GM Silbeg's PFS: Eyes of the Ten (Inactive)

Game Master GM..Silbeg

Scotty, it seems that he may have heard of you in passing, but not more than that

Keel quickly snaps towards Géatan when Adril’s name is mentioned. “Ah, Adril. He’s a good friend of mine. He’s been a guest the past couple nights. We’ve gotten to talking a lot. Good guy. And if you’re referring to the portal out back, I destroyed it recently. Too many incidents of unwanted people coming through and I just wanted some peace and quiet for a while. I’ll fix it back later when I’m rested from dealing with it.”

He then turns to Scotty. “I mean, the mission’s just in the planning phases now. More of an exploratory thing than anything else. But I didn’t have anyone in mind at the moment. I’ve been floating the idea at some point with some other VCs, but they hadn’t recommended anyone. Are you experienced with planar travel?”

“Ah, Adril. He’s a good friend of mine. He’s been a guest the past couple nights. We’ve gotten to talking a lot. Good guy.”

Whelp...that's going to be a readied action for Scotty to draw his scimitar if Keel gets uppity.

"Interesting that you should know Adril. We were actually seeking him out originally for similar reasons as you. We heard that he might have important work worthy of a Seeker's talents but it ended up being a dead end (haha, get it? DEAD end? Because he died. Morbid puns! ...*cough*, anyway...). It did manage to find us the lead that pointed us in your direction so it wasn't a total bust.

"I believe we all have at least some experience with planar travel, though this would me my first journey to the Plane of Fire. I do have quite a bit of experience with the Plane's locals and with proper preparation I doubt there would be much there that we couldn't handle."

GM, did Keel's attitude towards us seem to change when Geatan mentioned Adril?
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Decked out in magic and impersonating an important NPC? I do believe we have questions for this guy. Let's make sure we get to ask them.

Ralph casts dimensional anchor at "Keel".
I really need to start memorising more of this spell.

ranged touch vs flat-footed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

I assume we are all supposed to be in the room.

"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Eddington Keel," Ralph sneers as his invisibility fades. "When have you ever introduced yourself to a new acquaintance without shaking their hand? Or perhaps you are afraid that will allow them to pierce your petty illusion, hmm?"

"And if you are going to tell a lie, at least make it believable... though I'll leave you to figure out where you tripped up."

"Moron."

The damage to the portal does not prevent people coming in. After all, that's how we got here. Moreover, Adril Hestram and his allies were the most frequent recent users of the portals, and few even know about the Maze. Most people who stumbled in were captured by Condria. So his method does not even match his fabricated motive. I assume this was scripted to give us a hint that this was an imposter?

Oh and if you didn't catch it from Ralph's opening line, this guy's using an illusion to impersonate Keel.

"Koraq, would you be so kind as to hold down this imposter?"

And iif he attempts to use gaseous form like a certain someone in part 1, I also have a dispel magic ready for him. >:)

GM, do you concur that this revelation makes Keel "uppity" enough to trigger Scotty's readied action?"

To 'Keel': "Perhaps you should sit quietly while we sort this out. 'Seeker' seems to mean enough to you that I expect you have an idea of what we're capable of. This will be much simpler if you cooperate."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28

Keel’s attitude doesn’t seem to change towards the group when Géatan mentions Adril.

Keel gets ready to respond to the Plane of Fire comment, when suddenly he’s hit by a green ray. He turns around to the dramatic Ralph. “M!*#~@%@+@$$,” he curses underneath his breath, as you see that he fiddles with a ring on his finger. When he finally stops fiddling around with it, he starts waving his hand and smiling, saying “Goodbye suckers!” The emerald aura around him glows brightly, and after a second dims to reveal that he’s still standing there, with a quickly diminishing smile. “M#+%$$!@+&#*!”

He slumps, not giving any resistance to anyone trying to do stuff to him. “Told people this was a bad idea, but they didn’t believe me…”

Yes, this would trigger Scotty’s readied action.

Scotty will give him a gentle kick to interact with the illusion.

Will to Disbelieve: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

"Well then. Koraq, will you please help me cover him? Ralph, would you please guide us to whatever magical equipment he has so we don't risk any more surprises?"

Addressing the artist formerly known as Keel: "While we're sorting that out, I'm sure you'll understand if we have some questions for you. Why don't we start with who you really are, who the people you referred to are, and what the idea was that you thought was so bad.

"Oh, and for the record: Both of my mothers are saints and neither (to my knowledge) would be interested in 'f~*@ing' me or any other man. Perhaps you should apologize for the implication."

