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Having run ahead Vin and Nef make their way into the scene of a circus out in the open air performing for all of the town. Stages setup for various performers and Vin couldn't seem more excited. They begin by watching the magical performance of the kobalds. Bold and Kold displaying their magical aptitude. They watch them complete a set of their performance clapping vigorously when they complete their act. Nef seems extremely bored but stays with Vin regardless as the hound's eyes wonder around just keeping an eye out for things happening. The dog seems to pull Vin away after the act as Vin says "I thought they were very good."
Vin watches one challenger take on the strongman goliath but doesn't seem as interested in this particular activity. They do look to Nef and say "Who do you think would win? The goliath or Sam?" Nef kind of snorts and Vin laughs. They pick up some circus snacks of something sweet and yummy. Ideally getting something they've never tried before. After that they watch the Tribaxi performing their acrobatics and Vin seems a bit mesmerized. "Wow, they are so graceful and beautiful." Nef looks up at the acrobats as well and then at Vin. Vin blushes and stammers "Uh...Uh... umm.... I guess I'll try it." The young man steps up to wait their chance to try to acrobatic challenge. By no means an expert with acrobatics Vin never the less watches as several other folks all try and fail. They fall and often cheers and laugher follow the attempts.
Eventually it becomes Vin's turn as he lines up then tries his best to reach the fourth pole.
Gewyn looks through the crowd for a few moments more before saying "Ahh, there we go." He hangs his bird pipes around his neck so they are clearly visible, leans forward and immediately disappears in the crowd, only to reemerge a minute later in front of the band leading a smiling, giggling woman by the hand (Persuasion: 14). There, the two of them begin to dance, bouncing up and down as they hop and spin to the rhythm, encouraging others around them to join in.
Gewyn starts to sing along to the music, as it's a song he knows. Not loud enough to overpower the half-orc's singing, but just loud enough to be noticed, with his bird pipes bouncing against his chest. It's almost as if he is performing just for the band.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elthana enters the circus atmosphere and is accosted by the overload to her senses. All the sights, sounds, smells were all just too much for the shadow elf as she followed her companions into the circus. As she notices the bored dog, she gives a half smile, smart dog she thinks. She pauses her perusal of the carnival as Vin steps right up to one of the challenges. She waits to see what the outcome will be.. a bit intrigued by the forwardness of the boy, jumping into the challenge in a new town with strangers.
She then hears.. is that Gewyn?? she turns and sees the man singing and dancing like he belongs here. Her mouth about drops open as she watches him perform. Well, apparently this is his element. She sticks to the shadows as she continues to watch things unfold, keeping an eye on her team as well as those around.
Vin deftly and effortlessly makes the first two poles, the crowd 'oohs' as he steps forward attempting the third, with a leap and the shifting of his center of gravity, Vin manages to throw his leg up onto the third and manoeuvre himself to a balanced one legged stance in the ever increasingly elevated series of poles. He looks to the last pole, which is just to say shorter than he is in the elevation between the one he is standing on and the next, he leans back, then throws himself forward catching the forth pole with his hand and heaving himself up to his foot, but one slight imbalance in the switching of limbs sends him kareening down on to the soft dirt and grass underneath, Nef barks loudly in a warning response to his fall.
Gewyn catches the attention of the crowd and before he knows it the dancers in front of the band's stage have started dancing circles around him and his new found companion. The Half Orc singer leans a thick arm over the stage and down toward Gewyn and his woman, heaving them both up onto the stage with the band. The crowd of dancers jeer and laugh along as the song progresses.
Elthana in her observation of the scene sees the crowds of people around each stall, the heat from the bonfire and the dancing throwing the smells of sweat through the air, between the tents she spots a lonely old man, short and squat in a tophat and black blazer wearing some beige dress pants. He stands alone in the darkness apparently waiting for something and as Elthana looks over his eyes meet hers and he smiles, raising his hand he beckons her over.
When Elthana's eyes meet the lonely old man's who is located between the tents, dressed in quite an odd fashion, she pauses. She raises her eyebrow as he beckons her over, but with a quick hesitation, she grabs her pole and heads in that direction, checking where Vin, Nef and Gewyn are on her way. As she gets near, she stops about ten feet away from the man, but out of the way of the crowds. Elthana looks at him pointedly and remarks, "Who might you be? And why are you seeking an audience with me?"
Vin was feeling really confident after the first two. The increasing height between them seem by him as a fun challenge. He would look at the tabaxi leaping gracefully above him. Their skill far better then his own. He watches them a moment admiring them and then focuses on the third pole. It's so small he can only fit one leg on it making the next jump so difficult. He manages to find a good balance on his one leg and tries to focus on the next pole. It's so much higher then the other ones. Vin was feeling good about the leap but landing it proved far more difficult then he though. He can't balance. He feels his equilibrium completely fail as it tries to overcompensate and the next thing he knows is he's falling back, over and down. Thankfully the ground is soft and malleable so when Vin hits it they just feel a sudden thud followed by a dull ache and a lot of embarrassment.
Nef was next to him in a flash of speed and as he sits up from the pain Nef nuzzles his side and helps to brace him to get him up. Vin still embarrassed waves to the on lookers one hand waving the other on Nef both for balance and comfort for her. There was quite a crowd but the people were already looking to the next contender a few consolatory greetings towards him. "Haha, yeah. Thank you. Ummm... yeah. Yeah. Thanks." He extricates himself from the people congratulating him for making it so close and they go to watching others try.
