DM Voice's Osirion Expedition (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Having dipped my toes into the PbP DMing primodial pool, I'm eager to continue to spread my wings and take on some fresh meat.

I am recruiting 5-ish persons for a trek into the Osirion desert that is being commissioned out of Sothis. You have not met the man previous, but he has sought you out to assist him on a trek into the desert. Initial portion of the PbP will be an escort, followed by a dungeon delve, and then we can see where it leads us after.

Posting expectations are 1/day on weekdays, weekends are obviously a little slower. Holiday's and absenteeism is fine as long as forewarned and you are happy with DM NPCing.

Character Creation:
20 point buy
2nd Level Start
Two traits
Core, APG and UM are all fine - I'll likely approve anything else from the Paizo stable as long as you can point out a product page reference
Average wealth by level
If you aren't Osirion born, you'll need a reason as to why you've washed up in Sothis looking for mercenary work

Any other questions please post and I shall respond. I'll keep recruitment open for at least a few days (till Thursday min).

I'd like to pitch Bazil Stormdasher, a CN (possibly CG) dwarven rogue with the swashbuckler archetype. He was born in the 5-kings Mountains, but didn't stay there long. He was constantly at odds with every conceivable aspect of dwarven society, chafing under authority and laughing in the face of tradition. He wanted to experience new things and places, and eventually he left his homeland, and his dwarven name, behind and began making a name for himself and an explorer and mercenary, at first in Druma, then with the Aspis Consortium, and now as a freelancer.

He is far more concerned with how interesting any given job is than with how well it pays, though. So long as he can eat well, travel, and sail occasional (he has a thing for the sea, and would like to own a ship one day) he's happy. After traveling through all but the northernmost reaches of Avistan, he's decided to try his skill in Garund. He's picked up a bit of the language, and now he's come to Osirion in the hopes of delving into its ancient crypts and gazing upon its treasures. He doesn't make his living as a tomb raider, by any means, but it's certainly not something he considers himself above. He considers himself a "professional adventurer."

As far as his personality goes, he's boisterous and opportunistic, but basically good natured. He is a remarkably unconventional thinker, especially for a dwarf, and friends and foes alike are often surprised by his wit and head for tactics, especially given the first impression he gives off. Basically, he's Bruenor Battlehammer crossed with Indiana Jones.

Looks interesting martinaj.

One other request - if you can throw up a basic block of what your character will look like (mainly attributes, trait, feat and skill selection) that would be appreciated. No need for a full profile unless you're selected or bored.

Ah, initially, I'm thinking...

Stats: Str 12, Dex 16, Con 14 (12+2), Int 14, Wis 9 (7+2), Cha 14

Skills (1 rank each): Acrobatics, Stealth, Perception, Disable Device, Sleight of Hand, Appraise, Survival, Bluff, Use Magic Device, Swim (let me know if I've missed any vital rogue skills)

Feats: Either Weapon Finesse or Two-Weapon Fighting. By 3rd level he'll be dual-wielding Rapier + Dagger.

Not sure about traits yet, those usually take me a while to pick out.

I would like to express interest in this game :-)

Setesh is an Alchemist by class, but an Embalmer by trade; I am still working on producing a background that I am happy with, but all of his 'crunch' is available for viewing :-)

@ Martinaj - thanks for the rundown.

@ Setesh - have had a quick look over the sheet and is an interesting concept. I will warn you though, if you make it in I'm not going to ignore the 7s in Wis and Cha, and they will cause you some IC issues.

@ Setesh - have had a quick look over the sheet and is an interesting concept. I will warn you though, if you make it in I'm not going to ignore the 7s in Wis and Cha, and they will cause you some IC issues.

*nods*

I dare say the running around ripping things apart with teeth and claws, and then embalming creatures for future use would somewhat put a crimp on his usefulness in social situations...

...the subtle smell of decay and embalming fluids would also probably be a little off-putting.

Unfortunately, that is a problem of that particular build :-/ Still, I will play around with the numbers and see if I can come-up with a viable alternative...

I'm interested.

I've not got time now to come up with anything but will see what other characters have been proposed and then come up with something to compliment later today.

