Journal of Rollo Lavius 3

Entry #538 - The Circus of Illusions

(G538 14/10/2023 via Roll20 - JF(GM), KT) YI10 / HAR4

[The Fenrir Simulacrum, Corhim Sparkledingle and Fangornio the Barbarian have completed their mission for Lavinia and are returning to Yag Island from Sasserine on board the Blue Nixie. On the journey Corhim pays another visit to Harmony. He gets there by using a magic ring given to him by Orimander, a gnomish wizard. He has already recovered the Coral Gem, the Crimson Gem and the Peach Gem on behalf of his patron - Mr Honeycutt. ]

DAY 592 (15th Marpenoth) (October)

On the evening of the first day of sailing Corhim retired to his small cabin and activated his ring that teleported him to Harmony. As always he arrived at the square used by the local wizards as their landing pad.
From there he went to the shops and bought some magic ink and four potions of Cure Light Wounds.

After that he went to his house and sent Polly out to see if Mr Honeycutt was in need of any further assistance.

As he sat and ate an evening meal with Mr Scamper and Fantta Mr Honeycutt appeared. He was happy to see Corhim as he had located the next gem he needed - the Emerald Gem.

He believed this gemstone was in the possession of a thief who was somewhere in the Circus of Illusions, an entertainment mainstay of Harmony. Mr. Honeycutt said that someone of Corhim's talent and charm could easily infiltrate the circus as a performer. When Corhim fell for his patter Mr H then handed him another healing potion and whispered "Watch out for the clowns."

They arranged to meet in the nearby tavern when the deed was done. It was not too late so Corhim took Fantta along to see what was going on at the circus.

The Circus of Illusions was a massive big top tent in the heart of Harmony. The circus served as an entertainment venue every weeknight and weekend, featuring magic acts, bard performances, illusory animals, trapeze artists, and more. In recent weeks, the magic sparkle of the circus had been less sparkly. Even the big top's red stripes appear faded.

It cost them 1 silver piece each to get a stamp on their hands to gain entry into the circus grounds. They went to the main tent and saw a raised wooden stage complete with curtains and a backstage area where actors and other performers could change and prepare for their shows. Benches surrounded the front of the stage, and behind them were hay bales for audience members to sit on while they enjoyed the shows. At the moment a sword-swallower was entertaining a small crowd of locals.

They bought some caramel apples then took a look around some of the other tents that were laid out in the grounds around the main tent.

The first one they came to had a wooden sign outside reading "Magnifico the Great" in florid, painted letters. Two unshaven clowns stood either side of the entrance, one picking his teeth with a broken chicken bone. The clowns were stopping anyone going into the tent.

The next tent they came to was that of Imelda the circus strongwoman (a human). For some reason Corhim thought it would be funny to insult her and said to Fantta, 'look, it's a half-orc!'
'Is it?' asked Fantta in all innocence.
'Yes of course! Look how ugly it is!'
Imelda did not see the funny side and aimed a kick at his backside.

They ran on to the next tent where they found a refined looking nert called Rubina the Ringmaster.
She was looking over the upcoming schedule of events for the next couple of days.
There was a desk, two wooden chairs, a small table, and a sofa.

She was a nice lady and treated everyone well as long as they respected her. Corhim was in a funny mood (well a fairly normal mood for a gnome I suppose. Most gnomes love to play trick on people and tease them - usually people they know though) and was not being respectful.
'Are you the bearded lady?' he asked.
'How very dare you!' she said and nearly kicked him out, but he smoothed things over and they had a chat.