Master of the Hoard - Chapter 7 (Patreon)

It is not the beauty of a building you should look for, it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time. - David Allan Coe.

The Talpi had set up shop at the entrance to the throne room in preparation for the feast and were lighting a fire to create a bright atmosphere. I found a corner at the far end of the room where I'd be least likely to be disturbed, made myself comfortable and started browsing the notifications again. In truth, I spent a god awful amount of time on it. There was a lot of information to take in and a lot of the information required for me to choose a path - something I really wasn't ready for yet. Like the 'Apply Profession' skill - it was an incredible skill and promised to increase the effectiveness of whichever path I'd choose. However, it still required me to choose a path. Should I choose warriors and opt to increase the pitiful martial abilities of the Talpi? Mages? Get some new apprentice shamans initiated and bet everything on intelligence and spells? Or aim for construction and build traps and the like to cover my ass?

The other skills I'd received were amazing. Domain Map was just what I hoped for - a mini map, outlining the terrain inside my domain. Friendly creatures were updated in real time as green dots, zipping to and fro and. Also, I could maximize the mini map, turning it into an actual, semi-transparent three-dimensional map. Oh, and there was a slider, too. At the moment, my domain was not large enough that zooming out made any sense, but zooming all the way in turned the image into an isometric view of what was going on anywhere I choose. I chortled with the ease of it all. Hopefully, it would expand to include the tunnels outside my domain at some point too. Oh, and wonder of wonders - it had an in-game clock! No more guessing at how long I spent on something - you never really knew how much you depended on something until it was gone.

Inspect was an incredible skill too. It took no mana, had no cooldown and allowed me to see details on every creature within range. Health, level, mana - it was all spelled out. Of course, that only allowed me to focus on exactly how pitiful they were. I took in a scrawny specimen who was busy removing rubble near the entrance. At level 7, he only had 55 health, less than a fourth of mine. He looked like a worker too. If this was a creature focusing on Strength and Toughness, that was... sad. Yeah, no reason to try and make them into fighters. My hoard was also unimpressive. In games, the items would be grey items - vendor trash one and all. Half-broken, rusted and flawed weapons and armor. The best item was a long spear that had decent stats, even though the low durability left it with a haft that looked like it was about to split apart. Still, I left everything as it was - a dragon needs a hoard, right? Besides, look at all the benefits it had already gained me. My favorite discovery from fiddling around with the skill was when I figured out that I could use it from the minimap. Not only would I be able to quickly check out my people in different areas of my domain, I'd also be able to identify enemies right away. At higher levels of the hoard, I'd likely be able to see attributes, abilities, strengths and weaknesses too. At least I hoped that would be possible.

I spent half an hour playing with my skills and thinking over different combinations of professions and my own evolution. I was approaching something that I thought just might work. While I wanted to learn spellcasting and such, it didn't really seem like something that'd be easy for me to master without a teacher - meaning that I would, to begin with, be aiming for the backstabbing sort instead. I'd put a few points in Strength, and the rest into Agility and Toughness. Then I would have to develop my minions to find some sort of balance between builders and spellcasters to complement my weaknesses. Even though they were scrawny, they could surely assist me.

However, the moment I went to mentally select the Level up button, I realized I had another selection available. Apparently I had been so occupied with my musings and plotting my advancement, I totally missed that I had another option appear. My mouth gaped open as I read. The new notice read instead of the "select attributes" one…..

[First Milestone reached. Evolutions available. Please select your subspecies.

Available choices: 5]

[Red Dragon:

Best known as powerhouses among dragons, red dragons tend to grow bigger, tougher and stronger than the other varieties of dragons. In addition to that, their breath weapon is infamous for its damage and sheer power. Many an enemy have underestimated the scrapping power of a red dragon, only to be crushed under claw in close combat against one of these majestic titans.

Their domains tend to be similarly straightforward, focusing on durability, direct damage and fire. Their minions are often brutish or strong, enforcing the powerful image of the reds themselves.

