"So, if anyone hasn't noticed, Anath got a pretty decent upgrade," Daggat said.

Anath blushed as attention shifted to her.

"Hey. Don't try to change the conversation." Elyndris said, "Besides. Bringing attention to her personal growth like that is patronizing and embarrassing for her."

"What were you thinking?" Zuss said.

The crew looked at him expectantly. Daggat suddenly felt like he was in trouble. But why? He didn't do anything WRONG. Just, misleading.

"Well, you all ARE second in command. Me, then you guys." Daggat ducked as Zuss threw a stone made of shadow at him. "Fine, fine. What do you want from me? I'm sorry, okay? I just wanted to make sure everyone took the adventure seriously."

"You didn't think we would take it seriously?" Anath asked.

"Well. Not really." Daggat said. "Look, we're not professionals. None of us have been away from our original homes for more than half a year."

"We are inexperienced, true." Hunter began, "But, none of us are dumb."

"We each have more scars than most of the humans out there combined," Klaw said.

He was right. In terms of scars, they couldn't be beat. Elyndris was the only one without physical markings, yet her soul was scared. Maybe he underestimated them. Again.

"You are all right. I'm sorry. What can I do to make it up to you?" Daggat said.

The others looked at each other.

"Split up the burden. Proper this time." Zuss said.

"We talked about it a little bit. There should be a second in command in case you die. But, we should also split up responsibility." Hunter said.

Daggat nodded. "Alright. I can work with that. As for the REAL second in command-"

"Hunter," Klaw said. Zuss nodded.

"M- me?" Hunter's eyes snapped up in confusion.

"Um, him? My choice was Zuss." Daggat said.

"You stepped up and stopped us from making a small mistake. And you weren't afraid to enrage us doing it." Eylndris said to Hunter. "The humans would all be dead and the village in ruins if you didn't stop us."

"I think it's a good idea!" Anath chimed in, "Besides, he's the only one to have… uh… well, talked to people before. Non-gremlin people."

"Hunter, are you okay with that?" Daggat asked.

"I, um…" His eyebrows furrowed into determination. "Yes. As long as you listen to me too. It is a dangerous time, and we can't make enemies."

"Great. That's settled." Klaw said. "Now, the other responsibilities."

Daggat was prepared for this. He had been thinking in the back of his mind of his companion's strengths and weaknesses.

"Easy. Zuss, you are in charge of information. The gathering of it. That includes scouting and spying. Klaw. You take the front in battle. For now. You've got the knack for it. Hunter, when I am around, you are the camp manager. That means chores, cooking, cleaning, things like that. You tell us what to do."

"I will handle the hoard!" Elyndris demanded.

"That involves paperwork. Are you prepared for that?"

"I can find a way. Besides, I am the only one who knows the value of a gold coin."

"How much, then?" Klaw asked.

"As much as you can get from it." Elyndris chuckled.

"Okay… we will see how that goes." Daggat didn't expect Elyndris to be any good at finances. But, he has been surprised before. "Also, I am putting you in charge of magic. The knowledge and use thereof. I need you to figure out how it works and how we can best use it."

"I will bend magic to my will."

"What about me?" Anath asked.

"You… um," Daggat scratched his head. She was their strongest warrior, while Klaw was stuck with an oath at least. Indispensable in combat. But, outside of that? "For now, you are our guide in the forest."

She smiled. Good, he was worried that wouldn't be enough.

"While we are on the subject," Elyndris said, "We need to work on the name."

"Name of what?" Zuss asked.

"The party. It's just not… intimidating. 'Flee, for the Crew approaches.'"

"But, we've always been the crew," Klaw said.

"She might be right," Daggat added.

"Glut was always part of the crew…" Zuss half-whispered.

For a moment, the table was quiet.

"I… like the crew," Anath said, unsure. It was clear she didn't want anyone to get upset.

"No, no. I think she's right." Daggat sighed. "Look, Zuss, Klaw. We are always going to be a crew. We don't need a party name to say that."

"Fuck!" Klaw suddenly exclaimed. "Fine. What would we be?"

"I don't know. Let's think on it a few days." Daggat said. "For now, we need to get on the same page. Clarify our current objective and all that. Everyone, to the status void."

In the status void, Spider and the assistant started talking to each other about skill and trait theories. In short order, Anath had filled in the void with virtual furniture.

Daggat pulled up a note screen. "So everyone is aware, there is a nearby hoard of bad goblins eating the bones of the dead. We might have to go and help deal with a few of them before they get too strong."

"Oh no," Elyndris said, being the first to understand the implications.

"Oh no indeed," Daggat said. "Here is my plan. Top priority, get as many minion ears as possible. We go and deal with the ones eating the dead. Get more information. Then, we march to nearby villages and gather as many suckers… er, warriors as we can, and use them to fight the goblins for us. Then we collect the ears. If we need to, we can fall back to Titanfell. It is more defensible, and we might be able to push back the hoard."

"I thought I was in charge of battle plans?" Klaw said.

"Right, well, anything to add?"

