(@Blue: We'll have to take this fly-by exploration by parts. Have a look at the map and the "potential paths" box below and let me know where you'd like to go next.)
Without asking for permission this time, Kairus transforms into a seagull (using raven stats without the Mimicry feature) and flies into the cave system behind the double doors. The transformed bard reaches the rickety bridge near the end of the cave and turns south, exploring the caverns beyond. This area consists of three natural caves connected by tunnels. Sea mist sprays from the north, and the noise of crashing waves echoes throughout. Within each cave is a shallow pool of water. Harmless crabs scuttle across the floor, and glistening snails cling to the walls. A few smashed barrels and crates are scattered about.
While the triton flies away from the group, Hun approaches Yulmiath, hands over the enchanted ring alongside an explanation of its powers, and asks the dragonborn to not let Kairus use it.
MAP:
POTENTIAL PATHS:
Into the rubble room through the window at/around {KI-88}.
Into the north cavern on the other end of the bridge at/around {KI-97}.
Through the northeast exit of the first shallow pool cave at/around {KU-104}.
Through the southwest exit of the second shallow pool cave at/around {LV-97}.
Back to the throne room through the double doors at/around {KO-77}.
Some other explorative action you may want to take (dive into the ocean in the initial cave, explore by foot, test the bridge, etc.)
Oblivious to all the plottings and schemings behind his back, Kairus happily flew around the cave system. It should not have taken too long - at least he planned to return before everyone was fully rested. His goal was to get a quick look, avoiding any danger and determining some POIs.
Following the plan, he ignored the northern side which he saw already (from outside) with all its sculptures, a water basin and a crashed wooden crate. The south, however, remained unexplored. Kairus-bird flew through all three connected caves first, then checked where the southern tunnel {LV-97} led (by his calculations it had to lead to the ocean), and in case there was no danger and/or exit, returned to the first southern cave to check out the {KR-105?}.
Satisfied (and presumably still alive) triton returned to the throne room with a report about his findings. "Not sure what they used it for, but good place. Plenty of water, cool, and spacious. Right now only sow some harmless fauna. But unless we are up for crab soup or escargots, nothing to hunt there. So, where to?"
While Yulmiath begins to wonder if they are just supposed to wait, Kairus continues his exploration in bird from.
Flying southwest of the second shallow pool of water, Kairus soon finds himself facing a dead-end. Unlike all other walls surrounding him, the tunnel ends on a humanoid-made wall which blocks his advance. He feels a strange connection to the wall, as if some enchantment cast upon it was reacting to his presence but failing to entirely trigger.
(@Blue: Let us continue to take this in parts. Let's resolve this check and any reactions Kairus may have to it before continuing to explore the tunnel to the northeast of the first shallow pool of water.)
(@All: Please note that this means that Kairus is not yet back at the throne room, so his spoken bit in post #2747 has not taken place yet.)
Once Kairus comes back with his report, he then softens on the turning-into-seagulls plan, "Hmm... Iffn' ya survived that long being a flyin' sea rat twice, I guess I have no troubles doin' it..."
"As tempting as it would be, I... ain't in that big of rush, truth be told. And you also raise a fair point. After dealing with those bloody nuisances outside, I can't say my trigger finger isn't any less itchy."Hun frankly admits before flashing Yulmiath a tired grin. "We'll give blue wonder another ten or twenty 'fore we go search'n for'em." He assured. With that, he whistles to Mr. Thicc, who up to then -- assuming the scorpion hadn't reverted or escaped the constructs grip -- been absent-mindedly petting the octopus. He then motions to the balcony leading into the temple, and with a few words in draconic, Mr. Thicc was to be on watch for any sea gulls in clear duress. In the meantime, Hun took to idly studying the statues hoping to gauge their quality and potential for being broken down or sold at some point.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@MuggsHill & @Blue: There shouldn't be any need for Krodhen and Kairus to roll Hit Dice, but let me know if there is anything else you'd like to do during the short rest.)
OOC: Just got back from a week away, Krodhen does not have much else that he could do with a short rest so no other action.
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;
(@Drache: It looks like we posted at the same time, so I am interpreting Rhogal's words to be a response to Kairus's report back to the group, which, once again, has not taken place yet because the seagull is still out there exploring.)