"Oh and where the real Keel too."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Will the real Eddington Keel please stand up? ...*cough*... I'll see myself out.

"Of course, Scotty. His armor, amulet, belt, both rings and something on his wrist I cannot see are magical, as are the two potions in his belt. The ring on [insert the correct hand here] is the most powerful of his items, and evidently bears a teleportation effect in addition to its transmutation effect."

Ralph turns invisible once more, both to unnerve "Keel" and as an added precaution, then addresses the imposter directly.

"Geatan here is quite the marksman and can put an arrow in each of your orifices before you take two steps from where you are. Koraq, I have seen him tear apart stone golems with his bare hands, so imagine what he can do to you. And needless to say any magic you attempt will be countered by myself. If I disliked you, I would advise you to resist."

"Or you can remove the items I mentioned from your person and lay them on the floor, and then talk to Scotty. I dare say he has a greater predilection for mercy than the rest of us put together."

Ralph readies an action to cast dispel magic if "Keel" attempts to activate any more of his magic items or cast a spell. He will leave it to Koraq to prevent more conventional means of escape. Scotty can make him talk and Geatan can pincushion him if things get out of hand.

If he cooperates, Ralph will direct him to remove the ring with the strong aura first, followed by the wrist item, followed by the belt with the two potions, then his armor, and then the rest of the items in any order.

"Oh and where the real Keel too."

-Posted with Wayfinder

"If this imposter has usurped Keel's role as master of this place, I can only assume the real Keel has been captured or killed."

Is the weird butler still in the room or anywhere within sight?

"Thank you, Ralph."

So long as Koraq and/or Géatan have our friend covered, Scotty will sheath his scimitar. No need for a pistol when we have a tactical nuke on standby.

Addressing Slim-Shady: "My friend does not speak idly. If anything, these men are even more capable than what he described. Fortunately for you, they are reasonable men. And like most reasonable men, they appreciate it when things are made easy for them.

"I would suggest that you make things easy for all of us. Please do as my friend has instructed and then answer our questions. Cooperate, and you have my word that you will not come to any unnecessary harm by our hands."

“All right, all right. I get it. You win. Calm down. You can take the f*$@ing bow out of my face I’m not going anywhere apparently. Damn!”

“Keel” lifts the circlet off of his head, revealing his true form (minus the mace). “Name’s Rysus Soth, and I’m just a merc. I’m the guy you hire when you want to kill someone and you don’t want the speak with dead pointing back to you. And yeah, I killed Keel. Adril hired me to do just that, and I damn well did. F*~~er was super easy to kill. Just snuck up behind him and BAM!” He makes a stabbing motion as he takes the dagger hidden behind his wrist and jabs it into the floor. “And then the Boss was like ‘Oh no. We can’t have everyone knowing Keel’s dead yet. You need to pretend to be him for a while.’ And I’m like s%#&, how am I supposed to imitate Keel? And the Boss is like who cares. I need time to apparently freeze his body and split it up. Adril’s a f#&$ing weirdo.”

At this point, Rysus has removed most of his magic items, leaving only the powerful ring.

“You’ll excuse me Captain Invisible for not taking off the ring I physically can’t take off of my finger. That’s f~+&ing s@#*’s impossible. I’ve tried. The skin underneath the ring smells and needs to be cleaned, but no one thinks of that when they make magic items that can’t be taken off. D*~&@eads.

“Look, I get it. You guys are upset because you liked this guy or something. But it seems to me that you didn’t really know him either. We’re both pawns in this s$&*ty situation. Keel must have done something real bad to Adril to hire me. I’m innocent in this whole thing. I only killed him. You want Adril and he’s through some portal s##* up there in Keel’s bedroom.”

"Any cursed ring can be taken off if one simply knows how to turn off the magic," Ralph replies casually. "But you have piqued my interest. Hold out your hand and let me see."

Ralph attempts to identify the ring.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 42 I hope this string of high rolls does not mean I will be rolling 1s when the fighting starts.

Additional questions about the ring:
1. If I wanted to, could I use dispel magic to temporarily disable it so Soth could remove it?
2. If method 1 does not work, how about if I created an anti-magic field to suppress the ring's magic temporarily?

"I did not take Adril Hestram to be a spellcaster, however, so whilst I investigate this ring, perhaps you want to explain what you mean by the place and Keel's body being 'frozen'."

Ralph finds himself glad that no one can see his bemused smile at Soth declaring innocence because he "only" killed someone.

"Ralph please let me know what you find out about the ring. If it is a curse, I have a knack for removing them. Would you be willing to investigate the murder weapon as well? I am curious to know if it has any properties that might prevent Keel from being raised.

