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?