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The blue-haired little gnome snuggled down further into the enveloping mass of the feather mattress and curled up under a cocoon of blankets. Occasionally the tip of a pointed ear, just peeping out from beneath the blankets, would twitch slightly, and a slumbering Aziza would softly murmur something like "Newts? I'll turn you into something far worse than a newt, mortal!" or a giggled "Hehehe... they all go 'boom'!" Strange yet pleasant dreams they must have, these sorcerers... at least the little contented smile on Aziza's face suggested that it must be so.
Barek continues to drink and enjoy the pre-festival atmosphere. He occasionally glances around to see if Amieko returns, but can't see to find her. Towards the end of the night, he stumbles up to his room and is quickly asleep.
Dawn, 1 Rova 4707 (Absalom Reckoning)--First Day of Autumn*
As the first ray of the Dawnflower’s Gift breaks over the horizon, the sleepy town of Sandpoint is already ablaze with activity. The hammering of final nails, the creak of laden merchant’s carts, the clop of horse hooves, and the din of many voices all create a cacophony of sound that carries across the town. Woe to the poor reveler who imbibed too much or danced too long on Festival Eve, because this is Festival Day! And the fun is just beginning!
Perhaps, the ‘official programme’ for the Swallowtail Festival indicates the schedule of events begins at noon in the new cathedral courtyard, but in practice, the festival has already begun and it has begun everywhere! From the market square near the Dragon to the quay of the docks to the inn yard of the White Deer, (where camps of gypsy Varisians are slowly stirring) stalls are opening, foodstuffs are being laid out, and people, dressed in the gay and variegated colors of this land, are beginning to celebrate.
The noise of the waking town reaches all the way to Low Town, through the sturdy walls of the Rusty Dragon Inn, and into the pleasant dreams of the tired travelers who toss and turn fitfully as a result, sleep slowly losing its hold over them.
As you arise and make your way to the inn’s common room for breakfast, you see the same serving staff as on the previous night busily at work. Bethany is serving breakfast to a few other overnight guests, and Morris and Lars are loading some delicious concoction from the Dragon’s ovens into a waiting wagon for the ride up the hill. Amieko, unfortunately, is not in sight.
As you begin the ascent up the hill you see the market square full of traders and goods. The babble of barkers calling and the haggling of housewives has already begun. Most of the shops in town are closed for the festivities, but nearly anything imaginable appears to be for sale today (and today only!) if you can find the right merchant. Along the route, stalls have been set up with all manner of goods, distractions, diversions, and entertainment all waiting to separate a backwoods farmboy from his hard earned coin. There are jugglers and clowns, acrobats and fortune tellers, puppet shows and peep shows; there is even a dancing bear!
A large stage has been constructed in the church yard (you may have seen it yesterday) and there are stands and stalls all around the yard and down the intervening streets. Guardsmen stand watch on a few corners, and the sea of humanity (mostly all appear human at least…) seems to grow with each passing moment.
A few of the games seem to grab your interest. There is The Bloody Knuckle, a roped off area apparently for boxing, The Devil Hunt, an archery contest featuring a strangely designed target, Dragon Races, a 30’ long parallel track for racing some kind of creature, The Goblin Toss, a beanbag toss with some oddly shaped bags, The Ogre's Hammer, a test of strength featuring a hammer and a lever system, a fortune teller stand, and finally a pie-eating contest.
While you wait for the actual Festival program to begin, take a moment to look around, then tell me if you wish to shop with merchants, visit any sights in town (including any stores etc) or test your luck with any of the many diversions mentioned (or seek out another specifically that was not mentioned).
Rising somewhat earlier than usual, Mirela made sure not to disturb her gnomish roommates slumber. Rifling through her backpack, Mirela smiled lightly upon finding her dark blue acrobats leotard. Unlike many entertainer's clothing, hers was not in the least bit garish and very alluring. Miri's act alone often drew the attention she craved without needing the gaudy colors and patterns jesters and their like tended to favor.
The outfit was form fitting but also practical, though it left little to the imagination. Mirela tied back her hair before, and grabbed her backpack on the way out. Just before leaving, the young acrobat made sure to leave a small tip for the maids cleaning and a note for Aziza explaining where she could be found.
Heading out to the festivities, she greeted a number of the vendors along the way to the Church courtyard. Using her countless charms, she made sure to get a few samples of the tasty treats being served at the various pavilions and stalls. To those gentlemen that afforded her a meal, she was sure to return the gesture with a wink or by blowing a kiss before leaving. Such was her way; Mirela rarely paid for food or drinks with anything more than a smile.
