g'Reg stands, his earth tremor over and watches the drifter looking guy try to escape mister witch. The shadar-kai rising from the floor gives g'Reg an idea and he shoots a burst of cold energy out at the floor. Freezing the liquid that spilled out there which is under everybody's feet now. The gnome giggles with glee at the chaos happening around him and puts some distance now between himself and the carriage.
(Cast ray of frost at the wet floor, hoping to make some slippery terrain)
Barria tries to find to end this chaotic scene and steps up to the wagon. Using the "clown" and Rowan as distractions for Mister Light, the dwarf reaches in and grabs hold of Mulligan's arm. She utters a little grunt as she attempts to pull him from the wagon now that he has acquired the pocket watch.
The chaos multiplies. Mulligan cuts the watch's chain and tries to flee. Greginald tries to ice the floor but instead ices Mister Light. Rowan moves to block Mister Witch from pursuing Mulligan. The Clown shoves the now-frosty Mister Light, who loses balance. Barria reaches in and tugs Mulligan free from the wagon, dragging him almost over the top of Greginald. This causes Mister Ice-Light (sounds like a mid-strength beer) to finally tumble out of the wagon, and both he and the clown land almost on top of Greginald. And yet through it all the carnival owner furiously clutches on to the glowing-red-hot weather-vane rod, even as smoke rises from his burning hand and the smell of burning flesh mingles with the cool night air.
Mulligan is now free of the wagon with the Witchlight Watch. Mister Witch remains inside alone with Rowan. It's Mulligan/Greginald/Rowan again... that's if the combat is continuing, which is depending on what the party's goals are at this point.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Rowan turns to watch the tumble of people fall from the wagon.
”Well that was certainly something. I really wish you knew how to get to Prismeer. It’s awfully hard to get somewhere that you didn’t know existed and have no idea where it is.” Rowan says, suspecting now that the others may have succeeded in getting what they were looking for.
He jumps down from the wagon and helps Mister Light get to his feet but as he does so he makes sure he holds on to him tightly so that he doesn’t give chase if the others are taking off with the watch.
”Careful there. Let’s get you steady on your feet. That was quite the tumble you took. You’re a very unusual person Mister Light. You feel quite cold but at the same time I can smell your hand burning.”
Half moving, half being pulled, full on tumbling out of the wagon arse ver teakettle, Mulligan sprawls into the dirt with a inaudible "Woomph!" coming out of him. With barely a look around to take in the chaos, Mulligan scrambles under the wagon, out the other side, around the corner of it again and then behind whatever is available to hide behind. Once he thinks he if fair enough hidden he reaches out through the Group Chat...
I got the watch. Now what?
Maybe he should have gotten the full plan from Barria before he acted but he's just going to have to assume she knows what she is doing...
Movement - scrambling around Bonus Action - Cunning Action to hide (Stealth 16but if needed he will use Psi-Bolstered Knack to add a total of a whopping 1 to that to make it 17...)
Psi-Bolstered Knack.When your nonpsionic training fails you, your psionic power can help: if you fail an ability check using a skill or tool with which you have proficiency, you can roll one Psionic Energy die and add the number rolled to the check, potentially turning failure into success. You expend the die only if the roll succeeds.
Action - None... talking over Group Chat is all he needs do cept for the hiding...
We want to find this Hourglass Coven, correct? And that means heading to Prismeer?
She looks at Rowan to see if he reacts again to this word as it is amusing to her, but then refocuses.
That watch is leverage. We tell Mister Witch he can get it back if he helps us get to Prismeer. And maybe see if he can tell us about the coven as well? I don't know, I'm shooting from the hip here, I don't typically steal from people!
Her voice gets a pitch higher as anxiety starts to creep in as realization of what is going on starts to weigh on her shoulders. She looks back towards Burly to see if his face reveals anything.
Insight (if I can make a roll out of turn - otherwise wait till my turn): 20
Behind the pumpkin helmet, Barria sees a look in Burly's eyes. It shifts and changes, flitting between one emotion and another. Grief. Determination. Anger. Regret.
