《Goblin Teeth: A Monster Party LitRPG》 Daggat 1: A worthless soul [Measuring soul¡­please wait¡­Measuring soul¡­ please wait¡­Measuring soul¡­please wait¡­] [Soul valued. 8.2%. Value: low. This soul is not worthy of the Eternal War.] [Try again? Yes/no] [Confirmed. Generating genesis.] [human¡­ northern jackrabbit¡­ greenmoss moth¡­ gremlin. Species selected. Species: gremlin. True name compatible. True name generated: Daggat.] True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 1 Attributes: Strength: 3 Dexterity: 4 Constitution: 3 Intelligence: 2 Will: 3 Charm: 3 Feats: None Biotraits: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance [Request: Why mettle with this soul?]
True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 1 Attributes: Strength: 3 Dexterity: 4 Constitution: 3 Intelligence: 12 Will: 3 Charm: 3 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Biotraits: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence [You have devoured - gremlin, level 1. Experience Gained.] [You have devoured - gremlin, level 1. Experience Gained.] [You have devoured - gremlin, level 1. Experience Gained. You have gained one monster level. One Biotrait Point awarded. All attributes increased by 1. One growth point available.]
At the end of each chapter, the current stats of the current, relevant characters will be found in a spoiler. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Daggat
True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 2 Attributes [1]: Strength: 4 Dexterity: 5 Constitution: 4 Intelligence: 13 Will: 4 Charm: 4 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Biotraits [1]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Daggat 2: Lets form a party! [You are invited to join party: Gobma¡¯s Skwad. Note: Forced recruitment nullified by high intelligence. Would you like to accept? Yes or no?] [You are invited to join party: Gobma¡¯s Skwad. Would you like to accept? Yes or no?] [You are invited to join party: Gobma¡¯s Skwad. Would you like to accept? Yes or no?] [You are invited to join party: Gobma¡¯s Skwad. Would you like to accept? Yes or no?] [You have joined: Gobma¡¯s Skwad. Experience is now shared between party members according to party specifications. Party specifications: 90% of earned experience to party leader, 0% to party experience pool, 0% shared, 10% kept. Growth experience is exempt.]
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True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 2 Attributes [1]: Strength: 4 Dexterity: 5 Constitution: 4 Intelligence: 13 Will: 4 Charm: 4 Feats: Biotraits [1]: Other: Daggat 3: Work and play makes a gremlins day Gobma led the squad through the camp. Goblins were largely working on construction. New trenches had been dug in the mossy ground. Logs were being sharpened, for no reason other than their menacing look, and laid into them to create a crude wall. Thick mud was used to fill gaps, fitted with the occasional bone piece or skull. Small ropes tied them all together. Daggat and his new squad mates were then taken further, to a field where logs were being sharpened by orcs with powerful arms and crude tools. ¡°Squad, this is your job. When they are done making the log all pointy, you all take it over there.¡± He pointed towards a pile of sharpened logs ready to be placed in the trench. The squad just sort of¡­ stood there. ¡°GET TO IT!¡± They jumped, and rushed towards the log. Scrambling, they each tried to grip it. These trees were ancient and strong before their felling, easily as wide as a goblin was tall. Twelve they had in number, true, but they were still gremlins. With each gremlin, Daggat included, trying their best to lift the log, no progress was being made. Gobma was starting to chuckle at their struggles. Then, slowly, the log started to shift. Klaw had provided just enough lift to tilt it. Then gravity stepped in. gremlins scattered away, all but one. The poor creature tripped and the log rolled over a foot. It began to scream. The cries of pain was drowned out by Gobma¡¯s laughter. Even the gremlins started laughing. Daggat felt sick. This accident will probably maim the gremlin for the rest of its life. Yet, no one helped. Instead, they laughed. Daggat began to laugh nervously, then, spurned on by a desire not to stand out, laughed harder. Several minutes later, the gremlins discovered how to roll a log, working together. Gobma only watched and threatened them if they slowed. Hours of back breaking labor passed. Of course, Daggat discovered early on how to fake pushing a log. They managed to drag over a dozen of them to the wall. Several other teams of gremlins were also doing the same tasks. A swarm of gremlins dragging logs like ants dragging leaves, dozens of orcs whittling away the trees, and the occasional crash of a felled tree. When Gobma told them they were done, every gremlin fell to the ground in relief and exhaustion. ¡°Lousy work, if I¡¯ve ever seen it. But, it''ll have to do. Meet me here first light. If I have to track you down, and I can, you will WISH you got squished like Hudd did.¡± The wounded gremlin was still forced to work, whimpering the whole time. The gremlins just stood there. ¡°What? GO!¡± ¡°Uh, where to? Back to the pens?¡± Daggat asked. ¡°I don¡¯t care. Do what you want. Don¡¯t get yourself killed. Now¡­ SCATTER!¡± He roared the last bit and the gremlins did. Gobma laughed and wandered off to his own devices. Daggat was free. For now. Briefly he considered just running for it, but decided that such an obvious tactic to avoid work would have countermeasures. Besides, where would he go? This was his home, despite the slave labor. Perhaps it was only this difficult because of the wall. When the wall is finished, life will be easy again. His stomach rumbled. First thing, however, is food. Dragging Glut behind him, he wandered towards the camp. Lumbering into the camp was an ogre. It was huge, easily as tall as the walls. A thick arm held a full deer like a sack over his shoulder. In his other hand dragged a cleaver. Rather, a long chunk of metal ground to an edge. It was as much a cleaver as a tiger was a cat. Daggat briefly wondered what will happen to the venison, and how he could get some. He decided to find out. Sticking to the shadows, the edges of view, and generally out of the way, he stalked the ogre through the camp. Glut was not nearly as stealthy. He tripped over litter, knocked over objects, and had nearly been trod on by a passing pack of drunk goblins. His breath heaving, he asked ¡°Where we goin¡¯?¡± ¡°Food, Glut. Were going to food. See that ogre? It¡¯s got some. If we follow where he puts it, we might find more.¡± Glut smiled at the idea of food. The ogre stopped outside of a large tent. The sort of structure that was more a portable roof than building. The smell of burned meat and grease radiated from it. It was a kitchen, of a sort. A single large pot bubbled away and a myriad of goblins and gremlins darted around a large communal fire and several other smaller ones. Goblins cooked and ate whatever they could grab and run with. Some, it seemed, were content just taking what was caught by others. Rats, hunks of meat, birds of all shapes and sizes, mushrooms, eggs in pans, even kettles boiled with some concoction. It was chaos at its finest, and Daggat finally felt at home. This was what it meant to be a goblin, he decided. Take what you can get, cook what you can, and live your life with all the luxury you can get out of it. No judgment or rules. There was hardly any anger present, though a few spiteful and jealous looks. He saw one gremlin jump and take a bite out of a leg that a passing goblin was holding. Another goblin lay under a keg, slurping from a steady stream of grog. In one area, a lone goblin was handing out some sort of flat bread, trading them for other morsels of food. A larger, meaner goblin stood menacingly over the crowd, keeping them in check. But through all of this, was laughter and devilish joy. Jokes and pranks and merriment. The goblin revelry. Of all the races, peoples, and species in the world, no creature could revel like a goblin. Few would want to. ¡®Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you might get squished¡¯ was the goblin way. Any morsel, no matter how desperately scavenged, could be the center of a revelry. Cattle, rats, flour or grubs. It was all good eating to a goblin. But it was not all fun and games. Above the rabble stood the fire tender. A grizzled bugbear who tended both the flames and the peace. Daggat kept an eye on it. The ogre slammed the deer in front of him. ¡°You know the drill. Half for me. Half for you. Cut it good.¡± The ogres voice was deep, resonating over the chatter. ¡°Not any more, Hog. Rika said we need to stock up. So, it all goes to us!¡± The ogre growled. ¡°That wasn¡¯t the deal. That¡¯s not how this works! I bring you half of hunt, you protect cave.¡± He loomed over the bugbear, a stronger variety of goblin. The fire keeper did not back down. ¡°Don¡¯t care. Same goes for both the ogres.¡± ¡°Yeah? And whats to stop me from tearing apart this puny camp and taking it ALL for my Ma?¡± Daggat could see veins pulsing on the ogre. ¡°HA! Try it. You¡¯re, what, twelve? Rika is in the forties. Clan leaders are all in the twenties. You¡¯d be crushed. Then you lose our protection. Then your Ma would be more than just hungry. But, hey,¡± his posture changed to a more agreeable one, ¡°I get it. Not fair. But that¡¯s Rika for you. Stick it out for a month or two. The wall will be done, then you can renegotiate.¡± Those numbers¡­ Daggat was sure they didn¡¯t refer to age. Levels. That had to be it. With a roar, the ogre lifted and slammed down with his blade. The deer split in two, blood, guts, and gore splattered. Daggat jumped back as a bit of intestine landed near his foot. ¡°HALF FOR ME!¡± The ogre yelled, and started dragging the back half of the deer away, leaving a red trail. ¡°YOU¡­ YOU¡­ OGRE! You ruined the meat! Rika will hear about this.¡± The rest of the night continued. Daggat ate what he could. He noted his squad mates showed up at some point. Glut somehow managed to get a whole roast chicken, which Daggat conned a leg from. One by one, goblins disappeared into the night. Many just slept where they lay. Finally, Daggat had found a copper mug. After tossing its contents into the grass, he filled it with grog from one of the many barrels. Watered down mead, wine, and whatever spirits the goblins could make or steal. It was a foul drink, but perfectly suited to goblin taste. It frothed in his mug. Excitedly, Daggat went to take a large gulp. Then, his head was shoved into the dirt. The mug clattered to the ground, spilling precious grog into the mud. ¡°Think I wouldn¡¯t notice?¡± The voice was unmistakably Klaw¡¯s. He had pinned him from behind. Between clenched teeth and a mouthful of gravel, Daggat replied. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. ¡°Oh, whatever could you mean, dear brother?¡± Experience told him not to fight back. The pain of gravel in the face was familiar to him. ¡°You only pretended to work. Gobma is stupid, didn¡¯t see. But I could.¡± He leaned in to one of Daggat¡¯s floppy ears and gently lifted it to whisper in. ¡°Fingers inches off the log¡­ why shouldn¡¯t I say anything? Make it worth it.¡± Daggat cursed internally. He didn¡¯t think that Klaw of all people would notice. Though, he was working next to Daggat at the time. Luck, it¡¯s the only explanation. ¡°Why, Klaw, you WANT me to be less tired. Don¡¯t you?¡± Daggat could visualize Klaw¡¯s eyes narrowing. The look he had when he tried, foolishly, to figure out the trick. ¡°Why is that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s so I could have the energy to get you something tasty! You see? You are soooo much stronger than me. My contribution to work wouldn¡¯t even be a drop to the river of your strength. So, you do the strong stuff, and I¡¯ll get us some food. So you can rest. See? See?¡± Moments passed. Daggat was worried that he went overboard with the bigger words. In truth, Klaw and the others were almost as eloquent as Daggat, when they wanted to be. The result of Daggat¡¯s proximity through their short lives. ¡°But, I can just get me food. Or I¡¯ll take it from you.¡± A knee dug into Daggat¡¯s back. ¡°Or from Glut,¡± He added. ¡°Ah! But, do you want to search for the tastiest morsel? You are too tired. Just rest, and I will do that. See?¡± The weight lifted off of him. Daggat couldn¡¯t suppress his grin. What a fool! Easily tricked. Now, all Daggat had to do was grab some food, of which there was an abundance. That was when Zuss struck. ¡°Wait. Daggat, dear brother,¡± Zuss said sarcastically, ¡°it was not only Klaw who worked. Surly you mean to get ALL of us a morsel?¡± Daggat sneered at her. Zuss was always ruining his plans. Suddenly in a panic, he glanced around. It was only the three of them and Glut in the area. He calmed down. Twelve gremlins to feed would have been impossible. ¡°Fine. But only us four. Now, I¡¯ll be off to-¡± ¡°Oh, look!¡± Zuss cut him off, pointing upward. Her grin was wicked, her voice thick with mockery. ¡°I already found the tastiest morsel. Kindly get it for us, seeing as you¡¯re so fresh.¡± Daggat followed her finger and felt his stomach drop. There, atop a stack of barrels, a bugbear snored, a fat lamb leg sprawled across its chest. Its snores sounded like a forge bellows, and the meat¡¯s greasy sheen glinted in the firelight. His stomach churned. ¡°N... no problem!¡± he laughed nervously. Glut smiled wide. ¡°I knew you could get it, Dag!¡± Moments later, Daggat was cursing his bad luck while climbing barrel after barrel. He went slowly, so as not to wake the bugbear. Or to fall. He glanced down. That was a mistake, he had spent time perched in his pole, but there was never FIRE under it. Shaking, he continued up. After what felt like an eternity, he reached the bugbear. It smelled of grog, gristle, blood, and body oder. The breath alone could kill a small bird. From this higher vantage point, he had a clear view of the Fountain. A distant light, always to the east. Like a great beacon, rising from the ground to spear into the heavens. It was only visible at night. Like the moon, it had its phases. Some nights brighter, some dimmer, some gone altogether. Though the frequency was inconsistent. Now, he had another problem. The leg was solidly in the bugbears arm, gripped like a favorite stuffed animal. He could see his siblings below. Glut nervously chewing on a discarded bone. Zuss was grinning at him, while Klaw glared. He looked beyond them. There were about a dozen sleeping goblinoids around the communal fire. Several more were drunk. Things were winding down and fires were slowly being put out. Other lights in the camp caught his attention. A large tent reinforced with crude walls glowed in the dark. Rika¡¯s lair. The chieftain¡¯s seat was likely somewhere in that building. A few bugbears stood outside as guard. Glowing on the other side of camp was a long tent. He could see movement within. A tent flap opened as an orc stepped out and Daggat could see tables, chairs, and orcs. That was where they feasted. A handful of other lights glittered in the night, but that was all Daggat could see. He would need to come back during the day. Snapping back to the present, Daggat considered his next move. He was not strong enough to take it by force, or to survive an angry bugbear. Daggat plucked a hair from the top of his head. Holding it carefully, he tickled the bugbears nose. It¡¯s nose wiggled. Holding his breath, Daggat tried again. This time, the sleeping Bugbear reached up and scratched his nose. Success! The lamb leg tumbled off the side of the bugbear and towards his waiting peers. Before Daggat could start to climb back down, however, the bugbear stretched. With a mumble, a strong hand grabbed Daggat and pulled him into a hug. It started to snore again. Below he could make out the squeaking laughter of Zuss and Klaw. For several minutes, Daggat didn¡¯t dare move. He could hardly breathe, let alone fight against the monsters grip. Finally, the bugbear shifted himself. Using this opportunity, Daggat shifted his own weight as well. Maybe he could wriggle out of this situation. With a snort of surprise, the bugbear toppled off the barrels and towards the ground. Daggat screamed as he fell, finally free from the bugbears hug. He had a split second to look below him. Just in time to see an open barrel eagerly waiting to swallow him. Daggat fell face first into the barrel with a splash. Vinegar and spiced burned at this eyes and mouth. Around him were various pickled vegetables. Using his small claws, he dug into the inside of the barrel to keep from resurfacing. Through the haze of vinegar, Daggat could hear the bugbear yelling and searching for whoever pushed him. He held his breath for as long as he could, then gasped for air as he popped out. Luckily, the bugbear had moved on. Grumbling, he went to find his crew. Half an hour latter, he managed to find them near the walls, in a little nook made of boxes, bags, and other clutter. They grinned at him when they recognized him. The lamb leg was already almost gone. ¡°Had a nice swim?