Melinda’s Grapple check (FW1): 1d20+10 = 29

FW1’s Grapple check: 1d20+15 = 33 (Success)

I was all too conscious of my predicament. I had seen what had happened to people who were captured by these cultists. I had no intention of joining their victims. But my struggles were futile against the much stronger werewolf.

I could hear Frostmane’s growl from the other side of the gate, impatient at not being allowed into the fray. Hopefully, Siora would work quickly. For both our sakes.

FW1’s Grapple Check (Melinda): 1d20+15 = 34

Melinda’s Grapple check: 1d20+10 = 11 (Fail, Pinned)

The werewolf was easily stronger than me, and, despite trying to fight back, I was forced to the ground, face down, my hands twisted behind my back. That was bad enough, but then I felt the second set of clawed hands, and the touch of a rope against my skin. The second werewolf quickly bound my wrists and ankles together, effectively removing me from the fight.

Vestele’s CL Check: 1d20+9 = 17 (Success)

FW2’s Will Save (Charm Monster): 1d20+6 = 15 (Fail)

Vestele’s Charisma Check: 1d20+2 = 22

FW2’s Charisma check: 1d20-1 = 14 (Fail)

Vestele was on point, thankfully, and I could hear her casting a spell from the platform. The next instant, I felt the werewolf that bound me stiffen. I could hear the smile in the priestess’s voice as she said, “Kill that werewolf!”

Siora must have ignored all that. I couldn’t see her, obviously, but I could still hear Frostmane’s impatient growls. “Halfway there!”

FW2’s Use Rope check: 1d20+14 = 29

Melinda’s Escape Artist check: 1d20+9 = 25

I tried to slip free from the ropes, but it was no use. The werewolf, despite his rough hands, had tied his knots well. I wasn’t getting out of this without help.

I could hear Frostmane on the other side of the gate. It must be killing the wolf to be trapped on the wrong side of the barrier when there was a fight going on. He was not one to sit back and let others have all the fun, after all.

FW2’s AoO (FW1): 1d20+15 = 35 (Crit Threat)

Confirm Crit: 1d20+15 = 27 (Crit)

Damage: 2d4+8 = 11 (Slashing) (DR 5/Silver)

FW2’s Attack (FW1): 1d20+19 = 23 (Miss)

The werewolf that had tackled me out of the air lifted me up onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, drawing a slash of the charmed werewolf’s claws. But the werewolf ignored it, and turned to carry me off into the mine. Because of how I was being held, I saw as the second werewolf drew a longsword wreathed in flame, and came running after us, but his attack was not good enough to break my captor’s defense.

Vestele’s STR check: 1d20 = 4 (Fail)

Vestele used her wings to fly easily to the ground. She did not give chase to the werewolves. Instead, she turned, and looked at the gate. It was barred shut by a heavy beam across the doors. Unfortunately, she was no brute warrior, and it showed as the beam refused to budge when she pushed. “The door is barred, and I can’t get it free!”

Siora grunted, but continued her work. “Almost there! Just a little bit more and I’ll have it!”

Melinda’s Escape Artist check: 1d20+9 = 26 (Fail)

Not having anything better to do, and being more than a little unhappy with being hauled off like a sack of potatoes, I tried to escape again. Unfortunately, the knots had not magically unknotted themselves, much to my mounting displeasure. “You know if you let me go, I promise to kill you quickly.”

Frostmane tensed, ready to spring the moment the ward was down. “Hurry up! We don’t want to go chasing the wolves through this hole!”

Fiendwolf Sorcerer’s CL Check (FW2): 1d20+10 = 30 (Dispelled)

Then, I heard a growl of another werewolf nearby, a third one, maybe female? “Shut up, pretty little prey, and maybe we’ll eat you before we eat you.” Then the voice uttered a spell, and I could see the charmed expression fall from Vestele’s pet’s face. Well, fuck.

The next thing I knew, my head was ringing as I was thrown, none too gently, to the stone floor of the mine. As I looked up, I saw that there were, indeed, three werewolves standing around me, but one of them was wearing a mage’s robes. As I wondered about that, the two warriors that had been outside turned and faced the entrance side-by-side, their blazing swords in hand. Shit, this was getting bad.

