Rappan Athuk: The Dungeon of Graves (Inactive)

Game Master Alice Margatroid

Hmmm. I've got a niggling idea for a Mendev crusader infected in the Worldwound and slowly turning into a demon. Looking for a way to go out "the right way". I can see doing the taint as a custom race or re-skinning Tiefling. Is the concept okay? Do you have a preference?

Rost: I'm not making the same mistake again.
Priest: What Mistake?
Rost: Surviving.

Tiefling would probably be the way to go, or maybe picking up some Eldritch Heritage feats. Racial Heritage (Tiefling) could work too.

Racial description added to profile, hope you like it.

I'm just glad I finally get a chance to try this race out. They've been in my head for some time. I do have another race I'd like to try, if you'd allow it.

OK, changed my mind again. Rolling up an original-Hollow-Man style reincarnated druid. Big beard and creepy deep voice.

Digger here, copying character sheet to the template here.

It just occured to me that I could still go ahead and create a race and just set it aside for a "next" character; that would give me the time to develop it better. I've never played through Rappan Athuk before but, from what I understand, it's degree of difficulty is higher than your standard PF AP which will (likely) mean a higher percentage of PC deaths.

Crunch complete.

Anton is an imposing, dark man with long hair and a wild beard. His eyes show the age of many lifetimes. He is cold unless enraged, when he is white hot. He walks this earth exploring nature's glory and wiping out the unnatural. When in doubt, burn it all to fertilize the soil.

I'm definitely interested and will work on a submission right away. My initial ideas are tending strongly toward an arcanist...

I've never played through Rappan Athuk before but, from what I understand, it's degree of difficulty is higher than your standard PF AP which will (likely) mean a higher percentage of PC deaths.

My understanding is, just entering the dungeon can cause a TPK.

Sounds like fun. :D

Reginald is done! Check his profile for all the crunch and let me know if there are any issues. :)

I'll work on a backup character soon.

Sir Jolt wrote:

I've never played through Rappan Athuk before but, from what I understand, it's degree of difficulty is higher than your standard PF AP which will (likely) mean a higher percentage of PC deaths.

My understanding is, just entering the dungeon can cause a TPK.

Don't go down the well!!!

It's true. This dungeon pulls no punches. You will almost certainly run across things that are WAY above your CR, things that are pointedly unfair, things that will make you save or die if you aren't prepared for it. :)

By the way all, I was semi-joking when it comes to submitting a back-up character concept. If you're accepted, and your character dies, you'll have plenty of time to come up with a new character at that point (assuming you want to keep playing).

@Struug: One application only please, but if you'd like to tell me about your other race idea briefly, I'll tell you if I like that more.

@Anton Moorson: Thanks for the application! Although I don't know if reincarnation will do him any good. The surrounding wilderness is just as dangerous as Rappan Athuk himself. He might get eaten before he finds his body... :D

@Reginald D'Loria: No issues at first glance, and one of the first flail users I've seen in a long while!

I will present a formal application tonight

It's still fun to create a race even if I end up not needing it since I'll have the time. I don't have a solid concept yet, I may have to pull out some oldies but goodies for inspiration (Talislanta, Skyrealms of Jorune, etc.).

I haven't posted crunch yet as there seems to be a problem with the Wolflair store that has prevented me from downloading the ARG data package for HeroLab. I always prefer to use HeroLab as it's so much quicker and I don't have to worry about my math being wrong (I can also export the character straight into BBCode so it's like two clicks to copy the character into my alias). It's also nice not having to look through 5-6 books trying to remember which book that one feat was in.

As a sidenote, I don't drop stats below 10 except for racial modifiers. It's just my personal preference. I mainly bring it up to forestall questions like, "Why didn't you dump "X" down to 2? Monks don't need it anyways!"

GM, have a look at this race.

Magnauk wishes to die. Magnauk can not live as his clan is dead. Bring me Retribuiton Rappan Athuk. Bring me rest. I search for you to gain my death and in return live my life.

I submit myself to your horrors and pains. I give myself to you.

Proposed Race:

Estovian Brownies:
Fey 2 RP, Tiny 4 RP, Advanced 4 RP, Fey Damage Resistance 3 RP, Stubborn 2 RP. (Chose stubborn over lesser spell resistance - which Brownies have - as I think its both a less powerful and less annoying mechanic, and it fits my image better.)
Abilities: +2 Str, +2 Dex, -2 Con, +2 Int, +2 Wis, +2 Cha (includes size modifiers for tiny)

Before the World Wound the Brownies of the Estovian Forest were peaceful creatures prone to smiling and frivolity - things have changed. Now demons and undead roam their forest home, and the little creatures made a pact with the great spirit of the forest sacrificing their magics for strength. Now tiny hard eyed killers make any unnatural beast rue entry into their forest, flitting between the trees like shadows and striking with astonishing power that belies their small size.

