The day of the Swallowtail Festival is an auspicious one with clear blue skies and pleasantly warm weather tempered by a gently cooling breeze off the bay. As the citizens of Sandpoint gather together to make merry for the occasion, talk is rife about the new cathedral, the pleasant weather boding a comfortable winter and a new age of prosperity and peace for the town.
Travelers from all over the region stream into town by foot, on horse or driving simple farmwagons loaded high with produce and children. As you make your way toward the new church's square, you see what seems to be countless tents and stalls set up to offer food, clothing, crafts and souvenirs. Almost the whole town is gathering around and you catch sight of many a friendly face.
Tulip Highgarden:
The scene before you is just the way you like it: crowded with people who are quite distracted by everything that's happening around them. You're able to make your way through the crowd at leisure with hardly anyone aware that you're even there. You are in a sea of tall folk with small leather purses tied to their hips, many of them bulging more than they might on more typical days, a constant allure.
Feel free to make any appropriate checks if you like.
While you're passing some of the tents setup for locals and out-of-towners alike to sell their goods, a hand reaches out of the crowd and grips you by the elbow. You turn to see Jargie Quinn from the Hagfish balancing rather precariously on his pegleg.
"Are ye being good, child?" He looks you over with a careful eye though his constant grin is still in place. He leans close and whispers in your ear, "Have a care. I hear that one of yer 'ther friends has been looking for you. Something about a 'favor.'
Reminder; an NPC picture and some notes were sent to you in email regarding Quinn.
Korum Tarrickson:
You've been making your way through the crowd as expected of you, a wide presence carrying your Dorn-Derger looped over your shoulder. The crowd tends to get out of your way as you walk, though this isn't at all surprising for you.
Sherrif Hemlock had instructed you, along with the other guards and most of the militia, to keep an eye on things. After regretfully eying a beer booth set-up by some of Ameiko Kaijitsu's employees you take some satisfaction in seeing the sherrif moving toward the front of the square, grasping a sheet of parchment in his clenched fist and muttering something under his breath.
Busy as the streets are, everything seems to be in order. The crowd is in a pleasant mood and no one appears to be itching for trouble. All of which is making you feel rather bored. You see a number of people you recognize; Tuck Kenley, the shy half-orc is helping out at Ameiko's booth. Another half-orc stands not far away at the Hagfish booth; Gorvi the street sweeper, who has one large wineskin in one hand and is busy tilting back his head and squeezing a stream of red into his mouth with the other.
Savah Bevaniky is between the two booths with a table full of her costly wares; one table contains blades of all types, and another has some more unusual weapons arrayed before her.
The NPCs I named above are part of your write-up. You'll find NPC pics and some details in there. Feel free to interact with the crowd as you like. Also, give me a perception check.
Weejon Umber:
The crowd gathering in front of the new cathedral is an impressive one. When you first entered Sandpoint you hadn't imagined that so many people could crowd into such a small town. Father Zanthus had told you earlier that morning that he hoped to have a crowd such as Sandpoint had never seen before and from what you can tell his hopes have been realized.
As you make your way around the square, looking at the various booths and tents that have been set-up, you see someone you recognize.
A tall human dressed in fine clothing is moving through the crowd to your right (as you face the cathedral) his back straight as a rod in a manner you've seen before. Though it has been some time since you've seen him, you recognize Sir Jasper Korvaski, one of your old contacts from your merchantman days. Just as you realize who he is, he sees you and stops a moment before moving gently through the crowd toward you.
"Is that you, Weejon? I never thought to find you here on such a blessed day! How are you, old friend?" He reaches out to clasp your hand with his.
Tuck Kenley:
Ameiko Kaijitsu asked you to help out at the small booth she has had set-up to sell drinks and small snacks to the crowd. Though you're not at all comfortable in such a large group of people, you're comforted by having a task to focus on and the stall is a busy one as people approach for a swallow of ale or one of the small pies Amekio has arranged to have in stock.
Busy as you are, however, you still see a familiar dwarf looking around at the various booths. Korum Tarrickson is one of the townguards who is a frequent visitor to the "Dragon" and it's comforting to see his familiar bulk so close.
You have to focus again on your work, however, when an older man wearing simple farmer's clothes approaches the table.
The stranger eyes you suspiciously for a moment but then he simply shakes his head and wipes a sheen of persperation from his forehead.
"I'll have a mug of ale and one of them pies," he says.
