It is early morning in the quaint, seaside community of Sandpoint. The sun has just risen; its warm glow marking the first day of autumn. A gentle breeze carries with it the smell of the ocean, a whirl of leaves just beginning to tinge vibrant fall colors, and despite the early hour, the sounds of rejoicing.
It is finally the morning of the Swallowtail Festival. As you all know, this year's celebration is commemorating the loss of the cathedral to the goddess Desna in a fire that also tragically claimed the lives of Father Ezakien Tobyn and his adopted daughter, Nualia, five years ago, and its subsequent grand reconstruction.
The big day is finally here. The past year's work has drawn to a conclusion and today, the town of Sandpoint celebrates the reopening of its new Cathedral. You've been a part of its reconstruction, providing experience gained from your time near Korvosa under the tutelage of Callum Caverngas, your magical mentor.
You're standing near the stage, overseeing the final details of it and the podium - your contribution to today's festivities. Everything is going fine and a large crowd has already gathered. It's going to be a beautiful, relaxing day. The perfect exclamation point on the previous year.
Looking out over the crowd, you note the two Shoanti newcomers - both have been in town for only a few days. You've been meaning to introduce yourself, largely to discover if either had ever encountered giant attacks in their tribes or over the course of their journeys. Perhaps they will stick around and you can catch up with them later today.
Sunrise invaded your room at the Rusty Dragon Inn far too early this morning, in your opinion. You arrived late last night and managed to snag the inn's last free room, deciding that you should put off the inevitable "family meeting" as long as possible. Rising, you don your gear and head down to the great room of the tavern and inn to find it empty. It seems everyone has already headed to the town's square for the annual Swallowtail Festival. You know that this year's festival is going to be larger than previous years, and you're looking forward to not being forced to perform or participate in the various plays, speeches and ad hoc street performances of your youth.
You exit the inn and make the trek to the town square - perhaps the distraction of a festival will take your mind of the impending meet up with your family. On your way, you keep your cloak pulled high to keep a low profile. You don't run into a single soul.
By the time you arrive, the square is already full with people milling about, waiting for the festivities to begin.
You arrived in Sandpoint two days ago, but so far you've had very little success meeting with the town's influential leaders. They've all been busy preparing for today's Festival, and have promised to give you an audience after the festivities are complete. In the meantime, you've wandered the streets, taking in the small town and its sites.
You've been particularly drawn to the White Deer, a beautiful new tavern owned by Garridan Viskalai, a Shoanti whose parents were part of the Shriikirri-Quah (The Hawk Clan). Yesterday, he sat with you for hours, listening to your tales - he's confessed that he regrets his parent's choice to abandon the clan and settle in Sandpoint. And he's expressed frustration that his brother, Sandpoint's sheriff Belor Hemlock, has completely abandoned Shoanti tradition.
You made your way into town this morning, out of both curiosity and an internal sense of calling. It is a beautiful day and the energy in the crowd is boisterous and gay, but you are on alert - your internal voice is rarely wrong.
Arriving in the square you spot another Shoanti, marked by his tribal tattoos and tanned skin. You haven't met him yet, but perhaps there will be a chance once the festivities are underway.
You awake in your room at the Rusty Dragon Inn before the sun rises. You have agreed to help Savah Bevaniky, the owner of Savah's Armory, set up a small archery range this morning for today's festivities. Savah has become a friend and companion during your time here, often staying up in to the wee hours of the morning with you to share stories, eat the exotic foods the Kaijitu's are famous for, and drink the various spirits the inn offers.
Unfortunately, your sleeping hours are less enjoyable. You are haunted by dreams and visions of your tribe's attack. You awake often, anxious and sweating. You never forget why you have come to Sandpoint and your dedication to protect this community.
You arrive in the town square to find Savah's already arrived. You help her set everything up - a number of scarecrows painted with goblin faces, bales of hay and circular clay discs will serve as targets for those who want to take aim with a crossbow or short bow. The work is easy and Savah monopolizes the conversation, sharing her excitement about the coming festival activities.
After about an hour, the sun rises and the square begins to fill. There is a tangible feeling of excitement and joy in the air. You begin, for the first time since the attack, to relax and enjoy yourself a bit.
