Through the Veil of Madness: Dungeons and Dragons Game

[Jonas]

As Alexander considers the sickly object, his spirit companion begin to churn and manifest. Through your innate connections, you can sense its wariness of the orb as its spectral form flickers and slowly extends around it before breaking off, leaving a translucent aura behind. This will shield you for the orb's influence for a time, but at the cost of your companion's defenses.

((This will protect you all from the hallucinations until an extended rest. However, your spirit companion will become vulnerable to area attacks while the effect lasts. Since he currently has the orb, Alexander's companion will be the one performing this action until the next extended rest))

[William Swiftfoot]

Alexander looks to his companion and gives him the best he can of a comferting pat. "I...think its under control for now. Ill have to be a bit more careful, but least its under control."

[Digital Vulpine]

Dexter nods and puts a hand on Alexander's shoulder,
"Very well.  I say we double time it to this wizard's place, the sooner we are rid of that thing the better."

Putting his bow away, Dexter resumes travel.

[Tvorsk]

Ryn nods and follows. If you look closely, you can see him shaking head a tiny bit.
"And it started as such a nice day..."

[Jonas]

Fortune is with you as nothing else interrupts your travels. After a few hours, the guard wall of Weritise Arch comes into view. Behind this edifice lies the primary trade city along the Sun Road, and the home of Johan the mage. Though still wary from the incident of the past, you cannot help but feel relieved that soon you can be rid of it. As you near the entrance, you find the gate closed and flanked by guards.

[Digital Vulpine]

How strange, why would the gates be shut during the day in times of peace?

Dexter approaches the guards, stopping a respectable distance away before saying,

"Good day, gentlemen.  We weary travelers request shelter in the city, for we are here to see a friend."

[Tvorsk]

Seeing the ranger approaching the guards, Ryn barely holds himself from yelping, and shifts the grip on his weapon slightly.

I hope I'm wrong... blast, I so want to be mistaken here...

[Dragyn]

Aroth walks up next to Dexter, and bows respectfully to the guards.

[Jonas]

The guard on the left shakes his head. "I'm sorry, sirs. But Weritise Arch is sealed for the time being. Recent increases in crime have warranted strict traffic regulation until the situation is resolved."

Passive Insight: The guard's delivery is flat and mechanical; he speaks an official line and is making little effort to hide it. There is something else warranting the gate closure.

[Digital Vulpine]

Dexter frowns and nods slowly.

"I see, most unfortunate.  If I may ask a favor, do you happen to know one Johan Wright?   Is he well?"

[Jonas]

The guard on the right looks at you. "Johan... Johan... the name's familliar. I think he was one of the people who got--"

A stern look from the guard on the left silences him.

"Right. Sorry, sir, but I can't divulge any information that might pertain to the well-being of the city. You and your friends may want to turn back. I'm sorry you've come all this way for nothing but the fact is that the city's sealed. Guards are posted at the north, south, and west gates so you simply aren't going to get in."

[Digital Vulpine]

Unprintable.  Just unprintable. This looks very, very bad.  Could it have something to do with the orb?  Perhaps a fiend followed our poor friend when he visited here last?

Nodding again, frowning just as much as ever, Dexter replies,

"Ah, I understand.  You're just following orders, after all.  This is unfortunate, most unfortunate.  Thank you for your time."

Returning to the group, Dexter whispers,

"So, what do you all make of it?  Do we break in to find a mage who may be in no condition to help us, or risk travel to the next town over?"

[Tvorsk]

Can't go back with this thing in bag, that's for sure...

[Dragyn]

Aroth returns to the group, as well.

((Is there an east gate, or is there a reason the guard didn't list it?  If there is an east gate...))

[William Swiftfoot]

"I could probably stand further travel...but I would rather not risk it. Perhaps there is a way to get permission near by?" Alexander says looking to the others.