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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 2, 2023 15:49:19 GMT -5
The next morning, Shaa woke up smelled himself and realized he was in serious need of a bath. Spending how many days inside a giant fix does nothing for your personal hygiene. He gets a sudden ping of remorse for whomever was going to be washing his sheets today. This is why he sleeps on the ground most of the time.
After some digging and frantic points from other patrons, Shaa finally finds the wash house. Picking the largest tub possible, himself down from tip to tail. Thinking back, as he pulls out some ticks from his fur, he can’t actually remember the last time he’s taken a real bath with soap. Most of the time he could just walk through a river or something and be fine. Why smell like a mountain spring when you can actually be in one.
Giving himself a hard shake to dry off and some towels to finish the job, he heads out of the wash house to find Tano and Socket. Maybe they could scrounge up some breakfast if they hurried. He walks up to the wooden door of Tano’s room and gives a gentle knock. Hey, are you in there?
Walking in, Shaa finds the little goblin at a table playing with some random Knick hacks from the room. It doesn’t appear that he has slept much. Did you get any rest. Tano peers up at him from the table a bit bleary eyed. He shakes his head and goes back to the baubles. No, too excited. Also, hard to tell how long to sleep. Shaa had not considered that the little goblin wouldn’t know the difference between night and day as it was always dark in the fish. Shaa motions for him to follow. Ok sleepy Joe. Let’s go get the space man and see if it eats pancakes. What’s a pancake? Oh buddy, this is going to be a good day for you.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 2, 2023 18:22:47 GMT -5
Buzzing lightly through the night, the automaton's systems diligently repaired the extensive damage accumulated on their recent unwilling trip to the depths. Much of the normally solid form of the construct shifted, becoming strands of very tiny, coordinated machines that would break down the various ores and metals needed, then use those materials to rebuild. The process took hours, and Socket was in no rush after the ordeal. First light began to creep through the comfortably modest hotel room, and the stirring of the town's denizens could be heard. Merchants prepared their stalls, fisherman set sail, the innkeepers were going about their breakfast routines, and Socket listened to the sounds as a pleasing distraction to the last couple of days.
When the repairs finally completed, their box of materials was depleted. A few tiny scraps lay in the bottom corner, nothing sufficient enough to bother with. Standing slowly, carefully, the construct stretched and flexed, working it's body about to ensure it would be able to handle the rigors of their skills and magic before going too far. Things seemed to be in order overall, though Socket still would be cautious as much as possible until they could resupply. Finding a comfortable spot to sit, they stared out of the room's window to look over the city as it woke for the day. Pondering all that had happened, Socket was relieved that Shaa and crew had been okay, and even Tano had survived the chaos to join in... an overall positive outcome. Tomorrow had come... For the group, not just themselves... Socket could be grateful for that much.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 4, 2023 9:28:16 GMT -5
On the way to breakfast, Shaa and Tano stop by Sockets room to see if it wants to join them. Still barely understanding its nature, Shaa doubts that it will eat. Golems didn’t after all. But socket was more complicated. It seemed to care about people. It had picked Shaa’s side and didn’t try to collude with the troll. It didn’t go manic and try to murder everyone for parts. What does motivate a space golem with no master? If it didn’t need food or water or whatever, it had to want something right?
Shaa knocked on Sockets door. Hey? You alive…err…functioning? In there? Tano and I are going downstairs to see if we can scramble up some food. Not literally. I just mean we are going to go get something to eat. Even if you don’t, we would like you to come with. Get your perspective on a couple things. I mean, we are out of the fish and all but still. You want to come? An off thought occurs to Shaa that the being he was talking to was no more alive than the door that separated them. Or was he? What made something alive? This kind of crap was way to heavy before pancakes. He tried to shake the philosophy from his brain while he waited for socket’s response.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 4, 2023 10:49:15 GMT -5
A knock at the door roused the automaton from their rest. It seemed the others were about and after a morning meal, so Socket picked themselves up. A soft, metallic grating could be heard as the new parts began the arduous process of developing a wear pattern. They opened the door, glad to see the big beast of a minotaur that was Shaa, and even the strange goblin in tow.
