It's the first day of autumn in Sandpoint, and there's a good turnout for the welcoming speeches of the annual Swallowtail Festival. The festival takes place in the square in front of the impressive new stone and glass cathedral built on the site of the previous chapel.
Mayor Kendra Deverin is the first speaker. Her enthusiasm and good humor is infectious, as she welcomes new visitors to Sandpoint and expresses her pleasure with the large turnout. She even singles out the local tanner, Larz Rovanky, to thank for pulling himself from his work, much to the amusement of the locals and to Larz's obvious embarrassment. She keeps her speech short before turning the podium over to Sheriff Belor Hemlock.
Sheriff Hemlock wastes little time on niceties. His gruff demeanor shines through, as he reminds the audience to be cautious around the bonfire in the evening. He also asks the audience to observe a moment of silence to honor those who lost their lives when Sandpoint's previous chapel burned to the ground five years ago.
Next to the podium is Cyrdak Drokkus. He revives the crowd with some humorous anecdotes and then describes the long process the town undertook to finance and build the new cathedral. Only a gifted storyteller could keep the crowd riveted through such a tale, and you're not surprised to find out he's the owner of the Sandpoint Theater . At the conclusion of his speech, he invites everyone to attend the theater the next night for it's new production of "The Harpy's Curse". The role of Avisera the harpy queen will be played by the famous Magnimarian diva, Allishandra!
The final speaker is Father Abstalar Zantus. As he takes the podium, a few of the church's acolytes begin rolling a large covered wagon to the stage. Zantus praises Mayor Deverin's initiative to build the grand cathedral, which incorporates shrines to six deities - Desna, Sarenrae, Erastil, Gozreh, Abadar, and Shelyn - under one roof. He then turns to the occasion of the Swallowtail festival. He tells the parable of how Desna first fell to earth and was nursed back to health by a blind child who she transformed into an immortal butterfly as a reward for her aid. At that, Father Zantus and the acolytes pull back the cover of the wagon, releasing a swarm of beautiful swallowtail butterflies - the thousand children of Desna - to the delight and cheers of the crowd. For the rest of the day, the colors of the butterflies liven the square as they flutter around, often chased by children who never quite manage to catch them.
After the release of the swallowtails, lunch is served. The local taverns provide their best dishes to the festival-goers free of charge. Some of the locals who just made it back on the boats from Magnimar or Riddleport, or with the caravan that arrived this morning, are grateful to enjoy a familiar lobster chowder from the Hagfish or peppercorn venison from the White Deer, but most of the locals enjoy the exotic curry-spiced salmon from the Rusty Dragon.
through the afternoon, festival-goers enjoy all kinds of entertainment in the square. Several merchants have set up tents to display their crafts; jugglers, dancers, and musicians and other entertainers have cleared out spaces for themselves; and stands that provide games of skill are scattered about through the square. It's a wonderful day to socialize or people-watch, as it seems the whole town has turned out.
Kerrec's interest is piqued by this cathederal. He will attempt at some point to make his way over to Father Zantus and any Abadaran acolytes to strike up conversation about how the shrine burnt down and how it was rebuilt.
After returning from a stroll around the nearby countryside, Vidar will spend some time sampling the various dishes served during lunch, he will inquire about the recipe for anything that strikes his fancy, especially the peppercorn venison.
He will then talk generally with some of the town’s people in an attempt to document the festival. He will alternate between talking and taking notes.
After talking to a few people and making some notes, he will return to the food, get a generous helping of the chowder and retreat to a somewhat secluded table to start going over his notes, and start writing it down in his journal.
Aftering listening to the presentations, Rullis gets in line for some of that spiced salmon. He is always interested in the exotic ways that you can prepare fish. After savorying his meal, he would head over to the new cathedral and walk through the new Gozreh wing. After looking around a bit, he would kneel down and start chanting softly, a prayer to Gozreh.
Afterwords, he would rise and head back to the festival, taking in the sights and doing some people-watching. If he spots either Father Zantus or his religious mentor Ezakien Tobyn, he would approach them and thank them for their work on building this place of worship in Sandpoint. He would ask them about these rumors he has heard of magical protections against fire being placed on the building. More out of idle chit-chat than a true desire to know.
