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You have arrived in Sandpoint, a small town of just over a thousand. Mostly humans, but the other major races are present. It is a prosperous hamlet on what is now the coast, though for the history buffs at one point in time it was not on the coast.
Some of you are aware, and others are completely shocked to find the town is gearing up for the annual Swallowtail Festival. The town is generally welcoming to all of you, with the most telling feature on the way in.
As you approach there is a sign next to a mirror, a bit dusty, but a mirror saying Welcome to Sandpoint! Please stop and see yourself as we see you!
Tarinhil approaches the small hamlet, smiling at the homey vision of dancing lights from torches and windows and sighing with relief. I don't hear any festival-noises.... so I guess I made it in time after all. Was a little worried that the day I lost wandering down that trail tracking those strange prints would make me miss the start of the festivities..
He lifts his pack with a sigh, I guess the Ant Haul's worn off again..., and then chuckles as he sees the sign and the mirror, saying aloud, "Apparently they see me as a dust-covered, grimy and slightly weary traveler.... well, I can fix some of that, at least." He waves a hand over himself, triggering the minor magics of his fae heritage, prestidigitating away the grime and dust.
Looking at a much cleaner reflection, he chuckles again, "Much better.... Now let's see about finding an inn..", and steps into the town, whistling and trying to ignore the weight of his pack.
It is early evening the day before the festival the wagons have gone round the other way but he wanted Aeron to see this. Laughing with delight at the mirror happy to see it is still there. He quickly casts prestidigitation to clean it chuckling at the infinite loop made by his mask and the mirrior. He looks over himself and Aeron and prestidigitates them both clean. Well we have to make a good impression. There all clean. Don't look at me like that take the mirrors lesson to heart. Your a big brute compared to most these people so smile and play nice. Onward. And I need a sword I would look dashing with a sword.
He leads into town heading straight for the inn. He hopes its still there it has been a decade since he came this way.
As Tarin enters the town he is easily able to find someone who can point him toward an Inn.
Tarin comes across a massive brute of a man, covered in scars. Looking for a drink and bed there little one? He grunts. [b] Two choices north end of town you got the Rusty Dragon, at the South End the White Deer.
Tarinhil nods appreciatively, "Thank you. I think I'll try the Rusty Dragon... it sounds more.... dramatic. I'm Tarinhilliberanavius. Well met!"
He begins heading north as the poor stranger attempts to absorb his gnomish name.
The man grunts, not even bothering to try his name. Try not to drink too much little one. I am Vechedi. He slaps the gnome on the back, friendly like, but hard enough to send him staggering forward a good 5 feet.
Unalaq makes his way in from the north, happy to have finally reached Sandpoint after many weeks of travel from the far north. The road was hard, but lightened by all of the new sights and sounds of the southlands. The people too had been a new experience. From the hearty Ulfen of Kalsgard to the entertaining caravans of the Varisians. Only the rough men of the Nolands had been unwelcoming. Thinking to take a man's possessions... That had changed quickly once they saw he could actually handle the giant sword that he strapped to his back.
Unalaq had camped along the Lost Coast Road the night before, realizing that he did not have the time to reach the town before dark and having learned on the road that the southlanders were much like the Erutaki in their acceptance of late night visitors. Better to make a good first impression and not terrify them... He was especially glad of his choice once he saw the mirror in the morning light. It took him a moment to puzzle out the message. His common had improved on the road, but reading was still a challenge, but he chuckled one he worked it out. Yes, definitely better to have waited...
Just around the bend, the wall and gate appear through the trees. He shades his eyes from the morning sun and then approaches town remembering to smile and looking for a guard who might be able to point him to the town sheriff or other official so he can offer assistance.
A young woman, quite attactive, is bustling about with a crate of apples, obviously on the way to be delivered, stops and looks Unalaq up and down. She smiles and speaks with him.
Sherriff Hemlock can be found at the Garrison . Her hand rests on Unalaq's bicep. I am Shayless, I hope I see you at the festival? She lets the question linger in the air.
