Zella raises a delicate eyebrow as she looks over at Elaina. "A fellow entertainer? Dancing, singing or something else? Will I be needing to resort to my infamous 'Varisian Scarf Dance' in order to get any attention at all tonight?"
Elaina eyes Zelladanyia with suspicion. "I'm a dancer at the Sandpoint Theater, so you may keep your audience... tonight. What is this scarf dance?"
Zella gives a little embarrassed giggle and looks over at Elaina. "Well, let's just say that scarves are the only costuming worn during the dance."
Elaina looks the better endowed woman up and down and turns away to mumble "How am I supposed to compete with that..."
"this one is just a juice made from the leftover blackberries and some mint. But it does taste good."
Nover fills the paper cup with the juice and hands it to Herri.
The crowd is muted as Mayor Deverin takes the stage. The matronly woman has an infectious smile on her face, and emphasizes her speech with frequent hand movements. "Greetings, Sandpoint, to both our established residents and honored guests! I am so glad you could make it to our wonderful festival today!" She points at a tanned, dour-looking man with salt and pepper hair near the front of the crowd. "As you can see, even Larz Rovanky managed to tear himself away for a little fun!" She and all the longtime locals of Sandpoint share a laugh, except for Larz, who manages to scowl even further. "I hope you all have a wonderful time at the Swallowtail Festival, but before we turn it over to fun, our esteemed Sheriff Hemlock has a few words." She waves energetically to the crowd as she descends, allowing the dark Shoanti man onto the stage.
Sheriff Hemlock lets his gaze wander over general portions of the crowd before finally speaking in his loud bass tone. "We certainly want you to have fun, but keep in mind that we will still be enforcing all the laws of this town, so be forewarned!" His tone lightens to one of concern. "Please be careful tonight at this evening's bonfire. Last year we had three injuries, one of them serious. Finally, let us have a moment of silence for those that lost their lives in the fire that necessitated our new and wonderful Temple of Desna." He hangs his head in silence for a few seconds before wordlessly descending the stage.
In his place, spreading his arms wide and grinning broadly, is the showman Cyrdak Drokkus. He waves to a group near the front, then shouts in a merry tone, "Enough depression good man, this is a time for fun and games, not more of your rules!" The crowd laughs nervously at that, but Hemlock's expression does not change. "What I wanted to tell you about tonight was a story about this town's endurance and ability to pull together in time of need! Sandpoint went through not one, but two tragedies recently, and not only did we provide each other support to get through the dark times, we pooled together our resources to give you the marvelous building to be consecrated tonight!" He turns to the side, gesturing to the imposing building on the North side of town, the new Cathedral of Sandpoint. "That, my friends, is a truly magnificent reminder of our town's fortitude! Now, I would like to personally invite each and every one of you to The Sandpoint Theater's production of 'The Harpy Queen' tomorrow night, starring none other than Allishanda of Magnimar! Father Zantus, the crowd is yours. Thank you!!!" He waves again as he descends, grinning at the attention, as a middle-aged man of middling stature with a goatee ascends the stage. On his vestments are the butterflies of Desna.
He spreads his arms, waiting. The crowd reluctantly goes silent, awaiting a speech or a long-winded prayer. The man grins suddenly and exclaims, "Let this Swallowtail Festival be officially begun!" The silence over the crowd immediately ends, cheers breaking out as people start streaming towards their first destination.
Well that was painless enough, don't think I could take a drawn out self indulging speech Sli speaks as if anyone is listening but cares none the less. He slowly wanders from the crowds leaving the stage and begins cruising the attractions set up.
Elaina claps her hands excitedly. "It's starting!
Immediately Bellamy sank into the joy filled crowds, a forest of smiles and laughter surrounded him and he happily returned with his own jovial grin. The wagons, stands and merchant carpets came alive with activity as various foods, drinks, baubles, goods and oddities changed hands. Deals were struck with varying speeds and gold changed hands with a jingle that filled every participating merchants with happiness This could look quite interesting from above Bellamy smiled mischievously but it didn't act on his desire, not only because of the sheriff's warning but also because he found something else to occupy his attention; games, contests and a definite chance to enjoy himself and stand out.
