The group advances, relying at first solely on Yulmiath's reading of the underground terrain and his informed guesses on which pathways to take. Whenever he feels like he may need a second person to bounce ideas off of, Hun steps up with some brainstorming points until the duo feels comfortable with their choice of path. Sometimes you come across a dead end or an underground chasm and have to backtrack a little, but the process of elimination works just as well as any other.

In a chamber with five possible paths, a third navigator is deemed required and Kairus pops up positive affirmations and a doubt-cleansing strum of his favorite musical instrument. A clear mind makes better decisions and, slowly but surely, the group advances. In the rear, Krodhen sees no sign of trouble. 

Eventually, the group comes across a familiar, fallen stalactite. The roper's body is slashed open, just as the Snackers had left it. Though gruesome, this is a welcome sight. The party is on the right track. Soon, Rhogal recognizes the mushroom displays and takes the lead. Myconids looks up and watch as you pass. They look at you but do not initiate a mental conversation. It is up to the group to do so, if you so choose. You know how to reach the way out from here, in case you prefer to go directly that way.

Apart from a dry look leveled the dragonborn's way, Hun remained quiet, presuming the question about Eeyal to be a rhetorical one, and not a matter of senility. Though even if it had been and he figured as much, silent he would've remain if only to preserve the scaled brother's dignity. Either way, any concern for the mental or physical health of his old compatriot dies during the journey, as "Mr. Yully" more than proved himself a capable enough navigator... with a bit of help from the Kobold. 

When at last the group make it to the Myconids something seemed to gnaw at the Kobold, as look of relief soon turned into speculation and frustration. Eventually he pulled out a mysterious card once more and muttered a bit to himself, before finally sighing and motioning to one of the nearby tall mushroom men from the back of Mr. Thicc. Both aloud for his own comfort and through any link re-established he'd say, "Not sure how particularly knowledgeable your people are in the art of shaping tunnels. Though I imagine perhaps moreso know thanks to that one over there-..." He gestures back over to Rhogal. "But, I'd suggest consider scouting out a few tunnels and setting up some kind of alarm system at the very least. That way, if those pebble headed bastards find their way here, you lot will have an easier to time relocating. Savy?" He then waits patiently for a response, before readying to leave or at the very least reach the cave entrance to see what the lighting was outside at the time; only to then stop and turn back to add, "And, uh... Thanks for the help before. It was, uhm... very useful. And, uh... mayhaps again some day I will return and uh... pay you back 'n all that." 

Yulmiath lets himself relax at the sight of the myconids. Another familiar sight means he's hopefully led the Snack Packers to a point where they can get out of these caves.

Looking to Rhogal, he asks, "Do you want to have a chat with three mushroom folk again?"

The myconids only stare as Hun steps up and strikes a conversation. The fungi beings look at the party attentively, noticing their bruises, scuffs, wounds, sweat, and tiredness, as well as the signs of recently used weapons and armor. They analyze and remain silent. The kobold is given no response, mental or otherwise, to the point he begins wondering if a telepathic link had been established at all.

The group walks slowly toward the entrance. Yulmiath wonders if Rhogal has anything to say but soon realizes that the myconids are passively blocking the path that would lead the party to the sovereign. They are not behaving aggressively or even judgmentally, but they seem uncomfortable as if realizing something new about the group. The Snackers receive no new boons from the myconids, but neither do they have previous ones reclaimed. Hun's show of gratitude also goes unanswered.

Noticing they better move on, Hun steps outside and places the sun at a mid-afternoon position. He reaches for his map and quickly reminds the group (refer to map in campaign page):

• The party is at the southwest corner of hex {J-15}.
• You likely fought the snail somewhere near the mouth of the cave on the edge of hex {I-18}, though you never found the cave opening.
• The "far away cave" as per the myconids' hints is likely the one in hex {H-21}, but the group never got near it.
• The canoe should be somewhere on the other side of the mountain in hex {H-11}.
• Ahoyhoy is in hex {C-10}.

