Hunger in the Darkness - Expedition to the Mines of Zolurket
Game Master Mark Sweetman

"Watch our backsides I suppose. It's no surprise but we will need to be vigilant in our travels. I say let them know we travel unmolested for now but will be wary."

They will not stop us love.

"Some of you who can see better than I could check our backtrail once we're in the mountains. We should avoid doing anything now to reveal that we suspect we're being followed, though." She nods to Love. "Hindsight, yes, but had we elected to take the northern route, we might have found that a few of the Beehive's more mercenary residents had been persuaded to dispute our right of passage. As it is, let us keep a close watch to ensure that no one passes us and tries to rouse the gnoll tribes against us before we ever get there."

"Those flea-bitten, scraggly gnolls alone are reason to be careful in these parts. You should acknowledge that we have received the message and will proceed accordingly."

"Those flea-bitten, scraggly gnolls alone are reason to be careful in these parts. You should acknowledge that we have received the message and will proceed accordingly."

"Yes, gnolls will be a problem. Hopefully the two threats have no connection."

"How do we respond to this missive?" Dolgrym asks the rest of the group for their input before sending a response.

Thank him, let him know all is well with us and that we will be watching our backtrail from now on. Not sure what more we can say.

To Cynara. "Yes the hive is not a place for a group short on arms and gold."

To all
"I'm eating all your dust anyway may as well put some work in."

Love considers the trail ahead as they enter the mountains. Are there switchbacks? Places where you can see the trail you were on from where you are now?

"Damn I am a stupid city-dwarf. Does anyone have a long-glass?"
I am assuming the pack camels are not carrying the 1k gp spyglass.

As we walk on Love will begin to collect white stones or bleached bone if there is any.

Unfortunately, no spy-glass on the camels.

Love is able to pick up the occasional small white stone while walking. No bones are found as of yet.

Reviewing the map once more you discern that the road ahead will be relatively flat for a couple of days before you hit the mountains. Once the ground starts to get steeper you will need to bend your path around the peaks rather then forge a straight path. So there will indeed be switchbacks where you'll be able to look back upon the trail with relative ease.

As you check for the dangers marked upon the map, you don't see anything listed before the mountains. The only indication that is close to the proposed trail is a marked gnoll camp maybe two weeks travel away. However the locals among you know that itinerant dangers can still befall the unwary traveler.

As we walk Love will pause on occasion to look back dounn the trail. Looking for odd bits of dust. Birds that seem out of place. Movement. Anything really. Love also collefcts any long thin stiff sticks he happens across

The story of the stones. These are simple trap making tools. The idea is to place the stone in a spot where it can be seen from a switchback. One places the stone so it is naturally balanced on another stone that is resting near a stick that extends onto the path. Your tail disturbes the stick and the white rock falls down the mountain. Looking back from a vantage spot on the trail if you do not see he white stone then there is likely something behind you. No clue how to build this with the craft rules but Love has craft: Traps at +6.

As you check for the dangers marked upon the map, you don't see anything listed before the mountains. The only indication that is close to the proposed trail is a marked gnoll camp maybe two weeks travel away. However the locals among you know that itinerant dangers can still befall the unwary traveler.

Is that two weeks away from our path is a gnoll camp or that in about two weeks taking the proposed route will lead us close to a gnoll camp?

The second one, in about two weeks travel time taking the proposed path it will lead close to where there is a sign for gnolls on the map

"Received your raven. As of yet, we are undisturbed. We are a couple of days from entering the mountains. Watch your back, and keep us advised," is the message that the wizard sends back via the magical raven device.

At Dolgrym's words the raven takes flight once more, angling East and back to Sangvit and the wagon train. The rest of the night passes peacefully though your sleep is somewhat more fitful than usual.

18-19th Pharast, 4711

The following two days also pass without any significant hardship. The path followed is still easily trod, and the weather has been kind. You still pass by the occasional traveler, though their greetings are reserved and suspicious as you pass each other. Wary and mindful of the path behind, you do not yet discern any agents hugging your trail.

