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A group of acrobats starts performing as the big top ring is cleared out of the celebrations of Pavo's victory, and the big top guards take extra care in taking out all minors and let the spectators know the next "main attraction" is not suitable for the young, the faint of heart or those prone to have nightmares. They also try to convey the idea the show is somewhat "mature" as "the sense of decency of the creature is not the same as ours" - which is something coming from a Varisian carnival.
The effect, of course, is causing a lot of Ilsurian's citizen stay for it, with a lot of marital conflicts erupting with husbands wanting to stay and wives complaining of them wanting to see that creatures "things"...
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The biggest of the fights, and a very loud one, to the smiles of many, is between Archivin Walder, Ilsurian's local moneylender and pawnbroker, and proprietor of the Locked Box (the closest thing Ilsurian has to a bank) and his wife, Agnes (both in their fifties).
"You only want to look at that creatures... udders!"
"Shut up woman! Is nothing of the sort! We paid for the show, I want to see it in full!"
"I am sure you want to see it in full, you old goat! See it yourself! I'm going home!"
Agnes storms out of the Big Top, with Archivin staying behind, sitting with his arms crossed, the target of many a smiling look.
After things settle out, and everyone not wanting (or allowed, in the case of a lot of young adolescents) to see the Gynosphinx out of the tent, Almara Delisen goes to the middle of the Big Tent ring, and starts talking with a powerful voice.
"You have seen many marvelous things, but that doesn't compare with the things I have seen in my travels. I have seen hidden valleys, lost ruins and forgotten secrets. But I would never imagined what I come to show you today. As we were attacked by the most formidable monster in the peaks of the dark hills of Ustalav, and many of our number fell to this powerful monster, until I was able to charm and curse this creature, so now it is compelled to obey my every command. But if my mental power fails, or the creature's find a way out of its bondage, the destruction and dead it would bring on this lands would be legendary! So please, keep silent, don't scream or do sudden movements, and do not, under any circumstance, approach the monster's cage! Now, I give you, Jherizhana the sphinx!"
Half a dozen worker carry a cart with a metal cage, a fine wire mesh between the bars, filled with cushions and an elegant carpeting, with a large creature inside.
The creature has a lioness body, huge eagle wings and a female torso and head. The torso is the part most looks are glued too, as the gynosphinx is seemingly unbound by the "humanoid" sense of decorum, and her chest is bare, big, beautiful and proud showing for everyone, making more than male shift uncomfortably in his seat and let a sight out.
The gynosphinx moves around the cage, showing her body and moving her beautiful face with deep brown penetrating eyes around, looking at the spectators. For a second Orne would swear her eyes fix on him.
She lays on some of the biggest cushions, and starts licking herself in the most... arousing... way you could imagine.
The sound of a dozen throats swallowing is heard all around.
Almara Delisen starts to talk.
"If you want to ask something to this creature, which has deep and ancient knowledge, do so now! Sometimes, if the question fancies her, she answers!"
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While not great scholars in any traditional sense, sphinxes' great appreciation of puzzles leads them to research shallowly in a wide variety of subjects, and they can often be invaluable sources of information, especially when making use of their magical abilities. They are usually happy to barter with other races, and regularly trade material goods for information or new and interesting quandaries. They make excellent guardians for temples, tombs, and other important locations, so long as they are kept adequately entertained. Sphinxes place great value on politeness, but can be dangerously temperamental—while they may decide to share their latest riddles with travelers out of altruism, they think little of devouring those who don't give their dilemmas adequate attention or provide useful insight.
Sphinxes are typically 10 feet long and about 800 pounds. While their wings are capable of holding them aloft for long periods of time, they are poor fliers, and prefer to land before engaging foes, lashing out with their powerful claws. Though fiercely territorial, they tend to give intruders plenty of warning before attacking.
Pavo enjoys the fanfare for a while but eventually his thoughts stray back to the Shaonti champion. He would like to wander the carnival looking to see if he can find her. He also plans to stroll over to pick up the coin he wagered on himself.
Elric is so entranced by the Sphinx, a sight he has never seen before, that he notices little else.
Winnings from fight: 1 gp, 33 cp
Orne wonders who such a creature would pay him any mind. The eyes he didn't recognize, but the chest... he wouldn't forget.
Nala's tutor, that performer. Crazy talk.
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One fisherman asks:
"How old are you?"
The sphinx let a light chuckle, and with a gentle feminine voice answers.
"That is no question you should ask a lady... how old do you think I am?"
The fisherman gulps, and adventures:
"A hundred years old?"
