Egyptian Adventures!
- Thread starter Tyler Do'Urden
- Start date
Raesene Andu
First Post
Actually I did some work on a egyptian type campaign as part of an expansion I was working on for the Birthright world.
It has a beastial type race (the beastmen) who were the former minions of the dark god Azrai, and they lived in the highlands, raiding the lower, human settled territories. They were ruled over by several undead sorcerer/priests from the ruins of once great cities destroyed during the war of the shadow (for those not familiar with the Birthright setting, this war was between virtually everyone on two continents and led to the destruction of the gods and the rise of the divine bloodlines in humanity). These beast-men were a combination of man a beast, with the intelligence of a man combined with the strength and power of different animals (ie: a buffalo beast-man, an antelope beast-man, and so on)
There was also a race based on the Yuan-Ti, a race of snake-like beings with an affinity for sorcery and magic. They lived deep in the desert, operating out a huge rock spire. They were the creations of an ancient dragon sorcerer (dragon being now virtually extinct in Birthright), created as foot soldiers in his army against others of his kind, and worship this dead dragon as their god. They were a highly advances species, with a variety of shape-changing powers and had a tendancy to war against the other races, primarily for slaves.
Also included was a short race of reptiles (replacing haflings) who travelled the grasslands of the continent on great wagons, after their homeland has been destroyed centuries earlier by Azrai's legions. They were skilled craftsmen, magicians and thieves, roughly 3 1/2 ft tall with a lifespan of about 40 years.
Finally, there were also two cat-like races, the cat-men of the soutern jungles and the wermics. The cat-men living in the vast jungles of the south, built huge stone temples, and attacked any invaders, while the Wermics lived in the grasslands, and operated as nomadic raiders, attacking human and non-human settlements for food and weapons.
Of course, this being a Birthright campaign, all the human tribes were different as well (The original BR rules gave each human tribe ability score adjustments, although these have since been dropped for the 3E rewrite that I'm currently working on).
There were two different tribes of nomads. One was a mongal type society living in the great grasslands near the centre of the continent, while the other an arabic/bedown type society living in the deserts. Then there was the egytpian tribe, the roman tribe, and persian tribe and several others. It was a mix of europe (in the north), the middle-east/egypt (in the south) and africa (in the centre and south).
Having finally got hold of the offical map for this continent (thanks to Rich Baker!) I might start the project up again and actually finish it... at least as soon as the 3rd Edition Birthright Campaign Setting is complete.
It has a beastial type race (the beastmen) who were the former minions of the dark god Azrai, and they lived in the highlands, raiding the lower, human settled territories. They were ruled over by several undead sorcerer/priests from the ruins of once great cities destroyed during the war of the shadow (for those not familiar with the Birthright setting, this war was between virtually everyone on two continents and led to the destruction of the gods and the rise of the divine bloodlines in humanity). These beast-men were a combination of man a beast, with the intelligence of a man combined with the strength and power of different animals (ie: a buffalo beast-man, an antelope beast-man, and so on)
There was also a race based on the Yuan-Ti, a race of snake-like beings with an affinity for sorcery and magic. They lived deep in the desert, operating out a huge rock spire. They were the creations of an ancient dragon sorcerer (dragon being now virtually extinct in Birthright), created as foot soldiers in his army against others of his kind, and worship this dead dragon as their god. They were a highly advances species, with a variety of shape-changing powers and had a tendancy to war against the other races, primarily for slaves.
Also included was a short race of reptiles (replacing haflings) who travelled the grasslands of the continent on great wagons, after their homeland has been destroyed centuries earlier by Azrai's legions. They were skilled craftsmen, magicians and thieves, roughly 3 1/2 ft tall with a lifespan of about 40 years.
Finally, there were also two cat-like races, the cat-men of the soutern jungles and the wermics. The cat-men living in the vast jungles of the south, built huge stone temples, and attacked any invaders, while the Wermics lived in the grasslands, and operated as nomadic raiders, attacking human and non-human settlements for food and weapons.
