Mercenaries group B IC

[raspberrybadger]

The northwest road out of Magenburg leads through sheep pasture, forest, and endless fields of barley and oats, until it reaches the town of Scarbona. In the vine covered hills outside the town is the villa of your employer, Governor Muto. As you approach, you can see the opulent main house, an obviously fortified shrine of Justice with a great wooden sword on its front, and a variety of outbuildings and warehouses.

When you get there, a slave leads you to the outbuilding where the chief of herdsman for the governor works. The chief is a tall, thin man who introduces himself as Pip. With a wave of his hand, he has a slave give you barley bread and cheese while you wait for the governor. Meanwhile, he adopts the formal tone of a voice used to giving precise orders, saying "Over the last twelve weeks, fourteen of my herdsmen have gone missing, as well as several thousand cattle. Some hundreds of these have since been recovered, and some more have been found stripped to the bone, as one might expect given the time it took us to find them. The people I've sent to investigate have reported the tracks of large wolves, both in places with missing herdsmen and in other places as well."

"I've made inquiries, and some of the foresters have reported seeing wolf tracks as well. There's been muttering about dark magic, but that wouldn't be my place to say anything about. What I do know is that wolves alone simply won't explain what I've seen. Wolves might pick on precisely those who were alone and unwatched, but they are hardly likely to have planned a route to move cattle out unseen. For that matter, wolves are not likely candidates for just up and driving whole herds live before them.

It's not my place to explain the terms of your employment, but the governor wanted me to brief you on the situation. I imagine you've got questions about the cattle, or the lay of the land, or the like, that we wouldn't want to bother the governor with. For that matter, anything I might be handling for you, you ask me about. Questions?"

[-Jynx-]

Tensu ponders the information for a moment, rubbing a hand on his chin. Cattle and wolves eh? "Sir you mentioned the tracks are large wolves but are they... abnormally large? Besides that about how many wolves do the trackers suspect there are?" Tensu shifts for a moment, taking a bite of the bread before continuing "Do any of those herdsmen share anything in common? Or perhaps are their cattle any different than the others that have not been abducted?"

[raspberrybadger]

Pip is businesslike in his reply: "Definitely abnormally large. I've seen estimates ranging from 7 to 10 feet long. I'm told there are at least four different wolves. There may be more. We've lost two trackers just getting this much information. Which means you want more information, you may need to get it yourself. These things can take down a grown man, but I imagine you can take care of yourselves. Why you were hired, I imagine.

As for the herdsmen and cattle, I looked into this. Personally. Nothing unusual about the cattle taken. Meat, not milk, but the milk cows are closer at hand, so that's no surprise. The herdsmen aren't my best. Not my worst. Good enough to be out on their own, not good enough to be in charge of others. Two were half-orc, and strong too. The others, nothing unusual. Some had families. I put the sons to work close in here where they'd be safer. Some had no-one. Any other questions?"

[Stake A Vamp]

seldlon greets tensu in common, and throws distainful looks at the savages (the shadow woman, serpent face, and the goblin brute, why they were allowed in the empire was beyond him.

so, wolf issues, well, i understand that there is such a thing as a were-wolf, highly intelligent, often larger, and capable of human level planning, have you considered that, also, there are barghests, but they are uncommon, and if they are around, that signals trouble, and polymorphing, maybe druids who disagree with caging cattle, who are using a wolf form.

he opens his family lorebook and searches for some answers (knowledge(arcana) check [roll0])

[HopeHubris]

"Right, big bad wolves and magic, don't really much care about the specifics, more interested in the money myself, just pay and point" Artuk says to the slave before turning to Seldlon and mocking him with a light growl, "Aye, elf, them druids just love tearing apart cattle, don't they? Heh"

[KaiserSozay]

"Gentlemen please, there is plenty of Silver to go around. I'm inclined to agree that these are not normal wolves, Shapeshifters do seem to be the obvious conclusion but with no evidence this is still just conjecture."
Silver Fans himself femininely and throws a wink over at Artuk and then Sedlon in turn.

