The Dark Ringmaster is a calculating sort, careful in his observations and only acting directly when absolutely necessary. When the party first stumbles upon the Dark Carnival, its illustrious leader will not be present and this is quite intentional. Additionally, each one of these stalls and tents requests only a single copper for participation regardless of what they entail unless a prize of substantial monetary value is to be won (such as a large prize pool or magic item).īe mindful of what activities they engage in, for these events and concessions have their ulterior purposes. The list could go on and is limited only by how well you know your players’ characters.

For example, if your fighter loves to drink, there should be a drinking contest shortly after their arrival if your ranger is a master of the bow, a firing range will be available with eye-catching prizes. This includes the player characters as well: whenever possible, tailor the stalls to have games, treats, dishes, and events that your party would most enjoy. As a result, the performances and stalls your adventurers find upon their visit will be suited to the most common desires of the nearby settlement. This involves reconnaissance before even arriving in their typically mysterious fashion with the use of his most elite spies and assassins. Prior to the arrival of a new plane, the Dark Ringmaster makes every effort to ensure the pageantries and games are suited to the locals of the Dark Carnival’s next destination. There can be no doubt that its presence is an otherworldly one - of machinations that may be better left unknown. It will always appear just out of view of a civilized settlement, be it a village, town, or city, like a figure emerging from the corner of one’s eye. Such an event will occur when and where there is no one who can observe, such as the center of a dense forest or around the corner of a large hillside under the cover of night or fog. There appears to be no set-up required when it arrives or departs, just an eerie and sudden change in where it is. The following text contains lore and elements directly from the mind of its creator to better understand how the Dark Carnival may become a part of your players’ epic journey, but how you use this material is entirely up to your creative expression.Īs with anything involving the twisted brilliance that is Hughe Percival Lockcross, everything is simultaneously canon and non-canon, and thus anything goes! The Dark Carnival GroundsĮver roaming, the grounds of the Dark Carnival are as eldritch as its illustrious Ringmaster. Moving from plane to plane, any campaign may find this hub of fanciful chaos and beautiful horror appear in the path of the adventuring party. 'The Dark Carnival could use a talent like yours,' he coos as he holds out a gloved hand with a crooked grin, 'In exchange, I can grant you power and love beyond your wildest dreams! So, what do you say - do we have a deal?' Introducing the Dark Carnival to Your Campaign Before you can react he stands before you, eye to eye, the deep obsidian of his pupils swirling with an endearing madness. Adorned in a black top hat, tailcoat, and cloak he strides to you with a delighted twirl in his mustache. They greet you with jovial excitement bordering the crazed, led by an ever-smiling individual of strangely enthralling presence.

The next morning your quiet town is met with an army - not one of soldiers and engines of war, but performers and tents. 58įrom the sweeping winds that shriek between the void of your dream, roaring laughter rises to a cacophonous, contagious crescendo.

Warlock: The Eldritch Author / Dark Ringmaster.

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