You are introduced to a rather striking woman called Winter who has emerged as the de facto leader of the survivors.
She seems a little wary of you at first but when Captain York explains you're probably not doppelgangers she relaxes fractionally, "I understand you've done us quite the favor by exterminating some of the shape shifters. The last week has been brutal, particularly the first few hours. Between them and the ghouls, dozens of survivors died to be eaten or worse. Normally I'd offer you some kind of reward, but well we don't really have much left. You're welcome to sleep here in the Chapel, it's the only safe place in Briarstone. No dreams, guaranteed, a blessing of the Gods I understand. If you want anything more, like food, you're going to have to pitch in like everyone. We are sending foraging parties out for firewood, water and food. If you can cook, or attend the wounded or the unhinged that would be particularly welcome. we have a lot of frightened folk here."
York answers Lizzie, "Twenty five souls remain that we know of, out of hundreds. The carnage of that night was as terrible as it was unexpected. Most of the patients at Briarstone where peaceable, I never imagined someone could kindle such a riot. I am at a lost to explain, folks I'd known for years all twisted up with rage. As bad as that was, it's the not the worst of it. We're stuck here - you'll see and supplies are dwindling..." He seems deeply affected by the events, and clearly hasn't been sleeping well despite the god blessed lack of dreams in the chapel.
When they arrived at back at the guard post and were finally admitted Momijii was greatly relieved. She was worried the foolish captain would turn them away once again but was glad to see that he was at least a man of his word. The actual gratitude that Winter gave them after their introduction was a welcome relief despite the fact that they were expected to pitch in and help. She pondered what she could do to help them and finally said, "I'm not good at cooking or healing, but I can help with the foraging, at the very least I can help protect them while they do so though it would be helpful to be rested and healed up from the fighting we've done first."
As York uses some impressive vocabulary, Agrippa nods approvingly
Indeed. is all he responds to the man
As Agrippa enters the shelter he looks around for evidence that these people are indeed as they say. He speaks with a few "survivors", trying to ascertain their motives. When he is convinced that they are indeed really in need of help, or able to offer some help to him, he relaxes a little bit.
Well Madame Winter, what would you have of us. My name is..well I'm having a spot of trouble with that at the moment, but I'm sure I'll remember it shortl. Aha! My name is Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. But. My friends, and I will count you among those, call me Agrippa. I, believe I know things. I can remember books. Lots of books.
Filbert looks around the chapel at those the guards had been protecting, young and old, injured and those well as could be expected... "Thank you for the offer of peaceful sleep, dreams or the lack thereof will be a welcome thing."
Walking around the chapel looking at the survivors there's a small boy, feverish with a broken arm....
studying his arm, an idea forms and filbert acts on it if I pinch right here the arm will go numb, then a twist here and pressure here should do it" a pop and a gasp is heard from the young boy, followed by a bit of a smile
"I think he will be much better in the morning, perhaps even able to use his arm a bit better"
Lizzie helps whereever people would need some 1st aid after their searches.
"I might be able to help others with scouting and foraging as well. At this time, I can't help anyone in here, so my skills are better served elsewhere."
Luxina responds to Winter and York as they conclude their story. The dark-skinned elf studies Winter's outfit and demeanor closely as the conversation shifts between people.
Afterwards Luxina also makes a round along the survivors, but checking for anything that might still be usable by her or the others of her group.
No need to get complacent now. We've found a good spot yes, but I want to get out, anything we could use would be beneficial.
the chapel with cooking implements, collected water, and basic foodstuffs. Some of the survivors are trying to prepare meals, but their methods are amateurish and wasteful.
Luxina looks at the pin, shakes her head, not knowing what to make of it. After wandering around the survivors camp she sees the pile of furniture for firewood and decides she could help there at least.
Though the hatchet feels uncomfortable in her hands and a little heavy she takes it up to chop some of the furniture into pieces.
Before her first swing she suddenly halts and smiles.
Always wanted to try this one. At least today. I know it's been there but I wasn't sure what it did. I have an inkling as to what it does now. It should help me clear this rubble much faster.
Luxina draws out a small vial holding a shifting red-green liquid, sometimes even bubbling. Without a doubt she drinks it whole. Then suddenly, her muscles bulge and her skin complexion becomes lined with some red and green stripes itself.
"Here goes nothing. Let's see how well it works."
The firewood cutting doesn't go over that smoothly, maybe she isn't strong enough still, but certainly the unfamiliarity with the hatchet plays it's part and sometimes she misses her first cut mark.
Though the intention was good...
