Zeroth

Goblin Quest

I am like 90% certain this frog is about to bullfrog-belch fire all over me. But the legend of One Punch Goblin must begin somewhere!

Goblin Quest

S A I T O
Forest >> Cave >> Clearing

There and Back Again
@Dark Light@RC3

---

As Saito hauled his spoils back home, his newly cleared mind was awhirl with possibilities. The stronger bones he had pulled from the carcass had rounded ends, one narrow and designed to fit into the hip joint and the other much larger. They might make good blunt weapons. The creature's hide could be made into some form of clothing, and its tough plates would protect him. He wasn't sure what he would do with the tiny skull--maybe just make a trophy out of it? And the tail...it wasn't really like a piece of vine, flexible or cord-like, because of the plating. Yet it still had flex to it, and each segment of the armor seemed pretty sturdy. It was almost like...a chain? My memories again. Even now they're still cloudy. But I know more than I did before.

I was a man. I lived in another world. I passed away...and I remember that there were a lot of memories. I can't see them, but their weight rests upon my mind greatly. So I must have been old, to accumulate so many. I believe I passed away happily. Content. But...there was something else I wanted, too.

And now I have been reborn. I am...a goblin. My instinct and experiences tell me that much.

He was able to find the mark he had made in the dirt, and with the landmarks he remembered finding the cave again was easy. He noticed there were far fewer goblins here now--the others must be out hunting as well. A scent on the air caught his nose, oddly sweet and fruity. Maybe he could secure some more food for later? He went back inside the cavern, back to his dark corner of the wall, and looked around to make sure no one was watching him. Then he buried his spoils just an inch or so below the dirt, leaving himself enough signs to remember where it was. He didn't know what kind of culture or community these goblins had, but until he could trust them it was better not to let his things be taken. He might be willing to give or to help, but if any goblin tried to steal from him...Well, they'd better not steal from him.

With a now empty loincloth once again wrapped around his hips, Saito headed back out and sought that fruity smell from before. He was cautious, but also curious. Keeping his guard up, he eventually found himself in the presence of one of his goblin brothers, baring his all while fixated and absorbed on something from afar. Saito looked at the other greenskin and scratched his chin as he mulled over his observations.

This fellow was the one that had bitten another goblin's ear, and run off back into the cave. His underbite and fidgety hands gave him an odd look, with elements of both a simpleton and a trickster. Yet he moved like he knew what he was doing--even more quietly than Saito had on his earlier hunt. And he had fashioned himself a piece of protection of some sort, just a brace of sticks, as well as a weapon--using, Saito noted with some spark of humor, his own loincloth. The sling didn't look very well made and such a weapon seemed...deceptive in its use. If he planned to throw rocks with it, it would mean he had to build up a lot of momentum, wouldn't it? Reasoning would follow that swinging the weapon in order to do that would also make it difficult to aim...but maybe the goblin had already practiced with it?

The other goblin saw him, and gave him a wide grin full of sharp teeth. Saito's own expression was decidedly stoic. His brother raised one finger to his lips for silence, and Saito nodded. He had already noticed, up ahead in the clearing, that the source of that sweet smell was coming from what looked like a ball of grass and twigs covered in some yellow substance. It sat on a patch of ground that had obviously been disturbed--so this goblin was trying to draw some creature into a trap.

The other hunter went to the left, and again Saito watched him move with interest. This greenskin definitely knew something of the art of stealth, or at the very least he had a talent for it. Saito tried to mimic his brother as he went to the other direction, but watched as the other goblin loaded the sling. He would need to make sure to stay out of the weapon's aim--if a throw missed the target, and he was standing on the other side of the clearing, he didn't want the missile to kill him instead.

Slowly hoping forward, interested in the sweet aroma that came from the trap, was a plump frog, around two feet in height. Its red skin, horns, and oddly tiny wings all seemed very out of place to Saito. Around a foot from the trap, its tongue shot forward, aiming for the source of the sugary scent. Sadly, instead of a treat, it was surprised by the unpleasant tasting slime and the discomfort from the pointed bark and stick. It grimaced in dissatisfaction as its tongue quickly retracted.

The creature faced the trap. The other goblin was on one side of it. Saito was on the other side, but at an angle, diagonal, so that the slingshot wouldn't hit him by accident. It also allowed him to react more easily to the frog's movement. If it tried to run forward, it would go into the trap. If it tried to run backwards away from the trap, Saito would be able to cut it off. If it ran from his brother, then it would be coming right at him and he would again be able to intercept it. And if he moved for it first, it would have to either run into the trap or into the other goblin.

The goblin seemed to think they were in a good position. Saito felt his muscles relaxing once more. Just like when he had lunged to attack the Shrew, his rearmost foot pressed into the ground with a slowly building pressure...

The sling whirled with a whip-crack, but Saito was afraid it still wouldn't be fast enough. Would the frog hear the other goblin winding up for the throw? Would it have the senses or reflexes to dodge the attack?

No time for what-ifs. Saito almost felt the "rising and falling timing" pulling him along. He aimed to move in from such an angle that he wouldn't run into the trap if the frog dodged him, but he was fully committed to the followthrough of his attack.

He Lunged and Struck in one motion--and, in the single instant of thought he had left before his physical body was moving with intent, he realized that something felt different compared to before. And it wasn't just that he didn't have a weapon this time--in fact, that almost felt more natural.

Easily moving twice as quick, maybe faster, than when he attacked the Shrew, Saito covered the distance between himself and the Dragon Frog. In fractions of a second his body twisted all at once: his foot came down hard, sending a rebound from the earth up into his thighs and hips. This explosive power was converted into torque by his waist, spiraling up his backbone. And this torque assisted the extension of his arm, driving forward even more with the aid of his shoulder and triceps. As the same time his other arm drew back, fist curling near his hip under his ribs. This pulley motion, action-reaction, further increased the speed and power of the arm driving out like a piston towards the Dragon Frog.