Meeting up with some other performers, Mirela began to warm up and prepare for an honest days work, something the young Varisian hadn't had for sometime. When the crowds began to gather in the square by the Church, Mirela cleared an area for a tumbling performance, making sure to leave a small, clearly labelled box for donations and favors. Using her fancy Varisian tailored scarf as part of the routine, Mirela began her hardest to impress the locals, hoping too that she might catch her new found friends from the previous night in attendance, or perhaps even Ameiko.
Aziza will awaken somewhat later than she intended, probably due to the wine she consumed last night, and realize that Mirela has already departed. After donning her clothing and performing ablutions, she heads down to the common room to let Bethany or one of the other hosts of the Rusty Dragon know that she'll be staying on for at least another few days, but waves off any offer of breakfast in anticipation of the festival stalls.
Thinking wistfully as she walks up towards the Cathedral from Low Town, <I wish I could do illusions like my ma does, then I might have been able to earn a few coins myself today, but no... all I can do is zap things with lightning...> She couldn't really add to the entertainments that were on offer, except for her minor, innate gnome magics... all that Aziza could do with her sorcery so far was throw bolts of elemental energy at foes. Useful enough on occasion, but it wasn't a talent that would be needed today, fortunately.
She had intended to go find the gnome elder who had whispered to her yesterday during the incident in the Cathedral square, but as she wanders from food vendor to merchant stall, browsing the delicacies and wares on offer, Aziza realizes that with things so busy already, today probably isn't the right day to try and find him. Nevertheless she follows the directions Bethany gave her last night, and walks up into High Town in search of Vernutt Parooh's business, so that she will at least know where to find him after the festival.
She feels a little less intimidated by the crowds of longshanks now that she's had a night to get used to them, which is fortunate given that there were already so damned many of them out and about today. Munching on some apple pie purchased from the stall of a rose-cheeked farm-wife, Aziza takes her time getting to High Town, pausing here and there to take note of stalls and entertainers she'll want to come back to later. The dancing bear is a bit of a worry; she surreptitiously uses Detect magic on it to make sure it's not polymorphed or under a compulsion. Who'd even want to train a bear to dance in the first place?
@Mirela:
gp
Miri sweet talks her way back up to the festival site, leaving a trail of disappointed fellows in her wake and earning her breakfast for her endeavors. Upon setting up, she quickly draws a small crowd, and throughout the day, she hears the steady plink of coins in her donation box. By the time she tires, she has quite a pile of silver coins and copper pennies and many new admirers.
While toweling off after her routine (it is only the first day of Autumn and still warm in the day), Miri is interrupted by a man's voice behind her. "Excuse me, miss. I couldn't help but notice you and your...skills. Perhaps, I could get to know you a little (I don't know) better? Let's say... over a pint?" As Miri turns she sees a particularly well-dressed man with a long tailored coat, a walking stick, and a large fine hound at his heels. The man is dashingly handsome with a wide grin and flashing smiling eyes. You see a gold ring on his finger, and a jeweled lapel pin on his jacket.
The stranger extends his hand. "I am Aldern. Aldern Foxglove and I am in town for a few days...on business, but I'm never too busy to enjoy the...sights," he says arching an eyebrow. "Now, what about that pint?"
With the festival going on, Tunder figures he'll get no real work done. He decides to see if the sheriff could use some help. That little situation yesterday will probably work against him, but he'll try anyway. If that doesn't work, Tunder will just find a spot close to a beer stand and stay there all day.
Note that Tunder would have his axe on him.
@Aziza:The trip up the hill to the festival is a sight to behold. About halfway up, you see the pie stand for a place called "Sandpoint Savories". Making your way there, you see the rosy-cheeked woman selling pies (3cp please). After she sells you, she looks you square in the eye, a cloud coming over her face. 'ave you seen me Casp?" she says, her voice quavering and face darkening. "He didna come home last night and I am so worried 'bout him. 'ave you seen him, it's not like 'im..." and she trails off as a younger woman (her daughter?) comes and puts her arm around her. "Mom," she says, "we talked about this. Dad iddn't comin' home, remember?". She turns to you and mouths the word "Sorry..." before turning back to her over-wrought mother.
That disturbing encounter is quickly removed from your thoughts as you come across the dancing bear (which does not register magic). the dancing is quite good and the crowd loves it. The bear is quite well fed and goes about it's tricks with a bored air, which is opposite of all the people within view.