Based upon Terry Pratchett's Nac Mac Feegles and the Brownies from Willow, because I really love the idea of a tiny barbarian laying the smack down! I'd go with a Lucern Hammer wielding barbarian I think.

I humbly submit Rammellorn to enter the well. I can post at least once per day if not more. As for bribes, I play well with others?

Here is my submission (for markofbane), Molasbar, a half-orc wizard (evoker). If he survives a level or two, he’ll have at least a +8 in all of the knowledge skills for what that’s worth. All the details for his character are in his profile.

I can typically post several times a day, though weekends tend to be less than weekdays. I do have some thoughts for back up characters, especially a halfling sorcerer, but I’ll worry about that if the time ever comes. And I’m willing to be in it for the long haul; some of the PbPs I’m in on the boards here have been going for quite a while already.

@DragonBelow: Looking forward to it.

@SirJolt: Detailed crunch isn't too important at this stage, so take your time. I also avoid dumping stats as well for the same reason! Unless I have some character concept that suits a low modifier. F'rex, one of my favourite characters is a bard with an 8 Wisdom because she's really, really rash and oftentimes lacking in common sense. Book smart, life dumb.

@Struug: Sounds interesting. I might like this more than the alien-ish race, actually. What do they look like? For some reason I am imagining anthropomorphic fennec foxes! LOL.

@DM Carpe: I like it! There are a number of fey that live in the Estrovian Forest, actually...

@Magnauk Hailstraum, Molasbar: All looking good! Thanks!

@Rammellorn: One thing, you don't really have a reason to want to head down into the dungeon... Mendev is a big place, and most people aren't crazy enough to go into Rappan Athuk without a very good reason. :)

@GM: Ironically, they're from the same homebrew world, Auralis, I've been working on and off for the past few years. The Velmoru were just the first ones I used the Race Builder on.

As far as looks go, they stand as tall as humans and weight as much as Half-Elves. The skin is slightly hardened, think similar to an exoskeleton but not nearly as rigid, and colored from red to yellow. They're eyes are also have no pupil and are various hues of green. Even though they live in the desert, their ears look like they belong on an aquatic creature. Think Lionfish fins, only with four ridges.

I must admit that I know little of Rappan Athuk.

While looking for Havellmar in Mendev, Rammellorn is sent to Rappan Athuk on some bad information intentionally given to him by an associate of Havellmar stating that that is where his brother is hiding from him. Knowing nothing of the place, Rammellorn seeks out his brother in his new denizen. Havellmar knew that the dungeon was extremely dangerous and hoped that his brother would seek him out there and meet his doom.

Your recruitment thread inspired me to create another character of a custom race with 15 RP that I have really come to love. I have even given him racial flaws for flavor and balance. Thank you! It was fun. I would submit him, but I have already submitted Rammellorn.

I have been wanting to play Rappan Athuk for ages - I hope I am still on time to post a submission since this is a crawl I would very much like to join.

I will try to have a character concept up and running still today - Wait for me :D

@Alice Margatroid - Oh! I thought you were serious about the second character, haha.

@Everyone - Good luck. :D

Yeah good luck everyone, its seems to get interesting witht hat much good competition here.

@Struug: My idea was wayyyy cuter. ;) But you're welcome to apply with whichever you like most.

@Rammellorn: That addition is certainly good enough! Thanks!

@Edeldhur: Take your time, I was going to leave this open for about a week, which is another couple of days yet.

@Reginald: Alas, jokes are often lost without facial expressions and tone of voice... I should've put a ":P" face there to make it clear!

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Following are the current applicants, for anyone who is keeping track.

Arcane
Molasbar -- TN Half-Orc Evoker
Struug -- TN “Dunaux” Magus

Divine
Anton Moorson -- TN Human Druid (Reincarnated Druid)
Rammellorn -- LG Dwarf Paladin (Stonelord)
Varnos Lightbringer -- LG Angelkin Paladin (Divine Defender)

Combat
Brask Alpsbane -- CN Dwarf Fighter
Brown Lotus -- LG/LN Oread Monk (Qinggong Monk)
Henric Khallen -- NG Human Ranger (Deep Walker)
Magnauk Hailstraum -- CN Half-Orc Barbarian
Corporal Ninivic Black -- TN Ratfolk Gunslinger (Gulch Gunner)
Reginald D'Loria -- CN Human Fighter
Varus Endra -- CG Human Ranger (Deep Walker)

Skill
Azizi Anum -- TN Half-Elf Alchemist (Crypt Breaker, Beastmorpher)
Bryce Sidanris -- CG Half-Elf Rogue (eventually Arcane Trickster)
Grim Coloursteal -- CN Goblin Ninja

Where's Brask?

Apparently missing from my list. Apologies! :P He's now on the master list.

