[Syl Strength check rolled in campaign log 15]

Earlier...

Syl's sea shanty dies in his throat as an alien yet familiar voice whispers in his mind.  He is torn is opposite directions, wanting to both flee and fight.  Strange, he wonders, that the voice of madness would be so eloquent.  He sneers, wishing he had popped a few more of those nasty orcish cocktails before they left the bar.

As the wolves approach, Syl is still pulling his wet boots out of the thick snow.  He stands his ground, unslinging his crossbow but pausing to instinctively cast a spell.   Over his traveling clothes,  hardened, shimmering fishscales pour over him, as though a shirt of liquid armor had just been poured over his head.

[Action:  Cast mage armor.]

((Left Wolf is Wolf A for record keeping, maybe eventually I will get to labelling them better.  Or maybe you all will be efficient enough that I don't need to!))

     Pouncing on the wolves between you and the mine entrance, Dabbert barely catches the side of the first wolf...  But though he barely hit him, the weapon leave a long cut along it's flank almost putting it down with one swing.  Not expecting the wolf to be so injured, Dabbert misjudges his next swing and misses. Thanks to the reach he has with his weapon, he is then able to back away without leaving an opening for either wolf to attack...

     Krumar heads for the trees.  Once under the protection of some twigs and branches (I'd say you have some cover if attacked from range by the wolves (doubtful) but if they come up into melee there's likely no cover unless you climb or something...) Krumar starts shooting insults.  The wolf, unfortunately, is too focused on Dabbert to even hear Krumar's insult (rolled 19 on save) so is unaffected.  Syl plays it defensively and wraps himself in a fishy armor of arcane origin...

     The wounded wolf, perhaps not realizing just how wounded it is yet, rushes and leaps at and bites at the one who wounded it - Dabbert.  It's bite attack misses (10) and it lands on the ground next to Dabbert snarling and salivating.  ((Dabbert does get his reaction attack and if he hit's this one is most likely down...)

     The other wolf in front of the party sees their mate wounded and also runs in and attacks Dabbert.  If their mate still lives they get advantage due to pack tactics but this wolf misses as well (Nat 1 and Nat 2 so it's missing whether their partner lives or not.)  Dabbert now has at least one, perhaps two wolves besides him looking very pissed off.

Initiative:  Dabbert (20) , Sylrieth (19) , Krumar (18) , Two Front Wolves (14) , Jaylan (12) , Three Back Wolves (10) , Nefire & Raevyn (4)

Up Next:  Jaylan...  Who I guess I am botting for now...

     Jaylan, more focused on the rear wolves, holds his position and sends an Eldritch Blast at the most souther wolf as he has the best visual on it at the moment. The blast, unfortunately, goes wide (10) and hits nothing but snow.

   The first rear wolf (rear wolfs have the profile pics) uses it's full movement to join the pack around Dabbert and take it's own bite at the prey.  It's jaws clamp onto his buttocks and dig deep (dirty 20) doing 6 damage to Dabbert's body and untold damage to his pride. 

     The other two rear wolves both move as a team and go after Jaylan (kill him while he's on vacation, that's my policy!) both taking bite attacks.  The first bite hits (19) for 4 damage and the second bite attack has advantage due to pact tactics and grabs a good bite on his side (21) for 9 damage.  Joking aside, Jaylan is not looking well...

Initiative:  Dabbert (20) , Sylrieth (19) , Krumar (18) , Two Front Wolves (14) , Jaylan (12) , Three Back Wolves (10) , Nefire & Raevyn (4)

Up Next:  Nefire & Raevyn then a new round with Dabbert, Syl and Krumar up again...

• Wolf A due west of Dabbert is severely injured.  No other wolves currently hurt.
• Dabbert has a wound from the rear wold directly south of him.
• Jaylan is very wounded by the rear wolves east of him.

Nefire sees the wolves surround Dabbert and know that talking is definitely off the table.  Running South to flank the South wolf with Dabbert, she invokes her rage as she goes.  Once there, she happily swings her greataxe at the wolf that bit Dabbert's butt. 

