Farmstead
Skill Gain: Charisma I (0.9>1.0)!
Your personality is almost a magical charm unto itself. You’ll have greater luck convincing others to go along with your suggestions, but only within their own natural reasoning. This skill may not work on those with stronger Wills.
"Hey, don't feel so down. Everybody starts somewhere." Lear said as he noticed Miiba's ears droop. "And you've still got a big head start on lots of other goblins. If you really were the first goblin hero," the big man grinned and patted her head, "Then I guess I'd be famous too for taking you in, huh? Ha!" The farmer smiled as Miiba became excited about the possibility of Scott being her friend. But the three talked a little more as the gate closed behind them, and they approached the house.
"Yeah, I plan to tell them, Scott." Lear said. "Mira's a smart cookie with proper Mage training, she might be able to figure out more of this mystery than I can. And I've gotta report this to the Guild--I'll try not to throw you guys under the ox-cart, but the fact that someone tried to perform a World Summoning means something big has to be afoot."
They entered the farmhouse to find Gwyn and the children gathered near the fire, with Geir and Mira patrolling near the windows with grim faces. When they saw Lear, everyone breathed a sigh of relief--until they saw Scott behind him.
"Sir, a Pixie followed you in. I've got it." Gier said, almost lackadasically as he grabbed a piece of firewood and held it like one might hold a rolled up newspaper to swat a fly...
"I'm aware. His name is Scott and he's like Miiba." The farmer held up one broad hand. The two Adventurers' jaws dropped, and the other family members looked confused and, in the eldest girl's case, a little scared. Reuben poked his head out from behind his mother's skirts to look at the Pixie with curiosity.
"Oh, great. More Demonspawn, then? That would explain why a mountain blew up." Geir growled. "Probably out here trying to breed itself an army..."
"No. From what they've both told me, I think they were Summoned here." At these words from Lear, Mirabelle's jaw dropped even further and she almost lost her glasses when she tried to adjust them with shaking fingers.
"Summoned? You mean, they're someone's Familiars or Tamed Beasts? Or..."
"No. I think it was a World Summoning...except their souls didn't end up in the right bodies." Lear held out his arm, and for the first time Miiba and Scott found their attention drawn to the kitchen, where a large white hawk had made himself a perch on top of one of the cabinets. The bird flew to the farmer with a trained precision and held out one leg, upon which a letter was already tied.
"I, I reported the explosion, and th-the general state of affairs." Mira stammered out. "I, uh, mentioned that we had captured an unusual Goblin that needed to be studied, but I didn't write anything about her...having a name...or any of that story she told us."
"Well, sit down and get some more parchment. We'll need to send another report." Lear motioned for Scott and Miiba to make themselves comfortable, while he plopped down in one of the heavy wooden chairs around the dining table and yawned. After several moments, as the others gathered around, he began to recount Scott and Miiba's shared tales and his speculation on what it might mean...
"Psst...hey! Psst!" Reuben poked Miiba and Scott in the back, leaning out from under the table and then disappearing like...well, like a child hiding under the table while the adults talked about important things. "If you guys got Summoned here, does that mean you're Heroes? Are you the Chosen Kind? Or the Re, reee...rebornded kind? Didja get to talk to the King?" The rapscallion's eyes glittered with interest.
Deep Forest
When Nira called for Femus to do something, her companion suddenly turned to look at her with an expression of shock. This was probably the first time it had ever heard a fellow Pixie speak anything like an actual intelligible language. It was so shocked, in fact, that it forgot it had to make the tilt and fly upward to continue pursuing the thief. With a soft thump, it hit the older Kao tree back first, then went for a short tumble through the branches.
Up above, the thieving fairy looked back over its shoulder to laugh at its clumsy pursuers--and then, its hair was painfully grabbed. The creature let out a yelp, just before Femus's Lesser Force slammed into its groin. The high pitched squeal it let out seemed to indicate that this one was a male, though you wouldn't really be able to tell from its doll-like form...did they have pouches like lizards or something? Where even was...nevermind. Somehow, Femus actually managed to manifest his anger in a color--he didn't just flash like many Wisps would, letting his natural color shine through, but turned an actual shade of crimson! Maybe this was a natural Wisp ability...but it was the first time he had managed it on his own. Between the blow and the blinding flash, the pixie was surprised...and began to plummet towards Nira down below, just as her first pixie follower was emerging from the leaves of the tree, still staring at her in surprise...