¡± Klaw asked. ¡°Very refreshing.¡± Daggat¡¯s stomach grumbled. Zuss, who had the last of the leg, held it out for him. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you could do it.¡± She smiled at him. ¡°Your share.¡± Daggat blinked. Share? Up until now, he had simply took what he could. Giving up some food, or anything, willingly would have never crossed his mind. Yet, his siblings saved him some meat. He felt a strange warmth flow through him. The lamb was cold and greasy. Unseasoned and only half cooked as well. Yet it was the most delicious morsel he had tasted. After the meal, he settled down. Unconsciously the gremlins snugged against one another for warmth, like a liter of pups, and they slept. Daggat True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 2 Attributes [1]: Strength: 4 Dexterity: 5 Constitution: 4 Intelligence: 13 Will: 4 Charm: 4 Feats: Biotraits [1]: Other: Elyndris 1: The Fall of the Wyrm Elyndris, Wyrm of Cloud and Flame, drifted in the sky. Her eyes, each the size of a dinner saucer, were closed. They had come for her. She knew it would have been only a matter of time. Mortals were so attached to their little castles and meager cities. They had so many, why were they so attached to the one she burned? Of course, she would meet her enemies happily. With a deep breath, she drew in the essence around her. Cloud and fire. She had spent years cultivating her territory. Gently nudging it to create the ideal environment to nourish her soul. Clouds of ash and smoke naturally formed near her lair. Rivers of lava spilled into pools of brackish water. Every tree for miles was either a tower of charcoal, or it had adapted, becoming ever burning trees. Her spirit filled with fire from below and the clouds from above. She felt the power. Essence compressed so tightly to resemble stone. Elyndris let herself bask in the feeling. Only recently had she attained such heights. She opened her eye. They had brought an army. How considerate, she needed something to test herself on. She flexed her dominion over flame and her deep iron scales began to glow with heat. Gently, she guided her dominion over cloud. Her wings extended, becoming sails to guide her, no longer needed to keep her aloft. Elyndris then dropped. Falling from the sky, hurtling with the speed of a comet towards her enemies. She had never been a a patient creature. The first volley of arrows shattered upon her scales. The meager steel breaking like glass and the wood disintegrating before her heat. Large bolts of iron, fired from siege weaponry, were dodged with grace. The dwarven army was supplemented with giants and mountain folk. None were below level 25, or they would not have survived the journey here. Their formation was wide, scattered. It wouldn¡¯t be enough. Her jaws opened into the suggestion of a smile. As she fell, she was building her breath of fire. Pouring more and more flame into the back of her throat. Enhancing and condensing the fire with her dominion over it. The air rippled around her as her throat began to glow white hot. The warmth was comforting. While within the dark cloud of arrows, she unleashed her breath. Before, the army would have been too far away to easily burn. But, now, her power was enough. The attack came as not a cone of flame, but an almost solid bar of light and heat. Superheated air exploded into a cloak of fire that followed the beam of fire. It crashed into the earth, cutting a groove through the dwarves¡¯ armored vehicles. Dozens were disintegrated. Even more were dead or wounded. With satisfaction, she noted one dwarf staring at his smoldering stump where his arm used to be. Her laugh shook the heavens. Burning clouds of ash danced around her, mimicking her joy. This was power! True strength, only obtained by years of effort, finally realized. But it was not enough. It was never enough. She needed more power, more strength. Her greed washed over her. It was an instinct, a need, that went beyond mere gluttony. A feverish wanting of power, wealth, land. A need to consume all before here, to own all of the worlds treasures and to conquer all the lands. Even then, she would not be satisfied. Elyndris sought the very seat of heaven. Four figures rose from the smoke and dust. Women clad in blood tinged armor. Wings lifted them towards her. Each wielded a spear that seemed to thirst for her blood. When Elyndris last fought the Valkyrie, there were five of them. They screamed their challenge as one. The combined power pushing back against the encroaching black clouds. When they finally attacked, Elyndris danced. She spun and twirled, guiding her long body through complex gymnastic maneuvers to avoid their spears. The first fell from a casual swipe of a claw. The second was blasted with a beam of fire. The third and fourth she gripped in both claws as she dove to the rabble below. She learned long ago to give in to the need to destroy, rather than fight it. It was more fun that way. The last of the valkyrie were crushed beneath Elyndris as she threw herself into battle with glee. Even as she cut and clawed her way through the warriors below, she gathered her cloud essence. The sky turned black and the clouds became tinged with fire essence. With a laugh of glee, the storm began. The rage of a full storm cloud filled to bursting with the fires pride. Boiling drops of liquid fire fell upon the dwarves. The effect was¡­ disappointing. Their armor was protected against fire. Well, no matter. What was important was to feed the need to slaughter. When the giants approached, fog rose from the ground. It concealed nothing from the Wyrm of Cloud and Fire, for this was her domain. Fog was just cloud bowed low in supplication. Like a predator, she hunted the large humanoids. Cutting them down one by one. Elyndris had never had so much fun as she had now, she was almost giddy. It was then that she felt weight settle upon her. It was like a mountain was dropped on her wings. Her claws dug into the earth as she tried to remain standing. Her tail cut into the stone where it was pressed. She called upon the cloud once again, but this only lessened the weight. She could move, but she would not be able to fly. Snarling, Elyndris searched for her attacker. One of the mountain folk had his will focused entirely upon her. This one towered above the dwarves, its skin like stone. White frost clung to every surface of his body, as though he was a tiny walking mountain. Strung around his neck were several beads the size of a human head. Each formed from the stone at the very center of a mountain. She hissed as she recognized him. Yochlo, Demon of the North. How he was convinced to fight for the dwarves, she didn¡¯t know. Actually, she didn¡¯t care. He was a worthy adversary. He had cultivated his spirit with the essence of mountains and ice. Her natural enemy, and she his. But, what he lacked was a perfected monstrous body. That in its own right would be enough to tear him to shreds. As she charged, something clipped her in the chin. The sound was like slamming a sledge hammer against and anvil. The hammer which struck her flew back, spinning in the air, only to be caught by a dwarf. He wore thick armor and had complex braids in his hair and beard. Dwarven runes were tattooed across his face. His helm doubled as a crown. Another character torn from the legends. King of the dwarves. The god slayer¡¯s son. Ragnvaldr. He was a Champion and one of the few who reached the maximum level possible. Rage burned withing Elyndris. She spent half a century waging war against this dwarf. Today was the day it would finally end. It was the third legend¡¯s appearance that made her start to worry. With a roar, it smashed into her. Claws racked down her scales, tearing some free. Then it kicked from her fast enough to avoid the retaliating lava-like blood. Ban, The Dragon of the South. The gentle man eater. A great tiger. Form perfected over decades of growth, body mutated into the perfect killing machine. Like most dragons, it had wings, though his were feathered, rather than scaled. Once, it feasted upon entire kingdoms. The tiger was meant to be slumbering, as it had achieved the peak of evolution and could grow no longer. Why was IT here? Elyndris faced three opponents, each representing the peak of their paths. One hundred levels, the utmost power that can be taken from the angels. A Champion. One hundred mutation points, the maximum possible. A Dragon. And a soul condensed, reforged, and unbounded. A Demon.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. But this did not frighten the wyrm. For she was Elyndris, the Demon Dragon. Body and soul perfected. She only lacked skills, but that would be her next conquest. She would be the first in over a hundred years to become an Avatar. With a roar of rage, joy, and battle lust, the dragon advanced upon her enemy. She bore down upon Yochlol with condensed fire and slammed her tail against the dwarven king. He held his ground, but the wyrm rolled out of the way from the tigers pounce. Yochlol pulled upon the planet itself until it relinquished a small mountain, which he hurled at the Demon Dragon. Cloud essence caught it and guided it gently past. A wing slammed into the tiger, knocking it away. But a blow strong enough to split an ocean shattered one of her arms. Elyndris could feel her iron bones reforging themselves back into shape. If it was only these three, she might have been able to fight to a stalemate, or at least escape. But, there was still an army to contend with. Volleys of accurate arrows peppered her, doing nothing but causing an irritating itch. Thrown weapons, spells, and siege equipment slammed into her. It was like fighting while standing in a waterfall. Painful, but relatively harmless. The four legends continued to battle for minutes, then an hour. At the end of the second hour, the four were all panting rigorously. Elyndris¡¯ bones and scale armor had been shattered a dozen times over, each forging themselves back into place. Forging fell within the domain of fire, and she had mutated her body into iron. Ban had lost an eye and was severely burned. The dwarven king¡¯s shield had shattered, his helm split in two, and his beard was actively burning like a candle wick. Yochlol was least harmed, but hist spirit was nearly exhausted. Elyndris, however, could replenish her spirit with ease here. She could fight for hours longer, if needed. The others sensed this. They would lose this fight if I continued much longer. Together, they made one last, desperate, attack. Yochlol drained the last of his spirit, redoubling the weight upon her. She couldn¡¯t move as freely, but he also couldn¡¯t hold it for more than a few seconds. Ragnvaldr hefted his hammer with both hands and screamed a battle cry as he charged her, head on. The fool. He had opened himself up to an attack. She did not need to move to burn him, and the command over her own fire was even greater than normal. She opened her jaws wide and unleashed her firey beam. The look in the kings eyes went from desperation, to victory. Before him, a mass of complex geometric shapes projected into reality. A spell, one more complex than most. The fire bored into it and was funneled. The spell had trapped the fire breaths energy, absorbing it and converting it into something else. A spell like this would have to have been designed with the fire breath energy in mind. Elyndris realized the only way this was possible is if the king had been crafting this spell while they fought. That would have required an immense amount of focus, mental effort, and concentration. One slip, and the spell would have detonated early. She found newfound respect for the dwarven king. Her beam of fire was captured by the spell, funneled, transformed, and returned. A beam of force and destruction of equal power to her beam of fire washed over her. She could feel her scales rusting from the destruction magic and peeling away from the force. It lifted her in the air, and with the weight of a mountain atop her, she slammed back into the ground, creating a crater. Ban¡¯s jaws were around her now vulnerable neck. He squeezed and tore at her throat. Finally, the weight was gone. Elyndris began to lift into the air. Then Ragnvaldr slammed down on her chest, crashing her back to the earth. The dwarf smashed her again. Each blow shattering bone or rupturing organs. Venom from Ban¡¯s jaws dug through her veins and his strength was impossible to break. Even yochlol redoubled his attacks, wielding a staff of iron. Elyndris seethed. She fought to keep them off of her, but¡­ the injuries were too much. She saw the flaw in her reforging technique. While wounded, she had less control over the fire domain. While within the earthen tomb of her own crater, she had limited access to the sky to pull cloud essence. He armor was peeled away and her life leaked away, burning into the ground beneath her like spilled lava. The tiger pulled with all of its strength, and Elyndris felt her neck tearing and bones cracking. Her vision began to fade. The strength left her limbs and wings. She began to drift into unconsciousness. No. She was Elyndris. Greatest of the dragons. Mightiest of the demons. Soon to be Champion over the system. Her story would not end. She couldn¡¯t simply die here. As her spirit was torn from her body, raising towards the heavens to join the eternal war, she fought. Even as her cloudfire essence spilled into the land and her body dissolved into a white powder, with all of her will power and every last drop of ego, she held on. Elyndris gripped her name, her identity. It was like holding onto a wet cliff face during a storm, but still she held. Her spirit kept her form. Lashing out, she cut and burned through the line of souls before her. Then a hand that could block out the sun reached out, and dragged her to the front of the line. [Measuring soul¡­please wait¡­Measuring soul¡­ please wait¡­Measuring soul¡­please wait¡­] The words appeared in the heavens, but all of her attention was going to her battle of wills. Herself against the very laws of life and death. [Dragon detected. New monster evolution formed. Name: Forge Drake. Evolution path: Drake. Congratulations, soul. You have expanded the system and left a legacy that will persist for all time.] Elyndris screamed from the effort of holding on, but felt herself claw back to reality. Her soul returning to the world of the living. The scream was noticed. The white void seemed to stretch and reform itself. A pure light, as calming as it was authoritative, washed the heavens with the will of order and law. It spoke. ¡°Release your hold, Mortal. You have died, and must move on. This is not the end for you. Fight and continue to grow in the heavens, you have surely earned your place.¡± Her spirit was pulled back from returning. Forced into the cycle of death. ¡°NEVER, I am Elyndris! Dragon! Demon! CHAMPION!¡± ¡°Not a Champion. But you have achieved more than most. Your life is done, you can only bring yourself harm by holding onto-¡± [Soul valued. 2%. Unworthy.] ¡°Oh. I spoke too hastily.¡± The force of law seemed to loom over her. ¡°All you have done is destroy and take. You have done nothing worthy of heaven. We do not need warriors like you.¡± Elyndris couldn¡¯t reply, every aspect of her being hurt from the effort of holding onto her self. The force moved away, leaving her alone in the void. [Reincarnation cycle, restarted. Selecting species. Species selected: Larva] Statistics filled the space. It seemed to flicker, as though it was the thing fighting Elyndris¡¯ will. True Name: ~Error~ Species: ~DrWaokerm~ Soul Type: Monster Monster Level: 1 Attributes: Strength: 1 Dexterity: 1 Constitution: ~error~ Intelligence: 1.1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Will: 1 Charm: 1 Skills: None Feats: Enc ~Error~ Angel Traits: Base size: Miniscule Finally, she fell back. Hurtling back to her world. Her will weakened, slightly, and she could feel parts of herself drifting away. Memories, goals, experiences, power, and potential. Then it was dark. For a long time, she drifted as nothing but a slurry of proteins, cells, and acids. One cell at a time, she pulled herself together. Reforming her great body. It lacked iron, but that was a mistake in the first place. This time, she would do better. Light glowed through a screen of wire. Layer upon layer of it, creating a cage. No cage can hold Elyndris. She bit at it with her mighty jaws. Tearing away at the substance, until, finally, she hatched. Elyndrs tried to roar in victory, but had no lungs. No mouth. And no memories. She held her name, her knowledge, and her spirit. Her ambitions and gluttony burned within her as well. She knew she needed to grow, feast, and take all that she could. Her form was vast and slimy. A giant worm with potential unrivaled. Internally, she cackled in anticipation. As she slithered among the flat, giant grass-like structures that towered into the sky, she had one thought. This world will kneel. Elyndris True Name: Elyndris Soul: Monster Genseed: Larva Monster Level: 1 Attributes [0]: Strength: 1 Dexterity: 1Constitution: 1Intelligence: 1 Will: 1 Charm: 1 Feats: Biotraits [0]: Daggat 4: Just a bit of thievery The four woke to the sound of goblins getting to work. As a group, they scrambled to Gobma. Gobma was still bleary eyed and squinted at the gremlins. A mug of steaming¡­ liquid. He counted. Then counted again, and downed the last of his mug. ¡°Eleven¡­ OK. That¡¯s all of ya. I¡¯ve got a headache, so get to work and don¡¯t bother me.