Sunday Rova 22, 4707 - Sandpoint

The sun breaks over the city of Sandpoint, and for any who are awake to great the new dawn it is quickly evident that this is a day unlike any in recent memory.  As first rays of the sun crest the nearby hills they catch the very top of the town's new cathedral; small perhaps by the standards of a large city like Magnimar, but at thirty feet high it's still easily the tallest building in the small town, topping the Rusty Dragon Inn by a solid ten feet.  For a brief instant the sunlight catches the orb of pure crystal set atop the cathedral and fractures into a thousand brilliant rainbows cascading across the city and spreading the light of Desna into Sandpoint's streets and alleys.

As the sun continues to rise and the town begins to awaken the normal bustle of activity seems to be strangely absent.  No shopkeeps are barking their wares; no smoke belches forth from the chimneys of the Sandpoint Glassworks; even the Sandpoint Lumber Mill is quiet for the first time in recent memory.  The citizens of Sandpoint know today is a day of celebration.  A chance to finally close the horrible chapter of their history that began five long years ago.  And so the town holds its breath, trying to maintain the perfect, peaceful moment just a bit longer.

As dawn slips away into morning proper the citizens of Sandpoint slowly funnel into the open square in front of the new cathedral.  There are quite a number of fresh faces as well - visitors from the wild lands, from Magnimar, and even a few from far-off Cheliax if their dress is to be believed.  When the square appears full mayor Deverin steps up to a podium that has been erected in front of the catehdral's entrance.  She raises her hands, and the buzz of conversation quickly dies down as the crowd focuses their attention on her.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Tue 16 July 2019.

Mayor Deverin's smile is wide and genuine, and her voice carries all throughout the square in the clear morning air, her speech flowing and precise - the cadence of a politician who is used to addressing crowds.  "Citizens of Sandpoint, and friends from out of town, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to the dedication of our new cathedral.  Today is a day of celebration, and I am happy beyond measure to share it with all of you.  Larz was even able to step away from the tannery - that should tell you how important today is!"  A laugh ripples through the crowd, although one old man towards the front just frowns at the mayor.  Kendra waits just long enough for the laughter to start dying on its own before continuing.  "Seriously though, we should all be proud to finally close this ugly chapter in our town's history.  Today we demonstrate our town's resilience, and our kinship." She smiles at the crowd again before continuing.  "There are a few more speakers who wish to take a little of your time before the day's events truly begin.  I wish you all a festival filled with excitement, enjoyment, and the blessings of Abadar."  As her speech concludes the crowd bursts into applause, and she steps back from the podium.

As the mayor steps back, sheriff Belor Hemlock is quick to fill the vacant podium.  A dour looking man, he eyes the crowd in front of him for a moment then purses his lips and nods.  His voice is also clearly heard at the back of the square, his words the short, sharp tempo of a soldier at ease giving commands.  "Thank you mayor Deverin.  I do not have the eloquence of my peers, so I will keep my remarks brief.  If we could all please take a brief moment of silence to remember those who perished in the troubles five years ago, and the fires that consumed our previous chapel."  The crowd falls silent for a moment, broken only by the noisy commotion of a few small children who are quickly shushed by their parents.  "Thank you.  I know today is a day of celebration, but I urge you all to remain careful, particularly at the evening's bonfire, so that we do not taint the day's events with another tragedy even as we put the prior events behind us."  He pauses briefly again, tilting his head to the side as if considering something, then shakes his head.  "Again, thank you for your time."  His speech concluded, the sheriff steps back from the podium, his face and posture relaxing as he does so.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Mon 15 July 2019.

