Chapter 22 < Chapter 23 > Chapter 24
Chapter 23 - "A-maze-ing hunt"
When I arrive at the meeting room, it feels slightly colder for some reason. Not because of the actual temperature, but the "feeling" of the room. The majority of the lizard-man is back to their schedule, and many of them are still working on the tents for the recently returned hunters. The mood is not as bad, as I expected it to be after mourning for their fallen tribesman. I guess, they are just used to it. The Orc toke a seat at a free spot near a wall. He looks like he's not sure what to do from here on and merely watches the others do their thing. Hassak and Orsha are sitting in the middle of the meeting-room beneath the shining dungeon-core, and are leisurely talking about something. But before I join them, it would be a good idea to accept that achievement with the big reward and the new tire, so I'm better aware of my options during the conversation.
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Achievement: "Going slowly" (Needed: "Getting a foundation")
Condition: Have at least 10 creatures (10/10). Place at least 10 traps (10/10). Advance the dungeon to a min of 500 m² (500/500). Create at least 10 rooms (10/10). Kill at least 10 Creatures(10/10). Relocate the dungeon-core at least ones.
Reward: 1500 DP, The next Research is shortened by 75 hours, "Population" on "Dungeon Info"-screen, Reach "Tire Z+", new Theme: "Swamp", new spawner: "Rat Nest".
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[There it is.] After fulfilling a load of conditions, it gives me almost as many rewards. A pile of DP, a shortcut on the next research project, a "population" update for the dungeon info, a new theme, a new spawner, and of course; the new tire! I accept it with a not small sense of satisfaction.
Announcement Voice: "Hidden Achievement unlocked!"
[Wow?!] As soon as the "Going slowly" achievement disappears, two new ones immediately replace it:
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Achievement: "Growing more" (Needed: "Growing slowly")
Condition: Have at least 25 creatures (10/25). Place at least 25 traps (10/25). Create at least 25 Rooms 10/25). Complete at least one research. (1/1). Kill at least 25 Creatures(25/25). Extend your Domain by at least 25 m (0/25). Advance the dungeon to a min of 1500 m² (1500/1500).Reward: 2000 DP, 100 Research Hours, New research: "Treasure", reach "Tire Y-", new Theme: "Tropical", new spawner: "Spider Nest"
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Achievement: "Impatient" (Hidden)
Condition: Get more then one rise in tire in under 24 hours.
Reward: 500 DP, The cost for your next research is reduced by 50 DP, 5x Magic trap: "Turn to stone".
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The first is just a follow up to the previous one, with half of the conditions already fulfilled again. The other is yet another one of those "secret" achievements. And while I'm sure happy about the extra treat ... [Man, I wish I would know about their conditions beforehand!] This things make me want to start trying out all kind of crazy stuff, just to see if I get rewarded for it. It sure would drive me crazy, if I give in to that. But at the same time a "secret" thing is something supposed to be hard to find. So it comes with a bit of an accomplishment feeling.
But a part of this ones reward is unusual. [... "5x Magictrap" ... What do you mean by "5x"?] So far the achievements always "unlocked" things for me, so I could build as many of them as I want, but this one gives me a limited amount. And I would be disappointed about it, if not for the kind of reward; ["Turn to stone"...]. This leaves me with a bunch of questions, like:
"Is the Magic time-limited?" I mean, is the victim getting "unpetrified" after some time again?
"Can it be deactivated, like the mechanical traps?" Would be a pain if not, it's usability would be only limited to places far away from any of my inhabitants.
"Do I still get the soul from the victim?" Does a petrified body even count as "dead"?
"Do I still have to pay for it?" Well, that would be the easiest one to answer.
This new trap seems very powerful, but I should be very careful while testing them. They are not as straight forward as the ones I had so far ...
After accepting it, I looked the Trap up in the spawn-menu:
){}-----------------------------------------{}(
Creatable Items:
Equipment / Furniture / Traps / Tools / Consumables / Magical / Misc.
All Traps / Activators / Mechanical Trap / Magical Trap / Aerial TrapPressure Plate - 50 DP
Trip Wire - 20 DP
Connection - 5 DP
Spikes - 10 DP
Boulder Trap - 100 DP
Arrow Trap - 100 DP
Spike Trap - 120 DP
Magic trap: "Turn to stone" - free / 5 uses
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Remaining DP - 2993
){}-----------------------------------------{}(
I select it, in hope of getting some kind of hint of how it works, but I got disappointed. [At least, I don't have to pay for it.] Anyway, it's no use brooding about it right now. There's someone waiting for me ...
