Master of the Hoard - Chapter 13 (Patreon)

Compared to the partying Talpi back there, Arthor seemed slightly less enthusiastic about our results. As always, the emotions emanating off of him were more muted than with the rest, due to his higher mental powers, but there was a clear whiff of resentment. "I hope you are proud, lizard. I have talked with Jazinth. There's meat for at least two weeks back there and it only cost us two dead and one with a broken leg."

I growled. "Aelis isn't dead. Also, you're supposed to be the specialist in earth magic here. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust. Isn't there anything you can do to heal her?"

He looked at me, perplexed. "I have no idea what you just said. Unless you want me to bury Aelis under the earth, there is nothing in my powers that can help her before that wound ends her. Living matter and dead matter are two different things. Now, could we talk about why you believe it was a great idea to throw away our people for food - especially when you already had managed to defeat a handful of them?"

I lowered my body to the ground to look Arthor in the eyes. Even lying down, I was still quite a bit taller than him, but I put my head right in front of the skinny creature, taking his measure. He didn't back down, though - he had guts - I'd give him that much. "I want you to think back to what I've promised so far and weigh your words, Arthor. I do not throw lives away carelessly. I believe you will find that I stay true to what I've said. I'll defend you with my own body. I'll lead the battles - but I will not have you disobeying orders."

"To date, I have not. But I did not promise to follow if you throw away our lives carelessly." Stubborn rat. Mole. Whatever.

"Then pay attention. First off, we needed to finish the job. They had an alpha male and five females back there in their lair. You may know the cycles of Clenchers - I sure don't - how long would it take for them to repopulate the pack?"

Grudgingly, he grimaced. "A year. Perhaps less. Like I have mentioned, births are faster and more common in the mountain."

"Exactly. We needed to finish them off. We have removed one of the five large threats to our existence already. Something is bound to move in eventually, but for now, we have a much larger area for scavenging. Also, these animals are not for food."

His eyes narrowed. "Explain."

I grinned, uncaring just how predatory it would look to Arthor. I'd looked forward to sharing my plan. "Well, eventually, we may have enough for food - but these are going to be breeders." He looked like he was going to interrupt me, but I talked over him, "Yeah, I understand the problems. How will we feed them? How can we make sure they don't escape and kill us all? Thing is, and I want you to give this a good long thought, Arthor. If we do this right, the next time some big bad monster catches your trail? You won't have to face them. We'll have our own monsters to face them. Now, how does that sound?"

His face moved through a number of different expressions, too fast for me to follow. The feeling from him, however, was one of caution. "Risky is how it sounds. You are the only one here who can take down a single Clencher unassisted - and there are six of them! Even if we are able to keep them from escaping and keep them fed, how do you propose we control them?"

"Conditioning. The carrot and the stick."

He looked like he was about to explode. "You may not take this seriously, but I do. Unless you come up with a serious explanation, I will make sure that the ground swallows the Clenchers and does not spit them back out. What do you mean?"

I reined in my grin. Spoilsport. "Take it easy there. It's actually rather simple. First task is to create an enclosure for the beasts where we can keep them safely trapped. Next up is me teaching them how to behave. I'll weaken them to the point where they can't fight back - and then I'll start teaching them basic commands. If they act well, I'll reward them. If they don't, I'll feed them less. At a certain point, I won't have to keep them trapped or weakened anymore." There was a lot I kept back. How the result depended on the tempers and instincts of the Clenchers - and their capability to learn. I did not feel too confident in that regard. Still, Arthor did not need to know this. I knew I was taking a risk, but I felt the potential rewards far outstripped the risks.

He squinted suspiciously at me. "This is possible? You... have done this before?"

"I have." With a German Shepherd. And a dog trainer at my side. Heh, and without the beatings, obviously. "The results differ on the breed and the temper of the individual animal, but I have had excellent results with animal training." One hundred percent success with the one dog I'd owned, baby!

He clamped his mouth shut, thinking. After a long, uncomfortable silence, he continued. "This will put a huge amount of stress on my people. Your outing was supposed to ensure food for us all, not increase the demands. Even so, I can see the potential benefits. Eventually, this could be a huge advantage to us. If you deliver, that is."

"Oh, I will. And if all else fails, we go with your approach - slaughter them all and have food for half a month. Now, there's a couple of other issues."