Swinging hard with Dabbert distracting the wolf, she connects and deals 14 slashing damage.

Feeling as though her words fell on deaf ears, Raevyn can only watch as those around her act rashly, drawing first blood. Too physically drained to maintain her professionalism, the doctor curses under her breath at the unnecessary opening bloodshed. Her eyes follow the crimson stains. Easy to pick a fight when you’re not the one having to patch the wounds. Sure the wolves surrounded them to show threatening force, but a response could have been to just hold at the ready in defence first. From her perspective, they were the ones encroaching on the wolves territory, and perhaps a bit optimistically, she believed there was opportunity for a symbiotic relationship. Now that’d be harder to sell.

Raevyn palms her mask to remove it. There’s visible exhaustion behind her eyes as she pants to catch her breath in the thin cool air. The doctor holds her hands out to make the items in her hands visible. Potion in one, jerky in the other. Popping the cap of the vial with her thumb, she brings it to her lips and swings back the muddied liquid. After swallowing, the doctor waits a moment for the affects to kick in, feeling her pupils begin to dilate and retract, and her vocal cords adjust. Of course, logically this could grossly backfire and produce the same, or even potentially worse, results, but it was worth a shot.

Taking hold of her robes with the emptied vial hand, Raevyn lifts. She boldly steps forth to stand protectively over Jaylan’s body, to bring herself closer, to be face to face with the wolves and to meet their eyes. She gazes intently with purpose, seeking the the hierarchy of the pack. “Lives need not be lost today.” The doctor states clearly, her words meant to appeal to the Delta, and force the Alpha and/or Beta to consider a bargain, should they be present. “I call for truce!” She declares. “And offer sanctuary in my presence for those loyal to a symbiotic partnership with me.” Her words were firm and sincere, and backed up with her extending an ‘olive branch’, jerky. There was more where that came from. Raevyn was willing to promise fresh meat and protection to those who hunted with her, and healing to those already wounded, should any agree.

(Apologies if it feels like I’m trying to do too much. I’m thinking of the following mechanics, please correct as necessary/if needed:)
BA: Potion of Animal Friendship
Action: Spare the Dying on Jaylan
Free Action: Drop rations
(If the potion of animal friendship needs to be an action, then Raevyn has circle of mortality and can cast spare the dying as a bonus action; or be forced to wait next turn if potion/animal friendship takes both action and BA.)

     Enraged by the wolfy ambush, Nefire dashes behind one of the ones threatening Dabbert and with a swing of greataxe she chops a long, deep gash into the side of the beast, killing it.  ((Nefire still has half her movement if she wishes to move up to engage another wolf or anything...))

     On the eastern side of the battlefield Raevyn drinks a potion and offers out some treats to the wolves harrying Jaylan.  It is unclear to anyone exactly what she is doing other than... trying to communicate with the wolves?  Even as she seems to be trying to communicate with the wolf in front of her she reaches back and points towards the wolf Nefire just downed... It's bleeding seems to stop and while it does not heal it also doesn't bleed it.  It's as if the beast is suspended somewhere between life and death.  

     Raevyn then tilts her head a bit, pushing it forward towards the larger of the two wolves near her.  It's not clear if it is working or not but that wolf has become a bit more still than the others and has cocked it's head to one side a bit in a very dog like expression of 'huh?"  ((Raevyn hasn't moved... can if she wants but had no need to for any of that...))

Initiative:  Dabbert (20) , Sylrieth (19) , Krumar (18) , Two Front Wolves (14) , Jaylan (12) , Three Two Back Wolves (10) , Nefire & Raevyn (4)

Up Next:  New round with Dabbert, Syl and Krumar up again...

As the wolf leaps at Dabbert, he raises his halberd, burying it in the beast's chest and tossing the carcass aside.  Before he can get back to the attack, he feels the other's teeth bite into his ass and lets out a yelp as he feels blood run down the back of his leg.  

