NOVEL NEXT 155 - Daggat/Zuss: The Orc Camp
Entering the orc camp reminded Daggat of going to the wrong part of the goblin camp as a gremlin. The way the orcs looked at him, like he was prey they were sizing up. But Daggat wasn't a gremlin anymore. He did not fear this posturing.
In fact, it excited him. Because he knew by a glance that almost everyone in this camp was weaker than him. Averaging at around ten or eleven, but cut off at level fifteen. Why they hadn't fought spirit beasts, Daggat did not know. So he smiled and waved, allowing his charm and aura to draw attention to him. All the orcs would learn of his arrival.
Klaw and Hunter were with him, and Koarok guided them.
The camp was temporary, but impressive. The orcs had real tents and furs. The center of the camp was roped off, and several small creatures watched. Thralls. Creatures made of bone and a mud-like flesh. Ready to be molded into the life of an orc.
Orcs also kept weapons handy everywhere. Frames held anything from crude to well-crafted swords, axes, and bows. If the orcs were to be attacked, they would be armed in seconds. There was more to glean from this. Orcs seemed to have no concept of ownership when it came to their weapons. At least, to these ones.
"Say, Koarok. Why are most of you're people fifteen or lower? I get that it can be hard to find experience, but surely they could handle spirit beasts by now."
The orc grunted, "We are creatures of war, so experience is easy for us. Reaching fifteen takes most orcs four or five years. In larger orc groups, this can lead to many orcs needing to challenge beasts."
"So long?"
"We don't fight as often as we'd like. Maybe two or three real battles a year."
"Took us six months."
"How? What have you slain?"
"Honestly, a few really high-level enemies. Hogo, for one. A big bear, some orcs, and a LOT of goblins. The party system also does wonders."
"Ah, slaying. That is a popular path for many orcs, but most fail. You are fortunate. Though… most orcs frown upon parties. It leads to weakness."
"Not weakness, just cooperation. Back to the beasts, they aren't that hard to beat. Why not get all your people marks?"
"Since most orc tribes have many orcs, they limit spirit beasts to those who have obtained journeyman in their choice of weapon. This is a more accurate measure of worth. Unfortunately, many orcs do not have the same skills as others. Ah, here they are."
Before them was a pile of sacks, each moving as though its occupant was trying to chew their way out.
"Should that one be smoking?" Klaw asked.
"Looks like acid," Daggat said.
"These your goblins?" Koarok asked.
"Don't know. They're in bags." Daggat said, flatly.
"Dump them!" Koarok ordered. A few nearby orcs cut the sacks, and fifteen goblinoids spilled into the dirt. They scrambled, tangled into each other.
Daggat activated his hypnotic gaze and made sure his beguiling voice worked. "Hey, relax… no one's gonna hurt you."
Each goblinoid stopped moving and fixed their gaze on Daggat. A few passing orcs were drawn in as well. He did a quick head count.
"Hey, where's Glibs? Isn't she the boss?" Daggat asked, he turned to the orc, "This all of them?"
"All we grabbed. What are you planning to do with them?"
"Chores, mostly. We'll see how it works out."
"Suit yourself."
Daggat stepped forward, "Alright, gobs. Last time you saw me, I was a bit different. Sorry about that. I'm Daggat, your new boss."
The goblins let out a chorus of oh's. Relief spread over them like a wave.
"Now, where's Glibby?"
The goblinoids, as one, murmured excuses, "I don't know", "Who?", or the like.
Daggat scowled. He should have brought Zuss. Glibby probably escaped. Did she flee? Abandoning her people?
Daggat increased the volume of his voice, "Oh, Glibby! You hiding somewhere?"
He noticed an aura without a body. It was hiding at the edge of a tent. Looking closer, he could barely make out the shape of a camouflaged goblin. Ah, that must be here.
"Bring her here." He said, quietly. Then he and his three assistants grasped her with telekinesis. Her will was low, and Daggat's intelligence was mighty. Still, he had roughly the strength of a gremlin with each telekinetic force. But it was enough.
