Hearing the woman scream wolves to confirm his assumptions, Arno unsheathes the longsword and puts the scabbard onto one of the carts. He wouldn't be needing that part for a while. "Alright, everyone keep together, back to back if need be. Don't let them get on your sides, or worse, get at your back. Watch your throats. Fight smart, not hard here, folks." he says, looking around to those armed, to gauge their average skill. Sure, they had travelled together, but so far it had been rather calmly so. Push was coming to shove, and he didn't feel like ending up in a shallow, snow-clad grave any time soon. At this point, it was the guards and the folk in the wagons he feared for the most.

"I'll have to get to Niels to stop the caravan!" Alma responded to Rhydd, but before she could lay off into a trot Niels came riding down through the deep snow. "No need! A circle is a good idea!" Niels was an aged ranger, clad in a gray woolen cloak, with a mustache just poking out. Even considering the weather, he should have been familiar with the terrain and he absolutely should not have committed such an egregious error. Keeping his hat pinned down with a hand to avoid it being carried away by the wind and pointing to Alma, he shouted; "We need to hurry! You ride up upward, I'll ride downward! We converge around the center!"

Alma made her way up, informing the guard Arno was talking to about the situation as she talked to each of the merchants to get them to turn their carriages. "Good luck, Arno!" When Rhydd came up, the guard nodded before hopping over to the other side to inform the other guard on the opposite side of the caravan.

"Hey!" Dannika caught the guard's attention as he passed by to relay Mallory's information. "There's wolves to the southwest too! Four of them!"

One of the wolves on the hill howled. The distraction team made no effort to conceal their location, having gathered very obviously at the top, and looked about ready to start downward.

Raising his voice so that it might carry over the blustery winds, Rhydd called out "Good work, whoever spotted those wolves coming in from the other side!"

And he meant it. If they had not been noticed, the second group of wolves might have slammed into the unwary caravaneers sight unseen, whilst the travelers concentrated their attention on the group of predators who had sky-lined themselves up on the top of the hill.

~Come on, Rhydd. Pay attention!~ he chided himself. ~ You should have suspected that there was a second group of wolves, and spotted them yourself. Mistakes like that can get a man killed.~

---

OOC: Now that he is aware that there are two groups of wolves, Rhydd will turn his attention to the group that he judges will most quickly close the distance and attack the caravan.

I rolled a Survival Check in case it is needed, but I think that it could be argued that given his background as a local hunter/trapper/guide, Rhydd would routinely be familiar with common wolfpack tactics.

 15:02, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 14 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 10.  Survival Check re: Wolfpack Tactics.

---

Rhydd's Survival Check (14): Optimally, the stealth-group, being extremely hard to spot through the darkness and whiteout, would hit a moments notice before the hill-group, taking the caravan by surprise and drawing focus away from the much more overt distraction force. This way they would achieve their desired effect and be able to fight all at once in order to suffer minimal losses.

But then again, they were animals - who knew how refined their hunting tactics were.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:31, Sun 13 Dec 2020.

Farwalker hummed thoughtfully to herself, then moved to steady Mallory. "Be at ease. Panic will only cause more harm than good. We travel in a group for occasions such as these." Her hands were very large, and unsurprisingly strong, but gentle. "I am a guide throught the beaty of the night. It is within my power to keep most everyone safe." And that was that. Once she was certain that Mallory wouldn't be trying to damage the cart with her body, Farwalker slid her bag from her shield and made to hop down from the wagon, and to trudge as close to the center as she could.

She wasn't wearing gloves, so it was easy enough to make sure her shield was properly on her arm, stars seemingly reflecting off it's black surface. She'd just had the thing repainted, and didn't particularly look forward to finding another painter on par with the last. For now it was just waiting, keeping as close to the center as she could while keeping an eye out for the wolves. Hopefully her timing wasn't off.

---

OOC:

So a 19 on perception. My idea here is to time it so that she gets off one 'round' of her Channel Divinity so that everyone is under it's effect before the wolves arrive.