[Stake A Vamp]

seldlon turns angrily to the goblin brute "Pay and point, that is perhaps the best way to get us killed, we assume it is the wrong monster, we charge in armed with silver tipped arrows and fire spells, to discover its barghests, and we get slaughtered by the creachers who laugh at our potentially pitiful arsenal, information is the hands down best weapon, and if we walk in unarmed, we all are dead sooner or later"

[-Jynx-]

Tensu steps between Artuk and Seldlon "Enough!" he says in a more stern voice eyeing both of them "We'll make sure we're paid fairly for the job" Tensu said looking at Artuk "But we won't act before we know what we're dealing with" Tensu said nodding to Seldlon. "Seems like we've got some good ideas of what we may be going up against... Any suggestions on narrowing it down?"

[Stake A Vamp]

okay seldlon grudgingly says, well lets talk to the Governor, he was the one who summoned us. he then opens his family lorebook and continues studying

(knowledge arcana check [roll0])

[raspberrybadger]

Pip watches the argument in guarded amusement. At the mention of the governor, he gives a nod and a wave to the slave who brought the food, who says "I'll tell him right just now". At this, Pip's face darkens, and his eyes narrow at the departing back.

Seconds later though, he's looking back at you all, and saying "I should mention we did have a loss new enough that the tracks ought to still be there. Just yesterday, and it hasn't rained. Howe only got back with half his beasts, said he heard some sort of wolf noise and bolted with what he could. I'd have had him beat rather severely, but that his animals were lathered as if something had well and truly panicked them. Even so, he got a talking to. It's not my place to tell you your business, but if you want their freshest trail, that is likely to be it. That was out on the path to the lower springs of the foothills. I'll have a man show you where that path starts if you like."

@Seldlon

There are spells, including one you could learn, which would allow a wizard to take the form of a wolf as well. As Pip hinted, there are also a few spells which could control or influence wolves.

Additionally, there are several creatures that look like wolves. One of the more numerous escaped sorcerous experiments is wolf-like, and can be found around here - Worgs. They are not as intelligent as men, but have been known to work with orcs, which might explain the apparent intelligence.

Death Dogs come from too far south to be likely.

The related Devil Dogs could easily live in the mountains or foothills. They are stealthy, fearful, and vulnerable to fire.

Their cousins, Winter Wolves, are likewise vulnerable to fire, but can launch cold bolts themselves.

Abyssal Wolves are the most dangerous possibility you know of - their paralysis eyes alone are deadly enough. Your studies of the planes are insufficient to indicate their ecology, so you do not know if they are likely to be found here however.

An odd possibility is the Therianthrope, i.e. the Wolfwere. These wolves can take the form of men, and can slow those around them.

A final odd possibility is the Blink Dog, which is canine enough, and can dimension door itself.

[-Jynx-]

Tensu shake shakes his head "Probably a good place to start, I may have a word with the herder as well... Do any of these wolves have different howls?" Tensu asked glancing at Seldlon.

[HopeHubris]

"Sounds like fun... But I want to talk to this Governor fellow first, he'd be the one with the money, and I want to make sure that whatever the damn creatures we're dealing with are worth the effort, after that, sure, but I sure as hell can't track 'em"

[Stake A Vamp]

seldlon is glad to hear this, and hopes someone picked up tracking along the way, he turns to artuk and says yes, but it could give us some clues as to what thuis thing is, we could be dealing with a worg, a Devil Dog, or hell hound could easily live in the mountains or foothills, Winter Wolves are possible as well. Abyssal Wolves are the most dangerous possibility I know of - their paralysis eyes alone are deadly enough and Therianthrope or blink dogs could also be to blame, and there are numerous spells which influence animal, including wolves. he concludes, taking a deep breath and saying, this time to pip as well, and every one of those presents a thorny problem if we are unpreared

[HopeHubris]

"Heheh, don't even know what half of those things are me'self, but a good lance to the face tends to solve most problems, though, I s'pose it wouldn't hurt to know what the critter is"

[KaiserSozay]

"I must confess that i also have the tracking skills of a blind tree. If we can find it I have a few traps prepared, nothing too fancy wasn't sure what to expect."
Venture looked absently at the other members and tried to decide who he would like to track their prey the most. He laughed to himself as he mused that the pet scorpion was probably the best tracker among them.

