Please dot and delete ONCE ACCEPTED. More to come soon.
The town of Ilsurian in Varisia is a small independent agricultural and fishing town which 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. You are probably in transition between missions for the Pathfinder Society when you happen to be passing through Ilsurian on a river boat in the afternoon. While on the boat, you overhear other passengers discussing a circus near this port. This intrigues you, and you have some time before your next boat, perhaps you want to check out what the local shops have, so you get off the boat and head into town. While in town you notice the vast majority of the inhabitants of the town are Chelaxian in appearance with pale skin, dark hair, and strong features, but there is also a visible minority (6%) of Varisians in town as well as a smattering of other humans. While in town you see posters advertising the Umbra Carnival, just outside the town. It appears this is the opening day!
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Salmok is a tall, solidly built oread man. His body gleams in the light. His hair is unnatural - like growths of rock protruding from his skull. His eyes glow with shimmers of green and white. A small patch of moss grows on the back of his neck. The oread seems to be carrying a small flower in his hands while he stares off in to the distance.
Salmok stands up when hearing murmurs of the circus. He's heard about these things before. Under his breath, he mutters, "Hmm... maybe I should check it out."
Knowledge (Local) - ILSURIAN:
Knowledge (Local) - UMBRA CARNIVAL:
Knowledge (History) - ILSURIAN:
Knowledge (History) - UMBRA CARNIVAL:
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Salmok knows a bit of the history of the town. It was founded in 4631 AR by Ilsur, one of the former First Swords of the Knights of Aroden, as well as some of his followers. They were all dissatisfied with the direction Korvosa took following the collapse of the Chelish Empire. They had planned to await the right time to return to Korvosa and overthrow the new aristocracy, replacing the monarchy with a military meritocracy. But that time never came. They seem content with their lives as fishermen and woodsmen - for now.
The circus piques Salmok's interest. He knows a bit about it. It was established by a retired adventurer Almara Delisen in 4702 AR.
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A pale skinned, wrinkly old elf woman with a spare frame and ramrod straight posture, Professor Masaendri's demeanor is all brusque business.
Her black eyes are either cataloging everything she sees or glazing over as she works some tidbit of information over in her mind. With her iron gray hair pulled back into a tight, prudish bun and a yardstick hooked to her belt, she looks like a stereotype of a harsh old schoolteacher.
Upon overhearing mention of the circus, at first she is dismissive. Hm. Petty entertainment for the masses. Moments later, though, she turns abruptly and marches off the boat. Then again, sticking to my assumptions only bought me boredom... Pausing briefly at one of the posters advertising the circus, she then makes a beeline for it, as best she can in an unfamiliar town. She takes a deep breath, eyes alight with adventure. This is the life! Impulsively pursuing the unknown! Ahh! The smell of freedo--OH CRIPES! She looks down at her shoe, her expression turning sour. A rotten potato. How lovely. Wiping off her shoe as best she can, she continues on her way with dour determination.
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Magdelina is a petite, pretty woman. She is quick on her feet, those feet being bare at the moment, and otherwise wears a warm dress, carrying a handbag over her shoulder. Her hair is interlaced with fragrant herbs and twine. The rosy, sweet smell of flowers seem to surround her as she steps out of the boat and follows Salmok and the Professor towards the town.
"I hope you won't mind me sticking around with you two for a while. All that talk about Absalom and the Pathfinder Society has me intrigued. I think I'm going to join! would you both grant me an acting, temporary field confirmation before I make it to Absalom in a few weeks?"
First thing I have to do is buy some shoes... that story about losing them to some fey will only work for a time before people start wondering if there's something wrong with me. The downside of civilization I suppose: I love walking barefoot, and didn't have to give a reason for it in the woods...
"Oh! a circus! how exciting! let's go check it out! ...uh, you two mind if I pick up a pair of boots before heading there?"
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Nilah sits lazily in the boat, her chin resting on her curled up hand, gazing across the lake that looms to the South. The (seemingly) young woman has completely black hair that would disappear into the inky black void that the stars fill. Her skin is a very light red, almost pink as if a red gel had been placed over a lantern as it shined on typical light skin. There are a couple of random places on her body where deep blue veins show through, including on her face. In a few other places she has tattoos of blue-stemmed roses to match and mask those veins. To top all that off are deep red eyes and dark brown horns that betray her Div heritage. Given that her appearance is too extraordinary to pass as anything remotely non-tiefling, she does not bother coiling up or otherwise hiding her tail, that is tipped with barbs. Despite all of these features which make her stand out, she is attractive in face and form.
