| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
When Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch calls a team of Pathfinder agents into her office, the mission will be either dangerous, short on details, or dangerous and short on details. Several agents stationed in the Magnimar lodge gave mock salutes as they watched your group of novice Pathfinder get shepherded into her library.
“Agents, initiates, I have a task for you ahead that may seem somewhat,” Sheila Heidmarch pauses for a moment as she collects her thoughts, “trivial. I have gotten word that a rather interesting carnival, the Umbra Carnival, is making a stop in Ilsurian this upcoming month. It is a rather curious carnival. Most notably, it has in its service a gynosphinx—an unusual creature to serve humans in any capacity, much less as a carnival attraction.”
“I would like you to go to Ilsurian, attend this carnival and find out what you know about this gynosphinx. Oh, and while you’re in town, please stop by the local pawn shop, the Locked Box. My second-best tiara, a true family heirloom, somehow managed to end up in its shop window. Believe me, the team responsible for that mishap is on a much less pleasant task than visiting a carnival and enjoying some fried dough.”
Looking over the party, she does give a smile. ”With all the strange agents the Decimvirate sends my way, I’ve never seen an entire flock before. I hope you can work together well - birds of a feather, after all.”
With that, Sheila Heidmarch hands you a pawn shop claim ticket, a set of tickets to the carnival and detailed travel arrangements, including passage with a local caravan heading through Ilsurian and rooms at a local inn.
What do you already know about Ilsurian?
What have you already heard about the Umbra Carnival?
“A traveling carnival? Beware my friend! These things are just a front for criminal activity. The games are rigged, the sideshows are farcical and the food is filthy. Sure the women are comely, but their welcome smiles and scant costumes are a distraction for the menfolk to cut your purse. My cousin got lured behind a wagon by a likely wench and got his head cracked open for his trouble. Blasted dancers! Now he’s dumb and broke. Trust me, keep your distance!”
“Traveling carnivals are wicked fun! Even if you don’t have much coin, there’s always something to see. Harrowers, savage beasts, all manner of freaks and the dancing ladies—oh my! The smell of perfume, roasting meat and pipeweed makes me delightfully dizzy. There’s usually a good fight to watch, too. My uncle told me about this time he won 10 gold Sails wrestling Khoshut the Backbreaker, an exiled Shoanti warchief. I only wish they came more often.”
The Umbra Carnival is one of the many traveling shows that circulate around Varisian towns and cities providing entertainment in exchange for a bit of coin. Some believe these troupes are a front for Sczarni crime families who fleece as many locals as they can before hitting the road ahead of an angry mob. They feature freakshows, games of skill and chance, a menagerie of exotic or dangerous creatures, acrobats, musicians and fortune-tellers. The workers are often all part of an extended family, but there are always a few collected castoffs of society.
Sheila nods and says "Yes, of course. After all, you already have at least one thing in common with the other agents. That's more than most groups can say. Hopefully you'll be less chaotic as well."
She gives a long glance over a stack of to-be-filed incident reports. "I could really use that. I really could."
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Dekarin sighs as he hears the mission, understanding there probably won't be too much fighting; although, with an infamous Heidmarch mission, one could never know.
"This does sound so....exciting." he says before picking up his ticket and passage documents.
"I do hope there is something out there that will make this exciting."
With that, he turns to leave the Lodge, tagging along with the rest of his feathered brethren.
|
|
"Oh no, a missing family heirloom! You poor thing. We will get it right back to you, you know. But tell me; what is a gynosphinx?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
Tengu with an unusual almost white plumage and large claws on the hands nods and makes a clicking noise while listening to the Captain.
"We will do our best... *click-click*... Lady. And, yes... *click-click* this one tengu too had never heard of such a creature. How dangerous is it? "
He constantly glances from side to side... like looking for a spy... or just a mouse.
"Ah, dangerous, yes. It's more dangerous than a dretch but less dangerous than a wolf-in-sheep's clothing. I doubt any harm will come to you at the circus. They have a reputation to uphold, after all." Sheila Heidmarch nods and says, "If that is all, best be on your way!"
|
|
"Um, excuse me, but what *is* a gynosphinx. You didn't answer my question, you know."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Oh, yes. Yes. It's hard to remember sometimes. A gynosphinx is a strange creature. They have the bodies of lions, wings of a falcon, and the chest and head of a beautiful human women. They tend to speak in riddles are are fiercely intelligent. I would not recommend crossing one, as they have the claws of lion along with spellcasting powers."
"Yes, yes. I'm glad to see that you've got it! Now, scurry on. I have more briefings to attend to."
With that, Sheila sends you of her office to make your final preparations and to meet up with the caravan.
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I've seen a lot of strange things in my days, but I've never seen a winged lion with a human head. Takes all kinds, I guess..."
Tchucko, a garishly dressed tengu with a nervous habit of fidgeting with a "lucky" coin, chuckles to himself. As the party leaves Sheila's office, he turns to his companions:
"Watch yourselves at this carnival, though - the only thing you can trust about carnival folks is that you can't trust them. I should know - I've run my share of cons over the years."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Andoliesa makes a clicking sound in her mouth, then screeches out in her high pitched, grating voice, "I assume you've mended your ways, flock-brother?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Chack-Qetchack stops and intently ponders, realizing that he missed something important, when he enthusiastically thought about the upcoming new experiences.