Suddenly the bugbear lunges forward, running toward the wagon. He launches himself in the air like a pro wrestler, and comes down on top of the dogpile consisting of Greginald, the clown, and Mister Light. The weather-wave wand flies from Mister Light's hand as he finally succumbs to the barrage of assault. To any outside observer, it might simply appear that the bugbear bouncer made a slightly misguided attempt to belatedly apprehend the intruders, but inadvertently caught up his employer in the attempt. However, based on the look Barria saw on his face, she is convinced Burly knows exactly what he is doing.
The clown also heaves for breath under the heavy bugbear, and with a puff of feathers changes back into the black-plumed kenku named Kettlesteam.
Greginald takes no damage, but is effectively grappled under the pile of people - Burly on top, then Kettlesteam, then Mister Light, then Greginald. However the dropped wand is just in front of his nose, just outside his reach.
G'Reginald's uproarious laughter is cut short as the wind is knocked out of him when the pile of writing people fall atop him. He thinks to possibly throw everyone off of his body with a thunderwave but then the wand hits the ground in front of him. Instead he struggles to make some hand gestures and uses mold earth to carve a channel out in the dirt and give him room to breathe and possibly escape from under the pile. If he does escape he'll pick up the wand and hand it off to his trusty weasel who will dash away as far as it can.
Greginald considers Mold Earth, but then deduces that a channel of dirt is not really within the purview of the spell, which generally is used to either excavate a large cube, create words or patterns, or generally just smooth it or roughen it. Instead he quickly changes tack, casts Mage Hand and manages to easily swipe the wand from the ground and pass it to the weasel, which runs off under one of the nearby wagons.
Mister Witch has finally gotten to his feet, and glares at Rowan.
Stand aside, sir. I shall come and speak with your associates in a more civilised fashion.
If Rowan agrees, Mister Witch appears in the door and calls for decorum and a fresh round of negotiation.
Who among you speak for the whole? he says.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Rowan smiles at Mister Witch and then turns and leaps out the wagon door, over top of the pile of bodies and onto the ground on the other side (assuming 9’ standing long jump is enough distance to clear the area).
Rowan looks back at Mister Witch.
”Well Mullie here doesn’t speak so probably not a great one to start with. And then the rest of us talk in our own voices. Though Kettlesteam seems able to talk in all voices but I don’t think he can speak for all of us. Maybe you just speak to the general vicinity of our group and we’ll see who hears and responds.”
Burly, get up!commands Mister Witch, and the bugbear dutifully lifts himself off the pile, allowing Mister Light and Kettlesteam and Greginald to free themselves. Mister Light begins blustering about having his wand stolen, but Mister Witch holds up one hand in his authoritative way, and begins to speak. It matters not which of you is the spokesman. I speak to all. He takes a deep sigh...
You lot have been… persistent. Far too persistent for my liking. This carnival runs on happiness, not on disharmony, and you’ve tried my patience to its very edge. I’ll not have the merriment of our patrons shattered by your meddling any longer. My pocket watch — my precious watch —and my associate's wand as well. I ask you plainly - I beg of you as much as I ever will: return them. Spare us further disorder. In return, I will tell you what it is you seek. The key to the path that leads to Prismeer lies with me, and I will tell it you - but only if this nonsense ends here, and ends now.
Mister Light looks about to protest, but as he is bereft of his weather-vane wand, he seems to think better of it, and slightly drooping, he nods in agreement.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Greg stands brushing the dust and dirt off of himself and letting his lungs fill properly after his crushing ordeal, he then walks toward mister witch facing up to the man and standing tall despite the fact he likely only comes up to the shadar-kai's knees. "How would you fix the distrust you have sown? We obviously did not believe that you had no way to help or we would not have taken your things. Now you reveal the truth, you have the means to help but we're purposefully misleading us previously. Why? Does it put you in breach of some asinine fey deal or some such crap? Or were you just not looking out for yourselves? I said before, that if we choose to take this path, this suicide mission, yes we would possibly get our lost things back, but yourselves would also stand to benefit greatly! And yet you still stand and lie and drive us to act irrationally to get a modicum of respect and assistance from you. So I ask again
Why should we trust you now? How are you going to fix the distrust you have sown?"
