The frontier town of Bellis stands within the quiet shade of the Verduran Forest, nestled along the western banks of the slow-moving Sellen River. Flower gardens color every homestead, painting a vibrant scene under the summer sun. Common folk go about their business, tilling the land, tying off keelboats, and hobnobbing over cups of mead. In the distance, a dog barks, children laugh, and the bees hum while gathering pollen.
The much anticipated day of the wedding between the half-elven retired ranger Elyin Ursage and Kailah Winmede is here at last. Bellis is full of visitors, as guests have come from near and far to attend. Some are familiar faces for the residents of Bellis, while others are strangers.
Festivities for the wedding stretch from the stone chapel (A6) and rose gardens (A7) of Shelyn, past a large open-air tent (A2), and down to the sun-drenched, tree-lined banks of Stillwater Creek (A1). Music and laughter fill the air, with partygoers calling out for attendees to join their games and merrymaking (A4 - dance area and A5 - horseshoe throwing).
A well-worn path strewn with fower petals leads between plain wooden benches to a decorative gazebo at the bottom of this amphitheater (A3.) More flowers adorn the structure itself, and a line of well-wishers leads inside, where Elyin and his beloved Kailah sit. Both look splendid in their wedding finery, and smile brightly at each other and their guests.
Caelin was glad the event was outside. It was a beautiful day, exactly the kind you’d hope for such an occasion. Aumgwe, however, was restless. The hawk stamped and fluttered on Caelin’s shoulder, nervously preening and letting out occasional, angry screeches.
“Would you like to go wait in the trees?” he asked the hawk in a slightly exasperated whisper. “If you’re not happy, just go hunt for a while. But don’t bring back a kill to drop on the fruit display. Yes, I do know how you think.” He gave the bird a light scratch under the beak, and it calmed down for a moment.
As he joined the line at the gazebo, Caelin looked around, taking inventory of the guests. Elyin was accomplished, famous and popular, but the range of attendees still amazed Caelin. What part of the world had Elyin not visited? Was there anyone he hadn’t helped in some way?
Caelin’s eyes fell on an extraordinary man, two people ahead of him in line. Clearly a Mwangi, he was covered in what looked like a painful infestation of…barnacles? The couple between Caelin and the thin Mwangi were somewhat put off by his appearance, and they soon found an excuse to leave the line.
Caelin took the opportunity to introduce himself: “Well met!” he said, smiling. “I understand a prize is often given to the guest who has travelled furthest to attend. I assume you might be in contention?”
Caelin’s eyes fell on an extraordinary man, two people ahead of him in line. Clearly a Mwangi, he was covered in what looked like a painful infestation of…barnacles? The couple between Caelin and the thin Mwangi were somewhat put off by his appearance, and they soon found an excuse to leave the line.
Caelin took the opportunity to introduce himself: “Well met!” he said, smiling. “I understand a prize is often given to the guest who has travelled furthest to attend. I assume you might be in contention?”
The Mwangi man stares impassively at the elf for a moment before smiling slightly. "Perhaps, my friend. The winds have blown me a fair way from home, 'tis true. Though as long as dey keep blowing, I'm never far from home. My name be Goodluck. I'm here for de weddin'. Though dis place be a bit more fancy den I'm used to, eh." The man is indeed covered in barnacles, which seem to be eating quite deep into his flesh. They give him a half sunken appearance, clearly what startled the couple that left. Only his mouth, his eyes and a wave birthmark on his right cheek are free of them.
"Are you a relative of Ursage or friend o' de couple?"
Jervaise is a middle-aged Half-Elf with a grizzled countenance crisscrossed with scars, who dresses in well-worn, but immaculately cared-for, traveler's clothes.
He wanders around the wedding festival, feeling slightly out of place, but with a contented smile on his face.
Ah, Elyin, at least one of us made good on the promise of retirement. I am afraid that there is only one way that this old soldier will ever truly leave the service, though...
Jervaise keeps an eye on how the horseshoe-throwing contest is going, clapping politely for particularly good throws, and unconsciously sizing-up the younger contestants for their potential worth as recruits...
