Wolves of Welton Script for TotM

WOLVES OF WELTON ADVENTURE SCRIPT FOR TotM SCENE 1 Your party is traveling to the far off land called Phlan, in order to investigate some stories about dragons and gangs in a town. There are talks about great wealth for any adventurer that can solve these mysteries.

Your group is traveling along a clear, well worn dirt path. The path is free of wagon wheel ruts and is dry, making the path easy to walk on. There doesn’t appear to be any rocks to stumble on; an adventurer can feel comfortable on this path. The fields all around are covered with soft green grass that sways softly in the wind. There isn’t a cloud in the sky and the sun is warm, yet soft. You see woods of large redwood trees to your left, about 300’ away, and a smaller grove about 150’ to your right.

All members of your party are relaxed and lighthearted. Your party is in the following order (based on rolls earlier in the meeting). What would you like to do?

Party should ask as many questions as they would like. We are traveling by foot, at a pace of about 3 miles per hour. Ability checks should be made for any investigations. *Begin the adventure hook after about 5 mins of walking and talking amongst each other* You are walking up a slight hill now, and about 200’ up the hill you notice two human shepherds, each with their own small flock. Each flock is about 10 sheep, each a little small but overall appear healthy. The men are dressed in typical farm garb with a whip on their hip.They appear healthy, yet very nervous. The shepherds have with them 4 sheep dogs of normal size. The dogs are a combination of brown and black, possibly from the same litter. The dogs appear friendly but are busying themselves with protecting the sheep flock. You notice giant boulders on either side of the hill. The farmers take note of the party and give a courtesy wave of their hands. The sheep take no note of the party. The dogs take no notice of the party after their initial sniff of the air.

*What would you like to do?* - Too far to reach on a single turn. Would take 3 turns to make it - Too far to shout to the farmers - Ability checks indicate nothing of note about the farmers or the sheep While you are walking toward the group, suddenly all 4 dogs prick their ears up and immediately began barking frantically. The farmers take action, pulling before unseen batons from their belts and are looking all around, obviously scared. In the blink of an eye 8 gray shapes burst out from behind the rocks, coming from both sides, moving at incredible speeds.

These are wolves, all taking part in the attack. *what would you like to do?* *If the party chooses to sit back and watch describe the raid, the wolves are not killing the sheep, rather they are kidnapping them. The shepherds are able to fend off the wolves, but not without losing 5 sheep. They sit on the hill, exhausted from their battle and wave down the party, a sign that all is clear”. *What would you like to do?* Should the party opt to defend the farmers, set up for battle by stating: As the party rushes to help the farmers, the scene comes into full focus: absolute chaos. You see dogs barking, wolves running about, some with sheep in their mouths others attempting to get sheep in their mouths.

The farmers are being cornered by two of the wolves while the others are busy attempting to attack the sheep. *roll initiative* (those who roll lowest are placed in ridiculous positions (trapped in hole, under a sheep)).

Describe how far from each wolf the characters are, so as to allow them the proper use of weapons for the fight.

After all players are placed in their spots, including the 6 wolves), ask *what would you like to do?”

Describe the battle as it happens, being highly creative to make it seem as exciting as possible.

After two rounds, declare that the wolves retreat to the woods. The farmers have lost two sheep due to the wolves, and four more are dead from the

attack. The farmers are unscathed, however and are willing to talk. *What would you like to do?

Regardless of how the party responds, the farmers will give their thanks for helping. One farmer, Tron Freelight is happy to talk to the party. Tron should let the party know that these attacks have been happening very frequently for about a month. Use the “Featherock” story in the adventure book. Tron should also mention that the town council is offering an 800 gp reward for stopping the attacks. Tron and companion need assistance getting back to town and will gladly share stories for the company. Town is about an hour’s walk away. *what would you like to do?*

SCENE 2: Village People The party is traveling down the well worn path on the way to Welton.