Red dragons receive +1 Strength and +1 Toughness for each level gained.

Breath weapon: Fire.]

[Blue Dragon:

Among dragons, blue dragons tend to stand out, for one specific reason. They travel. Even though they establish hoards like all other dragons, they often leave their hoards or establish multiple hoards. Part of this is due to their breath weapon being especially effective in open air but it is often said that this variety of dragon prefers spending their time flying over anything else. Regardless of the reason, they are the undisputed masters of the skies and hold an unmatched control of their bodies mid-air.

A blue dragon's domain is often placed in the open, however, this does not mean that it is a straight-forward affair. Traps, spells and buildings tend to blend in with the background or be well-hidden. Blue dragons have no preference when it comes to minions, but subjugate and employ whatever is available.

Blue dragons receive +1 Strength and +1 Agility for each level gained.

Breath weapon: Lightning.]

[Green Dragon:

Whereas other dragons can sometimes tolerate each other, entering into temporary truces or enforced partnerships between dragons of unequal strength, green dragons stand alone. Some of this is caused by their personalities - most green dragons are loners by nature and their tongues can be as venomous as their breath weapon. Still, one cannot dispute that being wary of green dragons is a healthy survival instinct. Their physiology and powers are created for ambushes and hit-and-run tactics.

The domain of a green dragon can be a ghastly place. Not only do they enjoy making use of natural occurrences like swamps or streams to create slippery, foggy environs. They are also notorious for interspersing their clammy habitats with traps and natural dangers at every turn. Many a challenger have succumbed to the dangers of a green dragon's domain without ever locating their inhabitant. Greens usually either choose minions that balance their own lack of raw force or ones that complement their tactics

Green dragons receive +1 Agility and +1 Mental Power for each level gained.

Breath weapon: Poison.]

[Shadow Dragon:

Shadow dragons are the least confrontational of the common dragon subspecies. They do not have the raw power for physical confrontation or the devastating damage that some of the others hold. Instead they rely on illusions and smoke and mirrors to win their fights, slowly weakening their enemies. Plenty of dragons have engaged in a seemingly straightforward battle against a shadow dragon, only to find their quarry constantly slipping away while their constitution slowly weakens.

A shadow dragon's domain is best approached with skepticism. Tricks of the eye and actual illusions combine with traps to create a dangerous environment. As for minions, they usually focus on durability, poison and delaying tactics - anything to help stall the enemy and weaken him.

Shadow dragons receive +1 Agility and +1 Mental Control for each level gained.

Breath weapon: Weakening Fog

[White Dragon:

This sub-species is a bit of an enigma. They are understandably well represented and formidable in their natural habitat - the colder climates. However, in theory they should be at a natural disadvantage when they leave their homes in the snow and ice behind. In practice, this is not the case. While they do tend to be at a disadvantage when they are on the offense, they have still managed to spread far and wide, simply by growing their domains and forcing others into conflict on their terms.

White dragon domains are often close to impregnable, frozen fortresses that sap the vitality and strength of most invaders. They have an unnatural ability to create ice and frost within their domain and do not hold back. This combines well with the preferred tactic of the subspecies, one of protracted attrition. Many white dragons leave statues of frozen former adversaries near their borders to intimidate would-be challengers. They choose whichever minions are able to survive in their harsh climates.

White dragons receive +1 Toughness and +1 Mental Control for each level gained.

Breath weapon: Frost.]

I blinked as I let the notifications fade to the background. That changed everything. For the first time since I'd come to the mountain I felt like I had the chance to get ahead. It wasn't that I believed dragons were suddenly invincible (especially a low-leveled specimen such as myself) or that there wouldn't be creatures who'd be able to take me down once I'd chosen my subspecies. However, one of those choices just spoke to me. Not only did the Agility boost suit my combat style well, but the idea of using my building experiences to create a good defensive perimeter and then apply actual illusion powers - yeah, that could work. On top of that, choosing Path of the Wise and this on top would grant me two points to Mental Control each level, boosting my mana regeneration by a lot and allowing me to build faster. What finalized my decision was the Talpi's presence. The odds of creating an actual fighting force from the weak creatures was pretty laughable. But having them dig, build and reshape the place and operate traps and, eventually, crude mechanisms while I added buildings made from mana? That seemed plausible to me.

