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It is the 22nd of the Month of Rova in the year 4707 AR (Absalom Reckoning). On the West side of the continent of Avistan lies the wild frontier of Varisia. In ancient times, this nation once made up the largest portion of the ancient empire of Thassilon. But now nothing remains of this once powerful empire save for legends and leftover ruins that sparse the landscape. Varisia is known for being nothing more than composed of rural communities, independent city-states, cyclopean ruins, and uncharted wilderness.

Along the southwestern edge of Varisia lies the Lost Coast, a wild and desolate country full of lingering fogs, small woodlands of pine and nettles along a rocky coastline of ragged bluffs and crashing waves. Yet among the rocks and the fog, the sight of a one such community would stand out as being a welcome sight for those who spent many days traveling along the lonely Long Coast road. From either the east or the south, when you approach this town it is noticeably hidden by upthrust limestone pavements as well s the arcs of rocky outcroppings and lightly forested hilltops that rise up just east of the town. Yet the smoking chimneys and bustling streets that come with the promise of a warm bed makes it all worth it.

Hanging from a bent nail at both the gatehouse and the southern bridge into the town is a sign and a mirror. Painted on each sign is the message: "Welcome to Sandpoint! Please stop to see yourself as we see you!"

[hider=Silver]
Coming to the humble community early in the morning, you notice that there appears to be a celebration being prepared in the town square. Many booths were being set up, carts carrying various goods were being brought in and small flags of various colors would hang from make shift poles. Asking around, you learn that it is the annual Swallowtail festival being held to commemorate the completion of Sandpoint's new Cathedral.

Just last week, a prediction that you wrote in your sleep told you that you should head to the west coast, to seek the town with the large pillar of ancient stone on the northern side. There you would finally learn your destiny and your greatest impact upon the world. Of course, such a prediction came off as strange for you. Normally such future foretelling are not this specific in their wording. Either this was the luckiest prediction in your life, or something is specifically guiding you here. Of course, that does nothing to alleviate the fear sticking in the back of your mind that somebody might be after you…
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[hider=Yobi]
The Swallowtail festival is always a time of enjoyment for you, a time of much feasting, storytelling and singing. A religious-based festival, it is celebrated in honor of the goddess Desna, who's Avatar was said to have been nursed to health by a blind child and turned into a beautiful, immortal Swallowtail Butterfly who could explore the wonders of the whole world for all eternity.

Unfortunately, you can't go to explore the festival as soon as you wanted because Ameiko insisted on keeping you for the better part of the morning to help with her food. You can’t help but feel annoyed with the woman whom you’ve come to find as like an older sister to you. But to her, the Swallowtail festival is considered a marketing push for the taverns to win customer support. If Ameiko can get their respect, it would mean many more customers for the coming year. But still, it’s always so hard whenever she wants to perfect her famous curry-spiced salmon. Then again, you do feel that the people need this food to get their minds off the Late Unpleasantness...
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[hider=Dahlgren]
The first thing you noticed when you came to Sandpoint is the rather large cathedral in the northwest part of the town. Even you are impressed with the finely crafted monument of stone and stained glass. Seeing you so easily impressed by the building easily attracts the attention of one of the locals who asks of your interest in the building. Weather to your intrigue or your annoyance, your ears are filled with the knowledge of the cathedral, about how it is in fact dedicated to the six most commonly worshipped deities of the region: Abadar, Desna, Erastil, Gozreh, Sarenrae and Shelyn.

His tone however carries a mode of sadness as he says how it was a shame that it had to be built on the heels of such tragedy, how the old chapel had burned to the ground along with the town's previous priest: Ezakien Tobyn and his daughter Nualia. He seems to force a smile across his face as he eagerly encourages you to join the festival, for it is not just in celebration of Desna, but to coronate the completion of their new cathedral. In any case, it should be easy to learn more about the creature known as the Sandpoint Devil…
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[hider=Roan]
The patrons of the tavern laugh at you as soon as you bring up the Sandpoint Devil. Instantly you find yourself mocked as you aren't the first to ask about the dreaded beast that has haunted the lands by the coast for over a decade now. One man tries to warn you that it is a wizard-warped beast from a forgotten age. Yet another man however interjects with a rude questioning of the previous man's intelligence before saying the creature was borne from a cursed witch that broke a devil's oath.

You can't help but think how idiotic these people are. The Hagfish, as the place is called, seemed like the seedy kind of tavern and gambling hall for such information. Yet this place, located on the south-side docks of Sandpoint, seems to have already been a mistake as the only kernel of truth the place carries is the actual Hagfish kept in the aquarium tank behind the bar. While offered to try the Hagfish challenge, you know that it is a waste of time to stay here longer then needed. Clearly this requires someone of greater intellect to inquire. And it just so happens there is a gathering for some kind of festival occurring in the town square...
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[hider=Malika]

On the north side of town, you can see the massive pillar of stone that seems to look over the entire town. From what you’ve heard from people in town, it was a massive lighthouse used by the ancient Thassilonians. Already the cliff over the shore line was over one hundred and twenty feet tall, with the stone pillar being another fifty feet tall as well. And that’s not taking into consideration that the thing was thousands of years old and clearly would’ve been much taller in its prime. Yet it is clearly only a shadow of its former self as it is referred to as simply the “Old Light”, as if it was something to be condescended to like an elderly man in the throes of old age and degradation of the mind.

Still, you feel that this place is much more suited to your study! Unlike Riddleport, Sandpoint was such a small and humble community that makes you feel at ease with your study. And being right in the heartland of what used to be ancient Thassilon is certainly a boon as well! Seeing such an ancient and imposing relic from those times seems to lift your spirits and gives you more than enough support in your decision to come here. You can help but want to join in the local festivities in your elation… 
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