File: 1540593478458.jpg (1.44 MB, 1768x856)

1.44 MB JPG

[Info post]
Current energy resources:
Negative energy: 38 / 100 (17 in self, 21 in a gemstone)
Positive: 7 / 50

Character:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O8YKgjZ7HjME1ONGFPSk88BAGvVm4ZMALcUnwA_SE9I/edit?usp=sharing
Inventory:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LqWRRteXSaDwp4Chiv7aew6hb24044Wp6ndy1Y0hl2w/edit?usp=sharing
Spells & Abilities:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16scFvYfrYi5S96vjfvKZWpPN3Yb_BHIUu9xKSGylK2g/edit?usp=sharing
Discord:
https://discord.gg/w2qzg9V
Archive:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=necromancer%2C+adventure%2C+dark+elf

If you have any questions or comments about anything related to the quest, feel free to speak up. "There is no such thing as a stupid question" sort of deal.

There's a somber serenity to travelling the late-night roads of the grassy plains south of Wyvern's Bazar. The sun had set some hours ago, and Sierra & Nar have both gone to sleep inside the wagon. Or at least they're trying to, it's a bumpy ride. Not horribly so, but likely enough that falling asleep is harder.

Dark Elves never had any real trouble seeing in the dark, but becoming Undead seems to have further enhanced that ability.

And through the darkness, it's plain to see that Tina is revitalized now that the sun is gone. The two of you are sharing the front seats, and reins in hand, you're steering the horses. It takes more finesse than you had thought it would, but you manage for now.

The starry sky is lightly adorned with huge slow-moving clouds here and there, and there's a light breeze accompanying the ambience of wooden wheels crunching against dirt & gravel, and the rhythmic sounds of hooves fitted with horseshoes. And of course various insects make their presence known, but it doesn't really annoy you - on the contrary, it's kinda nice. And in this tranquil setting you have time to enjoy the scenery, a scenery which holds a certain mystique in the nighttime. While you see just fine in the dark, it does give the atmosphere a different feel - the colours are different, darker.

And then there's the uncertainty. All manner of prowlers are known to be looking for prey in the night. Maybe that patch of trees over there have a hidden monster in it. Maybe a Troll? You've heard the stories of the fierce beasts, some say their powerful healing abilities make them immortal to all but the most heavily enchanted weapons. Maybe a Forest Troll? They're supposed to be very good as hiding in greenery.

Frightening. But exciting.

You spot a lone bird land nearby, and peck at something at the ground. Maybe you should kill it and use it for your [Corpse Spy] spell? It isn't an expensive spell, but you have less than half of your energy left. Hopefully there's a proper graveyard in Oaksberg where you can fill up. Then again, can things you animate even fly?..

For a long time the calm ambience is the only sound present.

And for a long while, you have an oddly gnawing feeling of unrest about that encounter today. It's not much, but it's there. You struggle back and forth with how to put it into words, and no real solution seems to offer itself to you. But maybe you should speak up anyway? You've heard of countless examples of people letting feelings bottle up, and having bad results because of it. You've also seen plenty of people snapping over the years. But if you speak carelessly about this, you feel like you may accidentally change something in a bad way...

(cont.)

You don't turn your head to look at Tina.

"...Why weren't you there today?"

Out the corner of your eye you see her turn to look at you, and then look forward again. While you think about how to elaborate your question, she answers you before you find the right words.

"Ahh, about that thing in the bazar, huh."

"Mhm."

"You asked me to run an errand remember? But I get the feeling that's not what you mean."

"..No..", ahh.. How do you explain this feeling. You blame her for not being there in your time of need, even if it's just a little. But you know it's not right.

"...Should I have been there?"

"Mhm."

"..So I can't ever do anything by myself?". Her question sounds more like curiousity than disapproval.

"That's... Not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean?"

"I just... I don't know.. I felt like I needed you, that if you were there, I wouldn't have to go through that stuff. I know it's unreasonable, and I know it sounds selfish, but that's what it felt like."

She sighs. There's a pause, and you think about what to say. She's probably doing the same.

"Listen here Alice.. Handling stuff like that on your own is how you learn how to deal with it. As much as I would like to spend time with you all the time, I also care about you. And because of that, I want you to grow as a person. I really like you a lot just the way you are. But I want you to be happy. And to be properly happy, you need to be able to deal with these things on your own. Be able to talk to people."

"I can talk to people, I just don't wanna, sometimes."

"Yup, that's part of the problem". What, now you're the problem?

"Why would I need to talk to a lot of people. I'm fine just talking to a few", you tersely retort.

(cont.)

"It's not that you should talk to a lot of people, it's that you can't, or won't.. It's fine to not want to", she sighs again, "but.... Ahh~, this is difficult". There's a pause where she clearly considers her thoughts. "I hope you get what I'm getting at. Don't you think it's important to grow?"

"..Well, yes, but.. That's not the issue here. And with growth you better not be talking about my height or anything like that". Ah damnit, that joke probably ruined your point. She chuckles a little, and because of her reaction you can't help but smile a little yourself. "The point is, I want you to be there when I need you, okay?"

Now you look at her.

She shakes her head, smiles, and looks back at you. "That's sooo you. I'm sorry, but no. I really want to spoil you, but I'll reserve my right to selfishly ignore your wish".

She seems to think it sounded funny herself. You're mostly just puzzled at it. A little annoyed that she won't just say that she'll always be there for you, it's not like you'd realistically expect it, it's more about the intention. But mostly you're starting to lose heads or tails of this discussion, as well as your emotions on it. After a while of thinking of what to say, you end up just sighing in frustration/surrender.

>Anything to add?
>Leave it at that.

(furthermore)

>See if you can find a small animal to kill & animate to have an inconspicuous animal to use [Corpse Spy] on. (specify type)
>Don't bother with it, you have no real reason for it yet anyway.

(dunno if ill actually run more tonight, but i figured a little is better than nothing. If i dont run more tonight, ill aim for doing at least 1 update tomorrow, but the weekend is looking unlikely)

>>3325947
" I get it, I have to learn to deal with it....sigh..."

Ask her about what class she wants to train when we reach oaksberg.

>>3325947
>>3325964
Also
>See if you can find a small animal to kill & animate to have an inconspicuous animal to use [Corpse Spy] on. (Raven)

(Right, another thing I thought of last thread but forgot to bring up: I feel I may have gone overboard with the parts of the quest that I control, and maybe not given you, as players, enough say in what happens or what's possible. If that's the case, please let me know. Furthermore, always feel free to write in, even if its in a place where I havent given you an option for it. Like in this last post, if someone writes "hey before we left wyverns bazar, could we do x?", i would definits consider it)

>>3325947
"you know, you are no fun when you are doing what's probably the best for me.
Alright, I'll try to be more, interactive...ugh.

I think I just remembered how we were always together at the village and that no one would talk to me like that if you were around, I felt safe...I think, but we are not 2 village girls anymore...we are going to have to deal with way more dangerous things than talking with strangers, it's about time I learn how to do that"

>>3325998
I think the pacing is good, we usually pile up questions and actions and you write them as they come, I don't think you are not giving us much control, It's better this way to avoid stopping at every single little thing.

>>3326000
This

We can always count on her to help us, but when she can't we will be able to do it too, both of us can.
>See if you can find a small animal to kill & animate to have an inconspicuous animal to use [Corpse Spy] on. (Raven)
See if it can fly too, and send it before us to look for anything dangerous

>>3326000
Supporting
After some thinking I think this is the most accurate response Alice'd give. also it's cute

also
>See if you can find a small animal to kill & animate to have an inconspicuous animal to use [Corpse Spy] on. (Raven)
A necromancer needs a raven!

(writing some stuff right now).

You manage to find a raven, use your [Corpse Collector] ability to animate the raven free of charge? The Ability allows you to animate 1 being for no cost, but has a 16 hours cooldown.

>Use ability
>Dont

>>3326223
>>Use ability

(also, to the anon who voted for having a conflict last thread, idk if youre here yet, but if you are in any way not satisfied with the level of conflict reached, you are welcome to vote for it again with something more)

>>3326223
Use

>>3326223
>Use ability

>>3326230
the conflict was good, we can have some more later when we have a bigger issue

For a few minutes you say nothing. It takes time to think up a proper response, after all. You're not even sure how you feel most of the time.