Aziza catches quite a few looks of curiousity herself as she makes her way through the crowd. You realize that many of these folks may not have seen a gnome before, especially not a cute little gal like yourself. Many interesting and unusual items for sale at the stalls some obviously junk other finely crafte indeed, but none appear enchanted in any way.
Finally, after a little pushing and jostling, you make your way to the doorstep of "The Way North" the shop that Bethany told you belonged to the gnome gentleman. The door is locked and the sign says closed. Peering in the window, you see maps of all shapes and sizes and colors. Old and new, they litter every flat surface including the walls. As you begin to walk away, the Message sounds in your head again. "Come to the back door, missy. Lets us have a wee chat there."
Barek rises early, but decides to take his time today. He didn't know if Amieko would need his help or not. He makes his way downstairs and, bothering Bethany for a roll and a piece of cold sausage. He quickly makes his way outside to see the festival tents. The large man walks down the street to the cathedral stage and takes stock of the many activities. A small stray dog finds him and Barek tosses it the last bit of sausage.
Barek finds his way to the dancing bear and laughs at the animal's antics. He gets close and playfully teases the bear until the trainer pushes him back. The crowd roars when the bear begins trying to balance a ball on its head! Barek tosses the man some coppers in appreciation of a worthwhile show.
He wanders over to the Varisan acrobats and jugglers, admiring the ladie's scandalous forms and the men's strong, yet amazingly compact and agile bodies. He watches one fellow climb a smooth pole with nothing but his hands and feel like a monkey would. Then at the top, he extends his whole body straight out like a flag in a stiff wind! <Amazing! How can they be so strong as yet so small too? I must be at least twice as strong as the little man, but there's no way I could hold my own weight like that!> He spots Miri from the previous night and whistles after she finishes a crowd-pleasing tumbling act where she makes the stout wooden stage seem like it was bouncing her into the air. "Ha Ha! It's like you feet never touched the ground, Miri!" He laughs and waves, tossing a couple of silvers to her and her friends.
Barek makes his way around the boxing ring, smiling and knowing he would give in soon enough. For now though, he stands in the line for the hammer game, hoping to show off his strength.
Wondering whom “Casp” may have been Aziza left the obviously distraught woman to her daughter’s ministrations. Perhaps she lost her husband to ‘Chopper’ all those years ago… suddenly the pie didn’t taste so good anymore. However, she made a mental note to find ‘Sandpoint Savories’ after the festival and speak with the daughter, if only to express her sympathy.
Despite the thicker crowds swarming the festival stalls, the little gnome feels a little more at ease among the longshanks today, perhaps thanks to a good night’s rest at the Rusty Dragon having refreshed her self-confidence. Aziza will smile at anyone she notices gawking at her, and pull funny faces at any children, doing her best to make them at ease with her presence.
After she reaches ‘The Way North’ and hears the whispering in her ear again, she makes her way around to the back door as directed. Aziza is a little curious as to why Vernutt wants to speak with her – after all, not all gnomes were necessarily going to be friendly just because of their shared fey blood. Nevertheless, she knocks on the door, and waits for a response from within.
Noticing the jewelry, Mirela does her best to avoid being obvious about it. I'll have to remember that sigil; this man is clearly highborn.
With a quick curtsy, Mirela smiles ruefully as she reads between some of his comments. I know his type. He thinks I'm lowborn... though truthfully, he isn't that far off.
"Thank-you m'lord. I would be delighted to share a drink with you." Grabbing her backpack and slinging it over her shoulder, Mirela nods in the direct of the Rusty Dragon "Now, having said that, what say we meet a little later? I desperately need a bath after working up such a sweat all day."
@Tunder: You plant yourself near the booth for a place called the Two Knight Brewery, where the staff is busy serving ale after ale to the thristy crowd. From what you can gather, this place makes the ale somewhere here in town. Taking a quaff, you surmise it may be good for human tastes, but leaves much to be desired for more refined palates. Still, ale is ale, and there are large quantities at low prices. That formula means you consume a fair amount.
You watch the crowds of humans throwing their coin away on trinkets and diversions, and wonder how this race is the pre-eminent one in the world. How indeed?
You don't see the Sherriff pass by, but an occasional Guardsman strolls by, more than a few stopping for some of the Brewery's wares.
@Barek: The Ogre's Hammer booth is maintained by a large, powerfully muscled man with a bald head covered by a Varisian bandana. He also sports thick muttonchop mustaches and sideburns. He is swilling ale from the largest crock you've ever seen and appears to be far far into his cups, even though it's still morning.
