Scene 5 – Exploring the Circus – CF:4 – 4:30pm

Places to go:

• Red tent housing a fortune teller -> Done
• A hoochy-coochy show with scantily-clad women, managed by a fast-talker in a boater hat
• Isolated freak show tent showcasing painted deformities on cloth banners for those interested in the grotesque

Armitage throws a coin, deciding which of the remaining attractions to visit: 1 Hoochy-coochy, 2 Freakshow -> 2 Freakshow

“So the Freakshow it is!” Armitage sighs and starts to move in the direction of the tent.

ChatGpt generated Freakshow description:
The freak show, set away from the main carnival attractions, is an enclave of the unusual and the bizarre. The tent itself appears somewhat faded, its canvas worn from the ravages of time, hinting at the long history of the display inside. The entrance is marked by grand cloth banners, each one depicting painted deformities, both unsettling and fascinating.

Stepping inside, the dim lighting casts elongated shadows that only add to the atmosphere of eerie curiosity. The space is organized into a series of booths, each housing a different attraction. Some displays present performers with unique physical attributes, while others showcase rare talents or abilities that defy typical human capabilities. Each performer, though labeled a “freak” by the carnival, holds a silent dignity, with some even taking pride in their exceptional nature, turning societal rejection into a form of art and survival.

In one corner, a contortionist bends in impossible angles, her flexibility both astonishing and disconcerting. Nearby, a man covered in intricate tattoos from head to toe recounts stories of each inked design, linking them to far-off lands and ancient rites. Yet another booth showcases a duo of conjoined twins, their bond both literal and emotional, as they harmoniously perform a synchronized dance.

Amidst the array of oddities, a sense of community is evident among the performers. For many, the freak show is not just an exhibition but a refuge, a place where being different is celebrated rather than shunned. However, the reactions of the visitors vary widely, with some expressing awe and wonder, while others display discomfort or even disdain.

Anything stands out in regards of the investigation? > 50/50 > Yes > Quantily Colorless

Armitage sees an (Men, Women, other -> other) Creature, (human, non-human > non-human) barely human in shape, white, no actually colorless in appearance.

The creature fixated Armitage from the moment he entered the tent.

Armitage tries to strike a conversation with the creature:

Une:
The neutral NPC’s conversation mood is sociable. The scheming NPC speaks of means regarding the PC’s last action.

Armitage: “Hi there!”

CC: “Hi my friend! Was your search fruitful so far?”

Armitage: “Why do you think I’m searching something?”

CC: “I can smell such things. You stink of curiosity and desperation for clarity.”

Armitage: “Maybe you are right. Let’s assume I’m a curious stinker. Anything you could help me with?

50/50 > Yes > RandomPDF Tool >

“Through the European spy ring known as the Red Orchestra,
the GRU became aware of the Nazis’ interest in the occult,
especially among organizations such as the
Ahnenerbe: the Ancestral Heritage and Teaching Foundation.
Therefore, as part of a general preparation for war, the GRU hierarchy decided
to set up a special department to exploit the Nazi
leadership’s belief in the occult for propaganda, psychological
warfare, and disinformation purposes.”

CC: “Are you aware of a Russian organization called GRU?”

Is Armitage? > likely > No

Armitage: “Never heard of it.”

CC: “They are like a Russian Delta Green. During World War 2 they discovered the NAZI interest in the Occult through organizations like Ahnenerbe: the Ancestral Heritage and Teaching Foundation. They started to exploit the Nazi leadership’s belief in the occult for propaganda, psychological warfare, and disinformation purposes.”

Armitage: “Interesting history lesson, but what has this to do with my search?”

What is the connection? > Meaning Table > Persuade Travel

CC: “GRU started to convince Ahnenerbe that supernatural travel is possible.”

Armitage: “Like?”

CC: “Traveling impossible far distances, traveling forth and back in time!”

Armitage: “You have my interest!”

CC: “GRU planted the seed. What they did not expect was that the resulting research of Ahnenerbe was way more fruitful than GRU ever expected. Ahnenerbe achieved impressive results, but there were prices to pay.

Armitage: “What prices are we talking about?”

CC: “Playing around with the supernatural can have dire consequences for any group or individual which is playing with forces outside of the forces of nature. You do not have to look far to see one of the casualties.”

Armitage realized what the creature was alluding to. Was that possible? Was the creature before him a traveler?

Armitage: “Who are you?”

CC: “I’m Hauptmann Deichsler. Fallschirmspringer Brigade Ahnenerbe. I was born in 1920. Today is my thirtiest birthday. Happy Birthday to me, I guess.”

Dark Die for Insight > 4 > Insight rises to 3

Suddenly, Armitage realizes the German accent in the voice of the creature. Also, he realizes that the rest of the clothing hanging from the creature’s body looked like a ripped-apart SS uniform.

If he traveled back in time, did his future self have to endure a similar horrific transformation? Armitage started to tumble.

CC: “Oh, I see you start to understand the implications. I hoped my story helped you a little bit.”

Armitage stumbled, shocked, out of the tent.

Armitage decided it was enough for the day and to return to his Apartment.”