The Swallowtail Festival begins promptly as scheduled at noon with the crack of a thunderstone from the stage set up in the Cathedral yard. The square before the church is crowded now , but the crowd’s chatter begins to die down and eyes turn to the stage. A woman with short auburn hair stands center stage. Behind her sit five wooden chairs, three of them occupied. The woman smiles and begins to speak:
"Good afternoon everyone, I am Kendra Deverin, and I am proud to be Mayor of Sandpoint." She addresses the crowd with her usual friendly attitude. Her excitement is obvious and proves contagious as she welcomes visitors and locals alike. "I see everyone’s arrived. Even Larz Rovanky has left off tanning hides to be here. I’m sure his workers are glad it’s not their hides getting tanned...at least not today." When the chuckles die down and Larz stops glowering past a reluctant smile, Mayor Deverin continues.
”It's wonderful to see so many of you here to join us on this proud day, and I'd like to extend my welcome to the many new faces I see in the crowd. As Mayor, I’d like to extend welcome to you on behalf of the town. I hope you all are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and I sincerely hope that you're having a wonderful time. Our town has much to offer and I hope we can consider you as new friends. Spend some time in Sandpoint and you’ll grow to love it like we do. And even if you don’t stay long, at least spend your money while you’re here!”
Several of the merchants give a vigorous applause, and the Mayor lets the crowd settle before continuing over the remaining chuckles. “And to all of the old faces I see, thank you for coming and thank you for everything that each of you has done to keep this town strong. Thank you especially for all the time, sweat, and love you’ve put into building this fine cathedral. Sandpoint didn’t seem complete without a church. Sure, we’ve always had a heart. The true heart of Sandpoint is you, her people. But now we have an expression of that heart, and we built it ourselves!”
"Now, since you have four more of us to stand there through, I'm going to sit down. Today as mayor I am declaring a town order to have fun! This is my favorite time of year!"
The crowd responds with a roar, and it’s a while before the Mayor can continue over the applause. “Without further ado, let me welcome our dutiful Sheriff, Belor Hemlock to the stage!” She indicates a dark-skinned, bulky man, clearly of Shoanti descent, wearing his armor and armed with a large axe.
Sheriff Hemlock nods and steps forward onto the stage.
"Thank you, Mayor. First off, let us have a moment of silence." He bows his head and continues speaking, "Let us honor the memories of those friends and family members who we lost during the Late Unpleasantness and in the tragic blaze that made our new cathedral necessary. Cherish those memories and may the blessings of our Gods see them happy and well in the Afterlife." He raises his head and stands in silence for a moment scanning the crowd.
"Over the course of the Festival all instances of wrong-doing will be dealt with swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law. No exceptions. As the sheriff of Sandpoint, I, Belor Hemlock, would also like to welcome everyone to enjoy themselves today, and you may or may not be aware of the planned bonfire at the beach tonight... it looks to be a promising festival. Do trust that I will be monitoring the level of safe conduct late into the evening. I am trusting your fun will lean to the side of caution. If you are a militia member, remember where your duties lay, and help Sandpoint keep the peace. Thank you."
With that the sheriff steps back awkwardly and beckons with his hand, for the next speaker to approach.
Huh. This town's mayor sure is funny. She's a lot like me. She gets it.
Beagan furiously applauds each speaker.
But no one approaches. The empty chair in the middle of stage stands large. The mayor steps in. ”Ahem, it appears the venerable Lonjiku Kaijitsu cannot be with us. Apparently, he has come down suddenly ill. We wish him a speedy recovery.” She motions for the next speaker to take the stage. "Of course our Festival wouldn’t be complete without a few words from the master showman, Cyrdak Drokkus.”
The next speaker is quite a contrast to the dour Sheriff; he is brightly dressed, sports a well-groomed goatee, and seems to be thoroughly enjoying the day. As he reaches the center stage he loosens his collar a bit, winks into the crowd and starts to talk:
"Well, thank you Sheriff for that uplifting oratory. Don't worry I doubt there will be any fun for you to stress over today. If things get out of hand you can ask Ameiko to take the stage and put as all to sleep with one of her stories; at least one Kaijitsu showed up…"
The crowd responds with a combination of chuckles and offended heckles.
Beagan applauds a little less furiously when Cyrdak takes the stage. His wide smile turns into a bit of a frown.
