The day is warmer than usual. People are working hard. Tomorrow is the Swallowtail festival and, not only is it an opportunity to bring in money and fresh faces into town, but the people are anxious to acknowledge that the Great Unpleasantness is behind them.
People are washing their clothes, counting stocks and putting up decorations. Signs are being repainted, floors are being swept and the air smells of candy. The town has more than four times the usual number of people and the inns are practically full.
One particular inn, the Rusty Dragon, run by a hard Tian-Min woman known as Ameiko Kaijitsu is crawling with people, who are drinking and singing.
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Brand sits at a corner table drinking from a tankard of ale. His empty plate still sits on the table. He finds the music interesting, the crowds not so much. Musing about the morrow, he figures he will attend the dedication of the temple and perhaps wander the town to familiarize himself with its defenses. The sheriff would be busy with the festival but Brand should be able to speak with the man afterward.
Elan enjoys the sunshine on his face and takes a walk through the town to see if anyone is injured in the preparations. Apart from a few scrapes and bruises nothing serious is amiss. He ends his walk at the Cathedral and looks for the high priest in order to offer his services in any way possible.
A strange woman clutches her cloak to her chest as she knocks on Brodert Quink's door. It's far far too hot today to be dressed the way she is, but she had learned it was easier to hide her appearance and identity from the crowd.
She didn't blame them. People don't look like her, don't have wet and grey skin, their eyes generally point in the same direction most of the time, and nobody else she had ever seen, not even boggards, had weird nubs on their forehead like she does.
Also tails. People here didn't have tails.
But regardless of how people thought of her, that's all irrelevant now. Today, she needs to find things out, and Brodert was her only friend in town that hadn't ever died.
Mashaka looked at her own reflection in the poorly washed metal mug and smiled. She felt pretty today, but knew it was vein. Her road felt like long and arduous, yet she was still young and truthfully maybe a mere couple years of the gods had passed since she last saw her mother.
The changeling sighed loudly as her long nails scratched the wooden table. Sandpoint was not really a boring city, especially not in the day before the Swallowtail, and she very much wanted to wander around the crowd and feel their heat and their faith.
She chuckled - again loudly - and this time it certainly caught the attention around. She didn't particularly looked like she was someone who even could pay her ale, but a couple copper coins changed opinions. She smiled as people looked, and her torn, dark-yellow looking teeth made faces turn back.
With the visible metal armor under the clothes and the shield with a hard-to-still-identify-behind-all-dirty Sarenrae's symbol, people could only assume some knights of the goddess weren't fortunate enough to have had been taught good manners and proper hygiene.
There was nothing like a festival to get people excited in Sandpoint, that was for certain. People had been flocking in for days, and business had been better than ever. The Pixie's Kitten was bound to be popular during the festival, but Tanwen had gotten permission to enjoy the festival in the morning as well as enjoy festivities in the time leading up. She'd be expected to be ready to work later in the evening of course, those were the busier times anyway, but she'd be able to enjoy the swallowtail festival, something the young Chelish woman was looking forward to in spite of everything that had happened recently.
Although things had gotten better since her employment at The Pixie's Kitten, Tanwen had gone through a lot in the past couple of years. After the Sandpoint Chapel had burned down, Tanwen had avoided some areas of Sandpoint, thinking herself at least partially responsible, after all, Tanwen was at the chapel when it burned, and she had remained unharmed. She couldn't think of any other explanation for the fire other than the obvious one, Tanwen could occasionally cause fire to spew from her hands, a power she'd seen no others do at the chapel.
However, with the opening of a new chapel taking place during the Swallowtail Festival, Tanwen was trying to remain optimistic. After all, things were looking up. Tanwen had a wonderful job at The Pixie's Kitten, she had friends there, and life was starting to return to normal in Sandpoint, whatever normal was. And Tanwen was determined to enjoy the festival just as any other 16-year-old might.
