The Swallowtail festival is running full swing, lunch happens after the Swallowtail release. Thousands of butterflies are released into town and soon the trees are carpeted with the children of Desna. Father Zentus walks among the people, greeting and speaking with many.
Directly after lunch, our little group of travellers and fellows is just finishing a delicious meal provided free to the town by the various inns, the best dish being Ameiko Kaijitsu's amazing curry-spiced salmon, provided right at the Rusty Dragon. The group has heard that the consecration of the new cathedral, the main point of this celebration, will be happening at dusk. Until then, they are free to try the various bits of the festival. There are several small posters promising games, and a joking 'bounty' on Swallowtail butterflies, which are notoriously difficult to catch.
Vulf wanders around the festival accompanying Aria ( im assuming he wouldnt leave her side) taking in all of the sights and activities. Occasionally asking her questions to explain the sometimes odd customs.
" So many people are here is it like this all the time?" he asks her.
After the loosing of the butterflies, Zelvaria casts prestidigitation to enhance the appearance and fragrance of the flowers worked into her hair, to attract her goddess Desna's favored creature while she walks with Vulf. She does not believe that any other would be so clever as to use such harmless trickery to win the bounty, but as she has little else to offer, she finds it somewhat amusing. Zelaria is overjoyed when one of the creatures lands on a flower and begins flitting in her hair. She favors Vulf with a broad smile.
"At the port it is almost always busy," she answers, "and at the taverns as well. As for the travelers in the streets, no, it is typically much quieter.
"Is there any manner of game you would like to try before the ceremony, Vulf?" she wonders.
"What kind of games are there Zelaria?" he asks looking around he was curious about the kind of games the city dwellers would play. Nothing like his own tribes games he could guess easily.
As Rohan and Copperscale walk out of the tavern following their companions, they converse about their meal. "I think I have found a new favorite spice, Copper. Curry is amazingly good! I didn't think salmon could taste that way." Rohan comments with a smile. "I think what you liked is the salmon's chef, eh? That Ameiko is cute, I know you think so!" Copper replies. "Th..That's not true. I mean she was cute, but I just really liked the food."The young man says while trying to not blush. Copper just looks up at his friend with a look that says "Don't lie to me." The young summoner just ignores him at this point and tries to focus on the festivities.
While walking through the festival, the two admire the brightly colored decorations and the various games being offered. "You've been to this festival before, Velaria. What kinds of games are there? I could use a nice physical one to work off lunch." He asks of the Varisian girl.
The posters showing the games read as follows:
Devil Hunting!
The Sandpoint Devil has been sighted off the beach near the lighthouse. Could you be the hero needed to fight it off?
Goblin Throw!
Those bothersome little things have gotten into your house. Get them into the fireplace and stop them from wrecking your stuff. Maybe you could find an appropriate place to dispose of them in the Market Square.
Smash The Lighthouse!
Why do we need a lighthouse without a light? Go knock it down at the end of Junker's Way. (Please do not damage the actual lighthouse.)
Dragon Races!
Before you can dragon farm, we need to know which are the fastest! Head down to the Market Square and make your bets.
Greasy Goblins!
Stupid goblins have gotten into the Rusty Dragon's kitchens. Now they're covered with grease and running around the back yard of the Dragon. See if you can help Ameiko round them up and put them outta thier misery.
Magic Show!
Go see our resident Wizard Vernutt Parooh in a dazzling show.
Dueling!
Who is the greatest duelist in Sandpoint? Will Belor Hemlock ever be knocked from his throne as the Champion of Sandpoint? Fight in the Dueling Tourney at 2 past Highsun to find out!
Zelaria laughs as she considers the list of the events hosted. "While it may behoove you Rohan, to impress Ameiko with feats of strength, the spells I use to clean can do little to penetrate thick grease. Perhaps we might participate in the goblin toss?" she suggests.
She looks to Vulf shyly. "If it is allowed that we participate as a team, I don't see the harm in sharing a bit of heroism between us?"
Markellus nods to the others. "Well, you enjoy that. It's been interesting, but I think I'll wander a bit--not often that I come to larger towns like this. I think I'll look for this 'Devil Hunting' that they have." He says the last bit with a chuckle. "If you all don't mind, I'll meet with you again for dinner. Interestin' company, for certain." I'm sure Deadeye will let me know if anything needs my attention. 'sides, I'm armed and ready in case anything pops up. Who knows though--this might just be a pleasant stop on the way to Magnimar.
