Imon said nothing, trying to focus only on lining up his shots and sending them toward the bear's heart. He took extra time to line up the shot, and as a result only fired one arrow, for fear of hitting his allies.
Andrei after watching the dog dissappear after one slash from the bear decides to use his sword as it had be designed. Stepping around the bear to try to surround it he swings.
Scarling at his own miss he keeps up the support for everyone else "Good shot Imon, lets take this down quick and then we can worry about killing or not."
Still stymied for anything resembling a good tactical option, Anwel draws his bow and knocks an arrow. He aims high, hoping to arc the arrow over his companions' heads and down onto the bear.
Stellan also behind the warriors looks for the opening to use his ray again saving his more powerful spell for the right moment. He tries targeting the head and shoulders of the bear towering over the party.
Warren considers bringing his eagles into the fray. He whistles for them to hover and wait to make a concerted attack.
His attack is foiled by the magic protecting the bear.
Luck is not with the party as Udo, Andrei, Stellan, Anwel and Warren all miss. Imon lands another arrow, but it does little except anger the big creature further.
As Anwel's magic dissipates, Gorax swings with a clear look at the creature, but misses as the bear manages to slip aside at the last moment despite being flanked by the big barbarian and Udoeak. In response, the bloodied and battered creature catches Warren as the druid makes his attack. The mighty creature's claw leaves a series of bloody streaks along the already battered druid's side and chest.
Adding to its wild flurry of attacks, the bear's other foreleg strikes a blow that pummels Andrei, tearing through his leather armor in several places.
Andrei winces for a moment as the dear strikes him but continues to step around the bear.
Andrei smiles at finally making contact with the bear "No much more its starting to get weak."
Udo, disgruntled, and disappointed that he didn't save his mutagen for now, swings again, hoping to connect with the rough hide of the bear.
Stellan seeing Andrei take a horrific blow and bleeding, he starts to move to get behind him.
"Coming Andrei, be there soon."
Stellan attempts to move behind Andrei without drawing an attack of opportunity from the bear from his movement.
His intent is to heal Andrei with the healing hex that does not provoke and AOO. If he can do it this round, let me know and I'll roll it, if it takes to next turn, I'll do it then. Same if Andrei falls before I can finish.
Anwel also moves to Andrei, standing a little farther back to let Stellan do his work. Once Stellan is finished, Anwel will glamer Andrei to hide him from the bear's sight for a short time.
Rnd 3
Warren sends his birds in so he can flank the bear.
Montey's flurry is ineffective, but Warren and the larger eagle score some cuts into the bear.
Andrei successfully slides around on the bears flank and sinks his sword deep between the mad creatures ribs. When he does so the bear rears up on its hind legs and lets out a piercing roar that echoes once again through the small vale. But slowly the low, growling roar turns to the higher pitched scream of a human as silver colored, magical energy suddenly engulfs the bear.
The swirling energy creates a vortex around the bear that forces those closest to step back as the wind buffets the immediate area. The smell of deep forests and long forgotten hollows where only the oldest beasts of the world dwell fills the vale.
Although forced back by the magic, those nearest to the bear are unharmed. Instead, Andrei, Gorax, Udo and Warren notice that inside the vortex the once huge, powerful ruler of this wood has transformed into a elderly human. His ancient features scarred in the same manner as the bear.
With a deep rumble of thunder, the energy releases and dissipates as suddenly as it began and the frail man drops to the ground, bleeding from multiple wounds. He has no clothes but around his neck is a silver necklace and large charm of diamond cut into the shape of an acorn seed.
Imon stopped himself from releasing another arrow when the bear began to change. He couldn't help but lower the bow in awe as it transformed into a man. Imon approached, slowly moving closer after training the bow on the man again. "Well, I've never seen that happen before." He looked at the others before shifting his focus back to the man on the ground, "Does anyone want to poke him or something. To see if he's still alive?"
"I think this is THE SEED! Can this man be saved?"