As you approach he lets out the most creative string of curses that you have ever heard in your life, towards the man attempting the game. The curses are loud and foul; a mother passing by looks askance and covers the ears of her young child. Seeing her, the inebriated attendant launchs into a colorful tirade about a monkey and a jackass, that has everyone around smirking.
As you watch, you see the game is really just a test of strength. Using a large overweight wood mallet, the player must swing down and hit the lever with as much strength as possible. The blow is transferred though a series of pulleys and gears until a large metal ball shoots up a tube. The goal is to ring the bell at the top. The cost to play is 1 sp.
It appears there are prizes (stuffed dolls, small trinkets etc) but no one you've seen has succeeded in ringing the bell. Caught in the middle of looking around, you suddenly realize it's your turn to play.
The foul man hands you the large heavy mallet and blares:Today, %$#& Grandma, we only got so much $%&&@ time before the #$#$@% speeching starts so take the $#$^ hammer a'fore i shove it up your @#$^@@#@**&".
@Aziza: After your knock, the door opens of it's own volition. Slowly entering you see yourself in the workroom of the cartographer who owns this place. If the salesroom was a clutter, this room is packed. Sheafs of parchment, vellum, paper, hides all covered in symbols or drawing or maps lie scattered here and yon all over this room. A drafting table (the size of a human child's) stands in one corner. Sitting on the bench is the same gnome man you saw yesterday. His face is the very picture of concentration, a quill pen in the corner of his mouth, inkstains on his face and fingers.
In the opposite corner, the goat you saw before is heartly chewing on a large map of someplace you've never seen. The creature rolls it's eyes at you and bleats plainitively, shying away from any attempt to touch it.
All this sounds in your ears, but you don't see the man's lips move nor does he even register your presence. Finally, he looks up, with wise old eyes, he regards you and speaks his voice high and squeaky like he breathed helium. "And just what pray tell brings a little sorceress to our fair town, hmmm?"
@Mirela:
Obviously taken with you, Foxglove is amenable to your suggestion of meeting later. "I am staying at the White Stag, you know it? Come by anytime of the day...or night. Truly, it has been enchanting to...meet you." He leans down and kisses your hand. "Until tonight then."
As you walk away, you can feel him watching. And an impish grin spreads over your face.
Coming around the bend, you see the big strong man from the night before, Barek, hefting a rather large hammer and smashing it down as part of some carnival game. Further along, you see the local brewery's stand, where the dwarf you met previously sways like a willow in a windstorm while tipping back a large flagon of the ale.
Seldon stirs with the Varisian revelers, a thin smile stretching over his face as he thinks of the day to come. He nurses some life into his stiff joints before rolling up his bedroll with the practiced look of one who has done so thousands of times before. He'll chat idly among the Varisians about their plans for today, promising to come to see them perform before day's end. He'll offer a large wedge of smoked cheese around the breakfast fire, sparing only a thin slice for himself in exchange for his meal the night before. Then, with little regard for his modesty, he walks behind a wagon and changes into his swallowtail-blue cleric's vestments.
Walking to the north side of town, Seldon stops at a fruit stand, purchasing several sweet-red plums, sinking his teeth into one and flicking some of the red-juice from his cin. He makes his way directly to the Cathedral."Mae govannen, brother Zantus! I have travelled far to be here this day."
Barek casts a disdainful look at the man for his string of curses. He was familiar with some of them, but this wasn't exactly the place for that. He shrugs and spits on the ground in front of the game. "Alright, don't get yer b%#* in a bind."
He takes the large hammer and raises it high before smashing it down on the lever.
<He must be a wizard ‘cos I can’t do that Message whispering-in-the-ear thing, and neither can ma.> Thinks Aziza to herself, glancing over at the goat <Which might make that his familiar…>
"Vurness Pauriih os whi wie auru, ir si I’zu luun silk, aunk au ssraunju wauw if mauronj onsrikecsoins hauzu wie, ulkur inu. Fir mw sons, I aum Asosau, kauejhsur if Asaurser aunk Serosau Plemlicruss, lausu if shu Saunis Firuss."
She gives a little bow, and moves over to the goat to give it a scratch around it's horns. "I aum huru si suu whaus I caun fonk ies aulies shu Olk Lojhs aunk shu auncounss whi urucsuk os, aunk miss if aull whaus os aucseaullw waus leols fir. Ni inu leolks au ssrecseru aus saull aus shaus mess hauzu luun fir au muru lojhshiesu!"
