Update 51:
Squacks the Carrion Bird - (Devastator)
Use Hit and Run on the wounded tree to take back to the skies and disengage.
..once there, review what happened mentally. There's two points. Have I learned anything?
1. It's a tree, there should be a top to it so maybe I can aim at that bit instead of going well down into the canopy?
2. They're vines, I'm really good at flying, and I'm not very big. Is it really that difficult to fly down there?
Go over this, visualizing what I want to do, where I want to hit with my claws, etcetera, planning out what to do in my mind's eye. Take advantage of the lack of fliers to do this at my own time.
Oh and..
3. ..How long until my claws are ready again? Are they ready now?
[Squack: Diamond Claws]
Squacks STR: 3
> Skill: Aerobatic Flyer (4)
> Situation: Difficult Environment (-4)
> Other: Diamond Claws (+2 AL)
"Tentacle Tree" CON: 4
> Skill: None
> Situation: None
> Other: Dense Bark (+1 Armor)
Attack Die: 1d16
Attack Level: 3=1+2
Defence Die: 1d18
Armor Level: 1
Attribute Difference (STR vs CON): -1
Final Attack Level: 1=3-2 (1d4)
Attack Roll: 16=[16]
Defender Roll: 14=[14]
[Successful Attack]
Damage (1d4): 4=[4]
[Infighter STR vs CON]: [1] vs [7]
Infighter failed to apply.
[Tentacle Tree: Vine Volley]
Tentacle Tree STR: 2
> Skill: Vine Volley (+2)
Defender CON: 0
> Skill: Acrobatic Flyer +4
Attack Die: 1d14
Attack Level: 1
Defence Die: 1d10
Armor Level: 0
Attribute Difference (STR vs CON): 2
Final Attack Level: 3=1+2 (1d8)
Attack Roll: 8+2=10
Defender Roll: 10+4=14
[Failed Attack]
[Tentacle Tree is open for a Counterattack (Medium Advantage)]
You returned for another round of bark shaving, further damaging the hostile tree with your sharp talons. The tree attempted to retaliate with a series of lashes, which you dodged without exerting much of an effort.
In the midst of dodging, you calmly assessed the situation.
1. The tree's canopy was a bit higher than your current altitude, but its canopy seemed much more well outfitted with natural weapons than the trunk level. Furthermore, flying any higher could open you up to attacks from other trees. Although you had already managed to cause them to entangle before, it was still a risky move.
2. Through the dense maze of vine, you could envision a path to ground level. That would definitely get you out of range from the mid level vines, but who knows what dangers lurked down there. Not to forget the bark/vine spawns chasing you, who by you could see with a glance at a lower altitude compared to you.
3. Luck Roll: [6]
As you pondered the state of your claws, a sharp and distracting pain stung you in the talons. As if answering to your question, a new set of pristine diamond claws regrew with painful eagerness.
[You are afflicted with a light disadvantage from the pain]
You pondered a bit more right as a vine shot grazed a feather. You could probably fight on like this for a good while, though to what end? Until that tree was dealt with, then what? If only there was something you could communicate with, with a mind beyond that of the savage and aggressive monsters you kept on crossing.
Situation Roll: [4] -Good-
In the corner of your eye, a group of bark/vine monsters suddenly left the main group. You kept an eye on them while strafing to make sure they weren't planning another ambush on you, and to your surprise, you saw them start fighting with a third party: a group of slimes of many colours.
It could have been luck, or maybe the commotion you created caused a sufficient amount of disturbance to upset the balance of powers in this jungle.
Nearby monsters:
-At least two "Tentacle Trees"
> Tree #1 [-8HP]
[HP? MP? STR2 CON4 POW? RES? INT? IND?]
[Some dendritic creature that is, well, a huge and venerable tree with an arsenal of vicious vines at its disposal. Immobile but dangerous nonetheless, it seems to have some close relationship with the bark/vine spawns.]
-A dozen "bark spawns?" Vinelings
[HP? MP? STR? CON? POW? RES? INT? IND?]
[Creatures of bark and vines with a close relationship with the "tentacle trees". Innately adept at tridimensional movement in the dense and treacherous jungle.]