[-Jynx-]

Tensu thinks for a moment... we'll need a way to find these things if we're ever going to want to get rid of them "Sir" Tensu said turning to Pip "Have we permission to borrow a tracker for the purpose of tailing the beasts? His sole purpose only being to point us in the right direction we need not for him to fight" Tensu takes another bite of bread and looks at the group "If we can find out where they are, we can figure out what they are, once we can answer those two questions we'll set up plan of attack" he said with a smirk. "Was there a certain time of day the attacks happened?"

[raspberrybadger]

Pip addresses Tensu and says

"Request granted, though I can't send my best. As for time of day, that seems to change. More often than not, it's rained after an attack. I imagine they try for that. Last one, there were clouds, but no rain, so tracks should still be visible. I should warn you, we lost two trackers trying to investigate the trail when there wasn't a rain to cover it."

"Now, the governor is coming soon. By what names should I introduce you and your men?"

[-Jynx-]

My name is Tensu, the hobgoblin is Artuk, the one with the fan is Silver, the elf is Seldlon and the lass is Inva Tensu said pointing to each member as he named them.

[HopeHubris]

"What 'e said, the names Artuk, some folks tend to call me Deathspear, my little friend over there is Claw"

[tardisvalkyrie]

inva stands up from leaning against the wall and says "well i can introduce myself, but thank you all the same tensu, i am Inva, oracle of lady mercy," she then turns to the party
"silver your lecherous attitude is a pleasure as always":smallwink: she says with a smile
"and artuk, that thing stung you yet, cause i keep telling you, keep some anti-venom on you, cause one of these days he's gonna miss, and then you're gonna be feeling the pain.":smallamused: she smirks at that last line, she disapproves of his cruelty, though she cannot fault his efficiency.
"seldlon, i see you're looking more disdainful than usual, though my and artuks presence may have something to do with that.":smallamused: still smirking she turns to tensu
"tensu, it's nice to have a sane fiend who won't be constantly making passes at me, its good to see you":smallsmile:

[raspberrybadger]

The jingling of chainmail precedes the governor's bodyguard into the building. They line up in two rows with various bored expressions on their faces as the governor walks in the door. Governor Muto is a somewhat short and overweight man in a rich blue robe, embroidered with gold. Following him is an obvious cleric of Justice, with a longsword belted on his hip, embroidered on his mail shirt, and worn around his neck. He's also carrying a case of papers.

Pip bows to the governor and gets right to business, saying "My Lord Governor, these are the mercenaries the guild sent us." Pointing each of you in turn, he says "Tensu here. Also, Seldlon, Artuk, Silver, and Inva. Give honor to the Governor of Pannonia, Lord Muto."

At this point, Governor Muto waves Pip aside, and says "I'm given to understand that you and these mercenaries can do me a favor. These... wolves... displease me. They make me look weak, some might say. A mercenary, they say, understands the value of gold, so that is what I offer. Ten thousand coins of it, should you end these attacks."

"As well, were any of my property returned to you, I would owe you. To be specific, half the value of any cattle or slaves returned would be yours, as valued by the temple of Justice. If, that is, it is animals already taken by now. I hardly owe you for that which is stolen on your watch. I'm told we've already suffered losses in the hundreds of thousands, all told, so wealth is at your fingertips if you make this problem go away for me."

"Aegidius, if you would."

With that, the cleric steps forward with documents laying out these terms for one of you to sign, with one copy for you to keep. Before you sign, he invokes the brief blessing of Justice, and adjures all present to deal fairly.

