I welcome you to this game. No, not a game; an adventure. Better yet, a story. A story that spread across the mortal spread of good and evil, innocence and sin, life and death. A story better known as…
Chapter I: Burnt Offerings
The coastal town of Sandpoint has faced few trials and dangers over the course of its forty-two year history, but unfortunately, that is all about to change. Unknown to the town’s founders, they chose to build their community over the ruins of an ancient stronghold once used as laboratory and prison, a place where horrific experiments and unholy explorations into what divides man from monster took place. These are the Catacombs of Wrath, a place where arcanists explored and perfected the stolen arts of life shaping and flesh warping, one of several such sites used by Runelord Alaznist’s apprentices during Thassilon’s height, When Thassilon fell, these catacombs went dormant, but the one buried under Sandpoint was not fated to stay that way.
Part I: Festival and Fire
For five years, the faithful of Sandpoint have attended church in temporary structures erected after fire destroyed the previous temple, and while their new religious leader was helpful, kind, and wise, church wasn’t the same. Now, the new cathedral is finally done. All that remains is for the Swallowtail Festival to renew the site’s blessings from the gods and it will be as if the Sandpoint Fire had never occurred.
23rd of Rova, 4708 AR. A beautiful day has fallen upon the small town of Sandpoint. There are people everywhere along with tents and signs. The obvious signs of a festival that is occurring. A festival that has become dear to the residents of Sandpoint, the Swallowtail Festival. A stage has been set up in front of the cathedral in the center of town and a woman with short auburn hair stands in the center. Behind her sit four wooden chairs, three of them occupied. As the crowd notices her, a hush descends and all eyes turn to the stage. She smiles and begins to speak.
"Welcome! As many of you know, and for those of you who don’t, my name is Kendra Deverin and I am proud to say that I am the mayor of this fine town. It's wonderful to see so many of you here to join us on this proud day. I'd like to extend my welcome to the many new faces I see in the crowd. I hope you all are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and especially if it is your first visit here I sincerely hope that you're having a wonderful time. After all, today is a very large day for us and we do our best to make it such a grand delight for anyone to enjoy! And to all of the old faces I see today, thank you for coming and thank you for everything that each of you has done to keep this town strong in recent years. I see that even Larz Rovanky has torn himself away from work to join us today! It is truly a miracle from Desna herself!” There is quite a bit of laughter and many eyes are turned to a serious looking man dressed in all leather and wearing a sour expression on his face. Kendra waves to him and continues. “Oh come Larz, don’t be so down trodden, it’s a festival; you’re supposed to have fun! In any case, welcome one and all once again, to the Swallowtail Festival! Before we keep going with all the fun for right now, there are a few other people here behind me that would like to give a few words as well. Apparently I’m not allowed as the mayor to hog all the sunlight, who would’ve guessed? Without further a due, let me introduce your Sheriff, Belor Hemlock!"
A dour looking man wearing a worn breastplate and a long sword belted at his waist stands and walks to the center of the stage. His head is shaved and he his eyes are constantly moving about the crowd. He shakes the Mayor's hand and begins to speak.
"Thank you Ms. Mayor. I’m glad to see that everyone is having fun and staying safe. However, even in the heat of celebration, let us not forget the sad events that brought us to this day. And also let us not forget the souls that were lost five years ago. I would like you to all join me in a moment of silence to remember the lives that were lost in the fire that claimed our previous chapel on that fateful night.” The Sheriff lowers his head and the crowd joins him, many of them quite awkwardly as the silence persists. After the moment is over, the Sheriff raises his head and begins to speak again. “In remembering let us also not allow these events to repeat themselves. I am of the understanding that a bonfire is planned for tonight. I urge you all to observe caution during this event.” He clears his throat and smiles awkwardly. “And ummm... Well, enjoy yourselves. Let me introduce the next speaker; give your attention to Cyrdak Drokkus, proprietor of the local theatre."
He nods to the crowd and walks back to his chair, passing the next speaker who is already on his way up to the center-stage. This man is quite a contrast to the 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. Now I know this town has been through some hard times, but 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? Solid gold. I kid you not; our generous nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this joint. I think the Churches even chipped in a silver or two! I even heard a rumor that all of the Gods got together and scrounged up four gold pieces to help get this thing built! But don't take it from me, the Padre over here is the one with the direct line, he's the one you want to hear from! But 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 at the Sandpoint Theatre and it is going to be fab-u-lous! And now join me in a bit of applause for his holiness himself, Father Zantus!"
