Briars and Thorns -- A Catfolk Adventure (Inactive)

Game Master Me'mori

"Ugh. That has to be the worst smelling thing i've ever encountered" Djon whispers as he readies his bow and fires.

5ft step and fire with shortbow.

Shortbow 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Damage1d6 ⇒ 6
SA if applicable 1d6 ⇒ 1

Shame I didn't get a chance to mention that before we split up, but I suppose yelling it to everyone now would be a little tactically unsound ;P

Seeing naught to cause alarm, Rethe slowly approaches closer to the wagon, lips pulled back in an uneasy but silent snarl. The fur on the back of his neck stands on end, and he holds himself ready to strike if anything presents itself as a threat while his eyes scan the trees.

He'll move over to F-2b and ready an action to swing at any enemies that approach him.

Aradesh will have Tandi move to the intersection between C & D and between 3 & 4, to set up a charge lane toward the carriage.

Layali will scramble up to the center of the bolder taking aim at the beast and letting her arrow fly.

Layali climbs up the rock and lets fly at the one creature that she could see, as Djon does the same, and both arrows fly true to their target, which resulted in a barking hiss, as their damage is done. The pile of clothes that were laying around the wagon as if they were strewn there burst into motion, the forms shrunken and starved, dressed in the near-tatters of clothes that they had perhaps once been wearing in life. All have lips drawn back to reveal sharp teeth, lunging at the closest warm body.

Readied Actions resolve first

Chara let's fly her arrow trying to hit one of the creatures.

Hitting the creature in G1.5 is that?

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

I'm last so I'll see how things are after a few people go.

Layali fires from her perch again at the same target.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Aradesh commands Tandi to move forth into battle without hesitation. Free action: command mount to move to the intersection between D+E and between 2+3. He quickly dismounts opposite Rethe, flanking the undead monster and commands his steed to attack. Attempts to dismount as a free action: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19; takes a move action. Free action: give attack command. The warhorse bites at the decrepit being.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage if a hit: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Aradesh drops his lance (free action), and slashes out with a powerful claw swipe.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage if a hit: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

As the creatures burst from their hiding places, Rethe roars and lets loose a swing at the nearest one. "Foul abominations... Begone!" he yells.

Readied Action to attack:
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Also, considering the whole paralysis thing, should he get hit with an attack, I believe he will toss his Black Cat ability at them (rerolls the attack with a -4 penalty).

That section of the forest becomes chaos as the undead rise from their position, and assault the living. Snarls the like of nothing living tear from dead throats as the forest life falls silent, save for the sounds of combat.

The creature is surprisingly light on its feet as it closes the distance between it and the easiest target, using all four limbs like a wild animal, the bite missing Djon by a safe margin. Though, this close to the creature, the stench radiating from its body is quite nearly a weapon on its own. That Layali managed to not react is a testament to her fortitude, indeed. Djon is sickened for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 minutes.

Chara fires at the creature in her line of sight that was unoccupied, to make certain that none of her companions would be hit by a stray arrow, and it flies true, striking the creature. Undeterred by the arrow, it closes on Rethe and due to poor luck, misses its attack. The attempt to savage Rethe seemed more gnashing and flailing appearing to come close only on accident.

Rethe, thanks to Aradesh destroying the first ghoul, instead turns the prepared attack onto the next ghoul. The morningstar's swing connects solidly, and the creature barks in pain as it is injured further.

The leftmost ghoul intended to ambush Rethe with the other two, but instead turns its attack onto Tandi that is now in its way. Two claw swipes at her strike home, the horse stiffening and collapsing with barely a sound besides its body hitting the ground. The scent of hot blood is suddenly thick in the air.

Layali, from her perch upon the rock, tracks the stinking creature as it lunges for Djon but misses, putting another arrow into its body for disregarding her as a target.

Djon to act

Fighting Defensively Shortbow 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -1
(+3 dex -2 sickened -4 FD)

Djon takes a step back and towards the tree then fires another shot trying his best to avoid another array of attacks from the creature, but his stomach heaves from the smell of it causing a slip of his hand and the arrow falls harmlessly to the ground not a foot from him.

