Daggat rolled onto a soft, mossy floor. At first, he didn't move. His wounded shoulder throbbed in pain from the impact. For a while, he could only endure it before it faded.

He carefully stood and took in his surroundings. He picked up his rotting arm and held it in place.

He was inside a tree, as he had been before. This one was much, much larger than the last. The distant wall seemed miles away. A faint green light shone from above, illuminating the drifting leaves and long branches that grew inward. There was nothing else in the space. Daggat had never seen so much space at once; it made him shiver.

Bobby lay near him, asleep. Daggat kicked him gently.

Was he stuck here?

"What are you?" A voice resonated from above. It was formed from the creaking of wood and the rustling of leaves. There was a depth to it that gave Daggat the impression it was old.

"Uh… hello?" He called out.

"What are you?" it asked again.

"A goblin. For now. Are you the… tree?"

"Our Keeper is dying."

Daggat shook himself to reset mentally. He needed to refocus, recount what he knew. Daggat was inside the soul space of a tree that could talk. Strange, but he had been in this situation before. Sort of. The trick, he found, was to pretend you know what's going on.

Daggat continued with confidence. "Yes. That is why we are here. My medicine is not enough to save him."

"What has slain him?"

"Nothing, yet. Demon Hunters wounded him. Are you the one guiding him down this path?"

"We needed a champion to match the enemy. The Demon of Dead Wood."

"That Demon is Dead. I slew it."

"You?"

"Well… my collective."

Minutes passed. Daggat was starting to wonder if he had offended the tree. He checked his messages. A lot of where-are-yous and are-you-okays.

Daggat: <I'm good. In a tree again. Meet you back at the village.>

Anath: <Is Bobby okay?>

Daggat: <Nah. Working on it, though.>

Finally, the tree spoke, "Our memory is long, but we remember. Your grove slew the Dead Wood. We have rewarded you."

"What? When?"

"We've allowed you in."

"I see. Okay, Tree, can I call you Tree? Anyway, we're in a pickle. That Keeper, Bobby, is dying."

"You may take his mantel."

Daggat blinked in surprise. "What?"

"The Keeper is dying. You may learn from us. We will guide you."

"Yeah… no, thank you. I don't want to be tied down just yet. But, hey, good news. Bobby isn't dead yet. We can save him."

"He leaks. We cannot heal him."

"Perhaps not. But you have knowledge, and I've got brains. Together, I think we can figure something out."

"What can be done?"

"So far, you have guided him on the path to becoming a demon. His soul is infused with forest essence. Was this your doing?"

"We can show you the way, if you take his place."

Daggat waved his dead arm dismissively, "No, no. Look, my sources tell me that, at some point, a demon changes its form."

"The secrets of the Keeper of the Forest are for them. Not for simple goblins."

Daggat groaned. The tree didn't care about its Keeper, that was clear. Only that it had one. He cracked his neck and settled in mentally. He began to bargain.

"What is a Keeper?"

"Our hands and eyes. They enact the will of the Titans."

"That's you? The Titans?"

The branches shifted, and the mossy ground shuddered. A great root lifted out of the ground. It presented the tip towards Daggat.

"See."

Daggat looked at the tree skeptically, "See? I can see it. Do you want me to-" he touched the tip.

Instantly, his perception expanded. He could feel the root, then its web of connected roots, how the tree fed. Hours passed in one instant as he was given the perception of a tree. At the speed of transpiration, Daggat grew. From root to root, tree to tree.

Soon, Daggat sensed the forest as a whole. The Titan Trees. Each was one part of a whole. A single, mind-boggling, huge life form. One with a soul, intelligence, and memory. One older than what was possible. He could practically feel his brain swelling with the information.

Daggat stumbled back, "What are you?" he asked in a stammering voice. His head spiked with pain. He still had a flickering mental image of the entire forest. This creature did not fit on the level scale that Daggat had been developing an understanding of.

"We were here before the angels. Before the gods fell. Before the gods rose. We watched the mountains climb and the rivers cut. We are an Ancient."

An ancient. Were there more? Hours had passed in an instant. Was that how this creature viewed time? His party messaged him, asking for details. None of that was important; he needed to focus. Now, at the very least, he had a bit of perspective.

"Right, so Bobby is dying. If you were to take a new Keeper, it would take time to develop. But for you, that is nothing."

"Centuries pass while we yawn."

"That makes sense. No use in crying over a dead mortal when they come and go in a blink. Tell me of your Keepers in the past? Have all been successfully… uh, trained?"

"Mortals are so fragile. We must try again and again. None has succeeded."

"See, see, this is why. You have a Keeper who has made it this far, but you are willing to throw it away."

