You are a DRAKEHEAD SKELETAL CHARYBDIS - a person reincarnated as a monster in the fantasy world of ALTERORBIS.

You have wandered the lands, completing quests and fighting both mighty and weak foes, levelling up and evolving into a greater being.

In more detail, in the previous thread you:
>helped protect a bone scout expedition while they looted a fortress
>almost got betrayed by the same bone scouts afterwards but convinced them to uphold their end of the deal - granting you the ability to speak
>found a sacred spring in a forest and almost got killed by the local elf woman
>died to a swarm of undead bees and accepted a quest from the gods to kill a Marebito - another reincarnator - in exchange for less severe penalties from respawning
>got the reward for dealing with the Mad Wizard a while ago - an Epic armour from Arthur the Reaper's stash
>travelled through the Cursed Bog under the guidance of Arta - a woman addicted to local fruit that shortens the lifespan
>delivered the Witch's Hat that you found a while ago to Lily Arante - a witch living at the centre of the Bog
>learned about a scholar from the Riverlands that may know how to deal with the cheat skills of the Marebito you're meant to kill
>convinced the witch to join you in your travels in a couple weeks
>dealt with a Dead Eater ambush
>recovered some of your memories at a shrine and found the Ruined City of Luce
>killed the twin wyrms in the Dragon Cemetery, obtaining [Wyrmscale]
>negotiated with a village by the mountains to kill a roc terrorizing an area nearby
>died to said roc and faced the full penalties of resurrection
>travelled through the Mountains of Doom and found Sirens' Home
>killed a few sirens to complete the quest and found their artifact under a waterfall
>evolved into a Drakehead Skeletal Charybdis

Currently, you are in a cave in the mountains. Having just evolved, you have unlocked the ability to claim a NAME for yourself.

Previous threads: https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Monster%20Reincarnation

Character info: https://files.catbox.moe/xbf2my.txt

A name... it holds power and may be a permanent mark, either reflecting your might or signing you off as an eternal jester.

There are many options, of course. CumGuz113r. DroppedAsABaby. SenorHilt3r. Perhaps some callsigns you heard somewhere: PEEPEE ACTUAL or ShitNozzle2.

You consider them for a moment... and throw them right in the bin where they belong. Who the fuck would pick any of these!?

Anyway, your name should be cool. What will it be?
>Write-in name

>>6230501
Xx_Duskbrute69_xX
Duskbrute for short.

>>6230501
>>6230501
>Will.
Both because it's actually just a name, and because it symbolizes that we have a will of our own.

If we have an actual name, it'll be easier for people to take us seriously when we say we mean no harm than if we're KROGLAR THE DESTROYER or something. If someone checks us and sees the name "Will" they're more likely to say "Shit, guess you've had a run of bad luck" over "AAAAIEEE! MONSTER!"

>>6230501
>Jormungandr

The great Sea serpent that surrounds the realm. Let his name be known from head to tail.

>>6230499 (OP)
Ouroboros, people can call us Boros for short!

>>6230501
R@p3b3ast :D

>>6230501
>FafnirG@mer
dunno why now but let's go

>>6230501
I'm extremely excited to see Monster Reincarnation's return! I hope the time offline treated you well, mrqm.

>>6230501
Hmm... I think I support anon's idea the most. We don't want to find out that we share a World Beast's name and a regular human name doesn't fit a monster like us.
>>6230771
+1.

>Falikaard
Doubt anyone has a name like that.
>inb4 someone does

>>6230658
+1

>6230628
>6230658
>6230689
>6230695
>6230710
>6230771
>6230935
Yeah, I am refreshed and ready to run the quest now. It's good to be back. I put in much less work on the quest than I should have in the downtime, but I did figure out some specific moments where worldbuilding and litRPG mechanics interact in the past few days. I hope to bring some more structure to the world in the future as well.

Do not worry about matching with a World Boss name - there are plenty of beings which bear similar ones.
>6230986
>6231001
There are many suggestions, and the 2 that received 2 votes both have good reasons for their picks. However, since the lead is little, I hope anons will forgive me for using QM judgement to pick which one wins.

So you shall be known as...

=====

"Ouroboros." You input in the name field. A subtle change occurs in your mind, but the feeling soon passes.

With the name dealt with and no person around you to introduce yourself to, you have to pick what to do next.

The deal with Lily stands. By the time you make it back to her sanctuary, she should be ready to depart with you.

You also could attempt to kill that roc again. Besides sweet revenge, it should bring you a small reward from the villagers of Truad. They have some Life crystals - while they decrease your max health due to your nature, they also bring you closer to completing the [Restoration of Life] quest, removing from you the taint of undeath. The necro-skills [i]should[/i] still remain with you.

There are also the goats you saw earlier. You could explore some of the nearby valleys and mountain passes to locate them and possibly find their owner, if there is any.

Or perhaps you wish to travel another way altogether?
>Pick up the Witch. Can't keep the lady waiting.
>Kill the roc. You've got a vendetta to settle.
>Investigate the goats.
>Write-in

>>6231207
>Investigate the goats.

>>6231207
>Investigate the goats.

>>6231207
>Kill the roc. You've got a vendetta to settle.

>>6231207
>Kill the roc. You've got a vendetta to settle.

>>6231207
first choice
>Pick up the Witch. Can't keep the lady waiting.
and if it doesn't win then to tie break
>Investigate the goats.

i don't wanna test the Roc yet for some time.

>>6231207
>Kill the roc. You've got a vendetta to settle.
Nah, we have a job to finish.

