Zeroth

Goblin Quest

S A I T O
Forest

The First Hunt, Part Two

---

"--yaAAAAAH!"

Crack!

Saito's staff snapped in half upon striking the beasts's armored plate--it had curled up, and only reflex had saved the goblin's foot from being trapped in there with it. As the "young" greenskin stumbled back, the Scaled Shrew wobbled back and forth with nary a squeak. He blinked as he watched his prey--he had honestly not expected that. Although his memories were locked away, even if he had them he would have been genuinely confused--in the old world he had never actually seen something like an armadillo.

The creature's shell had no holes like a turtle's--Does this place have turtles?--and it seemed perfectly content to stay tightly sealed until, presumably, whatever predator chose to leave it alone. His staff was no proper weapon, but it had been green wood, not dry or brittle, and still it had snapped. So obviously this armor couldn't be broken by simple means. Saito glanced down at his broken staff's pieces. They had splintery ends, but he doubted they would be sharp or sturdy enough to pierce the armor. What if I drive them with the rock? The wood is probably too soft, the tips will blunt.

He tossed his broken weapon aside, and noted the Shrew's still exposed tail...

No, wait. I wondered if the creature could use it as a weapon...and to leave it exposed to attack like this is odd. He removed the berries and rock from his loincloth and placed them on the ground. Those spines might stick me when I grab it. Are they barbed or poisonous? He wasn't sure if such thoughts came from the cautious instinct of a Goblin, a creature so naturally weak and feeble and stupid, or if they came from the hazy dreams he could not recall.

With a tug at the knot on his hip, his loincloth came undone. Though now exposed in all his green glory to the elements, Saito did not care much for modesty at the moment. He wrapped the filthy undergarments--were these made of cloth, or pelts of creatures hunted by other goblins?--around the rolled-up Scaled Shrew, tying a plain knot and pulling it as tight as he could.

Now the creature's defense had become its cage. It might be strong enough to break the loincloth, but Saito doubted it would do so without a struggle. In the meantime, he grabbed the spare ends of the clothing and, with a grunt, lifted his prey.

Feet wobbling, muscles taut with effort, he started to spin. He whirled the makeshift net around his head, building up momentum with his whole body until he had its weight suspended. He kept the Shrew going with just his arms now, and though his run meandered like that of a drunkard, he set course for the largest tree he could see.

With all the strength and speed he could muster, as well as the built up centrifugal force--not that his goblin mind really understood such a thing right now--Saito dashed towards the sturdy wood and swung the Scaled Shrew with all his might.

"DORYAAAAAAH!"

He tried to slam the beast against the trunk. If he couldn't pierce the armor, then perhaps he could crush the foe's soft body inside it, like bouncing someone's brain inside their skull pan with a hard punch to cause a concussion. He wouldn't stop at just one attempt either--until he was certain the other monster was dead, the goblin would continue to heave and heft and spin, beating the spherical animal trapped inside his underwear against the trees.

Some part of him marveled at this odd turn of events. The other part really wanted to eat that Shrew.

Goblin Quest

Or how Saito feels like a japanese Bear Grylls but in a a small green body.

@RC3

*Saito pointing, with dramatic shading ala Jojo/Hokuto*
IMP-UROVISE, ADAPTU, OVAH-KAM.

Goblin Quest

S A I T O
Forest

The First Hunt

---

As Saito found the trail of berries, he took note of their size, shape, color, and the texture he felt when he picked them up. He tucked a handful away, alongside his rock in his loincloth. Probably not entirely sanitary to have things rubbing his unmentionables in there, but it was his own body and he hadn't been rolling in dirt like some of the others. He could test the berries for poison later, but for now he wanted whatever creature had been gathering them.

He saw the creature from behind, and almost mistook it for a stone at first. Its dull, brown plated hide could even pass for tree bark, but he could hear it whuffling as it enjoyed its meal.

A hard shell. The tail seems to be sectioned too--are the plates bony? Can the spines on its tail be used as a weapon?

As Saito crouched in the brush, he didn't want to spend too long analyzing the opponent. If it finished eating, he had no doubt it would pick up on his presence. For now it was enough to know this: It was a rodent, so it had claws and fangs. It had armor, and possibly a spiny tail. It was smaller than him, but its forelimbs looked powerful, and its hindlimbs looked fast.

His strategy would be thus: Cut off the escape, and negate the defense. How to do that in the most effecient manner? Without even realizing, his hands had imperceptibly shifted on the staff he held. His right hand, the stronger hand, closed upon the rod down a third of its length. His left hand palmed the butt end, and as his grip tightened the heel of his wrist and his pinky were braced against the bottom while the rest of his fingers wrapped hard around the shaft. His forward hand was held a little looser, to enable a sort of sliding action, but while his palm was supple his fingers were rigid so he wouldn't lose his hold.

Saito's breathing was not shallow, only slow. His muscles relaxed. He felt a shift in his core, as the ball of his back foot built up pressure against the ground.

"All things entail rising and falling timing. You must be able to discern this." I must not rush, yet I must not delay.

A breeze picked up. A leaf fluttered on the air. The Scaled Shrew shook berry juice from its nose, and he could tell from the movement of its head that it refocused on the food in its paws.

In the moment it committed to its next action--finishing its berries--in the instant the leaf fell between them, in the space between "decision" and "action." Saito's body moved without input from his mind.

He lunged, he thrust with both hands. All momentum traveling forward. The staff's tip came in low. Shoulders and hips drove power down its length.

Saito plunged the staff up under the Scaled Shrew, between its belly and its back legs. At the instant the creature realized his presence he had already planted his feet. As his thighs and core tightened, he pushed down through his knees and his arms leveraged the staff. His back hand pushed down, his right hand pulled up. Now the muscles in his scrawny body stood taut as he released air from his diaphragm--

"Seiiii--!"

He wanted to sweep the creature up. He hoped his staff would block its legs as it tried to run. Most predators would be bigger than this creature and attack it from above--hence why its armor was along its back. It would have less on its underside.

If he was successful in hoisting the creature upon his staff, either flipping it over or slamming it down, Saito's next move would be simple: Pin it under his foot, and strike without mercy until its breath ceased.

His face had distorted into an expression of utter fury, eyes blazing with Murderous Intent. Sakki! Messatsu! His staff, still fresh with sap, thrummed.

"--yaAAAAAH!"

The battlecry startled birds from the branches. It carried a malice entirely unique to nature's own dance of predator and prey. Even some of the other goblins, back at the cave, might be able to hear it and feel the power and focus behind it.

Goblin Quest

S A I T O
Cave >> Forest

Beginnings, Weapons, and the Hunt

---

This...is not right. I do not understand, but I know it is not as it should be.

Slowly, he flexed his fingers. The young goblin clenched his fist tight, and looked at the hairless green arms. Too small. Too smooth. Too soft. Where were...his scars? Did he have scars? And were his fingers and knuckles supposed to be calloused?

I...died? And now I am this...creature. A...A yokai?

Yokai. Oni. Do I know what that is? My memories are unclear.

He tried to recall something from before. How did he know he had died? How had he come to be in this new body? He looked across the cave at those like him. They bashed rocks together, or slept, or wandered about like children. Just like when his little ones had learned to walk...What?

His lip twisted and his stomach rumbled. He had awakened, after what seemed like a long time of drifting in and out of consciousness, and upon finding himself in a cave full of odd creatures--like that older one that marked his forehead--had moved to put his back against the wall. But as time passed and none of the others showed any hostility--except for that one that bit another's ear, but that seemed like play--he had begun to observe them...and it wasn't doing much good. He was too hungry to think. These memories were too foggy to grasp. It frustrated him. As if his own mind, like this clumsy and frail body, was not entirely under his own control.

"The real purpose of...to purge oneself...to obtain control of one's own character." I didn't say that. Someone else did...someone I knew?

