Saga of the Sages

Game Master Nathanael Love

Greetings, Pathfinders!
I am beginning something of a kind of unique project as far as PFS scenarios goes—a long, planned campaign made up of individual scenarios, modules, and adventure paths built on a specific theme. Based on the title of this thread you probably already know that theme to be: Scarab Sages!
With that in mind, what I am looking for are the following:
4-6 1st level PFS Scarab Sages characters—this means a character with only 1 XP applied, who was created/had that 1 XP applied before the cutoff to join as a Scarab Sages character.
This is a very particular requirement for a character, so what is it that the campaign will offer these very specific set of characters?

The answer: a play through that covers all the scenarios related to the Scarab Sages plot, and most that connect off from there or are set in Osirion.
Specifically, the goal is the run in order the following scenarios/modules/Adventure paths:

I will leave this open until the Noon Kickoff of the Bears Game this Sunday, then choose the party based on balancing the following factors:
1. Party class balance
2. Giving both some new and some experienced players a chance
3. Including at least one person who always gets stuck GMing in the mix
4. Playability/how much of the Saga the characters can complete
Thanks, I hope to hear from some of you. If you have any questions, please ask!

Hi there! I've got a 3 XP Sage who hasn't run through all that much of this, I'm worried there aren't enough lowby Sages running around to put together a full group, but if we can make it work that'd be fantastic.

I have one big question: Would you be amenable to switching off GMing duties for certain scenarios? There's a few of these I've played on other characters, and it outstrips my replays at the moment.

If that works...

Character Name & PFS Number: Penthesilea Aelyosan - 182453-14
Character Class & Archetype (currently): Arrowsong Minstrel (Bard)
Intended Character theme/build going forward (loose generalities if you plan on PRC, multiclassing, ect or if you plan to stay your current class): The Same
Current XP applied (Prefer 1 XP, but can work around with slow track for up to 4 XP) 3 Xp
A brief description of yourself as a person, and your familiarity with Pathfinder, PFS, and Play by Post, including whether you usually play or usually GM. I'm a pretty experienced gamer in a bunch of systems (including Pathfinder). These days I do most of my Pathfinder gaming on these threads. I've almost always got at least one game running (Just wrapped two, and I'm waiting to see how much GM-RAM the specials at RetroCon require), but I do certainly get to play more games than I run. Generally speaking I like games that move along at a pretty good clip. A long stretch of roleplay suits me fine, but I'm a big fan of snappy replies, and appropriate PbP time-savers for things like dungeon crawls, which can otherwise drag in this format.
And finally (be sure to use a Spoiler tag for this!) how many/which of the listed scenarios/modules/APs you are not able to participate in due to previously playing them (if you have replays available you’d use, mention that as well).

I also have a low level Scarab Sage, but he's not 1 XP. He is currently level 3 (7xp) all from GM Credits. I don't think I can retroctively apply those credits elsewhere, but if so, I may be able to back him down to 1XP.

If you decide to modify your starting requirements slightly, I would be interested, even it meant play out of tier at times.

Character Name & PFS Number: 75247-12
Character Class & Archetype (currently): Halfling Investigator (no archetype). I could flip to alchemist without much effort if diversity was needed.
Intended Character theme/build: Meant to be a skill monkey type. Don't expect to be strong in combat, but an aid in puzzles, knowledges etc.
Current XP applied: 7 but may be able to retrofit to less
A brief description of yourself as a person, and your familiarity with Pathfinder, PFS, and Play by Post, including whether you usually play or usually GM: 3 star GM, nearly 4 star. Very familiar with PFS and PBP formats. Running multiple games currently.

How many/which of the listed scenarios/modules/APs you are not able to participate in:

I am happy to share GM duties if that becomes a thing at some point.

edit: Hmm, just realised that we can't register new characters in the Scarab Sages faction. Will ponder over how I can get around it so leaving this post up for now...

Ok, I'm mighty interested!

Character Name & PFS Number: Galvius Pitio 215076-19
Character Class & Archetype (currently): Half-Elf Spellslinger 1 / Witch (Bonded Witch) 1
Intended Character theme/build: Will continue advancing in witch all the way.

