Turn 41: The game resumes
Turn 40
Eximius Res, the Rusty Ring (Hawk132)
Back when Prias visited Veras
"I agree. Delving deeply into one field is impressive, but being good at multiple at once is also commendable. But let's get back to the jewel. If I understand correctly, the amulet you could create would store magic and vitality within? It sounds like it would synergize with us quite well... Though the spell interests me as well. Do you have any predictions on what sort of magic it would be?"
Questions. IN THE PAST!
Back to the present
Prias would feel something akin to a stare drilling into him after his question, for a good few seconds - before hearing a loud sigh.
"Fine. But keep me close. And don't get used to it." Another frustrated sigh resounded as Eximius grumbled. "Kids these days."
Giving the kids some privacy ho!
Ever perceptive, you subtly gave Prias permission to take you off for a night. A night of intimacy, a night of respite. And so with a grateful and embarassed smile, your young host answered so:
"Thank you so much Eximius" he paused for a moment, smiling to himself.
"I can't thank the gods enough for allowing me to meet you" He took you off with great care and put you in a locker his room. Physically separated from your host you felt your power weakening, filling your mind with unease for a moment. But you two were still bonded by a link stronger, a link of the soul. You two could still communicate at will, and both of you could innately sense the direction of the other.
And so he left you with the familiar loneliness that was your sole compagnon for so long, leaving you for a night for the warmth of his lover. Leaving you alone with your thoughts, and buried memories.
Two in one. That was the nature of your strength, and weakness. Prias was a promising vessel, strongly compatibly with you. That is why he had grew so much in such a short span of time. But this relationship was two-way: he needed you, as you neede him. And the more both of you grew, the more intermingled your fates, bodies and souls would mix.
[With a familiar loneliness][Easy 8]: [1]
Outcome: [3] -Failure-
Prias was a human. Driven by many goals and attachments, some shifting, some immovable. But you were not human. You had only one purpose, one goal. One everything. Your host. You remembered the terror of centuries left in darkness, purposeless, relinquished. Alone. You trusted Prias, but you didn't trust the world. The world could take your host away, anytime. Anything could happen. And once again, you would be left alone.
[Enduring the solitude][Hard 13]: [1]
Outcome: [1] -Critical Failure-
No. No more. This suffocating feeling was too much, you tried to endure, to resist. But you couldn't. And in a display of ashaming weakness, you had a fit of panic. You were back in that dark and cold place, filled with the stench of the dead. One of your past host lying at your side, a shapeless figure in your memory. You called for a forgotten, silen name. You screamed. You raged. You despaired.
Why did you leave me alone? Why? Whywhywhy-
*
"Eximius!"Prias voice snapped you back. The loneliness and the unease were gone. He had come back for you.
[Prias: Sneak][Hard 14]: [19]
Outcome: [6] -Overshoot-
You were both outside. He had managed to slip away without waking up Sandra, and rushed to you once he felt your thoughts pouring in his mind. He put you back on, and you felt filled with relief. He didn't return to sleep, instead sitting on a chair at the entrance of their house. Cuddled in warm clothes, he gazed at the starless skies, speaking with you, communing with your thoughts...
Short action: what was said between Prias and you this night.
Long action: What will you do the next day, and those following after? The village and its surroundings are most assuredly much safer thanks to your actions. Veras is likely to finish your commission in that frametime too.Nearby Monsters:-None
HP: 25/25
MP: 21/21
Essence: 15/50
Attributes:
STR 2
CON 2
POW 1
RES 1
INT -1
IND -1
Status:
-Ring Form
Location:
-Safara (Eastern Village of Nepkeros)
> Back to Safara
Host: Prias, Human Hero of Safara
HP: 20/20
MP: 20/20
Status:
-Bonded
-Heroic Protection
-[Of Vigilance]
-[Of Protection]
-|Of Erudition]
Gear:
-Leather armor set
Inventory:
-Two dark green potions (apply to use)
Attributes:
Str 1 (2)+1
Con 1 (2)+1
Pow 1 (1)
Res 1 (1)
Int 1
Ind 3
Notes:
-Semi-Locked Potential (True and acknowledged)
-Ancient Combat Techniques (Bonus to combat)
-Strong bones (Less chances of breaking bones)
-Seasoned Hunter (Bonus to hunting related actions)
-Resolution to return to them
-Ambition: Save Nepkeros?
