Here we go! Take a look at my profile page for some links on typical play-by-post styles, if this format is new to you.
The streets have been busy, but the day has brought few customers. Most of the out-of-towners are here for the Swallowtail Festival, and aren't looking for any magical components or scrolls. Perhaps alchemist's kindness will sell the morning after.
Your partner, Dominic, finishes the entry in his logbook and closes it with a heavy sigh. "You know, maybe we need to diversify... there just aren't enough wizards in Sandpoint to cater to. Maybe if we spent more time on the fireworks, and less time on the written materials...? He trails off, the same way he does every time he raises the issue. Dominic is a good partner, but he's also a good friend, and won't push you too hard. Besides, things aren't that bad, yet. You almost made the rent last month, and if that Chelaxian hadn't stiffed you with silver coins dipped in gold wash, you would have even made a profit.
In the back, young Eadwig bumps into the wall again, watching the crowds out the window when he should be sweeping. "Ed! Pay attention!" Dominic groans. "I don't want another disaster like last month! Sweep up, and then you can go and check out the crowds." Eadwig seems to notice where he is for the first time, and smiles, a big friendly smile that drives young ladies into fits of giggles. He spins the broom around like a baton, grins again, and goes back to sweeping the floor.
The crowds are building, especially across the street at the Rusty Dragon, a popular watering hole. You should probably cover the windows with the storm shutters tonight - the weather seems fine,
but who knows what sort of storm may blow into Sandpoint with this crowd?
After a long day on the road, you are very glad to see the village of Sandpoint appear ahead. Over the past hours the road has become almost crowded, with farmer's carts, the occasional rider, and even a brilliantly-painted circus train all sharing the route towards the Light of the Lost Coast.
You recall the old farmer you passed a few hours back, and his tale of goblins and demons and who knows what else that lives up on the Devil's Platter, the high bluff of rock that lies just south of the road. Yet nothing attacks you as you pass the strange high hill, and soon the foreboding is erased by the sounds of a friendly village preparing for a festival.
The road turns south, leading to Sandpoint's North Gate - an overly-detailed name, since it is the only part of the town that is walled, and so it is the only gate. A steady stream of people pass through the large wooden doors, held open by a pair of bored-looking guards leaning against them. The guards seem to ignore most folks, although they do seem to stop those in traditional Varisian costume and ask them a few questions. The guards don't even glance at you as you pass within the walls and enter Sandpoint. Immediately ahead is the White Deer Inn, a three-story building with a raucous common room. ON the left along the wall is a cemetery, but the main attraction is the new Sandpoint Cathedral. A massive stone edifice with amazing stained-glass windows, the Cathedral seems out of place in as rustic a place as this. Still, obviously someone feels the town merits such an architectural marvel, and you look forward to the opening tomorrow morning.
You've heard that the Rusty Dragon is a good inn, if a bit rough; the White Deer is usually more formal, but with the number of people already in its common room, you wonder if there will be any places to stay at all.
Spotting the cemetery is a shock to Casca, bringing forgotten pain to the surface. His mother's grave would be in Magnimar but others suffered that summer, he would pay his respects to them. He makes a clumsy excuse for some privacy to Zeldanna "The Deer looks full and I'm excited for something other than trail-soup. I have something to do, then I'm heading to the Dragon. Meet you there?"
Alone or not, Casca walks through the cemetery slowly reading names and dates looking for a group from 4706. What drove the Chopper to such aimless destruction? What happened that could drive a man to such?
Zeldana walks through the crowds with her Casca. She welcomes the crowds, it's a small comfort because of her time in Nerosyn, where an empty street could mean a demonic ambush of some type. However, as she walks down the streets, something is slightly out of place. And it takes her a while to figure out what it is.
Everybody is happy here. A far cry from Mendev where the war weary crusaders are tired of fighting an endless fight.
When Casca asks for some privacy, she looks at him quizzically. Something is on his mind, she muses. Sure Zeldana says. I'll take a look at some of the stalls around here and then meet you there. By the way, what is that? She points to a large ruined stone edifice tower that's standing on the shoreline.