Glibby yelped as her wrists and ankles were tugged along. She fought, but soon Daggat had her hovering in front of him, supported by each limb.
"Glibs! Nice to see you." He said, feeling his cheeks tighten into their familiar grin.
"Da-Daggat?"
"Can't you tell?"
"Oh! Uh… Boss! You're arm and ear… they are back! Glibby is happy. And you are… taller."
"Regenesis. It wouldn't do for the boss to be the same tier, would it?"
"NO! Of course not."
"What was your plan here, Glibs? Rescue? Flee? You are lucky I found you first."
"Glibby was going to make a plan! Sneak in while the orcs slept."
Koarok laughed, "Foolish goblin. We always keep watch. You would have been spotted."
Daggat set her down, even with his intelligence; holding her up was taxing. There must be a way around the will reduction. "Well, no matter. You've caught me in a good mood! Congratulations, you all made it in."
"You mean…" Glibby asked with large, wet eyes.
"Yep. Welcome to Goblin Teeth. You are our first official non-party members."
The rest of the goblins were too awestruck or fearful to respond. But Glibby beamed, "What can we do? We want to be useful to you, Boss."
"First thing, remember that you aren't slaves here. Not my style. The goal is to grow as a group, doing whatever we can to better our lives." Daggat pointed to Hunter, "This is Hunter. He is the fire keeper. The torch bearer, healer, and cook. He is also second in command. If I am not around, listen to him. If not Him, Klaw here. Hunter, would you kindly guide our new friends to the manor? Show them around and find them some temporary rooms. Four to a room, we should have extras."
"Okay. Come on, it's a big place. Lots to do, too." Hunter said.
"But… Glibby wants to know her new boss." Glibby said with a droop to her ears.
"Sure, in time. Ain't no rush. I just want to chat with these orcs here."
She nodded, then scampered off to join the others. Daggat noticed one of them was missing a hand. Perfect.
Once they were gone, Klaw asked, "You think we should trust them?"
"To an extent. They were headtakers, so they aren't afraid of a bit of violence. But they seem lost enough. Besides, it'll be fun. You can teach them to fight."
"Eh. Maybe."
"What do you think of them, Koarok?"
The orc's brow furrowed, "The small one is brave, but stupid. The rest are stupid. These are the kind of creatures that slip by unnoticed. Too cowardly to die in combat, but not skilled enough to excel. They make good camp tenders, but poor warriors."
"Yeah, sounds about right," Daggat said, "But every empire starts somewhere. Say, I like your camp. It's efficient."
"We have spent many years perfecting the travel camp layout. We have a dedicated orc for it."
"How do you handle the treasure you gather?"
"We use it if we can. Sell what we can't."
"How's that work? Waltz into town to sell stuff? I figure humans aren't too keen to deal with you."
"Not generally. The harpies trade with the elves. There are also the Shadeleaf goblins, who make trade with lone travelers and adventurers."
"I'm not familiar with the Shadeleafs. You would think I'd have met one by now."
"They are nomadic goblins and excel in stealth. It is rare to see them if they do not want you to. Friendly folk, distrusting and shrewd. They are also fond of tricks."
"I'll have to make time to see them, they sound fun. Got anything for sale at the moment?"
"Treasures and trinkets, but not much magical. We tend to keep weapons and armor, as we break them frequently. Our smiths can repair or reinforce, but not enough to keep up."
"Oh, you have Smiths? What can they do?"
"Like I said, repair and reinforce. They have the knowledge to build, but we travel. No place to make a forge."
"I have a forge that needs clearing and cleaning, repaired for use. Perhaps I can allow them to use it, in return for setting it up."
Koarok smiled, "Perhaps. You would allow orcs into your home? You are either brave, ignorant, or stupid."
"The first two. If anything happens, it's not US who would be in trouble. Within our home, Goblin Teeth is at our best."
"I will speak to our smiths. Is there anything else you are looking for in particular?"
"Have any spare pipes, by chance?"
