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).
Tinuviel eats a very moderate breakfast, thanks the servers and cooks, pays for it and then takes a post prandial walk around town. She pays especial attention to any crafts, any artists and anything Desna related. If there are butterflies, she will pay rapt attention. If anyone is a magician, sorcerer or other arcanist she will speak with them, potentially at length. Like wise with any elves.
Smoke wades through the mass of people, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. He takes in everything he can-- if there's food and he's hungry, it's his. If there's something he thinks is keen? He buys it. Smoke avoids the peep shows and the children's entertainment but can't help but find himself stuck in line, idly watching a puppet show and laughing under him breath. Likewise, he can't help but gawk at some of the women out and about today-- or the dancing bear, which he addresses firmly. "Bear," he says, passing it by with a solemn nod, but breaks into a wide smile after. It's impossible to be in a bad mood. Festivals back home were much smaller.
But he did find himself worrying about Cadas. He wondered if she'd even be out today. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too much. If he didn't see her by afternoon, no, a bit earlier, he'd go seek her out and make sure she was alright. That was still his job, kind of... right? Did they even agree that he would take her back afterwards?
Passing Tinuviel, he waves. "How about the festival, huh?" and continues on. If she stops to talk, he's not rude, but he's almost sure that she finds him boring.
As a backwoods farmboy, he loses some of his hard-earned coin. He fields some interesting questions from nosy townsfolk about his sword, which does look out of place on the back of a dark-skinned half-Varisian man. The fanged skull inlaid in the hilt and handle of his hellknight sword glints in the sun, glowering from his back over the festivities like a disapproving schoolmarm.
He finds himself in front of the Ogre's Hammer, eating something that had a leg and is made of meat, he's pretty sure. His eyes light up, interested. "So, how does this work?"
As Smoke passes he waves at Tinuviel and asks "How about the Festival, huh?"
He seems like a nice boy. Boo waved back at him.
"Everything is so pretty!" she exclaimed. "Enjoy yourself! If you want company for lunch, I'm planning to dine back at the Rusty Dragon."
Boo collected herself. That was terribly forward, and he might take that the wrong way, she thought.
Embarrassed, she beams a smile at the young man and dances away.
Maybe he just didn't understand women at all. Or talking. Talking was tough.
"Uh, sure! I'll see if I can find Cadas in all of this, meet you there in a few hours!"
She got lost in the crowd, and Smoke wondered if he'd remember. If he didn't, then, ugh, he'd feel bad. Mental note-- mental note.
Rogar had been up since just before dawn. His short, stout frame had walked the palisades a time or two, giving the dwarf a small layout of the land. Despite the dilema of no suitable dwarven companions, he felt better than he had in days. The shower had been refreshing, the ale heavy and Lars had shared some oil and a rag with him, so he could clean up his scale mail.
Yet despite the day starting off well, it was getting progressively worse. All these humans, with all their livestock and all their get-rich scam, all crammed within the tiny walls of Sandpoint. It was a bit much.
Still, there was a reason he was out this early. He wanted to see if he could find the dwarf Lars had told him about. The one in the Lumber Guild. Perhaps a fellow child of the stone could help point him toward some stalwart companions to help Rogar reclaim Foebreaker.
@Cadas
Hannah is overcome following Cadas revelation. A single tear trails down her face. She reaches up and strokes Cadas' cheek like a mother comforting an exhausted child.
"You have done well to bring this to me, Young Sister. Do not worry, while my portents are different, I have had similar visions and my commune with The Wind and Waves causes me great worry these days. Trouble is brewing there can be no doubt, but the Balance must be kept. I will take your message to those that will help us when Festival ends."
"Now, Dear One, lay down your burden and rest if you can, for you have traveled far and your message is now delivered. Nature's blessing on you as you rest."
She stands to depart and Hosk with her. "G'night, lassie. Yoo dun well, ken? 'annah will know what tae do next, 'ave nae fear. An' watch over that boy o' yers tae, I 'ave a sense abou' 'im, yeah?"
