The boggards merely look confused and concerned at Blau's attempts to communicate. It seems as if there are no common languages.
Kiven and Eya quickly determine the compass to be a wayfinder, a common tool among explorers able to purchase basic magical gear. The evocation aura is a simple light spell. They also have a secondary function, that of safely securing ioun stones.
Sure enough, a small slot opens up on the side, revealing a pale green crystal nestled within. The crystal has a large crack running down its length, but it remains intact.
The group backtrack to where they had fought the treant and proceed West. They pass through a couple other caves, finding another pool of water, and a beautiful formation of white crystals which prove to have essentially no value.
The next area appears to be unremarkable save for some particularly colorful slimy blue moss growing on the wall. But when Kiven gets near the western wall he is practically blinded. A powerful divination aura, possibly the strongest he's ever seen, is emanating from a narrow fissure in the rock, perhaps an inch wide.
Standard wayfinder, shines on command as per the Light spell. Also functions as a non-magical compass, granting a plus two circumstance bonus to survival checks to avoid getting lost. Finally, it can contain a single ioun stone, granting the stone's benefits to the wayfinder holder as if said stone was orbiting their head.
Cracked Pale Green Prism ioun stone, +1 competence bonus to attack rolls. Normally when activated it orbits above the user's head, the wayfinder allows it to work while simply stuck in a pocket instead.
Kiven looks at Eya with a grin and pockets the wayfinder with the ioun stone in it. Exiting the hut he merely remarks to the others "we found a compass that can produce magical light if it is required".
Knowledge Nature on blue moss: 17
Exploring the new area, Kiven suddenly and instinctively blocks his face with his forearm and takes three steps back away from the narrow crack in the stone wall of the cavern. Seeing no threat the others may be confused briefly. "There..." he remarks, "in the fissure." "I have never seen such powerful divination. Can you discern what is in there? Perhaps there is a chamber beyond this wall?"
Blau shakes his head. "I have no method of getting through that fissure. Perhaps the ice mephit can fit?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"Stand back," Eya tells the others. She snaps her fingers as the sound echoes a bit through the cavern. Suddenly, the rock beneath begins to curdle and morph as a small earth elemental appears.
"Break this wall," she says in a harsh sounding language.
The small Elemental faithfully moves to complete its assigned task. It's duration has almost expired by the time it makes a large enough hole for you to pass through, but it succeeds.
Beyond the fissure is a small chamber with no other apparent means of entry or exit. Leaning up against the wall is a skeleton in stained rags. It is probably either human or elf based on the proportions. Tucked under its right arm is a large oilcloth package, it's left arm grips a rusty dagger. Next to it is a satchel with what looks to have been travel rations, spent sunrods, and other supplies. From the looks of it, whoever this was and however he ended up trapped in here, he was stuck for weeks before dying.
The aura that kiven saw is emanating from the package.
Kiven kneels to visually inspect the body, the items nearby and also the small cavern this individual became trapped in. He wonders how this situation might have unfolded. After a moment he grabs the package and gently removes it from the skeleton's clutches, taking it aside to unwrap it.
Abraxxus grumbles as he searches the small chamber. " No gold or gems in here. What is that elfling?" He notices him unwrapping the package. " Wonder how this fool was trapped and died in here. No accounting for the taste of humans and elves.... or should I say tastes?" He smirks.
The oilcloth unwraps to reveal two objects. A book, and an exquisitely beautiful emerald. It is the latter item that is giving off the strong magic aura.
The book is titled the Dirges of Apollyon, the cover features a horse skull with three blazing green eyes. It turns out to be the personal hymnal of someone who signed their name as R. Kappelbrenner. The first half of the book is filled with prayers, hymns and rituals of the sons of the Pale Horseman, mostly extolling the virtues of pestilence, chaos, and death. The second half appears to have been used as a personal journal. The last few entries are particularly interesting.
