Turn 19:
Turn 18Turn 18.1
Ulkas, the Horned Demon (Sarrak)
Pausing for a moment, Ulkas whispered to Astrosa:
"Success. Stay vigilant."
Despite the pattern finally making sense, answering it proved a difficult task, but Ulkas adaptive mind started to slowly get a hang of it, although sentences came out pretty crude:
"Exploration. Investigation. Ancient ruins from before Cataclysm coming alive. Xatares Installation long gone. Not possible to get authorization before meeting representatives. Requesting one now."
Try to get into this 'Xatares Installation' on legal terms.
Diplomacy: Action Roll (12): [10]+2 (Threw the Glove +2)
Outcome Roll: [4] -Critical Success-
The tension in the air started to decrease. While both parties were still alert, you no longer felt like the situation could explode at any moment. The Guardian answered, and each words became less and less informal.
"Your answer is satisfactory. We believe this meeting is a chance for you outsider and us Xatares Sentinels and that both parties would benefit from a proper information exchange. You have been granted a temporary access under surveillance."Perception Roll (15): [1]+1 (Power +1) -Epic Fail-
The more you spoke to the Sentinel, the easier it was to formulate words and sentences. But then, you noticed your mind was a little hazy, and you had difficulties focusing on not mundane thoughts.
[Potential -2 Malus to future actions...]
[Access to the Xatares Installation granted by the Sentinels]
(Priority action answer)
Nearby Visible Beings:-Taes Ruins Guardian: Non-HostileHP: 25/29
MP: 48/48
Essence: 60
Status:
-Somewhat clearer Map in your head
-Personal Forcefield
Inventory:
-Ashafan Journal about the Taes ruins.
-Artifact Glove [Personal Forcefield Spell]
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:
-Nothing
Inventory:
-Electrum Bracelet of Magical Protection
Eximius Res, the Rusty Ring (Hawk132)
"Prias, look deep within your heart and see if you truly cannot decide."
I'm pretty much looking to trigger [Of Ambition]. But if he really can't decide:
"Hmm. While I can understand you don't want to leave the village unprotected, it might not be attacked in our absence. Going to the ruins will not only uncover knowledge relevant to both of us, we will not grow stronger when cooped up in the village. And strength is something we will need in the future."
It'd be going to the ruins.
As you pushed him to seek his true feelings, Prias became silent.
Prias's Ambition: Action Roll (10): [9]+2 (Of Ambition +2)
Outcome Roll: [4] -Critical Success-
"Let's go to the ruins." Prias said with a resolute voice. A light blazed in his dark yellow eyes.
"I had been thinking that it would be best to stay to protect the village, but I realized... If I just stay and never take risks, I will not be able to become strong enough to defend our home forever. And it's not like the village will be defenseless in our absence, the village managed to stand for years thanks to everyone's work."He started fumbling around a bit, slightly embarassed from his sudden resolution.
"Anyway that's it, I made my decision. Will you lend me your strength Eximius?"Naturally you thought to yourself.
(...)
[A timeskip will occur as you head for the ruins. Was there anything you wanted to do before that? You will nonetheless be at the ruins next turn, and whatever you did will be resolved in a flashback.]
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 0/10
Status:
-Ring Form
Location:
-Safara (Eastern Village of Nepkeros)
Host: Prias, Human Villager of Safara
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
Status:
-Fine
Internal Scars
Attributes:
Str 0
Con 1
Pow 0
Res 0
Int -1
Ind 1
Notes:
-Locked Potential
Notes:
-Investigated Prias "restraints"
-Known Villagers:
Veras: the village's mage
Sandra, Septor, Iseis: Prias's close friends
Eten, Luaros: villagers on townwatch
Terrence the Bone Baron - (ironsnake345)
They have told us all they care to tell, it seems. The armor holds the curse. If the armor falls, so too does the fog. It would seem your journey is long, my friend, yet the path to the goal is at last plainly visible. Our next move is your choice. Shall we search for prey and gain strength, or attack the armor head-on?
