Thanaton Sirov's page

Nathrae's words seem to rouse Thanaton from his reverie, and he raises an eyebrow at the warrior's vehement tone. Once she changes the subject, however, he refocuses on the task at hand, peering ahead for any sign of the Blue Nixie. "A frontal approach may indeed prove best, Mistress Khalazza. If we wish to attempt talking before or instead of killing the crew, however, I can speak the Orcish tongue quite well, as an enforcer in my guild is a half-orc. Dakor visits freelance mages and gives them a friendly warning by imploding their skulls." The corners of his mouth twitch upwards briefly in another approximation of a smile. "His mind is keen, but he is most unskilled at cards. A good friend in a city where such friends are rarer than platinum."

After receiving his instructions, Thanaton bows to Lady Vanderboren, then begins to make his way through the winding streets of the Merchant District towards the docks and the impounded ship. As he passes the Shrine of Droskar, he addresses his companions, the black pits of his eyes flicking between the various other Vanderboren 'troubleshooters.' "Seeing such structures reminds me of the importance of religion in a city such as Telderist. Faith provides stability and structure in a city where that is the exception rather than the rule. Master Culexis, you implied that you were a Kuthite a few days ago, if memory serves. I cannot say that I know much of your faith, though I would be happy to learn. Master Pertinax, I feel that I know the faith of Dagon all too well, but I would appreciate your perspective. Mistress Urgathoan, you made your position all too clear at the memorial, though I will hear you if you have more to say. Mistress Khalazza, I confess that you are quite a mystery to me - despite my best efforts, I cannot determine the nature of your worship, if you do so at all."

The young tiefling pulls out his strange amulet, a death's head with coins over the eyes. He stares into it, seemingly entranced by its strange facets. "As for my own faith..." He trails off.

Thanaton stands. "Then it is settled. We will find this Vark, consume his soul, and return to you with your ship, Lady Vanderboren."

Thanaton glances around the table. "If you will permit, Lady Vanderboren, one final question? What do we know of the crew of this Vark's ship? Many use the undead for menial tasks, whether sailor or stevedore, and these laborers may be an unexpected asset to Mistress Slade and myself."

After Lavinia is done speaking, Thanaton gives one of his eerie grins. "By 'speaking his language,' I presume you are not referring to my skills as an interpreter?" He laughs. "A rhetorical question, of course. I am sure we can find information on this 'Vark,' retrieve the vessel, remove his kneecaps if you so desire, and return to you with your ship. Will we be crossing any major powers in this endeavor? Noble families? Affiliated guilds? Or is this fool simply an independent?"

Apologies - it's an occupational hazard when the party's sociopathic necromancer is one of the group's 'nice guys.'

Interestingly, despite his status as an aquatic deity in Pathfinder, the real-world Dagon had little to nothing to do with the ocean - he was a western Mesopotamian prosperity god, primarily worshiped in the vicinity of Mari and often syncreticized with the similar Enlil of the east. The "fish-god" interpretation was originally a mistake by the medieval Jewish theologian Shlomo Yitzchaki, who conflated "Dagon" with "dāg/dâg," the Hebrew for "fish." The mistake was later popularized by Lovecraft's works, which is likely where it entered the Pathfinder mythos.

Reposting due to the altered circumstances. Spoilering to keep Study and Dinner conversation separate.

Three days from the memorial for the Vanderborens, Thanaton approaches the front gates to Vanderboren Manor, dressed in the black robes of a journeyman mage rather than the formal mantle of the earlier night. As the other guests arrive, he fixes them with an appraising look, noting how the differing circumstances of this meeting affect their choices of dress, mannerisms, and the like. As Kora leads the group to the study, he follows close behind the gnome, gazing around the manor.

Perception - Furnishings: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Knowledge (nature) - Plants: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Perception - Snakes: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

As he spots the snakes in the garden, Thanaton grins, kneeling to examine one of the vipers (but being careful not to touch it). "How fascinating. I have always loved serpents - they possess a certain... adorable charm, wouldn't you agree?"

Anything works for me - I have a Roll20 account if we need it, but I generally find that either Google Slides or Theater of the Mind is the easiest to work with.

Will Minuè be joining the party, or should the party necromancer take over the role of "team moral compass?"

I had skipped straight to the meeting part, but was slightly unsure if that's what we were supposed to be doing - GM, if this is jumping ahead or taking liberties, just say the word and I can walk it back, describe more of what my character does in the three intervening days, or the like.