Looking around the precariously piled stacks of maps and charts, Aziza selects one that seems a little more stable than the others, and delicately seats herself atop it. "Si Mossur Pauriih, of wie hauzu somu si lu whosphuronj swuus nishonjs on au wienj jorl’s uaurs, phurhauphs wie aulsi hauzu somu si ukecausu hur aulies Saunkphions aunk shu Olk Lojhs?"
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Seeing Barek preparing for his test of strength, mischievous thoughts begin to creep into Mirela's mind. Sneaking up quietly on the large brawler as he raises his hammer, Mirela gestures at the other spectators to not alert Barek to her presence with a playful wink while voicelessly quieting them with a shushing motion.
With good humor and no air of malicious intent, Mirela laughs merrily after his swing goes wild. "I'm so sorry Barek, it was just too easy!"
Taking a seat on a nearby barrel, Mirela speaks candidly to Barek as he prepares to make another attempt "So, some noblemen approached me after my performance today, says he wants to buy me a drink." Rolling her eyes, Mirela sardonically adds "Of course, I'm sure he wants much more than that... they always do. Anyway Barek, you're from around here, isn't that right? You wouldn't happen to know anything about a man by the name Aldern Foxglove?"
Barek is ready to slam the hammer down, when he suddenly feels a set of delicate fingers at his ribs. The man roars and nearly takes a passing woman's head off as he flails with the hammer. He whirls around and is face to face with a grinning Mirela.
"What was that?! You're going to make me waste my silver!" he laughs. "I thought you were still performing." He waves her away so he can take his turn, but looks over when she mentioned the nobleman.
"Nah, name doesn't ring a bell. I don't know many people with that kind of money anyways. So are you going to meet with him?"
He lines up the hammer again and slams it down on the lever.
@Seldon: Approaching the cathedral you see preparations are well under way for the festival. The actual programme will start at noon or in about 2 hours.
Two large wagons covered with tarps are slowly placed in the cathedral yard. The seats are being erected on the stage area. Many benches and tables are being spread across the lawn as if for a great feast. Across the yard, you see the Rusty Dragon's booth, and can make out the lithe figure of the Lady Ameiko supervising the unloading of yet another wagon.
There is a definite sense of urgency to the actions of the priests and lay folk as final touches are being made. Even with the scurry of activity, it doesn't take long to find the man in charge. Father Zantus is a tall, erect figure dressed in a formal blue cassock. He has dark eyes and a dark beard that is slightly greying. As he gives orders, his voice is rich and sonorous, and he appears to be a natural leader.
As you approach and introduce, Zantus' eyes widen in surprise for a moment, but a smile touches his lips. Well met indeed, Grandfather. I had heard you were come to Sandpoint, but all this...Well it's kept me quite busy and has given me no time to seek you out. We are honored by our attendance, and wish to extend you every courtesy. I trust your stay is pleasant so far? What can our simple cathedral do for you?"
Even though is words are courteous and his lips are smiling, the smile never really reaches his eyes, which are penetrating and cold.
@Barek and Miri: After playing her prank on Barek, they both hear another steady stream of curses erupt from the fellow manning the booth. "Oh, for the love of %#%^, can you take your $*^@ing $#@^ somewhere else? We have a &%#!!ing game to play here. Now swing the !#%^ing hammer or walk the %^&* away."
Just then Barek slams the hammer down onto the lever, the kinetic energy transfers through the pulleys and gears and the metal ball races up the tube, ringing the bell loud enough for all gathered to hear.
"Well $%^& me!" The foul mouth continues."Hadn't seen anyone win that %&**ing game yet. Guess you get a #$#%^ing prize after all. Take it and get the *&^%^ out of my sight." He throws a big blue stuffed butterfly at you and takes a long pull from his mug.
@Tunder:Somewhere into your 15th (not wait 16th, oh well who cares) mug of ale, you hear the sharp ring of the bell at the Ogre's Hammer game and a cheer go up from the crowd. A steady string of curses follows which would make even the doughtiest dwarf weak-kneed.
Blearily looking up you see the human bloke and the Varisian acrobat smiling. Him holding a big blue pillow.
@Aziza: Parooh actually looks up again from his work as you say his name. He hops down from the stool, and you see his bent with age and is actually a little shorter than you. He wanders over and bends to kiss your hand in a chaste, polite way. "Young girls ears indeed. In my day, it'd been a lot more than your ears I was after, eh?" He gives you a wink and a smile. Then continues in Gnomish:
As you appear to be crestfallen by his statement, he adds, "Don't look so glum Miss Aziza daughter of Azarzuk. Just because I don't know much about the Old Light doesn't mean I can't help you. Now about those maps?"
