Corsario's Murder's Mark

Game Master Corsario

The first person to realize the arrival of the Umbra Carnival was Constable Huntington. A small bird landed near, and let a small silver sequin drop from his beak for him to see.
Just an hour after a group of Varisian men and woman descended to town, their colorful clothes and distinct chatter contrasting with the local's, looking for stores where to buy food and supplies and hang up colorful posters.
Many distrust glances are sent their way by the locals, and some stores took the time to put the "No Varisians" signs displayed more prominently in their doors and windows, making clear their distrust and negative to deal with the Umbra carnival's people.

Hearing the new commotion outside, Aliana hurriedly smothers the flame of the small burner in her lab and swiftly tries to impose some order on her cluttered workspace, before abandoning the attempt entirely. She stops for a moment to re-adjust the sign her mother had put in the window of their herbalist's shop - it simply reads Welcome, Carnival Guests! in Common and Varisian. Then, she bursts out the door and hurries down the street to the carnival.

A few coins jingle in her pocket, and as she hurries down the street, she thinks excitedly about which food stall she wants to visit first. Her mother, for all her prodigious ability to prepare esoteric herbal compounds, was an absolutely awful cook, though Aliana loved the complex spices and flavors that her traditional Varisian cooking included. As for Aliana's cooking - well, if it was her night to make dinner, it was even odds that the thick stews she favored had been simmering on a burner in her lab while she tinkered with her extracts, instead of being cooked on the perfectly serviceable stove in the upstairs apartment. So the carnival was one of her few chances to truly enjoy Varisian cuisine, and she always relished it.

Aliana arrives at the carnival grounds and begins chatting excitedly in Varisian to some of the workers. She directs them to the friendliest shops to resupply and hang posters at; having lived as one of the few Varisians in Ilsurian for years, she had grown familiar with which shopkeepers were likely to overcharge or slow their service to a crawl when they saw her olive skin and facial tattoos.

With the morning sun still rising, Fish is down on the docks practicing his training maneuvers. Wearing no armor, he twirls the net around attempting to wrap it around one of the pier's large posts. His lines and traps already in the water, he begins to notice activity increasing as the word of the carnival spreads. Huh, is it that time of year already? Seams to sneak up on me every time. He continues for a few more minutes before finishing his routine. He picks up a towel and begins to wipe the sweat away. Guess I should go see what all the fuss is about. Maybe Faldane will need some extra help keeping everyone in line this year, I could use the extra coin he thinks to himself as he heads up the hill.

Ah! My little bird has arrived! Elric thought as he spotted the reflective light from the sequin.

Elric walks over to a bit of a hidden alleyway to find a quiet place for the bird to speak. Upon ensuring he is alone, he holds up his hand with his index finger pointed out as a perch for the bird to land.

What have you heard, little bird? Elric whispers once the bird has settled.

Thump, step.
Thump, step.

After a long week lumbering, Orlin slowly thumped down the valley. From the tree's, on the the hills, he had seen coming down the valley the colorful tents and wagons of the caravan. It had been a long time, and while the town was still distant, he'd make it before too long.

Spending a bit more starting gold on basic supplies pre-arrival of the Carnival.

Upon hearing about the Carnival from his diminutive friend, Elric becomes a little excited and a little worried. He loves the carnival, and it brings back fond memories of his childhood, but with working the past few years as a constable in this quaint little town - he has learned that the carnival always brings bad tidings. Thieves, racism, and blame aplenty goes around. For many of his coworkers, the influx of Varisians is the perfect opportunity to "solve" crimes. It's the one aspect of his job that he doesn't like.

Thank you for the information, my friend, Elric tells the bird. Please continue to keep an eye and an ear out for me.

After hearing the news, Elric heads back into a nearby building to grab his pack and heads off to patrol the streets. He walks around town, visiting a few shops to say hello to the merchants, dropping off by the docks to greet the sailors, boaters, traders, and dock workers, and slowly winds his way towards the carnival.

Hearing the new commotion outside, Aliana hurriedly smothers the flame of the small burner in her lab and swiftly tries to impose some order on her cluttered workspace, before abandoning the attempt entirely. She stops for a moment to re-adjust the sign her mother had put in the window of their herbalist's shop - it simply reads Welcome, Carnival Guests! in Common and Varisian. Then, she bursts out the door and hurries down the street to the carnival.

