I need to prepare. Granin's gone to check my draw for the next round and time is going to be short. I was up first for the first round, the second is likely to be the same. I've done what training I can to improve my elemental magic and there have been definite gains. The temptation to fuse them is real. I'd have a weapon in my hands that I could employ right away. The fact that the weapon would be so flawed is holding me back. It might be useful to me rig...
2020-03-07 05:12:46 +0000 UTC
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If you want it, you got it! I haven't checked it myself, don't have an epub reader on this computer. Let me know if there are issues by commenting on this post.
2020-03-07 04:06:01 +0000 UTC
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The history of enchanted equipment is as long as storied as that of Classes themselves. Though many gloss over or even ignore the manifold achievements of the crafters it is an undeniable fact that without their expertise in producing powerful weapons and armour, the Sapient races of the surface would have had enjoyed none of the success in delving that they have achieved.
The early records of System made equipment are completely l...
2020-03-05 09:40:17 +0000 UTC
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Vibrant bit down hard on her prey and the System notification rang within her head a few moments later. Without pause she flung the Biomass behind her and pressed forward whilst a silent throng of furious monsters swarmed in her wake. Her group was all around her, she could feel them now, ever since her latest evolution, sharing her strength. She'd become something between a Soldier and a General now, empowering those members of the colony who were willing...
2020-03-03 10:04:44 +0000 UTC
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[Yeah, these Cultists are crazy. I shouldn't have to say that should I? They're Cultists. Just because they worship the biggest and baddest worm in this world doesn't mean they get to skate on that.]
[You make a solid point. Sarah didn't seem share your point of view though. She seemed a little more forgiving of them.]
The massive worm gives a little wriggle that I can only interpret as dismissal.
[Sarah's just too nice....
2020-03-02 09:48:53 +0000 UTC
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I spent the next two days training my Skills. In order to maximise my training speed, members of Granin's triad came to assist me. Something I'd already noticed is that Skills train much faster in a combat situation. Field practice, so to speak. Apparently the System doesn't seem to be too picky about what exactly counts as combat, since I can shape the earth beneath Torrina's feet over and over again and hey that counts. I'm not complaining about it, it m...
2020-03-02 03:40:54 +0000 UTC
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[Still, one advantage you have over monsters of your tier is that you have a fairly capable basis for multiple thought threads, which is the optimal way to grind your mental Skills.]
[That's what I've been doing. At least lately. The idea was to advance my magic as fast as possible to try and unlock the Gravity Magic Affinity. I have a feeling that once I get it, it'll be strong.]
Granin nods.
[I've no doubt of that. Space magic is one of...
2020-02-29 10:30:09 +0000 UTC
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Hmmm…
He… hehe….
Heheha…. Hoo…
Ha!... Hahahahaha!
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!
Victory! Sweet, sweet victory has been secured! For the colony! For all of ant kind! I almost felt sorry for that stupid Rhino monster. A ridiculous concept. Too slow when it mattered unable to defend itself in so many ways. Hardly the kind of thing that could be depended on in any sort of situation. After battering it with a hail of condensed gra...
2020-02-27 10:03:35 +0000 UTC
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Anthony had been prepared to share a few things with Granin, even though he'd remained guarded throughout their conversation. The revelation of Gravity magic had been the most startling to him, something that had surprised Anthony quite a bit. When Granin had pressed him, he'd been happy to admit that this was a force that was quite commonly understood in his own world. It was quite odd that in the Cult of the Worm's long history of cultivating relationshi...
2020-02-25 10:30:51 +0000 UTC
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Gravus wanted to retort at the idiocy being spilled from the seat next to him but things developed quickly in the combat grounds. The charge of the Rhinosergradon rapidly gained momentum and speed, smashing through the boulders in its way as if they were made of paper. He leaned back with satisfaction at the sight and couldn't help musing out loud.
"An experiment from our brothers and sisters in the north of the empire, this creature represents the d...
2020-02-23 10:56:41 +0000 UTC
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The combat grounds had been used by the Cult of the Worm to conduct field tests and training for prospective candidates for many years. A wide, circular field of loose sand and obstructing stones that had been for this purpose. It wasn't easy to operate this kind of facility under the nose of the Shaper's circle, which is why the cult strictly practiced these sorts of activities in out of the way outposts, away from the cities and the prying eyes of those ...