A few of the guests who sampled his wares had left some tips. Approximately 5 sp and 4 cp. Nover was not expecting to make any money today so what to do with it was simple in his mind. 1 sp to food and drink, 1 sp for a few games and have some fun, and the rest would go into the donation box at the new temple. His little stand was now empty his Bear Trap was gone and the juice was gone before the ale, the children seemed to enjoy it. Pulling one sp from his pocket he flipped it into the air before catching it.
"First things first, I need a pie."
The only noticeable change, now that the Festival has started, is the number of people. Hundreds of people, if not a full thousand, crowd the square, testing their luck in games of chance and skill. At the north end of the square the stage is being modified for a dancing floor, and a troupe of musicians is setting up nearby, warming up with 'Magnimar the Beautiful'. Food vendors are interspersed all throughout the crowd, selling their wares to those who decide hunger has passed the need for entertainment. Doing the most brisk business, of course, is Ameiko and her exotic spread. A game of strength occurs near the west side of the square, large men (and a few smaller ones) taking a hammer and swinging at a target which makes a small metal piece rise on a pole. To the east is where the card games are, amateur 'magicians' getting to showcase their household tricks. The dance competition will end at noon, at which point the free lunch will be served. At mid-afternoon the results of the ale-testing will be in, with the top food being awarded soon after.
Heading over to Ameikos stand with the last of his paper cups filled with the last of his Bear Trap he waves down his boss. Nover was tired from selling out. A busy night at the Rusty Dragon was nothing compared to a festival.
I might need to make more and hire some help next year. That or Ameiko can give me a raise at the Inn for the recipe.
"Hey boss, I need a pie and maybe a meal, I have some coin from tips but I'll trade you for the last of my brew from this year."
He raises the paper cup to offer a trade for a hot meal and maybe some pie.
The lovely Minkai woman looks up at Nover over a pot of spiced stew, grinning at him over the ladle. "Please, my good Nover, have a pie and bowl of stew on me, for after lunch you shall be having the bitter taste of defeat to keep you company." She chuckles, fixing Nover a bowl of stew herself, then fetching him a steaming pie. "In all seriousness, it looks like you did well for yourself this year. Why don't you go enjoy the Festival?"
Holding the paper cup out he doesn't pick up the spoon. Not yet at least.
"Taste it and see for yourself how I will fair against your brew. And if you like it maybe I can make some for the inn. I am not taking a spoonful of the stew, or a bite of delicious pie until you at least taste my Bear Trap. No matter how tempting the pie may appear. Curse you woman for knowing I have a weakness for sweets."
He grins before holding the cup up a little higher. His eyes twinkle a bit as he has one more response.
"Seriously, take it so you can at least taste defeat."
Ameiko mock sighs and reaches for the paper cup, drinking the contents in a long pull. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, nodding at Nover. "A good brew, Nover. Certainly better than last year's. Too bad all that effort will go to waste!" She winks at him, then turns to another customer, a smile on her face.
Nover wolfs down the spicy stew, glad he isn't competing in the food contest after a few bites of the exotic fare. Whatever else the woman had done in her short travels, she had learned how to cook. The dwarf then starts to meander through the crowd, taking his time with the sweet pie, savoring every crumb. His progress stops at the contest of strength.
Nover sees a tall, gangly youth pick up the hammer and swing it awkwardly, the hammer's arc almost halting at the top before gravity takes over and produces a middling ring from the device, the metal piece traveling less than halfway up the pole before dropping. The crowd laughs good-naturedly at his attempt as Nover smirks. He would show these people how it was done.
Nover steps up to the human conducting the game without a word, hand outstretched for the hammer. The dwarf plants his feet, taking a wide grip on the shaft as he was taught. He starts his upward swing, sliding his hands together at the top of the arc to bring the hammer's full force on the device.
