Luk Luk nodded at the saddened woman, "Thank you. I believe you are right for why the killers targeted her as well," that'd explain one murder.
Luk Luk was too deep in thought to be actively involved in the information gathering. Though she did listen to what the clowns had to say. "Did any of these three clowns have a beard I wonder?" Was her comment into Jenni's line of questioning. Jenni's more, artistic query however got her a unique look from the elf. Right eyebrow and ear were raised up as Luk Luk's jaw dropped, "Really? Unless your going into the craft you shouldn't be asking for the secret arts." She then turned to the clown be questioned, "No it is not."
More importantly she tracks down Mistress Denisen or someone in charge, "Excuse me Mistress Denisen? I think we should all re-examine Berithold's claims to a red bearded saboteur. Whilst incompetent he may be, your circus is being attacked. His claims could be true." After a pause the elf adds, "The murder of Woodmere coincided with a rash of distracting disturbances, yes? Could your guards able to recall details about the troublemakers? I know security is very vital right now but we need suspects."
"Three clowns? D'you remember what their costumes looked like? Or was there anything else unusual about them?"
"Three clowns? D'you remember what their costumes looked like? Or was there anything else unusual about them?"
Fain stopped in his tracks, "I got a real good look at them. What were you thinking? All of the other clowns may still be at the tent. Any clown not there could be suspicious. I would probably recognize the suit if I saw it again."
Luk Luk examined the vials. Like Alenka, she found there was not enough of the contents remaining to determine what had been inside. However, an examination of the bottles indicated that the contents were likely alchemical in nature, not magical.
--
Amara frowned at the reminder of Berithold, but otherwise gave Luk Luk a nod. "You can talk to the guards about the fights...the timing is certainly suspect." She sighed, "I guess if you have no more questions for the clowns we should head back to Jherizana...She should be ready by now..."
--
The girl near the zoo, shrugged, "I can't say I really remember details. I'm sorry. I think it was two men and one woman..."
---
As Fain rushed back to Jherizana's tent, he saw that the guards had returned to their posts. "The clerics took the body. Jherizana returned. Other than that, no one has come or gone." They responded, "Haven't seen any clowns in the area." The guards stepped in the way of any attempt to enter. "Sorry, we can't let you in there. Not until Amara comes back."
Eventually Amara did return, with the rest of the party. She turned to everyone and said, "Alright. You can head on and talk to her. But two things. She can be a bit aloof. Don' t take it personally. Also, she doesn't like people approaching her, so make sure to give her some distance..."
Fain ran back to Jherizana's tent and bent over gasping, "Well where are the others? We may still have a clown on the loose!" He paced for a bit wondering what to do next and decided finally to go looking for the rest of the team but just as he started to trot again he saw Amara and the others. "A witness saw three clowns around Jhezrizana's tent, not two, but we only found two costumes! There may be a third fake clown with a tearaway suit wandering the carnival! It's been a while since the murder. They may have gone already. I've left Vard alone - I've got to get back!"
Fain bolted off again this time looking every-which-way for suspicious characters and headed back to Vard.
Luk Luk side steps next to Alenka to whipser, "How hard would it be to take a casting of Jherizana's claws? Comparing it to the one you made early would further exonerate her, right?"
Then the circus boss is back. "Understood Miss Amara, though it seems your guards have someone to look for too. Maybe the clowns can help with that? Or some of us, I'd rather talk with Jherizana myself," Luk Luk says to Amara as she walks in to talk with the sphinx.
The first thing the elf does upon entering is to greet Jherizana warmly, "Greetings Miss Jherizana. I am sorry to be meeting an actress like yourself under these circumstances. I hope that, aside from the recent troubles, you are doing well. I fear that someone has singled you out in this campaign against the circus."
"We need to ask you some questions. I have zero doubt of your innocence but you could have witnessed something that is making the killers try to frame you. Have you seen anything suspicious recently? Odd strangers or happenings?"
"Were any of them wearing clothes like this?" Vard described the color and style of robes that the priestess was wearing. "And d'you remember what they were doing? Did they seem to be guarding the tent, or did they go in?"
