Could I trouble you for some water... Sethran chugs his wine, nearly choking.
Whoa... the good... stuff. He manages a smile before biting into some bread.
the spice is too much or perhaps Sethran took too large a bite. He grabs his wine and downs it. A,eiko returns with another. She winks at Sethran
Thank you. Miss Ameiko I perfer more meet than most of my kin. This looks and smells fantastic. He takes a moment to just look and smell the dish enjoying it. Then he takes a small bite and slowly savors the perfectly cooked meat. Ameiko this is the best thing I ever had and far beats what I have been eating on the trail here the last few weeks. And as for presentation it looks almost as good as you. He takes another bite again savoring the first meal not on the road or made up of primarily of veggies in weeks.
He watches the animals antics and sees the small dragon and smiles calling out in Draconic Hail little Wyrm if your hunting has not been good mine has care to share? He gestures to his plate and carefully moves a portion aside for the small dragon after pulling of a nice piece for Tsurna.
CHA
Ameiko smiles at Zara...obviously unimpressed
Tinran watches the little creature carefully, He seems to understand Common, maybe I can communicate without needing that side of the Feygift... He looks to the elf and says, "Clearly, you have a way with preternaturally clever animals."
He starts into the second helping of stew and listens intently to Tiazara's discussion of the Harrow deck, then coughs when he hears Ameiko call his name.... then winces. "I suppose I brought this on myself, " he sighs, standing and draining the mug of cider before him.
He heads to the stage, pulling an empty chair with him, which he places solidy and leaps upon, giving himself a better vantage of the whole room.
He bows towards Ameiko and then faces the room, saying, "I am Tarinhilliberanavius.. It's a long name for such a wee short little person, isn't it?"
He chuckles and bit, then cocks his head as if he'd just thought of something, "Say, do any of you know why we gnomes are called such strange, complex and wonderful things?"
He leans forward slightly, as if bringing the whole room in on a well-treasured secret, holding for a moment to try to build anticipation before declaring, "Because those wonderful things are our names!"
His gaze scans the room, noting the mixed reaction of chuckles, groans and looks of confusion. I do hope someone explains it to that one, it's such a fine joke.
He chuckles himself again and then bows his head a bit, "I apologize. When I first volunteered to do this, I thought that I'd be a mite more drunk by now..... and, to be totally honest, I really hoped that you all would, as well."
As if to demonstrate his situation, he raises the pewter mug up to his face, then makes a large production of staring into it carefully with one eye, before flipping it over and letting a final drop fall down onto his tongue. He sighs dramatically and releases the mug, at least having done this earlier in the evening means that my prestidigitation is still in effect, and willing it to slowly drift its way over to a nearby tray.
"Aye, well, drunk or no, I promised a tale, and so, I tale I shall tell.."
He nods at Ameiko as she mimes working a tap, and then takes a breath to steady himself, before beginning.
"This particular tale starts, as so many of them do, with a girl. A beautiful, young recently-escaped slave who, in the span of a week, had come of age, been sold on the market, been liberated from a wagon train, and was now hiding in a secret room beneath a dusty cellar, waiting for the guide who would lead her on the last leg of her flight to freedom. As you might expect, this story involves that girl meeting a boy. The lad was a heady mix of bookishness with more than a touch of the rapscallion, rolled into a roguishly handsome package. He was the sort that usually looked almost perfectly respectable, save for slightly tussled hair and a spark of mischeif that never entirely left his turquoise eyes."
He pauses to nod his thanks to Ameiko as a new tankard of cider is delivered, then takes a small sip to wet his lips and continues. "She found herself drawn to him, and he to her. In that dusty basement they found and shared that first, young love that we all treasure so, spending nights talking about their dreams and hopes and fears, of plans for the future and the strangeness of their situation... and then, that final night when the guide finally arrived, they spent the night not talking much at all..."
Tarinhil pauses for a moment, his voice trailing off a bit, then takes another pull of the cider before continuing. "The next morning, the guide was there to lead her to her new life, and he could not follow. They promised to write, thought they both knew that the odds of getting letters delivered were almost nil. And yet, despite all that, the boy wrote her every day for a whole season after she left.... and then threw himself into studies to try to force himself to think about something other than her."
Realizing the melancholy entering his tone, Tarinhil gives himself a small shake and looks back up to the room with a smile, "Oh, come now. This isn't a sad story of lost love -- it's a tale of adventure! I could never compete with the tragedies the bards write, with their skilled words to wrench the emotion from us. Besides, I said it started with the girl, not that it *ended* there."
