Burly the bugbear appears surprised to see Flynnapproaching, but he responds with enthusiasm to the bard's interjection. In his deep goblinoid voice he replies: Why yes! The rhythm of your tune nicely complements the iambic meter of the poem. daDUM daDUM daDUM da! The jack-o-lantern helmet starts to bob up and down jauntily as goblin poetry is recited to the theme song provided.
ka nako e 'ngoe o ho ne ho e-na le e-na mofumahali oa boselamose ng ea neng a e-na a pitsa e kholo
-------------------------------
Zeg's feathers ruffle and snag against the hedge as he slips inside, but the bugbear seems too pre-occupied now to notice. Staying close to the circle of wagons, the owlin observes Navi flying quietly upward to play with some bubbles that seem to be originating from within the wagon circle. Peering cautiously around, Zeg sees an overweight clown slouching outside the largest wagon in the circle - the bubbles are coming from a pipe that the clown appears to be 'smoking'. Presumable the large wagon belongs to the Carnival owners, and the clown is another guard. Stealthily gliding closer, Zeg manages to come up behind the wagon, on the opposite side to the clown, and overhear the conversation happening within...
A high-pitched, shrill voice: ...at least the Vane indicates the mood is still high. But that will change if they take any more today! That's two already, and it's not even half-time! A low and gravelly voice:You need to find a way to calm down. It's not as if the Coven have a quota. High voice:I’ll calm down when that kenku pest is gone. Low voice:She knows nothing. She’ll get frustrated soon enough and be on her way. High voice:I hope you’re right. Low voice: Trust me.
From there, the conversation shifts to the current mood of the carnival and ideas for new carnival acts or attractions Low voice:The catoblepas didn’t work out, but maybe we can buy a giraffe and paint it blue. High voice: Or we could teach Northwind how to play the fiddle.
-------------------------------
Navi touches one bubble after another, delighted at the strange and unique pop! sound each of them make as they turn into colorful sparkles. Gradually she floats lower and lower as she pops one after another, until she is hovering quietly about ten feet above the relaxed and unsuspecting clown...
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
He see that the others are trying to get more information stealthily, Faelan tries to distract Burly even further. He listens to the Bugbear singing, and tries to dance to the tune. "Heya, nice song you got there buddy!!"
Performance: 10
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Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
(Faelan purposefully makes a fool of himself. It’s all part of the plan, obviously.)
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Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Stifling soft giggles and snickers of glee, Navi follows the trail of bubbles and hovers around their source, enjoying the delight they gave her for much longer than probably deemed necessary. But they made her so happy! Eventually it would pop into her head that she might not supposed to be here. Whoopsies!
The little fairy looks to her left, then her right. Behind her, then ahead of her. She glances up for good measure, and then back down to the clown. Now what. She blinks.
(Does she see/know what Zeg's trying to do? Can she see whether the clown is reacting to anything? Whether that be her friends with the bugbear, Zeg by the trailer, her, or anything else?)
[Sorry about the delay. Feeling free on Friday evening now.]
Thaco the clown slouches below Navi, oblivious to her bubble-popping presence above him. Although he occasionally glances around as if startled by something, he never thinks to look up to discover the source of the soft fairy giggles. All manner of sounds from the Carnival float by like bubbles, but the only ones that Thaco seems to respond to are the delighted voices of laughing or screaming children... at which the clown growls in frustration and annoyance as if to a buzzing insect. Navi meanwhile can see the entire ring of wagons, the movement of her companions further yonder as they distract the bugbear, and also the soft feathery movements of Zeg as he rounds the corners of the wagon...
----------------------------------------
Zeg discovers that the wagon has two openings: the main door at the rear of the wagon, and a side 'window' that is merely a square opening in the caravan with a wooden cover that can lift up to serve as an awning. Both are presently closed, but there is enough of a gap to peek through either of them, and Zeg can see two figures within. A stocky elf in a dapper suit lounges on one bunk, and holds what seems to be a pocket watch, which he plays with absently, opening and closing the cover with one thumb. The second figure is a much skinnier elf, dressed in a jester's outfit, with gawdy makeup. He grips a long, ornate rod or wand of some kind, at the end of which is a kind of butterfly design, which spins clockwise at a medium rate. Any further details within the wagon are difficult to discern, although Zeg could see more if he attempted to ease open the door or window a little more to get a less obstructed view of the interior. (Zeg can make a Sleight of Hand check to open the door or window for a better view. There is a similar amount of light both inside and outside the wagon, so it might go unnoticed.)
