Descent Unto Madness,Act I


Sarah is tending to her wounds. Cleaning them, and wrapping new bandages on them.

Andor feeds and tends his horse

Wandan eats some food

You have set camp near the Barren River,keeping a wary eye towards the Quivering Forest in the event of more wandering ogres,and orcs.The sky is clear,and the moon shines brightly on the surface of the rushing river water.

Atheina says "Unless anyone else feels like sleeping, I sugest we push on."

Greenflower sits down on whatever she can find, keeping her robes over herself. She pulls out what looks like a few sticks of wood with lines in them...and she bcloses her eyes, running her fingers over these lines rapidly as she seems ot be talking to herself, but no sound issues forth from her throat. The scent of freshmown hay is dimly caught by those wondering too close.

Sarah sighs at the sound of the river and says "I will hope you gentlemen will stay near the fire while I bathe myself." She then heads towards the river to wash her wounds and body.

Greenflower interrupts whatever she is doing to say "A short rest I think is in order at the least to tend to things."

Calthos sits down at the fire and eats some of his rations.

Andor"If we want rest, I suggest we seek the aid of Allonan"

Sarah spends nearly a half an hour down by the river before returning to the camp refreshed and clean. "Have we decided watches yet?" as she begins to roll out her bedding for the night.

Wandan looks up and says "I'll take first watch."

Atheina says "Whose turn was it to keep watch ? "

[Calthos]: "Allonan?"

The water of the Barren River is cool,and remarkably refreshing.The river is approximately three hundred yards wide at this point,and very deep.The current is strong,but there is plenty of safety in bathing near the shore.

Andor "Allonan is a good wizard that lives south of here...he may give us safe haven"

[Calthos]: "How many hours would that be away from here? It sounds good"

Sarah listens as everyone calls out their watch orders as she eats some of her rations and crawls into her bedroll.

[Greenflower]: "That might be worth our time."

[Atheina]: "I trust wizards as much as i trust a goblin."

Andor "Around 2 hours, depending on what comes our way"

Wandan laughs "Well they might be useful sometimes."

Andor "If his heart were evil, I would know"

Calthos "True, but at least its only one wizard"

Sarah says "Any help in these times would be great indeed. Perhaps I can talk with him and gain his aid for the knights that will be attacking that outpost soon..."

[Greenflower]: "I vote we set out myself. I have refreshed my own magic...a little beyond wehat I expected it seems."

[Wandan]: "We need as much help as we can get."

Atheina says "As you will. I keep my trust in steel and faith." as she glooms herself with a silver mirror from her pouch.

Sarah rubs her hands together warming them inside her bedroll. As she comes out you all notice she is wearing clean and un bloodied clothes. She packs her belongings and straps her backpack onto Lief before she dons her armor in prepairation for departure.. Wandan sharpen his sword "Well we have Andor here... he know if we can trust a wizard."

Andor says "Yes, and like Calthos said, better one mage than an army of ogres"

Wandan smiles "True."

Calthos looks around and says "So everyone agrees to move on to the wizard?"

Greenflower puts away those sticks of hers, and then gets up, padding towards her own aquired mount "Agreed."

Calthos "Perhaps he has some ale or spirits for Thirston too..."

Atheina turns her eyes upwards but says nothing.

Sarah finishes strapping on her chestplate and nods to Calthos, "Yes, it would be a good idea..."

Andor mounts his steed

Wandan nods "All right."

Thirston grumbles something about 'damned,mages breed like rabbits in these parts',then brightens at the mention of some ale

Calthos gets his stuff together and is ready to go.

Wandan jumps on his horse and follows Andor singing a joyful song

Andor leads the group towards the sorceror's tower

Sarah takes the position behind Andor, leading Lief behind her she scans the area following Andor...

Greenflower follows behind, and asks in a soft voice "Who has that ring?"

The river runs pretty straight for the next couple of hours,and seems to be getting thinner in width as you travel.You come to a larger 'pond' part of the river,that spans beyond your sight.You can just make out what seems to be an island,with some form of structure on it.

Calthos follows Andor and keeps an eye out for the surroundings.