"We can do nothing. So, try again we must. We are patient."

"Patient, yes. But you are wise. We can save him. Push him to successfully become a true keeper. Why try again when you can succeed now?"

The tree seemed to mull it over for some time. Minutes passed, then half an hour. Daggat read through the assistant's new notes while he waited. The assistant was working at a feverish pace, drawing a map of the tree network while it was fresh. After two hours, the tree finally spoke.

"What must we do?"

Finally.

"You gotta loop me in. Tell me about the Keeper. What stage is he at and what is next?"

"Hrodebert has succeeded in the first two cycles. He can sense the secrets of the world, and he has become one with the forest. Next, he must shed his mortality."

"Great! That sounds like transformation. How does he do that?"

"He must flood his form with the spirit of the forest. So much so that his body burns away. Then he must reforge it. He knows how. But he lacks the will. Perhaps you can convince him."

"That's easy enough. I can do that for you. You must supply the… spirit, of course. But…" Daggat lay on a soft batch of moss, "Now it's your turn to offer something."

Ten minutes passed. "Explain." The tree shook with the intensity of the word.

Internally, Daggat shook with fear. Externally, he yawned, "Look. I'm really doing you a favor. Sure, me and Bobby are tight, but he is YOUR keeper, after all."

"We can wait for another. Do not presume to demand from an Ancient."

"Demand? Nooo… I could never. This is merely trade. Favor for favor. It's like… you, really. One tree has too much water; it passes it on to another. That tree gives the other nutrients. That's how that works, right?"

Another twenty minutes, and Daggat was starting to worry that Bobby would die here. There wasn't much he could do.

Finally, the tree spoke, "What do you wish for?"

"Oh, not much. Just grant me access to your network, as you've done for Bobby. Consider me a… pseudo-keeper. Of course, my allies should be allowed in as well."

"You ask for much, goblin. You may call upon our keeper to open the way, but you are unable to open the way. You're trade is too one-sided. You must undertake a quest and a vow."

Daggat sighed. Nothing could ever be easy. "Sure, what are they?"

"Your quest, hunt and slay those who harmed our keeper."

"Done. I was going to do that anyway. The vow? I'll tell you right now, I am NOT becoming a paladin."

"You must never slay a living tree. Through action or words. Do so, and you will suffer our wrath, not our boon."

Daggat winced on the inside. That would put a stop to Alfred's aspirations for a lumber business.

"Deal. I convince Bobby to take the next step, slay the bastard that stabbed Bobby, and never kill a tree. Is it fine if it's an accident?"

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"A tree can be felled by stray lightning, but not by the woodsman's axe. Be warned as well, a dwarf is never permitted within our soul."

"I'll take that as a yes. But, why no dwarves?"

"It was the dwarves who slew our sibling."

"I see. Next problem… Bobby is wounded. It may be difficult for him to do anything. Got any ideas? You say you cannot heal him… but you surely have a trick or two? Mystical pond you can take us to or something? Some mysterious mountain man with miracle cures? Work with me here."

This time, Daggat got a quick nap in while he waited. He was awoken by movement.

Roots ripped out of the ground and lifted Bobby into the air. He stirred, waking, then groaned in pain.

"What are you doing?" Was it going against their agreement?

"Transpiration. We cannot heal him, but we can grant our Keeper Energy. Do not fail, this requires sacrifice."

"What kind of sacrifice?"

"Two thousand winters. One of our grove has lived this long. One of four hundred thousand. We have lost one hundred and fifty thous-"

"I don't need exact numbers, I get it. The trees are old, and a lot of them died. So?"

Bobby coughed, "What is happening?"

The tree spoke, "This tree will be our sacrifice. We expect equal repayment from the keeper."

Living roots speared into Bobby. Through his arms and legs, and into his wound. He opened his mouth to scream, and a root grew into it. Then, a green light glowed from within the roots.

Even while gagged, Bobby screamed as pure life force flooded into him. Light bloomed from within the monster.

Daggat ran his good hand through his hair and exhaled. This day wasn't going the way he thought it would.

Finally, with an uncomfortably wet ripping sound, Bobby was dropped. His eyes were wild, and his aura had doubled in size.

Muffled by the metaphysical boundaries, a distant boom could be heard. The final death rattle of a tree that, only moments earlier, had been perfectly healthy.

Daggat carefully walked towards him, "How are you feeling, bud?"

Bobby was gasping. Bark-like tendrils filled his wound. He snarled at Daggat, "What have you done?"

Daggat took a step back, "Hold on-"

Bobby grabbed him by the shoulders and lifted him. Daggat screamed as pain burned outwards from his wounded arm.

Bobby shook him, "I felt it die! All of its life flooded into me." Tears started to flow down its face, "I'm not worth it. Not worth it."

