Ethyl explains Winter, ”Well my dear the state of things is that we’ve returned fully to reality and removed the Apostle’s in Orpiment’s leadership. I suspect the oneirogen’s were the main force for pulling us towards the Dimension of Dreams and once the Tattermand was dealt with nothing was anchoring us there.”
She tuts dismissively, ”If only Administrator Losandro wasn’t so incompetent and Count Lowls did not enable her. I believe she performed a magical ritual from a tome that Lowls provided her that releases someone’s nightmares. This certainly is what called the Tatterman to Zandalus and likely possessed him.”
She continued to disparage Losandro, ”If she had slowed down and not messed with matters she understood not at all, none of this likely would have happened. Some small amount of blame can be lain at Count Lowls feet since he had interest in Zandalus’s sketches for some reason.”
Finally she says, ”I could murder a rack of lamb right now and really need a proper bed, but I suppose I should check the humors of each of the former Apostles to rule out doppelgangerism and ghoul fever.”
Iosif has about the expected instinctual reaction to a prayer to Pharasma, and obviously doesn't participate. "The doctor said all I wanted to say," he says mid-clean of his musket.
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Nyarai raises a finger and cocks an eyebrow. "Um... The meeting?", she offers a timid reminder.
Enoch simply smiles stupidly at Winter while Ethyl speaks...
Alvar considers for a moment when Ethyl talks about Losandro. "I'm not certain that that is the whole of what has happened here, but it seems a reasonable hypothesis for now. I'd like to investigate the specifics more deeply, but I am uncertain whether time will permit me that chance."
They look thoughtful as they continue. "It doesn't explain why the Tatterman was interested in Zandalus in the first place, for one..." Though that does make one wonder whether it was Lowls' interest in Zandalus' dreams and artwork that prompted the Tatterman to probe him, or vice versa.
Shaking themself, they nod to Nyarai. "She's correct. One Wren - an orderly or a nurse, I believe - wishes to meet with us in the administrator's office. With you, specifically, Winter. I would remain cautious, however, of doppelgängers - and ghouls, to a lesser extent. Doppelgängers may attempt to infiltrate either base or disrupt any discussion that you might have with him."
Now I'd really prefer to take the chance to write some spells up in my grimoire, if I could be permitted...
"A valid concern, Alvar. And thank you for the enlightenment of the circumstances, Ethyl." Winter's brow arched as the doctor laid into Losandro's hubris, the corners of her mouth twitching upwards. "I am willing to meet with the representatives of the others. I want to work together to get everyone off and out of this place. However, you all look exhausted. Please rest. I will make preparations while you do so."
When the party wakes, they are greeted with the warm golden light of the dawn filtering in through the stain glass windows of the chapel. While there are no birds singing, the joyous sounds of the survivors praising the gods for the dawn makes up for that.
Winter will allow double rations this morning for breakfast, and when the party is ready she will ask to be escorted to the Administrator's office.
Enoch wakes, prays, eats, sips the water carefully so he doesn't choke and prepares to escort Winter to the other contingent of patients, prisoners, profiteers, and political problems properly put in their places...
Ethyl has a number of projects she wished to start working on, but she just didn't have the necessary materials. She settled for reading the Chain of Nights. She marveled at how advanced the book was for when it was supposedly written and began to take notes and compare them with her own conclusions.
Her dreams were troubled though she couldn't quite remember why when she woke up. At least she managed to sleep throughout the night.
Nyarai enjoys the rest. The circles under her eyes diminish slightly, at least. Waking up, she immediately gets to stitching her half-tattered shawl. Once the day progresses towards dawn, she stands up and just waits near the door to the chapel.
Cantrips DC 15
Dancing Lights
Mending
Stabilize
Touch of Fatigue
L1 DC 16
Identify
Mage Armor
Enlarge Person
Detect Secret Doors
L2 DC 17
Glitterdust
Enchantment Sight
Once Ethyl had her fill of the Chain of Nights she retired to the former priest's office and discovered exactly what she needed to brew a lesser panacea. She knew the art of potion making needed to engage all of the traditional senses, the mind, and the spirit or soul.
For base of the potion she used water, which she needed to purify with an evaporator and condenser. For sight she cut an unblemished piece of the asylum walls, she ground it to a powder with a mortar and pestle. For sound she rung a bell used for ceremonies over the brew. Smell she put in a few drops of antiseptic iodine. Touch she used the fibers from a rough bed sheet given to the patients, freshly bleached and starched. For taste was a fresh spoonful of dinner, boiled potatoes. For the mind a page from the journal of the priest describing how he healed one of the patients. For the spirit she used a prayer from one of Pharasma's faithful, Enoch.