Cynara rotates the load between the camels as you travel - leaving each camel unburdened one day in three. She finds that one of the tan camels can be headstrong, though you have reached an amicably antagonistic relationship that works for the most part.

In the late afternoon on the 19th of Pharast you encounter a small group of haggard warriors that are travelling East. They are members of The Severed Paw, a group of aggressive gnoll-slayers that operate out of Fort Lockjaw (a defensive post NE of Solku). From the ears strung on a cord around the leader's neck - you see that they had a fruitful hunt.

They stop to converse briefly, and you are able to confirm that the camp marked on Sangvit's map has been active of late. They do not range as deep into the mountains as Zolurket, so are unable to give any insights on that objective.

Please feel free to put up questions to the Severed Paw patrol if there is anything further you would ask of them.

Continuing on to the evening, you are able to reach the foot of the mountains. The next day will have you pass into the steeper and more treacherous terrain.

Sunday, 20th Pharast, 4711

As you finish packing up your camp, the sun is starting to rise and already you can tell that the day will be scorching. Thoughts turning to the upcoming trudge, you are interrupted by a loud bleating coming from the road ahead. Looking up you see a small group of mountain goats roughly 200ft away and bounding straight in your direction.

Cynara - for ease, I'll mostly ignore your sight range in my general descriptions - as it will make the narrative flow better. In open terrain I'll identify Perception spoilers by Sight or Sound, so you know which ones you can roll for.

During the meeting with the Severed Paw patrol, Cynara will offer healing if any of them need it. "We are in your debt, for every one you killed is one we won't have to fight."

Great...goats. At least this character isn't as vulnerable to being head-butted in the 'nads as some I've played.

18-19th Pharast, 4711

"How many gnolls you see out of that camp? Any tactics they use we should be aware of?"

Sunday, 20th Pharast, 4711

Perception +3
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"How are you holding up Dolgrym?"

I hope his mind is sharper than his axe.

Severed Paw:

The men and women of the group gratefully accept Cynara's offer of healing, and you are able to ease the limp of one of the more damaged party members.

To Padrym: "It is a large and well established group. Even with your strength of arms I would not test them. The gnoll in these mountains can be cunning, and often lay ambush upon the easier traversed paths. Often they run with hyena and jackal, if you see one the other is generally not far distant"

Khepri will give the men and women words of support and let them know how grateful Solku is to their dedication.

Just to reconfirm, the conversation with the Severed Paw patrol is being played out in backstory. The pressing matter at hand is the rapid approach of a flock of mountain goats....

Goat Map

The distance on the map isn't exact, but the mob of goats is roughly 200ft in front of Khepri and Feigr.
Ground is relatively flat, so no obstructions.

Severed Paw:

Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

That's odd...maybe it's just the way she's holding her head. I'll ask. Once she's finished channeling, Cynara turns to the leader. "A word, if you would?"

20th Pharast:

The elf cocks her head to one side, listening intently. "What is it? What's happening?"

Severed Paw:

Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 6

That's odd...maybe it's just the way she's holding her head. I'll ask. Once she's finished channeling, Cynara turns to the leader. "A word, if you would?"

20th Pharast:

The elf cocks her head to one side, listening intently. "What is it? What's happening?"

Perception 1d20 ⇒ 10

"There are some mountain goats coming this way"

Severed Paw:

The bearded leader accedes to Cynara's request for a chat "Yes milady?"

20th Pharast:

The camels begin to get restless on their tether. Not pulling away, just fidgeting in place at present.

Cynara can hear the goats as they approach.

Severed Paw:

How did I miss that beard before? He walked like a woman, but I won't mention that...he might not take it well. "Yes. It seemed to me that you were taking an interest in this scarf, a--a bequest, I suppose you might call it, from another patient, left to me after he passed. Did you know him?"