Welton is a small farming village, nestled along the banks of the Silvertongue River. As the party nears Welton, Tron becomes more hesitant and appears scared. You can see looks of apprehension on both farmers’ faces, and they seems very upset. *what would you like to do?* If they ask Tron what is wrong he will say: “With these raids on our sheep our food supply is running low, people won’t trade with us because they think us haunted. This whole business started with that damned Merriksonn, I just know it.”

If they want to use an ability, make them roll initiative and if it is successful, tell the same story, but leave out a small part since they didn’t talk to Tron specifically.

Allow the party to ask questions, and answer as best you can. After all is done continue with the walking.

As you come even closer to Welton, you begin to pick up on the buildings and their general shapes in the town. There are about 20 buildings in all in the town, placed equally down each side of a single main road, usually constructed of oak and painted a nice bright white paint. Each building has some form of unique, ornate architecture depicting the various industries of the town (truth be told there are only 2: wheat and sheep farming, but the citizens do their best to individualize their abodes). There is a general store, but nothing else of note for travelers to experience.

You notice many people about the streets, many of whom appear idle which is odd during this time of year (harvest is soon and they should be busying themselves preparing for that). Most of the citizens are human, though there is a sizable contingency of halflings and a small handful of dwarves to be seen. The citizens do not seem interested in the party.

Tron states: “we should go to the Shepherd's Crook. This is the meeting place for the town, and tonight they are having a town meeting regarding the wolf attacks. Also, you might want to speak to

Willen Featherock, the halfling that was attacked by those damned wolves. Damn that Merricksonn for causing all of this madness in my town. Anyway, follow me”. *what would you like to do?* If party agrees to go to the Crook, Tron should advise them to entire quietly as the meeting is already in action. Have them roll initiative for entering order.

If they want to explore the town first, allow them. Any interactions with townsfolk will reveal any information already known. Any crimes committed will be reported to the council, possibly hurting their chances at getting extra money. The townsfolk will be confused and frightened at any aggression, begging the party to reconsider as they have suffered enough by the hands (or paws) of the wolves.

When the enter the inn, describe as here: As you enter the The Crook the first thing that hits you is the size of the structure, followed by the noise. This is a multiple-purpose building. The building is in good shape, though well worn. The first thing you see is a large common area with multiple tables for dining. This room is well kept, with parquet flooring wall to wall. Lighting this room are candled chandeliers spaced 12’ apart. To your right you see the bar, with seating for 4 barstools with a bartender working busiliy behind the bar. This area, like the rest of the Crook is well kept; the floor is a blue and white painted floor. There appears to be a room off behind the bar, but it isn’t obvious at first glance. To your immediate right you see a private meeting room, with a small table for dining next to it. On the far right you see an ancient set of steps leading to the upstairs guest rooms. Along the far wall are a few more tables, and another private room.

The inn is very crowded at the moment. Tanned and weather-beaten shepherds smoke pipes while drinking their ales. There does not appear to be an empty seat in the place, with people crowding in the stairs and along the railing on the 2nd floor. The bartender shoots the party a look, not of disgust, but of interest; *what would you like to do?*

If the party approaches the bar: The bartender smiles as you approach the bar, and signals for the customers at the bar to shove off, waving a towel at their faces. The customers, clearly agitated, grumble a bit before vacating their seats. As you sit the bartender, Leanor Slatebeard, a dwarven woman welcomes you to her inn. She is a gruff woman who talks fast but is very serious. She runs the bar while her husband Baneth handles the kitchen and the brewery. Baneth pokes his head out of the kitchen and grunts some sort of “hello”, then it’s back to work. “So, what are you all doing about these parts?”

If the party mentions being adventurers or is here to help with the wolves, she will excitedly interrupt and announce “free drinks for the whole party!”.

If the party continues to talk she will excitedly interrupt them with “the wolves are the worst”. She suddenly remembers: “my gosh, you have to go to the council meeting right across the inn” and will hastily grab the drinks from the party and shush them along. *what do you do?* If the party chooses to explore the inn, have them talk with as many people as they like, but not getting any real information from them other than what they already know. They should mention the council meeting and the fact they are looking to hire adventurers to get rid of the wolves. They should guide the party to the bar to speak to Leanor, she might have more information for them. During their questions they can roll initiative for ability checks they might want to do, but fail rolls will result in the townsfolk telling them to buzz off, or get lost.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------As you walk across the inn towards the council meeting, the patrons of the bar take a difference notice of you. You notice a few nods, a couple tips of the cup or hat, and even a few whistles. There are whispers that you just can’t make out (if they use an ability check to find out what they say, roll and they learn that the crowd is worried about the party's safety).

