No matter how unlikely, rare, or improbable something is there is away a chance of it happening. Despite the certainy or uncertainty things can go exactly as planned, or can differ wildly.
After Morvain bound the spear to Stygian, the group began to discuss plans for defeating Gwyn. They reach the conclusion that Vae would act the decoy luring Gwyn out, and then baragin with the haloed pixie. While Stygian climbed through the forest and found a place that the bug could hopefully get the drop on Gwyn. Quite literally. If the psyling managed to take Gwyn in one hit then they would count their lucky stars. Otherwise Stygian would act as tank soaking up hits while Vae healed and defended herself. The goal is to eat up all of the time Gwyn can remain haloed. Afterwards they would send in the guards and subdue him.
A sound a solid plan, that were planning on rehearsing tommorow before implementing. With all of that worked out the excessive amount of people crammed into Vaelin's room was reduced to a sane number. Only Rhind and Stygian remained inside, while two guards remained outside to show Rhind to his new quarters. Stygian had asked the smith to stay, to ask more questions about the spear, but our deväk was really interested in asking Vae some questions.
"Caan yoou exxplain what haalos doo?"
"Well I can try. I don't know much about them, most who obtain an halo describe it in delightfully unhelpful ways. From what I have gathered it seems that there is two basic ways to use a halo. The first is the easiest and the default state, in this state the halo acts as a magic well. It increases generation of magic and storage, though the type is dependent on the user. Then there is the physical state, I am unsure of all the benefits, but it bumps up physical modifiers by an ass load. Anywhere from an times four bonus to a times ten. There are also stories about unique magic skills or spells, but that seems fairly advanced." Vae's reply was colorfully bitter. Form her tone it sounded that the information she had gleamed this from was vague, and this was her best stitching together.
"Whaat aare Gwyyn's bonuses?"
The pixie sighed. "Couldn't tell ya. I can guess that he is at least three times as strong as he was when his halo is out and active. Also we pixies are not natural born fighter, usual the furthest thing from it, but the halo seems to have changed some about that in Gwyn."
"Actually, since we were boys Gwyndolin has always been obsessed with martial combat. It's been his dream to push his body to the peak and learn all that he could about physical combat."
Ten seconds of solid silence followed Rhinds statement. With barely contained laughter Vae asked, "We are talking about the same pixie right? Grim Gwyn? Hostile, power hungry, and one armed? His full name is, Gwyndolin?"
With a nod and a grin from Rhind, Vae began to laugh uproariously. Stygian was still upset at the prospect of having to remember more names. Vae was actually Vaelin. Rhind? Rhindel. Grumpy old bitch? Well she was Morvain the 'soulless', whatever that meant. Honestly the whole thing was such a hassle, remembering two names for one person. Outrageous. Plus grumpy old bitch fit better than Morvain. The bug decided that it would just use the names it knew instead trying to remember new ones. Well except for Vaelin. That one was okay to remember, but the rest were a hassle.
The whole reason for the hassle was the noble pixies. Some of them grew to dislike the attention their real names brought out, so the went by different names. When the common pixie heard of this they started doing the same. Before long pixie parents were deliberately giving children long and awkward names so they would be shortened. After several generations it was widely accepted to never give out your real unless you trusted the other party, were apologizing, or claiming responsibility for something. Gwyndolin however had only ever given his out once, and that was to Rhindel. Vae had displayed considerable trust when she gave Gwyndolin her real name. Unfortunately, Gwyn didn't reciprocate, and their friendship began to fall apart.
"Is Gwynndolinn a funny name?"
"Pffft-Yeah. That's an understatement, Gwyn is no one from no where. There was a great pixie known as Gwindolyn, she protected our whole race when we were at our lowest. Common folk will name there children after her in hopes of latching on to her legacy."
Rhind and Vae shared a knowing smile, but Stygian Interrupted the moment. "...I stiill doon't understaand."
"You see Stygian, there has ever only been one Gwindolyn in our historys. All named after her seem doomed to either obscurity, failure. Both end with some kind of violent death. It's funny because fate seems to have already determined Gwyn to be the loser." Replied Rhind in a patent tone while Vae stifled another bout of giggles. All of Gwyn's unfortunate failure's and near brushes wish death, seemed to add up now. After all the first Gwindolyn was brought down by an extremely potent and powerful curse. Surely it wasn't such a stretch of the imagination to believe that the curse lingered and not on a place, but a name.
