Dot here. Will post more sometime tomorrow.
dot.
"Drink up, my friends! For tomorrow, we might be standing before Pharasma!"
"You've forgotten the number one rule: Never be drunk in front of your boss."
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"My boss seems okay with it." Rooke takes another long drink of his tankard.
. . .
dot
As the sky begins to light up over Sandpoint, people begin to arrive at the fairgrounds. By the time the sun is above the horizon, a large crowd has appeared. Before things can get too dangerous (you know how bored crowds can be...), the mayor of Sandpoint - Kendra Deverin - steps up to give a speech. Her friendly attitude and excitment catch in the crowd as she jokes, even going so far as to point out Larz Rovanky - tanner-er - is in attendance despite his reputation as a workaholic.
Then the sherrif Belor Hemlock takes the stand with a darker view. He admonishes people to be safe around the fire, and asks for a moment of silence to honor those who died in the fire that claimed the old cathedral.
The next speaker is supposed to be Mr. Lonjiku Kaijitsu, but he has contracted a "sudden illness" preventing him from coming. The crowd chuckles at that announcement.
Cydrak Drokkus, however, fixes it up by taking the spotlight with his wits and a good repetoire of jokes, eventually ending with some advertisements for his local theater and their play "The Harpy's Curse" - and reveals that the leading role of harpy queen will be played by Allishanda. The crowd rolls their eyes at this point, as if to say "not again!"
Finally, Father Zantus gives a breif statement that goes along the lines of "Thank you for comming. Let the festival begin!"
The first event of the day is weight lifting. Deverin calls for all interested in competing to step forward.
Ursk makes his way through the crowd, peeking through the gaps between people whenever he's presented a chance. Bloody feckin' tall folk 'roond 'ere... the curmudgeonly dwarf swore silently to himself, his armor clanking loudly, like it always did. He heard Deverin calling for a competition of strength and immediately veered the opposite direction. No time fer a pack 'o lunkers, there's more 'o Sandpoint than tha' he thought, heading for the back of the crowd and the relative open space it would afford him.
In the early morning hours, a large wagon loaded with ale barrels driving west on Old Coast Road, a sleepy cleric of Cayden Cailean in the passengers seat. Shaking himself alert as the cleric entered the city of Sandpoint, Rooke Xandarian directed the driver to their various delivery stops, by way of a small map.
The morning started at Risa's Place, then Cracktooth's Tavern, The Hagfish next, and finally The Rusty Dragon. At each stop, Rooke blessed each barrel of Deverin Ale upon final delivery. The young cleric noticed some appreciative sideways glances from The Rusty Dragon's proprietor, Ameiko Kaijitsu, which put a little swagger in Rooke's step as he walked around the festival grounds after the deliveries.
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Rooke Xandarian enjoyed the welcoming speech, although the local references were lost to him.
The mayor of Sandpoint called all how were interested in the weight-lifting competition to step forward.
Hmm. One of Cayden's domains is Strength. It might be an insult to The Accidental God if don't at least represent the faithful.
"I'll give it a go", proclaimed the newcomer, wearing the tabard of Caqyden Cailean, and a wide smile.
None too interested in the demonstration of strength, Zamiel continues to observe the other general goings on around him.
Now if they have a battle of wits or some excellent display of magic, that would be something altogether different. THAT would certainly be worth paying close attention to. Now where did that Father Zantus get off to?
Lifting heavy things isn't exactly Lila's favorite activity, but sitting there watching people lift heavy things is close enough to a good time that she's going to hang around and watch.
Finally free of the throngs of people, Ursk surveys the booths and tables in the town square, looking for tradesmen who might be willing to part with their goods for a bargain price, or, failing that, may be interested in some manner of haggling.
He knows that his friend, Ameiko, would be too busy for a visit this afternoon, though he hadn't seen her in near a week, so if there's nobody of interest at the fair, be it a merchant, a priest, or a calligrapher/scribe, he may decide to brave the Rusted Dragon and pay a visit to his friend, perhaps to inquire about her father's illness, as he clearly was not in on the joke made by Mayor Deverin
Nimue slips through the crowd, its not often that she got to enjoy such a festival and quietly browsed what was on offer, smiling politely every now and again upon hearing a particularly witty remark.