We chatted for half an hour, discussing how best to treat Aelis and what to do with the future constructions. The defiant shaman proudly produced two additional spearheads he had made in the interim. I praised him on his progress. In truth, the spearheads looked masterfully created - and even though they wouldn't completely hold up to iron spears, they would be a definite improvement on the current. In time, we would end up with fully kitted out guards. We also agreed to change our plans for the Farm, turning it instead into a den for the Clenchers. The first thing I did was create a Habitat in the room that the Talpi had chosen. The increased health regen might be what Aelis needed to master her wound.  As for the Clenchers, they would have to spend some time trapped until we could devise an area that would hold them.

When Arthor left, I purposefully did not visit Aelis. There was no need for me to torment myself with what I could have or should have done - especially when there was nothing I could do at the moment. I fiddled around with every aspect of my info sheet to make sure there wasn't any building or selection I could choose to improve her well-being. I spent a while wondering at the "population limit" and exactly what it entailed. Right now, we were down to 41 of 50, but the Clenchers had not affected it. Maybe they would have to cease being hostile towards us before they counted as population - it wasn't like they showed up as dots on the minimap either like my Talpi did. Still, at least I was able to see the nasty monsters, trapped as they were in the hallway before the throne room, when I zoomed in on the mini map.

Then I improved myself. The final battle against the Clenchers had given me another deluge of experience points, leaving me at level 9. I kept to my earlier scheme, increasing Agility some, as well as Toughness, but spending the vast majority on Mental Control. I smiled at the result. With the mana regeneration increases from the hoard level up, I was now at 175/day. That was just a tad over a day to build another Mana Crystal. This boded well for future constructions.

I was curled up inside my own room, about to check out what needed to be done to create a den for the Clenchers when a row of notifications distracted me.

You have met the necessary criteria:

- Surpassed level 7

- Contents of the hoard improved

- At least one Mana Crystal owned

[Tiny Hoard has been upgraded to Very Small Hoard.]

I waved the notifications aside for the time being and zoomed in on the mini map to figure out what was going on. Why did this come now, right out of the blue?

I noticed three Talpi outside in the throne room near the hoard and got up to see what was going on.

Somehow, two of them didn't notice my approach - having a masterful Agility apparently helped a lot staying silent. The third one did, however, eyes widening in ill-disguised fear, even as the others continued what was clearly an argument. Their pips and squeaks were still indecipherable to me, but I was finding it easier and easier to understand emotions. Two of them were harboring a great deal of anger along with... avarice? I looked at the hoard, spotting the source of their frustration. Teeth and claws from the slain Clenchers were piled up in a neat pile next to the sorry remains of the zombie loot and my single Mana Crystal. Also... "What are those?"

The two other Talpi almost wet themselves at my mental question, clearly scrambling to regain control of themselves. After several shared glances, one of them ventured "It's what we found in the Clenchers' cavern. Looks like they managed to kill and eat a lot of different animals."

That was quite an understatement. The pile held claws, jaws and fangs of at least a dozen different species, along with... was that a hammer? It was. And that was definitely leather armor, with a huge tear down the side. "So nice of you to make sure my Hoard improves. This means a lot to the enhancement of our home." It was hard not to notice the grimace on one of the Talpi as I said "my hoard," and the burst of anger from him made it blindingly obvious what the argument had entailed. I tilted my head, "So, who among you decided that you should donate these items to the hoard?"

The hesitation was answer enough. Not their own decision. Eventually, however, one of them simply said "Arthor." and I smiled. Amazing. Even though he was a skeptical bastard, he kept his part of the bargain and more. I sent the Talpi on their merry way and smiled at the hoard. So my hoard had become large enough that it leveled up? Today, I truly understood why dragons would gather hoards and sleep on them like scaled, lethal Scrooge McDucks. They were the actual physical representation of their power - and the hoard even improved itself over time. In fact... I took a claw and pulled out an item from the very bottom of the pile. It was the armor that horrible little dwarf zombie creature had been wearing. It still looked like absolute crap, but there was one huge difference. The item now sported a +1 modifier to Mental Power that had definitely not been there earlier. That promised well for the future. We might end up with some incredible items - and some useless items too, probably. It all depended on luck, really. Now, if only Luck was an attribute I could put points into…

I moved back to my room and went back to the notifications.

[Tiny Hoard has been upgraded to Very Small Hoard.

Your current Hoard size: 1 Mana Crystals (Very Small) grants you the following:

- Maximum Population size: 75. Current population: 41

• Domain detection range: 10 Miles. Domains within range: 1

- Domain size: 1000 foot radius.

- Mana regeneration rate within your domain is increased by 200% (total mana regeneration rate +250%)

- Possibility of items in your hoard gaining or improving magic abilities improved slightly.

