I've got a game going set in Osirion and for the last few weeks have been desperately searching around for as much information on the setting as possible. Until December though (can...not...wait) all I've got to riff off of is the paragraph in the Gazeteer and the stuff at the beginning of Entombed with the Pharaohs. I'd love any other inspiration anyone's got out there. I run it again on Thursday and am anxious to do it justice. Anyhow I'm really loving Golarion, and it's a blast being able to expand our campaigns away from Varisia--even if that makes it a little scary sometimes!
I've got a game going set in Osirion and for the last few weeks have been desperately searching around for as much information on the setting as possible. Until December though (can...not...wait) all I've got to riff off of is the paragraph in the Gazeteer and the stuff at the beginning of Entombed with the Pharaohs. I'd love any other inspiration anyone's got out there. I run it again on Thursday and am anxious to do it justice. Anyhow I'm really loving Golarion, and it's a blast being able to expand our campaigns away from Varisia--even if that makes it a little scary sometimes!
I'm probably completely off base here, but I would refer to Mamluk, The Burji Dynasty and the French Invasion of Egypt as source material. I'd like to highlight the latter, as it provides good hooks for "tomb raiding".
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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You are so incredibly not off your base it is not even funny.
Excellent advice.
In particular, I suggest the incredibly giant book "The Discovery of Ancient Egypt," by Alberto Siliotti. Almost all of the inspiration for Osirion came from staring at the pictures in that book, which scream out "USE ME IN YOUR CAMPAIGN". The accounts of the various explorers, cartographers, and madmen who mapped out Napoleon's cultural expedition into Egypt are likewise fascinating, and at least in part inspired my thinking on the Pathfinder Society.
Also highly inspirational: The Syrius Mystery, by Robert K.G. Temple.
--Erik
Out of interest when where the paizo staff dropping hints about an all desert addventure path? That would be incredible. I thought that it was pretty much confirmed that the next AP would be set in Cheliax. Still here's hoping as I'd love to see an osirion or qadira based adventure path.
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Director of Brand Strategy
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Out of interest when where the paizo staff dropping hints about an all desert addventure path? That would be incredible. I thought that it was pretty much confirmed that the next AP would be set in Cheliax. Still here's hoping as I'd love to see an osirion or qadira based adventure path.
It was in a chat a few weeks back. I think the final decision is still up in the air, but one reason for the possible change was that they might want to save the more "traditional" Cheliax AP for the launch of PRPG at GenCon next year. As I said, though, this is all speculative and rumors until anything is officially announced.
an all desert addventure path?
Sign me up!
I'm so excited at the prospect of this, not being able to wait until December, I ordered the Egyptian Adventures: Hamunaptra (d20) boxed set. Which is on sale - you have no excuse!
Peace,
tfad
EDIT
Also, my wife and I were discussing how in Ancient Egypt, the courts held midgets/little people in high regard and kept them as seers. Women would often pray for a midget during birth! I mention this because we thought it'd be really cool if Gnomes played a similar role in Osirion, what with the age of lost omens and all. Apologies if I've used the incorrect term for little people - I mean no offense.
Peace,
tfad
Sweet. A Cheliax AP would be a cool way to launch pathfinder as it is quite traditional. Still I personally would be more interested in an Osirion path myself. Heres hoping.
Ohh and thanks for answering my question yoda8myhead. I used to follow the chats when they were posted in summarised form on the forums but I can't seem to find the time to go through the whole log of it at the moment.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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an all desert addventure path?Sign me up!
I'm so excited at the prospect of this, not being able to wait until December, I ordered the Egyptian Adventures: Hamunaptra (d20) boxed set. Which is on sale - you have no excuse!
Peace,
tfad
I love Hamunaptra. Apnu and Settite gnomes for the win! I have the map as my background at work.
Paizo should borrow a bit from them.
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I'm so excited at the prospect of this, not being able to wait until December, I ordered the Egyptian Adventures: Hamunaptra (d20) boxed set. Which is on sale - you have no excuse!
Why did you have to show me that?
Oh, and please let there be khopeshes in the Osirion book.
Why did you have to show me that?
Hey - I'm on commission!
;P
tfad
I've got a game going set in Osirion and for the last few weeks have been desperately searching around for as much information on the setting as possible. Until December though (can...not...wait) all I've got to riff off of is the paragraph in the Gazeteer and the stuff at the beginning of Entombed with the Pharaohs. I'd love any other inspiration anyone's got out there. I run it again on Thursday and am anxious to do it justice. Anyhow I'm really loving Golarion, and it's a blast being able to expand our campaigns away from Varisia--even if that makes it a little scary sometimes!
