The Lizardfolk begin their scavenging.. the clothing on the Kobolds, tattered and in disrepair. As they began to inspect the bodies... they would swiftly  inform their savior and friend, were dead. After his likely retort of 'obviously' or similar, they would reiterate that the Kobolds were already dead. As in they had just been fighting corpses. There was no edible meat, by any 'normal' standards. However, each of the Kobolds Carried a dagger or two on their person, as well as a few slingshots. One of the daggers seems to be of higher quality than the others. (+1 Dagger) Aside from this, they are carrying nothing of any real value. And their meat is tainted by Rot.

Zein shakes his head at Gustav. No, thank Lathander. I only did what anyone should when a child is harmed. I only wish I could have prevented it from happening in the first place. But coulds and woulds... as they say. Atleast she should be fine for a while now. And perhaps.. from the city, yes, but even if they saw it, the guards already on patrol may not be aware of whats happened. But yes. There should be fewer if nothing else. Let us hope, that it doesn't decide to return. But I am confused... White dragons, are usually.. good.. are they not? he asks, as if doubting his knowledge on the colors and their general alignments.

Zein didn't seem phased by the fact the Kobolds had been reanimated, or undead in general.

"Whites? No Whites are mental. Maybe not the most dangerous pound for pound but they're unpredictable, vicious. Even the old ones. Especially the old ones. You wouldn't loan your favourite scythe to one, that's for sure. But raising the dead.. that's not a very dragon-y thing to do. I mean it makes sense, what better way to overcome the fundamental flaw in your underlings? How can you be craven when your biggest fear is taken away?

And intelligent undead at that - they were throwing spells, pack tactics.... I mean why would you waste that kind of power on a - no offence, dead guys - Kobold unless you had so much power you couldn't spend it fast enough? That kind of power and this amount of smart corpses, that's asking for trouble, all kinds of powers-that-be will be sniffing around looking to put a stop to that. Or take over the operation. Oh gods, that's all I need is to be stuck in a royal rumble with the shadowfell and abyss..."

She tails off to a low mutter that even I can't hear, continuing to poke around on the battlefield, looking at the bodies for signs of how they were reanimated, branding marks, that kind of thing. investigation : 12 

(OOC : Taking the liberty that basic info on dragons is not obscure information and she has the Researcher background feature so would know it.)

Minos breathed heavily, surprised that he had somehow managed to survive the attack, but regained his composure soon enough and naturally moved to stand next to Era. The genasi takes a deep breath and dismisses the surviving dire wolf, giving the minotaur a smile and a pat on the shoulder. "Good job, Minos." Era says as she gives a passing glance over to Gustav and Wonder, glad that Zein had been able to save the young tabaxi before anything worse could happen to her. She checked on Burgee as well to make sure he was okay as she listened to everyone else converse.

Truth be told, Era knew next to nothing about dragons and their coloring differences as her mother never really taught her much on the subject. She knew that they were magnificent beings, but that was about it, so she frowned knowing that a supposed good dragon would be attacking for seemingly no reason. Then Vola started rambling on about them, combating Zein's assumption, and how strange it was that they were undead yet intelligent kobolds. Era tapped at her chin in thought. "Maybe someone is working with them? Or, um, controlling them? I'unno..." She gives the others a shrug and an lopsided smile "But like Gustav said, let's get out of here. I hope that's the last of them..."

"I was referring to the choice of paths in regards to--" Gustav rolls his eyes, and with a final "Nevermid" coaxes Wonder back onto his back. Although she still whispers some complaints. Meanwhile, the Lizardfolk return with the dagger in hand at least and offer it up to the aged Tabaxi. But he shakes his head, and curls Ka's hand back around the handle, whispering something in draconic to the lizardfolk.

Even during all that, Gustav's is attentive to words, but would look upon their orcish compatriot with no small amount of confusion. For a while. Some of it does sink in however, so he just nods slowly and leaves her to her muttering for now. "It is -- if only just through speculation -- looking more and more likely to be tied to our other investigation.... But in any case, something to ponder as we go." He hesitantly nod in thanks to Era for the support. Then, if there are no other complaints, he waves people on to follow in the same formation as last, leaving the dead to rot where they lie. 

Tempted as he may have been to offer some prayers or condolences, such in his book, was for the more recently departed. At some point he realizes Nin's own injury left him clutching it as they went along, and so would whistles a little tune(7) the bugbear's way.

The group continues on, Zein, a bit confused by the Tabaxi's first words about paths, but shrugs as Gustav see's no further point in speaking about it. Once the group is more or less ready to go, the spoils having been collected, and injuries tended. The jungle continued its warm rise in temperature. It was odd that the Kenku hadn't said or done anything for a while as well.... But for now, the group presses on.  Zein glad the fighting was over, though never one to back down from one himself.

