GM Valen's SFS 1-09- Live Exploration Extreme! (PbP) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Crits now just happen in Starfinder, you shouldn't even need to confirm - and that's leaving Rex at 1 SP.

Rex grits his teeth in pain as the caustic fluid burns his skin. He backflips and takes a second shot at the brown fluidic creature.

Trick attack and tumbling to avoid provoking.
Acrobatics to tumble: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Acrobatics to trick attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4 plus 1d4 ⇒ 1 if tricked

life science: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
choosing immunities, special attacks, and special defenses.

"Careful, everyone, these are autonomous synth fluids, and they can spit acid at us. They also are immune to flanking, critical hits, paralysis, poison, polymorph, sleep, stunning, and sight based stuff."

Delea steps back slightly (guarded step as her move action) and then uses her mind to pick up a bit of rubble to throw at the creature.
Telekinetic projectile

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 20 against KAC, bludgeoning damage
Pthhhtt, I had to roll that when fighting a creature immune to critical hits...
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

”Well folks she didn’t say fire so here we go!” KM says as he attempts to move through the hallway to get a shot.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

But slips up,

reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

And manages to stand up, trying to move once more.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

And is able to move into position to attack next round, saying, “look out Delea, I’ll protect you from this slime!”

Huckle tries to move forward acrobatics: 8 + 1d20 ⇒ 8 + (7) = 15
And then shoot the nearest enemy the -2 is assuming you count that as cover hit: 5 + 1d20 - 2 ⇒ 5 + (2) - 2 = 5 dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 3 piercing and magical

@ Rex - Thanks for the catch. *Old habits*

The autonomous synth fluid closest to Rex (brown) again spis at Rex.
Ranged spit v. Rex’s KAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Damage, spit (acid): 1d4 ⇒ 1
It, then, slithers along the resulting trail of fluid toward the vidstar.

The gloobular creature struck by the rock hurled by Delea’s mind (green), stays put. It sprouts a tendril that lashes out at towards Delea… but Krombopolus is in the way!
Melee slam v. KM’s KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Damage (slam)(B): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

A stone shard flecks off the sturdy wall as the fluid's tendril hits against it with full force. However, neither creature inflicts any harm to a Starfinder.

Initiative Order
All PCs may act

Krombopolus Michaels
Huckle Jim
Rex -8 SP
ASF (brown) -2 HP (NL)
ASF (green) -3 HP
Delea

KM gleefully, albeit recklessly, fires upon the ooze right in front of him, “Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!”

full attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 4 = 5
pewpew: 1d8 ⇒ 1

full attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 4 = 5
pewpew: 1d8 ⇒ 8

But fires a little too wildly and the shots go completely wild.

I realize this provokes an AoO but I was hoping I’d get better rolls

But fires a little too wildly and the shots go completely wild.

I realize this provokes an AoO but I was hoping I’d get better rolls

It makes for good viewing, though!

The autonomous synth fluid lashes out in response at the shirren.

Melee slam (AoO) v. KM’s KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 Damage (slam)(B): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The creature's pseudopod slams into the shirren!

Initiative Order
Those in bold may act

Krombopolus Michaels - 3 SP
Huckle Jim
Rex -8 SP
ASF (brown) -2 HP (NL)
ASF (green) -3 HP
Delea

”Arrggghhhh!!!! Is that all you got ye big booger!” Krombopulos says dramatically as the synth strikes him.

Delea lifts another chunk of broken rock to slam into the ooze.

1d20 ⇒ 10

"I got you right where I want you!," Rex crows at the oozes as he drops the kukri and draws his flame pistol.

Provoking an attack of opportunity but using my flame pistol to spray a line of fire and hit both oozes!

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The rock hurled by Delea fails to hit with much impact and it is shrugged off by the creature. No damage.

As Rex raises his pistol, the autonomous synth fluid lashes out in response.
Melee slam (AoO) v. Rex’s KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage (slam)(B): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
The creature's pseudopod slams into the human operative, before recoiling as it, and its fellow autonomous synth fluid, are bathed in flames.

Initiative Order
Those in bold may act
Krombopolus Michaels - 3 SP
Huckle Jim
Rex -7 SP | -6 HP
ASF (brown) -6 HP (-2 of which is NL)
ASF (green) -7HP
Delea

Huckle fires another bullet at the closest enemy hit: 5 - 2 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 - 2 + (2) = 5 dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6 piercing and magical.

The autonomous synth fluid continue without finesse to attack the Starfinders as if following some pre-determined programming to eradicate any foreign element that they encounter.

