Along the Lost Coast, in Western Varisia, lies the town of Sandpoint. The settlement is isolated on land by mountains, crags, and forests. A natural cove provides travel, trade, and prosperity to an otherwise sleepy settlement.
Autumn has come to Sandpoint, and with it, the Swallowtail Festival. The new Sandpoint Cathedral is to be consecrated today. The cathedral is a grand structure for such a small settlement. Its completion is a cause for celebration, after the Late Unpleasantness. The dead are buried, the fires quenched, and the church is rebuilt. The townsfolk make ready to put the past in the past.
Dozens of townspeople pack into the town square near the cathedral, taking up any space not already used by the various stalls and games. A Chellish woman with short, red hair takes the stage in front of the new church. Her strong brow and prominent cheekbones lend trustworthy, leader-like features to her. She commands the attention of the crowd with naught but her voice. "Welcome to the Swallowtail Festival! As most of you know, my name is Kendra Deverin. I am honored to serve as mayor of Sandpoint. I'd like to extend my welcome to the strangers I see in the crowd. I hope your visit to our wonderful town is proving to be a memorable one. To the familiar faces I see today, I extend a heartfelt thank you for making this festival possible."
She points to a man in the crowd. "Even old Larz Rovanky has left the tannery to join the celebration. Imagine that!" The crowd shares a heartfelt laugh. Kendra goes on. "Eat! Drink! Play! Enjoy all that our town has to offer. Please stay this evening for the consecration of our new cathedral, and a few words from a few of our townsfolk." The crowd claps as Kendra leaves the platform, and then disperses to the various stands in town.
Numerous games are taking place in town. Some of note are:
Weight Lifting - Test your strength against Sandpoint's toughest and gruffest.
Dragon Races - Choose a lizard, make a wager, and goad your "dragon" to win the race!
The Devil Hunt - Do you have what it takes to kill the Sandpoint Devil? Take a shot at the target and see.
Scavenger Hunt - Collect all of the items on the list for a chance at the fifty gold piece grand prize!
Having just arrived late to the festival, Zella is still tired and dusty from her long walk, but determined to have enjoy herself instead of finding a inn to rest in.
She claps along with the crowd as Kendra finishes up her speech and then wanders around a bit trying to find something that catches her interest.
Hmm, well, weight lifting is definitely out, scavenger hunt sounds like too much walking around and my feet are still too tired for that. Maybe I'll go find a seat by the "dragon" races and pick one to win...
Zella picks out a cute and fast looking lizard with a blue tail and lays out a gold piece for him to win. Then she'll take a seat with the rest of the spectators and cheer for the lizard to win, shouting words of encouragement and promising tasty bugs.
Falkin makes his way around the town square feeling an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude for the beautiful weather, the gathering of people to celebrate Swallowtail festival and the opening of the cathedral. As he goes he'll be singing songs.
"What a glorious day the gods have blessed us with! Swallowtail festival is such a lovely holiday and I am so happy to be in Sandpoint for this lovely occasion."
Falkin is interested in the scavenger hunt as that will likely allow him to cross paths with many people as he makes his way around town looking for items on the list. Along the way he'll also aid other participants in the scavenger hunt, especially if there is a obvious underdog.
Passing by the game stalls he begins randomly picking people who are preparing to play a game and offers a small blessing in the name of Desna.
"May Lady Luck kiss your cheek as you participate in these fine festivities today." He'll give a little pinch on the cheek of the (willing) participant to seal the deal. "...And if Lady Luck guides many coin to your purse perhaps I will be so lucky to find drink in my cup later." He says with a wink and a smile.
He takes note of the weary Varisian traveler placing her bet at the dragon races.
"Greetings stranger, from a stranger. I sense the lady of luck and travel already smiles on you but the butterflies have lead me in your direction. If you don't mind, I offer you a small blessing in her name."
If she agrees, he'll cast guidance, if not he'll smile and bow. In either case, he says "Follow the butterflies, traveler and should our paths cross again let us share stories and songs."
Then he heads off looking for other items on the scavenger hunt list.
Having arrived in Sandpoint by wagon a few hours earlier, Denialan easily stands out in the crowd listening to Mayor Deverin's speech. A tall, greenish-blond elf clad in vibrant and exotic robes and donning an uncharacteristic wide-brimmed hat, Denialan's eyes glint and he smiles excitedly as he listens to the mayor. He laughs along at Deverin's apparent joke despite not understanding it, and claps heartily at the end of her speech before starting to wander around the festival grounds, filled with childish awe as he gazes at the various humans and members of other races going around their celebration.
Finally deciding to participate in one of the activities himself, Denialan stands in line for the Devil Hunt minigame, the premise of the Sandpoint Devil piquing his interest. As he waits for his turn to take a shot at the monster, a jovial halfling approaches him, pinching him on the cheek with a blessing of Lady Luck after the elf leans toward him so he can reach it. Taking a moment of calculation, Denialan sticks his own hand out and returns Falkin a pinch on the cheek.