"Precisely how long ago was the real Slim-Shady Keel killed? When was the last time you saw Adril? Do you have any knowledge of where the portal leads?

If it does end up being a curse, Scotty can use lay on hands to remove it. It works just like a CL 12 Remove Curse spell.

GM if you don't mind using some advance rolls for the remove curse then I'll leave some below. It'll take 1 use of Lay on Hands per attempt, Scotty will stop after 3 attempts or if/when it works.

Really, it is the first time in my life I saw someone with such a foul mouth. And I fighted nightmarish demons

"You know he just admitted to butch a man and many others. Would he better to just live him like this?

And quick or Adril will be miss!"

-Posted with Wayfinder

"A portal in there? At least we got a new path.", Koraq deducts.

First of all, here’s the text of the item (under spoilers for convenience, not to hide it from anybody

Also, for the record, Keel’s other items (again, spoilered for convenience sake)

“I don’t know how Adril gets that magic – probably from some item or something. He was decked out in magic items whenever I interacted with him. As for Keel’s body – I killed it, and Adril literally froze it, some of the door of the f*%@ing bedroom, and some of the floor with his special item or whatever. There’s ice all over the inside of the door.”

Turning to Scotty, he adds “Keel’s been dead for a day. That was also the last time I saw Adril. And I don’t know what’s on the other side of the f*@@ing portal – that s!#$’s way above my pay grade.”

"I would like to know the exact nature of the contract you entered into during the forging of this ring, as well as the name and species of the devil you made it with.

"How desperate are you to be rid of this ring? I believe that I have a solution for you to be rid of it."

"You would also do well to tell us the terms of your contract with said devil, and if this devil has anything to do with Adril's plans, what you have communicated to it about our presence here."

"The truth will set you free, sometimes quite literally ..."

Ralph, may I assume that you have filled us in on all of the information in the spoilers?

Of course. :)

So Scotty has several plans for dealing with the ring (all of which he will discuss in character if desired) but the answers to Scotty/Ralph's questions will change which ones he finds viable. Sarenrae and Asmodeus (Devil God) have an active truce which may limit Scotty's actions. The nature of the ring's pact will determine if/how he can get rid of it.

To that end, these are the options he sees:
1.) If he is able, Ralph uses his magic to suppress/remove the ring and Scotty will destroy it.
2.) Scotty attempts to destroy the ring while Rysus is still wearing it. This risks injury to Rysus.
3.) If Rysus consents, Scotty will kill Rysus; ending the pact and rendering the ring inert. He will then use his Ultimate Mercy (Raise Dead) on Rysus at the end of the scenario.

This will still leave us with the issue of what to do with him, though that can not be easily addressed while he still has the ring on. It is important to remember that we only have about 10-11 minutes left before Ralph's Dimensional Anchor wears off and he can escape. If we start running down the timetable, Scotty is going to default to option 3; with or without Rysus's consent. I'm sure I will get to have another talk about the possibility of Scotty losing his paladin powers but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

As for what to do with him, Scotty intends to give him the same ultimatum that he (Scotty) was given prior to his becoming the Sword Arm of the Dawnflower. Scotty has the authority to issue a death sentence to evil he can not allow to roam free. Essentially; he (Rysus) has to travel to Katapesh and request a redemption ritual from Scotty's order or Scotty can carry out the sentence immediately.

I/Scotty obviously welcome your thoughts/input/suggestions.

Alternative: sounds like we just need to kill the devil; is there a way to find out who the devil is?

I think we're hoping Rysus can tell us the Devil's name. I'm not opposed to killing it, but that involves finding it or bringing it to us, binding it to this plane, and then killing it. The last part is easily done, but do we have the means to do the first two parts and can we do it in less than 10 minutes?

If Rysus can lead us to the devil, we can just kill it. I can still cast dimensional anchor either through my bonded item or scrolls. There's also the possibility that we will kill it in the first round of combat - this party seems to hit very hard.

Otherwise, maybe just put the options to Rysus. Ralph is not too concerned about his fate, really. His interest in the ring was more academic and focused on the ring itself. He's not too worried about Rysus being killed, regardless of whether or not he will be raised later. But if we fight the devil, it'd be nice if we didn't have to fight Rysus as well, even if we have deprived him of all his weapons, armor and magical items. Which I assume one of you will see to whilst Ralph is checking out the ring since he has laid his items on the floor.

GM, just to be clear, we're taking any non-magical weapons we can see on him as well.

