GM TOP #3-16: The Midnight Mauler (Standard, Foxes) (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

Okay, each player has the following options each round.

1) It takes a move action to move through a single square. When a character exits from a square, he must choose one of that square’s two obstacles to face as a standard action before moving to the next square. Instead of exiting a square, a character can choose to take another action not directly related to navigating the chase’s course, such as casting a spell or drawing a weapon (I'm assuming any primary weapons are already drawn).

2) A character may attempt to move three squares during his turn by taking a full-round action. That character must overcome both obstacles on the square he is leaving. In this case, if a character fails either obstacle check by 5 or less, he only moves one square forward and his turn ends. If a character fails either obstacle check by more than 5, he cannot move at all that turn. A character unfortunate enough to fail two obstacle checks in a turn becomes mired in his current square. A mired character must spend another full-round action becoming unmired, effectively losing his next turn.

3) A character can also choose to make a ranged attack or cast a spell during his turn in a chase. If the action is a full-round action, he can’t move at all. Use the number of squares and their established distances (in this case, 30 feet) to determine ranges as necessary. The terrain where the chase takes place might provide the target partial or even full cover or concealment. A character can only choose to make melee attacks against targets that are on the same card.

Any PC gains a +2 cumulative bonus on all chase checks for each 10 feet by which her speed exceeds 30 feet, or takes a –2 cumulative penalty for each 10 feet by which it is slower than 30 feet. Now is when that potion of Expeditious Retreat becomes way more valuable than 50g.

Chase Map is up!

Initiative
Ikari: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Phidoe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Hiiragi: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Onna: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Werewolf: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

The group has emerged in a collapsed building! The walls are rubble and climbable or they can shuolder the jammed door to get out to the street!

Round 1: I knew a Chase once. Nice guy. Not sure what he's up to right now.
Hiiragi
Wolfy McJerk
Phidoe
Onna
Ikari

Bold are up!

Curse my Medium armor!

Hiiragi rushes forward! She tries the door--

CMB: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 3

--and it does not go well.

Okay, each player has the following options each round.

1) It takes a move action to move through a single square. When a character exits from a square, he must choose one of that square’s two obstacles to face as a standard action before moving to the next square. Instead of exiting a square, a character can choose to take another action not directly related to navigating the chase’s course, such as casting a spell or drawing a weapon (I'm assuming any primary weapons are already drawn).

2) A character may attempt to move three squares during his turn by taking a full-round action. That character must overcome both obstacles on the square he is leaving. In this case, if a character fails either obstacle check by 5 or less, he only moves one square forward and his turn ends. If a character fails either obstacle check by more than 5, he cannot move at all that turn. A character unfortunate enough to fail two obstacle checks in a turn becomes mired in his current square. A mired character must spend another full-round action becoming unmired, effectively losing his next turn.

3) A character can also choose to make a ranged attack or cast a spell during his turn in a chase. If the action is a full-round action, he can’t move at all. Use the number of squares and their established distances (in this case, 30 feet) to determine ranges as necessary. The terrain where the chase takes place might provide the target partial or even full cover or concealment. A character can only choose to make melee attacks against targets that are on the same card.

Any PC gains a +2 cumulative bonus on all chase checks for each 10 feet by which her speed exceeds 30 feet, or takes a –2 cumulative penalty for each 10 feet by which it is slower than 30 feet. Now is when that potion of Expeditious Retreat becomes way more valuable than 50g.

_____________________

Hiiragi rushes forward and only after trying to push the door open realizes that it says 'pull'.

The werewolf moves up and tries a thing.

Wolfy Skill + Speed: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 4 = 20

It easily succeeds, moving another thirty feet ahead of the group.

Rounds 1 & 2: I knew a Chase once. Nice guy. Not sure what he's up to right now.
Hiiragi
Wolfy McJerk
Phidoe
Onna
Ikari

Bold are up!

Phidöe's speed is 40' so he gets a +2 on all checks unless I've misread. He'll attempt both checks as a full-round action to move 3 squares.

CMB DC 12: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 = 16
Climb DC 15: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 2 = 22

As he catches up with Wolfy McJerk, he sniffs disdainfully at his bedraggled fur. "Hey bud, a little grooming never hurt no one."