¡± ¡°Eleven? It was twelve yesterday.¡± Daggat couldn''t help but ask. Then realized his mistake. Gobma threw the mug at him, which made a dong sound as it bounced off his head. ¡°I said don¡¯t bother me!¡± He had a thoughtful expression. ¡°But, this could be a lesson. One of you tried to run last night. Got all scared of just a bit of work.¡± He grimaced. ¡°Wargs watch the territory around camp. He got ate. Not my fault.¡± He mumbled that last bit. ¡°Now, get to work, or I¡¯ll feed you to the wargs myself!¡± The gremlins got to work. Rolling log after log towards the wall. Daggat tried to pretend to push, as he had before, but Klaw¡¯s growl gave him the inspiration needed to put in his fair share of work. Hudd, the wounded gremlin, had a stick tied sturdily around his leg. Yet, he was still made to work. Despite his best efforts, he fell behind. ¡°Oi, cripple. No free rides under my watch. Get to work!¡± Gobma kicked him in his injured leg after his third break. Hudd fell to the ground crying in pain. Gobma chuckled to himself. ¡°He can¡¯t. Leave him alone.¡± Zuss was the one to speak up. Daggat groaned. Of all the people to cause an issue, it had to be his sister. ¡°Yeah, and how¡¯s that my problem?¡± He loomed over the gremlin. Zuss cringed away in a very non-Zuss manor. Klaw growled low. Daggat put a hand on his shoulder and he calmed. ¡°Gobma, er¡­ boss.¡± Why Daggat was getting himself involved, he couldn¡¯t say. All he knew was if Gobma attacked Zuss, it wouldn¡¯t stop there. ¡°WHAT!¡± He turned on him. Now Daggat was cringing. ¡°Y¡­ you don¡¯t want him to push himself, really, do you?¡± ¡°Yeah. Funnier that way.¡± Daggat¡¯s normal approach wasn¡¯t going to work, it seemed. ¡°But, we want to push more logs, not less. Don¡¯t you want to beat¡­ uh¡­ ¡± he glanced around and pointed at the nearest gremlin squad also pushing logs, ¡°them. Right?¡± Gobma looked like he wanted to hit Daggat, but instead pinched his temples. ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡± ¡°We could easily push more logs without him, so why not let him heal? Then, when he is stronger, we can push even more!¡± The rest of the gremlins glared at him, some groaned. ¡°How¡¯s that work? Less gremlins, more logs? ARE YOU AN IDIOT?!¡± Gobma winced from the sound of his own yell. ¡°Wait! Wait, see, Hudd will slow us down. See? That is why we are slower. Right guys?¡± He nodded encouragingly to the gremlins. Zuss nodded and agreed, then Klaw. Following the strongest example, everyone else nodded along. Gobma growled. ¡°Fine.¡± Hudd smiled. ¡°BUT!¡± Every gremlin cringed back. ¡°If we don¡¯t beat those idiots over there, then I am going to feed him to the wargs. AND you too, smart ass.¡± Daggat cursed. The gremlins went back to pushing the log. Daggat approached Hudd. ¡°Thanks for the-¡± Daggat grabbed him by the shoulders and glared daggers at him. ¡°Listen to me! You are lucky. I didn¡¯t pull your ass out of the fire out of the goodness of my own heart. Do you understand?¡± Hudd winced. He would have been larger than Daggat, but with a broken leg, he was now the weakest gremlin. A notch below Daggat on the social ladder. ¡°I¡¯ll cover for you here. But you need to pay me back. Every night.¡± ¡°How? I have nothing.¡± ¡°Be my ears and eyes.¡± ¡°You want my ears?!¡± ¡°No¡­ listen. You go into camp at night, right? Listen to what people say. Look at what¡¯s happening. Then you tell me anything interesting. See?¡± ¡°Uh, ok?¡± Hudd smiled sheepishly. ¡°Just¡­ listen for any mentions of levels, skills, experience, or anything you don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Maggat! This is your stinking mess. Help us clean it up.¡± That was Klaw, they were already pushing the log. Sneering, Daggat turned back to Hudd. ¡°For now, follow me.¡± Ignoring the insults streaming from the gremlins, Daggat led Hudd to the front of the rolling log. He squirmed. Daggat picked up a stone, and tossed it to the side. ¡°We are going to move ahead of the log and move anything in the way. Got that?¡± Hudd nodded. Getting stuck on branches, rocks, and other debris was a big time waster the previous day. Daggat figured this was easier than pushing the log, but probably more helpful. After the third log, Klaw stopped yelling insults at him, finally seeing the progress they were making. Zuss was the one to point it out, how much faster they were. Like tiny candles being lit in their heads, each gremlin understood. One by one, they started moving ahead of the log, moving stones to the side. Each gremlin had a satisfied look on their face. Daggat felt his eye twitch. ¡°You¡­ IDIOTS! How can we ALL clear the path? Someone needs to push.¡± The gremlins stared at him for a moment, then looked back to the log. Glut pointed at Daggat, confused. ¡°NO!¡± He sighed, and hopped onto a nearby stump. ¡°Listen, we can¡¯t all do this. Just two is enough, see? Hudd and I will keep going, everyone else just follow us with the log.¡± ¡°Why you?¡± Klaw asked. Daggat wanted to strangle him. ¡°Because I know which rocks to move.¡± ¡°Ain¡¯t that hard. The ones in the way. Oh! Am I smart now, Dag?¡± Glut asked innocently. Gobma noticed the pause in work and started moving towards them. Daggat swallowed nervously. ¡°No, you ain¡¯t. Gobma¡¯s coming this way. Just trust me¡­ when have I failed you all before?¡± The gremlins racked their brains trying to find an example of Daggat¡­ well¡­ interacting with them before. ¡°Exactly¡­ never!¡± ¡°Seems to me, the weakest should move rocks, other push.¡± Zuss spoke up. ¡°Yes! That¡¯s why its Hudd and me. Hudd is hurt, and I am small. Simple as mud.¡± Daggat beamed. Gobma stubbed a toe on a discarded stone, cursing. Daggat started to sweat. He could feel Gobma¡¯s boot already. ¡°But, you are not the weakest.¡± She coyly held her hands behind her back. ¡°I¡¯m just a girl. You boys are all stronger than me.¡± Daggat stared daggers at her. She stuck out a tongue at him when no one was looking. ¡°HEY! Get back to work, gremlins!¡± Time was up. Gobma was a few yards away. ¡°Fine.¡± He said quickly. No more time to argue. Swiftly making his way to the log, Zuss and Hudd picked back up removing stones from the path. Resigned to his fate, Daggat performed actual physical labor. They managed to push 16 logs that day. When Gobma told them it was time to stop, Daggat flopped to the ground like spilled jelly. He had never worked a day in his short life before. Minutes latter he tore himself from the ground to head to the camp. Suddenly, a large hand grabbed him by the back of the neck. He was lifted to be eye to eye with Gobma. His breath smelled of burnt grass, alcohol, and the particularly rank scent of aged goblin spit. ¡°You got lucky this time gremlin.¡± His eyes unfocused. ¡°Daggat. But don¡¯t try to get smart with me. You pull anything like that again, and I¡¯ll break you. When I speak, you listen. Understand?¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Daggat nodded vigorously. He fought to keep a scowl off of his face. Then Gobma tossed him, roughly, to the ground. Two other goblin called out to him, and he wandered their direction. Daggat was left in the dirt, fuming. Eventually, his legs began to work again, and he crawled to camp. Some idiot had left a bird roasting near a fire unattended. Daggat stuffed it into his mouth and scurried away. The previous day, he was overwhelmed with the revelry. Today, he wanted to explore. But first, he needed his backup. He found Glut slurping down a still wriggling toad. ¡°Glut! Come on, we have exploring to do.¡± Glut gulped, then gave Daggat a large smile. ¡°Sure thing, Dag. Where we going?¡± ¡°Just follow me and look tough if anyone tries to start something.¡± The two of them scampered into the camp. Dusk was a busy time, it seemed. Goblins came and went from half tent, half shack like structures. Some just waking, others heading to their personal spaces to sleep. The communal kitchen was both for the nights meal or their breakfast. Goblins tended to ignore them, but there was the occasional jeer from other gremlins. They had instinctively formed cliques of three to five. Daggat himself has done this. But, he ignored them. They wouldn¡¯t attack him, not unless he had something they could take. Daggat had nothing, as did Glut. Eventually, he found what he was looking for. The shamans hut. It was a solid structure, more solid than any other. Not goblin make, for sure. Rather, it seemed to be the remnant of a much older stone ruin with additions of logs and mud. Just from the outside, it stunk of rot, incense, spices, and mint. Smoke drifted out of the patchwork roof and, from the sounds, someone was within. Daggat rubbed his hands together. ¡°Glut, hey¡­ can you do me a favor?¡± ¡°Anything, Big brutha.¡± Daggat hadn¡¯t remembered when or how he convinced Glut that Daggat was his older brother, but it had stuck. ¡°Knock on that door.¡± Glut waddled towards the door without a word, excited to do something so straight forward. Daggat found a nearby hiding spot. Now, he only waited. Glut knocked on the door. Nothing happened. Daggat mouthed at him to knock louder. Glut just turned his head, his ears flopping to one side. ¡°Knock LOUDER.¡± He hissed once he lost patience. Glut kicked the door several times. A roaring ¡°WHAT?!¡± resounded from within. The door slammed open, and the shaman poked his head out. This goblin, a nilbog actually, had red skin, rather than green. His ears had been burned off sometime in the past. Now, black and red lumps of flesh clung to the sides of his head. The shaman looked around. Glut looked up at him with a passing interest. ¡°What now?¡± Glut called to Daggat. Daggat just watched. The shaman then noticed the gremlin. He sneered, and kicked him. He flew with the grace of a mud ball, then tumbled to a stop a few paces from Daggat. Now Daggat knew what the shaman was like. Or, at least, he knew more than he did before. He was NOT one Daggat could simply ask about his mysterious powder. ¡°You alive?¡± He asked the groaning pile of gremlin. ¡°Uh huh, ouch¡­¡± He stood, wincing and rubbing at his stomach, where the shaman had kicked him. ¡°Good! Now, let¡¯s not do that again.¡± Glut agreed. Diplomacy was not an option. So, Daggat would need to turn to trickery. He grinned and licked his lips. It was clear that the shaman had poor hearing. That could be useful. Somehow, Daggat had to get inside. The shack was tight, the only entrance being the door itself and an opening in the roof to let out smoke. He chewed on this problem for a little while. He was interrupted by Gluts soft snoring. Briefly, he envied Gluts ability to sleep anywhere at any time. It was getting late, and Daggat was still bone weary from before. But, he had a puzzle before him. He would not rest until it was solved. Ignoring his brother, Daggat skulked towards the hut. He circled it. There was a gap where the ruins met the newer construction. He clambered up the wall and peered in. Normally, he would be afraid of making noise. Not with this target. Inside, the shaman was sitting on a small cot, eating something from a bowl. He scratched himself, then continued to chew lazily. Daggat frowned. He was expecting something more grand, more¡­ mysterious. This was just a goblin having a late night snack. But, still, there were treasures in that shack. Through the hole in the roof, Daggat had seen goblins enter the shack and leave changed. Larger, scarier, smaller, faster, some with flaming hair, some crackling with energy. All manors of changes and transformations. Those were the treasures he was after, not the actual trinkets that he had scattered throughout it. After what felt like an eternity, the nilbog crawled into his cot with a groan, and rolled over to sleep. That was his chance. Daggat eyed the hole in the roof. It was situated directly above a large cauldron thick with burned scraps and sludge. Quickly, he scurried over to Glut. He was still sprawled out on the ground, one snot bubble growing and shrinking in time with his snores. Daggat kicked him, gently, in the ribs. ¡°Get up. I need you.¡± Blearily, Glut followed. Two minutes later, Daggat was standing on Gluts shoulders. With a leap, he grabbed onto a convenient hand hold he had spotted earlier. Then he scampered to the roof. There were some advantages to being as light as a cat. Nimbly, Daggat lowered into the shack and swung himself to avoid landing in the cauldron. It was cold, but even a half-deaf nilbog would hear the clatter if he fell into it. The inside of the shaman reeked of body odor and charcoal. Hints of mints, herbs, and spices did little to cover the smell. The walls were absolutely cluttered with knickknacks and trinkets. Small bones, floating eyes in jars, dried flowers, and jars of who-knows-what. Ingredients for the concoctions. While fascinating, these were not what Daggat was looking for. With the occasional glance to the sleeping shaman, he searched. He opened countless jars, bags, and boxes. One such box was full of useless gold and silver coins. Then he turned his attention to the shaman himself. His eyes immediately flicked to a small pouch at his side. Did he dare? Of course he did. Luckily, Daggat had practice in this exact situation. Gingerly, he stood next to the cot. It came to just below his chin. With the care of a surgeon, he moved to untie the pouch. But there was nothing to untie. Rather, a leather loop was attached around the shamans belt. It couldn¡¯t be removed without removing his belt. Instead, he carefully undid the string keeping the bag shut. Fine, white powder spilled from the pouch. Daggat almost cackled in glee but covered his mouth to stop it. Immediately, Daggat tossed the contents of a random glass bottle and scooped the powder into it. Now, he only had to get out. Luckily, the door would be locked from the inside, so all he had to do was open the door and¡­ Daggat froze. There was a simple block on a nail that kept the door closed. It was latched at the TOP of the door. Who did that? In what world would anyone want to have to reach up to unlock the door? It was far to high for Daggat. He paced in place for a while while deciding what to do, keeping one eye on the sleeping Shaman. He felt some respect for the shaman drip away. He was actively being robbed, and the shaman was just SLEEPING. No mind that it was Daggat robbing him, but still. You would expect some competence. Daggat could not reach the block. Climbing the wall of trinkets would be a mistake. He might be the size of a cat, but he did not have the grace of one. He would likely wake the shaman that way. The hole wasn¡¯t even in the running for potential escape routes, it was far too high. Daggat shook himself awake as his eyelids became heavy. If he didn¡¯t hurry, he would end up sleeping here. In his tired state of mind, he wished he could simply fly out. That sparked a memory. Why was he here in the first place? To figure out the shamans strange magics. Some of the goblins had left taller or stronger. If he could do the same, then he would be able to open the door or leap out. Daggat more or less knew the process. He had spied on the shaman long enough. He would mix random objects in the cauldron, sprinkle the powder, then bring it to a boil. Whoever drank the concoction would change. But, he produced a lot at a time. Surely he saved some? Daggat did another once over of the shack. Several jars were filled with liquids he didn¡¯t recognize. Each of these had simple pictures or symbols drawn onto them. But he couldn¡¯t make heads nor tails of what they meant. The shaman snorted and adjusted in his cot. Daggat was short on time. He grabbed the first bottle he saw with any hint that it could help him. It depicted a stick figure drawing of a goblin above the clouds. Could this be flight? He opened and sniffed the bottle. Daggat gagged. It smelled of rotten eggs and sewage, but there was a hint of¡­ morning breeze? He glanced at the shaman. His face was visible. Drool began to pool in his wrinkles. He could wake at any time. Daggat steeled himself, then drank the potion. The potion tasted as bad as it smelled, but it had a strange, light texture. Like he was drinking thick fog, rather than a liquid. Daggat then