Encounter 2: Dances with Wolves

[PhaedrusXY]

[spoiler]Initiative order:
Thorston 1d20+11=30
Alan 21
Tetch 20
Cyrus 16
Nick, Eidolon 1d20+3=16, 1d20+3=13
Cujo 1d20+5=10
1d20+5=8
Jon 8
[/spoiler]

As the growl gains in volume, Thorston exclaims "Great jumpin' jackboots, whatever that is, it sounds big!" and moves a bit away from the entrance, drawing a vial in one hand and a rope with a loop in it in the other.


The large "rock" is the den opening, which is covered with a "door" of sorts (some large bones with a hide stretched over them).




Alan is up. Please let me know where each of you would like to be positioned. Also, go ahead and post your actions when you're ready. You don't need to wait for your initiative turn to post.

[archangel.arcanis]

You can place Jon at E9. I will likely pop off an expansion once combat gets started, that will be my action unless something happens that would make that a bad idea.

Jon Expansion for 3pp to last 10M/lvl (-2 pp for torc and earth power)

[Nick]

Drop Susan and Leviathan at C8. Visual confirmation of size of encounter. If its bigger than Medium. Pop an Expansion on Leviathan.

[PhaedrusXY]

Drop Susan and Leviathan at C8. Visual confirmation of size of encounter. If its bigger than Medium. Pop an Expansion on Leviathan.

Well you haven't seen it yet, but it had doggie footprints bigger than Cujo's, and the "door" to its lair is over 10 feet in diameter.

[endgamecutter]

I guess Alan will drop at E8

[X-Codes]

"I'll take a peek inside.  I've got a trick that will keep us hidden, but be ready all the same, please..."

With that, a small blue spark discharges from Cyrus' eyes, and they change to a dark, charcoal black, and the lighting around the group is likewise cloaked in utter darkness.  Using his darkvision to see through the shadows he created, opens the "door" to look into the cave from his conjured shadows.

[spoiler]Standard Action- Manifest Control Light, reduce lighting to 0%
Move Action- Open Door

Hide, if possible/necessary: 37[/spoiler]

[PhaedrusXY]

About 15 feet behind the now-opened door, Cyrus sees an enormous white wolf wolf, standing nearly 5 feet at the shoulder. It's growl intensifies even more as the door to its lair is opened. Behind it he sees several white pups lying in a pile of hides and other debris that make up a kind of bed.

[Nanshork]

Tetch uses his psionic prowess to try and befriend the beast.

[spoiler]
Since Cujo is right behind Cyrus, I'm assuming that I can see what he sees.

Manifesting Psionic Charm, Will save DC 19 for the creature
[/spoiler]

[PhaedrusXY]

The great wolf cocks its head playfully, and starts wagging its tail.

[spoiler]1d20+3=10

I'm going to start calling Tetch the "Dog Whisperer".  [/spoiler]

[Nanshork]

Cujo trots into the den, sniffing around.

"We do not have to fight it, and there seem to be hides in here to help keep those of you that need them warm."

[spoiler]
I assume the animal has no real language in order for me to telepathically communicate with it?
[/spoiler]

[PhaedrusXY]

You find that the creature surprisingly replies to your attempts at telepathic communication. It seems it is much smarter than a mere animal.

In common, it says to Cujo "Greetings, den-mate. I did not recognize you at first. Who are these intruders you have brought with you? Do they willingly give themselves up to nourish my cubs?"

[Nanshork]

Tetch thinks quickly and responds.  "No.  I have adopted them into my pack, but they have a cub of their own with them but she is weak and hungry."  With a slightly derisive tone he adds, "They have no fur, no teeth or claws to protect themselves with.  They need an alpha to lead them."

Directed at the group
[spoiler]
"Be aware, this creature is intelligent.  A mother protecting her cubs is not something that you want to go against, and there is no need for senseless killing."
[/spoiler]

[spoiler]
Probably a winter wolf, thank goodness I can charm magical beasts!

Bluff in case it is needed: 13

It better not be neccessary.
[/spoiler]

[X-Codes]

[spoiler]Hit Edit, meant to hit Quote... crap...[/spoiler]

[PhaedrusXY]

The wolf growls in Cyrus' direction, and says to Cujo "Why protect such a pack of weaklings? The weak are culled to make room for the strong. This is as it should be."

[Nanshork]

Cujo responds with, "They are strong in their own way, they just need to be taught how to survive here.  I will teach them how to hunt as a pack.  Under my leadership we will grow into a strong pack, and we will have a large hunting ground."

[spoiler]
I'm tempted to add something about crushing our enemies, seeing them driven before us, and hearing the lamentations of the women.
[/spoiler]

[PhaedrusXY]

[spoiler]
I'm tempted to add something about crushing our enemies, seeing them driven before us, and hearing the lamentations of the women.
[/spoiler]

[spoiler] [/spoiler]The great wolf is silent for a moment, as if in contemplation, and then says "Very well. What do you want of me, then? Why have you entered the den of my cubs?"

[Nanshork]

[spoiler]
The hides that the cubs are on, are they processed?  What skill would it take to treat a hide?
[/spoiler]

[PhaedrusXY]

[spoiler]They're not processed. They're just somewhat dessicated from the cold, dry air. I guess it would be Craft (Leatherworking). Or Profession (Tailor). I kind of hate the craft skills in D&D, though... At least they can be used untrained... /shrug. [/spoiler]

[Nanshork]

Tetch gathers his thoughts.  He averted an unnecessary battle, and has no wish to kill these cubs.  However, he didn't really have a plan when he charmed the beast and he has just been thinking on his feet this whole time.  Suddenly he gets an idea.  "I request permission to hunt in your territory.  My pack needs to eat and learn how to hunt, and our cub needs furs just as yours do."

[PhaedrusXY]

The wolf remains silent again, then says "Prey is scarce as it is... but you may remain for one hunt. My mate may not agree, though. He is willful and does not always obey my commands. So I would advise you to avoid him."