Another sigh escapes you. "You're no fun when you're being so right, you know. And you may be right that it's what's probably the best for me, I guess. Alright, I'll try to be more, interactive... Ugh". Just the thought of it annoys you preemptively.

Reflecting back on it, you think aloud. "You used to do that for me though, as I recall. It made it easy for me, back in the village. But I guess we're not just villagers anymore - we're gonna have to deal with way more dangerous things than talking to strangers, so maybe.. I should try to get better at it.. I guess..."

Yeah you really can't summon up any motivation about that. Urgh...

However nice it feels to have Tina smile that pleasant smile of hers at you, it's still a little vexing.

Changing the focus of the conversation, you ask something instead. "Have you figured out what class you wanna be yet? It won't be long before we reach Oaksberg."

Her smile flattens, and the corners of her mouth stretch into an annoyed expression. She doesn't seem to be seriously annoyed, though.

"No, mom, I still haven't decided on a job yet."

You respond with an equally half-serious annoyed expression of your own.

Her expression softens, and she goes on. "I have a few things in mind I guess, but we'll see how it is when we get there. I want to be able to fight, but I'm thinking a straight up fighter is too focused on that - I'd like to have some more utility than that. And no more badgering me about my future, or I'll start nagging you about yours too!"

"Fine, fine, yeesh. Just curious". Ah whatever. But you are pretty curious about how it'll all turn out. There are so many to chose from. Fighter, ranger, duelist, shaman, monk, rider, summoner, mage, alchemist, druid, cleric,-... No, cleric probably isn't an option. She's not the religious type. Maybe some of the others have similar requirements that wouldn't fit her?

Anyway, instead of thinking about that stuff, you start looking for a suitable animal to use as spy. It doesn't have to be smart so maybe just regular Zombie? Ah but those are slow, so maybe not.. Maybe a Skeleton then? Wait no, it probably won't be able to fly, and you want something that can fly. Preferably a raven, those look cool too. Maybe a Ghoul then? Ahh but those are intelligent.. Could that even work? Eh, whatever, you'll see.

(cont.)

It doesn't take long to find a suitable victim. A murder of crows are sitting in a patch of trees on your way. They probably slept until the sound of your wagon got close enough.

A [Energy Negative: Javelin] is overkill, given that it can kill people. You halt the wagon without a word, and naturally Tina wonders what it's about.

You decide to experiment a little, and conjure up about half the energy it takes to make a javelin, and attempt to engulf a raven in it at a distance. Positive energy is what supports life, so covering a creature in negative energy should prove toxic in some way. You're already somewhat proficient in manipulating these energies, and it's not difficult to cover the raven in it. And once covered in the black mist of death, its flame of life is promptly extinguished.

The ravens panick as a flock as soon as the mist appears, but with your surprise attack, the intended victim doesn't have time to escape it, and falls to the ground. The rest of the flock takes off, of course, with no small amount of commotion consisting of caws and panicked wings beating through leaves and branches. It's surprisingly loud as a flock of at least 20 take off in haste.

You wordlessly hand Tina the reins, and fetch the raven yourself. Once back in your seat, you nod to her, indicating you're ready to go.

Of course Nar and Sierra wake up from the commotion, but after a brief explanation they head back to bed.

Time to create another servant. Let's go with Ghoul.

...

..? That didn't take. Nothing happened. Dhampir would be blood dependant so... Ghoul Marauder?... Nope. Seems like there's too complex energies involved in those variants to contain it within this meager vessel.

'Kay, let's go with skeleton then. Fingers crossed that your [Presence of the Undying King] can make it fly afterwards.

It seems like a waste to use your [Corpse Collector] on this puny being, but on the other hand you don't expect to have to reanimate anything else for the time being.

... Simple enough of a task to make a skeletal raven out of it. And applying the transmutation from [Presence of the Undying King].. Done. It baffles you to realize that after looking the thing in the eyes for the required seven seconds, you discover its name. Animals have names? Or just this one? Bizarre.. You're not sure how to pronounce it however. Whatever.

You give it the mental directive to stand up, and then to fly in a pattern around the wagon. And to your mild surprise, and satisfaction, it takes off with no issue, gaining speed and altitude the same way a regular one would. Neat.

You could try out your [Corpse Spy] spell right now, but it's not free... Let's put that idea on hold for now. Maybe some other time when you're almost full on energy.

For now you're just glad the creature didn't lose its ability to fly, that would've ruined the entire point of it being a bird. Well, everything except for the fact that ravens look kinda cool.

(cont.)

File: prolly a newt or sth.jpg (60 KB, 564x797)

60 KB JPG

After an hour or two of travel, something happens.

Suddenly you stop. You are about to ask Tina why she stopped the wagon when you notice her cautious expression. She points ahead at what looks to be a tree trunk lying near the road, 50 meters ahead. You watch it carefully, and upon further inspection it does indeed have a strange shape for a tree. That's when it twitches. That's definitely a creature of some kind.

If it has any measure of hearing, it probably heard your wagon, so it's safe to assume it knows you're here.

It slowly stands up, and hisses at you.

It must be big, at least 2 meters tall and 6 meters from tail to snout. Maybe more.

Another hiss. It takes some steps to the side. A reptile of some sort? Dark pale green skin, spiky protrusions from its back. It seems like a heavy lizard, broad and clumsy-looking. But... If you got this right, it appears to have 6, 8 or 10 legs? And yet it's so slow? Maybe its to make up for its heavy build.

Tina seems alerted by it. "Careful", she says, "somehow it seems.. Dangerous. I can feel the enchanted amulet* resonate, I-I think this is no ordinary lizard."
*You bought an amulet of alarm which added a bonus to noticing danger and such

It could be a magical beast. Magical beasts, unlike regular animals, sometimes have special properties that make them even more dangerous. The beast itself has a body mass of two adult horses, you think.

What should you do about this?

>Write-in

>>3326348
... my bad, it was an amulet of scouting, not alarm. ah well.

>>3326000
i liked the write in, and it got some traction (and a sick get), so i decided to use pretty much most of it

>>3326348
try to avoid it, we are not full on energy so not fighting it would be preferable, but wake up Nar and Sierra in case the thing decides we are dinner

>>3326348
Can we instil fear into it? I'm alright with an Intimidate roll.

>>3326372
you have a spell for it, if you decide to use it, it will be a contested roll - your magical power versus its magical defence, both of which are dependant on how powerful you are.

Of course you could try using body language to intimidate it buuuuut... yeah, thats probably best reserved for using on humanoid characters, or small animals.

>>3326348
Seems dangerous, but can we even get away with our wagon in tow? And if it's blocking the road we'd have to go around it, probably through some forest, which would honestly make us even more vurnerable (it heard us from around 50 meters away!)
>>3326372
It could work, but it might also just make it very angry. and since it appears to be a special monster, its resistance is probably high.

I'd say we try and turn around and hide on the side of the road somewhere. Wake up Nar and Sierra and have all of us lie hiding and waiting to see if it follows. If it doesn't we make camp for the night.

>>3326396
by my suggestion I meant that in a way we could possibly have the moment of surprise via a trap

>>3326396
regarding forests, you're currently in grassy plains. it is indeed blocking the road, but atm it isnt actively pursuing you. You can try going around it, but theres no guarantee it wont be provoked by your movement, who knows the inner workings of this thing.

>>3326413
Well, that puts my hiding and trapping plan away.
Guess we'll just (slowly) make a big wide turn around it.

(wont be doing more tonight. small chance for anything tomorrow, and almost no chance for writing in the weekend. Ill prolly feel guilty about it and write sth monday, but ill notify both in thread and on discord when i decide to post sth)

Self-preservation is paramount.
If you knew what you were dealing with, it would be easier to decide what to do, but you're no expert when it comes to neither regular beasts nor magical ones.

In that case, let's play it safe.

"Tina, go wake up Nar and Sierra".

She nods and goes inside. You can tell by her stiff reactions that she's somewhat intimidated by your current situation. Well, even if you couldn't tell, there's a scent of fear upon her that gives it away.

Part of you is curious about how much hurt a deathlance would put on this beast. Better not though.

You steer the wagon off to the side, figuring you'll take a wide circle around it.

