Mbauers' Mummy's Mask

Game Master mbauers

Hello everyone! I'm going to be running a Mummy's Mask game here on PBP and I'm looking to recruit 3-4 players (I already have one player, a Daring Champion Cavalier).

If this sounds like something you're interested in, please read the Player's Guide and make a character with the following guidelines:

1st level, 15 point buy
Max HP for 1st level, half+1 for subsequent levels
All Paizo materials allowed, 3rd party content allowed with approval
Races: All are allowed, but you should know that I'm not usually too thrilled about crazily-exotic races.
Classes: All are allowed, and I have no problem with reskinning fluff to fit a concept. Ex: Ninja and Samurai don't have to be from Minkai.
Alignment: Any, though you need to be able to get along with others.
150 starting gp
1 trait plus one campaign trait. If you take a drawback, you may choose an additional (non-campaign) trait. I like drawbacks because they help to flesh out characters, so if you're going to do it, please have it help enhance your character (instead of solely for a minor mechanical benefit).

House Rules

I use Background Skills and Hero Points.

Any character who meets the prerequisites for either Power Attack and/or Combat Expertise gains that feat as a Bonus Feat.

Fighters receive the Combat Stamina feat at Level 1 as a Bonus Feat.

*The Khopesh--I'm sorry, but I just don't think that (mechanically) slapping the Trip property on a longsword justifies requiring an Exotic Weapon Proficiency feat. The thing is, the AP has a fair number of Khopesh (khopeshes?) and I want to keep with the flavor of Osirion and let people use it without requiring a feat tax. So anyone who is proficient in all Martial Weapons can spend one skill rank (one time, not every level) to gain proficiency in the Khopesh.

What I'm looking for:
Character concept questions or AP questions
Character submissions
Please, no IC RPing in this thread.

When you submit your character, please type up everything into a profile (you don't need to post as that alias if you don't want to permanently create the alias). In your profile, please include a background for your character, as well as an IC RP sample. I will post as one of my aliases if you'd like a sample of how I format.

There is a lot of dungeon crawling in the first adventure, so I'll have some suggestions on how we can keep things running smoothly with that in PbP. If you have PbP experience and availability to post every day, that is certainly a point in your favor.

One last thing--this AP assumes that the PCs already know each other and have already decided to enter the lottery to explore the buildings in Wati together. So once selections are made, we may need to tweak people's backgrounds a little bit to make everything mesh. You all should be team players working together, so a brooding mute loner may not be the best choice.

Now, who wants to start the tomb raiding?

Here's an example of my profile formatting. Yeah, it's time consuming, but once it's done I think it's helpful.

I'm wondering, are you opposed to people dumping stats? 15 point buy is a little rough on martials, and dumping charisma is enticing.

Hello mbauers! My friend told me how good this AP was and I've been dying to try it out. However I have a few questions first.

What is your personal experience on the boards? Just want to get a better feel for who the GM is.

I'm excited about a campaign that's so fighter-friendly. Do you have any idea what level the players will be reaching? How many books do you intend to get through?

Do you use maps? How tactical are your combats?

I know you said you didn't care much for exotic races, but do you think it's possible that you would consider a strix character? He will have a very human upbringing; he's actually a character I've been wanting to try out for a while. That strix-only fighter archetype is something I've had my eye on.

As for a little about me, I'm a very experienced PbP gamer and GM who has been around for several years. My formatting and writing style is excellent (I've actually written my own guide for formatting) and I'm known to be very reliable over long periods of time and I can post multiple times a day.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Thanks!

This sounds awesome! I'd love to submit a character. I'll get to work conceptualizing and should have something ready by the end of Saturday, if not sooner. Probably some type of full caster - I do so love my casting classes.

EDIT: I'm thinking I'll make a Half-Orc Shaman.

mbauers

I am planning on submitting a dwarf zen archer with trapfinding for the campaign trait to be the scout and disabler.

Character will be dwarven disciple of Irori at the lottery to challenge himself by joining one of the delving teams. As a typical gruff dwarf (Charisma of 5), he will be highly conscientious, but prone to say things that are not politically correct in Osiron. I think he will call Pharasmans 'gravehuggers'.

Since power attack is free for all those that qualify, will deadly aim, the equivalent archer feat, be?