Slightly amused at the first event being weightlifting, she decides to stay clear. She considered herself only averagely strong and certainly not in the league that others were, but she was content to observe and perhaps be impressed at any daring feats.
Rooke goes to lift weights. That will be a strength check. Still working on npc interactions for this scene. Those of you familiar with the ap can pm me suggestions I will happily accept them.
The crowd shakes their heads as you struggle with the weights. The man behind you in line laughs and steps up.
He is able to lift it a little bit higher off the ground. Mayor Deverin declares him the winner. He reaches out to shake your hand, while saying Maybe next year, son.
Rooke smiles and shakes off the defeat.
Cayden. I tried. Really! The cleric intoned.
Walking down the stairs off the stage, Rooke notices two attractive ladies watching him exit the contest area.
The Kaer Maga native notices both ladies are wearing what appears to be holy symbols around their necks.
Hmm. The fair one is a follower of the Lady of Graves, but don't look as glum as her contemporaries. And the other one, my, that's Sivanah's symbol. I haven't seen one of her worshipers in years!
Walking up to both adherents, Rooke stops and makes a curtsey with his tabard of Cayden Cailean.
"Well, Cayden knows I tried", said Rooke. "Greetings and well met, sisters! How are you both doing on such a fine day as today?"
Zamiel, there is no magic, however, father Zantus is wandering around the square talking to people.
Ursk, throught the square there are several boothes where people are selling wares. There are boothes that sell the following: clay pots, twig baskets, stone works, leather works, and wooden trinkets.
Zamiel walks over to Father Zantus, and upon a break in any conversation he might be having, says, "Ah, Father Zantus. It's good to finally meet you. I've only been in town a few short days and already heard great things about you. I wonder, would it be possible to meet with me after the Swallowtail Festival is over? Perhaps in another day or two? I have a few things I would like to discuss with you."
He then turns and peers toward the display of strength. Hmm. Seem like two capable fellows. The runner up seems like a rather jovial fellow. Then Zamiel notes the old seven-pointed structure that the Cathedral stands on.
I really must stop and see if there is a library in town later, so I can pick up some reading. Those stones...very interesting.
"Oh, you know. Watching the festival, contemplating the higher planes, same old same old. It was a valiant effort, at any rate."
She chuckles a little. This might be poking fun at him.
"Ah, you're bein' teased, lad!" Ursk guffaws loudly from the merchant booth he was perusing, his voice touched by a surprisingly light, lilting brogue, his teeth visible behind his beard as he smiles widely. "I couldn't have done half as well, and for what it's worth, I wouldn't put it past the feller who came after you to be a bit of a cheat! Are you new in town? I don't s'pose I've met either of you fine folk."
Yelling over the crowd, the cleric of Cayden Cailean. "I am new in town!"
Beckoning the dwarf over, who apparently is also a cleric, Rooke continues his introduction.
"My name's Rooke Xandarian. I normally hold kip at The Common House in Kaer Maga's Bottoms. Came to town this morning to help deliver some ale for The Deverins, one of the noble families in town."
Now joined by the dwarf, Rooke asks the clerics, "Enjoying the Swallowtail fair so far?"
"Greetings sir, the contest was interesting to watch, you should feel proud that you managed to almost succeed, as for me, I'm mostly enjoying the sights, and attractions of a new town - and this festival certainly has a lot to showcase. You see, I tend to roam around a lot, so occasions such as this always make me feel connected even if I'm just passing through."
"It's my favorite time o' the year, Mister Rooke. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Ursk. Ursk Kulok. I've been living here some time now, and it seems to be a bit bigger every year. How 'bout you? Are you having a good time of it? And you, Miss? What's your name? I don't recognize you, more's the pity."
Ursk turns to Nimue, waving. "That's the beauty of the fair, Madam. It connects us all. We're all tied to the ebb and flow of people, goods, and money, and these gatherings serve as a pleasant reminder."
"So, Ursk", asked Rooke, "I understand the Swallowtail Festival is a rededication to the Cathedral which is the focus for multiple faiths. Is Abadar among them?"
"Well... I'm mostly just here for the food." Lila mentions, keeping a straight face.