Skills:
-Accelerated Flow: at the cost of stamina and/or HP, the user can move at incredible speeds for extended periods of time.
Notes:
-Investigated Prias "restraints"
-Known Villagers:
Veras: the village's mage
Sandra, Septor, Iseis: Prias's close friends
Eten, Luaros: villagers on townwatch
Azarian, the Imbued Thoughtling (Dustan Hache)
it’s quite clear that whatever is protecting the path is several times stronger than me. This leaves two options: the first is to find a way around that doesn’t use that pass, such as flight or a scalable cliff. the second is to collect as much power in as many forms as possible, then return here and attempt to force my way through.
as such, I start moving away from the pass, following the cliffside to the left of it in search of either a way around, or a source of power such as other monsters or a mana well.
[Seeking for an alternative path, or a source of power]Luck: [4] -Good-
[Easy 6]: [4]
Outcome: [4] -Failure-
Keeping close to the cliff to your left, you trekked carefully seeking for an alternative path. More than once you found initially promising cliffside paths, but all ended in dead ends before even reaching half of the cliffs height. Now several hours have gone and the hollow pass was completely covered in the cliffs' projected shadow.
On rare occasions you could see the shadow of some winged creature lurking in the low clouds above. You avoided attracting their attention during your search, but maybe their presence could serve some use in the future.
[Source of power][Easy 6]: [4]
Outcome: [4] -Failure-
You had accute senses when it came to the powers coursing through the land. If you had to describe it, the power of the deadlands was scarce and frail. Like the drained remnants of a once greater power. And as such spots of power were much more coveted and noticeable to the trained eye, like a bright candle in a dim landscape.
After another fruitless search, you were back at the entrance of the pass. There was no such candle in the surroundings. Rather, the power seemed much more drained than the previous lands you went through.
[Pondering the drained power][Easy 8]: [4]
Outcome: [6] -Partial Success-
Your intuition was telling you the state of the land here was possibly deliberate. Someone, or something may have voluntarily drained away this place's magic energies, but to what end?
Before you could dwell on the matter further, you sensed a hostile presence coming from above in the direction of one of cliffs. A gross creature was diving toward you. Some sort of cow-sized eyeless hairy mosquito with black avian wings. Maybe that creature had a name, but that was unimportant to you. You had some knowledge of that creature, it was known to feed on mana and was especially hungry for the life-laced mana of living beings. It had stronger magic resistance than the average creature, but it was dumb enough to be vulnerable to mental attacks.
Nearby Beings:- Mana-sucking Dipter
A giant eyeless hairy mosquito with bird-like wings. Known to feed on mana, particularly fond of the mana of living beings. Known to be weak against mental attacks, and resistant against magic. Physical attributes average.
HP: 17/17
MP: 17/17
Essence: 17/20
Attributes:
STR 0
CON -1
POW 1 (+1)
RES 1 (+1)
INT 1
IND 0
Status:
-Critical
Location:
-Nepkeros-Empsiphion Mountainous Passage
> Great Gate and Wall (nearby)
Skee, the Insect Parasite (Legendary Marksdorf)
Keep waiting and trying to understand Shnapa's brain, without tampering with it too much. Open your host's eyes so you may watch the semi-finals, but keep resting.
[Study of Shnapa's brain] (Biobond active)[Easy 7] [6]
Outcome: [4] -Failure-
You kept attempting to carefully understand the intricacies of Shnapa's brain. The weakened state of your host forced you to be less intrusive, and in the end not much could be gained from your study. You did manage to half-open its eyes enough to see your surroundings.
Luck: [5] -Very Good-
Luckily for you, your pack had carried your host's body at the top of a tree whose upper branches split from the trunk into the shape of an open hand. From there even your sleeping host could have a look over the battle.
