Goblin Teeth: A Monster Party LitRPG

After her evolution, Zuss allowed everyone to gawk at her new form. She looked uncomfortable. Daggat had become used to reading her expressions through her ears and eyes. Her ears were the same, albeit a bit more fuzzy, and her eyes were even larger. She was both excited and overwhelmed. Soon, she would dash off, he bet. To test out her new capabilities.

His guess was right. Somewhat. Going through regenisis while under the effects of a potion did trick whatever setup the angels used to evolve things. She was covered in fur, not feathers. That, surely, wasn't how the glaukix looked. But nothing bad seemed to happen. The opposite, she received a free skill from it. So, he was happy to attempt his grand experiment.

However, there were still a few things to do first.

"Hey, Hunter," Daggat said as he pulled out a sack from the inventory. "Can you make these… palatable?"

He tossed over the sack of toes. Klaw snickered.

Hunter opened the back and made a sour face, "I'll try."

Zuss took a few steps back, then stopped herself. "I'm going to move around a bit. Test out these wings."

"I'll come too!" Anath said, then the two were off. Daggat waved them off.

Klaw stretched his arms above his head, then rubbed his wrist, "What's next again? We gonna go kill Rika?"

"Not yet. Let's swing by the mansion first."

"That tail do anything? Or is it just a blade?"

"I don't know. I'm gonna poke around with it. Try to see how it works. What are you going to do?"

"Got to keep up my strength training. I still haven't figured out journeyman. Just let me know when we're off."

"Alright. Have you seen Elyndris?"

"She crawled into that box," He pointed to a nearby crate.

Elyndris was going through her own transformation. Soon, he would as well.

While Hunter was figuring out what to do with the toes, Daggat considered his new tail.

There was a faint, orange aura around it. Harvest essence? The same stuff that was in the pumpkin patch. How was harvesting even an essence? It was an action… something you did. Not a force of the world, as Daggat had come to understand them. Though, thinking about it, harvesting is somewhat a universal constant. Beasts harvest energy from their kills. Bees harvest pollen. Men harvest the world of its resources. The act of taking.

It was more than that, though. Harvesting what you have sown. He wondered if there was thieving essence or scavenging essence.

He opened his notes on alchemy, where he kept the diagram of various essence types. Harvest was not on the list. Neither was umbral chill nor a half dozen other essence types he had seen. The "alchemists" didn't know anything, it seemed. It was like they couldn't even see the essence at all. Surely they could find a way. Though mortals shied away from getting monster stuff, for whatever reason. Daggat still didn't understand that.

His status did not explain what the reaping effect of his new tail actually did. Maybe there was an upgrade he could purchase that would help explain. Perhaps upgrading the system mastery skill. He hadn't explored that, mostly because they had Elyndris and the sages. Skill points were limited for him.

That left experimentation. Reaping meant gathering things, right? What could he harvest…

Daggat decided to wander. Seeking something to reap. Would it give more experience if he killed something with the tail? That would be handy, but difficult to pull off. His strength wasn't the best, and tactile telekenesis wouldn't apply to it.

Eventually, he found a patch of mushrooms. He swiped his tail at the batch. It naturally curved through the air, slicing the mushrooms at the optimal place to harvest. Interesting, that would make it easier to harvest totems. Speaking of which, would that improve the yield of harvesting them? Maybe lose less essence. Something to try later.

While he was out experimenting with things, he decided to check something now. Just to make sure.

Daggat withdrew one of his regeneration potions, which he had two left, and drank it.

His pain went away. That constant, aching pain. He tore away the bandages and watched his wound. His skin was folded over the wound and sewn closed. Already, the skin had healed closed, and the stitches were being ejected from his flesh. Leaving a clean, smooth end to his arm, just below the shoulder.

Daggat growled, then kicked at the dirt and smashed the mushrooms. He didn't realize he was screaming obscenities at his wound until someone interrupted him.

"Are you… okay?" Someone asked.

Daggat turned on them, ready to lash out. But he had enough self-control to relax. It was Ivory.

