
stormraven |

The unicorn's voice is odd and rough, clearly unaccustomed to speaking the common tongue. "No, I will not carry you. Only the pure of heart may sometimes sit upon my back." The unicorn's eyes never waver. "There is little room for vengeance in a pure heart."

Jayse |

Jayse, still looking exhausted and somewhat distracted, looks over at Ushari. "Well, I do like to look all pretty. As much as I'd like to get a run like that on my finger, you tend to draw the ire of groping pirates and high-speed, giant-thrown boulders. For the time being why don't you hold onto it?"
He looks about to say something else when the horned-horse speaks... and a dumb-struck expression creeps onto his face. "Wha? Um... Don't suppose you know of abway to help us with rescuing these girls, huh?"

Ushari Velnokal |

Ushari gives Jayse a silly smile. "Awww, Jayse! And here I thought you just wanted me to look pretty!" She gives the warrior monk a playful tap on his shoulder. "Thanks much for that, I hope it protects me from other things as well." she adds, as she slips the ring on her finger.
When the unicorn replies to Fin verbally, she very nearly drops her ring in surprise. How does she know about Fin's past? Can she read her mind? To deflect attention from the elf maiden, she adds to Jayse's query. "If there is a way you could help us...track them, that would be most helpful."

stormraven |

The unicorn looks between Ushari and Jayse as she speaks, her voice smoothing out as she becomes accustomed to talking. "I think they still follow the wagon-path as it is the surest path through these open fields, especially when escaping danger. I can offer no assistance in your search - I am of the deep forest and these open fields are not my home." She considers things for a moment, "But I can give you a blessing that may help."
The horn of the wondrous beast glows and she gently touches each member of the party with it. You feel your weariness fade and a sense of renewed optimism.
You guys have +2 to ALL rolls for the next 24 hours.
"The forest calls me back. Is there anything else I might do before I go?"

stormraven |

The unicorn trumpets her agreement, nods, and trots off into the forest. You quickly sort your gear and head off in pursuit of your quarry.
So what's the course, guys? High-speed pursuit along the wagon path or attempt to 'cut the corner' by going straight since the path roughly follows the curve of a bow and hope to get ahead of the wagon?

Jayse |

Jayse tucks his potion into one of his small pockets, manifesting his blue blade as he watches the unicorn leave. After one last look around the giant killing grounds, his eyes end on Ushari, putting on the ring and stashing away the potion. "Straehan, you sure you don't want this other potion? The Heroism one?"
Either way, he stretches his shoulders once, preparing to set out once again. "I don't like how this chase is turning out. The fact that they keep killing off the girls they're supposedly going to sell is… well… disconcerting." He watches the horizon in the general direction the path takes, "What do you suppose the chances are that our mage friend caught up to them, and they're leaving us a message to stop following? If that's the case, then they're either killing the girls in the hopes that we'll get the message… basically just hoping that they're not wasting their own profits. Or they have some way to watch the path behind them. Might be a compelling reason to cut across country and try to get ahead of them." He looks back at the group, "Of course that's just speculation. Though I do like the idea of getting out in front of them for once… assuming we don't run into any more slow-downs."

Jayse |

Sorry for the double-post, but it's kind of two different convos...
Before they set out, Jayse pulls Straehan, Findelgwing and Ushari aside, making sure they're out of ear-shot of Jax and Porter.
He hesitates for a second, fiddling with his earlobe in thought before speaking up, "So, have any of you had any new memories lately?" He doesn't really give them time to answer before plowing ahead, "Cause something definitely came back in the middle of that fight." He tells them of the sensation of drawing on the inner power, then of the memory being unlocked. He does his best to recall every detail of the powerful and crystal clear memory. Read the spoiler HERE. "Any of you have any idea of where that could have been? From the architecture? Or anything?"

