Dire Consequences

For whatever reason it may be that has brought you to a low-level farming community, you now realize that you have a decision to make. The local wood cutters, who also provide a big service to the city of Alexandria for their products, have a problem in their hand. They claim that there is a big bad wolf on the loose in the forest where they are cutting trees, and two of their worker friends have already seen their makers trying to continue their work. 

They say that the creature must be intelligent because it only hunts wood cutters. Children, those who are related to the woodcutters, were playing somewhere in the immediate vicinity of the incident were spared the huge wild canine's slaughter. In fact, one of the kids who is old enough to talk coherently said the wolf actually came by their play pen but ignored them completely. All this, after the children heard the death cries of the two woodcutters.

Considering there is not enough information on the matter, and considering that you guys are probably going to do this for free, you have to decide whether this endeavour you are about to partake is worth doing. Because it will likely result in a life and death situation for you.

Styrner doesn't seem concerned with the decision, skipping rocks across the surface of a still pond. The pauper laughs as he scares a score of geese and ducks. He scouts around for rocks, paying no mind to earthly problems. Eventually, things will get so bad he'll have to punch someone's lights out, but until then he seems content to forget about it.

Kiroth volunteered immediately to come and help the woodcutters even if it's for no payment when the request comes to the Temple of Daeus. He gets his sword and shield and heads out to the village. Kiroth makes it to the village and he looks around for the elders of the village.

Garak trusts the Church of Serriel to provide for most of his material needs. This leaves him free to concentrate on upholding their beliefs and values. Such as protecting civilization from the ravages of the Wild. Garak travelled to the area as soon as he heard of their troubles.

Jame is a woodsman of some skill, and would have been helping the community out where he can, but at the news that wolves have attacked, he becomes alarmed. "I'll certainly help with this," he says quickly, and responds immediately, riding out to see where he can lend the most help.

Styrner bumps into someone, hands full of flat stones. They clatter to the ground, and the Pauper laughs out loud. "Boy, I'm starved," He admits, quitting any thought of skipping stones quite suddenly. "Has anyone got a bit of copper for a poor man?"

The local elder of this farming community makes his way among the throng of people who have gathered around your group. The people other than you and your companions look agitated, clearly distressed by the presence of this wild animal that is capable of tearing up two grown men by itself.

The elder approaches the paladin in the group as his presence seems to gravitate most of the people's attention and says, "Well, met, brave heroes. My name is Lushka. I am the head of this small farming community and I am pleased that the message sent to Alexandria has not gone to deaf ears. We hope that you will come to aid us in our darkest hour." Apparently, the village has been spared the rigours that befall must outside settlements.

Garak inclines his head slightly to the elder. "Of course we will aid you." He takes a quick glance across the others in the group, nodding to Jame in recognition and Kiroth in respect before he returns his gaze to the villagers. "Where was the beast last seen?"

Some of the people in the crowd don't know if Styrner is part of the heroes sent by Alexandria to help them, or is just a poor vagabond who happens to arrive at the same time as the other heroes...

Jame rides up with the paladin, a couple paces behind and to one side. He nods his head to the elder and introduces himself. "Jame, at your service." He smiles warmly. "It comes to everyone at some time. I will be pleased to take part in the relief efforts. Let me know how I can serve?"

One of the woodcutters provide information as to the location where the wolf was said to have killed the two woodcutters.

Kiroth nods politely to the elder "Well met sir. Yes we are happy to help you in your time of need." He looks over towards Styrner, "If you are hungry I'd be happy to buy you a meal after we find this wolf" He nods to the elder, "Please don't worry about it, we will find this beast and put an end to him."

Styrner moans, "Oh, my aching /belly/," He grimaces, looking around now. His face shows the dawning of an idea; Something serious is going on here. Something /dire/. "Oh, I'll help ye, BUT," He raises a finger, shuffling toward the arriving Adventurers, "My price is that you feed me. I accept breads, cheeses," He seems dreamy at the thought, "candies, all sorts of spirits, fruits, vegetables, stewed and non-stewed varieties..."