Give me a perception check, please.
This is just the introduction portion of the AP. Respond with whatever actions you'd like to take and provide any rolls if I asked for them. You may keep it in spoiler text if you like, particularly if your actions don't involve any of the other players just yet. Welcome to the game, everyone!
An enormous man of 6'6", Weejon is dressed in the vestments of a cleric of Desna. His dark hair and thin beard is streaked with gray. He has a simple club at his broad waist and a longspear strapped to his back. A starknife is visible at his left shoulder as a mark of his faith that is accompanied by the exquisitely crafted silver with butterfly that hangs on a silver chain around his neck. The butterfly's wings are outlined with blue lapis highlights. To complete the ensemble, Weejon wears a velvet hat with a jaunty white feather.
DM:
Weejon accepts Jasper's hand with a grin. "Sir Jasper! I hadn't thought to see you here either. I'm freshly come to Sandpoint, here to see the ceremony. Is this where you run your Merchant's Guild then?"
Tulip's hands itch as she passes all those fat purses but she hadn't come to town prepared to lift purses. She was too busy watching out for one of the Sczarni to bother with that and it was that degree of self-preservation that had led her to wearing armor, even though she found it hampered her movement.
Still, as alert as she tried to be, she hadn't expected the hand on her elbow and almost shrieked with panic when it happened.
The relief she feels when she sees who it is made her want to cry. This is ridiculous, she thinks to herself angrily.
Jargie's words of caution brings the fear rising right back up again.
"For a--a favor? I don't...I don't want to do that anymore." She finds herself searching through the crowd again.
"Do you know who is looking for me? Where were they?"
Korum looks at Gorvi draining his wine skin and sighs. He tugs his beard with irritation, secures the Dorn-Derger and strides over to where the half-orc is drinking.
"I hope that's your first drink today, Gorvi. Because if it's not, we might have to have one of your boys pick you up and toss you off the Edge!" He bellows with laughter to show that it's a jest, mostly, and leans a little closer to get a better idea of just how drunk the sweeper is.
Jargie's expression turns to sympathy, combined with a hint of relief.
"Do you mean it? Are you done with them, girl? Because if you are, then I'll do what I can to see you free of them."
He smiles and touches her chin tenderly. "You're better than they, honey. I've told you that before, right? Never mind who it is...I don't know his name. I just heard the word, taken from other ears. You stick with me and everything will be right."
Korum:
Gorvi scowls and spits at your feet. "T'aint any of your business how much I've had to drink or how much more I intend to swallow. It's celebratin' time, h'ain't you heard? A man's got a right to a drop or few."
You're pretty sure this isn't the first of his drinks today nor is it like to be his last.
Gorvi's eyes flicker past you and light on someone else. He smiles, a slow cruel smile. "Might be instead of bother'n me, you ought to keep your eyes on somethin' smaller."
He points to a young halfling girl who seems to be clinging to the arm of a man you recognize as Jargie Quinn, the proprieter of The Hagfish. It's a decent place to buy a meal but the mascot Hagfish behind Quinn's bar always ruined the atmosphere for you.
Weejon:
Jasper nods, looking around at the crowd and up at the new cathedral. "Yes, this is indeed my home. It's a fine town with a bright future ahead of it." He looks more closely at you, his eyes widening in surprise. "Abadar bless me, is that a holy symbol you're wearing? Don't tell me you've joined the faith? And with Desna, of all the Gods, bless us in their sight! I'd have pegged as a devotee of Abadar, if you had the inclination to revere any God before your coin!"
Tuck:
The man looks somehow familiar to you, but you're not sure from where. As you hand the beer over to him, he takes a long pull and shakes his head.
"Nay, I lived here some years ago. Had to move out to take care of some family business." He takes a long swallow and looks around. "Lots of people here today...it's a good thing. Saw signs of goblins running about outside of town, but no chance of them messing around here with so many about."
He drains his mug and passes it over. "Give me another. And where's that pie?"
Tuck frowned at the mention of goblins but handed over the pie and refilled the beer. He accepted the coin and watched the man wander off, troubled. He wished he could remember where he knew him from. He also wished he could have thought of some questions to ask about the goblins. The farmer hadn't seemed particularly concerned about them but shouldn't someone mention that to the authorities?
He looked around for Korum but the dwarf had wandered off already.
Weejon laughed a deep, throaty sound that left belly and jowls alike jiggling under its force.