@Kairus (arcana check): Even though your current transformation makes it so your Umberlee amulet is not out in the open, you feel like that man/tortle-made wall is reacting to it slightly, or attempting to. You suspect that letting the amulet come out again might complete whatever trigger this wall was enchanted with. You can't tell whether this is necessarily a bad thing. What would you like to do next?
@Ori/@Hun: A cursory examination of the tortle statues in the throne room only reveals that they are 6ft tall and were carved out of wood several decades ago. They'd be quite heavy to move, based on Rhogal's estimated weight for each of the four pieces (200lbs). If you'd like to roll a history or investigation check, you may be able to estimate a value for them assuming you are willing to spend some time doing that. If you are proficient with either carpenter's tools or woodcarver's tools, you may add your proficiency bonus to the check.
Back at the throne room, Rhogal agrees with Yulmiath's earlier response to Hun. The kobold, on the other hand, prefers to patiently wait for Kairus to return for now. Meanwhile, Mr. Thicc continues to pet a wet octopus in spite of Hun's suspicions that the aquatic creature would have given way to the scorpion's original form by now. Given a new command, the construct keeps an eye out for seagulls in duress.
It was tempting - like very tempting! - to bring news not only about empty caves but something more interesting. But it also meant dropping the seagull form and returning somehow on foot. Yet, unless that strange feeling meant an opening of a corridor leading back into the temple (possible but quite uncertain) there was no other way than on wings through the big cave with the bridge.
Kairus flew around the small cave a few times thinking but eventually decided to finish scouting first. Back to the first cave and check the NE corridor.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
If only to continue to keep his mind occupied, Hun had indeed committed to spending however long it took for Kairus to return or the others to get too antsy in the wait inspecting the statue at length. He'd even go so far as to jury rig a few spare bits and bobs and old tools lying about in his bag of holding if necessary to aid in his examination of the statues. Though as his greatest tool (beside his brain) required but a few twists of some nodule on his googles, such tools might prover more a frivolous option over necessary.
-Investigation: 26. (Hun is proficient in woodcarver's tools as well if that yet lowers the DC)
-
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
DM's Screen:
3 (6)
@Hun: If only due to their heft, you gather these statues would indeed be somewhat valuable. Adding their story, age, and location of origin may help grow that value in the eye of the right collector. You doubt the Snout of Omgar locals would pay you for the statues or even like to have them removed from the temple. Should you do so and then succeed in finding an art collector or Chult/tortle aficionado, you may be looking at a fee anywhere between 50gp and 200gp a piece depending on the depth of their pockets and your negotiation skills.
Deciding not to venture into the mystical without his companions, Kairus beats his wings and flies away from the enchanted wall. Soon, the seagull finds his way to a previously unexplored tunnel leading northeast of the first shallow pool of crabs. At unpredictable intervals, seawater erupts through four holes in the floor of this 80-or-so-foot-long tunnel and then rushes back into the holes and, presumably, back to the ocean. With each splash, several little crabs pop into the tunnel and are then dragged back down along with the water. Some of them are clearly injured in the process, and there are also severed pieces of dead crabs in the splash zone. Kairus can't help but get the sprayed, making it a bit harder to fly about.
@Kairus: Please make a STR saving throw {DC 10} using the raven stat block. You may roll it with advantage.
Kairus manages to keep it to the air despite the heavy spray of salty water. The chaotic nature of the waves below make it hard for the bard to predict when another splash may be coming his way, but he is sure it will be soon. The tunnel begins turning a bit to the left (north-northeast direction instead of purely northeast).
@Blue: Will you advance further? If so, please roll another STR saving throw {DC 10} with advantage. If you choose to dash through, you can move farther but will have to perform the check without advantage. Alternatively, you may instead backtrack to the cave with the first shallow pool and choose your next point of interest.
Kairus had seen enough! No, that was not true - he definitely did not see half the things he wanted to see, but he had to stop at some point. The potential chance of a sudden crash into the seawater below did not frighten him the least, but scouting was about to turn into one man (bird) journey to the unknown, leaving the rest of the group wandering, where, by all nine hells, did he go.
Another mental mark of the peculiar cave - and Kairus flew back, then across the chasm, over the balcony and finally into the throne room.
"There is definitely something in that one cave! Something magical and..."despite his carefree attitude towards Umbelee he was not blind. He saw Yulmiath's uneasiness with the goddess and was not sure how he will react to the news, "related to that medallion."The triton touched the amulet that he still stubbornly wore around his neck. "Felt like if I ... I don't know... show? touch the wall with it? something interesting might happened. I say we go to that cave and try!"
