Farmer In Need
Log Info
- Title: Farmer In Need
- GM: Lucius
- Characters: Aelwyn, Harkashan, Jacob, Rune, Tlanexhuani
- Place: Eldwyn Road - Farmhouse
- Summary: A farmer's flock has begun disappearing in the night, and he seeks the aid of a group of adventurers help to find and to deal with the culprit. The cuplrit, in this case, being a pack of dire wolves.
After about two hours' travel north along the Eldwyn Road, a farmhouse emerges into view amid the rolling pastures. Patches of grass and shrubbery dot the landscape, and the Redridge Mountains reach for the eastern skies. Milky white clouds race overhead across the azure heavens, propelled by a pleasant late afternoon breeze. The warm odors of earth and livestock permeate the surroundings.
A narrow stone path leads to the farmhouse entrance, flanked by a pair of hawthorn trees. Several large clumps of snow stubbornly cling to the branches, even as winter is on the verge of yielding to spring. As you approach, one of the clumps of "snow" bleats nervously and it becomes apparent that they are, in fact, goats. A couple more call out in response, but most remain silent, peering at you with intelligent brown eyes as you pass by. The hawthorns sag ominously under their weight.
The farmhouse itself is a sturdy wooden construction, of practical design, with a generously thatched roof. An open shutter affords a glimpse of the simple furnishings within the house, and a small brass knocker rests against the front door. In the distance, more goats roam across the plains, browsing freely. The air is deathly quiet, save for the rustling of grass in the wind.
The lazy clops of a horse riding along the path eminates along Eldwyn Road, as Harkashan stares off towards the entrance of the farmhouse. The sizable warhorse coming to a slow when they get near the entrance. Halting there beneath a few trees, Harkashan dismounts ahead of the group and opens the gate for people. A creaky sound followed by a latch clicking, as the gate opens...
After which one of the nearby trees deposites some of the gathered snow from its branches onto his head.
Poof.
Harkashan rumbles and slowly looks up, as the ice melts off of his horns and cranium. "It seems the cold persists in its assault." Before attaching his horse to the fence at the edge of the farm, and making the rest of his way on foot.
"I believe the posting said that some of their flock was disappearing. Do you remember if the farmer was goign to meet us out here for more detail?" He inquires with the rest of the party.
The land is beautiful here.
Jacob always enjoyed scapes and views like this: rolling hills dotted in shrubbery and greens, blue skies with an almost dreamy wisp of clouds. He takes a careful breath of air, smelling the scents and committing them to old memories. Eyes open to observe the surroundings.
He has his horse by the reins, offering the comfortable ride to any who wish of it. He follows the path, careful to avoid a twisted ankle or a nasty fall - should the Gods smile upon him - and he nearly jumps out of his skin when a sheep bleats its acknowledgement of the group, causing a low laughter out of the cleric.
"There it is." He gestures to the farmhouse, beginning a careful approach. He briefly locks eyes with the various goats.
"I recall such, Harkashan. Perhaps he's running behind...or worse, he's vanished himself."
Cold always seemed to impact Rune more than others, even now that Winter is loosening its grip on Alexandros. She seems to huddle a bit unto her travel cloak, the hood up and her hands tucked into a fur-lined warmer that protects them from the chill. As they approach the farmhouse, however, she straightens slightly, trying to look more confident in answering the call for aid. You know, rather than looking like a half-frozen half-sil.
Dismounting, the elven woman ties up her, far smaller mount next that of Harkashan. She tries, oh by the gods she tries not to laugh at the snow falling on the Sith-Makar. It mostly results in her lips drawn together to hold back amusement.
Amusement that falters as Jacob mentions the prospect of missing people. "Let's hope not. I imagine it would be hard to get paid if the person who is supposed to pay you goes missing." No, she /is/ concerned with more than just coin, but... it's a point worth mentioning.
GAME: Rune rolls bluff: (7)+8: 15 GAME: Harkashan rolls Sense Motive: (13)+11: 24
Aelwyn's sharp horns jut out straight above. That and his fierce orange eyes were roughly things that were visible of the Dragoon; glaive held against his shoulder with its red ribbons flaring proudly, the rest of him was thoroughly wrapped up in cloth and a tarp like cloak. The usually relaxed ruddy sith-makar was stiff and did not seem to be enjoying the trip out into the farmlands.
When the smaller sith-makar notices the treacherous snow fall atop Harkashan's head, he pauses, and then slowly tilts his head up. "Lava should consider the blessings, for the snow is cold and treacherous." He tilts his head. "To be so hot." A brief rumble is followed on after.
Turning towards the rest of the group for a moment, he then begins to survey the rest of the farm. "There better be no tooth fairies." His thumb runs up and down along his polearm. "Or this one will be demanding extra coin."
A clump of frozen ice falls off of his horn and just flops down onto the ground with a loud 'PAFF'. While Harkashan looks at Rune like 'do I have something on my face?' as she tries to stiffle that smile. "What bears such amusement?" Before he shakes his head. Those lavarock jewels going 'jingle jingle' as he gets the rest of the snow to fall off. Some of it continueing to stick and melt along the length of his maw.
He then steps a bit closer to the half-sil in order to offer his warmth to her through sheer presence.
"I quite favor being this... 'hot', as you say." Harkashan answers Aelwyn with this sly little twitch of his tail. Did he understand this time? Or is he just that oblivious to Aelwyn's attempts.
