Lamashan 28, 4702
A crisp wind blew east from the ocean, carrying with it the tang of salt and fish. It blew across the massive stones of the Old Light and rattled lightly across the wooden shingles of Sandpoint. In the safety of their homes and the security of their beds the townspeople heard the wind and shuddered for it was an evil night, the height of the month of monsters. Too vivid yet were memories of the slain and few yet found comfort even in the warmth of hearth and fire.
The wind blew softly under the door of the northern gatehouse with a shrill whistle. Drevis Trent, newly promoted to watch sergeant, felt a shiver go down his spine and unbidden to his mind came the image of a horrible statue and the thin piping of birds. He stomped his boots and went to add another log to the fire.
The wind twisted at the iconic rusty dragon above the inn that bore its name. Within her room below Ameiko Kaijitsu thought of her mother and cried. She had not slept in days and the memory of her last fight with her brother still echoed in her restless mind.
The wind played with the leaves along the empty streets, blowing them down Raven Street and up Festival until they gathered at the Undercliff. Above the Undercliff the wind paused for a moment at the quaint chapel, and then slowed and shifted back towards the west.. A power darker and more troublesome than the wind had plans and the weather would this night comply.
Within a window of the chapel, a small red light could be seen, if there had been anyone to see it. The light flickered and played with the shadows and a moment later it became brighter. Soon the window was blazing with the light of fire. Precious seconds passed and now there were screams from within the chapel. There was a banging on the heavy front door to the sanctuary but the exit was barred. Every window of the chapel was flooded with a radiant light and as Drevis Trent looked out from the windows of the northern gatehouse and saw it he had the thought that some god was visiting old Father Tobyn tonight.
It was then that the roof collapsed with a roar and a whoosh. Flames leaped from the structure, illuminating the thick clouds of smoke that were rolling heavenward. The fire leapt onto the roofs of the buildings adjoining the chapel and now the residents of those buildings were fleeing out, clutching whatever clothing or valuables they could find in the space of a few heartbeats
Somewhere, a fire bell began to clang.
In the heavens above dark eyes gleamed in pleasure.
Chapter One: Burnt Offerings
The last day of summer is a time of preparation. Across Sandpoint all are bustling. Horses, men, women, children and dogs alike fill the streets. The smell of food is everywhere as cooks in kitchens across town prepare for tomorrow’s feast. In the stores, there is shouting and prodding and the tinkle of coins as all try to buy the last trinkets, crackers and copper-whistles. The Swallowtail Festival is at hand.
Above the roofs of the downtown buildings rises the newly completed Cathedral (1)*, a towering structure of stone and glass, gleaming in the light of the sun. Five years after the fire that burned so much of the Uptown buildings, the Cathedral stands as a monument to Sandpoint’s resilience and determination. In the open square besides the Cathedral the finishing touches are being put upon the stage from which the speeches will be given. Men, acolytes from the cathedral for the most part, work to string bunting across the area.
*When appropriate reference numbers will be used in conjunction with the map of Sandpoint, found on page 2 of the Players Guide.
MAGAZIN FIBROS
RILO QUELLROSS
To the southwest, through the gate you see a large inn, two large white wooden deer stand in front of it. To the south, above the gate you see the top half of what must be the new cathedral, resplendent in its glory, the sun reflecting from the many windows. To the North and west of you the ocean thunders and to your left the wind quietly rustles the leaves of the woods that come right up to northern wall of Sandpoint.
EUGEN ENESCU
Across the bridge the streets of Sandpoint bustle with activity. Immediately across the bridge and to the right is a tall imposing building, the front of which proclaims itself to be the Two Knight’s Brewery (39). Many men are going in and out through its doors. Further down is what appears to be a large stable (38) though the sign in front of it shows a goblin being trampled by a horse. Next to the stables is a rather good sized inn (37) with a large rusty iron dragon perched atop its roof.
GYORGY ELBERION
KENZO
The House of Blue Stones (19) is not set up as an Inn and Sybl, though she has accepted Kenzo as a fellow student of both mind and body, has never invited him to rest within her home. However, because he has arrived so soon before the festival, he has his choice of Inns. The White Deer is certainly newer, with wide, spacious rooms. It is also cleaner and slightly better run than its competitor the Rusty Dragon (37). The food of the Rusty Dragon on the other hand is better and many of the locals seem to appreciate the more relaxed atmosphere it provides.
Kenzo, like many others, is enjoying the late summer weather as well as his interactions with the various townspeople and travellers. Although he often takes meals at the Rusty Dragon and various other locals, he has been staying at the White Deer, mostly because the northen end of town is, normally, less congested and a bit quieter - which suits his meditation practices. However, most of his weapons and belongings are actually stored at the House of Blue Stones, and he spends more time there than anywhere else.
Starday, Rova 22, finds him helping Sybl, the Abott of the House of Blue Stones, setting up races and a booth on the festival grounds. However he's also been busy assisting with various visitors who are persuing the significant library maintained by Sybl at the monastery, and has been spent a good bit of time running back-and-forth between the two locations.
Although Kenzo typically wears common clothes while in and around Sandpoint, he, like Sybl, can be found wearing monk robes for this special occassion, and in part so they can be more easily identified by the people of Sandpoint and travellers attending the festival.
Rilo Quelross brings himself to a stop before the mirror. "ah a little bit of touching up couldn't hurt, how mindful of the town." he says to himself while he tucks his shoulder-length hair behind his head and ties it back. He seems to have a well-kept appearance for someone who has been traveling as much as he has been recently. His clothing is nothing to stand out;wearing a shirt with a vest and scarf, breeches, boots and a backpack, he doesn't command much attention.