Vestele’s STR Check: 1d20 = 16 (Success)

With a mighty (for her petite frame) effort, Vestele managed to heave the blocking beam from its place across the gates. Staggering back, she called out, “The gate’s unbarred! You can come through as soon as the trap’s undone!”

Fiendwolf Acolyte’s CL check (FW1): 1d20+10 = 27 (Success)

FA’s Cure Moderate Wounds (FW1): 2d8+10 = 20

A fourth werewolf, this one bearing armor marked with Malar’s symbol, came up next to me, and placed a clawed hand upon the werewolf’s shoulder, and used a healing spell on the creature. Looking down at me, and the holy symbol I wore around my neck, he said, “And what would a little Aurilite be doing so far from the icy cold of the northlands, hmm?”

Frostmane’s readied action (Move)

Outside, the Beguiler cried out, “HA! Done! All right, Frostmane, it is safe!” As she spoke, she opened the gate, so that the wolf could charge through, and followed after him. They stopped when they found themselves facing the four wolves.

Melinda’s Escape Artist Check: 1d20+9 = 16 (Fail)

Seeing my friends coming to my rescue, I tried again to free myself, but, unfortunately, that wasn’t happening anytime soon. I was nowhere near slippery enough to escape those bonds. “Glad you made it!”

Frostmane’s attack (FW1): 1d20+19 = 35 (Hit)

Bite Damage: 1d8+14 = 18 (Piercing) (DR 5/Silver)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 6 (Cold) (Cold Resistance 10)

Frostmane’s Trip attempt: 1d20+13 = 18

FW1’s STR check: 1d20+4 = 7 (Fail, Prone)

Frostmane’s jaws clamped down upon one of the werewolf warriors, and threw him to the ground. Looking past the wolves, he chuffed. “Silly bird. If you’re going to flit around, don’t fly where the wolves can catch you!”

FS’s Scorching Ray (Frostmane): 1d20+5 = 21 (Touch) (Hit)

Damage: 4d6 = 10 (Fire) (+50% vulnerability)

FS’s Scorching Ray (Frostmane): 1d20+5 = 20 (Touch) (Hit)

Damage: 4d6 = 11 (Fire) (+50% vulnerability)

The Sorcerer unleashed a pair of fiery rays from her clawed hand, both causing Frostmane to howl in pain. “Silly pup. You should just be a good dog like the others and serve the Beastlord’s will!”

Frostmane’s AoO (FW1): 1d20+19 = 38 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+14 = 19 (Piercing) (DR 5/Silver)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 2 (Cold) (Cold Resistance 10)

Frostmane’s Trip Attempt: 1d20+13 = 21

FW1’s STR Check: 1d20+4 = 10 (Fail, Prone)

FW2’s Attack (Frostmane): 1d20+18 = 21 (Miss)

FW2’s Attack (Frostmane): 1d20+13 = 17 (Miss)

FW2’s Attack (Frostmane): 1d20+8 = 24 (Miss)

FW2’s Bite (Frostmane): 1d20+12 = 27 (Miss)

Frostmane’s target tried to stand, only to get thrown back to the ground by the white wolf, before he managed to get back to his feet. The other warrior lashed out at the white wolf, his flaming sword scratching the ice of Frostmane’s armor a couple times. In a fit, the werewolf attempted to bite Frostmane, but couldn’t get past his defenses.

Vestele’s Cure Moderate Wounds (Frostmane): 2d8+9 = 21

Vestele placed her hand on Frostmane’s back, unleashing a healing spell into him. “We’ll keep you going, Frostmane. Get rid of these mangy werewolves!”

“Mangy? Heathen! Don’t think that hiding behind this wolf will save you from our wrath!” The werewolf priest snarled at Vestele, and began casting a spell.

Siora’s CL Check: 1d20+9 = 27 (Success)

FS’s Will Save (Charm Monster): 1d20+6 = 21 (Fail)

Siora took a step forward, into the gap between Frostmane and the wall. Pointing at the sorcerer, she cast another of her charms, and the sorcerer’s face went blank. “Quickly, dear, go and cut my friend free of her bonds.”

