Chapter Seventy Eight - 078

Enjoy!

* * *

Two dozen over-sized ballistae fired at Felix, some from no farther than thirty feet away. Felix's high Perception tracked the projectiles as they exploded toward him, but there were too many. Flaring his Willpower, Felix dove aside and evaded the first few, but he also had to worry about protecting Pit. Twisting away from huge arrows the size of spears, he caught one on his lower back. His vision went white as the pain overwhelmed him, his Pain Resistance only kicking in after what felt like minutes but were more like seconds.

Time enough for two more to impact him.

Armored Skin is level 39!
...
Armored Skin is level 41!

Each savage shaft burst upon his skin, exploding into splinters and striking his exposed flesh. His Health, which had barely recovered to a third of his total, dropped like a lead weight. Felix cried out, but it was more roar than scream, and it wasn't until later that he understood what he'd said.

REIGN OF VELLUS!

Expending four hundred points of Mana, a lightning storm of azure bolts exploded outward in all directions, an orb of galvanizing power that shook the Void with thunder. Six more spears were arrested while the flurry of lightning blasted them apart.

Reign of Vellus is level 28!
...
Reign of Vellus is level 32!

The humanoids on the walls stood still for a moment, no more than a heartbeat, but time enough for Felix to cast his gaze across them. They were raggedly dressed, unwashed, and astonished. He didn't think they expected a lightning storm. A figure in a long dark coat (and a tricorn hat of all things) stepped forward.

Who are you, traveler?

Felix shook his head. No time! Monster! He pointed down before flying above them, arcing over their fortifications and landing atop the nearest ballista. The hat wearing individual held up a hand, keeping his men from attacking. Felix set Pit down onto the wall just as the Void around them started to vibrate, the wall beneath them quaking.

What is this?! The figure asked, though Felix had turned back toward the space he'd fled. Two dark green orbs appeared above his hands, held out over the parapet.

Kill it!

The Corrupted Narhollow tore through the Void, swimming upward so fast it's pustulent flesh was a blur of red and yellow. The people all around Felix stared in terrified confusion for half a beat before screams started all along the walls. In moments, they had reloaded and fired a volley into the monstrosity's side, easily hitting it as it swam past. How could they not? The target was longer than their entire castle.

They reloaded and fired again. And again. All before the creature's mile-long form was beyond their sights.

Felix fired off several Wrack and Ruin spells, which was his most directly damaging spell even though it ate away at his Mana quickly. But the dark green orbs seemed to do little more than irritate the creature's skin. It's Health was largely unchanged, every point of damage regenerating at an insane rate. It swam upwards, it's bugling cry never stopping even as it looped around in a long, slow-seeming turn. The thing's body was bulbous and weeping, it's thousand mouths gnashing its many teeth, the tail trailing like a gruesome ribbon as sprays of crimson Mana poured off of it. It's gaping main maw opened wide and Felix saw hundreds of rows of car-sized teeth.

Fixing them with its many-eyed gaze again, it screamed. A buzzing dissonance sheared across the Void, and many of the brutes on the wall hit the floor, their Health nearly depleted. Felix gritted his teeth, the buzzing only a minor annoyance at this point though even his Health dipped by 10%.

Steady! cried their leader, a scimitar raised above his head. Steady! 

The Corrupted Narhollow--no, the Whalemaw, it sped toward them like a freight train the size of a mountain.

Steady! 

Felix didn't know what they were waiting for, and he flared his Willpower, ready to grab Pit and leap out of the way as fast as possible. Then the man dropped his scimitar, chopping it forward and sending a gleaming wave of water Mana surging forth.

Send it to Desolation, lads!

A shimmering sphere of white force suddenly snapped up around the island, a nearly opaque egg. With a pang, it reminded Felix of Magda's Force Wall, but the power felt different, more primal. Terrifyingly so. 

The Whalemaw crashed into it and its face immediately began to dissolve, flesh and bone and tooth and a thousand eyes all turned to blackened char. The Corrupted Narhollow banked hard, the devastation scraping along it's body. Felix could see bone and cartilage and gooey red muscle turn to carbonized nothing as the white shield atomized its body. It's Void-shaking bugle turned to dismay, and with a piteous moan it fled, disappearing beyond the crushed debris of rocky islands above them.

A wild cheer arose among the defenders, some of them throwing their hats into the air and firing off shots of multicolored Mana. Most, however, looked dead tired.