"Just peachy," grumbled Daggat.

"Your ear! Did you heal it back?"

"For the meantime. The fucking ear healed, but not the arm."

She gave Daggat a sympathetic look, "Sometimes, wounds are too-"

He pointed a finger at her, "No! No. I refuse. I am going to get this arm back, if it kills me. Again."

"I don't know if you can. Not without something really powerful."

"I am powerful. Nothing in this world is permanent."

"Daggat, that is not a healthy outlook."

"Am I wrong? I died, yet here I am. We can rebuild our bodies. I have seen souls rebound to their corpses. Even alter our VERY BEING with a potion, and make that change true. This arm is NOT a problem I cannot solve."

She frowned at him, "There are consequences to toying with things you don't understand."

Daggat's tail whipped back and forth, slicing grass and shrubbery, "Oh, yes. I know. I've seen it. Demons and botched alchemy. Curses from the angels themselves. Exploding gremlins. Don't think I am a fool, Lycan."

She made a placating gesture, "Okay, okay. I won't stop you. I don't think I can. So, what are you going to do about it?"

Daggat forced his tail still, then thought about it. "I need an arm."

"That's the issue we are solving, right? How to get one."

"No, no. I need a separate arm. You have any to spare?"

"Um… not your size."

"Then I need to go hunting." Daggat cursed, "I shouldn't have let those goblins go yet…"

Ivory chuckled, "I've been bored waiting. I can help you hunt something. Got anything in mind?" Her tail started to wag. Daggat hoped his wouldn't do that.

"Not really. Anything that has an arm-like appendage. I'll get my people on finding that."

He opened his chat to Zuss.

Daggy two-arms: <Hey, you want a mission to test out those wings?>

Shadow: <Sure.>

Daggy two-arms: <Need you to find me a monster. Or a lone mortal who won't be missed. It needs to have an arm or two about my size.>

Shadow: <Okay. Like. Your whole size or…>

Daggy two-arms: <I meant the size of my arm. I need a replacement.>

Shadow: <Weird. But whatever. It will be fun. You want the arm? I can bring Anath to cut it.>

Daggy two-arms: <Perfect. You will be rewarded with a level here in a bit. I think.>

"There," Daggat said, "Got Zuss looking for one. Shouldn't take long."

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Ivory's tail slowed, "Oh. Alright. Are we leaving soon? I don't want to be cooped up in this tiny village for too long."

"We're going to swing home first, real quick. You can come too. Then there's something at Brinehaven I want to pick up. THEN we can kill some more goblins."

"What do you need at Brinehaven?"

Daggat narrowed his eyes at her, "How are you with… crime?"

She shrugged, "I could take it or leave it."

"Well, there's an old general there that might still be alive. He's got a pitcher I want."

"You mean the general who died five years ago."

"FUCK. Really? Lived in an orc stronghold?"

"Yup. His daughter lives there now and is in charge of the estate. What kind of pitcher?"

Daggat grumbled, "Mortality."

"Thought so. There's no guarantee she would have it. Especially in Brinehaven, almost half the population is monsters." She put a finger to her chin, "Hmm… Well. I know where you can get one."

"Really?! Why didn't you say so before?"

"Because I am a very mysterious mage and am wise beyond measure."

"You want something for it, don't you?"

"Consider it a reward for my warg problem."

"Well. I need two more. For Zuss and Elyndris."

"You could see if there are any for sale. Brinehaven is known for its trade. Well… the under-the-dock variety, but still. Things like that have been known to wash up. If you have the coin."

Daggat smiled. Luckily, his tail did not wag, "And I'm rich! Perfect. I was hoping to rob it, but… that might be easier. Been wanting to check out a proper town. Zuss will be disappointed."

"Glad to help."

"How did YOU get your mortal soul?"

"It's a secret of my people. One we only use on the most promising wolves."

"Like you."

She grinned at him, "Uh-huh!"

Hunter: <Toes are ready!>

"Ah, my food's ready. Got to go. Thanks for the information, I guess."

"You're welcome."