Of the 24 strongest contestants of the Makralian tournament, only four remained standing to face off in the semi-finals. It came to no one surprise that only Great Leaders had fought victorious until that point:
- Knakarsh the Mighty, who had proved his title as strongest of the Makralians wasn't for laugh.
- Rushnu the Toxic, whose deadly venoms had bested all opposition.
- Krauraka the Hungry, whose burning fury and corrosive saliva allowed to come on top of its opponents.
- Klikshi the Gale, who defeated all of its opponents in the blink of an eye.
[Semi-finals]The crowd was in an ever growing frenzy from witnessing the strongest fight in deadly battles all day long. And now the fiercest of all the packs were about to face off. Even the trees were trembling from the combined clamor of the roused Makralians, and one could tell these moments would be etched into their memories for years to come.
Knakarsh faced Klikshi, while Rushnu faced Krauraka. Through the half open eyes of your sleeping host, you studied the fights in great detail.
[The Mighty and the Gale]Klikshi opened with a frighteningly fast surprise attack in an attempt to catch Knakarsh off-guard and quickly finish the fight. The much stronger Knakarsh didn't expect such a fast attack, and it's split-second late reaction cost him an eye. Before Knakarsh could even finish breathing, Klikshi sprung again from behind, aiming for an incapacitating strike with its razor sharp teeth.
Its jaw closed in the back of the neck of the Mightiest Makralian, who roared in rage and pain. It trashed around in an attempt to get its assaillant off, to no avail. The Gale was evading all the strikes with nimble movements while maintaining its vicious grip. And then the Mighty kneeled, and lifted both of its hands to surrender.
Outraged screams and acclaiming roars filled the arena, and the victorious Klikshi the Gale answered with a deafening shriek of victory that sounded like a mocking laugh. His crocodilian mouth was drawing a large smile, exacerbated by the blood dripping from his mouth on its yellow fur.
[The Toxic and the Hungry]Rushnu initiated with a volley of venomous spit, her signature move. But Krauraka rushed forward without a care for the barrage of venom and took it head-on. Him ducked at the right time, allowing him to dodge the attack, and lunged on Rushnu like a starving predator. He managed to lock his jaw on her left arm, snapping it like a twig and causing its corrosive saliva to eat away at Rushnu's flesh.
The Toxic's poisonous blood managed to shock the Hungry enough for it to recoil, allowing Rushnu to free her broken arm. But this surprise lasted for a second, and already used to the taste and effects of the poison, Krauraka rushed once more and pinned Rushnu to the ground with his stronger arms. Nushnu retaliated with a spray of venom that caused Krauraka to roar in pain as his face started melting and blood poured out of his eyes, nostrils and mouth.
But it was not enough to stop the Hungry, whose fury could be now felt all across the arena. And as he was about to rip the head of his opponent, he suddenly stopped right before snapping his jaws shut on his opponent's neck. Rushnu had given up, and proceeded to give an antidote to Krauraka. Rushnu weakly kneeled while Krauraka stood up and let out a powerful roar, hungry for victory.
[Shnapa: Self-Recovery][Hard 13] [13]
Outcome: [4] -Critical Success-
Suddenly Shnapa's body convulsed and sprung back up, recovered. Something about its brain seemed changed, probably due to the near death experience and the chemicals pumped into its body. The pack hadn't noticed your host's recovery yet, still too enthralled by the fights. And now, the final battle was about to begin.
Nearby Beings:-Nearly a thousand of Adult Makralians
-The 8 Greater Leaders
-The 39 Lesser Leaders
-The 24 last contestants
HP: 12/17
MP: 17/17
Essence: 10/20
Attributes:
STR 0
CON -1
POW 0
RES -1
INT 3
IND 1
Status:
-Badly Wounded
[Regenerative Serum]
[Biobond]: +1 to most actions
Inventory:
-Banera's Bladed Tail
Location:
-North Savarde Jungle - Reunion spot
Host: Adult Makralian (Shnapa)
HP: 11/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: -/10(Not awakened)
Status:
-Crippled
-Badly Wounded
[Regenerative Serum]
Attributes:
STR 1
CON 1
POW -1
RES 0
INT 1
IND 1
Known Skills:
-Rallying Call
-Vicious Bite
-Fur Hardening
-??
