GM Valen's PFS Quests - The Silverhex Chronicles (Standard) PbP (TABLE 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17 LOL!

"Well, while you guys were sitting around oggling the scenery, I asked around a little. The name Ezmerlilly Vanderpoof came up a few times. He's a gnome that should be very interested in what we have."

If no one else has diplomacy, then that is about all we can do. There is at 25+ spoiler under the 15, but we cannot get there unless someone is diplo heavy

"If that is who you want to sell the stuff to so be it. I will keep myself occupied otherwise while you complete the sale."

OK, so we (minus our paladin) seek out the gnome in hopes of getting a better price.

"How iss it that you only owned thingss for the firsst time so recently?" Skyllik asks Delance.

"I was an animal companion to one of the pathfinder's seekers. He polymorphed me into a human and gave me full sentience. This body is very new to me. But hey how many new pathfinders have freed gods and uncovered conspiracies within the ten..."

"Forget that last part. I don't know if I am supposed to talk about that."

Bressa treats Delance to some of her eye-rolling. "Sounds like a pickup line to me."" she says playfully.

The trail to Ezmerilly Vanderpoof leads you to a small, non-descript residence in Daggermark. There you are greeted by a female gnome wearing tattered clothing and rags, who quickly ushers inside. Without introducing herself, she quickly surveys the freshly harvested adhesive and silk glands that you produce, the woman’s eyes seem to light up for a moment, before her look becomes more stern.

“If these are genuine, then I am willing to pay quite handsomely for them. A haul like this is will fetch you nearly two hundred gold pieces in the present market. I could go up to two hundred in gold coins. In addition, I could offer you two flasks of alchemist’s fire and three potions of cure light wounds.” Ezmerilly notes.

“But the sudden appearance of outsiders like you, offering precisely what I need at this time… it just all seems to be too convenient. I’m afraid that I am going to have to ask you to leave.” she says.

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

LOL! paranoid!
Sensing a kindrid spirt, Bressa easily understands where this woman is coming from. But since she lacks any real diplomacy skills, she responds the only way she knows how, with blatant truth. "Yeah, I know right? And I don't blame you for being skeptical; I'd be thinking the same thing. So let me try and ease your fears. We are Pathfinders who are trying to track down a person named Ulisha. We've been following notes she left in this journal, hoping that it would lead us to Ulisha." She lays the journal on the table and opens it to the page talking about this area and the silks. "That is why we are here right now. We followed his notes, killed some spiders, and are now trying to sell it. As you can see right here, he no longer trusts his usual contact and considered finding another. That is why we asked around and were eventually lead to you."

She pauses a second to catch her breath and give the gal time to digest the facts. "You see. We think alike. To avoid being swindled by his usual contact, we sought someone else." She stops and frowns thoughtfully, "But that doesn't explain why you happen to need exactly what we have. Can you tell us more about that? If there is foul play afoot, perhaps it can explain what happened to Ulisha."

diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 10

In reply to Bressa earlier:

"A courtship ritual? I assssure you, my overturess in that regard are far more direct."

To Emerzily:

"As for whether thesse are genuine, they abssolutely are. I killed the sspiderss mysself."

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Hey! Did you steal my dice! That looks like one of my usual rolls! :P

"I have been a human for a few weeks, I'm sure I'm much to inexperienced to pick anyone up."

Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

BOTTING Teke - no post in 24+ hours

Teke tries to assure the gnome.

Diplomacy w/aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

After a few seemingly tense moments, Ezmeeilly concedes, "Desperate times call for desperate deals, I suppose. Do we have a bargain, then?"

Bressa smiles reassuringly, "Sure do!"

“A fair trade’s a fair trade." Ezmerilly Vanderpoof
notes, as she provides the promised payment.

As you prepare to leave, the gnome adds, "By they way, there was a half-orc blathering about some important blade or sword or something she found. Moonsilver, Sliverhex, or somesuch. Kept going on about its history to any who would listen.”[b]

The merchant leans in conspiratorially. [b]“Well I have it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, that she won’t be needin’ that sword where she’s headed.”