He wishes he was funny! Oh, I can't wait to show him someday soon!
Without missing a beat Ameiko shouts from her merchant tent "What about the story of your last flop at the theater? I'm almost done with my newest ballad; I call it Cyrdak the Unimpressive! Who wants to hear?"
The crowd responds with laughter and cheers. Amieko can still be heard shouting over the crowd "Your secret boyfriend helped me come up with the name!"
Cyrdak stands awkwardly waiting for the crowd’s laughter to die down, as it does Amieko sneaks in another one liner, "Now who’s’ got a sleepy crowd Cyrdak!"
After the noise finally quiets Cyrdak continues with a forced smile as if nothing happened, "We can all agree, this is our time to celebrate! I know this town has been through some hard times, but we don't lay down easily. Look at what we've accomplished!” He motions towards the church. ”And I'm telling you, they spared no expense with this place. Father Zantus' chamber pot? It's solid gold and comes with a singing choir standing nearby. It's no doubt our neighbors and nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this joint. And to think they wanted nothing in return, but to enlighten us and our taxes for many lifetimes to come. But worry not about your coin purse, I've heard from the Father himself that the gods are getting their gold together to help pay for this place."
"But don't take it from me; let me hand the stage off to the man who‘s in charge here. Before I let him get things going, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my 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 and continuing throughout the next two weeks at the Theater. Come see it, it will be fabulous! And now join me in a bit of applause for his holiness himself, Father Zantus!"
The crowd cheers as Cyrdak motions Father Zantus to the center stage. The priest looks noticeably abashed at the reception set up for him. He wears the traditional ceremonial robes of a priest of Desna and a shiny silver holy symbol about his neck. He smiles and tries to calm the crowd down, eventually speaking when the applause has subsided, his voice sonorous and resounding: "Ahem, thank you. Thank you Cyrdak. And thank all of you for coming to join us on this most Holy day."
“Today ushers in the new Fall season. A season I have always thought was named appropriately, as today was the day Desna fell from the heavens during battle with Lamashtu.”
”Though the entire world wept for the loss of our goddess, and of dreams, it is said that she survived. She was discovered, on the beach, by a blind orphan, forgotten and cast aside by the rest of the world. Though the orphan didn't know who she was and could do little for the wounded goddess, she stayed by her side, holding a vigil, tending to her as best she could and praying to Desna for aid. While other followers had abandoned The Dreamer, the orphan held hope in her faith. Through the care of this orphan, our goddess recovered and revealed herself to the blind woman. In return for her devotion, Desna transformed the blind orphan into an immortal Swallowtail butterfly, the first Child of Desna."
Father Zantus motions toward the newly finished cathedral, the sunlight glittering off the stained glass windows. “This story reminds us that tragedy is just a setback, not an end. Though our place of worship was destroyed, and our previous priest, Father Tobyn, perished in the flame, we have come through as Desna would desire, and built anew. Though we have lost many loved ones, yet we persevere.” His voice rises like the trained orator he is. ”Brothers and Sisters, today is our day of new beginnings! Our day of ascension! Friends of Sandpoint, I now declare the Swallowtail Festival officially underway!"
At that, an acolyte throws off the canvas of a nearby wagon, revealing thousands of multi-hued Children of Desna, swallowtail butterflies. The spiraling riot of color rises from the wagon in a furious storm as a great cheer erupts from the crowd. Throughout the rest of the day, children futilely chase butterflies, never quite quick enough to catch them.
After those stirring words the Mayor takes the stage once again. "I can smell the lunch our tavern keepers are ready to serve. A round of applause to Ameiko, Garridan, Cracktooth, and Jargie! I'm sure Father Zantus can spare an extra prayer that they don't burn anything before we get to eat it." More cheering erupts: the enticing aromas drifting over the crowd are overwhelming. The Mayor motions to the food stands, and the crowd queues up to eat and drink.
Beagan's frown turns into pure joy when Ameiko calls out Cyrdak.
"Now THAT is an entertainer! I think we're going to be friends. I mean, why wouldn't we?
After the rousing speeches, Beagan turns to his friends.
"That was quite the presentation, wouldn't you say? I especially adored the part where that Akimo-whatever-her-name-was woman put down that smelly theater owner! Ka-pow!" Beagan yells while thrusting his fist in the air and spinning in a quick circle.