Following on the path, he puts his hand on the runt's head for a moment, prepared to head further in with the rest.
Cold and scales do not mix well. Unless one's blood burns very hot or is already chilled. The old bluescale's color is not related to the latter at all, but he makes due. His spearbutt taps along in the snow as he walks. Aelwyn's comment sparks a bit of hissing amusement. "Walk close to burningscale, stay warm." A pause. Blink. "Are faeries in teeth?" He did not know that, though there are many, many things of these lands he does not know. Then a bit of snow bleats. He points a claw. "This one find one not missing!" Maybe their task is complete?!
"True. And even sadder still if we're unable to enjoy food as a reward. I've heard a rumor that this farmer is quite the chef, appearances aside." Jacob remarks to Rune, eyes finding her and frowning ever so slightly. "I have a spare cloak if you require bundling." In the event that huddling close to someone becomes unviable.
He gestures to some of the bundled cloth on his light warhorse.
Hark earns barely contained laughter. "It seems the snow finds you appealing, my friend. Truth be told, I wish I possessed better natural heat."
He looks around them, as if to keep watch. Whatever has been bothering the farmer could come up on them while they converse.
Aelwyn's tail rises - and slaps down hard onto the snowy ground when the hand pats him. His body slowly straightens out taller and he gives himself a shake. "To follow on after molten trail - at least the cold will be pushed aside for the moment." The short sith-makar turns towards Rune then, "This one believes Guild will compensate for the coin. With what has been happening in these woods -" He vaguely gestures with his glaive, "Worse things have happened."
Watching the oldest of the sith-makar trail on after them, Aelwyn's eyes narrow slightly and he tilts his head up in amusement. "This one was planning to. Perhaps we should cling to Lava?" The other's confusion makes him tilt his head - but finally, he shakes his head firmly. "No, faeries. That pull teeth." A cold shiver runs through his body. "Many teeth."
Upon closer inspection, there is a dark red patch on the hindquarters of one of the goats, resembling dried blood. It stares at you for a second before leaping gracefully from the hawthorn and trotting away to browse. From the way it moves, the goat appears healthy. One by one, the other goats turn back to nibbling at the clusters of berries on the trees, indifferent to your presence.
A few moments later, you hear the sound of heavy footsteps approaching from within the farmhouse. The front door swings back to reveal a burly middle-aged man wearing a plain wool tunic and stockings. A short sheepskin cloak covers his shoulders, unfastened at the front. Worry lines etch his forehead, and a few strands of gray stand out from his dark, shoulder-length hair.
"Afternoon, fellas." He stares at you all. "You must be the ones the Guild sent, aye? Thank the gods. I'm Alvin, welcome to my farm." The farmer steps outside and extends a hand for each of you to shake. He checks the sun, barely even glancing at the tree-goats.
"I'll cut right to it, then. Four nights ago, something attacked my flock in the dark. Two goats, gone. My goats stay in a pen at night that I fenced myself, eight feet tall, to keep the wolves away." Alvin pauses. "But whatever it was must've got inside the pen. Blood all over the place in the morning when I went to let 'em out. It came back two nights later and took another two. I reckon it'll come again tonight. Thirty years doing this, and I thought I'd seen it all." He gestures with a helpless expression.
"Obviously, it can't continue like this. I gotta say, you fellas couldn't've come soon enough. And if you'd like to see the pen, follow me. Happy to answer any questions along the way." He waves for you to follow and makes to go around the farmhouse toward the back. The faint barking of a dog floats toward you from some distance away.
"Nothing amusing." Rune is lying, she isn't even trying to hide that fact. "Nothing at all." She covers her mouth with one hand and stiffles a couple of far too girlish giggles. Thankfully, the moment of mirth doesn't linger and she manages to stiffle them eventually. Serious business!
Thankfully, Harkashan seems to act as a portable space-heater. She does offer a smile at Jacob's offer, "I'll be fine. It's just sitting still for so long on horseback. Need to get the blood pumping, that's all." It comes across as a half-truth. For now, she just bobs on her toes, casting her eyes around the farmyard for signs of trouble.
That is when she spots the blood on the goat. By way of pointing it out, she motions with one hand, "Blood on that one." That is just before the Farmer makes himself known. Rune accepts the hand when offered, giving handshake that probably feels just a bit too cold in the fingers.
One slightly pointed ear twitches, likely hearing the sound of that dog barking. "Was there any damage to the fence or the area around it?" She asks, even as they start towards the back of the farmhouse. "Or any sort of tracks?"
"Peace on your nest, Alvin, tamer of goats," Tlanexhuani greets before listening to the tale of woe. He then moves to follow the herder, tail flicking at Rune's question. "Ssa, predatorss leave track in ssnow?" It seems even better than soft mud for tracking, though he isn't Hunter caste. "If not, all sit in fence. Act like goat. Wait for night?"
"Having trouble with heat, Tlanex?" Harkashan inquires with the bluescale, showing a particular kind of care for his kin. "Do not be afraid to step closer to this one." Rune can tell that he picks up on different speech patterns depending on if he's largely around Sith-makar or around softskins. It's perhaps a rather interesting way in which his heritage keeps showing through, regardless of his duties as a speaker.
"But I believe our task is not done."
He tilts his head a bit to better look at the short one, then to Jacob. "Hrrm, yes. Though, I believe there is armor that can aid in one's bodyheat." He professes to the latter.