As they walked, Zein finally replied to Era's guesses It is possible that someone is working with them or controlling them. Also .. given the necromancy ... it's possible they're being subjugated as well.. if any of them even remain alive at all. But their undeath atleast explains why they did not suffer from the same issues Kobolds normally do.. such as light. It's also possible the 'intelligent' undeath as Gustav put it could point to a patron, whether of good or evil alignment... though likely the latter... he pondered for a moment. 

Then finally, remembering Vola's words, as if he had forgotten she had spoken for a moment... Ah forgive me mistress Vola, but hmm.. It seems I need to study up more. My guess was that white being the usual fare of paladins etc... but now that you mention it.. yes... White dragons, craven, and vicious. But beyond that I know nothing more. So It's good that we have a scholar of such matters among us. Are they normally that size? he asks, attempting to glean more information from her.

Regardless, as the group continues to trudge through the forest, the next 2 days are 20 peaceful, and calm. It seems this part of the island is either abandoned, or you all lucked out  and managed to avoid things, whether by intent or chance being irrelevant. As you all walk, the mountain becomes closer, and you can see you're on the south side  of it at this point, rapidly approaching the base as it guides you closer to the beach for a while, before a path, looking downtrodden, and unused for a very long time becomes visible. It's likely been decades since anyone was last through here. The foliage also becoming more dense.

 The time is near midnight.

S-Counter: 15          Par:        Ren: +6       Al: NG      B-Counter - 15

Yawning, Vola begins the ritual to set up her "tent".

leomunds tiny hut

"It's getting late, we really ought to tackle that thing fresh in the morning. 3...5.... Oh I'm too tired to count you all. Pick 9 of you amongst yourselves and come over here or you're stuck outside."

Gustav manages to suppress a yawn, but Nin and Wonder are not so mindful. Chuckling, if albeit well after the fact, the aged Tabaxi scoops his younger compatriot off his back, and sets her down by Vola. "We're one or two over your allotted amount, so I think... yes, I'm certain I will keep watch from outside of this tent, of yours." He cracks his back, and even does a few stretches before looking around. "Not the best trees about this close to the beachfront, but I'll make do. Lady Era? If either you or minos might have something to further secure the area, it would appreciated."

In the background of things, Nin watches with a look of both amusement and curiosity as Ka and Guss work together to form hidden pit falls large enough to at the very least trip the great T-rex fought before, molding several sections of earth over the next few minutes before covering it up with thick. They also arrange a few ration "Bones" into low hanging alarms around the general area. 

Gustav eventually turns to look, and would aim some encouraging words in draconic the Lizardbrother's way before turning back to the others. "We've been fortunate so far. But let us not relax our guard too much now. Despite the extravagance of that dragon's entrance, it feels as if to be a calm before the storm." He mentions as much, then looks to Zein. "Are you doing alright, Sir Zein? Bird Friends?" He asks, as a sleepy-headed Wonder tries to cling to Gustav's leg for a s long as she could get away with it.  

Trap Hiding & Alarm setting: (4)26. 
(Adv. from being helped by his brother plus Bardic Inspiration)

Minos frowned at the mention of setting up perimeter, knowing he had a spell that could help alarm them of if something enters their space, but he hadn't prepared it that day. Era notices his distress, but smiles up at him anyways. "It's okay, Minos. You're still getting back into the magic casting groove." She gives him a pat on the back. "Now get in that bubble. I'll sleep outside with Gustav." The minotaur opened his mouth to protest, but remembers how easily he had fallen that last fight, and simply nods. After bidding her a goodnight and entering the tent, Era looks over the area. "Time to get to work, I guess?"

The druid skipped over to some plants, helping them bloom to try and make the area around them thicker (focusing on one area first where she could sleep somewhat comfortably and near where the tabaxi would retire), then on some plants (somewhere not too close but not too far) she makes them smell like skunk, hoping the stench would deter any enemies from entering the area. When she found herself satisfied with her work, she joins the others when Gustav speaks again, nodding knowingly at his words. "Burgee, Kauil?" She smiles brightly to the two. "You two are doing okay? You've been awful quiet lately..."

(i'll wait a bit to see if Penguini posts)

Vola welcomes the minotaur inside just as she completes the ritual, a hemisphere of initially lime green springing up to cover the assembly (though she tones it down to fit in a bit better with the surroundings.) 

"Saw what you did out there. It's hard, you know, starting out. When you're.... Big. People want to see you swing some impossible 3 hander axe and cleave the world, but you just *pew-pew* a tiny little ball of light that just annoys the target and then you're done. It gets easier you know. Not much, but a bit. And if you stick at it, all those people who you think are disappointed in you will full on shit their pants when they see you coming. Just don't give up, don't get dead, it'll work out. And until then, even though it's hard to channel the weave too much without blacking out, just keep practicing your fundamentals. Cantrips and rituals, every chance you get. And if you need some one to talk to... Well then you clearly haven't been practising has he, Pickle!"

