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  1. - Top - End - #31
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    As Giggles' introduction ends the Kanbali family makes their way up to the tightropes suspended twenty feet above the ring. The Feather-Fall Five begin with a series of simple tricks performed by individuals before beginning to coordinate with each other. As the crowd gasps and claps for them, they get ready for the first of two challenging tricks involving the entire family. Papa Kanbali takes a position near the middle of one tightrope and carefully lifts his wife, a lithe and dexterous woman only slightly larger than her daughters, onto his shoulders. As the muscular man strains and balances, one by one their daughters flip and bounce towards their parents before nimbly climbing up their father's bent legs and arms. With the eldest daughters settling on his broad shoulders the three women get ready to catch their youngest sister, who gracefully dances across the tightrope towards her family and then leaps up into her mothers arms, spotted by her sisters.

    The applause from the audience is enthusiastic, with gasps and cheers from many of the onlookers. As the Kanbali family dismounts they begin to prepare for another daring, collaborative formation. However, shortly before they begin the more dangerous tricks the middle sister takes a tumble, off the tight rope line. When she sticks the landing on the floor below she strikes a pose and with a flourish grins at the crowd, but her parents can tell that the fall frightened her. At a sharp whistle from their father the other daughters deliberately flip off their respective platforms, tumbling and prancing to their sister's side. Then the two parents follow suit, both with impressive leaps into the air first. The family ends the show without succeeding at their last trick, but from the audience's reaction it isn't noticed much.


    "Please, give it up for this fabulous family, the Feather-Fall Five!" calls Giggles as he strides confidently back into the center ring, clapping for his friends as they make their bows and dash out of the ring. While the riggers begin to take down the platforms and tightropes around him, the blue gnome buys them time to setup with a joke.

    "So, in the little village where I was born, our chieftain's wife gave birth to a white skinned child - which was quite odd given his dark, nearly black, coloration and her lovely shade of violet. Well, Chief Tumblertree quickly figured that the doctor from Cheliax might be to blame. So the chieftain asked the doctor to talk with him in his burrow.

    Chief Tumblertree said, 'Today my wife gave birth to a white child. She and I are darkly colored. You are pale, nearly white! It doesn't take a doctor to figure out what happened. What do you have to say for yourself?'

    The doctor remained calm and replied, 'The answer lies in the genetics. Some genetics have recessive traits, which are not apparent to the parents but may be passed on to the child. For example, last week one of your sheep gave birth to a black sheep.'

    Well, the chief thought for a moment before replying. 'I tell you what. You say no word about th black sheep and I say no word about white child!"
    '

    Spoiler: Performence Check
    Show
    Comedy? (1d20+7)[10]

    As the adults in the crowd laugh or gasp in shock at the bawdy joke, Gigglespit continues, "Well, the good news is that you don't have any reason to doubt the pedigree of our next two performers. In his first performance with the Circus of Wayward Wonders, we are proud to present Axel and his Amazing Aviary!" The gnome gestures grandly to Axel as he enters the ring, queuing the audience to clap politely.

    "And in the other ring you will see the lovely Mordaine, the Magician. A centerpiece of our show, the beautiful lady will amaze you with daring escapes and brilliant tricks performed entirely with skill - no magic at all! Please give her your attention and welcome her to the ring!"

  2. - Top - End - #32
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    The next act does not go well for Circus of Wayward Wonders. Simultaneously both Axel, who is understandably nervous, and Mordaine, who is probably over-confident, loose control of things in their own ways.

    Axel starts by releasing his trained birds, who seem shocked by the large crowd. For several seconds it looks like he is about to get them all under control, but in the end most of the doves seem too frightened to perform and instead find a safe place to perch, hiding in the uppermost portions of the bigtop. He is able to get a couple of the pigeons to perform, but by this time he is so shaken that he actually ends the act prematurely. He takes the sweets hidden in his cloak and tosses them out into the crowd before turning and walking back out of the ring, barely remembering to bow on his way out.

    Mardaine, on the other hand, begins her act by demonstrating the apparent integrity of the shackles and other bindings that will hold her when she goes underwater. Once submerged things look like they are going as expected until the last lock, with which she apparently starts to have some trouble. As the moment pass and things look like they are about to get dicey for the woman, Giggles, who is watching closely for her sign for "help," sees her give it and calls out in a loud voice, "What a show, what a show! And now, let's send back in the clowns!" ushering in the troupe to distract the audience. A moment later Mordaine breaks the surface of the water, takes a deep breath, and finally gets the cuffs off, but not with the panache and flair expected. She maintains her composure as she bows and exits the stage, though anyone nearby can her her cursing under her breath in anger.