He dropped Daggat, then curled up.

"This will keep him going for a short time." The Titan said.

"How long?"

"A mere year."

"A YEAR!" Daggat roared, "You could keep him alive for A YEAR, and you made me do this song and dance and bargain. He would heal naturally in a year!"

"The trees do not know flesh," Bobby said between sobs, "and a beautiful tree had to die. It died. Why did it die?"

"Look, Bobby, I didn't know that was going to happen. But… it's NOT dead."

Bobby looked down towards him. Even sitting, he was still much taller than Daggat. "What?"

"YOU have the tree's life. As long as you live, the tree would live, right?" he felt like he was talking to a gremlin. But whatever worked.

Bobby sniffed, "I guess."

"Have I ever let you down before? Trust me, it's fine."

"You killed my sister," he growled.

"Wow, okay. First off, that was Anath. Second, she was a bitch, and you know it." Daggat walked away from the flabbergasted Bobby and addressed the tree, "Where should we go for the essence… er, forest spirit?"

The nearest wall parted, and moonlight streamed in.

"Cheers, let's go, Bobby."

"Where are we going?"

"I'll explain on the other side."

Daggat lept through the opening and landed on a dense forest floor.

He turned to make sure Bobby was following, then nearly tripped as he took in the tree he had just come from.

It was massive. Far, far larger than the standard Titans. It made them seem like normal trees. It stretched into the sky, further than Daggat ever thought to imagine. The base was over two hundred feet wide. The curves and bends in its bark could house families.

This tree made no sense. He would have seen it. ANYONE would have seen it. Was he in the same forest as before? Bobby stumbled out of the tree, then broke into a smile.

"Ah," he said warmly, "The heart of the forest."

"The… heart?" Daggat mumbled. He was staring at the essence. It was almost filled solid with forest essence. It seemed to grow from the tree and the surrounding forest. From the thick moss, ferns, smaller trees, and even from the dozens of small creatures that scurried about.

That was when he spotted the beast. It was faintly transparent, like his assistant. The body of a bear, with a long raccoon tail. Tree-like antlers grew from its squirrel-like head. Around it was a flock of birds and rodents that hovered like an aura.

The beast spoke with the voice of a thousand forest critters, "Do you choose trial by combat?"

The monster in front of Daggat was a spirit beast. It had to be. What else could it be? But… you never knew.

"Hey," Daggat said to it, "you a spirit beast?"

It dipped its head to Daggat, "I am."

Ah, that cleared that up.

"Fascinating," The assistant said, "It's made of… system stuff."

"I am a creature of spirit, what else would I be made of?" Replied the beast.

Daggat gaped at it, "You can hear my assistant?"

The assistant floated towards it, "Can you see me?"

"Of course I can, little cousin."

Daggat felt like he was struck by lightning. Too many world-view-altering facts for one day.

He held up a shaking hand, "Hold on… please. Let me process the giant tree first, then I'll shift back. Okay?"

The spirit beast just stared at him.

Bobby looked at him strangely, "Who are you talking to?"

"A spirit beast, don't worry about it. Now… tree. Big. Explain." Bobby couldn't see it. That meant it was like his assistant after all.

Bobby shrugged, "Not much to explain. It's the heart of the forest. It IS the forest. Can't you feel its spirit?"

"I can see it. On that note, let's focus on terminology. You and the tree keep saying spirit when you mean essence. It's confusing with the spirit beast and all. Now, how the HELL does this tree make sense?"

"What do you mean?"

"IT'S HUGE! We should be able to see it from… well, anywhere."

"Oh, it's hidden."

"HOW?!"

Bobby winced, "I don't know… the tree hides itself. Magic."

Daggat forced himself to calm down. He gazed up at the impossible height of the tree. The world became more complicated with every passing day. At this rate, it would take him YEARS to figure out how it works.

This Heart of the Forest, or whatever, was clearly the core of the Ancient. All the other titans are just off branches from it. A collective of trees that share a single soul.

Why was the spirit beast here? Did it protect the core? Or was it drawn to the essence? The place was filled to the brim with it.

That was something to work out. Maybe the secret to tracking more of them. In the meantime, Bobby had some transforming to do.

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: 15

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 Victor - Successfully led a large force against another. Reward: One Skill point. Note: This skill point may only be spent on tactics, logistics, or leadership divine skills. Recursion - Be affected by a recursive effect. Reward: Infinite Limiter.

Skills(1/6)(Mortal Level, 0, Devotion, +2; Mighty Intellect, +1; Skill Potions +2; Victor +1): 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] Infinite Limiter

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

Biotraits (1/15) (Monster Level, +14; 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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