"Ahh friend Gorgukk and Calindar tis a sad tale, an yet one may hope, seems....."
"Seems guardians this man did dispair an turn from tha path because he walked it alone. We at least have each other to lean upon."
@Bear
"Tha responsibility was beyond you, we have such a burden and share it amongst us, come and we shall help you complete your goal."
"Seems best to clear tha shrine so tha bear may turn away from his folly an towards redemption."
Barnabus begins to clear the shrine area.
"I agree with Barnabus at this point, and feel that striving to restore this shine of Erastil to it's former glory would be a good beginning in appeasing Erastil's anger and bring his blessings on this place and those that serve him."
Calinder then carefully approaches the bear and it a softer voice in the hopes of aleviating the buzzing sound some says, "My fellow follower of Erastil, I would be glad to do whatever is required to aid you. Although it sound that your error in judgement and choice was grievous, there is yet hope to return you to the path that you were meant to follow."
If there is an indication of understanding from the bear, then Calinder will give him a slight bow and a smile. If the bear doesn't indicate that he understood Calinder, then he will ask Barnabus to relay the message for him.
Calinder then begins to do what he can restore order to Erastil's shrine.
"If we stay here for sometime, I could have access to some spells that may help in restoring this place."
The magician listened to what the bear had to say, sadness filling his eyes as the former priest of Erastil explained what it had done. Lothar knew that this spiritual matter was beyond his area of expertise. This was something that could only be resolved by Calinder and Gorguk.
And for that, he was grateful. In his mind, there was only thing that should be done to allow the creature his due rest. But Lothar did not think the priest would have the heart to see it done. Gorguk, as a paladin of Erastil, was a fully trained warrior, a crusader sworn to uphold and defend the tenets of his faith. If necessary, he would do what had to be done.
The priest, however, was a different matter. Lothar was sure that Calinder received all the training that his order could give him in the use of weapons. But the half-elf was more of a scholar and philosopher than a warrior. Not a bad thing, to be sure. The monks of his temple back on Jalmeray were as pious as any cleric, but they also backed that conviction with a discipline that rivaled many warriors and a deftness lacked by most rogues. It was that very combination of qualities, especially when applied to their formidable martial arts skills, that made the Houses of Perfection known across the continents of Golarion.
Lothar did not doubt the half-elf's faith. The priest was convinced that the bear could be redeemed. The Vudran was not so hopeful, was not so convinced that the god Erastil would be so forgiving after all of this time. But he had faith in Calinder and so would trust his companion to walk wherever the path of his conscience led and do all that he could to assist him.
For his sake, I hope Calinder is correct and will be able to do as his heart bids. Otherwise, this will not go well for him.
Upon hearing the words of Barnabus relating the bear's story, Gorguk dismounts and approaches the bear. Knowledge (rel) to find out what must be done to lift the curse or who should be the one to lift the curse. My poor unfortunate fellow believer in Erastil. You truly have had a harsh life with hard choices to be made. Unfortunately the wrong choice was made at the wrong time. However, a punishment should only be in accordance with the crime. I do believe that Erastil has left an opportunity for you to be reinstated as a priest otherwise he would not have placed the conditions he has. Alas, the only way I know to release you is through death. I am sorry but I have not the wisdom or knowledge of such matters. My devotion and training to Erastil was in other matters. I tell you this not to alarm you but wish you to know fully my capabilities. If you wish to proceed as Cal here suggests then so be it. I offer this to you as a option so you know I am willing to do this onerous deed. I would not force this upon you, this is your choice to be taken willingly. I just present it now so that you will have time to reflect and dwell on it. I will make it as quick and painless as possible. Know also that it would grieve me to undertake this action and I do not do so lightly. Until that time if you should so choose I will help in whatever way Cal thinks best. diplomacy to carry intent that this is not a threat but Gorguk's only solution that he can currently think of unless the know rel check provides something.
Rhasa remains quiet, listening to what the bear-talkers share and what the faithful say, slowly edging back to the edge of the clearing. She continues to move slowly until she has a clear shot and eases the bow into her hand.
"Erastil, if this is your will, may my shot be true. I have to believe that you would have me aid your faithful followers over a half-crazed former priest that you have cursed for the ages."
