The party sets out in Gralgal's wagon first thing in the morning. The ride isn't the most comfortable, but its definitely easier than walking. The morning is warm and slightly damp heralding an afternoon that will be hot and sticky. The morning rolled by uneventful as the party road passed the outlying farms around Meal. A few of the families were out and about tending to either the plants or the animals that would be harvested in only a month or so for the winter that was coming.

True to form, the afternoon quickly warms up, even the slight breeze doesn't offer any relief as it just feels even warmer than the sunlight. As they travel along the well traveled path south, a sight comes into view around a long bend. Three cat or dog like creatures are clustered around something on the ground. That something is apparently bodies as they creatures raise their heads from their feeding, faces plastered with blood. They, as a group, all turn to watch the wagon and take a defensive looking stance.

Everyone except Katrina knows that these creatures are known as Krenshar.

[Private to Alyx: You may ask 2 questions]

[Private to Mephis: You may ask 1 question]

[Private to Moonlight Dalesong: You may ask 4 questions. ]

[Private to Ocean: You may ask 1 question]

[Private to Sylvia: You may ask 1 question]



[Private to DM:
19:02, Today: Secret Roll: Mutant Master rolled 17,10,13,26,15,13 using 1d20+7,1d20+1,1d20+0,1d20+7,1d20+7,1d20+2 with rolls of 10,9,13,19,8,11.  Know (arcana) Alyx, Katrina*, Mephis*, Moonlight, Ocean, Sylvia*.

Alyx: Echolocator (Blindsight 60ft)
      Drawback : Mark of Slavery: Whenever you fail a skill check, you take a –2
       penalty on any skill check or attack roll you attempt before the end of your
       next turn unless it is a part of retrying the failed skill check.

Katrina:

Mephis: Heat/Cold Susceptibility: You take double damage from prolonged exposure to
         extreme heat or cold.
        Rapid Aging: Double your actual age to get your effective age. Your
         effective age determines your ability score penalties. You do not gain any
         of the benefits of aging (increased mental ability scores).

Ocean: PHEROMONE ATTRACTION: Everyone what's to be with her
       THIN SKIN Drawback: You take 1 additional point of damage each time you are
        wounded.
       Never surprised.

Sylvia: Sonic and Electricity Resistance 5
        +2 bonus vs effects with air or electricity descriptors, or that deal
         electricity damage
        ignore the first 30 feet of any fall when determining fall damage
        treats wind effects as one step less severe
        Drawback : Bitter - You have been hurt repeatedly by those you trusted, and
         it has become difficult for you to accept help. When you receive healing
         from an ally’s class feature, spell, or spell-like ability, reduce the
         amount of that healing by 1 hit point.

Krenshar CR 1

XP 400
N Medium magical beast
Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision, scent; Perception +5

DEFENSE

AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+2 Dex, +3 natural)
hp 13 (2d10+2)
Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +1

OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +2 (1d6), 2 claws +2 (1d4)
Special Attacks skullface

STATISTICS

Str 11, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 13
Base Atk +2; CMB +2; CMD 14 (18 vs. trip)
Feats Improved Initiative
Skills Intimidate +1 (+5 to demoralize), Perception +5, Stealth +10; Racial Modifiers +4 Intimidate to demoralize, +4 Stealth
Languages Sylvan (can’t speak)

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Skullface (Su)
As a standard action, a krenshar can pull the skin back from its face, revealing the musculature and bony structures of its skull. This counts as using Intimidate to demoralize an opponent, and is an extraordinary ability. The krenshar can emit a loud screech while peeling back its skin, causing potent fear in a single creature within 100 feet that can see the krenshar. The targeted creature must make a DC 12 Will save or become frightened (if the target has 6 or fewer Hit Dice) or shaken (if the target has more than 6 Hit Dice) for 1d4 rounds. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected again by the same krenshar’s skullface ability for 24 hours. This is a sonic, mind-affecting fear effect. The save DC is Charisma-based.]

PM [Private to GM:
1) How many can I see?
2) Are any likely to be hiding in bushes or are they all most likely all feeding?
3) Do any look like they have mutations?
4) How far away are they?
]

Alyx frowned a bit as he saw the creatures - especially when he saw what they were doing. Or rather, what they were feeding on. His lip curled up in disgust at the sight. "Ugh."

