"That's an excellent point, my observant gnome. Though one might simply propose she had accomplices bring her a victim. Don't get me wrong, I'm merely being a devil's advocate. There's a lot of circumstantial evidence pointing elsewhere. But I have to protect my town, and if the carnival leaving can end the violence, even if it's merely due to the lack of outsiders to frame, than so be it."
Sheriff Feldane then turns to all of you and earnestly says, "I'd love nothing more than you to find absolute proof or even capture the real culprits. If that can happen before my deadline, Erastil be praised, and the show can go on. Otherwise, the carnival must go."
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Myth shakes his head. "Ma'am, it will be as you say...but since you're playing devil's advocate, allow me to do the same...
If the carnival leaves and the violence does not end, you will be investigating on your own as we were hired by the carnival...whomever the group is behind this, they're cunning and can probably find someone else to frame...
As to my earlier question though...is there a branch of the Thieves Guild nearby? Or any other powerful Guilds around here?"
"There is no Thieves Guild here, and no suspicious activity beyond what you'd expect from a small town with docks on a trading route. We've had no skulks, no large clawed beasties murdering anyone, whether they're sphinx or not. If the carnival leaves and I still have the problem, so be it. But all this started with their arrival, and either they need to leave, or I have to make an arrest. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a funeral to arrange. Sister Esrelda was my priestess..." With that, she leaves to make arrangements, warning Almara to guard the body until Esrelda's acolytes arrive...and to make certain that all her people and creatures remain on the Carnival grounds until they leave town.
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"I have a suspicion that speaking to the sphinx may prove unusually difficult. Wouldn't you say so Almara? I think it is more than past time to come clean with your hired team of investigators. It is in the best interest of everyone if we know everything. Rest assured, we will keep your confidence, but we really must know." Brin says with a tone that will brook no argument.
"And what confidence would that be? Your blunt friend over there," she says with a nod toward Patros, "is more than happy to blurt out our secrets and spoil the illusion of mystery we try and portray for our guests. Sure, Lizzie isn't an actual baby dragon, but it's about as close as these folks around here will ever get to one...at least we should hope so. I appreciate your keen eye and willingness to take on this investigation, but trust is earned. I trust my life with every member of my carnival. While you have useful talents, you certainly haven't earned our trust, at least not yet. Feel free to interview the crew, and I'll ask Jherizhana if she'll speak with you. But the current situation has her more than a little skittish around any outsiders."
She briefly instructs Master Venrock to make certain there's at least one guard on duty with the body at all times, then tells you she must inform the crew to begin breaking down and packing up the Carnival. Once that's underway, she'll speak with Jherizhana. If you're not still around the Carnival at that time, she'll send word to the Crossroads Inn.
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Leppin stays on the carnival grounds to speak with the crew. He expresses sympathy for their situation--clearly very unfair--and probes them for clues that they might have witnessed around the place and time of both murders, but especially this latest murder. "Surely someone must have seen the priestess entering the carnival, accompanied by several clowns wearing outfits different than what the circus clowns wear."
After exhausting his leads in the circus, he heads into town to find out what he can about the victims and what anyone might have seen. Sorting through the wild rumors to find a grain of truth was fun at first, but it soon became tedious.
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Brin stays with Leppin to see what he can discover as well, mostly by watching and listening as opposed to actually entering into discourse.
When he reaches the town he drops ideas in passing such as wondering aloud, "It looks like someone did a poor job of framing the circus for all the crimes..." and "The fools who tried to frame the circus didn't even know the right clown costumes to wear." then looks for reactions, again without much discourse though not devoid of it.
While traveling the town, Brin tries to find Myth so as to keep the group together. If a thieves' guild or other group really is responsible, then we shouldn't be separated on the chance that they decide to remove the investigators from the equation altogether, thereby simplifying things in favor of the carnival's guilt.
While Leppin is able to find a number of folks who saw Sister Esrelda heading for the sphinx’s tent, nobody saw her with any clowns. And nobody saw her enter the tent, because they were too distracted by the pickpocketing and resultant unruly mob. A few customers did see a couple of clowns near Jherizhana’s tent, but the Carnival crew insist the clowns usually are nowhere near that part of the circus.
In town, everyone is wondering why the sheriff hasn’t taken the dangerous beast into custody. As word of the quarantine spreads, there are a few who voice disappointment, but the majority say good riddance.
