The Pyramid of Shadows (Inactive)

Game Master PathlessBeth

You and your allies have been
troubled by strange and compelling visions every night
when you sleep and dream. In these dream visions,
the tiefling wizard Karavakos appears to you and whispers about the power and secrets waiting
within the Pyramid of Shadows.
The visions have grown more frequent, more urgent,
and you and your group are growing more and more
inclined to set everything aside and seek out the place of
power and Karavakos. Indeed, you often awaken
from the dream vision with a sheet of parchment and a
quill to find notes scribbled over and over that you have no memory of writing. These notes include the oftrepeated
phrases: “Place of power.” “Vast magic for the
taking.” “Seek Karavakos.” There is also a crude sketch of a
map that shows a stylized glowing pyramid deep within a
lush forest about a week’s travel from this location.

I recently took a second look at the 4e module Pyramid of Shadows, and I liked what I saw. I don't feel that way about published modules very often, so I started converting it to 3e. When I finished, I realized that there was no way I could fit it into my home campaign, so I am making it into a pbp game!

Disclaimer: This will be my first time running a pbp game. It will not be my first time GMing, nor will it be my first pbp, but I have not run a pbp game before.

What to expect: Early on, the PCs will be transported to the Pyramid of Shadows, a traveling demiplane prison where many creatures and tribes have been trapped for centuries or more. Most have given up hopes of escape. Once you are in the pyramid, there will be a considerable amount of freedom/flexibility in this campaign. If you are the kind of player who prefers to have the per-determined plot fed to you, this is probably not the campaign for you. There will likely be a mix of intrigue and occasional combat, with a side order of exploration.
We will start in Sigil (the Planescape city). Basic information about Sigil can be found in the 3e Manual of the Planes, as well as a very brief overview in the 3.5 DMG, pg 167. Other freely available information about Sigil is scattered around on the web (it has its own Wikipedia page). Extensive familiarity with the setting is not required. As I said above, we won't be there for long.
This game will start at 4th level, and I expect the module to take us through 7th level. Whether the campaign continues beyond that point will depend on interest at the time (pbp is a very slow process, so that is still a very long ways off).
What I am looking for: I expect players to be able to post in the gameplay thread daily. You do not need to post every day (if your character would not say anything in a given situation, it is acceptable not to write anything), but you should at least visit the thread regularly and be able to post when needed. Exceptions due to real life are acceptable, though try to let me know ahead of time. Beyond commitment, I am looking for creative and well-written characters with personalities and motivations.

House Rules are described in the campaign info tab (or will be shortly).

Character Creation:

The game will start at 4th level. Allowed sources include Core, Advanced Player's Guide, Ultimate Psionics, Ultimate Combat, Ultimate Equipment, Path of War, Ultimate Magic, and Ultimate Campaign. These are per-approved.
Most Rite stuff is allowed. Anything else is available by request. Ask me.

Ability scores:Generate ability scores from a 20 point buy, and increase one ability score from being 4th level.

Equipment:You may start with up to 6000 gp worth of items and equipment, although you cannot start with a single item costing more than 1500 gp.

Traits: You may select up to three drawbacks, each of which grants a bonus trait. Traits gained from drawbacks or from the additional traits feat may not be campaign traits. After the group is formed, I will write one campaign trait for each PC.

For favored class bonuses, select only between bonus hit-points and bonus skill points. Racial favored class bonuses are not allowed.

Clerics and deities: For classes to which patron deities are important, such as the cleric, select any deity from either the Pathfinder Core Rulebook or the 3.5 Player's Handbook. Clerics of a pantheon or ideal are also allowed, as described in the core rules.

I am interested in this campaign. However, there are some potential flies in the ointment. Currently my only Internet access is through a smartphone. I think this should work out ok as I'll only be playing, not gming, but it could end up limiting my post sizes. The second potential problem is that due to some recent economic problems I'm down to just the Core Rulebook and the first Bestiary. As a result my character will be somewhat "plain", but hopefully that won't be too much of a problem. Last but not least, my current work schedule has me pulling 12 hour shifts, Thursday nights, Saturday and Sunday days. So I might not be that active over the weekend.

