How much sleep was actually had before the wolves attacked?

yar (got it)

Thorvin will flop back down on his log in exhaustion and continue his watch after throwing a couple more logs on the fire. He will wake Carrion up in two hours.

Thorvin sits upon his log reflecting over the events of the past few days. After all the action, the night seems perpetually still in comparison. At the completion of his watch, Throvin in turn wakes Carrion.

And so this goes thoughout the night and into the morn. Each of you awake feeling mostly rested to greet dawn's crimson orange light filtering in through the trees from the Eastern horizon. The rest has eased your aches and pains and all but Thorvin are good as new. As a consolation prize, you do get to heal 1 hp for a nights worth of rest.

The wind has changed direction overnight and is now blowing from the Northwest. The air carried upon said wind has the slightest nuance of decay commonly associated with wetlands.

Sniffing the air: "The scent of death and decay, it may be natural or unnatural; these are the wild and mysterious areas of the world, as we understand it.

I'm all for exploring, the world and the mind, even beyond."

Carrion eats another ration, unless meat is available (i.e. the wolves) and properly treated (cooked well).
If applicable: Carrion will take a piece the wolf meat and attempt to cook it well. He will do so by finding a branch or the like to make a spit OR he can tie a piece of the twine around it, then hang it over the fire, close enough to cook but not to burn the twine. Carrion will alternate the meat as needed.

"Anyone know how to properly cook meet in the wild? I don't, off hand, but I'll always make the attempt."

As you set out in the morning, can I get a Survival Check from the party to determine your success at plotting the next leg of your journey. Remember if you are trained in Survival but it is not the optimal score in the group, feel free to assist.

In the morning, Lianth divides up some rations between herself and Roarke, avoiding the wolf meat. She chews absently at her ration as she refreshes her connection to the divine to replenish her magics.

She then attempts to get her bearings and make sure that the group is on course, before they head out.

Survival check 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

In the course of the day's travel, she will keep her sling at hand, and watch for game, as well as keeping an eye out for edible berries, fruit, nuts, etc.

Survival check to add to rations 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Survival check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

As the morning moves on, the party gathers their things and has a modest meal of roasted wolf meat and dried flatbread from your ration stores. They then pack up their possessions and adjust their packs preparing to set out for another day.

Lianth and Thorvin working together quickly ascertain the direction you should travel from here, indicating that if you keep travelling into the wind you should reach Gray Lake before noon.

You set out at a moderate pace as the autumn leaves fall from maples and oaks all around you. The view is rather breathtaking. It would appear today is going to be a quintessential fall day.

After a couple hours on the trial, Thorvin spots sign of recent rabbit habitation. Lianth and Thorvin both wander off to investigate a possible meal. After a quick 20 minute detour Thorvin returns with a pair of dead rabbits in each hand! If this wasn't enough, a bristling bunch of potato-like tubers rest in Lianth's gathered arms. Portents of supper appear to be tasty.

As you travel, The trees begin to thin, revealing a feld of short, green grass that leads to the shores of a wide, calm lake refecting the overcast sky above. A dense fog hangs over the center of the lake, obscuring the far side. Near the shore of the lake, a dark form lies next to the water.

No appreciable amount of your rations was used for your breakfast meal. Lianth and Thorvin managed to find enough food to feed everyone today before noon, but has reduced your speed by half for half the day.

"This may well be the source of that odor this morning, I wonder how that odor is formed?

That appears to be a body, I vote we don't approach too quickly, scout the area looking for more; there may be some type of disease or murderer loose.

How large is the lake? It may not be feasible to encompass the lake to search for more anomalies."

"Thorvin, would you mind shooting an arrow into that thing? From pretty far away? I don't like the feel of it."

"That's one way to test if it's an active being or not. Thorvin, if you do decide to fire on the body, I can assist you in aiming, if you wish."

"Lads, I'm not just going to shoot somethin' I haven't identified. Someone could be wounded or unconscious. I will investigate. Jus' watch me back."

If there is no protest, Thorvin will pull out his bow, string an arrow and attempt to stealthily approach the area where the body is located. He will also look around the area for any other sign of foul play, including other bodies.

Thorvin will take 10 on his Stealth and Perception checks, giving him a 16 and 15 respectively.

He will also ready an action to loose an arrow at anything that immediately threatens him or another party member.

Lianth still has her sling in hand, from the days attempts at foraging, and attempts to move up quietly behind Thorvin, stepping where he steps, but obviously not trained at moving sneakily.