Aéron walks into the town with his ward and new friend Tiazara and spots the strange mirror and sign. Tiazara says some strange words and then the mirror is no longer covered in grime, but is clean and shiny. In the reflection he can see that he too is covered in dirt and mud, he smiles at his reflection, "Good, just as I should be. More natural, I li..." The words come out of Tiazara's lips again and all of a sudden Aéron finds himself clean again, "Oh ..." He seems upset to be cleaner, but Tiazara was probably right, an impression had to be made and he shouldn't make trouble for him. That is when Aéron notices the length of hair and beard, "Wow ... they have gotten really long!" He goes to pull a knife to give himself a shave in the mirrow and goes to shave his head when he stops, "I actually like it ... but the beard can be a bit neater though." So he kneels down, his eyes only just reflecting in the mirror, the top of his head cut off where the mirror wasn't high enough and starts to trim his bead so it is a little neater. Once he has finished he places his knife back into his sheath and his hip.
When Tiazara goes off Aéron follows instinctively and follows his advice, smiling and trying to not scare anyone too much, "Zara, where are we going now and what is all of this?"
Turns and sees the mess Aeron made of his hair. Okay tell me how you wanted it to look. Listens for a moment then use prestidigitation to fix his hair just the way he wanted it. We are here for a festival to make money and have fun. Its called the Swallowtail festival and my harrow tells me its going to be interesting. I have known that for months but what kind of interesting I don't know. So be on your guard.
He traverses the rest of the bridge waving brightly at the guards. We are headed to an inn I hope is still there no idea if it is, and if it is if its still the same owner. To drum up business andto here the local gossip. Have fun have an wrestling match get drunk but don't scare the locals.
Standing outside of what is now the rusty dragon Tiazara hmmmms to himself before reaching into his bag and pulling out a Harelquin domino mask in red and black. He turns towards the building and takes off his mirrored mask swiftly putting on the domino. Shall we go in? Of course we shall. He takes a deep breath to calm himself and enters the inn.
Tarinhil calls back over his shoulder, "I shan't! I don't want to miss any part of the festivities tomorrow!", and continues down the road to the north.
Varisian human settlements are much friendlier than the Chelish ones... I had to hand over a few coppers for the name of a good inn back in Ostensto...
He shakes himself out of his thoughts as his keen senses first pick up on the sounds of a common room and the smells of exotic spices. That must be the place up ahead! It sure smells good -- I haven't had a meal I didn't need to magically flavour in days....
The small figure pushes open the door and steps into the room with a smile.
Looks at the small figure that entered right after him. Why its a gnome I have seen one in I don't know how long. I wonder if he will let me read his fortune it should be lucky for us both.
Turning to the gnome he speaks. Hello there small friend how are you today? Perhaos you could do me a favor?
Unalaq smiles back at the woman, "Greetings Shayless and thank you for your hospitality! I will be a lucky man if everyone in Sandpoint is as friendly as you. I'm Unalaq. I didn't know there was a festival. Tell me more." Unalaq makes a poorly disguised effort to be sure Shayless isn't wearing a wedding ring.
Tarinhil looks up at the elf in the strage mask, How very unusual... I wonder what that's about. Did he burn himself?. Realizing that his pondering might be rude, he shakes himself and smiles, "Well met, masked one. I am quite pleased to be off the road, thanks for asking."
He pauses for a moment, then shrugs, "I might... it depends on the favour. I warn you, though, I am a newcomer to Sandpoint, here for the festival."
Aéron watches as Zara changes his mask, "Why is he doing that I wonder ... what's under there?" "Lead on Zara." As Aéron heads on in, he see's the smallest person he has ever laid his eyes in. Fully grown and not even up to his hip, very ... worrying. But sticking to what Zara said he doesn't try to be menacing, he just stands behind him and waits patiently.
Sethran returns to the fairgrounds he was walking the night before. He didn't see the old Elf he'd met, had dinner with and discussed philosophy with.
The meat-filled pastry was hot, the crust flaky. Local spices blended wonderfully. Better that the cheap fare he'd been used to eating from the vendors near the university research annex in Kart Maga.
He was certain he stuck out, an academic sitting on the steps, people watching. Swallowtail Festival in a sleepy little town, what could possibly happen?
Interesting characters here and there. Guess you can't help but meet folks at a festival.
