Lone Wolf I: Shadows on the Dorn

[Andrew D. Gable]

Twilight is beginning to darken the sky when disturbing howls are heard. Doomwolves, the Kai think automatically, but with a second howl they realize that the howls are not quite those of the wolves favored by the Darklords... they are somehow higher-pitched, more screeching, and it seems almost that a feral intelligence lies behind them.

Spinning on their heels, the adventurers see three creatures slinking along the base of some rocks behind them. It's too dark to get a good look at the creatures, but they are about the size and build of a man, with animalistic features...

 

[Krug]

"Halt or I'll shoot!" shouts Hoagar. He huddles close to the others so there are no gaps. "What are they?" he whispers, sweat pouring down from his brow. He looks concerned at Moon's Brand, who is just a child. That girl shouldna be here in this kind of place!

 

[Eternalknight]

"I don't know Hoagar", whispers Silver Wind in reply while nocking an arrow to his bow. "But I bet they aren't friendly."

 

[Relenoir]

"I don't know Hoagar", whispers Silver Wind in reply while nocking an arrow to his bow. "But I bet they aren't friendly."

"You can say that again!" Moon's Brand answers, drawing a bead on the nearest of the wolf-men with her bow, prepared to fire at the slightest provocation. A single bead of sweat trickles down her brow, furrowed in concentration, to rest at the tip of her nose. "We are well-armed and outnumber you. Either leave us alone, speak if you are friends, or face the consequences!" she boldly addresses the approaching creatures, ready to attack if need be.

 

[Andrew D. Gable]

In answer to Moon's Brand's threat, there is no reply, but the canine humanoids draw closer. The Kai Lords get a good look at them as they draw closer. They are Dhax, servants of the Darklords believed to have been spawned from Doomwolf stock.

Roll initiatives and declare first actions, since these guys are going to go ahead and attack.

 

[Krug]

Rolled 5. ;P +4 = 9
Hoagar shoots at the nearest Dhax. "Down with you, vile things! Concentrate your fire!" He shouts to the others.
He huddles close together with the rest so there are no gaps.

 

[Relenoir]

Yuck! Rolled a 3, plus initiative bonus of 4 equals 7. Moon's Brand will be firing with her bow, seeing as she already has it ready, and following Hoagar's advice on concentrating fire. As soon as they continue to slink forward, she will take a shot and reload if possible before initiative. Same action next round, trying to keep herself out of melee combat.

 

[Eternalknight]

I got even worse; 3 + 2 for a total of 5.

I'll be firing at the same Dhax as Hoagar.

 

[Andrew D. Gable]

Dhax #2: 22
Jesabela: 19
Dhax #3: 15
Dhax #1: 10
Hoagar: 9
Moon's Brand: 7
Silver Wind: 5

The first of the Dhax runs towards Hoagar, snapping its jaws. It fails to bite him, however. The four coordinate their attacks, and first up is Jesabela, who chops at the canine monster with her curved blade. The other two Dhax advance towards the group. Hoagar curses at the dog-man, and fires a blast from his rifle. The Dhax yelps and at almost the same moment, two arrows from the Kai's bows thud into its chest.

Lightly Wounded = 75% health or above
Moderately Wounded = 50%-75% health
Severely Wounded = 25%-50% health
Critically Wounded = less than 25% health

Dhax #1: unhurt
Dhax #2: severely wounded
Dhax #3: unhurt

Moon's Brand: unhurt
Silver Wind: unhurt
Hoagar: unhurt
Jesabela: unhurt

As Adgramaine hasn't even been on the EN boards for over a month, I'm assuming he's dropped.

 

[Paido]

After seeing how well the first exchange of attacks went, Jesabela manages to get a grip on her nervousness at facing Dhax. "Hah! I was lead to expect worse from you, you mangy curs!"

Again her cutlass flashes as she lunges for the wounded creature.