Jame will lead the way to the place where the bodies were found, and he'll hop off his horse and check the ground for tracks. "Wolves, wolves," he says, "strange that they should kill woodsmen and leave children. Almost like they were being directed, or were sentient themselves. Werewolves, maybe?" He looks over to Stryner, and says, "I've got some jerky in my pack." He'll dole it out, then get on with things.

Garak gives Stryner a bemused look, but then nods. "That seems reasonable. Shall we?" This last is to the whole group.

As you and your new found companions trudge through the wilder aspects of the forest, you sense as if something or someone is looking at you. You do not have to look at your companions to realize that they have come up with the same feeling. Just as you are about to voice out something, you hear a trashing in the foliages ahead. Covered by the dense trees and bushes, the source of the sound only became apparent when it is standing 60 feet in front of you.

It is a grey-furred wolf of the size you have not seen before. It is so big, it could not possibly be a normal wolf anymore. The creature stares at you and the group as a whole. It snarls indicating its distaste at your presence. Considering that this is still an animal, it may only be following its normal behaviour of being territorial. Or is it? 

The creatures barks harshly and then, without provocation, it lunges itself to the closest member of your party. Right now, you hope it isn't you.

GAME: Styrner rolls initiative: Roll: 18 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 21
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Kiroth rolls initiative: Roll: 9 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 10
GAME: Jame rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 8
GAME: Kiroth rolls initiative: Roll:  + Bonus:  = Total: 0
GAME: Garak rolls initiative: Roll: 15 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 19
GAME: You roll initiative for Dire_Wolf: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 18
GAME: Dire_wolf's initiative total changed to '4'.

===== Current Initiative Order ========= 
21                  Styrner
19                  Garak
10                  Kiroth
8                   Jame
4                   Dire_Wolf

GAME: Styrner rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24 (To hit with Stunning fist DC15)
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (17)+7: 24 (Dire wolf saves vs stun)
GAME: Styrner rolls 1d4+2: (4)+2: 6
Screaming out loud in surprise, Styrner charges forth toward the beast. His feet slap against the floor of the forest as the Pauper, unseeingly, runs directly into the mouth of the beast! Leaping at the last second, he brings his fist down against the beasts head with a crushing blow and immediately leaps back, wagging his arm and blowing on his fist, "Ouch!" He yelps, pain-dancing comically.

GAME: Garak casts Shield of Faith.
Garak watches Styrner charge in fearlessly to attack the wolf. For a moment Garak can't quite believe his eyes, but then he shakes himself into action. Moving behind the pauper he touches him lightly on the back and murmurs under his breath. "...shield this brave soul with your light," he finishes.

GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d20+8: (20)+8: 28
GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19 (Successful crit)
GAME: Kiroth rolls 2d8+6: (5)+6: 11
Kiroth sees the Pauper rush right up at the beast before he can react. He takes a moment to check to see if this creature is evil or not, his eyes glowing for a bit. He shifts and charges at the wolf not one to be left behind, "In the name of Draco Solis get back you foul beast." He swings his sword hard and he hits the beast hard right in the neck with his sword trying to get the beast to pay attention on him.

GAME: Jame rolls 1d20+7: (9)+7: 16
GAME: Jame rolls 1d6+3: (2)+3: 5
Jame has left his horse behind, since he's got to track, and that's better done on foot. He's left his lance behind as well, since that's a mounted weapon, mainly. Scimitar and shield ready, then, he faces off against the attack, swinging his blade against the wolf, joining his erstwhile allies against the fearsome beast that's been meanacing the village.

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (7)+7: 14
Dire wolf bites Kiroth and misses.

GAME: Styrner rolls 1d20+6: (7)+6: 13
GAME: Styrner rolls 1d20+4: (7)+4: 11
The Pauper spins, slinging kick after kick at the Wolf, but none of them seem to land. At least, not effectively. Swaying afterward, Styrner laughs at the double vision.