As Vin walks away he looks at Nef and smiles patting her head. The pair then make their way around the activities trying to take in the sights and before long Vin seems to have put their embarassment behind them. They also eventually make their way to the edge of the carnival and find the Kenku with a target and performing some kind of bladed act. Nef looks at Vin and the young man looks back with a smile and says "Okay, okay. I'll try this one too but last time. I already embarrassed myself enough in front of those Tabaxi." Vin walks up to the Kenku and asks to try their luck. Unexpectedly Vin finds out he's versing agains the skilled swordsman. Vin asks for just some simple daggers having experience with those. He is provided a set of three and Vin lines up at the throwing range and tries to match skills with the Kenku.
Vin looks at the target and with the three daggers provided to him throws one at a time hoping for some good throws versus the Kenku's.
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Now up on the stage with the band, Gewyn feigns embarrassment and waves his hands in front of him, while he smiles politely while he says, "Oh no- please, this is your sho- I couldn't- oh well if you insist." He begins dancing across the stage with his partner, tapping heels with her in an energetic jig while he unloops his pipes from around his neck. He looks to the firbolg and nods his head in time with the drums for a few beats before he starts playing an accompaniment.
The notes start off simple, following the melody of the guitar and violin, not upstaging the rest of the band, but as the crowd picks up energy, he begins adding embellishments: trills, mordents, licks, etc. He sometimes lowers the pipes and sings high harmony to the half-orc, or spins and dips his dance partner, always working to compliment and enhance the other instruments, but drawing more and more of the spotlight towards himself with each chorus.
(Gewyn is tossing each band member and his dance partner some bardic inspiration)
He works through a couple of familiar songs with them like this, but when he feels the crowd's interest and fervor beginning to peak, he steps forward, pipes to lips, and begins to play an intense solo. He loses himself in the music, feeling the harmonic and melodic threads mixing with the energy of the crowd, weaving a beautiful tapestry in his mind, settling over the scene and creating a moment free of thought. Free of anxiety. A moment of pure sensation. And for just that one golden moment, Gewyn feels... well... he's not sure what he'd call it.
Then his solo reaches its crescendo, the moment for him is passed, and as if on queue, the singer starts in again.
When that song concludes, he clasps his hands and bows to the band and then turns to the crowd. "What and incredible group! Thank you so much for having me on. Wow! Whalesong, everybody! Don't forget to buy your band a drink after the show, they deserve it!" He turns to his dance partner, takes her hand, bows again, and kisses her hand. "You were absolutely fantastic up there, lovely," he says as he leads her off stage. "And here I am not even knowing your name."
"I..." squeaks the squat man, to Elthana "am the honourable Lord Quinn, and I wondered if you may be seeking audience with us" he beckons to a small blue tent covered in stars at the back of the circus, it is out of the firelight and seems deserted, a small sign out front of it can be barely made out to read 'Lord and Lady Quinn fortune and foresight'. The small Lord bows to Elthana before walking over to the tent and disappearing inside. Elthana senses no danger nearby, her perception of the situation still highly alert, although it does seem strange to her that there seem to be no patrons for this lonely part of the circus.
One of the Tabaxi trio makes a move to help Vin up, but backs off just before Nef interrupts to help instead "very well done there sir! the closest person this evening!". As Vin makes his way to the KnifeDance show he is welcomed to try his hand at the target. Vin throws first, his knife sailing through the air with speed, (22) hitting the inner circle with a strong thud, but not quite bulls eye. The crowd 'ahhhs' as the Kenku flips his knives up in the air he looks surprised at Vins first attempt but then quickly takes his own shot, (13) his knife falls low hitting the middle circle on the target and the crowd erupts into applause for Vin's shot and the Kenku's performance. "Knives returned, second shot" calls the Kenku. Vin is up for his second shot, Nef lets out a decidedly head strong bark in support, the crowd around this platform fall silent in anticipation, 'Thud' Bullseye! (26) even the Kenku now claps along as the crowd goes wild, Nef jumps up on her back legs in joy, which is an odd display to those who have met the usually reserved hound. The Kenku takes up his knife and throws wide. barely hitting the target (5) the crowd recoils a little with a collective sharp intake of breath and secondhand embarrassment.. "this boy has truly won his gold! but let us see if the skill holds out and the prowess of our final shots, knives returned" Vin already knowing he has won his gold throws his final knife, (15) not amazing but not bad the crowds eyes burn into the Kenku as he sweats a little.. his eyes narrow, his knife spins on his finger "watch this closely now" then in one sweeping motion he throws the knife with impeccable speed and aim, there is no thud, but more of a twang as the people look to see the Kenku's knife embedded in the knife just thrown by vin, (15), there is a moment of stunned silence before the crowd explodes! the Kenku smiles and hands Vin five gold, "very good show lad, very good! знайсці варажбітку"
"me?" the girl in front of Gewyn smiles and swoons a little, accepting the hand kiss coyly, "my name is Darla, and you ar-" before she can finish, the Half Orc singer picks Gewyn up, interrupting his attempt to exit the stage, and hoist him up onto her large green shoulders, her voice booms out "LETS HEAR IT FOR GEWYN THE MELODIC!" the crowd swells in excitement and a short chant starts mumbling its way through the crowd with a rhythmic clapping "gewyn, gewyn, gewyn!" the Half orc singer looks up to Gewyn and says in a non amplified voice, "did ya think ya could make an entrance like that and not be recognised, Eh? you're getting a drink when we're done lad!" she then tosses Gewyn into the crowd who gratefully catch him and surf him out and then back to the stage where Darla watches on through doe eyes.
