Tavrus will grab any foodstuffs that the man indicates, since he has no way to help with much else at the moment.
Tavrus grabs a bag full of potatoes and deposits them into his bag of holding.
Tunny starts walking south . The farther you get from the pen the easier the tracks are to follow. The prints of the sheep spread out but continue in a southerly direction. In a minute you are away from the ranch and the snow is untouched by human feet. The remains of another sheep lies off to the left side, torn apart savagely. Around it are numerous prints of other animals. Wolves most likely, of the normal size. 100' further another sheep lies dead on the right, its meat consumed. It is plain to see the sheep were intentionally driven in this direction, herded ever south towards the mountains. Always following after are the larger wolf like prints, pushing them, driving them forward. Cutting back and forth across the snow turning the sheep south again when they begin to veer.
Valdr follows Tavrus into the cellar and also scoops up a bag of potatoes and some carrots, which disappear into his own bag of holding. A wry smile plays across his face when he looks to Tavrus, then he hurries up to the rest of the trackers as they head South.
Arriving at the latest mutilated sheep remains, he examines the area, trying to determine if there are any signs of that unsual frost or anything else that might not fit with the picture.
Tomlin joins the group in grabbing a foodstuffs to add to his haversack, and the promptly heads out with the rest in search of their quarry.
Akane and Yoroi continue on along with the others, their eyes peeled for any danger while they walk.
Stopping a moment, Tunny looks ahead where the tracks lead off, then at the surrounding environment. After a glance around he looks purposely at the sun in the sky, judging the time until nightfall. In the same, quiet, monotone voice that Aurelion expects, he says to him, "Be dark when we reach those mountains." He says this nonchalantly, as if it doesn't matter to him, but perhaps it might to others.
Continuing south a short distance more and you soon find yourself in a thinly wooded area. Fir trees covered in snow limiting your view but also providing cover.
In the sky overhead the clouds begin to thicken and turn a darker gray, witness to a coming storm.
Aurelion walked as he had for hours, eyes sweeping the path ahead for signs of the beasts they hunted and listening to the crunching sound of his boots trod through crusted snow and ice of the herd's frozen tracks.
Considering the threatening sky, he called, I don't much like the look of those clouds. Perhaps we should hasten our pace. If those clouds bring snow we could lose the trail.
After a moment's contemplation he added, But then again, I don't care for the idea of getting stuck out here in winter storm so close to the mountains without any shelter either. These trees may offer at least some protection from the elements.
You continue following the tracks into the late afternoon. The first light flakes falling from the sky as the mountains come into view between the trees.
Several hundred feet south of you is a small clearing. A vertical cliff of 250' in height forms a wall on the south side of the clearing. A water fall cascading down the face of it, glinting and sparkling in the fading daylight, pooling at the bottom and forming a small stream running northwest. Just west of the waterfall in the face of the cliff is a large opening in the rock, 40' wide and 25' tall. Large icicles hanging down from the inside. In front of the opening the snow is marred with blood.
Tomlin eyes the opening in the sheer rock wall, sparing a skyward glance at the gathering clouds. That cave may be our best hope for a storm shelter. I'd also be curious to see if any of the tracks we are following head up to it. We could kill two birds with one stone
"Look closely, Tomlin, the entrance way is splattered with blood. It reckons that the beasts went into that cavern. Should we enter that yawning entrance, we had best be prepared for confrontation. Wolves do not permit intruders to their den and I suspect we will encounter wolves and worse once beyond those teeth of ice." Valdr gestured to the icicles with his finishing words.
Though still appearing as the bureaucrat, it seemed clear that he was made of hardier stuff then the illusion let on.
Aye, there's blood. But if we are to be inside when the worst of this storm hits, that cave is still the best place for us. Checking his oddly-bladed swords, Tomlin adds, Still, your warning to be prepared for whatever is in that cave is well placed. We will be fighting for our spot soon. Looking around at the others he states, I see no point in delaying, let us head for that cave unless one of you sees a better option.