Grim, given your research and interest thus far, I suspect that anything about Osirion that isn’t already known to you is probably stuff that can’t come out yet – you pretty much are one of the top experts on the subject.
I’d just trust in your DM-Fu. One of the more exciting things about building in this game world right now is just how much of the details are still up for grabs. It’s a new frontier and in time we'll miss these days – as for now, I'd just be bold.
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Oh, and please let there be khopeshes in the Osirion book.
Exotic Weapon
d8 slashing damage 19-20/x3Weight: ~6 pounds
Cost: 20 GP
'Least that's how I'd house rule 'em. Heh, I miss my old DM's Al Quadim campaign so much now... Thanks Mikaze. :p
Oh! I s'pose I should say that I am TOTALLY for a desert based campaign setting/adventure path.
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Wow. Heh. Thanks! Let me shoot by you some of the stuff I've got cooking then and see what you think about it.
First of all I stumbled by sheer luck on a huge urban myth going around among the U.S. troops in the Iraq. Camel Spiders! From accounts you're looking at giant fuzzy gangly spiders about the size and shape of king crabs that throw themselves into whirlwinds to travel around. Their forelimbs have evolved...I kid you not, teeth! and there's been stories of them injecting anaesthetic venom into napping soldiers and eating fist-sized chunks out of them. Golarion NEEDS monsterous camel spiders!
I've also been noodling over some kind of composite swarm monster made out of sand fleas, that burst from the dunes once one of them tastes blood--making a verminous pulsating tenticle that envelops a victim and sucks them dry, leaving behind only a pox-covered dessicated corpse.
I've introduced a hellknight named Korymbras, of the Order of the God Claw (the devil-blooded guys) who is a cambion--with the goat-legs and holes in his helmet for his own horns to stick out.
I've introduced a couple of locales, what's known as a sharqui club--a bellydancing establishment known as the Emerald Asp, which is also a cover business run by worshippers of Norgorber. Likewise there's the Mirage, a high end hookah bar providing nightly upscale entertainment--all done up with that blue geometric moroccan tile. Also a lavish hospital owned by the Ruby Prince, called the Bimarium, based on research about these really cool old midieval Islamic hospitals--called Bimaristan--where they'd play soothing music and tell stories to the sick amid gardens and pools, with medical libraries and laboratories all around.
I've got a conflict brewing between tribes of Sun and Sand Giants, a grimwyrd named Velgid (and his unhappy belker companion Azmol), a Scorpion King style army of Rovagug worshipping barbarians, a cursed group of Lamia Matriarchs called the Gentle Sisters--tricked by a cursed magical item that they hoped would free them, but instead forced upon them an awful kind of manditory good behavior, and an ancient Pharaoh who was once a royal bodyguard whose reputation had become so fearsome that his own Pharaoh attempted to have him killed, thus leading to an epic tale of revenge and regicide that lead to him becoming Pharaoh.
So yeah, that's what I've been cooking so far. Let me know what you think or if you have any lore tweaks or suggestions you want to throw at me.
Oh, and please let there be khopeshes in the Osirion book.
Well I know for sure they're part of Osirion. The title of the head of the town and royal guard is The Khopeshman of Sothis.
That said, I don't see a khopesh being altogether different from a falchion in function. Granted falchions as listed are CRAZY expensive.
The khopesh in the Complete Arms and Equipment Guide is a lot cheaper, but it's also a one handed sword that doesn't really feel much like a khopesh at all.
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Exotic Weapon
d8 slashing damage 19-20/x3
Weight: ~6 pounds
Cost: 20 GP
Awesome. I'm tempted to throw in trip or shield disabling mechanics too.
First of all I stumbled by sheer luck on a huge urban myth going around among the U.S. troops in the Iraq. Camel Spiders!
Sweet Christmas, I thought I was done with Camel Spider horror stories! I remember when they really exploded onto the net, complete with close-up pictures. @#$%ing yikes. Even the more ridiculous and silly tales of them hissing loudly when they spot prey and chasing three soldiers in a jeep until they managed to shoot it didn't help matters much for this arachnophobe.
Let me know what you think or if you have any lore tweaks or suggestions you want to throw at me.