-A group of coloured slimes
[HP? MP? STR? CON? POW? RES? INT? IND?]
[Slimes, seemingly featureless bar their many individual colours.]
HP: 17/17
MP: 17/17
Essence: 0/10
STR 3
CON 0
POW -1
RES 1
INT -1
IND 0
Status:
- Healthy: No bonus or malus
- Infighting [From Skill]: Inflict Medium Disadvantage or more on hits
- Slight pain [From Overshoot]: Light Disadvantage (-1)
Traits:
Aerobatic Flyer [Intermediate Skill/Combat]
[First Strike Available] Diamond Claws [Natural Weapon AL2 vs CON / AL4 First Strike]
Carrion Eater [Innate]
Skills:
Squack [None vs INT]
Infighter [STR vs CON]
Hit and Run [Combat Passive]
Lesser Spell Resistance [Basic Innate Magic]
Spell Resistance [Intermediate Innate Magic]
Location:
-Delta Chasms - Seaside (South to Anvarde Hills and Savarde Jungle)
Moretti the Mimic (Knightwing64)
“BAD NUMS, OW”
Eat the body for extra health and activate mimicry. Sneakily search for more food and weaker targets.
(First turn, almost dead. Lol)
With a mimicky sigh of relief, you relished in the knowledge you survived another fight. To the victor goes the spoils, so one would say, and as the victor you ate the spoils with a vengeance. If one were to disregard the annoying bits and larger bits of inedible metal in that body, the flesh was rather fresh and extra firm and filling.
After this decadent meal, you rested for a bit until you felt back in shape.
Fully Healed[Minor Mimicry]: you obtained the properties of the metal rods you ate, making you feel extra sturdy. You have obtained the trait [#Metal Chest].
GM note: I'm thinking of having the mimicry obtained traits be limited and replaceable. For now let's go with two traits, and we will see from there?And you were already a bit hungry. A snack, if only you had a snack...
Sneakily looking for food: [2]
Habitually, you would sneakily wait for food to come to you. But peckish as you were, you broke from habit and decided to wander rather than wait. You didn't really keep track of the corners and corridors and rooms you passed through, but you wandered enough to become, well, lost.
And as if lady luck smiled on you, you stumbled (sneakily) on a large hall with a large metal armor of sort guarding a closed gate. At a glance it didn't seem edible, though maybe it hid some tasty surprise beneath this layer of metal?
Nearby Monsters:-Rusted Guardian
[HP? MP? STR? CON? POW? RES? INT? IND?]
[A quite massive complete set of armor fit for an ogre. Rust and grim cover the dull metal, giving it a... vintage look I guess.]
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
Essence: 1/2
STR 0
CON 1
POW -1
RES 1
INT 0
IND -1
Status:
- Healthy: No bonus or malus
Traits:
Totally A Treasure Chest
Surprisingly Sharp Teeth [+1AL vs CON]
#Metal Chest [from Mimicry / 1 Armor]
Skills:
Minor Mimicry
Identify
Location:
-Some unknown dungeon?
Eximius Res, the Rusty Ring (Hawk132)
"A new user? What do you mean?"
While they were on the move, Eximius clarified himself somewhat. "That wielder I sensed. I have no clue what they're going to do with their newfound power, but I felt enough to know that they're a dangerous and unpredictable variable in the already dangerous and unpredictable Deadland... Perhaps that other..." He paused for a moment, futilely attempting to grasp onto a word that he should know, before giving up, "... weapon... could've sensed my existence just as I have sensed it?"
The ring felt itself and its own wielder thoroughly threatened by this mighty existence unceremoniously appearing so uncomfortably close to their stomping grounds and Safara by extension, which Prias could easily pick up through their bond.
"Hm. I don't think we can dig a pit without getting its attention, can we? A simpler trap might have to do."
Suggest preparing a tripping hazard with wire or a vine for the Howler—with perhaps some spikes or thorny brambles laid down for it to either fall into or run across if it manages to evade our trap, assuming we have the resources for it. Eximius will keep watch and be ready to alarm Prias if something unexpected happens.