EDIT: Curiously, we've had so many applicants and not one single female character.

Your recruitment thread inspired me to create another character of a custom race with 15 RP that I have really come to love. I have even given him racial flaws for flavor and balance. Thank you! It was fun. I would submit him, but I have already submitted Rammellorn.

Here he is if interested. I am still working on the backstory. This is not a submission of this character however; I want to keep him alive.

Then it's smart not to have him go down the well then. Lol.

EDIT: Curiously, we've had so many applicants and not one single female character.

The backup character I posted was female 8P

What are the racial traits for your race, Graalen? It's a bit hard to tell with the class stats mixed in.

This is why a often play female characters, besides of the great oportunity for roleplaying and making it a real play like in theater.
But somehow playing a female goblin is a bit over the top for me right now. Female halflings, sylphs, even tengu though, no problem.

Apparently missing from my list. Apologies! :P He's now on the master list.

EDIT: Curiously, we've had so many applicants and not one single female character.

Considering Brask doesn't have the manners to thank you, I'll do it. Thanks for running this. I hope that if I'm picked I'll provide you with plenty of entertainment.

By the way, what is your stance on recruitment thread RP?

As for female characters. Angus, Brask, and Gkirkhan are the only three male characters I have used to apply for a PBP game.

Then it's smart not to have him go down the well then. Lol.

In that case, it would probably be smart not to go down at all then :) Unfortunately, Adventurer Personality Afflictive Disorder (APAD) trumps having a high Wisdom.

Out of curiosity, if we do go down the well and make it do we get t-shirts that say, "I went down the well!" on the front with "And survived!" on the back?

"Nae laddie, or is it lassy? Kind o' hard ta tell when all o' tha men look like wimmin. Anyway, they give ye a shirt that says 'I wint doon tha well' oon tha froont an' 'as a bloody mess o' daggers coomin' outta tha back."

The surly dwarf that looked like he'd been in far too many fights took another pull from the mug and grimaced.

"OI! Barkeep! Who replaced yer ale wit' goblin piss? It'd pro'lly taste better ta drink me oown."

And he's being nice folks...

Hmmm, tiny female barbarian? Although I have to admit tiny paladin is awfully tempting, mainly because a mount would be oodles of awesome.

Tiny Titan Mauler Barbarian...

That would be some kind of awesome, even the gnomes would quake in fear.

HOLYCRAPOMGTHISLOOKSAWESOME!!

Okay, got it out of my system. Moving on....

This looks like it is going to be a great game and it seems a lot of people are interested with a lot of exciting character concepts. I know that all the players will be voting on characters, but to me it makes sense to talk about play style and give a little background.

So, about me:
1. Early 30s, playing D&D since way back when it was 1st edition but happily moved on to 3.5 and PF (don't like 4 at all).
2. I am committed to the games I play in. I was in a weekly real-life RotRL campaign every week for 1 year (then we moved). Prior to this I played an email RPG for 2 years until one day the DM disappeared (I kid you not).
3. Unless I am on vacation or out-of-town for work (and I will give ample notice) there is a 100% chance I can post everyday and about a 95% chance I can post 2-3x/day.
4. As far as my play style, I personally like to get along with others and design my characters the same way. That's not to say that they are all LG push-overs, but we are engaging in collaborative story-telling. It makes sense for our players to have common goals and trust one another since we are literally putting our lives in other people's hands.

As far as my character I have 3 concepts in mind which I will describe in order of preference (because I'm not really sure what will be preferred or allowed).
1. Shadow Sun Ninja (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226356) this is a homebrew variant of the Swordsage from Tome of Battle. ToB is 3.5 but with a few very mild changes this class is ready for PF (for example, change HD from d6 to d8 and update skill list). In this case I would play a human but with a mild tweak (darkvision, will adjust other traits accordingly based on Advanced Race Guide). I have a wonderful back story that meshes the class features of light/dark. There are also a LOT of great homebrew disciplines (which seem well balanced) that make this class a lot of fun without breaking it. This would fill the sneaky/skill/attack role. If you are not familiar with the whole maneuver system then I would want to play...
2. Human Synthesist summoner + the Eidolon master archetype (http://www.necromancers-online.com/articles/BestinClass/2012/20120402.html ). Essentially this gives up spellcasting to focus on the eidolon. My goal here is to play him as shapechanger.
3. Finally if you (and I mean the DM and my fellow players) say hey, that seems too strange or game-breaking or bizarre I would want to play either an Elven Oracle of the Dark Tapestry or a Witch.

I guess my submission is a bit different than the others as I'm submitting myself as a player with the promise that I will bring dedication, experience and comraderie to the table.

Alright, enough writing. This is starting to sound like a personal ad!

Good luck everyone, sounds like whatever the party ends up as will be a lot of fun.