Enoch asks Pharasma for her restoration of the lesser variety..
Once everyone is able, willing and ready, the Paladin of Pharasma leads the Exodus....
Following the paladin, Winter and the rest of the former "patients" pass through the foyer into the library, down the hall into the Administrator's office. Losandro's body is still absent . The dawn's light has a hard time reaching into this space, as the windows face north and west rather than east, but the light of the sun provides a welcome level of illumination that had been absent for however long a time you had been here.
Neither Wren or the other camp's representatives are not present, no doubt waiting for confirmations from the party that a meeting was on the docket. Winter pauses to look at the dried wide circle of blood in the middle of the floor and the general mess of the place.
"What evils had this dream unleashed?" She muttered rhetorically, rubbing her holy symbol with her thumb.
Enoch's blue eyes smile at Winter, as the Paladin prepares to fetch Wren and company.
Be right back. I think we neglected to actually establish a time for the meet.
Enoch goes to get Wren....
Enoch returns some minutes later with Wren, who has discarded his doctor's coat and carries hastily assembled notes. Pleasantries are exchanged and the meeting is held at the stone desk.
Wren lists off what he knows of his camp's issues, and Winter attempts to make assurances that no one will be left behind. Unless the party speaks up, the meeting is brief and the two "leaders" decide to start moving people off the island today, starting with the most in need of proper care. The ferry should be at the docks, a system in place to allow at least one boat at either end of the trip across the Danver River to Thrushmoor, thus preventing isolation.
Again, unless the party intervenes, the two camps begin shuttling the most critical to the foyer and consolidating foodstuffs and medical supplies. Winter will ask the party to help oversee the most in need back to Thrushmoor.
"I trust you five to ensure they get help and open communications. Go to New Chapel, the clergy of Pharasma there will be able to tend to the patients. Afterwards, if you would do me another favor, go to the Sleepless Building and ask after Accuser Omari. If you can meet with the Accuser, let her know everything you've told me and that I need help here."
Alvar scratches their chin as they watch the ongoing meeting, eyes sweeping over the participants warily. I suppose I haven't had any good experiences with comrades. They muse to themself. Or maybe I'm just an intrinsically untrusting person. Seems like the sort of thing that might be normal for someone with my heritage.
They glance over the foyer for what might be the final time. "I admit," they say to no one in particular, "to wishing to examine this sanitarium in more depth than I've had the chance to. I can't help but feel like we've missed something... important." They shake their head, spreading their six-fingered hands with a sigh. "But I suppose we have other mysteries to examine, and a number of injured to take care of, as well."
Ethyl scoffs at spending more time here, "While I will always relish our time recovering here, all things must come to an end. The sooner we leave the better."
She glances between Enoch and Iosif, "To New Chapel then, and then the Sleepless Detectives. Perhaps one of them knows more about Count Lowls's business. I would like a word with him about my incarceration."
The Tortured Crusader's blue eyes linger a bit on the haunting facade of the Asylum.
Born of ash and filth to perform the works of Pharasma.
The Paladin then turns those blue eyes to Ethyl, Alvar, Iosef, and Nyarai. The former patient seems to be ...a bit more focused than his previous presentation.
Yes. Let's go to New Chapel. I would like to continue with this.. inquiry.
Once again, Iosif twitches at mention of Pharasma, as if the goddess is anathema to the gunslinger. "I would like a word with all those who caused this as well," he says while servicing his musket.
Stretchers and what remains of the faculty help bring the most in need outside. A wagon is pulled up to the entrance, pulled by the four strongest aids. The creaking of the wheels sends familiar shivers down the party's spines, and a flash of being brought here dances across their sight:
A man - Barnellus - bowed his head to a hooded, fur-cloaked man. "Losandro has briefed me on the situation. As per your agreement, we will receive your associates."
"Good." The hooded man's face is now visible, wearing darkly tinted spectacles and his black and gray-striped beard spilling neatly from the hood. "I'm glad Losandro and I could reach an ... understanding. I do hope this will satisfy Losandro."
Barnellus runs his hands over the cover of The Chain of Nights as a smile grows on his lips. "If this book does all you've claimed, then it will."
