The journey to Ravenmoor was unpleasant to say the least. Sure the maps indicated swamps and marshlands but usually that was a bit of an exaggeration as roads were built through the dryer portions but this...this was a swamp. Bugs filled the air and the mosquitos seemed to spring up like hydras. Each one swatted seemed to spawn two more to bother you.  The worst thing by far, above and beyond the bugs and the muddy roads, was the smell. Sulfur and rot filled the air and it was hard to stay cheery during the travels. People huddled together in caravans as communal protection from the nastier critters in the swamp but people didn't say much, mostly afraid that opening their mouths would lets all sorts of gnats and flies in.

All the bugs attracted huge swarms of ravens and as they drew closer to their journey it was not a question in anyone's mind why the town was called Ravenmoor. Hugh flocks of ravens cawed overhead but they were a thankful blessing as while the ravens were out, the bugs stayed away. At night though they would return with a vengeance.

Finally the group reaches the edges of the village. It is a poor, ramshackle looking place and a river separates the village proper (and the carnival grounds) from the trail. An old patched together ferry sits on the shore ready to transport everyone across into town. The ferryman is a thin, crooked-back man with greasy black hair and a look on his face like he hates strangers.

"Ferry costs a silver. Each."

To punctuate his point he spits out a giant gob of black saliva and residue from the plant leaf he was chewing on.

"You lot here to see the carnival? Eh...don't got causing any trouble in town. And don't go wandering off. Lotta critters in the swamp would eat fer lunch and ain't nobody gonna know 'bout it."

He gestures to his right where a large misshappen skull is nailed to the wall of his tiny shack nearby.

"Got ourselves a wolf in the water. Eats children's guts. You can try to cross the river by yerself but don't say I didn't warn you none."

The river looks slow and muddy and it is dark so difficult to tell how deep it is. The group ended up making it to Ravenmoor just after morning so it is around 9am giving the group several hours before the carnival opens up at noon.

Across the river the group can see a half-orc in colorful clothing standing around apparently waiting for something and past that a dozens of villagers are moving about their day.




OOC: Feel free to make introductions or comment about how you guys ended up informally part of the same caravan. You are the only members of that group. Garlad is not going to be part of this adventure due to IRL stuff but may join up later.

Torgan perked up as the new pack of guests arrived.  They looked like some pretty rough customers.  A lot of spears and armor on display.  Not that that was particularly surprising.  Anyone coming all the way out to this damp hell for a carnival would have to be either tough, crazy, or bored out of their mind.  Or looking to make money of the trip somehow.

Acting casual, the half-orc carefully watched the travelers talk with the ferryman.  Would anyone try to argue over the toll?  Was anyone stubborn enough to cross by themselves?

And, more importantly, who would be easiest to talk out of their money?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:32, Mon 02 July 2018.

Verna had been only been on the road for a week before stumbling upon the caravan. They seemed to need some assistance so she offered to join their caravan, even though it would take her way longer to get anywhere. But since she wasn't headed to a specific place, only to specific people then that didn't matter as much. Time was a factor to her in her quest.

People that had ask her where she was going, had only gotten the answer. "Find my parents" then she wouldn't say any more.

She had been riding her wolf on the besides the caravan for days now. Sometimes scouting ahead to find good camping ground or to hunt or fish to supplement her rations and the caravans stores. Riding full speed ahead would also keep Garrick, her wolf in better shape.

When they were at the ferrymans boat. She opted to be last in line to go onboard.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Fri 27 July 2018.

Rynwyrd was excited about the carnival and traveling once more....for a while anyway. The journey was not as much fun as he remembered traveling to be previously. But despite the swampy marshland...and the smell, oh gods the smell, and the mosquitos, biting little bastards!....it felt GOOD to be traveling and out of the hive of scum and villainy!

So many ravens! He stared about them and absently slapped at a mosquito. He'd never seen so many before outside of a battlefield...which started to make him feel a little nervous, but he shook it off. He came up short when they came to the river and the somewhat terse and greedy ferryman gave them his price.

The elf frowned back at the man, eyes narrowed for a moment. He then made a big show of searching himself, as if he didn't have a lot of money and had to scrape together this HUGE amount. He grumbled the entire time, half-heartedly asking if 5 coppers would do, or maybe 8, he thought he could find 8 coppers, that sort of thing. But finally he pulled a silver out, wiped something off of it and handed it over. "Fine! Here."

He nodded and waved a hand, "Yes, yes, the carnival, of course." He muttered mostly under his breath, "The only other reason to come here that I can see thus far is to study the eating habits of ravens." He stopped suddenly and turned back to the man. "What's that? A wolf...in the water? How fascinating! A natural creature, some abomination, perhaps an experiment gone awry?" But then he saw the skull, narrowed eyes examined it a moment, even glancing back at the halfling rider's wolf mount a moment, before letting out a disappointed sigh and turning away. "oh."

He turned to look at the others in the group that he had ended up with. They had all been the last ones to arrive (or for some reason the last ones to join a group) and so got lumped together for the trip here. He had said his name was Rynwyrd - pronounced like 'rin-weird'. If asked about why he was traveling - "Why, to see the carnival, of course!" as if that were obvious.

Six days. Each day Karella road with the caravan was blissful. It was better than traveling alone, and safer too. Anticipation built as the caravan made its way to Ravenmoor. Karella hoped that the carnival was worthy of the stories.

Karella covered her nose. It was useless. The foul odor and the mosquitoes. She didn't know which was worse. She wrapped her head with a scarf, it was the best that she could do to cope but it didn't really help.

She handed the silver piece for the ferry. "Where is the inn?" She inquired of the ferryman.

The ferryman hawked up another gob of spittle that squired out right next to Karella's foot.

"Inn? Inn? What kind'a town you think this is. Think we got Inns...heh. Nobody comes round these parts, ain't no inn. If you make nice mayor's got the biggest house in town. Otherwise I understand the carnival's putting up some kind of tent-thing for outsiders to stay overnight at."

He turns back to accept silvers from the others.

"Inn...asking where the inn's at...heh that's rich..."

For the beginning of the journey, Talla had spent most of the time by herself, hood covering her head. She was quiet, eyeing those around her. When asked where she was going, she simply said, "Anywhere but where I've been."

As the journey continues, she seems to relax a bit more. She doesn't open up about herself, but is willing to talk to those around her.

