Rova 23rd 4707 AR

At the crossroads

The morning of the 23rd day of Rova in the year 4707 dawns with a quiet, serene beauty. A soft mist lingers in the low-lying fields and woodlands, blurring the edges of the landscape like a watercolor painting. The air is cool and carries the faint briny tang of the nearby sea, mingling with the earthy aroma of fallen leaves.   Mixed with these scents, is the ever present woody aroma of the ample amount of ginger a peculiar gnome carries. Jinx greets the day by smearing himself with ginger, and summoning Misery, his snake familiar, who nestles himself comfortably in the gnome's sleeves. As Jinx secures his belongings, a sudden gust of wind catches one of his harrow cards, flinging it before him. The Sickness is not the most benevolent card, but it can come as a welcome warning. Speaking inspiring words to Misery Jinx set upon his path.   The dirt paths are damp with dew, and their surfaces glisten faintly in the sunlight that begins to break through the mist. Today, these dirtpaths are even better traveled then they are on market days. At a small crossroads, not far from Sandpoint the paths merge, not unlike strings of fate, and like fate, it can bring the unlikeliest of people together.   A soft smile appreciates the first rays of dawn, a gift of Sarenrae . Pious Magdalena Messia approached the crossroads from the south. She had left the familiarity of the convent, and the many comforts of the city of Magnimar behind. That was well over a day ago, and ever since she has met her first challenges of the real world. Traveling the roads of Varisia alone, she was met with various challenges. The peoples of the road did not respond with the same enthusiasm she shared in her greetings. It was rather confrontational how rude people can be, and how grimy the world outside of the convent is. She had expected beggars and poors in need of her help around every corner. Apparently, the real world was not relieved now that the young champion came to save it.   The road north brings a stranger to these lands, and while many locals experience the warmth of the world fading, this stranger does not. For Vannrik Rimewarden comes from Irrisen, a land of eternal winter, and every step he has taken since leaving that ever dreadful place has been warmer than the last. Braving the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, traversing the Velashu Uplands where the Horselords roam, and witnessing the pirate haven of Riddleport, could have left an impression on him, or perhaps it has all turned into a blur. Vannrik has put months of travel between himself and his birthplace but as a descendent of Baba Yaga, he still feels like the icy glare of Irrisen is upon him. The Jadwiga doesn’t feel safe, and can’t help but wonder if he ever would.   A presence from the western road towards Sandpoint is announced by the croaking of a raven. When dawn finally allowed Rabie to escape his night terrors, he was met with activity in Sandpoints streets. Last minute preparations were performed, as the fires in the braziers around town were reduced to embers. "The fire is hot" he reminded himself. It was not only sleepy Sandpoint that was stirring, Ghurab, Rabie's sole companion and familiar, was restless as well. The raven went about it's way and glided eastwards. It was not unusual for the creature to do as it pleased, yet Rabie felt compelled to follow on this strange day. On his way the young Varisian can't help but ponder his situation. He had been in a fuguelike state for the last five years since the late unpleasantness, yet the prospect of the Swallowtail festival instilled a feeling that Rabie thought he had lost forever; hope that things would get better.   A raven feather descends in the middle of the crossroads as Ghurab circles overhead, before diving headfirst into the bushes to snatch a small lizard. The bird feasts on its prize, and the four corners of the wind bring four strangers who approach the crossroads simultaneously. It is hard to deny that this is an odd occurrence.   Jinx greets the travelers, and Rabie (whom he has seen around town). The gnome asks if the group is headed towards the festival. Pious explains that she is excited about the opening of the new cathedral and it’s the main reason she traveled all this way from Magnimar. Rabie offers the newcomers that he can show them around town. Jinx, welcoming as he is, offers ginger tea to his new associates. Pious is skeptical about accepting drinks from strangers, and Vannrik admits that the herb is unfamiliar to him. The gnome explains that his mother taught him that ginger serves as a remedy against many ails, including staving off the bleaching. The three humans share a confused look until the gnome exposes the skin of his neck which is dull, grey and colorless. When Pious suggests that Jinx should get his condition looked at, the gnome leans in closer, which was not exactly what the Sarenite meant.  

