Taiga warded by a Blade Ward repeats the previous strategy and lobs a few dead bats to the side of the pool in hopes to make a fair enough offering to one of the frogs, “so far that worked,” she tells to Ragnus, Brix and Carina. “Let’s hope the trick delivers one more time.”

At the sound of the slain bats landing upon the cavern floor beside the edge of the pool, a giant frog slowly but surely rises out of the water curiously. It’s hard to tell whether the amphibian is the one Elbert had befriended earlier, or a different frog altogether. It scoops the bats into its mouth with its glistening blue tongue, munching the dark creatures down while it gazes at the party of adventurers. One of you can go ahead and make an Animal Handling check with advantage!

Carina stands back, ready for one of her companions to attempt to make nice with the frog.

Quietly, in a calm, non-threatening voice, she murmurs, "There were two of them in this pool.  If they do not help us with the beam, I can jump and Misty Step to the other side to place the beam, but we cannot cross it if the croakers attack us.  In that case, we would have to kill or incapacitate them."

Feeling his skills are better utilized in investigating the artifacts, Brix continues to pour over the items looking for something that might point them to a solution or at least the next step. 

Investigation 6

Ragnus steps up to the croaker in the water slowly and carefully with his hands out at his sides in a placating gesture. He attempts to signal to the croaker that he means no harm and would like to ride on it's back. (Animal Handling: 18)

Continuing to study the Aeorian relics, the Artificer finds no further information upon examining them. He is only certain that each of the items must be ancient and valuable treasures, perhaps unearthed for the first time since the Calamity. Meanwhile, Ragnus makes a gesture with his hands towards the beast before them — and the giant ice frog gives him a pleased-sounding croak, slowly turning in the cold water to expose its back for the adventurers to climb on.

Smiling and shaking his head at the absurdity of coaxing this giant frog, he gestures to the others and climbs on top of the croaker. 

"Well done."  Rel allows, as she gingerly climbs on the giant croaker's back.  "I suppose we won't have to use the beam after all."

She will jump and cast Misty Step to get to the other side if the ice frog proves treacherous.

Still reluctant, Brix gathers up the items and climbs aboard.

Taiga joins the cruise wary of signs of a trap or ambush at the cave entrance.

Once the party of adventurers have climbed onto the giant ice frog’s back, it turns and begins to carefully paddle towards the other end of the chilled pool. As the companions travel across the water and approach the mouth of Croaker Cave, you can see the light of early sunset beginning to creep over the sky and cast it in a burnt orange glow. Beyond the entrance, you neither see nor hear any signs of bandits, and snow has set the ground into a flat white expanse, clear of footsteps. Where will you go next?

Stepping off the croaker, Ragnus will turn and gesture a thanks to it. He'll then move towards the mouth of the cave to look around for traps (Perception: unnatural 20). As he looks he'll mention to the others, "Should we head back ta tha village ta seek out Irven Liel?"

“Absolutely,” agrees Taiga. “And let’s inform the officials that Hulil is there restrained in the cave. If they go quick they might get her before she escapes or gets help.”

Brix shivers and rubs his arms. " Yes let's find a nice fire and have a  chat, shall we."

Carina walks determinedly at a good clip.

"Yes, let us return to Palebank Village as swiftly as we can.  You have done well with the croakers on the way out and we have been lucky that the other bandits seem to be gone.  I am worried about Elbert, but more lives may be at stake if we do not stem this disease."

She looks at those local to Palebank Village.  "Hulil claimed Irven Liel, a human merchant, was staying at the Jolly Dwarf, and at that moment, when she thought we were her only chance to find an antidote, she had no reason to lie to us.  I trust one of you knows where the Jolly Dwarf is?"

Nodding, and starting to set out towards the village, "Aye, it's been some time, but I believe I can get us there."

OCC: sounds like Carina might be having a bit of identity crisis, wouldn't you agree Rel? ;)

Brix eyes light up at the mention of the jolly dwarf. Oh yes, that's excellent! That establishment is on my list of proprietors who might be willing buy some Philbin Phirewater. I was going to see if they might be willing to stock the family liquor brand. Cuts through this cold like a knife. I have some with me if anyone would like a sample."

Quote from MrJanuary812 >>

OCC: sounds like Carina might be having a bit of identity crisis, wouldn't you agree Rel? ;)

Hah - thanks!  I'll fix it.  I have two characters who use purple (and cyreon is in both campaigns!).

Shaking his head, "No, thank ya. Seen too many good dwarves lose themselves in their cups. Swore off tha stuff myself long ago."