Prelude part 3: Escape from nessie island

The party had an uneventful trip back to the Cocokin camp where they were greeted with open arms. They reported directly to Magwa who was currently meeting with Colonel Toki. Overjoyed, Magwa explained how the artifact, although not a powerful weapon, would be a symbol of hope to inspire his people through an overwhelming battle to come.

The party, rather forcefully, argued to get their reward. Information on how to escape the island in exchange for retrieving the Ooka Taga. Magwa urges them to calm down, that he had no intention of breaking his promise. He reveals a beautiful white flower known as a golden kadpul that only grows once every 10 years on the island. They only need to bring this the center of the island to a well that is inside a cave carved into the side. The only issue is indeed, the Mon-kee control that part of the island.

Distracted by his overwhelming feeling of hope and the many questions - Magwa forgot to explain the plan that he and Toki had come up with to infiltrate the mon-kee camp. The party leave only for a few seconds before they remember that the Ooka Taga is still in Toki's possession, however he is unwilling to part with it to the party he still distrusts.

Outside Magwa's hut the party heads for the tavern discussing briefly some plans on what to do, but decide it will be better to discuss in the morning. Are they really getting the whole story? Davina is quick to mention that both sides have withheld some information so it is possible neither can be trusted.

After a long deliberation of the situation, our heroes feel it is best to hear the mon-kee side of the story. They will pay a visit to them and try to figure the best plan.

They meet a scout and a bound Oho at the bridge they were told to bring Magwa and Toki to who is disappointed they have come without what they asked for. Davina casts speak with animals to communicate with him but alas this is merely a lowly grunt within the tribe. It explains that some feel as though war is the wrong path, but ultimately it is the only one. They have trouble communicating, so they ask if Oho can translate, which he does....by casting speak to animals.

Ultimately the grunt is not useful so they proceed to visit the mon-kee camp after agreeing to have their hands bound. They reach the mon-kee camp and are granted an audience with the large ape leader, whose name will forever remain unknown. The party has many questions that are only returned with disappointing answers. The great ape tries to explain there is no chance for peace between factions. In an unfortunate case of miscommunication, the apes wanted peace with these strangers...not the cocokin. The mon-kee want to rule the island and everything on it.

The party (in a non-unanimous decision) find that both groups are acting like children and this feud is stupid. It would be best to do the easiest thing to get off the island and leave it all behind. It should be enough to bring at least colonel toki to the bridge as well as the the tribes relics as proof there should be no opposition to their conquest.

The sky darkens from its peaceful blue to a more sinister shade.

If anyone tries to accuse Cyrell of not having a conscious, it would be clear they were not with him on Nessie Island. As the party marches their way up the mountain, Cyrell remains behind, pondering certain options. Before leaving himself, in an attempted act of mercy, he channels lightning energy that directly hits Toki, killing him. The mon-kee are unsure if this was an attack against them, and begin to go on a rage, willing to kill the party for this transgression.

What should have been a simple hike to the well now became a frantic sprint. From trees surrounding the path, Mon-kee begin throwing poop, shooting back mounted crossbows, and trying to punch the party into submission. Seven is knocked unconscious, & the great ape questions the remaining members motivations. All of the party members are quick to throw Cyrell under the bus, claiming that they are not with him to flee with their own lives. He questions Cyrell why he did what he did...and ultimately lets Cyrell go. It is not worth his time, after all, there is a war to win and this nuisance will be out of their fur shortly.

As the party, minus Namira, continue up the path of the mountain they see a warship with a loaded trebuchet departing to sail to the cocokins village. The party members are convinced there is nothing they could have done, and that the odds were stacked too far against the cocokin. As they climb higher, they are able to see the ship approaching the village, and launching a fireball towards it. Screams fill the air as an orange glow lights up the village. At the peak, another fireball, more screams, and the entrance to the cave. There must have been nothing they could have done...right? The sky darkens further, as white streaks begin to paint across the sky.

The entrance into the mountain is guarded by two mon-kee who let them in without issue. In the center of a damp cave lies a single well. The party holds hands, drops the flower into the well, and wishes to return home. Finishing their wish, the center of the mountain blows off and a beam is cast down from the sky engulfing the party. They are blinded for a moment, before their senses return to them.

The last thing the party sees is an elderly man smiling over them as a dark blue portal with white streaks closes. Surrounding them, a well decorated and modestly furnished room. On a table across the room, a small snowglobe with an island inside, a large mountain in the middle.