Saito's fist clenched hard enough to pop his knuckles. What would have been a gut-level punch to a creature the same size as himself, was at just the right height to strike the frog's face or the back of its head. And just like before, he felt the exhiliration of breath leaving his body in time with the strike, further increasing its ferocity.

"HIYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

OOC

Hid his stuff in the cave.
Some introspection about Reshy.
FLASH STEP PUNCH THE FROG (Used Skill: Lunging Strike)

Goblin Quest

@Dark LightIn my next post I'll have Saito stumble upon Reshy's hiding spot on his way back to camp, then.

@RC3 Before I start writing, did I get any useful carves off the Shrew? Or has the desire sensor kicked in this early?

Goblin Quest

Saito as acquire...Poison Resistance.

Poison Resistance: Makes the user resistance to various poisons. With prolonged or repeated exposure to significant amounts, immunity may develop. The amount of poisons that do not effect the user become higher in number as this skill ranks up. (Passive) E-Rank

Deboning, gotcha. Anyway, anything in particular you wanna be going for while going back to the cave? Another encounter, joining up with another group, or just some R&R?

Also, the berries were poisonous but only when digested. I suppose Saito won't be finding that out now.

@RC3

I'm planning to head back to the cave and hoping to either get another encounter on the way there, or to join another player group. Saito could totally Kirito-kun this whole world but that wouldn't be as much fun. ;)

Would there be any way for Saito to tell that the berries were poisonous, or that his new skills have appeared? Like, do they churn his guts just enough to make him say "uh oh" but then it suddenly clears up after he swallows the animal flesh in his mouth? Like Guy said it'd be pretty in-character for him to offer food to others in the future >_>

Also, I was under the impression we were all picking one skill at a time because that's all we could get from eating one monster, but if it just uses up multiple uses of Absorb then I'd like to retro-actively absorb the Scaled Shrew's other two skills if possible. As Mr. Miyagi said, "Most important rule of Karate: defense!"

If there's anybody out there who feels like Saito could help them at the moment, speak up! Except y'all out there with the orc, y'all are fucked. J/K

Goblin Quest

so what I'm hearing...

Is that you want that shrew B O N E L E S S?

@Guy0fV4lor

...I'm, I'm not sure I understand the reference. But yes. Yes I do.

Goblin Quest

@RC3 I included an OOC tag in my post, but just in case: I pick the Passive Defensive Skill for Saito to absorb. And I'm also hoping to carve some WYVERN GEMS bones out of what's left of the Shrew.

Goblin Quest

S A I T O
Forest

The First Meal

---

Saito let the prey drop to the ground, and kicked it hard where he thought the ribs would be for good measure. It wasn't out of cruelty--somehow, he felt that hitting something hard enough to take its breath away would make it hard for it to fake being dead. The Scaled Shrew did not stir. He had done it.

He dropped to his knees next to the creature, breathing hard. His stomach rumbled. It wasn't so much the "fight" that had taken it out of him, but the simple fact he had been hoisting this creature's whole body weight and repeatedly bashing it to mush. Now that he stopped to examine himself, he wasn't even scratched! He felt an odd swelling of pride in his chest--he wondered if any of the other goblins had managed their hunts this well.

And now, to business. His hunger simply would not wait any more. Those odd memories threatened to surface again--there seemed to be something "wrong" about eating the creature as it was, but whatever it was Saito couldn't figure it out. And it couldn't stop him from digging in as soon as possible. Still, he did heed the odd, fuzzy sensations on one account.

He took his rock, and one of his pointed sticks, and drove the wood to split the animal's hide. It was a bit of a touchy business, as he couldn't hit it full force like he would a chisel--he only needed to puncture the skin a little bit, and then rip it a little bit more, and then get a firm hold on it with his hands. Stomach growling, he disemboweled the Shrew. Why? The reasons were threefold. First, he wanted to remove the innards because he somehow felt they wouldn't be as tasty as the rest of the animal, save for its heart, liver, and kidneys. These, and the stomach pouch, he kept. All of the other offal he threw onto the ground nearby, and dusted them with a layer of dirt before doing the same to his hands and rubbing the grit off against the grass.

The second reason: If there were any scavenger animals in the area, or other creatures that might be attracted by the smell, he hoped they would pick up the scent once the innards had time to waft in the breeze for a bit. That way, he might be able to return to this place later for a second hunt.

And the third reason: He split open the stomach, and took a look at what the creature had been eating. It was full of berries, only partially digested...and aside from the acrid smell of digestive juices, Saito didn't smell anything particularly foul. Nor did the skin of the stomach look as if it were irritated from the berries or their juices.

With this accomplished he tossed the stomach aside with the other bits, and took his own handful of berries back up. He took one berry, and smeared it to paste over his arm. Then he placed them alongside the rest of his food. He was able to quickly gather another handful of berries from the ones the Scaled Shrew had been eating, and added these to the pile.

Finally, his stomach rumbling so much as to distract him, he set to one last task. Again driving the pointy stick with the rock, he made jagged, amateurish punctures all down the sides of the Shrew's back. Grasping its shell with both hands, Saito grunted as he pulled, again and again. Eventually, the whole hide came off with a hideous rip. Tearing the tail off was easier--but now, he had some very strong armored plates. What would he use them for? He wasn't sure yet, but those foggy, buzzing thoughts in his head seemed to be formulating an idea.

And now, he could eat.

The berries on his arm had not irritated his skin in any way. He smeared some more of the juice around his mouth, and then grabbed the Scaled Shrew's corpse. Picking up one forelimb, he literally bit right into it, sinking his teeth into skin. Tearing off the smaller, thinner scales on its hide was like biting through an overcooked fry batter or hard vegetable. His exaggerated canines split its flesh easily, and he tore off a huge, bleeding chunk. Chewing, crunching, gulping, he devoured it with no thought for such things as table manners. He took another bite, and another. The berry juice around his lips hadn't caused any adverse affects, so he popped just two into his mouth and chewed them thoroughly. As their tight roundness burst he savored the juices, but chewed a while more without swallowing. Satisfied that they were not poison, he gathered up both handfuls and tossed them into the body cavity left behind by his removal of the prey's organs.

