The group comes to terms with Mr. Thicc's end and, less importantly, their temporarily loss of hearing. About a minute after they regain their ability to hear, the trap begins to reset automatically, albeit slowly. Hun's proximity to the trap, despite holding the recovered amulet, makes no difference. Eventually, the revealed space within the trap area shows a mess of crushed rocks and soil, with a surprisingly small drizzle of bodily fluids. There are plenty of mechanical parts as well, all in pretty bad shape if not utterly destroyed.
After the shock passes, Yumiath is the first to change subjects. There is plenty of treasure in this room and the former pirate can't avoid focusing on it. Kairus shares the fellow sailor's excitement, but Hun is not ready to face whatever lurks inside the many chests, crates, and barrels in this large chamber, and that is not even counting all of the loose coinage here too. Instead, the kobold suggests a well deserved rest. Rhogal does not need to be told twice, and an exhausted Krodhen seems to agree as well, albeit silently.
While the party begins preparations for a rest, Kairus takes a look around. Apart from the (previously described) bloody entryway to the north and Umberlee's magic opening mouth to the east, the bard takes stock once again of the hallway leading south. It is hard to tell where it leads but it is good to remind himself that the room is not necessarily an enclosed location. Pushing that thought aside for a moment, Kairus then looks over the treasure once more and soon counts two sealed barrels, nine locked wooden chests, four clay urns, and four sealed crates.
TREASURE CONTAINERS
Simple wooden barrel made of dark wood.
Simple wooden barrel made of light wood.
Mundane wooden chest.
Mundane wooden chest scorched by fire.
Mundane wooden chest covered with claw marks.
Reinforced wooden chest.
Rotted wooden chest.
Mundane wooden chest stained with blood.
Reinforced wooden chest stained with the crest of Baldur's Gate.
Double-reinforced wooden chest.
Mundane wooden chest painted with an image of an anchored ship.
Regular wooden crate.
Regular wooden crate stamped with the crest of Waterdeep.
Sturdy metal crate.
Corroded metal crate.
Standard clay urn.
Cracking clay urn.
Standard clay urn painted with pegasi images.
Standard clay urn painted with squid images.
MAP UPDATE:
(OOC: If taking a rest, please clarify where and for how long.)
Yulmiath puts his hand to his chin as if counting off the various options available to the group.
"Well, I guess we could tramp back outside to camp? Might ease the watch burden with extra eyes and be useful to let our guide know we're still alive and not to go off searching for a new contract. That said, we're no state to consider tangling with anything that might have taken up residence in this place since we cleared out whatever was there before, so pros and cons to that plan. We could head back to sleep in one of the rooms in this place, there were a few beds and couches scattered around, although they are rotten so who knows how comfy they'd be? Plus potnetial run ins with new beasties, so again, pros and cons. Or we stay put? Keep an eye on the treasure. Keep it safe. We'd just need to find a way to barricade ourselves in here lest we wake up to something trying to pick us off in our sleep."
Shrugging his shoulders, he finishes off his little monologue, "My pick is for the last option, keep the treasure safe, don't pick anymore fights till we're in better shape. But, I ain't in charge, I ain't captain here, so what do we all say?"
Kairus' excitement was more of a curiosity (a closed chest is a huge temptation no matter what is inside) rather than greed. His solution was more about personal safety. "I say either camp or the throne room. Who knows what that beds and couches hold, but the room is solid and close enough to the camp too." (Throne's magic was also a boon but Kairus suspected neither Yulmiath nor Hun saw it like this) "That treasure will not walk away. Sure, the mouth-door is open, but I can try to get back and maybe close it? And if if not, maybe it was only one xorn in here? Can't imagine two sharing the cave." Kairus pointed at the blood and bones on the floor. "To be honest, I do not like these spots. Xorn did not know about that place, something else killed those creatures. And grandpa is right, we are not in shape to fight that "something else". Besides, we can be sure, "something else" does not eath treasure, no worries it will take it away."Proud of his unbeatable string of logical arguments he concluded. "I say it's safe to get rest away from this room and return later."
Yumiath holds up both hands, with one finger raised on each hand, a flash of confusion passes his features as what happens if he needs to raise a third hand?