As Zeg investigates, another snippet of conversation catches his attention. Witch and Light turn to discussing Burly the bugbear, and how his demeanor toward them has soured lately. He puts on an appearance of servility, but seems disgruntled at the carnival bosses' inaction on something, or reluctance to discuss something (although what this might be is not mentioned).
-------------------------------------------
Faelan and Flynn continue to accost Burly the bugbear with their strange antics. At first he seems surprised and perhaps a little amused at the song and dance routine, but he quickly tires of it and seems intent on returning to his patrol. So, uh, mister musician... have you attempted to ply your craft at the Feasting Orchard? And Cotton-nose.... Don't you, uh... have somewhere else to be?
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Flynn looks at the bug bear. "No honestly I have not." Looking a bit sheepish " to be honest I was hoping to meet the owners and sort of apply for a job"
"Well, ya see buddy. I am just taking this new fella here around the Carnival. He insists in meeting Mista Witch and Mista Light. Ah told him they're busy and all..." Faelan is actually surprised at how well Flynn delivered his line.
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Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Zeg decides to press his luck and get closer. However he doesn't wish to do it in the form he is in now. A moment later his body shrinks and transforms into the shape of a spider.
((Wild shape))
Now that he is much smaller, he climbs into the opening of the window to get a better look and to hear better.
Navi’s head tilts in curiosity as she witnesses Zeg change from an owl into a spider. Entranced, she watches (I’m imagining him with teeny tiny little fairy wings). The little fairy, content popping bubbles, considered she could try her best to be a look out for her friend as he spideyed about. Of course she couldn’t promise that she’d eventually get distracted, but it was worth a shot!
The eyes of the bugbear, half-hidden behind the pumpkin helmet, widen at Flynn's 'burning confession' of seeking employ at the Carnival. Well, that's wonderful! chimes Burly. Mr Light always says, "The candidate that's best to hire / is them that shows the most desire." If you really want to join the Carnival hard enough, then it must be destined to be... that's how it was for my brother and me... Burly trails off a bit at the mention of his sibling, and looks a little downcast, but promptly snaps his attention back to Flynn. Reaching out one large furry hand and placing it firmly on Flynn's shoulder, Burly ushers Flynn toward the circle of wagons, with Faelan left to tag along. Come along (as if Flynn could resist the bugbear's guidance) I'll take you to them.
Crawling through the gap in the window, spider-Zeg scurries onto and then under a cushioned thin wooden bench, from where he spies the interior in much greater detail. The bunk that the portly Mr Witch lounges against is neatly-made and the blankets are unadorned. A very well-cared-for but clearly old suitcase sits squarely beside the bunk, on which faded letters spell the name Naeryx Krumple. The opposite bunk is gaudily spread and messy, with various costumes strewn over it. A worn and patched suitcase lays open, with clothes hanging out of it, but the name-tag is still visible: Urmius Umbrage. Amongst the mundane items on the central table, there is a large and brightly decorated hat-box sitting prominently in the table's centre. The bench onto which Zeg clings also includes a curious detail: From this close spider-proximity, Zeg sees that there is a small panel of wood about four inches wide and two inches long that doesn't quite sit snugly amongst the others, and has the name "Isolde" scratching into it.
A closer look at the two Carnival owners also reveals to Zeg something new: They are elves, but not the fey-kin known as eladrin, as would be expected from a Carnival originating from the Feywild. Rather they are of the elven race native to the Shadowfell, known as shadar-kai. Their conversation continues, less-muffled than before, but equally difficult to put in context. They are discussing whether three individuals have been seen at tonight's Carnival: One named 'Gleam', one named 'Sowpig', and one simply referred to as 'The Lornling'. The potential presence of these individuals seems to cause Witch and Light some consternation, but the discussion strangely doesn't include anything about why, or what they are going to do about it...