He smiles again and says, "For you see, four years later, the girl came back to ask the boy about some of the romantic promises they'd made back in that dusty cellar when they shared their dreams and hopes and fears. To be fair, she could scarce be called a girl any longer with the the way she now carried herself and her her new-found self-assurance gained over those four winters, somehow making her even more alluring. The girl had spent the last four years trying to locate her parents, and after seeking out a number of leads, spending a fair amount of coin and working hard, she had located them.... and hadn't the boy promised to help free them if ever they were found? Unlike the girl, however, the seasons had barely touched the boy, and so it was with the same romantic heart that he repeated the promise he made back then. After a night of getting reaquainted, she told him that she'd learned that her parents were slaves aboard a merchant galley known as the Tideskimmer, with her mother being a cook's assistant, and her father one of the rowers. The ship's primary run was from Westcrown to Korvosa, with various stops along the way depending on the time of year and what they could carry. The two launched a plan: they would find the ship, they would stow away on board, and the would free the slaves... in Varisia, of course, instead of Cheliax."
The gnome chuckles at the thought and looks over the room, "Look, I didn't say it a *good* plan."
He shrugs and then continues, "But still, it was a romantic idea, and the two were still young and naive enough to believe in it.... They set out, slowly working their way up the coast from port to port, keeping the girl's identity hidden and their plan under careful wraps, talking to shadowy contacts and slipping coins into palms the whole way... And, it seemed that Desna truly does love fools, for despite more missteps than I could possibly describe, some nine months after they started their trip, they reached Korvosa."
He chuckles again, amused at himself, "They were so pleased with themselves and their cleverness for making it that far that they celebrated having reached their destination... and in their elation, said too much in front of the wrong people, giving themselves away. They barely managed to escape Korvosa, being forced to give of the coin they had left to a smuggler who put them in a small cargo crate without many supplies and on a ship to Magnimar."
He shakes his head, "Imagine, if you will, being cramped into a small box with another person, some dried fruit and bread, a few waterskins and little else? It was less than a day into the trip that the two lost any notion of the romanticism of their mission. In fact, it seemed like certain defeat: they were mostly broke, headed away from where they needed to go... and even if they had the funds, returning to Korvosa would be very difficult now, and worse -- the Tideskimmer would hear all about their plot when it next pulled into port. Their cramped, uncomfortable flight was barely made tolerable by the boy's small magics and its ability to keep things clean, but their spirits were broken. The trip to Magnimar took 8 long days, the longest of their lives, with each rise and fall being another wave crossed taking them away from the victory they'd been so close to."
He pauses to raise the tankard to his lips again, then smiles, "But if Desna smiled upon them on their trip up the coast, she was positively beaming on them now, because when they arrived in Magnimar, the Tideskimmer was sitting there, in port, and waiting to take on cargo. Surely the girl used up her entire life's supply of Halfling Luck... Excited, the young couple spent a night of quiet celebration before spending the rest of their coins buying the assistance of a stevedore and ending up in another cargo crate. This time, the crate could barely contain their heady mix of excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and it was all they could do to stay quiet while they sat on the dock, and then, loaded onto the Tideskimmer. The ship remained in port for another day, while the two tried, unsuccessfully, to stay calm and sleep."
The gnome takes a breath, finally seeming to get into the story himself, his pace accelerating slightly, "They waited until nightfall before sneaking out of the crate. As they'd hoped, the cargo hold was undefended -- nobody expected to have to protect the cargo from itself, after all. They carefully started creeping about the ship, trying to determine just what they faced. Again, as they'd hoped, the ship was primarily crewed by slaves. They found the slaves pens, the living quarters, and slowly managed to make their way to the armoury. Each of them struck out from the shadows, taking down the crewman before he could raise an alarm. They each wrapped armfuls of rapiers, dirks and other small weapons in blankets, carrying their precious cargo toward the slave pens. This time, there were two guards, and the pair made quick work of them, the slaves shouting out to hide the noise of combat."
Tarinhil takes a quick sip of his cider, then puts the mug down, "For many of these halflings, freedom, for the first time was in their sight, the largest barrier to their freedom now the locks on their chains and cages, which deft gnomish fingers made quick work of. They took up the oversized weapons and made their way first to the crew quarters.... which was not pleasant... before making their way up on deck. The halflings number and the element of surprise helped them overcome the longer reach, better training of their opponents -- as well as the exhaustion in their small limbs from having spent hours rowing out of port. Still, it wasn't quite enough -- the ship's officers managed to gather into a knot... Unlike the regular crew, these were skilled warriors, with experience using their weapons to do more than beat down chained slaves."
Totally engaged, the gnome only half-realizes as he draws upon the last lingering energies of his prestidigitation, creating a shimmering blue image of the top deck of a ship, with 4 armed humans fighting shoulder to shoulder, pushing back no fewer than a dozen halflings. "Able to support each other, and experienced at fighting together, the skilled warriors were cutting down the halflings as fast as they could step forward. Things began to look grim as they started to advance, trapping the halflings, and the young lovers, between the pushing bodies behind then and the blades before them. Unwilling to let the officers win and kill the people he was supposed to save, the boy set down his blade and pulled out his flasks.... and began to hurl his bombs at the officers. The unexpected fiery attacks managed to take out two of the officers, and their fall allowed the halflings to isolate and flank the other two. It took another minute, but the battle was done. The slaves were free, the ship was theirs..."
