Temple of Erastil

Individually, the outsiders with "long weapons" (Amanu, Minh) are asked to put their weapons at the back wall, not to sit in the pews with them or to stand in the back like vagrants (even though, um, actually.... )

It is very definitely a service to Erastil, the god of agriculture (and community, smaller commerce and trade, hunting, and archery), though there are shrines to other gods of the Inner Sea as well. (See Discord for writeup on the Temple of Erastil.)

After the service and everyone says their partings, the PCs are all asked to stick around.

Staying behind to speak with them are Councilor Ionnia Teppen (middle-aged female), Elder Natharen Safander (male half-elf cleric of Erastil), & Soothsayer Old Mother Theodora (venerable female human).

"Either because you've asked around, or you look like dangerous folk in one way or other, we were wondering if you could help us," says Councilor Teppen.

The old crone (Old Mother Theodora) speaks up, "You may have heard the rumors, but if not, we can confirm that there have been rumors that a pocket of unearthly winter weather has recently appeared in the Border Wood. A rider from Zimar arrived in town the previous day bearing ominous tidings."

"The rider," says Councilor Teppen, "an Ulfen mercenary named Yuln Oerstag, was part of the guard escorting Lady Argentea Malassene from Zimar to Oppara. As the caravan skirted the Border Wood, however, the noblewoman's carriage came under attacks by bandits and strange, wintry creatures."

"Lady Argentea was carried off," offers Elder Safander simply. "Yuln was the only one to escape."

"He is badly wounded," creaks Old Mother Theodora, "but he has been able to describe the horrific creatures that attacked the noblewoman's party. A native of the far north, Yuln recognized some fo the icy creatures that emerged from the forest, and the tales he shared with us have us all concerned."

"Our village is barely large enough to marshal a decent militia to protect the town," says the cleric, "so we need your assistance."

"Would you be willing," asks Councilor Teppen, "to investigate these events? We beseech you to rescue Lady Argentea and determine the source of the threat hiding in the icy heart of the forest. Unfortunately, we have nothing to offer you but free meals at the Silver Stoat and a spot on their floor while you are ardently pursuiing this task, but likely if you succeed Lady Argentea Malassene's will reward you."