Of course no substantial proof of that being the case has ever been obtained, so no pixie could say for sure. However, Gwyn seemed far more run down then even the elders, and he was younger than Vae who wasn't considered an adult yet. Admittedly pixie were considered adults around two hundred year old and Vae was only a hundred seventy years old. So close, but no changeling.
Stygian then asked about how come the tree was so different. It turns out that Vae shaped it. Her basic magic was heavily influence by her nature magic, so one acted like the other. This however was only possible because her magic now obeyed her will instead of her invocations. It turns out that nature magic is incredibly inefficient, so you have to use a lot to do a little, while basic magic is almost the opposite. So Vae shaped the tree all by herself in just a few days.
Stygian then brought up the point it had most wanted to discuss. The Knight's Fork. Asking about limitations, functions, and all manor of things. The smith explain that thanks to the object being a high level soulbound variant there was a spatial pocket that Stygian could store the weapon. Which is also where the spear would reapear if it got to far from the bug.
When Rhindel began explaining the intricacies of his crafting art, Vae had enough and kicked them out. Fortunately for the bug, who was quite interested in the subject, the conversation didn't stop there and continued all the to Rhind's new room. Rhind had invited Stygian in so they could talk more when the psyling received the notification.
Lust
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You have talked and talked. You feel, talkative... 100%
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New skill unlocked: Dumbstruck. You feel, muddled... 0%
Which our insect then showed great patience by not instantly opening its status. Instead our bug informed the pixie that it needed to go stretch its legs and would take him up on the offer another time. Waiting until Rhindel had shut the door into his room before opening its status was the absolute limit though. Our bug immediately began scouring the attribute page for changes.
Name Physical Modifier Attributes Unique Statuses Stygian Half-light Str: +20.7% Str: 15 Oath Age Agi: +9.6% Agi: 12 Soul Corruption 2 month Dex: +3.9% Dex: 19 Monsters Vitality Species Acr: +6.0% Acr: 7 Thick Plating Deväk (Psyling) Mnt: +3.2% Mnt: 28 Int: +1.0% Int: 15 Wis: +1.0% Wis: 15 Per: +3.7% Per:11 End: +14.7% End: 14 Con: +15.0% Con: 13 Vit: +10% Vit: 1 Cha: -10% Cha: 1
The psyling's charisma went up five percent, and it's mentality went down five. Honestly it was not as bad as it could have been. It was luck that mentality was its highest stat otherwise it could have effective the deväk poorly. Mentality affects decision making, and how well you can shrug off mental effects and attacks. It was also directly related to psychic powers, tamer jobs, as well as a few others. This attribute was all about control. Control of ones self, and control of dumber creatures that can be called minions. It was an excellent stat for the yet unskilled monster tamer/ geneticist Stygian to have in such a high amount.
Now to check the new skill.
Dumbstruck Level 1
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Those around you have a tougher time making coherent thoughts. This is a passive skill and can't be toggled. Effects scale with Charisma. Cha +5.0%.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Not particularly useful, but then again only time would tell. After inspecting the changes our shelled friend had the guards escort it to the rooms the council had appointed it. It was a blatant attempt at bribery, designed to get the deväk to change its mind. Which if that didn't work outright it was also directly nextdoor to the Morvain's council chambers, and she would probably come by and try to persuade it. Though much later than Stygian would have guessed Morvain showed up. Nearly four hours had passed and it was nearing midnight when she began the said persuasion attempt. She knocked at the deväk's door.
"Stygian may I come in? I believe that we have more to discuss." The councilor artificial sweet tone was met with only silence.
"Look I know you probably have much to think about, but I promise if you let me in you won't regret it."
Again silence.
"Please. I have several gifts for you if you just let me in and listen."
Not even a peep. Morvain wondered if the bug had fallen asleep or maybe just couldn't hear her. So she opened the door, granted it was the height of rudeness, but Stygian was after all just a bug so it probably wouldn't mind. Opening the door and presenting her bag of gift first the pixie slowly entered. Only to find the room completely empty.
Stygian had jumped out the window and it didn't take a genius to figure out why. Both pond and the settlement where visible in the distance. It was like the forest itself was egging Stygian on. Which it was.
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Stygian watched from a distance as a haloed Gwyn came out of the metal dome. He had been waiting outside for an few hours, and about ten minutes ago some monster showed up and started banging on the dome actually leaving several cracks in it. The pixie glowing with a soft kind light. It made him look like a savior. Even the monster that had been trying to get in the dome was stunned. Though that appearance was quickly shattered when Gwyn smashed the monster known as a vorli hind leg with the hammer he held. Where the stump of his other arm end, just past his elbow, was a great shield designed specifically for him. He would block with the shield and the strike with the hammer. He was quite elegant, and honestly seemed like he was playing with the beast.
