Turn 23:
Turn 22
Skee, the Insect Parasite (Legendary Marksdorf)
((Funny, I was planning to try and get all the Makralian packs to unite. This makes things way easier for me.))
"Interesting", Skee thought. "If all the Makralians were to gather, they'd probably start attacking bigger preys. Maybe I could use this to acquire a powerful host..."
Make your host say in monstrous tongue that he supports the idea, but that he thinks it is doomed to fail unless we have a strong and undisputed leader to rule the alliance. Add that the leader should be decided with a tournament among Makralians, this way he can't be contested. All Makralians who are interested should be allowed to participate.
A Bold Suggestion: Action Roll (12): [19]
Outcome Roll: [4] -Epic Success-
The two leaders perk up upon hearing your suggestion. Even the eyes of the other Makralians are flaring up from the excitement.
"Hey, he can't talk the dialect, but what comes out of his mouth is pretty good! I like that idea! Shnapa it was?"
They unconsciously started talking the dialect again, but soon returned to speaking the tongue upon realizing you couldn't understand them.
"Oh sorry. Still, that's pretty inconvenient. I don't like that anyone could overhear us."
More mundane talking took place, until the other pack left as they had to meet a few more packs. They gave you the location and date of the scheduled reunion. In two days in the territory of the Harpa pack, the largest known Makralian pack.
Was there anything you said or asked before they left?
Either way, you were then allowed to rest to heal your wounds. You had fought well, and earned everyone's sustenance today.
Flavor Roll: [5]
HP fully recovered
Wounds fully healedKsharpa announced this night that the pack would join the reunion, and start moving starting tomorrow's dawn.
Nearby Monsters:-2 Adult Makralians:
"Kin"> Side: -6HP
-Ksharpa, Makralian Pack Leader
-Sherpo, Makralian Pack Leader
-a dozen of Adult Makralians
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
Essence: 1/2
Status:
-Fine
Inventory:
-Large piece of Banberus meat
Location:
-North Savarde Jungle
Host: Adult Makralian
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: -/10(Not awakened)
Status:
-Fine
Attributes:
Str 1
Con 1
Pow -1
Res 0
Int 1
Ind 1
Known Skills:
-Rallying Call
-Vicious Bite
-Fur Hardening
-???
Ulkas, the Horned Demon (Sarrak)
"Interesting... Understandable about Ichor, though I can't say I wasn't hoping to get our hands on some at least, as it would help greatly. The incompleteness of our Essence might be partly due to a regression that occurred, but rules of the world itself must have changed with the disappearance of Veins. Currently, the world is full of strife and Essence is transferred by methods of cruelty rather than refinement. As such, it would be most appreciated if you can educate us about using the artifacts provided - such technology would take me a very long time to understand without your help, and time is of the essence. I'm capable of showing my companion what is needed, but first I must attain an understanding myself. And many thanks for the discussion - something tells me that after centuries, information of the past once again becomes the most important matter."
See what Xatares can offer us (a list of Ancient Artifacts of Immense Power?). Relate my findings to Astrosa.
"The gratitude is reciprocal. Having slept through many eras, and waking up in a different world left us lost and purposeless. Your information was very valuable, once again... thank you. Naturally, we have no qualm handing you over some of our equipment as a way of showing us our thanks."An tridimensional projection of various tools, clothes and armors appeared before you. Texts and texts written in ancient script floated to the side of the items, which consciously avoided focusing too much on. Suffice to say Astrosa was pretty spooked, and had to be reassured once more. Though once you explained to her you were actually rewarded, she calmed down, instead looking at you with a baffled expression. A delicious mix of amazement and shock.
"Wait... don't tell me that's it? They just hand us these artifacts and let us walk away? That's a bit... vexing. I could have understood if we had beaten them to a pulp or impressed them with our strength. I... Ah, I just give up."You got the feeling she wanted to show off, though maybe she wasn't aware of that herself. Or maybe it was her warrior blood, disappointed of being denied a fight against powerful beings, even if that fight would probably end in a fatal loss.
"Fortunately, you are humanoids of the demonic people. Here is a selection tailored for demons, feel free to inquire about anything. Once you will have made your choice, I will lift their security restrictions."Tools:
Xatares Light Shatterer- a small 'D' shaped handheld tool sporting the following powers:
1) Emit a shattering pulse to reduce the target into rubbles without affecting its user. The size of the affected area can be adjusted, and the pulse effects can be limited to a given area.