You head for the temple and arrive shortly after the acolytes have returned with Sister Esrelda’s body. They are quite upset, since it appears somebody robbed the temple in their absence. You take a look around the temple, but there is no evidence to be found. The collections box is missing, but no clues left behind, and no trail to follow.
You head back to the carnival to see if you have been granted an audience with Jherizhana. Just on the outskirts of town, you spot five locals beating a young man with tied hands and burlap sack over his head. He’s being shoved toward a nearby tree, but he falls and does not get back up. In fact, he seems to not be moving at all, though the ruffians haven’t seemed to notice…or just don’t care.
Even from a short distance, Myth, Patros, Leppin and Wisp all can see the boy is unconscious and badly hurt.
INITIATIVE
Leppin's words shame one of the crowd, who no longer seems too motivated.
With Myth's words, the unruly mob seems a bit taken aback. They stop their assault and pull off the hood. You see a badly beaten Varisian youth who is unconscious and bleeding. Most of the crowd freak out and attempt to flee. One of the townsfolk attempts to hamfistedly tend to his wounds
"We were just trying to knock some sense into him. We were going to just tie him to this tree as a warning that the carnies should stay out of our town."
"Indeed, we also know of the quarantine, and I guess that's what sort of started it. We saw the lad coming into town and someone==well, I suggested we tie him to a tree and leave him there as a warning. When he fought back it got out of hand...but I never meant for this to happen. I merely wanted to tie him to the tree for his comrades to find. I never meant for him to be harmed. He shakes his head ruefully.
"My thanks for stepping in; something much worse could've happened. Are any of you a healer, by any chance? Once the boy is conscious, I suppose we should go to the sheriff. I accept responsibility for my actions. While I never intended for the boy to be hurt, the crowd gathered at my urging. I should bear the weight of the consequences."
When you arrive at the town jail, the local man quickly explains what happened, fully confessing his role. The sheriff thanks you for helping bringing the situation to a less tragic end, and then rummages around in her desk and comes out with a potion that she gently works down the throat of the unconscious lad.
He quickly regains consciousness, and the sheriff first ascertains is he's alright. While still a bit groggy and out of sorts, he nods. She then sternly tells him to quickly return the carnival and to remain there until they depart. She asks you to escort the lad back to the carnival, just in case.
Then she takes the townsman into the back where they have the cells.
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Before heading back to the carnival, and hopefully an audience with the Sphinx, Myth has a quick word with the Sheriff...
"Ma'am, I still think we're dealing with thieves. Were you aware that after the sister was killed, the Temple of Erastil was robbed? Both murders have led directly to robberies...
And since she was killed outside the Sphinx's tent, perhaps someone didn't wish the sister to talk with her?
I know you need hard evidence, and we will find it, but I'm certain the carnival is not involved..."
"That's good to know, and we'll speak with the temple acolytes about the theft. I believe you are right, but that's just a belief. The thieves could be part of the Carnival, and even if they're not, it doesn't alter the argument that the Carnival is being used as cover, and if it's gone, the troubles might subside."
She then offers a rueful smile. "Of course, that is the reason why I haven't taken the sphinx into custody despite plenty of evidence that she's involved. I agree it seems to be a frame job, and arresting her would probably only prolong their presence. While I sincerely hope we can get to the bottom of this and bring the murderers to justice, I mostly just want to bring an end to these murders. Thanks again for your aid, and if you find any hard evidence, let me know."
As you escort the boy back to the Carnival, you learn his name is Milandru, and the reason he was caught trying to sneak into town was that he was simply trying to say goodbye to a boy from town with whom he had quickly become fast friends. He prattles on in great detail about all the pranks and games the two of them played in their brief time together. Thankfully, about the time the inane prattle even begins to grate on your own prankster, you reach the family's wagon.
A matronly Varisian woman comes rushing up and hugs Milandru, then looks him over and begins to chastise him. The boy's father just rolls his eyes, then asks the lad what happened. Milandru does his best to gloss over why he went to town, but explains being spotted, chased and caught by the unruly mob. As the tale unfolds, his mother becomes more aghast, and thanks you all quite profusely. She uwraps a very elaborate scarf from her waist and offers it to the group.
"This scarf has been in our family for generations. You are now part of our family. If you ever meet one of our clan, know that assistance is at hand. We know you have much to do on our Carnival's behalf, but I insist you come for dinner this evening. My goulash is the finest you'll ever taste! We'll see you about a finger before sunset, yes?"She embraces each and every one of you quite warmly, then turns on Milandru with a flare in her eyes.
