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As the heroes continue towards the Bloodmoon camp, they follow a winding path into a gully. The bottom is covered in deep snow and rather flat. While the going is slow, the pace is better than trying to climb out of the gully and find a path that links up with the one your are following. Survival or Knowledge(Geography) DC 20:
The bottom of the gully is filled with a frozen over stream Perception DC 25: You hear a muffled cracking sound as you walk along the bottom of the gully
We are. I'm just being slow. Sorry about that.
Wounds mended and breath caught, the Heroes of Kassen resume their march on the Bloodmoon camp.
GM Screen:
Cragg-el and his brothers give chase, but after a little while, it becomes clear that they are far less successful than they had hoped. Before they return to the elemental plane of earth, Maidie can feel their frustration at having failed to hunt down more than one of the fleeing pack.
"I'm feeling a little woozy," Emerald says as she reappears. The dragon-turned-human certainly looks worse for wear. "I still have most of my magic, though."
GM Screen:
Winter Wolf: DEAD! Orange-Blue Wolf: 7/20 Blue Wolf: 9/20 Yellow Wolf: 3/20 Red Wolf: 8/10 Blue Goblin: DEAD! Orange Worg: DEAD! Cyan Wolf: DEAD! Green Goblin: 22/36 Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 4/8 rounds left
With their leader dead, the wolve break and run. With the advantage of numbers turned against them, the remaining worg and pair of goblins follow suit.
GM Screen:
Winter Wolf: DEAD! Orange-Blue Wolf: 7/20 Blue Wolf: 9/20 Yellow Wolf: 3/20 Red Wolf: 8/10 Blue Goblin: DEAD! Orange Worg: DEAD! Cyan Wolf: DEAD! Green Goblin: 22/36 Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 5/8 rounds left
Charged -2 AC
Fear shows in the winter wolf's eyes as it sees Moon charging it. It begins to protest it's coming death, but its denial of reality dies on its tongue as its head flies from its neck in a spray of blood. Histya leaps upon the wolf that had attacked Erigga and tears the life from it with fang and claw.
GM Screen:
Winter Wolf: 4/84 Orange-Blue Wolf: 7/20 Blue Wolf: 9/20 Yellow Wolf: 3/20 Red Wolf: 8/10 Blue Goblin: DEAD! Orange Worg: DEAD! Cyan Wolf: 3/20 Green Goblin: 22/36 Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 5/8 rounds left
Charged -2 AC
Cragg-el and Maidie sorely wound the wicked winter wolf, causing it to howl in agony. The goblin to the south screams as its ribs are shattered and it crumples into the snow as rage, the will to fight, and consciousness leave it. Meanwhile, one of the transformed goblin werewolves yowls as the third elemental slams into it.
Meanwhile, Erigga, rips out the throat of one of the worgs.
GM Screen:
Winter Wolf: 31/84 Orange-Blue Wolf: 7/20 Blue Wolf: 9/20 Yellow Wolf: 3/20 Red Wolf: 8/10 Blue Goblin: 17/34 Orange Worg: 15/44 Cyan Wolf: 3/20 Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 5/8 rounds left
Charged -2 AC
Betztole's attack does little to affect the worg, other than fanning it with a warm breeze. Meaanwhile, Histya's best efforts fail to get through the wily winter wolf's hide, but Moon's blade drinks deeply of it's blood. Sensing how dangerous the ranger and the druid, are, the winter wolf steps back and blasts both with it's wintry breath. It then howls, heralding the charge of the rest of the pack. The elemental to the south clobbers one of the wolves as it leaps away to flank Erigga with the worg, Despite the mighty blow, the wolf still has some fight and nips at the halfling, failing to do more than act as an ineffectual distraction. The worg tries to avenge its hurts, but fails to do more than annoy the halfling. The other wolf fails to do more than mar the leather of Betzolte's boots, but that only allows the enraged goblin a chance to land a solid blow.
The other wolves run in and attack Moon, Grob, and Emerald, most of their bites fail to find purchase, but one wolf does get a solid hold on Emerald's leg and pulls her to the ground.