GAME: Garak casts Spiritual Weapon.
GAME: Garak rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26
GAME: Garak rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Garak rolls 3d8+3: (9)+3: 12 
Garak takes a few steps back as the other adventurers move to surround the wolf. The Arvek Nar knows better than to get in their way, but he still has other ways to contribute. Raising his lance above his head, Garak calls to Serriel once more. The lance begins to glow faintly, then the glowing image of the weapon streaks off and stabs the wolf.

GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d20+8: (1)+8: 9
Kiroth moves to get in position to surround the wolf and he takes a swing at the wolf. He misses badly as his shield gets in the way.

GAME: Jame rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Jame rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19
GAME: Jame rolls 1d3+1: (2)+1: 3
Jame, having closed with the wolf, now fights furiously, blade flashing, slamming his shield against the beast to try to take it out. He can't manage to get a strike in with his blade as it darts and flashes in the confused melee, until finally Jame drives his left arm forward and bashes it hard in the face with his shield. The wolf drops.

The Dire wolf howls one last time before it perishes.

Kiroth nods to Jame as he wipes his sword clean the the grass and he looks it over for any knicks in the blade. He looks around holding his sword and shield ready. He sheathes his sword and looks the wolf over, "It doesn't seem like a normal wolf would give up easy prey. I wonder if it was trained by someone..." He looks over at Jame as he seems the woodsy type to answer that.

Garak nods in approval to the others once he's recovered. "Well done", he adds after catching his breath. Probably not from exertion, since he didn't actually get into the thick of the action, but more likely from adrenaline. "Today you were all the shield, to protect those lawful folk from that which would bring them harm." He pauses to listen to Kiroth's question and then moves closer to the wolf's body, peering at it.

"That was fun." Styrner admits, without thought, rubbing his wrist idly. "Wouldn't it be fun if we got to fight his whole pack?" He asks, rhetorically, as he shuffles over toward Jame, "I believe there was talk of cheese, was there not? And fruit, yes..." He rubbs his belly, enjoying the idea of a plate of fruit and cheese.

Jame shakes his head to Stryner about the food he's looking for. "I have none of those." He offers a shrug to Kiroth, and says, "That seems likely. It seems like a normal wolf, but the behavor is not normal wolf behavior." He cleans his blade on a rag and sheaths it, preparing to set forth again. "We've found the wolf, or do you think there's more than one?" He smiles to Garak, "Thanks," and checks the ground to see where the wolf came from. "If there's a den, it may have come from there."

Kiroth nods, "There could be, or we could found the one that turned this animal into a killer. Do you think you can track where he came from?" He kneels down to rest his hand on the head of the wolf, "May you run now in peace." He stands up and looks over at Styrner, "Let's hope not, a pack of wolves can be deadly."

Styrner laughs, grinning at Kiroth... "Deadly. Yes, I suppose they can be."

The group hears something rushing through the vegetation of the forest. Something big. Apparently, the dying wolf's howl did not go unanswered... Leaping over tall bushes, two large dire wolves appear. And they don't just wait for the group of heroes to recover; they immediately go for the kill. Like they knew who they were up against...

GAME: You clear initiatives.
GAME: Benthus has cleared initiatives.
GAME: Styrner rolls initiative: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 10
GAME: Garak rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 6
GAME: Jame rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 23
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+2: (14)+2: 16
GAME: Kiroth rolls initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 7
GAME: You roll initiative for Dire_Wolves: Roll: 1 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 3
GAME: Dire_Wolves's initiative total changed to '16'.

===== Current Initiative Order ========= 
23                  Jame
16                  Dire_Wolves
10                  Styrner
7                   Kiroth
6                   Garak

GAME: Jame rolls 1d20+7: (6)+7: 13
Jame is quick to react to the next attack, but his scimitar hangs in his cloat as he hauls it out, and he can't quite get into position to deal an effective attack, though he does get himself untangled.

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (9)+7: 16
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (5)+7: 12
Both Dire wolves miss in their attacks.