"Good morning to the both of you, and welcome to the surface world Tano. I'll join you for the meal indeed, though I won't be eating myself, it's a good chance to move about and put the long night of repairs to the test... I could also see about refilling my supply of materials... how opportune your timing is Shaa, and good to see you about even more." Replied the automaton.
Some parts of their body were still pocked and scored from the ordeal, but that wouldn't affect their function. Following the pair into the the main hall of the inn, Socket went to the innkeeper and discussed ordering more supplies. Afterwards they took a seat at the table with Shaa and Tano, watching the patrons move about in the morning hours. The construct noticed a seedy group of merfolk staring at Tano, whispering to each other. Tapping Shaa with their tail, Socket indicated the group as subtly as possible...
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 5, 2023 21:08:27 GMT -5
Shaa was 5 pancakes deep into his stack when he noticed that Tano had discovered the marvelous world of syrup. Apparently syrup production in the fish is pretty non existent. His eyes wide as saucers, Tano is tearing into his breakfast like he has a hole in his stomach. Woah, slow down there buddy. You are going to get a tummy ache. Pancakes is magical….he says with his mouth drooling. Shaa couldn’t exactly argue with that as he feels the tap from Socket.
Shaa takes the subtle hint and casually looks over at the pair of mermen who seem to be looking over at them. In all fairness, to the casual observer, the trio must look pretty odd. But the looks they were getting were not from curious gawkers. They wanted something. What that was still remained to be seen. Shaa continued to work on his pancakes until the pair of Merfolk approach them.
The first Merman, a tall athletic looking figure, approached Shaa and addresses him directly. Greetings earth walker. We apologize for interrupting your repast. We have heard tale that you survived the great leviathan. A notable feat indeed, one that not many have come back from. It didn’t surprise Shaa that Merfolk would know of the giant fish and felt a little proud he managed to grab some unexpected “sea cred”. Well I wasn’t looking to get eaten. I am just glad we got out of there. Indeed, quite fortunate. It is also fortunate that you managed to grab a rather rare treasure. The Minotaur raises his eye brow in confusion. The merman nods towards Tano. Ummm what now? The little goblin continues to chew on his breakfast paying no notice to the conversation. Your aqua goblin. A very rare find indeed. In our city, they are highly prized workers as they can work in sea and air. We can compensate you for him fairly. Shaa heard the words but he was having a hard time processing. Thanks but he is not for sale. He’s a more free agent kind of fish goblin. Now it was the Merfolk’s turn to be confused as they looked at each other. Oh said the other shorter and stockier Merman. I see you have grown attached to this fellow. I can assure you that he will be treated most kindly. Shaa was now getting a much clearer picture.
It’s not about that. I don’t OWN the goblin. He is free to do whatever he wants. You are saying you lay no claim to him? What I am saying is that no one is claiming him period. Tano looks up. Tano has new jobs? He asks innocently mouth half stuffed. Would you like a new job young one? Shaa stands up to his full hight. No no. Let me be super clear here. Tano is free to do whatever he wants and will not be compelled by anyone. I don’t understand why you are getting so upset here. Only the finest houses have workers such as these. They are a sign of high status. We can acquaint him with more of his kind. What do you think he is going to do on his own hmmmm? He knows nothing of the world. If you are not adopting him and leave him on his own, some beast will be chewing on his bones in a day. The two Merfolk laughed at the ridiculous picture.
He hated to admit it but they kind of had a point. Even normal goblins survived by living with each other in hoards and even then were destined for a short and often violent end. It was like trying to keep a housefly alive. Tano looked up at him with slitted eyes, happily chewing away at an errant piece of bacon. What was the plan? Whatever it was, it wasn’t trading one kind of slavery for another one.
