"Oh don't you start too! He'll frack'n rest once he says he'll rest! And that ain't happening till we get his ass back to a temple on the mainland!"Hun grouses over his shoulder while casting aside at least some of the lighter of his findings EXCEPT the pouch of gems. "And what do you know! Your father has happily offered to donate to the cause posthumously. Guess he was more 'noble of heart' then we gave him credit." He stated bitterly as he stood up haltingly once more, before then taking a moment just to breath and regain his composure as everything.
He then finally takes account of Mrs. Thinn, but after a moment of considering the items in hand, he'd take them up, only... to pack them away. "Hm?! Hmm... well, that's not exactly what I would've chosen to wrap him up in, but that'll do till we get something better. Now let's get him into one of those rafts for now. After that if... if the rest of you want to go help the tortles or whatever, ave at it. But, I'm staying by Mr. Yully and make sure no flying buzzard tries somethin."He further asserts.
Rhogal slowly gets up and takes an extended amount of time brushing sand off him and out of his clothes before taking into account what's going on around him.
Hearing Hun's defiant protests to someone's meeting with the grim spectre of death. A quick look reveals who he's talking about.
"Damn. Them sea bandits did Big Red in? Always thought he was too ornery to go down..."
Seeing Hun's contiunuiing efforts to reverse Yulmiath's fate, Rhogal busies himself by helping the tortles with clean-up.
During his efforts, he meets up with Kwilgok and asks how bad the village was hit by the pirates.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hun continues to aggressively wave away any suggestion that Yulmiath's condition is not temporary. Krodhen has learned not to argue with the kobold too much, so the half-orc joins Rhogal in helping Hun in whatever he needs to accomplish regarding the cleaning, moving, and taking care of the fallen dragonborn, which includes wrapping him in the Cloak of Billowing.
This work takes some time, and the Packers are quite tired and weak. In the background, Kairus continues to play his song, soothing the trio as they do their thing.
Between tending to Yulmiath, resting, and interacting with some tortles, the Snackers can extend the ongoing Short Rest.
-> Krodhen's Hit Dice: 33 (31) + 6 (Song of Rest)
@Ori & @Drache: You are welcome to take a Short Rest as well.
Kwilgok: "The damage is extensive, and more than a few lives were lost. It will take some time for the village to recover, but our priority now is the pyre. Once it is all done..."He gestures towards the many tortle shells hanging from the wall of Ahoyhoy. "...Mudgraw and the other will join the wall and help protect Ahoyhoy."
"Hopefully, the protection will not be necessary right away but it's good to be prepared."
Kairus finished his wordless song. Music soothed the pain of the body and of the mind, or at least numbed it enough, and rest on the beach gave back enough strength to return to action.
"There are many temples in Port Nyanzaru. I am sure, if the miracle is possible, someone there would happily provide help. We have the pirate coins and our treasure to pay for it. But transportation might take some time."
"Grandpa, why don't we take Yulmiath's body into the village? I saw your human - he was weak but alive. Maybe he has some ideas about corpse preservation and means to get to the city?"
If there are no objections, then the path forward is clear: bring the body (and all useful loot) into the village, meet with "Hun's human" and discuss the plans for the expedition, but before full preparation for the voyage is possible, help turtles with their preparations to the pyre and village cleanup.
By the time Kairus concludes his soft, pleasing, hours-long solo jam session, Krodhen is patched up and in better spirits. (Krodhen recovers 37 HP.)
Still nearby, Kwilgok catches Kairus's mention of Port Nyanzaru. "Oh, I can guide you. No charge this time. You may remember that I guided Rhogal to this island. Our trip was mostly over land. Only the shortest of crossings had to be done over water. I know a ferryman willing to transport my clients on short notice, including Deadly Treasure. It wouldn't be a problem, and I am sure all tortles here would love to thank you somehow. There is not much they can offer you now, but they would surely support one of their own guiding you to the temple who can save one of our saviors."
Krodhen is the first to respond: "A fine idea, Kwilgok, and one that I support. There is no telling how long we would have to wait for a ship to come to Ahoyhoy on chance alone. I would rather take the possibly slower but more certain route that you are offering. That said, I am staying. We not only owe our thanks to Ahoyhoy as well, but it was my own blood who delivered this destruction. I shall help undo it. I will stay and rebuild." The half-orc points to his suit of armor, now scattered on the sand. "I won't need that anymore. I am leaving the pirate behind and starting anew. Allow me to start that journey right here."
Kwilgok is taken aback, clearly honored. He seems to silently accept, likely on behalf of the entire community. "Now we just need to check with Rhogal if he can indeed preserve the body for the trip, as Hun was hoping."
Some more time passes and the Snackers move their loot and Yulmiath back into the village proper. By then, the pyre preparations are nearly complete. All tortles gather around, their fallen laid neatly atop the driftwood structure. Eeyal approaches Mudgraw's body, removing the older tortle's labyrinthine amulet to Ubtao and placing it around her own neck. The others begin singing in unison. It is a throaty vocalization of what sounds like a lost language, one the tortles only display in ritualistic moments like this one. One comprehensible phrase can be heard among the chanting: “We wear our homes on our backs.”
