Episode 1: Ierendi, The Tournament of Adventurers

Episode 1: Ierendi, The Tournament of Adventurers


The circus ship made it to Ierendi Island without incident. No pirates, no local authority spot checks, just smooth sailing to port. This is good news because the troupe has been sailing for days, no stops, no performances. The animals and troupe will appreciate this special engagement in Ierendi. Because they will be in port for a week, all will get an opportunity to stretch their legs and give various performances.

Madagast Circus--your circus--is scheduled to perform for a very special event, The Royal Tournament of Adventurers, the annual festival conducted regularly on Ierendi to choose the next King and Queen of the Island Kingdom. The King and Queen are chosen every year through this tournament, with the winners of the male and female divisions taking the throne.

Though Ierendi has a King and Queen, the real business of running the kingdom is done by the Ierendi Tribunal, a cabinet of representatives from the most influential aristocratic families in Ierendi. The King and Queen are mere figureheads.

Beside the tournament itself, the festival consists of a week long celebration. Different curiosities and wonders are brought to the island from many lands to entertain all who attend.

Madagast Circus is one of these wonders. Your troupe's ringleader, Master Ganesh Madagast, is a mysterious man of great renown and honor. In all the lands he brings you to, he never seems to have a shortage of connections or acquaintances about. He also seems to be willing to provide favors for just causes and sometimes is encountered by someone who he has an old debt to repay. Your ringleader's dealings sometimes result with your troupe getting involved in some ordeal. Luckily Ganesh has never got you into trouble you haven't been able to get out of.

Apparently the festivities have already begun with some port fireworks for the incoming guests.

The ship makes it to port just at dusk. But there is no immediate rest for your experienced troupe. All snap to work. The ship is prepared and the tent is raised in a matter of four hours. Hopefully tomorrow's first show will go as practiced and planned with no unexpected circumstances in this generally peaceful tropical island kingdom.



After the circus is raised aboard the ship, Ringmaster Ganesh addresses the troupe,

"Excellent work my family! We are now prepared for this wonderful week."

"As you know, tomorrow we put on the opening show. In honored attendance will be Ierendi's Tribunal members, the Kingdom's current King and Queen, as well as the six contestants of this year's Tournament of Adventurers. Our very special guests will view the show from our private balconies and be catered in our elite lounges."

"But our--handsomely paid--engagement here in Ierendi, does not end after our opening show. No, not at all. We have been chosen to aid in this year's tournament theme...the contests will be circus themed. We are tasked to train the adventures in the needed skills to compete as well as provide the arena for the event."

"I am putting Tasya, Anlo, Khyree, and Khali in charge of the contestants' training. Khali, the Tribunal thought it would be interesting that the contestant's first engagement of the week be a reading."

"I will leave it to you four to discuss and determine the best plan to train the contestants as well as to devise the tournament events. As the tournament is known throughout Ierendi to be facilitated by the great Madagast Circus, this must be a grand spectacle, an event never forgotten by this Island kingdom, such a grand thing that word of its magnificence travels to the lands beyond."

"Let's give a wonderful show tomorrow. Now let's get rest."

Upon that Ringmaster Ganesh starts to leave the circus floor likely heading to his quarters.

Khali is in one of her work outfits that consist of a long sleeve white shirt with loose sleeves, a tan leather vest with pockets, a skirt held up at the waist by a leather utility belt and sailor's boots. This is finished out with a maroon hooded cape with holes in the side for her arms to fit through. A small scabbard supports her dagger. Never know.....rats.

She replies with a polite curtsey "Of course, Ringmaster. The contestants may see me at their leisure." Of course, she fully anticipated this.

Tasya lands like the weight on the end of a long rope, having only finished assembling the rigging for the high wire acts beneath the big top, as the troupe's leader and ringmaster addresses those gathered on deck.

Tasya, or Tas, as most of her closest in the troupe refer to her, is a young Human female in her late teens. Slender, agile, and very fit, she has vibrant green eyes and light blonde hair falling just past her shoulders, with pink highlights. Her skin is a pale porcelain in complexion and she is quite comfortable dressed in the showy and often skimpy costumes that her performances require to unhinder her aerial movements.

Her current ensemble consists of a bodysuit and gloves in purple-blue and grey with accents of gold and silver.

"Very well, Greatfather." Tasya acknowledges Ganesh Madagast's wishes for her to be one of the four in charge of training the contestants for the competition. She lingers to hear any further instructions, then bounds off to leap onto the back of an equine horse-zebra hybrid she favors, named Stripe.

---

Tasya's First Night Performance

It is upon the rope, silk, harness, hammock, or trapeze that Tas feels the most alive. She goes through her routine with a racing heart and a genuine joy on her face, as she holds the audience below in rapt mesmerism.

As the harness is finally lowered from the roustabouts assisting in the rigging above, Tasya dismounts and slow struts sensuously from the ring. As she reaches the edge, the lights lower to nearly darkness and she is gone.

Her adoring audience erupts with applause...

Khyree folds her arms, listens, and nods to their leader's wishes.

One of the newest members of the Madagast Circus' traveling troupe, Khyree Vadis is quickly becoming one the crowd's favorites with her fire shows. She runs a hand through her asymmetrically cut natural black hair, with streaks of silver, and tips of red. Piercing dark gray eyes flicker over the gathering of performers and support crew, from a pleasing face of some exotic far away land. She sports multiple ear and facial piercings. Tribal tattoos cover her exposed upper arms, back, and chest. She is lithe, but strong of mind and body, having been trained in the ways of a martial monk.

Highlight of Khyree's performance

Anlo sat on the railing of the ship, one foot hooked on a baluster as he listened to the Ringmaster. He ran fingers through his short blonde hair when he heard he had been selected to help with training. He glanced over at his mother, then back to the Ringmaster.

No pressure, he immediately thought.

As everyone dispersed to go about their business, Anlo hopped down and pulled his hood up. He adjusted the bandolier of throwing spikes he wore as a means of fidgeting more than anything. His outfit wasn't as flashy as some of the others... over the years growing up in the circus, he had tried a variety of costumes but none of them looked right when you added all of the spikes. He eventually settled on functional. He wore clothes not unlike what a traveler would wear, but more brightly colored. His crimson cloak was slightly oversized, to billow and add movement as he performed. His boots, gloves, and belt all matched the brilliant red of his cloak. His breaches and tunic were a vibrant azure. Only his bandolier was "boring," in that it was traditional dark brown leather. But it had been a gift, and the sentimental value was far more important than the color.

Bright blue eyes looked out from the shadows of his hood, mind already at work for how he would teach these adventurers.

Opening day many scores of people line the dock in anticipation of Madagast Circus. Some stand in line excited to see Khaili, the fortune teller; one by one she provides them with readings until the show doors open and the circus is about to begin.

…

The show is splendid. Three memorable acts in particular deeply captivate the crowd:

During Tasya’s aerial routine, the audience remains mesmerized by her beautiful ascent to the top of the tent as she entwines her agile legs and body with the silk. Her final energetic and graceful descent keeps the crowd in silent awe through her dismount and slow sensuous strut from the ring. When the lights are finally lowered, her speechless audience erupts with adoring applause.

Khyree amazes the circus-goers by twirling fans of burning flames, stepping in and out of various blazing shapes while she spins them in spellbinding patterns around her. She also at various points in her routine hangs from a spinning ring while breathing fire toward her audience who gasp in fear and delight.

Anlo's performance grabs the audience’s undivided attention by combining acrobatics with precision weapon throwing. While he starts off stationary, by the end he is throwing spikes at multiple targets while swinging from ropes, being pulled skyward, and navigating a tightrope. While he throws, many in the audience can be seen involuntarily ducking and dodging in their seats as many of the targets that Anlo flawlessly lands are placed by the roustabouts between the crowd and master thrower. At the end of his act Anlo drops from the highest tightrope, hitting multiple targets during his fall with various weapons before landing gracefully into the safety net.

…

After the last act the crowd stands and cheers with thunderous applause; Ringmaster Genesh steps onto the stage for closing words. The crowd starts chanting "More!, more!, more!, more!..." Many chant while stomping on the ship deck and balcony floor boards.

Ganesh loudly interjects. "Gentle folk of Ierendi, do not be worried!" he booms attempting to quell the audience but also himself reveling in their delight. "There is more excitement and amazement in store for you on this circus ship during this week of The Tournament of Adventurers!...Your King and Queen will be determined here in this very circus ring, where each contender for the crown will test their prowess before your amazed eyes. They will be challenged…by the rope… by the blade…and by fire!!"

As Ganesh addresses the audience, two members of the king and queen's royal court walk on to the stage. Each rests a covered pillow on their forearm. They step to either side of Ganesh and lift the cover to reveal the Royal Crowns of Ierendi. Ganesh takes the crowns, one in each hand, and holds them up high for the audience to see. "Your successful King and Queen will be crowned here under this tent. Until then my friends, may Ierendi’s week long festivities continue!" The crowd explodes in roaring cheers. Ganesh gives the crowns back to the court members, and then leaves the stage; he heads to the lounge to mingle with and entertain the special guests. The show ends and the audience begins to exit the ship.

…

The tower lounges are one of the most extravagant parts of the ship, second only to the Ringmaster’s entertaining quarters. Here roustabouts–who double (and triple) as caterers, ship deckhands, and circus tent rousters–are finely dressed and cleaned up (as much as they allow themselves to be anyway), but they still somehow maintain an unkempt rough air as they serve and tend to the lounge guests.

