Age of Darkness

Game Master Mothman

I begin to look at the ruined doorway, searching for something.
Is there something above doorway or high on the wall next to the doorway on which I could stand or crouch? And yes, I was referring to the wolf-thing when I asked if we should kill it.

"Friend Laithe, I am in awe of your spiritual powers. As one who is in touch with the Old Ways and harbours the ways of beasts within his soul, speak you also their tongue? Know you why these wolves threaten (or feel threatened by) us, and whether they act at the behest of some greater and malevolent will?"

Keeping his eye on the ensnared wolf, Laithe answers Keildrithe "I am quickly finding that if you care for nature it will indeed return the favour. Unfortunately my powers are still limited and I cannot speak with the wolf at this stage. I know not why they attack - it certainly doesn't seem natural. I could try and calm him, though that will take time and it seems there are others nearby." He peers around the clearing and into the forest beyond. "Perhaps we should see if we can barricade that door".

Laithe attempts to judge how close the other wolves are, from their howls Knowledge Nature? 15 + 8 = 23

As Keildrithe is merely speaking for the moment, I hope this post is not considered out of turn... If so, please let me know... I've never gone through an initiative sequence in play-by-post yet...

No, I don't count short speeches, questions, warnings etc as "actions" that need to wait for intitiative. Thats fine.

I begin to look at the ruined doorway, searching for something.

Is there something above doorway or high on the wall next to the doorway on which I could stand or crouch? And yes, I was referring to the wolf-thing when I asked if we should kill it.

About eight feet up there are heavy timber cross beams, bracing the walls and supporting the roof. One of these is about a foot away from the door (and wall), you could probably climb up to it and balance there. The beam is about 8 inches wide.

Laithe attempts to judge how close the other wolves are, from their howls Knowledge Nature? 15 + 8 = 23

Not sure that Nature Knowledge is the right check, but you can see one wolf like shape through the trees, prowling the clearing edge to your right (the west side of the clearing). The other howl seemed to come from somewhere to the left and behind the cottage - it sounded close.

Your knowledge of nature tells you that this is classic wolf pack huntnig tactics - one or more beasts confronts the quarry, whilst the rest of the pack attempt to flank the prey. Only things have been somewhat disrupted by your entangle spell on the lead wolf...

I say "Alright, I have a plan. Two of us climb up and wait on the rafters up there. One of us lures the wolves in here and the rest of us get up into that loft and provide ranged support. When the wolves follow whoever plays the bait in here that person will get up into the loft, the people in the loft will fire a few shots and then draw their melee weapons and the people in the rafters will jump down onto the wolves. Then everyone else comes down from the loft and we all engage the wolves in melee combat. Hopefully the ranged attacks and the surprise attack from jumping down from the rafters will allow us to eliminate a couple of them before the battle truly begins. Who is the best climber? Laithe, do have any idea how we could lure the wolves in here?"
DM Mothman, would you allow us to get a bonus on attack and/or damage from jumping from the rafters? I'm talking about jumping sword first on to the wolves so that my momentum puts even more force behind the blow.

Ok, for starters, we’ll count the beams as 10 feet up for purposes of falling damage etc (there’s not a huge difference between 8 and 10 feet and you’d be falling onto a hard, flagstone floor). This also gives you the advantage of having 10 feet for a "charge".

Jumping down and landing without injuring yourself will require a Jump or Tumble check (your decision).

If you succeed on this, you get a combination of higher ground bonus and charge bonus / penalties: +3 to attack bonus, but –2 AC penalty for a round.

Remember though, that not everyone is as agile and skilled as a halfling swashbuckler!

Also, Alton, you have now done a couple of things, made a few speeches, not to mention formulated a plan! - so that now counts as your turn for this round.

It’s Jirkin, then Keildrithe’s go.

"Mr. Hilltopple, I am not sure that I like this plan of luring a pack of rabid wolves into this cottage... best to keep them out, no? But if all others are in favour, then I shall aid in whatever way I can. Laithe, have you anything else to propose? You better than any of us understand the ways of beasts, and how best to deal with them... would it be wise to slay the entangled pack leader before it can again break free? Would this instill fear or respect in the others? I am loathe to slaughter creatures of the wild, descendants of those who walked the earth before the gods breathed life into the first men... but perhaps we have no other choice?"

Would Keildrithe know any legends/lore related to the wolves of the forest, e.g., concerning other people or creatures they might be in league with? Bardic knowledge = 16 +1 -1 = 16

"And what of you, wizard Jirkin, know you any spells that could help protect us from these hungry prowlers?"

Then, looking to the man in chainmail, "you may have an opportunity to prove your valour yet, champion of Arton."

EDIT: sorry, I must have posted at the same time that you were, Mothman... Anyway, my question to Jirkin makes sense, since he will now act/speak in response to it...

Alton, there is also the bedroom loft, at the same level as the beams, with a ladder leading up to it. It takes up about a third of the floor area of the main room, its edge is about 12 feet away from the front door.

