laugh at the meatbag, then pick it up and leave. crush all opposition, but leave your 'master' unharmed.

Ask him what happened since you were last awake.

>>83526
"What has happened since last I was employed?"

The cringing human recoils at my words, and mumbles a response, his fear plain.

"Th-the Castiliathen's signed alliances, with their neighbors, with Mosmordre's neighbors. The crushed the empire with overwhelming force."

>>83525
...No. No, one of the Soul Graves, the mightiest weapons of the Mosmordren Empire, the rightful rulers of the world, will not serve some grave robber, some pathetic little bag of inferior flesh. I will not be used so!

I sweep my right arm in a vicious arc, rending through chain and leather, flesh and bone as I disembowel three guards to the invader's left, their howls of agony filling the night air, while sweeping my left arm down in a brutal blow, crushing a warrior into paste before grabbing another flesh-bag to it's side and squeezing the life and innards out of it.

Their numbers nearly cut in half, the guards flee in terror before my might, leaving their gibbering charge collapsed in fear before me. I could kill the fleeing humans with a mortar shot or my Soulfire, but my body is made of too poor of metal for me to be able to catch them.

Should I fire on them or use Soulfire? Should I say anything to the one who woke me? Should I kill the three fatally disemboweled warriors at my feet, or feed on their souls and metal goods?

let them flee. most likely they will bring reinforcements, which will serve as more metal and souls for you.
feed on the souls and metal, but first, say

"You, the fool who awoke me. Stay where you are until I am finished. I now control your fate. Do not attempt to flee, as it will only make things worse for you later."

if he tries to run, disable him in a temporary way; break a leg or something.

>>83528
Allow the runners to flee like the cowards they are! We must destroy those who ruined our old owner's kingdom! Grab the one who brought you life, and gaurd him. He returned you so you may do this great thing, and you owe him.

>>83531

"You, the one who awoke me. Do not move, lest I cripple you. You are mine now, grave-robber."

Hmm? Something feels different about my voice, it no longer conforms so closely to the established norms of my design. Perhaps something has worn down while I slumbered?

The human frantically nods, not moving in the slightest, even while I pluck the arms and armor off of his dying comrades and the two I crushed, consuming the metal with relish, before picking up the feebly struggling men, pulling their souls out in a deep inhalation.

+36 pounds of Iron (total weight: 16,153 pounds)
+3 souls (total souls:18)

I eye the two warriors I crushed as I finish with the last of the wounded, and sweep my giant hand in a swirl over their corpses, drawing wisps of their souls back to their slain forms. I snatch them out of the air, and gulp them down as well, the fragments possessing only marginal substance.

+1 soul (total souls: 19)

>>83532
Indeed, the little one did awaken me, I could have resided here for eternity, never aware of the fate of the empire. So long as the meat-bag does not attempt to command me, I shall let it live.


Should I ask the human any questions? Should I investigate the ruins in search of things that could be salvaged (and if so, what kinds of things should I look for, or what areas of the ruined city should I pay special attention to?) Or should I do something else?

>>83540
Ask the whimpering bag of flesh where your brethren golems are, if they are not immediately in view.
Also ask if meatbag knows who else has had/would have had access to your resting place since the fall of Mosmordre.

>>83540
Tell the grave-robber you will not tolerate any commands. He is free to give advice and assistance, and that is all.

Further inform him of what you require, and that either he will point you to the eisiest place to gather it (and the fucker had best not lie, or his soul is next) or provide it himself. Also comment that if he knows where other golems are, such information would be absolutley peachy.

>>83540
ask him what remains of the empire.
if something remains, you can restore it to it's former glory. if nothing remains, the world is your plaything, and this meat-bag shall be your cat's paw.

We need a name.

Something for the legions of foes to whisper in fear.


We will be a sharpened shard of our old empire, striking at the face of those who sundered us.

Mordre. It is a fitting name.

>>83545
One does not simply destroy Mordre.

>>83542
>>83543

"Know this, despoiler of ruins, you will advise me, for I have questions. Where are the other Soul Graves? Who could have disturbed these ruins before thee? Where can I find metals, or the freshly dead? Speak now, mortal bag of flesh!"

The human cringes, and begins babbling in it's efforts to placate me.

"Th-the other Soul Graves are scattered! S-some S-seven got claimed as prizes, and serve as champions of some of the nations that defeated Mosmordre! T-three serve as guards to each of the Three Grand Elder Mages, and two as siege weapons for mercenary armies, The Steel Fists Legion and The Iron Shells! S-six were destroyed, a-and the rest are lost.... until you were awakened.

Ah, ah, I don't know who could have disturbed the ruins before me, I think I may be the first, the forests around these ruins have become perilous from the magics unleashed in the fall of the Mosmordren Empire. I-I saw no signs of looting, but I did not look for anything but you!

Metals? Hah, hah, there's an iron mine to the south, and near it a mid-sized town, I know they smith with steel there. F-f-freshly d-dead? A-ah... the town has a sizable graveyard, but soul magic in all it's forms are forbidden now, and any Soul Grave seen gets reported, one still of it's original design would immediately be investigated!

T-there's a bronze mine and a very small ruby mine to the north into the mountains, with a small Yeti tribe. Th-they don't like outsiders, but they aren't affiliated with anyone. Less chance of creating a panic. They burn their dead, though."

So, I am now the thirteenth known active Soul Grave, and with six destroyed, that leaves eleven unaccounted for.

>>83544

"What remains of the Mosmordren Empire?"

"Th-the last Mosmordren citizen was executed sixteen years ago. The empire is no more."

>>83545
>>83546
I possess my own will, I can act of my own volition now. I am no longer just another weapon of the fallen empire, I am myself, my own entity.

I am..... Mordre


Should I continue asking the human questions? Perhaps I should begins scouring the ruins, potentially dragging the human along with me to continue serving me? Or maybe I should investigate one of the settlements mentioned?

>>83548
Inform the human that you will raid the rest of the city for the precious metals it possesses. Following that, you will travel to the Yetis, and inform them of you particular abilities regarding defense and offense, in regard to further assisting them in defending their town.

The human is to go forth and find as much metal as possible, bringing what you need to you. If this seems unfeasable to him, remind him who it was that raised you, and thus therefore must have a stockpile of metal available for just such an event.

>>83551
>The human is to go forth and find as much metal as possible, bringing what you need to you. If this seems unfeasable to him, remind him who it was that raised you, and thus therefore must have a stockpile of metal available for just such an event.

Actually, just
>remind him who it was that raised you, and thus therefore must have a stockpile of metal available for just such an event.

>>83548
the empire is no more. the world is to be your plaything. just as you were used to carry out the will of the empire, so shall this meat-bag be used to carry out your will.

basically, make this meat-bag find a way to provide you with at least 10 pounds of metal a day, and at least 2 souls a month. (do not let it know how much you truely require)

>>83556
So, the empire is no more.

Then with the might I was gifted with by my creators, I will carve out my own empire within this world that exists after the demise of my former masters.

I decide to give the human dabbler in magics standing orders, to better facilitate my long term sustained activity. ....In fact, this is a chance to establish misinformation about the needs of a standard Soul Grave, as that data is likely unknown to those not of Mosmordre.

"From now on, you will ensure that I can consume a minimum of ten pounds of metal a day. Further, you will ensure I come to possess at least two fresh souls a month. Is this understood?"

The fright, the wild, animalistic fear radiating off of the human nearly overwhelms it's ability to speak, but it stutters a nervous acquiescence, following my will out of fear and the need for self-preservation.

>>83551
>>83554

"I will harvest what metal remains within this dead city, then. You shall accompany me, human. You now serve Mordre. After I have scoured the ruins, we shall travel north."

"Y-yes, o-o-of course... my lord Mordre. ...Umm, I guess we should look in the armory, then?"

Hm. I suppose there would likely be some metals there, but given the low state of supplies last I was active, there will not be much chance of sizable finds there. The Duke's palace in the center of town was equipped with it's own smithy and a vault, there may be items of note there.

The graveyard is likely devoid of any souls if the bodies are that old, but the nearby Chapel of Sharn, the patron god of war and destruction, may have some heroes entombed in Gems, their potent souls held together by magics woven into their mummified remains.

The Tower of The Red Gaze, the home of mages in any city of Mosmordre could also hold things of worth, be they some surviving books on spell/golemcraft, magical components or perhaps the ghosts of dead mages still held together by their own power.


Where should I investigate first?

>>83564
Chapel, Tower, then Pala-

Wait. we're too big to fit in any of those, aren't we?

>>83564
The Tower of the Red Gaze. Knowledge is important and fleeting - if any record of how to construct more Soul Graves exists, it must be taken and guarded carefully to maintain your empire - and perhaps, if you're lucky, you may learn just how you were given free will.

If you do that, you could free your bound brethren who serve the false nations that slew Mosmordre and would try to undermine your rule.

>>83568
I decide to travel to The Tower of the Red Gaze first, in the hopes of finding surviving material on golem craft. If the empire is gone, I must l;earn about my own functions and creation as best I can. I pick up the human and hold him cupped in my hand as I make my way to the tower.


............
............

The tower' spire is shattered, only the first two floors still standing. I pry the door open, wrenching crashed masonry aside as I do so, before entering.

Inside is a grand central hall, and a large door leading to a back room where golems would be held while being assessed or modified. There are two side rooms, one to each side, the one on the left has it's door ajar, but both are too small for me to enter.

The stairs leading to the next level are too small for me to ascend.


What should I do? Should I investigate the back room? Should I send the human into one of the locations? Should I ask the humans more questions?

>>83576
If there's just one stairway, send him upstairs after having him see how good the books are doing. if they are in good condition and you have a storage space anywhere, stick them there and continue. If no to the latter, have our human gather them up in a bag or something. If no to the former, see if any of them have any form of metal for binding.

After that, send our boy upstairs to find anything.

>>83577
I order the human to search the rooms on the first floor I cannot enter, whilst I explore the back. He informs me the door is locked on one of the rooms, and I gently topple it with a nudge of one of my fingers.

I explore the back room, and find some spare blades for the claws Soul Graves possess, each of the three sets made differently. I find some parchments documenting runes to be applied to my shoulder mortars, although what the runes may do, or what materials may be required I am uncertain.

Also in the room is a mid-sized pallet of Black Steel, the material normally used in golem crafting for it's great weather resilience and durability. There is perhaps enough I could augment a set of claws, my siege fist or one of my mortars with the more potent material, should I choose. Beyond that, the back rooms seem covered in detritus and little else.

The human comes running back to me as I finish inspecting the back room, carrying three only minimally damaged books cradled under his arms.

"L-lord Mordre, the rooms hold many books, but most are too damaged to be legible. These were the only ones I could salvage. One seems to be about the reasons ....souls are used to fuel you, or at least that's what it's title implies. Another seems to be about the way Soul Graves interact with metal they consume, and the last seems to document some of the forging process."

The human pauses for a moment before continuing.

"Ah... I think I can feel a mage's spirit somewhere nearby, and it... does NOT feel friendly...."

So, perhaps I can learn more of my construction. And a mage's soul may be about? Excellent. Although such spirits can be quite baleful and deadly, especially to fragile little humans.


Should I switch out my claws for one of the different sets in the back room (Set A is longer and heavier, Set B is heavily serrated, and Set C is scalpelized to maximize blood loss among living foes)? Which of my armaments should I apply the Black Steel upgrade to? Should I send the human to investigate the second floor? Should I begin reading one of the books? Or should I go elsewhere?

>>83578
Get dat soul. Then put on the scalpel claws and mod them up with the Steel.

>>83578
See if there's a way you can take the rest of the claws with you, or fashion some sort of holster. They've all got their own uses, and being able to swap on the fly (more or less) would be a massive plus. If that can't be done, or if you can only carry one other, grab set A.

Also, look for that mage soul. Can you converse with them while they are spirits? Perhaps they could shed light on what happened in better detail, or provide you with valuable information. If not, or if they refuse to help (and are somewhere you can get at them,) eat them.

>>83581
Right, and go ahead and apply the black steel like >>83579 said.

Potential options for claws:

Integrate Set A, increasing reach by 1.5 feet (to a total reach of 12.5 feet, not counting lunging) and gain heavier blows, in exchange for a slower attack speed.

Integrate Set B, to gain saw teeth to your claws, to make wounds more grievous and make building deconstruction easier, but the teeth can get dulled more easily and an additional 1 pound of metal is required per day to keep the teeth sharp.

Integrate Set C, to gain a scalpelized, anti-infantry specialized claw, designed to cut with extreme ease through flesh, bone, cloth and leather. Has issues with heavily armored targets compared to the default blade.

Integrate multiple sets and attempt to create a hybrid blade combining properties of multiple claw sets (Ex. combine Set A and B for a longer, more powerful, more wounding (yet slower) claw that needs extra metal to maintain.)

>>83585
I say the integrate the scalpel claw. We already have a heavy bludgeoning left arm that can be used against armored targets and buildings alike.

>>83585

I like the option to integrate traits from multiple sets. If we apply the Black Steel upgrade to something, it might as well be something as widely useful as possible.

I say blend all three sets together. Get a longer, heavier scalpelized set of claws with a serrated edge: Huge tearing wounds, more impact from each blow, greater reach, and maximized blood loss among living targets.

Yes, that would mean the weapon is slower than normal, requires an extra pound of metal to keep sharpened per day, and could have issues with heavier armor, but it would be pretty much universally useful, and make it so that it is unlikely we will ever regret having used the Black Steel to upgrade the hybrid claw. Besides, the upgrade process may give some handy bonuses, maybe reduced weight, increased durability, or allowing the blade to cut unimpeded through thicker and heavier armors than it normally would.

Plus, if we make our own personalized claw, we can name it.

Hm.. keeping with the naming theme, How about.... The Swords Of Mosmordre? Alludes to how you and your claw are the last blade raised in the name of the now fallen empire?

Who knows, this could be the only upgrade we see for a while, and if so, we should make it count.

>Besides, the upgrade process may give some handy bonuses
Ba-dum-tish.

But yeah. I agree with this one. And the claws could probably be de-mix-and-matched, right? So if we take them with, there would be one claw for each set that is upgraded.

...but I'd say we should leave out the long claw from the black steel upgrade. It'd be odd aesthetically, and speed would be important in a fight. If they're out of reach, that's what mortars and soulfire are for, right?