Those that see Rullis will see a rugged looking man walking around with long black hair that is bound together behind his shoulders with what looks like a piece of seaweed. A wooden carving of a leaf that is colored green hangs from his neck.
Camilo wanders about from entertainer to entertainer, enjoying the shows. However he is struggling with the decision on when to so see Ameiko. After a long battle, he decides to wait a bit long, and Heads somewhere he can aquire a mug of ale (besides the rusty dragon).
Kithian stand in the crowd and listens to the speakers, Theses town folk talk more than a shaman after “Entering the Spirit World”. I hope they shut up soon, my throat is dry and somewhere there is a cask of ale that is just asking to be drank.
After the ceremony, Kithian gets a large helping of venison and a mug of ale and sits down to ravage his plate.
Did I miss the link to the Map?
"The fire that consumed the chapel five years ago was a devastating loss. I was just an acolyte, then. We lost a wonderful church leader, Father Tobyn in the fire. It spread to the White Deer Inn and the old North Coast Stables, and even a few homes, but Father Tobyn and his daughter were the only casualties. The White Deer Inn has since been rebuilt, and the stables were finally converted into a map library recently, and the houses had been repaired long ago. When we consecrate the new cathedral tonight, Sandpoint will finally be able to close the chapter on such an awful blight on our history."
Father Zantus calls over Brother Farris. All the acolytes are dressed in similar robes, but details such as the color of the trim and the holy symbols worn around their neck distinguishes each. Brother Farris wears the same white robe, but with gold trim, and wears a gold key on a gold chain around his neck. He appears to be in his mid-to-late 20s. Brother Farris is excited to meet a fellow missionary, and leads you to see the Shrine of Abadar. The Shrine of Abadar shares the south wing of the cathedral with the Shrine of Erastil, the two shrines of civilization overlooking the community they serve. The focal point is a beautiful life-size marble statue of Abadar, gilded with a golded breastplate, boots, and crossbow. Another fine detail is a large brass plaque that names all of the businesses and merchants who donated (or "invested", as Brother Farris describes it) to the building of the cathedral.
The Shrine to Gozreh shares the West wing with the Shrine to Shelyn. It features a beautiful view of the sea to the west and has the open roof and a reflecting pool. There are also a pair of wood-carved murals depicting both aspects of Gozreh - the woman of the sea, and the old man of the storm.
Father Zantus wears a wooden butterfly idol on a roughly braided string necklace, indicating his devotion to Desna, and wears a silk traveling cap that is so popular with her followers. He sees you exit the cathedral. "Rullis! So good to see you! I hope the Shrine to Gozreh meets your expectations."
"I've heard that rumor, myself. No, we haven't included any magical protections against fire. The stone and glass construction should ensure that the cathedral is never as devastated as the chapel was, if the worst happens. Of course, the contents of the cathedral are vulnerable, but the acolytes know to be especially vigilant, and to extinguish all candles at the end of each day."
** spoiler omitted **...
Kerrec takes out five gold pieces from a small bag hanging from his waste. "A small investment to the further works of the temple. I feel fortunate that my travels brought me here for such an important occassion. I had just settled a land dispute a few days ride from here and longed to see a community again. I hope I can be of help to the Banker while I'm here. I am at your service whenever you feel the need. I came to Sandpoint in the hopes I can be of some use."
While in the shrine, Rullis' prayer includes remembrance of his lost mentor and his daughter.
Outside talking with Father Zantus, "The shrine is wonderful. I only wish that Father Tobyn could have been here today to see it. He will be sorely missed."
"Yes, the construction seems sound. It should hold up well. But alas, the building is just a building. It is the people inside that are important. As long as a fire cannot spread quickly, everyone should be able to get out with minimal harm. Speaking of which, did they ever figure out how the original fire was started in the first place? I've heard wild rumors down at the docks, but never anything official."
After some more idle chit-chat about family and such with Father Zantus, Rullis thanks him for his time and heads back towards the festival to see what else is going on. Doing some people-watching and watching what is going on around him, he briefly takes in the some of the entertainment. Look at these people. Some of them are completely oblivious to their surrounding, as if they are captivated by these jugglers and musicians.
