The ache in Klaw's hip had disappeared overnight. Hunter's healing magic worked wonders, and the bolt was only a flesh wound. Still, he caught himself glaring at the idiot dwarf who shot him.

He was itching for a fight. So the sounding of the horn was like sweet music. A promise for something to DO. Talking around a campfire was good and all. Especially when paired with some meat. But it felt like a waste of time.

Klaw was faster than the others. Hunter was big and lumbering. Zuss had short legs. Elyndris was clung to Hunters mop of hair, cheering him on like a horse.

Soon, Klaw caught up to Leofric as he slowed, looking over the field.

Leofric drew and strung his bow mid-run as easily as taking a step. Klaw moved up in pace with him.

"Friends of yours?" He asked.

Two goblins stood at the far end of the field. One with a horn in hand. These were small and filthy. Caked in mud, yet somehow still a brilliant green. Headtakers.

"Nah," Klaw said. "They're the bad ones."

Leofric skidded to a stop and drew back an arrow. "Scouts. Don't let them return to the hoard."

Klaw wasn't an expert on bowmanship. But even he knew the shot would be near impossible. Yet, his arrow seemed to take on a certain weight. The air and light sucked into it in as though it was drinking in mass.

The arrow flew with an audible thrum. It drag the air behind it, causing Klaws hair to ripple. Like a hawk spotting prey, the arrow rode the subtle air currents before plunging deep into the goblin's back.

"Fuck, nice shot," Klaw said.

The other goblin disappeared into the forest.

"I've got two of those shots left. Oswine!"

Oswine wheezed his way behind them. Hunter and the others caught up as well. A scroll popped into existence in his hand. He then withdrew a brush from somewhere on his person. It had no ink, yet he still painted symbols on the scroll.

The scroll disappeared with a puff as Oswine ripped it. Klaw jumped back and drew his claws. A large warg just materialized out of nowhere. As though formed of ink, it flowed into existence. On its forehead, two symbols were carved into its flesh.

"Go… hunt the other… scout," Oswine said between gasps. The warg snarled, but followed the command. It sprinted off towards the forest edge.

"What was that?" Klaw growled.

"Not now. Come on, to the village. With any luck, the goblins won't be warned of our size. They found us," Leofric said.

Their mishmash group jogged to the village's front gate. It opened automatically. Men with bows and spears stood guard on the other side. A murmur passed through them as the monsters entered the village center.

"Listen up!" Leofric roared. "The horde has found us. This isn't a false alarm. Prepare yourselves."

Humans began to move. Men cursed, and children cried.

"These monsters," he gestured to the group. " Are not our enemy. Anyone who attacks them or gives them trouble answers to me! We need every hand we can muster."

Leofric ignored the crew for the moment as he gave orders to specific men and women.

"What do you know about the enemy? How many men do you have?" Klaw asked as he approached.

"For weeks, the goblins have been tearing their way through the countryside. Slaughtering villages and monsters. Growing in strength. We have fifty warriors. Five times that in non-combatants."

"Non-combatants… what? Just give them a stick or something."

Leofric turned to him and frowned. "Children. The elderly. Farmers and craftsmen. They can't fight. We don't make everyone risk their lives like the goblins."

"Whatever. We will make up for them anyway. How can we help?"

"You're only level nine? Just stay out of the way. Let the trained warriors handle it."

"Fuck that. I've fought my entire life. We've slain drakes, orcs, and demons. We're better fighters than most of you humans, no doubt. That squabble would have ended in human blood if Hunter hadn't stopped us."

He gave Klaw an appraising look. "Fine. But you follow under my command while you are here."

"No."

"Excuse me? We don't have time for this."

"I walk with honor, unbowed to men or monsters, yet never shall I turn my back on the helpless." Klaw quoted. "That's part of my paladin oath. Means I can't swear under anyone's allegiance."

"You follow the goblin." He pointed out.

"Loyalty ain't the same thing as servitude."

Leofric and Klaw stood eye to eye. Neither backed down for a long moment.

"Fine." Leofric relented. "Do what you want. If you have archers, put them on the walls. Warriors, they wait until we open the gates."

They walked as Leofric gave orders.

"Open the gates? Why? They could get in." Hunter asked.