“Go easy on the kid. Girls are in their best and Desna may bless him today and send him to explore the world. If the tales are true. Think about it, how can he not be a little distracted? At his age, all I cared about were stories about adventures and slaying dragons. At least he has a second interest.” Vailic says finishing the last scroll for the day. Looking up he sees the boy blush and presses no further.
“The endure elements scrolls are selling decently to sailors but it’s hard to move the rest of the product. So, I concede the point. For now,” Smiling wryly.
Ponderously Vailic muses, “We will need to build some capital to re-stalk the way you want and I can’t make that stuff myself so the margins will be tight. But, we should try. Offer my services to costumers if they need arcane training, tutoring, antiques identified, anything I will do it. If the temple needs help with healing, or scrolls I can do that too. Maybe they need help putting together a library. That would be a dream come true.”
Clearly and more confidently now, “I will work as much as is needed; we will make this work.”
Walking about the store taking inventory and tidying, “I’m excited to see the festival this year.”
“I did not really participate last year. No one was unfriendly to me but being new, I still felt out of place,” he said reminiscently.
“ED. Please deal with the shutters. You're much more suited to the job than I. I can finish in here.”
The final shutter clacks in place tightly. Vailic walks across the creaky floor to a board partially covered by a storage shelf, lifts it, and places the most valuable products in the stash. “You can’t be too careful, even good people succumb to temptation in the midst of a party.”
Forming arcane symbols with his hands he replaces the dust over the board as if it had never been moved.
The shop, clean and tended, is simple and unassuming. Closed, you may barely notice the grey brown planks of dry old wood amidst the grey brown planks of dry old wood of surrounding buildings.
“I’m going to walk around the temple, then head to Rusty Dragon. I will see you both there”
Casca misses Zeldana's question as he heads into the cemetery. The graves along the city wall are fairly old, but as you head closer to the main grounds you come across a series of them that all date from the summer of 4606. Deverin, Sorn, Bartus, two Korvuts, two more Deverins... all with death dates a day or so apart. Some of the graves have fresh flowers on them, and all have been well-tended. At the end of the row, a large marble monument catches your eye. It's not a grave marker, but a memorial which at first you take to be similar to those the Crusaders put up in memory of various battles. It reads:
In Memory
Victims of Jervis Stoot
4606 A.R.
Wade Deverin / Arden Russel / Enderak Sorn / Vernah Povali (Riddleport)
Samuel Taab (Magnimar) / Trent Thorn / Torsten Deverin / Fodor Pagle (unknown)
Dovid Chuus / Gillington B. Lossiven (Magnimar) / Barth Sellers / Norah Quinn
Kalie Magravi / Melville Bartus / Vara Bartus / Stenly Bartus / Lina Hays
Louis Coln / James Little (unknown) / Clyde Daris / Gregor Kesk
Simon Korvut / Madellin Korvut / Meredith Qui / Liandra Volso (Magnimar)
and
Casp Avertin, who gave All in pursuit of Justice
At the foot of the memorial is a silver urn, containing flowers that must have been cut this morning.
As you read the names, you catch sight of a strange-looking old man across the cemetery, standing there and looking at you intently. As you notice him he immediately looks away, and turns to head back towards the Cathedral. He walks with a pronounced limp, and something about the shape of his robes suggests a form not quite human.
Zeldana watches Casca disappear into the crowd, her question lost amid the sounds of a happy village. Despite this, her question is answered, by an elderly man who happens to be passing her on the street.
"That? Why, that's the Old Light, child. 'S been here since before there was anyone living here. Ruin of a previous age, they say. Musta been a lighthouse, they say." The man looks her up and down. "You must be here for the Festival," he opines. "Good, good. Need some fresh blood around here! Enjoy your stay in Sandpoint, girl! If you like old ruins, you should go see old Quint, the shop closest to the Old Light. Talk your ear off, but he does know a thing or two about history." He smiles politely and starts to move on. "Just watch out in crowds like this, you never know when a Szcarni'll come and pinch your purse when you're not looking!"
