Re: [DL] Something Wicked This Way Comes

["Derek D. Bass" <wangenstein@mad.scientist.com>]

Y'know, clowns are very maligned in today's society (and rightly so). How
about an adventure in which the clowns are the good guys? Something where
the controlling force (Ringmaster, Ticket-taker, Harrowed Dumbo the
Elephant) keeps those who mocked him/her or whom he/she felt intellectually
threatened as clowns, so that they may be properly tormented. In addition to
just being treated badly, the clowns are forced to perform all sorts of
acrobatic stunts. However, since the 'clowns' were all just normal people
before the circus came to town, they end up muffing it and more than likely
getting hurt, much to the Ringmaster's satisfaction. They then have to get
back up and continue performing. The clowns are on a short behavioral leash,
so that while they perform at every stop, they can't free themselves or
directly ask for help. They might be able to communicate it to the Posse
somehow, though.

I'm less clear on ideas for the circus' purpose, why it's visiting these
towns. It could cause a sort of lunacy in the towns it visits. The day after
the circus performs, the entire town goes mad. Screaming, gibbering,
violently mad. The circus-folk could then clean out the town. If any
townspeople annoyed the Ringmaster, they get taken along as a new addition
to the clowns. The town recalls nothing but a haze as they clean up, and
never make the connection to the circus.

Once the Posse frees the clowns, they could discover any number of useful
NPCs (local businessman, mine owner, Mad Scientist...) who can help them,
either in defeating the Ringmaster or as a contact for a later adventure.
They'd certainly be grateful for help in escaping from or defeating the
circus.

Just a thought.

Derek "Can't sleep. Clown'll eat me." D. Bass

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