Rova 1, 4704 AR
A stage has been set up in front of the cathedral and a woman with short auburn hair stands in the center. Behind her sit four wooden chairs, three of them occupied. As the crowd notices her, a hush descends and all eyes turn to the stage. She smiles and begins to speak, "Welcome! As many of your know, my name is Kendra Deverin and I am proud to serve as mayor of this fine town. It's wonderful to see so many of you here to join us on this proud day. I'd like to extend my welcome to the many new faces I see in the crowd. I hope you all are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and, especially if it is your first visit here, I sincerely hope that you're having a wonderful time! And to all of the old faces I see today, thank you for coming and thank you for everything that each of you has done to keep this town strong in recent years. I see that even Larz Rovanky has torn himself away from work to join us today! It is truly a miracle from Desna herself!"
There is quite a bit of laughter and many eyes are turned to a serious looking man dressed in all leather and wearing a sour expression on his face. Kendra waves to him and continues.
"Without further ado, let me introduce your Sheriff, Belor Hemlock!"
A dour looking Shoanti man wearing a worn breastplate and a longsword belted at his waist stands and walks to the center of the stage. His head is shaved and he his eyes are constantly moving about the crowd. He shakes the Mayor's hand and turns to the crowd, saying, "Thank you Mayor. Even in the heat of celebration, let us not forget the sad events that brought us to this day. And also let us not forget the souls that were lost five years ago. I would like you to all join me in a moment of silence to remember the lives that were lost in the fire that claimed our previous chapel on that fateful night."
The Sheriff lowers his head and the crowd joins him, many of them quite awkwardly as the silence persists. The mood of the crowd definitely feels less excited. After the moment is over, the Sheriff raises his head and begins to speak again.
"In remembering let us also not allow these events to repeat themselves. I am of the understanding that a bonfire is planned for tonight. I urge you all to observe caution during this event," he clears his throat and smiles awkwardly, as though realizing he's been a bit of a downer, "And, ummm... Enjoy yourselves."
Kendra comes forward and shakes the Sheriff's hand as he returns to his seat, before turning to the audience and saying, "Our next speaker was supposed to be the esteemed owner of the Sandpoint Glassworks, Lonjiku Kaijitsu, but unfortunately he has taken ill and cannot be here today. Therefore, let me introduce our next speaker; Cyrdak Drokkus, proprieter of the local theatre."
She shakes hands with the man who comes up from his chair as he moves to take center-stage. This man is quite a contrast to the Sheriff; he is brightly dressed, sports a well-groomed goatee, and seems to be thoroughly enjoying the day. As he reaches the center stage he loosens his collar a bit, winks into the crowd and starts to talk, "Well, thank you, Mayor, for that wonderful introduction, and thank you, Sheriff, for that uplifting oratory. Now I know this town has been through some hard times, but look at what we've accomplished." He motions towards the church. "And I'm telling you, they spared no expense with this place. Father Zantus' chamber pot? Solid gold." The crowd laughs a bit at that. "I kid you not, our generous nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this joint. I think the Churches even chipped in a silver or two! I even heard a rumor that all of the Gods got together and scrounged up four gold pieces to help get this thing built! But don't take it from me, the Padre over here is the one with the direct line, he's the one you want to hear from! But before I let him get things going I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my personal invitation to each and every one of you to come see the new production of "The Harpy's Curse" starring the world-famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda as Avisera the harpy queen! It's all premiering tomorrow evening at the Sandpoint Theatre and it is going to be fab-u-lous! I hope everyone enjoys this beautiful day!"
He moves back to his seat, shaking Kendra's hand as he does so. Kendra once again steps up and says, "Thank you, Crydak, for those warm words. And now, I present Father Abstalar Zantus, head priest of the Sandpoint Cathedral!"
The crowd cheers as Kendra motions Zantus to the center stage. The young priest looks noticedly abashed at the reception set up for him. He wears the traditional ceremonial robes of a priest of Desna and a shiny silver holy symbol about his neck. He smiles and tries to calm the crowd down, eventually speaking when the applause has subsided, "Ahem, thank you. Thank you, Kendra. And thank all of you for coming to join us on this most Holy day. Today is a day of new beginnings so without boring you with long speeches, I declare the Swallowtail Festival officially underway!"