You pass a number of tables and have to squeeze through due to the sheer amount of people in the inn. The council room is very plain, with couches along the walls and a round table in the center of the room. Around the table are eight chairs, all full of council members. The couches are empty.

Five of the chairs are filled with human men, one human woman and two halflings, male and female. These council members are dressed in the typical farming garb, and have nothing of note about them. The opening to the council room is wide enough for the entire party to line up, shoulder to shoulder.

As you approach you hear a loud argument between two men. These men are Tillus Merrion (member of the Growers and Buyers Association) and Father Merrikson, local priest. Tillus is angry that Welton continues to export grain while the crisis with the wolves continues. (Make up the dialog, not too much as they will be interrupted soon by the appearance of the party). If the members roll to get more information about them and it is a good roll (D12 intelligence) read the character information blogs at the back of the adventure book.

Merrion is obviously upset that he is being interrupted by a group of strangers. He asks “what do you want? Who are you?”.

If the party identifies themselves as adventurers or are here to help, he immediately apologizes and offers the 800 gp reward for helping solve the problem with the wolves. If the party attempts to bargain with him, he will simply state that the town is poor and cannot afford more, but will offer room and board for 2 weeks at the expense of the town in addition to the monetary benefit. *What will you do?* Should the party accept they are immediately ushered into the council room to sit on the couch. Tillus orders drinks for the party, while Leanor screams excitedly. Baneth pops his head out and grunts, returning to work.

Tillus allows another council member to explain what is happening: “This problem started about 3 months ago. We were living our lives as simple farm folk when suddenly these attacks started! We were never attacked by wolves before! It’s crazy! Anyone living outside of the town center have been chased off their farms and neighboring hamlets. These wolves seem more organized then even normal wolves, leading entire herds of cattle, pigs, sheep and even horses into the woods; those damn woods! None of us can go out there safely, no sir. These damn wolves can open gates and knock down

fences! How can they do that? They ain’t got no thumbs”. This unnamed man then sits down.

Another council member stands up: “Now, about a month ago we sent a posse of brave men to hunt down the wolves. We told them to stay out of the woods, but they didn’t listen and wanted to save the village.

Well, those men were torn to shreds and only one of them came back, and he ain’t worth a damn from it. It’s awful, just damn awful”. This man then sits down in a slump, weeping softly with his head down. *offer the group this time to ask any questions to the council they might have.* The council can’t answer too many questions, but there are no werewolves as there has been at least 3 full moons since then with no trace of any strange activity within the town.

At this point Merrickson stand up: “Now adventurers, you should know that our town has had a sole protector for many years, a sorcerer powerful enough to cast a spell of protection. Right around the time of these wolves began attacking this protector, my brother, Alexi went missing. I’m certain there is a connection here and I hope you are able to discover this for me.” *Any questions or comments are welcomed here* Tillus stands again and clears his throat: “Um, there is one survivor from the posse that you should go talk to. His name is Featherock, and he’s staying right here in the inn. He’s a mess so be easy with him, please.

He was a bit eccentric before the attack and he’s only worse now.

Thank you for assisting us, adventurers, you may go now so we can finish our meeting and be done with this mess.”

Featherock’s Room Leanor is waving frantically toward the party to come to the bar “Don’t forget to bring your tankards with ya, them ain’t free”. She continues “now, Featherock’s room is behind the bar here. Ya have to be aware that he is a mighty nervous fella, very fragile. I’ll let you go see him if you promise not

to upset him too much. It’s also a mess in there, so don’t point it out too much or it would upset him as well. Are you ready? Go ahead on in”.

