"I'm sure you're aware of what the Eyes of Yggdrasil stand for," Kharash approaches the showman, while he makes himself look bigger, "to rout out the evil from this world. To keep creatures such as this far away from society. You better start explaining yourself and what exactly is behind that glass!"

The fact that this showman was expecting more guards makes Kharash wonder what he's really up to.

---

17:42, Today: Kharash rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Insight.

Pre-programmed, Griswold drops to one knee in front of his superior and looks at the floor, attempting to swallow back a lump that has suddenly appeared in his throat. When he spoke his voice lacked it's normal playfulness "Sir, I believe you summoned me.  Squire Griswold Ortmann, at your command.  I learnt of a misunderstanding and was on my way here to correct it when your messenger found me."

[Private to GM: 17:18, Today: Secret Roll: Griswold Ortmann rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  Opposed Charisma Check.]

Giving Fariel a nod of thanks, Sul meandered along the path, leading the way to the carnival area.

As they started to come across the festivities Brother Sul spotting a tent with some sort of a commotion in front, and with multiple people covered in something foul.

"What is this then?" Sul wondered out loud to himself and his companion, before moving towards the beleaguered folk.

As the Dragoon approached, the weight of his presence caused Eli's eyes to shift nervously to the side for a moment. Over the years, Eli had made it a point to spend as little time as possible with anyone of even moderate authority and so he had little in the way of personal experience with Knights such as the one addressing them beyond what he had read as a child.

When Griswold responded by reverting to his training, Eli decided to defer to his own training. He could almost hear N'Rell's voice reminding him that, when faced with any type of demanding interrogation, confidence was even more important than being right. He stood tall next to Griswold and held the Dragoon's stare attempting to strike a balance in his own expression between being confident without appearing disrespectful or threatening.

"Good Sir Knight..." Eli began with a slight bow before straightening his posture and continuing in as grand and official a tone as he could manage. "This man who kneels humbly before you received your summons. He is, of course, honored and knows that such invitations are not given lightly or undeserved. His only request is that he be allowed the honor of accepting the invitation given him so that he may compete and prove for you what many already know..." Eli hoped that his speech had drawn an appropriate amount of attention from those around, and so he let the completion of his declaration hang for a moment before continuing. "...that he is deserving of advancement beyond his current station so that he may be of even greater service to the common good of all!"

He remained steady as he watched for the Dragoon's response. He was fairly certain that, in private, such a speech would not have helped them in the slightest. Eli's speech, however, was as much if not more for those gathered than for the Dragoon in hopes that public opinion might sway the Dragoon's judgement on the matter.

For now, he focused on standing his ground as he awaited the Dragoon's reply.


02:28, Today: Eli Reiner rolled 22 using 1d20+3

Truthfully, I'm not sure whether you would call this a full Deception or Persuasion. It's probably a little bit of both in this circumstance. Whichever applies, the result of the roll is the same.

To help visualize, imagine his mannerism to be much like Geoffrey Chaucer as portrayed in the movie A Knight's Tale whenever he would announce William before a match.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:10, Wed 18 Jan 2017.

@Kharash: The showman makes no effort to hide his step back as you tower over him, however, he does not seem intimidated. He points to the glass again and looks frustrated. "It is the same in every town. We try to bring something novel to people and instead are treated like outcasts. The living ooze in that container is no more evil than a sack of potatoes. It is merely a product of magic and nature. So, if you are not actually going to do anything, leave watcher. You are no longer a welcome customer," he said with a reluctant sigh.[Private to Kharash: You get the distinct feeling this is not the first time he has encountered a watcher before.]

@Fariel and Brother Sul: You are able to help a few people right themselves and receive thanks. A robust looking man that seemed to have avoided the worst of the sickness, points to you and then the tent. "If you plan on going in there, brace yourselves. There is a monster eating creatures alive. It was horrible. Melted the flesh right off the bones!", he exclaimed to a renewed chorus of retching.