The blue image flares suddenly, and the gnome closes his hands, crushing his illusion, "...but there was one small problem...." The gnomes pulls his hands apart, revealing four small dancing torchlights, the flames flickering orange and violet, "...fire and ships don't mix."
The flames begin to spin around the gnome, weaving in a tight pattern before settling over his head, "The Tideskimmer went down, burned at sea..... but the boy and the girl managed to get the halflings to shore.... Even if the boy was suddenly a lot less popular with those he'd rescued. The girl left with her family, and the boy headed out to find a new adventure."
Tarinhil pauses and chuckles, taking his tankard back in hand and leaping down off the chair, having the small dancing torchlights slowly follow him, single file as he starts to walk back to the table. He pauses about halfway and adds, "..and maybe even a new love," as the magical torchlights wink out.
A huge smile plays across my face and the creature jumps up onto my shoulder, I raise my hand slowly and let it sniff it before beginning to stroke its head. With one hand still stroking the creature softly I look to Zara, my face changed from the smile it was wore to the frown of a confused man, "So ... the cards told ya that too? There anything they don't know? Well I'm glad they told ya, otherwise I'd be either dead or killin' ma family now." He had watched Zara perform the reading to tell his story, "Show off, but still impressive." I then turn my attention back to the creature and while stroking it I take my my drink and have a long gulp of it.
Ameiko gives an approving nod. Who will challenge young Tarinhil?
I turn in my chair to face the little man tell his tale, still stroking the small creature. I find myself sitting on the edge of my chair by the end of the tale, laughing at the mention of Fire and Boats. When all the images appear he look of shock and fascination appear across my face, and seem to enrapture me even more. Once the tale is over I turn so that I am still watching the small man, I begin to clap my hands which is a very loud noise before going back to stroking the creature. "Well done, very good story!"
Yes it did and go tell the tale of how you earned your name my friend. Tell them of your coming of age and learning to ride. He idly shuffles his deck deciding which of his tales hemight like to try and to size up the ccompetition.
I look at Zara mortified, "Ya know I can't tell stories!" But seeing as Zara isn't going to let up I slowly rises from my chair and nervously enter the stage. "Uummm, this won't be long, but will be true. I was born 'n' raised in a tribe of Shoanti, the Sklah-Quar. We are a warrior tribe 'n' value Strength highly, the taller ya are, the more Strength ya are meant ta have. Well as ya can all see, I'm tall 'n' so I got challenged ta one-on-one fights a lot. The winner could say they beat the biggest kid 'n' gain respect from the adults." I am obviously very nervous, something I am not used to is talking in front of large groups.
"Well, I didn't like bein' attacked all the time, so I stayed away from the other kids and learned how ta ride a horse. One day I was riding when a small band of Orcs happen ta find me!" The anger and shock are apparant in his voice at this point, "Seein' the vile creatures I charged 'n' fought them, as ya may have guessed I won. During the fight a group of warriors were travelling 'n' witnessed it all 'n' saw a group of kids behind me hiding from the Orcs. I reached down, picked up the biggest branch I could find 'n' took the last Orc's head clean off!" By now I have forgotten where I am, I am deep in the story, remembering the past. I seem more relaxed than a few moments ago. "The warriors returned to the tribe 'n' went to the Chief 'n' Shaman both 'n' reported ma deeds. I returned to the village a couple of hours later ta find everyone waitin' for me, I had been summoned by both the Chief 'n' the Shaman, a very rare thing!" I grab a stool and sit on it, leaning in to the audience.
"When I got in the tents, there were a group of warriors on guard, "That's him." they said 'n' nodded to me. That day changed ma life, I was accepted by the warriors, who turned out ta be Burn Riders, the most Elite of all our tribe! They took me in 'n' trained me 'n' after 3 years of fightin' with them they gave me ma name, Aéron; which was ma name already, Skáh; for all the scars on ma body." With that I stand and lift my armour up and over my head to reveal a body that looks like it was chiseled from stone and across the chest and arms everywhere there are deep scars, innumerable. I turn around to show my back, not a single scar. I turn again to face the audience and put my armour back on, "I now had ma name 'n' was given ma own horse. I had now become a man, that no-one else tried to fight ta prove themselves." I bow to the audience, "The lesson I take from it all, never give up 'n' good things will come ya'r way." With that I stand up again and head back to my table and softly sit down again. I turn to face Ameiko, "Could I have some Mead please?"
Ameiko smiles and brings some mead. Anyone else?
|
Eryda laughed heartily as she watched Sethran take his first bite of Ameiko's famous spiced stew. You'll get used to it, if you eat it oft' enough.
The gnome began telling his story, complete with a light show and haunting images. His ability to tell a tale is amazing. Is he a bard? Of course, they have been known to enhance their words with arcane magicks. By the end of the performance, Eryda believed that Tarinhil was a bard or some form of sorceror. She did not think highly of the arcane, preferring the divinity of her faith.
Do you think his story was really that good or did he cast a spell with his words on everyone Eryda nudges Seth with a 'soft' elbow and whispers.
Sethran considers.