His troubles soon pass. As he raises the first hand, he says "Votes to stay put."
Raising the second he says, "Votes to go elsewhere. Tied one apiece."
"I'm thinking I'll be more comfy goin' through that masher when we're not barely limping," Rhogal says motioning at the trap that did a poor. job fusing the xorn and Mr. Thicc
Unsurprised at the lack of haste in the machinery, Hun waited until there'd been a fair amount of room to examine the contorted remains before stepping into the death zone with the amulet again grudgingly about the neck. Though he clearly had to have known little of value could be of recovered, those in mind to watch would see a determined set to his jaw as he collected what bits of metal and mechanical parts seemed even remotely salvageable into his satchel. He'd also for good measure root around in the crushed body of the Xorn in the vain hope of maybe collecting a few coins, minerals, or half-digested ores that might've yet been protected by the creatures stony exterior.
As much as he was prone to cursing or grumbling throughout the process, Hun was anything but deaf. Even so, it took him a while to really muster the desire to say anything before there's a second call for votes. At which point he'd sigh and likely need to pause in his gathering mission to reenter the room and give everyone a once over. "Depending on the speed at which that other door Young Blue and the rest went through, I say it aught be easy enough to quickly seal that up -- WHICH we should still do regardless. Even if that Xorn had been but the one in that tunnel, we've seen enough evidence of them being about that one could yet find its way over here in the meantime and strip away our hard fought reward. With OR without us being here to guard it." He explained.
"Either way, it would be best to inform our Tortle ally sooner than later, if nothing else than to make sure he doesn't write us off as dead when we don't show up. And... frankly I would rather not sleep under 'her' roof, least we wind up accosted by in our dreams ... at least sooner than I'd prefer considering what we intended to do. So, while the other door is being closed again -- IF again the process can be done without exceptional complication, I say we take another short breather here to properly tend to our wounds 'fore we set out for the front. Is that yet more agreeable?" He asked of all with a compromise that fell in line with at least Kairus and Rhogal's point.
Once there's an agreement to rest, Hun stops his absent-minded fiddling with the -other- amulet on him to release the spell within it. Though he warns just before releasing it, "A moment though 'fore any get comfy or wander away. I wish to... check something." Once the spell is released, Hun began pacing the room without getting too close(ie. Within 10ft) of anything larger than coins or a sword, scanning the room of thinking creatures beyond just the party. And if he discovered one, he'd focus just enough to try and get a glimpse of their surface thoughts for the moment.
It is clear: the group members all agree that they need a rest. However, deciding where and how becomes a much more difficult matter to settle. Suggestions vary from sleeping in the nearby lounge area to camping outside by the fire Kwilgok has undoubtedly been maintaining, from taking a quick breather right where they stand to backtracking to the throne room. Additionally, Kairus wants to see if he can close Umberlee's gaping mouth from the cave side, while Hun continues to encourage that it be close immediately. The group also theorizes on how many Xorns could possibly call the Snout of Omgar home, and Rhogal wonders how dangerous the enormous trap in front of them is immediately after springing. Yulmiath soon runs out of hands to count the many diverse votes being cast around the room.
Throughout it all, Hun multitasks a bit. Although he can collect a few salvageable parts from old Mr. Thicc to maybe start his next, much smaller, project soon, the kobold is not as lucky when rummaging around the Xorn's remains. The creature must have been quite hungry judging by its empty stomach-equivalent bit.
Later, a magically-enhanced walk by the many containers in the treasure room reveals the presence of no other thinking creature nearby.
Dropping his hands to his sides, Yulmiath sighs, "Gah, I'd need arms like an octopus to keep up with you lot! Ok, so we're not staying here, that much is clear, but ya want to close up that hole before we start moving and we ain't got an end goal in mind. I reckon we had one vote for the throne room, one for outside and one for someplace not here."
He looks expectantly at Krodhen, hopeful of the half-orc breaking the deadlock and throws his hands into the air in frustration, "You'll only pick another option I ain't even put on the table for ya!"