And so, you find yourselves in the town square in front of the magnificent basilica where a stage and podium have been erected amidst countless vendors’ tents and tables piled high with delicious pastries and tarts. Sitting and conversing quietly amongst themselves near the rear of the stage is a troupe of local notables.
An attractive woman with short auburn hair takes the podium. A hush falls on the crowd as she begins to speak.
"Greetings, friends! As most of you already know, my name is Kendra Deverin and I proudly serve as mayor of this great town. It is simply wonderful to see so many faces, both fresh and familiar, accompanying us on this fine day. To any first-time visitors in the audience this morning I wish to extend my personal welcome and hopes that you enjoy your stay here in Sandpoint. And to any of you that I see more regularly, thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to enjoy all of the attractions today's festival will have to offer. I think I even see Larz Rovanky has managed to tear himself away from his work at the tannery to join us. And to think that I often joked that I wondered what old Larz would be doing if he hadn't been spending all his time getting his hide tanned." Laughter erupts among the crowd and many eyes turn toward a serious looking man with a sour expression. Kendra pauses to wave at him with a warm smile before continuing. "Every citizen of this town has done their civic duty of keeping this community strong even in times of tragedy and for that you all have my thanks. I wish not to keep you any longer from the festivities. So without further ado, let me introduce someone who readily will. Belor, get up here. Sheriff Hemlock, everybody!"
After a round of applause a rather dour looking Shoanti man wearing an armored coat takes center stage and clears his throat after shaking hands with the mayor.
"Thank you, Mayor. Citizens! Even in the heat of celebration we would do well to remember the sad events that brought this day of merriment to us. And also let us not forget the poor souls that were lost but five years ago. I would like to invite you all to join me in a moment of silence to honor those lost on that fateful night. The sheriff lowers his head and most of the crowd joins him as he whispers prayers to Desna. There is an awkwardly long silence before he begins to speak once more. "In remembering, we don't allow mistakes to repeat themselves. I am of the understanding that there is a bonfire planned for this evening and I urge all of you, especially those with young children, to observe caution during this event. Please enjoy yourselves responsibly and know that my watch will never be more than a moment away." He pauses to briefly scan the crowd. "Cyrdak Drokkus, the proprietor of our local theatre would like a moment of your time before the celebrations get underway."
He gives a curt nod as the following applause is somewhat more muted than what Kendra had received and, unfazed, returns to his seat at the back of the stage, passing an older, brightly dressed man with a well groomed goatee who seems to be thoroughly enjoying the morning. As he reaches the podium he loosens his collar and winks to the crowd.
"Well, Sheriff, I think I speak for us all when I say thank you for that uplifting oratory. Now I know this town has been through some hard times, but just look at what we've accomplished." He flourishes toward the new cathedral. "And I'm telling you, as overseer of fundraising for the project, no expense was spared with this place. Solid stone and completely fireproof. Father Zantus' chamber pot? Solid gold! I kid you not. That is your taxes at work, ladies and gentlemen. Of course it was also financed by some very generous noble families. I think even the church actually chipped in a silver or two! Now that I have your attention I'd like to take the opportunity to invite everyone to come and see the Sandpoint Theatre Group's latest production: The Harpy's Curse, debuting in just two evenings. Our female lead, Avisera the harpy queen, will be played by none other than that famous Magnimarian diva just to my right, Allishanda. Isn't she a thing of beauty, gentlemen?" He raises an eyebrow at some whistles from the audience as he motions to a haughty looking Chelexian dressed in noble's garb who readily poses to be gawked at. "And now, for the moment I know you've all been waiting for, let me hear some applause for the highest of holiness himself, Father Zantus!"
The crowd cheers as Cyrdak motions to a surprisingly young man wearing the ceremonial robes of a priest of Desna. He smiles as he steps forward, noticeably abashed at the reception set up for him. He smiles and motions for the people to calm down, eventually beginning to speak.
"Thank you, Mr. Drokkus. Thank you, Sheriff. Mayor." He nods to each in turn. "Thank you, everyone, for taking me into your hearts and homes and letting me have the pleasure of becoming your new spiritual guide. I'll not bore you with another long speech, since you all appear to be eager to get to the celebrations. So, I officially declare the Swallowtail Festival underway! Please come see us here at noon for the climax of today's activities, the release of the swallowtail butterflies." He is drowned out by cheers before he even finishes the thought.