Settling into Sandpoint

As the group crosses the Tundarok bridge into Sandpoint, Rabie explains that the Swallowtail Festival, a holiday honoring the god Desna brings closure to a series of events from five years ago, referred to as “the Late Unpleasantness”. A seemingly harmless eccentric named Jervis Stoot snapped, embarking on a killing spree that would have been shocking and unsettling in Magnimar, and was catastrophic in sleepy Sandpoint. Nearly two dozen people were stalked and killed before ‘Chopper’ died resisting arrest. Rabies face turns pale as he tells the story.   Chopper’s body had barely cooled before the townspeople had to deal with another tragedy: an accidental fire that destroyed the northernmost quarter of town - starting with the Cathedral, where beloved priest Ezakien Tobyn, his daughter, and several acolytes perished.   For five years, the faithful of Sandpoint have attended church in smaller wooden structures hastily rebuilt after the fire, and while their new pastor, Father Zantus was helpful, kind, and wise, it just wasn’t the same. Now, the new stone cathedral is finally done. All that remains is for the Swallowtail Festival to renew the site’s blessings from the gods. Despite Pious’ enthusiasm to see the Cathedral, the group makes a stop by the Goblin Squash Stables next to the bridge. In a somewhat grisly display, over the entrance to the stable’s covered barn is his collection of Goblin ears: preserved and nailed to three different rafters, each bearing the goblin’s name burned into the leathery flesh. An assistant explains that Daverin Hosk, the stablemaster, is currently preparing for the festival games but Vannrik can still stable Eyoor, his packmule here. He pays for a week in advance.   The second order of business is to secure lodgings for the travelers. Next to the stables they find The Rusty Dragon Inn. Rabie explains that Sandpoint boasts two inns, the White Deer and the Rusty Dragon. Both share equal prices, but the White Deer is recently rebuilt and has better accommodations. Still, due to the Deer’s innkeepers gruff attitude, the Rusty Dragon is the most popular. The group is welcomed by Bethana Corwin, a greying halfling woman who radiates a quiet yet pleasant air. Bethana offers to show the newcomers around the upper floor to examine the vacant rooms. The doors of the various rooms are painted in different colors, apparently mimicking the various breeds of dragons of Golarion.   Jinx follows rather sheepishly and seems unlike his sparkly self. Vannrik pays for a night in the White dragon room. Pious is a bit distracted by the odd behaviour of the gnome. She suspects that the gnome has intentions with the host. Having learned of the darkness that can lurk in men's hearts, the young girl decides that her first act of saving is upon her. She takes Bethana by the hands and asks to be guided to the platinum dragon room, luring the halfling away from her would-be suitor. Pious books her luxurious accommodations for a night. Bethana quietly notifies the group that there is a lot of work to be done, she wishes them well at the festival and suggests that they visit Ameiko’s stall during the lunches. The group strolls around town listening to the anecdotes of Rabie until the welcoming speeches start.  