"What would make you think I would want do that?" He laughs nervously. "I'm willing to participate in whatever game you think I would be best at." He replies more calmly.
"Maybe we could see the magic show, or one of us could duel that Hemlock guy? I think I could take him!" Copper comments while pretending to wield a sword made of air in a mock duel.
"Certainly Zelaria and then maybe we can catch this devil?" Vulf grins at Zelaria "Shall we go then?" He offers his hand to Zelaria and allows her to guide them all to the events.
As Markellus (Can I go with Mark? I keep wanting to.) nears the beach he can see a small crowd gathered round what looks like an archery ranged setup. Several cheers and boos rise as the contestants fire at two silhouettes of what look like winged horses. A small sign reads The Devil Hunt next to a balding Varisian with black hair and large paunch. "Bad luck friend. Not as well as I did against the Devil indeed." He laughs and taps on his back as he takes back the longbow and hands him a wooden statue of a Swallowtail butterfly.
"If you all don't mind, I'll meet with you again for dinner. Interestin' company, for certain."
Zelaria stops Markellus before he leaves. "Wait! Should... should we be separated by the crowd, my Mama has a fortune telling booth on the street. I didn't catch where you were staying. If you have no other place to stay, or eat, please come after the ceremony."
She watches the relative stranger part from them, then answers Rohan and Vulf. "I am not a combatant, but I will accompany you to your games, if you will have me," she offers.
Zelaria takes Vulf's hand warmly, her fingers outside his again, pleased to be walking with him again. She is not at all interested in any of the looks that the pair may be receiving from the others. At the moment, with the brightly colored and fragrant flowers in her hair attracting butterflies, she is indulging in his kind and gentle treatment.
"Of course, we would be honored to have you along." Rohan replies with a warm smile. "Besides, someone has to watch Copper here and keep him out of trouble while I'm busy."
Copper shakes his head."You worry too much, brother."
"Do you blame me?" The bigger one replies.
Vulf laughs at the pair, gripping Aria's hand softly as they walk through the crowd looking forward to the games. A slight way to show off to her but also he was falling prey to the happy faces of the companions and the festival participants. I could learn to like the city and these people, Aria, Rohan, and maybe even the others as well
Zelaria squeezes Vulf's hand softly in response and smiles at him. She is glad that he appears to be more easy with Rohan and Copper beside them, the swell of aggression she caught between them earlier was disconcerting. She looks into his eyes for a moment, long enough for him to know that she is acknowledging him personally, then turns and answers Copper.
"If you would like, Copper, you can keep me company while Rohan and Vulf compete. Your bright color and charming personality may be a better lure for the butterflies than my flowers."
The Goblin Toss is set up in the Market Square, with a short line. Three wood facades looking like fireplaces are set at differing distances with different sized holes. A sign nearby says Goblin Toss, 1 cp per Play next to a large man with Shoanti and Varisian blood laughing as the small goblin shaped bags of beans are thrown through the holes.
Vulf meets Aria's gaze wondering at the meaning behind it but knows it was a serious time for it. He wonders if it was about the speaking of customs back in the inn. He would have to talk to her later tonight. Maybe he could talk to her mother and her at the same time.
Vulf nods now curious and eager to display his prowess in battle. He looks over at Rohan wondering about the skill of the taller man but shrugs it off his tattoos almost glowing with their blueish energy as the spirits seem to sense a potential battle.
Markellus nods after Zelaria tells him about her mother's booth, making a mental note to head there if he can't find the others. Hrrm. Hadn't thought about a place to sleep. Was hopin' for a local priest or maybe a friendly family or two... ah well, guess I know where I'll be now.
As he comes upon the Devil Hunt, Mark approaches the Varisian curiously. "Fought the Devil, did you? And how was that?" he asks curiously as he watches the competing archers. And more to the point, what is the purpose of this game... What are those statues for?
"Indeed I did my friend. Saw him up at the point about six years back. Winged him with an arrow but he got away from me." The man holds out his hand to shake. "The name's Joday Provost. I'm the best hunter in this here town, so they asked me to set up this one. Just 2 coppers and you take one of these bows here and shoot at the Devils out there. Bullseye wins you a pie from Ms. Avertin's shop. Pretty delicious if I dare say so..." He jokingly points to his heavy gut. "Anything smaller and you get a statue of a Swallowtail to give you luck from Desna. Miss the target and you have to go get your arrow and walk back in shame." He waves to a man doing just that, the crowd good-naturedly booing him as he walks back with his two arrows in hand. "Best shot of the two is your scorer. Wanna try and win a statue to go with that hat?"
