Lycanthropy And How to Survive It

[Ganymedes]

Ganymedes got to their feet and snarled, clawing at the ground. This stupid cow was unrelenting! But he couldn't let his prize go...

But maybe Matchsticks was right. They could flee momentarily and return when the bull went back to its herd. Or they could wittle down its stamina and try and outrun the stupid thing. Unlike the bull, they could make quick turns, and was much more nimble than it. They had to try.

Darting to the side, the wolf missed the bull, the horns flying safely past their tail. Though with his focus on the beast, he missed the spot of mud near the dead cow's throat, where blood had mixed with damn dirt to create a slippery spot. Their front paw slid and they went down with a snarl, face hitting the ground.

It had hurt, but not enough to deter them, so they got up and turned, ready for whatever the bull decided to do next.

Matchsticks
Dodge.

Rolling 1d20: 3

[Storyteller Dark]

The bull lumbered past, again, steam snorting from nostrils into cool air, the glint in its eyes one of pure fury. Cloven hooves kicked up the dirt in all directions and it turned, searching for--but not finding--the werewolf.

It was not, it seemed, thinking to inspect the mud. By the time Ganymedes had stood from behind the cow, the bull was whirling this way and that, looking for its target.

[Matchsticks]

He wanted to yell at the bull, but that was impossible with the burning-tipped branch now clasped tightly in his beak. Or, well, it was possible, but he'd have dropped the thing.

He offered Viti a brief glance in passing--no time for mockery, or bragging, or anything he might've wanted so his mood was sort of impossible to tell; but he fluttered past in a black streak, trailing embers, heading for the bull.

He swept low toward its head and hopefully he'd not get caught by it: his aim was to draw it off, to fly away and take it charging after him, at least so Ganymedes could get themselves (and him!! Don't forget Matchsticks!-) enough to eat.

Matchsticks flew past, his fire gleaming bright--and then fading into the shadows... gone; the bull apparently oblivious, or uncaring.

Distract the bull?

Rolling 1d20: 18

Viti

[Viti]

VITI

Whatever the crow had attempted to do to aid his companion seemed to have failed as the bull was still looking for the wolf, not running after the crow and his burning stick. And Viti hadn't gotten his duel so this was getting rather dull for him, watching all this chaos that is. He could just fly away and leave the two to it, but then another idea crossed his mind.

IF he helped them get rid of the bull, they would owe him a favor. There was no way that Viti would help these Chosen without getting anything back after all, they were nobodies to him. The thought was tempting, he could use this to his advantage. But he would need to risk his life to make it happen.

No, it was still too early for him to get involved in this mess, perhaps the crane would change his mind later. Or not. His mood could be too bad for any heroic actions, the help of those two might not be worth risking his life for. Right?

Will Viti help?
Naaahh...

Rolling 1d20: 19

Ganymedes

[Ganymedes]

Ganymedes analyzed the bull, ears pinning. It was stupid. If they hid, they might just survive. They slowly got back down, pressing their grey fur against the cow, hiding themselves behind it, their dark fur blending in with the dark mud. If they were lucky, the bull would lose them and return to the herd, and they could eat in peace.

They were starving, after all.

Ignoring the bird that swooped overhead, a flame in his claws, they hoped that they would fool the creature.

Matchsticks

Hide.

Rolling 1d20: 7

[Storyteller Dark]

The bull snorted. Turned. Darted this way, in thundering hoofbeats, then the other. It raced just past Ganymedes, nearly trampling him, unseeing. It turned its head in sharp, darting movements, the rage in its gaze unfaltering.

Seeing the predator nowhere, the bull turned and lurched into a charge, racing back to his herd, to keep watch against the vanished beast.

It left the clearing quiet, for now, the ragged cow staring blindly after it.

[Matchsticks]

Matchsticks swerved, flapping back toward the bull, back toward Ganymedes--but it seemed the bull was charging off already.

Huh!

The crow glanced around, then tossed the already too-hot burning branch down and aside, sweeping up to perch on a higher tree limb. He peered down, around, his ruby eyes at last picking out Ganymedes.

"Hey... you dead?" he asked, but he had the sense, this time, to keep his voice low; no use taunting the bull back here.

He was reluctant to go for the meal just yet, regardless. If Ganymedes had been trampled, then fine--but he didn't trust that thing not to jump up and eat him right away. He had to be sure, first--and if it was gonna eat, he'd wait until it was done, and gone.

Matchsticks was oblivious to the smoldering flame, dropped below, igniting first a twist of grass and then a few dead leaves; his eyes were on Ganymedes... and on the cow.

don't light the woods on fire

Rolling 1d20: 19

Viti

[Viti]

VITI

The moment for gaining favors had passed as the bull made its final rounds before rushing after the rest of the herd. That's that then, Viti thought to himself and spent a moment enjoying the silence that had fallen upon them once again. Without even realising it, the crane had closed his eyes but they didn't remain closed for long.

Fire, there was fire nearby, he could smell the smoke and it activated an primal fight or flee instinct within the tall bird. Screeching Viti jumps up and down on his tree stump, wings beating air, ready to lift the crane up and away from this new danger. Before the awakening, he would have fled in an instant, no questions asked. But now he could choose to fight against it, show that he wasn't afraid of fire!

Jumping down from the tree stump, Viti glides to the growing fire and attempts to stomp it out. Whoever taught that crow to make fire was an idiot, if this was what would happen when the black bird used his skills.

Sadly, the fire refused to die out no matter how hard Viti stomped on it. This wss a horrible idea, why had he decided to do this? What a fool he was! Of course the fire would defeat him, oh how he regret not listening to his instinct to flee earlier. Now he risked being roasted alive with his remaining tail feathers.

Stomp out the fire?

Rolling 1d20: 3

Ganymedes

[Ganymedes]

Ganymedes slowly stood as the bull left, ass aching and pride wounded. But they were alive. Turning towards the commotion of the crane, they growled. A forest fire would be bad. They approached the growing flame and growled, tail tucking between their legs. Their ears pinned as they realized that the flame was quickly growing into something that couldn't be put out.

Darting back to the cow, they ate what they could, tearing off chunks and swallowing them, eating so fast it was a miracle they didn't choke. They tore off a great big haunch and took off running with the thing in their mouth, ears pinned. They didn't want to be around when the flames caught the trees. They had to leave now

"RUBN!", they snarled past the leg, tearing off through the woods, tail still between their legs.

Matchsticks

Put out the fire.

Rolling 1d20: 12

[Storyteller Dark]

The fire caught... flared, crawled up one side of a tree... and then sputtered out. A few embers and twists of smoke remained, but it seemed safe to return and finish this meal.

Fire Severity (higher = larger)

Rolling 1d20: 15