Honey drops to her knees and holds the tattered net in her hands. "No. The net is ruined. The Kanbau family won't be able to perform their tightrope acrobatics now. I had to perform without a safety net with the Celestial Menagerie and was lucky I didn't die. The Circus of Wayword Wonders is better than that. They'll be disappointed but I won't ask them to risk their lives for a show. Maybe we can convince Mordain or Eliza to go out in the finale instead? You're the ringmaster right now though, Finn. It's your call."
"Oh, those rats bit you up good. Let me patch you up, Finn. Can't have you going out in front of the crowd all bloody."
"I can cushion their fall with magic, if they do take a tumble. They won't come to harm."
Hush hurries off to find the Kanbau family. "We're up, but rats got at the nets. They won't hold. You can step down or perform, but the decision must be made now. Know that if you do choose to perform, I can catch any who fall in a bed of feathers -- your namesake spell, feather fall, in fact. You won't come to harm. But, I understand if you'd prefer to give up your spot in the grand finale to another."
Having said her piece, Hush waits to see what they decide to do. If the tight-rope walkers backed out, she'd need to convince Elizia or Mordaine to take the stage. Mordaine was a better choice for the finale, but her act took too long to prepare. She'd likely have to ask the snake charmer to take the stage...
"Thank you Hush, really." says the head performer from before. "It means a lot, but that spell can only catch one of us if we fall, and our failures usually lead to the whole family going down. I just can't ask my family to do that. I hope you understand."
Hush dashes off, almost comically fast, sprinting around to find Elizia. "One spot in the grand finale. Are you in?"
"Oh come on, whatever happened to 'the show must go on'?"
"The show must go on. But not at the cost of risking someone's life. We have backups. I'll see if Hush needs any help convincing someone to step up."
Honey scurries after Hush.
"Please, Elizia. The show needs you. I'm done with my act. I'll help you get ready if you need it."
"I mean...I wasn't quite...Hmm. Mister Tickles doesn't seem to be feeling well. If you can help me figure out what's up with him, I'll happily perform!"
Approaching the large snake, it becomes apparent that the snake is lethargic and his food (A rabbit within the cage) and water are just as they were this morning (Alive and full, respectively).
Secret checks! Medicine or Nature. Let me know if you want to roll them and what your bonus is.
"Well, sh*t. I don't know anything about snakes but I bet P'oxtan does. Wait right here, I'll go find him."
Honey runs around until she finds wherever P'oxtan is lurking. "P'oxtan. Hush and I are trying to convince Elizia to do her act in the Feather Fall Five's stead but Mister Tickles is sick. Think you can take a look at him? You're good with animals, right?"
P'oxtan isn't quite sure what's up with the snake. Anybody else?
”Sssome sssnakes do not follow the Sssnake Ssspirit. Thisss one, for insstance. It doesss not respond to me.”
"Hush!" Hush remonstrates, desperate for a moment of silence so she can concentrate. She looks over the snake.
Finn looks over Hush's shoulder as he himself tries to see what is up with the snake.
Finn and Hush identify that the snake has the Goblin Pox, something that should only make it sick, and definitely not something life threatening or permanent in any way.
With that assurance, Elizia is ready to go on. Though, you should probably treat her snake to get rid of any penalties the snake may give the performance.
Elizia is ready to perform, but the sickness will give her checks a -2.
Finn saunters out onto the stage and puts his arms up in a grand display.
”And now, for our finale, give it up for Elizia and Mister Tickles, Hush and her invisible shrinking prison, and the juggling might of the Flamboni Sisters!”
"You're up, Hush. Don't worry, no matter what, tonight will be a success. Go out there and make people happy."
Elizia struts onto stage with a variety of baskets in tow, each filled with poisonous vipers and hissing snakes! She wows the crowd by handling these dangerous reptiles, then reveals Mr. Tickles! The 16-foot anaconda wraps itself around her and looks like it's going to squeeze! Then Elizia launches into a gyrating dance number with Mr. Tickles wrapped around her like a scarf.
