Kathalia gets a good noseful of whatever Atreus stepped in, and leads the way onward. Mikara and Tristan keep sharp eyes out, and spot a likely-looking set of rock outcroppings, riddled with small holes, some of which must surely lead to caves. As you approach, Hacker concentrates, and, sure enough, one of the entrances exudes magic.
There are several distinct faint auras, pinpoints of color against a backdrop of muddy brown: the pervasive, low-level aura caused by the continuous presence over a long period of time of a highly magical creature. There can be little doubt; this is the dragon's hoard.
Entering the cave cautiously, you find a sight to warm the heart of any adventurer: a tall pile of golden coins, liberally sprinkled with precious and semiprecious gemstones, and garnished with a number of magic items.
There is a tall bow of varnished black wood, inlaid with arcane runes of strength and accuracy, which practically leaps into Mikara's hand. Near it is a cloak of dark gray wool with a very faint odor of blood, underneath which are a pair of black leather bracers, inlaid with iron bands on which are inscribed words of power. On the other side of the pile is a fine set of hide armor, trimmed with the claws of a dozen species of predator, cut to fit a woman's slender form. Near it are a matched pair of boots and gloves of white suede festooned with a dazzling array of sequins, rhinestones, and polished gemstones. Finally, near the center of the pile is a scrap of reddish leathery hide, smelling faintly of sulfur. Inscribed on the hide is a tattoo in faintly glowing green ink, of an unfamiliar but disturbing symbol. When touched, the hide reacts, trying to grow into the skin. Pulling it away is painful, leaving a bleeding welt at the edges of where it touched.
[sblock=Success! And, loot!]Success on the skill challenge. Here's the rundown on the loot.
The cash is your recently-awarded time gold, plus 800g that's intended for Tristan, since he didn't have a wishlist handy at the time I was putting the treasure together.
The bow is a Targeting Greatbow +2, intended for Mikara.
Iron armbands of power (heroic) and a cloak of the walking wounded +1, off of Atreus' list.
For Kathalia, Predator Hide Armor +2.
For Hacker, Resplendent boots and resplendent gloves.
For Woe, a demonskin tattoo.
I know these aren't quite even awards, but it turns out your current wealth levels are pretty widely varying, too. This evens things out a bit.
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I do note, however, that Mikara doesn't have any approvals for level 4 yet. Just sayin'...