He pushed away from the wall. He placed a hand on his belly as it rumbled. His eyes darted from side to side when he heard a strange whisper...but none of the others were speaking to him. He couldn't understand any words, and he was not currently in danger.

"Do nothing which is of no use." That one is much easier to remember. Now, what is useful?

If he could not remember his past, then it should be put to the side for now. If he was hungry, then he needed to eat. The cave served as shelter. Survival was the priority.

The goblin stopped just short of the cave's mouth. He pressed himself against the nearest wall, and crept slowly to the rocky edge. As his eyes squinted against the bright light, he poked out his head. There would be food outside, he felt, but there might also be danger. Where was he? What was the environment? Were there boars or bears here? It would be easier to find edible plants than it would to hunt, but if the creatures of this place were like Yokai, there was no telling what kind of plants he would encounter either. Rather than risk eating poison or making himself sick, it would be better to find meat. If he found an animal, even if he couldn't catch it, maybe he could see what kind of berries or roots it ate and take some for himself.

Outside the cave, sunlight shone through the trees revealing a luscious forest. He bent low to pick up a rock from the cave floor, and once he was certain there didn't seem to be anything in the immediate area he walked outside. For the first time he realized the cave had been unusually bright, despite no lamps, candles, or other light source. And if the cave was unusually bright, then the sun was almost painful. His already narrow eyes squinted even more. He closed one and then the other, careful to never close both at the same time while he waited for them to adjust, as he walked over to one of the nearer trees. He picked the one that had the lowest branches within reach, and tried to break one off with the rock. It had no sharp edge, and this body did not seem very strong, but after scoring one limb around its base he managed to climb up and come down on it with both feet, using his body weight to finish the job. As the broken branch fell, the goblin caught himself on another and hung there for several moments. On a whim he did a pull up, and grunted in satisfaction before he dropped back to the ground unharmed.

This body was weaker, but it wasn't weak, in a sense. Proportional to his size, he felt his muscles were fairly dense and elastic. Like a chimpanzee. ...I suppose, if that's what my memory thinks. But his size and weight did not give him great leverage to use whatever strength he might have.

Weakened, small, in unfamiliar territory, on the hunt. So it came naturally to seize a weapon. He picked up his broken branch, snapped the last two tapering, twiggy feet of it off, and began to bash off any smaller growths with the rock. Soon he had a short, rough, but functional staff in hand.

His guts seemed to roar and roll inside his body. Spending time to make this weapon had cost him time that he could be hunting...but, as little as he knew, something told him having the weapon would be better than not at this moment. As for what he could hunt...

He crouched low, and began moving into the underbrush. Just before he left eyeshot of the cave, he marked the dirt with his staff and tried to remember what the landscape looked like here. Then he traveled in a straight line, away from the cave, and watched the forest floor.

Whether by instinct, or his hazy memories, he knew that any animal would likely smell or hear him long before he saw them. As much as he tried, he couldn't silence himself completely...although, he felt his breath naturally slowing, and his steps stopped coming straight up and down on the ground. Instead his feet made a sort of sliding motion, using the side of the foot to take his weight at first and distribute it more evenly across the ground. With this method, his steps didn't thump, and he could brush leaves or sticks out of the way before coming down on them. Crescent Step...is that what it's called?

But the fact remained, animals would have sharper senses. So what he looked for were the signs they left behind, rather than the animal itself. Tracks? Droppings? Places where trees or grass had been rubbed frequently or trampled?

Saito the goblin gripped his staff, put aside all thoughts save the immediate present, and hunted in earnest.

Goblin Quest

Its currently May 24 where I'm at--

@RC3

*glances at computer clock*

Hol' up...

Goblin Quest

So many people copying my talent, lol. Just so y'all know, I didn't intend Physical Conditioning to mean "naturally buff gobbo muscles." It was meant more along the lines of "a natural talent for physical training" as in, things like pushups and situps either give more efficient results, or the recovery period is faster. It's "naturally benefiting more from exercise" rather than "being naturally athletic/strong."

Goblin Quest

Saito

Name:
Saito

Age:
Day 3

Gender:
Male

Race:
Goblin

Appearance:
Though many male goblins are as bald as they are ugly, Saito bears a distinct tuft of hair that sweeps toward the right side of his hairline. It's a dark shade of auburn, glinting red in the right light. His eyes are a light honey amber, but narrow and sharp as if he's used to either squinting or glaring. Though just as scrawny as the rest of his littermates, he has slightly larger hands and feet, implying that when he's full grown he might be of decent size for a greenskin.

Level:
1 > First Hunt > 16 > Second Hunt > 30

Level Log

• First Hunt: Scaled Shrew
  • Crafted makeshift weapon (+1 Level)
  • Formulated a plan (+2 Levels)
  • Successful hunt (+8 Levels)
  • Killing Blow (+4 Levels)
• Second Hunt: Dragon Frog, w/Reshy
  • Formulated a plan (+2 levels)
  • Killing blow (+4 levels)
  • Successful hunt (+8 levels)

Personality:
Saito acts much like an old, austere man. Though respectful, he often doesn't mince words or bother with trifles. Often stern and stoic, but not terribly hard to get along with--however, he seems to have little patience for some of the...less scrupulous behaviors of goblins. He can be quiet and still for long periods of time, before suddenly jumping up to put whatever idea he's been thinking of into action. When interacting with others he behaves much like a teacher or a strict parent, but it's not as if he doesn't know how to laugh. His anger, however, is unusual--he doesn't hide it, nor does he shout it to the heavens. It isn't a cold fury, or red faced bluster. It is more like...an acknowledgement. Like writing a name down in a book.

Past Life:

Legacy of a Martial Artist

Born to the Saito family and given the name Yamato, in his previous life the boy grew up in rural Japan. His father was a former soldier turned farmer, his mother was a schoolteacher, and his grandfather was a traditional Karate master. Under his grandfather and father's tutelage, at an old fashioned dojo nestled in the mountains with only a handful of students, Saito took to martial arts like a duck to water at the tender age of 7.

Only 4 years later, the Imperial Japanese Army would seize Manchuria, and World War II would begin in earnest. Saito's father was called back to the army, and did not return. His grandfather made his training stricter, harsher, with the intent that Saito would inherit the family legacy--and the boy was determined to stand proudly even with such a weight on his shoulders.

By 1943, the boy was a man. He had high marks in academia, and was an accomplished Karateka in both school-level competitions and professional tournaments. Though only 23 and still in University (pursuing a degree in Physiology), Saito found himself subject to the nation's changing draft laws as the war grew more desperate. While on tour in the military, he traveled to both China and Korea...and though these were dark times, many he would not only regret, but never speak of again, these experiences allowed him to see many things that appealed to his inner warrior.

Saito survived the war, with distinguished service. By the end of this horror, he was content that he had done his duty as a Japanese man, and was more than ready to accept whatever consequences came with the nation's surrender. By some stroke of fate, he found himself returning to Karate training in the martial arts' birthplace of Okinawa...and, of all things, many of his students were American soldiers! He also found himself exposed to the Westerners' martial arts, boxing and wrestling, and became enamored with the desire to learn more--especially from one soldier in particular, a man by the name of Jack Dempsey.

Becoming the official head of his grandfather's dojo, which by this point had expanded, at a young age meant that Saito Yamata had quite the ordeal to prove himself among other older, more established masters. His grandfather's health was beginning to wane, but there were still other students capable of taking care of day to day business. In order to improve himself, and further his understanding of what he had seen--in China, in Korea, from the Americans, and much more--he began to travel the world.