Why? Because... you’ve left me no choice. Those trinkets you hold are not toys — they are tools. Without the watch, the carnival cannot start, end, nor travel. Without the wand, the mood of the carnival cannot be measured and controlled. Without those, we have no carnival anyway. So yes… I will give you what you want. I will help you into Prismeer. But understand this: in doing so, I may have just signed our own damnation. If your crusade fails, if the coven takes notice, then Light and I are dragged back into the shadows from which we clawed our way. That’s the truth of it.
He looks at the group long and hard, his usual mask of stoicism slipping into something weary and raw.
You ask how I’ll fix the distrust I’ve sown? I can’t. I confess I would sacrifice you all a hundred times over to keep myself away from that other carnival. Don't judge me - you can't comprehend the horror of a darkness that you have never seen. I can only gamble that you succeed - that our assistance is not discovered, for then … then we are all finished, one way or another.
Then the drooping Mister Light repeats the sentiments just expressed in his own way:
The watch and the wand, our beating heart, Without them, friend, the show won’t start. You’ve caught us now, our masks undone, From the truth we cannot run.
We lied, we stalled, we sought to hide, To keep our shadows locked inside. But cornered here, we must agree— Your path is ours, our fate we see.
So take the key, the door swings wide, Through Prismeer’s veil you now must stride. Succeed, and light may crown the day— But fail... (his voice reduces to a whisper) ...and we are swept away.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Barria steps forward now that discussions were being had, and she finds herself a bit impressed by the gnome's words, even if he was angry little guy. Facing the two shadow elves, she sighs. "I do hate putting you both in this predicament, but at the same time, we have our own missions that need to succeed. Yes, we will return your items to you, keep your wondrous carnival going. But in order to help us, seeing as you are now tied to our mission as well, please give us any information that might help us either work with or defeat this Coven? We will not tell them we are associated with you, not at all, but hopefully if we are successful, you both will be freed with this carnival as well."
She turns to Burly and hesitantly asks, "Did you want to join us?"
Mulligan remains in hiding but listens closely. There is much he is still confused about, such as why these two had to run any carnival at all - Why they couldn't just walk away and be done with it all. Faery crap, most likely, he decides. He'd heard plenty of stories about strange deals and obligations and such but he had always presumed they were mostly just stories. But maybe not?
Key?
He sends the question out almost reflexively to the Group Chat upon hearing Mister Light's rhymes. Did he mean an actual key or was it just a cute play on words that fit nicely into his way of speech?
Mister Witch glances at Mister Light. An unspoken agreement passes between them, and Light gives a slow, weary nod. Witch lowers himself onto the wagon step, his voice dropping to a near whisper…
The Hourglass Coven… three sisters, daughters of Baba Yaga herself, and thus half-sisters to that most infamous of witches, Iggwilv. For as long as Prismeer has existed, the Coven has whispered counsel at Queen Zybilna’s side. What has transpired in that realm to grant them such power and freedom… we do not know.
He pauses, eyes shadowed.
To bargain with hags is folly. Their cunning is unmatched, and every pact twists to their gain and to their victim’s ruin. Yet there is one thing these sisters prize more than tormenting mortals: outwitting one another. If you hope to prevail, it will not be by meeting them head-on… but by setting sister against sister, until one’s ambition undoes the rest.
--------------------------------
Burly also takes a moment to reply to Barria. His emotions are clearly written on his furry face, and he has dropped all pretense of speaking in synonyms:
Thank you, but my place is here at the carnival, and my loyalty to Mister Witch and Mister Light. I did what I did tonight because... well I lost something too. And in you and your companions I have seen for the first time some hope that maybe something can be done to right many wrongs. If you do make it to Prismeer... can you find my brother, Hurly? Tell him I miss him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"so we are to embark on this mission to manipulate beings with unmatched cunning, on your behalves and our own... and you'd send us off to another realm with no word to those who would miss us and even worse empty handed? You have a whole carnival at your disposal could you not spare a few healing potions, items that could assist us, or even a bottle of your fancy wine?" The gnome scoffs at the apparent rudeness that he insists is being performed by witch and light, hoping to gain something more from this transaction, however small that thing might be.
Mulligan examines the watch he stole a bit - shaking it, turning it upside down, perhaps changing the time on it - but not being the magical sort he really has no clue how the thing could allow or prevent them from opening or closing the carnival or anything else. It's a watch... With a bit of a silent sigh he steps out of hiding with a bit of a "Who, me?" smirk on his face, lightly bouncing the time instrument up and down in one hand. It seemed these two weren't looking to try to force the issue so he saw no reason to continue not being a part of things.