There was one thing I needed to make sure of first though. I sent out a mental call, "Aelis - a question." As my call went unanswered, I shrugged. Fair enough - telepathy was not without limits. It would've been something of a total cheat skill otherwise. Grumbling, I rose and went to find her. One of her kin pointed me in the right direction and soon I spotted her standing guard before the entrance. This time, her reaction was instant, so visual range was likely the limit at this point - good to know. As I walked towards her, I tried out my new skill again.

Personal Info:

Name: Aelis

Race: Talpus. Level 8 – experience towards next level: 2100/8000

Size: Very small

Stats and Attributes:

Health: 70/70

Mana: 40/40

Strength: 5

Toughness: 7

Agility: 10

Mental Power: 4

Mental Control: 4

Wow. Talpi had really gotten the short end of the stick. She mentioned that they only earned one attribute point per level. This meant that… damn. They started with a quarter of the attribute points I had. Her largest score was half of my lowest. I made sure to keep my face composed as she walked closer.

"How can I assist you, Sire?"

"The building capacities of your kin. We talked about it earlier, but never went into detail."

"Ahem. Well, I must admit that large parts of our capabilities are mostly untested. As I mentioned, we have not had a steady situation where we have been able to build more than crude buildings and constructions." She glanced sideways at me before continuing, "Of course, given that we may just find that kind of stability, I would judge it as follows: Each of us is a capable digger and able to force our way through the hardest of earth and some kinds of rock and shale. In addition, every worker in our tribe has the potential to become more, attribute-wise. As for aptitude, I know at least a couple of us who have shown inclinations in that regard and I would hazard that many others will, once given the chance. Building, I mean. Our kind has a - a connection, I would call it, with earth and rock."

A tiny pang of doubt escaped from her, almost unnoticeable. This time I didn't act upon it, merely waited patiently and after a few seconds, she continued.

"I believe that anything regarding those materials, we will be able to learn to construct or alter in time - our shamans, first and foremost. Other materials, leather, bone and the like, come harder, yet our paws are nimble and we all know how to handle our stone daggers well. That is the extent of our capabilities, however. We do not know how to handle metals or anything magical." She took a deep breath before pushing onwards. "Our largest challenge lies in that area, actually. I hesitate to mention this, but it may become a problem going onwards, should you depend upon us for construction. Arthor, despite his... shortcomings, has done a wonderful job in learning his trade and his magical fortitude is impressive. Even so, while his magical skills are good, he was not fully taught in the history of our tribe and much knowledge has been lost in the transition. His two apprentices are steadfast, but nowhere near his magical prowess."

I almost patted her shoulder, then stopped myself. My fine motor control still wasn’t great and my sharp claws might just have torn her open. I really wanted my hands back. "Thank you for telling me. That part won't be as large a problem as you believe - I may be able to teach you a thing or two regarding construction. As for other materials," I waved a claw dismissively, "if there's something we need along the way, we will deal with it when it comes - no need to worry. For today, however, I want you all to relax and enjoy your feast - tomorrow, you will be put to work for the betterment of us all."

My room behind the throne room was still vacant and I made myself comfortable. A dog-like position curled up with my head resting on my tail seemed to be the most pleasant I could come up with at present. With a satisfied sigh, I opened the Character info again and went back to the selection. I felt a tiny pang of regret at all the other amazing subspecies I was turning down but knew I wasn't getting a better deal. If I opted for something like the Red Dragon in all its power and fury, I'd have to compete with creatures that were born to this body with all its predatory instincts. No, for me, it was all about building the right foundation - and being gifted with powers of sleight of hand and illusion were the perfect complement to this. I clicked the selection for Shadow Dragon and readied myself for new pop-ups to appear.