Dominic replies to Vailic's comments. "Well, last year we didn't really have much to celebrate at festival time... people still had the Late Unpleasantness on their mind, and with the debate about who they'd bring in to run the Cathedral... people were still a bit off." He smiles. "I'm right glad they decided to promote Father Zantus, instead of bringing in some hoity-toity from Magnimar... it just wouldn'ta been right, with all Abstalar's done to help everyone get through... all that." His face darkens slightly, feeling wounds that thought five years distant still haven't healed.
"Well, enjoy the Festival," Dominic says. "If you see Eadwyg getting into trouble, cuff 'im in the ear for me!" He suddenly realizes the physical impossibility given your relative heights, and flushes. "Sorry, I just keep forgetting you're not..., I mean,... you know, ..." he trails off.
...So many... I had no idea... Casca stands and reflects quietly in his own way for several minutes; reading the names one by one, attempting to commit them to memory, wondering if those with the same last names were siblings, parents, children. He has suffered but this town has suffered much more. I will bring flowers tonight or tomorrow.
What strange fellow. He looked off... Casca makes a mental note of the color and cut of the robes before returning to the task at hand. It was cold to ditch Zeldana like that and being on road meant he had received no updates from his brother, he had to just hope plans haven't changed.
Stomach grumbling he heads for the Dragon.
“I can’t think of anyone better to mark an end to this awfulness than Father Zantus. He knows the town and its troubles as well as anybody.”
Placing a hand up to reach the forearm of Dominic, Vailic says softly, “Today Desna blesses us with new beginnings.”
Perking up, “remember there is nothing wrong with the occasional hoity-toity outsider," Vailic says with a wink, adjusting his jewellery so it sits nicely against his bright robes. He walks out the door with shadow the grey rabbit in tow.
Zeldana calls, Thank you! to the departing man before turning her attention back to the shops that line the street. She breathes in the atmosphere of fun and amusement, and genuine smile graces her face as she walks towards the monument the man had identified as OLD LIGHT.
Zeldana was a bit of a history buff herself. Talking with this man called Quint would be fun. Varisia had a long past of forgotten myths and this man sounded like an expert.
But then she remembered Casca, and the meeting place. Oh no! Zeldana thought in panic. She quickly looked around. Where is this Rusty Dragon?? she wondered. And then just as quickly checks her belt for her money pouch.
Zeldanna smiles. It felt good to share something like this with a travelling companion.
Harrow cards are essentially tools of fate. Fate is fickle. Prosperity one day, poverty the next. The goal of the harrow cards are to help guide your decisions so you can achieve prosperity more easily. But to truly understand the harrow cards is to have a reading.
She removes her Harrow deck from her belt pouch. It's weathered edges speak to the age of the deck.
Is there a burning question you want answered? Perhaps a more mundane one? I can't guarantee an exact answer but I may be able to shed some light on one.
Something serious to start, if this is divine divination I would not burden you with fickle questions. Casca asks, fishing for some insight to the fount of this power. Several faiths will be sharing the Sandpoint Cathedral, will their differences drive a wedge between them?
Weeks ago, on the road:
Zeldana ponders the question for a moment, and then starts to remove cards from the deck. So each harrow deck is made up of 6 suits. Hammers, Keys, Shields, Books, Stars, and Crowns. Each suit represents an aspect of life. A question about war would indicate a Hammers suit, while love you would use the Crowns suit. But for morality and the Gods, one would definately use... Zeldana holds up thirteen cards all of them have a twinkling star ...the Stars!
She holds out the thirteen cards in a fan out towards Casca. They are facedown, card faces hidden by the angle of the fan. Choose one. This represents the card central to the question.
North along the river then east toward Festival Street where the excitement for the coming festival is truly palpable. Not more than 20 yards from Festival Street is Chopper’s Ally. He reminds himself to keep his eyes low as he passes.
Once past, Vailic cheerfully greets other merchants, “Hi, hope the day is good to you, and the tourist are look for something special to help remember the occasion.”
As he rounds a corner the temple comes in to view. What a monument, Vailic thinks. A soaring testimonial to goodness. To have something like this built in his town is amazing. When it opens, the world will see the beauty of the Sandpoint people. Pilgrims of all faiths will come to worship and support the city.