"My best feature!"  He shouts, trying to turn out of the way as Nefire obliterates the wolf.  "Last time I got bit on the ass I got rabies!"  

Unsure of what is happening, but seeing that things are falling apart behind him, Dabbert calls to Nefire.  

"Nefire, help uh...Doc and Jaylan!  I'll take care of this and come to you!"  

With the wolf in close, Dabbert swings the butt of his weapon and clumsily misses before backing up five feet and lashing out with the bladed end, slashing the remaining wolf and spilling blood.  He brings his weapon up, ready to engage if it moves toward him, but stumbles...

Seeing that Jaylan is struggling with the pups, Syl charges the southernmost wolf and swings a fist, trying to hit it in the nose.  "Bad dog!  "G' on!  Git!"

Unfortunately, he stumbles a little in the snow and his misses completely.

Krumar feeling even more inspired by Dabbert's heroics, or more likely the fact the wolf that's near him is on its last leg, decides to charge out and swing his rapier at the wolf. Krumar bangs on his drum with one hand while wildly swinging his rapier above his head screaming "CHAAAARRRRGGGGEEEE!"

Hit 9 or 11

Damage 7 both rolls 

     Dabbert's reaction strikes down the previously wounded wolf.  Then on his turn Dabbert strikes again, first missing but then putting a hurt on the remaining wolf on his side of the fight.

     Syl moves in to try to help out Jaylan but hurries a bit too much and slips and slides in the snow, his attack thus being much ineffective.

     Krumar, seeing the high heroics of his fellows, and the wounded nature of the closest foe, flies in recklessly swinging his rapier this way, that way, every way except at the actually wolf...  

Front Wolves turn... Just one remaining.

     The remaining alive front wolf moves to position itself between their downed mate and the people who killed her.  Snarling and crouching they take up a defensive position but currently take no other actions.  ((Held action))  ((Krumar can have an attack of opportunity as it moves away from him.  Dabbert slips as he tries, if he tries...))

Jaylan's Turn...  Hopefully the player is back soon but I will bot again for now.

     Jaylan reaches over and grasps his hand with his other hand for a moment.  There is a momentary green healthy glow around his hands that flares... then fades away.  When it is gone Jaylan is left seeming healthier.  Still wounded, but not on the edge of life and death.  ((OOPS!  That is actually a Reaction to the second bite attack that hit him.  My bad!  Jaylan still has full actions this turn.... I need to reread the rings I gave out!))

      Being on the forefront of these wolves and Raevyn Jaylan perhaps has more of an indication that the dark doctor is trying to pull something off.  He looks from the wolves to Raevyn and back again hurriedly trying to decide what to do.  "Hope you know what you're doing," he says over his shoulder to Raevyn and then casts a spell upon himself instead of attacking the wolves.  ((Armor of Agathys cast to give himself some temp HP and damage the wolves if they do attack him.))

Rear Wolves Turn...  Hmmmm....

     The wolf that Raevyn has seemingly been connecting with steps forward with a quick growl when their packmate at the other side of the combat is struck down and bristles... But does nothing else yet.  ((Held action))

     Their companion besides them is also growling and snaps at the other wolf who then snaps back at them with even a bit more fierceness but otherwise does nothing for now..  ((All living wolves have held actions for right now...))

Initiative:  Dabbert (20) , Sylrieth (19) , Krumar (18) , Two One Front Wolves (14) , Jaylan (12) , Three Two Back Wolves (10) , Nefire & Raevyn (4)

Up Next:  Nefire and Raevyn!!

Nefire listens to Dabbert and starts running over to the other two wolves, ready to tear them down next.  As she runs through the snow, high kneeing it the whole way, something seems a bit off to her, but she can't really tell what and then sees the condition Jaylan is in.  Holding her great axe high above her head, she rushes the first wolf she gets to, the southern one.

Swinging it down on the wolf's waiting shoulder, she slashes through, the blood of the wolf splashing the white snow.  