I was not prepared for the changes to my body, however. Instantly, my muscles clenched up and pain shot through my body. I experienced the sensation of mountains pressing down upon me and I couldn't have gotten to my feet if my life depended on it. I almost panicked at this point. Around my body, shadows seemed to coalesce from nowhere, gathering into a roiling mass on the ground until it looked like I was resting on a thundercloud. Shouts and shrill cries from the Talpi nearby came to me like through a broken phone, tinny and far away. I could only stare in horror as thin streams of shadow rose from the ground and, with an agonizing stab of pain, worked their way into my claws. They started moving up my arms and legs, agonizingly slow. Where the shadows went, my scales and body seethed, moving as if the blood was boiling underneath. Wisps of dark smoke escaped from in between the scales and the agony intensified before, wonder of wonders, ceasing completely as soon as the streams had passed. The pangs of pain were distracting enough that I failed to focus on the result, but clearly something was being altered in my body. What felt like ages later, the shadows dissipated from my body and my surroundings both, leaving me staring in amazement at my own body. It pulsed. I mean, I wasn't going to diss what my body had looked like initially - it was definitely apex predator, deadly, strong and sleek. Still, it had been ugly. The scales were a dull mud-color and the claws transparent. There was no magic there, no regal appearance - it was more big lizard than dragon. Well, that had just changed. I spent a while just admiring the play of the torch light on my scales as I moved my leg. The shades of grey and black seemed to drink in the flickering light and the scales looked finer, more tightly interwoven.

I looked up to see a ring of staring faces and mixed sensations of awe and confusion. I was just about to tell them all to piss off, but toned down the hostility, "This was - how the hell do I explain this? I evolved. All is as it should be. Now, my head hurts, so please leave me alone, all of you. Except for you, Aelis." My head didn't hurt. In fact, my body had never felt better, but the shock of the unexpected pain still had my temper frazzled and I wanted to avoid snapping at everybody. I looked at Aelis, "I have one final thing I need to look at and then I need your assistance."

Three final things, actually. One pop-up held the confirmation that I'd successfully evolved into a Newly Hatched Shadow Dragon. No surprise there, but it also confirmed that the +1 to Agility and Mental Control had been applied retroactively - so a full +3 to each for me. Score! The second one was a wonderful surprise. Apparently, the domain bonus for choosing shadow dragon was a bonus to hiding for every friendly creature within the domain. Very true to form and I'd be damned if it couldn't come in handy! The skill I unlocked looked incredibly useful too.

[Skill unlocked: Weakening Fog

You release a cloud of mist that saps the strength of any living creature it comes in contact with. Agility, Strength and Toughness are affected. Effects are cumulative and upon multiple applications, targets may faint or lose control of their body.

Cooldown: 30 seconds

Effects dissipate over time, but linger for up to 24 hours.]

The final one was almost too good. I realized saliva was dripping from my mouth and closed it with a snap. Alright, that part was probably due to the smells of the evening meal being prepared, but seriously, this was gold. Where were my arms when I needed to high-five somebody?

[Construction unlocked. Shadow Door.

This construction looks for all the world like a regular wooden door. However, the door has been infused with shadow essence and at a cost of personal mana it can be activated to blend in with the walls to either side. The illusion effect cannot take hold if an enemy is looking straight at the door. Any sufficiently strong-willed enemy will have a chance at seeing through and dispelling the illusion. Damage to the door may unravel the illusion.

Mana cost: 150

Construction time: 4 hours]

Sure, some people might argue it was just a door. Philistines, one and all. My imagination was already running wild, creating wicked stratagems where I could use this to surprise the crap out of any hostile attackers. Man. This was the best - that part just when you start playing, where you're looking at your resources and your surroundings, considering how you want to roll. I always loved that part. Balancing your development along with fighting capabilities, choosing whether to focus on defense now or take a chance to increase my capabilities for later. I shook my head - I had to remind myself that this was real and not some fancy game. It would be so easy to lose myself in the gamelike intricacies and forget the practical issues. Like my life was at literal stake here. Still, my mind loved the mental challenges - fat chance of me getting any shuteye today.  At least I'd be able to outsource some of the worries. "Oh, Aelis?"