The goblin continued to eat ravenously. He popped the Shrew's eyes like candy. He tore at its sinews like strings of licorice. Handful upon handful, mouthful upon mouthful, of flesh and blood disappeared into his maw. The berries served almost like a sauce, as he mashed them up inside the creature's corpse and ate handfuls of the mixture two at a time.

Finally, Saito sat back on his haunches and sighed. He looked up at the blue sky, and suddenly...

The world seemed much clearer. Birds were chirping, leaves wildly rustled, and the growls and sounds of the various creatures that called the forest their home were never ending. Everything around him gradually became vibrant and filled with life, as it should have been. The pain, fatigue, and discomfort he previously felt had disappeared, as if it was never there. This was certainly more than simple recovery.

Now that his mind was clear again, Saito observed his surroundings. He suddenly picked up the signs of various creatures that he hadn't been aware of before...and he was sure that, somewhere out there, were much stronger creatures than this Shrew. He looked at the position of the sun and tried to gauge how long he'd been away from the cave.

Once again he picked up his stone, and the bloodied pointy stick. He had one more thing to do--try and debone what was left of the Shrew. Maybe he could its claws and fangs, or its femurs, or some such things for some other purpose. As soon as he could do that--or not, depending--he would gather up his items, put his underwear back on, and head home.

OOC

Ate Handful of Berries x2. To be removed from inventory.
Ate Scaled Shrew. Skill to be Absorbed: [???] - Defensive Skill (Passive)
Field Dressed Scaled Shrew, threw the Internal Organs out to possibly serve as bait for other prey in the future.
Now attempting to Debone Shrew
Regardless of Deboning results, will shortly start back towards the cave.

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Monster Party

As Torrent repeated her earlier process, and this time added her intent of fire to the magic, she could feel the light within her mouth intensify. The warmth increased. Fire was an element that was growing familiar to the Lesserwyrm at this point, given the number of skills she'd been learning with it and her constant self-exploding experiments. She felt the power building up inside, then let loose one more attempt and analyzed her developing spell.

You used Magic Analysis II!
---Breath ????---
You seem to have created a focused beam of stimulated light using your magic. Gathering more power has improved its development. Focusing its power into a smaller area has improved its development. Stimulating the energy with higher levels of heat has improved its development. In order to accomplish the desired affect, however, it seems to lack consistent application...

System:Torrent

This time, the beam made a distinct sizzling sound. A yellow-white streak left Torrent's mouth and hit the brook passing through their camp, producing a tiny wisp of steam. However, the magic had launched like a singular arrow, leaving her mouth, striking the target, and dissipating. Did "consistent application" mean she would have to hold the output somehow...?

As Ash straightened up to her full height and spread her wings for the first time, she heard an unpleasant ripping sound. The strips of sinew and flesh she had been carrying for a few days now, having dried thoroughly in the sun and, over time, begun to subtly decay, now ripped in their entireity. Her Rawhide Backpack fell to pieces, but at least she hadn't been carrying anything at the moment. But this was of little concern in the face of restoring the energy she had lost in her Transformation--which seemed more severe than the last time she had changed her body for some reason. As she drank from the stream, it took the edge off of her thirst--but the first few gulps didn't restore her entirely. Of course, since the water was right there, it was easy to continue drinking until she was satisfied. The rat meat, too, was still plentiful although it was starting to turn a little dark around the edges. The 26 pounds of it they had originally procured had been reduced to 17 the previous night and this morning, since everyone had gathered around the campfire and had also consumed some throughout the night if they stayed up late to experiment along with eating some of it for breakfast. Ash now devoured it with gusto, and for a relatively small creature compared to a human she could really pack it in. Her body didn't seem to react too negatively to the raw meat, and her newly formed snout and fangs seemed made for it in typical reptile fashion. By the time she was completely full, the provisions had been reduced to 14 pounds.

Current Skills:
Stun Fang II (2.1)
Poison Spit II (2.025)
*Alchemy II (2.875)
Overwork III (3.3125)
*-Charisma I (1.65)
Venom Shot II (2.0)
*Crafting I (1.8)
Lesser Force II (2.225)
*Magic Analysis III (3.2125)
Alert I (1.35)
Lesser Flight I (1.5)
-Muffle I (1.65)
Monster Analysis II (2.825)
*Material Analysis II (2.975)
*Meditate II (2.35)
Poison Glob I (1.2)
*Poison Breath I (1.05)
*Plant Analysis I (1.15)
Tremor Sense I (1.05)
**Mana Orb II (2.55)
*Shield I (1.05)
**Mana Slice I (1.7)
Mana Shape I (1.6)
Analysis (--)
-Rabid Fit I (1.05)
Mental Resistance I (1.75)
*Mana Vision I (1.8)
*Mana Sense II (2.075)
**Minor Heal I (1.2)
Prehensile Tail (--)
**Poison Splash I (1.3)
**Dual Cast I (1.2)
Mana Control I (1.2)
--Stronger I (1.35)
*Intimidate I (1.0)
Memor Eyes I (1.25)
<UNUSUABLE>
Blunt Resistance (0.2)
*Scribe (0.6)
--Faster (0.3)
Acid Volley (0.1)
-Venom Claw (0.4)
*Dragon Affinity (0.45) <CANNOT BE INCREASED WITH SKILL POINTS>
--Slash (0.5)
**Fireball (0.2)
Dextrous (0.8)
**Mana Dart (0.4)
Use Light Equipment (0.7)
**Minor Heal All (0.1)
Iron Gullet (0.9)
**Poison Slash (0.2)
*Mana Drain (0.6)
*Lucid Dream (0.2)
--Skewer (0.4)
**Stone Shot (0.1)
*Dragon Lung (0.1)
*Deception (0.2)
-Stealth Kill (0.1)
Mana Affinity (0.5)
*Focus (0.5)
---

You are Thirsty > Parched > Dry Throat > Hydrated > Well Hydrated
You are Famished > Very Hungry > Hungry > Peckish > Satisfied > Fed > Well Fed
Stamina Recovery is boosted for the next six hours.