"Well truthfully, friend, it was Desna's idea. I was just a poor fool, following the allure of gold into a deep well that led to nowhere. Desna set me free and set me on the road."
He became more serious then. "Though truth be told, I have no idea where she'd have me go."
Tulip pulls away from the man and eyes him a little uncertainly.
"You were right, I shouldn't have gotten involved. But uh, I need to get going. I want a good spot to watch the speeches." She gestures vaguely into the crowd and before he can say anything, darts into the throng.
Korum glances at the halfling Gorvi points out and frowns. "I don't see anything wrong with her. As for yourself, I'm not here to bother you. Just reminding you that there's going to be a lot of people around and an extra number of guards keeping an eye on things. We wouldn't want anyone to waste the festival in a cellblock."
Spoiler:
Just so you know, DM, Korum is just going to keep an eye on things. Unless someone is actually going to cause trouble, I'm happy with moving on to the next scene.
Jargie Quinn starts to go after Tulip but loses her in the crowd and gives up, choosing to go back to his tent and keep an eye on things there.
Gorvi shrugs as he drinks another long stream of wine. "Suit yourself. I'll be good, I have no desire to ruin anyone's festival day." He belches loudly and wanders off.
Weejon:
Jasper smiles and claps Weejon on the shoulder. "The Gods work in their own way, truth be told. We must simply do our best to follow their wishes in whatever way we can." His eyes move over Weejon's shoulder as a stir picks up in the crowd.
"Ah. It seems that the speeches are about to begin. I must be off, but it would please me to share a meal with you if you've time before leaving Sandpoint. I'll watch for you later during the festival."
The paladin grips Weejon's forearm companionably and moves off through the crowd as everyone begins to turn toward the cathedral.
Tuck:
Shortly after the farmer wanders off, there's a moment of excited clamor from the main groups of people filling the square and you find a moment's respite as the customers take their purchases and move away. From your vantage you can just see four people heading toward the raised platform at the far end of the square.
We're going to get on with the opening ceremony at this point. Another post will follow. Also, I'm still trying to find the appropriate rhythm for my own posts...apologies for uneven tenses and perspectives. This is more difficult than I'd anticipated!
A wooden platform has been set up before the cathedral and four well-crafted chairs have been placed behind a podium. As the four speakers step onto the stage the crowd begins to quiet until only shushing sounds remain. Sherrif Hemlock, looking very uncomfortable, takes a seat and glances down at a crumpled roll of parchment in his hand. Cydrak Drokkus waves to the crowd and bows as he takes his seat and a number of people in the audience break their silence to laugh or call out his name.
Father Zanthus, looking quite pleased at the attendence, takes the final seat. He's dressed in brilliantly white robes with colored slashes that represent each of the 6 gods that have chapels in the great cathedral behind him.
The mayor, Kendra Deverin steps up to the podium as her fellow speakers take a seat. A woman in her late 40's, she still bears the beauty of her youth in the flowing locks of her white streaked brown hair and the clear blue of her eyes. She smiles down at the crowd and says in a clear voice,
"Welcome to dedication of Sandpoint's cathedral. All of you know the words that mark the entrances into our beloved community: 'See yourself as we see you.' Well today, fellow citizens, visitors, family and friends, see your cathedral as the world will see it!"
She turns to the side and holds her right hand out to show the beautiful building behind her. The crowd applauds enthusiastically, and no small number of cheers are cried out. Behind Mayor Deverin, a single small tear works its way down the Father's cheek.
Kendra lets the people look at the cathedral for a few moments more and then holds up her hands for silence. "Thank you all for coming today to share in our joy, not just at the completion of our cathedral but in celebration of the Swallowtail festival. I know many of you have come from your farms and homes outside of Sandpoint itself. Some have perhaps travelled many miles to be here. We're so glad to have you."
There is more applause and Kendra beams. "Of course, we're also very excited to see so many of our local citizens here as well! I am so pleased to see my friends and neighbors. Why, even Larz has managed to take himself away from the tannery long enough to take part! Welcome, Master Rovanky!"
A number of people laugh at that, though the tanner looked as though he'd swallowed a lemon, even as the folks around him clapped him on the back and shoulders.
The mayor speaks on for a few more minutes, emphasized her pride in the community, the way everyone came together after the events of the Late Unpleasantness and how far Sandpoint has come in the years since. An excellent speaker, she brings a few more laughs out of the crowd and finally steps away from the podium to thunderous applause.
