[Conan/Call of Cthulhu d20]Shadow over Stygia Recruiting

[Prak]

I'm actually kind of interested in this if there's still room. I'm thinking of playing a scholar with a focus on demon pacts but I really need to do some more reading.

[Ancient History]

Well, currently we've got Whipstich, Korgan0, Kurama314, and OgreBattle. One more and we've got a five man band, so if you want in Prak, you're more than welcome.

[Prak]

Cool, I will begin taking a more serious look at the book so I have some idea of what I'm doing.

[OgreBattle]

I found Conan's attributes in one of those books:
Str 25, Dex 21, Con 20, Int 19, Wis 18, Cha 19


I'm thinking that /thief1 will be a popular choice.

[Whipstitch]

Had a sheet about done and power goes out. Fuck everything.

[Ancient History]

Well, we've got five players. Whenever y'all get your character sheets in, we can start. If anyone needs any help, or has questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

[Prak]

Ok, so I have two versions of the Conan book, table of contents looks the same, different covers, one printed 2007, one 2009, which should I use?

[Ancient History]

2009

[Whipstitch]

Here's a sheet. He's using noble background skill variant from Argos & Zingara, a Code of Honor from the 2nd Edition corebook and an Akbitanan sword tricked out with crap from The Warrior's Companion. Lemme know 'bout problems. I don't really have a background for him beyond "Is a small-time mercenary who wants to go big time." Edited because I forgot about needing to select a fuck off huge pile of languages.

Isandro de Salduva
Zingaran Noble 2, Soldier 4
Favored classes: Soldier, Pirate, Temptress

17 Str
16 Dex
12 Con
15 Int
11 Wis
18 Cha

Hit Points:57
Fate Points:3
Sanity: 39

Initiative:+4
BAB:+5
Encumbrance: light
Move: 30

Attacks: arming sword, +12 (1d10+5, AP:3 19-20x2)
heavy lance, +8 (1d10+3, AP:6)
crossbow, +7 (2d6, x2, AP:4)
dagger, +8 (1d4+3 19-20x2 AP:3)
scarab shield, +2 (1d6+5, AP:2, x2)

Saves:
will: +6(+9 vs Corruption) ref: +4 fort: +5

Dodge vs Melee: 15 (+2 level,+3 Dex)
Dodge vs Ranged: 17 (+2 level, +3 Dex, +4 large shield)
Parry vs Melee: 30 w/ arming sword (+4 level,+1 Parry feat, +4 Intricate Swordplay, +3 strength, +4 large shield, +1 baskethilt, +2 catching quillions, +1 regional style)
Parry vs Melee: 22 w/ anything else.

Armor Damage Reduction: 7, 8 w/ visor
ACP: -8
Max Dex:+3

Total Reputation: 13 in Stygia or Zingara
Base Reputation:8(CL+3,CHA+3, Code of Honor+2) (Brave, bonus to Bluff & Intimidate)
Social Standing:+5, Zingara, +4 in Stygia (different country, both maritime powers)
Situational Bonus: Profession (Sailor) in Stygia, +1
Code of Honor: Mercenary
Religion: Mitra (Zingaran, syncretic)
Allegiances: Zingara, Free Companies

Skills: Situational bonuses in parentheses
Appraise:+2=Int+2
Balance:+5=Ranks+2, Dex+3, Racial+1
Bluff:+12(+16)=Ranks+8,Cha+4,(Cape+2),(Reputation+2)
Climb:+4=Ranks+1 Str+3
Concentration:0
Crafts:+2=Int+2
Diplomacy:+9=Cha+4,Racial-1,Ranks+4, Synergy+4
Disguise:+6(3)=Cha+5, Synergy +2(Reputation-1)
Escape Artist:+3=Dex+3
Forgery:+2=Int+2
Gather Information:+4=Cha+4
Heal:0
Hide:+3=Dex+3
Intimidate:+14(+17)=Ranks+8,Cha+4,Synergy+2,(Reputation+2,Custom sword+1)
Jump:+5+ranks+2, Ranks+2
Knowledge (nobility):+7=Int+2,Ranks+5
Knowledge (Zingara, local):+4=Int+2,Ranks+2
Listen:0=Wis 0
Move Silently:+3=Dex+3
Prof. (Sailor):+2=Rank +1, Racial +1
Perform:+3=Cha+3
Ride:+6=Dex+3,Ranks+3
Search:+2=Int+2
Sense Motive:+8=Racial+1,Ranks+7
Spot:+7=Ranks+7
Swim:+3=Str+3
Survival:0=Wis 0
Use Rope:+6=Dex,+3, Rank +2, Racial+1