Some kids ran by and he hailed them, tossing them coppers.
Unalaq
Why it is the yearly celebration of the equinox. There will be food, and games and speeches. It is the best time of the year. I have to deliver these... She shifts the apples to one arm, and brushes her hair back with her left hand, showing no wedding ring. but maybe you will find me at the festival tomorrow?
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Tarin/Zara/Aeron
Well get inside, you are letting the warm air out! A musical voice calls out from behind the bar. All three look up and see a beautiful human woman behind the bar.
Welcome to the Rusty Dragon festival goers! I am Ameiko. What can I get you?, and since you are new I will let you know that whomever tells the best story of adventure this night will get a 10% discount.
Sethran
The kids stop and scoop up the coppers. Hey Mister! Wanna play? In their hands they have a variety of rocks and sticks and the removed top of a barrel.
He smiles before realizing it can't be seen. Oh just do me the pleasure of reading your fate. You see I am a Harrower by trade and reading the fate of those fated not to die is lucky. What say you shall I Augury your fate?
He has lead the small group to a table as his hand dips into his sash and come out with a small metal box. It is inset with runes in several gems and precious metals. Well will you please?
Hearing the woman shouting, Aéron quickly gets inside, making sure the door can close behind him. He nearly forgets to duck as he walks in and nearly bashes his head on the door frame. He heads over to the woman at the bar, "I don't know any stories, but a bite ta eat would be grande, what do ya have on offer?" Aéron then looks back at Zara, "Zara, ya wanting anytin' ta eat?" Aéron's voice is a little gravelly, very deep but there is no menacing intend in his tone at all.
In the Dragon
My aren't you a big one. How about I bring you the special. It has a good strong bite. Some chicken and root vegetables with spices from the far east.
She smiles at Aeron, And how about an ale? on the house?
Aéron smiles at Ameiko, "Thanks, would be nice." With that he heads over to the table where Zara and the short man are sitting at and takes a seat next to Zara. He smiles at the small man and lets Zara do his thing, while waiting for his food and drink. He removes his large hammer from his back, and places it on the floor beside him, handle standing upright. Although the Hammer is almost as tall as a normal man, it is inches shorter than the man who carries it.
Sethran considers the child's offer, then laughs out loud. Something he hadn't done in a very long time... Well, not in public.
What did you have in mind?
Sethran
We are playing BOOM CRASH! Whoever can hit the rock with their stick into the barrel top from the farthest away wins. Now we have lots of money so we can bet too! The kids are bouncing up and down, the excitement is palpable.
Tarinhil steps into the room with an embarassed smile. "Sorry about that!", he calls out. He bows toward the woman at the bar with a friendly smile, "I'll have a cider, and one or two of whatever belongs to that that spicy smell. And later, maybe after an extra cider or two, I'll tell the tale of the rescue aboard the Tideskimmer."
He looks up at the masked elf and says, "That sounds fun! Let's give that a try!" He follows the elf to the table, cocking his head to get a good look at the small box and the runes upon it. "So how does this work? You say you're a Harrower, so I guess this isn't just a show-telling?"
He stands on the chair to ensure that he keeps a good view of the elf and the tools of his trade.
If the elf is really prescient, I wonder what makes it so... Maybe it's in his blood? I wonder if he'd let me collect a little for study....
Right away Master Gnome. I need two specials and a cider! Ameiko calls to the back.
That sounds hard. But, I'll try. Sethran puts up three coppers.
A little flush comes to his cheeks as Unalaq smiles in return, "I'd be happy to help, but it looks like you have a good hand on your apples. I think I'd better go find the Sheriff, but I will definitely look for you at the festival." After bidding farewell to Shayless, Unalaq follows her directions to the Sheriff. He looks around, getting a feel for the town and its defensibility. I do hope Tolc and the spirit-talker are wrong about the giants coming. This seems like a nice town.
Hold on Mister! you have to sing the song while you play.
The kids all sing as they take their turns.
Here comes crazy-man Das Korvut,
Mad as a cut snake in a wagon rut.
See how his chops go bouncity-bounce ?
How many people has he trounced?
One! Two! Three! Four ...
