Koll keeps his eyes on the dark jungle for signs of danger. When Shanolia says she sees a rock moving on the beach in the distance, he looks but doesn't see anything. He blinks his eyes wishing her could see as well in the dark as the others do. As he peers out he feels the strange calm of connecting with his ki. He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, concentrates and mutters a short prayer to Ilmater. When he opens his eyes everything is different. He can see in the darkness! 

He looks about again trying to see anything that he has missed.

The large rock, with its multitude of colors reflecting off the campfire light, begins moving towards the jungle. As it does, a wall of sand rises up to block its path. It starts to go around the sand when another wall blocks its path, as if it's being corralled to the campsite. It gets closer and closer... now about two-hundred feet from the camp as the corralling continues. 

Perrin will speak up as we get closer to the campsite "Hey, guys. Don't shoot. I and Lera found what we think is a local animal species. That was being attacked by some modrons."

"Also, turn out your lights!" Lera adds.

Why?" Singe questions

"They don't like the light." is Lera's response. 

Singe casts control flame and dims the campfire.

The creature, which you can now see is a large snail, stops resisting Lera's corral efforts and heads closer to the dimmed light. Singe seems to know what this creature is. (OOC: Arcane 11+6=17)

Grasalfan looks up from his books and... blanches.

"Do you know what this is?" Singe asks, looking bewilderedly at Lera and Perrin.

"It's a snail. We call him Shelldon." Perrin says as if its the most obvious thing in the world.

"It's a flail snail!" Grasalfan exclaims, standing from his perch. The snail startles as he yells, raising its flails up.

Singe holds out a hand keeping Grasalfan back. "Yes, a dangerous creature."

He quickly pulls a book from his pack and starts flipping through pages. He hands it to Singe, pushing the page to him. "Look!!" It's a copy of Volo's Guide to Monsters.

Shanolia pulls out her dagger and shortsword at the word 'dangerous'

"Only if it's aggravated, let's let it be." Singe says.

Polly holds on to Zamar's arm, gripping it tightly.

"He's the first animal we've seen here. What if this is their natural habitat and those machines eradicated the rest of them?" Perrin asks worriedly about the big guy.

"Not exactly an animal, an elemental actually." Singe looks carefully at it and says in primordial, "Hello."

It starts to turn at the sight of so many people, looking for an avenue of escape.

"An elemental?" Perrin says confused. "Shelldon's not an elemental otherwise he'd be made out of water, or air, or fire, or earth. He's none of that but is just a really big and special snail."

Seeing it closer, Polly gets curious. Lera isn't afraid... she probably doesn't need to be either. She starts to walk towards it.

Seeing the lack of reaction to Singe, Shanolia will call out (in Abyssal); "Are you a creature of the Abyss, strange one?"

"An elemental is not necessarily made up of earth or fire or water, it just has roots in the elemental planes, more specifically the plane of earth and the elemental chaos." Singe explains to Perrin.

As Polly nears it, she raises her arm as if to touch it. It rears its flails back in preparation.

"Polly don't touch it!" Singe cries out.

"Shelldon doesn't like being touched Polly. In fact, I think he might be scared of all these people being around here." Perrin says to Polly noticing the snails flails rearing back and remembering how it destroyed that modron in one go.

Polly retreats back a few steps before deciding to heed the advice and returns to Zamar's side. The snail starts making way back into the jungle, leaving a trail of glass in its wake; which Singe begins to investigate.

"Bye-Bye Shelldon." Perrin says as he waves at the snail. "Man I thought he would want to stay with us after meeting everyone and to think we defeated the modrons with red eyes for him and the mechanical gorilla they had."

“A mechanical gorilla?” Singe asks.

"Yeah. These red-eyed modrons had some sort of mechanical gorilla they were riding. They seemed to be chasing after Shelldon for his glass or something. I don't know why they wanted his glass but me and Lera took care of it for Shelldon. If you want to see it I believe its body is still about a half-mile down the beach. Just follow Shelldon's trail." Perrin tells Singe.

"Perhaps it would be worth our attention. After all, this is our first encounter with anything aside from fish." Shanolia adds.

"I don't think the modrons want the glass. I think they want it killed. They seemed to be trying to hold on to some type of order as Mechanus slips away from them." Singe says

"Who are we to judge their motives? Let us just gather whatever information we may before returning to our rest." Shanolia continues

Singe yawns, "First sleep, then information, probably the abandoned ship."