grabbed his aching stomach. He stifled a cry of pain. Panic began to overtake the pain. He had messed up. What was he thinking, drinking a random potion. It was poison, surely. Rage threatened to boil to the surface. This was how it ended? Poisoning himself while trying to rob the shaman? How embarrassing. He stumbled as the pain grew. It was a pressure, a building force in his stomach and guts. At any moment, he would explode. Daggat held onto the cauldron for support, and it fell. The clatter broke the silence. Snorting, the Shaman woke. Well, he was awake now, so Daggat didn¡¯t have to hold back. He groaned in pain, low and long. He looked up into the night sky as the shaman tried to take in the situation. From here, he could see the Fountain. A beam of light that marked the north. His legs began to shake, and he heard a gurgle from within his own body. Finally, mercifully, just as he could no longer stand the pain, the pressure released. The explosive passing of gas sent Daggat hurtling through the hole in the ceiling. The shack shook from the force of the flatulence, and the deafening noise woke half the camp. Daggat didn¡¯t think. He only screamed while he flew through the air. Daggat was glad none of his siblings were there to see his shame, and desperately hopped the shaman wouldn¡¯t recognize him. Daggat True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 2 Attributes [1]: Strength: 4 Dexterity: 5 Constitution: 4 Intelligence: 13 Will: 4 Charm: 4 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Biotraits [1]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Daggat 5: Man Vs. Snake In the coming weeks, Daggat settled into a rhythm. Work, revel, experiment, and sleep. It took him a few days to find a suitable container for his experiments. If he was going to discover how to replicate the shamans magic on his own, he would do it right. It ended up being a clay bowl. In Daggat¡¯s defense, most of the bowls in the camp were chipped, cracked, or stained. For his first experiment, he filled the bowl from a rain water barrel, found the skull of a rat and some tobacco, and mixed it together. The ingredients looked like the sort of stuff he found in the shack. He looked dubiously at his concoction, then shrugged and sprinkled a pinch of the powder into the bowl. The powder was incredibly fine, like ash, but somehow slick. Nothing happened. Maybe he needed fire? He took his bowl and scampered towards the communal kitchen. He found an empty stone near the fire and placed the bowl. A few minutes latter, it began to change. The liquid instantly transformed into a brown, sludgy liquid. But, a different kind of brown sludge than before. It was progress. [Feat accomplished: Fledgling Alchemist. Cause: Condense essence into a liquid form. Reward: One level in alchemy] Daggat did a quick backflip in joy, then danced a little jig. Several goblins attention was drawn by his mad cackle. Most ignored him. ¡°What have you there, Daggat?¡± Daggat¡¯s laughter halted. He slowly looked up. Looming above him was Gobma. He gave Daggat a cat grin. ¡°You made me, your generous boss, a snack? THANK YOU, Squadie.¡± ¡°Wait! No, this isn¡¯t soup!¡± As much as Daggat hated Gobma, drinking that potion all at once would be madness. Memories of Daggat¡¯s impromptu flight flashed before him. Gobma grabbed the bowl before Daggat could take it. ¡°Ha! Nice try, runt.¡± Daggat dashed away from the potential goblin bomb. Gobma sniffed the bowl, then took a sip. He immediately spat it out and gagged. ¡°What IS this, ugh.¡± Daggat held his breath, but no explosion came. Gobma cursed and tossed the bowl to the ground. With dismay, Daggat saw it shatter. ¡°Next time, stick to meat and potatoes.¡± Gobma walked way. His tiny rat tail swishing behind him as he went. Daggat¡¯s jaw dropped open. He had made something that did¡­ SOMETHING. Daggat imagined his future, a great shaman turning the goblins into armies of¡­ rat things. Maybe he needed more rat? Did the weed do anything? Now that he thought about it, the bowl had not been boiling. So, was heat actually needed? Or did it speed up the process, like with tea or broth? Ideas for more experiments overflowed from his mind. He almost didn¡¯t know where to begin. Over the next few weeks, he focused almost entirely on his experiments. He attempted different liquids. Water, grog, oil, and even piss once. He tried a multitude of ingredients. From rat parts, toad legs, herbs and flowers, even stoned and dirt. This is what he learned; Heat speed up the process, but was not strictly needed. Different ingredients had different results in the color and texture of the final brew. The liquid he used didn¡¯t seem to matter much, but there was a difference. Pure water worked faster and better than others. Grog, mud, and other mixed liquids seemed to add a consistent quality to the potion. He could tell if a potion was made from mud or grog at a glance, since he knew what to look for. The physical matter of the ingredients were transformed and settled into the bottom of the container he used. It had somehow transformed into more of the white powder. Soon, he had more than he started with. There was¡­ something about the potions that ate at the edge of his mind. Like an understanding just out of his reach. It was a connection between the ingredients and the result that was clearly there, but he couldn¡¯t name. More than one jar, bottle, or bowl was shattered in his frustration. As for the results, they were mixed. His tactic for testing them was simple. He would simply add the potion to food or grog, then leave them out. Eventually, SOMEONE would snatch the free food. Most potions did nothing. He found that only potions made of animal parts actually made an effect on the goblins. Mostly, they formed slight animal-like features. Subtle enough so they were not noticeable if you were not looking for them. Buck teeth, hair growth, slightly longer nails, and the like. The changes never lasted long. The longest was six seconds, and that was the result of using boiled water. No explosions, to Daggat¡¯s disappointment. He was tempted to use Glut as a test subject, or even trick Klaw, but he wouldn¡¯t risk them getting hurt. He doubted he could find replacements for them if they died. He was sure essence had something to do with how potions worked, but he had no idea what that was. Only that it was mentioned by the feat. There was also the alchemy skill. That frustrated Daggat most of all. What was the point of gaining a skill if he didn¡¯t know what that meant, how to use it, or how to even view it. What other skills did he have, but not know about? Each day became a familiar pattern. Wake up, work, revel through the night, work on an experiment, then curl up with his crew to sleep. Klaw, Zuss, Glut, and Daggat naturally gravitated towards each other, and they even found a home of sorts. A nest to nestle in at night. Some instinct and proto-memory told them they were all born from the same mother. Goblins held little regard for family ties, or any bond for that matter. However, they did believe in strength in numbers. They likely had dozens of other siblings, who may have gravitated the same way. These four had simply left the mud pits around the same time. One morning, Daggat woke to find words floating in his vision. [You have earned enough Growth Experience to level. One monster level gained. One Biotrait Point Gained. All attributes increased by 1. One growth point available. ] Daggat almost whooped with excitement. Finally, this was SOMETHING. He had done nothing to earn experience, so perhaps it was gained as he grew as a gremlin. From childhood to adulthood. He was still quite young, but if that was the case, then he might expect more levels in the future. After a series of subtle questions, it was discovered his siblings also had the same happen to them. That days work was done quickly, and with glee. Even Gobma was annoyed by Daggat¡¯s good mood. That night, the siblings crashed into the revelry with joy. Klaw had managed to steal a bowl of gravy from someone not paying attention, while Zuss snagged several fish from the fire. Daggat¡¯s contribution to the meal was a particularly large rat, only partially burned. Glut had a large bottle of something, but when he showed the group a passing goblin simply lifted it from his hands. Tonight was a night to celebrate their growth. During their feast, there was a commotion. Screaming, unlike any Daggat had heard. It was deep, not as deep as an orc or ogre, but desperate. Ragged, like a scream of loss and rage. Several goblins ran towards it. Daggat felt himself being pulled along by curiosity and the will of the horde. More and more goblins, and other creatures, joined the crowd as they moved towards one side of the camp. Daggat noted with worry most goblins brandished cruel looking knives and hooks. The wall on this side of the camp was not yet finished. Sounds of combat squirmed their way between the cries and boos of goblins. But, Daggat couldn¡¯t see anything. Looking around, he spotted a pile of boxes. Sitting atop of it was a drunk gremlin. ¡°Come on, this way.¡± He led the others to the boxes. Scrambling up them quickly, he kicked the gremlin off the top. ¡°Oh no¡­ sorry you fell!¡± The gremlin was too drunk to do anything about it. From the boxes, Daggat had a clear view. At the center of the crowd of goblins was a warrior. He assumed it was a warrior from the bright and gleaming sword it held. But, it was not a species Daggat was familiar with. About the size of an orc, but with skin like a hairless ogre. It was ugly, with smooth skin with little to no variation. No sense of artistry to it. He, Daggat assumed it was male, was clad in armor. Arms free, but the body and legs were covered in thin plates. Unlike goblin armor, this was uniform and shiny, saved only by the smears of blood and the few dents. At its feet were the corpses of three goblins. With horror, Daggat realized none of them where Gobma. Nor were the corpses behind him. Two wargs, an ogre, several orcs, and countless goblins. A line of death and destruction. The warrior was screaming.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Come on! Fight me!¡± Tears streamed down his face. He lept at the throng of goblins. They scurried away from him. Snarling and jeering at him, but they kept their distance. Behind the warrior, a hobgoblin inched forward. Hobgoblins were smaller, lankier goblins. Weaker, but far sneakier. It held a jagged dagger. There was a savage expresion on its face. An expression Daggat had never seen before. A glee, but not one sourced from fun and revelry. Just before it stabbed the intruder in the back the warrior twirled around. His sword glinted in the light of dozens of torches. The hobgoblins head tumbled to the ground a moment latter. Daggat could do nothing but watch, jaw hanging open. A rush of rage and excitement surged through him. The only one allowed to kill a goblin was another goblin! He started yelling along with the crowd. The others jeered along with him. This was real entertainment! A goblin who Daggat had seen a handful of times boss others around walked forward. He wielded two daggers, each covered in a dim green light. Two tongues flicked out of his mouth. Moz Snakebite. Rumors spoke that he split his own tongue, to be cool, but lost his sense of taste. Daggat wasn¡¯t sure of his actual place in the camp, but he was one of the big bosses that told the gremlin squad bosses what to do. Clan leader of the Snakebites. The crowd cheered. The warrior struck quickly, but Moz blocked the blow with both daggers. He rolled between the humans legs and struck at both sides of his ribs with daggers. They sparked off his armor. Then Moz was flying through the air. It took Daggat a moment to realize Moz had been kicked. The movement was so quick, Daggat couldn¡¯t follow it. But Moz was not so easily defeated, being a true goblin warrior. He landed ready to sprint, boots cutting deep gouges in the earth where he landed. Running towards the invader, he laughed with savage glee. To Daggat¡¯s astonishment, the warrior slashed through the air while Moz was still a ways away. What a moron! Even Daggat wouldn¡¯t miss that badly. Three slashes cut through the air. Yet, Moz dodged anyway. The first two slashes resulted in a line of dirt being thrown into the air, as though the warriors sword was incredibly long. The third was ducked by Moz and slammed into five goblins at the edge of the impromptu arena. Three of the were disemboweled and an others arm simply fell off. Their screams of pain were overtaken by the crowds excitement. No one helped Moz fight. Daggat knew instinctualy this was not some sense of goblin honor, as if that could exist. Rather, no one else was crazy enough to fight THAT. The Snakebiter leader seemed to disappear when he got close to the warrior. Appearing and disappearing quickly with each step. The warrior held up his sword in a guard position. It wasn¡¯t enough. Moz erupted from beneath the warrior, spinning. There was a splash of red blood tinged with green light and the warrior stumbled back. Snakebitter¡¯s two tongues waggled at him. The warriors face, from the top of his neck to the forehead, had a long, red gash. Black poison was already spreading like tendrils from the wound. It roared in pain and anger. He took a large breath of air, and with the exhale, the poison seemed to leak out of him. Black poison and red blood dripped off his chin. Wild, maddened eyes snapped at Moz, who was bent over, pants down, mooning the warrior. The crowd exploded in laughter. Moz dodged another attack with a graceful flip, which landed him with his pants back in place, then he bowed. Daggat laughed along with the crowd. He glanced to his crew, each of them were also enjoying themselves. ¡°Enough!¡± The warrior cried out. With a quick motion, he pulled a small ball from a pouch. He popped it in his mouth, and bit. A second later, lightning struck. It slammed into the warrior with the crash of thunder. There were no clouds in the sky to produce it. Once the smoke cleared, someone had replaced the warrior. No, Daggat realized. Not replaced. It was the same man. But he had changed. He stood straighter, more confident. Electricity crackled around him. Most shockingly, his hair had become a golden tangle of light. Like tiny lightning bolts frozen in time. His eyes glowed white. This was the effects of a potion, Daggat was sure. Was this the possibility of alchemy? Could he produce these effects? He imagined Zuss with this power, fast as lighting. Or Klaw, striking with the power of thunder. Daggat decided to redouble his efforts with his experiments. The warrior took a sprinters stance, sword low and behind him. There was a reverse pulse. A force that swelled and then poured into the warrior. Invisible, but sensed through the dust, dirt, and debris moving quickly towards him. It burst out of him, sending a ring of bloody mud charged with energy to splatter out from him. Then, he was gone. Not gone¡­ he was past Moz. On the other side, same pose but with the sword on the other side. Moz stopped laughing. Then he fell over. A second later, his legs fell over as well. With organs spilling beneath him and crackling with electricity, Moz died. There was a moment of silence. Screams of rage replaced the laughter. Daggat stopped his cackling as well. His blood ran cold. He could hear Glut start to cry. Moz, the dozens of dead, the bystanders cut down. They all suddenly felt real. Daggat was vulnerable. If Moz could just be cut down like that, Daggat could die any second. He felt panic start to take control. Zuss shakily climbed down from their perch. But Daggat had to see. He had to see what would happen next. Goblins, Snakebiters Daggat assumed, rushed him. To their credit, they did not hesitate. He cut down each one with ease. Now the intruder was laughing. ¡°Is that all you have! Bring out your chief. I challenge them! Then I will kill them. Then each and every one of you monsters!¡± He laughed madly. Daggat was suddenly worried. Should he be running? A few gremlins and goblins were. Ultimately, his curiosity won out over his cowardliness. Silently, he cursed his insatiable curiosity. After the sixth goblin killed, the crowd shifted, It was parting like a school of fishing parting around a shark. Skulking through the crowd, a nearly visible aura of rage around her, was a monster. It was a goblin in the same way a dragon was a lizard. She hunched over, long, matted hair dragging through the mud. Muscles seemed to tear the skin apart, leaving lines of red to accent her green skin. Her eyes, teeth, and claws were all blood red and wickedly sharp. She wore a silver wolf coat that piled upon her back and dragged behind her. Daggat shivered as he realized what this was. Chieftain Rika, the blood goblin. She spoke with the voice of crone. Even spoken as a whisper, it seemed to grind into Daggat¡¯s ears. ¡°I am here, human. Do you seek death?