"How does the Chosen treat Sharrak? Does she listen to them, or is her command absolute?" (Still speaking in Draconic)

Scrunch replies to Neya, his eyes getting wider: "Sharrak's left head is proud and haughty. His right head is cunning and cruel. He scurries more than other kobolds. Jeralla listens to Sharrak, because he is smart. Smarter than most kobolds. But the Chosen One's decisions are her own."

Scrunch lets his answer sit for a bit, before breaking the silence once more: "Now, Scrunch has been a good prisoner, yes? You let me go now, yes?"

Utar's eyes narrow, watching the kobold and hopes the fear remains in its heart for a little while longer at least.

"What about Shieldbiter? What about the druid? Do you know anything about either of them?"

The kobold's head bobs to one side: "Shield biter? Druid? Scrunch knows nothing about any of that."

All CRAPers have high enough passive insight to know that there is no attempt to deceive in the kobold's confusion.

Raist has no idea what Utar is asking about but doesn't let on

"Then I s'pose we aught not bother ask if ya know how many 'bolds are down there then, eh?" Doozey chuffed and shook his head. "Well, I can't speak fer the rest of my companions on the matter. But way I figured, there's only a two more questions I got for ya. Then we'll see about sending you on yer way." He asured. "So, for starters, if I were to ask you where some traps were set up in the tunnels, would you be able and willing to describe'm and which one they in? Secondly,... *sigh*.... Any chances of us being able to convince'n not to keep going along with whatever Jerella and her servants are up to going forward? You can answer candidly, as I got no plans of going back on my word. But 'fore you do, I want'cha to think real long and hard 'bout what Jerella has really been doing not just to you, but to the rest of your kinsman. Are the blessings you've been bestowed really blessings? Or just changes she's claiming inorder to get'cha'll to follow'er? 'cause I mean just look at'cha! See through scales to expose yer weak points? Two heads that bicker?"

(OOC: I know this to be likely a longshot, but in case there's even a sliver of a chance of influencing this kobold further away from the cult Doozey is gonna give'm the one chance at least)

-Persuasion: 23. 

"Yes!" Scrunch gets excited, hoping that his knowledge of a trap may finally earn him his freedom. "We have a trap set up near the prisoner cave. It is cleverly disguised by foliage. It is a pit trap. Many have fallen into it!"

As for the second request, Scrunch can only go so far. "Tiamat is all, and all is Tiamat. Jeralla is her chosen. I shall follow her forever..." He thinks for a moment before adding. "...but I could go hunting for squirrels for the rest of the day..."

(OOC: Dang... failed the DC 30 persuasion!)

(... j/k j/k. xD)

Doozey snorts. "That so? Well, it certainly would take quite a while to gather up enough squirrels fer both yerself and the rest of yer kinfolk, wouldn't it? And who knows... maybe ya get kind of lost instead, and wind up deciding -- oh, I dunno... going off and visiting more distant cousins who might better appreciate what you have to offer, eh?" He asked before giving Scrunch a meaningful look. 

Neya takes one last look around during the (seemingly) end of this conversation for any prying eyes or ears.

Perception: 23

(OOC: Some of this is based on the group's agreement in the OOC channel.)

@Neya: You are in the clear.

"But I don't hav..." Scrunch struggles to understands what Doozey is hinting initially. Then... "Oh, yes... lots of hunting and visiting to do... yes, yes." He nods in agreement and even ventures a smile.

Utar silently nods at the group, letting them know it is probably time to move. Scrunch is let go and, although hesitantly at first, moves away from CRAP and from the King's Pyre, soon disappearing behind a patch of tall trees in the distance and beyond.

Biscuit seems eager to chase the kobold but ultimately remains at his ranger's side.

Sirge finally lets some slack take over his grip on the sling. "Very well. We got some information on at least one of the potential targets. Shall we return to their camp now?"

Slight wheeze...  " well thats that....now what is a shield biter?"

Utar shrugs, "I just wondered if Scrunch had any information on the other members of Jeralla's crew who might be the Cult of the Dragon agent that Sirge is seeking... Narle Shieldbiter, the mysterious Druid."