The third speaker to approach the podium is Cyrdak Drokkuss, the proprietor of Sandpoint's playhouse.  In sharp contrast to sheriff Hemlock he looks perfectly poised in front of the crowd; small wonder, given his background and training as an actor.  Picking up on the sagging energy in the crowd after Hemlock's speech, he gives them an easy laugh before setting into his speech.  "Thank you sheriff.  I'm sure we'll all endeavor to make Father Zantus' evening an easy one, but I'm sure the people will agree it's not a real party if we don't have at least one fight, eh?"  The crowd laughs, and sheriff Hemlock's jaw tightens at this, but he says nothing.  "You know, I remember when we first started talking about rebuilding the temple after the fire.  There were so many concerns.  How big should the new temple be?  Where would we get craftsmen?  And how would we ever convince Alamon Scarnetti and Lonjiku Kaijitsu to pay for the damn thing?"  At this the crowd bursts into uproarious laughter; the two noblemen had been legendary for their tight-fistedness almost as much as for their wealth.  "But through the grace of Desna, and more than a few barrels of ale, we were able to start building our new cathedral a little over a year ago.  And while it hasn't always been easy, we have persevered to make it happen, because that's what our town does!"  There is a smattering of applause, and Cyrdak quickly looks over his shoulder to see Father Zantus motioning him to wrap it up.  "It appears I need to move this along; as a note of farewell, I would like to cordially invite you to the playhouse to see our newest production, "The Harpy's Curse" - we'll be raffling off free tickets for tonights show, so please stick around the cathedral for the celebration!"  And with a flourishing bow, the actor steps back from the podium.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Tue 16 July 2019.

Last to the podium is Father Abstalar Zantus.  Dressed in a loose flowing robe and cloak gathered at his throat with a rainbow butterfly pin, the old man has a solid, stately air to him.  He clears his throat to speak, and a hush falls over the crowd.  His voice is quiet and reedy, but through some sort of magical assistance his words are carried directly to the ears of all in the crowd.  "Thank you all, my friends, for joining us in celebration today.  We give thanks to Desna for bringing us all safely together here today, and ask for Abadar to watch over our gathering.  I have no wish to further delay the day's activities, so I ask only for you all to reconvene tonight as the sun sets for the final consecration."  The old man pauses for a moment, then gives the crowd a gentle smile.  "It is therefore my pleasure to officially declare the start of the Swallowtail festival."

And we're off!  You have the run of the town; please take a  scene little time to explore, meet some of the other characters (Player or otherwise!), and generally have a good time.  We'll get to the next scene soon!


This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Tue 16 July 2019.

Vano has just arrived in town a few minutes ago. He is still a bit grungy and dust covered after several days of travelling. He rides a chestnut colored horse at a slow walk down the road until arriving at the back of the crowd halfway through the mayor's speech. He pats the neck of his horse fondly "Well, Bait, it looks like we're just in time for the fun." He sits there for a few moments looking down over the crowd, his eyes scanning back and forth as if searching for someone.

As Hemlock walks up to the podium, Vano stops searching and focuses on the sheriff. After waiting for the brief speech to end, Vano waves his arms wildly and attempts to make eye contact with Hemlock. Assuming he gets noticed, he raises his hand to the clasp of his cloak, a pin shaped as black metal arrow. Vano taps the pin twice meaningfully and waits.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Mon 15 July 2019.

Asur was one of those few that was up before the dawn. He never missed it if he could help it. Even during a storm, he would be outside waiting. This morning, however, was as beautiful as it could be. Asur smiled after the sun fulling crested, and left the hill he had been kneeling on outside of town.
He had been in town for almost a month now. He enjoyed the peace of the small community, and had been doing odd jobs for the townsfolk in exchange for a place to sleep at night, occasionally playing the role of doctor to those who would otherwise not be able to afford it.
After the speeches ended, Asur approached the most important being in the town: the chestnut horse that just came into town, the only animal in town he hadn’t pet yet.  He walked right up to the road-weary animal and smiled at the Varisian being carried.

“He looks thirsty! Can I give him some water? For that matter, he looks hungry and tired too! Basically I’m asking if I can spoil your horse rotten, he’s the only animal in town I haven’t done it to yet.”

Without waiting for much of a response, Asur cups his hands and lifts them to the horse’s mouth, and water starts flowing out of them.  He lets him drink his fill.  Assuming Vano lets Asur take care of Bait, he’ll take him off to a nearby stable to do exactly what he said he would.  In either case, Asur returns returns to the festival soon after, looking for anyone who might need some help running their activities.