Nef having scared off the tabaxi with their presence prevented Vin from saying thank you to them. He was a bit disappointed but Nef snorts and Vin smiles as they depart. The kenku and Vin faced off and the success of the knife throwing contest was a form of pure joy to the young man. The moment of the perfect bullseye definitely a highlight of the competition. The black kenku congratulates them and after leaning in to whisper something Vin looks surprised but not afraid. More curious then anything. They look to Nef and Nef seems calm as they pace up next to him. With her in Vin's shadow as always they pair make their way away from the knifedancer and back into the crowd. Vin received several pats on the back on their way out although Neferox's presence seemed to keep many at bay as they clapped.
Overall the failure of the first contest seems to be completely forgotten as they had such success int eh knife throwing competition. They wonder around a little bit seeming deep in thought and then seem to decide something and move on. As they begin to seek their next activity Vin hears a cheer for Gewyn and looks over at the tavern and smiles. Sounds like Gewyn is having a really fun time too. "We should check out what Gewyn is doing. First, lets check out the fortune teller. I remember them being mentioned before, I wonder what my future might be like? Sound good Nef?" The dog looks at Vin and of course has no objection as they both make their way to find this fortune teller. Vin even asks a couple fair goers where they are to get directions.
Elthana hears the cheers for Gewyn and figures her new companions are having a good time, so she shrugs and follows the man to the tent. Before completely heading in, she pulls back the flap to check it out herself, making sure there isn't an ambush or anything. Baring nothing that alarms her, she heads in and takes a better look around.
As Gewyn is carried off by the crowd, he winks at Darla. Surfing across his enthused fans, he laughs and shouts "To the bar!"
Once his feet touch ground, he approaches the bar once more and smiles to the man behind it. "Miss me?" he says, grinning. "Now, I don't know about you lot," he looks around at the party-goers who had carried him over, "But I've worked myself up a mighty thirst with all that dancing. What say we share drink, and stories, and then more drink!"
After a short amount of sniffing about Nef leads Vin to a darkened part of the circus, untouched by the light and heat radiating from the large bonfire in the center this lonely tent seems deserted apart from a squat elderly gentleman standing outside who smiles at Vin, as Nef and himself approach. Pointing down to a sign the well dressed squat man squeaks forth "this way for your fortune read my boy, you can bring your hound friend in with you, she is welcome.."
With a slam of coins on the bar, one particularly drunk man buys Gewyn and Darla a drink and tries to coax more singing out if Gewyn, Darla hangs joyfully off Gewyn's arm as he addresses the crowd and several other patrons start ordering rounds of drinks for others. The bar is somewhat swarmed with people following Gewyn.
At this point Sam and Ebb join the festivities and see the crowd of people around Gewyn, several others trying out challenges from the various stalls and performances, but no sign whatsoever of Vin, Med, or Elthana.
After a brief stop at the room to drop off his maul (it is a bit burdensome to just walk around town with) and make sure the door does indeed lock, Sam gathers Ebb and heads off towards the sounds and lights and noise. Sam isn't necessarily against such things but big crowds can be bothersome when all you want to do is get a drink, a meal and a sleep. Still, it was early enough yet and there was some distance between the room and the party so perhaps he'd be able to get a good sleep on later despite it all...
As festivals go, this is one, Sam thinks as they step full into the crowds and the din. There is indeed drink to be had, and food, and all at premium prices for the privilege of purchasing them out of doors after waiting in line with a throng of others. Still, crowds and din can be used to your advantage at times... Sam presses through the crowd idly watching out for the others as well as idly looking for a good mark or two - Those who look well off and "slumming it" out here with everyone else. Sam Hall won't target anyone who actually works for a living but if he sees any upturned nose types... And of course those running the stalls and charging outrageous prices? They're fair game too.
This all goes to say that Sam Hall targets two of three people who appear to have overly heavy coin purses and attempts to relieve them of their burdens. He is sly and clever about it, using the press of crowds to his advantage, the old bump and grab, and the fact that obviously nobody as big and clumsy as he is would ever do such a thing... He's not looking to get rich tonight, just the coin for his room back and maybe a few extra to drink his fill with.
Three Sleight of Hand rolls to try to take three coin purses (or other valuable trinkets which may present themselves. With advantage due to his Cloud Rune feature - While wearing or carrying an object inscribed with this rune, you have advantage on Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks and Charisma (Deception) checks. Rolled on sheet so shows in Discord... If I roll horribly I'll stop and wait and see the repercussions...
First Attempt: 21 & 11. Will are the 21
Second Attempt: 15 & 15. Will take the 15...
Last Attempt: 7 & 7... Ooops! Guess I'll take the 7!
Sam feels pretty confident he pulled off his first take, not even Ebb is likely suspicious about what happens as Sam just keeps the light chatter up with him about their journey so far and if they've spotted any of the others yet. Sam is a little less confident in his second lift but is pretty sure he still got away with it. Sam is a bit greedy tonight, however, and presses his luck for a third steal... The crowd isn't quite as thick as he'd like it but the individual he targeted looked like little Sir Snooty himself, flaunting his wealth and sneering at everyone while he does. Sam should just let him be but demmit all, at the last minute Sam stumbles into the man and attempts to gently cut the strings of the other mans purse without him noticing. Unfortunately Sam can tell that that his slice missed and his tug on the mans coin purse was obviously obvious.
"Hey, watch it!" Sam shouts as he turns his bump and grab into a full on stumble and falls right on to of his mark, dragging them both to the ground.
"You fool!" Sam shouts, acting enraged as he tries to stand and seemingly lunging at Ebb. "What's with the shoving? I'll be shoving your face in for that!"
Trying to cover the missed steal with a bit of Deception, also advantage due to Cloud Rune... 8 and a 12... Not sure 12 will cut it so here I pause awaiting DM's judgement. :)
"Hoho, you are too generous, my good man,"Gewyn says to his impromptu sponsor, making no move to reject the offer. Rather, he accepts the mug with the confidence of a man who was never planning to pay for his own drinks to begin with. "Well if the man wishes a song, then a song he shall get!"