As you watch, they amble to the exit. Before leaving, Hannnah turns and gives you a small nod, her eyes locking with yours in understanding, then they are gone into the night.
Her burden strangely lighter Cadas finds her way upstairs to the room she is to share with the elven wizard and slips in quietly. She removes her armor as quietly as possible, but its a noisy process. Minutes later she is finally ready to sleep. She is unsure about how to best sleep in this bed and finally settles on unrolling her bedroll on top of the too soft surface. Finally, this long day is complete. With a final prayer to her deity she sleeps, and for the first time in a fortnight does not dream.
Cadas sleeps so soundly that she is not awaked with Tinuviel's rousing, or dressing. Only the door closing as she exited the room startled Cadas awake. Refreshed from a sleep of the dead she thanks Gozreh then and promises to thank Hannah later. She rises, freshens up and dresses in her armor. She takes time to assay her appearance in the mirror in the room. What a luxury. She re-braids her hair adding fresh white linen in the traditional way and then adds her totem shells and stones and feathers. Sea, and earth, and sky. she mouths as she adds each. Finally she is ready to pray. She goes to the window, opens both shutter wide and completes the morning rites to Gozreh.
Finally ready she goes down the stars to find that she has missed both Smoke and Tinuviel. Embarrassed at her lateness she eats a quick breakfast and inquires of Hannah and Host. She is finally ready to go and steps from the inn onto the street.
Its almost too much. She thought the town was crowded yesterday. How can people live like this?Again, she found her senses reeling had had to look up to the sky to avoid the feeling that she was being smothered. She slowly makes her way to the temple looking for familiar faces. If she meets no one she will go to the cathedral and try to get inside. Somewhere in there is a shrine dedicated to Gozreh and she would see it. Along the way she take in the people on the street enjoying themselves and her anxiety begins to lessen. Some shops contain trinkets she is interested in but she does not know how long her coin will last here and so she does not buy. She pauses to watche a few of the games but is not tempted to play. Finally she ends up a the cathedral.
@Tinuviel: As you wander the stalls of the market square and the streets, you see many many butterfly-related items (trinkets, pins, kites etc) from the mundane to the sublime. There are fine works of art and obvious dross. Much to your dismay there are no live butterflies for sale.
Wandering further, you smell a strange mixture of incense and spice emanating from a full tent hung with the sign:The Feathered Serpent. An artistic rendering of the eponymous creature is also attached. Ducking inside you see an exotic looking man, with bright blue eyes, red hair, and nearly bronze-colored skin tending a shop that can only be described as 'magical'.
Stuffed creatures, exotic relics and arcane statues litter the tables along with a handful of potion bottles and a few vellum scrolls. The man is the only other person inside, and he looks up from a voluminious tome and greets you: "Salutations, Elder One, how can this deferential personage assist such an accomplished individual? Perhaps an abolution said to enthrall a signficant male attendant?"
@Smoke: The Ogre's Hammer booth is maintained by a large powerfully muscled man with a nearly bald head covered by a bandana and large 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 towards the man attempting the game, that you have ever heard in your life. The curses are loud and foul and a mother passing by looks askance and covers the ears of her young child. Seeing her, the 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 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 middel 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 $%&&@ time before the #$#$@% festival starts so take the $#$^ hammer a'fore i shove it up your @#$^@@#@**&
@Robin: A long fruitless search for puppets-for-sale later, you end up near the boxing ring. There you see a young strappling lad of about 18 taking a royal scolding from what you can assume is his mother (or a talking haystack). The boy holds his right hand gingerly, a dark bruise appearing on his cheek and eye.
...an' jest 'ow are you gonna 'old the strin's wit dat broken mitt, you? We be needin' dat coin to pay da rent an' you 'ad to go an' bust yer 'and in a boxin' match to impress dat girlie o' yers. Now you done it ta all o' us, you. Now we cain't 'ave no show, no 'ow.". The large woman strikes the boy again and again letting out her frustration, but doing no real damage. Though that blow might knock you back a few paces.
