Kairus did not insist and would rather talk others out of dragging the geonid with them. He stopped questioning the creature but before leaving, took off the silver pendant of Umberlee that he picked up near the ships, and gave it to the creature. "Here. May it be the first bit of your new collection."
With that done, Kairus joined Eeyal and Yulmiath outside. "Not that I am eager to get the steam bath, but that path does seem to be the shortest. A safe return is good too but... it's so much walking." He would agree to any choice, though, as long as it gets him off the heated rocks and does not require diving into the lava.
"I'll be honest, Eeyal. I'm not exactly the brains of this outfit. I'm not even the one they stick out front to put on the charm. I know what I'm good at and it ain't sussing out a way to cross a river of lava, so yes, let's do the simple thing. Walking, sailing, walking. Unless one of the big brains has something they can pull out of the bag, but it's beyond me as to what that might be. I'll see if one of the others will give me a hand with the canoe."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hun doesn't take much convincing at all. In fact, if the suggestion ever comes up, the Kobold merely shrugged and says, "Sure, sure. I just need to go back inside and see if some obsidian can be rooted outta that last cavern." When Kairus goes to give up the pendant however, that's when Hun started to look a touch troubled and even about ready to say something.
Yet after another moment's thought, he shakes his head and mutters, "Hope we don't need that for that temple trip." His concerns aside, Mr. Thicc is bid to let the creature go before the pair at least start to head back into the lava chamber to further study the stone at the risk of further heat damage. For what little it was worth, they are mindful at least of avoiding kicking or moving any bodies in the process of the Kobold's investigation. But if the Geonid became insistent upon their departure (Hun re-casting Detect Thoughts if need be to understand its surface thoughts and feelings better), Hun is less than kind to oblige, and would even have Mr. Thicc knock the creature back out again if they should turn hostile.
If he's able to find any obsidian or other worthwhile stones to mine, then he was willing to spend upwards to a minute as far away from the lava flow as possible take out chunks of ore to stuff into his bag of holding. His smithing hammers not withstanding, it wouldn't take much for the kobold to repurpose the random bits of bone, metal, and wood stored in the very same back(Using the 'Right Tool for the Job' feature) into more approximately appropriate tools for the job. And with Mr. Thicc's help, the job would be all the easier. But in failing to discover anything or narrow his search so that it proved to be more practical, the Kobold would find his way outside sooner than later with construct in tow.
"So those are two, uh, three choices technically then."Hun says upon eventually being informed. "I see, hmm... Well, as much as I'd like to make use of the boat again and get our proverbial money's worth, I'd bet all my future earnings and findings that we'll probably wind up having to deal with some other elemental creature trying to cross through that steam bed. Seeing this island is pretty lousy with the critters. And considering how were one for two on our interactions with such beings so far, I'm not exactly confident of us talking our way into the good graces of lesser known elementals than the one's we've met so far."He says rather plainly, looking between Krodhen and "Mr. Yully".
"So as far as I'm concern, we're taking the scenic route and walking around to the south. At worse we'll have to deal with more flying buggers. But if I were to be honest, I'm pretty sure we'll all work up quite an appetite by then!"At that, Hun grins and motions with his eye brow bridge some encouragement.
With Thurd insisting on being left alone after cooperating with the Snackers, both Hun and Kairus think better of taking the creature along by force and release it. Kairus gifts Thurd the Umberlee pendant and begins to walk outside. Meanwhile, Hun walks back toward the lava lake. As they leave Thurd alone, a few seconds pass before the silver pendant hits the back of Kairus' head. He hears the harsh Primordial words for something like "You can't buy me, murderer!" but turns to see none behind him in the cave except Hun and Mr. Thicc walking away.
With enough time back in the main chamber, Hun does indeed come across a small geode that looks interesting. He breaks it with his newly produced tools to find smooth obsidian inside. Try as he might, however, the kobold cannot find another geode or a full vein on the walls or ground, which makes him think that this chunk of obsidian was likely brought here from some other source location. It is hard to say whether Thurd knew this and lied earlier or if the geonids overlooks this rock. Whatever Hun has in mind for the obsidian, though, it is unlikely that this small geode will provide enough of the valuable material.
