Lelwyn gives a dirty look as Ven grabs the paintings from his hands. "I made them. No, there are no more, so be careful."
"I was inspired to put these images to canvas after several nights of vivid dreams. The images were so clear at the time, though the details escape me now. The faces, in particular, eluded me."
[B["When were those dreams?"[/b]
"Over the last week, give or take," Lelwyn replies. "I didn't think about it much at the time, but now that we're speaking of it, I recall the sensation that 'Thrushmoor’s destiny somehow depends on them,'" he gestures to the figures in the triptych.
He hesitates, but adds, "Would you mind sitting for me, to let me finish the details? I will gladly pay you for your time."
Ben nods and follows the man. ”Yes, make it quick.”
Lelwyn smiles and guides you to a clear spot in his studio, giving you both a stool to sit up. He gathers a few sheets of paper and charcoal pencils then gets to work sketching your likenesses. He directs you as he draws, having you turn or look up to better catch the light. Most of the time, he has you remain still while he moves around you, all the time making marks on paper. In all, it takes the half-elf about thirty minutes.
"Thank you," Lelwyn says at last. "I will update the triptych presently. What with those noisy squatters occupying the chapel, I won't be able to get much work done in there anyhow." He fishes out his purse and hands you both 10 gold coins.
"Speaking of noisy squatters, it's high time we go visit them and see how Winter is doing."
Aenian accepts the payment wordlessly, but does take one suspicious glance back at the artist and his triptych as they depart.
Ven nods, "Yeah, this was probably a waste of time."
He also takes a moment to study the drawings before following Aenian out to the cathedral.
You leave Lelwyn's studio and cross the street to the New Chapel. With the morning light, the refugees are starting to stir. A few of them are moving around outside the chapel, preparing food and gathering water for those inside. The building itself is a modestly-sized chapel dedicated to Pharasma. The goddess's spiral is depicted in a large stained glass window above the main doors. Inside, the chapel is clearly unfinished. You can see Lelwyn's partially complete mural along the back wall, and there is no seating yet installed.
Inside, the chapel is crowded with the makeshift beds of the Briarstone refugees. You see a handful of people you recognize, including Doctor Elbourne, Nasya and young Brenton. Vaustin York, sitting in a corner by the door, waves and stands to come greet you. You see no sign of Winter.
Ven smiles affably at the group. "Greetings friends. How are you faring?"
He turns to study mural on the back wall. "We met with the artist Lelwyn. He's quite gifted, and a bit eccentric, but I do not believe he is the only whom is creating the graffiti. We will get to the bottom of that once we talk to the constable and restore some semblance of order around here. Do any of you have any idea why Barawyn Cesyll has decided to barricade herself in?"
"Dr Elbourne, good to see you again. Odd town we are in ... apparently again. Patients doing well I hope? Where is Winter hiding. Wouldn't mind asking her about her comrades we encountered recently."
Elbourne nods, smiling tiredly at the greeting. "We are doing alright. Shelter and a quiet night helped immensely. Luckily, most of our 'patients' have manageable conditions, and the former staff have worked together to keep everyone calm. I sent out some folks to get food this morning, and luckily a few generous locals donated supplies." He wipes his brow, continuing. "This is only a temporary solution though. Several of these people still need dedicated professional care. I plan to speak with the magistrate later today, to see what assistance the town officials can provide."
"As for Winter, I haven't seen her since last night."
Vaustin joins you, adding, "She left after we got everyone settled. Said she was going to the Sleepless Agency."
Aenian groans, "I thought she told us she was going to be there! I hope she didn't get caught up in all this missing persons business."
Aenian checks on the children and others that they connected with in the Asylum before grabbing Ven to depart for the store.
Vaustin follows you outside, then speaks in a low voice. "Now that we're out of the Briarstone... situation, I haven't got much to do here." He gestures towards the chapel. "They're as safe and secure now as they're gonna be."
"So, uh... If you want some help, especially if Winter's in trouble, I'd be happy to join you."
Ven nods at Vaustin, "We can use the help."
He runs after Aenian.
"Sure Vaustin, you're handy in a pinch!"
Vaustin smiles and steps into place behind you. Noticing your somewhat lost expressions, he guides you to the few vendors in town.
"The High Mart is a kind of an upscale market for the town's well-to-do. You can usually find all kinds of imports from across the lake, or down from Caliphas."