The gnome draws a hand across her neck, making an unpleasant sound. “The Vessels Between will have that one soon enough. You just need to go out there and grab that sword once they’re through, and I happen to know where they found her little camp.”

"You don't say?" she whispers conspiratorially back while thinking Shazbot! This is gonna get ugly!. "This sounds interesting. So where is this camp? Though I sure wish I knew what exactly is happening there?"

If Ezmerilly is looking for a bribe/payment, Bressa is willing to fork over the coin.

"This sounds interesting. So where is this camp? Though I sure wish I knew what exactly is happening there?"

"What's happening?" Ezmerlilly repeats. "What's happening? I'll tell you what's happening. Seems this man, Anwald Greenfelt, a venerable Taldan and former manservant to the Tullivor family. It was he who whipped up the Revolution’s fury against Ulisha, whom he perceives as the cause of his former masters’ untimely demise. It was Anwald who hired assassins with funds raised by the Revolution. Seems he blames Ulisha for ruining his employment with the Tullivor's. And for what he calls 'a stupid cup'."

"Now, old Ulisha's a few hours up the Dagger River." the gnome continues, committing some scratches and symbols to blank parchment until they begin to resemble a crude map. "She never was good at hiding places, and she liked to brag too much about where she’d been and what she’d found. Bragged too much." The gnome's voice trails off, then she says, “Hells, just take this here map.”

The merchant gladly hands over her quickly sketched map for the party to follow. With the information in hand, the gnome makes it clear that if the party is to save Ulisha, that it must depart quickly to arrive before her assailants do.

End Quest the Fifth.

Begin Quest the Final.

The party may be able to learn some information about the Vessels Between.

Following the map provided by the merchant, you come across the hill marked on the map as containing Ulisha’s hiding place. The hill ahead is not much to look at. It gently slopes away from the river. A shallow cave is near its top, smoke from a campfire curling upward in the gentle breeze. The grass wafts slowly along a gently curving path up the southern face of the hill, ending in a few switchbacks as the hill grows steep near the top.

"Good, we are in time. Let's hurry up and get him out of there before anyone shows up!" She urges the other to make haste as she rushes toward the cave. (Please tell me the way isn't trapped!)

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"Alright already. We'll get there. Why the need for such haste though?"

Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Delance just walks around listening.

"Oh, you're right. Assassins. They could already be here and we might never see them. We could walk into an ambush meant for her. Better us than her, but yes, we should be cautious so we are not too surprised."

Loaded crossbow in hand (why do I even bother with that thing?), Bressa moves with the party, paying careful attention to where we are going.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

As you approach, you are somewhat taken by surprise as an armed half-orc appears from behind a rocky outcropping. Grasped within her hand is a razor-sharp sickle, its silvery sheen glistens in the sunlight. You recognize this individual immediately as the curious and capable half-orc explorer named, Ulisha. There is a look of surprise on her face.

"When I heard someone approaching, I didn't expect it to be the lot of you." she says with a smile and sigh of relief. Noting the book in your hand, she says, "I suppose that I shouldn't be completely surprised to see you. But, I'm still curious. Just how did you find me, anyway? And why are all of you here?"

"The Vessels Between are on their way. Anwald Greenfelt has hired them to kill you. We've been following your journal for some time, but we only just learned about your location and Greenfelt's plans. Granted, they were rumors, but they lead us directly to you. You must leave immediately. Or we at least need to prepare for their arrival."

"The Vessels Between are on their way. Anwald Greenfelt has hired them to kill you. We've been following your journal for some time, but we only just learned about your location and Greenfelt's plans. Granted, they were rumors, but they lead us directly to you. You must leave immediately. Or we at least need to prepare for their arrival."

"Anwald? That sniveling, little..." Ulisha's voice trails off as her lip forms a sneer. She shakes her head, then turns to you with some urgency. "Very well. It no doubt won't be long before the Vessels Between. From what I know of those cut-throats, they'll be eager to prove themselves and will not give up. If they know we've spoken, then they may well be looking to take you down too, especially if they think they can make off with your treasure. Unless any of you has a better idea, I suggest that we set up an ambush."