EDIT: I also wanted to say that I am open to making a shared background or otherwise explaining how two of our characters met or know each other. Sometimes it is fun to risk your life with a friend rather than strangers you meet in a tavern! :)

Um, I think you posted in the wrong thread. Were you looking at the Kingmaker game here?

What are the racial traits for your race, Graalen? It's a bit hard to tell with the class stats mixed in.

Type:Aberration (3)

Speaks: Guantha

A Guanthan is bipedal with a grayish-green hue to their skin. Its eyes are slightly larger than humans but only contain an iris, usually some shade of violet and an enlarged pupil. They are extremely sensitive to light and would have to find a very creative way to travel above the surface during the day. Although a Guanthan appears similar to a Gillman, they cannot breathe under water and swim only as well as humans. However, they generally have a high dexterity and move much quicker than humans. They have only three fingers and a thumb and while they have some tufts of grayish hair, the also grow small, but relatively useless tentacles upon their head. Their feet are similar to their hands although they do not use them to grab stuff, preferring to keep them dry and protected. Guanthans are somewhat skittish as they are extremely rare, often living only in pairs and fearful of being seperated. It is a Guanthan custom to learn proficiency with a blowgun to deliver darts engulfed with paralytic poison secreted from their mouths.
Guanthans have no deity, preferring to meditate on the Jonta philosophy which simply states that balance is preffered in every aspect of life.
A Guanthan's preferred terrain is underground and they often seek out caves for the moisture.

(This is all I have fleshed out so far, I wanted to add more traits, but hit 15 RPs pretty quickly.}

@Grim: I mostly play females because, as a woman, I prefer to. Usually there's more than -zero- though. I guess all the resident adventuring women decided that they weren't feeling suicidal enough!

@Adam: I don't mind you RPing, just so long as you realise that it's generally pretty 'non-canon'.

@Jolt: Orcus himself has a whole line of such t-shirts up for grabs. Good luck with that ;)

@DM Carpe: Dude, you get SMALL mounts. You could be a brownie riding on a badger! Or a goat! Or a thylacine! Or a dire rat! So many options!

@TheRedMage: What AdamWarnock said. :) I mean, you're welcome to apply, but I need to be sure that you meant to apply for this game!

As an fyi, no, I'm not going to allow Swordsage (not that I dislike ToB - quite the opposite in fact - but that ToB classes essentially nullify the Pathfinder core melee classes, and also there's a tonne of material that I would have to go through and make sure it works for Pathfinder.), and I would probably NOT allow that summoner archetype either (I kind of feel like it has the potential to be QUITE powerful, not to mention mixed with Synthesist... dump your physical abilities to the moon and use your HUGE amount of bonus evolution points to become a combat machine in eidolon form. Ergh.)

@Graalen: The first thing I notice about this is that it's REALLY good. Super amount of bonuses to Con, plus a poison, and a random free bonus feat for no particular reason... also, you can't stack light blindness and light sensitivity. They do the same thing, except that light blindness is somewhat worse (blindness for 1 hour and then dazzled, whereas sensitivity is just dazzled). You're welcome to muse about the race on your own terms, but I do not think this is a race I would like to see in my game, at least looking like this!

Oh yes, I realize that. It's like doing warm-up sketches, or just plain doodling, loosen up and get into the flow of things. It also helps give me a more solid idea of the character.

@Alice Margatroid - I've never played a female character, and I've had many characters in real-life/MapTool games. I guess, as a male, I feel uncomfortable assuming that I know enough about the female mind to pretend that I am one. It's a bit like how some authors are amazing at weaving an intricate and compelling story, but they don't know how to write for a female protagonist (which ends up making them come off as stereotypes, caricatures, or worse, misogynistic).

I could go on about this topic for a while, but I'll spare you. :P

P.S.- On a totally unrelated note, I can vouch for DM Carpe. He's running the Serpent's Skull PbP I'm in and doing a heck of a job. Great roleplayer and all-around nice guy. :)

@Reginald: Ehh, I think that fear is a little misguided! Really. We're all the same species. We're not THAT different from one another. Give it a go sometime. :D

Would you mind giving me specific suggestions? I'll keep the blindness and discard sensitivity. It is my first attempt constructing a race and I would like to improve it. How could I balance it out better? Honestly, I used herolab and grabbed what I wanted until I reached 15 RP from the advanced template of 20. Was going for sort of a cave dweller. Thanks for your critique. I could also dump the bonus feat. I guess humans get one because they don't have a lot of other modifiers.Did you like the fluff?

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **...

Thanks for your thought out response. I approached it as a kid in a candy store for the first time. I choose aberration because I had wanted them to be from another planet originally where the accidentally stepped through a briefly unattended portal and found themselves having to adapt to life in Golarian. There are just two of them, Graalen and his partner Vaanu.