But, Mr. Tickles is squeezing her a little too tight, due to his sore tummy, so poor Eliza hobbles awkwardly, looking rather boring.
Hush's mother and the other clowns, quickly rush in, turning the exotic dance into a comedic shuffle that's gets a few of laughs.
-------
The Flamboni Sisters burst onto stage with enthusiasm, bouncing around while juggling sticks and unlit torches. With a flourish they spit fire -- carefully prepped beforehand -- lighting the torches and turning the stage into swirling streaks of fire as they continue to juggle, faster and faster.
As the tricks increase in complexity, Hush gets in on the act, standing totally still with a look of terror on her face as the Flamboni Sisters juggle around her.
-------
Completely silent, Hush takes the stage.
BANG! She walks into and invisible wall, going careening to the ground. She rubs her head, hops to her feet, and looks around suspiciously.
She turns...
BANG!
Another wall.
Hush continues acting out walking into invisible walls to great comedic effect, eventually finding she's trapped in an ever shrinking invisible box! The atmosphere turns intense, as Hush seems to shrink and shrink, compressed by the ever compressing walls! She gestures for aid from a strong audience member who attempts to help her up, only to find they can't move her tiny body! With time running short, she gestures for aid from a child, who easily pops her up off the ground and saves her.
Crisis averted, Hush spends the rest of the performance silently thanking both audience members, and overacting to emphasize the child's great strength.
The crowd is saddened by the sudden end of the show, having obviously expected more. Nevertheless, the crowd cheers! There's no standing ovation, but the evening was still entertaining. Though it didn't live up to the hype Thunder had raised, the show was much more successful than it could have been, given the events.
The Professor congratulates the heroes on putting together a cohesive show, even if nerves did end up getting the best of everyone. He slips the heroes their respective payout for the performance, but includes an additional bag. "It was for Thunder, but you guys will put it to better use" Each bag has varying coins, but together the five bags total 20 gp.
At this point, the heroes are free to examine the body and search for clues.
Finn is all smiles and “Have a nice day” right up until the final circus-goer exits the big top. Once that occurs, the halfling pants in exhaustion as he haphazardly tosses his top hat to the side.
”Alright. That was...not the best. But nonetheless, the show’s done, the business continues, and we can all. Now. Relax.”
Finnace collapses onto the nearest prop that will support him and kicks his legs up. He puts his hands behind his head and slowly closes his eyes, letting his mind go blank as he enjoys his first true moment of peace.
...
Fifteen seconds later, Finn’s eyes snap open in horrific realization as the halfling leaps to his feet, shouting as if realizing the event truly for the first time:
”There’s a f*cking body!!!”
Without another word the halfling sprints to where Thunder’s body was left.
Honey congratulates everyone backstage. "Great job everyone. Given the circumstances, I don't think it could have gone any better. We all worked real hard. Thunder would have been proud. As much as I want to rest, we have a murder to resolve."
Honey returns to where Thunder's body was left. She does a quick once over the area to see if anything unusual stands out and is careful not to touch the body.
"I am just a simple circus performer. I'm not cut out for investigations or autopsies. Anyone have any idea what could have happened? If we can't figure it out ourselves, maybe there is someone knowledgeable in town we can seek out in the morning. I've never been to Abberton before, but we could ask around."
Hush takes her bow and strides offstage in silence. She retires to her change room while the guests filter out. It's quiet there, and her nerves calm a little away from the others. She wipes the makeup off her face, leaving it grease-smeared and streaked, and changes from her red and black performer's ensemble into simple black clothes -- perfectly pressed and free of embellishment. She folds her costume and tucks away all her makeup and cleaning supplies, being sure to place each brush and cosmetic in it's proper place. She readjusts a few, to make sure they're right. She grabs her things, takes a deep breath to steady herself, and re-emerges Milly. She briskly walks off to Thunder's corpse, observing it in silence for a long while.
"No." Milly tells Honey, although it's unclear if she's referring to Honey's questions or desire to look for help.
