Absalom in Shadow (InnRoads) Chapter 1 - In my Time of Waking

Game Master Song of Chiroptera

"That's reassuring, eh Beckett? Caster, can you see in this light?" curious of this pleading voice but unsure if the hawk can see in the moonlight.

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Stirred from his slumber, Caster puffs up his chest feathers and stretches his beak then each of his wings. The imagery of the dark-plumed hawk tearing at the clothes in the Andoran's wardrobe flood into Phedron's mind. "You waken me in the time of the stars. Are there more dogmen?" He doesn't wait for an answer, allowing his indignation to flood along the bond he shares with the half-elf wizard. But he does burst forth from within the back of a wagon where he'd set up his roost.

Taking wing in the night air, Caster looks little more than a flying pattern of black amid the backdrop of stars.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

The hawk wheels about the area north of the camp and sweeps westward and then back to Phedron's position where he stands warily with Beckett. "Many eyes from the hills. Close, watching, they wait to strike." The wizard is given the sharpened and slightly distorted vision of a myriad of black shapes along the ground and the glowing eyes of predators looking towards the camp and upwards at the soaring Caster.

Alarm and gratitude radiate from Phedron. Thank you. Stay up there and stay safe Turning to Beckett, he says "He sees many enemies waiting to strike. Let's wake the others." Without shouting, he grasps a copper wire out of his pouch and points a finger at Marsh back in camp. He mutters a syllable as the wire disappears "Get up! Attack is imminent!

Spell: message

"Come, let's edge our way back to camp so as not to spring this trap" he whispers to Beckett.

Using body language and voice, he hopes to convince his enemies that their veil hasn't yet been penetrated while they backs towards camp. "Let's get a closer look." he he feigns in just falsely quiet voice, intended to carry.

bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Karl messages back, "Just as well . . . damn prostate had me up to pee again anyway. I'll get em up."

The warrior dons his armor and straps on his sword belts.

"Get em up Link, it is time to shine. Drogan I want a good dwarven battle dirge when the time comes. The rest of you know the drill. ready the torches, arm yourselves and get the sharpened poles ready. We are one meal that won't go down easy. You there, yes you, I'm pointing right at you. Help the knight get his armor on and then up on his horse. Lavios you need to make that trident of yours sing today. Hold the wagon circle."

Karl mounts his charger with the assured air of command. He sits up straight in the saddle as his eyes sweep the progress of readying the camps defenses.

Drogan shoots bolt-up from his bedroll. His wicked smile sneaks its way across his face. "Aye, they've come fer it then? A've heard a these things, but never saw one past some sketches in books."

He begins to strap his armor on, his axe and drum never more than a few inches from his hands.

"This should prove most intrestin'!

Lavios does as Karl says and gets his trident at the ready.

"Come, let's edge our way back to camp so as not to spring this trap" he whispers to Beckett.

Beckett pauses for a moment to consider the situation, looking out into the night.

Then he nods at Phedron and starts edging his way back to camp.

♜ The East Road | Day Four (evening)
♜ 22 Lamashan, 4714
♜ Early Evening | 70°

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Round 1 - Begins!

Familiar and Message, excellent combination!

Phedron and Beckett begin to retreat, edging their way back to the camp. Behind them, muffled preparations can be heard as Karl and the others rouse the camp thanks to Phedron’s magical missive.

”Where doooesss it gooo?” The hissing voice pleads. But deep within the consonants, there is a dark and animal nature. It’s next words alter from passably humanoid to discomfitingly inhumane. ”Doooessss it sssseeek…sssssaaaafetyyyyy?”

The only warning are the myriad glowing green eyes as they open and reveal their positions. Shadowed shapes burst from the darkness cast by night and terrain, and set upon the camp. Slavering jaws and the growls of Death Dogs bath the camp in terror and the promise of blood! The black-furred, two-headed dogs are as large as horses but move with the canine grace of their heritage.

It is only thanks to Phedron and Beckett’s warnings that the camp does not get caught off guard. But their heroism does not go unnoticed. The last shape to emerge is roughly the same size as the others, a wolf’s silhouette against the starry night, with a single head and glowing green eyes. But where savagery exists in the other beasts, these eyes hold a most terrible intelligence. It growls, lowering its head and focusing on Phedron and Beckett. ”There is no esssaaaape...I will feeaasssst upon your entrailssss!”