[HopeHubris]

"So, that ten thousand a-piece, or are we going to have to split it, 'cause that isn't great for me, don't much like splitting my fees, though, I s'pose finding a few of yer cows should get the price reasonable enough"

[-Jynx-]

Tensu walks over to the cleric and briefly skims over the document. After a moment he signs his name and walks back to the group. "Without knowing what we're up against I'm unsure if the risk is worth the reward, but I agree that if we can collect on any saved cattle or slaves the coin won't be too bad either way" says trying to reassure Artuk. If the rest of you agree with the terms we should make haste so we don't lose these tracks

[Stake A Vamp]

"hello, my name is seldlon, you may know me, I used to own and operate a modest alchemy shop in the neighboring village" I wonder if faunra still owns it? A tear comes to his eye briefly "and I can't help but wonder if there may be information that you have not told us, believing it to be irrelevant, not attempting to conceal it from us, do you have anyone with this sort of power who may have reason to steal your property and undermine your authority?"seldlon asks, in a clearly curios tone

[KaiserSozay]

"The money is there and i'm more interested in the money then i am in the reasons why. Of course if you are leading us into a trap or we get hurt due to deliberate misfortune, well no-one would be happy."
With that threat stated Silver attempts to morph his features into that of the governor.
[roll0] for disguise minus whatever penalties you see fit.

[raspberrybadger]

When Artuk speaks, the governor gives a sharp look as if to say 'can't you control this hobgoblin better than this?', but is mollified when Tensu speaks. He looks bored when Seldlon talks, but Silver's threat makes his face turn red. He does not, however, speak. He leaves that to Aegidius, whose voice wavers for a moment before continuing:

"Am I given to understand that you are threatening to blackmail the Governor under false pretences? In the presence of a priest of Justice, acting in service of his formal duties? I can assure you that any attempt to carry out this threat will be investigated by the Church. With extreme prejudice. Merely implying that the governor would be negotiating in bad faith is to insult not only him, but the Church which guarantees this transaction. Be assured that the Church will treat you with the fairness you deserve. All the fairness you deserve. For a start, I will amend your contract to make clear that the valuation by Justice shall include penalties for any unjust negotiation or methods of carrying out the contract injurious to the governor. In your case, expect this to be.. rigorous."

This last word brings a smile to the governor's face, which has resumed it's normal color over the course of the priest's words. He cuts in smoothly - it looks like the priest was likely to carry on his denunciation at length - saying with composure to Seldlon "Why, of course a man in my position has enemies. To be sure though, anyone with the resources to even think of rivalling me would have to be assured that this could not be linked back to him before even contemplating action like this. There will be no easy link - but if you should find incontrovertible evidence leading to someone of high position, as the governor I would of course be in your debt. As mercenaries, I imagine you would prefer that debt discharged in gold."

"On that note, are we now ready to solemnize this contract?"

[Stake A Vamp]

seldlon steps up and signs the contract (in elvish, no common for something of this importance) and steps back, asking "so really, have you heard of it, it was called "potions most potent", at least it was eleven years ago, i used to be a partner." he asks the room at large

[HopeHubris]

"Heheh, no one cares about your silly store, as to the deal, well, hey, if the Justice says it's fair", ending the sentence with a punctuatory smirk before signing

[KaiserSozay]

"Who cares if the justice says it's fair, the money says it's fair. And your shop poisons most potent is quite famous in some circles."

Silver slowly morphs his features back to normal and gives the priest of justice a very, very, very slow once over as he too signs the sheet.

[Stake A Vamp]

a favor Artuk, hush up and sign the damnable contract, and Silver, two things, first, at least pretend you have some morals, second, remind me when i sold poisons, because, i only remember potions, and i wqas the artisan.

[-Jynx-]

Tensu moves over to Silver, bending over slightly just within whispering distance and Stunts like that will cause a lot of grief for us... At the very least I'd ask you not to pull mimicry in front of our employers. Tensu straighten up and turns toward Pip "I'd like to move this operation along as quickly as possible. Can you have the scout escort us to the last set of tracks?"