Straehan |

Strae eyes the potion dubiously. "Heroism? That's a character defect where I come from. I'd just as soon have a Potion of Rampant Chickenism and Enduring Survival. You guys can play hero, I'll pass. Still, if you want me to carry it, I might be able to put it to use... if I ever get overtly brave or particularly suicidal." His grin says it all.
Strae pouches the potion with a nod of thanks and offers his own speculation to counterpoint the monk's.
"I'm not sure why they killed the first girl, but they didn't do in..." he pulls the name from memory, "Megan. She was killed by the giant or one of the ogres. Judging by the boot on the fire, they also got one of the pirates. I'm guessing, the ogres attacked the wagon. Maybe Megan and some pirate got caught or maybe the pirates tossed Megan off the back of the wagon to slow down pursuit. Better to sacrifice one than lose them all."
"Maybe we should follow the track for a bit to see if there's evidence one way or the other as to what happened?" It's clear he's offering it as a half-hearted suggestion, not sure if it's worth doing.

Ushari Velnokal |

Either way, he stretches his shoulders once, preparing to set out once again. "I don't like how this chase is turning out. The fact that they keep killing off the girls they're supposedly going to sell is… well… disconcerting." He watches the horizon in the general direction the path takes, "What do you suppose the chances are that our mage friend caught up to them, and they're leaving us a message to stop following? If that's the case, then they're either killing the girls in the hopes that we'll get the message… basically just hoping that they're not wasting their own profits. Or they have some way to watch the path behind them. Might be a compelling reason to cut across country and try to get ahead of them." He looks back at the group, "Of course that's just speculation. Though I do like the idea of getting out in front of them for once… assuming we don't run into any more slow-downs."
"Maybe they are just trying to slow us down, until they can get to a place on the trail where they can lose us."
EDIT, Ninja'd
"I'm not sure why they killed the first girl, but they didn't do in..." he pulls the name from memory, "Megan. She was killed by the giant or one of the ogres. Judging by the boot on the fire, they also got one of the pirates. I'm guessing, the ogres attacked the wagon. Maybe Megan and some pirate got caught or maybe the pirates tossed Megan off the back of the wagon to slow down pursuit. Better to sacrifice one than lose them all."
"Maybe we should follow the track for a bit to see if there's evidence one way or the other as to what happened?" It's clear he's offering it as a half-hearted suggestion, not sure if it's worth doing.
She nods in response to Straehan, "It seems like a prudent decision."

Straehan |

Straehan absentmindedly pulls the dit of hair below his lip, lost in thought at Jayse's recollection.
"I haven't had any new memories but, if I'm recalling the right page from the encyclopedia of info that our benefactor gave me access to, I think you are describing the monastic architecture of Bolline or possibly one of the eastern lands. The roof styles are unique."
Knowledge: Engineering 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 = 32 Unicorn Bless
Jayse, you lucky bastard...
Knowledge: Geography 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 = 27 Unicorn

Fin-bot |

Fin spends 10 minutes roaming around the wheat field, looking at the terrain, feeling the soil, and comparing it to the path. Her Aquan response is lengthy.
Straehan translates, "It's hard to say. The soil is softer and slower off the path. There are burrows and trails of gophers and other creatures that could turn an ankle, slow a cart down, or damage a wheel. They would be a lot slower off the path, if they go carefully."

Jayse |

The memory discussion:
Jayse looks confused by the implications of Straehan's knowledge of his memory. "Which begs the question: what was the mission I accomplished?" He sighs, "Thanks, Strae… every little piece helps, right?"
The chase discussion:
"Something else to consider. I should be able to scout ahead if you all are fine with me separating myself. As much as I don't like leaving the shelter of the group, a little advanced warning and information could be invaluable."

Straehan |

"Just don't get too far ahead. Advanced warning doesn't do us any good if you don't live long enough to relay the message. Sure you don't want that potion of Heroism now, seeing as you're being all heroicy?"
Unless you guys say otherwise, I'm going to assume you follow along the path for the moment. Feel free to continue the conversation about memories. We'll assume it happens as you lope along and before Jayse starts really separating from the pack to scout ahead.

