The city was overwhelming! The smells, the colors, the people - the animals! (Of course the dinosaurs was the first thing their guides had to show the group before they split up for the day, Maxine insisted for everyone to come) The market alone was something to behold and it seemed like there were some possibilities for a good business. Maxine did not talk (too) often about her first ever serious accomplishment in alchemy, but "Rian's Improved Dragonbreath" (she liked the name almost as much as the effect) filled her with the pride of a creator, an inventor, something she did not feel often.

There was another thing too. Though she almost got used to her new look (mostly because she did not have a chance yet to see herself in the mirror every morning), she knew well enough how ... strange it should be on the mainland. But here, she could swear she saw a few people in crowd with more snake or cat like eyes than hers (though, they also had some scale... She was not looking forward to that addition, if it was coming too). The point was, nobody bet an eye on them. Or on the berd-like, cat-like and anything else-like people, roaming the streets. It was comforting.

And still, the barrack (that after their trip through the jungle felt very much like a palace) reminded her about that other other life, so distant and yet so alive in her memory. The family, that did not hear a word from her for so long, the town - much smaller and far less colorful but it was her home, full of dearest memories, the whole continent, that she lived on, never cared to explore and left without second thought. She was not ready to just forget all of this and begin her life completely anew. Also, the jungle. Not that she was scared - the fear died somewhere between the monkeys and the hag - but she was not too keen to return there, not yet.

At the evening meal she said it out loud. "I think I will go home. The money is enough, I checked and it's better to do it right away, rather than later. What I learned here needs some more serious research and for that I might need something more stable than a board for a table on a boat. And... I miss home. Do you still want to stay?" Question was more addressed to Shae, Berrus intended to find his ancestors, and it was unlikely that Fang was about to leave his jungle. "If you change your mind, my family will be sure happy to have you."

Fang is overwhelmed with all of the hustle and bustle of the large city. To say nothing of the noise and smells. Mushu wisely decides to keep hidden in his pouch on Fang’s person. And collectively the two of them stick close to Shae during the course of the day curious when the group will be setting out again and towards what. The temple they rescued the expedition from seemed interesting enough to Fang. 

Shae felt entirely caught up in a daze, as if she completely lost sense of time and space. It was like the weight of the reality of this chapter coming to a close was making her dizzy with decisions for the future. What felt like maybe a tenday ago, she was so sure of what direction she wanted to take, but now that faded in the distance with the fog in her mind.

If it wasn’t for the others encouraging or ushering her along, Shae might have stayed behind. Her eyes were wide in a mixture of awe, shock and overall exhaustion. Even when Val’meera was fussing over them, she would barely react beyond that. There was just so much to take in and she really wanted a bath... 

Though, when she’d take her seat at the large table adorned with a luxurious spread. Shae’s eyes would light up a little and her mouth would immediately begin to salivate. She’d actually end up having her notebook out beside her for taking notes and sketching things as she gorged herself silly. Between offering Mushu different raw meats to try, Shae would even sneak extra morsels in her pocket for later. By the end of desert, Shae found herself practically leaning on Maxine for support from a playfully dramatic display of falling into a ‘food coma’. The scholar would rub her little bloated belly with a yawn, accompanied by a satisfied smile.

Once they were ushered to their accommodations, Shae would start stripping herself of her attire. Although she was completely womped, from everything, there was nothing more rewarding than treating herself to a luxurious soak in a tub. So despite her fatigue, Shae did just that. She found her way to a bathroom, poured herself a bath and lounged in it. Scrubbing herself head to toe, Shae would tend to needs, losing herself in the moment of pampering and singing to her hearts content. Though, the water eventually grew cold and her fingers pruney. It was time to get out and sleep for the night. Tomorrow still comes.

There was some relief when breakfast was significantly lighter than yesterdays meal. Shae bids her farewells to the parting individuals, Corrin and Noska when they decide to take their leave shortly after the meal. When Thessalandra and the crew gather them all for a group huddle, the scholar would make note of her plans, that Cliff and Bertrand were joining and where they’d be lodging. She’d see them off with a friendly smile. She’d even make note to encourage Three Earrings to join them as well, should they still have interest in joining the Flaming Fist.