Pacing the room, careful not to touch anything, he outlines his new proposal. "Since you lot of contrary Mary's ain't agreeing on what we're to do. I'll do it for ya! I been outvoted so I'm switching to Hun's plan. We ain't sleeping in her house, who knows what weird mystical tomfoolery the Sea-***** would put us through, nuh uh, not for me."Yulmiath punctuates his use of Umberlee's other name by spitting on the ground. "Kairus likely ain't for changing on that point, fine, but he's of the sea and likes weird mystical tomfoolery. Can't change that about him."
Clapping his hands together to signal that the great Yulmiath plan reveal is underway, he begins. "Ok, step 1 of my plan is, close that hole," he then points to the hole to the caves next doors as if anyone was in any doubt as to what hole he was talking about. "Step 2, is to form up in marching order and get our keysters out of this place, optionally dropping those that want their heads messed with in the throne room while the rest of use head on outside to check on Kwilgok and DT. Step 3 is get a good nights rest with step 4 being meeting up tomorrow with all of us still alive to clear his treasure room out properly." Yulmiath claps his hands together again to signal the end of debate and points at Rhogal, Hun and Kairus. "Now quit talking about closing it and put them big brains to work! Close. That. Hole."
"I never said we should stay in the throne room. I only that if we stay, the throne room is the safest. I am perfectly happy sleeping outside, and resting a bit here as well."As usual, Kairus ignored the weird attitude of Yulmiath toward the goddess. "As for closing, let me squeeze to the other side. Still have flying in the cittern for one time. If all works, I'll return through the throne room."
Before going, however, Kairus still tried to close the wall from the inside (more out of curiosity, to check if there is a "switch" here too). He touched the lips of the face's mouth with the amulet and waited a bit. If nothing happened, then he would squeeze through into the cave and try to touch the wall there. (Should that work, the plan is to use the flying charge of the cittern to return to others).
Self assured in his scan and with his suggestion at least partially being kept to, the Kobold opts to take the rear of whatever procession is to be set up once all were ready to go. That is, once they were past the death zone, which for everyone's sake, he'd make sure to stand in for the duration overs needed to pass through the entryway before following them. Even before then however, he's sure to position himself to at least keep an eye/ear on Kairus from the room as much as possible (and preferably without risk of being crushed by the door) before returning to the group once he'd either return or it became clear the Triton would have to go the long way around.
All in all, the Kobold wasn't much in the mood for idle chit chat, summarizing, contradicting, and so forth at this point; only all to eager to make the return using the route they came in through, least they run afoul of the lizard Kairus warned them about last.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Wanting to resolve the issue of finding a suitable location to rest, Yulmiath changes his vote to match that of Hun in hopes of building momentum toward achieving a majority. The plan seems to work, as Kairus explains his view and agrees to camp outside. However, there is at least one thing the group must do first and all eyes train on the bard.
Although not fully convinced it will work, Kairus approaches the bas-relief visage of Umberlee and touches the amulet to it. The simple action does the trick and the open mouth magically begins to shut once more, albeit quite slowly. This saves the triton from having to endure another stint as a seagull.
The next step is to decide whether to take a breather in this room before departing. Rhogal had mention this as the most prudent option but Hun seems eager to move on at this point. The kobold "proves" the trapped area is safe to traverse through by standing in it without the trap being triggered. All others exit the room in order: Yulmiath, Kairus, Rhogal, and Krodhen. Hun moves from his trap-daring position only after all others are out of the treasure room. The strategy seems to work. The walls do not come crushing together again.
Just outside the treasure room, the group clocks the shining gem at the end of the hallway once again. Its mysterious glint in enticing, but a matter to be examined after a good night's rest, or so the group decides. From there, the Snackers carefully backtrack their steps, passing by the exit to the garden outside and through the throne room. They exit onto the broken balcony, reenter the temple though a window in the shrine room, quickly pass through the feast hall on their way to the abandoned quarters in the northwest section of the temple, and finally go out of the window in that room. Soon, they meet Kwilgok and Deadly Treasure once again. The dinosaur is foraging, while the tortle guide is tending a fire in a now fully setup camp. The group's tents, which had been left with the guide, are erected are ready for use. A campfire is toasting some small game, and Kwilgok has even collected some potable water in a bucket. "Welcome back," he exclaims. "Just in time for supper."