"My lord and master has fallen, cut down by those blasphemous Mitrans. I do not understand, that should not have been possible. I managed to slip away in the chaos. I would find a way to free my master once again, I would lead the sons to a glorious rebirth. My plan should have worked. Without our Lord, our scattered people were no longer any real threat to the Invaders. I had to preserve what could be preserved and seek to rebuild later. I only managed to grab one of the eyes, but it would have to be enough. The potion I took from high priest Ezra's stash worked flawlessly, I became like a ghost and simply floated through the barrier in between me and this small chamber. I would wait until the Invaders left, then emerge and do what must be done. But cruel fate had something else in mind for me. Somehow, on my way down here, the second potion I took was broken, its contents ruined, destroying any hope of leaving this space. Perhaps my Lord is angry with me? Yes, that must be it. I failed to defend him with my life. Please forgive your unworthy servant, I did it so that you might rise again."
"It has been five days, or six, or seven. I can no longer tell. I think the Mitrans have finally abandoned the temple, I can no longer hear them moving through the lower caverns chanting their filthy prayers. Now should have been my moment, the moment I return and begin working to reverse the damage. Instead I remain stuck in here. I spent the past few hours calling out, hoping that another of my brothers survived and returned, but no luck. I could very well be the very last of my order. I have a week's worth of rations remaining, and there is a trickle of water in the corner. I can last a while yet if I am cautious, perhaps someone will return in the days to come."
"Thank you my lord for bestowing knowledge upon this unworthy one! My prince, my savior appeared to me in a dream last night! My food ran out yesterday, and I have spent too much time in complete darkness so that my sunrods might last. I was full of despair, but now I am full of purpose. There is a path to redemption. I do not know if I will ever be able to walk it, but I must preserve the path for any brothers of mine that remain. Read well, whomever finds this, for the path to salvation is in these pages." The next page is filled with a detailed account of a ritual this man saw in a dream.
"I am burning my last sunrod to write these words. My vigil comes to an end. I can not find the strength to stand and drink water. I can barely hold the pen. Fortunately I have enough oilcloth to ensure that these words do not rot away any time soon. The ritual will be preserved. I will open my throat while I still can, one last sacrifice to my prince, one last prayer that these words I hold will be found by those enlightened enough to understand."
The ritual to release Vetra-Kali, as prophesied by the cultist known as Kappelbrenner:
I have seen it! I have seen the road to repentenance! six and six and six days of prayer. Three prayers per day will break the hated Seal. With each prayer bathe the seal in unholy water and intone the dirge.
At the stroke of midnight each day call forth the Supplication to Darkness. Pray to the darkness so that we shall be forgiven. Upon the first midnight make the first sacrifice — one of our own blood — so that Vetra-Kali will know we are repentant.
At the first light of each dawn call forth the Cursing of the Light. Answer the spread of the shining lord’s light with our unyielding defiance. Upon the 108th Curse make the second sacrifice — a true believer of Mitra — so that the cursed god of the invaders will know that we fear him not and that his power to hold our master at bay is ending.
At dusk as darkness returns each day cry forth the Call Across the Void. Recite the name of Vetra-Kali so that he may hear us and return. With the final Call offer the third sacrifice — one of the Victor’s own blood. By the same blood that caged him so shall our master be freed.
Let ye with wisdom understand. Once the final prayer is uttered upon the 216th dusk, Vetra-Kali will begin his long traverse across the great wheel. At the stroke of midnight on that day he will emerge into his Sanctum and the Seal shall shatter.
Blessed day! Be ready, my brothers. His eyes have been stolen from him. Return them and the Prince will honor ye with one task for each.
For the Eye of Vigilance which I hold, ask only for his mercy upon we mortals and plead that he do ye and yours no harm. For his wroth will be great.
For the Eye of Hatred ask for his greatest gift — the Tears of Achlys so that once more every corner of the world may know his mercy.
For the Eye of Withering ask what ye will for in his gratitude he must answer your charge.
And then behold, the Prince restored.
All shall know his blessings of pestilence and despair.
Kiven hands the emerald to Eya and begins studying the book, instructing the others "they are unlikely to be here, but search thoroughly for two more emeralds such as this."
