Ardur, Asteria, Asura, Danny, Jason, Mother Slime
Asteria shouted at the two battling slimes, trying her best to get them to listen for just a moment. If she could buy some time maybe Ardur and Danny would chip in...
As Asura avoided the Poison Spit, he split his body into four separate tendrils. As he hardened their tips and began to lash out, he could feel the strain on his body from pushing his Limited Shapeshift and Slime Whip skills further.
When Ardur attempted to calm Mother Slime, she gurgled something unintelligible. As the pixie took to the air she continued on her path, flopping up to the top of the earthen ridge.
Jason tried to digest the dead Dire Rat as Asteria was shouting, and by the time Asura split up and Ardur took flight he had only managed to eat a "hand"ful of the monster's flesh. With Asura's attack incoming he tried to read every movement of the other slime. But despite his experience in the past, he was no longer fighting humans. Trying to apply his knowledge of body movement to a slime--who did not truly have muscles that "pushed and pulled" or contracted, at least so far as was visible to one who hadn't studied them all that long--gave him little ability to predict any of the tendril's movements. The first tendril thrust out and stuck Jason's side with a painful squelch.
Without actually using Tremor Sense, Jason wasn't able to read any vibrations from Asura. Maybe if he were fighting something that had heavy footsteps or had some kind of ground-slamming attack this would have worked, but two relatively light slimes shaping their bodies to attack each other didn't create the kinds of "vibrations" through the dirt and stone that could be accurately read by normal senses.
The second tendril pierced Jason's gelatin hide.
By this point Jason had stopped reading and started reacting. The third strike glanced off his rocky scales with no harm done. But when he tried to hop backward, he found that enveloping the Dire Rat made him heavy--Slimes could consume their prey whole, but the digestion process took some time. If he intended to sit on top of the rat and steadily eat away at it, he would end up as a sitting duck. However, as Asura's slash from the fourth tendril struck him, it didn't really "cut" Jason so much as drag across him like someone trying to scratch with their fingernails--Asura's tendrils were too divided, and unlike a metal blade lacked a stiff "spine" and the weight necessary to render a real cut.
Ardur, bursting into flame as he finished his chant and cast two different spells upon himself, dropped down between the slimes. He was aiming to interrupt their attacks, but his chant and the build up of power he required cost him the majority of that opportunity. Still, before Asura could do anything else the now-flaming pixie landed on two of the tendrils suspended between him and Jason. Once again it seemed like the Fireball was trying to feed on Ardur's Shield for fuel, and though he could feel a rising heat all over his body the flames hadn't harmed him yet. They seared Asura's extended limbs, however, causing a pinkish mist to rise from the red goo as Asura would no doubt jerk them back on reflex.
However, one of the tendrils that had pierced Jason sprouted four malformed fingers and tried to grab at something inside the slime. As Jason settled down to attempt Meditation while Ardur lectured the two of them, Asura managed to grab onto to just one thing--and violently rip it out. One of Jason's Healing Herbs had been stolen!
The Fanged Lizards stopped shooting, but looked extremely uneasy...
Jason could feel the barest trickle of energy around him--but while he was groping for the Healing Herb inside himself and then consuming it while also observing what was going on around him in the midst of battle, he couldn't draw that energy into himself...
And while he was attempting to do all of these things at once, while Ardur was talking so much, while Asura was attacking so much--
Mother Slime had not been idle.
Having rolled into a tightly compressed ball, she used a pseudopod to push against the ground and launch herself down the slope. Spinning faster and faster she had barreled towards the slimes, and as she reached top speed it looked like she might crash into everyone in the general area--
But as she extended another pseudopod underneath her, a rubbery sproing could be heard, much like what she herself had witnessed during her earlier encounter with Jason. It wasn't a true "bounce" but it got her into the air--and with her speed she was able to launch over the "flatter" Asura (whose mass was naturally more spread out" and past the skinnier-framed Ardur, right over Jason.
Another pseudopod extended--and as her ball-form made one last rotation, it seemed like she was channeling all of that momentum into it. This limb seemed more like her entire body being forced in one direction, like a burlap sack full of bricks swung around one's head.
She didn't know much aside from what Asura had taught her, but she had tried to think about it. She tried to hit that Skeleblin but it kept dodging her. She hit the ground that one time. She tried to hit Jason before but he Bounced. She had tried to push really hard to roll this time. And she wasn't sure what all of this was bubbling up, but it felt like some of the memories Asura had showed her and she thought it might be called "mad."
That red glow from her center burst into crackling power, just like Asura had taught her.
"'MASH!"
Jason was literally flattened as the softer ground underneath him immediately gave way--it wasn't that solid stone had shattered to produce a crater, but the dirt here had been constantly upturned by digging creatures. Some of these tunnels partially collapsed, creating a small sinkhole as Momma Slime rolled on past, coming to a stop at the base of the slope on the other side of the "arena." If they ever had television in his little chunk of Africa, Jason might now know what the Looney Toons felt like after getting hit by a truck.