When approaching the ferryman, she stands in line, not pushing forward or hanging back. She is ready to get this over with and get to where she is going. She doesn't argue the toll, and willingly pays it.

Amara joined up with the caravan for the simplicity of traveling as she wasn't one to own a horse, taking a seat as 'look out' as they traveled. She showed a fair bit of intelligence when the mosquito's came out, despite the heat she wore full body clothing including gloves as well as her cloak, wrapping the long fabric around her face like a nomad in the desert. With only her eyes bare, despite the heat she enjoyed the ride more then most. It was only when the Raven's had begun to clear the air that she breathed a sigh of relief and removed the facial mask, only to take in the swamp with a disgusted look. Maybe she should recover her nose.

She wasn't quite sure she bought the swamp wolf, but honestly a silver was worth it not to have to trudge through the swamp. She took out her silver and paid the man after a moments consideration as she took in the swamp. She wasn't cheerful, but she had often participated in nightly chats about nothing it seemed. Her companions knew no more then her name, her race and that she wandered.

"Yea, The carnival seems like a good time and a way to leave the past behind. Hopefully its not as dangerous as the swamp though. That said, I'm not very keen on this lack of an inn. Tsk, Had hoped to sleep in a bed."

Idly, Amara seemed to fit in well with the swamp, what with her dark green clothes and dark brown leather. She definitely looked like she could fade into the background if needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:56, Mon 02 July 2018.

The ferryman collected the silvers, spat on the ground one more time and then loaded up the ferry. He poled across the river, judging by the depth it was probably a couple feet deep. It was slow going as the man wasn't in any hurry but the river wasn't very wide and after a few minutes it bumped up against the opposite shore.

The ferryman didn't say anything to the departing passengers but did point towards the waiting half-orc.

"They want me to say that this here'll be your guide fer yer visit."

And with that simple and sharp statement the ferryman began poling back across to the other side again.

At the ferryman's introduction, the half-orc dropped into a low and sweeping bow.  "Torgan Dul, at your service!"  He introduced himself brightly.  Torgan hardly needed to be pointed out, as there was slim chance of him being mistaken for a local.
Besides his obvious orcish heritage, he was dressed as the very picture of a warrior bard; studded leather trimmed with fine-looking furs, a flowing cloak held down by the shield strapped to his back, and all of it painted in deep reds and bright orange.  "As the fine ferryman told you, I am here to serve as your party's escort through the town, and your guide to the amusements, entertainments, and genuine wonders of the Umbral Carnival!"

Losing some of his initial theatricality, Torgan shrugged.  "Not our usual way of doing things, I'm afraid, but necessary here.  Otherwise you fine folks might get caught up by Ravenmoor's legendary hospitality, and never make it to the carnival at all!" As he motioned for the others to follow him through the village, Torg added quietly (But loud enough for everyone to hear,)  "...Or anywhere else..."

"While we walk, does anyone have any questions?  I'm sure you've all heard of the games, the shows, the fantastic beasts and exceptional individuals on display.  That's why you came all this way!  But is there anything in particular that's grabbed your curiosity?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Mon 02 July 2018.

"What kind of games are these, and can anyone participate?" Verna asked the colorful half orc.

"Ah, the usual assortment of midway games, plus a few you might not have seen.  You can test your might against our strongman, or your wits against Madame Masque's illusions.  If you fancy yourself a good Nine Man's Morris player, we've a master who will beat you for a copper a game.  There's a Harrow reader for anyone foolish enough to want to know their own future, and a machine that just, like...fuckin'...electrocutes you."

Torgan walked in silence for a second, looking as baffled as anyone by the last attraction.  He didn't really know of a way to explain the Wizard's Test machine without making it sound like the stupidest thing ever.

"Oh, and ring toss!  All open to anyone who wishes to try them.  Though," He added, nodding to the huge wolf trotting along with the group, "Your furry friend might struggle with a few of the games."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Mon 02 July 2018.

"Don't worry, Garrick makes his game, his game. Doubt I'd ever get him to toss a ring. But it's worth a try." Verna smirked.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Fri 27 July 2018.

Talla walked close enough to listen to the conversation, but far away not to participate. She had no interest in the carnival, and truthfully, she road the caravan because it was the easiest and fastest way out of town. She did, however, have to admit that a little fun wouldn't hurt, and it might make for a good distraction.

She watched Verna and the half-orc discuss the games, and eyed them from afar. She watched her other companions as well, seeing how they interacted now that they were no longer riding through the uncomfortable, bug-infested swamplands. They had been tolerable on the ride, but now was a chance to see if they were worth more of her time. As such, she made a point to stay in the background--at least until they reached the excitement.

Ryn looked the half-orc over when they got close enough. One raised eyebrow was the only indication of anything. "Thank you." He followed along, listening to the half-orc prattle on about the carnival's attractions - it was why he was here after all. He frowned at the description of a game that electrocutes.

The halfling rider was fascinating. Not that a halfling in and of itself was unusual - he'd seen his fair share. But one that rode a wolf? That wasn't common to him.

"I look forward to sampling the attractions. I hope they are diverting." He sniffed. "And there is a...tent...city...for accommodations we have been told?"

The trip to the carnival cuts right through the center of Ravenmoor. From the icy stares the villagers give the group to the rundown and ramshackle buildings that this is about as far from civilization as one can get before just living in the wilds.

The group passes through the center of town where a few signs display pictures instead of words. One has a faded picture of a ball of yarn, another has the famous striped red pole of a barber and another doesn't have a sign but does have an old rusty anvil out front and the sound of smithing coming from inside is unmistakable. Most curious is the abandoned looking church rotting away near the center of town.

Pushing past that the group passes by a manor on a hill. Clearly the largest and wealthiest house in the entire town given its two-story frame and freshly painted siding.

Past that hill one can see the circus. The juxtaposition of the quiet and sleepy town compared to the bustling carnival is quite alarming. It would appear that the carnival alone had brought more workers than the entire village had people in it but it had also seemed to attract a swarm of travelers given how populated the "tent city" already was that was forming just outside the entrance.

OOC: Refer to the map legend page for more details about Ravenmoor and the carnival

When Verna shes the crumbling church, she excuses herself to ride towards it. When she gets to it's entrance, she dismounts and puts down the lance he had been holding against her shoulder.

She examines the church and who it belonged to. How it was built; what material and design. And tries to figure out how long it has been abandoned.

