Book 2 Chapter 1 Interlude: Emergency Return (p 222)

[jj_wolven]

Kalbee, Central US - Thursday noon

Gerard watches the archon sniff and comment on the trail and nods, "You look like you are a pretty good tracker. It looks like the group went that way," he points a bit north of east, then further north "And the troll went that way chasing a horse. With the scrabble of tracks, I can't tell if the horse broke free or if someone was riding him."

He glances back to the other, "Quick scout on the troll or keep following the wagons? We should be able to keep safe and escape with the horses and no wagons dragging us down. Whaddya say?"

[dbaque]

Conner After an studious sniff along the trails, the wolf lifts up his head. "They are ahead of us some four hours. However, I can't exclude that someone else went along the troll's trail." The celestial pup shrugs his shoulders and adds, "Like you said, we can probably outrun any giant if it comes to it. It would not be long out of our way."

 

Conner

 

Archon Shape

Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 19 Touch 11 Flat 18 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, +4 to jumping

Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Mwk. greatsword +10 2d6+7 19-20/x2 S, cold iron Mwk. earth breaker +10 2d6+7 20/x3 B, silvered Bite +4 d8+2 20/x2 P/S/B natural Slam +4 d4+2 20/x2 B secondary natural Mwk. comp. longbow (+3) +6 d8+3 20/x3 P, 110' range, Arrow type Number Special regular 40   silvered 20 -1 damage cold iron 20   pheromone 4 hit target takes +2 atk/dam for 1 hour from scent creatures tangleshot 6 touch attack & entangles, Ref. DC10 to move arrow ammunition

 

Small Dog Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 12 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 19 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +4 to jumping, +4 size to stealth	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +10 d4+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural

Medium Wolf Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 50' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 11 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +8 to jumping	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +9 d6+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural, on hit, +9 CMB, no AoO, no trip on failuretrip

Misc. Description Outsider raise/resurrection does not work, not need to eat/drink/sleep Good/lawful subtypes all attacks good/lawful aligned Special vision Darkvision 60', low-light vision Scent notice creatures within 30', follow trail DC10, +8 perception for smells Sniff out Injustice feat smell evil, moderate evil aura at 2x range, strong aura at 3x range, can track (+5 vs overpowering) Truespeech understand/speak any language as Tongues Change Shape as beast shape II, any small-medium canine Natural Spell feat cast spells while shapeshifted Divine Spells Create Water, Detect Magic, Mending, Message, Read Magic, StabilizeOrisons - will, Cure Light Wounds, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith1st - 5/5, Grace (sw), Resist Energy2nd - 2/2

Skill Score Skill Score Perception +9 Sense Motive +9 Stealth +10 Survival +11 Diplomacy +12 Intimidate +9 Acrobatics +5 Disguise +23 total in canine shape+13 Know(Planes) +5 Spellcraft +5

[Fragmaster01]

Pandora follows behind at a short distance. 'Don't pet the doggy, don't pet the doggy, it would be rude but SO FUN...' Her thoughts are visible in her fidgeting hands and gaze. "Do we really have time to go chasing the troll, though? Probably better to stick to our original itinerary." Wagons sounded better. Once they caught up, they could break down the pace a little.

[jj_wolven]

Kalbee, Central US - Thursday afternoon

The guardsman shakes his head, "We don't need to, but the tracks indicate he's alone...and that is odd. Out here the odd and the unknown are dangerous, the decision is if it's more dangerous to leave it unknown an behind us."

He glances up at the sun, "With four hours, we will catch up to them after dark either way." he signs and remounts, "Our mission is to rejoin and return, so we should move on and hope no one got separated."

[jj_wolven]

Kalbee, Central US - Thursday afternoon

Gerard begins moving forward but stops after less than ten minutes with a frown on his face and dismounts. He squats down and examines the tracks, "This is odd. I saw the group as they were gathering yesterday and one had a large mechanical...creature in the back of a wagon, but it didn't have any legs." he taps a set of footprints, "These are too deep for anyone else in the party, as well as too big, unless he finished building that thing last night."

He waves Connor over, "What do you think?"

When Connor smells the area, the only unexpected smell he gets from the track in one of old, dirty metal.

[dbaque]

Conner The celestial pup shrugs at the decision to move on. He is not all that vested either way. He begins to trot alongside the horses when their guide stops suddenly. Nodding at Gerard's suggestion, the wolf trots over and dips his snout into the deeper tracks. After some loud and intent sniffing, Conner lifts up his head. The wolf bears a somewhat puzzled expression (& scrunched up snout at the acrid odor). "The tracks smell metallic, dirty, old. Nothing evil. It could be some metal creature of his like you said, Gerard, if that one used improvised pieces. What kind of workmanship did you see?" Of course, if the group's mechanical creature was more pristinely kept, then the four of them could be looking at some other metal thing at play.