>>6231207
>There are many suggestions, and the 2 that received 2 votes both have good reasons for their picks. However, since the lead is little, I hope anons will forgive me for using QM judgement to pick which one wins.
>So you shall be known as...
>=====
>"Ouroboros." You input in the name field. A subtle change occurs in your mind, but the feeling soon passes.
the ones with 2 votes were mine >>6230771 and >>6230658. ourobouros only had 1 vote.

>Kill the roc. You've got a vendetta to settle.

>>6231399
>the ones with 2 votes were mine >>6230771 and >>6230658. ourobouros only had 1 vote.
Correct. That's why I said I will use my powers as QM to make Ouroboros win. It was not the most popular option, but one I liked most.

>>6231590
>Correct. That's why I said I will use my powers as QM to make Ouroboros win. It was not the most popular option, but one I liked most.
the way you said it made me think you were using your power to break the tie, but ok

>>6231598
Sorry for the confusion.

>6231215
>6231244
>6231278
>6231296
>6231307
>6231351
>6231399
>Kill the roc. You've got a vendetta to settle.

You travel back through the mountain passes and towards the plains where the roc flies. Your journey is undisturbed by other monsters - you are powerful and big enough to scare many of the weaker ones away, while none of the rarer, higher-ranked beasts bar your way.

The villagers don't recognize you at first, but let you pass through their lands once they understand it's you.

The one problem you encounter is at the battlefield where your faced the roc: the bird is there, but it doesn't attack you, soaring high above. Is it afraid?

You think of how to deal with this issue... A straightforward way would be to cast [Blinding Light Lance] - but it won't reach that high. A much less certain attack is [Ghostflame Fireball II] - it's not as fast, so the roc may evade, but it should reach your enemy. You've got mana to spare now as well.

Another option is to wait for the roc to return to its nest and follow it there.

Or perhaps you could ask the villagers for help? One of their mages should have an invisibility spell in their arsenal to conceal you, and they can probably spare a single person to act as bait.
>Try hitting it with your spells.
>Follow it to its nest.
>Ask villagers for help again.
>Write-in

>>6231816
>Follow it to its nest.

>>6231816
>Follow it to its nest

>>6231816
>Follow it to its nest.

>>6231816
>Follow it to its nest.

>>6231816
Wait. We have that Charybsmdis charm spell yeah?

We could try to charm the rock into striking distance without it flying back to its nest

What is the opinion of everyone else on this

>>6231954
Unironically genius suggestion that completely slipped my mind as a QM (shame on me for not remembering newly introduced spells). Yes, you can try to do this if any of the other players will support you.

>>6231954
I forgot we had a charm. Let's use it then.

>>6231816
Supporting>>6231954. We had a race-change. Let's make the most of it.

>>6231954
>>6231837
Willing to go with charm instead

>[Charming Song]

3 anons please roll 1d100.
You outclass the roc in terms of magical power vs RES, so DC: 40

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>6232397

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>6232397

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>6232397

>>6232398
>>6232402
>>6232436
>89

With your evolution, you have gained some very powerful spells. Songs that alter the behaviour of enemy and ally alike. So you sing.

It is a surprisingly melodic sound. Wistful, but at the same time endearing.

The roc above seems to slow down for a bit. You mentally command it to descend. And it does.

Completely charmed, it just stares at you after landing, awaiting commands. Though your next actions will probably break this effect.

You chomp at its wing, breaking it and removing the bird's ability to fly. It lets out a screech and casts off the charm, but you manage to sling a [Ghostflame Fireball] at it, setting it on fire and dealing a good deal of damage.

The roc thrashes about on the ground, engulfed by necrotic flames. You use the opportunity to breathe out a cloud of toxic mist with your [Toxic Breath]. Without a way to escape, the enemy chokes and burns. A [Blinding Light Lance] pierces it, removing its sight.

It is completely helpless against your bites and claw strikes now. With a dozen of them, and the mist and fire dealing their damage, it dies.

[You have gained 200 EXP]
[You have completed the main objective of [Flying Pests] quest!]
[You have gained 100 EXP]
[Return to Truad to receive the additional reward]

Well, that was easy. The evolution and new skills sure help out with any ultraviolence you may want to commit.

You inspect the corpse for any loot, but don't find anything of note. So much for a powerful enemy.

Chomping off the bird's head, you carry it to the village, and the mountain men welcome you with joy.

"Thank you. We couldn't have managed this ourselves." The elder tells you. "As I promised, we can reward you with crystals and weaponry. We can give you 3 big Life crystals - the most valuable ones we have from the healing grove - and 12 bit Fire ones in addition. As for equipment, most of it bears weak enchantment, but a couple may be of use to you.

The first is a helm we received as a gift from Astorians due to our good trade. It is weak to physical blows, but projects a shield that negates 30% magical damage from the first spell with 80 or greater base damage that hits it, recharging its effect every 5 minutes.

The second is a sword that grants its owner 10% lifesteal on their physical attacks. A strange man was passing through here a few months ago, and he gave it to us in exchange for our wary hospitality.

Make your pick."
>Magic protection helm
>Lifesteal sword

>>6232466
>Lifesteal sword

>>6232466
>Lifesteal sword

>>6232466
>Lifesteal sword
Sounds like the best thing for now. The other is too situational i think. Also some healing is better than no healing at all mid combat

>>6232466
>Lifesteal sword
welcome back, bloodthirster

>>6232469
>>6232502
>>6232517
>>6232584
>Lifesteal sword
"Your rewards are generous." you say. "I'd like that sword."

"Come with me, then."

