"Right... yes. I forgot about you." The Master admitted, coughing despite her lack of lungs. Memna's gaze flicked to the spider, similarly disgusted, but The Master said nothing more. Instructing the loathsome thing to hurry up and show her its skills, she busied herself in its menu. [Skitter] made a return for the bone recluse's skill selection alongside a [Strong Venom] skill that seemed useless for a ranged hit-and-run attacker, considering it made the bone recluse's venom powerful enough to affect a humanoid target but didn't extend to its ranged attack, and [Enweb]. That skill was interesting. While spiders tended to spin webs over a long period of time, [Enweb] seemed to produce a large net-like web immediately and fire it at the spider's target. It was useful to maintain distance and lasted longer than [Skitter] as well, being a permanent web that must be manually destroyed rather than a short duration burst of speed. The only problem was that she had no idea how large the resulting web would be. With the spider slightly larger than her hand - something that disturbed her enough as it was - it was likely to be large enough to capture a rat, but not a human. Although... that would help her capture live creatures, would it not? And so, she selected [Enweb]. The Bone Recluse could rely on positioning and surprise over bursts of speed to reposition for now. It hadn't gathered much experience during the battle, with many of its targets escaping injured, and so she hastily dismissed the critter. As it scaled a nearby pillar, The Master felt relieved... but also frustrated. This weakness was simply unacceptable. This creature existed only due to her will - it followed her commands. Why did she feel so uneasy around it?
"Afraid of spiders?" Memna asked, a sympathetic smile on his face. The Master tilted her head, her gaze flicking to Memna from the only surviving zombie to gain a level.
"Why would I be... afraid... of my own creation, Memna? It's just larger than its kind should be. It is not fear that I feel, but repulsion." She shot back, though the look on his face made it clear that he didn't believe her. Still, he wasn't about to push his luck with the deity he worshipped. Although, I'm still not sure that I'm actually the woman he thinks I am. Peering into the zombie's skill selection, [False Death] made a return. However, [Festering Bite] and [Tough Flesh] were new skills entirely. [Tough Flesh] simply enhanced the zombie's ability to take physical damage without flinching. The description suggested that the zombie's flesh would grow harder and tougher, almost leathery. It would make the zombie more useful at its role, but she found herself reading the other skill out of curiosity.
[Festering Bite] was an active skill similar to [Power Strike] in that it was purely a combat skill. If the zombie were to use it on an opponent, the wound caused by their bite would cause a rapid onset fever. Within a few days, if medical attention wasn't received, the recipient of the bite could even perish. In the meantime, they would grow weaker and weaker. It was definitely a skill that she wanted to experiment with... but her skeletons could kill in seconds. Perhaps it became deadlier with level? [Tough Flesh] was her choice, but another zombie would be given [Festering Bite] for experimental purposes if nothing else. Next were the ghosts and their leader, Esther. The snickering spirit hovered before The Master, sharing her skills before the skeleton could ask her to.
Level 2 achieved in the Ghost {Rank 1} Class!
You may select one skill. You have one more skill selection remaining.
Minor Possession - {Ghost} - As a ghost, you are able to possess small, unattended objects and small creatures. This allows you to hide your true nature or interact with the world in minor, limited, ways.
Ethereal Claws - {Ghost} - Your natural weapons are your ghostly claws which you use to rip the anima from your prey. Your claws have been honed, drinking deeper with each strike.
Frightful Howl - {Ghost} - Though death is traumatic for many souls, yours was particularly horrific. That pain can be drawn upon, allowing you to wail loudly and cause terror in those around you. Those who hear your howl may become panicked for a short time. The effectiveness of your howl is increased due to the circumstances of your death.
If [Frightful Howl] was enhanced for Esther, then she would take that. There was no sense in wasting the ability's potential. The others, however, were definitely useful.
Level 4 achieved in the Ghost {Rank 1} Class!
You may select one skill.
Ethereal Claws- {Ghost} - Your natural weapons are your ghostly claws which you use to rip the anima from your prey. Your claws have been honed, drinking deeper with each strike.
Minor Possession - {Ghost} - As a ghost, you are able to possess small, unattended objects and small creatures. This allows you to hide your true nature or interact with the world in minor, limited, ways.
