Kairus was genuinely surprised by the reaction to the information about talking snakes. "Why? They seemed nice. Well, "nice" is probably the strong word, but they did not attack - quite the change compared to most of the creatures we came across here. And they needed help. Don't see why we should not offer it." He looked at Yulmiath. "You don't have to go back if it bothers you that much, but we said we do it. At least I did." Technically, for the snakes, it was Hun who promised to bring back the statue (the sailor was impersonating the kobold), but Kairus suspected that the undead snakes could not tell one adventurer from another and also felt responsible for the promise.

When the group stopped by the river (Kairus did not understand why - he would just walk in and others spent a day underwater already, what's the difference - the sea or the river? They all could swim well) he looked at Eeyal waiting for an explanation. "If someone is suddenly scared to get his feet wet, there are some options, of course. One of us walks on the water, I can swim and can make one fly. That means only three go. Say, the one flying can take Hun with him (you are not that heavy, Grandpa) and then someone else, then all the luggage. How is that sound?"

The speech was interrupted by the chirping creatures and Kairus immediately forgot about their plans - whoever it was, they were wonderful! He scratched his head trying to remember if he met some before: Nature: 17

"Aye, they didn't actively try to kill us or force us onto that hook, but I don't doubt that as soon as they've got their statue back that regular service will resume.  If fishing has taught me anything, its that you don't want to be on the hook. There's also a difference between saying that you'll do something and actually doing it.  What if we never find this statue?  What if it's been stolen again, what if these rock monsters eat rocks and it was a particularly fine meal for them? We end up with the statue, we can decide if we're going to head back but that's a decision for another day."

Feeling like he's made his point, and feeling a little brighter with every step further from the temple and towards the relative civilisation of Ahoyhoy, Yulmiath relaxes into the walk through the jungle, glad to have Eeyal to lead the way.

"What do we reckon about heading back there anyway?  Krodhen got a bad read off of those two and I doubt there's a big reward on offer for the return of the statue given anything of value had been stripped from the place."

Coming to the crossing point Yulmiath eyes up the gap over the river and tries to gauge up the distance, wondering how much rope might be needed to cover it.

Survival - 15

"If you want to swim or fly over there, you could run a line over.  Make the crossing the a little easier on the rest of us?"

Hun is immediately reminded of dolphins at the chirping, having seen a few daring ones either find their way to harbor or in the company of the sea elves that called Waterdeep's harbor home. Yet just as soon as they came to mind the Kobold began questioning it, remembering that rivers and the practical lake that was the harbor were two very different things! So, he clamored up to stand on Mr. Thicc's shoulder, squinting and trying in vain to further shield sensitive eyes from Lathander's burning hatred for dark dwellers.

But without them getting close enough to probably reveal themselves as less friendly, Grandpa Kobold wouldn't as eagerly trust his eyes with anything distant...

"First off Young Blue... no. Not sure how long that spell of yours is meant to last, but it certainly wouldn't do it for the whole trip I'd wager." Hun finally chimed in without taking his eyes off the river critters. "And secondly, those were Bone Nagas. From what I can recall, they are a sadistic creation by Yuan-Ti to transform their rivals, Nagas, into servants. There's no actual doing them a solid and putting them to rest, unlike maybe with the dead head beneath the water. You gotta destroy'em or leave'm be, least ya wind up dead." He further explains, and this time would side-eye the Triton towards the end.

"You need to learn, Young Blue, that not everything that isn't immediately hostile up here means you well. Creatures made of that type of dark magic rarely are, and even then, it's always a game of manipulation their playing." Hun pauses for a just a moment to look up the river, before then turning about fully and lean against Mr. Thicc's head. "Had we not entertained the notion of getting back their stuff, they'd just as likely treat us as intruders, and put us down right then and there. And trust me when I say, even if they were of mind to 'reward' you, it wasn't likely to be the kind that would favor such a good natured guppy like yourself. The whole set-up, in fact, screamed of cultisth shite....And I've dealt enough with that over the years to know their rewards are always twisted."

Kairus sighed. "I am a simple sailor, Grandpa. But was thought that when you give your word to someone, it does not matter who you gave it to. It's about you, not the other person, or entity, or whatever. You will be the one breaking it or cheating, not them. True," now he looked at Yulmiath, "the snakes will never know that some of us made a promise without meaning it, but I will know and every time I look at my reflection," he glanced at the surface of the rive, "I will see a liar staring back at me." "You know, if we get that statue, you don't have to go with me, I can bring the thing back alone. Can even just leave it closer to the altar and run. But I want to return it."

