The trio, Daggat, Hunter, and Zuss, stopped behind a house for long enough for Hunter to bandage Daggat's head with a piece of his shirt. Head wounds bleed pretty bad, but Daggat was sure he was alright. Just a bit frazzled.

"We've got to hurry. Those roots won't hold the dwarves for long." Daggat said once his bandage was in place.

"What do we do?" Hunter asked. The wrinkles on his face had become valleys of worry.

"Relax. We just leave, fast. Then, tonight, Miss Daggers is going to come back and get our stuff. We can figure out the altar later."

Zuss had made herself small. Very small. She was huddled into a ball, hugging her knees.

"Hey, Zuss," Daggat said, "You okay?"

She wobbled a bit, then turned away from him. Oh boy.

"Look, I'm sorry for yelling at you. Tell me what really happened. Why is that human dead?"

She was silent for a long moment. Hunter shifted worriedly, looking back the way they came. It was true they needed to hurry, but some things couldn't be hurried. Daggat waited.

"The human pissed me off," Zuss eventually said, "so I wanted to… I don't know. Scare him a bit. But, I was watching. Listening. He met with his men. They planned to attack us in the early lights. So, I attacked first."

"How many were there?"

"Three. They were easy to kill. I hid most of the bodies. In a closet. The old one wouldn't fit, so I put him in his bed. I was hoping someone wouldn't find them until later."

That made sense. Zuss was undoubtedly the most… kill happy of the crew. But she wasn't dumb enough to just murder on a whim.

"Why didn't you tell us what happened?" Hunter asked.

"Everyone was asleep. We had a big day planned. Then I went and poisoned myself…"

"Eh, don't worry about it. Alright, I've got my feet again. Let's get going." Daggat said.

They snuck off towards one of the gates. Daggat and Zuss could easily climb a wall, but Hunter would have trouble. And as big as he is, he couldn't just break down the walls.

Every clang of Hunter's foot caused Daggat to twitch. Stealth, it seemed, was also not one of his strengths.

The trio stopped as a shrill yelling echoed from ahead. A crowd of humans was gathered in the center of the town, listening to Mary ranting about monsters. Specifically about them.

"They are outsiders! Worse, monsters and murderers. Our leader is away, fighting for our lives. So who defends it now? We do. It is our duty to protect what remains! But look! Who shelters these beasts? More outsiders! Dwarves and goblins, strangers and liars! They are the rot eating away at our roots. They sow doubt, division, and death. Now, more than ever, we must be ruthless!"

The crowd was simmering with the anger reflected in her words. The woman was practically foaming at the mouth. She had turned the village into a mob set on murder. The way she was talking, they wouldn't stop at the crew. Why did she hate the dwarves? They are mortals, too.

But, good news, the humans were all gathered in the center of town, mulling around their altar. That meant there were fewer folk at the gate.

"Alright, let's go. Quietly." Daggat whispered.

Zuss disappeared into a shadow. Daggat skulked ahead, staying out of view. Hunter immediately stumbled and knocked over a short fence he didn't see. Daggat pinched the bridge of his nose.

"The monsters! Get them before they escape!" Mary yelled.

Hunter and Daggat began to run. The crowd of humans charged after them. It was a bit past noon, so it was easy to navigate the simple roads and alleys. Finally, they approached the back gate.

It was closed. Naturally. A large board was placed over the doors, locking them in place. A few lookouts turned towards the two of them surprised.

Thinking on his feet, Daggat yelled at them, "Open the gates! We received word Leofric needs our aid!"

The lookouts were suddenly conflicted. One went to pull up the board, but the other stopped him. Daggat and Hunter veered off towards the side, but soon found themselves blocked by stacks of lumber.

Then, the mob was upon them. Mary was slow, she was left behind. Or she was a coward, and let the others charge first. Either way, she wasn't here. Nor was Ketil or Pote, who were surely heading their way. Zuss was still hiding somewhere. Daggat trusted that she would be in a position to do something.