--Job System---
Witch: Witches are primitive magic users that have not only begun to harness the energy within themselves, but discovered that various plants and materials also possess this energy. They brew potions, mix poultices, and crush powders with simple tools like mortar and pestle for a variety of effects. As a specialty of the Voodooist Job, their magic is just as strong as that class, but thier utility skills also increase in effectiveness. Skills with * are boosted, while skills with - are instead hindered by this Job (See Skill List).

Equipment Suitability:
*Mana Bone Spear
-Vine Greaves
-Vine Bracers
-Broken Haubergeon

Job Suggestions:
Keeping the limbs and face free or uncovered may often assist with different components of magic.
Magical foci are preferred to direct weapons.
Magical substances used on both enemies and allies can provide a wide array of effects.

Drake Tongue: [Winged] Kobolds are considered inheiritors of Draconic power among others of the species, and are typically treated as a higher caste. Many tribal societies have Shamans who learn ancient lore, for the sake of guiding the tribe as well as keeping its history or rituals alive. The Drake Tongue is a special variant of this. The power they possess increases the split focus of the normal Shaman Job, heightening both its Offensive and Supportive magics. Skills with * are boosted, while skills with - are instead hindered by this Job (See Skill List).

Equipment Suitability:
*Mana Bone Spear
Vine Greaves
Vine Bracers
-Broken Haubergeon

Job Suggestions:
The vitality of dragons keeps these sub-Shamans strong, they aren't dragged down as much by lighter armors.
Magical foci, or channeling objects for a patron's power, are preferred to direct weapons.
As a higher caste of Kobold, this Job may allow one to use their underlings for tasks as well. Good leadership can overcome many individual weaknesses.

System:Ash

After checking in with the System, she turned her attention to watching Torrent. Through her Mana Vision, she could see several yellow particles, along with very light blue ones, collecting on the lizard's skin in layers. Then they would disappear into Torrent's body. When the Lesserwurm released her new spell, the yellow particles had been joined by red ones. All the yellow particles moved in a straight line, but the red ones wrapped around the line like a double helix.

As Oberon forced more Mana out through this "phantom limb," he gave a hard tug. And, for once, the magic behaved exactly as he wished--the pebble suddenly pulled forward, flying to his palm where he easily caught it. While he contemplated this success, he turned to see Ash the newly Winged Kobold approach.

Skill Gain: Lesser Force I (0.8 > 1.0)!
A conversion of Mana into physical force. It has a short range and is relatively weak at this rank, but allows one to pick up small objects without using a limb.

You used Magic Analysis IV! You used Monster Analysis II! You used Magic Analysis IV!
---Ash, (Adolescent) Mystic [Winged] 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. Kobolds on average are more intelligent than goblins, but if goblins lack empathy and impulse control, Kobolds are much more lacking in emotional content and personality. Some individuals have other characteristics--the Winged Kobolds are often said to have Draconic power in their veins, and are often revered in their tribes. Ash has gained the Mystic variance, increasing her affinities for various magical skills. She has many magical skills, some of which you also have, and several of her skills use Poison. Most of her magic is attack oriented, though she has a few defensive and utility spells or magically oriented skills. She is developing Dragon Affinity and Mana Affinity. Kobolds as a whole are somewhat more resistant to Fire, Poison, Wind, Acid, and Water. The vast majority of other elements are normally effective on them. Their major weaknesses are Ice, Metal, and Lightning.
---Analysis Complete!---

LEVEL UP! Your learning experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 10! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please!

Unspent Skill Points: 14 [[OOC: 3 left over from last level up, +5 normal level up, +5 for Christmas/New Year Bonuses/Hiatus Bonuses, +1 for 1500 posts bonus]]

Current Skills:
Minor Heal III (3.0125)
Lesser Flight III (3.1)
Shield IV (4.045)
Magic Analysis IV (4.50625)
Mana Orb II (2.775)
Mana Shape III (3.125)
Lesser Status Heal (1.2)
Mana Dart I (1.6)
Alert II (2.1)
Monster Analysis II (2.825)
Meditation III (3.125)
Light Ring I (1.3)
Gather Light I (1.95)
Fireball I (1.85)
Plant Analysis I (1.025)
Material Analysis I (1.025)
Sacred Ground I (1.0)
Mana Slice I (1.6)
Overwork I (1.8)
Keen Sight (1.1)
Minor Heal All I (1.1)
Spiritual Awareness I (1.0)
Minor Regeneration I (1.05)
Spell Chant I (1.1)
Focus I (1.45)
Mental Resistance II (2.3)
Sensory Resistance I (1.0)
Faster I (1.0)
Aqua Sphere I (1.05)
Wind Break I (1.05)
Wall I (1.0)
Flame Lance I (1.0)
Charisma I (1.0)
Mana Sense I (1.05)
Lesser Force I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Faster (0.5)
Charisma (0.9)
Light Affinity (0.8) <CANNOT INCREASE WITH SKILL POINTS>
Fire Resistance (0.2)
Spell Cancel (0.1)
Mana Puppet (0.5)
Earth Wall (0.1)
Mana Drain (0.3)
Stronger (0.1)
Air Read (0.3)
Mana Control (0.5)
Wind Resistance (0.1)
Ice Spike (0.4)
Gravity Well (0.1)
Blade Wall (0.1)
Muffle (0.1)

YOUR BODY IS BEGINNING TO CHANGE! You are undergoing Transformation! Based on your life experiences, your ability to survive, and the strength of your will, new paths have appeared! Choose carefully--there is no going back! WARNING. THIS PROCESS WILL LEAVE YOU TEMPORARILY VULNERABLE.