In Taiwan, after stumbling through many unsavory channels to find information--and beating up several bands of local thugs--he tracked down a man known as the disciple of a "Spear God." Saito wished he could have encountered the original master himself, but he was more than happy to jump through seemingly endless hoops--a former Japanese soldier was obviously unwelcome--until he could experience the art known as Bajiquan. In Hong Kong, he once again bowed his head and even begged until a grandmaster of Wing Chun agreed to teach him. He also met a young man at this time, less than half his age, but blindingly fast and somewhat a philosopher. Though their time as fellow students was short, Saito considered the youth to be one of his greatest rivals--but, because he was Japanese and the young man had some foreign blood, Saito didn't want to make a big deal out of their friendship for fear that it would further affect the already negative reputation the youngster had among many older, more conservative martial artists.

In Thailand, he studied for some time with the fierce kickboxers known for their shins of iron and devastating elbow and knee strikes. In California, he fought many amateur bouts as a boxer. Going professional did not appeal to him--if he wanted money or fame, there were far better ways to attain that than getting punched in the head constantly. And he still had things he had to do.

After more than a decade of various travels--though he returned home more than once between trips--and having continued his Karate training all the while, Saito felt himself experienced, practiced, and accomplished enough to truly take over his grandfather's school. Over the next half century, he continued to constantly seek self-improvement and more knowledge while teaching. His students became masters and opened schools in their own right. Their students became masters and opened schools of their own. He married, had children, and raised two of the three of them (one son preferred to be a businessman, and that was quite alright) to be respected masters as well. His family legacy, though connected more by teachings than blood, spread to the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. He continued to travel well into his old age--a life of hard training, as well as mental and spiritual discipline, blessed him with wonderful health and long life like his grandfather--and he never stopped learning.

The morning after his 100th birthday, he rose before the sun was up as he always did. Despite drinking more than usual at the celebration last night, his head felt clear and the crisp, chilly air on top of the mountain was fresh in his lungs. As he always did, he bowed when he entered the dojo, and lit the incense under the portraits of all the past masters, including his grandfather. On a strange whim, he decided to practice only the basics today--fundamentals, he believed, should remain important throughout one's life. How many times, he wondered, had he been forced to clear his mind of preconceptions, and seek the innocence of childhood once again? Taking up the first stance he had ever learned--Kiba-dachi, the horse stance--he began to peform 100 repetitions of the most basic technique of Karate, the straight punch known as the Seiken.

Despite his age, his battered, threadbare Gi still snapped like a whip with each blow. His arms, tanned a leathery brown and crisscrossed with scars, still held sinew like steel cables though their mass had begun to wither away. Each breath inflated his torso, swelling the wrinkled flesh and tightening the muscles so that his ribcage didn't stand out quite so much as it usually did these days. His posture was not rigid, and yet he seemed as unmovable as the earth itself. Hard, and soft. Yin, and Yang. Heaven, and Earth. In deep meditation, as each punch thrummed the air, he contemplated these things.

He had more than enough to be content. He had done all he could be expected to do, and more. He did not mind, if he never grew past this point.

But to say he no longer had anything to reach for, that simply would not do. He was not burdened with the inner drive, the consuming fire of youth. He no longer entertained the dream of every man--who, at some point, wishes to be the strongest man in the world. But still, he thought it would be nice. To see how much further he could go. Yet, he did not mind if he didn't. That was just the way things were. There was no harm in it.

Lost in thought, he had already surpassed his intention of 100 Seiken. On a mere whim, he sought to send his fist beyond its final destination. He performed the 108th punch. His kiai shook the dojo, and brought his youngest son and the grandchildren running down the hall in surprise. His legs pushed power up from the balls of his feet, his hips torqued, his shoulders rolled. He felt...something...surge through his fist. As if an icy, yet relieving chill swept through him.

Ah, was this what the silly little shows his granchildren loved called "spirit energy," perhaps? He sighed peacefully, but did not breathe back in. More than ten feet in front of him, across the wooden floor, at the instant his punch was complete, the flame on the incense had blown out.

Yamato Saito passed from this world with a smile. He was still standing in proper form, with his fist extended.

Talent(s):

• Martial Arts
• Physical Conditioning
• Stealth

Skill(s):

• Dark Eye (Passive) E-Rank
• Absorption (Remaining Uses: 5/8)
• Lunging Strike: In a burst of speed, the user is able to quickly clear a large distance (two strides worth) before delivering an attack. The higher the rank, the faster and greater the distance. (Active)(E-Rank)
• Poison Resistance: Makes the user resistance to various poisons. With prolonged or repeated exposure to significant amounts, immunity may develop. The amount of poisons that do not effect the user become higher in number as this skill ranks up. (Passive)(E-Rank)
• Shell Defense: - When using objects made from organic shells, they will have increased defensive power. It makes breaking through their organic defenses harder. (Passive)(E-Rank)
• Defensive Stance: - When assuming a defensive stance, the user receives increased defenses against physical attacks. (Active)(E-Rank)

Inventory:
Scaled Hide x1 (Scale Shrew)
Scaled Tail x1 (Scale Shrew)
Pointy Stick x2 (Broken Staff)
Rock x1
Scaled Shrew Bones x2 (Femurs, half a foot long each)
Scaled Shrew Skull x1 (Fangs are small and not sharp, skull is small and fits in a goblin's hand)

Goblin Quest

My application, made with the few edits we discussed. Let me know if anything else needs work.

Name:
Saito

Age:
Day 3

Gender:
Male

Race:
Goblin

Appearance:
Though many male goblins are as bald as they are ugly, Saito bears a distinct tuft of hair that sweeps toward the right side of his hairline. It's a dark shade of auburn, glinting red in the right light. His eyes are a light honey amber, but narrow and sharp as if he's used to either squinting or glaring. Though just as scrawny as the rest of his littermates, he has slightly larger hands and feet, implying that when he's full grown he might be of decent size for a greenskin.

Level:
1

Personality:
Saito acts much like an old, austere man. Though respectful, he often doesn't mince words or bother with trifles. Often stern and stoic, but not terribly hard to get along with--however, he seems to have little patience for some of the...less scrupulous behaviors of goblins. He can be quiet and still for long periods of time, before suddenly jumping up to put whatever idea he's been thinking of into action. When interacting with others he behaves much like a teacher or a strict parent, but it's not as if he doesn't know how to laugh. His anger, however, is unusual--he doesn't hide it, nor does he shout it to the heavens. It isn't a cold fury, or red faced bluster. It is more like...an acknowledgement. Like writing a name down in a book.

Past Life:

Legacy of a Martial Artist

Born to the Saito family and given the name Yamato, in his previous life the boy grew up in rural Japan. His father was a former soldier turned farmer, his mother was a schoolteacher, and his grandfather was a traditional Karate master. Under his grandfather and father's tutelage, at an old fashioned dojo nestled in the mountains with only a handful of students, Saito took to martial arts like a duck to water at the tender age of 7.

Only 4 years later, the Imperial Japanese Army would seize Manchuria, and World War II would begin in earnest. Saito's father was called back to the army, and did not return. His grandfather made his training stricter, harsher, with the intent that Saito would inherit the family legacy--and the boy was determined to stand proudly even with such a weight on his shoulders.

By 1943, the boy was a man. He had high marks in academia, and was an accomplished Karateka in both school-level competitions and professional tournaments. Though only 23 and still in University (pursuing a degree in Physiology), Saito found himself subject to the nation's changing draft laws as the war grew more desperate. While on tour in the military, he traveled to both China and Korea...and though these were dark times, many he would not only regret, but never speak of again, these experiences allowed him to see many things that appealed to his inner warrior.

Saito survived the war, with distinguished service. By the end of this horror, he was content that he had done his duty as a Japanese man, and was more than ready to accept whatever consequences came with the nation's surrender. By some stroke of fate, he found himself returning to Karate training in the martial arts' birthplace of Okinawa...and, of all things, many of his students were American soldiers! He also found himself exposed to the Westerners' martial arts, boxing and wrestling, and became enamored with the desire to learn more--especially from one soldier in particular, a man by the name of Jack Dempsey.