"Not for us to forgive and not for us to judge. Pazacku. Andoliesa. This one considers that the judge can only those who are able to see the whole picture. What happened in the past and what will happen in the future. None of the earthly lords and few of the servants of the Higher Lords are capable of it."
Surprisingly, but speaking on such an important theme, all the strange clicking sounds briefly left Chack-Qetchack.
...However, soon all returns to normal and he again begins to resemble the owl on the hunt, constantly changing the angle of the head and the point where he looks.
"Brothers and sisters! Let's go! This one can't wait for carnival... *click-click* This one feels it will be a glorious hunt! *click*"
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Tchucko chuckles a little uncomfortably, realizing that his companions are all far more faithful than he has ever claimed to be.
"Don't worry, Andoliesa, I've learned my lesson. I got hurt pretty bad the last time I walked on the wrong side of the law - being a Pathfinder is much less nerve-wracking than always having to watch my back."
Changing the subject a little bit, Tchucko says, "I don't think I've ever traveled with a cleric, two warpriests and a paladin before. I'm more of a mentalist than a spell-slinger or a sell-sword. But I do have some special tricks up my sleeve. I don't know which of you is likely to be in the front lines if a battle breaks out, but I can stare into your eyes and work some of my magic to protect you, if you'd like."
|
|
"Yes, it is for others to judge, but grandmother crow would not have us misbehave, nor tolerate bad behavior in others, you know!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Takashi looked back and forth between the other Tengu, feeling a bit young and inexperienced, but wanting to contribute. "Umm... Desna teaches that... that many paths can lead to good ends, if they turn from darkness," he hesistantly interjected, bobbing his head in what could be a nod or a brief hiding of his eyes in embarrassment.
But any embarrassment he felt was quickly banished by wonder. "You can do that, Tchucko? I've never heard of something like that before! But... I don't think it's good for me... I'm not very good at fighting yet, though I can call on a few of Desna's blessings for us..."
|
|
"Tanagaar teaches us that good can be in the very darkness. Constantly. Waiting for us there not only the horrors... *click*... believe this one, Takashi!"
He quickly turns back to the hypnotist.
"Tchucko, you know, Kelinahat which this one also worships, teaches us that the path of shadows and trickery can be good ... *click-click*... if used wisely and in order to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Besides, this one too likes such stunts."
|
|
Dekarin listens to the other tengus discussing religion before speaking.
He almost seems to scoff at the term 'unnecessary bloodshed', as if such a concept were ridiculous.
"Our Lord in Iron declares that strength in battle is more important than anything."
With this, he slowly draws the almost five-foot long greatsword sheathed between his shoulders.
"I do believe I'll be the one 'in the front lines' when battle breaks out."
"And while I appreciate the offer, Tchucko, I believe one who is not nearly as battle-ready as I should receive your gifts."
The Sczarni caravan Venture Captain Heidmarch had told you about arrives in the town of Ilsurian precisely on schedule. The carnival caravan has newly arrived itself, and a contingent of carnival workers wanders the town, picking up supplies and plastering posters declaring The Umbra Carnival: Wonders, Amusements and Attractions and a long list of events, with everything from the gynosphinx Jherizhana to tests of strength to a live young dragon billed. Townspeople crowd around the posters, gawk at the colorfully-dressed carnival workers and likewise rush around in the excitement.
A small set of shops and stalls, some owned by locals wanting to cash in on the festival atmosphere, have started setting up in the Winding Market next to the carnival grounds. A few savvy souls are already selling foods, potions, and trinkets to the crowd.
“Fried fish! Apples! Nut breads!” A fat woman calls from her stall, a line of people already forming.
“Robella’s potions, notions and curiosities! Impress your friends! Woo your lovers!” A woman with short hair and sharp eyes calls out to you.
“Pretty lady!” One stall owner, a charming man with an elegantly waxed mustache holds an array of colorful silk scarves. He wraps a midnight blue one over Adoliesa's shoulders. “This would set up your lovely plumage beautifully! Look how lovely you look! Only 2 silver!”
In an outer field, the rest of the worker set up a number of tents. Each colorful canvas that goes up adds to the excitement and a group of children soon start wandering the fairground. Soon after a number of adults join in, including an elderly couple who shut their fish market for the evening, a dark-skinned man in full plate who watches the animal cages be unloaded, and the sheriff of the town asking a few questions of a man with ears that fall nearly to his ankle. The circus performers talk among themselves in Varisian and snippets of their conversations are audible.
|
|
"Yes, I agree. I'll take it, you know." Andoliesa pays the man for the scarf.
She listens intently to the carnival workers Varisian chatter. She murmurs to the party that they are mostly just complaining about small town people.
-Posted with Wayfinder
The fishmonger is a twelve-year-old boy who continues looking out at the carnival, barely paying attention as Pazacku approaches.
"Oh, uh, the fish are a silver a pound for the grilled or a copper a pound raw." He gives Pazacku a quick examination and says, "You're not from around here, are you? Are you an adventurer?"