While the festival wouldn't begin until tomorrow, Tanwen had finished helping out with any preparation she needed to at The Pixie's Kitten, and she was free to enjoy the festivities until she was expected to return for the evening. After all, The Pixie's Kitten was more than just a place of employment for Tanwen, it was also both her home and her place of worship.
"I'll be back this evening." Tanwen said as she headed out of The Pixie's Kitten and she headed where seemingly everyone else was headed right now The Rusty Dragon. Tanwen visited the dragon on occasion after all taverns were a normal part of the scene for her business, and it honestly wasn't that far from The Pixie's Kitten - but then again Sandpoint was rather small to begin with.
But Tanwen's mission at the dragon today was a little different than normal. Normally, Tanwen would frequent the taverns to find customers, though this wasn't entirely necessary or normal for many of the employees at The Pixie's Kitten. Still, Tanwen knew that she could get visitors to Sandpoint to buy her food and drinks at most of the taverns, and if someone was willing to buy a stranger food and drink, they probably wanted something from said stranger, something Tanwen could provide. Today, however, Tanwen just wanted to relax.
It didn't take the young Chelish woman long to arrive at the dragon. Opening the door to the tavern, she knew she'd stick out, and let's face it many of the locals knew what she did for a living - most didn't care, after all The Pixie's Kitten was a legal establishment in Sandpoint and Tanwen didn't cause much trouble. Still, Tanwen knew she had to make a scene when entering the dragon.
Pushing the door open, Tanwen called out "Next round is on me! Bartender, ales for everyone!"
As Elan reaches the new cathedral, the construction is already done. He sees a man who is clearly a priest talking to another man. The priest seems to be giving the other man a bag which seems like it holds gold pieces. The man leaves the priest alone, who turns to the cathedral and seems to be beholding it.
After pounding the door for a while, the hooded woman is about to give up as she realizes that when he isn't home, Brodert can be seen in The Cruious Goblin, a book shop just west of the Sandpoint Theater. She knows that Brodert will likely be engaged in some lenghty discussion with its owner, Chask. Although a public store wasn't the most welcoming places, Chask has already shown in the past that he doesn't shy away from her.
Kaye tells Tanwen it's ok to leave, as long as she's back to work in the evening, which she already knows.
As Brand and Mashaka linger by themselves in the Rusty Dragon, they can sense that Ameiko, a woman with an exotic beauty, has a much wittier mind than the average Sandpoint resident. The patrons seem to be travellers, and the inn seems most fitting for adventurers, with no one asking too many questions and just some unofficial bragging competitions. Before they can make any concrete conclusions, a beautiful woman enters the inn claiming to be buying drinks for everyone. A roaring cheer can be heard in the inn and Ameiko lets out a chuckle. A couple patrons with heavier build get up and come to Tanwen. One saying "Where I come from, it's the men who buy their dates drinks." The other says "If you're so willing to get me drunk, I challenge you to a drinking competition."
A drinking competition eh? Kaye might be mad if I return back to the kitten drunk. Tanwen thought to herself as she quickly found herself the center of attention, something not unusual for the young woman. Looking over at the first man, Tanwen smiled, responding, "You're welcome to buy drinks for me of course." She also made sure to wink when she said this.
"A drinking competition?" She then added, looking over at the second man and placing a hand on her chin to show that she was thinking about it. "Surely you'll go easy on me? I'm not very good at holding my liquor."
Surely a little competition would be ok, right? Besides, it might increase business. Although she was worried about what Kaye might say, Tanwen wanted to enjoy herself, after all, tomorrow was the Swallowtail festival!
As Tanwen acquiesces to the offered drink, the first man smiles, but the second man looks down. But then Tanwen indulges his offer, which makes him look up again.