Despite the kids know how and ability to play and sing Sethran wins the first round.
A freckled redhead wins the second round
A tiny blond haired boy wins the third round.
Gee Mister your good! Have you played before?
You're a charmer, kid... But, must have been beginner's luck. You'd better get going before I go broke!
Sethran reaches a hand out towards the barrel cover and it rises and floats to his hand. Don't forget this... He hands it to the pack-leader.
Wow! A Sorcerer! Cool! Can you show us another trick?
Yeah how about a fireball?
No summon a dragon!
they all shout in unison.
Well first we sit here and you think of something in the near future you might like to know about. The elf suits words to actions and as soon as he is seated whips out a silk cloth and pulls a deck out of the box. The cards are strange looking the backs seemingly etched and the fronts painted as they click together as the elf effortlessly shuffles them. Now I can
do one of two things or both your choice. The first is to augur into your immediate future if the cards answer it will be definite. Or I can do a far future reading but know this is hard as the more time passes the more inaccurate things become. The future is not a line instead it is plane of endless possibilities that narrows to a single door as you pass through it. Now would you like a short term, a long term, or both readings? And I will need your question for the short term with this he presents the deck so that you may take a card after you ask your question.
No fire breathing dragon yet, folks. But, I have an invisible little silver dragon that breathes... ICE.
Eryda woke with a smile, quite unlike her usual gruff self. Today was the day she would finally beable to honor the Great Forgemaster in a proper cloister. During the reconstruction of the cathedral, Eryda had come forward to assist with many aspects of metalwork. Window grills, candle holders, door hinges... Now that she stopped and thought about it, perhaps it wasn't that much after all. Still, the priests had welcomed the assistance and offered to share the cathedral with Torag, much to her pleasure.
She stepped out of the small forgefront, clad in an armor of her very own crafting. It was emblazoned with the sigil of Torag, burnished copper on steel. Her shield, aptly named the 'Anvil' sported a similar sigil. This she slung over her back, where it hung over a warhammer at her side. This she named 'Bass'. A glorious sight... for a 4 foot dwarf.
"Today, the town crafters' handiwork will be under the scrutiny of the public. Let there be no blashemy or conflict."
Eryda makes her way to the cathedral in no particular route.
Woah! Let's go tell Ameiko about the Sorcerer with a miniture dragon! The boys take off.
Eryda
Eryda stands in front of the cathedral as the sun sets. It brings her a feeling of peace that comes over her. A couple of the local children run by snickering at her as she wanders around in full armor. One or two throw some pebbles that clang musically to their great delight.
She notices a massive man and slender orc, followed closely by a gnome from another direction making their way towards the Rusty Dragon.
Tarinhil looks at the deck and then back to the elf with an expression of wonder. "Any question at all?"
Should I ask about the Sandpoint Devil? Or maybe something less dramatic -- something that would be easier to observe the results and measure them...
The gnome takes a draw of his cider, noting the pleasant bite of spices and its contrast with the cold, tart, crispness.
"Both sounds far more interesting! Over the long term, I mean to find a cure to the curse that ails my people.... and would appreciate any guidance... but, for a short-term question, let's figure out how I will fare in Standpoint at tomorrow's festivities -- shall I find something precious? A new bit of arcane lore or a new piece of a remarkable creature to study? Maybe something even more special - like a romantic adventure? Or maybe a clue that will put me on the path to finding such things?"
For the long term I will tell you what the cards tell me they will be somewhat vague. And for
the short term I mean with in the next hour or so. So lets see shall you find something interesting. Draw your card He waits for you to do so. It is the arcanist. Hmmmmmm the Arcanist a powerful figure full of knowledge and a guardian of the forgotten. But in the opposed position. Your a fledgling arcanist but not a mage I don't feel that power flowing from
you. Nor a sorcerer or bard. An Alchemist? Interesting that you didn't draw that card. Perhaps you are more interested in ancient lore....