He has come to the town hoping for steady work, some celebration, and possibly some adventurous tales to write about. Rilo catches the smells of various foods and finds himself with a new want over inspiration "First things first, I'll have to find myself lodging" rilo thinks to himself as he proceeds to the gate and greets the guards. "Hello there! Rilo Quelross at your service, perhaps you've heard of me or read my works?" The young man knows that they have not with nothing of his writings ever being published but what kind of writer would he be to not promote himself for any lending eyes or ears?
Not sure if we're starting the day before or at the festival, so i've done both;
day before
Gyorgy puffed hard and sat back against the house wall. He'd only been in Sandpoint for a few days and Luba was keeping him so busy he'd barely had time to catch up with his old aquaintances. It had been a real delight arriving in Sandpoint, tasting the tang of fresh sea air and enjoying the comfortable bustle of the town, trading stories with his aunt and the cousins who were sharing her home.
Having taken a room in the Rusty Dragon Gyorgy is enjoying rubbing shoulders with the visitors attending the festival, feeling the excitement around the taproom, making friends and entertaining folks with a few tricks of prestidigitation. However, this morning Gyorgy is not having such fun. Luba had loaned him to her neighbour, a Thatcher by trade, who just had to finish working on a cathedral outbuilding by the evening. With Gyorgy and a jovial adepts' help fetching and carrying they should be done by mid-afternoon. I can only hope I'll still have energy for the evening, Sandpoint will be buzzing and there are still half a dozen little jobs to do at Luba's home before the fun begins!
Swallowtail Festival
After a busy day and a long night Gyorgy has slept in and missed breakfast at the Dragon. He's going to make sure he looks as presentable as possible before heading over the Luba's home to raid the pantry and take his cousins to the festival. His cousins are Aishe and Luca, twin sister and brother aged 14 (old enough to leave at home, but too young to provide any adventure support). He'll help out Luba on the Rusty Dragon stall at the festival if needs be, but is mostly looking forward to Father Zantus' sermon and seeing the pretty girls in their best dresses.
I'll just check i've got change to buy Luca and Aishe some toffees, then I'll be off - I'm so glad we've had good weather for the festival; Desna smiles on us!
After waking up, noting any dreams on a sheet of paper I break my fast at the White Deer, sharing stories of my Shoanti upbringing and travels with the Innkeeper. After I am done eating and chatting, I head over to the Cathedral to work with Abstalar Zantus on the Cathedral and to make sure I understand my duties the day of the festival. I have asked to be able to store my Vestments in the chapel so on the day of the Festival I can have them ready and don't have to put them on until the start of the dedication of the new Chapel.
My evenings are spent walking around the town scribbling notes down on a peice of parchment tacked to a board to draw a map of sandpoint for my collection of maps of places I have been.
I spend my nights between the Rusty Dragon talking to and drinking with the locals and the White Deer, doing pretty much the same.
I stop to look at the sign, trying to determine what kind of people put it up and how long ago, and if it's simply an invitation to primp, or whether there's a metaphysical suggestion in the notion of looking at oneself that reveals something about the town culture. While musing over these thoughts, i do in fact attempt to make myself look presentable in case that's what's required and beat a bit of the dust off of the surface of my clothes.
Well, perhaps that's sufficient, best not to look too tidy.
It's been a long period of blank mindedness, head full of the remnants of the kind of thoughts one has while traveling that seem to evaporate like mist when one's eyes lift from the road. What time is it? I'm hungry i realize, i skipped breakfast telling myself that i'd get something decent for a change when i got into town. plus it will give me a chance to size up the locals just a little.
I step into the Two Knights Brewery and look for something inexpensive, while i observe the clientele and try to figure out my next step.
Weaving in and out among the feet of the citizens of Sandpoint, dogs and young children chase each other, barking and laughing. Though there are places in the world where darkness reigns, it is clear that this town is not one of them. The good people of Sandpoint have had little reason to fear over the years and whatever fears they might once have felt have vanished with time. This is a town where parents don’t worry about what trouble their children might encounter when unsupervised
One might assume, of course, that the presence of the Sandpoint militia helps to keep it that way.
KENZO
Sybl does not actually allow uninvited visitors into her library, though there are a few regulars from the area who have a standing invitation. To Kenzo’s disappointment, though he checks several times, the morning brings no questing scholars. Shortly after lunch however, Kenzo spies an older man impatiently waiting outside the doors of Sybl’s abode. He is looking angrily about and seems about on the verge of leaving when he spies Kenzo. Kenzo recognizes the man, Sybl calls him Quint and he in fact lives only a couple of hundred feet from the House of Blue Stones, making his abode (8) at the base of the 150 foot tall pile of rocks the locals call the Old Light. While Sybl has made it clear to Kenzo in private conversation that Quint is not one of her favorite of people, (she feels he is a bit too pompous) she nevertheless allows him occasionally to peruse her books.
“I had about given up on you,” says Quint, “I ran across a mention of planar fire in my reading today and I remembered seeing it in one of Sybl’s scrolls. Is she here? Don’t tell me that she has got caught up in this Swallowtail nonsense?”
RILO
“And its hoping that we aren’t hearing of you for being in trouble while you are here,” says the other with a chuckle, obviously pleased with his wit.
“Are you here for the festival?” continues the first, heedless of his companion, “If you are you will have to be finding a place to sleep. We don’t allow sleeping in the streets. Nor begging. If you need an inn, they’ll be running you 2 gold coins a night this week for rooms and 1 golden coin for the commons, though I heard tell that Garridan Viskalai might be offering slightly better rates if you agree to stay beyond the festival. I assume you have the coin to pay for lodging?”
GYORGY
During the festival, Ameiko Kaijitsu is charging 2 golden coins a night for rooms and 1 gold coin a night just for the privilege of sleeping on the floor. On the positive side, she is giving a half price discount for meals for all lodgers during the festival.