 

Conner

 

Archon Shape

Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 19 Touch 11 Flat 18 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, +4 to jumping

Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Mwk. greatsword +10 2d6+7 19-20/x2 S, cold iron Mwk. earth breaker +10 2d6+7 20/x3 B, silvered Bite +4 d8+2 20/x2 P/S/B natural Slam +4 d4+2 20/x2 B secondary natural Mwk. comp. longbow (+3) +6 d8+3 20/x3 P, 110' range, Arrow type Number Special regular 40   silvered 20 -1 damage cold iron 20   pheromone 4 hit target takes +2 atk/dam for 1 hour from scent creatures tangleshot 6 touch attack & entangles, Ref. DC10 to move arrow ammunition

 

Small Dog Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 12 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 19 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +4 to jumping, +4 size to stealth	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +10 d4+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural

Medium Wolf Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 50' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 11 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +8 to jumping	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +9 d6+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural, on hit, +9 CMB, no AoO, no trip on failuretrip

Misc. Description Outsider raise/resurrection does not work, not need to eat/drink/sleep Good/lawful subtypes all attacks good/lawful aligned Special vision Darkvision 60', low-light vision Scent notice creatures within 30', follow trail DC10, +8 perception for smells Sniff out Injustice feat smell evil, moderate evil aura at 2x range, strong aura at 3x range, can track (+5 vs overpowering) Truespeech understand/speak any language as Tongues Change Shape as beast shape II, any small-medium canine Natural Spell feat cast spells while shapeshifted Divine Spells Create Water, Detect Magic, Mending, Message, Read Magic, StabilizeOrisons - will, Cure Light Wounds, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith1st - 5/5, Grace (sw), Resist Energy2nd - 2/2

Skill Score Skill Score Perception +9 Sense Motive +9 Stealth +10 Survival +11 Diplomacy +12 Intimidate +9 Acrobatics +5 Disguise +23 total in canine shape+13 Know(Planes) +5 Spellcraft +5

[jj_wolven]

Kalbee, Central US - Thursday afternoon

Gerard snorts, "I can only tell metal apart for it's purpose in swords. I don't have a clue on the workmanship of those things.

"I haven't seem a crafter that fast, though he may have had most of it finished. Regardless, this is the Wild so we'll be even more careful." he says as he hoists himself back into the saddle.

Connor: make a Survival tracking roll with scentOOC/Rolls

[dbaque]

Conner "Then, let's go," says the noble wolf with an eager wagging of his tail. Conner lowers his Dice Survival (track): d20+11 (17)+11 Total = 28 snout back to the trail. The others can hear the telltale sound of studious sniffing as the celestial pup pursues their quarry at a tireless pace.

 

Conner

 

Archon Shape

Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 19 Touch 11 Flat 18 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, +4 to jumping

Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Mwk. greatsword +10 2d6+7 19-20/x2 S, cold iron Mwk. earth breaker +10 2d6+7 20/x3 B, silvered Bite +4 d8+2 20/x2 P/S/B natural Slam +4 d4+2 20/x2 B secondary natural Mwk. comp. longbow (+3) +6 d8+3 20/x3 P, 110' range, Arrow type Number Special regular 40   silvered 20 -1 damage cold iron 20   pheromone 4 hit target takes +2 atk/dam for 1 hour from scent creatures tangleshot 6 touch attack & entangles, Ref. DC10 to move arrow ammunition

 

Small Dog Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 12 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 19 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +4 to jumping, +4 size to stealth	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +10 d4+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural

Medium Wolf Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 50' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 11 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +8 to jumping	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +9 d6+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural, on hit, +9 CMB, no AoO, no trip on failuretrip

Misc. Description Outsider raise/resurrection does not work, not need to eat/drink/sleep Good/lawful subtypes all attacks good/lawful aligned Special vision Darkvision 60', low-light vision Scent notice creatures within 30', follow trail DC10, +8 perception for smells Sniff out Injustice feat smell evil, moderate evil aura at 2x range, strong aura at 3x range, can track (+5 vs overpowering) Truespeech understand/speak any language as Tongues Change Shape as beast shape II, any small-medium canine Natural Spell feat cast spells while shapeshifted Divine Spells Create Water, Detect Magic, Mending, Message, Read Magic, StabilizeOrisons - will, Cure Light Wounds, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith1st - 5/5, Grace (sw), Resist Energy2nd - 2/2

Skill Score Skill Score Perception +9 Sense Motive +9 Stealth +10 Survival +11 Diplomacy +12 Intimidate +9 Acrobatics +5 Disguise +23 total in canine shape+13 Know(Planes) +5 Spellcraft +5

[jj_wolven]

Kalbee, Central US - Thursday late afternoon

The group picks up their pace again, Conner picking up the old metallic scent following the same path. Another hour and a half passes as the sun continues it's drop to the horizon. As they crest a hill they get a good view of the plains in front of them, and a small caravan of three wagons barely within view. Conner pulls out a telescope and takes a long look at distance.