"It's obvious," Klaw said. "They've got shitty walls. A large force of monsters will tear them down. If he opens a funnel, they'll go towards it. Easier to fight from one side. Goblins are dumb. Mostly. Good idea to use that to our advantage."

Leofric raised an eyebrow at him. "That's right. You're pretty clever for a bugbear."

"Bah, that ain't clever. That's just fighting. I know fighting."

"Do you have a scout?" Zuss asked.

"Our best scout is with your leader. I could go, but I'm needed here." He grumbled.

"I'll do it." She said.

"No, you stay-" he began.

Zuss disappeared before Leofric could nod his head.

"right where you are… damn it." He turned to Klaw. "If you've lied to us and are spies for them… I will castrate you with a broken arrow."

"We're not," Klaw said flatly. "You best be careful where you point any arrows."

The human leader shut his eyes for a moment, then walked away muttering.

Ketil was outside the gates, setting traps. Oswine had wandered off somewhere. A large group of humans was setting up a bonfire in the middle of the village. An older human with long, silver hair was commanding the effort.

Hunter seemed intrigued and wandered towards it. Klaw followed. It wouldn't do to be separated.

"Excuse me," Hunter said.

"What? Oh. You're big. Help move the larger logs then." The main said, unfazed by the ogre wearing a worm crown.

"Oh, okay. But why are you building a fire?"

"He's a hearth tender." Muttered Elyndris, "he's going to tend the fire."

"Your hat is right. It keeps the men calm and clear-thinking. Now, don't just stand there."

Hunter obediently started moving logs. Elyndris scoffed and flew to Klaws' shoulder.

"Hey!" Someone called out to them.

An equally old man with a large nose was squaring up to them.

"What do you want… human?" Klaw said. He wriggled his fingers, ready for a fight.

"Which one of you is the mage?" He asked.

"Me! What of it?" Elyndris proclaimed.

"You… you burned my house down!" He said.

She only sniggered.

"What's your point?" Klaw asked.

"Well… er. Just watch your back." The man said, losing his confidence.

"We'll do that, friend," Klaw said with an air of menace.

He noticed eyes on him. Dozens of humans were glaring at him. The humans had a palpable tension. It seemed a monster or two in their midst was a problem.

"We ain't here to cause trouble, morons." He called out. That resulted in more angry looks. "Look. I swore an oath. As orc shit as that is, I gotta follow it. And I'm not going to let anyone interfere with my oath. Got that?"

He brandished his claws. Sharp, wicked things are only good for disemboweling. Oh, how he loved them. Then he activated smite. A glowing, divine light sheathed his claws. The light only accented the shadows on his wide, toothy grin. Humans stumbled back.

Then he used Air Slash, swiping in the air. Eight lines of golden light soared into the sky and faded.

"Anyone got any problems?" Klaw snarled.

Nobody did.

Even if the goblins charged as soon as they heard the horn, Klaw estimated they wouldn't get here for a few hours. Maybe not even till nightfall.

With nothing better to do, he sauntered back towards Leofric. The man was talking to the same warriors who took away Desmond his goons.

"It's bad timing. I know. Let them out, and give them their weapons. We can squabble in the morning," he told them.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Klaw growled. Gathering their attention.

"You're letting those idiots out to fight, aren't you?"

"I am. So don't try anything."

"They attacked US. If they do it again, I won't break any oaths in cutting them down."

Leofric sighed and squeezed the bridge of his nose. "What do you want?"

"What do you know about Goblins?"

"Enough."

"Yeah, well, I lived with them for most of my life. I can promise, you aren't ready."

"Then share your wisdom, paladin." Leofric's eye twitched. The man was under a lot of stress. "What don't I know?"

"Here's the thing. Your average goblin, not us… we are elite, they are dumb. Dumb as mud. I once fought a goblin who exploded because of bad biotraits."

"What's your point?"

"Thing is, that means that they will grow into whatever shape lets them kill faster, damn the consequences. They might explode. Turn themselves into a ball of razors. Become living piles of filth. You gotta be prepared for that. There isn't any cohesion in their paths," Klaw explained.

"Goblins can see in the dark. They are used to being on their own." Elyndris said. "You aren't fighting an organized force. But a hundred little devils, each with their own brilliantly stupid ideas on how to cause the most death and destruction."