Khali spent the pre-show time collecting a small horde of coinage by reading the fortunes of many excited circus-goers on their way into the ship’s bigtop. Once the show began she moved to the starboard port balcony lounge. She now sits in the balcony watching Ganesh excite the crowd with the royal crowns held high. When the show ends Khali sees Ganesh exit the stage and turns her attention to the lounge.

The fortune teller instinctually watches the activities of the guests who have been invited to the lounge. The guests currently in the lounge include the:

Ierendi Tribunal members
Current King Palfrit and Queen Mari
Admiral "Lady" Kai the King’s wife and High Admiral of the Ierendi Fleet
Lord Dede, Queen Mari's husband
Hector Octavion, Ambassador from Imperial Thyatis
Bartolomeo Fiori, Ambassador from the Minorath Guilds
Gherynid, Mage Representative of Honor Island (the self-governing island within Ierendi)
Five of the eight members of the Royal Court (the two not present, Manu and Moa, had presented the Royal Crowns on stage.)
Elandra Stormblade, Adventurer's Club Guildmaster
Thorne Wildheart, Safari Island's Wilderness Preserve Headmaster
Vance Ironclaw, Safari Island Adventure Arena Director

A rousty-server walks by with a tray and offers Khali a tasty bite on a tiny stick.

10 minutes or so after the show ends the six five tournament contestants, who had special ‘front row’ seats on the circus floor, make their way into the lounge, as does Ringmaster Ganesh. The sixth, Captain Zephyros "Swiftclaw" Sunblade, comes in a few minutes after. (I made a minor change here from the initial post)

Ganesh, entering the lounge from the ajoining guest quarters sees the contestants filing into the room from the other entrance. Gathering them together he brings them over to Khali.

"Khali, I would like to introduce to you this year’s six contenders for the crown. Of course, as the Ierendi tradition dictates, the current king and queen will compete as well to attempt to keep their crowns. But the Tribunal would like you to give each of these six contestants a reading. You may decide which order to take them."

Before Khali can address Ganesh or the contestants, a member of the Royal Court bursts into the lounge and exclaims,

"The Crowns, the Crowns they are gone! I found Steward Manu and Moa, who carried them, unconscious in the lower tower level. They were designated to meet me backstage and we were to return the crowns to the Royal Palace. But they never came. I headed to the tower to inquire here. But found the two unconscious with the crowns gone."

The room goes silent. Everyone looks at Ringmaster Ganesh...

Khali’s reaction is to reach into her pouch where she keeps her totems and cards and withdraws one of her decks. After a brief shuffle, muttering a word of prayer for guidance, she pulls out a single card. She studies it and shows it only to Ganesh. She speaks in a low tone so that only he may hear. "The culprit, or culprits, motivation is for material gains. The thieves know the crowns are a long cherished tradition. A ransom will most likely be forthcoming."

The audience clears from the circus deck quickly as there is not a post performance meet-the-troupe on the the circus floor tonight due to the fact that honored guests are being entertained in the tower lounge instead.

...

Considering that, Tasya and Khyree head directly to their personal dressing rooms in the costume area backstage after the show. A few other troupe members are doing the same. Rosalyra and Mariquette change in a shared room between Tasya’s and Khyree’s.

While changing in their rooms, Tasya and Khyree hear the voice of Caspian, the Rakasta lead roustabout.

"And this is the costume room. We’ll see how things unfold once you get to work with Khyree, Tasya, Arlo, and Khali on your events. You may need to change here too. I don’t know. But anyway, that’s about it for the circus deck. I’ll show you the way to the lounge."

…

After the show concludes, before he can make it to his quarters, Anlo’s parents approach him on the circus deck as the audience files off the ship. "You truly shine out there, Anlo my boy," says Anlo’s father. "Ringmaster Ganesh recognizes your importance to this circus so much he has selected you for this very important role in our Ierendi engagement." His mother adds, "We are very proud of you."

While he talks with his parents Anlo sees the roustabout, Caspian, leading the tournament contestant Captain Zephyros "Swiftclaw" Sunblade, another Rakasta, from the circus floor toward the backstage.…

In the lounge Ganesh quietly responds to Kahli.

"Your card may reveal the truth, Kahli. But none of this bodes well for the circus. If there are no answers, the people of Ierendi will blame the circus for this travesty. The culprit must be found for the sake of the circus."

Tasya shrugs into her coverup quickly and steps out to see what's going on and who is with Caspian, as they pass by.

Khyree towels off from a quick dip in the tub. She hears the sound of voices beyond the dressing rooms and touches her personal messaging device. "Are we receiving our trainees now? Should we make ourselves available?"

"Thank you so much!" Anlo hugs his mother, overjoyed at their approval. In many respects, it means more to the young man than the fact the ringmaster recognized him by tasking him with training these competitors.

"I'll see you both at the meet! I need to clean up!" And with that he's off to freshen up and change, still beaming from ear to ear. Once he's presentable, he begings to head to the meet while keeping an eye out for Caspian.

When Tasya peers out from her personal dressing room she, Caspian is gone. He and whomever he was speaking with had already exited the main dressing room.

...

Everyone (Anlo, Kahli, Tasya, Ganesh, Caspian, and Jin) hears Khyree's sending trinket question. Jin replies, "No not for training yet. Grandfather just wants us to meet them first in the guest lounge as soon as we can get there. I'm on my way there now from my quarters."

...

Anlo leaves his parents and makes his way through the exiting crowd to the pens and stables door under the general balcony. He walks through the animal area where some roustys are helping Rosa, the animal trainer, tend to the beasts after the show. Just as he makes it to the door at the back of the stable that leads to the troupe's quarters, Jin emerges through the door. "Oh, Hi Anlo," says Jin. "Did you hear my response to Khyree's question. Ringmaster Ganesh wants us to meet the contestants in the lounge. Heading there soon?"

Khali's stone is embedded in one of her many rings. She appears to rub her chin while sending a message to Anlo, Taysha and Kyree.
"The Crowns have been taken. Last seen in the lower tower. Can you investigate? Ringmaster and I will keep them entertained here in the lounge."

The Ringmaster should have overheard her. Best someone investigate the scene of the crime before evidence gets tampered with.

@RageRed,@JamaisVu,@MaJunior (Only their PC's get this message)

Sending Trinkets Uses Log:
Anlo: 4/4
Kahli: 3/4
Khyree: 3/4
Tasya: 4/4

Caspian: 4/4
Ganesh: 4/4
Jin: 3/4

Tasya looks to both Khyree and Anlo, then sighs and shakes her head. "I suppose we should do as she suggests. Would not want another incident of the circus troupe being made out to be responsible for such a crime. Accolades to accusations. A girl could get whiplash from it."

If Tasya and Anlo meet to investigate, they will find the still unconscious figures of Steward Moa and Steward Manu on the floor of the lower starboard tower, accessible from the stage.

In this relatively plain round tower-like area, there is nothing but a spiral staircase that leads upward to guest quarters on one side of the room. There is also a strait staircase on the other side that leads below deck. (One could walk a hallway below the circus floor deck, across the ship to the troupes' quarters as well as across the ship to the port side tower.)

There are tiny bits of glass near Moa and Manu, signs of a shattered vial. The two pillows that held the crowns earlier are on the floor nearby them.

A strong breeze of ocean air blows into the room from an open window thats about 2' X 4'. A thick curtain blows in the opening. The curtain has a few clean slices in it as if it was scraped by razor sharp claws.

"Shit."

Anlo, after a quick clean and change, is standing in a lower level and looking at unconscious stewards and empty pillows.

"Shit shit shit." Ok, first thing first, let's carefully pick up the broken glass in hopes it's a clue... then we can wake the stewards I guess?

Anlo will cut a piece of the curtain and gather the broken glass vial without touching it directly, wrapping it securely so no pieces slip out. He then kneels by the stewards and -- after double checking they aren't dead -- shakes them. "Steward! Steward! Are you ok? What happened?"

Khali is takes another look around, being sure to bow slightly to anyone who might be watching her.

Tasya takes visual assessment of the situation and the condition of the room. "On first thoughts it would seem our thief was small, agile, and possessed of claws: A monkey or raccoon perhaps? Or..a shapeshifter? Druid?"

Port Lounge

After Steward Kani's exclamation about the missing crowns, Queen Mari steps up to Kani, pains of worry on her face. "Manu!" She gasps under her breath. "You left Manu there!? How do you know she is alright!?"

Kani bows slightly, "I am sorry your majesty, Upon seeing that she still breathes, I thought it most prudent to quickly warn you. I can bring others back for the unconscious courtiers." Kani, who is Queen Mari's senior in age and her personal advisor then adds, "Your majesty, we must remain calm and remember our stately duty even in times of distress."

Kahli (who succeeded in a perception check DC 10) notices that King Palfrit shifts, looking like he wants to go to the distressed Queen Mari, but a stern look from both Lady Kai and Steward Quint stop him.

Also Kahli's attention is drawn to the fact that during the commotion with everyone's focus on Queen Mari and Steward Kani, Elandra Stormblade (Adventure's Club Guildmaster) hands a pin to Captain Zephyros. She quietly whispers something to him and he takes the pin. Kahli then notices that the other contestants wear a similar pin (and Zephyros previously was the only contestant without one on). The pins are made from a stunning blend of gold and silver and are in the shape of a phoenix with small white gemstones embedded.