"They are under attack." he says with an annoyed grunt as he lowers the telescope, "And there is nothing we can do to help. At a full gallop it would take us an hour to get there, and the battle will be long over by them. All we can do is hope for the best and get down there to help the aftermath."

[dbaque]

Conner Their tireless trek brings the troupe to the crest of the hill. With a happy wag of his tail, he spots the distant wagons below. The celestial pup looks up to their guide to see what further he can spot in his spyglass. But his ears droop at the report of battle yet OOC: about 10 miles?extensive distance. 'Hopefully, the mortals are strong.' Mustering up his usual enthusiasm, Conner barks encouragingly. "Then, let's hasten! The distance won't eat itself." He moves to a brisk trot alongside the horses.

 

Conner

 

Archon Shape

Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 19 Touch 11 Flat 18 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, +4 to jumping

Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Mwk. greatsword +10 2d6+7 19-20/x2 S, cold iron Mwk. earth breaker +10 2d6+7 20/x3 B, silvered Bite +4 d8+2 20/x2 P/S/B natural Slam +4 d4+2 20/x2 B secondary natural Mwk. comp. longbow (+3) +6 d8+3 20/x3 P, 110' range, Arrow type Number Special regular 40   silvered 20 -1 damage cold iron 20   pheromone 4 hit target takes +2 atk/dam for 1 hour from scent creatures tangleshot 6 touch attack & entangles, Ref. DC10 to move arrow ammunition

 

Small Dog Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 12 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 19 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +4 to jumping, +4 size to stealth	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +10 d4+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural

Medium Wolf Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 50' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 11 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +8 to jumping	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +9 d6+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural, on hit, +9 CMB, no AoO, no trip on failuretrip

Misc. Description Outsider raise/resurrection does not work, not need to eat/drink/sleep Good/lawful subtypes all attacks good/lawful aligned Special vision Darkvision 60', low-light vision Scent notice creatures within 30', follow trail DC10, +8 perception for smells Sniff out Injustice feat smell evil, moderate evil aura at 2x range, strong aura at 3x range, can track (+5 vs overpowering) Truespeech understand/speak any language as Tongues Change Shape as beast shape II, any small-medium canine Natural Spell feat cast spells while shapeshifted Divine Spells Create Water, Detect Magic, Mending, Message, Read Magic, StabilizeOrisons - will, Cure Light Wounds, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith1st - 5/5, Grace (sw), Resist Energy2nd - 2/2

Skill Score Skill Score Perception +9 Sense Motive +9 Stealth +10 Survival +11 Diplomacy +12 Intimidate +9 Acrobatics +5 Disguise +23 total in canine shape+13 Know(Planes) +5 Spellcraft +5

[jj_wolven]

Kalbee, Central US - Thursday late afternoon

The group continues to move through the fields and forests as quickly as they can, but as they notice movement in different areas the guard holds out a hand and brings them down to a controlled canter.
"There are more creatures around here." he says as he pulls up beside, [b]"They are most likely scavengers, the sort that will attack after another fight when the prey are weakened. They've likely sensed the fight ahead and are making their way to finish off the victors." he pauses, "Should we attack and scare them away or continue to the other? It's up to you."

[dbaque]

Conner The wolfhound cranes his head up when their guide slows them down. His ears perk warily at the report of other foes before them. With a low growl, Conner suggests, "How about we sneak up and hunt them first?" His customary eagerness looks far more predatory with that fang-filled smile.

 

Conner

 

Archon Shape

Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 19 Touch 11 Flat 18 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, +4 to jumping

Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Mwk. greatsword +10 2d6+7 19-20/x2 S, cold iron Mwk. earth breaker +10 2d6+7 20/x3 B, silvered Bite +4 d8+2 20/x2 P/S/B natural Slam +4 d4+2 20/x2 B secondary natural Mwk. comp. longbow (+3) +6 d8+3 20/x3 P, 110' range, Arrow type Number Special regular 40   silvered 20 -1 damage cold iron 20   pheromone 4 hit target takes +2 atk/dam for 1 hour from scent creatures tangleshot 6 touch attack & entangles, Ref. DC10 to move arrow ammunition

 

Small Dog Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 12 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 19 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +4 to jumping, +4 size to stealth	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +10 d4+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural

Medium Wolf Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 50' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 11 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +8 to jumping	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +9 d6+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural, on hit, +9 CMB, no AoO, no trip on failuretrip