Planned stats are ST=13, DX=13, CON=15, IN=13, WI=17, CHA=5. All odd stats should show he is not min-maxing too much.

Extremely interested in playing. Currently gm'ing two games, and looking to find one to play in. I am very committed to posting a minimum of one post a day, and hoping i can find a group that has the same or more goal, knowing the more the players put into it, the better the game usually ends up being for the gm as well. With that in mind I am submitting character, looking to be a support caster/off healer.

Feel free to critique, give advice, say nice job as the gm or any other player feels fit.

I will submit some sort of divine caster soon.

I have 2 questions before i delve into character creation.

Do you mind if a player (me for instance) has DMed parts of this AP? I'm quite good at keeping player/character knowledge separate but it seems polite to ask if you're OK with this.

Second, will you be completing PFS chronicles for this AP as it goes onwards?

Thanks for your time GM :)

Here is my concept for a Half-Elf Oracle of Nethys. I may go Sorcerer and Mystic Theruge eventually.

Dittoing questions of: Do you use maps? And can there be PFS credit, a la campaign mode?

Ok, to answer all the questions quickly (I don't have a lot of time right now):

Dumping stats is fine, I understand 15 pt buy is tight. However, if you have more than one 7 before racial adjustments I think that's a bit much (but won't disqualify you, necessarily).

I've been an active member of the boards for years now (from a player perspective). I have done some PFS scenario GMing on the boards here, and I've GMed APs in RL.

I know it's a lofty goal, but I'd like to do the entire AP if we can get a group of players committed long term.

Strixs are fine, but is there a feat that lets them get early access to flight/levitation? If you have Level 1 Flight that could trivialize many encounters.

I will be putting the maps up on Google drawings. I have a few suggestions on how we can run things quickly which I'll talk about later. It will definitely involve separating character knowledge and player knowledge. To that end, Luthor--I don't mind if you've DMed parts of the AP before.

If people want to run it in PFS campaign mode, I can definitely do that.

For now I'd like to keep just Combat Expertise and Power Attack as bonus feats. If we select the group and everyone is diehard about giving Deadly Aim and Piranha strike for free as well I'm open to it, but just remember that these rules apply for NPCs as well. :-)

Thanks for the answers! Here's Dien from above, with my submission- a Pahmet dwarf desert druid.

Here's my submission.

I would love to get a chance to play this AP. Disclaimer up front is that I am running this for a home group. I believe I can keep player and character knowledge separate. It helps that I ran the first two books quite a while back; right after the AP was first published. We then took a break and did 4 books from RothRL and are now back to book 3 of MM.

Here is a character I actually started in a MM PBP game that folded not far into the first book. I think he is a good fit for most any party in this setting. Background, Party Roll and Appearance are in the alias. I'll be happy to provide some RP examples if you like. I try to both RP and encourage it in others with my posts.

You will find me a reliable poster and someone who takes good notes as we go along. I do not mind tracking loot or quests or what have you for the party.

Hi mbauers. I'm submitting Say'ri here with a couple of questions to ask first.

Do humans get their regional language as a free bonus language? I've always thought it made sense but thought I'd best check.
Second what do you think of taking 'extra slayer talent' at level 1 when I don't actually get a slayer talent until level 2? Say'ri will be taking the Trapfinding talent when she gets a chance so it's a question of whether its at first level or second.

I've been an active member of the boards for years now (from a player perspective). I have done some PFS scenario GMing on the boards here, and I've GMed APs in RL.

I know it's a lofty goal, but I'd like to do the entire AP if we can get a group of players committed long term.

Excellent! I'm in this for the long run and I like to hear that from my fellow players/GM as well.

I will be putting the maps up on Google drawings. I have a few suggestions on how we can run things quickly which I'll talk about later.

Good, I like using tactical maps. I use Google drawings myself, and I can help create and organize maps if I'm chosen.

Strixs are fine, but is there a feat that lets them get early access to flight/levitation? If you have Level 1 Flight that could trivialize many encounters.

Strix are able to fly from level 1. However I do have two suggestions that may alleviate your concerns.

1) I don't abuse it. I know that easy access to flight at low levels is something that can be very powerful, and I would make choices and find reasons to not abuse it until higher levels where flight should be easily accessible to PCs. I know this means you're putting blind faith in me and I'm not a player you're familiar with.