As the Vanderboren daughter enters the hall, Thanaton pays close attention to the proceedings, glancing between the various nobles in the room and showing them the respectful subservience the high-born of Telderist expect as their due from the myriad groups they see as their lessers - tradesmen, servants, demonspawn, et cetera. He bows to Kora as she delivers him his letter, glancing through it before stowing it in a pocket of his robes. He remains for as long as seems to be expected of him, but looks for an opportunity to leave for his guild - while spartan, the journeyman quarters are the closest thing he has had to a true home for a decade or so, and he can think of no better place than Witchwarden Tower to spend the next three days, ensconced in study as he awaits his patron's call.

Three days from the memorial for the Vanderborens, Thanaton approaches the tradesman's entrance to Vanderboren Manor, dressed in the black robes of a journeyman mage rather than the formal mantle of the earlier night. He twitches his bat-like wings in annoyance as a guard stops him, and he presents his invitation. Following the guard through the labyrinthine corridors of the manor, he notes the resemblance of the house to a massive web, drawing the seven visitors towards the center. I wonder, are we the spiders... or the flies? Entering the cavernous dining room, he takes the seat five chairs to the left of the table's head - his habitual spot in the guild refectory. As the other guests enter, he fixes them with an appraising look, noting how the differing circumstances of this meeting affect their choices of dress, mannerisms, and the like. Nobody is truly themselves in a formal setting. Let us see how the Vanderborens' other guests behave in a less formal setting, where they will act as they really are...

I've never been in a 7-person party before...

I was briefly in one on the PbP boards here - it was Kingmaker, and the GM liked large parties for RP purposes. One player had to drop out due to health issues before we reached the first combat, but the roleplaying opportunities were great.

Concluding his conversation with Professor Urol, Thanaton rejoins the group by the buffet table. He listens as the talk turns to the absence of the Vanderboren inheritors, and he notices that those present are starting to become upset at their absence. Ever the loyal servant, he speaks up in the defense of his former employers' children, though as before he carefully pitches his voice so that the nobles do not hear his statements. "There are likely matters that must be attended to with their new status as the senior members of their house. Look about you - what other nobles do you see? Lord Meravanchi's excess is well-documented - he likely has nothing better to do. The simple fact that the Vanderborens are late is likely a sign that they are diligently attending to other matters. They will arrive when they complete these." He turns to Trevor. "As for the Vanderborens' alleged weakness, Master Culexis, choosing servants based on their competence rather than their blood can be an immense strength."

As for Pertinax's question regarding night and day in Telderist, I recall that the subterranean city of Skullport from the Forgotten Realms setting had an immense magical clock, built by the followers of the god of artifice, that marked out the days, months, and years below ground. Night and day were determined by the reading on the great clock, and it could very well have been inaccurate without the majority of Skullport's denizens being aware of any difference. I'm not sure what the GM's thoughts on this are, but I myself felt it was a rather interesting idea when I read it.

My sincerest apologies if anything I said was an issue. I was merely trying to help - as Aranda had made her disdain for Thanaton and Minuè clear, I was simply attempting to let her interact with a major NPC without going back on her established views. As to CucumberTree's earlier statement regarding how Aranda was "built for action," as well as her expressed desire for combat, the pre-game selection scene is as far as I can tell a roleplaying-focused area where we can explore our characters and develop their personalities/backstories and the like. A dedicated face build is not necessary to participate - Thanaton's only good social skills are academia-based Knowledge skills, which he has only used once, and Intimidate, which he has not used at all. Irrespective of this, he is still able to make small talk and flesh out his character.

At Aranda's violent reaction to his statement, Thanaton turns to Pertinax, vague worry etched on his face. "Was it something I said?"

The eccentricities of the Urgathoan priestess are forgotten, however, as Shikki returns with Professor Urol and Nari in tow, and he smiles broadly before extending a hand to the diminutive ratfolk. "Mistress Shikki, it is good to see you again, and with new acquaintances to boot!" He peers at the gnome who accompanies the sailor, his necromantic training and his long obsession with the surface allowing him to recall the author of an anatomy textbook he frequently read in Witchwarden Tower. "My apologies, but are you by any chance Professor Urol? Of 'Urol's Physiological Primer?' Of the Urol-Filostrato Metabolic Cycle? I have read the summaries of your expeditions to the surface with interest. It is a great honor, Professor." He bows to the distinguished scholar, then turns his attention to the gnome's verdant companion, walking in a circle around the leshy and examining her from several angles. "And you are a surfacer, yes? I must admit, when I read of beings that gain sustenance from a great light that sears the heavens, I had significant difficulty believing what I had seen in my books."