Here is my cleric of Desna, currently spec'ed out at 6th level, but will be able to pull him back to 2nd level quite easily (1 barbarian, 1 cleric).

He was originally in an Osirion game that fell apart, and I'd really like the chance to resurrect him in a new Osirion game.

I'm interested and I'm either thinking fighter or a sorcerer build I put together a while ago for another game set in Osirion. Here is the Sorcerer, she's currently level 1 but I can bump her up(and I don't remember what point buy she was built at).

@ Setesh - up to you whether you re-jig the stats or not. I'm not saying that you wouldn't get a chance to tear things limb from limb, but I'd be remiss if I didn't balance that out a bit by exploiting your weaknesses from time to time :)

@ McFetus - noted, and as I said I'll leave the recruitment open for a couple of days at least before I call curtains so take your time. First in best dressed doesn't apply.

@ Dar'erthan - the 6th level build gives me a fair idea of how he'd stack up, so no need to chop n change unless you're in.

@ Saarah - looks like 20pt buy to me, so wouldn't need much tweaking.

This is an experimental character, so he's definitely not optimized for combat. However, I think he would be a fun character to play.

Clarence Omnicog is an old Gnome (154 years old, putting him in the old age category) who has been studying in Osirion for quite some time now. Though he is not very competent in battle, his skills and knowledge of Osirion have become quite the asset to venturing parties in the past. Recently he noticed his vision became progressively worse until finally he could no longer see further than 30ft. It was at this same time, however, that he discovered he had unusual abilities when it came to lore. Perhaps one of the gods has some plans in mind for him.

He could use some more fleshing out in terms of backstory and character, and he's only level 1 at the moment. I'll update his profile more while you consider your choices. The goal with Clarence is to take about four levels (maybe five) as an Oracle and then multi-class into Bard and eventually Mystic Theurge if he ever gets that far.

If you have any questions about him, please let me know! Also, if anyone else would like to come up with a backstory that intertwines with his, could be fun.

This is Rezamar previously built for a level 15 game I can easily rewrite him to 2nd level and play out the rest of his story. At this point he'd be a bandit and mercenary in search of glory, hence CN.

@ Clarence - looks interesting.

@ TarkXT - noted and welcome.

So the rolecall so far is:
martinaj - Swashbuckler Rogue
Setesh - Feral Alchemist (Embalmer)
McFetus - TBC
Dar'erthan - Barbarian / Desnan Cleric
Saarah - Draconic Sorceress (or possibly Fighter)
Clarence - Lore Oracle
Rezamar (TarkXT) - Blackblade Magus
toddpbc - Monk
Jaru Toth - Pharasmin Cleric
Wandslinger - Human Magus

I'm interested in running a human monk - but I'm not overly familiar with the Osirion setting. Where could I learn more? And, would a human monk even be a possibility there?

Straight up Garundi Cleric of Pharasma and undead extermination specialist. Currently level 1 can boost to 2.

Background:
A tall tonsured Garundi dressed in the black robes of Pharasma, Jaru’s destiny as a priest of the Goddess of Fate was set with his first breath. His mother nearly died in childbirth due to a lack of competent priests in his small village in the wastes beyond Shiman-Sekh. Concerned at the lack of priests in the area, his parents bravely dedicated their youngest son to the goddess and the child was taken up by a small Pharasmin nunnery near of Shiman-Sekh.

A favored child of the temple, Jaru was instructed in healing and death rituals. He looked forward to a quiet life as a cloistered priest and healer at the temple until one of his wards succumbed to a virulent strain of ghoul fever and he barely escaped with his life. Many of the beloved sisters of the temple were not so lucky.

Bereaved at the loss of the only parents he had known, Jaru wandered to Sothis where the pain of his loss has prevented him from rejoining the temple. He currently seeks new direction as an "undead prevention and extermination consultant".

@ toddpbc - easiest place for framing info would be here. Osirion is basically Egyptian desert flavored with sphinxes and tombs and mummies, etc. And yes - human monk would fit in the flavor fairly easily.

@ Jaru Toth - noted and welcome.