Melinda’s Escape Artist check: 1d20+9 = 10

I was thankful for Siora’s quick thinking, as I was having absolutely no luck fighting my way free of these bonds on my own. “Good thinking, Siora. See if you can take another of them out of play, at least for a bit. They’re way tougher than the wolves we’ve fought before.”

Frostmane’s attack (FW1): 1d20+19 = 33 (Hit)

Bite Damage: 1d8+14 = 20 (Piercing) (DR 5/Silver)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 4 (Cold) (Cold Resistance 10)

Frostmane’s Trip attempt: 1d20+13 = 26

FW1’s STR check: 1d20+4 = 11 (Fail, Prone)

Frostmane once again bit down upon the werewolf in front of him, and threw him to the ground. “Tougher and smarter. None of the others ever tried to take prisoners.”

FS’s Sunder Attack: 1d20+10 = 23 (Hit)

Damage (Ropes): 1d4+4 = 5 (Destroyed)

Melinda’s Iron Vulnerability: 1 damage

Speaking of prisoners, I hissed as I felt the burning touch of cold iron against my skin, as the Sorcerer bent over me. But I kept still, despite my desire to get away from the nasty blade. The little damage I took from the blade was worth it, as the next instant my hands and feet were free.

Frostmane’s AoO (FW1): 1d20+19 = 39 (Crit Threat)

Confirm Crit: 1d20+19 = 25 (Normal Hit)

Damage: 1d8+14 = 16 (Piercing) (DR 5/Silver)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 2 (Cold) (Cold Resistance 10)

Frostmane’s Trip Attempt: 1d20+13 = 24

FW1’s STR Check: 1d20+4 = 23 (Fail, Prone)

FW2’s Attack (Frostmane): 1d20+18 = 19 (Miss)

The werewolves were continuing to not have any luck. Frostmane’s target again tried to stand, only to get thrown to the ground once more. Unfortunately for his comrade, this time one of his feet flung out to the side as he fell, knocking the other warrior’s sword arm, causing him to lose his grip on his blade. He quickly recovered the blade, but had lost his window to attack.

Vestele held up her symbol of Malcanthet, and called out, “The Queen’s blessing be upon you all! Kill these uncouth vermin!” A crimson light surrounded each of us, even the charmed sorcerer, and I could feel myself being inspired to attack.

Fiendish Dire Wolf’s Attack (Vestele): 1d20+11 = 27

Damage: 1d8+10 = 16 (Piercing)

Fiendish Dire Wolf’s Trip attempt: 1d20+11 = 24

Vestele’s STR check: 1d20 = 5 (Fail)

FA’s Attack Roll (Melinda): 1d20+12 = 29 (Hit)

Damage: 1d8+4 = 10 (Bludgeoning)

Iron Vulnerability: 1d6 = 6 (DR 10/Cold Iron)

Flaming Weapon: 1d6 = 5 (Fire)

FA’s Attack Roll (Melinda): 1d20+7 = 22 (Miss)

FA’s Bite (Melinda): 1d20+7 = 20 (Miss)

The priest apparently wasn’t an idiot, because he immediately decided to attack me with the flaming morningstar in his hand, rather than allow me a chance to get up and defend myself. Asshole. Unfortunately, I didn’t know he was attacking until his first strike hit me between the wings, but I was able to get out of the way of the follow up, and his bite.

Meanwhile, the summoning that he’d cast earlier came into being, revealing a Fiendish Dire Wolf standing right behind Vestele. She was promptly bitten, and thrown to the floor, in a grim parody of what was happening to the werewolf Frostmane was focusing on. It would be funny if we weren’t in so much danger.

Siora’s CL Check: 1d20+9 = 13 (Fail)

Siora’s CHA check: 1d20+4 = 18

FS’s CHA check: 1d20+5 = 16 (Fail)

Looking around, Siora pointed at the warrior Frostmane wasn’t toying with, and unleashed another charm. Unfortunately, it did not take against the warrior’s natural defenses. Turning to look at her charmed sorcerer, she commanded, “Help us defeat these werewolves!” To which the Sorcerer dumbly nodded.