Sorry, mam...," is all the boy can say. "I dinna mean ta bust noffin'."
@Rogar: You wander the crowded streets in your gleaming armor with your hair and beard oiled and braided just so, but it doesn't pay to be a short, wide load in a throng of longshanks, and you are bumped, bruised and stepped on often enough that a real mad is coming on.
You search high and low for a brother dwarf through all the crowd, and just as you are giving up the thought, you see a stocky shape near The Dragon Races.
Coming closer, you see it is the same dwarven fellow who greeted you yesterday on your way into town. He is still richly dressed, a fine silk garment and a silver chain at his throat, and you see a bulging purse at this belt, a finely made handaxe hanging besides. The dwarf and a few other human townspeople are obviously betting on the races, as 4 brigtly hued 'dragons' slowly meander down the track.
@Cadas: Amazed by the goods, the noise, and the crowd, Cadas walks half in a daze up the hill towards the Cathedral. Upon entering the yard, she sees butterfly lanterns strung around the place. A large stage has been erected near the west doors and many long tables are being set up, as if for a feast.
You spy the booth belonging to the Rusty Dragon and see the Lady Ameiko there supervising the unloading of a heavy wagon filled with trays. She is quite involved in the work and does not look up to notice you.
Two large wagons, covered over with tarpulins, stand near the church door.
The church door stands open --there are acolytes and lay people bustling in and out. As you wander in, the full beauty of the place strikes you. Made of white stones and stained glass (perhaps the first time you've seen this creation?) the sanctuaries are a color filled wonder to behold. Where the sun's light refracts through the glass, the chamber are filled with thousands of motes of multicolored and shimmering lights. Almost like the butterflies of the lady Desna herself.
A set of stairs near the west entrance leads to a platform above which is lined with clear glass. Facing west and giving a view of the Old Light and the shining sea beyond is the altar of Gozreh. Here you stop and say your orisions and meditiations.
To your infinite relief, no one approaches or speaks to you during the reflective time, they are all too busy with preparations.
Taken back by the beauty of the place and the difference between the cathedral and the places of worship she knows so well Cadas at first simply basks in the glory of the monument to the 6. True this place is foreign to her, but she can appreciate how it glorifies the deities it represents, including Gozreh. As her awe wanes and she is able to complete her dedications she looks around for the priests of the place. Surely there are clerics of each deity here to administer to the individual shrines and to the people's needs.
Later she will go back out into the cathedral's yard, and with nothing else she wished to do more, offer to help Lady Ameiko.
"Greetings and well met good sir. I was hoping you might direct my path as well as show me your wares? I am looking for a Ilsoari Gandethus. Would you know where I might find him? Also, tell me about potions. And scrolls." Boo smiles winningly at the nice man.
With a shrug and a swing, he nearly breaks his neck as it all goes wrong for him.
@Cadas: You see many robed priests scurrying back and forth preparing. They are all wearing the blue robes of Desna and carry her symbol. It is apparent she is chief among those venerated here.
After watching for a time, you can identify the man in charge. He stands tall and erect with a neatly trimmed black beard and dark eyes. His voice is rich and sonorous and brooks no nonsense from the lesser priests. You hear the others calling him Father Zantus. From his speech you can gather he is not Varisian or Shoanti, but likely from the former Chelish colony at Magnimar.
His eyes meet yours and you see them widen with interest, but then even as he takes a step your direction, a lesser brother interrupts him and they scurry off outside. He looks back once over his shoulder, taking your measure. You think you see his head nod imperceptibly.
@Boo:The man blinks at you a few times. "Of course a wondrous maiden such as yourself is inquiring over a majestic wizard such as Headmaster Gandethus and not interested in a poor conjurer like myself. Look for him at the Turandurok Acadamy."(he gives you accurate directions to area 27).