"Oh, and another cave - could not get through easily. Might be the sign, that something precious is hidden behind all the waves and winds. Can be worth looking into. So, let's all fly?"
Hun lets out an exasperated sigh, shook his head, then turned back to properly regard the triton with a totally trademarked dry look. "If by all accounts we can reach both by foot, then it's better we do so, even if it might take a hot minute. And I need not remind you that we still don't know the full effects of that chair. For all we know, we need to be wearing a medallion of our own, or wind up cursed into another form like this scorpion here."He thumbs the general direction of Mr. Thicc, who in turn held the octopus up like it a certain lion cub.
"Of course, you can claim it's own stupidity renders it incable of transforming back. But nevertheless, there's no need to throw all caution to the wind for the sake of expedience... There's already been enough of that is." He said, though the last part is more mumbled as he looks from Yulmiath and then away altogether. But after a moment or two more, his gaze is once more on Kairus, studying the triton as if trying to get a read off him. "... The fact that you returned without having tested out your little theory first is... mnn... well, you did well, Young Blue, I'll say that much. It also opens the possibility that there may be more places here that might require those amulets for safe passage. So, we'll need to keep an eye out!" He claps his hands together and began rubbing them together as he looked to the others. "Anyhow! If everyone's ready, let's get on trucking down the hall and checking some doors. 'cause just 'cause we found one interesting thing, it don't mean that their ain't yet more to find along the way. Starting with that supposedly empty one at the very end of this first hallway."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogal laughs after Hun says his piece, "Nobody has ever accused us of makin' good decisions. But, then again, we seem ta be stumbin' upwards! Hah!"
"Doors, caves... Both choices have promise o' something more amazin' than we could ever imagine! Or kill us. Or both! This whole place seems ta like ta keep us on our toes. But I'm liking the idea of something that actually is somewhat of a known. An' Blue here has the only idea even close to that."
(@Blue: We'll have to take this fly-by exploration by parts. Have a look at the map and the "potential paths" box below and let me know where you'd like to go next.)
Without asking for permission this time, Kairus transforms into a seagull (using raven stats without the Mimicry feature) and flies into the cave system behind the double doors. The transformed bard reaches the rickety bridge near the end of the cave and turns south, exploring the caverns beyond. This area consists of three natural caves connected by tunnels. Sea mist sprays from the north, and the noise of crashing waves echoes throughout. Within each cave is a shallow pool of water. Harmless crabs scuttle across the floor, and glistening snails cling to the walls. A few smashed barrels and crates are scattered about.
While the triton flies away from the group, Hun approaches Yulmiath, hands over the enchanted ring alongside an explanation of its powers, and asks the dragonborn to not let Kairus use it.
MAP:
POTENTIAL PATHS:
Yulmaith pockets the ring with the warning from Hun ringing in his ears. Doesn't sound like something he particularly wants to tangle with either.
"Do we wait for Kairus to get back before pushing on down the corridor? There aren't a whole lot of seagulls in here we could get him confused with."
Oblivious to all the plottings and schemings behind his back, Kairus happily flew around the cave system. It should not have taken too long - at least he planned to return before everyone was fully rested. His goal was to get a quick look, avoiding any danger and determining some POIs.
Following the plan, he ignored the northern side which he saw already (from outside) with all its sculptures, a water basin and a crashed wooden crate. The south, however, remained unexplored. Kairus-bird flew through all three connected caves first, then checked where the southern tunnel {LV-97} led (by his calculations it had to lead to the ocean), and in case there was no danger and/or exit, returned to the first southern cave to check out the {KR-105?}.
Satisfied (and presumably still alive) triton returned to the throne room with a report about his findings. "Not sure what they used it for, but good place. Plenty of water, cool, and spacious. Right now only sow some harmless fauna. But unless we are up for crab soup or escargots, nothing to hunt there. So, where to?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
While Yulmiath begins to wonder if they are just supposed to wait, Kairus continues his exploration in bird from.
Flying southwest of the second shallow pool of water, Kairus soon finds himself facing a dead-end. Unlike all other walls surrounding him, the tunnel ends on a humanoid-made wall which blocks his advance. He feels a strange connection to the wall, as if some enchantment cast upon it was reacting to his presence but failing to entirely trigger.