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Weeks ago on the road: [spoiler]
Zeldana tries to sound mysterious. As if she alone knows the meaning of the card. It doesn't come off well. Showmanship is obviously something she lacks.
The picture on the card shows an owl with eyes as old as creation. Clutched in its beak is a shiny silver needle with a long flowing thread.
The Owl. It represents the eternal wisdom of the natural order. Zeldana says this like she memorized it from a book. It is the harsh realism that has a pack of wolves culling a herd of deer. Tragic for the culled deer, but healthy for the herd as a whole. Since you asked about possible divisions in the divine, I would have to say that sometimes wedges do happen but they can be healthy for the group. I would say that since the different religions accepted them being together that it's good for the "herd" as it will. Keep in mind the needle can also bind life together as these different religions are bound together in the cathedral. I take this as a good omen.
Zeldana takes the card from Casca and reshuffles it back into the deck. She shuffles it several more times. Now that we know the central card of the issue. Let's see what the past, present, and future have in store for the cathedral.. Zeldana deals out a 3 by 3 grid of cards. After she finishes, she puts the deck aside. And with a look that is clearly meant to be ominous Let's see what we have, shall we? She starts flipping over cards.
Zeldana looks at the spread of cards in front of her and is quiet for a bit.
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Weeks ago, on the road:
Zeldana looks at the spread and then looks back at Casca
So the cards farthest away from me are the most positive. The cards closest to me are the most negative. The cards on the left column represent the past, the ones in the middle column are the present, and the ones on the right represent the future.
So there are many partial matches, they represent either the past or the future, good or evil but never both at the same time. That's interesting.
Zeldana points to the left column. At the top was two men looking at one another. In the middle was a man holding a poisoned dagger, and the bottom was a whirlwind. That card is the Twins. There was indecision in the past for the cathedral. As if there was a duality in the cathedral in the past. The next one is the Snakebite. A vile poisoned weapon. The death of an idea. The final one is the Cyclone. It is the force that tears through all opposition. It is the plan that destroys everything.
She points to the next column. This column is the present. The Winged Serpent is understanding that bridges knowledge and prudence. The fact that it is on the top represents that at present the faiths understand each other. But the Eclipse in the middle indicates there is stress in that understanding. She points to the last card in the column The Joke indicates a challenge must be overcome but not by physical means. By trickery and the fact that its partially misaligned means the joke is on us.
Zeldana pointed to the card in the upper right hand corner. It was a man holding a candle poring over a book. The Hidden Truth. It is the ability to see past the obvious to reveal a secret. The Marriage underneath is the union of people or ideas. It is new power to the Cathedral. The Sphinx is a mystic bringing salvation. But misaligned indicates that the journey could get lost.
All this indicates that there was a challenge to the cathedral in the past. But something in the future is saying that we have to see past the obvious and see what really happened. Otherwise, the salvation that it brings could be misplaced.
Zeldana leaned back. I don't know what it means exactly, but that what the cards are saying to mean.
Weeks ago, on the road:
Zeldana gathers up the cards again, but doesn't put it away. Instead she absentmindedly shuffles the deck while watching Casca sharpen his weapons. I don't know what Sarenrae is trying to tell us. To be honest, most of my learning how to do a harrow reading comes from a book I found in a dusty corner of a Nerosyn library. Zeldana laughs lightly. And it wasn't a great book either. Maybe when we are in Sandpoint I can find a true harrow reader.
Zeldana looks at Casca with an inquisitive look. What's it like? Sandpoint? I know it's a Varisian town but what's it like?
Vailic
------
As you wander the town, you notice the raised eyebrows and sudden starts that many of the visitors have at your appearance. While the people of Sandpoint have gotten used to you, it seems that most humans can't tell a wayang from a goblin from a kobold. Luckily, with the crowds you mostly pass unnoticed.
Passing Chopper's Alley, you are somewhat disturbed to see one of the local Szcarni, Nico Cuiza, giving a tour of the place to a group of gawking tourists. "... and right here is where they found the sheriff, all cut up with his eyes and his tongue ripped out! But I guess ol' Chopper got hisself cut, too, 'cus they found a trail a'blood that led right up to the coast, and up Stoot's stairs. Well, I guess they was afraid fer ol'Stoot, and they went a'runnin', but what they found..." The man's story trails off as you pass out of earshot. Just like the Szcarni to make use of the town's troubles to free a few coins from their owners.
