Megan's Carrion Crown

Game Master Megan Robertson

"Your companionship would be welcome and coincidentally, we are traveling to Lepidstadt ourselves. We are sorry we were not in time to save the girl."

"Then it is settled. Come, it is nearly night. Have you dined yet? Let me introduce the Kin."

These are the weird and wonderful folk he introduces: -

Hap Tarvin, the Flea Man: A short, hunched man with a distorted appearance, Hap performs with his flea circus, the Magnificent Carnival of Miniature Wonders.

Lidia Gerod, the Bearded Lady: Standing nearly 7 feet tall and possessed of a fine beard down to her waist, Lidia acts as a sort of 'mother hen' to the other members of the troupe.

The Pinheads: Lettie and Poppy are sisters, Aleece was also their sister. All of them have microcephaly.

Prince Zar, the Human Caterpillar: This Mwangi man has no arms or legs. Prince Zar was once enslaved in a Chelish sideshow, but earned enough money to buy his freedom. He joined the Crooked Kin, where he is billed as an exiled prince of the 'Lost Cities of Darkest Garund.'

S’jeer, the Vudrani Princess: Born with four arms, S’jeer dresses in exotic silks and speaks with a thick accent.

The Swarm of Clowns: These three men, Gerik, Josef, and Tam, each have an extra limb (Josef has three legs, the others have three arms). Besides their skill in clowning, they are also accomplished acrobats and jugglers.

Trollblood, the Giant Man: A shockingly ugly Ulfen man nearly 8 feet tall, Trollblood entertains the crowds with fire-breathing and his feats of strength.

The Wolf Child: Supposedly raised by wolves in the Shudderwood, this 10-year-old boy is covered in hair. He is unfortunately insane, but the pinhead sisters treat him like a younger brother. He is howling inconsolably at the loss of Aleece at the moment.

All the above are humans. In addition, the show also includes a pair of caged goblin dogs, a morlock, and a giant frog, all of whom are brought out to meet you.

Tre finds the carny a strange bunch, which he tends to keep aloof from.He is more interested in the deformities from an academic and magical standpoint rather than the human misery these deformities can bring. Tre engages S’jeer, the Vudrani Princess in conversation, fascinated by the story of her life and how she can about her extra appendages. He listens intently, but keeps his own council, not trusting the woman as he distrusts all whose reputation is to steal and live on the road.

Sense motive 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Barret finds comradery with these strange folks. First order of business was to challenge the mighty Trollblood to a wrestling match after he gives an appreciative wink towards the Vudrani Princess.

Soon, the company is gathered around a big fire with the wagons circled around. A large iron pot is brought out and various meats and vegetables are soon bubbling away. Lidia Gerod appears to be in charge of making dinner, and she's also baking some potatoes to go with the stew. Kaleb Hesse produces some bottles of wine to pass around.

S'jeer is happy to chat with Tre'duinne although she has no explanation for her extra limbs except that she was born that way. Oddly, her accent although thick keeps shifting.

Trollblood says that he'll wrestle if you like. He suggests that the loser cleans up the dinner things.

"You got a deal Trollblood."

Hearing the challenge, Tre rolls his eyes, shakes his head and says quietly to S'jeer in a condescending tone , "Such uncouth behavior, typical ruffian."

Dillan takes in the band of misfits and their unusual appearance. Involuntarily his right slowly raises to his ear, he catches the motion, and moves to simply brush his hair away as if it was bothering him. Still the group seem a pleasant bunch, friendly, and curiously the rogue finds his thoughts wondering more about them...That can't be completely independent. Or can they? Perhaps despite their appearance they have a variety of associates. Or they are just as outcast as I am where the people of these lands care little of their lives.

Dillans thoughts come back to the present as he hears the challenge causing him to smile then turns to the 'bearded lady', "Would you happen to have any spirits amongst your goods?"

Lidia smiles at Dillan.

"I have a little brandy. Kaleb doesn't like the Kin to drink the strong stuff, he reckons it makes them too rowdy. But I use it in sauces, so he lets me keep it."

She bustles off and returns with a small cup. It's really rather nice.

The rest of the Kin are getting impatient. They're hungry and want their dinner, but Kaleb insists that the wrestling match is first as nobody should wrestle on a full stomach.