Aleksander eyes the open cask warily, the other just eking out a narrow win, and slowly moves away to mingle.
Firmly ensconced into the midst of the crowd, Aleksander can't help but wince as Ameiko publicly dispenses a brutal verbal beating upon Cyrdak.
Sharp wits and sharper tongue... Lady's a fighter...
Waiting for the crowd to disperse and as the queues begin to form, he sidled through the dispersing mass of people, almost sliding through the mass of people as he walked over to the gnome and his companions.
"Enjoying the show so far?" He asks, almost nonchalantly.
"Oh, absolutely! I was just saying to these folks, that Tian non-gnome that was just on stage was hilarious! How have you been enjoying the festival so far?"
Dolgrin does his best not to nod off during the speeches. Even with them fading in and out, he found an instant dislike for the man called Cyrdak. "That man Cyrdak needs a serious beatin'. I dunno what it be like here but amongst the Dwarves, when there be some celebration, whether it be for a feat of engineering or to honor Torag, any who would speak ill in such a fashion would be thrown out on their ear."
He looks over to Aleksander and shrugs. "Not particularly. But may as well grab some food and ale while the gettin's good."
"Oh, absolutely! I was just saying to these folks, that Tian non-gnome that was just on stage was hilarious!"
Viviana nods in approval.
"True, everything is great so far. ""That man Cyrdak needs a serious beatin'. I dunno what it be like here but amongst the Dwarves, when there be some celebration, whether it be for a feat of engineering or to honor Torag, any who would speak ill in such a fashion would be thrown out on their ear."
"I think he got what he deserved , did you see his face ?
That Ameiko is impressive.Her singing is like honey ,but her tongue is a sting.
Speaking of her , do someone knows where she is from?
I have never heard of this Tian tribe."
Viviana looks at Dolgrin with mischievous grin.
"Anyways ,stop being so gloomy . You heard the mayor's orders.
Have fun like good law-abiding citizen, or i will tell the big sheriff to arrest you."
"She's a local." in response to Viviana's question about Ameiko.
Then he starts herding the group towards the food, aiming for the Rusty Dragon's distribution table. "I don't know about any of you, but the smells in the tavern last night were AMAZING. They told me that what I smelled then was what they would be serving now, so I don't think we want to miss out."
Speaking of those good smells, lunch is provided free by the Sandpoint Taverns, both as a donation, and as a marketing expense as they try to put their best feet forward to win the contest.
The Hagfish serves a lobster chowder, The White Deer a peppercorn venison, and there are few other less remarkable entries, but the darling of the Festival is once again The Rusty Dragon. Lady Ameiko's curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead overshadow the others' offerings. The line for her food is long but the results are well worth the wait.
The rest of the afternoon is spent in feasting and talking, the games are shut down and the stalls do slow business during the feast. Butterflies alight here and there, children chasing them. Your group sits together and talks, getting to know each other a little better and enjoying the calm and the food and drink.
"I must say, this is one of the best tall-folk celebrations I've ever attended! We gnomes know how to throw the best parties, of course, but this comes surprisingly close!" Beagan says, attempting to lean back and throw his feet up on the table yet coming up well short.
"What about you all? What's the best party you've ever been to? If you've ever had a party in your life..." the gnome winks and nudges his dwarven companion.
The feasting and revelry go on all through the day. Lars tells you stories of the Ulfen lands and Ameiko tells you tales from across the seas.
As the sun begins to set in the west, you see Father Zantus ascend the stage once more to recite the Prayer of First Dreaming and close the Feast. The remaining masses shift expectantly,ready to move to the beach party next where the fun really gets going. The crowd has already begun to disperse a little with over-induldged partiers headed home, merchants back to their wares, and sleepy children off to bed.
Zantus raises his hand to strike the thunderstone again to quiet the crowd...
A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun’s setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium, where a beaming Father Zantus has taken the stage.
He clears his throat, takes a breath to speak, when suddenly a woman’s scream slices through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices rises—high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human.
The crowd parts and something low to the ground races by, giggling with disturbing glee as the stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices
You see the shape that raced by and killed the dog now hides at the wagon's edge -- a single goblin licking the blood from his wicked homemade blade. He looks excitedly at the crowd seeking out a new target.
The goblin song sounds like this:
"Goblins chew and goblins bite.
