Small children tasked with being town criers ran through the streets announcing that the opening festival was about to commence. The crowds slowly started to drift away from the merchant booths and carnival games and drifted towards the space in front of the cathedral.

A small stage had been set up and several officials were standing around ready to deliver speeches that would kick off the feast. Even as people stood around waiting for the politicians to finish talking their eyes were drifting towards the trays of roasted meats and spiced cakes that were tickling their noses and tempting their stomachs.

Mayor Deverin takes the stage first.

"Good morning everyone. I see everyone's arrived. Even Larz Rovanky has left off tanning hides to be here. I'm sure his workers are glad it's not their hides getting tanned, at least not today."

There was a polite smattering of laughter and jeers towards the grumpy tanner who was standing in the crowd.

"It's wonderful to see so many of you here to join us on this proud day, and I'd like to extend my welcome to the many new faces I see in the crowd. As Mayor, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the town. I hope you all are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and I sincerely hope that you're having a wonderful time. Our town has much to offer and I hope we can consider you as new friends. Spend some time in Sandpoint and you’ll grow to love it like we do. And even if you don’t stay long, spend your money while you’re here!"

More laughter from visitors and townsfolk alike.

"And to all of the old faces I see, thank you for coming and thank you for everything that each of you has done to keep this town strong. Thank you especially for all the time, sweat, and love you've put into building this fine cathedral. The loss of the old church was quite the tragedy but now I feel with the opening of the new cathedral we can finally put that unpleasantness behind us.

Anyway, I can smell the lunch our tavern keepers are cooking already. A round of applause to Ameiko, Garridan, Cracktooth, and Jargie! I’m sure Father Zantus can spare an extra prayer that they don’t burn anything before we get to eat it. Now, since you have three more of us to stand there through, I’m going to sit down. Today as mayor I am declaring a town order to have fun!

"Without further ado, let me welcome our dutiful Sheriff, Belor Hemlock to the stage!"

The crowd gave an enthusiastic applause for their beloved mayor, the upcoming sheriff, and especially because with one speech down there was only a few more to go before the festival officially kicked off.

A dark-skinned, bulky man, clearly of Shoanti descent, wearing his armor and armed with a prestigious looking sword climbed up, giving a nod to the Mayor on his way.

"Thank you, Mayor. First off, let us have a moment of silence."

He bows his head and the crowd does likewise before he continues speaking.

"Let us remember the memories of those friends and family members who lost their lives in the tragic blaze that made our new cathedral necessary. Cherish those memories and may the blessings of our Gods see them happy and well in the Afterlife."

He raises his head and stands in silence for a moment scanning the crowd.

"Over the next three days all instances of wrong-doing will be dealt with swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law. No exceptions. As the sheriff of Sandpoint, I, Belor Hemlock, would also like to welcome everyone to enjoy themselves today, and you may or may not be aware of the planned bonfire at the beach tonight... it looks to be a promising festival. Do trust that I will be monitoring the level of safe conduct late into the evening. I am trusting our fun will lean to the side of caution. If you are a militia member, remember where your duties lay, and help Sandpoint keep the peace. Thank you."

With that the sheriff steps back awkwardly and beckons with his hand, for the next speaker to approach.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

The next speaker is quite a contrast to the Sheriff. He is brightly dressed sporting a well-groomed goatee and seems to be thoroughly enjoying the day. As he reaches the center stage he loosens his collar a bit, winks into the crowd before speaking with the silky smooth voice of a stage actor.

"Well, thank you Sheriff for that uplifting oratory. Don't worry I doubt there will be any fun for you to stress over today. If things get out of hand you can ask Ameiko take the stage and put as all to sleep with one of her stories."

The crowd responds with a combination of chuckles and offended heckles.

Without a beat Ameiko shouts back from the crowd.

"What about the story of your last flop at the theater? I'm almost done with my newest ballad, I call it Cyrdak the Unimpressive! Who wants to hear?"

The crowd responds with laughter and cheers.

After the noise finally quiets Cyrdak continues with a forced smile as if nothing happened.

"We can all agree that this is our time to celebrate! I know this town has been through some hard times, but we don't lay down easily. Look at what we've accomplished!"

Cyrdak pauses to gesture dramatically towards the large cathedral behind the stage.

"And I'm telling you, they spared no expense with this place. Father Zantus' chamber pot? It's solid gold and comes with a singing choir standing nearby. It's no doubt our neighbors and nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this joint. To think they wanted nothing in return, but to enlighten us and our taxes for many lifetimes to come. But worry not about your coin purse, I've heard from father himself that the gods are getting their gold together to help pay for this place. Any day now they will show up and pay us back for all the sacrifices we've undertaken in their names. Any day now, I'm sure of it."

He pauses, grinning as a few in the crowd chuckle at his rapid fire "jokes". The general silence though does little to discourage him from continuing.

"Don't take it from me, let me hand the stage off to the man who knows whose in charge here. But before I let him get things going I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my personal invitation to each and every one of you to the new production of The Harpy’s Curse starring the world-famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda as Avisera as the Harpy Queen! It's all premiering tomorrow evening and continuing throughout the next two weeks at the Theater. Come see it, it will be fabulous! And now join me in a bit of applause for his holiness himself, Father Zantus!"

Cyrdak gave a suitably enthusiastic applause as he exited stage left to make way for the final speaker. The crowd cheers and while it seems they do like Father Zantus and are happy that Cyrdak's speech is over, most of the crowd is stealing looks at the delicious trays of food just waiting to be eaten.
This message was last updated by the player at 12:59, Sun 25 Oct 2020.