If I overstepped and the Professor did not in fact accompany Shikki, feel free to retcon any nonsensical statements in the above passage, such as greeting a person who is not present. Likewise, if I overstepped in my list of Urol's credentials, the same statement can apply - I'm just trying to avoid an endless chain of IC necessary but OOC redundant introductions, which I thought I might do by having Thanaton be familiar with Urol's work.

Thanaton looks with a moderate degree of disdain on the Meravanchi scion as he sweeps into the garden. What a contemptible hedonist. At the comments of Minuè and Pertinax, he smirks before whispering in the same tone, ensuring his voice does not carry beyond the cluster of people. "I heard rumors of Lord Meravanchi's exploits during my studies in the Noble District. I understand he made untoward advances towards the Guildmistress. I am unsure of what exactly she cursed him with, but I understand it was quite embarrassing and persistent, and that it apparently required the ministrations of three doctors, seven Urgathoan priests..." The necromancer frowns distractedly and furrows his brow. "...and a fishmonger, for some reason. I do not think I want to know the specifics." Thanaton shudders at the thought of the unbridled wrath of his guild's eerie leader.

Personally, I envision Lux Seoni as rather similar to Mrs. Frederic from Warehouse 13 - an incredibly creepy woman of indeterminate age and dubious mortality who basically appears when and where she wishes and who nobody has the spine to challenge or refer to by her first name. GM, is this roughly accurate, or should I revise my mental image?

Struck by an idea, he moves over to the skeleton blocking Aranda from his sight, knocking on its shield with his knuckles as though it were a door before calling out to the priestess beyond. "Mistress Urgathoan? Unless I am greatly mistaken, your brother-in-faith has arrived."

CucumberTree, you haven't posted here in a while - I know your character is unlikely to get on well with Thanaton and probably Minuè, but I don't want to keep you from developing your character more, and I think that interacting with Lord Meravanchi might help with that.

As for Thanaton's roll to identify the symbols on the scabbard, with a 10 that's for common deities I think. With Ashava being a kind of fringe empyreal lord, I think the DC is 20.

Apologies, I was looking more at the role your decorated scabbard would play in the story. As a link to the surface, it has the potential to expose you as an elven spy, so I had written my post on the following assumptions:

Critical Success - Identifies imagery and draws correct conclusion about Minuè, forcing her to bluff her way out, earning at least Thanaton's suspicion.
Success - Identifies imagery and adds it to a collection of clues that may in time accumulate to the point that they expose Minuè.
Failure - Fails to notice imagery, leaving Minuè safe for now but raising the possibility of another examination and identification later.
Critical Failure - Notices imagery but draws an entirely erroneous conclusion that absolves Minuè of any suspicion, preventing the scabbard from being used against her in the future.

As I rolled a natural 1, I had Thanaton notice the imagery, but put forth a suggestion that would not expose Minuè, allowing her to claim that she took it off a lost surfacer in the upper levels of the Darklands or some such. While he was still intrigued by the symbols, he does not suspect that she is a spy or anything of the sort.

Also, Thanaton didn't in fact identify which if any deity it is the holy symbol of - it was merely a hunch of his which he believes to have no bearing on anything.

Thanaton listens to the discussion about the various types of swords, but his limited knowledge of martial pursuits means he quickly loses track of the conversation as it delves into gladiuses and mounted combat. However, something Minuè had said had caught his attention, and he recognizes the tension between the orphanage worker and Pertinax. At the earliest available opportunity, he interjects, trying to defuse the situation between the two guests. "Forgive my digression, Mistress Minuè, but you said that you worked in the Twilight Orphanage? Have you worked alongside the various guilds at all? I know from personal experience that the guilds will sometimes take in orphans or foundlings and train them as apprentices. It gives them an applicable skill set and a good position in life - I myself am an orphan, yet I am entirely content as a journeyman necromancer."

The tiefling shakes his head sadly. "It is not right that the children should suffer..." He smiles at Minuè before continuing. "...but it is good that the kind-hearted like you and your peers are helping them gain a better future." The young mage extends a hand to the swordswoman. "I know many in the Witchwarden Tower Arcanists' Guild - I would be overjoyed to help you in any way I can. This endeavor is important to me."