Becoming the official head of his grandfather's dojo, which by this point had expanded, at a young age meant that Saito Yamata had quite the ordeal to prove himself among other older, more established masters. His grandfather's health was beginning to wane, but there were still other students capable of taking care of day to day business. In order to improve himself, and further his understanding of what he had seen--in China, in Korea, from the Americans, and much more--he began to travel the world.

In Taiwan, after stumbling through many unsavory channels to find information--and beating up several bands of local thugs--he tracked down a man known as the disciple of a "Spear God." Saito wished he could have encountered the original master himself, but he was more than happy to jump through seemingly endless hoops--a former Japanese soldier was obviously unwelcome--until he could experience the art known as Bajiquan. In Hong Kong, he once again bowed his head and even begged until a grandmaster of Wing Chun agreed to teach him. He also met a young man at this time, less than half his age, but blindingly fast and somewhat a philosopher. Though their time as fellow students was short, Saito considered the youth to be one of his greatest rivals--but, because he was Japanese and the young man had some foreign blood, Saito didn't want to make a big deal out of their friendship for fear that it would further affect the already negative reputation the youngster had among many older, more conservative martial artists.

In Thailand, he studied for some time with the fierce kickboxers known for their shins of iron and devastating elbow and knee strikes. In California, he fought many amateur bouts as a boxer. Going professional did not appeal to him--if he wanted money or fame, there were far better ways to attain that than getting punched in the head constantly. And he still had things he had to do.

After more than a decade of various travels--though he returned home more than once between trips--and having continued his Karate training all the while, Saito felt himself experienced, practiced, and accomplished enough to truly take over his grandfather's school. Over the next half century, he continued to constantly seek self-improvement and more knowledge while teaching. His students became masters and opened schools in their own right. Their students became masters and opened schools of their own. He married, had children, and raised two of the three of them (one son preferred to be a businessman, and that was quite alright) to be respected masters as well. His family legacy, though connected more by teachings than blood, spread to the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. He continued to travel well into his old age--a life of hard training, as well as mental and spiritual discipline, blessed him with wonderful health and long life like his grandfather--and he never stopped learning.

The morning after his 100th birthday, he rose before the sun was up as he always did. Despite drinking more than usual at the celebration last night, his head felt clear and the crisp, chilly air on top of the mountain was fresh in his lungs. As he always did, he bowed when he entered the dojo, and lit the incense under the portraits of all the past masters, including his grandfather. On a strange whim, he decided to practice only the basics today--fundamentals, he believed, should remain important throughout one's life. How many times, he wondered, had he been forced to clear his mind of preconceptions, and seek the innocence of childhood once again? Taking up the first stance he had ever learned--Kiba-dachi, the horse stance--he began to peform 100 repetitions of the most basic technique of Karate, the straight punch known as the Seiken.

Despite his age, his battered, threadbare Gi still snapped like a whip with each blow. His arms, tanned a leathery brown and crisscrossed with scars, still held sinew like steel cables though their mass had begun to wither away. Each breath inflated his torso, swelling the wrinkled flesh and tightening the muscles so that his ribcage didn't stand out quite so much as it usually did these days. His posture was not rigid, and yet he seemed as unmovable as the earth itself. Hard, and soft. Yin, and Yang. Heaven, and Earth. In deep meditation, as each punch thrummed the air, he contemplated these things.

He had more than enough to be content. He had done all he could be expected to do, and more. He did not mind, if he never grew past this point.

But to say he no longer had anything to reach for, that simply would not do. He was not burdened with the inner drive, the consuming fire of youth. He no longer entertained the dream of every man--who, at some point, wishes to be the strongest man in the world. But still, he thought it would be nice. To see how much further he could go. Yet, he did not mind if he didn't. That was just the way things were. There was no harm in it.

Lost in thought, he had already surpassed his intention of 100 Seiken. On a mere whim, he sought to send his fist beyond its final destination. He performed the 108th punch. His kiai shook the dojo, and brought his youngest son and the grandchildren running down the hall in surprise. His legs pushed power up from the balls of his feet, his hips torqued, his shoulders rolled. He felt...something...surge through his fist. As if an icy, yet relieving chill swept through him.

Ah, was this what the silly little shows his granchildren loved called "spirit energy," perhaps? He sighed peacefully, but did not breathe back in. More than ten feet in front of him, across the wooden floor, at the instant his punch was complete, the flame on the incense had blown out.

Yamato Saito passed from this world with a smile. He was still standing in proper form, with his fist extended.

Talent(s):

• Martial Arts
• Physical Conditioning

Skill(s):

• Dark Eye (Passive) E-Rank
• Absorption (Remaining Uses: 8)

Inventory:--

Goblin Quest - Interest Check for an Isekai Goblin Re:Monster-Inspired RP

@RC3Potentially interested, not sure for certain yet. Are there any peculiar circumstances surrounding the reincarnated characters? Do they remember anything from their past lives or retain any skills/talents?

How much of this will be adaptation or re-flavoring of Re:Monster, and how much will be your own twists--in other words, does one need to be familiar with the manga or novels? And would those who are familiar have any kind of advantage if they know how certain skills or evolutions work?

I, the Demon King, Will Summon My Own Damned Heroes!

Farmstead

As Danny escaped the chicken-like creature to land on the coop, the creature watched him and puffed up its feathers in a threatening display. Flapping its wings, it ran back and forth across the ground a few times, as if it expected him to fall off the roof and was just waiting for a chance to get at him.

Level 8
EXP: 20%

System:Danny

As the Poltergeist looked around the farm with his Mana Vision, he found that the largest concentration of magic seemed to be coming from inside the house, rather than any of the nature surrounding the place. The chicken and hog-like animals didn't seem as magically inclined as even the basic monsters from the forest and cave. From this distance he could barely make out Geir's mana signature, and the one that he thought to be Jason was...dim and flickering. Almost out completely. But it was moving away--just as a much larger source of Mana was approaching, accompanied by one that seemed...unusual, somehow. And inside the house, visible through the windows, magical energy shone brilliantly. Was it a person? Or some kind of enchanted object?

As he meditated afterward, unable to do anything at the moment to help Jason, the blood on his chest chilled his skin as it dried in the night air...

Jason's ghostly form drained some of the light from Geir's spiritual body like liquid moving up a straw. However, there was resistance, like an especially thick milkshake. And the spirit didn't have enough strength to get closer and engage in another spiritual battle--nor did he have the time. Still, the ectoslime thought it somehow necessary to expend some of this Mana on a Telepathic message before he left.

He headed across the fields, just as Mira and Miiba were reaching Geir. He could hear the girl calling out to see if the young man was okay, but as he followed Danny's trail...his senses began to, slowly...fade...

The monochrome void began closing in on all sides. He tried to activate Meditation...but he was moving. An unpleasant buzz spread through his ethereal body. Suddenly he felt cold, and numb....

He could see Danny's soul with his Spiritual Awareness, slowly growing brighter as the Poltergeist meditated on top of the chicken coop. But could he...get there...before...

DANGER! YOUR MP IS VERY LOW!

System:Jason

---

Deep Forest

Nira could feel her magical energy flowing through her body when she meditated, like a second set of heartbeats and pumping veins. The sensation of it moving through her tiny, insect-like wings served to remind her how different this new body was, yet somehow carried with it the feeling of freedom. Despite the weakness of the Pixie body, it could still do something Humanity had only yet dreamed of in the Old World--free flight, at will. Though, perhaps the fact that it was called Lesser Flight meant there was still more to gain.