The town square is already packed with festival-goers, and the various taverns have already set up their cookbooths for tomorrow's event. A small stage has been erected in front of the Cathedral's main gates. The gates themselves are sealed with a brilliant yellow-and-blue ribbon, and a town guard stands by them, surveying the crowd. The sounds of a happy town at evening are amplified by the addition of welcome visitors.
Zeldana
-------
With a start you check for your purse, and sigh with relief when you find it where you expect to, still heavy with your life's savings. As you look around to get your bearings, you see a sign just across the square: "The Rusty Dragon! Sandpoint's Best!" It's more of a banner than a sign, though, and it's strung up above a rough trestle table next to a large fire pit. Several burly men are moving large bags and boxes from a wagon to the area around the table, while a halfling woman checks off items on her list and clucks at the men to work faster.
"Oh, this isn't the Dragon, my dear," replies the halfling when you inquire. "The Rusty Dragon is on the south side. We're just setting up for the festival tomorrow - we're providing the lunch. Well, The RustyD ragon, Cracktooth's, the White Deer, Risa's Place... all of Sandpoint's establishments will be providing food for the festival."
She draws a little closer and looks around conspiratorially. "Of course, the Dragon's food'll be the best of the lot... always is!"
You turn to see a small, dark creature slipping almost silently through the crowd in your direction, seemingly unnoticed by anyone else. It wears brightly-colored robes adorned with metallic threads and a jeweled necklace. What do you do?
Casca
-----
You continue on through the cemetery and head towards the Rusty Dragon, Sandpoint's oldest tavern. As you approach, you find the area is already full of patrons, spilling out into the street in both directions. The small courtyard in front of the main entrance is packed with temporary tables, and dozens of people sit on chairs, barrels, hay bales, and each other to fit around them. Above the smells of warm beer and unwashed humanity, an amazing aroma wafts from the open kitchen windows.
"Gods, it's good to see you! It's been too long. Have you won the Crusade yet?" he smiles, then his eyes darken. "Pity he had to meet here... I hate this place, ever since..." he trails off. "You know." A moment of unspoken understanding passes between you.
"Anyway, I managed to get you the last room in town - you'll have to share a bed with your friend, what's her name again?" He looks around, somewhat confused. [b]"I thought you were bringing... oh, what is her name? Maybe you won't mind having to share a bed, hey?"{/b] He winks and elbows you, trying to making you blush as he always did when you were younger.
Zeldana moves to the side and allows the dark being to pass. She tries to identify it.
Vailic smiles at some acquaintances unloading a wagon, and a halfing woman he has chatted with once or twice, but they are busy and don’t seem to take notice him. It’s good for the town, he reminds himself, mustering a smile, and drawing his hood.
Pausing briefly, he makes eye contact with a Varissian woman who is looking at him. But, not the ways others are. There is a curiosity in her eyes. Not just about him but a much deeper curiosity.
He finishes pulling his hood up and walks past. Quietly now, as if not to attract attention to himself he says, “If you are looking for The Rusty Dragon, it’s this way.”
Scolding himself he thinks, “You had to open your big mouth, you couldn’t just walk on by. Dominic warned you about talking too much.”
Awkwardly Casca attempts to steer the conversation away from traveling companions and beds. You look well, and I'm glad you made it. I saw the memorial on the way in, it is a nice thing. I'll come by Magnimar to see her on my return trip to Mendev. It was easier to speak of without using proper names, her, it, then; those brought less emotion to the surface.
The crusade is a long way from won, but a great many people are healthy and happy because of our efforts. And you, I'm sure you control every pound of timber entering and exiting Magnimar by now? Or did you focus on grain? Casca takes in the quality of Lushesciu's clothes quickly, I wonder how the family trade is doing?.
A grumble in his stomach brings Casca's focus the aroma wafting from the kitchen. Talk of business and war can wait, I can smell the kitchen and I've been eating trail rations for a month. Let's grab a seat, a meal, a drink, and speak of this festival!