Of course, this being a Birthright campaign, all the human tribes were different as well (The original BR rules gave each human tribe ability score adjustments, although these have since been dropped for the 3E rewrite that I'm currently working on).
There were two different tribes of nomads. One was a mongal type society living in the great grasslands near the centre of the continent, while the other an arabic/bedown type society living in the deserts. Then there was the egytpian tribe, the roman tribe, and persian tribe and several others. It was a mix of europe (in the north), the middle-east/egypt (in the south) and africa (in the centre and south).
Having finally got hold of the offical map for this continent (thanks to Rich Baker!) I might start the project up again and actually finish it... at least as soon as the 3rd Edition Birthright Campaign Setting is complete.
Dr. Strangemonkey
First Post
Plea for Update
Tyler,
I saw your write up of an Imperian Legionairre and I was wondering how the campaign was going and the setting filling out.
Hope everything was going well, it seemed like a grand attempt.
Tyler,
I saw your write up of an Imperian Legionairre and I was wondering how the campaign was going and the setting filling out.
Hope everything was going well, it seemed like a grand attempt.
Tyler Do'Urden
Soap Maker
The first two sessions have gone well... I haven't had time to put up a story hour though.
Basically, I've introduced the plot and run a slightly modified version of the module "Gorgoldand's Gauntlet", in which the characters raced to find the location of the "Serpent Sword" before their enemies, a small party of evil adventurers lead by a Setian monk and a Hyksos mercenary, could arrive at the "House of the Serpent" and brave it's challenges.
Here are the current PC's-
Samheitep- 1st level Khemite (Tiefling) Monk, Lawful Neutral. He is an outcast from a Setian temple- the leader of the enemy party, Amonth, was responsible for casting him out. His future path is uncertain, but he has been studying theurgy with Rabbi Eliezer, who is also Rabbi Sargon's teacher. His lawfulness and composure provides a balance for the chaotic, passionate tendencies of the rest of the party members.
Akhenre- 2nd level Khemite (Human) Wanderer, Chaotic Good. A merchant's son and playboy, Akhenre has a passion for women, wine, and daring feats of skill. He's also a suprisingly skilled (and lucky) combatant.
Rabbi Sargon- 2nd level Elohim (Dwarven) Invoker, Chaotic Good. The young student of the Rabbi of Merensehkmet's small Elohim community, Sargon is a prodigious kabbalist and wielder of sorcery, and has gained the respect of the town guard and Edfu, the local high priest of Osiris. If only he can keep his temper under control, and keep his brother in line...
Goliath, Level 1/1 Elohim (Dwarven) Fighter/Psychic Warrior, Chaotic Neutral (Good tendencies). A colossal Elohim, Goliath's massive bulk is the perfect accompanyment to his brother's magical power. Although not too bright, and, like his brother, prone to anger, Goliath is valued for his honor and his strength.
We also had a Hellene Paladin of Artemis in the party, but he sadly died in the last session, chopped in half from a critical hit by a Falchion wielded by Salvian, the Hyksos mercenary persuing the party. May he rest in peace(es).
More on the setting later... I'm still building NPC's... here are some the PC's are currently involved with:
Amonth, Minister to Vizier Djozer of Khemunen, Mnk2 (Set): CR 1; Medium-Size Humanoid; HD 2d8; hp 13; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft; AC 12 (+2 Dex); Atk +1 melee (1d6, Unarmed); +3 ranged (1d6, Javelin); SA Stunning Attack; SD Evasion; AL LE; Sv Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +3; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 10
Skills: Climb +4, Jump +5, Listen +3, Move Silently +5, Swim +4
Feats: Deflect Arrows, Dodge, Mobility
Posessions: Masterwork Javelin, Waterskin, Backpack, Setian Monk’s Outfit, Potion of Heroism
Amonth isn't really the minister to Vizier Djozer- he's trying to gain the position by acquiring the Serpent Sword. His career is bound to be a short one, however- Amonth, despite his posturing, isn't bright or knowledgeable enough to become a governmental minister, and is bound for a short career. He is Samheitep's nemesis- Amonth was always jealous of the tiefling's (far) superior skills (I'll post Samheitep's full write-up later- suffice it to say that he has a 20 Dex and 18 Wis ). When he had a chance to show Samheitep's weakness to his superiors (his troubled heart and lack of devotion to Set), he took it- and lead a band of fellow monks to expell and beat the young monk. They recently encountered each other again- this time in battle, when the warrior Salvian faced and slew Menelaus, a noble Spartan hoplite who saved Samheitep from the ravages of the desert.