Even the Professor was taking a leave of absence. Though, as a scholar herself, Shae absolutely understood the time, energy and effort required to settle his affairs and work on his studies. She’d give him a respectful bow and thank him for all his teachings along the journey. It was a pleasure to learn from him.

When Maxine showed such excitement, vibrating with infectious energy, Shae definitely couldn’t say no to dinosaurs first! She’d absolutely run off with Maxine and anyone else who desired to join them. Shae would even hover over Maxine, if she didn’t mind, as she’d shop at the market. The scholar would even smile with pride any time Maxine might mention her alchemy creation.

Upon return from an eventful day of dinosaurs and shopping with Maxine, Shae was in better spirits than her initial shock the day before. She was able to start taking in the sights, sounds, smells, colours, etc with more joy and wonder. And as they gathered back at the Temple, Berrus presents her with an amazing personalized quarterstaff. “It’s absolutely beautiful...” She’d well up in emotion as she’d admire the craftsmanship. Shae would hug it to herself, knowing she’d cherish it, all the effort that went into it and everything that it represented. Looking down at him, she’d bend forward and give him a warm kiss on the cheek. “Thank you Berrus.”

Joining everyone for what appears to be a possible parting meal, Shae would appreciate the company while they had it. She’d try to pace her eating better than last time (Mushu’s too), so she wouldn't overdo it again. And when Maxine would make her announcement, Shae was of course all ears. A warm smile would grow on her lips as she'd listen to her words and Maxine's confession of missing home. When she'd ask if Shae still wanted to stay, Maxine could see her expression soften and appreciation spread across her face when she'd welcome Shae to join her with her family. Shae would take Maxine's hand in hers. "I have thought hard on it." She'd look to Maxine. "You’ve always encouraged me to make the right decision that was best for me, and not pressured by other factors..." She remembered all the times Maxine spoke up, or steered her to bed after a few too many. A soft chuckle would leave her lips as she'd lean a little to bump into Maxine. "Truthfully, I sort of felt like I came into my own while on Hope..." Shae would start. "I felt like something clicked... Like there's a role I fit or can grow into..." She'd shift a little sheepishly. “I think, I sort of understand why sailors sometimes say they’re ‘married to the sea’...” Shae would chuckle a little awkwardly before continuing. "After securing Hope's safe passage from the Dragon Turtle for the future... I feel like the retrieval of that silver could be more important to the way of life here... And even establishing those trade routes... Perhaps there's a market for Rian's Improved Dragonbreath?" Shae would playfully nudge Maxine again with a wink. "It means the world to me that I'd be welcomed to visit your home." She'd smile.

Shae would pull something from her pocket. Holding it out in her palms, she’d present it to Maxine. She had braided and worked strips of leather with the seashells she combed at the beach to craft Maxine a bracelet. “Thank you for being there for me and toughing it out all the way here.” 

"Visit and stay," Maxine meant it fully. "I will not pressure you, of course, your life - your decisions. And I know Hope would be safer with you on board - as well as you will be safer there, rather than in jungles. But should you decide to return - find me. No matter how long time it will take and how much we change," (she meant herself mostly here), "you could always recognize me by this." Maxine put the bracelet on, smiled, blinking back tears, and hugged Shae. "Guess it's good bye, then. There is a ship leaving so early morning it's better to get on now. Say farewell for me to the crew, will you?"

Maxine was never the one for long good byes and having nothing to really pack, just waved one more time, picked her bag and walked back to the city. It was time to write a new chapter in her life.

Sometime after the heartfelt goodbye between Maxine and shae, Fang would approach Shae with a simple question, “What now?” For Fang would continue to follow her until he had an opportunity to repay her for saving his life.