Within minutes the crowd descends in all directions. Criers call out advertising activities of all sorts. All around you are carnival games waiting to be played, veritable mountains of free food and sweets begging to be eaten, shady folks gathering at Harrow tables piled high with coins, painted up pretty boys and girls of the Pixie's Kitten Brothel wandering about, drinking contests starting despite the early hour, and more.
Bert makes his way over to the food tables, drawn by a familiar collection of aromas. Ah, I've missed Alma's pastries. And are those Risa's potatoes? Mmmmm.... He looks around carefully for familiar faces as he pays for his purchases, rehearsing his excuses. You didn't get my message? I decided to come back for the Swallowtail Festival, andohbythewayIgotkickedoutofbardschool. Would you like some of my potatoes? He shakes his head ruefully. "That won't work...."
Cadas watches the speeches from the back. When she sees the sheriff she wonders what might have caused him to abandon the true way. He is lost. Is he why I was called here? I don't think so. Perhaps I can reach out to him anyway. When the priest stand and talks her thoughts move in a darker path. Desna is a weak goddess. she thinks. Butterflies and wandering. Hah. Where is the sense of duty and service? Where is the power? She continue to observe, noting the other newcomer to town; one of her people. He is too far away from to see his tattoos clearly. He is not of the storm clan or I would know him. .
Ekan stands near the stage, listening to the stages carefully. While proud for his small part in helping, and impressed by the master craftsmen and laborers who poured sweat into the fine building. Still, I cannot wonder if the town might be served better by stronger taller walls, even a fortress. I do not want to lose my second home to the giants, or any other evil..
As the speeches continue, he notices the shoanti newcomers I wonder what word they might have of any giant raids or activities. Folks may think them savages, but few know the land better.
When the last speech is done, Ekan makes his way through the crowds. The games seem frivolous, and he's the offers of the whores, while intriguing on one level, well... he just wasn't raised that way. He wanders towards Cadas though it is not a straight line and he takes his time. The raven on his shoulder squawks "Pretty! Tall! Pretty Tall!"
"Quiet Viscount, don't be rude," He admonishes his raven and hopes the woman didn't hear. His bird's big beak might offend the stranger.
Totek solemnly watches and listens as the Swallowtail festivities officially begin. He is surprisingly awake and alert today; last night seemed to be the first night in some time that he actually rested somewhat peacefully. Perhaps it's the excitement and cheer that seems to radiate from this community that has helped Totek to finally relax.
His eyes occasionally follow the other Shoanti that seem to live in Sandpoint.
I don't see any other tribesmen with them. They don't seem to have family here either. I wonder if theirs was taken from them as well? Or, perhaps they abandoned their clans and turned their backs on their totems...
Totek had been hesitant to approach any of them up to this point. Partly because he was confused on why they would be living here... But also because of the shame and guilt he felt when he saw them.
If they were cowards and fled here... How am I any different? Instead of protecting my people, I failed to save them. And instead of hunting those bastards across Varisia, I ran here. I convinced myself it was for a noble cause... But am I really that afraid of what's out there? Am I too scared that I can't protect my people from everything lurking in the shadows?
And look at these people. They are not only happy, but safe. They don't need my help. Who am I fooling?
With that last somber thought, Totek marches over to grab some ale. He surprises himself at how quickly he downs it. He looks out over the crowd of villagers, enjoying themselves and having fun.
I am not needed here. By the end of the day, I will pack my belongings and leave Sandpoint. Perhaps I shall find a place that will satisfy my need for vengeance.
From somewhere south of the head of Totek's earth breaker, a voice pipes up to him. "Could you stand still for...there, thanks much. Sorry, thought I saw someone I didn't want to talk to, and your shadow made for a fine hiding place. Have a pastry? They're very good."
The speaker is a young halfling in leather armor, carrying a large backpack and a plate piled high with food. His curly brown hair is mostly concealed by the hood of his somewhat travel-stained cloak.
Cadas first looks at the bird instead of the man whose shoulder the bird is perched on. Speaking to the bird she asks in a thick Shoanti accent You speak this uncommon language better than I my friend with feathers. Am I pretty And tall, or merely pretty tall? She smile a friendly smile as she looks to the man for the first time.