"As for my wares, they are but tedious fare, I am a collector of the arcane and mysterious but the masses are never interested in rare or unique artifacts. They are after simple concoctions and that is what I have proffered. A love potion, a healing vial, a scroll or two for the arcane or divine. Tell me what you seek, and perhaps I can arrange its appearance?"
Cadas observes for a moment more, disappointed that all the clergy seem to follow Desna and the other 5 faiths do not seem to be represented. Shortly she goes back outside to see what Father Zantus and the brother are doing and then goes to talk with and offer help to Lady Ameiko.
The inside of the Cathedral is built with three wings, the one you're in to the West, another to the South, and finally one opposite you to the East. In the center is an open air courtyard. Arranged in a circular shape in the courtyard are 7 white stones about 3 ft high. In the center is a large slab like an altar made of the same material. It looks big enough for a man to lay on.
As you look you can see the shrine to Shelyn shares the Western wing with Gozreh. Abadar and Erastil are venerated in the Southern wing with a view of most of Sandpoint, to the East, Sarenrae and Desna have their shrines.
@Smoke: You heft the hammer that's thrust into your hands and take a big swing. However just as you get ready to bring the oversize maul down, a scantily clad belly dancer begins a show right next door, hips gyrating suggestively. Distracted, you bring the hammer down mightily, unfortunately, missing the lever completely and landing square on the foot of the bad-tempered man running the booth.
The man screams out obscenities and hops around on one foot. He insults your family to 3 or 4 generations past and future. And looks like he could murder you with his bare hands.
Fortunately, just then a large unmarked Shoanti man with a suit of chain and a large ax strapped to his back, steps in laughing heartily. "Boy, that's the funniest thing I've seen all day. Serves old Korvut here for standing too close anyway. At last he has something to swear about. Now take another shot at it, and keep your eye on the target this time."
He flips another coin into the box and gestures for you to continue.
Cadas takes note of the locations of each deity but does not dally. She goes back out into the courtyard to reconnect with Lady Ameiko.
Rogar approaches his fellow Dwarf.
"Guud morning Son of the Stone," Rogar greeted his fellow dwarf with a nod in their native tongue. "I vas beginning to think I vas the only child of Torag in this whole place."
He turned to the human companions and also nodded to them.
"Greetings to you as vell, pardon my use of the father tongue. It has been a vhile since I've had a chance to use it vith a native speaker."
Boo looks excited as the nice man speaks. When he finishes, she replies "Many blessings upon you good sir and my thanks! I will return after I have spoken with my family's friend and we will go over your wares. I look forward to that event with anticipation."
Bowing prettily, she leaves the shop in search of the academy.
I'll do my duty then it's off to the cathedral for a quick prayer, lunch and then butterflies all afternoon!
@Cadas:As you leave the Cathedral you see that Ameiko is still at the Dragon's booth. The folks attending the booth are quite busy preparing something that smells divine.
Ameiko greets in the familiar informal way of the Shoanti, surprising you with her knowledge of tribal greeting. "I see you slept well and are enjoying festival. We are preparing lunch which will be served after the noon remarks. Are you staying for the speeches and food? I do so hope you will. The Dragon won first prize for food last year, and our curried salmon is even better this year."
"I'd love to show you around and chat, but there is much to do with all these mouths to feed. I know Garridan from the White Deer will be gunning for us this year." She gestures over to a competing stand, complete with a magnificent rack of antlers, where the large marked-up Shoanti man you saw upon entering the town is barking orders to a host of attendants.
"Dav Hosk said you might meet him over at the Goblin Toss game. He's hosting it if you can believe that. She again points out an area where men, women and children are tossing small objects into holes in planks of wood.
@Rogar: The dwarf looks up at your use of the mother tongue. Then responds in kind: "It is rare to see a brother in Sandpoint. Well met, tell me the honor of your clan and the name of your Maker?" (father) These are the proper words of polite dwarves by way of introduction.