Goblins cut and goblins fight.
Stab the dog and cut the horse,
Goblins eat and take by force
"Huh? What was that little green I just saw run by? Did you all see that?"
-----------------------------
The sound of the scream echoing through the streets grabs Alek's attention, snapping him to full attention.
He glances in the direction Beagan has gestured towards, almost immediately spotting the goblin as it peers around the cart.
"Bloody hell... Goblins!" He calls out, vaulting upright and scattering his tray across the ground.
"I warned you..." the 'Other' admonishes.
"Now is not the time." He snipes back silently.
Ducking low, Aleks draw his bow in a swift practiced move as he dives for the nearest piece of cover, his muscles tensing as adrenaline floods his system.
"The best party?
It's hard to tell , maybe the time when duke Istvan ....
What is that!?!"
Good Guys
Bad Guys
Initial Assault - Surprise Round
The one dog murdering goblin is joined by 3 more of his cousins and they cackle and scamper around the wagon, looking for havoc to wreak. Out of the corner of your eye, you see dozens more of the little knee-biters chasing women and children through the courtyard. There must be hundreds of those buggers attacking, but only a handful have their eyes set on you.
18 Aleksander*
18 Dolgrin - need percpetion roll first; maybe surprised?
17 Viviana
17 White Goblin*
15 Beagan
14 Blue Goblin*
12 Red Goblin*
8 Green Goblin (Hide Gwen Stacey)*
8 Gudada - surprised, no action this round*
* = have already posted action or gone this round
Aleksander sees the threat and let's his combat-training take over. He first seeks cover, but while scampering, he also draws his bow, readying a shot when he gets in position.
The cart the goblins have invaded is a pie-sellers, the very one that Gudada lightened yesterday. That Shoanti man runs from the cart screaming, bu is grabbed by the ponytail by Blue Goblin who reaches up and slits his throat, silencing him. White Goblin jumps into the back of the cart and starts stuffing pies in his mouth greedily.
Green Goblin is mesmerized by the butterfly-shaped paper lanterns and wanders over to the nearest building where they are tied on, trying to cut down the cords they hang from.
Only Red Goblin seems interested in you. His eyes light up with an evil glow, and he licks the blood from his dogslicer, and advances slowly towards your pavilion.
Surprise Round, Init. 15
Hearing the cries, Beagan moves a bit closer towards where he saw the goblin to get a better look.
"Goblins!" Dolgrin growls as he draws his axe and takes a step towards the little fiends.
Surprise Round, Init. 17
Viviana move next to Dolgrin.
"They killed someone!"
Dolgrin also sees the antics of the crazed goblins and draws his axe, readying for a fight.
The priestess of Sheyln moves up a wing position with the dwarf monk, her glaive in hand (I think).
Beagan's gnomish curiosity draws him nearer the goblins, but he's cautious enough to seek cover.
Gudada sees and hears his companions making ready for battle, but the crowds fleeing the square block his vision of seeing exactly what or where the threat is for now.
End of Surprise Round
Initial Assault - Round 1
The Goblin menace is all around you. A goblin leaps from roof of nearby building landing headfirst in a rain barrel. Another chases butterflies across the courtyard, leaping and jumping to grab them. Dozens of little creeps threaten the crowd.
18 Aleksander
18 Dolgrin
17 Viviana
17 White Goblin
15 Beagan
14 Blue Goblin
12 Red Goblin
8 Green Goblin
8 Gudada
Mechanics:
- Target Red
-----------------------------
Aleksander coolly draws and lines up a shot.
"Ugly little menace..." he whispers, calmly loosing an arrow at the lead goblin...
As it stoops to sweep up a dropped pastry, leaving the arrow to embed itself fruitlessly in a crate behind it...
"Sweet Iomedae's Bosum... Of ALL the times..."
Moves towards the goblins and prepares to strike should any approach. "Come ye bloody lil' pieces o' filth! Me axe thirsts for yer blood!" he taunts.
Viviana moves along with the dwarf and utters a short prayer.
Round 1, Init. 15
Beagan, seeing his comrades advancing forth, moves closer to them. But, making sure he doesn't get in the angry dwarf's way.
As he gets into position, he holds his hand out, as if offering a warning to the goblins should they come closer.
