This is an adventure plot designed for the GM to adapt to any game system and it fits around the players. It is a simple outline, the GM must fill in the blank areas such as stats, background and other related information. Though the game is not set for any specific game system, it is given that it will be used in a medieval setting. Some changes will have to be made to integrate it into the Shadowrun setting or similar universes. Further more those Stats presented in brackets refer to AD&D stats. This is to better aid you in the judging the power of the NPCs and also to give you an idea of the general type of NPCs.

The Plot

In this adventure a friend of the PC's gets framed for murder and it's the PC's job to discover who actually killed the Carnival Head Master, Dan Lardal. They have 6 days to do so before their friend faces the Executioner, but unfortunately the carnival leaves in 4 days and the murder with it.

The NPCs

The PC's Friend: Johnathon Thomplefort, a rich merchant & possible employer of the PG. He invited the PC to the carnival to talk business while having some fun. He is accused of murder and faces death within 6 days. His ornated dagger was the murder weapon.

The Victim: Don Lardal, carnival Head Master who was not very well liked by his employees. He had a bad habit of cheating them on their wages and was abusive to anyone who he could bully.

The Killer: Znela (human Thief, 8th level) works for the carnival as a hired hand in the animal cages. He stole (pick-pocket) Johnathon's dagger earlier that day and used it to kill & rob Don when he tried to cheat him out of his wages.

The Witness: Timmy Smithers (human), a 8 year old boy who was trying to sneak into the peep show when he heard Znela kill Don. He did not get a clear look at Znela, but he saw the person (he is not sure male or female or race) was large in height & stature and also clue #3 (see clue section). He will approach the PC with his tale only if the PC agree to his mother's demands (lots of money).

The Suspects: The suspects should be cleared by either checking Out the crime scene for clues or talking to the Carney's.

#1 Manda the Bearded Lady (female Dwarf), is known for her short temper and was heard earlier that day arguing with Don over missing pay. Has gray hair (see clue #2)

#2 Allan the Mystical (human mage 1st level), many remember his promise to Don that if he was ever cheated on his wages, he would kill Don.

#3 Darga the Dogman (gnoll), has gray fur (see clue #2). He's gotten into several arguments over his housing, food & Don's fondness to hit him with his cane. he has openly claimed he would kill Don if he could get away with it.  

#4 Ogre (human strong man STR 19) has a rash temper and is known to act with violence to any situation. He was seen in the area at the time of the murder.

#5 Bardel the Beast Master (human ranger 45h level) has told Don on several occasions he would kill the Head Master if he ever saw him mistreating his animals again. Don was seen antagonizing Zameal, a snow tiger & Bardel's prize animal.'

The Clues

1) The murder weapon: Johnathon's personalized dagger. It was stolen off of him by Znela when Johnathon left Don's wagon earlier that morning after discussing business.

2) Hair sample: The PC should find several traces of grayish white hair or fur at the crime scene (if they search the area). It would possibly lead to Manda, Danga or Zameal. It was left by Znela's boots, the fur belongs to Zameal and got on Znela's boots while he was cleaning Zameal's cage earlier that day. This clue should lead the PCs to the Animal Tents.

3) The tattoo, Timmy saw a red tattoo on the left arm of the killer through a torn sleeve. The torn sleeve occurred while Znela and Don were struggling. Znela is the only one in the carnival who has a red tattoo on his left arm.

4) One distinct boot print can be found by where the body of Don was (only a ranger or someone with tracking should be able to find it after more than 1 day) The print belongs to a larger person in this case Znela. It has 3 notches in the heal section.

5) All of Don's possessions are gone as if all the money that was in Don's strong box in his wagon. None of the suspects have any of it, but Znela does. Most is kept in his belongings, but not all. Znela has one of Don's monogrammed rings in his pocket.

The Map

The GM should only need one map, an area of the carnival. You can add anything you want to the map, but the following areas should be noted: The Freak Show Tent, The Animal Tent, The Entertainment Previllion, The Traders Square, wagon and stock pens & the crime scene.

Hopefully by the forth day the PCs should be onto Znela, but if they are not, you may help them along by having them spook him if they approach around or near him too often or maybe the ring falls out of his pockets while the PCs are around?

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