The room is well furnished, with the same parquet flooring as the main hall of the inn. There is a rug of a Celestial Black Bear in the center of the room.

Next to that is a brown easy chair. Atop a small dresser sits a vase of fresh flowers, placed there by a caring Father Merrikson. All over the floor are dozens of letters, scattered all about. You would struggle to walk without stepping on one of these notes. In the corner of the room you see a small bed with a sickly halfling lying there, sweat on his brow and soaked bedclothes, also from a high fever. Your party approaches….

Party should ask what happened to him. He will state “I was part of the posse sent out to those damned woods to dispatch those God forsaken wolves. Late one night we were camped out, already 3 days in those woods with no sight of the savages. We were enjoying some nice pottage and our bard was playing a soft tune about happiness and loss. The fire was warm on our cheeks, as was the wine that our group had. All was good and we were actually relaxing after a tense few days of hunting. That’s when I thought i heard rustling behind me.

Tannick, god rest his soul also heard something where he was sitting across from me, but we attributed it to Twig Blights or Magpies, both of which are in the woods. Then I saw them, those red eyes. First two, then four, and within seconds it looked as though the whole forest was red with their eyes! Tannick was attacked first, his throat opened like a letter, splashing me clear in the face with his blood. Then the entire campsite was a murder scene!!! There had to be 15 wolves, but all I saw was blurs of grey and red from my companions. As I tried to rush out of the fray I was knocked down by one of those monsters, as I tried to climb out of the dirt I was trampled by Roker, dead from another beast. I can only guess they thought me dead, for they did not come back for me. Now, you will call me crazy, god knows plenty of others in this town have...but I heard voices arguing, talking! But all of my friends were dead! *pause* (regardless of how the party responds he will continue) “it was the wolves! They were arguing if they should eat us or not. It was the wolves!!! The wolves! The wolves! The wolves!”

This is where Featherock stops talking, taking over by racking tears and will no longer respond to the party. If the party continues to press him for more information Leanor will enter, demanding they leave him to peace, stating that they got more than enough information from a damaged halfling.

As you are leaving the room you are crowded into the main part of the inn.

What would you like to do?

Scene 3: Plan of Attack The party should be learning toward tracking down the wolves. If they aren’t sure what to do, introduce a local tracker named Corel. Corel knows these woods like the back of his hand and will gladly support the adventurers to help his good friend, Featherock.

If they ask for help, Corel will point them towards a trail running outside of town and into the woods. He will tell them to enter where the rock formation looks like a face, and straight into the woods from there. The wolve’s lair is on the other side of the wood, in a clearing. The wolves live in a cave formation that he has never been in, but has tracked them to this point. He will gladly lead them to the cave, but will not enter under no circumstances.

If the party asks him to accompany them, have him say “I don’t know, I see what happened to Featherock”. If they offer a reward, he will reluctantly agree, but won’t fight with them and if they don’t listen to his instructions he will leave them in a heartbeat.

Corel: “This sounds great adventurers, I suggest that we use a short break (overnight) to rest our bones and better prepare for our dangerous trek tomorrow morning. Do you agree?”

If yes, Leanor will find them a room, if they want to go right away Corel will remind them that the wolves are proficient hunters at night and we can’t risk torchlight to draw attention. He will refuse to attend if the group persists on going right away.

The short rest will recharge any abilities or spells that are hurting the party; also replenish HP lost during any battles.

As the party leaves the Crook, the morning sun is bright and hot, the wind blows softly. There is a slight uneasiness with Corel this morning, but he is not talking about it (might be a good time for an ability check).

If the roll is successful, you learn that Corel isn’t feeling as confident about their travels as he was yesterday. He is worried about losing his life, and if Featherock is correct he cannot imagine what a talking wolf sounds like.

The party should be encouraged to talk and ask questions as they are walking. Corel can offer some ideas about trapping or fighting the wolves if the party should ask.

Eventually Corel will say: “Adventurers, we are about to enter the wood.