Stealth 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Carrion will move behind Lianth, stepping in the same footprints and staying as quiet as possible; he is clearly not skilled, yet. Carrion has crossbow in hand, and notches a bolt.
take 10 on stealth 10+2=12
Perception1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Virgil looks down at his heavy armor and whispers to the others, "I will stay here and prepare to charge." He draws his sword and prepares an action to charge.

How large is the lake? It may not be feasible to encompass the lake to search for more anomalies."

I've decided that I will be awarding experience every time your group rests and regains abilities. Thus far, brave adventurers, each of you have earned 400xp. Congratulations.

All, well armed and ready, Throvin, Lianth, and Carrion creep forward towards the motionless form at the water's edge while Virgil remains behind ready to charge in a moment's notice.

The figure turns out to be the dead body of a male that looks to have been here for some time. He is positioned face down, his head nearly in the water itself. It is hard to tell the cause of death since his skin is nearly sloughing off at this point but you think you can make out nearly a dozen huge bite marks all over his upper torso.

Perception DC10

Heal DC 15

Take 10 on Heal check for a 17 to see what she can determine about the bite marks. Also Survival check 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 and Perception check 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 to analyze wounds / search body for identifying items / marks / characteristics.

"He's been dead for months," Lianth says. "We can drag him out of here, or just say a prayer for him and leave him for nature to reclaim. I have no strong preference either way, although we should attempt to find something to identify who he was, so that we can possibly send word of his fate to his family."

Virgil takes 10 on Perception check for result of 11.

"If no one objects, I can carry any resources we happen upon during our travels. I believe I will be least affected by the weight." He wraps the shortsword in a cloth and stows in in his backpack, then places the 87 gold pieces in a pouch and puts that in the pack as well.

I will list party treasure in a separate category on my character sheet.

"If we can somehow identify him, I suggest we take just his skull to his family. He has already decomposed such that there is little need to protect his body from scavengers and he will be reclaimed by the earth soon enough.

Take 10 on Heal check for a 17 to see what she can determine about the bite marks. Also Survival check 1d20+9 and Perception check 1d20+7 to analyze wounds / search body for identifying items / marks / characteristics.

"He's been dead for months," Lianth says. "We can drag him out of here, or just say a prayer for him and leave him for nature to reclaim. I have no strong preference either way, although we should attempt to find something to identify who he was, so that we can possibly send word of his fate to his family."

Knowledge Nature DC 20

When multiple DC's of the same skill are listed, simply make one roll and read all entries who's DCs are met or exceeded by the result of your skill check.

Knowledge (nature) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Frustrated by her inability to tell what killed the man, or find any identifying characteristics, Lianth brusquely says, "I'd recommend just leaving him. We aren't really equipped to be carrying a body around. Let's return to our mission, before we lose too much more time."

"Sounds fine." With a quick slash of his sword, Virgil decapitates the body. He pulls a sack out of his backpack and gathers the head, hanging it from his belt. "I will clean it with fire at our next stop. We can deliver it along with a description of the cadaver. Let's be off."

"Maybe we'll be able to find more information on the body and the reasons for his death, there may be a water creature, which does not sound too appealing; I don't swim well."

Carrion will look in both directions around the lake

"Where to now folks? We just meander around the lake looking for a clue, that's what the directions seemed to say."

Carrion retrieves his pack, and readies himself for travel

Thorvin looks over the body carefully. "Hmmmm..."

Knowledge (Nature) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"I'm in agreement with Lianth."

Thorvin squints as he watches Virgil decapitate the corpse.

"Lad, I'm not sure that's the best way to inform the next of kin... but, whatever works for ye." He shakes his head and then takes a look at the ground surrounding the body.

Survival check (Track): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Thorvin will examine the ground, looking for any tracks humanoid or not.

"From Gray Lake, we need to go south to Serpent Gorge. Let's move out, there is nothing more we can do for this poor soul." Lianth says, "And we should get out of this boggy ground as soon as possible," she adds, "it will hinder us in a fight."

Survival check to find the right place in the trees to enter the forest again. 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Worst. Druid. Ever.

Lianth gets turned around and points north. "This way should be south."

Carrion will look in both directions around the lake.

Survival check (Track): 1d20+6

Thorvin will examine the ground, looking for any tracks humanoid or not.

Survival Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Thorvin turns the map over and points in the opposite direction. Lianth's freckles are starkly highlighted as her face grows flush and she says, "Yes, what Thorvin said. Clearly, I'm not awake yet..."

Lianth takes 10 on Survival check to get a 19, forcing her to agree with Thorvin that north is *not* south.

She adjusts her shield on her arm and idly strokes Roarkes head as he lopes alongside her, reassuring herself that at least the wolf won't recognize her mistake.

