Hunter basked in the morning sun, letting the sounds of spring wash over him: the chirping of birds and buzzing of insects, the distant bleats of sheep and barking of dogs, and the growing murmur of discontent forming from the mob of humans.

He sighed. Today was going to be difficult. Daggat put him in charge, and it was time to act that way.

"Alright, every-" he began.

"Listen up-" Klaw started at the same time.

"Oh, go ahead, sorry."

"No, no, I'd hate to interrupt," Klaw said with uncharacteristic deference. Hunter ignored the twinge of sarcasm.

He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Zuss dropping from above.

"Here's the plan," she began. "We get into-"

Elyndris flew onto Hunters head and gripped his hair with her wings. "LISTEN UP, MAGGOTS!" she said with a tone of mirth. "Looks like they are getting ready. Remember, Daggat doesn't want any bloodshed."

"Right, so that's why we follow my plan," Klaw said.

"Your plan?" Zuss asked. "You're most likely to ruin any plans."

Klaw growled at her and flexed his claws. "No chance. If anyone is going to mess up, it's you."

Hunter opened his aura control menu, given to him by Condense Aura. He unchecked the box that excluded allies from his aura and drew his torch. Letting them be affected by the aura of peace was going to be necessary after all.

"Please stop fighting, look, they are moving." Hunter pleaded.

Elyndris shifted in his nest of hair. "They only brought a dozen. HA! They underestimate us."

Zuss's shadow darkened, then it shifted into her rope knife. The three of them, with Elyndris perched on Hunter's head like a crown, moved shoulder to shoulder.

They waited. Klaw sheathed and unsheathed his claws nervously. Zuss idly swung her chain. Hunter was steady, like a mountain. Watching the parade of spear-wielding humans as they approached. Their weapons looked to be mostly modified farming instruments, though a few had proper weapons.

Most notable was the human leading the pack. He had a longsword in both hands. It was Desmond, the one who interrupted the meeting yesterday.

Two other humans seemed to be more comfortable with their weapons as well. A grizzled older man with a spear and a woman with an ax.

Dozens of other villagers watched from the safety of their village. Eager to see how the confrontation unfolds.

They stopped about twenty feet from Hunter and his friends. Another human stood out to him. An old woman with a rats nest for hair. She carried with her a small book.

"What do you want?" Klaw snapped at them.

"Be quiet, monster. We will speak to the ogre." Desmond said with a sneer.

"Tough, cause I'm in charge here," Klaw said. Hunter gave him a surprised look.

"Ignore the idiot," Zuss said, "I'm in command until the party leader gets back. What do you want, humans?"

"Woah, woah, what?" Klaw turned to the humans. "Hold on one moment." He turned back to Zuss. "No way are you in command. This is my show."

Zuss squared off to him, her rope knife beginning to spin. The humans took a few steps back and looked at each other in confusion.

"You are both wrong. I am second in command of this party! Now be quiet while I make these humans cower before us." Elyndris said.

"Um, actually…" Hunter began. Daggat made him in charge. Maybe not telling the others wasn't a good idea.

"The monsters are trying to confuse us!" shrilled the old woman. "Strike now!"

"I SAID GIVE US A MINUTE!" Klaw roared at them. Most of the humans stumbled back in the sudden shock. He faced Hunter.

"Worm, you ain't in charge here either. Dag made me the boss while he's gone, so that's how it's gonna be."

"You've lost your mind," Zuss said. "Dag made ME in charge."

"Nonsense. I told the goblin to make me his second in command, and he agreed." Elyndris said.

Hunter gave a nervous glance at the lead human, whose face was red in anger. "We should talk about this later."

His plea was unheard. Zuss scoffed.

"Why would he make you second in command? You are too reckless. Klaw is too stupid. Obviously, you misheard him."

"Stupid! I'm not the one who wasted a point on feet-hands!" Klaw growled.

"That's rich, coming from the guy who almost dies from blood loss in every fight."

"At least I'm fighting on the front line. We need a strong leader, not some coward who hides in the back."

"Coward? I can kick your ass all day. Right now."