    As the clowns continue to entertain the crowd, Giggles rushes out of the spotlight and asks, "Aright, we need the next act to really be a whopper - who is it going to be? They need to really knock the audience's socks off!"

  3. - Top - End - #33
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Gwynfrid's Avatar

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Keshkaru looks at Axel's and Mordaine's combined performance with dismay. As Axel dejectely leaves, she catches him just outside of the ring for a quick, whiso encouragement. "Do not worry, young man. The first time is always hard, and we put you on the spot on the worst possible night, right as Myron's gone. Still the show must go on, and it will. With you in it, I promise." The laughter generated by the clowns' antics covers any further words.

    She then runs towards Giggles. "Yes, the next act! The Dwarven Throwers, are they ready?"

  4. - Top - End - #34
    Titan in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Pip and Vorgrok continue their own investigation, while the show goes on nearby. Pip has trouble recalling anything useful about the various snakes he's heard are native to this area and can't shake the nagging thought that he's mistaken, anyway. Vorgrok, for the moment, proves wiser- First in that there's no normal way to get this many snakebites. Vipers tend to strike either out of defense or hunting. When hunting, they would hit once and leave the animal to perish before eating it leisurely. When defending themselves, there would be no way for someone to accidentally get surrounded, but he bites cover the front and back of Myron's legs. Somehow, someone did this to him.

    Also, while it's perfectly typical to have snake charmers working in a circus, it's very rare to have actual vipers. The flashy, wide-cowled cobras popular for their visual appeal have fangs that lack a hinge- and are therefore shorter. These puncture marks are swollen into large mounds, indicating a deeper puncture- the kind that a normal (relevant in this context for being drab in color and difficult to tame) viper would cause. So it's highly improbable that the bites came from animals one would find in a circus.

  5. - Top - End - #35
    Troll in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Vorgrok glowers down at the sod and the fallen ringmaster's legs, covered in grotesque wounds. "Weren't no wild thing. No show snake, neither. Too many bites, too deep." The dwarf's gruff voice barks over the roar of the crowd, dulled somewhat by distance and the ambient noise. "Musta been delib'rate."

    Standing, he eyes the surroundings suspiciously before looking up to the wagon's locked door. With a sidelong glance (and the hints of an apologetic shrug) toward its deceased owner, Vorgrok marches up to the door, pulling to test the lock's strength and looking for any dishevelment of its window-coverings.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Just looking to see if there's obvious danger inside the wagon? Probably aiming toward busting the door if there's no obvious signs of danger.
    Lehasti Gesmeha and Azkin for Mummy's Mask
    Morevek for Wrath of the Righteous
    Janstina Silentall for Age of Worms

  6. - Top - End - #36
    Halfling in the Playground
     
    Goblin

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Pip's face lights up as Vorgrok explains his reasoning, why hadn't he thought of that? "I had reached the same conclusion! Great minds think alike eh? Who would have so many snakes though? Seems like it would be mighty hard to transport them here unnoticed."

    "OH! WAIT! Maybe they were summoned by magical means! When I lived in Escadar there was a story about a man in a black cloak who would murder fishermen and then summon magical rats to eat the bodies and hide his crimes. I always thought there was nothin' to it, but one night when I was out hunting pigeons I could have sworn I saw him with my own two eyes walking the street below...
    ...Anyway, like I was saying maybe we should be on the the lookout for a wizard."


    Seeing Vorgrok tugging at the lock Pip begins rummaging around in the satchel of tools at his waist. Finally pulling out a large sewing needle, he ascends the stairs of the wagon and, without hesitation, begins fiddling with the lock.

    Spoiler: OOC: Lockpicking attempt
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    According to the rulebook it's up to the GM if improvised lockpicks are effective on a given lock, so the check below if for if you allow it. The roll below includes the -2 penalty for using shoddy (improvised) tools.
    (1d20+5)[17]

  7. - Top - End - #37
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Farmerbink's Avatar

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    At first glance, Vorgrok doesn't notice anything immediately untoward about the late ringleader's wagon. He's known for valuing his privacy, so the drawn shades and locked door don't strike either of the circus workers as out of the ordinary.

    However, on second glance (and thought), the Dwarf spies a faintly tinted coloration to the curtains. Stepping away from the locked door, he peers closer and can just make out a fine mist of tiny motes drifting in the minimal space between the curtains and the windows. Something is very off, here.

