
Pact Stone GM |

The fruhgen doesn't actually look at Jason. It keeps its gaze affixed to the great gate as though expecting something to happen.
The fruhgen does however, lift a frothy finger to answer the sorcerer's question by pointing to the remnant of crystal in Donkor's hand.
"You can't have the gate's exit inside the gate itself. . . It's not possible."
OOC: "I do not think that word means what he thinks it does."

Hurgah the Reaver |

Never have I wanted Combat Reflexes more. Horatio Hornblower gets the honor of the hit. The rest, I should be able to remove once my turn comes around. This is gonna hurt, though. Sorry, Moonpate.
Hurgah snaps out with razor fangs at the hornblower.
Bite:
Attack roll 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Damage roll 1d8 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25
Cornugon Smash - demoralize roll 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 (+4 vs Medium or smaller creatures)
AC 15 (flatfooted), hp 69/93, Rage: 3/15, Claws/bite: 2/6, Enlarge: 2/40

Donkor Sooron |

"My friend, please calm yourself. All things that happen are under the guidance of Holy Pharasma. All things which she deems possible >are< possible. In the meantime, could you please direct us to some breathable air? Our situation is likely to become somewhat uncomfortable if none is found for us."
As he tries to calm down the little Frugen, he takes his cues from Jason and examines his little bit of crystal more carefully, seeing if he can ascertain anything new about it. Is it manipulatable in any way?
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Pact Stone GM |

As he tries to calm down the little Frugen, he takes his cues from Jason and examines his little bit of crystal more carefully, seeing if he can ascertain anything new about it. Is it manipulatable in any way?
My bad - Jason and the fruhgen are actually looking at the gigantic 50 foot high gate of metal behind you. Though the way the fruhgen talks about it, it's as though the metal gate and the tiny crystal remnant are one and the same.
Donkor studies the crystal which seems to sparkle even more in the waters of the unending seas. He takes in its design and studies every detail, but he is no closer to unlocking its mysteries.
Worth a shot!

Moonpate |

Hurgah snaps out with razor fangs at the hornblower.
Geez, Hurgah can sure apply the hurt! That guard is deli meat, which was the right thing to do, as much as it might pain me.
For the Beetle: So, being right next to our pile of weapons, is Moon able to grab his rod of woe and apply it this turn, or do I need to consider something else? Of course, all is moot if I get skewered.

Pact Stone GM |

"My friend, please calm yourself. All things that happen are under the guidance of Holy Pharasma. All things which she deems possible >are< possible. In the meantime, could you please direct us to some breathable air? Our situation is likely to become somewhat uncomfortable if none is found for us."
"Air breathers? Then what are your gills for?" The little fruhgen then seems to clue in that your gills are magical enhancements and alas, only temporary, answering his own question.
The creature then makes a motion as though sucking in a great breath and then exhales. Out pours a huge spray of tiny bubbles. It looks like a massive collection of shining marbles. The frughen studies the direction of the escaping air, which in this case is straight up. He watches them for thirty long suspenseful seconds which are followed by an uninspiring frown.
"The escape-air returns all the way to the Great Free. For a Landwalker that is many days away by up-swim. You'll need to find a pocket. Very rare this far in, but there must be a few in the city. This is still the High Quarter of A'Viss after all."
The fruhgen furrows its brow further as though struggling to combine its thoughts. After a moment it lowers its voice and speaks to Donkor, seemingly afraid it might be overheard. "I do know some Groundlings here. They might know. . ."
"The Great Free" is slang amongst natives of the elemental plane of air for Oarus, one of the largest of regions in that plane - a place with very few limits.

Gandel |

Apologies for the prolonged silence. Currently on vacation with the family, and this is the first chance I've had to check the game.
DC 0 Swim check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Gandel lands gently and gracefully on the underwater thoroughfare with his companions. The halfling scholar gazes about wide-eyed at the wondrous sights of the Elemental Plane of Water, struck speechless by the unearthly beauty of the place.
DC 15 Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 - to read "The Gate Crasher's Guide to the Elemental Plane of Water"
Gandel automatically makes the subsequent DC 10 Knowledge (planes) check, and shares the information with his companions.