The connection and benefits will remain for as long as your Hoard is active.]

[Criteria to upgrade hoard:

- Reach a minimum of level 10

- Improve contents of the hoard

- Own at least three Mana Crystals]

[Skill has improved: Inspect

At the current hoard size, Inspect will reveal all attributes of friendly creatures and items inside the domain.]

[Additional profession slots available. Current profession slots available 2/5]

[Efficiency of professions improved:

- Fighter: Increase the damage, health and physical attributes by +35%

- Mage: Increase magical damage and mental attributes by +35%

- Builder: Increased carrying load +65%. Increased construction capabilities by +35%]

[Skill has improved: Domain Map.

Map overview now available for all your minions.]

[Construction unlocked: Training Chamber.

This construction transforms an area of 30 x 30 feet of room into a Training Chamber. Inside this area, physical training will allow your minions to improve their physical prowess. If they spend enough time here, they will be able to improve selected attributes. Progress will be relative to the original attributes of the creature and dependent on the efficiency of the training.

Mana cost: 200]

[Construction unlocked. Shadow Tower.

This construction creates a semi-transparent small tower infused with shadow essence. The tower acts like an self-aiming defensive ranged fighter, spewing pellets of shadow matter on any offensive fighter within range. The attacks function in the same manner as Weakening Fog, impairing targets to the point where they collapse for lack of strength.

Shadow Towers are not the most durable of constructions, but can often be overlooked in the chaos of battle since they are hard to spot.

Mana cost: 150

Construction time: 4 hours]

[Construction unlocked: Hoard Defense.

This construction produces a shimmering force field, centered on your hoard in a circular six-foot radius. Anybody attempting to access the hoard or any other items stored within will have to either receive permission or physically force entrance.

Mana cost: 100

Construction time: 4 hours]

[Construction improved: Growth Boost

This energy field enfolds a malleable area of 60 x 60 feet. Growth of all animals, plants and vegetables within the area is increased by +100%.

-          Efficiency of Growth Boost is increased to +125%]

Damn! I was definitely getting a Hoard Defense soon. I mean, for now, it seemed like I had the Talpi in the palm of my hand, but temptation was a slippery animal. I'd been forced to fire a few workers I'd believed completely trustworthy over the years - and often it was due to petty theft. I mean, if you chose to commit a crime, it should be like that bank worker who stole 8 million EUR from the mob, right? That was the kind of early retirement crime I could get behind.

The detection range part still gave me pause, however. Regardless of Aelis’ comment about Selys having domains spread around the upper layers, I was nervous that the single domain within range would have to be one of the other eggs from my clutch. And what if the detection range increased at higher levels? Or another dragon located me first? The only question was really whether the other dragons would be hostile or if I would have an opportunity to ally with them.

The Shadow Towers read exactly like the thing you'd need to ensure that physically superior enemies - meaning every enemy for the Talpi - would be more manageable. I was definitely installing some of those.

I wasted no time praising my stroke of luck and immediately dove into the menus until I found Aelis and gave her the Fighter profession. Hopefully, that, along with the boost from the Habitat, would be enough to make her pull through. Then I played around with my Domain map for a bit, and yes, where before I'd have to zoom in to locate specific people, now, they were all available as blue dots with tiny names written below. Nifty. Shaking my head as my vision returned from the menu overview to the actual throne room,

Thrilled with the process, I went on with my day. Mentally, I also included an extra addition to my growing to-be-constructed list - that Training Chamber would be amazing for ensuring the continued survival of my Talpi. Too bad about that last sentence, though - "Progress will be relative to the original attributes of the creature." I chuckled at the thought of a juiced-up Talpus, pounding a Clencher to the floor. Not going to happen, unfortunately. Regardless, if they could improve their Agility - or Strength for builders - they could become quite a bit more useful.

Now, with the new size of my domain, I was able to see all excavated rooms in my lair. I could also spot as far as a couple of the trapped tunnels before the lair. In practice, that meant that I wouldn't have to lift my scaly ass to be able to survey anything inside the domain. Very useful... and I hated the very idea. Partly because that’s what led to my early demise in the first place. I was not built to sit still like a ruler on my throne. I needed to get out and talk to people, get a feeling for where we were and what was going on. Also, I needed to distract myself. Downtime right now would lead to worrying, about Aelis and about my situation in general.

