The whole town of Sandpoint has been abuzz for weeks in anticipation of the first day of autumn. Eager to put the tragedies of the Late Unpleasantness behind them, it seemed that one couldn't go anywhere in town without somebody talking about the Swallowtail Festival and the long-awaited consecration of the new cathedral. As the excitement built to a fever pitch, it seems almost impossible to believe that the day has finally arrived!
The Swallowtail Festival begins promptly, as scheduled, on the first day of autumn with weather that is cool and clear. The square before the church quickly becomes crowded as locals and travelers arrive, and several merchant tents featuring food, clothes, local crafts, and souvenirs are there to meet them.
The turnout for the opening speeches is quite respectable, and the four keynote speakers each deliver short but well-received welcomes to the festival. Mayor Deverin’s friendly attitude and excitement prove contagious as she welcomes visitors to town and jokes about how even Larz Rovanky, the local tanner (and notorious workaholic) managed to tear himself away from the tannery to attend, much to everyone’s but Larz’s amusement. Sheriff Hemlock brings the crowd down a bit with his dour mood, his reminder to be safe around the evening’s bonfire, and his request for a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the fire that claimed the town’s previous church five years ago. Fortunately, Cyrdak Drokkus is more than up to the challenge of bringing the crowd’s mood back up with his rousing anecdotes as he delivers a not-completely-irreverent recap of the long process the town went through to finance and construct the new cathedral. He throws in a bit of self-promotion at the end, as is his wont, inviting everyone to stop by the Sandpoint Theater the following evening to check out his new production of “The Harpy’s Curse,” revealing that the lead role of Avisera the harpy queen will be played by none other than the famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda! Finally, Father Zantus steps up give a short speech thanking everyone for coming before declaring the Swallowtail Festival underway.
Coppertop smiles to himself as he strides to the church square with his mother on his arm. It’s nice to have a day off once in a while he thinks; and what a beautiful day it is! He is wearing his armor today, not his normal work garb. He considered putting on all his gear but at the last moment decided against it. He knows he’s not handsome but feels he is a striking figure with his gleaming (or at the very least, well polished) scale mail , his heavy mace, and his ever present long spear. As they reach the square his mother, Tasha, heads toward where a group of her friends have gathered. Coppertop starts to follow but then notices Jargie Quinn is standing near that group so he discreetly angles toward the opposite side of the square.
"Praise be I arrived on time for the festival. Brother-Captain Stern would have loved to have seen this," Etienne remarks happily as he catches the last part of the priest's speech. "I gather he is the sheperd of this flock."
Moving through the crowd, Etienne approaches the priest after he finishes his speech. Etienne removes his helm as a courtesy and introduces himself, "Father, I am Brother-Initiate Etienne Nevar of the Holy Sepulcher of Light. My Order wishes to extend its support for today's dedication of this new beacon of light," Etienne waves his hand at the cathedral.
Coppertop makes himself comfortable and scans the crowd. He sees many familiar faces amongst the crowd. He whistles a silent tune while idly wondering if his boss, old man Reeder, will really show up. Coppertop is very fond of the old man and has worked for him since he was old enough to swing an axe. “Nah”, he thinks to himself, “He’ll just sit there on his favorite stump, chewing that stinking root, spitting that nasty red spit, and whittle until the sun goes down.” Coppertop’s gaze is suddenly drawn to an armored warrior who is entering the square. Coppertop knows he has never seen this man before. The warrior has a presence about him. The kind of presence a person would not soon forget. “I wonder if he is an adventurer?” he mumbles under his breath. Apparently he is overheard. Some of the crowd around him laugh a little and give him sideways smiles. But Coppertop can see that many people in the crowd are watching the newcomer as well.
Upon entering the town, Caerival is at first dismayed at all the people. Gloam senses his master's apprehension and keeps himself pressed against the druid's leg. As the pair makes their way through the throng of revelers, the new Sandpoint Cathedral catches their attention. Here stands a holy place dedicated to Gozreh and Erastil! Maybe Sandpoint is not so bad after all?
Caerival absentmindedly ruffles the hair between Gloam's ears as the celebration escalates. Despite the hustle and bustle of this urban congestion, Caerival intentionally allows a peace like the morning stillness to calm his resolve. He begins to focus on the source of the crowd's attention. Evidently this is an unusually special day.