GM's throw: Action Roll (14): [11]
Outcome Roll: [2] -Critical Failure-
(No effect for Terrence and Vel, the GM is just sad.)
"As we stand, I cannot imagine a situation where we would best this abomination above monsters. 'To kill the Armor is to become the ruler of these lands', that is the saying that goes among intelligent undead of the deadland."You had rarely met intelligent undead in your wanderings. You knew of the most common ones, calling themselves Bonemetal Soldiers. There were probably more kind of intelligent undead.
Vel sighed through his helmet.
"Ah... it seems I will need to bid my time a bit longer. The road to strength it will be, then."The chorus of voices seemed to be rejoicing from your decision.
[New Objective: Kill the Armor]
(Priority Action Answer)
Nearby Monsters:-Vel, the Dead Rider: [Friendly/Ally]-Voices?: [Threatening]HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 4/10
Status:
-Fine
Inventory:
-Bone Broadsword [Wielded]
Location:
-Deadland of Easenval
> Doro Village
Companion: Vel[/color]
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 2
Status:
-Fine
Inventory:
-Rusty Arming Sword [Wielded]
Skee, the Insect Parasite (Legendary Marksdorf)
Drop the idea of going hunting for now.
"This is a good opportunity to test out my powers", Skee thought. Attempt to directly communicate with your host by talking "inside his mind", using the monstrous tongue, or if that doesn't work, directly transmitting concepts and ideas in the form of thoughts.
If this is successful, have your host translate everything the other Makralians say for you, and translate everything you want him to say to the other Makralians, althought you won't try the latter just yet.
In the meantime, keep observing. Try to find out how many other packs there are, how the leaders are chosen, how often do the packs go hunting, is there something all Makralians fear or despise, do they revere a deity of some sort.
((Things are finally getting exciting for little Skee... Great turn Nakéen, you're getting better and better at writing these ^^
Hope you'll be able to keep updating frequently because I really love this game :3))
Mind control practice: Action Roll (10): [3]
Outcome Roll: [4] -Failure-
Now that you were in a more stable situation, you decided to explore your powers a bit. First, you attempted to speak into the mind of the Makralian using the monstrous tongue. Like a little voice in the head of the parasited beast, you spoke. And nothing seemed to happen. Then you thought about directly manipulating its thoughts to transmit concepts and ideas... how though?
You tried to fiddle a bit with the brain of the creature, making it emits some weird groans but nothing more. It seems your efforts were vain.
Observe: Action Roll (6): [2])
Outcome Roll: [4] -Failure-
You kept a low profile among the pack. Observing, waiting for something new to happen...
Hours passed. It was now already nighttime, and you had been doing nothing but lazing around. Yet the Makralians remained alert at all times, even while asleep, they would wake up at the slightest disturbance. You wondered if your host was one particularly less skilled individual among the pack...
It was now nighttime. The tall and wide tree you were resting in was now as silent as the jungle.
Flavor Roll: [3]
The pack leader made three consecutive snapping sounds. Your Makralian and two others got up, and listened to the leader grunting and snapping. You could vaguely grasp what was happening, it seems you were sent on a hunt while he stayed there with the three other members of the pack.
You left with the two Makralians.
Event Roll: [5]
One of them quickly picked up something, and sent a signal to you and the other. You reunited with him to the location of the call, hidden among the leafage of a tree. Beyond you, there was an isolated creature. Twice larger than you three, with an apparently strong skin. It had a bony bump on its head and its joints.
The Makralians communicated.
Understand Makralian dialect: Action Roll (14): [10]+1 (Time spent with Makralians +1)
Outcome Roll: [4] -Failure-
You didn't really understand what they were saying. Your host didn't react either, so you couldn't guess based on its reaction either.
(Priority action answer)
Nearby Monsters:-2 Adult Makralians:
"Kin"-1 Young Banberus: ?
[GM Note: Banberus: Large Quadruped with bony bumps along its body. Attack by headbutting and bodyslamming, aiming for concussive damage with the very strong bumps. Tasty meat and good sense of smell.]