At the glances that pass between Nathrae and Minuè, Thanaton raises an eyebrow but says nothing.

One quick question for Minuè - would your character be switching back to the form of a regular elf in private or would she remain in her drow identity 24/7? If the former, she has a much greater chance of being discovered, but the way I read your Dark Identity ability, the latter would quickly escalate the Will save needed to change back into an elf to unbeatable levels.

Thanaton notices the other guests eating, but refrains from doing so himself. Instead, he attempts to remain with the group and continue his conversation. Noticing the intricate detailing on the new arrival's scabbard, he addresses the drow woman. "Mistress Minuè, I could not help but take note of the detailing on your scabbard. Are those symbols of religious significance?"

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

The tiefling peers closer at the crescent symbols. "If I am not mistaken, those symbols represent the moon of the surface. Have you visited the surface? Did you take your blade from an overlander?" The young mage seems quite intrigued by the possibility that the new guest is an explorer.

He pauses for a second, however, looking quizzically at Minuè. "Mistress, if you will forgive my query, you had mentioned that the Vanderborens had helped you find a position. Might I ask what that position was? Surely a warrior, with such a fine blade, yes?"

Actually, I think that the giant millipede segment I mentioned would be a natural staple food in an underground society. Millipedes are slow-moving, have broad herbivorous appetites, and are fairly docile - if giant millipedes existed, they would be a logical key food animal for an underground civilization, much as ruminants like cattle or yaks are to humans.

Thanaton smiles again at the newcomer's words. "Of course, Minuè. If you would follow me?"

As he walks across the garden, he tries to make small talk, giving the new arrival a brief overview of the current guests. "The death of the Vanderborens was such a lamentable accident - they were faithful employers and good people." Looking around to ensure he is not overheard, he whispers to the drow woman. "Of course, there are some rumors that say the tragedy at Delvingulf was no accident. If this is so, I should like to be present when the killers are executed." Returning to his normal volume, he continues speaking, motioning to the various attendants as he says their names. "I see that you have already noticed Mistress Khalazza. She was once a soldier, and she is an excellent conversationalist. I think you will like her. Over there is Master Culexis, who was sponsored in his studies by the Vanderborens, and Master Pertinax, who was a soldier in their house guard. Regrettably, Mistress Shikki was called away, but she was also an excellent conversation partner when she was here."

He looks with a degree of confusion at the skeleton actively blocking his view of the remaining guest. "Somewhere behind that skeleton is Mistress Slade. I have known her for only a handful of minutes, yet we are already not on speaking terms, though I do not know what it was that I said." He realizes himself and glances at Minuè. "Of course, I should introduce myself as well. I am Thanaton Sirov, guildsman of Witchwarden Tower." As he rejoins the group with the new arrival, he addresses her so the entire group can hear. "Most of us have served the Vanderborens in one way or another, but what of yourself, Minuè? Were our late benefactors your employers? Friends? Relatives?"

I was trying to keep everyone from having to re-introduce themselves with each new guest, but if you enjoy having your characters introduce themselves, just let me know and I can stop. I'm really not trying to get in the way of anyone's enjoyment of the game.

I'm now picturing Thanaton as having the same voice as The G-Man from Half-Life 2.

"Buildings do not occur naturally, Mistress."

I can see how others might find the game a bit dry, but I'd advise at least looking at it - I liked it so much that I woke up at 4:00 in the morning because I couldn't handle the anticipation of reading a historical text in a language I don't know.

GM, I just wanted to check in with you for a quick question I had. I've been trying to hold off on overly embellishing my posts, as I'm not sure how many liberties I can take with the given information from the player's guide. Is Shikki's statement regarding the status of ratfolk in Telderist the kind of improvisation we can do, or is there a level of information I'm missing.

Thanaton's empty gaze turns to the newcomer as she enters. He moves over towards Nathrae and addresses the former soldier. "Mistress Khalazza, there appears to be a new arrival. By your leave, I would like to see if she would care to join us. I will be back momentarily."

The young necromancer walks across the courtyard to the new arrival, the measured clacking of his hooves against the stone floor punctuated by the rustle of his high-collared mantle and an occasional clang as the iron ferrule of his staff strikes the selfsame material. Seeing Kora speaking to the new guest, he waits for a moment until she finishes, bowing his head in deference to the majordomo as she leaves, then approaches Minuè. The corners of his mouth twitch upwards in his best approximation of a friendly smile, and the solid black orbs of his eyes seem to bore into the drow as he speaks. "Greetings, mistress. Several of the other mourners have gathered to discuss the life of the late Vanderborens. Would you care to join our eulogizing?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Though he tries his best to act in a friendly manner, his behaviors come across as more than a bit eerie.

