<div class="floatleft"><strong>Aria</strong></div><hr/><br/>Sheriff Hemlock gave a nod to the paladin, hiding a faint smile as he turned to lead the discouraged goblin inside.  "'Preciate it just the same, ma'am, be seein' ya I hope," he said before disappearing inside, the goblin muttering and grumbling all the way.<br/><br/>While turning to leave the image of a lovely young Chelish woman appears out of the corner of Aria's eye.  She seems to be leaving the Garrison as well, though from some other out-of-the way exit, smoothing out the wrinkles in her revealing, yet distinguished dress.<br/><br/><div class="floatleft"><strong>Arduinne</strong></div><hr/><br/>Some few others had already gathered around the stand, and while the game wasn't beginning the person in charge of the stall was explaining it to those gathered.  He eyed Arduinne as she approached with a little grin, "Welcome, lass!  Will you be tryin' yer hand at burnin' some goblins?"<br/><br/>The man looked vaguely familiar, likely a face that was nearby her inn, or one of the other store owners in the area.  The display appeared to be three different pieces of painted wood with holes cut into them stood up at different distances from a line.  The wood was painted in such a way as to depict a blazing bonfire.  "Just a silver for three toses, get two outta three into the fire 'n win a prize!" he produced three bean-bags painted green and tied in such a way to look like small goblins.  "Be happy t' have ya once the speeches are done with, should be startin' soon methinks."<br/><br/><div class="floatleft"><strong>Lissa</strong></div><hr/><br/>The mongoose, Chitters, happily chewed on its delicious snack as the voice of an elderly woman came to Lissa from behind her and to the left.  "Scribe!" she called out, hurrying as quickly as her gnarled staff and aged legs could carry her.<br/><br/>"I can see them," she continued looking deep into Lissa's eyes, her own a deep shade of violet and filled with a youth that her skin did not share.  "The seven stars align!  Beware the angels of the dark!"  Her free hand quickly removed a large, ripe, red berry from a pouch which she pushed towards Lissa for her to take.  "Take this, may it see you safe!"<br/><br/>"Be sure to visit me during the festival if you would like more fortunes to be told," she added after a short pause with a gleeful giggle.<br/><br/><div class="floatleft"><strong>Dalkaer</strong></div><hr/><br/>The city was interesting, to say the least, especially to one so short.  There was a woman leading a tied-up goblin someplace, an elderly woman shouting to another younger woman carrying a large book and a ferret, an angelic beauty carrying around a gun larger than Dalkaer, stalls being set up for merchants and games.  Anyone casting their gaze towards the short man seemed mostly to do so out of odd curiosity at seeing someone both so short and covered in ashes.  Those that hadn't stopped to stare at him (and even a few that did) all seemed to be heading in one particular direction, likely towards the center of whatever festivities were about to take place.<br/><br/><div class="floatleft"><strong>Joran</strong></div><hr/><br/>Joran's welcome to the inn the previous night was less than warm, the innkeeper, Garridan Viskalai, a Shoanti man, made little conversation beyond acknowledging payment and telling him how to get to his room.  Regardless, the inn was spectacularly well furnished, despite it's low cost, and had a breathtaking view of the sunset as it came down into the Varisian Gulf.<br/><br/>The half-elf received another unexpected welcome as a young Varisian woman wearing temple garb bumped into him suddenly as he stood looking around the gathering of people at the cathedral.<br/><br/>"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she apologized quickly, "I wasn't watching where I was going..."<br/><br/><div class="floatleft"><em><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;">Around the Cathedral</span></em></div><hr/><br/>With a loud snap quickly followed by an echoing crack everyone's attention suddenly turns to the large raised platform in front of the cathedral where a middle-aged woman with short-cropped red hair holds up both hands,<br/><br/>"Citizens, family, friends, guests, welcome to the annual Swallowtail Festival!  Allow me to introduce myself to our foreign revellers, I am Kendra Deverin, Mayor of the lovely town of Sandpoint.  I would like to thank everyone for making it to what promises to be one of the best festivals this town has seen in years; and if my eyes don't deceive me even our tanner Larz Rovanky has managed to tear himself away from his work to join us!"<br/><br/>Laughter spreads through the crowd as Larz raises his hand in an embarrassed wave to the crowd.<br/><br/>"Before we begin we have a few distinguished citizens lined up to help get the revelry started off properly:  Sheriff Hemlock is here; Lonjiku Kaijitsu was going to speak, but an illness has prevented him from attending, instead our very own Cyrdak Drokkus will be filling in; and finally Father Zantus will send us off!  So, without any further ado on my part... Sheriff Hemlock!"