>>83579
>>83605
(Set C)
>>83581 >>83583
(Set A)
>>83607
(Sets A, B, C Hybrid)
>>83845
(Sets B, C Hybrid)

Set A: 2 Set B: 2 Set C: 4

I attempt to incorporate a satisfying blend of the potential options before me, to make a new claw to coat in the pristine black of the Mosmordren Empire's unique alloy, Black Steel. The lifeblood of those harvested to fuel us golems flowing into the metal as it is forged atop enchanted anvils, Black Steel was designed to be incorporated into Soul Graves.

Now, what about this.....

Multi-part Hybrid: Sable Executioner
Pros:
-.75 feet longer than a normal claw
-blows have slightly increased impact
-lightly scalpelized to elicit increased bleeding in living targets
-has fine orderly teeth to cause moderately increased tearing in wounds
-forged of Black Steel, significantly more durable
-material causes wounds to be far more likely to rot and fester

Cons:
-now swung slightly more slowly
-requires an additional 1 pound of metal in upkeep a day

SPECIAL: [The Tearing Fangs]
Thanks to it's high quality material and small teeth, the Sable Executioner can act as a saw against wood, stone, and all metals up to steel or above, able to cut through them with greatly increased ease!


What do I think of this? I suppose I could try to combine my options in different intensities....

>>83893
I find this... acceptable.

>>83949
So shall it be, mine right arm shall now bear the Sable Executioner, a delightfully vicious claw. I begin consuming the claws, absorbing the knowledge of their crafting in my feast, and move on to eating the Black Steel as I start to morph and warp my claw into the form I desire. As it's form starts to mirror the one I envision, I start to channel and direct the ebony metal I consume to flow out into the claw, infusing it with it's baleful properties.

.......

Ah, there we are. My Sable Executioner glimmers, spotless and iridescent like a mirror of twilight, it's subtle teeth glistening almost in hunger for flesh. Ah, it feels good to have such a weapon, to have risen at least somewhat beyond my regrettably shoddy initial instruction.

It seems a good bit of time has passed, and I see that the human has been busying itself reading the books it found. It seems to have also claimed the parchments I saw, documenting runes to inscribe into a Soul Grave's mortars. The human reads them by the light emitted from my eyes and my mouth, straining in the darkness. It seems somewhat more accustomed to my presence, and no longer feels compelled to shake and cower so overtly in my presence. Although my choice to perform my alterations whilst blocking the only entrance or exit into the back room we relocated to may have something to do with it.

Hm. It was midday when I was first awoken, and as near as I can perceive, it is now somewhere well past dusk. We have been hear for several hours, my self-modification more time-consuming then I had surmised it would be.

I could send the human to investigate the second floor, but with the possible presence of a mage spirit about I find the humans chances at survival unlikely, depriving me of my slave. I can still visit the armory, the duke's palace, or the chapel. I could also talk to the human grave-robber that found me, I still do not know the relevance of the parchment or strange magical device it grasped when I awoke.


What should I do?

Two options occur to me:

First, question the human about the artifact. It might hold some key to a greater power.

Secondly, we might want to consider packing up. As much as a Mage has delicious soul meals, we have to think about our slave. For now, he's kind of vunerable to things.

We have to figure out a way to make him invulnerable to certain things.

>>83984

Addition: Go to the Chapel.

Also, while traveling, ask your slave to give you some information. Anything that comes to immediate mind. Details of cities, forges, places where more metal and souls can be easily gathered.

Also places for him to learn more magical things. Perhaps we need to fashion a crude storage place for all of his workings? If he practices, he could become a powerful mage, either to eat, or augment us further.

>We have to figure out a way to make him invulnerable to certain things.

Would it be hard to fashion a riding area for him in out back or belly?

>>83984
>>83997
I order the human to gather it's things as I once more cup it's fragile form within my implacable left hand, his body dwarfed by the mighty limb he resides within. He barely flinched at all this time as I picked him up, and he seems far less prone to quick starts. I begin making my way to the chapel as I question the grave robber.

"The artifact you possess, the one you held when you attempted to claim me as your own. What was this device you held, fragile mortal, and what function does it carry? The lands, the immediate area, tell me of what I may find. And tell me of where I might find tombs and journals on magic."

The little one starts as I address him, but responds with the same nervousness as before, if not the outright nigh-blinding fear.

"I had what I was told was a Soul Grave leash, to allow me to claim you as my eternal protector and weapon. But it was nothing of the sort, or you would not be in the condition you currently hold, ...my lord Mordre. I regret having believed the merchant as to what his wares were.
The immediate areas, let's see.... well, pretty much everything north of us are mountains of increasing height and chill, home of the Yetis and the Premen. Powerful and vicious beasts, as far as I am concerned, but I imagine my lord would not need to fear them so, and they do have talents of their own, there is no doubt. I mentioned the bronze and ruby mine somewhere close to the north, I believe.

To the west, the ocean and a vast chain of islands some week distant.... or less, depending on how fast you can move, I suppose, with perhaps a town or two along the way. I know at least one has a smithy, they would have metal. To the east... ah, let's see... Nah, I'm sorry, I can't remember who took over last, I'm probably out of date anyway by now. Anyway, other than Castiliathen some distance east, it's mostly a tide of never-ending border disputes, usurpations, alliances, betrayals and war between some several dozen constantly shifting and renaming kingdoms/principalities/you name it. start heading to the southeast as you go, though, and you start hitting the stabler nations.

To the south is a mix of human settlements with a few fairly large communities, I mentioned the mid sized town with iron mines, and Froggrock tribes. Normally I would say the Froggrocks should be avoided, but they seem to view all golems highly and Soul Graves are practically worshiped from what I have been told.

To the south west, though, I know there is a Morgren.... mass down there, barely held in check by the surrounding communities. I don't know if it would work, but they might recognize your design, and perhaps the way the Mosmordrens designed them will compel them to serve you. .....Although if it doesn't, they are still quite adherent to their berserker-like dedication to war and combat, and they would try very, VERY hard to destroy you.

Ah....magic? Pretty much nothing worthwhile but a few lowbrow tombs on World fueled, mid grade spells here and there. it's pretty much nothing except in Castiliathen. But in there... I hear, they have books on everything, even on Soul Magic, in vaults they keep safe. Ah, I want to go there some day.....Um, if my lord would permit me to, of course." He stammers back, abruptly alarmed by the perceived error in his behavior.

>>84011
Hmm, making the puny human more durable would be most useful, I could pay less attention to the safety of this fragile whelp. As to how to do that.... I have no idea.

I say nothing as I walk on to the chapel. The doors are barred and burned, twisted beyond conventional parting.


Should I smash through the massive barred doors? how should I respond to the human's slip, if at all? Or should I do something else?

>>84060
Ask of more of these folk who worship golems, and comment that if the 'leash' was wrong, would you merely have risen a berserk monster, rather than this intellectual heap?

Don't bash the doors down, carefully saw through them and set them aside. Large doors like this need metal mbracing anyway, at least a pound's worth.

As for the slight...
Thank him for the advice. We want this guy to like us, not fear us. Fear turns to hate so fast it'll make your iron skull spin.

>>84068
>wouldn't you have

>>84060
The human is weak, fragile, mentally unstable, and his loyalty is... questionable at best. If we are going to sink any time or resources into improving him (addressing the first two issues), we need to make him better as a whole (not ignoring the last two issues).

Let's take steps to put his mind to ease and assure his loyalty. He's already getting used to our presence, which is good. He's still very afraid of us though. And it's not the healthy fear, that will keep him in line. It's the mind-clouding type that will ensure he betrays us or flees at the first chance he gets.

Let's assure him that he is a valuable asset to us, and we intend to keep any harm from befalling him. We have his well-being in mind, and will not only refrain from harming him, but will prevent others from doing so as well (make no mention that we will likely be placing him in dangerous situations, as that will assuredly be happening).


Now about his loyalty, let's take steps to show him why being on our side is good for him. You can also tell him that we can visit Castiliathen, and that we want him to grow in skill and power... but temper it by adding that our reason is so as to make him a more valuable resource at our disposal.

Oh also, ask the mage's name! Unless I missed it, we don't even know. Finding out and using his name is an easy way to gain some loyalty from him.

promise the puny human great wealth and power once we conquered the world

>>84068
>>84079

"If the leash you thought you possessed was false, would I not have awoken a mindless creature? Your evaluations of the immediate areas are.. appreciated, puny whelp. I find myself in need of a guide and mage of my own. Tell me: What does the thought of being given the means to learn more magic, to grow in skill? To being protected by my magnificent self, Mordre shielding you from harm? I tell you now I do this so you may aid me, but I doubt you would suffer for improving. ..... And what is your name, little one?"

The little one holds very still for a long time, unmoving, sweat pouring from his face. But he nods, and the fear, the uncertainty on his face retreats.

"...If... If you could actually let me learn.... let me become a real mage, like the noble's kids get to be.... If you make me somebody of note.... I don't care what you do, I'll follow you if you really mean that. ........Oh, and my name is Arkus, um.. yes, and as to the leash, well, it should of either worked or not awoken you at all. I don't understand what happened."

Hoh? Is there a spine, some semblance of pride behind the sniveling exterior evidenced? Well, this could be falsehood, a trick, a trap for me. For now, though ,it does not matter.

I extend Sable Executioner towards the blocked doors, and set to work with my newly remolded claw. The charred woods part before me like skin, the iron supports beneath yielding with little effort. In but a portion of a minute, I have carved an entrance into the chapel. ....The effectiveness of these teeth that adorn Sable Executioner are most pleasing.

As I pry the section of massive door out of the way, I can see.... well, some general wreckage as one might expect for post-defeat levels, but there is but one true thing of note in the room: The crystal.

A towering spire of crimson and purple shaded crystal stands behind the alter and speaking podium, with two shadows within illuminated by the bits of light washing in from the stained glass portholes behind the crystal.


What should I do?

>>84099
What do these crystals do exactly?

Also, eat the metal bits off the door.

>>84101
I see only a few rusted nails in furniture, this room was a place of stark, simple reverence.

The crystal....

Upon closer inspection, I can see that the shadows are two intertwined forms, two long dead Mosmordrens. The base of the crystal is set with thin strips of gold, and something is inscribed.... 'Thomro The Strong, and Merrack The Swift, Heroes Of Trodar, City Of The Mosmordren Empire!' So, these two were heroes to their people. A memorial for fallen warriors.

But beyond that..... I can feel them, the souls trapped within, still vibrant, still strong, far stronger than the weaker willed, less-preserved dead. Oh, there is power within that crystal, and it would be easy to shatter it and release the spirits.

The problem is, they will be willful, swift, rebellious, their strength of will making them difficult to capture. I could assure myself success if I purposefully aim to only catch one, but if I try to claim both, I may end up with nothing.


What should I do?

>>84111
One in the hand is worth more than two in the bush. Catch the Strong, not the swift. Advise your pal to HIDE.

Eat the crystal whole.

If you can't, go for the swift soul. It should give you some speed where you lack it.

Hopefully.

>>84099
Good working with the mage; I don't think he's being prideful so much as demonstrating his ambition. He wants to be somebody important. We can use that by assuring him that his position as our servant is of plenty importance. Anyway, good start so far.


Let's ask Arkus what the crystal is and does if we don't know. Don't let him get too close until he tells us, just in case it's touch-activated or something.

>>84111
How would the quality of a soul affect our physical operation?

Advising going after only one and focusing on the swift soul... but you should still check with Arkus and see if he knows a way to keep them still so both can be caught.

>>84115

WAIT I HAVE A BETTER IDEA.

See if we can burrow a hole out that would release the souls in one direction. Position mouth near said hole, pop the seal, enjoy brisk refreshing dead men's souls.

>>84116
>>84119

"Arkus, what can you tell me about this crystal? And what effect such souls should have on me, should I consume them?"

Arkus blinks at me blearily for a moment, as if ordering his thoughts, before grabbing one of the books from the stack of parchments and journals salvaged from the tower's first floor. He starts slowly thumbing through the book, taking care with the pages.

"There was something.... Ah. It seems that the crystal allowed heroes that fell in battle for the Mosmordren empire to be preserved, their bodies never decaying, their spirit held in stasis. ...Um, they also serve as emergency supplies for Soul Graves in the event of having to repel invaders, the souls are preserved well enough that feasting on them would.... would reinforce and strengthen the magics that make you what you are. The influence could be predicted to a degree, and each heroes grave denoted the projected effect, in terms of what would be altered by consuming said soul. Uh... It didn't make any mention of eating multiple souls, and the only other thing it says about the crystal used is that when it is struck, it shatters completely."

>>84115
The crystal is far to large and brittle to be consumed so. It is some nine feet tall and five feet in diameter.
>>84120
I am only capable of grasping/smashing with my left hand, and slicing/sawing with my right. I cannot burrow.


What should I do?

>>84129
Smash it and go for the swift hero. That's my advice.


>and as to the leash, well, it should of either worked or not awoken you at all. I don't understand what happened.
(To the other voices) There's a chance that Mordre is, in fact, under the influence of Arkus and we are his way of achieving that, maintaining an illusion of free will for the golem. How that should affect what we suggest, I cannot say. Just something to think about.

Wait! See if you can split it down the center and seperate both heroes from each other! That way, you can get both!

Why didn't I see it?

>>84129
The crystals were intended to be emergency fuel for Soul Graves? Then why are we assuming the heroes within would run from us?

It's possible they might, yes - but it's also possible that they understand the honor of being consumed in the defense of their home, or perhaps to help raise a new empire built from their home's ashes.

>>84171
I suppose there is no guarantee that the warriors would not simply willingly submit to being my feast, but I could never fathom a want to be forever consumed and forged into.... parts... for another. I would not be surprised if I am faced with resistance.

>>84165
Yes..... I suppose I could try to do such a thing. I am aware of the fragility of this type of crystal, it is the same type as that found in clay golems, once exposed it is easy to shatter, even puny fleshlings can do it. Perhaps if I tried to split it in twain, though, perhaps then I could preserve the crystal's form, separating the two trapped souls.

I place one of the blades of Sable Executioner against the crystal, after judging what I deem the point closest to equidistant between the two forms as my target. I raise my fist, and wrap the blade lightly, swiftly, and decisively.

A tremor ripples through the crystal, and spiderweb cracks spread from the dozens of teeth of the blade in contact with the crystal, and entire section of crystal obscuring beneath a wall of cracks. An entire flank of the crystal shatters, chips and shards crashing about, and one of the two bodies is exposed down to the mid-thigh, and as the body slumps I see the sharply defined spirit still standing tall, staring at me in surprise.