The crowd cheers as Cyrdak motions Zantus to the center stage. The young priest looks noticedly 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. "Ahem, thank you. Thank you, Cyrdak. And thank all of you for coming to join us on this most Holy day. Today is a day of new beginnings so without boring you with long speeches, I declare the Swallowtail Festival officially underway!"
No later than the words escape his mouth, a stage covered wagon releases a storm of swallowtail butterflies into the air as the crowd erupts in cheer and celebration, signifying that the Swallowtail Festival has begun and joys can be had!
Within the town square and along a few of the streets are plenty of places to enjoy an activity or two, all available for the young and young at heart. Vendors have places set up to purchase various items, be it general goods, clothing, or just a souvenir of Sandpoint. And there stand many places to eat, allowing a taste that all of Sandpoint has to offer, each and every meal provided to anyone who wants at no cost to them.
Ars Drayer sits sprawled in a comfortable chair set up near the stand of a food vendor, resting thickly-soled and well-worn boots on a footstool. He is dressed in studded leather armor with a travel-worn duster thrown back across his shoulders. Around his neck hangs a golden amulet in the shape of a noble elk - a holy symbol of Erastil. In one hand he holds a roast fowl leg, in the other a tankard of small beer. At his side, snug in sheath and holster, rest a battered pistol and equally battered longsword.
Well now, ain't this a cheery little town. Seems like times are good an' getting better, an' the folks in charge have a good head on their shoulders.
No lie though, my feet led me here an' Ol' Deadeye ain't the type for idle wanderin'. I suppose my purpose will show itself afore too long.
Alexis is browsing through the vendors, enjoying the smells of the foods and the sights of the people enjoying the festival. She wears a wooden symbol of Erastil, and every once in a while she clutches it and sighs in relief at the safety and comfort it offers.
She stands about 5'6" and has brilliant golden hair and amber eyes. She smiles softly but seems uncomfortable dressed in the Lamellar armor she dons. It is apparent that she is not used to wearing it, even though she moves well enough in it. Something clearly is on her mind...something that bothers her.
"Such a beatiful day... It is okay to relax Alexis... They won't find you here." Alexis reassures herself.
The first thing that she noticed were the smells. Everything mixed and mingled and it just smelled so...free.
Dagnie closes her eyes, a half smile forming on her face. Her hair is loose today and her curls cascade down studded leather armor. A small, silver pendant in the shape of a five pointed star has worked itself free from behind the leather and she fingers it, absently.
Opening her eyes again, she drains the tankard in front of her and hops off her perch - a tall stool. The crowd is daunting, but she decides to weave through the legs of those that don't move.
I didn't come here to sit and drink. There's a festival and I'm going to be a part of it.
An interesting day to arrive in this town indeed. The tshameks are having a festival to honor their gods. I believe luck has smiled upon me to be able to witness such an occasion. It will be good to help me learn more about the tshameks I will be living amongst as I study the dark myths of the old kingdom. I have heard that there are some here who know quite a bit about what I seek. I will have to find them. But not now. Now, I will enjoy in this ritual that the ancestors have led me to. Free food is not something I would say no to! Let us see how well these tshameks can cook!
Looking quite out of place amongst the primarily ethic Chelaxians and Varisians of the town, Istakkos is dressed in mostly traditional Shoanti shamanistic garb - bones and other small fetishes adorn much of his clothing, and what isn't covered in his reinforced silk robes is covered in tattoos - except for his obviously blackened and burn-scarred forearms.
Despite his out of place look, Istakkos travels amongst the festivities, looking at the different foods available for free. He's quite hungry from the travelling, but hasn't the faintest clue where to begin, as he doesn't know most of the foods he sees. He's also not used to having such a choice of foods before, and this causes him to be indecisive.
[To Ars] As you sit enjoying the food and drink, you are interrupted by a dashing, middle age man in an elegant fashion for a festival such as this as approaches you with a warm smile.
"My my, I see that you have one of those fire arms at your side. I must say that it is quite an interesting piece, if not anything but..." He slightly pauses to quickly think of a word to describe the pistol. "Intriguing as I'm sure it's seen better days I'd hope to assume. Tell me stranger, though I don't doubt your ability to use that weapon, can you still join us in some of the old ways such that of a crossbow?" He asks, still with a warm smile, his hand slightly out stretched, palm up, fingers towards your pistol.
[To Alexis] As you walk past stands through the festival, an attractive young half elf woman approaches you in hope to catch your attention as she speaks clearly, but obviously quick to try and interest you.