Aliana sees the disapproving looks from many of her neighbors. In more than one occasion they have expressed their dislike for the help she gives the people from the carnival.

Maybe Faldane will need some extra help keeping everyone in line this year, I could use the extra coin[/i] he thinks to himself as he heads up the hill.

When he enters the town he sees Vea Semere smiling at him.

After a long week lumbering, Orlin slowly thumped down the valley. From the tree's, on the the hills, he had seen coming down the valley the colorful tents and wagons of the caravan. It had been a long time, and while the town was still distant, he'd make it before too long.

Almost at the town she finds Filton Legg, sitting at the shadow of a tree.

"What have you heard, little bird?"

The small bird talks to the sorcerer.

After hearing the news, Elric heads back into a nearby building to grab his pack and heads off to patrol the streets. He walks around town, visiting a few shops to say hello to the merchants, dropping off by the docks to greet the sailors, boaters, traders, and dock workers, and slowly winds his way towards the carnival.

On the way she finds Sheriff Feldane, which calls him at once.

Pavo "Fish" Krupt wrote:

Maybe Faldane will need some extra help keeping everyone in line this year, I could use the extra coin[/i] he thinks to himself as he heads up the hill.

When he enters the town he sees Vea Semere smiling at him.

"Hey Fish! I will be rooting for you! You have to beat the champion again!"

Fish stops his trek up the hill to chat with Vea for a moment. "Glad to hear it Vea. I'm certainly going it give it my all. Make sure you get there early and get a good seat. You're not going to want to miss this one, I can promise you that much. By the way, how's the family? Everyone good?" He spends a few minutes talking with Vea before continuing on his way, mostly just small talk.

Some distance away she sees Robella Moncello looking at all the movement. She approaches Aliana and greets her.

"Good day! I think the carnival is bigger this year, right? That big tent there, I don't recall seeing it last year."
Now that she thinks of it, Aliana doesn't remember it either.

"You know, I think you're right, ma'am," Aliana replies with a smile. "I wonder what it will be? They always have such fascinating shows." She continues making small talk with Mistress Robella, but her eyes keep flicking toward the large tent, sparkling with barely concealed curiosity. When their conversation winds down, Aliana nods a polite good-bye to the older woman, and watches as she makes her way through the bustle of activity. As soon as Robella is out of sight, Aliana turns and begins to make her way toward the mysterious new exhibit. I wonder what it is, Aliana muses to herself. Let's just take a peek.

Alexite had arisen late that morning as was his wont to do. After a leisurely breakfast that had all the appearances of a lunch, he bathed and dressed. At the maid's breathless telling of the day's news, the Ilsurian scion changed clothes, donning simpler fare. A poet's shirt with leather breeches and boots with his rapier hanging from one hip and his whips from the other. He took a few extra moments to adjust the spring-loaded wristsheath on his arm and load it with his dagger. shrugging on a bandolier over his shoulder, he fastened a simple leather cloak around his neck and admired himself in the tall standing mirror in his room. Quite the rugged commoner, if I do say so myself.

Grabbing a jaunty hat from one of the pegs near the front door, he walked out intent upon seeing the carnival and mixing it up with the regular folk.

Fish stops his trek up the hill to chat with Vea for a moment. "Glad to hear it Vea. I'm certainly going it give it my all. Make sure you get there early and get a good seat. You're not going to want to miss this one, I can promise you that much. By the way, how's the family? Everyone good?" He spends a few minutes talking with Vea before continuing on his way, mostly just small talk.

My bad I didn't told you Vea is alone, arriving to town without anyone else. I'll change your question to "how's business".

Aliana turns and begins to make her way toward the mysterious new exhibit. I wonder what it is, Aliana muses to herself. Let's just take a peek.

Robella Moncello follows Aliana, also intrigued by the big tent.

"Business is good. I am glad people in this town likes weapons so much, as I fear I wouldn't have been so accepted otherwise..."

She looks at one of the "no varisian" signs.
"If there were more of my kind... I can't understand it, for the life of me... Well, forget it. I just made some good coin making a weird claw like contraption, and I'll use it to bet on you!"
She tiptoes to kiss Pavo on the cheek.
"For luck!"