Today: Farwalker rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Forgot Disadvantage.
Today: Farwalker rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Perception

"I'm going out to face off against the wolves that are coming in from the southwest," Rhydd announced to any who were within earshot. He found himself wondering whether Niels and Alma would be able to goad the merchants into circling up their wagons before the wolves hit. He supposed that it would depend upon how far away the two groups of wolves were, and how fast they were closing.

Putting his words into action, Rhydd stepped over to the side of the caravan where he judged that the second group of wolves would strike, and peered into the swirling snow . . .

---

OOC: DM, I was not sure whether a Perception Check would be needed in order for Rhydd to spot the oncoming wolves, since he knows (more or less) where to look for them. In case it is needed, here it is:

12:34, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 24,10 using d20+4,d20+4 with rolls of 20,6.  Perception Check re: Oncoming Wolves (w/Disadvantage).

Notes: Also, I was not certain whether the Disadvantage to Perception Checks still applies, since presumably the wolves are closing the distance, and Rhydd knows where to direct his eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Mon 14 Dec 2020.

As Rhydd moved off slightly, Arno turns and looks to him.

"Just don't stray from the caravan, wouldn't want you flanked by a pack." he calls out, his sword gripped in both hands, and angled slightly forward, ready to strike incoming foes. Now that they all knew danger was about, he wasn't gonna let his guard down.

The merchants worked quickly to get their carriages arranged in a circle. "The horses!" Niels called out, him and Alma having gathered by Arno, where Rhydd previously was. "Turn them toward the center, they can't get spooked!" Fortunately some of them heard him and started relaying the information. Niels and Alma unstrapped their own shortbows.

The wolves had started down the hill, running as fast as they could. Though they were clear targets, the darkness still made them hard to pinpoint as they kicked up snow.

---

Not my prettiest work, but it will have to do for now: Battlemap
1 square = 5 feet.
Let me know if you feel I've made a mistake in the set-up.

Order of initiative:

• Rhydd (22, wins tie with Mallory by having a higher Dex score)
• Mallory and Astre (22)
• Wolves (19)
• Niels, Alma, Guards, and Merhcants (-)
• Farwalker (11 15)
• Arno (6)

(I make the NPCs act simultaneously as enemies to maintain flow. Typically I will deem who goes first on a case by case basis. In this scenario Niels and Alma will act first, followed by guards, then merchants.)

Wolf AC so you know whether or not your attack hits: 13
Ranged attacks made into darkness has disadvantage.
Wolves to the southwest can only be attacked if you succeed on a DC 16 Perception check (w/ disadvantage due to the darkness). Astre does not need to roll again, so as long as Mallory looks through his eyes she knows where they are.


Edit: Changed the battlemap to take Farwalker's last post into consideration.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:50, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Rhydd caught a glimpse of the Wolves that were closing with the caravan -- their motion helped him spot them, he felt certain -- if they had been still, he was unsure if he would have seen them amidst the whirling snow.

"Four wolves to the northwest, 40 or 50 feet away!" he called out, raising his voice in the hopes that he would be heard over the blustery winds. Everyone should have been aware of the Wolves by now, but in his experience there was always some lackwit who was not paying attention.

He already had an arrow nocked, so he raised his bow in a smooth, long-practiced motion, sighted, and fired on one of the oncoming Wolves. He could tell from the beast's reaction that he had scored a solid hit . . .

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak.

Move: None.

Action: 14:13, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 9 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 2.  Ranged Attack on Wolf (AC 13).

14:16, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Superiority Die-Roll (Precision Attack) .

Total Attack Roll: 17. Hit.

14:16, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7.  Damage (Longbow).

Miscellaneous: 14:28, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 7 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 4.  Temporary Hit Points.

Notes: Rhydd aimed at the Wolf in Square M-9. He used a Superiority Die, and has three remaining (expended dice refresh after a short or a long rest). He has the "Archery" Fighting Style (+2 to Attacks with ranged weapons).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Mallory startled a bit at Farwalker's reassurances - somehow she didn't quite seem to hear her properly, as if deaf on top of being blind - and jerked back at first brush.  Being urged to sit once more didn't do much good either as the fretful young woman immediately scrabbled about to stick her head out into the bluster... an action she instantly regretted as soon as the bitter wind made her skin ache on contact.