He clinks mugs with Darla takes a big swig, draining his cup in one go. "Ahhh," he wipes a bit of foam from his lip. "You know, actually, there's a new piece that I am working on for someone dear to me. This'll be my first time singing any of it in front of people, so let me know what you think."
He begins improvising a song on the spot about a Hokum farmer who revels each day in the beauty of the sun and wants to bring some of that beauty into the world. He doesn't know how to do it, but he works hard day in and day out to scrape together as much spare money as he can. Sometimes when he passes through town, he spies a young orphan boy in tattered rags on the side of the street, singing a song for loose change. And to the farmer, that boy's song reminds him of the rising sun. A promise of what could be. So he rounds up his savings, and when he gets to Marblestead, he buys a set of pipes. When he returns to his hometown, he asks around after the boy. For three days he looks before finally finding him, back on the same street where he first saw the boy. The farmer hands the his coinpurse and the pipes and sends him off to Marblestead to make a life for himself grow his talents.
The song ends with the farmer back in Hokum, looking to the west, and toward Marblestead, every evening, watching the sun set as he reflects in his melancholy on how the sun always seems at its most beautiful when it is leaving to shine for others far away.
Performance: 23
The song concludes with a sweet but somber tune from Gewyn's birdpipes. After the last lingering note, Gewyn wipes a small tear from his eye, pats Darla's hand and says to the small crowd gathered around "That farmer is having a birthday coming up soon, and so I wanted to travel out to Hokum to surprise him. And to thank him. It's been many years though. Any of you been out that way recently? Pray tell, what news have you of Hokum?" He makes a show of tipping his mug to his lips but finding it empty and licking the last drop from the rim. "And I'll tell you what, for another drink, I'll bring the spirits back up,"He laughs, jokingly to ease the dramatic tension. It is a party after all.
He hears a commotion a ways off, and what sounds like Sam's voice, and decides to the corner of his eye on the situation over there, but he has a good thing going and hopes not to have to cut it short before he gets answers.
The edge of the carnival seems a bit oddly deserted to Vin but the every adventurous teen isn't a stranger to areas like this. He does shift a bit in how he moves and gets to the tent. Nothing overt just a sudden tenseness as he's a bit more alert and unconsciously walks a bit closer to Nef. It not until the elderly gentleman greets Vin that he relaxes a bit. "Oh, okay. Thank you. Shed be very nervous if i left her alone." Nef angles their head towards Vin as he smiles and pats her head. Then Vin let's the old man lead him in for a fortune telling Nef following right behind.
Through the crowds Sam finds his pickings of pompous money grabbers quite slim, finding only three that fit his desired mark. The crowds are more sparse than if this circus had been in a city like Marblestead but with a deft hand and some skill the first two coin purses come loose and the marks seem oblivious. The third attempt goes terribly wrong, Sams knife misses the strings of the coin purse and slices cleanly through the persons cloak, the ensuing collapse causes the band to stop playing and the attempted deception causes more of a scene than Sam would have liked. The mark gets up, dusts themselves off and pulls their now tattered and cut cloak out from under them looking shocked and disgusted at Sam. "you'll be paying for that, you oaf! who the hell do you think you are? rushing people, knife in hand!" The few and sparse Marbled Legion guard that have been watching the circus with disinterest from around the perimeter of the circus start paying a little more attention to the scene, and Sam catches the eye of Walker who seems to be coming out of the crowd toward Sam and Ebb.
The adoring fans hanging around Gewyn make sure his cup is not empty for more than a moment as they listen intently to his song and his stories. Not even the scene Sam causes is enough to distract the Gewyn Groupies.
As the short man shows Vin to the tent, Elthana exits it and nearly falls over the man. Once out of the way, Vin is free to walk in.
Vin helps either the old man or Elthana if either of them fell in the near collision otherwise all he does is say, "Hi Elthana! I'm going to have my fortune read too. Kind of spooky here isn't it? How was it? Did they tell you the future? Oh! Wait, its my turn. Tell me later okay!" A large red eyed dog watches her as Vin asks these questions. Both Vin and Nef walk into the small tent to have their fortune told. Vin seeming a little excited but also nervous or what they will hear.
“My apologies, good sir!” Sam insists, having stowed his dagger and showing empty hands. “Totally my fault, I must admit… my friend here and I were having a bit of a row, nothing serious mind you. I’m am so very sorry we caused you any trouble…”
While laying on the apologies, Sam helps the fellow up if they’re amenable to such, otherwise he takes a step back and makes himself look as non-threatening such a large half-Orc can.
“I told you to stop it,” Sam sneers at Ebb quickly, but then quickly goes back to apologizing to the missed mark. “Looks like our spat tore your cloak… here now, let me pay for that! It’s the least I can do,” Sam continues, digging through his own almost empty coin purse, keeping the others well out of view. “How much would that be to cover it?”
Elthana deftly steps aside once she realizes the man is right in her path and smiles at Vin, "Yes, your turn. She's an interesting one."and she walks on to see what the rest of her team are up to.
She sees the crowd gathered around Gewyn and wonders, is this how it always is with that one? This will probably make things more difficult, unless of course we need a distraction...
She continues on and finds Sam and Ebb being watched by the nearby guards and heads over. "Everything ok here? Shall we have a round of drinks? Looks like the party is over at the bar at the moment."she puts on a small smile and nods towards Gewyn and company.