Perception: --
Kithian continues to eat his venison and watch the dedication.
Just great, more talk. I wonder if there will be dancing girls later?
Having finished his meal and now proof reading his notes Vidar is not really paying much attention to what is going on, far too busy trying to put everything in perspective.
Camilo Visits a Flower stand, attempting to get a gift before he prepares to head to the rusty Dragon
I would be interested in listening to what Father Zantus has to say and in the consecration of the cathedral. I would probably be standing off to the left side of the stage where I can see all the events going on but still be out of the main crowd and can see everyone.
The new bells of the cathedral rings over the excited crowd, as the sun’s setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under the stage 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. He 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.
Goblins chew and goblins bite.
Goblins cut and goblins fight.
Stab the dog and cut the horse,
Goblins eat and take by force!
Goblins race and goblins jump.
Goblins slash and goblins bump.
Burn the skin and mash the head,
Goblins here and you be dead!
Chase the baby, catch the pup.
Bonk the head to shut it up.
Bones be cracked, flesh be stewed,
We be goblins! You be food!
Initiative=
Camilo is caught by suprise by the sudden movement of the crowd..
"Goblins!? What has this town come to..."
Seeing that his crossbow would be of limited use, Kerrec takes his dagger out and moves towards the stage without saying a word.
Perception:
Initiative:
As the crowd scatters, one of the goblins (G2) picks out a garishly dressed dancer and chases him down. He leaps up to swing at the retreating man, stabbing him in the back. He crashes to the ground limp.
The goblin hiding under the stage (G3) rushes out at a well-dressed woman with her daughter. The mother pulls her daughter back and squares herself to the goblin. Clearly no fighter, the mother simply tries to make herself the target. The goblin obliges, swinging his bloody dogslicer at the mother, but the woman jumps back just in time.
Another goblin (G1) jumps up on a table in front of a couple that was slow to react. As he draws back his knife to strike the man, he notices the turkey leg that the diner dropped on the table. The turkey leg proves too tempting, and the couple run off while the goblin picks up a snack.
"Striking at a woman holding her child!"
Calling on the divine energies of Abadar (activating Smite Evil), Kerrec stabs at G3 with his dagger.
Attack: 1d20+4 → [16,4] = (20) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2761221/
Damage: 1d4+1 → [3,1] = (4) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2761223/
The goblin turns to see Kerrec bearing down on him, dagger in hand. Kerrec drives the blade into the goblin's shoulder, eliciting a pained shriek from the monster. But he fixes his eyes at the paladin and growls.
The woman wastes no time. She grabs her daughter and runs.
Suddenly finding himself standing in the center of all the chaos and seeing one of the critters towards his right stab one of the entertainers in back and another towards his left swinging a blade at a mother and child, Rullis says to himself Please Gozreh, no more death! There has been enough death here already!
His slight pause of self-pity is interrupted by a man off to his left drawing a blade of his own and charging at one of the creatures, sinking his blade into the beast. This shakes him out of his inaction and he draws his own blade, his trusty fishing knife. I must save that man!
Rullis pushes his way through the crowd to get to the fallen man. He lunges for the goblin with his blade.
Attack:
Damage:
EDIT: Possible Crit:
Confirm:
Damage:
Initiative:
"Oh, what now? Goblins...this is unexpected..."
Deciding to hold of with the questions until the chaos is dealt with Vidar stands up and prepears for battle.
Rullis breaks free of the crowd. The goblin, looking for another target, sees him coming and smiles, confident after his kill. But Rullis lunges for him and before he could even move, Rullis's fishing knife lodges in his throat and everything goes black.
Kithian is up (by the way, can you put Kithian's speed in his profile?)
It is under the offense tab. 30 in Medium Armor.
Kithian pulls his Falchion from its sheath and advances on the nearest goblin.
It is under the offense tab. 30 in Medium Armor.
The goblin facing Kerrec swings with his dogslicer but Kerrec dodges the ugly blade.
It is under the offense tab. 30 in Medium Armor.
The goblin facing Kerric slices at him, finding a weakness in his armor.