Sigh. I really need to stop doing that. This is a wedding, after all!
Eventually, he acquires a small pot of the local Bellis honey, a well-known regional delicacy, and with infinite care, slowly samples it as he waits in line to give his regards to the lucky bride and groom, telling old war stories from Elyin's younger days to anyone who cares to listen...
As the bridegroom spots the elf and the barnacle-covered human talking in the line of well-wishers, his smile broadens. He stands and lets out a hearty greeting, ignoring the local folk in front of the two.
"Ah, Caelin! My invitation managed to lure you out of the deep forest after all. Wonderful to have you with us, my friend.
I see you've met Goodluck. I was careless enough to dissuade a Sea Serpent from using him for a snack, and he has clung to me like those darn barnacles ever since. Talks about some life-debt he owes me. But since he's a nice enough fellow, I don't much mind."
Elyin walks down the steps of the gazebo and puts an arm around the shoulder of both his friends. Seeing his nephew standing close by, engaged in some sort of lecture to a local lumberjack, he calls out.
"Tae! Leave that poor man alone and get over here. These stout fellows got enough tales between them to keep your bardic curiosity satisfied for at least a couple of hours. And if you should tire for trading tales, I suggest you pop over to the dance area. I know Parmis Salsby would love it if you would sing a song or two to go with the music. He'd do it himself, but he's far to busy with all the other arrangements. I think he's trying to round up enough people to have a proper tournament at horseshoes.
Oh and be sure to stop by the feast tent. Revas Benwold has been cooking all day, and got enough food and drink to feed a small army. Smoked pork ribs, broiled phesants, fried fish and of course his own special recipe of honeymead. You also don't want to miss the Box social over at the tent. All of Kailah's seven bridesmaids have prepared special treats for fine fellows like you to bid on. Winning bidders receive their chosen dessert and also get to enjoy it in the company of the lovely bridesmaid who made it. So I hope you brought your gold, eh lads?"
Elyin drops a quick look back over his shoulder.
"Best be getting back to my lovely bride, or she'll think I've abandoned her to go drinking with you lot. While you're out there, keep an eye out for Jervaise and Meycho. I know they'll prefer the company of fellow adventurers to that of my dear neighbors. Can't miss them. A big scarred half-elf and a halfling with a hawk stands out in a crowd like this."
Jervaise clears his throat loudly.
"Apparently, I am harder to spot than you credit, Master Ursage; you walked right past me! Then again, it reminds me of that time we were in Last Wall, at that Inn called The Grounded Griffin, and you..." Jervaise's voice trails off, but there is a distinct twinkle in his eye. "However, perhaps that is a story that is better left for another day, that is not your wedding day. How are you going you old rascal?"
"Ho, Jervaise...you old sneaky rascal! Well, today I only have eyes for my lovely Kailah, so you must excuse me for not seeing you right away. Where is Meycho - surely I can't have missed him as well.
I sure hope you missed me, my good friend, a short halfling, dressed in fine, green clothings not unlike those worn by several of the elven guests, save in size, while carrying a mug of honeymead in one hand a pheasant drumstick in the other, says as he appears from one of the tents, unless by missed you mean 'didn't see'. I took the liberty of visiting Ol' Benwold before saying hi, as you seemed busy with other guests.
Setting down the mug on a table nearby, the halfling grasps Elyin's wrist in an old warriors' greeting, before continuing, So, this is the big day, when Elyin will finally be 'shackled'. She must be a remarkable woman, having managed to catch you. For once I will forget my duties to the Bellflower Network...there's no escaping the bonds of love, I guess.
The halfling then turns to the rest of the assembled group, bowing and saying, My apologies, I am Meycho Perian, servant of Ketephys and honored to call Elyin a friend. Turning to Jervaise, he continues with a wink Not the story of the Grounded Griffin. I remember when it was merely the Resting Rooster, but it has grown in the telling, I see...
Elyin shakes his head and laughs heartedly.
"Everyone's got tales to tell, it seems. Well, don't go believing half of them. As for me, I'll be getting back to Kailah, as I said. Do enjoy yourselves, and try not to get to drunk before the ceremony. It won't be for a while yet, so there is plenty of time to enjoy yourselves.
