"Alright everyone! We are leaving in the morning. Get the last preparations done!" Daggat boomed through the manor. They were finally ready to leave. "Remember, it will be a month long journey, at least."

By Daggat's best estimation, it would take them three weeks to get there with no complications. Likely it would take longer, since they had to forage on their way. Willow said he could get to Brinhaven and back to Calion's hut in a few weeks. But, he had a wise wolf mount that passed over the terrain as if it wasn't there. Daggat suspected they would travel half as quickly in the best conditions.

Wavecrest was closer. So was the headtakers camp. They would have to be careful to avoid them both, which would add even more time. They were essentially going right through a potential battlefield. But, there was a lot of forest. Nearly 25,000 square miles of it. They could avoid large groups, if needed.

"Yeah, we know! You don't gotta keep screaming it." Klaw said as he passed him in the hall. He was in charge of gathering anything they might need. He was holding his armor.

"Klaw, do you REALLY need that?" Daggat asked.

"My armor? When we might be marching towards a literal army of gremlins? Yeah." Klaw said.

"That's mountain plate. It weighs… I don't know. A LOT. You will have to lug that thing through almost three hundred miles."

"I want to get it fixed in town. I can handle it."

"Fine," Daggat pinched the bridge of his nose. "But if it slows us down, we toss it. It's just junk."

"Bah. If we don't want to slow down, we'll toss YOU." Klaw growled and started to walk away.

"Klaw, wait. I want to talk to you."

"What is it? I thought we were in a hurry."

"Listen, this is important. You know I trust you, right? Out of everyone, I know you got my back."

Klaw shifted uncomfortably. Then scratched behind an ear. "Well, yeah. It's no big deal."

"It is. You've always had my back. Even when we fought. That's why I decided to make you my number two."

"What's that mean?"

"It means if I kick it, you're in charge. But, there's more. You gotta take this journey seriously. It means you're just a little bit in charge." Daggat knocked on his armor with a knuckle. "So, you gotta get it together. You get it?"

"Gah, yeah." Klaw nodded. "You can count on me. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly. Like old times."

Daggat beamed at him. "Exactly. But, hey, don't tell anyone. I don't want Zuss or Elyndris to get jealous."

"Yeah, that'd be a problem. But… how do they know I'm second in command?"

"Thanks, Klaw. Don't worry about that. It's more about how you act. I'm heading to the workshop." Daggat and Klaw exchanged friendly insults before they parted ways.

Daggat made his way to the workshop. It was near the gym and had, at one time, contained tools, a small forge, and other objects to help repair and build the little things needed. Now, most of those tools were useless.

Anath sat at an ancient work table working. Stacks of leather and hide was scattered around her.

"How's it going?" Daggat asked.

"You know I can't sew, right?" She said, frustrated. Anath picked up a leather patch and used a spider leg to poke a hole in it. Daggat smiled. She was learning to use her variant willingly, at least. Baby steps.

"It doesn't have to be perfect. We just need packs, pouches, stuff like that. As long as it lasts until the first village we find."

"I thought we were going to the town?" Anath began stringing leather cord through holes, stringing together the last of what would be a satchel.

"We are. But, humans build villages and small towns all throughout the forest. They are like vermin. If we find one, we might be able to get actual travel gear. You going to have them done in time?"

"Yes. Now go away. I'm focusing."

"Wait, before I go. I want to talk to you." Daggat said. She scowled at him and crossed her arms. "Listen, I know you're still mad at me for lying. I want to make it up to you."

"How? You got a cake hidden somewhere?" She said.

"No, but I can get one in town. Look, I see you Anath. I know you're having a rough time fitting in with everyone, being human and all. I want to help. I think the best way to do that is to give you a bit more responsibility. You get me?"

"No… what do you mean?"

"Anath, I'm making you my number two. That means you're second in command. I need to rely on you to help me straighten everyone out."

"Oh… really?" Anath's scowl softened.

"Really. Only, don't tell anyone. We don't want Klaw or Zuss to get jealous. So, keep it a secret. You just act like your second in command, and everything will work out. You see?"

"I'll… I'll do my best!" Anath said, clenching her hands into fists. Her mandibles wriggled in excitement.