She waits, alert for any sign that the bear is going to attack the others. As long as it is communicating peacefully, her arrows will remain in the quiver.
With a deep sigh, Lothar looked to Gorguk. His expression held no surprise, only sadness.
I leave you to your work.
The magician turned and walked away, leaving the area to stand outside of the shrine.
@ bear
"Yet you have remained here near this shrine, help in even some small way in the cleansing, or at least ask atonement before tis ended."
Relays the bears desires to Gorguk and Calindar....
and adds...
"Seems he was once one of yer ranks, would you prefer I do tha deed an ask tha Gozreh take him."
"No Barnabus, Gorguk and I will do this if it is what he wishes. I just wish that I could convince him to try another way to redeem himself."
Unless Cal's knowledge check reveal s something to lift the curse...
I understand your reasons and would make the same choice if I were in your current situation. Better to end it now than endure countless more suffereing. Hold still. This will take but a moment.
Erastil I ask that you grant mercy to this being and forgive him his transgressions against you. Accept his spirit now in peace and may he be with you in the after life. Upon saying this, Gorguk raises his longsword to his lips, kisses it, and activates his smite evil (not using it as smite evil but in a more symbolic way to call Erastil's blessing upon this action)
coup de grace no added damage to the smite
Once the judgement asked for is carried out, Gorguk will bury the body of the bear in the ritual of Erastil.
Rhasa shakes her head sadly as she understands what's about to happen. She looks around prior to the killing stroke, only glancing back to confirm that the deed was indeed done.
She will start searching the area around the shrine - as much to find elements of construction that have fallen as anything.
"An now tis done....and was best done quickly, though we had hope he did not, perhaps our hope twas enough."
"He had no time left him his natural life twas done, when then did the events he recounted occur, surly in perhaps his youth and tha magic had sustained him far beyond tha time o even his bones, though seems his death hast done much tah restore tha shrine."
"This water seemed stagnant but a moment agone."
"May Erastil once again accept his spirit and guide him to the next life."
"Gorguk, it appears that Erastil has taken his former priest from this world as completely as possible, leaving only dust behind. Let see if there is anything else here in Erastil's shrine to discover, or that needs to be cared for."
Calinder then begins walking towards the cave mouth, preparing to enter to see if there is anything to be discovered.
Upon the demise of the bear and the sequential turning to dust, Gorguk nods silently in agreement with Cal. When Gorguk looks up the surroundings have changed and peace has settled in the area. Gorguk will folow Cal's lead in helping search for anything in the shrine itself. After working a while at clearing some of the refuse, I think we should return to Oleg's, and see if there is someone who will come and repair and restore this shrine. I do not have the skills required to see this rightfully restored.
I agree Gorguk, restoring this shine will be a large task and we have not the time, and other important tasks."
"Perhaps I can get a letter delivered to the clerics of the temple that I was raised in, and let them know of what we have discovered. Perhaps they then can send some clerics to restore the shrine to it's former glory."
Even though this job is too big for us right now, We can make a start to allow those who come after a safer and better living conditions. We can at least clean out this cave and stockpile dead branches and other wood for fire and shetler. If no one objects, then I would like to remain here for the day doing what we can. Also, Lothar I would ask a special task of you and Rhasa. While we are cleaning the cave, would you 2 scout the surrounding land within a couple hundred feet and see what you can do about defenses or early alarms. If we are to have people come and fix this place up, I want them to be prepared in case bandits or predators show up. Even though we haven't seen any trolls, the ex-priest did mention them. They very well could have moved on, but it is just as likely that they could be around still as well. I trust you to do as you see fit and that both go in case you should run into any trouble. Thank you my friends,. With that Gorguk returns to the cave and starts hauling away debris.
Rhasadilara watches the paladin re-enter the shrine. "I suppose that makes sense, but I suspect that it's been a very, very long time since the events he spoke of took place." She looks at the magician and explains, "I mean, Erastil returned him to the form he was born to when the curse was broken - and I think the breaking of the curse also broke whatever was keeping him from dying of old age. So when the curse faded, his body did what it should have done years ago, but it did it at a much faster rate, leaving only the dust of a century-old corpse." She shrugs. "But there are plenty of modern threats even if those he remembered are long-dead, so... ready to go hunting?"