[raspberrybadger]

The agreement signed, the governor, his bodyguard, and the priest all leave the building. The priest looks like he would say something, but the governor clearly wants to leave in silence. The bodyguards look like they are just waiting to gossip about this meeting.

With everyone else gone, Pip says in a crisp voice "Erdog, go get Deoric and bring him here. Bring everything he needs for a week out."

Turning to your group, he says simply "The tracker you asked for. Any other practical matters, questions? I imagine you'd like to get out the door as soon as Deoric gets here, which won't be long."

[raspberrybadger]

A tall man in a green cloak rushes in the door. A closer look reveals a wind hardened face, a few fingers missing on his left hand, and several hatchets on his belt. Pip gives him some matter of fact orders: "Deoric, you're to go with these mercenaries. Show them the big attack, with the day old tracks, and take them where the tracks go. Stick with them - safer that way - till they get back. If they get rid of these wolves, you're free if you like, welcome to the usual pay if you stay on."

Deoric's face goes through wariness and intense interest, but before he can say anything, Erdog is back with a pack, and Pip gives Deoric the signal to get moving. Which he does, at quite a good clip, leading you westward and a little north.

Once everyone is well out of earshot of the buildings of the estate, Deoric speaks up and says, "I can find the tracks well enough. Follow them well enough too, at least the cattle. Even over harder ground. They leave enough, if you take my meaning. But I want back in one piece. I don't know if you was told. These things go and kill anyone following. Sneaky like. We're following. Just how you all going to stop them killing us, sneaky like and all?"

[HopeHubris]

"This, mostly" Artuk chuckles, holding up his lance

[-Jynx-]

Tensu smirks at Artuks comment and points to the large axe on his back "This as well... I'd like to see where these things are holding up before we make a concrete plan of attack better yet I'd like to see if we can shadow them enough to find out exactly what we're dealing with as well" Tensu's eyes shift over the party for a moment. "To avoid an ambush however when we get to the tracks and begin our hunt we may want to move in a more tactical order. Silver would do best taking point, Artuk and Claw in the rear. Inva if you'd be so kind to stick with Deoric in the middle and Seldlon and I could stagger between Inva and Silver"

[KaiserSozay]

"Very well, it should be no trouble blending in with the surroundings but if i go to far ahead i will more then likely lose the trail. And if i get dirty you owe me."

With that Venture when on ahead to scout in front of the party taking with him a bear trap just in case.

Stealth [roll0]

[raspberrybadger]

You arrive at the site where the cattle were taken without incident. The farms have been replaced with rolling hills, brush, grass, and a few trees. Deoric doesn't say a word, just stops and points, sweeping his hand across a few hillsides to indicate the place, then moving to indicate the outgoing trail.

[-Jynx-]

Tensu kneels for a moment examining the tracks. Standing back up Tensu looks to rest "Lets move out and see what these footprints belong to..."

[raspberrybadger]

There's a warm wind at your backs, with large white clouds in the sky above. There are a few birds about, but little other wildlife is visible, and you haven't seen anyone since well before the site of the attack. Deoric gets increasingly nervous, and grips one of his axes in his good hand, but doesn't say anything, only follows the tracks.

The tracks go generally northwest 5 miles through increasingly hilly terrain, though at one point they go suddenly southwest for a while. They go straight over smaller hills, but there are enough larger hills that they often have to swing around or head for the nearest gap between large hills. It is at one such pass between two large hills that Silver notices something very out of place.

In one of the many thickets in these hills, there are two large wolves, aware and crouched in ambush.

Surprise round, in which Silver acts then the wolves. After that, everyone acts, then the wolves, etc. The wolves have concealment from Silver, and total cover from everyone else at the moment. The wolves are Large.