Amara hummed quietly, letting Torgan ramble about the games while the others talked. She had to admit a few of them sounded fun and she wondered how she would match up to the strongman or the illusion challenge. The idea of being electrocuted... not so much. People sometimes enjoyed the weirdest things. Carnivals where still fairly new to her, a decidedly human thing compared to the festivals of her home city.

"Huh, wonder who the idiot that decided to host at Ravenmoor was. This place seems decidedly not in the mood for a carnival."

Her eyes absently followed Verna and vaguely considered going with her but decided against it for now, albeit if they couldn't roll out bedrolls at the Mayor's house the church certainly seemed an acceptable camping spot.

As Verna rides off to the church, Talla hesitates, then follows on foot. Glancing around the church from the 'entrance'. She is curious how it feel into disrepair, and eventually says to herself, "Even the gods are abandoned."

She wonders who this holy temple once belonged to.

Karella found herself walking next to Amara, "Most likely, this is the only town that offered to host the carnival instead of charging them a tax to be at there city." The elven wizard kept up with the pace of the group. "Profits before comfort."

Picking up his stride a bit to catch up with the halflings, Torgan couldn't help but smile at the elves' discussion.  "An interesting theory," he remarked to Karella.  "But most villages around here would gladly pay to host the Umbral Carnival.  Entertainment aside, a festival means travelers, and travelers mean coin.  Whatever reason we've come here, it wasn't for a tax break."

Torgan's tone was knowing, as if he enjoyed watching the others try to figure it a mystery he had already solved.  But truth be told, he was as confused as anyone.  The going explanation among the crew was that their manager had simply misread a map and picked in a bad location.  But that didn't quite sound right to Torg.  Personally, he had to suspect Jherizhana had something to do with it.  The one thing he knew about sphinxes was that they were dangerous and mysterious, and this certainly felt like a mysterious and dangerous place to set up shop...

Ravenmoor was not the most welcoming of places, neither from its people nor its buildings. The people were not hostile, per se, but certainly not friendly. The town couldn't even be 'coined' eccentric - just backwater and not a good place to visit. Even their church had seen better days! Though there was that manor...

He glanced after the Halfling who went to examine the church, shortly (no pun intended) followed by the second Halfling as well. He hoped none of the townsfolk saw. Given their 'hospitality' thus far, he didn't think they'd take kindly to someone poking in to their business.

He glanced at Amara, and the others as well, and nodded his agreement. "Not the best nor most advantageous place to hold a carnival. Too many people won't want to make the trip out here, I imagine." He then shook his head. "But these townspeople seem more interested in seeing less of us, not more people arriving. Curious."

Moggrim had been at the back of the group the entire time.  Not cause he didn't want company or wanted to watch everything with a critical and grim eye...no...he was a Dwarf and he simply walked slower and it took him a few more moments to obtain definition of what he was looking at.  The others from the caravan knew that he had been wearing a pair of smoked goggles during the day ever since they first met.  He'd told a short tale or two early on when asked about his home and they all originated from Nar-Voth beneath his home in Kravenkus.  They also found that that at night he could see far more clearly and to a much farther distance than anyone else so the reason for one and the linkage to the other wasn't a difficult thing to connect.

So now his goggle covered eyes lingered on the smithy, the church and others seemingly more interested with the place than the people living there...either because they were hard to see through the dark goggles and thus he focused on larger things or he didn't care.  His comrades from the caravan knew it was likely the former even though he was the only Dwarf in a band of Elves and Halflings that liked to talk a lot so he added a little to it finally with his bass voice, "No inn means little to no coin for them to earn from the Carnival being here.  Lots of noise and strange folk and no return other than trouble to their eyes.  If anyone is making money it's the mayor."

"Despite all the opinions and intricacies of who benefits from this the most, in my experience the easiest solution is often the right one. In this case, someone was an idiot."

Amara gave a little shrug and flashed both Karella and Torgan an impish smile, hands lazily hooked on her belt by her swords as she walked taking in the oh so horrible view. Seriously, who chose this place?

"In many cases I would suggest looking below the surface, perhaps its true in this case as well. But a lot of the woes in life are very simply idiocy that people try to dress up as evil or greed."

Talla looks back at their companions, then back at Verna. "Find what you are looking for?" She calls over. She pulls her hood back to see her surroundings better, keeping her hand on the hilt of her sword, ready for anything.

OOC: Knowledge checks failed

Verna and the others look at the abandoned church and other symbols around the village but whatever gods were venerated seem long since fallen out of favor. At some point one abandoned church looks the same as the next...

---

Passing by the large manor the group crests over a ridge and the carnival itself comes into focus. Directly in front is a field that is dominated by a large big top circus tent. Right now it seems that there isn't a performance going on but it will surly be a grand sight when the evening performances start.


To the immediate left is a long series of tents with colorful lights and mechanical noises. It seems quite busy despite the early morning and the sounds of laughter and chatter come up from the crowds.


In between the mass of tents and the big top is a series of cages arranged in a maze-like fashion. From a distance it is clear that animals of various sizes and shapes are present and on display.


To the immediate right of the big top is a smaller (but still quite large) tent. A stage has been set up in front of it and a barker is calling out to those passing by. Various banners and pictures are on display but from this distance it's hard to make out what they say.


Finally to the far right and farthest away from the big top is another cluster of wagons and people. It looks like merchants have set up shop stalls and are hawking various wares at the visitors as well as trying to rope in curious villagers.

"Nope" Verna calls back. She doesn't find anything out about the church but feels it a great shame to have such a building just fail into ruin. The people here clearly have lost their gods. Or want to keep it a secret. She stands up from examining what once was the inner sanctum of the church and went back to her wolf, Garrick, which was unceremoniously peeing on the outer wall of the church. "The gods are clearly gone from here if you feel confident enough to do that here." she says to her wolf.
Verna still looks around to see any random events that might strike her wolf down. A random lightning strike, a loose elephant from the carnival, mysterious flying bricks, stray arrow... etc...

Verna picks up the lance and says to Garrick:"Alright, you.. let's go see this carnival. see if we can't find something interesting." she pushes Garrick towards,the carnival and hops in the saddle. "See you there Talla. she waves good bye as the wolf trots towards the smell.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Fri 27 July 2018.

