The Cadwallop

The Cadwallop is a cruel deceiver that feeds off fear and desperation. He approaches those lost in the Hedge and offers to help them. He’ll show them the way; he’ll get them where they’re going, if only they’d be kind enough to follow along. Of course, he’s only going to get them more lost than they were. Unlike the Noppera-Bo (Changeling, pp. 276–277), the Cadwallop has little interest in getting his prey killed. No, for him it’s far more parasitic. Or, even better, think of how one rides the mechanical bull; this hob is hoping to hang on just long enough. Long enough for what? To exploit those he’s purporting to help. They think he's their savior. He’ll try to get some food off of them, or be allowed a trifle or a token as “early” payment for helping them. The goblin might try to get them to tell him their life stories, or he might endeavor to seduce one of them. He’s a liar and a hanger-on. It’s ingrained in him, this deceit; he can do nothing else but pretend to be something he’s not for his own personal gain. When he’s inevitably discovered, he flees. This creature is no fighter, and his chosen course of action is to live again to deceive another day. Description: The Cadwallop is always attractive (and, despite the background notes above, not always male), always dressed in modern human clothing. Warm eyes, easy-to-love smile, a soft voice… it all adds up to a callow pretender. At least, that’s his outer shell. If ever he’s damaged, that exterior starts to show what lurks beneath. (Bashing causes small cracks in the skin, almost as if it’s made of porcelain. Lethal damage causes whole hunks of the façade to fall away, and aggravated tears much of the ceramic-seeming exoskeleton away.) What lies beneath? A reptilian thing, its layered scales gleaming and slick with gluey fluids. Storytelling Hints: At first, this hob is nice as cookies. He’s a calming presence. He’ll make friends. Offer help. Smile. Say comforting things. Over time, though, he starts to play on their emotions. Introduce new worries. Enflame old fears. Make them suspicious or self-conscious (all in that soft voice). Of course, over time, that fades — he grows excited. Their misery and fear thrills him, and before too long they can’t help but notice he’s gotten them hopelessly lost and oh how he loves it. Mental Attributes: Intelligence 3, Wits 3, Resolve 3 Physical Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 3, Stamina 2 Social Attributes: Presence 5, Manipulation 4, Composure 3 Mental