Lucendar's Mummy's Mask Campaign - The Necropolis awaits! (Inactive)

Game Master Lucendar

The ancient lands of Osirion are blanketed by the sands of time, and eldritch secrets and vast riches lay just beneath the sun-blistered surface. As modern Osirion opens its vaults and tombs to outsiders for the first time in centuries, many of these lost treasures and secrets are now emerging and explorers are needed to recover them! The Ruby Prince Khemet III has ordered the government of Wati and the church of Pharasma to open the city of Wati’s necropolis to exploration. The lottery is random and impartial and has attracted a number of adventurers and scholars and merchants to the area. What wonders will you find?

Welcome all to my recruitment thread. The last time I GMed a desert AP (Legacy of Fire) on these boards, it went 5000+ posts strong before going on indefinite hiatus, so I thought I'd try my hand at another desert AP.

First, take a look at the free player's guide to familiarize yourself with the city of Wati. Link

Second of all, there is a lot of dungeon delving, at least early on, in this AP, which I know tends not to translate well to PbP. The players tend to let the rogue take over and just watch. That leads to a boring game. I want characters with personalities who can rp and be intrigued/motivated to explore old ruins and not just disappear from the boards and let the rogue do all the work. I am looking for creativity and consistency.

Character creation guidelines:
15 point buy
No evil
Classes: All allowed except summoner
Races: Core preferred; others better come with great backgrounds to justify their presence
Average gold for class
2 traits - 1 must be campaign; 1 drawback allowed (if desired)

No need to submit a complete character sheet but I am looking at minimum for the following:
1. Visual description of character (feel free to post link to images if you have something specific in mind)
2. Why do you care about tomb exploring? Why risk death at the hands of ancient traps or untold horrors buried away? Isn't there an easier way for your character to make a living? Is it just greed for gold or something else?
3. Brief history as to how you heard about lottery and came to be in Wati

Any questions, let me know and thanks for considering this PbP.

Would love to get in on this. Will have something for you later on today.

dotting. Archetypes allowed? Multi-classing allowed?

Something in a gnome druid with vermin heart.

Dotting.

I'm actually thinking either cleric of Pharasma or the aforementioned rogue.

DG: Archetypes are allowed, as well as ACG classes.

Thanks for the interest. Always get nervous no one will apply... :)

Will polish him off later tonight. Is a giant beetle animal companion ok?

Would love to play as a dervish-dancing inquisitor of Sarenrae.

Would you like our submission posted to this thread, or in a PM?

Khepri: Yes, it's listed under vermin companions for druids in UM.
Cwalk: Whatever you feel most comfortable with is fine.

How do you feel about stat dumping?

Presenting Ernst 'Love' Lowfield for your consideration. Dwarf Trapsmith Rogue

I will happily be the rogue who does all the work. ICTSpiceMerchant is now free to run with the cleric idea. /snark

1. Visual description of character.
~The alias image is perfect for Love, I built him from it. Slightly sun-burnt, taking Foreign Opportunist campaign trait so he is new to Wati, short bearded as long beards and traps do not mix well. Dresses conservatively and practically. He is a professional, flash is for the client.

2. Why do you care about tomb exploring? Why risk death at the hands of ancient traps or untold horrors buried away? Isn't there an easier way for your character to make a living? Is it just greed for gold or something else?
~First it is something of a family business. The Lowfields have been making, and less publicly, breaking traps and vaults for generations. Think something like the Timsons from the Rumpole novels.
Love seeks to both expand the family business and to establish his own reputation by making a bit of a splash in this lottery. With a good name as a trapsmith and the funds from the tomb Love seeks to prove that the ancients cannot hold a candle to modern builders.

3. Brief history as to how you heard about lottery and came to be in Wati.
~Business contacts among Pahmet dwarf community sent word about the opening. Senior family members being conservative (they are dwarves after all) decided to send Love partly to test the waters pending any real commitment of resources and as a test for the young lad.

I think I will be going with the Stranger in a Strange Land motif. Looking at Human Ranger (Infiltrator), formerly a loyal swordsman in the service of House Surtova, when civil war broke out in Brevoy he was killed (WHAT?!?).

More to follow......

doting for interest.
1. Visual description of character.
A Short halfling with with a glaive. He is rugged but seems to be cheerful. His hair is flaming red and he has scar along his left cheek.

2. Why do you care about tomb exploring? Why risk death at the hands of ancient traps or untold horrors buried away? Isn't there an easier way for your character to make a living? Is it just greed for gold or something else?
He loves to explore he tried applying to the Pathfinder Society at one point, but decided he liked being independant better. He is adventoring for two reasons. The 1st is to get coin the second is to find new beverages for his future shop. He is planning on opening a coffee shop one day in Absalom.
3. Brief history as to how you heard about lottery and came to be in Wati.
He heard about the lottery from Pathfinder in a brew shop. He decided it would it be good to go south and to find work. He also heard about the strange coffee in Wati. It was a smaller brew but had more taste.