Hunter summoned his torch and swung it in a wide arc. Humans shied back from the flame.

Daggat climbed the logs and took his familiar place above a crowd of hostiles. His eyes spun as he activated his hypnotic glare. It was now condensed into beguiling aura and was no longer as useful, but any little bit helped. Based on the auras of the crowd, everyone was weaker than Daggat. They should be susceptible to his psionic powers.

"New friends, why the hostility? Calm yourselves. We can solve any grievances we have." Daggat's voice washed over the crowd like water over a flame. They visibly calmed and relaxed.

One of the more willful of the mob called out, "You've committed murder!"

"Listen, let's not dwell on who attacked who. I have forgiven the disrespect and the open attacks on our camp. Despite the protections of your chief. You should do the same. Remember who was the aggressor. Was it murder? Who knows!? What is important is the looming threat! We must band together, not succumb to infighting."

"But, you are outsiders! We can handle our own affairs." Another human said.

"We're your neighbors. It is the duty of the larger community to help one another. Am I wrong?"

The humans looked at him.

"Well?"

They murmured their agreement.

"See, regardless of what happened, just be assured, we are on your side. Right?"

Again, they nodded. The humans had fallen further and further under his influence. Maybe they could get out of this without incident.

"Now, please open-"

"Do not fall under their cursed magic!" Shrilled Mary.

Daggat groaned. She was getting annoying. Her words seemed to break them from his influence. They shook themselves and tightened their grip on their various weaponry. Hunter ducked low and grabbed something.

"Daggat, what do we do?" Hunter whispered while he was lowered.

"Just let me do my thing." He whispered, then turned back to the crowd. His vision swam after moving his head too quickly. Rather than honey, he infused his voice with menace. "Hey, Mary, it will be in your best interest to back off. If you fight us, we're not going to be the ones mourning."

"What are you doing? Get them!" She said to the crowd. They shuffled forward.

"Hold, friends. Let us talk first. No need to bleed tonight. Woman, altar keeper, what love do you have for Desmond? Do you hate your fellows so much to send them to your deaths? Have you not heard of my immortality?"

The mob backed away again. A few looked pale with fear.

"I will not play your game, goblin. Tonight you die." Mary hissed.

"See, men, she spurns diplomacy in place of death. Is this someone you wish to follow? Listen, I don't wish you harm. I want you to THRIVE! To save your village from the oncoming storm." Daggat was finding it difficult to think. He was acting on pure instinct and habit. Pushing and manipulating on impulse.

The mob mumbled amongst themselves, and then one called out, "Is that true?"

"Don't listen to him," Mary said, then she scowled at Daggat, "You're powers do not affect me. Men, grab them! Why are you just standing there?"

Another man spoke up, "Well, I did shoot him, and he didn't even flinch. Maybe they are immortal."

"Look, my powers don't matter. Don't let my prowess change your mind. I am speaking the truth. I know you each have a love for this woman, but don't let her poison infect your mind." Daggat said. His head hurt. Didn't he have a pain thing? Why did it hurt?

"MY poison?! I half-raised everyone in the village. I've buried their fathers and grandfathers. I conducted the marriage ceremonies. These are my people." Mary said. She shifted in frustration. The aura of peace was doing solid work.

"Oh, you poor, old woman. How long have you been caring for the village? You must be old and tired. Men, it is clear her mind is failing in her age." Daggat said. He refocused his mind. What was he saying again? Right, infuriating the woman and taking her people.

Mary's face turned red with rage.

"Mary, perhaps you better have a lie-down." One of the women in the crowd said.

"I am not too old! I am as spry as ever. Don't you dare turn my flock against me!" Mary's voice deepened with menace.

"Is it true? Think back, her age when you were children compared to now." Daggat said. Mary shook with anger.

"Ignore his words!" She screamed.

"You know," one of the men said, "She hasn't really changed."

"She looks the same as she always had." One woman said.