Leofric looked between them. Then nodded. "Alright. Tell me everything you know. Maybe we can get through this."

So, Klaw and Elyndris spoke with the human leader. They explained everything they knew about goblin tactics and capabilities.

Soon, Klaw was helping distribute plans and tactics. Hunter was off elsewhere, helping where he could. He had the pack with all of their valuable stuff. But he could handle it. Eventually, Klaw got the message.

[Party member has devoured - otsorieus, level 14. Experience Gained. You have gained one paladin level.]

He chuckled. Well, at least Dag was doing something worthwhile.

This level was an easy one. He knew what he wanted. Savage Attacks.

It paired well with his claws and Air Slash. A quick test showed that, indeed, the Air Slash was much stronger than before. Enough to cut a throat or two, at least.

Elyndris, at the same time, cackled on his shoulder.

"Three biotrait points! Plus a free level. I will reach the apex of Metamorphosis soon after I receive it." She said.

"Apex? What's that?" Hunter felt as though he should be the voice of Daggat in his absence.

"Hmm? Do you not know? When you advance a biotrait four times, it reaches its apex. It becomes stronger, more potent. Then you can no longer mutate it. Instead, you must combine it with another trait to progress."

"No, we didn't know that. That would have been good to know." Klaw said with clenched teeth.

He couldn't help but think he wasted potential without that knowledge. There should be a way to fix it, right? It seems you can do just about anything.

"How was I supposed to know you didn't know? Do you know how hard it is to sift through this knowledge? Separate what's good common sense and what's special?"

"Maybe you and Dag need to go over the system. See what other little things you missed."

Elyndris shrugged in the way only a winged worm could.

Hunter lumbered up. A smile beaming on his face.

"Did you get the level? Did you?" He said excitedly.

They nodded at him.

"Whatcha getting?" Klaw asked.

"I found one I think is good. An ogre trait. Gorger." Hunter beamed at them.

"What's it do?" Elyndris asked.

"The more I devour, the stronger and tougher I get. It will work well with the hunger core, I think. I've got an idea."

"Oh? Do share, do share? Been taking notes from Daggat's chatter?" Elyndris said.

"A little bit. Daggat says to look for interactions and… closeness in traits and skills. But, it will be a surprise!"

"Looking forward to it, buddy," Klaw said.

"Uh huh, I-" Hunter began.

"The goblins are a day away," Zuss said, from nowhere. They all jumped. "It's only a squad or two. But, it could be a part of a larger force, I don't know. They were piling bones in a field of hills."

"Well, that gives us time. Go tell the human, then." Klaw said. Zuss shrugged and skulked off in that direction.

A whole day. Too much time to wait. At least Dag would be back soon. Probably. He can do the talking, and Klaw can focus on the fun bit.

Klaw

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

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

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

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

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

Notable Natural Skills: Savagery: Apprentice

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

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

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

Notable Gear: Mountain Heart Armor Belt of Last Stand

Elyndris

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

Monster Level:

11

Attributes (0/12):

Strength:

10

Dexterity:

8

Constitution:

8

Intelligence:

15

Will:

7

Charm:

7

Feats:

Encounter: True Angel

Knowledge: System Knowledge

Act: Devotion

[layered feats]

Act: Blasphemy

Ability: Mighty Intellect

Act: Vile Concoction

Act: Fledgling Mage

Skills (0/3):

Burst of Strength: 1

Pounce: 1

Construct Capacity: 1

Spellcraft: 1

Biotraits (3/11):

Base size: Miniscule

Jaws

Thaumic Sense

[Synergy: Tremor Sense + Magic Sense; Mutations:

Refined Sense

]

Complex organs

Limbs [Mutation:

Lesser Wings

]

Disease Resistance

[Source: Vile Concoction]

Force Distributing Flesh

Transformations:

Night Stalker form:

+2 strength

+2 dexterity

+2 constitution

Jaws [Mutation: Powerful Jaws]

Known Magical Components:

Engines

: Force, Energy, Beam

Drives

: Focus

Notable Gear:

5 Refresh Pills

Hero Scroll

Other:

Curse: Ungenesis

Hunter

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

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

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

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

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

Notable Natural Skills: Healing: Apprentice

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

Other: Curse: Ogre Curse Boot of Rashail

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