The lizard is keeping an eye in your direction, fidgeting where it stands. And you keep and eye on it, in return.

(dice up. 3x 1d20+18 for a perception check)

(and 1d20 with no modifiers. I dont mind if one of the players who rolled 1d20+18 rolls this one as well.)

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>3327726

(just to clarify, up to three players may roll 1d20+18)

Rolled 12 + 18 (1d20 + 18)

>>3327726

Rolled 1 + 18 (1d20 + 18)

>>3327726

Rolled 20 + 18 (1d20 + 18)

>>3327735
Of course morty

As you slowly start going around the beast, your three companions come out of the wagon, ready for combat. Nar is still putting on his chainmail.

All four of you are on edge in one way or another. You don't feel any actual fear yourself, rather a tense sense of being ready for whatever lethalities may try impose themselves upon you.

Sierra is the one whose fear tastes the strongest of the four of you, but fortunately not in a panicking way.

That's when you notice another fragrance mixed in. Even at this distance, you can taste an agitated fear coming from the lizard. And when you realize this, you notice that it's limping on one of its legs. The beast is probably really defensive right now.

Every moment seems to last twice as long.

But in the end, you don't even get halfway around it, before the beast suddenly lets out a hoarse screech, and darts for you. As expected, its movements are not all that graceful. Despite its size, it only moves about half the speed of a regular horse.

You could still attempt to escape, given how slow it is. But you're not sure the horses can outrun it, with the wagon in tow. You haven't seen how fast they run like this yet.

Alternatively you could fight it. You have very little idea what to expect, other than it most likely is a serious threat. You think you'll have enough time to attack it twice before it's in melee range.

Out the corner of your eye you see blue/white electrical sparks gather on Sierra's skin, she seems to be about to throw a spell at it.

[Strategy meeting!]
Vote on the general gist of what you wanna do.
I'll be around to provide details in case of questions.
For reference, you have 36/100 negative energy ready.

>>3327784
Open up with a lance and sierra with the lightning
Nar tanks it's charge while Tina flanks it with her ranged sword, trying to hit its softer side, then she moves in to assist nar since she is at her peak at night.

>>3327784
Alright, chances are if it reaches our wagon it will destroy it, so lets move a bit away from it.
Have Nar be the frontline, as he can likely tank the most damage but he should try and dodge, at the end it stil weighs two horses worth. F=ma bois.
Let's first try to use [Fear of Death], maybe it'll run away. If that doesn't work, use [Energy Negative: Javelin] to butcher some of its legs. Sierra should cast lightning on it directly.
If all ranged attacks don't hold it off, have Nar getting up and close in its face, while Tina and Alice move around the flanks and maybe chop off its tail or further chop some legs.

>>3327784
have tina take the reigns, alice and sierra stand in the back of the wagon and throw spells

>>3327797
Support.

Hit with ranged than flank it

(will not be writing more today. but will still take a look now and then in case of questions or anything. But i guess this means there'll at least be more time for people to chime in on what to do)

>>3327797
this is ok for me

>>3325998
>I feel I may have gone overboard
Not such a thing, I think is a good characteristic, also I'm pretty sure that is more our blame for not elaborate our answer further.

>>3327784
>>3327792
Yeah, let's do an aperture likes he says since it gives time to line up, then follow up with >>3327797 that takes a cautious stand. After that I suggest to enter in close combat along with Tina using the spine we stole since it give us some range, Tina can fight any time there is a opening caused by Nag, she has that kind of rapier that has range attacks. Finally just because we can use some dark energy to make a cloud-like field around the lizard, it is harmless for the undead after all and it will restraint its vision and movement (also we're experimenting the limits of that).

>>3327823
We can feed Nar with it and use the bones for an undead later right? This thing might be useful later.

File: a small game of chance.jpg (28 KB, 564x564)

28 KB JPG

Rolled 2, 19, 14, 8 = 43 (4d20)

>>3328348
Thanks for your opinion, its difficult to tell what players think from my perspective.

Time for some more dice:
I need 6d20. Each player may roll up to two of those d20s. So for example three players could roll 2d20.
Ah, and in case anyone doesnt know the dice system, you just write "dice+2d20" in the options field, but without the quotationmarks. Also no capital letters i think.

Wont be writing stuff right now, since its the middle of the night here, but im eventually gonna need the rolls to write from.

Rolled 5, 1 = 6 (2d20)

>>3334216

File: Spoiler Image (336 KB, 1360x767)

336 KB JPG

Rolled 17, 3 = 20 (2d20)

>>3334216
Ur next scrub

Rolled 13, 13 = 26 (2d20)

>>3334216

Rolled 1, 1 = 2 (2d20)

>>3334216

File: 1531354407526.gif (287 KB, 300x225)

287 KB GIF

>>3334837
Not sure if this is luck or not.

File: c65290dc68e8297a8d15ff48b(...).png (101 KB, 400x612)

101 KB PNG

>>3334849
It 'tis fate.

>>3334837
Good thing we already had the 6, one 1 is enough

>>3334837
(1/20)*(1/20) = 0.25% chance of 2 ones in a row. jesus man... we're lucky the 6 dice were already rolled haha

Rolled 2 (1d20)

(dont mind me, just rolling to see how bad that nat1 is. Low is bad)

>>3336368
pretty bad, was that 1 ours or from one of our companions?

File: aL9rLMzd_700w_0.jpg (47 KB, 700x616)

47 KB JPG

>>3336393
it's the result on alices' javelin attack. im going through my options on what to do with it.

Rolled 1 (1d3)

1, javelin hits Nar. 2, javelin hits Tina. 3, javelin has an unitended effect

File: 1533134285665.gif (410 KB, 221x196)

410 KB GIF

>>3336554
>>3336368
Things shouldn't have gone this bad.

status: combat isnt over yet, but i've written some for it for now. Im gonna proofread it now, and then post it. then there will be a prompt on how to go on from that point, and if there are enough votes, i'll try to finish the rest of the encounter today.

>>3336564
ikr? isnt it wonderful.

>>3334350
wb

>>3336554
>hits tina

Oh gods that was close.

File: thunderbolt.jpg (14 KB, 256x400)

14 KB JPG

You're hesitant to have Tina participate in this fight. The monstrous lizard is enourmous... But that enchanted weapon she has, it's supposed to have some sort of ranged property, maybe that's safe enough.

But, despite the situation, you're calm as the dead of night. And this focus affords you to weigh your options without rushing it, which in turns gives you better time to take action.

"Tina, get the wagon away from the beast and keep your own distance as well! If you see Nar fight it, try to help him by flanking. Sierra, do your thing!"

You mentally order Nar to take melee duty in case the lizard gets close. You send the message that way instead of speaking, simply because it's faster. Talking takes a few seconds, the mental order is received in a split-second.

You almost feel like a general, the way you bark out orders. It's fun, in a way, very unlike you.

You, Sierra, & Nar all disembark the wagon while Tina hastily steers the horses away. This way you can fight the monster without losing the wagon. Naturally, Nar goes a bit forward to get its attention, while you and Sierra back off some.

The weighty stampede of the monster lizard emphasizes the massive weight it carries, and you have no doubt that a regular person hit by its charges would be in mortal peril from just the weight of it alone. And that's not even considering what attacks it may use to further maim its victim.

Sierra is the first of you to act, fitting maybe, given her elemental affinity.

She mutters some arcane words, and as soon as she does, a sputtering sound of electricity emanates from her. A wreath of sparks and razor-like threads of electricity builds up around her, seemingly starting around her feet and climbing its way up around her body, until it finally ends up coating her wrists in balls of ferocious electricity. She directs her hands towards the lumbering beast in a violent motion, and the static power she wields does as commanded.

The immediate vicinity is illuminated for the briefest of moments as a crackling boom accompanies the lengthy thunderbolt that shoots from Sierra's hands. The bolt is at least 75 meters long. If the sound and sight of it is anything to judge by, there's some real power behind it too - you estimate her offensive powers of magic are about 3/4 of yours.

The attack hits the lizard in the front of its torso, and continues out diagonally behind it in a long, serpentlike, line. A schorched mark is left on the beast, and it winces it pain, but it does not stop.