Examining the body reveals that Thunders legs are so swollen that his pant legs can't be rolled up; his trousers must be cut off or cut open. Doing so reveals many snake bites on both his calves. Milly identifies that snake venom must have caused Thunder's death (using the hero point).
The area immediately around Myron's body bears strange tracks, but they're hard to follow. Well, Honey fails to notice even the tracks.
Upon revealing that it was snakes that killed Thunder with repeated bites, Elizia notes that the snakes must have been controlled or coerced somehow, as that is not natural behavior (just like the rats from earlier).
”Ssstrange tracksss. I will do what I can to follow them. Perhapsss it will lead usss to Thunder’s killer.”
"Well, lead the way P'tekan."
"Something that can control snakes? Sounds like magic is involved. We should proceed with caution. I know we are eager to find the killer but maybe we should wait until morning to follow the tracks. We are all exhausted from performing and it will be pitch black outside. We could ask around if anyone saw anything in the meantime."
"...But if you are intending to go out tonight, of course I'll come with you."
He turns to Finn and narrows his eyes, "Remember the bean bag little man."
"The tracksss will likely be gone in the morning, especially with guests leaving the circus. I will follow them."
"Well I can't let you go alone. I'm coming. I hope Iruxi have darkvision."
"Elizia, were any of the snakes that bit Thunder of the same species that you keep? Could your snakes be involved or did they all originate from outside? If anyone else from our troupe is looking for us, please let them know where we went and please keep an extra eye on your pets out of precaution."
"P'oxtan, are the tracks humanoid or serpentine?"
Hush cups her hands together, gives them a shake, and brushes them over her simple, black clothes. After a moment, they glow brightly.
She steps up beside P'oxtan, a living light source.
He turns to Finn and narrows his eyes, "Remember the bean bag little man."
Finn's eyes go wide with fear, but he keeps his mouth shut.
P'oxtan finds tracks, and identifies them as the countless tracks of tiny rats. These numerous rat tracks hide any other footprints that might have been here, including Myron's own. The rats are no longer here, and the behavior is even weirder. Following the tracks proves difficult, as they go every which direction.
Finn scratches the back of his neck. ”Well…that was a dead end…Hey, Professor! Any idea what Thunder was doing before the show?”
Finn approaches the Professor, but the Professor didn't interact much. Still, he provides what he knows. "I run the sideshow and help him after that's over. I saw the man a couple hours before, but he's usually a busy body when the performance is getting ready to go. He talks with pretty much everyone, but he does spend a bit longer in his own cart getting his makeup and everything ready. I'd start the hunt there if I were you."
P'oxtan finds tracks, and identifies them as the countless tracks of tiny rats.
"We did encounter rats chewing on the safety net. I bet they were also ensorcelled, if not the same ones that left these tracks. Someone or something has a bond with small animals."
To the Professor. "That makes sense. Thanks, Professor. Do you know if Thunder kept his cart locked or should we be able to get in on our own?"
Honey will check Thunder's body for any keys. Then she will go with the group over to Thunder's cart to look around.
Finn raises an eyebrow at the half-elf. ”’Encorcelled’?”
The halfling puts his hand on his chin in deep thought as he follows Honey. ”You do have a point, the rats were really weird. Hmm…” Wererat? Are those a thing in this part of the world?
”My kinship to warm-blooded beasts isss far from my relationsss to the ssscaled onesss. I can sssee, though, that none would wish to be controlled by the trickery of magic.”
The other members of the circus are notably worried, and gather around the fire, most begin to fall asleep near it.
Since the fire is right next to Thunder's Wagon and a number of members are gathered there, Honey takes the opportunity to question those that are awake if any of them saw anything.
"Hi everyone. Congratulations again on a great performance. As you may know, our beloved Thunder was tragically killed tonight before the show. The four of us have formed a task force to investigate and hopefully bring the perpetrator to justice. If any of you saw or heard anything that might be helpful, please speak up. Also, if you notice any rats or snakes acting unusually or in a place you wouldn't expect to see them, please let us know. We have cause to think mind-controlled vermin are involved."