The second man replies "I'll go as as easy on you as you call out.", with a clear innuendo. The first man, however, intercedes saying "But hey, wouldn't you rather sit with me? I want to know who you are before we're calling out"
As the shrouded woman walks to the bookseller's, she leans on her polearm as she goes, occasionally grasping it with her tail to free up a hand to scratch at something. She sticks to the shadows where she can, wanting anonymity, yes, but also to keep out of the heat and keep her skin from getting all gross and dry and flaky.
Although it is hard to walk hidden from sight in the noon light, Ribitta realizes people in town are more worried about setting decorations and cleaning town than paying attention to her. It is strange to her that this many people would be so careless and unaware, but at least it provides her with an opportunity to walk around.
As she gets to the Curious Goblin, she enters to find Brodert arguing with Chask. "I tell you, Chask, why would that be a lighthouse when there was no see this far in ancient Thassilon?", Brodert says rampant. Chask answers "There are infinite more reasonable explanations for a lighthouse than a fire breathing tower!" At this point, they notice Ribitta entering and Brodert immediately calms down. He says "Oh, hello, dear. I didn't know you were coming to town. How are you?" Chask takes the opportunity to cool down and grabs himself some water. Afterwards he offers water to Ribitta, and then, reluctantly to Brodert.
Ribitta- or Betty as Brodert calls her -pulls down her hood and takes the water, not so much drinking it as pouring it down her chin and onto her neck and chest, before croaking out a defense of her mentor. "Brodert's research is sound, Chask," she says, voice wet and crackly, "I've seen it."
The tiefling rubs some water across her forehead as well, massaging the growing bumps at her hairline. In a low voice she answers Brodert. "Things aren't good in the swamp. No one has seen a goblin in a month at least." She swallows the rest of the water and points a single eye at his, "I am looking for them."
Chask huffs and says "I could easily refute your theories, but I'm not in the mood. Besides, I have to prepare Ilsoari's parcel anyway." Ilsoari, the headmaster of the local school and orphanage, also likes to come to the Curious Goblin, although Ribitta has never encountered him in there.
A few moments later, a child walks in. His name is Kart and usually helps Chask with some things in his store. He has never come too close to Ribitta and this time, as he sees her, his eyes open wide. He rushes to Chask, delivers a small bag and runs out. Chask notices his behavior and yells out "Come back you little brat, you need to learn some manners!" He takes the bag inside mumbling something about kids these days.
”Now now boys, there’s plenty of me to go around. Surely all of us can sit together and enjoy ourselves.” Tanwen wasn’t keen on selecting either of these men at the expense of the other. Even when of the clock it was typically a bad idea to prioritize one personal customer over another, at least until someone pays, after that all bets are off. ”Let’s just drink and have fun!”
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When it becomes evident the two are going to be polite, or at least not violent with the young woman, Brand downs his mead and stands. He throws an extra couple of coppers on the table and stalks from the room. 'Might as well see how defensible this place is. Tomorrow I'll have to find something to pass the time. Food should be good. If only it wouldn't be so crowded.'[/b]
Out on the street Brand turned south and headed for the bridge the caravan came across. [i]'I don't recall there being any guards at the bridge. That's how it happened at Brindleton. The giants just strode into town. No one takes it seriously until people die.' He hopes to find guards but has low expectations.
Mashaka witnessed the exchange but kept her silence. It was on such silence that she had survived - longer than she thought she would. As Tanwen finishes speaking, however, she chuckled loudly again, and looked to the people in the inn with clearly maniac eyes. She then smiled, revealing dark yellow, dirty teeth.
The two men try not to show weakness and agree to Tanwen's proposal. Tanwen learns that the first man, who pulls her a chair, is called Marcus and has a romantic heart. He is a miner who is working to help his ill mother. The medicine sold by the healer Hannah is good, but expensive.
The second man, called Yanikumo, lives alone and doesn't talk about his family or his past, but he talks much smoother and is more fun. He works in the docks helping the loading and unloading of ships, but hates going to the Hagfish, the tavern preferred by the fishermen.