Once the trap is sprung, be ready with Sever—the quicker we're done the better.
[Is it just me or is Eximius' combat style pretty much 'burn all the mana'? I don't remember having such MP management issues with Ferratus and Caedan. ._.' Though I suppose it's fitting in a way.]
There are alternatives, like Corruption, but with Dahak disappearance, we don’t know much about it and it seemed less of a danger compared to “Outer Gods”
[There's always a chance that the Armor gets bored of stomping undead in Easenval and leaves the Fog to embrace its destiny as a roaming raid boss with an endless hunger for Essence. We might learn something new about Corruption if that happens. Me saying this is totally not entirely motivated by me wanting to see it again.]
Prias instinctively tensed as you recounted your feeling on that unknown threat. A part of him was morbidly curious to know what in existence could trigger such a worrisome response from you, but his the more cautious part of him took the message to heart. Survival was more important than some futile curiosity.
He agreed with your suggestion without a fanfare.
"Simple is good. I will get to preparing a trap."[Setting a Trap (Experienced Hunter)]
[Medium-Hard 12]: [8]+4=12
Outcome: [1] -Success-
Moving downwind, Prias found a place suitable for a place and an ambush. Picking sharp thorns from a nearby blackened tree, he set them in an area next to the tripping wire made from a stout rope he had set a bit earlier. Next was the bait. Prias decided to use one of the pungent organs obtained from a Roamer. He placed it in an exposed spot, and hid to wait for the wind to turn. Everything was going according to plan so far.
Once the wind changed, the Howler ears perked. It turned immediately toward the smelly organ, rushing toward it with reckless and slavering abandon. Prias set the trap, causing the rope to be pulled taut. The Howler didn't stop and probably didn't even realise anything was up as it stumbled on the rope and fell in a confused mess on a tailor made bed of thorns.
[1d6]= 2 damage inflicted
[Prias&Eximius: Sever]
Prias STR: 3
> Skill: Ancient Combat Techniques (4)
> Situation: Surprise Attack (4)
> Other: Sever (+4 AL)
Howler CON: 2
> Skill: None
> Situation: Tripped (-4)
Attack Die: 1d16+8
Attack Level: 5=1+4
Defence Die: 1d14-4
Armor Level: 1
Attribute Difference (STR vs CON): +1
Final Attack Level: 6=5+1 (2d8)
Attack Roll: 13=[5]+8
Defender Roll: 5=[9]-4
[Successful Attack]
Damage (2d8): 10=[10]
Your host sprung forth with your bladed form raised high, bringing it down in a head splitting strike on the confused Howler's skull. This singular strike wasn't enough to finish the creature, which jerked and flailed in vain retaliation, but it was still within expectations.
Prias who had put some distance between him and the monster was already rushing in for a second strike, weaving past the predictable lashing of the Howler who had managed to stand back up.
[Prias&Eximius: Sever#2]
Prias STR: 3
> Skill: Ancient Combat Techniques (4)
> Situation: None
> Other: Sever (+4 AL)
Howler CON: 2
> Skill: None
> Situation: None
Attack Die: 1d16+4
Attack Level: 5=1+4
Defence Die: 1d14
Armor Level: 1
Attribute Difference (STR vs CON): +1
Final Attack Level: 6=5+1 (2d8)
Attack Roll: 19=[15]+4
Defender Roll: 12=[12]
[Successful Attack]
Damage (2d8): 8=[8]
Slashing in a rising arc, your Host carved a deep wound in the flank of the Howler. It staggered, and entered a defensive stance, attempting to protect its vitals. You noticed its chest bulging, preparing to roar. Sensing an attack coming, you advised Prias to cover his ears.
