The Tortle Package (DM Lerus)

Looking at the volcano, Yulmiath starts coiling up his ropes from yesterday, ready for use in the climbs to come.

"We tackling this one the same as yesterday? Or did we do something different here? Anyone remember?"

His memory vaguely recalled a cave within the volcano, but he's been in so many caves lately they had all begun to run together in his mind.

"Why break something that works? It helped yesterday, might as well work today. I say we repeat the big fly!" Kairus was ready to get get a good Bardic Blessing to anyone in need and then arrange the flying transportation.

Hun sighs and shakes his head. "How quickly you've forgotten, Young Blue, just how much of a hike it is to where we need to be, as I believe you only barely reached where ya needed 'fore that spell of yours fizzled." He reminds. "... But, I s'pose if we're quick and Rhogal doesn't mind embracing his inner lizard again, things we'll be fine. Here's hoping the bloody volcano doesn't decide to be difficult today." Hun glares up at the rocky slopes, before again beginning semi-stripped down procedures to hang out in his bag of holding. Before entering however he adds, "If you fall Mr. Yully, do remember to pull me out and I should -- /should/ in theory be able to arrest your untimely demise."

(OOC: The party is getting pretty proficient at climbing stuff, so I hope you don't mind if I speed a bit through this portion. This will assume the use of some of your skills so, if you'd rather save them for the rest of the day we can redact as needed. Just let me know.)

Although this climb is longer and steeper than yesterday's, the Snack Pack is quickly getting accustomed to overcoming this type of hurdle. Should they encounter no hostiles on the mountain itself, and with an early start, they feel they should be able to scale up and down before the morning is over. With Hun ready to magically aid anyone falling, Rhogal and the kobold able to help a bit with guidance (at least before transforming), and Kairus playing some music as he is carried (Bardic Inspiration), the group should have enough of a safety net.

On the way up:

• Mr. Thicc is given wings once again and Kairus becomes his parcel for delivery at the mountain passage high above.
• Hun goes for repeated dives into his bag of holding so that Yulmiath can easily carry him while climbing up with the aid of his expert's tools.
• Krodhen climbs on the back of Rhogal's giant lizard form once more (Wild Shape).

On the way down the other side of the mountain:

• Mr. Thicc's weight is magically and Kairus rides his way down on the construct.
• Hun continues to dive into his bag of holding as Yulmiath climbs down methodically.
• Rhogal's tranforms again into a giant lizard and gives Krodhen a ride (Wild Shape).

Upon landing on ground level once again, the group is reminded of the desolate lands of this volcanic valley, as well as the even hotter temperatures. Finding the canoe is not too much trouble, though the vehicle is now covered in ash. The party now has to decide how to continue their trek.

Here are a few OOC reminders and questions:

• The group has to take turns carrying the canoe in dry land or the repeating carrier might end up exhausted. Mr. Thicc is immune to this, but the canoe necessitates at least two haulers.
• The air here is dangerously hot. Everyone needs to roll a CON saving throw. One roll per character for the day ahead will suffice. Should you fail, you'll take 4 fire damage.
• Are you planning on taking the canoe to sea and navigate through the steamy delta again?
• @Blue & @Ori: I'll let you decide how many Bardic Inspirations and spell slots for Feather Fall you want to spend for today's climb. Zero is as valid a pick as any other.
• @Blue & @Drache: You'll notice that I assumed a casting of levitate and two uses of Wild Shape. If you disagree, let me know, but you'll also need to provide an alternate solution to your climb(s). 

Kairus Con save: 7

Bardic Inspirations - as many as it takes (up to 5)

Agree on the use of spells, of course.

Kairus gladly joined the line of those helping Mr. Ticc in carrying canoe duty and would very much push for moving out of this place as soon as possible.

"Should we maybe alter our plans a touch now? Rental fees on this canoe will be increasing every day and I do t fancy humping it up another mountain to reach this snake temple. Maybe a detour to Ahoyhoy?"

Yulmiath is happy to take a turn or two carrying the canoe.

Rhogal Con save: 17

(@Lerus, yeah, that sounds right)

Rhogal can also help carry the canoe with his Bull's Strength.

(So long noone risked falling to their demise, Hun will keep his precious spellslots.)

Hun's Con Save(DC ??): 9. 

"What? Why'ja -- oh! Yea, now I see. S'pose we never properly hashed that bit out, huh?" Hun looks away tapping his noggin in thought for a moment and even took some time to glance over the map. "Hmm... From what I can remember, the fastest course to ahoy-hoy would still be to backtrack our current course. That means eventually heading up north east a ways to the water, navigating the steam field from the lava spill-off by boat or by swimming, climbing up and down an exhausting a rather exhausting mountain path, which will be doable while carrying the boat, and... cross a river -- that one definitely remember! And uh... a bit of trek through the jungle." He explained. 

"If we were to try and head northwest again going by the map, which would technically be quicker, we'd need someway to cross the lava flows there. And if some of you think you're cooking now, you have no idea how much worse it can get. So I'm afraid Mr. Yully, the only option that doesn't have us climbing any mountains would be to continue along the coast by boat till we reach this beach here--" He traces a path along the coast to a cove/beach looking spot(F-7/8 ish).