Eeyal accepts a lit torch from another tortle and turns to face the Snack Pack: "Without you, we would all be on that pyre today, or lost at sea. Would you do the honors?" She extends her hand, offering the torch to the group.
As the haunting melody of the old language echoed through the air, Kairus's eyes focused on the labyrinthine amulet, a testament to the journey that everyone undertakes in life and a perfect symbol of the group's adventures here. Eeyal's voice pierced through the chanting, breaking his reverie. Taking a step forward, Kairus reached out, accepting the lit torch from her hand. He took a deep breath, allowing the gravity of the moment to settle before he spoke.
"As we stand here today, surrounded by the echoes of our fallen friends, we carry their spirit within us," Kairus began, his voice strong and full of grief. "They fought with courage and unwavering loyalty, protecting their home and their kin. We are humbled by their sacrifice, and we honour their memory by keeping their light alive."
"Together, we celebrate their lives, their strength, and their indomitable spirit,"Kairus continued, his hand holding the torch high. "May the fire carry their essence to the heavens, and may their memory forever be etched in our hearts."
Kairus lowered the torch towards the pyre and joined his voice with the collective song of the turtles, a harmonious tribute to those who would forever be a part of their shared history.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hun scowls, but before he can raise any objections or point out the limitations on 'his human', Kwilgok's interjection spares the kobold from a more emotional outburst. Still, the kobold wound up letting out a huff, before returning to keeping an eye out to the skies for any flying menaces. Mrs. Thinn swivels her head at the attitude before jabbing at Hun's shoulder, freshly bandaged over the hour of downtime, much like the rest of his by then unarmored(his gear having been packed away in the bag of holding while wounds were dressed) form, eliciting a glare and hiss of annoyance.
"Tch! Fine, fine, young green. At first light, since I doubt you'll want to be away from people today, we can do just that! And bring along Volo while we're at it, so he can recover in the city, seeing as your Elder is... well... on other ventures now." He says mostly frankly to Kwilgok, if one were to ignore the moment of awkwardness towards the end. He then regards Krodhen with a more stern look. "As for you, wise guy. Bury it if you must, but best you keep that armor or store your farther's armor at the very least. I won't make you -- not that I really could even I wanted to -- BUT unless you plan to fashion some hides at some point or borrow a 'shell' in in an emergency, you may yet need it to defend this place someday! So better to be prepared!" He stated firmly, shaking his little fist near the end.
But if it becomes clear Krodhen wouldn't relent, the Kobold shrugs and would leave things at that, before giving the half-orc a small but approving nod at the former pirate's conviction. "Foolish" conviction, but yet respected it. As far as the matter of preserving the body, if Rhogal couldn't or wouldn't for whatever reason, Hun at least hadn't further pressured the dwarf, but rather spent the next long while pontificating over alternatives for the job. The means and know-how to do so with food and water were certainly at his finger tips with a bit of work. And what was the dead if not food for the earth eventually? A grim line of thought to say the least, but... for Yulmiath's sake, the kobold would do more than entertain the notion if it came down to it!
Regardless, much as the spirit had been willing, the same could not be said for the body. So much of Hun's share of actively aiding in any efforts over the next while is passed along to Mrs. Thinn with Hun as her supervisor.When at last it came time for a funeral pyre, Hun seemed mildly surprised at the group offering, and shifted about uncomfortably on the spot. Fortunately, he's again spared the need to speak, only with time it being Kairus this time stepping up to the plate. Hun would watch with rapt attention, and unbidden by conscious thought, his mind drifted back to his own people, alive but...
'... First Mr. Yully, then Volo, and then... we say our goodbyes and go set things right'He thought while looking to the pyre with hands balled up into tight fists.
Hun somewhat reluctantly accepts Kwilgok's offer, likely on behalf of the party. Nonetheless, the stubborn kobold has a few conditions. Kwilgok reassures Hun that the human can be safely strapped to Deadly Treasure as long as he doesn't mind being close to Yulmiath. "Some folk are more scared of the recently deceased than others." Kwilgok also finds it proper to wait until the next morning, if not only for the rest the group deserves, then certainly for the honor the dead tortles are to be offered this night.
Krodhen is the next in line to accept some of Hun's conditions. He does so by borrowing one of Kairus's favorite words. "Worry not, grampa. I am more than able to defend myself with a weapon, a shield, and Tyr's light. I promise to keep the suit of armor in good condition too... I'll just not wear it." Now all patched up, Hun accepts the decision with a nod. (Hun recovers 31 HP.)
When the artificer next starts meddling with his food-and-drink spell (@Ori: Now that's a generous reading of a spell if I've ever seen one!), Rhogal reassures the group that he indeed has the exact magic mushrooms they'll need for preserving a corpse. Well, he'll have them matured by tomorrow, that is... So, Yulmiath might feel a bit stiffer by then.