"yes!" The raven squawks as it hops from one shoulder to the other of the man it rides. It seems happy to meet her.
"Please forgive my unruly companion," Ekan states. The young man of roughly twenty winters is of Chelaxian descent, but his hair is lighter than most, like wheat, and while his eyes are very dark, they are still blue... perhaps there is something else in his ancestry. He is sporting a neatly trimmed circle beard. While not short, the Shaonti woman is still taller than he. He is dressed, currently, in simple garb though his cloak has been skillfully embroidered on its edges.
"I am Ekan Waterfield. I don't mean to disrupt your activities, but if you have a moment, I'd like to ask you about news of other lands you may have traveled through."
Well E-Kan, I am not sure I should be talking to a devil worshiper from Cheliax, but if you buy me an ale I shall talk to you of these things. Her accent is thick and through her half smile and the gleam in her eye you are not completely sure if she thinks you a devil worshiper, or is just having fun with you. I wait for this celebration to end so that I may talk to the town leaders on matters of import. and I am not so impressed with the release of insects, so I have little to do at the present.
"I'm not from Cheliax, though my ancestors were," Ekan corrects as politely as he can, not sure if she's joking or not "My family has been in Varisa for generations and..." A pause, "Are you having fun with me?" he asks. However, his serious demeanor does slip and let loose a slight smile of his own, "And to answer your question, I'd be happy to buy you an ale." He guides her towards the nearest vendor or tavern selling such.
"Two ales, one for myself, and the other for this good lady." He slips out some coin to pay for it.
"Name!" The raven caws.
"Viscount is right, what is your name, please?" Ekan asks Cadas politely.
Wind and sky, you are correct E-Kan, I have not given my name. I am Cadas, shamen of the Storm Clan from the Curchain Hills. Does this mean anything to you? She sits and takes a long draw from her beverage. Watery stuff this. Not like the fermented mare's milk we drink in the hills. So, have you visited this Chiliax often? Is it true that all there pay homage to the devil king himself?
"I cannot say I know of the Storm Clan, I've met some of the Hawk Clan, and , of course, a few of Shoanti blood can be found here in Sandpoint." Ekan is tempted to ask about giants very quickly, but he realizes blurting questions at the woman might be rude. "I've never been to Cheliax, though I did live outside of Korsovo for my apprenticeship, and that city often seeks to emulate it. You say you are rom the Curchain hills ? Is there any word of giants there?" He says growing very serious. "I've been trying to keep track of that particular threat."
Dropping the topic of devils, for now Cadas answers. Her tone shifts to that of a teacher lecturing to a child. You seem learned. Still, if you have not had the chance to hear the true history of this land from its first people some of this will seem foreign to you. Your people hail from beyond the Mindspin Mountains and far to the south from what the clans call the Heresy of Cheliax. I know of both Magnimar and Korvosa. They sit upon Shoanti lands in the south. Those lands we still claim, and in the name of the dead tribes we will one day hold them again. Do you know our youth still make blood vows that this will be so? She pauses to let this sink in.
Our histories say that our people once held all of Varisa, but today the Shoanti tribes only live on the Storval Plateau, in the Cinderlands, the Curchainian Hills, and the Velashu Uplands. Most of the clans that come from the Curchain hills are Shriikirri-Quah and are friendly to outsiders. Moon clan, Bear clan, Storm clan, and others. While we still claim all the lands of Varisa as Shoanti, we are content, for now, in sharing it with immigrants. You will find other clans much less enlightened that we of the Curchain hills. It is in this spirit of cooperation that I have been sent to Sandpoint. Sooth Sayers greater than me predict some great need here. I come to herald doom to this land and to urge Sandpoint to be ready to act to prevent it. She finishes her ale and sets the glass on the table.
As to your giants, would it surprise you to learn that I have only seen them in my dreams? I am not of the Storval Plateau where that threat is large. But perhaps the doom my clansmen saw will come from these giants.