We need to stick together and remember that the wolves are cunning creatures who will soon as kill you as look at you. Let us go” As you enter the wood the sun is all but blotted out by the tree canopy above, and the temperature drops by several degrees. There is an earthy odor all around, grass and moss fills the air. There are small animals making noises around you, though you don’t see many. Occasionally a small bird will swoop low, but out of reach. Far away you hear a soft howl of a wolf. Corel grunts with concern.

Scene 4: The Owlbear’s Picnic It is about 11:00 am at this point, and while you cannot see much of the sun, slim rays dart here and there around the ground. Suddenly you can feel the ground slightly shake a little, you hear the sound of snapping twigs, and you can hear a slight growling/hooting sound. Something big is coming…. (if the party does not initially act, ask them what they would like to do) An OWLBEAR comes crashing through the bushes and growls angrily right at the party. (offer an insight check). This is a male Owlbear, obviously agitated and ready for a fight. You notice that the creature is limping, very thin. You notice several barely-healing wounds clotted with thick black blood. The animal ignores it’s injuries when it notices the party and readies for attack. (roll initiative for battle). *You need to inform each member where

they are in relation to the Owlbear). Begin battle. Owlbear only has 40 HP, but is otherwise unchanged in his stat sheet.

After taking down the Owlbear, you notice that the injuries on the beast (DC12 Wisdom check). They were caused by sharp claws (another DC12 Wisdom check) and it is obvious that these were caused by wolves and they are at least 3 weeks old. You notice scorch marks on the fur as well.

(DC10 Wisdom check) You know that Owlbears are nocturnal in nature and the fact this monster is out during the day is very odd; also, wolves rarely attack Owlbears. Corel states “we had better keep moving. We are getting close to the wolf den now. Keep on your toes boys, this wood is haunted”.

Scene 5: The Den’s Denizens So you’ve been walking a bit further and suddenly Corel whispers “shhh, stay low, we are getting close to the lair now”. He motions for you to get low with him. You are close to the tree line (about 30’). You can make out a cave formation about 30’ beyond that. About 15’ away you can see a small fire being lit. Another plume of smoke appears to be coming from a point in the cliff just beyond your field of vision.

Around the cave opening you see 6 wolves, most involved with different activities; some are mending a fence, others are working the fire, while others still are tearing apart a sheep carcass (possibly from yesterday’s raid). On each you see a bright yellow ribbon tied around their necks.

Overall the wolves are at ease; this is an oddly peaceful scene and possibly too organized for normal wolf activities. *Offer a perception check to scan the area for troubles and/or clues* You notice a thin tripwire running along the base of the tree line. Along the line are bone noisemakers; this is clearly a proximity alarm. The smoke you saw earlier is actually coming from a hole in the cave ceiling. It is a fire burning in one of the far rooms of the system, big enough to squeeze through but right above the fire. *what would you like to do?* If they jump down the hole immediately begin a battle with Flame and Bolt, which they then call backup wolves to support.

If they choose to listen say this: You see two very large wolves having an argument. The female, Flame and the male Bolt. They are pacing around the fire, arguing about the future of the pack. “I don’t care what the rest of the pack says, this new group of men frighten me. They seem better organized and stronger than the men of the town! We have to stop them!

We are smarter now, we can scare them. We can kill them without thinking about it. If we kill these new men we can then begin killing more of the townspeople and will eventually clear the town for our own kind to roam free.”

“Listen, Flame; we are smarter now, yes. We can use that intelligence to move further away from man with their spikes and hot balls of burning. We need to hold more small scale raids before moving on deeper into the woods. We can help our own by moving away from man.” Bolt is more calm than Flame, speaking in soft tones, almost whispering.

After a few more rounds of argument, the pair grow tired of each other and move into the main cave complex. *what would you like to do?* If the party decides to go back to the main entrance there is no way to avoid a battle. The wolves will immediately notice them, screaming “hunters!” This will bring Flame and Bolt to the entrance and will engage in battle. Bolt will demand an end to the fighting if the following happens: 4 wolves die A player HP drops to zero Either Flame or Bolt HP drops to .5 Flame will fight to the death and demand the wolves follow. Bolt will want the wolves to protect the cubs further into the cave.

