C18 (Shadowmist)

Shadowmist is in pretty pathetic shape when found by the PCs. Restoring him to good health is a skill challenge.

Skill Challenge: Tending to Shadowmist

Setup: After many days of confinement and starvation, the once-magnificent warhorse Shadowmist is a shadow of his former self. Little more than skin and bone, he is in need of prompt, careful attention if the PCs wish to prevent the horse's death.

Complexity: 3 (8 successes before 3 failures)
Level: 3 (450 xp)
Primary Skills: Nature, Heal, Athletics

Nature (DC 11): You have spent time caring for horses in the past, or have had to suffer long periods surviving without food yourself. You know a few things about how to safely handle Shadowmist, and whisper some calming words to the horse while expertly instructing your companions. The first success with a nature or heal check indicates starvation and reveals that feeding Shadowmist will provide a one-time automatic success.

Heal (DC 16): While horses may not have been your most common patient, you're familiar enough with methods of care for living creatures that you can get Shadowmist on his feet again. The first success with a nature or heal check indicates starvation and reveals that feeding Shadowmist will provide a one-time automatic success.

Athletics (DC 16): Once Shadowmist is back on his feet, he reacts violently to any attempt to restrain him, and worse still if spooked (say, by a failed nature check). A strong arm can help rein the warhorse in so that he can be tamed.

At least one success in this challenge must come from either a successful heal check or administering food to Shadowmist.

Success: You restore Shadowmist to passable health and calm him to the point where he can be safely led back to Sandpoint. Upon returning the horse, award the PCs the quest reward from the minor quest Horse Thieves!

Failure: One too many mistakes and ill-advised decisions results in the proud warhorse succumbing to his exhaustion and starvation, collapsing dead in the yard. This also results in the PCs failing the minor quest Horse Thieves!