The speaker concludes his exposition and Caerival takes a moment to scan the crowd. A head taller than most folks and as still as a oak, Caerival watches the crowd begin to disperse and congeal into smaller groups. The festivities must be just beginning!
A formidable looking armored man approaches the fourth speaker. Caerival notices several people taking note of the man, including a young lad with hair as copper as a sunset over the gulf. He smiles warmly at the vitality of unbridled youth.
As the crowd starts to break up Coppertop heads toward Father Zantus. Coppertop likes to volunteer his help at the various festivals and holidays. It gives him a chance to talk “shop” with fellow divine casters and he also just likes to feel useful. He stops to share a comforting hug with Arika and Aneka Alvertin. Just a few hugs, pats, sad sighs, and a quick smile and he is on his way. He turns back toward Father Zantus and notices a very tall man standing all alone in the crowd. Huddling close to the man’s leg is a giant, tailless rat (or something?) the color of new fallen snow. “Does that thing bite?”, Coppertop wonders. Father Zantus is engaged in conversation with the armored warrior that Coppertop had noticed earlier. Coppertop stops a few short paces away from them, not wanting to intrude on their conversation. While standing politely off to the side he strains to overhear every word while acting like he’s not listening.
As the vibrant young man wanders through the crowd toward the gentleman that looks like a knight, Caerival notices the lad admiring Gloam. Since he needs directions to Madame Mvashti's abode, the druid slowly follows in attempt to gain his attention.
Father Zantus offers Etienne a warm smile. "All the way from Magnimar is it? Well, this is an honor indeed! Please, enjoy yourself today. The festivities and food are all free of charge. I hope you will be able to remain in Sandpoint all day. The Swallowtail release will be at noon, and I will be reciting the Prayer of First Dreaming at sundown to close the festival."
Noticing a familiar mop of red-gold hair lingering nearby, Zantus calls out, "Coppertop! How are you this fine day, my boy?"
“I’m doing fine Father Zantus.”, says Coppertop with a shy smile. He then adds, “I don’t want to interrupt your conversation with this fine warrior, but I was wondering if you needed my help with anything around here?”. Coppertop gives a small smile and a slight nod of the head to the warrior. Coppertops attention is then drawn to the tall stranger with the even stranger pet who is approaching and seems intent on speaking to Father Zantus. Or perhaps the warrior? Coppertop fidgets a little nervously as the tall man’s eyes lock on to him . “Uh, Father Zantus, do you know this gentleman who is approaching?”, says Coppertop.
"I do not indeed," Father Vantus replies to Coppertop's question. "But that is easily remedied."
"Hail, stranger, and welcome to Sandpoint!" the priest calls out to Caerival with a welcoming smile.
Caerival bows his head slightly and says "Well met, gentleman, and a special greetings to you, young man. I am Caerival, Druid of Shank's Wood and this is Gloam, my faithful donkey rat. Today is a fortuitous day as we are indeed newcomers and the splendors of this celebration fill my senses with delight." Caerival bows again toward the older men and then looks to Coppertop. "Sir, if you would be so kind as to help me get my bearings, I have business in this city and would appreciate a guide lest I get lost amongst the wonders. Fore although I am in no particular hurry, I am not often amongst so many...people."
"Thank you, Father, for your town's hospitality," says Etienne as he grasps Father Zantus' hand in a gesture of peace.
The long lines of care and worry on his face are suddenly washed away, as Etienne flashes a warm smile at the youngster, "Coppertop, is it? Pleased to meet you... I am Brother-Initiate Etienne Nevar of the Holy Sepulcher of Light."
Turning to Father Zantus, "Our Order is a small one and we are supported by grants from like-minded individuals. But you are correct. Our Order's abbey is a few miles away at the outskirts of Magnimar, though away from the main road."
Well, uh, sure.” says Coppertop to Caerival. Then, casting a hasty look at Father Zantus, says, “That is as long as it is all right with you Father Zantus. After all I did offer to help out around here first.” Coppertop tries not to show the excitement he feels on his face.
Coppertop is still beaming with pride at being acknowledged by Brother-Initiate Etienne Nevar. And now Caerival, Druid of Shank Wood wants Coppertop to be his guide. His excitement gets the best of him and he blurts out, rather loudly, what he is thinking, “This is going to be the best Swallowtail Festival ever!”