    As Pip mentions rats, it spurs the pair's memory as well: many of the previously unrecognized tracks seem rodent-like- though once again, the density of their tiny footprints seems... dramatically unnatural. And the patterns suggest that several individual creature scampered over the same area multiple times, as if they were deliberately tracking through the same vague path repeatedly, before scattering away from the fallen man.

    Pip gets to work on the lock, and both Goblin and Dwarf reach a similar conclusion: this is probably something they'll want help to investigate further. Despite the casual appearance, whatever's going on in Myron's wagon is not normal.
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Pip's first attempt is a partial success- He has placed the first pair of tumblers appropriately in the lock, but will need more time (and another successful check) to finish the job.

    Unrelated, the hint is deliberately heavy-handed. You two don't want to go in there without more backup. There miiiiiiight be relevant things going on in the show, though. ;-)

  8. - Top - End - #38
    Troll in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Suddenly, Vorgrok shoves one thick-fingered hand between Pip and the door as the latter twists and prods with his sewing needles inside the stubborn lock, firmly discourging further effort in that vein. "Wait- summat's off. See?" Jabbing a finger pointedly at the discoloration and the drifting motes, the dwarf glares with narrowed eyes at the strange phenomenon. "Could be... dangerous. Oughtta get more hands."

    After a moment spent cracking the knuckles on both meaty fists, the stocky dwarf vents his frustration in a dismissive grunt before turning his attention to poor Myron. With a sad expression, he reaches down in an attempt to arrange the fallen ringmaster in a more dignified, sitting position, leaned up against a wagon wheel. "Don' worry. We'll get 'em." he says, in a soft tone despite the gravelly quality in the gruff dwarf's voice.

    With a quick jerk of his toward the main tent by way of explanation to Pip, Vorgrok lumbers back toward the show.
    Lehasti Gesmeha and Azkin for Mummy's Mask
    Morevek for Wrath of the Righteous
    Janstina Silentall for Age of Worms

  9. - Top - End - #39
    Halfling in the Playground
     
    Goblin

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Pip's initial displeasure with the interference is soon outweighed by the sense in Vorgrok's words. Something was definitely not right about this whole thing. Satisfied that they would soon return, he tags along behind.

  10. - Top - End - #40
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Gigglespit looks at Keshkaru and says, "No - not the throwers. You! You're ready, right? You and the raptor?" At the reptile's nod he smiles broadly and continues, "Then we need you both to make this happen. Build it up big, and we can send in several team tricks at the end and still win over this crowd. Let me go introduce you, and then knock 'em out!"

    A moment later the gnome is back in the center ring, the riggers setting up Keshkaru's act. When the spotlight hits him he grins at the crowd and motions for quiet. After several seconds of waiting he begins the introduction, with a stage whisper at first, and steadily growing to a triumphant shout: "Parents - hold your children close. Husbands, hug your wives tight! This next act features a truly awesome - but frighteningly dangerous - pair of our finest performers. Tonight we present to you the reptilian duo, Keshkaru the iruxi and Ozkrak, the vicious velociraptor! Keep your hands to yourself or you might loose one! Behold as Keshkaru confronts the fierce and conniving hunter!"

  11. - Top - End - #41
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Deliberately, the tall, powerfully built iruxi walks into the ring, clad in her impressive scene garb, all reptile leather and strongly contrasting light-and-dark tribal motifs. Her salutes to the audience are silent and solemn, establishing an atmosphere of suspense tinged with just the right amount of dread as the audience's chatter abates to a barely audible whisper. Slowly, Keshkaru wanders around the ring, taking possession of her environment, checking the perches, stands, and hoops that the helpers have carefully placed in their set positions.

    Seemingly out of nowhere, she produces a long whip - CRACK! A sharp motion of her muscular arm, a loud, dry noise. A few gasps can be heard in the crowd. At this signal, an animal darts into the ring, running at a pace no human can hope to match. It's a dinosaur, three feet tall maybe, with leathery skin, a long, horizontally held tail, and powerful legs that propel it at a dizzying speed and agility. The children and a good number of their parents cry out in shrill cries of terror and delight, marveling at the long talons and ferocious fangs, gone bare with a snarl and a high-pitched roar. It rushes at Kesharu in an apparent attempt to run her down, but an imperious crack of the whip and pointed arm stop it in its tracks. The raptor backs down, and after a few rebellious lashes of her beak, she settles on the designated perch.