One little detail in one of the Pathfinder Chronicles tales set in Kaer Maga comes to mind: the Osirion people in town are all described as bald. I took it as meaning the ancient Egyptian practice of both genders of all classes removing all hair for health purposes(prevention of lice, and also possibly tied in the principles of ma'at as far as traditional cleansing goes) might still be a part of Osirion culture for at least some of the populace. It could be a way to tell "traditional" Osirions apart from the non-traditional crowd. And with those rumors of a return of a phaoronic dynasty, that could become a big feature.
Introducing a system of "ma'at" could be a good way to illustrate a divide between those two groups as well, though most would possibly only follow it partially.
The khopesh in the Complete Arms and Equipment Guide is a lot cheaper, but it's also a one handed sword that doesn't really feel much like a khopesh at all.
Yeah, needs more spice.
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Exotic Weapon
d8 slashing damage 19-20/x3
Weight: ~6 pounds
Cost: 20 GP
Awesome. I'm tempted to throw in trip or shield disabling mechanics too.
Now that you mention it, I'd probably throw trip in as well. It fits what with the oddly shaped blade and all. Plus since you're spending a feat to be able to use them they do need some extra spice to the mix. I'd probably also throw in a bit about it being a one-handed weapon as well (forgot that in my initial post - sorry).
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Khopesh in Hamunaptra is same as a long sword.
I like the idea of bald Osirions. I've been using in my writings an assimar cloistered cleric and paladin wife/husband combo. Both are gold skinned and naturally bald. She wears a wig as a sign of her station, while he goes bald. Think Patricia Velasquez in the beginning of the mummy and you have it.
I do see gnomes mentioned in the gazetter as being known in Osirion. With their connection to shadows and the like, I look forward to that.
Likewise there's the Mirage, a high end hookah bar providing nightly upscale entertainment--all done up with that blue geometric moroccan tile.
You totally need to put on a funny NPC voice whilst running the Mirage. If your players don't know what the place is, you can have an hilarious hooker/hookah mix up.
I did this by accident and the look on one of my player's faces when asked to light the hookah was priceless!
Great ideas chief - no doubt your game will rock!
Peace,
tfad
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Now that you mention it, I'd probably throw trip in as well. It fits what with the oddly shaped blade and all. Plus since you're spending a feat to be able to use them they do need some extra spice to the mix. I'd probably also throw in a bit about it being a one-handed weapon as well (forgot that in my initial post - sorry).
Exotic Weapon
d8 slashing damage 19-20/x3
Weight: ~6 pounds
Cost: 20 GP
Awesome. I'm tempted to throw in trip or shield disabling mechanics too.
Well unfortunately, if they do turn up in Golarion they're unlikely to look like that, an exotic should be "one step" better than a martial equivalent, thus a bastard sword is a longsword with the damage die gone from d8->d10, a kukri is a dagger with crit increased from 19-20/x2, to 18-20/x2 etc. Debatably Spiked Chains and the "Elven" exotic weapons break this, but that's why they're broken weapons :). Increasing a longswords crit multiplier to x3 would be more than a single step, which is why 19-20/x3 weapons don't exist, ranges other than nat20 on a >x2 crit weapons are simply too powerful given people can put keen/improved crit on them.
Personally I'd make a Khopesh 2d4 19-20/x2 one-handed with free trip attack (minor damage boost + trip is fair enough as the trip is quite specialised) based off longsword. Or 1d10 18-20/x2 two-handed with free trip based off falchion. They seem pretty balanced options :).
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Oh, and please let there be khopeshes in the Osirion book.How about in the campaign setting hardcover as well? :)
That would be just sword-sickle-riffic!
Now that you mention it, I'd probably throw trip in as well. It fits what with the oddly shaped blade and all. Plus since you're spending a feat to be able to use them they do need some extra spice to the mix. I'd probably also throw in a bit about it being a one-handed weapon as well (forgot that in my initial post - sorry).
Well unfortunately, if they do turn up in Golarion they're unlikely to look like that, an exotic should be "one step" better than a martial equivalent, thus a bastard sword is a longsword with the damage die gone from d8->d10, a kukri is a dagger with crit increased from 19-20/x2, to 18-20/x2 etc. Debatably Spiked Chains and the "Elven" exotic weapons break this, but that's why they're broken weapons :). Increasing a longswords crit multiplier to x3 would be more than a single step, which is why 19-20/x3 weapons don't exist, ranges other than nat20 on a >x2 crit weapons are simply too powerful given people can put keen/improved crit on them.