Dillan smiles as she returns with the glass, lifts the glass in her direction and takes a drink, "Ah. That's pretty good." His attention then goes over to view the wrestling match...at a safe distance though; can't be close enough to risk spilling his drink.

Sorin chuckles at the stir around the impending match, "Better hurry up and have at it Barret. Looks like everyone is getting hungry!" The smaller Kellid man has a cup of wine, takes a seat and watches as the giant and Barret get ready for their match.

Merian's reactions to the Kin is somewhat variable - she at first seems taken aback, then smiles brightly and takes a moment to try to speak to everyone in a friendly manner, but as the dinner approaches she withdraws again, only to seemingly force herself back out of her shell to engage in the conversation. It is actually the Wolf Child on whom she finally settles most of her attention, sitting near him and trying to hum a reassuring tune to soothe some of his grief.

"I hope you like wiping down plates." Barret says cracking his knuckles. He lunges at Trollblood. Despite for once being the smaller man, Barret does not let that fact faze him. The action is fast and furious as the pair trade holds. Trollblood starts with a basic bearhug which Barret 'bearly' breaks out of and counters into a sleeper hold. But the pure brute strength of the Kins-man throws Barret forward onto the ground and locks in a crippling crossface. Barret tries to hold on but the pain is too much and his hand hits the floor three times, tapping out which prompts Trollblood to release the hold. The victor helps the Kellid man up to his feet. "That was a good match. As you can see, my kin aren't the type to want to wrestle so I thank you for the opportunity." He says to the pride-wounded Barret. "Same here, now let us eat."

Sorin slowly claps in appreciation of the tough fight. He puts his cup down and stands to shake Trollblood's giant paw, "Well done, that's the first time I've seen Barret bested. Having seen how quickly he learns though, I wouldn't count on being able to do it much longer."

"He is fast and powerful, your Barret" says Trollblood who is breathing heavily. He puts his shirt back on and takes a seat.

"A good way to work up an appetite"

Lidia serves up her stew. It's quite heavy on beans and tomato, with onions, sausages and some chunks of pork. It's accompanied by baked potatoes.

Once everyone is served, Kaleb stands up.

"In life we remember death. Our Aleece is gone ahead, but we still travel the road behind her. One day we will meet again in the camp of eternal rest. Until then we cherish her memory and live as she lived, wanderers free."

He pours out a cup of wine onto the ground.

"Wait for us, Aleece. We are coming, but are not ready to join you yet."

He sits down and starts to eat.

Sorin watches the rest of the camp and if they follow the same motion of pouring out their cups, he does the same. Otherwise, he sits back down to eat. After the success at Harrowstone, the failure to save the girl weighs on him and he eats more quietly than usual.

Merian murmurs a prayer of her own, pouring out her cup with the others.

Barret follows suite with everyone else as he pours his drink onto the ground out of respect.

And now they pour their liquor on the ground. What a strange bunch. The rogue keeps his place, unnoticed, and somewhat solitary and enjoys his drink.

Tre is more than happy to pour the wine onto the ground, though it might be of quality of these traveling folk, it is not to his taste from the smell of it.At least the food is better than the normal traveling fare or rations. He longs for an Inn of repute with a decent bed and fare.

The others do pour out their cups, although astute observers like Dillan notice that only a few drops tip out. Thinking back, he realises several took a deep swig when Kaleb rose to speak!

I'm away until the weekend with no internet access, bot as required.

The ritual done, everyone settles to enjoying their dinner. After everyone has eaten, the Swarm of Clowns put on a display of juggling.

Merian laughs and smiles at the juggling, clapping with the others and surprising herself with how much fun she is having.

"Quite a bit brighter than Ravengro in spite of their hardships. A good people. I think the Professor would have enjoyed being here."

Does anyone wish to do anything this evening/night, or shall we move on?

I'm just going to talk to them more about Lepidstadt and try to learn more of the town/city and anything this have heard about this 'beast'.

They know little of the city, they prefer to set up outside the walls. If they go in, people stare in the wrong way...

As for the Beast of Lepidstadt, it is ugly, kind, angry, and gentle. Pretty much like any of them - "For people look at the outside and think that's what you are like inside." None of them have seen the Beast, but the rumours say it is a towering patchwork of mismatched body parts. The rumours also attribute all manner of heinous crimes to its name, but they've not heard any concrete evidence against it.