[You have gained large Life crystal] x 3
[You have gained 40 EXP] x 3
[You have lost 20 MAX HP due to your trait: [Undead]] x 3

[You have gained bit Fire crystal] x 12
[You have gained 5 EXP] x 12
[You have completed ALL objectives of [Pyromancer] quest]
[You have gained 150 EXP]

[You have gained [Fireblast] skill]
[Fireblast]
[Shoot a short ray of fire dealing 60 Fire damage to first enemy hit. Cooldown: 2 minutes, MP cost: 10.]

[You have gained [Ghostflame Resistance I] permanent effect]
[Ghostflame Resistance I]
[-25% damage from Ghostflame]

[You have obtained [Naida Sword]]
[The warriors of the Naida tribes from Aztlan are renowned monster hunters. Their unique way of battle is using techniques that drain their enemies' life force to replenish their own. Besides bathing in blood infused with Blood crystal dust, they also use enchanted weaponry for this purpose. This is one of their lifestealing swords.]
[+10 STR, 10% lifesteal from physical attacks]

With the rewards received, you're free to go anywhere you wish.
>Pick up Lily in the Bog
>Check out the Ruined City of Luce
>Write-in

(Since I'm pretty sure you're going to the Bog, I'll let this vote stay up for like 5-6 hours, then write the update with an encounter on your journey. Just using this vote to confirm my guess.)

>>6232980
Has it been hat long already that it would be time to return to the bog?

If it has then sure. Lets go there and maybe then check something out.

>>6232984
It may not seem like it because your travelling between them was undisturbed, but Dragon Cemetery, the village of Truad, shrine of Cain and Sirens' Home are quite a bit apart, even for someone of your size and speed. + climbing through mountain passes and the detour north from Truad you had to do to find a suitable one took up a good bit of your time. + a couple days passed while you were respawning. Evolution took some time as well. So yeah, 2 weeks or about so have passed.

>>6232980
>Pick up Lily in the Bog
We aren't in a rush.

>>6232980
>Pick up Lily in the Bog

>>6232980
>Pick up Lily in the Bog

>>6232980
>Check out the Ruined City of Luce

>>6232984
>>6233056
>>6233089
>>6233139
>>6233148
>Pick up Lily in the Bog
You depart towards the Bog. Can't keep your future companion waiting for too long.

The majority of the way, no monsters of note attack you. No travellers dare approach you either - you'd imagine the Deadlands' humanlike denizens are few.

You do eventually meet one just as you see the Bog on the horizon. From the north, circumventing it, a figure that seems somewhat familiar approaches. It seems to be a woman with a bow slung over her shoulder...

Just as she reaches for it, you remember to warn her.

"I AM PEACEFUL. PEACE. NO HARM." your voice, strengthened by your evolution, spreads far enough for her to hear it.

She unslings her bow anyway.

"Hey, it's you, from that time at the stream." you say in a quieter tone, approaching her.

"...What?" the elf seems perplexed. "Oh, the skeletal maw? You've... grown."

"Evolution has its perks. Where are you travelling to?"

"Selenia. There's word the Sorcerer of Despair has picked a bone with a powerful monster. One so powerful it may upset the balance in the region. I'm going there to help some of my friends with moving or safeguarding themselves from the conflict."

"I see."

"Where are you going? Also, I didn't catch your name."

"It is Ouroboros. I'm travelling to the heart of the Cursed Bog to meet up with a companion. After that... I'm not certain where we'll go. And you didn't say what you're called either."

"Eno. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Even with your unpresentable looks... If that's all, I should be going now. Even with our lives long by the other races' measures, sometimes seconds and minutes are just as valuable to us."
>Ask where you can meet her should you go to Selenia. In case you wish to help out or talk a bit longer.
>Ask/say something else? [write-in]
>Bide farewell and wish safe travels. A coincidental meeting is all this will remain.

>>6233195
>Ask where you can meet her should you go to Selenia. In case you wish to help out or talk a bit longer.

>>6233195
>Ask where you can meet her should you go to Selenia. In case you wish to help out or talk a bit longer.
This Sorcerer of Despair sounds like a potential quest target.

>>6233195
>Ask where you can meet her should you go to Selenia. In case you wish to help out or talk a bit longer.

No update today.

>>6233195
>Ask where you can meet her should you go to Selenia. In case you wish to help out or talk a bit longer.

>>6233195
>Bide farewell and wish safe travels. A coincidental meeting is all this will remain.
No thots

>>6233206
>>6233250
>>6233491
>>6234007
>>6234410
>Ask where you can meet her should you go to Selenia. In case you wish to help out or talk a bit longer.

"Where can I find you should I go to Selenia? Maybe I'll help. Or we can talk a bit longer, at least."

"Well... I'm not sure how Selenians will respond to such a big monstrosity in their lands, but... Let's say in the bamboo forest to the south of Reisen. It's in the western parts of Selenia. I'll make sure to visit and leave notes for you once in a while."

"Alright. I will remember this. Safe travels."

"Good luck."

The elf waves and continues on her way. You also resume your journey.

[You have been inflicted with [Curse of the Bog I]]

As you enter the Cursed Bog a few hours later, you are approached by a man similar to Arta in looks: greyish-green skin and crimson hair.

"Hello." you say warily.

"Hi. You must be that maw." he says. "Lily sent me to guide you. She's not far - a different custodian is now in place at the centre."

"Oh. Alright. Going to climb on me? It'll be faster that way."

"...Yeah, that'd be great. Name's Harmon by the way."

"Ouroboros."

You make your way through the Bog, meeting a Moss Walker on the way. Just like the swamp girl you know, your guide manages to convince it not to eat you.