By the time Hun reunites with the rest of the party outside, Rhogal, Kairus, and Yulmiath have already agreed to take the steam path up north for the next leg of their journey. Hun is more skeptical, suggesting instead that the group takes the extra long long way through the mountains and the large temple on the island. Krodhen is so far silent on the decision. Eeyal turns to Hun and, more out of curiosity than defiance, asks: "And what makes you think we won't run into many more threats if we take the extra long way west and then south?"
Despite the small findings, Hun smiled in satisfaction and slipped the obsidian away. As for later...
Hun chortles at the question. "What makes you think I think we won't? It's like I said before, or..."He trails offer muttering "Or thought I said.." before continuing aloud casually once more, "Most threatening thing we'll run into will actually be able to make something out of it after should it get uppity, assuming we can handle it in the first place, and with less--"He looks to Kairus, and for the briefest of moments, even seemed empathetic. "Moral quandaries to have to immediately deal with... Granted, everyone ignored me when I said to incapacitate the little club wielding buggers, as it seemed pretty clear to me that there was some level of genuine sentience there to bargain with instead following the first few moments of that scrap-a-doo."
"But tensions were high and yada yada yada."He dismissively waves a hand then claps both together. "Regardless! Uh... Oh wait, you guys really want to go north? Eh... okay, I guess. Just hope whatever two-headed beasty on the northside at least doesn't like to roam around the entire thing. And, well, the potential other elemental business as well. So, I guess the only question is if everyone else is good to go? Or do you need a rest Mr. Yully, seeing as you bore the brunt of all that?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Yulmiath shrugs. Physically he feels alright, he's been better, he's been worse. Certainly he's ok to help carry a canoe.
"I'm good to carry on. We're burning daylight and there's a lot of other caves to trawl through. Any of you big brains got an idea on how to cross a lava river? That's the question we need to answer off if we can."
Hoisting the rear of the canoe onto his shoulder, he looks ready to set off.
"We are not crossing the river, we are going all the way around it." Kairus picked up his pendant and put it around his neck again with a shrug. He tried. "Grandpa, you might be right about safety, but the next cave is just over there - check the map. If we go north now, we will be by that cave in no time, then can return and either continue south-east or south-west. I say we risk it."
Most likely the statue they were looking for was in the last cave they were about to check, so, it did not matter much where they were going, but that particular cave was so close... Then moving along the east coast they would eventually get to the temple, making the full circle. Turning away now reminded the refusal to finish the exploration of the ships too much to triton's liking.
"Hm. Hm! Verily way than, young scaleys and co. Onward to the north. Not like I had any ideas to cross for crossing any lava. Something like that is a bit above my, uh, capabilities at the moment. Unless... we made out of..." Hun trails off for a moment, rubbing his chin almost furiously at some burgeoning idea. He comes out of his thoughts shaking his head. "No! Uh.. no. Let's head north."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The Snack Pack deliberates further, eventually agreeing to stick with the original plan of going north. Eeyal picks up her things and begins leading the way once Yulmiath and Mr. Thicc have secured the canoe.
The track to the shore is much shorter than the distances the party has hiked ever since arriving at the Snout of Omgar. No more than a few hours pass before they are ready to put their vessel down on the water, hot as it may be. Kairus helps Eeyal catch up to the happenings inside the first cave during the trek, which helps to distract the party from the immense heat they are feeling from the nearby lava river. Unlike the case with the indoor lava lake, the Snackers are able to keep a good distance from the edges of the river. Nonetheless, enough heat hits them during the walk north to make them feel a bit more tired than they otherwise would.
-> Because of the relative long time walking near the lava river, everyone takes some fire damage representing the incessant heat during the walk north. Everyone should roll their own CON saving throw {DC 10}. On a fail, you take 5 fire damage (5), or half that amount (2) on a success.