I will post stats later

I think I will be going with the Stranger in a Strange Land motif. Looking at Human Ranger (Infiltrator), formerly a loyal swordsman in the service of House Surtova, when civil war broke out in Brevoy he was killed (WHAT?!?).

More to follow......

And perhaps you needed some friends in "Low" places to provide a safe pipeline far from folks looking for revenge.....

Just saying...

DoubleGold again.

Here he is Aleon Hunter. He is a Guntank Gunslinger. I dropped con and then took elf, so he has a con of 8 then reduced to 6, but I make up for it in dex, and my fort save is a 0, but a 9 on cold effects. He also has a shortsword and a longsword with 2-weapon fighting.
Also, how do you feel about alt racial traits?

Also, he isn't complete yet, need a backstory and looks and to fix up his skills.

Izora Massri, Dawnflower Dervish and inquisitor of Sarenrae

1. The olive skin, long dark hair, and slight build Izora inherited from her Keleshite mother have proven both a boon and burden throughout her life in Sothis. While complimentary of her beauty, people often inquired whether she belonged to her burly, dark-skinned Garundi father. Once Izora gained her father's height, the question of familial ties ceased (or at least retreated behind closed doors). The combination of her parents' traits, however, have created a truly striking creature in Izora.

2. Despite a childhood of disparagement by Osriani peers due to her Keleshite blood, Izora always carried a passionate curiosity toward Ancient Osriani culture. Her father only fueled her interest with his stories of his ancestors and their direct lineage to some pharaoh or another - it changed every time he told them. When Izora first witnessed the dervish dancers at the Temple of the Eternal Flame (where her mother served as a priestess of Sarenrae), she found another great love to rival that of Ancient Osirion. When she came of age, Izora decided to combine the two and train as an inquisitor of the Dawnflower in order to purge whatever evils still remain buried in the crypts of her homeland.

3. Recently granted full status as an inquisitor of Sarenrae, Izora's father, a merchant in Sothis, passed word of the lottery in Wati in hopes of giving his daughter direction at the start of her career. Armed with a new scimitar (a gift of good luck from her parents), a pack full of supplies, and an idealistic resolve forged by years of daydreams and training, Izora arrives at Wati hopeful to gain entry to one of the crypts ... along with some new allies.

Izora, did you peek at Lucendar's Legacy of Fire game and find out that he has a soft spot for female scimitar-wielding, dervish dancing servants of Sarenrae?

I've been a player in some of Lucendar's previous games, and I'm tempted to apply here. However, I'll probably pass, since I'm about to start up a game myself.

Joran is an aspiring archaeologist and Pathfinder, here to investigate the Osirion ruins as a scholar. He chose this assignment as throughout his training, he has been fascinated by the old tombs and secret treasures that Osirion holds. He heard about the lottery through one of his Osirion contacts and he is jumping at the chance, even taking official leave from the Pathfinder society to do so.

Joran is tall and lanky, with a light stubble on his face and blonde hair (He looks like the avatar). He wears loose fitting clothing made for exploring wherever he is sent, be it cold or heat. A leather, wide brimmed hat shields his head. A buckler is strapped to his left forearm and a whip with small razors is attached at his hip.

Joran specializes in trapfinding and knowledge, but he has some magical talents and is useful in tripping or disarming opponents.

1. Pretty similar to her avatar, except possibly some scars from being burned alive.
2. As someone who serves the God-Pharaoh Nethys, Kakra is interested in learning about ancient Osirion.
3. Kakra is Osirion by both blood and birth, her family has lived there for generations, however with the loss of her own memory, she has sought out more information about the one who knows all, that lead her to Wati and learning about the lottery.

I took Burned as a drawback, I'm not sure what I would take as a bonus trait if it gives one, even if it doesn't it still goes well with the character.

I'm pretty interested in this - how long might Recruitment be open for?

I'm looking at creating an investigator of some sort. :) I've gotta get the idea fleshed out, but it seems like it'd be a good deal of fun.

Doooooot? I need to look it over a little more, but I might try a shaman if a good character background comes to me :)

I would like to apply with:

Krig Grimheart, Dwarven Ranger

1. Visual description of character (feel free to post link to images if you have something specific in mind)

Krig's appearance is of little concern to him. If he is not covered in a layer of dirt and grime, something is clearly wrong. He wears light agile clothes which he keeps in good repair.

2. Why do you care about tomb exploring? Why risk death at the hands of ancient traps or untold horrors buried away? Isn't there an easier way for your character to make a living? Is it just greed for gold or something else?