[Howler: Stunning Shriek STR vs CON]
Howler STR: 4
> Situation: Wounded (-2)
Prias CON: 3
> Situation: Ears covered (+1)
Attack Die: 1d18-2
Defence Die: 1d16+1
Attack Roll: 8=[10]-2
Defender Roll: 12=[11]+1
[Failed Skill]
[Prias&Eximius: Sever#3]
Prias STR: 3
> Skill: Ancient Combat Techniques (4)
> Situation: None
> Other: Sever (+4 AL)
Howler CON: 2
> Skill: None
> Situation: Wounded (-2)
Attack Die: 1d16+4
Attack Level: 5=1+4
Defence Die: 1d14-2
Armor Level: 1
Attribute Difference (STR vs CON): +1
Final Attack Level: 6=5+1 (2d8)
Attack Roll: 12=[8]+4
Defender Roll: -1=[1]-2
[Successful Attack]
Damage (2d8): 9=[9]
The shriek shook Prias' bones, but overall had no lasting effect. Seizing the opportunity, Prias lunged for the head of the Howler. Pushing all his weight and momentum behind the blade, he stabbed straight into the mouth of the monster. The blade exited from the wound on the opposite side, skewering the head of the Howler who instantly fell on the ground, twitching.
Once he was sure the monster was dead, Prias exhaled, letting go of all the tension. With a smile he looked at you with a hint of disbelief, covered in blood and bits of flesh.
"That went well? Somehow!"10 Medium Essence gainedNearby Monsters:-Aged Howler [Hostile/Tripped]
[HP?-27 MP? STR4 CON2 POW? RES? INT? IND?]
[A creature with the body of a giant hyena with white chalky skin. Very aggressive and simple minded, making it easy to lead into traps. Excellent sense of smell and hearing.]
HP: 22/25
MP: 7/21
Essence: 45/50
Attributes:
STR 2
CON 2
POW 1
RES 1
INT -1
IND -1
Status:
-Healthy: no bonus or malus
-Ring Form
Traits:
Bonded Weapon [Innate]
Of Ambition [Innate]
Of Vigilance [Innate]
Of Protection [Innate]
Of Erudition [Innate]
Regenerating [Innate]
Inventory <Bag> [Innate]
Slaying [Innate/Combat]
Hawk-Eyed [Innate]
Skills:
Limiter Release [Combat Active]
Blink [Innate Basic Magic]
Illusion [Innate Basic Magic]
Intermediate Mana Manipulation [Innate Intermediate Magic]
> Mana Shield [+1 Armor / Innate Basic Magic]
> Mana Wave [+2 Attack Level / Innate Basic Magic]
> Mana Burn [Innate Basic Magic]: Inflict Medium disadvantage to magic on hit.
> Mana Burn Wave [+2 Attack Level / Innate Intermediate Magic]: Mana Wave + Mana Burn
Regeneration Overdrive [Innate Intermediate Magic]
Sever / Crush [+4 Attack Level]
Location:
-Safara (Eastern Village of Nepkeros)
> Back to Safara
Host: Prias, Human Hero of Safara
HP: 20/20
MP: 9/20
Attributes: [Final] (Base{Modified}+Training)
STR [3] (1{2}+1)
CON [3] (1{2}+1)
POW [1] (1{1})
RES [1] (1{1})
INT 1
IND 3
Status:
-Healthy: No bonus or malus
-Bonded [To Eximius]: set the base Attribute to the highest of either Eximius or Prias.
-Of Vigilance [From Eximius]
-Of Protection [From Eximius]
-Of Erudition [From Eximius]
Gear:
-Monstrous Leather Armor Set [+1 Armor]
Inventory:
(Consummables)
-Two dark green potions
(Misc)
-Deadland Roamer eyes, claws and fangs
-Deadland Roamer Pristine Hide
-Deadland Roamer Organs
Traits:
-Awakening Hero [Innate]
-Deadland Survivor [Innate]
Skills:
-Ancient Combat Techniques [Intermediate Skill]
-Experienced Hunter [Intermediate Skill]:
-Basic Arcane Magic [Basic Arcane Magic]
> Basic Flame Spell [Basic Arcane Magic]
-Accelerated Flow [Combat Skill]: at the cost of stamina and/or HP, the user can move at incredible speeds for extended periods of time.