Shanolia sheathes her weapons once more. "Perhaps rest is our best plan. Dapple and I will take over watch, you two get some sleep."

"Okay. I can agree to that. Between the first modrons and then the gorilla I'm spent magically." Perrin says

Lera is visible bloodied and beaten “I could definitely use a nap too.” Lera says.

"You could use a bit more than a nap, young one. However, I am afraid I cannot help you. Perhaps one of our more apt spellcasters could take a look?" Shanolia says.

"Here Lera. Let me at least get rid of some of those bruises for you." Perrin then spends 10 of his Lay on Hands to heal Lera for 10 HP.

“Thank you,” Lera smiles. For everything, she adds in a message.

Zamar looks down at Polly. "You are meeting all sorts of interesting creatures, aren't you? I don’t know about you, but I have had enough excitement for one night. Shall we head back in?"

Dapple moved to join the group as the "boulder" got closer and Perrin' s voice finally calls out. With the rest, he observes the strange snail and he tenses when Polly gets too closer, not relaxing until she was safely back near Singe. He cheerfully agrees to taking over the watch with Shanolia. As tired as he still is, it's obvious Lera  needs the rest more.

Perrin agreed to the idea of someone else taking watch now. He goes and lays down in Lera’s makeshift tent but not before removing all of his heavy armor and having it all sit with his pack, weapons, and shield which are close to him while he sleeps. He dreams of Frank and Cherry Pies. It’s weird; don’t ask. 

"Yeah, I think I'm just going to go lie down," Lera, a little unsteady on her feet, motions towards the tent she made. "If you need me to light something on fire, holler." The sorceress curled up into a ball in the sand, cradling the shoulder that the gorilla-bot had pummeled. She fell asleep not long after, drained by the emotions and physical exertion of the day.

Singe wriggles back into his sleeping roll, the sand is irritating, but it will be fine. He prays to Tymora, and then turns over, fast asleep.

Zamar takes Polly by the hand and leads her back into the flying machine. He lays his bed roll down near hers, tucks the new lyre back into his pack, and uses it as a pillow. "Pleasant dreams, little one." 

About an hour into Shanolia and Dapple's watch, the little Monodrone finally gives up its feeble attempt at escape. It lies in the sand, staring up at the sky. A small tear starts to trickle down its eye when a noise is heard by both watchers, originating from the jungle. Immediately, the Monodrone rejuvenated, slamming with all its might against the tether. They both hear its arms crack as the rope tightens. The sounds from the jungle come closer. Dapple is distracted by the sight of the little modron, apparently so scared of the unknown noise that it injured itself trying to get free. Needing to focus on the potential threat, he draws his rapier and quickly slashes the tether before turning his full attention to the jungle. It's tether broken, the modron immediately takes to the skies, flying straight towards the ship. As the two listen, the sound gets louder in the jungle; whatever it is, it's big.

"That does not sound good," Shanolia whispers to the Tabaxi. "Should we awaken the others?"

"Awaken! Something approaches!," Dapple calls out to warn the others as Shanolia grips her dagger and draws it far enough for the ruby in the base of the blade to show, using its magic to amplify her voice to call out herself.

"You all should get out here, we may have company."

"Sorry," Dapple whispers back. "I'm more used to being out alone." He awkwardly grins at her in the darkness.

"Were it not for the group I would disappear into the night and never be seen again." Shanolia whispers in return. "But the child... both children actually... there's something about them that stops me from leaving. I don't understand these feelings, and I am not entirely sure how to feel about them." Shanolia kneels and pulls her loaded crossbow from her back, aiming it towards the sound.

Breaking through the jungle's treeline is the massive shape of an elephant. The moonlight glistens off its two massive blade-like tusks. As it walks the sand towards the camp, the ground shakes and Lera's tent-thing collapses. Singe can be heard groaning at the sight of the elephant. Grasalfan wakes with a start, cradling his notebook.

Perrin wakes up saying sleepily "Lera I thought you said this thing was stable."

Shanolia grips the dagger again to amplify her voice, holding the crossbow's grip with her off-hand. "Oi, nimwits! Get your arses up!"

Polly begins to strap on Mr. Drippy's tank. "Z-Zamar? What's happening?"

Singe scrambles to his feet, "Polly, stay there!"

