It takes Nabi a little longer than expected, but she finally manages to place the picks in the right way to make the tumblers move into place. She unlocks the door with a click and turns the golden knob. As she begins to open the door, there is a loud rushing of wind from within the wagon that breaks the door off of its hinges with an equally loud crack.
The air around Nabi is filled with a yellow pollen that glitters like gold in the firelight. Her vision becomes blurry and rainbow lights dance around the light sources.
Hazard! Round 1. Bold may act.
Plant (disable Thievery or Nature (or hit it until it stops))
Clover
Nabi (13/17 hp) (+1 on save due to Trapfinder: Will DC 20 vs. Confused status x 1 round only, -4 Perception/mental saves x 1 hour)
Song-of-Air
Leaf-on-Wind
Rulean
You don't have your wits about you, and you attack wildly. You are flat-footed, you don't treat anyone as your ally (though they might still treat you as theirs), and you can't Delay, Ready, or use reactions.
Your actions if you fail your save are (1) draw dagger, (2) strike Leaf, (3) move to Snowy the badger
"Whoa!" Clover yelps as Nabi is enveloped by a cloud of glittery yellow pollen. She takes a step back and draws out her longspear. As she does, she attempts to discern the nature of whatever caused the burst of pollen.
______________
That wasn't expected.
Says Nabi, straight faced
But I SHOUDA have expected a trap. Too late to complain.
she puts herself on the side of the wagon, and ask Clover
Gardener, would you be so kind as to give this plant a haircut, or whatever you call it? Or maybe we should wait until it is out of pollen?Uses your cloaks to make some wind to disperse the stuff?
She looks at the pretty lights, with an extatic smile, enjoying the fun effects of the vegetal drug without the freaky side effects, looking at her pollen covered skin
Groovy...
a deep sigh
Call me the "Golden Girl" now!
The golden pollen falls to the ground, revealing four exotic plants about two feet tall. Vines bearing translucent, red hued pods stretch across the wagon's ceiling. Three mature appearing pods shimmer with an internal golden glow. One mature pod dangles open and lightless in front of the door way, clearly the source of the golden pollen.
Clover recognizes these plants as dream pollen pods. They are a type of carnivorous plant that uses is poisonous and hallucinogenic pollen to disorient and disable animals, who then provide nutrients for the rhyzomes to absorb. She is fairly certain that she can get to at least one of the pods and remove it before it bursts. The mature pods pose the danger, and must be removed with extreme care .
Hazard! Round 1. Bold may act.
Plant (disable Thievery or Nature (or hit it until it stops))
Clover
Nabi (13/17 hp)
Song-of-Air
Leaf-on-Wind
Rulean
Leaf-On-Wind is very put out by the golden cloud as he suddenly realizes that he doesn't have much of anything that can help with the situation other than getting the heck out of the way or...
Struck by inspiration, the arcrobat moves towards the fire to get one of the buckets used to put out said fire in case it gets out of control, then moves to get ready to douse Nabi with said bucket.
Looking at it and listening to what Clover says, Rulean asks “So kill it from a distance? It is a plant you said, so it shouldn’t move right?”
"Yep! I think I can get one of those pods before it pops..." Clover answers, eyes on the prize as she readies herself to move.
Leaf-on-Wind runs to the bonfire and grabs a fire bucket, bringing it closer to Nabi who has moved to the side of the wagon to enjoy the momentary--if fading--psychedelic display.
Clover moves back and considers the danger.
The sides on the remaining pods begin to move like one who has ever vomited might expect their stomach to move before such an event.
Hazard! Round 1. Bold may act.
Plant (disable Thievery or Nature (or hit it until it stops))
Clover
Nabi (13/17 hp)
Song-of-Air
Leaf-on-Wind
Rulean
Rulean is somewhat confused by Clover's answer. He moves a short distance back and gets out a javelin, ready to throw it at the plant.
Nabi keeps out of reach from the plants, on the side of the wagon, enjoying the lovely lights and sights, still slightly intoxicated by the pollen
Whatever you do to these plants, don't burn them!
Maybe there is no money to get, but at least the pollen is enjoyable... if I can scrape it from the plants maybe I can keep it for a few nights...
The performers turned investigators spread out after Myron's wagon door blew off of its hinges. Leaf-on-Wind runs and grabs a fire bucket to pour over Nabi, since she appears to be covered in the faerie dust of a malevolent plant. Rulean moves back and gets ready to deal with the carnivorous plant in a straightforward fashion.
Unfortunately for the iruxi, he did not back quite far enough away. The plant somehow senses his lifeforce and another pod vomits its contents towards him. The bulk of the pollen hits the corner of the wagon next to him, but enough of it spills around the corner to be inhaled. His lungs burn for a moment before the lights begin to dance.
