Ulfric makes an examination, but finds no evil among the common folk. You get some interesting looks as you disembark; they no doubt expected simple fishermen, not armed and and prepared combatants.
York seems to sense the tension, and puts a hand on Ulfric's shoulder. I know...hard to trust anything at this point. But, this looks right...looks like Thrushmoor. I've only been here a few times, but I recognize the fish market. See the lanterns there... He indicates an amber-colored crystal lantern under the atrium that covers the stalls. That's Glowing Jill. There's a local legend here that says the lantern, brought by the founders of Thrushmoor, was part of the magical illumination of an underwater palacein the middle of Lake Encarthan, and that its slumbering magic sometimes awakens to cast a supernatural glow in the middle of the town.
You look around the fog shrouded town, and see in the distance a fort perched up on a crest at the north edge of town. Also, at the northwestern edge of town, there's a huge residence up on a hill.
T'eron studies his new surroundings, looking for anything that may provide some additional background.
You have some random memories, slight glimpses of inspiration, about this place. Though your own memories have been erased, these glimpses usher in bed - of places, maybe?
Fort Hailcourse
Sleepless Building
The Star Stelae
Ulfric nods to York. "Thank you for letting me know. I have no memory of this place."
"I think we should proceed as planned. York will remain with the boat, while we head up to the manner. York, see if you can organize a large group of boats to return and pick up everyone else. No point in doing it a dozen at a time."
York nods, but looks up to the town with some measure of trepidation. Will do. Been a while since I've been here, but I may have some contacts here that ain't gone. I'll see what I can drum up. Hey...be careful there...somethin' don't look quite right.
As you walk up the slope from the dock and fish market into the town proper, you can agree. The thick fog, while not like the sickly yellow mist, is still a thick gray blanket over the town. People seem to scurry out of the way at your approach, more than normally fearful at your appearance, or maybe at the appearance of anything in this seemingly stricken town.
You pass by one of the walls and notice an odd painting, done in bleak charcoal. The painting is of a strange, alien city, devoid of inhabitants, but with oddly shaped structures that stretch off under and endless sky. As you stand looking at it, you feel the buildings closing in about you, and you have to shake away the feeling.
Campus shakes off York's warning. Now this is village living! Campus exclaims excitedly. First thing is first, find an inn, take a bath. Especially you T'eron.
That painting is... ominous...
Ulfric examines the painting for a moment, trying to figure out why it disturbs him so.
Ulfric leads the way to the manor house, stopping to investigate any other ominous paintings.
You head up the small hill from the docks to an intersection - homes and businesses surrounding you. You see more, normal people about, but most of them turn the other way, some even rushing away and into one of the buildings. It seems like there's a sense of fear among them, though whether it's just towards you or to everyone in general, you can't tell.
You head to the west, keeping the large manor in your vision. Soon you come to a large building that is, quite apparently, an inn. There's a sign overtop the door that says "The Silver Wagon." There's also a man outside in an apron, scrubbing at the wall with a thick brush to remove yet another of the odd charcoal drawings, this one of a dark sky that stretches into the distance only to be devoured by an open eye with a wide mouth.
The man turns to watch you as you pass, his eyes dark and his posture defensive. His eyes track you the entire time that you walk past, then he turns back to his work.
You head up the hill towards the manor, and find a massive hedge surrounding the grounds and a squat gatehouse standing as the only passage through it. The exterior double door of the gatehouse has a small hatch that can act, presumably, as a window for a guard to slide aside and look out of.
Ulfric approaches the gate house and knocks.
"Hello, we are here to speak with the Manor Lord about some... interesting happenings."
The small hatch opens, and a set of gray eyes peers out at you. The Count is away on business; you'll have to come back and check in for him at another time.
In light of current events, we are not accepting any visitors.
The man then slams the hatch back into the closed position.
T'eron, breaking his temporary travel silence, wonders out loud "Perhaps there is another way into the manor? We may find something useful inside and it appears that we aren't going to be welcomed in anyway."
Cerio pounds on the door, then cups his hands over his mouth and yells loudly.
"But, but-- we done come from th' asylum! Briarstone! 'N boy, we seen some things!"
The guard opens the hatch again, and his eyes seem a bit softer as he looks at Cerio. Look, I'm sorry if you've seen some hard times, but times here in town are just as bad. Right now, with the Count away, we have no one here who can help you. If you want to come back tomorrow, maybe I can talk to my shift leader and see if there's anything we can do.
T'eron looks about and finds that this place is quite the fort. The hedge is well manicured and cut square, but it is very dense, several feet thick, and tall enough that T'eron would have trouble climbing it from the ground. He can see movement within, presumably more guards walking the perimeter.
"Thank you for your time, Sir. We will return tomorrow if its not too much of an intrusion to see what can be done." Looking at Cerio and then back to the guard, with utmost politeness and deference Ulfric continues, "When my companion here says "we've seen somethings", what he means is that Briarstone has fallen under attack from some form of Eldritch horror and we wish to inform the Count so that preparations can be made accordingly. With the count away, we will happily work with you and your shift leader tomorrow, and recuperate in town tonight."
