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Today marks the penultimate day of the Swallowtail Festival. As adventurers, you're in the beach-city Sandpoint (in the country of Varisia) for various reasons.
After partaking in games of chance, you've decided to come and listen to Father Zantus' dedication of the brand new cathedral. The previous cathedral burned to the ground about five years ago. Though hardly a Theocracy, Sandpoint is as religious as many of Golarion's cities.
Father Zantus begins making his speech around noon. Many food vendors have set up carts surrounding the stage, allowing Sandpoints citizens and visitors alike to have a free meal during the speech. They cook food over a large, central bonfire, powered by a cart full of fuel in the northern most corner of the stage area.
[Feel free to RP here until something happens... Shouldn't be too long.]
Thanks, completely-crazed-looking-gnome-or-halfling
Boiko swifly worked his way through the crowd - a lean, bronze-skinned man in gaudy Varisian national clothes and an extravagant scarf wrapped loosely around his neck. Not that he was particularly interested in what Father Zantus had to say, but the smells from the vendor's stalls have been attracting him. Once he made it to a meat vendor's wagon, he purchased a smoked turkey leg and began eating it, leaning onto the wagon and looking around the crowd with his large dark eyes. He almost couldn't hear the speech itself under the noise of the crowd and the crackling of the bonfire.
Syndir felt somewhat out of place in the crowd of Varisian's but there were enough other outsiders that he didnt really stand out too much...ssss, isssn't that hooded brute taking more than a casssual interessst in usss?...stop it...no one knows where we are now...its been too long and we are far, far away...ssss, we ssshould burn him anywaysss... The tall Qadiran shook his head to disperse his suspicions and seemed to snake his way through the throng as he made his way towards the church. He stopped to partake of some sort of meat pie which reminded him of the shawarma of his homeland and brought some measure of comfort.
Quite a sight to behold, a young blonde girl sporting a full suit of armor and a scimitar at her waist gleefully goes from stall to stall, trying out the tastiest looking morsels, her hair seemingly blowing in a non-existant wind. Despite her glee, she notes a few individuals who stand out from the regular townsfolk: two men, a scarfed Varisian and a turbaned Keleshite, were radiating a significant degree of magic energy from several items that adorned their persons. Neither seemed ill intentioned, though, so Haewyn payed them no more notice than was due. She was here for the festival, anyway, not to start trouble, and the free food was demanding all of her attention.
"So... how much of this can I eat before you guys start to cut me off?" she joked to one particularly rotund vendor.
Well now, this town has got to be the right one, what do you think Flim
entering town from a completely unexpected direction coming out from the trees near the bridge by Undercliff way a halfling on a poney loaded with what seems to be everything but the kitchen sink.
glancing around he notices the bridge and the road
What?!?! There was a road? the halfling pulls out a half torn map that looks to hand drawn by 5 year old. he examine it a moment then looks around then in a moment of inspiration flips it around.
Hey there it is, Oh well we are here now, whereever here is
he rides across the bridge and soon hears the sounds of the festival.
Hey Flim we found it, or at least a party, if not the festival of tail swallowing
the two make their way through the town following the sounds of the festival.
upon reaching the town square and the multitudes of people of all shapes and sizes. he quickly dismounts and tis the poney to the nearest post.
You stay here Flim I'll bring you a nice apple. OK?
and off the halfling goes grabbing free samples as he goes tasting the local fare.
Finally a smile crosses his face and he finds a couple of empty crates and stakes them up making a make-shift stage. and with the snap of his fingers a guitar materalizes in his hands. and after a few more arcane gestures there is the sound of music eminating about him.
Come one, Come all, come hear the tunes of Fulito Ferrywarden Bard of the River Kingdoms he hollars out in a booming voice amplified by the magic of the spell.