Attack: 21  Damage 16

Raevyn cocks an eyebrow as she glances over her shoulder from Dabbert’s yelp. “Pretty flat feature.” She says as she spots the location of the damage.

Indeed the situation could appear to be derailing, yet at the same time made for a uniquely amusing scene on its own merit. Syl was just missing a newspaper, and Krumar, was well, Krumar. Looking back to the wolf before her, Raevyn maintains eye contact. “Their barks are worse than their bite.” It made sense that wolves may not feel threatened by some, however…

When Nefire’s axe finds purchase, blanketing the snow in fresh blood literally right next to them, it proved that they were also not to be underestimated. Raevyn holds one hand in front of her to keep the main wolf’s attention on her while she reached out with the other one. No, she technically didn’t know ‘what she was doing’, and faith in her decision was starting to slip. The doctor was no animal whisperer, especially in her state of exhaustion, and maybe gave animals more credit on their intelligence, but she was stubborn and believed in a more efficient outcome, thinking long term. Why be the hunted, when they could help hunt? Why cut out strength, when you could recruit it? “Stand down.” She pleads firmly, as if in a desperate attempt to spare lives to unnecessary death. “I ask for your loyalty.” Raevyn repeats, and once again in a show of good faith, she calls upon her Queen’s influence to support saving souls from premature death. Lives need not be lost today… 

     Nefire, in a halfling's berserker fury, rushes east and cuts down one of the two remaining wolves there... Saving Jaylan and Raevyn and Syl...?  Even as the blood is splashing out over across the whiteness of the snow covered land she wonders...

     Raevyn, acting simultaneously, is still trying to make piece between the two packs - people and wolves.  "Stand down." she asks even as Nefire's axe swings.  She says that she asks for the beasts loyalty even as it's companion falls.

     The western wolf, near Dabbert and Krumar, which was standing defensively over it's mate, sees across the battlefield yet another of their kind felled, and with one loud "Yip!" it decides to bug out.  Turning and dashing, it is a flash of white as it tries to escape with it's life.  ((Krumar can take an attack of opportunity if he wishes to as the wolf flees.  Dabbert had one when it entered his range again but had missed already...))

     The remaining eastern wolf, near Jaylan and Nefire and Raevyn, whines as it looks into Raevyn's eyes.  It is a whine of disappointment... of feeling betrayed...  It lets out one quick barking snap of it's jaws as it holds it's eyes locked with Raevyn's then they too turn tail and run for their life.  ((Nefire and Jayland could each have an attack of opportunity on this wolf.  Jaylan is happy to allow it to leave and declines...))  If it can, this wolf books it north and east, heading straight into the cover of the trees and the underbrush and such and hoping to get away.

     Through her via the portion of animal friendship Raevyn feels sure she had some kind of connection with the animal... That if only there'd been more time, less bloodshed...  If only she could have truly made it understand...  Still, perhaps not all hope is lost.  She reaches out to the other fallen wolf to the west and cast Spare the Dying on it as well to at least keep options alive.  Of course the one right there practically at her feet is down as well... But there is still time if to save it as well if more time is not lost.  She hopes... 

Initiative:  Dabbert (20) , Sylrieth (19) , Krumar (18) , Two One Front Wolves (14) , Jaylan (12) , Three Two One Back Wolves (10) , Nefire & Raevyn (4)

Up Next:  Dabbert, Syl and Krumar

     Are we still in combat?  Three dead and dying wolves lay at your feet.  Two remain alive, one of which fled into the entrance to the mines and disappeared, the other which fled into the snow covered foliage and all but did as well...  What next??  ((Outline wolves are stabilized via Spare the Dying... though that's likely only known to Raevyn unless you're double checking the wolf for signs of life or such.))

Syl adjusts his packs and rucksacks as the wolves depart.  "Aye.  Right-o then.  Seems about right... anybody lose any digits or vital bits?  Nah?  Then lets get inside and out of this blasted snow."