If the guard ceases the conversation, Ulfric will return to the row boat to see how things are going with York.
The little window slides shut, leaving you with the very clear impression that the guard either doesn't believe you or is simply happy to see you go away.
As you walk through town back the way you came, the odd feeling of eyes upon you keeps you constantly looking about, but the streets are mostly free of people, save for a few that seem to be going about their days. You hear some shouting in the distance, and a ways back down the hill, you see a wild-haired human man wearing a sign. He's shaking his fist in every direction, and calling out. Doom is coming! The second vanishing is upon us!
His sign says, simply "DOOM"
"Doom, indeed." replies T'eron while looking at the man and his sign.
Turning to his companions, he continues. "Perhaps we stop by The Silver Wagon on the way back. It would be nice to clean ourselves up a bit, and who knows, we may be able to find out some additional info about...well, everything, hopefully."
It seems the asylum was shut down too soon. Campus remarks dryly. Let us a find an inn then.
The man follows you for a bit, rambling conspiratorial screed, though his logic seems based mostly upon the Briarstone Witch "coming back to take us all." He shuffles off to shout down a side street as you near the Silver Wagon.
The Silver Wagon is a two level affair - a simple tavern below and presumably secure rooms upstairs. A woman comes rushing over to greet you at the door. Oh, no - I don't think so! We don't need your kind back in here! She's a small woman, but with strength borne of years of hard work. She begins to push you out the front door!
Are you talking to us, or shooing that crazed man away? Our gold is good. Cayden's blessings.
You...course I'm talking to you! Cayden, ha! Now you've found your god again, huh? No, we don't need your kind back in here, get out!
Do I know you? Campus is perplexed, and a bit affronted.
The woman's face scrunches up in anger and confusion, and she shakes her head. You're never gonna' get to know me, if I have anything to say about it...now out!
I have never heard of an ale house refuse Cayden's blessing or his blessed clerics. It is clear there is an ill force working in this town.
Turning from the door, Campus motions T'eron. Accompany me as I walk through the town, and do not let anyone disturb me as I do. By Cayden's blessing, I will detect taints of evil, spirits or spells, in radius of 60 paces from where I am. With concentration, I may maintain this state for 40 minutes or more. Perhaps we will discover something. I will begin here.
The woman turns from you with a sneer and a look of distaste, then goes back into the Silver Wagon. You're left looking at the now closed door.
You move about Thrushmoor, looking from building to building, even casting your divine eye back to the supposed doomsayer before heading back to the docks. You don't see any auras of evil, though.
You find York back at the docks, the captain now being in possession of a mighty fleet...of two boats.
Nonetheless, he looks quite proud of himself when you arrive. Well, how'd it go? I found us another boat!
The town is out of beer and they don't want anybody to know.
York seems beyond crestfallen. His face turns ashen, and he looks at T'eron. Is she kidding?
"Just disappointed we were turned away from the Silver Wagon." Ulfric says. "We also didn't get in contact with anyone that can help, and were told to come back tomorrow."
Ulfric looks around for a bit. "Thank you for getting another boat, we can likely help people off the island a bit faster now. My only concern is that they won't have anywhere to go once they get here, and things don't seem friendly at the moment."
"I think I will go back to the Silver Wagon. Something happened here either with Campus or some like her and I think looking into it will get us further along to remembering somethings."
Ulfric will return to the Silver Wagon and try to find the woman who dismissed them earlier.
Campus looks down at herself. Just checking to make sure I'm not still wearing patient uniforms of the asylum. Perhaps someone might disguise themselves as a local and go buy me an ale?
York sniffs and shrugs. Place is somber, for sure. I had one hell of a time getting this one...people are jumpy here. He nods and looks up the hill, then shrugs again and goes back to the boats.
You head back up the hill to the Silver Wagon knock. The door opens again, and the same woman looks up, then nearly leaps back in fright at the sight of Ulfric. She puts her hands up as if to push him away. No-no-no...not you again! Look, we don't want any trouble here! Don't make me call my h-husband! She once again tries to close the door.
Why don't you call your husband? I'd appreciate a second opinion.
She looks aghast, as if your words are some sort of slight. Well, I...
T'eron, with an air of curtness, informs the woman "Look, ma'am, if there is something you wish to tell us - about us - please do. As you can tell, we have no idea what you are talking about, and I guarantee you that we wish you no harm. I personally have no recollection of you at all, or of this fine establishment."
...or of your ugly face. Campus is clearly hangry.
The woman furrows her brows, and opens the door wide - not to let T'eron in, but so she can better point a finger in his face. So drunk you don't remember, huh? Shoulda' known. Well, I'm not letting you bunch back in here to mess up the place again. You wanna get back in here, try cleaning up what you can in Thrushmoor...cause I don't believe your hearts are in the right place.