"Great! I'll let you get back to work. Good luck." Daggat waved her good bye, which she returned with a salute. Daggat grinned to himself as he left.

Daggat muled over the check on next. He had a suspicion of where he needed to go. He left the workshop and went outside. He wandered around the manor until he found what he was looking for.

Zuss was napping on the roof. Bathing in the sunlight like a cat. Actually, Birdy was there too, sprawled out next to her.

"ZUSS!" He yelled. Birdy woke up and dashed away. Zuss only rolled over and waved a hand. "What are you doing? You need to get ready!"

"I AM ready." She called. "Got my knives. That's all I need."

"What about food?"

"Hunters got it. Besides, I can get some. Food lives in the forest."

"Boots?"

"Got hands for feet. No boots for me, unless you have a spare pair of gloves."

"Water?"

"Plenty of streams."

"Well, you can help Hunter or Anath. THEY are actually doing something."

"I'm on a break."

"A what?" They didn't have time for this.

"Just, give me five more minutes." She rolled back over.

Daggat growled. Getting Zuss to do anything was like trying to get a… well, a hobgoblin to do anything. He wasn't sure who was the worse influence on the other. Zuss or the cat.

"Just get down here for a moment. I want to talk to you about something."

Daggat couldn't see from below, but he could almost feel her roll her eyes at him. A few moments latter, she climbed down to him.

"What do you want? I was just getting comfortable." She asked.

"Listen. I've thought about it. Really thought about it. I want to stress how much I had to think about it, because I don't want you thinking I didn't think through EVERY other option first."

"Get on with it." She groaned.

"If something happens to me. Like I get hurt or captured or whatever, you're in charge." He grabbed her by the shoulders and looked at her in her deep, shadowy eyes. "You're my number two. Alright?"

Zuss shrugged him off. "Why me? Why not Elyndris. She's just as ambitious."

"Elyndris is too much ego, not enough wits. You've got a knack for smartening up when shit goes down. That's more important. Plus, nobody else is really an option. Besides, if I could trust anyone, it would be you and Klaw."

Zuss turned her shadow into a wicked dagger and started tossing it. Her eyes narrowed.

"Daggat, you left me to die. Why would you trust me after that?" She said.

"That again? Look, I was scared, and panicked. We're not gremlins any more. Even so, the fact you haven't run off since then is proof enough for me. Besides, you already act like my number two anyway. Just like the old days, eh?" Daggat surprised himself. He found he wasn't lying to her. She really was, in his heart, second in command.

"Whatever. I guess thats… good to know."

"Oh, but don't tell the others. We don't want Elyndris or Klaw to throw a fit." Daggat said, conversationally. She nodded. "Have you decided what to do with the cat?"

"Birdy? She's her own cat. If she follows us, she follows us. I took her to pay her back for saving my life. Nurse her back to health. She's golden now."

"You said you'd take care of her."

"And I did."

Daggat sighed. "Alright. Whatever. Go… help Anath or something. I'm going to check in on Hunter."

She rolled her eyes and headed towards the workshop. Daggat tracked down Hunter.

Hunter was in the great hall organizing their gear. He had stacks of small, black bars.

"Oh, good. You're doing something, at least."

"Oh, hello Daggat." Hunter said, he had five different piles of simple gear laid out on the table. Elyndris couldn't really carry anything, so she didn't have anything. Daggat picked up one of the black blocks. It smelled like meat.

"What're these?" Daggat said. "Food?"

"Yep!" Hunter said with pride. "They are-" Daggat took a bite. It was bland, dry, and a bit greasy. It had a gamy flavor with hint of boar. The texture was dense and hard to chew.

"Gotta admit," Daggat said as he chewed. "Not your best work."

"They are emergency food. In case we can't find anything. I took the last of the orc, cooked it, dried it, and pounded it to a powder. Then mixed it with boar grease. Saves lots of pack room."

Daggat put down the morsel.

"Good work. Need anything?"

"I… uh… think we're good. I got everything ready last night. Better to be prepared, I think." Hunter counted everything again. "I just need the satchels from Anath, then we'll pack."

"Great! Everything is coming together."

"How long did you say it would take? To get there?"

"About a month, give or take. I'm not exactly sure though. Why?"