Should I capitalize on it's moment of inaction and attempt to consume it forthright, or should I attempt to commune with the heroes spirit?

>>84412

Communication first. Try to make sure you're close enough to gobble it up if it tries to run off. Who knows? Maybe you can gain some insight as to who you're eating first.

Watch for the other one, too. Just to be safe.

I'd say just eat the fucker. He's a hero, not a mage, there's not a whole lot he could say that would matter.

>>84418
I try to commune with the spirit, hopping to find it's dedication to the empire it died in service to unabated.

"Soul, be thee Thomro or Marreck? Tell me of who you were."

As I question the spirit, I start shuffling forwards, keeping some of my attention on the entombed corpse still within the crystal while nearing the freed one.

The spirit seems shocked to hear me speak, but confusion clouds it's face of a far more profound type, now.

"Who.....I am? I...I think I was Thomro... once, wasn't I? Born strong, bred to be part of the might of the empire.... Or was I Marreck? So swift, so nimble, never captured.... I... I do not know anymore...."

The spirit seems to be growing increasingly agitated...

>>84452
This is pointless. I will not be denied.

I open my maw, the fires in my belly giving it a sullen glow, and I inhale, breathing in deep. The ghost is shocked, but before it can try to resist, it is already caught in the pull of my breath, mine to feast upon. I swallow the soul, and feel a shock of energy pulse through my body.

Hero Soul Consumed!
Effect: Mordre is now faster, can travel at up to 8 miles an hour, and can move with noticeably more alacrity in general.

...I like this, I like this a great deal. My body feels.... less ponderous, less clumsy. I think that I may be capable of slightly finer movements now.

The other soul still trapped radiates hate. That one will not be as easy, and mage or no, a hero soul, so focused on rage, could threaten Arkus, even where it to focus on me.


What should I do? Should I shatter the remaining crystal and feed on the remaining soul? Or should I travel elsewhere within the ruins, perhaps the armory or duke's palace? Or maybe I should leave to one of the locations Arkus mentioned in the area?

>>84469
tell Arkus to go away, the shatter the crystal and eat the spirit. It's not like he could escape, and I don't think he even particularly wants to, ant more.

>>84477

"Arkus, remove yourself from the chapel. It will soon be dangerous for you in here."

Arkus jerks upright, his eyes snapping open, before he makes sense of what I said and retreats from the building. Now that I think on it, the human has been awake since the day, and it is deep into the night now.

I shatter the crystal, releasing the spirit within. I begin to make a deep, resonant inhalation, to breathe in the soul before me, but am shocked when the soul rushes me, turning it's should to impact me. A small flash of Soulfire flashes when it strikes me, and I am shoved backwards, steadying myself once more after a few steps to center myself.

There is dent a foot wide and four inches deep in my chest now, where the bronze warped from the impact.

....This other spirit, I presume Thomro, must have had a will of iron in life, to possess so much power, so much focus even in death.

The shade rushes towards me once more, a fist raised high, the outline of a spiked gauntlet glimmering around it's fist.


What should I do?

Spiked gauntlet rushing towards you huh?

Brofist.

>>84499
I swing my left hand, three feet across at the knuckles, in a weighty arc, aiming for the spirit as it comes towards me. Just as Thomro is obscured by the bulk of my fist, I see a leering grin on his face. Does he enjoy this confrontation?

There is a sound like a keening bell, making my body shake and quiver as it echos about. My arm is pushed back, the relatively soft bronze unable to stand up to the iron will behind the ghost's strength, a massive indent now dimpling my knuckles.


The ghost pauses, and gathers wisps of Soulfire about it's arm once more, the spiked gauntlet fluttering into view once more, as Thomro braces to charge me.


What should I do?

>>84507
hit him with the Sable Executioner then give him a good suck

>>84507

Simply wait until he's close enough, then dodge towards him and eat.

You're faster now, right?

>>84507
Get ready to fistbump him again, but this time start inhaling as soon as he impacts.

Thomro seems to need to pause shortly before he can launch another attack - that will hopefully prove his undoing and your strengthening.

>>84493
It would seem he is over-committed. Grab his arm, swing him around a bit. And then eat him.

Whoa whoa that was a joke. Oh well, we now know that we can't stand up to it in terms of physical strength. Alright. How fast are you, are you able to dodge a beam of Soulfire approximately as strong and fast as what you could fire with your newfound speed? If so, dodgeroll to the side and then charge with that Sable Executioner. It's time we put that claw to a better use.

>>84519
I swing my right arm adorned with the Sable Executioner towards Thomro's spirit, hoping to rend his iron will asunder with the cold Black Steel. But the spirit seems wary of my claw, and throws itself aside.

>>84526
I lash out with my left hand, grasping at the shade as it dodges my prior blow, and manage to grab a leg. I swing the spirit against the ground, some of it's form splattering down as droplets of Soulfire that burn upon the floor.

My fist it forcibly thrown open and away from Thomro's leg, and I see the outline of spiked armor around his foot now, rather than his arm. I stagger back as I once more distribute my weight. The mad grin still on his face, he charges me once more, loping forward with the presumed intent of kicking me again.

>>84524
>>84519
I swing my fist downward like a falling star, letting the terrible momentum build as high as I can. I grimace as I spy the visible warping my hand suffered from the kick, combined with the indent in my knuckles.

My fist collides with Thomro's kick as I open my mouth and begin a deep inhalation, my body shifting to the side. I am twisted about somewhat as my fist is once more thrown back by the power the ghost holds.

But as Thomro stands exultant at once more having proved himself strong enough to face me, I see the fear spread through the spirit as it realizes that I moved in close and circled to his side even as I struck at him. My face is feet away from him, and he can feel the pull of my magicks, grasping at his soul.

Thomro tries to resist, his form flaring brightly, and.... breaks free.

>>84531
I continue trying to snare the spirit, but I watch as he forms Soulfire about his arm once more, a steady grin on his face.

Unfortunately for him, I began swinging Sable Executioner towards him as soon as my fist was away from him.

The frigid black steel scythes through the spirit's form, and I feel more than hear the howls of agony it emits. But with it's concentration, it's will disrupted by the magics within the claw, Thomro is once more snared.

Spiritually wounded as he is, I finally feast upon Thomro.

Hero Soul Consumed!
Options:
-Disperse Thomro's soul throughout Mordre's whole form, increasing general strength moderately
-Concentrate Thomro's soul in Mordre's fist for blows infused with a glimmer of Soulfire to increase impact.
-Use Thomro's soul to fuel the growth of ghostly spikes on Mordre's fists that phase through inorganic material, only harming living tissue.


Which is chosen?

>Use Thomro's soul to fuel the growth of ghostly spikes on Mordre's fists that phase through inorganic material, only harming living tissue.

I'm liking the sound of this...

Screw that, concentrate that soul in the fist so that you can PUNCH THAT SHIT LIKE THE FIST OF THE NORTH STAR

With the spirit spikes, we will be able to optimally deal with both armored and unarmored foes. Infantry will thus fall to us like wheat before the sickle. There is no capability loss here, as we will be able to tear through constructed items without the spikes touching anything. Thus, this choice is best

>>84543
Spirit spikes might be more useful if they were fairly long, but they probably won't be.
General strength upgrade sounds better.

I'm going to go with Spirit Spikes on the grounds that there will be idiots out there who cover themselves head to toe in impregnable armor.

>>84554
>>84569
>>84602
-Use Thomro's soul to fuel the growth of ghostly spikes on Mordre's fists that phase through inorganic material, only harming living tissue. [CHOSEN]

I feel the soul I just consumed, far stronger than the prior one, jolt an energetic path through my body, before settling within my left hand, still mangled and warped from combating the spirit earlier.

Softly glimmering outlines of spikes, around a foot in length trace out an existence upon my knuckles, feeling far more substantial than their appearance may suggest.

...I also notice my fist cannot properly close into a fist at the moment, and the dent in my chest is sizable. Given a few days, I predict I could be restored should I feast properly, on 6 pounds of metal a day or more. Just changing the style of my claws took nearly half a day, a full reshaping is time consuming.

Well, that appears to be everything within the chapel, as far as I can tell, at least. I head outside to find that Arkus has been crouched behind a piece of rubble some distance away, watching from there.


Where should I go? I could visit the armory or the duke's palace, I suppose. Or I could set out towards one of the destinations Arkus mentioned, such as the bronze and ruby mines of the yetis to the north.

Armory. You need more metal.

To the armory. YOU REQUIRE MORE MINERALS.

>>84624
Yeah, let's stop by the armory while we're here. Also talk to Arkus some. We want to encourage his magical pursuits, so we need to know better how to help him. As you're walking, find out what fuel and type of magic he knows or wants to learn.

>>84628
>>84632
I make my way to the armory, the human and the documents from the tower on my bent palm. I hope to remedy my malformation.

I arrive at the armory shortly, the human having fallen asleep in my hand along the way. I lay him and the documents on the ground so that I might investigate while Arkus succumbs to the weakness of flesh.

The armory is quite large, and it's doors are ajar. I duck into the main room and....


...Hmph, well, I can eat this, but the bronze and scrap metal littering the area would not allow me to improve my composition. It is good only for fuel.

From the main room, I see a barred wood door to the right, two doors blocked by rubble before me, and an open hallway to the left. No area immediately visible seems too small for my grand presence.


Where should I go?

>>84643
Investigate the open hallway first.

>>84643
The hallway probably leads to extra rooms. Put Arkus down somewhere safe and then bust through the barred room first. If it's still barricaded, there's a high likelihood that something valuable has survived the years inside of it.

>>84645
I duck down the open hallway to find...

Ahh.... a row of anvils, made of Iron, heavy and durable. There are several dozen anvils and a giant iron kettle, it's walls thick and sturdy, sitting in the back, some scratches along it's rim. There may be enough for me to make my body become iron, if I keep my fist bronze. Other than that, there is nothing in the room.


What should I do? Should I travel somewhere else? Should I start altering myself (this takes time, as a reminder)?

Body improvement is good, yes. And if nothing else the bronze and such in the main room could go toward putting your fist back into proper condition.

lets explore the rest of the armory before we make any decisions

>>84662
Should I investigate one of the two doors blocked by rubble first, or the barred wooden door?

lets go wooden door

>>84669
I move to the wooden door inspecting it. With my fist mangled as it is, I choose to saw it open with Sable Executioner, and have the door cut down shortly.

Within... are tools. Hammers of all shapes and sizes, tongs, prongs, all made of Base Steel. This may be enough I could convert my hand into Base Steel. If I attended to that while changing my body to iron, it would take at least a full day even if I do nothing else while active.

Should I check anywhere else in the armory, such as the two blocked doorways? Or should I go to the duke's palace? Or should I do something else?

Spend day converting body, chitchat with human while doing so if you can.

>>84673
Body of iron.
Fist of steel.
I like the sound of this.
Lets use the day to upgrade and continue searching tomorrow

>>84658
Begin alteration. We have all the time in the world.

... although the human might want to make a pizza run or something. Ah well, I'm sure he has some sort of sustenance available for himself. He can start digging into whatever food he brought for the trip back; if we carry him the journey will take less time and energy than he'd planned for, and thus he will be fine.

>>84677
>>84678
I gather the anvils and tools around the massive kettle, and begin eating the piles of metal. As I feast, Arkus does not appear, presumably too tired to awaken. No matter, I can ask him questions once day breaks, he will likely come to investigate the source of noise.

I watch the dark gray of iron slowly spreading from my mouth, running upwards along my arms and legs, and my fist slowly tinging a lighter gray of Base Steel as it slowly regains it's normal shaping.

[DAY 2]

Light begins to fill the room, and I become aware the morning approaches.

Some hours pass, and shortly after midday Arkus peers into the back room, seeing me halfway converted towards my new composition.

I could attempt to elicit information from him while I continue. Perhaps he learned other things of note from the documents he has been studying, the three books on Golemcraft and the parchments showing runes for mortars that were salvaged from the tower.


What should I say?

>>84690
Pleasantries first. Ask if he slept well (we need him operating at optimum capacity), and apologize for the uncomfortable bedding situation.

Also find out if he has enough food and if he needs help procuring more.

>>84702
As I continue to assimilate the iron and base steel, I address Arkus.

"Are you sufficiently rested? Do you possess enough consumables to sustain yourself?"

"Ah.... yes, Lord Mordre. I have rested enough, and I have enough food for four more days. ....I imagine the rations those you killed possessed could extend that by two weeks, though."

Again the human calls me lord. I still do not grasp these non-military terms.


What else should I ask about?

>>84706
Ask him about 'those you killed': who were they and what relation did he have with them.

Also ask if there is anywhere else he wishes to go while we are here, and ask him about what fuel and type of magic he knows/wants to learn.

>>84702
what? Mordre dont apologize to puny humans

>>84706
"Lord" is a position roughly like General. You're in the thick of things, not in the tact room.

Ask him what he knows about how, in specific, the kingdom failed. What side did they assault from, what cities fell first, what areas worst off in terms of damage.

>>84710

"Those I slew. Who were they? What Relation did they have to you?"

"Ahem..... Well, I, ah, needed some help, you see, to get through the cursed lands here. This is still a pretty deeply cursed land. Thing is, I don't have much..... money, really, so I had to get some people who would agree to a cut of loot for guard duty. I guess I don't owe them anything now.."

"Where else do you wish to go? What fuels sources of magic are you familiar with? What kind of spells do you know? I wish to know your capabilities."

"Yea? Ah, actually, I want to go somewhere where I might have a chance to try a couple things these books mention, some of them seem very simple.

...As to what fuel sources I know, I.... only know Word. I can start or stop small fires, I can move objects of up to five pounds with some force at distance, I do know some of the basic rune patterns, specifically 'time' runes if feel some level of competence with, like making something last longer, or decay faster, or whatever. That's why I really want to get at a forge, I finally have some examples of different runes I can learn, and between the three books, I think I may glean something on Blood magic, oh, or even Soul magic! Ah, even just a whisper of that power would change so much..... If I could learn that, I could finally be treated as a true mage, worthy of respect, of retaining at cost for their services, for the prestige....."

>>84739
Hm. Upon reflection, Many generals ended up attaining lordship in both Mosmordre and elsewhere. Perhaps it is a special variant of general.... I shall operate under this assumption, it seems plausible.

"How did the empire fall? Even with all the nations aligned against us, we were still a long way from falling when last I slumbered. Why was I not awoken again?"