Ushari Velnokal |

The memory discussion:
Jayse looks confused by the implications of Straehan's knowledge of his memory. "Which begs the question: what was the mission I accomplished?" He sighs, "Thanks, Strae… every little piece helps, right?"
Ushari thinks for a moment, and quietly adds "Well, Jayse, I have no idea what your mission entails, but I am pretty sure it was not a routine bodyguard assignment. Your training was quite extensive and intense. Judging by the effort expended in your training, Jayse, they wanted you to do something extremely dangerous and difficult to do. Something on par with assassinating a well guarded target, a king or other powerful noble."

Jayse |

Jayse shrugs at Ushari's observations, muttering a non-commital "Anything's possible at this point, I guess…" After a few more minutes of quiet consideration, he lengthens his stride, easily breaking away from the group to see what's ahead.
As he pushes ahead, he looks back, "I'll try to check in every couple of hours. If I'm gone for over three hours… be concerned."
As he jogs out of sight, enjoying the simple rhythmic pleasure of muscles being used, he forms up a plan in his mind.
Don't crest ridges without checking first... watch your silhouette... dont linger at choke points... keep to shadows and cover...
Stormy, feel free to roll all checks for Jayse at this point (since i don't really know what he's likely to encounter). He's trying to be stealthy when he can, and keeping wary eyes open not only for tracks or signs of passage, but for other threats as well (given their day so far).

stormraven |

Our valiant heroes lope onwards along the trail surrounded by an endless field of waist-high, crimson wheat. The only thing breaking the endless horizon are some mountains to the east and the rapidly receding forest and hills behind.
After an hour or so, you see the wagon tracks veer off the path. A great deal of the wheat is trampled around the remains of a small fire. There also appear to be several trails that bent the wheat. They are coming from some low hillocks in the near distance. You also spy a spot of far more red wheat - sticky with blood.
Fin makes a cursory examination and follows the trails back to the hillocks. It appears the hillocks surround a deep ravine that was a makeshift camp/hide for the group of monstrous humanoids. When the pirates stopped to make camp or eat, the impatient ogres attacked instead of waiting for the trail to bring their prey closer to their hiding spot. In the ensuing battle, the wagon managed to get away. It moved at high speed back onto the track. The distance between the hoof-prints indicate that the horse was at a near gallop which continued for quite some time. Seeing nothing else of note, our heroes press onward.
Tracking 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 = 28 unicorn

Straehan |

Jayse easily pulls ahead of the group and is seen jogging into the distance. As the miles and time add up, the main group is quiet - conserving their breath and staying alert.
Straehan watches his compatriots, especially Fin. The elf maiden has been particularly withdrawn and uncommunicative since this morning's battle - more so even that she was normally. Her scrunched up face is brooding and intense.
Straehan sidles up casually to Ushari and nudges the blonde, indicating Fin with a look. "What do you think is up with her?"

stormraven |

It is early spring and even though it is approaching midday, the weather is cold. Jayse's last check-in with the group was merely a courtesy. He hadn't seen any sign of their quarry or anything else unusual. He jogs on ahead, his long gait eating up the miles. He is perhaps an hour ahead of the group when he spies an odd, assymetrical, sort of box-like, dark shape near the path. He immediately dives for cover in the wheat, listening...
He hears nothing. Rising slowly, peeking just above the stalks, the monk studies the object, trying to make sense of it.
It takes him a moment and his heart nearly stops. It appears to be a dirt-spattered wagon, knocked on its side. It is either broken in some way or sinking into mud on the side of the road. It clearly isn't lying flat. Moreover, Jayse spots the remains of a wheel and the sharp spike of a snapped axle. He eyes the trail more closely and sees that the wagon ruts he's been following terminate at the accident ahead. This is the pirate's wagon but where are the pirates and the women?
J's Stealth: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 = 32 unicorn
J's Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 2 = 20 unicorn

Ushari Velnokal |

Ushari chuckles quietly, "Yes, I can understand why you don't like riding horses. Heck, I don't really like riding them either, probably becuase I grew up in Crux. Not too many horses there, I guess."
She is quiet for a moment, and then bending over, pulls the gnome close so she can whisper in his ear "I think Fin was hurt more by the rejection as well. The unicorn mentioned the fact she was not worthy, due to the thoughts of revenge in her heart. I think that is what she is trying to deal with. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise..."