---

Keildrithe, you have heard tales that some of the wolves of the forest are actually shapechangers, lycanthropes, but you do not know how true such tales might be.

There have also been some recent stories from the villages north of the forest, about the wolves becoming particularly savage of late, and that their bite has been known to induce madness in humans. It is said that wolf packs, led by a glowing white wolf, have been attacking farms and villages. Some tales seem to replace the white wolf with a white humanoid figure, or twist the tale that the white figure hunts the wolves rather than leads them.

The truth of these stories, and how they might help your current predicament, you cannot say.

Alton, there is also the bedroom loft, at the same level as the beams, with a ladder leading up to it. It takes up about a third of the floor area of the main room, its edge is about 12 feet away from the front door.

---

Keildrithe, you have heard tales that some of the wolves of the forest are actually shapechangers, lycanthropes, but you do not know how true such tales might be.

There have also been some recent stories from the villages north of the forest, about the wolves becoming particularly savage of late, and that their bite has been known to induce madness in humans. It is said that wolf packs, led by a glowing white wolf, have been attacking farms and villages. Some tales seem to replace the white wolf with a white humanoid figure, or twist the tale that the white figure hunts the wolves rather than leads them.

The truth of these stories, and how they might help your current predicament, you cannot say.

Keildrithe quickly relays these tales to the party, while preparing for the worst... "To climb to the loft or to stand by the door... that is the question," he mutters to himself.

Keildrithe quickly relays these tales to the party, while preparing for the worst... "To climb to the loft or to stand by the door... that is the question," he mutters to himself.

Sorry if there was any confusion - I took a while doing my last post and by the time I posted there were 2 posts which I had not yet read and so changed my response/actions. So I deleted it immediately, though looks like at least Keildrithe saw it

Moving back to the door, but continuing to face the clearing, Laithe speaks to the others. "I take no joy in harming woodland creatures. However, a fact of life in the wild is that sometimes you will be attacked, and it is kill or be killed."

"Alton, I like your suggestion in that it is possibly the safer option of the 2. However, I feel Keildrithe is right; I'm not sure if it is wise to allow the wolves the run of the hut - it is Gosia's home after all, and one I'm sure she hopes to return to once we get her out of this mess."

"Perhaps we take a stand around the inside of the door way, limiting their entry to the hut and ensuring that they can't all attack at once? Hopefully they will quickly learn that we are not easy targets and so flee. Are we in agreement?"

"In regards to the one currently captured, I'd prefer not to kill it while it is helpless. We would also need to leave the safety of the hut to get to it, which would make us vulnerable to an attack from the others out in the open. I say we leave it and let it choose whether it wants to attack us on our terms or not."

"We should also make sure the back door is closed and secure, and there are no other ways into the hut."

Ok guys, since there’s a lot of talking and strategising going on, and we seem to be missing a couple of guys (AWED and Dirk), I’m going to play a little fast and loose with initiative. I’ll assume that Alton, Keildrithe and Laithe have expended their round one actions, and that Jirkin is holding his action and can go whenever he gets a chance to post.

Outside, in the clearing, Laithe sees another wolf pad a short distance into the clearing from the west, with another pack member close behind it. The wolves snarl and growl, but seem somewhat confused to see the first wolf stuck at the front of the clearing, still yowling and trying to break free from the entwining weeds. (Laithe, they are about 35 feet away from you, outside the radius of the entangle spell).

Inside the cottage, the stranger speaks, Atuscan with a southern accent. “There will be time enough to deal with questions and accusations later,” he says, looking around at you, his gaze lingering on Alton and Jirkin in particular. “I have been in this Arton forsaken wood for several days, and believe me, we would be smart to work together to defend against it’s inhabitants.”

He walks past Alton to the small back door, peering out, then quickly closing the door and bolting it. “There’s at least one more wolf out here.” He states. (Note: the similar bolt on the front door has been broken when the door was smashed).

End of round one. Laithe stands just outside the front door, Jirkin and Keildrithe just within, Keildrithe readying an action to attack. Alton stands near the middle of the room. Yruch is near the back door. It is Alton’s turn, though Jirkin may jump in and act when he is able to post.

How wide is the doorway?
If the wolves have grown feircer and there are a great many of them then it will take a great expenditure of resources to frighten them away. My alternative plan is somewhat...more dangerous. It involves setting fire to several arrows before firing them. Does anyone have an alternative to my plan? I am well aware of it's flaws but we have little time. I'm presuming that that doesn't count as my entire turn.
If no one comes up with a better plan then I begin to climb up the wall to the rafters. Climb 22 (19+3).

How wide is the doorway?

If the wolves have grown feircer and there are a great many of them then it will take a great expenditure of resources to frighten them away. My alternative plan is somewhat...more dangerous. It involves setting fire to several arrows before firing them. Does anyone have an alternative to my plan? I am well aware of it's flaws but we have little time. I'm presuming that that doesn't count as my entire turn.
If no one comes up with a better plan then I begin to climb up the wall to the rafters. Climb 22 (19+3).