As the finishing touches are being put on the roof of the building adjoining the cathedral, Father Zantus and another of the acolytes approach the workers, carrying some pitchers of water and a platter with meat and bread.
“Well done, well done,” says Zantus with pleasure, “Slack your thirst my friends. Eat up. The good worker deserves his wages, as they say and then some.”
“Hullo,” says the priest as he hands Gyorgy a sandwich, “Have I seen you at work here before? The face looks vaguely familiar but I can’t recall the name. So tell me, what do you think of our new Cathedral? Have you had the tour yet?”
MAGAZIN
Father Zantus has no problem with allowing vestments to be stored in the Cathedral. On more than one occasion he has explained to Magazin that all should be welcome to worship and serve in worship in the house of the gods.
There is not a whole lot to do on the Cathedral that has not already been done, but Zantus cheerfully greets Magazin when he sees him, makes sure to obtain a promise from Magazin to be at the consecration ceremony on the following evening and asks if Magazin would like a little tour of the Cathedral this very afternoon, when things have got a little quiter?
EUGEN
Despite his obvious irritation the Gnome advises Eugen to seek out either the Rusty Dragon (37), The Hagfish (33), or Cracktooth’s tavern (18) and he gives directions to each.
“There’s also Fatman’s,” says the Gnome, “but personally, I recommend Cracktooths for the atmosphere. Mind you, only the Rusty Dragon and the White Deer will put you up for the night.”
Rushing up with some papers and packages in his hand, Kenzo greets the old man. "Mr. Quint, correct? I'm Kenzo. I'm new to Sandpoint, and we haven't met yet, but Sybl has told me she admires you, and to give you access to her library if need be," he says with a smile "She is, as you guessed, busy getting ready for the festival. As you no doubt already know, she is very dedicated to helping others improve themselves, and I would have to agree that the festival provides a great opportunity for meeting new people."
Opening the door, Kenzo continues, "If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know, and perhaps, after the festival, you can spare a few minutes for a cup of tea and some conversation?"
"Ah, thank you for the advice, sorry to take up your time without a purchase," i say, dropping and sliding a silver piece across the counter as thanks. "Maybe i'll see you at cracktooth's," i finish, smiling, and turn to leave. How straightforward things seem here, i muse, a brewery where they only sell alcohol. very efficient. i step back outside and look critically at the sun.
hm. It's tempting to grab lodgings first and eat later, but perhaps it would be more engaging to see some of the local color. besides which, it might give me different ideas about where to take a room. Still, i make a mental note of the convenient location of the Rusty Dragon and, reviewing the directions from the gnome in my head, set off to find Cracktooth's.
Hah, 'the gnome in my head.' i laugh quietly to myself as i walk. i wonder if that's what's in there, fetching and filing all those memories. it unexpectedly makes me think of the sick beggar i'd seen run over as a boy, and i try to picture the head-gnome living inside on all the gunk and blood. growing fat and lazy in the confines of my skull. i shake my head trying to get back to the present. i overtipped that gnome, but if cracktooth's turns out to be a good location, it might help to have somebody local inclined to do me a favor. on the other hand it might just mean a bunch of thugs decide to try and jump the out-of-town big-tipper. what was it my dad always used to say when we asked him for money? 'sometimes fate giveth, sometimes fate taketh, but thieve from me and your back i'll breaketh, see if i dont!' something like that. variations on the theme. good times...
i absentmindedly run my thumb along the hilt of my sword and try to better take in my surroundings as i walk.
I'll get to my feet, clean my hand on my shirt and offer it to Father Zantus to shake (unless his hands are full of food). "It's good to meet you father, I've long-admired your sermons". I pause, then a bit embarrassed; "Sorry, that was a bit ahead of myself; My name's Gyorgy, Gyorgy Elberion, my Aunt Luba lives here in Sandpoint and I've visited her here many times. I've even spent some of my youth at the Turandok Academy." I pause again and look up at the cathedral; "It looks grand from the outside, but I've yet to poke my head through the door. I'm sure you'll see me before Desna's altar after the grand opening though - I'm so glad that you chose the Swallowtail Festival for the opening; a time of rebirth and optimism, it seems very fitting."
Then I'll have a bite of my sandwich and call Lim to my shoulder for a morsel, letting Father Zantus get a word in.
Rilo joins in with the chuckle, thinking to himself "perhaps one day I shall write about the comedian gatekeeper" He smiles back at the comment and replies "I have no intention of being any harm, you shall not even hear a whisper of my name having to do with troubles I assure you..now tales of my charm I cannot be held accountable for" at this point Rilo is obviously just firing back at the taller guard.
"I am here for the festival, for work if there's need for a locksmith or writer, and for inspiration..I think your lovely town may be just the thing for me to begin a new adventure in ink" Rilo seems a little bit taken back by the sleeping in the streets and begging comments but with his current attire it seems fair so he lets it go. "Of course I have the gold for it. I suppose I'll have a look around at the inns before I make a decision and I'll let you get on with your duties kind sir" Rilo often doesn't know when to shut his mouth and his words can get the better of him, but in circumstance he does pretty well with this guard.
After he finishes his conversation with the guard Rilo heads to the White Deer to grab a meal and possibly speak with Garridan Viskalai about his offer
Sweeping the mats and washing the walls, as monks do to show respect to their training hall, Kenzo ponders how strangely quiet the day has become. After completing the chores, he settles his mind and sits into a meditation position, trying to let go of his thoughts regarding what he hopes will be a more exciting tomorrow.
"Thank you for the invitation Father Zantus, I look forward to spending the day of the festival helping at the consecration ceremony, and would love to take a tour of the Cathedral and pay my respects to Desna."