"The goblins don't care about land or treasure. That means they are after experience. So, they will chase down any large group of people they get wind of."

"Wow, alright. So, what's your plan?"

"Send a few squads to quickly and quietly inform the surrounding folk, then fall back to the manor quickly. Regroup, then charge at once. Then, we get to ear cutting. If Rika shows up, we run."

"Alright. Sounds good to me, but it's going to need some delicate diplomacy." Daggat said.

"So we're just going to… use them?" Hunter asked.

"Why not? That was always the plan. If we fall back to the manor, they are going to be obligated to add to the coin piles. Anything else we need to work on?"

"Don't forget the altar. We need to track down the old man they kicked out, then use the altar to boost those traits." Zuss said.

"So much to do…" Daggat mused. "And I am getting tired. Anything else?"

"Keaton, the Hearth Tender, is a friendly man. He warned me that many of the villages are wary of us. But, that is fair. We are quite scary. We should try to help them out and make them like us." Hunter said.

"Alright." Daggat closed his eyes and leaned back. "Hunter, you do that, and help Zuss gather information at the same time. I want both of you to look for the old man. First thing after we mop up the goblins. How's that sound?" Daggat felt like he could drift off to sleep right then.

Secretly, Daggat wanted Hunter and Zuss to spend some time together. They didn't interact too much. Party cohesion is key.

With everyone satisfied, they each wandered off and found a place to sleep. Idly, Daggat worried that Desmond or his cronies would attack them or something. But, he was too tired to care. If it happened, one of the others would wake him.

He drifted off to sleep in an unfamiliar bed in an unfamiliar room.

Daggat has always been an early riser. Usually waking before any of his companions. That night, he had only managed a few hours of sleep. Anticipation and excitement for the coming days refused to let him quiet his mind, despite how tired he was. When the sky started to brighten, he gave up. He was lucky to get maybe five hours. That should be enough.

There was an unused kitchen in the tavern. In it, he found a few pots. He had some time before the others woke, and wanted to work on some alchemy. He had two experiments he wanted to do.

First, he had to gather some water. Easy enough, the nearby stream provided plenty. Then he used his fire core to light a fire.

That act, burning wood with his fingers, intrigued him. There was intent behind it. Not a simple reactive function, like heartbeat or blinking. But something he could flex and push. Doing so was like using muscles he didn't know how to use and were weak from misuse.

His first experiment involved this new skill.

He placed a large pot on the fire. Then, he tossed in ottos heart and core. Klaw would get plenty of hearts soon.

Satisfied, he gathered demon dust in one fist. Then hesitated.

Scampering off, he found Hunter asleep in a large bed.

"Hey, buddy. Get up." Daggat shook him awake.

"Whu, huh? Is it time to go?" Hunter asked sleepily as he rose.

"Not yet. But, I need you on standby in case something goes… wrong."

"Why? What are you up to?"

Daggat grinned at him and led him to the kitchen. The water was barely at a simmer by now.

"Alright," Daggat said, "if I lose an arm, you've got to stop the bleeding."

"what? Daggat don't-"

Daggat rolled up a sleeve and thrust his arm, with the demon dust in his fist, shoulder-deep into the water.

"...do anything stupid." Hunter sighed.

Daggat pushed. He flexed his new core. Willing fire essence into the pot. His intent is not to use his arm in the potion, so that means he should be fine right?

The water around his arm started to bubble, then boil. The demon dust dissolved like salt. So, he began to stir. The sensation was warm and it prickled at his skin. He felt for the organs and found that they had disappeared. There was a bit of detritus left over. Had the junk not dissolved yet or should he let it cook? He went with his gut.

He simply grabbed handfuls of the gunk and removed them from the pot. Hunter stood by with a horrified look on his face.

As Daggat stirred, his arm began to hurt. He ignored the pain. His core had depleted slowly, leaving a hungry feeling deep in his chest.

Finally, the concoction turned a bright orange with a red sheen to it.

"Wonderful!" Daggat cackled. He removed his arm from the pot.

"Daggat! Let me see your arm." Hunter hissed.

Daggat inspected it. It was white and wrinkled. It felt fine. He presented it to Hunter, who tutted over it. He provided bandages and, with nothing else to do, wrapped it.

"It worked. And I didn't even lose the arm."

Hunter growled and gripped Daggats arm tightly. "Daggat, you have to stop being so reckless."

"Nah, I'm fine. It's all worked out." Daggat pulled his arm free.

"It won't for long. Taking the fire core, confusing the party, just walking up to the village, running off with the humans alone, and now this? You are going to die or get someone killed."

"I already died."

"Just, slow down. One day, you're going to get hurt worse than you can fix."

"Alright, whatever." Daggat said "Hey, can you stick around a bit? I want to borrow that core of yours."

Hunter frowned at him. "You can die twice, you know. Second time you won't get lucky."

Whatever. Daggat was fine. His arm would probably heal. Now, for the important stuff.

He opened his alchemy screen. There was no option to add a recipe.

Fire from him, the core was likely a beast core and the heart. In Daggat's experience, the heart has represented beast and strength essence. That combination would have made the Drakeheart potion.

