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"Excellent plan, Lady Luisila. If Sir Haraldir and Sir Astyannax do not object, I would suggest Sir Astyannax join Sir Ezrek on last watch to provide a strong physical presence and Sir Haraldir join me on first watch for his ranged support. This also gives each watch someone with better vision at night, when it may be needed."
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Haraldir was rather silent all throughout the say, and while setting camp. He offered what little advice he could, but his senses were still under the impression of "something" watching them, and his mind was preoccupied trying to think of a way how to expose the "watcher".
When they set-up the camp, he advised the party to bring both the mule and the horse closer to the fire (further from the edge of the wood): "It wood be bad if any of the animals is attacked or frightened to run off into the woods."
To Luisila's suggestion, he responds: "A wise idea my lady, to setup some kind of traps around the camp, however I am not very crafty in that area. I will see what I can do, but do not expect much cause I hunt with me bow, not with traps."
In an answer to Omrax: "No problem here, Sir Omrax. I will take first watch with you. For you on other watches, if you are not skilled in the ways of the wild (not perceptive enough), watch and rely on the animals. Both the horse and the mule..." - he pauses for a second looking at Badger's ride - "...as well as that...creature, I guess, have much more honed senses than us. They will detect the predators much before us."
With that, Haraldir readies his bow and walks around the camp, trying to see if there is any way he can improve their "defenses" or to make even a rudimentary trip-wire, or something similar.
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There are plenty of downed wood so that a fire is easily made. The group tries off from the heat it gives off and enjoys their meal of water & rations.
After some light conversation, the group beds down to sleep with those on watch to remain up.
Haraldir & Omrax have no complications after sunset through the rising of the moon. The nearby river creates a rushing sound through the trees.
Badger and Luisila are awoken. The cleric dons her armor while the gnome mounts his wolf-lizard. The dying fire crackles as its embers begin to fade.
Surprise Round
From the undergrowth, a large feline shaped creature snaps out to bite the sleeping Omrax.
Miss
Round 1
Through the cover of the trees, this earless, panther-like beast snarls as the skin of its face twitches, then peels back to reveal the bone and flesh beneath. It releases a loud screech, waking the rest of the group up.
At the sight of this creature, Luisila is over come with fright. (Luisila has gained the Frightened condition for rounds). The mule bolts off into the forest to the north while Achilles rises up, bucks and kicks a bit. (People cannot pass through Achilles space).
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*badger summons an eagle using his spell as oppsed to spell like ability*
N Small animal
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10
DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +1 natural, +1 size)
hp 5 (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +2
OFFENSE
Speed 10 ft., fly 80 ft. (average)
Melee 2 talons +3 (1d4), bite +3 (1d4)
STATISTICS
Str 10, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 7
Base Atk +0; CMB –1; CMD 11
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills Fly +8, Perception +10; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
*and the eagle attacks the thing immediately and thats all*
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Luisila believes she sees a cat-like centaur
She applies the Trickery domain power Copycat on herself moves (runs?) away from the beast.
EDIT: Sorry, I misread the first time that I was prone.
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Astyannax stands up and moves next the Omrax. (He is unable to attack, but would have missed anyways)
Omrax stands up with sword and shield in hand.
The cat bites deeply into the paladin's calf, nearly crushing the bone.
The panther like creature then dodges out of the way from Omrax's swift swing.
Luisila flees northward into the wood away from the over-sized feline. (She is unable to do anything but flee, I have moved you accordingly).
Round 2
After tasting half-elf blood, the carnivorous cat bites again at Omrax followed up with two claws.
Omrax is raked across his shoulder, nearly having his arm dislocated.
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Crunch rakes the big cat's face. Blood starts to flow across its muscular skull.
The rainbow colored missile strikes at the feline's flank.
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Cursing under his breath his own impatience which caused his arrow to fly wide off the mark, Haraldir calms his hand, trying to shutdown his other senses for the briefest of periods. He focuses solely on the already wounded cat, his bow and a trajectory which the arrow should make in order for his second attack to strike true. His projectile flies from his bow almost simultaneously as gnome shouted his warning.
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Haraldir's arrow flies and strikes the cat in the neck. It lets out a dying wail before its facial skin goes limp and it falls to the ground.
After the heroes defeat the krenshar, Urdel Thunderhoof bursts into the campsite clearing spear in hand. He appears to be ready for battle, but settles down after seeing the felled feline.
"Travelers, you have defeated the threat that has been haunting our forest for over the last two fortnights. Thank you. I wish to take its corpse back to our village to show that the terror has ended. In return, I offer these pelts. If you are to continue north, you will need them. Deadly cold can be found in the high areas of the Kortos Mounts. These furs can help protect yourselves from the elements."
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Omrax, seeing blood streaming from his Leg and shoulder, steels himself and calls for resolve from the Inheritor. He pokes the beast to ensure it is dead then with a grimace steps back to his pack to retrieve his curative wand to close his gaping wounds.
"Does anyone else require healing?"
Feeling better, he gathers the long spear given by Thunderhoof and pokes the beast once more ceremonially, and looks to the sky. With a bow, he offers the spear to Thunderhoof as promised.
Looking to the party..
"Thank you all comrades at arms for slaying the beast. Is everyone present? Sir Rees? Oh no, where is our faithful mule, Eeore?"
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Rees comes out of the nearby bushes, "I'm here. I think Eeore got caught up in some under-brush, so he didn't go very far."
Urdel acknowledges Omrax's gesture of good will, but doesn't take the spear. "I wish it was used in battle. But none the less, it may see many more. Keep it. Another sign of good faith between our people."
If there is nothing else, Urdel pulls out a pack of pelts from a sack and lays them upon the ground. They are from a thick black haired animal and well dressed. The cenaur then gathers up the big cat, lays it over his backside and leaves from which he came.
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Haraldir approaches the dead animal, and start studying it intensively. He has never seen a predator like that before, but chances are, he might still encounter one (or more) before this is over.
Upon his appearance, he greets Urdel and looks inquisitively at his party-members, in regards to centaurs request. Since no one seem to have any issues with centaurs request, he answers briefly: "You are welcome to take the corpse of this foul beast, Master Urdel. Once again, I thank you for your advice's, as well as for your gifts. These will for sure come handy in the mountains" - he mentions, gesturing towards pelts.
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"There are minotaurs in the highlands, but you should stay clear of them with your current course. It has been a year or so since the last dragon sighting. I believe the weather up there is the most dangerous thing you will find."
Achilles is easily settled down and appears to be free of harm. Rees retrieves mule and returns.
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Urdel bows his head in gratitude then retreats back into the forest with his trophy.
The rest of the night is uneventful. After breaking fast, the party continues on their journey. The map takes them into the Kortos Mounts and reach the snowline by mid-day. They make their way into a mountain pass. The sunlight fades quickly at day's end in this terrain. Just ahead the group spies a covered wagon half buried in the snow.
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This can't be good.
"Omrax, bare your blade. Who knows what lurks here? The rest of you, look around for any clues or dangers."
Scanning the terrain on both sides, Astyannax presses the stirrups to Achilles' flanks and canters after the impetuous Gnome, sword out.
Loud enough that the gnome should hear him, "Boddy, ware! You are exposed and alone up there."