Frustration, anger, betrayal, mayhaps even a murderous intent or two simmer as you make your way down the path to the boathouse. A wide, half-covered ferry sat within, large enough to take the half-dozen critical patients, the five of you, and the two orderlies. Boarding, Enoch and Iosif and a tag-teaming orderly raise the single sail and begin the fortunately smooth few hour trip towards Thrushmoor.
The boat set off about late morning, sailing a total of three hours down the Danver and along the shore of Lake Encarthan. The town of Thrushmoor is first encountered by a gallows on a small islet. The sturdy wooden scaffolding is balanced with a tight metal cage with a few days old cadaver stuffed inside. A murder of crows pick at the mildew-riddled corpse, cawing as the barge nears their feast.
A few other fishing boats hail you as you slip into the docks of Thrushmoor, directing you to New Chapel another 1200 ft east along the town's coastline. The rumor mill must have heralded you, as a severe looking woman and a handful of aides await your arrival on the shore and help unload the patients and wounded.
"I am Priestess Trilliss Mavaine," the woman introduces herself. "Are you from Briarstone? I must ask what has happened, since Winter's party left but yesterday."
"Great question." Nyarai mumbles under her breath with a slight smile.
Ethyl quirks her eyebrows unsure how much to tell and quietly wonders how time could flow so differently. She settled on, "Briarstone was destroyed by an earthquake and we seek refuge for the surviving patients and staff. Are you able to provide succor?"
Enoch's blue eyes widen at the mentioning of only yesterday...
The Paladin then begins to off load the injured as Ethyl demonstrates disgression.
"I can confirm that we're from Briarstone," Iosif adds just to be sure.
"I see." Trilliss frowned. "Of course, we will offer whatever aid we can."
The patients are unloaded and the orderlies request aid in sending more boats to Briarstone to evacuate the island. Trilliss herself looks over the five of you to ensure you aren't suffering physical or mental aliments that should be addressed. She continues to ask questions, confused as to this situation.
"I believe such an earthquake would have been felt here in Thrushmoor if Briarstone were deemed unsafe to remain. Again, Sister Klaczka only left yesterday morning. Have you no more information? And what of Klaczka, is she safe?"
Enoch shakes the cobwebs from his ears, as the Priestess continues to indulge in her curiosity.
Excuse our manner, Priestess Trilliss. I am Theodore Samuel Walden Carter servant of Pharasma at your service. Winter is currently rounding up the remaining patients to be brought over also. We are much appreciative of your assistance and patience with the situation. I believe Winter will be better equipped to fill you in on any particulars.
"Yesterday?" Nyarai seems surprised and turns to the priestess, avoiding eye contact. "We met her a few days ago, at least. In Briarstone." The sylph scratches her temple, clutching the shawl with her other hand. "We don't really know what happened. When we woke up with amnesia, the place was already in ruin. The people in the asylum said it was an earthquake, but there were a lot of strange things happening. Shapeshifters walking around on murder sprees, people turning undead overnight, talking rats, outlines of strange creatures moving outside the building, the yellow fog-" She stops, realising the group just arrived from an insane asylum and she is talking nonsense. "I know how this sounds. We are not crazy..."
There is a pause, and she raises her finger to add an additional point. "Winter can confirm everything, if you can trust her..."
"I have no reason to doubt Sister Klaczka, she was chosen to accompany a Royal Accuser. Very well, I will try and rally aid to evacuate Briarstone, if things are that bad there, but I must warn you things are not well here, either.
Trilliss glances west, into Thrushmoor. "We find ourselves leaderless. The Count is not responding to pleas or questions, both Iris Hill and Fort Hailcourse are sealed off and refusing entry, and there are stranger things occurring here the last few days. Bringing in ... merciful Lady, that many patients?" An asylum staff member states that almost fifty patients need to be moved. "We must keep this controlled. I hope none of the violent patients are coming?" She relaxes when confirmed the worst ones are dead or thoroughly restrained.
"I will be busy trying to organize relief and find housing. Feel free to head into Thrushmoor and attend to your own needs."
The Tortured Crusader nods his affirmation at the nice Priestess, as she departed.
Perhaps a hot bath, clean clothes and hot food are in order?
Ethyl nods, says, and asks "Quite. Would you kindly point us in the direction of an inn? Once we've bathed we should find the Sleepless Detective agency and inquire about about the Royal Accuser, I would also like to pay the Count a visit, perhaps we can persuade his seneschal to grant us an audience, since he apparently knows us well enough."
As they moved throughout Thrushmoor she keep an eye out for merchants eager to buy the treasures they had recovered from Briarstone.