¡± A human. Daggat had heard about them, but had never seen one before. The crowd quieted down. ¡°I do! Yours.¡± He said it almost theatrically. ¡°Who are you? The milk maid? Have you run out of warriors?¡± Rika growled. It sounded like the cracking of bones. But, she remained calm. ¡°I am Chieftain Rika of the Head-taker goblins. Who are you? Why do you break our agreement?¡± She pointed a putrid claw at him. ¡°Your Chief is an old woman? Ha! No wonder this filth is so weak.¡± He was breathing heavily. Like a cornered badger fighting to the death. Not exhausted, but eager. ¡°I¡¯ll indulge you. I am Samuel Ackland. Guard captain of Fountwich. Third strongest human on this side of the forest.¡± ¡°What have we done to break our treatise? We have left your territory alone.¡± ¡°I shit on your treatise, you will all die soon. For the murder of my wife, I will lay waste to you and all you have built.¡± Rika raised a long, white eyebrow. Then she chuckled. ¡°Oh, laugh while you can. I found her. I saw what you did. The mutilation¡­ the cruelty. You left her coins and jewelery, but took her head! She was no threat to you. But, I promise, I AM!¡± ¡°Are you married to that whore we found yesterday? She came into our territory to steal. She paid for her mistake. You know the rules and the consequences.¡± The humans face was red with fury. More blood dripped from his wound. ¡°Murderers! All of you. Goblins are too weak to satisfy my revenge¡­ but I will still cull you from the forest like the rot you are!¡± There was another inverse burst of energy like before. Both the human and Rika disappeared and reappeared a few steps from where the human began. A gust of wind followed. They had moved too fast to see. Rika¡¯s fist was solidly jammed into his gut. There was a moment where Daggat could see the shock on his face. Then, he was launched upwards several feet. ¡°True. My goblins area weak.¡± The human slammed into the ground, groaning. ¡°But, they live under my protection. Their kills are my kills. Their experience becomes my experience. This tribe exists to strengthen me so I can strengthen it!¡± She stomped on his sword, still in his grasp. It shattered. ¡°Not the other way around, like you humans do it. You thought you had angered a hive. No. You angered a BEAR.¡± In her dash, the coat had fallen. Rika¡¯s wings stretched and writhed like serpents. They were bat-like, with green skin connecting spike-like bones. ¡°A beast that will feast on all I can get claws into. And guess what?¡± He tried to punch her, but the blow was like a child slapping a gorilla. ¡°Because of your stupidity, anger, and suicidal madness, those claws will turn towards your family. Whats left of it, anyway.¡± Rika shifted her grip quick as a viper. Then with a smooth motion, ripped off the human¡¯s head. The lightning faded into normal hair, and the energy faded away. The crowd cheered. The chieftain lifted a hand, and the crowd was silent. After a moment, she spoke. ¡°The treatise with the humans is over. They are free to be hunted. Swarm them. DEVOUR them. We are many, and it is time to take what should be ours. Now¡­ HEAD-CUTTERS!¡± The crowd surged forwards, several goblins produced long knives. To Daggat¡¯s horror, the goblins started brutally cutting the heads off the goblin corpses. Even the wargs, orcs, and the ogre. But, his eyes were glued to Rika. With a mad glee, she ripped the heart from the humans corpse and bit it like an apple. He couldn¡¯t handle so much horror at once. Finally, reluctantly, he scuttled away from his perch and into the night. Daggat True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [2]: Strength: 5 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 5 Intelligence: 14 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Act: Fledgling Alchemist Skills: Alchemy: 1 Biotraits [2]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Daggat 6: System Discovery Hudd, as a spy, was useless. He only reported trivial things; such and such goblin was doing one thing or another. Gossip and rumors. Still, Daggat listened. Since the declaration of war against humans, goblins have been busy. Constantly moving in and out of the camp in groups. Shiny trinkets started to appear around the village as well. Jewelery, bits of human armor, glass ware, and even human weapons. Other useless items were stolen as well, things Daggat would learn are called paper, books, scrolls, and maps. Still, he gathered whatever he could as ingredients for potions. But, without the fundamental understanding, Daggat was making no progress. One fortnight since the attack, the wall was finally complete. The camp had expanded into the making of a village. That night¡¯s revelry was grand. Hog the ogre, bruised and still slightly broken from a lesson taught by Rika days ago, placed two large dark barrels taken from the humans in the middle of the camp. The brew within was rich and potent, and everyone got a taste. After one thimbleful, Daggat¡¯s senses swam. Gobma, face bright red, was dancing with an equally drunk Glut. Even Rika and the clan leaders crawled from their respective lairs to participate. Daggat feasted with Zuss and Klaw, one upping each other with exaggerated stories and made up tales. The village leaders and the Nilbog Shaman joined Rika around the barrel of spirits. Daggat, decision making enhanced by the power of alcohol, saw an opportunity. A rare opportunity to listen in on the higher ups and get a better idea of how things worked. He skulked and scuttled his way towards them. Even an inebriated Daggat knew he would have to hide to not give away he was eavesdropping. A sack laid open nearby, and Daggat crawled in. It was a bag of dirty potatoes. Well, beggars can¡¯t be choosers. He strained his hearing to listen to them and peered through a hole in the sack. Lijj Snakebitter, who took over her fathers position, wobbled on her feet. ¡°I¡¯m telling ya¡­ just a few barrels of snake rot into their well. Clear out the town.¡± Hogo brittleblade, a large bugbear who wore armor made of tied together rusted blades snorted. ¡°And give up the experience? Nah¡­ just gotta fight ¡®em. Go in and¡­¡± He waved a sword in the air enthusiastically. Gobog Glitterteeth ducked to avoid the blade, then grinned. Light glinted off actual diamond teeth as he spoke. ¡°What?¡± asked the shaman. Everyone ignored him. ¡°Hogo, you think too small! Let them build and make things. Then we take it slowly¡­ milk them like a pig!¡± Liji giggled as she watched the sword continue to flail in the air. Another leader, John greenthru, who appeared to be just¡­ a normal goblin, simply watched. Rika spoke, her voice sawing through the chatter. ¡°After that human, I¡¯ve almost leveled. He was¡­ potent. Still weak, naturally. Just a few more feasts¡­¡± Daggat¡¯s heart nearly skipped a beat. ¡°For now, we just need one, maybe two more successful attacks. Pick them off. Don¡¯t let them escape. We can¡¯t afford to lose the experience.¡± ¡°What trait are ya going to¡­ going to¡­ gonna.¡± Liji looked like she was holding back vomit. ¡°Gonna enhance this time, boss?¡± This was it! The missing piece. Daggat would have cheered. All he expected was just some hint at future plans now that the walls are done. Just a bit more information was all he needed. Daggat rolled as something large lifted the bag. Panic seized him. He swayed back and forth, dirt and potatoes clobbering him from all angles. ¡°Just dump them in. Stews getting low.¡± With a gurgle of fear, Daggat scrambled to crawl out of the bag. He managed to grab hold of cloth just in time for the bag to be turned inside out. By some miracle, Daggat managed to cling onto the bag as the rest of the contents tumbled out, splashing into a thick porridge below. Hanging from the bag, which was now inside out, Daggat could see Hog the Ogre holding the bag over a bubbling cauldron of the communal stew. He had a defeated expression on his face. A hungry looking pot seemed to stare up at Daggat like a waiting dog. A bubble launched boiling sludge onto his foot. The ogre peered at Daggat, who smiled up at him despite the burn. He appeared to have been seriously injured, not just beaten. Rika¡¯s work, he thought. ¡°This go in, too?¡± ¡°Umm¡­ no?¡± Daggat said, unsure. ¡°Right then.¡± The ogre tossed Daggat to the side. He hurtled, screaming, through the air. Time seemed to slow as the gremlin contemplated his life and upcoming death. The few short years he remembered flowed past. The long hours of work, the unending bullying from his peers, Gobma¡¯s stupid face, and every mystery unsolved. All in all, a terrible life, he thought. But, The last pieces of the mystery began to take shape. In the end, he gained clarity. Gaining a level to escape the pens. Rika almost leveling from slaying the human, and the simple question of what trait she would advance. Moments before he crashed into the ground, it clicked. In this world, you kill or feast to gain experience, which gives you levels if you do it enough. Traits can be enhanced by levels¡­ somehow. It was just out of reach. Teasing him. Seemed everyone except the gremlins could see this, use it, and interact with it. A system that governs growth and experience. [Feat achieved: System Knowledge. Cause: Discover the system. Reward: One level in System Aptitude.] Daggat was saved in the same instant text flowed through his vision. He could read it innately, but had no time as he crashed into the, relatively, soft body of a goblin on the far side of the communal fire area. Throbbing in pain, Daggat looked to see who had saved his life. Gobma glared back at him, one eye twitching in anger and dripping from the drink Daggat just spilled. Of all the goblins... The gremlin smiled up at him. Seconds latter, Daggat was desperately running from the drunk, enraged goblin. Weaving in and out of legs, stool legs, and other dangers. Bottles, bricks, and other objects were narrowly avoided. Finally, Daggat lost him, dashing through a tent and under the back. Daggat took time to catch his breath. Then he groaned. If Gobma remembered, he would get terrible treatment the next day. Well, he would find a way to shift that to someone else. Now, he had to focus on the priorities. The Mystery! Daggat danced in glee. He had solved it! Well, mostly. There was a change in his perception. As though he had a third eye that had been covered for his whole life, and suddenly the veil was lifted. He could see plainly with this new sight. A white void with a small blue box floating just above him. With the same instinct a newborn uses to breath for the first time, Daggat clicked the box.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Information flooded his second view, filling the white void with blue text. True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [2]: Strength: 5 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 5 Intelligence: 14 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Act: Fledgling Alchemist Knowledge: System Knowledge Skills: Alchemy: 1 System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [2]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Daggat stared for a long moment at the new information. There were more buttons to press. Which meant more information to be learned. One was labeled [Alchemy], another [Party]. Amazed, Daggat didn¡¯t hear the monsters approaching. ¡°What do we have here? A little morsel? Quick snack for tonights celebrations.¡± The voice was deep and ingoblin. It rumbled and growled, rather than spoke. Snapped out of his trance, Daggat saw the beast. A giant wolf loomed over him, draws dripping with saliva. Its eyes glowed red and its fur was black as oil. A warg. Behind him, four more red glints hinted at two other beasts. Daggat shook. ¡°Well? What brings you to our territory, little snack?¡± ¡°I was running¡­¡± Daggat could hardly speak. His words faded away into the chattering of teeth. The beast rumbled a laugh. ¡°What is wrong? Scarred?¡± It sniffed long and deep. Daggat felt something leave his body, mists of fear that only left despair behind. ¡°Yes. Delicious fear. Deeper than other gremlins. They have an¡­ instinctual fear. Like that of a rabbit or raccoon. Yours is more¡­ cerebral. You UNDERSTAND the danger you are in. Curious.¡± The other wargs approached, lapping up Daggat¡¯s fear. ¡°Please, I didn¡¯t mean to intrude. I¡¯ll be no bother, promise!¡± He looked for a solution, an escape. Nothing. He might be able to squeeze back the way he came, but they wouldn¡¯t just let him do that. ¡°Intrude? No, no. This is YOUR camp. We are guests.¡± Daggat relaxed a little, if they were guests, they wouldn¡¯t want to cause trouble. Right? ¡°Of course, no one would miss one gremlin.¡± Daggat fear spiked again and the three wargs inhaled sharply. ¡°What is your name, morsel?¡± ¡°Da- Daggat.¡± He squeaked out. ¡°Your fear is delicious, Daggat. You know how to despair. I have your sent. We will keep an eye on you, tasty gremlin.¡± The wargs parted. Their jaws seemed to quiver in excitement. ¡°Now¡­ run!¡± Daggat did. The three beasts chased him half heartedly, laughing and chortling. Spurned on by his fear, Daggat sprinted further into the night. Eventually, he found himself back at the communal fires. Glancing behind him, there were no red eyes in the dark. Only the dark of the goblin camp. A shadow that seemed to hunger for Daggat to return. ¡°Dag?¡± He screeched, turning to see Glut looking at him with a worried expression. He was wavering on his feet. ¡°Where were you?¡± Daggat grabbed his arms. ¡°Don¡¯t go into the dark! Wargs¡­¡± ¡°Dag?¡± Daggat felt stupid. They were probably just bullying him. Besides, they let him go. ¡°Nothing.¡± Suddenly he searched the goblins in the crowd. ¡°Where¡¯s Gobma?¡± Glut grinned. ¡°He fell asleep. Gobma was mad at you.¡± ¡°Yes, he was. You better not have screwed us over, Dag.¡± That was Zuss, calling from a perch above. She was eating mystery meat wrapped in flat bread. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out. I solved-¡± Daggat hesitated. The goblins didn¡¯t want the gremlins to know about the system, for some reason. He would have to discover why. He couldn¡¯t trust his siblings to keep it a secret. ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m tired. Going to go back to the nest early.¡± ¡°Alright. Well, be careful.¡± Zuss looked at him suspiciously. Without another word, he scurried off. The nest was what they called their little hole. An old tree that was uprooted left behind a deep hole, and it was covered with discarded scrap. Klaw found it, but Daggat discovered its potential. A hidden safe haven for the four of them. Klaw was already inside, curled up in a discarded cloth and snoring. Klaw wasn¡¯t one for crowds. They collected anything soft, warm, and comfortable. The walls were decorated with bits of glass, metal, and colorful stones. When all four slept here, it was cramped, but warm. It was their home. Daggat settled into his spot, then brought up his stats again. He may as well go down the list. He clicked expand next to gremlin. Species: gremlin Stage: Genseed Base Attributes: Strength: 3 Dexterity: 4 Constitution: 3 Intelligence: 2 Will: 3 Charm: 3 Biotraits: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance He had lost and regrown teeth before. Every gremlin and goblin did. But, now he knew it was a gremlin trait, not the norm. What was the norm? Did orcs regrow teeth? gremlins were tiny. He knew that, but what was normal size? Goblins? They were bigger, but they were also smaller than humans, orcs, and ogres. He closed the gremlin expanded information. The next button was to distribute growth points. Selecting it, he discovered he could place his growth points into whichever attribute he chose. His instinct was to enhance intelligence even more, but compared to his other stats¡­ well, he had plenty. Besides, he was already a genius. He could make himself stronger, faster, tougher. Increase his will to resist fear. Charm called to him. With more charm, he could better manipulate his peers. Daggat smiled wickedly. He was about to select charm, but then had a thought. He was already a genius, what was beyond that? He placed one point into intelligence and the other into constitution. Improve strengths, cover weaknesses. It was only logical. No point in being so smart if he was going to be weak. [Feat achieved, mighty intellect. Cause: Raise intelligence to 15. Reward: one skill point.] Instantly, he felt healthier. He breathed deeper. Various aches on his body that he didn¡¯t know were there faded away. At the same time, his mind cleared. Like there was a slight fog that was suddenly lifted. The effect was not as extreme as the effect on his body. Daggat almost shrieked in excitement at both the changes and the skill point, but didn¡¯t want to wake Klaw. Opening his full attribute list flooded his view with page upon page of information. Strength was broken down into different kinds of strength. Speed, mass, and angles for every part of his body. Constitution was even more complicated. Intelligence was an incomprehensible mess of symbols and math that seemed to wriggle and move. Daggat closed that information as his head spun. That was something to explore slowly, over time. Too much all at once. He decided to open the skill menu. There were dozens of options available. His head swam again. Daggat decided to hold off on a skill at the moment, at least until he figured out how they worked. Next was the biotraits. These were more straight forward, changes to his body. But now there were hundreds of choices. This was going to take a while to sift through. They were grouped into evolutions, which seemed to improve a body part, and grafts, which added new body parts. Organs, limbs, and the like. Settling down, he began to mull over the options. He didn¡¯t know how easy it was to come across experience to level, so he did not want to make a single mistake. Daggat True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 5 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 15 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Act: Fledgling Alchemist Knowledge: System Knowledge Ability: Mighty Intellect Skills[1]: Alchemy: 1 System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [2]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Anath 1: A tragic beginning In a dark room in a gloomy home, sat a little girl. The room was empty. No chairs, or toys, no bed or window. Not even a door. The only thing in the room, aside from the little girl, was the spider. The girl was crying into her cobweb dress, too afraid to look up. ¡°Please, go away.