"May Lady Luck point you to the tallest of trees, and her brightest star shine upon your celebratory drink", the elf replies, obviously brimming with excitement at his encounter with the Desnan cleric. "A cleric of Desna, I presume you are? To make your acquaintance is my delight! Denialan Salarei is my name, and I ask what your name is, if I may."
Without letting the halfling answer, he continues. "Ah, my sincerest apologies. I am still getting used to Taldane grammar", he says slowly, as if thinking over every word. "What is your name, if I may ask?", he corrects himself confidently.
Leaning against the side of one of the buildings, a tall Ulfen observed the festivities with a sour expression.
So much energy that could be spent on better things.
Nothing seemed like it would interest him, he wasn't one for betting on games of chance, the scavenger hunt seemed too childish, and he didn't rate his chances on a test of accuracy or strength.
There was however ONE thing that interested him.
The food! Having spent a large part of his childhood hungry he now made sure to always eat heartily whenever the chance presented itself.
Rubbing his hands together, he set out to test each and every dish on offer, and if possible try to identify what was in it, as to try and replicate them himself later on.
Ronah considered herself lucky for having arrived in Sandpoint several hours before the festivities had started. That had given her plenty of time to stash her heavy pack with auntie Niska catch up on what her family had been up to while she had been away.
When the festival got started she had made her way towards the new cathedral. While others were already taking part in all sorts of games she was taking in all the faces, some familiar but many not.
While scanning the crowd she made her way over to the food stalls. The trip here had been quite long and she hadn't eaten since Whistledown.
It was there she spotted the tall, Ulfen man. A new face in town. She quietly started following him around in order to find out what an Ulfen was doing in Sandpoint of all places.
[color=blue]Zella,[/color] your blue-tailed race runner is placed on the track. Bets are placed, and the race is ready to start. The game takes place in the Market Square. Your rival -a dashing man with long, black hair- spends no time at all choosing his dragon before sitting across from you and given you a wide grin.
Your dragon darts off, with his not far behind yours. For the first few yards, the race is neck-and-neck. A butterfly lands in the middle of the track on the eighth yard. You rival's "dragon" stops in its tracks, distracted by the winged insect. Your cheers keep your beast focused.
[color=blue]Falkin,[/color]your song is out of tune, but thankfully for the townsfolk, the noise of the crowd drowns out the discordant tune.
An aged, but spry gnomish gentleman hands you a scavenger hunt list. He is soon swarmed by participants. The mob of people snatch papers out of his hand and storm off in every direction.
Bank Deposit Slip
Painted Blue Stone
Pinch of Soda Ash
A Cockle Shell
A Piece of Driftwood
A Playbill
[color=blue]Denialan,[/color] You make your way to the beach, near a massive ruined structure nearly fifty feet tall. Two large targets shaped like a winged horse are set up thirty yards away from a firing line. An older, balding Varisian man hosts the game. He stands next to a table with a few trinkets for prizes.
"Yous think you're tough enough to take town the Devil, eh? I've had the beast in my sights a few times, but by my ghost it's quicker than a hungry firepelt chasing a doe. Let's see which of yous can handle a bow. Get yous a bullseye, and win the best pie in Varisia."
[color=blue]Vidar,[/color] you hang around the Market Square and watch as the various taverns and food vendors prepare lunch for the festival. A young, long-haired Tian woman approaches you. "You there! My name is Ameiko. You look like a man with a healthy appetite. Care to be a judge in this year's Best Tavern Meal contest? We can always use an outsider's perspective."
[color=blue]Ronah,[/color] you look over the selection of fine foods prepared by the townsfolk. Ameiko Kaijitsu, a noble in her low teens with dreams of adventure last time you saw her, has settled down in Sandpoint after all. She has prepared a curry-spiced salmon paired with a winterdrop mead to represent her tavern, The Rusty Dragon.
Old Garridan Viskalai, a gruff Shoanti man, plates a spit-cooked peppercorn venison topped with wild mushrooms. He pairs it with an expensive Chellish red wine to represent the refined taste and upscale experience found at The White Deer.
The gregarious, one-legged Jargie Quinn serves up a lobster chowder, paired with a pint of grog made with a local rum. Given what you remember about the Hagfish's sanitation, you may want to give this a pass.
Having just arrived in town, Garrick sighs in relief, I made it in time for the festival... which means I didn't miss Talrana... assuming Tarinhil wasn't just telling tales... He frowns at that thought, then chuckles a bit, ..or that she wasn't just making things up to keep her brother off her back.
The dwarf does his best to weave through the crowded square, despite the pack and weapons belted to him, "I saw my reflection over yonder, and I certainly look like someone who's been on the trail for a while. I'd almost be better off finding an inn and taking a bath than playing in any of these games.... but, by the Forge-Fire himself, I think I could use a spot of fun... And, besides, if the festival is just starting, that should mean I've got more than a wee bit of time to find her.... plus, if everyone's going to this Cathedral thing this evening, I can probably have a nice bathhouse all to myself.