The main doorway is about 4 feet wide. No, that brief discussion doesn't take up your turn.

So far the group is aware of at least four wolves (including the trapped one)

I don't start climbing yet.
All right, if we can move something to partially block the doorway then only one will be abole to come through at a time. When the first one comes through then I'll jump down on it and hopefully kill it with one attack. Then I'll tumble out of its space and over to the ladder to the loft and start climbing up. Then if its still alive the other person in the rafters will jump down, attack and then move to the loft. The people in the loft will open fire on the wolves with their ranged weapons and any spells that might be useful. Doing this we should be able to take out several of the wolves without sustaining much injury to ourselves. As long as no one has any objections? If there are no other objections I begin climbing.

If and when you begin climbing, your climb check roll allows you to easily scramble up the wall and reach the rafters.

I don't start climbing yet.

All right, if we can move something to partially block the doorway then only one will be abole to come through at a time. When the first one comes through then I'll jump down on it and hopefully kill it with one attack. Then I'll tumble out of its space and over to the ladder to the loft and start climbing up. Then if its still alive the other person in the rafters will jump down, attack and then move to the loft. The people in the loft will open fire on the wolves with their ranged weapons and any spells that might be useful. Doing this we should be able to take out several of the wolves without sustaining much injury to ourselves. As long as no one has any objections? If there are no other objections I begin climbing.

"If we block up the door as best we can and then surround the hole in numbers I think we stand a better chance of minimising damage. Wolves are very fast; if you jump down on top of one I fear you will be pounced on by the next before you can dodge away, even if you do manage to slay it with one blow."

"Wolves are pack hunters and I think Keildrithe is right; if we don't protect the door way they are likely to get inside and use their numbers to pull down one of us at a time. If we hold them at the door, we may only need to down one or two before the rest lose heart and flee"

"Also, if we do allow them the run of the cottage and they do manage to pull one or more of us down, it will be much harder to get the wounded to safety and treat them. That is my opinion - what think the rest of you? We must decide quickly"

Laithe moves inside the door so he is no longer out in the open in his initiative order of course; assuming he isn't prevented from doing so

"If we block up the door as best we can and then surround the hole in numbers I think we stand a better chance of minimising damage. Wolves are very fast; if you jump down on top of one I fear you will be pounced on by the next before you can dodge away, even if you do manage to slay it with one blow."

"Wolves are pack hunters and I think Keildrithe is right; if we don't protect the door way they are likely to get inside and use their numbers to pull down one of us at a time. If we hold them at the door, we may only need to down one or two before the rest lose heart and flee"

"Also, if we do allow them the run of the cottage and they do manage to pull one or more of us down, it will be much harder to get the wounded to safety and treat them. That is my opinion - what think the rest of you? We must decide quickly"

Laithe moves inside the door so he is no longer out in the open in his initiative order of course; assuming he isn't prevented from doing so

"Well spoken, friend." Then, pensively, Keildrithe leans his sword against the wall, drops his pack, and pulls his beldach from it.

"This may be a foolish idea, he says, for I know not how an angry wolf will react to a human's spoken lullabye... but perhaps if I gently sing one of the songs our people once sang in honour of the elder wild ones, it will soothe the rage in their hearts... it is worth a try, is it not?"

Standing beside Laithe, Keildrithe peers around the doorframe. "Yes, we should make every effort to seal at least the bottom half of the doorway with other obstacles. I am certain that Gosia would forgive us for this uncouth use of her furniture, given the circumstances."

Keildrithe looks towards Jirkin. "Wizard, I beg your forgiveness for chastising you earlier over your eagerness to search the premises. The Artonite is the least of our concerns now. If you or someone else would like to search the area before the hearth, now would be the time to do it. Perhaps we shall find that special pendant that Gosia spoke of... and perhaps it will act as a charm against the wolves? Methinks that she may have been friend to the wolves, and that they now react protectively and with anger at the sight of intruders in her hut. The pendant might be the key to earning their loyalty... what think ye?"

He then turns and looks again outside, starting to drum quietly. "I shall speak Gosia's name with reverence in between verses dedicated to Ehlonna and the elder wolf lords... The rest of you, I beg, shore up our defenses, should the verses I recite not be pleasing to them..."

Keildrithe will begin by simply doing a normal Perform (oratory) check, hoping his skills will be sufficient to appease the wolves. In upcoming rounds, he may end up casting a spell or using his fascinate ability. Perform (oratory) check: 10 + 6 = 16... I would have hoped for better. I understand that my idea may fall slighlty beyond the scope of the RAW, but anyway...

Calling out gently, yet firmly, so that the creatures in the clearing may hear him: "These words I dedicate to fair Gosia, to the mighty wolves that now guard her sanctuary, and to their great ancestors... May their wisdom prevail..."