At the moment, our submission list is as follows:

Works in Progress:

Faithful Servant Ezzeleer - LE Fetchling Summoner, faithful servant of the Vanderborens

"Minué Myrett" - LG Elf Vigilante/Monk, undercover Lantern Bearers agent

Unnamed Arcane Trickster - Alignment Unknown Whisper Gnome Wizard/Rogue

Suny - Alignment Unknown Sea Elf Fighter

Finished Submissions:

Pertinax Islaran - CE Aquatic Tiefling Antipaladin, Vanderboren house guard

Aranda Slade - NE Drow Cleric, Vanderboren chaplain

Shikki the Sailor - CN Aquatic Ratfolk Rogue, once saved Verik Vanderboren

Thanaton Sirov - NE Tiefling Necromancer, Vanderboren interpreter

Nathrae Khalazza - LE Drow Oracle, studied by the Vanderborens after a military incident

Trevor Culexis - LE Drow Alchemist, sponsored in his studies by the Vanderborens

Out of curiosity, GM, how many submissions will you be taking? The "typical adventuring party" is four or five people, but I have seen functional parties with anywhere between three and seven members.

Also, if it's okay with everyone, I changed my character's alignment from LE to NE - I feel it fits in better with the direction I want his personality to take. As before, however, he will still be generally decent to others, with a good deal more neutrality than evil (but still an appreciable amount of evil).

Bester was a really good bad guy. Thanks for the clarification.

No problem! And yes, Bester was definitely memorable. He only actually appeared in 12 episodes, but he was such an awesome villain that he seems like a major character. While I can't say I'm familiar with the media you reference, I appreciate the clarification on your part as well.

Plus she believes that the Vanderborens might not be dead, given the Machiavellian maneuvers of the Noble class.

OOC, I think that's definitely a possibility. IC, Thanaton has a practical view of life and takes poorly to playing politics, hence why he didn't think the Vanderborens could have had personal enemies. In his mind, you make enemies by doing shoddy work or insulting people, and by insulting people he means deliberate, "punch-in-the-face-and-cuss-out" type of insults rather than subtle "served-wrong-wine-with-sautéed-mosasaurus-liver" insults.

An evil person being callous? What are the odds?

I understand completely OOC, but Thanaton's being taken aback was entirely from an in-character standpoint. I planned to base his personality off the character Alfred Bester from Babylon 5.

Thanaton nods at Nathrae's words as the conversation shifts to killing the arboreal being. "Perhaps there does not have to be violence at all, Master Culexis. We have no compelling reason to kill the creature, and many more convincing reasons not to. An explorer who has seen the surface is likely to be protective of a companion from the overlands, and he is certain to have the patronage of the powerful."

Aranda's callousness regarding the Vanderborens' death, likewise, draws an incredulous look. "Mistress is surely in jest. The Vanderborens were most benevolent employers - the least we can give them is a day of mourning. Matters of business can wait until the morrow - today, we should remember those who gave us aid. This is customary."

Thanaton nods at Aranda's greeting, but speaks up at her demonstration of her animate skeleton. "As a matter of fact, Mistress Slade, I was more interested in the new arrival and his uplander companion. Your cadaverous friend seems to harbor distaste for the vegetative being, and most skeletons' actions reflect the desires of their creators. What grievance do you bear against that creature?"

After Aranda answers:

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Thanaton nods. "On an unrelated note, as you are affiliated with the Urgathoan religion, I would like to ask you a question. I had heard of a subsect of Urgathoans known as the Order of the Tempered Scythe, those who believe that the hunger associated with your faith is more metaphorical and who live an abstemious lifestyle. What is the Church's position on such beliefs? Do you feel that there will be a schism?"

Sincerest apologies for not posting in this thread sooner - I didn't realize a discussion thread had already been linked for the pre-game selection scene. I have not played Savage Tide at all and know little about it, but I understand it goes through Level 20, unlike many later APs.