You might be right but it’s not up to you to make that decision. We are done with this conversation. He sat down as if the matter was closed. The Mermen almost started back up but changed their minds at the last minute and walked away. No jobs? Your only job is to finish eating. We will work out the other stuff later. Whatever that meant.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 6, 2023 0:47:40 GMT -5
Watching the interaction made Socket more uncomfortable than being inside the guts of the leviathan. As Shaa turned to address Tano again, the automaton stood and walked between the groups. Staring blankly ahead, sparks crackled across the surface of their body.
"If my studies are accurate, your bodies consist of nearly 90 percent water... this is what allows you to be mostly neutrally buoyant and not sink or float in the oceans unless you will it so... Are you aware of what happens to a body like that when it's met with intense electricity?"
"Wha... What... No...?" The taller one said, confusion distorting the features of their face. "It turns to steam, or worse, explosive gases if the lightning is particularly strong." The shorter of the group piped up, watching their companion's composure shaken.
"Very good... one of you is at least somewhat studious... or downright cruel... maybe both... either way... I strongly suggest you peddle your services elsewhere, unless you'd both like to try your luck with some strong bolts of lightning... it'd be a shocking experience for you, and your fishy breath is spoiling the mood of our breakfast... kindly take your leave."
Staring over the shoulder of the larger of the pair, Socket's body sparked and popped as the automaton prepared to make good on their words. The taller of the two seemed to be both stricken and angered by the exchange. Being ignored and talked over tended to have that effect on people who made their living taking from others, but the construct understood which of the pair was the genuine danger, and which was the mask to cover it up. Should they decide to make a scene here, Socket was ready.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 6, 2023 17:28:21 GMT -5
Shaa slams his hands palms down roughly into the table. Several pancakes and various beverages are distributed in the process. Several of the Inn patrons look up from their meals and look at the brewing conflict. Did you not hear me? I said we were done. The Mermen look over Shaa and Socket and do a small bow. Our apologies earth walker. We are but simple merchants, we are not looking for trouble. We will be on our way. Perhaps we will meet again under more happy circumstances. If you change your mind, simply come back here. We are here to trade often enough. Shaa gives them a back handed wave towards the door. On his way out, the tall one tosses a coin to the Inn Keeper. We apologize for any disruption. Until next time. The innkeeper nods, bites the coin, and puts it in one of the pockets of a dirty apron.
The Innkeeper walks over to the table. Hello there. I hope you are enjoying your meal. We appreciate you bringing the boys back home and all… but? Yeah look. Those fish guys are pretty rude but they are some of my best customers. I’m asking you to stay clear of them while you are in town. You may be a wander but we live here and have to deal with the fallout. Shaa shook his head in understanding.yeah I get it, no rocking the boat. Don’t worry, everything will be ok. The innkeeper nods, looks over at Tano, and walks back to his other customers.
Come on, let’s head over to the docks. We can ask around to see if anyone knows about any other fish goblins and secure passage to the mainland. Not that I am looking forward to getting on another boat anytime soon, but the sooner we get out of here, the better.
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 7, 2023 23:51:41 GMT -5
"Apologies, we'll take our leave..." Socket stated, walking out of the inn. There were another pair of Merfolk tending a large cart with iron barred sides, a rolling prison for their wares. Each followed the automaton's path, knuckles tense on the handles of their blades. One hocked and spit at the construct's feet as they both blocked the path away from the inn.
"Excuse me gents, but this is not how anyone wants to handle this situation... so let's just... not."
"Tch... not for you ta be decidin' eh?! We's heard da boss, ya hand ova that little sea rat, and maybe yas won't get chopped up and mounted on a wall..."
"No... we ain't movin', and we ain't waitin' all day... DO IT!! GIVE US THE GOB!!"