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The map depicts the starting positions. Thanks to Phedron (and that blasted hawk) the Death Dogs and their leader lose their Surprise Round! All are up and ready for combat on both sides and the players have won the Initiative Rolls. The map below is set up with a general sense of scale and positioning. I’m assuming at Round 1’s opening, both Karl and Nosatrub are on their way to getting mounted.

Battle Map (link)

Round 1 - Players Up!!

Current Status
➢ Karl (HP 31/31)
➢ Nosatrub (HP 33/33)
➢ Drogan (HP 22/22)
➢ Beckett (HP 26/26)
➢ Phedron (HP 25/25)
➢ Lavios (HP 31/31)

Hey guys, quick update to the map above! I forgot to reorient the layout to put our to night watchman on the north side of the map. have adjusted it and reallocated the enemies was at orientation in mind. so have another look at the link below, and remember it's not all entirely to scale. for Karl and our brave paladin, again I'm assuming you are armored up and about to mount your horses at the start of the round.

Updated Map

"You speak? What type of foul creature are you? Bad dog, stay!"

Withdrawing a piece of wool, Phedron speaks in a commanding voice and raises his hand, palm out in warning towards the beast.

Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Action: Spell: Daze (DC 14)

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Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Phedron casts his spell, the arcane energies slipping over the creature's mind. But it fails to take hold. The enormous canine shakes it's head and locks its maw. "What does it sssssaaaay? Whaaaat am I? I aaaam your deeeeeath..."

Continue Round 1 - All Players Up
Don't forget, I roll initiative for all, then compare the averages between each group. The players have one and go first.

knowledge: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

"By Torag's hammer!" his eyes go wide with curiosity and excitement. "We got us a WORG boys! I've always wanted tell see one. Now as I have, A'very always wanted tell MOUNT ONE ON MAH MANTLE AN' WHERE ISS TEETH ON A CHARM!"

Inspire courage

Nosa wakens quickly when the call goes out. He grabs his armor and has one of the caravan members assist him in donning it.

He races to where Trajen is, the great warhorse stamping and throwing his head about, clearly aware of the beasts and desperate to get into the battle.

He mounts Trajen. Nosa lays his hand on the great beasts neck and pats him gently, he leans close and whispers [i]Come my friend. The Lady calls us to action[/b]

Trajen rears back and Nosa is forced to hold tightly to the reigns or lose the saddle.

Nosa draws his sword and points in the direction of the beasts.

For the Lady and for our friends

"Our death!? Oh you poor creature. You have no idea how big of a bone you are about to pick with us. We have waited two days for this meeting. You have given us that time to prepare. I am glad you held off, for your pelt will be that much more fresh when we arrive in town. We will turn in your heads for the bounties on them!"

"Bring your fangs against us and embrace your deaths!"

Intimidation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Beckett eyes the beasts, looking for signs of weakness, while drawing his hammer.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Lavios stands at the ready, waiting for his opponent to come to him before striking.

Typing post now. Been at the vet with our dog. (Bum knee, needs some anti-inflammatory meds)

♜ The East Road | Day Four (evening)
♜ 22 Lamashan, 4714
♜ Early Evening | 70°

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Round 1 - Results

Don't forget your +1 to att/dam from Drogan!

Beckett: Check the spoilers attached to my avatar above for your perception results.
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Phedron attempts to daze the fearsome worg, but his spell is unable to grapple the intelligent creature's mind.

Beckett readies himself for battle and studies the party's array of enemies, searching for weaknesses. His perceptive gaze takes on the scene...

Nosatrub and Karl hit their saddles and ready their weapons. Their trained mounts loose their ties to the hitching post and tense for action! Karl let's fly a curious invective that causes the three death dogs near him to second guess their actions!

Drogan brandishes his keen dwarfish axe and bellows his a blistering promise of taxidermy across the battlefield, inspiring his comrades to courageous prowess!

Lavios spins his trident to the ready, wickedly barbed points catching the pinpoints of starlight above. In the distance a rumble of thunder can be heard.

Then the beasts leap into action! The pack leader worg lunges for Phedron, his jaws filled with razor sharp teeth, slavoring hatred aiming for the wizard's neck and shoulder. But the half-elf is too agile and spins to the side to avoid the monstrous bite. (If you want to whistle for your horse, you can do so as a free action. It's tethered over at the horse post where Karl and Nosa are located)

Beckett, unfortunately, does not fare so well. the deaf dog to his left, though shaken, still manages to bring its 2 Headed visage in close to maul the inquisitor terribly. The second head crunches down on his left leg and twists its worm-infested body and bears him to the ground! ( 9 pts of damage to Beckett | Knocked Prone)

Against Karl & Nosatrub, their respective death dogs charge forward despite their reticence, spurred on by the will of their pack leader. But their shaken nerves cause their bites to miss horse and rider!

