Chapter 1: Burnt Offerings
Sandpoint is a small town sitting on the Varisian coast within the influence of the city of Magnimar. Lying on the overland North-South trade route it sees many visitors, and has it’s own industry in the lumbar mill, glassworks and a shipyard in it’s sheltered harbour. The town also sports a small dojo, a school, a theatre, and under construction an impressive cathedral. It is a bastion of civilization on the wild coast amid the crumbling ruins of an ancient time: ‘Old Light’ is the ruined tower from a time out of legend, the stump of which only hints at a former height far in excess of any building in the town today.
Newcomers to the town recently are struck by the industry and optimism in the citizens. The preparations are well underway for the upcoming consecration of the cathedral and the festival surrounding it.
A cloud seems to be lifting from the town at last. Five years ago was ‘the late unpleasantness’ – when a serial killer stalked the streets and brutally murdered many citizens before he was tracked down. Further tragedy came after his death when the town’s church was burned down in a terrible accident, killing the resident priest of Desna and his young ward.
The Swallowtail Festival
It is the first day of Autumn, cool and crisp but sunny and clear. As the sun burns off the morning mist the people are out and working hard preparing for the festival, setting up tables and stalls, preparing food and laying out their wares. Relieved of school children scamper around underfoot and generally get their best clothes in danger of becoming dirty as they alternately help out or get underfoot. Even the towns older and grumpier citizens are dignified and if not smiling, at least not complaining.
Amid the town are many visitors: some Varisians have come, for the festival is sacred to Desna, their patron, and others for the festivities, and others are merely passing through along the coast road.
All of you are variously present at the start of the day …
Gornak wanders off in search of Albrecht, a mug of small beer looking tiny in his huge, ungainly mitt. As he passes by a pretty girl, he blushes furiously and tries to act casual.
"Well Albrecht, it took a lot o' hard work, but the cathedral is finally done. Ya know, I was so glad when you came to town -- knowing there's other big folk around makes me feel...well...not so much like a freak. Folks always gave me and my pa the skunk-eye, but I can't blame 'em, I guess."
He wipes his forehead with the back of his free hand. "Now that the building is finished, I should have some more free time to study with Mister Quar. He sure is a smart fella, always using big words and what not. He taught me a heap o' stuff so far, though. What are you going to do, now that you have some time on your hands?"
Immediately recognizing the distinctive profile of his fellow worker over the past few years and a man that he had grown to be friends with, Albrecht rises from his meditation, seated upon the earth, and warmly greets Gornak, the much larger of the two. Standing at a respectable six and a quarter feet tall and weighing a solid hundred and eighty pounds, Albrecht appears to be a tall and strong man beneath his very plain clothes.
"I too have enjoyed these past few years; it was comforting to meet another "big folk", as you called us, after being away from my clan for all these years. As for the cathedral, I am glad to see it complete, though I did enjoy its construction, despite the occasional pitfall. There is something inherently good about the physicality of manual labor and seeing something you helped to create be finished. It brings a wonderful sense of accomplishment, don't you think?"
Stretching each of his limbs separately, Albrecht continues to prepare for the day ahead of him as he talks to Gornak. "As for what I will do now that the construction is complete? A fair question. I have not given it much thought yet. I suppose if Father Zantus needs any more help getting all of the cathedral's affairs in order, I will stay and assist him if he wishes it. Perhaps the Lady of the Roads will once again speak to me and I will wander once more. I do not know at this moment, and too much speculation on the future can lead to stagnation."
His morning exercises complete, Albrecht now turns directly to Gornak and with a smile upon his face, he gestures to the fairgrounds. "So my friend, have you eaten yet? Shall we see if they have any food ready yet?"
After the long wait, Thanadros has finely made it into the city. A curiously long line is what drew him here, that and no other place to go... The city's gate patrol gave him a bit of trouble upon entering, with his savage fashion hand weapons (Not sure what the laws are in town about carrying armor and weapons) but he finally made it in, and it was much to take in. This was the first real town he had ever been in, making him feel more out of place than ever. Even with the festival that he heard of in line, he felt strangely out of place with all of these people around.