I started by visiting Aelis where she was resting. Another Talpus had been stationed next to her with food and drink at the ready. I repeated what I had already gone over with Arthor, telling him to keep the wound as clean as possible and instructed him to come fetch me in case she woke up. Then, I went to the Clenchers' new home, taking my first real look at what we had originally intended as farmland. It had started out as a natural cave. The rock floor was crazy uneven and the width of the room differed a lot. At one spot, there were five dragon lengths from one side to the other, and further in I almost had to squeeze myself through. Not only that, I had to climb down several boulders and steep inclines to reach the far end of the chamber. They had cleared the front half of the chamber by now, eliminating boulders, widening the sides and smoothing the floors somewhat to gain a more even surface. It was also huge - the size of it was what made us opt for that spot in the first place. Still, now I realized it would never have made for a good place for planting large scale edibles - there would be no easy way to water this place and movement and transportation would be too impractical. However, with all the boulders still there, and the far half of the cave being hard to get to and on a physical level below the first part... the place showed promise. I spotted Arthor's other apprentice overseeing the work and went over.

I checked him in the map overview and realized something. Creziel was the weakest of the apprentices in every sense of the word. His level was just 4 and his attributes were horrible. He looked pretty caught up in the work and I observed him as he worked. If Jazinth was the most presentable Talpus around, Creziel must be the counterpole. He was tiny and scrawny with noodle-thin arms. His fur was all shades of dirt, and missing in patches. If he was a pet, I would have words with the owner. Making sure my steps were easily heard, I approached and addressed him. "Hello Creziel. Change of plans. We're building something different in here."

"Oh. Nobody told me. Sorry. What are we creating?"

I didn’t laugh. The way he rolled with the change told me that he was pretty used to having other people overrule him. "I just decided it a moment ago, Creziel. Besides, we won't be wasting your efforts. In fact, you're getting the chance to make history here. How would you like to be the first Talpus ever to ride a Clencher?"

"R-ride... are you serious, Sire?" His feelings were obvious, but even his mental question had a clear sensation of disbelief to it.

"Stick with me kid, you'll go places." I walked past him, looking at the cave beyond. Beyond the initial mess of boulders and steep slope, it looked like the room had held a large pool of water at some point. The only thing left now was a dry place with soft curves and a plain floor - perfect for the monsters. "I have a few questions. First one's probably the most important. Is there water nearby?"

Creziel did not look at me. In fact, he studiously looked only at my feet. A timid glance showed me that one of his eyes was ringed by a circle of black fur, making it look like he carried a monocle. His mental voice was as nervous as anything. "Y-yes. Right behind that wall. We try to never settle down in a spot without water.”

"Good. How are you at manipulating water flow? Let's say that I want the water to pass through this chamber so the Clenchers have water without anybody having to enter the chamber?"

That got him thinking. He narrowed his eyes, squinting at the floor and the walls in turn before turning back to me. "I beli- Yes. Yes, I can do that."

"Great. Second thing. How are you guys with concrete?"

"W-what?"

I spent the next half hour talking shop with the tiny creature about constructions and my desires for the enclosure. Turned out that, while his attributes were low, his mind was pretty sharp and he caught my points immediately. Midway through, I made an executive decision and spent my final spare profession slot to enhance Creziel's powers.

The bulging look of his eyes as he realized what just happened was comedy gold. "Sire - did you just...?"

"Sure did. I will need you to be able to keep up with the work. Now, you were telling me how you usually harden soil or gravel?"

He wrapped up his joy, and we focused on the task at hand. Unsurprisingly, the Talpi had little experience hardening structures. The only time they'd usually spend the time necessary for it was when they needed it to appear like a tunnel they'd created had never existed in the first place. Heh - like, say, when you steal a dragon egg. In those situations, however, they usually used the material at hand and didn't have time to experiment - and it was a draining, inefficient procedure with small results. They had improved hardened clay a few times, when they'd had an interim home for more than a few months. However, with our current position inside the necromancer's home, we needed to go for something more permanent. I considered my position. We were far away from having the tools, and I had to admit, knowledge, needed to create decent pottery and bricks - but we should have what we needed to create some ancient mortar.

"So you see, it's basically mud made of clay and water. However, if you can find limestone, we can grind it into the mix, as well as some other possibilities. Once you get started, I'm sure you'll learn faster than I what works and what doesn't, since you know the local earth and have a feeling for it."

The tiny Talpus looked sceptic. "I… are you sure? Will it really be able to hold them back?"

"No. The boulders will do that. All the mortar slathered into the free spaces between the boulders will ensure that they stay stuck. This is the perfect place for experimentation, too. It doesn't have to be pretty, just functional - so if you get a handful of workers and get to work creating the mixture, I will start getting to work on my part."