With concern, he then asks Aelwyn; "Are you alright?" What with the tail slap and the way his body straightens up. "Do not cling. Simply walk with. We do not know what awaits us." Harkashan warns them with a soft spoken (but growly) voice.
---
Finally, the find the farmer.
"Correct. We come to aid you on issues of your missing flock." Harkashan answers, touching a hand to his chest and making for a very slight bow. He's otherwise towering well over the farmer when he shakes his hand.
"Has anything changed in recent days that might give us a place to look - aside from your missing flock? Or would you recommend we wait until nightfall to ambush this foe?" Harkashan inquires with the farmer, trying to get some more information. Eight feet tall fences is a LOT to keep wolves out after all. "Please." He then notes, and motions along the way. Following the farmer, ignoring the barks of the hound on approach.
Blood on that goat. Hind leg. A wound? Splatter from a goat already claimed? It leaps away before it can be closer inspected. "That one seems healthy." He comments as it bounds away without a care in the world for the visitors. "I don't know if faeries exist in teeth. If I meet one, I'll be sure to ask." Jacob replies to Tlanexhuani.
Then the door swings open. "Jacob Ben-Hassid." He shakes the farmer's hand firmly when it's offered, happily doing so. He turns to Harkashan. "Then is best get better eyes to find it or a heavier purse to purchase it. Sadly, I'm unlucky in either sense." A low rumble in his throat defines a chuckle.
But he nods at Rune, keeping the spare cloak tucked away as he focuses on the farmer.
He looks at the ground around the pen, rubbing his gloved hand around the snow. See if there's any footprints or signs that could tell what could've come and gone.
And how big it is.
Apparently, Tlanexhuani and Harkashan have the right ideas. "I find the waiting game more attractive so we may forge a trap for it, but I will trust the discretion of the party."
The pair of sharply jutting out horns tilt and the short sith-makar looks up at Harkashan. "This one's touched, Lava." He rumbles from behind the scarf wrapped around his snout, though this time with more amusement. "Yet the concern is misplaced; this one's spear shall know its way; through ice and fire." A thinning of his slit pupils.
Oh no. They were going to have to camp out. Aelwyn puts his hand against something in his chest. Turning towards the farmer, he quietly asks, "Is there be something hot that can be shared, Goattamer?" He rattles something. "This one will take hot water even." Unlike the others, he does not offer to shake hands - nor does he investigate the perimeter thoroughly. His eyes instead are on the edges of the forest, trying to pick out if there's anything particularly big moving in the edges. Yet he was not a nature boy, and the ruddy sith-makar was not afraid to show it.
Alvin nods at Rune. "Good questions ma'am. No damage to the fence itself, and I don't know about tracks. Might be hard to see anything because the goats run all over the place during the day. You'll see when we get there," he promises.
"Nothing that I know of," he tells Harkashan. "I can tell the flock is scared, but who'd blame 'em? I can't imagine I'd be any less scared in their shoes - er, hooves." He laughs mirthlessly.
"Oh yes!" Alvin grins at Aelwyn. "Not like I'd be of any mind to starve the adventurers on the job. I'm making supper for you all of course. Just simple fare, I'm afraid, but it'll be warm and filling."
Approaching the goat pen, you see tall, rectangular planks of wood enclosing the space within. "Here we are," he announces, unlatching the gate. "After I milk 'em, the goats go out in the fields for the day. At sunset, Jess rounds 'em up and brings 'em back."
"I'd like you to keep watch over the pen and my flock. If it's all peace and quiet, I'll pay you nonetheless. Think whatever it is will come again tonight though. Usually I'd ask you to keep yourselves out of harm's way, but," he smiles uncomfortably, "that's why you're here, isn't it? Oh, and any other questions ..."
"To forge a trap means to use bait. So if we can avoid this, that would be good." Harkashan remarks. "I would consider an overnight watch our second option, not our first."
He then lets out a thoughtful sound. The flock is scared. "Are they scared now, when it's not dark?" He asks. After all, if they are nervous even now, that'd suggest something is nearby even now.
Getting into the goat pen, he looks around for a moment. He believes that the farmer has closely inspected the fences. "I would like to inspect the ground, and I would like to ask if you have enough rope to create a very wide 'netting' above the fence. After all, there are only a few ways in which something can get in. Between the fence planks. From beneath the ground. From the air. And of course, from amongst them." He proposes to the farmer.
"And thank you for your offer of food." He then adds.
Only then to Aelwyn, does he give the same offer he bids to Rune and the group at large. "You may use me as heating whilst we keep watch."
"So that cuts out some of the more obvious answers." Rune replies. Looking to the others, she adds, "I'm not much of a tracker, anyways." Her lip quirks, "I prefer being an ambush hunter, instead." Her hands rest slightly on the leather straps which cross at her front, connected to the twin short sword sheaths along her back.
At the prospect of having to stand guard overnight, the half-sil looks to Jacob, "I might end up needing that extra cloak afterall." She does a quick survey of the area around the fence, a thoughtful expression in the set of her features. "At least there will be food. That's something."
As she goes along, the rogue taps her foot on the ground at various points, as if trying to detect any irregularities. "They didn't look particularly scared. Otherwise, I expect they'd be hiding, and not out in the open."