Plopping the canoe on the water and taking their seats, the group begins to advance east by taking a route around the immediate area where lava meets sea water. Krodhen and Rhogal share rowing duties, sparing those who had taken the lead on transporting the canoe. The cautiously distant trajectory ensures that the water surrounding the boat is not boiling hot, but the group cannot avoid being shrouded in the resulting "fog". You venture into what looks like an inverse waterfall made of cloud-white, fairly opaque water vapor. Eeyal promises the canoe ride should take less than two hours.
An hour into the warm cloudy ride, something large comes up to the boat. There is some initial doubt about what it could be, but the experienced sailors in the group soon recognize the bifurcated tail, blowhole splash, and echolocation-like noises produced by a pair of large water mammals. Two killer whales approach the canoe, their behavior being placed somewhere between playful curiosity and studious hunger.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kairus Con save (DC10): 17
There was a simple solution to the problem - sailing closer to lava. The wooden canoe could handle temperature better than the animals. But the orca's were so playful and curious, Kairus could not resist talking to them.
(In case you allow me to use "Emissary of the Sea" and talk to orcas directly)
In a series of “whistles” and “clicks” he tried to communicate. "Hey there! Not much food here - lots of sharp iron and hard wood. Can share these snacks if you wish," he threw a couple of rations (if avian's meat is still in the packs - then them). "On our way to the shores. Would you show the way in that fog?" Persuasion: 19
(If you think talking to water mammals is stretching, then only share rations and attempt to keep a friendly disposition with orcas. Animal Handling: 19)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Yulmiath's CON Save: 19
As the whales drift closer to the canoe, Yulmaith dips a hand into the water on the opposite side, gauging the temperature of the water. If their hunger overcomes their curiosity then convincing them that the funny wooden boat isn't a snack would be the best option for the group. Fighting from the boat isn't likely to be a good time, not boiling alive in the water is also high on his priorities.
Hopefully the odd clicks and whistles coming from Karius can do the heavy lifting here.
(OOC - Happy to risk a point of damage from the water if that's how hot it is, otherwise would this survival check help? 8.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hun's Con Save(DC 10): 20. Mr. Thicc's Con Save(DC 10): 22.
"So not elementals, but it doesn't meant we're out of the woods yet."Hun mutters under-breath with a scowl. In draconic he issues some command along the lines of "Lock and Load", prompting Mr. Thicc to cock his arms with a satisfying click followed by a soft hum as he made ready to punch a whale should any dare to attack its creators. Beyond that the Kobold quietly waited with baited breath and a hand on the Rocket Shiskabober should things go tips up within the next few moments.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: I'm rolling the remaining saves below and resolving the damage.)
-> Krodhen's CON saving throw {DC 10}: 7 (8)
-> Eeyal's CON saving throw {DC 10}: 13 (18)
After spending plenty of time in the area, most Snackers feel like they are getting a handle on the heat. Nonetheless, they do feel a bit more tired than they imagined they'd feel by the time they reach the sea. (Yulmiath takes 2 fire damage; Kairus takes 2 fire damage; Hun takes 2 fire damage; Mr. Thicc takes 2 fire damage; Rhogal takes 2 fire damage; Eeyal takes 2 fire damage.)
The group's paladin seems to be suffering a bit more than the rest, likely on account of all the heavy armor he is wearing. (Krodhen takes 5 fire damage. I went ahead and already deducted this from your character sheet.)
(@Blue: We said it was okay for it to work on dolphins earlier, so I don't see why it wouldn't work on whales. Go ahead and remove two rations from your inventory if you haven't done so already.)
Encountering the whales raises the group's level of suspicion. That said, no one "jumps the gun", as they say. Krodhen and Rhogal remain focused on rowing, while Hun simply commands Mr. Thicc to be ready if things escalate. Yulmiath takes the opportunity the check the water's temperature, concluding the water at this distance from the "lava dump" is no warmer than the mud bath from several days ago.