A few minutes later the elf snaps the book shut and proclaims "if this can be trusted, we have our ritual." "We will require a number of items, including unholy water, the other two emeralds and..." he glances at Calarel "unfortunately, sacrifices will be required to achieve the greater good here."
After studying the book thoroughly, Kiven hands the book off to Eya for her own inspection. "Before we delay too long, I believe setting a trap for our next foe is still most urgent."
"Unholy water, I can provide as needed."Blau says "But I don't know what kind of traps we can prepare, other than simple ambushes. Will this foe come into the caves to find us, or wait for our exit? 216 days will leave us vulnerable to attack, as well, so we should report back the basics of our find, in case we can't complete it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
" I can walk out from time to time in order to see if she is waiting for us. The smart move for her is to wait for us to exit. She might not have the patience for that though. " He shrugs and begins searching for more gems such as the one Kiven has.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Respar grins. "Maybe we can leave the lillend for Elise and company." He will defer to the more learned members of the team for ideas as to how to acquire the various resources they will need, and will help plan specific operations, such as kidnapping a devout Mitran, stealing a gem (once they find their locations), and maybe even grabbing a royal person. "Though finding an unacknowledged bastard might be easier. And I'd lay even money there are plenty of them around. Most of the truly highborn spread their seed everywhere."
Eya accepts the book and gem from Kiven and, after going through the book herself, places the two inside her magic bag.
"Let's rest for tonight then. What do you all say? I can set an alarm around the entry way for the lillend in case she appears to avenge the tree," Eya says to the others. "We've made great progress for today and we have a good path forward for now. Remember to prepare spells to face this lillend. Anything that helps us against good creatures, mind affecting spells, spell casting creatures, and flyers. I'll prepare myself as well."
If we rest for the evening, per Daishain C7 would be comfortable due to it being a dryer area. It also gives us good areas to run to and eyes on C5 and the path to it. Also it happens to be near the boggard village if we need their help for anything.
Eya has a tent and bedroll and stuff to make a fire.
Blau agrees to the basic plan "I will make use of our dead Boggard leader, in the morning, and create an undead fighter for us, as well. Maybe he will be more competent in death than he was in life. He also can stand guard as an addition to your spells. In addition, I will petition Father Asmodeus for protection against this creature that comes." Blau ignores the book and gem, if offered, content that their paths are following as Father needs them to.
C7 sounds good. Blau has bedroll, some food, firestarter, water and other basics, as well as 2 flasks of unholy water, already.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?" "Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied ― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Abraxxas nods somewhat sullenly. " I want this creature to get here soon so we can end this threat. Resting now makes good sense though. Being at full strength when it arrives makes it easier to destroy it. Maybe it is afraid of confronting us. " He chortles.
The group makes an uneasy camp in the caverns. The dry sandy soil where they'd decided to lay down for the night is a welcome relief from the wet muck in most of this place.
The night passes without incident, although there's usually at least one pair of slowly blinking toad eyes watching you from the shadows. It seems that the boggards are really not sure what to make of you, even with their shaman's insistence that you would lead them to glory.
You awake rested and ready for the challenges ahead.
Abraxxas stretches upwards and yawns. He spreads his wings and flaps them stirring up a little dust. " Well, here we are. Apparently this fearless creature is not so fearless. I am willing to wait at the entrance in case it actually shows up while everyone else keeps exploring. " He twists around and his red frills flare. " I could use a good challenge... the smell of blood in the air.. fear..."
"Demoness, it may be wise to confer with your boggard friends. Without their shaman they seem uneasy with our presence once again."
"While it may prove unwise to detract from our ambush, it is perhaps a greater error to allow this single threat to indefinitely halt our progress in further exploring this place. It would see that Eya's alarm will have to suffice for now."
"Shall we start with one more inspection of the boggard village? The disappearance of the shaman is a concern."
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The boggards merely look confused and concerned at Blau's attempts to communicate. It seems as if there are no common languages.
Kiven and Eya quickly determine the compass to be a wayfinder, a common tool among explorers able to purchase basic magical gear. The evocation aura is a simple light spell. They also have a secondary function, that of safely securing ioun stones.