Soon enough, you find a patch of solid ground where a tent has been pitched. Upon hearing your approach, a woman look outside and leaves it. Sure enough, it's Lily.

Her dress is different - heavy, high boots for traversing a swamp, a thick leather cape with a hood for protection against cold and rain, and a rough shirt for long journeys. No witch hat is in sight.

"You've grown."

"The perks of an evolution." you say.

"Well... Wherever we go, I'd rather circumvent the swamp than go through it at this point. I honestly don't want to deal with Dead Eaters - though I guess with our strength they'd be just a nuisance."

"If you wish."

"Where will we be going, then? I remember you said you need the help of an expert in Marebito cheat skills to kill one. So we'll be going to Enric?"

You briefly think about it. The witch mentioned that this man, an expert in the cheat powers of reincarnators, lives in the Riverlands, to the southwest across the Deadlands. It makes sense not to get distracted and find a way to deal with your target quickly - it's a task you got from the gods themselves, after all. But... you could miss out on whatever is happening in Selenia, to the northeast, across the mountains. Travelling there would also lead you to Morphomancers, wherever they are in those lands.

Other options remain as well. You don't know much about lands to the southeast, Aztlan, and northwest, whatever lies beyond Astorias, but you could check them out as well.
>Go west, towards the Riverlands.
>Go northeast, across the mountains and to Selenia.
>Go south, beyond Demonica. That's where the "Meta Oracles" are.
>Write-in

>>6235040
Ask Lilys Opinion. You heard the rumor about that sorcerer picking a fight with a powerful monster. Would she be interested in that? Though you are fine with just going to Enric. Cant be chasing every little thing at once. Especially with the traveltimes involved.

Also does she want to ride on top of us? Should be good enough. We dont get tired and will move faster

>>6235076
+1

>>6235040
>Go south, beyond Demonica. That's where the "Meta Oracles" are.

>>6235040
>Go west, towards the Riverlands.

>>6235076
>>6235206
>>6235294
>>6235414
>Ask Lily's opinion
>ride on top

"I heard there's a conflict brewing in Selenia. An elf told me yesterday that a 'Sorcerer of Despair', whoever that is, picked a fight with a powerful monster, and it may upset the balance of power there."

"The Sorcerer of Despair? He's a World Boss residing in the City of Tears. If a monster gained such power that it may challenge even him... Yeah, that'd be worth looking at, if dangerous."

"Where do [i]you[/i] want to go? To see Enric or to visit Selenia? Or perhaps somewhere else entirely?"

"Me? I'm... kind of tired of working in the Bog. Even with the wards, the environment puts a lot of pressure on you. I'd rather relax and see some old acquaintances than get embroiled in a region-wide conflict, even if these acquaintances are an entire Deadlands away. So my pick would be the Riverlands. But I'll follow you wherever you decide to go."
>"To Riverlands it is."
>"I think we'll be able to rest while on the way. Selenia is just too important to pass up. That's where Morphomancers are as well - I've got a reason to seek them out..."
>Write-in

>>6235961
>"To Riverlands it is."

This is a partnership. Lets make sure to start our travels off right. And these Oracles are on our bucketlist anyway

>>6235961
>"To Riverlands it is."

>>6235961
>"To Riverlands it is."

No update today. Will try to write one early tomorrow.

Not early, but at least I did write it.
>"To Riverlands it is."

"To Riverlands it is." you say. "Will you ride on top? I'm bigger and faster - we'll cover more distance this way."

"Sure."

You lay down to make the task easier, and Lily climbs up on you with great agility.

At last, a woman is riding you again. Perhaps not in the way you hoped, though...

...

You travel fast. Your undead body knows no exhaustion as you run along the border of the Cursed Bog. As usual, you see some monstrosities in the distance, but you both evade each other. There is, however, an interesting scene you observe once you make it past the northern limit of the Bog and start travelling straight west a couple days later.

A group of 3... bone giants about your size or even bigger are beating a little object with their clubs (essentially bones from some great beast). The object is protected by a seemingly magical shield phasing into existence at every hit. Is that... a person in their midst? You can't make it out this far away.

The person strikes the giants with something in return, but doesn't seem to do much damage, though it makes the giants stumble back.

"We should probably help out." Lily says, noticing the direction of your attention. "Between you and me, we can beat them, I think."
>"Yeah." Engage the bone giants. [specify opening tactics: which skills to use first?]
>"Let's not get ourselves in any unnecessary danger."
>Write-in

>>6237123
>"Yeah." Engage the bone giants. [specify opening tactics: which skills to use first?]
Fireball the bone giants!

>>6237123
Thanks for the updoot. Don't worry about when it went up, it takes time to cook.
>"Yeah." Engage the bone giants. [specify opening tactics: which skills to use first?]
I agree with anon, ghostly fireball's a good starter.

>>6237123
Support for the ghosteflame fireballs outlined here>>6237125
And >>6237181

Maybe aim the fire upwards towards the torsos to keep the splash away from the shield

>>6237123
>"Yeah." Engage the bone giants.
I'm not gonna sugarcoat it [ghostflame]

>>6237123
>"Yeah." Engage the bone giants. [specify opening tactics: which skills to use first?]
Sing

>>6237123
>"Yeah" Engage the bone giants
Hit them with a Frozen Ground first while they're distracted, then line up a Blinding Light Lance to hit at least 2 of them.

>>6237604
Then again, this only works if they aren't surrounding the person. Might be better to just line up a Lance shot to peel them then use Frozen Ground when they approach. I doubt all of them would be fast enough to evade its full effect.

