Rappan Athuk set in Nirmathas, Golarion

Game Master baldwin the merciful

Karnog heads out of the inn well before dawn, making for Varl's Edge.

If he is there: "Brother Varl, I would like a moment to convene with the Creator. If that will not inconvenience you, of course."

Standing before the anvil, Karnog lays his hammer along the steel and begins praying to Torag.

"Father, grant me your wisdom and strengthen my arms and resolve. I have encountered strange things, most notably a group of orcs who did not try to slay me. Their females and young acted as humans, halfling, or even dwarves might. They responded to my words of Good and respect, and seemed ready to work as a community rather than as raiders and pillaged."

Bowing his head, he quietly contemplates the situation. "In addition, I have come to know the power which would allow me to summon and call forth archons and similar creatures. How do I know their proper and appropriate usage? How do I order about creatures such as they, as a simple dwarven priest?"

Karnog finishes up his prayers, blessing the forge and anvil before he leaves, then heads for breakfast.

Karnog you fill your body tingle with wisdom as you will innately know when it's proper to call forth one of faith's protectors. You also sense the Almighty's acceptance with your recent conversion attempts.

Smiling broadly at his granted vision, Karnog joins the others at the Sly Wink.

"Good morning. I would love some bacon and eggs, some bread, coffee and a mug of ale if you please."

To Grungsdi: "How are you feeling, my friend?"

To Felicitas: "Morning, Felicitas. I don't believe I had the pleasure of meeting your small flying friend last night. I am Karnog Kegmeister, priest of Torag. Pleased to meet you."

Standing up and remembering her dwarvish lessons Felicitas greets Karnog "May the Forgehammers strength fill your arm and his diligince your work."Switching to common:"This is my dearest companion Aurora and we were talking with Grungsdi about the backbones of your company."Adressing all:"It seems your company is called the short swords. And you were asking if I would travel with you and join your adventures. As I just finished an assignement, I am quite willing to talk business. After breakfast. And Aurora please stop laughing in my mind!

Bursting in a laughter like a windchime Aurora looks at his friend and says:"Come on. You had to smile too. The short swords. I mean try to make a song out of it. Their swords were short their courage large? nd the shortswords stabbed the... You get expelled for indicent language. Stopping as Felicitas starts to giggle herself.

"Truly, Master Dragon; you should know that size does not govern true power! May the fires of creation burn brightly in your forge, Felicitas."

I feel like a dwarf up too early in th morning! I'm not much of one for discussion of loot shares, but we seem to give me some good loot!

"He proved that last night sweetie"

"Well it is true the Short Swords are back in town, why would I know that though? I haven't seen any maps, but rumors are they survived a few harrowing adventures." The gnome jabs in good nature. "Why is it the employer is the last to know these things? I suppose you have other urges to quench." He winks at Tracy.

His fluffy eyebrows raise as he looks at Grung. "You look..." hsi sentence trails off.

"Aye, Walter. We came into town last night, and our dispersal of treasure led to a rather spirited celebration here at the 'Wink. Obviously, we have new material for you."

His eyes light-up with the mention of new material. "Did you encounter much danger? I had one party hired around the same time as you all known as the Red Swords they haven't been seen in weeks. Cocky bunch they were, keep an eye out for any sign of them." He scoops a spoonful of grits. "Where y'heading next?'

"Aye, a fair amount of danger. Kalim and our new recruit Grungsdi fought some giant frogs and other critters, plus some kind of scythe wielding monster. The rest of us encountered a whole mess of orcs, who we managed to rout from their hold."

Karnog alternates between food, coffee, and ale as he talks. As Walter mentions the Red Swords, he focuses more closely on his words.

"I don't know exactly where we were going. Where did that crew head to?"

"Well when they last checked in they were heading over towards Zelcor's Ferry, but a caravan came through a while ago." He drinks coffee then eats more grits. "The group escorted the a caravan south on the coast road, till they got west of graveyard, they told the caravan they were heading to the Mausoleum seeking fame and fortune."

The graveyard is known to you as the Main entrance to the dungeon.

The group also knows that you're one of multiple scouting, cartography groups working for Walter. In fact, you will remember that Malcolm was with one group that was ambushed, he was prisoner when you found him.

I have mapping equipment...maybe I was part of one of these scouting groups? The entrance sounds like a good place to start to me!

Grung looks at the gnome for a bit but decides he doesn't know him

"I am a certified cartographer, trained and studied at the Kith, I mean the great Kitharodian Academy."