Notes:
-Prias Ambition: Save Nepkeros, the ruined kingdom
-Investigated Prias "restraints"
-Known Villagers:
Veras: the village's mage
Sandra, Septor, Iseis: Prias's close friends
Eten, Luaros: villagers on townwatch
Ulkas, the Horned Demon (Sarrak)
Ulkas could not help but be mesmerized by relentless slaughter. This was Astrosa’s dominion, such as his was the mind and control of others. And while slaughter was mot main pursuit, it still has beauty of its own, doubly so with his companion as main actor.
”I think you’ll see the most improvement from essence we gather right now. My speciality allows to bypass defenses to hack the minds, anyway. I suggest we hunt some more for you and then it would be my turn.”
All Essence to Astrosa. After checking for anything of interest here, we shall travel to next Ancient installation, hunting for Essence and training along the way. Exchange of Knowledge & Power, ahoy!
You decided to relinquish all Essence gains to Astrosa, who still relishing the ecstasy of her bloodlust, accepted completely unabashed. With the main hall cleared, you moved on to make the other areas of the ruined facility of Endorfos a bit tidier.
Along the way you studied the Levemite inscriptions within which were stored the history and purpose of the place. Endorfos was some sort of fortified medical facility apparently renowned in the ancient world judging from Liel's reaction. The place must have at some point been discovered and studied (plundered) by a human civilisation, that is judging from the more recent traces of activity (albeit those were still dated a century or so). Most likely they earned something from it, but what, difficult to say.
Sometime during your cleaning session, Liel downloaded a map of Endorfos. Only the core part of the facility had never been breached, inside of which were located the stasis vault, the research wing, and the command center of the facility.
"A stasis vault... according to Xatares, it is unlikely anyone survived after such a long time passed. Still if there were survivors... Would it truly be for the best? Still, I have to see if Endorfos can be restored. Ulkas, I will need your help to disable the shutdown system. It would be similar to what you did back in Sateris when you opened the gate."Oblivious to Liel's concerns, Astrosa gave you some feedback on the weapon she obtained from Last.
"This one is incredible. It's the first time I'm using something that feels like a natural extension of my self. It speaks, but it's not talkative and always goes to the point. I apppreciate that! It says it is still adjusting to my characteristics."HP: 39/39
MP: 63/63
Essence: 0/750
Attributes: [Final] (Base+Training)
STR 0
CON [1] (0+1)
POW 1
RES 0
INT 7
IND 2
Status:
-Healthy: no bonus or malus
-Advanced Mental Protection (Communication with Astrosa and Liel)
Traits:
Demonic Ancestry [Innate]
Poisoned Claws -paralyzing venom- [Natural Weapon +3 AL / 2 vs CON]: Inflicts Paralysis.
Stinger -corrosive acid- [Natural Weapon +3 AL / 2 vs CON]: Inflicts Corrosion.
Advanced Levitation [Innate]
Expansive Mind [Advanced/Innate]
Life Burn [Innate]
Regeneration [Innate/Active]
Mana Regeneration [Innate/Active]
Born Tactician [Innate]
Silver Tongue [Innate]
Hardened Mind [Innate]
Overpowering Mind [Innate]
Highly Developed Brain [Innate]
Mind Targeting [Intermediate/Combat]
Self-Control [Innate]
Empathy [Innate]
Skills:
Extreme Analysis [Combat Active]
Mana Manipulation [Intermediate Skill]
> Violent Mana Absorption [POW vs RES]: absorb MP from other spellcasters.
> Mana Overcharging [Active]: double MP cost to gain a bonus to a spell.
Soul Tinkering [Basic Skill]
Mental Techniques [Advanced Skill]
> Mind Separation [Passive]
> Advanced Mind Field [INT]: Strong Advantage in mental combat.
> Total Control [Passive]: Bonus to mental manipulation.
[Advanced] Innate Translocation Magic
[Advanced] Innate Illusion Magic
[Advanced] Innate Warp Magic
> Warp Rift Creation [Advanced]
Gear:
-Crown of Command [Mental Attacks: +2AL / +4 to Hit / +4AR]: an ancient relic used in the wars of the Yarems, prior to the creation of Typhidna. Grants near absolute mental protection, and enhances the power of mental attacks.
-Xatares Adaptative Suit [Spell Cost Reduction]: a relic suit tailored for pseudo-humanoids. Improve energy and mana expenses, slightly reducing the cost of spells.