What do they call it? Street cred? Too much on the line to cheat... A little long winded, but not bad.
Will you be attending the festival on the morrow?
In the front door walks a largish man with a shaved head, next to him is an exotic looking man.
The largish man speaks Ameiko! This is Unalaq, he needs a room tonight. He is going to help out with security at the Festival tomorrow. He says with a wry grin.
With that the man slaps Unalaq on he back and heads out.
There are other tales that night, but the decision of the crowd is that Tarinhil's reigned supreme.
The night's tab
Eryda-3 siver
Sethran-0 tab covered by Eryda
Tarinhil-3 silver-discounted to 2silver 7 copper
Aeron/Zara-7 silver
-----------------
The next morning everyone rises early, there is a palpable excitement in the air as people hustle outside. Despite the sun just coming up people have been up for hours, several merchants have set up tents to vend their wares of food, clothes, local crafts, souvenirs, and beverages. Others folk have arrived early to gain positions near the podiums and the tables beyond. Tables loaded with a picnic buffet ready for the congregation after the ceremonies. The Swallowtail Festival begins promptly as scheduled, and the turnout for the opening speeches is quite respectable. A stage has been set up in front of the cathedral and a woman with short auburn hair stands in the center. Behind her sit four wooden chairs, three of them occupied. The square before the church is crowded now, the women loading the tables and the merchants hawking their goods join other locals and travelers as Mayor Deverin walks on the stage. As the crowd notices her, the chatter begins to die down and eyes turn to the stage. She smiles and begins to speak.
Good morning everyone. The attractive and personable woman welcomes the crowd with her usual friendly attitude. Her excitement is obvious and proves contagious as she welcomes visitors and locals alike. I see everyone’s arrived. Even Larz Rovanky has left off tanning hides to be here. I’m sure his workers are glad it’s not their hides getting tanned, at least not today. When the chuckles died down and Larz stopped glowering past a reluctant smile, Mayor Deverin continued.
It's wonderful to see so many of you here to join us on this proud day, and I'd like to extend my welcome to the many new faces I see in the crowd. As Mayor, I’d like to extend welcome to you on behalf of the town. I hope you all are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and I sincerely hope that you're having a wonderful time. Our town has much to offer and I hope we can consider you as new friends. Spend some time in Sandpoint and you’ll grow to love it like we do. And even if you don’t stay long, spend your money while you’re here!
Several of the merchants give a vigorous applause, and the Mayor lets the crowd settle before continued over the remaining chuckles. And to all of the old faces I see, thank you for coming and thank you for everything that each of you has done to keep this town strong. Thank you especially for all the time, sweat, and love you’ve put into building this fine cathedral. Sandpoint didn’t seem complete without a church. We’ve always had heart. The true heart of Sandpoint is you, her people. But now we have an expression of that heart, and we built it ourselves!
Anyway, I can smell the lunch our tavern keepers are cooking already. A round of applause to Ameiko, Garridan, Cracktooth, and Jargie! I'm sure Father Zantus can spare an extra prayer that they don't burn anything before we get to eat it. More cheering erupts: the enticing aromas drifting over the crowd are overwhelming. Now, since you have three more of us to stand there through, I'm going to sit down. Today as mayor I am declaring a town order to have fun! This is my favorite time of year!
The crowd responds with a roar, and its a while before the Mayor could continue over the applause. Without further ado, let me welcome our dutiful Sheriff, Belor Hemlock to the stage! She indicates a dark-skinned, bulky man, with a shaved head, clearly of Shoanti descent, wearing his armor and armed with a prestigous looking sword. Sheriff Hemlock nods and steps forward onto the stage. Those in the Rusty Dragon the previous night recognize him as the man who brought in Unalaq
Thank you, Mayor. First off, let us have a moment of silence. He bows his head and begins speaking, Let us remember the memories of those friends and family members who lost their lives in the tragic blaze that made our new cathedral necessary. Cherish those memories and may the blessings of our Gods see them happy and well in the Afterlife. He raises his head and stands in silence for a moment scanning the crowd.
Over the next three days all instances of wrong-doing will be dealt with swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law. No exceptions. As the sheriff of Sandpoint, I, Belor Hemlock, would also like to welcome everyone to enjoy themselves today, and you may or may not be aware of the planned bonfire at the beach tonight... it looks to be a promising festival. Do trust that I will be monitoring the level of safe conduct late into the evening. I am trusting our fun will lean to the side of caution. If you are a militia member, remember where your duties lay, and help Sandpoint keep the peace. Thank you. With that the sheriff steps back awkwardly and beckons with his hand, for the next speaker to approach.
The next speaker is quite a contrast to the Sheriff; he is brightly dressed, sports a well-groomed goatee, and seems to be thoroughly enjoying the day. As he reaches the center stage he loosens his collar a bit, winks into the crowd and starts to talk:
Well, thank you Sheriff for that uplifting oratory. Don't worry I doubt there will be any fun for you to stress over today. If things get out of hand you can ask Ameiko take the stage and put as all to sleep with one of her stories. The crowd responds with a combination of chuckles and offended heckles.