(OOC: If taking a long rest, let's get some watches going.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kairus, as usual, would ask for the first watch. A lot had happened this day - sad things, exciting things, scary things - and he needed to process it all before being able to sleep. Before supper (Kwilgok was truly a treasure to prepare everything) Kairus made a song dedicated to Mr. Thicc.
Farewell, Mr. Thicc, a friend and a kin Who long was a good and faithful being. The grand companion you've always been Never complaining or disagreeing...
The song had several verses listing all the nice qualities of the contract and ended with the hope that one day somehow somewhere they will all meet again.
Once the respect was paid, Kairus sat a bit in silence but eventually returned to the evening routine, gradually calming down by watching the endless sky and listening to the eternal melody of the crashing waves (hopefully, remembering to look around from time to time too). (Perception: 22)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Not for the first time today, Yulmiath wipes a tear fro his eye as he comes across a full set up camp, fresh water fetched, campfire burning. Embracing Kwilgok whether the tortle wants it or not, the dragonborn gives him a little squeeze. "You two are a sight for sore eyes!"Setting the tortle down gently, he appraches Deadly Treasure and extends a hand to give the big dinsaur a well deserved head rub.
Having held himself together since Mr. Thicc's sacrifice, Yulmaith makes it 3 verses into Kairus' ballad before he starts balling like a baby. "Tears are coming!"
Though Hun looked a touch relieved as well seeing the Tortle, he'd soon return to his more taciturn self as he took up a spot by the fire. A wide and clear space at that, if he could manage as much, as there's hardly a beat missed before several mechanical pieces are laid out on the ground. Some of which being the salvaged remains of Mr. Thicc, but other trashier pieces clearly being spare parts saved up over the years. There was even a couple of beat-up old metal shields among the arrays.
All were nevertheless meticulously arranged before the inventor and would be over however long the group were to sup and reminisce, begin the process of mending and preparing the items for... something. He sheds no new tears as Kairus began the song, and hardly seemed to acknowledge anything beyond the task at hand. But as the time came closer to bed down for the night, he finally looks up from his work to say to Krodhen and Rhogal. "Though I'll be awake at the appointed hour, I cannot promise to be attentive during last watch. So if you one of you wish to volunteer for it, it would be... appreciated."He request.
If denied it however, Hun narrowed his eyes and slowly nodded in acceptance. But all the while knowing if push came to shove, he'd follow through at least some of his pet project originally in mind. For having learned from last time, the more noiser aspects of construction would be something he'd save for breakfast time the next day.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Blue: Inspiration token for the original poem/song!)
The arrival at the camp feels like a weight removed from the Snackers' shoulders, almost like arriving back home. This is their first night at this specific camp, but Kwilgok made good use of his time in making sure it would feel just right. Warm food and refreshing water is plenty available, and Kairus's emotional song gives a sense of finality to an unspoken friendship. Tears are shed, though not by everyone, and some tinkering is partially completed. Soon, night falls and the time to rest arrives.
@Kairus: Yours is the first shift by choice. It would seem that Mr. Thicc's demise touched you somewhat deeper than you had expected. You spend a good chunk of your shift lost in your creative thoughts criticizing your own new song, and trying to improve it even though everyone else thought it was perfect for the occasion. You are your own worst critic, as they say.
@Yulmiath: Deadly Treasure happens to be awake at the same time as you. The creature seems to walk around camp a bit, not doing much else. Despite the lack of excitement, the large dinosaur's movements seem to be enough to keep any other dangers at bay, or so you deduce.
@Rhogal: Your watch is a vigilant one. You notice that the front garden, the one with the shark and octopus statutes, receives a few visitors at night. These are small humanoids with oversized heads. The have sharp claws and seem to communicate in grunts, if they are indeed communicating... it is hard to tell. Thankfully, they do not notice you or the camp. By the time your watch is over, those undead little creatures have already moved on.
Everyone is wake suddenly in the middle of the last watch. Krodhen is screaming: "Snakes! Strange Snakes! Wake up! Wake up! They sneaked up on me!" The half-orc is still bleeding from his earlier wounds.
(OOC: You have not completed your long rest yet. Please go ahead and roll your own initiative for this encounter.)