"This one not hunter," Tlanexhuani shares as he looks at the pen. He isn't a goat-tamer, either, so trusts Alvin knows his goats. "Not good find prey. This one know how to sit. How to wait." He looks to the others, wondering what the plan is.
GAME: Harkashan casts Detect Evil. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15
Aelwyn looks absolutely relieved and he holds up his hand. "Goattamer had me at warm and he will have the coin for it." He reassures, before pulling out his metallic cylinder that was sloshing about. Carefully he uses his stiff thumb to open the cap, letting steam flow out from the drop, before he turns his head up towards Harkashan. A moment later, he steps in closer. "Careful, Lava. This one still thinks they are shy." Rolling the glaive in his hands, he will follow on after the larger sith regardless.
"Thunder's skillset will come useful tonight. When the darkness falls, the eyes need to be aware." He takes in a deep breath, looking down at his metal cylinder. "Should the watch be around the pen? Trap the predator within."
"Bait indeed. One of us can be bait - or a more elaborate construct could be an option." Jacob remarks to Harkashan. "Either way, this will be a long night." Jacob's commentary largely unnecessary for stating the obvious, Jacob stops talking and merely examines the area.
He's putting it together.
Then he pauses. "Jess?" Is the only question he has, a question of identity before he nods. "We would not be here if you and yours were not in danger, my friend. We'll keep your property safe."
"I'm alright, Harkashan. Thank you for the offer." Jacob remarks with a kind smile, but he looks towards Rune and pulls the spare cloak off of his horse, trudging over to her to offer it. "Here you go. The pelt should help keep you warm in case we need to spread out."
"Goats seem alert...Enough to stop and stare at us." Jacob hums.
...and his stomach growls. "Thank you." For the offer of food.
He nods at Tlanexhuani. "Neither am I. This should play to our strengths." He turns to Aelwyn. "Around the pen and some at a distance, to cover ground perhaps."
Outside the pen, the trampled earth is soft and slightly moist to the touch. Given the regular activity around the farm, the odds of finding any clues here appear vanishingly small. A goat slowly comes near and headbutts Jacob gently.
"Aye, my herd dog and forever companion Jess. Not a soul could do it better than she." Alvin's eyes twinkle. "You might be wondering if I'm the only one living here and running the place. I sent my only daughter to the city years ago, for a better life. She's a priestess of Althea now," he adds proudly, before a more somber note creeps into his voice and his bearing. "A sudden illness took her mother when she was just a little kid. Sometimes I think I see my wife in Jess, but I know she's in a better place now."
He whistles. A minute later, Jess hurtles into view, her tail wagging proudly. Alvin bends down and hugs her. Then she approaches and sniffs all of you, happily accepting any pets and scratches.
"They seem to be doing well during the day, from what I can tell. Some of 'em even got up into the trees," he confirms Rune's observations. "As for netting, you'd need an awful lot to cover the entire pen. I suppose I could have built a roof over this thing," he adds thoughtfully.
As you enter the empty pen, the unmistakable odor of goats becomes especially pungent. Aside from the prints near the perimeter of the fence, there's little to see on the ground. There's no blood to be seen, and one might surmise that the goats' constant shuffling around would have covered any of its traces. The only thing of note, given that the goats spend every night inside this pen, is the absence of any droppings. It's a testament to Alvin's care and love for his flock.
Alvin shows you around the perimeter, pointing to areas of trampled earth. "It looks like some of 'em tried to jump the fence. Thing is, if the fence can keep a wolf out, that means it can damn well keep a goat in." He spreads his arms. "Take as much time as you need, but I reckon we've got two hours of day left, and I'll see you all inside the house for supper." Alvin heads out of the pen, leaving you to investigate.
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (20)+13: 33 GAME: Harkashan rolls Perception: (10)+4: 14
Harkashan looks down at Aelwyn with a confident look. "I have been alive for many years, bladewielder. There have been many a cold jungle night in which I've lent my warmth to others." He professes without a blink.
Before returning to the fenced in area, in case the farmer has brought anything.
He has no opinion on awaiting within or without. Both have merit. And he rather the young make their own decisions. So he walks the perimeter for now, taking note of the trampled areas, then shrugs his shoulders a bit. Seems to check out.
There is remarkable care given to the entire outside perimeter of the fence. The Half-sil crouches in places, touching her fingertips to the trampled, muddy earth. She balances on her toes, looking back towards the others. "The goats have definitely been trying to jump out of here. These marks are pretty deep."
Step by step, she examines what she can of the tracks. It's easy to identify goat prints, those are everywhere. But eventually she hesitates, "Jacob, mind taking a look at this?"
She motions to the cleric, pointing out a very different set of tracks amongst the others. "What do you make of it?"
Tlanexhuani's nostrils twitch at the especially pungent aroma of goat. "This one think wait around besst. Ssee predator come near." He doesn't go in or try to examine the inside of the pen. Outside is definitely better. "Sssa. All wait and -ahh?" He stops as Rune fins something.
Aelwyn's own orange eyes seem to grab onto a bit of fire of their own. "No longer in the jungle, Lava. We are..." He looks around, taking in a deep breath - before he slowly exhales. "... we are herding goats in the middle of nowhere." His tail makes a sad thump against the ground.
"Hmmh, Two-blade looks to be correct. Strange the goats still agree to go in that pen." He gives his the drinking container of his a shake, long stare, and then knocks it back for a deep sip. "Anyone else thirsty for TarRaCe brew, last call." The draconian calls out to the rest of the party.