The gynosphinx stands again, and prodly displays her charms towards him.
"What a nice thing to say! You are very gentle? Almara, can we bend the rules a little and let this small one stay a while with me... in private?"
Almara shakes her head with a troubled frown... she seems really concentrated on something.
The Sphinx throws to the ground hard.
"You are such a boring boss..."
With a slight nod of his head in acknowledgement to Almara, and another to the Master Merchant, Orlin slowly moves on. Unlike many of his peers amongst the townsfolk, Orlin exits the tent after picking up his winnings (will update shortly), and begins to wander the outside exhibits, looking for something new.
Why not ask me a riddle? If I answer properly, may I enter to sit with you?
I promise not to touch, if you don't. By Desna, I swear.
The Half-off approaches slowly, calmly to just beyond where the guard stood. Looking into her big brown eyes.
Aliana just watches, eager to observe and learn more about the Gynosphinx, a creature she's not heard much about despite her vast research of arcane topics. She watches Orne's approach with fascination, and a bit of trepidation - concerning both the sphinx and the guards, who seem nervous as the half-orc approaches the cage.
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Alexite stayed for the unveiling of the main attraction. When the creature was brought out in a cage by the carnies, he frowned. Keeping such a magnificent specimen locked up was a travesty, especially as it was no mere animal, but an intelligent species. Ilsurian had to admit that she was quite striking, seemingly possessed of an animal magnetism. Such a feral attraction was having an effect upon many of the assembled spectators.
When she began to speak, he became even more intrigued. Almars Delisen asked for questions from the audience. Alexite asked, "What is it that you have over this carnival which keeps them in service to you?"
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Orne advances towards the cage, and a guard stay in front of him.
Jherizhana the Gynosphinx looks at him with a boring look...
"Riddles? Riddles got me in this predicament in the first place! It was by losing a riddle contest that I became... a guest... in this place. But I would very much thank you if you can help me answer this one... Feed me and I'll..."
In that moment Almara Delisen interjects.
"No! Stop! I forbade you from telling others the riddle!"
Jherizhana sighs...
"Do you see? Riddles are not really appreciated in this place."
Alexite then makes his question.
The Sphinx looks at him.
"They are not in my service, but I am in hers..." - she signals Almara Delisen with her head - ".. but if I were free I wouldn't slave them... I think them too tasty for that."
She lets out a really sinister laugh.
Perhaps another time, then... Orne slowly backs away.
How can her lips not match her voice? Aliana wonders at the performance. Is it magic speaking for her? What in Desna's name is happening here?
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Alaina realizes there is something wrong in the creature voice, and by the look of it it is an illusion spell. But the body language does match the general idea of what the creature is saying.
Or does it?
Maybe she has an enchantment to translate a foreign language?
Or maybe everything is an illusion? Only by touching the Sphinx you could try to pierce the magic...
Or is the creature casting an spell while disguising the verbal components?
If Alexite is right and she is in control, she could be charming everyone without anyone realizing it!
Or are Sphinx telepaths and somehow she is proyecting her thoughts?
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With a slight nod of his head in acknowledgement to Almara, and another to the Master Merchant, Orlin slowly moves on. Unlike many of his peers amongst the townsfolk, Orlin exits the tent after picking up his winnings (will update shortly), and begins to wander the outside exhibits, looking for something new.
Orlin gets out with the carnival still in full swing, with a bigger proportion of woman and children out, now that most of the males are in the big tent.
One of the Varisian "dancers" recognize him, and approaches him smiling."Orlin! How are you? Have you seen the card seer yet? Maybe we can go to my wagon and do a little "reading" together?"
How odd. Elric thinks to himself. Theres definitely something wrong with this picture, but what?
Elric rips his eyes off of the Sphinx and starts to look around at the crowd.
As he looks around, Eric notices that Fosh and Orlin both left, but he spots Aliana in the crowd. He makes his way over to her.
Hello Aliana. Impressive isn't it? he asks, motioning to the Sphinx. But I can bro get he feelin that something isn't right, here. You work with potions and magics and things; do you know anything about Sphinxes?
Aliana acknowledges the Constable with a small head nod, but continues to stare at the creature. "They're nothing I've come across before, despite all my study. But you've hit the nail upon the head - something just doesn't feel right. I know Almara's enchanted her to keep her under control, but I think there's more than that at work. It doesn't explain why her lips and voice are working independently of each other - Did you notice that?"