"I don't know. I'm just kind of nervous. Thats a lot of wilderness. There are goblins out there."

"There's a goblin RIGHT HERE."

"You know what I mean. What if we run into them? Or wargs or something else. There are more monsters out there than people can count, they say."

"All I'm hearing is experience notifications. We'll be fine. And if we aren't, it isn't your problem any more." Daggat gave him a grin. "Relax, big guy. Last I saw, it was mostly gremlins. No way they caught up to us in levels. I'll just beguile them to leave us alone. I've done it before."

"Okay. We don't really need the gifts, anyway. That's better."

"Oh. Right. Weeellllll. You can turn around while we get them." Daggat said. Hunter sighed heavily. "Before I go, theres something I want to talk about." Daggat quickly opened up the party tracker. Good, no one was nearby, Klaw was wandering elsewhere.

"What is it?"

"Look, I know we can but heads, morally speaking. It's what makes our friendship so interesting." Daggat sat across from him on the table. Hunter smiled at him warmly. "So, I know you've got a big heart. You know what's right. That is why I want to make you my number two."

"What does that mean?"

"It means your second in command. You've got to start taking some initiative. Can you do that for me? For the group?"

Hunter gave him a bashful smile. "Yeah… I'll try. Thank you for trusting me."

"No, thank you. But, we got to keep it a secret. We don't want Elyndris or Klaw to get upset, right?"

"Right. We can let them know when you need me."

"Thanks, buddy. Oh, by the way. What are going to do about Anath?"

"What do you mean?"

"The orc bars. Orc. Anath. She's a bit of a picky eater."

Hunters face changed from confusion to understanding to panic with the speed of a rising sun. He was sprinting for the kitchen a moment latter.

Laughing to himself, Daggat brought up the party tracker. Elyndris was above him. She was in the library. Lately, Elyndris had spent more time up there than he had.

He found the stairs where he left them and made his way up. Elyndris was sitting on the floor surrounded by those glass cubed. Alfred was reading a book.

"Elyndris, Al." Daggat greeted, as he came up. "How goes the magic." The worm stirred.

"It would be going better if there wasn't FOOLISH GOBLINS BREAKING MY FOCUS!" Elyndris hissed.

"I've taught her all I know. It's up to her to practice now." Alfred said in an uninterested tone.

"So, have you decided what you are bringing on the journey? Spells, I mean." Daggat asked Elyndris.

"It was a difficult decision. But, I don't have many options. I have three spell slots. One I've filled with a focused force beam. The other two are fire and beam. The idea is I have one spell I can cast in an emergency, then I will have the fire and beam engines to work with. I've already memorized force."

"That sounds good. We're almost ready." Daggat turned to Alfred. "Al, are you going to be alright here by yourself?"

"I'll be fine. There is still a lot of work to do. Books to be read. Ledgers to sift through. Time will fly by." Alfred said.

"Good, now-" Daggat began.

"Goblin. There is something we must discuss." Elyndris said curtly.

"O…kay? What is it?"

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"Make me your number two."

Daggat blinked at her in surprise. "Why?" He ventured.

"You are doing… fine. As a party leader. But, we need a command structure. By all rights, you should be MY number two. Or three, after Anath of course. But, alas, I am but a worm."

"Well, okay. I agree. You're my new number two." Daggat said. That was easy. "But-"

"Just, don't tell the others. When the time comes, I will step in. In the meantime, I will set an example. Show them what it means to adventure. We don't want Hunter or Anath getting jealous, after all."

"Of… course not." Daggat said carefully. "My lips are sealed."

"Good. Now, I have one engine to visualize. Leave me to my meditation."

So, Daggat did. He had his own preparations to check on. Daggat hoped his scheme would work out how he expected. Each one taking the journey a tad more seriously, now that they thought they were some magical, made up second position in the party hierarchy.

In the dungeon, he finished bottling the last of his potions and inspected the treasures he was bringing along.

Four Potions of rejuvenation. Four bottles of Fungal Drain. Four Deathroot bombs. Ten Gremlin Bombs. Their magic items. A pouch of demon dust. His white blade, which turned out to be forged out of blade essence infused metal. And a small chest of one thousand gold coins. It was a lot, but he needed to figure this stuff out.