Among her traveling group, she says very little and seems overly reserved and secretive to them. Nobody seems to mind as long as business gets done.
At the moment, she is contented and comfortable, which is quite a change from her not-so-distant past. Her ears perk up when the breeze carries rumblings of a circus at the next stop-off to her.
The famed entertainers of Varisia. They say that they dance for their own fulfillment and artistic excellence. That sounds... nice, for a change. Perhaps it's just the distraction I need on a long journey to...
She frowns as she finishes the thought.
nowhere. I wonder what other marvels such a company would offer.
She smiles wryly and makes her way to where the gang-plank will soon be placed as the boat approaches a dock. It seems her business companions are interested as well. Perhaps it will give her the chance to learn more about them.
She follows them through town, nonchalantly from behind with her hand on her sword's hilt for no particular reason. Nilah suddenly notices that Magdelina smells nice, and glances at her for just a moment before the small woman blurts out something about needing boots.
Confused, the tiefling replies curtly, Sure, we probably have time for a short stop-off.
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Magdelina smiles at Nilah, "Oh, you're coming to the circus too? that's great! About those boots: would you help me pick up a pair? my main requirement is comfort, but you seem to have a great sense of style and I could use your opinion... I loved what you've done with your nails!" Magdelina takes Nilah's hand gently to look at her nails with open wonder, her fingers and palm warm and soft, then her eyes linger on the tiefling's tattoos for a while, before she glances back down at her own dress, which has seen better days...
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Nilah's faces makes her appear as a cornered animal as she suddenly gets a sort of attention she didn't expect. If her face wasn't already naturally red(ish)...
Um.. oh, thank you. No, I don't like people touching my... yes I suppose I can help with the boots. Seems awful trusting of my selection ability though... She seems disoriented as Magdelina jumps between several of the tiefling's features.
Nilah relaxes visibly when she notices Magdelina has shifted to admiring her tattoos. She chuckles lightly. Those help these unseemly veins seem like a more intentional aesthetic. One gets enough attention as it is, with my lineage, without having another "defect" to stand out.
She smiles warmly but quickly turns away, back to the group to resume her "business" demeanor.
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The hawkish Professor purses her thin lips impatiently. "If we are finished gawking..." She scolds waspishly. "Some of us prefer to arrive early enough that we don't have to wait in line for two hours. Let's go." With a final harsh glare at Magdelina, she turns on her heel and marches off in a beeline toward a shop with a sign boasting a stiffly illustrated boot. She glances at the display through the window. "Here. This should suffice. These look respectably made." She shoos the ladies inside and hopes they can manage to make their purchase in a reasonable time.
Just like the students. Sigh. I wonder, will the circus itself be more interesting, or the interactions of the crowd? Struck by the idea of scholarly observation, she crosses the street to another shop, where she picks up some paper and charcoal for taking notes.
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Magdelina buys boots, Molvil buys writing supplies. The shopkeeper is oddly cold to Magdelina, preferring to speak to her companions whenever possible. When you pick up the boots to look at the sole, she exclaims "Planning on paying for that, are we?" Which, of course, you are, so the exchange is completed successfully. Other purchases go off without a hitch.
As you exit the shops, a parade of circus folk 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). 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.
A1. Midway Entrance
The midway offers a multitude of games of chance, each costing 1 cp per play. A path runs east here from the midway toward the traveling zoo. To the south are booths with pavilion tent tops that provide shade for the games of skill and chance played beneath. Behind them are 4 marked out lanes for racing.
To the north is a gigantic tent erected on tall poles with a stage curtain pulled shut across its front, a few people are lined up outside. To the east 3 raised runways meet at a point like an arrow beneath a brightly colored pavilion tent where a barker is raising a crowd. Circling the outskirts of the area are circus wagons, some clearly only for transportation and equipment, while others are attractions and portable shops for merchants.
A2. several booth games
Toward the front of the traveling zoo area is a heavy metal cage labeled “Baby Dragon” (cage A6).
southern side has no wall, just a tall curtain pulled across its front with a guard stationed outside. A neatly painted sign advertises liited times when Jherizhana the sphinx is available to meet the curious and wonderstruck, the next show is in about 30-40 minutes.
