0. Prelude

[dmw71]

"Well, that there," Svetlana starts, turning to point to the coastal town, "Is Sandpoint." Her armed escort steps to her side. "We really must be going, ma'am." he says, encouraging her and the rest to continue about their way. When Svetlana asks about the animal attack, her escort says matter of factly that it is not their concern.

Unless they're stopped, she and her caravan do continue in the direction they were heading. "Have a blessed day." Svetlana turns and says back to you as she's escorted away. "And good luck!"

[Alethan]

After the group is far enough away to be out of earshot, Ciar steps out onto the trail from the underbrush, brushing a bit of bramble off his cloak.

"Sandpoint? Sandpoint... Hmmm. Sounds familiar, like I've heard about it somewhere recently. Or maybe I was supposed to remember something about it? Or something is happening there soon..." he trails off as he begins back on the trail towards the village.

[AleBelly]

A look of recognition crosses Sylvan's face. "Yes, that name rings a bell with me too. I met a brave halfling by the name of Tavaris who spoke of it. He talked of unstable footing in the area, if I recall. Perhaps you know him, Ciar?

[onlyme]

Fulp laughs...
Eh, its probably that old bard's tale you are thinking of...

[Starbeard]

'An interesting encounter.' Eohannud peels his vision away from the retreating caravan back to the party. 'Sandpoint? It looks a lugubrious little place, but its name precedes it. You must tell me of its virtues as we walk.'

Eohannud mindlessly begins to whistle softly as they walk, a courtly chanson about the seaside.

[Alethan]

Ciar shakes his head as he walks, "I don't know any brave halflings..."

[dmw71]

As the final bend in the trail you're following is rounded, Sandpoint’s smoking chimneys and bustling streets greet you with open arms and the promise of warm beds, a welcome sight indeed. Not far beyond the wall, an impressive cathedral which appears to be in pristine condition is easily the largest building in town.

The trail you're following leads you directly to a stone gatehouse, beyond which a low stone wall extends providing the town a bit of protection. Hanging from a bent nail at the gatehouse is a sign and a mirror -— painted on the sign is the message:

“Welcome to Sandpoint! Please stop to see yourself as we see you!”

A pair of guards emerge from the gatehouse. The guards, donning chain shirts, have long bows strapped across their backs and longswords still sheathed at their sides.

"Your business, please." requests the first.

[onlyme]

Fulp, becoming more convinced that the others would just as soon him speak as any other, at least in his rationale, answers confidently.
Good man, we are travelers just passing through. However, we came upon a gruesome scene up the road and felt compelled to discuss it with the locals. Oh, and of course, we could use a few bites of food and supplies, the usual... if we are able.

[Starbeard]

As Fulp speaks to the guards, Eohannud takes the opportunity to check himself in the mirror, adjusting his hat and feather to satisfaction.

'A brief description of who rules this port would also be appreciated, dutiful guardsman.'

[OGRE MAGE]

Sparrow also takes advantage of the mirror and drops his hood to see if his braids are still nice and tight. He says nothing to the guards but isn't afraid to show himself here.

[AleBelly]

Sylvan shakes his head slightly at the preeners in front of the mirror. He allows others to do the talking, staying near the back of the party. He takes a long, careful look at the wilderness behind him.

[dmw71]

The guard which greets you immediately loosens up... until the mention of the gruesome scene. "Do tell," he says, encouraging Fulp to provide more details of his findings. "Actually, one moment, please..." he says. "Please, all of you, stay right here." and he rushes back into the stone gatehouse.

As the guard steps away, you notice that Sandpoint appears to be quite the popular place as the second guard is busy admitting several other visitors arriving from various directions. Most of the buildings in Sandpoint are made of wood, with stone foundations and wood shingle roofs. The majority are single-story structures, with a few noted exceptions: The cathedral being one, and another three-story structure being a second.

The first guard quickly returns with a young page. "Now, tell us of your findings." After you detail your findings, the guard turns to the young boy. "Relay this information to Sheriff Hemlock. Go!" The dutiful young lad sprints off into the city, weaving between between the many people filling the busy streets. Turning his attention back to the group, the guard says: "As you might have noticed, we are quite busy here. Tomorrow, as I'm sure you're aware, the proud folk of Sandpoint here are hosting the Swallowtail Festival to celebrate the consecration of this magnificent structure--" he says, cocking his head over his right shoulder, and indicating a cathedral in pristine condition. "I do hope this fog clears," he says, clearly upset that the lingering cloudiness distracts from your view of the town he's obviously quite proud of. "Now, as you might expect, lodging will be tight, but Mayor Deverin had a special block of rooms set aside in the the 'White Deer Inn' inn for us to make available for a special circumstance, and your information would most certainly qualify." The guard, at the mention of the mayor, nods to Eohannud indicating acknowledgement of his question.

"I don't know if you're planning on staying? Should I secure those rooms for you, or are you merely passing through?" he asks.

[AleBelly]

Sylvan answers, pulling back the hood of his cloak to rest on his shoulders. "I suppose that all depends on our conversation with the sheriff. I imagine the peacocks in our party will want a bath and grooming.

Are there reports of orcs in the wilderness surrounding Sandpoint?"

[dmw71]

"The sheriff, no doubt will send a few men to check out your story, but you needn't be concerned with going back there." the guard starts. "From the sounds of it, old man Carrick ran into some trouble, like I always told him he would." he finishes with a sigh. "He was a good man."

After a moment, he considers Sylvan's question. "Orcs. Hmm, well, they're an occasional nuisance, and there are a few tribes in the area, but I certainly wouldn't classify them as being a problem."

[hedgeknight]

Through all this, Festus has listened and watched the reactions of these townsfolk. At the mention of the festival, however, he grunts and chuckles. "Swallowtail, ya say? Reminds me of some feller with his head up his own arse!"
He chuckles again for several seconds, and then wipes his eyes and says, "Now that's something a man can drink to!"

After the chuckles subside, Festus smiles at the guard and says, "The White Deer Inn, ya say? Sounds like a right fine place to rest a spell. We appreciate the offer. And this cathedral > who is the patron of it?"

[Alethan]

Ciar steps up to the mirror and frowns, as it is positioned higher than his head, making it impossible for him to see himself.

"Bloody wankers," he mumbles to himself as he glares at the sign. He stands with the rest of the group, towards the back, not speaking.

[dmw71]

"Right then, " the guard says. "I will send another page over to the 'White Deer Inn' and make the necessary arrangements."

"As for cathedral," he starts, then falls into a seemingly well rehearsed response: "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, providing chapels for all of these deities in a communal forum. In a way, Sandpoint Cathedral is six different churches under one impressive roof."

[onlyme]

Fulp nods his appreciation to the guards for their hospitality.
Thank you, kind men. This cathedral sounds inviting, no matter the diety each parishoner may favor. And of course a celebration is a great thing to raise a pint to.

[Starbeard]

Eohannud perks up at the mention of the Swallowtail festival. 'Ah, a festival! That sounds appealing. For now I shall retire to the White Deer and get this heavy pack off my shoulders, and from there scout out this charming town for tomorrow—I admit, I expected a settlement more modest than this.'

As he readies himself to be led to (or be given direction to) the inn, Eohannud points to the large three-storeyed structure that isn't the cathedral. 'Please tell me, what is that large building over there? Is that the town's hall?'

[Alethan]

Ciar nods in agreement, "Agreed. Let's get rooms settled and find some food. We've already missed middle break! And I'm feelin' a bit manky; wouldn't mind a good wash."