Something twinged in Daggat's thoughts. They were sluggish but still moved forward. Dots were connecting, forming a larger picture. She was powerful. Stronger than even their chief. The humans claimed she hadn't aged. One key difference between monsters and mortals was mortals aged much faster. It was common for a human to die of old age, something that has never, as far as Daggat knew, had happened to a monster. Perhaps, Mary was more than she seemed. He grinned at her.

"Old woman. If you are so spry, then come. Take me away. Show me your strength." Daggat said. "I know how strong you are. I know the aura of peace doesn't affect you, nor my beguiling voice."

"I am not a warrior. I am not strong. But, I am sound of mind." She pushed forward a man, "Louis, attack him!"

Daggat glared daggers at the man. He backed off blubbering. First impressions were indeed important, and their first impression of him was a goblin immune to death itself. What would he be able to do?

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

"Come now. You're level, what, twenty? I can see it in your aura. Fight me, hag. Prove you care for this village truly, and I will not fight back." Starting a fight seemed like the best move. He had become aware his thinking wasn't straight. But, then again, he always relied on his instincts.

"Um, Dag? Are you going to fight an old woman?" Hunter whispered at him. Daggat shushed him and then jumped off the log. Humans backed away from him.

"You, give her your spear, please," Daggat said to a human. He followed the instructions. "Zuss. The dwarves should be coming soon. Please keep them at bay, but don't harm them."

Mary looked at the spear as though it was a snake. "Wait, I am not going to fight."

"Mary, just poke him a bit. If he's true, then he will surrender." One human said. "I trust him, it's for the best."

"Never mind poking him, they killed someone! Kill him back!" Another human growled.

"Don't hurt yourself!" An anxious woman wielding a pitchfork cried.

The rest of the crowd murmured and spoke. Now, Daggat could feel each beat of his heart through the pounding in his head.

"Woman. If you do not fight me, then I will kill more of the humans. One by one. Just like I killed Desmond." He wanted her to show her power. Hunter would step in if it was too dangerous. If she was shown to be lying to her flock, then he could turn them against her. Maybe. It was worth trying. Besides, Daggat was having fun. The world was tilting, so he tilted along with it.

The old woman shook with fury, then hissed "You will not have my territory."

Mary attacked. Slowly and awkwardly. Daggat sidestepped, then brought the blunt end of her spear against her head. She fell like a sack of potatoes. Then he continued the motion and brought the spear tip to her throat.

That was… too easy. Was he wrong? The woman hissed, putting one hand to her temple. She wasn't bleeding. Well, time to adapt.

"Alright everybody," Daggat yelled out, "Here is what is going to happen. You are going to open the gates, then I am walking out. Anything else, and the woman dies."

The aura of peace was negated. Humans roared in frustration, something that didn't help Daggat's headache, and raised their weapons. He glared at them, and they stepped back. One man began opening the gate.

"I am going to feast on you and your family line!" Mary hissed. Daggat looked at both copies of her. His vision was unfocused. Maybe the head wound was a tad more serious than he anticipated.

Then, she changed. Snarling, she slapped away the spearhead with a powerful, clawed hand. Her skin tightened and became midnight blue. He stared at her dumbly as she rose. Her size increased as her bones elongated and snapped into a new shape. Her nose grew three times longer, becoming a wicked hook, and thin horns grew at the side of her head. Mary had transformed from a human into something else. Something more monstrous. A hunched-over hag of a beast. Long, matted hair and pure white eyes.

The crowd panicked, stumbling back. Some cried out Mary's names, others were blubbering with confusion.

Then Daggat felt a powerful hand grab him by the waist and pick him up. He noticed Hunter throw something small over the wall. A second later, as Mary was about to strike, he felt himself being pulled into a teleport. The sensation was like being folded from the inside out, only without the pain.

Finally, Daggat succumbed to his injury fully. He fell limp and unconscious mid-teleport. Only sheer stubbornness allowed him to keep his grip on the spear.