Other parts of the circus:
Parade Grounds (vast, open field offering dozens of free shows and events)
Sideshow (Part museum and part freak show)
Winding Market (local merchant stalls)
Crew Wagons (permanent residents' private residences)
Where would you each like to go first?
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Nilah makes a point to make eye contact and scowl as she walks by the Goblin toss. She turns and quickly speed past it.
That is not necessary...
She smiles warmly at the puppies in the "hellhound" race, and slows her speed from "avoidance" back to "perusal."
She takes note of the harrow readings with curiosity, and feels suddenly compelled to get a reading. However, a bit embarrassed by it she wanders into the zoo to visit the animals and see if her companions find other things to do, so that she can steal away into it.
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Magdelina follows Nilah into the Traveling Zoo to see what wonders it holds. On the way to the exhibit she asks Nilah, "The Lovely Madame Masque... that sounds interesting, yes? I wonder if I'll have time to place a bet or two at her pavillion before the next Jherizhana show! After that I plan to drop by The All-Seeing Hajeck. I wonder what they have in the Sideshow and Big Top..."
Suddenly!
"EXCUSE ME?!" asks Magdelina to a couple walking nearby about the Big Top and Sideshow, "Do you fine Lady and Gentleman know what's happening in those two big tents to the east over there, on the other side of the Parade Grounds?"
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The Professor initially meanders along behind Nilah and Magdelina as they peruse the Traveling Zoo, taking notes in her cramped, efficient handwriting on anything interesting. She quickly becomes bored, however. Spotting a carriage with signage for The All-Seeing Hajeck, she pauses and stares intently at it. Is it a sham, or is it real? Studies have shown that it _can_ be real, though there are more frauds out there than true practitioners. Hmm... Well! There's only one way to find out! With a brisk nod of decisiveness, she marches right up to see what The All-Seeing Hajeck can see.
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Yes, I suppose one can't escape so many betting opportunities without bumping into one.
She then lowers her voice notably. Yes... I too was interested in a Harrow-reading. Just to see what it's all about, of course. I'm sure they can't really tell anything of consequence...
As soon as Magdelina she casually strolls over and enters the cabin of the The All-Seeing Hajeck.
First 'game' 5-10 mins
Traveling Zoo - Nilah & Magdelina
All-Seeing Hajeck - Molvil
?? - Salmok & Donya
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A small frail and weak male gnome appears.
He salutes and you can see that early signs of The Bleaching have manifested in him with signs of a blanching of skin, hair, and eye color.
"I am Ejtehah. May the order of things give us the opportunity to rise and shape the the world. What a coincidence that We Pathfinders all were on this boat!" he says with a strange smile.
Ejtehah is a small Gnome with purple and gray hair that sometimes illuminates his surroundings.
He is wearing fashionable clothing and has well groomed eyebrows and a long mustache.
He has a heavy wooden shield in his hand that he can barely wield. Additionally, he wears a Banded Mail armor that looks like it hardly allows him to move.
Ejtehah is sitting on a military saddle on top of a riding dog that looks like a wolfhound. It is clear that this dog can fight while carrying a rider and Ejtehah is only slightly in control.
Ejtehah's eyes turn pink for a moment when he gets down from his riding dog and he looks at you.
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... as she steps out of the boat and follows Salmok and the Professor towards the town.
"I hope you won't mind me sticking around with you two for a while. All that talk about Absalom and the Pathfinder Society has me intrigued. I think I'm going to join! would you both grant me an acting, temporary field confirmation before I make it to Absalom in a few weeks?"
Ejtehah, who accompanied Nilah, the professor and Salmok, looks at Magdelina.
“Young lady, everything has its order! You may come with us and observe us but being part of the society means more than just a confirmation! Show respect to your superiors, show that you can follow orders and then we may see if a recommendation is warranted! Is that possible for you?!“ the gnome asks Magdelina.
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When Nilah just offers the wild and barefoot woman to accompany them without the proper guidance, Ejtehah seems to be slightly offended.
“Good Nilah!! But she is your responsibility!! Her actions reflect on you!“ he says Ejtehah says on his riding dog.