Despite his words to keep moving, he stops for a moment to admire the magical armor adorning him.  He's never cast this magic before... never really knew that he could.  He turns this way and that, letting the light reflect off the magical scales.  He flexes a little, then grins a gap-toothed smile.  "Yeah... Old Syl is actually rockin' a little bit harder now, eh?" he mutters to himself.

Jaylan counts all his fingers and sighs in relief

"I have all my fingers but for a moment I thought I was dog food... thanks to the ring of the Tower I am still here... yes please.. let's go inside... just in case they decide to come back and bring more friends... " he say looking to the track the wolves had left in the snow. 

"I'll be bringing friends..." Raevyn walks by Jaylan and reaches out to place a gentle hand on Nefire's shoulder. She'd inhale a breath with the warrior, ensure they were safe, and then step forward to the last downed wolf. The doctor would hum a low haunting melody, mostly to herself, as she kneel down to lay her head against the wolf's side to listen for life. She'd pet it's fur to ease it's breathing to stabilize. Then with that, she'd dig her numbed fingers into the bloodied snow beneath it, and lift. Raevyn would drag the wolf, slowly, but methodically, and a bit clumsily, back through the snow towards the entrance. She'd intend to repeat with the same steps with it's kin. By the time she'd catch up with the others, she'd assume they'd at least have the entrance checked out and cleared for safety.

((All three wolves are stabilized easily enough.  They're not easy to drag over to the mine entrance but Raevyn can manage alone, if she must... Stabilized, Raevyn can then tend to their wounds and do some bandaging and such. (Let's just retcon to say a Healer's Kit or two was requested at the castle so you can add those to your inventory and mark off three uses for the wolves...)  These wolves are not awake yet but since they have been tended to they could wake at almost any time.  Though they would be quite weak, obviously...

     Also note...  The one retreating wolf DID retreat into the mine entrance... So there is that to keep in mind as well.))

Nefire breathes heavy as she comes down from her rage now that the threat was gone.  The hand on her shoulder.. she looks up and sees Rae and smiles.  Her breathing returns to normal and she looks around at the situation through more calm eyes.  She overhears Syl muttering to himself and chuckles, finding the old man quite amusing.

As Raevyn walks over to the first wolf and attempts to save it, the nagging thought of Raevyn trying to converse with the wolf earlier comes back to her.  She walks over to her friend, waits until she appears done with her treatment then asks, "Why are you trying to talk to them?  They attacked us and tried to kill us.  And now we have some fresh meat to eat, I don't understand?"

If the doctor continues to try and move the wolf into the mine entrance, Nefire will help her, along with the other wolves.  But will wonder aloud why Raevyn doesn't see the benefit of getting fresh meat from a righteous kill.

A little bit confused about the doctor’s actions, Jaylan will help her too move the wolves waiting for the reply of Nefire for he has the same questions on his mind.

The Doctor understood their confusion. It was very fair for Nefire to ask her questions. "Did they attack us first?" Raevyn would ask her own. "Do we need the meat?" There was no defense in her tone towards Nefire, simply calm exhaustion as she'd open up another perspective to share her train of thought. "Yes, they surrounded us, and had intent to harm." She'd acknowledge. "However," She pauses to catch her breath before presenting her considerations, and gestures in the general direction of where the one fleeing wolf could have gone. "Perhaps they were defending intruders encroaching within their territory? Perhaps part of this old abandoned mine is their den? " Raevyn would suggest before admitting. "And, perhaps a bit idealistic, but nonetheless," She continues, "Wolves weren't what we, or at least I, came here to take action against. Thus, I calculated that it would be worth the risk to attempt ally-ship first rather than resulting to immediate eradication. Favourable results could have proven to be more efficient on preserving resources, energy and/or magic while potentially gaining benefits from the wolves guidance and survival tactics." The Doctor explains the reasoning behind her decisions.

Krumar looks on a little worried he will become wolf dinner "Uhh I don't want to become mutton for wolves so uhhh can we get on with this and move on?"