Have added you both to the list

Osirion is basically Egypt during a peak in power. They're nearly to Garund what Cheliax was to Avistan 100 years ago. They don't have the continent under their thumb, by any means, and not everyone in Garund hails Osirion as "best thing evar," but no one can deny they're a major player in the region.

As far as monks there goes, no idea. You'll have to ask our gorilla about that.

Tarik Veihess has been studying magic since he was a young boy. Of course when living in Quantium this doesn't really make him very special. What made Tarik stand out was his love of daring adventure stories, and a very intense desire to go about swashbuckling and defeating evil with pointy swords.

Needless to say his teachers weren't very impressed with his desires, and attempted to curb them often. Despite their work, however, Tarik has continued to meld his love of swordplay with his study of magic. His somewhat unique talents have put him in the position of being a prime guard for many expeditions that the Quantium universities of magic send out.

Currently however, he is taking a sabbatical and wandering eastern Garund. As of now he finds himself in Sothis, and the chance to find high adventure while also doing magical research has him nearly bursting with excitement.

Basic Setup:
Male Human Magus 2

Str: 14
Dex: 14
Con: 12
Int: 16 (14+2)
Wis: 13
Cha: 10

Skills: 1 rank each: Climb, Kn(arcana), Kn(dungeoneering), Kn(planes), Spellcraft

Feats: Dodge, Combat Casting

Traits: Classically schooled, courageous

@ Wandslinger - noted and welcome, have added you to the list above.

I'm most likely going to be sticking with Saarah and I've leveled her to level 2 and updated everything...what can I say, I was bored

Ahoy Dibbets, the Groom says hi (well, he would never say 'hi' but he would pass you the crab claws.)

Definitely interested in this. First thought is a desert nomad fighter that is maturing into a Brass Dragon Disciple.

Will work up the back story and stats tonight after work.

I submit Amun for review. Please let me know if I've missed anything or done anything wrong.

I'd love to participate - it seems like a fun area. And, Tark is awesome, so I'd like to play alongside him, as opposed to against him. His Torbles are kicking my butt in the game he's DM'ing for me.

Roll for second level HP: 1d8 ⇒ 6

I've updated the profile to Lvl 2. The only left to do would be to buy some gear (other than weapons and armor). Average Lvl 2 starting wealth is 1000 gold right?

Thats correct Clarance.

Just an FYI Saarah is eventually going to work toward Dragon Disciple. Thought it would be nice to know where the character is headed.

Good to see the interest thus far, some nice concepts on the table.

If you haven't already got it in the background you've stated, please give me a bulletpoint or so as to why your character is in the market for some mercenary work.

To assist in that regard, the notice that you are responding to is something akin to thus:

"Lathrat Ke'shin of Sothis seeks able bodied persons to accompany him on an expedition into the Sahure Wastes. Applicants are to make themselves known at Karisht's Emporium in the shadow of Azghaad's Spire this coming Oathday as the sun sets.
The journey will be long and ardous, but the rewards are commesurate with the suffering that will be endured.
May the smile of the Ruby Prince lay upon you."

Saarah is looking to take a break from her work at the temple(worshiping is hard on the knees and lower back lol) and in one of her last group...uh...worship services someone mentioned that there was someone looking for able bodied persons to accompany him on an expedition and she figured she would look into it.

Rezamar's decided to take a break from banditry and do some honest mercenary work. He finds it delightfully ironic that he'll be doing a job that he's killed people on the opposite end for.

Setesh is looking for something that will let him get out of Sothis, and away from his father's immediate sphere of influence... The sooner, the better!

I have a completed background, and an updated-character profile, available for perusal now :-)

The art of motivating Bazil is not what one would call a tricky business. He's in this for the adventure. He plans to see where this takes him, and go from there. Plus, that little blurb tacked on to the end of the notice makes him think he'll be able to boast later about working for the Ruby Prince.