Karek Kogan |

Karek steps forward to admire the exquisite gate more closely, wondering if perhaps there is some mystery between it and the ex-decanter. (Ya think?) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 for Perception. What material is this gate made of?
Ri'den. I subbose we look fer dese pockeds. Karek looks around, but he looks somewhat lost. He shakes his head. Vrom da heardsdone do da slab, as dey say.
He reaches to shoulder his hammer, but cannot find it, and then he remembers. Does anybody hab a webbon?

Donkor Sooron |

Karek steps forward to admire the exquisite gate more closely, wondering if perhaps there is some mystery between it and the ex-decanter. (Ya think?) d20+12 for Perception. What material is this gate made of?
Ri'den. I subbose we look fer dese pockeds. Karek looks around, but he looks somewhat lost. He shakes his head. Vrom da heardsdone do da slab, as dey say.
He reaches to shoulder his hammer, but cannot find it, and then he remembers. Does anybody hab a webbon?
"Unfortunately, I did not attempt to conceal any weapons. I think we must deem them lost to us. I share in your sorrow, I know your hammer held great meaning for you."

Gandel |

"I've got a light mace and a whip in my pack, but they're sized for a halfling," Gandel responds to Karek's question. "Plus I've got two flasks of alchemist's fire - not good for much here, I'm afraid - plus two flasks of acid, two flasks of alkali, two flasks of liquid ice, two tanglefoot bags, and two thunderstones."

Pact Stone GM |

Karek steps forward to admire the exquisite gate more closely, wondering if perhaps there is some mystery between it and the ex-decanter. (Ya think?) (10)+12=22 for Perception. What material is this gate made of?
The Gate of Cascades is a massive door of gleaming metal about fifty feet high. It fills the end of the street, effectively creating a huge dead end. Karek cannot quite identify the metal. It looks like it is something akin to mithral in color and feel, but he has never seen a composite quite like this one. He wonders if perhaps it is a metal or element not found on the material plane. The metal appears to be unique to the door as well. Nothing else on the street such as the flanking towers and buildings to the sides seems to be composed of it
The gate is quite the paradox. Although it’s impossible to know for sure until one walks completely around it, there does not appear to be anything beyond it. (And currently you can’t just walk around it as it is nestled in-between two giant towers.) While the gate has hinges that suggests the door could in theory be opened, that is of course quite impossible. Put aside the strength required to open a door of this size of pure metal, there would likely be millions of tons of water pressing down upon it. All in all, this is not a door for opening, though it’s not clear what other kinds of door there actually are.
OOC: Hmmmmm – I might have another tidbit of interest for you with one of those Knowledge (architecture) checks Karek likes to make. But it’s no game changer.

Pact Stone GM |

For the Beetle: So, being right next to our pile of weapons, is Moon able to grab his rod of woe and apply it this turn, or do I need to consider something else? Of course, all is moot if I get skewered.
He's referring to his magical club right? Well with it being right on the table next to him, I'd say he could "draw" it as part of a move action. So yes, he can "apply" it on his turn. I further agree that it will be moot if Moonpate is first skewered. The Beetle does seem to be rolling unusually hot right now and the guards are up. It is rare for the Paizo dice roller to be so kind to me.

Pact Stone GM |

"A WAY Better Idea"
"Well it sure doesn't look broken to me. If we could somehow pull it open, could we just exit that way? Where would we end up?"
The fruhgen dismisses Jason’s proposal as though he were confused child. “No, no – Everybody knows that the Gateway only opens at the command of the Sooron. And he only ever opens it to release true water – not beings.”
“Wait! I got a better idea! I remember I’ve seen some groundlings do it before once! What if you take one hand and cover your mouth and nose – like this!” The frughen makes a plugging like motion as though it were holding its breath. “That way any air inside your bodies will stay inside!”