Wandan follows Andor and from time to time turns back to see how is Thriston doing

[Calthos]: "I hope that wizard isnt mad and thinks we are there to rob him, since we are coming around midnight".

Thirston sits down on a rock,and takes a swig of his wineskin."Well,I am not one that big on the swimming.Andor,any idea on how to reach this lofty wizard of yours?"

Sarah trudges on, becomming exhausted from her lack of sleep. Though Upon seeing this structure with the moonlight her heart is renewed upon reaching their destination. "Finally we are here... Let us make haste, for I am in need of rest..."

Andor thinks for a moment,"Maybe best to wait till morn to cross the water and introduce ourselves"

[Atheina]: "What will anyone that has some sanity thinks if you come knocking on his doors in the middle of the night? Besides, wizards are never known for their hospitality."

Wandan noDS "Right. At least we are safe here."

Sarah looks to Greenflower and says "The ring is in a bag in my backpack... Do you need it now? Or can you wait until we are in this place?"

Atheina adds "Be it night or day." as she toss her blonde hair back with a graceful twirl of her hand.

Greenflower thinks "I can wait. I mearely wanted to cast a spell to see if it contained magic. But if we wait perhaps I can detect them all at once instead of one at a time."

Calthos says "Well, he knows Andor is a paladin....so..."

Sarah nods with Atheina and says "We can only hope that the ogres are causing him as much trouble as they are causeing us..."

[Atheina]: "And how will he know? Unless andor knows him personally, any one can wear a plate and carry a sword and says he is a paladin."

Sarah turns her head to Greenflower saying "Ahhh good.. then later you will have the time to do that.."

[Calthos]: "Hmm I thought he knows him personally"

Atheina raise an eyebrow at Andor. "Well my good paladin, do you?"

Andor looks at Athenia with a cold stare,"If any other than a person of faith had questioned my honor, I would have taken offense"

Sarah looks up at the moon remebering old days and puts on a small smile as she drifts into a day(night) dream of when she was younger...

Greenflower nods to Sarah, then says to Atheina "I know a few archwizards. Let me talk to this Allonan, I am SURE I can at least get directions to a closeby way-station, if not get rooms to sleep in at the tower itself."

Andor "I know of him, either way I am an inquisitor, it is my duty to discover and destroy the workers of evil magics"

Wandan looks at Thirston "Are You all right my friend, You don't talk to much lately."

Thirston turns to Wandan."Can you not feel the chill,friend?It seeps into my bones,and leaves me uneasy.Something is amiss here,by Reorx' Beard,and I would not doubt it has something to do with that isle.".Thirston looks back over the rushing water towards the island,and takes another swig of his ale.

Atheina slaps a hand upon her fore head. "Just don't come running to me when u try fighting a fireball with a tooth pick."

Sarah shakes her head as if scared of something, but quickly regains her composture. "Well, lets go...." she says as she starts walking towards the tower...

Wandan nods "You are right. But we have been in greater trubles so I don't worry to much."

Greenflower looks for a way over the water...like a bridge...

Sarah stops at the waters edge and looks around for a skiff or walkway of some sort...

[Calthos]: "I trust Andor that he is a good wizard and doesnt use his magic agains us, but I dont feel well either".

Thirston says,"Aye,Wandan,but I could SEE those troubles.I can feel my axe blades biting into orc flesh.This is something else,like I am being watched.No,more like I am being seen."

Greenflower mutters "If we can't get across, I say we set up camp 10 feet from the waters edge. If he is good, then any combat is likely to attract alot of attention. ANd if he is not so, pleasent, then his reptation will likely be known to local monsters and such and they will stay clear away."

There is no skiff,barge,boat,bridge,or any other obvious way to reach the island over the water.

Andor ponders "prehaps we can fashion a raft in the morning..."

Wandan smiles slighly "You know that is the strange thing about the wizards, You can't be sure with them."

Sarah nods to herself saying "Figured as much" quietly. After a moment she starts heading back to the others. "I say we camp here and at dawn we ride to Phlan."

Atheina says "Why do we have to see this wizard. We are wasting more time as it is."

Thirston finishes the wineskin,and then proceeds to roll out his bed for the night."I will get what rest I can,wake me for my watch."