@Blue/@Kairus: Please roll an arcana check.
(@Blue: Let us continue to take this in parts. Let's resolve this check and any reactions Kairus may have to it before continuing to explore the tunnel to the northeast of the first shallow pool of water.)
(@All: Please note that this means that Kairus is not yet back at the throne room, so his spoken bit in post #2747 has not taken place yet.)
Rhogal agrees with Yulmiath.
Once Kairus comes back with his report, he then softens on the turning-into-seagulls plan, "Hmm... Iffn' ya survived that long being a flyin' sea rat twice, I guess I have no troubles doin' it..."
Extended Signature
"As tempting as it would be, I... ain't in that big of rush, truth be told. And you also raise a fair point. After dealing with those bloody nuisances outside, I can't say my trigger finger isn't any less itchy." Hun frankly admits before flashing Yulmiath a tired grin. "We'll give blue wonder another ten or twenty 'fore we go search'n for'em." He assured. With that, he whistles to Mr. Thicc, who up to then -- assuming the scorpion hadn't reverted or escaped the constructs grip -- been absent-mindedly petting the octopus. He then motions to the balcony leading into the temple, and with a few words in draconic, Mr. Thicc was to be on watch for any sea gulls in clear duress. In the meantime, Hun took to idly studying the statues hoping to gauge their quality and potential for being broken down or sold at some point.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Kairus arcana check: 15 (with Luck if needed: 7)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(Not using that Luck!)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(@MuggsHill & @Blue: There shouldn't be any need for Krodhen and Kairus to roll Hit Dice, but let me know if there is anything else you'd like to do during the short rest.)
OOC: Just got back from a week away, Krodhen does not have much else that he could do with a short rest so no other action.
"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;
(@MugssHill: Got it.)
(@Drache: It looks like we posted at the same time, so I am interpreting Rhogal's words to be a response to Kairus's report back to the group, which, once again, has not taken place yet because the seagull is still out there exploring.)
@Kairus (arcana check): Even though your current transformation makes it so your Umberlee amulet is not out in the open, you feel like that man/tortle-made wall is reacting to it slightly, or attempting to. You suspect that letting the amulet come out again might complete whatever trigger this wall was enchanted with. You can't tell whether this is necessarily a bad thing. What would you like to do next?
@Ori/@Hun: A cursory examination of the tortle statues in the throne room only reveals that they are 6ft tall and were carved out of wood several decades ago. They'd be quite heavy to move, based on Rhogal's estimated weight for each of the four pieces (200lbs). If you'd like to roll a history or investigation check, you may be able to estimate a value for them assuming you are willing to spend some time doing that. If you are proficient with either carpenter's tools or woodcarver's tools, you may add your proficiency bonus to the check.
Back at the throne room, Rhogal agrees with Yulmiath's earlier response to Hun. The kobold, on the other hand, prefers to patiently wait for Kairus to return for now. Meanwhile, Mr. Thicc continues to pet a wet octopus in spite of Hun's suspicions that the aquatic creature would have given way to the scorpion's original form by now. Given a new command, the construct keeps an eye out for seagulls in duress.
It was tempting - like very tempting! - to bring news not only about empty caves but something more interesting. But it also meant dropping the seagull form and returning somehow on foot. Yet, unless that strange feeling meant an opening of a corridor leading back into the temple (possible but quite uncertain) there was no other way than on wings through the big cave with the bridge.
Kairus flew around the small cave a few times thinking but eventually decided to finish scouting first. Back to the first cave and check the NE corridor.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
If only to continue to keep his mind occupied, Hun had indeed committed to spending however long it took for Kairus to return or the others to get too antsy in the wait inspecting the statue at length. He'd even go so far as to jury rig a few spare bits and bobs and old tools lying about in his bag of holding if necessary to aid in his examination of the statues. Though as his greatest tool (beside his brain) required but a few twists of some nodule on his googles, such tools might prover more a frivolous option over necessary.
-Investigation: 26.
(Hun is proficient in woodcarver's tools as well if that yet lowers the DC)
-
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
DM's Screen:
3 (6)
@Hun: If only due to their heft, you gather these statues would indeed be somewhat valuable. Adding their story, age, and location of origin may help grow that value in the eye of the right collector. You doubt the Snout of Omgar locals would pay you for the statues or even like to have them removed from the temple. Should you do so and then succeed in finding an art collector or Chult/tortle aficionado, you may be looking at a fee anywhere between 50gp and 200gp a piece depending on the depth of their pockets and your negotiation skills.