"An alchemist runs Healer's House, where you can get whatever tinctures and elixirs you need."
"If you're after weapons, armor or metalwork, Binter's Smithy is in Thrushmoor's tiny dwarven community."
Ven will stop into High Mart and will inquire on ordering a +2 headband of vast intelligence.
The High Mart vendors are reluctant to risk the order until Ven starts showing some coin, then they are immediately helpful. The item will take 1 week to be shipped down from Caliphas.
Vaustin looks sheepish.
As Aenian peruses the wares, he spies Vaustin shadowing them, "Captain, we need to get you better equipped than that if you're going to come with us."
Aenian will purchase some scrolls/formula if available as well as a masterwork chain shirt. Will post formula later.
Gonna purchase the following formula/scrolls if available: see alignment, vocal alteration and disguise self.
Also would the following be available?
Specifically the blue scarf for now. Others maybe later as we progress.
Although I'm still aiming for effortless lace as my next purchase in time with my next feat selection or down time for retrain.
Aenian will buy the scrolls and chain shirt now and then order the blue scarf. If it's pay on delivery he will also order effortless lace.
Pick up 2 potions of CLW for Vaustin and 2 of shield of faith as well.
Heading up to Count Lowls place unless we think we can track Winter at all?
Ah. OK, yes. Let's do that.
You finish your business at the High Mart and start towards Fort Hailcourse. Just as you are on the edge of the market square, a voice calls out in a cultured accent. "Oh my, is that you, Ven Vega?" You look to see a tall, thin older woman with a sour, pinched face. She is dressed in an expensive black dress with violet embroidery. She observes you through a pair of spectacles on a silver chain. "It is!" she says, strangely excited. "Look, Natty, this is the special seer I told you about," she says to the plump woman at her side. This one is also well-dressed, and regards Ven hungrily.
The thin lady walks up towards you, explaining on the way. "For a modest fee, he reads your fortune, and provides... other entertainments." The latter she adds with a knowing wink. As she nears, she waves her spectacles at Ven. Her perfume is eye-watering. "Where have you been, my man? I have missed our... appointments."
*
Leaving the marketplace, you round the corner to the street approaching Fort Hailcourse. Something catches your eye, poking up between the row of trees to your left. Atop a small rise in the center of town is a strange monument. It is a semi-circular monolith of dark stone, twelve feet tall, and etched with odd runes across its surface. The top three-foot section is cut away, displaying a misshapen star rune on the flat facing.
*
You climb the low hillock up to the gates of Fort Hailcourse. The heavy gray clouds seem to hang just an arm's reach above the parapets. The only entrance to the fort is a set of ten-foot-high double door located on the south side of this large stone building. Tarnished brass door knockers carved into the shapes of perching birds hang on the doors, and the hatch for the spyhole remains shuttered.
Ven squints at the thin women, "I've been tied up at the asylum. Amnesia I'm afraid. I have no recollection of our ..." He coughs uncomfortably. "Appointments. All very professional I'm sure. Now, we have official business to attend to - very important you know. But, I am interested in learning more of our acquaintance. What is your name and where can I find you?"
At Fort Hailcourse, Ven will study the fort for a while before using the knockers.
Aenian will pause for a moment to inspect the monument, running his fingers along the runes and otherwise spending a few moments in curiosity.
Aenian leaves Red Destiny sheathed but stands at the ready to the side of the door out of the view of the spyhole.
The woman gives Ven a sour look as if she smelled spoiled milk. "'Amnesia'? Are you playing coy, you hooligan? Don't think to overstep your station, no matter if the Count favors you or not." She leans in a little closer, asking in a conspiratorial voice. "So, where has the Count gone? Surely you must know."
*
At the fort, Ven looks around the area. The fort is quiet, with no sounds of life coming from within. Even the rest of the town seems distant from your spot in the hill overlook, shrouded in patches of fog below. A couple of guards stand watch from two of the five towers, miserable in the rain. They make no real reaction to you.
Ven uses the knocker and its retort echoes from within. There is no immediate answer, but after a few moments of persistence, the spyhole finally opens. A harried-looking woman with short blonde hair and blue eyes looks out. She wears a stiff blue jacket, buttoned to the neck, and a purple headband. She sees Ven and sighs wearily. "What is it? We're on lockdown, so if you've come here for help, you're going to be disappointed."
Ven shakes his head and shrugs at the woman. "The funny thing about amnesia is that you can't remember anything. Good day, my lady."
