Rappan Athuk | Dungeon of Graves (Inactive)

Game Master Valdast

Rappan Athuk? Bah! No one gets out of that place alive!”

Rappan Athuk, a dungeon of legend.
Rappan Athuk, a stronghold of evil.
Rappan Athuk, Dungeon of Graves.

This is your formal invitation to join an expedition into the wilds, to seek treasure, glory, and whatever else you desire. In the service of a king, your have been tasked with exploring the area around the mystical complex, and perhaps even delving deep within to discover what is actually down there.

A megadungeon that has existed for centuries, Rappan Athuk has had a long time to become crowded with various creatures and individuals, filling the many floors of the dungeon to the brim with everything from trolls, to an evil cult, a plague, and everything inbetween. So what do you say? Care to join the expedition and defy the party-crushing dungeon that is Rappan Athuk? Or do you seek safer grounds to explore in, ones with much less risk of death, or fates much worse than that?

Will you delve into the heart of evil?

---

This is going to be a long-running Pathfinder campaign, run by me. I’m already running this megadungeon for one other party, and I can say that this world is something to behold. Mystery, intrigue, fey, druids, undead. You can find all this, and more!

But first, a few ground rules for both character creation and party cohesion.
-Characters will be built at 1st Level with a 20 point buy. PCs begin with max starting wealth. This campaign is expected to reach 20th level. (eventually).
-Characters are preferred to be some form of Good or Neutral alignment. Evil alignments are allowed only if:
a) The rest of the party agrees to allow it.
b) You convince me.
c) You will not seek to overly disrupt for "the evuls."
-4-6 PCs will be selected for this campaign, depending on the amount of applicants and my preferences.
-You’ll be starting at an inn in Zelkor’s Ferry, a hamlet within the wilds surrounding Rappan Athuk. I highly recommend pre-planning backstories to some degree, as you all have been part of the same party since accepting the contract.
-The campaign will be hosted via the site Roll20, a virtual tabletop. It'll use the pdf maps and such to ensure accuracy to the dungeon, rather than my horrendous drawings. I'll be using drawings, and will be enforcing movement rules during combat. Out of combat it will be done via marking cleared rooms and such.
-Any other questions, direct to the GM.

One other warning, Rappan Athuk cares not for “level-appropriate encounters”. The PCs can run into encounters that they have extremely low chances of winning. Traps can be lethal, with at least one responsible for multiple TPKs over the years.

Second warning, Rappan Athuk is not guaranteed to be winnable. The final encounter is one that is legendary, claimed to be unwinnable by many. However, should you succeed, you can be catapulted into glory for defeating this incredible encounter.

I'm interested. I favor witches and rogues, but have played all types of characters.

I suppose the really important question is... what source materials are acceptable?

Interesting...Maybe a chance to try out an enchanter

What races do you accept?

Wow this looks really interesting, I am new to the whole playing over computer scene and would really like to try it out.

I'm thinking archaeologist bard carrying a bow. Probably human since he'll need the extra feat. Are you looking for bios and concept first or whole builds?

Ya quite interested and hoping psionics are allowed :)
I got ideas for a goblin aegis who wields a massive two-handed weapon and vaults around on it, a chaotic wilder who rides every emotion to its heights and every negitave experience to its depths, or a "halfling fatling" aberrant aegis with the Obese customization (and not a tenticalled horror -__-)
If no psionics then I can try and figure something else out.

I will accept Dreamscarred Psionics, and all of the Paizo Pathfinder books accessible on the PFSRD.

For characters I'm looking for concepts, then bios. Keep in mind, characters will probably die in the dungeon very easily, and I advise having at least one backup character at all times. However, only one character needs to be fleshed out in order for me to consider them.

So how should we go about this? Do we just post our characters and Bio's here? Or do we have another way of contact?

Yes, you would post them here. I prefer to see character mechanics in a statblock format.

EDIT: For races, I accept all Core, Featured, and Uncommon races.

Okay, concept. Classic Indiana Jones/Lara Croft type tomb raiding archaeologist bard whose main contribution in combat will be buffing and ranged attacks. Primary use will be as a trapfinder with a secondary use as a walking library; I'm assuming an old school dungeon like this will have lots of traps and it sounds like there will be lots of weird stuff to identify/act as the mouthpiece for the DM's exposition. I'm thinking human, but it might be better to go with a race that has darkvision.