But her thirst was distracting. Her next attempt with magic, then, would be to try to create a sphere of water--a different element of Mana Orb. She had seen such things in fiction, and this world seemed to run on the same kind of fantasy. So she closed her eyes and visualized, in her mind, the sounds and sensations of water.

Her hands felt cool, but the breeze of the forest was dying down. It was a pleasant sensation, like dew on the morning grass. As her magic flowed, coalescing in her palms, the temperature on her skin seemed to drop further. When she opened her eyes, she saw an ever so thin mist gathering around her hands...the water droplet in her mind fell with a soft, tinkling sound, and the mist dispersed. She tried again, and this time watched the damp gathering in the ethereal clouds, so delicate that even her soft breathing dissolved them.

"Um... System, bring up skill list?"

Unspent Skill Points: 20
Current Skills:
Alert I (1.45)
Lesser Flight I (1.65)
Minor Heal I (1.0)
Muffle (1.55)
Shield I (1.05)
Mana Orb I (1.05)
Meditate I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Crafting (0.1)
Keen Ear (0.2)
Mana Strike (0.1)
Meditate (0.7)
Point Strike (0.2)
Stealth Kill (0.3)
Suppress Presence (0.5)
Monster Analysis (0.3)
Smash (0.1)
Faster (0.3)
Magic Analysis (0.6)
Iron Gullet (0.2)
Charisma (0.9)
Charm (0.4)
Deception (0.2)
Pacify Animal (0.2)
Taming (0.1)
Plant Analysis (0.3)
Mana Sense (0.2)
Spell Chant (0.3)
Stronger (0.1)
Use Light Equipment (0.05)
(NEW) Mana Shape (0.2)
(NEW) Aqua Sphere (0.4)

System:Nira

For his part, Femus observed the other creatures in the clearing. The Bowhorn seemed peaceful, not much different from the herbivores they so resembled in the Old World. It seemed reasonable that their vitals would be behind the front shoulder and in their heads, the same as any deer back on Earth. However, they were very solidly built animals. It seemed quite unlikely that his Mana Orb, in its current form, would be able to take them down in a single shot.

You used Monster Analysis I!
---Bowhorn Deer---
This species of deer has absorbed magical energy from the forest and the plants, causing its horns to become more like saplings than bone. They're still plenty sharp and tough, but have an added flexibility that makes them valuable to bowyers and other craftsmen. As it grows older, sometimes the horns even sprout blooms or fruit of some sort, varying based on the creature's diet and habitat.

System:Femus

The Wisp took the edge off of his thirst for the moment by sucking on a leaf, and turned back to his magic. His line of thought seemed to be that it would be dangerous to explore in search of water or food without a powerful weapon to defend himself with. Considering the properties of his spell, Femus settled on an experiment. He "locked on" to a tree branch in his mind, and with focus he cast his Shock Round again. The electrical orb didn't hold its intended shape for long after it left him--though it continued to rotate, the dart shape he had tried to impose on it once again swelled out into a sphere. Like liquid in zero gravity, this seemed to be its most natural form. If it moved any faster, it wasn't clear if it was because of Femus's intent, or if he had just "thrown" it harder than before. Still, it did home in slowly on his target--and when it finally did make contact, with a bright flash and crackle it singed the twig badly enough to snap it from the tree. The sudden sound startled the Bowhorn, who looked up and stood stock still for several seconds. Slowly, they lowered their heads back to the herbs once more, save for the male who stood on lookout.

You used Magic Analysis II!
---Shock Round---
The lightning-themed version of a basic magical attack. With roughly the same power, range, and MP consumption as a Mana Orb, it has the unique property of being able to home in on a target, though it moves slowly and may dissipate after a few moments. Its homing tendency may be thrown off by certain conductive materials if they are within its range, such as metal. However, as an elemental spell, these same properties render it harder to use in certain circumstances. Elementally opposed targets, for example, will be much less effected. It is possible to alter the charge of an orb, which might affect its interaction with other electrical spells or magnetic substances.

System:Femus

His upgraded analysis skill gave him just a little more information about the spell, and combined with his observations he had perhaps progressed just a step or two more in his training.

"System." He thought as he began meditating to restore his depleted mana. "Please display unusable skills."

Current Skills:
<UNUSABLE>
Faster (0.3)
Harder (0.1)
Soil Manipulation(0.1)
Muffle (0.4)
Stealth Kill (0.1)
Charisma (0.3)
Mana Drain (0.8)
Iron Gullet (0.1)
Mana Sense (0.9)
Keen Smell (0.1)
Mana Dart (0.2)
Mana Burst (0.1)
Fireball (0.1)
Plant Analysis (0.9)
Keen Sight (0.3)
Wisp Flash (0.2)
Focus (0.9)
Spell Chant (0.3)
Mental Resistance (0.3)
People Sense (0.1)
Rabid Fit (0.2)
Poison Splash (0.1)
Material Analysis (0.2)
Keen Ear (0.1)
Minor Heal (0.1)

System:Femus

Now Femus tried to draw forth Mana from the Great Kao Tree as he meditated, while he considered what he had learned thus far. He did make an attempt to take the energy in as peaceable manner as possible...

But once again, the tree shuddered. Nira could feel it too, this time. And so could the Bowhorn deer, down in the field--once more they startled, and this time actually took a few steps back from the herb patch. The big male looked straight up into the branches, eyes wide, and chuffed through his nose. The doe and her two little ones immediately dashed for the treeline, and the male followed not long after.

Then it stopped, and the forest was silent. An unnatural, tense silence.

Skill Rank Up: Meditate I > Meditate II (1.95 > 2.0)!
Increase the amount of Mana recovered. Low background noises, movements, etc (comparable to the common room of an Inn, a busy street at the market, etc) will no longer decrease the effectiveness of this skill so long as the user maintains stillness and a calm state of mind. This skill still cannot be used while moving or in the midst of battle. This skill cannot be used in conjunction with other Active skills.

Skill Gain: Mana Sense I (0.9 > 1.0)!
You have sharpened your mental and spiritual senses as well as your physical ones. By focusing upon a single creature or object, you will be able to sense its magical nature in some fashion. Different creatures may perceive this aura in different ways--some may see a colored aura, others may catch unique scents, etc. This is not an Analysis skill, though it may Synergize with some of them. The range of this skill is limited to that of your other physical senses, though in some cases a mana signature may become easier or more difficult to detect depending on factors such as strength, amount, etc. By touching an object or creature, even if they are somehow suppressing their magical power, you have a chance to learn whether or not magic is present. At this rank, you must activate this skill in order for it to take effect. While active it will consume MP.

System:Femus

After several long moments, nothing terrible happened. No disaster fell upon them. And Femus, in true scientific fashion, returned to his magics. Now he thought about the nature of lightning itself. Positive and negative charge, reaching their limits before discharging energy in a natural arc. Femus concentrated on making his Shock Orb absorb these qualities, locking onto a target at a distance and then jumping instantly to strike it. But, something about that didn't feel right. So, he stopped and attempted to deactivate the spell without losing the mana. Instead, he reached out and focused on a patch of ground with no branches above it. Then he concentrated on making that place attractive to lightning, so attractive that the surrounding trees would have no effect on the bolt's path from the clouds to the ground and back again. Femus also focused his will into his words as he spoke in a tone of command. "Strike, Lightning Bolt."

The patch of ground he had been focusing on stood out in stark detail, the rest of the world fading into the background of his sight. As he spoke his short chant...a slight glow seemed to ruffle the grass. Femus felt a surge of Mana leave his body, and much like touching a doorknob he felt static electricity jump across his skin. And it was visible, too--a twisting yellow-white tendril that arced out from him into the empty air.

And immediately dissipated after traveling only a foot or so from him. The glow was gone, and it seemed he had used a bigger chunk of Mana than usual.