@Eli and Griswold: The Dragoon gave a hard stare at Eli before grabbing Griswold by the arm and hoisting him up. "You may not be a knight, but you are a knight errant. Quit your groveling here, no one to impress yet. Your page boy does well to speak of you so. I thought I was going to have to deal with a fool squire too big for his breeches. I can see how the list master might have been confused." A wide smile broke across his face. "Come now, the Dragoons have much to offer before you declare for our order. I thought it strange to see a knight that was not yet declared, but now I know. My tent is over yonder," he finished with a gesture and a smile still plastered on his face.[Private to Eli Reiner: You get the distinct impression from a look he gives you that he understands your game, but will not fight it in public. ]

"May the flame eternal light you in dark times, and give you warmth in the cold of despair." Brother Sul intoned in response to the thanks from the people they aided.

His brow raised in shock when the robust looking man spoke of a supposed monster within the tent yonder. "A monster, are you sure man?" he asked, but the man was too busy retching to respond immediately.

Giving Fariel a look Sul reached inside his breastplate and withdrew a crystal amulet, holding it tight for a moment before letting it fall into view on the outside of his armor. He brushed a hand lightly against the powerful looking warhammer at his belt, as if to ensure it was within easy reach, and also wishing he had time to wear his gloves; they did aid with the grip.

But it seemed time was not something they had and so with resolve shining in his eyes Sul boldly walked forward and strode into the tent, ready to confront this so called monster.

@Brother Sul: You see a large dragonborn bearing down on a halfling showman, who looks quite agitated, as well as a glass enclosure containing a black substance that is making a burbling, even sometime sucking sound. A strong odor of burnt hair is present.

Griswold wobbled as he was unceremoniously forced to stand, somewhat confused by the sudden change of events.  Recovering on his way to Carsen's tent, he turned to Eli with a grin and a whispered "Well done, boy."

Then to Carsen, with a skip in his step, he says: "I have always admired the Dragoons fervour.  There are none more daring.  You are an unstoppable, undeniable force.  Like a storm.  Not only in battle but in life too, so I hear.  The chance to thrill you all in the Tourney will be a dream come true.  Speaking of, which of the games has the list master placed me in?  And...who must face me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Sun 22 Jan 2017.

"Are you surprised? Look at this thing and how the people react to it! It reeks of death in here, only marked by the vomit of those who witnessed its feeding. It may not be evil, or even aware of anything besides its instincts, but it is definitely dangerous. What if an accident happens, this ooze won't care whether it's devouring a goat or a child. Will you be the one responsible?" Kharash looks at the halfling. "Tell me, how do your colleagues at this carnival feel, do they feel safe with this thing around?" He looks at the strange ooze. "And where did you get hold if this thing anyways?"

Fariel follows behind Sul, trying to be unnoticed by whatever is in the center of this tent.

OOC:16:12, Today: Fariel Kriegborn rolled 10 using 1d20+7 ((3)).
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Sun 22 Jan 2017.

Sul paused only for an instant as he processed the scene before him, then pointing at the dragonborn and thundering, "You! Stand down this instant!"

His other hand was upon his warhammer, drawing comfort and confidence from the cool stone of the hammer's head, but he did not draw the weapon yet.

Brother Sul did not know ofcourse what was transpiring, but he went with what he saw; a towering dragonborn, a species rarely seen, appeared to be threatening the showman. And yet in the corner in the glass enclosure, a strange specimen of a creature burbled.

Hopefully he would be able to get some answers from the duo in front of him before things spiraled out of control. Indeed, as he listened to the tail end of what the dragonborn had been saying it appeared he seemed more concerned about the oozy creature than openly hostile...

Kharash turned around looking surprised at the man approaching him. He didn't expect anyone to enter the tent again after this show. Openly showing the symbol of the Eyes of Yggdrasil that hung around his neck, he raised his head and frowned. "Who are you!?" he thundered back at the man, while glancing at the silvery-grey tabard. The man wasn't actively wielding a weapon, but the large warhammer didn't go unnoticed. "This one with you?" he asked the showman while keeping his eyes fixed on the newcomer.

"I am Sul, a follower of the Silver Flame of Bahamut, the dragon-king of old." Sul replied firmly to the dragonborn. Though the Order of the Silver Flame never preached to outsiders, and thus was little known in the lands, the monks also decreed not to hide in shadows nor back down from revealing allegiance when needed or challenged.

Glancing askance at Fariel Sul went on, "He is with me, though we have but just met. We heard rumors of vile monsters hiding in this carnival and came to discover the truth for ourselves."

Touching his amulet lightly he added, "I am beholden to shine the light of the Flame into the shadows where dark things lie, and thus could not let the rumors pass without investigating."