Sherrif Hemlock stands as the mayor takes her seat. He walks to the podium, loudly clears his throat, looks out at the crowd and clears his throat again. He puts his parchment down on the podium, glances at it and then looks up at the crowd one more time.
"Ahem. As Mayor Deverin has said, you are all welcome to the festival. Let me remind you, as Sheriff of Sandpoint, that safety is my foremost concern. While enjoying the festival remember moderation and be especially careful around the bonfire this evening. Insobriety can easily lead to accidents and I don't want to see anyone harmed"
He put the parchment away and then looked up, his face stern and filled with regret.
"Now, I'd like to take a moment of silence in rememberance of those who lost their lives in the fires when we lost our cathedral."
The crowd, so enthusiastic a few moments before, look uneasily at each other as they grow silent. After a few moments, Sheriff Hemlock nods curtly and returned to his seat.
Cyrdak Drokkus, owner of Sandpoint's theater, stands and makes his way to the podium, all smiles. "Thank you, Sheriff, for that lovely memorial. Though I must confess I suddenly find myself rather thirsty, despite your precaution!"
The crowd laughs and suddenly the festive atmosphere was back. Drokkus gave a short speech with a great deal of humor and amusing anecdotes regarding the financial contributions given to support the building of the cathedral and some details about the actual construction.
"So please, enjoy our new cathedral and enjoy the festival! And remember, even when the festival has come to an end there are other ways to enjoy our fair town. The Sandpoint Theater will be showing a new production on the morrow, 'The Harpy's Curse,' a tale of heartbreak, sorrow and glorious heroism lead by non other than the incomparable Magnimarian diva Allishanda!"
He steps away from the podium to cheers and shouts of excitement.
Father Zanthus is the last to stand and he opens his remarks with a blessing to all that have come to attend the special day. "I have little more to add to what my colleagues and friends have already said. As you know, we have a lot of wonderful events planned for today as we have so much to celebrate. Please do take a look at the beautiful temple that we have been given by the grace of the gods and enjoy the day. Thank you all, once again for coming. I pronounce the Swallowtail Festival officially begun!"
He raises his hands as the crowd cheers and throws colored leaves into the air in cheerful enthusiasm.
Tulip:
Just as the Father is sitting down, you catch a glimpse of young man with long sideburns and a scar across his forehead. It's Dethik Whoresson, one of the Szarni ‘scouts’ you’ve worked with in the past. He’s just caught sight of you and has begun pushing through the crowd in your direction.
Korum:
As soon as the speeches are over, Sherrif Hemlock steps off the stage and begins crossing the ground toward you.
"Korum," he says briskly. "I'll be heading back to the Garrison now. How is everything going so far? Any signs of trouble?" He leans close to you and you get the sense that he's trying to smell your breath.
Weejon:
You recognize Cydrak Drokkus, a former performer at some of the more impressive theaters in Magnimar. You've heard in the years since that he'd had some misfortunes and had left the city to open a playhouse outside of the city but had no idea it'd been done in Sandpoint. As the crowd turns away from the platform and begin to move back along the tents and stalls of the merchants, he catches your eye and lifts a hand in greeting.
Father Zanthus also sees you and beckons you up to the stage.
Tuck:
Now that the speeches are over, the people are heading back to your table, clearly looking to quench their thirsts. As you lift a new keg of ale into place and grab some mugs to pour into, a flicker of light catches your eye. Not far away there is a young man with ridiculous sideburns making their way down the side of his face almost to his mouth and a scar across his forehead. In his left hand he holds a small blade that is giving off the familiar blue glow of enchantment.
I'm taking a little liberty with Detect Magic for you to accompany your bio. I hope you don't mind.
Korum grins and leans close. "The only trouble I've seen thus far is the lack of a good ale to wet my throat and your ability to give a speech. You go on back to the garrison, Sheriff. We'll keep an eye on everything and I'll stay as dry as a rock in the sun."
Weejon huffs his way up the stairs to the stage and makes his way over to Zanthus.
"Father," he says in his familiar bellow, "That was a fine speech you gave, a very fine speech. And it's a beautiful cathedral and a beautiful day to celebrate it. I'm honored to be a part of the festivities."
Tulip sees Dethik coming and turns to run, squeezing past everyone in her way.