"With all the sights here, it won't take long for something to catch your eye as you wander." Torgan replied, adjusting his path slightly, so that he walked in front of Verna as she brought her wolf to a trot.  It was casual enough to be unintentional, but would slow the tiny cavalier down just enough to hear Torgan's pitch before getting to far ahead.  "Or!  Stick with me, and see the best the Carnival has to offer.  After all, I've a whole day with nothing to do but guide you fine folks, and I know these attractions like the back of my hand!  I know which are the real wonders and which are..." Torg looked around quickly, before lowering his voice with a conspiratorial grin "Y'know.  Less genuine."

"Not that well-travelled adventurers like you wouldn't spot most of the shmuck-bait anyways, but either way this sort of thing is always more fun with friends."

Continuing onto the grounds with anyone who hadn't walked off in the middle of his spiel, the half-orc carny pointed towards the smaller, secondary tent.  "The main show starts in an hour, but any pro will tell you that a carnival's heart is in the sideshow.  Rare artifacts, outlandish talents, and even..."

For the last item, Torgan's voice took on an air of over-the-top awe and wonderment.  Waving his hands in a "Ta-Da!" gesture, he announced:

"...An orc!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Fri 06 July 2018.

"Alright. Let's see these side-shows." Karella said with a smile on her face. She turned to the side and began to make a path for one of the colorful tent. "Let's see what genuine sights we shall see."

Verna let Torgan slow her down and the wolf fell into step with the Torgan. She might as well accompany them to the side shows.

"I'm amazed they kept the orc alive, how horrifying."

Amara chimes to the obvious half-orc in a droll and sarcastic tone as she follows along with the party, looking around with a wry smile. Hopefully this 'side show' at least was interesting lest her trip be entirely wasted, and perhaps she could do well in a few games of skill.

Talla moved to follow Verna, albeit at a much slower pace. She catches up to Torgan and the group and continues to listen to the description of what was to come. She intended on allowing Torgan to guide her, at least for now.

The entrance to the sideshow was full of faded but still colorful and fanciful banners advertising the various acts and sights inside. There were also several marked "TOO DANGEROUS FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, INQUIRE WITHIN".

The barker at the entrance gave a nod to Torgan and addressed the group.

"Well ordinarily it would cost you five coppers to get inside but because you're under the care of my pal Torgan, you can each get a look inside for a mere copper piece."

---

Inside the group first sees a sword swallower. The Varisian man smiles and then arches his head back before inserting an entire longsword up to the jeweled hilt down his throat.

Moving along there is a fire display as a sensual looking woman twirls a torch around her body before placing the lit torch into her mouth, snuffing it out. She gives a grin and then breaths the fire back onto the torch lighting it up once again.

Next up is a "freak" advertised as the Human Stump. It seems to be a poor man who lost both arms and legs and now waddles around his little stage on his stumps. He is quite agile and there is a little obstacle course where using the nubs from his arms and legs he is able to crawl through tunnels or climb over a short wall.

The next performer is the bearded lady, a barrel chested woman who sings out the beginnings of an opera (with a moderate degree of skill) while having a long but fairly whispy beard.

A couple of the stages are empty with signs reading "OUT TO LUNCH" or "BE BACK SOON".

A few more stages would probably be entertaining for commoners but for more wordly travelers is fairly mundane. The "Demon" is little more than a Chelaxian tiefling with additional make up to look especially fearsome. The "elven ranger" is actually probably more like a half-elf who can hit a bullseye from 15 feet away and the "swamp witch" looks to be more just like an old woman who can cast a few cantrips to create puffs of smoke and sulfur from her cauldron.

The remaining are again filled with physical oddities and other strange performers. An unusually tall and thin man, a set of conjoined twins attached at the shoulder and a profoundly ugly man (a combination of bad looks and what looks to be a horrific accident or attack) and the sign professes that he is indeed the world's ugliest man.

Finally the group reaches the end where there is a second barker ready for them.

"Hey, I can see that you're the kind of group with the stomach for real adventure. I don't say this to everyone though. To the kids and the faint of heart I just wave them on by but you look like the sort that can stomach true terror. Horrible monsters from around the world are inside but we have to keep it separate to avoid too many people dying from fright! I see you've got my friend Torgan showing you around. Tell you what, normally it's three silvers each to get in but I'll let you get inside for just a single silver each if you promise not to tell anyone else I was showing you that kind of discount. A man's gotta eat at the end of the day, am I right or what?"

Karella smiled and gasped when she saw some of the acts. She considered using a cantrip to confused the performer, but stopped herself; after all they were working. When the second barker announced what they might see in the second area, she shouted. "You better deliver. I have yet to be impressed." The smile on Karella's lips hinted that she was joking...

Rynwyrd saw the carnival for the first time, and one eyebrow rose up. It was a sprawling mess to his untrained eyes, but he assumed that it was intentional and served it's own purpose. This was his first carnival so he hadn't known truly what to expect. There was a lot to see.

He listened to what the half-orc 'guide' had to say and nodded slightly, a bit absently. Being given the guided tour seemed to be the best idea to start with. Each barker seemed to be 'in on the scam', giving them a 'big discount' since they were with Torgan. He refrained rolling his eyes or shaking his head. He paid the copper, not too reluctantly...the silver...he hesitated to see if the rest of the group was going to pay and go through with it before handing his own over as well.

Some of the 'acts' thus far were mildly interesting though nothing crazy. If they were going to pay a silver, the next parts had better be much more grand.

Verna followed Rynwyrds example. A copper piece was no problem. They had to make a living too but when they asked for a silver piece for some unspecific horror or monster. This had better be not be a bull painted and dressed up as a gorgon.

"I'm not sure if I'm more insulted that they're passing a half-elf with a decent grasp of archery off as an elvish ranger, or if they think an elvish ranger belongs in a freak show."

Amara wasn't overly impressed, albeit considering some of the alley's she had hung out in she had seen most of this before. But she figured it was surprising to the average person, not many lived as long as her kind. Her eyes narrowed though at a Silver to 'see the good stuff'. She also knew this emphasis on because they where with Torgan was complete garbage.

"If I'm not actually impressed, I'll come back for my silver. And Let's be honest, we're not getting a discount because of our guide. We're getting a discount cause you set up in the backwater town with no traffic and want to make money so it's not a complete loss."

Despite her words though she did hold up a Silver coin to him with a raised eyebrow, her curiosity more powerful then her cheapness. For now.

"Deal?"