Oh, and if any of you thought to bring a present, you can drop it off at the chapel."
With that, Elyin hurries back up to his seat, pausing only to give his betrothed a brief kiss.
Jervaise grins mischievously at Elyin.
"Oh, don't worry. I have no intention of getting drunk before the ceremony; I have a 'special' speech prepared for the reception afterward; just one or two old war stories to keep the locals entertained..."
He then throws a wink at Meycho.
"...Although I dare say that I will not be the only one with some rousing tales to tell of the old days!"
“Actually, I’m an apprentice to Elyin, though I’ve met Kailah numerous times. You see…"
Caelin was interrupted by Elyin’s appearance and introductions, which the groom made with his customary flair. Caelin smiled at each of the guests in turn, amazed again by the breadth of Elyin’s friendships and accomplishments.
As Elyin left, Caelin turned back to Goodluck. “Again, nice to meet you.; any friend of Elyin’s is a friend of mine”, he smiled.
Turning to add in the others, he said loudly, with mock seriousness “I do, however, feel the need for victory at horseshoes! Would any of you fellows like to join me? Afterwards I shall celebrate my triumph with pork ribs and bridesmaids!”
Goodluck nods to the newcomers and introduces himself. "I am Goodluck. As Ursage says, I owe him my life and intend to repay." Feeling a bit uncomfortable among the fanciness, he follows Calein to the horseshoe match to see the strange practice of throwing the steel hoof bands at sticks.
Jervaise grins mischievously at Elyin.
"Oh, don't worry. I have no intention of getting drunk before the ceremony; I have a 'special' speech prepared for the reception afterward; just one or two old war stories to keep the locals entertained..."
He then throws a wink at Meycho.
"...Although I dare say that I will not be the only one with some rousing tales to tell of the old days!"
Oh, but I'm merely retelling the facts of the past...as I recall them, Meycho says with a smile.
As for a present, I think I might have found something...
As the group moves around the gazebo, the clang of horseshoes against iron stobs announces an unmistakable game of skill hidden by the treeline. A handful of bystanders mill about, watching the practice throws of a massive half-orc wearing the face paint of his orc ancestors. A nearby board keeps score with wooden pegs, but the half-orc doesn’t appear to have an opponent yet. A half-elf dressed in a colorful entertainers outfit stands next to the half-orc. The two appear to be engaged in a lively discussion.
"Was it really necessary to wear that face paint, Halek? You look positively fierce. No wonder no-one wants to compete against you, when you look like you are going to break open their skulls if you lose," the half-elf says, gesturing at the fearsome visage of the thrower.
"Who says I won't, Parmis?...", the half-orc mutters, before hurling another horseshoe towards the peg. The shoe misses by a few inches, landing in the dirt with a thud. "I wear the colors of my ancestors in honor of Elyin and Kailah. And I can't be bothered if the local lads are all too squeamish to look at it. Besides, I thought it was YOUR job to gather contestants for the tournament."
"As if I didn't have enough to do today, without you spooking anyone who might consider playing," the half-elf replies in a huff. "Well, you can just stand here and throw those blasted things by yourself all d..."He breaks off mid-sentence when he spots you approach. "Ah, here comes a few brave souls now. Come closer gentlemen! Don't let the looks of this lout dissuade you."
He looks the group over and taps a slender index finger to his lips. "Hmm...still not quite enough, even if you are all going to participate. Tell you what - I don't suppose you could help me gather up a few more players? We need eight to make a proper tournament. Certainly some of these fine fellows can be persuaded to join. There's a purse of gold and a magic potion at stake for the winner."
He gestures to the crowd of onlookers. Several farm hands and hunters cast measured glances at you and the half-orc.
I'll play. I'm not afraid of no painted half-orc, Meycho says before heading off to attract more players with the promise of gold and glory.
"I'll play, too" says Caelin, but he looks at a loss about how to convince others. He smiles at a group of guests and points to the horseshoe pit, hoping to mime an invitation.
Jervaise gives the half-orc a broad smile, which causes the network of scars across his face to crease in unusual ways, like a spiderweb shifting in a breeze.