Go'Von, the Strangler Ooze (Puppyguard)
Go'Von
Kill the leech, and drag its body up a wall where we can consume it from a safer vantage point.
Luck: [2] -Bad-
[Digest](Str 1 vs Con 0) [11] vs [6]-4 [Incapacitated]
Critical: [7]+3 -Critical hit-
Damage: Lethal hit
You engulfed a portion of the leech's body, releasing a potent brew of digestive enzymes that quickly killed the helpless monster. Now all that was left was to drag your meal to a safe place and consume it undisturbed.
+2 Lesser Essence[Hidden Predator: Ambush!](Str 2 vs Con 2) [5]+4 (Surprise Attack 4) vs [3]
Critical: [6]+2 -Normal Hit-
Damage: [2]*1 = 2
[Dissolving Venom Resistance 8]Go'Von (Con 2): [11]
You suddenly felt a sharp stabbing pain in four spots of your body followed by the sensation of a foreign substance being pumped inside you. You slipped away using your liquid form, allowing you to see the mysterious assailant: a very tall and slender insect whose body ressembled a bunch of twigs. It had stabbed you with its four front elongated limbs which ended with a needle.
As it stabbed you, it retreated into the woods where you could clearly see its color changing as well as leaves sprouting from its body.
Nearby Beings:-Giant camouflaging stick insect
-Leech with four limbs predator [dead]
-Quite many
HP: 13/20
MP: 14/14
Essence: 7/20
Attributes:
STR 1
CON 2
POW 0
RES 1
INT -2
IND 0
Status:
-Fine
-Full Stomach
-Slightly Tired
Location:
-Baldars Plains, Savage Country of Marandars
> inside a Baldars Monster Pit
Squacks the Carrion Bird - (Devastator)
"We killed some wyverns, and then escaped this way. The wyverns were then attacked by even bigger monsters." "I'm sorry things went so bad." "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Try to find some food for them. Look only for dead stuff, fight leftovers. Carry some back. Run away if something looks nasty.
Luck: [4] -Good-
You left the safety of the cave in search for sustenance for the wounded, flying over the rivers of the delta.
[Scavenging for food][Easy 6]: [4]
Outcome: [1] -Critical Failure-
You scoured the skies, on the lookout for easy food in the form of carrions. Thanks to the many rivers of the delta, the surrounding land was lush with tropical vegetation. Monsters were prospering in this environment, and competition was fierce. It didn't take long to find a tasty, unfinished carcass of some bovine creature. But before you could get to it, a group of hyena monsters claimed the carcass for themselves.
You could see the alpha of the pack glaring at you from below, it was bigger than a lion, and its fur had an electrified look. It also sported a great mane of spiky fur that flowed as if a current was coursing through it. You had the feeling this monster was telling you to leave their territory.
[Scavenging for food 2][Easy-Moderate 8]: [4]
Outcome: [3] -Failure-
You left somewhere else and kept searching. Eventually, you managed to find a recent carrion lying on a plateau of the chasms. Another group of monster was already eyeing it, a bird of prey that looked like a gaunt raven with sandy feathers. Both groups circled above the carcass, waiting to see who would make the first move.
Nearby Beings:- 4 Gaunt raven monsters [Hostile/Wary]
Allies:
-
Kra, Cinder Vulture-3 Carrion Birds [They want to get some GAINS]
-4 wounded Carrion Birds [In a cave, resting]
HP: 12/12
MP: 14/15
Essence: 3/5
STR 2
CON 0
POW -1
RES 1
INT -1
IND 0
Status:
[Spell Resistance] (Weak) +1 to Res against weak spells/mana based abilities
Location:
-Yet unnamed Delta Chasms (South to Anvarde Hills and Savarde Jungle)
Terrence the Bone Baron - (ironsnake345)
"Then on we shall travel. To build our strength, and our army! Our freedom we will earn, our kingdom we will claim!"