"Master Caerival, please to meet you as well," Etienne extends his hand in a gesture of peace, "Tis my first time to meet a druid, you see. Perhaps you can regale us with some of your adventures." Etienne winks conspiratorially at Coppertop.
Addressing Father Zantus, Coppertop and Caerival, "As today is a day of festivities, perhaps, I'd join Master Caerival and Coppertop on their tour of Sandpoint. I'm sure we'd be back in time for the activities at sundown."
To Etienne, "A man of faith is the heart of the community he serves. I serve only leaf and branch, and alas, my story is not so noble or grand. However, a man such as yourself must surely have epics the bards recite in taverns far and wide!"
Down on the docks, Talacyst disembarks from the Gulf Runner and pays the toothless old captain a few coins. The thin elf gathers his few belongings and starts off for the town center with a hint of a spring in his step. "What luck," he says to himself, "to find the last ship to Sandpoint before that festival. But it seems I am late!" He speeds up slightly, and begins walking off towards the sound of voices and merriment.
Talacyst's face splits into a wide smile. He was here! Away in Sandpoint, farther from home than he had ever been! The sea air seemed to have helped his lungs, and he was about to have a splendid time in the world. "Nothing," the elf cried aloud, "could spoil my time here!"
Several townsfolk look about at the voice, and stare for a moment at the stranger. And a strange sight he is - clad in a traveller's vest and pants, the elf's silver hair and dark brown cloak only partially obscure the runes and icons running down the left side of his face and along his arm. A slender rapier hangs at his belt, and the elf's eyes are sparkling with excitement.
"Oh I see," changing the subject, Etienne continues, "Young Coppertop, what do you have to show us? You did say something about this being the best Swallowtail Festival ever...," Etienne gazes in turn into the eyes of Coppertop, Caerival and Father Zantus.
For CH:
Caerival meets Etienne's gaze and smiles softly while petting Gloam.
"Coppertop, my interests lie with Madame Mvashti. If we could please meander in that general direction, I would love to hear more about this Swallowtail Festival."
Coppertop is happy to hear that Caerival intends to see Madame Mvashti. She is a friend of the family. He begins leading Caerival and Etienne Nevar towards the Madame’s home stopping only long enough to grab some warm honeyed rolls off a nearby table. He also slips several into his belt pouch for the Madame. As he walks he gives details of the Swallowtail Festival, the consecration of the new church, and some of the more notable establishments. Coppertop speaks very highly of the Rusty Dragon and it’s beautiful owner Ameiko Kaijitsu.
Walking along with Caerival and Coppertop, Etienne asks Coppertop, "Coppertop, you've lived in Sandpoint all your life, right? Do you recall what happened to the old church?"
Well, uh, sure.” says Coppertop to Caerival. Then, casting a hasty look at Father Zantus, says, “That is as long as it is all right with you Father Zantus. After all I did offer to help out around here first.” Coppertop tries not to show the excitement he feels on his face.
Father Zantus replies to Coppertop's question, lapsing into calling the young man by his given name as he occasionally does. "Don't worry, there are already plenty of volunteers for the festival, Dylan. Go ahead and show these fellows our wonderful town. Your enthusiastic hospitality will be appreciated, I am sure."
An older woman from across the square calls out, "Father Zantus! Yoo Hoo! You simply must try some of my honey currant bread!"
With a sigh and a rueful smile, the priest excuses himself. "Well, duty calls. I'll see you all later."
Etienne, Detect Evil:
Caerival, Knowledge (Nature)
Talacyst steps into the town's center, and he eagerly looks about the crowd of merrymakers. It seems that the opening speeches are over, as four well-dressed and important people are moving away from the grounds before the church.
The structure does not hold his attention for long. Talacyst turns to a man running one of the stands. "Splendid day, isn't it sir? I have only just arrived in Sandpoint, and I was wondering what the significance of this festival is?" he says contentedly. As he turns away, two armored men begin to speak outside the church. They are joined by a tall, cloaked man a short time later.
As Etienne and Coppertop (or Dylan was it?) discuss the festival, Caerival notices a seemingly out of place elf with silver hair observing them. The druid subtly steers the group toward the elf. He had never actually met an elf and as a newcomer himself, thought the fellow might need a friendly greeting.