OPTIONS (* Indicates Suitability):
**Adult Sprite (Multiple Chances for Variance) - A highly territorial, but otherwise relatively friendly type of creature. Quite similar to Pixies at first glance, they are much more empathetic and even altruistic than other types of Fey. Unless an enemy presents a threat to their homes and families, they often prefer to flee rather than fight, but if something enters their nesting area they are known to swarm much like wasps. However, you have not felt compelled to follow all of this behavior due to your unique circumstances. Sprites are aligned with the light element and their wings have scales similar to some types of moths. When these scales fall they sometimes glitter, and the Sprite's body is often covered with them.

• Increase Minor Heal
• Increase Minor Heal All (reduced)
• Increase Light Affinity (reduced)
• Increase Potential

*(Adolescent) Hipixie (Multiple Low Chances for Variance) - A larger, stronger, and more sophisticated variety of Pixie, very similar to the commonly known relationship between a Goblin and a Hobgoblin. Growing almost as large as a goblin themselves, their ability to fly becomes more difficult to use but their size now allows them to use many forms of lightweight tools and weapons. Considered to be some of the first True Fey, species of Fey-type monsters capable of forming societies and cultures rather than simply flitting about on any whim or reacting to any emotion that comes into their tiny heads.

• Increase all base stats
• Increase Use Light Equipment (reduced)
• Slightly increase HP

-(Adolescent) Imp (Multiple Low Chances for Variance) - The smallest and most pitiful of Demon-type monsters. Though relatively strong for their size, they are still mostly specialized in magic. However they lack the finesse and technique of other Demons, using plain and often brute-force style spells. Their cunning and absolute refusal to ever admit that they are lesser to any other being, however, can make them dastardly plotters.

• Increase base power-stats
• Increase Mana Orb
• Increase Lesser Force (reduced)
• Increase Demon Affinity (reduced)

*(Adolescent) Lampad - A fairy associated with the element of fire. Their hair, which only grows from the crown of their heads, seems to spontaneously combust for some reason, hence their nickname of "livin' torch" among country folk. Their skin ranges from coal black to ash gray and various hues of red and orange. Their wings produce a type of powder that causes a "burning" sensation, although this is just itching somewhat like various plant allergens. They are incredibly dangerous, as like pixies they lack any concept of responsibility and find fire to be pretty to look at. Luckily they often stick to caves or other shelters, because strong winds and rains can douse the flames on their heads. This seems to make them extremely lethargic much like a cold-blooded animal in winter, until they can re-ignite themselves.

• Increase Fireball (reduced)
• Increase Fire Affinity (reduced)
• Slight increase to speed stats

(Adolescent) Nephos - A fairy associated with the element of Wind. Their body hair shares many qualities with wool, though it is much lighter and dries faster when wet. It is always white and fluffy, giving them the appearance of wearing clouds. Their skin ranges from various hues of white to pink and yellow. They lose their wings, but through magic maintain their ability to float along the breeze. They are very free spirited, but somewhat lazy, and it's never predictable whether they will be friend or foe.

• Lose Wings
• Increase Levitation (Lesser Flight will Boost)(reduced)
• Increase Wind Break (reduced)
• Increase Wind Affinity (reduced)
• Increase Rank: Air Read

(Adolescent) Nixie - A fairy associated with the element of Water. Their bodies become more dynamic in the water, and while their wings remain functional the fins on their limbs make them faster underwater than they are in the air. In many shades of blue or green, they are surprisingly effective predators compared to other small fey. They are very neutral, sticking mostly to their own groups and only attacking the creatures they hunt.

• Increase Aqua Sphere (reduced)
• Increase Swift Swim (reduced)
• Increase Water Affinity (reduced)

System:Oberon

As Digbie analyzed each of his party members, the information he received about most of them was the same as he had gotten at times in the past, or at the least he didn't really learn anything new. He learned a lesser version of the information Oberon received about Ash's new form--minus the information about her magic, her elemental affinities and weaknesses, and some more specific details. Still, the fact that winged kobolds were considered higher ranks in kobold society and the race's general features stuck out.

You used Crafting I!
Leather Strips (Poor) x2 + Dire Rat Pelts (Bad) x2 + Unknown Pelt (Poor)
Your Crafting Method is not especially specific.
Your Materials are low in quality.
You are attempting to use the Fortify skill. Fortify imbues Structures--the Skill is unsuitable for this purpose, but you seem to have accomplished something anyway...

Item Obtained: Fur Satchel (Bad > Poor)!
This bag can hold up to 10 Small Items, or the equivalent combination of items at larger sizes.

System:Digbie

All was quiet in the clearing, now that Guze was likely well away with his captives. The group might need to secure some food or other supplies for later at some point, but right now everything seemed calm and quiet.

---

PixieSlime Party

Indeed, it seemed the undead goblin did not care about losing parts of its body. As Asura's hook ripped off its entire lower jaw, letting its tongue roll out like a disgusting tentacle covered in black bile, the zombie continued to take distance. The two Mana Orbs that struck the slime's shell caused the bone to crack and splinter--the Bowhorn Skull wouldn't be able to take much more of this, although for now it was still fully intact despite the breakage. Thanks to its presence, however, Asura had taken very little damage even though it seemed most of the undead had focused on him...it was a little odd, how they seemed intent on hammering away at the tank when their attacks might be more useful against other members of the party. The Skeleblin's blow, as well, bounced off of his Hardened and re-shaped red jello-hide, and Asura attempted to "wield" his own weapon.

The swing was quite clumsy given his lack of true appendages, but the Rank II Smash charged through the bone club made up for that lack of skill with pure power. One of the Skeleblin's legs shattered entirely at the knee and down the shin, dropping it down to "eye level" with the Amorphous Slime. However, Asura's crude weapon had also cracked--how many more hits would it be good for?

Skill Gain: Alert I (0.9 > 1.0)!

System:Ardur

Over the pond, Ardur whirled to avoid the two Mana Orbs, and brought his weapon to bear with all the strength he could muster. For a buff pixie, that was much more than your average pixie. One of the Mana Orbs actually hit his weapon directly...and, oddly, the magical projectile was deflected like a baseball, sailing off into the darkness. But instead of re-engaging, the Hipixie wanted to keep negotiating with Undine. Yet maybe this was a wise choice after all...