Nover's swing and aim are true, and the piece goes over 3/4 of the way up the pole before retreating back down to the ground. There is a general applause for his efforts, and his name is asked so his results can be recorded.
The temple indeed is taking donations, so Nover drops his tips off and then continues to wander, enjoying lunch with Ameiko and some others after the release of the Swallowtail Butterflies. After lunch, he learns that he placed 3rd in the strength contest. Satisfied and full, he settles in to wait on the consecration of the new Cathedral.
Herri wanders about after sampling Nover's wares. The whole town must have been in the plaza, or at least a good portion of it! His natural inclinations have him drift towards the card games. He studies the games for a few minutes, then having satisfied himself on the rules, tries a couple of rounds:
Herri walks away from the games, laughing, pocketing the few baubles he had won with his efforts. He hopes the card sharks would take it easy on those who didn't know of such things. Noon soon approaches, and Herri watches as Father Zantus walks to a line of crates, undoing the clasps on them. He lifts the doors up, and thousands of Swallowtail Butterflies stream into the air, surrounding the citizens and visitors of Sandpoint before dispersing to the wind and the wild.
Lunch, it turned out, was served immediately following the release, so Herri grabs a plate of Ameiko's fine food and joins her and Nover at the tables, engaging in small talk. After lunch, he continues to roam the square, finding himself at the test of strength. Still brimming with confidence from earlier, Herri tests his luck:
A loud applause follows from Herri's efforts, although Herri learns later that he was bumped out of placing by none other than Nover. Herri returns to Nover and Ameiko's side as dusk approaches, the consecration about to start.
Bellamy stays near Ameiko most of the morning, bantering back and forth with the lovely woman. Even though she is busy, she is quick of wit and returns fire as quickly as Bellamy quips at her. Feeling a bit of wanderlust, the sorcerer excuses himself and goes off to see if there are any games that appeal to him.
Near the contest of strength there appears to be a dart-throwing contest. Bellamy has to stifle a chuckle as a ham-handed farmer almost impales the guy in charge of the booth with an errant throw. As the man steps away, the gentleman in charge hands Bellamy three darts, quickly backing out of the way as he sets up.
The guy in charge looks impressed, as do the townsfolk that surround the booth. Bellamy, of course, basks in the attention, having been deprived of his rooftop-jumping for the day. Bellamy later learns he was good enough for second place and a free meal at the White Deer Inn.
Father Zantus releases the butterflies, which Bellamy barely glances at, but he is quick to the table for lunch, resuming his place near Ameiko. He eats with her, Nover, and Herri (and the rest of her helpers/cronies), enjoying the small talk. He spends the rest of the day hanging out with Ameiko, waiting for the consecration.
Zella enjoys her drink and talk with Nover, Bellamy, Herri, and Elaina, but the music quickly casts a spell on her, and she drifts over to where the musicians are playing. She nods to herself, Business first, and proceeds to sign up for the dance competition later in the day, a few lingering stares following her as she makes her way back to the quintet of musicians.
When they pause, she goes up and whispers something to the one who was performing the singing parts, who gives her a grin and nods vigorously. They then start a slow-paced love ballad, giving Zella the opportunity to sing the lead.
Zella realizes she should have warmed up first, as she has trouble at the beginning of the song. Still, she makes a passable performance, enough so that the musicians decide to take a break, letting her belt out a solo song to the glory of Desna.
Without the music accompanying her, Zella performs much better, closing her eyes as she glorifies the Goddess of Travel with her voice. This time there is a smattering of applause from the crowd, and the musicians clap as well.
Zella watches the release of the Swallowtail Butterflies with interest, getting as close to Father Zantus as she can without actually hindering him. She delights in the swarm of butterflies coursing over her, laughing at the hundreds of colors flitting about before they disperse on the winds. Lunch is a grand affair, as she sits with her little group from earlier, getting herself mentally prepared for the dance competition.