You have no MP remaining.
You have no Stamina remaining. You may experience HP Drain if you do not rest soon.
You used Monster Analysis II! This is a spell, not a Monster, but a Monster is using it. Effectiveness reduced to 45%.
---Ardur---
This is a Pixie you have come to know as Ardur. A tiny humanoid Fey-type Monster. While somewhat intelligent and quite territorial, they lack empathy towards one another even compared to beasts like Goblins. Pixies seem to understand some forms of speech or communication but negotiating with them is often a matter of bribery. Capable of flight and healing magic, but not physically strong or skilled enough to use fight or use weapons well. If pixies who happen to get along well are fought as a group, the battle can be quite difficult as they will consistently heal and buff each other with their spells. You know that Ardur is a fellow Reincarnator and thus does not behave as normal pixies. Ardur seems to be using his natural Shield Spell along with a Fireball spell to try and achieve something else, and is attempting to increase the power of the spells somehow.
---Analysis Complete!---
Skill Gain: Magic Analysis I!
You may now analyze Magical energies or objects to learn their most basic magic characteristics. Less effective on Materials and Monsters unless they are magical in nature.
You are experiencing HP Drain.
You are still Well-Fed but you need time to rest.
You are experiencing HP Drain.
A Healing Herb has been removed from inventory.
You recovered a small amount of HP.
You are experiencing HP Drain.
You still have no MP Remaining.
WARNING! YOUR HP IS LOW!
Ed, Mother Rat
When Ed spoke, Mother Rat stopped squeaking. As he sat there just trying to overcome the soreness in his body--which, now that he could stop and breathe again, was beginning to fade--the Dire Rat scampered down from his shoulder to sit on the branch in front of him. She tilted her head this way and that as she looked at him, then sniffed at him with a "squeak?"
Finally she huffed, apparently satisfied that he was okay. She looked back towards the gaping cave mouth...Asteria still hadn't returned yet. Then she glanced towards the Goblins. It looked like that duel between the female and the red tattooed one was still going, but both of them had taken a few hits at this point...
Still, the rest of the greenskins watched, transfixed. If Ed perhaps wanted to get away from the cave entirely, this would be a good chance...but would Asteria be able to find them again if they left her behind?
Ash, Digbie, Mourningstar, Oberon, Torrent
You used Monster Analysis I! You used Magic Analysis I! Effectiveness boosted!
---Digbie---
This is a new monster to you! This is a former Goblin you know as Digbie. Digbie is now a Demiblin. Demiblins are Goblins that have been influenced by demonic energies, often committing acts that even make their brethren pause or else have been influenced by a greater demonic being. They are roughly the same size as normal goblins but tend towards the taller and more muscular side of the average. Their skin darkens until it becomes almost ink black, and they often develop strange magical sigils on their skin. They show increased aptitude for magic. Digbie is a fellow Reincarnator like you. There is something off about him, but oh well. Digbie has gained the Stone-Hardened variance, imbuing him with powers of the Earth element. He has also gained the Mystic variance, imbuing him with powers of pure Mana. Digbie has several magical skills, almost all of them associated with the Earth element, and much higher MP than usual for a Goblin--in fact, his MP is a fair deal greater than your own. He has just cast some form of healing and protecting Earth spell.
---Analysis Complete!---
---Job System---
You have selected Skirmisher as your Job class.
Skirmisher - Skirmishers are those among primitive creatures and tribes who are considered among the warriors, but aren't quite so foolish or aggressive. They know the best way to win a fight is to survive it, thus they focus on defending and supporting their allies in ways that will keep their side alive longer. Sometimes they even learn magic to help this. Skills with * are boosted by the Job's focus, skills with - are instead hindered.
Skill Suitability:
**Use Light Equipment (Skill cannot be boosted normally, progress towards Use Medium Equipment Increased)
Tremor Sense II
-Soil Manipulation II
Stone Shot I
Taboo I
*Stronger I
**Sacred Ground I
Rock Spire I
Earth Affinity I
<UNUSABLE>
Quake
Crafting
Fortify
*Point Strike
*Smash
Throw Item
Monster Analysis
Charisma
Guidance
*Mental Resistance
*Mana Strike
Focus
Stone Fist
*Stone Breaker
-Spell Chant
Intimidate
-Scribe
*Fire Resistance
Demon Affinity
Mana Affinity
Equipment Suitability:
Woodland Pickaxe
-Curved Rock
N/A Ratskin Pack
N/A Torrent's Burnt Skin
Job Suggestions:
One handed weapons and shields allow for a defensive fighting style
Healing magic improves survivability
Protective armor improves survivability
Skill Gain: Light Ring I!
A basic light element spell. It has the same MP cost as Mana Orb but has a shorter range; however, rather than moving in a straight line, this ring of light spins along an arcing path covering 180 degrees in front of the caster. It can hit multiple targets along this path, however after each successful hit its power decreases. It deals Light Magic Damage, which burns but cannot CAUSE a Burn effect.
