Lukasz's magical vision reveals the faint necromantic aura around the body. There is no sign of injury that may of cause the creatures death. it was an old animal when it died based on the cataracts of it's eyes. The horn does seem to have been removed after it died though.
Ox looks as if on the verge of pouting at the creatures plight. He goes back to Noir and draws his sword, readying himself in the event that something does attack.
Know Nature Perception
Garick seems distressed by the sight of the fallen unicorn.
PerceptionEastward bound.
After thoroughly inspecting the area and coming away with no clues the party moves on. A few hours later the sun begins to set and camp is made in the quiet forest.
25th of Pharast, 4710
The next day's exploration starts with the strange sites from earlier still fresh in our traveler's mind. Most of the morning is spent scouting along the western bank of the Skunk River. Finally the group comes to the shallow ford described by Adams.
Several sandy islets create a ford across this remote section of the Skunk River. The sandy islands make for a natural choke point in the river, but the thick piles of rubble, branches, leaves, and dead bodies that partially block the river’s flow are anything but natural.
Noting the impromptu dam, Lukasz doesn't give it mugh thought, most likely a family of nbeavers anyway. However, once the sorcerer spots a few dead bodies in the water, his hand slides to to stock of his crossbow as he double-checks the bolt resting in its slot to make sure the weapon was ready to fire.
It is hard tell what kind of bodies are strewn about the debris of the ford. Some of them could have once been human. It's possibly they just washed up here but several look like they have been partially eaten. Wether by scavengers or predators, difficult to say without investigating.
Garick hops off his horse nocking an arrow ready to back up Kal. Be careful I don't like the looks of this one bit.
The group carefully approaches the edge of the river. Kalsgrim slides down the sandy side first, sword in hand. Garick and Lukasz watch from a few feet above. As Ox starts to work his way down the water in the river churns. Yellow eyes briefly flicker from from beneath the surface. Suddenly, a large reptile erupts from the water, grey scaled and at least six feet in length. It has a dragon’s head filled with sharp teeth, and two arms ending in grasping claws. A cloud of greenish vapor wafts from its gaping maw.
Before anyone can react they are on Kalsgrim tearing at him with claws and teeth.
The first one to burst from the water tears at Kalsgrim's side and strikes at his arm with a claw.
The unexpected second creature pounces from the opposite side practically knocking Kalsgrim to the ground. It's attacks rain upon the paladin's armor driving him to the ground and the very brink of death's door.
Lukasz
Kalsgrim
Ox
tatzylwyrms
(22) Ox
(18) Kalsgrim
(5) Lukasz
(4) tatzylwyrms
Startled by the quickness of these creatures, Lukasz slides of his horse as he levels his crossbow at the nearest of the lizard-like creatures. Once on firm ground, Lukasz fires a bolt at the creature.
Ranged Attack:
Damage:
Round 1
Skunk River ford, tatzlwyrms
(22) Garick smoothly draws and fires two arrows in quick sucsesion at the tatzlwyrm to the paladin's left. While the first shot is deflected by scales, the second aims true and pierces the creature's side.
(22) Ox slides down the difficult slope next to Kalsgrim while drawing his sword. He takes a quick swing at the dragonwyrm.
The blade cuts deep through scales and flesh.
(18) As Kalsgrim reels away from the assault, he raises his longsword to fend off further attacks, and his left hand drops to his chest. Pale green light flares as he calls on his god to spare him so that he may continue his lord's work. After the brief healing he collapses to the ground.
(5) Startled by the quickness of these creatures, Lukasz slides of his horse as he levels his crossbow at the nearest of the lizard-like creatures. Once on firm ground, Lukasz fires a bolt which plunks into the river nearby.
(4) The wyrm struck by Ox attacks him furiously with its snapping jaw.
It grabs Ox by the waist and clamps down piercing armor and leather with its powerful bite.
The second tatzlwyrm bites the collapsed Kalsgrim.
After biting the unconscious paladin the wyrm lifts him up in it's jaw and moves through the river and shore to the center islet. It would appear the wounded creature is trying to escape with it's meal.
Round2:
Round 2, tatzlwyrms
(22) Garick fires a pair of arrows at the fleeing beast. They whistle through the arrow and sprays of red blossom from their strikes. The tatzlwyrm cries out and drops Kalsgrim. It collapses nearby and bleeds across the sand.
(22) Ox tries to get a firm grasp on the tatzlwyrm wrestling him.
The cavalier wrenchs it's jaws away from him but maintains the hold gaining the upper hand!
(18) Kalsgrim lays on the sand bleeding.