I don't know which way she'd like to go; how about you pick and we call it whatever direction works best due to the crowd. She mainly just wants to get away. I'm not sure what skills you think might work best so I'll just throw a few out there.
Escape Artist (for moving through small spaces in crowd):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Acrobatics (dodging through crowd):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Stealth (if she can find a place to hide):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Tuck straightens at what he sees, alarmed. His eyes scan the crowd looking for the target or, better yet, a guard.
Perception Check:1d20 ⇒ 7
Tel:
I don't mind the way you used Detect Magic in this scenario. In fact, I encourage it! Can we keep doing it that way for a while until he's had time to work out a better way to control it?
Also, Tuck will probably step away from the table (ignoring the customers) so he can see more clearly, if that makes sense.
I'm following up on Weejon separately because I gave him a completely separate action from the others.
Weejon:
Father Zantus smiles broadly. "That is very kind of you to say, Weejon. But please, call me Abstalar or even Zantus. I wanted to introduce you to some of my dear friends. Mayor, this is Weejon Umber, a cleric of Desna from Magnimar. Weejon, this is Kendra Deveron, our mayor and a stronger supporter I've yet to find."
The Mayor stands as takes your hand warmly. "We are honored to have you here, Father Umber. Thank you ever so much for coming."
Before Zantus can introduce Cyrdrak, the man steps forward and takes your hand in both of yours. "Weejon Umber, by the gods, I had never thought to see you in cleric's vestments!"
At the looks from the others, he smiles and explains. "Weejon and I go back some years. He was a frequent visitor to my performances in Magnimar and we came to be good friends before I...left."
His words catch for a moment but with a broad grin he continues. "How have you been, my friend? Surely there's a tale in your change of vocation!"
Tulip managed to force her way through the crowd, a little slowly at first but then her agility and size began to work to her favor as she began to twist and turn her body around those of the others, even springing onto her hands on one occasion to dodge the movement of a particularly large mother and her brood.
She heads toward the nearest sign of shelter, a row of tents and tables the merchants have set-up to sell and display their wares.
Just as she dodges past the first table she almost runs right into a large half-orc who has been scanning the crowd so avidly that he doesn't see her coming.
Tuck sees a female halfling stop at his feet suddenly, breathing hard from her exertions. There's no sign of any of the guards and he might just have found who the man might have been looking for...
Korum:
You spend the next few hours wandering around the square, meeting with the people you know and exchanging well-wishes. Nothing much occurs of note in your wanderings. I'll assume you just go with the flow and will thread you back into the storyline once we pick up with campaign events.
Weejon takes the hand of both the mayor and Crydrak with pleasure.
"Thank you both for your welcome. It's quite a festival you've got going here. Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time."
As he greets Crydrak, he smiles and laughs with genuine enthusiasm.
"I'd heard you found a better place to put on your shows away from all the politics of Magnimar. I can see why you like it here. And you got Allishanda to perform in your act? That's quite an accomplishment indeed. I'm glad to see you're doing so well for yourself."
He doesn't allow Cydrak's questions of his new position as cleric to diminish his pleasant countenance. "As to how I came to serve Desna? Well it is a good story that I'd be happy to tell you over a glass of sweet wine and a platter of good food. I am as well as I've ever been as I'm sure you can see!" He pats his belly with cheerful enthusiasm.
Tulip takes one look at the half-orc looming over her, remembers the expression on Dethik's face and makes an immediate decision. She nods and follows the man, recognizing as she passes the tables and the people manning them that she is at Ameiko's market stand, which makes her feel a little more assured.
She steps into the dim confines of the tent and turns to look uncertainly at the half-orc.
"Thank you, I..." she suddenly realizes that she doesn't even know what to say.
Tuck nods and turns to take a peek out the tent to make sure they hadn't been seen.
"I saw the man coming after you. He had a ma--he carried a knife." He stumbles over his words as he realizes what he had been about to say. "I didn't want to see anyone get hurt."
He turns to look anxiously at the girl. "Should I go find one of the guard?"
You have a warm conversation with the mayor, Zantus and Crydrak discussing the hopes of the community and their combined pleasure at putting the past behind them with the new cathedral as a monument to their hopes for a better future.
The mayor does not stay long, explaining that she had some things to see to. Zantus looks up at the sky and notes the time.
"We've plans to have a brief ceremony in Desna's honor at noon," he says. "Would you like to accompany my acolytes and I in the preparations, Weejon?"