She makes her way over, and finds that she is near the back of the line and will be one of the last performers of the competition. She settles in to wait, tapping her foot in boredom and singing bits of pieces of songs as she waits her turn. Finally, the moment has arrived, and she takes the stage! Her dance is slower than the fast-paced sets the Sandpoint locals traditionally use, using body control instead of speed to win over the crowd:
The catcalls from the men and general applause are a sure sign to Zella that she has done well, and she descends the stage, chest heaving slightly from the exercise, waiting on the results before joining Ameiko and the others for the consecration.
Elaina smirks to herself after tossing back her drinks, immediately heading over to the magicians' area. She casts Detect Magic nearby, confirming her suspicion that no actual magic is being used. She then walks up to the nearest one, demanding that they perform their best trick. The man is flabbergasted by the petite woman's demand, but sees the looks of his crowd and decides to comply. The showman gestures to Elaina, waving his arms about, then he puts his left hand in front of the young woman, a bouquet of flowers in his grasp.
Elaina is unaware of how the man performed the trick, but such was not her intent, anyway. With a mischievous grin at the man, she starts to spin around him, dancing and waving her arms in a mockery of him, and a cluster of torch-like lights appears, bouncing down the street to the delight of the crowd. Laughing, she departs, looking for the signup for the dance contest. She signs up, then heads to the tables for lunch after the release of the butterflies.
She eats with Ameiko and company, sharing in the conversation. She learns that Zella has also entered the competition, so she excuses herself and gets in the line early, one of the first ones there. Her name is soon called and she performs for the second time today, a fast-paced spinning dance complete with scimitar and magical accompanyment:
Elaina is soon regretting her decision to make it there so soon, however, as the several drinks and large helping of food stifle her performance. She is nowhere as crisp as earlier, although she doesn't make a complete fool of herself either. Disgruntled and sleepy, she heads back to Ameiko's stand, nodding off at the table, waking up in time for the consecration.
With that, Zella learns that she has won the dancing competition, and a weeks' worth of free stays and meals at The Rusty Dragon!
The mood of the town was quite infectious, and Bellamy appreciated watching and listening to the people around him, his relaxed posture in his chair's allowing him a clear view of a decent number of the happy crowd "Relaxing would do you well" He said to Ameiko his face partially turning in her direction "I believe the storm has passed" A mischievous look appeared on his face as his eyes looked to the horde of empty plates at her stand.
"But relaxing is no fun, my dear Bellamy, as you well know." Ameiko responds, a twinkle in her eye. She helps to clear plates and get cleaned up before the consecration, her pride in her town evident in the way she occasionally glances at the towering Cathedral.
The feisty bard was overwhelmed by the festival. She had never been to a party, let alone a party that involved the entire town. She was immediately attracted to the magicians and their flashy shows. Elaina was impressed by what the magicians could do without any magic. A bit put off that she couldn't quite determine how they they did their tricks, she showed them what someone could do with some real magic.
After learning the results of the dance competition she stomps angrily back to Ameiko's booth. On her way she has a startling revelation."*Gasp!* They poisoned me! Her and her drink-making friend! It's the only way I could have lost.." She ignores the startled looks she gets from strangers and sits at the booth, waiting to confront her 'friends' when they return. If they dared to. She rests her head on the table, exhausted from the poison no doubt, and almost immediately falls asleep.
"All too true" He said with a short laugh, but before he could say more on the matter he noticed the unmistaken figure of Elaina stalking back to them, her footsteps audible even with torrent of noise that surrounded them.
"*Gasp!* They poisoned me! Her and her drink-making friend! It's the only way I could have lost.."
"I did warn you" He said in clear jest, letting out a soft low toned laugh, before he pats her on the back in a semi consoling manner "Do you have anything to offer our poor contender?" He asked as he looked to Ameiko with a half smile on his facade.
Ameiko looks down at the girl as she plops down on the bench in self-pity and almost immediately goes to sleep. The right side of her lip curls up in amusement as she shrugs. "Perhaps she just needs to sleep it off. One so small should take care with how much they drink." She chuckles, looking back to Bellamy. "You've managed to not give Belor a headache today, my friend, is there something wrong?"