Halstadt Morgrym |

"I have no weapon other than the fire of Angradd. I doubt using such powers here will endear me to the natives.
Hal looks at the doors and his surrounding once again and then glances back at the frughen, "Well met friend of Donkor. I am Halstadt Morgrym, while I understand your gesture I fear that such a tactic will not last very long for us. Friend Donkor and all of us will perish soon if you cannot lead us to a place where there is a pocket of air or a portal back to our world".

Pact Stone GM |

"Never has he Wanted Combat Reflexes More"
(Sounds like the title to a country music song for gamers. . .)
Never have I wanted Combat Reflexes more. Horatio Hornblower gets the honor of the hit. The rest, I should be able to remove once my turn comes around. This is gonna hurt, though. Sorry, Moonpate.
Hurgah snaps out with razor fangs at the hornblower.
Bite:
Attack roll 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Damage roll 1d8 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25
Cornugon Smash - demoralize roll 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28 (+4 vs Medium or smaller creatures)AC 15 (flatfooted), hp 69/93, Rage: 3/15, Claws/bite: 2/6, Enlarge: 2/40
The guard's spear flies across the tent and strikes true, sinking deep into the half-orc's muscled breast, mere inches from where his heart valve should be.
It doesn't appear that the glowing giant even notices.
Though perhaps that's because he is already roaring in rage. An ogre-sized claw reaches across the tent and grabs the lead guard exiting the tent by the head. The guard is scooped off his feet. For a moment, you can see the guard's legs pedaling back and forth through the air as though still trying to run away. The claw contracts, crushing his skull in a sickening controlled explosion of bone fragments.
OOC: There will be no horn alarms today it seems, though now it falls to the remaining guards to complete their turn.

Pact Stone GM |

"NyaaaaRRRRGGGGH!"
Here we go!
The charges complete: "NyaaaaRRRRGGGGH!"
Guardsman charge with spear at Hurgah the Reaver, AC 15: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19 (hit)
Possible damage with spear wielded two-handed at Hurgah the Reaver: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 (applies)
Guardsman charge with spear at Moonpate the Potentate, AC 14: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12 (hit)
Possible damage with spear wielded two-handed at Moonpate the Potentate: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 (n/a)
OOC: No joke, I originally wrote this post as follows: "Holy *$^#&@! Two max damage hits! I believe that will drop Moonpate into the negatives." However, I just recalled that Moonpate cast mage armor before dim dooring into the tent - a life sparing decision as it turns out, raising his flatfooted AC from 12 to 14.
While Hurgah is crushing one guard another charges forward and drives his spear into the Reaver's side, using the force of his run to drive the steel tip right through the beast. Again though, the half-orc appears not to particularly notice.
The other guard follows suit. Moonpate rushes to grab his bar club to defend himself, but he is too slow, the guard's longer weapon seizes the day. The spearpoint drives at the wizard. . . but it is suddenly deflected at the last instant when it hits an invisible shield of force encircling the portly man's belly. It is unclear whether the guardsman or the wizard is the more surprised of the two.
OOC: That ends the guards' turn. Hurgah first, then Moonpate who is just one initiative tick slower. Hugah: all three are in reach.