Overhead, as the sun moves inexorably through the sky, a blue tailed hawk spirals through the air before alighting above the town, its talons gripping the stone of the Old Light. The hawk has a nest there and it is bringing food back for its young. From its perch it can see all that goes on in the town below it.
The stones of the Old Light are massive and at first glance might appear to be just an extremely tall spur of rocks. But the stone bears the signs of being the work of hands. Scholars say that the old lighthouse that once stood here was at least seven hundred feet tall. Though the remains of the tower still rise over a hundred and seventy feet from the sea, fifty of those feet being on a level with the village, it is clearly only a remnant of its former self.
Interestingly, though the stones of the Old Light dwarf everything in town, save perhaps the new Cathedral, the local people give it hardly a glance as they bustle about on their business. As the bards say, a man can become used to just about anything, given the time.
KENZO
“I knew it,” says Quint and he gleefully rubs his bald scalp. “Hikjumin clearly says that fire from heaven is conversant with the oils of material emotions. What more proof does one need?” He addresses himself to suddenly to Kenzo with some sternness “You tell Sybl that I was right. Light for lost sailors indeed! Thassilonian architects cared more for fire than water! Ignorant Portians!”
With those profound words Quint gleefully stomps out of the monastery, a certain bounce in his steps.
EUGEN
Pushing his way through the throng and making his way up Festival Street, Eugen notices vegetables and fruits on many tables and carts in front of a building that proclaims itself to be “Grocer’s Hall” (29) in bright red letters. Ahead, to the left, looming above the street is a rather large building(23) that dwarves its neighbors. A large cloth awning over the front doors reads, “Sandpoint Theatre” and a billboard on the side of the large front doors announces, “THE HARPY QUEEN, featuring Magnimarian DIVA Allishanda.” Following the blue haired gnomes instructions, Eugen turns left on Raven street past the theatre and proceeds until finally he sees the white sign in the shape of a broken tooth. Cracktooth’s Tavern (18).
The tavern within is surpisingly well lit. A large stage at the back of the room dominates, though it is currently empty. Many round tables fill the floor, though few of the tables are currently filled. A rather interesting looking individual is polishing wooden tankards behind the bar to the right. Two large tusk like teeth jutting out from his lower jaw proclaim him to be not quite human, and yes the left tooth is cracked. His brown skin is rather rough looking and his hands are quite large. His long black hair however is quite washed and combed and there is an intelligent glint in his eyes.
“Can I help you,” asks the barkeep, “Haven’t seen you in here before. I’m Jesk.”
RILO
A large, dark skinned man pushes his way towards Rilo, calling out rather gruffly, “What do you need?” Despite this off-putting introduction, Garridan Viskalai, as the man turns out to be, is indeed pleased when Rilo asks about rooms and meals.
“Got just one left. Cleanest rooms in town. No mice and that’s something the Rusty Dragon can’t say. Normally charge two angels a night but if you agree to stay a month it’s a single golden coin a night, two hands total. Meals are half price for residents. You can’t beat that deal. We have floor space two for a finger a night but tonight we’re already all filled. The law,” he scowls briefly, “won’t put up with us sleeping more than allowed on the floor. So, do you want the room and for how long? If you want it a meal of venison will cost you just two silver fingers.”
MAGAZIN & GYORGY
Gyorgy sees another man approaching and is momentarily surprised by the points of the other’s ears, not expecting to see a half-elf.
“Brother Magazin, glad to see you here. This is Gyorgy. He’s staying with his aunt. Just been helping on the Cathedral. Gyorgy. Brother Magazin, a fellow venerator of the great goddess. So wonderful”
Hardly pausing for breathe, the priests sweeps the other two into the Cathedral. He shows them first the seven stones in the center courtyard, ancient stones in a clear pattern around a larger round altar carved from a single stone, “Representing seven gods,…” intones Zantus reverently. He then moves on to the rooms of the main building, showing off each altar and each great stained glass window above the altar. As he walks he keeps up a constant stream of excited patter.
“To the west are the shrines of Gozreh and Shelyn, Weather and Music… The artist that carved Shelyn’s altar did such a wonderful job... To the South we have the shrines of Erastil and Abadar, Abundance and Civilization, farming and community in a happy union… When you see Abadar’s window I think you will be impressed by the creative use of the colors… But you know we actually have so many followers of Erastil in the area. Not in Sandpoint itself, but in the many farms around. I won’t be surprised if he’s not the most popular in the area when all is said and done,… though of course I do what I can to promote Desna and the Varisian element is so dominate in parts of the town it really helps… And to the East! Desna and Sarenrae…. Sarenrae obviously to catch the sunrise… And I want you two to clearly see the excellent work the Glassworks did on Desna’s window.”
As he talks, Magazin and Gyorgy find themselves side by side behind him, striving to keep up with both words and steps.
"That seems to be a good deal, can never complain about not having mice as well. I'll take it, I can pay you for ten days now and try to find some work in the meantime. I do plan on staying in town for a while;I am sort of a locksmith you see, more so an aspiring writer looking for inspiration but any work I can get I'll take." Rilo says to the man.
For a few moments rilo wonders to himself why such an offer would be made but quickly snaps out of it at the mention of a meal of venison "Oh a meal of venison sounds wondrous right now! I haven't eaten a decent meal in days."
His meditation disturbed, Kenzo has a difficult time quieting his mind, and before long he realizes that the rumbling of his stomach is making it difficult to silence his thoughts. With a sigh, he stretches his legs and decides to stop at the White Deer before returning to the festival grounds to pass on Quint's message to Sybl.
"Nice to meet you, uh, Magazin", Gyorgy says, offering his hand to shake. Then in Shoanti; "Gyorgy's the name; my family trades with the Shriikirri-Quah sometimes." before slipping back into Chelaxian; "How was that? My Shoanti accent's rubbish, isn't it?!"