Without a beat Ameiko shouts from her merchant tent What about the story of your last flop at the theater? I'm almost done with my newest ballad, I call it Cyrdak the Unimpressive! Who wants to hear?
The crowd responds with laughter and cheers. Cyrdak stands awkwardly waiting out the crowds laughter to die down.
After the noise finally quiets Cyrdak continues with a forced smile as if nothing happened, We can all agree, this is our time to celebrate! I know this town has been through some hard times, but we don't lay down easily. Look at what we've accomplished! He motions towards the church. And I'm telling you, they spared no expense with this place. Father Zantus' chamber pot? It's solid gold and comes with a singing choir standing nearby. It's no doubt our neighbors and nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this joint. And to think they wanted nothing in return, but to enlighten us and our taxes for many lifetimes to come. But worry not about your coinpurse, I've heard from father himself that the gods are getting their gold together to help pay for this place. But don't take it from me, let me hand the stage off to the man who knows in charge here. But before I let him get things going I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my personal invitation to each and every one of you to the new production of "The Harpy's Curse" starring the world-famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda as Avisera the harpy queen! It's all premiering tomorrow evening and continuing throughout the next two weeks at the Theater. Come see it, it will be fabulous! And now join me in a bit of applause for his holiness himself, Father Zantus!
The crowd cheers as Cyrdak motions Zantus to the center stage. The young priest looks noticeably abashed at the reception set up for him. He wears the traditional ceremonial robes of a priest of Desna and a shiny silver holy symbol about his neck. He smiles and tries to calm the crowd down, eventually speaking when the applause has subsided: Ahem, thank you. Thank you Cyrdak. And thank all of you for coming to join us on this most Holy day. Today ushers in the new Fall season. A season I have always thought was named appropriately, as today was the day Desna fell from the heavens during battle with Lamashtu.
Though all the world wept for the loss of the goddess, and of dreams, it is said that she survived. She was discovered, on the rocks of a beach, by a blind orphan, forgotten and cast aside by the rest of the world. Though the orphan didn't know who she was and could do little for the wounded goddess, she still stayed by her side, holding a vigil on the beach, tending to her as best she could and praying to her god, Desna. When other followers had abandoned Desna, the orphan empathized and held hope in her faith. Through the care of this orphan Desna recovered and revealed herself to the blind woman. In return Desna transformed her into an angel and offered the girl ascension to Desna's palace in the heavens. It is now there and forever that they shall remain.
Father Zantus motions toward the newly finished cathedral, the sunlight glittering off the stained glass windows. This story reminds us that tragedy is just a setback, not an end. Though our place of worship was destroyed, and our previous priest, Father Tobyn, perished in the flame, we have preserved as Desna would desire, and built anew.
Today is our day of new beginnings. Our day of ascension!
Friends of Sandpoint, I declare the Swallowtail Festival officially underway!
An acolyte throws off the canvas of a nearby wagon, revealing thousands of swallowtail butterflies...the Children of Desna. He opens the cages and the crowd begins to applaud as butterflies flutter in every direction through the crowd, and eager children begin chasing them.
The square is packed with people running about shopping and playing carnival games. The games have a small price for adults and a few of them have prizes of varying worth. All of the raised coin has been set aside this year for orphans of Sandpoint.
[ooc]All of you cna select three things to do before Lunch. A game nets counts as one, shopping counts as one.
Games to Play
The object of the game is simple. In front of you is a pivot with one weighty rock laying on the lower side of it. The rock rests up against a narrow metal board with a bell fixed to the top of it. Now, the idea is to hit the raised side of the pivot (closest to you) to see how high you can make the rock fly!
On the metal backboard are markings to measure how far up the player has managed to launch the rock. Prizes will be awarded for hitting an AC of 10, 15 and 20 respectively. Reaching the very top requires an AC of 20, but if the player surpasses this score, he or she will be asked their name and will be rewarded with a Masterwork Earth Breaker for their "Smashing" performance. Note: There is only one of these weapons available to win.
The game costs 5 copper a go, but prizes include: Winners can select 2 from the level they hit
AC 10:
1 Bottle of Ale (courtesy of Two Knight's Brewery).
1 Thunderstone
1 Copper miniature Hammer designed to look like a tiny Earth Breaker.
AC 15:
1 Bottle of Rum (courtesy of Two Knight's Brewery).
1 Map of the event (which also serves as a map of Sandpoint).
1 Silver miniature hammer designed to look like a tiny Earth Breaker.
AC 20:
1 Bottle of Fine Red Wine (courtesy of Two Knight's Brewery).
1 Weekend all inclusive stay at The White Deer for two (courtesy of Garridan Viskalai's family).
1 Gold miniature hammer designed to look like a tiny Earth Breaker.
AC 21:
1 Masterwork Earth Breaker
Don't be so sour!
Kaye Tesarani, surrounded by her kittens, all beautiful serve a drink to the contestant. While holding a lemon wedge in their teeth.