Hunter had washed the toes as best he could, boiled them, removed the nails, then sautéed them with some wild onions. They were heaped in a very large bowl and covered with a simple gravy. It was a lot of food… but Daggat could push through if it meant leveling quicker.

"The toes are a bit… rancid. So I tried my best to cover the taste." Hunter said.

"Thanks, buddy. But, I've eaten worse."

He grabbed a globule of toe and gravy with a spoon and took a tentative bite.

Several notifications came in at once. The notifications for devouring goblins, hobgoblins, bugbears, and orcs of various levels. With the flood of experience came two levels.

"Wow!" Daggat said.

"Good?" Hunter asked with a smile.

"Very good!" Come to think of it, something similar happened when he ate the orc stew. Did cooking multiple creatures into a meal solidify them? And what did that mean for how experience worked? Was it tied to cooking skills?

He explained the results to Hunter, who was both pleased and disappointed. There was no chance that Daggat was going to finish the toe stew.

If Daggat gained two levels, that meant Zuss had gained one. There were still a few levels between them and the others.

That gave him two biotraits, which he already had planned for.

First, he excused himself to return to the bed he had claimed for himself. He had a hunch he would like to be lying on something comfortable first.

Snuggling in, Daggat opened the biotraits options.

"Have you seen them, Master?" His Assistant asked in a conspiratorial tone.

"What?"

"The new options." It was giddy in excitement.

"What are you-oh…"

Daggat's options to spend biotraits had expanded. There was a new menu called Grafts. Most of his existing biotraits can be applied a graft, from which he had two options. Flametouched and Reaping.

What did they DO? Even his Beguiling Presence could be made Flametouched or Reaping. Flametouched obviously came from his core, and Reaping from his mark. What options did the others have? Or, Zuss and Elyndris. Since they had their marks. Something he'd have to ask later.

His mind was set, however. Efficient Neurology.

[You have selected Efficient Neurology. Selecting this biotrait requires complex restructuring of the brain. Accept? Yes/no]

Ah, just as they thought. He hit yes.

[Restructuring brain, please be patient until the next available mind smith is notified.]

Last time it didn't take long. How long would he have to wait?

Daggat suddenly remembered the last time he was out for several days. Oops.

In front of Daggat, the air split apart. A tiny creature came through. It was like a floating sphere that glowed blue. Lines moved across its surface.

"Hello! Are you-"

It seemed to look at Daggat, then he lost consciousness.

—

No one was waiting for him when he awoke this time.

He felt very well rested and eager to continue his adventures. First, he checked his stats. Intelligence only increased by one to twenty-three. That was to be expected. The upgrade only affected the growth points he had spent on it. So far, he had only spent two growth points on his intelligence. Most of it went to charm. What biotrait increased charm? That was something Elyndris might have discovered while building her new form.

It was the mutation for the biotrait that would really make him more powerful. He checked and, yes, there it was. Inherited Intelligence. It would allow his genesis and class points in Intelligence to act like growth points. Hopefully, his variation and mark applied.

There were two other upgrades. Micro-brains, which acted as backups for short-term memory. In the case that something would make him forget, these would counter that. The other was Non-Euclidean Folds. This boosted his memory. Useful, but neither was a priority.

But, he needed a biotrait point to evolve. So, he would have to wait for it.

Shadow: <Got an arm for you. Don't know how you'll attach it. Also, I've got some new options. I'll want you to look at them before I pick one.>

Daggy Two-arms: <The Grafts? I know. Get your Improved Body Control upgrade.>

Shadow: <I did. It pushed me to 30 dexterity. That's what I want you to look at.>

Daggat cursed. HE wanted to be the first to get a statistic to thirty. Klaw would be next, with his strength.