One (brown) aims at pseudopod at the Starfinder that had harmed it with a flame pistol.
Melee slam v. Rex’s KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Damage (slam)(B): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The other (green), apparently unphased by its burns brought on by a different source, brings its club-like tendrils down towards the shirren.
Melee slam v. KM’s KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Damage (slam)(B): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Neither of the two synth fluids manage to connect.

Meanwhile, near the northwestern corner of the room, the old dwarven man continues to moan in pain as he feebly struggles to remove himself out from under the fallen stone.

Initiative Order
All PCs may now act

Krombopolus Michaels - 3 SP
Huckle Jim
Rex -7 SP | -6 HP
ASF (brown) -6 HP (-2 of which is NL)
ASF (green) -7HP
Delea

KM will continue his reckless assault.

full attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 4 = 2
pewpew: 1d8 ⇒ 4

full attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 = 15
pewpew: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Rex looks at the flame pistol in his hand, clearly impressed. "That's cool... but not worth dying for," he says, bleeding and burned from the acid. He dodges backwards suddenly, going into a tight roll and fires at the blob as he spins.

Acrobatics to not provoke: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Acrobatics to trick: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2 plus 1d4 ⇒ 2 if tricked

A pair buzzing media drones follow Rex with obvious interest while the other pairs view the battle from different distances.

Delea is frustrated that she cannot get over to Rex to heal him, but there is a pest in the way. She again lifts up a chunk of rubble with her mind to hurl.

telekinetic projectile ranged attack: 1d20 ⇒ 9

One of the Krombopolus’ reckless shots manages to inflict some damage on the fluid closest to him (brown).

Likewise, Rex successfully tricks the fluid closest to him (green) with an unanticipated tumble and well-placed shot, inflicting still more damage to the creature.

Unfortunately, Delea frustrated tossing of a rock misses the fluid entirely.

The camera drones capture it all, relaying it instantly to an audience hungry for the entertainment, orbiting above!

Initiative Order
Those in bold may act.

Krombopolus Michaels - 3 SP
Huckle Jim
Rex-7 SP | -6 HP
ASF (brown) -10 HP (-2 of which is NL)
ASF (green) -9 HP
Delea

Huckle again fires another shoot at green, he will then move into melee and put away his rifle hit: 5 - 2 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 - 2 + (12) = 15
acrobatics to move: 8 - 2 + 1d20 ⇒ 8 - 2 + (6) = 12 dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1

As Huckle Jim’s projectile strikes the autonomous synth fluid, it reacts with a spurt, spraying a portion of its body onto the nearby Krombopolus!
@ KM – Take Damage (spray)(acid): 1d3 ⇒ 1; KM's Reflex save (DC 9) to negate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Square that KM is in is now considered difficult-er terrain. Rather than 2 squares of movement to enter, it now costs 3 squares.

The fluid (green) follows this up with another swipe of its pseudopod.
Choice of two targets (1 KM, 2 HJ): 1d2 ⇒ 1
Melee slam v. KM’s KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 Damage (slam)(B): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The other fluid (brown) appears to momentarily hesitate.
Choice of three targets (1 KM, 2 HJ, 3 Rex): 1d3 ⇒ 2

It then spits a stream of caustic fluid at Huckle Jim!

Ranged spit v. Huckle Jim’s KAC: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Damage (spit)(acid): 1d4 ⇒ 1

It then slithers towards its target along the trail left by the stream.

Map updated on slides.

Initiative Order
All PCs may now act

Krombopolus Michaels - 4 SP
Huckle Jim
Rex -7 SP | -6 HP
ASF (brown) -6 HP (-2 of which is NL)
ASF (green) -10 HP
Delea

Delea continues to hurl junk.

1d20 ⇒ 9

Huckle takes out the tactical baton to wack the brown one hit: 5 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 + (10) = 15 vs KAC dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 blunt.
did brown heal itself last round?

Huckle Jim Reflex save v. Spray (DC9): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Though caustic liquid spurts from the fluid on impact, Huckle Jim manages to avoid it, by the liquid covers the area where he stands. Square currently occupied by Huckle Jim is now considered difficult-er terrain costing 3 squares of movement to enter.

Initiative Order
Those in bold may now act

Krombopolus Michaels - 4 SP
Huckle Jim
Rex -7 SP | -6 HP
ASF (brown) -13 (damage corrected)
ASF (green) -10 HP
Delea

KM continues to fire his rifle with little care.

attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 4 = 11
1d8 ⇒ 3

attack vs EAC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 4 = 9
1d8 ⇒ 5

Rex dodges back into the room, firing at the brown thing as he dives into a roll and comes up against the wall.