You used Monster Analysis I! You used Magic Analysis IV! Effectiveness boosted!
---Digbie---
This is a new monster to you! This is a former Goblin you know as Digbie. Digbie is now a Demiblin. Demiblins are Goblins that have been influenced by demonic energies, often committing acts that even make their brethren pause or else have been influenced by a greater demonic being. They are roughly the same size as normal goblins but tend towards the taller and more muscular side of the average. Their skin darkens until it becomes almost ink black, and they often develop strange magical sigils on their skin. They show increased aptitude for magic. Digbie is a fellow Reincarnator like you. There is something off about him, but oh well. Digbie has gained the Stone-Hardened variance, imbuing him with powers of the Earth element. He has also gained the Mystic variance, imbuing him with powers of pure Mana. Because of his Earth Affinity, Digbie has a vulnerability to Wind, Ice, and Metal. Because of his Mana Affinity, Digbie has a vulnerability to Taint. Because of his Demon Affinity, Digbie has a vulnerability to Holy, but it is very low because his Demon Affinity has not yet activated. His Earth elemental spells are strong against Fire, Wind, and Wood.
Digbie has several magical skills, almost all of them associated with the Earth element, and much higher MP than usual for a Goblin--in fact, his MP is almost as high as yours. He has just cast some form of healing and protecting spell that requires a designated circular area. Digbie possesses the following spells:
Stone Shot - an offensive spell of the Earth element that requires throwable stones as ammunition.
Tremor Sense - a utility Earth spell that allows the user to feel vibrations in the earth and project them at higher ranks.
Soil Manipulation - a utility Earth spell that allows the user to manipulate loose earth telekinetically.
Sacred Ground - a supportive and defensive Earth spell that creates a safe zone, healing and protecting the self and allies.
Rock Spire - an offensive spell of the Earth element that creates a sharp spire of rock beneath a foe.
Earth Affinity - increases the ability to learn Earth skills, and at higher ranks increases their power while decreasing MP/SP costs, but also makes the user vulnerable to elemental weaknesses.
Digbie is developing, but has not activated, several spells:
Quake, Mana Strike, Focus, Stone Fist, Stone Breaker, Spell Chant, and Scribe
---Analysis Complete!---
Skill Rank Up: Monster Analysis I > Monster Analysis II!
Gain more biological information about monsters.
As the party searched further upstream for a likely place to make their shelter, they found the forest ground becoming steeper and rockier. They were still firmly within the trees, as those that managed to find purchase in the rougher ground had done so long ago, and were of an age when their trunks were broad enough a grown man could scarcely put his arms about them. Their branches were thick with green and stretched wide, creating a canopy that let only the barest golden glimmers of sunlight touch the ground. The Rubber Frogs they left behind began a croaky song once they were out of sight, but the old growling codger in its hole never gave them another notice.
They came to a place where the little creek tried its best imitation of a waterfall, over little rocks piled in its path. Their larger stone cousins were planted all 'round the left side of the stream, and further on the group could see that the slopes and rocks would soon increase and they would be leaving the forest and heading into the mountains. So as to stay within the cover of the brush they would stop here.
Upon each side of the creek two larger rocks looked as if they had rolled down the mountainside long ago, and now sat having built packed beds of earth at their bases with blankets of moss draped round their craggy shoulders. They were leaned so that their tops touched one another, and through the little doorway betwixt them the creek spilled on down towards that little waterfall and then further back.
The right side of the creek was not so rocky as the left, and though the slope was still steep this would be good given the group's plans to dig out a shelter. The slope would keep the water from rising too much but they would be within a stone's throw of fresh water so long as the creek didn't dry up.
As Oberon continued to practice with Light Ring, it turned out chucking it like a frisbee wasn't such an idiotic move after all. With a distinct hum the disc flew threw the air as if Oberon were some kind of warrior princess with a ridiculous battle cry, and made a mathematically perfect 180 degree arc in front of him. But just before he could catch the ring like a boomerang, it seemed to have fizzled out and disappeared before reaching him. The trees that it struck along its path, however, had a chunk of their bark burned and cracked away.
When he and Ash both scanned Digbie they gained quite the wealth of information about the Demiblin, but Digbie himself gained some interesting insights about the Job System once he had decided he wanted to be a skirmisher. As the strange words played out before him on the mental "screen," he also felt as if he could see a sort of vision in the background--that of a Demiblin wielding a crudely made wooden shield and a one handed club with bones tied to it by vines, standing above other Demiblins and shouting. Its shouts rallied their spirits and healed their wounds, then it jumped down and waded into the fray itself, using its shield to protect itself and its allies. It was almost kind of knight-like, especially with that too-big, bovine-esque skull dangling over its head like a helmet.
Torrent would come upon the stones, tiny waterfall, and gentle earthen slopes upstream of the creek earlier than the others would. She could see that it would be quite easy to start digging into the hill, but if she wanted to make a space of significant size she might need something to help reinforce the tunnels. After all, she didn't want a repeat of what had happened when her pond tunnel caved in.
