"BOBBY!" Daggat yelled into the forest. He was alone about a quarter mile from the village. He didn't have any real strategies to track down Bobby. Just wander around yelling for him.

"HEY BUDDY!" Daggat turned around a large tree, "BOB- oh, there you are."

Bobby was sitting on a moss-covered stone, his back towards Daggat. He dug one finger in the soil, lazily drawing shapes.

"What do you want?" He asked mournfully.

"I'm checking up on you. We're friends, yeah?"

"I guess," He mumbled.

Daggat sat on a nearby stone, "Look, Anath says she's sorry. She misunderstood some things."

Bobby shrugged.

"There's something else. I need to talk to you about Mary, your sister."

Bobby shifted uncomfortably, then turned to face Daggat. "What is it?" He had an apprehensive, almost fearful look on his face.

"She's gone, buddy. Dead."

He opened his mouth as if to speak, then took a shuddering breath. After a moment, "Oh…"

"Yeah.. I pieced everything together; I think I know what she did to you. How she manipulated the village against you. Sorry that happened."

"It was a long time ago."

"No, it wasn't. It just took a long, long time to end."

"It wasn't really her fault. She, when she was younger…"

Daggat held up a hand, "Stop."

"But-"

"Are you about to tell me some sad history? Some terrible trauma she went through? I don't want to hear it."

Bobby looked at the ground, anywhere but towards Daggat, "It was pretty bad."

"You know what Anath went through. I have another friend, Hunter. He watched his own mother EAT his entire family, and barely escaped her. I watched my brother die in front of me. I DIED. My sister's face burned off."

"You died?" Bobby raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah. I got better. That's not the point. We've been through terrible things. Hunter and Anath are some of the best people I know. And we haven't enslaved anyone. Recently. No matter what your sister went through, there is nothing that could redeem her. Not with what she did to you or her people."

Bobby nodded sadly.

"Forget it. She doesn't deserve to be remembered as anything but a mo- a villain." Damn, Anath, her mannerisms were rubbing off on him.

"You're right… But she was still my sister."

"She gave that up when she dominated you. She did it again. Used the tablet, I mean."

Bobby's eyes went wide. "What… what happened?"

"She made them kill their neighbors. Their children."

Tears began to well up in his eyes, "I should have warned them."

Daggat had pushed him into a pit of despair and self-loathing. Now, it was time to pull him back out. Time to steer the conversation towards Daggat's goal. He hopped up from the stone and placed a hand on his knee, "Hey, buddy, it's not your fault. Alright?"

"But…"

Daggat looked at him in the eyes, "It's not. Look, she turned them against you. They wouldn't have listened. But, they will listen now."

"I don't know…"

"I do. I can promise they aren't like they used to be. They all know what happened. And it was a long time ago, these are new people."

"You're talking like it matters."

"It does! Look, Bobby, Anath wants to apologize for yelling at you. My friends want to meet you, and the villagers want to meet you too. They aren't scared of monsters anymore."

Bobby stood and started to pace nervously.

"There are too many… too many of them."

"I'll be there, buddy. You can lean on me."

Bobby looked at him with a strange expression.

"I meant emotionally. And if it's too much, you can just leave."

Bobby pulled at the hair on his head, "I don't know…"

"You know, I bet Milly and Peedy would have fun meeting new people, too."

A thoughtful expression passed his face, "Well… if you say so. Okay."

Daggat slapped him on the back of the leg, "That's the spirit! You won't regret it, trust me."

Bobby smiled at him. It looked a lot like Hunters. Which reminded Daggat. He opened a direct message to the friendly Oni.

Daggat: <How's it going on your end?>

Hunter: <I>

There was a pause.

Hunter: <told them everything you said. They agreed to act friendly.>

That was good. The plan was simple. Daggat would convince Bobby to swing by the village, while Hunter readied the villagers. It was important to get everyone on board if they were going to get as much use out of the wodewose as possible.

"Are you ready to go?" Asked Daggat.

"Yes. I think so."

"Do you mind if we… take a shortcut? Through the trees? It's just, it's a bit of a walk."

Bobby scratched his chin, "Alright. I can take us closer."

Daggat was almost giddy. He wasn't sure how the tree thing worked. This was his chance to find out.