¡± She begged, for the hundredth time. For a long moment, nothing happened. ¡°No.¡± The spider whispered, voice directly behind her. Anath woke up with a start. It was the same recurring nightmare she always had. Anath¡¯s room was much like it was in her nightmare. This one did have a bed, though the sheets were shredded and the wood marked with countless cuts. The window was small, an attic window, and thick boards were nailed to keep it shut. Small cracks let the light through. The door to the rest of the house was locked from the outside. She yawned and stretched. She could feel her mandibles stretching wide, quivering with hunger. Her four extra legs extended and curled. These four legs sprouted from her back. They gleamed with black carapace and ended with dagger like points. Finally, she blinked her many eyes until the countless images slowly drifted into one complete vision. Then, she waited. She didn¡¯t have toys to play with. The spider had broken them. Eventually, a small flap opened at the bottom of her door. A tray slid inside. It smelled wonderful. Some sort of soup, a few rolls, and a cut of cheese. A few candles accompanied the food, as did a stack of papers. She sneered at them and replaced them with her own copy. Work sheets, poems, math problems, and lessons. Contents changing depending on the day. Leaning towards the flap, Anath asked, ¡°Father, do you think I could come out today? I know to stay away from windows.¡± There was a long moment of silence. ¡°Not¡­ not today.¡± The voice was strained, almost fearful. ¡°Some important people are meeting with me today. I will need you to be silent.¡± Her meager hopes sunk. ¡°Yes, father.¡± She ate her meal in silence. Then worked on her work books. She couldn¡¯t go to school with some of the other children, she knew better than to even ask, nor could a tutor come to her. So, this was how she learned. Sometimes, she would make stories from the puzzles and poetry, creating narratives of the outside world. The rest of her time was spent huddled in her bed, straining to catch glimpses through the window, or staring blankly at her statistics screen. She glared at her curse, willing it to go away. She remembered the angel of chaos visiting her. It had congratulated her on an interesting variant. She hated the angel of chaos almost as much as she hated the spider. She could see it, whenever she looked at her statistics. A spider made of glowing lines, like a child¡¯s drawing, that lurked in the corner of her most personal space, her status void. Anath waited until she could hear talking from below her. She dashed to a spot on the floor she discovered was best for listening in. Placing her ear to the floor, she heard the clinking of glasses and scraping of forks. An actual dinner. They had small talk as they ate, her father and some man. Anath nearly fell asleep from boredom before they had a more interesting topic. She refocused on the conversation. ¡°¡­ are you doing, Lord Fountwhich? Trade has been difficult, lately. Is it affecting the town?¡± ¡°Yes, it is.¡± Said her father. ¡°With Ackland missing, the roads have become more dangerous. It is becoming more and more expensive to convince drivers to risk the road east. Though, it has allowed me to focus more on trade through the gulf.¡± ¡°Silver linings!¡± The strangers voice was clear and concise. Younger than her father, for sure. ¡°Of course, trade by sea is always a gamble. Especially for an intermediary, like yourself.¡± ¡°What¡¯s life without hardship? I make do.¡± There was an awkward silence. ¡°Do you, Caleb?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± The tension in the room was felt even through the attic floor. ¡°I know you have debts. With your wifes¡­ accident, her family refuses to help. Near daily goblin attacks. And there are the rumors¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about!¡± Caleb spoke sternly, and quickly. ¡°Caleb¡­ Caleb, my friend. I feel for you, I do. You¡¯ve done a good job of sweeping it under the rug, of letting people forget.¡± ¡°Forget about what. I run a clean business, and I do not like what you are implying.¡± ¡°Your child, Caleb. There are still rumors. Some think your wife drowned it, then herself. Others believe she¡¯s locked in the cellar, as a bargaining chip against your late wifes family. More wild rumors than that float around, trust me.¡± ¡°Get out. Get OUT!¡± There was the clatter of silverware. ¡°How dare you bring this to me¡­ in my own home.¡± His voice was seething. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it myself, Caleb. Every night, a faint glow from the attic window. The crying, the screams... Neighbors think it is the ghost of your late wife. Lord or not, Caleb. I can bring the kings justice here, if I believe a child is being mistreated.¡± There was a long silence. Anath¡¯s breath stopped. He was talking about her! She tried to stay quiet, but her nightmares¡­ sometimes she woke screaming. Her hole body shook in fear over what he would say. Finally, her father spoke. ¡°What do you want?¡± He sounded weak, defeated. The same voice he used when speaking to her. ¡°Only your discretion, Caleb. Nothing more. Someone will be arriving soon. I just need you to make sure there is no trace of his passage.¡± ¡°That can be difficult¡­ the guilds are very perceptive.¡± ¡°I will offer 200 silver coins to be used in any way you see fit to solve that problem.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± ¡°No catch. He will not harm your town or people.¡± ¡°Smuggling is too risky. I¡­ run a clean business.¡± ¡°If only you could do the same for your household.¡± ¡°Damn you. Fine. But I don¡¯t want to see you again after this.¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s understandable. Once this business is concluded, I won¡¯t have need of you. Oh my, is it that late? I will see myself out, then.¡± Then he raised his voice. ¡°Have a good night, my dear!¡± Anath giggled. She imagined what this man looked like. A handsome nobleman, to be sure. No one had spoken to her except her father in¡­ She didn¡¯t know how long. When he left, she waited. It felt as though a weight was pressing on her stomach. Then she heard the familiar sounds of her fathers footsteps creeping up to the attic. The footsteps creeped close to the door. Slowly, the flap opened. ¡°Candles. Now!¡± He hissed, voice seething with rage. She hurriedly shoved them under the door. Then, he left her in the dark. Anath did not get any dinner that night. The next day, she had no choice but to wait in the dark. Wordlessly, he gave her dinner through the flap. It was cold, dry fish. Likely her meal from yesterday. She picked at it in the dark. Since then, her meals became less frequent. Every time he gave her them, she begged for the lights back. For hot food, or more water, or change her bedpan more frequently. Sometimes he obliged. Other times, he ignored her. When she began hearing another voice from below, a womans, she stopped getting food altogether. She became hungrier and hungrier as time went by. The woman came by more frequently. Anath could hear her giggle through the floor boards. One day, she risked yelling for help when she heard the woman. She wasn¡¯t used to using her voice, so it was weak. But, someone heard. Footsteps climbed the stairs quickly. Anath shivered in fear, they sounded angry. Someone fiddled with the locks outside her door.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Her father opened the door with anger. He held a lamp to light his way. The furry, fear, and disgust on his face was warped into a monstrous facade. ¡°Be silent, girl! You are lucky I don¡¯t just¡­ just¡­¡± Tears ran down his face. ¡°Just¡­ please be quiet.¡± ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Please, papa.¡± Her voice was light and desperate. His face softened for a moment, then he finally looked directly at her. The immediate disgust that settled over his face filled her with shame. She knew that disgust. She felt it every day, whenever she was reminded of the spider. He slammed the door, and relocked it. Anath cried herself to sleep that night. She didn¡¯t know what to do. Yelling for help would enrage her father, which was the last thing she wanted to do. He was never violent with her, but yet he still frightened her. Once, she reached through the flap in the door to see if there was anything she could find. Anything at all. Her hand brushed against something warm, and it squeaked. She nearly tore her arm off from how quickly she pulled it back through the flap. A rat. If there were rats in the attic¡­ maybe some other critters could be as well? Desperation won over disgust. She used some wadded up cloth shreds to prop open the door flap. About an hour latter. A rat inched its way inside, tentatively exploring its new environment. Then, the spider struck. That night, she didn¡¯t have a nightmare. But, when she woke, she looked up at her bed. Not up, she realized. Down. Her spider legs held her to the ceiling. She shrieked, then dropped on the bed. Minutes latter, she heard the footsteps. Her father slumped on the other side of the door. ¡°Please¡­ jush go way.¡± His voice was slurred and slow. She could smell the alcohol on him. Slowly, she opened the door flap. ¡°Please, help me, father¡­¡± she begged. Then she slid the dried husk of the rat through. ¡°The spider is winning.¡± Her father screamed. The sound of his sprint was swiftly followed by his tumble down the stairs. Anath cried softly, but she had no tears left. Later, the sun shone through the window. With nothing to lose, she once again tried to peer through the cracks. Lifting her body was getting harder by the day, but this time, the spider helped. She didn¡¯t ask it to. It has been moving on its own. With its help, she was easily able to climb the wall. She had never reached this high, she strained her self to get a clear peak at the sky. But, now, she could look down. A boy was playing on the street outside. He swung a stick like a sword. Anath smiled, her heart fluttering. She reached out to touch the window, and the top plank fell. It wasn¡¯t fully attached! Her view immediately expanded, but the movement caught the boys attention. He looked up and met her eyes. Then, his went wide with shock and fear. He ran. Anath felt like she was stabbed through the heart. Then she realized the spider was holding her to the wall still. She forced it back, pushed it away. It fought her for a moment, then she fell. She curled where she landed. He had seen her. SEEN her. She wasn¡¯t supposed to let anyone see. No one was supposed to know that her father kept a monster in his attic. She felt guilt, fear, and¡­ rebellion. An excitement for breaking the rules. Over the next few days, the spider ate three more rats and one bat. The act disgusted Anath. So much she wanted to vomit. But, try as hard as she could, she was not able to stop the spider from feeding. One night, she woke to sobbing outside her door. Her father was slumped outside of it, reeking of brandy. He kept whispering her mothers name, kept apologizing, and he prayed. Anath felt numb to this. To far removed to feel normal emotions. Almost casually, she asked him, ¡°Father, am I a monster?¡± He cried louder. ¡°Yes¡­ oh divine¡­ yes. I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t have the strength.¡± He fled her door, once again. This time, he dropped something. She reached through the flap in the door. Easily, she pulled the object into her room. It was dark, but she could feel its shape, and its sharpness. A dagger. Some time latter, she didn¡¯t know, Anath was startled by a sound at the window. A thunk. Another one hit shortly after. Then a minute later, a stone flew into her room through he gap in the window. She felt for it. The stone had a wrapping of some sort. She smoothed it out. Using the light from the window, she discovered it was a note. Parchment wrapped around the stone. It simple read ¡°Hello.¡± She was never more thankful that her mother taught her to read before the¡­ accident, than she was now. The spider pulled her up the wall, and she let it. Looking out, the boy had returned. He waved at her, smiling. She smiled back. He wrote another message on a piece of cloth this time, and wrapped it around the rock. He motioned to throw it. She ducked out of the way. He managed to hit the target his first try. After scrambling to read the letter, her heart sank. ¡°Are you a really a monster?¡± She still had charcoal from her work sheets. On the back of the cloth, she wrote ¡°Yes¡±. Then she wrapped it in the stone, and threw it back. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at him. A few minutes later, and a few attempts, another stone came through the window. Then there was shouting, her father was telling him off. Afraid that she wouldn¡¯t see him again, she read the cloth message. ¡°I want to talk to you. Can you break out?¡± Light seemed to cascade from within her soul. He wasn¡¯t afraid of her. For the first time far too long, she cried tears of joy and relief. Several rats and one brave bird later, another stone hit her window. Eagerly, she crawled up the wall. It was dusk, but she could barely make him out. He waved at her, then beckoned her towards him. She thought of how to break free over the last few days. She spent most of that time resolving her heart. She hadn¡¯t heard from her father since then. She took the dagger, and used it to pry at the planks. The top pulled out easily. The second, not so much. She pulled and pulled, but it wouldn¡¯t budge. Then, the spider tried. Using the leverage of six legs, it wrenched free. She did the same with the last. Then, using the dagger, she broke away the last of the wood panel window. Before her was a hole she could barley squeeze through. Anath hesitated. She had only been outside the house a handful of times, and that was with her mother. She had nothing in this room, but still. She had a feeling if she left, she would never come back. That was ok. The spider was keeping her alive, but that was not living. She longed to be free. To play with the boy and to eat hot food again. To bathe and to wear something other than a single over sized shirt. Footsteps climbed the stairs to the attic. Steeling herself, she crawled through. The dusk air was biting, it was mid autumn. But it was welcome. The boy looked up at her with awe. Briefly, she worried about how she would get down. The attic was on the fourth floor of the large home. The spider solved that problem without asking. She squeaked in surprise as the legs lowered her down the side of the wall. She stumbled when she got to the bottom. The boy was slack jawed as he watched the display. Awkward, Anath waved at him. ¡°H¡­ hi.¡± She said, sheepishly. The boy snapped out of it. He then looked serious. He had a large jaw and piercing eyes. Despite still being a boy, to Anath, he looked how she imagined the heroes of her reading lessons looked. ¡°Good job. But, we¡¯re in the open. C¡¯mon, I know a place.