"Oh wait, you want to know how I can help? Oh you see, just down the road apiece is the biggest expert on that Old Light thing you'll ever want to meet. It's all he can ever talk about; never anything else. Wouldn't happen to have a map of the Sanos Forest wouldya?"
"What's that? You want to know who the expert is? Well its Professor Quink o'course. Brodert Quink, who else? Knows absolutely everything about Old Thassilon and can't stop talking about it, nope all he ever says. Have I shown you my map of Varisia yet? Special edition..."
Seldon bows a low bow before rising to meet the man's cold, harsh stare, positively beaming. "You honour me, amandil.It would delight me to no end if I could take part in the ceremony today. Merely as an observer, of course. This is Sandpoint's day, not mine." he says, with an air of practiced humility. "...and perhaps, upon the morrow, you could show me around the grounds and allow me to consult the Seven Scrolls."
"My brothers at Windsong Abbey say they are a work of art! Wrought in silver and blue silk!" he says, excitedly. "I am sure they are a sight worth travelling for."
Seldon will next make his way to the archery competition, provided somebody doesn't bump into him on the way or the church bells strike noon.
Aziza thanks Vernutt for the referral to Brodert Quink, and apologizes for the fact that she doesn't have any maps to share with the old gnome. She'll quite happily spend an hour or so chatting with the cartographer and looking over his maps, discussing local history and legends, and will promise to bring any maps or charts to him for expert advice. Not wanting to miss out on the festival entirely however, she'll make her excuses and head back out to the stalls and entertainments, making a beeline for any vendor selling sweets or pies.
Since she's no good at games that require brute strength, Aziza may try her hand at any games requiring good hand-to-eye co-ordination, where she'll be a bit more confident of her ability. Otherwise she'll just wander through the crowd, enjoying the entertainments and atmosphere, and chatting happily with anyone who cares to speak with her. She will keep an eye out for any of her dinner companions at the Rusty Dragon last night, and approach them if she sees them to wish them joy and good fortune on the goddesses' holiday.
Apart from that, Aziza is just going to have fun, eat way too much sugar, and make a spectacle of herself if opportunity arises.
Tunder tries to get Barek and Mirela's attention. He can't be heard over the din of the milling crowd but motions for them to join him.
Barek just laughs at the foul-mouthed man. "There are sailors with sweeter mouths than yours, honeybear! But thanks for the prize and the chance to show off!" He flexes his arms for everyone to see, and then tosses the butterfly to Mirela. "Here ya go, doll. Hopefully your nobleman will give you more than that." He smiles.
He walks away from the game and towards the boxing ring. Some movement catches his eye and he points to the dwarf from last night. "Hey, that's Tundar over there. Go see what he wants would ya? I've got to try the boxing ring. Hopefully Seldon won't have to patch me up again, eh?"
He walks up towards the ring and tries to determine how the game will go.
@Seldon: Father Zantus agrees to meet you tomorrow at noon to show you the Seven Scrolls. He also bows to your humility to not be a big part of the ceremony. He is called away to attend something by the same Brother Phineas you saw yesterday. "The Traveler's blessing on you Brother," the Chief Priest says as he departs.
As you head over to the Devil Hunt, you see it is an archery contest. There is a strangely shaped target set up 30 yards away. A older fellow dressed in chain mail hands contestants longbows to use to hit the target.
The line is short and the man introduces himself: "I am Sir Jasper Korvaski and welcome to the Devil Hunt. The target set up way down there is the Sandpoint Devil of legend in these parts. Take a shot and win a prize. Fee to play is 7 sp for 3 arrows, 1 gp for 5 shots."
"I have never seen a creature such as this." he says, tracing his hands along the lacquered bow, taking time to test the pull and pace out the distance to his target. "Perhaps you could indulge me with the tale?"
Taking time between each shot, a look of fierce concentration washes over the elf's features. Painful memories flush through his head as he lines up each shot, barely looking at the target as he goes through the long-forgotten motions and looses five shots.
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By lunchtime Aziza is feeling a little frustrated by her inability to compete at most of the games on offer. She can't even lift the mallet for Ogre's Hammer, let alone hit the bell, and the longbows for Devil's Hunt are twice her height. She could use her magic to gain an advantage, but since none of these longshanks have any talent themselves, they'd consider that cheating.