"Perhaps we should set a sign welcoming any weary traveler as long as he or she dost no harm be welcome within. Perhaps preparing a fire pit an leving flint an steel, an rations fer a day."
"Do we intend to bring persons here to maintain this sancuary?"
If we can find people to brave this area then I would say yes Barnabus. We have a gift here before us that just needs a little maintanace. I would love to see this place again full of life and community.
"Surenly this dost warrent our return tah Oleg's fer news o tha shrine may draw a cleric an acolytes from distant lands."
Yes it does Barnabus. Let us return to Oleg's by way of exploring as we go. I do not think that this site will be desecrated while we are gone since it has been largely forgotten as of late. But if some would think it wise. I would remain guarding the shrine here until your return. Do I thin it necessary, no. But it is an option if some feel it needed.
As the others deliberated on what to do with the shrine, Lothar did not put forth any suggestions. The way he saw it, the best thing the magician could do was to let them sort it out. All he wanted to do was get back to Oleg's place so that this portion of their exploration would be done. Besides, he was pretty sure that there was more work waiting to be done, and Lothar was eager to get whatever it was over with so that they could focus on taking down the Staglord. He went back to where he left his mule and saddled up, waiting as patiently as he could for Gorguk and the others to come along.
"It seems tha best had we come here earlier, we might have focused too much here rather than dealin wit tha mites an makin peace with tha kobolds......I am jus waitn tah see tha look on o Oleg's face when tha pig's head an Mikmek shows up at his house!"
"We have a celebration to attend!"
Aye Barnabus, we have a lot to celebrate yet a lot to accomplish as well. It will be good to give hope to the people of this region with the stories of our deeds. A feast is in order when we get back.
"I agree with Gorguk about staying a day and doing some clean up to prepare this place for those who will come. I do not feel that one of us needs to stay and guard the area. It will be some time and quite a bit of work to be done before it can be rededicated to Erastil, even if there is no longer a gloom cast over this place."
"We can continue making our way back to Oleg's and explore as we travel."
"If naught else cutting a few vines an stacking them away should be a great help, seems a sythe or sickle maybe needed fer tha grass or perhaps a goat."
"Seems we have done well in bringin back tha shrine."
And so the along with the reclamation of the Greenlands, the Guardians have started the process of restoration as well...
With the passing of the old guardian of the shrine, Erastil's blessing had filled and newly snctified the current area. But this was not enough for the fiery spirit of Gorguk nor for the indomintable will of Calinder. After a quick discussion with the stealthy and more wilderness savvy comrades Gorguk turns and focuses all his strengtha nd atention to the business at hand. First, though, Gorguk removes the gear and armament from Durok and himself to better allow for the cleaning. The most difficult and hard labor was in removing the refuse that the bear dragged in to create his den. Fallen trees, cracked stone, and other debris to heavy to be manipulated magically needed to be removed the old fashioned way-by hand or by horse. For most of the morning, gorguk toiled at this labor of love in restoring the old shrine to a resemblance of the what it could be. At lunch, when a good portion of the den was cleared, Gorguk sat by the now sparkling clean pool conversing with Cal. Durok nearby was grazing on the fresh green grass that sprang up instantly just a few hours ago. Stopping his converstaion with Cal on the intracacies of the worship and purpose of Erastil and this shrine, Gorguk takes a long slow draught from the pool. Surprised to find the pool water is delicious and invigorating, Gorguk is ready to start again on the restoration project. whenever Gorguk needs a quick break, a single drink from the pool is enough to refresh both mind and body for more toil.
Once Gorguk had removed a few of the larger pieces of junk the area is at least ready to begin cleansing the walls from the accumulated grime from years past. It is at this time that the other 2 companions return from their mission in the woods bearing tinder and kindling for a stockpile for future use. Assuring Gorguk that their job was completed and that the shrine is safe from immediate threat and that it would be difficult to sneak upon a group undetected the Guardians enjoy the night in the ease that comaraderie grants after a long day of hard but fruitful work. In the glow of the fire after the evening meal, the group slowly drifts off to sleep one by one, each in his or her own thoughts looking at the stars.