The group comes to terms with Mr. Thicc's end and, less importantly, their temporarily loss of hearing. About a minute after they regain their ability to hear, the trap begins to reset automatically, albeit slowly. Hun's proximity to the trap, despite holding the recovered amulet, makes no difference. Eventually, the revealed space within the trap area shows a mess of crushed rocks and soil, with a surprisingly small drizzle of bodily fluids. There are plenty of mechanical parts as well, all in pretty bad shape if not utterly destroyed.
After the shock passes, Yumiath is the first to change subjects. There is plenty of treasure in this room and the former pirate can't avoid focusing on it. Kairus shares the fellow sailor's excitement, but Hun is not ready to face whatever lurks inside the many chests, crates, and barrels in this large chamber, and that is not even counting all of the loose coinage here too. Instead, the kobold suggests a well deserved rest. Rhogal does not need to be told twice, and an exhausted Krodhen seems to agree as well, albeit silently.
While the party begins preparations for a rest, Kairus takes a look around. Apart from the (previously described) bloody entryway to the north and Umberlee's magic opening mouth to the east, the bard takes stock once again of the hallway leading south. It is hard to tell where it leads but it is good to remind himself that the room is not necessarily an enclosed location. Pushing that thought aside for a moment, Kairus then looks over the treasure once more and soon counts two sealed barrels, nine locked wooden chests, four clay urns, and four sealed crates.
MAP UPDATE:
(OOC: If taking a rest, please clarify where and for how long.)
Yulmiath puts his hand to his chin as if counting off the various options available to the group.
"Well, I guess we could tramp back outside to camp? Might ease the watch burden with extra eyes and be useful to let our guide know we're still alive and not to go off searching for a new contract. That said, we're no state to consider tangling with anything that might have taken up residence in this place since we cleared out whatever was there before, so pros and cons to that plan. We could head back to sleep in one of the rooms in this place, there were a few beds and couches scattered around, although they are rotten so who knows how comfy they'd be? Plus potnetial run ins with new beasties, so again, pros and cons. Or we stay put? Keep an eye on the treasure. Keep it safe. We'd just need to find a way to barricade ourselves in here lest we wake up to something trying to pick us off in our sleep."
Shrugging his shoulders, he finishes off his little monologue, "My pick is for the last option, keep the treasure safe, don't pick anymore fights till we're in better shape. But, I ain't in charge, I ain't captain here, so what do we all say?"
Kairus' excitement was more of a curiosity (a closed chest is a huge temptation no matter what is inside) rather than greed. His solution was more about personal safety. "I say either camp or the throne room. Who knows what that beds and couches hold, but the room is solid and close enough to the camp too." (Throne's magic was also a boon but Kairus suspected neither Yulmiath nor Hun saw it like this) "That treasure will not walk away. Sure, the mouth-door is open, but I can try to get back and maybe close it? And if if not, maybe it was only one xorn in here? Can't imagine two sharing the cave." Kairus pointed at the blood and bones on the floor. "To be honest, I do not like these spots. Xorn did not know about that place, something else killed those creatures. And grandpa is right, we are not in shape to fight that "something else". Besides, we can be sure, "something else" does not eath treasure, no worries it will take it away." Proud of his unbeatable string of logical arguments he concluded. "I say it's safe to get rest away from this room and return later."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Yumiath holds up both hands, with one finger raised on each hand, a flash of confusion passes his features as what happens if he needs to raise a third hand?
His troubles soon pass. As he raises the first hand, he says "Votes to stay put."
Raising the second he says, "Votes to go elsewhere. Tied one apiece."
"I'm thinking I'll be more comfy goin' through that masher when we're not barely limping," Rhogal says motioning at the trap that did a poor. job fusing the xorn and Mr. Thicc
Extended Signature
Unsurprised at the lack of haste in the machinery, Hun waited until there'd been a fair amount of room to examine the contorted remains before stepping into the death zone with the amulet again grudgingly about the neck. Though he clearly had to have known little of value could be of recovered, those in mind to watch would see a determined set to his jaw as he collected what bits of metal and mechanical parts seemed even remotely salvageable into his satchel. He'd also for good measure root around in the crushed body of the Xorn in the vain hope of maybe collecting a few coins, minerals, or half-digested ores that might've yet been protected by the creatures stony exterior.