Rasmorn stands for a moment, taking in the spectacle of the crowds, torn on where to go next. So many choices. The Lighthouse Smash sounds rather... energetic..., but it does involve the Old Light, which might be a good opportunity to learn something. The storytelling competition sounds like a lot more fun, though. Hmm...
After standing indecisive for a moment, he finally starts heading toward the Sandpoint Theater. I am on a break, after all; the old girl will still be there tomorrow.
Near "The Devil Hunt", a man stands out of the way, but not in a way to hide his presence. It would be hard, with how bright blue his hood is compared to the drab colors of the beach. Instead, he seems content to watch the goings on, a smile seen from under a silver wolf's mask that covers the upper half of his face.
Oh, look at that kid try to shoot. He's not going to-what are you doing? Pull it straight back! The man watches the archery contest in particular with great interest.
With a grimace, he pushes off the wall and strides forward. Coming up to the row of townsfolk trying their best with the bows provided, the hooded figure gives the operator a look that says he means no harm. "I'll give it a shot." he says, putting coin down on the counter. He sets his bow against the side of the operator's table, an enormous bow made of beautifully carved horn that was at least seven feet in length and as thick at the grip as the forearm of the muscular man who carried it. "But... I think it would be fair if I use one of your bows. I use mine, and the arrow might end up in Magnimar!"
Taking up a bow and using one of the arrows, the hooded man draws it gingerly, as if he's afraid of breaking them.
He lets the arrow fly, hitting the closest target without any difficulty. He grins. This *is* fun! he thinks, taking up another arrow.
Wenona Ordescu had managed to arrive in Sandpoint just a couple hours before the opening speeches for the Swallowtail Festival actually began. Still dusty from the road, any road-weariness quickly gave way to the excitement of arriving somewhere new.
Sandpoint seemed a lovely place: rustic and quaint, though hardly any sort of backwater. It was a far cry from the urban landscape of Kaer Maga, but did not appear to be lacking in sights and experiences of it's own.
While listening to the mayor and other high-standing members of the town deliver speeches, Wenona marveled at the new cathedral. Despite Cyrdak Drokkus' jests, it must have been a considerable economic undertaking. She couldn't help but notice the synchronicity of the town she had come to seeking a fresh start to be celebrating new beginnings of their own. She whispered a snippet of a Desnan prayer under her breath: "We hang our hopes upon your silvered wings and dream of new beginnings."
Now, she thought. I believe there is sport to be had. This "Goblin Toss" certainly sounds fun...
On the morning of the festival Laufey indulges in the rare treat of sleeping in. After that she makes her way from where the caravan has set up to the festival. Most everyone else from the caravan had already left to set up stalls for the wares or to entertain the money out of the crowd that would be there, so she makes the trip alone.
Her first impression of Sandpoint is a good one. Maybe it was being able to smell the sea again. Laufey did miss that about home, and she liked coastal places, except for Riddleport. It had proven to be a disgusting exception. Of course towns also tend to put their best selves forward for celebrations, so it could be that as well. Whatever the reasons, Laufey is happy to be here looking for her first prize kill rather than most other places she'd seen so far.
She doesn't have any interest in the speeches. Laufey makes note of who the people on stage are in case it should prove to be useful, then moves on to look about while the crowd is gathered around the stage.
She's not in a position to actually buy anything, but she does give some tables a look, and stops for a wave and greeting with her caravaners when she sees them. The games catch her attention and she decides to watch them to see what exactly is involved, and who the competition would be. Monster hunters (Laufey smiles a little at the thought) don't collect regular pay she imagines. She can't afford to risk her savings where it won't pay out. But, if she found the right opportunity, she'd jump in to collect some quick winnings.
Aside from her slightly inhuman appearance, Isabella fits in just like any other member of the crowd - listening appreciatively to Sheriff Belor's speech, then clapping excitedly for Cyrdak Drokkus, and giving sincere applause for the dedication of the new cathedral.