At first I'll keep a pious quiet in the Cathedral but i'll soon start whispering friendly chatter to Magazin (unless Magazin looks annoyed) until they reach the Desnan altar, at which point my quiet will return and i'll pay serious attention to the area.
My chatter will be a mix of light-hearted personal anecdotes, observations about nice touches in the cathedral and not-very-intrusive personal questions to Magazin; Do you know Sandpoint well? How long have you trod the path of Our Holy Lady? etc.
If the banter is friendly enough i'll invite Magazin to share an ale at The Rusty Dragon later too; "There'll be loads of interesting people around - it's packed for the festival."
"It's very nice to meet you Gyorgy", taking Gyorgy's hand in a firm handshake, and I smile back "your accent is fine".
I listen to you while you talk, but focus more on listening to Father Zantus, if you get too much above a whisper, I cough to warn you against getting too loud.
"I am new to Sandpoint, having been raised by my Tribe. I feel as if I have been beholden to my lady Desna my entire life, and that she has given me many blessings as a result, including seeing this wonderful Cathedral and the amazing glass that Father Zantus is pointing out to us. *cough*"
"Thanks to you Father Zantus, your Cathedral is beautiful. Have you sent your regards to the glassworks for the beautiful work done on Desna's window? If you haven't, I would be honored if you would trust me with delivering your thanks to them."
If offered, Magazin would be happy to join Gyorgy for a drink after the tour.
"Hello, I'm Eugen," I say, walking up to the bar, "I'm new in town, was recommended here by a fellow at the Two Knights Brewery. I'm looking for food, drink, and maybe a bit of conversation."
The thing foremost on my mind as I've been walking along is that, with all the hustle and bustle that seems to be going on, the inns may be filling up, but there might be a local family or widow renting out a bed for the festivities. A local acquaintance can be a nicer window into a town than the social hall of an inn, and somebody here might know of someone looking for a lodger. Secondmost is the thought that there might be temporary work around for a bouncer or an armed guard if the town's going to be all a-bustle. So with these things on my mind, and the desire to find out more of what's going on about town, I order something reasonable to eat and try to see if the bartender is interested in talking. Or if not, maybe he can direct me to someone who won't mind my inquisitive nature at this hour of the day.
KENZO & RILO
As Kenzo makes his way over to the table, Viskalai notices him and smiles his gruff smile. The dark skinned man weaves his way through the tables.
“Good to see you. You saw our lone empty seat I take it.”
The innkeeper escorts Kenzo to his place and once there makes introductions. “This is Rilo Quelross. Our newest boarder. He has the room across from yours. He’s a locksmith new to town.” And to Rilo, “This is Kenzo. He’s been a guest with us now for a short while. He is a student at our local monastery.”
Introductions made, Viskilai goes to find Kenzo a plate and some food.
EUGEN
Finally other customers start to trickle into the tavern and the smell of cooking food wafts heavily out from the kitchen.
“Tell you what,” says Jesk, “I have to go and start helping the girls serve. But you seem like a decent enough fellow. The inns are likely all going to be full tonight. If you stick around, help me turn the more inebriated out and do a bit of the sweeping and polishing, I’ll let you sack out on a table near the embers tonight. What say you?”
GYORGY & MAGAZIN
The White Deer seems overly crowded, unusually so in fact and Gyorgy and Magazin deduce correctly that it is the many visitors to Sandpoint which help to swell it.
“I know a place,” says Gyorgy, “Where only the locals tend to go.” He has never been there himself, but it is a favorite of his aunt. With Magazin’s agreement, the two soon find themselves at Risa’s Place (13) as the sun begins setting in the sky.
Risa’s has it share of business this Starday as well, but it is not the wall to wall sea of flesh that the White Deer had been. In one corner where the floor is slightly raised, sits an old blind woman. Three other women, two of them apparently sisters, serve drink and food while in the back of the room, behind the bar and in a kitchen separate from the common room, two men work to cook and draw drinks . One of the women , who introduces herself as Besk, ushers them to a seat by the fire and recommends the fish and spiced potatoes for only a silver a plate. And almost without asking she brings them both tall mugs of almost ice cold cider. “We have the coldest drinks in town,” she tells them.
“Give us a story Risa,” shouts one of the customers. “Not tonight, Das,” snaps Besk, “Momma is tired and you’ve had about enough to drink. No more ale for Das tonight, Luma.” The man, his long chops quivering on his cheeks with anger stands and storms out of the place.
The morning sun, the first sun of Autumn, greets a joyous Sandpoint. People have been up for hours, several merchants have set up tents in the Market Square, though it is not a market day, to vend their wares of food, clothes, local crafts, souvenirs and beverages. Near the Cathedral, many cluster around the stage and though lunch is hours away, the local Taverns and Inns are working to set up the tables they will serve the noon meal from.
The Swallowtail Festival begins promptly, on schedule and the turnout for the opening speeches is quite respectable. The square near the Catherdral continues to fill with people even as Mayo Deverin kicks off the Festival with her opening speech
The Mayor’s Speech
The attractive and personable woman, though she can no longer be described as young, displays an incredible amount of youthful energy. Her excitement is obvious and seems to be contagious for the crowd returns her greeting warmly.
“I see everyone has arrived. Even Larz Rovanky has left off tanning hides to join us. I’m sure his workers are glad its not their hides being tanned today.”
The crowd laughs, all heads turning to look at the recipient of the humor. Larz eventually stops glowering and manages a reluctant smile.
“It’s wonderful to see so many of you here on this proud day and I would like to extend my welcome to those new faces I see in the crowd. As mayor, I would like to extend welcome to you on behalf of the town. I hope you are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and sincerely hope you have a wonderful time. Our town has much to offer and I hope we can consider you as new friends. Spend some time and you will grow to love this town we call home. Spend your money and we will grow to love you.”