"I think that is an interesting observation. I found some similar treatment myself journeying from the swamps to Ravengro for the Professor's funeral. I doesn't surprise me to hear that there might be people who would not give someone with a different appearance a chance."
I can't think of any more questions so ready to journey on in the morning.

Tre questions the travelers about the road to Leipstadt, and how long it will take, it would please him to travel in a cart,to be as comfortable as he can. Having learned all he can about the road and dangers of the journey ahead, he turns in for the night.

"We will see what this Beast is about." Barret will drink whatever is left and finish his dinner before heading to bed.

Merian also bids the rest of the group good night and turns in as well.

You reckon you have travelled about a third of the way between Ravengro and Lepidstadt. The Crooked Kin are eager to make a good pace to get there, in the hopes of attracting the same sort of people who will have been attracted by the Beast's trial. They are, after all, businessmen!

They ask if some of you will scout ahead to ensure safe passage. Those not scouting may ride on the wagons, and you are welcome to eat and sleep with the Kin. They also ask if any of you are entertainers, you'd be welcome to perform with them if you wish.

"I can do some dance mixed with acrobatics." The rogue grins, "I'm not too bad at it. Though most likely not the type of skill for earning honest coin." He looks at his companions, "Though my eyes are better than most scouting might just be the task for me." With that Dillan slips from the wagon and moves to the front.

Once the terrain is acceptable, and not enjoying being a target, the rogue slips into the shadows nearby...

Stealth 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 +4=26 vs hearing conversations, finding traps, concealed or secret objects; +2 more = 28 for traps.

"I'm afraid my entertaining skills are lacking, but I am more than happy to help with scouting the way ahead."
Will give Dillan his room though.

Tre, feeling above the need to entertain, does little to encourage the kin to think he is anything other than a traveller, set to study in Lepidstadt. As he sits on the cart, trying to find the most comfortable, he asks more about this beast. Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 "So these crimes, what did he do. Yet you say there is no evidence! Have the authorities been looking elsewhere? Where was he last seen?"

"Indeed. I am not an entertainer and my skills lie elsewhere. I can help scout if need be."

Merian shrugs. "If you need someone to practice being an audience, I'm your girl," she replies, "but I'm not really the performing sort."

Tre watches with disinterest as his friends shy away from any performance arts.

The Beast's crimes, at least as far as the Kin are aware, seem to be more about being a Beast than any particular murder or robbery, yet such are attributed to him.

The rumors of the Beast's misdeeds intrigue Merian, as does the Kin's apparent sympathy for it (him?). "Do you really think this 'Beast' is being ill-judged?" she asks, bemused. "Surely the courts of justice have reason to condemn it. It certainly sounds rather foul..."

There is a tendancy for the fairer folk to judge those of unusual and ugly appearance on their looks rather than their behaviour," says Trollblood. "Were there a fight between me, say, and a human, they will automatically assume that I was the aggressor just by looking at me. That is the way of the world, and I doubt such as the Beast will get a fair trial whether or not he's done wrong!"

"Indeed. They would assume the same of me."

"Too true my friend and probably me as well. I think the swamp will cling to me long after I have departed. I have to admit my curiosity is piqued about this Beast. Perhaps after we finish our delivery we can learn more."

The rest of the journey is uneventful. Anyone want to do anything before we reach Lepidstadt?

Think I'm good. I can't think of anything else before we reach the town/city."

Merian opens her mouth as though to reply, but she quickly colors, looking down, and says nothing. A hand touches the holy symbol engraved on her shield, and she closes her eyes in prayer.

Nothing else from me.

Nope.

I'm good...

Upon your arrival in Lepidstadt, you find an almost carnival atmosphere in the city. The trial of the Beast of Lepidstadt has already commenced, and things don't look good for the creature. A huge pyre in the shape of a man — Lepidstadt's famous Punishing Man — has been erected in the main circle outside the courthouse, and locals eagerly add fuel to the effigy in preparation for the Beast's execution.

The Crooked Kin have pitched camp outside the city walls, but ask if you'd mind distributing some flyers in town for them.

City Map

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