Klaw growled and dashed a step forward. "Thanks for the invitation. This oaths a bitch."

He swiped at her. It wasn't an attack to kill or even harm her. He knew she would dodge. Simply a childish display of aggression.

Still, it was enough to break the aura of peace. Hunter felt his fury slowly rising. Childish, foolish goblinoids! This was a serious situation, and they were squabbling amongst themselves.

"Enough!" Desmond shouted. "Let's rid ourselves of these mad monsters. Kill them!"

The Crew went from fighting amongst themselves to fighting the enemy at the drop of a hat. Klaw laughed in joy as he was no longer bound to peace by his oath against the humans.

Desmond charged in first, wielding his long sword in two hands. He came at Hunter, sword held high and pointed forward. Before Hunter could even react, Klaw had rushed to intercept, slapping away the blade with his claws. Sparks scattered from the clash.

The rest of the men were moving up as well. Fear melted Hunter's rage. Not fear from the humans, but fear that his companions would kill them and ruin everything. Unnecessary bloodshed.

"Stop! Everyone, we don't have to fight." Hunter yelled. He grumbled as no one heeded him. Everyone was too experience hungry.

Suddenly, he felt Elyndris tighten her grip on his head. A draining sensation washed over him. His core being emptied. An invisible beam of force shot out from the worm. The force pushed back on Hunter, forcing him to brace himself. A line of dust and grass was pushed aside as Elyndris dragged the beam across the mob. As it moved, it seemed to snake and bend, seeking out targets. As though driven by hunger to push and move targets.

As an attack, it didn't do much damage. But the force pushed most of the men back, and down. That was good. Get them down, but don't hurt them.

"Strike while they are down!" Elyndris shouted. Hunter ran forward to engage the battle directly. Being polite wasn't working. He was going to have to do something.

A scream of pain drew his attention. Zuss was latched to the woman with the ax and had cut her arm with her magical dagger. Hunter cursed to himself and took two large steps back towards her.

She lifted the dagger in the air to stab at the human's neck. With a panicked swipe, Hunter grabbed Zuss like a kitten and yanked her off the human.

"What are you doing!?" Zuss cried. He ignored her and tossed her away. She soared through the air, cursing as she went.

Elyndris began to cackle. "Burn mortals!"

Hunter's core was being drained again. Magic seeping from it towards her spell. In a panic, Hunter reached up and grabbed Elyndris. She was too surprised to struggle, and he pointed her like a wand into the sky.

A beam of twisting fire blasted a hole in a tree canopy.

"TRAITOR! Human lover! You will pay for this, Ogre." Elyndris said.

"I said NO FIGHTING," Hunter growled, then shoved her into his shirt. He ignored the sharp pain from her bites.

Klaw was fighting two humans. Desmond and the spear-wielder. He was outmatched by Desmond's skill and was limited by the presence of the spear wielder. Hunter had to clean up that mess, too.

He took three steps forward. With his third, he slammed his boot of Rashail down. Thunder boomed from underneath him, sending the humans reeling. He noted the ax wielder was approaching him from behind, about to attack him before he sent out the shockwave.

Many of the humans knocked down earlier were up and had now been blasted back down. Klaw, who was particularly dense and strong, stayed on his feet.

"Good job, buddy," Klaw said, then rushed to the fallen leader. Hunter grabbed him by the back of his armor. Grunting with effort, he pulled Klaw back. He had to weigh close to three hundred pounds.

"ENOUGH! All of you!" Roared Hunter. He placed his metal boot on Desmond's chest, then pointed at the humans. "Any of you try anything, I'll crush his ribcage like a wasp nest."

Desmond grunted in pain and reached for his sword. Hunter applied just a little bit more pressure.

"Klaw, you are a paladin. Act like it. Or you won't get any dinner tonight."

The old woman was running away, halfway back to the village. Approaching them was another group of humans. Six of them. The lead was Leofric. Elyndris chewed her way out of his shirt.

"Did we win?" She asked.

"Nobody won. More importantly, nobody lost either." Hunter said. "Humans, put your weapons down. I don't want to hurt anyone."