"You are? Well my name is Walter Featherton, I'm the good proprietor of of Featherton's Guides - the finest cartographer shop in Nirmathas." She stands and bows in sweeping fashion. "Perhaps, you are looking for work, I can always use new talent and the pays great. As the Short Swords can attest."

"I see. Well they asked me to join them, but if they work for you, then I will in essence enter your patronage."

He stops and double takes at Grung, "You wouldn't be from Janderhoff, would you?" His eyes narrow a bit.

not sure. Where might that be? Are there lots o' dwarves there? I can't imagine being from somewhere without dwarves. I suspect I am famous wherever I am from. Why what do ye know.

He laughs, not at you, but at the comment about Janderhoff. "yeah, you can say there are lots of dwarves there. It is one of the last great cities a few weeks journey from here to the west in Varisia." He pauses, "You look like barrel merchant's son from there...the merchant was known as Barellton. I don't remember the boy's name it's been years."

hmm barrel merchant...got any barrels? Maybe I will discover I am particularly good at moving them! he rises raring to do something w barrels

Master Featherton, we have mapped where we entered and encountered the Orcs. We now seek to return to continue our efforts. We actually asked the fair lady Felicitas to join our crew, but for some reason my requests have fallen on deaf ears. At any rate, it is great to see you, sir.

Malcolm returns to hunkering over his breakfast.

Kalim enters and tries his best not to snicker at anyone's prayers. He orders some bread for breakfast and eats. "Now that the others have sated their bloodlust, apparently we're back to mapping. I believe the bard shall be helpful, as long as the rest of the party doesn't fixate upon her."

I certainly hope we get to fight some more beasties!

The gnome finishes his breakfast and relaxes with another cup of coffee. "Well if these successful explorers and cartographers have negotiated an agreement with you young lady, then you have joined a fine group." He smiles at her. "I pay 50 gp per map section, per person. Well above any going rate short of a sultan, why so much? It's dangerous work as your new comrades can attest to."

He stands up and comments, "When you are finished with your breakfast, can some one stop over with the map for inspection and payment?"

Other than seeing Walter and receiving your payment 150 GP each (map of area leading to Daarog's, caves explored by Kalim, and Daarog's lair) is there anything else that you want to do or see in the town? Basically, you can resupply with base goods: rations, wine, and what not. Everyone can deduct 50 gp and assume you've had things repaired (armor, weapons, leather) and you've re-equiped base items.

"Well if all the formalities are done... I am ready to move out.

paid and ready to rock

After concluding business with Walter the group spots Nib, who is organizing an ox pulled wagon that is loaded with supplies and animal cages. He looks up, "Good , good there you are. Karnog and Kalim I've deducted the cost of these from your register. I saw you forgot the animal cages and transport...I mean chickens, goats and pigs won't live long in bag of holding."

He waves to the string of animals. "The cart and ox are gifts from Varl and me, you've been good for business and well, excellent brothers in arms. We want the [i]'Great Orc Experiment' to succeed.' figured they could use an ox for farming or food."

He hops off the wagon and shows Kalim a rather large burlap sack. When he opens it it reveals quite a few toys, mostly wooden but several dolls. 'A kid needs a toy." He pats the sorcerer on the back.

"Be safe!"

"Many thanks, Nib. I was thinking along the same lines this morning and was wondering where I might find such equipment. As ever, I am in your debt."

Assuming nobody is doing anything else, I will more this along.

The party rested and refreshed heads out shortly after midday. They pass an occasional farmer and woodsman. When they hold up for the night near the site of the destroyed farmhouse they came across, what seems like an eternity ago. The signs of destruction remain.

It is two days before the full moon.

You have another day and half till you get back to the orcs. From there you figure it's a day to the graveyard.

Watch order?

I will take first watch.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

I will take he second.

The first watch goes by eventually, then Malcolm shakes the next person awake.

Grung make a perception check.

"I will join Malcom´s watch. I hope you do not mind! And I hope someone can cook, because my culinary skills are.. limited. Actually Aurora is better than me. The little dragon nods enthusiastically.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Grung you are certain you hear rustling coming from the nearby corn field, west of the Coast Road.

Grung moves to the others and shakes them awake.

Noiseto the west

Karnog is on dawn-watch. So...

"ZZzzzzzzz....."

Grung moves from Karnog, to Maclom to Felicitas to Desmond and wakes them in that order.