The objective of the game is to drink the booze, pick up the slice of lemon (only using your teeth - NO HANDS ALLOWED!) and drop it into a bowl.
The more lemons you drop into the bowl, the more points you get. 1 lemon = 1 point.
You must make a Fortitude save (starting at DC 5, and then increasing by 2 every 2 points, up to DC 20 where it stays) after every drink (due to the potency of this alcohol) and if you fail this save just once, you take 1 Non Lethal Con damage from every drink there after. You get no more saves, and as soon as your Con drops to 10, you pass out. However, if someone throws water over you an hour later, you wake up with the fatigued condition until you drink enough water to sober yourself up.
The top three score for the day get prizes. Top score selects first
A Night of Passion at the Pixie's Kitten
1 Elixir of Love (Gives you a +3 bonus to CHA checks vs anyone who might be attracted for 1d4 horus)
1 Elixir of Luck (+1 to all d20 rolls for 1d3 hours)
The Devil Hunt
Do you have what it takes to bring down the infamous Sandpoint Devil and keep him from menacing the surrounding area? Take a shot and see. This is an archery range setup on the beach down by the Lighthouse. Two large targets, with silhouettes of a scary looking winged horse on them, are set up 50 yards away from a firing line. The bull’s-eye is about where a horse's heart would be. There are bigger concentric circles around the bull’s-eye.
One copper piece per play. Using the longbows provided, fire two arrows at the target, scoring the best one. Hitting a bull’s-eye wins a small pie. Hitting anything else wins progressively cheaper trinkets for each band outside the bull’s-eye, with nothing for a miss. Hitting AC 20 gets a bull’s-eye, each band out side that is AC 18, AC 16, AC 14, and AC 12.
Three Goblins have found their way into your house and are tearing the place up! Grab them and toss them into the fireplace before they can destroy everything. This game is a simple bean bag toss setup in the middle of the Sandpoint Market square. A board is setup with lines of three holes. The board is 10 feet from a throw line. The closest hole is the largest and the farthest hole is the smallest. There are buckets of beanbags sewn to look like Goblins by each of the three stations. Each bean bag has a Goblin name printed on it.
One copper piece per play. Take three Goblins and try to toss them into a fireplace. Kids have to try and hit the biggest and closest hole, which is AC 10. Women use the medium sized hole, which is AC 12, and adult men use the smallest and furthest hole, which is AC 15. The bean bags have a range increment of 10' and there is no non-proficient penalty. Get all three in and win a small bag of venison jerky. Anything less gives a swallowtail luck rinket. Nothing for not getting any in the fireplace.
Who needs a Lighthouse without a light? The old Lighthouse has become an eyesore; let's knock it down so we can use the stone to build something new. This game is set up at the end of Junker's Way next to the Lighthouse. It has a table with nine square stones stacked on it in a pyramid shape. Three on the bottom, two in the middle, and one on top. There is a firing line 20' from the tables. Using the mini-catapult, try to knock down the stack of stones within three shots.
Two copper pieces to play. You get three shots. It takes a total of three hits to knock down all the stones. Hitting higher ACs counts as more hits, so that it is possible to knock them down with one hit. Hitting AC 12 counts as one hit, Hitting AC 16 counts as two hits, and hitting AC 20 counts as three hits. The catapults have a range of 50', so there is no range penalty, but there is the normal non-proficient penalty of -4 if someone does not have proficiency with siege weapons. Knocking down all the stones wins a small toy catapult; it amounts to being a slingshot, that can also launch flasks. Anything less provides gets a swallowtail luck trinket. No prize if nothing is knocked down.
Each player pays a copper piece to Daviren Hosk and gets three throwing axes. There are three "goblin heads" (melons labeled with goblin names). The front one is AC 10 and the other two are DC 12.
Anyone who damages a melon gets to keep the melon. Anyone who breaks (3+ damage) two melons gets a tin "Goblin Slayer" badge shaped like a goblin's head.
Pie Eating! (Gluttony)
This event is sponsored by Sandpoint Savories, with all the apple pies baked by the Avertin family. Eat all the pies you can without throwing up.
Fort DC 10 for the first add 2 for each addition pie eaten.
Winner gets a weeks worth of pie at Sandpoint Savories.
I head to Ameiko and pay the bill for Zara and myself.
I don't cheer with the rest of the crowd, but I do listen intently to all of the speeches. However I find my eyes drawn to the Sheriff, "So another Shoanti ... I wonder what clan he is from? I will go and speak with him later."
During the festivities I stay by Zara, guarding him as he sells his talents to the paying customers, but about half an hour in and I speak to him while it is quiet, "I'm gonna go 'n' try that game over there, be back soon." With that I head to the Cornumgon Smash game and give the man the 5 coppers to play. I lift the familiar hammer and bring it down with all my might, letting out a loud cry as I do so, then bringing the hammer down fast and hard. The loud cry has drawn quite a few stares as the large man is usually so quiet. I watch to see how well I do, breathing heavily after my heavy swing.