Felix couldn't help but grin, happy to have survived another brush with death. However, he felt his heart clutch and an icy fear creep up his spine. The emotion confused him, until he turned and spotted the Maw watching the milky white barrier with unwavering eyes. It seemed that Felix could also feel the Maw's emotional state, and whatever the barrier was made of terrified it. Felix noted that, making sure to file it away for later.

Anything that terrified the Maw would be good to have in his corner.

Oi! You there! Pretty boy!

Pretty boy? Felix thought to himself. That's new.

Felix turned and saw a wall of flesh to either side of him. The people that controlled this place had encircled him, and they did not look happy. Pit crowded against his legs, puffing up his fur and feathers and spreading his wings to appear as large as possible. Felix clenched his jaw, fighting down the sudden urge to tear into these folk, and he put a restraining hand on Pit's back. As he did, a seven foot tall Ogre stomped to the front, with pale green skin and yellow eyes. His head was big, but his shoulders and paunch dwarfed it considerably, leaving his thick, muscle-bound arms to hang low like a gorilla. He wore a pair of leather trousers and a linen vest that strained to contains his bulk. Blunt, yellowed tusks extended from his lower jaw, and he thrust his chin out at Felix in challenge as he walked forward.

Voracious Eye...

There was a brief moment of resistance, as if something blocked him, but Felix focused and...

Name: Stiilgar "The Ram" Raamstell (Hidden)
Race: Ogre
Level: 28 (Hidden)
HP: 1242/1242 (Hidden)
SP: 644/851 (Hidden)
MP: 75/118 (Hidden)
Lore: Ogres are generally known for their huge large reserves of Endurance and Strength, as well as their prodigious appetites. They are often predisposed for melee combat.
Strength: Specialized in unarmed combat, his reach is long. Beware his grip. (Hidden)
Weakness: Slow. (Hidden)

Something was hiding his information and Voracious Eye just ripped it apart like tissue paper, he marveled silently. The information washed over him in moments, a faint buzz to his inner ear, and Felix slowly pushed Pit behind him.

Oi, little boy. You brought trouble to Ten Hands! Ruined our arrows! No one does that'n lives, unnerstand?

Spittle flew as the Ogre spouted off his nonsense and the crowd cheered. Felix let his eyes roam their faces, letting his Eye take in their information as quickly as possible. Like Stiilgar, most of their information was blocked out aside from their Races and basic Lore, but unlike the Ogre Felix didn't waste time pushing past their resistance. They covered a range, from willowy Elves to bird-like Korvaa, even a few folks Felix might normally consider monsters like Goblins and Orcs. They were all dressed in a motley collection of gear, obviously scavenged armor and clothing that ranged from rusty to ill-fitting. Implements of all sorts were clutched in their fists, both weapons and hostile stares leveled at Felix. What he didn't see was the fellow in the tricorn hat, the one he identified as the leader of this crew.

I said, d'ya unnerstand? Stiilgar roared, closer now. Felix grimaced; the Ogre's breath was nasty.

Is there anyone else I can talk to that isn't so murderous? Felix called out, looking beyond the Ogre. Nothing but angry stares met his own, though he saw a few malicious smirks. This drove Stiilgar into a rage, and he quickly stepped up and took a swing.

Felix quickly stepped out of range, but he had overlooked the warning in his analysis. The Ogre's reach was far longer than it appeared, and he grabbed onto Felix's arm and slammed him into the ground. The floor cracked, not like stone but like bone or something, and chips of material flew upward around him. It didn't hurt, not compared to a spear in the back or a primordial hunger beast eating your soul, but it was embarrassing. Stiilgar bleated out a guffaw that was echoed out back the rogues all around them. Felix's face heated up.

Not so mouthy now, are ya--AHH!

A blast of slashing wind cut across the Ogre's face and arm, splashing blood out and across the crowd. It was followed by a second, a third, a fourth, windblade after windblade launched from Pit's dark pinions. The Ogre fell back, scrambling on his hands and butt as the tenku advanced. Pit screeched, shrill and piercing and raised his wings once more. The crowd howled, though Felix couldn't tell whether it was for the Ogre or Pit. It seemed like they just wanted to see blood.

Enough.

