Agar walks over to the creature and slashes at it. Attack: 23 Damage: 13

The giant lizard again takes a beating from the paladin. As blood pours from it's wounds it sense it's end is near. Unlike it's friend, however,  it is determined to take one of you with it. 

It has chosen Calwin as it's partner in death. It bears it's teeth and tries to rip Calwin's head free from his body.

Bite attack: 25 Damage: 13

All PCs up. Creature looks very very shaky.

Cal chuckles as the bite scrabbles at his bare head, sending rivulets of blood down his face as he pushes it back enough to swing at it without regard to his safety.

Reckless Radiant Warhammer Attack: 15 Damage: 11

Your weapon strikes the beast on the side of the head causing it spin far past the limits of normal. The creature goes limp immediately and it lies on the ground bleeding. A few moments later the strange creature breathes its last breath and dies.

Combat over! Good job!

Thornton is laying on the ground breathless being straddled heroically by Calwin, "M-m-my God. What in the Nine Hells was that thing..."

Calwin tosses his hammer to the side and leaps on the downed creature, punching it a few times, and asking if it's had enough yet until Thornton's question jars him out of it. He stands and brushes himself off, magically cleaning himself before pulling out his hat. He looks at it, but some of his head wounds are still weeping as he clears his throat.

"Ahem... Good question ma'am."

He looks over the creature, comparing it to any other descriptions of large lizards he's read.

Nature: 14

Agar keeps his sword ready in case more of them come but decides to get ahead of all the questions that would surely come. He turns to the others and asks, "What the Nine Hells happened back there? The beast leapt at me but seemed to... bounce off something. Any of you ever see anything like that before?"  

Jonathan shrugs "Don't know, seems luck is in play. Or some strange force."

Jon looks to see what injuries are serious. 20 Medicine  

Course he realizes he's no good at nonmagical healing so he doesn't 

(Seems the dice ghost is huanting Quayle)

Sallah: "Can someone with more medical knowledge check if those two attacked earlier can be saved? My sonic screwdriver all-purpose tool can close minor wounds, but I don't have the training to tell if they are too far gone.

"And should we track down that dangerous beast before it gets away? Lu seems to be in a bit of shock, as she is barely reacting now, but she does have a magical trace on the creature."

"I'm not a medical expert, but I think that you need to keep that half,", he points at the top half of one of the men, "connected to that half.", pointing at bottom half.

Quote from Spiderwrangler >>

"I'm not a medical expert, but I think that you need to keep that half,", he points at the top half of one of the men, "connected to that half.", pointing at bottom half.

 

Sallah had not noticed the extent of the damage before Calwin pointed it out.
"I see your point. This is not like my usual archaeology work, where broken pieces can be put together later.
If someone in the party would like a Cure Wounds for their injuries, let me know.
And so we spend the time tracking down the dangerous beast, or get this woman to safety? (Or split the party and do both?)"

Calwin --- You know a reasonable bit of the area and the woods from your initial history check but looking over the carcass of this creature and it's earlier behavior you have never seen nor heard of anything like it. A giant lizard on two legs that can move with grace yet rend a man in half? It is a thing of nightmares and you have never heard of it.

As you ponder the creature Thornton gets to her feet and place a greatful arm around you both as thanks to prevent herself from falling over. "Oy, what a'mess. Glad yinz came by else I'd be with Billy and Bobby there in that creatures belly." She shudders and coughs of a disturbing amount of blood. "I thinkin' I need to get back ta civilization... Sure as shit I ain't the 'venturin' type."

(Ah the crit fail on a medicine check on an injured NPC. A DMs dream. Thankfully for Thornton it is a Friday and I am in a good mood :) )

Jon looks at the wounds and you can't help but think, Those don't look so bad... what is the fuss about.

Lu approaches from the back, "It is true. I could trace and hunt the beast. It seemed rather grievously wounded I am sure I can take care of it on my own." She seems to consider something else and continues, "I would also be happy to escort Thornton back to Candlekeep. I am skilled in surviving and living off the land. I don't think it would be too much trouble. Whatever you all think is best."

"I don't like leaving it out where it can ambush other travelers, but if we all run off after it, that leaves Ms. Thornton to tag along or wait here. I propose we fall back to the caravan, we don't know how many more are out here, give them the warning. Might mean we lose the trail on this other one, but I'd rather that than the wagons get hit without notice. We can discuss how to get you back to Candlekeep then, ma'am."

He'll speak to Lu on the side, expressing regret if they do opt to return to the keep and miss out on the adventure. He'd be grateful for the sacrifice of theri position on the crew for the sake of ensuring the poor woman makes it back safe, and promises Lu that if he finds anything that might pertain to the disease their people are facing, he'll send word somehow.

((Is the wagon just tipped, or smashed all to heck? Anyone have a shovel, so we don't have to leave Billy and Bobby in pieces?))

(My nat one was directed towards the downed I guess dead, not mostly dead Npc's. I've already healed Thornton for 5hp earlier with healing word but thanks for the mercy TGIF😁) 

Jonathan

IC: "If we could track down those horses so you two could ride back. I'd be more comfortable."

They didn't seem interested in what happened, at least at this time. That suited Agar just fine. He sheathed his blade and honored the dead, bowing his head with his helm off.

"I think we should all head back together. The others might need us, and even if not they should know what happened  "

"We need to bury these men, I suppose. Anyone bring a shovel?"

Quote from Stormbringer4729 >>

"We need to bury these men, I suppose. Anyone bring a shovel?"

The archaeologist holds out a shovel for Jonathan to use.

Sallah will use his crowbar and hammer to pry out any large stones from the ground they are digging (once the others pick a suitable spot).

Jonathan starts digging graves mumbling something about not taking the move earth cantrip.

Calwin takes over if Jonathan needs a break.

Working together it takes you a good 3 hours to dig proper graves for the two bodies. (Assuming six feet deep and my google search can be trusted) As you are finishing this grim task the sun would be getting low on the horizon. You would see the caravan cresting over the hill after about 2 hours work. 

As for the wagon it is in bad shape though not smashed to pieces. Both right sided wheels are shattered along with the walls on that side and the front axel. The front tongue is broken and would challenging to repair. It looks the cargo was a variety of food stuffs that were probably harvested and gathered from the woods. It is very meager particularly compared to the size of the wagon.

Lu helps with the digging, talking as they work. "I am happy to get Thornton back if that is what we wish. I can also speak with Matreous or one of the other Avowed about these beasts maybe I can get some information for you when you all return. I would appreciate any leads regarding the plague that killed my people. Perhaps we all stay on the guard tonight with the Friendlies and Gunnar's Gang I doubt one of those beasts will stand a chance. Thornton and I can leave at first light."