Within the interior of the caravan circle, the full pack enter the camp with death on their minds! Agidor and Climber are the first to be savaged. But whereas Agidor is pulled to the ground and bloodied, Climber is able to keep his feet.

Drogan squares off against one of the 2 Headed invaders, axe flashing deadly in the night. But the animal is on face as its first head tears into the dwarfs forearm. but the second head is unable to grasp at his leg in an attempt to bring him to the ground. Drogan maintains his feet! (5 pts of damage to Drogan!)

The last Death Dog prowl its way towards Linkah and two of the drivers, diseased saliva dripping from its maw.

Battle Map (link)

Round 2 - Players Up!!

Current Status
➢ Karl (HP 31/31)
➢ Nosatrub (HP 33/33)
➢➢➢ Drogan (HP 17/22)
➢➢➢ Beckett (HP 17/26) | prone
➢ Phedron (HP 25/25)
➢ Lavios (HP 31/31)
➢➢➢ Agidor (HP 8/22) | prone

can I get to Beckett?

Nosa: Yes you can get to him. You'll incur not AoO from your opponent unless you take the withdraw action.

"Bloody MONGREL!" He shouts at the beast as it lays into him. "Now iss time te show you how dwarf bites! I'll sen you to whatever nether spirit shat you out onte the earth!"

maintaining inspire courage

He takes his axe in his free hand and sinks the blade into the death dog's underbelly

axe: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16
damage: 1d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 = 11

Phedron whistles for Haleef and steps back in a guarded stance. Putting more than an arms length between him and the worg he speaks a cold utterance and points a condemning finger at the beast.

Free action: whistle for horse
5 foot step away from worg
Ranged touchRay of Enfeeblement: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Lavios puts himself between the dog and Linkah as he puts his trident, in the beast.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"By the Dawn!

Radiance of the Dawn, guard us against these dark spawn! I beg your protection in our time of need!

Swift Action: Judgement of Protection, +1 sacred bonus to armor class.

Beckett grunts in pain as the beast tears into him. But his mind continues to work feverishly. The ears... Nothing... The nose... No... The eyes... Pupils large... Very large...

The Inqusitor kicks at the creature's head, trying to keep it at bay.

"Light! They are not used to bright light!"

Lightless demon spawn!

Beckett's eyes go wide as a rage over takes him.

Beckett rolls to the side, using is momentum to swing his hammer at the creature's head from a ground!

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 = 20
Confirm: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 4 = 20
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Critical: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Hammer: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

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Mid Round Update

Worg Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 failed!
Str reduced 4
Phedron's spell slams into the worg, arcane energies sapping its strength

Drogan's arcing attack cuts flesh and bone and earns a howl of pain from the Death Dog. It tries to leap away but nearly stumbles on its own entrails in the effort. (Still alive but severely wounded)

Lavios bravely places himself between a Death Dog and Linkah. His trident stabs deeply into its shoulder.

Beckett, knocked down by the massive Death Dog's onslaught, summons the power of his goddess for protection. His hands grip his Lucerne hammer, rage fueling his attack from the ground. As the steel impacts on the Death Dog, the hammer's head emits a burning glow along the runes etched into its surface. The weapon impacts on the beast's first head and smashes completely thru it, arcing into the second head and killing the animal!

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Karl and Nosatrub, actions?

Nosa, seeing Beckett fell the beast who attacked him focuses on the one in front of him.

Horse and master becoming one, Trajen positions himself so that Nosa can swing at the beast.

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Karl directs his horse to charge to flank with Lavios!
Ride: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
to hit: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 30
1d8 + 3 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (4) + 1 = 12

Horseplay: Are these are war-trained mounts? If they are, don't forget they can attack too. It would take a DC 10 rode check and then they can flail away!

Karl's horse flares at the beast before him and bites at the unnatural threat.

1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 19
1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

♜ The East Road | Day Four (evening)
♜ 22 Lamashan, 4714
♜ Early Evening | 70°

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Round 2 - Finishes

Don't forget your +1 to att/dam from Drogan!