Rage to STR as a free action.

CMB DC12: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25
climb DC15: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12

Ikari pulls the door open, but struggles to scramble over the fallen debris.

Also going for both checks, but it looks like the fail isn't bad enough to stop all movement and Ikari makes some progress. Onna if you can use Gallant Inspiration on the Climb check there'd be a very good chance of Ikari catching the wolf :)

Gallant Inspiration is what this was designed for.

Gallant Inspiration: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

That makes Ikari's Climb check a 17, passing the DC.

Not wanting to get too far ahead of Hiiragi, the bard helps to kick in the door.

CMB: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Now what does Onna do with her turn?

Sorry, I had to go teach, but I was able to get my action on the original post. Oddly enough, I have no climb bonus. Some spy I am, lol.

Phidoe vaults out of the room and over the roof towards where he thinks the enemy will end up, barking all the way. Ikari bolts after him and almost trips going up the pile of rubble, but Onna shouts a warning just in time and he also takes the high route, rushing ahead of the group.

Onna rolls her eyes at Hiiragi and simply walks up, pulls the door open and slips through. It clangs shut behind her and she shrugs, hurrying to catch up to the boys.

Round 2: I knew a Chase once. Nice guy. Not sure what he's up to right now.
Hiiragi
Wolfy McJerk
Phidoe
Onna
Ikari

Bold are up!

CMB: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 2 = 18

"Ah, I see, that's how it's done," says Hiiragi, pushing her own way through the door right after her.

Hiiragi slips through the doorway and stands next to Onna wondering where everyone might be.

The werewolf looks very amazed at the pathfinders showing up so soon. He draws a sword and backs up against a wall, "What do you want, assassins?!?"

Okay so... the 'chase' is over for Phidoe, Ikari and Wolfenstein. Buuuut... Hiiragi and Onna still have to catch up. And, the Wolfy isn't going to wait for them to get there. Buuuuuut.... he'll give you a chance to talk him down. So if you want this to avoid violence, Ikari and/or Phidoe may give a nice reasoned argument and roll Diplomacy for their turn. A new map is up for these three as well.

Both of you super fast Chase Beaters also see a couple wolfhounds (like the ones at the courthouse) waiting for orders in the shadows to the northeast.

Rounds 2 & 3: CHASE but also *BARK BARK GROWL RUFF RUFF*
Hiiragi
Wolfy McJerk
Phidoe
Onna
Ikari

Bold are up! Some chasing, some talking (maybe) and some growling (probably).

"We're not assassins, Vonran. We're Pathfinders and we're here to help you. To bring you back. There's no need for all the killing. If you were wronged, let us help you put things right. But not by murder."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 woot!

Phidöe appeals to Vonran as a fellow canine. "Look, fella, I get the joy of howling at the moon as much as the next dog, but ya gotta keep things in perspective - chasing wagons through the streets? Yes. Murdering old enemies? No."

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

I had no idea that you were both so trained in Diplomacy, actually. Never imagined Hiiragi would be the uncouth one!

Hiiragi spies the brambles and frowns.

"I never was good at getting out of a bind," she says with a grin at Onna.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Boooooo D:

The old wolfman hunches down on the cobblestones, panting from the chase and glaring with fiery red eyes. “So, you’re the lap dogs the Decemvirate sent to cull me? Pathetic. All of your cut throats will barely slake my thirst from our little run.”

Low, feral growling can be heard coming from the shadows of a nearby alley. The Mauler grins, bearing ragged, yellow fangs. “How shall
we do this, little ones?”

Ikari and Phidoe quickly appeal to his rational and animal side, explaining with incredible calmness and cuteness, respectively, that he should not murder people.

One would think that a hardened killer werewolf set on vengeance would be more difficult to convince to change his ways, but that one would be wrong.

Vilk lowers his blade, though doesn't drop it yet, "I'll listen to your pleas, but you haven't changed my mind yet. And the wolf inside still wants blood. Why shouldn't I allow it some freedom? It has given me so much already."