Then, more softly, he begins his recitation over a peaceful drum rythm...

Out from the new day's mist I run
Out from the new day's mist I have come
I hunt, therefore I am
Harvest the land... taking of the fallen lamb.

Grandfather Wolf, Gosia would protect
Grandfather Wolf, the pale maid we too protect
Grandfather Wolf, help us for she needs your aid
Grandfather Wolf, help us save the pale maid

Bright is the moon high in starlight
Chill in the air cold as steel tonight...

With apologies to Metallica... heh...

heh, nice! Have you moved outside to do this, or still within the cottage, by the door?

heh, nice! Have you moved outside to do this, or still within the cottage, by the door?

Thanks... Guess I need to stand just outside the door to do this effectively, don't I? Yep, that's what I'm doing... hopefully the furniture the others are moving behind me won't stop me from jumping back in! Hint!!! ;-)

Guess I need to stand just outside the door to do this effectively, don't I?

Well, not to give too much away about whether or not it will work... but it seems reasonable to assume it would be more effective if the source of the song can be seen, at least on a human audience - you've never really sung for wolves before.

Note however that moving outside the door puts you in a direct path of danger from the nearby wolves should this gambit fail...

Well, not to give too much away about whether or not it will work... but it seems reasonable to assume it would be more effective if the source of the song can be seen, at least on a human audience - you've never really sung for wolves before.

Note however that moving outside the door puts you in a direct path of danger from the nearby wolves should this gambit fail...

I understand, and am ready to become wolf chow... thanks for the heads up!

Yruch Melkvor II wrote:

Perhaps a sense motive might be advantageous. 11 for Alton and Jirkin, 22 for the chainmailed figure. On my turn, of course.

The chainmailed figure is you!

Ah. I feel silly. I do the exact same thing w/o the sense motive against myself.

Sorry about my complete lack of posting. So, in order then:

To Kieldrithe first: "I do not believe this woman to have been a witch. I am not in league with the Inquisitor, and have no quarrel with you, unless you chose to make one. I seek clues to prove my theory." (I believe this also negates Alton's comment. Or answers it.)

After the wolf is discovered (and its pack), I take up position guarding Kieldrithe's back to make sure no wolves attack him from behind.

I also make a spot check 12 to see the wolves in the forest.

Ok guys, since there’s a lot of talking and strategising going on, and we seem to be missing a couple of guys (AWED and Dirk)

[ooc]Sorry my computer was freaking out yesterday and i couldn't get on the internet

"And what of you, wizard Jirkin, know you any spells that could help protect us from these hungry prowlers?"

" i have no protection spells sadly only ones that would hurt the wolf or create an illusion to scare it away...maybe."

Laithe Greycoat wrote:

"If we block up the door as best we can and then surround the hole in numbers I think we stand a better chance of minimising damage. Wolves are very fast; if you jump down on top of one I fear you will be pounced on by the next before you can dodge away, even if you do manage to slay it with one blow."

"Wolves are pack hunters and I think Keildrithe is right; if we don't protect the door way they are likely to get inside and use their numbers to pull down one of us at a time. If we hold them at the door, we may only need to down one or two before the rest lose heart and flee"

"Also, if we do allow them the run of the cottage and they do manage to pull one or more of us down, it will be much harder to get the wounded to safety and treat them. That is my opinion - what think the rest of you? We must decide quickly"

Laithe moves inside the door so he is no longer out in the open in his initiative order of course; assuming he isn't prevented from doing so

"Well spoken, friend." Then, pensively, Keildrithe leans his sword against the wall, drops his pack, and pulls his beldach from it.

"This may be a foolish idea, he says, for I know not how an angry wolf will react to a human's spoken lullabye... but perhaps if I gently sing one of the songs our people once sang in honour of the elder wild ones, it will soothe the rage in their hearts... it is worth a try, is it not?"

Standing beside Laithe, Keildrithe peers around the doorframe. "Yes, we should make every effort to seal at least the bottom half of the doorway with other obstacles. I am certain that Gosia would forgive us for this uncouth use of her furniture, given the circumstances."

Keildrithe looks towards Jirkin. "Wizard, I beg your forgiveness for chastising you earlier over your eagerness to search the premises. The Artonite is the least of our concerns now. If you or someone else would like to search the area before the hearth, now would be the time to do it. Perhaps we shall...

Jirkin nod i will be gladly to search the cottage Search check 12+3=15

I don't start climbing.
"Ah, thank you Laithe, you just prevented me from doing something foolish. I have little knowledge of the creatures of the wild.
Keildrithe, if your music can distract them then perhaps it will give us a little time to at least partially barricade the door. If we barricade the door so that only one can come through at a time and we all go up into the loft then we can shoot them as we come through the door. Hopefullly we could frighten them away or at least weaken them sufficiently to make them less of a threat to us should we enter melee combat."