Deciding not to venture into the mystical without his companions, Kairus beats his wings and flies away from the enchanted wall. Soon, the seagull finds his way to a previously unexplored tunnel leading northeast of the first shallow pool of crabs. At unpredictable intervals, seawater erupts through four holes in the floor of this 80-or-so-foot-long tunnel and then rushes back into the holes and, presumably, back to the ocean. With each splash, several little crabs pop into the tunnel and are then dragged back down along with the water. Some of them are clearly injured in the process, and there are also severed pieces of dead crabs in the splash zone. Kairus can't help but get the sprayed, making it a bit harder to fly about.
@Kairus: Please make a STR saving throw {DC 10} using the raven stat block. You may roll it with advantage.
Kairus-bird STR save: 15 (Will through Luck in it too: 5 )
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(No need for luck? :) )
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Kairus manages to keep it to the air despite the heavy spray of salty water. The chaotic nature of the waves below make it hard for the bard to predict when another splash may be coming his way, but he is sure it will be soon. The tunnel begins turning a bit to the left (north-northeast direction instead of purely northeast).
@Blue: Will you advance further? If so, please roll another STR saving throw {DC 10} with advantage. If you choose to dash through, you can move farther but will have to perform the check without advantage. Alternatively, you may instead backtrack to the cave with the first shallow pool and choose your next point of interest.
Kairus had seen enough! No, that was not true - he definitely did not see half the things he wanted to see, but he had to stop at some point. The potential chance of a sudden crash into the seawater below did not frighten him the least, but scouting was about to turn into one man (bird) journey to the unknown, leaving the rest of the group wandering, where, by all nine hells, did he go.
Another mental mark of the peculiar cave - and Kairus flew back, then across the chasm, over the balcony and finally into the throne room.
"There is definitely something in that one cave! Something magical and..." despite his carefree attitude towards Umbelee he was not blind. He saw Yulmiath's uneasiness with the goddess and was not sure how he will react to the news, "related to that medallion." The triton touched the amulet that he still stubbornly wore around his neck. "Felt like if I ... I don't know... show? touch the wall with it? something interesting might happened. I say we go to that cave and try!"
"Oh, and another cave - could not get through easily. Might be the sign, that something precious is hidden behind all the waves and winds. Can be worth looking into. So, let's all fly?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Hun lets out an exasperated sigh, shook his head, then turned back to properly regard the triton with a totally trademarked dry look. "If by all accounts we can reach both by foot, then it's better we do so, even if it might take a hot minute. And I need not remind you that we still don't know the full effects of that chair. For all we know, we need to be wearing a medallion of our own, or wind up cursed into another form like this scorpion here." He thumbs the general direction of Mr. Thicc, who in turn held the octopus up like it a certain lion cub.
"Of course, you can claim it's own stupidity renders it incable of transforming back. But nevertheless, there's no need to throw all caution to the wind for the sake of expedience... There's already been enough of that is." He said, though the last part is more mumbled as he looks from Yulmiath and then away altogether. But after a moment or two more, his gaze is once more on Kairus, studying the triton as if trying to get a read off him. "... The fact that you returned without having tested out your little theory first is... mnn... well, you did well, Young Blue, I'll say that much. It also opens the possibility that there may be more places here that might require those amulets for safe passage. So, we'll need to keep an eye out!" He claps his hands together and began rubbing them together as he looked to the others. "Anyhow! If everyone's ready, let's get on trucking down the hall and checking some doors. 'cause just 'cause we found one interesting thing, it don't mean that their ain't yet more to find along the way. Starting with that supposedly empty one at the very end of this first hallway."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rhogal laughs after Hun says his piece, "Nobody has ever accused us of makin' good decisions. But, then again, we seem ta be stumbin' upwards! Hah!"
"Doors, caves... Both choices have promise o' something more amazin' than we could ever imagine! Or kill us. Or both! This whole place seems ta like ta keep us on our toes. But I'm liking the idea of something that actually is somewhat of a known. An' Blue here has the only idea even close to that."
Extended Signature
Hoisting himself up from his spot, Yulmiath stretches out his muscles and considers his options.
"I'm with Hun on this. I'd rather not end up a cephalopod with no chance to change back. The shoe leather express gets my vote."