As Zeg disappears from Navi's view, the fairy returns to the entertainment of the bubbles. However the foamy flow abruptly ceases, and when Navi looks down she sees that the clown has stopped blowing on the pipe and has stood up. Following the direction of the clown's gaze, Navi sees that the bugbear from earlier is making his way through the gap in the wagons on the far side of the circle, guiding Flynn in front by a firm grip on the shoulder, and with Faelan trailing behind. The bugbear's head is covered still with the pumpkin helmet, but even this slight obstruction won't prevent the bugbear from seeing the fairy floating above the clown's head if he gets much closer...
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Flynn looks back at Faelan wide eyed. "I can't believe that worked" he mouths silently" then he turns his attention to where the bugbear is leading him
"Don'tchya worry Flynn, the mistas are actually very reasonable... Ah think." Faelan turns to Burly as they follow the Bugbear. "Hey ya Burly buddy. On your travels today, did ya see some strange characters visiting the Carnival? Like, say, a little girl with a pig face? Or maybe an unsavory looking Kenku? Or just anything weird, ya know?"
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Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Navi barely has the chance to be disappointed by the disappearance of bubbles before she's hit with a sense of urgency. Time for hide and seek! Ooo goodie! Shwoop... The little fairy loops down in an effort to locate a hiding spot somewhere behind the clown.
Zeg hears some other small talk, but the only thing of interest is Mr Light's suggestion of 'making contact with the other Carnival', and Mr Witch quickly shutting that idea down by stating they've discussed that before and decided it is too risky. Further conversation between the two drops as voices from outside can be heard...
Navi swoops silently with a deft backflip to drop down behind the wagon, hovering just beside the window that Zeg crawling into. Muffled speech from within the wagon ceases as the three newcomers approach closer.
Navi can listen in without risk of detection but can't see much from here. However if she decides to move at all to get a view of the ensuing conversation, either from around the side or under the wagon, then make a Stealth check.
Burly's stops walking abruptly and snaps around as Faelan mentions the 'little girl with a pig face'. But he doesn't appear angry - rather he peers at Faelan intently for a moment before whispering: We aren't supposed to talk about the three thieves, Cottontail. Didn't anyone tell you that? Mr Witch and Mr Light don't like anyone asking questions. The bugbear looks like he actually wants to talk more about it, but thinks better of it and resumes his original course, saying loudly enough for the clown to hear: No sir, no kenku has breached my defenses this day!
Both Thaco the clown and Burly the bugbear stiffen as they draw near. Both seem to glare at each other and there is an uncomfortable silence. Thaco puffs a few bubbles on his pipe. Burly crosses his arms. Thaco eyes up Faelan and Flynn. Burly cocks his head. Thaco sneers. Burly taps his foot.
Well? says Thaco with a thin whine. Potential new recruit, here to see the bosses, growls Burly, with a vague nod toward Flynn. Talents? demands the clown. Music and verse, as I understand it, the bugbear responds. Credentials? says Thaco. The usual, replies Burly.
The two stare at each other a little longer. Whether Thaco truly has any authority to reject any potential application is uncertain, but it is clear he is trying to make Burly's job more difficult. Finally the surly clown half-turns and knocks on the side of the wagon, then calls out: Visitors! and slumps back down into his tatty deckchair. Burly guides his two charges to the rear of the wagon, and the door creaks open. Even though Faelan has worked at the Carnival for some time, he feels like he can count on one paw the number of times he's been this close to the two bosses, and even now it feels like it's the first time all over again.
(I put the image in a spoiler because it's better in full-size)
The flamboyant elf in the gaudy costume grins from ear to ear as he extends a welcoming hand to Flynn and Faelan, inviting them both into the wagon with a theatrical bow. Please come in, it’s a delight to meet you both! I am Mister Light, and this is my associate, Mister Witch. He gestures to the stocky elf lounging on the far bunk, who nods and doffs his top hat, then gestures to a short cushioned bench on the left.
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Ah... Ahh... Mah name is Faelan Mistah Light and Mistah Witch. You might know me as Cotton Tail. Luz and I light up one of the spotlight in the Big Tent. Sir..." Faelan tries to remain composed in the presence of the owners of the Carnival.