Lower Starboard Tower

Anlo securely gathers the broken bits of glass in a piece of the curtain. Sea air still blows into the room through the open window that Tasya assesses.

After a bit of shaking Anlo gets a stir out of Steward Manu and Moa. Both are extremely groggy and puzzled. There is no sign of physical harm to their bodies. "What...what happened?" quietly asks Manu. "We...we were supposed to meet Steward Kani backstage. We heard Kani's voice call us into this tower through the backstage door. Last I remember we walked in here and were calling for her."

"The crowns. Where are they?" asks a startled Moa when he noticed the pillows.

"I'm sorry, but they were already missing when you were found unconscious," Anlo informs the stewards, helping them sit up and checking them for injury. "And you are certain another steward called you in here? Or, their voice at least?"

Manu replies, "It was Steward Kani's voice, I'm certain, but she was no where to be found. I called to her and...and...that's all I remember. Then you shook me awake."

Moa adds,"When Manu called out for Steward Kani, I remember noticing the curtain waving in the breeze there," he point toward the window, "and now here we are."

"As someone who knows precious little about magic, I am inclined to think magic is at play." Anlo sits, pinching the bridge of his nose for a moment. "We'll get everything sorted... somehow... right, Tas?"

Khali takes advantage of the fact that the attention is on the Queen and her advisor by walking silently to an obscure place to cast Detect Magic. If successful, her intent is to focus on the pin that's being handed off and the others too.

"Umm..yeah. Sure. We'll sort it out." Tasya tries to sound convincing, though she has her doubts of her own ability in these matters.

Port Lounge

Steward Kani continues, "Your majesty, I will return to Steward Manu and King Palfrit's Steward Moa."

"Kani. Take Steward Ru with you!" orders Queen Mari.

"But your majesty you should keep your bodyguards nearby you," objects Steward Kani.

"That is an order Steward," demands the queen.

"Yes your majesty." Kani bows and heads to leave the lounge. Steward Ru follows.

...

While the conversation takes place, Kahli takes advantage of the commotion and moves silently to an obscure place to detect any magical auras present in the lounge.

She first focuses on the pins, which all glow (including the one being handed off) with a teasing, verdant tryst of fey hues telling her they possess enchantment magic. Further she sees:

Tribune Lanu, wears a pendant that glows a lustrous golden sheen (transmutation).

Tribune Janti has a magnifying glass that hangs from her belt that gives off a translucent gray mist (divination).

Tribune Grakk has a longsword that glows a lustrous golden sheen (transmutation).

Steward Quint wears a ring that gives off a glowing nimbus of white (abjuration).

Gherynid has, attached to his belt, a item that looks like a tiny narrow lantern. In plain sight it emits a fiery red glow, but Kahli's detect magic spell reveals an ebb and flow of opposing oranges and blues (evocation).

Vance Ironclaw’s walking stick glows a basic brown with subtle hints of depth (illusion).

Pipin Shadowstep's dark cloak also glows a basic brown with subtle hints of depth (illusion) and one of the vials on his belt glows a lustrous golden sheen (transmutation).



Lower Starboard Tower

Steward Manu has a sudden realization, "I must go tell the Queen Mari that the crowns are gone!" She tries to stand but is clearly still unstable and loses her balance.

Meanwhile, a breeze blows harder into the room through the open window and the curtain flaps loudly.

Lingering near the open window, Tas feels the gust of air from outside. She turns to focus more on the window and moves closer to investigate and peer through it.

Khali is impressed, but not surprised, that high ranking people have items of enchantment. Its expected, but she's still no less intrigued. Not so bold as to approach the Queen herself, she instead chooses to approach the quieted King instead She interprets his interaction as someone who really wants to help. She makes herself visible to him, bows with her hands folded, and introduces herself.

"Your Majesty. I am Mistress Khali, a member of this troupe. May I inquire who holds the duty as Court Magician? Perhaps if we collaborate we can bring this tragedy to a quick resolution?"

Lower Starboard Tower
Tasya notices a thick iron pin--that normally slips into position to keep the window locked--lying freely on the window sill.

Then she peers through the window and looks around. Outside, about 5 feet directly above the open window, is a protruding beam. Tasya can make out some indented marks on the beam (A). Her knowledge of nature leads her to think that the marks were made by the talons of a bird of prey, yet they look slightly larger than any seabirds one would expect in to find in this port. Adding to her suspicion, she also sees a long dark feather lodged into the corner where tower beams meet (B).

Port Lounge
King Palfrit, at first distracted and focussed on Queen Mari, realizes Kahli has addressed him a moment after she speaks. He is puzzled for a moment longer at the inquiry about a court magician, but he then processes Kahli's request and responds, "There is no one in my court responsible for wizardry, but my advisor Steward Quint has some knowledge in matters of magic. Perhaps he could be of assistance."

King Palfrit waves toward Steward Quint who is close by. Quint, who heard Kahli's request and the King's reply, steps forward. He responds rather coldly with an air of annoyance, "I am studied in the workings of magic. What do you propose Mistress?" His voice has a tone of condescension.

"Anlo..." Tasya calls out to him to get his attention. She waves him over and points out the iron pin and the feather. "Perhaps Khali can use her powers of divination and discover who may have touched the pin last and to what the feather belongs?"

"Um, excuse me a moment," Anlo says to the stewards as he rises and joins Tas at the window. His eyes widen briefly, and in a hushed tone he tells his fellow performer, "That'a a great find! Khali seems like the right call... we probably shouldn't touch it? I don't know. I'm not exactly sure how divination works."

Khali uses a respectful tone while addressing the Steward. "Your Lordship, as you know, important items such as the Crowns have enchantments placed upon them." She glances around at the contestants with their pins, hoping he gets the subtle hint. "Perhaps when the Crowns were forged a clever magician ensorcelled them so that they could be scryed?" She's fairly certain he can't do it or he would've already been out the door to do so.

Port Lounge
Kahli notices that Steward Quint is pleased to be refered to as your lordship. Accustomed to being called upon as the expert in matters arcane, he pridefullly readies himself to offer insight as he follows Kahli's gaze toward the contestants. When he follows Kahli's gaze, for a brief moment he is lost in thought.

He then responds, "It is true that important artifacts can be embedded with magics that reveal their location. The crowns have been passed from royal to royal in a long tradition that predates my time in this court. I am not aware of the details of their creation. Though I have never detected any magical qualities in them." His last sentence is curt and final sounding as if it implies the end of the conversation.

But he then says something more quietly almost as if he is speaking to himself, "Hmm, I do know that alloys exist which can house various magics including charm magic." He has a puzzled look on his face and his gaze turns to studying Elandra Stormblade.

Lower Starboard Tower
Steward Moa still sits groggily and Steward Manu stands still trying to maintain her balance. Anlo and Tasya turn from examining Tasya's find when Steward Kani and Steward Ru enter the tower from the circus stage door.

"Steward Manu," says Kani. "You are awake. And Moa you too. The Queen should like to see you to know you are alright and to hear your account."

Steward Ru notices Anlo and Tasya. The armed royal bodyguard places a hand on the hilt of her sword and asks curtly, "In what state did these two circus members find you?"

"We found them unconscious, and worked to awaken them. I understand your concerns, but truthfully if it had been us who assaulted them... why would we have stayed?" Anlo's question is honest, and intended to put the guards at ease. Even though he understands that is unlikely in the circumstances. "I assume you wish us to accompany you. We will, of course."

With that, Anlo will offer to assist the stewards in standing and maintaining their balance. The ship rocks, and the stewards don't seem to have clear heads yet.

Lower Starboard Tower
"It is true what the knife thrower says," assures Manu.

"Very well," says Ru as she removes her hand from her hilt. "Yes. Come with us. You may relate your account to the Queen as well."

Khali's gaze follows the Steward's towards the Guild Mistress to see if she is doing something else that's odd."Ahh,..Alchemy. A much appreciated form of magic."speaking agreeably.She adds, speaking loud enough for at least the King and his entourage to overhear"In the Circus, we have a saying. 'The Show Must Go On.' Good thing one doesn't need a crown to be a King, eh? I'm sure we can find replicas or substitutes, right?pauses to see what reaction that gets.

Seeing that Anlo has already torn a part of the curtain away earlier to handle the broken vial, Tasya does the same. She wraps part of it around the iron pin and places it on the deck for a moment. Then, climbs out through the window with another scrap of curtain to grab the feather.

Tasya scaling outside of ship.
Tasya effortlessly leaps up into a crouched position on the window sill. She then swings herself outside of the window and adeptly leaps to a vertical beam 6 feet to her right between windows. She shimmies herself up it until she comes to the long dark feather wedged by the wind in the space where a horizontal beam meets the one she scaled. When she pulls the feather out from the spot it's lodged in she notices that it is rather longer than she thought, and it doesn't remind her of any bird feathers, in fact her skill in deciphering things of nature tells her that this feather is not from a bird, but instead a flying raptor. (The circus once rescued a young injured flying raptor that made it's way from the southern continent. Rosalyra was never able to fully train the beast for the show and it never fully recovered and ended up passing away.)

Port Lounge

"Yes. Alchemy exactly." replies Quint curtly. "Will you please excuse me?" With his mind appearing to be occupied, Steward Quint breaks the conversation and moves to go speak with Elandra Stormblade, who Kahli does not notice doing anything odd after handing the pin to Captain Zephyros. She just stands, like many in the room, focussing on the Queen in astonishment.