He then begins to play and sing
Well, I took a stroll on the old long walk
Of a day -I-ay-I-ay
I met a little girl and we stopped to talk
On a grand soft day -I-ay-I-ay
And I ask you, friend, what's a fella to do
'Cause her hair was black and her eyes were blue
And I knew right then I'd be takin' a whirl
Down the Salthill Prom with a Sandpoint girl
We were halfway there when the rain came down
On a day -I-ay-I-ay
And she took me up to her flat downtown
On a fine soft day -I-ay-I-ay
And I ask you, friend, what's a fella to do
If her hair was black and her eyes were blue
So I took her hand and I gave her a twirl
And I lost my heart to a Sandpoint girl
But when I woke up I was all alone
With a broken heart and a ticket home
And I ask you friend, what's a fella to do
If her hair was black and her eyes were blue
See I've traveled around I've been all over the world
I've never seen nothin' like a Sandpoint girl
And I ask you friend, what's a fella to do
If her hair was black and her eyes were blue
See I've traveled around I've been all over the world
I've never seen nothin' like a Sandpoint girl
Amused and impressed by the halfling's singing, Haewyn flips a gold coin onto the stage and finds a nearby crate to sit upon and eat some of the delicious meatballs she had picked up.
Syndir wandered over at the sight of halfling climbing up on the crates since the priest had yet to appear and give his speach.
He found himself grinning and genuinely enjoying the song. It was much different than the music from home but very good none the less...not that I'm an expert on the subject...
He noticed the armed and armored woman watching as well and followed what had to be a local custom of flipping a gold coin on stage at the end of the performance.
as the song ends the guitar vanishes and with awave of his hand the accompaniment also ceases.
He snatches up the coins and gives a nod of thanks to the contributors.
He flips the coins and into the pouch they go.
Eyeing the pretty lady in armor Fulito approaches, and with a bow, one eye on the lady the other on the meatballs. Thank you my lady. If you care to wait a bit, after I eat, I think I might have a song just for you
and off he goes in search of the same meatballs,
stopping along the way to grab a few apples, Ahh yes just as I promised Flim, must not forget him
and with meatballs in one hand and an apple in the other Fulito goes back to his Pony to eat.
Here ya go boy..see I would never forget you old friend giving the apple to Flim.
Cheeky little bastard, but harmless enough. Haewyn smiled to herself. Besides! I'm likely twice his age! And at this thought she burst out laughing. For her, having lived for 62 years but barely looking older than a teenager was often more of a cause for hilarity than angst. She almost began choking on one of the meatballs.
Reynard walked amongst the crowd, in his element. Wherever there was a busy, bustling community, he tended to fade into the background unless neeeded, years of practice and truly becoming a part of a town or city.
He njoyed the sights and sounds of the festival, the people of Sandpoint revelingin the opportunity to relax and enjoy something they looked forward to all year, and yet, he was slightly on edge.
His naturally suspicious nature, coupled with a sesoned danger instinct, meant that no matter how relaxed he was, there was always a part of him waiting for something bad to happen.
Maybe you're wrong this time. Heh....and maybe the swallowtail butterflies will fly off with the new catherdral too.
Vedic sat in his customary chair in front of the Rusty Dragon inn with his feet kicked up on the hitching post with a book in his hand. He wasn't reading at the moment, he was just watching the crowd with an idle smile on his face.
Hufsa suffered the jostling crowd for as long as she could muster, before finding a knoll of high ground to take in the festivities;
Torag's Beard these Southerners do like a festival! I’ll takke the open tundra and kald walls of the North any day...
The sturdy dwarf leans against her massive hammer as she surveys the throng before her, before giving a sigh;
Finding a sage amongst this will be like finding a warm welcome in Irrensin!
Her keen eyes are drawn to several outlanders like herself, though unlike herself, and then to the performance of the Halfling bard, which draws a wry grin from the warrior poet;
Quite the performer! Not the Edda that would gain favour in the lang-hus, but it has entertained the Southerners sure enough...
Hufsa hails two young Sandpointers as they skip past;
"Hoi.. you two! Would you be so kind as to find me some smoked fish amongst these stalls... and some Linnorm mead if they have any? No rush barnr... I'm not going anywhere..."
She smiles awkwardly and flicks each of them a gold coin;
"Run along then..."
Syndir shook his head and chuckled at the imp's suggestive offer to the armored young lady and he couldnt help but notice when she coughed over her food. He found a vendor serving wine and purchased a pair of drinks.
Are quite alright miss? Perhaps some mulled wine?
The Qadiran offered the young lady a glass.