Kairus steps forward, adding his own eulogy to the tortle's spiritual chanting. All listen attentively, some even let out an emotional tear here and there. Even grumpy old Hun enjoys the triton's words, even if only because they spared the kobold from having to say anything on behalf of the party in this occasion.
Kairus lowers the torch and the flames rise. In this late afternoon, with the sun low in the sky, the bright oranges of the funerary flames meld into the soft ones of the dusk clouds. The warmth of the fire almost matches that which was offered by the tortles when castaways and lost adventurers arrived in Ahoyhoy for the first time, before they started calling themselves the Snack Pack. Smoke rises from Ahoyhoy for a second time today, but now it rises in celebration and honor of those who fell defending it. The pained screams and hopeless cries that certainly followed Ozor's arrival are now replace by the harmonious chants of spirituality and reverence. This night will not be forgotten by the tortles of Ahoyhoy.
THE NEXT MORNING
Rhogal wakes up early, ready to administer the proper spores to Yulmiath as soon as the sun peeks from behind the horizon. The tortles have gathered plenty of wild fruits to serve in today's communal breakfast. Volo has finally opened his eyes, though he seems still incapable of keeping them that way for very long.
Come the next morning everything still ached for Hun, but that hadn't stopped the kobold from feverishly scrapping together materials to rearm, resupply, and refurbish his various tools and armor! But whereas he had time enough to utter a curt word of thanks to Rhogal when it came finally time to perserve "Yully's" body, Mrs. Thinn had largely had to feed the kobold breakfast, as he hardly allowed himself time away from... whatever tinkering project kept his hands occupied for so long.
However, news of Volo's awakening would eventually drive the kobold to exclaim "About bloody time!", before then proceeding to rush over to wherever it was the tortles had kept the man. "Volo! Volo! Can ya hear me? Come on man, focus up for a bit."He waves his hand practically in the human's face to get his attention. "Are you with us? Good! First off, don't panic. Not gonna eat ya. Yer safe now, and hopefully in a few days, we'll have you back at Port. And I know you prolly got a few questions floating 'bout in that noggin of yours, but..."He looks back to any other party member gathered around before turning back to the human. "-You wouldn't know any magic or weird rituals for bringing back the dead, would'ja? Lost one of our number rescue'n you and the tortles here, so oany help there would be nice. Otherwise... well you still owe the Snack Pack!"
In the next morning, despite sorrow still lingering in the air, it is clear that the tortles are ready to start their reconstruction efforts in earnest. Apart from those carried by Eeyal and a few artisans who sell their goods at the local market, most tools in Ahoyhoy are quite rudimentary. This has never stopped the tortles from maintaining their home, and it won't stop them from rebuilding it now. Their ancestors built the temple of Umberlee in the island, did they not? Some of those techniques had been lost over the years, it seems, but Ahoyhoy didn't need to be a fortress of stone. It only needed to be a roofless set of common spaces for the community to survive. Any and all defenses were provided either spiritually by the many shells of deceased tortles adorning the village walls, or physically by the walls and the handful of hunters who doubled as city guards when wielding their makeshift crossbows.
While the tortles begin to work, the Snack Pack begins to... well... pack. Many treasures, pieces of equipment, food, adventuring gear, and other supplies needed to be loaded to their packs, even if most of it was going to be carried by Deadly Treasure. And that's before they found room for Yulmiath and the still severely debilitated Volo. Speaking of the worldly human author, Hun is quick to barge into one of the sand rooms (an empty one where no eggs are being incubated), and quickly fill the man's ears with more words than he has certainly heard in many moons. Volo is only barely able to keep his eyes open. The image of an excited kobold, especially an old one, is not what he was expecting. The man waves, groans, and musters the strength to pose a single question. One that doesn't have anything to do with what Hun is talking about. "My... human... companion... where... is... he?"
However Hun decides to respond to the posed question, it becomes clear to the artificer that Volo is still in no condition to hold a lengthy, intellectual conversation about any topic, let alone cast spells, should the man even be capable of such things.
An hour later, all seems ready for the party's departure. Kwilgok and Deadly Treasure are ready. Yulmiath and Volo have been secured in a prone position to the flattest parts of the dinosaur's back with the help of plenty of wood and vines. The tortles have gifted the party with as many supplies as they can spare (including the deliciously refreshing coconuts that Yulmiath seemed to enjoy so much), and Krodhen is on standby to accompany the group for the first mile or so of their trek. "I would not have been able to deliver vengeance without you. My time with you will always be the most important period of my time. Allow me to make it a bit longer by walking with you for at least one more mile."
"Would be a pleasure," answered Kairus, "it's as if we are still searching this blo... lovely island for grandpa's human."
The triton woke up today in a mixed energetic-optimistic-melancholic mood. Energetic and optimistic because it was another sunny morning on a - now again - quiet seashore and melancholic because the memories of yesterday's losses were too fresh. But with the clear course of actions, the melancholy had to give way to boiling energy.
Kairus was very busy, actively helping to pack, founding time to (very quietly!) remind Hun that dead turtles were burned just yesterday and unlikely in need of resurrection, managing to hold himself from informing Volo about the fate of his human companion, saying goodbyes to each and every turtle he could remember, and generally preparing for the journey.