Shaking their head, the construct lightly tapped each of their bare shoulders. A sharp, sputtering pop, and a jolt of electricity left both men's arms barely able to move, their legs weak and sluggish. It wasn't enough to knock them unconscious but the effect left the two goons stunned long enough for Socket to move them aside and walk passed the pair unscathed and unhindered. The second's eyes bulged, veins in their neck and head swelling with the insult to ego. Waiting just a few steps beyond the pair, the automaton looked back to the inn's door and waited for Shaa and Tano to follow, ready to jolt these two salted bootstraps into a stupor if that's what was needed.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 16, 2023 10:44:16 GMT -5
Shaa and Tano walked out the door deep in conversation. Yes man I’m telling you. They come in all sorts of shapes and flavors and stuff. I know this place in Thunderhoof Village that’s makes this crazy fruit porridge thing. Tano get super fat like Troll. It’s ok man. It’s one of the advantages of walking everywhere. The two look up and see Socket and two Mermen with a cage in a cart. Seriously Tano, it was such a nice day. Just stay behind me. Donut? Either we are getting a donut or these guys are going to be missing limbs and we get a donut. It’s kind of up to them. Shaa clears his throat as they continue walking.
Morning. Morning Tano does his best Shaa impression and kind of does a heavy stomp across the docks behind the Minotaur. The two mermen give them a heavy glare but don’t stop them as the meet up with Socket. Making friends already I see. As the trio start walking away to find a boat to the mainland, one of the Mermen pulls out what appears to be some sort of sea shell. Giving a hard blow to one end of the shell, it lets out a high whistle that hurts Shaa’s ears. From under the dock, something very large starts to move, scraping against the supports. From over the sides, several large tentacles emerge and snake out at them. Get back Tano! Shaa gives a one two punch to the first of the arms, knocking them back. As he does so, more and more tentacles emerge from below.
Two Piece
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 16, 2023 11:01:19 GMT -5
"Seems I might not be the only one with new friends... A harsh lesson may be in order today." The construct spoke, watching the flailing appendages burst from the sea. For a moment, the automaton looked to engage the lurking sea creature, but thought of a better idea. A dazzling blue glow burst from the seam of the construct, arcs of lightning surrounding their body. Socket activated Bullet Dash, vanishing from the dock in a clap of thunder and a shower of sparks.
Appearing behind the whistle blower, the construct lashed out with a vicious jab between the merman's shoulders. He coughed, spitting up a heavy glob of mucus as the breath was driven from their lungs. Socket stomped the whistle, crushing it's fragile form into small pieces. He grabbed the back of the stunned man's neck firmly, dragging him by his scruff like a puppy needing to be scolded.
Walking over to the dock, the creature below had hauled itself further up, exposing the center of it's mass. A sharp beak, ringed by numerous arms that could drag a man below the waves greeted those present. A pair of bulbous, alien eyes surveyed the scene and sent it's arms whipping about trying to latch onto anyone foolish enough to stay near. Socket braced themselves, using both hands as they took a few heavy steps into the fray of lashing tentacles before heaving the half conscious slaver head first at the giant maw.
One of it's smaller limbs embraced the man, with all the gentleness of a grizzly grabbing a twig. The sound of crunching and more sputtering coughs ended as the creature devoured the merfolk, uncaring as to the nature of it's meal. Dodging several of the whipping appendages, Socket danced about in the maelstrom of limbs, watching the grim spectacle. It was too easy a choice, thought the automaton, to walk away from those who are capable and understand the limits of one's strength. Another life had to be destroyed, needlessly, over arrogance and egomania...
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 16, 2023 18:46:49 GMT -5
Well now that’s just fantastic! Shaa yells sarcastically as the mass of tendrils flood the dock. Several dock workers start to arrive wirh make shift weapons to battle the creature. As arms whips around them, Shaa grabs Tano and tucks him safely under one of his arms. Not nice fishy? No no, definitely falls into the weird yet dangerous category. Shaa jumps over several arms as they makes swipes at their feet to try and grab them.
