Den is momentarily stunned by what transpires and stands speechless as the loyal Acio lands on his shoulder. As the changes in the temple take effect he shakes his head in near disbelief. By the gods, what manner of creature was that? Seeing that Hadin is still wounded Den has a thought. He moves to the now clear pool, cups his hand into the water and drinks from it. If he senses no ill from the water he will bring some to Hadin to drink. This water is from the temple of your god. It should at least quench your thirst, and after what I have seen, perhaps it can do more. Drink.
When Dendarial tastes the water it is cool and refreshing, but nothing strange or unusual happens apart from that.
Drink Hadin. This will refresh you.
If Hadin is ok, there is that cave to explore. If the bear was actually a man at one time, perhaps there are man things inside. Den suggests practically.
Hadin drinks the water, and with all the curing, feels better.
Still a little dazed, he says with a feeble voice
Please, don't tell Auntie i was hurted badly.... I don't want her to be afraid...And thank you all for your help, both in the battle and afterward.
Hadin rises slowly, still on woobly legs, and then fall on his knees in prayer.
I will take a few minutes in prayer, if it's not too bothering for you....
Hadin drinks the transformed water offered to him by the ranger, and instantly he is refreshed by it, the impact of the transformation of the area obvious.
Brom is still blinking rapidly from the effects of the bears death, and he looks about the area as if seeing it for the first time, clearly amazed at the transformation. "Zhat vas a vorzhy foe. I am starting to zhink it vas not a real bear at all. Yes?" he states as he finally starts to move again, ready to check out the cave with the others.
The Brom, Will, and Dendarial set out for the cave entrance while Hadin and Sir Karse spend some time within the outside area of the shrine. As the group approaches they note an almost countless amount of claw marks and scratches on every surface near the entrance to the cave. Entering they see more of the same on the interior areas. It is as if this creature spent countless years in a mad rage, attempting to destroy anything it could.
Searching around the interior, the group spots a flattened area of earth where the beast appeared to have slept. Noting an uneven quality to the ground the party does a big of digging and uncovers what appears to be a cache of items and valuables.
Inside the trove you find a masterwork buckler, a suit of armor that appears to be woven from strands of a very strong species of vine, a scimitar, a rotting leather sack, and a belt pouch. Inside the sack you find 4 torches which have rotted beyond use, flint and steel, a wand, and two potion bottles. In the pouch you find 19pp, 43gp, and 32sp.
Brom's frown of disturbed concern at seeing the unfettered and mad rage of the poor bear turns into a wide grin as they discover the burried valuables. He quickly calls to the others and displays their findings, picking over what's been found to see if anything interests him, but not seeing much. "Zhat vas a very vealzhy animal! HaHA!" and belly laughs at his own strange joke.
Den looks at the armor with wonder. Would anyone mind if I tried this on?. he asks.
Den will try on the armor if no one objects. Can he get a feel for the protection offered?
Brom hefts Krasa and approaches Dendarial as he finishes donning the armor, "If you vant I can... test zhis new armor for you. Vhat do you zhink?"
I am not sure that Krasa is so precise of in instrument that you will be able to note subtle differences between light armors. Brom.
The barbarian manages to look a little hurt, and gives his beloved weapon a sympathetic look as if to say Don't listen to that mean elf, but doesn't persist. "Vell, I suppose she is better at flattening zhan 'subtle differences'." and gives a little sigh at a missed opportunity to use his weapon. "Shall ve take vhat ve have found and return to zhe Compound? I am eager to see how zhe ozhers have fared."
This foray was but a diversion Brom. We were to scout out the bandit fortifications. But I suspect the good father back at the post needs to know of this find. He most likely would want to come back here immediately. I say we go and fetch him and then continue our mission from here.
Brom konks himself lightly on the head with his warhammer, wincing as the heavy weapon, "Of course you are right, zhe battle vis zhe beast has my blood pumping and confusing my zhoughts. If only zhere vere some vay to get him a message of zhis place, but if zhere is not zhen I agree Dendarial."
The party heads out from the shine, the paladins both feeling a sense of loss as they leave the holy site, as they head north back towards the trading post. The journey takes them the remainder of the day and well into the next before they arrive back to the familiar sights of the walls towering high on the plains. They are greeted warmly by Oleg and Svetlana, as well as the bandits-turned-farmers, who have continued to make good progress on their homestead.
"So lads, bein as we didn' expect you back so soon, what news?" Oleg asks as he follows the group towards the outdoor common area of the post, "Did you find that Stag Lord fellow and give him a blade for his troubles?"
Not yet, Uncle. But we have found the hidden holy site of Erastil, and came back to tell the good news to the priest. After we have chased the Stag Lord from this land, we may establish a trail from your outpost to the ancient temple. I guess followers of Erastil will be glad to find this holy place to offer their prayer to our god... and a place here to satisfy their earthly needs, at a gentle cost.
Hadin gives a small wink and a big smile to his uncle
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Will spends much of the time with the new found treasures, doing his best to determine what they are and how they function. When they return to the post, instead of joining the others in reporting their findings to the priest of Erastil, he veers off to his new spot, where Sarenrae chose him and conducts some quiet prayers and songs on his own. He then sees to Bob and makes sure the mule is content, knowing they will be requiring his services again when they are ready to move out.
The ranger advises the bard We are back in safe environs. Take the items and study them at your leasure. Calm your mind. I am sure their secrets will be revealed to you.
Brom grins as the familiar walls of the Trading Post come into view, and he marvels at the sense of ease and 'home-ishness' that's already been instilled in him about this place. He approaches Oleg to see if he's heard word from the others yet, "Good Oleg! Vhat news from our distant friends?"
He'll also head over to the bandits-turned-farmers to see how their faring, feeling a special responsibility for them.