With her shining silvery hair and gold-rimmed eyes, she stands out a bit from the other locals, and she wears a simple acolyte's robe and an unfamiliar holy symbol, though with the cathedral's multidenominational dedication this is perhaps not surprising. Connected between the holy symbol (a blue disk with a black rose on it) and the leather thong around her neck is a simple copper ring.
As she is simply enjoying the festivities, she is unarmored and has only a dagger at her belt for utility purposes.
This is being run by Cyrdak Drokkus himself, as he has promised a small purse of silver to the one who tells the best story. A small crowd has gathered around a small stage outside the theater, eager for the competition to begin so they may both be entertained and possibly win. Cyrdak arrives and steps up onto the stage, spreading his arms wide and says, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased you have chosen to compete in the fine art of storytelling. Though not as physically demanding as some of these other contests, it is truly one of the finest arts, a sign of true sophistication. Now, the best story does earn a small purse, but the true winner is those who get to listen. And now, before we begin the competition, let me tell you a story about a brave and heroic knight..."
Cyrdak begins telling the story, weaving the details together and creating a fantastic mental picture. The crowd watches in awe, applauding as he finally finishes. He bows and says, "Now that you've seen how to do it, who thinks they have what it takes to tell the best story?"
Jodar Provolost, widely regarded as the best hunter in town, has set up this event on the beach, so as to ensure stray arrows don't accidentally hit anyone. There are two large targets, both in the shape of a silhouette of a monstrous winged horse. 100 feet away is the firing line. All participants are required to use a provided longbow (there is a Small one for children and the shorter races). The bullseye is where the monster's heart would be, and there are 4 concentric circles radiating from that point. Jodar shouts, "Come one, come all. See if you have what it takes to slay the Sandpoint Devil! Don't fear it's roar, come fight the creature off!" as he shouts for citizens to give it a try.
Yasu steps forward, Jodar recognizing him with the mask and cowl. He laughs at the other's joke about the bow, saying, "Aye, they might at that. Two coppers, then, and let's see if you can slay the foul creature."
As his arrow pierces the target in the second most outer ring, Jodar says, "Not a bad shot, but you'll have to do better than that to slay the creature."
In the Market Square Daviren Hosk, owner of the Goblin Squash Stables, has set up buckets of beanbag goblins along with three wooden boards with three holes in them. He stands in the square shouting, "Quickly, quickly! Three goblins have broken into your house! Throw them in the fireplace quick before they destroy anything! Hurry, hurry!" Townspeople are forming a small line, laughing at his cries.
There are several vendors set up selling a variety of wares - crockery, food, and assorted supplies - although perhaps some vendors may carry more exotic items if anyone is looking.
As Isabella walks through the town, enjoying the festivities, she is greeted quite warmly by many of the townspeople.
The second arrow going wide, Yasu purses his lips and looks down at his grip on the bow.
Is it my grip again? The bow is fine... Augh and here I was criticizing someone's style!
He looks at the line of people, sighs, and sets the bow down before going to the back of the line.
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Wenona pays Daviren a copper piece and thanks him as he hands her the three bean bags. Smirking at the sight of a closer buckets being marked "women", she aims directly for the farthest bucket:
"'Men', indeed,"she chuckles to herself.
Daviren takes the copper piece and says, "Well, aim for the middle bucket there, lass. Let's see if you can keep the Goblins from eating your pantry!"
At the sight of Wenona intentionally tossing the Goblin into the hole for the Men, Daviren stops and takes a considering glance at the outlander. "Well, that's one for ye. We'll see if you can land any more."
"Perhaps pulling that mammoth bow has ruined your grip for the smaller ones. Still, you hit the target, so here's your prize."
Jodar hands you a small loaf of brown bread. It smells delicious.
Given the low wagers involved, Laufey decides she can risk the the devil hunt. It sounds thematic to her anyway. She hands over her coins and takes up the bow.
Missing the target both times, Laufey sighs and reminds herself there's a reason she doesn't bother with bows.
Enough of the games, better to find something to eat. At least I know I'll get somehing for my money.