Alright, he isn't convinced yet to give up, but you have improved his attitude to indifferent. Because of that, I see no reason to keep initiative going. I will allow the slowpokes to catch up and join you all to try to convince him to surrender and take the wolfsbane to fight his curse. You could theoretically still cause a combat, but I'd be very surprised. TLDR: Now is the time for everyone to bust out MOAR diplomacy rolls.

So, can I roll Diplomacy now, or do I have do chase things first?

Diplomacy for all and all for Diplomacy! Rock this wolf back into the Stone Age.

Hiiragi shows up... late, huffing and puffing.

"Sorry! Not a lot of... hoo... 'moving quickly' in Miko School," she pants.

Diplo Aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
...Unless the GM wants to be super generous and let that be the main roll if nobody beats it :D

"Well, the other option is that we fight over it. Either you slay four people that are only trying to do good in the world, or are slain instead. We have a cure, we may be able to help you."

"As fate would have it, I have already died once due to the failings of the Decemverate. I have no desire for anyone to suffer the same way if I can help it." Onna purses her lips. "Look, we know where you are headed next. Your half-elven flame regrets how things turned out and shares your distrust of The Society. He didn't open up to us until we convinced him of our sincerity to try and heal you and cure your lycanthopy. How about we find somewhere safe and end the curse?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Ah, good, Onna and Sensei are here. Onna is so much better at this.

Ikari still feels the rage within him. At the werewolf's threats and talk of the beast within him Ikari growls involuntarily and bares his fangs.

"I understand the beast and its strength, Vonran. But I have control of it. You are a slave to the beast, driven by its whims. Let us free you."

diplomacy, aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

But Ikari doesn't have quite as much control as he thinks. When two beasts face each other soft words are not the most likely outcome...

Phidöe tries to put in a good word in support of Onna's persuasive reasoning. "You still want blood? Of course you do - once a pathfinder, always a pathfinder! Don't worry - once we get your curse taken care of there will still be plenty of worthy foes whose blood you may spill. Though - in all honesty - you may not find drinking it quite as appealing..."

Diplomacy Aid Another (Onna): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Since Hiiragi asked so nicely to allow her to be the main roll, I think I'll acquiesce! Onna gets dumped to an aid and Phidoe Aids. The check FAILS!!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

j/k, it was like DC 14 at this point.

__________________________

The group literally talks his ears off. He drops the blade and cowers, tail between his legs and begins sobbing, "Just kill me now. I've done terrible things. There is no way back from this."

Phidöe gives Vonran a reassuring slurp. "You've done terrible things? Like I said, once a pathfinder, always a pathfinder! Now you have the perfect reason to go forth and destroy evil-doers to redeem yourself!"

"I mean, if I recall correctly, there's a chance the cure kills him anyway, right? So if he's ready to accept death as a possibility..."

"Like I was saying, you're a slave to the beast. You're not in control, any more than if you were under an enchanter's spell. Let's free you from this curse, then if you want to make amends in some way I'm sure you'll have the opportunity."

Ikari feels his own 'beast' receding, pushed back deep inside until it is needed again.

Technically Ikari is fatigued right now, having Raged during the chase he could not maintain Rage and do Diplomacy :o

Fatigue should be gone by now.

He looks up from under big bushy eyebrows, "Dead or Cured, either would work. What do you need me to do?"

Assuming we have found some out of the way spot.

Onna carefully removes the herb from her pack. She looks over the directions she received from the apothecary. "It seems like you simply eat it. The herb attacks the curse on its own. Unfortunately, your body is the battlefield. If the trauma is too great, well..." Her voice trails off, leaving the grim conclusion left unsaid. She puts a smile on her face, "However, if you are strong enough, the curse should be purged from your system. Then we can go about and find any who have been infected and ensure that they receive the cure as well." The bard looks over at the large wolves. "Are they gonna be a problem?" She then thinks again, "Come to think of it, I wonder if it might be best to secure or restrain you. I am not sure if this will cause you to lash out. But we won't force you."

To be clear, Onna will follow whatever the recommended course/dose was. Any errors above are NOT an attempt to fool Vilk.