Fish blushes but recovers quickly. "Why..uh, yes, thank you Vea. Good, glad to hear that business is good. Weird claw huh, sounds uh, interesting. I'm sure you did a fine job, you always do Vea. You coming to see the carnival? I'm heading up now to check things out."

Grabbing a jaunty hat from one of the pegs near the front door, he walked out intent upon seeing the carnival and mixing it up with the regular folk.

Alexite hears somebody calling his name from a street corner:

Fish blushes but recovers quickly. "Why..uh, yes, thank you Vea. Good, glad to hear that business is good. Weird claw huh, sounds uh, interesting. I'm sure you did a fine job, you always do Vea. You coming to see the carnival? I'm heading up now to check things out."

Vea Semere shakes her head.

"Aliana! How are you? I am afraid we can't let you and your friend pass. It is dangerous, as they are still setting up Jherizhana's tent."

"I'm well, friend - you know how I love watching the carnival come to life," Aliana responds. "What are they setting up in there that's so dangerous? It must be something fantastic - the tent is huge!"

Vea Semere shakes her head. "They should still be setting themselves down, and I should be at my shop, ready to get their orders! They always ask for different stuff than my usual orders here, and the change is good for me. I have always liked to work on their wares. I will probably will go tonight, on the opening. But I guess you want to check on the champion, right? Don't let your guard down... remember what happened two years ago!"

She says goodbye and goes away, greeting with her hand Alexite Ilsurian and Genthus Duggern.
So... do you want to join Alexite and Genthus, or directly to the carnival?

"Hah. Yes, I think I learned that lesson quite well thank you. Well I hope to see you later Vea." Fish is a performer of sorts so he would stop and greet people, shake their hands, and just generally try to inspire and maintain fans. So yes, he will join Alexite and Genthus.

Orlin pauses on his slow and steady trek into town, turning and smiling down at the suddenly sober and clean man.

"Master Legg! You are looking well today! What's the occasion? Today's been Fine on my end, though a bit long, how about yourself?"

Constable Huntington wrote:

"What have you heard, little bird?"

The small bird talks to the sorcerer.

"The carnival has arrived, their birds are coming with them. They are building their nest!"

Constable Huntington wrote:

After hearing the news, Elric heads back into a nearby building to grab his pack and heads off to patrol the streets. He walks around town, visiting a few shops to say hello to the merchants, dropping off by the docks to greet the sailors, boaters, traders, and dock workers, and slowly winds his way towards the carnival.

On the way she finds Sheriff Feldane, which calls him at once.

"Elric! Seems the Umbra Carnival has arrived. Come with me to talk to them. I hope this is a good year, and we don't have the problems we had last year."

Elric smiles warmly as soon as he sees his friend, Sheriff! I'm glad to have run into you. I was just on my way. The weather is good, the people don't seem in too sour a mood, and I even saw someone put up a sign welcoming the Varisians! Imagine that, here! I'm looking forward to a good carnival this year.

Elric makes his way to the Carnival with Sheriff Feldane.

"I'm well, friend - you know how I love watching the carnival come to life," Aliana responds. "What are they setting up in there that's so dangerous? It must be something fantastic - the tent is huge!"

The guards look each other, and then look around, making sure one else except you and Robella Moncello hear them:

"Master Legg! You are looking well today! What's the occasion? Today's been Fine on my end, though a bit long, how about yourself?"

Filton Legg smiles shyly.

Elric smiles warmly as soon as he sees his friend, Sheriff! I'm glad to have run into you. I was just on my way. The weather is good, the people don't seem in too sour a mood, and I even saw someone put up a sign welcoming the Varisians! Imagine that, here! I'm looking forward to a good carnival this year.

Elric makes his way to the Carnival with Sheriff Feldane.

Sheriff Kyra Feldane looks at the people around you.

Fish is a performer of sorts so he would stop and greet people, shake their hands, and just generally try to inspire and maintain fans. So yes, he will join Alexite and Genthus.

Alexite Ilsurian and Genthus Duggern greet Pavo, with Genthus shaking his hand enthusiastically.

It had been a while since he'd seen mother... People understood family, so he took the day off. Nothing he couldn't catch up on tomorrow.

He headed up the hill, then saw their caravan add he created the hillock. Mother...