~Bump~.
Jacob looks down at the goat who bumps his leg, a brow raised before a brilliant smile paints itself on his face as he lowers his hand to offer a sniff to the fist before he offers ear scritches. "Hey buddy. We're here to help."
Does it understand? Probably not, but Jacob has a bleeding heart. He listens to Alvin speak of Jess, his loyal herding dog and the history of his life. "Your daughter chose the service wisely. Althea is just and wise - I have all faith she cares for your daughter well. "My condolences for your wife, Alvin. It's never easy to lose someone you hold dear." He takes that moment to offer Alvin comfort in his words.
They all must offer whatever peace they can to one another: no one is meant to suffer alone.
"Indeed." About the goats trying to leave the fence. "In panic or fear?" He asks of Alvin before Rund grabs his attention and he approaches to investigate what she found. "Serriel guide us." He mutters to himself as he kneels down.
"A wolf print. From the size of it, I'd say it's enormous. bigger than any I've ever seen. Got in, tried to jump out too."
At hearing there's tracks of a wolf, Harkashan moves to the opposite side of the harkened dirt, and then looks back. Since they can reach through the fence, the Sith-makar begins to cast something. And before they know it, a large wolf suddenly appears from shadows on the outside of the fence. It practically 'crawls up' from the shadows, pale white eyes. The black almost seeming to 'fume' off of it, with crimson burning marks within its body. Like a lavaflow covered in soot, its light only sometimes showing itself.
"Let us find out the direction it travels from, so we can be prepared." He remarks, and then demands of the wolf; "Track this scent." Making it smell through the force - at the spot where the large wolf would have pushed off, and then makes it find its landing point on the other side to start tracking it!
Unfortunately, Harkashan can only keep this spell up for a few seconds, so he gets the creature to hurry.
GAME: Harkashan casts Summon Monster II. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16 GAME: Harkashan rolls 1d20+5: (8)+5: 13
The shadow wolf dashes away from the fence in a straight line before it stops and tastes the air and howls. With its head cocked to the side, the wolf circles around the pen, before its essence scatters into a cloud of gray smoke. It's hard to tell, but the wolf seemed to have found and attempted to track multiple scents in its confusion.
"Find wolf, bring more wolf to hunt?" Tlanexhuani may be a bit slow on the uptake. "Ha! Wise, shaman!" He watches the wolf move about with interest, tail swaying low and slow. Until it vanishes, that is. Which he doesn't know how to interpret, so he looks to woods beyond, then back to Harkashan.
Harkashan follows the travel of the wolf, as it howls and tries to track multiple scents from all around the fence. His brow furrowing with each adjustment of direction. Until indeed finally, he can no longer hold the spell.
"It seems like we are dealing with multiple culprits of the same scent - so the same being. So we should prepare for that." He answers Tlanex, followed by a pause as he looks to the others. "If we had longer, we might place spikes along the inside edge of the pen. They would jump onto spikes or lances. But this is a rather sizable fence to cover. We could get lucky on our watch." He proposes to the team, looking to get input from them.
Aelwyn looks at the wolf climbing out of nothing with lava marks - and after tensing his fingers around his weapon of choice for -just- a moment, he takes in a deep sip from his cup. "If multiple threaten the pen, then a tighter perimeter around the pen will be easier to defend."
Looking around the woods, and then back towards Harkashan. "This one does not believe there is enough time to prepare, especially if we wish to stay warm." Eye on that promised warm supper.
From her crouched position, Rune shares a look with Jacob, a brief hint of worry in the set of her brows. He confirmed what she had already suspected. Pushing up to her full height, the half-sil brushes the muck and mire off of her hands. Her eyes follow the path of the summoned wolf, but it soon becomes clear that tracking is a dead-end.
"I think we should get set up, knowing that we're likely going to be in for trouble." Lifting her shoulders, "I'm going to keep to basics, set up inside the pen, keep to the shadows. Make sure I've got a good view of everything and can get a jump on anything that decides to make itself known."
Rune had said before, she works best as an ambush hunter, so this seems to fit that.
"This one sssit out fence." It is too tall for even Tlanexhuani to easily see over, and then there is the goat smell. Also, he has a fence to sit and lean against.
The sun sets the sky afire as it descends into the horizon. After finishing a hearty stew of mutton, leeks, and potatoes for supper, you return to the pen and assume your positions for the night. The clouds have dispersed, and the gibbous moon sheds ample light on your surroundings. Glittering stars carpet the night sky.
Within the pen, the flock is sound asleep. Each goat rests on its side, with its legs bent at a comfortable angle and its head curled up against another warm body. One of them is snoring, like an operatic solo crossed with a sustained wet fart. It's not the only sound you hear. The distant howling of wolves hangs in the air, fluctuating in volume but always present. Is it just your imagination, or does the howling seem to be getting louder? All of a sudden, it vanishes altogether, and even the snoring has ceased. The flock is awake.
GAME: Aelwyn rolls athletics: (16)+8: 24 GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls stealth: (15)+-2: 13 GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+10: (9)+10: 19 GAME: Aelwyn rolls perception: (8)+1: 9 GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+3: (4)+3: 7
Four dark shapes emerge from plains to the east. Wolves in the night, two of them significantly larger than an average wolf. They pelt toward the goat pen.