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Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
The unusually-overweight-for-an-elf Mr Witch hardly moves from his place, leaning against the far bunk, flicking his pocket watch open and closed, and watching quietly with a stern but not unfriendly gaze as Faelan and Flynn are invited into the wagon. The skinny-as-a-rake Mr Light on the other hand bustles about, waving his long golden staff around profusely and making a big show of being a gracious host, accepting their greetings and ensuring the two visitors are seated comfortably - Flynn closest to the door and Faelan furthest inside. A spider scoots along the floor near the seat, heading toward the door but unnoticed by all. Burly the bugbear remains outside waiting patiently, while Thaco the clown apparently returns to his seat and continues blowing bubbles on his pipe.
With a deep sigh of delight Mr Light claps his hands together and replies to Flynn: Ah! I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself. Tell me, what is your favourite attraction so far? And is this your first time at the Carnival? Tell me everything!
Meanwhile, Mr Witch looks down at Faelan and asks with a deep, grumbly voice: This is your day of leave, if I'm not mistaken, Faelan Cottontail. Why do you remain at the Carnival?
Navi descends down close to the ground to peek at the grumpy clown from under the wagon. There is nothing interesting underneath the wagon, but as the curious fairy looks around, she notices that she is being watched! Laying in the soft green grass underneath the next wagon over (furthest from the door of the bosses' wagon) is a magnificent white mare with a glorious mane. This could be one of the carriage horses that magically guided the wagons through the air when they arrived through the portal. The mare lays with her legs tucked under her, but her head is raised and watching the fairy's every move with an intelligent eye.
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
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Burly the bugbear appears surprised to see Flynn approaching, but he responds with enthusiasm to the bard's interjection. In his deep goblinoid voice he replies: Why yes! The rhythm of your tune nicely complements the iambic meter of the poem. daDUM daDUM daDUM da! The jack-o-lantern helmet starts to bob up and down jauntily as goblin poetry is recited to the theme song provided.
ka nako e 'ngoe
o ho ne ho e-na le
e-na mofumahali
oa boselamose
ng ea neng a e-na
a pitsa e kholo
-------------------------------
Zeg's feathers ruffle and snag against the hedge as he slips inside, but the bugbear seems too pre-occupied now to notice. Staying close to the circle of wagons, the owlin observes Navi flying quietly upward to play with some bubbles that seem to be originating from within the wagon circle. Peering cautiously around, Zeg sees an overweight clown slouching outside the largest wagon in the circle - the bubbles are coming from a pipe that the clown appears to be 'smoking'. Presumable the large wagon belongs to the Carnival owners, and the clown is another guard. Stealthily gliding closer, Zeg manages to come up behind the wagon, on the opposite side to the clown, and overhear the conversation happening within...
A high-pitched, shrill voice: ...at least the Vane indicates the mood is still high. But that will change if they take any more today! That's two already, and it's not even half-time!
A low and gravelly voice: You need to find a way to calm down. It's not as if the Coven have a quota.
High voice: I’ll calm down when that kenku pest is gone.
Low voice: She knows nothing. She’ll get frustrated soon enough and be on her way.
High voice: I hope you’re right.
Low voice: Trust me.
From there, the conversation shifts to the current mood of the carnival and ideas for new carnival acts or attractions
Low voice: The catoblepas didn’t work out, but maybe we can buy a giraffe and paint it blue.
High voice: Or we could teach Northwind how to play the fiddle.
-------------------------------
Navi touches one bubble after another, delighted at the strange and unique pop! sound each of them make as they turn into colorful sparkles. Gradually she floats lower and lower as she pops one after another, until she is hovering quietly about ten feet above the relaxed and unsuspecting clown...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
He see that the others are trying to get more information stealthily, Faelan tries to distract Burly even further. He listens to the Bugbear singing, and tries to dance to the tune. "Heya, nice song you got there buddy!!"
Performance: 10
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
(Faelan purposefully makes a fool of himself. It’s all part of the plan, obviously.)
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Zeg listens carefully to the conversation. He looks at the back of the trailer to see if there are any open windows or other ways inside.