"Oh gods, oh gods, oh gods..." she whined and whimpered even as, just above her atop the wagon, her feline companion remained attentive in his passing gaze about the impromptu battlefield.  Why were they in a fight?  Why was there such danger on - presumably - the main road?!  Despite her confusion and fear Mallory hurriedly cupped her hands together around a whisper of arcane words that gathered amid her palms like sparkling dust, growing brighter with each utterance.

"Spirits of the Slumbering Realm, dancing amid moonlit shade.  Steal away the furtive worries of mortal hearts and lay with me, perchance to dream." a low incantation swirled from her lips along with the steam of her breath.  With a little 'hup!' she tossed the motes upward to her Familiar who, with a swift flap of his wings, scattered it out into the winds and onto the heads of the approaching wolf pack.

---

Mallory will Ready an Action for when the second group of Wolves comes within 30 feet of the wagon circle.  She's casting a spell without an attack roll requirement, so it should be fine regardless of visibility since she has Astre as well.

Readied Re/Action: Mallory will upcast "Sleep" at 2nd level, attempting to hit all (or at least the majority) of the second wolf pack.  She wants them to fall asleep within range of the wagon's defenses so they can be picked off easily.

Total HP affected: 29
Mallory Bonheur rolled 29 using 7d8 (blech, really low roll for an upcast spell)

Just for the sake of clarity, Mallory isn't casting a spell through her Familiar.  The description is just for the sake of flavor.

Rhydd's arrow was set to fell the beast, but either Rhydd's eyes had deceived him and the hit had not been as dead on as he had thought, or a miracle backed the wolf, urging it on. It continued to charge into the caravan's defenses alongside its brethren, ramming into the guard closest to Rhydd despite the arrow firmly lodged in its neck. The guard was knocked down into the snow. Another wolf hit Rhydd, but he managed to fend off the bite.

Dannika had watched in amazement as Farwalker strode into the middle of the caravan, weaving her blessing unto everyone in the vicinity, and now watched Mallory as she cast her spell. "Wow, good thing you're here!"

High in the air, Astre deftly scattered the dust, adjusting for the heavy winds to carry it to the wolves below. While Astre had spotted the wolves, the wolves had not spotted Astre, none-the-wiser as they continued to prowl closer. One briefly stopped upon contact with the dust, wrinkled its nose, and sneezed before falling asleep. The magic was sufficient to affect one more wolf, but scarcely coated the fur of a third one.

Had Arno not been warned of the oncoming ambush it would surely have caught him by surprise, but as the wolves emerged from the darkness and into the caravan's light he was able to glean them from the surroundings. There were not four of them, as was warned, but two. Though much less dire, the wolves still coordinated their attacks and bit him firmly in the leg.

Alma and Niels both hit the biting wolf with their shortbows, swiftly felling it.

Salim, the guard that was knocked prone, scrambled to stand upright in face of the snarling wolf. He drew his shortsword and lashed out. His fellow guard, Mikel, fired his crossbow at a nearby wolf. Both of them missed their targets.

The merchants had taken to lighting torches, in case the wolves managed to irk through the outer defenses.

---

Battlemap.
1 square = 5 feet.

Arno takes 9 6 piercing damage from a wolf bite, reduced by Heavy Armor Master.
The wolves on AD32 and AG31 have fallen asleep.
The wolf on Q16 is heavily wounded.
The wolf on AE20 is dead.
The guard on S17 is wounded.

Order of initiative:

• Rhydd (22, wins tie with Mallory by having a higher Dex score)
• Mallory and Astre (22)
• Wolves (19)
• Niels, Alma, Guards, and Merhcants (-)
• > Farwalker (15)
• Arno (6)

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:03, Sat 19 Dec 2020.