Torgan had figured it was just a matter of time before the marks started grumbling about price, but he'd been hoping they'd hold off until after taking their silver.  After this, he'd have to try and steer the group towards the zoo.  Free entrance, fewer fakes, and the barkers on that side of the show were much more furry and cute.

That is, if the party made it through the "dangerous" tent without rioting.  Torgan could only hope the choker was feeling energetic.

Coming back to the issue at hand, Torgan figured he should be the one to try and shut Amara down.  Offering refunds on a show like this was a can of worms not worth opening.  "This isn't really a 'refund' kinda show."  He replied lightly.  "You pay the price, and you see what's inside.  Think of it as a gamble; you're betting one silver you'll see something good.  If that's too much risk for you, or too much coin, that's perfectly fine.  No shame in being broke, and the Dangerous Tent isn't for everyone..."

Amara seemed to consider Torgan’s words carefully as she idly rolled the silver coin over her fingers, she normally would respect such a scheme especially in the middle of nowhere. She still blamed it on idiocy more then anything else. But here was a bit of a challenge almost bordering on an insult. And Amara well... she rather took pride in her intelligence.

And so she merely smiled with a wicked grin at Torgan as she spoke softly, but loudly enough for all with her to hear. As the silver coin dancing around her fingers seemed to vanish as it danced along her palm.

"See, I would normally cut you some slack but that emphasis of elves being freaks.... well what do humans say? put up or shut up? theres oh... eight of us here. Which means only one of us needs to pay and pass through to tell the rest if its worth it." She glanced over her shoulder to the group traveling with her with a playful wink. "So what say we gamble with a single silver rather then eight since our guide is so sure its worth while and our brave champion can tell the rest of us whether it’s worth our coin and time?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Mon 09 July 2018.

Rynwyrd was a little impressed. The arguably-pretty Elf woman had spotted the 'fakes' - not that they were THAT hard to spot - but had the backbone and logic to not only stand up for herself but also acquit herself eloquently. He found a slight smile tugging at his lips as he watched her and listened to what she said.

Finally, he stepped forward and gave Amara a slight bow of his head in respect. "I like your style and the cut of your logic. I will pay the silver and see if the show is worth it. If others wish to wait to see if it is or is not, I will let you all know...that is, unless anyone wants to accompany me."

He handed a silver over, eyeing Torgan with a tight smile and knowing look that said he could spot fakes a mile away.

Talla was standing back listening to the exchange. She tosses a silver up. "I'd rather go in than stay out here. Even if it isn't worth it, it will at least pass the time." She looks back at the others, then at Rynwyrd. She has her hand on her hip and a smirk on her face, "Besides, if you die of fright in there, no one would know about it."

"Yeah see that happen. If Rynward feints and dies, it'll probably be from his own hodgepodge concoctions rather than anything from in there." Verna smirks at Rynwyrd with Talla.

Torgan couldn't help but smile as his attempt to needle Amara into paying backfired. Bad analogy there, he thought, comparing the show to gambling.  Elves always try to figure the odds.  This one probably counts cards, too.

Deciding not to cry about spilt milk, the half orc turned his attention to the customers who weren't cheaping out on the entry fee.  "Concoctions or no concoctions, if Rynwyrd goes down, we're taking credit for it.  I can see the signs now: 'Frightening enough to kill!  All elves must sign a waiver!'"  He moved to enter the Dangerous Wing, with a motion for the willing to follow.

Moving through the curtain the party moves into a darkened space. First up the group sees a cage where a large corpulant woman with a flattened nose stands underneath a sign that reads "SAVAGE ORC"

The woman's cage is littered with bones and when she sees the group she lets out a fearsome bellow and bangs a pair of hand axes together.


Next is a tall cage with thick iron bars. The sign proclaims it is home to the FIRE GIANT FROM THE NORTH. Sure enough inside is a massive man with fiery red hair. He bellows and tosses around a giant stone weight like it was nothing and then beats his chest. While the giant seems rather short, barely topping 7', it seems entirely plausible that it could be a runt or maybe some kind of half-giant although nobody in the party had ever heard of such a thing.

Passing through a series of low hanging curtains the groups sees a smaller cage lit with dim blue lighting. The sign proclaims it a CHOKER FROM THE DARKLANDS. Inside is a small hunched over figure with way too long of arms that seem pliable, almost like they don't have any bones inside but are instead more like tentacles. The ends are five wide spiny claws that it swipes at the bars as it looks up and hisses and shivers at the party.

Finally the group rounds to the last exhibit. Several signs proclaim warnings that the following monster is incredibly dangerous and caution should be taken not to rouse its anger. The final sign proclaims it to be the infamous Varisian monster the SAGGY MAN. Inside is a hunched over humanoid figure whose face and body are covered with giant folds of skin that make it look almost like a wax figure melting from the heat. It looks up at the group and raises its arms letting loose a haunting wail. Another sign details the popular varisian nursery rhyme about the monster:



After that chilling exhibit the group is quickly ushered out to the freakshow exit to be put back out on the main grounds again.

"This was worth the silver for the comic value." Verna says as they are all but shoved out of the freakshow. "The savage 'orc' was the best 'attraction'" she commented and held back the girly giggle and just smiled instead.

Amara had left the tent as she didn't bother paying the silver and waited at the entrance, lazily spinning a silver coin over her fingers as she awaited the others to join her. She smirked at Torgan as the party that paid followed him through the tent, one brow playfully raised.

"So was it horrifying? Fearsome? Did Rynwyrd die? Or was it a bunch of humans playing dress up like in the first tent."

"Yeah, the orc is sure...something."  Torg responded to Verna as they were hustled out of the tent to make room for the next visitors.  His 'enthusiastic guide' persona slipped a bit, letting his own amused bafflement shine through. "My people aren't even that exotic!  Our homeland is just over the mountains.  I don't know why they don't make her, like, a swine-folk.  You can say whatever you want about the swine-folk and nobody will contradict you.  There's no proof they don't exist."

At the elf's needling, the mask went back on.  "I guess you'll never know for sure." He responded cheerfully, before turning back to the group.  "Where to next?  I recommend the zoo, myself.  Open air, real animals, and- you'll love this, Amara- free entry."

"Think I'd like to see the market. Maybe they have something sweet." Verna replied to the Torgan.

"I'm having fun being together as a group." Karella offered another suggestion. "We should go to the Sphinx Cage."