Krig has been a dwarven guide to various subterranean caves and dungeons for most of his life. Krig feels most at home when he is deep underground and eagerly pursues work as a guide in the under-realms.

3. Brief history as to how you heard about lottery and came to be in Wati

Work has been slow as of late for Krig. When he caught news about the lottery and the opportunity to explore areas which have been unexplored for so long, he couldn't resist. He made haste and traveled to Wati to partake in the lottery and a chance to pursue his passion of exploration.

Campaign Trait: Inquisitive Archaeologist

Crunch to Follow.

Here's Vidic Votev Human Ranger (Infiltrator)
1. Visual description of character: Jet black hair, goatee, blue eyes, pale skin as one would expect from the north. Obviously a foreigner, he always appears to be somewhat distracted. He was never the strongest lad, so he uses quickness instead of brawn to defend himself with two short swords.
2. Why do you care about tomb exploring? Why risk death at the hands of ancient traps or untold horrors buried away? Isn't there an easier way for your character to make a living? Is it just greed for gold or something else? Something else. After his family called in some longstanding and expensive favors from the Surtova's to get Vidic resurrected, he soon became obsessed with mortality. What better place to explore death and how ancient cultures dealt with sending souls to the afterlife than in the ancient tombs of Osirion.
3. Brief history as to how you heard about lottery and came to be in Wati: While Osirion and Brevoy are worlds apart they do share one thing in common: popular worship of Abadar. Vidic had never been religious but he sought counsel from Brevoy's Abadaran clergy. They pointed him to Osirion and Wati as a a place that could hold the answers he seeked. He has been in Wati about a year and has slowly been trying to recruit others to explore the vast tombs throughout the city. The lottery seemed like a perfect opportunity to begin his quest in earnest......

Jim Cirillo wrote:

I think I will be going with the Stranger in a Strange Land motif. Looking at Human Ranger (Infiltrator), formerly a loyal swordsman in the service of House Surtova, when civil war broke out in Brevoy he was killed (WHAT?!?).

More to follow......

And perhaps you needed some friends in "Low" places to provide a safe pipeline far from folks looking for revenge.....

Just saying...

While the chances of assassins being sent to Osirion to truly finish the job is pretty small, Vidic would be looking for someone experienced in tomb exploration to aid in his obsession with the afterlife. Seems Ernst would be that kind of dwarf!

dotting. thinking bard (archealogitst, or dirge), monk, or sorcerer

Dotting

will be submiting an arcane caster, either magus, sorcerer, or wizard. leaning towards sorc.

gah.. can't pick a bloodline :(

Wow, loving all the responses.

Okay answers to your questions:

1. Aleon Hunter: Alt racial traits are fine.
2. Jameena: Shhh, don't tell anyone! Lol...
3. YoricksRequiem: Recruitment will be open for a week, until next Wednesday. If I change the date, I will advise you at least 24 hours in advance.

screw it, going with a blaster sorc. prob elemental, or perhaps one of the more focused genie bloodlines.. hmmm.

Dot

would like to throw my hat in thinking of running a alchemist either basic or Crypt breaker.

@Jameena - Didn't look at any past threads. Guess it just means we both have good taste.

Honestly, I've been very excited to play an Egyptian-themed adventure and have been enamored with making a dervish-dancing inquisitor for a while now. Mummy's Mask seemed like the perfect opportunity to scratch both itches. Here's hoping Izora is chosen!

I have uploaded the stats.
A young red haired halfing walks into the local tavern. He is normal for his people, his travel robes cover his dented scale mail that carries the image of Desna, in his right hand he holds his glaive, strapped to his back is a sawtooth sabre, and on his hip is starknife. As he walks up to the tavern keeper. He smiles and says Can you tell me if anyone is hiring for the lottery? I have also heard from friends that you have a finely crafted drink known as the "awaken the pharaohs". It is a brewed drink that smells of earth and is full body coffee."
As the Tavern keeper hands the young the warrior a small cup full of the dark brew. Ib takes a seat near the door waiting.

Thinking maybe a gnome sylvan sorcerer; will likely take me a few days to get it all written up.

Lotta short folk in this recruitment...:)

Going to go with a Half-Elf Alchemist(Crypt Breaker)
1. Visual description of character: Cedric has silver like hair and blue eyes. His skin is really pale and easily looks out of place with the locals around the area. He wears glasses but upon close inspection they are just plain glass and seem to provide no benefit. He carries all shorts of vials and pouches filled with plants and other items. He is considered handsome but his odd behavior and somewhat unkempt appearance drives off most people.