Pop! pop. Pop! pop. Pop! pop.
Stifling soft giggles and snickers of glee, Navi follows the trail of bubbles and hovers around their source, enjoying the delight they gave her for much longer than probably deemed necessary. But they made her so happy! Eventually it would pop into her head that she might not supposed to be here. Whoopsies!
The little fairy looks to her left, then her right. Behind her, then ahead of her. She glances up for good measure, and then back down to the clown. Now what. She blinks.
(Does she see/know what Zeg's trying to do? Can she see whether the clown is reacting to anything? Whether that be her friends with the bugbear, Zeg by the trailer, her, or anything else?)
just an unstable unicorn.
[Sorry about the delay. Feeling free on Friday evening now.]
Thaco the clown slouches below Navi, oblivious to her bubble-popping presence above him. Although he occasionally glances around as if startled by something, he never thinks to look up to discover the source of the soft fairy giggles. All manner of sounds from the Carnival float by like bubbles, but the only ones that Thaco seems to respond to are the delighted voices of laughing or screaming children... at which the clown growls in frustration and annoyance as if to a buzzing insect. Navi meanwhile can see the entire ring of wagons, the movement of her companions further yonder as they distract the bugbear, and also the soft feathery movements of Zeg as he rounds the corners of the wagon...
----------------------------------------
Zeg discovers that the wagon has two openings: the main door at the rear of the wagon, and a side 'window' that is merely a square opening in the caravan with a wooden cover that can lift up to serve as an awning. Both are presently closed, but there is enough of a gap to peek through either of them, and Zeg can see two figures within. A stocky elf in a dapper suit lounges on one bunk, and holds what seems to be a pocket watch, which he plays with absently, opening and closing the cover with one thumb. The second figure is a much skinnier elf, dressed in a jester's outfit, with gawdy makeup. He grips a long, ornate rod or wand of some kind, at the end of which is a kind of butterfly design, which spins clockwise at a medium rate. Any further details within the wagon are difficult to discern, although Zeg could see more if he attempted to ease open the door or window a little more to get a less obstructed view of the interior. (Zeg can make a Sleight of Hand check to open the door or window for a better view. There is a similar amount of light both inside and outside the wagon, so it might go unnoticed.)
As Zeg investigates, another snippet of conversation catches his attention. Witch and Light turn to discussing Burly the bugbear, and how his demeanor toward them has soured lately. He puts on an appearance of servility, but seems disgruntled at the carnival bosses' inaction on something, or reluctance to discuss something (although what this might be is not mentioned).
-------------------------------------------
Faelan and Flynn continue to accost Burly the bugbear with their strange antics. At first he seems surprised and perhaps a little amused at the song and dance routine, but he quickly tires of it and seems intent on returning to his patrol. So, uh, mister musician... have you attempted to ply your craft at the Feasting Orchard? And Cotton-nose.... Don't you, uh... have somewhere else to be?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Flynn looks at the bug bear. "No honestly I have not." Looking a bit sheepish " to be honest I was hoping to meet the owners and sort of apply for a job"
Deception if needed: 18
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"Well, ya see buddy. I am just taking this new fella here around the Carnival. He insists in meeting Mista Witch and Mista Light. Ah told him they're busy and all..." Faelan is actually surprised at how well Flynn delivered his line.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Zeg decides to press his luck and get closer. However he doesn't wish to do it in the form he is in now. A moment later his body shrinks and transforms into the shape of a spider.
((Wild shape))
Now that he is much smaller, he climbs into the opening of the window to get a better look and to hear better.
Navi’s head tilts in curiosity as she witnesses Zeg change from an owl into a spider. Entranced, she watches (I’m imagining him with teeny tiny little fairy wings). The little fairy, content popping bubbles, considered she could try her best to be a look out for her friend as he spideyed about. Of course she couldn’t promise that she’d eventually get distracted, but it was worth a shot!
just an unstable unicorn.