<br/><br/>Each name brings a quick applause, though the mention of Lonjiku's illness doesn't seem to strike anyone as odd, already snippets and whispers spread through the crowd like the whispering winds through trees about his dislike for such festivities and how it was probably just a made up excuse to avoid it.<br/><br/>Sheriff Hemlock takes the stage promptly after being introduced by the Mayor, who also applauds his arrival, before she quickly leaves for him to say his piece.<br/><br/>"Thank you Mayor Deverin," he begins in the tone of voice of one who isn't particularly practiced at giving rousing speeches to crowds.  "Now, I just have a short list of topics I want to address before we begin to make sure everyone stays safe during the festival."  As he speaks he pulls out a roll of paper which he lets unroll as he holds up the top, letting it comically fall down to his feet and almost over the edge of the platform.  The crowd half groans and half laughs at the display, though neither seems to really know if he's serious or not.<br/><br/>Hemlock casts a hard stare over the crowd before continuing, "Well I guess I can cut it short:  Watch your coin purse, keep your head about you, don't do anything illegal, and be careful around this evening's bonfire."<br/><br/>With that he rolls up the paper and begins to leave the stage as the Mayor returns, clapping her hands as she shouts, "Thank you Sheriff! I'm sure we'll all be on our best behavior.  Now please welcome our infamous theater owner, Cyrdak Drokkus!"<br/><br/>The mayor again makes way for the next speaker, who gains a large amount of applause as he walks out onto the stage, though he quickly encourages the crowd to applaud louder by implying he can't hear them.  At the apex of the noise of the crowd he points at the two forward-most corners of the stage which promptly explode in bright firework displays which spell out his name above him for a few, glittering moments.<br/><br/>"Ladies and gentlemen!  Welcome to Sandpoint!" he exclaims which provokes another round of cheering and applause.<br/><br/>"Now, to put matters at ease, I did<strong>not</strong>slip some bad cheese into the esteemed Lonjiku's dinner last night so that I could take his place here among my favorite people in all of Varisia!  Best to put that little rumor to an end!  Ha!  But in all seriousness, I have never seen such an array of games and fineries in any of our previous festivals, I daresay that even Magnimar has never had such a marvelous party put on by its citizens.  Games and merchants the world over and the delicious foods made by our most marvelous cooks--especially that delicious salmon by the equally delicious Ameiko.  Ah!  There I go again, my apologies Lonjiku!"<br/><br/>"By the way, I have a little secret to let you all in on..." he continues quickly, hunching over and moving closer to the crowd.  "I'll be putting on a production of 'The Harpy's Curse' and I invite you all to come see it!  We have a very special star playing the part of the lead role: Avisera the Harpy Queen.  None other than Magnimars very own starlet, Allishanda!  I hope to see you all there!"<br/><br/>Laughter, applause and cheering accent Cyrdak's welcoming speech and his departure from the stage as he waves and bows to the crowd.  The mayor quickly takes his place on the stage welcoming their final speaker.  "Thank you for that completely selfless speech, Cyrdak!" the Mayor jokes while clapping before she continues, "Now finally, last but certainly not least, the man who worked so hard to make so much of this possible, Father Zantus!"<br/><br/>Perhaps only a handful of years older than the Mayor, Father Zantus rises up the stage wearing plain though ceremonial temple garb.  He waves his hands to calm the applause that nearly rivals the applause of Cyrdak's arrival to the stage.<br/><br/>"Thank you, thank you.  I can't accept credit for all of the work, the people of Sandpoint have rallied together and made this day what it can be.  I'm proud to be a part of it and part of this town, thank you all.  At noon you all are invited back to the square here for lunch which is to be provided by all of the fine inns and taverns around the city--free of charge!  This will also be when I perform the Swallowtail Release--an event none of you will want to miss!  Finally in the evening we will begin the consecration ceremony, which you are all invited to partake in--it should prove to be a momentous occasion, something you may not see for the rest of your lives!  But enough of that, go!  Be merry, celebrate!  And may the grace of Desna watch over you all!"<br/><br/>The final announcement brought the loudest applause from the crowd as many of them began to disperse through the town and the nearby stalls.  While some would still take time to set up there were already a number of them ready to go and accepting coin to win prizes.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Notes</div><div class="spoiler_body">There are merchants from all over, so you're free to do some shopping, many goods are discounted, and there are some fine seasonal foods available--these are more like snacks to tied you over until lunch ranging from 2c to 1s.<br/><br/>There is a fortune teller in a rather unmistakable tent, it looks completely different from everything else in the town (being large and purple with gold trim) with a wooden sign outside.  