Keildrithe’s words fill the clearing with rhythm. It is difficult to ascertain what effect – if any - this has on the wolves – but at the least they do not seem to be attacking – yet. The first wolf, still caught in Laithe’s entangling enchantment, has momentarily given up straining at it’s bonds, and gnaws at a weed wrapped around it’s front paw, making a high pitched whining sound as it does so. The lead wolf at the west side of the clearing stands still, staring straight at Keildrithe, as if listening – or waiting for something. The wolf that stood behind it pads cautiously towards the circle of waving weeds and plants at the center of the clearing, sniffing at them – then quickly darting aside as the vegetation tries to entrap it! It growls, then looks around, and begins loping quickly around the edge of the spell’s boundary, on an angle towards Keildrithe.

A fourth wolf stalks around the corner on the east side of the clearing, close to the cottage wall, and stops, also staring at Keildrithe, and gives out a short, sharp yap. It stands not ten feet away from the bard.

Keildrithe feels something – or someone draw up close behind him. Glancing around without missing a beat, he sees the Artonite warrior standing ready behind him, obviously guarding his back, or making sure any wolves cannot get in between him and the cottage front door.

---

Jirkin looks around the cottage. It’s not a big building, but there’s a lot of stuff in here, and with the mess everything is in, it would take a long time to thoroughly search. However, Jirkin recalls the conversation between Gosia and Keildrithe earlier that morning – she said to search the floor by the fireplace!

Jirkin hurries over, and after but a few moments dusting away soot and spilt food, discovers a large flagstone, about two feet square, that appears to be loose. There is a gap of almost an inch wide between the loose stone and the others nearby, and Jirkin notices a narrow groove, about an inch deep on one side of the loose pavement.

However, the flagstone looks heavy, and difficult to get a grip on. Jirkin is not sure if he would be able to lift it on his own. He wonders briefly how Gosia – who looked smaller and slighter than he – had managed it.

---

We’re a bit out of initiative order – but that’s ok. Laithe and Alton have yet to take a proper action for round two, and can act now – perhaps forming the barricade, helping Jirkin, or whatever else they want to do. It will then be the beginning of round three and Alton’s next action.

Jirkin looks around the cottage. It’s not a big building, but there’s a lot of stuff in here, and with the mess everything is in, it would take a long time to thoroughly search. However, Jirkin recalls the conversation between Gosia and Keildrithe earlier that morning – she said to search the floor by the fireplace!

Jirkin hurries over, and after but a few moments dusting away soot and spilt food, discovers a large flagstone, about two feet square, that appears to be loose. There is a gap of almost an inch wide between the loose stone and the others nearby, and Jirkin notices a narrow groove, about an inch deep on one side of the loose pavement....

Jirkin pauses thinking How the heck did Gosia lift this! Jirkin then shouts to the group "ummm, i think i need help here. I think i found what we are looking for, but i am not strong to lift this stone to get what we want, please someone help me." Jirkin looks at the gap looking for help because he dosen't want to hurt himself.

I climb up into the loft and ready my bow, training it on the doorway below. "I'm afraid that in a situation such as this one, that is to say one that requires considerable strength is beyond my capabilities. I am not very strong at all."
I ready an action should the wolves try to come in the door. I think someone else should move the flagstone and barricade the door as I have a strength of 10.

Alton scrambles quickly up the wooden ladder to the small loft level, picking his way over the upturned mattress and strewn clothes to the small window at the front of the window. Throwing open the timber shutters and aiming his bow, he has a clear view of most of the clearing below, including Keildrithe and three of the wolves, including the trapped one. Yruch and the fourth wolf are both standing too close to the cottage wall, and therefore out of your field of vision unless you lean precariously out of the window.

Laithe glances back at Jirkin as he requests aid, but hesitates to help, torn between standing beside Keildrithe to face the wolves or helping with the flagstone.

Seeing the Artonite apparently take a defensive stand with the hedilye and watching Alton duck up to the loft with bow in hands gives him some encouragement that Keildrithe will have aid if his gambit fails.

Laithe hurries over to where Jirkin kneels on the flagstones and attempts to help him left the stone.

if I still have another action in hand, I'll await your response on how we get on with the flagstone and then post straight away

Working in tandem, Jirkin and Laithe are able to manhandle the heavy stone slab aside – it is easy enough once they manage to lever it up from the floor and get a proper grip – to reveal a dark hole in the floor below.

Jirkin’s keen eyesight allow him to make out some detail of the dark space below the hearth. The opening appears to open out into a small, dirt walled chamber, about six feet deep and probably about 6 feet square also. A wooden stool rests directly below the opening, and the only other objects that can be seen within the space are a small wooden bench, upon which rest half a dozen unlit candles, a small chest, and a bed roll.