"Oh Crap" he groans aloud. "Not good"

Taking aim again, Layali let's her arrow fly at the beast as it attack Djon.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Layali calls out, "Don't get too close to this one, it's horrid stench nearly caused me to lose my stomach. Djon, I think, has lost his already."

Chara seeing that the arrow did not do much slings up her bow and draws a sword. She then runs around to help out Rethe.

"Rethe! Let's surround this thing and cut it down!"

Chara will move around the field in such a way such that she doesn't provoke an AoO reaching square G2. Hopefully letting Rethe do a 5 foot step to flank with me.

Seeing Tandi fall motionless beneath the wretched monster's claw and smelling the sharp scent of her blood Aradesh relies on all of his training to keep calm and focus on the battle. He rushes to protect his faithful steed.

5-foot step to the NE. And take 2 claw attacks.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

While one of the beasts nearly catches Rethe with a strike, a sudden twist of shadow seems to move through the air, as if warping luck to defend him, and the blow passes by without harm.

As Chara weaves her way through the battlefield to arrive behind his aggressor, Rethe nods and steps to a more favorable position, surrounding the monster, and bringing the spiked weapon down against it.

5 foot step to F2, and attack on the flanked one.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

X< well that's clearly a miss. Are we playing with crit fumbles?

Perhaps the ill fortune that so recently protected him now balances itself out. As he swings, his footing is far less balanced than it should be, and the blow goes wide, missing the creature.

Taking aim again, Layali let's her arrow fly at the beast as it attack Djon.

Attack: 1d20+6
Damage: 1d6+1

Since this round hasn't been resolved yet the final total attack roll should be 10 + 7 = 17, just in case that extra 1 is the difference between a hit and a miss on this guy who's got Djon in a bad place :)

Djon, in trying to keep the food he had eaten from coming back up can only make a weak attempt to attack the creature in front of him, unable to focus well enough to land a hit. The creature pursues him, sensing an opening. In the scuffle, it manages to bite him, tearing at his arm. Stiffening, Djon topples over, unable to move, barely breathing. Paralyzed for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3rnds

Aradesh, having downed the first ghoul, steps forward to both cover Rethe's back and turn his attention to the Ghoul that had wounded Tandi. His focus is not enough however, his claws catching only air as the ghoul avoids the attacks.

Chara leaves her perch on the boulder to threaten the ghoul from one side, providing an opportunity for Rethe to threaten the ghoul from the other side.

The ghoul that was previously threatening Rethe now has to focus on both Chara and Rethe, but that does not prevent it from attempting to attack them both, one claw swiping out at Rethe, while it attempts to bite and claw at Chara. Rethe barely manages to avoid the claw swipe, while Chara proves too difficult to hit.

Rethe would have moved to help Chara in dispatching the ghoul, but their current positioning of the ghouls would have put him in a precarious situation. Aware, he has to change his attack, not managing to hit the ghoul.

Bolstered by the felling of one creature and seeing two more, the ghoul Aradesh was facing steps forward and bites at him, while swiping a claw at Rethe, but the luck of the group holds, as none of its attacks make contact.

Layali puts one more arrow into the creature assaulting the city cat, the paralysis proving beneficial as she does not have to worry about inadvertently striking Djon with a stray arrow, and it strikes true. The creature seems very injured now.

R3 action, since it is up first
Turning to hiss at Layali, the creature turns to move away from the arrows that are persistently wounding it more and more, dashing away from its downed opponent to stop near the others of its kind. Unfortunately for Rethe and Chara, the stench is worse than what Layali warned. With that thing so close, both have to fight to keep their stomachs from heaving, hampering their combat. Aradesh is not much better with his keen nose putting him at a slight disadvantage, being able to detect the scent from further away, but he does not let it affect him.
Rethe is Sickened for1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8minutes
Chara is Sickened for1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7minutes.