Perrin gets up and upon seeing the elephant quickly grabs his shield and Frank. "I hope I wouldn’t have to fight in my underwear." Perrin says wearing only undergarments and his holy symbol necklace.

Twenty feet from the jungle, the elephant stops. Its ribcage opens up and an army of small figures hop out

"That’s creepy." Perrin whispers.

One small figure pops out of the elephants head, stumbles, then begins walking slowly towards the camp. Singe grabs his staff, and begins to walk towards the figure. Dapple is about to answer when the elephant bursts from the trees. He moves to place himself between it and the tents. As it splits open to release it's contents he frowns in confusion.

Polly steps out of the flying machine, Mr. Drippy coiled around her. "What's going on?"

Singe turns, "POLLY! Stay back!"

As Singe nears the small creature, he's able to make out the features of a female gnome. The way she walks is odd though, as if the function is more difficult than it should be.

Shanolia, still amplifying her voice, changes her voice to sound harsh; like knives on a chalkboard. "What business do you have here, strangers?"

"Grasalfan, come here!" Singe calls.

Grasalfan stumbles forward and runs to catch up. Once the creature gets in range of Singe and Grasalfan's nightvision, they're able to see the details more clear. The gnome has part of her face missing, a network of cogs animating the gnomish skin that remains. Her leg is twisted, as if built in a hurry, and bears the resemblance of a modron's leg instead. It's head tilts and shifts as it looks at the two humanoids in front of it.

Zamar stumbles out next to Polly and tells her to stay close but to be ready. As Singe moves towards the figures and Grasalfan runs to join him, Dapple darts towards them to act as a bodyguard. "Is this wise?" he asks in a low hiss. "Probably not." Singe whispers back.

Grasalfan puts his hand up to his mouth in shock at the figure, partially disgusted and partially amazed. Shanolia shoulders her bow and draws her dagger and shortsword before moving closer slowly, ending beside Singe. The gnome attempts to wave, but it looks like a chop in the air.

"What's happening," Polly asks, breaking the tense silence. Zamar whispers to her, "I think what we were looking for has found us."

"You are trespassing," the mechanical gnome says. Its voice a variety of tones much like Whistler's, but much more instrumental.

Singe nods towards Grasalfan, encouraging him to speak. Grasalfan clears his throat. "Uhem... yes. I suppose we are..." He looks back at singe, obviously not the most charismatic of gnomes.

Singe sighs and looks at the clockwork gnome. "Yes, hello, we are here on the basis of furthering our knowledge of mechanical portals. As we are accompanied by a citizen of Lantan we would not be trespassing on public property and this is most certainly not recorded as private property. There were also no signs or any indication that beaching here would be considered trespassing. I understand this is your island and this is your area, but we would very much like to learn more about this area If there is anything we can do to mark our presence as a... visit instead of a violation, we are more than happy to comply."

"You are...." There's a slight tick in the gnome's neck, "Trespassing." It responds. It waves again, chopping the air.

Singe sighs, "Acknowledged. Request appeal."

There's movement over by the elephant, and a large modron pulls itself from its innards. Not like the others, this one has the shape of a star with long limbs that spread from its body like a starfish. With its small legs it begins approaching those that have gathered around the mechanical gnome.

 "No one do anything," Singe hisses, "We are in negotiations with an unknown entity, please stay calm."

Dapple tenses, ready to strike in defense of the wizards if it acts in a threatening manner. He sees this group as his new clan, for now at least, and feels his job is to protect them as well as he is able.

Polly steps forward, trying to get a closer look, Shanolia puts out her hand to stop Polly from getting any closer.

"You are Tress....pass...ing." The gnome repeats. As the star modon gets closer, it kicks the gnome. The gnome hums softly from the impact before stating, "Request acknowledged."

"Thank you, we request access to this beach and the structures that are on this island for the purposes of researching portal mechanics and the history of the gnomish people." Singe says, looking at the gnome, side-eyeing the modron.

"You are... we... will return in the morning," the gnome responds. The modron picks up the gnome with two of its appendages and skitters back to the elephant without a word. The small figures around the mechanical elephant all begin piling inside and its rib cage closes once again. The star modron stuffs the gnome back in the elephant's head and climbs atop it.

"Good talking, Singe. I don't know what will happen in the morning, but maybe we can get some rest now." Dapple pats Singe on the back.