We learned a bit about the coven and their foibles from the carousel, did we not? Each has a weakness. One rules the land of what was, one what is and one what is to come. Each has minions unique to themselves. So we have some information. We do not go in entirely unarmed. But... The Misters still have not told us how to go in. They mentioned a key yet none has been produced?
Mulligan shares that to the Group Chat but it is probably a bit much to repeat for everyone else over and over. Perhaps, he thinks, one of the others could share.
Rowan listens more carefully than he usually does as this is all very fascinating. Near where he stands, a handful of flowers open and bloom brightly.
"What about the person you took this carnival from? Are they stuck in darkness? It sounds awful. I wonder, is it the opposite of this carnival? Could they go to Prismeer too?" Rowan asks. "Does that other carnival have to have a master?"
Then he smiles.
"Baba Yaga? Is she still alive? That's almost as much fun to say as Prismeer.Oh wait, I heard about Iggwilv earlier today. Or was it yesterday? Pretty sure it's not tomorrow yet. Or is it? So three full sister witches and a half-sister witch, plus a Queen." Rowan says, but pauses and listens to g'Reg. "Healing potions? Will there be fighting then?"
On our behalf? You are mistaken, gnome. Mister Witch raises his voice and stands up straight.
We are not sending you anywhere! Have I not made myself clear? We would rather you did not go. Your meddling in Prismeer threatens us as much as it endangers you. If I should so choose, I could clap my hands and have a hundred carnival folk bind you where you stand, and force you to return what you have stolen. Do not delude yourself — we are not without power, nor are we without loyalty here.
He leans forward, tone hard as iron.
We are under no obligation to arm you, feed you, or soothe your bruised pride with trinkets. If you walk this path, it is of your own choosing. And if you fall… know that it was never at our bidding.
Mister Light then smirks and follows up with his own version of the same retort:
No puppet strings from us, my dear, No whispered plot has brought you here. We do not beg, we do not send, Your fate is yours, not ours, my friend.
Our hands are many, our strength is true, If we desired, we’d shackle you. But joy’s our trade, and peace our song, So go, if you must — but go on your own.
Take not our silence as command, Nor think we push with guiding hand. We wish you’d stay, but should you stray… The choice is yours. We’ll not delay.
Mister Witch smiles a rare smile at his co-owner, and then speaks once more with slightly softer tone:
However... I’ll not have it said we sent you empty-handed. I keep a few draughts for my own use — nothing more. They are all I can spare, and once they’re gone, I’ve no others. Take them as a token of good faith, not as tribute, nor as payment. That’s the best you’ll get from me.
He reaches into the wagon, opening a small compartment, and withdraws a tiny ornate chest. Speaking a word of command, a large ornate chest identical to the miniature one appears on the ground. Mister Witch opens the large chest, removing three identical-looking vials, and hands them one at a time to Greginald.
This is known as a potion of diminution - it will make you... smaller. He stifles a smirk before continuing. This is a potion of growth - to do the opposite. The third is called a potion of advantage - to boost your luck in times of need.
Mister Light then steps forward, and removes a small stud earring from his ear, offering it to Greginald. It has a small fairy motif. Mister Light says:
A gnome who scoffs, yet will not yield, Deserves a prize for tongue revealed. This trinket small, a sylvan ring, Will grant your words the feyfolk’s wing.
Wear it well, and you shall find, Their speech and song flow to your mind. But mark me, friend — though words are free, They may not say what you would see.
No response yet has been given to Rowan for his many questions, possibly because his incessant chatter is starting to blend into the background, and isn't directed at anyone in particular, or isn't as compelling currently as Greginald's annoying demands. However, an opening is soon to be provided in which Rowan will have the opportunity to ask his questions more directly. Mister Witch straitens his tweed jacket, takes his cane from the wagon, and says:
Well then, if you please, we have other pressing duties to attend to. If you would kindly return our possessions, we shall guide you to the place of passage, and provide you with the key... and you can be on your way.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
g'Reg stands, his earth tremor over and watches the drifter looking guy try to escape mister witch. The shadar-kai rising from the floor gives g'Reg an idea and he shoots a burst of cold energy out at the floor. Freezing the liquid that spilled out there which is under everybody's feet now. The gnome giggles with glee at the chaos happening around him and puts some distance now between himself and the carriage.