My apologies, once again. A week is much longer than I intended. Thanks for waiting...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flynn/Faelan:
The eyes of the bugbear, half-hidden behind the pumpkin helmet, widen at Flynn's 'burning confession' of seeking employ at the Carnival. Well, that's wonderful! chimes Burly. Mr Light always says, "The candidate that's best to hire / is them that shows the most desire." If you really want to join the Carnival hard enough, then it must be destined to be... that's how it was for my brother and me... Burly trails off a bit at the mention of his sibling, and looks a little downcast, but promptly snaps his attention back to Flynn. Reaching out one large furry hand and placing it firmly on Flynn's shoulder, Burly ushers Flynn toward the circle of wagons, with Faelan left to tag along. Come along (as if Flynn could resist the bugbear's guidance) I'll take you to them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zeg:
Crawling through the gap in the window, spider-Zeg scurries onto and then under a cushioned thin wooden bench, from where he spies the interior in much greater detail. The bunk that the portly Mr Witch lounges against is neatly-made and the blankets are unadorned. A very well-cared-for but clearly old suitcase sits squarely beside the bunk, on which faded letters spell the name Naeryx Krumple. The opposite bunk is gaudily spread and messy, with various costumes strewn over it. A worn and patched suitcase lays open, with clothes hanging out of it, but the name-tag is still visible: Urmius Umbrage. Amongst the mundane items on the central table, there is a large and brightly decorated hat-box sitting prominently in the table's centre. The bench onto which Zeg clings also includes a curious detail: From this close spider-proximity, Zeg sees that there is a small panel of wood about four inches wide and two inches long that doesn't quite sit snugly amongst the others, and has the name "Isolde" scratching into it.
A closer look at the two Carnival owners also reveals to Zeg something new: They are elves, but not the fey-kin known as eladrin, as would be expected from a Carnival originating from the Feywild. Rather they are of the elven race native to the Shadowfell, known as shadar-kai. Their conversation continues, less-muffled than before, but equally difficult to put in context. They are discussing whether three individuals have been seen at tonight's Carnival: One named 'Gleam', one named 'Sowpig', and one simply referred to as 'The Lornling'. The potential presence of these individuals seems to cause Witch and Light some consternation, but the discussion strangely doesn't include anything about why, or what they are going to do about it...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navi:
As Zeg disappears from Navi's view, the fairy returns to the entertainment of the bubbles. However the foamy flow abruptly ceases, and when Navi looks down she sees that the clown has stopped blowing on the pipe and has stood up. Following the direction of the clown's gaze, Navi sees that the bugbear from earlier is making his way through the gap in the wagons on the far side of the circle, guiding Flynn in front by a firm grip on the shoulder, and with Faelan trailing behind. The bugbear's head is covered still with the pumpkin helmet, but even this slight obstruction won't prevent the bugbear from seeing the fairy floating above the clown's head if he gets much closer...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Flynn looks back at Faelan wide eyed. "I can't believe that worked" he mouths silently" then he turns his attention to where the bugbear is leading him
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"Don'tchya worry Flynn, the mistas are actually very reasonable... Ah think." Faelan turns to Burly as they follow the Bugbear. "Hey ya Burly buddy. On your travels today, did ya see some strange characters visiting the Carnival? Like, say, a little girl with a pig face? Or maybe an unsavory looking Kenku? Or just anything weird, ya know?"
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Navi barely has the chance to be disappointed by the disappearance of bubbles before she's hit with a sense of urgency. Time for hide and seek! Ooo goodie! Shwoop... The little fairy loops down in an effort to locate a hiding spot somewhere behind the clown.
just an unstable unicorn.
Zeg settles in to wait. He's not sure what the others are doing but he's going to hide for as long as he can and learn as much as he can.
Zeg hears some other small talk, but the only thing of interest is Mr Light's suggestion of 'making contact with the other Carnival', and Mr Witch quickly shutting that idea down by stating they've discussed that before and decided it is too risky. Further conversation between the two drops as voices from outside can be heard...
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Navi swoops silently with a deft backflip to drop down behind the wagon, hovering just beside the window that Zeg crawling into. Muffled speech from within the wagon ceases as the three newcomers approach closer.
Navi can listen in without risk of detection but can't see much from here. However if she decides to move at all to get a view of the ensuing conversation, either from around the side or under the wagon, then make a Stealth check.