Calthos nods at Atheina and says "If we dont use his rooms to rest then there is no reason to visit him at all. And it is midnight allready"

Sarah says "I had hoped we would be able to hire or talk him into helping the cause of the knights, as in doing so would be protecting his tower as well...."

Greenflower climbs off her horse slowly, stretching out as she does, her reptilain visage not exactly startling the thing, which has grown accustumed to her, but unsettling it enough for the creature to bakc away two or three steps.She quickly grabs the reigns and asks "Do we camp here or move on, then?"

Atheina nods at Sarah. " I agree having another ally is great for the cause, however do remember we have a greater mission that needs to be accomplish. "

Wandan nods at Thirston "All right. I'll stay a little longer to see if there is something interesting around."

Sarah begins to take off her armor and says "Well, I will be resting here. At dawn I will be heading to Phlan, if the wizard shows then I will talk with him or her... however if the wizard does not, we do not have the time to waste sitting here..."

Calthos looks at Sarah "He is a wizard, do you think he needs the knights to protect him?"

Andor "True enough, prehaps the wizards tower will offer us some protection from the ogres.In the future we may return with a boat to cross the water"

Greenflower asks Sarah "Before you rest, want to set out the rods, that wand, if indeed thats what it is, the ring and the cloak out? May as well see if anything glows..."

Sarah chuckles slightly saying "Wizards are not immortal Calthos, they bleed just as you or I do. However, an army of ogres would be quite hard for any wizard I know to stop. And soon after the ogres and orcs take this place I am sure the Draconian army will follow. Its most likely that the orcs and ogres are fleeing the draconian army..."

Andor unpackes his bed roll, tends his horse, removes his armour, and lays down to rest "Call me when my watch arises"

Calthos nods at Sarah "True, but I thought they use mighty magic to protect their towers. And every knight will be used to hunt down the orcs and ogres".

Sarah finishes removing her armor, but then begins her nightly routine of cleaning her armor and storing it safely in a winter blanket before getting her bed ready and crawling in to goto sleep.

Atheina surveys the camp, then speaks "Guess I will take first watch."

Wandan feeds his horse and than takes something to eat. After Finishing his meal he scouts around for an hour staying awake to take first watch

[Calthos]: "I`ll do whatever watch you want, just let me know" and prepares his camp.

Sarah says "It is not the orcs and ogres I worry so much about. It is the Draconian army using the orcs and ogres to split our cities and supply lines that i worry about. "

Wandan wakes up Thirston to take second watch then goes to sleep.

Greenflower waits quietly for Sarah to do as she asked, or at least SAY something about it.

Andor "ZzZzZzzzzzz"

Sarah says "You may get them out Greenflower." as she points to her backpack which sits near Lief.

Greenflower nods and does as much. She is very careful to touch the other items in the backpack as little as possible, and soon has the two rods, the wand, and the cloak out, arranged before her. That done,s he closes her eyes a moment, then opens them and quickly makes motions with her hands, whilst the scent of freshmown hay serounds her. The magical words themselves are in her own tongue and well above even demi-human perception (through nearby dogs might not like it much)

Sarah rolls around in her bedroll for a few minutes before she settles down in a comfortable position and quickly falls asleep.

Atheina settles near the river and takes her watch.

Greenflower hmms and says softly "Well, I can't tell you WHAT any of them do, but I can tell you, all of these, even the cloak, is magical."

Calthos looks at Greenflower "Perhaps we find someone who can tell us what they do in Phlan".

[Greenflower]: "That can be...expensive...but thats the only change we have right now." she puts the two rods, and the cloak away, then looks at the ring, studding the inside for any command words, which is commonly where they are inscribed..... Greenflower frowns as she finishes the examination, then puts it away as well. Being sure at least ONE person, if not more, sees her, she slips the wand into her robes, tucking it away in a fold, and then lays down. Not having a blanket or anything, she sleeps using her own robes somewhat as blanekt and bedding, and her backpack as a pillow.....

The first watch shift passes without incident,the water of the river providing a constant background noise to keep those on watch awake.

Atheina stands and brush off fresh grass from her cloak. Slowly she approaches Calthos and wakes him for his watch.

Calthos gets up and gets ready for his watch.Calthos puts on his armor and takes his sword.

