I do recall something mentioned in my studies, Bert thinks for a minute, let's see if I can remember exactly what it was...history 18

Anyone who wished to come to this island knows exactly what that is. That, my friends, is Dragon's Rest.

OOC: What about the god statue? I did a religion check for that.

After admiring the view, Herbert opens his notebook: "So much blank space, oh boy this will be full cover to cover when I'm done. Day 1, get ready for the mighty Herb!"

Looks around and at the others: "Hey, let's go exploring!"

Kaelen nods, though his reasons differ from Herbert’s excitement. The temple above piques his interest, not for the beauty or history, but for what it might hold—valuable relics, ancient knowledge, anything that could prove useful. His thieving instincts stir slightly at the thought, a subtle excitement building in the back of his mind.

But he pushes the feeling down, reminding himself of his purpose here. It’s not about treasure—at least, not entirely. Information is the real prize, and anything else would just be a bonus.

“Let’s head up,” he says calmly, his voice betraying none of the inner conflict. He starts up the path, his eyes scanning the terrain, every step measured and cautious.

Perception: 23

regardless of it's name, it's certainly beautiful. Yes, let's head up.

Suall follows the company, keeping an eyes out for anthing peculiar along the route we take.

From what you can tell the statue only depicts a man.

If you guys haven't introduced yourselfs to the rest of the group yet, here's your time. Also, please tell me the party's Marching order.

"I am Kaelen." The pallid elf states, realizing he hadn't bothered to give his name to the others though he overheard theirs. "An investigator of sorts." 

Quote from GamingArcitectV2 >>

If you guys haven't introduced yourselfs to the rest of the group yet, here's your time. Also, please tell me the party's Marching order. 

Kaelen can be second. He lets Herb go first since he seems so excited.

Oh yeah, Herb goes first....

Herbert closes his book for a moment: "I'm Herbert, Herbert Greenthumb. A natural explorer, a scientist a scribe. This island will become my magnum opus, my masterpiece." Opens his book again: "And you've already helped me greatly! Now lets keep going, sooo much to see"

I am squall, a traveling monk.

Squall will take the second or third position.

Koya's breath catches as the statue comes into view, and they spend the rowboat ride trying valiantly to keep their excitement — nearly equal to Herb's — from cracking their professional demeanor. They look around the landing site eagerly, subconsciously holding a hand over their family's sigil where it's sewn onto their tunic, but as they hear the others introducing themselves the lanky dragonborn will focus back on the group. "Ah, I am called Koya, secondborn of House Balrin. It is a pleasure to meet you all, although I confess I am also looking forward to getting underway." 

Koya will go after Squall in the marching order. 

Kaelen listens quietly as the others introduce themselves officially, taking note of the enthusiasm shared between Herb and Koya.

"Perhaps a priest or someone who can shed light on the island's secrets and our role here.” He follows after Herb.

As you’re about to leave the beach and start your climb, you hear a ruckus of splashing and a wet, gurgling moan behind you. Three figures are shambling up from the water’s edge, about thirty feet away. They’re dressed as sailors, but their skin is gray and they look drowned. Sea water drools from their slack mouths as they lurch toward you.

As you see these shambling creatures come your way, you can also see an elf running from them.

OOC: I'm gonna start another map and auto roll initiative again, if you all decide to make combat.

“Undead,” Kaelen says in a low, grim tone, as he turns and sees the creatures. His thoughts briefly flash to the Raven Queen's whispers—these should have passed beyond, but something has tethered them here.

“We should deal with this,” he says calmly to the group, drawing his shortbow.

Initiative Order:

22: Kuhkay (19/19)

22: Squall (17/17)

20: Kaelen (17/17)

16: Bert (10/13)

16: Malachite (21/21)

14: Zombie D, E, F

9: Koya (16/16)

5: Herbert (12/12)

5: Zombie A, B, C

Here's a google document with the current maps: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hGWJZyO3bs8Zzr3fDq684DtYcHB5XK4pZlsf1_TJlGM/edit?usp=sharing

For some reason I can't copy into text boxes, so I'll do it like this from now on.

I'll occasionally re-post the link so you don't have to scroll back to find it.

Kuhkay OR Squall, you're up.

For ALL: there is also the option to run away from the fight, and as it's specifically expressed in the Adventure Book, I'm basically required to tell you, so whether you don't want to fight, decide you're losing the fight, or want to fight, feel free to take whatever path you wish.

Squall moves next to Zombie D and attempts to attack it with his fists using an action and a bonus action.

20 to hit, 4 damage on attack.

8 to hit, 7 damage on bonus attack.

Squall runs up to one ofthe zombies, striking with both his fists connecting both squarely.