What determines if someone is an animal or an intelligent creature?
Is it our ability to use tools? Does that mean a monkey swinging a hammer is equal to a human?
Is it our body? If a person's brain is kept alive without their body, are they still a person, or a thing?
I can't help but ask these questions: clearly I am no longer "human", but am I still considered a person? Or just a monster? A wild animal? A thing?
And looking out of the woods, would Goblins be considered equal to humans because they can use tools, or just monkeys swinging a rock?
With Stealth and Disguise active I'm a spider in a tree, looking down on a group of Goblins. They have a fire burning, and I can see a few carrying clubs as they watch the perimeter of their– well, I'm hesitant to even call it an encampment. Most are still stuffing themselves around the fire, save for one who is chewing a leg while sitting on a pile of rocks like a throne. Not a single one is wearing clothing, though their extremely hairy body may mean they don't need to.
'I'm just glad it hides their privates. It would be awkward to fight them with… things flopping everywhere.'
Finding what killed the Deer Treant after it ran led me to their camp. I came upon them feasting on the deer, along with another victim: a fellow Goblin.
I'm not sure how it died, but seeing them eating their own species just seems … wrong.
Not "wrong" because I know it's cannibalism, but because my initial reaction wasn't outright disgust: these guys are using tools, isn't that a clear sign of higher intelligence?
'I mean sure, cannibalism is more common in animals than most people think, but isn't it rare for intelligent species to do this? Or am I overthinking it? The only Mimic I've met wanted to eat me, so it may just be part of the ecosystem. '
It's a moral quandary, and as I watch them eat I begrudgingly admit it has nothing to do about weather they are intelligent or not: its about where I fall in that line.
If I were to kill and eat an intelligent creature, what am I? If I know the difference, what does that make me?
'...wait, I… I already did, didn't I? The Kobold: it had a class. It had intelligence based skills.'
The Kobold was already dead; I didn't actually kill it. But I ate it, and I didn't even question its intelligence when I got its class skills.
Perhaps deep down what bothers me the most, is that it doesn't really bother me at all: I know it -should- bother me. Shouldn't it? Killing an intelligent creature? Something that can think and reason?
A person?
Is it because they've been hunting me since I got here? Am I just resentful? Even if so, I shouldn't feel such a lack of compassion for an intelligent creature.
'Do I have the right to think like this? Is it even -safe- to care? Having moral superiority may be fine in society, but here it could get me killed. Considering every Goblin has seemed intent to do harm, would expecting them to do otherwise just be stupid?'
'Seeing as they're willing to eat their own kind, I shouldn't expect them to do less with me: given the chance they would kill and eat me without a second thought.
'So, am I going to kill them? Or should I just sneak past them?'
I continue watching; after they engorge themselves most fall to sleep, leaving three on guard as I debate on what to do next.
The smart thing would be to pass on by, but I keep having petty thoughts despite knowing they aren't likely the ones I previously encountered. 'And that weird feeling, like I'm missing out on something.'
They clearly didn't come out of the fight unscathed, even losing one to the Deer Treant in the process. If there were a perfect time to strike, this would be it. But how to do so?
The simplest idea would be to storm in there and attack, but against eight Goblins that's probably suicide. I could snipe them: it'd be easy to hit the ones asleep, but thanks to the system they would instantly know they're under attack after the first hit.
'Wait– would they?'
I've only used it to keep things from having skills tell that I'm a Mimic, but I haven't really tried anything else with it. Can I use it to trick them?
Secret Identity: You are able to control what information others see with Identify.
It doesn't specify what it can do, including any limitations. How far can it be pushed?
'Well, I guess there's one way to find out.'
I mentally select the skill and choose to modify with it.
Iron Spider
Description: "An iron coated spider."
– Detailed Description: "A Venomous Spider capable of long range attacks."
Updating: update compete.
Description: "A Roach"
– Detailed Description: "A Common Roach."
'OK, that worked. Now the real test.'
Making another mental modification I lift a leg in front of my face and bite myself.
Notice: You have been tickled by an [itch].
Sleep sleep has decreased your sleep by [two] tired! [12/20]
'OK, note to self: self-inflicted injuries bypass your own defenses.