Schmoosh the Fruhgen |

<------ Congrats to Hal for finally eliciting a name from a (relatively) long-standing NPC. You shouldn't read into the avatar choice anymore than I couldn't find anything better. At least it's blue.
Hal looks at the doors and his surrounding once again and then glances back at the frughen, "Well met friend of Donkor. I am Halstadt Morgrym,
"Friend of Donkor?! No, I've never met the Sooron. I'm just one of Moonpate's Vhu'shans.* I thought you might know Donkor."
OOC: Why do you force me to make this weirder than it already is?
"Please to meet you Halstadt of Morgrym. They call me Schmoosh, fruhgen of the Torrential Rain, vacationer to the place you groundlings call Abendego."
. . . while I understand your gesture I fear that such a tactic will not last very long for us. Friend Donkor and all of us will perish soon if you cannot lead us to a place where there is a pocket of air or a portal back to our world".
"There are many ways to travel in between the five parts, Morgrym-Walker, but very few for groundlings. I still don't understand how it is possible for you to even be here.
"I can't lead you to such places, but I might know those who can." That strange frown that falls over the little creature's face whenever it starts to think for more than a second is once again making an appearance. It's locked in indecision.
*Vhu'shan is a word that loosely translates into something like mentor or informal teacher, except in its bizarre cultural context everyone has many Vhu'Shan - often dozens, and they infrequently meet to discuss your development as an entity.

Hurgah the Reaver |

Hurgah brings the pain. Full attack, starting with the guard threatening Moonpate first, and then outward.
Bite:
Attack roll 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Damage roll 1d8 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25
Cornugon Smash - demoralize roll 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 (+4 vs Medium or smaller creatures)
Claw #1:
Attack roll 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Damage roll 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Cornugon Smash - demoralize roll 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19 (+4 vs Medium or smaller creatures)
Claw #2:
Attack roll 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Damage roll 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Cornugon Smash - demoralize roll 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 (+4 vs Medium or smaller creatures)
Spirit attack:
Attack roll 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage roll 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Negative energy dmg
Unless the guards are also protected by some sort of magic, I suspect Moonpate will now be completely free to do whatever he wants.
AC 16, hp 60/93, Rage: 3/15, Claws/bite: 2/6, Enlarge: 2/40

Hurgah the Reaver |

I'm starting three weeks of vacation time today. During this period, there will be several days with sub-par internet access. I will be able to read and make short posts from my phone, but longer post will be rare from me when away from home.

Moonpate |

Unless the guards are also protected by some sort of magic, I suspect Moonpate will now be completely free to do whatever he wants.
Moonpate, desperate to survive, mad as hell at being double-crossed and assaulted to near death, his prodigious head swimming with a range of uncommon emotions, braces to unleash his fury upon the guard trying to kill him. And then he witnesses, in stark, gory detail, what true fury is capable of as his enemies before him are shredded, gouged, and plastered about. The sand's color now matches the walls and ceiling of the Red Tent, a fitting calling card to leave behind.
Moon suppresses the urge to retch as his training kicks in, concentrating on the needs at hand. He quickly pulls out one of his precious scrolls.In Draconic: "Great Hurgah, gather up our gear and prepare to fly like the fierce dragon that surely courses through your soul."
Moon will cast Fly from his scroll on Hurgah and then use his Fly spell on himself. If he has the time whilst gathering the gear, he will drink one of his potions of cure moderate. When we have all that we can safely carry without sacrificing flight speed, we will fly straight through the ceiling ripping it open with either claw or blade. I'd like to go for a 30 degree angle of ascent northeast on a path that takes us away from the Gold Tent and the entrance to this camp site (which is probably guarded by one of those blasted palanquin golems). When we clear the danger of the camp then I'd like to change directions to the east and fly low behind the sand depot mounds (out of range of course) to the range of the spell and find a dune or crest we can hide behind. I would assume that our rally point would be somewhere to the west of the dig site, since that was the direction we originally came. I will assume that the rally point is compromised, or soon will be, so we will not stay there. Hopefully though, we will find our comrades nearby or they will find us. I would like to get a couple of miles away from the dig site towards the east and then widely circle south by south-west until we find a defensible position to hide and rest up. Of course, all is subject to change as circumstance and the Beetle dictates.

GM PC: Jason Belleson |

So dis is de inside of Donkor's decander. Karek adds, in case somebody hasn't caught on yet. Id's nice.
On hearing Kogan's explanation, Jason reacts by reflexively blowing a jet of bubbles out of his enchanted neck gill.
"Wow. Um, uh Donkor? Maybe this is a good time for you to let us in on just where and when you acquired this little decanter. . ."

