Session 30

General Summary

Your Biggest Fan

As the party looked around, identifying all sorts of performers and artists, Sena, Diem, and Ariadne took no time to move right towards Idris being attended to by a multitude of assistants. Sena took the lead. Idris what the fuck are you doing here? What the fuck are you wearing, with that eye shadow? Cmon we gotta get the fuck out of here. The tiefling insisted that he had no idea who this woman was, though he is more than happy to provide an autograph if she wants. Sure you can sign my tit lets get out of here. Refusing to leave, Idris began to make a commotion as the assistants looked on in confusion and worry. Ariadne took a moment to delve into Idris' mind. At first, all she heard was the same somber song he always played. Delving deeper, she felt darkness, nothing, and heard silence broken by the rattling of chains. Yeah something is definitely not right.
Diem took a moment to try and dispel any effect that is taking over Idris. Seeing the spell take effect, the burning orange around his eyes faded as recognition swelled in his eyes. Sena? What are you doing here? Whats happening? Quick make up an excuse to leave. Alright, well, we're going to go discuss creative differences of opinions that we had on my previous performance, we'll see you in a bit. The four party members began to move towards the door. Be aware of the Showmaster. He runs the show.
Meanwhile, Nova and Gio saw another name they recognized; well rather a title, which was Loquacious. Niza, the woman baring that title, was reviewing a notebook at her booth, reciting it over and over again. As her name might suggest, she seemed particularly talkative when the two approached, asking about what she liked to do and what she does. Trying to get on her good side, Ariadne charmed her. Asking if she appreciated her time here, she responded akin to well, why would anyone not like it here? Its everything an artist would want.
As the party began to get the bearings and leave, the door to the room opened as the Showmaster walked in. At that moment, orange flamed flared in every performers' eyes, returning to their original state. Frustrated, Sena picked up Idris and demanded to leave, with the Showmaster giving zero resistance after briefly asking the big man in charge if it was okay for Idris to leave. A moment later, Sena and Diem moved into the hallway with Idris as yellow and orange fog began to roll into the hallway, approaching as the Showmaster closed the door. Pissed, Sena hit Idris to try and snap him out of his daze, succeeding only for a moment. Diem suggested perhaps something more intimate, and apologizing for what she was gonna do, Sena gave Idris a kiss. The orange flames faded from his eyes once more, and the name Sena escaped his lips moments before both Sena and Idris were knocked unconscious by the mists. 
Diem, unfazed by the fog, watched as an orange robed figure approached. Intrigued as to the persistence of this person, Coryphian asked why she was here. Well, apparently Idris is Sena's property, so its only right she gets him back. Well, Idris said he would do anything to deal with that dick in the castle, so I guess technically I own him. Explaining that Idris has to play in a few vibes, Coryphian explained that he needs more time here in order to be prepared to return to the hellscape that is Barovia. Though, he eventually relented and stated that he would allow Idris to leave so long as you dispose of his current avatar, The Showmaster. Idris will take the role of champion once he is disposed of. Does he play fair? Probably not, but I wont interfere. Good luck. At that moment, Sena and Diem found themselves in the foyer of the theater, with Sena a bit more interested in the sauce than she was previously.
Meanwhile, Gio, Ariande, and Nova saw Idris return to his booth. Well, I suppose its time to go and regroup. Lets think of a plan.

Discombobulate

Meeting back up at the bar, the party took a moment to figure out what they wanted to do. Diem explained that apparently if the kill the Showmaster, then they can take Idris and leave. Asking about potentially taking Niza as well, and if he can even trust what Coryphian had to say, Gio persuaded Diem to go double check with the entity.
As Diem went to go double check, Gio took a moment to look around as the rest of the party moved towards some cheering. Nova took a pit stop at the concession stand, finding much more than just food and drink, but also vials, weapons, and armor. Nova took a moment to get some EXTRA buttery popcorn, and EXTRA cheesy nachos from the vest and fez wearing gnoll manning the stand. 
As the party gathered where the cheering was coming from, Diem approached Coryphian's booth once again. Yes, I have no reason to go against my word. Sure, why not take her as well. His tone reflected a frustration in even having to explain himself again to the cleric.
The rest of the party approached a sand ring. Apparently, pugilism is one of the forms of entertainment found in Var'Qana. And who else would be host such a lovely event besides the man himself, The Showmaster. In an attempt to lure the Showmaster into a false sense of security, Sena and Nova decided to enter the contest as a tag team. At that moment, Ariadne would try to woo the entity, as Gio would keep a lookout. As Sena and Nova entered the ring, they fought with other humanoids, both baring orange flames within their eyes. Through flips, tackles, bites, and kicks, the two managed to come out as victors. As this happened, Ariadne started to schmooze up to The Showmaster. I bet you can take them. I'd love to see you take command. I bet you direct really well. Though she tried her damndest, the entity seemed uninterested. Though, Gio noted that all of the humanoids without blazing eyes in the crown turned to look at Ariadne as she spoke to the Showmaster. Unfortunately, he has other matters to attend to, and left towards the stage before the fight was over.
Regrouping outside the theater, the party figured they could just walk inside and take care of him. Scouting it out, it doesn't look like anyone else is in there. Just watch the doors. Gio kept second guessing the plan. We really just gonna kill this guy? Yes...
Nova returned to the concession stand. The gnoll with burning eyes, Bonez, asked if anything was interesting to Nova. Interested in some of the potions, Nova could have each of them if she would give something, unique, to Bonez. Apparently he dislikes his name. In exchange for the potions, he would have part of Nova's name. Agreeing, the potions were given to No with a smile on her face as Bonezva wished for her to return.

Let the Show Begin

As the group moved into the theater, the Showmaster could be seen on stage. The party took a moment to spread out as Sena approached him, stealing his cane, and proceeding to hit the Showmaster with it. As the entity's form split as if gelatinous, Gio felt less bad as the scenery they found themselves on was now two pirate ships sailing adjacent to one another. 
Pirates and bandits spawned on the ship as the Showmaster moved away from Sena, who promply fell into the water. Diem crawled on the side of the ship as spirits raged around her. Gio and Ariadne took a bit of a beating as No struggled to keep her kills to herself. 
As some of the pirates dissipated, the other entities morphed into ooze and returned to the Showmaster as the scene shifted once again, now to something a little more hot and filled with lava. As Diem leaped onto some rock, Sena and Ariadne both fell into lava, burning their bodies. Elementals of flame appeared and began to fight the party, Ariadne and Gio taking most of the brunt of the damage with Sena not far behind. 
Finally, with everyone frustrated about the shifting terrain, it shifted once again to a dark void. However, everyone was safely displaced onto solid ground. As the party wailed on the Showmaster, Ariadne confused to entity, preventing him from taking action as Sena was FINALLY able to hit something. No delivered the killing blow, as the mask and cane clattered to the ground, and the party returned to the stage. 
Coryphian descended, applauding them on their performance. Idris is yours, go get him. Gio asked once again to take Niza as well, to which he obliged. As the party moved back into the back room where Idris was, Sena opened the door to find Idris holding onto a fading humanoid woman of ooze, tears in his eyes as he seems panicked. Looking up, the only word to leave his lips, was Sena...

Report Date

14 Apr 2023