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Nosatrub brings his sword to bear but his opponent is more maneuverable and slinks under the devastating blow!

Karl wheels his mount away, intent upon saving Linkah and match the flank with Lavios. As he exits the engagement with the Death Dog next to him, it lashes out with its left maw, taking the opportunity to tear into the old warrior’s side! (6 pts of damage to Karl Marsh) But his expert charge is worth it as he brings his blade across the spine of Lavios’ enemy. As his attack lands, so too does his mount’s bite into one of its necks. The combined ferocity of Lavios, Karl and warhorse is too much. The Death Dog falls!

Seeing his comrades kill the 6th Death Dog, Linkah leaps forward, dagger flashing out in an attempt to hamstring the terrible beast facing Drogan. But the enormity of the beast overwhelms the little halfling and he stumbles over a rock, missing the mark!

Agidor, pinned under his assailant manages to grasp a paper-wrapped bundle of fruit and squeezes it in his fist, slamming it upwards and calling out, ”Looks like your old man should have been neutered!” In response, the beast’s visage changes from murderous to that of an oddly sentient and hideously disproportionate state of laughter! It staggers backwards, both heads shaking back and forth and yipping in uncontrolled mirth. Agidor, bleeding severely, manages to crawl his way out from under the animal and make his way to

The melee continues, blood staining the night amid the howls of animal and man alike. The worg facing off with Phedron stumbles but maintains its footing, clearly weakened by the half-elf’s magicks! But it lunges forward, clearly intent upon killing the wizard before he can manage another spell of such magnitude. It’s massive maw sinks into Phedron’s hip! (8 pts of damage to Phedron) Behind him, Phedron’s mount arrives at his call and prepares to accept his rider.

Now freed of Marsh, the two Death Dogs surrounding Nosatrub dive in for the attack. One aims for the knight, while the second aims for his horse. Of the four attacks committed only one manages to pierce armor and flesh! Nosatrub receives a vicious wound to the thigh and calf as one of the Death Dogs’ mouths close down! (8 pts of damage to Nosatrub)

The last Death Dog faces off with Drogan Anvilsong, but between the deadly display of the dwarf’s axe and his own wounds, the animal is unable to connect with his target!

Battle Map (link)

Round 3 - Players Up!!

Current Status
➢➢➢ Karl (HP 25/31)
➢➢➢ Nosatrub (HP 25/33)
➢➢➢ Drogan (HP 17/22)
➢➢➢ Beckett (HP 17/26) | prone
➢➢➢ Phedron (HP 17/25)
➢ Lavios (HP 31/31)
➢➢➢ Agidor (HP 8/22)

Drogan spits out a sputtering laugh, still gathering himself from the last attack. "LOOK AT YE! YE DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TE BLOODY DIE PROPPER! COME ON THEN!"

maintaining inspire courage

Drogan spins, gaining momentum on his blow for one final strike to end it.

waraxe: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21
damage: 1d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

Ride: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Karl guides his horse forward 5ft step into the flank with Linkah. Free to use both his blades, man and horse unleash a deadly assault against the two headed monster.

"Tell a bedtime story Drogan . . .

Horse bite: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21
1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8

Main Blade: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 18
1d8 + 3 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (3) + 1 = 10

Main Guache: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 26
1d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (3) + 1 = 10

. . . this little doggie is going to take a dirt nap!"

"Lavios, to Phedron's aid! I want my caster's protected."

"Link, get over to Agidor!"

Karl leers at the giant wolf harrying Beckett and Phedron and hails him.

"Your pack is dying all around you Warg, but you don't care about them do you? They are just mongrels to you aren't they? Just pawns."

Intimidate, demoraize: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Karl this round

Beckett rolls on the ground, desperately avoiding the creature's attacks and swinging his hammer wildly.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 = 15
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Phedron growls in pain as the Worg's bite finds home. Pulling himself away, he hobbles backwards and swings as best he can into the saddle. Drawing his sword he urges Haleef to pummel their opponent rising in the saddle along with his steed as it brings sharp hooves down in fury.

ride: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Horse Hoof: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Horse Hoof: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Nosa howls in pain at the bite on his leg, but takes advantage of the beast being locked onto his leg and attempts to drive his longsword through its skull.