Warren kneels to help the older human.
Warren desperately grabs his holy symbol and sends the healing power of Gozreh into the man.
"I think he needs this more than me."
Stellan is as shocked as anyone at the bear changing to a man. However he swiftly takes the chance to heal Andrei.
Heal Andrei
He then turns his attention to the ailing man, but Warren is ahead of him. Saying, "Let's see if he is alive, first." Stellan checks out the health and condition of the man, and tries to determine what is going on.
Condition.
Is there a spell, geas, or curse on him?
If he isn't dead and if Warren's efforts are not enough to revive him, and if Stellan doesn't think healing him would bring about another Bear moment, then he'll use his healing hex on the naked man.
Stellan will not touch the item around the man's neck but he will be praying to Erastil while doing these various things. He will treat this reverently, something holy if odd is going on.
If healing hex is used on the strange man.
Heal Bear man if the above conditions are met.
Unable to do anything to help the old man, and wary of touching his amulet, Anwel hangs back, his hands folded in his sleeves. Wary as he is, Anwel is still intrigued by Warren's supposition that the amulet is in fact the Seed they came here to find.
"Thank you Stellan. Keep him alive if you can, he might be the seed himself. I'm going to check where the bear, he was living." casting detect magic Andrei moves into the gap between the trees.
Warren's healing magic washes over the old man's body as Stellan kneels down to see if the man is still alive. Feeling a faint pulse, he adds his own healing magic to help stabilize the man's condition.
Stepping further in, you are instantly able to detect a significant source of magic coming from the far side of the circle. However, the lighting is too dim to really get a good look without approaching closer. Several other much more minor sources of magic are also scattered around the ancient site.
Stellan feels both relief and a bit of fear finding the man alive. "He's weak but alive, I think he was cursed and now it's broken, but I'm not skilled enough in the mystic arts to be sure. Not with magic this powerful. Wonder what happened to him?" Stellan tries to estimate when or even if the man will regain consciousness.
Heal
Warren fingers the trinket with limited healing charges. His concern for the old man still written on his face. Warren continues to minister to the fallen old man--dabbing water from his waterskin on his brow.
He realizes he is dripping blood on the old man from this deep scratches, and attempts to avoid getting too much on him.
"Does anyone have any more healing? If not, I will use the charged healing trinket. Do not remove the necklace, it may be all that is keeping him alive."
Udoeak sighs, taking a small vial from his belt. "I'd not intended to use this on anyone but those I travel with, if not myself, but I suppose I can part with it," he says, kneeling next to the man and uncorking the container, lifting the lip of it to the old man's lips.
"Thad and anyone else not busy keeping that man alive I'd like a bit of help. I think I've found the seed. Andrei casts light on his shield then moves in to take a closer look at the powerful source of magic but does not touch it. After he'll go around and collect the other sources of magic.
"Well," sighs Anwel, clearly bracing himself, "there is a simple enough test." He turns away from the man he cannot help to follow Andrei.
Imon followed Andrei, wondering allowed what he'd found. "Where is it? I am curious to know what it is we've been seeking."
Andrei points at the location of the strong magic. {b]"It's there."[/b]
|
Gorax is torn between leaving his friends to face the injured bear-man, should he suddenly revert to violence once again and Andrei's call for help in his search. He stays put, knowing he can be of help against a real foe, rather than go tramping around looking for things, particularly magical things, that can't be trusted.
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[/dice]
With the magical healing taking effect, the man's condition seems to stabilize although he does not immediately regain consciousness.
In your estimate you will likely have to do something for him regain consciousness any time soon. If left alone his body could simply give out without him ever coming around.
Andrei makes his way into the circle of trees, the magical light from his shield providing comfort under the dark canopy of the mighty trees. The bard moves to the far opposite side of the circle where a simple, rectangular stone altar resides. The altar itself is half buried in many years worth of needles and other forest debris.