Acrobatics to trick: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3 plus 1d4 ⇒ 4 if tricked

Rex manages to disorient the one fluid (brown) long enough for his laser shot to burn at the center of the creature, causing it to plop to the ground in a profound *SPLUT*. A small cloud of yellow-ish gas spills from its remains, followed with an electrical smell as what is left of fluid burns into the stone surface beneath it.

The shirren's shot strikes the fluid (green), causing it to reel back for a moment, before pressing forward. It strikes out at Krombopolus!

Melee (slam) v KM' KAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 Damage (slam)B): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The dwarven man under the massive rock continues to groan in pain.

Initiative Order
All PCs may now act.

Krombopolus Michaels - 10 SP / -1 HP (corrected amount)
Huckle Jim
Rex -7 SP | -6 HP
ASF (brown) (neutralized)
ASF (green) -13 HP
Delea

”ouchy ouchy!” KM says as the fluid gets past his armor.

full attack vsEAC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 4 = 17
pew pew: 1d8 ⇒ 6

full attack vsEAC: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 = 12
pew pew: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Huckle will try to hit gree hard, assuming the shirren didn't already kill it. hit: 5 + 1d20 ⇒ 5 + (14) = 19 vs kac dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Krombopulos' shot strikes the fluid (green) causing it to cease activation. It plops to to the ground.

The dwarven man under the massive rock continues to groan in pain.

Combat is over.

Delea rushes over to the injured dwarf.

"Quick, guys, get this off of him!"

While the stronger party members move the rock, Delea summons a wave of positive energy.

using one RP for healing channel.

healing: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Now that combat is over, KM will follow Delea’s lead rushing to move the boulder,”hhhuuuuuhhhhgggghhh”

Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Krombopulos tries to push the rock off of the dwarf, but he manages only to shift it slightly, causing the weight of the rock to crush part of the dwarf's arm. Damage to pinned dwarf from rock: 1d4 ⇒ 1

"KM, c'mon, lift with your legs! Huckle, give us a hand here - we go on three. One... two..."

I'll delay til KM and Huckle Jim get in place to provide an assist, then we'll all attempt together to lift - unless one of them wants to use engineering or survival to find a leverage point.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Rex and KM, you did each get 4 HP back; I can't do anything to help with the missing SP.

Working together, the Starfinders easily remove the rock pinning the dwarf, though it is apparent that Rex has done most of the heavy lifting. Rex’s result on the check was sufficient alone for success.

The dwarf rises to his feet, less injured than when you had first found him thanks to Delea’s healing power. The dwarf gives a series of warm nods and bows to the Starfinders, particularly to Delea, who he starts speaking to with apparent excitement. Continuing to speak, he looks over at the fluids and shakes his head. Then he points up to the ceiling, where the rock had come loose. He shakes his head and, indeed, his whole body, then raises his heads, seemingly in defeat. He then points to the entrance of the temple, still barred by the huge rock. Dwarven cries and sounds of struggle can still be heard from the other side, as the rock remains unmoved. He shakes his entire person again, again raising his hands before bringing them down and burying his face in them, seemingly in despair.

After uttering a few more dwarven phrases into his dirt-covered hands, he looks up at Delea, and then to the other Starfinders, looking for some sign of recognition. He asks a series of questions, first in the foreign dwarven tongue, then apparently in a few others. When no response is forthcoming in those languages, he raises his hand, as if requesting the party to remain put, and heads into the storage room through the portal to the north of the hall of worshipper, then re-emerges carrying an objecting that appears to consist of a lattice of rare metal and bits of precious stone in a silicon casing.

As the dwarf walks over to the Starfinders with the object, one of the camera drones approaches him, attempting to get a close up, but the dwarf tries to swat it away.

Standing clear of the camera drone, the dwarf grips the object tightly in both hands. He closes his eyes, seemingly uttering a silent prayer. He then, reopens his eyes and looks at directly Delea. He brings his hand to his mouth, then pulls it away in her direction, as if motioning for her to speak.

Delea tries to smile in a friendly way, while shaking her head to show she does not understand when the dwarf tries to speak to them.

mysticism: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
"That looks like a spell gem."
Delea uses detect magic.
mysticism: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

She can't tell what spell it is, so remains silent, as Wazasha asked. She noticed the dwarf's friendly demeanor, and so trusts that the spell is something harmless and allows him to cast.

"Hi, I'm Delea, and these are my friends. Are you OK now?"