I would like to throw my proverbial hat into the ring. The character would be a cavalier. When he was younger he was trained as an assassin, but during one training session he severely damaged one of his legs. He was unable to continue training as an assassin and was depressed. His grandfather came to him with a present, a bastard sword. He let him know that a shogun was willing to take him on as an apprentice and train him in the ways of the cavalier and that his injury would not be a problem. He trained for years and became not only an excellent swordman, but a top notch horseman as well.
Shao the Horseman:
Half-Orc Cavalier Order of the Dragon
Str: 19
Dex: 9
Con: 14
Int: 12
Wis: 10
Cha: 12

Alternative Racial: Bestial

CN Diety: Gorum
Added Language: Draconic
Feat: Exotic Weapon Proficiency Bastard sword
Traits: Veteran of Battle, Armor Expert

As for my posting I currently and DMing a PbP game so I check frequently and can post at least once if not more times per day.
Thank you for your consideration/
P.S. I think it would be fitting if he walked with a limp and had a non-mounted speed of 15 ft.

@ Erefine - thanks for the app, have added you to the list.

Updated rolecall is:
martinaj - Swashbuckler Rogue
Setesh - Feral Alchemist (Embalmer)
McFetus - TBC
Dar'erthan - Barbarian / Desnan Cleric
Saarah - Draconic Sorceress
Clarence - Lore Oracle
Rezamar (TarkXT) - Blackblade Magus
Amun Djedjenu - Human Monk
Jaru Toth - Pharasmin Cleric
Wandslinger - Human Magus
Meowzebub - Desert Fighter?
Erefine - Half-Orc Cavalier

Amun latches onto one key phrase in the posting: "the rewards are commiserate with the suffering that will be endured." Amun knew that if he was going to learn anything of his parents, he would need money to pay people for information. He realized that he might not survive the journey, but perfection can not be attained without struggle.

”Asmodeus’s Balls, it’s hot!!” The gray parrot on the gnome’s shoulder squawked in agreement and tried to fit under the meager shade of the crusty gnome’s tricorner hat.

”Who’s idea was it anyway to come to this godsforsaken desert? What were you thinkin’, Smudge?” the erstwhile gnome clockmaker, sailor-cum-wizard questioned the bird as his sharp blue eyes ranged over the announcements posted on the board. ”I say we could hardly be sweating more in some Chelish devil’s prison cell.” Quillin muttered. ”Ah, what’s this love? Reckon you can still ask for a beer in Cyclopsean? Might be a job for you here. ‘Rewards are commensurate with the suffering that will be endured...’, eh? Well, my suffering is sure to be considerable, ha ha! What do you say there, Smudgey? The ocean be just a desert with the life underground, we’ll be right at home, no? Besides, I believe you’d make a right fine little mummy, ha ha!”

”Snakes and Sand! Snakes and Sand!” Smudge warned as the gnome made his way to Karisht’s Emporium.

The tall lanky Garundi paused on his way to the market to consider the notice that had slid under his sandal by the siroc wind as if by fate. Far be it for me to question the will of Prince Khemet III, blessed be his name, but all these foreigners and their 'expeditions' can lead to no good. Pharasma may not care what wealth is left behind once a soul has reached its eternal destination, but I worry that thoughtless grave robbers may call those departed souls back from her care. And who knows what abominations remain trapped in their tomb, denied the fate written for them.

Jaru looked at the notice again. Is it your will Pharasma to see that this Lathrat Ke’shin causes no harm in his quest? Am I to guide him across the desert to whatever destiny awaits? Looking into the cloudless sky, Jaru offers a small prayer ”Inut ya-Fatah… Inut ya-Fatah… If it is fated… If it is fated,” then he makes his way to the shadow of the Azghaad Spire.

@ Voodoo - all that I ask is for you to pick which one you'd prefer and I'll carry that one forward into deliberation. Wouldn't be fair otherwise :)

Clarence read the letter too quickly the first time and had to start over. He had a tendency to do that. Something I need to work on... he thought to himself.

Ancient Osiriani, huh? Of course Clarence could read Ancient Osiriani, being a scholar of the history of Osirion. He could even speak it! Held in high regard? Well, that sounds like me. Though "able-bodied" might be a bit of a stretch. Clarence stretches his legs and arms as if to prove they still work and then cleans his glasses (not that they help much with his poor eye-sight; they only work within 30ft!).

It's been too long since I've been on an adventure! I'll do it! He unintentionally yells the last out loud and a few "sssshhhs" come from the library. Sorry! Sorry!