(Cast ray of frost at the wet floor, hoping to make some slippery terrain)
Barria tries to find to end this chaotic scene and steps up to the wagon. Using the "clown" and Rowan as distractions for Mister Light, the dwarf reaches in and grabs hold of Mulligan's arm. She utters a little grunt as she attempts to pull him from the wagon now that he has acquired the pocket watch.
The chaos multiplies.
Mulligan cuts the watch's chain and tries to flee.
Greginald tries to ice the floor but instead ices Mister Light.
Rowan moves to block Mister Witch from pursuing Mulligan.
The Clown shoves the now-frosty Mister Light, who loses balance.
Barria reaches in and tugs Mulligan free from the wagon, dragging him almost over the top of Greginald.
This causes Mister Ice-Light (sounds like a mid-strength beer) to finally tumble out of the wagon, and both he and the clown land almost on top of Greginald. And yet through it all the carnival owner furiously clutches on to the glowing-red-hot weather-vane rod, even as smoke rises from his burning hand and the smell of burning flesh mingles with the cool night air.
Mulligan is now free of the wagon with the Witchlight Watch.
Mister Witch remains inside alone with Rowan.
It's Mulligan/Greginald/Rowan again... that's if the combat is continuing, which is depending on what the party's goals are at this point.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Rowan turns to watch the tumble of people fall from the wagon.
”Well that was certainly something. I really wish you knew how to get to Prismeer. It’s awfully hard to get somewhere that you didn’t know existed and have no idea where it is.” Rowan says, suspecting now that the others may have succeeded in getting what they were looking for.
He jumps down from the wagon and helps Mister Light get to his feet but as he does so he makes sure he holds on to him tightly so that he doesn’t give chase if the others are taking off with the watch.
”Careful there. Let’s get you steady on your feet. That was quite the tumble you took. You’re a very unusual person Mister Light. You feel quite cold but at the same time I can smell your hand burning.”
Athletics: 11
Half moving, half being pulled, full on tumbling out of the wagon arse ver teakettle, Mulligan sprawls into the dirt with a inaudible "Woomph!" coming out of him. With barely a look around to take in the chaos, Mulligan scrambles under the wagon, out the other side, around the corner of it again and then behind whatever is available to hide behind. Once he thinks he if fair enough hidden he reaches out through the Group Chat...
I got the watch. Now what?
Maybe he should have gotten the full plan from Barria before he acted but he's just going to have to assume she knows what she is doing...
Movement - scrambling around
Bonus Action - Cunning Action to hide (Stealth 16 but if needed he will use Psi-Bolstered Knack to add a total of a whopping 1 to that to make it 17...)
Psi-Bolstered Knack. When your nonpsionic training fails you, your psionic power can help: if you fail an ability check using a skill or tool with which you have proficiency, you can roll one Psionic Energy die and add the number rolled to the check, potentially turning failure into success. You expend the die only if the roll succeeds.
Action - None... talking over Group Chat is all he needs do cept for the hiding...
To the group chat:
We want to find this Hourglass Coven, correct? And that means heading to Prismeer?
She looks at Rowan to see if he reacts again to this word as it is amusing to her, but then refocuses.
That watch is leverage. We tell Mister Witch he can get it back if he helps us get to Prismeer. And maybe see if he can tell us about the coven as well? I don't know, I'm shooting from the hip here, I don't typically steal from people!
Her voice gets a pitch higher as anxiety starts to creep in as realization of what is going on starts to weigh on her shoulders. She looks back towards Burly to see if his face reveals anything.
Insight (if I can make a roll out of turn - otherwise wait till my turn): 20
Behind the pumpkin helmet, Barria sees a look in Burly's eyes. It shifts and changes, flitting between one emotion and another. Grief. Determination. Anger. Regret.