Vorli are very rarely seem above ground, they can grow to enormous sizes, and they rival dragons in greed. Though the vorli are more interested in raw metals then treasure. A normal vorli is short and rather squat with next to no neck, it looks like it was squashed together. Vorli are eyeless, wingless, scaleless creatures that stand on their hind legs and use forelimbs shaped picks to dig. Their forelimbs are reminiscent a praying mantis, and they have a locking mechanism that allows them to build up a great deal of force as well as strike fast. There faces are basically ever gaping maws lined with scores of teeth that can grind rock and prey in equal measure. They subsist off whatever they can find, being able to eat almost anything. Though they prefer minerals, pixie is also pretty tasty. They perceive the world through a magical sense not unique to there kind, but still very potent. Vorli are known for strengthening themselves through raw minerals, making them tough opponents. This Vorli was quite young and only had stone covering its picks.
Vorli looked quite versatile, but parasitical growth refused to go off which left Stygian rather disappointed. Still being twice the size of Gwyn it would be a large meal, that is if there was anything left when Gwyn was done. The pixie seemed intent on liquefying the beast. The thing had already lost its life, but Gwyn kept smacking away at it. When it finally looked like Gwyn had his fill and de-haloed, Stygian dropped from a nearby branch. Gwyn immediately raised his shield at the noise and locked eyes with the bug. The impromptu staring contest ended several moment later when Gwyn spoke.
"Hello Stygian. What happened to you, you look rather put together for an abomination."
The deväk cock its head, and formed an imitation pixie mouth. The deväk had the idea during the planing session. Even going so far as to talk with itself while waiting for Gwyn to show, so it could get the voical cords just right. This level of precision detail would have been impossible for Stygian pre-metamorphosis. Granted it took several hours of practice, but still it was impressive. Why not just use psychic communication? Well dear friends, even as limited as Stygian was, it still knew that it's psychic ability could be an asset if used right. Besides the practice leveled up it shapeshifting skill to level two.
Placing the imitation mouth behind it's head Stygian replied in an almost normal voice. Though it still like to drag words out.
"Hoooow you knooow?" Voice now like a sharp drawn out whisper instead of gravel being crushed against stone.
Gwyn looked quite taken aback for w moment, before responding, "I can feel the corruption in your soul, and it's unique to you. You know I always thought of you as dog, but I never thought you'd lay down your life for your masters. I thought you were better than that."
Stygian let out a choking hiss from its real mouth as well as a laugh from its imitation mouth. "Weell better a dooog, then a biitch, Gwyyndoolin."
Gwyn relaxed his shield ever so slightly as he began a retort, but in momentary lasp Stygian burst into violence. Crossing the small gap and withdrawing the Fork from its soul space, before Gwyndolin could process. One good strike was all it would take. Standing above the pixie Stygian aimed down for the neck. Our bug managed a hit, but it was a glancing blow. Gwyn moved at just the right moment and the spear hit his collar bone and slid off doing damage, but not enough.
Stygian push the advantage, Gwyn's halo wasn't out and it seemed that he couldn't activate it again, at least not right away. Stygian pushed and prodded Gwyn's defense, but it was rock solid of course with the constant bartering Stygian managed to strike a few more glancing blows. Gwyn took no chance to attack the psyling focusing completely on defense, so either he was stupid or his halo could be activated again shortly. Stygian need to finish this fast. So the bug poured on the heat. Strike after strike was blocked, but our deväk was rather clever and combat oriented. By extending and collapsing the spear Stygian could deeper and knock the pixie off balance by making him miss blockes. Another minute and Stygian would take the pixies life, but Stygian wasn't given another minute. Gwyn's halo reapear above his head.
Gwyn immediately began outpacing the psyling, blocking every blow our bug could muster. Even the tricks with its spear stopped working. Then Gwyn struck back. Stygian felt the force impact the chitin of its left arm. With the magical plating and the stronger bone, the blow hurt, but would leave a bruised at best. Well if it was just a normal blow. Unfortunately for Stygian something else seeped into its arm when Gwyn's hammer hit. It was only on the second hit when Stygian felt its chitin crack and the accompanied pain that he knew something was up.