Vano looks down at the stranger touching his horse. His eyes widen slightly when the water appears. "I appreciate the offer, friend, and I'm sure Bait appreciates the water. But letting the first stranger I meet in town walk off with my horse seems like a good way for him to get stolen. You're welcome to spoil him as much as you want right here where I can keep an eye on him."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:17, Mon 15 July 2019.

Asur smiles wider, with fairly evident real joy at being told he can spoil Bait.

“Wait here.  I’ll be right. Back.”

He runs away to a nearby stable that he recently cured a horse’s lame leg in, and borrows a small feed bag and grooming tools, in lieu of any payment that he would have received otherwise.

Asur rolled 28 using 1d20+10. Diplomacy to borrow horse things.

“Back! Let the spoiling commence!  I’m Asur by the way. I’m really not from here, but welcome anyway!”

Asur proceeds to spoil Bait as best he can.

Jensox and Nova rise early and leave town for their morning jog before the sun breaks the horizon.  Jensox's gait is a bit stiff early, but quickly settles to a practiced, plodding shuffle which covers leagues faster than a casual observer might guess.  Nova dutifully trots along his side, occasionally dawdling to sniff at a root or branch and then excitedly running to catch up to the old man.

The pair head out via the Lost Coast Road but loop back around to Sand Point after the sun makes its presence known.  Returning through the town's northern gate, Jensox is immediately unsettled by the staggering collection of people present.  " 'eel, Nova" he mutters to his over-enthusiastic companion.  "We're 'ust here to look'n 'bout our woods, now."  As Mayor Deverin begins speaking, Jensox cautiously works his way around the crowd - not trying to hide or blend in, but just avoiding as many people as he can.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Mon 15 July 2019.

By the time the Mayor finished speaking, Jensox and Nova had worked themselves down to a small ally way between buildings at the back of the crowd.  Jensox listened to Belor Hemlock with disinterest, focusing more on the feel of the grass between his toes.



Jensox's head comes up at Cyrdak's comment.  Sheriff, hmm?  Sounds like the guy I need to have a speak'n with.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:32, Mon 15 July 2019.

Droart does not approve of Asur’s complete disregard for his own safety. As Asur walks up and begins talking to Vano, Droart is constantly scanning the crowd, a calm but intense look falling across his features as he tries to find the higher ground he needs to be able to see everyone. As soon as Asur begins to spoil the horse Droart is introducing himself to Vano. Hail and well met traveler, I am Droart the Shepherd. You’ll have to forgive my companion, he tends to be rather excitable when animals are concerned. What brings you to this fine village?

As the crowd begins to mill around after the speeches are over Droart begins to subtly guide Asur, Vano and the horse away from the throng of people, not liking being in the middle of such a group without the height benefit of being on his mount.

While the speeches were underway Rory scopes out a place for herself and her cousins to set up shop for the festivities. Leading her horse, Aria, she listens to the speeches with half an ear and makes note of a few foreigners who looked like good marks.

Rory rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Perception to find worthwhile marks for pickpocketing later.

Once the speeches are done she made her way to a prominent spot with Ferak and his sister, Isa, beside her and their other cousin, Jamis, blending into the crowd. Ferak clears a little space and begins to call out to the crowd, encouraging them to see a dance to get the celebrations started. Once a crowd gathers, Isa starts playing a energetic tune on her guitar. Rory yells, "Let's start this celebration right!"

While she dances Ferak asks for donations and Jamis pickpockets those who don't choose to give monetary thanks for the performance.

Rory Rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Performance (Dance)

After the first dance she chats with some of the locals. "Thank you so much for your generous patronage! It means so much to me. This is such a lovely town. I've never been here before. Do you know a good tavern? Or any other sights I shouldn't miss while I'm here?"

Xol arrived in town early that morning. He's setup shop for performing some minor magical assistance, having prepared several basic cantrips that would suit a large gathering like today. He offers his services in detecting poison, and magic for a small fee. Before the speech he makes a point of greeting the sheriff.

"Morning Sherrif. Just wanted to let you know if you need help finding anything let me know."

Asur grins at Droart as he approaches.