2) Project a dagger like blade of light capable of cutting and piercing through many materials. The pulse can travel through the blade.
3) Cast a Levitation spell on the targets, facilitating transportation.
Xatares Heavy Collapser - a heavy tool similar to a pneumatic drill with three pre-loaded spells into it:
1) A more powerful version of the shattering pulse that can destroy large areas at once.
2) Project an extremely hard arm-sized spike of light. It can then be "loaded" with a pulse, and the spike can be shot by the Collapser at variable velocity.
3) Even stronger Levitation spells, capable of lifting massive weights.
Xatares Forcefield Projector - a glove that manipulate the surrounding mana to protect its wearer
1) Passively generate a forcefield using the surrounding mana.
2) Passively enhances the user's mana flow output, increasing the power of spells.
Armors:
Xatares Adaptative Suit - a full bodysuit with many functions. It is so light it is worn like a second skin, yet offers great protection.
1) Stabilize mana flow.
2) Slightly enhance physical abilities.
Xatares Mining Armor - a full body armor with unparalleled defenses.
1) Negate internal damage caused by blunt trauma.
2) Can greatly enhance the wearer's physical ability without damaging the user.
3) Can absorb the surrounding mana to recharge its user mana reserves.
Then the Xatares Unit added:
"I have a special offer, though. I would be willing to grant you a special piece of equipment, an Assistant. In exchange, all you will need to do is become our eyes and ears, remaining in contact with us through your travels in the new world."A Sentinel teleported in the room, carrying a
metallic bluish ring.Nearby Visible Beings:-Xatares Sentinel: Non-Hostile-Xatares Core Unit: Non-HostileHP: 21/29
MP: 48/48
Essence: 60
Status:
-Somewhat clearer Map in your head
Inventory:
-Ashafan Journal about the Taes ruins.
Contents: partial map of the early levels of the Taes complex. Expedition log.
-The Cart of Ancient -potentially harmful- Goodies [Mining Tools, Armor Sets x2]
Location:
-South of Copper Desert, Levemite Ruins Entrance "Taes"
> Second Level - Hangar
Notes:
Known areas of the Taes complex:
-One hangar for excavation equipment storage
-Living quarters
-Mundane storage rooms
-Exits for the surface
-"Source" of the ruins reactivation
Companion: Astrosa
HP: 63/63
MP: 39/39
Essence: 0
Status:
-NothingN
Inventory:
-Electrum Bracelet of Magical Protection
Squelchy, the Omnislime (Coolrune206)
Squelchy quickly released "retreat" pheromones into the air and then booked it, heading the same direction the dragon had come from- its journey through the forest/jungle had probably scared off every living thing along the path.
Taking advantage of the situation, you called for a retreat. To everyone's surprise, you urged the slimes to retreat
toward the new threat.
All units, Retreat! (Group Action): Action Roll (14): [3]
Outcome Roll: [3] -Failure-
The Miasma Dragon, who had been silently analyzing the surroundings suddenly let out the most horrible, vicious roar you ever heard. It was full of agony and rage, like the dying roar of a great beast. And as every fiber of your being couldn't help but freeze out of fear, you felt in this roar the satisfied laugh of a hunter having trapped its prey.
The dragon darted with phenomenal agility toward the nearbiest group of Elemanoptera. With its jaw it crushed one, and with its ooze tendrils it caught the four others who immediately started melting. The very next second, chaos overtook the insects and even the glimmering hope infused slimes, as everyone attempted to run for their lives.
Flavor Roll: [6]
Thanks to your Glimmering Hope, the slimes found the slight bit of courage to start running away a few seconds before the Elemanoptera. A moment later and many more would have surely died, as the Dragon rampaged and killed everything in sight. Many died attempting to escape, mercilessly devoured by the Dragon.
But the brunt of the group managed to flee with their lives, though everyone ran in different directions. Scattered for the first time since a while, what would happen to the slimes?
You had headed for the direction the Miasma Dragon came from. As expected, the jungle was dead silent as all living beings fled its wake. Though surprisingly, the plants were intact, as if they had been willingly spared. Only a small handful of slimes had fled with you. You could only hope the others were fine.