As Aeron slames down the hammer the crowd gasps and backs up at his roar. Dong
There is moment of silence and then the crowd erupts in a wild round of cheering. Savah Bevaniky, an attracitve woman with a scar across her nose looks at Aeron, impressed.
I have been running this for years and no one has hit the top. Would you be willing to trade your hammer for this one? Otherwise we cannot continue the game! At the least can I borrow yours?
After the reply
Don't worry folks after lunch I will bring another prize for hitting the bell from Savah's Armory!
She winks at Aeron You wont object if I ask you not to come win that too.
I watch the stone rise and rise and finally hit the bell at the top, as it hits a huge smile plays across my face. I turn to face the woman and hand her back her hammer, "We can trade, but mine's worn 'n' old. If ya still want ta trade, we can." With that I take the hammer off of my back and hand it to the the woman, accepting my new hammer. I hold it in my hands and feel the new grip and test the weight with a couple of light tosses into the hair, spinning the head slightly. I smile and nod to the woman, "This' nicely made, did ya make it?" I look over the stall and read the sign stating the rules, then look up at the woman again, "So I get two more prizes, do I? I'll have the gold hammer 'n' the wine please. I won't come 'n' take anythin' else after this, I promise." Once I have received my prizes I head back to Zara and show him my new hammer with a big grin on my face.
I stay with Zara until it quietens downs a bit. All the while I will be keeping an eye on Zara's gear and purse, making sure no-one tries to take anything, while looking around and trying to figure out what game to play next, with a huge smile on my face"This' fun!"
No no. You get 2 prizes for all the other levels. At the top level you get the grand prize. Perhaps I should make those rules clearer. But thank you for the trade.
She smiles at Aeron and proffers her hand.
Sethran tries his hand at the Devil Hunt before... well he didn't really have any plans. Maybe pick up a few things.
What's one to need, staying in town... there's room and board. He'd see.
Hehe... beginner's luck.
Thwok
Good shot sir Elf a heavy set balding Varisian man says. Sethran has quickly gathered that his name is Jodar Provolost, one of the local carpenters.
We will pretend that the other shot never happened. Right this way! You have a choice of Apple or Blackberry. He leans in close I recomend the Blackberry.
You know that reminds me of the first time I faced off against the Sandpoint devil. I got two shots off, the first was set to hit the beast right in the center of it's chest but it snagged it from me. The second flew wide...
A group of children is waiting to shoot Jodar lets shoot! Jodar smiles and heads back to the bows.
I bet that Devil never had a chance...
Smiling, Sethran accepts the blackberry pie... and quickly starts sharing it with the children around him.
Tarinhil makes his way down to the Devil Hunt, and then winces when he sees the oversized weapons, "It looks like a fine game, but my hands are too small to use that bow.", he says, and then cheers for Sethran's shots. "Besides, it seems we already have a winner..."
After a bit of wandering, he comes across the "Goblin Toss" and smiles. That seems like a spot of harmless fun..
He winces at his poor throw and then chuckles, "Wasn't factoring in the wind...", he says, and then wets and holds up his finger before throwing again.
He smiles, "See? Burn little goblin!"
He bows after his last successful throw, "There you have it. Two less goblins in the world!"
Daverin Hosk smiles at Tarinhil. Two out of three. Not bad.
He presents Tarinhill with a small golden swallow token.
The children swarm Sethran for pie.
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Zara sits at his tent performing Harrowings and explaining how it works to anyone who asks. He smiles when he sees Aeron and his new weapon. You went shopping? Looks like a mighty fine Earthbreaker.
Shalelu Andosana An Elven Goblin Hunter and member of the militia
Turch Sterglus A Human Retired Fisherman
NISKA MVASHTI A very old human woman. The town seer
As suggested by the Sheriff, Unalaq arrives at the festival a little early the following day and spends some time exploring the grounds and getting a feel for the lay of the land. Sheriff Hemlock is very clever. You'd almost think with his instruction for me to mix with the crowd that he doesn't think anything will happen.
As promised he keeps an eye out for Shayless and makes his way down to the Lighthouse for the opportunity to see the cliffs. He smiles to see the mini catapult and stones. "Well this would be something new to try." After waiting his turn, Unalaq attempts to aim the small wooden construction, but his attempt to launch a stone flies wildly over the stack. Laughing at him poor attempt, he finishes looking at the area by the lighthouse and heads back toward the center of town.
The children playing laugh at Unalaq's shot, then sing songs and dance around him, one even asks to play with his sword.
Tinranael spends time going from tent to tent, browsing at the various festival wares, and heading to Ameiko's tent for a small snack.
As the kids run by him cheering and running, he'll pause, look for something small to stand on and activate his prestidigitation, conjuring some phantom fire, juggling balls, and, especially, pulling flowers out from behind their ears.
"All human children have flowers in their heads, didn't you know that? Look, I can prove it to you!"
"You're a pretty one... I bet you have a lily in there...."
"A strong lad like you, I bet it's something rugged... look, it's a cactus flower!"