Jirkin’s keen eyesight allow him to make out some detail of the dark space below the hearth. The opening appears to open out into a small, dirt walled chamber, about six feet deep and probably about 6 feet square also. A wooden stool rests directly below the opening, and the only other objects that can be seen within the space are a small wooden bench, upon which rest half a dozen unlit candles, a small chest, and a bed roll.

Laithe peers into the space, squinting and struggling to see what is down there. He throws a glance back towards the door, and seeing the wolves have held off their attack thus far, turns to Jirkin;

"Friend, your eyesite seems to fair better than mine. If you are willing I will help lower you into the hole and give you a hand back out if you can find anything of use down there"

He braces himself on the edge of the hole and offers his hand to Jirkin.

Keildrithe’s words fill the clearing with rhythm. It is difficult to ascertain what effect – if any - this has on the wolves – but at the least they do not seem to be attacking – yet. The first wolf, still caught in Laithe’s entangling enchantment, has momentarily given up straining at it’s bonds, and gnaws at a weed wrapped around it’s front paw, making a high pitched whining sound as it does so. The lead wolf at the west side of the clearing stands still, staring straight at Keildrithe, as if listening – or waiting for something. The wolf that stood behind it pads cautiously towards the circle of waving weeds and plants at the center of the clearing, sniffing at them – then quickly darting aside as the vegetation tries to entrap it! It growls, then looks around, and begins loping quickly around the edge of the spell’s boundary, on an angle towards Keildrithe.

A fourth wolf stalks around the corner on the east side of the clearing, close to the cottage wall, and stops, also staring at Keildrithe, and gives out a short, sharp yap. It stands not ten feet away from the bard.

Keildrithe continues to recite his verses in a calm, sing-song voice as he delicately beats his hand drum. While doing so, he looks at the wolves one by one. As soon as he makes eye contact with one animal, he lowers his gaze submissively, then looks at another. He drops to one knee and tilts his head slightly, exposing his neck, hoping they take this as a further sign of submission...

"Off through the new day's mist i run
out from the new day's mist I have come
we shift
pulsing with the earth
company we keep
roaming the land while you sleep"

As the verse trails off, he speaks to the wolves again in a hypnotic monotone, focusing on the alpha male (while still refraining from holding his gaze)...

"Grandfather Wolf, we mean your pack no harm
Grandfather Wolf, grant us safe passage through your woods
Grandfather Wolf, Gosia needs our aid,
Grandfather Wolf, to you we pay respect..."

We're pretty up to date now; next few goes are: Jirken, THEN wolves, THEN Yruch, THEN Alton...

This following happens after Jirkin and Laithe act within the hut, but I figure their actions have no impact on the following:

As if at some unseen signal, the wolf that had been making its way along the edge of the entanglement spell effect towards Keildrithe lowers it’s head and charges at the bard! However, as it spins to attack, a number of the waving weeds behind the animal reach out to grasp its hind quarters. They only succeed in pulling out a few tail hairs, but this is enough to distract the wolf, which yelps in pain, and lunges awkwardly at Keildrithe, it’s slavering jaws closing a good distance away from the kneeling bard’s face.

A split second later, the wolf standing by the south west corner of the cottage also charges, but as it nears the pair of humans, Yruch the Artonite springs into action, bringing his mace down heavily into the beast’s flank. The attack throws the wolf slightly off course, but is not enough to prevent it’s attack, and it’s teeth sink into Keildrithe’s upper arm, causing the bard to hiss in pain. With it’s mouth on the man’s arm, the wolf shakes it’s head sharply, seeming to try to drag Keildrithe to the ground, but the bard manages to pull himself free from the wolf’s grasp.

The trapped wolf continues to try to free itself from the entrapping vegetation, but it’s efforts are still futile. Strangely, throughout this the last wolf has continued to stand still, staring at Keildrithe, but it now shakes it’s head and growls, appearing to be about to come out of whatever spell it was held under.

Technical: Wolf One charges Keildrithe, natural one, misses. Wolf Two charges Keildrithe. I have assumed that Yruch was holding his action to attack any attacking wolves from last turn, so I allowed him an attack on the approaching wolf, which hit for 7 points of damage. However, Wolf Two still managed to hit Keildrithe for 3 points of damage, and attempted to trip him. However, I rolled a 15 for Keildrithe on the opposed check, and the trip attempt failed.

This is the end of round three, apart from one action by Jirkin (presumably going down into the hole). The initiative order remains effectively the same, so Alton has the next turn (Now that combat is actually joined I would prefer to stick closer to initiative order, so better if Alton waits for Jirkin to post before taking his turn). Wolf One stands in the five foot space directly ahead of Keildrithe, threatening (and threatened by) him. Wolf Two (injured) stands to the left of Keildrithe, threatening (and threatened by) Keildrithe and Yruch. Wolf Three and Wolf Four both stand about thirty five feet from the combat, in the east and the south of the clearing respectively. Wolf Four is entangled. From where he lurks, Alton could target wolves One, Three or Four – a shot against Wolf One would count as firing into combat.