Kairus assumes his natural position as the face of the party, conversing with the whales in their strange language. The beasts seem to understand the triton quite clearly, and are not surprised by this fact in the least. Adding the gift of food to his honeyed words is enough to seal the deal. The whales play a bit with the bard, clearly showing they are in no rush, but eventually they use their tails to invite the canoe to follow them. The rest of the water trip is made much easier by the orcas' help. Eeyal jests: "I may have to give them some of my guide fee."
The Snack Pack is delivered safely to the shoreline on the other side of lava river delta. Assuming you take the canoe with you in a manageable rotation of duties, Eeyal springs into action and directs the party south over the next hour or so. By the time the group nears the second cave's entrance, Eeyal pauses for a moment and confers with everyone: "We should still have at least a couple of hours of daylight ahead of us. Do you want to go cave-delving right away?"
"Might as well, right? That way if crap goes /really/ sideways, we'll have some time to maybe find some place to camp after no doubt fleeing for our lives."Hun casually throws out alongside the nods of Mr. Thicc. "Best case scenario, these one's like us so much that they let us stay in their caves for the night. So I guess the only real question is who's willing to chip in on the gifts for the little boulder heads, least we have a repeat of last time."
Having worked up a sweat from the continuous effort of rowing, Krodhen is ready to keep moving, but would like to take time to tend to the burns "If we can spare an hour I'd like to tend to the burns before we move on....as for gifts, I ain't got anything to spare save a bit of coin.....but trustin' these critters seems like a mistake"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Kairus did not insist and would rather talk others out of dragging the geonid with them. He stopped questioning the creature but before leaving, took off the silver pendant of Umberlee that he picked up near the ships, and gave it to the creature. "Here. May it be the first bit of your new collection."
With that done, Kairus joined Eeyal and Yulmiath outside. "Not that I am eager to get the steam bath, but that path does seem to be the shortest. A safe return is good too but... it's so much walking." He would agree to any choice, though, as long as it gets him off the heated rocks and does not require diving into the lava.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Yulmiath decides to just level with Eeyal.
"I'll be honest, Eeyal. I'm not exactly the brains of this outfit. I'm not even the one they stick out front to put on the charm. I know what I'm good at and it ain't sussing out a way to cross a river of lava, so yes, let's do the simple thing. Walking, sailing, walking. Unless one of the big brains has something they can pull out of the bag, but it's beyond me as to what that might be. I'll see if one of the others will give me a hand with the canoe."
"As long as I'm not burnin' my arse off goin' from place ta place, I'm good wit' goin the long way."
Extended Signature
Hun doesn't take much convincing at all. In fact, if the suggestion ever comes up, the Kobold merely shrugged and says, "Sure, sure. I just need to go back inside and see if some obsidian can be rooted outta that last cavern." When Kairus goes to give up the pendant however, that's when Hun started to look a touch troubled and even about ready to say something.
Yet after another moment's thought, he shakes his head and mutters, "Hope we don't need that for that temple trip." His concerns aside, Mr. Thicc is bid to let the creature go before the pair at least start to head back into the lava chamber to further study the stone at the risk of further heat damage. For what little it was worth, they are mindful at least of avoiding kicking or moving any bodies in the process of the Kobold's investigation. But if the Geonid became insistent upon their departure (Hun re-casting Detect Thoughts if need be to understand its surface thoughts and feelings better), Hun is less than kind to oblige, and would even have Mr. Thicc knock the creature back out again if they should turn hostile.
Investigation: 17. (includes guidance) (22)
If he's able to find any obsidian or other worthwhile stones to mine, then he was willing to spend upwards to a minute as far away from the lava flow as possible take out chunks of ore to stuff into his bag of holding. His smithing hammers not withstanding, it wouldn't take much for the kobold to repurpose the random bits of bone, metal, and wood stored in the very same back(Using the 'Right Tool for the Job' feature) into more approximately appropriate tools for the job. And with Mr. Thicc's help, the job would be all the easier. But in failing to discover anything or narrow his search so that it proved to be more practical, the Kobold would find his way outside sooner than later with construct in tow.