Farwalker stood in the center and stared up at the sky, as she had so many times before. The blizzard wasn't exactly the best view, but it was still a beautiful one, in it's own way. It would be a shame to ruin the moment, but something was already coming along to do that. She rolled her shoulder at that though, settling the shield on her arm just a little more. It was a heavy thing, even for her. But that's what happens when it's made entirely of steel.

She eyed the battered edge of it thoughtfully, and then slammed the back of her axe into it, letting sparks fly into the air and get carried away by the wind. But that was the point, and the still burning sparks exploded into an aurora around her, swirling and dancing with the storm.

When the wolves neared and the battle commenced, a lance of light sparked out of the aurora, striking towards the most heavily injured wolf.

---

OOC:

Movement: N/A
Action: Sacred Flame to most injured wolf. DC 12 Dex Save
Bonus Action: N/A

Don't forget about your free Temp HP! (This also applies to the guards >.>)

With longsword in both hands, Arno held fast as the wolf closed its fangs around his leg. Luckily, feeling the rejuvinating influence of Farwalker's weaving, the hit did not feel as bad as he had feared, and luckily, the thick protection of the boots took most of the brunt anyhow. Though with some quick footwork, he switched his stance, and aimed to bring his sword down hard on the other wolf that was close by. He made a quick motion with his hand across the length of the sword, causing it to ignite with bright flame, and then made a trained arc down at it.

---

Bonus Action: Searing Smite.
Adds 1d6 Fire Damage to Target.
Target must succeed a Con save vs DC 13 or take 1d6 additional damage.
On a successful save, the spell ends.

11:39, Today: Arno de'Lyon rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  Arno temp HP.

4 Temp HP before Wolf attack, reducing it to 2 damage total suffered.

Action: Attack
Attack Roll: 15 vs AC, 12 Slashing + 3 Fire Damage

11:47, Today: Arno de'Lyon rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Attack Roll (Longsword, +5) vs Wolf.
11:49, Today: Arno de'Lyon rolled 12,3 using 1d10+3,1d6.  Longsword (Versatile) damage (Slashing), Searing Smite damage (Fire).

The oncoming Wolves closed quickly with the defenders who were clustered near to the wagons of the caravan. One of the beasts singled out Rhydd and was soon too close for the archer to get off another shot.

Without turning away from his attacker, Rhydd reached behind him and dropped his bow lightly so that ended up leaning against a nearby wagon -- he did not want it lying lengthwise in the wet snow.

Drawing his rapier, he lunged at the Wolf, only to have the blade miss the beast. Rhydd scowled in aggravation -- he knew that he was better with his bow, but he prided himself upon being able to give a good account for himself with his blade.

~Going to have to do better than that, Rhydd-me-lad,~ he thought to himself, even as he brushed some snow out of his face with his free hand.

---

OOC:

Object Interaction (Free Action): Draw rapier.

Move: None.

Action: 12:27, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 7 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 2.  Melee Attack v. Wolf (AC 13). Miss.

Notes: I do not believe that Rhydd can unsheathe his blade and ready his shield in the same turn (at least, not without using his Action for the round to ready his shield), so his AC is still at 15.

Mallory paid no heed to the grateful remarks issued her way for the sake of her magics - she was quite preoccupied in that moment with a rather unusual look about herself.  Eyes still glassy white and blind to the world, head tilted back as if she were not in control of her own movements; a plume of constant steam wafted from her parted lips as the flow of magic spilled out without pause seemingly of its own accord, escaping from her rather than being blown by her.  The heat of her breath on the frozen wind was laced with glimmering dust that whipped and whirled, driven out by Astre's busy wings into the darkness beyond.

Action: Mallory will upcast "Sleep" at 2nd level again
Mallory wants to target the first pack of wolves to the west.  If the spell only targets enemies and won't affect her allies, she'll drop it right in their midst at R-17 to catch all of the wolves in its reach.  If it would also affect allies, however, she'll instead target it at N-17 so that it'll just catch the three western-most Wolves.

Total HP Affected: 49
Mallory Bonheur rolled 49 using 7d8 (that's more like it!)