"As fas as I know, it's because of The Curse. All the Grand Mages, all the Grand Elder Mages as well, everyone to call themselves a mage got rounded up, and eventually with some prodding, were convinced by.... someone, still up in the air who, to tap every leyline around the Mosmordren Empire at once, and..... cut them off completely. Simultaneous to that, Destructive magic, strong and cruel, was cast inwards, in a grand and fatal net. The empire was destroyed in a day. The repercussions, however, are why I even came here, why someone else had not already tried to reclaim you.

The Curse, it.... changed the lands. Other than the Morgrens that still lived, everything else was... warped. Monstrosities, abominations roam the lands. We were attacked by one on the way here that we could not outrun, one of the smaller ones, and four died before we felled it. Although I imagine you will be considerably safer to travel with, all things considered."

The reforging is progressing nicely, I am some two thirds converted now. I see the sun beginning to set as Arkus takes a moment to eat some food.


What other questions should I ask?

>>84765
Great. So... Magical Fallout series Nukage.

Ah...

Cheif among the conspirators? Which nation pushed the alliance the hardest and came up with it? A lesson is in order...

Make note that you also want to investigate the one who orchestrated the Cursing. It's low priority, but for several reasons it'll be satisfying to eat that particular soul, yes?

Ask about ley lines. They sound important.

>>84771

"So a magic most baleful brought Mosmordre it's doom? Were there whisperings of who orchestrated this? Who brought the mages together, pushed them towards it? And Leylines, tell me what you know of them."

"No. I've heard pretty much everyone fingered by someone or other, but there seems to be no consensus or pattern, just personal suspicions. Honestly, whoever did it was pretty good at keeping to the shadows, you'd have to find someone more in the know about secrets and the like to get a better answer.

As to leylines, well... let me preface this by saying that I have never been able to study established texts on leylines, so this is just my personal estimations and observations. Ah... well, leylines are something like the... veins, the conveyors of power, vitality, the essence of life throughout Zakrath,. So, tap that, and you are basically converting the bits of the planet's... life, into fuel for spellcraft or golemcraft.

Cutting it off from an area is another matter entirely. It..... warps? abandons might be a better word, but in any case, being deprived of leylines makes things that aren't golems twist, their forms twisting and shifting until they become mindless abominations, plants and animals alike. The things I saw in the woods around this place....."

Arkus grows silent with a shiver, his gaze sliding off to the side.


Should I ask any further questions, or should I finish my conversion in silence, and bid Arkus to rest so that he may be awake when I finish my conversion?

>>84782
One final question: What is each nation known the most for?

>>84782
Wouldn't that mean that his body would twist as well? How long can he remain here untainted?

>>84790

"What can you tell me of the current nations?"

"Well, lets see... Castiliathen is the largest stable nation, famed for it orderly cities, harsh laws and high quality of life for the non-slave castes. Their system is founded on a large life-golem slave and indentured servitude means of production. They are famous for possessing The Founders The world's largest stone golem powerfully warded, that guards their capital. That's not counting the Soul Grave they claimed as spoils of war after the fall of Mosmordre, I've heard the heavily modified it.

Of the warring states to the South of Castiliathen, the ones to the east, only a couple of are particular note currently.

The rabidly religious Disciples Of Domintus are a radical bunch, going about destroying existing systems in favor of a church-ruled state. Their fanatical Berserker-Zealots, willing to do anything for the gods they worship, have won them many battles lately.

Further, there is the Golden League, a collection of merchants. The hired the Iron Shells mercenaries as a collective military, and the threat of a Soul Grave has allowed them to prosper. The Iron Shells happen to have low-grade rune-warded iron, letting it perform just as well as Blue Steel armor. They pretty much show up to problems in the Golden League the same way: Send a couple of soldiers from a local barracks to investigate problem, if anything goes awry, they call in the main body of their forces along with The Grey Destroyer, the Soul Grave they modified into a 30 foot tall, one hundred thousand pound plus super-titan, it's iron body covered in runes.

Finally, the Great Coalition is a group of small tribes/clans/kingdoms banding together for common protection. The place is a melting pot, ANYTHING could be found there, and even a Soul Grave might not attract as much attention as normal. I've visited their lands before, a bit chaotic, but nobody seems to care if strangers come wandering by.

The human villages interspersed with Froggrock tribes to the south areas are all independent, but any time a village is attacked grievously enough, if word gets out the surrounding villages will pitch in for the communal good. So long as things are kept quiet, however, the towns do not coordinate much.

The eastern island kingdoms are the home of tinkerers, making new technological marvels to compensate for the dearth of magic the smaller landmasses have to maintain political and military power. These islanders are said to possess new, repeater pistols, rifles and cannons, and perhaps more inventions besides. Some of the larger islands are mostly desert.

The Yetis and Premen to the north don't have any formal government, and the Morgren horde to the south-west is the only one nearby. Most of the others migrated. ...Ah, that's about it I can think of."

>>84800

"This curse placed upon the land, should it not effect you?"

"As near as I can tell, no. It takes constant attention to keep a leyline cut off, they want to restore flow and all, so it's been several years since this land was deprived of them. Anything that got twisted while cut off, though, stays twisted, that's how it seems to work. .....Again, I must call this my personal assessment, as books on higher level magics have been.... out of reach, I suppose. I have had no way to verify my theories."

Arkus yawns, and as I note that my conversion if progressing smoothly, coming ever closer to completion, I also notice that the sky is the pristine dark of deep night. I have nearly finished, and it seems the human is becoming tired again.


Do I have any more questions I need answered now? Or should I let the human sleep while I finish the assimilation of the iron and Base Steel simultaneous to repairing the damages I suffered at the hands of Thomro?

>>84816
It's a good thing we kept Arkus around, the little guy is proving handy. Let him rest for now, he's given us plenty to think about.

Sounds like the Great Coalition would be a good place to visit at some point.

>>84822

"Go rest thineself. I shall have need of you once I finish."

"...Ah, ah yes, my lord, I shall do so."

Arkus stretches with a groan, finally moving after so long, and exits the room.

I continue my reforging process as the day begins to break, and some time before midday, I am finally done assimilating the new material.

[Day 3]

I finish the conversion, and look upon my new form.

Sable Executioner is unchanged, but the stronger joints around it mean I should be able to swing it somewhat faster now.

My body is now forged of uninterrupted iron. So long as I can feed on an extra pound of metal a day, rust should present no problems for me.

My hand is now gleaming steel, and my body is restored and strengthened by the conversion.

I flex my new fist experimentally, noting that the ghostly spikes protruding from my knuckles are barely discernible under sunlight.

I am restored, and as such, I return to the entrance to the armory. ....It seems Arkus lit a candle and attempted to read some more of the documents on golemcraft before retiring, and slumbers still.

There are still the two blocked rooms to investigate. Conversely, I could awaken Arkus, and travel to the duke's palace in the ruins, or I could leave outright and head elsewhere. Perhaps this Grand Coalition could be of note.... although the relative proximity to at least two other Soul Graves could mean danger.


What should I do?

No sense in leaving without exploring the whole complex. It might take only a few minutes and could reveal something useful.

>>84829
I return to the interior of the armory, and make my way over to the blocked doors. I decide to test my new fist and supporting arm.

With a tremendous blow, my fist plows through the rubble like rotted wood, smashing a path in for me. Within are some rotted beds and furniture, useless to me.

I strike another resounding impact to clear the way to the other room, and am rather surprised to find....

A small bar of silver, perhaps three, four pounds in all, dully gleams under a layer of dust, amidst a pile of debris and detritus. I pluck the bar out of the ground and exit the room, returning to the entrance of the armory with the bar of silver in hand.

Arkus still slumbers, for the moment.


What should I do? Should I wake him and question him? Should I travel to the duke's palace? Or maybe somewhere else?

>>84833
what can we do with this bar of silver?

Go to the duke's palace, search for salvageable crap! Also kill the puny human creator, for he is weak flesh and is therefore inferior to our stony supremacy

Off to the palace, I suppose. No killing the squishy meatbag though.

>>84887
I want to use it to give himself a mask for his face.

A mask of Death, for Mordre.

Am I milking this too much?

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/02(Wed)15:28 No. 84919 ID: d1210a
File 125979648384.jpg - (496.96KB , 1024x768 , Duke\'s Palace.jpg )

>>84887
>>84915
I imagine I could well integrate the silver into some sort of mask, and I know that most living things fear the knowledge of their own frailty. Perhaps I could craft a skull motif with which to adorn my head, grant myself features. As it is, I have only eye sockets and a gaping mouth, nothing else.

As to what practical purposes the silver could be put to, I do not know, it is outside the purview of my current knowledge.

>>84901
>>84909
I awaken Arkus who obediently gathers the documents and climbs into my newly repaired and reforged steel hand, after his pathetic body becomes fully alert.

I trudge along through the ruins, Arkus grabbing bites of some rations while still pouring through the books within my cupped hand.

I arrive at where the Duke's Palace should be, but.... I can feel it, the wail of souls trapped in a cage of metal and magic.

There is another Soul Grave within the palace, it would seem.

The wide stairs leading up to the duke's palace are clear, but I do not think I will be able to fit anywhere but in the main entryway, if the design is standard to ducal residences.

The sun is starting to set.


What should I do? Shoul I enter the palace? Should I go somewhere else?

>>84919
We shall let no vague dangers turn us away! Enter the palace. If this other soul grave is hostile then we shall fight. If not, then perhaps we can learn from it. If not, then we shall consume it.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/02(Wed)16:01 No. 84933 ID: d1210a
File 125979849081.jpg - (82.13KB , 857x1024 , Bronze Soul Grave Mini.jpg )

>>84926

I stride up the main entrance, undeterred by this new bit of data, and find......

A six foot tall bronze Soul Grave, small sputtering sparks of Soulfire slowly billowing from it's eyes.

I was unaware there were other models for Soul Graves this... dramatically different from the original model I was built to be.

I pause at the entryway to the duke's palace, and look at the little golem, it's form unmoving, yet clearly active. How has it run for so long? And why does it not take any action?


What should I do?

>>84933
Can you communicate with it, or does Arkus have anything to say? If it's a radically different sort of Soul Grave, it might 'belong' to one of the soon-to-be-doomed nations who slew your creators.

>>84937

"Arkus, what do you know about this thing? I do not recall such puny Soul Graves."

"Oh! Ah, I mean, yes, yes, I know what it is. That is...." Arkus thumbs through the books arrayed before him, before finally continuing.
"..Ah, a special type of Soul Grave, a Small Tomb. Ah, let's see, they were made so that there were Soul Graves capable of getting around in conventionally sized structures... They didn't get used much I think, I never heard of them before. ....Also, I am pretty sure those are runes on the Small Tomb's shoulders and around it's head."


I am still not within the building itself, and Arkus continues to read in the palm of my cupped hand. The Small Tomb stands motionless and unresponsive, but it's apparent active status, and the stance it is frozen in, make me suspicious.


What should I do?

>>84941
ready your mortars
lets see what it does

>>84919
Ask our wellspring of knowledge about Silver.

>>84948
That can wait. We should try addressing the Small Tomb. Perhaps it is set on guard mode and will respond to queries.

Ask it what orders it is following and who its master is.

>>84948

"What do you know of silver and it's uses?"

I indicate the silver bar that Arkus sits upon. I doubt he noticed it's presence.

"Eh? .....!? Ah, well, I must say that the first thing that pops into my mind is that this could be worth a... fair bit of wealth. ...Ah, also, it could be used to amplify runes in power, just like gold and platinum do. Beyond that.... really, I'm not a smith or an alchemist, I'm not that knowledgeable on metal."

>>84944
I ready my mortars, confident that my mortars and the rounds they carry, even though designed for use against infantry, would be able to trump the bronze of the Small Tomb, the shrapnel rain of metal shards still effective..... in theory. I still do not know the purpose of those runes.

........

The Small Tomb does nothing.

>>84950

"Are you active, Small Tomb?"

I call out to the golem, but get no response. Arkus climbs out of my hand as I set him and the books down outside the door, still keeping my mortars trained on the smaller golem.

But still it does nothing. Perhaps it is malfunctioning, and I can enter the palace? But... The golem is active, a malfunction could be a problem all it's own.


What should I do?

>>84955
Er...

The mortars might hurt buddy humie.

Hurm. Pick up a rock and roll it past the small thing slowly and harmlessly.

>>84961
Derp, ignore first bit.

>>84955
approach it slowly

>>84961
>>84962
I push a rock into a tumbling path into the grand entryway. The Small Tomb does nothing.

>>84973
I step into the building towards the Small Tomb.

light flares in the runes around it's head, and the amount of Soulfire billowing from it's eyes and mouth increases significantly. The Small Tomb still does not move.


Should I continue forward, or should I withdraw, and perhaps do something else or go elsewhere?

>>84996
Now try talking to it.

Upon failure to respon, drop the archway onto it with a mortar, if possible.

throw the silver bar at the small tomb, trying to wake it up. Be peaceful if it does wake up, try to make it join you if it does wake up

>>85017
its clearly awake
its just not responding to us other than to threaten us when we get closer, therefore its guarding something. we should be able to easily kill it but i really dont like the sound of these runes, and its probably much more maneuverable than us.
we really have 2 options here:
fight or leave
if we fight i suggest blasting it with a mortar shot from across the room before we engage it
i vote fight

When, if we wake it up, and if it's violent, we will kill and consume its delicious Rune Steel.

>>85029
And souls. Don't forget souls.

>>85029
(Bronze form with runes inscribed into the bronze, not Blue Steel with runes inscribed, which is Rune Steel)

>>85007
Once more, I address the Small Tomb.

"Small Tomb, respond if you can perceive me."

Still nothing.

>>85019
Enough of this. The being is clearly awake, and seems set to guard the area indefinitely. If that is the case, so be it. I will crush that which stands in my weigh. I aim my mortars, one at the ceiling above the Small Tomb, the other aimed directly at the small golem, and fire successively.

Debris begins to collapse towards the Small Tomb from the now breaking ceiling as a mortar round speeds towards it.

The runes on the golem's arms flare with light, and the Small Tomb's arms abruptly gush heat and light, as hot as a forge's heart and burning bright. The golem finally moves.

It's arms move, faster than sound, cracking thunder echoing from the Small Tomb's arms as it pummels every bit of debris to near it, and crushes the incoming mortar round into slag. As the last gout of debris finishes falling, the runes fade in light and the heat starts to dissipate from the golem's arms as it resumes it's stance, and returns to motionlessness.