>>6237125
>>6237181
>>6237192
>>6237227
>>6237518
>>6237604
>[Ghostflame Fireball II]

3 anons please roll 1d100.
DC: 50 / 70

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>6237685

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>6237685

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>6237685

>>6237685
missed the voot, but thankfully we passed it >>6237696

>87
"Yeah." you say, starting your charge towards the giants. One thing bothers you though...

"Will you be fine jumping off at speed?" you ask Lily, slowing down a bit.

"Don't worry about it. Just run."

With that, you break into a gallop, covering the distance between yourself and the giants in a couple minutes.

Among them is indeed a person - a warrior clad head to toe in steel, wearing a surcoat with an image of... the sun?

The giants notice your approach and prepare to face you.

"LEAVE US OUR PREY, MONSTER." one of them says from afar, voice rumbling and deep. "THERE ARE PLENTY OF FISH IN THIS SEA OF DEAD."

"I fancy this particular one." you answer, immediately slinging 3 Ghostflame Fireballs, one at each of them.

The giants try to block the projectiles with their clubs, but the explosions engulf them in ethereal flames. They groan and stagger back, now burning.

That's when you reach them, charging full speed.

Slamming into the nearest giant, you topple it and land on top of its body. Immediately, you bite with your full strength at its neck, snapping close your drakehead jaws. Then again, and again.

The giant seems battered, but not defeated. And the other ones are swinging their clubs at you just as you lift your head.

That's when they are struck by magic you haven't seen before.

One of them freezes completely, club mid-swing. The other finishes its strike, landing a blow, but seems immobilized and unable to follow up, purple, ethereal threads (or chains?) surrounding it.

[You have lost 27 HP]
[You have been inflicted Stun for 2.5 seconds]

They hit surprisingly weak for their size. That stun is nasty, though.

"I cast spells to stun and lower their damage." Lily yells from a couple dozen metres away. She seems to have jumped off safely. "They'll be back at full power in some seconds!"

Ah. That explains it.

Better make good use of this time.

There is a giant prone under you and two immobilized ones nearby. In your arsenal are some hard-hitting spells. Out of the corner of your eye, you see the warrior that was on the defence just a minute ago charging at the giants with a flaming sword. Lily is approaching fast, her own blade bare. You wonder if she'll do much damage with it since she's a mage first and foremost...

A few precious seconds pass, and you regain the ability to move and attack.

What do you do?
>Write-in strategy

consult character sheet from OP for skills & modifiers + >>6232980 [Fireblast] and [Naida Sword] - the rolls may not correspond to hits and skill usage directly, as I said previously, but I am using actual numbers and enemy sheets to calculate damage and effects (not 100% precisely, but still)

>>6237743
>Use frozen ground to debuff the giants for even longer

>>6238045
>+1
I was gonna pic the lance, but then I re-read the file and saw that if they stay for a long time in the zone they take cold dmg and will have an increase slowdown, so supporting this

>>6238045
Clever strategy, I'll back it.

>>6238079
I'm >>6237181, again.

>>6238045
>>6238047
>>6238079
>Frozen Ground

I'll throw in one other spell, [Inspiring Song], since you have enough time for it and it is an all-around useful buff for everyone. You'll then make some physical attacks. Hope anons don't mind this addition.

Now, please roll 1d100 Bo3.
DC: 50 / 80
Update itself probably today but maybe tomorrow.

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>6238188

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>6238188

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>6238188

>>6238230
Nice one

>>6238196
>>6238200
>>6238230
>81
You invoke [Frozen Ground]. The earth around you gets covered in ice. The frost creeps up the giants' limbs and grips their bodies, slowing them. It is an odd sight, observing frost and fire both doing their work on a single target.

You do not observe idly, however. You start a song.

It is a valorous, inspiring melody. Your allies seem to slow down a little, but a moment later strike with renewed power.

[You are now under effect of [Inspiring Song] for 2 minutes]
[+20% DEF, RES, SPD; +30% all damage]

The knight charges at the nearby giant bound by Lily's ethereal chains. The warrior slashes with his flaming sword, sending a wave of fire through. Several bones break in the giant's body, and those near the blast are scorched with flame. It seems to do more damage than your ghostflame.

Lily does a strange thing. She throws her blade at the stunned giant, the needle-like sword striking the foe with great speed, sending a shockwave breaking the giant's skeleton in several places. The witch then pulls on something, light glinting off a thin line, and the blade returns to her hand just as quickly, like a needle pulled by a string...

As for you, you keep biting at the prone giant, cracking its bones one after another. It struggles to get up and reach for the club, but you've pinned it firmly.

The stunned giant soon regains its movement. You evade its club strike easily due to the frost and speed buff, and retreat a bit.

The knight keeps slashing at the immobilized giant, while the witch launches another attack. Out of her outstretched hand flies a purple projectile that pierces one giant, then jumps to another, and finally the last one.

Yet even this proves not enough to kill them, as the giants recover and prepare to strike with their crude weapons again. They are battered and not far from complete death, though... The question is whether you'll get hurt from their raging, final attack, or kill them flawlessly.

3 anons please roll 1d100.
No DC, but higher is better.

I will assume you'll be using [Blinding Light Lance] and keeping up the physical attacks. If you have any particular tactic in mind, do write-in. This'll be the last update for today, so there's enough time to outline a strategy.

Rolled 36 (1d100)

>>6238316
... FLAWLESS VICTORY

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>6238316
nat 100 to wrap it up

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>6238316

>>6238368
Aw, fuck. Wrong ID. Thought I rolled the 19.