Jayse |

Jayse is a statue hidden among the red field, his eyes constantly on the move as he thinks through the situation. With an hour lead on the group, he has the time to be patient. A phrase of instruction floats to the surface, its source unknown. Stealth is one part skill and nine parts patience.
Well, he thinks to himself, I have some time... better make it worth it.
For a full ten minutes he does nothing but let his senses roam. His blue eyes seek out any motion not accounted for by the movement of the red stalks. His ears straining for anything above the whispering of the wind.
If he sees nothing for the full ten minutes...
Jayse loosens muscles that have grown tight over their short time spent coiled and ready. Without breaking the level of the stalks, he glides through the grass, doing his best to move with the wind. He tries to watch everywhere at once. The road. The fields. The skies. Even his hands and feet on the earth strain for any movement or vibration at odds with the natural movements around him.
Trying to get a better look at the broken cart without getting too close (20 feet or so). Bodies? Trails? Blood? Anything else that might be a sign of what happened.
If it's possible to take 10 on these rolls, I will. If not...
Perception 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 2 = 19.
Stealth 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 = 19.

stormraven |

Jayse waits, watches, and listens for ten minutes and even a few more besides, just to be sure. He notes nothing of interest aside from the infrequent chitter of insects and the appearance of a small blue bird darting over the wheat heads snapping up bugs on the wing.
With great caution, the monk slinks forward...
Belatedly, the cautious monk sees that the wagon is not really broken up so much as partially sunk. The sucking sounds and the pulling at his ankles gives him a brief moment to reflect on the fact that not all hazards are above ground.
"Oh, Shiiiii..." says Jayse as he tries to spring/swim/roll free of the mud, plant, water, and sand vortex sucking him down like a drain. Even the monk's vaunted skills fail to liberate him from the churning whirlpool dragging him into the depths of the earth. Jayse tries to swim against the tide until the light from the world above vanishes as the 'stream' slams him into a rock wall, jarring his teeth. The tidal wave of mud funnels him (along with the flotsam) down a wide sluice.
The monk catches the barest glimpse of his surroundings as he struggles to keep his lungs and face free of the torrent of mud. He is sliding down a smooth, worked stone channel some 20' square... and he's heading for another fall and several more bends in the tunnel.
WHAM! The mud slams Jayse into a wall before sending him for another 30' plunge. The blow sets his ears ringing. He focuses on just keeping his head above the muck. He looks for something to grab on to but there is nothing.
SLAM! CRACK! Jayse is nearly broken against the walls in an elaborate set of elbow bends in the downward-angled channel. He barely holds onto consciousness.
The channel dives steeply and narrows driving the mud and Jayse even faster. The 'soup' around him is whipped into a foaming cataract. Jayse sees the wall and waterfall approaching but there is nothing he can do. Like an insect, the monk is crushed against the wall and pounded by the relentless tide of mud before he slips, unconscious, down the wall and into the stream of the waterfall. He isn't awake to appreciate the sickening crunch with which his boneless body hits the wide stone grate in the vast chamber.
J's Reflex Save DC:26 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14
J's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (10, 1) = 11 1/2 non-lethal
J's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (6, 10) = 16 1/2 non-lethal
J's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6 non-lethal
J's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9 DAM 3d10 ⇒ (2, 10, 9) = 21 non-lethal - Unconscious
Fall - 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7 DAM
J's Location: 1d8 ⇒ 6
A few moments later, a light wind whips across the wheat nearly stifling the infrequent chitter of insects as a small blue bird darts over the wheat heads snapping up bugs on the wing and lands briefly on the over-turned wagon with the snapped axle. No human eye is present to mark this small pastoral scene.

stormraven |

Some Time Later...
The main group jogs along the path needing no help following the trail made by the readily apparent wheel-ruts and hoof-prints belonging to the pirates' wagon.
Ushari calls a halt when she spies what appears to be an overturned wagon in the middle distance. There are no signs of life.
U's Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
S's Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 Birdies!