She'll amuse herself by using Ghost sound to make rude and embarrassing noises to drown out the foul-mouth man running the Ogre's Hammer every time he swears, making it sound as though he's bleating like a goat instead, at least until he realizes Aziza is standing behind him grinning. She'll run between his legs and back into the crowd before he can retaliate, giggling loudly, and look around for another longshanks to prank.
To Barek's inquiry, Mirela ponders a moment and finally shrugs "Yeah, I suppose I will meet with him. It'd be rude not too at this point." Growing pensive in tone, Miri furrows her brow ever so slightly "Besides, I've learned its best not to upset highborn."
With his big win, Miri claps and exclaims "Hah! Well done Barek!" Turning her attention to the foul mouthed Varisian running the game, Miri flaunts the blue stuffed butterfly while sticking her tongue out at him, and then proceeds to chide him "Good heavens, hold that tongue sir," passing by him, she laughs while adding "after all, there are children about."
After waving to Barek as he heads off to the boxing pavilion, Mirela slowly saunters up towards Tunder and takes a seat beside him. Leaning on the bar, she grins mischievously "So, what's a girl got to do to get a drink around here?"
@Aziza:Only with promises to return soon and bring him any maps you find, do you get away from the elderly gnome. You grab another pie slice - gooseberry this time- and head back through the carnival. The tartness of the berries complimenting your souring attitude nicely. None of the games seem to be gnome sized, and you begin to get frustrated. Pulling a prank on the foul-mouthed cur running the Hammer stand lessens your frustration a little, but you all too easily avoid his big brutish attempts to grab you, and dodge his flying beer stein aimed at your petite head. Boring...
Ahead, you see Barek and Mirela, her carrying a big blue butterfly, speaking briefly with Tunder the dour dwarf who is at the Two Knights pavilion. Barek rushes off to the boxing ring,just as you arrive. As they greet you, you see behind them a game you might be able to play: The Goblin Toss. There are human children playing so it might actually work for you, unless you chose to down mass quantities in Tunder-like fashion instead.
@Barek: After your success at the Ogre's Hammer, and after escorting the lovely Mirela to the Brewery tent, you head off for the ring. This ring is just a circular roped off area in the dirt, about 30' in diameter. No real ropes, no real corners, and no gloves.
There is a 1 gp entry fee, but the champion at the end of the day gets to keep the purse. It's late in the morning, nearly noon, and the purse looks quite full. In the ring stands the reigning champ, a burly half-orc that you recognize from Tunder's street encounter the other day --Gorvi, the street sweeper.
"Hi Tunder! Hi Miri! Desna's blessing to both of you." Aziza climbs up onto the bench next to them, idly swinging her legs over the edge. "So... what have you folks been up to this morning? Hey! Nice butterfly, Miri." She gestures towards the stuffed toy and mutters an incantation, using Mage hand to make it flap slowly above the bar near Miri's head. After a minute Aziza tires of the distraction and returns the butterfly to Miri.
"I'm getting a little bored. The festival food is great and all, but the only games I can compete in are for the longshanks children, and I can't use magic 'cos that's cheating unless everyone else uses it too." The blue-haired gnome drums her heels up against the bench and looks around at the Goblin Toss game and points. "Do either of you know what that one is about? I don't see any yrch being thrown anywhere."
@Seldon: Sir Jasper tells you a bit of the Devil as you wait for the man in front to finish shooting. "It's a horrible beast, that. Equine forequarters and a serpent's tail, it walks all upright like a man. It has baleful milky white eyes that puts the fear of Abadar in ya. I seen it once up close, and don' want to see it again, no sir. It lives up on the Devil's Platter south o' Sandpoint and flys o'er the town when somethin' bad's a gonna happen. Flew over right a'fore the fire it did. An'd right before ol Casp met up wit' the Chopper too. All I can say, if you see her in real life...run."
Then it's your turn to toe the line. Aiming you draw almost unable to see the target as tears flood your eyes from the memories. You loose your first shot and it misses the target wide. The second fares no better, and Jasper shakes his head at another failed archer.
Then the blessing of the priest and the thought of actually ridding the world of this evil creature strike you, pushing those long buried thoughts away. Blinking away the tears, you fire without aiming at all, and the missle finds a true mark on the inner ring. Confident you fire twice more rapidly, knowing before they strike the shots are true. Both arrows bury to the shaft in the bull's eye, earning a cheer from the crowd, and a slap on the back from the old knight.
He hands you an ivory arrow (symbol of Erastil) and says:"Best shooting i've seen all day, the very best." He beams and shakes your hand over and over again.
Tunder orders three more. One for him and the others for Mirela and Aziza. "So. This is what humans due for fun?"
