DM oKOyA's Mummy's Mask: The Half-Dead City

Game Master Lord oKOyA

I think I will wait until Monday to continue the game. With Stephen and Mark unavailable until then I'd rather not DMNPC them both during one of the tests.

Suits me. Busy weekend.

Mus'ad is now back in the climatic opposite of the game thread. I've got a few posts to catch up with...

OOC taken to OOC.

Mus'ad was unfortunately away during the initial foray into the tomb, but he departed just as it was made plain that Safan was dead (my last post was hurried and I didn't actually register on that until afterwards). Otherwise he would have been reticent against further exploration then.

He is a 1st level Pahmet desert guide - who is not yet quite adept at delving within tombs. The wierd floaty man made it clear that this is a repository for world shaping power borne of a god himself. Mus'ad is in his own reserved Pahmetish way... pissing his pants with quite warranted fear.

He is the leader of the caravan outside - even with Safan dead, he has a responsibility to them. As an added bonus, Safan's notes have been stated by our benevolent leader to be worth a pretty penny.

Mus'ad has no desire to die, and given that both his track record with the traps here is fifty-fifty; and that it's already killed someone far more experienced and world-wise (Safan) - he thinks that going past the giant talky floating spirit that served either a god-king or god directly would be a fast forward quick pass to being introduced to his own personal spilled entrails.

Why is Tariq so keen to die? - and why does he keep using the word we when describing his own fanatical ideals?

I hope I'm not coming across as confrontational, that is honestly NOT the intention. I'm just a bit baffled as to why you, as a player, feel your character should be afraid to enter the VERY FIRST dungeon he encounters in an AP where the whole premise is to explore ancient tombs?

Tariq is acting the way he does because I, as his player, feel that is the best way to have him contribute to advancing the story. He's not suicidal, but he's not afraid of taking chances either. He uses the word "we" because there are two pharasmins in the party, and the eradication of undead is, in his view, a holy duty for both of them. And his fanaticism gives him a convenient excuse for wanting to see what's behind the doors. And I fully trust our GM to scale the challenges ahead to our level. If not, we can always retreat, but without risk, no adventure.

In the current situation, we have some PC's who want to move forward, and some who want to turn back. In my mind, that leaves three options:

1) We split the party, and some of us explore while others go back outside and watch the caravan.
2) We stand around and argue IC until we agree to a joint course of action
3) We all turn back, and leave the Sphinx and it's riddles for someone else to explore.

Neither of those options are fun for me. I would much rather we found a way to bring us all together as a group who might actually like to go on further adventures together after this. and right now, we have a bunch of strangers who more or less can't stand each other. How do we fix that?

Re the set-up for the tomb, I'm with Mark that this mini-delve feels ridiculously epic for 1st-level characters. I was expecting a cave where we smash some skeletons and find a minor historic object. Without metagaming that the DM will scale the dread riddles of the god-king, this absolutely ought to be a TPK before we even get in the door. I mean, if the third riddle is solveable by 1st-level PCs, who are the first two appropriate for, house cats and commoners? And it's already killed Safan who, I presume, is higher-level than we are. My completely inexperienced PC certainly doesn't feel more prepared than a professional archaeologist and Pathfinder.

I've flipped flopped between tastefully withdrawing from the campaign and a fairly passive aggressive post about the issues that I'm having with Tariq as a player and character... and wishy washed myself into banality.

I feel somewhat backed into a corner by the storyline that I'm reacting organically to... and the responsibilities placed upon my character by the way that the campaign began.

I dislike the way that Mus'ad's reticence to continue is being used as a wedge of 'you just don't get the campaign'.

I dislike the assumption that we (as inexperienced characters) should just plow on because 'surely the DM won't kill us'... that's not the way I like to play. The guy who hired my character (and who is more powerful, knowledgeable and experienced than my character) is dead... killed by what the apparition has stated is the 'least' of what we face. He has every right to feel reticent about moving forwards.

I dislike the brute force fanaticism being shown by Tariq... and the passive aggressive way that Mus'ad's disagreement is being lampshaded as 'my' problem... with seemingly no comprehension that it might also be partly 'his' problem.

But mostly I don't really want to argue... as these things never go anywhere. I'm happy to step out if people would prefer.

Just chirping in to say i'm reading everything. Can understand the IC (and OOC) apprehension about the level of difficulty, but can also understand the potential Chosen One Trope being perceived to different degrees. People have varying ideas of the comparative power of 1st level characters. I, for example, tend to treat even a single level of a PC class as something quite rare. I despair at Paizo's utter overuse of PC levels on NPC's and try to make extensive use of Warrior and Adept classes. Theres no right or wrong answer to this one, to my mind. Its just different perceptions and expectations.