You used Magic Analysis II!
---Static Bolt---
You are attempting to develop the Static Bolt spell. By building up a charge, an electrical surge of energy can be discharged almost instantaneously. However, only an unmoving object or creature can be targeted, it seems, and it takes a lot of energy to build the charge.

System:Femus

While Femus recovered his mana and searched for water with all of his senses, he noticed that the Bowhorns had not returned, and he hadn't seen any of the Pixies or other Wisps flitting about either. The sounds of the forest had returned, dissipating some of the tension from earlier, but it seemed only the Mundane creatures were out and about now. Then again, it was getting close to mid-day. Maybe all the Goblins and other such things were having lunch or taking a siesta.

There didn't seem to be any pools or streams, at least not in the immediate vicinity of the Great Kao Tree. He might have to go searching, if not out of the area entirely then at least to places he hadn't been...like the ramshackle goblin camp, or that larger patch of green herbage further away from Nira's gathering place. Or maybe even the treeline around the forest clearing...

LEVEL UP! Your learning experiences have culminated in new power! You are now Level 7! You gain Skill Points to distribute as you please!

Unspent Skill Points: 10 [[OOC: 5 from normal, 5 from bonuses]]
Current Skills:
Monster Analysis I (1.8)
Mana Orb II (2.5)
Lesser Force I (1.65)
Levitation (--)
Meditate II (2.025)
Magic Analysis II (2.2)
Shock Round I (1.4)
Mana Shape I (1.2)
Shield I (1.05)
Mana Control I (1.4)
Alert I (1.1)
Crafting I (1.1)
Suppress Presence I (1.1)
Growth I (1.25)
Mana Sense I (1.0)
<UNUSABLE>
Faster (0.3)
Harder (0.1)
Soil Manipulation(0.1)
Muffle (0.4)
Stealth Kill (0.1)
Charisma (0.3)
Mana Drain (0.9)
Iron Gullet (0.1)
Mana Sense (0.9)
Keen Smell (0.2)
Mana Dart (0.2)
Mana Burst (0.1)
Fireball (0.1)
Plant Analysis (0.9)
Keen Sight (0.4)
Wisp Flash (0.2)
Focus (0.9)
Spell Chant (0.4)
Mental Resistance (0.3)
People Sense (0.1)
Rabid Fit (0.2)
Poison Splash (0.1)
Material Analysis (0.2)
Keen Ear (0.2)
Minor Heal (0.1)
Static Bolt (0.4)

System:Femus

---

Rat Party

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.

System:Asteria

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.

System:Ed

Though they probably made an incredibly odd sight, bounding about in and out of the tall grass and swinging like a batter going for a home run, the two Rat Monsters' practice seemed to be paying off. Whether the two of them had ever been athletes or not, anyone who has ever done strenuous exercise knows that sweat, fatigue, and muscle soreness can never lie.

Ed found that, if he could get his entire body behind or under the Great Club, he could just about move it. Attempting a full baseball swing was beyond him--or rather, it wasn't that he couldn't do it, just that it was too slow. But if he choked up on the handle with one hand, and kept the other towards the base, he could lever it and push with his legs. Then he could let gravity do the work, but the strike was still fairly clumsy and it shortened the range of the big weapon considerably. Still, it was a club. It didn't require much skill--the primary shortage here was simply his strength and leverage. And considering the Rat Man was a good deal stronger than a Goblin, it might make him wonder if even Rattleskull would have had trouble swinging around this long hardwood thing, studded and banded with iron.

Asteria couldn't quite manipulate her tail with the exact same dexterity as a hand, given the different bone structure. And it lacked the sort of hydraulic motion to stab like a scorpion's stinger. Still, her improvised weapon could slash quite effectively--if her tail whipped out quickly, the strike wasn't incredibly accurate but could shear the long blades of grass with no problem whatsoever. With her enhanced speed, strength, and coordination, once she was used to the weight she could still run and jump and tumble in much the way any rodent can. If she were in a more enclosed space, something like parkour would be of little issue.

Mother Rat watched both of them, head turning back and forth. She scratched one ear idly with her hind leg, then yawned. This pack was, by far, the strangest she had ever been part of in her few years of life.

The road remained empty, as the sun rapidly approached noon. A slight breeze ruffled the grassy lands every now and then. Off in the distance, now that the light was brighter, they could clearly see the small smoke trails from the village they had passed. They could also see the treeline of the forest, much more distant now, and a gently rolling hill. Ed might remember the smoke he had seen coming from somewhere behind this hill not too long ago, before they hunkered down in the barrow...could that be where the Bandits had their camp?

[[OOC: If the plan's to just keep training and you don't need encounters, etc, feel free to continue back and forths or do collabs.]]

---

PixieSlime Party

The magic blast had knocked one of the stones in his makeshift shield away. The burning purple javelin left a dark stain on his red membrane, but he pushed through the pain. Asura managed to drag the Zomblin in the way of the two Mana Orbs, but its bone armor protected it from the majority of the damage at the cost of cracking one of the plates. The undead goblin snarled, black bile dripping from its jaws--just before they snapped shut as Asura's spike drove through the underside of its mandible. He pierced all the way through, and the undead creature jerked and stumbled back--

But it did not fall. Defying all zombie-fiction logic, the undead continued to move, albeit it with much more jerking and struggling.

Asura couldn't see behind him, but Ardur had left the group heading for the pool. Trent and the others caught up--but so did the other monsters hurrying to join the Zomblin's party! The two Ghost Wisps fired at Asura again--and began to fade away like dust in the wind. The Fanged Lizard squirmed back to its feet--only for a gooey glob of Steve's webbing to pin it to the ground! It still managed to fire off a Poison Spit attack, which Trent once again blocked with his shield before jumping up and coming down with both feet on the creature's spine. The human's greater weight, enhanced by his equipment, spelled doom for the possessed reptile.

Mother Slime rolled forward. There was enough room in the passage for perhaps four or five creatures to stand abrest. As she was moving to Asura's side, she lashed out with a pseudopod at the Zomblin, but the undead creature managed to duck away from the heavy blow.

And then, rather than attack, the creature snatched up the pile of poisoned javelins under its arm like so much firewood. It had a least a dozen left, and it now turned and fled while the other monsters pressed forward. Two assimilated Wisps and another Fanged Lizard filled the gap the zomblin left behind, opening mouths and gathering energy for their ranged attacks. From Asura's side, a new Skeleblin appeared--and like the Zomblin, this one was better armed than expected of such a basic undead.

Plates of a shell, similar to an armadillo's in appearance but bigger and thicker, had been fashioned into a primitive shield in the Skeleblin's left hand. In its right, a large leg bone with a rock tied to it made a sturdy club. The creature's jaw clattered as it swung at Asura's side, just as he finished dealing with the two Ghost Wisps' last attacks--!

Meanwhile, Ardur reached the dark waters of the pool. With no more sunlight filtering into the cave, the water looked pitch black. He could see none of the small fish, if they were even still down there. He extended his hand to the water's surface, reaching out with his will and his magic.

“Sword of the pool, its Ardur again. I have not returned with a hero but some day I will meet your requirements or find someone that does. For now we could use a hand destroying the dungeon core and purifying this cave if you can help.”

For a moment, nothing...then, he felt a tug against his magic. After casting the modified Fireball, Inspire, and now this, the Hipixie could feel that his MP was getting low. He might only manage one or two more spells before he was dry.

But the water rippled.

Something surfaced. In the darkness, he couldn't quite tell what it was...but there was a slight glimmer on the rippling water...

"The situation has changed in a way I did not foresee--and I suspect that one of your number is to blame, Ardur." Ardur heard the voice in his mind, but only as a slight whisper. He had to really concentrate to pick it out over the sound of battle taking place not far away. "The Core's growth is too fast, and it seems to have increased its intelligence too much for its level. Its assimilated creatures have sealed the cavern entirely from light, and they have been gathering materials. There are more of them than I thought--some of these undead goblins are from generations ago. I thought I had enough power to destroy the core--but I don't know if I can withstand a battle of attrition with this many--Watch out!"