After talking with the members, Honey will search the outside of the wagon. She'll look for more tracks. And also obvious stuff, like is the door open or closed, is there a light on inside, etc.
Seeing Honey speak with the others, Finn sneaks off toward Thunder’s wagon to see if he can find anything pertinent.
P'oxtan, despite being normally perceptive, is a bit thrown off by the large gathering.
The circus members all seem innocent after a bit of questioning. Though all of them had interacted with Thunder, everybody seems truthful in saying they wouldn't dare hurt the man, let alone kill him. Plus, to make matters worse, nobody really saw him until his dead body showed up. Even weirder, nobody heard his body fall where it was. Somebody just....found it.
When everyone leaves Thunder's wagon, Hush slips inside. She takes her time looking around, keeping an eye out for anything.... out of place. Off.
She startles when Finn enters behind her. She stares at him for a long while... Then leaves without a word.
She paces around the wagon's perimeter once...
...But the crowd around the fire sets her on edge. With a grimace, she turns and retreats over the bridge to the big top. There, she examines the rat tracks that nibbled at the net and looks around for their origin, curious where the rats came from that time.
As Finn heads off to the wagon, P'oxtan sees the gathering and senses that the circus members are merely scared, believing that a killer is lurking in the camp.
Finn begins to sneak away to the tent as..well...as Hush opens it and finds something she most certainly didn't expect: four strange pitcher plants fill the corners of the wagon , and the air inside the wagon is thick with sparkling golden pollen. The moment Hush opens the door, the air rushing into the wagon pushes the pollen out!
Hush just barely manages to duck out of the way as the plants begin to pulsate! To point her shock, Hush pulls just a bit too hard on the door to Thunder's wagon and the door falls flat to the floor with a very notable THUD!
The plants quickly pulsate a bit more as pollen begins to almost pour from the wagon.
*2 = 10
*2 = 4
The pollen seems to interact with Hush's mind, and she gets all sorts of discombobulated.
It looks like you can disable this hazard by beating the crap out of it, though that seems temporary with the amount of pollen around. You could disable with Thievery to carefully remove a pollen pod, or Nature to find the proper way to stop the pollen.
Hush also finds herself affected further. She has a -2 to Perception checks and saves against mental effects for hours.
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects:
-----------------------------------------------
Plant hazard
Honey Wasp
P’oxtan
Hush (-10; Confused; -2 to Perception and Mental saves)
Finn (-4)
Honey isn't sure exactly what happened but she hears the loud thud of the door slamming to the ground and turns to see Hush fall down.
"Hush!"
Honey rushes around to the open side of the wagon trying to stay as far away from the strange pollen as possible.
With a quick prayer and outstretched arms, warm energy spreads from her palms and embraces Hush, closing her wounds and restoring her strength.
"That was my last one..."
Finn shakes himself off as his eyes go wide.
”I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that!”
Gears in his brain turning, the halfling rushes in and tries to carefully remove one of the pollen pods.
Hush hits the ground, then promptly regains consciousness. She blinks a few times. Tilts her head back and forth. Staggers to her feet.
She walks up to the trap and tries to punch it.
P'oxtan steps next to the plant and, using his very sharp claws, tries to deftly cut out the pollen sacs, having seen pitcher plants like these in his wanderings through the Mwangi Expanse.
Honey quickly heals Hush, who stands up looking around like everything is out to kill her.
Finn attempts to disable after moving to the base of the cart, but right before he manages to seal the pod shut it bursts out a spout of pollen directly into his face.
Hush then just...punches the trap.
She punches blindly at the trap, merely slamming her fist into the wooden frame of the cart.
P'oxtan marches forward and manages to disable the pollen sack on one of the four plants. Three remain.
The plants share the love, and each of the three remaining plants attacks the three heroes at door of the cart.
*2 = 16
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects:
-----------------------------------------------
Dream Pollen Pod ((3/4 remain))
Honey Wasp
P’oxtan (-16)
Hush (-4; Confused; -2 to Perception and Mental saves)
Finn (-9; Confused; -2 to Perception and Mental Saves)