Akane and Yoroi clench their hands into fists, worry clear on the tiefling woman's face. she says, looking rather unsure of herself due to the booming voice she speaks in when fused with Yoroi.
Tunny makes no complaint, or any other noise for that matter. He stands nearby Aurelion, simply waiting with an expressionless face. Casually looking down at his hands he focuses on his fingers a moment, then starts cleaning the dirt from beneath his finger nails, a hopeless cause. Clearly he has no opinion on the matter either way.
"I don't like the idea either, but it is likely the wolves will come out to hunt tonight anyway, so if we camp here, they will likely find us. If we go in the cave, we are slightly less likely to be surrounded by them, at least."
As the group heads towards the cave, Tomlin ghosts between trees, periodically appearing and disappearing from sight as he manuevers along. Those with keen senses may catch a glipse of him in between, but for the most part he is completely out of sight.
Akane and Yoroi head south, walking in step with the rest of the group. Her eyes scan the area carefully as she moves, worry apparent on her face. "I am hoping that even if there are wolves in the cave, we can deal with them..." she says, attempting to whisper in her and Yoroi's combined voices, but it comes out at normal speaking volume. She flexes both hands, Yoroi's armored and clawed hands repeating the action.
Valdr seeks to advance toward the cave, moving close to the rock wall and following it along until they come upon the cavern opening. As he moves carefully forward, the short man pulls the workman's hammer from his belt and grips it within his hands. In truth, the hammer, like most else on him was cloaked in illusion and in reality the weapon was far larger and more sinister seeming. The black and green veined dwarven waraxe coursing with power and an ego all its own.
Approaching the cave with no more interest on his face or in his actions than before, Tunny waits until they are close by the entrance before drawing his twin blades quietly from beneath his cloak. Somehow, even when wielding weapons, he appears to be disinterested in the situation. To the more perceptive this is telling. Even with the threat of imminent violence hanging thickly in the frigid air, Tunny is completely at ease.
Tavrus and Edric bring up the rear, purposefully at the back of the group so as not to foil the stealthy efforts of those in the front.
Moving in closer you come across crossing wolf tracks in the snow. Some going, some coming, criss crossing one another.
Tomlin moving slightly ahead of the group slips through the snow, keeping the trees between him and the cave opening as he does so. Despite his heavy armor Aurelion follows quietly behind, with Tunny a step behind and to the side of the heavily armored warrior.
The strange creature that is Yoroi causing tiny avalanches of snow near its feet as it moves, followed closely by Valdr following in the footsteps.
The occasional clanking of Edric's armor is muted by the forest and falling snow.
To the west of the cave two wolves can be seen approaching, snuffling in the snow, coming closer to the cave. Their dark fur making them easy to spot in the snow covered clearing.
Anyone have any good ideas of how to lure those things over here without raising the alarm? Aurelion whispered. This will go much easier if we can engage them a few at a time, rather than try to take on the whole pack at once.
Tomlin glanced over at his companions for anyone with a bow. A shot from a distance may draw just those two. No scent from any others to seek after. Aside from that, I see than Tunny here may share my affinity for stealth. We could maybe get with enough distance to strike the two in a tender spot while staying out of detection.
A light breeze is cutting across the cliff face, coming in from the west.
Valdr crouched down to remain better hidden, as well as out of the wind, and whispered so that only his nearest companions could hear him. He did not know much about wolves, but he was sure that they had good hearing and good noses.
"I can draw them over here with a simple application of mine arcane talents, but once they are near, we'll need to do quick work of them, lest they raise alarm."
He looked between his companions, holding his illusioned blackblade in hand. "Let me know when, and I shall bring forth the sound of three lambs mewing. With these wolves taste for sheep, I suspect they will come a running."
Tavrus crouches down likewise, and motions for Edric to do the same. "If this is our plan, I am as ready as I am going to be" he says as he draws back his light crossbow.