-Investigation: 24.
As much as he was prone to cursing or grumbling throughout the process, Hun was anything but deaf. Even so, it took him a while to really muster the desire to say anything before there's a second call for votes. At which point he'd sigh and likely need to pause in his gathering mission to reenter the room and give everyone a once over. "Depending on the speed at which that other door Young Blue and the rest went through, I say it aught be easy enough to quickly seal that up -- WHICH we should still do regardless. Even if that Xorn had been but the one in that tunnel, we've seen enough evidence of them being about that one could yet find its way over here in the meantime and strip away our hard fought reward. With OR without us being here to guard it." He explained.
"Either way, it would be best to inform our Tortle ally sooner than later, if nothing else than to make sure he doesn't write us off as dead when we don't show up. And... frankly I would rather not sleep under 'her' roof, least we wind up accosted by in our dreams ... at least sooner than I'd prefer considering what we intended to do. So, while the other door is being closed again -- IF again the process can be done without exceptional complication, I say we take another short breather here to properly tend to our wounds 'fore we set out for the front. Is that yet more agreeable?" He asked of all with a compromise that fell in line with at least Kairus and Rhogal's point.
Once there's an agreement to rest, Hun stops his absent-minded fiddling with the -other- amulet on him to release the spell within it. Though he warns just before releasing it, "A moment though 'fore any get comfy or wander away. I wish to... check something." Once the spell is released, Hun began pacing the room without getting too close(ie. Within 10ft) of anything larger than coins or a sword, scanning the room of thinking creatures beyond just the party. And if he discovered one, he'd focus just enough to try and get a glimpse of their surface thoughts for the moment.
-Cast Detect Magic from Necklace.
(ooc: Namely to detect the presence of thoughts besides the party and scan the surface thought of at least one without tipping it off.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
It is clear: the group members all agree that they need a rest. However, deciding where and how becomes a much more difficult matter to settle. Suggestions vary from sleeping in the nearby lounge area to camping outside by the fire Kwilgok has undoubtedly been maintaining, from taking a quick breather right where they stand to backtracking to the throne room. Additionally, Kairus wants to see if he can close Umberlee's gaping mouth from the cave side, while Hun continues to encourage that it be close immediately. The group also theorizes on how many Xorns could possibly call the Snout of Omgar home, and Rhogal wonders how dangerous the enormous trap in front of them is immediately after springing. Yulmiath soon runs out of hands to count the many diverse votes being cast around the room.
Throughout it all, Hun multitasks a bit. Although he can collect a few salvageable parts from old Mr. Thicc to maybe start his next, much smaller, project soon, the kobold is not as lucky when rummaging around the Xorn's remains. The creature must have been quite hungry judging by its empty stomach-equivalent bit.
Later, a magically-enhanced walk by the many containers in the treasure room reveals the presence of no other thinking creature nearby.
Dropping his hands to his sides, Yulmiath sighs, "Gah, I'd need arms like an octopus to keep up with you lot! Ok, so we're not staying here, that much is clear, but ya want to close up that hole before we start moving and we ain't got an end goal in mind. I reckon we had one vote for the throne room, one for outside and one for someplace not here."
He looks expectantly at Krodhen, hopeful of the half-orc breaking the deadlock and throws his hands into the air in frustration, "You'll only pick another option I ain't even put on the table for ya!"
Pacing the room, careful not to touch anything, he outlines his new proposal. "Since you lot of contrary Mary's ain't agreeing on what we're to do. I'll do it for ya! I been outvoted so I'm switching to Hun's plan. We ain't sleeping in her house, who knows what weird mystical tomfoolery the Sea-***** would put us through, nuh uh, not for me." Yulmiath punctuates his use of Umberlee's other name by spitting on the ground. "Kairus likely ain't for changing on that point, fine, but he's of the sea and likes weird mystical tomfoolery. Can't change that about him."