Oh, and I've run a few of these as well.

Hope it works for you to join, kuey!

This is so close to what I need for Katswiri, but not quite! She's level 4, and I play her occasionally in person, so I wouldn't want to lock her into a project this long term. I do badly want to do a number of these scarab sage themed scenarios, especially the destiny of the sand trilogy. Perhaps she could join in on a few of these adventures some day, if there's room!

I hadn't anticipated swapping out GMs for parts, but if it helps the group make it's certainly something we can work out.

I have a high level sage, and two low level sages that I'd planned to split the GM credit between, so with a little planning that's another way to help with effective "replays".

As for the higher level Sages- we'll see what interest there is, but we'll certainly keep everyone in mind if there are later spots we need a fill in or replacement.

Hello,

Thanks a lot for GMing!

I have a character that has 3 xp but I have played some of the scenarios above.

PFS #9-4 The Unseen Inclusion
PFS #6-19 From Under Ice
Module- Risen from the Sands
PFS #6-4 Beacon Below

I will fill out the rest of your questions ASAP. ;-)

I checked with VO's and there is not a way to move retroactively GM credit. It has to be decided when the reporting is done. Hence Hemmings is stuck at level 3, which is not ideal. Happy to be an alternate or to join if you change the criteria after seeing what's out there.

Looks like a fun campaign! Good Luck!

Ahh, Nadric would love to take part in something like this but he is just outside your window of recruitment, since he has 5 XP. I was playing the Destiny of the Sands trilogy with him, but hit a wall when he wasn't quite high enough level for Part 3. He's currently sitting around until I can get him into Scarab Sage or Osirion-related scenarios anyway. I'll answer your questions, just in case there's some way he could get involved down the line.

Character Name & PFS Number Nadric Yarrow, 270121-2
Character Class & Archetype (currently) Archaeologist Bard
Intended Character theme/build going forward Plan to stick with the class
Current XP applied 5
A brief description of yourself as a person, and your familiarity with Pathfinder, PFS, and Play by Post, including whether you usually play or usually GM. I started playing Pathfinder as my first tabletop RPG a few years ago in a home game of Rise of the Runelords. My first steps into PFS and PbP happened at about the same time, a little over a year ago. (Kuey GMed my first PFS game ever, a splendid introduction!) Since then the Paizo boards have become my roleplaying home. I began GMing for the first time six months ago, and it has quickly grown into something I love to do, though I still have a lot to learn. I work full-time and sometimes this means my availability waxes and wanes from month to month, but in general I'm able to access the forums throughout any given day.
How many/which of the listed scenarios/modules/APs you are not able to participate in

I hope you find a good group!

Nadric waves cheerfully at everyone before going back to inspecting his small collection of artifacts.

Character Name & PFS Number Pirro Issa / 230524-20
Character Class & Archetype (currently) Spiritualist (Usher of Lost Souls) + unique Chronicle spirit
Intended Character theme/build going forward Plan to single class, build for support / phantom is a debuffer
Current XP applied 1 XP
A brief description of yourself as a person, and your familiarity with Pathfinder, PFS, and Play by Post, including whether you usually play or usually GM. I have 30+ years of RPG experience, 8 years of Pathfinder, and 2 years of PFS. I mainly play via PbP anymore due to sacrificing my weekends for my children, but I get to a convention once a year or so. I think I'm fairly balanced between playing and GMing in PFS, though it's starting to tilt more towards GMing as time goes on (before PFS I was almost always the GM, so hooray for organized play!). I work shift work but am able to post at least once a day on days that I work and more on my off days. Every once in a while my kids have something going on that takes all day, but it's rare.

Don't think there's a way around it which makes me sad. :( My scarab sages character, Untir Jonrot, would also love to go through the whole Scarab Sages (he's done three of them), but he's L5.

edit: Hmm, just realised that we can't register new characters in the Scarab Sages faction. Will ponder over how I can get around it so leaving this post up for now...

Ok, I'm mighty interested!

