C3 S4 - Lost in the Woods

    I thought this session, while heavy in combat was one that really showed how things can turn out differently than you'd expect.  In this case I had planned for a boss fight to the death with the PC's but things ended up far more on a positive note.  Let's review session 4's little camping trip.

The night began with Rick taking care of several small errands and shopping for supplies while the group was away. Meanwhile Tony and Giuseppe explored the Sabat HQ and made a contact with a vampire named Geo, who seemed to be one of the few truly thankful that the group had rescued Cassius Ordun the Arch Bishop.

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     Knowing that they were going to be in for an extended road trip out into the wilderness and up against werewolves, the group continued to gather supplies.  Unfortunately the only silver they managed to scrounge up was a few bits of jewelry and a hand mirror.
     The long trip to the norther border of NY was uneventful, ending in a fortunate meeting with a Sabat posing as a forest ranger named Abigale.  In this particular territory the Sabat have laid claim to the roads, and encourage the eradication of werewolves.  Silver weaponry was graciously handed over to the PC's as they disembarked into the forest.  The wolves supposedly operate out of an abandoned summer camp approximately 10 miles into the woods.

     Comically none of the PC's had much in survival or in animal ken, which resulted in immediate detection and frequent attacks by trained wolves as the group approaches.  On rout several old cabins are spotted and after some combat and investigation they are found to contain several caged mortals.  Pity is felt for these helpless captives and they are set free.
    Finally when the group finally nears the main camp building, they again are spotted by the enemy.  The Alpha standing atop the ruined structure sets his pack of over 30 werewolves against the PC's demanding that their corpses be brought to them.  Amid the turmoil a lone and somewhat familiar vampire is spotted lurking in the background.

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    An open attack would be suicide so the group takes cover with another one of the cabins which surround the main structure.  The caged mortals within are set free, but bot before Rick feeds off of one...the blood is noticed to have a strange canine quality.  After several attempts to burn the vampires alive inside the wooden structure, and after long periods of frenzy brought about by werewolf blood the  remaining PC's manage to make to the main structure.  Rick is nowhere to be seen.
     Giuseppe rescues Finchley and learns about the deal the Alpha has made with Leon Hyde.  In exchange for killing the PC's Leon has given the pack an ancient relic supposedly allowing the one who possesses it to create superior werewolf offspring.  It is learned too late that the mortals that have been set free have already been bit by the alpha, their transformation occurs as he flees the scene.
    Tony and Giuseppe regroup and chase the Alpha to a nearby cave with the empowered offspring in hot pursuit.  A riddle is solved and the group take refuge in the cave, thankfully the Alpha has seemingly escaped.  A blessed candle that emits moonlight instead of firelight illuminates hidden writings which tell the story of the moon stone and the history of the pack that dwell in these woods.  Upon investigating the surrounding area the PC's see that the Alpha has rallied his spawn and the lines are drawn for the final attack.
     With supernatural speed Tony is able to lead many of the spawned werewolves away from the scene, and allow Giuseppe a chance to fight a more even fight.  Unfortunately for Giuseppe he is horribly outmatched and the Alpha repeatedly deals horrendous damage to him as the fight progresses.  Landing only one real blow to the giant white pack leader Giuseppe is broken and near death upon Tony's return.  Tony, a city vamp with no real outdoor knowledge was unable to shake his pursuers.  With 6 remaining offspring, the Alpha, and countless other howling monsters in the surrounding woods   the situation seemed grim.

     Thinking quickly Tony was able to snatch the moonstone from the Alpha, and upon threatening it's destruction initiated a dialog.  Although a deal had been made with Leon Hyde the Alpha expressed no real love for the prince, and in fact desired to see Valdred, with whom he had a mutual understanding, reinstated as the ruler of the city.  Desperate to save their skins and with a passionate hatred for Leon of their own the group quickly make a deal with the wolves to assault Leon's compound and bring an end to New York's Prince.