Schmoosh the Fruhgen |

While they may be clever at linguistic riddles, groundlings were never that smart at the best of times. The trick is to be patient.
Schmoosh. Pleasure. Dis, Karek says, pointing at Donkor, is Donkor Sooron.
“No, no,” the fruhgen answers shaking his head like a vibrating tuning fork for emphasis, "That’s one of Moonpate’s friends. Remember? Try to think - you were there.” Then he adds, “You might just be confused because he’s still carrying one of the gate’s points of exit which. . .”
And now it’s Schmooch’s turn to do the heavy thinking. You’re not sure how many gears are up in the fruhgen’s head, but they are definitely turning now.

Pact Stone GM |

I'm starting three weeks of vacation time today. During this period, there will be several days with sub-par internet access. I will be able to read and make short posts from my phone, but longer post will be rare from me when away from home.
Appreciate the heads-up!
Have a great vacation!

Donkor Sooron |

While they may be clever at linguistic riddles, groundlings were never that smart at the best of times. The trick is to be patient.
Karek Kogan wrote:Schmoosh. Pleasure. Dis, Karek says, pointing at Donkor, is Donkor Sooron.“No, no,” the fruhgen answers shaking his head like a vibrating tuning fork for emphasis, "That’s one of Moonpate’s friends. Remember? Try to think - you were there.” Then he adds, “You might just be confused because he’s still carrying one of the gate’s points of exit which. . .”
And now it’s Schmooch’s turn to do the heavy thinking. You’re not sure how many gears are up in the fruhgen’s head, but they are definitely turning now.
"Indeed, Schmooch, I am the Sooron. Although how you come to know my name is a mystery. A great deal about this...gateway...is a mystery to me. I have no objection to sharing the story of the decanter with you all. I doubt it will clear up many of our questions however. I think we can spare the time for the story."
Pharasma’s world is a harsh one. Sooron waited patiently for the residents of the little oasis of Ska-Ret to cease hunting him. He wondered for the thousandth time why people could not accept their lot. That the reaction was predictable was evidenced by the fact that he had created this little hidey-hole before ever he had begun to ply his fortune-telling trade in their little mud-bowl town. Predictable, but no longer comprehensible to Donkor Sooron. Years of service to the Goddess had obscured his own memories of anguish at the unfairness of life in his childhood.
Admittedly, the future he foretold for these people – the drying up of their only water supply in the midst of the desert, and the subsequent obliteration of their home – was harder than most. Until the formation of the lynch mob after his consultation with the headman, they had been decent to him.
Perhaps he should have shown a little more tact. “You must make preparations for the difficult times ahead”, instead of “You are doomed to a slow and terrible death of privation and misery. It is your fate.” That might have allowed him a comfortable bed this night. Instead, he was resigned to sand particles sliding into uncomfortable places as he cowered under a camouflaged tent.
As time passed, his memories turned to an encounter he had had some weeks ago in the beautiful oasis city of Eto. Perhaps there was something he could do to aid this village. If Pharasma willed, a different future might be forged for them.
In a taproom he had met a trio of adventurers. An improbably tall Amazon woman calling herself Rainblade, an ancient-looking archer named Daxon Graves, and a woman in a cloak with the title Weaver of Mists. They were seeking an assassin and a monk who had murdered two of their friends and stolen a number of powerful magical items. The three told a number of unlikely stories. They came from another world, lived in a fortress that could be folded into their pocket and was made of shadow, one of their grieved for companions was in fact a paladin who fought with two razor-edged shields and tumbled about acrobatically in full plate-mail. In short, the standard dreck and nonsense usually spouted by adventurers in taprooms all over Osirion.
What brought this conversation to his mind now, however, was a description of one of the magic items that had been stolen. A crystal vessel with the power to produce water in vast quantities. If this part of the tale was true, and it could be found, that item might be used to save the oasis of Ska-Ret.
Donkor prayed to the Goddess for guidance, and she manifested no displeasure at his plan. As soon as it was safe to do so, he began his journey to Eto, and began to look for the adventuring company.
It took Sooron two years of investigation and tracking to find them. Although they were a memorable group, they were looking for their own quarry, traveling hard, fast, and unpredictably. He had his own adventures in that time, found and strayed from various companions, and got side-tracked by other quests when the trail grew cold.
Ultimately he returned to Eto and discovered that they had only recently left town toward the mountains to the south, close on the heels of their quarry. Donkor swiftly followed them, and came at last to a clear, fresh spring with signs of fighting all about it. Spent arrows, spell components, ash and blood covered the ground to all sides.
He spent a few minutes trying to get a sense of the battle, and suddenly realized that the spring was actually expanding, and the signs of the battle were rapidly disappearing.
Sooron stripped down and dove into the water to see what the cause of this expansion was, and there is where he found the decanter.
Although he spent a few days searching the area for survivors of the battle, no further signs were found. He could not tell who might have survived the battle, nor where they might have gone. He gave up, and returned to the oasis of Ska-Ret, to finally end his long quest.
Of course, the oasis was already dried up, the plants withered, and the people dead or scattered. His foretelling had been true, and his was not the power to gainsay Her plans. Pharasma’s world is a harsh one.
Hopefully that wasn't too long. It started to get away from me, and I had to rein myself in. Bad MrMonotony.