Bobby waved him along, heading to a nearby tree. It was one of the large, ancient trees that dominated the forest. Easily thirty feet wide. He walked up to it and simply pulled aside the bark with the ease of pulling aside a curtain. Daggat noted forest-green essence drifting around the hole.

"How does this work, exactly?" Daggat asked as he jumped through the hole. The other side was an inverted tree as before, but it was empty.

Bobby stepped through, "I can hear the trees. They speak and share with me stories. Some of them are old enough to have souls. Those are connected, and they let me in."

"They are alive?"

"All trees are alive," Bobby chuckled. "But these are old."

"Does that mean they have status voids? With the souls. And are they monsters or mortals?"

"I don't think they are either. But, this is their soul space."

"Soul… space?"

"That's what they say. They do not know about status voids."

Daggat felt lightheaded. The trees simply did not fit into Daggat's worldview. Were the soul space and status void similar? Was there a tree soul that had an entirely different system to govern it? A million other questions flooded through him, but he knew Bobby wouldn't have the answers.

Bobby opened another hole in the bark, reached in, and grabbed the two-headed larva. Then he opened another portal, letting in orange sunlight.

"How did you learn to speak to the trees? Was it that mark of the tree?"

"What? No, that just made me as strong as a tree. I don't know when I started hearing them. I just decided to listen one day."

Daggat jumped through the hole. He was now in a different part of the forest.

Bobby continued, "They started as a feeling. Then I learned what it was to be a part of the forest. Connected to every part. That's when they started talking."

"So, like a feat or…?"

Bobby shook his head, "No, just… the forest."

The Assistant drifted in front of Daggat, "I've written everything down, Master, do not worry."

"Where are we? Couldn't you take us to the edge of the village?"

"There isn't a tree old enough close by. I don't like the village… It's dead."

"What?! I was just there!"

"I mean… the trees. There is one, but it's separate. Not a part of the forest."

"Maybe you can get to know it. Hey, how often can you do that?"

"Not often… the trees get cranky. A few times before the sun rises. And they only let me take one or two creatures with me."

Daggat's stomach dropped. Great. That was a bust. He planned to use Bobby to take all the people to the manor. If they walked, then they'd lose four or five days of healing. That was just too much... they would have to heal and try their luck with the village defenses.

Daggat sighed, "Alright, which way to the village?"

Bobby pointed, and the two began that way. A few minutes later, the village came into view. The green haze had mostly dissipated.

Bobby stopped in his tracks. He held the larva close to his chest. Then he made a faint whining sound, almost like a dog or baby deer.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Hey, Bobby, relax. I'm here. Here, take my hand."

Daggat took him by the hand and led him into the village. Bobby almost cowered behind Daggat. Like a child being introduced to a nursery for the first time. He clutched his pet larva like a stuffed doll.

The gates opened for them as they approached. Daggat had to encourage the large child to step beyond the threshold.

Humans were scattered haphazardly around the village. They wore forced smiles that didn't touch their eyes. Bobby probably wouldn't notice. His crew stood together. Hunter held the barrel that Elyndris was now settled in. She had covered herself in some sort of goo, which had hardened.

Willow and his crew stood a few yards from them, watching with amusement.

"Hey guys, this is Bobby. The guy I was telling you about."

Half-hearted hellos and greetings were all they could muster. Daggat frowned at them. They didn't realize how fragile this thing was.

Daggat led him to his party. Somehow, he hid behind Daggat more.

"Hello, Bobby." Anath said, "I'm… uh… I'm sorry for yelling at you. I didn't know."

Bobby mumbled something.

"You know Anath, this is Hunter and Zuss. I know you saw them." Daggat said.

Bobby growled, and suddenly Daggat's hand was being crushed.

"Hello." Hunter waved at him. Zuss said nothing.

"I'm Klaw. Our Larva is in the barrel."

They spent a few minutes talking, which seemed to loosen up Bobby. The whole time, he glanced towards the forest. He did seem out of place here. The light seemed to hit him differently, or perhaps he was just a tad too colorful with his moss-stained brown fur. Once they had a rapport going with Daggat's help, he stepped back.

"You guys keep chatting. Anath will show you around, okay?"

Bobby looked panicked, "Wait! Don't go."

"I won't be far. I just gotta talk to someone."

Bobby made another whining sound, but he let him go.