Ushari Velnokal |

Ushari pauses and considers the scene before her. That is the wagon we are looking for, but where is everyone? As she continues looking for any signs of life, another troubling thing occurs to her, Where is Jayse? There is no way he could have missed this…and he would have returned to guide us here…was he ambushed by the pirates?
She motions to Fin, while pointing to the ground. ”See if you can find out if Jayse made it this far.”
I hope Jayse is all right…

Fin-bot |

Fin weaves back and forth through the grain, looking for any signs of Jayse. She calls you all forward, pointing to a spot on the ground that appears to have a deep set of footprints and several lighter ones in the same size.
Through Straehan she says, "It looks like Jayse sat here for quite some time watching and then moved in the direction of the wagon. He didn't appear to be in a hurry."
Tracking 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 20 Unicorn Bonus, Human target

Ushari Velnokal |

"So, he headed towards the wagon. Then that is where we need to go as well." Ushari mutters to herself.
She draws her rapier, and motions for Jax and Porter to cover them with their bows. She them waves Fin ahead and steps next to Straehan, following close behind her.
Se points at the place Jayse was hiding earlier, and points to the monk's footprints. "Fin, where did Jayse head to?"

stormraven |

Fin shrugs and begins following the monk's path with Ushari and Straehan following a few steps behind, weapons and spells ready. The only 'threat' they encounter is the slippery footing caused by the mud. After another 25', Fin stops, confused.
You look down and see the monk's footprints disappear amid a large area of churned up mud and earth. Then you realise that mud can be a serious threat as the earth gives way forming a massive vortex that sucks at your boots, feet, and all of the rest of you.
Fin with the instincts of a trained warrior, leaps to freedom but fails to find purchase on the liquifying bank by mere inches. She tumbles backwards into the maelstrom and disappears.
Ushari with the phenomenal dexterity of an acrobat, buries her rapier in the crumbling earth and uses the pommel as a springboard to launch herself out of the alarmingly large whirlpool of slurry. She watches her rapier disappear in the tide of mud down what appears to be a man-made underground sluice.
Straehan, alas, has neither a warrior's nor an acrobat's skill. With only a look of bewilderment on his face and a shout of "Oh you MOTHER-F@c<..." he is sucked down the channel, propelled by a tide of mud and earth. He vanishes from sight almost instantly.
Ushari is poleaxed, almost forgetting to step back as more ground gives way and is drawn down the tunnel. The roar of the earthpool is deafening.
U's Reflex Save DC:26 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 = 28 SAFE
S's Reflex Save DC:26 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11 FALL
F's Reflex Save DC:26 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 24 FALL

Ushari Velnokal |

Ushari stands at the edge of the newly formed earthpool, stunned into inaction. Crazily she thinks, I wasted good money on that blade! She can do little but watch as her friends get sucked down into who knows where.
Once the noise has subsided, she rises unsteadily to her feet and heads to where Porter and Jax stand.
"I...I think we know where Jayse, not to mention everyone else disappeared to!"
A couple of questions here. Has the earthpool remained open, or did it close up? Appx. how wide is the tunnel? How deep is it? How steady does the ground around the pool look? For right now, Ushari will stay a safe distance from it.

stormraven |

The hole started about 10' wide and is now approaching 25' wide. It roughly forms a whirlpool and is continuing to drain water, mud, and sand into the 'tunnel'. The edge of ground around the whirlpool is extremely unstable.
The tunnel size is hard to estimate given the volume of mud still pouring into it. It might be 20' wide but it is hard to guess. The edge of the whirlpool to the bottom where it drains into the tunnel is probably 20' deep. As for the depth of the tunnel - you can't tell. It drains downward at an angle initially. You don't see a drop-off. There appears to have been some sort of block or door over the tunnel at some point. Only jagged bit remain in spots.