HP: 8/10
MP: 10/10
Essence: 0/2
Status:
-Bruised
Location:
-North Savarde Jungle
Host: Adult Makralian
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 0/10
Status:
-Fine
Attributes:
Str 1
Con 1
Pow -1
Res 0
Int 1
Ind 1
Known Skills:
-Rallying Call
-Vicious Bite
-Fur Hardening
-???
Squelchy, the Omnislime (Coolrune206)
It's not safe here. Before we can rest we must push on.
With the battle over, Squelchy disables Glimmering Hope and leads his triumphant band on, in the same direction they had been traveling before the disturbance.
[Glimmering Hope disabled]
Glimmering Hope backlash: Action Roll (10): [19]+2 (Inner light reserves +2)
Outcome Roll: [4] -Critical Success-
When you turned your Glimmering Hope ability off, you suddenly felt a surge of relief coursing through your body. For a reason you couldn't explain, you felt invigorated.
[Potential +2 bonus to future actions]
You and your fellow slimes headed further forward, the Dekoorath having realized your worth. The slimes were now very happy and motivated, this victory having renewed their spirits. They were "singing" using their pheromones, like a happy blobby band.
Scout out a better place: Action Roll (10): [4]+3 (Zed the Scout +2 Defeated the Dekoorath +1)
Outcome Roll: [3] -Failure-
Zed returned after another scouting session. He didn't find anything like an orchard or a better place ahead. Dejected, you resumed the march...
[Everyone is
Slightly Tired]
Event Roll: [1]
You felt a dangerous smell in the air. A familiar smell... that of the Miasma Dragon. Was it its territory? Or was it nearby? You couldn't tell exactly which one it was, and Zed was still gone scouting...
Nearby Monsters:-A lot of motivated slimes: Morale up! Singing!HP: 15/17
MP: 12/17
Essence: 4/20
Status:
-Fine
-Slightly Tired
Location:
-Savarde Jungle - North Area
> Unknown area
Companion: Gloup Blop (Inkblack Coroblob)
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Status:
-Morale up!
-Slightly Tired
Companion: Swift Zed the Mad Tornado (Leaping Slime)
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Status:
-Morale up!
-Slightly Tired
The Azarian Project, the Thoughling (Dustan Hache)
"very good, but not done! Sha-man next, then go our ways."
gather as much essence as I can, preferably half. After that, start our little force moving on the shaman's dwelling. We should finish what we started, after all.
My precious Essence!: Action Roll (7): [9]
Outcome Roll: [6] -Overshoot-
You rushed for the unclaimed golden substance that was already starting to leave the Ogres body. Quickly getting there, you managed to collect
6 Essence! Just as you absorbed it inside your body, a being of flesh had absorbed the remaining essence. You could feel its dangerous gaze. Envy.
+6 Essence. The Azarian Project may transform to Stage 1Nearby Visible Monsters:-Group of Ogre Warrior-caste:
[Death from Mind Failure]-The Envious One of Flesh:
Transforming-Many But Quite Less Ones of Thought:
[Neutral+] Stabilized -Many But Quite Less Ones of Flesh:
[Neutral+] Stabilized HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
Essence: 7/2
Status:
-Sated
-Slightly Tired
Location:
-South-East Nepkeros - Unnamed ruined village
Neophytos the Sole Survivor, Psychic Pain Spider (randomgenericusername)
"I just know that the Arachnastinian lands will be perfect for the tree to grow, I was just worried that moving it could damage it. It's still young."
...
Kwerf. I'll need your help calming them down. You are strong, so they will listen to your words.
Psychic audible cough to get the denizen's attention. Start psychic talking to them when Kwerf manages to make them shut up.
The plants are consumed by grazers, the grazers are consumed by predators, and the predators are consumed by time, returning to the earth. We live, consume, reproduce and die, and our children will live, consume, reproduce and also die. Those who are weak are consumed by the strong, and the strong are consumed by the stronger. But there is no beast at the top of the chain, because the strongest is time itself. Even the mightiest monster and largest kingdoms are slaves for the forces that are mightier than him: The laws of this world.