“Greetings, Delea.” the dwarf responds, in common. Thanks to you, I am fine… at least physically. Praise be to the Father of Creation, the Maker of Golarion, that you came when you did. I must confess, when I first saw you, I feared that you may be in league with the orcs. So odd, each of you are in appearance and these magical constructs….” The dwarf says, quizzically looking at the hovering camera drones.

”But, forgive me, in my joy and confusion, I seem to have temporarily taken leave of my manners.” The dwarf repeats a few of the warm bows and nods that he had given earlier. “I am Holsin Nolskrit, servant of Torag. After the latest quake, those ooze creatures poured into the temple and I… I was struck, then pinned by that fallen stone. At first, I had taken such signs brought forth by the Father of Forge to be urgings, inspiration to continue the holy quest upon which he has set us, but lately…” Holsin’s voice trails off a bit, allowing the dwarven shouts and work efforts coming from the entrance of the temple to be readily heard.

“But first things, first.” Holsin suddenly directs in response, as he moves in the direction of the voices, toward the massive boulder that blocks entry into the temple from the outside. “I must let my fellow seekers know that I am okay--thanks again to you—and share with them what insights I have gathered during both my meditations and struggles here.” He quickly surveys the boulder and the damaged entrance with a builders-eye. “Too great a task for an old dwarf, such as myself to handle alone. May I once again impose upon you for aid? Have you any suggestions or means by which to remove this rock that separates me from kinsmen?”

The massive boulder completely blocks the primary entrance to the temple. However, you think it may be possible to remove the boulder with sufficient time and effort. Doing so could take a considerable amount of time and most likely could only be accomplished by employing a variety of methods, such as utilizing the properly placed application of force, breaking away pieces of the stone, using directed help from the other side of the boulder, and/or using mechanical methods.

Assuming the PCs wish to help, they can remove the boulder with a series of three successful checks. A variety of skills can be used. Please give me rolls for two skill checks along with a description of how the skill use aids in the task of removing the boulder. The skills used may both be the same for each PC, or different. Note, the use of different skills can make the task easier. The use of a device, tool, weapon, and/or other object may also provide bonuses. These checks are also an opportunity for the PCs to show off for the audience and come up with daring plans. Be creative.

Holsin will be with you as you work, and, through the power of his magical item, able to respond to any questions you may pose to him.

Once I have each of the PCs' rolls, I will describe the progress/results and tally the party’s successes.

The camera drone buzz around capturing close-ups of the Starfinders and attempting close-ups of the Dwarf as well.

Huckle will try to maneuver around the boulder, slip into the tightest spaces, gain momentum and push it athletics: 6 - 2 + 1d20 ⇒ 6 - 2 + (10) = 14
acrobatics: 8 + 1d20 - 2 ⇒ 8 + (3) - 2 = 9

KM once again pulls out his grenade,"Blow it up?" he says unsure of how exactly to use it in that way.
He will go ahead and attempt to follow Jim's lead and use Athletics and acrobatics to move the boulder.

Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"Man, KM, you read my mind. Here, let me get us a crevice to wedge that in..."

Possibly heartened by his feat of strength earlier, Rex shoves the boulder and tries to coordinate everyone with his usual good cheer.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Delea cheerfully encourages the others.

dipl.: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

dipl.: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

At Holsin's request, the Starfinders quickly get to work tackling the problem of the boulder. Huckle Jim attempts to fit himself into a tight space, for leverage, but he is unable to do so. Nevertheless, with some exertion, he is able to get the rock slightly moving.

Krombopulos Micheals considers using a grenade, but decides instead to follow Huckle Jim's lead. He is unable to exert much force on the boulder, but is able to wedge himself into a spot to provide some leverage.

With the shirren in the space, preventing the boulder from rolling backward as Huckle Jim pushes, Rex sees an opportunity to apply a bit more force and with is push, the boulder begins to move in earnest.

As the boulder begins to move, Rex inspires his allies and Delea loudly shouts encouragement, which Holsin translates for the dwarfs on the other side. Picking up on the Starfinders' cues through the gaps in the stones, a coordinated effort is made on both sides of the boulder and the massive stone slips and rolls away from the entrance.

The air is suddenly filled with a series of rousing cheers in dwarven and Ylga and the other dwarves rush into the temple, shouting phrases of joy and slamming fists on stone in excitement. The sudden deluge of dwarves overwhelm Holsin and the Starfinders with shouts of encouragement, praise, and relief.

The camera drones whiz all around, trying to capture each congratulatory pat, bump, and embrace.

Holsin holds up his hands, speaking commands in dwarven and motioning for the dwarves to come to some semblance of order. As the fervor dies down, the elderly dwarf speaks to the Starfinders.