Salvian, Male Hyksos Brb3: CR 2; Medium-Size Humanoid; HD 3d12+3; hp 28; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 40 ft; AC 14 (+1 Dex, +3 Studded Leather); Atk +6 melee (2d4+3, crit 18-20, Falchion); +5 melee or +4 ranged (1d4+2, crit 19-20, Dagger); SA Darkvision 60’, Rage 1/day, SD Uncanny Dodge (Dex Bonus to AC); AL NE; Sv Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +0; Str 14, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 9, Cha 10
Skills: Climb +6, Jump +6, Listen +3, Wilderness Lore +2
Feat: Dodge, Weapon Focus (Falchion)
Equipment: Studded Leather Armor, Falchion, Dagger, Waterskin, Backpack, Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds, 3 Flasks of Alchemists Fire
Salvian is a Hyksos mercenary- one of ten thousand hired by Apophis to serve as his iron hand over Lower Khem. He recently collaborated with Amonth in an attempt to capture the Serpent Sword. After they failed to take the sword from Samheitep, Salvian, who had slain Menelaus and captured Goliath, tried to take the massive Elohim to a slave market in Saleb to be sold as a slave bound for the gladiatorial arenas of Imperia. However, the Elohim managed to free himself from his bonds, wrestle Salvian to the ground, and slay him with his own Falchion- a brutal end, fitting for a brutal man.
Brin, Male Elohim Rng1/Rog1: CR 2; Medium-Size Humanoid; HD 1d10+1d6+4; hp 18; Init +5 (+1 Dex, +4 Improved Init); Spd 20 ft; AC 14 (+1 Dex, +3 Studded Leather); Atk +4 ranged (1d6, crit x3, Shortbow), +2 melee or +3 ranged (1d4, crit 19-20, Dagger); SA +1d6 Sneak Attack, Darkvision 60’, Favored Enemy (goblinoids), Darkvision 60’, Stonecunning, +2 to poison saves, +2 on saves vs. spells and spell-like effects; +1 vs. orcs and goblinoids, +4 dodge bonus vs. giants, +2 to appraise checks on stone or metal, +2 to craft checks on stone or metal; AL LE; Fort +4, Ref +3, Will –1; Str 11, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 9, Wis 9, Cha 8
Skills: Hide +2, Listen +3, Move Silently +4, Intuit Direction +3, Open Lock +2, Spot +0, Tumble +2, Wilderness Lore +2
Feats: Improved Initiative, Point-Blank Shot (in Light or no Armor), Precise Shot (in Light or no Armor), Track
Equipment: Masterwork Studded Leather, Masterwork Dagger, Masterwork Composite Short Bow, 20 Masterwork Arrows, Waterskin, Backpack, Potion of Hide, 2 Potion of Spider Climb
Brin is a desert wanderer who guides travelers through the Dakkarai mountains- for a sufficient fee, of course. He was recently hired by Amonth to lead him to the House of the Serpent. After their failed expedition, Brin returned to one of his desert hovels. Perhaps his next encounter with the PC's will be more amicable.