Several of the merchants give a vigorous applause and there is a general laugh. The mayor waits a moment to allow the crowd to settle.
“And to all the old faces I see here, I thank you for coming and I thank you for all that you do to make this community so wonderful. Thank you especially for all of the time, sweat and love you have put into building this fine Cathedral. We have always had heart. The true heart of Sandpoint is you, her people. We have always had heart but now we have an expression of that heart and we built it ourselves!”
The crowd responds with a roar and only after the noise has died down does the Mayor say, “Thank you. Thank you all. And without further ado, let me introduce our next speaker… Our own Sheriff, Belor Hemlock!”
The Sheriffs Speech
“Thank you, Miss Mayor.”
The sheriff’s eyes scan the crowd and for a moment they seem to linger on you. Then he addresses the gathering by saying, “A moment of silence if you would please to remember the those who lost their lives in the fire that took our old chapel.” And solemnly the sheriff drops to one knee and bows his head reverently.
There is a moment of uncertainty and then the majority of the crowd drop their heads in prayer.
A few seconds later, head still bowed, the sheriff intones…, “Let us remember…Let us remember the memories of those friends and family members who have gone before us. Let us remember those who lost their lives in that tragic fire and made this new Cathedral necessary. Cherish their memories and may the blessing of the gods see them happy and well in the afterlife.”
Standing back up, the sheriff clears his throat.
“I would like each of you to be aware that additional guardsmen have been added to each patrol detail over the next four nights. Members of the Sandpoint Militia Volunteers have agreed to lend us their support at this time. As Sheriff, I am confident that between our regulars and our volunteers, we will be able to handle any disturbances that may occur during the festival. “
“Over the next three days all instances of wrongdoing will be dealt with swiftly and to the full extent of the law. Without exceptions. So as Sheriff, I ask you to help us keep the peace. Thank you.”
Without another word, the Sheriff turns and strides to his seat.
Cyrdak’s Speech
Cyrdak seems to be enjoying himself. Before he speaks he loosens his collar a bit and then winks at the crowd.
“Well thank you sheriff for that uplifting oratory.”
“I know this town has been through a lot and some hard times, but look at what we have accomplished.” He motions to the Cathedral. “I am telling you, we have spared no expense for this building. Father Zantus’ chamber pot…pure gold… I kid you not. And in addition to your general support, our nobels I know have chipped in a few stars. I heard that even the church’s of Magnimar sent us all the fingers they had. But in the end it was a lot of angels that built this place and I see those angels standing right here in front of me.”
The crowd laughs and applauds.
“The good Zantus has a few words for each of you, but before he steps forward I want to take the very unusual step of promoting myself (laughter from all) and extend to each and everyone of you a personal invitation to each and every one of you to 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 Sanpoint Theatre and it is going to be absolutely fabulous.! And now join me in a bit of applause for his holiness himself, the one and only Father Zantus!”
Father Zantus speaks
The crowd cheers lustily as Father Zantus steps to center stage. The young priest is noticeably abashed at the reception he is receiving. He wears the simple ceremonial robes of a village priest and his holy symbol glitters at his chest.
“Ahem. Thank you. Thank you Cyrdak I am sure for that introduction and thank each of you for being here today. Today is indeed a most auspicious day, a day of new beginnings. I don’t want to bore you yet with a long speech, that will come later, so I hereby declare the swallowtail festival underway!”
Everyone cheers and a moment later the priest adds, “At noon we will have a message of faith and release our little friends.”
After a busy day and a long night Gyorgy has slept in and missed breakfast at the Dragon. He's going to make sure he looks as presentable as possible before heading over the Luba's home to raid the pantry and take his cousins to the festival. His cousins are Aishe and Luca, twin sister and brother aged 14 (old enough to leave at home, but too young to provide any adventure support). He'll help out Luba on the Rusty Dragon stall at the festival if needs be, but is mostly looking forward to Father Zantus' sermon and seeing the pretty girls in their best dresses.
I'll just check i've got change to buy Luca and Aishe some toffees, then I'll be off - I'm so glad we've had good weather for the festival; Desna smiles on us!
Having spent an interesting night explaining to Rilo that there are monasteries well known for their beer brewing skills, with a brief detour to Sybl to pass on Quint's message, Kenzo finds that he's a little bleary eyed the next morning.
"A monk's life is humble," he reflects after his morning meditation, "with all things in moderation . . . including moderation." It was, indeed, a good time last night, and the celebratory mood of the people of Sandpoint is certainly contagious.
Clearing the stiffness from his muscles with some light stretching, Kenzo dons his robes and leaves the White Deer, heading over to the festival grounds to meet Sybl. On the way out, he again bumps into Rilo, who, not suprisingly, looks a little foggy himself.
Throughout the night Rilo kept taking notes about the stories that his new friend Kenzo had told him about, it was a common habit for him to write things and try to find himself some use of the information or some transformation into a story or character. yet, after a while he just began to enjoy the company and conversation of the night.
Prying himself up from his bed and wrapping his scarf around his neck after getting dressed with a type of manner that almost convinced himself that he was awake and ready for the day he set out for the festival grounds.
"Oh why hello my friend Kenzo! how did your beauty rest treat you? I'm not sure I got enough of it but perhaps something at the festival will wake me up, be it food or some pretty lady." he thinks for a moment "possibly both" rilo lets out a chuckle and checks his pockets for his quill and parchment "Mind if I join you?"
Magazin wakes up early to pay his daily respects to Desna, then dress for the festival.
I enjoy the speeches given by the leaders of the town, and then spend the next three hours walking around and enjoying the festivities with the other festival goers.