Mushu would try and sneak his way over and find her stash of treats for him. 

stealth: 20

investigation: 8

sleight of hand: 3 (Should he locate it)

'Visit and stay.' Shae would smile a warm smile. Maybe... Maybe I will. Shae would nod in agreement. "I'll be sure to find you." She'd help Maxine put the bracelet on and melted into her hug, for a tearful farewell. "Good bye, for now." Shae would correct. "I'll miss you." Maxine wasn't even gone and Shae already missed her. Although knowing Maxine wasn't one for long goodbyes, Shae would steal an extra squeeze. She'd lie and say it was for the crew if she had too. Of course Shae would tell them. Tears would stream down Shae's face, but she'd still be waving a smiling goodbye to Maxine until she was gone.

When Fang would approach with his 'what now', Shae would inhale a deep breath. Feeling a rustle in her pocket, she'd let out a soft gasp of surprise before realizing what else it could be. Mushu found a stash. It wasn't like she hid this stash very well. Shae would let out a soft chuckle and reach in to pat the familiars head. It wasn't like he was hiding his stealing very well, lounging there munching away. Using a finger she'd tickle Mushu's belly. "What now?" Taking in another breath, Shae answers Fang honestly. "Well. I cry." She'd let out an awkward chuckle, but was still smiling a genuine smile. "I'm a really soft, softskin." She'd jest, whether Fang actually understood what she meant or not. "Sentimental through and through." Shae would breathe. "Change is just bittersweet. I know things will be okay." Her smile would tug more assuredly at her lips, reminding herself to breathe.

After long silence, Shae knew she was dragging things on and it was getting late, she'd respond. "Somewhere to rest and unwind." The next logical step was to sort out some lodging for the interim stay. It only made sense to meet up with Cliff and Bertrand who mentioned they were staying at the Thundering Lizard near the Red Bazaar. Shae would sneak extra snacks, gather her things, and eventually make her way there.

PROFESSOR

The next few weeks go by in a flurry of activity, as the Professor spends the majority of the coming month bent over his notes and comparing them to established sources while writing up your group’s adventures in an academic treatise, as well as working on a popularised account of your journey for the more general market. The academic treatise is met with amazement and an avalanche of speaking engagements and lectures on the liguistics of the grung language and their social hierarchies at the Anthropological Institute of Chult.Together with the bookdeals, the Professor is quickly catapulted to the top of the academic circles in Port Nyanzaru and a famed and coveted party guest to most of the rich and eccentric academics and explorers. Despite lavish expenses to match the new lifestyle, the Professor is getting rather wealthy over the next couple of months, and through his ever-expanding social circle there are plenty of contacts interested in sponsoring future expeditions to discover more of the fascinating flora and fauna of the continent.

When not engaged in university lectures or social engagements, the Professor is writing on another book based on the biological discoveries he’s made, together with Fang. Although difficult and laborious, he manages to classify all of the various pressed flowers and plants in his gazetteer thanks to the lizardfolk’s help, adding significantly to his own understanding of the subject.

He also meets plenty of other scholars that are happy to discuss and debate different discoveries of arcane phenomena. Although less focused than his other efforts, the Professor makes sure to set a day per week aside to meet up with colleagues of different fields to add to his mastery of the arcane arts and to add to his own notes and understanding. Despite this and regular research using the mirror of the past though, he still hasn’t discovered a way to free the mephit from his pipe. That is, until he returns to his spacious living quarters one night, finding an invitation to dinner with a merchant prince and known sorcerer under his door.

SHAE

The next few weeks and months go by both painfully quickly and agonizingly slowly at the same time. Compared to the weeks in the jungle, there are so many distractions in Port Nyanzaru that one could spend a year doing a different activity each day and still not explore all of the city. On the other hand, the single purpose of moving forward and getting out alive is gone, and with that threat and that drive missing, things seem a lot more distant. Despite the time spent in relaxation though, Shae makes sure to spend much of her time sparring and getting used to fighting in heavier armour and using her staff to full effect. Cliff and Brax enjoyed the sparring sessions, and when Shae wasn’t working on her technique, she was bent over maps and charts together with Thessalandra. Her business was slowly getting off the ground, but both of them were convinced that there was a possibility to get back to the wreck of the Airship and rescue some of the cargo.