The goblin werewolf to the north withdraws from melee with the elementals, wanting to get at prey with more flesh and blood. AoO vs. Emerald:
Realizing how bad of a position she's now in, Emerald scrambles to her feet, kicking the snapping maws of the wolves and worg away from her as she does so. She steps back and weaves magic into her song before turning invisible.
GM Screen:
Winter Wolf: 48/84 Orange-Blue Wolf: 7/20 Blue Wolf: 9/20 Yellow Wolf: 3/20 Red Wolf: 8/10 Blue Goblin: 17/34 Orange Worg: 15/44 Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 6/8 rounds left
Grob's strike lands with enough force, if only barely, to get through the winter wolf's hide and hurt it. Icy blue eyes filled with hate fix on the druid, promising pain and suffering before a slow death.
GM Screen:
Winter Wolf: 59/84 Orange-Blue Wolf: 7/20 Blue Wolf: 9/20 Yellow Wolf: 3/20 Red Wolf: 8/10 Blue Goblin: 17/34 Orange Worg: 15/44 Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 6/8 rounds left
Maidie and Grobradon manage to hurt the winter wolf, but it is far from done. More worryingly, the two elementals fail to do more than ruffle the goblin werewolf's fur. However, the goblin to the south lets out a scream of pain as it takes a blow from the remaining elemental. The worg that rushed up to Erigga howls in agony as the blade sinks deep, but fails to kill the worg.
GM Screen:
Orange-Blue Wolf: 7/20 Purple Wolf: Dead Blue Wolf: 9/20 Yellow Wolf: 3/20 Red Wolf: 8/10 Western elemental Readied attack on first target in range Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 7/8 rounds left
Success
Success
Success
To the west, one of the wolves breaks free and is able to catch up with its fellows as they get out of the area of Grob's spell. The elemental to the north misses as it tries to clobber the wolf that runs by it to join up with its leader. The southern elemental proves a better fighter as it shatters the ribcage of the wolf it had already clobbered when it tries to join the other two nipping rather ineffectually at Betzolte's legs. Then the wolves get within reach of the western elemental. Two loud, pained yelps ring out as literal rock-hard fists slam into the pair that came into range on their way to join up on the far shore of the river. Meanwhile, the goblins and worgs move in, the goblin to the south managing to get in close to Betzolte and swing its axe at her with both hands, though it fails to even bruise the dwarven wizard. Much more deadly and effective is the winter wolf's breath that washes over Moon, Emerald, and Histya after it pushes past Grob.
Emerald's song falters as the frigid air tries to freeze her lungs, but she manages to avoid the worst of it, if only barely.
Deciding that the ice breathing wolf is the biggest threat, she moves to put some distance between herself and Moon to keep the wolf from having a bunched up target again. As she does so, she draws and takes aim.
Unfortunately, her arrow skates off the beast's fur and flies off into the forest.
[spoiler=GM Screen]
Western elemental Readied attack on first target in range Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 7/8 rounds left
One of the wolves [ooc](blue) yelps as Moon's arrow sinks deep into its flank. Realizing how dangerous this prey is, the winter wolf skirts around the elementals to get into a better position while also keeping the icy stream between it and the Heroes. Meanwhile, Emerald begins to sing a rousing tavern tune favored in Nirmathas. She puts arrow to string, steadying her nerves as she picks out her first target.
GM Screen:
Passed
Orange-Blue Wolf: 17/30
Western elemental Readied attack on first target in range Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 7/8 rounds left
Magic flies beside the arrow Moon looses. Fortune does not favor the Heroes, however. Two of the wolves and the worg escape Grobradon's spell while the goblin werewolf and the other two wolves snarl and howl as they are held fast by the vines and roots that erupt from the snow around them. To the south, a kaleidoscope of coruscating colors washes over three of the wolves, only for the spell to put one down for the moment.
GM Screen:
Blinded Duration: 4/5 Rounds left Orange-Blue Wolf: 17/30
Western elemental Readied attack on first target in range Goblin Wolf Fangs Rage: 7/8 rounds left
The two goblins to the north try to shake the dust from their eyes, one managing to do so, while the other two goblins pull out strange javelins and hurl them at the elementals. The one aimed at the western elemental sails over its craggy head while the other, aimed at the southern elemental, bounces off with too little force to do anything.