Following up on her attack, you draw on your dark powers, and instill fear in the beast, reaching for its sense of lethal dread. You don't feel like you got as much force channelled into the effect as you had hoped, and while the beast hesitates, it just barely manages to stave off the spell.

Curses.

(cont.)

Hopefully you'll have time to finish another spell before it reaches you. Either way, Nar will try to hold it off - he should be decently capable in melee since you've made him into a Ghoul. With luck, his paralyzing bite may even work against it.

Regrettably, neither your nor Sierra manage to conjure up another spell before the beast engages Nar in melee.

But it stops, and it doesn't bite him.

Instead, a strange, pale blue halo of light appears on front of its head. The circle swiftly shrinks into itself, until it's only a small ball of light, the size of a small apple. The balls then shoots towards Nar . The entire spectacle is like watching a drop of water land in a pool of water, just in reverse.

And it hits him.

It doesn't seem to have an immediate effect, but you fear it may have been a magical attack - while Nar is capable in martial combat, his magical defence is pretty weak.

Sierra conjures up another bolt of lightning, though this one is much less intense, and doesn't pierce in a long line behind the monster. And as expected, it doesn't leave as big of an impact either. Nonetheless, it is a hit, and the beast doesn't ignore the damage.

A chittering mass of bats rush towards the beast from behind you, and like you assumed, they reform into Tina some way behind the beast, opposite side of Nar.

She jabs at the beast from a distance, hoping to utilize a still unidentified property of the enchanted estoc. And sure enough, an ephemereal force of semi transparent energy extends from the tip of the sword, and jags into the monster.

From this angle you can't tell how much it did, but not enough to make the beast give it any attention.

Nar uses his newly enchanted two-handed hammer to attack the beast with a fierce snarl. The lizard braces for the attack by cowering a little, but it is too bulky to otherwise try to dodge it. The attack hits, and his strength accompanied by the magic of the weapon makes for an impressive slamming sound against the flesh of the neck of the beast. It leaves a pitted wound, and you heard a bone break as well.

Judging from the reaction of the lizard, Nar's attack was about the strength of Sierra's second attack.

However, as Nar steps back, he looks with confusion at his arm. Then with horror. His right forearm appears to have an odd colour that is spreading upwards, and he promptly lets go of the hammer with his left arm, which he uses to rip and tear at his right arm.

You don't give it more attention, as the beast is still standing.

The necrotic energies surge through you, and assume the shape of an [Energy Negative: Javelin] in your hand. You hurl it with murderous intent, and...

(cont.)

Well, you do hit the lizard with your javelin. But not before Nar stumbles into its line of fire. You were so focused on buying time for the others that you didn't notice his stumbling.

The lance goes straight through his torso, and into the lizard.

Nar falls to his knees. He doesn't appear to be outright dead yet, but definitely wounded - there's an arm-thick hole through the middle of his chest. And you somehow managed to drain the last bit of energy reserves you had in you on that one attack. All you have left is the less than half full gemstone.

The beast is badly wounded.

>Strategy?

>>3336621
right? i had actually rolled 1d3 in an online diceroller at first where the result was tina, but i realized that i didnt want anyone to doubt the result, so figured id redo it here.

>>3336630
Get into melee with our whip, use some of the energy to heal Nar before the monster finishes him off, the rest keep at what they are doing.

>>3336658
This
Try to get its attention so we can heal Nar and tell Tina to go for it's side and try to hit its soft underbelly, lizards are usually less protectes there

>>3336681
Support

(taking a break, intend to write the rest of the fight today tho)

File: 1530158342312.jpg (1.69 MB, 1768x856)

1.69 MB JPG

>>3336630
>>3336658
>>3336681
Supporting, also imbue the lizard's head with dark energy to blind him and hopefully kill its brain or something (we have enough to cover the head I guess).

Also I updated the map, may have gone overboard with trees, let me know what you guys think.

>>3336928
that's very neat, nice work man

>>3336630
Whip it, heal Nar, get scaley zapped again, smacky smack/stabby stab by everyone that can. Or biting, biting is good.

What the hell, there aren't supposed to be monsters as dangerous as this one this close to the cities. That goes to show how important it is to control your own fate - this monster could have easily just wandered into any nearby hamlet.

Shit. It's still going for Nar, and between his wound and him trying to tear off his own arm, he's defenceless.

You grab your whip from your bag of holding, discard the bag, and sprint to intercept the beast before it finishes Nar off.

With clenched fist you crack a ruthless strike at the lizard with your profane whip, a whip that emits a soft, black light in a pulsating rhythm. The flesh rends from the ribs where you strike it, so much so that you can see some of its bone.

The creature hisses and recoils in pain - it was already getting fatigued from all of the accumulated wounds. Tina is still taking every opportunity to prod at it, and Sierra invokes a spell of the same kind she used last time.

In that moment of pause, you intend to heal Nar. But when you look at him, you see that most of his right arm is turned to stone, a creeping malignancy that is swiftly crawling towards the rest of him. So that's why he was trying to tear his arm off. It doesn't take a genius to figure out what will happen if it reaches his torso & head.

You had intended to heal him, but... That may just heal the wounds he had managed to inflict on himself.

And with the gaping hole in his chest, he seems unable to move much. At least he isn't bleeding out.

Damnit, if you had your hatched, you could have just given that to him. But it's in your bag of holding, and you discarded the bag since it would be difficult to fight while holding it...

Most of the flesh around his shoulder has been clawed open, but the bone is still attached, along with some sinew.

You drop your whip, grap his hammer and try to take it from him. Stuck. Petrified fingers. You kick his stone wrist as hard as you can - it feels like it would hurt a lot if you were mortal. But his wrist cracks, and you take the hammer, and with a mighty overhead swing you break the bones near his shoulder socket. It hurts, obviously, but he seems more busy about ripping his arm off than about complaining.

You drop the hammer, fetch your whip, and face the lizard once more.

(cont.)

And just in time to see it launch another magical attack, this time at you. This time you're close enough to see the source of the attack - its eyes.

You don't evade it in time. A numb stillness suddenly presents itself from your left thigh, and you can instinctively feel how dangerous this effect is.

But you manage to resist the effect. Good thing you bought those rings, it may have made the difference.

The beast is exhausted by now, but you're not gonna let it have another chance to do that thing again. Well, you're not sure if this will work, but you don't wanna risk another hit by that stuff.

You brandish the black sapphire, and expend half of the remaining energy in it to create a massive shroud around the head of the monster. Hopefully it will impair its ability to aim, or even better melt its eyes. At the very least it should be toxic to any living creature.

After that, only a few seconds pass before the creature falls. Stabs, lashes and lightning spells rain relentlessly down on it, and the beast exhales its last breath. Its head looks pale and withered compared to the rest of its body.

You sigh and look around.

...

That wasn't an ideal outcome.

You're confident you can fix Nar's arm by animating a new one and attach it to him with some work, but you don't think you can do anything about a petrified arm.

You use the last of the energy in your sapphire to heal Nar as much as you can.

You're in an awkward position. You still think you're ready to sacrifice him if need be, but at the same time this is a situation where someone in your position should apologize, usually.. But at the same time, he's just a servant you raised from a group of bandits you killed, so his unlife is yours to begin with.. Plus, you suck at apologies.

"Thanks..", he says, as he gets up. "Ey boss, can I eat some of that?", he points at the lizard. "I feel really hungry all of a sud'n."

Hm? Oh, right, Ghouls have this ability to heal from eating corpses. Yummy.

You could try to raise it as something, but.. A simple Zombie or Skeleton would lose their abilities. Maybe a Zombie lord, though? Then again, you don't even have any negative energy left. You'd have to wait half a day or so in order to use your [Corpse Collector] ability to raise it for free.

Sierra walks up to you at a brisk pace, somewhat out of breath from her spellcasting. "Are you okay?! That thing hit you with...-Whatever-that-was". She seems worried about you.

"I'm fine, I managed to resist it, somehow."

She lets out a heavy sigh, half relief and half because she's still out of breath.

(cont.)

"Since when are you so worried about our wellbeing?", Tina asks her, as she reaches you. "But I gotta say, well done Sparks!"

Sierra seems to get a little uncomfortable. "Of course I'm worried. You are all the reason I got an opportunity for a better life. Additionally, I admire Alice, as well as her spellcasting capabilities."