Despite the training and the daily distractions though, Shae misses Berrus. One day, she found her new staff next to her bed, but he was gone. All that was left was a note:

“I’m sorry, but I can’t drag you into this. If I find my ancestral home, I’ll come back for you.”
It hurt, but somehow, you understood. He hadn’t felt at ease since setting foot into the city, as if sitting still and relaxing was somehow a betrayal of his oath. And SHae knew that if he had said anything, she’d have followed along within a heartbeat. It hurt, but somehow, she convinced herself, this was for the best. 

The goods you rescued from the digsite got you all a comfortable sum to spend several weeks in the city, and Shae made sure to enjoy her time. With most of her clothes torn and destroyed, she made sure to spend some time to pick out new outfits and armour. To her delight, the breezy linen fabrics provide decent protection without being too hot to fight and train in. Thanks to the friends at your temple, and the fame of your returned expedition due to the Professor’s successful book tour, Shae receives a very rare set of elven chain with decorative gold and brass links depicting the birth of Chult on the centerpiece, and delicate floral motives on the shin and forearm bracers. The set of armour arrives with an invitation to a lavish party at one of the villas of a merchant prince.

FANG

The next few months are odd for Fang. He sees his friends frequently, spending the day with them and exploring the city, or eating different delicacies, training, or working on the Professor’s catalogue. Fang was excited to learn gnomish from the Professor and to be able to speak with him more directly. He also spent a lot of time fishing in the harbour, or crafting small decorative items to trade for pretty shells and pearls to sow into clothes and onto his pouch. He enjoyed trying to craft things out of the many different materials within the city, working among other things on a quiver for his arrows and other weapons. Using some of the local leathers and cured sinew for a more robust quiver, it was the Maxine that hinted at the possibility of enchanting it to make it magical and help with his frequent hunting trips on the outskirts of the city. Spending a week gathering various components and learning about the concept of Mo-ney from his soft friends, he got by and scavenged or traded for the necessary parts to get the Professor to help him turn the artefact into an efficient quiver.

Before long though, Fang is bored and misses his clan and the swamp. Unfortnately not as used to the soft one’s rules as others, it isn’t long before he gets into trouble with one of the merchant princes…

Fang, the last week has been awful. You were minding your own business, fishing in the harbour and gathering supplies for your various crafting projects, when all of a sudden you were grabbed by four burly guards that dragged you away to a holding cell. Two days later, after little to eat or drink apart from scraps that Mushu managed to bring back, you were placed in front of a jury. You were given a translator, but dind't understand a lot of they were saying- something about stealing merchandise and "unlawful" fishing, or some sort. Since you had eaten the fish and had worked the materials into tools, there was nothing you could have returned, and so back to a different cell you went, being only told that you'd be slated for the "Run", whatever that was. That was three days ago.

This morning, before dawn you had been brought here, to the Old City, together with three others. Two of them seemed to be deathly afraid of what lay before them, but the third, a lean and tough human woman with copper skin and wild shaggy hair standing just shy of six feet, didn't seem afraid of you, instead just seeming sullen and angry about something. While the other two had cowered in fear last night, she had slept soundly and even snored a little. You haven't talked to her yet, deciding it might be best to conserve your strength, for whatever this here was.

Shortly after dawn, all four of you are being led into a chamber, where your ties are removed and each one of you is given a small obsidian dagger. Behind the big oaken doors before you, with just a small crack of light shining through, you hear a throng of people clamouring, shouting, cheering on the other side. Then, suddenly, the big oaken doors swing open, and you are pushed outside, before the doors close again.

Blinking into the bright light and dazed by the hundreds or even thousands of people around you, you take a moment to adjust, before you realise that you're in a pit, about fifteen feet deep and fifty feet across, stretching for about three hundred feet to a far wall with knotted ropes hanging off of the walls. The shaggy halfelf who nearly pissed themselves in the chamber before immediately starts sprinting for the wall, when from about two thirds of the way down the lane, four gates swing open, and three panthers and a fully grown triceratops with horns painted blood red charge into the lane!