Thanadros sports hide armor and has a bow, longsword, spear and club on his person. He has long brown unkempt hair falling over his broad shoulders, and his skin and face are covered in a plethora of battle scars. However, the thing that stands out the most is the dragonskull-helm he wears on his head.
Unsure as to what to do, he strolls around looking at the architecture of the city, until he makes his way to a cathedral and see another strange sight... A man, far to big to be allowed. Thanadros always though he was a giant among men, but he was but a dwarf in comparison. He could not help to stare as he made his way to the Cathedral.
As he walks up them, he realizes that the other man, although not as big as the other, has a similar giantness to the other. Thanadros asks, quite bluntly, What you? Little giant? Or giant man?
Sandport is something of a frontier town for all it's civilisation, and armed men, while not the norm, are not uncommon either, and there are regular Shoanti visitors (usually caravan guards) and even residents. The gate guards are fairly laid back today, they merely press Thanadros for his word that he will not start trouble with the residents and then let him pass. In the town itself he draws no more attention than any other stranger.
Shoanti and half-giants have something of a shared culture in Golarian, so Thanadros will probably at least have heard of the half-giants even if he has never met one.
"Okay, let's find something to eat. By the way, Sheriff Hemlock pulled me aside last night and tol' me to look tough, in case there are any rowdy drunks today. Of course, I wouldn't hurt a fly, but I thought I'd wear my armor today anyways -- maybe it'll fool some out-of-towners."
Gornak's armor is obviously patched together from several smaller suits of armor that found their way to the junkyard.
As he walks up them, he realizes that the other man, although not as big as the other, has a similar giantness to the other. Thanadros asks, quite bluntly, What you? Little giant? Or giant man?
As the two large men keep talking he wonders if they are ignoring him or if they somehow didn't hear him. Their conversation proved that they could understand him. Maybe he had accidentally said something insulting? Still, calling someone half of something seemed more insulting. Easier to just drop it he supposed.
What this building for? Looks different. He asks the two half giants, looking at the Cathedral.
Having spent the night before just north of Sandpoint, Vohnkar rises with the sun and after an hour of meditation continues his trek through the forest. Eventually he crests a small hill to get his first look at the town since the night he left five years ago. Still as stone he stands at the top of the hill looking down at the town of his birth. Much has changed in the past five years; the Old light now shares dominance of the skyline, fighting for space with the new Cathedral. The site of his parent’s stables is now filled with new buildings and his brother's Inn is now larger and gaudy.
As the sun creeps to its zenith Vohnkar eventually takes a deep breath and begins down the hill toward the gate. As he approaches he makes sure that Balor in not in sight before continuing in to the festivities. Staying at the fringe of the crowd he is constantly on watch for the evil presence the Shaman warned about. Toward midday he spots another Shoanti, though there seems to be something odd about the man. Drimiil, Vohnkar's hawk companion, senses this oddness as well almost as if the man does not fit into the natural order of the world. Intrigued by the man Vohnkar spends the rest of the day following man and his two giant companions around, trying not be seen.
What this building for? Looks different. He asks the two half giants, looking at the Cathedral.
"Hello friend, welcome to Sandpoint! This is a church for Desna's followers. We just finished building it."
Gornak stretches out his hand in welcome. "My name is Gornak. What brings you to Sandpoint?"
What this building for? Looks different. He asks the two half giants, looking at the Cathedral."Hello friend, welcome to Sandpoint! This is a church for Desna's followers. We just finished building it."
Gornak stretches out his hand in welcome. "My name is Gornak. What brings you to Sandpoint?"
Thanadros...No where else to go, He answers, giving a firm handshake. You built? He looks over again at the church. Impressive...
Many people here... what festival celebrate? He looks behind him and scans the crowd. For some reason, he felt he was being watched, but it must have been due to paranoia, for he saw no one watching him. Even if he was followed here, attacking him during this festival would be far too risky. Thanadros hoped that this festival lasts a long time.
Turning to the newcomer, Albrecht quickly gives him a glance up and down, appraising him. His curiosity satisfied for the moment, he speaks. "Welcome Thanados. Yes, the cathedral is an impressive structure isn't it? Took nearly five years to finish it. The consecration of the cathedral is the purpose of the festival. So I take it that you are not here for the consecration ceremony and the festival then?"