One of the dock workers stabs a tentacle with a spear. As he does so, the monstrous beast snags him with a second arm and swings him into its gaping mouth. With a sickening crunch, the beast eats the dock worker and sprays viscera all over the wet planks. This is not good! Stay back from it! Shaa pulls some spiritual energy into his body. With a swipe of his hand, a beam of energy erupts from his fingers, slicing off several of the limbs which fall writhing on the ground. The acrid smell of burnt fish now permeates the dock. The beast screams and starts to flail even faster. Shaa dives with Tano behind one of the larger posts to try and take cover from the onslaught. Socket! You there?
Art of the soul- Soul Beam
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 16, 2023 19:19:59 GMT -5
Hearing Shaa's voice, Socket looked over to see the ensuing melee. As the burly minotaur gathered his energy, the construct jumped high into the air and tumbled out of reach of the flailing creature's tendrils. The bubbling, hissing sound of it's limbs being seared off was a hard reality for the automaton, who didn't like hurting nature whenever possible. It flailed about, spraying ichor and a massive cloud of sticky ink. Thankfully most of this spray was harmlessly spewed into the sea, but some of it covered one end of the dock. Several workers were doused in the slimy liquid, and plenty had difficulty trying to stand or walk on the viscous substance.
Seeing Shaa handling the cephalopod, Socket disengaged and turned their attention to the slavers once more. The pair who'd stopped them earlier were busy stabbing away at a longer tendril that had swept aside several crates and the caged cart they'd been watching and was now trying to lash them into it's jaws. Ever the opportunist, the construct walked over silently to the two men, grabbed each by the back of their heads, stunning them into a stupor, and shoved their faces into the waiting suckers of the monster they'd called ashore. Letting go in the same instant, the construct was nearly upended when the tentacle retracted, springing back towards it's owner's waiting maw with fresh, delicious meat.
They turned and stared holes in the ringleader's head, who was barely able to process what was happening and looked a bit stupefied by the whole scene. As Socket approached, the crunchy squishy sounds of the giant sea creature eating rang out, it's beak clacking shut like giant scissors.
"Such a waste of time, effort... so much loss because 'no' is not a word you understand... I do hope in your next life, should you be so blessed, you learn from this mistake..." Said the automaton, the ringleader visibly paled and passed out, stricken with fear at watching his crew, his life undone by a creature thought to be tamed... nature could not be tamed or controlled, and the merman learned that lesson the hard way...
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 18, 2023 11:01:28 GMT -5
From behind the post, Shaa can hear the monsters arms continue to crash around the dock. If they didn’t figure a way to take this thing out soon, it would wreck the whole place in the throws of its fits. Shaa took a deep breath and summoned two frosted ice axes to his hands. He looks over at Tano concerned. Ok buddy. I’m not sure if this is going to work or not but we are going to give it a shot. Just stay here by the post and don’t come out until me or Socket comes and gets you ok? The little fish goblin looks seriously at Shaa and nods in agreement. This was not how Shaa thought his first day out of the fish was going to go.
Shaa does an internal count in his head. One, two… On three, he runs out from behind the post and makes a bee line for the still writhing beast. Dodging some of the attacks, Shaa is sturdy enough that the beast cannot knock him over though he does feel the hard slaps of the arms as they flail on and past him. He just needed to get close enough to the main body.
When he gets into range, Shaa tosses both of the axes directly into the Titans face. Wet with sea and blood, the axes lodge themselves deep into the beasts face and freeze it mostly solid. The dock workers look on in surprise as some of the arms are now moving much slower while others have stopped entirely. Shaa points to one of the nearby loading cranes still attached to some crates in a net. Yelling at the dock workers, Shaa starts kicking the frozen arms to free them from the wood of the dock. Start swinging it back around as hard as you can. Stanley, one of the older crustier workers catches on and moves to the cranes winch. With a final kick, the beast is no longer stuck to the dock but bobbing in the ocean like a giant fishy ice cube. Stanley raises the crates with the loading crane as high as the machine can. With a hard twist back and then forward, the netted crates come swinging right at the frozen squid monster.