So. It is an absolute guard, preventing anything from nearing or passing it, os some such thing?

....I do not know, given the power displayed in the enchantments place upon it, that I could best this defender. I still lack any runic enchantments to augment my form, and I doubt my iron body could withstand that kind of assault, if it crushed the iron mortar round in one strike like that.

I finally find what could have been another from my past, but if it ever had a mind, or thoughts of it's own, it lacks them now. It seems I am still alone in that respect.


What should I do? Should I assault the Small Tomb further? Should I question Arkus on something? Should I travel somewhere Arkus mentioned, or perhaps use the silver to craft a mask for my featureless head?

>>85048
oh wow
no way are we going to take him on, lets leave and make us a skullface out of that silver

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/02(Wed)19:14 No. 85060 ID: d1210a
File 12598100858.jpg - (134.69KB , 991x941 , Mordre Silver Skull Mask.jpg )

>>85050
I withdraw. Perhaps at a later point, I could plumb the riches of this palace, but for now, it seems inadvisable.

I grasp the bar of silver, considering it as I exit the palace. A skull motif? Hm.... no need for a lower jaw, I don't think I have enough material anyway..... Well what about something like this.....


Does this seem like an acceptable general shape to make with the silver? Or should I make a different mask?

>>85060

In the immortal words of Crosby, Still, Nash, and Young.

Carry on.

>>85060
Go ahead

Player_1 !Rz/Y0CctII 2009/12/02(Wed)19:28 No. 85078 ID: 2ee278
File 125981089046.jpg - (56.20KB , 384x256 , picard.jpg )

Make it so.

>>85078
>>85068
>>85070
I feast on the silver bar, and channel the small bit of metal to my head, forming the top half of a skull as a facsimile for a face. The process takes far less time than my body conversion, and in an hour I am done, a gleaming skull mask adorning my dark gray iron head.



What should I do now? Should I ask Arkus some questions? Or perhaps I should journey somewhere, and leave the ruins for the moment?

These were some of the places Arkus mentioned nearby:

West: 1 week journey to the sea, island nations past, two human villages on the way.
West-South-West: 5 day journey to the Morgren horde.
South-West: 1-2 day journey to mostly Froggrock tribal settlements, some human settlements.
South: 1-2 days journey to mid sized human town with iron mine and forges.
South-East: Multiple destinations
-3 days to Disciples of Domintus region
-4 days to warring nations (South-East)
-6 days to Golden League (must cross warring nations)
East: Multiple destinations
-2 days to warring nations (East)
-8 days to Great Coalition (must cross warring nations)
North-East: 18 days journey to Castiliathen
North: Multiple Locations
-2 days to Yeti tribe with bronze mine and ruby mine
-2 days journey to Premen tribe
-3 days to Yeti tribe

Yeti Town. How bad could it be?

>>85093
Yeti town.

Definitely yeti town. Perhaps we could find a bit of yeti magic to attach to our metallic frame? Or make something cool with bronze and ruby?

>>85121
Ruby eyes in the skull mask.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/02(Wed)21:00 No. 85137 ID: d1210a
File 125981643181.jpg - (26.18KB , 299x300 , yeti.jpg )

>>85099
>>85108
>>85121
>>85123

Arkus salvages rations from the dead guards he brought while I get together several hundred pounds of bronze as rations of my own, and I carefully lay down a stable layer of bronze on my outstretched hand, upon which Arkus moves his supplies, the documents we salvaged, his own rations and supplies, as well as a pair of flintlocks pilfered from the dead, and a long dagger.

I set off, keeping my gait and arm stable so that nothing may fall, and set out to the north, towards the Yeti Village. The strange forests Arkus mentioned seem to not come between the northernly peaks and the ruins.

Night falls as I endlessly march and Arkus slumbers.

[Day 4]

I rip off a chunk of bronze with Sable Executioner to sate my appetite for metal. Arkus continues to read, eat, or slumber. He seems obsessed with something he sees in the books and the parchments on runes.

[Day 5]

I consume another hunk of bronze, and Arkus stays intently focused on the books.

At some time past mid-day, in some smattering of snow and Arkus now wearing a thick overcoat, I see a figure in the distance, staring at us from atop a rocky outcropping. Arkus has not spotted it yet, still reading.


What should I do?
The day

>>85137
Wave to it with your non-threatening ha-

No, as amusing as that'd be, stare back.
Don't stop until it gets unnerved and goes away.

>>85140
I continue marching as I stare what I presume is a Yeti down, my eyes locked on it's form. The chill is starting to frost the air, and the gold-green Soulfire oozing from my eye sockets starts to shine.

As I near the creature, the wafting Soulfire start to move as if with purpose, swirling in strange, dancing patterns between us. We are some thirty feet apart now, as close as we will get on this path I walk.


What should I do? Should I keep walking, or wake Arkus? Or address the yeti?

>>85147
Get Arkus's attention and ask if he knows why the Soulfire is reacting this way. In fact, perhaps you should move backwards slightly to see if anything changes.

>>85149

"Arkus, awaken. Tell me, what meaning do these dancing patterns hold? These swirls and snarls of Soulfire?"

Arkus jerks awake, and while trying to groggily rouse himself properly, he spots the Yeti, and immediately finishes waking in a great start, nearly knocking some rations off of the bronze platform.

"Ah... ah... mm. Ah, Yeti, but, um, I assume you know that, uh, hah.....

...Anyway, um.... huh. I have no idea. I haven't even seen a hint towards it in what I have read so far. Maybe it's in the parts I haven't read...."

I take a couple steps back but the symbols continue to dance betwixt us.

They Yeti finally takes an action, pointing a long, thickly nailed finger towards a distant mound under the shelter of a cliff, and begins walking off, no further actions taken.


What should I do?

>>85152
Go where it pointed, do not stray, and wait upon arrival.

>>85152
If I had to guess I'd say it wants to meet you there. Check it out.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/02(Wed)22:23 No. 85161 ID: d1210a
File 12598214241.jpg - (88.59KB , 536x607 , Giant old yeti.jpg )

>>85153
>>85155
I follow the yeti's path towards the mound, trudging along some distance away. The patterns continue to dance, but as I near the mound they start to spread out, dispersing themselves across the area.

Dozens of yetis appear, standing silently in the snow. But one in particular, half again as large as it's compatriots and at least twelve feet tall, it's thick pelt completely obscrues it's face.

"Mageling. Why have you come with an enslaved [heart-of-war] to our land?"

"Me, oh, ah, you should really talk to Lord Mordre here, there's certainly no way I am in charge here. ...Um, my lord.."


What should I say? ...What reason am I hear for, anyway? I marched without really contemplating it much.

>>85161

I go where I please. Do not fear. I am not here to harm you so long that you do not harm myself or my mageling.

>>85161
I guess we're looking for access to their mines, or any knowledge on runes or other stuff that can make us stronger.

>>85161
Set down our mage pal.

"I have come, independant and unbound. I seek... Many things. Harming you is not among them. Merely to gather. Gather knowledge, gather power. I swear on my souls I will do nothing to harm your people."
Optional:
"I will even go as far as to say I will not consume your souls unless you ask me to do so."
"I will defend your town from any invaders while me and my friend stay. I cannot quite speak for my underling, but I do not doubt he will be of some use to you as well while we stay."
Pause, let them think on this for a few seconds.
"If you would not have us, then please, point to way to the (frog people, cant remember names, they revere golems, etc)so we may leave you and yours alone in peace."

>>85174
...it might be time to start thinking about a long term goal here kids. "get stronger" and "help the squishy get stronger" will only take us so far, and make conversations like this awkward.
Oh well. No reason to make stuff up, since we know nothing about Yeti motivations. We seek metal and knowledge, and this place was close and sounded interesting I guess.

>>85170
>>85174

"I go where I please. So long as you do not aggress my personage or my mageling, I shall offer you no harm. I seek access to your mines of bronze and ruby, and knowledge of runes. Can we come to an accord?"

The Yetis recoil in shock, all save the elder addressing us, who only widens a bright white eye before responding.

"..[heart-of-war], you would not rein down your righteous woe upon us? ...So you have awoken within your metal coffin. It is good, that another has left the dreamings in the forges. You wish to see our mines? .....Ah, the enslaved mageling. You wish to make the form you reside in stronger? We have a modest ruby mine, we could provide something for you.... but if you are to ask such a thing from us, our shamans may not be strong enough to protect us from the Premens that live in the area. If we are to die, far more honer will be put in our bones if we are to fall before [heart-of-war] than slowly be ground away by the Premen."


>>85176

"I could defend your town during their weakness, perhaps carry the war to the Premen. Though I know nothing of your kind or the Premen, or of these mountains."

"....If the honored [heart-of-war] would be our shield, let alone our spear, we would gladly part with our rubies. Please, if you with to know of the Yetis, of the Premen, listen well.....

We Yetis have long lived in these mountains, digging out homes in the sides of the mountain, by molding snow and ice into grand halls. With the help of gems as focuses, our shamans can control the flow of the blizzards, of the mountain storms.
And if it were not for the power wielded through those gems..... the Premen, they are our bane. Singularly primal and wild in manner and appearance, they are giant, bestial people. Only the Morgren can claim to be stronger, more ferocious than they."

The elder trails off.


What more should I ask or say?

>>85179
One thing first, is the chill affecting us in any way? Cold contraction, you know.

Anyway, agree. In mountainous areas such as this, they surely live in a strategically feasable area. Wouldn't be all that tough, eh?

I say get to the mines first to augment our weapons with rubies, then destroy these Premen? Or make the Yeti destroy them? It seems like a a yeti would be able to destroy something called a pre-man...

It would be unwise to linger here for an extended period. Find out if you can simply eliminate the threat permanently.

>>85210
The Souls being slowly burned within me to power my form make this feeble chill inconsequential. I am warmed by something far more potent.

>>85215
>>85224
I shall have those rubies, if I can take them and keep these yetis disposed favorably towards me, I will be happy to crush some Premen, or whatever other rabble these mountains can throw at me.

"You shall give me the rubies, the ones you hold dear. My mageling will begin affixing them to my form. I shall be your shield while I am reforged, never fear. And once I am complete, I shall remove your Premen thorn."

The elder bows it's head a bare fraction, and shifts it's hand about. Two of the nearby yetis step forward, emerging from the obscuring swirl of snowfall in the air. They are both old, their bodies withered, but... the patterns that have been dancing madly before my eyes intensify a hundredfold as I gaze upon these elders. I have little doubt they are shamans, no doubt of some repute.

One bears a gnarled staff, a single, fist-sized chunk of ruby gleaming fiercer than any fire could atop it. The staff seems to heavily support the aging yeti's balance.

The other wears a necklace, with rough bronze cages holding two egg-sized shards of ruby, their fire muted but baleful, hanging heavily about the aged yeti's neck.

"If you will choose us as wielders, [heart-of-war], even if only for a short time the directors of your wrath, then we shall give you one of our clan's treasures, either the BURNING HEART OF THE MOUNTAIN or the AGELESS EYES OF WINTER, the two gems our eldest shamans lay claim to. But for [heart-of-war]'s blessing, we would gladly sacrifice one such treasure."

Hm. I suppose I could simply take both gems by force, but I know nothing about the magicks yeti's use. But otherwise, I have no real reason to choose one over the other: It is not I who has been reading on the intricacies of golemcraft these last few days. I suppose I could ask Arkus' opinion on this.

...On that note, I recall that Arkus has not yet spoken with me of what the new runes he found in the books were. He has only mentioned his desire to find a place to test them.


What should I do?

>>85273
Ask Arkus about both the gems and the runes.

I wonder... if someone made a weapon large enough, could you weild it without making it part of yourself?

>>85284
(You could do so, but keep in mind the weapon would be deprived of the powerful reforging and regenerative magicks intrinsic to Soul Graves, as it would no longer be part of their form. But yeah, as long as you have enough materials and the suitable environment to make such a thing.)

"You mentioned runes you wished to try, to implement. Explain to me those mystic symbols you learned. These runes you learned, and the rubies too."

"Ah.... well, gems are a bit.... different, I guess, to work with in runes. Actually, they are usually more flexible than precious metals, in terms of application. Gems only have one rule, in terms of being included in runes: They have to be the focus of the magic of the runes. Now, this could mean anything. I saw a lord with a crystal blade, made by adding augmentive 'conversion' runes to a diamond in the pommel, that made the crystal seep into the blade itself and crystallize it. I saw someone else who had put a gem atop a staff, and put augmentive 'empower' runes into the wood. The sapphire could spit out bolts of lightning, able to draw on World Magic like a siphon to power itself. Really, they can be used pretty much any way you want.

...Or in theory, they can. I have been reading up on three new types of runes:
Augmentive 'empower'
Augmentive 'fusion'
Destructive 'weaken'
Now, what each rune does, is provide an effect. for example, the 'fusion' rune defines the act of fusion, but what it is applied to, as in what is fused, or how it is fused, whether it is some sort of active rune or a passive one, is free to be changed. ....Granted, I haven't ever used runes in a practical application before, so... if you could keep any potential use fairly straightforward, I should be able to cope.
Uhm... right, I forgot. Back to gems for a bit, multiple gems can be involved in a given set of runes, and rach gem is treated as an individual focus. So.... take the staff I mentioned before, the one that shot bolts of lightning. It only had one big sapphire, and it could only release one big bolt. If it had, say, those paired rubies the yetis're offering us, it could shoot two bolts, potentially in two directions. ............That's about as close as I can come to giving you a quick summary of my understanding of runes and gems, I think."

Hm. So, runes could be applied somewhat creatively, then.
Hmm, I have access to two types of augmentive runes ('empower' and 'fusion') and one destructive rune ('weaken')
Further, I can choose either a single giant ruby, 'Burning Heart Of The Mountain', or two large rubies, 'Ageless Eyes Of Winter', to use as foci in the inscribing process.


What kind of enchantment should I suggest to Arkus?

Not sure about the Enchantment, but get the Ageless Eyes and either fuse them with your skullmask or put one in each palm and have an Iron Man palmblaster spikefist thing going on.

>>85307
oh my this is a big decision
we could do tons of things with the
we could enchant our mortars to explode on contact or set whatever it touches on fire
we could use them as eyes and have superman death lasers
we could augment our arms with elemental effects
we could shoot lightning or fireballs
>>85338
or we could become iron man
i cant choose

i say take the largest fire themed rune, attach it to the forehead and enhance it into a kind of laser beam of fire...