"Not a very good show was it kids? I think I'll stick to my sword and not attempt these again soon." He laughs heartily at the request to play with the sword and obliges by lifting it off his back for the child to try. "Maybe you should stick to the catapult until you put on a few inches."
Making his way back into the center of town, Unalaq spots the goblin slaying game next. He pays his copper to Daviren Hosk. "Maybe this will go a little better than the catapults by the lighthouse." The first axe easily smashes his target, but perhaps showing a little overenthusiasm Unalaq's second shot nearly shatters the table supporting the melons. "No points for knocking them onto the ground I suppose." Now concentrating, he manages to crush the final melon with his third shot and coolly accepts the goblin slayer badge. "Thank you Daviren. We had these little pests up on the Crown of the World as well. Is Sandpoint also troubled with them?"
Trainhil
Tarinhill plays with the children who laugh and giggle at the flowers. We are going to try the catapult! Wanna come! They ask and wait expectantly.
Tarinhill finds himself At a small table set up by Nisk Tander, the proprietor of Bottled Solutions he is a thin half elf with spiky hair and thin eyebrows. He stands at his L shaped table. On top of the table are a variety of labeled bottles, in the center are packets of powders and on the other side are flasks of various liquids, fist sized stones, and small jars. Underneath the tables are several boxes of unknown things.
The eyebrows seem to be drawn on.
Welcome to bottled solutions sir gnome. I have a choice selection of potions here, as well as other delightful powders and delightful toys. How can I help you.
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Unalaq
Daviren hands Unalaq his badge with a grin. Then he walks over and gathers the split melons and brings those to Unalaq. Enjoy that as well...that is the real prize.
He slaps Unalaq on the shoulder. There are goblins around certainly. I used to hunt them all the time, now I just run Goblin Squash Stables. I am pretty well known for my skills at slaying them. He puffs up a bit In fact I almost single handedly wiped out the Bonegrinder Tribe. Then he leans in I even have the Chief's body picked at the stables. He bursts into laughter.
A pickled body at the stables? Possibly a little strange this one. But, an owner of the stables might be a good person to know. "Well, thank you Unalaq. Maybe I'll see if Ameiko can make something special of the melons at the Rusty Dragon tonight. They ought to help some of the other guests I met manage to stomach that spicy food from the far side of the Crown unless of course she goes with the spicy, pickled melon that I tasted once from one of the caravans. So, speaking of pickled things, let's hear more about your experiences. Are the Bonegrinders finished now between your talents and those of some of your companions?"
Well everyone hates goblins. And there are plenty that helped, but...Nice shot!...but I tracked them and I faced down Whartus. There are plenty in the militia that have fought goblins and there are certainly plenty of tribes around. Now you are a big fellow. Do you really use that tree as a sword?
I find a time that is peaceful and quiet between Zara's readings so I lower my head towards him, "I'll be back soon, just gonna look around again." With that I stand up straight and head towards the Goblin Slaying game and see the exotic man from the night before talking with the stall owner. I head up to the men and wait for them to finish talking before placing my coin on the table. Once the men have finished talking I take the 3 axes handed to me. "Let's see ma luck on this game, second game 'n' hopefully just as lucky."
Each axe finds its mark with ease, although one was close to missing, I smile a huge smile and look at both the men, "Ma luck's still good." Daviren Hosk will recognize the tattoo on my face as it is the same tattoo that my mother had and it is a special family tattoo. I however do not know that this is Daviren Hosk, so do not initiate a conversation with him about myself unless he asks.
Davrien hands Aeron a small badge. Well done. He pauses and looks at Aeron for a moment before he is called away by children wanting to try their hand at the axes.
I take the badge and pin it onto my shirt, about an inch above my heart and smile at the man before he runs off, I wait patiently expecting my melon. If it doesn't come in about 5 minutes I speak up, "Do I get a melon too? Or is it just the badge?"
Being completely engrossed by trying to keep the children from hurting themselves he calls back over his shoulder. Yup, anyone melon you hit you get to keep. I have my hands full, but go ahead and grab all three.
I nod and step around the stall to the melons, making sure to go when there are no axes being thrown, I bend down and scoop all three up in one big arm. "Thanks." With that I head back around the stall and see the kids fail at the game, so I hand them a melon to share between them, "Here ya go."
I then head back to Zara once again, another smile on my face and hand him a melon, "There ya go, I won another game. Two games 'n' two wins, looks like it's ma lucky day." I sit down next to Zara and take out my knife, where I cut the melon in half and start to eat it. The melon is juicy and after the first bite I have melon juice dribbling down my chin, I wipe it away with the back of my hand and smile again before using my knife to cut the rest. I then eat the chunks of melon which are now cut and smile to Zara, "No more messiness."
Tarinhil looks over the table, lifting various bottles and charms, examining them with a practiced and careful eye and nodding as he puts them down.
"Your work is impressive," he offers. "But I was looking for components rather than fully-made items, maybe to make a tanglefoot bag, some alchemist's fire or shard gel.... Maybe I could visit your shop, later?"