Turning to the newcomer, Albrecht quickly gives him a glance up and down, appraising him. His curiosity satisfied for the moment, he speaks. "Welcome stranger. This is the cathedral for Sandpoint. It has just finished construction and it is to consecrated today. So I take it that you are not here for the consecration ceremony and the festival then?"
At first no...But who refuse celebration? He says with a smile. So festival for new church then?
** spoiler omitted **
Completing his morning meditation, Quar made his way to the Inn's common room for breakfast. Having low expectations based on the previous weeks meals, Quar paid little attention to the serving girls promise of "somethign special this morning". When breakfast finally arrived, he scowled and complained about the cook's lack of creativity. Still he ended up eating the entire meal, and those who watched carefully could catch a glimpse of a smile as he finished eating. Leaving a few extra coins on the table, he strolled outside into the fresh morning air, then scowled again. Either the cook's skill had improved overnight or he was getting used to the sub-par cooking. As he made his way towards the cathedral, Quar reflected on his current situation. He had not intended to remain in this small frontier town, yet why hadn't he moved on yet? He was still trying to answer that question when he spied Gornak some friends. He frowned and shook his head, he had definitely not intended to become acquainted with the half giant, let alone a mentor for his Psionic abilities. Still he was learning quick, despite being a half-giant. Approaching the group, Quar
"Gornak, I hope this morning finds you well and trust that today's pending festivities did not cause you to forgo your morning meditations?" turning to the rest of the group he says "greetings, I am master Quar"
"Oh, hi Mister Quar. The meditations? Well...I started doing them, but then my pa came in bellowing about helping him with Mister Lightfoot's dead mule. So I had to go out and help him take it off the cart, then chuck it in the sea. Dragging around a dead mule ain't easy, even for someone as big as me."
He stops abruptly. "...but maybe talking about dead mules ain't proper at breakfast time. I kinda forget that town folk got better manners and more delicate stomachs than me and Pa."
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"It's quite all right, Gornak; I'm sure you meant no offence," Hector says with a chuckle, walking up quietly to the small gathering. Hector is relatively new to the town, having lived here only six months, and has been earning his keep as a hand at one of the local farms, while helping to rebuild the cathedral during what time he's had spare. "Mornin' all," he adds belatedly.
He then turns to Thanadros. "Aye; apparently it burned down a few years back, and they've been rebuilding ever since."
Thanadros, he says, holding out a hand towards Quar as Gornak did to him before.
He turns his head toward Gornak. Dead mule? How died? Seems waste...Mule not so bad to eat.
Gornak shakes his head with a rueful smile. "Trust me, fella -- unless there's something wrong with your nose and tongue, you wouldn't want a bite o' that one. It had been setting for a while, not to put too fine a point on it." He wrinkles his nose meaningfully.
"Of course, if you feel like trying your luck, you can take a dive off the cliff of Junker's Edge. It's probably still floating there, I reckon."
Thanadros, he says, holding out the same hand he held out to Quar. Who You? Why someone burn such holy place?
He turns his head toward Gornak again with a grin. Rotten mule not so good to eat...
Nodding at the familiar face of Hector and the slightly familiar face of Quar, Albrecht turns to Thanados to answer his latest question.
"As I understand it, nobody intended to burn the chapel; it was just a tragic accident that became even more tragic as several other structures were also damaged by the raging flames. And to add sorrow upon sorrow, the priest and his daughter were also consumed in those same flames. Truly tragic."
The tale of the church's fire told, Albrecht lowers his head and says a quick prayer to Sarenrae, his Lady of Light, to guide and protect their souls.
Yes, tragic Unless fire not so accidental. Thanadros thought to himself, knowing that sometimes when bad things happen to political people, it is usually not an accident at all. Still, it was not his buisness. What festival celebrate? New church?
"Yeah, and it's Desna's feast day, I think. Pa and I don't go to church much, so I'm not sure. It's a big party, anyway." Gornak scratches his head.
Quar pretends not to notice the offered hand and shakes his head as Thandros and Gornak debate the culinary aspects of mule. "The festival is usually held on the first of autumn, and commemorates the legend of desna's battle with lamashtu and her fall to Golarion. I'm sure fatehr Zantus could give you a full accounting of the story." As he speaks Quar studies Hector with a raised eyebrow. There was soemhting about this one that he didn't trust.
