“These tracks in the mud weren’t made by humans” he tells them.

Lana looked at the group and whispered "Did we come down to far" she asked.

Bel looks up the ladder to see if there was something along the way that they missed.

perception 8

The chain ladder is about 50 yards long and just drops down to this point, following the shaft that was likely carved by the waterfall. You didn’t see any other exits along the way.

GB looks to the party.  "Nasty Wizard, Nasty Dragon, GB think one may lead to other.  GB experiences two baddies dont always like same space so they must work together?"

Aregarak grabs a torch and starts heading towards where the island of treasure is

“I have a baaaaaad feeling about this” Bel grunts as he follows the Big Guy.

As Aregarak’s hooves clomp over the dilapidated eastern stone bridge, parts of the bridge collapse into the fast-moving water flowing west.

The path continues south along the western edge of the subterranean lake, and the solid cavern wall towers over you on your right. Your torchlight reaches 40 feet up the wall before disappearing into the darkness—the ceiling of the cavern is indiscernible. 

Water drips echo from some unknown location in the murky blackness, interrupting the steady sound of running water coming from the entrance to the cavern. All else is silent, aside from your footsteps. 

As you follow the path south, it terminates at the water’s edge. Taking its place are three stepping stones, only a couple feet apart from each other, leading to a smaller ledge that wraps around the lake’s southern bank.

This ledge ends a stone’s throw from the treasure-laden island, and it becomes apparent that the only way onto the island is to swim for it. The riches on the small isle are unguarded, and Bel can quite easily see a shining axe and a beautiful shield resting on the piles of gold and silver coins, among other treasures. The only other objects on the island are the stone stalagmites that stand as if silent sentries, watching over the glittering hoard.

Bel looks for signs of any other activity 

perception 6

Aregarak dives in and swims to the island

Bel sees no signs of activity, save for the occasional ripples and drips on the surface of the lake.

As Aregarak plunges in, the water is cold and brisk.

// What are GB and Lana doing? //

GB continues above flying near the party.  Surveying the area.  Being good to be able to continue to stretch his wings feeling while being in this cave for too long.

Lana looks at Aregarak and then Bel "Are we really crossing over there" she asked.

“You hang tight here and cover us” he tells Lana just before heading into the water.

As Aregarak and Bel swim towards the shore and GB flies overhead, Lana spies something large and serpentine just crest over the water’s surface, before submersing once more. It is headed for the swimmers!

// At this point I need some initiative rolls, please! One from every character, including Spirit. //

 15

Lana 11

Spirit 11

Initiative 10

INITIATIVE 22

In GB's torchlight, you have hardly any warning before a large, black, reptilian head ascends from the water of the lake. "You think to steal from Nightscale, the shadow under the mountain? Think again, my tasty morsels!" The black dragon is easily twice the size of Aregarak as it rears back on its leathery wings. It spits a burning glob of acid directly at Spirit, the panther!

// Please make a DC 14 Dexterity Saving Throw for Spirit. Take 62 acid damage on a failed save, or half on a successful save. 

The dragon then plunges back down into the water with a great splash, and makes a beeline for Aregarak and Bel, engaging both of them while they are still swimming for the shore!

// Aregarak is up first, and Lana is on deck. The initiative order is Dragon, Aregarak, Lana, Spirit, Bel, and GB. //