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The hawkish Professor purses her thin lips impatiently. "If we are finished gawking..." She scolds waspishly. "Some of us prefer to arrive early enough that we don't have to wait in line for two hours. Let's go." With a final harsh glare at Magdelina, she turns on her heel and marches off in a beeline toward a shop with a sign boasting a stiffly illustrated boot. She glances at the display through the window. "Here. This should suffice. These look respectably made." She shoos the ladies inside and hopes they can manage to make their purchase in a reasonable time.
Salmok waits patiently for Magdelina to buy some boots. "Yes, yes those look mighty fine on you.". The oread has no sense for fashion. He's spent more of his life in the forest and in caves than in cities.
"Have any of you been to a circus before?" He asks.
“Professor? Salmok, really? Really? Now we even wait for her shopping?“ he says and shakes his head.
First 'game' 5-10 mins
Traveling Zoo - Nilah, Magdelina & Ra'geh
All-Seeing Hajeck - Molvil
?? - Salmok
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Magdelina appears deeply ashamed and rebuked, her cheeks coloring a deep red. She slows down and hangs towards the back of the group now, slightly despondent, her eyes to the ground but sometimes looking at Salmok to see if his invitation to join them was just a cruel joke.
First the Professor, and now this newly arrived Ejteha... If I am not made an Acting Pathfinder, how can I be assisting them in this mission? I thought this was in their power to do... based on what I heard Pathfinders of all stripes and experience undergo the Confirmation, some many years after their joining...
When the group seems to split off in many directions, still staring to the ground in shame, she silently veers away from Nilah when she sees Ra'geh taking the lead up front with her. She heads towards Salmok, unsure about herself, this whole idea of joining the Pathfinders, and with deep feelings of insecurity roiling within herself.
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The gnome's voice softens a bit after hearing Magdelina's story and he looks at her while riding his dog. His heavily encumbered form looks really strange in the banded mail and with the heavy shield in his hand.
"Oh dear Magdelina, why did you not tell me earlier that the VC approved you joining us? Order are orders! I was only talking based on the assumption that you were some random wild woman that just decided to tag along this excellent group of Pathfinders. But you are a Pathfinder. I mean, I have not been through my Confirmation, yet, but I am surely going to make a wonderful confirmed Pathfinder. I mean look at my skills! So stick to me and I will take care of you when I shoot through the ranks." Ejtehah says with a confident smile.
"So where were we? Ahh, the Traveling Zoo!"
First 'game' 5-10 mins
Traveling Zoo - Nilah & Ejtehah, Magdelina & Salmok
All-Seeing Hajeck - Molvil
A4. The All-Seeing Hajeck (Fortune-Teller) - Prof.Molvil
As the door to the wagon is open, there is no need to knock you can walk right in. It is dim inside, so it takes your eyes a moment to adjust. The interior is as expected, scarves and crystal balls and the like everywhere. Sitting alone at the table is an old Varisian woman. Seeing you enter, she says "Ah, I knew you would come! Come, sit and let me tell you of your fortune. Although I already suspect what you seek, the harrowing will provide stronger results if you focus and phrase your request in the form of a single question - What exactly is it that you seek here, by the magic of the All-Seeing Hajeck?"
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A6. The baby Dragon cage & A5. The Traveling Zoo - everyone else
Nilah & Ejtehah take the lead into the traveling zoo as Salmok & Magdelina linger about 20 feet behind.
In front of the traveling zoo is the cage of the baby Dragon. This about 7-foot-long creature moves with a slow but relentless gait within the cage. Its feet end in large talons, and ropes of drool hang from its toothy maw. It is notoriously missing wings though.
A bald male humanoid who looks strikingly human (except for the long folds of skin that droop from his head and neck to just above his ankles) stands near the entrance and as he notices you observing the baby Dragon, will come over and helpfully inform you "This is our baby dragon. He breathes fire now and then..." he interrupts himself to bat away the hand of a little Chelaxian boy who is reaching out toward the cage. "...mostly at people who poke it, little boy. Its inside is an inferno, but its skin is so cold, it burns! Creatures of Night, Brought to Light!"
Behind the baby dragon to the right, a portable fence of wooden posts and rope cordon off this section of the circus. Guests are free to enter (no admittance fee) but exit the same way. Several wagons constructed to serve as animal cages line the perimeter, with an occasional haystack piled between them. In the center of the area is a large tent whose wall flaps have been lifted up and tied off to allow easy viewing.