Vulf visibly deflates as he sees that the game is merely tossing beans through a hole. [i] maybe we should just go to that dueling bout. That could be a great place to show off my skills.[i]
His tattoos flare up as he thinks about the duel and asks Aria
Who is the duelist they were talking about in the posters?"
"That sounds fun! I can catch those pesky butterflies." Copper replies, clearly drinking in the compliments like the muliple goblets of wine he ingested at lunch. He starts leaping up to try to catch some butterflies with his bare claws.
"Not what I was expecting either. I was hoping for something less simple. " Rohan replies a little disappointed himself. "I was never too good at traditional dueling techniques. But I could give it a shot." He says to Vulf's suggestion.
"I was expecting more of the goblin toss, as well," Zelaria agrees shyly. Her vision of it was far more grand, and, she had hoped, cooperative rather than competitive.
"Sheriff Belor is the hero of Sandpoint. He has defended us from goblins, and worse..." Zelaria replies.
I cannot see why he would choose to fight, Zelaria muses, her smile fading slightly for a moment. She looks to her hand in Vulf's and inclines her head in a nod. She meant to meet him as an equal, and to do so, she would have to accept his nature.
"I will cheer for you both!" she sings happily.
"Well what else can we do till then? We have some time I think before the event starts. What would you like to do Aria?" Vulf asks missing the look she had given him. He watched a few people try their hand at the goblin toss but shook his head, A game for children
"If beans are goblins here, then like they may be some manner of farm animal at the Rusty Dragon," Zelaria hums, considering. "Which leaves dismantling the lighthouse, dragon races," Zelaria draws out the word for emphasis and winks at Copper, "or taking in a show. I should think that you two are not the only who wish to duel our sheriff. We should discover if there is a list to enter, and then... see the magician? It would not serve if you were over tired from walking and participating in lesser games before your match."
That sounds like a good plan. Maybe even Copper here can win the dragon races. What say you Rohan, Copper? Vulf says as he turns his head towards the other two.
"I don't know if I should be excited or be offended about these so called "dragon races"." The golden-scaled creature says. "I have no problem entering. No one can beat me! With my luck, it'll be some dogs dressed in tacky dragon costumes."
"I am alright with whatever you wish, Zelaria. You know this festival better than I do." Rohan replies with a shrug,
The Dragon Races are nearby and simple enough to find. Copper is wrong to expect dogs in dragon costumes though. In a large cage by the starting line are twelve large lizards with tacky wings tied to them. They are painted in the chromatic and metallic colors of dragons. Two double laned thirty foot tracks stretch from the start to the finish and several men stand about cheering and booing, watching two boys attempt to herd the lizards down the tracks. Money changes hands several times, and it's obvious that they are betting on the matches, though only small change. An enourmous man sits by the sign here and laughs as he collects a couple silver.
Zelaria takes in the sight with a grin, and gives Vulf's hand a squeeze.
She looks to Copper. "Copper, if you will allow me to play a part, I believe we can make quite a tidy profit of this with a cooperative performance," she begins.
Zelaria points to the young boys pushing the lizards down the tracks. "I may walk behind you, for show, and distract the crowd while the other gets ahead," she continues. "Then you dash and finish the race!"
Copper grins devilishly."So its a fix? I love it. You're cunning as well as pretty, Aria."
"Are you sure this is right? Seems a little bit like cheating. Not something a proper citizen does." Rohan comments. That last sentence sounding like he heard it a long time ago.
Vulf looks at both of them quite confused.
What are you three talking about?
"I suppose I could run behind Copper, as well, if such a display offends," Zelaria tells Rohan. "I have no competative edge, myself, and neither do I believe you would have one of these boys chasing after Copper like he was a common animal. We could not bet at all and simply provide entertainment."
Zelaria smiles at Vulf. "We are speaking of the possibility of entering Copper and myself in the race."
"Well, I suppose you have a point. If you think this is the right thing to do, by all means, go right ahead. I think a little exercise could do him some good. All those legs of mutton are slowing you down." Rohan comments.
"Hey, I am in perfect shape, I'll have you know." Copper protests.
I still have no idea what you three are talking about. Something about Copper running in the race and Aria distracting the onlookers with her good looks? Vulf grins giving her hand a squeeze to show his support.
"I have just as great a chance of making a fool of myself as those boys," Zelaria attempts to soothe Rohan, her voice soft and sweet.