"Ahh, I am honored to represent such fine people. You flatter me, but I just do what any in my place would do...I try to not get stabbed" he says with a chuckle. He throws both arms up in the air, waving to the children as if he's already won the battle. "Here here, for Ilsurian" he cheers. He pats the men are their backs before continuing on towards the carnival where he's certain to run into the sheriff or the constable.

Genthus Duggern

"I almost didn't recognize you... disguised... as you are now. I am sure you know the Varisian rabble carnival has arrived again to town. My prayers to Aroden to keep them away from here didn't work this year either. I hope you are not going there. It saddens me to see the good people of Ilsurian lose their valuable time enriching those Varisian beggars with the fruits of their honest labor, and the lose time in the training pits! Surely these are sad times, seeing the decadence of our people. What would your great father, Ilsur, would say if he could see us now!"
He looks at Fish at the distance.
"But I have to say, I myself will attend, if only to see Fish show what a good strong Ilsurian can do against that Shoanti "champion" of them."

Alexite turns at the sound of his name being called. "Ah, good Duggen! How are you this morning? Aroden's blessings upon you. Of course, I am going to the carnival. I don't recall my father having a negative word to say of the natives... that was his successor."

The Ilsurian scion makes as if he is pondering Duggen's mention of the pit fighter. "Funny, I don't recall ever seeing "Fish" at any of the family gatherings. Well, perhaps on a serving platter." Alexite claps Genthus on the shoulder at his jest. "Come, man, let's go and see what the wastrels have brought with them this year. It could be jolly good fun!"

Aliana leans toward the guard playfully. "Your secret's safe with us," she whispers mock-surreptitiously. "I can't wait to see it! Miss Almara must be quite powerful, if she can control such a mighty creature."

Seeing a townsperson shooting a dirty look at the Varisians leaning in conspiratorially, she straightens up and begins speaking at a more normal volume. "Is there anything else any of you need? Some smoke pellets or flash powder as effects for the shows, perhaps?" Her voice grows just a tiny bit louder. "I've grown quite skilled at making alchemist's kindness lately - you know how these Chelaxians are at recovering from their nights out, after all."

Alchemist's kindness is basically alchemical Alka-Seltzer, counteracting the effects of hangovers.

She smirks cheekily at her own joke and winks at the guards, then waves and makes her way toward the ring of wagons south of Jherizhana's tent to speak with more of the vendors and check if they are in need of any supplies. And if I'm able to snag a few bites of something tasty while I'm at it, well, no harm done.

Orlin "Stormborn" Sawyer wrote:

"Master Legg! You are looking well today! What's the occasion? Today's been Fine on my end, though a bit long, how about yourself?"

Filton Legg smiles shyly.

"Please call me Filton... I am not master of anything... anything worth mentioning anyway. Yes, it is a fine day. I am trying to keep things together, you know. Keep my head above the water."
He smiles a little more.
"I even got myself a job, you know..."

What do I know about what I've been presuming is the town drunk? Recent disaster survivor coping with grief? I have no readily applicable knowledges... but am presuming SOME previous knowledge.

With a half bow to his insistence on less formality.

"A Job? That's Great! That must be a huge relief! There is something satisfying about a job well done. What is it that you'll be up to? Anything exciting?

I'll get a description up after work.

Sheriff Kyra Feldane looks at the people around you.

"You know what to do. Keep an eye open for any burglars, thieves or drunks on the town. We want to keep the town under control. We don't get into the carnival, but we don't let any shenanigans from the carnival to get into town."
She winces when seeing one of the "No Varisians" signs in a store.
"And also keep an eye open for any of us misbehaving with any of the carnival's people. We don't want a repeat of the issue of last year. That poor varisian girl was almost raped before you find her. By the way, you never told me how you located her."

Elric smiles at the Sheriff; I will always keep an eye out, but I've long suspected that simply having a strong presence helps deter crime more often than not. If people see us about, they'll think twice about doing whatever it is they were planning on doing.

And keeping a good relationship with everyone, helps, too. When people are happy with us, they don't hide information from us.

Ignoring the Sheriff's last question, Elric says, Look! There's our resident champion, Fish! I'm going to say hello, care to join? With that, Elric makes his way towards the arena champion.