Tiko stands silently beside Chung, watching the festivities. They were strange to him, as Tian festivals were very different. The only thing that was similar was the sound of the children s laughter. Occasionally he had to grunt and warn off a child getting too close to his mean tempered mount, but for the most part he watched...and observed.
Perception
Haewyn grabs the cup and takes a gulp.
"Thanks, skinny-britches! I owe you one. The food's great, but some of it's as dry as hell itself. The name's Haeywyn Norric, Cleric of the mighty Dawnflower. And you are...?" She extends a handshake.
Having spent countless hours amongst sailors and their rough tongues; the Kelishite took the jab at his physique good naturedly and shook the young lady's hand with a slight bow.
Syndir Apep at your service. I have found the food quite delicious. Are you perhaps a local miss? I find myself in need of a good inn this evening.
"Hah, no such luck on your part, Syndir. I'm a traveler like yourself. I was planning on looking for lodging after the festivities wore off, so I have no clue what you'll find or where."
As she awaits the return of her quested children, Hufsa looks across the throng catching a view of her erstwhile companion Vedic, keeping vigil at the Inn.
"See the Festival Hufsa... Breath it in! It's quite the experience!" that damned elf had said. Oh aye, we will have words over this...
The brawny dwarf tips the elven mage a nod and a forced smile as she absent-mindedly grips the haft of her fearsome dragonheaded longhammer with whitened knuckles...
after a meal and some time ensureing Flim is tended to...
Well now boy lets go see what else this place has to offer.
Fulito heads toward the festivities catching some other performers and games of chance, eventually he takes notice of the lady whom he saw at his little song and with the other one that had tossed him a coin.
well then, don't want to come between them
scanning about for a likely audience ...
well now looks like this place needs .... as he pulls out his magical harmonica. and he goes into a blues medly
The elf watched his dwarven friend's plight with amusement. Desert people were peculiar to the last. He much preferred the simplistic stoicism and simple joys of the Issani to the wild eccentricities and variance of the people he grew up around. His theory was that the heat was activly damaging to the mind. He himself grew up here and had no shortage of oddities. He was his own best example of this idea.
On the other hand, desert folk threw impressive parties. The foods were full of exotic spices and tantalizing sugars. The colors of the garments were rich and vibrant, flowing like chromatic water on rippling silks.
Hufsa had wanted to see it. Apparently she hadn't been prepared. He wasn't surprised. Desert folk were definitely an acquired taste.
He waved back to her with a chuckle and a glint in his eye, then went back to the latest puzzle his book had left him with.
Ah, I see. You hold faith that rooms will still be available then? I iamgine the Dawnflower is ever shining radiant light on you my lady. We hold Sarenrae in very high regard in Qadira. MIght I ask from whence you came?
While Syndir was always game for a distracting conversation with an attractive young lady he was also prudent and used the time to pass a glance through the crowd...lest the young lady catch me staring at her wares overly long as well...
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"Heh, I'd like to think she is, but vanity doesn't get a girl anywhere. If rooms aren't available then I'll sleep under the stars outside of town. I'm no stranger to camping on the side of the road. As for origins? I myself am from Magnimar, born and raised. It's just southwest, down the coast."
"You lookin' for someone? Or am I boring you?"
Ah forgive my distraction Miss Haewyn. I do not know you well enough to discern wether or not you are boring but I would doubt it. The armor would indicate quite the opposite I assure you. I am simply a stranger a long way from home and have become accustomed to staying aware of my surroundings...lest I become embroiled in some conflict of customs that I do not understand fully. Such as causing some slight that warrants a duel or even worse, litigation. Perhaps the performer from earlier will return and have quarrel with me for speaking to one that he intended to court with song. But I digress and give apologies again.
The young Qadiran looked embarrassed and yet also like he had explained this before.
I have not heard of this Magnimar. What's it like?
"Wait wait wait don't try to change the subject! Intended to court?! Really? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" She bursts out laughing, but regains enough composure to explain: "No offense, but neither of you are really my type, nor am I on the market. Goddess this is a weird day."
She takes another swig of the wine.
"Listen, you want to know 'bout Magnimar? It's just like any other big city: it's got its old stuff, its new stuff, it's fancy stuff, and its gritty stuff. I've pretty much seen it all, and each part has its merits and its downsides. If you need something in Magnimar, go to Magnimar. If you want to see a giant ruined bridge? Go to Magnimar. Otherwise, it's pretty much the same as everywhere else in the world, far as I can tell."