Kharash relaxed and continued in a friendlier tone. "Though I haven't heard of the Silver Flame of Bahamut, it seems we have a common cause. I am Kharash, Watcher of the Eyes of Yggdrasil." He proudly introduced himself and offered his hand, which only had four fingers and was covered in scales.

He gestured at the glass containing the ooze. "See for yourself. That's the creature you're looking for. You've just missed the show where it devoured a goat, burning it alive in the process. A gruesome act to witness and the cause for this smell and the crowd of belching people outside."

He turned around to look at the showman again. "I was just asking some questions to the one responsible for bringing this creature to the festival."

Sigi looked down at her feet a moment, then smiled. She brought her lot ticket out, turning it over in her broad hand.

Alright then, first things first. I need to find the others in my lot. Probably others from Draaken but who knows for sure.

OOC: Do the tickets have a number on them? Or a symbol of sorts? Do we have any idea how many were handed out?

@Fariel, Sul, and Kharash: The showman has wide eyes as the attention that had been drawn away from him suddenly returned threefold. He stammered a bit as he started to speak. "The creature was sold to us by a group of Argonauts. They had found it at the bottom of a well, eating small beasts and animals if they ventured too close. The Ringmaster thought it would be worth the admission price to display it and feed it animals unfit for the butcher's block. None of the other towns have caused a fuss over it!" ,he exclaimed as he tried to divert attention to someone else.

@Eli and Griswold: Sir Roderick gave a disappointed grunt as he led the two men into the tent. It was slightly small for a knight of his size, but furnished well. Two small boys, a human and half-orc, rush to him with a mug of ale and some cheese. Roderick shooed them away as he took a seat on a stool. Two more were brought, though they were of poorer quality. Once settled and hospitality offered, Roderick inhaled deeply. "I have to say that I am a bit disappointed. I figured my first opponent would have been more than a green horn in the lists. No matter, you are an errant. You can handle a lance well enough. You will do fine," he declares as the Dragoon lets his words sink in. [Private to Eli Reiner; Griswold Ortmann: Please make a DC12 Insight check.]

@Sigi: The lot ticket is a rather plain wooden card painted blue and with five notches on either face. You have seen others and know that they come in different colors, at least. You also know that you have seen different colored flag poles scattered throughout the festival.[Private to Sigi Stonebrow: Make a perception check, please]

As the Dragoon finishes his statement, Eli leans over and whispers to Griswold. "In for a copper, in for a pound, eh?" He then claps his friend firmly on the shoulder and takes a small step back as though putting his friend in a spotlight before he addressed Sir Roderick. "Handle a lance? I have yet to witness for myself any better than him." Nevermind the fact that he hadn't actually witnessed Griswold in combat. To that point, his statement was not false. "Don't let his station fool you. There is no reason to go easy on him." [Private to GM: From his position just outside of Griswold's field of vision, Eli shoots a quick wink to the Dragoon to communicate that, should Griswold believe his first match was actually against Sir Roderick, he was willing to play along.]

Griswold gleefully accepted the tankard and drank long and deep from it.  "Ahhh."  He exclaims contently, before a look of confusion (somewhat delayed), crosses his face.  "Me...face you?  W...well..."  He forced a smile that quickly turned into a genuine grin at Eli's encouragement.  "Hah!  Of course.  What better pairing!  The dashing young squire - favoured of maidens everywhere - eager to prove himself, against the power and skill of none other than Sir Roderick of Carsen himself!"

There was a pause as Griswold leant back in his chair and studied his opponent, trying to recall if had heard anything of the man before.  Then he twitched. "Me handle a lance?  Of course I can, but that means the Joust?  Jacoby!  Uh, that's my horse.  As fine an animal as any but, he's no courser.  Can't compete against a warhorse half his size again.  It would be heartbreaking if he got injured.  I had thought," Griswold waves his hand behind him, generally indicating at some distant location, "the archery or melee contests.  Has that also been miscommunicated?"

[Private to Eli Reiner; GM: 21:52, Today: Secret Roll: Griswold Ortmann rolled 7 using 1d20-1.  Insight.]

OOC 11:18, Today: Griswold Ortmann rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  History - Sir Roderick.

Sul grasped the dragonborn's hand with his own firm grip, staring Kharash in the eyes and giving a firm nod, "Well met Watcher. It seems a most opportune meeting as well, perhaps it was already decreed."