Minor Flora Possession - {Ghost/Herbalist} - Your understanding of plants allows you to possess small plants and plantoid creatures.
Death Bolt - {Death Magic} - Ghosts are closer to the realm of death than most, able to conjure its energies. Death Bolt is a spell that summons and fires a projectile made of deathly energy which deals necrotic damage to anything hit by it. The energy dissipates upon striking a solid surface, or shortly after striking a liquid surface.
"Esther, I'll defer to your judgment on this."
This... was more complicated. Depending on the range of [Frightful Howl], it may be best to take a melee ability. Additionally, [Minor Flora Possession] interested her. Esther was certainly the smartest paragon that she had spoken to thus far, able to name herself and seeming to possess knowledge from before her death. That meant that Esther wasn't spawned from nothing. If Esther and Ajax were 'real' people once, if Ajax was the Ajax, then why didn't she remember her past? It didn't make sense. None of this did. She had instincts, sure. She understood how to use the system. But nothing felt real to her. She dismissed Esther, watching her float up into the ceiling, before ordering the other ghosts to choose a varied set of skills. She would be able to study all of the 'generic' ghost skills at this rate. Something, though, had caught her attention. This was the second skill that seemed to be tied directly to an extant body part. Her [Osteobolt] had grown stronger through use, though that was an active skill that wasn't attached to anything. Did that mean that passive skills attached to a body part could actively enhance and strengthen the user's body? She had noticed that Ajax appeared to have gained more mass more than once since gaining his [Dense Bones] skill. Perhaps those types of skills are essential, then, in growing more powerful.
Finally, the last to gain a level, the gargoyle that had crashed through the enemy backline and caused the rout alongside the ghosts. It - he - stood at roughly four feet tall, his literally-chiseled muscles and disturbing visage on display as he awaited his orders. He had a small tail and large, deadly talons on his feet, but the real danger were his clawed hands. Those were where most of his damage came from outside of the weight behind his initial charge into the fray.
Unnamed - Level 2 Race: Gargoyle Type: Elemental {Minion} Class: Gargoyle 2/10 Affinities: Stone Titles: None Body Integrity: 100% Soul Integrity: 100%
A creature made of living stone, commonly found in castles and cathedrals.
It defends the area that it was constructed within.
Rarely, they may leave the proximity of their bound structure.
This gargoyle is bound to an unnamed dungeon.
Current Effects: N/A
She suspected that her gargoyles could move as they wished due to their status as dungeon monsters, but it would be simple to test. First, she examined his skills.
Level 2 achieved in the Gargoyle {Rank 2} Class!
You may select one skill.
Stasis - {Gargoyle} - You become paralysed, gaining immense defences for a few seconds, before the paralysis wears off and you regain your normal vulnerabilities. This can be used while in the air, but you will lose the ability to fly until the duration ends.
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Statue Form - {Gargoyle} - Your anima signature is heavily reduced when you stand perfectly still, allowing you to hide in plain sight indefinitely. This skill is less effective against high-level sensing skills.
Stonesense - {Earth Elemental} - You may activate stonesense to augment your vision, highlighting nearby gemstones and precious metals hidden in the earth.
Hm... nothing directly damage-related, then. Stasis, perhaps, could be used. I suppose they don't need it at their second level with how strong they are. "Hm... take [Stasis]. It will allow you to react if you find yourself becoming the center of attention long enough for the rest of my minions to pull the enemy off of you. Also... I want to experiment with the skill. I have an idea." Once he had done so and left, the paragon strode forth to take his place. This gargoyle was much larger than the previous, clearing six feet with ease. His face was moulded into a permanent snarl, his claws sharper, with a body that looked as if somebody had mashed a jaguar and a barbarian together in their mind and carved the resulting image into solid granite. His wings folded in on themselves with a rough grinding sound and he dipped his head - in reverence or submission, she couldn't tell.