Character Name & PFS Number: Galvius Pitio 215076-19
Character Class & Archetype (currently): Half-Elf Spellslinger 1 / Witch (Bonded Witch) 1
Intended Character theme/build: Will continue advancing in witch all the way.
** spoiler omitted **
Current XP applied: 3 XP, from a boon so Galvius is a fresh character.
A brief description of yourself as a person, and your familiarity with Pathfinder, PFS, and Play by Post, including whether you usually play or usually GM: I started PFS about 2 1/2 years ago, and play almost exclusively on PBP (and occasionally online). I'm also a regular GM, again almost exclusively on PBP and just got my 2nd star. I toggle back and forth between roleplaying and snappy combat, although admittedly the quality of my posts may suffer when RL demands pile up. Like the others, I'm more than willing to GM for those games I've played before.
How many/which of the listed scenarios/modules/APs you are not able to participate in:
** spoiler omitted **...

Hello,

Thanks a lot for GMing!

I have a character that has 3 xp but I have played some of the scenarios above.

PFS #9-4 The Unseen Inclusion
PFS #6-19 From Under Ice
Module- Risen from the Sands
PFS #6-4 Beacon Below

I will fill out the rest of your questions ASAP. ;-)

Character Name & PFS Number: Kenji Haru, 314670-14

Character Class & Archetype (currently): Swashbuckler (Mysterious Avenger, Noble Fencer) 1

Intended Character theme/build going forward (loose generalities if you plan on PRC, multiclassing, ect or if you plan to stay your current class): I am not sure yet but I can imagine to continue on the whip master path multiclassing with Paladin possibly.

Current XP applied (Prefer 1 XP, but can work around with slow track for up to 4 XP): 3

A brief description of yourself as a person, and your familiarity with Pathfinder, PFS, and Play by Post, including whether you usually play or usually GM.: I know Pathfinder quite well, started PFS in season 8 and PbP early this year. I enjoy to both GM and play and really like PbP because the potential for character development is so much better than in F2F games.

And finally (be sure to use a Spoiler tag for this!) how many/which of the listed scenarios/modules/APs you are not able to participate in due to previously playing them (if you have replays available you’d use, mention that as well): I have 1 replay available at the moment and have already played the following games:
PFS #9-4 The Unseen Inclusion
PFS #6-19 From Under Ice
Module- Risen from the Sands
PFS #6-4 Beacon Below

Is there a way to audition this if youve never played PFS before? I really like the idea of playing interlinked PFS scenarios as a campaign, and mixing a full AP in with it is icing on the cake!

Is there a way to audition this if youve never played PFS before? I really like the idea of playing interlinked PFS scenarios as a campaign, and mixing a full AP in with it is icing on the cake!

Sadly for this one because of the way the Scarab Sages retirement happened there is not since it's not legal to make a new Scarab Sage at this point, but if it goes well hopefully myself and others will consider running similar stuff for other still live factions-- I know a Sovereign Court mixing in War for the Crown would be awesome.

Noooo! D:

I would be interested in going.

I would be interested in going.

If you want to just submit the information requested up thread and you'll be considered.

Ok. I'll do that when I get home. On my phone right now

It looks like I have too many xp, I have 5.

Looks like we have 6 completed applications, so I will move forward working to make it work for max participation of those six.

Galvius Pitio
Hemmings
Kenji Haru
Nardic Yarrow
Penthesilea
Pirro Issa

I'm converting to a campaign now and moving over to discussion, please check in on the discussion tab and stealth dot into gameplay!

Thanks a lot GM!!

Very much looking forward to this!!

I have two remarks as I did not know that you want to start immediately.

1) Actually, Kenji has 2 xp currently but will finish his game in the next 8 days to then have 3 xp

2) He is currently a 1st level bard and I wanted to rebuild him to a Swashbuckler. But given the party composition I think I will rebuild him to something else and will define that within the next three days.

I hope that works for you?

Thanks again!

Yeah, that's fine!

Swashbuckler would work filling the front line fighter role, but whatever you're feeling; this group should be an interesting mix- lots of mixed role classes, two very different bard builds, probably a metric ton of total skill points between the Investigator and Archeologist.