"If'n I had to guess they probably a dwarven exile judging by the name. But judging by Scrunch's response earlier, he ain't know much bout the chosen outside of two'eads." Chimed in Doozey as he continued to watch where the kobold ran off for a few moments more, before finally turning to look to the group. "And someone we'll need to have words with if'n we're to know more about Jera's group." Doozey said, then let out a small sigh of exasperation. "Wouldn't mind getting in a bit of rest, so I can badger up properly but I still don't feel we got that kind of time. So, I say we got three choices. Backtrack our way to the intersection with the shrooms, dive into the ocean and swim our way to that big cave by the water or cross the two rivers before making our way down to the upmost cave entrances."

"Now, I say drop mostly 'cause it'll reduce the odds of us getting spotted on the way down, and Raist here's got the magic to make it a less... painful trip. But while I can call upon magic that aughta let us breathe underwater at that, which maybe aughta do anyways now come to think of it, ain't no telling what sorta criters are prowling down there 'round bout now. So, personally my vote is to backtrack and eliminating anyone that might be about to check up on the prisoners, rather than brave the unknown cross the rivers and going for the other cave. But, I leave that up to ya'll. But decide quick."

After Raist and Utar have a quick clarifying side conversation, attentions turn to Doozey, who has prepared a list of three options for the group. Sirge offers his opinion: "I'm glad to hear that Raist here has a means to make the drop less painful because, let's face it, it is quite the long way down to sea level. Even then, I must share an admission: My joints ache and, despite the immediate supplies you have offered, I still feel my muscles weaken and my constitution fade. I am not sure I would be the most apt swimmer at this point. Nonetheless, I am willing to put in the effort, should the group here decide that this is indeed the best way forward."

"Aiding will use a bit of my <wheeze> resources but whatever we decide.  I can handle swimming for myself as well." Raist continues to scan the skies

"My vote rests with Doozey's suggestion. Backtrack to where we were and press on from there.  Best to avoid any lengthy swims given our current state and the fact that we might not like what we arrive into.  Same line of thinking goes for the rivers and other entrances to these caves.  Who knows what we'd face, at least with backtracking we know that there shouldn't be too much behind us."

Utar turns to give his attention to Sirge, "If you are starting to feel your previous exertions, I can call upon Torm's aid to soothe you before we press on."

Assuming Sirge is agreeable, Utar rubs his hands together and approaches the elf before placing his hands upon him and speaking a short prayer to lighten the burdens on this seeker of justice.

(Utar casts greater restoration on Sirge to remove a level of exhaustion using divine intervention to cast it without a spellslot or material components - resets on long rest.)

"I'll have to agree on backtracking as well. We already neutralized a third of the kobold forces. But, they are not the only ones to keep an eye out for."

Despite Raist's willingness to go for a swim, Utar and Neya begin to lead the group's decision toward the backtracking option. Once you bring Doozey's previously expressed preference for this option into the fold, it starts sounding like a majority has been reached.

Before they can get moving, however, Utar offers some relief to Sirge, which is highly appreciated and wholly welcomed. Additionally, Raist is finally reunited with Sebastian, who rejoins the party much sooner than one might have expected. There is a note attached to the familiar's leg. It reads: 

To the Wizard Raist of Mantor's Library,

My artisan compatriot had most of a spare birdhouse's ornamental door already available. He agreed to finish the work for the fee I suggested and sell it to me. I was on my way to deliver this to you, braving the Iron Route since I know our bandit "friends" are otherwise occupied with their meeting. Sebastian found me on the road. It is small and light, such that your raven should be able to carry it the rest of the way. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely and on my way back to Phlan,

Braden Yil of House Cadorna

A few minutes later, CRAP begins to descend down the path they scaled to reach this meeting point. Once again, the group spots part of some large figure through the thick foliage further down the path, if not at ground level. The sounds from the kobolds beyond can still be heard with some difficulty, given the strength and proximity of the waterfalls. The last push toward reentering the trio of cave entrances will require some caution.

(OOC: Please go ahead and roll a group stealth check. I will once again ask for a volunteer to roll for Sirge. His modifier is +6.)

Doozey's Stealth: 21. 

Biscuit's Stealth: 26. (Re-rolling 1 with Bountiful Luck if needed)

Up above.....   "thank you Sebastian.   (A smile and a laugh)  "I've <wheeze> been wanting to try this for so long" pocketing the door in his component bag. "This will help us get rest in a tight spot <wheeze>   and a not so tight spot for that matter.

Stealth (with advantage)  23