Session 20: The Circus Comes to Town Part 1

Scene 1: After the Ashes

In the wake of the devastating Tovag attack, Zorin's Magnificent Traveling Circus was in disarray. The surviving troupe members mourned their fallen leader, Zorin, and grappled with their losses. Ren, gravely wounded in the assault, was in critical condition, his injuries severe enough to prevent any hope of quick recovery. Others bore the shock in silence, reeling from both the physical and emotional devastation. However, the troupe’s wagons, crucial to their survival, had been heavily damaged. With no option but to continue their journey, they rallied under Zenscha's direction. Zenscha, her keen mind almost as adept at basic mechanics as alchemy, used her skills to lead the restoration effort, focusing first on the animal cage wagon—a vital piece of the caravan that housed their exotic creatures. Orian and Desmond assisted her with the heavy lifting and precise repairs. After some struggle, they succeeded in making the wagon functional again. Undeterred, Zenscha repurposed a wrecked wagon they found near Gorgrun's lair, converting it into a fourth wagon for the troupe.   By the end of their hard labor, the caravan now consisted of four wagons, and 14 people:  

1. Animal Cage Wagon – Repaired and restored, this wagon can house the troupe’s exotic animals, which were essential both to their performances and survival. (Has the space for one animal the size of a warhorse, or several smaller).
2. Supply Wagon – Stocked with the few provisions they could salvage, this wagon contained their supplies, tools, and anything they could gather after the attack.
3. Performance Wagon – A multi-functional wagon that served as a stage for their shows or a makeshift shelter during storms.
4. The Party’s Wagon – Rebuilt by Zenscha from a ruined cart found near Gorgrun's lair, this wagon was to be used as secondary supply and as a semi-permanent shelter for Ren.

  Their makeshift caravan was patched together, and they made ready to set back out on the road.  

Scene 2: Coming to Know the Circus Troupe Survivors

With the wagons restored, the focus shifted to the surviving members of Zorin’s circus. Each member brings invaluable skills, honed over years of traveling and performing.   They learned a little of the history of this troupe. Many survivors had been purchased by Zorin, which disturbed Tonibore when he first learned of it. However, as the story unfolded, a more nuanced picture of Zorin’s troupe emerged. Zorin, an Imari who had grown wealthy through trade, became disillusioned with the business world. He longed for the road and the freedom it represented. Over a decade ago, he began rescuing slaves sold at the Temple of the Sun in New Babylon and brought them with him on what became a continent-spanning tour, from Ashenti and New Babylon to the southernmost city of Ormen, finally by boat to Rostova, and then throughout the Midlands and Southlands for several years.   “The life hasn’t always been easy, but it beats being cut open atop the Summer Tree,” Karl said, his characteristic wit belying the grim truth of their previous existence.   Circus Troupe Survivors:  