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Trajen, at hearing his masters cry of pain lashes out with two powerful hooves.

hoof 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
hoof 2: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Lavios listens to Karl as he moves in to send his weapon through the Worg attacking Phedron.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

♜ The East Road | Day Four (evening)
♜ 22 Lamashan, 4714
♜ Early Evening | 70°

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Round 3 - Finishes

Don't forget your +1 to att/dam from Drogan!

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Drogan roars and whirls and stomps towards the Death Dog south of him, sending his arching axe into it’s shoulder and cutting so deeply that it loses use of its front legs!

Karl guides his horse towards the same target (not sure a 7 is enough to guide with the knees, but the first strike was enough on its own). Between his horse and the flash of his main sword, he finishes the beast!

Beckett rolls to his feet and slams his Lucerne Hammer downwards, blood fury in his eyes. But his massive strike is just short of the Worg, smashing the hardpacked earth instead.

Wounded by the Worg, Phedron manages to untangle himself from direct combat and jumps into the saddle of his warhorse. The massive animal does the rest, lashing out with its hooves as it rears up to challenge the Worg. But the fiendish lupine is far too maneuverable to be caught up by the display.

It’s Lavios, charging from within the circle of wagons and into the fray, that sinks his weapon into the mangy, worm-ridden fur of the Worg. The strike elicits a howl of rage and pain from the unnaturally intelligent creature.

Fending off two of the Death Dogs, Nosatrub stands tall in the saddle and brings down his gleaming sword. The masterfully crafted weapon plunges into the first skull of the Death Dog to his north. Then Trajen does the rest, flailing hoof crashing into the second head and stoving in its skull. The powerful tandem fells their opponent!

Desperate to close his wounds, Agidor casts a healing spell upon himself to ensure he doesn’t bleed out. At the same time, Linkah leaps over the recently killed Death Dog next to Drogan and lets his dagger fly at the Death Dog near Agidor. But his little blade pins itself into the ground where the Death Dog had been rolling with hideous laughter! The beast has regained its senses and begins to growl in anger at the human bard sheltering under a wagon.

But the Worg has sensed the ambush has utterly failed. Between Karl’s biting sword and remarks and the ferocity of the companions as they’re spurred on by Drogan’s battle ballad, the beast knows the fight is lost. It raises its massive maw and utters a series of chuffing barks and howls and disengages from the fight, green glowing eyes turning northward as it bounds off into the night.

The remaining Death Dogs follow quickly their master’s command, turning their paired heads in various directions as they too disengage from the fight and plunge into the darkness of the night beyond the campfires.

All: If giving pursuit, please provide me with a Ride Check for those mounted (DC 15) for guiding the horses in the dark of night. Those on foot, please provide a Perception Check to follow the black-coated lupines into the dark.

Battle Map (link)

Round 4 - Continuing Combat, will the party pursue into the dark?

Current Status
➢➢➢ Karl (HP 25/31)
➢➢➢ Nosatrub (HP 25/33)
➢➢➢ Drogan (HP 17/22)
➢➢➢ Beckett (HP 17/26) | prone
➢➢➢ Phedron (HP 17/25)
➢ Lavios (HP 31/31)
➢➢➢ Agidor (HP 13/22)

His wounds burning and drenching his waist and leg in scarlet, Phedron thirsts for satisfaction from the beast. "Come back pup! Are you not now my death?!"

He checks Haleef, the horse's breath puffing in the chill, dry night air.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Karl weaves his horse in figure eights as he roars at the departing Warg. The warrior's show aimed at both his enemies and his less martial dependants.

"Heh heh heh! Yes, leaving so soon!? But you didn't even kill a single one of us! Wait, you are leaving your packmate with no legs behind?! Heh heh heh!"

Karl points with his magnificent sword.

"Carivaneers! Give them a parting volley, 10 gold If you bring the big bad wolf down!"

As the death dogs recede he addresses those assembled.

"Close ranks, give me a situation and casualty report. If you aren't injured then help someone who is, if no one need help then keep your eyes forward and on a swivel, they might regroup and try again. If they are daft enough that is."

Karl rides next to the inquisitor and speaks more quietly so that the carivaneers can overhear him.

"Interesting ground fighting technique Mr. Beckett, heh heh."

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The caravan becomes eerily quiet over the next few minutes as each person sees to wounded and supplies. While most of the canine attackers had sought victims, one or two had taken to tearing into one of the wagons. Iago and his brother Jabral, joined by Auran and the surviving scouts prove to have been successful at repelling the attackers on their flank.