2) I once played a strix in a WotW game where the GM had the same concerns as you, and this is how he ran it; I started the campaign with damaged wings. For one reason or another, something happened and my wings were heavily damaged. However they were in the process of mending. At level 1, they were useless. At level 3, I could fly 20 feet with a clumsy speed. At level 5 I gained my flight back. Perhaps using this or some modification of this could help alleviate your concerns instead of option 1.

Let me know if you think one of those options can work for you. I definitely want to be flying because that's part of his tactics, but I absolutely have no intention of trivializing encounters by having early access to flight.

Edit: Here is a link to the strix page on the PFSRD so you can learn more about them if you're interested.

Strix - one issue is the flight thing. Except for small druids (or other class that can ride a flying mount) there is really no way to fly before 5th level. Its simply game changing at 1st level.

The other issue is that strix are so rare that one is going to stand out as unique in any social setting and usually in a bad way. They are not highly thought of by other races in general and have a racial hatred of humans. Humans know this. I can see you not being allowed in to inns, temples, peoples homes and shops, etc. Your average person on the street may not know what you are. Some might attack you on sight. Heck in the right setting I can you being blamed for things you did not do and potentially the target of angry mobs.

Yes, strix stand out and are generally frowned upon. I know some GMs like to replace their hatred of humans with something else, which I would be more than willing to do considering my characters human upbringing. As far as the racism and roleplaying challenges, I'm willing to deal with the consequences and I know what I'm asking for. I can't imagine being attacked on sight in any civilized setting, but the rest are certainly possible.

Dotting for interest

@mbauers: would you consider several rough character concepts, rather than one fully fleshed out? I'm more interested in playing in this AP than I am in playing one specific PC. Figured this might be possible given the need sync up everyone's backstories before beginning.

I also like the emphasis on longevity; think most folks who start an AP hope to one day finish the whole thing (me too!). Sadly most don't. Would recommend looking at candidate's posting history to see whose shown evidence of sticking with games for the long haul.

Hey mbauer, sorry - more questions. Would you allow Pack Flanking to work with a Mauler Familiar? It requires an animal companion but would a mauler familiar be sufficient?

I'm planning to go Eldritch Guardian, hence the mauler familiar.

Thanks for the replying GM.

I'll come up with a character concept and post again when I'm done :)

My thoughts thus far:

Luthor--sounds good!

Whoops, I used my last post as a reference point and didn't respond to some of the earlier submissions, let me look them over again...

GM: Thanks! Yeah, the hook of the rival adventuring groups seemed like a fun one to knit in.

Concepts I just want to bounce off the DM.

Eunuch ex-chamberlain/harem guard who was let go from some important type. Ninja themed for Lurch type 'You rang?' shenanigans or an alchemist who kept the other staff healthy(Thinking Breaker so he could fend off any nosy undead.)

What do you think would be more interesting?

Well, I imagine the PCs will shape up to be fairly serious as it's a group loyal to each other who have decided to explore a necropolis for wealth and knowledge, so probably not a silly "shenanigans" type character. :-)

As far as concepts--there are a number of concepts that I could find interesting, but what I'm really looking for are interesting characters. A concept is a good way to start, but I'm going to choose the 3 or 4 characters who I most want to see develop a story together.

I have adjusted some things, and added a bit more to the backstory to address the things you asked about.

Okay, First write up for Trevor in the alias.

Definitely interested. Working on a story I like today, then I'll figure out class. Probably a merchant of some sort.

@mbauers: OK then, I'll look to put together one character idea. Likely a Halfling rogue with a focus on traps, skills and stealth. Is there a cut off date for submissions?

I'm thinking Thursday night, a week should be enough. Then we'll take a day or two to mesh everyone's backstories and we'll get started.

Cool build (although, note, you get the Combat Stamina feat for free per the house rules), and there is definitely a place for a skull-crushing badass. The two issues I have for your character are: 1) Though a fearless, heart-eating warrior is handy in combat, if your sole motivation is greed/wealth, what’s to stop Kandoo from ditching the party when a rival group offers him more money (a la Jane from Firefly?) 2) Along those lines, what is your motivation/ contribution to the group outside of combat? Yes you are good at intimidation, but does Kandoo have any interest in ancient relics or knowledge? I just want to make sure that your motivations at least somewhat align with others, you know?