Ghost Party
As Danny searched for firewood, he mostly found only dry twigs and brown leaves on the forest floor. This was probably better anyway, considering he couldn't have hefted larger logs even if he did find them, and he had no axe with which to chop wood. He did find three larger sticks, however--two
Forked Sticks and another
Curved Stick. The curved stick was much like the one he already had, a decent length and width to be used as a short club or to be thrown like a boomerang, though it wouldn't likely come back. The forked sticks were roughly Y shaped, and a little longer than the curved sticks. These might be useful for crafting something, like a weapon, or propping up food once he had this fire built. Which was a question in and of itself. How would he even light what little kindling he found?
Minor Heal - This skill seems to involve attempting to use Mana to heal oneself or others somehow. Without a physical body it is difficult to stimulate natural healing energies.
Skill Gain: Air Read I (0.9 > 1.0)!
A sensory skill associated with the element of Wind. At this rank, you must remain still and activate it using MP. Using air currents around you, you will detect various objects or creatures. If there is no wind, this skill's effectiveness is vastly reduced. Depending on the strength of the wind or the sensory input (scents, for example) this skill may reach beyond the range of your other senses.
Jason approached the strange blossom he had noticed, and tore off the sap-filled buds from the stalk. His Ghost Touch skill caused his pseudopod to manifest with a shimmering aura like blue flame, but it didn't cause the plant to burn. Grinding it in his grip, he pressed it to the wound in Danny's back. The Poltergeist would feel a numbing chill pass through his wound, but then Jason began to chant.
"Earth guide my hand. May your will merge with my own." The Ecto Slime could feel his mana flowing into Danny. "Let this blessed union of nature and soul heal this wounded body." As he stated his intent, the ghostly blue flame increased in brightness. As the sap from the flower soaked into Danny's skin he felt the pain from his wound abating. The blood flow stemmed--soon it would dry, though it might be scabbed and itchy for a while.
Skill Unlocked! Spell Chant I (1.3) is now functioning again!
But while Danny had focused on gathering sticks, and Jason had ignored the Poltergeist's request to watch the goblin, the former spear-toting greenskin came to with a moan. Rubbing his head, the goblin pushed himself to a sitting position. As soon as he saw Danny--and the glowing blue form produced by Jason--he gave a start and jumped to his feet. Staggering like a drunk, the spear goblin turned to attempt to run into the bushes, leaving behind both his weapon and the corpse of his companion--!
Rat Party
Creeping quietly down the other side of the burial mound, Ed was able to avoid raising any alarms. The creatures were gathered up along the stone walls forming the burial mound's base, and against the flat face of its entrance they wouldn't see him unless they peeked around the corner. He could just barely see the tip of a snout and the hem of a cloak around said corner himself, thanks to the difference in elevation...
You used Monster Analysis I!
---Kobold---
Small, reptilian creatures with odd primate characteristics like upright spines and grasping limbs. Quite similar to Goblins, often competing with them for the same territories and resources.
---???---
You aren't sure what this creature is. Its voice and manner of speaking, as well as its height, suggests a Goblin...but isn't its build a little too broad or tall for that?
---Analysis Complete!---
The Ratman safely made it inside, just as Asteria was investigating a golden coin on the ground.
You sense a faint, earthy Mana from this coin. It was not made by the coin itself, which has little Mana but seems to conduct it naturally.
Skill Rank Up: Muffle I > Muffle II (1.95 > 2.0)!
You are now even more effective at remaining unseen passively. Activating this skill by using Stamina will noticeably reduce, but not eliminate, the sounds of your movement.
Perhaps that meant the Mana trail was left from whoever--or whatever--had left the coin here? But...how did it get in and out of the barrow without triggering the Rats' Alarm skill? Was it just that sneaky? Or...?
Mother Rat nudged Asteria as if to draw her attention to Ed's entrance. She couldn't see far enough outside the doorway from where she was for her Analysis to trigger correctly, the System gave her an error message. Then the larger rat scurried over towards one of the darker corners of the room, no doubt seeking a place to hide. Based on what Ed had seen, it was likely that these bandits were just going to wait here until an unlucky target, perhaps a trader or lone traveler, came up the road from that lakeside town, or else from that village out in the plains...
PixieSlime Party
The knight let out a boisterous guffaw, and grinned at Asura before he answered.