"They seemed a little too keen on restoring their chamber. I figure the stone I found was not outside by accident." Rhogal says. "Still, we made a promise and it won't set well wit' me ta renege on it..."

Hun sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, muttering the words, "Gond give me strength." After a moment of silence on the kobold's part, he looks between the Rhogal and Kairus. "Look, I ain't saying that we ain't aught to go get the statue. As far as we know, those blockhead Geonids ran off with something cursed or corrupting. And we don't need that spread'n wild outta that shrine.... Not that I don't got my own business with those caves to tend with eventually anyhow." He admits as much.

"But still! You two suicidal chuckle heads are really that determined to keep ya bloody promise? Oh who am I kidding, I shouldn't even-..." He trailed off briefly into a huff. "Fine then. None that half-ass crap though. Since you two are so determined keep you blasted word, you're gonna bloody well commit to the letter of it. None of this try'na half arse it by dodging the consequence of it. Doubt those Naga will care too much one way or another as well so long as they get it back. BUT, as Gond as my witness, you two are gonna learn a lesson about treat'n your words less cheaply if you're gonna let a little 'discomfort' dictate how ya die and who you might get wrapped up in your nonsense. And I'm... I'm gonna make sure you do. Even if I have to walk back into that bloody place myself! Now, let's get to step'n. We got a ways to go 'fore we reach Ahoyhoy and I rather not wind up having to spend another night in this jungle outside of it at the moment." 

At the riverbank, the group engages in a lively discussion on the morality, merits, and risks of keeping their promise to Ssura and Y'zleth. Kairus and Rhogal want to keep their word while Yulmiath and Hun think the risks are too great. Krodhen would likely agree with them based on his earlier findings. All the while, the noisy water creatures continue to approach, traveling much faster than the lazy waters.

While talking, Yulmiath tries to gauge the width of the river. He has to improvise some imprecise visual estimates and mental calculations. After a little while, the dragonborn guesses that the river is about a quarter of a mile long at this particular crossing point, which is simply too long relative to any amount of rope the group has with them.

Kairus proposes a plan that would require no rope. It involves flying, Krodhen's ring of water walking, some carrying of the smaller folk in the group, and perhaps a bit of swimming by the others. When Hun pokes a hole in the flying part of the plan, Kairus begins some calculations of his own using Yulmiath's estimate as a starting point (passive investigation). The bard guesstimates the flying target could gather enough speed to traverse the river about four times, but who knows if the assumptions behind the calculations are reliable?

At his point in time, the water creatures have gotten close enough to the party for Hun's and Kairus' curious looks to pay some dividends. The old kobold was not too far off the mark: seven light-pink-skinned river dolphins frolic in the water in a pod. They notice the Snack Pack and approach, showing their own curiosity in the encounter.

"Trust me, Grandpa, it will be fun!" immediately brightened up Kairus at Rhogal's support and Hun's general agreement about the return of the statue. He did not specify what particularly funny will be about it, but maybe because his attention found the new target. "Dolphins! Could not believe they would live in the rivers. But why not, right? Aren't they great?" That was said in a tone "who is the good boy? You are!" some dogs owners talk to their pets. Kairus did not say exactly that but instead made several sounds very similar to what the pink dolphins were making.

"I am asking if they can help us. Ever ridden a dolphin? Unforgettable feeling!"

(Using  Emissary of the Sea:  You can communicate simple ideas with beasts that can breathe water.  Kairus calls the dolphins and asks for help to transport everyone willing across)

With the ruminations on the relative ethics and morality in entry-level adventuring mostly played out, Yul just chuckles to himself.  Learning that all actions have consequences is a vital lesson.  Learning that not all consequences are good is a much more bitter one to learn, at least here, Karius and Rhogal might learn that lesson with the help of their friends.

Turning to their likely river crossing, Yulmiath run over their options as he sees them.

"Too far to cross it with rope.  Too many of use for Karius to carry us all over one at a time, assuming that Karius can carry each of us."

Yul pats his own stomach as if implying he might be carrying a little extra timber.  The group had been eating very well lately. he also gives Mr Thicc a look.  Ain't no way that thing isn't heavy.

"Reckon we might be getting our feet wet again.  Are those dolphins giving us a lift?"

"With all the wading we did at th' seashore, my boots are half swamp at this point. Might as well give them dolphins as go." Rhogal gives a resigned sigh. "Jus' as long as the trip is short as it is."