    Keshkaru begins the routine with a few classic moves, getting Ozkrak to jump from perch to perch, crouch, run around the ring at lightning speed... She then stops, another whip move indicating to the raptor that she is to remain in place. The iruxi backs down a few paces, her eyes never leaving the beast. She points a clawed finger in the direction of one of the raised hoops. A ray of fire materializes, lighting a large metal hoop aflame. The whip is heard again, several times, as Ozkrak seems reluctant to proceed. At last, in a mighty leap, the raptor flies through, to land right at her mistress' feet before turning away from her and running to stay on a different perch.

    Keshkaru waits for the applause to die down. Then - one, two, three waves of her hand, three hoops erupt with fire. The whip again. But this time, Ozkrak balks, seemingly frightened. Keshkaru insists, forcefully, the whip misses the animal's back by inches. Ozkrak hisses and snarls, her beak wide open, and advances on her mistress with a snap of the jaw! Keshkaru, undaunted, stands her ground. More hisses, another snap. Keshkaru doesn't flinch. Suddenly, with a low flourish, she casts the whip aside, to the audience's horror! The iruxi goes down on all fours, and opens her mouth in a snarl in turn! The two face each other, both growling, the raptor's beady eyes locked on her opponent's gaze in a terrifying combat of wills!

    ... And all of a sudden, the iruxi seemingly doubles in volume, flaring her neck frill to full, all bright red and enormous, while her amber-colored dorsal spines rise and wave in a threatening dance. The raptor jumps back, suddenly terrified, and runs out - Hop! though one flaming hoop! Hop! The next! And the last, the smaller one... No. At the last moment, Ozkrak darts aside, and goes just under instead of through. The dinosaur is a blur as it rushes for the exit at top speed, while Keshkaru begins her bows and salutes all around before finally taking her leave.

    Spoiler
    Show
    Let's try for something not easy. I understand the DC is reduced by 1 due to the Feather Fall Five's initial success.
    Nature check #1 (1d20+8)[16]
    Nature check #2 (1d20+3)[6]

    Technical note: Keshkaru uses Produce Flame to light up the hoops, and the Threatening Approach action, from her Frilled Lizard heritage, for effect in the pretend confrontation with Ozkrak.
    Last edited by Gwynfrid; 2020-11-14 at 08:02 PM.

  12. - Top - End - #42
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Farmerbink's Avatar

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Just as Keshkaru and Ozkrak leave the center ring and Pip and Vorgrok are returning to the backstage area, a shrill scream erupts from the center of the bleacher seats, near the front row. A young woman trips over a seat or perhaps another circus-goer in her haste to escape from something. In the dim lights, from backstage, it's hard to make out exactly what's happening, but the woman's fear proves contagious. Within a few moments, the crowd has begun scrambling from their seats, frantic and afraid.

    As you move to approach, you find four vipers stirred up and rattling their tails aggressively. They've formed a small pile of reptilian flesh, now just in front of the first row of bleachers. For the moment, it seems they haven't bit anyone, but unless they're dealt with quickly or the crowd disperses, it's only a matter of time.

    Spoiler: Initiative rolls:
    Show
    In PF2, initiative is managed by either perception or an appropriate skill, as determined by: me! So we're gonna go with perception, this time, 'kuz reasons.
    (1d20+5)[12] nope ropes

    Kesh: (1d20+7)[26]
    Pip: (1d20+4)[17]
    Giggles: (1d20+5)[20]
    Vorgrok: (1d20+7)[10]
    Tess: (1d20+3)[12]

    All but Tess and Vorgrok get to act before the snakey bois.

    Map updated

  13. - Top - End - #43
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Gwynfrid's Avatar

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Thinking quickly, Keshkaru lifts one of the still burning hoops on its stand, and lays it down on the ground, trying to encircle the vipers with fire. "Quick! Move away! This won't hold them for long!"

    Spoiler
    Show

    Action #1 grab a flaming hoop
    Action #2 walk towards the vipers
    Action #3 lay the hoop on the ground in such a way to have as many vipers inside it as possible.
    Last edited by Gwynfrid; 2020-03-15 at 10:07 PM.

  14. - Top - End - #44
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Giggles, seeing that Keshkaru seems to be trying to contain the snakes without killing them, pulls a whip from his belt and watches for one to get free of the circle of fire... "Ladies and gentlemen! Please take your seats - several of our reptilian beastmaster's companions seem to have gotten loose! This will only take a moment!"

    Spoiler: Mechanics
    Show
    I think I need a move action, a readied action to attack, and a Deception check. If this is wrong, please forgive me...