"Indeed! Lectured by a Slime--have you ever heard the like, Squire?" The knight crossed his arms, taking them away from his weapon for the time being. "Well met, Asura. Forgive my assumption that you would not be well mannered. It's not often I meet creatures such as yourselves. I am a Templar, Zieglar of House Blackgate, and this is my Squire, Trent Bondeman of Bloominfield Village." The boy bowed at the mention of his name, but the movement jerked as he realized halfway through he was showing respect to monsters. He gave his mentor a confused look. But the knight had now turned his attention to the Hipixie, which was giving orders to its tamed spider.
“I am Ardur the Mighty, I serve the sun. Tell me what is your interest in Rattleskull?” Trent and Zeiglar looked at each other, some unspoken communication passing between them. The knight turned back to Ardur and seemed to take note of how intensely the Hipixie was staring at both of them.
You used Material Analysis I!
---Light Gambeson (Well-Made)---
A padded defensive jacket, worn separately, or combined with armor. It also doubles as a winter coat for wearers. Produced with a sewing technique called quilting. Usually constructed of linen or wool.
---Breeches (Average)---
Clothing covering the legs, usually stopping just below the knee, though in some cases reaching to the ankles. Normally closed and fastened about the leg, along its open seams at varied lengths, and to the knee, by either buttons or by a drawstring, or by one or more straps and buckle or brooches.
---Leather Gloves (Worn)---
A garment covering the whole hand. Gloves usually have separate sheaths or openings for each finger and the thumb.
---Leather Boots (Worn)---
A type of footwear and a specific type of shoe. Most boots mainly cover the foot and the ankle, while some also cover some part of the lower calf. Some boots extend up the leg, sometimes as far as the knee or even the hip.
---Thick Patched Cloak (Repaired, Heavily Worn)---
A loose garment worn over clothing that serves the same purpose as an overcoat; it protects the wearer from the cold, rain or wind for example, or it may form part of a fashionable outfit or uniform. Many climates favor wearing a full-body garment which is easily removed and does not constrain the wearer with sleeves.
---Leather Targe (Above Average)---
A smaller concave shield fitted with straps on the inside, one adjustable by a buckle, to be attached to the forearm, and the other fixed as a grip for the left hand. This one is fashioned from hardwood and covered with padded leather.
---Iron Arming Sword (Average)---
A straight, double-edged weapon with a single-handed, cross-shaped hilt and a blade length of about 70 to 80 centimetres (28 to 31 in). Possibly divided into further subtypes based on blade shape, taper, cross-section, and other factors. This one is fashioned with a larger ratio of iron; technically it is made of "steel," but lower in quality.
---Fluted Steel Plate Armor (Excellent Quality, Repaired, Enchanted, Full Set)
Armor made from iron or steel plates, which overlap in various pieces. A fully assembled suit will cover almost the entire body. Contrary to what one might think, properly fitted armor is not heavy at all, and allows the user full range and speed of movement. Fluted plate is not only decorative, but also reinforces the plate against bending under slashing or blunt impact. This offsets against the tendency for flutes to catch piercing blows. This armor seems to have some sort of magic cast upon it. You will need to Analyze this Item more closely to learn information on each Piece of the Set.
---Iron Maille (Well-Made, Enchanted)---
A type of armor consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh. Some call it "chain mail," but this is redundant in most cases. A better identifier would be the metal from which the rings are fashioned. Greatly reduces slashing damage. This armor seems to have some sort of magic cast upon it.
---Gatekeeper's Kite Shield (Excellent Quality, Repaired)---
A large, almond-shaped shield rounded at the top and curving down to a point or rounded point at the bottom. At least three feet high, it is constructed of laminated wood, stretched animal hide, and iron components. This one bears the banner of House Blackgate.
---Steel Half-Sword (Excellent Quality, Enchanted, Enhanced)---
A sword with a blade length equivalent to that of an Arming Sword and a similar style of guard, but a grip that is long enough to be used with either one or both hands. Sometimes called a "bastard" sword, especially the more its style differs from the traditional blades. This one is made from good steel. This weapon has been treated with some material to enhance its attributes, and has had some sort of magic cast upon it.
---Iron Flanged Mace (Well-Made Quality)---
A type of club that uses a heavy head on the end of a handle to deliver powerful blows. The head of a military mace can be shaped with flanges or knobs to allow greater penetration of plate armour. The length of maces can vary considerably. This mace is made of lower quality steel with a higher iron content. It is quite heavy.