"I am sure that we would be able to drum-up some more players..."
He then turns to the assembled locals.
"Come on lads, step-up and be men! Show the ladies the stern stuff that you are made from; think of the bragging rights if you bested this fearsome warrior at horseshoes. There's even a purse of gold for the winner to sweeten the deal..."
Caelin and Jervaise quickly manage to convince a couple of locals to join in.
"Ah, excellent!" Parmis exclaims as everyone gathers around the pitching lane. "Let's get going. The rules are simple enough. Just hit the post with the horseshoe. You have four shoes each. We start of with eight contestants throwing from 20 ft, then the four best move out to 30 ft, and the final two will throw from 40 ft. Winner gets the prize and the glory.
Each player makes four ranged touch attacks. The target post has AC 15, and the horseshoes have a range increment of 10 feet. Each hit scores a point. In case of ties, a new round is thrown.
Jervaise takes his time lining-up his shots, and then throws!
"See lads? It's easy!"
"This does seem a strange game. Is it common to throw the metal shoes of horses at a target? Are dey weapons?" Still, he lines up to take his shots.
Attack:
Attack:
Attack:
Attack:
Well thrown, Jervaise, as always, you are a hard act to follow, but I shall none-the-less do my very best, Meycho says, picking up the horseshoes, then turning to the gathered crowd. Does anyone have any ponyshoes? I seem to be at a disadvantage here...
Hitting all four times, meycho takes a bow and steps aside.
Caelin nodded appreciatively at Jervaise’s and Goodluck’s work, but his jaw fell slightly at Meycho’s throws.
"I don’t know that I can top that!" he said, impressed.
[ooc]
#1: (Ranged Touch +10 - 2 Range)
#2: (Ranged Touch +10 - 2 Range)
#3: (Ranged Touch +10 - 2 Range)
#4: (Ranged Touch +10 - 2 Range)
[ooc]
"Not even close!" he said laughing, and bowed to Jervaise and Meycho. To Goodluck he added "While the game of throwing metal horseshoes is common, it apparently takes uncommon skill!"
Taecuss:
Halek the half-orc blacksmith:
Geoff the hunter:
Luke the farmhand:
With Taecuss displaying a sure aim, the local contestants are hard pressed to follow the feat. And sure enough, none of them manage to land more than two hits.
Very nice throws, gentlemen. But let's see how your aim is from 30 feet!, Parmis says.
Taecuss, Jervaise, Meycho and Goodluck advance to the next round. Taecuss goes first, and lines up at the 30 ft line. He twirls a horseshoe in a casual manner before sending his four shoes towards the post.
Tae:
Jervaise nods in appreciation at Meycho's obvious skill, but that does not stop him from gamely trying his best in Round 2!
Goodluck nods at the description. He takes his second round with a bit more understanding, but not necessarily skill...
Attack:
Attack:
Attack:
Attack:
Meycho steps up to the plate, weighing a horseshoe in one hand, before throwing them all in quick succession.
Hmmm, perhaps I should take a little more time with my aim, but I'm used to moving targets. So, a one-on-one, Mr. Taecuss, to determine who shall progress to the next round?
Caelin realized he was pacing nervously as the contest progressed. He was watching as intently as any of the other guests, and was surprised by his sense of building suspense.
“I’ve got to come in from the woods more often”, he thought to himself. “This is fun.”
Tae and Meycho line up again for the tiebreaker.
Tae:
Meycho takes better aim and throws the oversized horseshoes, hitting with two of them and narrowly missing with the other two.
Sorry, Tae, better luck next time.
Quite a crowd has gathered by now to watch the display of throwing skill. With two hits against Tae's one, Meycho secures himself a place in the finale along with Jervaise. The two take their place at the very end of the hurling lane, 40 ft. from the target post.
A hushed silence falls over the spectators in anticipation of the first round of throws.
Goodluck smiles at his poor luck and steps back to watch the show. He remembers a game much like this back in the Expanse, only it involved throwing knives at poisonous snakes. And it wasn't so much a game as a precaution before going to bed...