Tiko remained standing where he was silently observing, until a young woman with a red face, walked by with a pitcher of lemon water, she was selling.
"I would like to purchase a drink of that water", Tiko pronounced slowly in his accented common tongue.
The halfling nearly looses his chord at the lady's outburst, but quickly recovers and ends his lillt tune.
Now my fair lady do not be so harsh on the poor fellow, he may be much more than what meets the eye Fulito jestures to the Kelishite man.
now maybe you two need a leeson in courtin, at least how its done in the River Kingdoms He comments with a smile.
Or you can just go with the method I got my lovely Lily, a Bonk on the noggin with a guitar
Fulito pulls out a towel and hands it to the Kelishite You may need this
He then summons a small accordian Maybe a little music to set the mood, a ditty about love, and perhaps later you two could have dinner together, I'll cook
he then begins to play A ditty about a girl named Mary
Syndir took the offered towel having no idea as to its purpose and shook his head at the absurdity of all the misunderstandings...I have stepped right into the very thing I was attempting to avoid...
He would have laughed aloud but the halfling had started up his song so He listened along and again enjoyed the music...even if it is a bit crude...
"What... oooookay this has officially escalated to uncomfortable levels." Haewyn makes gesture with her hands that obviously means "stop," and stands up abruptly.
"Listen, I just came here to enjoy myself by myself. A little music and idle conversation is all fine and dandy, but I am NOT some defenseless girl looking for a man to complete her life. And I am a priestess of Sarenrae, not of Calistria, so you can bet your asses that I'm not some floozy who's open to 'a good time at any time.' Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go sharpen my very sharp sword that I know how to use very well."
And with that, Haewyn storms off into the crowd before either man can utter a response. She proceeds to move down church street towards the cathedral's graveyard.
Hm. This looks like a good place to get away for a while, at least until Father Zantus finally gets to his speech. Dead people don't tend to bother you. Well... at least they usually don't...
Vedic watched Haewyn stomp off and chuckled to himself. He didn't know what had been said, but he could guess the gist. He'd seen it before in just about town they had stopped at in Issen, and nearly every port from there to hear.
Someday she will need to come up with better ways of redirecting the outcome of these situations. he thought to himself. The world is unlikely to change for her.
The speech will be starting soon. I suppose I should gather with the crowd.
Well it was certainly a pleasure to make your acquaintance. May you find shade this day Miss Haewyn.
...will wonders never cease?... the Qadiran thought as the armored woman made her leave...quite abruptly I might add and under a blatant misunderstanding...these westerners are as uncouth as Ive always heard...
He turned his regard to halfling that had inadvertently caused the young lady's ire and had also provided some much needed entertainment.
Good sir. You have a flair for performance but I'd say the lady didn't agree with your artistic tastes. A pity but everyone is a critic and entitled to their opinion, true? I am Syndir Apep. Recently arrived from the very distant Qadira.
With a hand outstretched and one to his chest the Kelishite offers a small bow.
Well it was certainly a pleasure to make your acquaintance. May you find shade this day Miss Haewyn.
...will wonders never cease?... the Qadiran thought as the armored woman made her leave...quite abruptly I might add and under a blatant misunderstanding...these westerners are as uncouth as Ive always heard...
He turned his regard to halfling that had inadvertently caused the young lady's ire and had also provided some much needed entertainment.
Good sir. You have a flair for performance but I'd say the lady didn't agree with your artistic tastes. A pity but everyone is a critic and entitled to their opinion, true? I am Syndir Apep. Recently arrived from the very distant Qadira.
With a hand outstretched and one to his chest the Kelishite offers a small bow.
After the song finishd (possibly a bit early as well
shame really, I rather liked that song.
he turns to Syndir taking his towel back
sorry about that, My father always said never forget your towel and ....Welll that is a story I will have to share sometime. Anyway as you might already know, I am Fulito Ferrywarden - Bard of the River Kingdoms, and Chronicler of all I see.