King Palfrit picks up where Quint leaves off. "Agreed. We do not need the crowns to continue with the tournament schedule. We will find the thief, I'm sure."

Tribune Danta, overhearing the conversation, steps up from behind Kahli and interjects, "Yes, Your Majesty. As the fortune-teller says it is in the best interest of the Kingdom to have the show go on. We don't want our neighbors--she looks toward Bartolomeo Fiori, Ambassador from the Minrothad Guilds--to have reason to believe our traditions are not being adhered to and our valued system is in a state of flux."

She then looks at Kahli. "I sincerely hope we find that the circus has nothing to do with this travesty and is not being influenced by a foreign nation to sabotage the Tournament to undermine Ierendi’s international reputation."

"I did not realize Ierendi had any serious enemies, My Lady. For arguments sake, who are your list of suspects and motives? And for the record, if such a conspiracy exists, I was never approached about it."

Khali is a bit defensive, considering her background. She understands nobody is above suspicion but does her best to sound sincere, aware of the Tribune's position.

Port Lounge

Tribune Danta noticeably senses Kahli's defensive stance. Her following tone is soft and non-accusatory toward Kahli. "Enemies. That may be too harsh of a word."

She moves closer so only Kahli and King Palfrit can hear her. "It is true that Ierendi is a peaceful kingdom and has remained relatively outside of any major conflict between nations, save for aligning with Thyatis on some excursions to the South Continent. Even so, the neighboring island nation of The Minrothad Guilds would never want our prosperity to undermine their dominance of trade on the Sea of Dread. Any alliance we have with Thyatis, the Guild's rival on the seas, could be viewed by some as a threat to Minrothad."

She sincerely adresses kahli, "Forgive me Mistress if I came across abrasive. Although I am not a native of this land it has been my home since I was a child, and I consider this place, so dear to me, my home. I get passionate about the thought of our way of life here being lost."

Lower Starboard Tower
Moa and Manu thank Anlo as he assists the yet unsteady stewards. They all make their way to the port lounge. Kani Takes the lead and Ru takes the rear of the procession.

Port LoungeSteward Kani leads the small procession into the lounge. All present turn with curious eyes to see Anlo and Tasya securing the steps of Steward Manu and Moa. Queen Mari sighs with relief upon seeing Manu.

Steward Kani steps aside when Moa and Manu are before the royals. Queen Mari and King Palfrit step forward. Kani adresses them:

"These circus members were able to revive your courtiers Your Majesties," says Kani as she gives a slight bow. She continues, "The four have agreed to relate their account of the recent events in the tower."

"I am pleased that you are not seriously injured and able to give your account," says the Queen in a relieved tone mostly directing the comment to her courtier Manu.

"Steward Moa," interjects King Palfrit, "what happened after the show?"

"Your Majesty, Steward Manu and I were scheduled to meet Steward Kani backstage after the show and be escorted to bring the crowns back to the palace. We both heard her voice call us from the tower. We entered and did not find Kani there. The next thing I can recall is being awakened by this circus member, Anlo. The circus members tended to us until Steward Kani appeared with Steward Ru." replies Steward Moa.

"I assume it was not you who called to them," asks Queen Mari of Steward Kani.

"It was not my Queen," answers Kani.

"I see." says the queen.

"Anlo and Tasya. The two of you are our tournament trainers, are you not? Can you relate your accounts of finding the Stewards?" questions Queen Mari.

Anlo glances around, seemingly a bit nervous. "Um... we, I mean... Your Majesties, we arrived at the room in question and found the two stewards unconscious. The window was open, curtain flapping in the breeze. It may have been a point of entry or exit? I'm not sure. Um, anyway... we checked the stewards, brought them around, helped them as we could. Then the others showed up, we explained what little we knew, and we all headed up here."

A bit unsure what to do, Anlo bows slightly and steps back.

Khali moves to stand next to Anlo, assuring him with a warm feminine smile."Well said, friend." offering him her support.

King Palfrit replies to Anlo:

"Thank you for your account and for taking care of our stewards Master Anlo and Mistress Tasya. I wish we knew who took the crowns and why. But considering we do not, we should all remain vigilant in keeping our awareness high. As Mistress Khali stated before you arrived, the show must go on. We must not let the disappearance of the crown interfere with the Tournament's proceedings. The people of Ierendi would be gravely disappointed otherwise. I am hopeful we will get to the bottom of the crown travesty before the week is out. If there is any thing you discover you may bring to the attention of Steward Quint's at the palace as well as..." he looks at Queen Mari for a prompt.

"Steward Kani," informs the queen.

"...and Steward Kani, with whom you are already acquainted." continues the king. "And further the Queen and I will be meeting with you along with the other contestants for tournament event training tomorrow I believe, are we not? Though we are both previous tournament winners, neither of us are seasoned circus performers. After your amazing show tonight, I am certain I will need all the training you can possibly provide in the time we have." The king smiles to help lift the tension caused by the crowns' disappearance.

Queen Mari interjects. "In any case, due to the unfortunate circumstances of the evening I feel it best that we end this gathering tonight."

Palfrit nods in agreement.

"Yes your Majesty, that is wise, warmly agrees Tribune Danta. "We do want the tournament to be a wondrous success for all to remember for years to come. It is important to our Kingdom," She then turns to Khali and asks, "Which of the contestants will you first give a reading to?"

Tasya is eager to share the findings she and Anlo made with Khali, but she waits patiently; nodding and bowing when etiquette required.

Khali answers the Tribune "Its first come, first serve, your Ladyship. I want to add, there will be no attendance or record of who comes or not. I don't want anyone feeling obligated."She has enough experience to know there is a fair amount of skepticism and she says that loud enough for the contestants in the room to overhear. If it's proper to do so, she leaves for her studio offering a sideways glance to Anlo and Taysa; a subtle invitation to follow if they so choose to.

Tas is glad for the subtle invitation and takes her leave of the gathering, following only a short distance behind Khali.

"We have evidence to show you, Khali. Perhaps you can make of them some discoveries regarding the stolen crowns?" She says hopeful of solving the mystery and getting back to the business of performing.

Anlo follows the two women, hoping no one from the royal procession overheard them. The cloth-wrapped broken glass felt heavy in his pouch, but he couldn't risk providing whoever did this a chance to cover up their crimes.

Port Lounge
"I will be sure the contestants know that Mistress Khali," responds Tribune Danta. "I hope you are able to get rest. Good evening" Danta steps away with a cordial nod.

As Tasya, Anlo and Khali begin to make their way through the lounge they hear The Queen announce that the night's gathering must come to an early close. The guests begin to put down glasses and gather themselves to leave the ship. Khali's Studio
Tasya, Anlo and Khali make their way from the lounge to Khali's studio...

Khali invites them to pull up a chair to her round fortune telling table.

"Make yourself comfortable."

She gestures to a bowl of dried dates and a bottle of wine, cups included, at the corner bar. She sits in a chair that is across from them when they get a chance to settle down.


"I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Circus is high on their list of suspects. So, what do you have?"
she asks, inquisitive.

Anlo carefully removes his bundle from the pouch it was stored in. "This broken glass... vial maybe? We found it by the downed stewards. There wasn't much in the room, so it was sort of conspicuous. I didn't touch it directly, using part of the curtain to gather it."

The young man carefully unwraps the shards, again being careful not to make any contact with the glass.

"I didn't mention this to the King and Queen, because their procession may have demanded the evidence -- and whoever did this could have been in a position to cover up their crime and frame us.

Plus..." And here, Anlo takes a deep breath and sighs, "...if it actually was someone in the circus... then the circus finding that person -- or persons -- and taking them to task should protect the reputation of the rest of us. Either way, we need this evidence - not them."

Anlo gives a resolute nod, and using the corner of the piece of the curtain slides the shards to Khali.

"And..there's more." Tasya interjects and pulls out a similarly wrapped object and a large black feather, she presents by the quiill wrapped in curtain scrap. She pushes the first across the table. "Someone on the inside of the ship removed the securing pin from the interior window latch." She then points to the feather. "It appears to be a feather from a flying raptor. I found it lodged outside the window on the outside."

"Let's see what we can Divine."


She says a few arcane words, does some intricate hand gestures, and a floating eyeball appears above her head and peers at the items presented on the table. Then she lights some oil in a silver bowl and throws sulfuric powder into it so it sparks. Then she lights a few small candles before chanting. Her eyes roll up into her head so that only the whites of her eyes are seen. She does this for about ten minutes. Finally, her eyes open and she gazes upon the table items.

Khali shares with Tasya and Anlo the information concerning the vial, gas, and feather.

"These items still have magic residue. This shattered glass has traces of a potent sleeping agent. And this feather isn't completely natural. It too, smells of magic. And, while you're pondering that...."

Her eyes dart back and forth to each of them. Suddenly, they can hear a baby crying from beneath the clothed covered table.

"What your thoughts? Feelings? Intuition?"

"That whoever stole them impersonated the steward's voice to call them in," Anlo says with a shrug. "Using the voice of someone they knew makes sense, and covers up who actually was waiting for them."

"I think we are dealing with a shapeshifter." Tasya chimes in. "A changeling or maybe even a doppelganger. Though, I suspect they aren't acting alone."

"If not a shapeshifter, then perhaps a wizard and their familiar or a ranger and an animal companion." She adds, "But..the vocal impersonation highly suggests a shapeshifter of some type."