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]

Monster Level: 11

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 11 Dexterity: 11 Constitution: 11 Intelligence: 20 Will: 10 Charm: 12

Feats: Encounter: True Angel Ability: Mighty Intellect Act: Fledgling Alchemist Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Devotion [Layered feats] Act: Usurper Act: Touch of Death Act: Reborn by Fire

Skills(0/4): Alchemy: 1 [Source: Fledgling Alchemist] System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] System Assistant: 2 [Perk: Semi-sentience] Mind Codex: 1 [Synergy: Mental notes + Copy Tome] Party Leader: 1 [Source: Usurper]

Notable Natural Skills: Literacy: Apprentice

Biotraits (1/11): Base size: Small [Source: Goblin] Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Temperature Resistant Skin [Synergy: Fire Resistant Skin + Cold Resistant Skin] Scavenger [Source: goblin] Death Sight [Source: Touch of Death] Increased Pain Tolerance Fire Core Beguiling Presence [Synergy: Hypnotic Gaze (Dominating Gaze, Mesmerizing Gaze) + Hypervocal Cords (Beguiling Voice)] Aura Sight

Transformations: Drakeheart Form: +2 strength +2 charm Extreme Temperature Resistant Scales [Synergy: Fireproof scales + Temperature resistant Skin] Fire breath

Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Dark vision [Night Vision Enhanced] Deepen Shadow

Regenerator form: Advanced Regeneration

Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Skill potions used: 1/5

Notable Gear: Strange pure-white sword shard Spear of Bracing 2 Mihr Contracts Strange Ring

Hunter

True Name: Hunter Soul: Mortal/Monster Genseed: Ogre [ 8 Str, 2 Dex, 6 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Ogre's curse; Large Size]

Hearth Tender Level: 8 [+1 Str, +1 Con, +4 Wil; Invoke Torch, Hearth Fire] Monster Level: 3 [Source: Ichor of the Beast]

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 14 Dexterity: 7 Constitution: 13 Intelligence: 9 Will: 15 Charm: 8

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Vile Concoction Act: Devotion [layered feats] Act: Slayer Ability: Unshakable Will Act: Gluttonous Feast

Skills (0/10): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] Invoke Torch: 2 [Perks: Mighty Torch] Hearth Fire: 2 [Perks: Healing Warmth] Sacred Flame: 2 [Perks: Debilitating Warmth] Encompassing Warmth: 1 Brilliant Bash: 2 [Perks: Hearth Flame] Bounty Hunter: 1 [Source: Slayer] Seek: 1 Fearless: 1 Peaceful Presence: 1 Condense Aura: 1

Notable Natural Skills: Healing: Apprentice

Biotraits (1/3): Base Size: Large Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Vile Concoction] Hunger Core Gorger

Other: Curse: Ogre Curse Boot of Rashail

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]

Monster Level: 11

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 10 Dexterity: 16 Constitution: 8 Intelligence: 8 Will: 10 Charm: 9

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Devotion [Layered feats] Ability: Mighty Alacrity Act: Shadow Born

Skills(0/2): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] Deep Shadows: 1 Path Finding [Type: Climbing]

Notable Natural Skills: Stealth: Apprentice Climb: Apprentice

Biotraits (2/11): Base size: Small [Source: Hobgoblin] Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Mutations: Dark Vision; Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Improved Body Control [Synergy: Improved Balance + Improved Nerve Conduction + Improved flexibility; Mutations: Autonomous Reflex] Nimble Hands and Feet [Synergy: Nimble hands + Prehensile Feet; Mutations: Mighty Grip] Cold Resistant Skin Enhanced Visual Acuity Shadow Core [Source: Shadow Born] Shadow Smith

Transformations: Drakeheart Form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Smoke Aura Lesser Wings

Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Enhanced Scent Deepen Shadow+, Widen Shadows

Notable Gear: Blade of a Thousand Screams Knife of the Traveler Mana Crystal Set Tiara

Pet: Name: Birdy Genseed: Cat

Attributes: Strength: 2 Dexterity: 4 Constitution: 2 Intelligence: 2 Will: 2 Charm: 3

Biotraits: Lesser Wings

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