Mashaka is certainly making an impression. Noone comes to talk to her, but an elderly halfling comes and asks timidly "Anything for you ma'am?"
As the cleric finishes up with what he is doing, Elan approaches him and says "I am Elan Crew of Sarenrae. I've come to town for the dedication of the Cathedral and believe Sarenrae has led me here. Is there any assistance I can lend you?
Spending the day walking around town, Brand notes that if properly manned, Sandpoint can be well defended. The east of the town can only be entered via two bridges. The southern one is called Sandpoint bridge, which is the most used. It currently has one guard by it who seems to be more interested in talking than guarding. In fact, from the brief time he was there, he not only managed to learn the guard's name is Vinny, but he also has two daughters, his wife Laura is grumpy and he wishes he was a knight.
The northern bridge is called Tanner's bridge and can be easily be defended by archers in the town cemetery. However it is not being guarded at the moment and the gate hangs casually open.
The south of the city is a gulf that gives to the town harbor. The west of the town has an old lighthouse, and a junk beach. The beach can be accesses from outside of town, but the climb up to Sandpoint itself is not easy. This access can also be easily guarded.
The town north has a gate which is seldom used. However, there's a guard on it and the gate is flanked by two towers, so it can also be defended. As he is walking that part of town, Brand notices two clerics talking in front of the new cathedral.
Brand thinks that ogres would most likely be successful by either climbing from the junk beach or by bashing down the Tanner's bridge. However, ogres would not likely think of these solutions and would probably attempt the gauntlet at the north gate.
The priest answers Elan "Greetings Father Crew, my name is Abstalar Zantus, the local priest. As you can see, I worship Desna. As you might have heard, Sarenrae is one of the six gods honored in the new cathedral. I hope you find it adequate. As with any town, the people need guidance and purpose. Of course that is fit for a permanent resident. Are... you thinking of becoming a permanent resident of Sandpoint? We are in the harvesting season right now, but I'm sure farmers will be glad to have Sarenrae's blessing."
Elan smiles at the priest "I am sure that you have done a good job in honoring all of the gods of this cathedral. Settling down here? I don't know. I go where Sarenrae directs me and she has directed me here. I know no more than that and until I am directed elsewhere here I will be. I will do what I can for the community."
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Brand approaches the two clerics. "Brothers, how are you this evening? My name is Brand, I came in with the caravans today. I look forward to the dedication tomorrow." Gesturing to the chapel he says, "She's a beauty." After small talk is over, Brand heads back to the Rusty Dragon for the evening for prayers and sleep.
Father Zantus answers smiling "Good day Brand. I am Abstalar Zantus, priest of this town. Indeed, the new cathedral is not only beautiful for its architecture. It has the heart of this town. Tomorrow will be a big day."
At this moment, a young boy comes running in and says "Father, what time is the ceremony tomorrow?", to which Zantus says "The festival starts officially at noon, Sid, but the consecration will be at night. Sid, have you eaten yet? It's past lunch hour. Sid!" The priest's attempts to get the boy's attention fail as he runs off.
Mashaka looks at the halfling and keeps her smile. She then moves her eyes to the horizon, as if staring at a blank wall. There was nothing there - she was just looking as if she was seeing something. At the same time, however, she replied.
No, thank you! I'm just here for the birds. And raccoons. Life in a castle, right? And the Avistani said the winter would be cold! More power to the bugbears, I guess.
After Mashaka tells her thoughts to Bethana, the halfling looks at Ameiko completely confused and embarrassed. It seems Ameiko passes her a secret message, since Bethana acquiesces with her head and moves along. She doesn't offer Mashaka anything else anymore.
Father Zantus says "Well, you follow Sarenrae as well! It seems you have a colleague here", motioning towards Elan.
Elan smiles at the dwarf. "Elan Crew. I trained in Absalom. I'm just arriving in town. How about yourself?"