There is a knock at the main door to Khali's studio. A strong voice calls loudly through the door, "Mistress Khali, it is Captain Zephyros. If it is not too late and you would entertain giving me my reading before retiring for the night, I would be very much be obliged."

NPCs Present [Links]
Captain Zephyros "Swiftclaw" Sunblade, Rakasta Male Fighter/Navy Captain

Khali is slightly panicked, not expecting someone so soon. She cleans the area and re-wraps the shards of glass to hand back to Anlo. She slides the feather back to Tasya and asks of her "Miss Tasya, will you answer the door please?

Just a moment, Captain!"the latter sentence speaking loud enough to be heard through the door.

Tasya tucks the feather away under her cloak and nods to Khali. "Of course, Miss Khali." She proceeds to the door and opens it when everyone is ready for her to do so.

Captain Zephyros "Swiftclaw" Sunblade

Somewhat surprised when seeing Tasya open the door the captain comments,

"Oh. Hello. You are my trainer are you not? The excellent acrobat, Mistress Tasya. Am I correct?

He continues apologetically, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize that Mistress Khali is currently engaged. I can come back if this is not a good time."

Tasya acknowledges the captain's correct identification with a bow and a flourish. "One and the same, Sir. Please, come in. Mistress Khali is within."

"Thank you," replies Captain Zephyros. He walks in and looks around, an amazed look on his face at the sight of the studio. He sees Anlo and says, "Well...Master Anlo, the superior weapon thrower. You are present as well. It is welcome to meet you both before my training begins. I wonder what you have in store for me this week."

While the client is talking to Anlo, Khali prepares the table for the reading. She lights some incense that's in a censer and a few candles.

Zephyros eagerly anticipating Anlo and Tasya's response about training, notices Khali preparing the table. "Shall I sit?" he asks the fortune teller.

"To be quite honest with you, Captain. I wish I had been more a more advanced warning, during on journey to Ierendi, to prepare a proper training regimen for our contestants. As it stands though, we only learned of our roles and duties in the upcoming contests for the crowns only prior taking rest late last night." Tasya responds to his question.

"For my part, the training will involve a lot of feats of acrobatics, showmanship, and nerve." She adds. "The exact details are still forming in my mind."

Anlo nods. "This has rather quickly become a test for us as much as all of you," Anlo adds to Tas' comment as he stands. "No pressure," he chuckles.

"Judging by your performance earlier I'm convinced whatever you design for this year's tournament will be a memorable experience for all. I hope the incident with the missing crowns gets resolved easily and doesn't put any damper on our proceedings," replies Zephyros.

After a quick somber look he changes the subject.

"This ship of yours is quite fascinating. Ierendi's biggest transport is not nearly as magnificent as this. Caspian, your lead roustabout a kindred Rakasta, gave me a brief tour of the main deck after the performance. Unfortunately there was not enough time to get into details of the rigging and maneuverability. Tell me, how fast does she get on the open sea?"

Khali gestures towards the seat that is opposite of her and answers

"Of course, Captain. Make yourself comfortable. I am almost ready."

She shuffles a deck of fortune telling cards with skill and dexterity of a card shark. A third hand appears and helps her cut them into different stacks before bringing them together as a whole.

"WIll Master Anlo and Mistress Tasya remain for my reading? I am quite comfortable either way, but will their presence effect the outcome?" asks Captain Zephyros.

Tasya excuses herself and leaves the room. This is supposed to be the performers' downtime to relax and get rest after their performances of the evening. She heads back to her dressing room and pours herself a drink.

Anlo nods, saying "Good evening, Captain. Khali." as he excuses himself behind Tas.

In the corridor, he looks at Tasya. "How do we investigate and handle the competition? Both seem like they need our full attention."

Tasya shrugs. "I was hoping our finds would lead to better insight from our diviner." She says. "This is all too much stress. I'm going to my dressing room and having a drink..or two."

NOTE: I later decided, once RageRed left the game, to have Tasya's quarters be in the starboard aft tower.


Khali's Studio

"Thank you for taking me this evening. I am eager to know what you divine...affirmation of my winning the crown this week, I hope," says Zephyros with a playful smirk.

"As a secondary concern I hope that your findings may somehow clear me of any suspicion regarding being connected to the crowns' disappearance. Well...in any case how shall we proceed Mistress?"

The astral hand pushes the deck so that it is in front of the Captain.
Cut the cards into different stacks as you focus on your question. When you've felt you're ready, cut them into three separate stacks. I will then overturn each card and together we will see if we can gain some insight.

Anlo will walk Tas to her dressing room, chatting about the event and their plans on how to train the competitors quickly before parting ways and returning to his own quarters. He'll use the walk to try and see if anything else is out of place or otherwise odd.

Tasya and Anlo heading to Dressing Rooms
Tasya and Anlo make their way toward the dressing room through the bigtop covered main circus deck. It is dark now after the show; all the crew has retired for the night. Only a few slivers of moonlight shine in through some open beams above and small balcony windows.


As they move across the deck, Tasya and Anlo see KaeKae Storm the human Makia ranger who is one of the tournament contestants peering out a window on the circus floor. A beam of silver moonlight shines on his face; he looks be lost in thought. But then he hears Anlo and Tasya walking the deck and turns in their direction.




Khali's Studio

Captain Zephyros furrows his brow, thinks for a moment and then cuts the deck into three separate stacks. He then excitedly and inquisitively looks up at Khali.

Khali flips over the card that is to the left of him.

"I can give you the traditional interpretation of the card but its your feelings as you gaze upon it that are more important. After all, the Divine is communicating with you, not me. This first card shows a strength you bring, or a weakness you must be wary of, into the situation.

"When you look upon this card, what are you feelings?

"Its traditional meaning is; 'The presence of a spy or a minion of some greater power; an encounter with a puppet or an underling'."

Khali's Studio

Zephyros looks thoughtful. "I've spent many years trying to redeem myself for my former life. In that life-long attempt I may have lost a bit of my own sovereignty. Maybe the card speaks to my weakness, as I have become solely a servant to the kingdom. I faithfully serve Admiral Kai and the Ierendi Navy and she pulls the strings. But she is no minion or spy. No, that's not her."

He thinks again. His clawed hand reaching to the tournament pin fasted to fabric on his chest armor. Ponderously, almost to himself, he says, "Puppet, you say? When I received this pin there was an hazed glare in the eyes of the guildmaster until she passed it to me. When I asked why my pin was received after the others, she looked confused and simply said she does not know. That was odd because she is usually bold and outspoken."

"Evening," Anlo says with a polite nod. "You seemed distracted. Didn't mean to interrupt. Everyone has their own routines before a big day." He offers a smile, even as he wonders what the man was up to.

Circus Deck
The ranger KaeKae Storm responds, "Sorry, I didn't mean to alarm you. Yes, big day tomorrow. I'm not even sure what to expect. I suppose you two are discussing our training. The anticipation there is certainly is keeping my mind from resting. " He sighs.

"But I'm skulking around in the dark mostly because I'm concerned about another matter, which troubles me because it has to to with a fellow ranger. You see, when I was passing a window after the show, making my way to the reception, I thought I heard the sound on the air of a southern raptor. I did not see it when I looked but I know of only one raptor that is the beast companion of a fellow ranger, Steward Derek, the king's own body guard. I did not think too much of it until I mentioned it to Derek at the reception. He was surprised and elated, saying that he hasn't seen his loyal companion, Shadowwing, for days. This is not normal for a beastmaster and his companion. So between pondering that and being worried about what you will make me do tomorrow...well, I cannot rest. Just came here to see if there was any other sign of the beast.

Khali offers him an approving smile as she speaks to him.
Listen to your intuition, Captain. I feel you are correct. You should win the Crown for yourself, not to please another. That what you must do if you are to be successful. And, you are right to be concerned about the Guild Mistress. Your instincts serve you well.

She flips the second card over; the central card."This card represents your greatest challenge. It's what your competitors bring to the table. As you look upon it, what does your heart tell you?"
"It's traditional meaning is: Mystery and riddles; the unknown; those who crave magical power and great knowledge"

Khali's Studio

Zephyros studies the card and ponders.

"Mystery and those who crave magical power?...In my dealings before the Tribunal as an Ierendi naval officer I often sense an element of mystery. I feel there are those who hold some allegiance to Glantri among the Tribunal. My heart tells me that there are those who would like to see the king remain crowned due to his Glantri ties. Perhaps these forces are my greatest challenge in this contest. They may even seek to disqualify the tournament's result."

Khali only adds "I'm sure the spell casting contestants will use magic to gain an advantage; fairly or not." There is a little warning in her tone. She then flips the final card.
"This card represents a possible outcome."She looks a little troubled as she studies the card. "Is it traditional to gamble on the contest results? The traditional meaning of this card is 'Sudden change in economic status or fortune'."

Circus Deck
The ranger continues, "But I haven't seen anything of note here. I guess I should force myself back to my quarters and try to rest. Depending on what you have me engaged in tomorrow, I think I will try to speak more with Steward Derek when he escorts King Palfrit to the ship for training."

He sighs again before looking at Tasya and Anlo with a smirk. "How much later into the evening will you two be plotting the rigors of our training?"

Tasya replies in a drained tone, "There's not much left in me. I am exhausted from the performance and all this trouble with the crowns has proven overwhelming. I need a good rest to be any use to you tomorrow. I'll start with a quiet drink in my dressing room though. Gentlemen, I bid you a good evening." She begins to walk across the dark circus deck toward the stage.