Just before sleep takes him, [i]It feels good to use the muscles for restoration instead of always claiming the life of those who oppose us. Yet while Erastil gives me the strength, I will carry on. I just hope to follow more faithfully than the poor priest. Yet would I do the same as him if I were in his situation. I fear to know that answer for I hope to answer true, but the lives of my companions are precious as well. Time will tell and hipefullly I will nnot ever have to choose. No sense worrying about till it happens. [i] With that Gorguk turns on his side, face towards the carved statue of the elk, and falls asleep.
Upon awaking in the morn, another drink from the pool brings gorguk alert and ready to press on. Rhasa, if you would be so kind as to lead us on as we explore back to Oleg's that would be much appreciated. If I were to try, I am sure we would end up back here by lunch travelling in 1 large circle.
Calinder works steadily along with Gorguk in restoring the shrine as much as possible. In the evening he takes time to just sit and enjoy the new peace that has come over the area. Sitting and listening to the sounds of nature around them, the wind in the trees and the crackle of the fire. Calinder is able to relax, really relax for the first time since this journey began.
He joins the conversation of the others here and there when he is not lost in thought about other things. After a while he secludes himself to perform his daily meditations. He then rests until it is time for him to watch over the group.
In the morning he quietly pack to leave and return to Oleg's. Calinder feels a bit torn about leaving this place and hopes to return soon.
The next morning, Lothar got ready for the trip back to Oleg's, packing and saddling up his mule. The events at the shrine from the previous day had left the magician with an odd feeling.
Loyalty had come to mean a lot to Lothar, but he recognized that it was both a strange and complex thing. After all, the Vudran had been trained to live amongst whoever was considered the enemy. Which meant that not only was he capable of deceptions both simple and elaborate, but that Lothar was also able to commit the darkest of deeds. And the only thing that carried him through this was the nobility of his purpose.
For without it, Lothar knew deep in his heart that he would be fundamentally no different from an assassin.
He looked to the other Guardians and realized that as much as they needed him, Lothar needed them just as much. For without them, he would be lost in a world of darkness.
But it was something that the magician could not hope to put into words. Yet while Lothar felt inadequate to the task of verbally expressing this, he also realized that he did not have to. For where words failed him, his actions would not. And as Lothar lifted himself into the saddle, that was what he resolved to do.
To let his actions speak for him in a way that words never could.
Once again, the magician let his eyes fall upon each of his companions. He was proud to know them and he would make them just as proud of him.
Every chance that he got.
Rhasa, at ease here at the shrine as much as she had been for a long time, watched the others. Gorguk and Calinder seemed to be strongly affected by finding the shrine. Lothar, as always, is wheels within wheels, but seemed to be watching everyone intently in turn as he thought his thoughts. Barnabus she understands the least, but he seemed to be genuinely pleased with the group's efforts. And dear Dyfrig just seems to be happiest when he has grateful recipients of his art.
After supper, she went to where the horses were and stood with Sunset for a while, whispering to the horse and 'communing' with it, before returning to her bedroll for the night.
Barnabus approaches Rhasadilara...
"I thought perhaps yah might show me how tha bow works o'er tha crossbow."
With some surprise, Rhasadilara nods, "I know little of the crossbow. Calinder carries one, perhaps he can guide you in its use. The bow, on the other hand, I feel quite comfortable with."
She gets her bow and shows it to the witch, noting how different types of string give better results in different conditions and how the curve of the bow gives it its power. "A master craftsman can create a bow that is so customized to its owner's strength that a weaker man would have trouble pulling it back and firing it accurately. Mine is not so constructed. Anyone with an understanding of how to draw back and fire it should do well enough with it."
She draws forth an arrow and shares the finer points of its construction, including the variety of tips that might be used. "I have seen many varieties of arrows - some longer, some with more expensive feathers, some with heavy blunted tips. They all do something slightly different and all require a little something different from the archer to use them to their best potential."
Stepping off a reasonable, but short, firing range, she hands the bow to Barnabus and coaches him through how to hold the bow, how to avoid burning his forearm as the string snaps forward, how and where to nock the arrow appropriately, and then how to fire.