With yet another long walk ahead (and relatively peaceful, as Kwilgok promised) he was slowly calming down enjoying the scenery and the last minutes with a friend staying behind.
"We will see each other again, I promise. Stay safe and keep them safe too." It was strange to see Krodhen without his armour but Kairus knew, armoured or not the half-orc was still a force to be reckoned with. "Want something special from the continent? Once Yulmiath is back and Mr. Volo is on his feet, we can bring you anything. Or sent with Kwilgok if you wish but he might stick around until we are ready to return."
"Take care!"He waved one last time and turned towards the path that lay ahead. Whistling a cheerful tune, he set off, leaving all worries behind.
Hun had stared at Volo for a long moment, before following a defeated sigh, he'd answered the man and silently resigned himself to a longer wait for his own answer. Even still, a small smile of relief briefly shone on his face, prior to more sternly urging the man to rest, as the kobold had plenty of other things to deal with this day!
... Or so he says as much, but really winds up delegating any further physical labor necessary for him to Mrs. Thinn instead! When Kairus finds time to make his little reminder, Hun quietly scoffed and offhandedly adds, "Not enough room anyhow."
Later on, Hun scoffs at Krodhen and frankly replied, "Yea, well, I ain't stopping ya. Knowing our luck the bloody buzzards on this fricken island will want one last shot at our arses again 'fore we're out of their reach! So, we can use another strong hand for a while yet more."And that might've been that for the kobold. But perhaps feeling a 'tinge' guilty he more quietly adds once the group is underway. "... Thanks again, by the way... for help'n me find Volo... And uh... I guess out of all the nonscaled folk I've had to work with over the years, you've been the most... tolerable.. I guess."With that, Hun lets out a huff through his nose and picked up the pace, leaving a heavily loaded Mrs. Thinn to more amicably give her own nod of thanks before hurrying along to keep pace with the elder kobold.
Eventually, the time would come for the party to officially part with Krodhen. And while the look on his face when Kairus mentioned 'we' and 'bring back' in the same sentence bespoke an open denial and refuting the triton's claims(at least where it might've involved the Kobold!), he'd bid the half-orc a final bow goodbye before it came to truly part ways with Krodhen. And while not entirely enthused about every promised prospect of the remaining journey yet still ahead of the pack, even Hun walked with a bit more pep to his step and maw held higher knowing that he'd be in good company for at least the majority of it....
But may Gond help him if he EVER decides to spend any future vacation time doing ANY kind of adventuring in the future!!!
Rhogal sighs with a mix of weariness and satisfaction, "Aye. This islands been a time-an'-a-half, plus more. But, one more relaxing walk ain't asking fer too much..."
Hearing Hun's quip about the bloodhawks, he protests, "No. No! Don'cha go 'round tempting shit ta happen!"
"Belligerent birds aside, this adventure was more this old dwarf could've ever asked for. Certainly wasn't expectin' to meet up with them mushroom folk, let alone getting their blessin'!"
"I gotta commend you all fer puttin' up wit' my quirks fer this long, haha!"
Before long it is time to bid Krodhen farewell he place his arm on Krodhen's shoulder(or has high up on his arm as he could reach), "Yer a good, honorable man. Let's hope to meet again."
It was time. The tortles gather around Ahoyhoy's north gate to wave their goodbyes to the Snack Pack. In a show of respect, honor, fraternity, and gratitude, the tortles begin humming the same solemn chant they sang the previous night. In a way, they are saying farewell to respected members of their community, and they make it known with this encore rendition of their sacred song. Eeyal leads her people in the song, and they now look at her to lead them beyond it as well.
Kwilgok leads the way out, with Deadly Treasure making up the bulk of this caravan-of-sorts. Every now and then, Volo squirms in pain, but it never turns out to be anything too serious. A couple of miles away from Ahoyhoy, Krodhen stops walking, apparently extending his time with the group beyond the single mile he had asked for. He doesn't say anything at first. He has a graceful and grateful smile on his face. He chuckles when Hun gives him one last snarky comment, places his hand reciprocally on Rhogal's shoulder, and nods sagely at Mrs. Thinn. When Kairus asks him a question, it is with choked words that he replies: "How about you bring him back." He points at Yulmiath. "When he wakes up, tell him the cape is his now." With a wave of goodbye to Kwilgok and a gentle pat for Deadly Treasure, the half-orc begins walking back to Ahoyhoy.
The party gradually begins pacing forward again, a long trek ahead of them. A cooling breeze acts as a tailwind and takes care of any and all uncomfortable heat the island throws at them. The sound of waves help relax, and the sweet smells of the tropical scenery pleasantly punctuate their hike.
Some partial healing (making it official):
"Oh don't you start too! He'll frack'n rest once he says he'll rest! And that ain't happening till we get his ass back to a temple on the mainland!" Hun grouses over his shoulder while casting aside at least some of the lighter of his findings EXCEPT the pouch of gems. "And what do you know! Your father has happily offered to donate to the cause posthumously. Guess he was more 'noble of heart' then we gave him credit." He stated bitterly as he stood up haltingly once more, before then taking a moment just to breath and regain his composure as everything.