"A powerful specimen of your kind," The Master spoke, attempting to appeal to the creature's pride if it possessed any. "You will need a fitting name. How about... Azazel. You will be Azazel. You are dismissed" A soft growl left the creature as it rose to its full height, beating its fist against its stone chest before leaving the building to assist with the clean-up. That left the second paragon; the zombie. She shuffled forth, matted strands of dirty blonde - or was it literally dirty - hair hung over one empty eye socket, the other watching her tentatively. Her skin was pallid and sickly, though that was to be expected. Her body wasn't in the worst condition for an exhumed corpse altogether, though Memna was eyeing her uncomfortably. The Master turned to him and asked her a question. "What's wrong? Afraid of zombies?"
"Ah... not at all! It's just... that's my grandmother." He replied with a frown, playing with his braided hair. "I can't say I expected to see her again." As he spoke, the zombie turned to him... and peered at him, her head tilted awkwardly to the side. "Yes... er... hello, grandma. H-her name is, um, it was... no. Her name is Ikurthi, if you'd allow it."
"Ikurthi, then." The Master nodded. "Welcome back to the living. Serve me well - I am your god, after all." At the bemused look that Ikurthi gave her, she shrugged. "Yes, I have horns. Apparently, whoever made my statue was given an incorrect description." Assuming that it's actually me being depicted. "Regardless, I am The Wanderer. And currently, I'm unable to do much wandering. So you and my other... subjects... have work to do. The vermin known as Chaka have infested my village and it is your job to cleanse it of their filth. Now that that's settled, I'll leave you to command your zombies. I'm going to look through our loot."
Exiting the chapel, The Master drew her gaze to the growing pile of corpses. That was as good a place to begin as any. It didn't take long to locate a suitable body. It was one of the chaka that had been killed by the ghosts, his emaciated corpse almost mummified as it had withered in on itself. As she prepared to summon a zombie, using the drained corpse as a focus, words appeared above it.
Withered variant added to [Zombie] pattern.
This is enough to constitute a variant? I wonder what other methods of death result in a new variant... and what a variant actually changes. I assume that human and chaka variants may have uniquely human or chaka skills, but I haven't experimented with this yet. Regarding her new variant with interest, she addressed Ikurthi as she sent it to her. "Ensure that this one's life is given priority over the others. I'm curious as to what makes it a variant and if its capabilities are inherently different to a basic zombie." Furthermore... can I create variant spawners? Can I have a variant paragon? Are my paragon numbers limited to my spawners or can i simply have one per minion type? Something I need to learn as soon as possible... and then there's the issue of my new pattern. I suppose that I should...
Anima roused, ripping itself from The Master's body with a force that left her feeling breathless for a moment - an extremely disconcerting sensation for somebody who hasn't needed to breathe in centuries. It swirled into a twisting mass, a wind of glowing teal energy taking a familiar shape. Before her was, ostensibly, a chaka. But this one was azure, not red or yellow. Not only that, but she was naked. She eyed the corpse pile anxiously, then threw herself to the floor at The Master's feet.
"This one serve chieftess well! This one not fail you!" She all but screeched, her short tail whipping from side to side erratically. A sign of fear? But... furthermore, it could speak even at level one?
Unnamed
Race: Chaka
Type: Chaka {Minion} Class: None Affinities: None Titles: None Body Integrity: 100% Soul Integrity: 100%
An uncivilized and monstrous creature. Chaka are vermin that must be exterminated at all costs.
Their crude mimicry of language is a ploy used to ingratiate themselves with sapients.
Upon letting your guard down, these foul beings will undoubtedly strike you in the back.
This chaka was created by an unnamed dungeon.
Current Effects: Fear
"Get up," The Master order. The new-born chaka leapt to her feet in an instant. "I have questions. You will answer them."
The chaka balked and rose to its feet. "This one is just born... no time for learn or think! B-but... will try to answer." At least she was obedient.
"You have no class. Nor do you have a level. Why is this?" The Master asked. "My other minions possess a level immediately upon being created. Also..." The Master motioned to the corpse pile, "find yourself some clothes. I have no desire to waste my anima, finding you have frozen to death."
"Have no class... because haven't chosen class yet? None unlocked. When do, will tell!" The chaka scanned for a moment, then grabbed a similarly built corpse by the leg and tugged it free from the pile. She tore its clothing and armor free, taking it as her own and quickly strapping it to her body, then beamed up at The Master. "This one thanks you for allowing her to wear clothing, chieftess! Has unlocked [Looter] class!"