A thick black curtain hides whatever might be inside and keeps the fortunes secret.  The sign advertises a 1s fee.<br/><br/>For the time being the Mayor, the Sheriff, and Father Zantus remain near the Cathedral whereas Cyrdak has mysteriously vanished.<br/><br/>Joran--The woman stays with him during the speeches, so he can talk to her afterwards, basically the opening speeches interrupted him/her before they had a chance to talk.<br/></div></div><br/><div class="floatleft"><strong>Games</strong></div><hr/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Goblin Toss</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Cost:</strong>  1c<br/><strong>Prize:</strong>  Dried "Goblin" Meat.  A delicious and savory jerky that may or may not be made of Goblin meat (most of the children seem convinced that it is).  Counts as 2 trail rations, but is much better tasting.<br/><strong>Owner:</strong>  Daverin Hosk, owner of the Goblin Squash Stables.  Has an unreasoning hatred for all things goblin, but is generally a good fellow.<br/><strong>Description:</strong>  Three boards with holes are set up at different distances from a throwing line.  Children use the closest, women take the middle, and men are given the longest distance (of course you can always choose to go for a "harder" target).  The participant is given 3 "goblins" (bean bags) which they then toss into the hole in the board.  2 out of 3 goblins gives you the prize!<br/><strong>Roll:</strong>  Close hole is an AC 10, medium hole is AC 12, farthest hole is AC 15.  Bean bags count as a simple ranged throwing weapon, with no non-proficiency penalty.<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">The Devil Hunt</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Cost:</strong>  1c<br/><strong>Prize:</strong>  Delicious pie!<br/><strong>Owner:</strong>  Jodar Provolost, a jovial old retired hunter who regales competitors with stories about the Sandpoint Devil as well as many of his very bad jokes.<br/><strong>Description:</strong>  A ranged target game, hit the bullseye to win!  A wicked, winged horse with glowing eyes is set up about 50 yards from a firing line.  A target is placed on the horse with the bullseye approximately where the beast's heart would be.  Hitting the bullseye wins the grand prize, hitting any other ring grants a minor trinket.  Bows of any kind are provided, firearms are not permitted.<br/><strong>Roll:</strong>  Bullseye is AC 20, each outer band decreases in AC by 2.<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Ogre Stomp</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Cost:</strong>  2s<br/><strong>Prize:</strong> Varies - Generally a badge/ribbon giving various Diplomacy bonuses to impressing the women of Sandpoint. <br/><strong>Owner:</strong>  Das Korvut, the oft-drunk owner of the Red Dog Smithy.  Between hurling insults and challenges at the passers by he takes long drinks from a continually refilled mug of ale.<br/><strong>Description:</strong>  A large board painted to look like an Ogre in pain has been set up.  Where one of its feet would be is a large lever attached to a small metal slug.  When struck hard enough the slug travels up a small track to ring a bell located near the Ogre's head.  A large mallet (martial weapon) is provided for the contestants to use.<br/><strong>Roll:</strong>  A Strength check is made.  The character takes a -2 penalty if not proficient in martial weapons (or an equivalent large hammer-like weapon), and gains a +1 bonus for any racial or class specialty against giants.  8-15 gets halfway up (granting a +2 diplomacy bonus), 16-21 rings the bell (gaining a +4 diplomacy bonus), 22+ breaks the bell (+6 diplomacy and +2 intimidate).<br/></div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Pixie's Kiss</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Cost:</strong>  5s<br/><strong>Prize:</strong>  The prize is getting to play  ;D<br/><strong>Description:</strong>  A covered tent near the town's Brothel has attracted quite the crowd of men, some of whom have been carried out of the tent unconscious but with a large grin on their face.  The game involves drinking a shot of sweet brandy from the navel of the "pixie" (one of the brothel's lovelier women) and then retrieving a slice of lemon from between her lips (during which the pixie gives the contestant quite the kiss).  The contestant then carries the lemon slice back to a small, water-filled bowl.  Each lemon slice is 1 point, no one yet has gotten past 5, the board lists some kind of mystery prize for 20 points.  The real trick is that the brandy is spiked...<br/><strong>Roll:</strong>  The brandy is spiked with a mild poison, used to knock people out.  Each drink requires a fortitude save of increasing difficulty for each drink.  The DC begins at 5 and increases by 1 for every other subsequent drink (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, etc); additionally a natural 1 is not an automatic failure due to the weakness of the poison.  Win or lose the character is cared for by one of the other prostitutes until they wake up, and they receive a +4 bonus to their fort save versus poison for the rest of the day.<br/></div></div>