The command wasn't loud, but it stopped the shouting immediately. The silence that followed was deafening, and the man wearing a tricorn hat and long dark coat stepped forward, the rabble parting before him like a magic trick. The leader fixed him with a level gaze, and as Felix floated to his feet he found himself a few inches taller than the man. His coat swirled behind him, made of some thick leather dyed a dark, dark purple and beneath it he wore a white shirt with a puffy collar. Suddenly smiling, the man tipped his hat back with a finger and huffed a breath. His teeth were sharp, like a shark.

Well, I'll be damned. Yer a tough sonuvabitch ain't cha? Not many folk get slammed by the Ram and get back to their feet.

Felix smiled as well, showing his teeth. Something inside of him bristled at the man, and it wasn't his pasty skin or strange, colorless eyes.

I'm full of all sorta surprises, Mr....?

Captain, actually. Captain Nokk, infamous leader of the Ten Hands, the rough company you see before you and the bloodiest killers in all the Bitter Sea!  A resounding cheer went up all around them and Captain Nokk grinned again, shrugging a single shoulder. Back when we sailed it, that is.

Sounds like quite the story, Captain. Felix ventured, Perception spreading out farther and farther, watching for any sudden movements. I'd love to hear it.

Nokk laughed, a hissing thing that slithered across the dark air. And I'd love to tell it, me boy! Come! You and your friend look ravenous. We've lived another day in this benighted pit!  He turned to his crew and threw out his arms. So what happens next?!

The crew all around him cheered and screamed. WE DRINK!

Everyone began filing off the wall, down and into the structure below. Captain Nokk turned back to Felix and extended a hand.

I promise my men will not attack again. Will you join us, Mr...?

Felix. Felix Nevarre. Felix realized he was hungry. It had been...a day since he last ate? Was that right? Pit trilled across their bond, agreeing. We'd be happy to join you.

And so they did.


* * *


The pirates of the Ten Hands knew how to throw a party. After a cramped and rickety stairway down from the battlements, the entire fortress below was one huge chamber. It was at least three thousand square feet, filled to the brim with tables and bars, but still had several open spaces where various forms of betting occurred simultaneously. Shimmering multicolored lights hovered at ceiling level, sometimes zipping across the room at the gesture of someone wearing a fancy hat, reorienting around some new game or diversion, be it a dice game or knife fighting. A band had struck up a lively tune, a sea shanty that was all sorts of dirty. The overall ambiance was ribald decadence and violent debauchery.

Captain Nokk seemed right at home. A king in his castle, the master of all he surveyed. As Felix and Pit followed the shark-toothed man, folk of all stripe bowed and stepped out of his way quickly. Felix's sharpened eyes recognized the looks on their faces, something he'd grown accustomed to on the Continent: Fear.

From the Whale to the Shark. Why can't we have a nice quiet life, Pit?

The tenku ignored him though, more intent on stalking a table full of steaming meat that had been slathered with a sweet smelling sauce. Felix didn't know what it was, but the combination of Pit's hunger and his own made his mouth water. A hissing laugh came from behind him, and Nokk had turned back toward him and beckoned. 

Come, lad! I have food aplenty at my table. Felix cast a glance back at Pit, who had jumped atop a table and started eating, to the annoyance of a Gnome and Goblin. He followed the captain, sending a quick word back to his Companion.

Be careful.

Nokk led them up a set of stairs and onto a wide open dais at the far end of the hall. A large rectangular table sat here, made of some sort of dark material polished so brightly it gleamed, and was surmounted by an elaborate throne made of the same stuff, except built far more angular. The back of the throne extended high up, at least twice the captain's height and ending in a series of spiked protrusions that looked like a rising sun...or a crown. Nokk settled into the throne, then gestured to the set to his right.

Take a rest, friend Felix. Food is on its way. He smiled his sharp teeth and handed him a large mug that looked fashioned from a horn. Drink! I have a story to tell you.

The captain knocked back his own drink, and Felix eyed the liquid before him.

Name: Twice-Boiled Swill
Type: Poison
Lore: Alcohol made from the twice boiled gastric juices of a Harrowing. Very strong.
Effect: Chance of alcohol poisoning increased by 95% for all those below Apprentice Body Formation. 65% chance for those below Journeyman.

Nokk was eyeballing him, having finished his own drink, and though suspicious Felix quaffed his; he didn't want to stand out, not yet. Besides, he had Poison Resistance, right?

You Have Poisoned Yourself!
-50% Dexterity and Agility for 1 Hour
-60% Intelligence and Willpower for 1 Hour

Poison Resistance is level 29!
Poison Resistance is level 30!
...
Poison Resistance is level 35!