Would it be possible to drop a Guidance on him? I assume he is going to have to make at least one save. Any way to buff his Constitution of Fort Save?

"Yes, it would be best to send those wolves away."

Ikari can grant Guidance. Would antitoxin help?

"Perhaps... perhaps we might prevail upon Rutowski's hospitality again? I think he might have a secure room, or at least a cellar."

Okay, mechanically Vilk will get one Fort save to defeat the lycanthropy when he takes the wolfsbane poison (per dose). DC 15 and he is starting with a +5 Fort Save. Guidance would apply to the save. Anything that boosts Con or his Fort Save vs. a Curse would also help. The Heal skill and Antitoxins will do nothing for this save. I will roll it once we know what you all are adding to it.

AFTER that roll, he will then need to survive the poison. It does Con Damage but is a pretty slow acting poison so each roll you all will be able to give Guidance, use the Heal skill and give an Antitoxin (if you want). I'll also make these rolls.

__________________________

Vilk nods, "Let's do this before I lose control again."

Go ahead and give me every mitigation you plan for the save vs. Lycanthropy and then the first two saves vs. the Poison, thanks!

If we can get him a Morale boost of any sort to Con/Fort, I can double it with Moment of Greatness! :D

That seems to be about the extent of Hiiragi's contribution here, though.

Phidöe has nothing to contribute. Except Lay on Paws if he takes damage.

I was hoping for a Bear's Endurance or the like. I suppose that, given the hour, all the stores are closed. It looks like Guidance is the best we have. If I had taken Saving Finale as a first-level spell, I could have given him a reroll, but such is not the case.

Sadly I was wrong from my post in discord, guidance is a competence bonus and not a morale one.

Vilk takes a deep breath and as Ikari blesses him. He chews up and gulps down the sprig of poison. Almost immediately the werewolf begins gagging in pain and clawing at his fur.

Fort DC 15 + Guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15

FUUUUUUCK that was close.

Patches of fur begin shedding in clumps and his body and face writhe in agony as the bones, tendons and ligaments all begin re-aligning.

Sorta like this, but in the reverse.

Eventually, after quite a bit of agonizing grunts and a few quiet screams, a pitiful old man lies there on the ground, panting in pain. Suddenly, he convulses!

Fort DC 16 vs. Poison + Guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18

And vomits up his entire stomach contents, including most of the wolfsbane! This is followed by a few dry heaves and then he looks up at the sky with clear eyes and begins crying.

Hiiragi urges Onna to take a step back, and takes a step forward herself.

She attends to him as the curse violently leaves him; prestidigitation to dull the taste of bile and saliva that is more lupine than his own, a small, wooden cup of water (filled at Daikitsu's blessing) to offer him. She whispers another prayer to her goddess, and the group feels the familiar sensation of Her healing washing over them.

"There is much to do tonight, but the threat has passed. Phidoe, can you lead Ikari to anywhere you smell blood?"

She stands and turns to her disciple. "Those who can still walk, gather together that Daikitsu's healing can reach as many as possible. Those who cannot, heal where they lie. Those who will not open their eyes again, leave and move quickly, but remember where they were, that we may offer their whereabouts to the clergy they followed. We will offer our assistance wherever it is welcome."

"I pray, though, that we have already seen the full extent of tonight's carnage."

I don't thiiiiiiiiiiiink ol' Vilk had time to attack anyone else, really, but, y'know! Hiiragi's thorough.

Yay for Daikitsu's Guidance ;)

"Rest now, Vonran. We will finish the work we have started tonight, and then take you home."

Ikari nods to Hiiragi. "Hai, Sensei. Come, Phidöe. I think the ladies want to be alone."

With a wide and toothsome grin Ikari takes his leave, resuming his human disguise.

Hiiragi only barely has time to drop her usually-serene face to stick her tongue out at Ikari before he's away, but she manages!

Onna covers the naked form with her cloak before kneeling next to the exhausted man. She gently lays his head on her thighs as she brushes his hair clear of his face. Wiping away the sweat from his exertion, the bard quietly reassures the man that his torment has ended. "It's over now Vonran. You can rest."