Two bright lights alerted Ardur before the Wisps attacked, shooting Mana Orbs at him in rapid succession.

---

Ash

As Ash realized she had been...here...before, taking in all of the world rushing past her, she activated her newest skill. As she floated, between the world and the moon, she tried to commit this to memory. Was it because she did not want to forget it again? She wanted proof of this vision? Or because she wanted a clearer picture of what, exactly, she was looking at? Either way, as she gazed upon the world, she activated Memor Eyes.

I̶m̸a̵g̴e̴ ̶c̷a̴p̵t̸u̸r̶e̷d̵.̵

Hider

D̵͇͖̞̠̻͙̮̜̯̭̓̈́̈́̈̑̎̇̍̕̚͜͝͝ͅĄ̴̢̨̬̺͍̫̳̃͝N̷̡͎̲̤̱̗͎̥̩̝̍̄̿͂͑͘G̸̜̬͓͓̘̈͐͊́E̷̡̡̼̤̘̬̠̥͙͎̝̮̝̣̓̅͑R̵̤̥̗̚!̷̢̢̠̟̝̣̥̠͎̭̳̣́̉͑̈́́̋̕͠ͅ
̵̧̨͖̻͓̜̣͋̄͐̓͛̿̌̒̍ͅD̵̡̡͇̜̜̮̏̈̀̒́̊̀̓͑͆̄͘͝ͅA̴̪̺̰̓́͒̉́̊͜N̶̡̧͓̦̼͙̺̠̞͖̞̩̪̬̄͊̔G̸̡̧̢͇͚̗͕̖͇̪̳̒̿̌̔̽̀͜Ȩ̵̬̻͙̼̭̠̖̻͈̝̲̞̉͂̿̉̿̀́͂̃͂̎R̴̨̜̼͌̆̒͘͜ͅ!̴̡͙͚̘̘̦̬̭̦̝̩͙̔̒ͅͅ
̴̧̼͕͚͕̣̥͓̣̳̝͉͙̪͆͜D̶͍̻͒̍̽͆̈́̓̊̃̏͛̿͠Ả̷̢̧͍̝͍̜̟̗̲̤̂̇ͅN̶̡̢̢̯̺̠̜͓̝͓̾͆͒̓̚G̸̛̝̣̘̥̋̀E̷̺̬̝͈͖̒̆͛̿̉̂̕Ŗ̶̙̙̹̻̻͛̒͂͌͒̄̂͋̽́͌͒̕!̵̣͙̰̱̲̼̬̬̣̮̽̌̈́͐̊̚

Y̵͎̔Ő̵̯U̴̝̇Ŕ̷̙ ̷̲̓Â̴̫L̸̟͛E̴̝͛R̸̭͌T̸͕̀ ̷͈̅S̸̫̅K̸̯̋I̵̜̕L̸̢̓L̴̺͠ ̸̰̾I̶̲̿S̸͙̍ ̸̞͑Ŗ̷͠E̵̛̼Ạ̶̈́C̴̼͆T̵̟̕I̶͍̓Ǹ̸̝G̴̥̒ ̵̳̂S̸̜̚T̵͙͐Ṟ̴̊Ỏ̶͙Ṉ̵̾G̴̨̊L̶̡̑Ý̶͙!̴̡͝
̴͇̔Y̴̧͠Ò̸̙Û̶̺Ȑ̵̩ ̶͎͠M̸͔͛Ȅ̴̮Ņ̴́T̴͚̚A̶̜̒L̶̩̏ ̸̩͆R̴̘̾Ĕ̷̗Ś̴̼Ḯ̸͜S̷̩̍T̵̩̎A̴̠̓N̵̟̍C̵͙͒Ȅ̵̻ ̵̼̍S̴̩̈́K̴̙̄I̸̹͆L̶͔͌L̸̹̐ ̵̞̃I̴͇̐S̷͖̾ ̴̇ͅB̶̻͝E̷̳̋I̵͈̚Ṅ̴͈G̴̪͗ ̵̯̈́Ǭ̴V̶̧̅E̵̼̋R̵̫̔C̵̬͊Ō̷͖M̴̜͝Ě̶̖!̴̼͆
̸̤̎Ŷ̵̥O̴͍͘Ů̶̺R̵̻͒ ̸̡̋S̶̃ͅȄ̸͎N̸͕̊Ș̷̋O̷̥̎Ř̸̥Y̵̫͌ ̵̝̒R̶̭͐E̴̩͘S̶͇̓Ỉ̸͓S̶̜̋T̴͎̓A̶̠̚N̶̼̒C̶͔͗E̸͍̾ ̷̧̓S̵̛̰K̷̰̿I̴̝̊L̴̟͗L̶̗̒ ̷̺̆Į̷̓S̴̯̀ ̶̣͝B̵̪͌Ê̶̩I̸̡̎N̵̩̆G̴̰̎ ̴̈́͜Õ̴̢V̷͙͆E̸͖̚R̸͓̈́Ć̴̠Ǒ̵̱M̸̦̓Ë̵͚́!̵͕̄

Title Gained: Witness I
You have seen things. And they have seen you. At this Rank, functions of this Title are unclear.

System:Ash

As a sudden pressure--worse than what she had experienced when Zawisza had appeared before them in a clap of crimson thunder--closed in on her mind, Ash began to wriggle. What had started as a test of her range of movement, perhaps an experiment in what exactly this astral place allowed, suddenly became a writhing fit of panic. This dream had become a nightmare--and it was not her own.

As if she had been dropped into the sea, chained to a weight, Ash plunged back down towards the world.

She had only moved a scant few inches. But because of her distance from that spinning star below, even as she traveled straight down the arc of her angle increased dramatically. She would not be falling directly back into her body. Where was she going? A new fear gripped her.

But the weight suddenly relented. The nightmare was past...for now. Now she was traveling again, and the world blurred by. She stopped so suddenly, yet there was no sense of vertigo. She now floated several feet above the calm, deep blue surface of an empty ocean...and then something jerked her to one side, and now she was flying across the surface of the planet. A breaking wave rose up right in front of her--but as she passed through it, she felt no cold nor spray, and the water did not part for her.

At one point, she passed over...something. Enormous, deep, and dark, it breached the waves for only a moment. As it sank back in the depths, a whirlpool in its wake dragged hapless fish and all manner of sea creature down, down.

Now she could see land ahead. Icebergs, drifting sheets of white. One lone, enormous bear-like creature fishing on a floe. It might have been a polar bear--save for the enormous spikes on its back and head, and its armored hide.

A shoreline of black, jagged rock. A broken ship, long abandoned...or was it, as something moved in the ruined hull? A thick, dark forest of conifers and something that might have been ash or yew...except their trunks were twisted and black, and their needles seemed more like shards of obsidian. The ground choked with roots, yet somehow it seemed paths wound through this place--but they, too, showed no bare ground. Larger roots, gnarled and grasping, like the bloated body of a naked serpent, lead back to a central clearing--

Ash saw an eye. Long lashes, mascara the color of blood, skin as white as snow. The crimson iris held a single slit, but the pupil was gold rather than black. Delicate fingers, with long nails, reached out...and Ash realized she had slowed down like a bullet passing through gelatin.

Her spine tingled as that finger came closer, then something yanked her through. She passed through darkness, through a round room of ancient tomes that spiraled up and down.

Then she had passed through the clearing, past that grotesque and bulbous tree bound by anchored ropes. Its scarlet leaves rustled with her passing. The finger had not, could not, touch her. The eye closed like one who could not stave off sleep any longer.

