The Automatic Hound (IC)

[zagan]

"I'm sorry, but I must disagree with you brother. If the beast is that dangerous staying together could be our only chance to survive and perhaps to kill it, alone we would be easy prey"

[MOD]

Brother Path

"You speak the truth," Path says to the latest speaker who has still not given his name, "The beast is undoubtedly dangerous, perhaps we could still enact my plan if we use the rooftops as our vantage points and do not engage until everyone has arrived."

Path raises his eyebrows looking at the group for comments or suggestions.

[Darwin]

Perhaps we could talk the sheriff into lending us a few men of the city watch. We could station them around town, and instruct them to sound the alarm if the beast is stopped. That way we won't have to split up, and no matter where the beast shows up, we'll know it.

[Psionic Dog]

Quill looks around the group. "So, our new plan is to spend the night here in town to see for ourselves what comes, and tomorrow after we rest to inspect the stone ring in the forest?"

"I suppose that could work. Men from the town might consent to stand on roof tops, but after the warnings they've given us I doubt any would patrol the ground for us."

Turning to Brother Path he adds:
"For ourselves splitting into groups of two and three might be possible, but even on roof tops I too think it unwise for any to travel alone this night."

[MOD]

Brother Path

Brother Path sighs, "You are right Quill there is a greater safety in numbers I'll just go ask the sheriff then if he can help us get some volunteers stationed. It is a good plan Morrath." He giving Morrath a pat on the shoulder.

As Brother Path turns to leave he notices Kerin still standing there, "Kerin we are going to fight this beast tonight. If you can do anything to aid us in that regard even if it is only prayer to St. Cuthbert it would be greatly appreciated."

Path continues on towards wherever the sheriff is.

[SoD]

"I fear that all I can do is offer shelter, and some healing when you need it. I'll be in the temple tonight, preparing a sermon. If you get badly injured, you know where to find me." Kerin says, and farewells you all. "May the gods look favourably upon you, and may St. Cuthbert bless you this night.".

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Path

After telling you plan to the Sheriff, he looks thoughtful for a moment, before speaking. "I'll ask aroun', but I can't promise anything. Nevertheless, I'll see if any o' the lads are prepared to help out." he replies, before promtly leaving.

Spoiler

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Anything you guys going to do before the evening?

[MOD]

Brother Path

After returning to the group and informing them of the sheriff's reply, "I suggest we all find a place go hide out until the beast arrives, perhaps we can catch him off guard."

[Darwin]

"Excellent. Quill, if you go with me we'll split into two groups. We'll hide on the rooftops, close enough to each other so that once the alarm is raised the other group can reach us quickly. I suggest we stay somewhere near center of town.

He shakes hand with Menshirr and Brother Path before heading out looking for a good hiding spot.

Spoiler

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Search Check to find a suitable hiding place: (1d20+1)[16]
Hide Check to hide from the monster: (1d20+1)[14]

[Psionic Dog]

Quill nodes his assent. "Within eyesight as well possibly. If it helps, I have a grappling hook and rope if anyone needs assistance reaching the rooftops." He adds.

Once Morrath finds a spot Quill plays quietly on his mandalin until the sun starts to sink low, at which point he hides.

Spoiler

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Hide - (1d20+11)[16]

[MOD]

Brother Path

Taking his own advice he spots a likely hiding spot and motions the others to follow him. Brother Path concentrates as inward as night begins to fall and stops himself from glowing with Pelor's light so as not to attract attention. Brother Path negligently forgets to stop himself from providing the loving radiance of Pelor so as not to give himself away.

Spoiler

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Hide! (1d20+2)[3]

[SoD]

As night falls, the Sheriff approaches you with three young men. One is thin, and lithe with brown hair, one with short ginger curly hair and a handlebar moustache seems fairly strong, and the other is rather overweight, also with ginger hair. "This is three of our young men who are willing to help." says the Sheriff, introducing them. "This here's Josh, he works at the bar," indicating the thin lithe man, "Eli Halliwell," the man with the moustache, "and Nick, they work on one of the outlying farms, and have been moved in now that the beast is prowlin' the streets. An' seein' as our boys are helpin' out, you've got me as well."

Shortly after the Sheriff motions to have a private word with Quill.

Quill

The Sheriff looks around to make sure that Nick, Josh and Eli are out of earshot before speaking. "Listen, I'll get straight to the point. I've been the sheriff here for longer than most remember. I'm used to bein' in a fight, but the boys...Josh 'as tried breakin' up a few brawls at the pub, and the others have had to deal with the occasional wolf, but apart from that...nothin'. Keep 'em out o' trouble. They've got weapons for if they need 'em, but I don' want it to have to come to that. I've lived a good life, they've only jus' begun theirs." he says, with a meaninful look.

[Psionic Dog]

Before hiding Quill has a quiet personal word with the new recruits.
"Hey, great to see you two again. Nick, I don't think we've met but I go by Quill. Thanks for volunteering, but remember don't try to be heroic (that's what those new visitors over there are for) They just need the likes of us to help them see, so stay safe and hidden and only wave or shout if you see the demonic wolf thing sulking some place you don't think they can see."


Later that night Quill quietly turns to Morrath: "I hope the locals don't panic or do anything too stupid... even if it would make a better song than us sitting here waiting in the dark. Any idea how much longer before the beast usually makes it's appearance?"

[Darwin]

"As long as they do what they're told we can't be held responsible. I feel little pity for the man getting killed by his own foolish actions."

The bitterness beneath Morrath's harsh words is easy to detect. He shifts his position, and his voice fills with impatience as he goes on.

"Legends tell tales of mysterious things happening at midnight, but you, more than anyone in this town should already be familiar with this Quill. I have no patience for sitting out nights like this on my flat bottom, waiting and doing nothing. If the beast does not reveal itself tonight I shall personally head to the forest and slay the beast first thing in the morning."