Actually, I had realized it would probably put Rethe into a flanked spot, but I figured it would also let Aradesh flank the other. But, I won't complain if it helped keep me safe.
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I'll see what happens with Aradesh, Chara and the third ghoul before committing to actions for this round. If Chara has the same ghoul flanked via a 5-foot step up (not sure if that's blocked?), and it isn't dead by his turn, then he'll probably attack that. If it is, then he'll likely step up to F2 and attack the other, ignoring the 'new' arrival just yet. Once it's closer to his turn of course, I can just specify exactly, but in case it takes me awhile to get back or something.

Layali takes a deep breath, holding it as she steadies her arm. Steeling herself against the chaos around her, she thinks to herself "It is prey, I am predator. This resolves as nature demands."

She lets the arrow fly at the wounded monster.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Aradesh continues his onslaught of claw wipe after claw swipe, rapidly slashing away at the ghoul as he slowly circles it. If it still lives after his attacks, Aradesh will 5'-step to the NW.
Claw (remembering bless this time): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Chara steps away and sends off a grease spell to try to trip up the two nearest creatures to her while staggering away with the smell causing her stomach to churn.

Urgh, that creature is gross...

5 Foot step diagonal up to the right, then catching the one that was next to me and the other creature in G3 with a grease spell.

DC 13 Reflex save or fall. Regardless they must make a DC10 acrobatics check to move at half speed from their space.

Rethe covers his mouth a moment as the unique creature, its stench causing him to gag. He grits his teeth shut against the smell, trying to ignore it, but it clearly affects him.

Shaking his head to focus better, he assesses the situation.

Okay, new plan. If the one that's just NE of him has been knocked prone then he'll attack it. If not, then he'll total defense for +4 AC and 5-foot step up to F2, putting him in flanking position with Aradesh and a flanked position between the ghouls.
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If it's the former, attack and damage rolls, I think, should be:

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 (Modifier comes from +2 Regular +1 Bless -2 Sickened +4 Prone)
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Turning to hiss at Layali, the creature turns to move away from the arrows that are persistently wounding it more and more, dashing away from its downed opponent to stop near the others of its kind. Unfortunately for Rethe and Chara, the stench is worse than what Layali warned. With that thing so close, both have to fight to keep their stomachs from heaving, hampering their combat. Aradesh is not much better with his keen nose putting him at a slight disadvantage, being able to detect the scent from further away, but he does not let it affect him.

Rethe is Sickened for1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8minutes
Chara is Sickened for1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7minutes.

Continuing his assault, Aradesh takes a step to get into a better position to assist the group, one of his two swipes with his claws landing, tearing away a significant piece of dead flesh.

Chara steps away and sends off a grease spell to try to trip up the two nearest creatures to her while staggering away with the smell causing her stomach to churn. The creature manages to keep its footing, though it has not yet tried to move.

The foul-smelling creature snarls and points at Rethe, and the ghoul that Chara just cast the spell under tries to get into a better position. Surprisingly, it manages to move within the grease-coated area, taking a step without falling. In a slightly better position, It attacks Rethe again, trying to remove him from this fight. Luck may have turned for Rethe, as the ghoul nearly slips, missing what looked to be a certain hit, though the slip caused the other claw to make contact.

Stiffening as he falls to the ground, Rethe finds that his muscles have locked up, and will not respond.

The ghoul facing Aradesh attacks him outright, clawing at him and biting. Two of the attacks find their target, downing the warrior of the Ironwood tribe.

An arrow fired by Layali misses, and things start to look dire.

Chara clambers up on the cart with her nimbleness changing her sword for her bow once again. Setting herself up on the top of the cart in a direction that the undead have to walk further into the grease to get to her.

Going to F.5, 1. So I'm at least 10 feet away from the nearest ghoul. And they either have to climb after me or go through the grease. Either way hopefully they should not have enough speed to get to me this round.

Layali centers herself mentally, trying to push down her feelings of doubt and guilt and shoots again at her favorite target.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

"MOVE!" Djon mentaly shouts to him self over and over again but to no avail.
2 Rounds to go i think.

The effect it hoped to gain completed, the ghoul that Chara had been firing at flees away into the woods as Layali misses her arrow shot. It is out of her line of sight, and seems like it will continue out of her range of hearing. The forest remains silent, with only the snarls of the ghouls and sounds of combat breaking the silence of the night.

