Storm Kings Thunder

Random encounter rolls:
1: 13
2: 4

Essendrum takes his time to cast his spell. He learns that the ring is magical (transmutation of some sort). the dagger is magical.
Inside the bag he finds 3 potions, all 3 are transmutational magic by their nature.
Popping the top off the scroll case Essendrum finds a rolled-up piece of parchment. On the parchment, he finds written in a language he does not understand, he is familiar with some of the symbols. His magical sight allows him to see energies that are conjuration in nature. With some time and a few references, Essendrum figures he could read the scroll. 

Also found among the ice are:
68 gold
76 Silver
20 Electrum
32 Copper
3 Amethyst
2 Moss Agates 
1 Peridot

(what do you do?)

"Well, looks like that island is only going to be available to our flying adventurer." Enoch turned towards Spike. "Could be risky, going by yourself though."

Spike:

”I’ll check it out,” says Spike, floating over to the island and looking over it.

Perception:  23

The wings on Spike's boots flap slightly and propel the dwarf to near the island.
It is a simple small island, covered in ice.
In the middle of the isle is a figure encased in a thick layer of ice.
It appears to be an elf.

Spike:

”Not much here but an Elf popsicle.  If you want to thaw him out, I’ll carry you over,” offers Spike, mentally preparing himself for chipping more ice once the main layer is melted.

"An elf? Hmmm.... do you guys think it could be our missing Dral?"

“That seems unlikely, and I suspect the poor fellow is beyond help, but still it seems we should investigate having come so far.  I can melt the ice easily enough from here if Flint illuminates it.  Or he can fly me over and we can do the process more carefully.  If so, Flint, please use this rope to tether me.  An island of ice is a good place to lose one’s footing.”

"Perhaps this frozen elf will have something of value on their person even if they are long dead" says Kiza. 

Spike:

Getting out his rope and helping the mage over to the island, Spike prepares to use his tools again to chip loose the frozen being.

Essendrum is still concentrating on detect magic and will scan the elf to see if they might be under an enchantment. 

The distance between the small island and the platform is enough for Spike to give me an Athletics Check. 
(as soon as Spike posts I will continue with the post for the day)

Peering through the encasing ice you see the following:
It appears to be a male elf dressed in a green robe with a belt and spell component pouch at his side. His hair is long and gold in color. His arms are stretched out before him and the expression on his face is one of fear.
In his right hand, he holds a wand.

Spike Athletics:  10

Quote from Scott_R_Simmons >>

Spike Athletics:  9

 Spike, using a rope to assist him, starts to make his way to the small island, Esseendrum in tow. You are not sure if it is the ice or a loss of strength because of the cold but the rope slips before getting to the small island, and Essendrum falls.
Essendrum roll an Athletics Check for me, please.

"Essendrum!"

Enoch could only watch in horror as his companion plummeted.

Athletics: 5

As a reaction, Essendrum casts Absorb Elements, expecting the water to be cold.

With some luck and adrenaline-induced panic, Essendrum propels himself up and grabs Spike's hand, keeping himself from plummeting into the icy water below.  Spike and Essendrum make it to the small island, somewhat safely.
After Essendrum's racing heart calms a bit, he & Spike set to the task of chipping through the elf's icy tomb. it takes about an hour and the elf's body is free and collapses upon the ice-covered ground. 

Actions?

Spike:

”Sorry about that,” apologizes Spike, looking at the rope like it betrayed him.  He works diligently to free the trapped body and aids Essendrum in his searching (Help action on Perception, perhaps).

As the now-freed elf collapsed, an uneasy feeling came over Enoch. It was bad enough feeling helpless when Essendrum had started to fall--at least that disaster had been averted. But it had dawned on him that they didn't know who--or what, really--was in that ice. If he--it?--were to attack his companions without him being able to assist....

The paladin walked over to the hole-riddled boat to examine it closer. Maybe there was a way to patch it up, at least for long enough to cross the short expanse to the island?

(( Perception Check: 11 ))