>>6238370
Please for the love of god do not post s oyjaks in my threads, I hate them with my entire heart. Regular wojaks and doomer, boomer etc. modifications are okay, just not s oyjaks.

Anyway, I have slept well and am writing now. Gonna be an early update for once, though probably a short one.

>>6238328
>>6238364
>>6238366
>36
The giants act slowly, the frost stiffening their movement. Yet even like this, one of them manages to get a hit on you as you slip up in your attempt at finishing it off.

[You have lost 63 HP]

...and they're quite strong at their full power.

It matters not. One hit is all you take. The rest of the deal is finished by the warrior lifting his sword and bathing the surroundings in flame - an explosion bursting from his weapon.

You feel sick, but do not get damaged.

[You have been inflicted [Light Poisoning II]]
[You have lost 5 HP]
...

Once the fire subsides, you see the giants laying on the ground. Scorched, broken, blackened husks. Perhaps not too different from the skeletal forms they possessed before the fight...

[You have gained 66 EXP] x 3

"It is odd to see a monster protect me." the knight says, sheathing his sword, his voice muffled by the helm. "Even odder that you are accompanied by a human witch. My name is Lorraine. What's yours, and where do you journey?"

"Lily."

"Ouroboros. We're travelling to the Riverlands. Got a scholar in one of the cities that we need to see."

"The cities? The guard and monster hunters would kill you on sight. They spare little mercy for monsters, even if they act benevolent and talk peacefully. I trust you have prepared for this welcoming?"

You pause. "...No."

"Well, be ready, then. A disguise is badly needed for someone of your size."

"Where are you going?" you decide to change the topic.

"To Teshret, to the south of Riverlands. I am a missionary spreading the true faith of Astra to those heathen lands."

"I thought gods are universal in this world."

"Far from it. They hold their dominion wherever there are shrines or believers."

"And you're planning to spread our faith there alone?" Lily doubts him.

"...Yes. There are some... circumstances, that make this a solitary mission. They are unimportant for this talk."

>Ask him where you can find him should you go to Teshret.
>Ask something else? [write-in]
>Say your goodbyes and keep going west.

>>6238514
>Ask him where you can find him should you go to Teshret.

>>6238514
>Say your goodbyes and keep going west.

>>6238514
>Ask him where you can find him should you go to Teshret.
Priest chad

>>6238519
>>6238558
>>6238836
Thought I should mention that lore questions are welcome, if you have any. Maybe it's confusing without clear-cut prompts, but I'm counting on anons to pick what interests them most about these particular characters or the lands they know.

If you don't want to ask anything and go for the base option, that's fine as well, I can understand that lore dumps framed in dialogue can be boring. Perhaps I'll have a better way of revealing details about the setting in future encounters and conversations.

Update tomorrow by the way, idk if early or late.

>>6238514
Got any tips on how i could maybe get an audieence with that qcholar? Or a skill that might qllow me to sneak in? I dont hate humans and sont want to hurt anyone. I just have some questions.

Also why would these hunters not be open ir someone wanted to talk? Have there been such negative incidents before?

>>6238519
>>6238558
>>6238836
>>6239179
>Ask him where you may find him should you go to Teshret
>How to meet the scholar?
>Would warriors and guards be open to talk?
"Do you have any ideas how I may sneak in and get an audience with that scholar?"

"I know neither who you're talking about nor how you may meet him. However, I have heard of monsters using illusion magic to conceal themselves. You may want to find a skill crystal that will grant you the ability to disguise or transform yourself. That may work."

"I've read about those." Lily says. "Problem is, they're rare and are usually harvested by others. We'll have to search ourselves or enlist someone's help for finding them. Meeting Enric is the least of problems - he's not some high-ranking official that you need to jump through hoops to meet. Though he doesn't share his study's location with many."

"Why do monster hunters and guards attack monsters on sight?" you say. "Could I reason with them? I don't hate humans and I'm not interested in hurting them."

"Monsters are usually wild and unpredictable." Lorraine answers. "All they look for is growing their strength. There are some who talk, but most would use it to trick and defeat their enemies. That's why most humans wouldn't even give you a chance to explain yourself. Gods witnesses, I would have killed you had you not saved me and had a witch as a companion. Better safe than sorry." the warrior pauses. "You have my thanks for that, by the way. Those giants almost broke my shield. I wouldn't have been able to destroy all three if you didn't come."

"You're welcome."

You think back to your dealings with humans and that elf woman so far. They all talked to you as their equals. Some attacked or prepared, sure, but most were receptive. Were you just lucky to encounter ones willing to listen? Or does travelling through the Deadlands encourage different views on monsters than the majority of people in safer lands?

"Where may I find you in Teshret should I go there?"

"I do not know. The locals likely won't be too happy about me proselytizing in their cities and towns, so look for abandoned fortresses or structures not far from the Riverlands border. With luck, you will find me."
>Ask something else. [write-in]
>Say goodbye and continue travelling west.

>>6239316
>Say goodbye and continue travelling west.

>>6239316
>Say goodbye and continue travelling west.

>>6239316
>"Safe travels. As safe as they can be in these interesting lands"
>Continue travelling

>>6239316
>Say goodbye and continue travelling west.

No update today.

>>6239994
okie dokie

Sorry for the radio silence, not dead, just can't put my mind to writing at all, even if the update is probably going to be simple. I'll post it tomorrow.

>>6241302
waiting warmly

>Say goodbye and continue travelling west.
"Well then, safe travels." you say. "As safe as they can be in these interesting lands."