"Promises and given words" He shrugged his cunning half smile turning into a more somber one, that quickly disappeared, leaving in it place a more calm expression "But let us not dwell on such things" He extended his right hand towards her "Would the beautiful lady of the Rusty Dragon join me in a walk through the waning hours of this festival?" Bellamy's voice was a mixed concoction of exaggerated politeness and honesty.
Ameiko looks levelly at Bellamy for a few long seconds, a smirk slowly appearing on her face as she at last outstretches her left hand to him. "If only to keep you out of mischief for a few more minutes, you rogue." She chuckles deep in her throat, allowing herself to be escorted through the attractions.
The sun hangs low in the sky to the west, bright blue being replaced by shades of orange and red as the Festival starts to wrap up. Hundreds stream over to the Sandpoint Cathedral to attend the consecration of the massive building.
Sunset comes upon the town, and a sharp CRACK splits the air as Father Zantus climbs the stage to gain everybody's attention (he used a thunderstone). Ameiko gives Bellamy a parting smile before rushing back to her setup area to complete the breakdown and get back to the Rusty Dragon before the crowds come en masse.
All heads have turned toward the stage, including that of a recently-sleeping dog under a vendor's cart, started awake at the loud noise. The crowd hushes as they prepare for Father Zantus' consecration ceremony. The man is in good spirits, smiling widely, and he clears his throat for his speech. As he draws in breath, a woman's scream pierces through the night! The cleric pauses, startled, as another distant scream echoes through the dusky air. Something small and low scuttles through the crowd, giggling dementedly, as an awful chant starts to fill the square. The aforementioned dog gives a yelp of pain, and collapses into a pool of its own blood as the voices sing:
"Goblins Chew and Goblins Bite.
Goblins Cut and Goblins Fight.
Stab the Dog and cut the Horse.
Goblins Eat and take by Force!
Goblins Race and Goblins Jump.
Goblins Slash and Goblins Bump.
Burn the Skin and Mash the Head.
Goblins Here and You be Dead!
Chase the Babe, Catch the Pup.
Bonk the Head to Shut it up.
Bones be Cracked, Flesh be Stewed.
We be Goblins! You be Food!"
All around you hear the demented chanting, but through the crowd you make out four little figures, each holding a wicked-looking short sword and a flaming brand. Goblins! The creatures continue to create mayhem, starting to head towards the vendor's (Ameiko's) stands.
Surprise Round: Herri, Zella, Nover, Goblins
Goblins, here? Now? Why? Regardless of why, I will not let them through, I will protect my town.
Nover moves forward, drawing his shield, preparing for the worst. He will not see his town destroyed like his home.
"Everybody get inside, NOW!"
CLEAR THE STREETS!!!!MOVE IT!
Herri pushes forward southwest(N5) then west(M5) a total of 10' and then casts Bless.
Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.
Bless counters and dispels bane.
Zella pushes straight ahead, trying to get a clearer view of what is going on as the crowd moves erratically with people darting this way ant that to escape the goblins. Arming herself with one of her scarves.
"How dare you foul little creatures interrupt the ceremony. This is a holy day to Desna!"
Herri attempts to clear the streets while calling on Iomedae's blessing for himself and his companions.
Zella presses towards the goblins, enraged, drawing a weapon as she does so.
Nover also attempts to press towards the foul little beasts, trying to help Herri clear the streets.
The goblins are reveling in the chaos they have created. One goblin climbs onto the food cart, waving his firebrand around and baring his teeth at the crowd. Another starts to shove what is apparently fried fish into his pockets, a snack for later perhaps. Two of the goblins notice the small group running towards them and not from them, and start howling savagely as they move to intercept.
The townspeople are panicked. They attempt to run, but are still packed tight at the moment.
Surprise Round Ended
-------------------------
Round 1: Bellamy, Herri, Zella, Elaina, Nover, Goblins
A few moments ago he had smiled back to Ameiko, as she had to left to handle the affairs of her inn and he had resolved to enjoy himself in the festival a little more before heading back to the Rusty Dragon himself. These plans were all made within a joyous and tranquil atmosphere, but now? Anarchy had drove away tranquility, fear had corrupted joy and it seemed that soon enough screams of pain with fly along with those of terror and blood would run across the streets aside the fleeing crowds.