I hope he was joking about the room... I have my bedroll if he wasn't... I wonder if Zeldana's snoring will be worse in an enclosed space?
Zeldana blushed a beet red as she realized that not only had she been staring at the poor being, but also that he noticed.
Uh, yes. I am looking for the Rusty Dragon. An associate of mine is meeting me there. Would you mind escorting a tourist? Zeldana said lamely.
Great job, Z. Zeldana scolded herself silently as she fell in step with the smaller person. Be more awkward, why don't you?"
She put on a smile to her face and out loud she said, Are you from around here, Mr?
”No need to be so formal. No misters, call me Vailic.”
Okay just show her to The Rusty Dragon and get away. She looks uncomfortable she obviously doesn’t want to be seen with you.
”To answer your question yes and no. I live a not far from where you are headed and I own a small shop on Market Street, but no I am not native to this city.” he stops himself from saying, “but you have noticed that” knowing she means no ill will.
Shyly Vailic says, “I’m not the most qualified tour guild, but I can try.” As they walk the streets Vailic points out the businesses he recommends and those to avoid. “This place here has great food,” he says and, “this one had beautiful jewelry but watch the emeralds, they are hard to find in this area so there is quite a mark up”. At each stop Vailic gestures subtly with just his head to not draw undue attention to the young lady.
Between stops when the crowd disperses a little he asks, “What brings you here Madam?” The question is immediately followed by a smirk.
Zeldana follows along with Vailic as he points out the various sites and shops of Sandpoint. She likes the subtle ways he moves and speaks and finds herself liking him more and more. While every now and then he does draw an odd stare now and then that just makes her enjoy his company even more. After all she was no stranger to unwarranted persecution herself.
When he asks what brings her here, a big smile comes across her face. Well Vailic, first of all my name is Zeldana and I must say it's a real pleasure to meet you. To answer your question, I'm here for two purposes really. I'm here to witness the consecration of the new Cathedral and I've never been to Varisia before so I thought this would be a fascinating journey for me.
All the books I've read about Varisia do not do it justice. How can a page out of a book accurately describe...well that!" Zeldana points off towards Old Light.
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Vailic affirms warmly.
“The new Cathedral has a special place in my heart and in the heart of this city. It means a new beginning for all of us. I hope your adventures in Varisia lives up to the tales. I enjoy a story of heroes myself, so much so that I went sailing about he Inner Sea before settling here.”
Pausing to think, “The Old Light House is something I have been meaning to research, but I have been so busy working that I keep putting it off. If I learn any exciting stories about ancient runes I will let you know.”
They travel a little further.
“Well, this is The Rusty Dragon Sandpoint's finest,” raising his eyes to the sign. “The ceremony should start soon. You should find your friend.”
“I will find a corner to watch from. I seem to be bothering some of the tourist and I would not want to spoil their experience.” Vailic looks about at the crowd and before beginning to walk towards a break between bodies says, “Be well,” and bows slightly.
I will not have Zeldana suffer my association any longer. Calling attention to here, in such a way, may make her and her friend targets of pickpockets or worse.
Zeldana watched her new friend begin to walk away Wait, don't go. she said catching up to him. Come and have a drink with us. It's always better to make a new friend.
She gently touches him by his shoulder and tries to steer him inside of the Rusty Dragon. Even if my friend is here, the more the merrier. You can catch us up on the Cathedral and how it came to be. And if my friend is not there... Zeldana drops her voice and tries to sound ominous. She fails spectacularly at being mysterious. ...I can always try to read your future by doing a Harrowing!
Zeldana takes out her deck of cards and begins to shuffle them. Consider it your payment for guiding my poor lost soul around town! What do you say?
Vailic is thrown by the friendliness of this outsider. Even the most open minded people on the ship took weeks to accept him. Contemplating the last 20min, it occurs to him, Zeldana is friendly. I hope it doesn’t get her in trouble. Maybe I can slip it in that she should be more on guard in the future.
“Well, one can only say no so many times before he is being rude and I pride myself on my decorum. So yes, I would be happy to join you.”