-Xatares Mining Armor [+3 Armor]: a relic armor tailored for pseudo-humanoids. Once used in dangerous mining works, it provides exceptionnal protection from physical and magical harm.
-Xatares Shielding Device (Glove) [Combat Active +1 Armor]: a relic device worn like a glove. Activate to project a spherical forcefield that repulses incoming attacks.
Inventory:
-Ashafan Journal about the Taes ruins.
Contents: partial map of the early levels of the Taes complex. Expedition log.
-Xatares Shatterer: Heavy-duty relic tool from a bygone era, used for Ichor/Essence mining. Shatter the target by mean of soul disruption, increasing its effectiveness against targets of lower stages.
-Xatares Collapser: Heavy-duty relic tool from a bygone era, used for Ichor/Essence mining. Crush the target by mean of soul resonance, increasing its effectiveness against targets of higher stages.
Location:
-Nepkeros, the Dead Land
-> Endorfos, compromised Ancient facility
Companion: Astrosa
HP: 63/63
MP: 39/39
Essence: 600/750
Attributes: [Final] (Base+Training+[Bonus])
STR 6
CON 2
POW 0
RES [2] (0+[2])
INT [1] (0+1)
IND 3
Status:
-Healthy: no bonus or malus
Gear:
-Unknown Arma [Adjusting: +2AL]: a living weapon of the ancient world, an Arma. Made to bond with its wielder, it is said wielder and weapon are fated to meet. Enhance and complement the innate abilities of their wielder by adapating to them.
-Xatares Adaptative Suit [Spell Cost Reduction]: a relic suit tailored for pseudo-humanoids. Improve energy and mana expenses, slightly reducing the cost of spells.
-Xatares Mining Armor [+3 Armor]: a relic armor tailored for pseudo-humanoids. Once used in dangerous mining works, it provides exceptionnal protection from physical and magical harm.
-Xatares Shielding Device (Glove) [Combat Active +1 Armor]: a relic device worn like a glove. Activate to project a spherical forcefield that repulses incoming attacks.
Inventory:
-Electrum Bracelet of Magical Protection [+2 Res]: an electrum bracelet that increases magical resistance.
-Xatares Shatterer: Heavy-duty relic tool from a bygone era, used for Ichor/Essence mining. Shatter the target by mean of soul disruption, increasing its effectiveness against targets of lower stages.
-Xatares Collapser: Heavy-duty relic tool from a bygone era, used for Ichor/Essence mining. Crush the target by mean of soul resonance, increasing its effectiveness against targets of higher stages.
Companion: Liel
-Data still pending-
Status:
-Worn [Special]
-Fine
Skee, the Insect Parasite (Legendary Marksdorf)
(Ahhhh, missed your return again ;-; glad to see you back though)
Name : Skee
Species : Mind Parasite
Appearance : A pair of long antennae have sprouted from Skee's head. His plated exoskeleton is now adorned with small spikes, and looks sturdier overall. His tail has become
even longer, now resembling a scorpion's, although with more midway joints enabling more diverse movements.
HP or MP increase : HP
Attributes increased : INT and IND
Traits gained :
Mind over Matter - Skee's developped intelligence allows him to react to physical attacks attempted by less astute adversaries more effectively. When defending against a physical attack, if the attacker's INT is inferior to Skee's, the defense roll is calculated using CON+INT, as opposed to just CON. This also applies to the host Skee is currently inhabiting, using both the host's CON+Skee's INT for physical defense rolls.
Force of Ego - Skee's developped individuality destabilizes spells cast at him by weaker willed opponents more effectively. When defending against a magical attack, if the attacker's IND is inferior to Skee's, the defense roll is calculated using RES+IND, as opposed to just RES. This also applies to the host Skee is currently inhabiting, using both the host's RES+Skee's IND for magical defense rolls.
Telepathy - Allows Skee to speak directly into the mind of others and read their minds.