The two smaller wolves arrive at the base of the fence, but make no attempt to jump. One of them snaps playfully at the other, its teeth flashing in the air.
GAME: Aelwyn used a Sunrod.
Aelwyn, bellyful of warmth after a good meal, had taken a position up above the fence. The ruddy sith-makar kept his tarp like cloak tightly wrapped around himself. The necessities of the job came first - but Harkashan's promise of heat was getting more and more tempting every minute.
Gently twisting around, he was about to drop down - before he freezes. Large, dark wolves looming towards the pen. "Thunder, the other side." He quickly says in draconic, before he drops down. Running beside the fence towards Harkashan, he taps the larger sith-makar on the backside with his tail. "Eyes on target, Lavaheater." He whispers before he pulls open his cloak - and everyone can see a sudden bright light from a sunrod, suddenly tossed over the fence.
Ignoring the sunrod, the large direwolves streak toward the wooden fence and take a colossal running leap. Their bodies lift into the air as if defying gravity.
GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+2: (8)+2: 10 GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+2: (19)+2: 21
One of them THUMPS against the fence and falls to the ground, growling in frustration. The other soars over and lands on the ground next to one of the goats.
Chaos reigns inside the pen. The flock flees in the opposite direction of the wolves, but they stop at the edge of the fence, unable to escape.
The sound of a body thumping into the fence startles Rune from her thoughts. The next instant, there is a massive form in the pen and goats are going everywhere. Thankfully, none try to muscle her out of her corner. "Shit, that thing is massive."
Her hand scrambles for an arrow, but in the dim light and the mass of moving bodies, she isn't able to get a clear shot. The arrow thuds into the fence, wobbling there for a moment. Realizing that she's going to have to get up close and personal sooner rather than later, Rune drops the bow and reaches for her two short blades, moving into a defensive position in front of the goats.
The two juveniles stop playing with each other and dart towards the sunrod. One of them tries to gnaw at it while the other barks loudly.
GAME: Aelwyn rolls intimidate: (5)+9: 14 GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+2: (9)+2: 11 (Dire-Wolf trying to leap fence) GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+7: (11)+7: 18 (Dire-Wolf attacking Aelwyn) GAME: Lucius rolls 1d8+6: (7)+6: 13 GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+8: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL) (Dire-Wolf Trip)
Aelwyn, like anyone with a particular death wish, glances over his shoulder just a moment. What anyone would not do, is to take a leaping step forward - and swinging his glaive, there's a momentary motion of the Dragoon just falling forward, feet clinging onto the shaft of his weapon. Finally, he scoops up a piece of frozen snow and 'jumps off' his blade, swinging his blade down onto the snow between the two large wolves along with the clump of snow. His mouth opens into a savage, yet very self-satisfied snarl.
A nice feat of acrobatics in some circumstances. In this circumstance, _a really ill-advised feat_ as the wolves are not very impressed.
GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11: (10)+8: 18 GAME: Aelwyn rolls damage11: aliased to 1d10+2: (8)+2: 10
The direwolf outside the fence leaps again, but it falls short again. The other direwolf growls at the fleeing goats before turning its attention to the adventurers inside the pen. It snarls at Aelwyn before lunging and tearing into the fighter.
GAME: Jacob casts Spiritual Weapon. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15 GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (13)+3+3: 19 GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+2: (5)+2: 7
Jacob nods once at Rune before he's riding to his height. "Hope you don't mind the company. I'm not really...good at keeping out of sight for an ambush. Best for me to lie in wait."
So Jacob takes up a position in the pen.
Time drags by until the howling reaches his ears....and a wolf of monsterous size manages to get into the pen! Rune misses her shot and Jacob conjures a brilliant spear of light, fashioned similarly to Serriel's own on her statue. The spear is sent forth with a gesture, striking the beast in the hind leg but it fails to fell the beast, only succeeding in hurting it. He rushes over to the beast, putting himself between it and Rune and helping to corner this beast! "Come on, monster. You'll have no meal tonight: on my word.
GAME: Harkashan casts Divine Favor. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15 GAME: Harkashan casts Bless. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15
Harkashan has been waiting patiently amongst the flock. Having a healthy meal under his belt - or rather, in his tummy - he's patiently waiting. With the moon overhead like this, the light of it gleams across his scales. The subtle illusion of him 'burning' like the flow of lava shifts across him as he occassionally makes small motions. But for the most part, he has remained unmoving and patient. Though his blade has slowly begin glowing. The center crimson of the blade starting to glow like a furnace.
Though he is a Speaker, he knows when to allow silence to reign.
It is Aelwyn's warning that tells him to be ready for the beasts, and his fingers immediately move into the air. He has been ready for them for quite some time now.
A sudden almost pyroclastic pulse of red flows out from him. A sense of 'awareness' heightening on his allies as the Deathsinger places a blessing upon them, and moves to intercept the fierce Wolf that has jumped the fence so far. "Good care, Aelwyn." Harkashan remarks to the runt, "But be careful not to fall please." Like someone worried for a dear friend.
And a worry he rightfully has, as Aelwyn down from the fence. "Do not wander too far outside of my reach, bladebearer." He remarks to them as he positions himself opposite to the Dire one and angles behind the arcane weapon as he declares his own intent... by roaring at it. Letting out a fierce loud Sith-makar growl, almost like a display of dominance!