The wolf Farwalker kept in her eye had glanced upward, noticing the aurora as it was bathed in its green light. When the lance shot downward, it jumped aside, letting only the snow in its wake spatter in the impact.

Arno, however, did not miss. His sword, heavy and true, sliced a cut deep enough to fell any wolf. It collapsed at his feet. On his side, there were no more wolves approaching, the threat having seemingly been taken care of. “Where’s the rest? There were supposed to be four!” Niels yelled and Alma nodded. Both of them had failed to see Mallory cast her spell amid the spectacle of the caravan rearrangements. Niels peered over the landscape to see if they still laid in wait but could not spot their winter coats against the snow through the darkness.

The wolf by Rhydd, having deftly dodged the swing of the rapier, managing to barely find an opening and sink its teeth into his side.

Before Salim could lunge at the wounded wolf just next to him it fell into a seemingly inexplicable slumber. He stared with surprise, seeing two other wolves in the pack had fallen asleep as well. The guard beside him stabbed his sword through the sleeping wolf, ending him. Salim waded through the snow, over to Rhydd to lend his aid and thrust his sword into the snarling wolf's shoulder.

---

Battlemap.
1 square = 5 feet.

Rhydd suffers 6 piercing damage.
The wolf on U15 suffers 2 piercing damage and is the only enemy still conscious.

Order of initiative:

• Rhydd (22)
• Mallory and Astre (22)
• Wolves (19)
• Niels, Alma, Guards, and Merhcants (-)
• > Farwalker (15)
• Arno (6)

This message was last edited by the GM at 07:58, Tue 22 Dec 2020.

The last wisps of that strange, glimmering magic eased from Mallory's slack mouth into the air and...

ki-^chuu!

...she suddenly startled back into a sense of lucidity as she gave the tiniest of little kitten-sneezes that blew one lingering puff of sparkles out her chilled nostrils.  "Ugh, why does that always go right up my nose?" she grumbled to herself as she rubbed her face into the crook of one arm, but pointed out into the snowy darkness with the other.  "The other two wolves are asleep fifty paces to the south-east!  There!"

Free Action: Mallory directs attention to where the other two Wolves she put to Sleep lay.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Tue 22 Dec 2020.

Niels briefly tried to locate the person who was talking to him, seeing the bundled woman next to Dannika. "Got it!" He laid out with his horse, Alma on tow, and dissapeared beyond sight.

Farwalker once again channeled through the aurora swirling above her, calling forth another lance that struck towards the wolf engaged with Rhydd.

---

Slightly updated Battlemap.
Since technically no one has acted since Mallory's last post I'll use the ranger's movement now.

The wolf on U15 takes a whopping 1 damage from Farwalker's Sacred Flame and is very much still alive.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:12, Mon 28 Dec 2020.

Arno had a hunch that there would be no more wolves on this side, but the animals were a clever bunch when it came to hunting tactics. As such, he remained on this flank, just to make sure the civilians weren't set upon.

"Just stay where you are, if there are more, I'll protect you."

He keeps his sword at the ready, looking out into the snow, but also glancing to the other side of the group to make sure that side did not get any more problems. They seemed to be keeping it together though.

Rhydd had narrowed his eyes, squinting into the blustery winds and blowing snow, as two of the Wolves attacking on his side simply lay down in the snow, without suffering any obvious wounds. ~Magicks?~ he wondered to himself. ~If so, I need to treat someone to some ale -- or wine -- once we reach Bryn Shander.~

The only Wolf that was still active on his side of the wagons was the one that was still trying to make him its meal. As soon as he had the opportunity, he slipped his left arm through the strap of his linden-wood shield, and stabbed at the attacking Wolf with his rapier. It had snapped at his leg with its sharp teeth only a short while before, but the Northman had felt none of the pain that he had expected from such an attack. ~More magicks?~ he found himself wondering. ~I shall have to ask around when time allows.~

---

OOC:

Object Interaction: Ready shield.

Action: 13:01, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 9 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 4.  Melee Attack v. Wolf in U-15 (AC 13). Miss.