The elephant begins moving again, stomping its way back into the jungle.

"That was so cool," Polly cooed, her voice full of awe.

"Yeah, you better run," Lera mumbles under her breath.

Singe claps his hands, "Yes, yes, back to bed, Dapple, Shanolia, you're still on watch, Zamar and I will relieve you in a bit."

When morning comes, Dapple crawls from the corner of the flying machine he'd found to sleep in since Lera's shelter had collapsed. He feels better after some rest, but still isn't feeling his usual self by any means. The events of the previous night and dark dreams when he was able to sleep made his rest less than ideal. Still, he felt able to function again, so that was a good thing. First things first, he wanders over to where the elephant carriage had emerged from the jungle to see if the tracks were still there to follow, or if the modrons had somehow swept the trail clean without anyone noticing.

When Perrin wakes up in the morning he begins putting all of his heavy armor on and weapons back into place, however, he notices that Frank is missing. 

I find Lera waiting for you clutching Frank. "Hey, can we go for a walk?"

“Yes. Why are you holding Frank?” Perrin asks

"That's what the walk is about," she replies

“What’s wrong with Frank?” Perrin asks concerned that his sword is being held by someone else

"I don't know," Lera said, beginning to doubt herself. "Maybe I was tired, or maybe I've read many stories about sentient swords... But have you noticed anything weird about pointy-Frank?"

“Well. There was that time I was sleeping with human Frank and I woke up with sword Frank in my hand. I also get the feeling that the sword was ... checking me out if that makes sense. Like it was deciding if I was worthy to wield it. I smelled it to make sure it wasn’t evil but I didn’t get any sense of evil from it. I kind of just thought it was all in my head and left it at that.” Perrin responds as they walk.

"So, last night I got up because I really had to pee, and I saw sword-Frank inching toward you," Lera explained. "And I... well, I was very worried about you. I picked up Frank and I felt this... wave of power. I asked the sword its intentions for you, and it just said destiny. Then it showed me an army of creatures and you charging forth. You looked really badass, innocent people screaming out and you defending them. Then I asked the sword if it was evil, but it didn't reply."

“Wow really. Was I fighting evil or what? You know I just thought of something else. The sword kind of warmed up to me when I mentioned calling it Frank the Demon Slayer. Again I just pushed it off as nothing.” Perrin adds, not sure what to think.

"I think you were fighting evil, but I'm really worried the sword was lying to me. Pointy-Frank tried to hurt me when I picked him up." Lera says concern in her voice

“Tried to hurt you. How?” Perrin questions

"In my brain? This is not my strong suit, Perrin." she explains

"I think Sword-Frank would be more likely to talk to you than me," Lera held out the sword hesitantly. "Just... if you feel hungry or evil, let's throw this sword in the ocean. Deal?"

“I’ll let you know if it makes me feel wrong. Now let’s see what Frank has to say. Maybe he’ll open up more to me.” Perrin says

"Do you want me to leave you two alone?" Lera aks

“Sure just don’t go too far in case I need you,” Perrin says and holds out his hand for the sword 

"I'll be right here if you need me." Lera says with a smile as she gives them some space and after handing Frank back to him.

Perrin is going to attempt to Frank. ”Frank. Lera tells me that you talked to her. Can you talk to me too buddy?”

There's no response, but you get the feeling that the sword has finally found its purpose.

“Can you show me your purpose Frank? Show me what you want to do and what you want to be. I want to help you reach your destiny.” Perrin says aloud and concentrates on those words and trying to feel as connected to the sword as possible. (OOC: Wis ST: 17+3=20)

You're bombarded with images of suffering, death, mutilation, it's as if the scenes are from all over the world. A strong sense of purpose for the destruction of chaos rings in your mind. It's almost overwhelming, but you're able to handle to assault. It's followed up with the sense of purpose and a bond that can't be broken. Only you can prevent such destruction, and only while wielding this blade.

"So, your purpose is to destroy Chaos itself and only me and you can do it huh," Perrin says to the sword

There's no response from the blade.

Perrin just accepts the bond and sheathes the blade. Deciding that he too would like to replace those images he saw of suffering and death with peace. He'll align his goals to that of the blade.