As Vonran returns to human form Phidöe wags his tail and then growls rather incongruously, "Back to two legs fer ya. It won't be long afore yer missin' all the hair I expect, but the truth is that not all o' us 'r cut out fer the canine life. There's no shame in returning to human form, I suppose, and remember: when ye remember all the trials o' yer human life and ya start gettin' the itch fer the life ya left, jes go find the moon in yer window and know that somewhere, someplace, some o' us 'r still howlin'."

With that, he trots off, following Ikari's lead to give the others some privacy. Which serves as an excellent pretext for what he has in mind next: it is not long before, under the cover of darkness, he is hurrying about the town, putting up posters denouncing every form of enslavement and bonded labor and calling for the masses to unite against all forms of oppression. It is not easy attaching the posters to the walls, but he finds that if he licks them thoroughly they do tend to stick fairly well. All of the posters are only a foot or so off the ground, but Phidöe does not seem to notice anything untoward about that.

Stealth DC 20: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39 Oof, what a time to roll a 20!
Checking a box on Liberty's Edge faction card, in lieu of downtime

It was a down day for the young fox. His friends were off on another mission and he was unable to go. Stupid mandated anger management training. Don’t they know an adventurer needs to be able to channel that anger into violence? So what if he punched out that a+&!++~. The dude deserved it.

He takes a deep set of calming breaths and allows the heat to leave his ears. At least he learned a useful coping mechanism during the session. Just one more next week and maybe he can catch up to his family in Oostalove, or wherever they went. Chance is really rounding into form lately too, he could probably ride her the whole way and shave off half the time it takes them to travel the normal society method, which is always so slow. Speaking of Chance, he should probably go check on her.

Kenta arrives at his apartment and goes straight around back to the stables. He nods to the stable boy, ”Morning Budd, how are things?”

Budd replies with a quick smile, ”Good Morning Mr. Kenta Sir, stables are clean, water drawn, animals all brushed, just finishing up a hoof cleaning. Chance is in high spirits today, she was nipping me very playfully. Gonna take her out?”

The paladin grins, ”Of course! A charger like her needs to be in the field, romping around and strengthening back up to form. I found quite a diamond in the rough with her.” He moves up to his horse, pulling a fresh bit of fruit out of his pack to feed her. She stomps her feet happily and quickly snakes her jaws out to snap it up. Looking over at the storage shed, she snorts in anticipation.

The kitsune warrior nods, ”Oh yeah, you are a smart one. Yes, we are going riding.” He walks over to the shed, spirits much lighter than earlier. A quick collection of saddle, bags and his usual loadout, he heads back into the paddock to gear up his horse. Noting that she is ready to go he tosses a silver to Budd, ”Excellent brushing work young man. Do not wait up this evening, we might camp outside the city tonight.”

_________________________________________________________________________

The trek through the city was tedious, though it did lead them past an excellent street vendor selling some sort of meat and vegetables wrapped up in a soft bready shell. He polished it off and carefully folded up the paper wrapping for disposal later as they finally got outside the busy city streets. Seeing before him only open road, he pats Chance on the neck and says, ”Ready?”

The horse just looks at him like that is the dumbest question in the world and begins a quick trot, limbering up her legs. The trot breaks into a canter, which just keeps building until Kenta is just holding on as Chance is now in full gallop! Wind whipping through both their fur and the sun beating down from overhead, the two creatures just enjoy their freedom together.

After a good bit of galloping, Chance slows down to a solid canter, flanks just starting to heave a little from the energy burned earlier. She catches her breath and is able to keep the pace for another hour or two.

Kenta notices an open field of grass to the side and guides his companion off the road, ”All right Chance, let’s do some training.” He sets up a few logs on top of boulders throughout the field and then hops back up, ”Let us see what we have today.”

Galloping through the field, Chance takes close lines from boulder to boulder, leaning in towards the target so Kenta can unleash a mighty swing at the log as they pass. He practices holding on tight with his legs so he can use both hands on his sword and manages to only fall once, drop the sword three times and actually hit the target four times!