Heading towards the sphinx cage the group quickly realizes that they are easily the most heavily armed and armored group of visitors. Almost everyone else looks to be more like farmers and traveling merchants but none appear armed with more than a dagger or perhaps a bow and some leathers for a hunter. As Torgan leads the party across to the midway it is clear that the group is getting uneasy stares. They are adventurers and all commonfolk know that adventurers means trouble.

Approaching the Sphinx cage the group sees a row of carnival guards blocking the entrance. A thin, bald humanoid man approaches with giant ears that hang down to his toes.

"Ummm...excuse me. I...I mean Mistress Delisen would like a moment of your time. She has a job offer for you. A lotta coin if you can help clear up a bit of...unpleasantness..."

"Mistress Delisen?" Karella shook her head. "Exactly who is she, and what does she want with us? I'm not going to dress up like one of your acts, no matter how much gold is offered." She was disturbed that a job offer was being presented to her.

Rynwyrd wasn't impressed by the 'savage orc' and let out a small sigh. He was starting to wonder if this carnival was going to be a complete disappointment and waste of both time and money. The 'fire giant'...was unlikely to be a true giant but at least it wasn't a complete lie like most of the exhibits thus far. The choker could be real. He wasn't sure about that one. He stayed and stared for a long moment before being pulled along to the next exhibit. He frowned at the 'saggy man'. That sounded both utterly ridiculous and at the same time exactly the sort of thing that would be told in Varisia. He made a mental note to investigate later on and see if there were actually any tales of a 'saggy man' creature outside of the carnival.

He smirked at Amara. "Rynwyrd is most definitely still alive as he is standing right here talking to you." He shook his head. "It was better than the first stream of lies they showed us at the very least, but that bar is exceedingly low."

The Sphinx Cage. Could be interesting. He didn't dare to hope it was a real sphinx though. Maybe he'd be pleasantly surprised but he doubted it. However, they were accosted on the way. One eyebrow rose. "Unpleasantness? Something of interest? I think we can spare a moment, yes?"

The strange looking man shook his head rapidly causing his giant elephantine ears to flap a little.

"No no...nothing like that. A job for money. I mean...for your services. No...not like that."

He paused and gave himself a hard smack. It left a slight red mark on his mouth but it also seemed to reset both his mouth and his mind.

"<ahem>. Mistress Delisen is the owner of the Umbra Carnival. She has a delicate situation that could use the seasoned skills of a band of adventurers such as yourself. She is willing to pay you. A lot of gold. Just...I'm not the person who should be telling you this. Come...come."

He waved at the group to follow him around the Big Top towards the hidden encampment where the carnival workers had set up their wagons and tents like their own private little village.

Talla had been following the group, not saying much. She hadn't been too impressed with the 'savage orc' or any of the other oddities of the carnival, but at least she standing around bored (or sitting on a wagon traveling through bug infested swampland).

She glances at Rynwyrd, "I must admit, I'm glad you didn't die. My opinion of you may have lessened."

At the mention of a job, she nods. "Sounds interesting. I wouldn't mind making a bit of coin. And honestly, whatever the job, it is bound to be better than this." She gestures back towards the tents. She turns and starts to follow the long-eared man.

"Very well. Lead the way." Karella stood tall and waited for the man to lead. She turned to the others. "This is an interesting turn of events." She cast a suspicious eye at Torgan. "You'll be coming along as well?"

The half-orc nodded, his face semi-serious. "A delicate situation and a big sack of gold?  You couldn't keep me away."

As the party followed the Panotti, Torgan added in a low voice:  "Far as I know, this isn't a grift.  And if it was one, Phardaen probably wouldn't be the one to pitch it."

"Certainly, and if it takes us out of this swamp, even better."she replied to Talla.


Garrick snapped at the ass of Torgan as he walked behind the big half orc.. Trying to quicken his step. "Patience.... Garrick..." Verna soothed the wolf.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Fri 27 July 2018.

Ryn glanced at Talla and the corners of his lips tugged slightly. He wasn't aware she had much of an opinion of him to begin with, but maybe he was wrong. Or maybe she was just being polite. Who could say. He gave her a slight bow of his head in acknowledgement of her words. "I am happy to keep up standards."

He, too, eyed Torgan as the half-orc guide tagged along. It was a little weird but they would find out soon enough if this was a scam or trap or something else untoward. Luckily the non-carnival number of people was large enough to likely dissuade any thoughts of violence or banditry - though stealing people's money with fake tricks seemed more the carnival's style thus far rather than outright robbery.

"At the least it doesn't hurt to hear someone out."

Amara gave a little shrug, she had noticed she seemed fairly well armed and armored compared to the towns folk but didn't give it much thought. Honestly travelers who didn't wear a bit of armor and arms confused her, outside of the spellcraft folk. At the least a dagger.

Moggrim's quietness was less from being stoic or awed and more from focusing on all his other senses.  Bright light was more than a simple irritation for him so he often relied on other ways to deal with things during the daytime when above-ground.  After leaning on his spear that he used like a walking staff when not using it for its more martial purpose he nodded his head speaking more to himself that the quicker moving others, "Might as well.  Hopefully it pays better than what I'm left with after guarding the caravan here..."

Phardaen leads the group to the largest and most expensive tent set up to the largest and most expensive looking wagon in the entire camp. He nervously opens the flap and gestures for everyone to move inside.

Inside is a rather spartan affair, all things considered. A large table and chairs around it but it's clear that Madame Delisen doesn't sleep here.

The Madame of the carnival is sitting in a cushy chair that could have been a throne were it in a proper room and not in a tent in the middle of nowhere.

"Come in, please be seated. You too Torgan, I think your background might be useful here. I am faced with a delicate situation that requires both competence as well as an air of neutrality. My workers noticed that you have the trappings of seasoned mercenaries and that would be suitable for me. I'm willing to offer you one hundred gold pieces...each...if you can help me resolve a bit of trouble I'm facing.

You see...there has been a murder. Inside the Sphinx tent one of the local rubes was found clawed to death. Now, before you jump to any conclusions I can guarantee the death was not caused by our sphinx Jherizhana. She is a powerful magical beast and were she inclined to kill some local he would have been blasted by magic so powerful there would have been left nothing but ash.

As this hole of a town doesn't even have a constable I am worried that the locals will try to enact some form of mob justice on either the sphinx or another of my workers in retaliation. The former would result in killing off part of the town and the latter would result in the deaths of my people and neither outcome is acceptable. I plant to reach out to the mayor to say that we've hired on independent investigators to uncover the truth. Assuming you can convince him that you are experienced investigators I trust that you can get to the bottom of this and help save my circus. We still have another week scheduled here and the last thing we need is to have to pull out early and leave all the incoming travelers stranded...here."