If I happen to see my new friend Gyorgy, I say hi and spend some time talking with him.
I spend most of the morning wandering to get a feel for the town and attempting to observe people without being visibly nosy.
Nearer to noon, I head towards the meat market to look for a bit of dried meat for my satchel, and then to those stalls that were hawking their wares yesterday to inquire more closely about the religious symbols that they mentioned. I am looking for something along the lines of a good luck charm, or perhaps something in the personal protection line. I'm not desperate to buy, just curious to see what's available.
"Why not?" Kenzo replies to Rilo, "We are headed the same way. Of course, the whole town is headed the same way!"
After listening to the speeches, Kenzo checks with Sybl to see what assistance she may need, and otherwise enjoys meeting and speaking with the people of Sandpoint and the travelers enjoying the festival.
"Hey, Magazin, good to see you. You should meet my cousins..." I pull Luca and Aishe away from a stall selling wooden toys; "Meet Magazin kids; he's a real cleric of Desna, may she watch over us. Luca, Aishe, meet Magazin; Magazin, meet my cousins - Luca's the strapping young man and Aishe's the dark-haired beauty."
Aishe sticks her tongue out at her cousin for that, but Luca grins and offers Magazin a sweet from a little paper bag with a few bright blue boiled confections. After a seconds double-take I give Luca a prod; "Oi! Give the man a toffee."
"Sorry Magazin, those are blue-mouth sweets from the joke stall; funny for a minute, annoying for a day..."
The Swallowtail Release
As the sun approaches its zenith, two burly Acolytes wheel a large wagon covered with a bright tarp up near the stage. People are talking cheerfully and loudly in anticipation. Luca and Aishe, who have been badgering Gyorgy for the last hour in fears of missing the release, pull away from him and join the throng of excited children who are rapidly gathering around the wagon. If anything, the square outside the cathedral is fuller than it was for the opening speeches. Near the wagon, Father Zantus is talking to the two Acolytes. Magazin, standing nearby hears him say, “Your signal will be me declaring, ‘Praise be to Desna,” in a loud voice.’”
A trio of musicians walks up the stairs to the top of the stage and they shuffle uncertainly at the back, talking in low voices to one another. They seem a little nervous. A vendor at the back of the crowd, near where Kenzo and Sybl are standing is hawking finger-drums and flags. A few are buying, mostly young men and women still in their teens.
Finally all is ready. Father Zantus strides up to the stage and clearing his throat waits until everyone’s attention is upon him. The vendors stop their selling. The musicians form a line at the back of the stage. Slowly all becomes quiet and still except for the soft breeze flowing off of the ocean.
“Desna bless You!” Zantus intones, arms uplifted.
“How appropriate that we consecrate this chapel today of all days. Each of you who have helped with this Cathedral, in time, gold or sweat, will be blessed. For the gods bless those who respond with generosity and kindness.
“The scriptures tell us that there was a time when Desna fought with Lamashtu, that most wicked of goddesses. That form which Desna wore was injured and she fell through the heavens and landed upon the soil of Golarion. There she lay, in pain. In the meadows near where Desna lay, a blind child played, alone and hungry. She had been told all her life that her blindness would keep her from being of great service to anyone. Her parents had rejected her, viewing her as a burden and had turned her out of their home. The villagers had likewise turned her away, seeing no benefit in helping her – for what they asked, could a blind child ever do to return their generosity. And so this poor child wandered the fields, eating what little she could find and sleeping at the feet of great trees.
“This child heard the cries of the goddess in pain and stumbling her way towards her she felt her form and sensed the pain she was in. The child did what she could, finding a stream and caring the water in her hands back to the goddess again and again. She heard a hive of bees and ignoring the stings, she brought honey to the goddess and fed her. These small kindnesses were not much but it was enough and Desna regained her strength.
“When the goddess beheld the frail starved form of the blind child she did not see the outward. She saw the beauty within and in a moment she tansformed that child into an eternal butterfly. In such a form the child could wander the world day and night, with eyes that saw everything.
“So too will you find a reward when you give your service without complaint. What little you do reflects the soul within you. To remember this, every year we release a symbol of the butterfly. In years past we have used painted corn husks, paper butterflies and the like. This year though we have something special planned…
“Join with me then… Praise Be to Desna!”
The whole crowd echoes the sentiments and with their words the acolytes by the wagon pull back the tarp and open the lids of the cages in its bed. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of butterflies suddenly erupt from the back of the wagon, their multi-colored wings coloring the air. The children laugh and clap and though of the town was in on the “secret” still… hardly a soul seems less than delighted. The trio of musicians start up a lively tune on the stage and many in the square start dancing. Once more the vendors shout to be heard concerning their wares.
“The consecration will take place tonight, just at sundown,” shouts Father Zantus a moment later and then descends from the stage. Throughout the square children are chasing the butterflies.
Throughout the afternoon, Kenzo wanders around, often with Rilo, speaking with the various people and generally having a good time. He answers some questions about being a monk and what monastery life is like, and learns what he can of Sandpoint as well. Of course, he also enjoys the food and drink, including the ham sandwiches. In all, it's a busy afternoon and a beautiful day, and he finds himself having a good time and enjoying being away from his monastery home. It does make sense, he begins to realize, that the older monks encourage the younger monks to travel the world in search of new experiences.
The inns and taverns of Sandpoint provided free food all afternoon. The hagfish provided lobster chowder. Cracktooth’s served fried fish. The girls from the White Deer handed out plates of Cracked Peppercorn Venison and autumn greens. Spiced potatoes from Risa’s Place were pretty popular but clearly the crowd pleaser was the Rusty Dragon’s remarkable curry spiced Salmon.