Rashida, Female Khemite Rog2: CR 2; Medium-Size Humanoid; HD 2d6-2; hp 8; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 30 ft; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 Leather); Atk +0 melee (1d6-1, crit 19-20, Shortsword), +2 ranged (1d6-1, crit x3, Shortbow); SA Evasion, Sneak Attack +1d6; AL CE; Saves Fort –1, Ref +6, Will +0; Str 9, Dex 13, Con 9, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 14
Skills: Bluff +7, Climb +4, Disable Device +6, Hide +6, Jump +4, Listen +5, Move Silently +6, Open Locks +6, Search +5
Feats: Lightning Reflexes, Run
Equipment: Leather Armor, Shortsword, Short Bow, 20 Arrows, Waterskin, Backpack, 2 Potions of Cure Light Wounds, Potion of Darkvision, Potion of Neutralize Poison, Masterwork Thieves Tools
Rashida is a graverobber and prostitute from Mendes. She encountered Amonth in the city, who, after hiring her for some "recreation", let her in on his expedition, for which he needed her special skills. When they had stopped in Merensehkmet for the night, Ahkenre, always on the lookout for a new possible conquest, proceeded to seduce her and "pump" her for information on their "expedition". A few days later, when the party came out of the House of the Serpent victorious, Ahkenre managed to convince Rashida to turn on and betray her employer, and escape into the wilderness with him. She disappeared the next day.
Later- I've got a greater mummy to work on!
Basically, I've introduced the plot and run a slightly modified version of the module "Gorgoldand's Gauntlet", in which the characters raced to find the location of the "Serpent Sword" before their enemies, a small party of evil adventurers lead by a Setian monk and a Hyksos mercenary, could arrive at the "House of the Serpent" and brave it's challenges.
Here are the current PC's-
Samheitep- 1st level Khemite (Tiefling) Monk, Lawful Neutral. He is an outcast from a Setian temple- the leader of the enemy party, Amonth, was responsible for casting him out. His future path is uncertain, but he has been studying theurgy with Rabbi Eliezer, who is also Rabbi Sargon's teacher. His lawfulness and composure provides a balance for the chaotic, passionate tendencies of the rest of the party members.
Akhenre- 2nd level Khemite (Human) Wanderer, Chaotic Good. A merchant's son and playboy, Akhenre has a passion for women, wine, and daring feats of skill. He's also a suprisingly skilled (and lucky) combatant.
Rabbi Sargon- 2nd level Elohim (Dwarven) Invoker, Chaotic Good. The young student of the Rabbi of Merensehkmet's small Elohim community, Sargon is a prodigious kabbalist and wielder of sorcery, and has gained the respect of the town guard and Edfu, the local high priest of Osiris. If only he can keep his temper under control, and keep his brother in line...
Goliath, Level 1/1 Elohim (Dwarven) Fighter/Psychic Warrior, Chaotic Neutral (Good tendencies). A colossal Elohim, Goliath's massive bulk is the perfect accompanyment to his brother's magical power. Although not too bright, and, like his brother, prone to anger, Goliath is valued for his honor and his strength.
We also had a Hellene Paladin of Artemis in the party, but he sadly died in the last session, chopped in half from a critical hit by a Falchion wielded by Salvian, the Hyksos mercenary persuing the party. May he rest in peace(es).
More on the setting later... I'm still building NPC's... here are some the PC's are currently involved with:
Amonth, Minister to Vizier Djozer of Khemunen, Mnk2 (Set): CR 1; Medium-Size Humanoid; HD 2d8; hp 13; Init +2 (+2 Dex); Spd 30 ft; AC 12 (+2 Dex); Atk +1 melee (1d6, Unarmed); +3 ranged (1d6, Javelin); SA Stunning Attack; SD Evasion; AL LE; Sv Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +3; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 10
Skills: Climb +4, Jump +5, Listen +3, Move Silently +5, Swim +4
Feats: Deflect Arrows, Dodge, Mobility
Posessions: Masterwork Javelin, Waterskin, Backpack, Setian Monk’s Outfit, Potion of Heroism
Amonth isn't really the minister to Vizier Djozer- he's trying to gain the position by acquiring the Serpent Sword. His career is bound to be a short one, however- Amonth, despite his posturing, isn't bright or knowledgeable enough to become a governmental minister, and is bound for a short career. He is Samheitep's nemesis- Amonth was always jealous of the tiefling's (far) superior skills (I'll post Samheitep's full write-up later- suffice it to say that he has a 20 Dex and 18 Wis