Khali's Studio

Zephyros replies, "Traditional? Yes. Officially sanctioned...not exactly." He chuckles. "I'm sure my faithful crew has a wager or two on my success." The chuckle turns into a melodious purr-like rumbling laugh.

He regains his composure and looks at the third card. "I started life as no more than a beggar. Pirating gained me infamy and wealth, which was followed by imprisonment and the stripping of my ill-acquired fortune and replaced by rehabilitation along with a life of duty. Perhaps this card foretells my success in the contest and my wealth regained as the king of Ierendi."

He thinks again...
"Hmm...you are wise to warn me of the magic of other contestants. I have considered what Pyra Emberflare might bring to the table from the mages of Honor Island."

"I'm not well-versed in matters outside of this vessel and circus activities, but I feel it would be... uncommon perhaps? Or strange? A ranger's trusted companion vanishing I mean. Makes me glad my spikes cannot take off on their own," Anlo says, offering a light chuckle at his own joke. "Still, I hope he is able to find his friend."

With that Anlo bids KaeKae good evening and continues his walk with Tasya, making sure she arrives at her room safely. He'll inquire about holding on to their evidence, so it's all together, before returning to his own quarters.

AnloKea Kea bids Anlo good evening as well. Anlo moves to catch up with Tasya and the ranger remains peering out of the ship. When they discuss the evidence Tasya says, "Keeping it together is a good idea and out of the hands of anyone who wishes git rid of it. So will you take it?"

Khali offers him a bow. "It is my wish that I, in some way, have been some assistance. You have keen insight, Captain. It will serve you well. Is there anything else you require of me?"

Khali
Zephyros replies, "I believe you have provided some great assistance. Thank you for the reading Mistress. No I do not require anything else of you, but...I...

The captain stammers a bit as he reaches for his purse. "I know it is customary for your clients to pay for their reading. I wish to do so, but...I hope you will not be insulted considering your position in the tournament proceedings."

"Of course. Just don't forget, you're my alibi if it comes to that," Anlo says as his shoulders slump. "What a mess... hopefully tomorrow morning will bring a better mood. Night, Tas."

Anlo
"I really hope it does too. Thank you Anlo. Hope you can get some rest." Tasya says as she passes over the evidence she has wrapped up and then enters her dressing room.

Having gathered the evidence into one spot, Anlo returns to his quarters and finds a suitably hidden spot to hide it for the time being... after which he retires for the night.

Anlo's Quarters
When Anlo makes it back to his quarters, something strikes him as odd, as his door is slightly ajar and he did not leave it that way.

Anlo will pull a group of spikes and be ready to engage as soon as he sees his door.

Anlo’s Quarters
Anlo hears movement coming from his loft.

Anlo's Quarters

Anlo's taunt is left unanswered.

Anlo's Quarters
With the candles lit, Anlo can't see anyone or anything. Nothing seems out of place in the room. But the sound of movement he heard as he came up to his open door came from the loft. It's still dark up there and Anlo knows that there are a number of his storage chests there. These would be ideal for someone to hide behind, especially if they were not very large.

Khali stands and politely waves it off, declining the offer."No need, Captain. The reading has already been paid for. I wish you the best."She folds her hands in front of her and offers a shallow bow.

Anlo immediately steps into the room and shuts the door, looking for a means to secure it. Grabbing belts, he loops one through the door handle and latches the belt, before using a second belt to pass around the leg of his desk and passing it through the first belt, pulling it tight and securing it.

Once the door is held shut, he will light the lamp in his room and then head up to his loft to investigate.

Khali's Studio

"I understand." The captain nods politely and removes his hand from his purse.

As he does his deliberate motion slows and his eyes haze over. He seems to look through Khali, at nothing, for a moment. His glazed over look quickly is replaced by a furrowed glare aimed directly at Khali. He steps backward to stand in front of and block the door he came in and draws his sword.

"Now, Mistress. I ask you to come with me!" He says in a growling firm voice.

Anlo's Quarters
After Anlo makes sure the door is secure, he heads up the ladder. About half way up, a vial flies from his loft to his quarter's floor and crashes open. As it shatters upon impact, a burst of magical energy emits from it in all directions. The edge of the burst waves over Anlo as he climbs the ladder. He immediately feels a bit disorientated and a numbing sensation builds in his limbs.

Khali glances at the card 'The Puppet Master' thoughtfully. She smiles to reassure him and holds her hands up, palms open, to show submission while looking straight into his eyes.

"Of course, Captain. No need for violence. Just lead the way and I'll follow."

She moves cautiously from behind the table and takes a few slow steps towards the door; assuming that's where he's guiding her.

Khali
Zephyros' growling command had a speech pattern that was articulated more slowly and unlike the captain Khali had just been interacting with.

Brandishing his sword at Khali, Zephros gestures to a cloth on a stand under a candle abra that is large enough to tie around Khali's eyes.

"Cover your eyes." he demands in a hollow tone.

Anlo
The energy wave moves across Anlo's limbs and they go limp. He looses his grip on the ladder and falls backward to the floor with a thud.

As Anlo begins to loose consciousness he sees a hin (halfling) step into the light peering down at him from the top of the ladder. The hin's gaze is hollow and emotionless. Anlo's last realization before his sight blurs is that the hin is the contestant Pippin Shadowstep.

...damn...it...

AnloAnlo's muscles have now succumbed to the effects of the magic. He is mostly paralyzed but fights further effects and remains conscious. Pippin searches Anlo and finds the evidence. He puts it in his pack, from which he also pulls out a rope and secures Anlo, arms behind his back. He then removes a cloth bag from his pack and covers Anlo's head with it. Now it's dark but Anlo can still hear.

Khali makes her way casually to the scarf. As she takes it in her hands, suddenly there is loud knock at the door. Its the kind one would expect from someone strong and determined to be heard.

BANG BANG BANG!

Khali gasps, as if surprised. Her eyes widen. "Its the Nightwatch! They're doing a bedcheck."She answers the banging"Just a moment!" then quietly to the Captain"Please don't hurt them sir. They are just doing their job. If you give me a moment, I can get rid of them. I don't want anyone getting hurt."

Khali

"Yes. Hurry to get rid of them," replies Zephyros, rather emotionlessly. He steps to the side of the door, keeping his sword out of sight of the doorway but still pointing it at Khali.

Anlo

Anlo hears Pippin Shadowstep move about the quarters. It sounds like he steps into the hall for a moment and then the door closes. Shortly after the sound of movement in the room continues.

I think I can wiggle my fingers...

"Yes Sir, no Problem."

She peers out the door and speaks to imaginary people, cracking the door just enough to see but not enough for him to get a full view. Then, as a bonus action, she casts Misty Step, attempting to teleport the maximum distance of 30' in the direction of the general balcony! Hopefully she can reach it.

Khali
Khali spots the balcony (and it is just about 30 feet from the door). Her form suddenly is surrounded by silvery mist and then she disappears from her divination room.

She reappears on...Anlo
Anlo can feel his limbs again. His arms are bound, but his feet are not. He feels like he could move his feet as well as wiggle his fingers.

Anlo, realizing he can move his fingers, will try to pull one of the throwing spikes he has along the back of his belt. If he can get it, he will use it to help pry his bonds loose so he can slip them. (Otherwise he will just try to work his hands free.)

Anlo
Anlo manages to pull one of his throwing spikes he has along the back of his belt and uses it to pry his bonds loose. He can feel that effects of the paralyzing magic lingers a bit.

After slipping his bonds, the young performer rips the bag off of his head and jumps to unsteady feet, trying to follow the damned thief who took their evidence and ran!

Anlo will investigate the additional movement in his room.

Khali is continuing to run towards the rooms of Taysa and Anlo. Whoever's room she comes to first will determine her course of action.

Khali
By a few slivers of pale moonlight shining on the circus deck through sparse openings in the big top tent, Khali dashes across the circus floor into the pen and stables. She hears movement of the captain behind her just before she crosses the threshold into the animal area. She hastily continues through, some animals are startled by her hurried movement and shift uncomfortably, stirring and making noise. Dashing to the back right (starboard) side of the pens, she hears the animals' unrest intensify as Zephyros enters the stable area behind her. She darts through a back door into a hall of the lower circus troops quarters. She continues toward the starboard bow tower where Anlo's quarters are on the upper level.

Anlo
When Anlo stands and takes the bag off his head. He sees Pippin Shadowstep standing just a few feet away looking at the door in waiting. The hin--who stands between Anlo and the door--is alerted by Anlo standing up and snaping to action. The hin looks at Anlo with a swift glance and quickly throws the hood of his cloak over his head, consequently disappearing from Anlo's sight.

As soon as Khali enters the Troupe's Quarters she starts making a scene again, 'hooting, hollering and making noise

"Tasya! Anlo! Anybody! Help! It's the Puppet Master! Its an invasion! To arms!"

She starts banging on doors, especially Tasya's and Anlo's doors.

Anlo will move to the door to put his back against it and hold it shut, preventing the hin's escape. He quickly throws a spike at where the little bastard should be...

Khali
Khali's raucous scene that includes banging on doors results in many troupe members and roustabouts coming hastily out into the hall. Some appear tired and puzzled, others snap to alert, pulling daggers and other weapons. Caspian, the troupes lead roustabout, calls to some other of his roustys to examine the direction Khali came from. They respond, weapons drawn, and head down the hall toward the stables.