I see. And when did this happen again? We would be happy to pay for damages, if you can show us any evidence of what we apparently did, but do not remember.
The woman puts her arms over her chest, stance resolute. Tell you what...get that one to go away, and maybe I'll think about it.
She points at the doomsayer, who is rounding the corner once again, shouting out his proclamations for all who may here.
Times here are bad enough without his influence.
Not sure I disagree with the lady right now about letting us in... Campus does make an impression...
Seeing a way to make amends for... whatever the heck it is he and the others dis, Ulfric speaks "We would be happy to help improve Thrushmoor, and starting here seems like a sound idea."
Ulfric looks to his companions, hoping they... well mainly Campus'... go along with it.
Walking over to the Doomsayer, Ulfric asks the man "Sir, I have heard some of your proclamations, but could you please explain them in more detail to me? Please leave nothing out."
Maybe he's not crazy and the info will be useful...
Campus lets her frown relax into a gentle smile.
How long has this man been around? Did he come from... Campus nods significantly across the water toward the ward.
The man looks perplexed at first, as if unsure that someone was actually talking to him. He looks over each shoulder to see if someone was behind him. Seeing no one, he excitedly looks back to Ulfric. The Witch...the Briarstone Witch - she's coming, man! She's coming to take us down into the depths of Lake Encarthan! You'll see; we'll all see. The people in charge, they knew. Why do you think they left? Why do you think people have gone vanishing, huh?
Emboldened by his own words, he boldly grabs Ulfric's elbow, coming in close to look up. She's been spotted, you see. The witch is coming!
Eh man, we'll take care of this witch. Why don't you just leave town towards safety? That should cover travel experiences. Come back in a month, we'll have all these problems cleared out Campus hands him two gold pieces.
The man's eyes widen at the coins, and he quickly pockets them. Well, I...thank ye', ma'am. He leans in close, his tone low and ominous. Look, I'm jes' trying to look out for the folks here - ignorant fools, the lot of 'em! I'll move on and give 'em some time, but they have to hear the truth!
He looks at each of you. Say...maybe you can help me convince 'em, whaddya' say? They may believe someone like you...me, they just see me as a filth-ridden old beggar. Well...I can't rightly say that ain't the truth, but it doesn't help my case none. Look, the Witch has been spotted...we don't have much time!
He shakes his head at the misguided masses that he's apparently charged himself to protect, then turns to leave.
"Don't worry, we will do all we can to help the people of this town. Before you go, could you tell us where the witch was spotted at?" Ulfric asks the man.
He turns quickly, seeming eager now that he's found others who may share in his theories. A' course! She was spotted at a cave just outside of town, along the banks of the lake to the northeast of town. A group a' fisherman saw the beast with their own eyes!
"Thank you kind sir. We will investigate and help keep the townsfolk safe. Please go find somewhere safe to stay."
Once the man leaves, Ulfric turns to the others, "We should look around here and see if there is anything else we can do to earn the good will of the townfolk and any more information about this cave."
The man nods, as if you're now sharing in his beliefs, and turns to walk away. Just watch yourselves...people disappear all the time in Thrushmoor.
He sidles away, shouting a few last warnings down side alleys.
With the man leaving, Ulfric turn back to the Silver Wagon. When approached by the, hopefully now less angry, woman "We've spoken to the man, and he has agreed to leave the area. Could you please let us now what it is we did here, and anything else you might know about us."
The woman partially opens the door, a bit of anger still showing. Well...fine...as long as you pay up your outstanding tab. I'm not having you start up another one with the first left open. That's 39 gold and 6 silvers She holds out her hand.
Hmmm... I haven't enough yet...
"I don't have enough yet, but take what I have." Ulfric will hand her 12 gold and 1 silver pieces. "I will return with the rest once I have it. Until then I won't enter as a sign of good faith."
Ulfric look to the others, and if no one objects he head out around town looking for people to help.
She takes the coins, her eyes still suspicious. But, the coins do indeed help. Well, it's a start. Th - thank you. Come back when you have the rest. I'll talk to my husband, and you can come in then. She shuts the door again, but this time doesn't slam it.
You continue about Thrushmoor, trying to discover what the issue is in this odd town. It just seems as if the commoners are frightened of something; they're skittish and seem scared of their own shadows. When you pass by, most find another path to walk on.
There's what looks like a Pharasman chapel here in town - a two-story wooden building that looks to be part chapel, part, infirmary, and sanctuary. There's a woman in the dress of a priestess there, standing in the chapel's open door and watching a gathering of townsfolk nearby.
The townsfolk are congregating outside of what looks to be an art studio to the north of the temple. As you get closer, you hear one of the folk call out.
Come out Hasok! You have to answer for this...we know you did it!
"Let's get a closer look, maybe this will be of interest...or at least just interesting", T'eron suggests.