For five years, the faithful of Sandpoint have attended church in temporary structures erected after fire destroyed their previous temple, and while their new religious leader was helpful, kind, and wise, church wasn't the same. Now, the new cathedral is finally done. All that remains is for the Swallowtail Festival to renew the site's blessings from the gods and it will be as if the Sandpoint fire had never occurred.
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The festival begins promptly on the Autumnal Equinox. Mayor Deverin delivers a warm welcome just befor Sheriff Hemolock takes the stage to caution safety before the festival gets carried away. The renowned Cyrdak Drokkus follows to tell a short story of the towns process in funding the construction, throwing a bit of promotion for the theater on the end. And finally, Father Zantus takes the stage. He thanks everyone for coming and declares the Swallowtail Festival officially underway.
Music commences and people begin to partake in numerous games, challenging each other for a years worth of bragging rights. Several performers walk the streets, gathering the attention of the young and the old alike.
Narvolo struts down the street, dragin da hamma behind him from his belt. Now there's a fine lass, nice hips! "HAIL maiden! Allow myself to introduce, uh, myself. I'm Narvolo, come with me." The young maiden promptly ignores his gruff introduction. She must like women.
After a few unsuccessful rough introductions to several women, Narvolo ponders his predicament. They not impressed by me. I must impress them. How? Oh, muscles. Women like muscles. Narvolo looks for a game that involves mighty strength to showcase his muscles for the fair maidens to see, therefore proving his worthiness to mate with them.
It is a joyous time I have arrived I think. A celebration to enjoy no doubt. I think it best I not to mention my own little fire, ja. I would not want to spoil the mood and my own fortunes, yeh.
Stopping a youth running by, mustering his best Taldan common, And a hello to you, little mishka. Might I ask of you where is to be found an inn or a room for let. I find myself to be new to your town and I would very much like to find a room before your grand festival gets underway. I would make it worth your while, ja. He holds out a copper piece to the boy, watching as others pass by, perhaps also hearing his offer for assistance.
How tall I must be to do high striker? No matta. I got da hamma. Narvolo's chain armor jingles as he walks. He tries to move in a way that the jingling has a nice rhythm. "I'm here for da high strika. Am I tall enuf?"
It is a joyous time I have arrived I think. A celebration to enjoy no doubt. I think it best I not to mention my own little fire, ja. I would not want to spoil the mood and my own fortunes, yeh.
Stopping a youth running by, mustering his best Taldan common, And a hello to you, little mishka. Might I ask of you where is to be found an inn or a room for let. I find myself to be new to your town and I would very much like to find a room before your grand festival gets underway. I would make it worth your while, ja. He holds out a copper piece to the boy, watching as others pass by, perhaps also hearing his offer for assistance.
"Ya sure can." The boy smiles as he reaches out to retrieve the copper. "Ya got The Rusty Dragon on Market Street, and there's The White Deer on Church Street right across from North Gate. The White Deer's about as nice as it gets, but Ameiko, the girl that runs The Dragon, she's real nice. Bout as pretty as they come too. Lots of folks go there. Just tell me which one ya fancy and I'll take ya right there."
How tall I must be to do high striker? No matta. I got da hamma. Narvolo's chain armor jingles as he walks. He tries to move in a way that the jingling has a nice rhythm. "I'm here for da high strika. Am I tall enuf?"
The bearded man looks at Narvolo somewhat curiously. "Aye boy, you be tall enough." He hands Narvolo a wooden mallet with a long handle. "Lets see what ya got." He says with a friendly smile.
Narvolo looks at the mallet. "Dis hamma small, puny. I wanna use my hamma, da doom bringa." Tossing aside the puny, sissy man hammer, Narvolo grabs (his hammer). Putting his hands on , he lifts it behind his head, jumps up in the air and brings it down smashing the bejesus out of "high striker."
Narvolo let's out a howl "WHOA YEAH!" His pectoral muscles flex in rhythm. Narvolo smiles at the bearded man. "My hamma betta. What is prize? Do I win a woman?"