Chara clambers up into the cart, and that will put some space in between her and the ghouls for a brief time. Hopefully they both will not be able to close on her without her being able to do something.

The ghoul that was in the grease looks down at Rethe, then to Chara, standing on the cart. The snarl turns to a malicious grin. "Little Catling...", it rasps, turning towards her. "I will e-ARGH!" Its taunt turns into an exclamation as it slips in the grease. It seems not to care about the third fleeing.

The second ghoul looks at the grease the other had slipped in, and instead tries to find a way up onto the wagon, but cannot seem to find a convenient route in, and instead steps closer to Chara, looking to hook her out with a claw.

Layali hops down from the rock, moving to get a clearer shot at the ghouls in the grease menacing Chara. (H2.5) She fires at the ghoul...

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Chara steps back and let's fly another arrow and the one swiping at her.

Come on ... strike true.

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Attack: +1 Luck, +1 Point blank, -2 sickened, +1 bless = overall +1
Damage: +1 point Blank, +1 Luck, -2 sickened = overall +0

Hopefully this should kill it....

Chara's arrow strikes true, wounding the ghoul severely, as the the other one in the grease manages to stand, moving towards the cart. It climbs the cart quite easily, but leaves itself open to an attack in the process.Chara has an AoO vs the ghoul

The other ghoul hisses at Chara, though it turns tail, fleeing the same way that the first had fled, but Layali can still see its flight.

Leaping from the rock, the huntress closes the distance between herself and the cart, shooting another arrow that strikes the ghoul as it begins to climb the cart towards Chara, spoiling its attempt and landing it in the grease again. It loses its footing and falls over, unable to stand upon the slippery substance.

"Finally." Djon stretches his stiff muscles as his limbs regain mobility. As quietly as possible Djon reaches for his bow and lifts himself into a crouching position, hoping the creatures are to occupied to notice his movements. Two move actions pick up and stand.

Stealth, cover from the tree's ( 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 ) And +3 for distance = 15

How much damage have we done to each? I'm guessing that's the numbers to the side of the names? Also I can't take an AoO as I've got a bow drawn.

Chara takes a 5 foot step back so she isn't adjacent to anything and then changes her weapon back to her sword.

Rethe lies on the ground, limbs locked up. A growl seeks to escape his throat, but even that is impossible in his paralyzed state. Even his breath is still, as his lungs refuse to operate.

Around him, he can hear the sounds of battle and wills his body to answer his commands, so that he can assist. Yet still it is to no avail, and were the muscles in his face able to move he would have spat in annoyance.

Patience, he thinks to himself, trying to achieve some sense of calm. This can't last forever, just be ready to act when it ends.

Dark laughter rings in his ears, and he mentally cringes. Damn phantoms, he curses as they plague his mind, chipping away at his composure. I'm certainly in no mood to listen to you right now.

He had little choice however, and little else to distract him. And so their 'voices' rang through his mind while he laid still - though they truly spoke no words, only malevolent emotions or grisly images.

Patience, Rethe repeats to himself, doing his best to ignore the specters in his mind. Patience.

Just what's goin' through Rethe's head while he waits :P

Layali ignores the fleeing ghoul and takes aim again at the ghoul nearest her.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

With most of their companions on the ground due to the ghouls, the situation began to look grim, but things had eventually turned, with most of the ghouls having been driven off or killed.

The second ghoul to turn tail continued to run away, its flight taking it beyond the hearing and sight range of anyone still looking. While their eyes were good, the light was not from the full moon, so it eventually was swallowed by the darkness.

Chara cleared space between her and the ghoul that had climbed up onto the wagon, drawing her sword for a fight.

The only ghoul to remain looked around to find that it was alone, and received an arrow, courtesy of the Rosebarrow huntress. Disliking the odds, it turned, leaping off of the wagon and clearing the area of grease that was under it, fleeing after the others. While parting shots could still be fired at it while it was retreating, this battle was concluded.

The still silence of the forest is slowly replaced by the sounds of normal life, though there was blood-scent in the air, along with the lingering stench of the undead that they had fought.