Nodding at the results of his first shot, she adds, "Think to yourself where you were looking as you released and after your released. You want to maintain your focus on your target until the arrow is well away from the bow. Of course, once you have the bow and arrow, from there it is practice and developing a consistent draw and release. Once you are consistent, you can have the most unconventional motion as you fire, but you will still know where the arrow is going when it leaves your bow."
Seeing his interest, she decides to try to craft some arrows to be used in target practice. She works on that for a while before turning in and then again during her watch that night.
"Truely tha bow is more efficient than mah own crossbow. I shall consider your lessons an waste them naught."
Barnabus gives a sly hint of a smile....
"What else might this night bring?"
Seeing Barnabus question Rhasa about the difference between bows and crossbows, he wanders over to where Rhasa is teaching Barnabus.
When Barnabus remarks about the difference in efficiency between the two weapons, Calinder says, "Yes you gain efficiency, but lose ease of use, especially for someone that has not the strength to pull one of those finely built bows that require a lot of strength. With the crossbow it take a bit longer to ready, but has the advantage of just aim, and fire. If you have the strength to hold up the weapon and aim it, then you can use it effectively."
"Yes I find an informed choice is tha best kind o choice tah make."
"For example killin tha bear, was an enlightened choice, made with full understanding o our actions an tha circumstances."
Upon hearing the instructions of Rhasa to the party gathered, Gorguk listens in to see if he can pick up any pointers as well. It never hurts to continue your education even in matters where you think you have a good foundation.
If I may interupt your lesson Rhasa, I have a question for you three. What type of feathers do your arrows use? What I mean is, are they spiral or straight on the shaft? In your opinion Rhasa, which are better or does it not matter?
"Mine are straight because I made them myself and I don't have the patience to get the spiral right. If you do it wrong, you can actually cause the arrow to not fly straight. However, I have been told that spiral feathers with the right arrowhead can be devastating to the target..."
"I have found careful honing o tha crossbow bolts is beneficial."
"Soon we shall arrive at Oleg's we have much news tah share, an perhaps news tah hear."
The reason I was wondering Rhasa, Is if you use bladed arrows. I was taught in my training that you had to be careful when using bladed arrows that the feathers, notch and blade were all aligned appropriately or else the arrow would not strike true. a crossbow does not worry about such matters as the bolt is held in such a position that it strikes the same as when it it fired. That is why I was curious about your arrow.
"Well, here is how I make mine." She draws one forth and hands it to the paladin. "I think the alignment is less important than the consistency, but that might make it a challenge for someone else to use your arrows. If they are not consistent with what they are used to, of course."
Calinder agrees with Gorguk's suggestion to wait until morning before resuming their return to the trading post.
Lothar watched the others engage in their conversation, a slight smile barely apparent on his face. That Barnabus initiated the discussion was surprise enough in the Vudran's mind. Calinder's participation was another, although it gave some insight to the priest's use of the crossbow over what Lothar had thought to be Erastil's preferred weapon, the longbow. In time that may change, but the magician knew that whatever else, there was no doubting Calinder nor the power of his faith when it came to serving the needs of the Greenbelt and its free people.
The Vudran was still uncertain when it came to the witch, however. Barnabus was very fickle, a reflection of his dualistic deity Gozreh. From his studies, Lothar understood that this particular god was more of an elemental force than Erastil. Old Deadeye, despite his gruffness, was a nurturing god. But while Gozreh could be just as caring, The Wind and the Waves was equally cruel and indifferent. In that regard, Gozreh was like nature itself, and thus was beyond the application of morals and ethics.
Thankfully, Barnabus was but a mere human and therefore could be held accountable for his actions. That was important in Lothar's mind, for he could perceive a darkness, a ruthlessness, that ran deep within Barnabus. This was represented in the witch's familiar, a greensting scorpion, a creature that in most cultures symbolized evil. And it was only a matter of time before the witch said or did something that would put himself or others at risk, which could in turn endanger the good work of the Guardians.
But for all of his speculation, the magician could not be certain how much of a danger Barnabus would truly be. Truth be told, the Vudran wasn't even sure that it should be a concern. Regardless, Lothar would remain vigilant and do whatever he could to protect his companion.
Even if that danger was Barnabus himself.