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Having run ahead Vin and Nef make their way into the scene of a circus out in the open air performing for all of the town. Stages setup for various performers and Vin couldn't seem more excited. They begin by watching the magical performance of the kobalds. Bold and Kold displaying their magical aptitude. They watch them complete a set of their performance clapping vigorously when they complete their act. Nef seems extremely bored but stays with Vin regardless as the hound's eyes wonder around just keeping an eye out for things happening. The dog seems to pull Vin away after the act as Vin says "I thought they were very good."
Vin watches one challenger take on the strongman goliath but doesn't seem as interested in this particular activity. They do look to Nef and say "Who do you think would win? The goliath or Sam?" Nef kind of snorts and Vin laughs. They pick up some circus snacks of something sweet and yummy. Ideally getting something they've never tried before. After that they watch the Tribaxi performing their acrobatics and Vin seems a bit mesmerized. "Wow, they are so graceful and beautiful." Nef looks up at the acrobats as well and then at Vin. Vin blushes and stammers "Uh...Uh... umm.... I guess I'll try it." The young man steps up to wait their chance to try to acrobatic challenge. By no means an expert with acrobatics Vin never the less watches as several other folks all try and fail. They fall and often cheers and laugher follow the attempts.
Eventually it becomes Vin's turn as he lines up then tries his best to reach the fourth pole.
Acrobatics: 17
Gewyn looks through the crowd for a few moments more before saying "Ahh, there we go." He hangs his bird pipes around his neck so they are clearly visible, leans forward and immediately disappears in the crowd, only to reemerge a minute later in front of the band leading a smiling, giggling woman by the hand (Persuasion: 14). There, the two of them begin to dance, bouncing up and down as they hop and spin to the rhythm, encouraging others around them to join in.
Gewyn starts to sing along to the music, as it's a song he knows. Not loud enough to overpower the half-orc's singing, but just loud enough to be noticed, with his bird pipes bouncing against his chest. It's almost as if he is performing just for the band.
(Enthralling performance)
Elthana enters the circus atmosphere and is accosted by the overload to her senses. All the sights, sounds, smells were all just too much for the shadow elf as she followed her companions into the circus. As she notices the bored dog, she gives a half smile, smart dog she thinks. She pauses her perusal of the carnival as Vin steps right up to one of the challenges. She waits to see what the outcome will be.. a bit intrigued by the forwardness of the boy, jumping into the challenge in a new town with strangers.
She then hears.. is that Gewyn?? she turns and sees the man singing and dancing like he belongs here. Her mouth about drops open as she watches him perform. Well, apparently this is his element. She sticks to the shadows as she continues to watch things unfold, keeping an eye on her team as well as those around.
Perception 26
Vin deftly and effortlessly makes the first two poles, the crowd 'oohs' as he steps forward attempting the third, with a leap and the shifting of his center of gravity, Vin manages to throw his leg up onto the third and manoeuvre himself to a balanced one legged stance in the ever increasingly elevated series of poles.
He looks to the last pole, which is just to say shorter than he is in the elevation between the one he is standing on and the next, he leans back, then throws himself forward catching the forth pole with his hand and heaving himself up to his foot, but one slight imbalance in the switching of limbs sends him kareening down on to the soft dirt and grass underneath, Nef barks loudly in a warning response to his fall.
Gewyn catches the attention of the crowd and before he knows it the dancers in front of the band's stage have started dancing circles around him and his new found companion. The Half Orc singer leans a thick arm over the stage and down toward Gewyn and his woman, heaving them both up onto the stage with the band. The crowd of dancers jeer and laugh along as the song progresses.
Elthana in her observation of the scene sees the crowds of people around each stall, the heat from the bonfire and the dancing throwing the smells of sweat through the air, between the tents she spots a lonely old man, short and squat in a tophat and black blazer wearing some beige dress pants. He stands alone in the darkness apparently waiting for something and as Elthana looks over his eyes meet hers and he smiles, raising his hand he beckons her over.
When Elthana's eyes meet the lonely old man's who is located between the tents, dressed in quite an odd fashion, she pauses. She raises her eyebrow as he beckons her over, but with a quick hesitation, she grabs her pole and heads in that direction, checking where Vin, Nef and Gewyn are on her way. As she gets near, she stops about ten feet away from the man, but out of the way of the crowds. Elthana looks at him pointedly and remarks, "Who might you be? And why are you seeking an audience with me?"
Vin was feeling really confident after the first two. The increasing height between them seem by him as a fun challenge. He would look at the tabaxi leaping gracefully above him. Their skill far better then his own. He watches them a moment admiring them and then focuses on the third pole. It's so small he can only fit one leg on it making the next jump so difficult. He manages to find a good balance on his one leg and tries to focus on the next pole. It's so much higher then the other ones. Vin was feeling good about the leap but landing it proved far more difficult then he though. He can't balance. He feels his equilibrium completely fail as it tries to overcompensate and the next thing he knows is he's falling back, over and down. Thankfully the ground is soft and malleable so when Vin hits it they just feel a sudden thud followed by a dull ache and a lot of embarrassment.
Nef was next to him in a flash of speed and as he sits up from the pain Nef nuzzles his side and helps to brace him to get him up. Vin still embarrassed waves to the on lookers one hand waving the other on Nef both for balance and comfort for her. There was quite a crowd but the people were already looking to the next contender a few consolatory greetings towards him. "Haha, yeah. Thank you. Ummm... yeah. Yeah. Thanks." He extricates himself from the people congratulating him for making it so close and they go to watching others try.