"My my, I must say that attire just simply doesn't fit a most beautiful and attractive woman such as yourself! I'm Rynshinn Povalli, and I do say, I've got a beautiful garment to make that beautiful golden hair of yours shine even more to it's potential! Would you care to take a look?"
[To Istakkos] You earn some looks of those that you walk past, as some see you as quite a sight. Though some of them are used to seeing Shoanti tribesmen, not many have seen the sight of a Shoanti shaman, especially in the outfit that you currently wear. However, an exotic oriental woman approaches you with a smile as you approach a stand with many people around it with cooks behind the counter giving out food.
"Well now, look what the winds have blown into our quaint little part of the world. You'll have to forgive some of these people as I'm sure you can guess that you are quite a sight here. My apologies, but let me introduce myself. I am Ameiko, and I am the owner of the lovely Rusty Dragon, and if I do say so myself, I believe you'd find a fancy there if you're staying for a day or two. Come on over, I've got some dishes that I would love for you to try, considering that they are based from Shoanti meals. Wait... You do understand what I'm saying, right?" She asks as her warm smile turns into a slight expression of worry that she may have confused you.
Ars returns the gentleman's smile, and intercepts his hand with a firm handshake.
"I reckon I can, goodman. Us servants of Ol' Deadeye learn to use any weapon which come to hand, in defense of hearth and home. Name's Ars. Sworn to Erastil. Yerself?"
Istakkos smiles at the Tian woman in recognition of her kindness and says, "I am well versed in the Taldan tongue, Miss Ameiko, although it is less comfortable to use than my own native language. My name is Istakkos, member of the Skoan-Quah." He pauses a moment, then mentions the looks hes been given, "There is nothing to forgive. My peoples' native garb is unusual in this area - and I was not expecting to necessarily blend in."
He smiles again, being quite alright with the looks he's being given. He looks obviously proud of his people and his culture, and makes no effort to hide it. "Now, what was this you mentioned about meals based on Shoanti culture? I'd very much like to try these.. they sound like they'd be a good start to learning the cuisine of the area."
Alexis, caught of guard a bit as she was lost in thought, looks up at Rynshinn and looks around her immediate self, before confirming that it was indeed Alexis that she spoke to.
Alexis beams a smile, and can't hold back her excitement as she thinks of wearing one of the beautiful garments.
"Is it that obvious that I am uncomfortable in this.. armor? Well, I'd love to look at your fine garments. I certainly am open to suggestions as well!"
[Ars] The man grips your hand just as firm as you shake and begins to speak. "My apologies, where are my manners. Foxglove, Aldern Foxglove, one of the finest shots in Magnimar if anyone to ask." He states with smug smirk of boastfulness. "I'll tell you what Mr. Ars, I am very curious to see how well of a shot that you are with that pistol and a crossbow. They have a range setup over by The Way North, aimed out towards the sea. You go ahead and go on over there, and I'll meet you there. I'm just going to go over to the good Sheriff and let him know that you'll be using a firearm. I don't believe that people would take kindly with that kind of noise." He points you in the direction of The Way North and then turns off to go speak with Sheriff Hemlock.
[Istakkos] Ameiko smiles back once again as you begin to speak to her, obviously relieved. "Well I certainly wouldn't expect for your attire to blend in anywhere up here in our area, but no worries. You're not the only Shoantian here. Although I don't know who those men belong to, I don't speak much with Kaye's boys. They tend to just stick to themselves, but no matter. I am glad that you've come up this way, it's been some time since I've myself gone that far east." She slightly looks to the side, sighs, and then turns her attention back towards you. "Now about that food! I've got a couple different boar and foul meals that have been seasoned to give it that interesting eastern flavor. After all, that's what The Rusty Dragon is all about, adventures and the exotic rewards that come with them!
[Alexis] Rynshinn looks back at you and gives a slight laugh. "Oh dear, obvious doesn't even begin to describe how uncomfortable and entirely unfitting that 'armor' looks on you. Now, bring yourself over to my stand, and take a gander over some looks that would make you ever so much more beautiful. I'll tell you what, since I can tell you're new here, if you purchase from me today, I'll speak with Mr. Kesk and we'll get you a nice discount for an entirely new look for you, what do you think of that?"
Alexis smiles back, blushing a little bit, as she realizes how ridiculous she must look in the armor!
"That would be absolutely wonderful! Thanks Rynshinn, I definitely feel out of sorts in this armor. I guess I am a little naive in the ways of the world. I usually don't travel too much and I probably over did it!"
Alexis, happy and excited, starts playing with her hair, as she does when she is excited, twirling it around her finger as she anticipates her new look.