Sure enough, a small slot opens up on the side, revealing a pale green crystal nestled within. The crystal has a large crack running down its length, but it remains intact.
The group backtrack to where they had fought the treant and proceed West. They pass through a couple other caves, finding another pool of water, and a beautiful formation of white crystals which prove to have essentially no value.
The next area appears to be unremarkable save for some particularly colorful slimy blue moss growing on the wall. But when Kiven gets near the western wall he is practically blinded. A powerful divination aura, possibly the strongest he's ever seen, is emanating from a narrow fissure in the rock, perhaps an inch wide.
Standard wayfinder, shines on command as per the Light spell. Also functions as a non-magical compass, granting a plus two circumstance bonus to survival checks to avoid getting lost. Finally, it can contain a single ioun stone, granting the stone's benefits to the wayfinder holder as if said stone was orbiting their head.
Cracked Pale Green Prism ioun stone, +1 competence bonus to attack rolls. Normally when activated it orbits above the user's head, the wayfinder allows it to work while simply stuck in a pocket instead.
Kiven looks at Eya with a grin and pockets the wayfinder with the ioun stone in it. Exiting the hut he merely remarks to the others "we found a compass that can produce magical light if it is required".
Knowledge Nature on blue moss: 17
Exploring the new area, Kiven suddenly and instinctively blocks his face with his forearm and takes three steps back away from the narrow crack in the stone wall of the cavern. Seeing no threat the others may be confused briefly. "There..." he remarks, "in the fissure." "I have never seen such powerful divination. Can you discern what is in there? Perhaps there is a chamber beyond this wall?"
Blau shakes his head. "I have no method of getting through that fissure. Perhaps the ice mephit can fit?"
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
"Stand back," Eya tells the others. She snaps her fingers as the sound echoes a bit through the cavern. Suddenly, the rock beneath begins to curdle and morph as a small earth elemental appears.
"Break this wall," she says in a harsh sounding language.
The small Elemental faithfully moves to complete its assigned task. It's duration has almost expired by the time it makes a large enough hole for you to pass through, but it succeeds.
Beyond the fissure is a small chamber with no other apparent means of entry or exit. Leaning up against the wall is a skeleton in stained rags. It is probably either human or elf based on the proportions. Tucked under its right arm is a large oilcloth package, it's left arm grips a rusty dagger. Next to it is a satchel with what looks to have been travel rations, spent sunrods, and other supplies. From the looks of it, whoever this was and however he ended up trapped in here, he was stuck for weeks before dying.
The aura that kiven saw is emanating from the package.
Kiven kneels to visually inspect the body, the items nearby and also the small cavern this individual became trapped in. He wonders how this situation might have unfolded. After a moment he grabs the package and gently removes it from the skeleton's clutches, taking it aside to unwrap it.
Abraxxus grumbles as he searches the small chamber. " No gold or gems in here. What is that elfling?" He notices him unwrapping the package. " Wonder how this fool was trapped and died in here. No accounting for the taste of humans and elves.... or should I say tastes?" He smirks.
The oilcloth unwraps to reveal two objects. A book, and an exquisitely beautiful emerald. It is the latter item that is giving off the strong magic aura.
The book is titled the Dirges of Apollyon, the cover features a horse skull with three blazing green eyes. It turns out to be the personal hymnal of someone who signed their name as R. Kappelbrenner. The first half of the book is filled with prayers, hymns and rituals of the sons of the Pale Horseman, mostly extolling the virtues of pestilence, chaos, and death. The second half appears to have been used as a personal journal. The last few entries are particularly interesting.
"My lord and master has fallen, cut down by those blasphemous Mitrans. I do not understand, that should not have been possible. I managed to slip away in the chaos. I would find a way to free my master once again, I would lead the sons to a glorious rebirth. My plan should have worked. Without our Lord, our scattered people were no longer any real threat to the Invaders. I had to preserve what could be preserved and seek to rebuild later. I only managed to grab one of the eyes, but it would have to be enough. The potion I took from high priest Ezra's stash worked flawlessly, I became like a ghost and simply floated through the barrier in between me and this small chamber. I would wait until the Invaders left, then emerge and do what must be done. But cruel fate had something else in mind for me. Somehow, on my way down here, the second potion I took was broken, its contents ruined, destroying any hope of leaving this space. Perhaps my Lord is angry with me? Yes, that must be it. I failed to defend him with my life. Please forgive your unworthy servant, I did it so that you might rise again."