"Even if your Mana Pool was full to its maximum, you wouldn't have enough to wield me--neither the strength or skill to use me properly. An attempt to pact would likely kill you."

And here, one of the Wisps got too close, as if it planned to tackle Ardur out of the air. A single sphere of water, much like a Mana Orb of liquid, shot out of the pond like a bullet and pierced the creature's sparkling body. As it dropped into the water, a shimmering shape arose and speared it--the tip of Undine's blade.

"But, I might still be able to help. Just now I used as much Mana as I gained--if you can lure these creatures close enough for me to cut them, I may be able to recharge my power!"

Those Wisps Ardur had seen before had reached the other side of the pool's shore--and now they were coming from behind the group, down the passage to the choke point. No doubt other monsters might be moving to come from that end too--if they couldn't break through one way or the other soon they would be trapped, but if they got too far away from the pool they likely wouldn't be able to count on Undine's help...

Back down on the ground, the Fanged Lizard under Trent's feet suddenly opened its eyes again, and they were filled with purple light as the black miasma of undeath suffused its flesh. The boy's sword plunged down through the top of its skull and then jerked from side to side, completely destroying the head and ending that threat before it began. While it seemed just doing heavy damage to the brain, like Asura, didn't stop the zombies like in the movies, completely destroying the nervous system rendered them incapable of continuing to move...at least for a few moments. From alongside him, Steve shot a sticky glob of webbing at one of the new Wisps that had joined the fray, catching it like a net--and, with one string trailing back to the spider, Steve began to whirl the captured enemy just like that makeshift flail she had practiced with Asura. The second wisp was beaten by its own comrade like a bludgeon, knocking it to the ground just as it fired a Mana Orb at Asura.

The Fanged Lizard spat its poison at Asura as well, but Momma Slime took the blow instead. She burbled angrily as the poison burned, but her body remained its typical bright blue color--usually if a creature got poisoned, their complexion changed as well, so she was probably okay at least for now. Using her heavy mass, she jumped right on top of the lizard and slammed it into the earth. They began to wrestle, one trying to escape or to sink its fangs into the other that tried to envelop and consume it.

The Skeleblin that Asura had engaged still intended to fight, and once again swung its heavy club at him. He was in the midst of trying to use his Blood Drain skill--and, as for the first real time since he awakened in this world, he felt his MP dip. A red light somewhere in the center of the Skeleblin's bones began to glow, and then tiny particles of it drifted out to sink into Asura's body. He felt his vitality returning somewhat...but, as he tried to shift the intent of his spell, the red particles only slightly changed to a more orange color. Other than that he felt no change...but there had been a visible change, so did that mean...?

Two small skeletons, still with gossamer wings attached, now joined the rear line of the Zomblin's party. The Zomblin itself was still moving past them, but it soon turned and began to load its spear thrower again. Another pixie, this one still fleshy but also glowing with the Dungeon's purple light, was coming up on the fray...

---

Rat Party

Asteria practiced a wide variety of movements, using her muscular power, her speed, her balance, and her overall coordination in a variety of ways. Afterward she began to meditate to try and unlock the actual "Meditate" skill, and with her Mana Sense she could feel the magic flowing around and through her. It didn't seem like there were any especially magical plants around the immediate vicinity of the barrow, and there wasn't anything that set off any kind of hostility in her senses. Much like Ed, however, she had pushed herself quite far physically, and the soreness was beginning to set in.

Skill Rank Up: Stronger I > Stronger II (1.8 > 2.0)!
Further increase your base strength.

Skill Gain: Meditate I (0.9 > 1.05)!
By concentrating and calming oneself, increase the regeneration of Magic Power and Stamina. This skill cannot be used in battle. Any distractions in the environment will drastically decrease the effectiveness of this skill. This skill cannot be used in conjunction with other Active skills.

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.
You have no Stamina remaining. You are Tired.
You are Peckish.
Your throat is Dry.

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now level 7! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please! Your Max Stamina has increased!

Unspent Skill Points: 11[[OOC:+5 level, +5 Xmas/NewYear/Hiatus, +1 1500 posts]]

Current Skills:
Beast Sense III (3.1)
Faster II (2.45)
Monster Analysis II (2.85)
Dextrous II (2.475)
Poison Resistance I (1.0)
Crafting II (2.25)
Muffle II (2.15)
Mana Sense II (2.35)
Mana Drain I (1.75)
Magic Analysis I (1.55)
Stronger II ( 2.0)
Prehensile Tail (--)
Alert I (1.7)
Telepathy I (1.85)
Plant Analysis I (1.7)
Use Light Equipment (--)
Smash I (1.05)
First Aid I (1.0)
Minor Heal I (1.05)
Charisma I (1.15)
Meditate I (1.05)
<UNUSABLE>
Mental Resistance (0.1)
Soil Manipulation (0.9)
Overwork (0.9)
Lesser Status Heal (0.1)
Meditate (0.9)
Strengthen (0.3)
Scribe (0.3)
Spell Chant (0.15)
Lesser Force (0.1)
Stone Shot (0.3)
Lucid Dream (0.4)
Spiritual Awareness (0.5)
Swift Swimmer (0.1)
Suppress Presence (0.6)
Alchemy (0.8)
Tremor Sense (0.2)
Throw Item (0.3)
Stealth Kill (0.1)
Material Analysis (0.4)
Iron Gullet (0.35)
Quicken (0.2)
Skewer (0.7)
Point Strike (0.4)
Warcry (0.1)
Mind Wave (0.2)
Curse Word (0.1)
Rabid Fit (0.2)
Mana Gift (0.2)
Blood Bead (0.1)
Pierce Resistance (0.1)
Counter (0.1)
Slash Resistance (0.1)
Slash (0.7)
Charm (0.1)
Dash Attack (0.3)
Acrobatic (0.2)
Breath Control (0.1)

System:Asteria

Ed kept swinging, doing ten repetitions before taking a short break. After three sets of this, he was absolutely exhausted. His forearms, biceps, and shoulders were absolutely on fire, and his chest and back were strained hard. He even had a stitch in his side, and his fur was sticky with sweat to the point he found himself panting like a dog just to cool down a little bit more.

