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Assessing the situation, Professor Masaendri is at first irritated that so few folks obeyed her command to stand clear. However, upon closer inspection, she realizes that someone seems to have the situation under control. Luring a carnivore with meat. Excellent. That certainly saves the effort of having to lug it back to its cage. Quite intelligent. She nods her approval, puts away her spell book, and walks along with them, just out of the lizard's reach. Addressing the one holding the meats, she gives a rare compliment: "Excellent work. I have a spell ready to stun it, though it likely won't be necessary."
Magdelina coos at the Lizard and puts some meat inside the cage and it recognizes the relative safety of its cage and hops right up, and Phardaen latches the cage behind it. He is effusive in his thanks for your help!
A Taldan man in fancy clothes arrives, winded and flushed, introducing himself as Berthold Flavion , the circus’s Master of Beasts. He thanks you for taking care of the situation without hurting the Baby Dragon, and rewards you with 50 gold for preventing innocents from being harmed.
It is almost time for the Sphinx show, and it looks like the people who were in line have fled.
Phardaen points out that the cage isn't broken, but will unwillingly admit that someone paid him a gold piece to put on a flying show near the animal tent.
The time comes for the "Lair of the Sphinx" show to start, and the Guards tell everyone to please enter all the way to the back so everyone can get inside and maximize their time with the Sphinx - the sessions with the Sphnix are limited in scope and time. They inform you that visitors are free to walk around the outside of the cage and speak with Jherizhana, but the guards warn you not to touch her or get too close to the cage, or they will stop you for your own safety. Lastly when the guards say time is up you must please exit the same way you entered.
Finally, once everyone agrees to the stipulations, the guards open the curtain wide for you to enter - Just inside is a large metal cage with no floor and bars running across the top. The Sphinx known as "Jherizhana" lounges in the center of the cage with no regard for humanoid taboos concerning her state of undress. Strewn about the grass beneath the cage are silk sheets and piles of cushions and satin pillows. A single large door is set on the north corner of the west face of the cage, secured by a heavy lock.
Jherizhana looks down at you and says "Why hello my visitors! Please, take a good look - if you dare." She winks and leans down to match the height of her visitors, giving an ample view of her bosom while doing so. "Do you have any questions for me in our brief time together?" Jherizhana is cordial and gracious, but somewhat aloof. She comes across as wise, sensual, and with an earthy sense of humor.
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Magdelina seems absolutely smitten with Jherizhana, her cheeks flushing a deep red and her breathing somewhat accelerating. A coy smile curls up the corner of her lips.
"Pleased to meet you, Jherizhana. Why the cage? I wish these bars would not be there so that we could get to know each other better... would that be possible, you think?"
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Nilah un-tenses and seems suddenly more... receptive. Her voice takes on a more playful tone.
Indeed. How much does it cost to get on the inside of that cage, with you? Perhaps we can entertain each other. A dervish dance?
She begins to twist and flow in front of the Sphinx, hoping to focus its attention on herself.
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Phardaen points out that the cage isn't broken, but will unwillingly admit that someone paid him a gold piece to put on a flying show near the animal tent.
The Professor's brow furrows suspiciously. "Hmm. Whenever a student paid a bribe for something seemingly harmless, there was definitely intent to commit something wrong. Can you describe this person? Would you recognize them again? Did you pick up on any cues that could help us understand why they wanted that?" Why would they want to release the baby "dragon"? To incite a panic. But why? Distraction, possibly, but from what? To discredit the circus, maybe, but why? Pranking for entertainment? Perhaps, but lame. Possible, though. Hmm... I'll keep watch for clues while we're here. Yes. Hm. This circus is turning out to be entertaining after all. While waiting in line for the Sphinx show, she shares her suspicions with the group until they run out of time.
Phardaen described the man who paid him as having a big red beard that stands out from the crowd, he would definitely be able to identify the man again. "I thought they just wanted a show, but I did think it was odd when they didn't appear for it."
She looks dangerously at a guard. "Why the cage, indeed. It is not me you need to convince. The cage is provided by the circus for your protection, in case I'm hungry and you are too boring to talk to." She smiles and the light glints off her teeth. Jherizhana looks Magdelina up and down and says "Although I doubt I would find you boring, little one." and matches your coy smile with one of her own. Then she flops on the pillows and stretches languorously. "To answer your question, stone-man, they make sure I have food and my little luxuries and distractions. I am as happy as a captive can be, I suppose."
When Salmok mentions riddles, her eyes light up and she suddenly seems much more energetic than a moment ago. "Riddles? Oh, I do so ever love riddles. Perhaps you may have heard one I do not yet already know the answer to? Oh. Or do you mean you want me to ask you a riddle? Hmm... well, I *do* know ever so many." She nods matter-of-factly but before you can answer she gets distracted by Nilah's dancing and smiles again, applauding at the end of her dance. "Quite lovely, thank you. It is not often *I* get a show in return!"
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Magdelina, noticing something off, continues to play along nonetheless, "Such genius, artistry and pure delightfulness... ha ha ha! one can only wonder how can so much beauty be contained in only one creature... ask me a riddle, My Sphinx!"