"Vile little things, the Stories ARE true about them..."Camilo thinks to Himself as he Draws his bow and Fires
Move action to Draw bow, Attacking Closest goblin, I think g3 is still alive?
atk(with point blank shot)
dmg
"Vile little things, the Stories ARE true about them..."Camilo thinks to Himself as he Draws his bow and Fires
Vile little things, the Stories ARE true about them..."Camilo thinks to Himself as he Draws Sword and Advances on the Goblin
I'll draw my Long sword as a Move action, then take a 2nd move action to flank the Goblin with Kerrec
I'll draw my Long sword as a Move action, then take a 2nd move action to flank the Goblin with Kerrec
The goblin on the table finishes his turkey leg and hops down. He seems to appreciate the vast selection of food left behind on the tables, and he begins to leisurely look them over, taking selective bites here and there.
"Wretched little brutes..."
Withdrawing his knife from the creature's throat, he gives it a quick wipe against the side of the goblin before pushing the thing aside. His attention is now completely focused on the entertainer that fell at that hands of that foul critter.
While sheathing his fishing knife, he kneels down before the man who is lying on his stomach with a knife wound in his back. He places one hand near the injury site while the other hand grasps a hold of the wooden leaf hanging from his neck. Rullis begins chanting softly.
I'll draw my Long sword as a Move action, then take a 2nd move action to flank the Goblin with Kerrec
The goblin on the table finishes his turkey leg and hops down. He seems to appreciate the vast selection of food left behind on the tables, and he begins to leisurely look them over, taking selective bites here and there.
Kerrec sees a man with a sword coming towards him and the goblin, hoping the stranger is not with the bad guys.
With Smite still on he'll stab at G3 again.
Attack: 1d20+4 [12,4] = (16) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2765903/
Damage: 1d4+1 [4,1] = (5)http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2765904/
Kithian advances on the remaining goblin and swings his falchion. "Fight me!
Power attack:
Damage:
Kerrec stabs again at the goblin. The wound spurts blood as Kerrec withdraws his dagger. The goblin falls.
Round 2
Rullis channels the power of Gozreh into the dying dancer. He awakens with a start and pulls himself onto his knees, gasping and choking. "What? How? Ugh!" He wipes blood from his mouth with his sleeve. He then remembers his surroundings and looks quickly to and fro for another threat. He sees Rullis instead: "Did you do this, sir?" He bows, still on the ground. "Thank you! Thank you, sir!" He rises and stands in one motion, then scans for threats again. With a last nod of the head to Rullis, he turns and runs off.
Kithian also scans the square for threats. He sees a final goblin among the tables, and rushes through the aisle to cut him off. He rounds the double long table, swinging his falchion in a wide arc, but he swings over the head of the surprised goblin, cutting into the table.
well, thats 2 down, one to go.thinks Camilo.
Keeping his blade brawn, he looks around for an other signs of Goblins.. There has got to be more than 3..
Perception check
The goblin among the tables looks at the massive blade that just whizzed over his head. He then narrows his eyes, comes around the corner to face the barbarian and slices through the air with his own misshapen blade.
"Well now, walking into a flanking? Not the greatest tacticians are they these golbins?" Vidar Remarks to the massive man on the other side of the goblin before thrusting with his dagger.
As the man begins to regain consciousness, Rullis speaks softly to him, "You are going to be okay." Seeing the man start to get up under his own power, he immediately scans the area around him for additional threats. His first glance is towards the one he saw earlier by the stage. That guy got him! Good! He then scans the rest of the square and easily spots the other one. With everyone running from them, they should be easy to find. He spots the goblin jumping off a table between that tall mostly-human looking strong man wielding a sword and another tall man with a long beard holding a dagger. Why haven't these two fled with the rest of them? I must not let those things hurt anyone else. He stands and immediately moves to where he can be effective.
Seeing the creature still alive, he draws upon Gozreh to deliver an arc of electricity at the creature from his outstretched hand.
Grunting in frustration, Kithian swings his sword at the goblin.
Power Attack:
Damage
Kerrec looks down at the fallen goblin in disgust and then tries to catch the eye of the swordsman (Camilo) who was making his way towards him and the goblin. He'll motion with his head toward the final goblin surrounded by two other men, signalling his plans to aid them. He'll then quietly make his way there.