“Droart! This is Bait! And also, err, well I haven’t caught his name yet, but Bait’s friend! You’ll have to excuse Droart, he seems to think I have a complete disregard for danger, but I rather think its a complete regard for helping people regardless of danger.  Horses are people too in this case.”

Asur whispers in Varisian to Vano:

“He’s harmless, just a worry-wart and duty-bound to protect me against, and I quote ‘Everything and himself’”.

Nice to meet you both. My name is Vano. Mostly I'm just here to enjoy the celebration...but I guess I'm technically also here to represent the Black Arrows at the rededication ceremony tonight. I was trying to get the Sherriff's attention just now, but I'm not sure if he saw me...You know, if you really want to help out, maybe you could bring him over here? I can't exactly take Bait through this crowd.

Rory's dancing draws quite a crowd; the folks of Sandpoint are no stranger to artistic performances, but most of the professionals that come through town are actors playing their trade on Cydrak's stage.  Varisian folk-dancing is entirely different, and the town's citizens are enraptured - so much so, in fact, that Jamis finds himself almost with far fewer marks than usual.  As the crowd applauds the conclusion of the dance, a tall man dressed as one of the Shoanti approaches Rory and offers a respectful bow.  His voice is deep and slow, each word carefully chosen.  "Your dance honors us.  I am Garridan Viskalai, owner of the White Deer.  If you are seeking a place to stay, I would be pleased to offer you a room and a hot meal if you would perform in the dining hall for my patrons." 

A shorter, roly-poly man walks up beside Garridan as he concludes his offer.  The newcomer speaks with an odd temppo, drawing out some words and rushing through others, giving his speech an almost bird-like quality.  "Brodert Quink, pleased to make your acquaintance.  If you are looking for interesting sites to see, I've been making a survey of ancient Thassilonian artifacts since moving to Sandpoint.  Perhaps we could take a walk sometime?"

Upon hearing his offer, the sheriff eyes Xol up and down, then slowly nods.  "Very well, master wizard, if I find myself with something missing I will be sure to prevail upon your aid.  However the only things I truly hope to find today are peace and celebration, and if those are lost, well... I fear it may beyond your magic's ability to help."





Following the speeches, the sheriff watches the crowd start disperse, keeping a close eye out for any trouble caused by such a large gathering.  As empty spaces start to appear, he makes his way over to Vano, skirting the edge of Rory's group of admirers as he does so.  He also brushes past an old man with a large dog at his side, although he does not pause for them, either.  Arriving before Vano, Asur, and Droart, he waves a hand in greeting.  "Asur, Droart, I trust all is well."   That done, he looks to Vano.  "Yes, the Arrows sent word ahead saying we'd be hosting a traveler soon enough.  I know it's a far journey for you, but we greatly appreciate the work your Order does, even this far to the West.  I had hoped to send notes on the local goblins back to Fort Rannick.  I am pleased your stay happened to coincide with our celebration; I have nothing for you today, but please stop by the guard post tomorrow and I will have a letter drawn up for you to relay back to your commander.  In the meantime, please enjoy the celebration, and let me know if you spot any trouble."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Tue 16 July 2019.

Vano nods at the sheriff. "Morning Sheriff. Name's Vano, by the way. And that's great news. Its been far too long since I've had a day to relax. If you need help while I'm in town, feel free to ask. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for trouble in the meantime. Where can I find that guard post? Oh and one last thing, do you have any suggestion on lodgings for me with a stable for Bait?"

As the sheriff walks by Jensox almost reaches out, but hesitates and the moment is passed. Nova glances up with a question.

"Nova, it's 'ust the folk 'ere look'n like they're a cele-braten, 'n I'm no' sure the lawman's 'f a mind t' do bus-i-ness." His voice emphasizes the these last three syllables as if they're of great import.

Nova's gaze shifts to the receding form of the Sheriff as he slips back in the crowd, and the shepherd dog pushes on his reluctant master's leg with a wet nose.

Jensox scratches Nova's ear, looks down and then back out at the crowd.  He heaves a weary sigh.  "Your 'ight, a'course.  'lest I can do is ask, may'be we solve this whole 'ang issue today."