Luxina seeks out Agrippa. "You seem to know alot my friend. I've got a question for your knowledge. Did you see that pin on Winter's clothing?"
"What do you make of that?"
Winter gives Heinrich an appraising look before replying, "An amnesiac who woke up in an asylum. Curious. Well if you know things, maybe you'll remember more in time. Of course that's the problem, time is not on our side..."
Agrippa nods and listens intently as Luxina describes the broach.
But the broach rings no bells for him, instead he focuses on the names of places he knows. Briarstone
Alright. Ustalav then. That makes sense.
Agrippa has a moment to speak with the "patients"
Now Loic, you WILL take your medicene, or the Nurse might see fit to strap you down. Is that what you want?
Finally Agrippa speaks with Winter.
Madame, what pressing issue has you concerned with time?
Arching one eyebrow, as if wondering where you've been for the last few days, she replied, "I guess you haven't ventured outside, we're cut off and supplies are finite. Thrushmoor may only be only be half a mile by boat, but thanks to that thrice damned fog it might as well be the other side of the world. Just after the temblor some folk resolved to make a run for it. The lucky ones got turned around, those less lucky? We heard their screams."
Scared to ask but doing so anyways, "M-Mistress, can you show us the f-fog you speak of?" Praying all the while the fog isn't the least bit yellowish...
Winter replies evenly, "Once everyone's pitched in I'll ask the guards to show you the way to the front gates if you like. Won't do you any good mind."
Relieved at the denial if truth be told, surely it can't be the fog of my nightmare "Thank you ma'am, I will see to the others before getting some s-sleep."
noticing the cook fire and the wood pile, never was good at anything beyond scrambled eggs, no help there
picking up the handaxe, which on his slight form was nearly a battle axe, Filbert tried swinging it, finding the head to be entirely way too heavy for him. Attempting to break one of the chair legs using his haunts, resulted in splinters going everywhere. Feeling a bit ashamed at his lack of control with the chair leg after the success with Bates, Filberts shoulders droop.I guess they need kindling ?!?!?
Crystal keeps silent for a while as Winter speaks before speaking up.
"I've some experience with cooking. I'd be happy to lend my expertise in that field." With that, she walks over to where the other survivors are preparing food and starts offering her help.
"See, you're using a little too much water preparing that broth. Let me take a look at those spices there... I think I can make something nice with this..."
"Fog? Is it yellow?
My dreams have featured a bizarre fog recently."
Loic cringes, "But my sister is over there! Can't you see her? I must talk to her." Heinrich barks at the man again and eventually cowed, Loic takes the pill before starting to cry. The matronly nurse Naysa Walika watches this exchange with a frown, and says smartly, "Thank you, sir. That will be all."
Not content with having helped Bates recover, Filbert rather overenthusiastically tries to help out with the other chores. He meant well that's for certain, but if Crystal hadn't intervened the 'rat surprise' would have given somebody food poisoning. He then attacks the chair legs with gusto, unfortunately the axe pinged off and nearly hit one of the kids. In the end Airwynn Savoia, a voluptuous Kelid quick smile and an arm in a sling that Filbert and Lizzie had set came over and told him, "Look you've done enough OK?It's the others that need to prove themselves willing." She glances at Momijii.
Having saved everyone from a culinary disaster, Crystal turns out to be something of a revelation in the kitchen. While it probably wouldn't win awards in Caliphas, the meal was by far the best thing the survivors have had all week and she gets enough praise to give her a rather large head.
In between talking to Lizzie and Filbert, Winter had been dealing with various complaints from the survivors over this and that. You can't help but marvel at her patience, anyway she somewhat distractedly responds, "Interesting. Lets talk more once all the chores are done."
Realizing that foraging was, for now, not a wise idea, Momijii went to work doing the only thing she felt capable of managing. Heading to the pile of wood that needed breaking she found a place to set the wood so it would be up off the floor and proceeded to put several pieces right next to her. She then stepped bowed to the wood with one fist inside the other, and proceeded to chop the wood by hand. She focused and brought the edge of her hand down in a chopping motion and each one broke neatly in half and fell to the floor. Once she finished the first batch she proceeded to do another.
"Woah! Did you see that?! She smashed that Table into kindling with her bear hands!" exclaimed an off duty guard called Denman. Several others crowd round saying things like, "I've never seen anything quite like that, in all my days."
A little bit later, Winter comes over to see how you've been getting on and she remarks, "My you've been busy! I'm grateful for what you did with the poultices and splints. And that stew was delicious! Now I suppose you have some questions..."