We have been contacted by a force stronger than us. Fighting equals death. Rebellion equals slavery. They are powerful, and we are currently at the bottom of the food chain. Thankfully, they wish to help us. They have promised to protect us in exchange of becoming their vassals. So unless you want to repeat the bloodshed just for something stupid like pride, remember. Remember that fight of survival. Remember every prey you have hunted and consumed. Remember evey day and night you lived under the woods. Remember that constant battle for life.
The Arachnastinian lands are perfect for us. They are safe and unfer the protection of their kingdom. The place is perfect for the Lifetree and the growth of anything. They sincerely wish to help us and prevent us from being destroyed by the multiple factions of the jungle. Why? Why resist? Have you forgotten? We are the prey now. If they had wanted to get rid of us, we would be already dead. They might even be the reason we haven't been attacked yet. This is only yet another proof that we should trust them and become thier vassals, their leader is wise and strong, and I trust them.
If we join them, we will be stronger. Together. These jungles are dangerous and we need as much help as possible. Death or vassalization, your choice. While they might not kill us, the other factions and beasts will.
Make psychic speech about why we should become their vassals towards the Denizens. Explain it's not slavery and calm them down with the help of Kwerf. When the beasts know that he supports vassalization, they will understand the situation we are in.
We are weak, and they have to accept that truth. Alone, we would die. United to their kingdom we would have a chance to live. If they wanted, they could have used fear and numbers to control us.
Psychic Speech: Action Roll (12): [4]+2 (Reputation +2 Kwerf help +2)
Outcome Roll: [4] -Failure-
When you finished your speech, the angry crowd resumed its disorganized protesting. Some were speaking in their species dialect, some in the monstrous tongue, some were just uttering random screams. Your words had fallen into deaf ears.
Event Roll: [1]
A large bird, bigger than a man landed in haste right beside you. It was out of breath, and in a state of panic.
"Representatives! The... the diplomat!"
Flourishing Dabblebud attempted to calm down the terrified bird. The creature could barely articulate its words. Your heart clenched when you heard them:
"The diplomat... the diplomat has returned... alone."
Alone?
The crowd that supported the representatives suddenly split to open the way to a giant bear-like monster who carried the bloodied Kelechikara. Its left arm was gone, and its exoskeleton was dented or gone all over. Its ichor was bleeding from everywhere.
He spoke weakly, but his voice was full of urgency.
"Trap... a trap... The Elemanoptera. They are coming to kill you all before you can ally with us."
The bear then spoke in his place. Calling himself Garv, he found Kelechikara near the settlement. He retold the events Kelechikara told him: after leaving the Arachnastinian territories with several troops, they headed there. But partway, they were ambushed by a large force of Elemanoptera, and were nearly wiped out. He doesn't know if soldiers could retreat to request reinforcements, but there was one thing for sure.
The Elemanoptera were coming to kill you all before your strength could add to the Arachnastinians.
As you were the most knowledgeable about the Arachnastinian territory's distance relative to the settlement, the representatives turned to your opinion first.
Nearby Monsters:-Kelechikara, Arachnastinian Diplomat
Fatally Wounded-Sedre, Sylvarian leader
-Species representatives: Kwerf, Jijjia, Lelist, Khywa, Sedre, Flourishing Dabblebud, Boor
-Elon Woods Settlement Denizens:
Half of them Revolted> Several insect/arachnid monsters
> Several beast monsters
> Several plant monsters
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 0 + a small amount
Status:
-Fine
Location:
-North Savarde Jungle - Sylvarian new settlement
The Protoquin (Failbird105)
Protoquin
rude, tongue lash the totem
Tongue Lash: Combat Roll (Str 0 vs Con 0): [6] vs [6]
Critical Roll: [10] -Critical Hit-
Damage Roll: [4]*1=[4]
You executed a perfect tongue lash toward the upper segment of the totem, causing the fire stream to change course and completely miss you. Furthermore the totem fell and broke into pieces! It started attempting to reassemble, but was overall helpless in the meantime.