Wandan wakes up Thirston then goes to sleep

The second watch shift passes much the same as the first,with the only real excitement consisting of a mouse out looking for a morsel of food.

Calthos wakes up Sarah and Andor, takes off his armor and goes back to sleep.

Andor puts on armours and stands watch.Andor tries to detect the presence of evil

Thirston crawls into his bedroll,facing the island in the river.

Greenflower looks...cold...as she sleeps like that if anyone looks, most apprant by her breathing being much lower then it should be even for someone who is asleep.

The last watch shift see the dawn with nary a problem.As the sky brightens,you can see the island.A three story stone tower lies in the center of the island,itself only a mere fifty yards across.The tower looks non-descript,pretty much alike any border guardtower in most kingdoms.

[Calthos]: "Lets move on to Phlan, we dont have time to visit the wizard".

Greenflower , when she awakens, does something odd. The first thing she does after stretching, is cast as spell...in perticular a magic missle aimed for the highesst stone on the tower she can hit (range 80 yards). She then spends two hours memorizing her spells whilst the rest of the party breaks camp.

Andor "Yes, prehaps at a later time...but now it would be easier to ride to Phlan than cross the lake"

Wandan wakes up and gets up quickly preparing himself for a ride. Eats something then tends his horse.

Andor tends to his horse and readies him for the new day

Atheina readies herself and prepares for the new day of journey.

Thirston wakes,and makes ready to leave."Aye,the faster we get to Phlan,the sooner we can book passage to Melvaunt."

Calthos gets his equipment together and is ready to travel on.

Andor mounts his horse and stands ready to leave

Greenflower , when done, gets on her horse herself and makes to follow the others.

Wandan takes on his horse and prays to Tumora for safe travel

The river follows near the forest outskirts,as you travel upon a trodden path.The day wears on,and you can see a farm in the distance near to dinner time.Sarah says,"This is the beginning of Phlanite influence,the city is only a couple of hours away."

Greenflower having come to trust Sarah to an extend because of her kindness despite her odd form, follows behind Sarah on the trek. She looks a little, unsettled, that even a magic missle failed to get the wizards attention, but she doesn't say anything about it, through she smells faintly of honeysuckle to those who get within a couple feet of her.

Wandan nods and says "All right lets go to town. We have to book ourself a boat to Mulmaster."

Calthos looks at the farm and says "Lets move straight to town".

[Wandan]: "Lets go... Faster we get there better it will be."

You find yourself at the gates to the city of Phlan,as the sun sets.You are challenged by the gate guards,bearing torches."State your business,travellers.".There are three guards,each holding the pommel of a bastard sword,as they try to get a better look at your group.

Wandan approaches and says "We are travelers from Glister in need of rest."

Sarah calls out "I am Sarah Greyhawk and this is Wandan and Andor. We are in the service of the late Brae Greyhawk and seek the council of the local Knight-Lord."

Two of the men stand to the side,as the third signals for the gate to be opened."Aye,friends we have here lads,let them in quick.Come on,you two,it is shift change.".The one guard waves the other two in through the opening gate.

Sarah leads the group through the gate and says "Can you send a messenger to the local Knight-Lord to let him know that we come with ill news please?" as she begins to remove her armor and store it safely on her horse.

Wandan looks around to see if there is something interesting and follows Sarahs lead

The guard yells back,"You will find him at The Waiting.It is the new temple to Tyr.I have no messenger to spare at the moment."

Andor says "Guess they have had troubles as well..."

Sarah nods to Andor and shouts back "Thank you for your time then, and keep a good eye to the north east." She then turns around, having finished removing her armor, and heads towards the nearest Tavern/Inn.

The streets are completely devoid of any unarmed life,though the hour is yet early.The only folk on the streets are guardsmen,mercenaries,and other ne'er-do-wells like yourselves.

Andor "The temple it two blocks from here".Andor leads the way

Wandan follows Sarah and Andor thinking how it good to be in town again

The Waiting is easily found,as both Sarah,and Andor are familiar with it's location.Kitty corner to The Waiting,is the Laughing Goblin,a tavern catering to the higher class of Phlan society.The City Hall is one block down.