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Zuss was high in a tree, just outside of their walls. She had been following the sounds of music. The rhythmic chirping of spring birds. It took her longer than it should have, but she found what she was looking for. A nest. Within this nest were three small, spotted eggs. Perfect.
This was the first part of her plan. Birdy was being stubborn. The mouse did not work. Oh, sure, the lazy creature still took it, but she still didn't seem to remember Zuss.
Daggat was too far away to use the inventory, so she held the eggs in her beak while she glided to the manor. Zuss then slipped through a broken window, down the hall, and through the hole in the floor to the kitchen. Hunter was gone, but he left some food in case she or Anath got hungry.
She found a bowl, some orc pemican, and a spoon. Now, she could craft the perfect treat for Birdy. Daggat was always making things, Hunter cooked, and Anath was learning to sew. Even Klaw had begun to learn to care for his equipment. Zuss didn't see why she couldn't make stuff too.
It was a simple treat. Breaking up the dried orc meat and mixing it with the raw eggs and a splash of water to rehydrate some of the meat. A certain grass that Zuss spotted Birdy chewing was shredded and added. Then, she attacked the mixture with the spoon, mixing until it was a smooth, brown slop.
Then she tried it. Slimy, gamey, and meaty. Delicious. Birdy would love it. Of course, booze made everything better. She splashed some wine from a bottle; their supply was running scarily low. So low that they didn't even serve it at dinner with the orcs. Zuss had tried to give Birdy wine before, but the cat wasn't interested. Maybe with the meat, it would be more to her taste.
But could she do more? Hunter added vegetables to the things he cooked. And while Zuss generally ate around them, they DID have an effect. Searching the kitchen, all she found was a clove of garlic.
Zuss sniffed it, then put it back. Vegetables were no good. Birdy probably wouldn't like them either.
So, taking her bowl of Birdy treats, she went in search of the cat.
It didn't take long to find her; she was lounging on the roof of the building, soaking up the sun.
Zuss made little kissing noises with her tongue; it was trickier with the beak. Birdy shifted, then turned to face her. Seemingly at peace with her presence. But Zuss knew better. Birdy was keeping her in view, which meant she didn't trust her. So far, Zuss had fed her two mice and a piece of giant.
"Here you go, Birdy." Zuss pushed the bowl towards her, "A treat for you."
Birdy scooted back, tail whipping back and forth. So, Zuss took a step back. Soon, the cat's nose twitched. She stood and stretched, as though just casually standing for no real reason. Then she made a show of walking around before "discovering" the bowl. Zuss smiled. What a dramatic little beast.
The cat took an experimental nibble… then she began to devour the morsel. Eating so quickly, it splattered orc meat around.
Zuss crawled forward slowly. Inching closer. When she came within reaching distance, Birdy, the cat, hissed.
Her heart sank as Zuss sat upright. What else was she supposed to do? Hobgoblins didn't cry, and lesser Glaukix certainly don't. Zuss was not a gremlin, so she held back the tears and disappointment.
Her knees folded to her chest as Zuss took a familiar posture. Then she let herself fall over, slowly. Becoming as small as she could. Her face was buried in her arms, so she couldn't see the light or the sun. In her own dark little world, where she was allowed to be a little sad. She sat like that for a while. No plan. Just thinking too much about useless things.
A wet sniff nearly made her jump. Zuss didn't know if it was her posture or the sound of her breathing. Or if it was because she had taken her favorite place to sit on the roof. Maybe it was the alcohol. But something had caught Birdy's interest.
Not daring to move, Zuss allowed Birdy to investigate her. Was she finally recognising her as Zuss?
One paw at a time, the cat crawled onto her. She found a comfortable spot to curl up and lie down.
Zuss's heart was beating like crazy. She took a risk, carefully moving an arm. Then she stroked Birdy, just the way the cat liked.
Joy broke whatever fear Zuss was carrying as Birdy let out a soft mew and began to purr. She purred so loudly, Zuss could feel it in her beak.
She sat up and held the cat, who did not resist like before, petting her gently, right behind the wings. Birdy mewed, then rubbed her face into Zuss's. The cat had realized who she was!