---Steel Kidney Dagger (Above Average Quality)---
A type of dagger with a distinctively shaped hilt, with two oval swellings at the guard. Those who are less proper may also call this type of knife a "bollocks" or "ball" dagger. The guard is often in one piece with the wooden grip, and reinforced on top with a shaped metal washer. Carried as a last resort in battle, but sometimes considered a part of the belt and codpiece worn for status.
---Analysis Complete!---
You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.
LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 7! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please!
Unspent Skill Points: 5
Current Skills:
Shield II (2.225)
Lesser Flight III (2.325)
Minor Heal III (3.6875)
Physical Conditioning I (1.0) <CANNOT INCREASE WITH SKILL POINTS>
Fire Resistance I (1.4)
Taming I (1.85)
Fireball I (1.7)
Stronger II (2.2)
Crafting II (2.0)
Muffle I (1.3)
Inspire I (1.15)
Guidance I (1.6)
Spell Chant I (1.2)
Use Light Equipment (--)
Meditate I (1.2)
Point Strike I (1.1)
Monster Analysis I (1.4)
Keen Sight I (1.1)
Material Analysis I (1.7)
<UNUSABLE>
Keen Ear (0.3)
Alchemy (0.5)
Faster (0.6)
Magic Analysis (0.7)
Mana Orb (0.15)
Focus (0.6)
Throw Voice (0.1)
Mana Strike (0.9)
Charisma (0.4)
Soothe Song (0.7)
Harder (0.1)
Alert (0.9)
Reinforce (0.7)
Throw Item (0.5)
Stone Shot (0.6)
Iron Gullet (0.5)
Soil Manipulation (0.3)
Material Analysis (0.8)
Rabid Fit (0.5)
Lesser Cleanse (0.7)
Fire Fist (0.2)
Magic Resistance (0.3)
Minor Regeneration (0.1)
Flame Aura (0.1)
Warcry (0.1)
Immolation (0.05)
Spiritual Awareness (0.4)
Overwork (0.1)
Lucid Dream (0.1)
Blood Drain (0.1)
Dextrous (0.1)
Mana Sense (0.2)
Mana Drain (0.1)
Mental Resistance (0.2)
"The sun, eh? And just how does a Hipixie come to follow the likes of my Lord Galatine?" As Zieglar spoke that name, it sounded strange...but only to Ardur's ears. As he looked up at the knight, the fey reincarnate found himself distracted for just a moment. Then the knight shifted his weight subtly, causing a glimmer of sunlight to reflect from his armor. As Ardur blinked, the moment broke. It had lasted less than a second, and the knight was still speaking...
"But, nonetheless...Rattleskull, eh? And you, Asura, said you understood the Bugbear?" Zieglar turned his head to look at the puddled red slime. Trent walked over to stand by his teacher, but the boy was beginning to look less wary and more curious by the moment. He stared especially hard at Asura and Momma Slime, as if comparing the two. "Sorry, no need to answer--I'm thinking to myself. Allow me a moment." The knight cleared his throat, then began his tale anew.
"Rattleskull, if I am not mistaken, is also a Bugbear from this area. Though our last reports would indicate he was stronger than this one here." Zieglar pointed to Bear-Ate's corpse. "In the cave not too far from here, there was a tribe of Goblins. Between their natural predators, conflict with other tribes, and the general difficulty of survival out here in the wilderness, they usually weren't too much trouble. But, Rattleskull proved to be one of those Goblins who survive long enough to Transform into a stronger Monster." Zieglar's eyebrow quirked momentarily. His eyes shifted back from Asura to Ardur. "There are Humans called Adventurers who often come this way. To keep Monsters--no offense, I suppose--away from Human settlements, they make sure the Goblin tribes don't become too powerful. Rattleskull's tribe had been whittled down quite a bit despite his leadership...then, we had reports from a hunter traveling through the area that he and his Goblins were making camp outside of the cave. My Squire took on a request from the Adventurer's Guild to find out what Rattleskull was up to. If the Goblins were leaving the cave to go join another tribe or migrate, all the better so long as they don't come closer to town."
"And if they were preparing for a raid," Trent broke in, "I could bring warning and help everyone get prepared, or even bring out a suppression force before the Goblins got ready."
"And instead, we found that the Cave had been Transformed as well. When magic energy and other things change a place like that, make it more dangerous, we call it a Dungeon." Zieglar leaned in, looming over the party with a glint in his eye. "So, Ardur the
unusual Mighty Hipixie, and Asura the
unusual Amorphous Slime. How much of this did you already know?"