I am wondering if we can inscribe a rune that would augment the Soulfire spikes we attained from the Hero in the Crystal. I also wonder if we can use the two different rubies in to different directions.

If the Ageless eyes of Wonder are Fusion and Empower, then I have a suggestion.

Place the Empower Ruby on the fist containing the Soulfire Spikes. Use that one for now.

For the second, we're going to need some fire. I suggest putting the second ruby, the one containing fusion, into the clawed hand with the sickle blades. If we can fuse flame itself into the metal, than we might just have a weapon that can slice through metal, flesh, bone, stone, and other materials with ease. The fire will have to be boiling for this to work, however. I suspect that the heat and flames themselves will seep power into the spell.

Those are my thoughts.

>>85380

A secondary idea. Use the 'fusion' ruby and a few strips of cloth to 'fuse' with the Spirit spikes in order to form a spirit whip. This might give us a bit of reach when dealing with stupid meatbags in delicious metal clothing. Less blood mucking it up.

Another idea is to increase the range or firing power of our mortars. The greater power it is when launched, the more likely it is to cause more destruction when it lands.

>>85355
RUBIES IN THE SKULLMASK'S EYES
+
EMPOWER RUNES
=
DEATH STARE

THE DEATH WILL BE BY FIRE OR LIGHTNING, BUT IT WILL STILL BE A DEATH STARE.

>>85430
>>85338
>>85349
>>85355
An image of gleaming ruby eyes, spitting woe and death at my foes, comes to mind. I find it pleasing.

"Using 'empower', you will draw power from my movements to charge a blast. A whisper of my might will be drained as I move to pool this power I desire. The Ageless Eyes Of Winter will be used, to reign death from my eyes."

Arkus looks at me in surprise, before flicking open two different books and hunting down pages.

"Um..... yeas, actually, I think that could work. You wouldn't even notice a few hundred pounds of resistance to each limb, and with that much power to draw on even terrible runes would have an effect.... not, uh, not that I think the runes will be terrible, uh....
Anyway, yes, that would work, but the blast would be all kinetic, a big wall of pressure from your eyes. Sure, it will knock stuff over and hit with a good bit of force if it's been charged enough, but....

...Yeah, I think I could probably do it. If I did two runes, 'empower' to funnel your appropriated force to your new... eyes, I guess, and 'fusion' to put all that power right into the Soulfire that...... issues.... from your eye sockets. Should make for a pretty potent blast.... or beam, maybe. Could use the rubies as a place to mix the two together. Uh... though in all honesty, it will take a... good bit more time. The simple one would take three days, I think, but the combo would take... I think two weeks. I have enough food, and you have... enough food too, I think, so... whichever, I guess."

As I lower my hand near the elder wearing a necklace so that Arkus may acquire the Ageless Eyes Of Winter, I wonder....


What should I do, get the simpler pressure wall 3 day rune inscribed or the more complex Ruby Soulfire Blast 2 week long rune combination inscribed?

Soulfire Blast. Definitely worth the wait.

>>85453
two weeks is nothing to our timeless metal body

>>85453
Three days is actually better, because it'll save on souls.

Not to mention that no one will be able to SEE the blast. Mordre will just look at them and WHEEEEEEEEEE

>>85556
invisible force look IS appealing, but I really don't think the time is a factor here. If the Yetis will take us in, I bet they can provide food for the mageling, and if we are going to end the premen threat, there will be no shortage of souls I think.

>>85471
>>85476
>>85577

"Do what you can to combine the two runes and swirl force amidst souls. Make the Soulfire that billows from mine eyes a deadly weapon, with power slipped away from mine movements. Give my gaze a strike of power, to smite my enemies from mine presence!"

"...Yes, lord Mordre. Okay, um. yeah, I can do that, I think. ....Well, I guess I have some time to refresh myself on some sections.." Arkus trails off mumbling as he pulls out a spike, it's end shaped like a pen's nib, with a runed needle of steel affixed to the end. There is evidence of rust having once covered the device, but someone took a long, patient toil to the spike, and scoured it clean.

"Show me to a cavern in which mine mageling would be warm. His work must not be impeded by the frailties of his flesh."

The elder yeti eyes me somewhat askance, before motioning me forward. I and the watching yetis that had encircled me all disperse, my own personage following the elder yet that spoke to me into an igloo, and down a path carved into the mountainside. There is a chamber, some thirty, thirty five feet across and twenty feet high, in which we now reside. It is warm enough that Arkus finally stops shivering. I imagine he can work here.

He pulls out a mallet as I seat myself in the chamber, and flips all three books open to different pages, and pauses for a time, intently reading sections of text.

And then he turns, bringing the spike to my eye socket, the rubies at hand, and begins etching out thick, bold lines. Time passes as Arkus continues to check the books again and again, pausing all the time to assess his progress, and the approach recommended. He seems somewhat unsure of himself, combining two runes on his first attempt, but nonetheless works, as the sun sets, and rises in succession. I periodically feed myself chunks of bronze, Arkus' platform slowly shrinking by increments.

[Day 6]

Another day passes, Arkus ceasing in his toil only to sleep, eat or check the journals on golemcraft yet again.

[Day 7]

I I watch the slow mleting of a great torrent of snow that managed to swirl into the cavern, and the water's slow evaporation from the stone floor. Arkus continues toiling looking tense, concerned. He barely eats today.

[Day 8]

Today, though,. the hesitancy seems to leave Arkus, as he toils with far more surety then before.

Some time while light still filters into our cavern and the torches and fire both are burning merrily, the yeti elder places a gnarled had upon my shoulder, and speaks to me.

[b]"[heart-of-war], there is a Premen scout some distance away, watching our home. What actions shall you take?"[/code]

I glance at Arkus, and see he has not even noticed the yeti's presence, still focused on his work. It would be a regretable waste to let this focus slip by.


What should I tell the Yeti elder? What should I do or say?

Ask if they will watch it. Your augmentation is not yet fully complete, and might be dangerous to all should it be left as such.

If it retreats, have them report back. At that point, it is likely that he will come with greater numbers. If her appears to move forward, have everyone move towards your residence and prepare to hide. Tell them to stall as you hurry your little buddy along.

>>85719
Just interrupt Arkus while he's not chipping, and go out to shoot a mortar at the scout. Don't hit it; we want it to report back that the Yeti have a Soul Grave on their side. That should keep them from attacking for a while.

>>85726
This, but make sure you inform the Yeti of what you are doing. Otherwise he might think you're just a bad shot.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/04(Fri)11:11 No. 85834 ID: d1210a
File 125995389593.jpg - (60.92KB , 690x524 , Snowstorm.jpg )

>>85726
>>85746

“A scout or ranging hunter, one would assume. Little mageling, cease your toil for the nonce. I have a duty to perform.”

It takes Arkus a moment to realize I spoke to him, before he places some scraps of paper in the books to mark his location, and clambers down off of me. As it is, only a single ruby has been placed into my eyes yet, and the runes about it are still incomplete. I feast on another hunk of bronze to sate my appetite, and address they yeti elder.

”I shall drive this one from your lands. To bring tales of the metal monster that protects you, Back to it’s tribe, it’s people. I shall but give it a taste of the woe I can bring to it and it’s kin”

“If [heart-of-war] believes this to be best, then so shall it be. We shall leave this to you, then.”

The elder yeti exits the cavern as I slowly set down the now somewhat…. gnawed-upon…. stack of bronze that has served as Arkus’s study area and sleeping quarters both.

I walk my way up and out of the cavern, crouching to exit the Igloo above. The snowstorm is far fiercer now, and I can only vaguely discern a shape some distance away.


What should I do? Should I fire a warning shot at them as planned, or should I investigate?

Wait a moment, take a minute to sight in your target.

You may fire when ready.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/04(Fri)12:50 No. 85847 ID: d1210a
File 125995980832.jpg - (103.66KB , 600x400 , Mortar Attack.jpg )

>>85838
I carefully aim one of the two mortars within my shoulders as I stand outside the Igloo, my dark form likely highly visible.

I fire.

A huge gout of snow is hurled about as the shards of metal tear away from the impact location, impaling nearby trees but not causing any injury of note to the figure.

The moment I fire, the figure retreats, and is soon nowhere to be seen.

I return to the cavern where Arkus has toiled upon my visage, and once more the mageling works to inscribe runes about new ruby eyes for me.

The sun sets without further incident, and in time rises once more.

[Day 9]

Today the yeti elder and several others enter the cavern, bearing strips of dried meat. They place the meat down before me like an offering, presumably as food for my mageling.

Even his dedication to the craft is not enough to overcome the succulent smell of roasted meat, and Arkus becomes... somewhat distracted.

Should I allow Arkus to eat the food placed before me?

>>85847

He needs food of that nature. You require your bronze to function.

I would suggest saying the following:

"Little Mageling, if you so require the offering, take pieces of it. If they believe you to be mine, then it will give them pleasure to know that their offering will not go to waste. If they seek hurt, then I will inform them that this offering is exactly what I needed in order to continue function, and that you have my blessing to accept it at my behest."

Also, Status report from the Yeti's would be nice. Any new sightings?

>>85852
this

>>85852
>>85853

This could easily prolong Arkus's capacity to function without resupply of rations. I would not need to worry about him starving on an overly long trip.

"Little Mageling, if you so require the offering, take pieces of it. If they believe you to be mine, then it will give them pleasure to know that their offering will not go to waste. If they seek hurt, then I will inform them that this offering is exactly what I needed in order to continue function, and that you have my blessing to accept it at my behest."

Arkus blinks and looks at me blankly for a moment, before tearing into the meat, gorging himself in a manner that suggests he has only minimally been meeting his own needs, either in distraction or the want to conserve his meager supplies. As he finally stops eating, he carves small fillets off of the strips, and stores them in a piece of cloth. His packs look noticeably heavier when he finally gets up, and slowly finds his places in the books, and begins once more re-familiarizing himself with a particular set of passages while he digests.

The yetis do not seem to find any offense in the act, and look on blandly. So after the mageling has removed himself, I begin to ask questions of the yetis, now that I have them before me.

"So, have there been any sightings, any response from yesterday? Tell me what has happened."

The long haired elder rumbles, his deep chest vibrating as he responds.

"Nothing has happened. The one that came, the one [heart-of-war] warded off, nor any other Premen has been seen. A small herd of goats were bounding by when our hunters were out, and we have a surplus of food. We thought we should offer."

Hmm.


Should I ask any more questions, or let things be as Arkus resumes his work? I still have some ten days, at least as far as Arkus's initial estimates went, until the process is complete.

>>86032
lets just continue
nothing really important to do other than finish up so we can go on a raping spree

>>86067
I stay silent as the yetis stand by, and they shortly grasp my dismissal, and vacate the area. Arkus once more toils upon the enchantments I desire, his dedication still firm. Time is largely immaterial to me, and Arkus seems to not care overmuch either with such a task before him.

[Day 10]

Arkus continues to read, work, eat and sleep, and I periodically saw a chunk of metal off from the pile of bronze with Sable Executioner and feed myself as I wait for the work to be completed.

[Day 11]

Once more, nothing of note occurs today. Arkus seems to be slowing down. Perhaps it is nothing, he seems as dedicated as he was before.

[Day 12]

Arkus slots the second ruby into my visage, and begins applying the runes to connect it to the existing ruby and runes about.

[Day 13]

Arkus continues to toil, but he seems to be flagging. Still I am not sure, as he seems to still work with the same dogged persistence, just... less exuberant, I suppose. Still, he performs his functions, it is therefore irrelevant how he feels.

...Now that I think about it, how do I feel? I have had naught but free time while I have waited for my newest addition to my form to be crafted, and I have long pondered what I should do with myself.

As far as I can tell, the closest thing to comrades I have would be the other Soul Graves. Perhaps I could share my free will with them somehow, awaken them? I think eternity lording over the fleshlings would be more enjoyable with company, with equals, rivals. Of course, there may be reason to destroy my would be brethren, and if that happens, so be it.

Another thing that occurred to me as having importance is founding my own empire. Powerful as I may be, I well know the power wielded by an army, and if I aim to reign supreme over these lands, I will need to have an army of my own.

And lastly... those who destroyed the Mosmordren Empire, not the mages who they used, but the ones behind the curse, who made it happen.... I wish to meet these individuals, and harvest their souls for the forge inside me, to burn them to ash as I conquer the land.

So, as far as I can tell, my goals are:

-Attempt to find other Soul Graves, to Free/Command/Consume as necessary.

-Found an empire somewhere, build it's strength and raise an army.

-Find the truth behind the collapse of the Mosmordren Empire.


How are these as goals for life? Should I add any more, or change the order of importance?

>>86080
id like to find out who caused the collapse of our previous empire first and eliminate them
they could be a potential future threat

then we form and army and an empire

as for other soul greaves, im sure we will run into some during our journey. after we form a stable empire and take back the Mosmordre lands we will have plenty of time to search for them if we need to

>>86080
We don't know how powerful the force behind the Curse is, but considering the method they must be extremely powerful. We don't have a chance of standing up to them on our own. We need more power.

Getting an empire is a good idea, but we need more power for that too. The quickest path there is to find one or two other Graves, give them free will and then lead them to conquer the fleshlings. Then with the aid of our fleshling army we can wreak vengeance upon the ones who Cursed our creators.

So I think it's Find Golems, Form Empire, and Destroy Curse Wizards. We can't have too many golems around before we get the empire, though, since we need metal and souls for fuel.

Even with our recent improvements, we are clearly not the best Soul Grave around. Awakening further Graves who are stronger is unlikey to gain us underlings. We should have continued self improvement at the top of the list.

Ask Arkus what's wrong.

>>86113
If Arkus continues to become less happy, he may become less useful. It is in our best interest to make sure that he continues to work at top efficiency.

>>86087
>>86090
>>86109

Perhaps I could make self-improvement, the upgrade of my form via material conversions and finding plans/schematics/examples of different armaments and the inscription of runes into my form as something of a standing order, a goal that never goes away.

Hmm, but if such as all four of these are my goals.... how should I proceed towards them?

I could try to seek out other Soul Graves (I already found the Small Tomb back in the ruins, although I do not know how I could approach it), and attempt to command them myself. I don't know if golems will accept other golems as masters, though. And if I wish to spread the gift of free will I have acquired, I will first need to understand how I acquired free will. Perhaps those knowledgeable on golemcraft, Soul magic and/or Blood magic might be able to reveal more about how I came to command myself.