Onwards, to chase might and companionship!
To seal the strength of your conviction into your memories, the three of you gathered in a circle swore over your crossed swords an oath of ambition.
Travel: [4]
Luck: [1]
[Resuming a quest for Power and Companionship]You resumed the journey in this land of unending fog. The days went on, facing the horrors sprung from whatever curse afflicted this land of the dead, and gathering any clue that could help you escape this prison. You walked, talked, and shared.
From the memories of your two companions, you understood that the land you were trapped in was most likely what once was the plains of Easenval, now turned into this deadland. But due to some mystic force, you were unable to leave. The plains were much bigger than they once were, and it would seem walking too long close to the limit of the plains would cause you to invariably reappear in another place of the deadland.
You earned a total of 10 Lesser Essence each over the course of your journey. Artomal transformed into a Spectral Duelist during the journey.Name: Artomal De Montora
Species: Spectral Duelist
Appearance: an ever-smiling mustached spectre wearing a blazing noble's outfit. It always carries a rapier at his side.
Attributes
Max HP 20
Max MP 14
STR 0
CON 0
POW 0
RES 1
INT -1
IND 1
Traits
- Spectral Undead: an undead with an semi-intangible body made of an ectoplasmic substance. Physical attacks pass through without resistance and have a lessened effect, but magical attacks will have an increased effect.
- Fearless and Inspiring Fool: its condition and experiences has turned him quite resilient to events that would terrify the common man. His actions may inspire his allies. Maybe.
- Spectral Arsenal: spectral weapons can be dematerialized and incorporated inside his body, and drawn at will. Extensive damage to the body may damage the stored weapons.
Skills
- Skilled Weapon-user (Rapier, Swords)
- Weakness Sight: a magic ability that enables its user to detect an enemy's weaknesses if successful.
- Mana-stealing Strike: a special strike that drains the target's mana at the cost of inflicto,g reduced damage.
- Dance of the Mad Specter: infusing its body and weapon with mana, Artomal enters a short enhanced state during which it will pull all the tricks in his book of swordplay to unleash a devastating assault on his would be enemies.
[Encountering the minions of the Armor]You knew this day was going to be different. Without anyone expecting it, the fog turned so dense that you could barely see in front of you. The three of you remained in a close groupe, watching for each others back in the impenetrable fog. Hours passed, tense and uneventful, with a fog that obscured even your steps.
And then the three of you stopped at the same time. You all agreed on the situation: you were surrounded, and about to be ambushed by unknown assailants.
Nearby Beings:- Ambushers in the Fog
HP: 20/20
MP: 14/14
Essence: 10/20
STR 1
CON 1
POW 0
RES -1
INT 1
IND -1
Status:
-Okay
Inventory:
-Bone Broadsword [Wielded]
Location:
-Deadland of Easenval
> Fog
Companion: Vel
HP: 20/20
MP: 14/14
Essence: 10/20
STR 1
CON 0
POW 0
RES 0
INT -1
IND 1
Status:
-Okay
Inventory:
-Bound Arming Sword [Wielded]
Companion: Artomal[/color]
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 5/20
STR 0
CON 0
POW 0
RES 1
INT -1
IND 1
Status:
-Okay
Inventory:
-Spectral Rapier [Wielded]
Some Traits:
-Spectral Undead
Gray the Unstable Prismetal Blaster (Beirus)
"Are you okay now?" Gray asked the Djinns, attempting to see if they had recovered fully. Inwardly, he was very proud of the way that he was able to apply the form that he had practiced. However, he only took a moment to enjoy it before turning to the Sand Spirits. This wasn't over yet, and the longer he took, the longer the remaining monsters were bound by hate. "That just leaves the Mirages, right? What can you tell me of them? Any special abilities or weaknesses?"
Check to see that the Djinns are okay and ask the Sand Spirits for more information on the Mirages.
Thanks to your mastery over the magic of the runes and your absolute control over your body, you had managed to pacify the maddened Djinns. You inquired about their current state and feelings, to which they answered still in a daze.