"Yes?"

"I need your honest opinion. I don't need it now, but I would like an answer soon. Right this moment, I'm considering exactly how to develop the domain - our new home. I have been granted a few gifts that will do a world of good for your kin as well, but we need to think this over. So tomorrow, I'd like for you to come up with an answer for me on this: First. The limits of the domain are 300 feet from the hoard – from here, to about where you delved into the lair. How long would you think it'd take your kin to excavate all rooms in our home - not clear or clean anything, only open a path to everything? Second, I can choose to apply a gift to any three of your people. We get to choose between builders, fighters, and mages - and their skills in that profession will be improved. How would you distribute the gifts? Third. I need input on how you would work to make this place secure. Please question your builders for their input. Please go with secrecy over defense to begin with. From what I can tell, keeping the place secret is not going to be likely in the long run, but we will try for as long as we can. As an added extra, please check with the other scouts and fighters how they would ensure that your people can cause some damage to any attackers. I prefer ranged attacks, traps and the like, anything to keep you from open combat, but I'm open to suggestions. Finally, we need a better long-term plan when it comes to provisions. I want your opinion on what to do to ensure that we're always set for food and water."

She blinked. Several times. Then she went quiet for a bit. Still, her follow-up questions showed that she'd undoubtedly understood the task and she left me shortly after, deep in thought.

There were several considerations I'd have to think about in the future. One of those would undoubtedly be the subject of loyalty. I'd effectively tied my fate to that of the Talpi, so the hope was they could probably be trusted. But what kept them from stabbing me when I was sleeping? Most likely, one of my first constructions would have to be a proper door for my room. At least for the short term until I could win them over heart and soul. As for the very pressing choices before me right now... I'd not been entirely upfront with Aelis. Sure, I wanted to hear her solutions and answers to my questions, but I'd already decided my approach for the professions and had a number of ideas for defense. What I really wanted to know was how her mind worked and how effective she was as an assistant. Still, I was going to wait for her suggestions before finalizing my decisions. There was just one thing I needed to tackle before I was ready to make any informed choices. My old nemesis - math!

A moment of fiddling about on my character sheet showed me that the calculations were simple enough that I'd be able to handle it. My current rate of mana regeneration was exactly 50 mana/day. My Mental Control score doubled by the domain bonus. Fair enough. That meant two days of regenerating plus change to construct a Habitat or Stone Door or three for a Shadow Door. Now the versatility of the Mental Control score finally appeared to me - choose that as your dump stat and you'd never be able to fill your domain with constructions - you'd have to build everything the old-fashioned way. Or you could go the other route and up your Mental Control score at the cost of physical capabilities. Heh. And odds were good that you'd need to throw points into Mental Power for any higher level constructions or spells. Now, my Mental Control wasn't shit but it could definitely also be better. I was working with one unknown factor here, however, and made a quick decision.

Moments later, I was staring at my hoard, where a tiny light was slowly growing in intensity. It was the seed to a newly created Mana Crystal and I was having a hard time dragging my eyes away from the thing. The construction itself had required no skills on my side - I'd selected the crystal and moments later, I was staring down at my hoard becoming just a tiny bit less sad to look at. It wasn't really a crystal, yet - but I could clearly see how it was building itself up from the bottom, streams of mana pouring out from me to swirl around the tiny thing, adding layers one by one. It wasn't just building upon the crystal itself, however - tendrils also delved from the crystal down into the earth. I was assuming that was the whole "improve the automatic refinement of mana" thing and the whole reason I'd decided to start off with a Mana Crystal. If I wanted to plan properly long-term, I needed to know how much of a game-changer a Mana Crystal would be. Still, I'd have to wait another 12 hours to learn that - for now, I added my remaining five points from the level up into Mental Control, watching my mana regeneration increase to 60/day.

And that was enough nerdiness for me for the time being. Time to mingle with my people.