Ushari Velnokal |

Ushari grimaces as she stares at the ever-widening hole growing in the ground. Still there was little time to waste. She reaches into her pack and pulls out her silk rope, and starts tying a secure knot around her slender waist.
She hands one end of the rope to Porter, and replies with an acerbic tone in her voice, "I have a feeling that is the case. As for what are we going to do now, I am going down there, and BOTH of you are going to hold on to this end of my rope. If I start tugging on it, pull me up."
Once she has finished tying off the rope, she gives them a hopefully reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself." As she waits for the size of the hole to stop growing, she quells a rising sense of panic at the thought of heading into the darkness. She then discovered something else she had not known about herself. She has claustrophobia.
She waits until Porter and Jax have a secure grip, and then proceeds to get as close as she can to the edge of the hole, looking for an easy way to head into the tunnel.
I hope I know what I am doing...
Climb 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 = 20 unicorn bless

stormraven |

Ushari walks to the edge gingerly once it seems stable, though water continues to drain from the saturated soil and pour down the channel. Unfortunately her weight causes more of the loose dirt to collapse into the muddy hole. Seeing no option, she rides the torrent of earth down to the bottom before jumping off.
Even with her 'soft' landing, Ushari is unprepared for the force of the water driving her towards the channel. The rope sings as it pulls taut, nearly yanking the wind from the acrobat. With a breath of apprehension, she slides down the chute as the warriors play out the rope. The water batters her unmercifully. Inside the tunnel, she can see it is about 20' square and smooth-sided. Standing is impossible - the water is too strong and the floor too slick. She paddles towards the wall and finds it also is too smooth to grip.
Slowly, Jax and Porter pay out the rope until its limit is reached, putting Ushari about 30' down the tunnel. She sees the light recede to almost nothing at this point. As she looks down the channel, what little she sees looks exactly like the 30' she just passed through - smooth and straight with a noticeable downward angle.
Ushari body surfs the current for a few minutes, debating what to do. There is no telling how far this tunnel continues. Slowly, she feels the men coiling her and the rope back in.
What are you going to do?
Porter Strength 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 17 unicorn, AA
Jax Strength AA 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10 unicorn

Ushari Velnokal |

Ushari allows herself to be dragged up by the pair of warriors. Once she has rejoined them, she reports ”That tunnel heads downwards for as far as I could see! What I think happened is something, or someone triggered the collapse of the tunnel on the wagon. But who built the tunnel…?”
She stares at the tunnel for a moment, thinking of the best way to tackle this dilemma. Slowly a plan forms in her head. She takes Skitter out and activates him, and then reaching into her pouch, she takes out her magical Coin of Finding. She hands the Coin to Skitter, and says to him ”Hang onto this coin, Skitter, and DO NOT LET GO!”
She then turns to Porter and Jax. ”OK, this is what we are going to do. We are going down that tunnel. I have magic that can find not only Jayse, Fin, and Straehan, but the missing girls as well.” She motions to the rope, Please tie yourselves together, that current is fairly swift.”
She readies to climb down, and then something occurs to her. Jax, Porter, I…I cannot tell you to join me going down there. To be honest with you, I do not believe we will find any of them alive….but if there is any chance…I have to try, but neither of you need to do this. I am asking you both to help me here, as I have lost my blade, and I have no idea what is lurking below.”
Assuming both warriors agree to accompany Ushari, this is the plan:
1. Skitter will hang onto the Coin of Finding, so he can climb on the walls of the tunnel, and he will be in front, leading the others.
2. Ushari, Jax and Porter will be tied together by the rope, and will also be in that order.
3. For a light source, Ushari will cast Light on Skitter.
4. Ushari will try to find Jayse first.

stormraven |

Just to dispel a couple of misinterpretations here so you can make an informed decision:
1. There is no way to walk down that tunnel. The floor is incredibly slick without even considering the volume of water pouring down it. If the three of you go down there, tied together or not, it won't be standing or at a measured pace. This is an E-Ticket Water Slide.
2. The wall is seamless and slick as well. It is possible that Skitter could hang on and walk it, but it is not assured.
Does that alter your plans any?

Nameless Normal |

The warriors listen to her plan in full before commenting. Porter says, "I don't think we should all go down there. Help up top may come in handy... or at least having someone who can fetch additional help or report what's happened. From what you've said, we know we'll need a lot more rope at the very least."