I connect my thoughts to Orsha.
Me: [Good evening.]
Orsha: [... Yes! It is a good evening!]
That's not ... ah, well.
Me: [Thanks for waiting, I had to take care of something first ...]
Orsha: [The great spirit "Kalifos" does not need to apologize!]
Somehow we are getting entangled with formalities. I just want to start a conversation.
Me: [So ... how's everyone settling in? Any problems so far?]
I need to get better in my socializing skills, if I want to keep my leading position ...
Orsha: [No! All homes will be ready soon.]
Me: [I'm glad to hear that ...]
I just notice how I'm beginning to feel nervous for some reason. Hassak, who I now see for the first time without the bone-mask, has noticed that Orsha is in contact with me and waits patiently. There's something about his presence that just radiates this great authority, which is the reason for my uneasiness, and I silently realize that the short week of my existence is nothing, compared to his many years of experience. At the same time, he can't hope to challenge me in power. It's the first time that I feel like; there's someone on a somewhat equal ground with me.
Me: [Orsha, I want you to transfer my words to Hassak.]
Orsha: [Yes!]
She nods obediently.
Me: [Tell him: We may not be directly depending on each other, but there could be great benefit, If we work together.]
Hassak just silently nods to my words. That's the reason why he went through all the effort to get in agreement with me after all. For the rest of the conversation, Orsha becomes my connection to him.
Me: [For this I wanted to discuss some matters with you.]
Hassak through Orsha: [Hassak will hear you out!]
I confirm with Orsha that she told him about our agreement with the dark-elves and the goblin issue, and ask him what he thinks about it.
Hassak replies that he had seen the "dark-man" once in the woods. They had a bunch of "people from different tribes" with them. I guess that where some of the freed slaves Marsif was talking about. Sadly, that's all he knows about them, which doesn't help me to clarify my impression about these guys. On one hand, I feel this connection with them, like we're on the same side. The thought of allying myself with them feels almost natural. On the other hand, there's this voice at the back of my mind that tells me; "They're just using you, their sweet words are lies!"
Hassak's thoughts about the Goblins are a different matter: There where times when the Ashranie and the goblins where hunting together. But then, they where chased out of the swamps and lost contact. When they met again, the goblins where almost starving. In their desperation, they attacked the Lizard-Man's hunting party that encountered them, but where to week to put up a real fight. The relationship between them never recovered. To hear that they are in trouble again, makes Hassak worry about what they could do.
Concerning the dark-elves, Hassak is fine with whatever I decide. That is, as long as I avoid unnecessary dangers for his tribe, which is understandable. But as long as I don't know more about them, I can't say what's more secure; opposing them, or working together. I'll need to clarify, that I'm not interested in playing games with them, and as long as we are open and honest to one another, it can turn out to be a beneficial relationship.
In the goblin-matter, Hassak is not advising towards any specific actions either, so I guess that's also for me to decide. Maybe he's testing me, to see if I can fell a wise decision, or maybe he just trusts me upon it ... No matter the reason, after considering the options on hand, I decide to go for a friendly, diplomatic course. At least with the goblins. My first thought was sending someone to silently observe them first, but that could be seen as a hostile act if the spies got catched. And then we could forget about good relations. Since they where on friendly terms with each other once, I ask Hassak if he wants to reestablish that agreement. To start things out, we should aim for the "cooperative hunting" again, and see how this works out. He takes some time to think it over
Hassak through Orsha: [Hassak does not object! But Ashranie hunters do not like the green-skins.]
Me: [Is it only because they attacked you back then, or are there more reasons for distrust?]
Hassak: [... Hunters say, they stink and are ugly.]
There's a smirk appearing on his face. But while it sounds like a joke, I've heard Orsha saying these exact words before, without any humor.
Me: [Well, we're not aiming for hygiene- or beauty-contests here. It's about survival! In case the human soldiers -or anyone else- come knocking at our door again, we'd need anyone able to hold a weapon on our side.]
Hassak: [Like Hassak said; Hassak does not object. But it will take time for the Ashranie to find trust in their hears towards the green-men.]
