Combat Round 1Initiative: party 4, bad guys 4 - tie
Zelaz's word fall on deaf ears. The hounds, five of them, exchange glances among themselves, then pounce upon the approaching Joffrey and Roikos, who bear the brunt of the assault.
The first hound leaps upon Joffrey's horse Zephyr. It sinks its fangs into the horse's leg for 6 hp dmg. Zephyr rears up, but Joffrey, an experienced horseman, easily keeps his balance. Zephyr shakes the hound, then attempts to trample. One hoof misses, the other (d20: 20!, double damage) delivers a crushing blow to the ribs (8 hp dmg). Joffrey, not to be outdone by his trusty steed, leans down and takes a swing with his long sword, connecting for maximum damage (11 hp dmg). Hot, black blood flies into the air.
The second hound stops short of Roikos and his horse. It leans back, then breathes a searing burst of fire toward the cleric. Roikos turns his mount aside at the last moment, and dodges the flames. He counters with his flail, braining the creature for 6 hp dmg. The hellhound yelps.
Aristide springs into action by firing at Joffrey's quarry.
Woosh! Thunk! The arrow sinks deep into the creature's flank (6 hp dmg). Taranna is right behind him, and finishes the creature off with another arrow (5 hp dmg).
The third hell hound goes for Roikos' horse, who has no name or stats. Fortunately the DM rolls a 1, and the hound stumbles, rolling down an incline. It will have to spend the next round regaining its footing.
The fourth goes for Zephyr (d20: 20!, double damage), landing a solid bite into...the horse's barding (6 hp dmg). Could have been much worse, but Zephyr is still in a world of hurt!
The fifth hound breathes a blast of flame at Roikos, but the cleric dodges yet again.
You can roll for random encounters, or you can just pick the one that has an accompanying illustration.
1 hell hound is dead, 1 prone, 3 healthy.
Aristide 44/44
--Max ??/??
Tasrem 15/15
Taranna 34/34
Zelaz 15/15
Sir Joffrey 51/51
--
Zephyr 5/19Roikos 50/50
Actions? Don't forget to deduct any missiles used. Also, let's get some stats up for those mounts. I'll let you roll their hp.
Get thee to the dungeon. Get thee to the dungeon forthwith. Pass not the barbican. Amass not 200 GP.