---
Vard strode thoughtfully back to Jherizana's tent, telling Fain anything he missed. "Whoever's responsible must have other people working under them - besides the skulks - I'm sure people would notice them in a crowd. The skulks said there were two leaders - they were probably with Sister Woodmere - but they must have had others picking pockets and working the crowd."
---
Inside the tent, Vard greeted Jherizana. "A pleasure to meet you! I did enjoy your performance in the show last night, although regrettably it seems some people have found it too convincing."
"We will need to ask you where you were last night and today. We know you didn't do the murders, but if you had some sort of alibi that'd make it much easier to convince the crowds."
As they observed and question all the clowns, Alenka had her own question to ask. "Since these costumes aren't any of yours, can you tell us where one would get similar costumes to yours?"
"How hard would it be to take a casting of Jherizana's claws? Comparing it to the one you made early would further exonerate her, right?"
Alenka shrugged, "Not hard if she lets me. From everything that Mistress Denisen has said, she probably won't, but we can ask. Or maybe Amara tells her to cooperate. Having something to compare the marks on the bodies to will definitely exonerate her because I don't think she's responsible."
As they entered Jherizana's tent, Alenka waited to see if the others could get the aloof sphinx to cooperate.
Really? Unless your going into the craft you shouldn't be asking for the secret arts." She then turned to the clown be questioned, "No it is not."
Jenni wrinkled her nose at LukLuk. "I might be. I could be a great clown."
The half-orc entered the sphinx's tent with great delight and curiosity. She stared at the creature in admiration, and chimed in. "I thought the show was amazing! Have you been doing it long?"
The girl shook her head when Vard describe the priests robes. "No. They were definitely all clowns. They were all dressed like what you show showed me. It kind of looked like they could have been guarding the tent...they were certainly just hovering around it for some reason..."
The clowns seemed as shocked as everyone else at the idea that someone could still be hiding amount them. "Our costumes are custom made. The circus has their own costume designers...mostly they use Varisian fabrics. They are nothing like what you showed us. Those look like something you would buy for a costume party." A quick glance at the clown costumes confirmed what they were saying.
Amara began dispersing the clowns to help look for the possible suspect. "Just be careful approaching anyone." She warned, "They could be armed an dangerous. We don't want any more bodies today..." The clown from before continued to chat with Jenni, "Well, I've been working officially as a clown for about four or five years, but performing has been my life's...oh....crap...I gotta go help the others...and looks like your friends want to go somewhere too. Maybe we can talk later..." he said, as he gave a friendly wave goodbye and walked to follow the others.
Inside the tent was a large creature, lion on the bottom and woman on the top. She strutted around outside the cage, looked up and sighed. "Oh great. What are the humanoids here to pester me about now..." However, as Luk Luk and Vard tried to butter her up she laughed snarkily, "I guess at least they are civilized. What is it you want from me?" She continued to strut around the room, keeping her distance, as she listened to their question. "I have been nowhere but these campgrounds. I have witnessed nothing...and I have absolutely no idea why these inbred halfwits want to frame me for their petty crimes..."
Fain was silent and watched Jherizana with wonder. As she circled the group of them he flinched and it excited him. This was not some carnival show, he was in the presence of a wondrous creature. He tried not to stare but couldn't help watching as this philosopher beastly moved. He watched her shoulder blades sway where they melded with her wings, he watched her powerful mouth move as she spoke, and he watched her paws and claws grind into the dust of the tent floor.
Fain was about to ask the great sphinx a question ... but when she made eye contact with him for a half of a second he found he couldn't get a word out.
Alenka watched Jherizana prowl around in front of her cage. "What I'd like is to take a casting of your paws so that I can prove to these inbred halfwits that you aren't responsible for the claw marks on the bodies. All of us are nearly certain that you aren't responsible but the locals aren't quite so open-minded and clearing you will go a long way to allowing the Carnival to open again and preserve Amara's reputation."
The vivisectionist looked at Jherizana's wings with envy. "Also, would you allow me to draw a small sample from you for research purposes? You are one of the most wondrous beings I have ever laid eyes upon and I would love to replicate aspects of your prowess."