Daggat made his way to Ketil, who was working alongside his wife at the village walls.

"Well, I brought the wodewose," Daggat said. The two dwarves stopped their work. It seems they were reinforcing it.

"Aye, I see that. What good is he?" Ketil said.

"Not much, it turns out. Plan didn't work out, he can only take a few people with him. We might have to fight here."

"At least he can take your people," Ketil grumbled.

"You used to be nice to me. What happened?"

"YOU LIT ME ON FIRE!"

"You gave me a concussion. Besides, you're fire resistant!"

Ketil stepped close to Daggat, "You didn't know that at the time."

Sauspa pulled back her husband, "Ketil, calm down. Let's hear him out."

"Good idea," Daggat winked at her. "Look, Ketil, I know you don't trust me. That's part of why I like ya. But, I have a personal beef to settle with these goblins. I want them dead. Or, at least their leader."

"What's that?"

"I don't know for certain. But I am pretty sure this guy helped get my brother killed. He used to be my boss's boss."

"You had a boss?"

"Yeah. Until I killed him. See, I know how these guys think. That's why I should take the lead on this battle."

Ketil grunted, "I'll talk to the people. If they are willing to follow your orders… fine. We don't know how far away they are, anyway."

"Actually," said another figure. Willow approached with his wolf, Moss, at his side. "Tips went on a quick run. She is our fastest scout. She spotted the force a few days away. A few hundred goblins, some orcs, and… humans. They are moving in this direction."

"Humans?" Daggat asked, "That doesn't sound right."

"People who have signed on with them? Bandits?" Ketil asked.

"I don't know. They would arrive in a few days at the pace they are traveling. What did you do to set them off?"

"We killed three of his generals," Daggat said.

Ketil looked angry, staring off towards the direction of the horde, "I don't want to leave the house undefended, it's outside the walls." he turned to Sauspa, "We built it together."

"It may still stand. You can trap it, and my reinforcements are strong." She said

"Maybe. It's unlikely."

"Then we can build another. Anywhere."

"You could move into Titanfall. We've got room," Daggat said.

"Titanfell?" Sauspa asked.

"He claims it's his house. I don't believe him." Ketil grumbled.

"It IS my house. I conquered it fair and square."

"My father built that manor. It's a marvel!" Sauspa jumped in the air in excitement. "I do want to see it."

"Then let's go! Its walls are better than these. Good, dwarven walls. Besides… this place has sour memories that might distract the humans."

"Sauspa, ask him questions. Does he truly know your father's craft?"

Sauspa thought for a moment, "How is the smoke handled?"

"There's a little magic fan that blows it around. But, it doesn't work all that well."

"And what do you think of… the pool?"

"There is no pool, but it has a lovely bath. It is fueled by a nearby spring, which also waters the garden."

"And what of the basement?"

Daggat hesitated. Was this a trick question? Did she know about the secret dungeon or not?

"There is a cellar in the kitchen, if that is what you mean."

Sauspa smiled, "Well, I'm satisfied. He knows the place. My father told all about it while he was making it. I never have been inside, though."

"I don't want to stay there… but we can visit," Ketil glared at Daggat, "Why would you, a goblin, want to help us?"

"First of all, I find that offensive. Goblins can be nice."

"Are you?"

"Not really."

"Then why?"

Daggat stared at him for a moment, "What is the worth of a person, Ketil?"

He blinked, "What?"

"What measure can you judge them by? Their level? Their wealth?"

"Their home," Ketil said, surely.

"I believe it's by those they surround themselves with. A person is as great as their people."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Because if I find someone worth keeping around, I don't want to see them dead."

Ketil scoffed, "You're people killed Leofric and Lisa, and others."

"That was a mess, and you know it. Besides, they aren't who I had in mind."

Ketil glared at him, "Who, then?"

"You, Ketil. And Pote. And the rest of your family. These aren't your people, yet you've taken charge. You and yours are the kind of friends I want. So, I gotta make sure you don't die."

Ketil burst out laughing, "Seriously?"

Daggat grinned at him with a predatory grin, "Oh, yes."

"I can't believe this. You are a ridiculous creature. But… very well. If you truly wish to help, you will stick around after the battle to help clean up. If we're alive."

"No can do, I'm on a mission. But we can make a deal. Gold… shelter, food. We'll have you covered while you recover, don't worry."