Reng and Fang, please roll intiative!

Initiative: 8

Reng initiative: 5

The halfelf slips in a puddle and scrambles to get back onto his feet, still rushing forward towards the far wall as fast as he can and gets to about halfway down the pit. Next to you, the other prisoner, a quiet halfling starts to run towards the side too, and gets about a third of the way, staying close to the walls. The throng of people surrounding the pit is cheering and chanting, but whether for you or for the animals, you're not sure. The forwardmost panther, slightly smaller and more nimble than the others, is charging straight at the half elf, and with a leap, pounces onto the hapless halfling. Although the claws rake across his upper body and thigh, leaving crimson gashes, the halfelf manages to throw his weight against the smallest of the cats and push it off.

Meanwhile, the Triceratops, larger than a fully grown bull, starts its thundering charge, shaking the ground beneath you with every thundering leap. Despite its tremendous mass, it moves with great speed, grinding bone to dust underneath it. The hulking beast sees one of the panthers, released from a gate before it and starts to charge it, furious at whoever placed it into this loud and messy pit. Briefly before reaching the panther, who is desperately trying to get out of the way, the triceratops lowers its horns, catching the panther square into the side and and knocking it towards the wall, where it comes to rest as a lifeless corpse. The crowd goes wild with cheers.

The remaining panther meanwhile charges forward to join its kind, flanking the bleeding and desperate halfling.

Fang and Reng, you are up!

Not knowing Reng from any other stranger in the city, Fang doesn’t even glance back at them and moves towards the closest piece of bone on the ground stomping on it breaking it into pieces. 3

 Seeing only five pieces among the size he is wanting, Fang stomps again. 8 

(if allowed this round Fang will scoop up all 14 pieces. Don’t think I would still have an action after that but let me know)

Reng has had a hell of a day. Week. Month. Shirt, might as well be year. This? A triceratops charging her as crowds cheer? Seems about right.

Welp, if this is what's coming, might as well use some new tricks. I sure hope this still actually works, she thinks to herself. Or whoever.

She fires off two eldritch blasts at the wave of onrushing death by raising up her palm and concentrating very hard, half-expecting it not to work.

Beam 1: 21 Damage: 9
Beam 2: 15 Damage: 8

She also looks around for anything else on the ground, a bone that might be used as a staff or a club.

Fang and Reng, you're both used to making do and improvisation is your greatest asset. Fang, you have an idea in mind and start to run forwards to a set of large and brittle ribs, kicking them apart and gathering up the sharp little pieces for use later on. Reng meanwhile casts a look around, and she quickly spots what looks like a bleached humanoid thingbone. Or in this case, a decent improviced mace. Thusly satisfied, she starts to concentrate, and suddenly two bolts of energy, rapidly cycling through the colourspecturm, are unleashed and slam into the side of the triceraptops. It rears in frustration at the sudden pain, while the audience above falls silent, before loud cheers erupt.

The halfelf is desperately fighting off two panthers, but while his dagger finds flesh, the short blade isn't able to strike a lethal blow, and the second strike does not more than leave a superficial cut and an angry cat. Surrounded by both panthers, they slash at him with their sharp claws, tearing through the thin linen shirt and leaving crimson trenches behind. Still though, the halfelf somehow remains standing for now. The halfling at the edge of the pit meanwhile has done a similar thing to you and grabbed a fairly straight rib, broken to form a sharp point. They also slowly move forward, as if to try and stay out of the focus of the large cats or the even larger Triceratops. It meanwhile turns towards the source of the two painful blasts to its hide and starts another thundering charge across the pit, stirring up dust clouds with every heavy footfall, barreling down to your end of the pit, but it can't quite reach you. 

Fang and Reng, you're up!