¡± He spoke seriously. Too seriously, with the same cadence of children playing as guards. But Anath only heard determination. He took her hand, and then ran between the houses. Anath felt like her heart was going to leap from her chest. Not from the exercise, though she was certainly not used to it, but from sheer excitement. He led her to the edge of town, taking routes where they wouldn¡¯t be spotted. It seemed like he had this practiced. Was that why it took so long for him to contact her? She smelled the ocean breeze, but they were going to opposite way. Towards the forest. Mist was already starting to form. It made sense, she figured, they didn¡¯t want anyone in town seeing her. Finally. They stopped in a clearing by a fallen tree. She caught her breath. Then he turned to her. His smile was wide, like a cats. ¡°Wow, you really ARE a monster. That is so¡­ cool.¡± She blushed. ¡°I¡¯m Anath. Thank you. For¡­ um¡­. Rescuing me.¡± Her voice become quieter with each word. There was a rustle of bushes, and another boy stepped into the clearing. ¡°Oh¡­ gross!¡± he snorted. ¡°I thought you made it up!¡± Anath stepped back. The spider moved its legs, agitated. ¡°I know, right!¡± He grabbed her arm, a bit too hard. ¡°She came with me and everything. Just like I said.¡± Anath suddenly felt exposed. Vulnerable. ¡°Um¡­¡± was all she managed to say. ¡°So¡­ how do we, uh¡­ you know.¡± The boy who gave her the courage to escape grinned at his friend. Then, from his belt he pulled a long bread knife. Anath¡¯s blood went cold. She tried to pull away. ¡°If I can get experience killing a monster, I am a shoe in to make guard training!¡± Anath tried to scream, but she was too shocked. She couldn¡¯t believe what was happening. Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. How could she be so stupid? This was exactly why she was kept inside, this was why she was kept safe. Anath deeply regretted running from home. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Hanz. What if she¡¯s lying? Or something. I don¡¯t want to get in trouble.¡± ¡°Are you an idiot? Look at these!¡± He tried to grab a spider leg. In that moment, Anath escaped. ¡°Grab her!¡± She made it three steps. The other boy grabbed her in a bear hug then wrestled to push her to the ground. Anath froze, but the spider was always cool and collected. It took over. Her fangs pierced his collar bone. ¡°Ah! What did you do?¡± He cried, then dropped her. She began to crawl away. Someone grabbed her foot and pulled her back, her arms covered her face in fear. Anath could feel them move on their own accord. The spider had control. It lashed out, once, twice, three times with all four of its legs. Each strike, she felt contact, and then the piercing of skin. Her own screams of fear drowned out the sound of the boy being repeatably stabbed. He let go of her. Anath ran. [You have defeated - Human, level 3. Experience Gained.] Anath froze. Slowly, she glanced back. Hans was a bloody mess on the ground, blood pouring from a dozen stab wounds. His stomach, arms, face¡­ his eyes. The other boy was holding his neck, where he was bit. He was breathing heavily, but it was ragged. His entire throat was swelling. Spittle was foaming at the edges of his mouth. Her vision blurred. If she could, Anath would have vomited right then. Her instinct was to get away. To flee from the terror. She did, rising to her feet and dashing into the woods. [You have defeated - Human, level 3. Experience Gained. You have gained one class level. One Skill Point awarded. All attributes increased by 1. One growth point available.] Anath True Name: Anathema Soul: Monster/Mortal Genseed: Human Monster Level: 2 [Class] Level: 3 Attributes [1]: Strength: 6 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 7 Will: 7 Charm: 6 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Vile Concoction Skills[1]: System Aptitude: 1 System Assistant: 1 Biotraits []: Disease Resistance Extra Limb (Arachnid), x4 Venomous Mandibles Multi-eye (Simple) Other: Variant: Arachnid Traits Daggat 7: The crew get new powers Zuss and Glut stumbled into the nest while Daggat was pouring over the options. Both were drunk. Glut snored the moment he toppled into his corner of the nest. Zuss looked at him, smiling. ¡°Daaag. You missed the fun.¡± She twirled in a dance before flopping into her corner. ¡°Not as fun out there without you.¡± She admitted. She WAS drunk. ¡°Stomach thing. Better to rest for me.¡± He gave her a smile. Zuss reached over and boobed his nose. She WAS drunk. ¡°Get better. Gobma¡¯s maaaad.¡± She fell back into the blankets. ¡°What¡­ did you¡­ do?¡± Then she was asleep. Hours of tossing and turning latter, he finally drifted off to unconsciousness as well. Almost immediately, he was woken by Glut probing him. ¡°C¡¯mon, Dag. Time for work!¡± He groaned as he stood. How much sleep did he get? The previous nights events crashed into him all at once. He wanted to do nothing but sift through all of the system information some more. Reluctantly, Daggat followed his siblings into the light. Now that he knew what to look for, he judged the gremlins. Each of them seemed different than before. More solid and confident. They must have enhanced their ability scores. Daggat followed Zuss, but realized he didn¡¯t know where to go. The walls are done. Gobma must have told her. Zuss stopped in front of the wall. Daggat realized they had taken the path they usually take to meet up with the others. ¡°Oops. I forgot¡­ the walls done, huh?¡± ¡°WHAT! I thought you knew where you were going?!¡± Daggat practically screamed at her. ¡°Why would you think that? YOU are the smart one.¡± He stared at her for a long moment. Then, Daggat yelled into the air. Even Klaw took a step back. Glut looked worried. ¡°Dag, you feeling ok?¡± That was the last straw. ¡°NO! Glut. I am not. I¡¯m under a lot of stress here. I barely slept last night. Gobma is mad at me already, I think. Now he¡¯s going to be more mad. Wargs are out there wanting to EAT me. Does anyone care if we die or are beaten? NO! Also, humans can just¡­ kill goblins with AIR! AND EXPLODE INTO LIGHTNING PEOPLE?! Now were fighting them. The adults keep secrets from us, we¡¯re led by a maniac, alchemy continues to elude me, and I AM SURROUNDED BY IDIOTS!¡± Daggat breathed quickly. His siblings just stared at him in shock. He knew they likely didn¡¯t keep up with his outburst. If he talked to quickly, it tended to just wash over them. ¡°Uhm¡­ you know you can, like, talk to us. Right?¡± Klaw, of all people, said. ¡°You got a problem, I¡¯ll rip ¡®em to shreds. Only one who gets to torment you is me. Oh, and Zuss.¡± He carefully patted Daggat on the shoulder. ¡°Yeah, Dag. We got your back. You got ours.¡± Was that true? Daggat didn¡¯t remember actually helping his siblings. Only¡­ pretending to. He convinced them, time and time again, to do something that would benefit him while making them think it was good for them. He felt a strange sensation. Guilt? Bah, Unlikely. ¡°Gobma¡¯s mad, but we won¡¯t let him hurt any of us. We¡¯re a crew, right? Take what we want, when we want.¡± Zuss was smiling at him with a wicked grin. They were a crew. Daggat had always seen them as gremlins he tricked into protecting him. But, at what point was the lie¡­ not a lie? Daggat looked at his siblings. Were they always like this? They were, but it was hard to tell. Maybe he could be kinder to them. Why was he hiding things from them, again? Right, he remembered. His siblings couldn¡¯t keep up. They didn¡¯t understand. They had the minds of goblin children. But, so did Daggat. His mind was just faster. Realization dawned on him. Their attributes increased when they gained the monster level. Each one was smarter, more charming, stronger and overall more reliable than before. For the first time, he saw the crew as it was. A collection of siblings, friends, and rivals sticking together to make it through the next day. Daggat came to a decision. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said to Klaw. ¡°I just¡­ got mad at a lot of things. Tell you what. I have a secret.¡± Glut¡¯s eyes opened wide, Zuss hopped down from the broken crate she was balancing on. ¡°After we make it through today, I¡¯ll tell you all.¡± It turned out, the gremlins were supposed to meet Gobma near the communal fire, not like he told them or anything. Gobma was, indeed, mad. After a minor beating, Gobma was still hungover so he didn¡¯t put his heart into it, he set them to their chores. Scrubbing pots, scooping filth, and other menial, but necessary, tasks. The whole time, he felt the eyes of his crew on him, waiting for their secret. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they had completed their tasks and were set loose. Daggat took this time to investigate the system. He snuck off to a secluded area and opened the biotraits menu again. He spent most of the day thinking about what he wanted. Something subtle, so the goblins wouldn¡¯t know he was different. It needed to give him sway over the other gremlins. His master plans would fall short without the support of them. He glossed over fins, claws, enhanced teeth, and other external forces. There were many glands available, some of them produced pheromones. Those were at the top of his list. It wasn¡¯t until he scrolled through the eyes menus that he found what he didn¡¯t know he was looking for. A short time latter, Daggat was surrounded. ¡°Where were you?¡± Klaw asked. ¡°You promised us a secret.¡± Zuss had her arms crossed. ¡°Listen, listen! Sorry, I got distracted. Let¡¯s head to the nest, and I¡¯ll tell you the secret. But, you can¡¯t tell anyone. Got it!¡± They all nodded eagerly. They all crowded into the nest. It was odd being in the nest while the sun was still up. After making sure no one could hear, Daggat took a deep breath. Then, he told them everything he knew about the system. One by one, each slowly understood. It took some work. But, when Zuss achieved the system knowledge feat, she gained access to her statistics as well. Using her as a bridge between intellects, Daggat explained to the others in a way they would understand. When they all had access to the systems, Daggat snapped his fingers to draw them out of their systems. ¡°I know it is a lot, and can be confusing. But, I can help you.¡± ¡°You figured this out yesterday, what makes you the expert?¡± Zuss¡¯ eyes focused back on her statistics. ¡°Thanks for the secret, but we¡¯ve got this. Hey! Looks like I can increase my strength more!¡± Daggat frowned. Then, he activated his new biotrait. His eyes opened wide. Slowly, they swirled. Colors bleeding into the whites of his eyes, spiraling down to his pupils like a whirlpool. Golds, silvers, blueish yellows and greenish red flowed in Daggat¡¯s eyes. Hypnotic Gaze. Gaining the mutation was surprisingly painless. A slight pressure and numbness in his eyes, some temporary blurred vision, and it was done. He wasn¡¯t sure why, but he had expected some overwhelming itching sensation.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. The light drew their attention, then all of their focus. Each stared at Daggat in awe. The gaze didn¡¯t effect them with any magical properties, but it took hold their focus like a cobra. ¡°I give you this gift and you act like this? Look upon my eyes. Remember how smart I am. I am here to teach you the way forward, guide you. I can make you stronger! No one knows the system like I do.¡± Among gremlins, at least. ¡°Do you want to be under Gobma¡¯s thumb our whole lives?¡± They shook their heads, completely entranced by his gaze. ¡°Then let me make you stronger. Listen to my advice. Follow my lead.¡± They nodded once again. Not once did the thought of NOT using minor hypnosis to manipulate his family cross his mind. The three goblins melted before him. Their wills were weak and easily molded while he distracted them. It gave Daggat a thrill. ¡°You got it, Dag!¡± ¡°If you can make me even stronger¡­ I¡¯ll listen.¡± ¡°I thought this was a trick. But, it¡¯s real, isn¡¯t it, Brother? This is the difference between them and us. I¡¯ll listen to your advice.¡± Daggat¡¯s smile was as sharp as a knife. He began to laugh. Ideas already flooded through him. To forge his crew into the ultimate followers. ¡°Good! First, we will work on your attributes, you should have growth points. He blinked away his hypnotic gaze. His head swam. While it was active, the world seemed to twirl and spin. It was nauseating. ¡°Oh, and one more thing. This is important.¡± ¡°What is it, Dag?¡± ¡°From now on. Call me Boss.¡± Zuss rolled her eyes, but she smiled at him. ¡°You got it, Boss.¡± Klaw flexed and laughed in excitement and Glut giggled along. Daggat activated his hypnotic gaze again as he laughed triumphantly. Today, his crew. Tomorrow, the rest of the gremlins. Gobma wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. ¡°We have challenges ahead of us, crew.¡± They each waited in excitement. ¡°First, we need make sure the other gremlins know who¡¯s in charge now. While, at the same time, not letting the goblins know. Their time will come.¡± Daggat knew, vaguely, that gremlins somehow became goblins, hobgoblins, and the rest. He hoped that would happen before he had to start posturing to creatures double his size. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± ¡°One step at a time. We show off our new strengths.¡± ¡°What if the other gremlins don¡¯t like that and beat us up?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, buddy,¡± Klaw slapped Glut on the back, ¡°I¡¯ll protect us from those shit-heads.¡± Daggat kept his skepticism to himself. ¡°Well, I can just get them before they get us! I am the sneakiest, after all.¡± Zuss crouched into a predatory position. This led Daggat into the next step. First, he wanted to confirm a theory. ¡°Everyone, what is your dexterity?¡± He asked. ¡°Six!¡± they all replied. Zuss nearly fell over in shock. Just as he thought, the gremlins had the same stats. Though, there was a clear difference with his siblings. Did that mean the abilities were not all there was to a person? ¡°See, you are all the same right now. But, that brings us to topic two. We need you all to grow stronger.¡± The group giggled with excitement. ¡°Klaw, lets start with you. How many growth points do you have, and how many biotraits?¡± ¡°Two points for each!¡± That was as he expected. Good. ¡°How strong are you?¡± For a moment, Klaw looked embarrassed. Then he mumbled something. ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s only five.¡± Everyone else said they had the same. ¡°But I am strongest¡­ spiritually?¡± ¡°Sure. Alright, then I suggest you pump those numbers up. Both into strength!¡± Daggat considered having them put points into intelligence. Just to make talking to them all less of a pain. But, ultimately, he wanted that monopoly to himself. With glee, Klaw did so. Visibly, his muscles swelled. Not much, but it was noticeable. ¡°Now I AM the strongest.¡± Klaw laughed maniacally. ¡°Yes you are! But we ain¡¯t done yet. I know these biotraits like the back of my hands.¡± Klaw flexed infront of Daggat. ¡°I know the perfect one for you. Claws!¡± It was his name, after all. If you are born with a theme, you better stick with it. ¡°Ooh, yeah. How do I do that?¡± Daggat talked him through it. Before their eyes, Klaw¡¯s sharp nails expanded and grew into long, sharp claws. He was beside himself with glee. Now the tricky part. ¡°Now, you have another biotrait. We could do something else with it, but I want you to check something for me.¡± Daggat had not spent his second biotrait in case it locked away the list, he wanted to see the options. Besides, he had the idea to save it for an emergency. After several grueling minutes of talking him through it, Klaw found the evolution options for his claws. ¡°It says¡­ Great claws: Your claws get bigger. I like that. Forged Claws: The claws become metal and sword skills affect them like swords. Then there is retractable claws: You can stow and retrieve the claws. I like great claws! How do I select it agai-¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Daggat shouted. If forged claws worked how he hoped, that was an investment. He had no idea how to get skills, but that human used a sword to slash with wind. ¡°Klaw, you remember when that human cut up goblins with just air?¡± ¡°Uh huh, that was cool.¡± ¡°If you choose forged claws, then you can eventually do that too. Isn¡¯t that fun?¡± Klaw thought it was. The claws fell off like loose teeth. In their place, grew very similar claws of steel. Everyone admired them. Even Daggat was a bit jealous. ¡°Glut. You¡¯re next. Any idea of what kind of biotraits you want?¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± he thought for an agonizing three or four seconds. ¡°No.¡± ¡°What do you want to do, Glut? As part of a crack team of mission doers, I mean.¡± He thought for a moment. Then a longer moment after. ¡°Zuss! What about you?¡± Blurted Daggat after he finally ran out of patients. ¡°Easy. I want to sneak around and climb things. Death from above!¡± Zuss always did enjoy climbing trees and poles. Daggat thought through the possibilities. ¡°If you increase dexterity, you will be sneaky and silent. As for biotraits, improved balance would let you stand on anything. Then you can sneak from branches, walls, tall boxes and things. No one would see you coming. Camouflage would also help out there. But, that¡¯s not very offensive. Ooh! Here¡¯s a fun one. Improved nerve conduction. It¡¯s big words, but it basically means you¡¯re reflexes are improved. Dodging, catching things, stuff like that.