"Mister Foxglove, I'd love to spend a little practice time with ye' some time soon, but fer now I'm ejoyin' meself here at the festival. No need to startle people with gun-fire if'n there ain't something needing shot at. I've been on the road for quite some time now, and I'm soakin' in some rest and beer fer now. I'll be in town for several days, I'll take a lesson from the crack-shot of Magnimar tomorrow or the day after. Beg yer pardon."
Ars settles back down into the chair and takes a pull at his tankard.
This brewer makes a fine small beer, t'be sure. Good lil' town.
Raorloud crouches behind a crate in a nearby alleyway, watching the festivities. I'm hungry... wish I could get some of that meat...Raorloud thinks while salivating over a cart of assorted meats provided by a local tavern. Well I got pickles...
[Alexis] Rynshinn takes you over to her stand as she starts to show you some patterns and designs. "Now tell miss, what is a price range that I can work with to make you look gorgeous?"
[Ars] Aldern looks back over his shoulder and turns slightly to you. "Well maybe we can catch up then another time. Enjoy your time at the festival Mr. Ars." He gives you a slight wave and smile as he turns back around and walks away.
"I'd say I can comfortably spend about 10-15 gold. You only live once, right?"
[Alexis] Rynshinn gives you a crazed look with a slightly open mouth before replying back to you. "Dear, I can't make anything for less than 50 gold, I'm sorry."
Alexis, turns extremely red and sheepishly smiles and says..
"I'm sorry for wasting your time... You have beautiful wares though. I hope I can buy from you sooner than later..."
Dagnie weaves through the crowd, darting here and there, as she attempts to take in the entire festival within a few moments.
An entire festival dedicated to Desna...I never thought I’d see that. Her hand goes to her pendant as she checks to make sure that it hasn’t slipped off, or been stolen. Her fingers tighten around it for a moment as the Halfling glances over at the stage where a stray butterfly still lingered. Her eyes went to Father Zantus and, then, slowly flitted over to a meat cart.
Her stomach growls, settling the matter of who to talk to.
Striding up to the meat cart, she pulls herself completely erect in an attempt to appear taller. ”Excuse me! Is there any way I could get a sample of your fine Sandpoint cuisine?”
Raorloud peers over the crate to see a very small longshank walking up the cart. Small longshank? Smallshank? Hmm... I wanted that meat... Maybe she'll walk by, I can take then...
Alexis, deflated, decides to go sit on some nearby crates or something out of the way, and watches people enjoying the festival. Still embarrassed she is playing with her hair, twirling it up on her finger and pulling her finger out as it unravels.
"I sure do miss Chelexia. It wasn't perfect, but at least I had my family to cheer me up.. I wonder where Satinder is?"
Alexis says to herself. A habit she has had since childhood... Talking to herself.
"Hm.. well, I am certainly hungry from travelling. I'll try some of your boar, if you would. As for drinks, I'll take whatever you have, I'm not picky. In fact, I'm still quite amazed at the selection of foods and drink being offered - let alone being offered for free to strangers." Istakkos makes a small bow with his head in thanks for her generosity.
[Dagnie] An older looking man peers over and looks down to you with a smile on his face. "Why yes, feel free to anything that you'd like, meals are at no charge on this holy day, praise Desna! Now what would you like to feast on?"
[Raorloud] With all the commotion and festivities going on, nobody even notices the fact that's probably even a crate there to begin with, much less a goblin behind it.
[Istakkos] "No problem Istakkos, and don't worry about cost. During the Swallowtail Festival, vendors don't charge for food. Now anything else may cost a bit, but why should you starve?" Ameiko walks behind the stand and comes back a few minutes later brings you back a plate of seasoned boar and a glass of ale. "Here you go, this is what I'm calling "The volcanized pig", and a some of our best ale to wash it down with. I hope you enjoy it! Now if you'll excuse me, I'll let you enjoy your meal while I take care of a few other things." As she gives you one last smile before turning away.
"Praise Desna indeed!" Dagnie grins back at the older man before glancing into the cart.
"Everything looks and smells so good!" She bites her lip and tilts her head to the side. "I tell you what! Do you have any boar? I've never had boar before. If you don't, one of those nice roast fowl legs would be absolutely divine!"
Flushing red for a moment, she inclines her head towards the man, "That is, if you would be so kind."
Istakkos gives a small bow to Ameiko as she walks away, then sits down to eat his meal, looking around at the crowd as he does. Volcanized pig, eh? Not bad..