With all that out of the way, the character I would like to try would be an Elven Rogue/Wizard (Divination) balanced multiple class with an owl for a familiar. I'm not sure how far 1500 go will go in terms of setting up his spell book though. If that looks to be a problem I'll comment on that some more as I get into generating him.

Dotting for interest! It' been awhile since I've played in a pbp but I'd like to start again and this one sounds pretty awesome.

I'm familiar with Sigil and Planescape, I post regularly and am in a number of PbP's right now.

Demiplane of dread and terror? Sounds like a lot of fun and ample opportunity for self direction and some interaction with trapped denizens...

@D-M-B - would you allow a Direlock with the Fear Eater archetype?

dotting. Question. What are the other APs for D&D 4th edition? A google search won't give them to me.

This sounds awesome. Might I throw in a fighter worshipping Urgathoa? Also wondering if Inner Sea Gods would be an acceptable book to use for generating a character.

I'm familiar with Sigil and Planescape, I post regularly and am in a number of PbP's right now.

Demiplane of dread and terror? Sounds like a lot of fun and ample opportunity for self direction and some interaction with trapped denizens...

@D-M-B - would you allow a Direlock with the Fear Eater archetype?

I just looked over them and it looks good. Okay, you can use a Fear Eater Direlock. One alteration, though: I'd prefer if the inimica had a fixed in-universe duration of five minutes rather than the metagame duration "until the end of the encounter." That should functionally be the same most of the time.

dotting. Question. What are the other APs for D&D 4th edition? A google search won't give them to me.

Most of them are in the WotC product catalog. Some of their modules are scattered throughout the catalog though, so the link in this post doesn't have all of them. 4e doesn't have adventure paths in the same sense as Paizo, their modules are largely stand-alone. They did do a series of nine loosely linked modules going from level 1 all the way to 30 in the initial years of 4e which include a couple potential hooks from one to the next. They aren't connected like a Paizo AP, though, there are few characters which reprise from one module to the next, and they work just as easily on their own as they do together.

This sounds awesome. Might I throw in a fighter worshipping Urgathoa? Also wondering if Inner Sea Gods would be an acceptable book to use for generating a character.

I don't have Inner Sea Gods, but mechanics from ISG are probably fine (since I can use d20pfsrd). Of course you can use the exposition and world background in inner sea gods for inspiration when writing your character's background. Bear in mind, though, that I will not have access to that text, and I am only passingly familiar with Golarion lore.

@Cutlass, Contrariwise, I shall wait to see what you come up with.

Very interested, would you allow Antipaladins?

Hm. Sounds intriguing. Are there any alignment restrictions? The premise sounds like it can work with just about anyone, but I wanted to make sure.

Also, would the bloatmage prestige class be allowed? It is from Pathfinder Chronicles: City of Strangers. A level 4 character wouldn't qualify, but since it requires a feat from the same source, my build could at least work up to it. It has some evil overtones, and is a little unorthodox. (That particular site calls it the "bloodmage" since Chronicles content isn't covered by OGL, IIRC.)

If not, I'm sure I can think of something else.

Oceanshieldwolf wrote:

I'm familiar with Sigil and Planescape, I post regularly and am in a number of PbP's right now.

Demiplane of dread and terror? Sounds like a lot of fun and ample opportunity for self direction and some interaction with trapped denizens...

@D-M-B - would you allow a Direlock with the Fear Eater archetype?

I just looked over them and it looks good. Okay, you can use a Fear Eater Direlock. One alteration, though: I'd prefer if the inimica had a fixed in-universe duration of five minutes rather than the metagame duration "until the end of the encounter." That should functionally be the same most of the time.

Sure, I can work with that. Thanks for taking the time to look at the class...