While waiting for Coppertop to answer his quesion, Etienne notices a silver-haired elf observing their party, "Coppertop, do you know that silver-haired elf over there?"
Talacyst steps into the town's center, and he eagerly looks about the crowd of merrymakers. It seems that the opening speeches are over, as four well-dressed and important people are moving away from the grounds before the church.
The structure does not hold his attention for long. Talacyst turns to a man running one of the stands. "Splendid day, isn't it sir? I have only just arrived in Sandpoint, and I was wondering what the significance of this festival is?" he says contentedly. As he turns away, two armored men begin to speak outside the church. They are joined by a tall, cloaked man a short time later.
The merchant at the table, hawking brightly colored scarves, cloaks, and hats, responds to Talacyst's question. "Not from around here are you? This is the Swallowtail Festival, friend, dedicated to the consecration of the new temple there! Would you like to buy a hat? Finest quality, low prices!"
Talacyst, Knowledge (Religion)
Coppertop, having rolled his eyes at Father Zantus using his given name, hesitates a moment before answering Etienne Nevar’s question about the old church with a flat “It burned down”. Coppertop easily switches from leading to following as Caerival begins to guide the party toward a vendor table where an elf is engaged in conversation. “No Brother-Initiate, I don’t recognize the man. But then the Swallowtail Festival always brings an influx of strangers.” says Coppertop in response to Etienne Nevar. Coppertop is intrigued by the distinct appearance of the man, with his silver hair and elaborate tattoos.
Rel wakes up blurry eyed and head pounding at some inn he found yesterday. "When will I ever learn" he says to himself, having celebrated well into the evening. He gets himself going, gets some food and heads to the celebration, the reason he came to this little town. After watching the speeches he's ready for a nap, he sits against a small tree near the church watching the celebration thru half open eyes....
"Would you like to buy a hat? Finest quality, low prices!"
Swept up with the excitement and his good mood, Talacyst smiles and says, "Certainly, good man." After examining several articles, he selects a dark green, brimmed hat. "Thank you for your time, and a good festival day to you!"
Turning away from the merchant, the elf sights the group of men approaching him. Two wear armor, and the third has "Some sort of a bizarre pig..." following at his heels. The trio are looking interestedly at Talacyst, and seem to be coming towards him.Smiling, Talacyst moves forward to meet them. With a, "Good day for a festival, isn't it?" as he approaches, Talacyst stops a few feet away from them and looks more closely at the strangers.
Addressing the silver-haired elf, "Good day to you, too, good sir. I am Brother-Initiate Etienne Nevar of the Holy Sepulcher of Light, my humble Order. These are Master Caerival and Young Coppertop."
Pausing a moment as he stares into the eyes of the silver-haired elf before continuing, "Are you new in town? Perhaps, you'd like to join us for a tour. Coppertop here is showing us around."
For CH:
Etienne, Dectect Evil:
To Talacyst: "Sorry good sir, excuse my lack of manners. I do not mean to stare...but I've never seen an elf before - mostly, my affairs are amongst the trees. Please join us, as I am especially interested in your acquaintance."
Coppertop observes the actions of his new acquaintances and the elf. It seems the elf has just acquired a stylish hat; perhaps to display his festive mood? Coppertop smiles warmly as Brother-Initiate Etienne Nevar and Master Caerival make introductions. With a small smile and a slight nod of the head Coppertop adds “Very pleased to meet you, sir.”
"Now, that we're not anymore strangers what say you we continue the tour," Etienne pauses before turning to Coppertop, "Please lead on, Coppertop. I am sure everyone would like to see the town and hear all that you, our expert guide, can tell us about it."
"Just remember to take us back to the cathedral before the start of ceremonies at sundown...wouldn't do to have Father Zantus worrying over us, you agree?" Etienne flashes a smile at Coppertop.
The square appears to be emptying as the festivites get underway. Off in the distance a man appears to be waking from a stupor under a tree. That's a mighty fine tree for a city square...maybe Caerival should go over and whisper encouragement to his bark-brother?
Talacyst smiles at the recent turn of events. "Yes, I have only just arrived in Sandpoint a short while ago. My name is Talacyst Aravar. I've come from the Tower of Stars to travel a bit and see some of hte marvels of this world."