I'd be glad to work out a little backstory with other players. My guy will be friendly and inquisitive, easy to get along with. He could be the organizer of the expedition or just a hired hand along to identify relics or something in between.

Personally for a character I was thinking of a Halfling Fighter that uses slings. Has an attitude towards people he doesn't know or trust but will get along with the group since he has prior experience with them. Very competitive character as well with a short temper (and an even shorter stature) But be very kind to smaller beings or children NPCS.

are you going to use the roll20 chat as well, or use this forum and roll 20 just for maps?

This will be a Post-by-Play, not live session. Roll20 will be used for maps.

Sweet! So here are the base ideas, will flesh them out more as i have more time :)
Gobo Aegis. Have you ever seen a goblin fanatic from Warhammer or read the manga All you need is kill? He is based off of that :) a small goblin swinging around and catapulting off of a massive weapon that is way too large for him.
Mechanically he is a goblin aegis (med armor) with the powerful build and augmented weapon customizations and power attack. He is a front line damage dealer.
if this was a medium sized character like a human or ork, this would be overpowered and gamey, but since it is a small goblin with a str penalty it should be about right, power wise.

The second idea is a human chaotic wilder with the psionic talent feat taken twice. She is a limited, but powerful caster and a bit of the party face, BUT she is unpredictable. She could surge at +2 caster level or she could surge at -1 caster level, and she would always surge, yet a full quarter of her spells causes her to swoon. And i would also play her a bit unpredictably :)
At 3rd lvl she would gain expanded knowledge for Natural Healing and at 5th lvl she would get enervation fortitude, becoming more self reliant and 'stable' respectivly.

Well thats the very basics of the ideas :)
I will have more up tomorrow!

Edit: @Santor. If i went with the human wilder, we would have 2 very competitave, short tempered chars XD
We could be quite the disaster duo >.>

cool. Thinkin maybe a human Oracle of Wind, with cure spells as my choice, Longspear and spiked guantlets for weapons, clouded vision curse. Prolly stay Oracle all the way up.
Would be easy going and could get along with any race and class, preferably buddies with a ranged attacker. XD

Interested, what level would you be starting at?

I'm thinking of making a ninja (with the Burglar archetype) as a skill-monkey for the group. ^^ Particular focus on dealing with the hazards in the dungeon, and a number of sneaky attacks to toss in when the others need a little extra force. I have... not really thought about other parts of the character yet, but I am mulling it over.

@Gobo: Love both of those classes, but can you expand on why you'd think a Medium character would be OP? Just wondering really.

@Mark: As stated in the OP, we'd be starting at Level 1.

@All: Just for reference, I am looking for a well-rounded group mechanically. Lacking certain attributes in Rappan Athuk will most definitely be punished, though you may be able to get away with it to some degree.

I would like to do a psychic warrior half giant. Hope that is acceptable.

One thing I will prohibit, now that it's been brought up, is that I do believe the Psionic races to be a bit OP. A free feat in addition to SLAs is something I don't think is balanced.

However, in exchange I will allow the option to take a PP rather than HP or a skill point for all races' favored class bonuses.

@Rednal: I'll allow that archetype to be used.

are advanced class guide classes allowed?

Color me interested. I shall have a character soon enough.

The reason i believe it to be too strong is because a human with power attack and extra customization (to get the 4 points needed) can have 22 str and swing the equivlent of a huge earthbreaker for +6 (4d6+12/x2). At lvl 1...
An equivelent fighter could swing the same hammer for +5 (2d6+10/x2), although he would have an extra feat. +2 str and huge weapons are just too powerful at that low level.
Now a goblin swinging a medium weapon (large at lvl 2) for aprox +4 (12+7/x2) is a lot more in line, power wise (and a small goblin swinging around a large weapon that is bigger than him is extremely funny. Eventually i want to give him the Maul of the Titans and have it be really out of porportion (the thing weighs 160lbs!))

I am considering an arcanist if allowed or sorcerer otherwise, and maybe a paladin depending on party needs.