Hazard! Round 2. Bold may act.
Plant (disable <2 action>: Thievery or Nature DC 18 (or hit it until it stops))
Clover
Nabi (13/17 hp)
Song-of-Air
Leaf-on-Wind
Rulean (16/17 hp) (Will DC 20 vs. confusion x 1 round & -2 Perception/Saves vs. Mental for 1 hour)
(1) Stride 10 ft, (2) Strike (javelin @ Clover), (3) Stride to Clover
"Wow...*cough*...what happened...*cough*"
Looking around, he suddenly cries out "Giant bug attacking!" He moves to where he can see Clover, throws his javelin, and then closes on the ladybug / halfling.
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Hang back everyone, let me-hey!" Clover yelps as Rulean suddenly flings a javelin that narrowly misses her. "What are you doing? Quit it!"
The halfling dashes between Nabi and Rulean and moves towards the open wagon door, aiming to try and disable one of the remaining pods before it has a chance to pop.
"Okay, new plan - smash the heck out of it!"
______________
Having not been given any instructions on what to do, Snowy simply regards the ongoing shenanigans with a curious tilt of his head.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
While it takes her a moment to get into position without triggering one of the remaining pods, she is able to pinch and crimp the vascular bundles that power the pods rapid compression. Her relief may be short lived as she realizes that she is very close to the last mature pod.
Hazard! Round 2. Bold may act.
Plant (disable <2 action>: Thievery or Nature DC 18 (or hit it until it stops))
Clover
Nabi (13/17 hp)
Song-of-Air
Leaf-on-Wind
Rulean (16/17 hp) (-2 Perception/Saves vs. Mental for 1 hour)
Nabi moves inside the wagon, and tries to disable the powder-throwing plant
Who knows, maybe she can get high again on the pollen?
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Song-of-Air inspires courage.
Hello Wagon! Pollen's blowin'
Come to say your plants need mowin'
Ain't you got no rhymes for me?
Doo-ait-n-doo-doo, feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
End Encounter. Resume Exploration.
Nabi slinks back around the wagon and steps inside to expertly steal the last of the mature pods off of the vine. Song-of-Air plants an arrow solidly into the thick of the vines, piercing the leathery cortex. Gold tinged sap leaks out around the arrow. While several immature pods hang from the vines that have crept across the threshold, the floor, and the near wall, they do not pulse with intention like the larger pods. Leaf-on-Wind is left holding a bucket of water and no obvious reason to throw it on anyone.
A magical, everburning torch with a brass band wrapped around the branch with words engraved upon it illuminates Myron's desk. Upon his desk is an open ledger, ink pot, and quill. A bearskin hat marked with a golden leaf rests on one corner of the desk. Over the back of the desk chair is draped a red silk cape with fine golden embroidery along the edges. You've seen this cape hanging over the back of the chair in the past when you've walked past Myron's wagon and the door has been open, but none of you have ever seen him wear it (or the bearskin hat). A cursory glance from the doorway reveals living quarters "in use." Myron had his clothes broom set on a stool--ready to clean off his coat upon his return--and his night clothes laid upon his bed, which was made.
The rest of the circus folk murmur to each other from where they sit around the fire, more than a few appearing even more terrified than they were when the evening began.
Status
Clover
Nabi (13/17 hp)
Song-of-Air
Leaf-on-Wind
Rulean (16/17 hp) (-2 Perception/Saves vs. Mental for 1 hour)
Rulean blinks. “What happened to the giant ladybug?”
Looking towards the wagon, he then asks “Does anyone know why that plant would have been in his wagon? I don’t recall Myron having a green thumb.”
Song-of-Air steps inside, and peers curiously about the Bearskin hat and the red silk cape. "These are so well made! Why did we never seen him wear them?"
Then she casts Read Aura to see if anything stands out that could speak to Myron's murder.
You are all fairly certain that Myron was not known for keeping plants. He was too busy tending to his garden of up-and-coming circus performers such as yourselves. When he did have a free moment, he spent it with the old bear, Bardolph.
Inside the wagon, Song-of-Air spies all kinds of knickknacks on shelves, including a crystal flask that holds a bubbling amber liquid, as well as the ringmaster's spare boots and an open chest that holds several changes of clothes.
Song-of-Air picks up the red silk cape, flaring it out to check for hidden pockets.
Would it be terrible if I tried it on to see if it will fit?
The cape does not have any hidden pockets, but it is very well made. It also smells of animal.
"Those vines and pods... They radiate transmutation and illusion!"
Song-of-Air takes a sniff of the animal-smelling red silk cape. "This smells like some some sort of animal. Did Myron have any pets?"
