PbP GameDay 2: PFS Module: Murder's Mark (Tier 1-2)
Venture-Captain Themis thanked you each for your recent efforts.
"Once again I am impressed with your successes. We will investigate the connection of the Derro with the Jet Rat artifact you found. As a matter of fact, we have made a few discoveries on the manifest of the Prancing Prince slave ship you stopped. It was headed to the port of Westcrown in Cheliax. "
She stops and looks each of you in the eye.
"We believe finding those that would buy the slaves might uncover a larger conspiracy. We would ask you set sail to Westcrown from Cassomir immediately. From there, follow any leads you find."
Setting sail, you arrive in Westcrown, but the trail of slave buyers is cold. A few leads send you further north, to Korvosa in Varisia. You once again pick up a trail heading to the small fishing town of Ilsurian. But there your trail ends as you exhausted all clues and are ready to return to Cassomir, with nothing to show for your weeks of pursuit.
You sit in a pub on the bank of the Skull River where it empties into Lake Syrantula, on the fisher docks of Ilsurian.
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Finally a roof over our heads. I will be a happy man if I never have to set foot on a boat again or sleep on the road. This whole tag business is beneath a young men of my station. What was Captain Themis thinking?! What a fool's errand! I will have my father register a formal complaint with the society.
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=== Murders Mark ====
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Your chase across the countryside ends just outside of the
town of Ilsurian in Varisia. The independent town sits at
a crossroads of river traffic from across all of Varisia, on
the north bank of Lake Syrantula and the east side of
the Skull River.
After weeks of chasing clues on the slavers responsible for your last missions,
you find the trail has grown cold and you rest in an Inn discussing the long trek back to Absalom.
Only one thing has kept you from leaving last week. The rumors of a
strange circus heading to town has piqued your interest.
A fleet of colorful circus wagons arrives in the morning
as advertised. All of Ilsurian becomes aware of the
carnival when a contingent arrives to restock its store
of food and supplies and hang up colorful posters. A few
townspeople wander out to the fields where the Umbra
Carnival sets up, hoping to nose around and get a sense
of this year’s attractions.
You hear townspeople and children shout
"They are here! The Circus is finaly here. Come see what they have this year!"
Workers begin setting up large tents in an open field outside of town.
The call of wild animals and music of all kinds can be heard throughout the day.
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A circus? Why would we want to visit a circus, An? The dwarf you all know and love wonders aloud as he usually does. And what's so bad about clowns? They're harmless, ain't they? Kids seem to like 'em, anyway.
August checks his belongings and follows the others. As long as there's food n' drinkin' I don't see what the bother is! Let's go!
You observe the tent village being constructed with practiced efficiency. As towns people try to look inside the tents or wagons they are politely requested to come back tomorrow for the grand opening. Little is seen of what might be in store but the townsfolk are excited and head back to their homes and shops.
"Mama, Papa can we play the games tomorrow? And see the wild animal? Please please?. "
However, you overhear a few of the shopkeepers make comments.
"This is all fine and good, but these Varisian gypsies should just settle down and get real jobs." or "Right, they do not want to work. Keep an eye on your purses if you go near them. "
The following day, circus folk hold a parade that marches through town in a spectacle of sights, music, and drumming. Banners and streamers herald a procession of clowns, stilt walkers, and tumbling acrobats, all of whom wave to the townspeople. Carnival barkers call out to people on the streets, promising thrills, chills, and delights for people of all ages (at the modest price of a few copper coins).
"Come one! Come all! Enjoy the best shows you will see anywhere in Golarion! . "
The entire procession is a formal declaration of the carnival’s opening, and seeks to draw out the curious and idle to follow along to the procession’s end, the parade grounds.
As the parade passes through town and back out to the field where the new circus-village was erected, townspeople follow with looks of excitement or at least curiosity on what they will see at their destination.
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Bend in what way, An? August asks with interest. I'm pretty limber for a dwarf, I bet I could do whatever atheletics that some simple woman could!
Proceeding to the circus the dwarf's eye light up. An! Look at all this! Where do we start? August then points to the large tent in the middle of it all. What's in there? Everyone's goin' inside! We should go in there!
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Holman keeps a hand on his belt pouch, but follows the progression to the parade grounds. His eyes keep darting left and right, and he tells the others, "Keep your wits about you. While the circus-folk wouldn't necessarily attempt thievery this early in their stay, others might not wish to miss the opportunity."
As you approach the center of the circus, following the other townsfolk, you cross the crowded grounds (#1) before the big tent (#2).
#1 - A vast, open field always serves as the carnival’s heart. By day,
this space offers dozens of free shows and events to lure in the
cheap and idle. Vendors wander the area constantly selling food,
streamers, and flowers. You notice the carnival’s guards repel any outside peddlers.
"Roasted popped corn! Get your boiled peanuts! Only a copper each!"
Making your way through the crowds and approaching the big-top.
#2-The Umbra Carnival’s big top houses an astonishing
assortment of shows, from traditional clowns and
acrobats to music recitals and dramatic plays.
You overhear some in the lines saying "I hear they have a ferocious performing sphinx only barely held under the ringmaster’s magical control.”
Another says "Wow! I heard it has been known to escape and attack people in the audience! I cannot wait to see it!"
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Its a mythical magic creature with the body of a lion and the head of a beatifull maiden. They are suppose to be very found of riddles. Morvius says absent-mindedly while trying to peep inside the tent too.
Try not to ruin the show folks. What is a peasant or two in the name of grand entertainment? May they are just not feeding the thing right. It may need that extra snack for sustenance, life under the limelight and all that... The taldan says in mocking tones.
As you make your way into the big-top tent with the others from town, a man dressed in colorful garb holds out his hand.
"One silver piece to see the act renown for its artistry and death defying stunts."
You enter and take your seat, munching on your purchased snacks of choice. After a while the tent grows dark and then continual flame spells light up the center of the main ring. An announcer describes the act.
"Ladys and Gentlemen. Today's opening performance is one you will never see again. With such daring and skill, all the way from distant Goka! Meet the tumbling Gamoki Clan!"
With that a half dozen costumed Tien acrobats come out and perform amazing feats of balance, acrobatics and juggling. It is pretty impressive on what they are able to do. After about 20 minutes the lights come back on and the crew take a bow and exit the tent.
"Thank you all. If you like this you will love our next show. And do not forget to come back tonight for our main attraction! The amazing Jherizhana, a sphinx from the deepest desert of Osirion to perform and astound you!"
Many of the crowd stay to see the next act...clowns. Several people exit the tent. "Lets come back tonight for the big show and fireworks. Dada, please win us some prizes the Midway. Great plan, I cannot wait to see a sfincks! Lets do it."
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Holman sniffs through the beginning the tumbling act. Sure, they can tumble, but what would happen if someone came after them with a blade? Eventually, though, he does have to admit a grudging respect for their abilities, and even sees a few moves he decides to try later.
"I'm planning on it, as long as we're here." Holman responds, regardless of whether August's question was aimed at him or not.
The clowns are pretty entertaining and everyone seems to get a good laugh. More of the crowd exits as the aroma of exotic fair food wafts into the bigtop. It is around noon.
The next act is announced to be a dancing dog and pony show. :-P