Daggy Two-arms: <Greeeeat. Hey, weird question, how long have you been out there? And what did you find?>

Shadow: <Six hours or so. On our way back. You will have to see.>

Daggat

True Name: Daggat

Soul: Monster

Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size]
Genbloom: goblin [ +2 Str, +2 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Scavenger; Small Size]

Mark of the Harvest: +4 Cha, +2 Int; Caudal Spike [Reaping]

Base size: Small [Largest Size: Goblin]

Monster Level: 17

Attributes (0/10)(base growth, +5; Devotion, +1; growth potions, +4):
Strength: 11 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +2, Devotion +1)
Dexterity: 11 (Base 9, Class/Genesis +2)
Constitution: 11 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +2, Growth +1)
Intelligence: 23 (Base 7, Class/Genesis +1, Growth +2, Variant +10, mark +2, Efficient Neurology +1)
Will: 10 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +1, Growth +1)
Charm: 20 (Base 8, Growth +8, mark +4)

Feats:
True Angel - Encounter a true angel. Reward: Skill choice unlocks.
Mighty Intellect - Raise Intelligence base to 15. Reward: +1 Skill point.
Fledgling Alchemist - Successfully brew an alchemical potion. Reward: Alchemy skill.
System Knowledge - Discover the system. Reward: System Aptitude skill.
Devotion [Layered feats] - Offer a prayers to Sahrzuel, Ithrenial, Mythraziel, Vaelion, and Zenthaviel. Reward: Experience gain, +2 skill points, +1 random ability, +1 growth point, +1 biotrait.
Usurper - Slay a previous or current party leader. Reward: One level in Party Leader.
Touch of Death - Perform two of the following: die and return to life, survive an untethered's life - draining attack, or perform the rite of Mihr. Reward: Death sight.
Reborn by Fire - Remain immersed in flame for a full day. Reward: Fire Core.
Devilishly Charming - Raise charm base to 15. Reward: Party Leader skill.
Aura Master - Obtain two different sources of an aura. Reward: Condense Aura
Victor - Successfully led a large force against another. Reward: One Skill point. Note: This skill point may only be spent on tactics, logistics, or leadership divine skills.
Recursion - Be affected by a recursive effect. Reward: Infinite Limiter.

Skills(1/6)(Mortal Level, 0, Devotion, +2; Mighty Intellect, +1; Skill Potions +2; Victor +1):
Alchemy: 1 [Source: Fledgling Alchemist]
System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge]
System Assistant: 2 [Perk: Semi-sentience] SP SPENT = 2
[Synergy]Mind Codex: 1
--Mental Notes: 1 SP SPENT = 1
--Copy Tome: 1 (Natural skill: Literacy) SP SPENT = 1
Party Leader: 2 [Source: Usurper, Devilishly Charming; Perk: Party Loot]
Lunge: 1 (Natural skill: Spearmanship) SP SPENT = 1
Condense Aura: 1 [Source: Aura Master]
Infinite Limiter

Notable Natural Skills:
Literacy: Apprentice
Spearmanship: Apprentice
Acrobatics: Apprentice

Biotraits (1/17) (Monster Level, +14; Devotion, +1):

Regenisis:
Goblin; BP SPENT = 1

Inherited Biotraits:
Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin]
Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin]
Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin]
Scavenger [Source: goblin]

Standard Biotraits:
[Synergy]Temperature Resistant Flesh
--Fire Resistant Flesh; BP SPENT = 1
--Cold Resistant Flesh; BP SPENT = 1
[Synergy]Beguiling Presence
--Hypnotic Gaze [Mutations: Dominating Gaze, Mesmerizing Gaze] BP SPENT = 3
--Hypervocal Cords [Mutations: Beguiling Voice] BP SPENT = 2
[Synergy]Second Sight
--Aura Sight [Mutations: Ambient Aura Sense] BP SPENT =2
--Death Sight [Mutations: Death Gaze; Source: Touch of Death] BP SPENT =1
Telekinesis [Mutations: Mind over Matter (Boon), Tactile Telekinesis] BP SPENT =2
Hex Aura BP SPENT =1
Efficient Neurology BP SPENT =1

Core Biotraits:
Core: Fire [Source: Reborn by Fire]

Other:
Variant: +10 Intelligence; Enhanced vocabulary
Skill potions used: 2/5
Growth potions used: 2/5