Languages: Zingaran, Argossean, Aquilonian, Pictish, Shemitish, Stygian, Ophirean, Southern Islander, Black Coast

Features & Background Skills:
+2 Charisma, -2 Constitution
Zingaran Background Skills: Bluff, Balance, Knowledge (local), Use Rope
+1 racial bonus to all Sense Motive checks but a -1 racial
penalty to all Diplomacy checks
+1 racial bonus to all Profession (sailor), Balance and Use Rope checks.
+1 racial bonus to all attack rolls made with the broadsword and arming sword.
Martial Weapon Proficiency: Arming sword.
+1d6 Sneak Attack.
Weapon Familiarity: Zingarans can wield greatswords as though they were martial weapons.
Title
Wealth
Regional Style: Zingara

Feats:
Weapon Focus: arming sword
Combat Expertise
Parry
Intricate Swordplay
Improved Feint
Combat Reflexes
Web of Death

Character Wealth: 1845
132 pieces of silver on hand

Worn/Carried:
arming sword w/ basket hilt, catching quillions, intimidating appearance & serrated blade
dagger
mail shirt w/ chainweave
visored helm
serrated scarab shield
crossbow & 10 bolts
noble's doublet
noble's hose
noble's shirt & braes
noble's hood
knight's belt
riding boots
duellist cape
belt pouch
whetstone
flint and steel

Usually stowed with horse:
kushite warhorse
40 bolts in a horseman's quiver
heavy lance
riding saddle
waterskin
saddle bags containing a canvas bucket, grapple hook and 50 feet of hemp rope, 3 days feed
canvas kit bag containing a torch, bowl, bed roll, and 3 days trail rations

[Nebuchadnezzar]

AH, if you'd still be willing to have a sixth I'd love to get in on this. I was hoping to play a scholar, maybe a Stygian with some of the mystery cult skill initiations, but from anywhere is fine.

[Ancient History]

Alrighty Neb, getcher character together and you can be the Sixth Ranger.

[OgreBattle]

I found this really great Conan character builder, it's an excel sheets with all of the core rulebook stuff built in: http://hyboria.xoth.net/resources/

I see Whipstich's got the Fancy Fencer Face angle covered...

Hey AH, I have some questions on how some weapons and abilities will stack together
From Warrior's Companion:

Mighty Blows Discipline – Dread Blow (Ex): The
disciple may sacrifice any additional attacks he may be
entitled to in order to make a single, deadly unarmed
strike, as a full-round action. Should it hit, this blow is
automatically treated as a critical threat.


Unarmed Category weapons:

Swordfist: A weapon of gladiators, the swordfist is a
forged metal gauntlet with no fingers. Instead of having
any flexibility to it, the gauntlet is actually a brace for
a two-foot long straight sword blade. Using a swordfist
allows the wielder to use either his unarmed or sword
styled feats and abilities. For instance, a warrior with
a swordfist could use his Weapon Focus (unarmed) or
Improved Critical (shortsword), but not both.

War Gauntlet: A heavier version of the common
gauntlet, a war gauntlet is actually a full armlet of riveted
metal that protects up to the elbow joint. Along the back
of the thick fingers are rows of spines or sometimes even
blades, with a set of jagged protrusions following suit
to the bottom of the forearm. Although its design means
that no weapon may be wielded or fine manipulation
performed by that hand, its extensive metal construction
does give the wearer the benefits of wearing a buckler
shield.

So would I be able to Dread Blow(ex) using these gauntlet weapons? Like a dude from a Brom Illustration

[Ancient History]

Yes, you can combine Dread Blow with Swordfist or War Gauntlet.

[OgreBattle]

AH, If I use a Khitan, could Martial Disciple count as a favored class? The flavor of Martial disciple talks about Khitai and Vedhya as a source for training, but don't say anything about favored races.

The character concepts I have in mind are either a Khitai Martial Adept or Hyrkanian nomad.

[Prak]

So, I found out that what I was looking at was the core Conan book, and a book of adventures. I should really have taken a closer look before asking. I definitely want to play a scholar, but I'm torn between Pelishtim Shemite or Stygian. Khitai is tempting, but only because their background skills are either broken or poorly written:

Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (local), Knowledge (any), Move Silently.

