[Story] The Beast Within: Chapter 1

[Kingfish880]

"Gods save us both!" cries Haladir. "As if one wasn't enough...We've been cursed with three!"

The sudden cold sends a shiver down Haladir's spine. He grips his short spear with trembling hands and readies himself for the coming onslaught.

What have I done to deserve this end?

He picks the closest wolf, and prepares for the charge, trusting his short spear will find its mark.

 

Dice Roll:

d20+1-2

(18)+1-2

Total = 17

 

d6

[Kingfish880]

OOC Attached is the updated map. I'll make a real roll for damage for Hal

 

Dice Roll:

d6

6

[Sahib]

Alchion again makes a readied action: he will attack whichever wolf comes closest and designate that wolf as his dodge target.

Dice Roll:

d20+3

(1)+3

Total = 4

Dice Roll:

2d4+4

(4, 4)+4

Total = 12

[Kingfish880]

Oak Forest at Night

The giant lurking silhouette of the first Dire Wolf charges and lunges at the back of the wagon. Just before the wolf makes contact with the wagon, a sharp spear point is thrust forth from Haladir. The blade catches the wolf in the shoulder and it crashes into the wagon. The sheer weight of the wolf running into the wagon is enough to send it sliding across the clearing floor. Alchion attempts to swing at the charging wolf, but the force of impact with the wagon throws him to the floor.

The other two wolves are in on the fray almost immediately. Each taking an opposite side of the wagon, they use their razor sharp teeth and begin ripping planks from the wagon side with ease.

Even though the wagon has stopped sliding, for some reason, it feels as though you're still moving.

[Sahib]

Alchio wearily gets to his feet, holding his head in his left hand and his falchion in his right.

If within reach, Alchion slashes at the nearest wolf.

Dice Roll:

d20+3

(6)+3

Total = 9

Dice Roll:

2d4+4

(2, 3)+4

Total = 9

[Kingfish880]

Without missing a beat, Haladir stabs once again at the Dire Wolf through the gaps in the wagon.

 

Dice Roll:

d20+1-2

(15)+1-2

Total = 14

 

Dice Roll:

d6

1

[Kingfish880]

Within the wagon in the Oak Forest

Haladir's wild stab misses this time. Once to his feet, Alchion swings through another gap at the Dire Wolf but misses as well.

The wolves continue to rip planks off the wagon. It's only a matter of time before the holes are big enough for them to rip a person out with their teeth.

Suddenly, the ground begins to shake. Slowly at first, then violently. Soon it seems as though the wagon is practically bouncing on the forest floor. The Dire Wolves, seeing this, wimper back and scurry off through the high brush with their tails between their legs. The quaking continues for close to a minute before finally settling down. The forest falls silent once again.

The wagon is now merely a wooden shell offering no shelter from beast nor elements.

[Sahib]

Alchion looks around, shaken and confused.

What was that? he says to no one in particular.

Remembering what he was doing before the wolves, he turns to the other person still in the wagon.

Are you alright?

[Kingfish880]

Breathing heavily, Haladir rests his shortspear on his shoulder and leans against one of the only upright ribs on the wagon.

"Aye...I don't think I'm hurt", he tells Alchion wearily as he fumbles around in his cloak for something. After a moment, he removes a long pipe and, using his thumb to tamp it, draws on an old coal. With the pipe lit and secure between his teeth, he removes a small flask and takes a swig from it. "Didn't think I was gonna have a chance for my last drink and smoke though"

After a moment, he straightens up slightly. "We need to get out of this forest. I fear the night is far from over"

[Sahib]

"Agreed. I am lost in this area. Do you know which way to the nearest town?"

[Kingfish880]

"'Fraid I don't know...Though I guess our safest bet would be to follow this path one direction or the other", says Haladir as he puffs quietly on his pipe.

"Maybe we can see something...lights perhaps, from the path"

With shortspear in hand, Haladir cautiously approaches the path and peers into the distance in both directions.

 

Dice Roll:

d20+1

(1)+1

Total = 2

[Sahib]

Alchion wipes some of the sweat and blood off and walks over next to Haladir, following his example.

Dice Roll:

d20-1

(19)-1

Total = 18

[Kingfish880]

Oak Forest at Night

The path turns slightly and slopes gradually uphill. To the left, farther down the path, Alchion can see a dull yellow glow of what is perhaps a fire. The forest remains silent and now a light, misty gray fog is beginning to form close to the ground.

[Sahib]

Alchion turns to Haladir, taps his shoulder, and then points toward the light.
"Hey, I can see a light up the left path. I think it could be a fire. Let's go check it out.

[Kingfish880]

"Aye...I don't see it myself, but I believe you. Lead the way", says Haladir as he falls in line behind Alchion.