Looks like we have 6 completed applications, so I will move forward working to make it work for max participation of those six.

Galvius Pitio

Sorry you might have missed my message as I changed avatar in replying. Galvius can't be in Scarab Sages because he is newly created, and by the PFS Guild rules, there can be no more in that faction from 2 Aug. My only Scarab Sages character is at L5 now, which I think is way to high level for your campaign.

Is it too late to join?

Drea Zelgath is a sylph occultist and a member of the Scarab Sages! They were going to join the Concordance, but hasn't found a group to join as of yet, so hasn't officially left the Scarab Sages cloister! They have completed the Confirmation and has exactly 1 XP!

I've linked their profile to this message. Let me know if I may join! They've got a bunch of gold from their Confirmation burning a hole in their pocket. It would seem that Wati would be an excellent place to do this, but Drea has a history in Wati, so the sparks might fly! (See the Personal info in the link...)

And for completion's sake:

Character Name & PFS Number: Drea Zelgath #30475-19
Character Class & Archetype: Occultist (Occult Historian)
Intended Character theme/build going forward: Armoured warrior with an arcane/tomb raider flare
Current XP: 1 XP
A brief description of yourself...: I'm the Venture-Captain for the South Island of NZ, and I've been gaming for about 30+ years now. I GM most frequently on these boards, and I can very much be counted on for a post per day.

Cheers!
-Dinketry

Hey Drea- we lost our sixth and we are just getting started so we can add you as our last player for this.

Need one or two to fill in: we are currently on part 3 of Mommy's Mask Book 1-- need 1st or 2nd level PFS legal characters, Sara sages preferred but not required.

Still looking for one more to jump in here!

Campaign mode, and credit can be applied back to any 1st or 2nd level PFS character.

I’d perhaps be interested in joining up, but I’m in a weird position as someone who has done a lot of the PFS Sages content. If you’d be okay with someone who dips in and out for long stretches on occasion, or who just replays without credit, I wouldn’t mind helping to fill a sixth slot to keep the campaign moving while you look for a more permanent replacement. If that sounds like something you’d be okay with, all I’d need confirmation on at that point would be what level range you’d be looking for, and/or if this character would need to have been built for PFS or if they’d be specially built on a scenario-by-scenario basis.

Of note: my view on PFS1 chronicling is very loose at this point, since I’m trying to push for PFS2 content at the moment in our local area. I wouldn’t really mind replaying scenarios for no credit as a result, so no worries there, but I am definitely more interested in the chance to play the content I’ve not touched yet even if I have to do some weird janky character swapping or rebuilding to try and make it work in places.

EDIT2: If it would be acceptable, I’d also be willing to level down my second Scarab Sages character to the appropriate level (They’re I think level 5 atm) and just play for no credit if that would feel better for people.

I would be very interested in playing. While I have played some of the adventures I do have a one time credit of 15 replays so I would have no difficulty going from 1-16 here as I can expend replays as needed.

I would intend to play a brand new 1st level character (protege of my Eyes of the Ten VC). I can promise a daily post (at least). I also have a 3XP Core character that can be rebuilt if necessary.

Ok, thanks! I'll PM you guys and get you worked in!

Re-recruiting to fill three spots here--

Next scenario (about to start ) is PFS 9-04 The Unseen Inclusion.

Campaign will continue after that to do most of the Scarab Sages PFS scenarios as well as Mummy's Mask Parts 2-6 (already completed part 1).

We are looking for:

x One arcane/spell casting class

x One divine/healing class

x One other support/casting class

(current party is 2 primary melee and one archer)

All characters should be PFS legal, Scarab Sages is preferred, and characters should have between 3 and 7 XP to maintain the party tier.

This sounds fun! I have Dario here. He's a Archaeologist Bard and Freebooter Ranger, so heavy with the skills and some buffing for the party, though not as much as a normal bard would do.

Not sure how much of your original list you're sticking to. I've played all of Destiny of the Sands. He's also at the top of your range as far as XP.