Well mishka, a pretty girl and a room for the night, that sounds to be just perfect. Lead me there ja, and another coin for you if you can make for me proper introductions, yeh. I am Nicolae Plamen, but to pretty girls, I am Nic he winks.
The wizard twirls the coin between his fingers, letting it dance in the sunlight before the boys eyes.
This Rusty Dragon may sound like a more rustic place, but Market Street sounds livelier than what I would find on Church Street, da. In such a place I may find a few contacts that will be able to help me with finding good work while I research the beacon. I may be here awhile I think.
Bystanders take notice of the situation as the man looks at his broken game. "Well boy, you won some trouble less you can fix that, or pay someone to."
"Take a gold coin bearded man. But make sure you tell all da ladies...well, all da cute ladies, Narvolo so strong he break ur game. No uder man strong like me. Good?" These women won't be able to resist my charms now. I broke the game.
Well mishka, a pretty girl and a room for the night, that sounds to be just perfect. Lead me there ja, and another coin for you if you can make for me proper introductions, yeh. I am Nicolae Plamen, but to pretty girls, I am Nic he winks.
The wizard twirls the coin between his fingers, letting it dance in the sunlight before the boys eyes.
This Rusty Dragon may sound like a more rustic place, but Market Street sounds livelier than what I would find on Church Street, da. In such a place I may find a few contacts that will be able to help me with finding good work while I research the beacon. I may be here awhile I think.
The boy leads to the south end of town where you find a large building with a rusty iron dragon looming on the roof, which appears to double as both decoration and lightning rod.
Upon entry, the place bustles with traffic. Many enjoy breakfast and share company. The boy gains Ameiko's attention and as she comes over he begins his colorful introduction. "Amieko," He pauses, then gestures toward you, "My Lord, the Count Nic, Son of Philip De Vitry, son of Gilles... er... Master of the Free Companies, defender of his enormous manhood, a shining example of chivalry and champagne."
The boy looks at you and puts his hand out with snicker.
"Take a gold coin bearded man. But make sure you tell all da ladies...well, all da cute ladies, Narvolo so strong he break ur game. No uder man strong like me. Good?" These women won't be able to resist my charms now. I broke the game.
"You'll be lucky I don't tell the sheriff." Says the man as he takes the coin.
"Why? Is sheriff ugly woman? I told ya, I don't want to talk to dem." Narvolo looks around at the ladies giggling. He walks up to them. "Hi, games from my lands do not break. But in my land, we buy pretty ladies ice cream. It is frozen milk wit shuga. Makes your cool in hot day. Care to join me for some ice cream?"
So the boy he makes for jokes. It is good on him, I deserve that. But next time mishka, ja.
Nic bows slightly to Amieko, surreptitiously tossing the boy his coin. Truly my good lady, I am Nicolae Plomen, Nic if you would be so kind. I find myself new to your town, and in need of lodgings. Do you have a room that would be for let. I have coin you see, jostling his purse lightly, And you will find me to be both a good chemist and inventor. I have skills I hope to ply to earn my way.[b] Leaning a little closer to be heard as he speaks lower, [b]I come you see to study your beacon, to learn what it has to tell.
As she judges him, he quickly scans around the room, taking in the clientele and then again his potential landlady.
Eleazar spots a nice attractive maiden. "Good day fair maiden, perhaps you can give me some direction because I am getting lost in your eyes. Maybe i can follow you, because my mom taught me to follow my dreams."
So the boy he makes for jokes. It is good on him, I deserve that. But next time mishka, ja.
Nic bows slightly to Amieko, surreptitiously tossing the boy his coin. Truly my good lady, I am Nicolae Plomen, Nic if you would be so kind. I find myself new to your town, and in need of lodgings. Do you have a room that would be for let. I have coin you see, jostling his purse lightly, And you will find me to be both a good chemist and inventor. I have skills I hope to ply to earn my way.[b] Leaning a little closer to be heard as he speaks lower, [b]I come you see to study your beacon, to learn what it has to tell.