The ferret slinks out of her pack to wrap it's flexible frame around her arm. 

"If you're going to be a wizard you have to have a familiar, it's like the law!"

(Ooc : Vola would happily take on Minos as a kind of apprentice - if you want him to learn comprehend languages (r), detect magic (r), disguise self, find familiar (r), grease, tensers floating disc (r) or thunderwave, say the word. Remember rituals can be cast as rituals without using a spell slot if you take an additional 10mins to cast them. Also since Vola can explain her notation,  there's an argument to reduce the cost of transcription)

Burgee and Kauil were trailing behind the group and arrive as the tent is filling, "Sorry Era. My mind has been elsewhere these last days as we've traveled.  I felt an ill wind blowing up from the southeast. The weather,  it speaks to me sometimes. I can't put my finger on on it but feel the winds endangered many souls." He gives a tremble as if suddenly chilled, then yawns before adding, "I'll keep you company on watch." He turns to Kauil and they quickly exchange some thoughts as Kauil heads in with Minos and the others for sleep. 

Traps began being setup for the night, much as they had been for the last few days, as tedious as it was. The whole process takes about an hour, putting the time at 1 AM before everyone that would be entering could truly sleep. The setting of traps  and alarms goes rather smoothly, and they're all places at relatively good distances.

Plants begin blooming rapidly, and healthily, forming a little nook for Era to sleep in, and unintentionally creating a 'blind' for her, hiding her body from all but one direction. Then applying the special perfume. Everyone outside the hut noticeably winces and cringes at the smell, but more or less realize what she is doing.  The area eventually becomes suffused with that wretched scent. 

Just as Minos enters, the dome begins appearing more 'camouflaged' and blending in better with the surrounding area than it had been before, helping to hide those inside from scrutiny. And Vola offers to train Mino's in the art of witchcra... Wizardry, which can be done. If using an already existing spell tome, the cost will be negligible, outside of ink and quill expenses.

Everyone except Era, Burgee, and Gustav head inside the tent, unless otherwise stated. And begin their rests or training, etc.

Zein  during this time, has been taking off his armor, and carefully placing it inside the hut, to keep it from getting marred by the dirt. Slowly, but surely, getting down to nothing but his smallclothing. Sweat tinged his body, as it likely did everyone else. The night had been especially humid, making for a miserable walk that day. Zeins body, which all but the important bits were uncovered now, were carved, and crossed with wounds. Slashes, Marred skin, whip marks, and other various markings were like tattoo's across his bod. Very few spots of his flesh were left unharmed. Looking at them, they came up to just where his armor ended, the armor likely specified to hide these scars from view, as they hadn't been noticed before. Despite his slightly toned form, his wounds made him seem frail.

Looking to Gustav after his question was asked, would respond Indeed. I am fine. I don't know what to make of whats been going on lately. First people go missing, then a Dragon Attacks the city. And now I've seen the first undead on this island that I've ever seen or heard of. The wheel of fate seems to be turning, and Lathander is silent. He is still there...I can feel him... but he doesn't respond. This must be some sort of trial we must face and figure out on my own. or perhaps he cannot intervene. But aside from these concerns, I am fine Master Gustav. I also thank Lathander that none of us have fallen as of yet. Let us hope our fortunes hold as such. I will take the last watch, when the night sky is a little brighter. 

Everyone who will be taking a watch, please roll perception checks, and include your passives. Free RP what you're doing.

Also everyone gains 1050 EXP

S-Counter: 15          Par:        Ren: +6       Al: NG      B-Counter - 15

(Perception Passive 14; 7)

Burgee wishes Era a safe night as he scales a tree nearby to gain a better view of the encampment below, and especially over the area where Era rests. 

(Perception Passive 19;17)

"That is the thing about the deities. With but perhaps one or two exceptions, most avoid any direct influence. Rather, they entrust it to us, their individual followers -- the usual interference that can be expected, or in a grander plan that we cannot be privy too." Gustav said nonchalantly after having slipped some small, worn down book from a jacket sleeve. "A good thing, too, in my humble opinion at least. As heart wrenching broken and unfair the world can be at times, at least we our freedom to do what we will with this gift of knowledge and life. And eventually, either elevate ourselves and those around us to the next stages of existence, or... tear it all down." 