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"Same, hired on with a caravan to save money for the trip. I wanted to be present for the dedication and I was hoping to speak with the sheriff about the town's defenses. You staying on after the festival?" Brand asks. 'Not devilbane for sure, not even one of the martial disciplines, no armor. Focused healer or caster I guess."
Elan nods to Brand, "I felt called by Sarenrae to Varsia and when I got here I felt called to Sandpoint. I'll be here until she calls me somewhere else. I think there is a reason she put me here and you as well."
Father Zantus says jokingly "I hope Sarenrae didn't put Father Brand here to check on the town's defenses. I find it unlikely that anyone would want to invade our small town. But I'm glad I'm not the town's mason while a master dwarf is inspecting our town. If you wish, you may find the sheriff in the barracks today. But tomorrow he may patrol the streets. He is a very serious man, you see."
At this point, the changeling limited herself to observe as the halfling departed, and as things seemed to calm down. She pulled a book and started reading, calmly waiting as the day passed.
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"You are practically on the frontier. You're about three days hard ride from Magnimar, more if on foot. You cannot afford to be lax. I have heard rumors of giants moving about and I have seen their handiwork first hand. I came to ensure you do not suffer the same fate as those before you." Brand says stoically. "I may see if I can find the sheriff. Sarenrae guard you." he says to excuse himself and wanders off in search of the barracks.
Mashaka finds no trouble reading during the day, but at night, the noise is very loud, with music and shouting.
"And Desna you!", Father Zantus says to the dwarf's back. Brand finds no trouble entering the barracks to talk to sheriff Hemlock, who is reading a letter. He puts it away and says "Yes?" Brand gets the impression that people only come talk to him if there's trouble, which means that he usually doesn't like it when people come talk to him.
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Brand offers his hand, "Brand Brasswell, Devilbane Priest of Sarenrae of the first order. I have come to speak my concerns sheriff. In addition to fighting devils I have been trained in fighting giants. You could say it is a passion of mine. Rumors have been trickling into Magnimar of giant raids and movements. Knowing you were so far out into the frontier I thought I would come and lend my assistance in preparing for giant raids. The town's defenses are woefully inadequate. A band of ogres could easily get into the town and cause devastation. Sarenrae forbid it should be some of the true giants. I can help you fix this." Brand says. (Charisma of 8 at work here)
The sheriff answers Brand "Thank you for your help. However, I cannot pay you. And I believe we have more danger of having trouble with drunkards during the festival than ogre attacks. But your insights will be very helpful to get me some more funds with mayor Deverin. Would you come visit her after the festival?"
With the party and music, Mashaka stores her book and goes out to the streets for sightseeing and people watching. She smiles and dances to the music freely, absolutely friendly with anyone that comes by - and genuinely enjoying the celebrations, for moments forgetting her past.
The day goes on as people finish the decorations and all the preparations. The Rusty Dragon is especially loud at night. Ameiko even performs a few songs, which promptly increases the sales.
Ribitta spends a pleasant afternoon talking and researching about some minor obscure facts of the ancient land which is now Varisia. Little Kart eventually comes back and sits in the corner and even attempts a word or two with Ribitta, offering her some food, which he probably stole. Chask seems comfortable talking with her and doesn't flinch when she makes a motion, which is more than most of people.
As the day goes by, and the two men start to realize what they're in for, Marcus loses some interest and moves to leave the table, but oddly stays, while Yanikumo seems that he will pay for a night. And by the sound of it, it seems it will be a good night.
Mashaka learns over the day that the people of Sandpoint are sturdy and the place seems happy. Despite the odd looks she gets, nobody bothers her.
Brand returns to the inn after talking to the sheriff. He learns also, that Sandpoint could a good place to do business. There's a working market, which is filled twice a week, and a harbor with constant goods coming in and out.
Elan realizes the people have great expectations for the festival. A great deal of work was put on the cathedral and the consecration, even though most see it as a mere bureaucracy, people talk about it as if it would begin a new are in Sandpoint, of peace and prosperity.