“And, may I say, you’re very spooky and mysterious though in the future, you should put a bit more time between a friendly invite and an ominous warning.” Vailic chuckles, “I should know, spooky and mysterious are a birthright for me.”
“I may take you up on that reading,” Vailic says quizzically, “but first let’s meet your friend,” and walks into The Rusty Dragon.
After taking your order, she returns surprisingly quickly with trays of steaming food and a pair of mugs. "The first round is compliments of the owner," she reveals. "After that you're on your own!" The Tien woman behind the bar catches your eye and nods.
As you eat, Luchesciu fills you in on the events in town. "So, the church burned down about five years ago, killed the priest and his daughter, and then the killings... I guess it's no wonder they want a fresh start. The clergy - Abadar's clergy, at any rate - hope this will be a new beginning for Sandpoint. If we're ever going to bring civilization to the rest of Varisia, Sandpoint will need to be a stable base." He drains his ale and looks around.
"So, all these folk are here for the Desnan festival - the Swallowtail Festival, they call it. Something about butterflies. I don't know why they chose that as the opening date - Market's Day would have been a better choice, but I guess it was a bit too early this year. Still, of all the gods, Abadar is the one they clearly need the most here. Anyway, we'll clearly play a leading role in the near future... probably lots of work here for devoted men... "
"So, what are your plans after the festival?" he asks.
Casca: before you can answer your brother's question, you spot Zeldana enter the Rusty Dragon. She looks around, and then seems to be talking to someone you can't see, perhaps a gnome or halfling lost behind the crowds.
Zeldana and Vailic: Knowledge (Arcane) will give you information about the Harrow.
And yay, we're all in the same spot! Go ahead and work out your introductions, and I'll pick things up after that.
Casca gives the server and then the Tien woman a questioning look. I appreciate the kindness, but what have we done to deserve this? Casca asks the server.
Spotting Zeldana through the crowd, Casca stands up and waves her over. Zeldana, over here! I saved you a chair.
While Zeldana and her short companion navigate the crowd, Casca does a double take of his brother, he had forgot how strong the devotion to Abadar was in the family. He sounded just like father. The rigidity of Abadar's order will not sit well with many Varisians, they are independent folk from what I've seen and heard. But will speak of that that and my plans after the festival later, introductions are in order.
Vailic walks over to the table.
Casca struggles to keep his shock from his face as his mind races. This creature is no demon that he knows of. Looking to the other patrons, the locals are not reacting to this creatures presence, while travelers are having varied reactions. Casca tries to spot the Tien woman or one of the servers, to see how they are reacting. It is too late to quiz anyone, by the time he caught a clear view of the creature it was already at his table with Zeldana.
Zeldana, welcome! We saved you a seat. This is my brother Luchesciu, Lushesciu this is Zeldana who joined me to witness the consecration of the new cathedral. Zeldana, care to introduce your new friend? Casca keeps his tone polite, but the question of how and what is this creature is clear on on his face.
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Zeldana moves towards Casca with Vailic in tow. While she sees some people reacting poorly to her new friend's presence she ignores it. Casca upon seeing Vailic also has a carefully composed question on his face.
Casca, scimitar extraordinaire in service to the Dawnflower, may I introduce you to Vailic hero of lost souls who then guides them back to establishments like the Rusty Dragon.. Zeldana laughs lightly at her own joke and then drops into the offered chair and then looks around for another one that Vailic can occupy. Seeing one, she reaches over and offers it to Vailic.
And this must be your brother! Zeldana says warmly holding out her hand to to the other companion at the table. Zeldana, servant of Sarenrae, pleased to meet you Mr...?
Vailic, 'Guide of Lost Souls' is an admirable title. Sorry about my initial shock. Casca is relaxed by Zeldana's joke and introduction, the absence of pitchforks and torches helps too.
Casca grimaces, knowing that this will be rude; Vailic, what manner of race are you, where do you hail from, and what is your trade? I am ignorant here, redeem me with your words. Whispers in the dark and uncertainty leads to suspicion and hate. Zeldana's own story attests to that. Fear comes from the unknown, hate comes from fear. Bring light to the unknown and ignorant hate will not hold sway, even if that light burns.
Vailic walks to each of the brothers and shakes their hand.