"That would put us even further from ahoy-hoy and still mean a trek through the jungle carrying the bloody canoe. Which... would also coincidently put us closer to the snake temple anyhow." At that point Hun pats Yulmiath's leg apologetically. "So hate to break it to ya Mr. Yully, but ya just gonna have to tough it out a bit more and keep to back tracking." 

(OOC: Let me resolve some of the mechanics here quickly.)

@Blue: Let's say you spent 4 (4) uses of Bardic Inspiration. Separately, Kairus takes 4 fire damage.

@Drache: Let's say you then cast Enhance Ability once to help out with the canoe. No fire damage taken.

@Ori: Zero uses of Feather Fall it is. Hun takes 4 fire damage.

@MB: Here's a CON save {DC 10} for Yulmiath: 24 (24). No fire damage taken.

@MuggsHill: Here's a CON save {DC 10} for Krodhen: 20 (20). No fire damage taken.  

DM's Screen:

Traversing the volcanic valley is not a pleasant experience. Feeling a bit more sensitive to the heat this time, both Hun and Kairus get a bit dehydrated by the time they reach the steamy lava river delta. Before that, most party members remember to take turns carrying the canoe alongside Mr. Thicc, preventing anyone from feeling especially tired even in this sweltering heat. As they walk, Yulmiath begins to reconsider their planned path but, with a close analysis of the map backing him up, Hun rebuffs the dragonborn's arguments and the group defaults to their previous plan anyway. 

Although there are no friendly whales helping them this time, the Snack Pack manages to keep close enough to the shore even if visibility is severely hindered in this hot steam. Eventually landing on the other side of the lava river, the party dismounts from the canoe, traverses the other half of the volcanic valley while carrying the canoe, and reaches the hike-able mountain path that should take them out of this hellish area. The sun is descending quickly now but the group wants to waste no more time in this region than they already have. Thankfully, the island's wild life has not disturbed the party over the last couple of days, so they are making as good time as they can.

The Pack continues onward for as long as they can. Night eventually falls regardless of the group's will, and they decide to set up camp before their legs give in. One more full day of undisturbed traveling should land the party in Ahoyhoy, if that's where they are going. If their destination is the Shrine of Fangs instead, only half-day is needed.

(OOC: Time for the next Long Rest. Please roll for your watches and deduct another ration from your inventories.)

"So, when we free this Volo, what happens next? You going to accompany him back to the mainland, Hun? What about the rest of you?"

Yulmiath asks the other Packers what their plans are now their journeys on the island might be coming to an end, and ponders his own future. Does it lie out on the open sea? Here on the island? Back on the mainland in a little port town maybe?

(OOC Happy to take any watch. Perception - 4.)

Perception: 25

Kairus still preferred the early watches but could as well take any other. "Honestly? I think I am done with this island. There is still that Temple, remember? And the cursed undead on the ship graveyard, but I bet Chult has even more wonders. Thinking to get to the mainland and walk around, maybe. Was sailing long enough to check the land fully."

While not the most pleasant of journeys, Hun at least never complained at any step of the way. Not even grumble, knowing full well just how worse things could get! When it came time to stop and Yulmiath asked his question, the Kobold seemed taken aback at first, before bowing his head and tapping his noggin in genuine consideration of the dragonborn's words.

"Mn. Well, I did promise ya young blue that we'd at least hit up that sea *****'s temple 'fore departing the island, if you recall. But if you are truly and well done with the island, then at least after the snake temple business is finished, I s'pose we can part ways upon at least returning to ahoyhoy." Hun remarked. "As for me, that somewhat depends on Volo and his condition. Odds are he'll be fit enough to wanna see the sea *****'s temple or shrine or whatever anyhow 'fore moving on, if not other aspects of the island. And I'm not one to leave a job half-assed. So needless to say, I'll be right along with him, for at least a time."

Hun takes a moment to take a swig of his waterskin, now nearly empty since their last visit to fresh water. "Though, if he's wanting to head to the main land, well..." He looks to Yulmiath, and then to the others of the party. "S'pose that depends on the rest of you, and if you have 'unfinished' business on the island. Because let it not be said that a kobold can't show at least a modicrum of decency in returning a favor for a help rendered." He assured as much. Regardless of the others had more to say or other plans for the future, he'd stay up a little longer to listen and maybe hash out further plans. But with his main piece spoken on the matter, he'd just happily set about making a burrow and finding his rest until fourth watch.

... which again he leaves to Mr. Thicc to handle with orders to alert the party of any approaching dangers. In the meantime, the Kobold would spend what time was possible to during the watch to start incorporating the shell pieces to his armor, seeing it to be the easiest to manage in a short time given its somewhat cobbled together nature anyhow.

Mr. Thicc's Perception: 17.(17) (Same 4th watch rotation)

(@Lerus: Not sure if you need some type of tinkering or smith or other type of intelligence check if any in order for Hun to at least start the process of imbuing his shield the shell's properties.  But I'll roll a generic Intelligence check below and leave any other floating modifers to ye!)