Hm. Sounds intriguing. Are there any alignment restrictions? The premise sounds like it can work with just about anyone, but I wanted to make sure.

There are no specific alignment restrictions. However, I expect you to be able to work with the other players' PCs, and so I would caution against a character disinclined to ally with the group. Regardless of alignment, take that into account when writing your character submission.

Also, would the bloatmage prestige class be allowed? It is from Pathfinder Chronicles: City of Strangers. A level 4 character wouldn't qualify, but since it requires a feat from the same source, my build could at least work up to it. It has some evil overtones, and is a little unorthodox. (That particular site calls it the "bloodmage" since Chronicles content isn't covered by OGL, IIRC.)

If not, I'm sure I can think of something else.

Mechanically it looks fine. You'll definitely encounter some creatures in the pyramid who find it disgusting, but you'll also encounter some who would accept a bloatmage. I think it could work.

Very interested, would you allow Antipaladins?

See my comment above regarding alignment. The Antipaladin also has a rather restrictive code which does not seem very conducive to group cohesion. If you just want an unholy warrior, there are a few archetypes in Path of War which would probably work better. There's also the inquisitor, or the cavalier. I would allow the blackguard prestige class, although you couldn't start it until a few levels in.

Sure, I can work with that. Thanks for taking the time to look at the class...

You're welcome, I might need to buy the PDF now:)

Dotting with interest.

planning a psionic character, of course. Thinking of making somewhat of a frontliner, maybe an aegis

looking at Zen Archer.

@DMB - I can't find a Drawback for being one-eyed.wearing a patch? Care to work up a sufficient Drawback with a penalty equal to a drawback and tradable for a trait? Penalty to Perception, Diplomacy, flanking AC…etc

I might roll up a soul knife for this :)

So, do you only get traits if you take drawbacks, up to 3/3? Or am I reading this wrong?

Still plugging away. My work schedule is such I may not be finished until Monday or Tuesday. It doesn't look like the gold piece limit will be a problem as far as the spell book is concerned.

Oceanshieldwolf's submission - Arokh Darrein, Direlock (Fear Eater) 4 is almost ready.

A few questions DMB:

- hit points - max first lvl? Rolls here or average the rest?

- can we be "natives" of Sigil? That is, a product of Sigil polyglot culture? Familiarity with Dustmen et al?

- Outside of Sigil and the Pyramid, is this a homebrew campaign setting or WotC campaign setting or Golarianesque? If this is WotC, any chance I could change race to Githyanki? ;)

- I'm guessing that by the line You and your allies we are companions of some bonded nature/background together? Currently Arokh is Neutral. I can change this if you allow Githyanki. ;)

Gavmania's submission - need to add background and personality, and also neaten the submission, but the basics are all there.

Hey, I'm interested but I was unsure if you're full?

So, do you only get traits if you take drawbacks, up to 3/3? Or am I reading this wrong?

I read it as 4 traits, 3 max from drawbacks, and one given to you by the DM as a campaign. Or up to 6 if you do 3 drawbacks and additional traits feat.

@Tenro, Dalgar: I'm looking forwards to seeing what you come up with!
@Tim Frie: Doublegold is correct.
@Cutlass: That is fine, there is not rush.
@Dacka Dacka: It looks solid, though the items are all jumbled up.
@A.M. Gibson: I am not full, recruitment is still open!
@Arokh Darrein: I'll answer your questions separately:

- hit points - max first lvl? Rolls here or average the rest?

Max hit-points at first level, average rounded down after that.

- can we be "natives" of Sigil? That is, a product of Sigil polyglot culture? Familiarity with Dustmen et al?

Yes, you can be from Sigil.

- I'm guessing that by the line You and your allies we are companions of some bonded nature/background together?

I wanted to leave it vague: the PCs need not know each other before hand, but they can. If y'all want to coordinate backstories for your characters, you may and I will consider those characters together. If not, all PCs will be brought into the pyramid at the same time, and can meet up then.