"Ooh~? Well isn't that nice and honest of you", Tina answers her with a smile. You think Tina is looking for some way to tease Sierra again, if that look in her eyes are anything to go by.

You let out another sigh, and shake your head.

"Well", you say mostly to yourself, "at least nobody died". You look over at Nar. "Don't worry about your arm, I'm gonna find some way to get you your arm back. Ah, but before I make a promise I can't keep.. You may have to make do with someone else's arm as a subsitute."

"Really, you can do tha'?"

"I think so."

"That'd be great boss. And sorry for getting in ya way before", he awkwardly scratches his side.

Tina seems to lose interest in her prey, and locks an arm around your neck.

"Don't be such a downer Alice, we're all alive, and if you can fix Nar then nobody really got hurt either, right?"

"..I don't know if I would go that far, but I agree, somewhat ."

Now then. There's probably no harm in letting Nar eat his fill on the lizard, but what else should you do? You could simply use [Requiem] on the lizard and leave it be. Maybe wait half a day here in order to use [Corpse Collector] to animate it without cost? It'd probably not be possible to bring it along as is.

>What to do?

Level Up!

Stats increased.

You may unlock a new spell or ability

>What should you pick?

(thats it for today, im beat. As usual, will be around for questions or comments)

>>3336928
Also, muy bien, it looks nice with the new details.

>>3337166
that was a bit of a shitty situation, lets wait here until Nar is happy to move on
also we should maybe apologize to Nar, he stumbled into our attack but we still put a hole into his torso

maybe we can graft one of the arms of that thing onto him, unless they are massively oversized

in any case we can probably refill our reserves a little bit just by being near its corpse

>>3337171
do you maybe have a list of suggestions or ideas we made?
anyone have a specific inspiration?

>>3337166
Let's find someplace to camp and use the corpse collector when we can.
Alice, Sierra and Nar must be tired and without much energy, and if Tina used her abilities she is probably thirsty too.

>>3337198
Necromantic Grafts are a thing in Libris Mortis. I suspect that we could form something that would give a Str. boost, and maybe a bonus to resist petrification.

>>3337198
Lessee.. of earlier proposals are something miasma related, and something about imbuing/creating a wpn from neagtive energy. Dunno if your whip counts as the last one tho. Also from wayyy back someone proposed a darkelf-related ability to become invisible while in darkness. Outright invisibility would be limited to something like some minutes per day or sth, but you could get a static bonus to stealth in general while in darkness.

And i think thats it, actually.

Ah, that reminds me tho, i should prolly refresh this: the abilities/spells you can pick from are pretty much anytyhing related to being a dark elf, undead, and necromancer, or curses. Other stuff i havent thought of may also have traction.

>>3337226
Good idea, if Nar can wait a short time we could do it right

>>3337232
Then my idea would be to create a small shroud of darkness at a set destination, either to blind others or to hide someone

>>3336928
Damn fine work on the map Anon.
>>3337171
Let's unlock a new spell, I'm curious to see what's in store for us today.
>>3337221
I agree, that took a lot out of our group.
Supporting.

>>3337243
I can get behind that.

>>3337247
Ah, i can see i phrased that so it can be interpreted in more ways than one. Let me clarify: You get to pick either a spell or ability, but you'll usually vote for what it should be.

Now thats not to say you cant choose to vote ">whatever feels natural", but then you may get something you think is boring or something like that.

Rolled 3, 5, 6 = 14 (3d10)

>>3337243
Dont mind me, I am trying something

File: 100_percent_chance_of_a_w(...).jpg (131 KB, 500x666)

131 KB JPG

>>3337303
Perhaps a Spell that allows us to fire bone fragments and splinters like buckshot but with just our hand. It can also be enchanted with different elements and energies if we so choose.
>You will never shoot your waifu in the ass with a funny bone charged with positive energy that will heal all of her life threatening wounds outside of a nasty bruise from where you shot her

>>3337166
Make camp and wait until we can use Corpse Collector. We spent too much in that fight to let the potential of that creature go to waste.

>>3337303
Idea. A clou of negative energy, like a smoke, undeads can see clearly through it bu the living don't, as an added affect, undead inside of it reciave a bonus while it weakens the living while even being life threatening to unpowered normal humans.

>>3337320
lolwtf.
It would be possible to shoot bone splinters/fragments, and even enhance them later on if you acquire other elements. But you would need to have bones for this to work, since you can't create them from negative energy. Sounds pretty cool tho.

>>3337319
Pdf file spotted!

>>3337330
Of course, it's why I added the physical requirement so that it can be used at lower levels while being reasonably useful. The other reason was that a more powerful version of it would use skulls like explosive cannonballs, I blame Clive Barker's Undying for that bit of inspiration.

>>3337171
I feel like I want a spell.
I have some ideas, though some of them sound too strong (for now):
1) Spend negative energy to buff a specific ally. Any attacks against this ally would be reflected towards the enemy that attacked with equal force and effect (though the ally still takes the damage)
2) Curse a being. When it dies, it will run towards an enemy of your designation and explodes into a fountain of highly acidic blood upon reaching it, contaminating the enemy and a small area around it.
3) a simple barrier of negative energy that blocks/dampens attacks

Can abilities be passive in nature too? I also have some ideas here:
1) The invisibility as already suggested. Maybe we could have a passive extra stealth bonus at night (but not day) and could get full invisiblity for a few minutes every 24 hours, either at day or night
2) Get a passive strength bonus at night. As it would feel too strong to have it without any expenditures, the active part could be to boost our strenght for a while way beyond what would usually be possible, but either have to pay negative energy or "health" for it.

>>3337360
I like the curse one, if only for the idea of a spell to keep going after we have already casted it and it continuing to affect the enemy. Perhaps we could have different curses that take after certain thematic types?

>>3337336
>Clive Barker's Undying
dont know that one, but i can imagine itd look funny.
As with regards to the ability, so the limitation would be that at your current level, it would be limited to shooting small fragmetns and splinters?
Come to think of it, i dont see anything wrong with being able to conjure stuff like that.

>>3337360
spell #2 & 3 sounds fine for now imo.
abilities can be passive, yes. for ability #1, you would be able to go for a mix, but ofc both would have diminished effect compared to if they only do one or the other. I may get bback with some actual numbers at some point.
passive #2 sounds fine too

>>3337513well, I like

>>3337328
the strength sap cloud

>>3337360
spells 2 and 3
and ability 1

>>3337166
>>What to do?
>>3337221
>>3337322
Supporting, let's camp right there until we get our skill back and woho! We will get undead "horse," then we can sell our horses.

>>3337171
>>What should you pick?
I vote for having the spell Swamp of Miasma. Our character isn't build up yet as a close combat and if someone grab us we're fucked up, so something that secure us an environment of security while we can give instructions and attack in range and things would be the best option.

(just to clear any possible misunderstandings - im not gonna post anything real today. just fiy.)

Also, i such at getting a proper overview of the votes, SO! To summarize the voting on spell or ability, respond to this post with your vote for level up ability/spell. The only option so far that i wont actually allow is the "buff an ally so that when anyone damage them, they themselves take equal damage as well". Some watered down version of it may be on the table, like taking 20 % of dmg inflicted or sth. But outright full damage seems like an instant-boss-fight-win spell to me. Correct me if im wrong tho, there may be aspects ive missed.

>>3339608
wow, spelling.
>im not gonna post anything real today. just fyi.)
>Also, i suck at getting a proper overview of the votes

>>3339608
>Spell
>Swamp/miasma type spell
>>3338212
Has a point after thinking about it. Some cc would be nice.
I can honestly see us becoming a control mage at some point.

>>3339608
Also sorry for being unorganized voters

>>3339644
No probs, au contraire, i think of it as something of a brainstorm, and those are supposed to work best if you dont focus on being organised and such.

>>3339608
>>3339643
>Spell
>Swamp/miasma type spell

>>3339608
I vote for a Miasma as well, bebuff the livong while buffing the dead, maybe reducing visibility for the living too

>>3339608
Miasmic Swamp. Because turning a small area into a necrotic swamp sounds frickin' hilarious.

>>3339608
A miasma mist or cloud

>>3339779
just to complete the squad: that swamp miasma cloud thing sounds amazing!