GAME: Styrner rolls 1d20+7: (20)+7: 27 (Stunning fist)
GAME: Styrner rolls 1d20+7: (2)+7: 9
GAME: Styrner rolls 1d6+2: (5)+2: 7
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (15)+7: 22 (Dire wolf saves vs stun)
Howling with laughter at the appearance of the wolves, Styrner snaps into a renewed combat stance. He shadow-boxes a moment, and then charges against the new wolves. Raising his fist, he switches to a crushing knee attack that strikes the side of a wolf. It would have broken a regular man, for sure.

GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19
GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d8+3: (8)+3: 11
Kiroth isn't about to let Styrner face the wolf alone. He charges right into the fray and hits the wolf the monk just punched.

GAME: Garak rolls 1d20+6: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Garak rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26
GAME: Garak rolls 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18
GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+1: (3)+1: 4 (Normal lance)
GAME: Garak rolls 3d8+12: (16)+12: 28 (Spiritual lance crit)
Garak looks between the two wolves. Jame intercepts one, while Styrner and Kiroth together are fighting the second beast. In a quick decision Garak moves to aid Jame. The glowing lance of Serriel streaks in once again, before fading from sight. But Garak's own, physical lance proves to be even more effective, spearing the wolf in the side.

GAME: Jame rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Jame rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21
GAME: Jame rolls 1d3+1: (1)+1: 2
Jame is once again faced off against a ferocious wolf, this time with it actually trying to eat him. He fends it off, though, and swings his sword wildly. He slashes air, the thing is leaping to avoid not just him, and it's a tough target, though the broad flat of his shield is wide enough that he's able to deal a solid clout.

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (18)+7: 25 (Wolf on Kiroth)
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (Wolf on Jame)
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d8+6: (6)+6: 12 (Damage for Kiroth)
GAME: Benthus damaged Kiroth for 12 points. 9 remaining.
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (9)+8: 17 (Trip attack for Kiroth)
Dire wolf attacking Kiroth tears at his leg and trips him.

GAME: Styrner rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22 (Grapples wolf)
"Wolf!" Styrner belts out loud, grabbing it with his arms around the neck. The man is half the size of the wolf, but he... grapples it. The Pauper laughs, "These Wolves are not so mean!" He glances furtively over at Kiroth, "But if you would get up and kill this, it would bring me great joy!"

GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d6: (2): 2
GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d20+7: (3)+7: 10
Kiroth cries out as he gets bit hard in the leg and is pulled down. He watches Styrner jump on the wolf to start to wrestle it and he gets up to and he heals himself before he tries to stab the wolf with his sword. Or he tries to. "Just hold it still for a second."

GAME: Garak casts Protection From Evil. (Spontaneous casting to cure light wounds)
"Hold it still, he says!"
GAME: Garak rolls 1d8+4: (7)+4: 11
GAME: Benthus damaged Kiroth for -13 points. 21 remaining.
Garak is trying to finish off the wolf that Jame and he are fighting when he hears some...unexpected sounds from the other mini-fight. Garak risks turning his head to look, then freezes at the sight of Stryner with the monstrous wolf in a headlock. But then he notices Kiroth's wounds snaps out of it. Rushing over to the warrior, Garak calls out for Serriel's aid once more. "Be strong, Sunblade!"

GAME: Jame rolls 1d20+5: (15)+5: 20
GAME: Jame rolls 1d20+5: (5)+5: 10
GAME: Jame rolls 1d6+3: (1)+3: 4
Jame actually manages to tell his scimitar from his shield this time, and after sording out one from the other, he fends off the wolf's teeth with his shield and leaves it open for a slash across it's neck with the curved blade. It's not the strongest cut, but it's deep enough to leave the animal bleeding out on the grass.

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26
Dire wolf breaks Styrner's grapple.

GAME: Styrner rolls 1d20+5: (15)+5: 20
GAME: Styrner rolls 1d6+2: (6)+2: 8
After getting shrugged off, Styrner blasts the Wolf in the ribs with another knee. This time is hurts more. There is the cracking of bone. Afterwards, he twirls his fists, laughing, "This is a wonderful challenge!"

GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d20+9: (12)+9: 21
GAME: Kiroth rolls 1d8+3: (8)+3: 11 (Last dire wolf dies)

Garak plants the end of his lance in the ground and leans against it like a staff, resting. He peers at Stryner with a confused half-smile, then suddenly straightens and turns again. "Could there be more of these beasts?" he muses. "Perhaps we should search for their lair - to make certain."

Jame cleans his blade off on the grass and looks to his companions. "Are we all well? This place is definitely infested with dangrous animals." He looks over three dead wolves, wondering if there might be any clues?

Kiroth nods the the cleric, "Thank you." He spots an opening after Styrner gives it a good swift kick. He stabs it with his sword and catches it right in the ribs to stab it in the heart to bring it down. He pulls out his sword and nods with a smile, "Yes quiet an adventurer. Still though even with these wolves something doesn't seem right."

As the last of the dire wolves succumb to its wounds, a strong breeze passes through the immediate area, rustling the leaves on the trees as it goes by. It produces a moaning sound as it weaves around you and your companion, as if nature itself is lamenting the loss of one of its precious few...

Styrner gives no thoughts to any losses incurred, "That was fun, but I'm hungry..." Without another word he begins wandering back toward town, rubbing his belly. His sandals slap as he walks, shuffling along, a Pauper once more. "Oh, to find a bite to eat..." He mutters, kicking rocks.

Garak watches Styrner leaving, then glances down at the wolves. "Perhaps we should take these back to the town. The pelts alone would fetch a fine price." He examines them with a hint of distaste. "If there are any hunters or trappers in the village, perhaps they could make use of other parts of these monsters..."

Jame nods to Garak about a lair. "That sounds like an excellent idea." He agrees with Kiroth, "Wolves won't normally attack unless they're very hungry, and that's generally at the end of a hard winter, not before winter has started." He turns his head as the wind blows strangely, and hrms at the strange feeling that comes over him. "There's more here than meets the eye." He looks at the others. "But I'd need to find a druid, I think, to learn more." He looks over to Stryner and says, "If you're so hungry, well, we have a lot of fresh wolfmeat right here." He nods to Garak, "I know how to skin and gut a carcass, if it comes to that."

Kiroth frowns as he hears the eerie sound coming from the forest, "Yes the druids aren't going to like this." He puts his sword and shield away, "They might be worth something and it's a shame to leave the animal to waste, maybe the village can make use of them."

Styrner shuffles, "That sounds like toil, and I didn't get to be this poor by working hard." He admits, freely. "I just came for the free food, really."

"Then at least help take these carcasses back to the village," Garak urges Styrner, already examining his lance for a way to use it to carry one of the bodies. "If we are to seek the aid of druids or rangers, they won't appreciate it if we let these go to waste."

Styrner shakes his head, "I'd rather not. That sounds like a lot more work than your last idea." He shakes his head again, in finality, "No, I think I'll go have a nice warm ale and a bit of stew. Yes, stew." He seems to enjoy the thought of that, for now. He resumes his shuffling, slowly making his way.

Kiroth moves to start to get the wolves ready to be taken back. "It's all right Garak, there are three of us and three wolves, never mind that if we bring these back the village will throw a feast for us."

Jame shrugs about druids not liking it. He says, "They cannot like it all they want. The wolves were attacking people; they have to expect the people will defend themselves. If they feel the village has grown too large, well, that's not a decision they can make alone. I would like to speak with them none the less." He nods to Kiroth and Garak, and says, "I can drag one. I'd suggest gutting them first, but those howls didn't seem very far off."

Garak considers both points for a moment. "I suppose you're right." He finally ties the wolf to his lance like a giant spit. Then he lets the butt of the lance drags along on the ground while he pulls the other hend, holding it just behind the tip. He murmurs under his breath for Serriel's forgiveness for using her favored weapon in such a manner as he goes.

The clouds that you see overhead have suddenly grown dark. If you can't see it, then the dimming illumination provides you with a clue...

A peal of thunder rolls slowly towards your location getting louder and louder. The winds have picked up a bit...