Notes: Rhydd has suffered 6 points of Damage, leaving him with one Temporary Hit Point. Thanks, Farwalker! :) Rhydd's AC is now 17 (armor, Dex, and shield).

For Rhydd's three Attacks, I have rolled two 2's and now a 4. One of these days, I'll roll in the double digits! It is a good thing that other PCs are picking up the slack, or else Rhydd would be the Wolves' dinner by now!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Tue 29 Dec 2020.

There were indeed magics at play in the frostbitten air; cascading sparkles of faint light that gleamed across the fur of the unconscious wolves, holding them down in a supernatural slumber.  What there was not, however, was a bold spellcaster leaping into the fray as Mallory quite immediately hunkered herself back down in the back of the wagon when Arno moved in with a declaration of protection.

"Just stay where you are, if there are more, I'll protect you."

"Yes, please do!" the young woman yelped as she cloistered herself amid the security of obscuring cargo.  Outside, meanwhile, her winged feline companion continued to gaze about with glowing eyes keen on the surrounding battlefield, ever astute while his master cowered away.

Familiar - Perception check for any other trouble or noteworthy events outside
Mallory Bonheur rolled 24 using 1d20+5

The wolf still left fighting, outnumbered and wounded from Farwalker's swirling lights, shrewdly surveyed the battlefield. Whether or not he realized much of his pack was sleeping and not dead was hard to know from his reaction, but what it did betray was the realization he was now fighting by his lonesome. He snarled as he slowly backed off, deciding to cut his losses. The moment he had put enough distance between him and the caravan he turned tailed through the snow and dissapearing into the blizzard. Tomorrow he might starve, but today he might live.

Mallory, through the eyes of Astre, followed his trajectory as he fled up the hill from whence he came.

Niels and Alma returned from the darkness, Niels holding his hat as he shouted to Arno: "One wolf has been dealt with! The other one got up and ran!"

---

Battlemap.
1 square = 5 feet.

The two conscious wolves disengage and flee. Combat ends unless they are pursued or attacked.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:55, Wed 30 Dec 2020.

"Even the beasts waste away in this endless night." Her aurora still swirled around her, and would for a little bit longer, little pieces breaking off to float around anyone that touched it. It soothed fear and simply made people feel more alive. Or maybe just a bit healthier. It did nothing for exhaustion, sadly. She could dismiss it, but she just liked how it looked.

With a simple series of words, a short prayer to the beauty of the stars, and Farwalker's voice cut through the wind. "Perhaps it would be best if the sleeping wolves were put down. The loss of life is a tragedy, but I do not wish for them to attack us when we are less prepared." It wasn't that she was shouting, it was just that she was loud. Magic was useful like that. "If anyone was injured outside or through my protection, come see me. Where we walk, we walk in light of night and no injury shall last into the dawn." The last was said with the intonation of a prayer. Which made a lot of sense given who was saying it.

"Whatever you plan to do with them, do it quickly!  The magic will only keep them asleep for another few moments!" Mallory's voice insisted from within the safety of the wagon as the woman herself didn't seem keen to poke out into the blizzard again if she could help it.  She'd used such spellwork to ease others who had trouble sleeping into a relaxed slumber for the night since one laid in bed had no inclination to awaken when the magic faded.  But, with the howling winds and aching cold in the air, she had no doubt the wolves would spring awake as soon as her supernatural influence was spent.

I know there aren't any Coup de Grace rules in 5e, but the sleeping wolves have the "Unconscious" condition, meaning they automatically fail STR/DEX saving throws, attacks against them have Advantage, and melee attacks are auto-crits.  I would assume that two melee combatants per wolf could rather easily dispatch them one at a time without us having to go through the slog of whittling HP away in turn order.

As Mallory calls out, Arno looks to Niels and Alma, gives them a nod, then jogs over with sword still in hand (held by the blade, handle forward for easier movement) and moves up to the wolves who are.. Asleep? He must have missed that part. He agreed with Farwalker, and unless someone intervened to stop him, would raise his sword and put them out of their misery.