Her lip curls up in disgust at the thought.

"So, a hundred gold in your pockets if you can help me find the murderer. How about it?"

"Do you know the name and occupation of the man?" Verna asks seeking a place to start the investigation. Her tendency to want to do the right thing made her not even think much about the gold.

Torgan nodded enthusiastically in agreement with Verna's line of questioning.  "Yeah.  That's a good place to start, with the dead guy.  If he didn't just mouth off to the wrong monster, then someone else had to have a reason to kill him."

Torgan's genuine interest was a noticeable departure from the blithe cheerfulness he'd been attempting to project earlier.  Ignoring the invitation to sit, the bard simply leaned up against the offered chair while Delisen explained the situation.  Tapping his fingers restlessly against the back of the chair he thought the situation over.

No bed in here, huh?  That's weird.  I don't remember the boss having a second wagon or anything.  Where does she sleep?  Is she the sphinx?  I mean, Jherizhana never comes out of her own wagon when she's not doing shows, Delisen's wagon isn't lived in.  Can sphinxes do that sort of thing?  Everyone keeps talking about how magical they are, they gotta be able to impersonate humans, right?  Am I working for a sphinx?

"...Can I see the sphinx?" he asked.  "We should get her side of the story, or at least hear her say she didn't maul the guy."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:39, Tue 17 July 2018.

"They can talk?" Verna asked incredulously without thinking.

Talla listens, then comments. "This seems like a delicate situation. I'm all for a good fight, but I really don't want to anger an entire town of people. I doubt the mob would be able to kill us, but I don't want to be responsible for killing them unnecessarily." She glances at the group she had traveled with. "Even so, the sooner this murder is solved, the less chance that the town will get wind of it and overreact." A little quieter. "And I wouldn't mind meeting the Sphinx as well."

Almara gave a sigh and a nod.

"The sphinx is...agitated to say the least. She does not like her routine to be disrupted and is in quite a ferocious mood."

She paused and gave a sigh.

"Not a murderous mood but keeping her captive is trying at the best of times. I will see what I can arrange but it will probably be at least a day before we can arrange a meeting. As for the dead man, he's not one of mine so I wouldn't know him. Looks like he came from the village. I've notified the town mayor to come by, he should be able to tell you more about the man.

Does this mean you'll accept my offer? You'll work to try and clear the carnival's name?"

"Yes, I'll accept the offer. Besides, the carnival was beginning to disappoint me." Karella said bluntly. "This is a mystery that we best solve as quickly as possible."

"We should check the area where the man was found dead. We'll have to see if there are any clues or tracks."


OOC: Scooby-do!

Torgan raised a skeptical eye at the sphinx being unavailable.  Sure it was.  More likely it was just too busy running the circus to change forms.

He shrugged nonchalantly.  "Yeah, I'll catch your killer.  Two conditions, though:  First, we get paid even if the murderer turns out to be one of your people."  He paused, leaning over the chair and looking the circus master dead in the eye. "Second, you tell us whatever it is you're holding back."

It was a fishing attempt, and not an overly subtle one.  But sometimes obvious ploys were just as effective.  People let all kinds of things slip with a little provocation.  Especially when you knew what to look for.

OC: Torgan is using sense motive to see if he can get a read on Almara.  Due to the nature of sense motive, it's probably done best with a secret roll on your end.

Amara seemed to be watching the woman carefully, tilting her head as she considered her carefully. The offer was tempting, oh so very tempting. But damn if the woman didn't have a tick or two. Still a hundred gold was tempting but the shady aspect was putting her off something fierce. Accepting the wrong kind of job is what ended with people in the gutter.

"I'll pass. I don't appreciate being lied to. Jobs that start with blatant lies are the kind that are setting you up to take the fall."

Rynwyrd followed along with the others as they were lead to a large tent. He raised an eyebrow at the woman inside, but listened to what she had to say. He kept his piece as some of the others spoke up and the women replied some more. He took it all in and then glanced sideways at Amara when she called the woman out. His lips quirked slightly in a small smile at brazenness.

It was an interesting offer, but he agreed she was lying about some things. The capabilities of a sphinx, for starters. "Well, I DO agree that the sphinx did not kill the person, as it would have other means to do so - not the 'magical blasting' mentioned," He even made air quotes when said 'magical blasting', "but they would use magical means to drive someone off, and would not leave a body lying there as they are very smart generally."

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. I am intrigued and bored, so I suppose I will accept your offer, but I agree that you need to stop lying and being evasive. It's unbecoming of an intelligent creature trying to strike a bargain in good faith." If she WASN'T the sphinx, and the sphinx was indeed being held captive, he thought he might have to remedy that situation before taking his leave from the carnival for good.

Almara rolled her eyes and gave out a sigh.

"Fine. You're right, I shouldn't be lying to you. You're not a pack of rubes that need to be shucked of their coins."

She paused and a smile spread across her lips.

"I suppose this is a good testament to your investigative abilities. I will share the secret of the sphinx but you must promise that you will not reveal it to the town. If word gets out it could seriously damage our ability to attract visitors.

The sphinx is not a captive. In fact anyone with half a brain should be able to figure that out. She has agreed to join our carnival for her own purposes. I think she enjoys being pampered and traveling in style but truthfully her reasons are her own. Because she is a valued guest that is why I do not wish to disturb her about this unless absolutely necessary. As I said before, she is not welcome to visitors at this time but tomorrow I should be able to arrange for an introduction where you can politely ask it your questions."

She shifted to address Torgan.

"I seriously doubt one of my workers would lay the body at the sphinx's cage but yes, if the culprit turns out to be one of the carnival then you shall still receive your reward. And those responsible will be thrown over to whatever justice can be found in Ravenmoor. I have no interest in harboring murderers. Bad for business, you understand."

Verna had no idea what a sphinx was but it sounded like a reasonable being to her. She trusted her companions to know more about them. Verna was really worried about the justice system in these parts. It didn't seem likely they had a jail for murderers or want to care for murderers even if they had a jail. The likely outcome of this investigation if the perpetrator is found, than he'd either have to come with the group or be executed for his crimes here. She kept her thoughts to herself for now though.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Tue 17 July 2018.