Before it was too late, or the cat changed its mood, Zuss activated her skill. Tame. She had tried this before, but Birdy was not willing.
[Tame request sent… Pending… Request accepted. You have tamed: Cat. Would you like to name this familiar? Yes/no.]
Zuss squawked in joy, then named her Birdy. That was her name, after all.
Instantly, she could feel the connection forming. The general sensation of Birdy's presence. Like knowing where your arm was without looking.
In the status void, Zuss had a new window. One for her pets, or a pet in this case.
Birdy
Beast: Cat
Breeding Bonuses: Biotrait, Lesser Wings.
Attributes
Strength: 3
Dexterity: 5
Constitution: 3
Intelligence: 3
Will: 4
Charm: 4
Pet Perks:
None
There was a menu for purchasing familiar perks as well. Using tokens, she could buy shared vision, emotion sense, Health Status, Pet Tracker, and more. One in particular interested Zuss. For twenty tokens, she could purchase Genesis. Granting Birdy a monster soul.
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]
Genbranch: gancanagh [ +4 Cha, +2 Int, +2 Dex; Beguiling Presence, Unnatural Beauty; Medium Size]
Mark of the Harvest: +4 Cha, +2 Int; Caudal Spike [Reaping]
Base size: Medium[Largest Size: Gancanagh]
Monster Level: 17
Attributes (0/10)(base growth, +5; Devotion, +1; growth potions, +4):
Strength: 11 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +2, Devotion +1)
Dexterity: 13 (Base 9, Class/Genesis +4)
Constitution: 11 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +2, Growth +1)
Intelligence: 32 (Base 7, Class/Genesis +3, Growth +2, Variant +10, mark +2, Efficient Neurology +8)
Will: 10 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +1, Growth +1)
Charm: 28 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +4, Growth +8, mark +4, Unnatural Beauty +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.
Self Surgeon - Perform a successful surgery on yourself. Reward: One skill point. Note: This skill point may only be spent on healing or surgery natural skills, or fleshwork-related skills.
Flesh Grafter - Successfully graft the flesh of two creatures together. Reward: Fleshworker skill.
You Mad Bastard - Gain the favor of Vaelion. Reward: Vaelion's favor.
Vast Intelligence - Raise Intelligence base to 30. Reward: Fast Learner.
Skills(2/7)(Mortal Level, 0, Devotion, +2; Mighty Intellect, +1; Skill Potions +3; Victor +1; Self Surgery +1):
Alchemy: 1 [Source: Fledgling Alchemist]
System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge]
System Assistant: 3 [Perk: Semi-sentience, Multiple] SP SPENT = 3
[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
Fleshworker [Source: Flesh Grafter]
Fast Learner [Source: Vast Intelligence
Notable Natural Skills:
Literacy: Apprentice
Spearmanship: Apprentice
Acrobatics: Apprentice
Biotraits (0/17) (Monster Level, +16; Devotion, +1):
Regenisis:
Goblin; BP SPENT = 1
Gancanagh; BP SPENT = 1
Inherited Biotraits:
Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin]
Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin]
Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin]
Scavenger [Source: goblin]
Unnatural Beauty [Source: gancanagh]
Standard Biotraits:
[Synergy]Temperature Resistant Flesh
--Fire Resistant Flesh; BP SPENT = 1
--Cold Resistant Flesh; BP SPENT = 1
[Synergy]Beguiling Presence [Calming 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
Telekinesis [Mutations: Mind over Matter (Boon), Tactile Telekinesis] BP SPENT =2
Hex Aura BP SPENT =1
Efficient Neurology (Mutations: Inherited Intelligence) BP SPENT =2
Regeneration
Core Biotraits:
Core: Chaos Flame [Source: Reborn by Fire/ Corrected]
Other:
Variant: +10 Intelligence; Enhanced vocabulary
Skill potions used: 3/5
Growth potions used: 2/5
Zuss
True Name: Zuss
Soul: Monster
Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size]
Genbloom: hobgoblin [ +1 Str, +3 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Nimble Fingers; Small Size]
Genbranch: Lesser Glaukix [ +3 Dex, +4 Wil, +2 Int; Frost Core, Lesser Wings Medium Size]
Mark of the Moon: +4 Dex, +2 Wil; Lure [Moontouched]
Base Size: Small [Largest Size: Lesser Glaukix]
Monster Level: 17
Attributes (0/6) (base growth, +5; Devotion, +1):
Strength: 10 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +1, Growth +1)
Dexterity: 30 (Base 9, Class/Genesis +6, Growth +4, Mark +4, Ultranatural body control +7)
Constitution: 10 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +2)
Intelligence: 10 (Base 7, Class/Genesis +3)
Will: 16 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +5, Growth +1, Mark +2)
Charm: 9 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +0, Devotion +1)
Feats:
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.