There are wolves at the gate! Well, the fence! Then one jumps in? Tlanexhuani can make out the movement inside of the fence, but also some outside. He moves fairly quickly down the fenceline, not leaning on his spear now and just holding it in one hand. His other unclips the hammer from his belt as he rounds the corner. "Haa! This one not little go-" Then he sees the pups and doesn't quite finish his noise-making.
The smaller direwolves look up from their play as the skirmish begins in full force. They growl at the figure just rounding the corner, standing protectively over the sunrod, their hard-earned 'prey'.
The sight of the huge wolf focusing in on Aelwyn is enough to have Rune diving into action. Her feet pound against the muddy ground, sliding into place just underneath Jacob's Spiritual Weapon. "Excuse me!" She calls out, as if she needs to excuse herself for a spell effect.
With the beast focusing on Aelwyn, the rogue takes the opportunity to find just the right spot. Her short sword slides in along the Dire Wolf's belly, neatly cutting into a vital area. Blood spills across her blade and hand as she draws it back, her expression determined and fierce.
GAME: Rune rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1+1+1+2: (19)+2+4+1+1+1+2: 30 GAME: Rune rolls 1d20+bab+dexterity+1+1+1+2: (20)+2+4+1+1+1+2: 31 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6 + 1d6 + 2d6: (6)+(6)+(7): 19 GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11: (20)+8: 28 (THREAT) GAME: Aelwyn rolls weapon11: (13)+8: 21 GAME: Aelwyn rolls damage11+damage11+damage11: aliased to 1d10+2+1d10+2+1d10+2: (2)+2+(1)+2+(3)+2: 12
Outside the fence, the direwolf yelps as Aelwyn's attack catches it by surprise. As its mate falls, it lets out a blood-curdling howl. Mad with anger and pain, it looks for the nearest enemy and lunges for Tlanexhuani, the makari finding himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+7: (20)+7: 27 GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+7: (10)+7: 17 GAME: Lucius rolls 1d8+6: (2)+6: 8 GAME: Lucius rolls 1d20+8: (14)+8: 22
"Tch, this has danced with larger beasts-" The ruddy sith-makar barely manages the last word out, the wolf tears into him and tears apart his chest. Aelwyn lets out a savage cry as a good chunk of his formerly pristine chest now carried huge teeth marks, blood spilling out of him.
Staggering back and balancing, his orange eyes spot Rune lunging in and cutting into the beast. Mouth opening into nothing but macabre, teeth filled grin - he slides his foot back and then there's a sudden -chunk-. The tip of his glaive is jabbed through the large wolves head and Aelwyn _heaves_ the creature by his blade above him, spilling more blood. Breathing rapidly, the autumn and blood scaled sith-makar then lets the corpse drop down.
"Hnnh." The bloodied Dragoon then hisses, twisting his head towards the other wolves beyond the wall.
GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (19)+3+3: 25 GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+2: (3)+2: 5 GAME: Jacob casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14 GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+4: (3)+4: 7 The first wolf is dead! "Well Struck!" Jacob calls to Aelwyn, rushing over to them and sets his hands on their form for a brief moment as holy light leaves his body, aiding Aelwyn's natural healing and speeding it up to close the wounds swiftly. Not all of them, but a good number. It'll keep them alive. "That should help." He smiles. With a gesture, the second Dire wolf is attacked as his spiritual weapon narrowly passed through a hole in the fence, stabbing the beast in the side, but failing to fell it! Then Rune slays it. "Rune!" Jacob says in a cheer and a laugh. GAME: Tlanexhuani activates his Titan Armor, gaining: +4 Str GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls weapon3+1: (18)+6+1: 25 GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls damage3: aliased to 1d8+5: (6)+5: 11
Tlanexhuani is a bit used to being gnawed upon, but usually from things far smaller than he, not larger. He rises up, smack his chest with claws and imparting some spark of his bloodline into the bronze splits. His cuirass wriggles with some lift of its own, snugging on chest and arms, staunching some blood and adding to his movement. Such as swing of his hammer, which he hopes to dissuade the thing. "Go! Tend younglings! Hunt elsewhere!"
GAME: Harkashan rolls Khopesh+3+1: aliased to weapon3-strength+wisdom+3+1: (3)+5+-1+4+3+1: 15 GAME: Harkashan rolls damage3+3: aliased to 1d8+1+3: (6)+1+3: 10
"We are not done." Harkashan remarks, as he stares through the faint spaces in the fence. He has no easy way to get to the other side, so his ability to aid is hampered. He's getting worried about Tlanex, who is now facing off against three wolves - one of which has already managed to get him down on his rear. And there's really no easy way for him to get over it!
"Tlanex - we are on our way. But be careful!" He bids his ally as he moves to the edge of the fence where the hole is, and then rears his blade back. And then, with a fierce hew, the blade flows forward - cutting one fell blow across the creature. Sparks seem to practically fly from the blade, as the illuminated center reflects across the blood it sends splattering outwards!
GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+1+2: (19)+8+1+2: 30 (THREAT) GAME: Rune rolls weapon2+1+2: (10)+8+1+2: 21 GAME: Rune rolls 1d6+1d6+2d6: (2)+(4)+(9): 15
Hearing the sound of fighting on the other side of the fence, Rune looks towards Harkashan who is already trying to fight through the wall. "Ally-oop, big guy!" That is all the warning the Sith-Makar gets before Rune is clambering up onto his back and throwing herself over the top of the fence. Perched there, she has a good view of the massive wolf still harassing Tlanexhuani.