Jenni stared in fascination at the lion-lady. Her dark hair, so luxurious, if she added some ribbons here, and a reverse braid with fish-tails there....
As Jenni stared, the sphinx turned around and they made brief eye-contact. There was something very familiar about her gaze. In fact, Jenni would swear that she'd met her before. But certainly I'd have remembered meeting a sphinx! Her mind briefly skittered back to that dark time, when she'd met Goggles, but surely she wasn't a memory from that place.
As the half-orc tried to figure out how she might possibly know the sphinx, she thought about the carnival workers, and Amara's behaviour. The more she thought about it, the fishier everything seemed.
Sidling up to Goggles, she whispered. "Something's wrong here. They're hiding something. Something important. And have we ever met a sphinx before? Her eyes are so familiar...."
Fain could not find Jherizana's tracks, though he was admittedly distracted by the creature before him.
Alenka's questions caused Jherizana to stop her strutting. Instead she took a step back and gave Alenka a dangerous glare. "I am not a research project and I have no interest in having any part of me replicated." She huffed. "You will not come any closer or I shall teleport back to my private chambers where I can remain undisturbed!"
Fain wasn't paying much attention to what was going on. Helooked like someone trying to remember where he left his house key then started to giggle. Maybe it was nervousness but he was having a hard time controlling it. It was a little inappropriate. He knew it. He couldn't quite make it stop.
Whatever Luk Luk was going to add froze on her lips as she turned to Alenka. "You ask that now?" her tone was incerdulous. "I mean I know her plummage is absolutely stunning, beautiful eyes, and all but we really should be focusing on the task at hand."
She lets out a sigh despite her own amusement at Alenka's gumption. Luk Luk turns back to Jherizana, "I apologize if that did offend, I'm sure Alenka didn't intend. But I really must ask you to scour your memory. There could have been someone, possibly a ginger haired human with a beard, skulking around as part of this plot to frame you and the circus."
Luk Luk's face scrunched up as she hummed in thought. Then she nodded before adding, "And possibly actual skulks doing the skulking. They'd look like a bald human, often in filthy rags, able to change their skin color. In hindsight that might make them hard to notice too."
Alenka looked more carefully at Jherizana when Jenni whispered her thoughts. She knew that the half-orc's instincts were usually pretty good but Alenka didn't remember ever meeting a sphinx prior to now. She whispers back, "Maybe sphinxes can shape-shift and you've met her in human form? I don't think we've ever met a sphinx before. But you're right, everyone else is acting weird. We weren't allowed to come in here until Amara was present."
The vivisectionist was unabashed by both Jherizana's and Luk Luk's responses to her requests. "So that's a 'no' for drawing a sample. Where do we stand on making a casting of your paws? It would put all the speculations of the inbred halfwits to bed if you would cooperate.
If not a casting, can I at least take some measurements?"
Jenni's eyes widened at Goggle's response. It had never occurred to her that sphinxes (sphinx? sphinges? sphinxii?) might be able to shapeshift.
Her mind raced backwards, trying to place the familiar eyes, but on a different body form.
Jherizana sighed and rolled her eyes, "I already told you I have seen nothing unusual. I have not seen a red bearded man...and I would hardly take the word of Berithold that he exists seriously...and I have neither seen nor heard of these skulk creatures. I have no interest in being measured or casted. Now if you are quite finished with these pointless questions I would like to leave. Amara, permission to be excused?"
Amara shuffled uncomfortably, "Do you have anymore questions for her?I do believe the measurement matter will be non-negotiable..."
Jenni couldn't understand why the sphinx was refusing to help. And as usual, when she was upset or confused, she lost patience.
The big half-orc stomped her foot and growled. "No! You may not be excused! We are here to help this stupid circus, and you guys are keeping secrets from us! So either you're guilty, or else you're stupid. I don't want to help guilty or stupid people. So answer our questions, give Goggles your stupid foot to measure, or we're leaving!" She glared equally at the sphinx and Amara, hand unconsciously on the hilt of her sword.
Fain's eyes went wide. She's got them pegged for sure. I wasn't certain ... I'm still not ... but I think Jenni's got them figured out! She's as brilliant as she is commanding!