I'm not really sure how this got out of hand so quickly. Sorry if I had any contribution. I think you all know I loathe being involved in group conflict and i've walked away from a couple of games due to it (most recently, a WoTW game where a new player brought in a character that repeatedly antagonised and tried to belittle my character while simultaneously being upset with me OOC when he gave as good as he got). There is an implicit social contract to a PbP for me so that I generally try and be flexible to accommodate everybody.

It seems to me this current delve isn't going to work out. I've been asked to try and mediate a little, so I have been thinking how to proceed. My only proposal to continue would be that we hand waive the following two steps, in chronological order-

1. The Professor and those who were still willing to delve further tried, and failed, to pass every test. They met with partial success on one but were repulsed by the power of the place. However, the Professor did find enough fragments of Ancient Osiriani to confirm what he sought was not in this place, and put a few clues together as to his next destination- Wati.

2. With a destination in mind, the Professor recruits the capable individuals he met into an equal shares contract of the spoils.

It doesn't fix the inter-party difficulties we're having though. From an entirely neutral standpoint, i'm not certain having two pro-Pharasmites is ever going to work out when we're essentially tomb exploring/robbing. I also think, to an extent, some posts have come across as over-bearing when the intent was merely to keep "pushing" the game; keeping momentum up and expressing interest.

As is with most things I am fine with what the group decides.
The intro would have scared most low level characters, although not necessarily enough to stop those brave or stupid or greedy enough to keep going, like in my case.
I was thinking that Kheled would have fit into at least one or more of these categories :]. That doesn't mean that others view it differently though as that was my first reaction as well. Just saying I get why people reacted both ways.

Kheled's interest for being along is two-fold. First any chance to take his vengence on undead is a welcome chance. Second, he is a bit of an adventurous soul. He grew up around digs and tombs so he does enjoy part of the tomb-raiding aspect of it.

Hopefully those on the fence about continuing can figure out what would motivate their character to continue with the campaign and band together with a group to do more tomb delving.

Perhaps it is as simple as we do turn away from this but still forge a loose association with each other on the ride back to Wati.

I feel some responsibility for this because I was the oe who suggested we throw some type of intro together to try and make more sense of us all coming together. DM was nice enough to try and throw soemthing together but it hasn't quite worked out.

I'm about to sit down to a RL game, so I only have time for a short post.

I fully acknowledge that the behavior of both me and my character have contributed to the current bad mood. I also see that in my eagerness to move the story along, I've come across as overbearing and a bit of a jerk. I'm sorry for that.

I'm also keenly aware that I've joined the game late, and that my choice of character and playstyle have caused some issues. As such, if anyone is to step down, it should be me. I hope it won't come to that.

I can see that Tariq is not working out, and I'm ready to make a new character, if my presence in this game can be salvaged.

More later.

Wow. This has swung wildly out of control quickly. I am posting from work on my phone so I will keep it short for the time being.

First of all, I do not wish for anybody to feel like they need to leave the game. I am sure we are mature enough to solve our issues without it coming to that. Character friction is one thing but player friction is another. If a particular character or characters cannot get along then perhaps we should revisit the characters in the party before we proceed any further.

I think Alex has already hit many of the points I would be bringing up so I won't repeat them. For what it is worth this entire prelude is a Pathfinder Society scenario. In hindsight it is perhaps a little too ambitious for what we were trying to accomplish here. But I felt it provided a lot of opportunity for background and setting exploration.

If people wish to scrap the prelude entirely and move straight into the AP that is fine with me. The onus then, of course, will then be on you as the players to come up with a background story for the formation of your adventuring party because that is what the AP assumes.

My thumbs are getting sore so I will just conclude with the fact that I think we all need to extend a certain amount of trust in the game and the participants. Trust that the players have designed characters who are compatible with others and with the themes of the AP. Siimilarly a little trust that I have a method to my madness. :-)

This is an awesome group of players we have assembled and I'm a little sad that our grand adventure has started off on such a sour and dysfunctional note. I am confident we can rectify things, make whatever changes are required and move on.

Thank you.

In the interest of PC's Anonymous I will freely admit that I can be a prissy primadonna at times... and shall endeavor to moderate that.

As a player, I don't mind being driven along - and every PbP needs at least one rein-master to keep the wagons moving... but any driving needs to be measured and cognizant of those being driven.

I don't have an issue with AK's proposed handwaive.

Seems we have another vote for skipping the prelude and proceeding directly to the AP. Unless someone objects, this is what we will do.

As mentioned, this does nothing to alleviate the current dysfunction within the party. Before I do proceed with the AP, the issues need to be addressed and whatever changes necessary need to be made before we continue.