DM Rolls:
Tuck's Perception Check:1d20 ⇒ 12
As Tuck and Tulip slip into the tent, the others working for Ameiko laugh and shake their heads before returning to their work as the lines get longer. Tuck's quick look through the tent flaps reveal no sign of the man with the knife.
Tuck smiles shyly. "It's the Rusty Dragon. Yes, I have been working for Ameiko for some time. I--my name is Tuck."
He glances toward the tent opening. "I didn't see him...the man who was chasing you. I think you're safe. But if you'd like to stay that'd be okay. I--I have to go back to work."
Weejon nods. "I'd be happy to help. Perhaps we'll meet later, Crydrak?"
The cleric follows Zantus off to provide whatever assistance he can offer.
Like Korum, I'm happy with just getting a summary of further events for now. Assume that Weejon works alongside Zantus until events require him to be elsewhere.
Crydrak makes plans to meet with Weejon later during the festival and welcomes him once again to Sandpoint before making his way off into the crowd.
Zantus leads Weejon back toward the cathedral where they find a number of acolytes praying for blessings of Desna that are clearly being answered. Hundreds of Swallowtail butterflies pour into the courtyard to alight on a wagon as the acolytes pray.
All this is preparation for a ceremony that'll be performed at noon. We can assume that you join the acolytes and Father Zantus in prayer to gather the butterflies and add a cover to the wagon so that they'll be safely hidden. We'll fastforward through the remainder of the afternoon.
Tuck returns to his work where his coworkers tease him a little about hiding a wee tart for later, making a blush plain on even his dark complexion. He does not see the man with the knife for the rest of the day.
After about a half an hour, Tulip slips out of the tent, smiles shyly at Tuck and disappears into the crowd. She wanders the merchant tents and tables for a while, looking at what's on display while keeping a wary eye for anyone who might be watching her. After a time she finds a burly looking dwarf wearing a constable's uniform keeping a keen watch on the crowd and only occasionally tasting from his waterskin. She stays within easy sight of him just in case there's any further trouble.
I'll be posting shortly a general summary of the events of the rest of the day until we reach an appopriate place to bring the focus back on the party.
The remainder of the day passes with a number of other exciting events. At noon, Father Zantus and his acolytes, accompanied by Weejon Umber wheel a covered wagon into the square while a few of the guardmen direct the crowd away.
Zantus stands beside the wagon and shares a parable about how Desna first fell to earth and was injured. As the story goes, she was nursed back to health by a blind child. In thanks for her aid, Desna transformed the child into an immortal butterfly who could drift with the wind for all of time.
As Zantus finishes the tale, Weejon and a few others pull aside the wagon's cover to unveil a thousand swallowtail butterflies that swirl into the air in a riot of colors, earning gasps of delight from the crowd.
As the butterflies flutter through the crowd, the local taverns all bring forward tables of food and drink, a free luncheon for everyone. The Rusted Dragon is represented with Ameiko Kaijitsu's curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead. The Hagfish and Jargie Quinn provide large bread bowls of lobster chowder while the employees of the White Deer offers platters of peppercorn venison.
The remainder of the afternoon is spent with people enjoying their lunches, chatting and laughing and celebrating the day in a thousand different ways. The merchants do remarkably good business and it seems clear to everyone present that the festival is a tremendous success.
As the day nears its end and the shadows began to grow long over the square, Father Zantus moves toward the stage once again and gestures to one of his acolytes.
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.
Please post a quick summary of anything else your characters may have done throughout the afternoon and your general position as the crowd gathers around the stage platform. Include, if you wish, anyone you might be standing with or near. We'll get moving just as soon as everyone has posted.
Tuck spends much of the day serving the meals that Ameiko has provided, and enjoying his own opportunity to sup on the savory salmon accompanied by her excellent mead. Ameiko also takes the time to share a cup of the mead, looking satisfied with the results of her efforts. Tuck explains in a harsh whisper the events that he witnessed involving Tulip. She nods with understanding and says he did the right thing.
After eating and cleaning up, Ameiko lets Tuck enjoy the rest of the afternoon on his own and he quietly wanders the merchant's wares until the sharp sound to summon the attention of the crowd comes.
Tuck finds himself pushed up toward the stage by the crowd and decides it'd be a lot less conspicious not to resist.
Just for the record, the interaction between Tuck and Ameiko is a summary of some discussion via IM with the DM.