Keildrithe, if for any reason you want to continue your performance, a DC 13 Concentration check will be required. There is nothing to stop you starting a new performance. I will post on the discussion thread once this combat is done for the effect and justification of your performance so far.

DM Mothman wrote:

Jirkin’s keen eyesight allow him to make out some detail of the dark space below the hearth. The opening appears to open out into a small, dirt walled chamber, about six feet deep and probably about 6 feet square also. A wooden stool rests directly below the opening, and the only other objects that can be seen within the space are a small wooden bench, upon which rest half a dozen unlit candles, a small chest, and a bed roll.

Laithe peers into the space, squinting and struggling to see what is down there. He throws a glance back towards the door, and seeing the wolves have held off their attack thus far, turns to Jirkin;

"Friend, your eyesite seems to fair better than mine. If you are willing I will help lower you into the hole and give you a hand back out if you can find anything of use down there"

He braces himself on the edge of the hole and offers his hand to Jirkin.

"Thank you, I think i will need help to check what down in the hole, just give me a hand." Jirkin says accepting Laithe's help

I fire my bow at Wolf Three, praying for luck to guid the arrow.
Attack roll: 16 (10+6) Damage if it hits: 3

With Laithe’s helping hand, Jirkin scrambles down into the hole, finding his footing on the stool, and from there onto the hard packed earth floor of the cubby. Jirkin’s elven eyes make the most of the little light filtering in from above, and he is able to see well enough. As he reaches the bottom, he hears the sudden sounds of battle joined from above.

Jirkin is in a small, dirt walled chamber, about six feet deep and probably about 6 feet square, the stone ceiling supported by heavy timber beams. In the chamber are a wooden stool, a small wooden bench, upon which rest half a dozen unlit candles, a small chest, and a bed roll.

---
Alton, luck is indeed with you. Your arrow flies true, striking the wolf in the side, causing it to yelp, and turn to worry at the arrow with it’s teeth, breaking the shaft.

Jirkin and Keildrithe's turns next

With Laithe’s helping hand, Jirkin scrambles down into the hole, finding his footing on the stool, and from there onto the hard packed earth floor of the cubby. Jirkin’s elven eyes make the most of the little light filtering in from above, and he is able to see well enough. As he reaches the bottom, he hears the sudden sounds of battle joined from above.

Jirkin is in a small, dirt walled chamber, about six feet deep and probably about 6 feet square, the stone ceiling supported by heavy timber beams. In the chamber are a wooden stool, a small wooden bench, upon which rest half a dozen unlit candles, a small chest, and a bed roll.

---
Alton, luck is indeed with you. Your arrow flies true, striking the wolf in the side, causing it to yelp, and turn to worry at the arrow with it’s teeth, breaking the shaft.

Jirkin and Keildrithe's turns next

Jirkin darts toward the chest, seeing what is in it.

Jirkin, the small wooden chest is unlocked, and opens easily on well oiled hinges. Inside, the box is lined with brown felt, cushioning the contents. Resting inside are a small leather pouch – when shifted aside you can hear the dull clunk of heavy coins from within. Beside the pouch is a pendant; made up of a flat, oval stone with a hole in the center, the stone is brown with pale streaks, and is polished to a high sheen. A thin strip of leather is threaded through the hole, and tied in an adjustable loop above, so that the stone can be worn around the neck as a pendant.

Beside these two objects are five small clay pots, each with a wax sealed cork stopper in the top. Each of the pots have some symbols painted onto them, the symbols appear to be elven, which you can read Jirkin. The pots are labeled; “Change”, “Aura of Protection”, “Bull’s Strength”, “Spider Climb”, and “Healing”.

Jirkin, the small wooden chest is unlocked, and opens easily on well oiled hinges. Inside, the box is lined with brown felt, cushioning the contents. Resting inside are a small leather pouch – when shifted aside you can hear the dull clunk of heavy coins from within. Beside the pouch is a pendant; made up of a flat, oval stone with a hole in the center, the stone is brown with pale streaks, and is polished to a high sheen. A thin strip of leather is threaded through the hole, and tied in an adjustable loop above, so that the stone can be worn around the neck as a pendant.

Beside these two objects are five small clay pots, each with a wax sealed cork stopper in the top. Each of the pots have some symbols painted onto them, the symbols appear to be elven, which you can read Jirkin. The pots are labeled; “Change”, “Aura of Protection”, “Bull’s Strength”, “Spider Climb”, and “Healing”.

Jirkin's eyes light up "I think i found the pendant!" he shouts so that Laithe can hear him. I found some other items down here that i think will help us too. He takes the pouch of coins and the pendant and puts the pots in his bag. how much does everything weight?

Jirkin's eyes light up "I think i found the pendant!" he shouts so that Laithe can hear him. I found some other items down here that i think will help us too. He takes the pouch of coins and the pendant and puts the pots in his bag. how much does everything weight?