By the time the morning arrives, those who can have their wounds tended are finding that the filth of the Death Dogs and their worg master has left its mark.

All those who received damage by a Death Dog or the Worg, I need a Fortitude Saving throw DC 12. A failure means you've contacted Wormpox. (Nosatrub is immune)

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The man who was now known as Karl Marsh awakened to the eerie silence of the desert twilight.

A few short minutes later he sat upon his sleek and well muscled black maned war-horse, surveying an endless vista of red sand littered with rocks below an increasingly azure blue sky.

He watched the sun come up in the East, with only the slightest redness around the disk. The cloudless sky and dry air changed the way the sunrise looked in this part of the world.

Both man and horse were coated in a thick layer of red dust which penetrated into everything. The red dust disguised the burnished black armor on both man and the horse typically worn by mercenaries, with select exceptions.

At the best of times he was a often a hard-faced man of cool disposition, with colder blue eyes, but this was definitely not the best of times.

He was not a huge man. He had well built for his size, trim and quick, but then most warriors had to be as the business of killing was not for the weak. Survival always favored those who were quick in more ways than one.

He had come to the end of his prime and he knew in his bones that his time was coming to an end, one way or another, dead was dead.

There was no such thing as a truly old warrior. Already, if you could see beneath the red dust and head wrap, streaks of grey were invading the last of his once dark hair. His once thick locks had retreated into a distinguished widows peak and was now kept close cropped.

The burning orb rose in the sky, its rays had just touched the land and already the waves of heat were playing games echoing a body of water somewhere, but he knew that it was merely a mirage.

He smiled, at the thought, of the stories of the fools who had died chasing these mirages in this the red waste. He smiled again when he thought that he too, could die of something as simple as a lack of water after surviving so many bloody battles.

Clumps of coarse grass here and there, were keeping the horse healthy but what of the man?

It had only been a few days of riding so far and the dust paired with heat was already irritating his sinuses.

He smiled again at the thought of a man, half from his mother's house, perishing in the heat of this southern desert. He laughed out loud at the thought that he was trying to cross the immensity of the red waste to reach the birthplace of an evil cult that may be the death of him, and even if he survived, he would have to pass back through this forsaken place again as his reward.

Karl knew the pox was in his wound. As thr tear in his side wept fluids, his mind wandered.

He was no youngling with big ideas of his own invincibility by that time. . . .

But he had been given no choice. He had been playing a none too friendly high stakes game of bones at the table with rough me. when a group of young perfumed dandies had come into the tavern. One of the larger men had grabbed one of the little lords
and sat him down on his lap saying,"you've the skin of a woman and you smell like one, maybe I'll train you to be my b%$*$!"---only to be stabbed in the neck by the little bastard's slender dagger for his trouble.

The mortally wounded jokster's companion seeing his brother in arms bleeding to death responded the only way he knew how. The black battle rage of a true Northern tribesman took him.

Time slowed down and the 2 stone broadsword slid out of its sheath seeming as light as a feather. A lightning thrust skewered the youth and then in a dance of flashing cold steel and hot splashing blood the berserk wrecked utter destruction on the soft bodied youths before Karl could make move to stop it.

Lace covered limbs and broken rapiers soon littered the tavern floor along side the gore of opened heads and torsos, not to mention the many broken wine cups and spilt wine.

It was just Karl's rotten luck, one of them happened to be a prince of the realm.

Yes, the word soon went out, the son of the King of the Southern Kingdom of Alcinor had been slain and Karl had been present at the murder.

His name true name was cursed by every one of the men in the Grand Duke's vast army. All eight of his remaining comrades died that night as the King had ordered all suspects killed - - - they took almost a hundred of the elite guards with them.

He felt no guilt for he had only been a witness. He felt only a hint of fear at what his punishment would be, probably death by a slow torture dreamed up by the Grand Dukes's inquisitors. He had long ago given up feeling much of anything to be honest. Though he had a home and men loyal to him before that night.

Karl rubbed at his temples trying to erase both the pain of his memories and the real pain forming behind his eyes from the illness.

He needed to refocus he had son's again, people depending on him to lead out and keep them safe. His sword arm had just begun to limber up again too. . .

Karl caught a glimpse of himself reflected the desert Mirage.

The warrior's armor and weapons lying on the smooth sand were all that remained.

"Not yet Elsa, these boys need me. Truth be told, I need them more."