"I have most anything your heart desires," Mistress Robella smiles at Tchucko and says, "from potions that cure the worst wounds to trinkets that'll curse your enemies. I have exotic wares, so it depends on what you're looking for. Are you seeking true love? Mourning the crow's feet around your eyes? Hoping for the break that'll make you rich?"
The half-elf woman plastering the side of a lean-to with flyers smiles at Chack-Qetchack with a gleam in her eye - the proprietor's gleam at seeing a potential customer. "Jherizhana makes her appearances every thirty minutes from noon until six, though sometimes she sleeps later - those sphinxes are mysterious creatures, you must understand. Few know how they think. Seeing the show is included with your ticket into the carnival - do you already have tickets? There's group rates for if you're traveling with fifteen or more guests and so many other things to see."
As Andoliesa purchases the scarf from the peddler, the woman leans over with a conspiratorial whisper, "Aye, it's a good thing you bought that from me, you fine-feathered fowl. These Varisian travelers will sell you cotton and call it silk, and charge twice the price of silk besides. I know I'll be keeping my children indoors tonight. Don't want them being taken as another attraction, you know?"
|
|
Takashi had been nervous the whole journey, though seeing so much land and knowing there wasn't water on the other side for hundreds of miles had been exciting. He was glad for the company of the other Tengu, even though they were all kind of strange to him.
Here, though... this seemed almost familiar. He'd often gone to the markets for his family back home once he was old enough, and this wasn't much different. It was just enough different to get him excited, though, so he flitted back and forth between stalls, taking it all in. He kept a close eye on the rest of his group, though, not wanting to get left behind.
Takashi noticed Chack-Qetchack talking with one of the people putting up posters, and decided to drift over that way. He overheard the last part of what the woman had said.
"Oh, yes! We do already have tickets!" Takashi exclaimed, remembering that the Venture-Captain had handed them out. Then he realized he'd interrupted. "Oh, um... sorry for interrupting, Chack-Qetchack."
|
|
Dekarin doesn't seem to be as caught up in the wonder of the carnival as much as the other tengus are, instead staying closer to the back of the 'flock' and keeping a close hand on both his coin purse and other valuables.
Walking over to the posters Pazacku is looking at, he laughs heartily.
"Tests of strength? A live young dragon?"
"Perhaps I might enjoy this carnival after all."
|
|
Pazacku tilts his head to get a better view of the young boy.
"I am on a journey if that's what you mean."He peers over the fish carefully examining the catch."I'll take a pound of the grilled please."
He looks over towards Dekarin"Yes, there are plenty of interesting attractions here. I do hope we have time to see more of them."
|
|
Andoliesa looks at the peddler woman appraisingly. "Travellers are not always bad folk, but it is always good to keep your flick safe, you know." She screeches out in her high-pitched squawk.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"The Umbra Carnival is a grand event! You won't regret your time spent with us - wonders from across the Inner Sea and beyond. Have you heard of the legendary Arcadia? It's a continent oceans away. One of our performers sings songs she learned from an Ulfen man who says he has family in the parts." The woman looks at the darkening sky and says, "But I must be off! If you need me, ask for Mistress Almara Delisen, proprietor."
With that she takes her small can of paste and stack of flyers the next street over, covering a property's boundary wall with advertisements.
The woman blinks at Andoliesa and says, "Yes. You're right," before turning away coldly.
The boy hands over a pound of the grilled herring and mutters, "I wanted to see a real adventurer. Nothing exciting ever happens in Ilsurian. This carnival is dumb."
The woman gives a large, toothy grin and says, "Lucky rabbit's foot. If you stew it, you'll find yourself beset by opportunities. Thirty gold. A steep price but it'll pay for itself in no time."
As Tchucko looks at the table, he spies a small gold statue of a raven. Mistress Robella turns to another potential customer, giving Tchucko the time to sneakily grab it. However, as he examines it later, it's clear that it's made of pewter painted to look gold and is relatively worthless.
The fairground is still being set up as the flock wanders in. The grand exhibit and the sphinx's banner is being erected as they come by. A sign says Appearances Every Half Hour. One of the carnival workers gives a nod to Pazacku as he watches and calls out to the woman helping him assemble the tent.
|
|
"Oh, are we too early?" Takashi asked no one in particular. He was glad enough to be back in the 'flock', though part of him still wanted to wander about. No doubt there would be opportunity later.
"Maybe... if they're not ready, we should go look for that pawn shop we heard about?" He diffidently suggests after taking in the spectacle of the carnival being set up.
|
|
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
Tchucko wanders back to the "flock", surreptitiously examining his new treasure as he walks back. He
Tchucko wanders off a short distance, attempting to look inconspicuous, all while keeping an eye on the carnival workers.
"Gates open tomorrow morning. Come back then," the woman says in thickly accented Common. The scarf around her waist jingles with hidden bells as she moves.
|
|
To the woman, Takashi says, "Oh, sorry. I guess we're just too excited!" He caws a short laugh as he turns to leave, looking back to make sure the rest of the group is following.
He soon realizes, however, that he has no clue where to go.