Clapping his hands together to signal that the great Yulmiath plan reveal is underway, he begins. "Ok, step 1 of my plan is, close that hole," he then points to the hole to the caves next doors as if anyone was in any doubt as to what hole he was talking about. "Step 2, is to form up in marching order and get our keysters out of this place, optionally dropping those that want their heads messed with in the throne room while the rest of use head on outside to check on Kwilgok and DT. Step 3 is get a good nights rest with step 4 being meeting up tomorrow with all of us still alive to clear his treasure room out properly." Yulmiath claps his hands together again to signal the end of debate and points at Rhogal, Hun and Kairus. "Now quit talking about closing it and put them big brains to work! Close. That. Hole."
"I never said we should stay in the throne room. I only that if we stay, the throne room is the safest. I am perfectly happy sleeping outside, and resting a bit here as well." As usual, Kairus ignored the weird attitude of Yulmiath toward the goddess. "As for closing, let me squeeze to the other side. Still have flying in the cittern for one time. If all works, I'll return through the throne room."
Before going, however, Kairus still tried to close the wall from the inside (more out of curiosity, to check if there is a "switch" here too). He touched the lips of the face's mouth with the amulet and waited a bit. If nothing happened, then he would squeeze through into the cave and try to touch the wall there. (Should that work, the plan is to use the flying charge of the cittern to return to others).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Self assured in his scan and with his suggestion at least partially being kept to, the Kobold opts to take the rear of whatever procession is to be set up once all were ready to go. That is, once they were past the death zone, which for everyone's sake, he'd make sure to stand in for the duration overs needed to pass through the entryway before following them. Even before then however, he's sure to position himself to at least keep an eye/ear on Kairus from the room as much as possible (and preferably without risk of being crushed by the door) before returning to the group once he'd either return or it became clear the Triton would have to go the long way around.
All in all, the Kobold wasn't much in the mood for idle chit chat, summarizing, contradicting, and so forth at this point; only all to eager to make the return using the route they came in through, least they run afoul of the lizard Kairus warned them about last.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Wanting to resolve the issue of finding a suitable location to rest, Yulmiath changes his vote to match that of Hun in hopes of building momentum toward achieving a majority. The plan seems to work, as Kairus explains his view and agrees to camp outside. However, there is at least one thing the group must do first and all eyes train on the bard.
Although not fully convinced it will work, Kairus approaches the bas-relief visage of Umberlee and touches the amulet to it. The simple action does the trick and the open mouth magically begins to shut once more, albeit quite slowly. This saves the triton from having to endure another stint as a seagull.
The next step is to decide whether to take a breather in this room before departing. Rhogal had mention this as the most prudent option but Hun seems eager to move on at this point. The kobold "proves" the trapped area is safe to traverse through by standing in it without the trap being triggered. All others exit the room in order: Yulmiath, Kairus, Rhogal, and Krodhen. Hun moves from his trap-daring position only after all others are out of the treasure room. The strategy seems to work. The walls do not come crushing together again.
Just outside the treasure room, the group clocks the shining gem at the end of the hallway once again. Its mysterious glint in enticing, but a matter to be examined after a good night's rest, or so the group decides. From there, the Snackers carefully backtrack their steps, passing by the exit to the garden outside and through the throne room. They exit onto the broken balcony, reenter the temple though a window in the shrine room, quickly pass through the feast hall on their way to the abandoned quarters in the northwest section of the temple, and finally go out of the window in that room. Soon, they meet Kwilgok and Deadly Treasure once again. The dinosaur is foraging, while the tortle guide is tending a fire in a now fully setup camp. The group's tents, which had been left with the guide, are erected are ready for use. A campfire is toasting some small game, and Kwilgok has even collected some potable water in a bucket. "Welcome back," he exclaims. "Just in time for supper."
(OOC: If taking a long rest, let's get some watches going.)
Kairus, as usual, would ask for the first watch. A lot had happened this day - sad things, exciting things, scary things - and he needed to process it all before being able to sleep. Before supper (Kwilgok was truly a treasure to prepare everything) Kairus made a song dedicated to Mr. Thicc.
Farewell, Mr. Thicc, a friend and a kin
Who long was a good and faithful being.
The grand companion you've always been
Never complaining or disagreeing...
The song had several verses listing all the nice qualities of the contract and ended with the hope that one day somehow somewhere they will all meet again.