While he couldn't claim to be an expert in Myconid culture, their reasoning was clear enough for the Kobold. He left without further word, be it to beg a response or begrudge them for the "unnecessary" wariness. Rather once they were well on their way out, he looked almost relieved... up until they stood once more out in the sunlight.

"Oh for Gond's sake! And here I was half-hoping Lathander's bald ass head would be shining elsewhere by now." Hun mentions, glaring up at the sun as if it stole lunch money or something. "Tch! Whatever. Let's just focus on retracing our steps now. Which I believe will take us down to the... coast?" He rubbed his chin in thought before slowing nodding at the assessment. "Yes.. yes. Will probably run into those humans again too at some point 'fore we're out of their territory. But if they got more than a couple flint stones rattling around in their heads, hopefully they'll give us a wide berth. And if not... well, I can't say I fancy their kinda pork. But I'll sure to stick'em like one! Right where the sun don't shine if they try somethin'! Ain't that right, Mr. Thicc." His words are accompanied by a knock on the construct's head. Who in turn simply nodded and gave a thumbs up. 

"Was it that far?" On the map, the distance looked surprisingly long. During the short rest, Kairus busied himself with polishing the edges of a few small pieces of the shiny shell he collected. They made for remarkable hair decorations and fantastic mediators. But now he was ready for some hiking. "Well, it was a lovely walk along the coast, as I recall, with a bit of hill climbing. Surely we can simply repeat it, right? Then pick up our canoe and go straight to the snakes. We return everything get the human and happily return to the turtles!"

"If we're where we parted ways with Eeyal, might be we can catch her, especially if those humans are still looking for something for their pot. But overall, not a bad plan. I'm on board."

"Sounds like a good a plan as any, considerin' this spit o' land is as friendly ta outsiders as it is ta locals."

Just outside the myconids' cave, the party discusses a bit among themselves and hash out a plan. Kairus summarizes it for all to hear, just to make sure they are all in agreement: hike, climb, canoe, snakes, tortles. Before the group departs, Yulmiath wonders about Eeyal's whereabouts. Looking at the map and assuming she is making her way straight to Ahoyhoy, the dragonborn guesses that the tortle guide might still be somewhere in the eastern part of the island (perhaps somewhere around hexes {G-14}, {H-15}, or {G-16}.) He wonders if it is worth trying to catch up to her, although that would clearly take the group in a different direction than what their recent plan indicated. Perhaps it was worth checking with the group again.

For now, the Packers begin retracing their steps. Rhogal reminds everyone about the island's dangers, and Hun more specifically about the cannibal hunters. Indeed, it doesn't take too long for the party to spot a group of such hunters in the distance, just like they had done the first time around. Their hunting party is much smaller now, and seems to be already cooking something on a campfire along the coast. If they have noticed the Snackers, they are not showing it or giving chase.

Later in the day, the group makes it back to the gradual but long slopes which they traversed a few days ago by surfing on shields, sliding on their shell, rolling downhill, or more conveniently flying. The climb back up promises to be less fun and/or swift. (You are now at hex {J-13}.)

(OOC: I'm moving the day along a bit but feel free to interact with any of the points made here. Perhaps you do want to follow Eeyal's possible path instead of walking up the coast? Perhaps you want to go check what the cannibals are eating? Or perhaps you are ready to roll your climbing checks? It's up to you, folks.)

Kairus would vote climbing. And could offer help - flying. Say, what if Mr. Thic could fly and take a couple or maybe even more (?) group members with him? "How much your construct can lift, Grandpa? If all of us - we can simply fly up. If not all - those who will fly can fix a rope at the top and help the rest of us to ascend as well."

Passing the smaller number of tribes people, Yulmiath tries to catch a glimpse of whatever it is they're cooking. He hopes it isn't Eeyal especially given how well the Tortle knew the island. All the same he had to look, he had to know...

Perception - 7

Later in the day, Yulmiath agrees to the climbing plan, "If we need more than one rope, I've got plenty."

Curious but not foolhardy, Hun is content to leave the cannibals be so long as they did the same for the group. Even if they were to find their meal consisted of a certain Tortle, the kobold was too pragmatic to go out of his way just to be sure. Anyone looking tempted to take a peek, which to his surprise somewhat hadn't included Kairus, Hun would do his best to dissuade them by bidding Mr. Thicc to step in their path and ward them off in a headshake.