The dwarf chuckles again at his plan, then starts to look around, looking at the various markings and signs to find where this great test of strength might be found, I wonder if it's some sort of tug of war? Though it hardly seems fair to let a dwarf play against others if that's the game.... Probably some sort of arm-wrestle so the gangly humanfolk can go for leverage... Still, might be fun to see if they can find [b]enough[b] leverage...
With that, the dwarf starts walking down the marked path, cutting wide around the crowd at the other games, Hmm, that Halfling seems to be touching everyone... I'd think maybe he was a cutpurse, but if he is, then he's the least subtle one I've ever seen...
Surprised by the return of the cheek pinch, Falkin chuckles.
It's a pleasure and an honor to meet you, Denialan, my name is Falkin Meddlefoot. Judging by your interesting accent and choice of clothing I'm going to guess you have interesting stories from the road. I would very much like to hear of your travels if you will be staying in Sandpoint after the festival. If it is meant to be, Desna will see to it.
Falkin holds out his hand to shake Denialan's.
Happy hunting, good sir. Save the town from that devil.
Looking through the list, he whistles and says "May the butterflies guide me." .
(+5 perception skill check, +1 guidance)
Falkin will also chat around to others he meets to see if they can lend a hand in tracking down some of the items on the list.
"I will have many interesting stories to tell you, you must be sure of that."
Denialan nods at the balding Varisian hosting the Devil Hunt game and takes the shortbow from him. Calling upon the guidance of Desna that Falkin bestowed upon him, the elf aims his shot straight at the Devil and lets go of the arrow. The Devil has obviously been positioned there for a human of average height, and Denialan's shot flies far above it.
Zella accepts the halfing's blessing while the young man picks out his little dragon. Her cheers grow even louder when his lizard is distracted by the butterfly and offers up a little blessing of her own to Desna after the race and goes to pick up her winnings, offering a wave and smile to the man, oblivious to his mood. "May the Lady bless you with her luck next time."
Her next stop will be the food and drink stalls, searching for a light mead and a heavy meal.
Did...did she just imply I am fat?
Only the stern teachings of his mentor stops Vidar from immediately snapping back at Ameiko for the inferred insult.
Instead his mind quickly goes through a series of mental calculations.
He had not planned on staying long in Sandpoint, but it was the last true stop on the way to Magnimar, and he still needed to earn the coins to pay the pathfinder society.
As such he couldn't very well allow himself to alienate someone who could have a good standing in the town and possibly deny him work.
No, better to comply with her request and maybe earn some good will instead.
Plus, it DID mean he would get closer to the food...
Taking a deep breath, Vidar carefully schooled his face into as close an approximation of a friendly expression he could manage and turned to Ameiko.
"An interesting offer, seeing as I have currently few other things to occupy my time with, I accept."
[color=blue]Garrick,[/color] you follow signs for the strength contest to the shipyard. A tall human man stands below a banner that reads "Man-o-War Tug-o-War" in red. The man is handsome in a chiseled sort of way, with short black hair and a clean-shaven face. He is joined by four swarthy workmen. "Any land-lovers think they're stronger than the shipwrights?" he shouts to the crowd.
The rules seem simple enough. Fifty feet of rope. First team to pull the others' feet across the middle line wins. A few townsfolk prepare to face off against the workmen, but they could use a strong hand.
[color=blue]Falkin,[/color] you are initially at a loss when searching for items on the list. However, after asking for help, a human fellow priest of Desna obliges. He's a middle-aged Chellish man, and somewhat plain-looking with chestnut hair and a small goatee. "There's no bank like the one in Magnimar, but you can get a slip from the vault at the town hall. As for driftwood and a cockle shell, you'd best head down to the beach."
[color=blue]Denalian,[/color] your arrow flies above the target and into the sea. The bald man bellows a hearty laugh at your expense. "My mother could shoot a bow better, and she's almost as old as yous!" You've got another shot, if you care to take it.
[color=blue]Zella,[/color] the young man gives you another wide grin and says, "Careful with blessings, my friend. The hand that feeds you also holds the knife when you are fattened. But, thank you anyway." With that, he nods at you and starts to move out of the crowd.
You see a feast fit for royalty on display in the square. Fine ales and mead from the local Two-Knight Brewery are on tap, and every tavern in town is out with their specialties. No one will be going hungry today.
[color=blue]Vidar,[/color] Ameiko smiles at your acceptance. "I knew you'd be interested! Come, then. Sit over here and taste all we've prepared."
Ameiko Kaijitsu of The Rusty Dragon presents you a smoked salmon steak seasoned with curry, lemon, garlic, and a salty, savory seasoning you cannot name. This is paired with a fragrant mead with hints of lemon and apple.
Garridan Viskalai of The White Deer presents a spit-cooked peppercorn steak topped with mushrooms, wild herbs, and a brandy sauce. It is paired with a red wine of good vintage. You suspect the glass of wine to be twice the value of the meat.
Jargie Quinn of The Hagfish presents a simple, but tasty lobster chowder with potatoes, onions, and carrots. He pairs it with a decent pale ale that compliments the buttery dish quite well.