Nearby Monsters:-a few slimes
HP: 11/17
MP: 11/17
Essence: 4/20
Status:
-Fine
-Slightly Tired
Location:
-Savarde Jungle - North Area
> Unknown area
Eximius Res, the Rusty Ring (Hawk132)
"Going well so far, kid. But remain cautious."
Keep Blink on and hope Prias finishes the Warknight off without any damage.
Using Blink in quick outbursts, you saved energy while allowing Prias to fight the Warknight one on one.
-2MPStab: Combat Roll (Str 1 vs Con 1): [9]+3 (Ancient Combat +2 Blink +1) vs [3]+2 (Defensive Posture +2)
Critical Roll: [5]+1 -Normal Hit-
Damage Roll: [4]*1=[4]
Prias rushed toward the Warknight, who had lifted its shield up. Using Blink, Prias lept to the right once, and then a second time still under Blink using the wall. The Warknight attempted a shield bash, but its target was too fast and nimble. It was like trying to hit a gust of wind. Still midair, Prias struck at the archer head, landing a clean hit.
The Warknight's energy was starting to wane, you could feel it.
Stab: Combat Roll (Str 1 vs Con 1): [12]+3 (Ancient Combat +2 Blink +1) vs [10]+2 (Defensive Posture +2)
Critical Roll: [10]+1 -Critical Hit-
Damage Roll: [6]
-2MP (Blink)The Undead was slashing wildly at Prias, even trying to fire point blank arrows. Prias kept turning around the raging Warknight, dodging all attacks and looking out for an occasion. With every brutal turn, the Warknight's cracked midsection weakened a little bit. And then the perfect moment happened. Out of arrows and its guard wide open after missing a wide lateral slash, the Warknight had opened the way to its weak point. With a Blink and a thrust using all his strength, Prias struck at the vertebral spot, shattering it.
The colossal undead warrior broke into two, and its unlife energy started to leak out rapidly. It kept fighting until it stopped moving, dragging itself without caring about its missing lower body. The fight was already won at that point.
Panting and sweating profusely, Prias stood victorious before the remains of the Warknight. Having realized its unlikely feat, the young man was now too shocked to rejoice. A thought unfroze him. Veras. He started immediately rushing to his friend's aid, as the Warknight's Essence started leaking.
5 Lesser Essence unclaimedFlavor Roll: [3]
"Veras!""Shh! I'm not deaf! Don't shout if you don't want a second to come!"Veras was not in mortal danger, but not in prime shape either. He managed to take the arrow out and use an alchemical mixture to heal the wound, but the damage done hadn't been reversed. At least, he wouldn't bleed out now.
"I'm fine, but what about you Prias? You just managed to beat a Warknight singlehandedly! These monsters could kill dozens of soldiers before going down! The way your body moved, the moves you used... it was unlike anything a young villager should be able to do!""Well, it was all thanks to Eximius. After all he-"You laughed, and interjected. You simply gave him a small nudge in the right direction, but the rest was all his doing. It's not like you had possessed his body during the fight. Actually, you were very surprised, as you didn't have to use the Limiter Removal.
"Prias. That thing you fought was not your run of the mill mountain monster. It was a Warknight, a killing machine created for war. You may not realize it, but you were fighting like a seasoned veteran. I don't know what happened to you during the past few days, but even with Eximius teachings, there is no ignoring your imagination defying growth. Don't you agree Eximius?""I..."Prias couldn't find anything to say back. He knew Veras to be right, and it seems he had been ignoring the matter. He must have been aware of it since the fight with the Gargarm.
You had been thinking about Prias potential since you met him, and this fight had only confirmed your thoughts. The boy was unlike any other, it wasn't a coincidence he was the one who found you. His battle prowess was beyond being merely talented, there had to be something else.