Suddenly the bugbear lunges forward, running toward the wagon. He launches himself in the air like a pro wrestler, and comes down on top of the dogpile consisting of Greginald, the clown, and Mister Light. The weather-wave wand flies from Mister Light's hand as he finally succumbs to the barrage of assault. To any outside observer, it might simply appear that the bugbear bouncer made a slightly misguided attempt to belatedly apprehend the intruders, but inadvertently caught up his employer in the attempt. However, based on the look Barria saw on his face, she is convinced Burly knows exactly what he is doing.
The clown also heaves for breath under the heavy bugbear, and with a puff of feathers changes back into the black-plumed kenku named Kettlesteam.
Greginald takes no damage, but is effectively grappled under the pile of people - Burly on top, then Kettlesteam, then Mister Light, then Greginald. However the dropped wand is just in front of his nose, just outside his reach.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
G'Reginald's uproarious laughter is cut short as the wind is knocked out of him when the pile of writing people fall atop him. He thinks to possibly throw everyone off of his body with a thunderwave but then the wand hits the ground in front of him. Instead he struggles to make some hand gestures and uses mold earth to carve a channel out in the dirt and give him room to breathe and possibly escape from under the pile. If he does escape he'll pick up the wand and hand it off to his trusty weasel who will dash away as far as it can.
Greginald considers Mold Earth, but then deduces that a channel of dirt is not really within the purview of the spell, which generally is used to either excavate a large cube, create words or patterns, or generally just smooth it or roughen it. Instead he quickly changes tack, casts Mage Hand and manages to easily swipe the wand from the ground and pass it to the weasel, which runs off under one of the nearby wagons.
Mister Witch has finally gotten to his feet, and glares at Rowan.
Stand aside, sir. I shall come and speak with your associates in a more civilised fashion.
If Rowan agrees, Mister Witch appears in the door and calls for decorum and a fresh round of negotiation.
Who among you speak for the whole? he says.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Rowan smiles at Mister Witch and then turns and leaps out the wagon door, over top of the pile of bodies and onto the ground on the other side (assuming 9’ standing long jump is enough distance to clear the area).
Rowan looks back at Mister Witch.
”Well Mullie here doesn’t speak so probably not a great one to start with. And then the rest of us talk in our own voices. Though Kettlesteam seems able to talk in all voices but I don’t think he can speak for all of us. Maybe you just speak to the general vicinity of our group and we’ll see who hears and responds.”
Burly, get up! commands Mister Witch, and the bugbear dutifully lifts himself off the pile, allowing Mister Light and Kettlesteam and Greginald to free themselves. Mister Light begins blustering about having his wand stolen, but Mister Witch holds up one hand in his authoritative way, and begins to speak. It matters not which of you is the spokesman. I speak to all. He takes a deep sigh...
You lot have been… persistent. Far too persistent for my liking. This carnival runs on happiness, not on disharmony, and you’ve tried my patience to its very edge. I’ll not have the merriment of our patrons shattered by your meddling any longer. My pocket watch — my precious watch —and my associate's wand as well. I ask you plainly - I beg of you as much as I ever will: return them. Spare us further disorder. In return, I will tell you what it is you seek. The key to the path that leads to Prismeer lies with me, and I will tell it you - but only if this nonsense ends here, and ends now.
Mister Light looks about to protest, but as he is bereft of his weather-vane wand, he seems to think better of it, and slightly drooping, he nods in agreement.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Greg stands brushing the dust and dirt off of himself and letting his lungs fill properly after his crushing ordeal, he then walks toward mister witch facing up to the man and standing tall despite the fact he likely only comes up to the shadar-kai's knees. "How would you fix the distrust you have sown? We obviously did not believe that you had no way to help or we would not have taken your things. Now you reveal the truth, you have the means to help but we're purposefully misleading us previously. Why? Does it put you in breach of some asinine fey deal or some such crap? Or were you just not looking out for yourselves? I said before, that if we choose to take this path, this suicide mission, yes we would possibly get our lost things back, but yourselves would also stand to benefit greatly! And yet you still stand and lie and drive us to act irrationally to get a modicum of respect and assistance from you. So I ask again
Why should we trust you now? How are you going to fix the distrust you have sown?"