While most of the zoo’s cages feature mundane creatures from across Avistan, a few genuine monsters never fail to wow locals, including three animated skeletons, a manticore (with its tail spikes removed), and the aforementioned baby dragon. Admittance to the animal tent and zoo is always free, but the animals’ handlers beg aggressively, often with smaller animals in hand to accept donations.
The Varisian couple Magdelina calls out to is happy to chat about the sights at the other tents. The Sideshow is part museum and part freak show, boasting ancient artifacts, foreign costumes and jewelry, and a variety of magical artifacts and technological innovations. By far the biggest draw is the elusive “Saggy Man.” The Big Top houses an astonishing assortment of shows, from traditional clowns and acrobats to music recitals and dramatic plays. The star attraction is Jherizhana, the ferocious performing sphinx only barely held under the ringmaster’s magical control.
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Second 'game' 5-10 mins
All-Seeing Hajeck - Magdelina
??? - Nilah, Ejtehah, Molvil & Salmok
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In front of the traveling zoo is the cage of the baby Dragon. This about 7-foot-long creature moves with a slow but relentless gait within the cage. Its feet end in large talons, and ropes of drool hang from its toothy maw. It is notoriously missing wings though.
Ejtehah walks to the little dragon with slow steps of his riding dog.
"Ohhh, how interesting! Did I mention that in my language my name means 'the vein of a dragon'! How fitting to see this little dragon here!" he says and plays with his mustache.
He then looks at the man with the long ears curiously.
"What are you? A fey creature? Tell me what are the really great attractions of this circus???" he asks nicely with a warm smile.
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Salmok examines the dragon closely. 'No wings? Hmmm... maybe it could be... oh yes.'. He turns to Magdeline and mentions quietly, "I think that's a monitor lizard. Fearsome beasts, but no dragon.". He looks at wonder at the other fearsome animals. He nervously looks around when he sees the animated skeletons. 'I hope there are no Pharasmins around.'.
Salmok notices signs pointing towards "Saggy Man". He points in that direction - "We should go Ejtehah! Wonder what it could be!"
The man's nose twitches a tiny bit at being described as a 'what' but honestly he is used to it and just sighs as he explains "I'm a Panotti, although I doubt that answers your question much. And no, my race is not fey-related. As for the attractions, there are too many good ones to list! Of course, there is the beautiful and dangerous sphinx, Jherizhana, but I'm a bit biased because my favorite attraction..." he trails off as he starts flapping his ginormous ears, and he starts to hover off the ground as he continues speaking ...my favorite attraction is me!" He smiles, and lands again.
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So the simple fact that someone gave me his permission to tag along the group for now is enough for this gnome to see me as a worthy individual. Are those 'outside' this organization nothing to him? I wonder how many other Pathfinders think along the same lines...
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"I joined because... well I'm not sure why I want to join to be honest. I just have a strange feeling that I must somehow, and that I will miss out on something if I don't. About this lizard: I would have to agree Salmok... but keep your voice low and let the townsfolk enjoy their 'baby dragon'. Look at those kids. They're having fun aren't they? Fairs like this are few and far between; it's all about the food and forgetting about your boring life for a while..."
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"A panotti? I am pleased to make your acquaintance Sir. Where do your people hail from? What is your name Sir? you can call me Maggie! Those ears of yours appear very useful to keep someone warm at night, perhaps... yes? may I... touch them?"
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Magdelina slips out and lets Salmok and Ra'geh go towards the other big tents, heading back towards the Midway to join back with Nilah...
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"What exactly is it that you seek here, by the magic of the All-Seeing Hajeck?"
The Professor narrows her eyes slightly as she settles into a seat. Oh, dear. I haven't prepared a question. Hmph! She should've guessed. I'm leaning toward "fraud," but let's see... Stalling for time, she nods her head graciously at the elderly woman. "Ahh. Thank you for the seat. Old bones enjoy a rest sometimes, as you know. Hmm..." She sighs as if in relief before continuing. "I suppose my most pressing question is: Will I find fulfillment through working for the Pathfinder Society? My life before was infuriatingly dull; the whole point of joining the Society was to find some excitement and to live a life worth living."