Then, He tells me that he is just one of few, that able to converse with them. We should be careful who to send for peace-talks. The candidates are:
-Hassag (obviously). While he would probably be the best one for the job, hes's the leader of the tribe. And his tribe needs him now, probably more then ever, as both; a moral pillar, and adviser in battle or daily matters. Loosing him would be a heavy blow for the Ashranie. Especially in hard times like this.
-The second is Orsog, the lead-hunter. He is a bit of a muscle-head, as far as I can tell. Leaving diplomatic issues to him could turn out to be not the wisest decision. But then again, he has the authority and he would be able to stand his ground, in case things go wrong.
-The third would be Hoko, "the teacher". While he proved his ability in making reasonable decisions, I would like him to stay and train the young hunters in the newly prepared training-caves (aka - "the Maze"). Hassak also mentioned that Hoko's one of those who dislikes the goblins the most, since his daughter was injured during their attack.
-The last one is "Shazuk". A young hunter, who learns the sign-language for fun, but still far from perfecting it. He is neither very experienced as a hunter, nor in being an envoy, but often asks about other races. He may have the natural talent for this, but his inexperience and weakness will not bring him any respect in the goblin ranks, and therefore, could make things worse.
Of course, we could send more then one person, But the more authority is send away, the more it is lacking here. The same goes with guards for safety reasons against the wildlife and in the case the goblins turn hostile. We have still some injured from the last battle, and while Hassak brought back everyone alive, I've seen some injuries there too. To say it short, our fighting strength is diminished.
After careful consideration I suggested to send Shazug. If he has a thing for diplomacy, we should encourage and promote his talent. But after voicing my concerns about his lack of experience and his safety, Hassak said something that caused an argument between him and Orsha. After some back and forth, Hassak silenced Orsha with a single gesture of his hand. After a moment -clearly unhappy with the result- She proceeds:
Orsha: [Hassag decided to go with Shazuk. Shazuk needs to watch and learn.]
Me: [But ... Hassak just returned. Doesn't he want to rest and tend to his tribe?]
Orsha: [... Hassak says, that Orsha and Sari shall take over his duties when he is gone. Orsha and Sari needs to learn too.]
Well, If he insists, I have no right to object. I'm just surprised about his endurance, he's not the youngest one after all. But I guess living in a forest does that to you. With this, our approach on the goblin-issue is decided and we move to my next concern: The security of me and the Ashranie, and how we can combine our abilities the best to protect this place, which is becoming a home for both of us. For this, there are some ideas swirling in my mind ...
We could, for example, close and barricade the gates from inside, while at the same time opening a path through the maze, which would be very helpful in staying unnoticed. Or we could do the exact opposite, and reinforce our position at the surface by placing additional structures to get a tactical advantage. In the end we agree to at least bring the elders, children, and everyone else who should stay away from any fighting deeper down, and consider our next steps from there on. The current home of the Ashranie will then become an outpost, meant as a major line of defense against intruders. I'll make sure to reconstruct it into one, and let the Ashranie village flow into my layouts for the refugee shelter, once I get to that.
That's another concerned solved, but we're not nearly through the list of things I want to discuss. To lighten the mood from all the heavy decisions I decide to bring up some lighter topics. Like the piles of bones still scattered trough the tower. I ask Hassak if it's possible to give them a somewhat proper burial, as we don't know the circumstances and reasons for their dead, and how much they deserved it. This was actually bothering me from the moment I discovered them, but there was always so much else to do. After conversing it with Orsha for a while, he agrees. Now, the pale bones will finally get some rest.
Another thing that won't leave my mind is the sphere I was observing today. The possibility of more of them probably lying just around the corner is picking at my curiosity. I explain how I'm wondering about the story described on it, and ask if Hassak could send someone in the coming future to take a look at the other towers. The big things would obviously be to heavy to bring them in, but I would at least know if my assumption was right.
And since we're at it, I remind Orsha of our conversation about the "grey-caps" -this eatable mushrooms that she mentioned when we talked about sustainable food sources, in case hunting will not be an option for what-ever reason. We agreed on having the hunting parties look out for both things when they are out on the hunt.