Throughout the day, even after all were filled, there was much music and dancing. The children chased butterflies through all the streets, never able to quite catch the elusive Swallowtails. Now things have begun to quiet and once more the good people of Sandpoint, rich and poor, young and old, begin to congregate once more outside the Cathedral.
Magazin has a spot near the stage, from which he can ascend to aid in the Consecration ceremony. Father Zantus has asked him to deliver a public prayer and the half-elf has been worrying the right words through his head all afternoon. Gyorgy, with his niece and nephew likewise has a good position near the stage.
Eugen, after a day of wandering, found himself helping Jesk in tearing down the booth for Cracktooth’s and with that done, he is standing besides the burly half-orc, waiting to see what the priests have to say.
Rilo and Kenzo, having spent much of the day together, are likewise now sharing a bench outside the Jewelers shop (5), across from the Cathedral. The view is not so good here but it is slightly less crowded.
The sun, setting down into the ocean, paints the western sky red. Father Zantus steps cheerfully onto the stage. Magazin and Zantus observing him toying with a small round stone like object in his left hand. “Time to get this started,” Magazin hears him say and he throws the object across the stage, away from him.
There is a sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, and all eyes suddenly focus on the stage even as all talking abrubtly ceases.
Father Zantus chuckles, opens his mouth to speak, and a scream fills the air.
It is not Father Zantus who screams. It is the scream of a woman somewhere away from the square. A moment later there is another scream. Somewhere a dog barks violently.
Then, in chorus, the air is filled with the sound of many strange voices. They are chittering and laughing and many of them are singing. The voices do not sound human.
A sudden part in the crowd and a dog races through, chased by something low to the ground. The thing chasing giggles with glee. The dog turns and then gives a pained yelp, collapsing to the ground, its throat cut open from ear to ear.
The words of the song, more chanted than sung, suddenly swell and fill the air, to the accompaniment of drums. The words are in crude Chelaxian.
Goblins chew and goblins bite,
Goblins cut and goblins fight…
Rilo has enjoyed his day meandering around the festival grounds, spending a percentage of the day trying to impress some of the town girls with his tales..embellished or not, another percent hoping to not run into their respective fathers, and the majority of it hanging out with his new friend Kenzo and sampling the fine foods.
"Town seems pretty big on speeches eh? Not a very good view from back here.. though.." Rilo's attention gets caught by a local girl heading towards the crowd. "I could get into a lot of trouble in this town, stories I probably couldn't write about." Rilo lets out a slight chuckle and looks back towards the stage.
Rilo is checking his scarf pockets before he hears the noises and suddenly has his attention stolen again.
Kenzo laughs at Rilo's joke and comments, "Yeah, but I think me and my monk robes might be cramping your style," as he stretches to see the priest at the front of the cathedral.
spot check 2 + 0 = 2
initiative 12 + 2 = 14
apparently my head is lost in the clouds.
First is spot, second is Initiative. (1d20=7, 1d20=17)
Spot 7 + 4 = 11
Initiative 17 + 4 = 21
Magazin is worrying about the proper prayer, but not as slow to react as some may think :)
As the crowd settles Lim returns and perchs atop Gyorgy's head (experience having taught her to keep out of Luca's grasp). I'm looking around the crowd, but also busy keeping fidgety, tired teenagers in line
Goblins in Sandpoint! --- Surprise Round
As the crowd in the square begin to turn about in confusion, the strange, shrill voices continue their unnerving song.
Stab the dog and cut the horse,
goblins eat and take by force!
Kenzo --- init 24
Rilo --- init 13
Gyorgy --- init 7
Goblins: AC 15 (crude leather armor, simple shields ); hp 5 each
Without conscious thought, Kenzo charges the gobbo at the jeweler's house, whose eyeing the kid, leaping into him with a kick (bull rush, not unarmed attack) to force him back.
AC now -2 for charge, right?
Cool, thanks. I'm glad you saw that. Apparently, I should get a better grasp of what movement & attack options can be combined. The Rules Comp has a nice summary table, so let's see if that helps.
Kenzo's kick takes the goblin by surprise and the small monster staggers back a step or two. It's eyes flash with anger and it holds up it's pot-lid shield as it jabbers something in its own tongue. Blood trickles from it's mouth and it spits it out onto the ground.
So, technically, I shouldn't be able to actually do what I did. Which just goes to show you, Kenzo is one bad ass monk.
So, technically, I shouldn't be able to actually do what I did. Which just goes to show you, Kenzo is one bad ass monk.
Rilo notices Kenzo's charge towards the jeweler goblin and turns his attention to the goblin under the wagon and draws his dagger from his pocketed scarf
"Luca, Aishe; stay with me." Gyorgy grabs his cousins by the hand and nearly yanks them off their feet, pulling them with him toward the food-stall that Aunt Luba was serving at. .
Goblins in Sandpoint! --- Round 1
As the realization that the ceremony is under attack sinks in, many in the crowd begin to panic, running this way and that. Several women are screaming. It is clear to all now that goblins are responsible for the mayhem, though how the little monsters managed to invade without raising an alarm is anyone’s guess.
Over it all the eerie song continues, the sound making it clear that the few goblins in the square are the least of Sandpoint’s worries.
Goblins race and goblins jump,
Goblins slash and goblin’s bump!
Everyone can now see the goblin that killed the dog. It is crouching under a wagon, at the edge of the square, across Junker’s way from the Jeweler’s (5). A second goblin is huddled at the edge of the Jeweler’s Shop, preparing to charge. A goblin at the corner of the jeweler’s home has been attacked by a monk.
KENZO – Init 24
MAGAZINE - Init 21
EUGEN – init 14
RILO – init 13
Goblins: AC 15 (crude leather armor, simple shields) (AC 14 flatfooted); hp 5 each
Landing on his feet, Kenzo immediately follows up his kick with a arcing backfist strike to the goblin's temple.