The discussion seems to lean in Karius' and Rhogal's favor just as the river dolphins arrive. Yulmiath goes over their options for crossing one more time but is interrupted by a series of chirping noises coming from Kairus' mouth. Somehow, even though Kairus himself knows he doesn't "speak" the language of these creatures, it seems the triton is capable of communicating basic ideas to the river mammals.

In what could only have been an immense coincidence, the Snack Pack counts exactly one dolphin per party member. Whatever gods the tritons pray to must have wanted it this way. That said, it seems the dolphins are not necessarily agreeing to the crossing out of the goodness of their hearts. They indicate they would like something in return... something edible. They also hold the right to deny passage to the party should they find the food offering not satisfactory.

(@Blue: I was going to ask for an animal handling check but, because of your Emissary of the Sea feature, I'd say a persuasion check is also suitable. Please roll one of them, your choice.)

Persuasion: 24

Seeing his carefully laid plan to avoid having to deal with the water crumble to pieces, Hun merely sighed and looked up to Mr. Thicc. "Well Mr. Thicc. Looks like we're gonna get our feet wet... again." He states dryly. At which point they both bowed their ehads in defeat, before turning to guage the dolphin's reaction to the entreaty. Though being of the insightful sort, his face soon fell seeing the beginnings of agreement in the beasts.

(OOC: Some of this post is based on input from the OOC chat.)

Yulmiath wishes he still had some crab meat to offer these dolphins when Kairus communicates the trade that is being negotiated. Since that is no longer an option, the Snack Pack has to rely on avian jerky and snake leftovers. It's hard to imagine the dolphins ever trying such meats before.

They accept the offering, eating the meat strips either directly from the adventurer's hands or after they are thrown in the water. Some of the animals enjoy it more than others, and none of them are rejoicing at the new flavor they are tasting, but a low effort meal is not going to be passed on so easily. Kairus kept his word and, being the smart creatures they are, the dolphins soon realize it is their time to hold their side of the bargain. They each approach one member of the party and offer a ride.

Hun doesn't seem very amused by the offer, but Eeyal seems pleasantly surprised: "Isn't this quite a turn of events. I am comfortable swimming as any of you from what I saw back in High Horn, but who am I to pass on the opportunity of a lifetime? Be sure to hang on to your dolphin. I suspect this might be harder than actually swimming, though it is certainly faster."

-> Eeyal's animal handling check: 14

(OOC: Everyone riding a dolphin should roll an animal handling check. Feel free to find your own way across if you prefer.)

Watching with interest as Kairus talks to the dolphins, he just waits until the others have jumped in, then proceeds to twist his ring and step out on top of the water "Don't worry about me, see you on the other side"

Oh, that was fun! Even falling from a dolphin (though why would he?) was entertaining, and the creature would certainly return for the rider. Or Kairus will - if anyone needed help, he and the dolphins (at least he will try to convince them to do so) would help the struggling companion!

Animal handling (should fall - can swim on his own or call back the dolphin): 7

Yulmiath hopes that the offer of something new, unusual, exotic even - Eblis jerky? Hello! Taste sensation! Is enough to secure transport to the other side of the river.  Checking the straps on his pack and that his weapons are safely stowed, he wades into the water, he holds out a hand, allowing any curious dolphin the opportunity to get used to his musk before embarking on the swim across the river.  Holding onto the lucky dolphin's dorsal fin, he flips the hood of his cloak up with his free hand and hopes he can hold on for the duration.

Animal Handling - 15

(OOC - Blowing that DM's inspiration token for advantage on this one.  Think Yul's +1 isn't going to help all that much.)

((As always - the buff is immediately forgotten. Blowing Inspiration for re-roll! 13 ))

"Let's get this over wit'." Rhogal sighs.

Rhogal animal handling: 3

"Ah, wait! Krodhen!" Hun called out. "Do me a favor and carry Mr. Thicc at least, won't you? He's really not that heavy. Tall as he is, he's really no more heavier then Mr. Yully. Honest! I'd have him just swim things, but, uh, we'd be waiting all day for 'im to cross." He admits, or... at least says as much. But if he cannot convince Krodhen to handle the job, Hun curses under breath, before then having the construct package away any extra bits and so on in his bag of holding for safe keeping.

With that out of the way, some quick instructions are given to Thicc about 'using' the free dolphin to get across, as well as climb aboard his own soon after. Though not befor a final prayer to Gond, and guzzling some strange substance in a vial to calm his nerves. 

Hun's Animal Handling: 6.  (Real Kobold don't need advantage! Observe!)
(.... above does include guidance though)

Mr. Thicc's Animal Handling: 7. (If not carried by Krodhen)