-----------------------

Karl rode back down to camp hoping the signs of rotting death on him were not obvious yet.

With a phlegmy cough and stern eyes he calls out to the awakening camp.

"Can someone give me a situation report, how many appear infected?"

fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Drogan wakes with a roiling filth churning in his stomach. The bile burned in the back of his throat to the point that he turned and vomitted up a thick, vile substance. Shuffling through his pack, he found the vial of anti-plague he had purchased at the apothecary before he left. It was bitter and stank, but he hoped it would help to purge the dog's malediction from his system.

antiplague 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

He doubled over in pain. The cure almost felt worse than the disease.

antiplague 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

He couldn't move. He felt as if the dog's bite, though only a bit of a graze, was coming to claim him after all.

He wasn't sure, but he could practically hear that grave-digger's whistle on the wind.

Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Thank you, Everlight, that I might be...

RRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG....

uggg... foul wrenching...

Thank you, Everlight, that we were...

HHHRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG....

oh... light...

RRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG....

♜ The East Road | Day Five
♜ 22 Lamashan, 4714
♜ Early Morning | 78°

.

Current Party Status
➢ Karl (HP 25/31) | Sick -1 CON
➢ Nosatrub (HP 33/33)
➢ Drogan (HP 17/22) | Sick -1 CON
➢ Beckett (HP 17/26) | Sick -1 CON
➢ Phedron (HP 17/25)
➢ Lavios (HP 31/31)
➢ Agidor (HP 13/22) | Sick -1 CON

---------------------------------------------------

Ouch, didn't realize the odds would swing that high for infection. Looks like Nosa (immune), Lavios (not bitten) and Phedron (resisted) are the only ones spared.

Auran is seeing to Nifa when Marsh calls for those infected. The follower of Sarenrae shakes his head and points with his chin to the nearest wagon. "Nifa, Khatelch and Hammond. All bitten. All unable to resist the worm-rot. I've seen one fall to this." He rests his hands on his hips, head bowed. "Ten days it took. Slowly eating away at him."

For those bitten and their blood darkened by the teeth of the Worg and his Death Dogs, their wounds begin to burn slightly. An angry red blush surrounds the wound site and a clear, viscous liquid weeps from it.

Karl, Beckett, Drogan and Agidor, please take a -1 penalty to your CON score. Be sure to verify if this drop lowers your HP max.

Auran signals to Beckett and Lavios to join him and Karl as they discuss the infection. "My healing ability is unable to see thru to a cure for this blighting. But perhaps together we can learn more?"

Karl, Beckett, and Lavios, please roll a Heal Check for me, DC 12. If you succeed, please read the following...

Climber stumps thru the caravan, attempting to get the teams going. "Inspitah's a half day away, lads. We can make it." Though he sells to encourage, the exhaustion in the old dwarfs tone betrays him. He'd expected a dangerous trek, but this had proven to be much more.

But for those who look eastward, the rising sun with its low greenish orange glow on the horizon, outlines the vague shape of Demgazi's wooden palisades and the snow of early morning cookfires. Indeed, at a moderate pace, the caravan could reach its destination in as little as 4 hours!

There's also the Knowledge (nature) check I made available above that can help further your knowledge of just what's afflicting those bitten by the Death Dogs.

Phedron, alarmed by the illness' spread, keeps a cautious distance from any infected.

"Ten days? We've got plenty of time." he says, doing his best to be encouraging.

"Let's make for Inspitah. I'll take point. Caster will watch from the skies."

Lavios recalls hearing about this disease back at his home village.

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Take that Wormpox!

It only spreads through Death Dog bite, luckily. The infected will either need to tough it out, or get healing attention. My repertoire of spells consists of only that to ward off and smite my enemies. I cannot help, unless you can concoct a potion or salve and need me to find the right herbs for it. I know my way around plants.

"Jeez, never knew there were so many non-healers among the holy. Meh, oh well, at least I have just over a week to live just like I was dying. Let me see here bucket list---oh here it is, and imagine that none of what we are doing or are about to do is on it. Let's see plants, nope a few blades of nomad grass and thistle thorn if you can't make potions out of those, then I guess I am just going to have to tough it out then."

"No one has my permission to die. Heh heh, let's get to town. I am just hoping the death dogs don't already know something we don't. They might be intending on snatching us up on the way out."

Karl gets up and goes amongst the wounded carivaneers to spread hope and words of encouragement to them.