Daggat took in the sight of his treasures. He was now ready to explore the realm. He doubted the realm was ready for him.

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]

Monster Level: 9

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 11 Dexterity: 11 Constitution: 11 Intelligence: 20 Will: 10 Charm: 12

Feats: Encounter: True Angel Ability: Mighty Intellect Act: Fledgling Alchemist Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Devotion [Layered feats] Act: Usurper Act: Touch of Death Act: Reborn by Fire

Skills(0/4): Alchemy: 1 [Source: Fledgling Alchemist] System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] System Assistant: 2 [Perk: Semi-sentience] Mind Codex: 1 [Synergy: Mental notes + Copy Tome] Party Leader: 1 [Source: Usurper]

Notable Natural Skills: Literacy: Apprentice

Biotraits (0/9): Base size: Small [Source: Goblin] Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Temperature Resistant Skin [Synergy: Fire Resistant Skin + Cold Resistant Skin] Scavenger [Source: goblin] Death Sight [Source: Touch of Death] Increased Pain Tolerance Fire Core Beguiling Presence [Synergy: Hypnotic Gaze (Dominating Gaze, Mesmerizing Gaze) + Hypervocal Cords (Beguiling Voice)]

Transformations: Drakeheart Form: +2 strength +2 charm Extreme Temperature Resistant Scales [Synergy: Fireproof scales + Temperature resistant Skin] Fire breath

Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Dark vision [Night Vision Enhanced] Deepen Shadow

Regenerator form: Advanced Regeneration

Other: Variant: +10 Intelligence Skill potions used: 1/5

Notable Gear: Strange pure-white sword shard Spear of Bracing 2 Mihr Contracts

Klaw

True Name: Klaw Soul: Mortal/Monster Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size] Genbloom: Bugbear [ +3 Str, +1 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Rough Fur; Small Size]

Monster Level: 8 Paladin Level: 1 [+2 Str, +2 Con, +2 Wil; Smite, Righteous Aura]

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 21 (22, +1 belt) Dexterity: 10 Constitution: 13 (14, +1 belt) Intelligence: 8 Will: 11 Charm: 8

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Devotion [Layered feats] Ability: Mighty Strength Act: Arsonist

Skills(0/2): System Aptitude: 1 Burst of Strength: 1 Attribute Boost: Strength (+2) Flame Affinity: 1 [Source: Arsonist] Smite: 1

Notable Natural Skills: Savagery: Apprentice

Biotraits (0/8): Base size: Standard [Source: Gremlin] Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Claws [Mutations: Forged, Retractable] Dense Muscle Fibers Rough Fur [Mutations: Insulating Fur; Source: Bugbear] Dense Bone Cardiovascular Control

Transformations: Drakeheart Form: +2 strength +2 constitution Fire-proof Scales Claws [Mutation added: Burning]

Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity +2 constitution Dark Vision

Notable Gear: Mountain Heart Armor Belt of Last Stand

Elyndris

True Name: Elyndris Soul: Monster Genseed: Larva [ 1 Str, 1 Dex, 1 Con, 1 Int, 1 Wil, 1 Cha; miniscule Size]

Monster Level:

9

Attributes (0/12):

Strength:

10

Dexterity:

8

Constitution:

8

Intelligence:

15

Will:

7

Charm:

7

Feats:

Encounter: True Angel

Knowledge: System Knowledge

Act: Devotion

[layered feats]

Act: Blasphemy

Ability: Mighty Intellect

Act: Vile Concoction

Act: Fledgling Mage

Skills (0/3):

Burst of Strength: 1

Pounce: 1

Construct Capacity: 1

Spellcraft: 1

Biotraits (1/9):

Base size: Miniscule

Jaws

Thaumic Sense

[Synergy: Tremor Sense + Magic Sense; Mutations:

Refined Sense

]

Complex organs

Limbs [Mutation:

Lesser Wings

]

Disease Resistance

[Source: Vile Concoction]

Force Distributing Flesh

Transformations:

Night Stalker form:

+2 strength

+2 dexterity

+2 constitution

Jaws [Mutation: Powerful Jaws]

Known Magical Components:

Engines

: Force, Energy, Beam

Drives

: Focus

Notable Gear:

5 Refresh Pills

Hero Scroll

Other:

Curse: Ungenesis

Hunter

True Name: Hunter Soul: Mortal/Monster Genseed: Ogre [ 8 Str, 2 Dex, 6 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Ogre's curse; Large Size]

Hearth Tender Level: 8 [+1 Str, +1 Con, +4 Wil; Invoke Torch, Hearth Fire] Monster Level: 1 [Source: Ichor of the Beast]

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 14 Dexterity: 7 Constitution: 13 Intelligence: 9 Will: 15 Charm: 8

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Vile Concoction Act: Devotion [layered feats] Act: Slayer Ability: Unshakable Will Act: Gluttonous Feast

Skills (0/9): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] Invoke Torch: 2 [Perks: Mighty Torch] Hearth Fire: 2 [Perks: Healing Warmth] Sacred Flame: 2 [Perks: Debilitating Warmth] Encompassing Warmth: 1 Brilliant Bash: 2 [Perks: Hearth Flame] Bounty Hunter: 1 [Source: Slayer] Seek: 1 Fearless: 1 Peaceful Presence: 1 Condense Aura: 1

Notable Natural Skills: Healing: Apprentice

Biotraits (0/1): Base Size: Large Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Vile Concoction] Hunger Core

Other: Curse: Ogre Curse Boot of Rashail

Anath

True Name: Anathema Soul: Monster/Mortal Genseed: Human [ 3 Str, 3 Dex, 3 Con, 3 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Standard Size]

Monster Level: 5 Berserker Level: 5 [+3 Str, Dex Con, -1 Int, Wil, Cha; Berserker's rage, Great Vitality]

Attributes [0/7]: Strength: 12 Dexterity: 11 Constitution: 13 Intelligence: 10 Will: 8 Charm: 7

Feats: Encounter: True Angel Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Vile Concoction Act: Devotion [layered feats]

Skills(0/8): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] System Assistant: 1 Skill Boosts: Survival (1) Savage Legs: 1 Berserker's Spirit: 1 [Synergy: Warrior's Spirit (Burst of Strength + Burst of Alacrity + Burst of Vitality) + Berserker's Rage] Purge Poison: 1 Great Vitality: 1 Blood Rhythm: 1

Notable Natural Skills: Survival: Apprentice Savagery: Apprentice

Biotraits [1/5]: Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Vile Concoction] Extra Limb (Arachnid), x4 [Source: Variant] Venomous Mandibles [Source: Variant] Multi-eye [Mutations: Magnified, Night Vision; Source: Variant] Hardened Chitin

Transformations: Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Claws Dark Vision

Notable Gear: Blade of the Dessert Flower

Other: Variant: Arachnid Traits

Zuss

True Name: Zuss Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size] Genbloom: hobgoblin [ +1 Str, +3 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Nimble Fingers; Small Size]

Monster Level: 9

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 10 Dexterity: 16 Constitution: 8 Intelligence: 8 Will: 10 Charm: 9

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Devotion [Layered feats] Ability: Mighty Alacrity Act: Shadow Born

Skills(0/2): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] Deep Shadows: 1 Path Finding [Type: Climbing]

Notable Natural Skills: Stealth: Apprentice Climb: Apprentice

Biotraits (0/9): Base size: Small [Source: Hobgoblin] Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Mutations: Dark Vision; Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Improved Body Control [Synergy: Improved Balance + Improved Nerve Conduction + Improved flexibility; Mutations: Autonomous Reflex] Nimble Hands and Feet [Synergy: Nimble hands + Prehensile Feet; Mutations: Mighty Grip] Cold Resistant Skin Enhanced Visual Acuity Shadow Core [Source: Shadow Born] Shadow Smith

Transformations: Drakeheart Form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Smoke Aura Lesser Wings

Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Enhanced Scent Deepen Shadow+, Widen Shadows

Notable Gear: Blade of a Thousand Screams Knife of the Traveler Mana Crystal Set Tiara

Pet: Name: Birdy Genseed: Cat

Attributes: Strength: 2 Dexterity: 4 Constitution: 2 Intelligence: 2 Will: 2 Charm: 3

Biotraits: Lesser Wings

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