[Prias' Potential is actually really a thing now]
Nearby Monsters:-1 Dead Warknight:
Dead-dead> -16HP
> Wielding: Sword and Shield / Bow
> Armored
HP: 15/15
MP: 6/12
Essence: 0/10
Status:
-Ring Form
Location:
-Safara (Eastern Village of Nepkeros)
-Unnnamed Ruined Nepkeros Magical Facility
Host: Prias, Human Villager of Safara
HP: 7/10
MP: 10/10
Status:
-Fine
-Bonded
Internal Scars
Attributes:
Str 0 (1)
Con 1
Pow 0
Res 0 (1)
Int -1
Ind 1
Notes:
-Locked Potential (True and acknowledged)
-Ancient Combat Techniques (Bonus to combat)
Companion: Veras, Human Archeomancist
HP: 3/10
MP: 25/25
Status:
-Badly Wounded
Estimated Attributes:
Str -
Con -
Pow +
Res +
Int +
Ind =
Notes:
-Investigated Prias "restraints"
-Known Villagers:
Veras: the village's mage
Sandra, Septor, Iseis: Prias's close friends
Eten, Luaros: villagers on townwatch
The Azarian Project, the Thoughling (Dustan Hache)
the spell is linked to the shaman, finish them off before this mana vortex can reach the others!
Mind Eater: Combat Roll (Pow 1 vs Res 1): [7]-4 (Exhausted) vs [3]-6 (Unconscious)
Outcome Roll: [4] -Epic Success-
Using your last ounce of power and consciousness, you devoured the remaining mind of the Shaman, whose main part had already been ripped apart by the spell. A side-effect no one could have expected. Suddenly, the vortex collapsed on itself, and you could feel the pull stopping.
Exhaustion: Action Roll (14): [10]
Outcome Roll: [1] -Epic Failure-
Unable to maintain consciousness, you collapsed from exhaustion...
5 Lesser Essence claimed from the Shaman thanks to the mind link!Flavor Roll (Ogre vs Beings): [6]
Flavor Roll (The Stolen Power): [3]
When you came up to your senses, the Ogres had been routed at the price of many lives. But the beings whose powers had been drained now stood victorious on the corpses of the fallen. Though nothing was draining them anymore, they still had lost power which they were unable to retrieve.
The Beings were gathered around what was the Shaman's base, and a handful had changed from absorbing the Ogres essence.
Nearby and not-so-Nearby Monsters:-Envious Grasper:
Independent-Less Ones of Thought (Stage 0):
[Neutral+] -Ones of Flesh (Stage 0):
[Neutral+] HP: 15/15
MP: 0/12
Essence: 10/10
Status:
-Sated
-Tired
Location:
-South-East Nepkeros - Unnamed ruined village
Neophytos the Sole Survivor, Psychic Pain Spider (randomgenericusername)
Seeing as the trees are too damaged to continue, Neophytos decides to inflict a Frenzy on the large wasp and have it finish off the remaining wasps that are still alive.
Frenzy: Combat Roll (Int 1 vs Ind -1): [7] vs [7]
Outcome Roll: [6] -Overshoot-
You are slightly tiredThe Elemanoptera suddenly lost its glint of intelligence, a mad fire replacing it instead. With brutal speed, it crushed and devoured its nearby allies -alive or dead-. Gorging itself on their bodies, it assimilated more and more of their power, until something terrible occured.
The Large Elemanopteran Soldier is transformingNearby Monsters:Allies:
-Sedre, Sylvarian leader (-2)
-2 Sylvarian Warriors (-2)
> Raising a ward around the Lifetree
-3 Sylvarian Warriors (-2)
> One: Critically Wounded
> Fighting on the frontline
-Species representative Jijjia (Owl) (-2)
Casting an Illusion Spell-Species representative Boor (Boar) (-2?)
Enemies:
-11 Elemanopteran Soldiers
> 5 Dead
> 6 Alive (-6)
Infested Grounded-Large Elemanopteran Soldier (-7)
> Elemental infusion [Fire/Thunder]
HP: 9/15
MP: 4/12
Essence: 0 + a small amount
Status:
Wounded
Burning Pain
Slightly tired
Location:
-North Savarde Jungle - Midway toward Arachnastinian Territories
The Protoquin (Failbird105)
The Protoquin
hahahaha yes, yeees! FEAR ME FOR I AM FEAR.
Start beating on the pheonix
Lick-Slap: Combat Roll (Str 0 vs Con 0): [1]+1 (Terror Power +1) vs [9]-2 (Grounded) [Attacker Critically Failed]
Damage Roll: [3]
White flames engulfed for a moment the phoenix, burning you as you moved in to beat it down! The nightmare then proceeded to attack you before you could recover.
Phoenix Nightmare (Fireball): Combat Roll (Pow 1 vs Res 0): [1] vs [4] [Attacker Critically Failed]
Damage Roll: [5]
The moment the phoenix opened its beak to breath a fireball at you, you tongue slapped it in the beak, causing its attack to detonate in its face. Now stunned, the nightmare was open for another attack.