>>3337166
>>What to do?
Forgot to say we should talk about our new spells and things with Tina, also ask her about hers since she should has new too.

>>3341107
Agreed

We should take the first watch with her anyway, we can handle ourselvss without magic and she is stronger at night, Nar needs the rest and Sierra probably drained herself with all those lightnings.

-----
Acquired [Swamp of Miasma]
Curse an area of ground with foul magic which permanently terraforms it into an area poorly suited for the living. The toxic vapours that emanate from that area will hinder any living creature within it in a harmful way. It is a poison effect. Most areas will turn into swamp-like areas, but the specifics may depend on the landscape. The area of effect affected is up to five square meters per level of the caster, and can be used anywhere in your line of sight.
Cost: 10 negative energy.
-----

You figure it'd be a waste to leave the beast, especially with that powerful ability it had. Maybe it could even serve as a draft beast instead of the horses. You know you've spent all of your negative energy, but you still try to get a feel for it. Yeah, you're drained. You can barely manage to conjure the tiniest sliver of it, and it stings in your chest when you do it. Better not.

You sigh. "What do you guys say we make camp here and rest up? I'd like to bring the monster with us, but I need to wait first."

It's apparent that Sierra is tired from the combat. And as far as you know Tina needs sleep as well, so she should be getting tired soon as well, if she isn't already.

Tina seems miffed at the prospect. "Ahhh fiiine. But you better pay up something to drink then, I'm not drinking from that thing."

"..I'd like a pause as well", Sierra says, "it's late, and I've exhausted a substantial amount of my spells. I just hope there aren't more of them around."

As much as you'd like to offer Tina some sustenance..".. I can't help you out right now. I don't have any energy left, and if you drain the blood I think it'd be harder for me to move around, maybe even harmful". You look at Nar, "oh but you go on ahead and eat your fill, it shouldn't matter if the lizard doesn't have all of its flesh. Just don't eat the eyes."

Tina's eager expression fizzles, and she clicks her tongue. "Tsk, guess I'll have to restrain myself". Only a moment after she says it, however, a mischievous sprouts, and she looks hungrily at Sierra. She walks up to her, and puts an arm around her shoulder like they've been friends for a long time.

"Heeyyy Sparks. You won't mind if I have a teeny tiny little taste of you again, right?"

Tina looks at her with a pretty insistent expression, and even without your tasting ability it's clear that Sierra gets tense, as she tries to politely reject her pressing request.

"I-I'd rather not, please!"

(cont.)

"Aw come on, it won't even hurt, I promise. You'll feel really good, it's a win-win". As she says this, her eyes gets drawn to Sierra's neck, and it looks like she's tempted to dig in.

"Still, n-not to be impolite or anyth-thing, but it's scary."

Tina disregards her objections, and continues to ask her in a half pleading and half pressing manner. "Nooo~, it's not scary at all. Besides, what's the harm in it?"

At one point you consider stepping in. You'd prefer it if Sierra doesn't feel forced to do anything like that, now that you're comrades of a sort. But it seems Tina is just having fun with her after all.

Nar, who's also observing while eating his fill of lizard, offers a solution. "Oy Tina, why not just drain the critter? Oughta be plenty o' blood in it. Heck, I'll even let ya have some of mine it it's all that important."

Tina looks at him, seemingly considering the offer, though not thrilled at the idea. She then looks at Sierra, then back at Nar, and finally back at Sierra again. She flashes Sierra a playful, toothy, grin, and lets go of her. When she smiles like that her canines are on clear display, and it has a particular look to it. Pretty, in its own predatory way.

"Aren't you lucky Sparks, I'll relent this time!"

She lets go of Sierra, strolls over next to the beast, and takes a bite into it.

Curious about it, you observe her, and.. No more than eight seconds go by before she lets go, bends over, and vomits up a considerable amount of blood onto the ground. Judging by her expression it's either really unpleasant, or even painful.

Sierra & Nar look as shocked as you feel, and you scurry over near her to ask if she's okay. She's shaking a little, and judging by the way her brow furrows, you can tell she's still uncomfortable.

Tina coughs lightly after she's done, and spits out some more of the blood in her mouth. A large pool of blood soils the earth in front of her.

"Urgh... Never drinking from the dead again". She says it with a trying smile, but she doesn't seem well yet. "And now I'm even thirstier than before.. Hungry and nauseous, this sucks..", the smile fades.

You escort her to the wagon, and offer her some water to rinse her mouth. She's still shaking a little, but she doesn't appear to be getting worse.

"Are you sure it wasn't because it was a lizard that you got sick?", you offer her.

She spits out another small mouthful of bloody water. "Yep.. At first it was fine, but then I suddenly felt sick, and, it was like this unnatural rotten way, it was...", she makes an I don't know sound while shaking her head. "I'm positive. I won't drink from a corpse again. Ugh.."

(cont.)

"You can still have some o' mine if you want", Nar offers.

Tina looks at him, scepticism written in her eyes, clearly afraid to suffer the same bout once more.

Maybe you could just use [Requiem] on the lizard to gain a little energy for feeding her.. No-no-no, she's not in danger, and you would only gain a small amount, and then you won't be able to raise it. Don't let short term temptation take priority over long term goals.

In the end she takes Nar up on his offer, and drink some blood from his remaining arm. But not without hesitation.

But the worry proves needless, and she drinks for a short while. Nar is knocked senseless meanwhile, as expected. Oh gods you hope you aren't making as stupid of a face as him when you're the dazed one. His neck limbly bend backwards and his tongue lolls lazily out of his mouth like a wilted plant while a bit of drool runs off of it.

Should you ask Tina if you look like that as well? Maybe you should try to resist the daze next time instead...

It isn't long before she's done, and she ends up clicking her tongue in dissatisfaction.

"Well that was neither tasty nor filling" she complains, and her shoulders slump. She looks back at your vehicle, and says "I think I'll go lie down, I still feel sick.."

Understanding the sentiment, you escort her inside the wagon, and help her prepare a good place to rest.

You spend a good ten minutes watching over her, making sure her condition isn't worsening. In the meantime Sierra has bound the horses to some shrubbery nearby, and also headed to bed.

Once you get outside, you see Nar has been waiting in a sitting position. He awkwardly gets up, with his only arm, resting his hammer haft on the shoulder. "Say boss, I think we better keep watch for the rest of the night, we're not in a town or anything safe."

You nod. "I meant to. So it's you and me for guard duty, the other two should rest."

He agrees.

Looking at the lizard, you see how some bite sized chunks of it are missing, and you notice the wound on his chest is gone, likely due to his Ghoul nature. Handy.

You mentally order your raven to come poke you in case it see anything approaching as well. Better with three pairs of eyes. Meanwhile the raven just ominously circles your wagon from above.

It's strange how that ability allow even a skeleton to fly. All in all it seems like a peculiar ability, [Presence of the Undying King].

(cont.)

Discarding the thought, you decide to do some reading for the night. You look up various magical beasts and monsters. And after some skim reading you find what you're looking.

The Basilisk. A fearsome magical beast whose gaze can petrify its victims, and a venomous bite that is nothing to scoff at either. Seems pretty unfair given how it has a massive body size, as well as talons on each of its feet. It doesn't really have any natural weaknesses, and it has a tough scaly hide, as well as a slight resistance to magic. The world really isn't fair.

...And since the world isn't about to change, you should work to tip the injustice in your favour. That's what it means to take control over your own fate. And you're gonna grab your own fate, ruthlessly so, in an iron grip. If need be.

The rest of the quiet night is spent with your nose in a book, reading up on the more common dangers, so that you know what to expect of them. All while you bide your time, waiting for your [Corpse Collector] to be usable again. Being near the corpse didn't seem to give you any considerable amount of energy back, so you gave up on that idea.

With all the reading you get done, you feel like you've got a solid grasp on some of the basic dangers you can meet. It was tiresome to read for so long, but you know you should do it anyway. And you steel your mind to prepare for more of these lenghty reading sessions. There's too much you don't know, too little you can exploit.

Dawn comes, and as Sierra gets up, Nar goes to take a nap. You check in on Tina regularly, but luckily she still isn't getting worse. It reminds you of a fever. You let her stay inside at rest for now, seems like she needs it.

Around noon, you find that you're able to use your ability again. About time. You put the book away, jump off the wagon, and traipse towards the corpse while you crack your knuckles.