Both panting from exertion, Kenta leads Chance to a nearby stream. Making sure it is pure flowing water, both of them take a nice drink and settle in for a short rest. Kenta is woken from his doze by Chance nibbling an ear. He yawns and looks up at the lowering sun, ”Alright, alright. We will go find a good camping spot and get some dinner.”

The fox climbs up a small tree and surveys the horizon, ”Over there is a small rocky outcropping which should be reachable by dark. It will give us a decent vantage point and the ability to put a hard surface at our backs overnight.” Hopping up on his companion, he spurs her back onto the road. Just as the sun is finally setting they arrive. Doing a quick circle, it looks like a decent spot. Kenta begins setting up a stone circle while Chance wanders around and drags back several logs for the fire. A little setup and they have a decent bit of light to work with. Kenta makes up a nice stew and gives Chance her dinner. They eat in silence for a while before the warrior sighs, ”You ever think about the past Chance? How things could have gone, but did not? Things twisted just one slight way differently and everything in our lives would have changed? What if I did not get assigned to my family for my first couple adventures? Would I have quit once I found out some of the things the Decemvirate does? Would I have made other friends and family instead? Would I have ever met you? I don’t know, it is sorta crazy to think. But then again, maybe my actions are guided by the Lady above enough that it is just all leading me to something great.”

He shrugs and finishes his meal, ”Alright, you have put up with enough. Let me get you cleaned up.” Spending the next hour he carefully wipes and brushes Chance down, then drapes a nice blanket over her before sitting up next to the fire, ”Get some rest, I will wake you for a watch shift.”

Chance actually feels safe enough with this to lay down to rest for short bits of time, though most of it is spent snoozing upright. After one such transition, she notices that Kenta has dozed and gently pulls his blanket up to cover him a bit more. Looking down at the snoozing fox, the simple horse cherishes him immensely and then keeps a close ear out for dangers.

___________________________________________________________________________ _

*SNAP*

Jerking her head up towards the sound, Chance is immediately overcome with revulsion. WHAT IS THIS SMELL?!? She whinnies loudly as the creatures clamber over the lip of the rock. The disgusting grey lizard-man stares back at her, drool dripping down through its sharp teeth as it raises a club...

Kenta jumps to his feet, sword filling his hand as he advances, ”STAND BACK FOUL BEAST!” The troglodyte hisses at him and takes a step back before releasing a disgusting belch at the paladin. The young kitsune gags on the stench, but a quick flash of light on his chest seems to empower him, ”Flee Now, Or Die.”

The creatures do not flee. Instead, they die. The warrior seems much more comfortable on land than horseback. Wading through them, his sword and maw both end up bloody. The smell doesn’t seem to bother him either as he rips the foes to pieces. Barely breathing hard he turns to see Chance give the last one a swift kick to the head, taking it down, ”Nothing that smells that bad can be good. Plus, they were here to kill us and we were not in a position to give quarter. You did good Chance. You did good.”

The next several hours are spent burying the bodies and putting up markers. Once done, Kenta just goes ahead and gets ready for the day and heads to the nearest town to report the attack and result to the authorities. They promise to investigate but seem thankful as it seems there had been a few troglodyte attacks recently from that direction. Kenta heads back to Absalom and wearily arrives in the afternoon. Making sure Budd has Chance in hand, he heads up to his room to get some rest.

____________________________________________________________________

He is awoken by a frantic pounding on his door, ”MISTER KENTA SIR WAKE UP! YOUR HORSE SIR, SHE’S DIFFERENT!!!”

Bolting to his feet and through the door he takes the stairs in one giant leap, slamming his shoulder into the back door and out into the back courtyard. Skidding to a stop at the sight of Chance prancing around happily, his heart starts to drop back out of his throat as his brain realizes Budd just said she was different, not in trouble. He begins working through the changes. Her coat is shiny with an almost reflective glowing sheen.

Chance’s eyes light up at the arrival of the young fox and she prances over, draping her neck around his shoulders in a hug.

Kenta’s eyes light up, ”Love you too Chance, this hug thing is new though.” Looking deep into her eye she meets his gaze and whinnies. The fox smiles and hugs back, ”Oh, you smell wonderful. So pure, like the dreams I have of heaven.”

Transition Post, head on over to Carrion Hill.