20th Pharast:

Knowledge (Nature) check regarding goat behavior: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"That's a lot of goats. What's going on with the camels?"

Maybe we'll feast on goat tonight.

Severed Paw:

When Cynara states the source as a deceased patient, the man's eyes mist slightly with sorrow "I may have, though I cannot be sure. The scarves were given to the warriors of Fort Longjaw who fought at the of the Battle of Red Hail."

The battle of Red Hail was 10 years ago, when the occupation of Solku by the gnolls of White Canyon was bloodily cast down.

20th Pharast:

Cynara is able to discern that they are goats....

Severed Paw:

Cynara will describe the man as best she can remember. "He was found by a caravan in the foothills west of Solku, delirious with fever, a festering wound in his side. While I was examining him he became lucid for a few moments--he grasped my arm and whispered, 'They see, they see it all,' before returning to his delirium. I apparently made an impression on him, because just before he died he roused long enough to tell the hospitalers that I should have the scarf." She pauses a moment. "I, obviously, did not fight at the Battle of Red Hail, and I don't wish to claim an honor undeserved. On the other hand, I also don't wish to insult the memory of the one who thought I should have it. Would it be acceptable to the veterans of that battle, do you think, if I kept the scarf, but didn't wear it?"

20th Pharast:

Useful to know....

Cynara will keep hold of the camel rope, and be ready to drop it and brace her spear against a charge.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 add 4 if canny observer applies.

Sunday, 20th Pharast, 4711

"It's not just goats, Dog-men behind the herd. Could be goatherds with a panicked flock could be an ambush. Grab the camels. They'll panic when the goats arrive."

Suiting actions to words Love grabs the reins of a camel and tries to haul in into a sitting/kneeling position, or at least hang on when it goes nuts.

Struggling with the camel Love continues. "Use smoke....turn the goats..."

No trained animial handling but Love has seen how panic can spread among animals in the city.

Khepri hearing that something is herding the animals towards the group says "Spread out if you can!"

Khepri moves to his left at an angle away from the party (F17) and then will create as much noise and movement as he can to draw the attention of the goats/"driver" of the goats

Love--I think all three camels are on the same rope.

Cynara sets her spear aside and helps Love hang onto the rope, trusting to her allies to keep the goats and their inciters off of them.

DM:

"Someone grab one of those goats. That'll make for a tasty dinner tonight," the mage grumbles, before hearing the warning that something was leading them toward the party. Instinctively prparing for the worst, Dolgrym casts a quick spell, and the air around him momentarily shimmers as he finishes his arcane words.

Cast Mage Armor, lasting for three hours.

Feigr takes a deep drink from his "waterskin" and casts his memory back to determine whether he's heard tales of anyone using goats in Ambush situations around Solku before and if so, who.

Perception 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Knowledge (History) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 +2 if related to dwarven history or enemies. History is a stretch here, thinking local is more likely.

Feigr waits for the stampede to near and begins whispering, beseeching aid from some unseen source, "Come to me my fallen brothers. I have need of your aid. Bring to me the halberd of Dworren the Ancient and stand by us to protect from these beasts."

Casts Guidance on each member of group
Summons Ancestral Weapon (Halberd) for 3 minutes
Casts Shield of Faith

As Feigr touches each of you, you feel like something is whispering advice on how to help with the upcoming situation. +1 competence bonus to a single attack roll, saving throw or skill check.

Suddenly a shadowy halberd appears in his hands and he moves in front of the camels to brace for the goats.

"Ambush by...goat?"

Padrym will draw his axe while moving to the side, casting a spell upon himself.

Move to move while drawing axe, Standard to cast Shield

Um....Feigr I don't think we have eight rounds (1 round each for the six guidance spells plus weapon and shield spells) before the goats and dog-men are here. So you might want to prioritize a tad. I could be wrong, I hope we have that kind of time cause we could put together quite the reception committee if we had eight rounds.