Personally I'd make a Khopesh 2d4 19-20/x2 one-handed with free trip attack (minor damage boost + trip is fair enough as the trip is quite specialised) based off longsword. Or 1d10 18-20/x2 two-handed with free trip based off falchion. They seem pretty balanced options :).
I'm not entirely sure if there's a consensus on this, but one more factor to throw in for consideration when balancing the khopesh with other weapons is that it functions more like an ax than a sword according to some. Or at least its origin is tied up with axes more than swords.
Sorry to derail the thread on the matter of one weapon, Grimcleaver.
One aspect of Osirion culture I'd really like to see elaborated on is the relationship between its phaorohs and the gods. Were they considered divine, gods in flesh, representative of specific gods, etc.? And if so, did they have legitimate claim to such status?
Fun Fact : Workmen assigned to build the pyramids were supplied with beer three times a day.
One aspect of Osirion culture I'd really like to see elaborated on is the relationship between its phaorohs and the gods. Were they...
The Pharaohs of Osirion were started by the wizard-warlord Nethys, who consolodated power and founded the ancient Osirion empire before rising to godhood as the dualistic god of magic--a process that fractured his divine essence into a destroyer and protector aspect, both of which are worshipped by his contemporary believers. Those pharaohs who followed after him were considered his representatives, living gods whose whims were followed without question.
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Now that you mention it, I'd probably throw trip in as well. It fits what with the oddly shaped blade and all. Plus since you're spending a feat to be able to use them they do need some extra spice to the mix. I'd probably also throw in a bit about it being a one-handed weapon as well (forgot that in my initial post - sorry).
Exotic Weapon
d8 slashing damage 19-20/x3
Weight: ~6 pounds
Cost: 20 GP
Awesome. I'm tempted to throw in trip or shield disabling mechanics too.
Well unfortunately, if they do turn up in Golarion they're unlikely to look like that, an exotic should be "one step" better than a martial equivalent, thus a bastard sword is a longsword with the damage die gone from d8->d10, a kukri is a dagger with crit increased from 19-20/x2, to 18-20/x2 etc. Debatably Spiked Chains and the "Elven" exotic weapons break this, but that's why they're broken weapons :). Increasing a longswords crit multiplier to x3 would be more than a single step, which is why 19-20/x3 weapons don't exist, ranges other than nat20 on a >x2 crit weapons are simply too powerful given people can put keen/improved crit on them.
Personally I'd make a Khopesh 2d4 19-20/x2 one-handed with free trip attack (minor damage boost + trip is fair enough as the trip is quite specialised) based off longsword. Or 1d10 18-20/x2 two-handed with free trip based off falchion. They seem pretty balanced options :).
See, I view it differently. In my eyes, spiked chains (I refuse to use those 'elven' weapons...) are one of the only exotic weapons that are actually worth a feat to take.
Besides, melee-centric characters need all the help they can get. Sure, a critical hit for 3d8 + STR Mod * 3 looks nice. But compare it to the wizards fireball at even level five. It'll be nice at low levels, but at higher levels its value will diminish severely.
Though, your mileage may vary, of course.
That Osirion book can't come soon enough.
Grimcleaver, we could start compiling Ancient Egypt cultural factoids if that's what you're looking for, but I don't know how close Osirion will actually stay to its inspiration.
One of the best online recources for egyptian adventures is the theban mapping project . PDF 3D-maps of all known tombs in the valley of the kings. Plus tons of artwork.
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One aspect of Osirion culture I'd really like to see elaborated on is the relationship between its phaorohs and the gods. Were they...The Pharaohs of Osirion were started by the wizard-warlord Nethys, who consolodated power and founded the ancient Osirion empire before rising to godhood as the dualistic god of magic--a process that fractured his divine essence into a destroyer and protector aspect, both of which are worshipped by his contemporary believers. Those pharaohs who followed after him were considered his representatives, living gods whose whims were followed without question.
That was in the Gazetteer wasn't it? How did I manage to overlook that? Thanks.
One of the best online recources for egyptian adventures is the theban mapping project . PDF 3D-maps of all known tombs in the valley of the kings. Plus tons of artwork.
This is great stuff. I think I've got another timesink site now. [edit-I've already found a site I'm itching to use in some form, The Great Well at the Theban Necropolis]
And the Osirion art in today's blog entry is awesome.
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... the Osirion art in today's blog entry is awesome.I believe that's Sothis, which is built within the carapace of a giant scarab. Reminds me of that one city in Morrowind that was essentially the same thing, only it was another gross bug.