Then I ask to add Sari and Hoko to the conversation, because they seemed quite impressed with their recent hunting adventure in the cave this morning. I want them to tell abut their experience, and about Hoko's plan to use it for training. Hassak merely leans his head over the shoulder and shouts their names back into the living rooms. They appear almost immediately. I refrain from establishing a link to Sari, to not add to her nervousness and they both talked for a while, causing different expressions on Orsha's and Hassak's faces, ranging from worry, over surprise to curiosity. Hassak didn't say a word until they where finished, and then replied with a single phrase:
Orsha: [Hassak wants to see!]
Me: [Hmm ... sure, why not?]
To be honest, I wanted to discuss some other things first, but we can as well do that afterwards.
Me: [Tell them that I followed Hoko's suggestion and made several instances that grow in difficulty. The creatures are higher in numbers now, so they should take some experienced hunters along to determine the danger level. And I would like a report afterwards, so I can adjust the difficulty.]
Orsha: [Yes, Orsha will tell!]
It's early nighttime already, when I leave the tower. Another day has ended and the sky presents its night gown, decorated with countless stars, partially covered by lazily passing clouds. It must be due to the short live I spend so far and the eventful time, that it feels like months have already passed during my humble existence. Maybe the fact that my intellect is already fully developed (at least I hope it is) plays a heavy role in it too. I mean, I'm not like the mind of a regular new-born. I didn't have to learn talking, or other basic stuff. When I first woke up, the thing that scared me the most was, that I miss a body. Like I was used to have one, but ... I don't remember anything about it. There must be a reasonable explanation for all of that. One day, I'll sure find it ...
It didn't take long for the Ashranie to form a hunting group, and I'm not surprised to see the strongest of them gathered together, all geared up. I don't expect that my warning is the only reason for their obviously overdressed appearance. They take the training ground as a challenge! All the important face are here: Hassak and Hoko, talking with each other about something; Orsha and her dear Ormag, listening in to them from the side; The two huntresses who slayed the horned rabbit this morning, enthusiastically talking to some youngsters, who came along out of curiosity. To my surprise even Soguru, our green-skinned newcomer showed up, and he brought his two axes with him. I guess he plans to tag along, and I can imagine who invited him. Looking at the likely culprit ... Orsog seems to be ready to go in first, like he should as the lead hunter. Even Sari is standing a bit offside and watches the enthusiastic crowd, leaning on her spear like it's a walking-stick. The whole commotion is barely lit by a few of their characteristical "fires to carry".
Me: [Orsha, what did you tell them? They are prepared for a war!]
Orsha: [Kalifos said it's more dangerous now.]
Me: [Yea, but not THAT dangerous! It's designed as a training ground after all. They will be disappointed.]
Orsha: [... Orsha apologizes!]
Me: [Nah, it's fine. I should have explained it better. Anyway, did Hoko tell you the rules?]
Orsha: [Yes! Place the orbs back in the creatures caves and let the dead bodies alone.]
Me: [Actually, I've confirmed what I wanted with the bodies, so you can do with them whatever you want. Just make sure you get the Orbs, they are difficult to replace. Besides that; every time you go through a door the encounters will be more difficult. For now, you can pas just the first door. The parts behind the second are not finished yet.]
Orsha: [Yes! Orsha will tell the hunters!]
She clears her throat to get some attention and explains the rules. After confirming that everyone understood, Hassag gives a nod to Orsog, who than jumps through the entrance with a satisfied "GA-HAAA!".
Following everyone as the last one in line I didn't even pass the doorstep when I hear the familiar angry *skreeee* echoing through the caves. When I arrive at the scene, the first rabbit is already dangling from Orsog's spearhead, who's turning around with the face of a kid that didn't get a birthday present. He is clearly fooling around and showing off at the same time. The other creature is chased around by the two overly enthusiastic huntresses. Hassak just stands there with his palm on his face shaking his head, while the sisters silently giggle behind him. And while Soguru is trying hard to hide his grin, Hoko is the only one to take the situation somewhat serious, by giving occasional commands to the fighting girls. [At least, everyone has fun.]
The second encounter is behind the first door and includes 5 rabbits, instead of just two. Orsog intends to rush in, but is met with a serious look from Hoko. Understanding the situation, namely that this is a training course and not a one-man extermination mission, he riles in.
I find it interesting to observe that Orsog, as a leading person, is obediently listening to Hoko, who doesn't have an official standing (as far as I know). It seems that knowledge and wisdom are valued higher by the Ashranie then strength and ability.