He loads his sling with a star bullet.

Malcolm rises and whispers,

Which direction?

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Grung covers his mouth and gestures towards the sound.

Warning Felicitas telephatically to be silent, Aurora goes invisible and starts up in the air.

Those with darkvision can make check, if they are awake.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Not sure how many I have actually woken

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

This particular game is a published mega-dungeon called “Rappan Athuk” by Frog God Game, I’ve placed the setting in Nirmathas. I will make changes to the published material as I see fit. I will toughen up, or lessen, the encounters based on the party strengths and weaknesses. I don’t realistically expect to get through the entire dungeon and surrounding area but we can see how a few levels turn out. This is not a fair dungeon so expect the worse.

---
Some believe the world changed in 4606 with the death of Aroden, others know there is evil lurking below the surface seeking vengeance, and the god’s death was a precursor to the dawn of a resurrection. Far below the surface in Nirmathas, a long forgotten legend lays waiting exploration.

Many hundreds of years ago, the forces of good allied to destroy the main Temple of Orcus in the ancient, and now lost, city of Tsar. With their temple in ruins, the surviving high priests of this accursed demongod fled the city with an army of enemies on their trail—an army of heroic fighters, clerics and paladins—led by Zelkor, a powerful wizard. The exact fate of these evil priests was then unknown, for not only did the remnants of the followers of Orcus disappear from all human reckoning, but so did the army of light that followed after them disappear as well. Some said that in the eternal scales the loss of so many good men was a fair price to pay to rid the world of so much evil.

The evil cult, however, had not been destroyed. The surviving priests and their followers instead settled on a hill near the Forest of Hope, a sylvan woodland near the Coast Road. There they found a vast underground complex of caverns and mazes, carving out a volcanic intrusion beneath the hill. There, the priests of Orcus found the perfect lair to continue their vile rituals. For many years, they carried on in secret, hidden from the light and from the knowledge of men.

Many years later, their underground delving completed, the evil priests erected a hideous mausoleum and a sunken graveyard atop the hill. It is believed that these graves are in fact the final resting place of the pursuing army of heroes that had been destroyed to a man. Soon after the mausoleum was erected the peaceful creatures of the wood began to disappear. Though many rangers and druids investigated these happenings, the cause of the creatures’ disappearance was not immediately determined. Some years later a powerful group of adventurers, led by Bofred, a high priest of Thyr, investigated the evil happenings and found the sunken graveyard leading to a labyrinthine complex. Bofred and his companions found great hordes of evil creatures in the complex. Though some of his companions returned from their expedition, telling tales of fantastic treasure and ferocious monsters, Bofred was never seen again—lost in the catacombs beneath the cursed mausoleum. For the last one hundred years, ranks of adventurers have ventured to the newfound dungeon. Many fell prey to bandits and monsters in the surrounding wilderness. Rumors suggest that of those who survived to reach the mausoleum and sunken graveyard, most were slain by guardians of green stone or perished on the very first level. Those rare few who return from deeper treks speak of horrible undead and creatures that cannot be slain. All who have explored Rappan Athuk offer this one universal piece of advice: “Don’t go down the Well.”

Rappan Athuk is a hard adventure; some even call it a deathtrap. Many will try; most will die. I’m looking for 6 brave, or foolish adventurers. I plan to keep this recruitment open for a week, depending on the response. I’ll check several times a day and review entries as they come in.

*I currently run a successful pbp COT game, that has over 15,000 posts.

The 20 point buy array are in a one-on-one basis, or using the chart given by the CRB?

The 20 point buy array are in a one-on-one basis, or using the chart given by the CRB?

CRB point buy.

I'm thinking I'll bring the meat shield. Will post some fluff and crunch shortly.

will post something shortly

Definitely interested, I've wanted to play this for years. I'll have a mull, but I'm thinking of trying my first ever Inquisitor - assuming that was a intentional omission from the list of banned classes.

Still thinking... I'll try to pull out something later.

*Wave* Afternoon Baldwin. I applied to your CoT when you last had some openings. I'm hope I have better luck this time. Still working out an idea, leaning towards a Dwarf of some sort. Best of luck for everyone who is applying!

I will be open for a week, so take some time to put things together.

Celeador - I do remember, I think you had an urban ranger if memory serves.

Definitely interested, I've wanted to play this for years. I'll have a mull, but I'm thinking of trying my first ever Inquisitor - assuming that was a intentional omission from the list of banned classes.