So, the half-sil dives down from the top of the fence, blade out, and lands on the back of the wolf, sinking the blade in deep. No one expects death from above!
Outside the fence, the young direwolves whimper as the blows rain down on their mother, and as she finally falls. The first pup nudges her, desperately searching for a sign of life. The other stands vigil over her body, barking fiercely at everyone all around. Its yellow eyes glare with hatred and determination.
GAME: Aelwyn rolls intimidate: (6)+9: 15
Aelwyn was about to clamber on after everyone else - but Jacob stops him. He feels that awfully familiar feeling of having wounds close up. "Gratitude, healer." He manages, as he watches the others slay the mother of the pups. There's a step forward, but something holds him back as he watches the pups guard the corpse.
Instead, he turns around and grabs the other dead direwolf's head - and with a sickening crunch, he detaches it from its corpse. Walking over the fence, the bloodied sith-makar tosses it over the fence into the midst of the pups. The Dragoon then inhales - and lets out a low rumbling snarl that rises up in crescendo to scare off the smaller dire wolves.
The two remaining direwolves stare at Aelwyn for a moment longer. Then one of them breaks away, and the other chases after. Grief, an emotion familiar to every kind of beast, takes the place of their earlier playfulness. Soon they disappear into the night.
"That may become a problem in the future." Harkashan remarks, as Aelwyn intimidates the wolves and gets them to scurry along. After all, they will undoubtedly grow as large as their parents. However, he is in no rush to cause further death. Instead, he climbs over the fence with some difficult. When he lands, he approaches Tlanex, and checks him over for a moment, before touching a particular design on his armor, and then draws healing magics through his kin's body.
"Aelwyn, could you help me carry its corpse out of the pen? I would like to make a pyre for these warrior-beasts." He then asks of the runt. Believing that, small as he may be, he's a great warrior who can perform such a task.
His gaze then slips towards Rune. "Your blade has only gotten sharper with time, shadow-striking wyvern." A name he's clearly 'trying out' for the first time.
GAME: Harkashan casts Shield Other. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16 (Burned to cast Heal) GAME: Harkashan casts Make Whole. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16 GAME: Harkashan rolls 2d8+3: (4)+3: 7
Tlanexhuani lowers to a knee as he watches the pups run off. Perhaps from being bloodied, the sputtering out of the last sparks empowering his armor, or just watching the pups go presumably without parents. He vents a long exhale. "Not asss this one wished would be, but iss done."
Aelwyn slowly drops the act and leans back, looking up at the sky. It's a moment, and then he holds onto his glaive a moment longer. "If we were to solve all the future's problems, there would be none of us left, Lava." Then he offers the other sith-makar a bloody grin with his teeth. "Why worry of the skies of tomorrow, when one can live in the heat of the moment?"
Swaying his tail behind him and giving a pat to the red snow, he glances towards Jacob. "This one gives thanks," He bows his head, "And owes him a drink." The small draconian will then start grabbing onto the beheaded corpse, preparing it to be lifted to the pyre.
Sliding her blade out of the fallen dire wolf, Rune remains there momentarily, watching as the smaller wolves escape into the night. In the shadowy half-light of the area, there is a slight tension around her eyes. The creatures are dangerous, a threat to people and to livestock, but that doesn't mean that one can't empathize with a sad situation.
Pushing herself up and clambering off of the creature, Rune takes out a bit of cloth and begins cleaning her blades. It's almost a ritual, ensuring that the weapons are well taken care of. She doesn't try to move wolf bodies, stepping back to leave that to burlier members of the party. Instead, she just gives Harkashan a bit of a peculiar look. "It was a lucky night. For us, not the wolves." She lifts one shoulder in a half-shrug.
"If nothing else, Alvin can build defenses to ward off the little ones now that we know what was causing the livestock losses in the first place." She sheaths her swords.
At Aelwyn's gratitude, Jacob waves a hand. "Doing my part needs no thanks, my friend. You can repay me by avoiding further injury." He smiles, patting Aelwyn on the arm and giving a nod of thanks. He then moves onward, taking a headcount of the goats.
"Hopefully this will cease the attacks. We should continue our watch until Dawn, to ensure that there's nothing else out here to endanger the farm."
Jacob then moves over to Tlanexhuani, the healing from Harkashan a great foundation for Jacob to start getting out bandages. "Have a seat my friend. I'll fix you up."
For the third time in days, the air in the goat pen reeks of blood. The smoke from the funeral pyre curls into the darkness, as if transporting the souls of the wolves into the starry night. The flock mills around for a while but one by one, the goats settle down to rest. Compared to the beginning of night, the distant howling has significantly diminished. It's clear the threat to Alvin's flock has been eliminated, but per his request you vigilantly guard the pen for the remainder of the night. The moon and stars swim over you, bestowing their light on the mortal world in their endless crusade against the dark.
At sunrise, Alvin appears at the goat pen, his mouth agape with astonishment. "Ah, 'twas wolves after all?" He wrings his hands. "By the gods, this really means the world to me. Oh, thank you all so much." He invites you back to the house for rest and refreshment, all smiles now.
After exchanging farewells, you set out for the city. Alvin can be seen waving to you until his figure disappears from view, behind the rolling grassland that has, and thanks to you, will continue to be his home for years to come.