Mummy's Mask (OOC)

[Gwynfrid]

(1d20+2)[12] (1d100)[42]
(1d20+3)[16] (1d100)[1]
(1d20+8)[24] (1d100)[18]
(1d20+5)[13] (1d100)[75]

[Gwynfrid]

Botched roll (1d20)[10]

[Gwynfrid]

I'm afraid I'm not very keen on this background and the description in the character sheet.

First, his personality is bare bones. There is not much to indicate what kind of relations he has with others (family, friends, mentor, enemies, other) and therefore not much to build on for RP purposes. A more minor point: If you're going to have a drawback then I'd like it to be relatd to the background.

Second, it's rather strange to me that he comes from this far. Why would the clergy of Pharasma recruit people a continent away, and ship them to Wati at great expense? The motive of the lottery, by the way, isn't a call by the clergy - quite the opposite. The pharaoh decided to open the Necropolis to exploration, and most groups who came did so on their own accord, hoping to become rich (a minority had more complex purposes). I'm curious as to why you didn't look for the more natural solution of a dwarf of Osiriani origin (see the player's guide).

Last, and more problematic, I don't see how he would be motivated to join this adventuring group, and why they would take him. If he lost his team, the first order of business should be to find what happened to them. If he joins another team, they're not necessarily going to be interested to help doing that (and by the way, they will lack the necessary permit to explore the area that was assigned to the missing group).

I'd like to suggest another option, which in fact comes from you: In the Hangout, you suggested the Pharasmins might want to keep a close eye on the group - so they would strongly recommend, or rather force them to take him in. That looked like an interesting idea to me, with nice RP potential. In fact it's better than any hook I was thinking of on my side.

[Gwynfrid]

(1d20+2)[17] (1d100)[82]
(1d20+3)[23] (1d100)[44]
(1d20+8)[26] (1d100)[79]
(1d20+5)[16] (1d100)[68]

[Gwynfrid]

(1d20+2)[4] (1d100)[84]
(1d20+3)[7] (1d100)[80]
(1d20+8)[9] (1d100)[30]
(1d20+5)[23] (1d100)[72]

[Gwynfrid]

[roll]1d20+2)[/roll] (1d100)[51]
[roll]1d20+3)[/roll] (1d100)[81]
[roll]1d20+8)[/roll] (1d100)[100]
(1d20+5)[15] (1d100)[18]

[Gwynfrid]

Grr. Trying to do things too fast.

(1d20+2)[17] (1d100)[56]
(1d20+3)[9] (1d100)[9]
(1d20+8)[20] (1d100)[34]
(4th roll was OK)

[Gwynfrid]

To Grekka's question:

Frowning, Grekka relates her discovery to her allies. "I.. do not know what to make of this, but I sense a zone of... pure chaos, just there- in front of the door. I- I don't know what it means, though. It must the the focus of energy, somehow, right?" Surprisingly, she looks to Calathon and Vershab for assurance.

Like most haunts, this one is a result of the psychic impression of a violent event that happened here. Polling their knowledge, Calathon and Vershab can make an educated guess: From the voices they heard, it's possible to infer that the house was, at one point in the past, invaded by murderous enemies. The skeletons may have been part of the attacking crowd, or, on the contrary, they might have been guards. Either way, it is the fear of the house's inhabitants that is left over as a haunt: If they weren't evil, the haunt may well not be evil either. It is chaotic, though, reflecting the nature of its origin. The confusion effect is consistent with this, if it results from the victims' state of mind at the time.