Pact Stone GM |

Blender Product
[A bunch of rolls, including some in the 30's followed by] Unless the guards are also protected by some sort of magic, I suspect Moonpate will now be completely free to do whatever he wants.
They are not, and so he is.
Hurgah goes to work on the three remaining guards and a half moment later they are blender product. Perhaps best described by Phrip:
. . . [Moonpate] witnesses, in stark, gory detail, what true fury is capable of as his enemies before him are shredded, gouged, and plastered about. The sand's color now matches the walls and ceiling of the Red Tent, a fitting calling card to leave behind.
Moon suppresses the urge to retch as his training kicks in, concentrating on the needs at hand. . .

GM PC: Thalia Xian'an |

“You saved me!”
Thalia wraps her arms around the bodyguard.
“It’s all right –you’re safe now,” the muscular man responded, holding her steady.
Thalia shuddered wordlessly in his arms, adding a dash of tears for full effect.
This shouldn’t be too hard, she thought. At the end of the day it’s just another pack of men. It’s the Exemplar who she would have to handle carefully. She would need to be careful, but she was already forming what her next move would be.

Pact Stone GM |

"Ho Ho Ho"
Moon will cast Fly from his scroll on Hurgah and then use his Fly spell on himself. If he has the time whilst gathering the gear, he will drink one of his potions of cure moderate. When we have all that we can safely carry without sacrificing flight speed, we will fly straight through the ceiling ripping it open with either claw or blade. I'd like to go for a 30 degree angle of ascent northeast on a path that takes us away from the Gold Tent and the entrance to this camp site (which is probably guarded by one of those blasted palanquin golems). When we clear the danger of the camp then I'd like to change directions to the east and fly low behind the sand depot mounds (out of range of course) to the range of the spell and find a dune or crest we can hide behind. I would assume that our rally point would be somewhere to the west of the dig site, since that was the direction we originally came. I will assume that the rally point is compromised, or soon will be, so we will not stay there. Hopefully though, we will find our comrades nearby or they will find us. I would like to get a couple of miles away from the dig site towards the east and then widely circle south by south-west until we find a defensible position to hide and rest up. Of course, all is subject to change as circumstance and the Beetle dictates.
Just before I forget, I wanted to say I really appreciate posts of this nature. They give us the ability to advance events more quickly or more slowly as needed - often we can't as we're not sure what everyone's goals are.
Next, there is one serious concern.
I believe Wylie, I mean Donkor, clearly indicated that the correct angle for aerial escape from a tent was 45 degrees, whereas here you are attempting 30 degrees. I don't know why you are courting such disaster. : )
We'll have Hurgah pull out a large burlap sack. With a big swipe of his arms he can clear the table. He can then hoist the sack over his shoulder and fly out. All of this is so when he flies away, I can make some kind of big red fiendish Santa Claus joke.
I should mention parenthetically, that although not unexpected, the half-orc is still disappointed to see his recovered great axe is looking rather puny - it did not enlarge along with him.
At a rough estimate, we’ll say with Hurgah’s 22 Strength he can carry the sack without dropping Speed, but it’s probably pretty close. It’s a heavy pile.
While Hurgah hastily packs the Dune Squad's weapons, Moonpate has a few spare seconds to choke down his potion of cure moderate wounds. Go ahead and roll the 2d8+3. In the circumstances, it may be one of the finest bottles he has ever tasted.
Lastly, I give you guy’s style points for ripping through the top of the tent. That's a way cooler exit - which is at the exact point the action freezes. . .