"As for you, you foolish young boy, falling for the first cute townie to look your way, let us see if we cannot scrub off a few of those bruises as well as all that filth and dirt--you've ruined your nicest outfit! Don't think I didn't notice..." Her hectoring banter can be heard long after they disappear around the corner, headed for the carnival's bathing tent.
The silk scarf is embroidered with all the colors of flame and tasseled in tiny beads. It radiates an aura of faint enchantment.
Milandru's father sticks out his hand and shakes each of yours, thanks you gruffly, then says he needs to get back to work helping break down the camp.
About this time, another carnival worker comes up and bows to Leppin, and whomever is holding/wearing your new magic scarf. "Greetings to all of you. Almara sends her regards, and asked me to inform you that Jherizhana has granted you an audience. Follow me, if you please."
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Brin silently takes everything in, stiffly accepting the hug from Milandru's mother and then later shaking hands with his father.
"Thank you for your kindness, and it was truly our pleasure to be of help. We would be delighted to join you." He finally offers.
When the carnival worker comes to get the group, Brin dutifully follows along, very interested in this meeting of the sphinx.
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"I'm curious. What is the evidence that the sphinx did the murders? All I've seen or even heard about with Walder's murder is that he was killed by something with claws. I could rattle off a handful of native creatures capable of wandering out of the woods. The same is true of the priestess--very sorry for your loss--except that she happened to be on the circus grounds."
"Oh! Time to speak with Jherizhana? I can't wait!" Leppin bounces with eagerness.
In response to Leppin, Sheriff Feldane says, "It's doubtful that nobody would've seen a bear or some other large beast wander in out of the woods to maul the local citizens and slip back out. I am giving the benefit of the doubt to the carnival and their sphinx thanks to what evidence you have uncovered, but there were reports of the sphinx flying around on the night of the first attack, and both victims were mauled by large clawed creature. There's a lot more going on here than we know, and it does look like the sphinx is being framed, but unless I have the actual perpetrators, I'm going to do what I can to try and end this. Their departure may not be fair to the Carnival, but if it ends the violence, it's serving the greater good. And then I won't be forced to arrest in the sphinx, just because it's the only likely suspect. Good luck."
As soon as you are in sight of Jherizhana's tent, Almara calls out a loud greeting from in front of the tent before dismissing a couple of roadies who were chatting with her.
Once you're close, she says, "Please keep in mind that Jherizhana is here by choice, as our guest. She is our main attraction, and we want her to remain happy and satisfied with our arrangement. So I would appreciate you treading lightly, treating her with the respect and dignity she has earned from years of partnership. And of course, you shouldn't be alarmed that she's not caged...she's no wild beast, but a friend and business partner."
Almara holds open the flap and you enter the dimly lit interior of the very large tent. Sitting serenely on a large pile of pillows on the far side of the tent is Jherizhana the Sphinx.
Her deep voice rumbles the walls of the tent with a rich baritone that's decidedly feminine and feline. "Greetings. Almara has told me you wanted an audience, and given the aid you've provided to my extended family, I felt it would be rude not to accommodate your request. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
With a sweep of her large paw, she gestures to the various piles of pillows that have been laid out near the entrance, alongside a low table with cheese, grapes and ewers of fresh water and ale.
"I am due for my daily massage soon, but I can spare a few minutes to answer your questions."
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Myth bows before being seated on the pillows, grabbing an ale and some cheese as he does...
"Thank you for granting the audience, m'lady. I think that thieves are likely involved in these murders...but I have no solid proof. I have a few questions, if you please...
Do you recall seeing Archivin Walder at any of your showings? If you do remember seeing him, were you aware of anyone that might've been shadowing him or seemed to be traveling with him?
Have you seen anyone suspicious here at the carnival that might wish you harm?
Thank you for the courtesy and the refreshments, and excuse my curiosity, but I've never met such a magnificent being as you, only heard stories...are cheese, grapes, and ale a normal part of a Sphinx's diet or just for our benefit?"
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Brin scans the tent as they sit down, suspicious of the placement of the pillows so far from the sphinx.
"My friends have been exceptionally graceful when it comes to navigating this investigation. Many superficial clues have pointed in your direction, but we believe the real culprits are merely using you as a scapegoat out of convenience. Anything you know or may have noticed could help."