The smile flickers across Thanaton's face again, but he seems uncomfortable at Aranda's touch. "Mistress Urgathoan is clearly in jest. This is a time of mourning for friends and employers - hardly the time for revelry." He bows, motioning towards the buffet table and the others he had been conversing with - though he does take the opportunity to step back from the singer. "Would Mistress care to meet some of the other guests attendant? Most of us served the late Vanderborens in one way or another - translators, guards, stevedores - but we mourn their passing as keenly as any other. They were most benevolent and generous employers. If you would follow me?" Towards the banquet table - and away from the explorer and his strange companion! I am sure he has many fascinating stories to tell, and I am sure that removing this woman from his presence will avoid... incidents that might make him reluctant to speak.

If Aranda follows him:

As Thanaton reaches the banquet table, he introduces his fellow guests to the large priestess. "Mistress Urgathoan, these are the fellow employees of the Vanderborens." He gestures to each in turn as he states their names. "Master Pertinax, Mistress Khalazza, and Master Culexis. We were until recently joined by Mistress Shikki, but she has been called away to speak with our august explorer guest and his unique and irreplaceable verdant companion." At this, he gives a significant glance at the skeleton that recently attempted to destroy said plant-like being. After a moment, however, his gaze returns to Aranda. "As I said, most of us served the Vanderborens at some point or another, and I for one hope to serve their children as faithfully. I myself was an interpreter in Lord Verik's archaeological expeditions. What of yourself? Are you a relative of our late benefactors?"

Seeing the new arrival and his verdant companion approach the table, Thanaton stares in curiosity but not hostility, interested in this new arrival who has clearly seen the surface. As Kora approaches with the new guest, he bows his head and steps out of the way of the Vanderborens' majordomo. At Shikki's statement, he nods to the diminutive ratfolk. "I hope for much the same outcome, Mistress Shikki."

Watching the small group leave, he makes a comment to those he had been talking to, pitching his voice so it can only be heard by those near him. That is, most of the prospective PCs, except Shikki, who just left. Probably not Aranda either, unless she is at the banquet table. Certainly not the arguing Kellanis. "We had best leave matters of 'blood purity' to the highborn. Tradesmen like ourselves need only concern ourselves with whether our peers are competent or incompetent. Irrespective of her ancestry, Mistress Shikki seems most competent. I wish more understood this."

At Nathrae's comment, a smirk flashes across his face and is gone just as quickly. "This is so. As I said, the Vanderborens were most generous employers. I am sure their open-mindedness is represented in their surviving children." He smiles, not the brief, friendly smirk he has had until now, but a lengthy, menacing smile that shows off far more fangs than should fit into an ordinary mouth. "If there was indeed foul play in their deaths, I would like to find those who killed them. I doubt the killers will like it, however."

He notices Aranda's minion move towards the plant-like being and stop. His empty eyes take in the skeletal limbs of the hooded figure and the portly singer who gives it commands, and he moves towards the priestess. "Greetings. I gather from your fleshless companion and your singularly hedonistic worldview that you are an Urgathoan?" He extends an emaciated hand in greeting. "I am Thanaton Sirov, journeyman of Witchwarden Tower."

Thanaton listens intently to Pertinax's words as he describes how his family influenced his religious upbringing. His hooves clack against the tile floor as he shifts his weight. "I have heard such sentiments as well, Master Islaran. I cannot of course say what my mother thought of my nature, as she perished in my youth, but many nobles feel that 'my kind' is unworthy of learning magic." A smirk flashes across his face and is gone in an instant. "Few who have met Guildmistress Seoni articulate such statements within her earshot."

As Liamae and the Jade Ravens introduce themselves, he smiles briefly, taking Zan's offered hand in a handshake. "A great pleasure to meet you all. I hope we will have the opportunity to work together in the employ of Lady Lavinia and Lord Vanthus."

The young guildsman recognizes Shikki's unease, addressing the ratfolk next. "You are a professional, are you not, Mistress Shikki? As you are not of my own guild, I address you as I would a senior guildsman. This is customary, yes?"

In a lull in the conversation, Thanaton listens to the singer's message of revelry and excess, a frown on his face. "A most short-sighted sentiment. Master Culexis has the right of it - true pleasure is only attainable through asceticism." He takes a spiced segment of giant millipede from the bowl on the banquet table. "I have eaten nothing else today, so I derive greater satisfaction from this food than I would have if I had glutted myself on such fare since waking. Those who wish to enjoy life must practice both discipline and self-denial."