As the heavy crates smack into it, bits of frozen beast fly into the air but the bulk of the beast does a small hop and splashes further out to sea, slowly floating away. Shaa figures it will be pretty badly injured but alive when it thaws. Hopefully discouraged from coming back. The dock workers cheer and Stanley gives Shaa a thumbs up from the crane. He waves back at Stanley wearily and goes to check on Tano and Socket.
Art of the Avalanche Juggernaut Force of Nature
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Post by Sumnes (Baelethir) on Mar 18, 2023 11:27:42 GMT -5
Towering over the crumpled heap that was the merfolk leader, Socket didn't seem to notice the cheering workers or the missing creature for several moments. They were fixated, a myriad of questions unanswered raced across the engram that housed their mind. Some part of their programming, their experiences, shouted to end the man swiftly. He couldn't continue to harm anyone if he wasn't alive to do so. Still sparking, the automaton drew back, readying to pummel the pathetic slaver into a meaty pulp.
"Metal man, move good... fight sea beasts good... keep Tano from going to bad places, yes?" Said the sea goblin, walking over to Socket while the dock workers were cheering.
"... Yes Tano, keep you from bad places... Let's agree to make this the last time, yeah? I'd rather not put myself or others in this type of situation if possible." Replied the construct, their words sounding hollow and distant, as if Socket were trying to escape their own body. There had been enough fighting in the past for the automaton, and they wished nothing more than to live out their life peacefully when possible. Looking around, Socket waved Shaa over to where the pair were standing. It was good to see he'd pulled through and dispatched the creature with impunity.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 19, 2023 14:10:48 GMT -5
Shaa sees Socket waving him over. It looks like he was able to deal with the Mermen ok. As he approached the two, Shaa noticed a group of small creatures emerging from the dock. Upon closer examination, they appeared to be goblins. Except these goblins, like Tano, had gills.
You beats the fish man and squid creature yes? Sees fight from below, very strong very strong. We goes good now. Shaa runs over and slows them down. Wait wait, who are you guys? The tallest and apparently oldest of the group speaks up. I is Kellot, main keeper of animals for the fish men. No job for me now. Goes to live life on tiny island. The other goblins nod in agreement. Shaa looks at the fish goblins and wonders. You like tiny island? Yes, island just for goblins of the sea. I is goblin of sea. Live inside the great fish. The other goblins look at him surprised. You come from great fish? My fathers fathers father long time back come from fish. Never met anyone from directly fish. Tano puffed out his chest a bit. Make big escape with bull man and metal friend. The goblins stare at Shaa and Socket in disbelief. You two come from great fishy too!?
Shaa waved his hands. No no, we were only in the fish for like 3 or 4 days, I’m from …well …all over the place but definitely not from the fish. Socket is from outer space. The goblins look extra confused but let it go. Ok. You wants to come to the island maybe? Tell us about bing fish? Tano looks at Shaa and Socket. Shaa can tell he wants to go and honestly it was probably the best situation for him. He could probably keep him safe at the guild but he would end up being more like a pet or a mascot, he would never make it as an actual fighter. Maybe you should go Tano. These guys probably could use some fresh blood around and they would get you. And, island life is pretty cool. Donuts? Don’t worry buddy. I’ll make sure you get a nice supply. We know some sea captains that owe us a favor right? Tano smiles and hugs Shaa’s leg. Thanks you for the sky…
As Tano leaves with his new group, he looks back and waves at them. Shaa made notes about where the island was and would follow up to make sure trade routes were opened up. It was admittedly a lot of effort for a creature who boss had recently tried to murder them but it was the right move. Shaa turns to Socket. So what now?
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