"I was born in a small hamlet named..." Ekan pauses, a frown on his face, "Well, it's gone now. Thanks to a raid by giants. My family, my 'clan' if you prefer, scattered and many settled here in Sandpoint. It is my home now, despite my need to visit the larger cities from time to time. I am glad to hear some tribes seek peaceful resolution to their goals. Frankly, those same cities are quite large enough to hold people of many backgrounds and do. Truthfully, I might mock the idea of giving blood vows as a child, except that I did much the same when driven from my first home at eight winters so in fairness, I cannot. However, the giants that you dream of have had over a decade to become a greater and greater threat since then." Dreams? I never felt such things were reliable, but then my own magics are straight forward, direct. He takes another breath. Trying to control an old anger from yesteryear, "You speak of the Storval Plateau? Do you think the giants might be gathering there especially?"
Totek looks down at the half-sized man speaking to him. The interruption of his thoughts should've been enough to annoy him, but Totek wasn't in the mood for a confrontation.
"Err... What? Excuse me, but do I know you? You are an awful... friendly fellow. And no thanks to your offer of pastries. While I don't doubt your claim of their quality, I'm afraid I'm not in... the, mood... er, excuse me."
His attention gradually shifts over to one of the fellow Shoanti he had watched before. He had intermittently been keeping an eye on her, and something that he read on her lips gave him pause. A trickle of sweat ran down his face.
Giants? Did she say... Giants? Does she know something about the treacherous giants roaming the wilderness?
The tattooed Shoanti quickly turns his attention back to his halfling visitor.
[b]"I'm sorry, I'm distracted. What is your name? I am Totek," he says with a nod. "My... full name is Totek Voice of Thunder. The name was bestowed upon me by my tribe, before... Ah, sorry. Before I came here to Sandpoint."
The halfling bows without spilling his food. "No, we've never met. I'm Edrebertil Blackwillow, but that's a bit long for casual chatting--Bert is fine. I just thought that since I was using you for cover it'd be polite to say something." He follows Totek's gaze. "Ah, another one in town. I should tell my cousin, if she's still here--she spent some time with the Shii--oh, I can't remember how to pronounce it. Hawk Clan, anyway. Want to go over and say hello?"
Speaking as if reciting something she has been told and not an expert in any sense Cadas comments Giants usually lack any solid leadership. Left to their own devises they are happy braining each other and will seldom muster up the initiative to leave whatever unfortunate valley that are currently in. The trouble usually comes when a true leader is born to them, or, as more often the case, some outsider organizes them against some perceived threat. If either of these things happen, watch out. I have heard tale of times when the different breeds of giant stopped fighting each other and joined common cause to fight some unfortunate enemy. If this is happening now... well that could explain the summoning and the dreams.
"If that's happening, somehow we need to find a way to remove their leader or sponsors before they can assemble again..." Ekan says, "Though , of course, the more of them we kill period the better to weaken them again so they never harm any innocent EVER ag..."
"Too angry," Viscount the raven mutters, as much as something with a beak can mutter.
Ekan shoots his familiar a dirty look, but does calm, "Angry or not, my points are valid, Viscount." Then he looks to Cadas, "Thank you, Cadas. You've been both helpful and insightful. I must go harass other newcomers from other areas while they're still here for the celebration" He actually smiles at this last admission.
[b]Other newcomers. I saw a man of the people earlier. A shaiti warrior. I could not see his markings well enough to make his tribe or clan. He too must be of the hills or he would not be here, unless, well, unless there has been trouble. I will go with you if you mean to speak to that one. [b]
"I shall seek him out. You're welcome to accompany me as I do so if you wish," He offers, "Perhaps he will need to know of these portents you bring."
Totek looks down at Bert.
"Say hello? Uh... That's okay. I'd rather not. I'm not planning on staying long anyway, but I'm sure our paths will cross soon enough, being a fellow Shoanti and all.
So, what brings you to Sandpoint? I hope it's a less grim reason than my own visit."
The halfling's facade of good cheer slips at the question. "I'm...actually, I'm from Sandpoint. Born and bred here; you heard the Mayor speak? The Deverins are one of the four families that really run things hereabouts, and my family lives and works on one of their farms. I'm just back from Magnimar, though." He looks at the ground and idly scuffs one bare foot on the cobblestone of the square, clearly embarrassed over something. "Kind of wore out my welcome there...still trying to figure out how to tell Ma and Pa." He pauses and straightens, smiling, as an idea crosses his mind.
"Say, where are you planning on going when you leave?"