Edric wordlessly crouches down, scimitar in hand.
Tomlin nods in response to Valdr's plan. Aye, that should draw them. Let us get into the best positions to spring this trap, then you can cast your spell. The halfling scrutinizes the area for a moment, then continues. I'm uncertain the precision of your magic, but if the wolves were drawn to this central area, that would be best. I will stay where I am. Tunny: you and I may be the best chance to kill these creatures quickly. If you stand right about where Akane is now that might be best; your call. For the rest, try to stay out of sight fully behind the trees until the trap is sprung. Any questions? Tomlin waits a moment to see anyone has additional ideas to add, then melds into the shadows around him as the others get into position. While hidden, he holsters one sword to pull out a wickedly sharp throwing star and prepares for the wolves to run to the illusory sound.
Akane frowns, but moves behind a tree in a attempt to stay hidden. She doesn't enjoy shows of violence like this, but it is unlikely they would be able to reason with wild animals. The tiefling woman bites her lip in frustration, flexing her hands and Yoroi's claws.
Tunny nods his agreement to the plan and slips quietly behind the tree Tomlin indicates. Tunny glances at the odd pair that is Akane and Yoroi. He stares blankly for just a moment, then points at his eyes, and then toward the northwest side of the tree, indicating that they should watch that side of the tree in case the wolves approach from there. He looks to Tomlin and nods. He is ready.
Akane nods at Tunny's suggestion, turning to keep watch in the direction he pointed in. One of her hands rests against the bark of the tree, while Yoroi's hand seems to wrap around the entire thing, above it.
With everyone in position, Tomlin pulls out of the shadows just long enough to give Valdr the high sign to move ahead with his spell. He then moves back into shadows around the tree, looking through the gaps between them for the wolves' approach.
Valdr takes position behind the trees as suggested and when the rest of his team are in position he focuses his magic on the location indicated by Tomlin to conjure forth the sound or three or four lambs bleating and struggling in the snow. It was a simple magic, but just because it was simple did not mean it could not be effective.
Keeping low, with his weapon in hand, he waited to see if the ploy had worked.
The loud bleating of sheep breaks the silence and the wolves ears perk up. Bodies low they move towards the sound, ears twitching. As they get close to the trees they begin sniffing at the ground, trying to pick up a scent. They pause for a moment as Aurelion's armor creaks a bit when he shifts his weight. Then come a few steps closer.
Akane springs from her hiding place, Yoroi's sharp teeth gleaming as the charging pair move to deliver a painful bite attack. Electricity seems to arc between the eidolon's teeth and wrap around his mighty clawed hands, making the combined form of the tiefling woman and her companion look quite threatening.
+
As the wolves converge on the party's position, Tomlin guages the distance. On cue he whips his shuriken at the wolf closest to him, the moves around the tree to a flanking position.
Initiative
Surprise round shuriken throw
Damage if hits
Initiative
Surprise round mithril great sword
Damage if it succeeds
With his weapon out, Valdr conjures up another effect of the ghost sounds, the bleating of the lambs vanishes, but instead he increases the sound of the river rushing by a magnitude of four. By doing so he hopes that the wolves won't seek to cross the river in retreat and in addition, the sound should help to mask the combat some.
The snick of Tavrus crossbow and the bolt zipping past them and disappearing into the snow is all the warning the wolves have.
The odd creature that is Akane and Yoroi steps out from the trees and rushes forward, snow flying everywhere. The wolf yelps as Yoroi's jaws close around its shoulder and flings the wolf to the ground.
Aurelion charging in from the east gives the other wolf a grave wound. Its growling abruptly ends as Tomlin's shuriken appears in its chest.
With a word from Valdr the gurgling of the water fall and stream increase in volume.
Tunny moves in to assist with the attack, placing himself in the best position he can considering the circumstances.
Edric moves diagonally (down and left as the picture is oriented) 20ft.
When time comes for a full turn he will charge into position at 26W and attack