2. Why do you care about tomb exploring? Why risk death at the hands of ancient traps or untold horrors buried away? Isn't there an easier way for your character to make a living? Is it just greed for gold or something else? Something else, although the gold is nice I'm more into the secrets the places like these hide. Just think of the lost magic and knowledge buried in these old ruins. Things people in the past bothered to set up these traps and so called horrors to protect. doesn’t that just make you want to find them even more?
3. Brief history as to how you heard about lottery and came to be in Wati: A man in my line of work knows about things like these. And once I heard how the ruins were being open for exploration how could I not come to Wati for a chance like this. I would be mad not to, well more mad than some people say.

wizard/sorc. (not sure just yet)
1. Visional description- Image He looks pretty much just like this. Stands 6' flat, not muscular but toned.

2. Why tomb exploring? Well, not only gold and goodies can be found in those places, its always exhilarating and full of adventure, and the best part is. The magical artifacts and secret long lost knowledge one can find just laying about in dusty tomes down there!

3. He always manages to find out about opening of long sealed tombs. He came to wati for the chance to possibly find untold knowledge and power. It was quite simple to ask for hearsay and eventually fit the pieces together, this is after all, no small matter.

Ib pulls out his journal and starts writing about the drink he has. The drink is earthy and seems to be bitter. I wonder if they put the leaves in the sun for a long time or if they mix it. As he writes he notices the general people in the tavern. He sees many adventures here to make their fortune with this lottery. A young human about in twenties comes up to Ib. Well met friend He says to Ib in friendly voice. Well met and good day Ib responds in his tenor voice. He does not have a deep voice like his cousin.
If I may ask how did you get that sword?The human asks Ib.
Ib pulls the blade and sets it on his lap. He then starts to his tale.
Well I got it from a pirate who had visited Mediogalti Island. He came to Absalom to get rid of his loot that he had. I came across him in Tavern. Needless to say I had the coin to buy it. I however did not have the skill to use it. When I asked him to teach me to use it he said no. Needless to say I bought it and the night the Pirate drank a lot. He bragged about killing a shop owner from Mediogalti. At that point he started calling me saying he wanted his trophy back. He charged at me, so I pulled the sword and the Pirate ran into and died. At that time another of my kind came into the tavern. He looked at the dead man and said to me I did him favor. He also offered to pay me for bringing killing the man. I explained to him what occurred. He then asked me if I wanted lessons in how to use the blade instead of gold for my apparent service to him. So I took him up on it. And that is how I got this fine blade. Apparently some people become scared around me when they see it.
The young human starts to figit. Ib can tell his story went to long. The human leaves and Ib returns to journalling in the tavern.

Question: Any issues with the Rich Parents trait Lucendar?

Vidic: Yes, thank you for reminding me. No traits that increase your wealth allowed.

Vidic: Yes, thank you for reminding me. No traits that increase your wealth allowed.

Glad I asked. I already had that gold spent. ;-)

Vidic: Yes, thank you for reminding me. No traits that increase your wealth allowed.

Foreign opportunist indirectly increases wealth:

"In addition, your contacts in the antiquities markets allow you to sell relics of Ancient Osirion for 60% of their listed price, rather than the normal 50% value."

Will this be an issue? With a little background tinker Love can take another campaign trait.

That trait is fine, especially since it is a Campaign trait.

Worried it might play havoc with WBL. Glad for the reassurance the trait could have been written for Love it fits so well.

Here's the list so far of applicants with name and race and class selected:

Khepri Chitin - Gnome druid (vermin heart)
Ernst Lowfield - Dwarf rogue trapsmith
Ib Brewleaf - Halfling fighter
Aleon Hunter - Elf gunslinger (guntank)
Izora Massri - Human inquisitor (dervish dancer)
Jaran Gates - Human archaeologist bard
Kakra - Human separatist cleric
Krig Grimheart - Dwarven Ranger
Vidic Votev - Human Ranger (Infiltrator)
Cedric - Half-Elf Alchemist(Crypt Breaker)

If I missed someone, let me know.

Hmmm odd mix

Only a lone bard on the arcane side.

A Cleric, a Druid, an Inquisitor and two rangers for team divine.

Were it not for how much playing Love's no nonsense, step where I step, attitude appeals to me I would be sorely tempted to toss in a Wizard candidate.

Varzel Vinnick, elf evocation wizard(admixture). decided to go wizard, as it fits the hunt for knowledge more imo.

Vidic: Yes, thank you for reminding me. No traits that increase your wealth allowed.

Thanks for letting me know too, as I had to make changes. I do work under the assumption that all traits are allowed unless the DM says otherwise in the original post. It is not something that occurs to me as to how the DM views the traits or even if they think they are overpowered. Also, I put my con back up to 8 by lowering dex by 1, 2 buy points for 2 buy points, as low con won't hurt me early on, but late in the game it will suck. changed cold weather outfit to hot weather.

Gnome pyromaniac arcanist being prepared as we speak.