"I apologize, uh... Bert. My manners are not what they should be. I have not spent much time among your civilization. And though I learned the Common tongue at a young age, I have never grown completely comfortable with it. I'm sorry if I offended with my words.
To answer your question... I am not sure. I came here to warn the people of Sandpoint about the danger that lurks outside their walls, but most simply ignore or mock me. But, maybe I was mistaken to come here. Everything seems calm and peaceful, and everyone happy. Maybe the danger resides elsewhere. It is my intention to find it, before... Ah, before more are claimed by the growing darkness."
Totek's eyes seem to drift off towards the horizon as he finishes his words, as if staring at some unseen entity in the sky. His hand slowly moves up and begins tracing the pattern of the large tattoo on his face, almost as if rubbing an old wound.
Ekan has risen and is heading towards Totek and Bert, though he doesn't rush in case Cadas does indeed wish to accompany.
Cadas follows the wizard, but not sure what he will say stays back far enough to not interfere with his initial conversation.
Approaching Totek and Bert, Ekan pauses a moment, "Excuse me, sir?" He addresses the Shoanti of the two, "I apologize if I'm disturbing you. I'm Ekan Waterfield... I have been asking those out of town for any news they might have about..."
The raven on his shoulder caws out, "Giants! Giants! Very angry at Giants!"
Ekan shoos his bird back a bit, In retrospect, having a familiar that actually SPEAKS the common tongue is not always an advantage. "Yes, about giants. If this is a bad time, I can leave you and your friend be and come back later."
As the two strangers approached Totek, he wondered curiously who they might be and what reason they might have for walking towards him. Perhaps the Shoanti recognized him from somewhere? But who is the strangely-dressed man walking with her? Maybe they were simply coming to speak with the halfling fellow?
But, nothing could have prepared Totek for the words that came from the mouths of the Wizard and his bird.
Totek stands motionless, eyes wide and cold sweat forming at his brow. Visions of the smoldering remains of his tribe enter his thoughts. Arriving home from an extended hunt, only to come home to death and destruction. The very word conjures every crippling and devastating memory that Totek fears.
"Ah, uh.... Um, g-giants? What do you know about the giants outside Sandpoint?? Have you seen them!?"
Confusion and shock slowly transforms into a boiling rage under the surface. If the giants have been spotted outside the village, Totek knew that they needed to be stopped. Even if it meant he would die trying.
"Please, if you know anything about the giants, you must tell me!"
Ekan is startled by the reaction, the desperation, then the seething anger... he's seen this before but where...
"Mirror Mirror!" Viscount, his raven, cries.
Ignoring the raven's comment, Ekan pulls out a chair and sits himself in front of the fellow, "I know they are a great threat to all of peoples of this land. I know they crush villages like a child knocking over wooden blocks. I know this...because when I was eight, it happened to my first home. Cadas here speaks of dark visions. Rumors are they still rally their forces perhaps on the plateau. Whether those rumors are true or not, Sandpoint is WOEFULLY unprepared for giants should the organize. I will not see my second home destroyed by them. It WILL not happen!"
The raven whispers, "So loud. Everyone SO loud"
Bert looks first like he'd rather be anywhere else than in the vicinity of two worked-up humans...Way too easy for one of them to forget who's underfoot!...then thoughtful. "It happened before, you know. Long ago, in the days of Thassilon.
"But that was thousands of years ago, and the giants likely won't come walking up to the town without some warning. Relax, Master Waterfield, Totek; enjoy the festival for now. Tomorrow there will be time to go hunting for signs of giants organizing." Something to get me out of town for a while! Wonderful!
The raven flutters over to the halfling "Like!"
Ekan however, considers the halfling's words, and does calm a bit, "Please, pardon my outburst, good halfling."
Totek regretfully looks over at both the human and the halfling.
"I apologize for my outburst as well. If you claim that giants are on the march across the Storval Plateau, I can confirm those fears. My people lived along the mountains, within a day or so of the Great Stairs. We have always been cautious of giants that roam the wilderness, but I came home one day to find my tribe completely destroyed by the fiends. And the destruction they caused was not a simple act of violence. It seemed strategic and... uh, calculated, yes.