The decorations are set and people go to sleep excited. Morning comes and the town seems to be up early. The smell of fresh baked bread permeates the town everywhere. In the streets, games are being set and stalls, which were put together the day before, are starting to get filled with wares, especially in the marketplace near the harbor. Farmers are coming in with fruits, vegetables and some meat. Hunters bring game.
Linked to the marketplace is Festival Street, appropriately named since it is filled with people coming up and down. Although the southern part of town is where the bulk of the festival will take place, the main event is in front of the new cathedral uptown. Most of the locals can't tell if it's called uptown because it is towards the north or because it is actually in elevated ground, compared to the south. Also, there will be games everywhere in town.
The expectations are high and people are happy. It is completely impossible to sleep in, not for the noise, but for the energy in the air.
Ribitta rises early, heading to Festival Street wrapped in her cloak and leaning on her polearm. From a cart vendor, she buys and wears a cheap mask in an attempt to seem festive and maybe welcoming also.
She needs information today, and she'll get nothing out of no one looking normal. Too scary, not approachable.
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Brand points out the things he noted on his single walk through and agrees to meet with the mayor. Then, excusing himself he heads back to the Rusty Dragon, dinner, and bed.
Brand is not a festive man, it's the crowds. So, in the morning he tracks down a hearty breakfast and a hefty mug of coffee. Contrary to his general demeanor, he adds a considerable amount of milk and honey to the coffee before settling in to have his breakfast.
Once done eating he heads out, this time to seek out a shop to get paper, pen, and charcoals. He figures he can sketch out some ideas in town and then settle in at a table somewhere and write out his ideas to better present to the mayor. When he finds a table or perhaps a good piece of shade to settle at, probably somewhere around the church, he begins to capture his thoughts and watch the people. Some of the games look fun, but again, too many people.
Ribitta manages to get a mask for free. For some reason the vendor doesn't want any money from her and seems eager to give away the mask quickly. After that, she finds no trouble walking in town and people don't pay her any mind. Some children laugh at her mask and beg their moms to buy them one as well. One red headed child with a mask approaches Ribitta wanting to play too. She touches Ribitta's hand and says "Eeeewwwwwwwwww, your hand is all sweaty, lady!"
Brand finds the square in front of the new cathedral to be wide and comfortable, but some things are being set there as if there's going to be an event there. And events mean people and noise.
Elan awoke in the morning and headed out into the crowds. It's good to be around people. He walks the festival area to get the lay of the land and offers a hand here and there when someone needs one for a moment.
"Frogs grow a layer of mucus to protect their delicate skin from fungus and bacteria," Ribitta starts, wiping her hand on her cloak. "They don't breathe as you or I do, child, but through their skin. The mucus helps them breathe even when they are not wet."
"Tell me, young one," she squats down, gently grabbing the child's shoulder with her wet and clammy hand. "Have you seen any goblins?"
Brand manages to find a place to seat nearby in Shell Street. It is not a shaded place, but it is far enough from the crowd that the noise is only a hum while being close enough to see what is going on.
People are thankful for Elan's help.
The young girl looks at Ribitta without feeling intimidated. She says "I haven't, lady, but mama says we are safe here. Wanna see? MAMAAAAA!" Before Ribitta can react, a woman with auburn hair and worker's hands comes close and the girl says "Mama, this lady here has frog skin and says that goblins are here."
Instead of being frightened, the woman tells the girl calmly "Elise, how many times have I told, you mustn't talk to strangers. Oh, my... your skin is really different. You shouldn't be scaring children, you know? You don't know what my Elise has been through. Come Elise, let us find you something sweet, shall we?" Led by the hand, Elise doesn't sound excited, but pulls up her mask to reveal a freckled face and bright blue eyes looking sadly at Ribitta and her mouth motions 'sorrrrry' towards the tiefling.