[KaiserSozay]

As Venture sees the wolves he swears a lot in his head Firing his crossbow one of the wolves he then makes a break for the party. 'This is why i prefer cities.' he mentally sighs,


Aiming at the wolf on the left of me on the combat map.
Hit [roll0]
Dmg [roll1]

[raspberrybadger]

Silver's attack bounces off the tough hide of one of the wolves, and then he runs back to the safety of the group. There is a rustling of brush as the wolves burst out of hiding chasing him, a bare moment after he turns and runs.

When the wolves clear the ridgeline, they veer right until they are right by Seldlon. They pull in breath, then for a moment they shine brightly as they expel pure cold from their mouths. Frost falls out of the air in a moment around Seldlon, Tensu, and Silver. Even after breathing, the wolves are still a bright white, which slowly fades back to their usual dull white.

Damage [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

Seldlon, Tensu, and Silver make two ref saves for half damage. Silver has evasion, right?

Seldlon may make a Knowledge Arcana check to identify the wolves and their properties.

Now, the whole party gets to act.

[-Jynx-]

Reflex Save:
#1 [roll0]
#2 [roll1]

Tensu does his best to evade the wolves attack. Angered, he swears under his breath and grabs his great axe, steps in front of the wolves (5-feet to I26) and takes two powerful swings at the first wolf.

Full-Attack Round, using power attack on each swing.
Attack 1: [roll2]
Crit: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

Attack 2: [roll5]
Crit: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

[Stake A Vamp]

seldlon casts haste (a spell that can affect him, tensu, silver, inva, and deoric (sorry artuck but you are too far back) and atemps to shield his magic, at the same time he try's to attempt to recognize what these obviously unnatural wolves

spellcraft check to shield the haste [roll0]

knowledge (arcana) check to identify the wolves [roll1]

[HopeHubris]

"AHAHAHAHAAAAH! CHARGE!" Artuk screams while cackling madly, making for the nearest wolf, lance couched ready to strike.


I have ride-by-attack, so if I can continue the movement, I'll keep going as far as I can
Charge!: [roll0]
If hit: [roll1]
I'm assuming that's how the triple damage works, though I suppose I could just roll normally then triple it if you prefer in future

[-Jynx-]

Third Attack Roll from Haste
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

( to my understanding haste gives a +1 to attack rolls so thats where the extra 1 comes from)

[KaiserSozay]

Silver fires his crossbow twice at the injured wolf, while attempting to dodge the frost blasts.


Hit [roll0]
Dmg [roll1]

Hit 2 [roll2]
Dmg 2 [roll3]

Reflex 2 (Other is in OOC)
[roll4]

[tardisvalkyrie]

inva steps forward toward tensu and cast CSW attempting to shield the magic

knowledge religion (to shield spell) [roll0]
amolunt healed by CSW [roll1]

[raspberrybadger]

Inva carefully tries to perceive and weave only the strands of power that come from Mercy, but the powers that rule the world are just a little too interwoven for her, and a few she can't control get caught up in her spell. She is still able to direct the healing into Tensu, but a little bit of power leaks out - this close, she can feel it, announcing to the world what she just cast.

Seldlon has similar problems. He steps back out of the wolve's range easily enough, but reshaping reality without leaving any holes is difficult. He patches all but one gap with swift skill, but alien energy rushes into the remaining gap, turning his spell into something completely unintended. Instead of going out to his allies, most of the power rushes into his own body, and the rest similarly alerts anyone watching. He is barely able to contain the alien energies that seek to rush into this one alongside the patterns of the spell he wants, but he manages. The Haste spell goes off as intended.

Silver's first shot bounces off the wolf's hide, but the second draws a little blood. Tensu's strike is more decisive, cutting deep into muscle. Artok's lance likewise strikes only a glancing blow which the wolf's tough hide is able to deflect.

Deodric tries to throw an axe at one of the wolves, but misses entirely. He's looking just short of freezing in panic, but he gets his hand on another axe.

The wolf Tensu struck yips in pain, and then Tensu is able to swing again, dropping it unconscious and bleeding into the ground.