    Readied attack - Whip (1d20+6)[16], (1d4)[4] non-lethal damage

    Deception (1d20+4)[11] (or Performance at an additional +3, if allowed)

  15. - Top - End - #45
    Titan in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Keshkaru and Giggles, both already in the main performing area of the tent, are quick to react to the obvious danger. Its location made clear by the suddenly-scrambling audience members, the druid has no difficulty locating and assessing the risk. Perhaps fortunately, the acting ringleader made no guarantees as to the lack of magic involved in Keshkaru's act, as no mundane forces could adequately explain what happened next.

    The snakes writhe and rise up, obviously prepared to strike anyone or anything that gets too close. As they've unintentionally wriggled towards the ring (better to get away from the masses of the population piled upon the bleachers), almost the entire audience is well positioned to see what transpires. Whip in one hand, flaming ring in the other, Keshkaru advances upon the snakes. Giggles unintentionally draws all the eyes forward with his cries for calm. Little by little, the druid presses closer, calling upon the snakes to focus upon her to the exclusion of the rest of the audience. Almost immediately, Keshkaru recognizes their plight: drawn from their homes by some other force, the snakes have "come to" in a location very much unfamiliar and uncomfortable. The noise and lights further agitated them, leading them to rise uneasily beneath the bleachers. With a soothing voice, oddly made more-so (to the snakes) by its lisping accent, she utters nonsense words of calm and comfort. Almost immediately, the snakes lower their bodies, letting the coiled up tension release. The seats immediately behind them still vacant, Keshkaru gently coerces the snakes forward, back beneath the bleachers. As she climbs into the first row of stands, the crowd parts- awestruck by the spectacle of control and poise. The vipers follow her guidance further back, through the parting crowd, under the folds of the big top and into the relative peace of the empty fields and bushes behind the tent.

    All the while, the crowd remains hushed- stupefied and awed by the demonstration, and more than willing to believe it to be all part of the spectacle. Keshkaru breathes her relief, and the crowd erupts in applause- having completely forgotten Ozkrak's unwillingness to leap the final obstacle. Cheers and cries of "bravo!" come from all sides as the druid returns to the ring on her way offstage.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Obviously, there were plenty of ways to manage that danger, but you had access to the most thrilling method!
    New Excitement: 9
    Anticipation: still 15

    With 2 "team" tricks lined up for the final act, they will get a bonus of +1 excitement for a successful check.


    Keenly aware of the crowd's building (and perhaps peaking?) enthusiasm, the time has come for the finale. With few acts remaining, the riggers have already begun to set the side rings for the Flamboni Sisters and the Dwarven Throwers. The only question remaining is who will take the center ring between them?

  16. - Top - End - #46
    Halfling in the Playground
     
    Goblin

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    As far as Pip is concerned, his suspicions have been confirmed. The potential scenarios for those snakes showing up by conventional means are getting further and further fetched, it had to be magic. But at what range? Had the culprit been sitting in the front row that fled or were they even in the tent at all? As Keshkaru masterfully leads the snakes out of the tent, Pip scans the faces of the crowd near where the snakes appeared, looking for anyone whose actions stand out from the others.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Pip would like to do something along the lines of the sense motive action on the portion of the crowd mentioned above. The PHB says that the GM should roll the perception check, Pip's modifier is +4.
    Last edited by DeVermis; 2020-03-19 at 11:36 AM.

  17. - Top - End - #47
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Pip's got a good vantage point from the edge of the curtain to witness the audience and gathered actors without being subjected to much scrutiny himself. Still, as Keshkaru returns to the backstage area, and everyone in the audience gradually settles (some more dubiously than others) back into their seats, no one stands out as behaving oddly. There are many varieties of awe and skepticism, but everyone present's actions are reasonably explained by appreciation for "the act," or concern because they don't think it was just part of the act.

  18. - Top - End - #48
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    "What a performance by our resident dinosaur and snake charmer, Keshkaru! Let's give her another round of applause for her incredible display of natural power and grace! And thank you, as well, for your patience - even the best of performances has a bit of risk to them, and your calm and measured response to our little surprise helped ensure a safe and enjoyable show. Give yourselves a hand!" proclaims Gigglespit as the scene returns to normal, doing his best to stroke the ego of the assembled audience and smoothly transition back to the normal flow of acts.

    Once back in the center ring, Gigglespit takes only a brief moment to catch his breath and bring his heart rate back under control before loudly cracking his whip to gain the attention of the crowd again. "The Circus of Wayward Wonders wishes to thank you all for your attention tonight - we hope you have had a wonderful time and will tell your friends and neighbors about our little show. You have been a wonderful audience and we have enjoyed performing for you.