As Vin walks away he looks at Nef and smiles patting her head. The pair then make their way around the activities trying to take in the sights and before long Vin seems to have put their embarassment behind them. They also eventually make their way to the edge of the carnival and find the Kenku with a target and performing some kind of bladed act. Nef looks at Vin and the young man looks back with a smile and says "Okay, okay. I'll try this one too but last time. I already embarrassed myself enough in front of those Tabaxi." Vin walks up to the Kenku and asks to try their luck. Unexpectedly Vin finds out he's versing agains the skilled swordsman. Vin asks for just some simple daggers having experience with those. He is provided a set of three and Vin lines up at the throwing range and tries to match skills with the Kenku.
Vin looks at the target and with the three daggers provided to him throws one at a time hoping for some good throws versus the Kenku's.
Dagger Attack at the target - 25
Dagger Attack at the target - 24
Dagger Attack at the target - 17
Now up on the stage with the band, Gewyn feigns embarrassment and waves his hands in front of him, while he smiles politely while he says, "Oh no- please, this is your sho- I couldn't- oh well if you insist." He begins dancing across the stage with his partner, tapping heels with her in an energetic jig while he unloops his pipes from around his neck. He looks to the firbolg and nods his head in time with the drums for a few beats before he starts playing an accompaniment.
Performance: 20
The notes start off simple, following the melody of the guitar and violin, not upstaging the rest of the band, but as the crowd picks up energy, he begins adding embellishments: trills, mordents, licks, etc. He sometimes lowers the pipes and sings high harmony to the half-orc, or spins and dips his dance partner, always working to compliment and enhance the other instruments, but drawing more and more of the spotlight towards himself with each chorus.
(Gewyn is tossing each band member and his dance partner some bardic inspiration)
He works through a couple of familiar songs with them like this, but when he feels the crowd's interest and fervor beginning to peak, he steps forward, pipes to lips, and begins to play an intense solo. He loses himself in the music, feeling the harmonic and melodic threads mixing with the energy of the crowd, weaving a beautiful tapestry in his mind, settling over the scene and creating a moment free of thought. Free of anxiety. A moment of pure sensation. And for just that one golden moment, Gewyn feels... well... he's not sure what he'd call it.
Then his solo reaches its crescendo, the moment for him is passed, and as if on queue, the singer starts in again.
When that song concludes, he clasps his hands and bows to the band and then turns to the crowd. "What and incredible group! Thank you so much for having me on. Wow! Whalesong, everybody! Don't forget to buy your band a drink after the show, they deserve it!" He turns to his dance partner, takes her hand, bows again, and kisses her hand. "You were absolutely fantastic up there, lovely," he says as he leads her off stage. "And here I am not even knowing your name."
"I..." squeaks the squat man, to Elthana "am the honourable Lord Quinn, and I wondered if you may be seeking audience with us" he beckons to a small blue tent covered in stars at the back of the circus, it is out of the firelight and seems deserted, a small sign out front of it can be barely made out to read 'Lord and Lady Quinn fortune and foresight'. The small Lord bows to Elthana before walking over to the tent and disappearing inside. Elthana senses no danger nearby, her perception of the situation still highly alert, although it does seem strange to her that there seem to be no patrons for this lonely part of the circus.
One of the Tabaxi trio makes a move to help Vin up, but backs off just before Nef interrupts to help instead "very well done there sir! the closest person this evening!".
As Vin makes his way to the KnifeDance show he is welcomed to try his hand at the target.
Vin throws first, his knife sailing through the air with speed, (22) hitting the inner circle with a strong thud, but not quite bulls eye. The crowd 'ahhhs' as the Kenku flips his knives up in the air he looks surprised at Vins first attempt but then quickly takes his own shot, (13) his knife falls low hitting the middle circle on the target and the crowd erupts into applause for Vin's shot and the Kenku's performance. "Knives returned, second shot" calls the Kenku.
Vin is up for his second shot, Nef lets out a decidedly head strong bark in support, the crowd around this platform fall silent in anticipation, 'Thud' Bullseye! (26) even the Kenku now claps along as the crowd goes wild, Nef jumps up on her back legs in joy, which is an odd display to those who have met the usually reserved hound.
The Kenku takes up his knife and throws wide. barely hitting the target (5) the crowd recoils a little with a collective sharp intake of breath and secondhand embarrassment.. "this boy has truly won his gold! but let us see if the skill holds out and the prowess of our final shots, knives returned"
Vin already knowing he has won his gold throws his final knife, (15) not amazing but not bad the crowds eyes burn into the Kenku as he sweats a little.. his eyes narrow, his knife spins on his finger "watch this closely now" then in one sweeping motion he throws the knife with impeccable speed and aim, there is no thud, but more of a twang as the people look to see the Kenku's knife embedded in the knife just thrown by vin, (15), there is a moment of stunned silence before the crowd explodes! the Kenku smiles and hands Vin five gold, "very good show lad, very good! знайсці варажбітку"
"me?" the girl in front of Gewyn smiles and swoons a little, accepting the hand kiss coyly, "my name is Darla, and you ar-" before she can finish, the Half Orc singer picks Gewyn up, interrupting his attempt to exit the stage, and hoist him up onto her large green shoulders, her voice booms out "LETS HEAR IT FOR GEWYN THE MELODIC!" the crowd swells in excitement and a short chant starts mumbling its way through the crowd with a rhythmic clapping "gewyn, gewyn, gewyn!" the Half orc singer looks up to Gewyn and says in a non amplified voice, "did ya think ya could make an entrance like that and not be recognised, Eh? you're getting a drink when we're done lad!" she then tosses Gewyn into the crowd who gratefully catch him and surf him out and then back to the stage where Darla watches on through doe eyes.
