The Tortle Package (DM Lerus)

Rhogal takes a large brown pillowy mushroom(King bolete) and utters "Edulis," before putting it in his mouth. This causes his muscle mass to increase drastically (Bull's Strength).

With this increased strength, he starts making his way down the mountain.

Athletics: 12

"Humans," Eeyal responds. "The cannibals are humans. They eat everyone else, and I don't doubt they eat humans too. They are jungle-dwellers, living in tribes away from civilization. If you are asking for the tribes' names, I am afraid I don't know. They are not much for talking, and neither should we see them approach."

Posed with a strategic question, Krodhen and Kairus lead the team discussion on what approach to take. Krodhen welcomes the challenge of sliding down the slope but Kairus is more careful, preferring to consider the benefits of engaging some shields and other tools in a group descent. All the talking seems to bore Yulmiath, who ignores calls for caution and limbers up in the background. Suddenly, without warning, the dragonborn leaps from the edge and literally hits the ground running, his legs moving faster than they would on even ground. The mad dash soon becomes a tumbling display as if the barbarian was chasing a wheel of cheese downhill. What he hoped would be calculated bumps into obstacles to help control his descent soon become horrific bludgeoning impacts.

-> "Fall" damage: 26 (26)

The red of the dragonborn's scales is soon matched by the crimson of his own blood. At least he reached the bottom of the sloped cliff, along with one of the group's climber's kit. That might have been a new time record. (Yulmiath takes 26 bludgeoning damage.)

Not too discouraged by Yulmiath's display, Rhogal enhances his own muscles and begins climbing down without the aid of tools. Given the changing slope of the terrain, the process is a combination of free climbing and hoping down a cliff like a mountain goat. Relying solely on his own physique, as enhance as it may be, Rhogal cannot help but feel his finger tips and knee joints ache by the time he is close to the bottom of the cliff.

-> Reduced "fall" damage: 3 (3)

It takes the druid quite a bit of time to reach the bottom, and he might benefit from adding some cold pressure on his knees, but he succeeds. (Rhogal takes 3 bludgeoning damage.)

After watching the first two volunteers, Eeyal chuckles and says: "I might just slide on my shell... Cowabunga, am I right?"

(OOC: What are Krodhen, Kairus, Mr. Thicc, and Hun doing? Please be sure to roll an appropriate skill check. If Kairus flies down, no check is needed.)    

(OOC: That moment w3hen you realize you forgot to prepare a spell in anticipation of more climbing! T.T)

"I cannot say I'm too keen on following Mr. Yully's example, that much for sure!" Hun admits frankly, but still worried his chin absently in likely further consideration. What ultimately appears to seal the deal for the Kobold is Eeyal's mentioning of her shell, prompting the Kobold to take another gander at his own fairly sizeable shield. "Though Young Blue... eh... maybe for once you're on to something. Doubt my shield would do more than myself any good. And bounding each other up is just asking for a bigger incident. But, I do wonder... maybe with perhaps a few adjustments and expanding of those parts to act as rudders-..." The kobold trails off into his own little world until eventually he doffs and sticks his shield in the earth long enough to make some on the spot adjustments. 

By the time he was to be done a few moments later, not only had it appeared more expanded than before to better accommodate even his petite form. There were also parts somehow altered to act as some form of... rudder system? Brakes? Something along those lines at least, as he'd soon enough demonstrate following some last minute orders for Mr. Thicc to carefully descend the slope. Whether they'd respond as intended to finer movements or force him to resort ultimately to simply throwing his full body into keeping balance on the shield however... is somethign too he'd discover! 

Hun's Acrobatics: 18 (of if able to use his new found sleigh of hand, add another +2 to the roll!)
Plus Guidance: 3. 

Mr. Thicc's Athletics: 13. 

What do you know, the mass-descent went even worse than Kairus predicted. He shrugged "told you so" and flew down the path, checking on the way the location of every unfortunate group-mate to collect them at the bottom of the hill.

Picking himself out of a handy bush located at the bottom of the slope, Yulmiath spend his time waiting on the others to arrive. Brushing the odd clump of dirt from himself and picking twigs from his clothes, he looks to the only other Packers to make it down the slope so far.

"Did... Did it at least look cool?"

(OOC I hope the answer to that question doesn't inflict any psychic damage on Yulmiath. He's down to 9hp!)

(@Ori: An 11 or a 13 will deliver the same result here.)

The tethering idea is rejected once again, as it was back in High Horn. Hun is not beyond using his shield as suggested by Kairus, nonetheless, and begins working on the armor piece as he has many times by now. The others watch as the kobold volunteers to be the next one down the slope but requires some gear adjustment beforehand. Once all is done, the artificer sits on his shield and pushes himself down. A few last minutes orders are shouted so that Mr. Thicc knows he is supposed to follow Rhogal's lead.