When the light from the shield shines on the ancient holy site it reflects off of something partially buried by the debris. It appears to be glass or something similar and is is the same spot that Andrei points to as the source of the strong magic.
Andrei goes collects the other magical items while the other look at glass item. He picks up each turning them around examining them carefully before bring them to Anwel. "These are all magical. Any idea what they do?"
"Well, I think he may have to be carried back if he doesn't regain consciousness. He should be fine until we can gather the seed. Maybe it is not this necklace here?"
Warren stands and looks around the larger area. He sends his eagles to look for other threats.
Stellan completes his examination. "Hmm, I'm not sure what to do here. This man is not in danger from his wounds anymore but he's very old. He appears human but I think he is over 150 years old. I'm not sure what treatment I can give him, I doubt he will awaken again without something. Could he have powers similar to yours Warren? I understand that some people close to nature can hold off the effects of aging for a long time. Would you take a look and see if you can provide some guidance here? Also Thad, I suspect he is or was a druid of the ForestFather. Perhaps you have some insight?"
Stellan looks a bit vexed. Under his breath he mutters, "Wish I had some supplies,I have nothing to work with."
Stellan looks expectantly at Warren and Thad.
"Perhaps," says Anwel stiffly, examining the various items in turn. His fingertips shake as he takes the scroll, but when the time comes to take the harp, his hands are steady. Still, he is clearly nervous about something. His eyes keep flicking toward the crystal on the altar. Finally, he puts the stone aside. "The simple test I mentioned..." he says, looking fully at the altar now that there is nothing to distract him, "if that crystal is the Seed, I should react badly to touching it, just like the cup." He takes a deep breath. "Thad may have a better idea. I hope he does; it is his mission to find the Seed and his right to hold it. If he does not, however, and you wish me to try, I shall."
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The harp is a beautiful and intricately carved instrument that amazingly is still in tune and shows no sign of corrosion or damage. After strumming a few notes you can tell that in the hands of an expert it could entrance those listening.
The book is a thick tome filled with writings and illustrations of the human body. The subject matter appears to focus on the physical, spiritual, and mental ways to maintain a healthy body, but much of the language is difficult to understand without spending several hours of study.
The bright red stone hangs from a gold chain. Examining the stone you sense a powerful healing energy and can even feel the stones power flowing.
Warren looks at the fallen man and answers:
"Usually changing forms restores health. Cannot understand why he is out. Three doses of healing, and he is still down. Maybe the necklace is the source of his curse?"
After looking around:
"Well, we have an unconscious man to transport. If we have secured the Seed, we can return."
He moves to see if the Seed is indeed recovered. He speaks to Anwel: "Can the necklace be the cause of the old man's slumber?"
Stellan looks at Warren quizzically. "Um, Warren did you hear me? I'll try to be clearer. This man is dying of extreme old age. The curse must have sustained him somehow, but with its breaking, events are taking the natural course which is death from aging. That's why I was asking for Thad's and your help; I don't know what to do to wake him for what is likely the last time in his life. At least he could maybe tell us what we can do, if he has any family that cares about him, or what last rites to perform. Also to find out what is really going on, would be good. Don't think about moving him far, he'll never make it. He may not make sunset." Stellan stands there looking at Warren with a puzzled frown.
While Gorax makes camp and readies an infusion that may help the ancient guardian, Thad kneels down next to the old man and offers a gentle prayer to Erastil. As he recites the one of the more common prayers from the Parables of Erastil as soft silvery aura surrounds the old man.
His eyes open and his lips form a thin smile. His breathing is shallow, rapid and slightly labored, but after a moment his lips begin to move as he tries to speak. At first, little emerges from his throat but a few dry, incoherent croaks.
Thad offers a bit of Gorax's tea which seems to do the trick. The man speaks attempts to speak again, holding Thad's hand in his own. His voice is weak and difficult to understand as he speaks with a dialect and accent of Taldane that is well over a hundred years old.