The two step out of their alcove and follow after the sheriff, one looking around uncomfortably and the other with his tongue hanging out. Nova's keen nose follows Belor past Xol's setup, through the crowd, and very quickly the pair are watching his greetings to Vano from a polite distance.

If Jensox can get the sheriff's attention he'll ask for a moment of his time. " 'xcuse me Sheriff, do ya mind talk'n a spot o' bus-i-ness this morn?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Tue 16 July 2019.

"Vano.  It's a pleasure to meet you."  The sheriff points towards the west and slightly south.  "The guard post is down Tower Street; look for the large stone barracks.  It's impossible to miss it.  As far as lodgings go, I would recommend the Rusty Dragon, just to the north of the courtyard here"  The sheriff points to the north, and Vano can easily see a metal dragon on top of one of the nearby buildings, standing a solid ten feet above most of the rest of the town, but still well shy of the cathedral's spire.  "Tell the owner you're here from the Black Arrows, he'll let you stay and lodge your horse for free."  He takes a quick second to look at the other men with Vano.  "Asur, Droart, do you think you could help this gentleman find his way?"

As Vano walks off, he turns to the old man who has questioned him.  "Depends on the business.  With all these visitors in town, I have to keep my eyes open.  I don't think I recognize you, stranger; tell me your name, and what you need, and I'll see if I have time to help you today."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Thu 18 July 2019.

Jensox looks startled for a brief moment, unprepared for an actual conversation, but recovers.

".. I'm, uh, I 'uess I'm knowed as Jensox. I 'end to my small 'erd up'n the 'urchain hills. A fortnigh' ago 'r so we wandered on 'ack t'the edge of the 'urlwood forest, where we'd been stayin fer a long time, 'n there was 'ome blighter there a'cutting down MY TREES! I been rais'n them woods, fix'n an' plant'n those trees fer a long 'ime."

Jensox suddenly shoves his right hand in his cloak and digs around, pretty obviously fishing something out. After a second he pulls out a very worn piece of parchment and begins unfolding it.

"Now this micey knave was go'n on 'bout some 'imber rights 'n some nonsense from t' city tha he could up 'n take my trees. Me 'n Nova 'ere ran 'im off a'fore he could hurt much." Nova positively beams with the mention. "I saw he'd put up a whol'lotta these 'ere pages," and Jensox hands over the parchment, " 'n I wen' 'round 'n tore 'em all down, set in my 'erd where 'e was a'cuttin', 'an made my way t'here so I's could work outs what's needs doin'. They can't 'ust go take'n my forest, i's not right 'an I won't stan' for 't."

The parchment is in rough shape. It was obviously posted out in the elements for a while, and has significant torn holes where it was mounted previously. Reading between the rain-soaked blotches, the holes, and what print remains, it mentions a decision about timber rights of some portion of the, presumably, Churlwood Forest, and something about a meeting maybe, but the place and date are missing. In the bottom right corner is some sort of logo, half-torn, but readable is the letters "..netti" toward the end.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Thu 18 July 2019.

Vano smiles at his two new guides "So this is a celebration right? What do you two do for fu.." Vano pauses for a moment as he thinks over the past several minutes, "What do normal people do for fun around here?" He starts heading toward the Rusty Dragon with an eye out for any notices or posters the town may have put up detailing the events of the celebration.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:24, Thu 18 July 2019.

Asur laughs at Vano’s pause.

”I can’t fault you for thinking Droart can’t have any fun; I’m not sure he’s actually capable of it. Sarenrae doesn’t demand we can’t enjoy ourselves, it’s just excess that causes real issues.”

Asur looks Vano up and down briefly, eyeing his easy pose astride Bait.

”C’mon! They’ve got a little horse race going on at the edge of town, if Bait’s not too tired. And if you think that’s not fun enough? There’s a cask of mead in for the winner, and a mug of it for everyone else.”

"A horse race and mead? Sounds like a great combination. If I happen to win that cask, you can have all the mead you can drink! Lead the way, friend."

Vano follows along wherever Asur leads.