The Goblin Toss is a game where players throw little beanbags shaped like goblins through holes cut in a plank board. Cost to play is 1 cp. There are separate distances to toss the 'goblins' for men, women and children. Winners are getting a bag of venison jerky from Sandpoint Meat Market. A grizzled looking older fellow is working the booth.
One of the children runs by:"That man said this jerky is made from real goblin...they sure are tough."
Barek enters the ring and sees the half-orc from before. "Oh, you again? Ha! I don't know what the deal was yesterday, but you can have a go at me now!" He grabs a set of wraps from the ground and starts wrapping his knuckles tightly, but only using a bit of the wrapping.
He nods to the half-orc and smiles. "Let's go, buttercup!"
Thorn finally thinks all as it should be and decides to join the festivities. He leaves Nelly at the forge with most of his equipment. The elven court blade on his back, dagger on the hip with the warhammer, another dagger at his ankle, bullets and sling in seperate pouches on his belt. Just his leather padding with basic garments as well, he feels naked, but with the festival it should be alright.
He seems to be out of place, and many people point at his tattoos or at his weapons, it doesn't matter. He ignores them and finds a game to take his mind off of all the people. Ah tossing goblins, that sounds fun, be it the real ones or just the simple immitation. He thinks to himself.
He greets the grizzled looking older fellow, "Greetings, one copper you say and here it is. How is your day turning out sir?" He tries to talk to the fellow and see what he knows. At the same time gauging the weight of this sack of beans.
to throw it at one of the holes.
Seldon thanks the man for the warning as he lines up to shoot, sparing the briefest hint of a smug smile at the man's compliment. I have seen archers shoot two hundred yards blindfolded, human. I wonder if my kinsmen would mak the same assessment, gods rest their souls?
Pinning the pin to his bright blue garment, he makes his way to the square to join the congregation,a distant smile on his face and a misty look in his deep grey eyes.
Chatting idly with Tunder and Miri in the brewery tent, Aziza watches the contestants at the Goblin Toss, <Another longshanks child's game. Entertaining if you have a mental age of thirty, maybe... what would that come to in human years, I wonder?> Her ears twitch and she sits up when the tattooed elf steps up to try his hand with the beanbag goblins. <Those are some odd tattoos, even for an elf...>
Hopping down from the bench, Aziza makes her way over to stand behind the elf as he makes his throws, forcing her way past the longshanks gawking at the elf's back by judiciously applying her quarterstaff to a toe here and there, smiling and muttering "Oops, excuse me, thank you!" She waits until he has made his last but one throw, then uses Mage hand to pick up the last goblin doll, and stand it up on the counter looking at the elf...
"Oi, longears! Stop tossing me mates around. I'll have you oi will!" Aziza uses the spell to make the goblin doll jab at the elf with it's arms as though it were a boxer, making the sotto voce commentary in a crude gobbo accent out of the side of her mouth, in a deliberate parody of a bad ventriloquist. She knows the elf won't be stumped by the magic, but she's playing the goblin doll up to get a laugh out of the watching humans. Once the elf turns around, Aziza will smile and give a little curtsey, "Sorry, I was getting a bit bored, and you look interesting. Want a cup of wine?"
The elf bellows in laughter, then once recovered he taps the little goblin on the head and looks around. "Obviously a gnome play, nice one! No that was grand! My name is Thorn, and I would love a cup of wine."
He follows the blue haired gnome back to a table with others. "Greetings my name is Thorn, I hope I won't be one for you though, especially with such beautiful ladies." Thorn bows before them. "And what might I call each of you?"
Taking a swig from her beer, Mirela shrugs "Well yeah; festivals like this are great fun Tunder." Furrowing her brow slightly, Miri pokes the crotchety dwarf in the shoulder "Speaking of festivals, I didn't see you at my performance this morning," pausing a moment to take another swig, she grins dryly and jests "I would hope you weren't here, when you could've been at my show. It was, after all, quite spectacular I'm told."
Letting Tunder off the hook, Mirela suddenly turns her attention to Aziza and the tall elf in her tow "Aziza, lovely to see you!" Standing up, the young Varisian curtsies for the second time today "Thorn, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Mirela, though my friends call me Miri."
Perception Check, "So you are a dancer, and getting lots of work in during the festival, I am sure you are getting plenty of donations."
"Tunder is my name. Yer eyes must not be working to good, faerie. My beard ain't braided in a womanly fashion. Make that mistake again and we will have us a problem." Tunder finishes off he lates ale, all the while eyeballing the newcomer.