"So those are two, uh, three choices technically then." Hun says upon eventually being informed. "I see, hmm... Well, as much as I'd like to make use of the boat again and get our proverbial money's worth, I'd bet all my future earnings and findings that we'll probably wind up having to deal with some other elemental creature trying to cross through that steam bed. Seeing this island is pretty lousy with the critters. And considering how were one for two on our interactions with such beings so far, I'm not exactly confident of us talking our way into the good graces of lesser known elementals than the one's we've met so far." He says rather plainly, looking between Krodhen and "Mr. Yully".
"So as far as I'm concern, we're taking the scenic route and walking around to the south. At worse we'll have to deal with more flying buggers. But if I were to be honest, I'm pretty sure we'll all work up quite an appetite by then!" At that, Hun grins and motions with his eye brow bridge some encouragement.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
With Thurd insisting on being left alone after cooperating with the Snackers, both Hun and Kairus think better of taking the creature along by force and release it. Kairus gifts Thurd the Umberlee pendant and begins to walk outside. Meanwhile, Hun walks back toward the lava lake. As they leave Thurd alone, a few seconds pass before the silver pendant hits the back of Kairus' head. He hears the harsh Primordial words for something like "You can't buy me, murderer!" but turns to see none behind him in the cave except Hun and Mr. Thicc walking away.
With enough time back in the main chamber, Hun does indeed come across a small geode that looks interesting. He breaks it with his newly produced tools to find smooth obsidian inside. Try as he might, however, the kobold cannot find another geode or a full vein on the walls or ground, which makes him think that this chunk of obsidian was likely brought here from some other source location. It is hard to say whether Thurd knew this and lied earlier or if the geonids overlooks this rock. Whatever Hun has in mind for the obsidian, though, it is unlikely that this small geode will provide enough of the valuable material.
By the time Hun reunites with the rest of the party outside, Rhogal, Kairus, and Yulmiath have already agreed to take the steam path up north for the next leg of their journey. Hun is more skeptical, suggesting instead that the group takes the extra long long way through the mountains and the large temple on the island. Krodhen is so far silent on the decision. Eeyal turns to Hun and, more out of curiosity than defiance, asks: "And what makes you think we won't run into many more threats if we take the extra long way west and then south?"
Despite the small findings, Hun smiled in satisfaction and slipped the obsidian away. As for later...
Hun chortles at the question. "What makes you think I think we won't? It's like I said before, or..." He trails offer muttering "Or thought I said.." before continuing aloud casually once more, "Most threatening thing we'll run into will actually be able to make something out of it after should it get uppity, assuming we can handle it in the first place, and with less--" He looks to Kairus, and for the briefest of moments, even seemed empathetic. "Moral quandaries to have to immediately deal with... Granted, everyone ignored me when I said to incapacitate the little club wielding buggers, as it seemed pretty clear to me that there was some level of genuine sentience there to bargain with instead following the first few moments of that scrap-a-doo."
"But tensions were high and yada yada yada." He dismissively waves a hand then claps both together. "Regardless! Uh... Oh wait, you guys really want to go north? Eh... okay, I guess. Just hope whatever two-headed beasty on the northside at least doesn't like to roam around the entire thing. And, well, the potential other elemental business as well. So, I guess the only question is if everyone else is good to go? Or do you need a rest Mr. Yully, seeing as you bore the brunt of all that?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Yulmiath shrugs. Physically he feels alright, he's been better, he's been worse. Certainly he's ok to help carry a canoe.
"I'm good to carry on. We're burning daylight and there's a lot of other caves to trawl through. Any of you big brains got an idea on how to cross a lava river? That's the question we need to answer off if we can."
Hoisting the rear of the canoe onto his shoulder, he looks ready to set off.
"We are not crossing the river, we are going all the way around it." Kairus picked up his pendant and put it around his neck again with a shrug. He tried. "Grandpa, you might be right about safety, but the next cave is just over there - check the map. If we go north now, we will be by that cave in no time, then can return and either continue south-east or south-west. I say we risk it."