Mighty Alacrity - Raise Dexterity base to 15. Reward: Improved Balance Biotrait.
Shadow Born - Remain in complete darkness for a full week. Reward: Shadow Core.
Recursion - Be affected by a recursive effect. Reward: Infinite Limiter.
Giant Slayer - Slay a monster six or more size categories higher than yourself. Reward: A thousand Cuts
Monster Tamer - Evolve a non-sapient monster by feeding it. Reward: Tamer Skill.
Dual-core - gain two different cores at once. Reward: One biotrait point. Note: This biotrait can only be spent on the merged core.
Unshakable Will - Raise Will base to 15. Reward: Fearless skill.
Transcendent Alacrity - Raise Dexterity base to 30. Reward: Graceful Speed.
Skills(0/3) (Mortal Level +0; Devotion +2, skill potion +1):
System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge]
Deep Shadows: 2 (Natural Skill: Stealth) [Perk: Widen Shadows(Source: Anomaly)] SP SPENT = 1
Path Finding [Type: Climbing]: 1 (Natural Skill: Climb) SP SPENT = 1
Critical Hit
A Thousand Cuts [Source: Giant Slayer]
Tame [Source: Monster Tamer]
Infinite Limiter [Source: Recursion]
Fearless [Source: Unshakable Will]
Graceful Speed [Source: Transcendent Dexterity]
Notable Natural Skills:
Stealth: Journeyman
Climb: Apprentice
Rope-weapon: Apprentice
Daggers: Apprentice
Flow Arts: Apprentice
Toss Juggling: Apprentice
Biotraits (0/17) (Monster Level, +16; Devotion, +1):
Regenisis:
Hobgoblin; BP SPENT = 1
Lesser Glaukix; BP SPENT = 1
Inherited biotraits:
Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin]
Enhanced Night Vision [Mutations: Dark Vision, Magnified Vision, Heat Vision; Apex reached; Source: Gremlin] BP SPENT = 4
Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin]
Nimble Hands (below)
Lure [Graft: Moontouched]
Lesser Wings
Standard Biotraits:
[Synergy]Improved Body Control [Mutations: Autonomous Reflex, Ultranatural body control] BP SPENT = 2
--Improved Balance [Source: Mighty Alacrity]
--Improved Nerve Conduction BP SPENT = 1
--Improved flexibility BP SPENT = 1
[Synergy]Nimble Hands and Feet [Mutations: Mighty Grip] BP SPENT = 1
--Nimble hands [Source: Hobgoblin]
--Prehensile Feet BP SPENT = 1
Cold Resistant Skin BP SPENT = 1
Enhanced Visual Acuity BP SPENT = 1
Core Biotraits:
Umbral Chill Core [Source: Shadow Born + Lesser Glaukix]
Shadow Smith [Mutations: Partial Shade, Swift Shade] BP SPENT = 3
Shadow Step [Mutations: Shadow Surf] BP SPENT = 1
Other:
Skill potions used: 1/5
Pets:
Birdy
Beast: Cat
Breeding Bonuses: Biotrait: Lesser Wings.
Attributes
Strength: 2
Dexterity: 5
Constitution: 2
Intelligence: 2
Will: 4
Charm: 4
Pet Perks:
None
Notable Gear:
Blade of a Thousand Screams
Knife of the Traveler