". . . don't worry son, we are going to punch through to town in a few hours."

" . . . It'll take more than a little jock itch from petting mangy dogs to keep us down."

"No, no. My apothecary assures me this is curable, we just need to get to town, now what I need is for you to do what you can, but save your strength for when we need it."

"We are fine, we've had much worse than this, don't worry about Black Company."

♜ Inspitah
♜ 23 Lamashan, 4714
♜ Late Afternoon | 82°

.

Current Party Status
➢ Karl (HP 31/31) | Sick -1 CON
➢ Nosatrub (HP 33/33)
➢ Drogan (HP 22/22) | Sick -1 CON
➢ Beckett (HP 26/26) | Sick -1 CON
➢ Phedron (HP 25/25)
➢ Lavios (HP 31/31)
➢ Agidor (HP 22/22) | Sick -1 CON

Disease: Wormpox
Contracted by Bite/Injury
Save Fort DC 12
Save frequency 1/day
Fail Effect 1 Con damage each day
Cure: 2 consecutive saves or Cure Disease potion/spell

---------------------------------------------------

"Hmmm, we will need to fortify our diets," Auran nods, clearly impressed by Lavios' impressive knowledge of healing. The Inquisitor of Gozreh determines most of the characteristics of the Wormpox disease. In short, the end of their journey could not be better timed. The onset of the disease is slow, but the steady weakening of those infected would spell doom for a long journey.

"Climber says there's an apothecary at our destination, blokes name is Auget McCree." Agidor coughs into his hand and sighs. "I know we have a delivery to make, Nosa. But best we head there first. I'm in no mood for creepy crawlies wandering their way thru innards."

"McCree's a dwarf some are sayin'." Link's shrill halfling voice pipes up. "He runs a tavern too. I could use a pint if ya take my meanin'..."

The caravan gathers their materials, hitching up the wagons, and points eastward for the final stretch. The sun rises in the sky and pummels the remnant with the hottest day for the journey. Iago Rockjaw places a hand to his eyes and grumbles loudly, "E'en.the sun dinnah want us ta make it. B#~*&!~s ta this trip, lads."

The road makes a meandering cut thru the rocky Dirt Wilds. But the wooden palisades of Demgazi are never long from sight. More so, there is a cooling breeze coming down from the growing clusters of hills to the north. For the first time the caravan can see the green beauty of a forest. The hills grow in size until they merge with a singular bulk which overlooks Demgazi. The Rockjaw brothers confirm that it's the hill upon which St Antoinette's Academy rests. Iago goes so far as spitting to the side as part of the admission.

Ahead the form of the hill gives way to a shallow wedge of blanketed forest land. In the shadow of both hill and forest is the small town of Demgazi. Wooden palisades surround the settlement, reaching twenty feet in height. Men walk the walls by twos, long spears in hand. They watch cautiously as the caravan approaches, long stares of distrust.

But Climber steers the wagon train to the south side of the town along a dirt road carved by the many wagons could come before them. Growing from the side of the palisades is a hodgepodge of heavy canvas tents and simple wooden shacks that make up Inspitah. Where the looming looks of watchful Demgazi guards are unwelcoming, the smells of a bustling trade stop beckon the weary travelers to find their rest.

You've made it! What would you like to accomplish first?

---------------------------------------------------

Assignments and Reminders

• Contract with Wisterix Bros (Hittlebriar) to escort caravan from Golsifar to Inspitah and back again. Payment is 200 gp per man | It is a 5 day journey each way
  
• Contract with Corg Hornsplitter to deliver a masterpiece Urghosh to one Borrs Stoneheel in Inspitah for 100 gp per man willing to sign the contract
  
• Investigate Demgazi and the school overlooking it
  
• You possess a letter of introduction from Father Argus to one Dr. Anthea Davies, the Dean of St Antoinette's Academy
  
• Phedron holds a linguistic’s tome titled “Languages in Dreams”, given by Father Syntopera back in Cassomir
  
• There is an apothecary in Inspitah who runs the only tavern in the tent city. He is a dwarf named Auger McCree. He may have the expertise to deal with the Wormpox.

I will take the weapon and deliver it for Corg. You who are ill should find your cures. I can complete the delivery.

Unless others object, Nosa will go alone to complete the delivery. Is there anyone for hire in the town that I can hire on as a squire? Or would I be better off in a larger town?