I also can't believe using Secret Identity like that worked. I guess the system never expected a monster to try this?
'Hah- The bane of programmers: people trying to do things they shouldn't!'
'Will it work though? Can they really be that stupid?'
Well, let's test it out and see what happens. If anything I can stay hidden till they give up or leave.
Lining up an arrow I fire at a sleeping Goblin, but my aim is off and it silently hits the ground beside it. Making corrections the second arrow hits, the targeted Goblin jerking its head up and groggily looks around.
For a moment I think I'm screwed as the Goblin reaches down to scratch the spot and pricks its hand, causing the arrow to fall out as it jerks its hand back to inspect it. It's eyes, still surprisingly sleepy, seem to focus on a spot in the air a moment before it grunts and turns over, it's breathing slowing down as it falls unconscious.
I mentally breath a sigh of relief, checking the notifications to see exactly what I'm up against.
Your attack against a [Goblin Warrior] was a success!
[Goblin Warrior]'s health has decreased by [Four] points! [28/32]
( 2 piercing +2 Advantageous Attack)
Notice: [Goblin Warrior] has been poisoned for [One] point of damage per minute for three minutes! [27/32]
[Goblin Warrior]'s health has decreased by [Two] points! [25/32]
( 2 piercing)
Notice: [Goblin Warrior] has been poisoned for [One] point of damage per minute for three minutes! [24/32]
'Wow. Yea- with eight here, that's not happening. Is there any way I could actually beat them? Do I have a form that would work?'
The komodo is a tank, but they'd easily be able to gang up on me: If I go in there I doubt I'd get out.
'Could I get them to follow me instead? If I could bait the three guards alone, that'd cut the fight down a notch. I'm confident I could take them one on one, but how would I separate them?'
I watch for another minute, only to realize I may be overcomplicating things; their tools are found objects, not constructed ones. It shouldn't be that hard to trick them, especially if they believe everything the system says.
'So, back to my original plan.' I decide. Over the next thirty minutes I hit each sleeping Goblin around the fire, giving each time to go back to sleep before targeting the next one. I consider targeting their leader, but the distance is too far for my arrows to reach.
Once the four sleeping target's are hit, I adjust the arrows information again and take aim at the three on guard, attempting to hit the earth directly under where they are walking.
If it shows as expected, they should see a message like
Notice: You have been injured by [Living Grass].
Your health has decreased by [two] points!
Notice: You have been poisoned for [one] point of damage per minute for three minutes!
The first Goblin steps on the arrow and falls backwards as it jerks its foot up, drawing the attention of the other two guards. I promptly fire an arrow in their path, the second of the two heading to the other stepping on it in its path and jerks its foot up as well. They start talking to each others with unknown words, then sush each other as those sleeping nearby begin to stir.
I fire and the last guard steps on the arrow, this one shouting in response. The three converse, then start smacking their clubs against the ground.
I mentally smile as I exhaust my arrows, catching two of the guards again before hitting one of the sleeping Goblins with the last.
As the ground bashing noise starts to wake the other Goblins I move back in the tree and begin shifting form, reviewing the damage I inflicted in the process
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[Goblin Warrior #1] [20/32]
[Goblin Warrior #2] [26/33]
[Goblin Warrior #3] [24/31]
[Goblin Warrior #4] [19/32]
[Goblin Warrior #5] [20/30]
[Goblin Warrior #6] [18/28]
[Goblin Warrior #7] [18/23]
As they wake the sleeping Goblins begin to groan, grabbing the areas hit by darts as they begin to feel the effect of the poison.
With an angry shout their leader wakes, leaping off it's makeshift throne and storming over to the guards.
Shouting between them ensues, the guards frequently pointing to the grass and their injuries as they talk.
Using my now Squirrel Archer form I twitch my tail, launching a dart through the air. I aim above a guard when the leaders back is turned to it and activate the Explosion Infusion, the dart changing course with a loud bang before hitting their leader, providing it with a nicely crafted message
Warning: You have been betrayed by a [Goblin Warrior]!
Your health has decreased by [two] points!