"The first 3 cards here on the left represent your past." As she lays down each card she gives a short description, and the significance of its positioning. The first card in the top left position is The Trumpet. "Ah, a very meaningful position for this card, as it is a True alignment Match and a strong start! This is the lawful good card of constitution. It represents an archon who dives aggressively and righteously into danger." Second card: "This is the chaotic neutral card of intelligence. It represents esoteric and arcane knowledge, or madness." Third card: "This is the chaotic neutral card of dexterity. It represents the quirky vicissitudes of melee combat." She moves to the next column. "These represent your present." She flips 3 more cards, explaining each in turn as they appear. "The Cyclone is the chaotic evil card of strength. It represents an unstoppable, destructive force unleashed through the plots of intelligent creatures. The Winged Serpent is the lawful good card of wisdom. It represents the couatl, the bridge of understanding between the towers of knowledge and judgement." As she flips The Hidden Truth card her eyebrow raises. [b]"Ah! Your Role Card appears in a misaligned position, which flips the meaning - we will come back to this one." She shakes her head sadly, then moves to the right column - The Future. "The Empty Throne is the lawful good card of charisma. It represents those who are gone, or a ghost of the past that has taught important lessons. The Peacock is the neutral card of dexterity. It represents a great beauty that can only be preserved if petrified and frozen in time for eternity, as by a cockatrice's glare." When she flips the last card, both of her eyebrows shoot up. Ah! Very ominous indeed. The Liar is the chaotic evil card of charisma, and it is also a True Match. It represents destructive, treacherous love." She eyes skim over the layout, and she points to one card in each column - The Trumpet, The Hidden Truth, and The Liar. "These are the cards that hold the greatest significance to you, so I will interpret their meaning." She closes her eyes and begins to hum quietly. The single lamp in the wagon flickers momentarily - coincidence or evidence of spirits?
When she speaks again her tone of voice is significantly lower, and her eyes cut deep into your soul.
"The meaning is clear. Your past shows your aggressive righteous search for truth and knowledge has granted you much to your current position. Your present situation is delicate. Someone else has recently seen, or will see very soon, past your public persona to delve into your secrets and reveal it to your detriment. Your far future describes a destructive love that rips the heart in two and causes lovers to leap to their deaths. This can mean obsession, unrequited passion, or doomed love. Perhaps you will even enjoy it, for a while. But it will end tragically. So yes, the answer to your question is you will find excitement through the Pathfinder Society, just not necessarily what you were looking for."
She blinks and shakes her head, then smiles at you. "Did you find the answers you were looking for? Thank you for visiting the All-Seeing Hajeck, please tell your friends!" then shortly ushers you out.
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A5. The Traveling Zoo - everyone else
At Ejtehah's response the panotti man drops his head sadly and starts to wander away, but when Magdelina responds he turns back, blushes a little, and says "Yes, actually they are excellent warm! Much better than blankets." And shows how by wrapping himself up with both of them. "And my name is Phardaen, pretty lady. You may touch, thank you for asking!" And extends an ear for you to touch.
Ejtehah & Salmok check the sign near the large Sphinx tent to the north, and it says the next Sphinx show is in about half an hour . The guard will also tell you Jherizhana is part of the evening finale Big Top show as well. "...but then you don't get to get that close cause of the stage, or ask questions or nothin like this show does!"
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Love? Professor Masaendri is skeptical. Love has never been an interest of hers, and her prickly personality has fortunately discouraged anyone else from forming attachments. (There were a few students who pretended to, but that was all a stupid scam.) This is truly ridiculous! Her theory is only supported by the woman's quick dismissal. "Oh. Yes. Very illuminating. Thank you." Hmm. Start with a compliment, suggest some vague drama, and state the obvious. (When does anything ever turn out _exactly_ as one hopes?) Yes, that sounds like a generally useful tactic. Many foolish folks would fall for that.
After exiting the caravan, the Professor makes a beeline to the Sphinx. Upon seeing that the show will begin in half an hour, she nods briskly, then turns to scan the crowd for her colleagues. She spots Magdelina quickly enough, and is surprised to see a hint of shame around her eyes. What is the matter with her? Did someone insult her? Granted she's a little odd, but... Oh... Did I... Oh dear. I was too harsh on her, wasn't I? Oh dear. Well! I supposed I'd better apologize.