An inquisitor is fine. There is one in my COT game and it's played very well too.

Don't go through the trouble creating a second character, but you should have an idea in mind in case you become one of the departed.

I ran my RL group through the Well level, as a one shot a couple weeks back - TPK. Unfair at times...tsk..tsk..tsk...it is ok to run away. This is, also, why I will tone down a few areas if need be.

Thinking about a possible Rogue. Not positive.

Thinking of a good old hardcore smackdown Paladin

Lloyd Jackson aka Tzelvek-

I take it you're a bit undecided on the Alt. race traits.

Mining is interesting potential profession - that could be a useful skill.

It's good start, finish him up.

Yep, wanted to get your imput before settling on any traits. Are you okay with them? Curious, do you want a finished sheet?

Yep, wanted to get your imput before settling on any traits. Are you okay with them? Curious, do you want a finished sheet?

I'm fine with the RT, I'm sure you know but it's a one for one trade. So if you want acute darkvision that replaces orc ferocity. You don't also get bestial. You can't exchange the same racial trait more than once.

I'm online quite a bit and I'm happy to provide input...time permitting.

Yes, create an avatar/alias, or a spoiler, or list him under your profile for a character sheet. I understand some folks don't like to pick an avatar during the creation process that's fine.

But if you do create an avatar for the submission put your vital stats: AC, saves, Init., Perception, Current HP/Total HP, CMB/CMD next to your avatar. This, generally, makes my job easier during gameplay.

Always wanted to play Rappan Athuk, I'll have something up shortly.

However, from what I've heard about this adventure I can't help but look at you name and think, "It's a trap!"

Always wanted to play Rappan Athuk, I'll have something up shortly.

However, from what I've heard about this adventure I can't help but look at you name and think, "It's a trap!"

It's an illusion. LOL

Akbar, is that you?

Spoiler it is. I dislike unused alias cluttering up my account.

What are your thoughts adding feats to the Monk's bonus feats? Like the style feats, which didn't exist when the list was created, or adding Greater Grapple to those available at lvl 6?

I am available to post in the mornings and evenings, and usually throughout the day. Posting 2+ times a day won't be a problem. Currently in MST

@Llyod Jackson - re: style feats being added to the monk's bonus feat list - if they are not currently on the bonus feat list I'm inclined to stick to the list as written. If you have a link to where this issue was discussed, or where the game designers weighed in on the issue, I'm happy to review it and reconsider.

While I have not run this dungeon as of yet and would like to try something new, I find myself wondering: Why the change to Nirmathas from Mendev (memory serving)? It would see your background is aligned to the forests of your area, but as the dungeon is beneath the soil, I am scatching my head as to the change in geography. Is there a particularly compelling regional scenario prospective characters should be aware of?

Hmmm. I'd like to see if I can get a wizard or a sorcerer to survive this ...

@Stratos - I'm not sure why you think Mendev is the location RA is set in. Is that where another GM placed the 3rd party dungeon in their campaign? Perhaps, I missed something in the introduction. The setting of Nirmathas works for me especially with the surrounding terrain and pre-dungeon encounters.

I hope that the seat for a Gnome Bard isn't taken yet...

That may have been the case; it was the lore of a forbidden catacomb under the earth which intruiged me, but the particular campaign I observed was taking place in Mendev. I suppose it's not setting-specific?

I will get to considering a story. One thing to note if a I can compose a tale to my liking: is the dungeon lit in areas, or is the entire thing pitch black?

Oh, yeah. An aberrant-blooded sorcerer ...his fluff is coming together nicely.

@Reshar no seats are taken yet there is plenty of time for character creation. Once I start to get an assortment of completed characters posted, I'll narrow down the closing date. I don't expect to close this out until mid-next week.

@Stratos the lore that character's know is listed above. Specifics on whether the dungeon is lit, or not lit, you don't know. Since this is a third party creation it not really Golarion specific; this latest book is simply updated for Pathfinder material.

I read before that you won't allow racial feats...

What about racial traits?

Are they allowed?

@Reshar - Alternative racial traits are fine, racial feats are not.

Characters submitted:

Lloyd Jackson aka Tzelvek, Monk. Needs equip.

Dotted for interest:

Rehar, possibly gnome bard
Loup Blanc -meat shield?
Mark thomas 66 - Pally?
DM Carpe - Inquisitor?
Celeador -dwarf?
Monkeygod -rogue?
Monjeblue?
Stratos ?
Digger Chandler - aberrant-blooded sorcerer ?