He returns the bow
Qadira you say, hmmm I may have heard a bit about that place, isn't that some distance away, to the west? pointing north as he speaks
Seeing Vedic wave back, Hufsa casts him a withering glare and sets her stonefaced gaze back upon the assembled throng;
Droskar's Toil this frivilous joy is tedious! Sooner I can find word of this regions legendary beasts and set upon their trail the better...
...ah, a sense of celebrity...and possibly true...
I am knew to town so I am sorry to say this is the first that I've heard of you Fulito Ferrywarden. I shall consider myself lucky to have met you none the less.
He pondered the halfling's sense of direction for a moment.
Is that also South? Then, yes I do believe that is the way. You are truly a learned man Fulito. Do you know a good inn? I find myself in need of shelter after the evenings festivities.
As Reynard wandered the booths enjoying the celebration,he took not of the newcomers to the area. Though he himself had only been in Sandpoint for a few months, he already thought of the community as his home, and so the number of strangers was something that stood out to him.
Off to the side, a tall man, possibly Quadiran, a stunning blond woman in full plate armor and a halfling musician seemed to be having some kind of argument, ending with the woman storming off.....toward the graveyard?
Odd.
In just a few minutes Father Zantus would be making his speech. Everyone would be watching, except for somone who wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.
Slowly, he began to work his way in the direction of the graveyard.
Haewyn reaches the gates to the graveyard and thinks to herself Wait, let's think about this. Am I overreacting? Sure, those two were a bit too chummy for a first meeting, but it's not like they did anything wrong..."
She pauses at the gate, thinking about her situation as a Cleric, a Pathfinder, and a someone with a lot of experience under her belt. She could not remember a time when she had acted more immature, more... reactively. It's like an unknown facet of herself had reared it's ugly head and taken a bite out of those poor relative strangers. They were extremely nice. One even played music for me... I just need to get it across that I'm not interested and perhaps they'll understand. I must not have been communicating well before. That's the ticket! And at that, she began to stride back towards the center of the marketplace.
Haewyn sees a heavily armed man in a broad-brimmed hat that seemed to be following the exact path she had taken earlier. I seem to be attracting all the strange ones today. Should probably try to be civil this time.
"Hello, Stranger. Can I help you?"
Reynard raises an eyebrow, obviously surprised at the young woman's sense of awareness.
"Just making sure you weren't lost maam. Graveyard's not usually the best place for sight seeing, tends to make the locals a bit....twitchy."
He smiles disarmingly, the majority of his face shadowed by his hat as he stands at ease.
"Not to worry, just looking for a bit of peace and quiet to recompose myself. I tell you, there's something about this place that pushes my buttons."
Reynard scratches his beard in thought for a moment.
"Looks like you're more perceptive than most. Been looking out for this town for a while and I've got a bad feeling running up the back of my neck." he says in a quieter tone.
"Now that I think of it, it's the same here. I've just started noticing it, but I think I've been on edge since I arrived. I wonder if there's something-" Haewyn is sudden interrupted by a rapt coming from the town square.
A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun’s setting rays paint the midday sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium, where a beaming Father Zantus has taken the stage. All others who were outside of the town square begin to crowd in, including yourselves.
Zantus clears his throat, takes a breath to speak, and suddenly a woman’s scream slices through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices rises—high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite human. The crowd parts and something low to the ground races by, giggling with disturbing glee as the stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.
The song goes a little something like this:
Syndir gave up on finding an Inn when the loud crack announced Father Zantus...finally...
Of course this all turned to confusion when the screams began and the goblin guest sliced a dog's throat near him...they should have known better than to invite the vile creatures...then again offers of free food will attract many an undesirable to the table...
Tiko's head snaps up, and he tries to control his horse.
Perception
Tiko spots a small figure running for his horse and without thinking draws his Katana like lightning, swinging at the small goblin.
Katana Strike
Damage
Goblins!?! Fulito stands startled for a moment then suddnely it dawns on him...
They hate horses....FLIM! he yells as he runs to Flim his pony tethered at the edge of the square drawing his little short sword as he runs to get there.
As the screams start Reynard curses under his breath, drawing a stylized heavy repeating crossbow, he ratchets a bolt clip into the weapon, eyes searching the panicking crown for the source of the chaos.
%!@%!#@ it! Just had to be right didn't you?!