He then finally takes account of Mrs. Thinn, but after a moment of considering the items in hand, he'd take them up, only... to pack them away. "Hm?! Hmm... well, that's not exactly what I would've chosen to wrap him up in, but that'll do till we get something better. Now let's get him into one of those rafts for now. After that if... if the rest of you want to go help the tortles or whatever, ave at it. But, I'm staying by Mr. Yully and make sure no flying buzzard tries somethin." He further asserts.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogal slowly gets up and takes an extended amount of time brushing sand off him and out of his clothes before taking into account what's going on around him.
Hearing Hun's defiant protests to someone's meeting with the grim spectre of death. A quick look reveals who he's talking about.
"Damn. Them sea bandits did Big Red in? Always thought he was too ornery to go down..."
Seeing Hun's contiunuiing efforts to reverse Yulmiath's fate, Rhogal busies himself by helping the tortles with clean-up.
During his efforts, he meets up with Kwilgok and asks how bad the village was hit by the pirates.
Extended Signature
Hun continues to aggressively wave away any suggestion that Yulmiath's condition is not temporary. Krodhen has learned not to argue with the kobold too much, so the half-orc joins Rhogal in helping Hun in whatever he needs to accomplish regarding the cleaning, moving, and taking care of the fallen dragonborn, which includes wrapping him in the Cloak of Billowing.
This work takes some time, and the Packers are quite tired and weak. In the background, Kairus continues to play his song, soothing the trio as they do their thing.
Between tending to Yulmiath, resting, and interacting with some tortles, the Snackers can extend the ongoing Short Rest.
-> Krodhen's Hit Dice: 33 (31) + 6 (Song of Rest)
@Ori & @Drache: You are welcome to take a Short Rest as well.
Kwilgok: "The damage is extensive, and more than a few lives were lost. It will take some time for the village to recover, but our priority now is the pyre. Once it is all done..." He gestures towards the many tortle shells hanging from the wall of Ahoyhoy. "...Mudgraw and the other will join the wall and help protect Ahoyhoy."
"Hopefully, the protection will not be necessary right away but it's good to be prepared."
Kairus finished his wordless song. Music soothed the pain of the body and of the mind, or at least numbed it enough, and rest on the beach gave back enough strength to return to action.
"There are many temples in Port Nyanzaru. I am sure, if the miracle is possible, someone there would happily provide help. We have the pirate coins and our treasure to pay for it. But transportation might take some time."
"Grandpa, why don't we take Yulmiath's body into the village? I saw your human - he was weak but alive. Maybe he has some ideas about corpse preservation and means to get to the city?"
If there are no objections, then the path forward is clear: bring the body (and all useful loot) into the village, meet with "Hun's human" and discuss the plans for the expedition, but before full preparation for the voyage is possible, help turtles with their preparations to the pyre and village cleanup.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
By the time Kairus concludes his soft, pleasing, hours-long solo jam session, Krodhen is patched up and in better spirits. (Krodhen recovers 37 HP.)
Still nearby, Kwilgok catches Kairus's mention of Port Nyanzaru. "Oh, I can guide you. No charge this time. You may remember that I guided Rhogal to this island. Our trip was mostly over land. Only the shortest of crossings had to be done over water. I know a ferryman willing to transport my clients on short notice, including Deadly Treasure. It wouldn't be a problem, and I am sure all tortles here would love to thank you somehow. There is not much they can offer you now, but they would surely support one of their own guiding you to the temple who can save one of our saviors."
Krodhen is the first to respond: "A fine idea, Kwilgok, and one that I support. There is no telling how long we would have to wait for a ship to come to Ahoyhoy on chance alone. I would rather take the possibly slower but more certain route that you are offering. That said, I am staying. We not only owe our thanks to Ahoyhoy as well, but it was my own blood who delivered this destruction. I shall help undo it. I will stay and rebuild." The half-orc points to his suit of armor, now scattered on the sand. "I won't need that anymore. I am leaving the pirate behind and starting anew. Allow me to start that journey right here."
Kwilgok is taken aback, clearly honored. He seems to silently accept, likely on behalf of the entire community. "Now we just need to check with Rhogal if he can indeed preserve the body for the trip, as Hun was hoping."
Some more time passes and the Snackers move their loot and Yulmiath back into the village proper. By then, the pyre preparations are nearly complete. All tortles gather around, their fallen laid neatly atop the driftwood structure. Eeyal approaches Mudgraw's body, removing the older tortle's labyrinthine amulet to Ubtao and placing it around her own neck. The others begin singing in unison. It is a throaty vocalization of what sounds like a lost language, one the tortles only display in ritualistic moments like this one. One comprehensible phrase can be heard among the chanting: “We wear our homes on our backs.”
Eeyal accepts a lit torch from another tortle and turns to face the Snack Pack: "Without you, we would all be on that pyre today, or lost at sea. Would you do the honors?" She extends her hand, offering the torch to the group.