It did indeed look like the same liquid. Now, he just needed to reduce it.

In the meantime, he inspected his magical ladle. It had a faint aura around it. Same as his spear. So, magic items gave off a faint aura. Good to know.

As an afterthought, he removed his new ring and inspected it. It, too, was magical. What it did, he had no clue. So far, it hadn't caused harm so he slipped it back on.

Back to the ladle, it was supposed to poison whatever liquid it was used to serve. Did it infuse liquid with death essence? If so, he could use it as a base liquid for more potent poisons.

"Hunter, here's what I need you to do. Stick a finger in this pot, and push essence into it."

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"I don't know how. Besides, Elyndris emptied my core."

"Ugh, fine. Never mind then."

Hunter grumbled as we wandered away. Daggat put the ladle down on the table and focused on his drakeheart potion.

He managed to get nine potions. Storing them in old bottles he found under a cabinet. His best yield yet, from one brew.

Now, they had a secret weapon for the coming battle.

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

Klaw

True Name: Klaw Soul: Mortal/Monster Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size] Genbloom: Bugbear [ +3 Str, +1 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Rough Fur; Small Size]

Monster Level: 8 Paladin Level: 3 [+2 Str, +2 Con, +2 Wil; Smite, Righteous Aura]

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 21 (22, +1 belt) Dexterity: 10 Constitution: 13 (14, +1 belt) Intelligence: 8 Will: 11 Charm: 8

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Devotion [Layered feats] Ability: Mighty Strength Act: Arsonist

Skills(0/3): System Aptitude: 1 Burst of Strength: 1 Attribute Boost: Strength (+2) Flame Affinity: 1 [Source: Arsonist] Smite: 1 Wind Slash: 1 Savage Attacks: 1

Notable Natural Skills: Savagery: Apprentice

Biotraits (0/8): Base size: Standard [Source: Gremlin] Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Claws [Mutations: Forged, Retractable] Dense Muscle Fibers Rough Fur [Mutations: Insulating Fur; Source: Bugbear] Dense Bone Cardiovascular Control

Transformations: Drakeheart Form: +2 strength +2 constitution Fire-proof Scales Claws [Mutation added: Burning]

Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity +2 constitution Dark Vision

Notable Gear: Mountain Heart Armor Belt of Last Stand

Elyndris

True Name: Elyndris Soul: Monster Genseed: Larva [ 1 Str, 1 Dex, 1 Con, 1 Int, 1 Wil, 1 Cha; miniscule Size]

Monster Level:

11

Attributes (0/12):

Strength:

10

Dexterity:

8

Constitution:

8

Intelligence:

15

Will:

7

Charm:

7

Feats:

Encounter: True Angel

Knowledge: System Knowledge

Act: Devotion

[layered feats]

Act: Blasphemy

Ability: Mighty Intellect

Act: Vile Concoction

Act: Fledgling Mage

Skills (0/3):

Burst of Strength: 1

Pounce: 1

Construct Capacity: 1

Spellcraft: 1

Biotraits (3/11):

Base size: Miniscule

Jaws

Thaumic Sense

[Synergy: Tremor Sense + Magic Sense; Mutations:

Refined Sense

]

Complex organs

Limbs [Mutation:

Lesser Wings

]

Disease Resistance

[Source: Vile Concoction]

Force Distributing Flesh

Transformations:

Night Stalker form:

+2 strength

+2 dexterity

+2 constitution

Jaws [Mutation: Powerful Jaws]

Known Magical Components:

Engines

: Force, Energy, Beam

Drives

: Focus

Notable Gear:

5 Refresh Pills

Hero Scroll

Other:

Curse: Ungenesis

Anath

True Name: Anathema Soul: Monster/Mortal Genseed: Human [ 3 Str, 3 Dex, 3 Con, 3 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Standard Size]

Monster Level: 5 Berserker Level: 6 [+3 Str, Dex Con, -1 Int, Wil, Cha; Berserker's rage, Great Vitality]

Attributes [0/7]: Strength: 12 Dexterity: 11 Constitution: 13 Intelligence: 10 Will: 8 Charm: 7

Feats: Encounter: True Angel Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Vile Concoction Act: Devotion [layered feats]

Skills(1/9): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] System Assistant: 1 Skill Boosts: Survival (1) Savage Legs: 1 Berserker's Spirit: 1 [Synergy: Warrior's Spirit (Burst of Strength + Burst of Alacrity + Burst of Vitality) + Berserker's Rage] Purge Poison: 1 Great Vitality: 1 Blood Rhythm: 1

Notable Natural Skills: Survival: Apprentice Savagery: Apprentice

Biotraits [0/5]: Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Vile Concoction] Extra Limb (Arachnid), x4 [Source: Variant] Venomous Mandibles [Source: Variant] Multi-eye [Mutations: Magnified, Night Vision; Source: Variant] Hardened Chitin Exoskeleton

Transformations: Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Claws Dark Vision

Notable Gear: Blade of the Dessert Flower

Other: Variant: Arachnid Traits

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

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

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