Thanaton is mildly confused when Nathrae's mood darkens, one eyebrow slightly raising as he considers the situation. Why would the Vanderborens' academic background matter? Does this have something to do with the corporal's "military incident?" While he's perfectly happy to wait until later to question Nathrae, he does speak up in defense of his employer. "Master Culexis merely stated that the Vanderborens were his patrons, not his teachers. All I know of my employers' academic credentials is that Lord Verik was interested in history, but I doubt that they were healers." He leans in and whispers in a low voice to Nathrae, attempting to ensure her privacy. "Mistress Khalazza, whatever injury you recieved, I am sure the Vanderborens did all they could. They were loyal to their employees."

As the conversation shifts to sailors' inability to swim, Thanaton nods at the words of Pertinax. "This is so. My youth was spent in the Azure District, and the sailors there stated that drowning is less risk than certain other hazards. Many do not learn to swim - if a sailor falls overboard, it does not matter whether she drowns or is killed by an aquatic animal."

Shikki's speculation gives him pause for a moment, however. "Your point is compelling, Mistress Shikki. Even so, I cannot imagine that Lord Verik and Lady Larissa would have had personal enemies. I know for certain that they were generous to the trade guilds - Guildmistress Seoni spoke most highly of Lady Larissa. If any bore a grudge, it must be against the whole family. Perhaps their children need loyal servants now more than ever."

He turns to the four others at the banquet table. "What of yourselves? I do not know you. For what purpose have you come to mourn the Vanderborens?"
Addressing the four NPCs already at the table when Nathrae arrived.

As the ratfolk speaks, Thanaton turns to her, nodding in assent at her statement. "This is so. The Vanderborens were good friends to my guild, and Lord Verik was a most forthright and honest man. He looks at Shikki for a moment. "Shall I assume, then, that you were in the Vanderborens' employ? If so, may I inquire as to your area of expertise?

The mage listens intently as the ex-corporal speaks, bowing his head briefly and stiffly once she finishes. "I was honored to serve Lord Verik as a translator, and I am sorry you did not have the chance to do the same. It is my hope that the surviving Vanderborens are amenable to a continuation of my employment, and I would welcome the chance to serve their house."

Sincerest apologies for the delay. It was a hectic day at the lab yesterday, and I didn't get home until 3 in the morning.

The next to arrive is a tall, gaunt figure in the high-collared red mantle of the Witchwarden Tower Arcanists' Guild. Like the warrior in Vanderboren garb, he appears to be of mixed drow and... extraplanar blood. Beneath two small horns buried in his neat hair, a pair of eyes like empty pits look out onto the room, surveying the attendant guests. An emaciated hand extends from the mantle, clutching a long staff of bone in a death grip. His movements are quick and jerky, and any close enough to him smell faint whiffs of blood and embalming fluid.

At the sight of the squabbling drow, he grimaces briefly before his face resumes its usual dour expression. Nobles. Best not to meddle in their affairs without cause.

Noticing the knot of guests around the table, Thanaton moves in that direction himself, arriving just in time to hear the ascetic man's comments. His voice is a flat monotone punctuated at irregular intervals by strange inflections. "Indeed. The late Vanderborens were most generous and trustworthy employers, and they will be sorely missed."

He looks around at the other guests. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Thanaton Sirov. I frequently worked with Lord Verik in his archaeological pursuits. May I inquire as to your relation to the Vanderborens?"

Thanaton is directing his query to both the other members of the party and the armed group of four.

The back story looks good - my only concern would be what loyalties would he even have to the Vanderboren house should the situation arise. I mean would your character be the sort to abandon them if the pay wasn't enough or if they asked you to perform a mission that might not further your personal goals but rather the goals of the Vanderboren house as a whole?

As far as the severed head... not so sure about that might be a little too much.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm trying my best to avoid crossing the line too far with this character - I'll be sure to make the adjustments you requested. Also, just to clarify (I will be removing it either way), it was a severed hand, rather than a severed head. It was a stupid idea anyway, but it feels a little less insane that way, more along the lines of how some wizards carry around a hand of the mage magic item rather than "madman who talks to the severed heads of his enemies."

As for the loyalty issue, I probably should have made it clearer in my character's profile - the fault is with me. My character has a very broad view of what constitutes "advancing his plans," and his philosophy for social interaction is based on the concept of enlightened self-interest. To him, becoming known as a loyal minion to a noble house, even a relatively minor one like House Vanderboren, would be worth a certain amount of self-sacrifice. He is thoroughly loyal to the Vanderborens - his impression of them has been of honest and forthright dealings, and he has no issue with demonstrating his genuine appreciation to an employer he is sure won't immediately betray him. As I said in my character's introduction, he is intelligent about his villainy, and abandoning an ally or stabbing them in the back (metaphorically or literally) is not something he would generally do.