Most likely the statue they were looking for was in the last cave they were about to check, so, it did not matter much where they were going, but that particular cave was so close... Then moving along the east coast they would eventually get to the temple, making the full circle. Turning away now reminded the refusal to finish the exploration of the ships too much to triton's liking.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Hm. Hm! Verily way than, young scaleys and co. Onward to the north. Not like I had any ideas to cross for crossing any lava. Something like that is a bit above my, uh, capabilities at the moment. Unless... we made out of..." Hun trails off for a moment, rubbing his chin almost furiously at some burgeoning idea. He comes out of his thoughts shaking his head. "No! Uh.. no. Let's head north."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The Snack Pack deliberates further, eventually agreeing to stick with the original plan of going north. Eeyal picks up her things and begins leading the way once Yulmiath and Mr. Thicc have secured the canoe.
The track to the shore is much shorter than the distances the party has hiked ever since arriving at the Snout of Omgar. No more than a few hours pass before they are ready to put their vessel down on the water, hot as it may be. Kairus helps Eeyal catch up to the happenings inside the first cave during the trek, which helps to distract the party from the immense heat they are feeling from the nearby lava river. Unlike the case with the indoor lava lake, the Snackers are able to keep a good distance from the edges of the river. Nonetheless, enough heat hits them during the walk north to make them feel a bit more tired than they otherwise would.
-> Because of the relative long time walking near the lava river, everyone takes some fire damage representing the incessant heat during the walk north. Everyone should roll their own CON saving throw {DC 10}. On a fail, you take 5 fire damage (5), or half that amount (2) on a success.
Plopping the canoe on the water and taking their seats, the group begins to advance east by taking a route around the immediate area where lava meets sea water. Krodhen and Rhogal share rowing duties, sparing those who had taken the lead on transporting the canoe. The cautiously distant trajectory ensures that the water surrounding the boat is not boiling hot, but the group cannot avoid being shrouded in the resulting "fog". You venture into what looks like an inverse waterfall made of cloud-white, fairly opaque water vapor. Eeyal promises the canoe ride should take less than two hours.
An hour into the warm cloudy ride, something large comes up to the boat. There is some initial doubt about what it could be, but the experienced sailors in the group soon recognize the bifurcated tail, blowhole splash, and echolocation-like noises produced by a pair of large water mammals. Two killer whales approach the canoe, their behavior being placed somewhere between playful curiosity and studious hunger.
Kairus Con save (DC10): 17
There was a simple solution to the problem - sailing closer to lava. The wooden canoe could handle temperature better than the animals. But the orca's were so playful and curious, Kairus could not resist talking to them.
(In case you allow me to use "Emissary of the Sea" and talk to orcas directly)
In a series of “whistles” and “clicks” he tried to communicate. "Hey there! Not much food here - lots of sharp iron and hard wood. Can share these snacks if you wish," he threw a couple of rations (if avian's meat is still in the packs - then them). "On our way to the shores. Would you show the way in that fog?" Persuasion: 19
(If you think talking to water mammals is stretching, then only share rations and attempt to keep a friendly disposition with orcas. Animal Handling: 19)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Yulmiath's CON Save: 19
As the whales drift closer to the canoe, Yulmaith dips a hand into the water on the opposite side, gauging the temperature of the water. If their hunger overcomes their curiosity then convincing them that the funny wooden boat isn't a snack would be the best option for the group. Fighting from the boat isn't likely to be a good time, not boiling alive in the water is also high on his priorities.
Hopefully the odd clicks and whistles coming from Karius can do the heavy lifting here.
(OOC - Happy to risk a point of damage from the water if that's how hot it is, otherwise would this survival check help? 8.)
Hun's Con Save(DC 10): 20.
Mr. Thicc's Con Save(DC 10): 22.
"So not elementals, but it doesn't meant we're out of the woods yet." Hun mutters under-breath with a scowl. In draconic he issues some command along the lines of "Lock and Load", prompting Mr. Thicc to cock his arms with a satisfying click followed by a soft hum as he made ready to punch a whale should any dare to attack its creators. Beyond that the Kobold quietly waited with baited breath and a hand on the Rocket Shiskabober should things go tips up within the next few moments.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogal save: 19
As Rhogal rows, he keeps an eye on the whales, his trust of the island wildlife strained to the point of breaking.