Chara falls to her knees panting, gasping for air.

Oh boy that was ... a close one. Dammit that could have gone better. Those buggers are tough.

Her eyes shoot up as she looks around near the cart.

The others!

Chara rushes over to Rethe and starts slapping him.

"Hey you big lug wake up, I saw you use divine magic. You better have some healing for Aradesh over there!"

I really got to learn first aid, or maybe I'll get Rethe to teach me Cure Light wounds or something. Arg, not used to people getting hurt so bad.

I'll be away till Wednesday so I won't be able to post till then.

As the sound of battle dies down, Rethe grows worried, unable to tell which side proved victorious. Once Chara reaches him however, his mind is set at ease, even as she starts slapping him for the last few seconds of his paralysis.

As feeling returns to his limbs, he shields his face and rises. "Yeah, okay, okay, it's not like I'm sleeping here," he protests. He works a bit of the stiffness from his body as he gets up, but wastes no time moving over to Aradesh, though he glances around to be sure the area is cleared.

Kneeling down by the Ironwood warrior, Rethe places a hand on his chest, and golden light spreads over the cat, knitting his wounds together.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

*facepalm* That figures.

Rethe's concentration seems to go during it however, and the healing is rather scant. Dammit, he curses to himself, then focuses and repeats the process.

Another CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Better, he thinks, as the injuries fade. "Take care getting up," he says to Aradesh, then stands and looks around.

"Anyone else need healing?" he calls. "If there's nothing life-threatening, looks like Tandi could use some patching up too, but I won't be able to do much else afterwards."

In other words, he's only got one spell left for the day. Also, not sure if it'd be Perception or Heal to check what her status is? That is, whether she's stabilized or still bleeding, etc. If she's still bleeding, and no one else looks to be unconscious, he'd probably heal her, but if stabilized, he might direct it towards others (looks like Djon took a fair amount of damage?).

Djon streches a bit more still sore from his bite. "I can move on my own again and I would rather not stick around incase they find some friends and come back, do what you can for the horse so we can get somewhere safer for the night." Djon replies to Rethe.

After the last ghoul runs off, Layali rushes around the greased area to Aradesh's fallen form doing her best to make sure the bleeding has stopped.

Heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

Seeing Rethe up and about she says "Are there any Ironwood ancestors who wish to aid him?" cocking her head at Aradesh.

Aradesh places one hand on Rethe's shoulder as he sits up, using his other to rub his recent wounds, nearly thoroughly knitted through the oracle's magic. "Thank you, brother. I am in your debt." He turns to Layali. "Worry not for me. I am fine enough now." The hulking warrior forces himself to his feet and looks over Tandi's wounds, ensuring that she is alive and will pull through, but lacking the requisite skill to aid her.

Layali looks at Aradesh, "We should hunt them down. Their stench and bleeding should be easy enough to follow." Her agitation is quite obvious, her tail swishing back and forth, her ears folded down and back. "If they started here, they may have little other choice but to return here."

Layali walks around collecting what arrows she can from those she spent, stopping to stroke Tandi's nose gently. "I'm sorry." she whispers to the wounded beast.

Turning her attention to the wagon then to Djon, Rethe and Chara she says "Let us at least learn what we can from this conveyance."

Perception (take 10): 15

Djon does his best to conceal his own wounds and looks around the sight. "I'll do what I can."

Aid Layali - Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Rethe nods his head to Aradesh. "No thanks needed," he says, helping him to his feet. "I'm simply glad you're alright."

At Djon's suggestion, he nods and kneels by Tandi, placing a hand against her neck and doing his best to heal her injuries.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"You fought well," he mumbles to her, as the light fades. "I'm sure even the ancestors agree with that." He rises up and takes a few steps back so as not to spook the beast, past experience telling him that animals seldom enjoyed his presence.

He stretches and looks around. "Well, I imagine that battle could have gone a bit smoother," he says, picking up his weapon. "But I imagine it could have gone worse as well. I'd be quite happy tracking down the rest of those creatures. I don't like the idea of them roaming about so freely."