). When he had a chance to show Samheitep's weakness to his superiors (his troubled heart and lack of devotion to Set), he took it- and lead a band of fellow monks to expell and beat the young monk. They recently encountered each other again- this time in battle, when the warrior Salvian faced and slew Menelaus, a noble Spartan hoplite who saved Samheitep from the ravages of the desert.Salvian, Male Hyksos Brb3: CR 2; Medium-Size Humanoid; HD 3d12+3; hp 28; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 40 ft; AC 14 (+1 Dex, +3 Studded Leather); Atk +6 melee (2d4+3, crit 18-20, Falchion); +5 melee or +4 ranged (1d4+2, crit 19-20, Dagger); SA Darkvision 60’, Rage 1/day, SD Uncanny Dodge (Dex Bonus to AC); AL NE; Sv Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +0; Str 14, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 8, Wis 9, Cha 10
Skills: Climb +6, Jump +6, Listen +3, Wilderness Lore +2
Feat: Dodge, Weapon Focus (Falchion)
Equipment: Studded Leather Armor, Falchion, Dagger, Waterskin, Backpack, Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds, 3 Flasks of Alchemists Fire
Salvian is a Hyksos mercenary- one of ten thousand hired by Apophis to serve as his iron hand over Lower Khem. He recently collaborated with Amonth in an attempt to capture the Serpent Sword. After they failed to take the sword from Samheitep, Salvian, who had slain Menelaus and captured Goliath, tried to take the massive Elohim to a slave market in Saleb to be sold as a slave bound for the gladiatorial arenas of Imperia. However, the Elohim managed to free himself from his bonds, wrestle Salvian to the ground, and slay him with his own Falchion- a brutal end, fitting for a brutal man.
Brin, Male Elohim Rng1/Rog1: CR 2; Medium-Size Humanoid; HD 1d10+1d6+4; hp 18; Init +5 (+1 Dex, +4 Improved Init); Spd 20 ft; AC 14 (+1 Dex, +3 Studded Leather); Atk +4 ranged (1d6, crit x3, Shortbow), +2 melee or +3 ranged (1d4, crit 19-20, Dagger); SA +1d6 Sneak Attack, Darkvision 60’, Favored Enemy (goblinoids), Darkvision 60’, Stonecunning, +2 to poison saves, +2 on saves vs. spells and spell-like effects; +1 vs. orcs and goblinoids, +4 dodge bonus vs. giants, +2 to appraise checks on stone or metal, +2 to craft checks on stone or metal; AL LE; Fort +4, Ref +3, Will –1; Str 11, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 9, Wis 9, Cha 8
Skills: Hide +2, Listen +3, Move Silently +4, Intuit Direction +3, Open Lock +2, Spot +0, Tumble +2, Wilderness Lore +2
Feats: Improved Initiative, Point-Blank Shot (in Light or no Armor), Precise Shot (in Light or no Armor), Track
Equipment: Masterwork Studded Leather, Masterwork Dagger, Masterwork Composite Short Bow, 20 Masterwork Arrows, Waterskin, Backpack, Potion of Hide, 2 Potion of Spider Climb
Brin is a desert wanderer who guides travelers through the Dakkarai mountains- for a sufficient fee, of course. He was recently hired by Amonth to lead him to the House of the Serpent. After their failed expedition, Brin returned to one of his desert hovels. Perhaps his next encounter with the PC's will be more amicable.
Rashida, Female Khemite Rog2: CR 2; Medium-Size Humanoid; HD 2d6-2; hp 8; Init +1 (+1 Dex); Spd 30 ft; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 Leather); Atk +0 melee (1d6-1, crit 19-20, Shortsword), +2 ranged (1d6-1, crit x3, Shortbow); SA Evasion, Sneak Attack +1d6; AL CE; Saves Fort –1, Ref +6, Will +0; Str 9, Dex 13, Con 9, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 14
Skills: Bluff +7, Climb +4, Disable Device +6, Hide +6, Jump +4, Listen +5, Move Silently +6, Open Locks +6, Search +5
Feats: Lightning Reflexes, Run
Equipment: Leather Armor, Shortsword, Short Bow, 20 Arrows, Waterskin, Backpack, 2 Potions of Cure Light Wounds, Potion of Darkvision, Potion of Neutralize Poison, Masterwork Thieves Tools
Rashida is a graverobber and prostitute from Mendes. She encountered Amonth in the city, who, after hiring her for some "recreation", let her in on his expedition, for which he needed her special skills. When they had stopped in Merensehkmet for the night, Ahkenre, always on the lookout for a new possible conquest, proceeded to seduce her and "pump" her for information on their "expedition". A few days later, when the party came out of the House of the Serpent victorious, Ahkenre managed to convince Rashida to turn on and betray her employer, and escape into the wilderness with him. She disappeared the next day.