He begins to play the rest of the setting out. One card after another his eyes on yours the cards being laid face down in some pattern only he understands. He sets a single card face down in front of you and then flips the first set over. Darkness seeking. There is danger on the horizon both near and far danger to us to the town to the world. His voice takes on a the sound of others some male some female. All speaking at once. He flips over 7 cards all showing Arcanists. They are awakening like a storm they will come. He flips over the next configuration without looking he speaks with the voice of many. First the sins of the past will rise sins of the present making way for their return. An angel cries out and is slain. Obsession and pain consuming all it see. Shattered stars in the day bring mourning at night. Winter sweeps the land pirates laugh and plunder the world split asunder. He collapses to the table the ivory cards spilling everywhere.... Oh goddess I feel like I have seen the end too much. Too much. The answer to your question for the short term lies under that card as for the long term I'm not sure we have one.
Tarin takes a bite of the spicy special andit is delicious he takes a large bite and then he thinks his head might explode.
As it flips over he sees the hanged man in opposition. You may find what seek here shortly but if you are not careful something will happen that will cost all you have gained
He sits up and gathers his cards with shaking hands. Miss Aemiko may I have some apple jack and whatever you think is best. I need something to steady me then I will share a story that the Varissans tell amongst ourselves.
Before long a mug of cider is next to Zara
Once the boys runs off a blue little dragon pops up from the roof of a nearby building, in Elven it asks, "You called sorcerer?"
Recognizing that you were not speaking to it, it says, "Oh, no, no, no, you were just playing the farce, with that Ray of Frost." He glides down to Sethran landing on his shoulder.
"How interesting you are!" smiling as he looks at your stuff and what you wear.
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At the Rusty Dragon:
Tiazara, you know you are missing a few cards.
A black mink, with a minor bit of blue, perhaps a ferret instead. Is below pushing three cards out: The Archanist, the Moon, and the World. He then paws them for a moment then looks side to side, then up. He smiles, squats down, and using his fore paws offers one of the cards up.
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Eryda paid no mind to the pebbles bouncing off her armor, for the near perfect suit made it almost impervious to such weak efforts. She continued to stride towards the cathedral, marvelling at its completion as the structure came into view. She inspected her handiwork and smiled.
Off to the side, a motley group of strangely built bodies caught her attention. The man larger than the orc and a smallish... Dwarf? Intrigued, Eryda decided to follow the three as they entered Ameiko's tavern.
Eryda enters just in time to see the end of the Augury reading. She sees the tall elf with a mask slump over in his chair briefly.
Looks down at the mink and smiles and takes the proffered card as Tsurna pops her head out of his bag and fixes on the mink. He taps her head as if in admonishment. Now now Tsurna be nice this one is helping me. Thank you little brother I have never had that happen before. Perhaps a bite of my meal when it comes as thanks. Once he has all the cards gathered he will sit and organize the cards sorting them trying to figure the mystery of the eight arcanists.
He looks to Tarin I'm sorry that has never happened before. As you can see there is only one in the deck but we saw eight. I don't like this. The cards have been acting strange lately but not this badly. As to your short term question you will find love and lore but there is something lurking at the edges that can snatch it away all of it and what you already have if your not careful. He goes back to searching his deck for answers setting harrowing after harrowing each one saying tomorrow it all starts.
I wonder. Was that divinity, or no more then a scam? Best to keep my eye on them for a while. Eryda quickly assumed her usual seat at the bar counter, absently reaching out a hand while watching the atmosphere around the table become sombre.
Whilst waiting on his food Tiazara turns towards the wall and switches his masks again. I am no longer in the mood to play for the public I think. He stares out at the crowded inn through a mirrored mask feeling more alone than ever. What did I have a seizure there at the end and such visions the deck has never done that before. Was it the result of trying to see that without end? They will already have me as a charlatan instead of what I am. I will make nothing at the festival tomorrow. Assuming nothing goes wrong.
The black ferret moves over to the half-orc sniffing in all the different spots of equipment or clothing.
Sethran is quite surprised, startled even. But he manages to maintain his grip on himself.
Sorcerer? I am certain I will be called worse. It is one of life's curiosities to me that the more ignorant an individual is, the less likely they are to enjoy being corrected. Currently, however... there is no point in splitting hairs with children. Unless of course it concerns safety.
It is not everyday that one such as you alights upon my shoulder. Whom might you be and to what do I owe this district pleasure?