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Burly's stops walking abruptly and snaps around as Faelan mentions the 'little girl with a pig face'. But he doesn't appear angry - rather he peers at Faelan intently for a moment before whispering: We aren't supposed to talk about the three thieves, Cottontail. Didn't anyone tell you that? Mr Witch and Mr Light don't like anyone asking questions. The bugbear looks like he actually wants to talk more about it, but thinks better of it and resumes his original course, saying loudly enough for the clown to hear: No sir, no kenku has breached my defenses this day!
Both Thaco the clown and Burly the bugbear stiffen as they draw near. Both seem to glare at each other and there is an uncomfortable silence.
Thaco puffs a few bubbles on his pipe.
Burly crosses his arms.
Thaco eyes up Faelan and Flynn.
Burly cocks his head.
Thaco sneers.
Burly taps his foot.
Well? says Thaco with a thin whine.
Potential new recruit, here to see the bosses, growls Burly, with a vague nod toward Flynn.
Talents? demands the clown.
Music and verse, as I understand it, the bugbear responds.
Credentials? says Thaco.
The usual, replies Burly.
The two stare at each other a little longer. Whether Thaco truly has any authority to reject any potential application is uncertain, but it is clear he is trying to make Burly's job more difficult. Finally the surly clown half-turns and knocks on the side of the wagon, then calls out: Visitors! and slumps back down into his tatty deckchair. Burly guides his two charges to the rear of the wagon, and the door creaks open. Even though Faelan has worked at the Carnival for some time, he feels like he can count on one paw the number of times he's been this close to the two bosses, and even now it feels like it's the first time all over again.
(I put the image in a spoiler because it's better in full-size)
The flamboyant elf in the gaudy costume grins from ear to ear as he extends a welcoming hand to Flynn and Faelan, inviting them both into the wagon with a theatrical bow. Please come in, it’s a delight to meet you both! I am Mister Light, and this is my associate, Mister Witch. He gestures to the stocky elf lounging on the far bunk, who nods and doffs his top hat, then gestures to a short cushioned bench on the left.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Zeg perks up when his friends show up at the door of the cart. He scuttles his way closer to the door so he can hear what they are talking about.
Flynn looks.to Faelan trying to hide the panic...he extends his hand and tries to slip into character
"And a good evening to you sir. This a verra nice evening and the carnival is fabulous. The name is.Flynn sir. Just Flynn at yer.service.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"Ah... Ahh... Mah name is Faelan Mistah Light and Mistah Witch. You might know me as Cotton Tail. Luz and I light up one of the spotlight in the Big Tent. Sir..." Faelan tries to remain composed in the presence of the owners of the Carnival.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
The unusually-overweight-for-an-elf Mr Witch hardly moves from his place, leaning against the far bunk, flicking his pocket watch open and closed, and watching quietly with a stern but not unfriendly gaze as Faelan and Flynn are invited into the wagon. The skinny-as-a-rake Mr Light on the other hand bustles about, waving his long golden staff around profusely and making a big show of being a gracious host, accepting their greetings and ensuring the two visitors are seated comfortably - Flynn closest to the door and Faelan furthest inside. A spider scoots along the floor near the seat, heading toward the door but unnoticed by all. Burly the bugbear remains outside waiting patiently, while Thaco the clown apparently returns to his seat and continues blowing bubbles on his pipe.
With a deep sigh of delight Mr Light claps his hands together and replies to Flynn: Ah! I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself. Tell me, what is your favourite attraction so far? And is this your first time at the Carnival? Tell me everything!
Meanwhile, Mr Witch looks down at Faelan and asks with a deep, grumbly voice: This is your day of leave, if I'm not mistaken, Faelan Cottontail. Why do you remain at the Carnival?
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Navi descends down close to the ground to peek at the grumpy clown from under the wagon. There is nothing interesting underneath the wagon, but as the curious fairy looks around, she notices that she is being watched! Laying in the soft green grass underneath the next wagon over (furthest from the door of the bosses' wagon) is a magnificent white mare with a glorious mane. This could be one of the carriage horses that magically guided the wagons through the air when they arrived through the portal. The mare lays with her legs tucked under her, but her head is raised and watching the fairy's every move with an intelligent eye.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?