You've given it a lot of thought, what type of being you should animate it as.

You slowly and carefully reach out with the black energies of your ability, and explore your options, without committing to anything yet.

A simple Skeleton or Zombie would remove most of its properties. Making it a Ghoul will remove some of its magical resistance, as well as its tough hide, but it would retain its toxic bite and gaze attack. Same for Ghoul Marauder. Zombie Lord also seems like an option, same result as Ghoul.

You could also aim for something new entirely, though it would be experimental.

You give it some thorough thought before finally deciding on...

>Simple Skeleton
>Simple Zombie
>Ghoul
>Ghoul Marauder
>Zombie Lord
>Something else (what?)

(wont be doing more tonight but im aiming at reaching oaksberg in this thread)

>>3345607
Reassembling skeleton

Think about it, we store the bones in the back of the wagon and summon it to do battle

>>3345607
>Ghoul Marauder

I want to keep its gaze attack

Just to be clear:

>>3345621
This will be an experimental pick. Experimental picks will have dice involved - should you roll poorly, you may end up with a creature that retained none of the abilities you hoped for. On the other side of the coin, a reassembling skelly with venom bite and petrifying gaze could be dope. Its a gamble.

>>3345607
>Ghoul Marauder

Let's rush to the city, or a nearby cemitery, we need to refil so we can feed Tina, she might snap and attack someone if we take too long, keep her company inside the wagon so she is not fucked up by the sun and keep Sierra away from her.

Next time she feeds we try to resist the bliss to interact with her, make her work for it.

>>3345607
>Ghoul Marauder
Let's try and keep the gaze

>>3345607
>Ghoul Marauder

File: 1526445020703.png (743 KB, 1384x1496)

743 KB PNG

>>3345607
>>Ghoul Marauder
Sounds about right. Also tell that Sierra girl to do a favor at her companion and give her some blood for Christ's sake. So thoughtless of her.

>>3346385
I'm actually against that, let's not force the girl, she is a frightened cat(dog?) and may break on pressure, maybe if things get bad, but now it's not really necessary

>>3346404
>she is a frightened cat(dog?) and may break on pressure
Ok sure, just remind you that the frightened girl decided to be an adventure, join to a group of bandits, embark in a aimless adventure with two undeads, fight an anubis and just now ended up fighting a basilisk, but yet she's afraid of giving a bit a blood to a companion.

>>3346774
its more the fact that said companion hypnotized her before and now that they are companions, her own feelings should be considered in this until she is more comfortable with all of it
It was a pretty big happening in the last 2 days

>>3346385
>>3346404
Well, Tina does seem like she's suffering. We don't need to force Sierra, but Alice could go to her and kindly ask her to let Tina drink a little bit

>>3347664
maybe if we sense that Tina is in danger, but Sierra didn't seemed ok with it, asking her to do it anyway, I don't know, if Tina get's worse maybe, maybe we would actually force her if Tina was in a really bad shape

>>3347749
Waiting for the things to get worse is the worst decision though, also ASKING Sierra to give some blood doesn't hurt anyone, she can refuse anyway.

>>3345607
>Ghoul Marauder
Probably is not a good idea but the title sounds metal enough so I'm all for it.

Also thanks internet for changing my ID again.
>>3334350
This is me

>>3348394
noted

Also, i think someone said to ask Tina if she gained a new spell or ability or sth from the combat exp, but i cant seem to find the post. Anyway, short answer is: she didnt get any exp, since she doesnt have the training to count as any class yet, unfortunately. That's probably part of the reason why some people want her to get a class asap.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

(alien activity)

Deciding to try out a new 'recipe', you use your [Corpse Collector] to animate the Basilisk as a Ghoul Marauder. The process has become routine by now, and the only lightly challenging thing about it is how to make this exact kind of servant. And the only thing new about it is what kind of servant this new type of Ghoul will turn out to be. But since you've learnt how to make it beforehand, there's no real risk involved while creating it.

...And of course, you've made sure to pick a choice that would let the Basilisk keep its gaze attack & venomous bite.

Arising from its inanimate state, your new servant looks around, as if to confirm its whereabouts. Its scales have become paler, and its wounds have dried up. It looks like its blind, since its entire head lost some of its healthy look to your shroud of negative energy, but you're pretty sure it kept its gaze. Just to be sure though, you order it to use it on the ground. As expected, it works. But of course the attack does nothing to the dirt.

What catches your attention about your new pet beast is its spectacularly aggressive nature. While you do control it, you have no doubt that it would be a difficult creature to control as soon as it begins fighting. Apparently Ghoul Marauders are specialized in offence, to the extent that you probably won't be able to rein it in without using your [Command Undead] spell. You should use it sparingly, or when you need an effective distraction.

Whatever you sic it at, it likely won't back down before either it or its victim is completely dead.

Well whatever. It's fine. But you're reluctant to bring it inside Oaksberg.

Speaking of which.. You decide to use your ability to change the appearance of your new servant, and the result... Well, now it just looks like a living Basilisk. You'll probably get a lot of reactions to it if you bring it inside any city. Maybe you ought to find a place to have it wait for your return outside the city?

Anyway. With your objective achieved, it's time to leave.

---
While travelling...
---

You look at Sierra who's holding a book - "The Basics of Ritualistic Theory, & 'how to' on Basic Magic Circles". She asked to borrow it shortly after she got up.

You get why she's scared of Tina. In a very stressful time for her, where Sierra's life was still in jeopardy, Tina took literal control of her mind, and had her act like a plaything. But you're worried about Tina's condition - while she appears stable for now, there's no guarantee that she won't worsen. And some fresh blood may remedy that.

(cont.)

But you don't want to force her, and you don't even wanna pressure her in any way. If you ask her in the wrong way, she may think you're tried to pressure her into it. It wasn't her fault Tina got in this condition, and you want Sierra to feel welcome and safe in your group, especially since she's not even your servant.

Of course, if Tina's life suddenly seems to be in danger, you won't even hesitate to force her. It's not that you don't like her, she seems nice enough, and for some reason she respects you a lot. You just like Tina more.

You decide to have Nar take the reins and usher the horses on, while your new pet follows behind the wagon.

You take another look in the book called "A Recollection of the Lost", your encyclopedia of Undead beings. You look up the Dhampir as well as the Regular Vampire for clues on Tina's condition, and under the Vampire you find that apparently blood of the deceased are like poison to Vampires. Probably a similar thing with Dhampirs.

Apparently it can be utilized by tricking a powerful vampire into drinking from a corspe, the result of which will be a severely weakened vampire. As an added 'bonus', after drinking from the dead, a Vampire will regurgitate a serious amount of their 'Vitae', "making them less able to utilize their fell magics". Upon further inspection, it seems that 'Vitae' is just another word for blood.

It states nowhere that it's a fatal condition, but it does compare it to drinking poison, so...

...

You close the book and place it in your bag.

"Sierra?", you ask.

"Yes?", she answers quizzically.

There's a pause where you just look intently at her. You thought you knew what you wanted to ask, but somehow it seems more difficult than you thought it'd be.

"...About Tina. You're scared of her, right?". She tenses up as soon as the conversation goes to your Elven companion, maybe she already knows what you're gonna ask her.

She doesn't answer immediately, but she nods with small movements. "I-it's stupid, I know, but I can't seem to shake the fear I felt when I first met you two..."

"What's it like?"

"Well. When Tina used her mind controlling ability on me, I felt absolutely powerless, and I didn't even have the capacity to care about it. Like an abandoned fawn, I completely gave up and let the predator that caught me do whatever they wanted with me and my body. I told you anything you asked me, and did everything you asked... And even if you were less agreeable predators, I'm sure I would have done a lot worse things if you asked me to.."

(cont.)

As she talks, her gaze shifts away from you to just stare at nothing in front of her. Her thousand yard stare combined with the dispirited way she says the last part gives you a suspicion that she has some specific image in her mind.

"Sure some of it was a little demeaning, but I honestly don't mind it all that much. It was a funny idea, even if it was a little racist.. ...I apologize for what I'm about to say, but I was genuinely certain that you would order me to do some...... unbecomingly carnal things..... With my former allies.. Or even worse.."