Schmoosh the Fruhgen |

Karek shrugs, a motion that seems almost comical underwater. Ask'im is name, den.
"Indeed, Schmooch, I am the Sooron. Although how you come to know my name is a mystery. . ."
Schmooch's gears are still turning as he listens to Donkor's story.
3 . . .
2 . . .
1 . . .
As Donkor finishes, the fruhgen turns almost translucent in color. At first you think he must be impressed, but then you realize he's expressing a different emotion. One you've never seen a gen show before:
fear
"We. . . we shouldn't be out in the open like this. We need to hide."

Moonpate |

Hurgah the Santa Claws. Brilliant!
Cure Mod Roll 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 6) + 3 = 12
Lastly, I give you guy’s style points for ripping through the top of the tent. That's a way cooler exit - which is at the exact point the action freezes. . .
So, do style points translate into hero points, because I'm sure we will need them sooner rather than later? When the Beetle transitions either to cut-scene, plot thread B, or commercial; something ominous usually befalls our heroes.

Donkor Sooron |

Schmoosh the Fruhgen wrote:"I shoulda known - I was just starting to like this place. What now?!""We. . . we shouldn't be out in the open like this. We need to hide."
"We follow Schmoosh's lead on this one, if he's still willing to help us. We need to find one of those air pockets, or I need some privacy to thank Pharasma for her last aid before prevailing upon Her once again."
"When we do find a method of return, where do we go? Thalia is probably leading a hundred guards to the rally point even as we speak. I wonder if we could manage to have ourselves transported directly inside the ruins Khymrasa is digging for...if they even exist. Get ahead of her and really ruin her day."

Pact Stone GM |

So, do style points translate into hero points, because I'm sure we will need them sooner rather than later?
Afraid not - but we all take note of style!
When the Beetle transitions either to cut-scene, plot thread B, or commercial; something ominous usually befalls our heroes.
Speaking of something ominous. . .
Not that it at all matters, but since Jace is away, would you guys say Hurgah continues to rage as he exits the tent? Or have him end the rage?
It matters because he has higher hp with the rage, but a worse ac. And if he drops the rage he's fatigued, unless he's got some fancy rage power. I'd be inclined to have Hurgah continue to rage throughout the getaway for as long as he can, if nothing else for the extra strength to haul his giant load.
But I thought I'd throw it out there so I can blame the tactical choice on you guys. Any suggestions?

GM PC: Jason Belleson |

"We follow Schmoosh's lead on this one, if he's still willing to help us. We need to find one of those air pockets, or I need some privacy to thank Pharasma for her last aid before prevailing upon Her once again."
"Follow Schmoosh's lead?! It just said it vacations in the Eye of Abendago!*"
Then looking to the fruhgen Belleson adds, "Um, no offense, of course."
"Though hiding doesn't sound like that bad of an idea. . ."
*Context note: It is common knowledge that the Eye of Abendago is a giant permanent hurricane located in southern Golarion.