Turning to regard the creature oozing about again, then staring at the showman as he spoke in his defence Sul said to the man, "Dying cleanly under a blade or by old age is one thing, getting devoured alive by this unnatural creature wholly another."

Still, Sul could not help but consider; who was he to judge upon another's livlihood, as long as no real harm was done to anyone save ailing animals. While he had never seen this sort of a creature before, monsters did exist in the wild places of the world, unnatural as they might be. They too had a right to hunt and eat.

"Do you attest then this creature has not harmed any innocent folk? And that you shall ensure it does not in the future, as log as you own it? If so, I don't think there is a need to take this matter any further."

In reply to Brother Sul (msg # 56):

Fariel walked up to the dragon-born, and gave a small wave.

"I am Fariel Kriegborn. it is good to meet you. Now, gentlemen, what do you propose is our next move?"

"No fuss!?" Kharash brought his face closer to the showman's, looking at the halfling with his almost glowing eyes. While allowing the halfling to have a better look at the draconic features that made his presence so unnerving to most. "The whole town here is talking about this carnival," he gestures with his hand in the town's direction, while he stands tall again, "and not in a good way. I cannot imagine the reactions to this thing have been more positive in other places. Nor from your fellow performers, who seem to be losing their clients."

Kharash exhaled deeply through his nose, and he relaxed a little hearing Sul's opinion on the matter. In a calmer, and more sympathetic tone, he continues. "Listen. Us Watchers care for the people. If you can show us this creature poses no harm, and that you're able to keep it that way, I will no longer trouble you. However," he frowns and the serious look returns, "if there is so much as one incident, the Eyes of Yggdrasil will find you and hold you responsible for the acts of this creature."

He lets those lasts words settle in for a moment, before continuing, calmly again. "The other option is to let me help you get rid of it. You'd no longer have to worry about feeding it, keeping it safe, or about other people who might threaten you. It seems there are rumors even right now. Bold men who want to take matters into their own hands. Or even your colleagues right here, who are detesting the bad name you're giving this carnival." He looks at the halfling, awaiting his answer.

@ Carnival Group: The showman bows low and utters a thanks, though he isn't clear about what. He speaks again, slowly this time. "I will have to decline the offer to exterminate it. It is far more valuable alive than dead, but it is safe in the glass. The container was reinforced with dwarf runes for strength. I doubt even a strong dragonborn like yourself could shatter it!", he boasts as his showman instincts return. He made a nervous glance at the glass, obviously not wanting Kharash to take him up on the offer. About that time, you notice a sounds of a crowd filling the room. The carnival was not abandoned, but certainly not populated enough to draw this kind of noise.[Private to Brother Sul: You notice that your lot ticket seems to be making the noise, though it is muffled.]

@ Eli and Griswold: Sir Roderick gives a shake of his head and slaps Griswold on the knee. He chuckled slightly as he spoke, his tone more of a comrade than superior. "Come now. Did you really think that they would pair a former champion against a greenhorn? You must make it past the first two rounds to meet me in combat. Still, I look forward to facing you...",he said with a pause as he looks at Eli instead of Griswold before resuming. "...in the melee." Sir Roderick sat back again and finished some more ale. About that time, you notice a sounds of a crowd filling the room. Too much to be coming from the knights outside. Sir Roderick hears it as well and looks around in confusion.[Private to Griswold Ortmann: As soon as he says it, you recognize him as a previous melee champion and a contender for the joust in last year's festival.][Private to Eli Reiner: You notice that the sounds seem to be coming from your lot ticket.]

Kharash sighed. "Very well then, I..." interrupted by the noise, he turned around to see what's happening.

A quick glance around was accompanied by a confused expression. After a moment of searching, he reached into his pack and produced his lot ticket. For whatever reason, it seemed to be the source of the noise.

Griswold grinned at Sir Roderick, "Well, if I'm lucky, maybe I will be get to face the reigning melee champion y..." His elation was cut short by the noise and looked about, perplexed.

As Eli produced his ticket, it took Griswold a moment to realise what was going on, then his eyes widened.  Laughing, he said: "That's the damnedest thing, Eli!  What did you do?"; and produced his own, studying it.

OOC
11:51, Today: Griswold Ortmann rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Arcana - Crowded Tickets.