Sarah stop as she is about the enter the tavern and turns to Andor "Yes, I know.. But I had planned on securing a room for myself and my steed before heading there." She sighs for a brief moment, realizing the error of her decision and catches up to Andor.

Sarah ties Lief up to a near by pole and heads into The Waiting with a rather quick walk.

Andor gives a cold stare "My duty is to Tyr first, myself second"

Wandan smiles for a second and prays to Tymora for a good luck,then follows Andor

Sarah is momentarily halted at the door by temple guards,but they let up their swords upon seeing the crest on her armour,and Andor walking behind."Well met,Errant Andor,I trust this eve finds you in good faith,and health?".One of the guards,whose name is Bran,says to Andor.

Andor "Greetings, tis a good night to be in a safe town istead of an orc infested forest"

Sarah continues in and looks about for Sir Garet. Not finding him quickly she summons a priest to her help locate Sir Garet and proceeds to follow the priest to his location in the temple.

Andor "It's good to be with familiar friends once more"

Wandan follows looking around with interest at the wandrous building and temple guards and tries to look as a good and honest person

[]: :"Aye,though our city is not as safe as it was in the past.The Lord Justice has declared martial law,Andor.He had no choice,as looting,murders,and all manner of foul crimes were being committed in the light of day.Some bands have even assailed The Waiting,though we fought them off."

Sarah finds a priest to aid her."His Lordship is resting at the moment,Lady,and I do not wish to disturb him.Too many sleepless nights saps his strength,and Tyr has need of his even handed mind in the days ahead.If you could return on the morrow?"

Andor "Tis dark days indeed, my hope is that our current quest can do something to turn the tide of evil overtaking our land"

Wandan prays to Tyr upon entering the temple and follows his friends

Sarah looks to the priest and says "No, time is on essence please wake him." she smiles warmly to the priest and heads to a pew to say prayers for her father and to help her deal with the events at hand with the courage that her father would have shown.

Bran replies,"Aye,thoguh I know not the quest you speak of,I hold faith that Tyr will guide your hand justly in it's execution."

Andor goes to the alter and says his prayers to Tyr, and gives his dues to the church

The priest lets out a short sigh."That was not truly a question,Lady.I will not wake Sir Garet at this time,as he is healing from moderate wounds.Whatever you need to discuss with him must wait until the morning.".With that the priest takes his leave,and continues about his business.

Wandan mumbles something for himself then goes to the altar and prays again to Tyr and for safty of his company

Andor say to Sarah "We've been through much and our mission is of great importance, but it is always important to show the proper respect to the priests in the temple"

The same priest that spoke to Sarah,accepts Andor's tithe."Your quarters are still available,Sir Andor,if you wish to rest in the bosom of Tyr."

Andor "Thank you, it would be good to sleep here once more in the protection of Tyr and the temple"

Sarah hearing of Sir Garet being wounded her mind races, trying to figure out what happened here as of late that would be able to reach and harm the Knight-Lord of Phlan. Her thoughts broken by Andor, she shakes her head slowly with a look of sorrow on her face and nods to Andor. "Then it must be. Have you found out what has happened here since we left Andor?" as she stand from the pew and streches a bit.

Wandan stays close to his friends and listens carefuly

Andor "My friend Bran tells me of many distrurbances in the city, even an attack on the temple itself, bad news indeed" .Andor finds one of the priests, "Any chance room could be found in the temple for my companions, we are on a mission of great importance and we would do well to have the protection of the temple"

The same duty priest replies to Andor's query,"Aye,Sir Andor,we have room in the guest quarters for your companions.With the larcenous hearts at work in the city,I would not trust local establishments to bed in."

Andor turns to the others,"Your welcome to stay here, the rooms may not be very elegant, but they are safe and comfortable"

Sarah thanks the priest and says "Would you happen to know of a good stable that I might house my horse in for the night?" with a somewhat brighter look on her face than before...

[]: :"We have a stable,Lady.With a small corps of Paladins,we had need to build such an addition to The Waiting.I will summon a paige to take care of it.".With that the priest exits the room for a few moments,returning with a teenage boy dressed in a tabbard,with the scales of justice embroidered on it.The priest speaks,"This is Jared,he will see to your needs."