The other men gathered around pay you little mind when you apologize for any perceived rudeness. They are busy watching and cheering the races. Finally, one turns to you and says:"Wanna join up on a wager, stonecutter? Just 1 gp to lay a bet that pays 4:1."
@Tinuviel: As you head away from the bustle of the festival bound for the school the sounds recede into the distance. After a moderate walk, you find the school has a sign scrawled on the door. Closed for Festival! Will re-open tomorrow..
Disappointed you walked all the way here for nothing, you begin to re-trace your steps when you hear raised voices behind you. Turning, you see a young human woman arguing with an older man on the porch of the building across the road. A quick look at the sign indicates this is Vinder's General Store.
The man continues bristling with anger:...not ta see that Harker boy 'gain, d'ya hear me? I'll tan ya but good if ya defy me on this. Ya see if'n I don' child."
The woman, not much more than a girl really, is heavily made up and wearing scandalous attire that leaves little to the imagination. "But, Da, I LOVE him. And he loves me. If you don't let us be together I'll...I'll...oh, it's just not FAIR!" And the girl breaks down in tears and runs inside the store, slamming the door.
The man's face is pained as he watches her run off, but he looks up and notices you watching. "Ay, can't seem ta do anythin' right anymore. I remember when that girl Katrine loved her Da and boys were icky, now it's any boy that wanders along, this Banny Harker worst 'mong 'em. Glad my Shayliss is still ta young to fall fer boys like that."
"Ah, what do ya care? Sorry to disturb ya, we were just headed back for the dedication."
Smoke apologizes profusely, weathering the tirade of curse words and angry gestures with a nervous expression. When the Shoanti man approaches, he can't help but be glad that he rescues him-- in a way-- from the profanity of Korvut. The laughter is enough to ease the situation, and the tension floods out of the game area long enough for him to breathe easy.
Taking the hammer back up, he watches the man flip the coin into the box. "Thanks," he says, and turns to Korvut, apologizing again.
Carrying the hammer, he squares with the lever and lets himself focus. The dancing girl that he couldn't help looking at fades away. He stokes the fire in his heart and finds it burns strong underneath the charred kindling. There's nothing but the lever, the hammer, and his hands. Silence covers the entire village as he blocks them all out, for just an instant. Pulling the hammer above his head, he sucks in a breath. Focus.
In the flickering light of the fire that ate Two-Rivers, it was hard to see the ogre's face. He remembers it staring out at him, glee etched on the deformed features of a giant. Blood ran down its lips, like a dog fresh from a kill.
Smoke imagined its face under the hammer's head, and swung down as hard as he could.
"My pardon sir, for intruding on your business. Have a good festival!"
With that Boo runs all the way to the Cathedral. Once in the temple, she slows down, walks around a bit and finds the altar to Desna and prays.
"Rogar Stefanssen of the Orcwardens, sired by Lord Stefan Maegarssen. Well met. And you, brother?"
Another race was about to begin so Rogar took a moment to look over the "dragons" to see which one to wager on. He had a hunch that the wilder the "dragon" the faster it would be due the tamer ones not minding their handler's touch.
Rogar grinned and smiled. "Any Dwarf worth his stones couldn't pass on those odds. Five gold on that one."
The dwarf's spirits were raised being in the company of his kind.
@Smoke: While the man is still hopping mad, you grab the hammer and focus. With a mighty wallop, you crush the lever and the kinetic energy of the smash is transfered through the pulleys and gears causing the metal ball to race up the tube and strike the bell with a loud clang that everyone from blocks around can hear.
In fact, the strike is so hard that the board with the bell at the top starts teetering and while you watch horror-struck it comes crashing down right on top of the foul-mouthed man's head. Now footsore and head-bruised, he launches into a fresh tirade of swearing.
The Shoanti man who told you to retry is laughing so hard tears are rolling down his cheeks. "Give the boy his prize Korvut. He deserves it." He manages to get out between belly laughs. Korvut, the attendant, sneers and says "I'll give him a %#$%ing prize all right, Sherriff. I'll give that rat $%@# a solid kick right in his @#$. Get him the $^^& out of my sight."