“What’s all the f~+&ing deal with this contract b&!+*~~*? Leave the g@#~#&ned ring alone! I like it! Not that you f&*$ers can destroy it anyway.

Nosy f*@~ers.”

Just to point out, Scotty is not in "Captain Do-Gooder-in-Shining-Armor" mode. See an earlier spoiler about the changes to his appearance prior to entering the portal.

Also, the assorted magic items that were removed will have been secured by now. Scotty might actually be able to make some use out of that Hat of Disguise.

"You don't seem to appreciate the position you are in. I have no interest in idly intruding on your personal affairs. This 'nosy f$%!er' is reviewing his options for what to do with you. Obviously, the easy option is to kill you. I would be justified in issuing a death sentence as you've confessed to multiple crimes, contracts with devils, and aiding a man who seeks to kill those under my protection.

"If you cooperate, I could offer you a chance for real strength; not the petty gifts your devil master gave you in exchange for your soul. You say you're from a lowly family and were a poor fit for Asmodeus's church. That means it is very unlikely that you were able to attract the attention of a greater Devil. MAYBE you could have attracted the attention of a VERY bored Gelugon (Ice Devil), but even a Gelugon could barely rival the power I wield; power that was gifted to me as thanks for my alliance not bought or bartered for.

"If you think that a Devil can offer you true strength then pass this message to your master:

"Tell me, what does your former master say to that? Does he rage? Does he make idle threats against me? Does he dare to face me knowing the power that opposes him? Does he dare to attack knowing that as soon as he shows his face he will be bound to this plane by my allies while the Wrath of a Good Man cuts him into one thousand shreds of tortured soul? What does your former master say? Will I get to deprive Hell of two souls today?"

Devil powers? Psh. Who wants some wimpy ineffectual power boost. Now Paladin rants? There's a weapon for a badass Pathfinder. Eloquently worded, eloquently delivered, holy gospel. And when you hear it there's none of this wimpy 'no divine energy transferred' s~#+ hell no I'm blasting you with blinding hot justice PALADIN RANT HAS MASS M&&&#%*#$+!~ DO YOU FEEL IT YOU HEATHEN S%&$S? REPENT A~~ H*@~S! ALL OF YOU REPENT! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA*cough*...........I needed that out of my system.

Just to point out, Scotty is not in "Captain Do-Gooder-in-Shining-Armor" mode. See an earlier spoiler about the changes to his appearance prior to entering the portal.

Ah, it’s in a spoiler. That explains why when I Ctrl-F’d “armor”, those changes didn’t show up.

“Look f+~$er. I don’t cause any pain or suffering. I don’t go wandering around the streets of Egorian killing random people. I’m a contract killer. The only people I kill are people that other people want dead. If they couldn’t hire me, then they would just hire someone else. Plain and simple. If you want to stop all the pain and suffering that I would cause – you need to go after the entire concept of contract killing in Cheliax. Good f&~*ing luck.

“And yeah, I get that I’ve committed a crime against your organization, but it was strictly business. Hell, I’d be happy to easily play turncoat and kill someone for you if you paid me. And yeah, I broke Chelaxian law, but I’m guessing that since you’re Pathfinders, you’re not exactly Chelish authorities, so you would be committing the exact same crime. You plan on turning yourself in after offing me?”

Let's say we have 5 minutes left on the dimensional anchor.

Ralph pulls Scotty aside.

"Scotty, we have 5 mintues left. Our goal is to catch Hestram. I say we leave this guy tied up here or kill him, and then move on. We need to see about that other portal that Hestram went through, and collect what we can of Keel's remains whilst we're at it so it's easier for the Society to bring him back to life, or at least minimize the chances of him becoming a haunt or some form of undead."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
No luck there.

Scotty nods to Ralph before returning to Soth.

Sarenrae, if there was ever a time for your guidance it is now. Guide my words and let this man understand their full meaning lest I become his executioner. I am sworn to be your mortal sword and will be true to my oaths. If this is a test of my faith or loyalty, then I hope you feel the pain it is causing me and never test your followers like this again.

"You sound like one of those self righteous types that don't fully understand the consequences of their actions. You think you are nothing but a weapon but there is no sum of gold I could offer your dagger to stab you through the heart.

"You say that I just want to kill you, yet I have stood here speaking to you in a desperate effort to avoid that. I have tried to reason with you. I have tried threatening you. I have tried bribing you. Now, I am trying to plead with you. I have no desire to kill you. I do not wish to become an executioner. Please, hear and accept the truth of my words. Let me guide you down a better path. It will not be easy, but the rewards will be beyond imagination."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27

I timed it and all of that takes about two minutes to say. Scotty can't fail the perception check to hear Ralph/Koraq's whispered conversation (CRB page 102: Perception DC: 15 to hear details of whispered conversation +1 for 10 feet of distance = DC 16).