Magdelina winks at the creature, leaning forward subtly to also give the tall creature a good look at her own bosom.
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As the crowd files into the tent, the Professor keeps her eyes peeled for a man with a big red beard.
The Professor is about to ask an impertinent question when Magdelina speaks. Noting the interplay between them, she decides to watch and observe, hoping to discover what is going on with that sphinx's voice. Can she not speak? Perhaps it is an illusion? Not really a sphinx at all? Hmm... Her piece of paper-wrapped charcoal hovers over the parchment in her hand, ready to write anything noteworthy.
@Molvil - You do not see a man with a big red beard anywhere. Notably there are only 1 or 2 people in the tent not a part of your group (or the guards). It seems many people left the circus due to the Baby Dragon getting loose. Also, you can't find anything else that seems out of the ordinary.
Jherizhana winks back saucily at Magdelina, then ponders for a moment, mumbling mostly to herself at the beginning. "Perhaps the one.. no, no, that won't do. What about...? Ah, yes! Try your hand at this one: Three lives have I. Gentle enough to soothe the skin, Light enough to caress the sky, Hard enough to crack rocks. What am I?" She sits back on her pillows, a smugly confident smile on her face.
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Nilah smiles at the complements, and slowly exits her dance to grasp the cage bars and gaze between them at the sphinx. But, the creature's attention soon turns to the topic of riddles. For a brief moment she sees red, internally livid and glares at Salmok for a moment.
Suddenly she becomes self-conscious and wonders what's going on.
I'm acting like a fool, this creature must have strong magic!
She starts appreciating the lack of attention as she snaps to attention to recover her self awareness, first checking that her sword is still at her belt.
A guard quickly comes over and politely but firmly asks Nilah to remove her hands from the cage and back up a few feet, for her own safety, of course.
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Now, the Professor loves riddles. She once asked a bunch of architecture students: "What is adore?", and they never got it. Fifteen minutes of those pups giving every synonym and alternate description of "a door" that they could think of, and not one even came close to getting the right answer. Ha! Good times...
Her eyes narrow as she considers the riddle. Hmm... Is she going easy on us, or am I overconfident? "Water, steam, ice? Though whether water soothes the skin depends greatly upon its temperature and the state of the skin."
Jherizhana laughs delightedly. "Yes, yes, very good it is water! I see that one was too easy for you. Of course you may share my riddles! I got them from others, over time. Hmm... okay one more! How about this one:
I'm as small as an ant, as big as a whale. By some I get hit, but all have shown fear. I'll dance to the music, though I can't hear. Of names I have many, of names I have one. I'm as slow as a snail, but from me you can't run. What am I?" She waits patiently, examining her ferocious claws.
While you all think about the riddle, Jherizhana looks increasingly bored as she waits for an answer. "By all means, someone share with the class already!"
When Ejtehah calls her boring, she rushes quickly to his side of the cage, faster than expected, and swipes her claws through the gap between bars. Her voice is now much rougher, visceral and wild. "Come here and say that, you boring little man. I'd gladly rip something to pieces if they let me. You would be my preference." This time when she smiles, it is predatory.
The guards come to life and start ushering people out. "Time's up! Thank you for visiting the Lair of the Sphinx, please tell your friends."
On your way out, you do have time to shout out your answers to her riddle.
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Rolling her eyes at Ejtehah's behavior, The Professor calls out as the guards usher her outside: "A shadow!" She hustles to catch up to the trouble-making gnome. "Now see here, Mr. Ejtehah! You are well entitled to have your own opinion, but perhaps a man of your age should have learned this nugget of wisdom a long time ago: Just because you're correct doesn't mean you're right. As in, learn when to keep your opinions to yourself!" Her hand unconsciously grips the yardstick hooked onto her belt as she remonstrates him as if he were a wayward student.
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Ejtehah smiles at the Professor when she approaches him.
”I thank you so much for your wisdom. I can surely learn a lot from you! I am sorry for my actions! I will try to be more socially responsible!“ he says with a sincere expression.
He really does not care what she thinks but he needs the team so he wants them to like and protect him.
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Well, that was easy. He seems sincere, and not fake sincere like so many students, but truly so. Even so, she gives him one last piercing look before turning away from him to scan the area for the man with the big read beard.
She has no particular reason to disbelieve him, but still doesn't trust him.
Jherizhana calls out as the guards usher you out. "Excellent riddling! Yes, it was a shadow. The rest of you are welcome back at any time!"
As you exit the Sphinx tent, the sun is setting in a magnificent sunset and a runner from the dock arrives to let you know your boat has finally arrived, but is in need of repair. You will need to stay in town for at least one night.
There are a few more people milling about the midway than when you entered the Sphinx tent, but Molvil still doesn't see a man fitting Phardaen's description.
Fourth 'game' 5-15 mins
All-Seeing Hajeck - Ejtehah
??? - Molvil, Salmok, Magdelina, Nilah
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Somewhat disappointed the 'Sphinx' couldn't be seen in person, Magdelina sighs, discretely telling the guard with a whisper, "Tell the beautiful mind with the lovely sphinx voice that her craft is superb and that I'd very much like to meet,", before heading out of the trailer to head towards The Lovely Madame Masque!