"...And what does [Looter] do?" The Master asked, unimpressed but slightly intrigued.
"Is feeling like... get better at taking stuff from place where battles fought. And maybe... maybe a little fighting for protecting self if find someone who not dead yet?"
"Do not take [Looter]. Also, you'll need a name at some point. Especially when there are more of you."
"More of me? Master has clone skill?"
The Master shook her head, "No. I will be summoning more chaka. But first, tell me... will you get hungry? Do I need to feed you?"
"Mm... don't know. Never been hungry before." The chaka shrugged.
"I see. Well, come with me now. I'm going to inspect the weapons that we have gained from our recent battle."
The chaka's shoulders seemed to sag a little at that. "Ah... so these chaka not your clan." She sighed, relieved. "Makes sense... they ugly colors. Not like this one."
"Yes," The Master responded dryly as she stared at her chaka-blood-stained hands. "Blue is a rather nice color, isn't it?"
The weapons and shields were crude, but that was what The Master had come to expect. The skeleton of who she'd presumed was 'Gemlek' received a bow and a handful of arrows, as did another, while the zombies were given shields and simple melee weapons. The blue chaka, however, had equipped a rusted sword and a bow. "Our arrows are limited, so practice with the sword... and, I suppose, familiarise yourself with the bow and how to draw it. If you can think of another way to unlock a class, then do so. And if it works, you will tell me exactly what you did. Do you understand? Also... I am not your chieftess. I am your master."
"Yes, master!" The blue chaka grinned. "Master is the best!" Ajax, watch her closely. If she attempts anything against me or my minions, put her down. "In that case, begin your training. I expec--"
Expedition - Scouting Party complete. New Expeditions unlocked.
Scouting Party has located [5] Humans.
"You are dismissed. Something important has come up." The Master waved her hand and opened the doors to the chapel. "Memna! I have a job for you. You'll be going outside of the church today." And in the meantime, she'd decide on her next skill.
----------------------------------------
Memna walked towards the houses, four skeletal guards covering every angle. He flinched as a wave of familiar power rushed past him. So, the dungeon had expanded again. That was... good? Walking between two of the houses, he trod an unfamiliar but deliberate path. Grass, he'd seen in the graveyard. But trees? It had been several days. Just another reason to praise The Wanderer. She might not be... quite what he'd expected. But she had saved his life, and the first task that he had been given by her was to bring more of the survivors into the fold. Even if her methods were strange, she had taken care of him. As long as he stayed faithful, The Wanderer would protect. This, he had always been told. She'd given him no reason to doubt those teachings.
Ahead lay the marketplace, the encampment that the chaka had set up after their massacre... but if he were to turn left, there was a small enclosure hidden behind the houses. Here, trees grew. Birds chirped. And supposedly, five survivors hid. "If you could stay behind me and watch for threats..." he began, but Ajax and the other skeletons had already moved into formation. He stepped forwards slowly, alert and on edge, and quietly called out.
"Is anybody there? It's me... it's Memna." The foliage rustled, a red-headed boy who couldn't be older than 15 poking his head out of it.
"Ay, you lived? Where's Kallus? He save your hide?" The boy asked, scrunching his face up as he looked past the man. There was no bite to his voice as he spoke. It was just... frustratingly common, even for the urchins, to mock Memna for not being the inheritor of Ajax's will. As if it somehow made him a lesser man.
"Never you mind, child. Where are the others?" Memna frowned, "The Wanderer has returned. I can bring you somewhere safe."
"For true? I'll get them, yeah, just, uh... what's with the skeletons? Did you change your class? Are you a necromancer now? 'Cause Father Aeram's gonna lose his--"
"Father Aeram's dead. Just... gather everybody and come with me while it's still safe. The safest place for you all is at the church with The Wanderer. I'll explain on the way."
The boy thought for a moment, then shrugged and emerged from the brush. "C'mon, guys. It's just Kallus' brother and some friendly skeletons." Four figures crept out of the foliage, close behind him.
They were all children.