Nef having scared off the tabaxi with their presence prevented Vin from saying thank you to them. He was a bit disappointed but Nef snorts and Vin smiles as they depart. The kenku and Vin faced off and the success of the knife throwing contest was a form of pure joy to the young man. The moment of the perfect bullseye definitely a highlight of the competition. The black kenku congratulates them and after leaning in to whisper something Vin looks surprised but not afraid. More curious then anything. They look to Nef and Nef seems calm as they pace up next to him. With her in Vin's shadow as always they pair make their way away from the knifedancer and back into the crowd. Vin received several pats on the back on their way out although Neferox's presence seemed to keep many at bay as they clapped.
Overall the failure of the first contest seems to be completely forgotten as they had such success int eh knife throwing competition. They wonder around a little bit seeming deep in thought and then seem to decide something and move on. As they begin to seek their next activity Vin hears a cheer for Gewyn and looks over at the tavern and smiles. Sounds like Gewyn is having a really fun time too. "We should check out what Gewyn is doing. First, lets check out the fortune teller. I remember them being mentioned before, I wonder what my future might be like? Sound good Nef?" The dog looks at Vin and of course has no objection as they both make their way to find this fortune teller. Vin even asks a couple fair goers where they are to get directions.
Elthana hears the cheers for Gewyn and figures her new companions are having a good time, so she shrugs and follows the man to the tent. Before completely heading in, she pulls back the flap to check it out herself, making sure there isn't an ambush or anything. Baring nothing that alarms her, she heads in and takes a better look around.
As Gewyn is carried off by the crowd, he winks at Darla. Surfing across his enthused fans, he laughs and shouts "To the bar!"
Once his feet touch ground, he approaches the bar once more and smiles to the man behind it. "Miss me?" he says, grinning. "Now, I don't know about you lot," he looks around at the party-goers who had carried him over, "But I've worked myself up a mighty thirst with all that dancing. What say we share drink, and stories, and then more drink!"
After a short amount of sniffing about Nef leads Vin to a darkened part of the circus, untouched by the light and heat radiating from the large bonfire in the center this lonely tent seems deserted apart from a squat elderly gentleman standing outside who smiles at Vin, as Nef and himself approach. Pointing down to a sign the well dressed squat man squeaks forth "this way for your fortune read my boy, you can bring your hound friend in with you, she is welcome.."
With a slam of coins on the bar, one particularly drunk man buys Gewyn and Darla a drink and tries to coax more singing out if Gewyn, Darla hangs joyfully off Gewyn's arm as he addresses the crowd and several other patrons start ordering rounds of drinks for others. The bar is somewhat swarmed with people following Gewyn.
At this point Sam and Ebb join the festivities and see the crowd of people around Gewyn, several others trying out challenges from the various stalls and performances, but no sign whatsoever of Vin, Med, or Elthana.
After a brief stop at the room to drop off his maul (it is a bit burdensome to just walk around town with) and make sure the door does indeed lock, Sam gathers Ebb and heads off towards the sounds and lights and noise. Sam isn't necessarily against such things but big crowds can be bothersome when all you want to do is get a drink, a meal and a sleep. Still, it was early enough yet and there was some distance between the room and the party so perhaps he'd be able to get a good sleep on later despite it all...
As festivals go, this is one, Sam thinks as they step full into the crowds and the din. There is indeed drink to be had, and food, and all at premium prices for the privilege of purchasing them out of doors after waiting in line with a throng of others. Still, crowds and din can be used to your advantage at times... Sam presses through the crowd idly watching out for the others as well as idly looking for a good mark or two - Those who look well off and "slumming it" out here with everyone else. Sam Hall won't target anyone who actually works for a living but if he sees any upturned nose types... And of course those running the stalls and charging outrageous prices? They're fair game too.
This all goes to say that Sam Hall targets two of three people who appear to have overly heavy coin purses and attempts to relieve them of their burdens. He is sly and clever about it, using the press of crowds to his advantage, the old bump and grab, and the fact that obviously nobody as big and clumsy as he is would ever do such a thing... He's not looking to get rich tonight, just the coin for his room back and maybe a few extra to drink his fill with.
Three Sleight of Hand rolls to try to take three coin purses (or other valuable trinkets which may present themselves. With advantage due to his Cloud Rune feature - While wearing or carrying an object inscribed with this rune, you have advantage on Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks and Charisma (Deception) checks. Rolled on sheet so shows in Discord... If I roll horribly I'll stop and wait and see the repercussions...
First Attempt: 21 & 11. Will are the 21
Second Attempt: 15 & 15. Will take the 15...
Last Attempt: 7 & 7... Ooops! Guess I'll take the 7!
Sam feels pretty confident he pulled off his first take, not even Ebb is likely suspicious about what happens as Sam just keeps the light chatter up with him about their journey so far and if they've spotted any of the others yet. Sam is a little less confident in his second lift but is pretty sure he still got away with it. Sam is a bit greedy tonight, however, and presses his luck for a third steal... The crowd isn't quite as thick as he'd like it but the individual he targeted looked like little Sir Snooty himself, flaunting his wealth and sneering at everyone while he does. Sam should just let him be but demmit all, at the last minute Sam stumbles into the man and attempts to gently cut the strings of the other mans purse without him noticing. Unfortunately Sam can tell that that his slice missed and his tug on the mans coin purse was obviously obvious.
"Hey, watch it!" Sam shouts as he turns his bump and grab into a full on stumble and falls right on to of his mark, dragging them both to the ground.
"You fool!" Sam shouts, acting enraged as he tries to stand and seemingly lunging at Ebb. "What's with the shoving? I'll be shoving your face in for that!"