Why? Because... you’ve left me no choice. Those trinkets you hold are not toys — they are tools. Without the watch, the carnival cannot start, end, nor travel. Without the wand, the mood of the carnival cannot be measured and controlled. Without those, we have no carnival anyway. So yes… I will give you what you want. I will help you into Prismeer. But understand this: in doing so, I may have just signed our own damnation. If your crusade fails, if the coven takes notice, then Light and I are dragged back into the shadows from which we clawed our way. That’s the truth of it.
He looks at the group long and hard, his usual mask of stoicism slipping into something weary and raw.
You ask how I’ll fix the distrust I’ve sown? I can’t. I confess I would sacrifice you all a hundred times over to keep myself away from that other carnival. Don't judge me - you can't comprehend the horror of a darkness that you have never seen. I can only gamble that you succeed - that our assistance is not discovered, for then … then we are all finished, one way or another.
Then the drooping Mister Light repeats the sentiments just expressed in his own way:
The watch and the wand, our beating heart,
Without them, friend, the show won’t start.
You’ve caught us now, our masks undone,
From the truth we cannot run.
We lied, we stalled, we sought to hide,
To keep our shadows locked inside.
But cornered here, we must agree—
Your path is ours, our fate we see.
So take the key, the door swings wide,
Through Prismeer’s veil you now must stride.
Succeed, and light may crown the day—
But fail... (his voice reduces to a whisper) ...and we are swept away.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Barria steps forward now that discussions were being had, and she finds herself a bit impressed by the gnome's words, even if he was angry little guy. Facing the two shadow elves, she sighs. "I do hate putting you both in this predicament, but at the same time, we have our own missions that need to succeed. Yes, we will return your items to you, keep your wondrous carnival going. But in order to help us, seeing as you are now tied to our mission as well, please give us any information that might help us either work with or defeat this Coven? We will not tell them we are associated with you, not at all, but hopefully if we are successful, you both will be freed with this carnival as well."
She turns to Burly and hesitantly asks, "Did you want to join us?"
Mulligan remains in hiding but listens closely. There is much he is still confused about, such as why these two had to run any carnival at all - Why they couldn't just walk away and be done with it all. Faery crap, most likely, he decides. He'd heard plenty of stories about strange deals and obligations and such but he had always presumed they were mostly just stories. But maybe not?
Key?
He sends the question out almost reflexively to the Group Chat upon hearing Mister Light's rhymes. Did he mean an actual key or was it just a cute play on words that fit nicely into his way of speech?
Mister Witch glances at Mister Light. An unspoken agreement passes between them, and Light gives a slow, weary nod. Witch lowers himself onto the wagon step, his voice dropping to a near whisper…
The Hourglass Coven… three sisters, daughters of Baba Yaga herself, and thus half-sisters to that most infamous of witches, Iggwilv. For as long as Prismeer has existed, the Coven has whispered counsel at Queen Zybilna’s side. What has transpired in that realm to grant them such power and freedom… we do not know.
He pauses, eyes shadowed.
To bargain with hags is folly. Their cunning is unmatched, and every pact twists to their gain and to their victim’s ruin. Yet there is one thing these sisters prize more than tormenting mortals: outwitting one another. If you hope to prevail, it will not be by meeting them head-on… but by setting sister against sister, until one’s ambition undoes the rest.
--------------------------------
Burly also takes a moment to reply to Barria. His emotions are clearly written on his furry face, and he has dropped all pretense of speaking in synonyms:
Thank you, but my place is here at the carnival, and my loyalty to Mister Witch and Mister Light. I did what I did tonight because... well I lost something too. And in you and your companions I have seen for the first time some hope that maybe something can be done to right many wrongs. If you do make it to Prismeer... can you find my brother, Hurly? Tell him I miss him.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"so we are to embark on this mission to manipulate beings with unmatched cunning, on your behalves and our own... and you'd send us off to another realm with no word to those who would miss us and even worse empty handed? You have a whole carnival at your disposal could you not spare a few healing potions, items that could assist us, or even a bottle of your fancy wine?" The gnome scoffs at the apparent rudeness that he insists is being performed by witch and light, hoping to gain something more from this transaction, however small that thing might be.