Watching her next two shots land well outside what could even charitably be called the general vicinity of the target, Wenona sheepishly plays off the terrible tosses with good humor:
"Well, it would seem we can be certain that cockiness and ill luck are forces with a sense of equal opportunity!"
The pale, diminutive gnome rolls his sleeves up as he begins to tell a story that is familiar to him.
"Today, I'm going to tell you the story about a famous gnome, who, well, he maybe wasn't *famous*, but he was certainly well known. Well, well known for a gnome, which is to say, you probably haven't heard of him, because you aren't gnomes, and that isn't to say that gnomes know more, just that he is a person that would be relatively well known among gnomes. At least somewhat well known. Oh, right, his name, his name was Krolmnite, and of course as I said he was a gnome, and..."
What starts off painfully only continues to get worse, as the crowds make him more nervous than he thought they would. He finally, painfully finishes his story, and quickly hurries off.
(THAT was a disaster. Maybe I stick to watching from now on...)
Isabella smiles and greets various townspeople like a good neighbor. She seems more than happy to trade a few pleasantries and swap greetings with many people. She passes by the Goblin Toss and pauses for a moment, then a conflicted, unhappy look washes over her face momentarily; but she moves on to the storyteller and joins the crowd waiting to hear today's entertainment.
Missing the target both times, Laufey sighs and reminds herself there's a reason she doesn't bother with bows. Enough of the games, better to find something to eat. At least I know I'll get somehing for my money.
Yasu waves the woman over. He meets her halfway, a smile on his unhandsome face.
"Hey, you did all right, but I dont think those bows work best for people of our strength." he says, tearing his prize bread in half and offering half of it to Laufey. "Here, a snack to tide us over till lunch?"
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Daviren Hosk chuckles at Wenona's comment, "Aye, that it would seem to be. Still, you got one through, so here you are. Have a piece of 'goblin meat.'"
Daviren hands you a piece of venison jerky. It's actually very tasty. Whoever made it clearly knows what they're doing.
Now mingling with the crowd around the storytelling competition, Rasmorn notices the woman watching the festivities. (Fascinating. Clearly not human, yet almost so. Unusual holy symbol. Curiouser and curiouser.) He walks over to her.
"Hello there. My name is Rasmorn Nikas Nesvyn von Natterhorn, storyteller extraordinaire. Did you catch my moving storytelling performance?"
Rasmorn is different from your average gnome. While gnomes tend to be colorful to the point of garishness, and energetic beyond the norm, Rasmorn is almost entirely devoid of color and several degrees more calm. He carries himself with a laid back demeanor, more than willing to belittle his lackluster storytelling performance without apparent embarrassment.
Laufey notices the unusual man with the blue cowl and wolf mask waving her over. His garb is unsettling, so Laufey hesitates for a moment before responding.
Perhaps he is an official of some sort, a lawman? I should see what he wants, I would not like a problem.
Laufey walks toward him, and the man speaks as they meet.
"Hey, you did all right, but I dont think those bows work best for people of our strength." he says, tearing his prize bread in half and offering half of it to Laufey. "Here, a snack to tide us over till lunch?"
Upon hearing there is no problem, she relaxes and takes the offered bread.
"If you are trying to salve my ego, you need not. I have never had a good partnership with bows. It is just how things are. Thank you for the bread. Are you a town official? You wear a mask unlike all the others."
Laufey speaks with a heavy accent, like she learned Taldane informally, in bits and pieces over time.
Isabella crouches down to the gnome and says, "Hello, Rasmorn. My name's Isabella. I just got here by the stage, so I'm afraid I missed your story. You'll have to share another one for me another time, perhaps? Or I could wait and listen if you take the stage again."
"Pleasure to meet you, Isabella. Probably best you missed my performance - between you and me, it wasn't one of my better moments! I'll spare you the repeat. I find myself interested in your story, though. I've not seen that holy symbol before! Who is it that you follow?"
The man shakes his head adjusting the horn bow on his back.