    But first, before you all leave, we have three final performances for you. In the outer rings we have two of the finest teams of acrobatics and skill you may ever see. To my left you will see the Dwarven Throwers tumble and perform acts of incredible strength and coordination as they form living catapults and launch their members into the air!

    To my right you will see the lovely Flamboni Sisters perform daring feats of grace within the intense heat of a raging inferno as they juggle fire itself! Keep back - it's going to get hot in there!

    And finally, in the center ring we have the exotic dark elf Tessara, using mystical powers from the Darklands she will display control over blades to rival that of the finest warriors. Using her own magical targets she will fling knives and daggers with only the power of her mind in a dazzling show of concentration and power!
    "

    Bowing as he steps out of the way, Giggles makes his way back out of the spotlight and gathers the attention of the remaining performers. "Something is up - I need your eyes! I know how great these acts are, but we cannot watch them this time! We need people at each entrance to the tent, up in the rafters, and all around. If something else happens we need to see if coming! Go, quick! And keep your eyes peeled! Don't let more sabotage surprise us again!"

  19. - Top - End - #49
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    ElfRangerGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    As Gigglespit's introduction subsides, Tessara takes a deep breath behind the curtain and begins weaving her first spell. In the tent, the audience begins the hear the sound of whistling, piercing wind although the air inside is still. The sound of the wind begin faintly but soon crescendoes into a volume almost painfully loud. As it does a trio of colored lights float out from behind the curtain and begin spinning in the center ring - first red, then blue, and then joined by green. Round and round they spin in ever faster and more complicated arcs, intensifying in tandem with the rise of the shrieking wind! As lights and sound reach their apex they suddenly cease - and the crowd sees Tessara standing at the end of the ring.

    "People of Abberton!" she intones as she steps forward, her voice much louder and deeper than usual. She wears an almost laughably ornate gown of black and dark purple whose defining characteristics are two long rods protruding back from the shoulders. Between them is arrayed a patchwork trail of white lace fashioned to look like "spider silk" - a labor of love that took Pip nearly three weeks to complete. "What you call 'magic' barely scratches the surface! There are spells deeper than you know, in the sunken depths where mortals dare not go!" She reach the center of the ring and gestures dramatically in time with her words, looking every inch the exotic drow matron. As she speaks, rustabouts begin wheeling five archery targets into semicircle arranged behind and around her.

    "Spells to find true love!" She pulls a throwing dagger from her belt and tosses it high into the air. At the apex of its arch she speaks a command word and it suddenly flies off to thunk loudly into one of targets. "Spells to conjure fabulous wealth!" Another dagger goes up, followed by another thunk. "Spells beyond your wildest dreams and imaginings!" This time two daggers go up into the air, and are sent flying in rapid succession into targets on opposite sides of the circle. The crowd erupts in applause and Tessara basks in it for a moment, grateful for the chance to catch her breath after so many nonstop spells. And now for the grand finale...

    "But the most important spells of all..." she cries, letting the audience savor the suspense a moment, "are the ones we use to defend. From! EVIL!" As she cries the final word the last archery target disappears, replaced by the spectacle of a young black dragon! It is frozen in the rictus of terrible "roar", the sound of which quickly follows as Tessara weaves the last illusion spell of the act. A few spectators in the front rows visibly flinch from the sudden sight and sound of the apparent threat. Before the audience can pick up on the "dragon's" immobility she whirls around, drawing her final throwing knife. This one she lets fly from her fingertips and it speeds true, straight through where the beast's heart would be. As it does the illusion vanishes, revealing the dagger quivering in the center of the final target - bullseye!


    Spoiler: OOC
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    I'm taking some creative liberties with the effects of ghost sound, dancing lights, mage hand, telekinetic projectile, and illusory object.

    Attack roll from OOC was a 26
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  20. - Top - End - #50
    Troll in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Vorgrok parts the tent flaps, entering the main tent just in time to see Keshkaru seize the attention of their unexpected reptilian guests. As she (and they) exit the tent, he releases the breath he hadn't realized he was holding, and he scans the crowd with a suspicious glare.

    Quote Originally Posted by DarkOne7141981 View Post
    "Something is up - I need your eyes! I know how great these acts are, but we cannot watch them this time! We need people at each entrance to the tent, up in the rafters, and all around. If something else happens we need to see if coming! Go, quick! And keep your eyes peeled! Don't let more sabotage surprise us again!"
    With a wordless grunt of agreement, the stocky dwarf exits the tent, circling to the front entrance and striking a vigilant pose, aiming his dour expression at any and all avenues of approach.
    Lehasti Gesmeha and Azkin for Mummy's Mask
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  21. - Top - End - #51
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    As the not-yet-really-a-party spreads out, to gain better vantages to observe the audience and seek the culprit of their apparent sabotage as well as Myron's death, Tessara gives herself wholly to the performance. Putting all thoughts of subterfuge and deception aside, excepting those involved in her performance, she begins a dazzling display of arcane and athletic acumen. In all the right places, the audience's responses echo her mystical dance, simultaneously giving her appreciation and encouragement for the next step of the show.