Yeah, I'm sure you're right about that. 200 ft seemed like so much room when I was rushing to get my original post off before heading out the door. Assuming 40 ft move and running, we get at most two rounds. I was originally just going to do the Ancestral Weapon and Shield of Faith, so let's make priority Ancestral Weapon, Shield of Faith and then any Guidances he can get off.

Dolgrym conjures armor made of pure force, and Feigr calls to him a halberd from antiquity. Padrym dons an insubstantial shield and Lowfield is able to cajole the camels to the ground.

Cynara is right, the three camels are all tied to the same rope - in a line. Since both you and Love have a hold on it, I'll give you both a chance to stop them from going nuts when the goat mob hits the party.
Feigr - you managed the Ancestral Weapon only so far, before we break to our first initiative...

The goats continue charging directly at you at a dead run. Barreling forward they end up roughly 40ft in front of the party.

Beyond them you can all see the jackal-like creatures that Lowfield pointed out. They are the size of large dogs and have a strange almost chitinous tail. There are eight or more chasing down the flock of goats.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Jackal-like Creatures, ??, Dolgrym, Padrym, Feigr, Goat Mob

Round 1 MAP

Know. Nature 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Watch out for the tails of those creatures. They are terribly poisonous!" Dolgrym calls out to his companions, keeping them aware of the danger.

Knowledge (Nature) check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Beware the tail, it's poisoned!"

Cynara hangs onto the rope and tries to keep control of the camels.

Cynara - the dhabbas are about 100ft away from you so you can't see them at the moment.

Cynara and Dolgrym both brace against the inevitable contact with the goat mob.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Jackal-like Creatures, ??, Dolgrym, Padrym, Feigr, Goat Mob

The jackal like dhabbas yelp and yip as they close with the goat mob. Those that can charge at the goats that are lagging, slavering jaws snapping...
Dhabba #1: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Dhabba #2: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Dhabba #3: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Dhabba #4: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 2 = 24 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 - crit confirm 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13

....bringing down two of the goats to the ground, scorpion like tails whipping forward to sting the fallen beasts.

The dhabba have all moved down basically in their current formation. There are four attacking the goat mob in I,9 J,9 L,9 and M,9. None have moved any further South than Row 9.
Map will be updated at end of round.

Now coming into clear view, you see a second wave of creatures. These are more man-like, though with jackal heads and running on all fours like animals. They are following after the dhabbas, and seem to be communicating with them through yips and whines.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Dhabbas, ??, Dolgrym, Padrym, Feigr, Goat Mob

Cynara - the dhabbas are about 100ft away from you so you can't see them at the moment.

Should've realized that...OTOH, I was reading & posting from my phone in a moving car (I wasn't driving), so I'll plead distraction :-).

Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Feigr calls out to the group, "By the Forge, look out, those are jackalweres behind the dhabbas. If you have cold iron, get it ready for them." He holds his ground and calls out again to his ancestors, "Stay and stand by me."

Casts Shield of Faith

Round 1 Init 4

"Jackelweres and dhabbas? What happens if they bite us?"

Padrym takes a defensive stance, both hands gripping his waraxe and preparing to strike any that approach.

Ready action to attack first enemy in range.
Magatha Two-Handed Power Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d10 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

You would know that the Dhabbas poison is incredibly painful, to the point of distraction and in some cases can cause the joints to lock up. If you fail the first save, you get sickened for a minute; subsequent failed saves cause 1d3 Dex damage

Jackalweres do not transmit lycanthropy

Feigr and Padrym both steel themselves and await the goat stampede.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Dhabbas, ??, Dolgrym, Padrym, Feigr, Goat Mob

Just waiting on Lowfield and Khepri before the horde of ungulates descends upon your position.

DM, since I just did a Knowledge check for my first round action, can I also cast a Toppling Magic Missle at a jackalwere for my standard action? If so...

The hefty dwarf begins the casting of a spell, and a ray of force issues forward to the closest jackalwere to his position.

Damage 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 = 6

DC 15 to save versus the topple effect.