There is no way they actually meant that Khitans get 2 free ranks in all knowledge skills, but that's how it reads when you see that in other background skills they write "(any one)."

Noticing now that the Pelishtim Shemite bonus on coup de grac is just +1 to damage, I suddenly care less and think I'm going to go with a Stygian Scholar.

Character sheet is in progress below. I'm currently considering the possibility of buying slaves, basically to set up camp as needed/possible, and perform the recharge ritual for my character.

Lord Kamoses-ak-Ankh Keeper of Set's Second Mystery; Keeper of Iku, the least mystery of Seshet
"It's never leprosy."

The son of a priest and temple prostitute, Kamoses-ak-Ankh never wanted for anything as a child. His father did not spoil him, often making him earn that which he wanted, but never flat denying his son anything. Even his stipend and inheritance needed to be earned. Kamoses first trained as a scribe, then a physician, and finally became a Lay Priest of Set. After being initiated in the First Mystery of Set, he earned his title, and his first allowance of silvers.
He is a priest and physician of no little renown in Stygia, mostly known for his dour way of interacting with others and his somewhat dehumanizing glare. Those close to him have tried to assure others that he's different to those he knows--albeit not much--to varying degrees of success.
The study of Set's mysteries eventually revealed that the gods were more symbols than entities, a fact which has made him voracious in the secrets of all gods.

Stygian Scholar5/Noble1
Favored classes: Scholar and Noble

Str	14
Dex	13
Con	12
Int	1917
Wis	17
Cha	19

Hit Points: 25/32
Fate Points: 3
Base Power Points 8
Current Power Points 16?
Corruption: 2
Sanity: 56/Max 97

Initiative: +1
BAB: +3
MeAB: +4
RaAB: +4
MaAB: +6


Attacks: Khopesh +4m 2d4+1, 18-20/x2 AP 4, 10 Hardness, 9hp, 4 hp, S
Stygian Bow +5r 1d12+1, 19-20/x2 AP 2, 60' range, 5 Hardness, 4hp. P

Saves
Fort: +1
Ref: +2
Will: +9

Base Defense: 10
Base Dodge: +1
Dodge: 12
Base Parry: +1
Parry: 12

Armor Damage Reduction:
ACP:

Reputation: 9 (11? Priest and Noble of Stygia, so...)
Code of Honor: None, though generally acts with the overall code of a mercenary (would need to give up a code eventually anyway, so no actual code)

Skills
Background Skill ranks noted as 2+X

Skill	Ranks	Ability Mod	Synergy Bonuses	Racial Bonuses	Feat Bonuses	Mysteries of Set Bonuses	Misc. Mods	Situational Mods	Total
-	r	AM	SB	RB	FB	MoSB	Misc.	SM	Total
Appraise (Int, UT)	6	3	0	0	0	0	0	+2 with Alchemy or Herbalism	9
Bluff (Cha, UT)	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	4
Concentration (Con, UT)	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Craft (Alchemy) (Int, UT)	6	3	2	2	0	1	2	+2 to construct anti-venom or eye lotions	15
Craft (Herbalism) (Int, UT)	9	3	4	0	2	0	0	+2 to construct anti-venom or eye lotions	17
Craft (Any Mundane) (Int, UT)	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Cthulhu Mythos (none, UT)	3	--	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Decipher Script (Int, T)	-	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	-
Diplomacy (Cha, UT)	6	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	9
Forgery (Int, UT)	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Gather Info (Cha, UT)	2	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	6
Handle Animal (Cha, T)	2+0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	6
Heal (Wis, UT)	9	3	3	0	2	0	2	+1 to heal eye problems	19
Hide (Dex, UT)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Intimidate (Cha, UT)	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	4
Knowledge (any) (Int, T)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Knowledge (Arcane) (Int, T)	2+7	3	0	2	0	1	1	0	16
Knowledge (Architecture and Engineering) (Int, T)	2	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	6
Knowledge (History) (Int, T)	2	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	6
Knowledge (Local-Stygia) (Int, T)	2+2	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	8
Knowledge (Mysteries: Djehuty) (Int, T)	9	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	13
Knowledge (Mysteries: Seshet) (Int, T)	9	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	13
Knowledge (Mysteries: Set) (Int, T)	9	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	13
Knowledge (Nature) (Int, T)	8	3	2	0	0	0	1	0	14
Knowledge (Nobility) (Int, T)	1	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	5
Knowledge (Religion) (Int, T)	2	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	6
Knowledge (Rumours) (Int, T)	-	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	-
Knowledge (Warfare) (Int, T)	-	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	-
Listen (Wis, UT)	1	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	4
Move Silently (Dex, T)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Perform (any) (Cha, UT)	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	4
Perform (Ritual) (Cha, UT)	2+7	4	0	2	0	0	2 (ebon staff)	0	15
Profession (Scribe) (Wis, T)	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	5
Ride (Dex, UT)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Search (Int, UT)	1	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	4
Sense Motive (Wis, UT)	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
Spot (Wis, UT)	4	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	7
Survival (Wis, UT)	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3

Feats:
Ritual Sacrifice
Stygian Physician
Surgery
Sorcerer's Boon
Iron Will
Opportunistic Sacrifice

Languages: Stygian, Khitan, Shemitish, Demonic, Acheronian, Old Stygian, Hyrkanian, Puntan

Racial Features & Background Skills

• +2 Knowl (arcane), Perform (ritual), Craft (alchemy)
• +1 Stygian bow
• -2 v. Corruption
• EWP: Stygian Bow
• Handle Animal, Knowledge (arcane), Knowledge (local-Stygia), Perform (ritual)
• Favoured Class: Scholar, Noble, Temptress

Class Features

• Sorcery Styles (Necromancy, Nature)
• Scholar Background (Lay Priest)
• Knowledge is Power +7
• Title- Lord
• Rank Hath It's Privileges
• Wealth

Mysteries of Set

• First Mystery: Basic Symbolism, +1 Kn. Arcana, +1 Cr. Alchemy
• Second Mystery: Deeper understanding of the purposes and symbolic truths of the minor gods
  • Ahephi: +1 bonus to any one roll related to an alchemical device utilising dust or pollen thrown by them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Bat: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a divination spell cast by them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action, or a +2 bonus to a Sense Motive skill check made for a cold reading (see page 118) for a non-sorcerous practitioner of clairvoyance and divination.
  • Bes: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the counterspells sorcery style cast by them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action; non-sorcerous priests who know this mystery can do a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) to give someone a +1 bonus to their saving throw.
  • Ehtum: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell cast by them or at them at sunset if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Hap-I: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell cast by them from the Sea Witchery sorcery style if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. May grow +2 HD of black lotus if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 24) is made along with a casting of Sorcerous Garden.
  • Heqat: +5 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the counterspells sorcery style cast by them for the benefit of a pregnant woman if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. +2 competence bonus to any Heal check made regarding a pregnant woman.
  • Idris: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from Conan: The Free Companies cast by them while in a foreign land if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Imsety: +2 bonus to save against a Draw Forth the Heart spell cast at them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. Gain a +2 bonus
    to any one roll related to a save against a disease affecting the heart if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move equivalent action.
  • Kebb: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell designed to create or benefit from sex or sexual lust (such as the Dance of Atali or Enslave spells in Conan: The Scrolls of Skelos) if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Kephra: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the immortality sorcery style (from Conan: The Scrolls of Skelos) if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Khnemu: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell involving water (other than mere rain) if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Maahes: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell involving rain or severe weather if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Nefertem: +5 bonus to the Craft (herbalism) check made for a Fruit of Air spell (from Conan: The Scrolls of Skelos) or +2 HD worth of size when growing magical plants with the Sorcerous Garden spell if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Neith: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a shot from a bow or a Craft (weaving) check if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Nekhebet: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from Conan: The Free Companies cast by them against foreigners in Stygia if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Nephtys: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the necromancy sorcery style cast by them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Nuit: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell aimed to cause chaos among an enemy host if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. Gain a +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell designed to create or benefit from sex or sexual lust (such as the Dance of Atali or Enslave spells in Conan: The Scrolls of Skelos) if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Qebsneuef: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell affecting the intestines if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. Gain a +1 bonus to any one roll related to a save against a disease affecting the intestines if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Selkhet: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a Craft (mummy) check if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made an hour beforehand. Gain a +2 bonus to any one roll related to a Heal check or save against poisonous bites if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Shu: gain a +3 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the Immortality sorcery style (from Conan: The Scrolls of Skelos) if a series of three Perform (ritual) checks (DC 18) are made before the casting of the actual spell.
  • Tef Maauti Nu: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell affecting the rain if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. Gain a +3 bonus to any two rolls related to a weather-affecting spell if a series of three Perform (ritual) checks (DC 18, DC 22, DC 15) are made in an hour-long ritual performed immediately before the casting of the weather-related spell.
  • Th'mumathph: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell affecting the stomach if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
  • Tawerat: +1 bonus to any one roll related to the birth of a child if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. Increase the likelihood of conception by 50% if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a one minute ritual performed prior to sexual activity.
  • Usir: +1 Power Points if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. gain double their Wisdom bonus to their total Power Points if a series of three Perform (ritual) checks (DC 18, 20 and 22 respectively) are made as three standard actions.

Mysteries of Seshet

• First Mystery: Iku The character gains a bonus of 10% to all experience awarded from now on.
• Second Mystery: Mer This mystery brings unity to duality. Synergy bonuses for skills are granted at every five ranks, not just at having five ranks in a synergistic skill set.
• Third Mystery: Sekhem This is the generation of new life from the union of being. The character gains +1 skill point per character level. This is retroactive with past levels. The skill points must all go into any one skill the character did not have previously–purchased as if it were a class skill.

Mysteries of Djehuty

• First Mystery: The first mystery of Djehuty teaches vigilance, giving the character a +2 bonus to Craft (alchemy) and Heal.
• Second Mystery: The second mystery of Djehuty gives the character an understanding of truth and lies, giving the character a +2 bonus to all opposed Sense Motive skill checks to see if someone is lying.
• Third Mystery: The third mystery of Djehuty teaches the importance of knowledge and how knowledge can be achieved through organisation and goal-setting. Keepers of the Third Mystery of Djehuty have a +1 bonus to all Knowledge skills (this stacks with Skill Focus and Knowledgeable feats).

Equipment
stiletto
linen robes
belt and pouch
spell component pouch
shoes
Ankh, Stygian Priest Jewelry
50 sp of incense
ink, quill, parchment
Ebon Staff of Set (150 sp)
Khopesh (240 sp)
Stygian Bow (+1) (50 sp)
40 Arrows (8 sp)
10 "Common" female stygian slaves (former temple prositutes) (300 sp)
Herbalist's Kit (2 sp)
Hefau-Peseh Papyrus
Rert-Beqsu Papyrus

Wealth: 750 worth of equipment
386 pieces of silver on hand

Spells
Necromancy
Raise Corpse
Chill of the Grave
Death Touch
Crawlers From the Mouth

Nature
Summon Beast
Spirit of the Land

Curses
Lesser Ill-Fortune
Awful Rite of the Were-beast
Ill Fortune

[Ancient History]

AH, If I use a Khitan, could Martial Disciple count as a favored class? The flavor of Martial disciple talks about Khitai and Vedhya as a source for training, but don't say anything about favored races.

The character concepts I have in mind are either a Khitai Martial Adept or Hyrkanian nomad.

Sure, that's fine.

[OgreBattle]

Is the Heal skill pretty crucial to have in this world without clerics and CLW wands?

The rules for hanging shields on your shoulder or off your back are also a nice touch.

*Man, I'm really enjoying this character creation process. The Conan rules are just the right amount of 'realistic' to add to flavor without detracting with fiddliness.

[Nebuchadnezzar]

San currently 47 after undershrine central door was opened.

[Nebuchadnezzar]

Background

Nebemakhet, Lord at the Horizon, Keeper of Set's Third Mystery, Derketo's Third Mystery, and Djehuty's First Mystery(Neb for short)

Books Used: Stygia, Serpent of the South; Secrets of Skelos

Foreshadowing: Neb. will take part in an ultimately failing ritual which causes the deaths of several. Neb. will take part in a lotus smoke hallucination in which he believes he was attacked psychically. Neb. will save a noble from snakebite as the first step of a long con.

The son of Meresankh, the Great Ornament, an itinerant priestess of Derketo, Nebemakhet grew up traveling up and down the river Styx, visiting the many small temples to Derketo found on the pleasure islands maintained for nobles' indulgences. Fascinated by both the use of sorcery and the ease by which the temples' debased clergy were able to manipulate even great princes, he was encouraged to study both the religion of Stygia, and the cultivation of cunning the priesthood necessitated. When he was determined to have some facility at handling lotus preparations his mother arranged for him to learn alchemy from a lapsed priest, Semerka, in Khemi. Given the protected status of snakes in the city, Semerka taught him techniques by which to not only protect himself from them, but control them as well. It was here where it was hinted that Set, in his aspect as a snake god, was but an aspect of some older, possibly pre-human deity. Spurred on by this, he began studies at the city's temple of Set, quickly completing his scribe training, and where his devotion to learning was looked upon favorably. Nebemakhet, however, is less interested in being pious, than in becoming powerful.

Physically, Neb stands 5'7", is dusky like most Stygians, and is usually carrying a fairly large horned viper which more often than not is hiding under his robes

Stats

Stygian Scholar 6

11 Str
11 Dex
15 Con
17 Int
16 Wis
17 Cha

Hit Points: 48 (if at max HP/HD, so whatever is cool)
Fate Points: 3
Initiative: +0
Corruption: 8
Sanity: 47/75
Social Class in Stygia: Scribe
Reputation: Decadent (potential +2 bonus to Intimidate, Gather Information, and Diplomacy) 13(5 lvl +3 Cha +4 Mystery, +1 Scribe)
Code of Honor: None

Feats:
Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Stygian bow), Ritual Sacrifice, Debaucher, Iron Will, Sorcerer's Boon X2, Opportunistic Sacrifice

Sorcery:
Power Points: 9 (4 base, 3 Wis, 2 level)+ 1-3 from Mystery of Usir
Counterspells: Warding, Incantation of Amalric's Witchman
Divination: Astrological Prediction, Psychometry, Visions
Serpent Magic: Blessing of Yig, Unseen Serpents, Animal Ally, Snakeshift, Hypnotic Gaze, Dread Serpent

Skills

Knowledge is Power +11(+6 level, +3 Int, +2 Mystery)

+11 Bluff (5 ranks, 3 Mystery, 3 Cha)
+11 Concentration (9 ranks, 2 Con)
+15 Craft (Alchemy) (5 ranks, 2 racial, 3 Mystery, 2 synergy 3 Int)
+12 Craft (Herbalism) (5 ranks, 4 synergy, 3 Int)
+11 Decipher Script (8 ranks, 3 Int)
+18 Diplomacy (5 ranks, 5 Mystery, 2 synergy, 3 Cha, 2 Rep.)
+5 Handle Animal (2 background ranks, 3 Cha)
+10 Heal (5 ranks, 2 Mystery, 1 synergy, 2 Wis)
+12 Gather Information (5 ranks, 2 Mystery, 3 Cha, 2 Rep.)
+25 Intimidate (8 ranks, 2 Mystery, 2 synergy, 3 Cha, 8 Corruption, 2 Reputation)
+16 Knowledge (Arcana) (6 ranks, 2 background ranks, 2 racial, 2 synergy, 1 Mystery, 3 Int)
+5 Knowledge (local:Stygia) (2 background ranks, 3 Int)
+12 Knowledge(Mystery:Set) (9 ranks, 3 Int)
+12 Knowledge (Mystery: Derketo) (9 ranks, 3 Int)
+6 Knowledge (Mystery: Djehuty) (3 ranks, 3 Int)
+11 Knowledge (Nature) (6 ranks, 2 synergy, 3 Int)
+18 Perform (Ritual) (9 rank, 2 background ranks, 2 racial, 2 Mystery, 3 cha)
+4 Profession (Scribe) (2 ranks, 2 Wis)
+4 Sense Motive (2 Mystery, 2 Wis)
+2 Slight of Hand (2 Synergy)

Languages: Stygian, Shemitish, Keshani, Khitan, Hyrkanian, Demonic, Acheronian, Old Stygian

Snake Form/Animal Companion

Lesser Son of Set
HD: 11d8 Init: +10 Dodge: 19 DR: 6
Attack: Bite +13/8 (1d8+7, AP-) Grapple +23
SQ: Constrict (1d8+7 AP-), Improved Grab
Str:25 Dex: 17 Con: 13

Animal Companion
Snake, Medium Viper (Ally, advanced )
HD: 6d8 Init:+17 Dodge:17 DR:5
Fort: +5 Ref: +9 Will: +6
Attack: Bite +10 finesse (1d6-1, poison (Fort 13, 1d4 temp Con, Saves (4) Immediate/1 round/1 round/1 round))
SQ:Scent, Link, Evasion
Str:10 Dex:19 Con: 11 Int: 1 Wis: 12 Cha: 2
Skills: Balance 12, Climb 12, Hide 17, Listen 5, Spot 5
Feats: Weapon Finesse, Ability Focus (poison), Improved Initiative
Tricks: Attack, Defend, Down, Fetch, Heel

Non-Snake Combat

Attacks:
Stygian bow + 5 (1d12, 19-20/x2, AP:2, 60ft)
Heavy Mace +4 (1d10, x3, AP:4)
Stiletto +4 (1d4, x4, AP:1)
Magic Attack Bonus: +6 (+3 Base, +3 Cha)

Defenses: (in armor)
Fort: +4 Ref: +2 Will: +8
Dodge vs Melee: 12
Dodge vs Ranged: 16
Parry vs Melee: 16
Armor Damage Reduction: 4
ACP: -4 (0 with move action)
Sorcery Failure Chance: 55% (30% after a move action, 0% after 30s/min)

Equipment

Assorted lotus preparations in clay jars

Basic alchemy lab (-2), shared with Kamoses
1 dose Flame Powder
Quilted Jerkin, Large Shield, Steel Cap
Stiletto, Heavy Mace, Stygian Bow, 40 arrows
Healer's Kit, Herbalist's Kit
Medical Papyrii (Nuh-Nun:+4 competency to Craft (Herbalism/Alchemy) for making medicine; Nepsu Henay Qesu:+3 competency to Heal for dealing with damage)
Merchant quality robe and papyrus sandals, Spell component pouch. parchment case w/6 sheets parchment, ink vial and 2 quills, 1 lb soap, waterskin, pair of manacles w/ average lock

pieces of silver on hand 4 sp

Knowledge (Mystery) Crap

Mysteries of Djehuty
First Mystery: +2 Craft(Alchemy and Heal)

Mysteries of Derketo
First Mystery: +Mystery level to Bluff and Diplomacy with a sexual component, can follow 20 min. of sex with Perform (Ritual) check to gain +2 enhancement to Cha (DC 12)
Second Mystery: Mystery Level-1 competency to Diplomacy, Gather Information, Intimidate, Perform, Sense Motive, can follow 20 min. of sex with Perform (Ritual) check to gain +2 enhancement to Wis (DC 15)
Third Mystery: Can touch as full round action and Perform (Ritual) (DC 15) to: Remove Fatigue, Remove Terror, Cause orgasms (Fort DC equal to Perform Check) that daze target 1 round/character level, Heighten Senses, Cause/Cure Impotency. Can follow 20 min. of sex with Perform (Ritual) check to gain +2 enhancement to Str (DC 18). Can take Debaucher feat without prerequisites

Mysteries of Set
First Mystery: Basic Symbolism, +1 Kn. Arcana, +1 Cr. Alchemy
Second/Third Mysteries: Deeper understanding of the purposes and symbolic truths of the minor gods

Ahephi: +1 bonus to any one roll related to an alchemical device utilising dust or pollen thrown by them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Bat: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a divination spell cast by them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action, or a +2 bonus to a Sense Motive skill check made for a cold reading (see page 118) for a non-sorcerous practitioner of clairvoyance and divination.
Bes: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the counterspells sorcery style cast by them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action; non-sorcerous priests who know this mystery can do a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) to give someone a +1 bonus to their saving throw.
Ehtum: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell cast by them or at them at sunset if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Hap-I: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell cast by them from the Sea Witchery sorcery style if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. +2 HD of black lotus if Perform (ritual) (DC 24) made along with a casting of Sorcerous Garden.
Heqat: +5 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the counterspells sorcery style cast by them for the benefit of a pregnant woman if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. +2 competence bonus to any Heal check made regarding a pregnant woman.
Idris: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from Conan: The Free Companies cast by them while in a foreign land if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Imsety: +2 bonus to save against a Draw Forth the Heart spell cast at them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. +2 to save against disease affecting the heart if Perform (ritual) (DC 18) made as move-equivalent action.
Kebb: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell designed to create or benefit from sex or sexual lust (such as the Dance of Atali or Enslave spells in Conan: The Scrolls of Skelos) if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Kephra: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the immortality sorcery style (from Conan: The Scrolls of Skelos) if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Khnemu: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell involving water (other than mere rain) if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Maahes: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell involving rain or severe weather if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Nefertem: +5 bonus to the Craft (herbalism) check made for a Fruit of Air spell (from Conan: The Scrolls of Skelos) or +2 HD worth of size when growing magical plants with the Sorcerous Garden spell if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Neith: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a shot from a bow or a Craft (weaving) check if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Nekhebet: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from Conan: The Free Companies cast by them against foreigners in Stygia if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Nephtys: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell from the necromancy sorcery style cast by them if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Nuit: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell aimed to cause chaos among an enemy host if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Qebsneuef: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell affecting the intestines if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. +1 to save related to disease affecting the intestines if Perform (ritual) (DC 18) made as move-equivalent action.
Selkhet: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a Craft (mummy) check if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made an hour beforehand. +2 to Heal or save against snakebite with Perform (ritual) (DC 18) made as move-equivalent action.
Shu: +3 to roll related to Immortality style if Perform (ritual) (DC 18, 18,18)
Tef Maauti Nu: +1 bonus to any one roll related to a spell affecting the rain if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. +3 bonus to two rolls related to weather affecting spell if Perform (ritual) (DC 18,22,15) made in hour long ritual.
Th'mumathph: +2 bonus to any one roll related to a spell affecting the stomach if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action.
Tawerat: +1 bonus to any one roll related to the birth of a child if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. 1 minute ritual (Perform (ritual) (DC 18)) to increase likelihood of conception to 50%
Usir: +1 Power Points if a Perform (ritual) check (DC 18) is made as a move-equivalent action. Double Wisdom to total power points with Perform (ritual) (DC 18,20,22) made as standard actions

[Ancient History]

Is the Heal skill pretty crucial to have in this world without clerics and CLW wands?

And related stuff like Craft(Herbalism), yeah. If you ever need surgery for anything, I think you're super-fucked.

[Bihlbo]

I know you're full up, but I would LOVE to be in on this game. Put me in as a reserve maybe? I'll work up a character so I'm ready if the call to action comes.

[Ancient History]

Okay.

[Whipstitch]

I'm in.

I really love the 1984 film and Howard's books, and my most enjoyable D&D games are the ones at a Conan level of power. I'm not familiar with how magic works in Conan d20 though. Do warrior-types have the same problems as in D&D3e, are there certain 'traps' we should avoid? Like is two weapon fighting a bad idea, or do they have their own feats that make it its own thing.

Forgot to respond to this. With a few levels and power point multipliers a sorcerer's defensive blast gets fairly gnarly and they eventually can acquire some decent save or dies and hypnosis abilities as well as more varied ways of regaining PP. They're not CoDzilla or Wizard dominant, but hey, what is? At higher levels they should probably sandbag to avoid being assholes.

As far as the fighty types are concerned, the sneak attack or two hander status quo tends to win out. For example, a lolno parry score like mine looks fairly sweet on paper or when holding off a mob of unoptimized lowbie shit--which isn't a bad skill to have in low fantasy land. My dude will embarrass the shit outta some level 1 picts. But one on one? He lacks a definitive fight ender, so Sir Sundersalot and feinting sneak attackers can gib him fairly quickly, which makes me a sad panda.

Two weapon fighting proficiency sans sneak attack isn't appreciably better--indeed, the fact that everyone armored has a smattering of DR if anything makes it worse--but it does get handed out like candy, so two shivs isn't so bad as an improvised trick. It also means that thieves have a plethora of 1 level dips to choose from if they want to goose their attacks while picking up some proficiencies.

Two handers still rock your face all the way off, particularly since Conan D20's alternate title should be World of Minor Damage Resistance. There's also an obnoxious general feat named Explosive Power stowed away in one of the supplements that lets you trade away your extra attacks on a Full Attack but makes your single attack a critical hit, with the big restrictions being that you have to be BAB 5, be fairly strong and willing to put all your BAB towards Power Attack, which you also must take. Now, mind you, auto crits is a cute trick that I endorse as a way for Mr. Swordfirst monk to beat armor DR, but on some asshole Cimmerian Barbarian with a bardiche (2d10, x3 on crit) in a game where Massive saves kick in on 20 damage? I'd actually rather not let AH have access to that that one, thanks.

[Prak]

So now we have two Stygian scholars...

[Ancient History]

Well, there are a couple different legitimate scholar builds - aside from straight-out sorcerers, there's a pseudo-monk option available where you can replace the different "bonus spells" with certain special meditation abilities, and of course you can just trade out some of the class features for bonus feats.