Felix's eyes widened a moment when he saw the instant effect. But as his Resistance began to rise, he let them drift lazily closed, looking at Nokk with a half-lidded gaze.

You Have Poisoned Yourself!
-40% Dexterity and Agility for 45 Minutes
-50% Intelligence and Willpower for 45 Minutes

His Resistance had already cut the penalty and timer down, so in Felix's mind there was only one thing to do: Resistance training.

Oh this is delicious...he drawled. Can I have some more?

More? laughed Nokk. As much as you like! Barkeep! Another for our honored guest!

His horn was refilled by an attentive Korvaa, their dark feathers reminding him of a raven or crow. Like Pit! Felix crushed that stray thought before it burst from his mouth. The Intelligence penalty was doing strange things to him. Plastering a grin on his face, Felix tossed that one back too.

Poison Resistance is level 36!
Poison Resistance is level 37!
Poison Resistance is level 38!

You Have Poisoned Yourself!
-37% Dexterity and Agility for 40 Minutes
-46% Intelligence and Willpower for 40 Minutes

Captain Nokk had started talking at some point, and Felix had to struggle to follow for a moment. Once his Resistance hit level 38 the fog lifted slightly more.

..yes, privateers we were. Sailing high on the riches of the Bitter Sea! I still miss that acrid spume, the smell of vinegar on the fresh mornin' breeze. Nokk sighed wistfully, then clacked his teeth together. But it were not to be. Swallowed up we were, ship an all me crew. A leviathan as big as a city, and in its belly we floundered into the Void. The how I can't be tellin' as I don't unnerstand it much myself. Old Mungle had a theory once, though the damn fool has forgotten much else besides.

Poison Resistance is level 39!

Felix blinked actual haze from his eyes as the swill began affecting him more and more. He gathered his thoughts. How long have you been here, then?

Nokk leaned back and looked out at his people, many of which had started singing along to the newest song, one about a long lost love. Thirty seven years, three months, and twelve days. Entirely too long, stuck in this endless nothin'. You?

My condolences, Captain. I've just found myself here today, actually.

This time Nokk looked sympathetic, quirking his sharp mouth. Ach, so recent. A pity. You must have been near the Bitter Sea as well, yes? Felix nodded. Live here long enough and you see patterns, lad. Folk appear in the Void round about where they got swallowed up, or fell; it's different for most. This section is roughly the same as the Bitter Sea back home, give or take a dozen miles. I've seen travelers pop into the Void many a time, but rarely out here. It's why I picked this place. Nice and private, away from...distraction.

Felix wasn't sure what to make of that and just took another small sip of swill. You being out here saved me, Captain. So I have to thank you...but, what was that white barrier?

Nokk looked inordinately pleased, as if someone had just complimented him. He smiled smugly and waved a hand. Oh that? Desolation magic. Powerful stuff, indeed. Thirty six years ago, we found a sigil stone grown into this island that can make a smallish dome of it for a little while. Our trump card against the big nasties out here, and one o' the reasons we're still alive. Only real pity is that we can't move the damn thing. Ah, to have such a dome around our ships...!

Desolation? What is that? Felix asked, a plate of steaming meat set before him. After quickly identifying it as simple protein without any effects, he dug in.

Ach, of course. So new and shiny. The captain held out his hands, and in his right hand flared a smokey ball of darkness. There is the Void, endless span of rocks and not much else, flotsam and jetsam mostly. Castoffs. Then, here he summoned a bright ball of white light in his left hand. Then ya got the Desolation. A sorta flipside to the Void. A light to the dark. Except anything that falls into the Desolation ain't just castoff, its gone. Forever. Like that fucked up Narhollow that was chasin' ya. It's face got all ate up by the barrier. Desolation rips apart anything ya throw at it.

Felix eyed the light show. Illusion magic, his Manasight told him. How much of what he was seeing was real here? Felix pushed that thought aside. So it's an..energy?

Nokk half shrugged, the lights in his hands going out. More like a place, but ya can find holes to Desolation all over the Void. Sometimes they even move. He took a drink from a small horn, something bright orange and bubbling. There's even one nearby. Suckin' in all the rocks and debris around it; it'll collapse soon enough and reappear elsewhere.

The sharp-toothed man shifted in his throne and threw a leg over the arm rest. Now onto the important stuff! Who are you, and what, by all the broken gods, is a Nym?