At the requests to join them on the tour, the elf smiles again. "What good fortune to meet such welcoming people so soon! Sarenrae looks upon us favorably this day. Certainly, I would love to accompany you." To Caerival, he adds with a smile, "I think I understand, so don't trouble yourself - never have I been in a city with so many humans before. It's so very packed and hectic, isn't it?"
As he falls into step with the group, Talacyst coughs slightly before he turns towards Coppertop and asks, "I take it you live around here. Can you tell me the meaning of the new cathedral? What happened to the old one?"
Coppertop guides his new friends toward Madame Mvashti’s home and provides answers to their questions to the best of his abilities; with one exception, the old church. When asked about the old church his answers are brief and they usually include the phrase “We just don’t talk about that much around here.”
Coppertop takes to his new role of tour guide readily enough, and he leads the small entourage of Etienne, Caerival, and Talacyst away from the bustling commotion of the church square.
Heading south, the young cleric points out Savah's Armory (pointedly not mentioning the fire scars on the northeast corner of the building) before turning down the mostly-deserted High Street. At the end of High Street, Coppertop points out the Red Dog Smithy , taking care not to get too close to the pair of large red mastiffs lounging around outside.
Turning then onto Festival Street, Coppertop points out the Carpenter's Guildhouse , and then the incongruous but unmistakable Sandpoint Theater with its raucous advertisements for the upcoming show, 'The Harpy's Curse.' Coppertop then proceeds a bit further before stopping at an ancient, decrepit manor house . This must be the home of Madame Mvashti.
Coppertop strides forth and raps sharply on the wooden door. After a wait of several minutes, a woman's voice from the other side calls harshly with a thick Varisian accent, "Who is it? Vhat do you vant?"
"Master Caerival, it seems we have arrived at your destination. I take that this is personal business."
Turning to Talacyst and Coppertop, "What say we look go back to the fair, while Master Caerival finishes his business?"
Talacyst walks happily through the streets during the tour, listening and commenting politely on the things that are said. He looks with interest at the burn-marks on Savah's Armory, but recalling Coppertop's reaction when he asked about the old church says nothing. The elf also is interested in the Theatre, saying, "Ah, I always loved seeing plays when I was young. When will they be performing? I would love to go during my stay."
Outside Madame Mvashti's house, Talacyst says to Etienne, "Perhaps. I think I would as soon stay. This place looks quite interesting, but if you, Caerival, would prefer otherwise, that is fine." Talacyst scans the exterior of the manor as he speaks.
Surrounded by houses and so close to the noisy theater, Caerival is somewhat shocked that Madam Mvashti lives in what appears to be the center of town.
As cheerful as he can, Caerival turns to his companions and says, "This is indeed my destination. While it is not private, my intentions are to simply introduce myself to one so respected, and to offer her my services." To Talacyst, "So of course, you are more than welcome to remain." And to the everyone else, "Hopefully I will see you all again before sundown. Perhaps keep an eye out for me in case I should get lost." He laughs cautiously.
To the voice behind the door, "Revered Madam Mvashti, I am Caerival, the new druid of Shank's Wood. I am here to pay my respects."
Coppertops adds, "And me, Coppertop. I have brought you some honeyed rolls." Coppertop seems torn between staying with Madame Mvashti, Caerival, and Talacyst and returning to the festival with Etienne Nevar. Exciting conversation and the opportunity to learn exist with either choice he makes.
Nodding to Caerival, "Thank you for your invitation. But I'd rather not intrude."
Turning to Talacyst, "It's been a pleasure meeting you. Hope to see you at the ceremonies at Sundown."
Smiling at Coppertop, "Can you still guide me around Sandpoint, Coppertop?"
Caerival's introduction leads only to silence from the other side of the manor house's door, but as soon as Coppertop mentions that he has food, there is the sudden scrabbling noise of a bolt and chain being thrown, and then the door swings open with a creak.
An ancient-looking Varisian woman, nearly skin and bones, stands in the door frame, dressed in the traditionally loose, colorful garb of her people. Her lanky gray hair sticks up wildly in every direction, and she is heavily adorned with beads, jewelry, and small bones. She smiles at the assembly outside her door, revealing more than a few missing teeth.
"Coppertop! So good to see you, boy, come in, come in! You have somethink for Madame Mvashti, yes? Come inside, how is your mother? Who is these, friends of yours? Velcome, come inside."
The old woman ushers in all who wish to enter.
With the patience of stone, Caerival enters with Gloam.