Ven smiles at the woman. "As it turns out, we're here to help you! I'm Ven and this is my friend Aenian. We would like to speak to Barawyn Cesyll, please. I assure you, we are of no threat."
He holds up his empty hands.
"No threat." Aenian nods sagely in agreement.
Aenian examines the tall menhir up close. He cannot quite identify the stone it is carved from, and the symbols mean nothing to him.
"The locals don't know what they are, either," Vaustin shrugs. "Rumor is they've been here since before the town was even a settlement. There's another one on the isle across from the fish market."
*
The woman frowns and narrows her eyes at Ven. "I am Barawyn," she sighs. "Thank you for your offer, but everything is under control here. The fort is shuttered until further notice."
Ven tries again. "Listen, things are not under control in town. We need you to reassert authority in Briarwood. There is chaos down there. We can help you restore order. There is no need for you to stay here. Why in heavens have you barricaded yourself in?"
"The magistrate's orders, that's why," Barawyn retorts, somewhere between agitated and exhausted. "Magistrate Padgett left me in charge when he left town, but ordered me to keep the fort locked up tight. Besides, I haven't got anybody here to 'help restore order'... all our hired help quit a couple weeks ago. Its just me and a couple volunteers now, and we can't both patrol the town and watch the fort."
With a weary shake of the head, she adds, "Look, I know everyone is on edge, with the disappearances and all. I've spent sleepless nights trying to come up with something to help, but I simply haven't got the resources. I've sent pigeons for days, asking for reinforcements or any word from Padgett, but not one reply."
Ven nods grimly. "I understand your dilemma. Please consider us your volunteers. We can help you restore order in town. Your current men can keep the tower secure. Why do you think Magistrate Padgett was so concerned about the tower?"
"Concerned about the tower? I cannot guess what he was thinking, but I doubt he forsaw the mercenary company departing after he went on his 'important errand'." She shakes her head and bites off saying something rude. "Look, until I hear from the Magistrate or find some reinforcements, here's nothing more I can really do."
"Where did the Magistrate head? You still have some pigeons to send?"
"I don't know," she replies, getting more irritated. "If I did, I'd probably have figured out why he hasn't come back."
"Or you could stop being rude to us, its not like we just came in off s boat. Send a pigeon, we can try and folkow it, and who knows ... we just might be abke to help you with yoir dilemma."
Barawyn turns red and shouts, "Look, I'm taking care of it the best I can. Why don’t you go talk to the Sleepless Agency and see what they’re doing about all this?" She slams the spy hole shut.
Ven shrugs. "We're wasting our time here. Let's go to Lowl's mansion. I suspect he is the root of all this."
"Yeah, she was super unhelpful. I want a word with Lowls, too. We've been avoiding this too long. If I'm being honest, I'm a bit nervous about what we're going to find out. I don't like how people have been reacting to the sight of us."
Aenian sets off with a determined stride.
You leave the fort gates and walk back down into town and towards Iris Hill. As you pass near the Silver Wagon, you encounter the doomsayer again. "They knew! They were a part of it, and then they absconded. They ran to their mistress and now await our coming doom!" Elgrior Nesmeth is standing in the crossroads outside the tavern, shouting at all passersby. He spots you approaching and nods knowingly. "They have seen the lights on the water! The Briarstone Witch has returned!"
Ven will try to talk to Elgrior. "What else do you know about us? What exactly do you see in your visions about this Briarstone Witch? Where is she? What does she look like? What does she want?"
Elgrior's eyes blaze and he is inspired by your queries. I:saw her in a dream, rising up from Avalon Bay and plucking townsfolk from their homes with her wicked, long nails." He shudders, then continues with rising energy and volume. "She wants our souls! To feed them to her dark nameless god for power! She wants our bodies! To feast upon the flesh of our carcasses! I do not know why... some things have no explanation, or more likely learning the truth would drive you mad. She consumed the town, millennia ago, in the first Thrushmoor Vanishing. She has returned to bring our doom once more!"
In a slightly hushed voice, he adds, "They say she lairs in a cave along the water outside town. Toli Remsatter saw strange lights there just the other day. Doubtless she weaves her vile rituals as we speak!"
"This guy is a crazed loon. We can go talk to Toli if we are desparate for understanding weirdness and out of other leads but right now we need to find Lowls and then Winter."
Aenian glances at Ven in irritation.