Caspian catches up with Khali, "Khali, Khali calm down. Tell me what has happened, The Puppet Master? Invasion?"

Khali confirms they are going in the right direction by pointing towards the stables.

"It's the Captain. He's a well dressed Rakasta with a curved sword. He's trying to abduct me! If you can, keep him alive. He's charmed or something but be careful, he's a Master Warrior!"

She then looks around puzzled. Anlo should be here! She heads straight to his room to see why he isn't.

Anlo
Anlo tries to quickly react to the sight of Pippin. When the hin becomes invisible, he throws a spike trying to anticipate the hin's movement. His instinct proves correct and the spike hits the hin, accompanied by a sharp gasp from the halfling. The door swings open and Anlo hears quick, light footsteps evade down the hall.

Simultaneously, Anlo hears the distant shouts of Khali's voice. Her voice is muffled, not in this tower. It sounds like she shouts from the lower level troupe quarters, near the stables.

[i]There should be blood...[/b]

Anlo will see if there's anything he can use to track the hin, hoping the spike results in a blood trail.

@Skyharpy and @MaJunior, looks like Khali's post was edited just about the same time Anlo's was posted. I quoted Sky's question again in this new post just in case the question was important.

Anlo follows quickly after the now wounded shifty little rogue. Though Pippin is invisible and obviously skillful at stealth, Anlo does notice sparse blood droplets on the hall floor. He follows their patchy trail and it leads him to the window at the end of the hall. Unsurprisingly, the window is open, the long curtain covering it waving gently.

As Anlo makes it to the window, Khali bursts into the hall from the spiral stairs and runs down the hall making a turn toward Anlo's door, which she sees is wide open. Anlo hears her.

At first she panics when she finds Anlo's room empty but then her eyes follow the red drops to see Anlo at the window. Concerned, she makes her way towards him; afraid it's his blood.

"Anlo! Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"Bastard got away!" Anlo spits a curse and punches the wall by the window, poking his head out to see if he can tell where the thief went. Climbing the outside of a ship can't be easy, and if there's any chance of knowing where the hin went...

When Anlo peers out the window he just catches, by the moonlight, the sight of the hin finishing a shimmying descent down the tower's beams and slipping through an oversized portlight into the lower decks. Anlo imagines that the hin's small frame barely fit through the portlight.

A hall door flys open and Jin--the Ringmaster's grandson and troupe magician--steps hastily out from his quarters quickly into the hall, looking alarmed, spotting at first Khali and then Anlo by the window.

"Khali, why are you up here? Did I hear you screaming? Oh, Anlo..the window? What''s going on? Please don't say there more trouble tonight."

"The hin was waiting in my quarters, paralyzed me and took our evidence," Anlo replied tersely.

"Waiting in your quarters!? The hin that is a tournament contestant?" asks Jin, taken back with a troubled amazement. With a worried look on his face he walks to Tasya's door and gives it an assertive knock. "Tasya? You okay?" he calls through the door.

Both Khali and Anlo know that Jin and Tasya are close, like brother and sister, since they were both raised by Ringmaster Ganesh.

There's no answer from within Tasya's quarters.

Khali is suddenly worried too because she didn't see Tasya with the others. She walks to stand by Jin in case there is trouble; to back him up.

"Master Jin...you might want to see if she's alright."

said as gently and assuredly as she can. She glances at Anlo, hoping he will do the same.

Nodding to Khali, JIn opens Tasya's door and cautiously steps into her unlit room.

"Tas?"
No response.

He lights a lamp on a stand next to her door and waves it around to move the shadows out of the corners of the room.

"She's not here." He says in a worried tone.

"They used some sort of magic I think, to make me unable to move. The hin bound my hands and bagged my head, but my feet being left unbound makes me think the intent was to walk me somewhere?" Anlo theorizes aloud as he also pokes around the room for signs of a struggle, a vial, anything.

"What in the nine hells is going on here? I feel sorely underprepared for whatever is happening. I'm no mage or sorcerer, I'm no detective, I'm no student of histories or politics. I throw sharp objects very, very well... but you understand if I have concerns about being out of my depth."

His tone is grim, with an almost resigned quality. The self doubt was creeping in... the concern for his friends and the troupe itself with it. Anlo draws a spike and starts spinning it between his fingers, a clear sign of worry.

Khali lays a hand gently on Anlo's shoulder to reassure him.

"I feel you, my friend. The Puppet Master's skill far surpasses mine. He, or she, is able to control the contestants like they are marionettes. But, the puppet master requires strings to control the marionette and I have a theory about that. The strings, I believe, are the pendants they wear."

She then points to a drop of blood.

"My Mater use to say 'Sometimes you have to follow a trail of blood to find your way home.' Your skill may have just provided us a trail. We should go off ship and see if we can find the hin's tail. Wouldn't hurt to see how the others have faired with the charmed Captain, too. He's also charmed by the Puppet Master."

With more concern she requests

'Jin, will you continue to search the ship for Tas? Or, delegate that task to the others and accompany us?"

In Tasya's room, Anlo sees no signs of struggle, vial, or--for that matter--any signs of what he would recognize as Tasya's normal post performance activity.

Anxious by the thought that Tas is missing Jin quickly replies to Khali, "Yes! I will search for Tas. When and where did you last see her?"

Khali is no acrobat but she knows that time is of the essence. She turns on her heels quickly and makes her way as fast as she can towards the exit and entrance ramp hoping Anlo will follow, or better, lead.

"At the reception."she answers briefly.

"I walked her to her dressing room, then continued to my quarters. Start there!"

And then, Anlo is running through the ship with Khali to where they should be able to pick up the hin's trail.

Khali allows Anlo to lead because he was at the window while she was standing in the hallway.

"Okay." replies Jin urgently. "Goodluck!" He then rushes down the hall. Anlo runs right behind him.
Anlo leads Khali down the tower stairs into the troupe quarters lower hall--that she had escaped Captain Zephyros into earlier. Caspian and a group of armed roustabouts emerge into the hall through the stables door.

Caspian calls down the hall to Khali, Anlo, and Jin when he sees them, "The Captain must have giving up on your chase when he heard your commotion Khali. He's nowhere to be found. We didn't even find him in the contestant quarters. KaeKae Storm and Pippin Shadowstep are not in their quarters either. The other contestants have no idea where they are."

Khali informs Caspian "That may be for the best. The contestants should be considered as hostile and dangerous to all of us. If possible, confiscate the pendant. I have a hunch that the Puppet Master is using the pendants as his 'strings' to control them like marionettes."

"Pipin attacked me!" Anlo yelled back without breaking stride, "And if we can't find the Captain, he's in danger!"

And that's about all Anlo can yell before he's too far away.

Khali rushes to catch up with Anlo.

Anlo and Khali run down the hall into the troupe common room. There is a large hatch on the floor in the back of the room. Anlo pulls it up and both proceed down the steep wooden stairs to a storage area below deck. To the left of the stairs, the storage room also houses a holding cell--that as far as Anlo knows hasn't been used since before he was born and as far as Khali knows hasn't been used since she joined the troupe.

Beyond the cell on the far end of the storage room there is a door that leads to another area under the starboard aft tower. Anlo and Khali know that the area beyond the door is used to store spices, hardtack, salted meats, rum, and wine on shelves in containers and barrels that are designed to keep any critters out.

So...there is no reason why the small window in the door should be glowing an unnatural orange hue like it is!

"Cover me," Anlo will tell Khali as he moves forward, drawing a spike and moving to open the door.

Khali remains at the top of the stairs so that if someone tries to run out she might at least slow that person down and gives her a good position to cover him. If Anlo could see her, he would see a magical set of armor appear on her just below her hooded cape and loose dress. "Careful, Anlo. It could be a distraction!" She should know, she uses the same tactic herself.

Anlo moves to the door at the far end of the room. Khali remains at the top of the stairs in a position to cover him. When he opens the door, Anlo sees the astonishing sight of a fiery portal set into what normally would be a wooden wall in the food storage room under the tower. With the door open, Khali sees the orange glow intensify and cast a fiery light into the cell/storage room.

Through the portal Anlo sees a vast open hall of cold grey stone. Some sort of labyrinth is carved into its floor. And the hin stands at the top of long stairway. He apparently is able to see through the portal too, because when he notices Anlo at the storage room door he darts the remainder of the way up the stairs, throws on his cloak's hood, and vanishes.

Anlo then realizes the portal is gradually closing up. The flaming circle is slowly shrinking and revealing the ordinary wall behind. At the rate is is closing there is probably a minute or so before the portal would be gone.

"Khali, portal!!"

Via the earpiece, Anlo speaks to the others. "Portal in a wall in the food storage room. The hin vanished again, but seems to have gone through. I'm following...

...wish me luck." Anlo's voice has a grim resignation to it.

Anlo will check for blood drops when he reaches the portal, making an educated guess as to if the hin passed through.

Stats
Anlo – Current HP: 48, Temp HP: 0, Superiority Dice: 4/4
Khali – Current HP: 22, Temp HP: 0, Spells Left: (Lvl1 2/4 - Lvl2 2/3), Portent Rolls (4, 10)

Sending Trinkets
Anlo: 3/4
Kahli: 3/4
Khyree: 3/4
Tasya: 4/4
Caspian: 4/4
Ganesh: 4/4
Jin: 3/4

Yes. I just edited the earlier stat post.