[CleverDragon]

Spellcraft for information about confusion spell:

(1d20+9)[11]

[Untarr]

Spoiler: Stat Block

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Menedes IX Tombguard
M LG Pahmet (Dwarf) Zen Archer Monk, Level 2, Init 2, HP 23/23, DR 6 SR, Speed 20
AC 16, Touch 16, Flat-footed 10, CMD 19, Fort 5, Ref 4, Will 6, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 1
Longbow (See Inventory) +4 (1d8+2, x3)
Flurry (Bow Only) (See Inventory) +3/+3 (1d8+2, x3)
Improved Unarmed Strike Fist (-) +3 (1d6+3, x2)
(+6 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 8
Condition None

Spoiler: Background

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Menedes IX Tombgaurd

Menedes IX is a Ouat, a monk of the Pahmet people. He's one of a group of 8 of his peers who were sent to various places in Osirion as observers and messengers, tasked to report to the Pahmet leaders on any unusual events that might happen, in particular, anything to do with the unearthing of hidden, very ancient knowledge. While he's the least experienced of the eight by far, the Pahmet elders have somehow decided to pick him, and nobody questioned their wisdom.

When he was given the mission by Hezrhab Godspeaker, he didn't get a lot of in the way of explanation of what this was all about. There had been rumors within the Ouat monastery that the gods have been sending omens warning of times of danger in the land. Other rumors insist that the Pharaoh, Khemet III, has been sending emissaries over the past couple of years, to seek the blessing of the Pahmet.

Whatever the reason, Menedes IX received a mission to watch and observe things in the city of Wati, and the high priest gave him a message for the clergy of Pharasma there. His instructions are to watch for unusual events; to provide help upon request to the Pharasmins should they ask for it, as long as it doesn't send him away from Wati; and to send a report every week, via a regular message carried by any merchant caravan. He will receive additional instructions in the same way.

Menedes has been in Wati for three weeks. Aside from the lottery, there have been no events of note. Each day is filled with meditation and observation before returning to his quarters in the Grand Mausoleum.

Like every day since his arrival, Menedes IX approached the Pharasmin authorities to offer his assistance before setting off on his own errands. He expected to be turned down again, but today proved different. Instead, he received a letter from the Voices of the Spire.

Spoiler: Letter to Menedes

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Menedes IX,
We are concerned that there may be some abnormally strange or illegal dealings going on in the Necropolis. Please find a group calling themselves “The Relic Knights” and present them with the attached letter. You are to stay with this particular group while observing and reporting back to us anything unusual. Do not take any other actions outside of defending yourself and the Relic Knights from harm without consulting with us first.

-Nkaht Shepses, First Watcher of the Voices of the Spire

Spoiler: Possible Letter to Relic Knights

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Relic Knights,
The bearer of this letter is Menedes IX Tombguard. He will accompany you on your explorations of the necropolis. His presence is non-negotiable. Any attempt to remove him for your presence will result in the immediate nullification of your exploration licence.

He will not be entitled in any treasures that you uncover. Though as part of his task he will defend you and himself from danger.

Any concerns you have over this can be addressed with me.

-Nkaht Shepses, First Watcher of the Voices of the Spire.

Spoiler: Appearance

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The most unique attribute of Menedes is his complete lack of hair. He is perfectly shaven in the way of the Ouat Monks. His bronzed skin has a leathery texture acquired from years spent in the Osirian desert. He wears a pair of white pants that go only down to midway across his shin. He wears no shirt, but he does have a red sash that holds his bow to back when he does not use it. On his back are several tattoos, but the most prominent is a large cave entrance inscribed on a shield.

Spoiler: Personality

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Menedes speaks very little, preferring instead to act while others blather. His youth, for a dwarf, leads him to act a bit rashly at times, though he would never admit to such a fault. He distrusts all non-Pahmets, and believes that the other races lack seriousness and discipline. His face shows little emotion, remaining blank and calm even in the most dangerous situations. In social situations he tends to keep to the outskirts, preferring to listen to the often deeper conversations of more introverted individuals.

[Gwynfrid]

Remarks:
- SR 7, not 6.
- You have defensive training.
- Your base saves are +3/+3/+3.
- Your fist damage is 1d6+2.
- Based on the Xenophobic drawback, I'd add a -2 to Sense Motive and Diplomacy right away, since you will be meeting "creatures of a different race or from a different culture"... approximately 100% of the time.