Tulip spent much of the day staying near one constable or another, hardly daring to let any of them out of her sight. Twice she saw one of the other members of the gang, and both times she ducked out of the way. Her size and skill at hiding -- the very skill they'd so admired in her -- had kept her safe so far, so long as she was alert.
She did grab a bowl of chowder from the Hagfish tables, successfully avoiding both the people she feared and Jargie Quinn. She didn't want his sympathy right now, or his "I told you so" looks. At times she considered just sneaking out of town entirely but she didn't think it'd be wise. If they were looking for her in earnest it was likely that they'd be watching the gates.
Most of all she wanted to find the one member of the organization that she could talk to. That or find herself alone with Sheriff Hemlock and put herself in his mercy. The latter was the more dangerous but the first frightened her very badly too.
When the thunderstone was set off, she was already pretty near the stage since that was where the guards were standing. There were plenty of them there so she felt safer than she had all day. Then she saw the shape of Tuck with his cloak and hood and made her way through the crowd to him.
Korum's day had been exceedingly dull. The people were too happy to cause trouble and even Gorvi was behaving. He had been unable to stop himself from filling his waterskin with ale and sipping from it to pass the time. After the swallowtails were released and the taverns brought forth their meals, he stopped at each table and ate of what they provided, liking the peppercorn venison best. He went back for two more plates of that.
When the sun was finally starting to sink he made his way toward the front of the square to lean against the stage, arms crossed and staring out at the crowd. There was still no sign of trouble but he had high hopes that as the wine and ale flowed there'd be rowdy drunkards to contend with.
He took note of Tuck Kenley as he was swept up to the stage and smiled. He rather liked the half-orc, for all his shyness and uncertainty. It made him an easy target for pranks.
Weejon's favorite moment of the day came with the release of the butterflies. For a few moments after, seemingly hundreds of the butterflies surrounded around him, fluttering wings touching his cheeks, hands and heart. A few even gathered at his belly before lifting away on a breeze. He felt the touch of his goddess in every brush of the wing and was enrapt throughout.
When the moment had finally passed, Weejon knew with a warm certainty that he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
He'd hoped to speak to Father Zantus about his experiences and his hopes but the Father was extremely busy throughout the afternoon. Instead, Weejon enjoyed the lunch, especially the salmon provided by the Rusty Dragon.
Weejon met up with Zantus as afternoon grew late and helped out with a few things before approaching the stage, knowing when the thunderstone would set off. He stood at a side angle so he could watch the stage and the audience at the same time, and therefore made note of the strange cloaked man beside the halfling girl, admiring the contrast between the two. He smiled, thinking that the girl reminded him of Zantus' parable earlier that day. The girl looked half ready to turn into a butterfly and drift away at any moment.
Sorry, it was a busy night and afternoon for me. Ready to go now!
As the last rays of the sun fall upon the stage, Father Zantus clears his throat, takes a breath to speak and is shockingly interrupted by a woman's scream slicing through the air.
A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. As Father Zantus' pleasant expression turns to concern, a sudden surge of strange new voices began to drift through the air - 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, only moments ago awakened by loud clap of the thunderstone, gives a pained yelp and slumps to the ground with a gurgle. The people who can see the dog clearly step away with sounds of dismay as they realize that the poor beast's throat had been 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 may all make perception checks:
Perception DC 12:
Even in the confusion you are able to make out that the shape that raced by and killed the dog now hides at the edge of the wagon. It's a goblin, licking the blood from a wicked looking little blade with holes in the rusty metal. The goblin is looking excited at the crowd, perhaps seeking out a new target.
If you made the perception check, you get a surprise round action. If not, you'll be going on your initative.
Surprise Round first, anyone who made the Perception check acts before the bad guys. Round 1 will be Korum, Tuck, Weejon, Tulip, Bad Guys. Map sent via email.
When the screams started, Tuck involuntarily raised his hands and stepped back, right into some people behind him, one of whom shoved him back. He turned just in time to see the blurred figure move forward and the dog's bloody fate. So stunned was he by events, however, that he didn't know how to react.
Tulip's first thought at the sounds of terror was that they'd found her. She immediately went for her dagger and drew it, not caring who stood near her or who saw.
Move Action: Draw dagger. That's it for my surprise round.
Weejon turns at the sound of the dog's death gurgle but pauses as the strange song fills the air. He grimly looks back to the stage and shouts to Zantus, "Father! There be goblins here!"