"It has been five days, or six, or seven. I can no longer tell. I think the Mitrans have finally abandoned the temple, I can no longer hear them moving through the lower caverns chanting their filthy prayers. Now should have been my moment, the moment I return and begin working to reverse the damage. Instead I remain stuck in here. I spent the past few hours calling out, hoping that another of my brothers survived and returned, but no luck. I could very well be the very last of my order. I have a week's worth of rations remaining, and there is a trickle of water in the corner. I can last a while yet if I am cautious, perhaps someone will return in the days to come."
"Thank you my lord for bestowing knowledge upon this unworthy one! My prince, my savior appeared to me in a dream last night! My food ran out yesterday, and I have spent too much time in complete darkness so that my sunrods might last. I was full of despair, but now I am full of purpose. There is a path to redemption. I do not know if I will ever be able to walk it, but I must preserve the path for any brothers of mine that remain. Read well, whomever finds this, for the path to salvation is in these pages." The next page is filled with a detailed account of a ritual this man saw in a dream.
"I am burning my last sunrod to write these words. My vigil comes to an end. I can not find the strength to stand and drink water. I can barely hold the pen. Fortunately I have enough oilcloth to ensure that these words do not rot away any time soon. The ritual will be preserved. I will open my throat while I still can, one last sacrifice to my prince, one last prayer that these words I hold will be found by those enlightened enough to understand."
The ritual to release Vetra-Kali, as prophesied by the cultist known as Kappelbrenner:
I have seen it! I have seen the road to repentenance! six and six and six days of prayer. Three prayers per day will break the hated Seal. With each prayer bathe the seal in unholy water and intone the dirge.
At the stroke of midnight each day call forth the Supplication to Darkness. Pray to the darkness so that we shall be forgiven. Upon the first midnight make the first sacrifice — one of our own blood — so that Vetra-Kali will know we are repentant.
At the first light of each dawn call forth the Cursing of the Light. Answer the spread of the shining lord’s light with our unyielding defiance. Upon the 108th Curse make the second sacrifice — a true believer of Mitra — so that the cursed god of the invaders will know that we fear him not and that his power to hold our master at bay is ending.
At dusk as darkness returns each day cry forth the Call Across the Void. Recite the name of Vetra-Kali so that he may hear us and return. With the final Call offer the third sacrifice — one of the Victor’s own blood. By the same blood that caged him so shall our master be freed.
Let ye with wisdom understand. Once the final prayer is uttered upon the 216th dusk, Vetra-Kali will begin his long traverse across the great wheel. At the stroke of midnight on that day he will emerge into his Sanctum and the Seal shall shatter.
Blessed day! Be ready, my brothers. His eyes have been stolen from him. Return them and the Prince will honor ye with one task for each.
For the Eye of Vigilance which I hold, ask only for his mercy upon we mortals and plead that he do ye and yours no harm. For his wroth will be great.
For the Eye of Hatred ask for his greatest gift — the Tears of Achlys so that once more every corner of the world may know his mercy.
For the Eye of Withering ask what ye will for in his gratitude he must answer your charge.
And then behold, the Prince restored.
All shall know his blessings of pestilence and despair.
Kiven hands the emerald to Eya and begins studying the book, instructing the others "they are unlikely to be here, but search thoroughly for two more emeralds such as this."
A few minutes later the elf snaps the book shut and proclaims "if this can be trusted, we have our ritual." "We will require a number of items, including unholy water, the other two emeralds and..." he glances at Calarel "unfortunately, sacrifices will be required to achieve the greater good here."
After studying the book thoroughly, Kiven hands the book off to Eya for her own inspection. "Before we delay too long, I believe setting a trap for our next foe is still most urgent."