Dolgrym - yep, no problem. Will incorporate on next update.

If Khepri and Lowfield haven't posted by the time my son goes to bed (circa an hour or so) I'll assume they 'hold firm' and move on to Round 2.

Lowfield takes defensive action, holding tightly to the camel's lead. Khepri attempts to divert the flow of the goats, but is unsuccessful as the baying dhabbas nipping at the goats heels speak a more forceful language.

Cynara and Lowfield - I've assumed you take a total defence action, to get +4 on AC and CMD against the goat onslaught.

Dolgrym - with Toppling spell, you actually make a CMB check with a bonus of your caster level + Intelligence mod to trip. For ease, I've taken that roll here.
Trip: 1d20 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 3 = 23 - success

Twin bolts flash out from Dolgrym's hand slamming into one of the jackalwere, sending it to the ground. One at K,2 is prone

The mob of goats then surges forwards, trampling through those of the party that did not move aside. Butted around and battered by the mass of bodies, you struggle to retain your footing....
The mob as a group attempts a trip on each of you in turn, and if you go to ground you get trampled.
Feigr Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Dolgrym Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Cynara Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Trample: 1d6 ⇒ 2 - and prone
Lowfield Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
....sending only Cynara to the ground as the stalwart dwarves hold their footing.

The camel are obviously frightened by the press of goats moving through and around them, and make to pull away from Lowfield and Cynara...
Please make a DC 15 Handle Animal OR a DC 15 Strength check to keep the camel from panicking. If either of you is successful, then the camel stay put...
And yes - Cynara can attempt from the ground.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Dhabbas, Jackalweres, Dolgrym, Padrym, Feigr, Goat Mob

Damage Tracker:
Jackalwere - K,2 - 6

Round 2 MAP

Round 2:

Status:

HP: 19/21 AC: 16 Conditions: Prone

Strength check: 1d20 ⇒ 10

(I assumed I couldn't make an untrained Handle Animal roll; that would've failed a CHA check, too.)

"I can't hold them!"

Cynara - meant to mean that you could take a Cha check instead of Strength... but as you say, moot point with a 10.

Khepri will charge the one at F9

Power Attack with mw Scimitar 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Note: AC is at 20 this round

Cynara - you should still be able to stand as a move action as well as the attempt to hold onto the camel.

Khepri charges forward, steel flashing in the morning light as it sinks deep into the dhabba's hide. It is gravely wounded but still stands.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Dhabbas, Jackalweres, Dolgrym, Padrym, Feigr, Goat Mob

Damage Tracker:
Jackalwere - K,2 - 6
Dhabba - F,9 - 7

Camel holding Str check 1d20 ⇒ 12 that is a failure unless Stability applies. If he has a choice Love will let himself be dragged off rather than release the rope.
Round one full defence was fine, thought that was what I was doing anyway.

Round 2

Love will attempt to hold onto the camel rope. If he cannot he will follow them for moment before ducking behing a handy rock and drawing his crossbow.

With an aid another from Cynara and the fact that you've both blown Round 2 actions on it, I think that's enough of an action tax.
Love - you can still draw your crossbow though.

Straining as they grip the rope, Cynara and Lowfield are able to keep the camels from veering away as the goats move amongst them.

Faced with a closer target in Khepri, the jackalwere yip at the dhabbas and some split off to attack him...
Dhabba #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Dhabba #2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Dhabba #3: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5 Flanking
Dhabba #4: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11 Flanking
...though none can pierce his metal hide.

The other Dhabba advance more cautiously towards the rest of the party. Though one of them drags one of the dead goats backwards and away.

The jackalwere also advance in a rough line, all drawing steel as they pad forwards. The one knocked prone by Dolgrym stands and advances with the rest, the other's pace slowing somewhat so as to keep him in their pack.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Cynara, Lowfield, Khepri, Dhabbas, Jackalweres, Dolgrym, Padrym, Feigr, Goat Mob

Updated MAP