Int Check: 7. 

DM's Screen:

Here's a roll for a forth watch shift. Let's say Krodhen is taking it: 5

The group puts up another simple camp for the night and spends another couple of hours in conversation and ration-eating. The additional tiredness imposed on everyone's bodies for having to traverse the volcanic valley can be seen on everyone's faces. A layer of ash gives everyone's skins a grayish tone, and a couple of the less resilient Snack Packers fail to hold back a few coughs here and there.

Thinking positively, the group discusses what their plans may be once they are done dealing with the Nagas. Yulmiath resumes his daydreaming about some sort of retirement or jubilation and Kairus says he'll be ready to move on from the island. Hun's take accounts for the possibility of going on one last job in the island, should his damsel in distress wish so. Knowing of Volo's nature and personality, Hun fears his guess is not too far from the realm of possibility. When Rhogal and Krodhen choose not to share their plans for the post-Snout of Omgar period, the group decides it is time to go to sleep.

@Kairus: Being responsible for the first watch is becoming a habit of sorts. There is something about not having your sleep broken into two sections that make for a much more restful night, you believe. The first half of your watch goes by quickly, as the noises produced by your companions keep you entertained for a little while. Once that loses its grip on your attention, you substitute for the light strumming of your own noise-maker, but even that bores you after a while. You spend the second half of your watch walking in circles and keeping a lookout, much like a town guard might do. In fact, your watch from this point out cannot be described as being more attentive than that of an average town guard. You know you might have missed a thing or two but nothing is jumping out to eat your face, so all is well that ends well.

@Yulmiath: Once again, you are quite tired. The ash didn't bother you as much, being of red-dragon blood and all, but the heat still gets to you. Many of your kin seem to resist heat to a better extent than you do but, in exchange, not many can see as well in the night as you can. And right now, for your watch shift, you are glad that is the case. Unfortunately, however, a tired body still has a way of overpowering a keen mind. Your eyelids bob up and down and, although you don't fall fully asleep, you once again become aware that you are not doing a good job as a sentry tonight. That said, for the past couple of days, the island has left you and your group alone, so it surely is capable of doing so again for the next few hours, right?

@Krodhen: Yours is the third watch. You were spared one last night so you feel ready for your turn this night. There is not much wildlife in this desolate part of the island, and if you are being honest with yourself, you kind of prefer it this way. Fewer causes for disturbances make for less troublesome watches. Ironically, you eventually spot a nocturnal rodent skipping through the area but you doubt this is cause for concern. With little requiring your attention, you let yourself relax a bit. Your father would never let you relax during a watch shift up in the crow's nest, so perhaps this is a slight to him, wherever he is. You like that.

@Hun: The diligent Mr. Thicc keeps watch for your entire shift. He is even learning not to bother you when all he has spotted is a small lizard going about its business, or a weakened, dried bush finally giving way to a gust of wind and tumbling over. This allows you to focus on adding the flail snail shell pieces to your own armor. You have learned about what his shell is capable of, even in fragments. That said, you wish you had an entire workshop available to you at the moment, as well as ample tinkering time, in order to fully extract its powers and imbue your own equipment with its raw magical nature. But alas, that is not to be the case, at least not for now. The best you can manage is to attach the pieces to your armor and hope its magic will be triggered somewhat reliably. It's anyone's guess, though.

The morning once again belongs to the group. Are you aiming for Ahoyhoy or the Shrine of Fangs?

By the time Hun is done, he is nowhere near satisfied with his work. But while he'd plainly continue to display his feelings in frowns and grumbling throughout the morning, most by then would've been used to it and dismiss it as the old Kobold's usual grumpiness. "Right then! Unless there some other bullshit the rest of you fancy diddling on the way on, let's keep to heading to Ahoyhoy. Perhaps even a day's respite 'fore the big confrontation. Gond and the other gods only know most of us by now can use at least the day to get our heads properly cleared, eh?" He snorts. "So eat fast and be ready to move out. 'cause I wanna be there before sun down. And ain't no stink'n bird or other flying nuisance is gonna slow us down this time." 

"Really?" Kairus looked at Hun in surprise. "I thought you care about your human and want to free him as fast as possible. But up to you, of course, I am all for the rest in the village first or even staying there a day or two. Let's go."

As before, he is ready to share the burden of carrying the canoe.

"If he's been held for as long as I suspect he has been, rushing will do no good anyhow." Is Hun's frank response to Kairus. "It could also very well be that he slipped away already. But! One should try to hedge their bets where they can when it comes to deadly gambits. And make no mistake. This will be a deadly gambit considering the intelligence of our possible foes." He further expresses while absently motioning for Mr. Thicc to help with the canoe. "Besides all that, there's something I hope to further prepare to better our odds back in Ahoyhoy. So a days respite for the rest of you will be a busy one for me anyhow." 

Yulmiath says nothing. He breaks camp, breaks his fast and gets ready to take first shift with Mr Thicc. with the canoe.

Should he be called, he'll help the group find their way back to Ahoyhoy. Survival - 15.