I welcome you to this game. No, not a game; an adventure. Better yet, a story. A story that spread across the mortal spread of good and evil, innocence and sin, life and death. A story better known as…
Chapter I: Burnt Offerings
The coastal town of Sandpoint has faced few trials and dangers over the course of its forty-two year history, but unfortunately, that is all about to change. Unknown to the town’s founders, they chose to build their community over the ruins of an ancient stronghold once used as laboratory and prison, a place where horrific experiments and unholy explorations into what divides man from monster took place. These are the Catacombs of Wrath, a place where arcanists explored and perfected the stolen arts of life shaping and flesh warping, one of several such sites used by Runelord Alaznist’s apprentices during Thassilon’s height, When Thassilon fell, these catacombs went dormant, but the one buried under Sandpoint was not fated to stay that way.
Part I: Festival and Fire
For five years, the faithful of Sandpoint have attended church in temporary structures erected after fire destroyed the previous temple, and while their new religious leader was helpful, kind, and wise, church wasn’t the same. Now, the new cathedral is finally done. All that remains is for the Swallowtail Festival to renew the site’s blessings from the gods and it will be as if the Sandpoint Fire had never occurred.
23rd of Rova, 4708 AR. A beautiful day has fallen upon the small town of Sandpoint. There are people everywhere along with tents and signs. The obvious signs of a festival that is occurring. A festival that has become dear to the residents of Sandpoint, the Swallowtail Festival. A stage has been set up in front of the cathedral in the center of town and a woman with short auburn hair stands in the center. Behind her sit four wooden chairs, three of them occupied. As the crowd notices her, a hush descends and all eyes turn to the stage. She smiles and begins to speak.
"Welcome! As many of you know, and for those of you who don’t, my name is Kendra Deverin and I am proud to say that I am the mayor of this fine town. It's wonderful to see so many of you here to join us on this proud day. I'd like to extend my welcome to the many new faces I see in the crowd. I hope you all are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and especially if it is your first visit here I sincerely hope that you're having a wonderful time. After all, today is a very large day for us and we do our best to make it such a grand delight for anyone to enjoy! And to all of the old faces I see today, thank you for coming and thank you for everything that each of you has done to keep this town strong in recent years. I see that even Larz Rovanky has torn himself away from work to join us today! It is truly a miracle from Desna herself!” There is quite a bit of laughter and many eyes are turned to a serious looking man dressed in all leather and wearing a sour expression on his face. Kendra waves to him and continues. “Oh come Larz, don’t be so down trodden, it’s a festival; you’re supposed to have fun! In any case, welcome one and all once again, to the Swallowtail Festival! Before we keep going with all the fun for right now, there are a few other people here behind me that would like to give a few words as well. Apparently I’m not allowed as the mayor to hog all the sunlight, who would’ve guessed? Without further a due, let me introduce your Sheriff, Belor Hemlock!"
A dour looking man wearing a worn breastplate and a long sword belted at his waist stands and walks to the center of the stage. His head is shaved and he his eyes are constantly moving about the crowd. He shakes the Mayor's hand and begins to speak.
"Thank you Ms. Mayor. I’m glad to see that everyone is having fun and staying safe. However, even in the heat of celebration, let us not forget the sad events that brought us to this day. And also let us not forget the souls that were lost five years ago. I would like you to all join me in a moment of silence to remember the lives that were lost in the fire that claimed our previous chapel on that fateful night.” The Sheriff lowers his head and the crowd joins him, many of them quite awkwardly as the silence persists. After the moment is over, the Sheriff raises his head and begins to speak again. “In remembering let us also not allow these events to repeat themselves. I am of the understanding that a bonfire is planned for tonight. I urge you all to observe caution during this event.” He clears his throat and smiles awkwardly. “And ummm... Well, enjoy yourselves. Let me introduce the next speaker; give your attention to Cyrdak Drokkus, proprietor of the local theatre."
He nods to the crowd and walks back to his chair, passing the next speaker who is already on his way up to the center-stage. This man 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. Now I know this town has been through some hard times, but 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? Solid gold. I kid you not; our generous nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this joint. I think the Churches even chipped in a silver or two! I even heard a rumor that all of the Gods got together and scrounged up four gold pieces to help get this thing built! But don't take it from me, the Padre over here is the one with the direct line, he's the one you want to hear from! 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 at the Sandpoint Theatre and it is going to be fab-u-lous! 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 noticedly 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 is a day of new beginnings so without boring you with long speeches, I declare the Swallowtail Festival officially underway!"
No later than the words escape his mouth, a stage covered wagon releases a storm of swallowtail butterflies into the air as the crowd erupts in cheer and celebration, signifying that the Swallowtail Festival has begun and joys can be had!
Within the town square and along a few of the streets are plenty of places to enjoy an activity or two, all available for the young and young at heart. Vendors have places set up to purchase various items, be it general goods, clothing, or just a souvenir of Sandpoint. And there stand many places to eat, allowing a taste that all of Sandpoint has to offer, each and every meal provided to anyone who wants at no cost to them.