Well that certainly puts a bit of a damper on the romance of the scenery.
Just a bit.
Well that certainly puts a bit of a damper on the romance of the scenery.
Don't worry, I'm sure they scraped off all of the gooey bug bits before they moved in.
And while a Kopesh looks pretty cool, I don't think I'd ever want to use one (in a real fight). I'm not sure how effective they were in real life.
But that doesn't really matter much as far as the game rules are concerned.
According to Erik Mona, there's an idea mulling around that the titanic metallic tinted exoskeleton called the Black Dome that forms the focal point at the center of town, with it's rainbow sheened interior magically lit by scores of permanant magical enchantments--like an eternal misty sunset at midnight--is in fact the shell of a creature that was one of the infamous Spawn of Rovagug, a massive insectoid monster that threatened to devour mankind no sooner than they had crawled out from the mountains to begin civilization anew after the age of darkness.
I think it's pretty cool, m'self. Heh.
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Why did you have to show me that?Hey - I'm on commission!
Just so you know, I've wound up buying two of them now.
Thanks for the heads-up. It really was worth it.
According to Erik Mona, there's an idea mulling around that the titanic metallic tinted exoskeleton called the Black Dome that forms the focal point at the center of town, with it's rainbow sheened interior magically lit by scores of permanant magical enchantments--like an eternal misty sunset at midnight--is in fact the shell of a creature that was one of the infamous Spawn of Rovagug, a massive insectoid monster that threatened to devour mankind no sooner than they had crawled out from the mountains to begin civilization anew after the age of darkness.
I can't help but wonder about the ramifications of that exoskeleton being possible to animate even for short periods of time. Nothing can throw off invasions quite like cities changing location.
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First of all I stumbled by sheer luck on a huge urban myth going around among the U.S. troops in the Iraq. Camel Spiders! From accounts you're looking at giant fuzzy gangly spiders about the size and shape of king crabs that throw themselves into whirlwinds to travel around. Their forelimbs have evolved...I kid you not, teeth! and there's been stories of them injecting anaesthetic venom into napping soldiers and eating fist-sized chunks out of them. Golarion NEEDS monsterous camel spiders!
Snopes says that only the name is true. They hunt small prey, can't jump well, can't move by whirlwind and are not venomous. But a monster based on that idea would be awesome.
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First of all I stumbled by sheer luck on a huge urban myth going around among the U.S. troops in the Iraq. Camel Spiders! From accounts you're looking at giant fuzzy gangly spiders about the size and shape of king crabs that throw themselves into whirlwinds to travel around. Their forelimbs have evolved...I kid you not, teeth! and there's been stories of them injecting anaesthetic venom into napping soldiers and eating fist-sized chunks out of them. Golarion NEEDS monsterous camel spiders!Snopes says that only the name is true. They hunt small prey, can't jump well, can't move by whirlwind and are not venomous. But a monster based on that idea would be awesome.
Hi,
I have actually seen real camel spiders in Oman when I was in the Air Force. They are a light, sandy brown, pretty big: including legs, about the size of a grown man's hand with fingers spread out. The locals said they do have a mildly anaesthetic venom, and they have been known to feed on blood from sleeping camels and people. I was showering one night and saw one scampering across the shower room floor. It didn't show any interest in me, so I left it alone.
Snopes says that only the name is true. They hunt small prey, can't jump well, can't move by whirlwind and are not venomous. But a monster based on that idea would be awesome.
There was one (the solifugid) in the AD&D Monster Manual II; there's a 3.X OGL version in the Tome of Horrors, I think.
As far as cool source material, I'd have to mention Mark Lehner's 'Complete Pyramids'. As much as it sounds like a late 3.5 WotC splatbook, it's an amazingly comprehensive look at the pyramids, including tons of pictures and details that never get mentioned in a lot of sources. A bit dense at times, but it's a sweet book if you're interested in the topic.
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Wow. Heh. Thanks! Let me shoot by you some of the stuff I've got cooking then and see what you think about it.
First of all I stumbled by sheer luck on a huge urban myth going around among the U.S. troops in the Iraq. Camel Spiders! From accounts you're looking at giant fuzzy gangly spiders about the size and shape of king crabs that throw themselves into whirlwinds to travel around. Their forelimbs have evolved...I kid you not, teeth! and there's been stories of them injecting anaesthetic venom into napping soldiers and eating fist-sized chunks out of them. Golarion NEEDS monsterous camel spiders!
cut stuffs
can I play in your game...