"No, not an official. It's just that this mask is terribly comfortable and the hood keeps the sun out of my eyes. I'm sure they'll be all the rage someday." he says jokingly. "Mostly its cause no one liked looking at me without it on. But... No, I wasn't trying to console you." he shrugs. "You just looked... Hungry. Its a look that I've seen many times. Lunch is going to be pretty good this year, from what I've heard, so I dont think a chunk of bread will spoil your appetite."
He holds out a hand in greeting. "I'm Yasu."
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"Pleasure to meet you, Isabella. Probably best you missed my performance - between you and me, it wasn't one of my better moments! I'll spare you the repeat. I find myself interested in your story, though. I've not seen that holy symbol before! Who is it that you follow?"
"Oh, I'm ordained in the service of Reymenda. She is an Empyreal Lady who oversees the survivors of great loss and the strength to endure grief. But I've lived in Sandpoint for several years now and I wanted to see the dedication of the new cathedral, because there are many good causes represented among the many faiths here. Besides, rebuilding the cathedral into something new and beautiful after the terrible tragedies of the Late Unpleasantness is very much in the purview of Reymenda," says Isabella. She smiles beatifically and says, "Did you come just for the storytelling? Or will you be taking in the entire celebration?"
"Oh, I'm ordained in the service of Reymenda. She is an Empyreal Lady who oversees the survivors of great loss and the strength to endure grief. But I've lived in Sandpoint for several years now and I wanted to see the dedication of the new cathedral, because there are many good causes represented among the many faiths here. Besides, rebuilding the cathedral into something new and beautiful after the terrible tragedies of the Late Unpleasantness is very much in the purview of Reymenda," says Isabella. She smiles beatifically and says, "Did you come just for the storytelling? Or will you be taking in the entire celebration?"
"Fascinating, I always love learning new things." Rasmorn replies with a kind smile. (I wonder what great loss lies in her past? Probably not polite to ask...) "I'm here just to celebrate with the town in general; I had no idea there would even be a storytelling event! I'm honestly not incredibly devout in any way, though in general I do follow Desna; however, I travel through this town often and know they've been through a lot."
"What about you, any particular events catch your eye?"
Laufey doesn't quite understand his joke, but takes the man's hand and shakes it, noticing that hers practically disappears inside his.
"My name is Laufey. Thank you again for the bread."
She starts to go afterward, but then turns back to Yasu.
"You are from here yes? What do you know of this Sandpoint Devil?"
Wenona thanks Daviren as she accepts the jerky, and proceeds to wander through the market square at a tourist's pace while chewing on the treat.
While she wouldn't exactly say she missed Riddleport, smelling sea salt on the breeze once again provided a certain comfort. The fact that Sandpoint was markedly different from both of the places she had called home in life was endearing itself to her a great deal.
The next sight that draws her attention is the "Dragon Races". She finishes off the jerky as she arrives at the event, and scans the area for the likely person to inquire with about the Race's nature.
"What about you, any particular events catch your eye?"
Isabella gestures to the stage and says, "I wanted to hear some of the fun stories! I love hearing fanciful tales. Also it's fun to watch some of the children hear the stories and get all kinds of silly notions and run around for the rest of the day pretending to be great wizards and princes and characters from faerie tales. Later I'll have a bite and attend the dedication of the cathedral, of course."
"If it's not too much of an imposition for me to ask, did you come all the way to Sandpoint just for the festival?"
Laufey doesn't quite understand his joke, but takes the man's hand and shakes it, noticing that hers practically disappears inside his.
"My name is Laufey. Thank you again for the bread."
She starts to go afterward, but then turns back to Yasu.
"You are from here yes? What do you know of this Sandpoint Devil?"
Yasu starts to walk alongside her, giving a shrug that is emphasized by his oversized arms. "Just rumors and chit-chat about it. I've never caught sight of the thing. I have heard it, once and a while, but never could find it. Are you searching for it? I'd be willing to help hunt it, but we would need to be careful, I heard enough rumors of its abilities, that if even half of them are true it would be a tough beast to hunt down."
"If it's not too much of an imposition for me to ask, did you come all the way to Sandpoint just for the festival?"
"Not an imposition at all! I did travel here just for the festival, but it really isn't so far - I call Nybor home now, not very far east of here at all. I heard about the festival on my last trip through, and made a point to come back for it. You say you live here in Sandpoint? What part of town?"
