As everyone settled back in, Hunter went to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Daggat searched the butler. He had nothing of use on him. But he did take the coat. It had a few cuts, but it was better than nothing. It was too big for him, so he rolled up the sleeves.
“Who’s hurt?” Zuss glared at him while she was bandaging a crying Anath. Her arms took a beating, but they would heal. Nothing major.
“I am still wounded from yesterday.” Called Elyndris.
“Cracked rib,” Zuss muttered.
“Klaw?” Daggat asked. Klaw gave him a thumbs-up. Well, it could be worse. Not bad considering they were attacked out of the blue. Hunter was rustling about in the kitchen.
He poked his head in and was immediately pushed out.
“Out of the kitchen unless you are cooking or cleaning, as Mum says.”
So, with nothing else to do, he settled down in his chair.
“Anath, that brings you to five, right?”
She sniffed and looked away.
“No… the spider is level four now?”
“What? What spider?”
“The… the spider. These legs. It has its own level.” Daggat sat up.
“Really? That can happen.”
“She is talking about her monster soul. Anath, you have a bad habit of referring to it as the spider. It can get confusing.”
“But, I’m not the monster… it is.” She muttered. So, she had two souls? That wasn’t very fair. “But, I finished the growth period. It gave me two skills.”
“Two free skill points?” he asked.
“It’s a human thing,” Elyndris added. Ah, that makes sense.
“What did you spend your points on?”
“I haven't yet.”
“I recommend constitution,” Elyndris said as she crawled over to her.
“And so do I. Then… how many skill points do you have?”
“Five.”
Daggat looked at Elyndris.
“What do you think? Warrior's spirit?” he asked her.
“I was thinking the same. You do know your stuff.” It was in the Divine Will. It seemed to cover the basics and most common skills and feats.
“What is that?” Anath asked.
“If you get burst of strength, alacrity, and vitality, they combine into warrior spirit. "All three stats will get a five-point boost for a short time. Then, you can upgrade it more," Daggat said as he took out his book.
“It is standard among all warriors,” Elyndris added.
“But… I’m not a warrior," Anath said meekly.
“Yeah, I call orc shit on that,” Klaw called from across the room. “Girl, you went crazy on that monster.”
“It’s true," Zuss winced as she talked. “Oh, here.” She handed her the two swords. Anath looked at them wide-eyed. Zuss shrugged. “I can’t climb with them. You can. Plus, your legs give you enough protection; you can use both.”
“We still have two skill points left,” Daggat said. They might as well use them while they need a warrior.
“Hold on, I haven’t-” Anath tried to add, but was cut off by Elyndris.
“We should wait for her class.”
“I agree, mostly. But let’s see what we have to work with. Anath, what natural skills have you trained up.”
“Survival, but then I learned apprentice savagery in the last fight. But, I haven’t agreed to these yet.” They ignored her.
“Savagery, what skills did that get you?” Daggat asked.
“Ooh, ooh! I know that one.” Klaw sauntered over. “Rend, which draws blood as you strike. Savage Attacks, which make your savage attacks stronger. And Swift Claws, that makes it so you can attack REALLY fast.”
“What are savage attacks?” asked Zuss.
“Claws, teeth, horns. The kind of things animals fight with," Elyndris explained.
“Definitely swift claws. Can you imagine all four of them going even faster?” Elyndris and Zuss nodded along with Daggat’s suggestion.
“STOP!” Anath’s scream smothered all of their chatter. Then she blushed and coughed. “I mean… I don’t know if I want to be a warrior.”
“Well, what do you want to do?” Daggat asked.
“My mother was a mage. Can I do that?”
Daggat scratched behind his ear. He didn’t know anything about magic. He was going to ask Calion… but that didn’t work out.
“That’s… not very feasible,” Elyndris said. “The magic skills just give you the tools. It’s like sculpting. You can get the tools, but someone needs to teach you how to do it.”
“When did a worm learn about magic?” Daggat asked.
“Botched reincarnation. It’s not important; we are focusing on Anath.” Elyndris focused back on Anath, who looked defeated.
"But she always wanted me to be one.” Anath’s lip trembled as she spoke.
“Don’t worry, you don’t HAVE to have the mage class to learn magic. It just makes it easier. But right now, if you make a wrong move, people could die.” Elyndris was doing her best to soothe Anath.
“Okay… I’ll do it,” Anath said. Good, now she was probably a better warrior than Klaw. He wasn’t going to mention that, though.
“Elyndris, you leveled too, right?” Daggat asked.
“Already on it.” As he watched, two thin arms sprouted from the worm. They were topped by claw-tipped fingers. Then the fingers extended and grew skin between them. Before long, she had a set of tiny, bat-like wings.
