johnathan knew what he had to do next, but was worried that this would draw unwanted attention. He wanted to free some of these creatures, at least the none hostile ones. This circus is playing a dangerous game and it must stop. He whispers to the others, The Satyr might know what happened to the unicorn. If it can read then it can understand a language, maybe even common. We have to speak to him after the show, when there are no eyes on us.
Kerwyn’s jaw drops open and stays there when he sees all of these mystical creatures. He gazes at the one titled “Death incarnate” trying to remember anything about this creature, any description that would fit.
History : 4
Survival : 4
As he finishes his Cornlizard he hears Johnathan beside him and says to him “I agree, we need to talk to it somehow after the show is over. Someone here may have knowledge about the unicorn and the mare, even the ringmaster, but we need to be on guard. I certainly wouldn’t want to be locked into a crate and wheeled out for peoples amusement.”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Wow, this is quite a menagerie, Shavaris doesn't know which way to look first as the ringmaster performs her show. The monstroscity of the harpy is not something she imagined she'd see here tonight. With her recent travels, she didn't think much would affect her, but she was wrong. Trying to place if she has heard of this creature before...
History 17
Seeing the creature such as the Satyr being paraded out, she mirrored the same feelings that Johnathan and Kerwyn were saying, "If either of you get the chance, try and talk with it. Honestly, if you can, set it free, this isn't right." The cart with the stone child keeps drawing her attention and she knows she has to satisfy her curiosity. Leaning closer to Johnathan, she whispers, "Do you mind making me invisible? I have to check this creature out." She bends down before he does, hoping that other circus-goers do not notice her blink out, and then grabs a scrap of fabric.
She sneaks over to the Cockatrice cart, hoping not to make a sound..
Stealth 13
She then ties the piece of fabric around her eyes, making sure she cannot see that way. Using her blindsight, she gently lifts up a corner and sees what she can inside the cart.
Delphinium begins to loop and twirl a bit oddly in the air but when the tarp is pulled Delphinium gets quite a startle when the harpy is revealed. Such a murderous looking thing. They stare at it for awhile a bit mesmerized by the evil look and glare it has. Delphinium waves to the lioness as the ringmaster gives Delph a warning and the fairy replies "Oh! Good to know. Thank you Lion Lady! Hee hee hee, lion lady has pretty fur. Can you twirl? It'll shimmer like a rainbow!" The fairy looks around after and sees the harpy again and as Delph looks at the harpy. The tiny fairy is close but luckily the Ringmaster stopped them as they seem out of reach of the harpy.... hopefully. Delph stares back at the creature and just asks "Why do you want to deprive me of life? You look so mad. If you want to get out you should stop wanting to kill people. You.... You're not fluffy enough to be a harpy too. You should get more feathers! Is that why you're mad? You don't look like the other harpies?"
Delphinium bobs up and down in the air with their fluttering wings as they wait for a response from the harpy. They look behind and Delphinium flutter is a bit erratic as they look all around like they cant focus on any one thing. They look back at their friends and notices that some of the Dawn Guard have moved or are gone.... including Shavaris with Delph's snack too! .
Ward will wait a moment while Delph talks to the "Harpy" and then when there is a chance be close enough to talk but not to get mauled.
"Don't look for me so the ringleader doesn't figure im here. I remember hearing about something like you, a draconic harpy maybe? You mind telling me how you got here, and I might be able to at least give you something that'll fill you up for a day, does that seem fair my friend?" Ward says, hoping that the "Harpy" can understand him and palming one of the good berries.
P: The Traveling Ward: Natural Napalm Enthusiast. (AURYN: The Hunt For The Last Unicorn.)
DM:
The slowly disappearing team members of the Dawn Guard don't seem to draw much attention, with their Fairy dashing about spouting who-knows-what about who-knows-what and making flashing lights and so forth amidst the already captivating spectacle. The Thri-Kreen acrobats continue their antics as now they juggle flaming hoops back and forth and take turns diving in and out of them and doing intricate flips and recoveries afterward.
Mommy Baba laughs as Fireflight says something about her being a pretty lion lady. She twirls her whip in the air near them but fails to turn her body until she spins and crack the whip at a troop of her Kobolds who are wheeling in the next cage. The tarp drops. A mighty ape, three times the size of any many, shakes the bars of its confines and roars with deafening fury. The Dawn Guard can feel its roar reverberate through their bones.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Kerwyn feels the grip of the Cornlizard deep in his abdomen as it rapidly moves through his bowels. The deep low frequency Giant Ape growl hits him like a sonic wave to the gut, it takes all of his control and fortitude to maintain continence and composure. He looks up and is apparently sitting alone, he looks quickly for an exit. “Excuse me, pardon me, coming through. Pardon me.” he says as he rapidly descends the seating area and steps out of the tent briefly.
Five minutes go by and you see Kerwyn reenter the tent, a look of relief on his face. “Golgothan, thank goodness she doesn’t have that one.” he says in a low voice to himself. “Now where the hell is everyone else?” He combs the tent, looking to spot his companions or anything else awry.
Perception : 7
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Shavaris angrily lets the tarp fall back over the cart labeled Cockatrice and tears off her blindfold. She stands there a bit, invisible and annoyed that she went to all the trouble for that. The stone child though... it keeps nagging at her. So she walks over it to and checks it out.
Investigation 11
After she is through, she stands up and heads over to where she left Johnathan and Aoe. Wanting to remove her invisibility, she focuses and playfully slaps Aoe on the shoulder. "F***ing chickens. Huge yes, but still, nothing but chickens in that cart."
As she gets her bearings, Shavaris looks around for the rest of their team and notices Delph doesn’t seem like themselves. She starts towards them a bit and waves her hand up trying to get their attention, hoping all they need is a rest on her shoulder.