There is an increase in bustle and commotion at the raised wooden stage set up at one end of the square in front of the west wing of the cathedral. More people are accumulating into the square, it seems a lot have come from the surrounding lands for the celebration.
Quar pretends not to notice the offered hand
When it is obvious that Quar is not going to shake his hand he offers it to Hector instead, but not before giving Quar a disappointed and disapproving look.
Hector shakes the man's hand.
Name?
"Hector; Hector Malson," Hector introduces himself. "Yourself?"
Thanadros, just Thanadros.
Favoring hector with a slight nod, Quar turns to observe the growing crowd. speaking to no one in-particular Quar says "It seems the prospect of food and drink was too alluring for the masses to resist."
Smiling at the size of the growing crowd, Albrecht gestures to his companions as if asking whether they wish to join the crowd, and he begins to walk towards the green in front of the stage as he talks, "I suppose it could be the food that is drawing the crowds. Though I prefer to think that it is more the consecration of the cathedral that is drawing them; now that it is complete, the final sign of the Late Unpleasantness is gone. Life can now resume its normal pace and rhythm. That is what all these have gathered here to celebrate."
His thoughts spoken, Albrecht continues to smile as he watches the commotion.
"I highly doubt this many people regularly attend Father Zantus' sermons. Still I'm suppose there are some here who have nobler interests than filling their bellies." Quar will begin to move towards the crowd, heading for a spot close to the stage. After all, he deserves a decent view of the ceremony.
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"I wasn't exactly a regular temple-goer before my arrival here, but even I used to attend on feast days or on special occasions," Hector says with a shrug, though those who have gotten to know him since his arrival will have noticed that he's actually been attending quite regularly. "You don't have to be the most devout man to show up for something like this."
"You're right, Mister Quar and Mister Hector -- ain't regular people entitled to a carnival once in a while? Anyways, I expect they're all mostly happy that Lamashtu got a whupping as well. Can't imagine it would be as nice having to go to monster church every week!"
Aylmora arose early, remembering her promise to Ameiko from the day before. She had promised to help her friend set up her booth at the festival, where the tavernkeeper would be serving plates of curry-spiced salmon with flagons of winterdrop mead to the festival-goers. Aylmora was thankful that her great-great-great aunt Niska had given her the day off from her housekeeping duties to attend the festival, saying that the clearing out of the third-floor bedrooms could wait another day. "I don't know why they couldn't wait another year!" Aylmora thought to herself. "Those rooms haven't been used since Sandpoint was founded!"
Aylmora completed her morning meditations as Aunt Niska had taught her, and then left her room in the Rusty Dragon to go downstairs to the common room. There she found her friend Ameiko heading out the door to place the last of the festival wares into a small cart. Along with the barmaid, Bethana, the three women made their way to the north side of town to the large square near the newly completed cathedral and set up their booth. Soon they were busy serving piping hot plates of salmon and flagons of the Rusty Dragon's famous drink to the gathering crowd.
Gornak wanders off in search of Albrecht, a mug of small beer looking tiny in his huge, ungainly mitt. As he passes by a pretty girl, he blushes furiously and tries to act casual.
"Well that's a fine how-do-you-do!" Aylmora thinks to herself as the half-giant Gornak passes right by her. "For TWO YEARS now I've been coming by the cathedral to see how the construction's been progressing, and he STILL totally ignores me! Honestly, I don't know WHY Aunt Niska says I should keep my eye on that Gornak!"
The young girl fumes, watching the half-giant meet his associates. "Oh, look. There he is with his other co-workers, that Albrecht Mi-something and that Hector Malson character. Oh, and that snobby Master Quar. And who's that strange Shoanti wearing that giant lizard skull?" she wonders to herself.
"I highly doubt this many people regularly attend Father Zantus' sermons. Still I'm suppose there are some here who have nobler interests than filling their bellies."
Filling belly, very noble cause. Better than starve. Church have right idea, increase moral. Thanadros retorts as he walks up to the nearest food vender. Plate and drink, pretty one! He says to Aylmora, with a big smile on his face, And for each new friend! He says pointing out each of the others, and points last to Quar, ...And grumpy too... he whispers to her.