"Not an imposition at all! I did travel here just for the festival, but it really isn't so far - I call Nybor home now, not very far east of here at all. I heard about the festival on my last trip through, and made a point to come back for it. You say you live here in Sandpoint? What part of town?"
"South side, not too far from the docks - I work at Hannah's, helping with the usual cuts and bruises and minor injuries that craftsmen and laborers sustain while working," says Isabella, still crouched. "Nybor, you say? That's... oh, I can't remember the name of the forest nearby. I hear it's quite a cosmopolitan town."
"Really? That is all? The stories I have heard say it terrorizes this place. But what does it sound like? Where did you hear it? I have come to hunt it, yes."
"Really? That is all? The stories I have heard say it terrorizes this place. But what does it sound like? Where did you hear it? I have come to hunt it, yes."
"It has a whinny, a terrible, terrible whinny said to drive people mad. I only heard it at the distance, but it was nerve-rattling. I heard it can fly and breathe fire and has a terrible maw. I've not met anyone who has seen the sandpoint devil up close and lived."
He taps his bow. "I'm hoping this might give me the range and power needed to kill it before it could get to me."
Yasu's description of the beast makes it sound so terrible that it causes Laufey to catch her breath, which she hopes he does not notice.
"So it is everything I have heard and maybe more then. It does fly eh? Well that could be a problem for me. If you are interested in killing it also, maybe we should talk more about this. I think it sounds like a prize big enough for two to share in the glory of its destruction."
She gives Yasu a tight, predatory smile.
Yasu nods casually. "Sure, We can share. I'll even let you take most the credit if you want, as long as I get some money in my pocket and the people of Sandpoint are finally safe."
If the man noticed her sudden loss of breath, he doesn't do anything about it. Instead, he takes a bite of his bread and grins at the first person who hasn't treated him like a pox.
"Anything else you want to do here while the games are good?" he asks.
"South side, not too far from the docks - I work at Hannah's, helping with the usual cuts and bruises and minor injuries that craftsmen and laborers sustain while working," says Isabella, still crouched. "Nybor, you say? That's... oh, I can't remember the name of the forest nearby. I hear it's quite a cosmopolitan town."
For just a second, Rasmorn's ever-present grin falls at the mention of the forest, before snapping back in to place. "Sanos Forest. A wonderful place. Nybor is right on the edge, home of half-breeds and outcasts. They make for quite a familial community."
"So, you are a healer then? A good skill to have, to be sure. Tell me, from the perspective of a local to this town, have you spent much time thinking about the Old Light? It is a particular interest area of mine, you see. Particularly that door at the bottom. I've been out to see it a few times, but I have no working theories on it."
Upon arrival, you a cage with the "dragons" - lizards with twig and cloth wings put on them, each painted a different color. There are two 30-foot long double lane tracks set up. As you step into the crowd, you see four people each take a lizard out of the cage and place it in the starting box in one of the lanes. A somewhat corpulent man steps forward and says, "Now, if everyone's ready, on your marks, get set..." He blows on a whistle, and the gates open. Each of the four contestants is encouraging their "dragon" to move down the lane towards the finish line, some more successfully than others. Of note, you notice none of them touching the lizard in any way. You also notice some betting going on in the crowd.
After a minute or two, the contestant with the pink lizard gets to the finish line, and the man running it says, "The winner of the Sandpoint Dragon Races! Here's your prize." He places a cheap medal over the winner's head, and hands him two coppers.
"Who's next in the race? Who thinks they can choose the fastest dragons to win the prize?"
Wenona realizes that she'd have little luck encouraging lizards to run in a particular direction, but finds the spectacle rather fun and the "dragon" costumes rather cute, so she elects to loiter around the races and spectate for a while.
"So, you are a healer then? A good skill to have, to be sure. Tell me, from the perspective of a local to this town, have you spent much time thinking about the Old Light? It is a particular interest area of mine, you see. Particularly that door at the bottom. I've been out to see it a few times, but I have no working theories on it."