"I appreciate your intentions but would not wish this burden on any others. You have sworn no oaths and it is not for me to inflict my responsibilities onto others." To Soth: "I suggest you answer quickly. I do not have the strength to stop Koraq if he decides to take matters into his own hands."

Those two spoilers total to about another 70 seconds. I should be able to say what I need to before the spell expires.

Gaétan observes. He is fully confiant of how all of this goes.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Koraq raises an eyebrow at Ralph's suggestion, but Scotty's reply makes anything he would do moot.

"Look, Sothy, as you can see, we are in a bit of a hurry, so if you'd just answer the man's questions so he'll shut up, we can all go on our merry ways, kay?"

I auto aid in Diplomacy, so +2 more to Scotty's above Diplomacy roll

Catching up on PbP games I"m running = more Ralph/Scotty shenanigans it seems :P

Koraq simply nods to Ralph, eyeing Soth as he awaits the answer.

"If you don't want to become an executioner, then don't. Don't kill me. You have free will."

----

"You still haven't shown that you understand the current situation and that you don't realize how your action accomplishes nothing. I thought that the worshippers of Sarenrae were against needless killings,"

----

Coup-de-grace kills him. Yes, I know he can roll a 20. I don't care.

"Done.. Let's go." says Géatan.

-Posted with Wayfinder

I assume one of the coup de graces happened then.

"An unrepentant killer who would have likely just kept to his old ways, even if he wasn't bound to do a devil's bidding. Better that his soul be consigned to the inferno he willingly signed his soul to."

"We should explore the rest of the mansion, and quickly. We need to find that other portal and pursue Hestram. And perhaps see if we can retrieve some of Keel's body for a resurrection spell whilst we are at it."

GM, I asked earlier if the weird butler was still around. Can we find him and ask him to direct us to Keel's bedroom?

Ralph, may I assume that you checked his ring for magic for Scotty? Ring description says it should be mundane after he is killed but wanted to make sure either way.

Scotty cleans the blood from his scimitar with prestidigitation and returns it to his sheath. He makes sure Soth's eyes are closed and that he is not carrying any other items of potential importance (weapons, messages, poison, etc.). He gathers up Soth's equipment before the party leaves the room.

Perception to check Soth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

"The worshipers of Sarenrae are taught that death is a final redemption. Evil stopped by our swords and magic is atoned for and those responsible are offered sanctuary from the foul creatures of the lower planes that seek to torment them. Perhaps just a tale to ease the burden of having to perform such grim tasks, but one I would very much like to believe right now.

"I will check upstairs for the real Slim-Shady's Keel's body and for the portal Soth described. I may be able to raise him depending on the state of the remains. I would strongly suggest that we somehow get word of what happened here to Eliza and request Pathfinders to secure this lodge while we pursue Hestram. Do we have the means of doing that?"

"I know that a spell exist for this. That all."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ralph checks the ring with detect magic once Soth is dead.

"I can cast a sending spell, but the spell takes 10 minutes to cast. I propose we investigate the premises ourselves first. It should not take too long, and Keel is not going to get more dead in the interim. Furthermore, if we move quickly enough, we may even save time by concluding our business here and then teleporting back to the Woodsedge Lodge to give our report to Eliza in-person."

"ok, let's do what you said"

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Well, as long as we get to do something; dealing with frozen bodies and whiny assassins ain't my thing."

You can find the butler – he’s in the kitchen. He’ll direct you to the top floor on the right hand side. Both sets of doors on that side should lead into his bedroom.(Note that it would be the doors on the left on the map, since you would be at the top of the map facing down.) I’m going to include the description of the kitchen below for those of you searching for him.

Feel free to arrange yourselves in the upstairs hallway when you’re ready.

archer not in front? And The wizard invisible in a non area spell range? Paladin and noble in front?

-Posted with Wayfinder

I only see my own token as having been moved up the stairs. I will be flying and invisible, and certainly some distance behind Koraq and Scotty.

Please have Scotty at the front of the formation. The rest of the party should take cover behind him. He'll take any initial hits then let the party pass through his space to counter attack.

At this point, Scotty will restore his normal appearance. His gear is back to its normal color, his armor polished, and his holy symbol and shining Wayfinder are back where they belong.

Koraq follows just behind and to the side of Mr. Scottsworth, more than willing to let the courageous paladin take the blows while the half-orc can take the glory.