Hello Fish! Elris yells out from a short distance, over the sounds of the carnival construction and crowds. As he gets closer, he smiles at the man, extending his hand out to shake the others, Good to see you in fighting spirits this year. I hope you perform as well as last year. I made a solid 20 good off you, which made up for my losses from the year before. I know; low stakes. Unprofessional to be a gambler and debtor, but I prefer to show my support by making a small wager on our local champ.

Fine day for the Carnival to show, is it not?

Aliana leans toward the guard playfully. "Your secret's safe with us," she whispers mock-surreptitiously. "I can't wait to see it! Miss Almara must be quite powerful, if she can control such a mighty creature."

"Quite so! It was a great feat to be able to control the beast. Is the most powerful monster you can safely see north of the Inner Sea!"

Seeing a townsperson shooting a dirty look at the Varisians leaning in conspiratorially, she straightens up and begins speaking at a more normal volume. "Is there anything else any of you need? Some smoke pellets or flash powder as effects for the shows, perhaps?" Her voice grows just a tiny bit louder. "I've grown quite skilled at making alchemist's kindness lately - you know how these Chelaxians are at recovering from their nights out, after all."

"We could use some of that! Why don't you go see Clerk Atepmo?"

She smirks cheekily at her own joke and winks at the guards, then waves and makes her way toward the ring of wagons south of Jherizhana's tent to speak with more of the vendors and check if they are in need of any supplies. And if I'm able to snag a few bites of something tasty while I'm at it, well, no harm done.

You won't find anything good until the opening this afternoon...

Alexite turns at the sound of his name being called. "Ah, good Duggen! How are you this morning? Aroden's blessings upon you. Of course, I am going to the carnival. I don't recall my father having a negative word to say of the natives... that was his successor."
The Ilsurian scion makes as if he is pondering Duggen's mention of the pit fighter. "Funny, I don't recall ever seeing "Fish" at any of the family gatherings. Well, perhaps on a serving platter." Alexite claps Genthus on the shoulder at his jest. "Come, man, let's go and see what the wastrels have brought with them this year. It could be jolly good fun!"

Genthus Duggern frowns.

"Ahh, I am honored to represent such fine people. You flatter me, but I just do what any in my place would do...I try to not get stabbed" he says with a chuckle. He throws both arms up in the air, waving to the children as if he's already won the battle. "Here here, for Ilsurian" he cheers. He pats the men are their backs before continuing on towards the carnival where he's certain to run into the sheriff or the constable.

You and Ilsurian go into the carnival, and find the other PC's (except Orne and Orlin), together with Sheriff Feldane and Robella Moncello.

"Good morning, Sheriff, Constable! Well met, everyone!" Aliana greets everyone boisterously. "Isn't it exciting - it's carnival time! I hope everyone's planning on enjoying the festivities; I know I am. And Pavo, good luck, eh? Let's make it two in a row for the home team!"

So four of you (Alexite Ilsurian, Aliana Merali, Constable Huntington and Pavo "Fish" Krupt) are together with Sheriff Feldane and Robella Moncello at the entrance of the Umbra Carnival. The carnival is in full "set up mode" and not attending "clients" yet.
Fell free to roleplay your characters between you for a day or two, while I finish to review characters and move ahead the Orlin "Stormborn" Sawyer and Orne characters.

What do I know about what I've been presuming is the town drunk? Recent disaster survivor coping with grief? I have no readily applicable knowledges... but am presuming SOME previous knowledge.

"A Job? That's Great! That must be a huge relief! There is something satisfying about a job well done. What is it that you'll be up to? Anything exciting?

Well, you don't have many details... He is the town drunk, but he seems much recovered today. You don't know of any tragedy or situation that him and addict, and you know he is not an alcoholic. He is a drug addict. Some "exotic" drug that makes him shaky and paranoid. But today he seems clean.

Ahh, hello everyone, good to see you, good to see you.

You can be sure I'm going to do my best in that arena. You can bet on it.

"It won't be until later this afternoon; many of the carts are still setting up. I was just making rounds and checking if they needed any last minute supplies. It can be so hard for them to find anyone who will sell -" She quickly stifles her half-started comment and glances around at the group. Oh, please don't say I've just insulted some of the most popular folk in Ilsurian, she thinks.

It had been a while since he'd seen mother... People understood family, so he took the day off. Nothing he couldn't catch up on tomorrow.

He headed up the hill, then saw their caravan add he created the hillock. Mother...