Fang shoots a quick glance over his shoulder to the source and sees the red headed soft skin. ‘Perhaps there’s more to this one than meets the eye’

Fang then turns his attention to the charging Triceratops and reaches back for an arrow before remembering he doesn’t have his usual gear on him. Cursing vehemently in draconic he targets the ground 20 feet directly in front of the triceratops with spike growth while holding his pointy bone fragments. Hoping it’s close enough to what Glasses said he needed for the spell to work.

As soon as he’s done casting his spell, wether it works or not, Fang books it towards the magic wielding soft skin. Trying to put them between himself and the dinosaur.

A of hours before the events in the Old City, in one of the finest villas of the merchant ward, Shae and Professor Templeton quickly bump into each other and laugh, as they find themselves, both decked out in elegant evening wear, attending a gala thrown in their honour by the Merchant prince Wakanga O'Tamu. The foyer is decorated with two neatly trimmed potted plants and a rectangular basin with seven lilipads floating on it, as if to simulate an artificial lake and also to serve as a rainwater basin, as this room is under the open air. Wall sconces with continual flame spells light the interior, and four watchful guards, large, muscly gladiators in heavily decorated armour carefully watch the goings on. To the left, you find a sitting area, where some silk-cladden ladies and some velvet-wearing gentleman recline on ample cushions and enjoy some hot tea while soft music is playing. 

The main attraction lies before you though.  carefully panelled grand hall with two sweeping staircases and a detailed mosaic on the floor serves both as the main dance floor and performance space for the evening, with many of the more important guests having made their way there already. In between them, weaving through the crowd and carefully avoiding the rich silks and furs of the attending, a variety of performers are juggling large glass orbs, swallowing swords, or performing small magic tricks to keep the guests entertained. Some of the performers are wearing garish costumes or heavy make up, while others are similarly decked out to the guests, only the occasional frayed ends betrying their true social status.

It doesn't take long before Professor Templeton is swarmed with an adoring crowd of nobles that want to hear all about his exploits. Shae, not nearly as publicly known, you are free to enjoy the evening without so much interference, though it doesn't take long, before you see a rather mediocre entertainer barely get through a card trick. Despite nearly giving away the trick, he smiles very confidently, and seeing you look over, gives you a wink and invites to joing you for his next trick.

Mulligan, please introduce yourself!

Professor, you manage to provide your adoring fans with enough snippets and tidbits to let you grab a small appetizer from a passing tray, hovering hip high around the room. As you push your way a bit further inward, the throng of nobles, academics and merchants wanting to be seen with you opens somewhat as you find a halfling with heavy face paint cartwheel into the throng and do a quick pirouette to get to a position in the middle of the group, ready to perform for them all.

Otto, please make your entrance!

     “Mulligan McScáth, pleased to meet you,” the entertainer said again and again between card tricks varying from clever to mundane, barely managed to masterfully jaw dropping.

     The early 20s, rakishly handsome entertainer was dressed to impress, after he fashion.  It worked, more or less, to everyone but the real highbrow and hoity-toity  who immediately focused on his obviously well worn boots, non-tailored shirt and spikey, disheveled hair which hadn’t been fashionable since... ever.

     Mulligan McScáth paid the scrutiny no heed.  Not that of his appearance or that of his act.  It was, after all, part of a performance.  For as much as the guests and elitists were judging him, he was seizing them up as well.  Rather than looking for flaws and scuffs, though, Mulligan was eyeing heavy coin purses, heavy drinkers with dulled senses and those most easily charmed to distraction.  If they remembered him as a scruffy-looking nerf herder who barely manage a Floating Card or Magnetic Hand without the trick being obvious, all the more likely he’d be suspected of cut purse strings or a boosted brooch.

     So he wined and dined with the snobs and haughty and bided his time waiting for his moments.  A few card tricks, a few jokes and well told stories...  It is on his umpteenth card juggle, where he made a show of not allowing the crowd see him sleep the King of Hearts up his sleeve, that a treasure of another kind caught his eye.  She joined the small cluster around him just in time to raise a smirk about his obvious blunder.  He returned the smirk with a wink and he motioned her closer.  Sometimes one has to fumble to portray a certain image, sometimes one cannot help but show off even when they shouldn’t.