Korum is already turning away from the stage when the screams begin and so he not only sees the creature that killed the dog but recognizes it. Even as the nearby cleric cries out the alarm, he realizes the same.
"Clear the way!" he roars and begins moving forward, pulling his Dorn-Dergar free from where it had been wrapped around his shoulders.
Some in the crowd see the goblin at the same time as Korum and Tulip does and many of them cry out in alarm and begin to move away. Others are already moving toward the cathedral in terror at the screams.
Father Zantus shouts from his podium, "Everyone to the cathedral!" A number here him and begin to push and shove forward but others are too busy looking in every direction to give heed.
Mayor Deverin, who was also sitting on the stage, stands and calls for the guards. Many of them find their way blocked, however, by the pushing and shoving mass of people.
Korum is the only one of the guards who acts quickly, pushing hurriedly through the crowd even before many of them have time to react. He makes his way over to the wagon where he is just out of reach from the creature that killed the dog.
Tulip also reacts with the instincts born of her days in the city, drawing a dagger and raising it in readiness.
The goblin, foolishly ignoring the approach of Korum, spots a girl crying for her mother not far away and steps a little closer to it, ever cautious, but licking its large lips with a black tongue. Move to D25.
Round One! Korum is first, followed by, Tuck, Weejon, Tulip, and the Bad Guys. Map updated.
Tuck watches, horrified, as the goblin steps out from under the wagon and heads toward the child. As the screams echo through the night, he instinctively recoils from the people pushing past him and feels energy ripple through his body.
Despite herself, Tulip feels excitement racing through her blood. All thoughts of the organization are gone; the goblin threatening the child was more important.
She ducks down and slips through the moving mass of people, keeping well hidden around their greater bulk.
Stealth Check:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 Using Stealth, move to F27, dagger still in hand.
Korum's attack on the goblin sails over its head as it lunges forward in an effort to grab the child's blonde hair.
Grapple Attempt:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
The little girl sobs as the goblin yanks her back against him, his ugly knife snaking around to her neck.
Tuck's Shield spell surrounds him, providing him protection from any attackers. Weejon, club in hand, moves toward the goblin attacking the girl even as Tulip moves steathily closer, hidden in the press of the crowd.
A shriek cuts through the sound of the crowd's terror, coming from the Savah Bevaniky's tables displaying wares from her armor. A goblin has jumped up onto the table and snatched a number of knives in his hand, cackling with glee.
A short distance away another goblin appears amongst the Hagfish tables, greedily sticking his hands into a pot and pulling out chowder to stuff into its wide mouth.
When Tuck saw the goblin on Savah's table, which was set-up right next to Ameiko's tent, his fear turned to something else. Everyone was running away and the little creature with all the teeth could do just...anything.
Most of the people were out of his way at that point and he was only dimly aware of striding across the square, heading for the larger table with Savah's more exotic weapons.
Double move to F15. He will grab a weapon seemingly at random in the next round (great axe as per equipment list).
Weejon keeps moving toward the goblin, rushing up to it and swinging his club with a battlecry, "Desna protects the little children and I am her instrument!"
Move to E25 and attack with club:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Damage:1d6 ⇒ 6 AC is dropped to 12.
The danger to the child spurs Tulip on. Still crouched low to the ground, even though most of the crowd has moved away, she eyes the goblin, judges the distance and throws the dagger with all her might.
Sorry for the delay. I didn't really want to write what happens next.
Tuck rushes toward the goblin that's leapt up onto the table. That same goblin, not fully aware of the half-orc's approach, casually throws a dagger at an older man who is still trying to get to the cathedral. The man stumbles as the dagger takes him in the shoulder but just manages to keep from falling and somehow manages to run even faster.
Ranged Attack with Dagger:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Oh my god. Confirm critical:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Whew! Damage:1d4 ⇒ 3
Showing absolutely no concern for the two men futilely waving their weapons or the dagger that flies harmlessly over his head, the goblin cuts the girl's throat.
In Goblinoid:
"No more pretty screams."
In the distance, the same song as before continues to be shouted.
He licks his knife blade as he lets the bleeding, gurgling body drop to his feet. Only then does he look to his attackers, red eyes gleaming in the firelight.
The goblin devouring the chowder in large handfuls reaches into a bag and drops some kind of bloody meat into the pot and mixes it up with a large wooden spoon.