Addressing Casca, “I can see why you two travel together. You are both very kind.”
Glancing back at Zeldana, “I am happy to accept any title bestowed upon me. Vailic 'Guide of Lost Souls'. I like that.”
“I must say it is much better than ‘that little purple fellow’.”
Still a little off guard by the openness of this large man he asks, “are all followers of the Dawnflower so forward?”
Answering his own question, “If so I may come to love the light even more.”
“I am a Wayang. To a worshiper of Sarenrae I must be quite an oddity. My kin are found mostly in Tian Xia, we are shadow folk.”
These brothers…their features are similar but Casca hands have seen effort and toil in a way his bothers have not. His eyes however seem kinder, despite his size.
“There is no need to apologize my friend. It may come as a surprise, but I have looked this way my whole life and in that time people’s reactions have not changed much. It is what they do next I am most concerned with.” Vailic offers a forgiving smile.
Proudly he says, “My trade is magical goods and services but I’m working on expanding that into a world-wide trading company. I’m still unsure of the steps in between. Maybe your brother has some wisdom to share.”
"I would love to know your stories"
At the mention of Tian Xia, Casca again glances to the Tian woman. I would rest easy hearing a local vouch for this man. "The followers of Sarenrae are a varied lot. We come from the Worldwound and Mendev, the Mendevians are a forward lot. It is a choice they make, forwardness of paranoia."
"Wayang" Casca sounds out the unfamiliar word. "What do you mean shadow folk? Are your people from the Tian darklands?"
"Careful asking Luchesciu for wisdom," tossing his brother a wink, he adds "make sure you negotiate the price before the trade."
Casca sips on his beer and loosens some of the buckles on his scale mail. Food, then lets see about this room Luchesciu mentioned. I'm cooking in this armor. Can't wait to get it off.
"Your goods and services, are they divine or arcane? And can you recommend a local book store, Id like to know more about this Desnan holiday, the Swallowtail Festival. I took the library in Nerosyan for granted."
“’The forwardness of paranoia’ I like that. You have a way with words.”
“My people come form the plane of shadow. Most have settled in Tian Xia. From there my ancestors dispersed. Some indeed went to the darklands but that has proven to be very dangerous. Drow are vicious creatures. Our naturally dark skin and fondness for shadow has fomented a lot of hate among humans and other races. Because of that most of us have retreated from the world and now live in small insular tribes."
“I however, live much differently than my brothers and sisters. I embrace the light and the outside world. I have given up everything I know to do two things; help fund the temple, and fulfill my aspirations of being a businessman. I am starting from scratch to make my own way."
Vailic likes to talk but this is getting heavy. “You don’t need to be liked by every tourist,” he thinks to himself.
“As for my wares we specialize in the arcane but we have very recently decided to expand our offerings. I offer spell scribing services for a reasonable price and I can do this even for the divinely inclined if they are capable of casting the spell they want scribed. If you need, I would be happy to do some scribing on your behalf.”
“If you are looking for information, The Way North has maps, The General store may have books - there is an assortment of things there, Standpoint Boutique has many fine imported writings, and the monks in town keep a great library. I’m also going to petition the Cathedral to let me help build one for them. It’s a passion project of mine.”
“Now that I have talked you half to sleep please tell me about your journey here,” looking to the group.
Zeldana gives up on the response from Casca's brother and turns to Vailic.
As my companion said, we are from Mendev. As we were finishing our training at the temple in Nerosyn, Casca heard about the new Sandpoint cathedral being raised here. Even though I am Varisian by nationality, I had never had the opportunity to visit this great nation.
Before I could come, I read every book in the temple that even mentioned Varisia. I became quite interested in the history of this place. I even learned the ancient language. Did you know of the ancient empire known as Thassillon here? Zeldana knows she is starting to ramble on, but she gets too excited in the topic. Yeah they made huge monuments. There's one in Magnimar, there's another in Riddleport. They're all over this place!"
And somebody else said that there's a local history buff named....Oh what was his name? Quinn or Quink or something who knows a lot of this place and it's history. I would really like to meet him.
But our first priority is the temple. When does the festival start again?"
It looks like it should be starting any moment now.