Monster Party
During the night, Ash observed the shape of the Mana Slice spell. When the spell began to take shape, she noted that for an instant it looked exactly like a Mana Orb. But as the crackling energy blossomed from her paw and took on its blade-like shape, a cube-like particle took its place at the center just like when she had adjusted the density of the original orb. But rather than form a second-rank Mana Orb, the Mana Slice caused two of the oscilating lines to attach to the "nucleus" particle. And these lines began to vibrate, faster and faster. The orbiting cloud of particles all began to shift along those lines, instead of floating freely like they did in the Mana Orb. The effect appeared somewhat like that of a chain-saw--perhaps that, and the increased density, explained the Mana Slice's ability to cut into objects?
She then formed Poison Splash, and took note of its magical structure that she had created before. Pulling the purple, pixellated atom into the center of the spell, the first difference she noticed was that the change in density was different compared to the Mana Orb. That spell shrank, as if it were being compressed. The Poison Splash, however, became...droopy? Almost like a semi-solid, or perhaps liquid mercury. It wanted to roll and flow, and didn't seem to float so well anymore. And when she tried to make it form the shape of a Mana Slice, it wouldn't "stick," it always just returned to its droopy state. Maybe she just needed to adjust the shape? Or perhaps creating a cutting force with Poison Mana would require a different structure compared to "normal" Mana?
Oberon used Magic Analysis as Ash formed the Poison Spell, as well as on the Pygmy Drake herself. Her eyes had begun to glow--was that a different skill or spell?
You used Magic Analysis IV!
---Poison Splash I---
Much like other elemental spells collecting trace elements, surrounding impurities and toxins are synthesized with Mana as a catalyst to produce this sphere of liquid poison. A creature capable of and familiar with producing poison within its own body might also use this spell to increase production without biological fuel, essentially substituting Magic Power for Stamina. Its nature as a poison causes severe nausea, vomiting, and caustic tissue damage. Upon impact, it splashes for a small Area of Effect. It may poison an organic target, and deals corrosive damage to most objects. If a target ingests the poison, the amount of damage it inflicts is roughly the same but the chance to inflict Poison damage over time rises greatly. If diluted with water or contaminated with other elements, especially earth, the poison's effectiveness can be greatly reduced. Attempting to burn the poison may cause volatile reactions.
---Ash---
Stunted, pesky cousins of greater drake species, the Pygmy Drake has a poisonous stinger on its tail rather than a breath weapon and glides more than it flies. Nonetheless it is somewhat clever, and mages sometimes keep it the way someone might keep a pet bird. They are more magically inclined than some other low ranking reptile species. You know this Pygmy Drake as Ash, a fellow Reincarnator. Ash has a number of Spell Skills and other magically oriented abilities, including Lesser Force, Magic Analysis, Meditate, Tremor Sense, Mana Orb, Shield, Mana Slice, Mana Shape, Mental Resistance, and Minor Heal. It seems like she is developing some kind of skill or spell to sense mana, and perhaps to see it as well, and her control over her magic is much greater than before. She is also developing several other Spell Skills, most of them offensive in nature like Mana Dart or Fireball.
A Pygmy Drake, being a creature capable of flight, is somewhat vulnerable to Wind, Lightning, and Ice magics. Its scales render Metal and Earth magics slightly less effective, but the creature's defenses cannot be compared to those of a true dragon. Ash's origins as a Poisonous creature render those magics much less likely to affect her even without a Poison Resistance. Her Dragon Affinity allows her to learn magics associated with Dragons, such as breath abilities, much more easily.
Inspired by what he had seen from everyone else, Oberon set to one more experiment before he turned in for the night. Like Torrent, he decided to attempt Shadow Magic--and, though he hadn't seen what happened to the Lesserwurm, he experienced a similar fate. When he tried to draw in the shadows, even while standing in the darkest corners, there was a moment where he felt like it was working. A great pressure began to build within his outstretched hands. But when he tried to harness the shadows themselves...
---???---
An unknown spell attempting to draw in everything in the surroundings. You are attempting Shadow Magic but this is not Shadow Magic. Warning, this spellcraft is unstable--
It felt like his eardrums burst and his throat spasmed all at once, as if he had tried to belch and breathe at the same time. He felt a strange resonation within his Mana, like a shortage in an electrical circuit. This seemed rather dangerous...and would require some thinking. What exactly was he doing wrong? Why was Shadow different from other elements?