[Private to Mutant Master: About Krenshar I assume?
1) Are they normally scavengers or predators (ie is it likely they killed whoever it is, or is it more likely someone/something else's kill they are just eating?)
2) Do they have any weaknesses?]
This message was last updated by the player at 02:48, Sat 20 Aug 2022.

In reply to Mutant Master (msg # 1):

PM
[Private to GM: 1 Question... does "what does Sylvia know about Krenshar?" count? If not, then -- "what is the best way to get them to leave us alone -- assuming that we don't bother them while eating?"

One additional question that's not about the Krenshar, if possible: do the bodies look familiar (ie, like folks we might have recently seen/interacted in the Tavern)? ]

Mephis speaks quietly to the rest of the group as they gaze upon the feasting creatures "Does anyone remember if it's Krenshar or Kahalastar that make that delicious stew I heard about?"

The Krenshar collectively growl, but don't make any moves forward at this time as Gralgal has stopped the wagon.

[Private to Moonlight Dalesong: 1) How many can I see?

Only the three on the map, but it is possible there are more hiding in the foliage that you can't see

2) Are any likely to be hiding in bushes or are they all most likely all feeding?

More than likely they are all feeding, so the likelihood of more being in the bushes is small.

3) Do any look like they have mutations?

Not that you can tell or at least none that are visible, but it's not unheard of for them, like most wild animals in the irradiated wilds, to have them. You do know that they don't have any standard mutations, but they do have a special ability that makes them more terrifying that other animals. They can have the skin on their faces flutter open to expose the skull beneath which can startle their prey. (aka they can use this to demoralize who they are attacking)

4) How far away are they?

About 100', but this question is free, so you can ask another]

[Private to Alyx: About Krenshar I assume?

Yes

1) Are they normally scavengers or predators (ie is it likely they killed whoever it is, or is it more likely someone/something else's kill they are just eating?)

As far as you can recall, they will hunt live prey, but they have no qualms eating carrion. Many historians surmise that Krenshar, even though they are feline in appearance, are more akin to jackels.

2) Do they have any weaknesses?

They have no known special weaknesses]

[Private to Sylvia: 1 Question... does "what does Sylvia know about Krenshar?" count?

Sorry, that's to broad of a question.

 If not, then -- "what is the best way to get them to leave us alone -- assuming that we don't bother them while eating?"

If they are full, they most likely won't bother you so long as you don't bother them.

One additional question that's not about the Krenshar, if possible: do the bodies look familiar (ie, like folks we might have recently seen/interacted in the Tavern)?

The bodies are over 100' away, so it is very difficult to tell at this point.]

[Private to Mephis: Got it. You rolled the knowledge checks.

Are they edible?

This would be very common knowledge so I'll give this one for free: As they are known to be related to hyenas, you doubt they would be editable by most humans.

And if that doesn't count then are they resistant/immune to slashing damage?

No, they are not resistant to slashing damage that you know of.]

OCC: Let's hold up and let Ocean ask her question before I move the story on. Y'all can talk, but don't take any actions just yet. For the new players, Ocean tends to be very busy on the weekends, so I usually take it easy. I'm also usually busy as I on most Saturdays will run 400+ miles on linehaul, but they didn't have any runs for me today.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:40, Sat 20 Aug 2022.

Katrina took her position with the group and listened.

Sylvia frowned as she looked at the three creatures eating.

"If we keep our distance, they'll eat their fill and then -- most likely -- wander off. So long as we don't disturb them, they'll leave us alone. We can either go around or just wait." She paused, peering at the bodies, before adding, "I vote that we wait. Maybe we can bring some news to their families... even if it's bad news, it might provide some closure."

[Private to Mutant Master: How do the beings react to Music as in can they be swayed by it?]

Ocean at this time mainly keeps her eyes peeled but lets the group take the lead.

(OOC - Had a couple minutes to get this out.  As a heads up I am scheduled to fly out to the Philippines in September for a month.  It should not affect much other than the weekend I fly out and a few days for adjustments.)