-> Reduced "fall" damage: 8 (7)

-> Intermediate "fall" damage: 14 (15)

Hun descends much faster than Mr. Thicc. The customized shield seems to hold on just fine as the kobold butt-surfs his way down. That said, there are plenty of bumps on the path and Hun becomes airborne more than a few times. Some of the landings are smooth enough, others may leave a mark on his rear end. (Hun takes 7 bludgeoning damage.)

The construct climbs down the slope at a measured pace. Much like Rhogal, Mr. Thicc climbs down gearless for a section of the path but finds himself hopping down some steep ledges here and there. Unlike the dwarf, the construct's joints are not equipment with organic shock absorbers, and the stress of the endeavor becomes more apparent by the end of the journey. (Mr. Thicc takes 15 bludgeoning damage.)

Convinced that he was right but giving up on persuading his companions to take a more cautious approach, Kairus casts a flying spell on himself and swiftly reaches the bottom of the sloped cliff without issue.

(@MuggsHill: I'll make some assumptions for Krodhen here so we can move along. Based on you most recent post, I take it you'd rather slide your way down.)

Eeyal fires a not-so-funny joke about not being left behind where the punch line is something to the tune of "slow and steady wins the race" (being a turtle and all) and jumps downhill, retracting into her shell midair. The normally cautious guide screams in delight, suggesting she might have enjoyed a more careless approach to problem-solving in her youth. Observing her, Krodhen is pretty sure this is not Eeyal's first time sliding down the slope in her shell, and it shows. The tortle slides expertly around obstacles, lifting a trail of dust behind her. Nearing the end of the slope, Eeyal takes signal from her decreasing speed and pops out of her shell to simply walk down the last yards of the descent.

Last but not least, Krodhen takes note of the strategies taken and suggestions made by others and decides to surf downhill using his shield as well. Unlike Hun, the paladin decides to do so standing up, counting on his newly donned cloak to help him keep his balance.

-> Krodhen's athletics check: 13 (26,Nat20) 

What a spectacular display of athleticism. Krodhen uses all his knowledge of the seas to perfectly surf down the flaky dirt. His shield will need a cleaning, but his armor, cloak, and body are no worst for wear. And what a thrill it all was!

The group reunites at the bottom of the slope, Yulmiath looking the worst of the bunch. Eeyal chuckles a bit but makes a caring suggestion: "Should we take some time to catch our collective breaths or are we good to go?"

Looking very much the worse for wear, Yumiath slowly nods.

"I'd really appreciate that. A quick breather, yes please."

Despite some well-earned sore rump for the indulgence, Hun found himself laughing like a Madbold once the ride came to an end and he had a moment to rub at the afflicted spot. "I haven't had that much testing an adjustment in so long!" He says grinning at those that took the hastier route.

Though just as soon as Kairus shows up, it's back to an all business persona and shift of attention towards running maintenace on the descending construct. "Mn! Probably for the best. No need to let those tribesman enjoy our recently "tindered meat" as it were." He called back over his shoulder, before startling at seeing Mr. Thicc's leg fall off. Thankfully by then, he had the construct sitting down for treatment. But regardless, the sight leaves him grumbling as he set about reattaching the ligament once more. As he did so, those paying close attention that it was with a more uncanny grace and speed in which the Kobold work. And at one point, he'd even slid off his goggles for once to better clear them, only to slide them back on without so much as a squint from the sunlight. Hun himself however appeared to notice none of it, seeming fully committed to the task at hand. 

Mr. Thicc's Repair Program(2 of 3 uses): 11. (13)

If able to SR: Hun's SR Healing(1): 7. 

"Oh!" Kairus knew Hun's devotion to cooking but did not expect the old kobold to extend it that far. His respect for the little draconian would double should it not be that high already. "Can not say I fully share the sentiment but from some point of view it is even fair."

While slowly and comfortably flying down, the triton prolonged the pleasant experience a bit (it was almost like swimming though without the gentle touch of water). He did not do it only to enjoy the scenery but to check for the presence of said tribes (assuming it was possible to notice them at all) and potential predators, that seemed to declare war on their little party. (Perception: 7)

"Ya need some healin'?" Rhogal offers to Yulmiath.

@Kairus: While flying down to the meeting point, your eyes do not pick up anything that jumps out as being a source of immediate danger. You spot a group of wild hogs over there in the distance and plenty of birds flying about in all directions, but no human tribe moving toward you or large hungry beast prowling.

Eeyal's question is eagerly answered by a very hurt Yulmiath , and it looks like Hun will need some time to put Mr. Thicc back together again. Rhogal offers to help speed up the dragonborn's healing but, soon, the group relocates to a nearby nook so they can dress wounds and patch up gear. It might be a good time to eat their midday meal as well.

