Nah... that would be a good way to implement temporary transformation potions though... turn a pet wolf into a giant spider for a short time... or yourself... for that matter...
@Jangel13, Thanks! That helps a lot. ... it's especially useful information since Skrik is currently in an area with trees fairly close together. With a couple trees to provide a sufficient supply, he'll be able to practice various uses for the sap as well as having everything nearby to build a little treehouse and... ooh... no... wait... that idea can wait... anyway.
Getting side-tracked... First, shelter, safety and supplies... then... seeking fundamental magic... then combining crafting and early chemistry with magic to produce alternate or enhanced effects in substances. Muahahahhaa!
@Jangel13, Thanks for the head's-up. I have a general idea of what I want to start with... but I'll need to work out the details. I think that we only settled on the starting cave as a place for that numbing bark tree to grow. At least, I don't remember you clarifying how common that tree was after allowing it the first time.
Skrik learned a lot in a short time. First, he was right to climb into the trees. The wolves were not clever enough to find a way to attack him there. Second, they could smell the numbing poison and knew to avoid it. He would need a better trap to hunt wolves safely. He hefted a javelin but the time it took him to line up a shot was time enough for the wolves to realize that there was no good meal to be had by his tree and depart at a swift run. They were fast. They had traveled well out of sight in a very short period of time, without really trying.
He gained quite a bit from his recent experiences but it was time that he took advantage of his relatively safe perch and get some sleep. Though, even as he relaxed, he found it impossible for his mind to fully settle. He had been so close to something, something important about the way strength flowed through the world. He would simply have to meditate again when he was rested. Hopefully, the coming day would allow him the chance to make progress in his study of life as well as making his new home an even safer place to rest.
Starting Skill: Butcher’s Insight [Heightened ability to find vital points, predict movement based on physiology, and get the most out of a carcass.] Acquired Skills: Slash (claws)= The goblin has learned how to use his sharper nails to create a slashing attack making it effective in rending flesh. Has no effect on armor; can be upgraded Pierce (weapon)= The goblin has learned to pinpoint a spot on an enemy and use a sharp weapon to strike hard at it. This allows the goblin to strike a deadly blow with any sharp weapon and when upgraded can pierce through weapons and armor.
@Jangel13, ok. So it would take significant preparation and a certain amount of infrastructure before that could be made practical and even then it would be inherently dangerous, like any other gas trap.
By the by, did Skrik learn anything by observing the wolves in action?
@Jangel13, thank you. I suspected that level of intelligence but I wanted to make sure. Unfortunately, that leaves me with no way to make contact without divine intervention. Oh, well. Maybe I'll have him start practicing some form of meditation, a first step on the road to magic.
@Guy0fV4lor, Not necessarily. Though, that could be one interpretation. Skrik is alright at surviving alone so long as he doesn't over extend himself. His treetop camp has worked well at protecting him from the wolves and he's capable of building a proper treehouse with some work. However, he lacks... anyone to interact with.
On his own, I can still progress toward the kind of skill set I have planned for him. But I can't do any kind of intensive training without the advantages of a group. Given the path that I have in mind for him, he would benefit most from association with someone who knows about the gods and is affiliated with one. He hasn't found out about them yet since he didn't ask before leaving the cave area.
What are the odds of a successful javelin strike from an elevated position before the wolves get out of Skrik's range?
I'm trying to figure out a suitable way for him to come into contact with others... any of the others. Them finding a wolf with a broken off poisoned javelin in it might be a suitable incentive to go looking for the crafter... especially since it's a numbing agent that none of them know how to make/find.
Red Gypsy