You see Perrin muttering to his sword. And then he is silent and it looks like he is receiving some visions. After a little bit of time, he sheaths his sword and walks back up to you. "I think me and sword we're always meant to be. We have the same goals. We want to stop death and suffering and chaos and replace it with peace. I've accepted and bonded with the sword in order to obtain those goals. Thanks for looking out for me, Lera. But Frank is nothing to fear; he's here to help." Perrin says with a smile.

“You know, that is what an evil sword would tell you to trick you.” Lera comments

“Franks not tricking me. But if it’ll make you feel better if I ever get too crazy I give you permission to knock me out and separate us. Until then let me prove to you that Frank is here for good.” Perrin offers you.

“Alright, I trust you,” she says

“Thanks. Now let’s go back to the others. The last time we walked on a beach alone a giant gorilla attacked us.” Perrin jokes 

“Yeah, but we took care of that,” Lera punched Perrin’s arm playfully but winces in pain when she hits his armor.

The two return to camp ready to see what else this island has to offer. 

As the forms in the airship begin to stir, Shanolia stands from her meditation, straps her armour and weapons on, and exits the airship. With a quick look at Singe's sleeping form, an idea crosses her mind and she quickly looks around for his spellbook, or notes, or wherever he keeps his spells for safekeeping. When she doesn't see anything that would fit the bill, she lightly shakes the sleeping Wizard with her foot. Singe turns over and stares straight at Shanolia.

"Ow." He says simply, groggily.

"May I speak with you for a moment, one Wizard to another?" Singe gives the Elf a curious look, sitting up in his bedroll.

"A wizard? When did you get a spellbook?"

"Less of a Wizard I suppose, if a spellbook is required. I've always had knack for remembering spells I've learned, in lieu of more important things, such as names."

"Ok, sure." Sing gets out of bed, pulling out his spellbook from the bottom of the bedroll and hands it to Shanolia, "Give me a moment while I roll this up." Shanolia nods her head and takes the book.

"Do you mind if I take a peek?"

"Sure." Singe replies as he rolls up his bedroll. Shanolia skims through the book, looking for any spells she might recognize from her childhood. One spell in particular catches her eye.

"So your bird is a familiar?"

"Bartholomew?" Singe looks off into the distance, "Yes, Barry is my familiar."

"My sister used to have a familiar; a pet cat she called Sêr. Never liked the bloody thing, shedding and licking and overall ruining my robes." She closes the book, holding it back out to Singe. "I do remember her crash course on the ritual, however, just not what materials are required. Do you reckon my dagger would take care of that?" Singe shakes his head no.

"Not in the slightest. The materials you need vary directly with what you're trying to summon. Bartholomew, a celestial entity requires a different type of charcoal then say a... fey being. I also included sulfur in the ritual, but that was unrelated."

"So I were to summon, say, a Fey spider... What would that require of me?"

"Birch charcoal? Basil? Probably a sticky monkey-flower. Orange bush monkey-flower."

"I see." She draws her dagger and rests the blade on her left hand. "So there are things you can't do." She speaks to the dagger in Abyssal, before returning her attention to Singe. "I don't suppose you have any these materials that I may purchase?" Singe raises his eyebrow.

"No, and if I did, you could just ask for them. Mr. Whistler purchased my ingredients, they shouldn't be hard to find back at the port. If you want to wait, you can borrow my brazier."

"I appreciate your help." She nods and slips her dagger back into its place, taking a step away but stopping quickly. "One more thing, and I apologize if this is prying; when I skimmed through your book, I noticed a few phrases I couldn't quite make out. This is quite a rare occurrence, so I wonder if you might be willing to reveal the language." Singe laughs.

"It's primordial. Written with dwarvish characters. As you might guess, my ancestors were not ones for paper. I can definitely try, it won't be fun."

"If I wished for 'fun' I'd have remained in Chult. Do your worst."

It does not take a particularly trained eye to see that the elephant has left a clear trail headed of to the north. It seems in this case, the modron were unconcerned with maintaining the orderliness of their island. Satisfied, Dapple returns to the campsite to find more of his new friends out and about. "If you want to try to meet our night visitors in their own lair, it should be easy enough to do." Gesturing back towards the forest he adds, "I'd bet even little Polly could follow that trail and lead us to them. Or do we wait for them to come back to us?"

Singe shakes his head, "We should wait, going into the jungle might be seen as a threat to the people we are want to appeal to."

Woe chimes in. "I think we should check out that boat! The little flying modron, the one with the normal eyes flew right over there. Maybe they can give us more insights into the island?"