"Thank you. Safe travels to you too."

With that, you part ways with the knight.

Circumventing the area where you died to necrobees, you decide to check the bone scouts' base. It doesn't respond with magic attacks this time around. You get closer, and see there are no watchmen at all...

There is a great amount of footprints in the soft, ashen ground of the Deadlands. Some look like hooves.

"I'll take a look inside." Lily says and promptly dismounts you.

Yourself, you peer inside through the big entrance - not big enough to fit your body, but your drake head goes in nicely.

There are corpses and blood baked into the stones of the courtyard. Some of the dead are human, some resemble that skill trader you met a while ago.

"Demons were here." Lily confirms your suspicion.

After a few more minutes of search, the witch returns from the depths of the ruins.

"They took all the crystals and loot." she continues. "It's odd to see a demonic expedition this close to the Astorian border. I don't know if it's a prelude to a bigger invasion, but... it may be a good idea to warn the wardens of Shershen to the north. What do you think? I won't take you there - Lorraine was right, they will attack you immediately. We can rendezvous in this fortress in 4 days."
>"Alright." you'll just do some other things in the mean time. But what? [specify: hunt, look for places of interest, rest and regain HP, write-in?]
>"I think they'll manage without our warnings."
>Write-in

>>6241993
>"Alright." you'll just do some other things in the mean time. But what? [specify: hunt, look for places of interest, rest and regain HP, write-in?]
Check for places of interest and if you can find any scouts that might have survived

>>6241994
+1

>>6241993
>>6242093 +1

>>6241994
>+1

>>6241994
>>6242093
>>6242101
>>6242278
>Check for places of interest and if you can find any scouts that might have survived

Very well. 3 anons please roll 1d100 for scout search.
DC: 40

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>6242445

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>6242445

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>6242445
rolling
>>6242450
>>6242464
okayish

>>6242480
>>6242464
>>6242450
Not great. But also not terrible.

>54

"Alright. Meet you here in 4 days."

The witch nods and departs north... but not before noticing something.

"Boros, come here." she beckons.

You follow her around to the other side of the fortress, where there are much fewer footprints. A single trail leads north, towards Astorias.

You decide to accompany Lily north for a bit. Maybe you'll meet the escaped scout?

Your travels are quick to bear fruit. A few hours later, just as the earth grows darker, more fertile, you come across a woman striding through the fields. She seems to prepare herself for battle as you approach.

"Hello." you say. When you banter, the volume of your voice doesn't seem significant. However, at times like these, when you need to call out to someone from afar, you are reminded just how powerful it is. "Long time no see, Nikke."

It is, of course, the gal that stood up for you when the bone scouts were in doubt about the betrayal business.

She lets you approach.

"Uh." she seems confused. "Hello?"

"I'm the skeletal maw from a month or two back." you explain. "Name's Ouroboros."

"Oh... Oooohhh. That's a relief." she pauses. "You've seen the fortress?"

"Yes. A demon attack. Were you the only survivor?"

"Yes... Yes, I think I am. I ran away through the back entrance once I understood there's no hope for a victory... I'm such a coward."

"You did the reasonable thing." Lily says. "How many demons were there? Do you know whether they're planning an invasion or this was just a single raid?"

"There were more of them than us. 50 at least. They simply overpowered us." Nikke seems crestfallen as she recalls the events. "They didn't negotiate for loot, just rushed through our spells under magical shields and slaughtered everyone. We got some of them, about 10, but it was not enough. I don't know if there will be a larger attack. We've been keeping up contact with other scout groups, but a couple weeks ago their messengers started disappearing. We checked the outposts and found only corpses of humans and demons. We thought they wouldn't dare attack this far north, but... well, you've seen yourselves what that hope yielded us."

"Seems like preparation to me." Lily says, glancing at you. She seems unfazed by the tale. "Thank you for the story. I'm going north to warn Shershen of this. Let's go together."

"Yes. The way will be safer as a pair." Nikke says.

You consider asking your own questions.
>"What are you going to do now that your group is dead?"
>"Do you want to come with us once you recover in the city? We're going to the Riverlands. Doesn't seem like you have anywhere to go now, and with the demons marching on Astorias things are going to get hot here."
>"Do you remember any crystal spawning points in the area your group looted? I could use any additional power I can get."
>Write-in question or reply?
>Say goodbye and go on to search for places of interest like you planned. [54 roll carries over]

>>6242496
>"Do you want to come with us once you recover in the city? We're going to the Riverlands. Doesn't seem like you have anywhere to go now, and with the demons marching on Astorias things are going to get hot here."
>"Do you remember any crystal spawning points in the area your group looted? I could use any additional power I can get."

>>6242496
Support for >>6242498

A lone scout is gonna be a dead scout soon enough.

>>6242496
>"Do you want to come with us once you recover in the city? We're going to the Riverlands. Doesn't seem like you have anywhere to go now, and with the demons marching on Astorias things are going to get hot here."
>"Do you remember any crystal spawning points in the area your group looted? I could use any additional power I can get."

>>6242496
>"Do you want to come with us once you recover in the city? We're going to the Riverlands. Doesn't seem like you have anywhere to go now, and with the demons marching on Astorias things are going to get hot here."

No update today.

>"Do you want to come with us once you recover in the city? We're going to the Riverlands. Doesn't seem like you have anywhere to go now, and with the demons marching on Astorias things are going to get hot here."
>"Do you remember any crystal spawning points in the area your group looted? I could use any additional power I can get."

"Do you remember any crystal spawning points in the area your group looted? I could use any additional power I can get."