Fain gulped and took a step forward, "Mistress Denisen, Isn't it time to bring out Ika?" Fain looks directly at Jhezriana, "I mean, isn't that the real reason you won't be printed. Why a cage lay between you and your visitors. Why you are never seen outside of the carnival, and, why you aren't leaving any tracks! Come out with it or we will forget about protecting any 'trade secrets'."
Luk Luk shook her head, "This is not really helping prove your innocence Jherizana. We can have someone from the circus measure your claws but isn't it for the best to prove the bumpkins, no offense Fain, don't have a leg to stand out about calling you the killer?"
Luk Luk was confused for a moment, "Oh? What do you mean?" Then she squinted at where Jherizana was walking. Was it actually an illusion leaving no trace of passing?
Her eyes then drift back to Amara, trying to gauge how she is reacting to the accusation. She was never very good at reading people.
The elf tries her best to see but doesn't speak out for or against. If Jenni and Fain are wrong about this she'd have to be disagreeing with them to salvage things.
Jherizana gasped and huffed, "Why! I have never been so insulted in all my... However, her dramatics were interrupted by a loud sigh from Amara. She rubbed her temple and turned towards the back of the tent. "Give it up Ika...we've been made..."
As if on command, Jherizana began to vanish and out from the tent flap came a masked woman, whose costume was familiar to anyone who had attended her show on the midway. She removed her mask, revealing a face identical to Jherizana, but lacking the sphinx's unbridled confidence. "Um...oh...sorry..." she said meekly.
Quickly Amara rushed to explain, "Look, I understand you may be frustrated that we didn't just tell you, but Jherizana is one of our top attractions. This is one of our biggest secrets and I only just met you all yesterday. Now I can only plead to you that you will not reveal this information...Word spreads so quickly...and the only thing worse for business that Jherizana the murderer is Jherizana the fake..."
Ika spoke up quietly, "Miss Denisen, maybe we should just tell the sheriff..."
"What for?" Amara responded, "It does not bring the killers to justice! It does not save our reputation! All it proves is that these bastards were too stupid to realize they were framing an illusion! Even if we are allowed to stay, no one will come to our show and they'll get away with their crimes!"
Fain looked agog at Jenni. In a heavy whisper, "That was amazing! How did you figure that out?! I mean, I'm sorry for just leaping in there, but I couldn't resist! I saw you going for your sword and thought 'she's got them! She's got them!'"
Vard's face flushed with anger and he glared at the sphinx. "Petty crimes?! Three people are dead! One of them was killed in your very tent! And if you are so callous to not care about them, then I'd think you'd at least care about the circus folk! D'you think if this doesn't get resolved properly this circus will be able to perform anywhere in Varisia?" Turning to Amara he continued. "I've half a mind to spread the word myself, because to tell the truth, I'm getting tired of getting the run around. You hire us to try and solve this, and yet you delay us seeing the most important witness, who now does not appear to be taking this seriously at all."
---
Vard took a few seconds to compose himself. "Yes. Well. It would have been better if you had told us this earlier. I'm not sure how I feel about using illusion as the highlight of the show... I suppose it's safer, but seems a bit dishonest. Far better to train up that giant lizard or something like it. Or just bill it as a 'Grand Display of Illusions' - throw in some dragons or other creatures, instead of just a sphinx." He paused. "But, I will keep your secret - although I don't think you should discount telling the sheriff if necessary. A crowd is more likely to forgive being fooled than being killed."
"Worry first not being driven to your tent by an angry mob and then burnt to death inside it when they start throwing torches," Thrym growled, to hide how impressed he was with the figment the woman Ika had spun for them. "Personally, I don't think the mob would care or believe even if they were told the fabled beast wasn't even real... either they'd accuse you of lying to protect the murderous thing, or decide someone as skilled in magic as you could have used your spells and hexes to commit the crimes."