Aliana continues to gaze in the sphinx's direction, watching her interact with the crowd. "I wonder if I should go talk to her...see if up close, I could work out some of the magic effects more easily..."
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Almara Delisen stumbles a likke, and take a hand to her temple.
"I think this will be all for tonight..."
Jherizhana the Gynosphinx smiles and laughs...
"But I am having such a good time... I think I could just fly away from here!"
Almara's face gets a worriedly look, and extands an arm towards the sphinx.
"No! I command you to stay put! You won't escape again! Take her away, quick!"
The workers hurriedly take the sphinx away, while the creature laughs, and the guards escort her out.
"One of this days, mistress Almara! One of these days!"
Almara Delisen stands in the middle of the tent, and thanks everybody.
"Thank you for your patronage, and we leave you with a performance of the Varsian Veil Dance! Enjoy!"
A group of young Varisian dancers enter and starts to perform a sensual dance, while Almara Delisen leaves the big tent by the back (the same way the sphinx did).
Oh, drat, I waited too long! Aliana exclaims to herself. I should have just approached the creature...ah, I'll ask Almara in the morning what spells she's using. Professional curiosity. But for all her skill in enchantment, she could learn better how to make an exit - that false escape bit was more than a little contrived. She smirks.
With the creature gone, she turns back to Constable Huntington. "Well, Constable, we haven't had a chance to solve the mystery of Jherizhana tonight." She smiles genially. "Well, if the rest of the carnival is as peaceful as tonight, I'm afraid you and your officers will have quite a boring time of it! Of course, I imagine boring times are the best you can ask for in your profession."
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Pavo enjoys the fanfare for a while but eventually his thoughts stray back to the Shaonti champion. He would like to wander the carnival looking to see if he can find her. He also plans to stroll over to pick up the coin he wagered on himself.
After getting his payment Pavo is escorted out, surrounded by a group of well-wishers. He looks around looking for the Shoanti Champion, but she is nowhere to be seen, and the crowd doesn't let him go look easily.
Nala, Orne's sister, pushes her way up to him and calls him."King, King! Almara Delisen wants to talk with you! Please come!"
She tugs at your hand.
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With the creature gone, she turns back to Constable Huntington. "Well, Constable, we haven't had a chance to solve the mystery of Jherizhana tonight." She smiles genially. "Well, if the rest of the carnival is as peaceful as tonight, I'm afraid you and your officers will have quite a boring time of it! Of course, I imagine boring times are the best you can ask for in your profession."
Many people starts leaving the big tent. Borvious and Robella Moncello pass next to Aliana, Alexite, Elric and Orne and say goodnight.
"I hope you all can sleep well knowing that creature is around!" - says Robella."I just hope those... Varisians... know what they are doing. If that thing gets out... Good night!" - finish her husband.
They follow the rest of the people out of the tent.
Responding to Aliana, Elric says, Unfortunatey, it is over. Ah well, it's just a show; no need to look beyond. Thanks for your input.
upon hearing the concern of the other guests, Elric laughs heartily, with genuine pleasure, at the needlessly excessive concern.
Hah hah! Yes, we should all "worry" about this particular stage act, Elric says, hoping his words will calm those around him. He hopes that by pretending that he knows it was all a show, others will also think the same thing and the tension with the Ilsurians will decrease.
Orne tries to make his way to Madame Masque's tent. Or wherever she would live, based on his carnival experience.
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Orne tries to make his way to Madame Masque's tent. Or wherever she would live, based on his carnival experience.
She should live in the Crew Wagons (number 5 in the maps). Normally "visitors" are not allowed there, but then, you are part of the family.
You ask one of the workers, and he sees you with inquiring eyes."Why do you want to see her? She is unavailable right now. Normally she doesn't show herself except for her show."
You also notice that Jherizhana's "cage wagon" is there, fully covered, on a side. Some of the workers that moved it are near, talking and playing some dice.
Pavo enjoys the fanfare for a while but eventually his thoughts stray back to the Shaonti champion. He would like to wander the carnival looking to see if he can find her. He also plans to stroll over to pick up the coin he wagered on himself.After getting his payment Pavo is escorted out, surrounded by a group of well-wishers. He looks around looking for the Shoanti Champion, but she is nowhere to be seen, and the crowd doesn't let him go look easily.
Nala, Orne's sister, pushes her way up to him and calls him.
"King, King! Almara Delisen wants to talk with you! Please come!"
She tugs at your hand.
"Well then, lead on little darlin'. We shouldn't keep her waiting, I reckon." He follows along behind Nala.