Zelaria glances at her hand still clasped in Vulf's and is hesitant to let go, but if they are to sway the portly proprietor, it may go against them. She considers her position for a moment, tucking her lower lip between her teeth, wetting it, and then smiles.
"If the 'keep says 'no,' we will have our answer, either way," she recognizes.
She leads the group to the large man who is taking the silver. "Beg pardon, Master, but will you be accepting any late admissions?" she asks.
Florin’s mood began to brighten as the festival continued. This morning after the rakish stable master and is filthy offspring had attended to his horse and he had been seriously underwhelmed by the quality of his accommodation Florin was in dour spirits, but now with the atmosphere so charged with excitement and joy he could not help be caught up in the festivities. And so it was that now he stood in a lose line awaiting his turn to duel. Only one thing missing. he thought. His glance turned towards a crowd of pretty women who stood giggling and watching the event. Choosing the prettiest and catching her eye with a wink he called “M’lady I shall win this duel in your name, but might I have a kiss to provide as loves armour against this stout foe?”
Diplomacy
The woman, a pretty woman with Chelaxian features, approaches Florin. "A kiss of love's armour given could be given to a contender, but not to a simple applicant. Win me one match, my knight, and you shall have a kiss from me as well as my name so you may find me again." The pretty girl blows a light kiss, but stays too far back from the line to be caught. "Fight well for me knight, I shall be watching from the sidelines."
"Submissions? You mean the dragon over there?" The man laughs. "I'm sorry Aria, a nice idea, but this is a just a race for kids. He could do some tricks to rile the crowd if he's trained though." The man is Gressel Tenivar, widely believed to own Sandpoint's seediest tavern, the Fatman's Feedbag.
Zelaria's mouth falls open in shock, and she blushes furiously. "Th-thank you Master Tenivar," she excuses herself, and inclines her head in a bow.
"Shall we see about the lists then, friends?" she asks her companions. She appears slightly disconcerted that she could not display her dazzling abilities for her friends. She squeezes Vulf's hand once, softly, suddenly glad she had not let go.
"Indeed I did my friend. Saw him up at the point about six years back. Winged him with an arrow but he got away from me." The man holds out his hand to shake. "The name's Joday Provost. I'm the best hunter in this here town, so they asked me to set up this one. Just 2 coppers and you take one of these bows here and shoot at the Devils out there. Bullseye wins you a pie from Ms. Avertin's shop. Pretty delicious if I dare say so..." He jokingly points to his heavy gut. "Anything smaller and you get a statue of a Swallowtail to give you luck from Desna. Miss the target and you have to go get your arrow and walk back in shame." He waves to a man doing just that, the crowd good-naturedly booing him as he walks back with his two arrows in hand. "Best shot of the two is your scorer. Wanna try and win a statue to go with that hat?"
Mark nods. "I'd be interested in giving it a shot, aye. Do you mind if I use my own bow, though? I'm used to the draw of it, and I'd hate to be wastin' your arrows if I can make due with mine." He smiles as he continues. "I understand if not. I'd be glad to be shooting at the devil either way, though."
Copperscale pouts or rather what you think is pouting for a wyrmling like himself. "What is wrong, Velaria? Do you know him?" Rohan asks.
"Let me see the draw." The hunter stretches the bow a couple times. "Seems fine. I'd allow it." Provost points to the line and steps back. "Go ahead and take your shot. Erastil guide your arms."
Copperscale pouts or rather what you think is pouting for a wyrmling like himself. "What is wrong, Velaria? Do you know him?" Rohan asks.
"Aye, Rohan," Zelvaria answers. But it is not the man himself that grieves me... She allows a faint smile. "I thought my little play would dazzle and amuse, and now it appears as though I will only be entertained by your performances."
"Well then I will do my best to entertain you then. You dazzle us all day long with your beauty. Let me do the dazzling today." He sounds a little surprised that those words came out of his mouth.
Mark nods and moves up to shoot. He rubs the holy symbol on his bracer before raising his bow, aiming, and taking his shot each time. It's a bit trite, Deadeye, but I'd be much obliged if you helped me live up to your name.
Attack Rolls:
"If it were any effort to be beautiful, I might be more comfortable accepting your offer, Rohan," Zelaria answers. "for as it stands, I feel as though I have little place here beside you."