The onus is on you the players to collectively come up with a resolution.

As the Pharasmites have been singled out as potentially problematic, I include a sidebar from the AP on the subject, for interest or insight.

I DM'd an Osirion PbP with similar issues on Pharasmin and tomb-delving and came up with the following:

Bas'rac ponders the question for a moment, then intones "That which was once dead, but now lives, should return to Pharasma. That which was first built of stone or wood and now walks may be broken. Those that lie in peace should not be disturbed. Graven images and idols are not to be desecrated. Treasures and trinkets that lie stored, may be taken."

I reckon as long as we stick reasonably close to that then we should be ok.

I'd be more concerned with the desire to end every undead who crosses our path... could be troublesome once we come back to Wati :P

Kheled understands that not every undead soul is meant for judgement right away...that being said expect him to want to end most undead when we meet them :].

Of course that can lead to good RP opps.

In the interest of PC's Anonymous I will freely admit that I can be a prissy primadonna at times... and shall endeavor to moderate that.

I'm Jacob, and I sometimes behave like a know-it-all who needlessly lectures veteran PbP'ers on the proper way to roleplay. Is there any coffee?

As a player, I don't mind being driven along - and every PbP needs at least one rein-master to keep the wagons moving... but any driving needs to be measured and cognizant of those being driven.

I agree and promise to take my foot off the gas and release my grip on the wheel.

I don't have an issue with AK's proposed handwaive.

Neither do I. Feel free to imagine some kind of gruesome death for Tariq (or perhaps he can come back as a GM-controlled antagonist of the party). I'm in the process of putting together a new PC. Probably a halfling, as mentioned earlier. Everyone* likes a halfling, right GM oKOyA? Only instead of being connected to the professor, he's likely a free agent treasure hunter, looking for a crew to join. I'm thinking rogue, with an archetype that trades out trapfinding so as not to crowd Mus'ad's role.

I'm also busy prepping for a con I'm going to attend tomorrow and thursday, where I'm GM'ing two PFS games, so it may be a few days before I'm all set.

*) excluding people from Cheliax and a certain Hellknight we know. Fortunately we have none of those in the party.

I am out of town Thursday until Saturday and then off to Texas from Sunday to the following Thursday. We will start the AP proper when I get back.

Gives you guys plenty of time to hash out the new character(s) and party genesis. :)

Where in Texas?

Dallas for two days (to take in a Rangers game and then a Stars playoff game) and then Waco for the balance for business.

You are from Texas aren't you Joana? What part? Maybe you can recommend some places to see or to eat at?

I'm in Fort Worth. I can't help you with Dallas, as I don't go east of the airport unless I'm absolutely forced to, but if you come to this side of the Metroplex, I recommend Los Vaqueros in the Stockyards for Tex-Mex (steak fajitas and strawberry sopaipillas) and Cousin's for barbecue (just had sliced brisket there tonight).

Thanks for the suggestions. :)

For clarity... i'm sticking with Aristedes. Really enjoying the character and fluff i've come up with for him.

Not really sure where we are at. We using my suggestion as above?

I think that's the gist of it. AP will launch once the Texas sojourn has drawn to a close.

That is correct.

Jacob is bringing in a replacement for Tariq. Not sure if Joana was/is seriously considering a character change or not. We will need to work out how Jacob's new character joins the party.

I find Aristedes quite fun as well, so I am glad he is staying. :-)

As for me, I am, as ever, flexible. Depending on what Jacob and Joana want to make and play, I can continue with the Varisian sorcerer, or bring the drow dual-wielder, or even make a new character entirely (it would not take me too long to do so, as far as crunch and the basis of fluff are concerned, although due to Easter taking place during the next 3-4 days, it would have to wait until then regardless of the option chosen). It depends on what the party's composition turns out to be, I suppose. Still no divine caster/healer or ranged for me though... :-)

Kheled is staying as is. I think the group can work with him.

I'm looking at options for my halfling rogue. My current idea is to make a Knife Master who dual-wields kukri's and fishes for crits. At 3rd level, he'll hand off those crits to his allies using Butterfly's Sting. I reckon Outflank and Combat Reflexes might also be super handy at some point.

To make the build work, he's starting off with two levels of Lore Warden fighter (at 1st and 3rd level), unless there is any objection to having two of those in the party. He won't do much damage until he begins grabbing rogue levels at 2nd level.

Story wise, he's a former slave from Cheliax who made it to Andoran through the Bellflower network, and from there out into the world in search of fame and fortune.

What do you think?

And now I am even considering a Dervish Dancer Bard with a splash of Weapon Master Fighter, because it sounds like a really fun, yet setting-appropriate, concept. He should be able to hold his own melee-wise and he will have a few spells to help him and the party, even though he will probably lack the resiliency of a straight-up fighter.