The Sherriff(as you realize) wraps his arm round your shoulders and hands you a big blue stuffed butterfly from the prize wall. "C'mon boy," he says. "You've caused enough damage for one day. Let's go see the ceremony. I hope you'll be safe there."
@Tinuviel: The crowds are starting to thicken as you make your way back over to the church yard, but inside all is quiet. With the noonish sun high overhead, the stained glass makes thousands of motes of colored light in the sanctuaries. It is transfixing in it's beauty and you've not seen anything like it before. "Maybe not butterflies", you think dazed, "maybe better."
You see the circle of stones and the altar in the open courtyard and find the shrine to Desna the Dreamer on the eastern side of the transept. Kneeling quietly, you pay your reverences, and when that is done, you wander out into the crowded churchyard for the program.
The dwarf responds in kind. "I am of Clan Battlehorn, so named for the victory at Tuxhall's Tomb where my sires played a key role. My Maker is Aesrid and I am Aesrick. I also am the guildmaster here. Of the carpenter's guild..." He says this last part rather sheepishly, not sure how you'll take a Son of Stone working wood.
The other two in your betting pod are a tall human with dark eyebrows and beard and a round man with bald head and heavy belly. Aesrick doesn't seem to be doing particularly well, but is having a good time anyway.
@Robin: The large woman turns her gaze from her poor boy to you. Her eyes are hard steel and her mouth is a great big firm line. "D'ya ken we'll let jus' any fool inta our show? Dis be a family bidness. But..."she says holding up a large finger and pointing at the youth. "Dat 'un 'adta go an' bust 'is 'and in a boxin' match. Same 'hand 'posed ta run the puppet king. Cain't 'ave no show widout the King, now cain we?" As if hearing you for the first time she says quizzically, "Ya say yer a pe'former, didya? Cain ya play da King? The show 'posed to start in a quick shake an' I need a King reel reel bad."
Provided you agree the woman spits in her massive hand and offers to shake after agreeing to pay 1/3rd of the take from the show, which is a marionette melodrama much like the Sleeping Beauty story. The puppets themselves are marvels of engineering and despite the rough accent and large size of the woman, she is a marvel at running them.
As the show begins the audience is captivated, and the woman manages to run nearly all the show and voices herself until the final scene where the King (that's you) must make his appearance and slay the evil queen who is transformed into a dragon. Peeking out, you see a large audience of children but also adults and (hey, is that Smoke?) soldiers watching also.
@Cadas:As you leave the Cathedral you see that Ameiko is still at the Dragon's booth. The folks attending the booth are quite busy preparing something that smells divine.
Ameiko greets in the familiar informal way of the Shoanti, surprising you with her knowledge of tribal greeting. "I see you slept well and are enjoying festival. We are preparing lunch which will be served after the noon remarks. Are you staying for the speeches and food? I do so hope you will. The Dragon won first prize for food last year, and our curried salmon is even better this year."
"I'd love to show you around and chat, but there is much to do with all these mouths to feed. I know Garridan from the White Deer will be gunning for us this year." She gestures over to a competing stand, complete with a magnificent rack of antlers, where the large marked-up Shoanti man you saw upon entering the town is barking orders to a host of attendants.
"Dav Hosk said you might meet him over at the Goblin Toss game. He's hosting it if you can believe that. She again points out an area where men, women and children are tossing small objects into holes in planks of wood.
I'm here to help Ameiko. Put me to work if you can use me. I'm not the sort to be standing idly by when there is work to be done. But if you really do not need me then I'll go see if Dav can use a hand.
@Cadas:Ameiko has no issues putting you to work. They have lots of curry salmon and beer to prepare as the crowd starts filing into the yard in earnest. "When they clap that thunderstone, it'll get busy serving all this food. If you want to help form a queue and keep order that'd be most helpful." Some hungry early folks are lining up already, it looks like you'll be busy until the dedication starts.