Ketil chuckled disbelievingly, then walked away, "Just do your part."

Sauspa went to join him.

"You really are weird, for a goblin," Willow said.

"Me? You are risking your life out of KINDNESS. Never met a goblin that does that."

"And what are you doing, then?"

"I'm a fighter, at heart. I've got my weapons. Klaw, Anath, and the rest. But I need some armor. Somewhere to fall back to and lick my wounds."

"And your solution to that is the dwarves?"

"Aye, the dwarves. Best carpenters in the area, I bet."

Willow shook his head, "Nah, you're weird."

Daggat

True Name: Daggat Soul: Monster

Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size] Genbloom: goblin [ +2 Str, +2 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Scavenger; Small Size]

Base size: Small [Largest Size: Goblin]

Monster Level: 14

Attributes (0/10)(base growth, +5; Devotion, +1; growth potions, +4): Strength: 11 (Base 8; Class/Genesis +2; Devotion +1) Dexterity: 11 (Base 9; Class/Genesis +2;) Constitution: 11 (Base 8; Class/Genesis +2; Growth +1) Intelligence: 20 (Base 7; Class/Genesis +1; Growth +2; Variant +10) Will: 10 (Base 8, Class/Genesis +1; Growth +1) Charm: 16 (Base 8, Growth +8)

Feats: True Angel - Encounter a true angel. Reward: Skill choice unlocks. Mighty Intellect - Raise Intelligence base to 15. Reward: +1 Skill point. Fledgling Alchemist - Successfully brew an alchemical potion. Reward: Alchemy skill. System Knowledge - Discover the system. Reward: System Aptitude skill. Devotion [Layered feats] - Offer a prayers to Sahrzuel, Ithrenial, Mythraziel, Vaelion, and Zenthaviel. Reward: Experience gain, +2 skill points, +1 random ability, +1 growth point, +1 biotrait. Usurper - Slay a previous or current party leader. Reward: One level in Party Leader. Touch of Death - Perform two of the following: die and return to life, survive an untethered's life - draining attack, or perform the rite of Mihr. Reward: Death sight. Reborn by Fire - Remain immersed in flame for a full day. Reward: Fire Core. Devilishly Charming - Raise charm base to 15. Reward: Party Leader skill. Aura Master - Obtain two different sources of an aura. Reward: Condense Aura

Skills(0/5)(Mortal Level, 0, Devotion, +2; Mighty Intellect, +1; Skill Potions, +2): Alchemy: 1 [Source: Fledgling Alchemist] System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] System Assistant: 2 [Perk: Semi-sentience] SP SPENT = 2 [Synergy]Mind Codex: 1 --Mental Notes: 1 SP SPENT = 1 --Copy Tome: 1 (Natural skill: Literacy) SP SPENT = 1 Party Leader: 2 [Source: Usurper,Devilishly Charming; Perk: Party Loot] Lunge: 1 (Natural skill: Spearmanship) SP SPENT = 1 Condense Aura: 1 [Source: Aura Master]

Notable Natural Skills: Literacy: Apprentice Spearmanship: Apprentice Acrobatics: Apprentice

Biotraits (0/14) (Monster Level, +13; Devotion, +1):

Regenisis: Goblin; BP SPENT = 1

Inherited Biotraits: Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Scavenger [Source: goblin]

Standard Biotraits: [Synergy]Temperature Resistant Skin --Fire Resistant Skin; BP SPENT = 1 --Cold Resistant Skin; BP SPENT = 1 [Synergy]Beguiling Presence --Hypnotic Gaze [Mutations: Dominating Gaze, Mesmerizing Gaze] BP SPENT = 3 --Hypervocal Cords [Mutations: Beguiling Voice] BP SPENT = 2 [Synergy]Second Sight --Aura Sight [Mutations: Ambient Aura Sense] BP SPENT =2 --Death Sight [Mutations: Death Gaze; Source: Touch of Death] BP SPENT =1 Telekinesis [Mutations: Mind over Matter (Boon), Tactile Telekinesis] BP SPENT =2 Hex Aura BP SPENT =1

Core Biotraits: Core: Fire [Source: Reborn by Fire]

Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence; Enhanced vocabulary Skill potions used: 2/5 Growth potions used: 2/5

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