The welcome speeches

The entire population is gathered in front of the main doors on the western side of the Cathedral. Flanking those doors, tall stained glass windows honor Shelyn and Gozreh, whose worshippers share the western chapel. Several merchant tents feature food, clothes, local crafts, and souvenirs. Some of the detritus of construction still lies scattered about, but most of the old scaffolding and waste wood have been repurposed in the construction of the high dais in the southeastern corner of the open square in front of the church. Welcome speeches should begin soon, and in four chairs on the dais can be seen a slender middle-aged woman with short auburn hair, a burly, Shoanti man in the uniform of the town Guard , a flamboyant man whose bright clothing is at the height of Magnimar fashion, and, of course, a pleasant-looking cleric whose fine linen robes are elaborately and tastefully embroidered in a repeating pattern of blue butterflies. The woman manages to quiet the crowd.   "It is so delightful to see so many faces here today, both new and familiar," she begins. "To those of you from out of town, I am Kendra Deverin, mayor of Sandpoint, and you are most welcome!" She pauses as the crowd shouts its agreement. "To those who already know me, I'm glad you could all spare a day to celebrate. I'm sure only Rovansky, our tanner, is too busy to - oh look! Friends, here in the first row, Larz is here!" Loud laughter ripples through the crowd, especially among those who sit close enough to the tanner to see his unamused expression. "Anyway, I can smell the lunch our tavern keepers are cooking already. A round of applause to Ameiko, Garridan Viskalai, Cracktooth, and Jargie Quin! I'm sure Father Zantus can spare an extra prayer that they don't burn anything before we get to eat it." More cheering erupts: the aromas drifting over the crowd are glorious. "Now, since you have three more of us to stand there through, I'm going to sit down. No business today! This is my favorite time of year!"   The next two speeches go just as quickly as the mayor’s. Sheriff Hemlock Hemlock is as usual far too serious, reminding everyone to be safe around this evening’s bonfire and requesting a moment of silence to remember those who perished in the fire that destroyed the old church. Cyrdak Drokkus brings the mood back up with a hilarious recap of the long process the town went through to finance and construct the new building. He throws a bit of self-promotion at the end, inviting the townsfolk and visitors to attend his new production of “The Harpy’s Curse” tomorrow night. The lead role of Avisera the harpy queen will be played by none other than the famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda, a definate coup for a theater so far from the city.   Finally, Father Zantus takes the stage to officially open the ceremony. “Today ushers in a new season, many would call this season Autumn. The season which makes summer give way to winter, bring cool air and brightly colored trees to the canvas of the world. But others would refer to this season as Fall...and there is good reason for that. For today also marks the day that Desna fell from the heavens after doing battle with Lamashtu.
Lamashtu gloated as she began to ransack Desna’s palace, laughing all the way as her body fell into the sea below. Though all the world wept for the loss of the goddess, and of dreams, it is said that she survived, wounded, washed up on the rocks of the sea. She was discovered there, on the rocks, by a blind orphan, forgotten and cast aside by all the world. Though the orphan knew not of who she had discovered and could do little for the wounded goddess, she still stayed there by her side, holding a vigil on the beach, praying and tending to her as best she could. And though she tired and knew that the goddess had little chance to recover, she remained all throughout the night and into the week, praying and keeping faith.
And eventually, Desna did recover, though all the world thought her lost; and to thank the child who had prayed for her health, she transformed her into an immortal butterfly to forever remain with her in her palace in the heavens”   Father Zantus motions toward the newly finished cathedral, the sunlight glittering off the stained glass windows. “This story reminds us that tragedy is just a setback, not an end. Though our place of worship was destroyed, and our previous priest, Father Tobyn, perished in the flame, we have persevered as Desna would desire, and built anew. In celebration of our new grand cathedral, let the Swallowtail Festival begin.”   With that, several of the priest’s acolytes throw off the canvas of a nearby wagon, revealing a thousand swallowtail butterflies...the Children of Desna. The butterflies flutter in every direction, eager children chasing them in a futile attempt to catch one. The crowd begins to disperse to partake in the festival activities. A sign near the podium shows a basic map of Sandpoint, with various attractions labeled on the map. In addition to the food stands provided by the taverns that dot the immediate area, the map outlines several games around town.  

Explorative piety

Pious is surprised to see the crowd disperse, expecting that everyone is here to witness the glory of the new Cathedral. She is set on seeing the cathedral from the inside and Rabie follows her. Jinx and Vannrik head into Sandpoint to enjoy the games.   A small group of townsfolk, mostly the elderly venture inside the cathedral where they are given a tour by the clerics. Easily the largest building in Sandpoint, this impressive cathedral is also the town’s newest structure. Built over the foundations of the previous chapel, the Sandpoint Cathedral is not dedicated to the worship of a single deity. Rather, it gathers under its eaves the six most commonly worshiped deities in the region: Abadar, Desna, Erastil, Gozreh, Sarenrae , and Shelyn. The building provides chapels for all of these deities in a communal forum— in a way, Sandpoint Cathedral is six different churches under one impressive roof. Yet even the previous chapel wasn’t the first holy site in this location. The core of both the original chapel and the new cathedral is an open-air courtyard surrounding a set of seven standing stones, which themselves surround a circular stone altar. These stones served the Varisians for centuries as a place of worship; although the Varisians generally venerated Desna and various Emphyreal Lords at these stones, the stones themselves have a much older tradition as they were presents before the first settlers arrived.   The original chapel hosted a collection of six different shrines, each housed in its own building and connected to the others by open-air walkways. Desna’s worship was incorporated into these shrines as part of the peace accord with the local Varisians, but the original builders included five other deities as well. Four of these (Abadar, Gozreh, Sarenrae , and Shelyn) were patrons of the original founders of the Sandpoint Mercantile League, while the fifth, Erastil, was the most popular among the initial settlers.   When the chapel burned to the ground, Mayor Kendra Deverin set into motion a bold initiative. Not only would the chapel be rebuilt, but it would be rebuilt on a grand scale. A cathedral would be constructed in place of the chapel, and it would be made of stone and glass. Funding for this project came partially from the founding families, partially from Sandpoint businesses eager to earn favor in the eyes of the gods, and partially from the respective churches. It took years to finish the cathedral, but the end result is truly impressive. To the south, facing Sandpoint’s heart, are the shrines of civilization: Erastil and Abadar. To the west, offering a view of The Old Light and the sea beyond, are the shrines of Shelyn and Gozreh. And to the east, overlooking the Boneyard and the rising sun, are the shrines of Sarenrae and Desna.   Today, the town’s high priest is a pleasant man named Abstalar Zantus. As with Father Tobyn before him, Father Zantus is a worshiper of Desna, but one more even‑minded than his predecessor and more welcoming in his personality. Abstalar is very open about matters of faith and has slipped with ease into the role of advisor for worshipers of other gods of Sandpoint.   Set in the shadow of the Sandpoint Cathedral and accessible via a gate to the north or from several doors leading into the main cathedral, lies The Sandpoint Boneyard. This expansive cemetery overlooks the Turandarok River . Stone vaults owned by affluent families stand near the cemetery’s edges or at its center, while dozens of humble plots, each marked with a simple gravestone, sit amid trees and shrubberies. The boneyard is well maintained by Naffer Vosk, a smuggler Father Tobyn took pity on after Naffer’s ship wrecked just north of town a decade ago. Naffer has found redemption in Sarenrae , and is one of the town’s most devout citizens. Despite a twisted spine that has given him an awkward lurching gait ever since he could walk, Naffer works to keep the Sandpoint Boneyard meticulously clean, and rings the church bells every day at dawn, noon, and dusk.   Pious asks for a blessing from the Sarenrae . Brother Walter, amused by the idea, obliges. She quickly comes to see today as one of the best days of her life. She purchases a scimitar, Sarenrae ’s favored weapon, and a holy symbol at the cathedral as a souvenir.  