Bellamy of course would not stand by and watch, the cruelty and bloodshed that these goblins promised to bring, fanned the flames within his soul and urged him to confront them and drive them away, and he would gladly comply. After pushing through the running crowds, Bellamy halted when he got a better view of these attackers, but he could not possibly aim at them with so many people disrupting his line of sight, so for now he opted to prepare himself, should the goblins take him unawares. With a horizontal swish of his hand, the arcane energies that were about him began gathering and condensing, wrapping around his arms, chest and leg, within moments a hazy, nigh-transparent plates of arcane force began locking into place, forming arm guards, a breastplate made up of three plates, each plate coming over the other and leg guards over his boots. The arcane armor appeared to have a reddish outline, and seemed to be emitting something akin to steam or smoke.
Herri pulls shield and sword out and moves as far west as he can, straight line. Herri is focused and continues to plea for people to move, run away.
Zella keeps pressing ahead through the crowd, wanting to wring some scrawny goblin necks for daring to interrupt the sacred festival. She casts a spell of Grease underneath the goblins, hoping that they will fall down and be unable to chase after any of the townsfolk.
Still a bit groggy, Elaina is snapped awake by the panicking. Unable to see well through or over the crowd, she dodges through the stampede towards the source of the commotion, hand on the hilt of her sheathed sword. "What's happening? What are goblins doing here!? There aren't supposed to be monsters here!" She didn't consider herself a hero, she spent more time antagonizing people than helping them, but this place was going to be her home and she'd be damned if anyone was going to ruin that for her.
"I hate goblins, Nasty little buggers, but where there's one you can guarantee another dozen or so hiding about."
Bellamy advances and covers himself in mystical armor.
Herri draws his sword and shield and pushes through the crowd, hurrying towards the goblin menace.
Zella also advances, but sees no opportunity for her magics, so stations herself by Herri.
Elaina snaps to, moving quickly towards the commotion.
Nover advances more slowly, readying himself to plant his warhammer in a goblin face. Unfortunately, the opportunity does not present itself.
The snack-grabbing goblin starts making his way towards the heroes, a fried fish hanging out of his mouth. The two that were already advancing get within range of Herri, Zella, and Elaina, snapping their teeth excitedly while the strange chant continues. The goblin on top of the cart hurls his makeshift torch at a villager.
+
The villager gets hit in the back with the flaming brand, screaming in pain as she tumbles to the ground. To make matters worse, her clothing catches fire as she wails in agony (villager is in E7).
End of Round 1
-------------------------------------------
Round 2: Bellamy, Herri, Zella, Elaina, Nover, goblins
"Herri, moves to his side!"
Zella moves to one side of the goblin, hoping Herri takes the hint to flank to creature and she takes a slash at it with her scarf, which to the surprise of those around her has blades hidden in it.
Herri pushes forward and strikes the goblin to his left pinning the goblin between his new friend Zella and himself.
Elaina confronts the little goblin that made it way towards her. "Go away! You don't belong here!" She steps forward, draws her sword, and swings it at the goblins head, trying to strike it with the blunted lower half of the blade. At the same time, the blade flashes blue with magic.
Elaina can handle herself, she has a weapon, I need to save the villager.
Nover moves forward, cursing his short legs. He needed to save the villager as soon as possible and goblin raids bring back a lot of bad memories. He bellows out a mighty roar before crashing his warhammer into the ground before the goblin with a mighty thud.
"You will die goblin scum!"
Seeing the woman fall to the ground, as fire slowly began to consume her. Bellamy motioned his hand towards the goblin in front of him and snapped his fingers. Almost instantaneously, tiny orbs of fire spun forward from his hand, flew towards the green skinned raider and exploded in front of him in a screen of oddly colored smoke. Upon unleashing his spell Bellamy rushed forward, in hopes of reaching the injured bystander.