Extended Signature
(OOC: I'm rolling the remaining saves below and resolving the damage.)
-> Krodhen's CON saving throw {DC 10}: 7 (8)
-> Eeyal's CON saving throw {DC 10}: 13 (18)
After spending plenty of time in the area, most Snackers feel like they are getting a handle on the heat. Nonetheless, they do feel a bit more tired than they imagined they'd feel by the time they reach the sea. (Yulmiath takes 2 fire damage; Kairus takes 2 fire damage; Hun takes 2 fire damage; Mr. Thicc takes 2 fire damage; Rhogal takes 2 fire damage; Eeyal takes 2 fire damage.)
The group's paladin seems to be suffering a bit more than the rest, likely on account of all the heavy armor he is wearing. (Krodhen takes 5 fire damage. I went ahead and already deducted this from your character sheet.)
DM's Screen:
1
(@Blue: We said it was okay for it to work on dolphins earlier, so I don't see why it wouldn't work on whales. Go ahead and remove two rations from your inventory if you haven't done so already.)
Encountering the whales raises the group's level of suspicion. That said, no one "jumps the gun", as they say. Krodhen and Rhogal remain focused on rowing, while Hun simply commands Mr. Thicc to be ready if things escalate. Yulmiath takes the opportunity the check the water's temperature, concluding the water at this distance from the "lava dump" is no warmer than the mud bath from several days ago.
Kairus assumes his natural position as the face of the party, conversing with the whales in their strange language. The beasts seem to understand the triton quite clearly, and are not surprised by this fact in the least. Adding the gift of food to his honeyed words is enough to seal the deal. The whales play a bit with the bard, clearly showing they are in no rush, but eventually they use their tails to invite the canoe to follow them. The rest of the water trip is made much easier by the orcas' help. Eeyal jests: "I may have to give them some of my guide fee."
The Snack Pack is delivered safely to the shoreline on the other side of lava river delta. Assuming you take the canoe with you in a manageable rotation of duties, Eeyal springs into action and directs the party south over the next hour or so. By the time the group nears the second cave's entrance, Eeyal pauses for a moment and confers with everyone: "We should still have at least a couple of hours of daylight ahead of us. Do you want to go cave-delving right away?"
"Might as well, right? That way if crap goes /really/ sideways, we'll have some time to maybe find some place to camp after no doubt fleeing for our lives." Hun casually throws out alongside the nods of Mr. Thicc. "Best case scenario, these one's like us so much that they let us stay in their caves for the night. So I guess the only real question is who's willing to chip in on the gifts for the little boulder heads, least we have a repeat of last time."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Having worked up a sweat from the continuous effort of rowing, Krodhen is ready to keep moving, but would like to take time to tend to the burns "If we can spare an hour I'd like to tend to the burns before we move on....as for gifts, I ain't got anything to spare save a bit of coin.....but trustin' these critters seems like a mistake"
"Bubbles the Barbarian" (Locathah - Lvl 9) - Locathah Rising; Shai'ere Delatete (Githyanki Monk - Lvl 9) Rrakkma (deceased - MindFlayer); Saros Rockfoot (Deep Gnome Diviner - Lvl 5) - The Lost Kenku & One Grung Above; Tagret (Goliath Barbarian - Lvl 2) - Tales of Faerun;
Yulmiath nods his agreement. He'd rather not give up any precious metals to the geonids either.
"I took these shiny rocks from the last cave we were in, do you think they might like them; being basically rocks themselves?"
Opening his bag, he offers out a rock to any who want to give them a once over. Then the overthinking starts.
"Or is it a bit of a faux pas, are we saying that they're rocks so all they must like are rocks too? We don't want to be rude."
(OOC Think Yul picked up 5 or 6 rocks so don't all shout at once!)