Donkor Sooron |

"I help! But I don't know how. Except that you can't be seen here."
Then still grappling with everything Karek and Donkor have told him, the frugen adds:
"So you're saying you actually met the Weaver of Mists!? Is she here too? This gets worse and worse!"
To Jason, "I think Schmoosh is our best chance to find hiding and air. At least if he leads us to a hurricane, we'll be able to breathe in a couple hours when the spell runs out. Before we're battered to death.
To Schmoosh, "I apologize, the Weaver's presence is unknown to me. I never ascertained the whereabouts of she or her companions."

GM PC: Jason Belleson |

“Alright, alright, I’m in. I confess I don’t have a better idea. Where to then Schmoosh?”
Jason makes a quick gesture with his hands and casts a cantrip turning his hair and clothes an aquamarine color, hoping it will make him harder to spot in the water.
OOC: No game effect on that casting of prestidigitation. he also casts detect magic, to see what he might learn.

Pact Stone GM |

“Anyone up for a Vertical Swim?”
Gesturing for you to follow, Schmoosh swim-flies straight up towards one of the two flanking tower-like structures. (The one to the left, if you were facing the giant metal gate.) As the fruhgen does so it leaves a long dangling trail of froth, making its path easy to follow. Schmoosh heads towards an open crenulated landing about fifty feet up and then crests over the top, briefly travelling out of sight.
OOC: Assuming you follow Schmoosh up to the balcony, it’s time for more Swim checks. The DC will be 12 to reflect the vertical nature of the Swim. A successful check gets you ¼ your Speed – so some of the dwarves with a Speed of 20 for example are looking at 10 consecutive successful checks. Those with 30 Speed are going to need 7 consecutive checks – and you may get to know and love your dice roller. A failed check means you don’t advance. A check failed by 5 or more (i.e. a 7 or less) and you sink 10 feet lower. There’s no taking 10 or 20 here. We’ll find out if this is ridiculously simple or excruciatingly hard. You can always just stop and come up with an alternative.
Those of you with a Swim Speed like Schmoosh can just ignore the need for checks.

Halstadt Morgrym |

Hal removes his chain shirt and place that and his buckler in the haversack.
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Donkor Sooron |

“Anyone up for a Vertical Swim?”
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -2Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12
Wow. The first batch of 7 was incredibly bad. One success. At least it was the last one! Next 6.
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (11) - 3 = 8
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -2
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (20) - 3 = 17
And still need 6. :)
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (20) - 3 = 17
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 7
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (17) - 3 = 14
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (9) - 3 = 6
Only need 5 this time.
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (9) - 3 = 6
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -2
Back to the bottom.
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (13) - 3 = 10
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -2
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13
6 again. Have you ever seen so many single digit rolls?
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (7) - 3 = 4
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (17) - 3 = 14
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (20) - 3 = 17
Only need 4 now!
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (18) - 3 = 15
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11
2 Left!!!!!
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (13) - 3 = 10
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (9) - 3 = 6
Now I need 3. :(
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0
Still 3!
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (5) - 3 = 2
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (19) - 3 = 16
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 7
4 now.
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 7
Down to 5. I feel lucky this time.
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (19) - 3 = 16
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (8) - 3 = 5
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -2
Back to 6 checks needed!
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (7) - 3 = 4
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (7) - 3 = 4
Swim:1d20 - 3 ⇒ (7) - 3 = 4
Sooron is back on the ground and very tired indeed. Could someone please tow me? :)

Karek Kogan |

Karek will follow Hal's lead, taking off his armor (which uses 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 precious minutes) and encourage Donkor to do the same.
A few experimental swims:
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Karek has an ace up his sleeve for this encounter, but he needs to see who all is having trouble with this first.

Halstadt Morgrym |

Hal is making some advancement. Getting frustrated but persevering he continues to swim.
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Edit - He got close but then started sinking again so Hal presses harder.
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Swim 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19