They were headed west, and Sandpoint seemed like a logical spot that they could've been headed towards. I came here to warn the locals, but none have spotted the giants and most laugh at my claims. Time will tell though, I suppose. I'm saddened to hear that others have suffered a similar fate though as my own. None should endure that burden."
Bert chuckles at the bird and offers it a bit of food. "Clever one, you are. No offense taken, either of you. And I mean no offense, myself, but you realize that no one will listen to you without evidence they can touch, right? Why, when I was in Magnimar, no one I talked to there thought the Sandpoint Devil was anything more than a tall story from the Lost Coast! So what we have to do is go out and find something to bring back...something that they can't deny." Better and better! A chance to get out of town and do something great, so my folks will forget about the bard's college debacle!
They were headed west, and Sandpoint seemed like a logical spot that they could've been headed towards. I came here to warn the locals, but none have spotted the giants and most laugh at my claims. Time will tell though, I suppose. I'm saddened to hear that others have suffered a similar fate though as my own. None should endure that burden."
"I...my sympathies for your loss as well. Unfortunately, you're not the only one they ignore. Many of Sandpoint claim my village's loss was an isolated incident, or point out Sandpoint has far more resources to discourage giant attacks or, ironically, say they just can't afford to prepare defenses that may never be used. As if protecting your family and loved ones was something to barter about." He sighs.
Bert chuckles at the bird and offers it a bit of food. "Clever one, you are. No offense taken, either of you. And I mean no offense, myself, but you realize that no one will listen to you without evidence they can touch, right? Why, when I was in Magnimar, no one I talked to there thought the Sandpoint Devil was anything more than a tall story from the Lost Coast! So what we have to do is go out and find something to bring back...something that they can't deny." Better and better! A chance to get out of town and do something great, so my folks will forget about the bard's college debacle!
"Clever!" The Raven repeats and snatches up the food before swallowing it.
Ekan listens and considers, "You're right, of course. Evidence could be brought before the mayor or sheriff and push them into action. If we have a few more years, though I'm not sure of that, we might even make Sandpoint a fallback for other villages or even Shaonti tribes if they were willing. But, you say 'we'. Are each of you willing to aid me in such an endeavor? You're very kind if so, I don't even know this good Shaonti's name."
You've heard the stories of ancient Thassilon and the various threats - giants included - that roamed freely. Most people dismiss them as merely fables, not historical threat. The major exception to that is Brodert Quink, Sandpoint's resident sage and historian. He claims to have have spent 2 decades of his youth studying with dwarven engineers at Janderhoff and 3 decades as a cataloger at the Founder's Archive in Magnimar - his obsession with ancient Thassilon, though, causes many to discount his theories.
"Well, what have we here?" a woman's voice says, interrupting your conversation. "Don't suppose any of you lot would care to participate in a little potato-eating contest, would ya'? We need a couple more contestants and you lot look like you could handle a bite or two." She eyes Totek in particular. [b]"A large gentleman such as yourself, why you'd have no trouble, I'm sure." She appears to just notice Edrebertil. "Well, well, well! Look who's home! Your mother was just in last night - she didn't mention you were on your way. Did ya' come home to surprise her for the festival?"
You recognize the woman as Lanalee Magravi, proprietor at Risa's Place, a local tavern famous for its founder, Risa Magravi, an old, blind sorcerer, and its spicy potatoes and cider.
"Goodwoman Magravi," Ekan says in greeting, "I think I'll pass on the contest myself, thank you." Please gods, don't let her try to match make any of us. Some of the older women seem to have little better to do.
Bert puts on a smile for Lanalee. "It's a surprise. You know, for the Cathedral dedication, and all." He indicates his plate. "It wouldn't be fair for me to get into that--see, I have a head start already!"
Cadas moves forward to introduce herself and speak about the movement of the giants before makes her offer.
Gentlemen. she offers as she moves forward This talk of giants peaks my interest as well. I am Cadas, shamen of the Storm clan of the Shriikirri-Quah. My people have sent me to Sandpoint to warn of some unknown threat they sooth is near. I am to aid the people here as a representative of the Shriikirri-Quah.
"Ah, my apologies for continuing my disrespect. My name is Totek Voice of Thunder. It is a pleasure to meet all of you."
Totek turns his attention towards Cadas, slightly astonished.