Meanwhile, Torrent watched Oberon's attempt at using Shadow Magic and Analyzed him as well. She got much the same message as the Sprite had moments before he, too, was seized by some odd bodily hiccup. Had they both made the same mistake? Could they perhaps share their experiences and figure out what had gone wrong?
But, for now, rather than focus on her failure she decided to try something new. The Lesserwurm began playing with her more earth-aligned skills, perhaps unknowingly mimicking some of the spells that she had seen Digbie and Jason use at different times. Her earthen spikes, through fragile and small, held their form as they were launched up. They didn't fly very far though, and upon impacting the earth soon fell apart. They needed to be more solid, more earthen...rocks, rather than soil, perhaps. They needed more force behind them, too...what else could she adjust? Their shape? Their number? Would just trying to launch one work better than three?
You used Magic Analysis II!
---Soil Manipulation (Development)---
You are using the Soil Manipulation spell to shape earth into spikes, and attempting to launch them as an offensive spell. You have heard Digbie use a similar spell before, called Rock Spire. This Spell is now Developing.
Ash was now back in the cave. Dipping her claws into the poison and scraping them along the wall had much the desired effect, though perhaps lesser than Ash would have hoped. Still, it was obvious that just like her regular liquid poison, the magically created venom could still be used to coat a weapon, or in this case her natural blades. Her claws still couldn't cut stone yet--she felt they were like a very large, very angry housecat, or perhaps a larger predator like a lynx. Good for gouging out eyes and drawing blood, but not yet capable of rending stone.
Her last experiment saw an attempt to project some form of her senses outside of her physical body using magic. With her eyes closed and her breathing steady, Ash could mentally put together an image of her surroundings, but this was solely from memory. She knew where everyone else was, based on where they had been when they laid down. She knew the shape of the cave, the position of the moon shining through the doorway, and the general look of the area. Just her imagination was enough to bring the vivid details out of the environment. Feeling the magic flowing through and around her body, however, did seem to bring these images into greater clarity. Even despite the lack of light, it seemed like everything had a soft glow...
And before she knew it she was asleep.
Torrent and Digbie both had a dream-filled night, and Oberon woke up with a very unsettling feeling in the middle of the night.
You used Magic Analysis IV! You used Monster Analysis II!
---Torrent---
Related to dragons, but still a cold-blooded reptile, the Lesserwurm burrows through the earth and fills the enclosed spaces around its prey with poisonous fumes. Its lengthy body is quite fast and deceptively strong, and its ability to shed its skin somehow allows it to heal more quickly. You know Torrent is a Reincarnator. Torrent has lower MP than you do. Lesserwurms can use magic but aren't particularly talented at it during their lower levels. Torrent has developed several spells and magically oriented skills including Fireball, Fire Resistance, Meditate, Tremor Sense, Soil Manipulation, Magic Analysis, Mental Resistance, Spell Cancel, Wurm Breath, Aqua Stream, Fog Breath, Wind Breath, and Frost Breath. She's also developing skills like Spiritual Awareness, Spell Chant, Focus, Gather Light, and others. She is also developing Dragon Affinity, which makes certain types of spells like breath weapons easier for her to learn. Being an underground creature, Torrent is more susceptible to spells of Light, Water, and Metal elements but more resistant to Fire, Lightning, and Wind elements. Her natural venom also makes it much harder to poison her even without a Poison Resistance skill. A strange force surrounds her as she sleeps, but she is unharmed.
---Digbie---
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 spells and magically oriented skills like Stone Shot, Tremor Sense, Soil Manipulation, Sacred Ground, Rock Spire, Earth Affinity, Meditate, Earth Vein, Spell Chant, Magic Analysis, Mental Resistance, Mana Orb, Shield, Mana Affinity, Earth Wall, Minor Heal, and Guidance. He's developing spells like Fire Resistance, Spiritual Awareness, and several others. The developing skill Demon Affinity will make it easier for him to learn certain types of skills and spells. A strange force surrounds him as he sleeps, but he is unharmed.
***
The next morning Ash rose early, and went outside to practice with her spear. Using Lesser Force to wield the weapon, after a few thrusts and swings she tried to pick up the Smooth Stone at the same time. However, doing this consumed MP much faster than usual and was clumsy, even reducing her ability to manipulate the spear. It felt as if, without the Dual Cast ability, such a thing probably wouldn't even be possible. And even then, it was like learning to become ambidextrous.