GM Screen:
passed
Blinded Duration: 5/5 Rounds left
Goblins and wolves howl in anger and fear as they are blinded by Maidie's spell. The winter wolf snarls and shakes it's head before fixing the tiny fairy wizard with a hateful glower.
Initiative:
The Heroes of Kassen are not kept waiting long after they have done what they can to prepare themselves. Over a dozen wolves, three of them looking particularly large and vicious, and four howling goblins come charging down the paths. As they spot you, the large wolf to the north howls and brings the pack to a halt. "Khalakakan told me there would be good hunting and fine sport," the large, white wolf growls something akin to a chuckle from it's fang and ice lined maw. "I see that I shall not be disappointed, little heroes." The two other large wolves and the goblins snicker and laugh. "Oh look, they have a little pixie with them. I've been craving some fey blood, so I guess she'll do," the large wolf on the western trail cackles as it fixes Maidie with a predatory grin. "Too little meat, brother mine," the third large wolf, the one approaching form the south, says. "Look at the male of the pack. He has some meat on him. A tough meal to be sure, but filling." The goblins giggle as they ready their axes and wolves growl and snarl, hungry for the feast to come. GM Screen:
Hola! Wanted to give y'all a heads up that I'll be kicking the game and combat off tomorrow. Please make sure that you're where you want to be for round 1. Also, let me know if y'all have any questions about the map.
Hey all. First off, apologies for how slow things have gotten, and it's not going to get better. Between having the flu and recovering from that I wasn't able to post much last week, and I won't be able to post at all over the nest two weeks at least due to work and Christmas stuff. Second, given that this is the case, I'm officially putting this game on hiatus until January 5th. That will hopefully give me some time to recharge so we can hit the ground running. Again, apologies for the delay and the recent slowness.
It soon becomes clear to Moon that they will need to find and prepare a battlefield soon. Howls can be heard in the distance as the would be hunters seek to make the Heroes of Kassen the hunted. As swiftly as the ranger is able, she finds what looks like a good enough spot, a place where two game trails merge by a frozen stream as it wends its way through a gully. The howls are closer now, maybe a minute away at best.
"Prince Kernan didn't gift me one, no," Emerald says, she tries to put on a brave face, but it's clear that she's frightened by the potential dangers of this coming fight.
"Could be a winter wolf," Emerald adds. "Some of them can get pretty big." She looks about nervously. "I wish I were still a dragon. Maybe I could scare them off, then."
Betzolte and Grobradon find the trail leading to the Bloodmoon camp, and they also notice that something appears to be stalking them as the Heroes move through the Fangwood. Goblin and wolf tracks, well hidden and showing atypical care and caution for goblins, cross the path the party follows. Disturbingly, some of the wolf tracks appear to be much larger than any normal wolf's
With the dead goblins relieved of their gear and no better options, the Heroes of Kassen move along, deeper into a section of the Fangwood that grows thick and gnarled.
"Let's hope they aren't feeling that spiteful. It might be kinder to kill her than let her suffer through that," Emerald says.
Moon doesn't find anything written down, given that goblins think writing will steal the thoughts from their heads. She does find that the leader of the small band does have a map with the Manylegs' camp marked on it. While the gear is indeed far better than what's found on most goblins, it's of gnomish or dwarven make and pretty old based on the wear and tear. More importantly, it's all sized for smaller folks, like halflings, gnomes, and goblins. A closer inspection of the goblins reveals wolfish fangs and furry patches on their hides. The apparent leader has a wooden trinket carved to look like a full moon that is painted red and hangs from a leather thong around its neck.
The goblins grin wolfishly before roaring and attacking. Despite their rage-fueled frenzy, both are cut down swiftly, the Heroes' ambush having proved decisive. Loot:
3 small masterwork battleaxes 9 small pilums 3 small masterwork suits of chainmail 3 oil of magic weapon 6 potion of CLW "What were they doing out here," Emerald asks after she catches up.
One of the goblins goes down as it clutches its throat after Erigga rips her khukri through it.
GM Screen:
Gob 1: 14/35
Moon and Histya take the trio by surprise, badly mauling two of them, but these goblins are made of sterner stuff than your average goblins, and their eyes light with joy and rage in equal measure as the rest of the Heroes of Kassen stumble onto the scene.
