As all of you mingle in your various ways with antics galore, a hush suddenly falls over the crowd as you all turn to see [url=http://www.imarvintpa.com/Imagery/d/1053-1/Mayor+-+Kendra+Deverin.jpg]a woman with short red hair[/url] make her way up the small wooden stage set up in front of the new Cathedral.

[hider=Yobi]You know that woman as Kendra Deverin, Mayor of Sandpoint.[/hider]

She raises her arms up to quiet any remaining whispers before she spoke.

[b]"Dear friends and close family: We are glad to see you all gathered here in this time of proud celebration and accomplishment. And I can also see plenty of fresh faces from outside of town. I personally welcome you to our town as you can see everyone here is here to welcome you as well. Even Larz managed to tear himself away from work for once![/b]

[hider=Yobi]Larz Rovansky is the local tanner and known for being a notorious workaholic.[/hider]

The woman finishes her welcoming speech with a bright mood that is instantly brought back down with [url=http://i20.servimg.com/u/f20/13/30/37/59/belorh10.jpg]the next man, who was dark of skin with nary a hair on his head.[/url] He wore a finely crafted set of mail with a sword at his side. Clearly this man commanded respect in his presence alone.

[hider=Yobi]That's Sheriff Belor Hemlock, a bit of a sour man who takes his job way too seriously ever since he took the job from his murdered predecessor.[/hider]

[b]"I just wish to remind you all to be safe around tonight's bonfire. We have no need for further repeats of the tragedy of what happened to our last place of worship. A moment of silence please, for those that were lost that day."[/b]

Everyone respects his wishes as it went deathly quiet and many bowed their heads in respect for at least a minute. With that done, the next speaker scheduled should be coming up. However, no one steps up. Some of the towns folk start talking amongst themselves as the man and the woman up on the stage look very confused as well. Just then, a young man who looked very nervous and out of breath stepped up on the stage.

[b]"I just.. came to say... with great regret... Lonjiku Kaijitsu will be unable to attend the ceremony due to sudden illness."[/b]

All of you hear grumbling from the locals, suggesting that this is something not surprising as Lonjiku is well known for disliking frivolity and festivals like this.

[hider=Yobi]You almost want to spit the ground at mention of Lonjiku. Ameiko's father has long often come into the tavern and would argue at length with Ameiko how someone of her noble birth could degrade herself by her previous adventuring life and owning a "mere" inn with the common rabble. There seemed to be other issues between the two, but Ameiko never really wanted to talk about it.[/hider]

To make up for it, [url=http://titanhyperion.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/fatherzantus.png] a pleasant looking middle aged and bearded man[/url] who wore long blue robes stepped up onto the stage and made his own speech.

[hider=Yobi]You know that man as Father Zantus, Sandpoint's new High Priest. While mainly a cleric of Desna, his position requires him to be open to other faiths. yet this is a task he has shown to be willing to do. [/hider]

[b]"I too would like to thank you all for coming here. I'm sure you're all eager for the joy and revelry, so without further delay, I hereby declare the Swallowtail Festival underway!"[/b]

With an uproarious cheer, booths of various foods and long-traveled souvenirs open all around the town square open, gatherings of games and contests occur all around eagerly accepting anyone who wishes to show their skill in various events as every one seems to disperse in various directions to take part in the festivities. While no prizes are beign offered generally, the idea of bragging rights seems to more then attract quite a few people to try out.

Of course, showing your skill for people to be in awe of you is always a good start for the locals to get to know you better, or treat you with more respect if you are already local. So what would you want to try?

[list]
 [*] Archery Contest[/*] 
 [*] Sack Races[/*]
 [*] Walking The Beam[/*]
 [*] Tug o' War[/*]
 [*] The Greased Pig Chase[/*]
 [/list]