- Outside of Sigil and the Pyramid, is this a homebrew campaign setting or WotC campaign setting or Golarianesque?

It's a mix of WotC/TSR and homebrew. The Great Wheel is similar to how TSR describes it in the 2e planescape books, but each of the planes other than the Outlands are downgraded to (very very large!) demiplanes. I've left a fair amount of the Material Plane(s) in outlines, although it may be expanded if this campaign continues beyond this module. There are (infinitely many) other demi-planes beyond the Wheel as well.

any chance I could change race to Githyanki?

Okay, but remember when writing your character's personality and goals that he/she needs to be able to work semi-willingly with the rest of the non-Githyanki PCs. Keep in mind Githyanki can be Neutral as well. Use the Githyanki stats for PCs in the 3.5 Monster Manual (pg. 128), but remove the -2 to wisdom (because of the pathfinder conversion). I don't plan on allowing Level Adjustment Buyoff, so you will be stuck two levels below the other PCs. Is that still okay?

Thanks! The idea intrigued me a lot, I mean..most if not all of my characters are Osirion so it's just natural.

I'm thinking a Dwarf Druid or Gnome Bard, both come from character concepts I drew ages ago when I was brainstorming for what became my alchemist (weird train of thought, I know). But, I'm not exactly sure how to submit my character? I'd assume I would create an alias for it but I'm not sure. I've played a lot of PFS and a good bit of DnD, but I've never played an online campaign.. *that awkward newbie*

yes, you would normally create an alias and either put your character's stats there, or put a link to the stats (if you host the character sheet on another site).

yes, you would normally create an alias and either put your character's stats there, or put a link to the stats (if you host the character sheet on another site).

Thanks! (: I'll get on that and link it here (:

Since this is 4th edition converted over to pathfinder, I'm thinking about picking eladrin as race as it was a race in 4th edition, but it does not have one in pathfinder. Conversion ideas? Alt racial features same as an elf?

Eladrin

Since this is 4th edition converted over to pathfinder, I'm thinking about picking eladrin as race as it was a race in 4th edition, but it does not have one in pathfinder. Conversion ideas? Alt racial features same as an elf?

Eladrin

you could try creating Elardin with the rules here and see if the GM would approve it.

EDIT: decided to try myself:

Here's my initial attempt at an Eladrin conversion:

Didn't see any race restrictions....being in Sigil implies countless heritages to choose from :)

Didn't see any race restrictions....being in Sigil implies countless heritages to choose from :)

Indeed it does!

Quote:

any chance I could change race to Githyanki?

Okay, but remember when writing your character's personality and goals that he/she needs to be able to work semi-willingly with the rest of the non-Githyanki PCs. Keep in mind Githyanki can be Neutral as well. Use the Githyanki stats for PCs in the 3.5 Monster Manual (pg. 128), but remove the -2 to wisdom (because of the pathfinder conversion). I don't plan on allowing Level Adjustment Buyoff, so you will be stuck two levels below the other PCs. Is that still okay?

What if I dropped the psionics and the Spell Resistance - given the spell-eating nature of the Direlock it wouldn't work so well. So essentially I'd lose a human's bonus feat and a +2 bonus to one stat compared to getting +2 Dex and +2 Con as well as 60' darkvision - could I stay at level 4 then?

How's this:

Aroch is part of an enclave of specially trained githyanki - genetic throwbacks (remembering that the original antecedents of the githyani were human) born without psionics or spell resistance, and instead of being ritually sacrificed at birth, spirited away and secretly tutored in the dark arts of the direlock at remote locations - fortresses on the Astral Plane - each fortress dedicated to the training of one sect of dire lock - direlocks, banelocks, dreadmasques, predators and the perilous fear eaters like Aroch.