You'll still have to pay for the ink, but I'm not going to fuss too much. *writes down a reminder to add in some magic eating monsters*
Moon and Histya creep up and find three goblins dressed in poorly tanned furs tromping through the snow. After a few moments of listening, Moon determines that they are grumbling about being out here to relay a message to the Manylegs camp instead of finding a good fight.
"Just you wait, Betzolte. Dragons have long memories and I will remember this," she growls. "Maybe I'll convince some fey to steal all your left shoes and boots or one out of every pair of socks."
As the morning grows late, Grobradon and Moon hear something from ahead of the party further up the game trail they are following. After a few moments of quiet, they are able to pick out the voices of goblins. While the words are too garbled to make out even to their keen ears, they sound none-too-happy.
Oh right. You did say you were going on a vacation. >_<
The morning comes cold and clear. The sun glitters off the snow and ice where it peeks through the branches and canopies of the Fangwood's trees. Nalka sets off to see what she can do for what's left of the Manylegs Tribe after breakfast, leaving the Heroes of Kassen to decide on what to do next. Consulting the map with the various goblin camps on it. You figure out that the next closest is the Bloodmoon camp.
Hey all, sorry for not posting today. Busy day at work and I just clocked out. Not sure I'll get one up tomorrow, either. Is anyone still leveling up?
Nalka looks around the group and doesn't see whatever it is she half-expects and half-fears. After a moment of thinking, she looks up at Grobradon and Moon. "I can only make a promise for myself. I do not know if what is left of my tribe will listen to me. Still, I promise that I will never attack your tribe or any long--er--big folk again." With a promise made, a campsite secured, and the tent back up, the chill and fatigue truly sets in and drives everyone into a hasty retreat inside. A hot meal and bath later, one that is sorely needed given typical goblin hygiene practices, Nalka falls fast asleep. The night passes peacefully for the Heroes of Kassen. The same cannot be said for others out in the Fangwood. Eye of the Crow: Lugruk ground his teeth to keep the retort burning on his tongue from slipping out. No matter how angry he was, losing his temper with Ganny Black Tongue or Pappy Ruhk would only lead to a quick death or the dissolution of the alliance he'd put together with promises of easy prey and treasure. Now it was looking as if some of the prey would not be so easy to run to ground. Rumors of dissention in the Stickfoot tribe, may that idiot Zuka be flayed alive for not killing Krosk when he came to power and the news that the traitors to Kassen and Halk's warband had been found dead were bad enough. There was also the attack that had freed the elves, and based on the descriptions the survivors had given, he'd run into the longshanks that had lead it before. The news that something appears to have happened to the Manylegs tribe did little to ease his nerves. It certainly didn't when delivered by a scowling Ganny Black Tongue and the massive ogre that lead the Grul clan. "The Manylegs camp is large. Surely even if some of them were chased off, a handful of longshanks couldn't wipe out the entirety of the warband," Lugruk reasoned, though even to his own ears, he sounded as if he was trying to convince himself of that possibility. Details were scarce, but the mention of a fearsome elven woman, an orcin man, and a dwarven mage matched what he remembered the night his warband had been driven back and what he'd heard about the raid on the Gruls that had captured the now freed elves. Again. They were embarrassing him again, he realized. His knuckles whitened as he squeezed on the arms of his war throne before Ganny's voice brought him back to the present. "I must say, Lugruk, I had thought you more capable than this. I'll not waste my time on an incompetent," she said in a flat, dangerous voice. "Prove to me and Pappy Ruhk that you are capable of dealing with these pests, otherwise, we'll withdraw." That statement stunned Lugruk unlike anything else in the past months. His blood ran cold as he ran through the implications of what the removal of their support could mean, especially if it's seen as a sign of weakness on his part. "I understand," he said in a voice that was far calmer than he felt. "Good," the hag said before leaving in eerie silence. He hated the cackle and how it unnerved him, but Lugruk never knew that its absence could be more disturbing. He waited until he was sure that the pair were well away from his camp and swore viciously as he tore his throne room apart. It wasn't supposed to be like this! He should be able to crush Kassen with the forces he'd gathered, but now? Now it was all coming apart because of a handful of longshanks that should be dead, damn it! He stood in the middle of the wrecked chamber for a moment, catching his breath, before calling for Rooshi, Khalakakhan, and the messenger he'd asked for Jugnar Greyfur to leave behind. By the time they had come, he'd composed himself. "Go to Chief Jugnar Greyfur and tell him I have a task for him. Find the longshanks that are out there hunting our forces and kill them," he told the messenger. The goblin gave him a lupine grin as he saluted and ran off to deliver the Bloodmoon Tribe's orders. Then he turned to Rooshi, who was accompanied by a masked figure clad in black leather armor and dark clothing. The figure was short for a longshanks, but still stood a head taller than any goblin. He smiled seeing his mate's new bodyguard. That will no doubt be a major shock to the longshanks in town once they find out. As much as he wanted to see their faces as they were cut down by his entourage's newest member, he had too much to deal with here at his camp. "Rooshi, take your band and make sure that the job is finished. Jugnar should be able to hurt them, but I want them dead. Make sure it happens, love." "Of course, my lord," Rooshi said. "I shall see it done."