My character is not entirely mercenary or unreasonable - alignment-wise, he is extremely lawful and only moderately evil. He realizes that sometimes, he has to do good things in the pursuit of the greater evil.

Another one...so many undead

In fairness, the character was originally an Undead Master - I had switched him to a basic wizard shortly after submitting him, but I thought I might switch him back.

Also, as far as I can tell, there are currently only two "skeleton lord"-type characters, and our characters will fill different but potentially complementary roles, both in combat (I was doing an unorthodox build focused on supporting a smaller number of elite minions) and in social situations (my character is a straight-laced, dour scholar with a focus on Knowledge skills, your character is a hedonistic cleric who eats children and focuses primarily on Intimidate).

If you have a moment, GM, would you be willing to look over my character's backstory, personality and the like, make sure it fits in with both the campaign setting and the general tone of the campaign? I've been trying to toe the line regarding "evil, but less evil than the rest of Telderist," but I'm worried I've crossed the line somewhere - as currently written, my character carries around his mother's severed hand, is that too dark? I don't think I'm conflicting with anything in the player's guide, but I just wanted to check.

On second thought, I was going to add the Undead Master archetype to Thanaton, if it's okay with the GM.

Additionally, I have a quick question for the GM regarding templates - could they be added later in the campaign? Specifically, could my necromancer character become a lich?

(Tries to see Suny as evil nasty and fails)

Evil doesn't necessarily mean nasty. In The Brothers Karamazov, the Russian Extentialist novelist Fyodor Mikhailovitch Dostoyevsky made a number of philosophical statements on the nature of evil. In the depths of Ivan Fyodorovitch Karamazov's brain fever in Book Eleven, he was visited by the Devil, who appeared as a sort of mid-ranking clerk of no real initiative or ambition. He wasn't portrayed as cruel or even particularly unpleasant, suggesting that rather than active evil by those who know their actions are wrong, true evil is those with neutral or even good intentions unable or unwilling to realize their actions are wrong, or even those who know their actions are wrong but are unwilling to change (see his famous story The Grand Inquisitor).

Likewise, Raistlin from the Dragonlance Chronicles is a great example of an evil character capable of working with a neutral/good group - he's undoubtedly evil, but it mostly manifests as being vaguely snarky and unpleasant, as the realization of his evil plans happens to require him to vanquish the greater evil with the paladins.

Not every evil character is going to be this guy, though many undoubtedly will.

Apologies for the delay - I know I said I'd have it done yesterday in its entirety, but I now have the first part of Thanaton's backstory up. Tomorrow, I'll try and work in how he met the Vanderborens and see if I can expand the personality/appearance section a bit more, in addition to tweaking the equipment list with the new windfall. If you have time, GM, would you be willing to review what I have up and provide some feedback?

Presenting Thanaton Sirov, the LE tiefling necromancer, for consideration. Originally hailing from the Azure District, he was trained as a mage in the Noble District, and he adventures as part of an ambitious but poorly-planned plot to unify the Darklands under his banner. Crunch is done, I plan on fleshing out the backstory tomorrow.

Something to note, especially given my own experiences with evil PCs at my home table and how I have seen several Way of the Wicked campaigns go on these forums: Thanaton is LE with a megalomaniacal plot to rival that of a James Bond villain, but he's not unreasonable or even overly unpleasant - he's an enthusiastic "team player" extremely unlikely to stab his allies in the back, and while his motives for adventuring are far from altruistic, he will stand firm against any force that threatens Telderist (and by extension, his plans). If left to his own devices, he could easily become a campaign boss for a team of good-aligned heroes, but for a Darklands campaign, he's comparatively benevolent.

I'm actually fairly glad many of the submissions have a humorous element to them. I had originally intended for my character to be serious, but as I look over my submission, I realize that certain elements of his backstory are more comical. I can easily imagine Iomedae carefully weighing the pros and cons of giving Isin clerical/paladin powers.

Pros:
Has the religious background of a faithful cleric
Has the willingness to take up arms for righteousness of a valiant paladin

Cons:
Has the physical strength of a boiled turnip
Has the wisdom and overall strength of will of a concussed lemming