I'd love to participate - it seems like a fun area. And, Tark is awesome, so I'd like to play alongside him, as opposed to against him. His Torbles are kicking my butt in the game he's DM'ing for me.

Amun - in case you haven't noticed - I'm one of the guys attempting to ineffectually swipe off the torbles that are on you :P Caldazar says Hi and Vive le Rebellion!

Well dang. I hadn't noticed. You need to get those blasted things off of me - I'm clearly incapable of doing so!

And, I just noticed that you're also in the Mercenary campaign. I swear, there are only 10 of us on this site, but we all have hundreds of aliases.

Hey GM, why are you a gorilla?

Hey GM, why are you a gorilla?

The other PbP I'm DMing for at the moment is for a mercenary squad currently on a jungle trek - hence the gorilla.

Still pending the final proposals from McFetus and Meowzebub?

OK, so I see we have a dragon disciple applicant already, but what I have to propose is very different from Saarah, and would even provide a good foil.

Noor is a LG temple initiate in an isolated cliff-dwelling community in the rugged barren hills far south of the Osirion Capital. The temple and community guard a scared spring. She had a strict upbrings in weapons and desert lore, but the secrets of the Temple were forbidden till she came of age. Stronger and more capable than even some of her brothers, she patiently waited until she would be escorted into the holy caverns deep in the mountain, to prove that she is ready.

The day came, but the initiation seemed to be waiting in a dark cave, for something..anything to happen. She was told to focus on her prayers, but instead she despaired, as she had hoped her initiation might involve hunting the bandits that crawled in the same hills. Bored she finally rose from her pillows to explore the cave. When her hand hit a large metallic object, (she thinks) as she recoiled. A deep voice rung out, "The trial is over. You are not yet fit for what this temple has to offer. You took your first steps out of the darkness toward your destiny. Come back when you realize what you have chosen."

She was sent from the only home she knew. On a quest she did not understand. A caravan heading north was a good place to start, and perhaps in the capital she could get her bearings...she had read and steadied so much in her training, it would be wonderful to see the works of the Pharaohs.

Noor El'Harkon was raised in a strict militaristic setting. She does not currently know her place in the world, but she knows everything has its reasons. Although an arcane caster, she is pure melee. All her spells are planned to be self buffs. Currently she is not aware she is even a caster, except a strange incident on the caravan, where a night attack caught her with out armor, but when she had wished she had some kind of protection, something had saved her life that night by deflecting a spear.

Her skill with a falchion is impressive, and she can wield it in awe-inspiring displays. Her fierceness catches others offguard, yet her temple upbringing stressed courtly displays as well, so she knows to act in the capital even though the sights overwhelm her simple upbringing.

Noor will be a frontline melee with some face potential.
Human(Garundi) Female Ranger1/Sorcerer1 LG

She is fierce, intense and honor-bound. She is unaware of her connection to a Brass Dragon community. When she is a full Dragon Disiple, she will be welcomed back to her community, and take up service with the Dragons.

Str: 16 (14+2)
Dex: 10
Con: 14
Int: 10
Wis: 10
Cha: 16

Skills: 1 rank each: Diplomacy, Intimidate(2 ranks), Kn(dungeoneering), Kn(geography), Kn(History), Perception, Stealth, Survival

Feats: Intimidating Prowess, Power Attack

Traits: Ease of Faith, Highlander

Has the all mighty Gorilla made his choices yet? The anticipation is killing me.

Was leaving it up for a little while longer to see if any one else was interested, but looks like apps have stopped coming in. I'll call that recruitment closed and I'll make my selection in a couple of hours.

After much wringing of hands, consultation of magic 8-ball and lucky dipping - the following have been selected:

martinaj - Swashbuckling Rogue
Setesh - Embalming Alchemist
Jaru Toth - Pharasmin Cleric
Meowzebub - Ranger / Sorcerer
Wandslinger - Magus

Please check in here for those that made it in.

For those that didn't, thankyou for your time and application. If I need to search out for replacements for any reason I'll revisit this thread. Otherwise I wish you well.

Checking in, as requested ;-)