Reng turns and looks at Fang out of the corner of her eye. She raises an eyebrow, and grunts resignedly. Then she looks back at the spiky area, considering.

She looks up at the half-elf getting mauled by the panthers and growls to herself, already angry at herself at the decision she's about to make. 

Again her palm comes up and fires the a multicolored bolt at each of the two panthers. Perhaps this will give the half-elf with wet pants a chance to regain some dignity, or a chance to continued existence.

Action:

EB1: 14 Damage: 8
EB2: 13 Damage: 1

She looks at the triceratops and glares at it.

Bonus action:

Hexblade's curse on the triceratops assuming it's within 30 feet

She looks behind her and looks at the spiky pillars, dismissing for now an idea she'd had to climb one and then jump on the dinosaur's back to ride it when it closed the distance.

Drawing on an inner reserve, she grabs some dirt and rubs it on herself and mutters some words.

Action Surge: cast longstrider on herself

She then moves in a blur farther back, passing the lizardfolk chap, handing him the bone club she picked up and also giving him an unreadable, if perhaps sympathetic, look. She reaches the back wall, and the base of the spiky pillar at 6:30 if we're going by the clock. She then turns and looks at the charging dino, the panthers, and wonders what exactly she's done to herself, beyond painting a big target on herself. "Well, at least these people will get a show."

Movement: 40 feet to the SW, putting the pool of water between her and the triceratops. 

The halfelf still busies himself fending off the panthers, who, though struck by the two eldritch balsts that were again met with cheers from the audience, are having an esy type taking swipes at him. He desperately launches himself against the one, who'se side he had already wounded, but as he keeps losing blood, the strength is failing him, and the blade does little more than scratch the panther. In retaliation, the beasts slash at him with their claws. He manages to evade one swipe, but in so doing leaves his back open to a swipe from the second one, leaving his shirt and the skin on his back torn to ribbons, yet he still holds on, carried forward by adrenaline.

The halfling meanwhile had successfully managed to evade the triceratops and is now sprinting at full speed for the far wall.

The triceratops, in its final approach, lowers its head to point all three of its crimson horns, which you only now realise weren't painted before- but have instead discoloured over time from all the goring they get to do- towards it's next target, Fang! Not seeing the large area covered in spikes before it, the triceratops charges ahead, leaving a bloody trail that slowly smears into the dust as it charges forward, driven mad with pain and rage. To Fang's shock and surprise though, the beast covers the entire area, and before you realise it, it's upon you! At the very last second, you manage to dive to the side, with the sharp horn scratching your side and leaving a superficial cut. With a loud shriek, the beast turns to face you again, now up close.

Fang and Reng, you're up again!

The halfling's garish face-paint and jaunty acrobatics are in stark contrast to the deadpan nasal voice that follows. With barely a break between breaths the diminutive performs flatly intones his banter. Good evening ladies and gibberlings. My name is Otto, but you can call me Otto. For my first trick I would like to levitate two white mice. Two white doves suddenly appear in his hand and then fly up to the ceiling and perch on a chandelier. Without waiting for applause (not that it was likely) he drones on. Thank you very much. I don't see any dwarves here tonight. I think it's because they said drinks are on the house so they all went up onto the roof. Honk Honk! The punch-line is punctuated as Otto lifts a small brass horn to his lips and blows two short but irritating blasts. I did see a dragonborn in the lobby, but he wasn't standing up, so I assume he had a reptile dysfunction. Honk Honk! Thank you very much. Let's just skip to the encore in case anyone needs to leave early. I shall now attempt to pull a grung out of a hat. May I borrow yours madam? Thank you very much. Now watch closely. Hocus Pocus! Tada! Otto withdraws his fist from the hat, lifting the horrid snarling face of a troglodyte as a horrific smell wafts around the crowd.

(OOC: All Otto's 'tricks' are Minor Illusion or Prestidigitation, or a combination of each, but with frequently unexpected results)