He pauses there and studies just the outsides of the book at hand. "... I've seem to have lost my touch for words of comfort. Goodnight, Sir Zein. And... you too, little one." Gustav says with a smirk to his voice before peeling off Wonder, who had since escaped hut field. Making sure this time to request Ka and Guss kept a nose out for the young Tabaxi that night, Gustav couldn't help but glance at Zein one last time, noting the many scars on the man. Yet it is wordlessly that he takes his leave, and finds a decent enough tree to perch in for the night. One that, if need be, he could climb higher still to find eventual rest after 1st watch. Before then, he once more inscribes the days happenings into the book before tracing a new, larger, yet stranger runes about the writing; his prayers in an tongue unknown to all but true Oghmatites. 

If necessary, Vola can take a watch from inside her bubble (it's see through from the inside) though it's not her forté. 

Passive 12, Darkvision 60ft, perception 21

Minos is taken aback at the half-orc speaking to him, but relaxes when he really listens to what she's saying and how it really resonated with him. He would be lying if he said that she didn't interest him, seeing as she was big as he was and she was casting high level spells that the minotaur could only dream of casting. His ears perked up though when she offered to listen to him speak (although he did very little of it), and there was a miniscule spark of hope that burned in the pit of his stomach. He looks at her with a face of determination. "... I would be honored if you could teach me what you know, Vola." 

Era smiled down at her kenku buddy. "No worries, Burgee! Can you tell the weather to lay off the heat for me?" She giggles and give him a big hug before bidding him a goodnight. She settles into her little nest of plants (after totally not ogling the paladin, no siree, this tree bark is very pretty in the moonlight).

When it's her turn to watch: 8

((forgot my Passive Perception is 17!))

The night grows silent, aside from the sound of crickets, and other insects. The sky, over time, growing darker, as thick clouds begin to roll in. The wind stops almost all-together for about an hour during the first watch, and just as the clouds begin to get to where you assume the 'edge' of the island is, a massive BOOM of wind, from a cloudburst rushes through the area, making the tree's groan but not quite knocking any of them over. Those inside the hut hear the noise, but feel none of the gale force winds. It's not hard to resist the wind itself, but loose objects weighing less than 25 LB's will be blown away if not grabbed or strapped/tied down, etc.

Soon after, pelting raindrops the size of golf balls begin to hit around the area, they don't hurt but they soak immediately anything they touch, and do leave a stinging sensation in their wake if they hit anyone. Which they will periodically during each post. The ground around you all begins to become malleable, and muddy except near the tree's where the roots maintain some semblance of solidity. The rest becoming difficult terrain, but the night that was previously sweltering, between the water, and the heavy breeze, cools down rapidly. Feelign slightly chilly but not un-comfortable.

Zein remains asleep, being sued to such weather events.

Burgee is far too distracted by the sudden storm to notice anything else from his perch. Mehmen however would notice the sudden onslought of Al'Mhiraj's rushing away from the storm, leaving the area of the beach and heading inland towards the mountains. Several of them slamming into the hut, as they didn't see it, before running around it. A massive thundering step echoes even over the wind and noise, as a large, long necked creature enters the area, pushing easily through tree's, and it's head far surpassing the tops of them. It's massive body was 2-3 times the size of the camp itself, and in it's wake, it destroyed several of the 'traps and alarms set up on the side of the camp the party was heading towards on their journey.

Vola whether asleep now or not, is completely oblivious to all the things going on until the massive foot steps inches away from the edge of the hut, luckily missing everyone.

Vola looks up from her study. Coast is clear - was probably just a big rabbit. Now where were we ...  Ah yes, energy applications of the abjuration horizon.....

With the exception of the back strapped to his perch, the old Tabaxi largely had everything else in place. Alerted all the same by some primal instinct, he digs his nails in just seconds before the boom. "Oh no." He mutters just as the first bout of rain slams into the back of his head. Not unused to the rain, but still disturbed a bit by the stinging left behind, Gustav disentangle his bag from branch and carefully makes his way groundwards. Then with his back to the tree at its base, and at least partially out of any more gales sweeping through, he spends the first few moments looking around for any dangers.

Nin, ever the heavy sleeper, ignores the happenings from the weather. The same could not be said for the lizard brothers, and especially Wonder. While Guss stared in awe of the thunder beast, and Ka teased the idea of snagging any straggler Al'Mhiraj's rushing past the hut, Wonder sat curled up by Nin and looking wild-eyed over the scene playing just past the barrier.

Back to Gustav, seeing no sign as of yet of others peeking a head out, he turns to shouting out "Burgee! The storm! Is she a biggee!" He calls out if the storm or thunder lizard(because of the stomps) warranted as much. And after having said that, he tries to take a second to analyze the stinging sensation, and any unexpected effect the rain might be having on their surroundings; calling upon Oghma's wisdom and focus to maintain concentration on the thought.

(4)30

Burge stands tall in the tree and claps his hands together before pushing them out away to the north as he attempts to redirect the winds and cause the rain to stop falling around him.