To make it more interesting, let's alternate between throwing, Meycho says to his larger friend, before throwing the first horseshoe.
Jervaise grins at Meycho.
"By all means. Let's put on a fine show for the locals; there should be good entertainment at a wedding feast, after all...
...may the best Andoran win!"
Caelin applauded Meycho's throws, impressed with the halfling's accuracy.
But he just shook his head in disbelief at Jervaise's skill and luck. Even the shoe that fell short rolled to the post with a ringing clang.
"It appears to be Jervaise's day, Meycho" Caelin said, smiling.
Yeah, Jervaise has always been the lucky one, Meycho says with a smile, but I'm the good-looking one, so I'll live...
"Very impressive marksmanship. Does someone win the horse the shoes are attached to now?"
"Very impressive marksmanship. Does someone win the horse the shoes are attached to now?"
See, this contest would be even more impressive, if done while the horseshoes were still attached to a horse...but I'd not want the horse after it had been thrown around.
The crowd erupts in wild cheer as Jervaise sends the fourth and final horseshoe around the post. Parmis makes his way through the crowds to present him with a purse containing 25 gold pieces and a vial with a a potion of cure light wounds.
Halek the half orc blacksmith also comes over to clap the winner on the shoulder. Well done! With competition like this, I guess I should stick to making these things rather than throwing them. Now, I'm hungry and thirsty. Let's go visit the Feast tent. The auction for the brides maids' deserts must have started by now as well."
"Dey sell desserts at weddings here? Clearly dere is much dat I don't understand about customs."
Parmis the half-elf bard, who strolls alongside Goodluck, eagerly explains the concept of the special auction to the Mwangi oracle.
"The Box social is a time-honored tradition at weddings in this part of Avistan. All of the bridesmaids prepare special desserts and place them in in decorative boxes. The guests attending the wedding then bid on their chosen desserts. The winner not only gets to enjoy the food, but also the company of the bridesmaid who made it. The auction is a way for the bridesmaids to raise a dowry for the bride, but of course it also serves the purpose of pairing young ladies of the marrying age with potential suitors in a supervised setting."
Parmis the half-elf bard, who strolls alongside Goodluck, eagerly explains the concept of the special auction to the Mwangi oracle.
"The Box social is a time-honored tradition at weddings in this part of Avistan. All of the bridesmaids prepare special desserts and place them in in decorative boxes. The guests attending the wedding then bid on their chosen desserts. The winner not only gets to enjoy the food, but also the company of the bridesmaid who made it. The auction is a way for the bridesmaids to raise a dowry for the bride, but of course it also serves the purpose of pairing young ladies of the marrying age with potential suitors in a supervised setting."
"Ah, I see. I must not bid on da cakes, den. I am no fit suitor for a woman of dis place." Goodluck doesn't seem disturbed by this, but rather curious about the whole practice.
See, this contest would be even more impressive, if done while the horseshoes were still attached to a horse...but I'd not want the horse after it had been thrown around.
Jervaise raises an eyebrow.
"I will admit, throwing horses around would be most unusual, although I agree that the horses probably would not appreciate the experience!"
Yeah, Jervaise has always been the lucky one, Meycho says with a smile, but I'm the good-looking one, so I'll live...
"No argument there, my friend; this face would hardly be considered a prime 'catch'... Still, the stories I could tell - remember the gnomish twins from Avistan that took quite a shine to you?"
He then laughs heartily.
"Shall we adjourn to the Feast tent to watch the proceedings? There might even be someone there for you, Meycho..."
Lead the way and let the maidens tremble with anticipation...or fear... Meycho says with a laugh.
Caelin wasn't excited by the formality of a box social, but it was a wedding, and he was happy to play along. The tradition had always bothered him a bit, but today was about Elyin and Kailah.
At the very least, he was curious to see if Kailah's bridesmaids were as diverse a bunch as Elyin's friends.
Jervaise acknowledges Taecuss' words with a quick bow.
"It is kind of you to say so, but I still have my doubts; I have spent most of my life wedded to the Andoran cause, which has left little time for other things...
...However, you are right that that means I have plenty of interesting stories to tell," he comments with a twinkle in his eye.