The githyanki both despise and grudgingly respect these pariah agents of their own kind that are often used for covert missions against humanoid foes on the Prime Material Plane. This distance from the rest of githyanki society allows their students to develop dangerous ideas and concepts that are not always in line with the current githyanki lich-queen.

Where normal githyanki shrug off magic, these individuals are trained in eldritch arts that allow them to absorb and use magic energy to bolster themselves…

So Aroch is both a somewhat respected, and yet reviled githyanki with Neutral tendencies...

Any game that allows psionics, mythic or gestalt is fun in my books :)
im going to build a human (or elan) chaotic wilder very losely based of of Chandra.
Chaotic, free spirited, independent and completely riding his (i think ill play a guy) emotions to the fullest. The class/idea has quite strong inherent power but also quite strong weaknesses and drawbacks.
I will absolutely be taking the power-hungry drawback and he will be enamored with increased power and very large displays of power and will be seeking to increase his powers by just about any means possible, also why he is coming on this adventure to begin with :)
He really will be a blaster caster in every sense of the phrase although i also imagine he will be charasmatic and intimidating.
Question. You limit tbe FCB to only a skill point or hit point but i was wondering if i could spend it on a power point as that is kind of universal to psionics.

@Arokh: Okay, if you drop the psionics and SR then you can stay the same level as the rest of the party. Nice explanation, too.

@Gobo Horde: You can use the extra pp favored class bonus, since that is given to all psionic races, but you cannot use the racial-specific FCBs.

Here is an early rough draft :)
Although i am torn between building a wilder why rides every high and has explosive emotions or upgrading the char in the alias. A psion nomad, embodying movement itself, constantly flickering in and out of the world :(

Stone
Stone Human Chaotic Wilder
CG Medium Humanoid (Human) Initiative +2 Senses Preception +8
--------------------
Defenses
--------------------

AC 15, Touch 13, Flat Footed 12 (+2 dex, +2 armor, +1 dodge)
hp 20/20 (4d8+0)
Fort 1 Ref 3 Will 6
Special Defenses
--------------------
Offenses
--------------------
Speed 30ft
Melee
Ranged
Magical Effects Psionic Focus
----------------------
Spells[/bigger
----------------------
Powers Known Vigor, Mind Thrust, Energy Push
Power Points (17/17)
Power DCs
Mind Thrust. CL 4, DC 16 Will.
Energy Push. CL 4, DC 18 Will, DC 18 Str.
----------------------
[bigger]Statistics
----------------------
Str 10, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 20
BAB +3 CMB +3 CMD +15

Feats (bonus), +3
Traits Power Hungry, +1 Campaign
Racial Traits
Skills 4x level

Languages Common
Other Gear
+1 chainmail? (1350gp)
1650gp

----------------------
TRACKED RESOURCES
---------------------
Power Points (17/17)

----------------------
Special Abilities
Chaotic Wild Surge roll 1d4. 1= -2 caster level
----------------------
Encumbrance lb
Light 43 1/2lb, Medium 87lb, Heavy 131 1/4lb
--------------------

Midiotoziggeroto the free. Wild and untamed, free spirited and volitile. Midiotoziggeroto can be described as any of these. As a teenager, his life is in constant change and while some turn into sullen, brooding terrors, Midioto decided to embrace it. Riding every emotion to the zinnith of human experience, Midioto is both Bi-polar and ADHD. As such he can often experience wild swings in his demeanor and has a hyperactivness about himself.
Due to the fluxuations in his mood, and the desire to enhance rather then dampen them he can seem to explode with strength and energy one moment or seem listless and unentheusiastic the next.
Developing psionic powers did nothing good for the youth. Now every time he manifests a power, he pushes it to its limit, often overloading his bodies system, wreaking havoc with everything from his mental state, to stress so potent as to physically keel him over or even lacerations and pulled muscles all over his body. If overpushed too much the backlash could even kill him.
Yet in this, he finds euphoria.
And it is addictive.

Working on an Soulknife with a dip in Inquisitor character whose deeply religious and has a strong sense of morals.