Zelaria arrests herself, realizing that she lent voice to her anxiety and spares a nervous glance for Vulf. "I wish there were an event that would measure my talent, as well, but unless I am mistaken about the definition of a duel one meets their opponent with a similar show of force. Sheriff Belor is no magician, and I am not certainly not a warrior."
As if to punctuate her lack of martial skill, a swallowtail flutters down from one of the trees to land upon one of Zelaria's flowers and beats its wings in a display of gentle beauty.
Vulf glances sharply at the taller man, frowning slightly, his hand slightly flexes gripping the shaft of his swords. He breathes in heavily through his nose and trys to calm himself as he looks away trying to ignore the words the both of them were saying. He tried to shrug it off but feels uncomfortable, normally this would mean they both would compete. Perhaps the dueling would take the place of that...
Vulf looks ahead searching for the place that the duel was supposed to happen.
Markellus' first arrow flies true, striking the bulls eye perfectly. His second shot is a bit wide, hitting the outside band of the target, but the crowd seems so amazed as to not even notice. "Just so boy! Just so! That's how to bring down a devil lad." Joday laughs and pats Markellus on the back. "I've hardly ever seen a better shot myself. 'Course when I hit the devil it was at 200 paces instead of 60. Think you could match my shot? I'll give you a little something special if you do." The hunter smiles, pointing to the side. A small bottle sits atop the table, full of some form of reddish liquid. "A love potion, crafted by our very own little wizard. It's not full strength, just a little something to make that special someone notice you more than she would have otherwise. What do you say boy? Got a girl in mind?" He points to a line much further down the beach from the targets. "Step up and see if you can get it!"
The dueling area is set aside farther out from town. The largest crowd you've seen since the releasing of Desna's Children forms here, watching the combatants gear up. You can hear many exchanged words about the worthiness of combatants and money changes hands frequently. The Dueling ring itself is a roped off square of hard packed dirt, about 60 feet square. A man sits near with a table in front of him and a sign reading Duelist Registration. A short elf with a scarf wrapped around his mouth and neck and two wickedly curved daggers at his side finishes signing, oddly silent and steps aside.
Making his way around the festival games, Dorrak wears a warm smile under his red beard. The effort of many during the festival preparation was well worth the sweat judging by the many happy faces around town this day. He paused to appreciate the sound of people laughing and cheering, the smell of spiced foods and sea breeze, the afternoon sun warming his face and leather apron embossed with the outline of Kaglemros, Torag's hammer.
Dorrak's attention turned toward a child who, with tongue protruding from the side of his mouth in deep concentration, slowly extended a makeshift butterfly net toward a swallowtail perched on a nearby hedge. The boy paused, his outstretched arms shaking slightly, the swallowtail flexed its wings too late and was caught in the boy's trap. He quickly approached the net, carefully peeking in to be sure his trophy was secure before he exploded in celebration.
Happiness is the reward for hard work. It's good to see Desna, too, smiles on ingenuity.
A rumble in his stomach snapped Dorrak back to his initial task, procuring some of Ameiko's curried salmon. He noticed Joday Provost and gave a nod of recognition having recently repaired an old utility knife for Joday.
Joday, on my way to The Rusty Dragon for salmon, y'interested? I'll bring a sample over.
Noticing Markellus' fine shot, Dorrak whistles.
Good shot, boy! Devils beware, looks to be sharp eyes with steady aim are about Sandpoint this day!
"Ah, I'd love to go with ya Dorrak, but I've got to watch The Devil Hunt here." Joday pounds on the back of a nearby man with a huge ridiculous hat. "This boy here is some kinda priest of Erastil, made himself a bullseye from the line. Seeing if he can get one of the special prizes. You bring me back one and I'll be happy though." He watches intently as Markellus considers.
Markellus scratches the back of his neck as he considers Joday's offer before turning to Dorrak. "Well, thank you for that. Seems to be a good day for me, and Deadeye is apparently kindly disposed right now." He turns back to the range and squints toward the targets. "I suppose I could take a shot at that. Not sure if the potion will do me much good, but 'effort now means meat for later,' as it says in the Parables*. Let's see how this goes."
With that, he moves out to 200 paces and makes sure that the field of fire is clear, before drawing back and sighting the target. A bit of your favor right now wouldn't hurt too much. Of course, I'll live if it waits until later.
OOC Stuff:
*Parables: The Parables of Erastil. This book acts as a guide and almanac for the followers of Erastil; it includes information on strengthening one's family, farming, and wilderness skills. [Information shamelessly copied from PathfinderWiki]
Attack Roll, 1 Range Increment factored in.