If the party decides to drop into the hole, have them roll initiative for dexterity. Poor rolls lead to humorous landing styles.

Once inside the cave, describe: You are now in the cave complex. The room you are in appears to be a meeting place and you can see the main complex from where you are. Wolves come and go from this area, but no wolves appear to attempt to enter the meeting room without the alphas.

You see crude drawings on the cave wall (DC12 intelligence check to make

out the drawings). The drawings depict the pack’s fight with the humans of the town, some images also depict humans sharing gifts with the wolves before leaving.

Directly across the main complex you can make out a smaller room, stuffed with carcasses of sheep as well as piles of small tools and dry goods, possibly from recent raids. There is another vein that you cannot make out from here. *what would you like to do?* If they want to leave the room roll initiative (DC12 Dexterity for stealth). If there have been no battles to this point, make this a difficult roll, failing them.

As you attempt to sneak out of the meeting room you sneeze (somebody is allergic to dander), alerting a close by guard. The guard calls for backup, bringing 6 wolves along with the alphas, Flame and Bolt. Flame is ready to battle but Bolt looks apprehensive (have them roll initiative for parlay). This parlay will fail and the battle will happen.

If during the battle the party agrees to talk with the wolves, Bolt will attempt to talk and negotiate an end to the fighting.

“We were minding our own business moving about our forest when a man trespassed on our land. This man...this lightbringer we later called him, put up a fight. We do not know this man’s name, but during the battle...now I do not remember much from this time….there was a bright flash of light and a loud crack. When the light was gone so was the man.

Us wolves found that our brains began working much faster than before, and immediately discovered we could talk like man. Our brains became full of...memories that we did not have before. Human, we learned to use our new abilities to help the pack. Now our cubs will not have to venture out for food during the winters and our elderly will not have to fend for themselves.

We worked together and drove off an Owlbear that plagued us for years.

We now live in his cave and call it our own.”

Flame: This is OUR land! We were here before the humans. Scum…

Bolt: “Enough, Flame. Now I do not like these humans in Welton. They have killed our own over the years and are vicious. However, it is becoming clear that we cannot fight them forever. I will be willing to bargain a peace treaty between wolf and man. We will be allowed to control these woods;

there is nothing of value for man anyway, as well as the uninhabited lands to the West. For this we will no longer raid the village and will keep predators away from Welton”. *what do you think?* If the party refuses these options, Bolt will completely concede them for a promise of moving the pack away as long as the party keeps their ability to speak a secret. They do not wish to become entertainment for humans.

If Flame sees a deal is imminent she will pounce onto Bolt, accusing him of being a coward. He will be badly injured, taking him out of the fight. All of the remaining fighters join her for the final fight while the others retreat to the deeper parts of the cave, preserving the cubs as Bolt wished. These wolves will have to be killed as they will not retreat with the others.

After the battle, a DC10 Wisdom check will reveal that Bolt is still alive, but barely. If the party is calm a few wolves will come out of the cave and offer support. If the party kills Bolt now they will hear growling in the back of the cave. Further exploring will reveal a pocket of cubs with 5 wolves guarding them. If the party moves to attack the wolves will sacrifice themselves, yelling at the cubs to run into the woods. If the party shows mercy the wolves will stand down and retreat to the cubs.

Scene 6: Settling the Scores If the wolves are decimated the party can return to the town with a trophy; they need to decide what that is. They will go to the Crook and toss the trophy to the council who will honor their deal of 800gp and lodging for a fortnight. If the party is greedy the council will remind them of their agreement. If they persist the council will call all the men of the town to arms and chase the party out of Welton.

If the wolves have agreed to leave entirely the same outcome is had. The council agree to pay after a scout team is sent out to verify the menaces are indeed banished from the forest.

If the party finds a way to deal with Bolt they have to present this to the council, and it will not be easy. Follow the game book for how this should be completed.

If the party exposes the wolves’ ability to speak, Featherock will begin to recover quickly, feeling vindicated by his assertion. The party can seek him out and tell him in private should they want to do so. The same outcome for Featherock will happen here. ds