Amara still had a slight frown on her lips as she considered whether or not she really wanted to get involved in this. On one hand, it was a good amount of gold. On another, something about this thing rubbed her wrong. Finally she gave a little shrug, it at least seemed interesting. Finally she moved slightly closer to the woman so she could catch her, raising an arm to brush her hair back.

"A quarter up front and a spot to sleep that's safe where we can set up bedrolls"


Amara lowered her arm, debating tying her hair back but deciding it would be fine.

"That way we can devote all our attention to figuring this out without worrying about townsfolk taking offense, yea?"

Torgan rolled his eyes at the circus master's 'admission'.  That was it?  Of course the sphinx wasn't really a prisoner!  He already knew that!  Oh well.  It hadn't hurt to prod, and apparently that had been enough to bring Amara around to signing up.  The sphinx could keep her secrets, for now.

He shrugged.  "Hey, if you want to keep pretending to be slavers, I won't stop you.  One day some gullible Cayden worshiper's gonna stick a knife in your throat over it. But until then, you do you."  The circus had gone from "us" to "you" pretty quickly.  Torg had been pretty on the fence about joining up full time, and actually talking to the boss had been enough to put him firmly in the "no" column.  Besides, a hundred GPs was plenty for a bard to live on between gigs.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Wed 18 July 2018.

Moggrim's hand went up to the smoked goggles that he had on and for a short moment he could be seen squinting as he pulled them down a fraction as if to see her with his eyes without the issue of the protective glass.  Just as quickly though the moment passed at the goggles were back fully covering his eyes yet one bushy eyebrow rose slightly and stayed there as he spoke quietly as before, "Everyone has their secrets to keep.  I see no issue as long as relevant secrets, like that one, that help us solve this murder are shared when needed."

Ryn tapped his chin thoughtfully. "So the Sphinx is not a witness to the murder...and was not the one who found the body? Or was she? First-hand accounts are almost universally better than second- or third-hand ones." He shrugged. "But if you say she is unavailable for questioning, then she is unavailable." He shook his head.

"If someone else found the body, may we speak with them? Also, has the area where the body was found touched, changed, or trampled since the body was found? I ask because there might have been clues to find as to the killer's identity. Like was there blood there or is it for certain the body was moved and dumped there after death?"

He gestured to his current allies. "And was there any information about who the deceased was so we can look in to who might want to kill them?"

Almara raised an eyebrow at Amara's request.

"Forgive me if I appear reluctant to just hand away gold to travelers. If you start producing results I would be more willing to front you some amount ahead of time. I will give you a safe and secure place to rest while you're working on this though. We several wagons used to carry supplies that are sitting empty. A pair of them will fit you all and keep you safe from the bugs and vermin infesting this godforsaken swamp.

How does that sound for an opener. Check back tomorrow and we can see if you've earned a bit of coin yet."

She doesn't respond to Torgan and Moggrim but to Rynwyrd she gives a nod.

"Jherizhana was in her wagon when the body was found. In fact it was found by Venlok, my head of security. He was doing a sweep of the tent to make sure everything was ready for the sphinx to teleport to her cage and found the body. He is still there keeping the crime scene preserved for you and the mayor. Before you ask, no he was not alone. He had a couple of guards with him and while one of them left to alert me, Venlok and the other guard have been there the whole time. Also no, I have complete trust in Venlok. If he wanted to kill someone they would just disappear.

As for the deceased, like I said you will have to ask the mayor. If you hurry now you can get there before the mayor arrives and talk to Venlok privately. I had my slowest runner go out to alert the mayor so you have a bit of time if you leave now."

She pointed towards the entrance.

"Torgan knows the way to the cage."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Thu 19 July 2018.

Torgan didn't make any move towards the door.  Instead, he pulled the chair he had been leaning on away from the table and sat down.  Scooting the chair back up to the table, he looked the carnival mistress in the eyes.  "I'm sorry, there seems to be a bit of a misunderstanding," he began mildly.  "I didn't know we were talking about you giving away money to random travellers.  I was somehow under the impression that you were offering us a job.  And jobs pay.  Especially when that job involves tracking down a killer.  Or saving your business from getting run out of town with pitchforks and torches."

"Traditionally, the deal is half up front, half when the job is done.  But I think we're all fine with twenty-five if it saves us some haggling.  After all, time is a factor in this sort of thing.  So, please, get us our money so we can get to work.  OR we can go check out the zoo and you can keep looking for some rubes who are willing to risk their lives for free.  If this is the kind of job you want rubes doing, that is."   

18:26, Today: Torgan Dul rolled 28 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 17.  Diplomacy (haggling).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Thu 19 July 2018.

The faintest bit of a smile crosses Almara's face as she reaches into her robes and pulls out a pouch that clinks with gold.

"One hundred and fifty gold coins. I had not expected one of my own to decide to switch sides but if this is the kind of work you would rather do for me then so be it, Torgan. One hundred and fifty now that you can split up however you choose for those of you who decide to help out the carnival. Anyone who helps deliver the murderer to justice can claim their remaining..."

She pauses as she does some quick mental math.

"...eighty gold pieces each."

With a flourish she tosses the pouch to Torgan for distribution, having him do her work one last time.

"No switching sides here, boss."  Torgan replied easily, catching the purse and standing up.  "Just switching jobs."

He casually tossed the purse over to Amara as he headed for the door, hoping to avoid the responsibility that came with it.  Math was not his strong suit, and he didn't much like the idea of everyone watching as he tried to split 150 gold seven ways.

"Alright, lets get going!  The cage is right this way."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Fri 20 July 2018.

Amara grabbed the pouch and began counting out the coins, and handed a bundle to each of the others working with her as she mentally counted in her head, finally putting three coins in her belt pouch and stashing the leftover gold in her gear, albeit where exactly was hard to tell.

"21 Gold each, and 3 leftover. We can worry about who gets that later, or use it for bribes if necessary. Good job Torgan, that's more then acceptable."

Seems like Amara had a murder mystery to solve.

Rynwyrd shook his head slightly about the teleportation, but did listen carefully to everything lese. He wasn't normally one to care too much about negotiation - so long as he paid what he thought he was worth, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, he didn't complain too much. Getting a little bit upfront was nice, especially with how shifty the carnival madame seemed to be. He gave Amara a cautious nod but kept a discreet eye on her.

He followed Torgan out towards there destination.