"Ah... We couldn't be more grateful. Our savior, you pulled us out of a terrible nightmare. We are back to our selves now, and once more, you have all our gratitude."Accepting their gratitude, you turned to the Sand Spirits. There was no time to waste, and only the Mirages were left.
"The Mirages are masters of illusions. They reside near a spring of the valley they keep hidden with tricks of the mind. A rare few of them have powers over wind and fire, but the vast majority of Mirages are helpless without their illusions. With the protection we promised you, the weakest Mirages should be unable to affect you. You will most likely have to watch out for the strongest ones, those may manage to break through our protection."The Djinns having recovered enough to understand the situation asked to be of assistance.
"Let us help you liberating the other spirits. This is the least we could do. There is something you haven't mentioned, which is that the Mirages become weaker during the night if they leave their spring. We could use that against the maddened Mirages."Brown nodded, and looked at you. You were both the kind to feel before thinking, and he felt it would be better to leave complicated plans to the Spirits of the Sand and the Djinns.
"I'm ready whenever you are Gray. Let's help all of them!"Nearby Monsters:-10 Pacified Greater Sand Spirits [Allies]
-6 Pacified Djinns [Allies]
HP: 23/23 - 1/1 (x5)
MP: 18/18
Essence: 25/50
Attributes:
STR 1 (+1)
CON 2
POW 1 (+1)
RES 1
INT -1
IND 0 (+1)
Status:
-[Chaos Form]
-Spiritual Protection [Illusions and Mental Attacks]
-Masterful Glyph of Calm on fist + Aerodynamically shaped arm
Inventory:
-Cloak of the Disciple (worn)
-Desert Traveler Gear (M)
Note:
[Martial Art knowledge increased]
[Magic Knowledge Increased]
[Combination attack development in progress]
Location:
-Valley of Whispers
[Onward to Jinna Fel!]
Companion: Brown the Dirt Protector
HP: 18/20
MP: 14/14
Essence: 5/20
Status:
Attributes:
STR 0 (+1)
CON 3
POW -1
RES 2
INT -1
IND 0 (+1)
Inventory:
-Cloak of the Disciple (tied around)
-Desert Traveler Gear (XL) (Damaged)
Viridikion the Green Dragon Hatchling (randomgenericusername)
Viridikion stares at the claw marks. There was a dragon here! But it also didn't want to be disturbed. As much as Viridikion wanted to meet other dragons, It wouldn't be nice to just enter uninvited, not at all.
...Food! The first thing Ebes did was to bring food! Maybe, he could befriend the dragon if he brought some food, like Ebes did with him! Everyone likes food! So, Viridikion climbs the nearby trees with his claws, and starts gathering fruits, piling them in front of the marked tree.
[Gathering a peace offering][Easy 5]: [13]
Outcome: [2] -Success-
With the eagerness only a young and innocent dragon could have, you gathered as many beautiful and tasteful fruits as you could. You had to make a conscious effort not to eat them due to how delicious they looked. But it was all for the sake of friendship, you had to endure!
Eventually you gathered a beautiful pile of fresh fruits. Anyone would have salivated just looking at it. Now, all was left was to wait politely, probably.
Luck: [5] -Great-
You sat expectantly under the shade of the tree, right in front of the pile of tasty fruits. And you waited, seeing the clouds go by, and the sun slowly rises up.
"My, what is this adorable little one?"A deep voice rumbled behind you. And as you turned, you saw it. A dragon! Towering, majestic, and green! A dragon! She was much bigger and taller than Ebes, who himself was already taller than you. You couldn't belive how big she was, being taller than maybe ten Ebes?
There was something wise and gentle in the eyes of this female dragon, nothing like what you would have imagined from the message of these claw marks.
Nearby Beings:- Adult Shegarian Dragon
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
Essence: 1/2
Attributes:
STR 1
CON 1
POW 0
RES 0
INT -1
IND -1
Status:
-Just born!
-Envenomed
Inventory:
-Curious bronze necklace (Ebes memento)
Location:
-Eastern Theocracy of Tymarch - Forests of Shegaria
Author
Topic: You are a Monster - Turn 67 (Read 232496 times)