Once the respect was paid, Kairus sat a bit in silence but eventually returned to the evening routine, gradually calming down by watching the endless sky and listening to the eternal melody of the crashing waves (hopefully, remembering to look around from time to time too). (Perception: 22)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(I'll give him a chance to snap from it and use the last Luck point: 24)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Not for the first time today, Yulmiath wipes a tear fro his eye as he comes across a full set up camp, fresh water fetched, campfire burning. Embracing Kwilgok whether the tortle wants it or not, the dragonborn gives him a little squeeze. "You two are a sight for sore eyes!" Setting the tortle down gently, he appraches Deadly Treasure and extends a hand to give the big dinsaur a well deserved head rub.
Having held himself together since Mr. Thicc's sacrifice, Yulmaith makes it 3 verses into Kairus' ballad before he starts balling like a baby. "Tears are coming!"
Settling down for the night, Yulmiath offers to take the second watch, but will concede should someone else prefer it. Will Yulmiath let something attack us in the night? Let's find out! - 3
Though Hun looked a touch relieved as well seeing the Tortle, he'd soon return to his more taciturn self as he took up a spot by the fire. A wide and clear space at that, if he could manage as much, as there's hardly a beat missed before several mechanical pieces are laid out on the ground. Some of which being the salvaged remains of Mr. Thicc, but other trashier pieces clearly being spare parts saved up over the years. There was even a couple of beat-up old metal shields among the arrays.
All were nevertheless meticulously arranged before the inventor and would be over however long the group were to sup and reminisce, begin the process of mending and preparing the items for... something. He sheds no new tears as Kairus began the song, and hardly seemed to acknowledge anything beyond the task at hand. But as the time came closer to bed down for the night, he finally looks up from his work to say to Krodhen and Rhogal. "Though I'll be awake at the appointed hour, I cannot promise to be attentive during last watch. So if you one of you wish to volunteer for it, it would be... appreciated." He request.
If denied it however, Hun narrowed his eyes and slowly nodded in acceptance. But all the while knowing if push came to shove, he'd follow through at least some of his pet project originally in mind. For having learned from last time, the more noiser aspects of construction would be something he'd save for breakfast time the next day.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Can't have ya having divided attention, I ken take a shift," Rhogal says to Hun.
Perception (3rd Watch): 12 (25)
Extended Signature
DM's SCREEN:
16
3 3
Krodhen nods as well: "I'll take the last shift then"
-> Perception check: 15
(@Blue: Inspiration token for the original poem/song!)
The arrival at the camp feels like a weight removed from the Snackers' shoulders, almost like arriving back home. This is their first night at this specific camp, but Kwilgok made good use of his time in making sure it would feel just right. Warm food and refreshing water is plenty available, and Kairus's emotional song gives a sense of finality to an unspoken friendship. Tears are shed, though not by everyone, and some tinkering is partially completed. Soon, night falls and the time to rest arrives.
@Kairus: Yours is the first shift by choice. It would seem that Mr. Thicc's demise touched you somewhat deeper than you had expected. You spend a good chunk of your shift lost in your creative thoughts criticizing your own new song, and trying to improve it even though everyone else thought it was perfect for the occasion. You are your own worst critic, as they say.
@Yulmiath: Deadly Treasure happens to be awake at the same time as you. The creature seems to walk around camp a bit, not doing much else. Despite the lack of excitement, the large dinosaur's movements seem to be enough to keep any other dangers at bay, or so you deduce.
@Rhogal: Your watch is a vigilant one. You notice that the front garden, the one with the shark and octopus statutes, receives a few visitors at night. These are small humanoids with oversized heads. The have sharp claws and seem to communicate in grunts, if they are indeed communicating... it is hard to tell. Thankfully, they do not notice you or the camp. By the time your watch is over, those undead little creatures have already moved on.
Everyone is wake suddenly in the middle of the last watch. Krodhen is screaming: "Snakes! Strange Snakes! Wake up! Wake up! They sneaked up on me!" The half-orc is still bleeding from his earlier wounds.
(OOC: You have not completed your long rest yet. Please go ahead and roll your own initiative for this encounter.)
Yully's initiative: 13
(Thank you! Still have one Inspiration, though. Can I give that one to Yulmiath?)
Kairus Initiative: 18
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice