Thaddeus Claville's page

Thaddeus would certainly seek to learn more, staying a while with the Cyphermages to record everything that's happened (And give a full analysis of the Drow. To hell with the winter council.)

Given conversations with Fiona, he'd ask her what her long term plans are, if she seeks to return to the Shoanti. If so, Thaddeus may ask to go with her and record everything he can about the people and the tribes. Their traditions, oral history, and so fourth.

For historical sake, decided to change Thaddeus' avatar picture back to how it was previously.

Curious is anybody has any closing thoughts on what their characters do after the adventure, or their new long-term goals?

Fair enough, fair enough. This is a hobby meant to be fun, and if it doesn't sound fun, I certainly don't think you should be forced to try it.

I'm a little surprised at the serious dislike of evil campaigns. Curious if there's a specific reason. I can certainly understand if every previous attempt to play evil characters has resulted in edgelords looking for black humour and Chaotic Stupid and Stupid Evil shenanigans.

I've had fun playing in evil campaigns, and I challenged myself in playing evil characters in standard parties while still being trustworthy. Or, at least, controlled enough to be allowed in the party. Though I will say this was in person with an established group of friends. The online componenet I admit probably complicates matters.

I'm down for whatever, even the evil campaign, though my strongest votes are for Strange Aeons and Tyrant's Grasp. Too bad Carrion Crown isn't on the list, I'd like a good ol' fashioned undead stomp.

That is unfortunate to hear. You mentioned not looking forward to this chapter beforehand. Too bad that switching stuff around and starting us off at a better position didn't revitalize your interest.

How did you intend to wrap it up? Give a summary of the rest of the Adventure Path? Or find a way to speed us to a quicker resolution?

As for another AP, I wouldn't want to continue an AP with these characters, but I think we got a good rapport going, so starting fresh with a new one and the same players (But different characters) I'd be up for.

Jokril looks at the geckos, and the elaborate harnesses.

"Yeeeaaahhh.... I think I'll just jump down the pit. You guys can ride these things and try to control them. Though, actually..."

Jokril walks up to some of the stabled(?) geckos, placing his hands on his jaw as if adjusting it. He then starts making an assortment of odd clicks, chirps, and other odd vocalizations.

Using my Feral Speech hex to communicate with Amphibians.

*Ehh-Uhhh. Ehh-Uhh. Ikikikikik?*

To reiterate, we need to get down to Zirnakaynin. Our options are:
* Riding geckos. (Requires a good ride check to control, and perhaps to stay on the mount.)
* Taking a long foot path through side tunnels
* Finding the quicker method of transport that is likely being used.
* Use magic to make our way down.
* YOLO down and hope our HP holds out.

Jokril looks down at the pit.

"Damn, didn't think to prepare flight today. Didn't think we'd have much room to fly in tunnels. I can float down myself, but that doesn't do squat for the rest of you. Neither would the beanstalk I can create. I could Dimension Door us down, though I'd want to fly down first, make sure it's within range. But that still leaves the rest of you to make your own way back up. Got a potion of Feather Fall, but, again, that's only good for one person."

"That's the best I can offer. If we can get down, at least, I should be able to bring us all back up."

Apologies for the vagueness. Yes, we check out the tavern to continue the investigation.

"Well, I can't think of anything else to ask. You have been most helpful, Xyleth."

"Hmm, while investigating the bar seems obvious, I'm also curious about the feeding schedules for the house beasts. Both feel like time-sensitive information. Still, best pursue the obvious lead right now. Especially if three more driders have gone missing. Unless anybody has anything else to ask?"

"Did they have rooms, or some private area in these caves, that we could search?"

"To clarify, are you saying these three have already disappeared on you? We were told they were still present."

"Clearly disloyal, it is a shame."

"Let's not jump to conclusions here yet. If they are disloyal, they'll taste the full fury of House Vonnarc. But that's IF they're disloyal. Don't go dragging them before the Slavemaster before we uncover solid evidence."

"And, yes, as Varelle said, do you know where those three are? Or was that a Royal 'We' you were using?"

Just to keep track, anybody else still packing some injuries? Mutt/Zov took the brunt, but I believe he's mostly healed up.

Keeping Track, Pt. 2. Knowing who's who in House Vonnarc is going to be quite important. Here's a quick list of the bigger names that have been mentioned so far. Spiderbeard, is this information correct based on what we've learned so far?

First Daughter Alicavniss - VERY powerful spellcaster. We have not met her directly, only caught a glimpse of her during the irnakurse fight. Not somebody to trifle with.

Second Daughter Faidaeva Vonnarc, High Priestess of Areshkagal the Faceless Sphinx - The second drow of serious authority we've talked to, the one who Yasraena has most discussed the 'details' of our house and intended alliance with.

Slavemother Undamesta Vonnarc. Of the family, but not in direct line. Head of all slaves and servants. First authority of House Vonnarc we talked with.

Xemandrios Vonnarc - Teenage Drow priestess-in-training(?) of Areshkagal. Lost a bet.

First Son - Runs the Tower Solacas academy for the arcane arts. Brother of Faidaeva. Have not met, but was suggested Jokril meet him.

Second Son - Unknown name or title. Occasionally directly commands the driders.

Paingiver Drovoanis - Troop Trainer and Drider coraller. Head of the Family Guard.

Covakis - Second-in-command to Drovoanis?

"This is Yasraena, First-Born of House Zauviir, along with Varelle, Zov, and me, Jokril. As guests under the protection," Jokril holds up the back of his hand to emphasise the signet ring previously mentioned, "of House Vonnarc, we've been asked to investigate the missing driders, as well as..."

Jokril remembers the Second Daughter's rather strong words about news of the rebellious irnakurse were not to leave the house. Uncertain how literally that is to be applied, Jokril errs on the side of caution.

"... Other incidents. Now, we've learned from one of your fellows that every missing drider was one purchased from House Azinrae. And, more interestingly, there are three still left. Let's see, here..."

Jokril pulls out a notepad and checks something.

"Ah, right. Stollare, Ysanith, and Khollarix. Know where they may be?"

Jokril thinks on this.

"Yeah, you're probably right. Best stay close for now. Alright, Drider den first."

Jokril turns to the group.

"Hmm, we got several leads to follow up on. It, uh... might be a bit risky, but... I feel like we should split up, cover more ground. I'll go research what I can on fleshwarping. Yasraena, you'd probably be best to go talk to the driders. Zov's going to follow you anyway, and that'd be good backup. Varelle, you're good at investigation, you should find out what you can about the feeding schedules."

Jokril studies the grubs, as well as the bodies of the irnakurse with a surprising degree of dispassionate curiosity, especially to his allies.

He turns to the various drow servitors to address them again. "Alright, you can haul out these bodies. They still need to be analyzed. See if you can get a Fleshwarper to take a look at them to determine anything different. We'll be over with these grubs for analysis soon."

He rejoins Varelle as they continue the conversation with the drider.

"Hmm, food stocks. Good thinking. We should check out where the food supplies come from. Come to think of it, what do irnakurse eat? And how long ago was feeding time?"

I've got one used wand, one untouched wand, a bunch of potions and scrolls, and... an idea!

Jokril looks at the blue grub that Varelle has called attention to. Then, he gets animate again.
"Here, Zov, drink these. Don't throw out the bottles, though. Need them for something."

Jokril hands Zov four Potions of CLW. Assuming he drinks them...
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 HP
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 HP
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 HP
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 HP
Zov heals 21 hit points.

Jokril takes the empty bottles, and quickly washes them out with some water from a waterskin he still packs with him out of habit. Roughly cleaned, he digs in his pouch to improvise some tools to use as tweezers or forceps. Something to grab the strange blue grub.
"Somebody hold this," he says, holding out one of the clean bottles.

Jokril will attempt to put the grub in one of the empty potion vials, and follow up with inspecting the other three irnakurse for brain worms.

Jokril heads over with Varelle, though turns to address the remaining drow, especially any from the academy.

"Don't toss these bodies out! You heard her, irnakurse don't rebel, so something made them rebel! We need to analyze these bodies for anything out of the ordinary! Geas, Compulsions, posession, poisons, brain worms, SOMETHING is different about them. You got chiurgeons in the acadamy, right? Bring the bodies to whatever labs you got and analyze the corpses."

Though probably too late, Jokril will analyze the bodies for any latent magicks.

Will use Detect Magic to look for any lingering magical auras, especially enchantments. Any other checks I could use to determine if magical compulsions were in play?

Thaddeus mentally notes how... easy it's been to fake his cover story. Considering he was already taking some basic knowledge from the flesh of the drow he's wearing, he wonders if he's taking a bit from the drow's personality, too.

Jokril's eyes widen at the power displayed by the First Daughter.

"Don't piss that one off."

Jokril moves into the room, while mentally controlling the wasp swarm to fly towards the remaining abomination, carefully ordering it to only sting the monster.

Move into the room, and use another action to command the swarm to move to the remaining irnakurse.
Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 7) = 12
Same DC 13 Fort saves vs. poison and sickening.

Reminder to everyone you can move through the Wasp swarm safely, as long as you don't stay in the swarm. It only does damage on my turn, so if you move through it, you're safe.

Swarm Round: 3/9
Swarm Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7
Same DC 13 saves, one for poison, one for nauseated

Jokril winces as Zov takes a horrendous beating. He also mentally worries at the irnakurse's resilience. It has taken quite a pounding, and is still standing.

"Damn, these things are tough!"

He sidles up beside Varelle, and prepares another spell.

"Let's see if this works this time."

Casting Snowball. I'm not sure I've ever hit with this spell, but it's one of my few single-target attack spells.
Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 5, 3, 3) = 15 Cold damage, if it's important
No special riders. They've nerfed the spell. Probably a good thing. No saving throw applies, but Spell Resistance does.

EDIT: Critical Threat Confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Critical Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 4, 6, 5) = 22

I vaguely recall somebody once posted a list of various languages that could be used as substitutes for several of the Pathfinder languages. Does anybody recall that list, or where it may have been posted?

Swarm holds its position, and keeps stinging.
Wasp Swarm: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7
Same as last time, Poison Save DC 13 or poisoned, Fort save DC 13 or be Nauseated.

The drider repositions himself and is clearly in a panic as he rears back and blasts the irankurse with a lightning bolt spell.

Jokril is rather startled by the lightning bolt.

While he has other spells that could prove useful for the bigger combat going on in the room, the one fleshwarp horror is blocking their way rather effectively. He settles for cursing it. Aiming to disguise most of his mannerisms, Jokril substitutes the old arm-folded hillbilly stink-eye with an attempt at a more threatening, glaring expression and a hand gesture.

"Mu'qaD!"

Evil Eye hex on the Irnakurse blocking our way, aiming for -4 AC. DC 19 Will save or it'll last for 8 rounds.

Have we had time to rest and regain spells since our encounter with the Roper? I don't recall any serious period of rest since that battle. At least, none actively.

Jokril is quick on the draw seeing that horrid abomination burst through, and quickly utters an incarnation before anyone else has time to react.

*HUUUURRRRKKKK*

5-foot step to give me room to cast, casting Vomit Swarm, and directing it at the first irnakurse.
Rule References:
Wasp Swarm
Swarm rules
Distraction. Nauseated.

So, the swarm envelops the fleshwarp thing. Technically provokes an AOO, but it's immune to weapon damage. Damage is automatic, so the Swarm Deals: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 7) = 15 damage. DC 13 Poison save or take 1 Dex damage. Another DC 13 Fortitude save or be Nauseated. (Can't attack or cast spells, can only take 1 move action.)

"Never care? Far too common a problem, others thinking that if something is below them in station, it isn't worth thinking about. Every resource is important."

"Purchased from Azinrae? Well, isn't that interesting. Do you know of any other Driders that also came from Azinrae who haven't disappeared yet? Err, Disappeared at all? Shouldn't accuse them yet."

Internally, Thaddeus wonders why he seems so interested in this investigation and is taking a lead in it. He'll have to consider the mental effects of this dead-skin-wearing spell.

Jokril shakes his head, trying to shake off the fugue of seeing a drider up close.

"Sorry, sorry, we're, uhh.... Hung over. Yeah."

Internally, Thaddeus contemplates the wisdom of not saying anything, and not trying to keep up with Yasraena's ability to spin elaborate, confident yarns.

"We're doing an investigation for the absconded driders to determine the source of their truancy, and if there is a common factor among it."

Jokril looks oddly at himself, and the strange interactions of his drow cover identity with his internal manner. He restates himself.

"Several driders have gone missing. Know anything about it? Where they were last? Anything they may have been talking about beforehand? Any suspicious things happening among your crew?"

Agreed. Nothing much for me to add, and I can't think of anything further to ask.

Nothing to ask or add myself.

"The commander was conducting some manner of arcane ritual in the heart of their ancient city--one that seemed to hearken back to Earthfall, come to think of it." She glances over at 'Jokril' as if seeking confirmation.

Jokril takes the opportunity to follow up on the tale. Thankfully, this part requires no embellishment.

"Yeah, a powerful spell. I wasn't involved in the weaving or research, so some of the finer details are lost on me. Still, they had a plan to recreate Earthfall, and were using some sort of 'echo' of Celwynvian as a pocket dimension to test it out. I could go on, but it's both me theorizing, and would take a while to explain."

If I may metagame/retroactively voice an opinion on our cover story:

I think a good cover would be members of a noble house from Far Paratha, who wanted to actually achieve something instead of just indulging in every excess available.

To provide a bit of metagamey advice, one thing to keep in mind is that if a bluff check fails, that doesn't mean they instantly know we're humans (and elves) literally wearing drow skins and infiltrating their society. That just means they know we're not being completely honest. And given Drow society, that's probably the baseline any sort of social interaction. So they may guess we're bluffing, but they won't know specifically what. Probably just hiding that we were more at fault in the surface than we're letting on, or we have some other agenda (But not what that agenda is) and so on. So don't be too worried about failing bluff checks.

Jokril gives a slightly annoyed sigh and follows behind.

Let's assume we all gather in Varelle's room.

"Okay, so sounds like some children had a dumb bet, and one lost. Typical teenage stuff... I mean, we could offer our help, but I feel like we'd be better off just keeping our heads down for now..."

"I could send Lash down in the form of a rat to stand outside the door and listen in. It could provide useful information."

"Good idea, but don't risk yourself... or Lash's self... if you don't have to."

Jokril also takes up his lodgings, locking his door, unslinging his pack, and breathing a bit.

'Well... That was something,' he thinks to himself. Though he settles for being able to simply relax and unwind, forgetting the situation he finds himself in. Though every look at his blue-skinned body always reminds him of what sort of mess he's in now.

Within Jokril, Thaddeus is simultaneously amazed and horrified at what he sees within the palaces of the Dark Elves. While he didn't get to see a whole lot of architectural design growing up in a small farming community, most of what he saw when he came to Riddleport still made sense, if somewhat opulent and overdone.

This, however, was on a whole other level. Indeed, looking at the obscene artistry reminds him of the worst parts of the temple of Calistria. But even those were modest and tempered compared to the audacity of what is on display here. On the other hand, the magic on display is astonishing from an academic prospective.

To best maintain his disguise and hide his disgust at what he sees, among the fleshcrafted horrors and obscene decor, he puts fourth a disaffected face, looking at the scenery with the dispassionate gaze of an elderly farmer who claims to have seen it all, and what he hadn't seen was clearly something not worth seeing.

Old Tooth looks around a fair bit, keeping close to Jokril, moving rather quietly, both in step and vocalisations.

====

Jokril follows the cues from everyone else on when to bow and show proper deferrence, keeping behind the group as Varelle and Yasraena negotiate their way through.

He does take the initiative to approach when the Slavemother addresses him, if in a rather open fashion.

"Jokril. Freelance... Spellcaster. Hired under a long term contract with House Zauviir. As long as they're alive," he gestures to the females in the group, "I'm still under contract."

Jokril hopes that wouldn't spoil any cover stories the two were hoping to weave. It made sense enough. Even the drow have mercenaries and what-not, right?

Going to do a quick recap of what we've learned so far, to get people back on track. Most of this comes from this post. Here's a quick summary:

House Azinrae and House Vonnarc used to be allied together. The relationship soured when Azinrae's matron died, and was replaced by her daughter Simovara(?), who was regarded as weak and unfit to rule.

A strange drow named Allevrah came from nowhere with considerable information on the surface world, and a burning hatred of the same. She was recruited by House Azinrae and worked closely with Simovara, breaking the alliance between Azinrae and Vonnarc.

Allevrah was inducted into house Azinrae to the point where she was accepted as part of the family, given the Azinrae name. Soon after, during a ceremony, she assassinated the Matron and took the house as her own.

Allevrah worked with Vonnarc again to mount an invasion of the surface world. With Nolvennis providing support with the primary expedition, Allevrah pretty much emptied House Azinrae entirely. (I assume we've mostly been fighting House Azinrae on the surface since this campaign started, but there's still large numbers of them unaccounted for.)

Currently we are travelling with Gadak, a minor servant of House Vonnarc, who is taking us to speak with the Slavemother. (Is that a fancier term for the Matron? or is it a lower rank in Drow Hierarchy?) Presumably to give a first-hand report of how the surface invasion went.

No issue here, if people need to rest a bit.

"Is she the sort liable to cut your tongue out if you bring bad news? If so, perhaps simply introduce us as having news from the surface. Let Yasraena and Varelle handle the knife-edged subtleties of conversation."

Jokril leans in to whisper Gadak. "And I predict the amusement of watching those two hurl blame at each other will blunt the Slavemother's wrath."

"We cleared out a pest that would make travel troublesome. See no need to waste more effort trying to transport these... whatever they are. Let them run back to their holes. We have business to attend to."

"So how does this exquisite agony feel? It truly is a different experience on the receiving end, isn't it? Take that back to your master."

Another Evil Eye, this time attacking his Attack rolls. Oh, and I made a mistake. I'm high enough level that my hexes drop the attacked stat by -4, not -2, so -4 to his AC and now -4 to his attack rolls for one round. As usual, Will Save DC 19 or it'll last for seven rounds.

And yes, I can Evil Eye the same target and load them up on debuffs. I just can't target them with the same Debuff.

Jokril quietly utters a curse, seeing his lightning bolt completely ignored. Well, at least he knows these things are immune to that, now.

Lacking any other spells that seem effective in this situation, Jokril settles for glaring at the thing. He tries to adjust for his current disguise, shooting an intimidating death glare instead of his old hillbilly stinkeye.

"If you think pain is so wonderous, then maybe you should experience some yourself. Hold still and bask in it."

It's Evil Eye hex time. -2 to AC for one round. DC 19 Will save or it'll last for 8 rounds.

Jokril decides to pull out one spell he's been working on, in between experimentation with teleportation. Perhaps still not thinking like a drow, he carefully lines up his spell, avoiding hitting any allies, or the deep gnomes. He gestures with his outstretched hand.

"Fry."

Time to pull out some outright damage dealing spells. Casting Lightning Bolt. Aiming it to move through the roper's space, between Yasraena and Varelle, but at a slight angle, so it strikes the wall in between the two deep gnomes.
120 foot line. DC 18 Reflex save for half damage. Electrical damage.

Damage: 9d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3, 6, 2, 5, 1, 6, 6) = 33

Jokril will carefully aim a Snowball spell at the Roper. That is, -4 for attacking through allies.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 4 = 5
Damage: 5d4 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 1, 2) = 9 Cold Damage

Huh, they Nerfed the Snowball spell when they released Ultimate Wilderness. Also, that probably went wide.

Jokril maneuvers closer to get a better shot. And decides to see about engaging with the... thing.

"Allow me and my colleagues to propose an alternative hypothesis on the nature of life and pain. Hold still, and they shall demonstrate on you."

Jokril, once again, considers his actions, finding his selection of spells to be once again rather lacking to deal with this particular situation. He readies to cast a spell, but doesn't cast it yet.

Shoot, can't make either check, as I'm not trained in either skill.

'Jokril' looks at the odd scene. He was about ready to simply charge forward to fight the monster, but remembered that he's supposed to be a ferocious, merciless drow. Also, the name Svirfneblin gives him pause. He's heard it said twice now, and still isn't sure how it's supposed to be pronounced.

Hearing the creature discuss philosophy certainly makes Jokril raise an eyebrow.

"Well, discussing philosophy with such a beast sounds interesting enough, I doubt I could honey my words enough to keep his attention. Seems like a pest to be removed, and the... uh... Swerve-nebil... However you say that... Could provide useful information. Somebody feel like jabbering on to distract it, or shall we just go in swinging?"

"And do you have something to say, Jokril?"

"Does it matter if I do?"

"Nolveniss is dead. Had he survived, we wouldn't have needed to retreat."

Again Jokril snorts, though refrains from commenting, trying to play up an arrogant drow that blames everyone but himself.

Again, though, Thaddeus listens intently. This was rather fortuitous, getting a thorough explanation of Drow politics, as well as the power behind everything they've been dealing with up to this point.

Thaddeus, or Jokril now, listens intently as Gadak rambles on. Every little detail is a vital piece of information on drow norms, customs, and behaviours. Though Jokril does try to not look THAT intent, perhaps listening more to be friendly than a desperate attempt to gather intel.

Though when Yasraena shoots another jab at Varelle, Jokril gets the urge to participate more in the deception being played out. He rolls his eyes, gives a quiet, pained groan, and moves away from both Yasraen and Varelle.

"Enough blame to go around for both of them, if you ask me," he mutters, quietly enough to sound like he's not trying to be heard by either Yasraena or Varelle. (Though, obviously, not much caring if he actually is.)

Old Horn, or Old Tooth now, 'scurries' along beside Thaddeus, looking as grumpy as ever, but now in giant rat form.