As the haunting melody of the old language echoed through the air, Kairus's eyes focused on the labyrinthine amulet, a testament to the journey that everyone undertakes in life and a perfect symbol of the group's adventures here. Eeyal's voice pierced through the chanting, breaking his reverie. Taking a step forward, Kairus reached out, accepting the lit torch from her hand. He took a deep breath, allowing the gravity of the moment to settle before he spoke.
"As we stand here today, surrounded by the echoes of our fallen friends, we carry their spirit within us," Kairus began, his voice strong and full of grief. "They fought with courage and unwavering loyalty, protecting their home and their kin. We are humbled by their sacrifice, and we honour their memory by keeping their light alive."
"Together, we celebrate their lives, their strength, and their indomitable spirit," Kairus continued, his hand holding the torch high. "May the fire carry their essence to the heavens, and may their memory forever be etched in our hearts."
Kairus lowered the torch towards the pyre and joined his voice with the collective song of the turtles, a harmonious tribute to those who would forever be a part of their shared history.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Hun scowls, but before he can raise any objections or point out the limitations on 'his human', Kwilgok's interjection spares the kobold from a more emotional outburst. Still, the kobold wound up letting out a huff, before returning to keeping an eye out to the skies for any flying menaces. Mrs. Thinn swivels her head at the attitude before jabbing at Hun's shoulder, freshly bandaged over the hour of downtime, much like the rest of his by then unarmored(his gear having been packed away in the bag of holding while wounds were dressed) form, eliciting a glare and hiss of annoyance.
"Tch! Fine, fine, young green. At first light, since I doubt you'll want to be away from people today, we can do just that! And bring along Volo while we're at it, so he can recover in the city, seeing as your Elder is... well... on other ventures now." He says mostly frankly to Kwilgok, if one were to ignore the moment of awkwardness towards the end. He then regards Krodhen with a more stern look. "As for you, wise guy. Bury it if you must, but best you keep that armor or store your farther's armor at the very least. I won't make you -- not that I really could even I wanted to -- BUT unless you plan to fashion some hides at some point or borrow a 'shell' in in an emergency, you may yet need it to defend this place someday! So better to be prepared!" He stated firmly, shaking his little fist near the end.
But if it becomes clear Krodhen wouldn't relent, the Kobold shrugs and would leave things at that, before giving the half-orc a small but approving nod at the former pirate's conviction. "Foolish" conviction, but yet respected it. As far as the matter of preserving the body, if Rhogal couldn't or wouldn't for whatever reason, Hun at least hadn't further pressured the dwarf, but rather spent the next long while pontificating over alternatives for the job. The means and know-how to do so with food and water were certainly at his finger tips with a bit of work. And what was the dead if not food for the earth eventually? A grim line of thought to say the least, but... for Yulmiath's sake, the kobold would do more than entertain the notion if it came down to it!
Regardless, much as the spirit had been willing, the same could not be said for the body. So much of Hun's share of actively aiding in any efforts over the next while is passed along to Mrs. Thinn with Hun as her supervisor.When at last it came time for a funeral pyre, Hun seemed mildly surprised at the group offering, and shifted about uncomfortably on the spot. Fortunately, he's again spared the need to speak, only with time it being Kairus this time stepping up to the plate. Hun would watch with rapt attention, and unbidden by conscious thought, his mind drifted back to his own people, alive but...
'... First Mr. Yully, then Volo, and then... we say our goodbyes and go set things right' He thought while looking to the pyre with hands balled up into tight fists.
-Retroactive SR Healing(4): 23 HP Recovered.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Aye, I have a way ta preserve Yulmiath 'til we ken get him back on his feet, just need to cultivate overnight an' it'll be good to go."
Rhogal looks in his specimen bag and sees the beginning of fruiting bodies of a fungus that looks promising.
"Well if it isn't trichoderma..."
Extended Signature
BEFORE THE PYRE
Hun somewhat reluctantly accepts Kwilgok's offer, likely on behalf of the party. Nonetheless, the stubborn kobold has a few conditions. Kwilgok reassures Hun that the human can be safely strapped to Deadly Treasure as long as he doesn't mind being close to Yulmiath. "Some folk are more scared of the recently deceased than others." Kwilgok also finds it proper to wait until the next morning, if not only for the rest the group deserves, then certainly for the honor the dead tortles are to be offered this night.
Krodhen is the next in line to accept some of Hun's conditions. He does so by borrowing one of Kairus's favorite words. "Worry not, grampa. I am more than able to defend myself with a weapon, a shield, and Tyr's light. I promise to keep the suit of armor in good condition too... I'll just not wear it." Now all patched up, Hun accepts the decision with a nod. (Hun recovers 31 HP.)
When the artificer next starts meddling with his food-and-drink spell (@Ori: Now that's a generous reading of a spell if I've ever seen one!), Rhogal reassures the group that he indeed has the exact magic mushrooms they'll need for preserving a corpse. Well, he'll have them matured by tomorrow, that is... So, Yulmiath might feel a bit stiffer by then.