And if that wasn't enough then... so be it. He wouldn't stop them further, and even follow, keeping back however at least 50ft or so though just in case. Barring any distractions there, he is otherwise content to keep to the course from the back of his steel steed, eager to return to ahoy-hoy.

"He's strong, but not quite -that- strong, Young Blue. If anything, Mr. Yully or Krogan would be better suited for the task. I can... hmm-..." He checks the width of his satchel and rubs his chin. "I could perhaps get into my bag and have someone carry it. They'd just need to pull me out within 4 minutes or less, least I suffocate. And we already know Rhogal can turn into a beast more suited to climb or ride, so... that would really only leave Mr. Yully, You, and Mr. Thicc. needing to do any climbing and or carrying." He explained while looking thoughtfully at the ground. "Yes... yes, that could work at least for the hill. A bit excessive, but decreases risks for sure." 

He looks up at that note, giving everyone a once over before nodding sharply. "I'd say lets do it. I'd just need a minute to store away a few things to be slim enough to get inside if we are." 

"Aye, I reckon I could give a ride fer someone. Jus' so ya know, I ken only last an hour in the form. But I could change again. So make yer choice on who's riding quick." Rhogal says.

(Regardless on there's a rider or not, he turns into a giant lizard for the climb)

DM's Screen:

@Yulmiath: There is quite the vast expanse separating the tribe of huntsmen and the path the Snack Packers are taking. It would be quite hard to identify a specific individual from this distance. You'll have to rely on your (far way) observation that there doesn't seem to be a humanoid-sized turtle shell near their campfire. Any thoughts of confirming your hopeful observation are met with some intervening by Hun's and Mr. Thicc.

Once facing the slope to be climbed, Kairus suggests using his fly spell to transform Mr. Thicc into a ferry of sorts. Hun and Rhogal add their own flavor to the plan and soon the group has a solution for overcoming their obstacle:

• Mr. Thicc is given temporary wings and tasked with carrying Kairus up the hill.
• Hun hops into his bag of holding, which is hoisted by Yulmiath. The dragonborn makes good use of his many ropes and climber's kit to conquer the slope. The kobold has to come out for air with some regularity, but the added weight is nothing that Yulmiath can't take. (I used Yul's passive athletics here.)
• Rhogal transforms into a giant lizard (Wild Shape) and Krodhen is offered an easy ride up.

Yulmiath is the last to crest over the edge some 40 or so minutes later. The rest of the warm day is spent traversing the higher planes leading toward the volcanic area of the island. Some birds fly overhead but seem uninterested in the party, a first for this island. The group is also sure to skirt around a patch of jungle, lest they stumble into another sticky situation. All in all, this was a long but pleasant day-long hike.

Before the group can begin planning their next climb over the volcanic mountain ahead of them, the sun drops behind the horizon and the party is forced to set up camp. 

(OOC: Please set up your watches and roll perception checks.) 

That ascending was fun, actually, and quite exciting. So much so, Kairus did not see himself falling asleep any time soon. So, he offered to stay the first watch.

Perception: 8

Setting up camp took longer with fewer hands to do the work, but given he assumed Eeyal was having to set camp by herself, and was almost certainly not providing nourishment to some human tribe... Actually, having some good, old fashioned manual labour was a welcome relief to stopping his mind running off by itself.

Chewing over his daily ration with the others, looks to the other Packers, "What is the play when we get to that snake temple? They haven't been aggressive so far, but the definitely give off an unsettling vibe but if they're holding Hun's human hero, do we need to get rough with them?"

Yully can take any watch. Perception - 10 (10).

"We'll have ta see how they act when we return their trinket," Rhogal says. "If they be honorable an' hold up their end, less hassle. If not, whatever happens is on 'em."

Rhogal takes third watch.