A toothy grin forms across the half-orcs face as she holds fast to her silvery blade. "What do you say? Are you ready to break a few Vessels?"

Map of Ulisha's hideout is now revealed on Maps (Q6-Silverhex).

"This, ambushing assassins sounds like a great plan. My human body makes ambushing much harder. But I will try.

Teke grins and surveys the surrounding area, thinking of likely approaches. "So do we think our assassins will cooperate with a casual stroll up these switchbacks?"

"They're assassins, not mountain goats, right?" She replies to Teke with a little bit of sas. She looks at the switchback and then over her shoulder at other avenues a little nervously. "You had to say that, didn't you? I sure hope they take the straightforward approach."

She walks a little way down the path, "How about Omero and I wait boldly on the path, right here, while the rest of you take up sniping positions on the ledges?" She looks up at the honor-bound, armored, holy-warrior, "Whaddyathink, big boy? You and I give them a fighting chance?"

"Very bold of you, but why don't you come back a bit so some of us who will also be fighting up close can stay concealed by the boulder. Someone with some ranged ability could stay that the entrance in case they do manage to get past us. Finally, I would be traveling in disguise so someone good at detecting lies and seeing true identity should be up front."

"That is sad," she sighs, "that lies and deceit are so abundant in our society that even someone who was just an animal until recently is familiar enough with them to suggest protecting ourselves from them."

"It sounds like you are putting a sound plan in place." Ulisha notes. "Sounds like Delance will take on a disguise and serve as a lookout along the base of the hill. A few of you will take up sniping positions around the cave while those who fight in close combat stay behind the large boulder."

The half-orc ponders for a moment, then concludes, "If we are to pull off a ruse, I suppose I should remain in the cave out of sight. If it comes to blows, I can offer inspiration to bolster your courage, at least as long as you remain within earshot. The mouth of the cave should sufficiently amplify my voice to allow you to hear me anywhere upon the hill."

Please place your PC's token into "starting position" for the ambush and then roll me Initiative, along with any skill checks for preparation (Disguise, Stealth, etc.). Let me know if a PC is taking 10 on a check.

Omero nods and takes up a position smack dab in the center of the pathway. "Let them come. They shall turn tail and run or face the full fury of the law."

Bressa stands behind the paladin as he makes his speech, mimicking him. She makes no move to hide it when the hairs on his neck stand up and he turns around. "Oh, get over it. You always say the same thing." she says while giving him a friendly poke with the butt of her long spear. "Also, despite your valiant, hard-nose-ed-ness" she stumbles on that word, trying to put it together, "a bunch of assassins is not going to believe a lone figure would try to stop them by himself." She pauses, tilting her head with a grin, "Unless they happen to be close friends of yours." Her face grows serious again, "No, they'll be more like Delance points out. Since they are already planning an ambush, bait is probably the first thing that'll pop into their heads when they see you. Don't worry though, I'll stand with you. Hopefully that will make us a bit more believable."

Something odd comes over her. Her eyes drop to the ground and she drags her left foot in the dirt, making a quarter circle. "Not that you neeeed backup or anything. They're just too dumb to know that." She stops there, looks up in surprise (as if from a dream), grunts in frustration, and then stalks down to the road.

"Assassin's bleed just as well as anything else. Besides, just perhaps they will get a bit overconfident seeing only a lone obstacle in their path to victory and miss the trap laid for them." Omero lats a cheeky grin cross his face. "Beyond that my height, stature, and general clankiness doesn't do hiding well." Omero gives Bressa a pat on her head with his gauntleted hand.

"One should never turn down backup when it is offered unless that backup will either turn on them, cause them harm, or make what needs doing twice as difficult as it should be." Omero says as he allows his thoughts to roll out. "Granted I can probably handle one or two at a time but more than that and it might get a bit tricky."