Marching up to the young woman, she waits until there's a break in the conversation. Clearing her throat, she begins briskly: "Magdelina, I must apologize for my behavior earlier. I have a tendency to get tunnel vision and not realize that my behavior can be rather brusque. I will try to be more considerate in the future." She extends her hand as a peace offering. "If you'd like to join me, I'll be perusing the Parade Grounds for a bit."
@Prof. Molvil - Hajeck seems genuine to you.
Second 'game' 5-10 mins
All-Seeing Hajeck - Magdelina
Parade Grounds - Molvil
Waiting in line for Sphinx? - Ejtehah? & Salmok?
??? - Nilah
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Nilah grimaces privately as companions inadvertently make Magdalena feel unwelcome, but she keeps that part to herself.
Yes, of course, teach her that there's always some who's authority needs to be appealed to.
She chuckles to herself and once others are distracted by the monitor lizard she pulls the young woman aside and subtly offer some perspective.
Look, the most important thing is that you want to be a Pathfinder. And if you want to be one, simply act like one. You'll know if you are more than anyone telling you that you can be one.
She winks and smiles warmly quickly turning back to the "zoo."
Speaking up as if she's been in the conversation the whole time, Nilah brazenly asks How does the "dragon" feel being held here for idle display? Surely you have rangers or druids who could help your animals be a little more independent around the carnaval?
Her face plainly states that she doesn't expect a good answer. Her entrants into conversations often lead to icy ends.
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After things trail off at the zoo, she takes a deep breath and casually heads over to the wagon of the All-Seeing Hajeck. The normally composed, cool tiefling looks stunned like a deer in... dancing lights when the professor pops out of the wagon spotting her. She looks around briefly as if she's not sure where she wants to go, waiting awkwardly for Molvil to shuffle off so that she can try it as well.
It bothers her that this even embarrasses her.
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Salmok reassures Nilah. "I too worry about the animals' safety. But I'm sure that they are well taken care off. As a former druid myself, I can't see any signs of mistreatment." Salmok only glances at the animals for any harm or mistreatment.
Then he turns to Ejtehah and asks, "Do you want to wait in line? I don't mind. We can trade stories. Though, I'd like to see more of the circus. Perhaps receive a harrowing. I'm not sure what that entails though. Or maybe play some games! I'll follow your lead though.". Salmok is indecisive and can't seem to pick something he wants to do.
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Then he turns to Ejtehah and asks, "Do you want to wait in line? I don't mind. We can trade stories. Though, I'd like to see more of the circus. Perhaps receive a harrowing. I'm not sure what that entails though. Or maybe play some games! I'll follow your lead though.". Salmok is indecisive and can't seem to pick something he wants to do.
“Well, let us go to the professor! Parade grounds!“
Second 'game' 10-15 mins
All-Seeing Hajeck - Magdelina & Nilah
Parade Grounds - Molvil, Ejtehah & Salmok
Parade Grounds - Molvil, Ejtehah & Salmok
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. You see some fire-eaters, scarf dancers, a close-up magician or two, some jugglers, a contortionist, and an acrobat performing tricks on horseback! Vendors wander the area constantly selling food, streamers, and flowers, though the carnival’s guards aggressively repel outside peddlers. Right now some circus folk are cordoning off the far side of the grounds to set up fireworks for the evening display.
A4. The All-Seeing Hajeck - Nilah & Magdelina
As both Nilah and Magdelina approach the wagon of The All-Seeing Hajeck, they see Professor Molvil leaving.
Speaking up as if she's been in the conversation the whole time, Nilah brazenly asks How does the "dragon" feel being held here for idle display? Surely you have rangers or druids who could help your animals be a little more independent around the carnaval?
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Phardaen seems offended, as he seems to genuinely care for the creature. When he slapped the little boy's hand away, Salmok you noticed it seemed more like he was protecting the Lizard than the boy."Hey, we take good care of them! So what, you think we should just let the animals free roam the carnival? Do you know what kind of mess that would make!?" He dismisses you and walks off to another part of the circus.
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Paper out and charcoal posed at the ready, the Professor meanders through the Parade Grounds, taking few notes. While she must admit that it is entertaining, she sees nothing worth further research. She attempts small talk with her companions at one point, while viewing the contortionist: "Oh, goodness! I've never been that flexible!" That's easy to believe. Her posture is so stiffly straight that one might wonder if there's a second yardstick stuffed up the back of her clothes.