(5) Seeing that Garick has slain the creature stealing Kalsgrim Lukasz turns and begins to chant arcane phrases while he extends his hand. Upon completing the phrase, a kaleidoscope of colors leaps from his hand, washing over the Ox and the other worm.
Both grapplers collapse into an unconscious pile.
Lukasz steps next to Ox and grabs the potion of cure light wounds from his belt. At this point, it may be the only thing to save Kalsgrim.
(4) The remaining tatzlwyrm lays unconscious.
Letting Garick deal with his sleeping brother, Lukasz pours the healing liquid down Kal's throat, forcing his body to swallow the contents.
CLW Potion:
If Garick doesn't, then Lukasz will coup de grace the remaining wyrm with his sickle before making sure that Kal was able to move. Then the sorcerer will add, "Were these the creatures that Oleg was telling us about? Should we collect their skins or something to give to the trader?"
Though difficult to spot in the powerful, churning currents, the skeletal remains of a long-dead explorer makes up the tatzlwyrms’ meager horde. The skeleton still wears a suit of incredibly well made scale mail, while clutched in one bony hand is a masterwork cold iron longsword. In the rubble and mud below the skeleton within a rotting leather backpack that contains 38 gp, 520 sp, a pewter drinking stein, a silver ring, a jade carving of a nude female elven monk, and a watertight scroll tube. The armor is inexplicably presitine without a sign of rust.
Taking interest in the watertight scroll tube, Lukasz will spend some time examining the tube and it's contents on their return back to Oleg's as well as ponder what was ensuring that the armor didn't rust.
The armor is exquisite and the metal almost warm to the touch.
Inside the tube is a partially completed map of the northwest corner of the Greenbelt that seems to indicate that its owner approached from the north, reached the source of the Skunk River, and was working his way downriver. He has covered much of the area already mapped though there is a note indicating the presence of a large patch of fangberry bushes to the southwest of Tuskgutters old lair.
"Hmm, seems that we went right by the fangleberry bushes that Old Bokken was interested in without even realizing it." Lukasz says as he looks over the map. "We should remember to stop by there after meeting back up with the others. Unless you guys don't mind taking a short detour so we have a small gift for Bokken the next time we see that old kook."
Garick chimes in that they can tear a man apart with their thorns if not careful and that they are often home to huge swarms of spiders. He points out that only Lukasz and his wand of burning hands would even heart the tiny spiders that make the bushes their home. He spends the rest of the day blazing a trail for the Thorn River ford, worried about the still unconscious Ox.
26th of Pharast, 4710
The now familiar forest is easily navigated and the group finds themselves on the plains in no time. By the time Oleg's fort is visible the sun is setting and the smell of dinner drifts from inside. The twins are standing guard on the walls and wave eagerly at your approach.
"Yes! They're inside eating," they chime in unison.
Having long since finished whatever he was given to eat, Ember lopes out to greet the others. He sniffs at Ox, verifying that he's alive, and checks out anything they've brought.
Garick remembered that Oleg was wanting the head of one to mount as a trophy! So he made sure to bring one of those along with the hides. After dismounting he carefully lays Ox down in the guesthouse and removes his armor.
"Yeah, it was quite an adventure. But we can save the story swapping after I get myself a helping of Svetlana's incredible cooking. I am absolutely famished after our hard ride back here." Lukasz remarks as he slides od his saddle and guides Maribel to the stable.
"What is wrong with Ox, Janku squeals moving forwards to inspect the unconscious man.
"We will need him if we wish to assault the Stag Lord's stronghold".
He also looks around to see if anyone else is injured, and if so calls for a quick prayer, and channels energy.
The cavalier is unconscious. There are no physical injuries and after inspecting him Janku is unable to figure out what is wrong with him. Garick and Svetlana stand nearby watching both clearly worried. "Until he wakes, I feel I must stay here and watch my brother," the ranger says his voice strained. "Lord Kalsgrim, what are your plans?"
I agree, and, frankly, I thought that after the recent ambush, before we left on this grand tour, he would be coming to meet us... Servayn says. I feel that eliminating the Stag Lord, dealing with the witch-light and turning the kobolds from potential threat to potential ally are the biggest priorities.
Looking towards Garrick, tending his fallen brother, And yet, we are now reduced by two of our stronger combatants, on the eve of what will likely be out greatest challenge. This is not an auspicious omen...
Having gotten a plate of food, Lukasz starts to eat his food as he says, "Well, Then I recommend that we start taking stock of what resources we have available to us and we should definitely do what we can to ensure that Ox gets back up on his feet. We should do some research on the Taztlwyrms or whatever they are called and see what we can find out because those creatures were what took Ox down and put him in his current condition."