Unbeknownst to our deväk, and every other pixie still alive, Gwyn had three types of magic. Born with nature magic and the ability of a summoner Gwyn gained his third magic after his first summoning went wrong. Accidentally summoning a savage demon is unfortunate, watching kill your family is bad, having it consume your arm while you still live and being corrupted by its essence mind, body, and soul is a worse. Fortunately enough pixie showed up to eventually stop the demon, but it was a close call. This encounter prevented Gwyn from ever regrowing his arm, but it also caused corruption to latch itself on to his magical core. Allowing Gwyn to imbue object with a corruption that interferes with magic. He despised the 'gift', but it gave him the makings of a capable demon slayer.
Which is why when he next preformed a summoning, and asked the angel to remove the corruption from his being, the angel refused. Instead offering Gwyn a deal; if he slayed demons for the angels then the angels would bestow him with a halo of his very own. Gwyn accepted, obtained a tamer profession to help restain the demon's, and began killing them. For nearly a hundred years Gwyn killed demons and finally got close to a thousand just before his clan fell. Gwyn had hoped that he could corrupt Stygian into a demon and use the bug as his final kill. Protecting his whole clan and gaining a halo for his deed. It would make him a hero to his clan, but then Vae had to go and ruin it.
That was the past however, and right here right now Gwyn was deeply looking forward to squashing the damn bug. While Gwyn's skill was learned and honed, Stygian was just a natural born combatant. They both were no where near masters of their respective arts, but Stygian had more talent than Gwyn. Which was the only thing keeping our deväk alive. Dodging and using the boneless shifter flesh to absorb impacts and the corruption Stygian had split the Fork and was using it as two spears. Even though Gwyn had an insane bonus to his stats the fight was still neck and neck. Proving that strength does not account for skill. Unfortunately the bug was about realize that preparation trumps skill.
The psyling manage to get a nasty cut on Gwyns forehead causing blood to spill into his left eye. The deväk expected that the flow of the fight would shift in its favor, but suddenly the blood stopped. Then Stygian notice a green something covering the wound. It looked like a plant stem. It was at that moment Stygian realized how fucked it was. Gwyn had a blood blossom attached somewhere out of sight. The blossom would stop the bleeding from any wound inflicted. Without it blood lose would have made Gwyn easier to kill, but with it? Well thing would be a lot harder. Unfortunately for the deväk there was more than an hour before Morvain would discover the bug had snuck out. So Stygian was on its own with no hope of back up.
Stygian tried every underhanded tactic it could think of, but couldn't land a blow devastating even to change the outcome of the fight.in an attempt to gouge out one of Gwyn's eyes Stygian left itself open for a shield bash right in the chest. Our bug hadn't thought about the shield being used like that and fell into Gwyn's trap. The one armed pixie was merciless crushing Stygian's outer chitin on both main arms, and then on its legs. The corruption entered Stygian's body and stunned the insect. Gwyn ignored the smaller set of arms and picked the bug up by the throat. The psyling was stunned, in agony, and exhausted putting all of its effort into keeping up with Gwyn was taxing.
Flying over the lake Gwyn held Stygian precarious by the throat. The deväk was barely putting up any resistance at all.
"Any last words, insect?"
With a smile on the imitation pixie mouth Stygian spoke in a weak tone, "Yeees."
"Well care to enlighten me before I let go, and lighten the load?"
On the flight over the pond Stygian felt the corruption in its soul act like a sponge sucking up what was in the insects body. This meant the bug could move if it waited for all the corruption to enter its soul, but it also meant that Vae's soul barrier would be overwhelmed.
"I thiiink, I aaaaam. A soore loser." With that Stygian maxed both pressure and volume and screamed into Gwyn's mind. Stunning the pixie our deväk used one armored tentacle on its back to snatch Gwyn's halo, while the other pulled the deväk into striking range and its auxiliary arms lashed out. Repeatedly. Stygian landed six strikes in three seconds before Gwyn went limp, and both Stygian and Gwyn fell into the water. Gwyn was dead. His brainstem got severed. Not to mention the ruin that was now his throat. Apparently stealing Gwyn's halo disrupted its power long enough for Stygian to end the pixie. Of course the superbly dense bug was sinking at an alarming rate, and couldn't do anything because the corruption was taking all of the psylings focus to hold off. The bug could either swim to the surface and become completely corrupted or drown at the bottom of the pond, which was absurdly deep. Killing Gwyn had ended up costing its life as well. Stygian definitely was, a sore loser.