View source for 3 - Big Top was Amazing

{{SessionLog
|ID=3
|Title=Big Top was Amazing
|Subtitle=But maybe we need to stop playing nice|Author=Ashira
|DatePlayed=1-12-2024
|DateInGame=Day 9
|Log=
The round Mystery Mine cart descended into what looked like another world, an underground carnival. Lights, sounds, colors, it was all there, but it felt... off, like a dream. First came a giant turtle. [[Brolin]] practically jumped out of his fur in fear. I didn’t even blink; what’s terrifying about a slow turtle? Next came a zombie, clearly an illusion.

[[File:Medusa.jpeg|300px|right]]
But then, a Banshee came into view, and my skin crawled. Before I could catch my breath, a Medusa rose from the center of the cart, her gaze petrifying. For a moment, I thought it was all real. Then I realized they were just illusions. By the time a Drider appeared, and later an utterly ridiculous killer mussel, I was back to my usual self.

Outside the mine, I joined [[Dhanell]] to get new tickets. As we walked, we saw a strange frog-like creature pick-pocketing someone. Good for him, but then I noticed he didn’t have fairy wings, which meant he must’ve sneaked into the carnival. He’ll lose something precious, like we did. If we see him again, maybe we’ll warn him. Maybe.

<h3>The Pixie Kingdom</h3>
Next was the Pixie Kingdom. From the outside, it looked like a miniature carnival, but after being sprinkled with magic dust, everything changed. We were suddenly the size of pixies! It was impressive, alive with magic. They gave us pixie names to match the transformation. [[Dhanell]] became Dimple, [[Brolin]] was Carroty, and I was Cotton Candy. A ridiculous name, but I took it without comment.

A game of hide-and-seek was part of the fun. While some took the recommended hiding spots, I found a place of my own. They searched and searched, but I wasn’t going to make it easy, even after they started yelling my name. Eventually, they found me. My reward? A satchel of pixie dust, a small prize, but who knows when it might come in handy?

<h3>The Big Top</h3>
After that, we headed to the Big Top for the main event. [[Light]], the ringmaster, announced the acts. [[Burley]], the bugbear, started things off with a display of brute strength. Then [[Palasha]], a mermaid with a voice like an angel, sang a song that made the whole tent still. [[Maeve]] played her lute alongside her, and soon [[Ellywick]] joined her. It was breathtaking.

Then [[Candlefoot]], the mime, stepped into the ring. We had heard earlier in the Pixie Kingdom that he was in love with [[Palasha]] but had lost his voice today. His act was great, but his sadness was impossible to ignore.

The show continued with a fire breather, clowns, fairy dragons and acrobats. At the end, [[Light]] invited the audience to participate. [[Maeve]] stood up to the challenge, weaving a story that mesmerized the crowd.

<h3>The afterparty</h3>
After the show, [[Burley]] invited [[Maeve]] to the staff area to meet [[Light]] and [[Witch]]. [[Zephyr]] and I joined her. The others stayed behind to talk to the Kenku. 

[[File:light_and_witch.jpeg|400px|left]]
[[Light]] and [[Witch]] were pleased with [[Maeve]]’s performance, but when I asked about the Feywild crossing, their answers danced around the truth. It was clear they knew more but were too afraid to share. I suspect it is related to the Hourglass Coven, whatever that is...

Outside, [[Burley]] opened up to us. He believed [[Witch]] and [[Light]] were hiding something and suggested we "borrowed" [[Witch]]’s pocket watch as leverage. He also offered to help us later by granting access to the staff area if we called his name three times. Maybe it’s time to stop playing nice...

[[Burley]] also suggested that [[Candlefoot]], [[Dirla]], or [[Palasha]] might could help us. And warned us to not trust [[Thaco]], a clown sitting outside, who made a balloon animal for [[Zephyr]].

Meanwhile, the others spoke with the Kenku, [[Kettlesteam]], and convinced him to return [[Candlefoot]]'s voice.

<h3>The Hall of Illusions</h3>
Next, we headed to the Hall of Illusions to speak with [[Candlefoot]], who was at the entrance. We hoped he’d help us, now that his voice was restored. Nearby, outside the Hall, stood a glass box with Tasha inscribed on it. A halfling started laughing uncontrollably while another one ran away.

[[Brolin]] urged me to try it. I shouldn’t have listened. I hoped for laughter, but what came was... different. A sharp ache hit my stomach, and I crumpled to the floor. It wasn’t fun, it hurt...
}}