I have never been one for killing unless it is necessary.  They are carnivore so.
The elf lets the rest of the sentence go.
If we set ourselves up should they decide they not had enough to eat and we are their next meal that would be wise.  Maybe keep the horse back.  We have to.  No point in putting ourselves in danger just to hurry along.
The elf pulls out two Oatmeal cookies.  Takes a bite of one.  Anybody else want a cookie? He ask the group
Offering the first one to Mephis

[Private to Ocean: How do the beings react to Music as in can they be swayed by it?

Just like most animals, they can be affected by music and some of their breed seem to understand some of the lyrics, though this aspect has never truly been studied as far as you're aware. They are known to be much more intelligent than normal animals, but not human level.]

The party watches the beasts as they watch the party. The two further ones quickly loose interest as they turn to snap at one of the bodies, even fighting slightly over the largest piece. The closest one watches for a little bit longer before it moves back and grabs hold of another body. After a few tries, it finally gets it in its mouth and starts to lop off into the surrounding countryside. The other two watch it leave, look back at the group, and they to run off leaving two badly mangled corpses behind.

OCC: Congrats! No combat was necessary, everyone gets 150xp.

After the party is positive that the creatures are not coming back, Gralgal Mudcoat coaxes the mul forward. Slowly it moves, but the beast is obviously hesitant given the carnage it not only smells, but can see, as it give a nervous whiney snort unique to the offspring of donkeys and horses.

The two bodies are completely unrecognizable as they have been thoroughly dug through and torn to pieces. The inedible parts of the bodies however are strewn all about the road, but have been splattered with blood.

OCC: Do y'all want to go through what's left of these poor souls? What do you want to do with the scraps?
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:59, Sun 21 Aug 2022.

"They are practically animals, no reason to hunt them. I don't think it was Krenshar stew after all. What were they eating? Just animals? Or were those people."

He gets a little green at the thought of being eaten by scavengers.

Sylvia looked around the area carefully, before looking into the back of the cart.

OOC: Is there any indication that these were humanoids (ie, shreds of clothing, equipment, goods, etc)? And does Gralgal's wagon contain shovels or other digging implements?

Alyx hesitated but then spoke up. "Should we check on the...bodies? If they are not animal," He didn't say if they were humanoid, "we could bury them after we check them over if people wanted to. Or leave them as food for scavengers, who need to eat too."

He wasn't try to put his own beliefs on anyone, just feeling out the group. If they didn't care, that was fine. If some of them did, he wouldn't belittle them for it.

They were most assuredly the bodies were people, they just can't be identified.

In reply to Mutant Master (msg # 15):

"We should bury them," Sylvia said. "At the very least, get the remains off the trail so that they don't attract more predators to hunt in this area."

Katrina nodded. "First we should make sure they don't have anything useful or valuable," she said pragmatically.

Moonlight finds a spot just of the track and using one of his crafting tools starts to make a pit to put the remains in.
We should search the area.  If there was fight it maybe did not stay at the road side.

Alyx gave a small shrug and then nodded. "That's fine. I don't mind helping with this task." He paused and then amended. "Or, I suppose, two tasks, if I'm being accurate."

He glanced at Ocean, then Katrina, then Sylvia, then finally Moonlight, just a second each. "Well." He look at Mephis. "Anyone else have a shovel?" He pulled out what looked like a 12-inch iron bar lined with small plates and spikes in various spots. He began to bend it, twist it, and mold it until it looked like a shovel. Mostly.

Sylvia shook her head.

"I don't think I'd be very helpful with that task," she said, and somehow didn't sound happy about that fact. "I guess I'll keep an eye out, in case they return."

She clambered to her feet on the cart, and kept watch while the others worked on the remains.

Katrina stepped over toward Alyx. "If you need digging done, I'm the one to do it," she suggested. She had no shovel but she had muscles.

Alyx looked up at Katrina and gave her a hesitant look for only a second. While he wasn't exactly weak physically, he was certainly nowhere near as impressive a specimen as she was.

He handed her the "shovel" with a small smile. "Far be it from me to stand in your way."