"Battlehorns you say? I fought 'long side of your kin at Goblin's Ford. Sharp axes and steady shields. Well met."
He handed the humans his 5 gold. And continued addressing Aesrick.
"'Tis strange days for the children of stone. Vielding axe against tree. Or shield against Orc a if it vere a varhammer..." Rogar grunted shrugging his shield. "But there are those of us who refuse to let honor fade. I seek Foebreaker, so named for the blow that felled the Frost Giant King Grondhinder, and broke his armies at the battle of Jorgund's Pass, vielded by my ancestor Hrraggar Orcdriver. It is kept as a trophy by a clan of giants near this region. I look for stout folk to help me reclaim that glorious weapon, inspire new epics and reforge Dwarven Honor in Varisia."
@Cadas:Ameiko has no issues putting you to work. They have lots of curry salmon and beer to prepare as the crowd starts filing into the yard in earnest. "When they clap that thunderstone, it'll get busy serving all this food. If you want to help form a queue and keep order that'd be most helpful." Some hungry early folks are lining up already, it looks like you'll be busy until the dedication starts.
Cadas, quite happy to be useful does her best to help Lady Ameiko for the next couple hours.
Tinuviel, her prayers done, wanders out into the square in search of butterflies.
It's a swallowtail festival, so there ought to be swallowtails around here, somewhere.
@Rogar: Aesrick looks at you plainitively. "It is to my shame and your disappointment that I am no warrior. Your need to recover your heirloom stirs my blood, but I have no training with weapons to slay giants. I am a carpenter of some small skill, but that is all." He shrugs and smiles apologetically. "Lady of Luck is not with you to come to Sandpoint looking for sturdy dwarven allies and to only find me. There is one other I know, but I have not seen him take up a weapon either. The Locksmith Volioker Briskalberd."
The lizards race and you see #1 leap into the lead and moving rapidly for a little guy, cross the line a good ways ahead of the others.
The man with dark eyebrows and beard wins the race and pockets all 20 gp. Aesrick looks disappointed, and says "Not my lucky day either, just won one race, and lost about 30GP in the process. Ah well, maybe next time I'll ask Father Zantus for Desna's Luck first."
You hear the crack of a thunderstone and realize the dedication ceremony is about to begin.
@Tinuviel and Cadas: You are both already in the churchyard when the Thunderstone cracks alerting all to the imminent start of the ceremony.
@Robin: The puppet show goes off like a smash. The crowd is delighted and the large master puppeteer is very happy with your work. As they pass the hat following the show, coins clink inside with regularity. All told, the take from the show is 4GP, 5sp. Your share after the counting is 1gp, 5sp. Not bad for an hour's work.
As you drop the coins in your pocket, you look up to see Smoke walking into the churchyard with another large Shoanti man. Just then, the retort of the thunderstone tells everyone the ceremony is about to start.
@Smoke:
"Torag made us all with a craft and if we perfect that craft we honor our Maker," Rogar said with a bow.
He took one last long look at the "dragons". His face turned to a grimace.
"The dragon that just von, moved much faster than it should have," speaking to no one in particular, but loud enough for others to hear him. "Vell, before my purse is lightened any further, I must take my leave. I vill look up this Locksmith and see if the zest for battle stirs vithin his blood. May the Maker's Hammer guard you and your house."
As he walks away from Aesrick, he takes a deep breath. Thinking of what had become of the Dwarves of Old, men and women who would have never hesitated to take up arms and take war to the enemy of their people. But his thoughts were interrupted by a thunderclap.
Despite his indifference to the festival, the movement of the throngs seemed to herd him toward the festivities. As he moved with the crowd he looked around for more dwarves.
@Rogar: As you come back to the churchyard, you see the marked Shoanti cleric, Cadas, working at the Rusty Dragon's pavilion on the southern edge of the clearing. From that direction, walking up the hill are Smoke with Robin in tow.
You also see Tinuviel walking around the edge of the churchyard, waiting for the show to start.