"Thanks," Chara says with a smile at Eithne. "Let's put an end to this carnage... and if we're really lucky, maybe still save the child, or at least... we can make sure she gets a proper funeral."

Chara looks extremely sad again as she says the bit about giving the child a funeral... but she's not dumb. The chances are that the child has already perished, as much as the she-devil would like to pretend otherwise.

"Maybe we should take a couple moments to figure out who our warriors and spellcasters are; pairing each spellcaster with a warrior should help us to cover each other's weaknesses."

A chorus of voices in Eithne's head mourns the little girl's fate, as soon as Chara mentions the possibility of having to provide for her funeral... and for once, the last of the dusk elf maidens can't blame them. A child... a child is pure life. Even in a place like Barovia, a child brings joy. He brings hope. He makes people smile even in a small state full of terror and ruled by an incarnate devil. Even in a place like Barovia, a child wouldn't deserve this.

The savage stranger wastes no words to confirm the obvious; she gives a sad nod and prepares to hunt.

At the news of the girl's fate Onika looks sullen, but her expression turns to a grimace of conviction. She's eager for vengeance for the girl.

"I can be a part of either group, but I think I'd be best suited for range. I can also arm others with some ranged weapons. Magic is really my only strong suit, though."

Nikolai thinks, We're taking 'vengeance' on wolves for simply acting according to their nature?  What do we expect them to do, suddenly become vegetarians?  If anyone is to be 'blamed' it is the parents for neglecting their duty, rather than the wolf for fulfilling his.

Of course, he says none of this aloud, and moves to stand with Lucian.  "I can call upon the elements to fight.  Here, you can use this if you like." He hands his light crossbow to the elf, and whispers, "unless you are planning to ....?" and he shrugs. 

Lucian accepts the crossbow...a little awkwardly, "T..thanks." He says, "Um, I've never used one of these before... Its just point and shoot right?" He fumbles with the device for a moment, loading the bolt as best he can and keeping it pointed at the ground. He frowns when Nikolai whispers his question. Unless I'm planning on... what? Had the half-elf heard what Lucian had told Chara? Not that it mattered, he was going to have to tell everyone eventually so if Nikolai knew too that actually made it easier. ...but still, did he think that Lucian had some sort of control over the beast within? He shakes his head slightly, his expression giving way to some concern in spite of his attempts to keep it hidden. 

"I'm sure you'll do fine with it," Chara says to Lucian, giving him a reassuring pat on the arm and a friendly smile. "I trust you."

She hopes that Lucian picks up what she's really saying. She saw how worried the elf was when he heard about the wolves... there's no way that he could possibly be responsible for this, and she doesn't want him to beat himself up just because wolves, or even werewolves, were involved. After her brief exchange with Lucian, Chara stands next to Eithne, ready to do her part for the lost girl.

Nikolai replies, "Oh, sorry, here let me show you," and points out the basics of the simple ranged weapon.  "Pull back here to cock the bowstring, then put the bolt in like so. Then yes, it's pretty much point and shoot.  Oh, this here is the safety latch, so it doesn't go off accidentally.  Before actual combat you'll want to release that."

When he sees Lucian's reaction to his whispered question, he frowns. "Sorry, I overheard you earlier.  It's no big deal to me, I mean, it's not like you volunteered for it, right?  Look, bad stuff happens to everybody in Barovia.  But I won't say anything to anybody if that is your wish."

(OOC: So, the pair ups are: Eithne and Chara, Len and Lucian (with Pietrovich), and Nikolai and Onika. Is that accurate? That's how I made the map, but it's not too late to change)

Having chosen how you'll pair off, you follow Pietrovich slowly toward the clearing. It is daytime, but this is Barovia and the woods are shrouded in fog. Visibility is limited (OOC: you'll have disadvantage on shots longer than 40 ft). There is a light wind blowing from the southeast to the northwest, but it doesn't appear to be dispersing the fog, just stirring it up. Pietrovich tells you he will make a bird call (that of a raven) as the signal to start the fight.

As you approach, Pietrovich directs you toward blinds that he has already chosen. Mostly these are areas of heavy foliage, using tree cover and the fog to obscure your movements. You can hear the wolves and see them dimly in the clearing. The pups are tearing away at something, while the adult wolves alternate between watching the pups and watching the surrounding area. (OOC: Each pair needs to choose someone to roll Stealth for the pair, with advantage). Pietrovich settles down by a rock, directing those with him to wait behind it. 

Lucian watches carefully as Nikolai shows him how to use the crossbow, “Oh, okay. That’s…simple enough. Thanks.” He holds the crossbow with a lot more confidence then before.

When Chara came to reassure him, he offers a smile. It is nice to know she trusts him…though that trust doesn’t amount to much in the eyes of the wolf. …it doesn’t care who trusts it or not. 

He nods a little when Nikolai explains that he had overheard. “It’s fine.” He whispers, voice just a little shaky. “I’d rather you know. Everyone should know. Otherwise…” he trails off, shaking his head. He doesn’t want to talk about it when Pietrovich was still with them. It will have to be addressed after they part ways with the hunter. 

(OOC: I thought Nikolai was going with Lucian and Pietrovich. But I could be mistaken.) 

After last Chara's stealth outstanding performance, Eithne will let her try the stealth check with advantage.

Alrighty then.

Stealth: 10

(OOC: ...looks like all Chara's luck got used up on the last roll that didn't matter at all. Oops.)

"My biggest advantage right now is mobility," Chara says to Eithne as they approach the wolves, taking the gigantic bag off and setting it on the ground. "I can stay off the ground and pummel wolves from above, and I can also heal you if you take any serious wounds. I just hope Pietrovich isn't the type to shoot first and ask questions later when he sees a devil..."

"I also hope..." replies Eithne "For his own sake. Or he'll soon become the 'get chopped by an heavy blade first, wish to have asked questions instead later'. The advantage you are speaking of is too big to be discarded pointlessly; it can save lifes. The one of the child, if we are lucky. And anyway ours!"

"Thanks, Eithne," Chara says with a greateful smile, unfolding her wings. "I'm really not in the mood to get shot with a crossbow while flying just above a pack of ravenous wolves... you know, maybe I should have said something before going into battle... oh well, guess it's a bit late now. He probably saw the horns at least, so it shouldn't be a total surprise."

(Nikolai had intended to go with Lucian, but if the plan requires that he go elsewhere, that's fine.)

Lucian, still feeling a little shaky, looks to Nikolai to lead the way. After his last failed attempt at stealth, he figures it's probably best to let someone else take point. 

(OOC: Nikolai can roll stealth unless he'd rather Lucian do it.) 

Nikolai Stealth 15

Onika sees Len’s heavier armor and takes initiative in their approach.

Onika Stealth: 21

Onika will also prepare for the imminent strike by casting Magic Stone when all groups are in position.

As the two flanking groups do their best to stealthily move into position, wolves clearly begin to sense something is going on. One of the she-wolves hustles the pup into a depression in the rocks, and the others group together, growling and pacing as they attempt to place the threat.

(OOC: Go ahead and roll initiative; those with Pietrovich can get a surprise round in if they like, as they haven't yet been sensed)

Eithne's initiative: 23