The remaining wolf withdraws over the ridge, out of sight.

Seldlon is not berserk, just hasted.

Perception checks at a penalty may be made to try to hear where it went, or Survival tracks to track it, or whatever else you can think of. Also, the far side of the ridge may be seen by anyone advancing to 24, or going to the grey areas of the map (but those are slightly difficult terrain, costing an extra move per square)

[-Jynx-]

Tensu takes a knee for a moment looking at the downed wolf checking to see if it is indeed dead or not. "Anyone have any idea what this thing is?" Tensu said prodding the body. After a moment Tensu stands back up to his feet "I wonder where the other might have gone..." he mumbles, trying to find a trail.


Track Check:
[roll0]

[tardisvalkyrie]

inva stoops down to examine the fallen wolf, to check how the injurys will effect it in the future.

heal check [roll0]

[Stake A Vamp]

seldlon says "inva's spell just misfired, we had better move out, our location just got announced to the magical world, and we are in an un-secure-able position, lets continue along the train" he releases his homunculus and orders it to fly 400 feet above them and watch for potential danger.

[tardisvalkyrie]

inva attempts to stabilize the winter wolf.

heal check to stabilize [roll0]

[raspberrybadger]

Inva manages to do no more harm than the slow death that is already happening to the thing, but she doesn't manage to do any good either.

[HopeHubris]

"Just kill the bloody thing, it's no good to us alive, it's just a damned wolf, we should follow that other one"

[Stake A Vamp]

"artuk, we are not going yo kill this creature, it is intelligent, unlike you, it can talk, and we can get it to inform us of it's comrade's whereabouts, and intentions, along with common tactics numbers, lair size, and the location of the missing cattle."seldlon says impatiently, indicating to Inva to heal the damn thing already.

[KaiserSozay]

"You may on the other-hand get a chance to persuade our friend to give up this information, assuming he proves unwilling."

[-Jynx-]

Tensu stirs for a moment "The other is gaining more ground on us" Tensu said in a mutter, but loud enough to the others to hear. "If we can't keep that thing alive we may as well kill it and go for the second" Tensu said starring at the trail of the next wolf. "We don't know what we're dealing with but I'd prefer 'they' not know who they're dealing with either."

[HopeHubris]

"Heh, jump on ol' Claw here, you track, I ride, be much faster, and we may even catch the bugger instead of just following it"

[-Jynx-]

"Heh I like your style" Tensu said leaping onto claw "Looks like it went that way" Tensu said pointing in the direction that the trail leads.

[HopeHubris]

"Have fun playing with your dead dog, Elfie. Claw, do what the human says, onwards!"

[KaiserSozay]

"I'm going to follow them, If your staying to interrogate the wolf I hope you have some way of getting to us fast." Venture shouts over is shoulder as he chases after the Scorpion.

[tardisvalkyrie]

"come back soon, i will follow in thirty minutes if you are not back by then"

[raspberrybadger]

The tracks of course lead right over the ridge. Right after the ridge is crossed, Claw wants to charge into the bushes to the left. Does Artuk permit this?

[HopeHubris]

"Haha! I think he's found something mate, giddy-up!"

In other words, yes, he lets Claw do as he will

[raspberrybadger]

Claw skitters right up to the winter wolf hiding in the bushes, and before it can react, fiercly claws it, grabbing it tightly.

ooc:
Tensu may either dismount (move action or a DC 20 ride check and a free action), or make a DC 10 ride check to stay on then a DC 15 ride check to attack while on a giant scorpion grappling a wolf.

Artuk doesn't need to make ride checks, but he is too close for lance work unless he dismounts.

Let's say Silver is still at the ridgeline, but he can see this happening. Let's say he's 40' away.

So you all get to act before the wolf does. I hope you all know how to reward a good scorpion.