[Gwynfrid]

Regarding the backstory, personality and hook: This looks fine to me. I like the letters, you've captured the spirit very accurately

You might want to add a few more named NPCs to the story (parents, friends?) but it's not strictly necessary, since they aren't likely to appear in the campaign (one never knows, though). Also, I suggest picking a dwarven god (Magrim, Kols?) rather than Pharasma. I have nothing against Pharasma, and that choice won't influence the adventure one way or the other, but a bit of variety would be nice, I think.

Only two small changes:
- Both letters are signed - "Nakht Shepses, First Watcher of the Voices of the Spire".
- The Pahmet high priest who sent Menedes on this mission has a name too: Hezrhab Godspeaker, Prime Servant of Magrim. (Unless you'd like to suggest something cooler).

[Untarr]

All updated.

I made all the changes you suggested, as well as came up with parents.

I redid my equipment, replacing the wand with potions and a better bow.

[Gwynfrid]

Great, I think the character is ready now. Last small thing: Just remember to update the stats block.

Now I need to find a way to get the existing group back. As it happens, I just now remembered one thing that might help with that...

(1d3)[2]
(1d3)[2]

[Gwynfrid]

(1d20+4)[8]
(1d20+3)[20]
(1d20+5)[20]
(1d20+1)[4]
(1d20+2)[12]

Lehasti (1-50) or Grekka (51-100) enter the room first (1d00)[1]

[Gwynfrid]

Grekka's AoO (1d20+5)[22]
Lehasti is flat-footed.

[Gwynfrid]

Vershab's miss (1d8)[5]
Skull #2 save DC15 (1d20+2)[14]
Skull #3 save DC15 (1d20+2)[10]
Skull #5 save DC15 (1d20+2)[10]
Skull #6 save DC15 (1d20+2)[8]
Skull #7 save DC15 (1d20+2)[8]
Skull #8 save DC15 (1d20+2)[21]

[Gwynfrid]

Forgot to roll Calathon's attack vs AC5, just in case of a natural 1: (1d20+6)[19] miss (1d8)[1]

[Gwynfrid]

Menedes: Perception (1d20+9)[23]

Something:
Perception (1d20+9)[25]
Stealth (1d20+6)[9]

[Gwynfrid]

Creature (1d20+2)[13]

Menedes (1d20+2)[21]
Vershab (1d20+3)[4]
Grekka (1d20+5)[18]
Lehasti (1d20+1)[3]

[Untarr]

I am going out of data range this weekend. My final post will be some point Friday morning. I will be unable to post again until Sunday Afternoon.

On a side note: Those dice...

[Gwynfrid]

I am going out of data range this weekend. My final post will be some point Friday morning. I will be unable to post again until Sunday Afternoon.

Thanks for the heads-up.

On a side note: Those dice...

Yes, some dice, indeed.

Critical extra damage (2d8+4)[11]

[Gwynfrid]

(1d20+9)[17]
(1d20+6)[15]
(1d20+8)[13]
(1d20)[8]

[Gwynfrid]

I already said this in the hangout, but in case it was missed by some, here's an advance AFK notice: I'm going on vacation, leaving today to return in a little over 2 weeks. During that time, I still plan to post, but less frequently and much less predictably. I may be offline for days at a time. Your patience is appreciated.

[Gwynfrid]

I'm back home. Lots of stuff to do at work, but I will try to post with my usual frequency, more or less.

Paralysis duration (2d4)[6]

[DarkOne-Rob]

Requested unmodified d20 roll: (1d20)[3]

[Gwynfrid]

Extra roll (1d20+5)[15]

[Gwynfrid]

Caster level check (1d20+2)[14]
Will (1d20+4)[16]
Will (1d20+2)[11]

[Gwynfrid]

Bunch of Perception rolls

(1d20+9)[19]
(1d20+9)[21]
(1d20+8)[26]
(1d20+8)[25]
(1d20+6)[7]
(1d20+6)[12]

[Gwynfrid]

I was tired last night and forgot to add: the black band with a metal skull is a dead man's headband.