Nearby Visible Dreams:-mini Dandakaras:
Sleeping-Dandakara's Nightmares:
Hostile> Totem Nightmare -4
-The White Nightmare:
HP: 10/10
MP: 10/10
Essence: 0
Status:
[Mind touched by a corruptive influence]
Location:
-Inory Hills (Western Inory Hills)
> Dreamwalking inside a Dandakara's dream
Go'Von, the Strangler Ooze (Puppyguard)
Go'Von
Delicious food is plentiful here. Eat as many smaller monsters as possible.
Eat Critter: Action Roll (5): [13]
Outcome Roll: [2] -Success-
You took advantage of this bountiful place to eat your fill. First, you snatched a far passing bat, quickly engulfing and digesting it. Then you ran after some sort of multi-legged crustacean, that had a hard shell but juicy interiors. After a few more meals, you felt filled and great.
FilledFlavor Roll: [1]
You spotted very dangerous looking monsters hunting in this cave. Better be careful and not cross their path you thought to yourself.
Nearby Monsters:-Many!
-A lot of critters
-Some very dangerous ones
HP: 15/15
MP: 12/12
Essence: 3/10
Status:
-Fine
-Filled (t19)
Location:
-Underground, Cave Network
> Great Yellow Luminescent Cave
> Nearby: Underground River
Gray the Unstable Prismetal Blaster (Beirus)
"It is okay, Brown. It has been a while since we had the chance to rest."
Thank the warriors for sparring with us, then go with Hinrab to the house and try to learn some Rune magic. Then get some rest.
You thanked the warriors, and soon after parted ways with them. They looked forward to sparring with you again, and the feeling was mutually shared. You did ask Hinrab if he wasn't too bothered with waiting, but he simply answered he was delighted to observe your technique.
(...)
The dusty streets and the walls of the cities were bathing in the warm twilight. As night was approaching, torches and some magical flames were starting to rise everywhere. The sidewalk was less crowded than when you arrived, and you could see looks of fatigue and relief on the face of the humans.
What a curious sight it was to you. Civilization.
You eventually reached Hinrab's house. A modest lodging, suited for two people. There, you could take off your clothes and relax. It was refreshing to no longer be bound by clothes. Brown was already half-asleep and half-meditating. As of you, you turned to Hinrab for some initiation in the magical arts.
Glyph Magic Initiation: Action Roll (12): [17]-2 (Intelligence -2)
Outcome Roll: [4] -Critical Success-
Hinrab started with the very basics of magic. Magic users all over the world powered their spell using the universal magical energy known as Mana. Spells were, simply put, a recipe that could change vastly depending on the type of magic. That recipe converted the Mana into something.
Glyph magic was a kind of Ashafan magic where its practicioners traced "glyphs" and poured mana into them to invoke a spell. Like Rune magic that was used in other faraway countries, precision was extremely important in Glyph magic. Furthermore, once used, a glyph would diminish in power until it became useless. Tracing a glyph required mana, as activating one.
Despite your lack of education, you were surprisingly receptive to what Hinrab was saying. You were actually understanding very rapidly, making both you and Hinrab wonder if you were a genius in the field.
[Magic Knowledge Increased]
He then taught you basic glyphs. The basic elemental glyphs, that conjured fire, air, water, earth, etc... The basic healing glyphs, that could speed recovery, relieve pain, etc... And more.
[Basic Magic (Glyph) learnt and added to sheet!]
Nearby Humans:-Hinrab, Masen disciple: FriendlyHP: 25/28
MP: 18/18
Essence: 20
Status:
-Exhausted
Inventory:
-Cloak of the Disciple (worn)
-Desert Traveler Gear (M)
Note:
[Martial Art knowledge increased]
[Magic Knowledge Increased]
[Combination attack development in progress]
Location:
-City of Farune
> Hinrab's House
Companion: Brown the Dirt Protector
HP: 20/20
MP: 14/14
Status:
-Exhausted
Inventory:
-Cloak of the Disciple (tied around)
-Desert Traveler Gear (XL)
Author
Topic: You are a Monster - Turn 63 (Read 214822 times)