Ushari Velnokal |

Ushari looks at the tunnel and realizes her plan is not going to work. Reluctantly she puts Skitter away, along with her Coin. She then turns to Porter and Jax, ”I am afraid this will be a one way trip, guys. While I have no ties keeping me here, I know both of you do. Again, I cannot tell you to go with me, I can only ask. If you both want to turn back, I will understand completely. I only ask you to give me one of your blades, as I have lost mine.”
After hearing Porter's comment, she nods in agreement. "OK, then I leave it up you to decide which one of you chooses to go with me."
The revised plan is Skitter and the Coin safely stashed away, and Ushari (with Jax or Porter, if they agree) sliding down the tunnel.

Nameless Normal |

The men discuss it briefly. Since Jax is already quite beat up, he will remain behind. "I'll wait a few hours and hope to hear from you. If I don't, I'll hotfoot it home and get more help, rope, and anything else I can think of." He buckles his blade and scabbard on the small woman.
Porter nods and ties himself to Ushari. "Ready when you are."
They hold hands and dive into the fast flowing stream, disappearing into the tunnel...

Straehan |

Fin never gains control of her tumbling spin down the waterway. She is battered at every turn and drop, finally blacking out when she slams against the same wall that concussed Jayse into unconsciousness.
Straehan's small stature allows him to fair slightly better, avoiding some of the worst of the wall bashing. However, it is a dubious distinction. He remains conscious until the last 20' fall onto the stone grating in the vaulted chamber. As the gnome topples headfirst towards the unyielding floor, he only has time to marvel at the lamp light which allows him to see what he is about to hit.
Oh, no. is the last thing to pass through his mind before the collision with the floor and the unmoving body of the elf robs him of consciousness.

stormraven |

Ushari slides down the tunnel with Porter, hand in hand, trying to keep their heads above water while slowing themselves down with vigorous one-hand back paddling. It does little good against the torrential stream. They fly by the spot where Ushari dangled at the end of the rope.... and they go a great deal further. It is almost too dark to see the first bend in the tunnel. Ushari's ears pick up the sound before her eyes. The column of water roars as it slams into a wall and makes a right turn.
With her acrobat's instincts, Ushari aims her feet towards the wall and manages to absorb most of the blow. Porter slaps against the wall far less gracefully. His hand loses its grip with Ushari's but she manages to catch onto the collar of his armor. They ride through the next passage like manic tobaggeners and are alarmed to see the path gets far steeper - drilling down deeply into the earth.
The next major set of quick turns is followed by a long drop. Ushari tries to orient herself and Porter to take the blows as best they can... Porter hits most of the walls with his feet but Ushari slams into the first wall sideways. After that, it doesn't get any prettier. Their hands separate. WHAM! WHAP! CRASH!
She sees stars for a moment and then a curious sense of falling. Fortunately, the water cushions some of the blow but Ushari is driven to the bottom and bounces off the unyielding surface before the water sweeps her away. SLAM! She only has time to see Porter splash down head-first. CRUNCH! The water course narrows funneling more water into a tighter channel. Now their only connection is the rope. She looks back to see how the warrior fairs. His body spins lifelessly behind her. She hopes he isn't dead but there is no way to tell and the monstrous crashing sound in front of her draws her immediate attention.
The high pressure stream of water is boiling - slamming against a massive slab of wall before it plummets straight down! Ushari can only pray as she is pile-driven into the wall. The force of the water holds her against the wall for a moment, long enough for her consciousness to flee before releasing her into the waterfall. BLAMMO!
Ushari isn't even aware of her final fall and crash where she, ironically, lands next to her rapier on the stone grate.
U's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (10, 2) = 12 1/2 non-lethal
U's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (3, 7) = 10 non-lethal
U's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (2, 8) = 10 non-lethal
U's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16 DAM 3d10 ⇒ (7, 6, 7) = 20 non-lethal Unconscious
Fall - 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 DAM
Total Non-Lethal: 51
DAM: 5
P's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (4, 8) = 12 non-lethal
P's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 = 23 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9 1/2 non-lethal
P's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9 DAM 2d10 ⇒ (8, 10) = 18 non-lethal Unconscious
P's Fort Save DC:20 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 = 18 DAM 3d10 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) = 9 non-lethal
Fall - 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7 DAM
Total Non-Lethal: 50
DAM: 7