"Glad we could have been of help, and really looking forward to a pleasant nights sleep......oh sorry it has been a while since sleep was something we looked forward to, forever it seems to me. You mentioned fog before, and people screaming never to return after entering the fog. Each of us, I believe anyways, have endured a nightmare of a yellowish fog that once caught by it, a quick painful death is inevitable. So as you can see your description and our private nightmare, or so we thought, are somewhat similar. Eerily so, I might add."
Crystal nods. "I'll admit, I haven't really had the sorts of nightmares some of the others have been experiencing here. Perhaps that's simply because of my faith in Pharasma..."
She shrugs. "...but I digress. When did all of this start, anyway?"
Agrippa sniffs Where did you receive your training Madame. I assure you, the man will be fine. at the Nurse.
Later, once Winter warms up to the group
Indeed. We all have, gaps, in our memories. It seems none of us know where we are, exactly. Or, more importantly, why we are here. Not in the existential way of course.
"Right, but we will help you where we can.
Besides, i feel happier around more people."
She looks at the others.
"Don't take it the wrong way, you guys are great, but us gnomes are particularly fond of knowing as many friendly or decent people as we can meet.
Even if it probably hides underneath some tough exterior."
She grins softly, as only her playful eyes point knowingly at Heinrich, when he won't be looking.
"I did my residence here, sir." Naysa retorted rather crossly, "Briarstone may not be the world's foremost sanatorium but it is, or was an enlightened institution sir. We engage the patients and help them with positive therapies, be it group conversation or art therapy. We certain't don't hector them or leave them in tears. I'll brook no more of your overbearing manner, sir! Good day."
With that she stalks off.
When Filbert mentions the nightmares, Winter shivers, "Starting just over a week ago, folks sleeping outside the chapel have been having all sorts of nightmares. From what I understand the riot was due to them, at least somewhat. You see it wasn’t like any riot I’ve ever heard of, it was more like a religious movement. Most of the northern halls are now held by robed patients who call themselves Apostles in Orpiment. Those we’ve encountered are fanatically devoted to a patient named Ulver Zandalus."
She replies to Heinrich, "That is most strange, I'm afraid I have no idea why you're here. You wouldn’t be the first ones to lose a piece of themselves here, or so I understand. If you were patients, there must be some record of why you were committed."
She turns to Lizzie, "You asked earlier if the fog outside is yellow. It is..."
Lizzie looks slightly less bright in expression.
"I see....that's bad. I feel sorry for those people actually having died in it. Nottosayexcludingthepeoplethatdiedofothercausesofcourse..."
Agrippa sniffs as the "Nurse" departs. Overweening swine, certainly she's heard of the learned Prof. Plavini and his theories. Art therapy, who ever heard of such nonsense. Agrippa thinks, and then he wonders how he even knows of such things.
To Winter he says Interesting indeed. Our friend, the madman, oft spoke of a Zandalus. Perhaps he might shine some light upon the subject?
We might be patients? That cannot be! Best to find the administrative offices and make sure.
Agrippa asks Winter
Where might the administrative offices be Madame?
Filbert is listening to the back and forth right now trying to process all that is going on. first we wake up in an asylum which is apprently being run by the inmates. All worshiping some Orpiment I've never heard of, and following someone called Zadalus whom I only know of cause the crazy guy with us keeps talking about him.
after a bit "Lady Winter, is there much around here that is safe to wander about, really hoping something might click as to why I am here."
Winter sighs with exasperation, "Zandalus seems to be the name on everyone's lips. You wouldn't believe the trouble his name has caused. Anyway from what I've heard, he was the under the direct care of Briarstone's administrator Doctor Eliege Losandro. I met her only once and she seemed like a capable administrator… but then the revolt happened."
When Agrippa asks her where the administrative offices are she replies, "Doctor Losandro's office is towards the center of the asylum with a view out onto the northern quad. If you're hoping for records, I saw a room labelled archives across the hall from her office."
Upon hearing Zandalus name, and putting together the clues, Agrippa speaks with a few of the chapel's residents. So, the man is an artist. And has had a sudden bout of homicidal madness.
To the others Agrippa suggests The trail leads to this Losandro's office. It's my opinion that we should go there. Soon.
"OK, well if it will give us answers, I will go. "
Sensing the party is planning to depart, Winter makes a heartfelt plea, "I’m sorry I can’t tell you more about what’s going on, but I know we can’t stay here. We need a way out. All things considered, you seem able enough. If you can find some way for us to escape, some route that doesn’t lead straight into that terrible fog, I’ll see that the Royal Accusers reward you well. Please, you have to help us!"