"We have a lot of people to find, and few leads to follow," he went on, ignoring the ghostly music only he could hear - clearly the display had impressed at least one of his ancestors, for Eldgrim the Bard to grace the tent with a tune, even though the woman he wished to honor could not see nor hear the spirit. "Three fake clowns who were only seen in all-concealing disguises. The bearded man who might have been the cause of the lizard beast getting loose. The masters of those drug-addled wretches neither of the prisoners could properly describe. The first visitor to cry wolf because of a cut purse, in case he was a plant to agitate the crowd and create a diversion. Am I missing anyone?"
"We have a lot of people to find, and few leads to follow," ... "Three fake clowns who were only seen in all-concealing disguises. The bearded man who might have been the cause of the lizard beast getting loose. The masters of those drug-addled wretches neither of the prisoners could properly describe. The first visitor to cry wolf because of a cut purse, in case he was a plant to agitate the crowd and create a diversion. Am I missing anyone?"
"If Vard's instinct is right about the thievery at the carnival then maybe it's also true about the reports of Jherizana flying over the crime scene. We know now that didn't happen. I mean, it could be hate driven hysteria, it could be some other fantastical beast was spotted, or it could be that the same kind of misdirection was used."
-
Amara nodded in agreement with Thrym, Exactly. The truth about Jherizana does not end the question of who did this. FInding the killers should be the focus. She took a peek outside of the tent, "But it is already getting late tonight...I suspect the sheriff's quarantine comes with the expectation that you will stay in the town, since the circus is supposed to be us only. I hate to say it, but this might all need to wait until morning..."
Luk Luk as surprised by Vard's sudden outburst. But he calms after the truth is revealed, "Good going Jenni," heaping her own praise after Fain's. Luk Luk took on a thoughtful expression as Thrym counted off suspects.
"Nope. That's all we got right now," then pointed at Fain, "except that too. If we are very lucky maybe the loudmouth complaining about pickpockets also started the rumors about flying sphinxes." Luk Luk then frowned, "Or their attack beastie is a flyer and the rumor was to cover their tracks."
Luk Luk is less then thrilled that they are being shooed out so quickly. Especially since Fain and Vard believed there was a chance the third clown may still be skulking around the circus. Amara could at least let them help with a sweep of the place. "Most eager you are Amara to send us back to town," she waves to Fain, "when revealed only found 2 of 3 attire for the evil clown." The Luk Luk shakes her head, "Secret be safe so THAT shouldn't make you frown. If villian loiters here that should make your smile go down. You could at least let us help your crew look around."
If Amara is truly adamant however, Luk Luk has some other ideas for what the party's activities tonight.
Amara nodded, "Sure that fair, We will be able to search faster with six more.."
However, searching far and wide no one was able to find someone who didn't belong.
"We have a lot of people to find, and few leads to follow," he went on, ignoring the ghostly music only he could hear - clearly the display had impressed at least one of his ancestors, for Eldgrim the Bard to grace the tent with a tune, even though the woman he wished to honor could not see nor hear the spirit. "Three fake clowns who were only seen in all-concealing disguises. The bearded man who might have been the cause of the lizard beast getting loose. The masters of those drug-addled wretches neither of the prisoners could properly describe. The first visitor to cry wolf because of a cut purse, in case he was a plant to agitate the crowd and create a diversion. Am I missing anyone?"
"We might try to track down the tribe of skulks. Fain said they pick up and move when they get caught causing trouble, but if they're all addicted to shiver they may more inclined to stick around. Might also be worth checking tailors and the like in town - if they didn't just buy the clownsuits, they still might have needed to buy the material."
"Amara, before we leave, do those names mean anything to you - Walder and Woodmere, I mean?
Perhaps a quick inquiry with Sheriff Feldane to try to find the source of the first 'Jherizana' sighting? My guess is the account was taken by some lower guardi from someone they can't quite remember, or, from someone they know but the sighting was really second hand. Maybe we can pull at the string a little? It's getting late. That might keep til morning.
The circus is closed. Is there a reason for these killers to strike again? If the purpose it to hurt the carnival and the carnival is closed then perhaps: an attempt to kill someone will happen again; it will happen in a remote area in or on the outskirts of town; the next victim might be another respectable citizen of Illsurian.
I'm going to buy some haddock on the way to grill on the hearth, throw some tatters in a pot. Everyone's welcome - Apian Way. Look for the rearing badger in the window."