I think I can pick up some of that buffing.

Flag-bearer evangelist here.

Just a quick note on how Flagbearer works. When I am holding my flag (Sigil of the Open Road) every ally within 30' of me has a constant +1 MORALE bonus on rolls To Hit/Damage and saves vs FEAR. THIS DOES NOT STACK WITH BLESS, but it does free up a slot for me. I can also 'Inspire" 8 rounds a day which will offer a +1 COMPETENCE bonus on To Hit & Damage rolls. The bonus should include pets, companions and summoned creatures as well.

When I cast Moment of Greatness, everyone has the option to add an additional +1 MORALE bonus to a single roll or check a single time with the next minute.

So, if we run into a big fight, I can buff everyone +2/+2 for up to 8 rounds and give you the option to add another +1 within that minute of combat.

Our Archer is the arrowsong Minstrel bard- so a morale bonus based build there is some duplication there.

Other than being in the Grand Lodge, Teloish is 2nd level Damphir Witch with 5 xp. If that is acceptable, I would like to join. (the only one that is Scarab Sage is 7th, the others converted to Concordance since they were 0 xp.)

Other than being in the Grand Lodge, Teloish is 2nd level Damphir Witch with 5 xp. If that is acceptable, I would like to join. (the only one that is Scarab Sage is 7th, the others converted to Concordance since they were 0 xp.)

Please disregard. A closer look at your plans for the adventures and a review of what I have played in the past would prohibit me from joining in the fun.

@Oxnard. Actually, the morale bonus would free the archer up in two ways. First, they won't lose a round of combat starting a bard song. Secondly, they can save the rounds of inspire to do select another option (inspire competence, fascinate and the like).

I would have to burn a couple of replays, which is not a problem. The one conflict that is inescapable is the I have played From Under Ice with this character. So, I would have to sub in another character for that game if I am selected.

I also get some other bonuses like ignoring my allies for cover purposes while I'm Inspiring them, but I certainly wouldn't feel that my niche was being trodden upon by a flagbearing evangelist! If we're tunnel fighting I'll just perform and you can cast :-)

Awesome then we can add Flata as the divine caster, and Dario as a support character we just need one full arcane caster-

If you two will dot into the campaign, I hope to start in a few more days here.

And I think that almost everyone has played From Under Ice so we are most likely skipping that one instead of asking 3-4 people to burn replays on it.

Sweet! Thanks for having us!

For what it's worth, Freebooter's Bane is an untyped bonus, so it stacks with Inspire Courage!

what level?

The current PCs range from 2nd (3 XP) to 3rd (7 XP is the highest).

Are you still holding to the Scarab Sages faction? Because I can check when I get home, but I'm pretty sure anything I have with Scarab Sages is well out of the level range.

I do have a full arcane caster concept that I was thinking about trying. He would be starting at 1st level. But as soon as F2F games are allowed, I can play him in those to catch up.

Thinking about a ratfolk magus with a single level dip in witch. He rides around on a mauler giant flea as his mount.

Obviously you'd get more rewards as Scarab Sages, but if you don't mind being both behind on levels initially and missing out on the faction specific boons it would work to add you.

Well carpola! I thought ratfolk were PFS legal, but they are not. That ruins the whole personality concept.

Hmm... Ok another concept I've been throwing around is a bloodrager 1 / arcanist X who will specialize in the polymporph subschool to eventually become whatever is best for any particular situation. Not sure how well he will work for society play. Let me think about it.

I did check, don't have any baby PC's with Scarab Sages.

If you don't end up with an arcane caster, I have this level 2 wizard (air elementalist) who would like to join. She was an archeologist bard, but rebuilt at end of level 1, including faction change to scarab sages. I can probably apply a GM cred here or there to help her catch up in levels.

I can't come up with an arcane PC concept I'm happy with right now. Go ahead and let someone else have it.

Ok- Skai if you want to jump in then we are just at character introductions at the beginning of Unseen Inclusion now!

If you suddenly still have a place, then my fire ifrit (volcano oracle III) is ready to break into the game!