Notice: You have been poisoned for [one] point of damage per minute for three minutes!
Even if they can't read I know they should get an understanding of what the information says, and the response by their leader confirms it when he turns around and attacks the now confused and frightened Goblin.
[Goblin King] [37/40] (-2 poison DoT pending)
[Goblin Warrior #5] has been injured for [Seven] Force Damage! [13/30]
Not wanting to give them time to figure it out I fire two darts to the side of the other two guards, triggering their redirection a second apart and drawing the two to look at each other in response.
Your attacks against the [Goblin King] were a success!
[Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [3] points! [34/40]
( 2 piercing, +1 poison)
Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [3] points! [31/40]
( 2 piercing, +1 poison)
(-6 poison DoT pending)
His anger in full force the Goblin King turns on the other two and unleashes a flurry of blows against them, then returns to the first with another hit.
[Goblin Warrior #6] has been injured for [Seven] Force Damage! [11/28]
[Goblin Warrior #7] has been injured for [Seven] Force Damage! [11/23]
[Goblin Warrior #6] has been injured for [Seven] Force Damage! [04/28]
[Goblin Warrior #7] has been injured for [Seven] Force Damage! [04/23]
[Goblin Warrior #5] has been injured for [Seven] Force Damage! [06/30]
The three guards decide it's better to stay down as the King shouts at them, the four formally asleep Goblins watching in confusion.
In my mind the most impressive thing is just how much damage he's doing- solely with his fists.
Not letting up I fire another series of darts, this time above the former sleepers, triggering their redirection as close together as I can.
Three attacks against the [Goblin King] were a success!
[Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [3] points! [28/40]
( 2 piercing, +1 poison)
Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [3] points! [25/40]
( 2 piercing, +1 poison)
Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [3] points! [22/40]
( 2 piercing, +1 poison)
(-12 poison DoT pending)
One attack against the [Goblin King] failed!
With surprising speed the Goblin King catches one of the darts, only slightly wincing as the other three hit it.
Throwing it down he stalks towards the four, cruel sounding words spoken as his targets seem to plead with him.
I pause my attacks and watch as he beats them close to death, the action only taking a few swings against each subordinate.
[Goblin Warrior #1] [06/32]
[Goblin Warrior #2] [05/33]
[Goblin Warrior #3] [03/31]
[Goblin Warrior #4] [05/32]
He begins what sounds like a monolog, likely about how great he is or how weak they are, momentarily faltering, then picking back up with fervor, as a minute passes and he takes one round of poison damage.
Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [Six] points! [16/40]
(-06 poison DoT pending)
With so little health left in each I decide it's time to finalize my plan, flicking darts over my body towards each Goblin in sight.
Multiple targets injured!
Each ( 2 piercing, +1 poison) (+2 Poison DoT pending)
[Goblin Warrior #1] [03/32]
[Goblin Warrior #2] [02/33]
[Goblin Warrior #3] [00/31]
[Goblin Warrior #4] [02/32]
[Goblin Warrior #5] [03/30]
[Goblin Warrior #6] [01/28]
[Goblin Warrior #7] [01/23]
One attack against the [Goblin King] failed!
With so many darts fired I'm not surprised when the Goblin King not only catches a dart, but also is staring directly at me after tracking the projectiles.
I smile in response, activating the fired darts Explosion Infusions and watch as each takes a point of damage, including the king.
Congratulations-You have defeated [Two] stronger foes!
You have gained [Two] Victory Points!
Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [One] point! [15/40]
(-06 poison DoT pending)
You have used [Sacrifice] and take [One] point of damage! [11/20]
I wince in pain as the tail spines regrow before firing a few more at the King.
As they're flying he grabs another Goblin and holds it in front of himself like a shield, twisting it in the direction of the darts, somehow managed to keep himself protected as the Infusion redirects the needles.
Multiple attacks against the [Goblin King] failed!
[Goblin Warrior #1] has intercepted the attacks!
[Goblin Warrior #1]'s health has decreased by [3] points, reducing it to Zero! [00/32]
(Total 6 piercing, +3 poison)
Dropping the dead Goblin the King picks up a large rock, twists his body back, and launches it at me with precise aim.