(OOC: We'll start a short rest now. Feel free to roll Hit Dice and keep watch.)

Yulmiath's eyes start to wet at Rhogal's suggestion of healing, but he quickly blinks them away.  Yulmiath hopes that most of his aches and pains will start to subside leaving only the most urgent of his downhill boo-boos for attention later.

"A welcome offer to be sure, but one I might only need to take you up on later.  Hopefully I just need to catch my breath and let my muscles recover.  This ship isn't entirely sunk just yet."

Finding a particularly soft spot to nestle his broken body into, Yulmiath closes his eyes and begins to slow his breathing as if drifting off to sleep.

(Yulmiath is spending all of his hit dice - 3d12+9 healing! Or...32 hp back!)

(OOC: I'll assume no one else want to roll Hit Dice.)

The group settles in for about an hour so those who got seriously hurt can tend to their wounds and let their natural healing process get started. Mr. Thicc also gets some work done.

• Yulmiath recovers 21 HP.
• Hun recovers 8 HP.
• Mr. Thicc recovers 13 HP.

Those who keep an eye out during the resting hour are reassured by the lack of any nearby threat. Soon enough, the Snackers begin to exchange looks among themselves and a nonverbal agreement is reached: they better keep moving.

The afternoon portion of today's trip begins much like the morning portion did. Although it is a hot day, the overall ambience is pleasant enough. The skies are clear, the birds flying up high do not seem interested in attacking the party for either food or extortion, and the relative proximity to the ocean can be felt in the form of a slight breeze. The recognizable taste of salt begins to hit your mouths and nostrils as you move closer and closer to the shoreline.

The walk is not as arduous as some of the earlier ones were. The grass covers the ground here like a smooth rug, which feels quite nice on sore feet. The hills are much closer to the ground relative to the grassy slopes found in the northwestern part of the island. You even find a shallow stream from which to draw water and refill your drinking skins. If it weren't for the seed of worry planted in your heads by the mention of an inevitable encounter with cannibal tribes, you might consider this nothing more than a sweaty but pleasant hike.

Another two or so hours pass before the group has any reason to worry. Upon coming up to the apex of one of the many hills around, Kairus, Rhogal, Mr. Thicc, and Yulmiath all notice a group of humanoids approaching the party from the south, which is the direction you are heading toward. Hun, Krodhen, and Eeyal do not notice the approaching group at first, although this is likely not going to be the case for much longer. With his impeccable vision (passive perception), Kairus is sure that there are more than a dozen of these humanoids approaching, and they each carry a spear.

(OOC: Since most of the group spots the potential threat from a distance, I'll pause here to allow you a moment to discuss and prepare.)

Reasoning that if those approaching the group are wielding spears, he might as well be holding a weapon as well, Yumiath takes his great axe, holding it one hand as if he might be carrying it.  Feeling reassured by its familiar weight, Yulmiath puts his head on a swivel, checking that no others are looking to catch the group unawares by approaching from behind.

Perception - 17 

"And here they are! I was beginning to worry that we can reach another cave completely un-assaulted." Kairus look at Eeyal. "Seriously, your people should start a new venture for the humanoids bored with their domestic lives. Some kind of "extreme tourism". One day on your island and they will learn to love boredom. That is when you ask for money to let them leave."

"Anyway..." He squinted at the group. "More than a dozen... Tell me, Yulmiath, if you are to be made bigger, do you think it will make them scarier or hungrier? There is always an option to hide us or them with the smoke too, of course."

Still warily watching the group's back, Yulmiath shrugs "If it even comes to that.  We don't know that they aren't friendly..."

Realising what he's saying, the group he's with and their experiences on the island so far, he reassesses.  "Ah, who are we kidding? They definitely aren't friendly. Bigger is better, let them face down the giant Firescale."

It would not last that long but Kairus was ready to reapply the magical treatment to keep their "dragon" closer to the size of one. The first one was added a bit closer to the group of potential enemies but not too close, so they could see a menacing figure approaching in full glory. "I think we are ready to say hello."

After being startled to alertness(having dozed off at some point riding on Mr. Thicc), Hun took to absently listening while rubbing his chin in thought. In the end, he nods along in agreement and adds, "Good call. We'd only be delaying the inevitable with smoke and fog, which would serve us better for retreating anyhow. With any luck, the lot will be cowardly enough to retreat just from the size.. Though, it wouldn't hurt to roar for good measure and feign charging them too!" He asserts but mere moments before Kairus' magic takes effect.

Knowing things would kick off soon after one way or another, Hun adjusts the haft of his Yklwa with a satisfying 'chh-chhk!' and made ready to fire off a frostfire bomb the moment any tribesman came rushing into range.