"Blessing and thanks to you my son. You have freed me from my own folly and restored me to Erastil's circle of faith. I have little time left in this plane, for my stay has already been over long. The charge is now yours. Guard and guide it with thy faith, truth, and goodness of heart."
Imon watched the man with concern, desperately trying to make out his words. When he was done, Imon couldn't help but unleash a torrent of questions, starting with "What? What happened to you? How did you come to be here, and a bear? What is this place?"
He realized as he spoke that he was likely asking too much, but still, he had to know.
"Oh, he is so old, his body cannot sustain life."
Warren says as the reality dawns on him.
Warren bends down to listen.
He begins to speak, but realizes Imon's questions are better than any he could have asked, and keeps silent.
"It was so long ago." Says the man softly. He turns toward Imon, his one good eye squinting in the light. "So much is gone from my memories. Lost in the haze of atonement for my sins. I was once blessed of Erastil. Chosen to lead his flock to the promised land and bring his teachings to those who would serve."
He pauses, coughs and spends a few seconds to catch his breath before continuing. He voice weaker as he struggles to speak his tale.
"For a time all was well. We settled the fertile valleys and forests. Our people began to thrive. I was called to this ancient lost shrine and shown its wonderful and sacred secret. Several acolytes joined me and we constructed a small temple and school for the settlers of the valleys."
He frowns and his voice goes grim. "Then the wild beasts descended upon us. They came from deep in the hills. Filled with evil and hatred for men. Bugbears, goblins, and other such creatures. They overran the settlements. Killing. Enslaving. Worse."
Tears slowly fill his eyes and run down his leathery cheeks. "That was when fear caused me to loose my faith. I gathered the two acolytes still alive to my side and we lured a great bear into the vale. Desperate to stop the slaughter of our people and protect this holy place I sacrificed the bear to any who would answer my plea for aid. What I received was the curse of Erastil for my lack of faith and the sin of sacrificing one of the god's own great creatures."
"The god transformed me into the great bear you fought. I lost all connection with who I had been. My single purpose was to defend the grove which I did for seasons beyond my knowing. So it would be until another came along who was faithful to the god. Strong of heart and mind. Strong of faith. Strong enough of body to defeat my cursed self."
He turns to Thad, kneeling at his side, as well as Warren, Imon, Gorax, and Stellan. "The charge is now yours. Erastil has chosen you to keep his sacred daughter safe. I pray you will stand truer than I."
"The book and scroll will bear further study," says Anwel, sliding them into his oilskin sack with his other books and papers. It is starting to get very full. He then pushes the harp into Andrei's hands. "The next time you wish to persuade someone of something, this will help. Now if you will please excuse me," he says, clutching the pendant, "this is a healing item and may help our ex-bear. Think on my offer. I shall return." Anwel turns on his heel and darts toward the old man and the group gathered around him.
He slows down about twenty paces from them, not wanting to startle the man. "Few of us here could have stood as long and kept the Seed as safe as you did," he says softly, closing the clasp around the nape of the man's neck. "And you may stand a little while yet."
Andrei nods to Anwel and walks to the enterance to the grove. He waits quietly watching until Gorax asks his question then moves close to him "That can wait friend, instead let us who can't help in this matter stand guard against any possible attack"
"We will see, Gorax." Stellan says softly. To the old man, "In the name of the Great Father of the Forests, I'll do all I can to see to the proper protection and use of the Seed." Stellan looks a bit burdened after his statement but squares his shoulders looking determined.
Stellan watches as Anwel fastens the amulet around the old man's neck, looking to see what it does for him.
Stellan watches as Anwel fastens the amulet around the old man's neck, looking to see what it does for him.
Imon watched curiously, wondering what exactly was going on. Stellan seemed to have agreed to something, but Imon wasn't sure exactly what. He wondered if the witch knew much better.
"What does all that mean, then? You aren't going to have to stay here, are you?"
Warren is overcome by the moment and quickly asks the man.
"Can we restore this area as a shrine? If so, would Erastil allow a Gozreh shrine here too?"