Skill Rank Up: Stronger I > Stronger II (1.95 > 2.0 > 2.725)!
Further increase your base physical strength.

Skill Gain: Use Medium Equipment (0.7 > --)!
Use equipment that, by comparison to your own body, could be considered medium in weight or size. --This skill is unsuited to your Species. You possess the skill Use Light Equipment. You possess the Skill Stronger II. You possess the Skill Dextrous. Skill Synergy negates drawbacks of this skill.--

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.
You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.

You have no Stamina remaining.
You are Exhausted, natural Stamina recovery is reduced by 25%.
You are Peckish.
Your throat is Dry.

LEVEL UP! Your combined experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 7! You gain Skill points to distribute as you see fit! Your base attack stats have increased!

Unspent Skill Points: 11 [[OOC:+5 level up, +5 Christmas/New Year/Hiatus bonuses, +1 1500 post bonuses]]

Current Skills:
Beast Sense II (2.95)
Rabid Fit II (2.1)
Stronger II (2.725)
Muffle II (2.45)
Use Light Equipment (--)
Alert I (1.35)
Faster I (1.1)
Harder I (1.0)
Dynamic Eye I (1.15)
Smash I (1.6)
Dextrous I (1.55)
Monster Analysis I (1.7)
Overwork I (1.55)
Mental Resistance I (1.1)
Magic Analysis I (1.0)
Focus I (1.0)
Warcry I (1.05)
Use Medium Equipment (--)
<UNUSABLE>
Material Analysis (0.6)
Tremor Sense (0.05)
Telepathy (0.2)
Mana Shape (0.8)
Focus (0.9)
Shield (0.5)
Mana Shell (0.5)
Soil Manipulation (0.7)
Crafting (0.8)
First Aid (0.1)
Meditate (0.5)
People Sense (0.4)
Plant Analysis (0.2)
Swift Swimmer (0.4)
Charm (0.05)
Repel (0.025)
Stealth Kill (0.3)
Blunt Resistance (0.1)
Prehensile Tail (0.6)
Mana Strike (0.7)
Minor Heal (0.05)
Iron Gullet (0.4)
Taming (0.2)
Suppress Presence (0.6)
Inspire (0.3)
Point Strike (0.6)
Strengthen (0.6)
Pierce Resistance (0.2)
Double Skill (0.1)
Deception (0.3)
Lucid Dream (0.2)
Stone Shot (0.05)
Mana Sense (0.1)
Flame Aura (0.1)
Guidance (0.2)
Intimidation (0.2)
Charisma (0.3)
Slash (0.1)
Cleave (0.2)
Blood Drain (0.1)
Spiritual Awareness (0.1)
Sensory Resistance (0.1)
Fire Resistance (0.05)
Breath Control (0.8)

System:Ed

It had been about noon when the rats started training, and between their vigorous exercise and the amount of time it took to somewhat recover from that, the sun had moved on into the afternoon. It wasn't quite evening time yet, but it was probably around 2, maybe 3 o'clock at the latest judging from the position of the sun.

---

Deep Forest

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.

Developing Skill: Faster
This skill is a reflection of one's increase in speed. Physical exercise seems to be the key to unlocking it.

Developing Skill: Stronger
This skill reflects one's increase in raw power. Physical exercise seems to be the key to unlocking it.

Developing Skill: Taming
This skill seems to have developed when forming bonds with other creatures like that wild Pixie.

Developing Skill: Point Strike
This skill seems to have developed when accurately striking a target. Is there a special point to aim for?

System:Nira

Nira's next attempt at Aqua Sphere once again created the wet feeling between her palms, and the fog began to condense once more. This time, it got thicker, although the pixie kept her eyes closed. She only noticed the difference when the mists grew thick enough that droplets of water actually touched her hands, breaking her concentration--and once again dispersing the spell. She had condensed water out of the atmosphere into liquid form, but it still wasn't quite shaped right and it wouldn't hold its form. Nor, while it was simply floating suspended between her hands, did it seem like it could really do any damage. Maybe she had to throw it or shoot it like the Mana Orb? What other ways could she think of to make it more effective?

Meanwhile, Femus was a very busy bee--or Wisp, technically. While he thought to himself and chewed on leaves, the plant juice did little to take the edge off his thirst. Maybe if he consumed a larger number of them, but as of now only these two were literally a drop in a bucket. Unperturbed, he continued his experimentation. When he tried to gather his Mana into his eyes, the world seemed to become more vivid and colorful. He could feel his MP decreasing very slowly, bit by bit, as well as his eyes straining. Just before he was about to blink, he thought he saw some multi-colored sparkles all around, though they were predominantly a deep green color...

On a repeat attempt, he tried to see the Great Kao Tree's mana flow. This attempt dyed his entire field of vision green, until he took his eyes away from staring at the tree directly. It was too bright and too unclear to pick out anything specifically helpful, save that the tree had a LOT of Mana of some particular type. When he instead tried this "vision" on the herb patch, he picked up a few other colors. Purple, blue, lighter blue, and a few others. And now, the dancing lights actually seemed to take a shape--small squares, two dimensional, vibrating along some unseen paths. Then he blinked again, and it was gone. He was starting to feel a bit of a headache after concentrating so hard.

He meditated until his energy was topped off, as usual, then came up with a sort of combination attack to try. He used Shock Round in an attempt to alter its charge, then fired it at a distant patch of ground. When it released its power on the target, leaving a circle of singed grass, he immediately repeated his attempt at Static Bolt, using the opposite charge. As he chanted for the spell, he felt a sudden static discharge all over his body, causing the Wisp's thin hairs to stand on end all over.