Melinda’s Tumble check: 1d20+19 = 24 (Success)

Melinda’s Concentration Check: 1d20+13 = 21 (Success)

Melinda’s CL Check: 1d20+11 = 26 (Success)

Melinda’s Attack (FW1): 1d20+12 = 22 (Touch) (Hit)

Eldritch Chain Damage: 6d6 = 20 (Magic)

Melinda’s Attack (FW2): 1d20+12 = 26 (Touch) (Hit)

Eldritch Chain Damage = 10 (Magic)

Melinda’s Attack (FA) = 1d20+16 = 22 (Touch) (Hit)

Eldritch Chain Damage = 10 (Magic)

I needed to get out of the middle of all these wolves, that much I knew for certain. With little better options, I rolled back and to the side, managing to roll up to my feet next to the warrior that had tackled me out of the air. Doing my best to minimize my actions, I blasted him with arcane power, which then jumped to both the other warrior and the priest. “Back in the fight!”

Frostmane’s attack (FW2): 1d20+19 = 32 (Hit)

Bite Damage: 1d8+14 = 17 (Piercing) (DR 5/Silver)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 3 (Cold) (Cold Resistance 10)

Frostmane’s Trip attempt: 1d20+13 = 30

FW1’s STR check: 1d20+4 = 6 (Fail, Prone)

Frostmane chuffed as he threw the other of the hapless warriors to the ground, looking the worse for the wear. “About time, Little Bird! All this work is making me tired.”

FS’s CL Check: 1d20+10 = 17 (Success)

Chain Missile Damage (FW1): 5d4+5 = 18 (Force) (Dead)

Chain Missile Damage (FA): 1d4+1 = 3 (Force)

Chain Missile Damage (FW2): 1d4+1 = 3 (Force)

Chain Missile Damage (FDW): 1d4+1 = 3 (Force)

The next instant, a quintet of arcane missiles blasted into the fallen werewolf leaving a bloody mess in the place of what was once his head. A moment later, three missiles launched from the corpse, hitting the other combatants. All the while, the werewolf sorceress had a slightly dopey look on her face, like a puppy at play.

Frostmane’s AoO (FW2): 1d20+19 = 27 (Hit)

Bite Damage: 1d8+14 = 15 (Piercing) (DR 5/Silver)

Freezing Bite: 1d6 = 2 (Cold) (Cold Resistance 10) (Dead)

Frostmane’s Trip attempt: 1d20+13 = 32

FW2’s STR check: 1d20+4 = 21 (Fail, Prone)

The remaining warrior howled in rage at seeing his dead buddy, and leapt up, snarling viciously at Frostmane. “I WILL KILL YOU ALL, AND WEAR YOUR SKULLS AS TROPHIES!” And yet, despite his rage, he quickly found himself thrown back to the stone floor of the mine, as the winter wolf proved who was the better fighter.

Vestele took that moment of confusion to draw away from the summoned wolf, slipping back, behind her sister. Rising to her feet, she breathed out quickly, before looking around. “All right, let’s finish things up.”

FA’s CL Check: 1d20+10 = 19 (Success)

FDW’s attack (Siora): 1d20+14 = 21 (Miss)

FDW’s attack (Siora): 1d20+14 = 22 (Miss)

The priest snarled at the death of his ally. “You will pay for that, infidels!” And then, gripping the symbol of Malar around his neck, he cast another spell, and I could see the eyes of our enemies become filled with a savage ferocity, bordering on madness. That ferocity could clearly be seen as the summoned wolf snapped twice at Siora, missing her by only a hair each time.

Siora’s Concentration Check: 1d20+18 = 34 (Success)

Siora’s CL Check: 1d20+9 = 26 (Success)

FA’s Will save (Hold Person): 1d20+13 = 16 (Fail)

Siora locked her eyes on the priest. “OK, that’s enough of that!” With a flare of power, she cast another spell, mindful not to draw the summoned wolf’s ire, and the Acolyte froze in place, unable to move. “Hurry, I don’t think this will hold him long!”