Wandan whispers "Please take care of my horse too"

Andor "Yes, we all have mounts that need tending"

The young man beams as he realizes that he is afforded the honour of serving a Paladin of Tyr,AND a Knight of Solamnia."Good evening,Lords and Lady,I will take care of your steeds with speed,and care.".Jared bows to you,and then exits the temple to take care of the horses.

Sarah bows to the priest "Thank you again priest, Once again Paladine has decided to grace me with another of his servants." She instructs the boy to follow her out to Leif and show her to the stables.

Jared leads you to the stables at the back of the temple,and ensures that the steeds are fed,groomed,and given whatever else they might need.

Sarah quickly follows the excited boy outside and tells him of Leif's favorite food and grooming technique. Shortly after returning back into the temple and asking the priest if he had anyone that might be able to clean her wounds better than she was able to the day before.

The priest motions for Sarah to sit,and inspects her wounds."I will return shortly,and dress those properly for you,Lady.".The priest exits the main hall once more to procure items of a healing nature.

Sarah awaits the priest's return paitently. Using this free time to relaz and think more into that night where she was visited.

Andor "Come Wandan, I'll show you to the guest quarters."

The priest returns with a water basin,some salves,cloths,and new bandages.He takes very little time to clean,and dress,Sarah's wounds."There you go,Lady,no threat of infection now.If there is nothing else,I must retire to my prayers."

Wandan follows Andor to his temple quarters,

Sarah says "Only for directions to the guest quarters. After that I will leave you to your prayers." with a smile as if meaning to make a joke she stands up and streches lightly again.

The priest directs Sarah to where she might rest,and then begins his prayers at the alter.

Andor shows Wandan to his room and goes to his, removes his armour and settles down for the night

Wandan prays before going to bed then try to relax and sleeps for the night

Sarah makes her way into her room and bed and quickly falls asleep.

You are all awakened in the morning by a rooster on a weather vane across the street.Looking out the window,you see that the streets are crowded as they should be,however,you also notice heavy guard patrols,and an armed officer on every street corner.

Wandan stands up and prepares himself quickly for leaving. He takes his sword and inspect it before he goes to wake up Andor

As you watch the masses about their business,a scuffle catches your eye.A man stabs another with a dagger,and takes his purse.The thief is quickly subdued,as the crime occurred right in front of a guardsmen.Within mere moments,three full patrols converge on the spot as civilians swarm the dead victim,trying to divest him of anything worthwhile.

Andor is already awake, inspecting his armour and weapons

The area is quickly controlled by guardsmen,and all returns to 'normal',as seven people are arrested from the melee.

Andor looks at the commotion, "This is a sad state of affairs"

Wandan approaches Andor "Good morning, It's not so safe here it seems. Streets are dangerous here."

Sarah awakens at the rooster's call and readies herself for her meeting with Sir Garet. She stood apalled by the incident that just happened in the street and runs a quick prayer for better time through her head to Paladine. Sarah says "It is good to know that we have a reasonably safe place to sleep, Thank you Andor." she nods her head slightly towards Andor. "I think we should go have something to eat before talking with Sir Garet, do you know where the mess hall is here Andor?"

The Waiting is alive with the voices of it's clergy going about their prayers,conversations,and daily judgements.Even the temple seems to have more armed guards inside than would be normally considered secure.

Wandan looks at Andor "So what shall we do now?"

Sarah sighs briefly and heads out of the room. Heading to one of the nearest guards she asks "Where is the mess hall here?"

Andor gestures "The mess hall is this way"

The guard points down the hall."There is a mess through the second door to your left.It is fresh fruits,eggs,and hamm this morn.Very good."

Wandan smiles "Sounds good."

Sarah turns to see Andor and smiles faintly, as she heads down the hall she thanks both Andor and the guard before heading into the mess hall to eat a good breakfast.

The mess hall is basically tables surrounding a kitchen.The cooks deliver plates of food as soon as the orders are ready.There are two cooks on duty,and a handful of priests eating at this time. Almost as soon as you take your seats,platters of fruit,eggs,and ham are put in front of you to share.

Wandan sits and takes the food politely then eats as much as he can