"Ah, be welcome, my cousin! I am also Shriikiri-Quah. My people lived among the tall mountains, but you look like you are a plains dweller perhaps? The cloud guides my people."
He puts his hand to the large tribal tattoo on his face.
"This means "Storm Cloud That Protects." And this..." Totek draws the great earth breaker from his back. "This is Thunder. I am its voice."
Totek also draws the klar that is secured to his back.
"I have long practiced the art of Thunder and Fang, though I have yet to master it. I was on a long hunt, attempting to learn the ways of our ancient people, but I came home to find my people killed. You say that danger comes to Sandpoint? That is why I have come as well. The giants went west, but I lost their trail somewhere near the forest. Perhaps they went somewhere else, but their presence alone gives me worry. You, I and this... man, all coming to Sandpoint for a common cause... This does not bode well, I am afraid."
Totek turns once again to Ekan.
"I have heard of your people. "Chelaxian." Many tales of the evils of Cheliax and its men passed my ears from not only our elders, but the wandering gypsies as well. I tell you this because I am not afraid of you. You do not seem to come here with evil intent. We have a common enemy it seems, and that is enough for me to trust you. For now, at least."
Finally, after the old woman steps forward and addresses the group, Totek turns his attention towards her.
"Ah, I have spent much of time in Sandpoint mourning and keeping to shadows. If I... or, we are to protect this village, I suppose it doesn't hurt to get to know it. I will eat this... potato, of yours. Let us come!" Totek exclaims in a booming voice, the first time feeling relaxed in many moons.
"You'll love it, Totek. When I was in Magnimar I used to dream about the potatoes at Risa's Place. And here I am letting mine get cold!" He turns his attention to his laden plate for a moment, during which time the plate becomes less laden.
"I appreciate the honesty," I suppose if I were to remind them that I was born in these lands and thus technically as much a 'native' as they, it would only create more tension. "Bert is right, we do have many fine cooks in town." Having been invited, he tags along.
His raven circles above his head.
Cadas is somewhat taken back by the tatoo, and even more taken back by the news of giant activity off the steps and any attacks on her tribe. She pulls her armor back, exposing a well shaped shoulder. On the back of that shoulder is a near duplicate of Totek's tatoo. In a quite voice she concedes I am one of the shamen protectors of the Storm tribe. Our meeting at this time in this place was no coincidence Totek. I am glad I have a cousin in this strange city.
Ekan tries not to eavesdrop noticing Cadas is speaking softly, though Viscount isn't as polite and hovers over everyone as he pleases.
Bert comments to Ekan, "Well, good to see they're getting on. My cousin had stories from when she traveled with Hawk Clan, about how members of the different groups didn't always see eye to eye. As it were.
"By the way, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you until your story--I wasn't that old when your family came here, but I remembered my parents talking about it."
"Think nothing of it, at age fourteen I left this town to start my apprenticeship and only returned a year ago, the other Waterfields are perhaps better known because of that. You went out for a time as well though. How did that work out for you?"
The halfling again looks embarrassed. "Great! Just great...well, not that great, actually. As well as bard training can go, if you never learn to sing or play an instrument." He rolls his eyes. "I don't know. Music doesn't really sing to me. As it were. I liked the magic, though."
"No shame in that," Ekan states, "No disrespect to music, but your knowledge of history and magic may serve you better in helping this town more than a ditty ever could."
Bert grins nervously. "You wouldn't mind telling my parents that, would you? I think they had their hearts set on having a bard in the family."
"La la la..." The raven squawks.
Ekan returns a soft smile to Bert, "Tell them there are always nephews and nieces, or when your time for father hood comes, grandchildren."
The halfling throws both hands in the air with a theatrically-exaggerated sigh. "Oh, don't start...I hear enough of that from Ma. If it isn't 'When are you going to finish, Edrebertil?', it's 'Have you met anyone special in Magnimar, Edrebertil?'" He looks skyward with an angelic expression, then gives the wizard a conspiratorial glance. "I met one, but she was the kind you don't take home to Mother."
"Ah," The wizard gives a slight blush, "Little time for romance myself but I suspect some of the older ladies in the town will match-make any single adult male they see."
"Biddies!" Viscount opines.
"Shhhh." Ekan says