Oh to hell with it. If the others have a problem, they'll say something. Song-of-Air tries on Myron's cape. "Would anyone mind if I keep this? It reminds me of Myron." Then more honestly, she ruffles up her feathers, abashed. "It's also kind of my color," she adds, hopefully.
Song-of-Air spreads her wings, and electricity crackles a bit in her feathers as she attempts to study the plants with a nature check.
Clover makes a bit of a face as Song-of-Air tries the cape on after having examined it.
Myron's carcass is still cooling and she wants to take his stuff?
But then again, wouldn't Myron rather his things go to someone that can use them? Heck, he might even think the whole thing funny, if he were hovering around as a ghost somewhere.
Wait, no, being a ghost wouldn't be much better. Let's forget we even thought about ghosts.
"Um, I don't see why not. Not like Myron left a will or anything, from the looks of it," is what comes out of Clover's mouth. Maybe not the most comforting answer but there it is. "Wait, you said the plants are magic? Wonder who enchanted them?"
Nabi looks around, trying to find if something looks "out of place", anything worth too much, or too odd to be find in a circus caravan
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Leaf-On-Wind was rather nonplussed at the quick resolution of the situation, and left with a bucket of water he does what he feels is the best use for it -- since Rulean seems to be still a bit out of it talking about giant ladybugs he is given the contents of the bucket.
"I dunno, sis. That looks like it might be for when the show is on to draw the attention to the ringmaster. Does look really good on you, though. Be a shame to have it locked up in a box and forgotten if you ask me?" the acrobat offers to his sibling before returning to the search.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
“What?!?” Rulean cries out as the contents of the pail are dumped over him.
He does his best to get rid of some of the excess water, wringing his shirt out. Then he goes and gets a towel to properly dry himself off.
After fastening the flamboyant cloak over her shoulders, Song-of-Air begins the laborious process of trying to discern the purpose of the magical emanations she detects from the plants. Ultimately, she is unable to make sense of the magic.
In the meantime, Leaf-on-Wind washes Rulean clean of intoxicating spores via a swift if not thorough technique, and Nabi appraises the various curios and accoutrements contained within the ringmaster's wagon. She cannot say for certain that there is anything unusually valuable for a person of Myron's station in life--he had a decent number of years on him--but there is nothing except for the magical torch of shocking value.
The red cape is worth 5 gp, which is significantly valuable for a circus performer but not shockingly so.
The crystal flask, while pretty, is not worth much. The contents are clearly alchemical and must do something and be worth something.
The everburning torch is worth 15 gp (7.5 gp resale), and is quite a bit of money for someone working in a circus.
The hat has no particular resale value.
While Clover waits to see if Song-of-Air can learn anything more about the plants she reaches out and picks up the ledge on the desk and begins to flip through it.
"There had to be a reason for someone offing Myron...maybe there'll be a clue here in this ledger..."
The ledger, unfortunately, reveals no clues to the mystery. It contains rather mundane accounting details. It will be useful to whoever takes over the circus as it lists salaries, payments, debts, and weekly costs of things like feed for the elephants and other animals.
Once Song-of-Air finishes her investigation and reaches a dead end, Clover steps over to make her own assessment. After several minutes of examining the plant, she is certain that some sort of primal magic induced rapid growth from a seed to a mature plant, likely over a matter of minutes. Furthermore, after her examination, it becomes clear to all of you paying even the slightest attention that some of the smaller pods have grown in size in this relatively short amount of time.
The bearskin hat is worth 7 gold.
"Oof...whoever's done all this has a way with animals and some know-how around primal magic," Clover finally declares with a grimace. "See, look, those pods have gotten bigger in just the last few minutes!"
Not wanting a repeat of earlier, Clover proceeds to do what she can to destroy these growing pods before they get big enough to burst like before.
"And if this person's got a way with animals...oh...um, I think we'd better check on Bardolph next..."
Returning to Myron's wagon just in time to hear Clover's comment about the seeds and Bardolph, Rulean nods his head.
"Think it is safe to just toss the remaining pods in the bonfire?"
"I really don't know much about the pods..."
"...but I would be behind burning them as a precaution. It works on most plants."
Song-of-Air folds the red silk cape and puts it in her pack. "With Myron gone, we'll be needing a ringmaster. I could save the cape for when I'm stepping in Myron's very big boots." Then she nods to Clover. "Onwards to Bardolph!"
In their currently-but-swiftly-advancing level of maturity, the remaining pods can be safely smashed. However, in the time it takes to smash those that you noted, new ones have begun to form as the magic spurning the plant's unnatural growth continues. Rulean is certain that blade and fire would take care of the plant--magic or not--and so you all take out whatever cutting tool or claw you have and reduce the plant to totable lengths of vine. Tossing them into the fire creates a thick cloud of smoke due to their greenness, but there are no adverse effects.