"Wherever your front line is, I won't be very far behind. But probably behind one of these rocks as well, at least to start."

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Teke's range is only 30 feet or melee, so he will move closer to the front liners if they move up, but try to stay hidden.

"I have travelled with several paladins. They stand in the worst position, utilizing the worst strategy, but they're good at not dying. The rest of us don't have that luxury."

initiave: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 (looking for a counter-counter-ambush)

She has her (useless) crossbow readied and her long spear handy.
She's probably making herself dizzy, trying to look every direction at once.

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Perception: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

As the party keeps watch for the approaching assassins, an arrow flies toward Omero...
Ranged (Shortbow, mw): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Damage (P): 1d4 ⇒ 1

...and pierces the paladin's armor!

The halfling and the nagaji spot the source of the attack, a halfling armed with a shortbow--undoubtedly one of the Vessels In Between!

Vessel placed on Map!

Combat Surprise Round
PCs in bold may take a move or standard action

Vessel
Teke
Delance
Bressa
Omero -1 HP
?
Skyllik

Teke moves toward the enemy but tries to stay out of the way of any potential charges.

As the halfling moves forward a crossbow bolt is let loose behind him...

Ranged (light crossbow): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage (P): 1d8 ⇒ 1

... but it fails to hit its mark.

Combat Surprise Round Cont'd

PCs in bold may take a move or standard action

Vessel (black)
Teke
Delance
Bressa
Omero -1 HP
Vessel (red)
Skyllik

Both Vessels now placed on Map!

BOTTING Skyllik - No post since the quest started, so I am putting Skyllik on delay until the player returns or we conclude.

A shorter assassin, likely a halfling, appears over the embankment and fires an arrow at Teke, before ducking down again.

Ranged (mwk shortbow): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage (P): 1d4 ⇒ 1
Vessel (black), Stealth: 1d20 + 12 - 20 ⇒ (3) + 12 - 20 = -5

The arrow impales Teke's shoulder, however the shooter's hat remains clearly visible over the embankment.

Combat First Full Round Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Vessel (black)
Teke -1 HP
Delance
Bressa
Omero -1 HP
Vessel (red)
Skyllik (standard or move action only)

Omero looks down at the haft of the arrow sticking out from a weak spot in his armor and grimaces. He grips his halberd and takes off at the steady trot towards the archer.

Run 60 feet.

"Cowards!" Bressa shouts in exasperation. "There are probably more down there, Omero! Keep 'em busy while we put this one out of its misery!" She drops her useless crossbow and double moves toward the red [blood] Vessel, pulling out her long spear. She is in threat range for when he fires again.

Teke takes a shot at Red with his air blast.

Air Blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
B Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The blast from the halfling aerokineticist strikes the Vessel hard.

Combat First Full Round Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Vessel (black)
Teke -1 HP
Delance
Bressa
Omero -1 HP
Vessel (red) -8 HP
Skyllik (standard or move action only)

Delance begins his rage song with a mightly roar.

+2 Str, +2 Con

Then moves toward the assassin.

The larger vessel drops back from the spear-wielding woman and quaffs a potion.

The shorter assassin, dives behind a small group of rocks and fires shot at the oncoming paladin.

Ranged (mwk shortbow): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage (P): 1d4 ⇒ 1

But, clearly flustered, the assassin misses his mark.

Combat Second Full Round Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Vessel (black)
Teke -1 HP
Delance
Bressa
Omero -1 HP
Vessel (red) (buffed) -8 HP
Skyllik (delay)

Teke feels himself being empowered by the raging song, and fires off a more powerful blast at Red. (Yay +2 Con = damage haha)

Air Blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
B Damage, raging song: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

He finds himself roaring in triumph. If that fells the assassin, Teke will move 4 squares northwest.

The halfling's blasts buffets the Vessel hard, but the assassin remains standing, wounded, and quite angry.

Combat Second Full Round Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Vessel (black)
Teke -1 HP
Delance
Bressa
Omero -1 HP
Vessel (red) (buffed) -17 HP
Skyllik (delay)