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Fourth 'game' 5-15 mins
All-Seeing Hajeck - Ejtehah & Salmok (I assume you will go in separately for privacy)
Lovely Madame Masque - Magdelina & Nilah
??? - Molvil
The Lovely Madame Masque - Magdelina & Nilah
A carnival barker recruits passersby until about 6-7 total players are gathered (3ish mins, the midway is still not as busy as it was before). He then introduces Madame Masque, who emerges from the tent to wave silently at the crowd. Madame Masque is a shapely woman in a provocative Varisian costume gown of red and black silk held together by ribbons. She is adorned with all manner of scarves, necklaces, earrings, and other decorative costume pieces, but her face is concealed by a finely crafted silver mask showing only her playful brown eyes. She remains mute, but nods and waves to the crowd.
The game is simple but challenging, calling on the power of observation. Madame Masque struts down the center runway and poses for 1 minute, flirting silently with the crowd. She then saunters to the mirrored cabinet, steps inside, and closes it behind her. After a flourish from the barker, the cabinet is opened to reveal three different Madame Masques.
Each figure walks down a different runway, while four guards prevent anyone from grasping at them. Each Madame Masque wears an entirely different costume from the original, but one wears a single piece of jewelry, item of clothing, or flower only the original wore. The crowd has 1 minute to call out the matching item, and the first to correctly guess wins—or the players run out of time and the house keeps the pot.
"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 Foreign Trader. "The Foreign Trader is the neutral card of intelligence. It represents spies, merchants, and those who truck in information." Second card: "The Teamster is the neutral card of constitution. It represents a external force that drives the subject on." Third card: "The Wanderer is the neutral good card of intelligence. Misaligned, The Wanderer signifies a loss of values, or the inability to see what is truly valuable in a person or situation." She moves to the next column. "These represent your present." She flips 3 more cards, explaining each in turn as they appear. "The Eclipse is the lawful evil card of wisdom. Misaligned, The Eclipse can augur an unheralded ability coming to the fore or a concealed location revealed. The Trumpet is the lawful good card of constitution. It represents an archon who dives aggressively and righteously into danger. The Dance is the lawful good card of dexterity. It normally represents a complicated framework that requires the cooperation of all to avoid collapse, but misaligned, that pattern might be hypnotic, but not to the good of all." Then moves to the right column - The Future. As she flips the first card, her eyebrows raise exaggeratedly. [b]"Ah! The Unicorn is in a True Alignment Match position, making the meaning even stronger and more significant. The Unicorn is the chaotic good card of charisma. It represents one who generously offers up that which is sought. The Crows is the neutral evil card of dexterity. It represents murder, theft, and the violent loss of that which is loved. The Publican is the chaotic good card of wisdom. It represents fellowship and refuge. The cyclops is a seemingly inconsequential figure who nonetheless has relevant insight." Her eyes skim over the layout, and she points to one card in each column - The Teamster, The Eclipse, The Unicorn. "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 is the driving force behind your confidence, it keeps you going no matter what - for good or ill, but it cannot be ignored. Your present, or near future predicts a new powerful ability that will move you closer to your goals. Your far future you will find all the fame and power you desire, and more than you can imagine."
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.
"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 Queen Mother. "The Queen Mother is the lawful neutral card of wisdom. This formian is the personification of knowledge, who is fond of the powerless, the underclass, and those who will show her obeisance." Second card: "The Paladin is the lawful good card of strength. It represents standing resolutely against trouble, without backing down." Third card: "The Carnival is the chaotic neutral card of wisdom. It represents illusions and false dreams." She moves to the next column. "These represent your present." As she flips the first card, both her eyebrows raise. "Ah! The Theatre is in a True Alignment Match position, making the meaning even stronger and more significant. The Theater is the neutral good card of charisma. It represents prophecy, with a true prophet acting a part as the puppet of the gods." She flips 2 more cards to complete the column, explaining each in turn as they appear. "The Cricket is the neutral good card of dexterity. It represents the grig, quick travel, and the reward at the end of a journey. The Cyclone is the chaotic evil card of strength. It represents an unstoppable, destructive force unleashed through the plots of intelligent creatures." Then moves to the right column - The Future. [b]"The Forge is the lawful neutral card of strength. It represents strength through diversity, or strength from many sources united against a single trial. The Locksmith is the lawful neutral card of dexterity. It represents the keys the subject needs to unlock his fate. The card grants the tools needed to unlock some new place, puzzle, or hoard. The Keep is the neutral good card of strength. Misaligned, this card can mean giving way to temptation or falling in the face of greater strength." Her eyes skim over the layout, and she points to one card in each column - The Queen Mother, The Theatre, The Locksmith. "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 respresents you becoming part of a society, learning to ackowledge the wisdom of those wiser than you. Your present signifies a true prophet, however the importance of the prophecy is often not recognized until too late. Your far future will provide you with the keys you need to unlock your destiny, and grant you the tools to access many new locations. So yes, in response to your question, you will travel far and wide!"
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.