Novels2Search
Age of the Behemoths
Chapter 3 (Part 3): The Recluse

Chapter 3 (Part 3): The Recluse

Roh held the ancient tome in his hands, thumbing through its pages, barren save for the initial entry gifted to him by the wise dwarf. The first page held an overview of the extensive research and study within. Any info that he read was then displayed on the system notifications due to the brainwave technology. It provided better readability than the much smaller, fanciful script etched in the tome.

BESTIARY

Discoveries 0%

Behemoths

Research Level 1 (Locked) - Basic Info & Difficulty Level

Research Level 2 (Locked) - Materials

Research Level 3 (Locked) - Locations, time of day and weather for spawning

Research Level 4 (Locked) - Evolutions

Research Level 5 (Locked) - Weak spots

Research Level 6 (Locked) - Weaknesses

Pathfinder Levels

Level 1 (Locked) - Locate Area

Level 2 (Locked) - Locate Lair

Level 3 (Locked) - Locate Behemoth

Note: At the nearest town, one may come across a vendor who can furnish them with a Pathfinder. These creatures, as scouts, offer their services to aid the player on their journey. Through tireless study and investigation, one may unlock the secrets of the Pathfinder's levels and harness their full potential.

"Whoa, I had no idea there would be a bestiary with things to unlock," Roh exclaimed in surprise, his eyes lighting up with excitement, "This is amazing news! As a completionist, I can't wait to unlock every single item in the bestiary."

As he turned the page, he noticed the dwarf's first contribution, an introduction to the fabled "Age of the Behemoths." There, at the top of the page, was the name of the first behemoth to grace its pages, written in bold lettering: the Zulgarn. Roh gazed upon the artwork, marveling at the detail and skill evident in each line and stroke.

The Zulgarn behemoth was a creature unlike any other, a fusion of fierce grace and armored might. Captured in a breathtaking image drawn in deep, rich yellow ochre, the behemoth dominated the page with its powerful presence.

Its fur was a tawny gold, each strand etched in yellow ochre with intricate detail that seemed to ripple in the wind. The massive head of the beast was dominated by a pair of piercing yellow eyes, set beneath a heavy brow ridge. A jagged row of teeth glinted in the light, each one as long as a hunter's hand and sharp as a dagger.

The body of the Zulgarn was a marvel of nature, its massive legs ending in powerful paws that could crush a man with a single blow. Its spine was covered in a thick layer of bony plates, each one overlapping like the scales of a dragon, providing a nearly impenetrable defense against the claws and teeth of its enemies.

But it was the tail of the Zulgarn that truly set it apart, a massive club covered in wicked spikes that could shatter stone and snap steel. The artist had captured the movement of the tail, showing the energy and power of the beast as it prepared to strike.

Every detail of the Zulgarn was rendered with care and precision, from the slant of its eyes to the curve of its claws. It was a work of art that spoke to the heart of the hunter, capturing the raw power and majesty of one of the greatest beasts to ever roam the land.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The script that followed was a testament to the dwarves' mastery of their craft, a fitting beginning to his journey into the unknown.

Zulgarn Description:

The Zulgarn behemoth is a force of nature, inspiring both awe and terror with its fluid movements. It prowls the land with the predatory grace, its head low and its eyes scanning for prey. As a solitary hunter, it roams the wilderness alone but when confronted by a worthy opponent, it unleashes its full wrath, battering with its massive tail and crushing with its armored feet.

Its temperament is mercurial, with a fiery spirit that can be roused to rage with a single misstep. As a creature of passion, its moods are changeable like the winds. When calm, it radiates power and grace, but when provoked, it becomes a whirlwind of destruction. Despite its fearsome reputation, the Zulgarn is also a creature of remarkable intelligence, a cunning hunter that tracks its prey over vast distances and relies on both strength and cunning. When it finally closes in for the kill, it is a predator at the top of its game, inspiring fear and reverence in all who behold it.

The dwarf's eyes gleamed with wisdom as he spoke, his voice deep and rumbling like the thunder of a mountain storm."The deeper you delve into the secrets of the wilds and the mysteries of the bestiary, the richer the bounty of knowledge you will uncover. This understanding will become your most valuable weapon as you embark on your hunts, shaping you into a hunter unmatched."

“And so, young traveler, your journey begins with a task befitting one of your station. The scholars of the land seek knowledge of the Zulgarn, a creature of formidable reputation, and it falls to you to seek out its traces and bring back what you may find. May the wind be at your back and your heart be stout, for this is but the first step on the path to greatness."

Main Quest - Zulgarn of the Primal Lands

The knowledge seekers of the realm have issued a call to all adventurers to gather information on a formidable creature known as the Zulgarn. Your task is to venture into the wild and gather any physical evidence of the beast, such as fur, footprints, or any other trace it may leave behind.

Objective: Collect Traces of a Zulgarn 0/3

Location: Undiscovered

Recommended Level: 1

Conditions: None

Failure Conditions: None

Rewards:

500 XP

100 Gold

+50 Behemoth Research Points

This is your chance to make a name for yourself as a formidable monster hunter and contribute to the ever-growing body of knowledge in the realm. Good luck, adventurer!"

Roh rubbed his chin, a smile slowly spreading across his face. "Main Quest: Zulgarn of the Primal Lands," he muttered to himself. “Bring it on! I'm ready to track down this Zulgarn and make a name for myself as a monster hunter."

Roh’s stomach grumbled aloud.

“Seems like you have a roaring Wyvern Core inside of you,” the hermit jested. “I have some freshly cooked venison and mead for you and you can lay on the extra straw mat on the floor for the night.”

“That’s awfully generous of you,” Roh replied.

“Well, I can’t exactly let you die before you’ve completed my quests,” the old man laughed as he slapped Roh on the back. “The name’s Tucks by the way.”

“Rohgar,” smiled Roh. “Rohgar The Rage to my foes...and Roh to my friends.”

The highlander dwarf gave a warm smile. “Rohgar, don’t let the serene, idyllic setting lull you into a false sense of security."

Roh returned a smile. “Thanks for the tip. You can call me Roh”.

Achievement unlocked!

[First Bond] Lv. 1 Bond with Tucks - Friend

Someone actually likes you.

Reward: +1 Charisma

Ooo I can do with the increase in Charisma since it’s one of my weaker stats. Oblivious to the game notification as it was only displayed on Roh’s periphery, Tucks continued, “Well then Roh, you need to be prepared for anything out there!”