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Walking up closer to Jherizhana. "Hi, I'm Wisp...Emberflake, and...ah...not to be...um..disrespectful or anything, but some of us are not convinced you are really you, or rather here. Well, I mean me really. You are obviously here, or something is here talking to us, but you might not actually be a real sphinx. You could be an illusion or something. You wouldn't mind if Leppin scanned you to make certain you aren't an illusion, would you?" The little wayang turns back to his friends and gives them a big thumbs up. "I think this is going well!"
In response to Mythryndyr she says, ”I’ve no idea if I’ve ever seen this Archivin Walder. He was the first victim, right? And I certainly never saw a priestess of Erastil since we arrived. I noticed nothing out of the ordinary until the troubles started. It was the typical wow the locals with a glide and roar, then back to my tent for refreshments. And no, this spread is not to my taste, though I do occasionally enjoy Chelish headcheese. Your repast was arranged by Almara; she says you’ve been working hard on our behalf. For that I thank you.”
”As for someone from the Carnival being involved, that’s an absurd notion. We’re practically family here, having been together for years. Clearly we’re being framed in some nefarious local plot, though whether we’re the targets or simply victims of convenience is a bit of a conundrum. It’s an intriguing puzzle, if only it didn’t threaten our livelihood.”
At Wisps words, she quickly rises onto all fours with indignation. ”I thought you said these were friends of the carnival, Almara. Phah! Perhaps you’re the illusions, and I’ll dismiss you! I have half a mind to teleport away this very instant!”
She seems quite genuine in her anger, and earnest in all of her responses thus far.
With a flourish, the Sphinx disappears before your very eyes.
Almara steps forward and puffs herself up with indignation. "How dare you insult Jherizhana. All she's meant to our carnival, and you drive her off. It'll take hours for me to calm her down..."
Her voice trails off as Wisp and Mythryndyr interrupt. "Who's back there? Come on out!" They call loudly to the back of the tent. When the rest of the party seems confused, they point to a spot at the back of the tent that had been moving, then suddenly went still when the sphinx disappeared.
A human Varisian woman in leather armor and carrying a rapier seems to step out of the very wall as she opens her cloak. Her face seems strikingly familiar, and suddenly you realize she bears the same face a Jherizhana. "Almara, it's time to drop the ruse. These men deserve the truth. Greetings to you all, I am Ika, and Jherizhana is my creation."
With a wave of her hand, she summons Jheizhana's voice, which speaks from directly behind the group.
"We apologize for the ruse, but Almara insisted we keep this secret. Jherizhana is our greatest attraction, and Almara fears that if the public finds out, our carnival will fail. She may be right, but I tried to convince her we should come clean. We don't want to have the cloud of murders hanging over our heads."
Almara strides forward, glaring angrily at Ika. "It isn't just about the loss of income, though surely if the word gets out Jherizhana is an illusion, the Umbra Carnival is undoubtedly finished; so many lives will be ruined. Friends and family without a way to feed themselves. And even if we came clean, that doesn’t bring these killers to justice. It doesn’t change people’s opinion of us. All it proves is these bastards were too stupid to figure out they were framing an illusion. No one here is going to come to our shows anymore. We’ll be forced to leave town and they’ll get away with it. Please, we need you keep our secret. You now know that we didn't do this. Help us find the real culprits!”
As your party mulls over what to do, a deputy bursts into the tent and rushes up to the group. Ika quickly pulls up her hood and slips toward the shadows as the deputy breathlessly says, "There's been another murder! Come quickly!"
You find the sheriff standing before the very tree to which the townies were going to tie Milandru. There is a corpse hanging from the tree by its neck, a dirty and torn Varisian scarf used in place of a rope. He appears to be Chelish and dressed in local fashion. His eyes have been gouged out, his mouth has been stuffed with rags, and his left hand has been severed at the wrist and is missing. A sheet of paper has been pinned to the body’s shirt and is stained with blood, emblazoned with the Varisian words “We take care of our own.”
The sheriff looks at you with sad tired eyes. Then her eyes go to the growing crowd of onlookers, who are quickly evolving into an angry mob.
She says to you very quietly, "I apologize for this, but if I don't do it, there will be a lot more blood shed tonight. Both carnies and townsfolk." She sighs heavily then raises her voice to the crowd of townies.
"People of Ilsurian, rest assured I am going now to make an arrest. This reign of terror is going to come to an end. Please disburse and let us deal with this with the rule of law. The perpetrators will receive justice. You have my word."
And with that, she heads toward the carnival. A few from the mob start to follow her, but she threatens to lock them up for interfering with the "duly elected sheriff's sworn duties," and they grumble a bit before heading off, with a few muttered "about time!" following in her wake.