Survival check to find the right place in the trees to enter the forest again. 1d20+9

Worst. Druid. Ever.

Lianth gets turned around and points north. "This way should be south."

Thorvin and Lianth lead the party South into the shadowy Fangwood. The forest is denser here and going is rough at times. Tangles of branches and briars pull at your armor and clothing occasionally scratching exposed skin. This leaves a light scratch that itches like mad after a few minutes. Lianth and Thorvin assure the rest of you that the thorns are merely an annoyance and not poisonous. Your travel is further impeded from hazardous footing as many areas of the forest floor are made uneven by slabs of rock jutting up 2-6 inches from the ground. Oftentimes leaves fill in these miniature cliffs making an awful tripping hazard.

After only an hour of travel the temperature begins to drop sharply and dull gray clouds appear moving fast in the sky as the wind picks up disturbing the fallen leaves on the forest floor.

After another hour, cold rain begins to fall mixed with sleet causing icy bits to form on your clothing before melting or sliding off to the ground. Ice even begins to build up on Thorvin's beard!

The trail leads ever deeper into the Fangwood, through a twisting maze of trees and confusing ravines. As it tops a small rise, a broad valley spreads out before it, the opposite side of which looks like a writhing serpent. Yet between the two lies a steep hill sloping down into the valley. The cold rain has made the ground slick and treacherous.

"So, wood-wise companions, can you see a safe trail down the slope, or do we need to break out the ropes?

"This looks like an interesting route, potentially lethal."

Carrion looks to Thorvin and Lianth, "Which way do we go, and don't say south."

Carrion will look over the valley, specifically for waterways and waterfalls, exotic trees and identifiable creatures.

Take 20 on spot=21

"If I understand this map correctly, it looks as if we need to descend into this ravine or valley, and then scale most of the way up the opposite side, to reach the Crypt." Lianth says, a dubious look on her face. Beside her, damp and somewhat ill-tempered, Roarke looks down the slope with a similarly dubious expression.

How long to go around?

Upon careful inspection of the valley, you determine a few things. First the inclined slope before you although treacherous is the least dangerous route for reaching the valley's floor, the remaining slopes drop much more sharply and appear even more dangerous. Circumnavigation will not help your cause unless you wish to forgo the valley all together.

Next, you ascertain that the slope before you descends approximately 100 feet to the ground below at an angle of descent between 30 and 40 degrees with interspersed trees, justting rocks, and loose soil. A rope is not necessary for a descent and although using a climbing rope to aid in the climb down will take more time, but will result in a safer descent.

Lastly, you think you can spot the feint outline of a stonework arch with an over-sized capstone at the opposite end of the valley floor set into the side of a small hill.

Carrion points at the feint archway, "I wish to explore that area, archways tend to be gateways."

"According to the map, that's the entrance to the Crypt, so your wish will be granted." Lianth says.

"Sweet. Ask and you shall receive."

"Well then, let's start heading down." Virgil takes the lead, cautiously making his way down the hill.

Virgil will move at half speed, taking Total Defense action and a move action every round until he reaches the bottom of the hill.

Thorvin will likewise move taking total defense actions as he carefully makes his way down.

"Looks like we've found the place. Let us not let our guard down."

Lianth straps her shield to her back to keep both hands free to help herself and Roarke make it down the slope without incident (although Roarke, with four legs and a low-slung body, probably has less difficulty than she does...).

The defensive maneuvers of the other two are obviously lost on her.

Everyone descending the slope must make three consecutive acrobatics skill checks. You may add a +2 circumstantial bonus for going slowly. Remember that armor check penalties apply.

1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) - 1 + 2 = 17
1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) - 1 + 2 = 11
1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) - 1 + 2 = 18

Carrion will follow after the others, moving half speed and total defense

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

As he traverses down the valley, "This is pretty easy, nothing to i....woh woh woh" (stumbling and/or falling or rolling down the valley, as the DM indicates)

Carrion must have become overconfident, at the last portion he stumbles; good job guy

Thorvin carefully begins to descend, watching each step that he takes to attempt to avoid any obstacles.

Acrobatics 1 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Acrobatics 2 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Acrobatics 3 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Carrion and Thovin now need to make Reflex Saving Throws.

Lianth (stowed shield, so no ACP)
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Roarke (possible bonus for being four-legger)
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Reflex save for Roarke
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Reflex save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"Come on, just come on!" as he continues down the hill

So I go rolling down the hill, a lot; the dice are not favoring me, but I could be first to the bottom, I won the race.