Later- I've got a greater mummy to work on!
Dr. Strangemonkey
First Post
Thanks
Thanks, Tyler, sounds pretty swift.
If it won't ruin any secrets, would you mind posting a brief description of the geography for Khem?
I'm very interested in the way DMs use general geography to shape the flavor of their worlds, and I find particularly interesting to consider how you would change or adapt geography for such a situated culture as the Egyptians.
Thanks, Tyler, sounds pretty swift.
If it won't ruin any secrets, would you mind posting a brief description of the geography for Khem?
I'm very interested in the way DMs use general geography to shape the flavor of their worlds, and I find particularly interesting to consider how you would change or adapt geography for such a situated culture as the Egyptians.
Pagan priest
First Post
This thread is too interesting to leave it languishing in the dim recesses of the message boards.
Since I have given thought to creating a "Silk Roads" flavored campaign, the info here on a possible Egypt-like area for one terminus is very useful.
And by the way, I like the idea of gnomes as jinn!
Since I have given thought to creating a "Silk Roads" flavored campaign, the info here on a possible Egypt-like area for one terminus is very useful.
And by the way, I like the idea of gnomes as jinn!
KnowTheToe
First Post
This was a great thread and I was just reading about Egypt. How is the game/story/world going?
Well, you're doing a lot of stuff I wouldn't but the idea sounds potent. Have you looked at Egyptian gnosticism -- it did exist prior to Christianity. Also, in this period, Alexandria was becoming the centre for alchemy in the West. You could consider moving the campaign a little farther forward to include early Coptic christianity. By situating the story in the 2nd-4th centuries AD, you could include a much more developed gnostic and alchemical component. Have fun!
Oh -- one more thing -- there is some surprisingly good historical research by the otherwise complete crank Immanuel Velikovsky on ancient Egypt -- his stuff on Ikhnaton and Hatchupset (sp.?) is pretty cool. In his Ikhnaton theory, he argues that Thebes, Greece is substituted for Thebes, Egypt in the Oedipus story; you might have some fun engaging an a more general Thebes substitution.
Oh -- one more thing -- there is some surprisingly good historical research by the otherwise complete crank Immanuel Velikovsky on ancient Egypt -- his stuff on Ikhnaton and Hatchupset (sp.?) is pretty cool. In his Ikhnaton theory, he argues that Thebes, Greece is substituted for Thebes, Egypt in the Oedipus story; you might have some fun engaging an a more general Thebes substitution.
Tyler Do'Urden
Soap Maker
The game died a quick death. I found the prep time daunting and ran out of adventure source material too quickly- but it was fun while it lasted (about a month). However, it does sound like Green Ronin's upcoming "Testament" setting bares more than a cursory resemblence to mine- I'll have to give it a look.
fusangite said:
I have a passionate interest in alchemy, gnosticism, and egyptian esotericism. I'm a former member of the Temple of Set, and much of their initiatory curriculum is based on the study of ancient egyptian philosophy, especially the alchemical components of it.
I once tried to integrate gnostic theory into a sci-fi RPG disguised as a fantasy RPG that I thought about making a few years ago. In it, the world and all it's magic were a fiction created by advanced technology wielded by a few godlike "archons" and their vampiric soldier-race, the "nephilim"... but The Matrix beat me to the punch.
Cranks tend to make for the best fantasy source material anyway...
Oh, and Hatshepsut and Akhenaten the generally accepted spellings. I'll have to check out Velikovsky's books- I'm familiar with him, but never looked any of it up.
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