    From the sides of the tent, raucous cheers erupt as the Dwarven Tossers and Flamboni Sisters wow the audience with their own demonstrations. As Dwarves soar with stunning grace, more and more flaming batons occupy the space between earth and sky. It quickly becomes apparent to the people of Abberton that it perhaps doesn't matter where they look- fascinating sights and marvels can be found in all three rings of the Circus of Wayward Wonders! The cheers reach new heights as the Dwarves finish their routine. All eyes on Tessara, the applause is thunderous when the illusory dragon fades to reveal a perfect throw! The crowd demands more, yet there is nothing more to give. The show has ended, and all that remains is to show their appreciation.

    And show it, they do. One by one, Giggles calls out the performers to the center ring. Even Axel is graced with a polite and steady rain of cheers and applause. The crowd hollers louder and louder as Mordaine, Keshkaru, the Dwarves, and the Flamboni Sisters return to the limelight, but the applause could be mistaken for thunder when Tessara receives her final bow. As the riggers dash through the tent, lighting previously dormant torches to bring light back to the "house" area, the performers retire to backstage where their compatriots in the circus wait to shower their own praise. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Axel is the greatest recipient there, as stresses of rookie performances are shared by almost all gathered, at least vicariously.

    From his vantage outside the tent, where other carnie workers mull about as well, Vorgrok isn't able to identify anything unusual, but he is present to witness first hand the lingering appreciation of the people of Abberton. Smiles and excited glances are the expression of the hour. Everyone leaving the tent seems pleased, maybe even hopeful that there will be a repeat performance in the coming days. Any disappointment from how the show started has long since been eclipsed by the finale and feature act that preceded it. The people return to their evening activities, obviously exuberant.

    Backstage, the Professor approaches Giggles, and the rest of the gathered workers take a polite silence. "Giggles and Keshkaru have done masterful work, have they not?" he says, his voice still wispy and thin due to his past injuries. A quiet, polite round of applause comes from the coworkers- with more than a few glances for Tessara and the others who took a more hands-off role, as the mood suddenly turns dour. "but lest we forget, there was unhappy need for their efforts. Please, be cautious, especially tonight. In the hours following a show, the murderer may attempt to strike again, assuming we will be too unfocused for vigilance. Stay together- in larger groups. Watch out for each other, lest we share poor Myron's fate."

    The circus cast and supporting crew begin to disperse, staying more or less together as they return to their carts and wagons to change out of costumes and find food. The Professor pulls Vorgrok and Pip aside as they come together backstage, saying "I saw that you two were searching Myron's wagon. Did you find anything noteworthy?"

  22. - Top - End - #52
    Troll in the Playground
     
    PaladinGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    For several minutes, Vorgrok nods curtly at the grins and waves that are sent his way by exiting members of the audience. The sheer positivity of the happy throng begins to tug at the tension in the stocky dwarf's frame, and he begins to subconsciously relax. His furrowed brows lift, and the wrinkles that give evidence to his habitual squint briefly disappear. He seems even in danger of smiling when the last few stragglers make their way through the exit, and he strides off to the expected "all hands" meeting after the show.

    Quote Originally Posted by Farmerbink View Post
    "I saw that you two were searching Myron's wagon. Did you find anything noteworthy?"
    His dour scowl having quite recovered from his immersion in the happiness of the crowd, Vorgrok lets out an irritable grunt. "Snakes. More'n have any reason t'be here. And... somethin' ain't right in the wagon. Felt like we oughtta get more eyes on it 'fore waltzin' in." The dwarf looks around at those assembled, clearly scrutinizing the performers that remain for any ability to hold their own in a fight.
    Lehasti Gesmeha and Azkin for Mummy's Mask
    Morevek for Wrath of the Righteous
    Janstina Silentall for Age of Worms

  23. - Top - End - #53
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    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    "Well, we cannot just leave poor Myron there and we need to see what happened. I will go with Vorgrok and Pip to investigate further," volunteers Gigglespit with an uncharacteristically serious look on his blue face. "We did well to save the show tonight, but I don't think the night is really over yet..."