I'd probably go crypt-breaker alchemist for a backup PC, since from the DM's earlier comments we're likely to need backup PCs. I'll stat out Rappan Athuk Jones for the application process and keep the alchemist in my back pocket.

I'm going to say a light no on the Advanced Class Guide until it's full release.

Well I have 2 enchanters I would not mind trying, the first is more developed the second is still in the concept stage

Concept 1

Concept 2

Enchanters may be useful, though keep in mind that you should have backup plans in case if mind-affecting immunities and such.

In case some are unfamiliar, Rappan Athuk is an absolutely massive mega dungeon that can go from level 1-20. I'll try to find some sort of player's guide to link here as well.

Current submissions:
Gobo: Goblin Aegis, Human Chaotic Wilder
Karlprosek: Crypt-Breaker Alchemist, Archaeologist Bard
Oni: Halfling Fighter
Rednal: Burglar Ninja <-that just sounds odd to say
Yamakah: Half-Elf enchanter Sorcerer, Kitsune Crossblooded Enchanter Sorcerer.

For those who have concepts, I'd like to see backgrounds before mechanics, though your submission would not be rejected if you chose to do it the other way.

Yeah, it is pretty weird, isn't it? XD I'm also considering a Catfolk [Cat Burglar] Rogue as an alternative, since my focus really is on trying to deal with the various dungeon hazards that exist.

Enchanters may be useful, though keep in mind that you should have backup plans in case if mind-affecting immunities and such.

I know that's one of the primary reasons I have never played one, but what the hell spread your wings and all.

For backgrounds, should we just assume Rappan Athuk is in a generic fantasy world and we can make up terms and place names? If not (and it's not in Golarion or Faerun or another well known setting), a player's guide would be helpful.

Not trying to step on Gobo's toes but I have been fishing Kai around. Gobo you are off by a 1d6 on the earthbreaker though. You would need the Earthbreaker and klar feat as well to make it one handed then the Aegis could wield a 4d6 one. Strength wise they are the same as a barbarian could be doing though limited time for the barbarian, but they have horrible skills. Been wanting to try one so here is my submission. Kai is an Aberrant Aegis.

I'd like to submit Jean, Paladin of Love, for the dungeon crawl.
Stat Block is in the profile.

I created this character to apply for an Emerald Spire game but I think it would suit this AP as well considering they are both basically giant dungeon crawls. He is 15pt but ATM but that and any other adjustments needed can be done easily if I am selected.

I would love to join.

I am looking at a tiefling fighter and should have a bio and stat block posted this evening.

I have a character concept I have been toying with for a while, a blaster sorceror of the Draconic Bloodline, eventually going Dragon Disciple. Like his namesake, he is arrogant, forceful and loves playing with Fire. He sees others as support for his extensive ego, and will probably end up rubbing them up the wrong way, though he can be gracious and charming when he chooses. He has a selfish streak a mile wide; though he won't go out of his way to be nasty or evil, he also won't help another unless he can see some gain in it for himself. I see him as Chaotic neutral (but not CN as an excuse for CE).

I'll get you guys a version of the player's guide, and also make a more detailed explanation of the world. Unfortunately I'm on my phone atm, but details will be posted in the Campaign Info tab, probably by the end of the day.

Edit: As well, feel free to make up names. The world is primarily homebrew, as I do not have much interest in using another world, though some elements like the planar cosmology will be the same as Golarion. It's effectively another planet on the material plane.

No problem ashe :)
Although i do have 2 things to say, first you cant take the brawn custonization twice (you can only take it a second time at 5th level, even if you get it once for free)
Second, in the example above, he has powerful build and augmented weapon. Powerful build lets him wield large weapons (2-handed) and augmented weapon treats it as 1 size larger (huge) so a 1d12 earthbreaker should go up to 4d6. Add in 22 str, and power attack for +12 damage. I didnt mean the aegis was overpowered, just that build path (which i intend to do with my goblin :)

Cythraul Dig is updated with a bio and statblock.

I left world details ambiguous. Any large elven community could fill the role of her childhood home.

I'm going to create a CN Tiefling Magus. To give you a general idea Zanakor (this alias, although he's for PFS) will be the template, but I'm going to adjust archetype & spells depending on the party make-up.