Thomas of the Blue Blade
Male Half-Elf Inquisitor of Iomedae 2/ Soulknife (nimble blade) 2
LG Med Humanoid (Human/Elf)
Init +11; Senses Perception +12
Defense
AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 15 (+4 Dex, +5 armor)
hp 31 (2d10+2d8+8)
Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +9
Defensive Abilities xx
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Ranged +7
Melee +4
Attack Options
Mindblade +8 to atk (1d8+4 19-20x2) Type Slashing
Special Attack xx
Base Statistics
Str 13, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 8
Base Atk +3; CMB +4; CMD 18
Feats Piranha Strike, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (Mindblade), Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Knowledge Religion), Power Attack
Skills Acrobatics +11, Autohypnosis +10, Perception +12, Knowledge (Religion) +11, Sense Motive +9, Survival +9
SQ Favored Class Bonus (Soulknife/Inquisitor) +1 HP/Soulknife LV/Inquisitor LV, Multitalented, Low Light Vision, Form Mind Blade (Su), Shape Mind Blade, Throw Mind Blade, Wild Talent, Blade Skill (Mind Blade Finesse)

Preliminary Stat block, still working on gear and triats

This is Anya Gibson's submission (:

@Dacka Dacka: It looks solid, though the items are all jumbled up.

I've separated the items for easier reading.

Ok, changing to githyanki.

So average HP rounded down for d8 is 3?

@Daka Daka: Thanks, it looks good.

@Dalgar the Great:
Looks solid.
@Gobo Horde: A wild wilder? Okay:) That or a nomad psion would be fine, but I'd want to see some more personality for the psion, and preferably more story for whichever submission you go with.

Ok, apart from some adjustments to equipment, Yessai, (clan name is Vassekh-Arokh) Githyanki Direlock (Fear Eater) 4 is done. Changed to female - finally found an avatar pic that almost resembles githyanki.

@Anya:
Pretty good. A question I have is whether you mean for Feoryn to be actually atheist, or to simply have no patron deity. If the former, is she affiliated with the Ather faction in Sigil? That isn't a requirement, but it would work.

Average HP for a d8 would be 4.5, so rounding that down gives you a 4, not a 3.

Ok, apart from some adjustments to equipment, Yessai, (clan name is Vassekh-Arokh) Githyanki Direlock (Fear Eater) 4 is done. Changed to female - finally found an avatar pic that almost resembles githyanki.

Yea, the Paizo boards don't have much in the way of non-Paizo icons.

Average HP for a d8 would be 4.5, so rounding that down gives you a 4, not a 3.

Thanks Tenro...

@Anya:

Pretty good. A question I have is whether you mean for Feoryn to be actually atheist, or to simply have no patron deity. If the former, is she affiliated with the Ather faction in Sigil? That isn't a requirement, but it would work.

I believe she's actually agnostic [but my brain couldn't think of the word], though I'm not sure she is affiliated with the Athar faction... I feel like she definitely could become affiliated with them if given the chance, but I doubt she's been exposed to them really before now as she never really left her little conservative town [who worship some traditional god(dess)].

Vassekh-Arokh Yessai wrote:

Ok, apart from some adjustments to equipment, Yessai, (clan name is Vassekh-Arokh) Githyanki Direlock (Fear Eater) 4 is done. Changed to female - finally found an avatar pic that almost resembles githyanki.

Yea, the Paizo boards don't have much in the way of non-Paizo icons.

The stats appear fine. Other than advancing Githyanki cause, does she have any particular goals? Fears?
(That last question goes for everyone: what is your character afraid of?)

I'll address those queries...

Also, my character fears completely losing control or being forced into any kind of legitimate submission. Sorry I didn't include that in my last post, I didn't see it until after I'd already posted ._.

Dalgar here :)

Thomas fears not being able to protect people.

Still not done with gear

(I have no experience with Sigal btw)