Burly

Following the characters' meeting with Witch and Light, Burly pulls the characters aside for a hushed conversation:

Burly removes his jack-o'-lantern helmet, revealing a worried expression. "Bad things have been happening at the carnival for a while. People and things have been going missing. My bosses know more than they're telling, but their hands are tied somehow. You're the first people I've met who might be able to set things right. Witch and Light are good guys, but you'll need leverage to make them spill the beans."

Burly suggests the characters purloinMister Witch 's Witchlight Watch (without which the carnival can't stay on schedule) and use it to compel Witch and Light to provide the answers they seek. He proposes that the best time to swipe the watch is during the Big Top Extravaganza, since it's the only time when Witch and Light are separated. Although he doesn't condone theft, Burly has talked himself into believing that it's not really stealing if the characters give back the watch. Burly offers to assist where he can, but he doesn't want Witch and Light to know that he plotted against them, because it would cost him his job and his home. He also warns that he'll see no harm come to his bosses; they might be flawed, but without them, the carnival will fall apart.
Over the course of the conversation, Burly shares the following additional pieces of information:

• "The Witchlight Monarch is chosen by Mister Light's Witchlight vane. Witch and Light have no control over who the monarch will be, but it's always the guest who has contributed the most to the happiness of the carnival. The monarch is also given a charm that lets them fly."
• "Mister Witch's Witchlight watch is attached to his waistcoat by a chain, so whoever tries to steal it needs something to break or unfasten the chain."
• "Dirlagraun, Candlefoot, and Palasha might help you—they're good eggs. But stay away from Thaco—he's untrustworthy."

If the characters suggest stealing the Witchlight vane instead of the Witchlight watch, Burly asserts that the watch is easier to steal because it's smaller and often tucked in Mister Witch's pocket, whereas Mister Light is rarely seen without the vane in hand. Burly concedes, however, that the vane yields almost as much leverage in negotiations with Witch and Light, though he has no plan for stealing the vane.

The Heist

See Timed Events later in the chapter for details of the coronation. It's up to the characters to come up with a plan to get close enough to Mister Witch to steal his pocket watch. Any allies they've gained go along with their schemes but won't harm the carnival owners or other members of the carnival staff.
Mister Witch keeps the watch in his waistcoat pocket, fastened to the garment with a chain. As an action, a character can attempt to steal the timepiece with a DC 13 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check. This check is made with advantage if Witch is distracted during the attempt. A character needs thieves' tools, a dagger, or a pair of scissors to snip or detach the chain securing the watch.
If the characters rob Mister Witch of his timepiece, he and Light are desperate to get it back. They'd prefer not to cause a scene in front of the guests and promise to show the characters the way to Prismeer once the watch is returned. Witch and Light are true to their word.

Burly the Bugbear CR: 1

Medium humanoid (goblinoid), chaotic neutral

Armor Class: 16

Hit Points: 27 5d8+5

Speed: , fly: 0 ft , burrow: 0 ft , swim: 0 ft , climb: 0 ft

STR

15 +2

DEX

14 +2

CON

13 +1

INT

8 -1

WIS

11 +0

CHA

9 -1

Skills:

• Stealth +6
• Survival +2

Senses:

• Darkvision: 60ft (18m)
• Passive perception: 10

Languages: Common, Goblin

Challenge Rating: 1

Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the bugbear hits with it (included in the attack).
Surprise Attack. If the bugbear surprises a creature and hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) damage from the attack.

Actions

Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d8 + 2) piercing damage.
0 Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage in melee or 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage at range.

Suggested Environments

Forest, Grassland, Underdark

Burly and his brother, Hurly joined the carnivals as youngsters.