As she judges him, he quickly scans around the room, taking in the clientele and then again his potential landlady.
Ameiko, a strikingly beautiful young woman, looks at Nic and says, "Well I don't know what you expect to learn of the beacon, but if there's somethin to be known it'd be Brodert that knows it. He lives right next to The Old Light. As far as a room, we're always happy to give someone a place to stay while they make a name for themselves. The price is 3 silver per day or 2 gold for a week."
The young woman plays hard to get, but seem interested.
Nic hands over the two gold, figuring he will need to manage his funds carefully until he has a chance to find a spot to do some work and sell a few wares to make additional coin.
I am thanking you much for the room, and for the name of this Brodert gentleman. I will look up on him I think, to talk of your beacon. But that is for later ja. I would like to have a drink to clear the dust from my throat. Then to my room and on to your festival. It looks to be very much the fun, da.
He slides another silver across the bar, hoping the whiskey served here is on par with that Gulda served from her wagon.
Ameiko pours Nic a mug of ale and hands it to him, collects her coin and returns 6 copper. "Pick any room you like that isn't occupied. There's latches on the doors to put a lock on." She flashes Nic a smile before she rushes off to other customers. "If ya need anything, feel free to ask."
The wiry, dark-skinned half-elf feeds and waters Nu, brushing his pale hair away from his eyes. He then brushes down the horse's coat to a glossy sheen before grabbing his goods and seeking out the stablemaster. Rather than knocking, he stands at the door to the man's office until noticed, then proceeds inside. "Hosk.", he says with a respectful nod. "Mind if I leave these here until Market Day? I don't suppose there'll be much trading today, what with all the partying. Here's a little something I though you'd like, too.", he says as he picks one of the horse hides out of his bundle. "I'm not much in the mood for a festival, but I'll stop in to see my contacts and check out the competition. Any news from Sandpoint besides the church?".
"Aye, thats fine. You should get out there and enjoy yourself though, might do ya some good." Hosk replies. "A sure bet there be some good eatin."
At the thought of "good eatin'", Blue quickly washes his face and hands and heads out into the town. The music and the scent of special foods and flowers everywhere livens his spirit as his eyes scan the crowds for familiar faces. Before he reaches the part of town where the church his located, he hands are full of a long, fresh-baked bread holding small clumps of spiced ground venison, the juices soaking into the bread. With little decorum, he tears into it, savoring the interplay of flavors. It is then that he spots the archery competition and all other thoughts go out of his head. He watches the other contestants, assessing their ability and luck, and finishes his filling meal before selecting a few arrows made specifically for the occasion - light with wooden arrowheads so as not to waste the deadly ammunition on a straw target.
From one of the houses a small racket can be heard followed by a large *POOF* of smoke through a window.
The front door opens as Natalia steps outside.
Well guess he found the contraption just now, but i'm off to enjoy the festival.
She notices a guy showing off with a big hammer. But first she headed for the Rusty Dragon.
"Good day Ameiko, how are things?"
Eleazar looks for any games of skill and dexterity.I am going to win her a prize, Take her out for a nice meal at the Rusty Dragon. That should seal the deal.
Zheena looks around the festival for art or artists.
Nic pockets his change while he sips at the ale, enjoying the first few drabs for the hoppy texture and the cold wetness. As his throat relaxes from the dry spell, the drink becomes less flavorful. He feels at the flask tucked inside his vest, tapping it with his fingers. Still too early here for a fiery draught I suppose, yeh. He tips the cup and manages to gulp down the remaining drops, the mug slamming to the bar harder than intended. Sorry I am, ja. Too long on the roads I think.
He looks around the room at the crowd, noticing the new arrival speaking with Ameiko. The town does not lack for the pretty ladies yes. Maybe I will meet one or two before I move on, da. Dreaming again Nic, matters first, measures and methods my boy.