Firefly reference! Awesome! Anyway, Kandoo was created harshly, but he is in a path towards good. He has been a slave and bears its marks, he acts like a big and strong bully, but I plan for him to be a sweetheart in his core. Once the quest turns itself righteous, he will follow this path. Plus: he's loyal. Gold is good, but honor is better. Think the orcs of Warcraft Horde.

I'll add Combat Stamina to the sheet as soon as I get a chance.

Thanks for the review. I'll look over the other drawbacks and see if one is better suited to the character. Do you have a recommendation?

I have a Suli Witch (Hex-Channeler) to offer for consideration:

Lirotha

He's not done being converted, but the basics are there.

@mbauers: Secondsight here with my submission. Mirri is a good fit for the trap-spotting/disarming, stealth and (to a lesser extent) skill monkey role in the party. Background could easily be tweak to incorporate relations with other PC's.

I'd like to throw my hat in for the recruitment under this guy (Hycindor) or under either of these two aliases:

http://paizo.com/people/NyssulRapolton

http://paizo.com/people/MaliasUthender

I'll be honest, I'm most interested in Nyssul since the flavor of the character and plan going forward is highly suited for a Egyptian style game like Mummy's Mask. I am still working on his bio, though.

I know you said more exotic races were less likely, but I thought I would give this little guy a try... I think I've done at least a half-decent job making him fit in. The crunch is still under construction, but character wise, he should be all set!

Submitting Kiirok the Sneak, a kobold aficionado in traps and engineering who is hoping that exploring ancient osirion tombs will lead him to the secrets of his ancestors, making him a world renowned and highly sought-after trap maker.

Here is my submission! Let me know if I need to change anything, but as far as I can tell, it all appears to be in order.

@mbauers: This is Secondsight again, I'll put in Craddock as well. Might like this one even more than Mirri, but would be happy to play either. Background fully adaptable to accommodate other PC's as desired.

Here's Vidic for your consideration. A man who has once died looking for answers regarding the afterlife.

Phew, I'm going to have to take a break for a while, hehe.

Interesting twist to have the human parent be the less-caring/nurturing one and having Seshra seek out an actually positive Orc father. I like that. Have you considered what Seshra’s motivation would be to join up with others to explore ancient ruins in the Wati necropolis?

Sure! Hearing about an opportunity to go explore dangerous ruins would be something Seshra would jump at, as up until now most of what she's done since leaving the clan has been wander around, bashing the occasional bandit. And while she's not exactly highly socialized, she's been pretty much on her own for a few weeks now for what is pretty much the first time in her entire life. Plus, she isn't stupid - she isn't gonna go marching into any cursed tombs by herself - she'd be far happier to do so with a group of others she can rely on (at least a little bit). Plus that way she'll have a good method of learning combat styles and tactics she's otherwise had little or no exposure to during her long years of shamanic training. And once she's given her word to serve alongside her new companions, there's very little that would sway her to abandon or betray them in any way.

EDIT: Also, totally noticed a trait I overlooked here called Fate's Favored. Would admittedly be really, really strong for a trait given my luck bonus to my saves and the fact that I'll be able to cast Divine Favor starting at 3rd level, but if you don't mind, I may add in a disadvantage (goodness knows her backstory provides for a lot of those) and grab that up. lol but if it's a bit too much cheese, I totally get it.

Presenting Ishia of the Sands, a human conjurer.

@mbauers: The 6 str will be fun challenge to overcome. Mirri's small, really small. Even for a Halfling. If she can sneak attack she can help in fights (unchained rogue makes that easier), but her real advantage will be in scouting and trap detection/removal. I can tweak the character if the 6 seem to min/max-ish; I was more going for a theme than anything else.

@mbauers: The Child of Two People trait comes from the fact that he was initially raised by both his orcish mother and draconic father. The trait helped inspire the background; my thought is that he's fluent in Orcish and Draconic, but is a sub-par Common speaker as it isn't a language he learned until the Sarenrae priests got a hold of him.

That wasn't a fluff question, but a crunch question. Literally, what does the trait do? :-)

My bad....you get to know the languages of both parents. It's from People of the North sourcebook