The cave in front of you is dark and forboding. Strange cries echo from it's depths, and the sound of chanting and drum-beating can be heard closeby. A lumbering shape appears out of the inky blackness of the cave's entrance and approaches you. After it nears, you realize it is a larger-than-average black bear, nearly two feet taller than you and hundreds of pounds heavier. It regards you with a calm eye.
"I regret that I cannot allow you into the cave. I can, however, answer any questions you may have about our Shamans," the bear's voice echoes in your mind. You nod to the great ursine. Perhaps, finally, one of these animals will give a straight answer for a change.
"Many of our brethren around this land have returned to the old ways. While the power of these people are undeniable, you will not see any of them in this area," explains the Bear.
"Even we who are the most tradition bound attempt to find new ways. I can concede that this experiment was a failure. Despite of this, we keep these records for posterity." the Bear says sadly.
The Shaman
by Urso Soulwarden of Shrouding Mists
"These Shamans embody the Great Balance - they are both healer and berserker." says the Bear, smiling.