Not much. A few pounds at most. That is the end of your turn. Keildrithe and Laithe next!

Not much. A few pounds at most. That is the end of your turn. Keildrithe and Laithe next!

The snarls of the wolves joining combat meet Laithe's ears and he turns sharply, fearing for the helidye and desperate to stand by his side.

Figuring that with the aid of the stool, Jirkin will be able to exit the pit by himself, he mumbles an apology and starts towards the door. As he moves he whispers a prayer: "Ehlonna, grant me the strength and power of those that now threaten us, so that I may protect my companions".

Breaking into a run he dives forward; his clothes and equipment meld into his body, his face elongates into a snout and his teeth grow and sharpen into fangs. Landing on all fours his body sprouts a thick layer of grey fur, with a white streak running down the back.

Moving as a large wolf, Laithe lopes through the door with a deep and gutteral growl, launching himself at the nearest wolf which threatening Keildrithe.

technical: Shapeshift is a swift action which grants Laithe a land speed of 50ft, so I've assumed I will be able to make the combat and make an attack. If not, that's cool.

if so, luck is with me! to hit 17 + 3 = 20, to damage (spoke to soon!) 1 + 3 = 4

No problem Laithe, that’s all in order and you will indeed have enough movement to reach the wolves threatening Keildrithe. However, since it’s Keildrithe’s turn ahead of yours, and your action potentially effects him, I’ll let him post before I describe the effects of your attack.

As if at some unseen signal, the wolf that had been making its way along the edge of the entanglement spell effect towards Keildrithe lowers it’s head and charges at the bard! However, as it spins to attack, a number of the waving weeds behind the animal reach out to grasp its hind quarters. They only succeed in pulling out a few tail hairs, but this is enough to distract the wolf, which yelps in pain, and lunges awkwardly at Keildrithe, it’s slavering jaws closing a good distance away from the kneeling bard’s face.

A split second later, the wolf standing by the south west corner of the cottage also charges, but as it nears the pair of humans, Yruch the Artonite springs into action, bringing his mace down heavily into the beast’s flank. The attack throws the wolf slightly off course, but is not enough to prevent it’s attack, and it’s teeth sink into Keildrithe’s upper arm, causing the bard to hiss in pain. With it’s mouth on the man’s arm, the wolf shakes it’s head sharply, seeming to try to drag Keildrithe to the ground, but the bard manages to pull himself free from the wolf’s grasp.

Argh! First post lost to the Paizo cyber-monster!...

Keildrithe snaps his head back as the first wolf lunges at him, his oration and drumming abruptly cut off by the sudden charge. He yells out in pain and fear as the second one closes its jaws on his upper arm, dropping his beldach in the grass near the cottage door. He yanks his arm free from its maw as he rises from the ground, but the wolf tears a strip of leather off his worn armour. The bard then pulls his dagger from its sheath and waves it before the beast that mauled him, assuming a defensive posture with legs spread wide and slightly bent at the knee.

“Noble wolves, why do you attack us, when we mean you no harm and honour your ancestors?” Keildrithe calls out in a hoarse and trembling voice, evidently unaccustomed to this kind of life-and-death battle. Then, over his shoulder, he screams: “Jirkin! Have you found the pendant yet!? HURRY!!! AND BRING MY SWORD, IT’S BY THE DOOR!!!”

Fortunately, the wolf does not seem to have drawn any blood, but has merely left some teeth marks and a nasty bruise beneath Keildrithe’s right shoulder.

Keildrithe is now performing the total defence action, thereby increasing his AC by 4.

Moving as a large wolf, Laithe lopes through the door with a deep and gutteral growl, launching himself at the nearest wolf which threatening Keildrithe.

Keildrithe spins around with an expression of shock on his face as he sees yet another wolf leap out of the cottage... His eyes betray panic, until he realizes that this latest wolf has leaped to his defense!

A large grey furred shape streaks past Keildrithe, launching itself at the wolf in front of him, the two beasts whirling together in a frenzy of growling jaws, snapping teeth and flying tails. The new grey wolf manages to get a grip on the black wolf’s throat, whilst the other wolf takes a chunk out of the new-comer’s ear.

A few seconds later, the wolf that had been standing nearby, and recently become a victim of Alton’s arrow launches itself at the brawling pair, snapping at the grey wolf, but failing to find purchase with its teeth.

Keildrithe hardly has a moment to react to this development, before he is fending off another attack by the wolf beside he and Yruch. He manages to angle his shoulder so that the wolf’s jaws close harmlessly, and slide off, his battered leather armour.

Technical: Laithe was hit by Wolf One for 2 points of damage (threatened critical but failed to confirm, rolled abysmally for trip attempt). Other wolf attacks missed, and the trapped wolf remains trapped. Wolves One and Three are in melee with Laithe (also in wolf form) and Wolf Two is in melee with Keildrithe and Yruch.

It is Yruch’s turn next, I’ll give him a bit of a chance to post before I do so for him.