[HopeHubris]

"Haha! Good job Claw, I think I might just misplace one of them cows later, haha!"
Artuk then drops his lance, drawing his flail and striking at the wolf


Move action, draw weapon
Attack: [roll0]

[-Jynx-]

Before Claw sweeps in Tensu dismounts, draws his ax and steps up for one swing.


Power Attack
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Dmg: [roll2]

[KaiserSozay]

Silver fires his crossbow at the wolf, with little confidence that it will do anything more then distract the wolf.


Hit [roll0]
Dmg [roll1]
Crit [roll2]

[raspberrybadger]

Artuk gets a solid blow into the wolf's foreleg, while Tensu chops into it's flank.
Silver's shot bounces off the thing's tough hide.

Obviously afraid, the wolf desperately tries to get away from the scorpion. The thing very nearly makes it, but Claw is able to maintain its grip.

[-Jynx-]

Tensu twists the great ax in his hands, bearing the flat of his ax as he swings downward on the wolf.

Attack
[roll0]
Crit
[roll1]
Dmg
[roll2]

"Time to go to sleep" Tensu says, a grin on his face.

x3 19s that's just wierd

[raspberrybadger]

Claw tries to pin the wolf, which still hasn't gone down yet.

[roll0], he needs a 23 or the thing gets away

[HopeHubris]

"Good going mate, keep that thing pinned down"


Non-Lethal Flail hits, which make total sense :smalltongue:
Hit 1
[roll0]
[roll1]
Hit 2
[roll2]-5, so 9
[roll3]

[-Jynx-]

Attack
[roll0]
Crit
[roll1]
Dmg
[roll2]

Tensu takes another swing with the flat of his axe "Dammit I said go to sleep!"

[raspberrybadger]

The trapped wolf cannot escape the pummeling, and is beaten into the ground unconscious.

The other wolf is moments from bleeding to death, unless Inva can do something for it right away.

[tardisvalkyrie]

inva channels positive energy to stabilize and heal the wolf

[roll0]

[raspberrybadger]

The wolf by Inva remains unconscious, but is now stable.

The wolf by the rest of the group is also unconscious and stable.

The tracker slave goes by the majority of the group and looks around nervously.

[-Jynx-]

Tensu pulls out his rope and ties up the wolf. "We should meet back with the others" Tensu said grinning to Artuk "We would have words with our prisoners"

[HopeHubris]

"Heh, you can carry 'im, don't think ol' Claw here would like it overmuch" Artuk chuckles, riding back towards the others

[-Jynx-]

Tensu puts the wolf over his shoulder and begins to hustle back to the group. "Wonder if we'd get paid more for bringing as much back alive as we can"

[HopeHubris]

"Haha! As much as I'd love it, I don't reckon they'll care much about the talking wolves, 'long as we stop 'em, mate"

[-Jynx-]

Upon meeting back up with Inva and the others, Tensu drops the tied up wolf on the ground next to the other. "I see you've managed to keep it stable, good work!" Tensu turns the first wolf over "We should tie this one up to, don't need it waking up and getting free on us, and until we're ready we should keep its trap shut too..." Tensu looks at his pack for a moment "Hmm I may have just enough rope left to tie up the second wolf" he says fixating the rest of his rope to tie up the second wolf "What say you to asking our new 'friends' here what we're up against?"

[KaiserSozay]

If we have to be less considerate, I'm calling shotgun.
Silver laughs as he fingers his crossbow

[HopeHubris]

"What's a shotgun? And why are ya calling it?"

[KaiserSozay]

"It's slang for I call first pick on the 'Persuasion'."

[-Jynx-]

"Let's slit them up, they may be more frantic knowing the other is dead. Artuk and I will take the second one and interrogate it, you guys take the first." Tensu looks back toward town "I would normally say we just do it here but their cries may attract unwanted attention, we should head back to town to gather information from them"

[HopeHubris]

"Haha! I'm sure talking wolves'll draw far less attention in town, haha!" Artuk chuckles, "Doesn't worry me any, though, heh, getting a wolf-beast to talk sounds like fun"