Isabella says, "Ah, the Old Light is the site of a gruesome bit of local history. A few years ago one of the locals, Jervis Stoot, found a set of caves or tunnels of some kind under the large rock at the headland near the light - Stoot's Rock, it's called. Whatever happened there we may never know, but he became unhinged and he went on a quiet yet bloody spree of murder."
Isabella pauses, then continues, "He used the Old Light as his 'lair,' if you will, the center for his brutal acts. Eventually he was found out and stopped, and the local guard collapsed the tunnels under the rock, but not before the old guard captain was killed too. That's how Belor Hemlock became the guard captain that we have today. It's also why people tend to avoid the Old Light around here."
"Ha! Certainly you are generous." Laufey replies to Yasu. "We will talk about this more later."
As they make their way through the people and back to the main celebration in the square, Laufey notices the lizard races. She thinks it is an amusing idea, but not interesting enough to spend time on.
"No, I will wait for the food. After that I will pay my respects to Desna in the new temple. I think it would be lucky to do so on this day."
Laufey finds a spot out of the flow of people where she can lean back against a wall and munch the bread while she waits.
Isabella says, "Ah, the Old Light is the site of a gruesome bit of local history. A few years ago one of the locals, Jervis Stoot, found a set of caves or tunnels of some kind under the large rock at the headland near the light - Stoot's Rock, it's called. Whatever happened there we may never know, but he became unhinged and he went on a quiet yet bloody spree of murder."
Isabella pauses, then continues, "He used the Old Light as his 'lair,' if you will, the center for his brutal acts. Eventually he was found out and stopped, and the local guard collapsed the tunnels under the rock, but not before the old guard captain was killed too. That's how Belor Hemlock became the guard captain that we have today. It's also why people tend to avoid the Old Light around here."
"Fascinating, I had no idea it had such gruesome events surrounding it. Most of what I know of it comes from my discussions with a man named Brodert Quink, who seems to think that it is not a lighthouse but rather an ancient weapon! I have sort of a fascination with ancient history, so mostly I have focused on it's ancient historical significance rather than it's recent local significance. You are the source of all sorts of new knowledge today, my friend!"
"Fascinating, I had no idea it had such gruesome events surrounding it. Most of what I know of it comes from my discussions with a man named Brodert Quink, who seems to think that it is not a lighthouse but rather an ancient weapon! I have sort of a fascination with ancient history, so mostly I have focused on it's ancient historical significance rather than it's recent local significance. You are the source of all sorts of new knowledge today, my friend!"
Isabella laughs charmingly and says, "Oh, I've met Brodert. He's a bit of a handful but he's whip-smart. From what I gather not many people take that idea seriously, though. I must admit that I know little about either lighthouses or ancient weapons, so I can't really say one way or the other. Did you want to visit the Old Light while you're here?"
Isabella laughs charmingly and says, "Oh, I've met Brodert. He's a bit of a handful but he's whip-smart. From what I gather not many people take that idea seriously, though. I must admit that I know little about either lighthouses or ancient weapons, so I can't really say one way or the other. Did you want to visit the Old Light while you're here?"
"I found him delightfully well educated and good to talk theories with. I don't think I ultimately agree with him, but you never can tell. I was hoping to swing by there; in fact, I very nearly went to see the events going on near there rather than here for just that reason! I hear they have something called a Lighthouse Smash going on over there, that I wouldn't mind checking out. Would you have any interest in heading that direction? That will allow you to stretch a bit after bending down for so long to talk to me!"
He looks quickly over at the still-ongoing storytelling and adds "Unless you wanted to try your hand at storytelling, that is. They are a good crowd, and I can tell you from experience that they are supportive no matter your skill level!"
"I found him delightfully well educated and good to talk theories with. I don't think I ultimately agree with him, but you never can tell. I was hoping to swing by there; in fact, I very nearly went to see the events going on near there rather than here for just that reason! I hear they have something called a Lighthouse Smash going on over there, that I wouldn't mind checking out. Would you have any interest in heading that direction? That will allow you to stretch a bit after bending down for so long to talk to me!"