The higher number of enemies (or pray, as they would call it) allows for a bit of tactic, and gets most of them involved this time. While building it, I made sure to make the cave big enough to provide this tactical possibilities. Even Soguru gets to use his axes, but the slippery target makes him miss the first few times, getting him pumped up too. In the end, Soguru is the only one to take some horns from the rabbits, which he easily brakes off of their hears. I guess for most of them, they are not worth a trophy. Even the younger huntresses are ashamed to take something while all their leaders refrain from it.
However, the challenge is quickly finished and the group moves on. Now, the environment changes; Instead of a big room, the path spreads into multiple intercepting, twisted corridors. The paths are barely wide enough to allow for two people to stand next to each other. They are entering the area of the shadow-cats.
The group splits up from the very beginning, which I consider a wise move. Instead of following one of the groups directly, I switch tho watching them on the map. Orsog takes Soguru along, the sister go with Hassag, and Hoko accompanies the other two huntresses. Ormag stays behind to watch the entrance, in case the prey tries to escape (which I doubt). Because of the narrow paths, Orsog advises them to switch their weapons to bone-swords and claws. The spears are left back with Ormag. From there, they search the caves systematically.
Orsog is the first one who gets attacked. The drastic change in terrain and the different approach of the enemy must have surprised him, because the cat manages to slip past his guard, and sink it's teeth into his shoulder. Before he can garb it, it disappears into the shadow as fast as it appeared. Soguru throws his Ax at the last position the creature was seen, bit it strikes at nothing. Orsog touches the narrow wound and scopes up a few drops of blood ...
Orsog: "Hoo! Gor-mash sordék ro-ZAR KRANÓG DECK-MAR! GHAG-HAG-HAG-HAG ..."
His terrifying laughter echoes through the tight corridors, and for a moment I'm afraid he would tear the place apart to find the attacker. But on a second look, he doesn't seem to be angry. It's more like he's accepting the challenge!
Hassak's group catches my eye right after. They just reached a cross-way when Sari hastily turned around, pointing her weapon towards a specifically dark corner. Hassak swiftly follows her up on that...
Hassak: "Kog roshmar, Sari?"
She nods.
The next instant, the shadow moves and a black cat jumps at her neck. But before it can reach it, it's met with an upwards-slash from Orsha's sword, who positioned herself next to her sister. Sari Opens her moth, and it looks like she shrieks in surprise, but all I hear is:
Orsog: "GAHÀD SORDÉK! GHAG-HAG-HAG-HAG ..."
I look over to what happened there and see him holding up his fearsome enemy by the neck. The poor cat looks just ... crushed. Reduced to a bleeding sack of bones. I don't want to know, what he did to it, but hopefully the core is still in one piece.
Hoko's group takes the longest to finish their sly attacker. It's the first time I see him seriously taking part in a fight. His deep, commanding voice is constantly heard through the skirmish, and the two girls react according to it. The shadow-cat strikes from the shadows and disappears in it again, never using the same attack pattern twice. The silent tension between its attacks is only disturbed by Hoko's voice. Eventually, they slay it, but not without getting bitten and scratched a few times. My assumption of the shadow-cats was right; they are hardly a deadly foe. But they are good to wear down the enemy for a more serious encounter. The physical and mental pressure they put on their pray should not be underestimated.
This time the huntresses don't refrain from taking a trophy. Even Orsog took the skull of his prey. (the only part of the creature, that was in one piece as it seems) After I confirm to Orsha that they have killed everything, they let out a small cheer. While they waited for the creatures to disappear, Hassak and Sari tend to the multiple shallow wounds of the other girls. Orsog refuses to be treated. I guess he doesn't really consider that an injury. On the way back the cores of the dead creatures where placed where they belong, as I requested. Almost at the entrance, I address Orsha again:
Me: [Seems like everyone had fun.]
I look at the bunch, as they happily converse with each other. Even the Orc has a slight satisfied smile on him. That actually had the unexpected result of releasing some tension, even if I would have chosen some other activities for that.
Orsha: [Yes! The Ashranie enjoyed the hunt.]
Me: [Orsha ... Before we end the day, there is one more important thing, I want to talk with Hassak about.]
Orsha: [... Yes!]
It sounds like she has a good guess about what I have in mind, and looking at all the authority of the tribe being together, it looks like the best opportunity ...
Me: [I want to ask about that "bonding" you told me about ...]
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