Perception: 7

"One-Hundred and Ten Percent!" Hun immediately assured. "Rhogal has the right of it. I don't mind if they've been a little rough with Mr. Volo. But if they try some shit, I am ******* them up!" He exclaimed, jabbing a figner in the air as if to emphasize his point. "But for now... eh, for now I think we'll keep up Young Blue's end of the bargain, but specify his release, seeing as they were a bit vague on the reward anyhow. But I'd suggest we pick up some solid bone breaker weapons in Ahoy-hoy if at all possible just in case, Mr. Yully." He further asserts.

"Seeing as they could sense its general location on the island, I'll keep it in the bag for now and we'll test the limits of that extrasensory ability of theirs. With any luck, they'll be a touch more mindful to adhere to my -- our request to see Volo at least first before making the trade. But! We can workshop the rest on the way. For now, I'm headed to bed, but I'll take 4th watch with Mr. Thicc. And I strongly suggest until we're at least out of cannibal lands fully that we stick to pairs." With all of that said, the Kobold happily set about making a new burrow until it was his time for watch. 

Which... he at least awoke to do just as much, only to leave the job to Mr. Thicc for the most part. In the meantime, the Kobold would spend much of that time examining what shell pieces had been passed along by Yully, hoping beyond hope whatever strange reflective properties could perhaps be used and even incorporated into his construct at the very least! 

Mr. Thicc's Watch Perception: 20.

Hun's Shell Examinations: 23.

(@Lerus: if able to use either arcana or investigation. His main goal being to see if the pieces at least passed along by Yully are of a size and condition to repurpose into something.)

The party talks shop for some time, while setting up camp and grabbing some dried food to eat for supper. Busy strumming his magical instrument, Kairus takes the first watch when the time comes:

@Kairus: Somehow, the evenings in this part of the island are even warmer than elsewhere. Of course you know the reason, being close to the volcanoes and all, but the heat is a bit much for you to be able to call this an enjoyable night. In fact, it is so warm that you become quite uncomfortable. It is hard to focus on anything else other than your glistening skin/scales. Even your cittern gets a break, lest you somehow damage it in your inattention. For similar reasons, you decide you better get someone else to focus on keeping watch.

@Yulmiath: Today was quite demanding on your body. Not only did you lead the group underground as the navigator, you were also the only one who had to climb that long slope the good old fashioned way. And that's not even counting the fight against the snail early this morning. Waking up for your watch was hard. Staying awake for its entire duration is even harder. After dozing off several times, stumbling around camp and bumping into backpacks, tents, etc., you hope that a couple hours have passed and wake up the next person.

@Rhogal: Given some time on your own, your mind escapes back to your home mountain. Daydreaming in the middle of the night, you try to work out the details of how you are going to introduce the idea of bringing myconids home. Will the others trust you and accept the gift you bring? If they can just understand how helpful the myconids can be if allowed to coexist peacefully with your society... But yours are stubborn folk. Could that utopia be achieved? There is so much to be gained on what will surely be, at its best, a fragile balance between peoples. Better stop daydreaming and go wake the kobold so you can actually start dreaming.

@Hun: Even if Mr. Thicc is doing much of the watching, you can't help but notice that the camp is a bit messier than it was when you first called it a night. Were the others enjoying themselves a bit too much during their watches? Was the camp sacked under your collectives noses? Most things still look to be around, albeit thrown about a bit. Well, that's a matter to be explained in the morning. For now, you focus on the magical snail shell pieces. You reckon you can put the collected pieces to a few different uses. Its vestigial magic-repelling properties could be put into use by mounting them onto a shield or metal plating/armor. You gather this property will eventually fade away, but it could help protect you or someone else for the next trials in this island. Alternatively, you could crush them into dust and infuse some fabric with their magic via a crushed-shell-based dye. If all else fails, you could always just keep the shell pieces for now and sell them later for a pretty penny. Oh darnit... is that the sun already? Time to wake everyone up.

The morning belongs to the party. The sun is coming up and the temperature is as high as ever. Smoke and ash from the nearby volcanoes are rising and acting like grey clouds high in the sky. Ahead of you, standing tall, is one of many volcanic mountains and, more precisely, the one you scaled last time you were here. Your canoe should be on the other side.