  24. - Top - End - #54
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Pip quickly chimes in to elaborate on Vorgrok's brief description, going over what happened in much more detail than is likely necessary or desired.

    "...And that is why I'm convinced that some foul magic is at the root of our snake related problems this evening! Now that we have backup lets quit wasting time and get back over there. I already got a few tumblers set on the lock so we should be into the wagon in no time!"

  25. - Top - End - #55
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    "I'm coming too!" Tessara chimes in. "Just let me - uphm! - here..." She shrugs out of the ornate mantle to lessen her encumbrance. "Snakes, did you say? Keshkaru, that sounds like what we saw in the tent! Do you have any idea what could have made them so agitated?"
    Spoiler: Active characters
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    Waylan, Kestros and Auspice (Wrath of the Righteous)


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  26. - Top - End - #56
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    "Well done, everyone. That was a hard night without Myron, and we pulled it off! Even though, I'm sure, someone wanted us to fail, and badly. Rats biting off the nets - not natural. Vipers showing up out of nowhere - not natural. And of course, Myron's death. These things were not accidents..." Keshkaru doesn't take a long time to bask in the team's success. She walks with the others towards Myron's wagon, for further inquiry. On the way, she gives an appreciative glance towards Tessara. "That was amazing. You were our star tonight, don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

    The tall iruxi goes down on her knees to examine the body of the deceased. "Snakes. Are these snake bites really? Let me check."

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Any rolls needed? Or are they secret rolls?

  27. - Top - End - #57
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    As Iruxi makes her own quick investigation, Vorgrok and Pip overlook her shoulders, describing their own findings. It's a simple matter to confirm their suspicions and add another layer of certainty to the idea that Myron was somehow murdered by a significant number of oddly-behaving snakes, and then moved by a significant number of oddly-behaving rodents. Pip remains focused on the locked wagon, while Keshkaru consider's Tessara's question.

    Ultimately, the answer seems obvious to the druidess: another druid with ill intentions likely coerced the local wildlife into acting with unnatural hostility. This is well beyond even what a trained animal handler like Elizia could do.

    Now the questions remaining are who? and why?

  28. - Top - End - #58
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    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Giggles watching the proceedings for a couple of moments before yawning. "All this investigation is pretty important, but it is sure taking a long time..." he mutters as he watches. When Pip looks over in his direction the blue gnome perks up and asks, "So...you were picking the lock, huh? Mind if I finish it?"

    Not waiting for a real answer, the distract-able little man saunters over to the locked door and begins working the tumblers, demonstrating some competence with the tumblers and tools as he does (+6 Thievery modifier if a roll is needed).

  29. - Top - End - #59
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    Almost before he's put a pin in the lock, Giggles finds the handle responding to his touch. With quick prods, he notes Pip's previous work and nods with quick acknowledgement of its accuracy. He probes the remaining tumblers, and finds all but one already in place. With a nearly inaudible click, the final tumbler falls into place, and he shoves the door inward.

    Begin combat!

    Nearly immediately, a hazy cloud of thick air pours out of the now-open door. Dark orange motes, individually almost too small to perceive flood out, carrying a dank scent of musk and earth with them and making the interior of the wagon almost impossible to perceive. Just a heartbeat later, a greenish clump of goo hurls out as well, just over Giggle's left shoulder. It splatters harmlessly to the ground several paces behind him, spreading thickly over the earth with goopy effusion.

    The cloud of spores leaves the inside of Myron's wagon clouded. It's impossible to tell what, precisely, launched the slimy globe at Giggles without getting into it.

    Map updated
    Spoiler: OOC
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    At current, the interior of Myron's wagon is thick with obstructing "mists."

  30. - Top - End - #60
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    Default Re: Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

    "What is that, now?" Keshkaru responds to the surprise assault with apparent calm, but without hesitation. Holding her breath, she walks forward, right into the orange cloud, and looks for the source of this attack.

    Spoiler
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    Action #1 Stride in, holding breath (using her Control Breath feat to get a +1 vs inhaled poisons and such).

    If she sees an attacking creature:
    Action #2, claw Strike (1d20+6)[12] damage (1d4+3)[5]
    Action #3, claw Strike (1d20+2)[5] (agile) damage (1d4+3)[5]


    If she doesn't see anything:
    Action #2, Seek (secret check)
    Action #3, as above if she sees a creature, or Seek again if not.

    Spoiler: Stats
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    AC 13 (unarmored, no shield)
    HP 16
    Fort +3
    Refl +3
    Will+ 9
    Perception +7
    Last edited by Gwynfrid; 2020-03-25 at 10:59 AM.

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