After Torrent recovered from her dream, she remained within the shelter and once again tried to draw the shadows unto herself. Once again, she pulled at the Mana around her, searching for the distinct feel of a dark aligned element...and once again, her body convulsed and her Mana shorted out with a snort and a cough.
You used Magic Analysis II!
---???---
You attempted to use Shadow Magic again, but this is not Shadow Magic. This is similar to what Oberon tried last night. You were creating an area of localized pressure by drawing in the Mana around you, but there was nothing you would recognize as a "Dark" or "Shadow" Mana. This method feels wrong.
So, she had failed twice and Oberon had failed once--all with the same method. So...what did they need to do? Trying to draw in the "darkness" wasn't working, the way that drawing in water or air and pushing it back out had. Or the way that visualizing a growing heat within the body had produced fire. Why? Was there a reason the typical elemental manipulations didn't work on Shadow specifically? What were they doing wrong?
Oberon was the next up, slaking his thirst at the stream and shivering in the early morning chill. He asked the System to show him several bits of information...
Current Skills:
Minor Heal III (3.0125)
Lesser Flight III (3.0625)
Shield IV (4.03875)
Magic Analysis IV (4.4575)
Mana Orb II (2.775)
Mana Shape II (2.9)
Lesser Status Heal (1.2)
Mana Dart I (1.6)
Alert I (1.65)
Monster Analysis II (2.625)
Meditation III (3.08875)
Light Ring I (1.3)
Gather Light I (1.9)
Fireball I (1.8)
Plant Analysis I (1.0)
Material Analysis I (1.0)
Sacred Ground I (1.0)
Mana Slice I (1.25)
Overwork I (1.8)
Keen Sight (1.1)
Minor Heal All I (1.0)
Spiritual Awareness I (1.0)
Minor Regeneration I (1.0)
Spell Chant I (1.1)
Focus I (1.35)
Mental Resistance II (2.275)
Sensory Resistance I (1.0)
Faster I (1.0)
Aqua Sphere I (1.05)
Wind Break I (1.05)
Wall I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Faster (0.5)
Charisma (0.9)
Light Affinity (0.8)
Fire Resistance (0.2)
Spell Cancel (0.1)
Mana Puppet (0.5)
Earth Wall (0.1)
Mana Drain (0.3)
Wind Break (0.7)
Flame Lance (0.7)
Stronger (0.1)
Mana Sense (0.2)
Air Read (0.3)
Mana Control (0.1)
Wind Resistance (0.1)
Ice Spike (0.4)
Gravity Well (0.1)
EXP: 92%
Party Information:
Current Members: Ash [Pygmy Drake], Torrent [Lesserwurm], Digbie [Demiblin].
Currently all Members seem to be in Good Health.
Increase Party Bond to access more Party Information.
Digbie awakened from his own dream feeling none-too-rested, despite whatever his Status said. Gathering his things and breaking his fast with a small few morsels before he left, he went a ways down shore from the others to have some privacy. Placing the book and effigy in front of him, the little goblin clasped his hands began to pray...
"Maiden, I have fallen to the taboo, and am no longer worthy of being called your child." The morning felt very still, and quiet. No birdsong, no wind...even the stream's babble became a whisper. "Though I am only a demiblin, I wish to receive your holy guidance and blessing..." As Digbie went on, the blue morning fog seemed to be clearing out faster than usual...the golden rays of the sun raced over the mountains to the west. Warmth fell across his back like a mantle. "...to purge this taboo out of my body, for my own safety, and the strength to provide the same safety to myself and my friends."
Digbie opened his eyes...and, sitting on the bank of the stream, right there in front of him, was a white, dove-like bird. It simply stared at him, ruffling its feathers just once. And when the Demiblin finally let out a breath, the bird startled and took flight...dropping something from its beak.
A small, almost perfectly round bead of something similar to glass, but not quite. Quartz or some other mineral, perhaps? The sight of it, and perhaps this whole situation of prayer and liturgical books and praying to a holy maiden...and perhaps, something else?...brought an idea to Digbie's mind...
A Quest is yours to receive: Fashion 8 Beads of Prayer
- Beads can be made from a number of materials: stones, clay, gems, even wood.
- Beads should be strung along a sturdy string or rope.
- Wearing them around the wrist or neck is the most convenient method to keep them close
Do you wish to receive this Quest? Y/N