Mulligan examines the watch he stole a bit - shaking it, turning it upside down, perhaps changing the time on it - but not being the magical sort he really has no clue how the thing could allow or prevent them from opening or closing the carnival or anything else. It's a watch... With a bit of a silent sigh he steps out of hiding with a bit of a "Who, me?" smirk on his face, lightly bouncing the time instrument up and down in one hand. It seemed these two weren't looking to try to force the issue so he saw no reason to continue not being a part of things.
We learned a bit about the coven and their foibles from the carousel, did we not? Each has a weakness. One rules the land of what was, one what is and one what is to come. Each has minions unique to themselves. So we have some information. We do not go in entirely unarmed. But... The Misters still have not told us how to go in. They mentioned a key yet none has been produced?
Mulligan shares that to the Group Chat but it is probably a bit much to repeat for everyone else over and over. Perhaps, he thinks, one of the others could share.
Rowan listens more carefully than he usually does as this is all very fascinating. Near where he stands, a handful of flowers open and bloom brightly.
"What about the person you took this carnival from? Are they stuck in darkness? It sounds awful. I wonder, is it the opposite of this carnival? Could they go to Prismeer too?" Rowan asks. "Does that other carnival have to have a master?"
Then he smiles.
"Baba Yaga? Is she still alive? That's almost as much fun to say as Prismeer.Oh wait, I heard about Iggwilv earlier today. Or was it yesterday? Pretty sure it's not tomorrow yet. Or is it? So three full sister witches and a half-sister witch, plus a Queen." Rowan says, but pauses and listens to g'Reg. "Healing potions? Will there be fighting then?"
On our behalf? You are mistaken, gnome. Mister Witch raises his voice and stands up straight.
We are not sending you anywhere! Have I not made myself clear? We would rather you did not go. Your meddling in Prismeer threatens us as much as it endangers you. If I should so choose, I could clap my hands and have a hundred carnival folk bind you where you stand, and force you to return what you have stolen. Do not delude yourself — we are not without power, nor are we without loyalty here.
He leans forward, tone hard as iron.
We are under no obligation to arm you, feed you, or soothe your bruised pride with trinkets. If you walk this path, it is of your own choosing. And if you fall… know that it was never at our bidding.
Mister Light then smirks and follows up with his own version of the same retort:
No puppet strings from us, my dear,
No whispered plot has brought you here.
We do not beg, we do not send,
Your fate is yours, not ours, my friend.
Our hands are many, our strength is true,
If we desired, we’d shackle you.
But joy’s our trade, and peace our song,
So go, if you must — but go on your own.
Take not our silence as command,
Nor think we push with guiding hand.
We wish you’d stay, but should you stray…
The choice is yours. We’ll not delay.
Mister Witch smiles a rare smile at his co-owner, and then speaks once more with slightly softer tone:
However... I’ll not have it said we sent you empty-handed. I keep a few draughts for my own use — nothing more. They are all I can spare, and once they’re gone, I’ve no others. Take them as a token of good faith, not as tribute, nor as payment. That’s the best you’ll get from me.
He reaches into the wagon, opening a small compartment, and withdraws a tiny ornate chest. Speaking a word of command, a large ornate chest identical to the miniature one appears on the ground. Mister Witch opens the large chest, removing three identical-looking vials, and hands them one at a time to Greginald.
This is known as a potion of diminution - it will make you... smaller. He stifles a smirk before continuing. This is a potion of growth - to do the opposite. The third is called a potion of advantage - to boost your luck in times of need.
Mister Light then steps forward, and removes a small stud earring from his ear, offering it to Greginald. It has a small fairy motif. Mister Light says:
A gnome who scoffs, yet will not yield,
Deserves a prize for tongue revealed.
This trinket small, a sylvan ring,
Will grant your words the feyfolk’s wing.
Wear it well, and you shall find,
Their speech and song flow to your mind.
But mark me, friend — though words are free,
They may not say what you would see.
No response yet has been given to Rowan for his many questions, possibly because his incessant chatter is starting to blend into the background, and isn't directed at anyone in particular, or isn't as compelling currently as Greginald's annoying demands. However, an opening is soon to be provided in which Rowan will have the opportunity to ask his questions more directly. Mister Witch straitens his tweed jacket, takes his cane from the wagon, and says:
Well then, if you please, we have other pressing duties to attend to. If you would kindly return our possessions, we shall guide you to the place of passage, and provide you with the key... and you can be on your way.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?