Trying to cover the missed steal with a bit of Deception, also advantage due to Cloud Rune... 8 and a 12... Not sure 12 will cut it so here I pause awaiting DM's judgement. :)
"Hoho, you are too generous, my good man," Gewyn says to his impromptu sponsor, making no move to reject the offer. Rather, he accepts the mug with the confidence of a man who was never planning to pay for his own drinks to begin with. "Well if the man wishes a song, then a song he shall get!"
He clinks mugs with Darla takes a big swig, draining his cup in one go. "Ahhh," he wipes a bit of foam from his lip. "You know, actually, there's a new piece that I am working on for someone dear to me. This'll be my first time singing any of it in front of people, so let me know what you think."
He begins improvising a song on the spot about a Hokum farmer who revels each day in the beauty of the sun and wants to bring some of that beauty into the world. He doesn't know how to do it, but he works hard day in and day out to scrape together as much spare money as he can. Sometimes when he passes through town, he spies a young orphan boy in tattered rags on the side of the street, singing a song for loose change. And to the farmer, that boy's song reminds him of the rising sun. A promise of what could be. So he rounds up his savings, and when he gets to Marblestead, he buys a set of pipes. When he returns to his hometown, he asks around after the boy. For three days he looks before finally finding him, back on the same street where he first saw the boy. The farmer hands the his coinpurse and the pipes and sends him off to Marblestead to make a life for himself grow his talents.
The song ends with the farmer back in Hokum, looking to the west, and toward Marblestead, every evening, watching the sun set as he reflects in his melancholy on how the sun always seems at its most beautiful when it is leaving to shine for others far away.
Performance: 23
The song concludes with a sweet but somber tune from Gewyn's birdpipes. After the last lingering note, Gewyn wipes a small tear from his eye, pats Darla's hand and says to the small crowd gathered around "That farmer is having a birthday coming up soon, and so I wanted to travel out to Hokum to surprise him. And to thank him. It's been many years though. Any of you been out that way recently? Pray tell, what news have you of Hokum?" He makes a show of tipping his mug to his lips but finding it empty and licking the last drop from the rim. "And I'll tell you what, for another drink, I'll bring the spirits back up," He laughs, jokingly to ease the dramatic tension. It is a party after all.
He hears a commotion a ways off, and what sounds like Sam's voice, and decides to the corner of his eye on the situation over there, but he has a good thing going and hopes not to have to cut it short before he gets answers.
The edge of the carnival seems a bit oddly deserted to Vin but the every adventurous teen isn't a stranger to areas like this. He does shift a bit in how he moves and gets to the tent. Nothing overt just a sudden tenseness as he's a bit more alert and unconsciously walks a bit closer to Nef. It not until the elderly gentleman greets Vin that he relaxes a bit. "Oh, okay. Thank you. Shed be very nervous if i left her alone." Nef angles their head towards Vin as he smiles and pats her head. Then Vin let's the old man lead him in for a fortune telling Nef following right behind.
Through the crowds Sam finds his pickings of pompous money grabbers quite slim, finding only three that fit his desired mark. The crowds are more sparse than if this circus had been in a city like Marblestead but with a deft hand and some skill the first two coin purses come loose and the marks seem oblivious.
The third attempt goes terribly wrong, Sams knife misses the strings of the coin purse and slices cleanly through the persons cloak, the ensuing collapse causes the band to stop playing and the attempted deception causes more of a scene than Sam would have liked.
The mark gets up, dusts themselves off and pulls their now tattered and cut cloak out from under them looking shocked and disgusted at Sam. "you'll be paying for that, you oaf! who the hell do you think you are? rushing people, knife in hand!" The few and sparse Marbled Legion guard that have been watching the circus with disinterest from around the perimeter of the circus start paying a little more attention to the scene, and Sam catches the eye of Walker who seems to be coming out of the crowd toward Sam and Ebb.
The adoring fans hanging around Gewyn make sure his cup is not empty for more than a moment as they listen intently to his song and his stories.
Not even the scene Sam causes is enough to distract the Gewyn Groupies.
As the short man shows Vin to the tent, Elthana exits it and nearly falls over the man. Once out of the way, Vin is free to walk in.
Vin helps either the old man or Elthana if either of them fell in the near collision otherwise all he does is say, "Hi Elthana! I'm going to have my fortune read too. Kind of spooky here isn't it? How was it? Did they tell you the future? Oh! Wait, its my turn. Tell me later okay!" A large red eyed dog watches her as Vin asks these questions. Both Vin and Nef walk into the small tent to have their fortune told. Vin seeming a little excited but also nervous or what they will hear.
“My apologies, good sir!” Sam insists, having stowed his dagger and showing empty hands. “Totally my fault, I must admit… my friend here and I were having a bit of a row, nothing serious mind you. I’m am so very sorry we caused you any trouble…”
While laying on the apologies, Sam helps the fellow up if they’re amenable to such, otherwise he takes a step back and makes himself look as non-threatening such a large half-Orc can.
“I told you to stop it,” Sam sneers at Ebb quickly, but then quickly goes back to apologizing to the missed mark.
“Looks like our spat tore your cloak… here now, let me pay for that! It’s the least I can do,” Sam continues, digging through his own almost empty coin purse, keeping the others well out of view. “How much would that be to cover it?”
Elthana deftly steps aside once she realizes the man is right in her path and smiles at Vin, "Yes, your turn. She's an interesting one." and she walks on to see what the rest of her team are up to.
She sees the crowd gathered around Gewyn and wonders, is this how it always is with that one? This will probably make things more difficult, unless of course we need a distraction...
She continues on and finds Sam and Ebb being watched by the nearby guards and heads over. "Everything ok here? Shall we have a round of drinks? Looks like the party is over at the bar at the moment." she puts on a small smile and nods towards Gewyn and company.