"The Silver Wagon should have at least have enough space for you." Trilliss comments. "It is on the other side of town, and the Sleepless Building would be on your way." She will give directions .
"Thank you," Iosif says while nodding. "I do wonder what kind of people we will meet, and if they will be as... ludicrous as the ones in a literal asylum. I do hope not."
Enoch's blue eyes look down at his tattered formerly white robes.
Perhaps a clothing outfitters also.
Ethyl nods, "A change of clothes is in order yes, let's see what's available."
She considered what outfit would go best with her pearl necklace but eventually settled on something practical. She also hunted for a potion of mage armor.
Once the short shopping trip was done she recommended, "Shall we visit the Sleepless Detectives?"
[Oo
Enoch simply smiles at Ethyl, as the Paladin walks off to find a few particular things after they split the proceeds from the Asylum.....
At the appointed meeting time, the appearance of a totally different, visually inspiring even Paladin greets his newest companions. The proud Holy symbol of Pharasma center on his pristine white tabard seems to draw the eyes.
Much better! I feel like my old self a bit now. Praise Pharasma. Her patient is properly transforming forward.
Enoch nods to Ethyl.
Sleepless Detective Agency sounds right.
The noticable change in his voice, demeanor, confidence is evident....
AT THE SLEEPLESS DETECTIVE AGENCY
In public, Cesadia Wrentz had to maintain a measure of control and calm in these trying, confusing times. However, in the privacy of her office, she slumped in her plush chair and dragged her hands over her face. Things in Thrushmoor were falling apart.
The knock on the door did little to improve her exhausted posture. “Madame Wrentz? I have news.”
“Enter.”
Lucky Joslyn slipped inside the office, closing the door behind her. “Madame, a barge from Briarstone just sailed into town. Four of those ‘known associates’ are on board, along with several patients from Briarstone.”
“Is Winter among them?”
“No. They didn’t offer much in the way of rational news. They say there was an earthquake, a riot, and that Winter’s still on the Isle. There’s a couple orderlies spouting nonsense about days passing since Winter’s arrival yesterday.”
Cesadia groaned. “Lady save us, not more insanity. Tell Curwen and Loosey I have a new assignment for them.”
When the newer agents arrive, Cesadia has buttoned up her blouse and straightened her hair, only her eyes giving away her state of mind. “Joseph Curwen. Loosey. Firstly, thank you both for stepping up these last few days. With the Royal Accuser going missing, the Count vanishing, the manor and fort sealed off, the kidnappings, and reports of paranormal activity, things are quickly falling apart.”
“Secondly, I must once again reassign you. Four persons of interest have sailed into port. Known associates of Count Lowls, they might have information on his plans. Doctor Ethyl Ermengarde, Enoch the Wanderer, Iosif Formicidescu, and Nyarai of Qadira. We have no word on Alvarixios Zedeno or Elyssa Volgori, so there is no need to pursue those leads. Ingratiate yourselves into their group and learn what you can about them and their employer. Any questions?”
ELSEWHERE IN THRUSHMOOR
Trilliss will arrange for the party to have clothing delivered and baths drawn, noting with pinched nose the state of the patient uniforms you had arrived in. Enoch, revealing his status as a paladin of Pharasma, is offered clean robes by Trilliss herself. As the party composes themselves, Trilliss will explain some more of what is occurring.
The atmosphere in town is sullen. Windows are shuttered, townsfolk rush between stops, and most avoid your disheveled states. Despite escaping the yellow fog, the light of morning is marred by dark storm clouds that threaten to burst at any moment. The roads are muddy, rain and fog is a common feature here, it would seem. Reports of paranormal activity, kidnappings, the Fort and Iris Hill being sealed off from the outside, and rumors that the town’s leader – Count Haserton Lowls IV – has skipped town, leaving who knows who in charge. The founder and head of the Sleepless Detective Agency, one Cesadia Wrentz, has assumed temporary authority due to no one else wanting the position or being of sound-enough mind to handle the job. Considering the state the party sailed into town, Trilliss figured it would be best to let you reenter society with your best foot forward.
Loosey looks nervously over at Joseph, and back to her boss. She was surprised to have been called to a meeting with another agent, and she is anxious to make a good impression on him. She is also excited and a little intimidated to be leaping into the Lowls case after several months of working other jobs at the Agency. She wants very much to do a good job, and she almost quivers with anticipation. "Known associates? Do we know where they are staying here in Thrushmoor?"