¡± ¡°Done.¡± Zuss brought her dexterity to a respectable 8. She had the second highest stat, under Daggat¡¯s intelligence. There was no physical change, but a subtle grace accompanied her movements. ¡°Have you figured it out, Glut?¡± ¡°I¡¯m no good in a fight¡­ but I¡¯m tough. I want to protect you guys!¡± Daggat almost sneered, and Zuss made an ¡°Aww¡± sound. Klaw wasn¡¯t paying attention. He was currently cutting various objects to ribbons. ¡°Well, alright. We can work with that. If you increase your constitution, then you would be tougher. You could put both points into it, or you could move the other to strength. If you do that, you should be well rounded.¡± Glut did so, bringing his strength, dexterity, and constitution to six. ¡°What about biotraits?¡± What indeed. Daggat scrolled through the list. ¡°Shock distribution. Thick skin. Pain tolerance. Dense bones. Dense soft tissue. Those sorts of things make you tough. Then theres claws, teeth, venom¡­ things like that. Up to you really.¡± Glut thought about the options, then he smiled as he came to a decision. His hands moved as if you select options. That wasn¡¯t necessary, but if the helped Glut understand, then so be it. ¡°What did you pick? I don¡¯t see a difference.¡± ¡°Pain tolerance!¡± Well, that would be good in a fight. ¡°Good, good. What else?¡± ¡°Poison! In case I get in a fight. I can chew ¡®em and poison ¡®em!.¡± ¡°Excelle- Did you just say poison?¡± ¡°Uh huh.¡± ¡°Not¡­ uh¡­ venom?¡± ¡°Nope.¡± He said proudly. Daggat sighed and pulled at his ears. ¡°Glut.¡± He beamed at him. ¡°Yeah, Dag?¡± ¡°You are a moron.¡± Daggat True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 5 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 15 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Act: Fledgling Alchemist Knowledge: System Knowledge Ability: Mighty Intellect Skills[1]: Alchemy: 1 System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [1]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Hypnotic Gaze Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Klaw True Name: Klaw Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 7 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 5 Intelligence: 4 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Skills[0]: System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [0]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Forged Claws* Glut True Name: Glut Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 6 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 4 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Skills[0]: System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [0]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Improved nerve conductio Improved Balance Zuss True Name: Zuss Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 5 Dexterity: 8 Constitution: 5 Intelligence: 4 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Skills[0]: System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [0]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Forged Claws* Daggat 8: The rise of the boss The next few days, the gremlins put their newfound growth to the test. Each of them outperformed their peers¡­ slightly. Klaw found it easier to get at the really caked on grease. Zuss practically danced her way through the rushing gremlins. Even Glut seemed more confident. At night, they gathered as much food as possible. This was where Zuss really shone. She lurked above, snatching anything left untended. Even after feasting, they amassed a hoard of morsels. But, it wasn¡¯t enough. Not yet. Any food that could last, he kept. Dried meats, sturdy crackers, hunks of cheeses, and the like. For a whole week, Daggat hoarded the food. When he had enough to feed a small village, to his estimation, he enacted his plan. He found Hudd first. ¡°Hudd, my friend.¡± His sharp teeth glinted in the firelight. ¡°Da- Daggat! I ain¡¯t heard nothing lately. Sorry, please don¡¯t be mad.¡± ¡°Relax, relax. Don¡¯t worry about that. Say, you look hungry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s harder to find good snacks.¡± He agreed, carefully. Daggat held out a cut of dried meat the size of his hand. Hudd looked at it with greed in his eyes and saliva in his jaws. ¡°Take it.¡± Hudd hesitated. ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± Nothing is free. Gremlins only survive from what they can take. ¡°No catch. Just remember who gave it to you. I¡¯ve got plenty.¡± Daggat¡¯s grin nearly reached his ears. Hudd snatched the morsel. Two other gremlins, part of Hudd¡¯s group, shuffled closer. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have plenty to share.¡± He held a hand behind him, where Glut placed two more morsels. Daggat gave them to the other gremlins. He laughed to himself while they scarfed down the meals. Daggat did the same to several other gremlin groups. Usually in secret, he didn¡¯t want the goblins to catch on. While goblins WERE foolish creatures, the chance that one would notice an upcoming boss was not worth the risk. Daggat and Glut handed out the food, which Klaw and Zuss did their tasks. They were to take what they could and, more importantly, keep food from the other gremlins. Zuss was better at this than Klaw, who simply tried to take it. She lured goblins towards Gremlins who had bottles of ale or fresh meat, so they would take it for themselves, or she would rummage around the hidden places, finding stashes of goods that other gremlins or goblins had made. On the third day of these tactics, the second opportunity had finally presented itself. He had just given a fresh fruit to a hungry customer, when a rather large gremlin crept towards him. He stood a full three inches taller than Daggat, which, to the scale of gremlins, was substantial. He had noticed this stalker before and purposefully handed out food in it¡¯s line of sight. He gave him a large, toothy smile. ¡°Hello¡­ friend.¡± Daggat said, a slight air of menace to the voice. ¡°Give me food too.¡± It demanded. ¡°No.¡± Daggat¡¯s smile didn¡¯t fade. He whispered it so it could only be heard by the two of them. The gremlin shoved his nose into Daggat¡¯s face. Glut shifted his weight nervously. ¡°What did you just say?¡± ¡°You heard me, but maybe I used too big of a word.¡± The gremlins eye twitched. He turned away. Good, now all Daggat had to do was activate hypnotic gaze and- BAM! The gremlin quickly punched him full force in the face. Daggat staggered back, ears ringing from the blow. His constitution was greater than the enemies strength, so he didn¡¯t suffer any real damage. But it hurt, a lot. Daggat snarled and turned to fight. It wasn¡¯t the plan, but he wouldn¡¯t back down. Before he could act, however, there was a gremlin shriek of rage. Glut grabbed the gremlin and lifted him over his head. Glut¡¯s face was twisted with furry. Daggat even stepped back from the display. He didn¡¯t mistake Glut for Klaw, did he? With a grunt, Glut slammed the gremlin to the ground. Air left the victims lungs and it wretched in pain while trying to breath in a gasp. Glut looked up with an embarrassed look on his face. Not even Glut had known he could do that. The show had drawn the gaze of several nearby gremlins. Generally, gremlin milled about away from goblins, so for now their audience was only gremlins. Daggat acted fast, taking advantage of the situation. He cleared his throat, and spoke aloud to the crowd. ¡°You see, this is what happens when you take advantage of my generosity. This wretch,¡± Daggat stepped on him to use as a soap box, ¡°tried to steal more food, even after some was offered.¡± He activated hypnotic gaze, gathering the focus and attention of the gremlins. ¡°Glut is ruthless, but he is the kindest of our crew. Klaw has strength that no gremlin can posses. Zuss can be anywhere, any time. You¡¯ve all seen it for yourselves.¡± They watched him in silence, utterly drawn in by his power. ¡±And I am their boss. But, not to worry. I can protect and strengthen you all, as I have my siblings.¡± ¡°What we gotta do?¡± One of the gremlins asked, almost passively. Daggat grinned. ¡°It is simple. Do as I say. Keep it a secret. And pay your dues.¡± Daggat stepped off the gremlin, and peered down at him. ¡°You have potential, as long as you know your place.¡± Then he spoke to all of the group before him. ¡°Meet with me tomorrow. Together, we can become as strong as the goblins!¡± Snickers and maniacal laughter filled the night. The next few days, only a few gremlins approached Daggat. He had found himself a chair and placed it in an empty lot. Dissatisfied with the turn out, he began to prowl. He, Glut, Klaw, and Zuss simply strolled through the camp. Their newfound abilities made it easy to secure whatever food or morsel they wanted, so the nightly revelries had been easier than ever.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Klaw and Glut clobbered anyone who was rude, in their way, or who Daggat thought looked at them funny. Those who showed deference were showered with rewards. Not only food, but trinkets and shiny things. Useless baubles that seemed to interest the gremlins, but had no real use. Over time, gremlins came to him. They begged for food when they couldn¡¯t find any. Offering their own trinkets, asked for protection against bullies, or came to him to ask how to become stronger. He obliged them all, though held back the secret of the system. In months, he and his siblings lived like gremlin royalty. They always took more than they gave, so they sat upon hoards of gremlin style wealth. Countless shiny buttons, bits of polished glass, the odd coin, polished bone, and caskets of food and drink. Klaw gained a reputation of brutality and unstoppable power. More than a few gremlins had claw scars across their faces. Zuss grew into a mystery. A ghost who could be anywhere at any time. She had heard a few gremlins bad mouthing their crew, so she sent Klaw to deal with them. Few people risked speaking ill of Daggat any longer, for fear she was hiding in the shadows above them. Glut¡¯s role developed into Daggat¡¯s personal body guard. Not so impressive as Klaw, but still always there. Always watching. He was tougher and stronger than any other gremlin, save for Klaw, so the few attacks against Daggat were smashed by Glut¡¯s protective fury. As for Daggat, he was the king. He adorned himself with necklaces of the prettiest treasurers and the wore the finest clothes. Life was good. It was as it should be. However, eventually, slowly, Gobma noticed. ¡ª Gobma hated Daggat. It wasn¡¯t just the slow, smoldering hatred he held for most other people, it was they way he¡­ was always looking at things. Like he could find a treasure hidden just out of view. The gremlin noticed things like the colors of the sky, strange trees, the way goblins spoke, and more. Absorbing information like an endless sponge. He remembered things even Gobma wasn¡¯t bothered to. Names and contradictory statements Gobma himself made. And the way he spoke¡­ it was strange. He used big, complicated words. Spoke too quickly. Every word seemed to be an insult, but Gobma couldn¡¯t figure out HOW it was. So he would kick him anyway, just to be safe. Lately, Gobma started noticing other things about him. The gremlins stopped bullying him, which couldn¡¯t have been a good sign. Not only that, they gave him the easy work, the best seats, and the most respect. He even heard them mutter ¡°boss¡± around him. That prickled¡­ Gobma was the boss. Not some gremlin. His shadows were equally strange. One had metal claws, somehow. A biotrait was impossible, they couldn¡¯t use the system. The other scampered about like a squirrel. At least the fat one was normal. He had decided to deal with them, before things got out of hand. Unfortunately, it was against the rules to simply kill any annoying gremlins. Gobma was waiting outside of his party leaders tent. The leader of the Brittle Blade clan, Hogo Brittleblade. Hogo had summoned his bosses, so here he was. Of the four clans, the Gobma was proud to be a member of the strongest. After some time, another boss left then tent and threw a thumb behind him. It was Gobma¡¯s turn. The interior of the tent was filled with Hogo¡¯s pipe smoke. Some rank smelling weed that gave Gobma a headache. There was a desk in the room, but it¡¯s purpose was to store the knife collection. Dozens of knives of various shape and make were stabbed into the surface of the desk. Some couldn¡¯t fit on top and had been shoved into the sides or at strange angles. Hogo was admiring his collection. ¡°Gobma¡­ how¡¯s things?¡± ¡°Well, I have some tro-¡± ¡°I don¡¯t actually care, idiot.¡± He turned to face him, his large pipe was whittled into the shade of a skull. ¡°Food¡¯s getting scarce. So, I need you to hunt. Take the squad out, and make sure you bag something good.¡± ¡°Hu- HUNT?!¡± Gobma stammered. ¡°That¡¯s ogre work.¡± ¡°Ogres not an option. One went missing, Rika at the other, and the last one was killed by the human.¡± ¡°But, surely we have enough-¡± Hogo interrupted him by blowing smoke into his face. ¡°Gobma, let me tell you a bit of wisdom.¡± He took a drag at his pipe. ¡°I¡¯ve got, how many bosses?¡± ¡°There¡¯s twelve of us. Right?¡± He was briefly worried one of the other bosses had been killed. ¡°Good job! And how many gremlins do you each got?¡± ¡°Twelve¡­¡± He mentally counted his fingers and toes. ¡°So if twelve bosses have twelve gremlins, how many gremlins is that?¡± ¡°A lot, sir.¡± ¡°Correct! And there are FOUR clans. Plus, for every boss, you got three or four non-boss goblins. Can you guess how many THAT is?¡± ¡°A¡­ whole¡­ lot?¡± ¡°Around five hundred or so gremlins. Half as many goblins... or some such.¡± He spoke with the confidence of one who only learned the facts recently from someone smarter. ¡°Really? Can¡¯t be that many around¡­¡± ¡°We are a day clan. Half the tribe sleeps when we are up.¡± He pulled a knife from the table and judged it¡¯s edge. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of food. We eat 10 deer worth per DAY and still go hungry.¡± ¡°We can take the humans food, like we always do.¡± Hogo waved the knife in the air. Gobma watched it with intense focus, ready to move out of it¡¯s way. ¡°Nah¡­ they are getting smart. Keeping away from us. So, the squads have to do some heavy lifting. Ogres stopped working, so Rika ate them.¡± Gobma blinked away from the knife. He said it so casually¡­ but that did sound like Rika. He shivered. ¡°Chief says each clan has to provide three deer worth of food per week. YOU gotta get me at least half a deer worth. A hog, couple chickens. Sack of squirrels, what ever. Be creative. Or not. Just get it done.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ well, the gremlins don¡¯t have any biotraits or nothin¡¯. How are they going to take down a hog?¡± ¡°YOU have to get the food. Don¡¯t care what you do with the gremlins. Hell, I¡¯m releasing the restrictions on gremlin death. So, you are free to use them to fight. Less mouths to feed afterwards, anyway.¡± He chuckled. Gobma¡¯s eyes widened. A grin creped along his face. Suddenly, he had an idea. ¡°One last thing, Boss. Have there been any monster sightings I should¡­ avoid?¡± Daggat True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 5 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 15 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Encounter: True Angel Act: Fledgling Alchemist Knowledge: System Knowledge Ability: Mighty Intellect Skills[1]: Alchemy: 1 System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [1]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Hypnotic Gaze Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Klaw True Name: Klaw Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 7 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 5 Intelligence: 4 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Skills[0]: System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [0]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Forged Claws* Glut True Name: Glut Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 6 Dexterity: 6 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 4 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Skills[0]: System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [0]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Pain Tolerance Poisonous Zuss True Name: Zuss Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin Monster Level: 3 Attributes [0]: Strength: 5 Dexterity: 8 Constitution: 5 Intelligence: 4 Will: 5 Charm: 5 Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Skills[0]: System Aptitude: 1 Biotraits [0]: Base size: Tiny Regenerative Teeth Enhanced Night Vision Rot Resistance Improved nerve conduction Improved Balance