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"Well then, lead on little darlin'. We shouldn't keep her waiting, I reckon." He follows along behind Nala.
Nala leads Pavo away from the big tent, and away from the Umbra Carnival and Ilsurian. After a couple minutes she chuckles.
"She told me to lead you here, and to tell you to walk in that direction. Good luck!"She runs back towards the Carnival, a spring in her small step.
"Champion and Fish sitting in the tree
K-i-s-s-i-n-g!
First comes love.
Then comes marriage."
Her voice gets lost in the distance.
Pavo follows the directions Nala gives him. While he finds the situation unusual, he is confident in his own abilities, so he proceeds cautiously.
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The Shoanti Champion stands 10' in front of Pavo, smiling.
She points at the Umbra carnival.
"They are clan. I protect them. Thank you."
She takes a step forward, standing in front of Pavo, smiling.
"Now us."
She tutors my little sister, Nala. Just being neighborly.
You know my mother and father, I'm a priest of Desna. Orne Stonebow. Just wish to talk. He raises his empty hands innocently.
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She tutors my little sister, Nala. Just being neighborly.
You know my mother and father, I'm a priest of Desna. Orne Stonebow. Just wish to talk. He raises his empty hands innocently.
"Well, Ika is not available, sorry. Not even for 'talking'." - the joke gets some laughs - "Ask your parents, they will fill you in."
About the hard times, or the hoax? I grew up in the business, the show must go on... right? He smiles, genuinely as he waves goodbye.
The Shoanti Champion stands 10' in front of Pavo, smiling.
She points at the Umbra carnival.
"They are clan. I protect them. Thank you."
She takes a step forward, standing in front of Pavo, smiling.
"Now us."
"Tell me fury dancer, what is your name, and where did you learn such...showmanship?" he says extending his hand to take ahold of hers.
Orlin smiles in greeting to the friendly hail and meanders over to talk quietly, greeting her by name.
"Indeed I have! I must admit that her reading has left me more than a little unsettled. I've been getting readings for 20 odd years, and this one was a bit more... eerie than her normal fare. Perhaps you can find something happier in the Cards?"
As they walk away from the crowds, he asks for the news.
"How has the Carnival fared over the last year? Whats the news? Despite having never traveled with you, I feel I know you all."
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About the hard times, or the hoax? I grew up in the business, the show must go on... right? He smiles, genuinely as he waves goodbye.
Nala arrives to grab you by the hand.
"Did you like the sphinx? Is it pretty?"|
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"How has the Carnival fared over the last year? Whats the news? Despite having never traveled with you, I feel I know you all."
The girl takes you into her wagon and winks at you.
"Things have never been better, since we got Jherizhana the crowds are bigger, and she has a way of putting men... in the mood... so to speak. And speaking of which, it would normally be 2 sp, but as Hajeck is your godmother, it will only be 1 sp for you."She extends her hand while smiling mischievously.
An amazing creature, yes... Powerful and wise.
I'd wanted to thank Ika for tutoring you, though...
Returning the hails from the Marcellos, Alexite exclaims, "My that was chilling, wasn't it? I know that I won't be getting a wink of sleep tonight!" He waves to them as they depart.
Turning to the town's resident alchemist, he inquires, "Well, Ms. Merali, seeing as I'll be up all night and you'll obviously be pining for me, let's avoid such unpleasantness and spend the rest of the evening in each others company, shall we?"
Yes, he is making a double entendre about being up all night.
"I know, I won't be able to sleep a wink either - I'm too excited about the Carnival! And I was thinking about you; I was hoping I hadn't made an ass of myself earlier, being so rude to you and the Constable. Can you ever forgive me? Let's go see the zoo - I promise I'll be a perfectly proper lady the rest of the night." She smiles gratefully and slips a hand into the crook of his elbow, glad that she doesn't seem to have offended him TOO badly.
Proffering his arm, he takes the lady's hand and leads her towards the zoo leaving behind a lecherous wink in the constable's general direction. To Aliana he remarks, "Ah, the zoo. I see you, too, were affected by that animal magnetism. So primal, no?"
Elric looks from Alexote to Aliana and back to Alexite as the exchange happens. As Alexite offers his arm, Elric smiles, and gives a casual salute to the couple as they walk away.
Well, I better see what else is around
Elric meanders back through the carnival, just taking in all the sites and all the people. He mostly people-watches. At Some point in the night, Elric finds a bench and sits down, casually tossing some seeds to the birds while watching the world around him. At this point, one of the birds will land on the back of the bench and whisper to him anything they've seen or heard tonight.