AT THE PYRE
Kairus steps forward, adding his own eulogy to the tortle's spiritual chanting. All listen attentively, some even let out an emotional tear here and there. Even grumpy old Hun enjoys the triton's words, even if only because they spared the kobold from having to say anything on behalf of the party in this occasion.
Kairus lowers the torch and the flames rise. In this late afternoon, with the sun low in the sky, the bright oranges of the funerary flames meld into the soft ones of the dusk clouds. The warmth of the fire almost matches that which was offered by the tortles when castaways and lost adventurers arrived in Ahoyhoy for the first time, before they started calling themselves the Snack Pack. Smoke rises from Ahoyhoy for a second time today, but now it rises in celebration and honor of those who fell defending it. The pained screams and hopeless cries that certainly followed Ozor's arrival are now replace by the harmonious chants of spirituality and reverence. This night will not be forgotten by the tortles of Ahoyhoy.
THE NEXT MORNING
Rhogal wakes up early, ready to administer the proper spores to Yulmiath as soon as the sun peeks from behind the horizon. The tortles have gathered plenty of wild fruits to serve in today's communal breakfast. Volo has finally opened his eyes, though he seems still incapable of keeping them that way for very long.
(OOC: You may complete a Long Rest.)
Come the next morning everything still ached for Hun, but that hadn't stopped the kobold from feverishly scrapping together materials to rearm, resupply, and refurbish his various tools and armor! But whereas he had time enough to utter a curt word of thanks to Rhogal when it came finally time to perserve "Yully's" body, Mrs. Thinn had largely had to feed the kobold breakfast, as he hardly allowed himself time away from... whatever tinkering project kept his hands occupied for so long.
However, news of Volo's awakening would eventually drive the kobold to exclaim "About bloody time!", before then proceeding to rush over to wherever it was the tortles had kept the man. "Volo! Volo! Can ya hear me? Come on man, focus up for a bit." He waves his hand practically in the human's face to get his attention. "Are you with us? Good! First off, don't panic. Not gonna eat ya. Yer safe now, and hopefully in a few days, we'll have you back at Port. And I know you prolly got a few questions floating 'bout in that noggin of yours, but..." He looks back to any other party member gathered around before turning back to the human. "-You wouldn't know any magic or weird rituals for bringing back the dead, would'ja? Lost one of our number rescue'n you and the tortles here, so oany help there would be nice. Otherwise... well you still owe the Snack Pack!"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
In the next morning, despite sorrow still lingering in the air, it is clear that the tortles are ready to start their reconstruction efforts in earnest. Apart from those carried by Eeyal and a few artisans who sell their goods at the local market, most tools in Ahoyhoy are quite rudimentary. This has never stopped the tortles from maintaining their home, and it won't stop them from rebuilding it now. Their ancestors built the temple of Umberlee in the island, did they not? Some of those techniques had been lost over the years, it seems, but Ahoyhoy didn't need to be a fortress of stone. It only needed to be a roofless set of common spaces for the community to survive. Any and all defenses were provided either spiritually by the many shells of deceased tortles adorning the village walls, or physically by the walls and the handful of hunters who doubled as city guards when wielding their makeshift crossbows.
While the tortles begin to work, the Snack Pack begins to... well... pack. Many treasures, pieces of equipment, food, adventuring gear, and other supplies needed to be loaded to their packs, even if most of it was going to be carried by Deadly Treasure. And that's before they found room for Yulmiath and the still severely debilitated Volo. Speaking of the worldly human author, Hun is quick to barge into one of the sand rooms (an empty one where no eggs are being incubated), and quickly fill the man's ears with more words than he has certainly heard in many moons. Volo is only barely able to keep his eyes open. The image of an excited kobold, especially an old one, is not what he was expecting. The man waves, groans, and musters the strength to pose a single question. One that doesn't have anything to do with what Hun is talking about. "My... human... companion... where... is... he?"
However Hun decides to respond to the posed question, it becomes clear to the artificer that Volo is still in no condition to hold a lengthy, intellectual conversation about any topic, let alone cast spells, should the man even be capable of such things.
An hour later, all seems ready for the party's departure. Kwilgok and Deadly Treasure are ready. Yulmiath and Volo have been secured in a prone position to the flattest parts of the dinosaur's back with the help of plenty of wood and vines. The tortles have gifted the party with as many supplies as they can spare (including the deliciously refreshing coconuts that Yulmiath seemed to enjoy so much), and Krodhen is on standby to accompany the group for the first mile or so of their trek. "I would not have been able to deliver vengeance without you. My time with you will always be the most important period of my time. Allow me to make it a bit longer by walking with you for at least one more mile."
"Would be a pleasure," answered Kairus, "it's as if we are still searching this blo... lovely island for grandpa's human."
The triton woke up today in a mixed energetic-optimistic-melancholic mood. Energetic and optimistic because it was another sunny morning on a - now again - quiet seashore and melancholic because the memories of yesterday's losses were too fresh. But with the clear course of actions, the melancholy had to give way to boiling energy.