Festival and games

The first stop for Jinx and Vannrik is at the Red Dog Smithy so named after the owners fondness of Red Mastiff dogs. Here, Das Korvutthe smith, hosts two games. Upon arriving, the group witness the failed attempt of local Ben Harker to ring the bell of the strength tester called “The Ogre stomp”. Despite the laughter of Das the young Ben assures his girlfriend (Katrine Vinder) that he can buy a better prize for her with the money has been making at the mill. For the second game, an arm wrestling contest, a table is set where aspirants can challenge Feldon Ut. Vannrik pays the entree fee and after an intense, sweat-inducing struggle manages to Topple the Hammer. He takes a sip of wine to celebrate and offers a participation drink to Feldon. The apprentice would have taken it, if Das had not sneered at him to not drink while on the job. Vannrik tries to take on the second game, but found the maul needed to play the game too unwieldy,. Despite his strength he misses the target, inciting a burst of laughter from onlookers.   At the The Sandpoint Market a different game, the Goblin toss is held. The game is hosted by stablemaster Daverin Hosk. This game is a simple bean bag toss setup in the middle of the market square. A board is setup with lines of three holes, painted to look like fireplaces. The board is 10 feet from a throw line. There are buckets of beanbags sewn to look like Goblins by each of the three stations. Each bean bag has a Goblin name stitched on it. The goal is to throw the “Goblins” into the fireplaces. During the course of the game it becomes apparent that Daverin has a hatred for the Goblins that evidently borders on the psychotic as he curses the names of the Goblins thrown into the fire. The game is not particularly difficult and when Vannrik throws ‘Garnrott’ the last Goblin the bag shatters on impact, revealing that the beans inside have been painted red, presumably on purpose.   While wandering the market, Jinx notices that Venn Vinder the local store owner, is peering into the crowd with a concerned look on his face. The gnome asks Venn what ails him. “Can your cards find out where my darned daughter is?” Venn asks. Explaining that he heard that his daughter has been seeing Ben Harker lately, a boy whom he cannot stand. Harker is a weasel, and as a miller he is not worthy of his daughters affections. Jinx supposes that these are just the words of an overbearing father, still, the gnome offers to help if Venn can make it worth the time. Jinx is looking for rare harrow cards and the store owner assures him that through his contacts with merchants he can find some. Jinx agrees to help, explaining that his daughter was last seen with Ben at the smithy. The store owner storms off, leaving his stall in the hands of a confused fisherman nearby.   A little while after noon, the group is back at the square in front of the cathedral. They enjoy the various feasts that that the tavern and innkeepers have prepared. Seated at communal tables they mingle with the townsfolk. After Pious ’ short confusion about the lack of silver crabforks (That’s what they used at home) she settles into discussing (Read: preaching) her favorite topic: the dogma of Sarenrae . Vannrik subtly moves around trying new foods which helps him in avoiding the zealous ramblings. Jinx strikes up a conversation with Ameiko Kaijitsu, where he subtly asks if Bethana has helped her with the food. They enjoy cordial smalltalk. At the end, the gnome asks Ameiko if she can pass on some of his tea to her Halfling friend. She obliges, but also subtly reminds Jinx that this is not the first time he has left a gift for her.   After lunch the group heads south. The Valdemar Family has set up a tug-of-war contest near the shipyard. Pious, Rabie, Vannrik and Jinx compete against local shipwrights Oleg, Boleg, Viento and Marius. The four of them take their places at the ends of the 50 feet of rope. A huge puddle of wet mud awaits them at the center. Jinx draws a harrow card from his deck and wickedly presents this to Boleg proclaiming it an ill omen foretelling their teams loss. Meanwhile, Pious lays a hand on her chest and asks for the guidance of Sarenrae . At the start signal the tug of war commences but the shipwrights quickly prove to be too strong. One by one the gnome, the Jadwiga, the Varisian and the Chelaxian are pulled through the mud. As the group swallows their pride and Vannrik uses his mastery of the element of water to cleanse himself and his teammates. All the while, Pious ponders silently. She received Sarenrae ’s blessing, asked for her guidance and been a faithful servant. Why did the Dawnflower allow Pious to lose? It takes a couple confusing moments for the world to make sense to the young girl. She realises that they were playing a game and the Dawnflower’s gifts were not meant for such trivialities. She vows to use her gifts with care.  