Anlo rushes through the portal as it continues to close. He steps out onto a large stone slab. Behind him, the fiery portal sits in the center of a large stone archway. Khali steps through the portal and joins Anlo. In front of them both is a wide stone staircase leading down to a maze of stone platforms. It looks like the receded spaces between the labyrinth of platforms are filled with water. Khali and Anlo are sure they see some creatures swimming there...long serpentine creatures.

Across this large hall is the staircase Anlo saw the hin run up. That staircase as well as the archway it leads to is identical to the one they stand next to now. There is also a similar staircase and arch on the left and the right side of the hall.

The portal continues to diminish.

"Worst decision I've made in years." Anlo notices he has none of his equipmemnt beyond the clothes on his back and a bandolier of throwing spikes (as well as a few extra spikes tucked here and there). With a shake of his head he's on the hin's trail again, running to catch up.

Jin's voice urgently returns, "Another!? There's a portal here in Tasya's dressing room too! She's not here. I'm going in after her!"

"Be careful!" asserts Ringmaster Ganesh. "Caspian, assemble the contestants on our ship!" Stats
Anlo – Current HP: 48, Temp HP: 0, Superiority Dice: 4/4
Khali – Current HP: 22, Temp HP: 0, Spells Left: (Lvl1 2/4 - Lvl2 2/3), Portent Rolls (4, 10)

Sending Trinkets
Anlo: 3/4
Kahli: 3/4
Khyree: 3/4
Tasya: 4/4
Caspian: 4/4
Ganesh: 3/4
Jin: 2/4

Khali watches as Anlo follows the blood trail. She spots an area of the maze, 30 ft away, that seems to be as far from the trail as possible. She focuses on that area and suddenly the sound of a flopping fish becomes quite audible.
'shwap, shwap, shwap!'

Anlo is able to follow the hin's path until he suddenly can't spot any blood droplets because he is attentive to looking for spots of blood to guide his navigation over the maze of stone platforms that rise maybe 4 feet above narrow water-filled canals, in which serpentine creatures swim. (Assuming he did indeed decide to follow the trail of blood.) At some point he cannot spot blood droplets; the hin must’ve stopped and healed himself.

It looks like, to Anlo and Khali, that the stone slabs rising above the water canals are built in segments. This is clearly some sort of elaborate arena challenge. It's likely that choosing to step on a wrong slab would cause shifting or sinking of the stone pathway below the water level.

Khali notices many serpents on the move toward the illusionary sound of the flapping fish.

"Damn it... must have clotted. Or healed. Either way, no blood to follow anymore." Anlo will look behind them, trying to determine anything that might be a pattern or clue to use in hopes of determining the proper path.

"I suspect a potion. The contestants carry all sorts of magical boons. Anyway, my spell only lasts for a minute so we best make haste."

Anlo's careful investigation reveals that there is an almost imperceptible depression in the stones to the left direction while the ones to the right are leveled at the same height as the ones he and Khali came from.

Khali's illusion noticeably causes many serpents to navigate the canals toward the sound (at N13).

Anlo will use a throwing spike to mark the stone before moving right, to stones that are the same height as the ones they were already on. He will then mark this stone in the same way as he marked the first.

He will then Help Khali determine which stone should be next, even as he tries to remember their path.

She tries to spot which stones look unsafe.

Between Anlo's marking of the stones Khali's keen senses the two are able to push through the maze fairly quickly avoiding any triggers. (They make it to G10 without incident)

Khali observes the path dutifully, occasionally glancing in the direction of her spell.

Anlo and Khali mark the stones as they proceed through the maze. The two are sure they spot a number of triggers but carefully avoid setting them off. Also, as far as Khali can tell, the serpents that had hastily converged near her illusion are beginning to disperse from there. An occasional long serpent menacingly swims by in canals on either side of them as they proceed.

(When they make it to H8) a deep voice suddenly echos through the maze arena. Its source location is indeterminable.

"You are unwise to have followed, but nonetheless your disappearance along with the acrobat and fire thrower will be proof enough that you are in league with the missing contestants in stealing the crowns and thwarting the Tournament."

There is slow labored quality--as if is being controlled--to the voice that otherwise is booming and melodious.

At the tail end of the words mechanical sounds erupt from every corner of the maze. Starting from each stairway landing, stone runways rise up from the canals, creating four strait runways to a round platform at the center of the maze. More mechanical sounds and activity occur on the central platform and a large multi-shot ballista emerges from the platform, which also rises up higher to give the weapon a good vantage point over the maze. The ballista looks very maneuverable.

Just moments after Captain Zephyros "Swiftclaw" Sunblade, and KaeKae Storm appear at the top of the stairways (to the left and to the right). They hastily and deliberately make their way down the runways toward the large weapon.

Insight check

As she generally makes it a habit to stay aware and absorb her surroundings, filing away anything she can for future use, the voice filling this arena sounds vaguely familiar to Khali from the chatter of the guests at the post show reception but she is not able in all the stress of the moment to pinpoint it to a face or conversation stored in her memory.

Investigation roll

With Zephyros and Storm rushing down runways, a large ballista at the center of the arena, and the taunting voice still reverberating off the walls, Anlo and Khali continue their deliberate navigation through the maze. The air is damp, and the smell of moss lingers.

Anlo cautiously measures stone segments with spikes, following Khali's suggestion to check for inconsistencies. Despite their hastened but still careful efforts, at one point the two step and there is a click...A segment tilts abruptly, stone gives way with a grinding noise, and then quickly drops down into the water. Serpents react hungrily to the mechanical sound of the the dropping platform and many head toward the sound's source.

Anlo tries to jump to the next platform, but the one he's on falls out from under his feet so fast he can't find purchase to push off from. He instead slides into the water, already eyeing the ripples in the water that signify the approaching serpents.

Khali follows suite, also sliding into the water with Anlo.She's just hoping against hope the water isn't tainted or too deep.

Used to quick actions during his performances, Anlo is able to respond timely to the feeling of the stone platform drop from under him. He gets enough lift to leap forward onto the platform ahead (in the direction he was heading to the bottom right corner of G7).

But Khali is not as quick to react. The platform submerges rapidly and she submerges with it. The stone continues down below the treading of her feet in the water. Anlo sees some serpents close to the surface dive and head toward Khali. Khali feels one rub against her side just before it lifts its head out of the water and hisses at her.
Stats
Anlo – Current HP: 48, Temp HP: 0, Superiority Dice: 4/4
Khali – Current HP: 22, Temp HP: 0, Spells Left: (Lvl1 2/4 - Lvl2 2/3), Portent Rolls (4, 10)

Serpent 1 - HP: 2
Serpent 2 - HP: 2

Anlo lands safely on the stone platform. Turning to see Khali in the water and a serpent head hissing at her, he quickly kneels on the edge of the platform and reaches his hand out to grab her so she may swim to the mossy slimy slippery stone and he could help her scale up it.

grabbing the hand! Darn, so close. I'll have to see what happens before I post. Was that her action? Bonus action? Interaction? Sorry, still have questions.

Khali reaches for Anlo's hand. She nearly gets a hold of it but her feet only slip on the stone when she tries to push herself up the inch that it would take to get a good grip. Missing the grip, she slips back into to water submerging for a moment.

Khali cringes as the snake bites into her back, causing her to wince as she slides back down into the algae-greenish water.

She uses one of her portents to make that roll a 10; which is a success. She loses 3 hp.

Anlo turns his attention to the snake, spikes flashing in the ambient lighting.

Relieved that the snakes seem to be taken care of, Khali tries to climb back out of the water back onto the maze.

With the serpents seemingly not a threat for the moment, Anlo will reach a hand down to Khali.

"Come on, we need to move."

Giving Khali a hand, Anlo pulls her up to the platform. As Khali helps herself up on Anlo's arm, a bolt of energy nearly misses her and crashes into stone just below her, its energy dispersing around the spot of impact and sending a rippling charge into the water below. Anlo, looks up to see Captain Zephyros on the grips of the large ballista at the center of the maze. Kae Kae Storm is still on the move toward the center of the maze as well. Anlo pulls Khali up. They both are now on a solid platform.


Stats
Anlo – Current HP: 48, Temp HP: 0, Superiority Dice: 4/4
Khali – Current HP: 19, Temp HP: 0, Spells Left: (Lvl1 2/4 - Lvl2 2/3), Portent Rolls (4, 10)

Moving with as much haste as they can yet still carefully examining the stones as they go, Khali and Anlo manage to avoid the triggers that they spot.

The long stone stairway (that the hin took) rises up from the maze less than 10 feet in front of them. Only a narrow serpent infested canal blocks a strait path to it.

As they realize how close they are to their goal, two energy bolts fly from the ballista, aimed by the Rakasta Captain. Meanwhile, Kae Kae Storm races down the strait platform toward Anlo and Khali.

Khali spots the incoming fire and hastens her steps as a bolt of energy crashes into the stone platform directly where she took her last step. The other bolt catches Anlo off guard. Hitting him, his body convulses momentarily as the energy blast surges through his body. (Anlo takes 13 damage)

Stats
Anlo – Current HP: 35, Temp HP: 0, Superiority Dice: 4/4
Khali – Current HP: 19, Temp HP: 0, Spells Left: (Lvl1 2/4 - Lvl2 2/3), Portent Rolls (4, 10)

Zephyros - HP: 44
Kae Kae - HP 50

That will work. We could say if you don't trigger traps, you could make it to I2 on your next turn.