Misc. Description Outsider raise/resurrection does not work, not need to eat/drink/sleep Good/lawful subtypes all attacks good/lawful aligned Special vision Darkvision 60', low-light vision Scent notice creatures within 30', follow trail DC10, +8 perception for smells Sniff out Injustice feat smell evil, moderate evil aura at 2x range, strong aura at 3x range, can track (+5 vs overpowering) Truespeech understand/speak any language as Tongues Change Shape as beast shape II, any small-medium canine Natural Spell feat cast spells while shapeshifted Divine Spells Create Water, Detect Magic, Mending, Message, Read Magic, StabilizeOrisons - will, Cure Light Wounds, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith1st - 5/5, Grace (sw), Resist Energy2nd - 2/2

Skill Score Skill Score Perception +9 Sense Motive +9 Stealth +10 Survival +11 Diplomacy +12 Intimidate +9 Acrobatics +5 Disguise +23 total in canine shape+13 Know(Planes) +5 Spellcraft +5

[jj_wolven]

Kalbee, Central US - Thursday late afternoon

Gerard shakes his head and speaks quietly, "Likely bad for us. We should be able to get caught up in enough time to warn them and work together. Let's see if we can stall them."

The guard pulls out a few small bags that Conner catches a faintly disgusting and cloying odor and knows what they are - scentbreakers. These alchemical concoctions are one of the useful, but horrendous (to those like Conner) tools made by people. When released the bag gives off a terrible odor that clings to the nose, destroying any hope of tracking by scent as well as causing near-pain to those with sensitive noses.

This would definitely delay those behind them, but Conner know he will want to get in front to avoid those things.

Gerard attaches the bags to a few arrows, launching them into the woods on either side. He tosses a few behind them after waiting a moment for the wolfhound to move forward, then immediately begins riding toward the other party.

[dbaque]

Conner The wolfhound whines but reluctantly nods to their guide's counsel. As soon as Gerard pulls out the bags, the celestial pup recoils a little, swatting paw over its nose. "Eugh, it'll stall them all right. Just toss them, and let's go." Scarcely waiting for Gerard's signal, Conner takes off. He slows down a little after he hears all the bags launch, just long enough for their guide to catch up, continuing toward the distant allies.

 

Conner

 

Archon Shape

Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 19 Touch 11 Flat 18 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, +4 to jumping

Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Mwk. greatsword +10 2d6+7 19-20/x2 S, cold iron Mwk. earth breaker +10 2d6+7 20/x3 B, silvered Bite +4 d8+2 20/x2 P/S/B natural Slam +4 d4+2 20/x2 B secondary natural Mwk. comp. longbow (+3) +6 d8+3 20/x3 P, 110' range, Arrow type Number Special regular 40   silvered 20 -1 damage cold iron 20   pheromone 4 hit target takes +2 atk/dam for 1 hour from scent creatures tangleshot 6 touch attack & entangles, Ref. DC10 to move arrow ammunition

 

Small Dog Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 40' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 12 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 19 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +4 to jumping, +4 size to stealth	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +10 d4+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural

Medium Wolf Shape
Combat HP 40/40 Move 50' Init +1 AC 21 Touch 11 Flat 20 F/R/W 8/6/4 CMD 20 Luck +3+1 Other DR 5/evil, SR 13, +4 racial vs poison, immune: petrification, quadruped, +8 to jumping	Weapon Att Dmg Crit Description Bite +9 d6+7 20/x2 P/S/B natural, on hit, +9 CMB, no AoO, no trip on failuretrip

Misc. Description Outsider raise/resurrection does not work, not need to eat/drink/sleep Good/lawful subtypes all attacks good/lawful aligned Special vision Darkvision 60', low-light vision Scent notice creatures within 30', follow trail DC10, +8 perception for smells Sniff out Injustice feat smell evil, moderate evil aura at 2x range, strong aura at 3x range, can track (+5 vs overpowering) Truespeech understand/speak any language as Tongues Change Shape as beast shape II, any small-medium canine Natural Spell feat cast spells while shapeshifted Divine Spells Create Water, Detect Magic, Mending, Message, Read Magic, StabilizeOrisons - will, Cure Light Wounds, Divine Favor, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith1st - 5/5, Grace (sw), Resist Energy2nd - 2/2

Skill Score Skill Score Perception +9 Sense Motive +9 Stealth +10 Survival +11 Diplomacy +12 Intimidate +9 Acrobatics +5 Disguise +23 total in canine shape+13 Know(Planes) +5 Spellcraft +5

[jj_wolven]

Kalbee, Central US - Thursday late afternoon

The small group makes their way quickly over the rolling hills, keeping a close eye around they try to make it to the caravan first. Several time they here a quick fight off to one side or another as competing creatures meet up.

As they come over a final rise as see the caravan around hundred meters ahead.

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