"But you can call me Lila. Lila Fiorin, I'm here to see what this is all about. If I can get a story out of it, even better."
Father Zantus looks at Zamiel. Sure thing, young man. Meeting with people to discuss things is what I do best. He winks. Just stop by the cathedral sometime.
Nimue isn't sure if the dwarf is directly asking for her own name as well as Lila's, but decides it wouldn't hurt.
"My name is Nimue, one of Sivanah's faithful, not quite as common as some of the faiths such as Cayden Caliean, Abadar, or even Desna", she finishes, gesturing at the celebration.
"But you can call me Lila. Lila Fiorin, I'm here to see what this is all about. If I can get a story out of it, even better."
Rooke looks surprised. "Are you a bard as well, Lila?"
"My name is Nimue, one of Sivanah's faithful, not quite as common as some of the faiths such as Cayden Caliean, Abadar, or even Desna", she finishes, gesturing at the celebration.
Rooke gives a slight bow to both introducing clerics.
"Nimue, please forgive me if I am wrong, but Sivanah's is a goddess of illusions, correct?"
Lila chuckles for a second, whipping out a journal.
"Not exactly. Y'ever heard of the Pathfinders? We chronicle all kinds of stuff. I'm not exactly a writer, but I can remember and jot things down well enough to keep a record."
"Oh yeah. Pathfinders. Digging up odd ruins and such. They always seemed alright to me", recalled Rooke.
Ursk returns from his sudden, urgent trip to the lavatory, a sheepish expression on his face. "Ah, it's true, Abadar is honored at this festival. I don't do more than a little bit of work at the temple for it, though. The church and I have had a bit of a disagreement, so I mostly worship on my own terms."
The dwarf looks up at Nimue, performing a quick double-take. "Goodness, me! When did you show up, madam? I'm Ursk Kulok, Sandpoint's resident haggler, and up-and-coming Merchant King! It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Now then," Ursk turns towards the others gathered in the square, "What have I missed? Anything exciting?"
Ursk turns to Nimue, waving. "That's the beauty of the fair, Madam. It connects us all. We're all tied to the ebb and flow of people, goods, and money, and these gatherings serve as a pleasant reminder."
The dwarf looks up at Nimue, performing a quick double-take. "Goodness, me! When did you show up, madam?
Help, I seem to have confused myself. Has Ursk been talking to Nimue or someone else :/
I do the same thing sometimes.
A sack race is being put together.
Ursk turns to Nimue, waving. "That's the beauty of the fair, Madam. It connects us all. We're all tied to the ebb and flow of people, goods, and money, and these gatherings serve as a pleasant reminder."The dwarf looks up at Nimue, performing a quick double-take. "Goodness, me! When did you show up, madam?Help, I seem to have confused myself. Has Ursk been talking to Nimue or someone else :/
Overhearing the next event, Rooke asks his fellow clerics, "So, anyone up for a sack race?"
"They're not just alright--ah, but enough about that."
Lila sees the race being set up. "I think I might just do something fun."
Rooke walks over to the sack race event and signs up to participate.
Ursk turns toward the gathering crowd upon hearing the announcement of the sack race. "I wouldn't miss this for the world, though you'd ne'er see my fat little legs in those baggies!" The dwarf barks a loud, belly laugh at his own joke and nudges his way toward the front of the crowd to watch the race.
After walking away from Father Zantus, Zamiel walks by a group of four discussing several deities and, becoming quite interested, eagerly eaves drops, and then follows them over to what ends up being a sack race.
Hmmm. I may stick around to watch this. Perhaps some poor sap will fall and there face and make a complete arse of themselves. Could be entertaining.
Sack race is a dexterity check.
Somehow, Lila does incredibly well at this.
Ursk heckles the crowd, cheering with aplomb at all participating.
Hmmm. Seems there's a few who are quite good at this.
Nimue poltely snorts at Rooke's suggestion, looking down at the heavy items she was carrying. "I don't really think I do sack races, maybe its best to watch and learn from the best" she says, with a half amused smile.
Looks like Lila wins the race, although Rooke is right on her tail.
The caydenite walked over to Lila to congratulate her.
"Great job, Lila!"