I was planning on a buffer-striker build but who are on the party so far?

would you allow Dreamscarred's Path of War?

@Viluki; I haven't looked over the content from that, so for now I will say no.

@Zanakor: I haven't selected yet. For an idea of a deadline, I'm going to say the 21st will be the closing date for complete submissions. As well, I'm grading these on a combination of both mechanics and background. A certain optimization floor will be somewhat enforced, as I want people to be of roughly equal power level.

In addition, I should say that I allow two traits to be selected, with a potential third if you take a drawback.

Updated list:

Gobo: Goblin Aegis, Human Chaotic Wilder
Karlprosek: Crypt-Breaker Alchemist, Archaeologist Bard
Oni: Halfling Fighter
Rednal: Burglar Ninja <-that just sounds odd to say, Catfolk Cat Burglar Rogue
Yamakah: Half-Elf enchanter Sorcerer, Kitsune Crossblooded Enchanter Sorcerer.
Cronax: Jean D'Fleur, Paladin
Gabr Mos'ata: Aasimar Inquisitor
Cythraul: Tiefling Fighter
Zanakor: Tiefling Magus
Gavmania: Dragon Disciple
Sarpadian: Goblin Conjurer

So far, 11 submissions have been given. I'm also somewhat going to subcategorize below to see where overlaps are taking place.

Gobo: Melee, Limited Caster
Karlprosek: Caster(?)/Trapfinder, Trapfinder/Utility Ranged
Oni: Melee
Rednal: Trapfinder/Utility
Yamakah: Enchanter Caster
Cronax: Melee
Gabr: Melee/Limited Caster
Cythraul: Melee
Zanakor: Melee/Limited Caster
Gavmania: Melee(?)/Caster
Sarpadian: Caster

So we've got a lot of melee people, two utility possiblites, and only two Full Casters, neither of which are Divine. Currently the pool is looking for around 5, maybe 6 depending on the variety of people.

Hmmm... I would like to volunteer to take up the Divine Caster slot. I haven't played a cleric yet and this could be the opportunity I'm looking for. Tiefling Magus will be my secondary PC.

I'll draft a full-time support/healer and send you a quick stat block.

I will level down this character to 1 shortly.

Ihave a concepts for a cleric and a paladin

Kayle and Meela were born into the Lightbringers, well known for its members often being clerics or paladins of Sarenrae.

When twin sisters(fraternal) Kayle and Meela were born, their family believed they were blessed when both were aasimar..Both were clearly divinely gifted. However this only turned out to be half true.

Kayle showed greater martal prowess, while Meela was more adept at channelling divine energy. The two sisters were inseperable until about adolesence. The two sisters disagreed and fought over how their divine powers should be used. Kayle argued that those with power should use it help others not as fortunate. While Meela thought those with power should be free to use their abilities and powers however they please. Later the family found out Meela had chosen Calistria has her chosen deity, and even worse began channeling negative energy. The family immediately disowned her seeing her as a shame to the Lightbringer’s family name.

Afterwards Kayle became an iniatite to the order of palains of Saranrae using her gifts to help those in need and try to vanquish evil wherever she found it, prefering for thefight to end without casualties but she knows sometimes for the greater good evil doers must perish. Kayle seeks to find her sister in the hopes she can redeem if possible or otherwise subdue her. To Kayle, Meela has lost her way and must be dealt with because if left unchecked she possess to great of a threat.

Meela, on the otherhand renounced her name becoming known as Morgana. After leaving her family she sought out to fulfill her carnal desires. The pleasure was only temporary what she really sought was revenge against her family. To this end she seeks power so she can carry out her vengeance. To Morgana her family represents tyranny and they must be dealt with so she can finally be free.

@GM Vritra, you didn't add Kai to the list Aberrant Aegis.

@Gobo, I see. Augment weapon can't be taken until 6th level. And there is this: Each astral suit provides certain free customizations; these are provided on top of whatever customizations the aegis pays for with customization points, and are not subject to the usual level prerequisites or increased costs

Though I thought that meant you could double up, but it does say level prereq. You are right, I remembered it wrong. Will change if selected and make alias.