The Void Consumes
The robed figure rising out of the cart is in a black cloak with metallic gold fringe. Beckett approaches the Mayor and mimes if he wants help. The Mayor absently nods while staring transfixed to the robed figure. Beckett asks the crowd if someone could explain what is going on here and the person arguing with the Mayor waved Beckett off dismissively. Beckett uses his magehand to tap the person on the shoulder, no response. The cloked figure raised their hands to quiet the crowd when the group catches a glimpse of the person's head under the cloak, seeing what seems to be a horned animal's head with the skull showing. The figure says they are travelers searching for an artifact and just want to rest a few days, and will bring no harm during that time. Eliwick, hidden in the crowd, yells and asks to hear what the artifact looks like. The cloaked figure shares the artifact will allow them to bring about the “Day of the Black Sun”. Beckett responds it seemed like the Sherriff/Mayor had already indicated no, and the figure reiterated they would stay to the edge of town and not interfere with daily routines or the festival. Beckett pulls the Mayor aside asking for guidance and he shares he doesn't want to but is concerned of repercussions due to somewhat outlandish rumors. Cloaked figure cast a conjuration/illusion show to image of what they are looking for - The Dragon's Eye (a great figurine carved from obsidian with fierce emerald eyes). They also illustrate “The Day of the Black Sun” (while revealing their head to have circular dragon-like horns) to be everyone worshiping to be sucked into a black sun and is said to be delivered to paradise.
Mayor and Sherriff share glances and Sherriff says no, Mayor remains silent, Beckett shares the main sentiment historically has been no and figure pushes back, sharing they don't think Beckett is the one to be able to make the decision, Beckett shares he's just the messenger, but the Mayor then folds and agrees to let the group stay in a specific location on the outskirts for up to 3 days. The caravan leaves to the location and the crowd begins murmuring. Rivvikyn heads to the inn, Eliwick goes and keeps an eye on the camp, while Amos and Beckett go to speak with the Sherriff and Mayor to get all on the same page. Amos, Kin, Beckett, and Mayor go to the Mayor's office for a stiff drink (clear flavorful whiskey called Oakdale Whiskey - water used to make it is drawn from most pure natural spring and aged 10 years in a hidden location) and discuss next steps. Mayor shares the phrase of the Order of the Black sun is “The void consumes” so felt threatened, and that the most powerful in the order can summon a pseudo-void to consume those that don't follow orders. Mayor is clearly supersticious, pull in the Sherriff to establish plan to watch caravan. Sherriff has two deputies. Kin and Beckett stepped aside to discuss POA and decided to have Sherriff and deputies stay in town to manage townspeople and keep an eye on the caravan, while the crew swiftly resolves the bandit issue. Sherriff gave the crew stones that can be used to signal issues by tracing a rune causing the stone to grow hot. Will need to have at least one person with physical contact to one of those to know if the law are in trouble.
Eliwick watching the caravan, eavesdropped that the camp was concerned about accquiring provisions from a spooked townspeople. Approached the group to learn more and reaffermed known religious belief of Order of the Black Sun (Nethra is god that will judge who is worthy when being consumed by the Void). Came clean that some people may think the caravan's Order are responsible for the ongoing banditry and the group shared they are worshipers of Agathon that don't believe in theft (except as a means to obtain the Dragon's Eye if necessary). Disclosed they must perform a holy ritual on holy ground once the artifact is obtained. They wander and follow rumors to try and find the artifact. Currently heading to Varenholm Peaks to the North of Ushand. Brokered an agreement to try and gather supplies for the caravan in exchange for no trouble. Found out to get one of the masks/hats like the robed leader, one has to be requested by one of the top 5 leaders of the religion. The group Eliwick was talking to affirmed they felt the festival was blasphemous but did not need to interfere. “The void consumes” is a standard goodbye saying.
Rivvikyn patrols the city and catches vibe that townspeople just want to have a smooth/uninterrupted festival. Sounds like the townspeople see the Mayor as all bluster and no sustanance.