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The day goes by as everyone in the town seems to show up and everyone is have a grand time. Vendors seem to start packing certain things up, and the food stalls seem like they've been raided by a goblin horde as workers start to clean the areas up. 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, and 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.
"Goblins chew and goblins bite; goblins cut and goblins fight; stab the dog and cut the horse; goblins eat and take by force!
Goblins race and goblins jump; goblins slash and goblins bump; burn the skin and mash the head; goblins here and you be dead!
Chase the baby, catch the pup; bonk the head to shut it up; bones be cracked, flesh be stewed; we be goblins! YOU BE FOOD!"
+ 2 (oops should be +5)
Initiative:
Perception:
Initiative:
[Dagnie/Alexis]
As the crowd screams and starts to run frantically away from the scene, you see three goblins terrorizing a stand containing food that are about 40 feet away from where you currently stand. They each have dogslicers in their hand are ranting and raving, attempting to terrorize anyone who comes by, while attempting to eat the food in the process.
Goblins? Those aren't Breakbag goblins... Those are the goblins I saw coming here...
Suddenly with a distinct, " RAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR!!!" Raorloud charges out of the alleyway at the goblins, greataxe in hand.
As Raorloud rages into battle, his great axe comes down, missing the goblin, as all 3 of them look at him in confusion, wondering if he attempting to attack his own kind or he was trying to get their attention in some sort of weird fashion.
"Goblins! Damn! An' that'll be why the wind blew me here, eh?"
Ars jumps up from where he had been lounging, pistol in hand, and moves towards the threat.
Having stood up once he heard the priest try and get everyone's attention, Istakkos did not hear the goblins approaching until he had heard one goblin in particular scream like a maniac and attack its own. Hrrm.. goblins? The little pests.. I had heard they were common in these parts. But for them to attack such a large town? They must be suicidal. At least they're already fighting amongst themselves. Makes my job easier. Best I get started on eradicating them, to give the guard a hand. They seem to be busy elsewhere.
Istakkos moves closer to the goblins, then points at one of the three goblins and utters a word of incantation, putting the mental image of the goblin's ally in its mind - and the urge to kill that ally at all costs with its small sword.
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Istakkos' spell hits the goblin as the goblin grips his dog slicer and turns his head towards the goblin next to him with extremely dark and cold eyes, as if they contained a deep, murderous intent behind them.
The goblin looks at Raorloud with a confused look, and then grabs a piece of boar meat from off the cart and throws it to him and speaks in Goblin "Hey, stupid. Don't trip, longshanks will die. These longshanks will run from us. Have fun, eat. Goblins run town tonight!"
Satinder broke away from the comfortable chair and pint of ale he was drinking to start making his way towards the direction that all the commotion had arose from. People were running and screaming in every direction, some bumping into him as he walked forward still clutching the free leg of meat he had gotten not to long ago, this of course made it hard to eat and walk. With another burst of panic and somebody running right into his wing, Satinder made a choice to himself.
That's it! Time to rise above these Neanderthals
With this, he readied his wings back behind him, ran forwad a little bit, jumped up, flapped his wings catching the air underneath them, and flew gracefully to the battlefield eating his leg of meat as he went. Not to long after lift off, he caught a glimps of a familiar figure. A girl in uncomfortable and awkward armor and made it a point to get closer and land right next to her yelling as he came down.
Alexis! Is that you!?
DC
DC
(Moving me from Q0 to R7)
As Satinder attempts to rise above the rest of the crowd, a few people continue to run into him as tries to fly and ends up hitting the ground.
The goblin looks at his partner next to him with a enraged face, grabs his dogslicer and yells in Goblin "You stop stealing Kroc's food!!!" and swings it down on him, as the blade slices against the goblin's ear.
After being hit in the ear, the other goblin reacts and pulls his dogslicer out and replies in Goblin "You stupid, Pic no steal Kroc's food, Pic steal longshank's food!" He takes his dogslicer and swings it at him and slices the goblin's ear as well.
"Satinder?! Where have you been!? Enjoying the festival?"
Oh right...Goblins... I guess I should help! I hope I don't disappoint..."
Move: Alexis will move to O7.
Standard: Inspire Courage 1/13 rounds
"Don't let these trouble makers keep us from enjoying this day. We shall prosper for the sake of Sandpoint! Erastil, guide our actions to victory!"
Dagnie had been standing on her tip-toes, in a vain attempt to see the stage, when the screams first broke out.
Weaving through the flood of fleeing people, she gets an eyeful of the goblins and quickly draws her sling from her back pocket.