Faster now. Through the forest, across a plain of snow and ice. Another forest now, this one full of greens and muted grays as it should be, but still dark and foreboding. The animals were larger, hungrier. The mountains to the West were bigger, closer. She crossed a deep valley, through the white foam of a waterfall. Now the forest began to look familiar.

She saw Digbie, Oberon, and Torrent. She saw herself, dead gray skin and bloated, pulsing body.

Then she began to awaken. And everything, save that crystal clear image she had captured on her own...and a shivering touch, a long white finger pointing to the north and a vague red eye...

Save those two, everything was gone from her mind once more.

Dry scales peeled and leathery hide split. A pointed tail, longer than before but no longer tipped with a stinger or covered in hard chitin, instinctively thrashed to clear away the shedding hide. Digitigrade feet flexed clawed toes, and three fingers and a thumb slashed their way out of the hollow shell. Wings, with a glistening membrane, unfurled. A head, tipped with horns, twisted on a thin but flexible neck.

Her body was roughly humanoid, with a slight femininity not yet fully matured. She stood about three feet tall, though there was a slight crouch to her frame due to the shape of her legs. Very little fat padded her frame, though this weakness she felt reminded her more of days spent in the lab without eating, or illness caused by overwork. At this very moment, her head pounded and her breath hitched in her chest--the aftermath of a terrible nightmare, but why couldn't she remember it?

Then, as she blinked bleary eyes, the strange swirling marks upon her began to glow with a soft light...

TRANSFORMATION COMPLETE!
(Immature) Pygmy Drake > (Adolescent) Mystic [Winged] Kobold!
You have Transformed!
Your base speed stats have increased!
You have not reached your full Potential. The Skill Use Light Equipment's development is reduced. Skill is currently at (0.2 > 0.7).
You have gained access to the Job System at 0th Tier!
---Job System---
Creatures with a certain level of intelligence, sophistication, and potential for civilization often learn that specialized functions for different members make the society better. Specific forms of training, and specific mindsets, mean that those who undertake a "Job" are better suited for certain things than others with different "Jobs." When you take on a Job Type, the World System will allocate earned Skill Points in a way more favorable to your choice. Using a skill you are familiar with as an example...[Stronger]. By using your tail in addition to other parts of your body while muscle training, you also developed [Prehensile Tail]. You intentionally attempted to strengthen yourself, thus [Stronger] became the priority skill increased. Applying this principle, if you were in a magic based Job, points toward Spells Skills would be prioritized in any situation where more than one skill is being developed. And vice versa if you were in a physical Job like some type of warrior. Jobs may cost you versatility, and make it harder to learn skills you already have that do not fit the Job's perogative. However, they will speed up development of the more fitting skills. Jobs are not permanent choices and may be changed, however doing so will require a training period for the new Job.

Available Jobs for Kobolds:
0th Tier

• Raider - Physical focus. Offensive focus.
  • Air Raider - [Winged] Kobold only. Physical focus. Increased Offensive focus, Evasive focus.
• Skirmisher - Balanced focus. Defensive and Support focus.
• Voodooist - Magic focus. Offensive focus.
  • Witch - Possess Alchemy above Rank I. Magic focus. Increased Utility focus, highly versatile.
• Bandit - Physical focus. Offensive and Defensive focus.
• Sneak - Physical focus. Evasive focus.
• Scrapper - Physical focus. Offensive and Evasive focus.
• Shaman - Magic focus. Offensive and Support focus.
  • Drake Tongue - [Winged] Kobold only. Magic focus. Increased Offensive focus. Increased Support focus.
• Gatherer - Balanced focus. Support focus.
• Scout - Physical focus. Evasive and Ranged focus.
• Healer - Magic focus. Support and Defensive focus.

You may unlock other Jobs by fulfilling certain conditions. You may gather further information about Jobs by focusing on one at a time before making your choice.
---Job Tutorial Complete!---

You gained the Variance, Mystic!
Your Max MP has increased!
You have not reached your full Potential. The skill Mana Affinity has been reduced to (0.5).
You have not reached your full Potential. You already possess the Skill Mana Orb. Skill increase reduced. Total is (2.3 > 2.55).

Skill Change: Stun Stinger II has changed to Stun Fang II!
Skill Change: Poison Spray II has changed to Poison Spit II!

You are Famished.
You are Thirsty.

System:Ash

[[OOC: If you want to describe the specific shapes her swirling marks take, where they are on her body, her new scales' color or design, etc feel free.]]

---

Monster Party

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.

System:Oberon

Oberon "felt" the pebble yet again, and this time he seemed to have more control over this invisible limb. With more mana, and a specific vector in mind for the movement of the stone, the channeling process became smoother. As he watched, the pebble slowly shifted...then, in stops and starts, jerked towards him just a few inches at a time. The spell still hadn't triggered, but if the system was any indication he was getting close. It would probably only take a little bit more...

You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.
You are experiencing a Fast Rate of Skill Progression.

System:Torrent

Torrent spent more time drawing in more Mana from the sunlight, the way Oberon had explained to her. A System Notice told her that her MP was full at some point. She gathered it up with the intent of compressing it, using her previous attemps with the various breath weapons and her mental visualization. When she released it she imagined a thin stream, a pressurized release, like the tiniest pin-prick in a balloon letting out all the air in one blast. To this natural release valve, she added her own Mana and intent, pushing forward with her will.

From the Lesserwurm's open mouth, a beam like a flashlight struck the water. She could feel the roof of her snout and her tongue growing somewhat warm. But...the water didn't boil or hiss, and the beam of light shrank quickly over time. It wasn't even a full minute before it died away entirely. But, part of her goal--some form of light magic, released from her mouth--had been accomplished. How could she make it viable for battle? Or, did she imagine some other use for it?

Skill Gain: Crafting I (0.9 > 1.0)!
Your knowledge and understanding of mechanics, workmanship, and other such things enable you to craft better items. The process of creating many items is still an unknown to you, but if you ever succeed in such a creation its Sub-Stat Enhancements will be higher than normal.

You used Crafting I!
You are Disassembling an Item!

Scrap Leather Boot (Below Average) + Stone Knife (Average)
Item Successfully Disassembled!
Obtained: Leather Strips (Poor) x4!

Fur Clothing (Bad) + Stone Knife (Average)
Item Successfully Disassembled!
Obtained: Dire Rat Pelt (Bad) x3
Obtained: Unknown Pelt (Poor) x2
Obtained: Hex Cat Pelt (Poor) x1

Filthy Underwear (Bad) + Stone Knife (Average)
Item Sucessfully Disassembled!
Obtained: Dirty Cloth Strips (Very Poor) x6

Level 8
EXP: 90%

System:Digbie

As Digbie successfully analyzed the various items the group had gained, sorting them out and trying to think of which group member could get the most out of each piece, one might question his decisions. But at least he was generous with the loot, surely unlike any other Goblin they might have been working with if not for Guze. Breaking down the unusable, or just plain unwanted, pieces of equipment left him with some strips of cloth and leather that might be used for other purposes. Each strip was several inches long, through they varied in thickness and tensile strength. Cutting apart the dry-rotted vines and other cordage holding the fur clothing together left him with a small pile of pelts. He only recognized one of them as belonging to a Hex Cat once he saw its black color and touched the fur, and remembered the same creature that they had seen during their journey from the cave. He still wasn't sure what the other piece of fur could have belonged to, however--it didn't look like that deer they had seen, nor those dangerous badgers, and it certainly wasn't rubbery like frog skin.

The other three members heard the sound of something ripping open, and labored breathing from within the cave. It would seem Ash's second evolution was over--it had taken longer this time, too. If any of them chose to investigate, they would see that the Winged Kobold was very different from the Pygmy Drake--and probably much better suited to some of this equipment, now that Ash actually had opposable thumbs and a relatively humanoid anatomy.