For my goal of forging my own empire.... I am a golem, and my sapience, my free will shall most likely make mortals terrified. Ever since the first few golems went mad with their freedom, all golems are designed so that they cannot be sapient or have their own will, although clearly not well enough. As such, attempting to found an empire may be difficult. Two options have occurred two me, that I could employ.
-I could have Arkus masquerade as my master, and found a puppet empire through him with relative ease. After all, a human mage with a Soul Grave leashed to their will would likely be simply handed control of a small enough land by the existing regime, if they feel threatened enough by the war such a mage could bring upon them. This plan relies on deceit and Arkus's abilities to act as my puppet leader to work, but seems like it could have merit.
-Alternatively, both the Froggrocks and Morgrens have reason to revere my existence, and I might be able to forge an army and kingdom out of the savage kingdoms. The plan is far more direct, and may let me gain a larger army than I could normally achieve so quickly, but there is a chance that I could be faced with an alliance the likes of which destroyed Mosmordre, should the news of a free willed golem spread.

As to my goal of finding out who orchestrated the destruction of the nation which forged me, I am unsure how I should go about this. My knowledge of the world extends to death, war and tactics, not subterfuge. Perhaps.... I recall Mosmordre having spymasters that would bring news to our generals. Perhaps such a person could aid me in finding out who orchestrated the attack?

In any even, I have time to contemplate this, as I still must wait for the inscribing to be completed.

>>86113
>>86196
...Arkus still seems... lackluster, in his devotion to the inscribing. Enough of this, I shall determine the root of his lowered work capacity.

"You have been absentminded, and have worked more slowly recently. What impedes your capacity to function, to recraft my visage?"

Arkus comes to a halt in his toils, and stares at me like someone who has been dreading a question that finally came. He responds to me without meeting my eyes.

"Ah.... well, I.... I don't think I am competent enough, to fully realize your plan for these rubies. I have runes in place, 'empower' to take the force from you movements, and 'fusion' to graft it an the Soulfire that leaks from your eyes together, but.... I was hoping to fuse the two smoothly, and use the faceted gems to redirect the energy, into a..... a spear of heat and power, that would boil away anything even near it's path. As is.... well, it looks like it will be more a pressure wall slightly tinged by Soulfire, than the condensed...beam, I suppose, that I was hoping for. It won't have anywhere near the range or piercing power as what you asked for, I'm sorry. I think I would need more time, more chances to practice before I could inscribe in you runes of a sufficient quality to grant you what you desire. .....I'm sorry."

Hm. So the human has little confidence in his current abilities.


Should I attempt to encourage the human? Should I ask him to continue regardless of this.... downgrade in projected performance? Or should I attempt to make him strive harder, and adhere to the more difficult enchantment I desire? What should I say to him to dispel his doubt and hesitation?

>>86209
It is not unexpected to fall short of perfection on the first try. Improvements can be made upon the design in the future, anyway.

Tell Arkus he may take his time for you have no especially pressing concerns. You have none at present, correct?

As long as your head doesn't explode as a result of his rune crafting, what he can give you will be an improvement. We knew going in to this that we were asking for a complicated amalgam of power that would be difficult for anyone to attempt on their first try, but one does not get better by attempting the easy. He should do his best, and learn what he can from the experience.

I agree. Encourage Arkus that he can do it better, and give him time to correctly learn his craft. It would be better to have a correctly function beam of destruction then a lesser version that can't compare.

>>86228
>>86240
(Have Arkus continue towards incomplete rune)

>>86235
>>86316
(Encourage Arkus to take longer so that he may perform better in the crafting)

"And how will you lose your inexperience, if not by challenging yourself? You shall have as much time as you need, so long as you continue to need it. I will see the best performance possible out of you, and I am content to wait for it."

Arkus stares at me with a strange cant to his face, something I cannot identify. He grins as he rubs a forearm across his eyes, a grin appearing on his face.

"...Yeah, I guess I do have time to work the kinks out, don't I? After all, the yetis left plenty of meat, and in these temperatures that will last a good while. ..Alright, then, I guess I better get to work, Lord Mordre. This... is going to take a bit."

And so Arkus once more sets to working on my visage, the books ever close at hand to reference while he toils.

[Day 14]

Arkus worked with great fervor all through the night, and is dead to the world now, his puny fleshy body exacting it's toll. He eventually rises, however, and after scarfing some food, he throws himself back into his work.

[Day 15]

Arkus continues to toil, slowly reshaping the blocky runes into something more delicate, more precise, if only marginally so. And yet he toils, again and again, a mountain of refinements heaped upon the runes. The effect.... is relatively minimal, as far as I can tell.

[Day 15]

Arkus still goes over the runes already inscribed again and again, trying to irk more polish out of them. He seems... confident, at least more so.

[Day 16]

I find Arkus still devoting all his attention to the existing runes. I would find this obsession disadvantageous, but.... I must admit, he is starting to move with more surety, his strokes and etchings less hesitant. We shall see.

[Day 17]

Arkus finally stops working on the runes for a moment, to once more work on harmonizing the two rubies with the runes and each other. Some time after the sunrise, the yeti elder once more comes to pay us a visit.

"[heart-of-war], it seems that there are Premens in the air once more. Hunters reported seeing two of them to the West, on their way hear. What action shall you take about this?"

Hm. Two? That seems a small force to be sent aggressively, especially after I revealed myself.


What should I do or say?

I believe we should go out and confront them. They may have sent their two best warriors, with some manner of anti-golem device.

I agree it might be something of an anti-construct force. If that's the case, we need to use the environs against them...

Are there any mountains REALLY close?

>>86428
i say lets hit them in the face with a mortar round
they wont send any more troops until they realize their scouts are dead, which will take longer than if the scouts were able to return.
we should just need a few more days

Wait until they get close, staying hidden, and fire upon them with mortars when they get close

>>86456
>giant golem
>hidden

These two things don't match up I'm afraid.

>>86431
>>86444
>>86446
>>86456

I have Arkus cease his work upon my visage, and I go peer out from within the igloo above, noting the presence of the distant Premen. I wait as they slowly make their way closer, until I judge them well within firing distance. I duck out of the Igloo's entrance as swiftly as I can, and level my mortars to fire upon their location.... excellent, it seems they have not moved.

I launch a paired volley of the standard Soul Grave anti-infantry mortar rounds, honeydew-melon sized globes of iron that on impact fracture into an expanding cloud of metal slivers and shards. The two yetis are bombarded with a veritable wall of iron knives peppering their bodies, and fall amidst a torrent of their own blood without a twitch.

I march my way out to the prone forms, and feast upon the souls still clinging to the Premen's bodies. I notice one is much smaller then the other as I feast.

+2 souls (total souls: 21)
Consumed New Soul Type: 'Premen'

...Hmm? I feel.... deeper? The forge in my body feels somehow weightier, as if it were a more potent vestibule now. ....Perhaps exposure to multiple types of souls might somehow augment the magicks that occupy my form?

In any case, I note no metal about their bodies, and make my way back down into the cavern below shortly, to find Arkus once more perusing the books as he awaits my return.

I seat myself before him, and after some time he makes his way back over to my, once more attempting to harmonize the enchantment components with what Word magic he knows, but.... his tone seems just a bit more sonorous, a bit more even. No other events occupy the day as Arkus toils, eats and sleeps.

[Day 18]

Arkus resumes his work rehashing the runes on my head, and... I must admit, the difference from how the runes had been shaped before the rework to how they look now is fairly profound. But only now does he start adding additional inscriptions. Considering the patchwork placement of runes, this suggests that.... there is still a fair bit of work left to do. So Arkus was not exaggerating when he said it would take more time. So be it, this is the path I chose.

[Day 19]

Arkus continues laboring on the new runes, working with noticeably more fluid motions then before. He is starting to become accustomed to inscribing, at least to some degree.

[Day 20]

Still Arkus labors, and I notice that the pile of bronze has shrunk enough that Arkus will have considerably less space to work with next time I travel. Arkus has started to pale from his lack of exposure to natural light, and circles have started to appear under his eyes, but he works ceaselessly.

The elder yeti comes into the room in a rush, his mood clearly agitated.

"Hunter/gatherers dead.... Premen army coming...... some several dozen..... many bear massive picks, anti-armor weapons.... hurt golem.... you are needed... as a sword...."

The elder collapses against the wall, wheezing heavily but unwounded as far as I can tell. As I rise, Arkus crawling off of my form, I hear rumblings above..... the Preman force is approaching. Sadly Arkus has given no indication my augmentation is complete. I shall have to make due with my existing armaments, my steel left fist with spirit knuckles, Sable Executioner, my two mortars with one shot each of anti-infantry rounds, and the innate Soul Grave ability to burn three souls to fuel a great gout of Soulfire expelled from my mouth. I am still within the confines of the igloo above the cavern I have been being reforged in, currently hidden from the view of the approaching Premens.


What should I do? How should I approach this battle?

>>86502
First off, you need to shoot the mortars into the very core of their forces, near to the front, as they begin to charge in earnest. In this way, they'll be forced to move through a lot of dead bodies, resulting in lowered morale and speed. Then, you need to launch another, to thin them out further, again, closer to the front. When they are close enough, expend your breath weapon, then go to town and brawl with the rest.

>>86507
I couldn't agree more

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/06(Sun)15:01 No. 86886 ID: d1210a
File 126014048775.jpg - (390.21KB , 1024x768 , Soulfire used.jpg )

>>86507
>>86550

I peer out from within the igloo, seeing the approaching force of Premen clearly, howling in anticipation as they charge. I also notice the fools have grouped their forces together. I level a shoulder at them through the igloo's entrance, and fire a mortar round into the middle of their front row. Shards of iron pepper their numbers, and several fall in silence or in screaming agony, those behind them trampling over them in their efforts to close the distance.

...And the fools have not bothered dispersing their forces after the first shot. I duck out of the igloo to aim my other mortar, and once more fire into the mass of charging Premen. Again they are beset by an expanding cloud of subtly edged slivers of iron, and again some of them fall, either in death or from being maimed.

...And it is at this point that I notice their numbers have not depleted nearly as fast as I had hoped. Perhaps the layers of hides they adorn themselves with, or their thick, resilient skin interfered with the attack. Some three dozen Premen, armed with great, two handed picks, designed to let the Premen leverage as much of their strength as possible into driving that pick through whatever they may face, continue to eat up the distance between us.

...No matter. If their forms are so large to ablate the impact of my mortars, that simply means there is more material to burn. I open my mouth wide, a sullen yellow-green glow pouring from it's depths and growing ever brighter. It is time for my foes to burn.

A breathe out a great gout of burning scraps of souls, their clinging flames seeming to ache with the want to turn things to ash.

SOULFIRE

[-3 souls. Total soul count: 18 Minimum: 12]

The wave of eldritch flames wash forward, enveloping the charging Premen. Skin bubbles, hair ignites, leather crackles and bones split as the tremendous blaze clings, burning deeper and deeper The charge is utterly broken as they are met with a wall of flame partly anchored in the snow itself as it consumes the front lines of their force, greedily inflaming and rendering into ash that the conflagration comes into contact with.

But my form is not impacted by Soulfire, made as it was to house a perpetually fiery crucible that consumes souls to stoke the fires of my existence. The flames will have no effect on my form.


The blaze is some fifty feet away, and shows no signs of slowing, nor of the Premen circumventing it.


What should I do?

>>86886
Move in and OMNOMNOM the souls of the dead and dying.

>>86886
charge them
show them the might of The Swords Of Mosmordre

move in and slash them to pieces with the Sable Executioner. Feast upon souls after the battle

If the Premen are behind the blaze I assume they can't see you. How far and fast can you jump? Surprise the enemy by leaping over and dicing them from behind.

They wish to show their claws?

Show them yours.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/06(Sun)19:33 No. 87146 ID: d1210a
File 126015681264.png - (645.64KB , 600x450 , Scarred Premen Veteran.png )

>>86890
I charge through the curtain of yellow-green conflagration, striking down the few burning forms still struggling. I draw in a deep breath wreathed in an eldritch inferno, pulling in the plethora souls of the fallen.

And as I do, the force of my inhalation pulls some of the Soulfire from the ground, clearing a small patch of land.

+14 souls (total souls: 32)

...!? A pick has been embedded in my side, and a giant of a Premen bursts from beneath the snow and a layer of hides, his arms covered in ropey slabs of muscle and adorned in thick scars, most likely from battles and struggles of yesterday. More mounds of snow amongst the fallen dead rustle and explode to reveal hiding Premen, their weapons at hand as they rush me.

>>86963
>>86993
>>87065
No matter. A chance to finally test Sable Executioner upon my foes. We shall see how these feeble pikes stand to Black Steel.

I swipe Sable Executioner in a vicious arc towards the Preman that dared attack me, but the fleshling drops to the ground, abandoning it's weapon still stuck in my side as it tumbles backwards, claiming another pike from one of it's fallen brethren as it rights itself. As the other Preman charge me, I notice that the one that assaulted me first bears some scavenged armor, and seems far more mindful of the battle at hand than it's brethren that charge me with such foolish bravery and abandon.

With a whip-like slash of Sable Executioner and a heavy blow from my steel left fist to let my ghostly knuckles tear flesh apart in that which I strike, I set into the small collection of Preman before me, some thirteen of their number. I eviscerate one, viciously sawing a path through the flimsy pike it tried to block my blow with, pleased by the fine and orderly teeth that adorn my claws, and another has a great whole gaping in it's hand and chest where my fist came close to it's flesh, erasing a chunk of it's flesh with it's power. As the two I struck fall to the ground, dead or dying, the other eleven start to spread around me, to herd me away from the fires around us.


What should I do?

>>87146
Barrel through the line, and aim for the one that got you. We need to destroy him, that's the leader!

>>87146
Use the Soulfire again
this armored one... he appears to be a veteran, seeing him fall will likely make morale drop, maybe causing a full retreat
we must target him. if the runes were finished it would be a simple matter of just straight up blasting him, but we dont have that option. try to make your way through the battle towards him

>>87146

Do not waste your soulfire. Using it now may result in the meaningless loss of precious souls. Save it for when they are close enough to touch, or bunched up.