The unbelievable speed of the Projectile gives me little time to respond, the stone slamming into the branch directly under my feet causing it to shatter before the stone hits me directly.
Warning: You have been attacked by a [Goblin King]!
Force damage has decreased your health by [Five] points! [06/20]
You have been injured by Environmental Damage [Force] for [One] point! [05/20]
I land on the ground, surprising myself at being able to do so without further injury, and barely manage to dodge a second rock thrown by the Goblin King.
'OK, keeping my distance isn't beneficial anymore.' I decide and turn tail, running past a few more trees into the woods.
Refusing to let such a small- and now injured- creature that hurt him get away the Goblin King picks up a dropped club and follows, but with an unexpected level of caution.
I make no attempt at Stealth as I run, pausing a decent bit away behind a tree as I shift forms again.
He tracks the clear sound of movement and soon catches up, watching as the lid of a wooden chest slightly bounces as it drops shut. His eyes narrow in suspicion, looking around for signs of other dangers.
With caution he approaches, reaching out with the club and giving my body a slight push, my lid slightly raising from his effort before closing back as he removes the club. A wicked grin spreads across his face before he begins to wind back and lift the club above his head.
The weight behind his strike is lost as I fire acid through the lock hole, causing him to shift his body as he raises his front arm to shield his face from the attack.
As the hiss of acid splashes against his arm I open my mouth, releasing the tension my tongue has been under as it fires toward the King.
Your attack against the [Goblin King] was a success!
Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [Three] points! [12/40]
(3 Acid)
Your attack against the [Goblin King] was a Critical Success!
[Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [Three] points! [09/40]
( 2 piercing, +1 BloodSucker)
[Goblin King] is affected by the condition [Restricted Movement]!
(-06 poison DoT pending)
With my tongue pierced into his acid burned arm I begin to pull him closer, the act dragging my own body towards him.
He seems to become more angry instead of surprised when I reveal myself, perhaps thinking I stole his prey, and reaching around with the injured hand grabs hold of my tongue, the wicked grin widening as if to say I made a terrible mistake.
He lifts the club in his hand and jerks hard, dragging my form forward five feet and within bashing range, already bringing the club forward to strike me down.
But I made this form for this kind of fighting.
Two sections of panels whip around my body, intercepting the club between themselves, arresting the motion as one strong arm presses against two shields.
Warning: You have been attacked by a [Goblin King]!
Force damage has decreased your health by [Two] points! [03/20]
(-7, reduced by 4 Damage Resistance and 1 from adjusted Impact)
For a moment we remain locked in battle, him pressing the club down at me while pulling his other arm away, I trying to do the opposite motions. But he is stronger, he knows it and begins to leverage his height over me to aid in the battle.
But I'm not waiting to win a battle of strength.
[Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [Six] points! [03/40]
(-06 poison DoT)
For a split second as the effect of the poison courses through his body his stance falters- the moment I was waiting for allowing me the minute difference in Strength as I allow my body to be pulled forward.
I fire acid towards his legs as my teeth slam shut over his arm, my shield vines twisting to push the club away as his body draws close.
Your attacks against the [Goblin King] were a Critical Success!
[Goblin King]'s health has decreased by [Three] points, reducing it to Zero! [00/40]
[(3 Acid) (2 piercing, +1 BloodSucker)]
I bite his lower arm off in the moment, the excessive damage having already brought his life to an end, the conclusion bringing forth sounds of celebration.
Looking around for danger I take a moment to review ignored notifications, finding in them confirmation the other Goblins are dead.
Congratulations-You have defeated stronger foes!
[Goblin Warrior #1-7]
You have gained [Seven] Victory Points!
[Goblin King]
You have gained [Two] Victory Points!
You have leveled up!
You have gained [One] leveling point!
I revel in the healing effect of leveling up for a moment, then push my base form in to widen my mouth more to Consume the corpse whole.
Remaining in the Chest form I unfurl my legs beneath me and head back to the Warrior corpses, storing them in my Gut upon arrival.
It takes until I'm dropping the last one in, as it's leg vanishes past my sight into my mouth, to think about the fact I'm eating an intelligent creature.