Sigh... Help?

And now I am even considering a Dervish Dancer Bard with a splash of Weapon Master Fighter, because it sounds like a really fun, yet setting-appropriate, concept. He should be able to hold his own melee-wise and he will have a few spells to help him and the party, even though he will probably lack the resiliency of a straight-up fighter.

Sigh... Help?

Strictly looking at what the party needs, we are well covered in both the melee and bardic department. I'd say a full arcane caster is more useful for us. Keeping your sorcerer seems like the obvious choice. Of course, that's if Joana sticks with Pherenike. Otherwise, we need another melee character. And the concept does look fun.

That is a good point, as far as party needs go. Of course, it does indeed depend whether Joana sticks with her Lore Warden or brings in something else.

By the way, a Dervish Dancer Bard, especially with a couple of Weapon Master Fighter levels or four thrown in, would fill the role of melee warrior rather than bard actually (a bit like a Spell Dancer Magus with the Dervish Dance feat), as the archetype does a pretty good job of turning a buffer/skill monkey class into more of a mobile striker one, and a pretty selfish one at that (although he does retain a few buffing options, depending on whether one interprets the whole Battle Dance thing as entirely replacing Bardic Performance or only replacing the specific performances that the Battle Dance mentions while leaving the rest untouched and usable as normal Bardic Performances; searching through the forums, I still have not concluded which of the two is correct, as people seem a wee bit divided on the subject...).

Most likely going to stick with Pherenike, if only because I have no other character concepts and tried five different builds to get my false priest concept to work without any success.

She would most likely take a single level of Rogue (acrobat) to make her a better mobile fighter and take advantage of the Hair's Breadth ability later on. So, as long as everyone's okay with two Lore Warden/Rogues at early levels. They shouldn't look too similar even right now (TWF vs. THF) and will diverge even more as Jace takes rogue levels and I take fighter ones.

You (and/or others) up for grabbing Outflank at some point, Joana?

I'm generally leery of teamwork feats, due to it being so easy for a PC to get killed (or, particularly in PbP, leave the campaign) and leave it a wasted feat slot. That is an awfully sweet one, though, and a fighter can afford to be a bit more cavalier with combat feat slots than other classes. It's a definite possibility.

I am back from Texas, but came home to a bit of work catch up and a family that missed me. I will try to get some posts up asap. Might not be until tomorrow or Sunday however. Thanks for your patience everyone.

She would most likely take a single level of Rogue (acrobat) to make her a better mobile fighter and take advantage of the Hair's Breadth ability later on.

My personal favorite is the Reckless trait to get acrobatics as a class skill.

She already has two traits. Acrobat also lets her avoid ACP ... which is -2 at worst with light armor, but still a minor additional benefit. Not to mention the extra 1d6 damage while flanking.

I'm not, in general, a big fan of level dipping. But I don't really get the point of a class ability (Hair's Breadth) centered around a non-class skill.

Full arcane caster it is then. :-)

I am thinking of remaking him as a prepared caster, a wizard in particular, however. After all, if I am to focus on Intelligence, why not go all the way? Plus, it would work a little better with the whole knowledge and power seeking theme.

Would a Neutral Chelaxian Necromancer be out of place? If yes, no worries. There are other options, such as the ever popular and useful Teleportation Conjurer (Human or Elf, not sure which).

If we want to avoid any further sources of inter-party tension, then putting an escaped halfling slave and a necromancer from cheliax in the same group might not be the best idea - just sayin' :-)

Oh, good point! Teleportation Conjurer it is then. A question: PFS seems to replace Scribe Scroll with Spell Focus. Would that be allowed?

Nice. Teleportation conjurers are smack full of utility, and a necromancer would probably not have gotten along great with our lone remaining pharasmin either.

Kheled would have liked him fine, just not his undead creations...lol

Crunch time is upon us. We need to finalize the party before I launch the AP proper.

Thank you for your continued patience.

A question: PFS seems to replace Scribe Scroll with Spell Focus. Would that be allowed?

I have no problem with that.

Alright then. I will have the crunchy parts up as soon as possible. A Neutral Good Elf Wizard (Teleportation Conjurer) coming up.

Here he is.

Aerathiel Moonsilver

So, everyone ready?

So, everyone ready?

I'm good to go.

Ready.

I think we were waiting on someone to take the lead in the PBP thread...who would be the most likely to want us to continue as a group and to explore the areas in Wati they are opening up...the professor maybe?

Fully intending to do so when possible, apologies. Working 12+ hours a day with a commute by bike and i'm on my feet all day. Starting to slowly get some IT work which means I can start updating at work sometimes.