"Great heroes, the Marbleheart Clan is forever within your debt!" Holsin declares, "Because you have mightily and graciously come to our aid, our Quest for the Sky may continue."

”Truly,” Holsin announces, “you are among the greatest heroes here on all of Golarion!”

"Will you be OK now? What caused the damage to the temple, and will it happen again?"

Rex keeps a forced smile on his face as he side-eyes a look to Krombopulous and Jim. "Did you just hear him say Golarion too?" he asks them. "Because I don't want to tell them that their planet is MIA unless... well, wait. Do you think this moon is Golarion??"

"Will you be OK now? What caused the damage to the temple, and will it happen again?"

”I have been asking myself those same questions, Tall One,” Holsin responds, the tone of his voice suddenly departing from the cheerfulness of just moments ago and falling into a more quiet, solemn one. “For generations, my people have climbed higher and higher in these Darklands, pursuing our Quest for the Sky. Our Quest was prompted by a great tremor, which had been prophesied by our god and our creator, the Father of Dwarvenkind and Maker of Golarion—Torag. Ever since then, our people have pressed onward and upward—prompted, some may say… “coaxed”… by periodic rumbles and tremors brought about by the hand of the Torag, the Father of the Forge. Throughout our Quest, our god has provided for us. Regardless the challenges and opposition, we have faithfully pursued the work—the Quest—assigned to us by blessed Torag.”

Though they do not understand the tongue in which he is speaking, Ylga and the other dwarves now surrounding Holsin let out small cheers, beat their fists to their chests, or strike the stone floor with smithy hammers in approval upon hearing the name of their god being uttered to the newcomers. Holsin, however, does not seem to share their joy and confidence.

In an effort to capture the dwarf's face as he's speaking, a camera drone settles in the air a few feet away from Holsin. The elderly dwarf, tries to shield his face from the watchful, hovering eye of the camera.

“Of late, it seems,” he continues, more quietly now, in his somber tone, “that we have been receiving less and less of the blessings of our god. I have noticed, recently, that his miracles seem somehow to be…”

The pious dwarf pauses to consider his words, “… less… powerful. I believe this has happened because our god’s power has somehow become… diluted by the influence of surface faiths with which we must contend. Indeed, we have been encountering the short orcs with more frequency. They have returned from the surface with magic wands that cut and burn with light, which they use against us. Furthermore, the short orcs have used vile surface magic to channel the sky-realm’s toxic air into the caverns, killing our kin. Once large, the Marbleheart clan, was split into smaller groups to seek the surface more than a century ago—during a time before my memories. Thus, our number, was no more than forty-three, before the return of the short orcs and the quakes, but now we number less than thirty.” Holsin pauses for a moment, seemingly contemplating those clan members that had been lost.

After a few moments, he regains his composure, [b]“I fear that the recent tremors and quakes—like those that preceded the coming of the orcs and their deadly, sky-realm air—like those that brought down portions of this sacred temple—brought stone down upon me. I fear that they are signs of Torag’s disfavor—that our god is angry at us, despite our efforts of faithfulness and piety.”

“If that be the case, “ Holsin concludes, a look of grave concern and, perhaps even fear with his eyes, “then in answer to your questions: No, Tall Delea, we are not ‘OK’. And I fear that something like this will almost certainly happen again.”

He looks deeply into Delea's eyes, trying to get a read on her. He then looks at the other Starfinders for a moment, before returning his gaze to Delea. Then, he says, "There is, however, a cause for hope..."

Delea's antennae quiver slightly in sadness at hearing the dwarf's wavering faith. "Please tell me about this cause for hope, and if there is anything we can do to help you. My god, Weydan, would have me help all who are of good will."

"Why, it is you!" Holsin replies, a smile forming upon his face. "The cause for hope is you, Tall Delea. You and your companions."

The dwarf motions at the surrounding settlement and temple, as he explains, "I have been praying to Torag for guidance on how to deal with the short orcs and their deadly air ever since the creatures returned. I was praying here in the Temple, when the last tremor occurred. And I continued to pray as I lay pinned beneath the rock."[/b]

"And in response to my prayers, there was the arrival of you!" Holsin says. "If my kin and I are to survive and reach the surface of Golarion--and I believe that we are, now, so close--someone of strength and fortitude must be able to make their way past the fogs of poisons and clear the tunnels of the orcs."

"My kin readily succumb to the fumes and my magic can sustain but a few within the fog at a time, but you..." Holsin motions to the Starfinders, "All of you could do it. You could lead the way and help us complete our Quest!"