Skills gained :
Telekinesis - Using the power of his mind, Skee applies force to a physical object, attempting to lift it, move it, etc... Can also be used on the host's body to enhance physical ability by "helping the body move" (for example, adding power to a punch, accelerating the legs when running or giving more air to a jump by lifting the whole body, etc...). If used to attack an opponent (for example by attempting to lift them or tear them apart), the attacking roll will be made using INT but the defender will defend with CON.
Psychic Forcefield - Deploy a mental barrier around an area, rendering it impassable by anything Skee chooses to force out. An enemy may force through if they have sufficient physical strength, magical prowess or mental fortitude.
Wave of Terror - Unleash a disorientating psychic attack in a short range all around the user, causing all nearby living beings to flee. (Not particularly inspired for this last one, feel free to replace it if you don't like it Nakéen)
The battle went exactly as Skee planned, his pack even surpassing his expectations. After congratulating the other makralians for their battle prowess, Skee examined the arachnastinian's body, looking anything to learn from its anatomy that might help Skee in its future battles against its brethren. Are there any hidden weak spots ? Where are the vital organs under that thick carapace ? After that, if the meat from the fallen foe seemed edible, Skee and the pack would take a short break from the carnage to feed on it, after which they would look around for traces of other nearby Makralian packs to try and join up with them. After all, they were pretty deep into arachnastinian territory already, and the multitude of simian bodies scattered around the arachnastinian champion proved that a little caution wouldn't hurt. Then, regardless of whether or not they found friendly company, they would advance deeper into arachnastinian territory, looking for more enemies.
You congratulated the pack for this well-earned victory against a fierce foe, beckoning them to rest and recover some energy before venturing deeper. They roared and howled in delight and pride, unaware of the change you had just gone through. Before letting them feast on the carcass, you examined the Archnastinian's body.
Heavily armoured as it was, light blows would only glance on its thick exoskeleton. Its joints were weaker and prime targets for attacks, but there were no clear or hidden weak spots beyond that. It did possess a heart and some sort of brain, all localized in a heavily protected chest cavity. Its many-eyed head was full of nerves and sensory organs, which made you think a sufficiently powerful blow to the head could potentially stun them from pain and sensory overload.
After the pack had scraped off all edible bits of flesh from the body, you resumed the careful advance into enemy grounds.
Deeper into the fray: [4,3] -Good, Passable-
The further you got, the more bodies of both sides littered the ground with gore and blood. Both nearby and afar, you could hear calls from other packs from which your Host could process useful information: other packs had advanced deep, and it seemed the packs led by the Greater Leaders were still active and at the forefront. Some of the calls even forewarned you of potential enemies ahead, allowing you to avoid ambushes and instead get the drop on them.
Using one of the calls from a defeated pack, you managed to sneakily circle around an ambush spot. Hidden in the trees were four Arachnastinians armed with their characteristic bows using a reverse chitin blade in their arms with their own webs to shoot crude but deadly arrows made from wood and chitin.
Four archers in the trees, and three spear users on the ground.
Nearby Beings:[Immediate Surroundings]
-Arachnastinian Ambush Squad [Unaware of your presence]
-> Archer#1
-> Archer#2
-> Archer#3
-> Archer#4
-> Spear#1
-> Spear#2
-> Spear#3
[Makralian Horde]
-The Horde Leader: Krauraka
-The 7 Greater Leaders
-The 39 Lesser Leaders
-The 24 last contestants
-Nearly a thousand of Adult Makralians
-Your own pack (numbering 5)
[Arachnastinian "Spiderfolk" Kingdom]
-Countless Arachnastinians
HP: 25/25
MP: 21/21
Essence: 6/50
Attributes:
STR 0
CON -1
POW 0
RES -1
INT 4
IND 2
Status:
-Fine
-[Biobond]: +1 to most actions
Inventory:
-Banera's Bladed Tail
Location:
-Central Savarde Jungle - Arachnastinian territories
Host: Adult Makralian (Shnapa)
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: -/10(Not awakened)
Status:
-Bolstering Serum: +1 STR, +2 most combat rolls
Attributes:
STR 1
CON 1
POW -1
RES 0
INT 1
IND 1
Known Skills:
-Rallying Call
-Vicious Bite
-Fur Hardening
-??