Lick-Slap: Combat Roll (Str 0 vs Con 0): [1] vs [10] [Attacker Critically Failed?!]
Damage Roll: [3]
For some odd reason, the very same scene occured. This literal burning feeling of deja-vu. Nothing made sense anymore, even the dreamscape couldn't keep up anymore with the situation.
Flavor Roll: [6]
The phoenix dissolved into a myriad of pearls, which probably meant a victory for you. Not only the phoenix, but the whole dreamscape started dissolving. Its dreamer was starting to wake up.
Curiously, only the White Nightmare was unaffected by this waking up, but you couldn't delve more into it as you were ejected from the dream.
Earned enough Lesser Essence to have 1You were suddenly back in the real world, facing the waking Dandakara. The damage you had sustained in the dream were still present, but it seems the dreamer had been affected too.
Nearby Monster:-Dandakara:
Wounded?HP: 4/10
MP: 10/10
Essence: 1/2
Status:
-Empowered by terror
-Burnt
[Mind touched by a corruptive influence]
Location:
-Inory Hills (Western Inory Hills)
> Dreamwalking inside a Dandakara's dream
Terrence the Bone Baron - (ironsnake345)
Ambush successful! Spring to my feet and begin slashing at the undead abomination with the bone broadsword! Keep it sandwiched between Vel and myself as much as possible, attacking it from both sides!
Bone Sandwich: Combat Roll (Str 1 vs Con 2 (-1)): [10]+4 (Pincer Attack +2 Bone Broadsword +2) vs [9]-2 (Rage Mode -2)
Critical Roll: [2]
Damage: [5]*1+1=6
Vel -Broadsword-: Combat Roll (Str 1 vs Con 2 (-1)): [6]+4 (Pincer Attack +2 Rusted Arming Sword +2) vs [1]-2 (Rage Mode -2) [Defenser Critical Failure]
Critical Roll: Critical Hit
Damage: [6]+1=7
Before the Abomination could react, both your blades were digging deep into its horrible flesh. It was now hot and soft, cutting through it felt like cutting through a thick slab of warm butter. The putrid liquid evaporated instead of gushing out, making you worry about the actual current strength of that thing.
Abomination (Don't-get-hit-Sweep): Combat Roll (Str 2 (+1) vs Con 1): [6]+4 (Rage Mode +2) vs [11, 3] [Vel is in for a bad moment]
Critical Roll: [8]+2 (Critical Hit)
Damage: [10]*2=20
Saving Roll: [4]
You have no idea why, but your body reflexively lept backward. You looked at Vel. He was there. And then he wasn't. The Abomination had swept its massive arm in a wide circle with such force you could feel its wake pulling you slightly. Vel had taken the full brunt of the shock, and from that really unconfortable to hear noise, he was not in a good shape.
There was no time to think about him though, the Abomination was now turning toward you. Undead felt no fatigue, but you could tell it was going to collapse soon.
Nearby Monsters:-Vel, the Dead Rider: [Friendly/Ally]-Undead Abomination: [Hostile] [Enraged State (Reduced Defences)] > -18
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 4/10
Status:
-Fine
Inventory:
-Bone Broadsword [Wielded]
Location:
-Deadland of Easenval
> Fog
Companion: Vel[/color]
HP: 1/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 2
Status:
-Not fine at all hohoho
Inventory:
-Rusty Arming Sword [Wielded]
Go'Von, the Strangler Ooze (Puppyguard)
Go'Von
Retreat. Find a sleeping monster to strangle.
Unwilling to risk your life over the very small possibility one of these monsters would fall, you retreated to find an unaware monster to kill.
Find a hapless target: Action Roll (11): [14]
Outcome: [6]
After quite a search, you managed to find a sleeping monster in a curious location. A field of tall yellow mossy grass where one could easily hide. The creature was an albino humanoid frog with elongated arms. Its eyes were wide open, but you were sure it was sleeping.
Nearby Monsters:-[Name Pending] Albino Humanoid Frog:
Sleeping-Many!
-A lot of critters
-Some very dangerous ones
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 3/10
Status:
-Invigorated
-Filled (t19)
Location:
-Underground, Cave Network
> Great Yellow Luminescent Cave
> Nearby: Underground River