1. Bogdan "The Human Bull" Urvanov – The Strongman (Male, 52)
   Bogdan, once the circus’s towering strongman known for his feats of incredible strength, has come to take on a paternal bent behind the scenes. Even though age has begun to slow him down, his physical prowess and experience make him indispensable. Born into hardship in Sevgorod, Bogdan found purpose and belonging with the circus, where he grew into a protective figure for the troupe. Since Zorin’s death, his sense of responsibility has only deepened, and he now considers it his duty to keep the remaining members safe.
   Personality: Quiet and dependable, Bogdan is deeply loyal to the troupe, viewing them as the family he never had. Despite his intimidating appearance, he is gentle with the more vulnerable members, though occasionally prone to brooding and drinking. Luckily for those around him, he tends towards melancholy when drunk, rather than anger.
2. Nika "Nightsong" – The Threpan Siren (Female, 28)
   Nika’s voice, carrying an eerie weight, is both her gift and her curse. She claims her songs have prophetic meaning, and her haunting melodies are said to sway emotions or even affect fate. Originally from one of the eastern tribes of the South, Nika had been exiled long before she was sold to Zorin in New Babylon at a young age. Though her past is marred with sorrow, she chose to stay with Zorin’s troupe, drawn to the sense of belonging it offered. She shared a close bond with Zorin, who treated her like a surrogate daughter. His death hit her hard, deepening her belief in omens and supernatural forces.
   Personality: Spiritual, introspective, and often cryptic, Nika speaks in riddles and metaphors, making her seem detached from practical matters. Despite her fragile emotional state, her developing bond with Tashi, a fellow musician, quickly forms as they plan their first duets.
3. "Whispers" Markov – The Fortune Teller (Female, 47)
   Irena Markov, known as "Whispers," is the troupe’s fortune teller. Though it is apparent to Orian and Zenscha that she lacks true magical abilities, her ability to cold read people and weave intricate stories makes her a useful figure in the troupe. She was once the estranged daughter of a prominent alchemist in Sevgorod, fleeing the high society of the city for a life of freedom with the circus. Zorin’s death has shaken her deeply, making her more withdrawn than before.
   Personality: Outwardly sociable around outsiders, Irena is a complex character—secretive, and often aloof when it comes to her companions. Despite this, she remains fiercely protective of the troupe, though she rarely shows her vulnerability.
4. & 5. Karl and Alexey Ostrov – The Acrobat/Monster Hunter and The Mentalist (Males, appear in their 20s)
   The Ostrov twins, Karl and Alexey, were one of the circus’s most famous acts. Off-worlders from a place called “Russia,” they were captured and sold as slaves in New Babylon before Zorin purchased them. Karl, the acrobat and monster-hunter, is known for his expert knife- and axe-throwing, while Alexey, the mentalist, has an uncanny ability to manipulate time and space during his performances, though he rarely speaks about it. Together, their seamless coordination and death-defying acts made them crowd favorites.
   Personalities:
   • Karl is loud, charismatic, and brash. He enjoys the adrenaline of performance and the spotlight. Often the first to jump into confrontations, Karl is protective of his twin brother, Alexey, and deeply loyal to the troupe.
   • Alexey is quiet, introspective, creepy, and functionally mute. His unsettling presence often unnerves others, and his deep bond with Karl keeps him tethered to the group.

 

Scene 3: Finding Roles

As the troupe regrouped, both the survivors and the party members began to define their roles within the newly reformed circus. While survival remained their priority, they knew that performing would be key to securing resources and maintaining their cover as they traveled through hostile lands.   PCs' Roles:  

1. Desmond – Promoter
   Rough on the outside but ever the smooth talker, Desmond took on the role of the troupe’s promoter. His stash of whiskey and drugs proved useful for attracting a crowd, and he used his natural charisma to present the circus as an exotic and dangerous spectacle. Desmond's flair for salesmanship would be essential in drawing in onlookers.
2. Rolandus – Crusading Hero
   Rolandus would take up the role of the heroic figure in staged battles, as well as prize fighter when the crowd seemed ornery enough for the occasion. Working with Orian, who conjured terrifying nightmare illusions, Rolandus would perform daring feats, slaying monsters in front of mesmerized audiences.
3. Zenscha – Cabinet of Curiosities, refreshments
   Zenscha began preparing a curated traveling show featuring parts of aberrations they had encountered in their travels. The grotesque collection might fascinate and horrify in equal measure.
4. Tonibore – Animal Coordinator
   Tonibore, with his practical mindset, took on the role of coordinating the animals during performances, ensuring the safety of both the troupe and the beasts. He would also assist Karl in hunting, keeping the more theatrical elements balanced with the logistical needs of the circus.
5. Orian – Mentalism and Illusions
   Orian became the troupe’s master of illusion, using his innate nightmare magic to create thrilling and terrifying displays in the minds of the audience to keep them on edge, hopefully without pushing them too far into fear.

  Other NPC Roles:  

• Ren – Severely injured in the attack, his recovery will take months, leaving him unable to perform.
• Tashi – Naturally fell into the role of announcer, introducing the acts and joining Nika in her musical performances.
• Danyar – Responsible for tending the animals, including the great stag Eldryth, the donkey Gordon, and the circus’s herd of goats, which would pull the wagons.
• Elara – Now spending much of her time caring for her father, Ren, and assisting Danyar with the animals. Her once mischievous spirit has dimmed, though Danyar remains a source of strength for her.

 

End of Session: A New Beginning

The session concluded with the group preparing to journey onward to Rostova. Their newly repaired circus wagons rolled forward, and the survivors, along with the party members, had found their roles within the evolving troupe.