"I know that Walder and Woodmere are the victims, but I was not familiar with either before hearing about their deaths." Amara responded, "Yes, I've been wondering about the 'sighting' rumors too...It's just not possible that anyone saw Jherizana that night. My only guess is that someone was telling tall tales...that's why Feldane hasn't found anyone willing to confirm it..."
---
After a long period of unsuccessful searching for the missing clown, the group started their trek back towards Illsurian. However, about half way along the path they saw a group of people near a tree. Darkness and distance made it difficult to see what they were doing, but it was odd to see people loitering off the road at this hour.
"Best we see what they are planning," Thrym muttered as they spotted the group in the distance. "Someone want to circle around to stop or follow if they run, or flank if they meet the challenge, feel free. I'll draw their attention," he said, waiting a moment to see if anyone felt like taking his suggestion to heart before the shaman readied his shield, put on his horned helm and strode boldly forward towards the men, silent yet making no attempt to hide his approach.
Alenka was extremely disappointed that the sphinx wasn't real. Any chance of distilling the flying essence out of a sample evaporated as the illusion became known. Yes, she realized that the sphinx had said no but the vivisectionist had already been planning how to get the sample anyways. Of course, that was all moot now.
She followed along with the others as they left the Carnival, having come up empty handed in searching for the missing clown. At Thrym's suggestion, Alenka nodded and started to circle widely in order to get behind the group. As she went, she patted herself to make sure she had both her mutagen handy as well as her meat cleaver.
Jenni was pleased with all the attention and accolades, though she honestly hadn't figured anything out. Just that something was fishy, but certainly not what. However, she wasn't about to admit that.
As they walked home and saw the group near the tree, Jenni quickly came to the same conclusion Thrym did. As always, the threat of violence made her grin unconsciously - even without her tusks, it was a terrifying expression. Drawing her sword, she trotted along with Goggles to circle around and get behind the potential troublemakers.
Upon approaching closer, fears of violence were quickly confirmed. A group of men had surrounded another person, whose head was covered with a sack. "You wanna steal from us! You chose the wrong neighborhood!" One man shouted, as they all wailed on the person on the ground.
The figure on the ground is not moving and is breathing unevenly. Whether these men realize it or not, they are killing this person.
Vard charged forward, drawing his warhammer and slamming it into one of the assailants.
"Stand down!"
"If you've had a problem with this one, you should've spoke to the sheriff. You play vigilante, then we both gotta problem."
Luk Luk follows behind the halfing roaring as a voice used to speaking Draconian could, "Vigilantes refrain from beating the one you blame," she positioned herelf the five feet behind Vard's left as her hands began to glow red. With her crimson eyes it was quite the sight, "Or face my flame!"
She didn't want to burn the victim or Vard if she could avoid it. Best if they broke and ran.
Alenka continued to move around the group with Jenni. They were obviously focused on whoever they were pummeling and kicking and so the group didn't really notice them.
Goggles leaned over and whispered to Jenni, "They're killing whoever they have on the ground regardless of intent. The stupidity of mobs never ceases to sadden me. I wouldn't even be surprised if there was also alcohol involved." Although the last part she mumbled more to herself.
"You accuse a person for killing, yet seek to steal his life? Aren't you the brave little men," Thrym growled, voice oozing disdain. "If it's blood you want, shall we show you yours?"
Vard's hammer stuck one of the men hard in the back and he crumpled to the ground with a howl of pain. The men turned around and saw their fallen companion. One drew a short sword. "I guess the carney brought back up to help 'im with the stealin' and killin' of folks". However, as the rest of the party began to make themselves visible and started to issue threats, the men started to grow nervous. "Uh...he brought a lot of backup..." One said nervously. Not liking their odds the men turned heel and ran from the scene, leaving the sack covered victim and their fallen friend behind.
As the villagers fled, Jenni stuck her foot it out an attempt to trip one. These creatures certainly weren't fighting, but the others probably would want to talk to them.
Fain draws his kukri and moves toward the prone victim
Alenka sticks her foot out as the mob tries to flee, hoping to trip one of them.