Kairus was very busy, actively helping to pack, founding time to (very quietly!) remind Hun that dead turtles were burned just yesterday and unlikely in need of resurrection, managing to hold himself from informing Volo about the fate of his human companion, saying goodbyes to each and every turtle he could remember, and generally preparing for the journey.
With yet another long walk ahead (and relatively peaceful, as Kwilgok promised) he was slowly calming down enjoying the scenery and the last minutes with a friend staying behind.
"We will see each other again, I promise. Stay safe and keep them safe too." It was strange to see Krodhen without his armour but Kairus knew, armoured or not the half-orc was still a force to be reckoned with. "Want something special from the continent? Once Yulmiath is back and Mr. Volo is on his feet, we can bring you anything. Or sent with Kwilgok if you wish but he might stick around until we are ready to return."
"Take care!" He waved one last time and turned towards the path that lay ahead. Whistling a cheerful tune, he set off, leaving all worries behind.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Hun had stared at Volo for a long moment, before following a defeated sigh, he'd answered the man and silently resigned himself to a longer wait for his own answer. Even still, a small smile of relief briefly shone on his face, prior to more sternly urging the man to rest, as the kobold had plenty of other things to deal with this day!
... Or so he says as much, but really winds up delegating any further physical labor necessary for him to Mrs. Thinn instead! When Kairus finds time to make his little reminder, Hun quietly scoffed and offhandedly adds, "Not enough room anyhow."
Later on, Hun scoffs at Krodhen and frankly replied, "Yea, well, I ain't stopping ya. Knowing our luck the bloody buzzards on this fricken island will want one last shot at our arses again 'fore we're out of their reach! So, we can use another strong hand for a while yet more." And that might've been that for the kobold. But perhaps feeling a 'tinge' guilty he more quietly adds once the group is underway. "... Thanks again, by the way... for help'n me find Volo... And uh... I guess out of all the nonscaled folk I've had to work with over the years, you've been the most... tolerable.. I guess." With that, Hun lets out a huff through his nose and picked up the pace, leaving a heavily loaded Mrs. Thinn to more amicably give her own nod of thanks before hurrying along to keep pace with the elder kobold.
Eventually, the time would come for the party to officially part with Krodhen. And while the look on his face when Kairus mentioned 'we' and 'bring back' in the same sentence bespoke an open denial and refuting the triton's claims(at least where it might've involved the Kobold!), he'd bid the half-orc a final bow goodbye before it came to truly part ways with Krodhen. And while not entirely enthused about every promised prospect of the remaining journey yet still ahead of the pack, even Hun walked with a bit more pep to his step and maw held higher knowing that he'd be in good company for at least the majority of it....
But may Gond help him if he EVER decides to spend any future vacation time doing ANY kind of adventuring in the future!!!
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogal sighs with a mix of weariness and satisfaction, "Aye. This islands been a time-an'-a-half, plus more. But, one more relaxing walk ain't asking fer too much..."
Hearing Hun's quip about the bloodhawks, he protests, "No. No! Don'cha go 'round tempting shit ta happen!"
"Belligerent birds aside, this adventure was more this old dwarf could've ever asked for. Certainly wasn't expectin' to meet up with them mushroom folk, let alone getting their blessin'!"
"I gotta commend you all fer puttin' up wit' my quirks fer this long, haha!"
Before long it is time to bid Krodhen farewell he place his arm on Krodhen's shoulder(or has high up on his arm as he could reach), "Yer a good, honorable man. Let's hope to meet again."
Extended Signature
It was time. The tortles gather around Ahoyhoy's north gate to wave their goodbyes to the Snack Pack. In a show of respect, honor, fraternity, and gratitude, the tortles begin humming the same solemn chant they sang the previous night. In a way, they are saying farewell to respected members of their community, and they make it known with this encore rendition of their sacred song. Eeyal leads her people in the song, and they now look at her to lead them beyond it as well.
Kwilgok leads the way out, with Deadly Treasure making up the bulk of this caravan-of-sorts. Every now and then, Volo squirms in pain, but it never turns out to be anything too serious. A couple of miles away from Ahoyhoy, Krodhen stops walking, apparently extending his time with the group beyond the single mile he had asked for. He doesn't say anything at first. He has a graceful and grateful smile on his face. He chuckles when Hun gives him one last snarky comment, places his hand reciprocally on Rhogal's shoulder, and nods sagely at Mrs. Thinn. When Kairus asks him a question, it is with choked words that he replies: "How about you bring him back." He points at Yulmiath. "When he wakes up, tell him the cape is his now." With a wave of goodbye to Kwilgok and a gentle pat for Deadly Treasure, the half-orc begins walking back to Ahoyhoy.
The party gradually begins pacing forward again, a long trek ahead of them. A cooling breeze acts as a tailwind and takes care of any and all uncomfortable heat the island throws at them. The sound of waves help relax, and the sweet smells of the tropical scenery pleasantly punctuate their hike.
In the sky above, multicolored birds circle...
THE END
(THIS THREAD IS NOW CLOSED)