If I've missed someone it's unintentional, politely nudge me to include the missing name.

I was looking on the SRD, and I could've sworn there was a Nirmathas-specific ranger archetype at one point but can no longer find it. The idea was to tie the character to the region and use the archetype as a way to highlight his connection to the land (though I admittedly don't remember the fine points of what it did). Can anyone confirm/deny my suspicion? Am I just being crazy?

The two don't have to be mutually-exclusive!

@Stratos - You may be thinking of the Nirmathi Irregular. I think the Parting Shot local feat originated in Nirmathas. I have a copy of the old Pathfinder Campaign Setting that I can look at when I get home. If memory serves that was in that book. I think it was reprinted in the Inner Sea World Guide. There is a Fangwood Diplomat regional trait that is Nirmathas specific but that really is a waste for this game setting.

They must have secularized the name then, for I don't see it anywhere. I knew they did it with a couple deity-named feats and whatnot so as to make them less restrictive. I like the story behind why they were made in the first place though.

In any event, the ranger bug is strong in me now, so I will puzzle one out this evening.

I see him as a one-time Rahadoumi militiaman that encountered ...something. It awakened a deeply-buried bloodline. Now he's the same spearman of mediocre quality ...BUT NOT THE SAME!!!!

psst.. Stratos! linky.

And here is my bard. It's obvious that is not complete yet, but you can be taking a look on it (is in the alias profile).

Working on a spellscar oracle. She is the twin of a reincarnated being. Background in progress is on profile.

My hope is to have legalistic as a curse, if that no workie I'll just RP it.

@Nibb - On a quick review I noticed you had your alignment as LG and then CN in two different locations on your sheet. It, also, looks like you had some cavalier special abilities listed on the bottom of the sheet. Perhaps you didn't edit those off. Clean it up, write your short background, equip him then holler when your done and I will put on in the submission list.

@Kalim Gudluvaletti - on quick review it looks good, finish up your background and equip him.

---
FYI to all submissions: I haven't done the math on the point buy, I trust everyone is doing that correctly. If there are any questions just ask.

@Reshar: Gah! You wrote up an Archaeologist! There goes my concept.. of a Dwarf "reclaimer" Bah, back to the thought process.

@Vateelda Lateef - I don't want to start making a exceptions regarding books to be used right now. I don't want to open Pandora's box. If selected, we can discuss it then.

@Celeador you can can submit an archaeologist too.

It is still early in the submission process but cleric(s) and rogue(s) are important in this game.

Characters submitted

Melee

Lloyd Jackson aka Tzelvek, H/Orc Monk. Needs equip.

Hybrid

Rehar aka Nibbfir Grumepgarth, Gnome bard/Archaeologist, needs equip, bio and finishing work

Arcane Spellcaster

Digger Chandler aka Kalim Gudluvaletti- human, aberrant-blooded sorcerer, needs equip and bio

Divine Spellcaster

Vateelda Lateef- Human spellscar oracle

Dotted for interest

Loup Blanc -meat shield?
Mark Thomas 66 - Pally?
DM Carpe - Inquisitor?
Celeador -dwarf?
Monkeygod -rogue?
Monjeblue?
Stratos ?

If I've forgotten anyone let me know, it was unintentional.

Don't forget to include your posting availability as request.

I seem to be developing some mild psychic powers. Every character concept I have (first a half Orc drunken master, then a spellscar oracle) seems to get claimed before me. I must look into this. And think up some more characters!

Ah, Rappan Athuk. I would be lying if I didn't say I was interested. We will see if we have enough time to put together a character. If we do, then we have enough time to play.

@ Tzelvek - Keen scent is a half-orc racial feat. Right now hold off on it, I may let racial feats in but that depends on if there are drow in the party. No racial feats is because I'm permitting drow. I don't have the ARG to do racial builds but the drow race is a bit stronger than others. So rather than singling out drow only for no race feats, I had it across the board. I may readdress this after selection and if I do, I will let those selected make some alterations.

Here's a quick overview on how I plan to run the early stages of the campaign. I'll track XP and advise when its time to level this makes it easier on me. I plan on leveling characters up to 3rd very quickly. Then everyone will spend a little time exploring the surrounding area, again leveling pretty quickly through 4th and 5th level, this will let everyone get an idea of the group's abilities and perhaps, there can be some small character adjustments. After that it's into the dungeon.