“Oh. Well, alright.” That was all he could think of to say. She leapt from the table, flapping her wings. The worm glided through the air, then shot forward as she flapped her wings again.
“I purchased limbs and turned them into lesser wings. Normally, you cannot fly with lesser wings. But when I hatched, I bought pounce. Fun fact, pounce can be used in the air. The effect is basically flight. But a lot more exhausting.” She drifted to the ground. Klaw cheered.
“That can be very useful. Good choice," Daggat said. If you needed greater wings, lesser wings, and limbs to fly… that’s what? Three points? Daggat imagined you would also need other traits, like lighter bones or high strength. Flight was expensive.
“That’s not all! I didn’t know this, but larva have a certain perk. I thought it was the worst. Turns out, it only is for a few levels. Extra attribute point to all attributes, SEVEN growth points, and two more biotraits.”
“Whoa! How can I get some of that?” Daggat asked.
“Regenisis to a larva. If you can. Don’t recommend it. Daggat, tell me. Do you plan to learn magic?”
“Nah, I’m good. It sounds like a lot.”
“Then I shall be our mage," Elyndris declared. Daggat blinked. The worm, a mage? Well, she seemed to know what she was doing.
“Hey! You just said we shouldn’t be mages!” Anath said.
“I said YOU couldn’t.” Elyndris turned towards her. “I am stuck in this form. My only hope is to turn to mental power. I still must learn; magic is something I am not as familiar with.” Anath sighed and pouted. But then her expression brightened.
“Food’s ready!” Hunter called as he brought in a sizzling tray of meat.
The meal comprised warg steak with a side of… more warg steak. They didn’t have many other options to choose from. But he did use the whiskey to cook some of it, and Zuss had snagged a bag of salt from Calion’s.
Hunter picked up a knife and a fork and then looked around. He was the only one using cutlery. The goblinoids didn’t care for such things. Elyndris didn’t have thumbs. Even Anath was used to eating in the wild. He shrugged and tossed aside the fork.
They all ate ravenously. Hunter was forced to make seconds, mostly because he was not used to how much he had to eat now.
“Okay, time for business,” Daggat said as he wiped some grease on Klaw’s fur. He snapped at him, but Daggat pulled back his fingers in time. “Klaw and I are going to do some exploring. Everyone else, hold down the fort.”
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
“We are stronger together. The butler proved that," Zuss hissed at him.
“True. But you have a cracked rib. She,” he pointed at Anath, “needs to rest her arms. Elyndris is still healing from her duel. Hunter is needed to tend the flame to keep you all safe and to heal you all faster.” They all grumbled but relented. It was good logic. Besides, Klaw would be enough of a distraction if something big attacked.
“Before that. There is something we all need to know," Elyndris piped up. “Demons do not grant experience.” Daggat and Klaw yelled in outrage. “BUT… there may be a way we can still get something out of it. Do you remember the statue outside?”
“The one in the tree?” asked Anath.
“Yes. That is called a questing altar. The tree has overgrown most of it, so I am not sure if it will work. But we should try.”
“What is it, exactly?” asked Daggat.
“It is where you request quests and receive gifts or boons.”
“I like gifts; how does it work?”
“If someone were to gain the Seek skill, then we could activate the altar. Then we converse with whatever herald is around. I don’t know much beyond that.”
“Then let’s go! It’s right upstairs. Then you four can come back to rest.”
The party, as a group, left the great hall. The sun was just rising and, as Daggat suspected, the roots were dormant. On the patio, they had a full view of the yard. It was a mess of upturned earth and snow.
The statue itself seemed to be sunk into the stone. All that was left was the top half, leaning forward. One hand reached out, like it was accepting something.
“Who is going to get the skill?”
“I’ll do it.” Said Hunter. A moment later, a halo began to glow behind the statue's head. “Oh, it said it is a party skill. We can all use it. That’s nice.”
“So, what now?” Daggat asked.
“Make an offering? Anyone have a coin?” Elyndris said. Zuss sighed and pulled out a gold coin from somewhere, then placed it in the statue's hand.
Instantly, the statue moved. As though it could move all the time but was just waiting for the right moment. It gently closed its hand, and the coin disappeared in a flash. The statue's head was once vague and human-like, but now it's finely detailed. The woman’s face had three eyes and a short pair of horns. Long hair grew down the face. Its smile would have been warm and welcoming if it weren't for the black void that hid teeth and tongue.
“Hello, Hunter.” She nodded at each person in turn. Her voice was soft and melodic. “Daggat. Klaw. Zuss. Anathema. Elyndris. Do you seek a quest?”