He looks quickly over at the still-ongoing storytelling and adds "Unless you wanted to try your hand at storytelling, that is. They are a good crowd, and I can tell you from experience that they are supportive no matter your skill level!"
"Let's go see the Lighthouse Smash, then," says Isabella. She straightens up and says, "I'm not much of a storyteller, honestly, even if I do love to hear them."
Talia has been lurking around the Lighthouse smash, nibbling on a bun and just watching the crowds.
A slender, attractive Half-elf woman, her black hair tied back loosely, wearing comfortable, if a bit travel worn clothing.
Having only arrived in Sandpoint the previous day Talia has spent the time resting, and enjoying a hot bath for the first time in some weeks.
Talia is enjoying the atmosphere of the festival, but it does give her a touch of homesickness.
As Rasmorn and Isabella make their way over to the lighthouse smash, Rasmorn notices the half-elf woman off by herself, and excitedly hops up and down a little.
"Oh, I see someone I know over there. Come meet her!" he says to Isabella, gesturing toward Talia. "Talia! Talia!" he calls out, waving really big. As they approach, he explains to Isabella "I've met Talia a few times. She's a fellow history buff, and she has worked on a few of the expeditions I've been on."
When they arrive, he says to Talia "Hello again Talia, how have you been? This is my new friend Isabella."
Isabella says, "Curious that our little town is attracting this much historical interest! Usually such academics visit Riddleport or Magnimar."
Talia smiles warmly. "Hello again Rasmorn. It's good to see you."
She nods politely to Isabella. "Well, I'm actually on my way to Magnimar, but hearing there was a festival decided to enjoy myself for a day or two."
She turns back to Rasmorn, getting an excited look on her face. "Have you seen the lighthouse yet? I've been wanting to do so ever since Quink's last publication!"
Talia gets much more animated when discussing ruins and theories, making her seem much younger than she is.
"Have you seen the lighthouse yet? I've been wanting to do so ever since Quink's last publication!"
"I haven't been since his last publication, no; we were just heading that way, actually. Care to join us? You can give me your take on his latest work on the way. Do you think we have time before lunch? I want to see the lighthouse again, but I don't want to miss lunch either..."
Yasu leaves the woman to her own devices and goes wandering. He looks out for anything that catches his eye, but doesn't participate in any games anymore. He does enjoy watching others, though the gawking looks he gets for his oversized weapon and large arrows is starting to grate on him.
Maybe I should have left it at the farm... No wait. I cant go back. Ugh... What if they're here? I dont really care, I guess. But it looks like it will be harder than I thought to find Shalelu after all.
He stops in the middle of the road, momentarily lost in thought. The passers by give him looks of irritation, but he doesn't notice.
"Maybe she's not even in sandpoint." he mutters. "Heard she doesn't like crowds... Maybe the Rusty Dragon?"
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Laufey hadn't intended to ditch Yasu, but she is a little relieved when he wanders off. She doesn't want to continue talking about his offer until she has some time to think on it. It is an attractive idea, but there are also a couple of red flags she needs to consider.
First there is the mask. Probably it is a simple enough thing, explained as he said by a disfigurement to his face. But she doesn't know him, and it is difficult to take the measure of a person when one can't see their face. It is one thing to deceive with one's voice alone, but more difficult to do it with voice, expression, eyes... It was simply too difficult to to be sure of his intentions without more to go on.
Second, and related, is his apparent altruism. Maybe there is a great bounty on the Sandpoint Devil she doesn't know about, enough to make them wealthy. But in her experience people don't eagerly take on very dangerous tasks for a bit of spending money and the good of the community. He seems entirely too anxious to risk his life more or less for free.
I will have to proceed slowly on this thing. It doesn't help that the people here are strange and it is hard to know their minds. It is like that with the Varisian caravaners also. But the arrangement is simple. They pay me. I protect them. No pay, no protection. There is no need for great trust or uncertain entanglements. Well, there was that one entanglement, but that was entirely pleasing while it lasted. Anyway, I don't think I can partner with the masked man until I see his face. I must also talk to others here to see how they behave as well before deciding anything."
With the bread now gone Laufey remains where she is, content to watch the people for a while.