Like a Tesla coil, a purple-white arc of electricity jumped from Femus's body to the burnt patch of grass with a CRACK! and a millisecond's magnesium-white flash! The grass burst into flames, and the earth had actual burn marks zig-zagging through it for an area roughly one foot in diameter.

After observing this and considering what he had learned from this endeavor, the Wisp tried to use his stealth skills and headed down to the base of the tree. Using his Lesser Force to dig, he planted his Blue Yill. It was rather wilted, but hadn't turned brown or anything...however, the subtle glow of its petals had almost died out completely save at their very, very bottoms. He began to channel Mana, activating his Growth spell almost out of reflex rather than intent, and continuously chanted over the plant...which slowly began to glow the same shade of green as he had seen within the Great Kao Tree. A small circle of this light began to expand as he chanted...

Bit by bit, the Blue Yill seemed like it was recovering. Its stalk perked up, no longer bowed under the weight of its head. Its petals filled out. He could see its base trembling--beneath the earth, it had put out a single, hair-thin root. Then another.

His Mana ran out. He meditated to recover it, then tried again. And the Blue Yill grew a little stronger. Then it got a little bigger. And its blue glow began to return to its petals. Femus ran out of Mana again--and he tried to draw in Mana from other plants, as well as meditating to recover his own. But now the Blue Yill seemed like it had been properly cultivated, as without him holding it up or channeling energy to it, the stalk no longer drooped at all and all the leaves and petals no longer looked wilted. Its colors were vivid once more--and it was a little bit taller than the other blue flowers in the surrounding area.

But that headache from before was coming back, with a vengeance. And Femus began to feel very tired. And he still had not satisfied his thirst, or his hunger--his rumbling stomach hurt in that way only hunger can cause, and his dry throat itched and burned. He shuddered, now feeling altogether not-so-great.

Skill Rank Up: Shock Round I > Shock Round II (1.9 > 2.0)!
Increase Speed. Spell now has a low chance to cause Paralysis. MP Cost slightly increased.

Skill Gain: Plant Analysis I (0.9 > 1.1)!
Gain basic biological information about a Plant or its parts by carefully observing it.

Skill Gain: Static Bolt I (0.8 > 1.0)!
Charge up Lightning Mana and project it to a chosen target area. When the charge is complete, the attack is released at near-instant speed. An opponent who is wary of the glowing target area may still be able to dodge. Has a decently higher MP cost than Shock Round or Mana Orb. The properties of certain objects or environments may interfere with this spell. Casting time is roughly 10 seconds.

Skill Gain: Focus I (0.9 > 1.0)!
By spending at least 30 seconds focusing before using an offensive Skill or Spell, you can increase its damage or range. At this rank it is comparable to increasing the power by one rank (eg Mana Orb I to Mana Orb II) while also increasing the MP cost by half again (spend 1.5x Mana Orb I's cost).

Skill Gain: Mana Drain I (0.9 > 1.0)!
Like siphoning water through a tube, this ability allows the user to draw the energies of others into themselves. By using Stamina, you will drain MP from an opponent and add it to your own. However, certain factors may come into play--you are not guaranteed to restore the exact same amount of MP that you drain. At this rank, in order to use this skill you must be touching the creature or object to be drained. While you are using this skill you cannot use any other spell or skill that is offensive in nature or requires complex movements.

You have no MP remaining!
You have no Stamina remaining!
You are Tired.
You are Very Hungry.
You are Very Thirsty.

LEVEL UP! Your learning experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 8! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please!

Unspent Skill Points: 6[[OOC: +5 Level up, +1 1500 posts Bonus]]

Current Skills:
Monster Analysis I (1.8)
Mana Orb II (2.5)
Lesser Force I (1.7)
Levitation (--)
Meditate II (2.075)
Magic Analysis II (2.275)
Shock Round II (2.0)
Mana Shape I (1.2)
Shield I (1.05)
Mana Control I (1.45)
Alert I (1.1)
Crafting I (1.1)
Suppress Presence I (1.15)
Growth I (1.4)
Mana Sense I (1.1)
Plant Analysis I (1.1)
Static Bolt I (1.0)
Focus I (1.0)
Mana Drain I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Faster (0.3)
Harder (0.1)
Soil Manipulation(0.2)
Muffle (0.4)
Stealth Kill (0.1)
Charisma (0.3)
Mana Drain (0.9)
Iron Gullet (0.1)
Keen Smell (0.2)
Mana Dart (0.2)
Mana Burst (0.1)
Fireball (0.1)
Plant Analysis (0.9)
Keen Sight (0.5)
Wisp Flash (0.2)
Spell Chant (0.7)
Mental Resistance (0.3)
People Sense (0.1)
Rabid Fit (0.2)
Poison Splash (0.1)
Material Analysis (0.2)
Keen Ear (0.2)
Minor Heal (0.1)
Mana Vision (0.3)
Agriculture (0.1)
Mana Gift (0.1)

System:Femus

Goblin Quest

@RC3 I've updated Saito's CS with a log of his level ups, his new skill, and his inventory (Assuming he'd be able to gather another handful of berries from the ones that the Scale Shrew was eating, in addition to the ones he gathered while on its trail). Let me know if anything should be corrected. I also have a few questions:

1. Does cooking food remove or change the skills that can be absorbed, and would Goblins have the instincts/knowledge to make fire outside of their human memories?

2. Would Saito be capable of lugging the carcass back to the cave, or is he exhausted enough that this is a "sit down and eat now" thing?

3. If he's able to carry it back to the cave, would it be possible for him to come upon one of the other groups or hunters (while heading back, not after he's already reached the cave) and still have enough energy to help them out (assuming the other player is cool with it)?

Goblin Quest

@TheMushroomLord

"I Thought I'd Go Straight in My Second Life, But My Class is [Drug Dealer]!?"

His harem is just a bunch of junkies willing to do lewd things for their fix and the MC is desperately trying to find new ingredients to keep their insatiable madness from ripping him apart. In the process he starts a fantasy version of the Opium Wars and reduces the greatest Empire of the world to ruin.