Aylmora grins and winks at the skull-helmed Shoanti, letting him know that she caught his whispered reference regarding the elf.
"Here you go!" Aylmora says, passing over five plates of curry-spiced salmon and five flagons of winterdrop mead. "Best meal in Sandpoint! Courtesy of Lady Ameiko of the Rusty Dragon Inn," she says, indicating her companion - an exotically beautiful human woman who is busy serving other customers.
"So what's with the awesome hat?" Aylmora asks the Shoanti with a friendly smile.
Gornak stammers a bit, and then blurts out: "That is a really interesting hat." He fingers his own enormous cranium self-consciously.
With a nod of his head in gratitude and a friendly smile, Albrecht gratefully accepts his food and drink and steps a bit to the side of the stand. In a single, smooth movement he slides down to the ground, coming to rest in a cross-legged position. Inhaling the spicy scent of the salmon before looking up at everyone else around, he gestures for them to join him, before speaking, "I suppose you do have a point Thanadros; delicious food like this does draw the crowds and help increase their moral and their moods."
His agreement spoken, Albrecht begins to tear into the food with a gusto rarely seen outside of a man's final meal.
Quar accepts the food and drink, then turns to Thanadros "Your generosity is appreciated." He makes a slight bow, and then samples the red dragons food. As he eats with grace and dignity he favors Albrecht with a disgusted looks, at his less than dignified manners.
"Uh yeah, that's good fish." Gornak puts on a show of enjoying the salmon, even though he'd rather be chewing on a roasted pig's leg.
Aylmora grins and winks at the skull-helmed Shoanti, letting him know that she caught his whispered reference regarding the elf.
"Here you go!" Aylmora says, passing over five plates of curry-spiced salmon and five flagons of winterdrop mead. "Best meal in Sandpoint! Courtesy of Lady Ameiko of the Rusty Dragon Inn," she says, indicating her companion - an exotically beautiful human woman who is busy serving other customers.
"So what's with the awesome hat?" Aylmora asks the Shoanti with a friendly smile.
Thanadros files the Inn's name in the back of his head for later, he would diffidently go there and spend a bit of money after the festival. He points up to his helm, and says between bites of food, Dragonskull...Slayed myself...Well, that what I told...Don't remember... You believe you hear a bit of sadness in his voice towards the end of his explanation, but it is hard to tell with him eating.
When Quar bows, Thanadros gives him a curt nod back.
There is the sound of a wooden gavel being struck for attention, and heads turn to the rostrum where a well-dressed woman is clearing her throat for attention. Those who have been in a the town more than a few weeks recognise Mayer Kendra Deverin. Although a little young for the role, her family have been 'leaders' of the community for several generations and she seems both capable and well respected.
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for attending this festival. I know that many of you have made great sacrifices to be here today, particularly Master Larz Rovanky, who so rarely graces such functions."
There is a ripple of laughter across the crowd: Larz Rovanky is the local tanner, and very rarely tears himself from his work for any reason at all.
The Mayer continues her speech, drawing more smiles and nods of approval for her words. It's easy to see how she was elected, as public speaking seems to come easily to her.
She then hands over to Sheriff Hemlock.
The dour Sheriff cautions people against over-indulgence, to be careful of their safety, and calls for a moment of silence to recall the deaths of those that perished in the fire five years ago.
Finishing his food quickly, Albrecht rises as quickly as he sat and replaces the plate upon the table, with the other dirty plates. With a quick word of thanks and appreciation at the spectacular quality of the food, Albrecht quickly wipes his face with a nearby napkin before placing it with the other soiled napkins. Noticing Quar's look, he approaches the dignified elf and in a whispered tone, just loud enough to be heard by those around him and no one else, as it appears the mayor is about to speak, he says "One thing I have learned in my years of travel is this: Enjoy every meal, every drink, and every moment of time with friends for you never know if it will be your last."
Hearing the mayor beginning to speak, Albrecht looks up and begins to listen to her speech.
Gornak nods at the sheriff's sober reminder and he looks around for any sign of ne'er-do-wells.
Listening to Thandros' words, Quar is reminded of his parents. A look of pain crosses his face but quickly disappears as he uses his training to master his emotions. He remains quiet as the speeches begin.