2020-02-22 10:35:19 +0000 UTC
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Somewhat cynically, Granin noted that it was Biritite Cryslas, the fresh faced youngster who stepped forward to address the gathered Shapers. Presenting the face of change, the new way, as full of promise and youthful vigour. An innocent face atop the monster the beneath. Granin couldn't help but curse in his mind. Stuck here in the outpost he didn't have any opportunity to contact his own allies in the cult. The broader picture hovered beyond his grasp. I...
2020-02-20 10:55:03 +0000 UTC
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Granin Lazus looked around the room with thinly veiled contempt. He didn't recognise most of the Cult members who were present. The new blood had flooded this outpost, filling it to the brim until the entire place stank of impatience, ignorance and disregard for tried and tested methods. All these Golgari, some of them with their true skin barely set, looked so excited to be there. Huddled together in their triads their excited whispered fill the room.
...
2020-02-18 10:37:30 +0000 UTC
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Granin and I discuss a few things before we get down to the nitty gritty. For the most part I want to learn about his people and what makes them tick. He's a little guarded about some things, but quite forthcoming about others. For instance, he's quite happy to tell me why he's on the outer with his Cult and with the Shapers in general. Supposedly there's been quite a lot of moving and shaking going on within the Cult of the Worm lately. Recruitment has pi...
2020-02-16 03:11:50 +0000 UTC
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After my odd little meeting with Sarah I was summarily returned to my room. As the door slams home behind me and the guards take their customary places up above I have to wonder what the point of it was. What were they hoping I'd get out of it? Were they trying to show me they weren't monsters? How nice and good they are? Bit of a laugh when I'm going to get wheeled out of this room and made to fight to the death at any moment!
Did they really think ...
2020-02-15 10:16:53 +0000 UTC
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I have to wonder what the minders are doing whilst Sarah and I engage in a mental conversation. I mean, are they listening in? I suppose it's possible. I can't sense them at all, but I suppose that isn't any sort of guarantee, considering their higher Skill levels. Perhaps this is all just part of their research, learning about people like me and our monstrous transformations. I can't afford to care too much about it, since this is such a rare opportunity....
2020-02-13 09:35:47 +0000 UTC
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[Not going to hurt me, eh? That sounds like something someone planning to hurt me might say!]
Aha! I'm not going to fall for your games! This is most likely to be a sneak attack! Although my escort still hasn't moved away, standing around in me a rough circle facing inwards/ I don't imagine that they'd be too interested in staying around in the event another monster came over and started to throw down. Perhaps they aren't lying?
[Um. I'm ...
2020-02-11 07:20:07 +0000 UTC
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Author note: Longer chap today. Enjoy!
Jailhouse rocks on all sides. These people seriously love their stones. I've made that observation before and I probably will again, but it bears repeating. There is clearly a strong physical and spiritual connection between these, Golgari? Golgarin? Gagarin? Something like that. Any information I can gather on their customs, thoughts, patterns, history, anything at all, could prove useful. Because thi...
2020-02-09 07:49:13 +0000 UTC
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Author note: I wanted to write more chapters today, but this one took forever. Hope it came out okay.
The agonising pain had long faded, leaving in its wake a vast lassitude, as if every cell in her body had been ripped apart and now had to pull itself back together. She felt tired on a level that she hadn't known existed. Beyond her bones and down into the deepest recesses of her marrow, she felt exhausted. The spark of stubbornness in her mind refused to allow her sin...
2020-02-07 09:50:21 +0000 UTC
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Author note: So sorry for the slack releases lately. Work has been insane but hopefully everything will be smoother sailing now. If all goes to plan there will be multiple chapters tomorrow.
The Legion headquarters in the independent underground city state of Rylleh was a place that Morrelia had never been. This deep into the first Strata, on the very border between the layers, was a dangerous place only the very powerful would t...