As he speaks, he looks around for anything of note.

Unlikely to get better than Layali's perception check, so I'll follow Djon's lead and go for Aid.

Perception to Aid Layali: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

The wagon itself is in good repair. There are belongings enough for a small family, as evidenced by the clothes that can be found in two of the trunks in the back. They were clearly travelers, the wagon painted in bright colors, and the small amount of travelling supplies kept in another chest in the back. A few daggers can be found in hidden places by Djon and Layali, as well as two cases of bolts, but if there were any larger weapons were around, they had yet to be found. There are a couple of very old scents, nearly covered by the stench of the undead.

A little more searching among the trunks and chests produces a journal, written in common, and judging by the dates on the entries, had only been kept for only a few months. Written by someone named "Fairen", it talks about their daily life, and their family's journey from place to place. The family was a group of entertainers-- here and there are mentioned things like "mother's crystal ball", and "daddy's juggling". One smaller chest that had been tucked away held a large crystal ball, along with a deck of cards, and various odd-looking coinage.

"Personal items. A family of 3 seems like and they may still be alive, no bodies or weapons but the chances are slim."Djon turns to Layali and asks "How old is this wreck? Any chance we can pick up a trail?"

Layali surveys the findings, shaking her head slowly listening to Djon. "Travelling performers and a cub. The undead were laying in wait, perhaps waiting for them to return? Or did something do this to them, and the ghouls are the performers?"

Layali would like to spend some time trying to figure out from the journal if there are 3 or more people likely traveling in the group. It seems obvious there is at least 3, but where there exactly 4? More?

Layali examines the corpse of the ghoul we managed to kill, looking for any evidence that the ghoul was a travelling entertainer.

Layali places the journal in the smaller chest with the other 'interesting' objects. "Djon, do you recognize these coins of men? It seems unlikely they would still be alive with their clothes and supplies still here, they are likely unprepared to benefit from the forests gifts alone." Layali sniffs some of the clothes in the trunks looking for a stronger sent to try and pick up over that of the undead.

Survival (estimate how long the wagon has been here): Take 10, +5 = 15
Track older scents: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Rethe crosses his arms, tail twitching in thought. "I certainly hope this family was not turned into the monsters we saw, but it may be a possibility," he muses grimly.

"Regardless, I think we should see if we can find a trail for any survivors from this, or if not, at least follow the ghouls in case any might be with them. The chance of there being survivors may indeed be slim, but if there is any chance at all, then we should make an effort. If nothing else, leaving those creatures to yet prey on travelers would not sit well with me," he finishes, ears pinned back uneasily.

Though his nose is not as sensitive as Layali's, he scans the area for any tracks or trails, be they from the ghouls or otherwise.

Not sure if he can aid if Layali's tracking by scent, since he doesn't have that, but he will either attempt an aid, or simply look for tracks himself.

Survival for one of those: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Edit: Heh, why couldn't I get some of these rolls for combat? XP

Aradesh nods to Rethe as he helps his horse to stand, and, once she is calm and stable, climbs onto the steed's back. "Be thorough; take your time," the large warrior comments. "Now that Tandi is alive and well I shall take her around and help ensure that none of those creatures come sneaking back." The cavalier circles from the caravan at a distance of 30 feet, pausing every so often to sniff the air and see if he catches the scent of one of the ghouls on its return.

Layali's examination of the ghoul that had been killed, as well as looking at the journal for a few minutes (Is anyone producing a light?) will tell her a few things: The ghoul that they did kill is wearing some ruined clothing, though the color of the clothing is hard to tell by moonlight. They do seem to be different colors, though. Some are the same as the wagon. It does have one other would that may not have been inflicted in this encounter, something that looks like an old bite on one of its legs.

The journal does mention a mother, father, and a friend of the family traveling, though which of the ones that could have been that they encountered is difficult to tell. The last entry was perhaps two weeks ago.

What little of the scent that she could pick up from the wagon is old and faded, with the scent of ghoul overpowering most of it. There were at least three, though.

Rethe can follow the tracks of the fleeing undead, just as Layali can.