I need for you to tell me some stuff about Orne's mother. She cooks at the Umbra Carnival, she got a Half-Orc Son. What else? He has half or full brothers? What happened to his father? Did Orne grew on the Carnival? How long ago did he leaved it?

"Boating? Nice, open water, stars above, and good, honest, hard labor to make the day go by. Master Braeton is a good man to work for, I'm glad for you, and hope things continue to look up!"

He reaches out, and gives Filton a hearty grip.

"May Desna guide your feet, light your sail, and watch over your journeys."

He then speaks a quiet word, and Filton should feel a slight beneficence. Selected target, no actual mechanical effect, it should feel like a butterfly landed on him, or a gentle blessing. Effective Level: 0. Also, description listed in Alias, and a touch more background

Filton Legg takes a step back.
"What the!"
He looks around, between mad and scared.
"Desna? What do you take me for?"
He looks confused while he turns his back and starts walking very fast towards the town.

Watching poor Filton stumble away, Orlin calls out.

"A Sailor. You will need her blessing, just like all who spend their lives upon the roads and the waters."

I was going off the following with that: "Desna is the goddess of travel and journeys, and there are few who traverse the roads who wouldn't spare her a prayer or a simple-worded plea for benediction. Scouts, sailors, and those who travel for travel's sake make up a large amount of her following" He'll not last long on the waters with THAT attitude.

Shaking his head, Orlin continues the long walk into town, heading for the carnival grounds to be.

Ms. Merali! How goes the shop? Elric asks in polite conversation. He knows of Aliana, has even been to her shop before, but he's never had any lengthy conversations with her, and he's not familiar with any of her dealings with the law - if any. As far as festivities go, I'm afraid not. Carnival season usually means I work a lot of extra hours trying to keep the peace. I typically wait until after the carnival to relax, especially with a nice bottle of wine from that wonderful Varisian cook - what was her name? The one married to that Orc. She has some delicious dessert ports. I still have some bottles from last year if any of you would like to try some after the Carnival leaves. And I plan on restocking my stores later this week.

Fish, on the other hand, is someone Elric knows a bit better. Not only has he bet on all of Fish's fights, but he's even gone down to the lumber yard a time or to to chat up the fellow. They may not be a close of friends as Elric and Feldane are, but it is certain a positive acquaintanceship if not a fledgling friendship.

Responding to Fish's question, Elric says, I'm always happy to have another set of eyes on the look out and anther pair of hands to help. Care to take a walk with us? Ms. Merali, you're welcome to join as well.

Shaking his head, Orlin continues the long walk into town, heading for the carnival grounds to be.

You see, at the entrance of the carnival a group of people (the rest of the PC's).

Responding to Fish's question, Elric says, I'm always happy to have another set of eyes on the look out and anther pair of hands to help. Care to take a walk with us? Ms. Merali, you're welcome to join as well.

Sheriff Feldane frowns.

"Well yes ma'am. This fight is my main focus. I know lots of people are counting on me. Not just for the money they've gambled, but also for the honor of the town, I aim to do them proud. To make myself proud. I just figured that with my reputation, maybe I could help keep people in line. Of course you're right though. A good fighter doesn't underestimate his opponent."

"It won't be until later this afternoon; many of the carts are still setting up. I was just making rounds and checking if they needed any last minute supplies. It can be so hard for them to find anyone who will sell -" She quickly stifles her half-started comment and glances around at the group. Oh, please don't say I've just insulted some of the most popular folk in Ilsurian, she thinks.

All smiles, Alexite nods in recognition to the fighter, "Mr. 'Fish', a pleasure to see you in fine fighting form."

Giving the slightest inclination of his head, he regards the shopkeep, "Ms. Merali, how are you?" At her faux pas, he keeps his smile plastered on his face, "Yes, indeed, most charitable."

At the deputy's snub, the gentleman turns to the sheriff, "How fare you today, Sheriff Feldane? I hope the carnival won't be too much of a nuisance for the good townsfolk of Ilsurian?"

At the deputy's snub, the gentleman turns to the sheriff, "How fare you today, Sheriff Feldane? I hope the carnival won't be too much of a nuisance for the good townsfolk of Ilsurian?"

"Very good Mr. Ilsurian, thank you. And how are you? I can assure you we have the capacity to control any situation while the carnival is in town..."