Assault on Sandpoint

The group has had their fill of the games, and spend the remainder of the afternoon wandering through Sandpoint and taking in the atmosphere. And just before sunset they ensure they are at the cathedral for the consecration by Father Zantus. The whole town appears to be gathered there, albeit a bit more drunk and rowdy than they were in the morning. Father Zantus has a tool to get the attention of the crowd. He grabs a small Thunderstone and throws it in front of his feet.   A sharp retort, like the crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun's setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium, where a beaming Father Zantus has taken the stage. He clears his throat, takes a breath to speak, and suddenly a woman's scream slices through the air. A few moments later, another scream rises, then another. Beyond them, a sudden surge of strange new voices riseshigh- pitched, tittering shrieks that sound not quite Human . The crowd parts and something low to the ground races by, giggling with disturbing glee. The stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, its throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around its head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins. Chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.   A trio of green little creatures, easily identified as Goblins, start wreaking havoc and slashing their weapons, crudely named “Dogslicers" at random into the crowd. Chaos ensues as the townsfolk and visitors alike scramble to get away from these murderers. From the center of the crowd, the four would be heroes are pushed from all sides but are resolved to help.   Pious draws her virginous scimitar, and is the first to push her way through the crowd. She notices that one of the Goblins has briefly halted its murderspree to steal food from a nearby cart. Its allies are still chanting, slashing, and committing evil. She readies herself to smite the wicked. Rabie, perhaps inspired by the Sarenite, follows, right up to the moment where he can meet the gaze of the Goblin in front. From behind the crowd he locks eyes with the green creature. The entirety of the Varisian’s eyeballs turn a glowing shade of purple, and instil a sickening sense of doom in the Goblin, visibly turning pale.   Vannrik wastes no time in gathering the elements, and shrouds himself in an aura of water. With a swirling motion he grabs and condenses the liquid, focusing it in a large ball, which the kineticist propulses at the sickened goblinoid. In midair the ball of water freezes and embeds itself as a large chunk of ice in the Goblins skull. This causes the Goblins' two friends to avert their attention from the foodcart, and helpless victims. Before they can act, they are beset by gleaming flakes of chilling snowfall, which freeze them to their core.   The murderous Goblin, enraged, leaps to safety, and to the nearest victim he can find; Pious. He wails at her with his dogslicer but the weapon does not find flesh. Instead it is met by the Sarenite’s fine chainmail. Before the girl can retaliate, a hammering sound thunders, as an arc of electricity manifests between the two remaining Goblins, blackening their skin, and leaving them as twitching, charred husks on the floor. The champion of Sarenrae looks over her shoulder to the center of the square where she sees Jinx, smirking, holding up a harrow card still crackling with electricity.   By now the crowd has mostly dissipated, but the Goblins chanting and the screams of citizens further away has not stopped. It has only moved. In the darkening sky plumes of smoke can be seen from various points in the village.   Sandpoint is under attack.