“We do.” Daggat stepped up. “There is a demon about, and we want to deal with it.” The woman smiled sadly.
“So you know of my quest already. Yes, an outsider has taken this place as his home. This cannot be allowed. Slay the demon, and you will be rewarded.”
“And what, exactly, is the reward?” Daggat didn’t want to do labor without sufficient payment.
“This is a difficult quest. Some of you may die. As such, I will grant each of you a boon.”
“And that is? Pretend I am a six, almost seven-year-old goblin.”
“I will grant each of you something that you wish for, to an extent.”
“Can you give me a mortal soul?” he asked eagerly.
“I can offer you this; whoever slays the demon may speak an oath and be granted a mortal soul.” Good enough, Daggat would just need to get the final hit in.
“Can you… get rid of the ogre curse?” Hunter asked, his voice oozing with awe.
“I am sorry, child, I cannot. For that, you need a wish. What I can do for you is cure you of your wound. I return to you your leg.” Hunter stiffened.
“What about my variance? Can you kill the spider?”
“Again, I am sad to say I cannot. What brought that about is a power greater than I have. But I can offer you a divine gift.”
“What kind?”
“A divine gift is unknown to even me; they are the tools of the fallen heroes.”
“Hold on,” Daggat interjected, “What’s the difference between a boon and a wish?”
“Angels may offer four types of rewards, depending on the quest. A gift, for the lowest of tasks. A boon for proper quests. Favor for the deadliest and most important quests. Wishes are reserved for the labors that change the world.”
“I suppose you cannot undo my curse?” Elyndris asked. The angel shook her head. “Damn.”
“Well, then I guess heal Hunter's leg and then give us divine gifts? And whoever gets the killing blow can say an oath. Sounds good to everyone?” Everyone nodded.
“Very well. The quest has been given. Slay the demon, and return to me. Good luck, heroes.” Daggat shivered. Hero his ass; he just wanted the loot.
Daggat
True Name: Daggat
Soul: Monster
Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size]
Genbloom: goblin [ +2 Str, +2 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Scavanger; Small Size]
Monster Level: 7
Attributes (0/6):
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 11
Constitution: 11
Intelligence: 20
Will: 10
Charm: 12
Feats:
Encounter: True Angel
Ability: Mighty Intellect
Act: Fledgling Alchemist
Knowledge: System Knowledge
Act: Devotion [Layered feats]
Act: Usurper
Act: Touch of Death
Skills(0/3):
Alchemy: 1 [Source: Fledgling Alchemist]
System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge]
System Assistant: 1
Mind Codex: 1 [Synergy: Mental notes + Copy Tome]
Party Leader: 1 [Source: Usurper]
Notable Natural Skills:
Literacy: Apprentice
Biotraits (2/6):
Base size: Small [Source: Goblin]
Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin]
Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin]
Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin]
Hypnotic Gaze [Mutations: Dominating Gaze]
Temperature Resistant Skin [Synergy: Fire Resistant Skin + Cold Resistant Skin]
Scavenger [Source: goblin]
Death Sight [Source: Touch of Death]
Transformations:
Drakeheart Form:
+2 strength
+2 charm
Extreme Temperature Resistant Scales [Synergy: Fireproof scales + Temperature resistant Skin]
Fire breath
Night Stalker form:
+2 strength
+2 dexterity
Dark vision [Night Vision Enhanced]
Deepen Shadow
Other:
Variant: +10 Intelligence
Notable Gear:
Strange pure-white sword
Hunter
True Name: Hunter
Soul: Mortal
Genseed: Ogre [ 8 Str, 2 Dex, 6 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Ogre's curse; Large Size]
Hearth Tender Level: 6 [+1 Str, +1 Con, +4 Wil; Invoke Torch, Hearth Fire]
Attributes (1/5):
Strength: 13
Dexterity: 6
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 8
Will: 13
Charm: 7
Feats:
Knowledge: System Knowledge
Act: Vile Concoction
Act: Devotion [layered feats]
Act: Slayer
Skills (0/7):
System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge]
Invoke Torch: 1
Hearth Fire: 1
Sacred Flame: 2 [Perks: Debilitating Warmth]
Encompassing Warmth: 1
Brilliant Bash: 2 [Perks: Hearth Flame]
Bounty Hunter: 1 [Source: Slayer]
Seek: 1
Biotraits (0/1):
Base Size: Large
Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Vile Concoction]
Other:
Curse: Ogre Curse
Zuss
True Name: Zuss
Soul: Monster
Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size]
Genbloom: hobgoblin [ +1 Str, +3 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Nimble Fingers; Small Size]
Monster Level: 7
Attributes (0/6):
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 16
Constitution: 8
Intelligence: 8
Will: 10
Charm: 9
Feats:
Knowledge: System Knowledge
Act: Devotion [Layered feats]
Ability: Mighty Alacrity
Skills(0/2):
System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge]
Deep Shadows: 1
Path Finding [Type: Climbing]
Notable Natural Skills:
Stealth: Apprentice
Climb: Apprentice
Biotraits (1/7):
Base size: Small [Source: Hobgoblin]
Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin]
Enhanced Night Vision [Mutations: Dark Vision; Source: Gremlin]
Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin]
Improved Body Control [Synergy: Improved Balance + Improved Nerve Conduction + Improved flexibility]
Nimble Hands and Feet [Synergy: Nimble hands + Prehensile Feet]
Cold Resistant Skin
Transformations:
Drakeheart Form:
+2 strength
+2 dexterity
Smoke Aura
Lesser Wings
Night Stalker form:
+2 strength
+2 dexterity
Enhanced Scent
Deepen Shadow+, Widen Shadows
Pet:
Name: Birdy
Genseed: Cat
Attributes:
Strength: 2
Dexterity: 4
Constitution: 2
Intelligence: 2
Will: 2
Charm: 3
Biotraits:
Lesser Wings
Anath
True Name: Anathema
Soul: Monster/Mortal
Genseed: Human [ 3 Str, 3 Dex, 3 Con, 3 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Standard Size]
Monster Level: 4
[Class] Level: 4
Attributes (0/6):
Strength: 11
Dexterity: 8
Constitution: 9
Intelligence: 10
Will: 9
Charm: 8
Feats:
Encounter: True Angel
Knowledge: System Knowledge
Act: Vile Concoction
Skills(1/6):
System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge]
System Assistant: 1
Skill Boosts: Survival (1)
Savage Legs: 1
Warriors Spirit: 1 [Synergy: Burst of Strength + Burst of Alacrity + Burst of Vitality]
Notable Natural Skills:
Survival: Apprentice
Savagery: Apprentice
Biotraits [1/4]:
Disease Resistance [Source: Vile Concoction]
Extra Limb (Arachnid), x4 [Source: Variant]
Venomous Mandibles [Source: Variant]
Multi-eye [Mutations: Magnified, Night Vision; Source: Variant]
Hardened Chitin
Transformations:
Night Stalker form:
+2 strength
+2 dexterity
Claws
Dark Vision
Other:
Variant: Arachnid Traits
Klaw
True Name: Klaw
Soul: Monster
Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size]
Genbloom: Bugbear [ +3 Str, +1 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Rough Fur; Small Size]
Monster Level: 7
Attributes (0/6):
Strength: 19
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 11
Intelligence: 8
Will: 9
Charm: 8
Feats:
Knowledge: System Knowledge
Act: Devotion [Layered feats]
Ability: Mighty Strength
Skills(0/2):
System Aptitude: 1
Burst of Strength: 1
Attribute Boost: Strength (+2)
Notable Natural Skills:
Savagery: Apprentice
Biotraits (0/7):
Base size: Standard [Source: Gremlin]
Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin]
Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin]
Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin]
Claws [Mutations: Forged, Retractable]
Dense Muscle Fibers
Rough Fur [Mutations: Insulating Fur; Source: Bugbear]
Dense Bone
Transformations:
Drakeheart Form:
+2 strength
+2 constitution
Fire-proof Scales
Claws [Mutation added: Burning]
Night Stalker form:
+2 strength
+2 dexterity
+2 constitution
Dark Vision
Notable Gear:
Mountain Heart Armor
Elyndris
True Name: Elyndris
Soul: Monster
Genseed: Larva [ 1 Str, 1 Dex, 1 Con, 1 Int, 1 Wil, 1 Cha; miniscule Size]
Monster Level: 6
Attributes (0/12):
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 8
Constitution: 8
Intelligence: 15
Will: 7
Charm: 7
Feats:
Encounter: True Angel
Knowledge: System Knowledge
Act: Devotion [layered feats]
Act: Blasphemy
Ability: Mighty Intellect
Skills (1/3):
Burst of Strength
Pounce
Biotraits (1/6):
Base size: Miniscule
Jaws
Enhanced Touch [Mutation: Tremor Sense]
Complex organs
Limbs [Mutation: Lesser Wings]
Transformations:
Night Stalker form:
+2 strength
+2 dexterity
+2 constitution
Jaws [Mutation: Powerful Jaws]
Other:
Curse: Ungenesis