Nic shoulders his pack and moves towards the exit, stopping near Ameiko, not wishing to interrupt the ladies but needing to ask. My pardon and apologies my pretty ladies, but I must ask. Where in your fine town may I find a lock for purchase? I will be in need of one it seems.
While eating ice cream with the giggling girls and dragging around with him, he says, "Where I come from, when we lick da ice cream off of each other's lips as show of apree, uh, apreeshe-a-shon. Plus, the ice cream tastes different that way. Much betta. Here, try on me. It will also bring gud luck. I go win another prize for yu. Maybe dis time game no break."
Natalia briefly turns her attention to answer Nicolae.
"Out of the tavern head right. It's next to house that bears a gear above it's door."
The archers don't notice Blue, but there is an open target.
Ameiko looks to Natalia, "Oh you know festivals, great for businesses. It's just starting to pick up."
Eleazar comes across an odd game where the object is to toss a small ring and have it land around a beer bottle. The game appears to be infuriating, and no prizes are to he won other than bragging rights, though a woman does walk by selling flowers.
Ameiko gives Natalia a strange look before turning to Nic, "The locksmiths over by The Old Light, same side of the street as Brodert's place."
The girl looks shocked and laughs as she walks away without a word.
Eleazar decides to buy the lady a bouquet of flowers instead of winning a prize."Excuse me ma'am, how much for a bouquet of flowers for this lovely lady"
"Oh I don't know, they're about to release the swallows.
The woman selling the flowers looks to Eleazar. "Two bits."
Vanea was walking sensually into the streets, and became the cause of more than a few heads turning after her passage.
The young half elf didn't seem to care, because she was starting to feel hungry, and so looked for food.
Clad in close fitting studded leather armor,with a whip by her side, her eyebrows enhanced with a delicate black paste, a yellow band on each cheekbone, her allegiance to Calistria was obvious.Her long red mane didn't totally hid her pointed ears. Her green eyes were darting from place to place, restlessly.
She planted herself in front of a food stand,one hand on her hips, and searched the best looking dishes. The voice, a little high pitched, was used to command and precise.
I'd take grilled meat. And then some fruits. With honey.Fresh water, too, if you have.But not too fresh. I may have to sing tonight.
Presenting myself to the Theatre and his master with a gurgling stomach won't do.
"Pardon me, sir. You draw?"
Eleazar hands the woman the change and gives the lady the bouqet of flowers. Care for some skewered meat and a drink?
Narvolo notices a man handing a woman flowers. Hmmm, wonder if that works better than ice cream. Or maybe they prefer puny men. Hmm, that not possible, is it?
From the far side of the festival, a few people, mostly women, shriek briefly before parting ways. A hissy (literally and figuratively) voice quips back at each of them as it's owner walks around the festival. Said owner being a walking lizard man, no more than 3 feet high, with a "sword" at his side and an intimidating number of short spears slung around his back.
"One side! Coming through! Sorry, folks, but I'm starving! Gotta find 'meiko's and get something worth eating here..." Kus-Kus ordered, looking around through the legs of the taller breeds before deciding he needed a height advantage. He turned and clambering up a long set of eating tables before continuing on his way.
Stopping after a few steps, Kus-Kus spied something that caught his attention; hanging meats. Quickly whipping out a shortspear from his back, he lobbed it at the unattended slab and skewered it. Two patrons of the stand shouted in surprise and fear before looking up to see the source, growing sour looks on their faces. "Mine!" Kus-Kus shouted, sprinting across the table tops and retrieving his spear, meat still dangling off the end. Not even bother to remove it, he started to chomp into the food, looking around and sizing up the crowd. "Ugh... place is packed with out-of-towners... can't stand it..."
Ameiko gives Natalia a strange look before turning to Nic, "The locksmiths over by The Old Light, same side of the street as Brodert's place."