As Nalka realizes what is implied by her choice of words, she pales and shakes her head vigorously. "N-n-no! I did not mean that I wanted him to claim me," she squeaks. After the misunderstanding is cleared up, and Moon has a little fun at Nalka's expense, the goblin sighs as she comes to terms with what is happening. "Did you really let Krosk go," she asks skeptically.
"B-b-but--" Nalka stammers as she stares at Moon with a dumbfounded expression. After a moment, she shakes her head as her gaze falls to her feet. "You are crazy," she mutters before turning back to Moon. "Even if Krosk is willing to take me and the rest of my tribe in, what about him," she asks as she points to Grobradon. "I am his. Not Krosk's."
Nalka looks surprised as Moon talks about her leading the rest of her tribe to safety, then suspicious when you mention Krosk. "How do you know Krosk," she asks.
"Long--I mean, big folk would come kill us even if we did destroy the town. They come kill us if we only attack a few of them. If we killed lots, a lot more would come," Nalka answers. Her tone turns more resigned as she continues. "I do not trust Lugruk. He would use other tribes to tire out the big folk defending the town. It would make us weak. He may be a fool, but he is not stupid." She looks back towards the ruined Manylegs camp. "Most of the Manylegs Tribe is still back in the village. Most are too young or too old to fight. The other tribes will take the young and healthy and kill the rest. There is no Manylegs Tribe after today."
”What did you hear about the Stickfoots?" "There is trouble. Heard Krosk is challenging Zuka to become chieftain. Heard that the Stickfoot elders are struggling to keep the rest of the clan behind Zuka. All just rumors. Nothing more than that," Nalka says plainly. "What do you know about the horde’s overall plans?" Nalka thinks for a moment, clearly trying to organize her thoughts. "Circle the town. Keep anyone from escaping. Then attack when the moon has eaten its fill. Not sure if that is still the plan. Heard that those from the town who were helping got killed." "An why didn’t Okishi trust you?” Nalka shifts from one foot to the other, looking away for a moment before forcing herself to look Moon in the eyes. "I told her not to do this," she says confidently, though she looks as if she doesn't expect any of the heroes to believe her.
Nalka gives Moon a confused look but does what she can to help mend the wounds suffered by the party. Between her and Emerald, the Heroes' hurts are mended, leaving on the physical exhaustion from the long day. After some speculation about just camping here, it's pointed out that there are goblins who did manage to escape and could be looking for revenge and there could be spiders looking for an easy meal. It takes a couple of hours to find a suitable campsite well away from the devastated Manylegs camp, but between Grobradon and Moon, the Heroes of Kassen manage to find one that should be secure through the night. After setting the tent and working out a watch schedule, they get ready to eat and get some much deserved rest. There is, however, one thing that the Heroes need to deal with, first. "You said you had questions. I will try to answer them," Nalka says.
Yup, minimum is half+1.
"I am. I know how to heal with magic and with herbs," Nalka answers. "My skill is yours to do with as you please."
Alrighty! Everyone levels up to level 5!
The goblin that has been following Grobradon around looks at the others and answers in stiff, but clear, common. "My name is Nalka," she answers. "If you do not like that name, I will gladly take any name that you give me."
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