A tunnel, or some other way under or over the fog seems like it might be useful. Agrippa muses.
Righto then, lets be going. No time to waste.
Agrippa will lead the group out, and towards the center of the complex.
Winter replies, "Good. Thank you. The earthquake isolated us from much of the asylum. There's only really one way out of here, but I don’t think you’ll like it. That thing growing at the end of the hall… Oh you haven't seen it. Well, there was a door there once. If you dispose of what’s there now, the asylum’s entry hall is just beyond. Lady be with you."
"Well that's all nice and dandy now is it? We might be patients here, but patients with no apparent loss in sanity apart from the loss of our memory. Hopefully those archives can indeed shed more light on the matter, though I worry about the outcome. If true, where we put here just for our memory loss? If not, why are we here?"
Luxina walks besides Agrippa and Filbert as the pair already motion towards wherever the exit is.
"Seems we've got no other option than to check things out."
Following Winter's directions you walk down a short corridor with two doors, brass plaques labelled them as the "Chaplin’s Office" and "Chaplin’s Shrine and Records". At the end of the wall is a makeshift red curtain.
Chaplin’s Office
A nest of cushions and linens squeezes between this room’s rear wall and a battered desk covered in folded paper animals. A sculpted emblem of a spiraling comet overlooks the otherwise ransacked room.
Inside a nurse Tolman Leolies has two young survivors here to keep them where things are calm and safe. Tolman has done so admirably, distracting Brenton Lieklan and Maeve Kostenbau with paper folding crafts (Maeve likes making animals, while Brenton works on perfecting an orchid-like shape).
Chaplin’s shrine and records.
Candles array themselves before a violet wall hanging embroidered with the shape of a spiraling comet. A wall of bars divides the room, locking away a row of filing cabinets. The cabinets look untouched, evidently the bars stopped any looting.
Crystal moves to provide a comforting ear to the two kids in the office. Evidently, the nurse and the kids are grateful enough to give her the full story.
"Brenton... little one, do you remember what your brother looks like? I'll see if I can find him."
The kids suddenly see a gnomish face showing up on top of Crystal's shoulder, with Lizzie leaning on her back.
"Hello you four ^_^....
Wow, that's some nice handiwork you are making there.
Can you teach me?"
The boys are only too enthusiastic to show Lizzie how to fold paper and before long she's folded a crane!
Crystal manages to coax a description of Debis out of Brenton, "About yae high, with short blond hair, blue eyes and freckles. Ma'am he's only eight, he doesn't really understand. I know he's so frightened, he's always had such horrible dreams. Please help him!"
Filbert enters the chapel shrine drawn to the bars and the files beyond, taking a moment to search the room for a key.
If one is not found, Filbert moves to the bars and test the drawers on the filing cabinets , trying to use telekinisis to open them and remove files or other items that might be found within.
While Winter is still within earshot "Madame Winter, whats is the meaning of the spiral comet embroydered on the curtain?"
There's no key but there is a lock.
Crystal nods at Brenton and playfully ruffles his hair. "I'll find him, don't you worry."
As Crystal walks into the archives where the records are kept, she catches Filbert's question. "That right there is the holy symbol of the Lady of Graves."
She holds her holy symbol up. "I should know."
"Apologies, I thought it was familiar just a much bigger version than I had seen before." Filbert says in deference to the two clerics.
"Agrippa? Can you do anything with this? Churches have been known to have their own records as well." Filbert says pointing towards the lock.
Agrippa seems a bit offended Why would you think I might be able to pick a lock, do I seem like some common criminal to you?
Momijii was quite pleased at the praise for her efforts, it seemed odd to her that these people had never seen such acts before, it seemed to her they should be commonplace. She looked to teh guard who had made the comment about never having seen anything like that and said to him, "It takes a lot of practice. I've studied the way of the dragon for many years to learn to do that." Her lips twitched in a smile, "I bruised and broke my hands many times before getting it right." She placed her right fist into the open palm of her left hand and bowed slightly to the guard, "I'm pleased that you liked the demonstration."
Momijii spent some time speaking with the guards before Winter found them again and listened as her companions asked their questions of her. Not being an intellectual she let them do the talking unless she came up with something to add, which she didn't. When they entered the study she saw the children making things from paper. The lovely martial artist found herself drawn to the craft they were doing and joined Crystal with the children. She took a piece of paper without thinking, almost as if in a trance, and began to fold it. She made the folds crisp and, without really knowing how, she made a small paper crane. When she finished she she held it up and pulled gently on the tail causing the wings to move slightly and said, "クレーン"