Nic thanks both ladies for their time, and shifts his pack as he makes his way out of the Rusty Dragon. Once outside, he looks around for the little mishka, hoping to find himself a guide to Brodert's and the locksmiths.
Using the Beacon as a guide, he steers his way through the crowd, hoping to find the places he seeks, eyes wary for the young boy. I think perhaps when I have time I should make myself familiar with this town. I dislike very much to be feeling so lost.
A man run out after you with a club, "You little thief! You'll pay for that or I'll have you jailed till next years festival!"
Kus-Kus stands staring at the be-clubbed man, mouth in the middle of a bite at the meat. His little nostrils flare in a manner that suggest it might be a kobold's way of sticking his tongue out at someone, before digging into his pocket with his free hand and dropping a few silver coins on the counter unceremoniously.
"And das aww i's worff." Kus-Kus replied, his maw still latched onto the meat skewered by his spear, before tearing a chunk of it off and chewing it; given his teeth look more like fangs, this seems to be a somewhat difficult task. Still, he continues to eat, eying the man as he does so, perhaps daring him to say something. "And Baldy's tried already. They won't have cuffs my size for at least another week."
"I don't think so ya little runt! You don't set the price on my goods, it's 2 gold. I don't reckon I believe they ain't got a set of cuffs ta fit ya, but even if they don't, a noose can be tailored to fit! Now pay up!"
Kus-Kus glared the man down, tearing off another chunk of meat and swallowing it, before flaring his nostrils again. "Make me!"
The man looks to his wife standing in the door of the shop and yells, "Call the guard." then looks to you and says "Well, at least if your locked up for the festival then Sandpoint won't become known for housing grimy little kobolds."
"Please, that's all you'd be known for if I'm out of the picture." Kus-Kus replied, turning and starting to walk off. "And for the record, your meat isn't worth one gp!"
Gnawing the remains of the skewered meat, Kus-Kus took a look around. Confident as he was, he knew it would pay to have some kind of distraction or company before the guards reached him. His little eyes latched onto a red haired woman, pointy ears poking through, and feminine physique well on display. Far from being a competent judge of human beauty, he knew she at least came close to fitting the bill. He picked up his pace, putting himself up next to the woman and looking up at her as he continued to chew. "I'd recognize hair that unkempt. Or conspicuous. You're new around here, aren't you?" he asked, attempting to strike up some kind of conversation with her.
The woman runs off, certainly to find Hemlock or one of the town militia while the man chases Kus-Kus.
"We've no fruit or honey, but the greens on these skewers are of this seasons highest quality." He says as he holds up a shrimp kabob.
The man answers without looking. "Yes mam, yes I do." He glances up for just a moment, not at her, but at the temple and the crowd.
"Well I suppose I wouldn't be missing anything if we stayed here." The woman smiles. "Alright, you've got my attention, I'll have what your having."
Father Zantus takes the stage as his acolytes wheel over a large wagon. He recounts a short parable of how Desna first fell to earth and was nursed back to health by a blind child whom she transformed into an immortal butterfly.
Ameiko looks to Natalia. "It's almost noon. You're not headed to town square? Towns footing a free lunch you know."
Natalia smiles at Ameiko as she finished her drink.
"Sure will, after helping at the workshop i could go for a bite. See you later then"
She then heads out, possibly seeing some of the others' happenings.
Eleazar takes notice of the kobold running from the guards reminding him somewhat.I certainly don't miss the days where had to steal for food. Definitely wouldn't have made such a scene if I got caught though. Eleazar waits for the red haired half-elf to get her food. Stepping up to the food stand "I will take two shrimp kabobs please."
Blue checks out the brutish structure standing in the place of the old church. "I guess this is what passes for modern human architecture". He sidles up to a group of locals who look old enough to know and asks, "Nice... em... day. So, what exactly happened to the old church? How did it burn down? And why's this called the Swallowtail Festival? Did this place used to be called Swallowtail or something?" He then waits patiently for their reply, encouraging them with "uh-huhs" and "I sees".