2020-02-06 10:39:31 +0000 UTC
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I'm a little nervous. What's the story going to be? No matter what I don't think it's going to be something I like. Don't keep me in suspense, let me hear the damage. Just how bad are things going to be. The three guards remain perfectly still during this time, watchful and poised they don’t miss a single movement I make. The three older shapers are a little more mobile, but not much. I get the feeling that these Golgari are a little more attached to sto...
2020-02-02 10:58:26 +0000 UTC
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They seem to be the bigwigs around here, unless I miss my guess. These three radiate that sort of aura. Although I can't say I approve of the way they are looking down on me like I'm some sort of roach who they might want to squish. I'm a much more valuable sort of insect than that, thank you very much! The ant is far more noble, far more dignified than any runt that hides under your fridge! Their cold and calculating eyes don't fill me with warm feelings,...
2020-02-02 03:10:16 +0000 UTC
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Not sure what I expected really. Did I think I would confined? Yes, obviously yes. You can't just capture a monster and then let it wander around willy-nilly. A few questions are bound to be raised. Why the hell do you have a monster walking around, please kill it until it's dead, for example. Particularly if you're going to be supporting and strengthening said monster. I can't imagine most of these stone people are likely to be big fans of the endeavour. ...
2020-01-31 10:34:15 +0000 UTC
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It is something of a fascination of mine, I admit it Beoram. Do you not feel the same? Such brief conversations have such far reaching consequences. Two, separate, strong minded, high level individuals, in positions of authority and respect come into contact with these ancient murder machines (I know you consider it blasphemous but let us not quibble about the facts. Yarrum is projected to have devoured hundreds of thousands of my kind at least) and ev...
2020-01-29 08:13:04 +0000 UTC
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[Stop wriggling!] Came the irritated thoughts of the monster.
Granin resolutely continued to wriggle. He wasn't about to remain locked in the jaws of a monster that wasn't under his direct control!
[If you don't settle down I'll either drop you and leave you for the silver surfer back there, or I'll start to wonder who your cult would rather see turn up alive, me or you!]
The Shaper couldn't help but splutter at that.
[You really th...
2020-01-28 07:15:49 +0000 UTC
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The gate emerged into a dark tunnel, the tell-tale black veins of mana threaded through the walls signalled that they remained in the second strata, but Granin knew they have travelled a great distance. Over a hundred kilometres in fact. The delving party were now firmly within the territory claimed by Galgarin the empire to the east of Liria, beyond the great lake. They stood in a near empty tunnel, almost identical to that which they had left on the othe...
2020-01-26 00:12:56 +0000 UTC
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The pain Granin had been experiencing in his head had only grown more pronounced as they had continued to travel toward the Golgari gateway network. Having banned his two fellow triad members from conversing with the specimen, he was forced to take responsibility for all communication onto his own shoulders. This had quickly proven to be both irritating and exasperating. Being dragged, legless, through the expanse and into the tunnels over a period of days...
2020-01-23 09:03:03 +0000 UTC
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"Are you alright, Granin?"
The old Shaper raised his head wearily to meet the concerned gaze of his youngest triad member. Torrinna Laksham gleamed in the darkness of the Shadow Realm, a product of the ore she'd been able to obtain to form her True Skin, an infused variant of Manganese she'd stumbled on by chance. He tried not to glance at the padded leather armour that covered her left leg. He should probably be grateful the warrior circle left her ...
2020-01-22 10:21:22 +0000 UTC
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A fearsome pressure was exerted from the powerful monster. Even surrounded and tied down with heavy weights, Granin couldn't help but take a step back as that voice echoed in his mind through their link. He swallowed hard and sought to quickly clarify himself.
[You've spoken to one of my order before. A Kaarmodo, named Ivran'tep?]
A pause.
[The Wizard Lizard? You know him? You’re a member of his… conclave… thingy?]
The Golgari...
2020-01-20 10:44:05 +0000 UTC
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Granin felt hopeful in his heart as moved closer to the creature. He had anticipated this moment since he had been informed a new ancient candidate had been identified. Even better, one whom the Abyssal Legion was ignorant of. He'd had to exert a great deal of effort, alongside the others members of the cult, to put together a few delves to search the Second Strata beneath the ruins of Liria and by some miracle they'd found it.
Golgari stood in their...
2020-01-18 09:58:31 +0000 UTC
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