Continue to wade through them with your weaponry. Let them feel the sting of Sable Executioner, and the ghostly spikes of of your Steel Fist.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/06(Sun)20:15 No. 87222 ID: d1210a
File 126015932280.jpg - (100.50KB , 576x859 , Premen Hero 04.jpg )

>>87163
>>87167
>>87203
This rabble will be broken before my might. I charge forward as I prepare to once more use Soulfire and burn a path through the mongrels before me. My mouth gapes wide as those nearest me leap to bring their sharply swung pikes towards mine visage. Too late.

SOULFIRE

[-3 souls. Total soul count: 29 Minimum: 12]

Those few in mid-leap deflect the fire into a great obscuring plume as they are incinerated, or clawed out of the air by my Sable Executioner, but otherwise I can tell nothing about the fate of the others. At least three were killed outright.

The wall of fire before me explodes as a burning body plows through the towering inferno, hurtling towards my form. An arm abruptly lashed out, and a pike slams into the side of my head, driving some short distance into the metal despite the one-armed swing. I see the Premen with scarred arms clutching the back of his burning comrade. I see no expression, just a stoic determination on his face as he leaps from the still burning corpse to the ground behind me, still littered with the corpses of his fellow Premen. I turn to face him.....

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/06(Sun)20:15 No. 87223 ID: d1210a
File 126015935236.jpg - (109.20KB , 576x837 , Premen Hero 01.jpg )

And see he has drawn a vicious looking, weighty sword and a heavyset axe from his hide belt, and a vicious snarl adorns his face. His muscles tense and knot as he stares at me whilst I turn, regrettably somewhat ponderous due to my size.

And then the Premen dashes towards me, closing towards my form in a flash. As I finish turning the Premen is already a scant few feet away from me, his speed startling.


What should I do?

>>87223
Attempt to block his attacks with your fists, and use your superior strength to push at his weapons, so that you might force him to stumble. Then impale him upon your claw and suck out his soul.

Stomp the ground hard enough to shake it, if you can, that'll interrupt the charge so you can squish him.

oh shit hes Nosferatu Zodd
lets throw a corpse at him, while he is dodging that rush him and get him with the our steelfist

He wants to fight, eh?

Strike him down. Show him the Strength of Mordre.

If we can, try to keep him alive. There is something pressing in his eyes and actions that warrants investigation.

Use the hand that won't cut too deeply.

>>87223
If he's moving that fast, he won't be able to turn quickly. Hold out your claws, let him impale his fleshy body on the Sable Executioner.

definitely defend the oncoming attack with your metal fists, then give him a nice, hard, ghostly bitch slap upside the head, ideally knocking him unconscious, or at least to the ground. Leave him alive and interrogate after the battle

>>87223
>>87222
OH FUCK IT'S ZODD

KILL HIM FAST

>>87309
>>87352
The Premen warrior has gotten in far too close for me to have time or orientation to strike in such a manner. It's decisiveness and speed are both... commendable, for a fleshling.

I try to get my arms interposed between our forms, but the Premen proves to swift, and starts leaping up my now enclosed arms-!

As he climbs he slashes at me with his weapons, which I now recognize as simple iron, and yet he swings them with such force he warps both the metals and my body. He.... is actually damaging me, however modestly he can with such pitiful armaments, yet..... most impressive!

He kicks off of my face as I try to grasp him, leaving a parting rent along my neck, his axe's thick handle already breaking. As he deftly lands in a crouch amidst the dead not currently being burned into ash by the patches of Soulfire about us, he discards his axe and grasps a thick handle protruding from behind his back, and wrenches free.... a giant, heavy blade with a wicked crescent hook upon it's end, easily dwarfing his already oversized blade. The metal is dark and ruddy, I do not recognize it, but it's size alone means he could very likely batter me every bit as hard as the ghost of Thomro did some weeks ago.

He begins to charge me once more.

>>87303
I stomp heavily upon the ground, and am rewarded with a rumble echoing from above on the mountainside. The Premen warrior falters, his face going distant for a breath as he seems to assess the mountains, before he recovers. But it is enough.

>>87384
>>87335
>>87288
>>87385
Now that I have a better sense of the warrior's speed, I aim a short, sharp blow with my steel left hand, a backhanded strike to crush the Premen warrior. He has nowhere to run thanks to Sable Executioner now obscuring his only avenue of escape. I will feast on this one's soul before I kill the rest of his kin-

He blocks it.

His legs dig into the ground deeply, his legs and body tense madly, but he withstood my strike, his smaller sword now severely bent, and gouges running down his arm and shoulder where he braced the blade and the ghostly spikes I possess on my knuckles managed to rend his flesh.

With a roar he flexes and heaves, and throws my hand away from him, and crouches low to the ground below my gaze. My balance is somewhat distorted from the Premen's maneuver.

What should I do?

>>87465
Lean forward! He's about to pouncve and push you over! We need to fight defensively! Certainly he's fast, but he is weak flesh and we are STEEL AND SOUL.

Spin with the momentum. Slash low with Sable Executioner and follow it up with a backhand from your fist. With the mass and speed the spin would bring, he could have a bit more trouble parrying either, so either you'll get a solid hit in or at least force him back while you regain your equilibrium.

Perhaps we should use the Soulfire with this one. He's proving most difficult.

Just make sure to aim for his midsection. You'll get more of his body that way.

Bob!t/UKid4z5s 2009/12/07(Mon)02:40 No. 87490 ID: d1210a
File 126018244698.jpg - (17.90KB , 326x498 , Premen Hero Stripped of Armor and Hides.jpg )

>>87475
>>87466
I spin with the momentum of my arm, and manage to sidestep as the Premen leaps straight up, his arms whipping about him as he viciously slashes where my body just barely manages to not be. I see the frustration on his face as I lean farther into the misbalance I suffer from, using it to whip my right claw, my Sable Executioner tearing towards his airborne form.

The Premen whirls in the air as he transposes his blades, the warped one and the strangely colored and hooked sword, betwixt himself and Sable Executioner. I strike him and he is hurled upwards by his angled blades, flung free from their terminal path.

>>87477
This is my chance. While the Premen is still aloft, I ready myself to once more breathe Soulfire, directly upon my airborne foe. Heat makes ripples in the air about my mouth, around the time the Premen finally ceases in his upward motion. He recognizes his doom coming and starts a flurry of motion, likely panicking at his impending death by incineration. I exhale.

SOULFIRE

[-3 souls. Total soul count: 26 Minimum: 12]


I wreathe the Premen's form in the fire of souls, but do not stop there. I continue to spin, building speed, and slam my hand once more into the now-enflamed Premen, it's impact accelerated by my building momentum. I feel a meaty impact, and send the burning form hurtling away, it's impact into a rock outcropping shattering stone and scattering snow.

I begin to turn away, to march through the fires and find the remaining Premen to slay them as well, when the burning pile shifts. I turn back to it to see armor and hides, all but the strange giant hooked sword and a loincloth stripped from the Premen as he casts off his ignited gear. The wounds in his shoulder still ooze a dark trickle, and the last impact similarly having wounded his midsection.

But nevertheless, the Premen stretches itself briefly like one that has shed a heavy burden, before grasping his strangely colored and hefty sword with both hands, assuming a hostile stance as muscles knot and tense in a ripple across his body, blood still leaking from the wounds I have bestowed upon him. He is some twenty, twenty five feet away, but the speed he evidenced earlier makes that distance seem short.


What should I do?

>>87490
This man is a Hero and has a Hero's soul. We must consume him. try to block his next attack with your steel fist and push, as if it were a shield. if this knocks him off balance pin him with the palm of the Sable Executioner and suck out his soul.

>>87490
Fire off a mortar round or two while he's at a distance. Try to force him into a path where you can predict his attack.

>>87544
The mortars have already been fired. They need time to replenish their ammo. See the discussion thread for info about the mortars.

Aim for his legs, without them he will be out of the fight until the end. Block his first attack, and then swing your fists, aiming to disable his legs

>>87491
>>87774
I clench my fist tightly as I ready a vicious blow in preparation of the Premen’s potential charge.

I am not disappointed, as the giant warrior charges at me amidst a flurry of snow and fire, his heavy blade held low.

I sweep Sable Executioner towards his form, unsurprised when he fluidly slips beneath the blow, staying low and lithe. I was expecting this.

My steel left hand swings in behind the arc Sable Executioner followed, sweeping too low for the Premen to duck. He leaps up and slams his sword into the ground, bracing a leg against it. His muscles heave and he is driven back some distance, but once more he blocks one of my blows despite his mortal shortcomings. And now his braced leg proves useful, as he avoids exposing enough skin while bracing his weapon for the ethereal spikes adorning my hand to bite into his flesh once more. It seems he anticipated this as well.

What he did not expect, or notice before it was too late, was my strange hand placement, with a finger held tightly tensed behind my thumb within the fist’s structure. I release the finger’s restraint, and I feel satisfaction as the finger collides with a wet snap against the Premen’s leg still upon the ground, and I see the warrior stumble as its leg breaks. The fires surrounding us finally begin to die down as the warrior falls prone before me.


What should I do?

>>87861
disarm him and then... disarm him
then suck out his soul

>>87861
Before you kill him, complement his savagery, and comment how his addition will strengthen us. Thank him, kill him, eat soul.

>>87877
FUCK FUCK FUCK PICK UP THE BASTARD WE NEED TO MOVE

GET BETWEEN PREMEN AND TOWN

SHIT SHIT SHIIIIIIIIIIT

>>87891
yes, do whatever you are going to do quickly, there is an army here after all

>>87861
kill him and suck out his soul.

Grab him in your fist and begin to crush him to death as you turn your attention to the others around you. Begin to suck in his soul even as you fight.

>>87891
>>87912
...Of course, this is not some simple duel. I am the shield of the yetis, and I know that I have not seen enough dead to constitute the entire force brought here. I must make haste and assure the safety of Arkus, or I will never get this enchantment completed.

>>87864
>>87877
>>87913
>>87915

I reach towards his prone form, ready to pulp the life out of him or wrench his arms off, I still have not decided-
!? I am beset by multiple impacts on my back, and I hear howls from several throats just behind me. Whilst I am distracted, the Premen heaves himself away, taking great, lunging, one-legged leaps that propel him away. As I observe his attempt to escape, I see a part of the Premen force heading towards the Yeti village, perhaps fifteen in all.


What should I do?

>>87929
Run to save them! You must!

>>87929
Soulfire the Hero while he runs; his armor won't protect him now.

Run full tilt at the fifteen Premen about to attack the Yeti, get within firing range of Soulfire, and let them have it.

While you're running, do a quick forward tumble to crush the Premen on your back, assuming they are still clinging to their weapons.

>>87929

The Yeti must be preserved. Tell this Premen you aim to meet his blade again. Next time, he will not be as lucky.

run straight into the pack of premen, bowling through them, knocking them aside. Then turn around and engage them

>>87929
arkus is priority
we will worry about the Hero after we repel the attack. he wont make it far with that leg

>>87939
I cannot steady myself enough from the assault I faced before the wounded Premen warrior has escaped. And a forward tumble would be…. Difficult, considering my bulk.

>>87941

”I will crush you, next time you dare face me. You cannot surpass my might, little fleshling!”

The Premen stumbles as it flees, looking at me with complete shock and confusion, before catching itself and continuing it’s hobbled retreat.

>>87933
>>87968
>>87965
I ignore those few trying to distract me, and charge forward, trying to reach the Premen force before it can reach the yeti village. Thankfully, the snow seems to be slowing them, as their limbs slow to slog through the material. I am under no such restriction, and continue towards them at my top speed (10 mph). Some in the back finally notice me as I close, and stop to face me as they cry out a warning to those in the front. Several more make the mistake of stopping, and I crash into them with all the considerable momentum I carry, trampling a few of them underfoot as I strike at the rest.

….Some managed to make their way forward, and did not get stuck fighting with me as the rest of their comrades did. I see some four of the Premen slip inside some of the igloos, separating as they approach.

But I am currently beset with a problem. Some seven of those attacking the yetis still challenge me, and I can see some eighteen more coming charging down the path I blazed to get here. It seems they wish to make their stand here.


What should I do?

>>87999
slaughter as many as you can as fast as you can
when the 18 come into range use your soulfire again

cut and crush with fist and blade of righteousness! as the 18 get closer, Soulfire would definitely be the best option i think

>>88017
>>88052
I tear into those before me, the seven betwixt me and the four that entered the yeti village, Sable Executioner dancing through the air in vicious arcs and slashes, my grand fist swatting out at the Premens that get too close. ….I must admit, these Premen are nimble, and it takes time to fell any of them. Only three have fallen by the time I note the charging reinforcements in range of my Soulfire.

The air around my mouth warps and wavers in the heat, as a great conflagration spews forth from my mouth.

SOULFIRE

[-3 souls. Total soul count: 23 Minimum: 12]

The charging Premen do what they can to escape the blaze, but most are enveloped by the inferno, and shortly rendered unto ash. With even more of there numbers crushed, cut or burned by a towering metal giant, and their presumed leader wounded and withdrawn, the Preman force finally seems to falter. They continue to encircle me but do not close for a time, unwilling to attack.

And then it happens. One pulls a horn from beneath it’s pelt, and sounds a loud, urgent thunder, turning away from me as it falls back. And the others start leaving, soon two of the yetis that entered the village leave as well, and no more foes stand before my presence. I routed their number, and repelled their force. But things remain to be done.


What should I do?

Ensure that Arkus and the other Yetis are alive.

Confirm this, then search the area for the hero Premen.

If the area is secure, then go get something to eat, and make sure you suck up all the souls of the dead Premen. They will be useful in recharging your batteries.

>>88132
good they are gone
>>88134
this

There's really not much to do save gobbling souls and finding that Premen tough guy.

>>88134
>>88137

I enter the yeti village, crushing some of the door-frames of the igloos I enter through. No matter. I make my way down to the chamber Arkus has been toiling on me within for so many long days. It would be regrettable if the frail fleshling was killed before he could finish the work he began.

I make my way to the cavern, and find Arkus crouched behind the pile of bronze, who promptly straightens once he sees me.

“Ah-h.. Lord Mordre, how grand it is to see you again…. Ah, it seems the Premen really set into you, there are a fair number of rents and dents in your…. Body. Ah…. Well, um, I heard a bit of noise from down the tunnels, but it stopped quickly. I’m guessing the yetis were able to handle however many got inside.”

I have not yet even attempted to navigate the other tunnels and passageways of this tribe’s home, and attempting to track down the yeti elder could range from easy to nightmarish. Conversely, the souls above-ground are only going to weaken and fade.


What should I do?