"We were regularly looting some every day, so I think few remain not harvested. Mostly bit ones. The medium and large ones spawned rarely, and those in dungeons where you probably won't be able to enter with your size. Though there was a bone mound that emerged out of the earth recently. It is to the southwest of our base, near the Necrus Magna hills. There may be something useful for you there. If it hasn't been taken by other monsters, that is."

"Thank you. And about the future... Do you want to come with us once you recover in the city? We're going to the Riverlands. Doesn't seem like you have anywhere to go now, and with the demons marching on Astorias things are going to get hot here."

Nikke pauses, considering this offer for a dozen seconds.

"I don't know... I still have debts to repay. I'll need to find another line of work... But you're right, I don't have anywhere to go. Maybe an opportunity will present itself in the Riverlands... Okay, I'll travel with you."

"Good." you say. "Safe travels, then. Until we meet again."

"Goodbye."

You return south, towards the bone scout base, then past it and into the Deadland plains. You see the bone mound from afar. Many tons of skeletal remains, piled together in a great hill.

There are monstrosities here besides you, some weaker, some stronger than you. They battle each other on the slopes and around the mound, trying to get on top of it.

You wonder how such a thing can appear so quickly, but get interrupted by a message.

[QUEST ISSUED]
[Mound Lord]
[Prove your worth at the Bone Mound.]
[OBJECTIVE]
[Kill 2 C- or higher rank monsters without leaving the area.]
[REWARD]
[+70 MAX HP, +30 MAX MP, [Stone Skin] skill.]
[ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVE]
[Ascend to the top of the Bone Mound and claim a part of the treasure.]
[ADDITIONAL REWARD]
[100 EXP, Epic item.]
[ACCEPT QUEST?]
[Y/N]

It doesn't promise a crystal, but...
>Y. You'll do both objectives.
>Y. Only the main one though.
>N. Chaos reigns here. You may die if you're not careful. Look for something else.

>>6243794
>Y. You'll do both objectives.
Maybe we'll run into the qt lich.

>>6243794
How much ho do we have left

But in general. Yes. Do both

>>6243890
320/360 + 30/30 HP from [Darkshield]
You lost like 100 in the giant fight and haven't regained a lot due to your reincarnation debuff.

>>6243794
>Y. You'll do both objectives.

>>6243794
>Y. You'll do both objectives.

>>6243794
>Y. You'll do both objectives.

I am usually very picky about art for my quests. Whenever I look for images, I usually turn up empty-handed because none of them match 100% what I have in mind and that is enough for me to reject them. That's why I don't usually post or try to find any at this point.

With that said, I completely accidentally stumbled upon art that one of my friends shared, that reflects the style and atmosphere of Lily Arante. It doesn't necessarily show what she's usually wearing, nor does she have a sword this big, but it reflects the general air about her and the hairstyle + witch's hat matches. picrel.

Now, for the quest itself.

>>6243801
>>6243890
>>6243904
>>6243959
>>6244346
>Y. You'll do both objectives.

Y. You accept the quest.

There's quite a few different monsters you observe. Undead with beaks akin to those of the roc, stocky and tough, reminding you of your time as Bone Tortoise, whittling down their enemies with raw strength and endurance. Monsters more of rotten flesh than bone, immolated by ghostflame but seemingly not being hurt by it, slinging off parts of their bodies as an adhesive, burning substance to hurt their enemies. Some looking like that two-legged thing you encountered back when you first met Arthur, spitting acid that dissolves bones and making powerful kicks shattering their adversaries.

All in all, a wide assortment of undead creatures have assembled here. Upon closer observation, oddly enough, not many dare ascend to the top of the mound, like you thought initially.

What will your tactic be for them?
>[Frozen Ground], then fight the slowed enemies by regular means: [Blinding Light Lance], [Fireblast], [Ghostflame Fireball II]. Might as well heal yourself using [Life Drain] and get some physical hits in for the lifesteal from [Naida Sword].
>Use [Charming Song] to try and get as many of them on your side as you can. Then kill whatever seems like 2 C- monsters required for the main objective with damaging spells and physical attacks.
>Something's not right here. Try to ascend the slope and see why other monsters aren't too interested in reaching the summit. You will probably get attacked on the way though.
>Write-in

>>6244448
>Something's not right here. Try to ascend the slope and see why other monsters aren't too interested in reaching the summit. You will probably get attacked on the way though.

>>6244448
>Something's not right here. Try to ascend the slope and see why other monsters aren't too interested in reaching the summit. You will probably get attacked on the way though.

>>6244448
>[Frozen Ground], then fight the slowed enemies by regular means: [Blinding Light Lance], [Fireblast], [Ghostflame Fireball II]. Might as well heal yourself using [Life Drain] and get some physical hits in for the lifesteal from [Naida Sword].

>>6244454
>>6244483
>>6244566
>Something's not right here. Try to ascend the slope and see why other monsters aren't interested in reaching the summit. You will probably get attacked on the way though.

You start making your way up the slope, and sure enough, with the battle royale around you, some of the monsters attack.

Your enemies resemble raptors - two powerful legs tipped with long, sharp claws; small, useless arms; and a mouth filled with razor teeth. All of this on a skeletal frame.

There's quite a lot of them, too - no less than 10, and with a greater, more powerful raptor leading them.

You prepare for battle, and feel another, strange omen looming over you...

Could 3 anons please roll 1d100?
DC: 50 / 80
(I will assume the tactic is Frozen Ground -> attacking spells spam, if you have any additions please write them in)

>>6245133
MOVE, BITCH.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>6245133
Forgot to roll.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>6245133