"Unholy water, I can provide as needed."Blau says "But I don't know what kind of traps we can prepare, other than simple ambushes. Will this foe come into the caves to find us, or wait for our exit? 216 days will leave us vulnerable to attack, as well, so we should report back the basics of our find, in case we can't complete it."
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
" I can walk out from time to time in order to see if she is waiting for us. The smart move for her is to wait for us to exit. She might not have the patience for that though. " He shrugs and begins searching for more gems such as the one Kiven has.
Perception: 12
"Then she will be waiting a long time, as I don't plan to leave often. Eya's favorite Knot can bring what is required to us."
Respar grins. "Maybe we can leave the lillend for Elise and company." He will defer to the more learned members of the team for ideas as to how to acquire the various resources they will need, and will help plan specific operations, such as kidnapping a devout Mitran, stealing a gem (once they find their locations), and maybe even grabbing a royal person. "Though finding an unacknowledged bastard might be easier. And I'd lay even money there are plenty of them around. Most of the truly highborn spread their seed everywhere."
Dungeoneering 9
The knot makes preparations to ambush the Lilend, moving to places where they could effectively ambush the Azata.
Hours pass, and nothing happens, save for Kili occasionally dropping down from his perch to confirm that there's no sight of anything from up high.
Eya accepts the book and gem from Kiven and, after going through the book herself, places the two inside her magic bag.
"Let's rest for tonight then. What do you all say? I can set an alarm around the entry way for the lillend in case she appears to avenge the tree," Eya says to the others. "We've made great progress for today and we have a good path forward for now. Remember to prepare spells to face this lillend. Anything that helps us against good creatures, mind affecting spells, spell casting creatures, and flyers. I'll prepare myself as well."
If we rest for the evening, per Daishain C7 would be comfortable due to it being a dryer area. It also gives us good areas to run to and eyes on C5 and the path to it. Also it happens to be near the boggard village if we need their help for anything.
Eya has a tent and bedroll and stuff to make a fire.
Blau agrees to the basic plan "I will make use of our dead Boggard leader, in the morning, and create an undead fighter for us, as well. Maybe he will be more competent in death than he was in life. He also can stand guard as an addition to your spells. In addition, I will petition Father Asmodeus for protection against this creature that comes." Blau ignores the book and gem, if offered, content that their paths are following as Father needs them to.
C7 sounds good. Blau has bedroll, some food, firestarter, water and other basics, as well as 2 flasks of unholy water, already.
“Can you tell me the difference between a witch and a wizard?"
"Sure, a wizard is what they call you when they want to hire you, and a witch is what they call you when they're getting ready to run you out of town.” SunWolf replied
― Barbara Hambly, The Witches of Wenshar
Abraxxas nods somewhat sullenly. " I want this creature to get here soon so we can end this threat. Resting now makes good sense though. Being at full strength when it arrives makes it easier to destroy it. Maybe it is afraid of confronting us. " He chortles.
The group makes an uneasy camp in the caverns. The dry sandy soil where they'd decided to lay down for the night is a welcome relief from the wet muck in most of this place.
The night passes without incident, although there's usually at least one pair of slowly blinking toad eyes watching you from the shadows. It seems that the boggards are really not sure what to make of you, even with their shaman's insistence that you would lead them to glory.
You awake rested and ready for the challenges ahead.
Abraxxas stretches upwards and yawns. He spreads his wings and flaps them stirring up a little dust. " Well, here we are. Apparently this fearless creature is not so fearless. I am willing to wait at the entrance in case it actually shows up while everyone else keeps exploring. " He twists around and his red frills flare. " I could use a good challenge... the smell of blood in the air.. fear..."
"Demoness, it may be wise to confer with your boggard friends. Without their shaman they seem uneasy with our presence once again."
"While it may prove unwise to detract from our ambush, it is perhaps a greater error to allow this single threat to indefinitely halt our progress in further exploring this place. It would see that Eya's alarm will have to suffice for now."
"Shall we start with one more inspection of the boggard village? The disappearance of the shaman is a concern."