There's a pause, and you have time to wonder what she meant by 'or worse', but before you do, that contemplative moment of silence is broken as she speaks up again.

"...And when she was about to bite me, I was certain I was gonna die. I gave up living in that very moment, I forsook what little hope I had, and I deeply regretted most of my life in that instant. And.. I don't remember the last time I cried as sincerely as I did back at the last inn, the day I knew for sure that you would let me live... I'm sorry. That wasn't what you asked me, I've drifted from the subject it appears.."

You shrug one shoulder. "Not a problem. I can sorta see why it'd make you scared of her, I guess. I don't get why you're only scared of her though. I think I scowl a lot more than her, and I treated you as badly as she did."

She nods, and looks at you with an expression that tells you she has a hard time explaining what she means. "Y-yes, I guess that's true, but... It's something emotional. Everytime she's close to me I tense up. I'm just instinctively afraid of her, I think. I-it's really not very efficient, and I'm telling myself all the time to overcome it and get over it.."

You nod, but otherwise don't answer her, as you think about how to phrase your request.

...

"I wanna ask you a favour", you start. "First off, I want to make it clear that if you say no, it won't affect your role here. You're staying with us either way, and I have already halfway accepted you as a companion, so... Anyway. I want to ask you to feed Tina some of your blood."

Maybe that was a bit roughly put.. Sierra is definitely hesitant about it, but at least she didn't outright refuse it. But you can't think of anything to add to convice her.. Maybe it's for the best.

She opens her mouth as if to speak, then shuts it again. And then she does the same thing once more. She then finally makes up her mind, nods to herself, and then looks at you with resolute eyes.

"If it's a favour to you Alice, I will do it. But only if you're in there with me, just in case. You already saved my life once, and I believe I can safely trust you with it again any amount of times."

Her eyes are practically sparkling when she says it. You're not sure what spurred on this glamorous impression of you. It's nice, but a little weird.

That aside, you're glad she agreed to help Tina out.

(cont.)

Back inside the wagon you wake up Tina from her sleep by softly moving her shoulder with your hand.

"..Nnh..?"

"Hey. Sierra agreed to give you some blood, I think it will make you better."

She's still sluggish, but seems to get a little surprised at the news.

Sierra tentatively offers her arm to Tina, who on the other hand doesn't hesitate to bite into Sierra's bare forearm as soon as it's presented to her.

Tina greedily drinks while tightly holding on to the arm. She usually takes her time, but this time it's like she shamelessly gorges herself in the mouth-watering sustenance.

You wonder at what point you should stop her, if she doesn't stop on her own. But Tina stops drinking before you get too worried.

As she close the wounds with a lick, however, you see a prominent amount of regret in her longing gaze at the still succulent flesh. It's almost indecent, really.

You make sure Sierra is comfortably placed on the floor, as opposed as just letting her slump down in her spellbound condition.

Tina has already regained a more healthy complexion, but she has an untamed hunger in her eyes.

"..You look better. Do you feel better?"

She swallows. "Yeah.. But now that my nausea is gone, I can really feel my hunger... I'm really thirsty. Like reeaally thirsty. It was almost too good to let go.. You know that feeling, like, how food tastes so much better when you're really hungry? It was like that. I don't think it's safe to take anymore from her though... Can't wait to reach Oaksberg."

You nod. As you contemplate her state, a passage comes to mind from the book about Undead creatures. Something about Dhampirs who were starved of blood for long enough would eventually run the risk of going berserk, or something along those lines. You should probably get her something to drink as soon as possible. Maybe buy some animal's blood at a butcher's? Or pay someone to let her drink from them? ...Then again, there ought to be plenty of Humans in there, maybe you should just take it....

Sierra is soon roused from her daze, and you make sure to thank her properly again, for doing you this service. Tina thanks her as well, in a formal and polite way, like she felt obligated to do it once she noticed how you thanked Sierra but she hadn't herself.

Once that whole deal is over with, you let Nar keep the reins, and take the time to get some more reading done. While you read, you discreetly hold your fennex fox plushy under your robe. It's nice and cuddly to hold it while reading. Maybe you should give it a name? An Elven name could be fitting... Náriel, Ifrithiel, Lavrathin, Talah, Lithien, Owyn, Vendel... Or maybe something else?

>Feeding strategy for Tina?
And
>Any preferences on how to hide your Basilisk?
And
>Last, but not least, a nickname for your plushy?

>>3354840
>go to the first butcher we find, we go in with sierra and ask for 2 pieces of still bloody meat, tell them its to prepare for a special roast

>tell the basilisk to burrow itself into the ground out of sight of the city, we can easily feel its presence out if we want to retrieve it

>what was the elven word for death again?
that, but maybe alice missunderstood it, since she doesn't speak it as well as tina does *hehe*

>>3354840
>>Feeding strategy for Tina?
We feed her ourselves whenever we can, Oaksberg probably has a cemetery so we won't have problems with energy, let's try to resist the daze and be there with her while she feeds, enjoy the moment and even talk with her maybe, if we don't have enough energy we buy some animals with the spare money we have, of course, if we take up a mission we let her drink from the enemies

>Any preferences on how to hide your Basilisk?
a cave nearby the city or under a swamp or a lake, whatever we find on the way

>Last, but not least, a nickname for your plushy?
Talah, such a nice gift Tina gave us

>>3354886
addendum: the bloody meat is to satisfy the most pressing craving of tina, we need to visit the graveyard fast, since tina going of to feed would mean a huge amount of trouble

>>3354840
>Feeding strategy for Tina?
Oaksberg will probably have a graveyard. We can fuel up and feed some of our blood to her.
If not then for now animal blood seems a good idea, hiring someone seems risky. If we're really lucky we meet some kind of criminal and drain him.
>Any preferences on how to hide your Basilisk?
How are its feet looking? Could it dig? If yes, how far? I suggest we make it bury itself in the forest, if not fully then partly and then cover it with dirt, and grass/leaves.
>nickname for our cutie plushy?
Náriel

>>3354840
>Feeding strategy for Tina?
For the first couple of people I'd suggest street thugs or hookers, so that worst comes to worst we just dump the corpse and scram.
>Any preferences on how to hide your Basilisk?
No idea boss, but I do like the idea of crafting magical items that can temporarily shut down the undead.
>Last, but not least, a nickname for your plushy?
Elvish word for Death or the Elvish word for Punchy, I'm cool with either.

>>3354840
>Charge at a graveyard and feed her ourselves.
>Cover it in a layer of dirt in the forest.
>What's "Fluffy" in elven/dark elven?

>>3354901
its not a natural burrower. you could try, but it would be equivalent to asking a human to bury themselves, in terms of natural efficiency. May be possible tho.

>>3354840
We feed Tina, last case we buy animals.

Let's get her to the city to have a class, try to confort her on the way, we can't begin to understand what she is felling since we don't crave anything, sorry we had to do it to her.

>>3354840
>>Feeding strategy for Tina?
>Can't wait to reach Oaksberg
Not sure if that phrase mean that she really can't wait or that she's eager to reach. If is the later let her drink some of our horses, she can hypnotist them.
>>Any preferences on how to hide your Basilisk?
>>3354886
>>3354899
>>3354901
>>3354929
Supporting, priority to the swamp/lake.
>>Last, but not least, a nickname for your plushy?
Something like "Little Aurú" but anything is fine.

>>3356742
>If is the later
The former*

>>3354840
>Feeding strategy for Tina?
Mix of sucking our horses and us, also buying blood from the butcher. Lets see what works for her the best. And how long does she needs between feedings. And how much animals and others need time to recover from being sucked out of blood.
>Any preferences on how to hide your Basilisk?
Just leave it burrowed somewhere outside of town
>Last, but not least, a nickname for your plushy?
Sionnach

I won't post any more updates ITT, seeing as its a fitting place to stop it, and we're on page 9. I will use the votes from this thread for the next tho, so feel free to still vote if you havent.

However, I may take a pause before doing another thread, cant really say anything about when, other than "when i feel like it". Useful, right?

>>3356742
mb. clarification: she said it in an "im eager to get where blood is so i can get some" kind of way.

>>3356969
nice idea. is it old scottish? my google-fu tells me its scottish or gaelic, but i dont know much about either of those.

>>3357158
Irish by google translate standards

Last post lol

HAH Got'em