Crossing the stream, you make your way to Bardolph's wagon. The wagon is covered with faded painting of the bear dancing, balancing on a ball, and menacing his old master, the Great Fortunato. The older performer, you know, was a friend of Myron's from the Celestial Menagerie who was killed during a mugging in Escadar. Myron could not bear to leave Bardolph with Madame Dusklight, and so brought him with those of you who fled.
Clover and Nabi note that the cape depicted on the Great Fortunato is artistically similar to the silk cape from Myron's tent.
Bardolph, you know, is a gentle bear well trained to perform his tricks. He has been resting in his wagon for the past week recovering from a foot injury. The old bear stepped on a nail while you were camped outside a farmstead practicing your acts.
The doors to his wagon are large and the handles are thick, well chewed and knotted ropes that the bear uses to open and close his doors on his own. The previously discovered rat tracks ring the wagon and cluster heavily by the door.
Frowning, Rulean leans down to look at the tracks. "Looks like the rats have already been here. Be on the lookout for mischief!"
Reaching towards the door, he asks "Everyone ready?"
"Y-yeah...I just hope he's here and okay," Clover nods, hoping that they won't be forced to tangle with an angry or agitated Bardolph. Even old bears can do some major damage, after all.
______________
"I'm going to get a goodly distance away and hope I don't have to do something... Hope really, really hard." Leaf offers as he also looks around.
Ho, I'm sure you will have plenty to talk about with the bear, Clover. You enjoy animals company, don't you? Lead the way, I have faith in you. Even from afar.
She seems to hesitate, then adds
Just don't poke the bear.
Repositioning yourself based on your individual comfort with bears in general and the possibility of mischief, Rulean pulls open the doors. The light from your torches reflecting off of the old bear's wet nose and eyes are the first thing that you notice in the shadows. The bear growls. The sound vibrates in the chests of those closest to the wagon. It is a sound none of you have heard the gentle grizzly ever utter.
Clover senses something is amiss and is certain the bear is about to uncharacteristically attack!
Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.
Clover
Bardolph
Song-of-Air
Nabi
Rulean
Leaf-on-Wind
Clover's eyes go wide as she hears Bardolph's growl and for the first time since this accursed day began she feels knot of fear bubble up in her chest.
"Shut the door," she says in a low voice as she slowly takes a step back, eyes locked on the old bear as she studies his every move.
"Hey Bardolph, hey...it's okay...we're not here to hurt you, okay? It's Clover. You know me, right?" she murmurs, hoping to calm the bear...or at least keep it focused on her and not someone else.
______________
Bardolph moves fast for an old bear. A thunderous roar rolls out from the wagon, there is the sound of claws scraping on wooden boards, the sound of scales being smacked, and cloud of dust kicks up over those closest to the wagon. Once the ringing in your ears stops and the dust settles, Rulean is standing between Song-of-Air and Nabi where he was knocked by the bear's powerful forepaw, and Bardolph is sniffing the air, searching for something.
His eyes are wild with some sort of madness. He suddenly stops sniffing and looks directly in Song-of-Air's direction. His eyes gain intent and his lips pull back to reveal his fangs as he bounds out of the wagon straight for the tengu.
Encounter! Round 1/2. Bold may act.
Bardolph
Song-of-Air
Nabi (13/17 hp)
Rulean (16/17 hp; -2 Perc/Mental Saves x 20 minutes)
Leaf-on-Wind
--2--
Clover
Rulean says "Whoa! Didn't have time to close the door!"
Seeing it sniffing the air and then heading towards Song of Air, he adds "I wonder if it smells the cloak?"
Not wanting to hurt the creature and having heard of people wrestling them, Rulean tries to wrestle the bear.
When the bear doesn't seem to even notice the attempt, he quickly gives up on that plan and positions himself on the opposite side of Bardolph from Nabi. He quickly shouts a reminder "Don't hurt him!"
He then retracts his claws and makes a swipe at the bear. He is obviously too concerned about Bardolph, the strike is half-hearted at best.
Maybe someone should say to the bear "don't hurt us!" before it's too late?
Nabi looks around for a way to get inside the wagon and beside the bear.
If I have to face a bear, I prefer to face it from behind, where there is no claw or teeth to kill me!
By the way, bear, don't hurt us!
Now that's said, at least. Worth trying.
Whether Rulean is holding back too much for fear of seriously hurting a member of the circus, the old bear is just too tough to hurt, or Bardolph is too intently fixated on Song-of-Air, he pays no attention to the iruxi's efforts nor retaliates.
Encounter! Round 1/2. Bold may act.
Bardolph
Song-of-Air
Nabi (13/17 hp)
Rulean (16/17 hp; -2 Perc/Mental Saves x 20 minutes)
Leaf-on-Wind
--2--
Clover