Initial Assault - Round 1 - continued
Aleksander loses the first shot in anger, but he hurries the aim, not accounting for the random movements of chaotic goblins, and the arrow flies past harmlessly.
Dolgrin and Viviana stay in lockstep, the dwarf cursing and the priestess praying as they move up towards the goblins together. Viviana's Guidance spell gives Dolgrin a burst of magical prowess as he readies for any goblins coming his way.
White Goblin continues eating pies in the back of the wagon, oblivious to the approach of the heroes.
Falling into step behind the dwarf, Beagantakes a wing position on this left, preparing a icy blast for any goblins who approach within range.
Blue Goblin licks the pieman's blood from his blade and turns to the approaching heroes, grinning malevolently. He dodges around a fleeing woman, and moves in towards the companions.
Seeing a dwarf approach unarmed, Red Goblin lopes forward looking to gut one of his ancient enemies. When it nears, it lunges forward at Dolgrin with it's evil looking goblin knife.
The distracted Green Goblin manages to get one end of the wire holding the butterfly lanterns down and they come crashing to the ground across the churchyard, little flames flickering as the paper lanterns burn.
Gudada's eyes go wide as he (finally) sees the chaos exploding around the group. He pulls his sap as he moves forward.
----
Ready weapon - move equivalent
Move 30' - move action to replace standard action
Post Edited based on below...
Initial Assault - Round 1 - concluded
The icy blast from [b]Beagan catches the goblin unaware. Shaking with cold, the creature walks right into the long glaive of Viviana, slashing him open and killing him before he can approach the dwarf monk.
The Red Goblin does near Dolgrin who is lying in wait for him. The monk springs into action, his axe slicing, and sends goblin parts flying in all directions. Red Goblin also falls dead at his feet.
End of Round 1
"Hey guys, did you see that!? I made that goblin chill out!"
Initial Assault - Round 2
18 Aleksander
18 Dolgrin
17 Viviana
17 White Goblin
15 Beagan
8 Green Goblin
8 Gudada
Mechanics:
; - Target White (D20 + 1 BAB + 4 DEX + 1 Point Blank Shot)
; - Target White (D20 + 1 Point Blank Shot)
-----------------------------
"Why you annoying little boggart..."
There is indigence in Aleksander's voice as he advances, his bow drawn.
Casualties. Got to put this one down and fast. Make myself a bigger target than the civilians.
Whispering a half thought out prayer to whichever good deity was listening at the moment, he looses another arrow.
Dolgrin spins his axe, causing the goblin blood to fly off and into the dirt as he tosses it to his other hand and pulls out a javelin. Taking a step in front of Viviana to get a better vantage, he launches it at the last goblin.
Viviana rushes to the fallen shoanti man to see if there is any chance for him.
Initial Assault - Round 2
Aleksander advances towards the remaining goblins, firing his longbow. The arrow strikes the White Goblin square in the chest, knocking him out of the cart, sprawled on the ground dead.
Dolgrin readies his javelin, stepping to get a clear line of sight on the remaining menace. Even from a distance, the throw is true, sinking deep into the goblin's neck. It also falls, lifeless.
The priestess of Shelyn rushes to the side of the Shoanti pie seller, but finds he has already gone to walk with his ancestors. None of her healing magic can restore the man.
End of Combat
Dusk, 1 Rova 4707 Absalom Reckoning - First Day of Fall
The Dawn that broke with such promise and expectation has turned to misery as Sarenrae's Gift sinks slowly into the Varisian Gulf. Sandpoint is burning and goblins run amok.
While the immediate threat to your person seems to be ended, the threat to Sandpoint continues unabated. Goblins still scamper through the town chasing citizens. Wounded and dying people litter the ground. Smoke rises from many nearby buildings. The shouts and clash of a determined defense rises from the just north of the church steps. There Sheriff Hemlock and Father Zantus lead a mix of acolytes and town guard trying to keep the invaders out of the church itself.
There are wounded people and dead goblins near you. Goblin song continues, a little louder now to the south. Amidst the chaos, you take the measure of yourselves and rise to the occasion.
"Everyone alright? It sounds like there's another group of them over there" as he points to the louder noise to the South. "I think we should do something about those. The church seems pretty well protected already."
Viviana averts her gaze from the body of the dead man,then turns pale and closes her eyes for a moment obviously shaken.
After Gudada's words , she nods in agreement.