Zuss hadn't returned. Which meant she was hiding somewhere. Likely in the trees. Elyndris crawled from his shirt, then began to circle the humans in the air.

They waited a few minutes for Leofric to catch up. He arrived with Ketil, Oswine, and three others. Both had similar floral tattoos to Leofric.

"What happened here?" he demanded.

"Your people came to run us off, then attacked us," Hunter said. "Please take them back."

Hunter removed his foot from Desmond, who gasped for air into his lungs. He crawled away, then staggered to his feet.

"You will pay for that, ogre." He wheezed.

"Something tells me Hunter won't be the one paying next time," Leofric growled. "Did they all attack you?"

Hunter shook his head. "Only these three. The rest were knocked down too early."

He recognized the mob as followers. It was Desmond who attacked them. Zuss had told them they had twenty men. Seems not all of them were brave enough to be a part of the mob.

"Right. Desmond, I warned you. These are our guests. Men, take these three to the jail. The rest of you are free to go. But, you won't get a second chance."

One of the younger men approached Desmond to arrest him. Instead, the mob leader lashed out with a fist. The man dodged it easily, then slammed a fist into Desmond's gut. As he attacked, a transparent, green gauntlet formed around his fist.

Minutes later, the three men were taken away, and the mob was scattered.

"Sorry about them," Leofric said. "They get touchy about monsters."

"So, was that the result you wanted?" Zuss asked.

"You're not so slick. We know you set up this attack indirectly." Klaw added. "We don't blame you for it. We'd do the same, probably."

Leofric gave them a thin smile. "More or less."

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

"Is that how you solve your problems? Letting folk try to attack people?" Hunter asked.

"It's a harsh world. We can't afford any weakness. If I cast them out, they will take half the village with them. If I kill them outright, I become a murderer. You need to work with what you have."

"Sounds like something Daggat would say," Elyndris said. She had taken up her perch on top of Hunter's head again.

"He does seem like a schemer." Leofric mused. "Lisa is out hunting with him. If she gives the all clear, I'll allow you in. But watch yourselves. Hurt any of my people, and you'll see what a real harrowpine warrior is. But, you'll also have enemies."

"So, where can we stay?" Hunter asked.

"We had a tavern that hasn't seen use since I was a kid. My wife is cleaning it up for you to use."

"Hey, you," Klaw said, pointing a claw at Ketil. "You shoot me?"

"Yes." The dwarf said, not backing down.

"Well… don't do it again!" Klaw said, his bravado melting away. Hunter chuckled.

"Leofric, would you like to eat with us? I am going to fry up something for lunch. Klaw would be happy to offer his share." Hunter said.

"I'd be glad to share a fire. You impressed me, Hunter. I couldn't have handled that better myself. Perhaps we can work something out between our people after all."

"Yeah, I admit. That was cool." Klaw said. "Thought you were against violence, but you kicked ass."

"I never said I'm a pacifist," Hunter said. "That is just something you all assumed. It's killing I don't like. I'll fight when necessary."

The crew shared stories and jokes with Leofric, Ketil, and Oswine. It took some time to explain to Elyndris. Particularly with her name being known as a dragon of local myth. It was clear they were here to assess the Crew. See if they truly were as benevolent as they claimed. Hunter enjoyed himself. He didn't usually talk much. But that was okay.

"Hunter, you threw me," Zuss said some time later.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Hunter said. He felt his ears burn hot in embarrassment.

"Don't try that again."

"Don't… try to kill someone when we don't have to, and I won't."

Klaw laughed and slapped him on the back. "Good stuff, Hunter. It worked out now. But, don't do that when there is actual danger."

"Indeed. I can respect you taking a hold of the situation. But I don't appreciate being stuffed in a shirt. Next time, I will chew my way IN, not out." Elyndris said.

"You might have trouble. Kid's got thicker skin than you'd think," Klaw said.

The group laughed.

"You're a tight-knit group, aren't you?" Leofric chuckled. "How did this party form?"

"Well, a lot-" Hunter started. He was interrupted by a loud, clear horn. It echoed from the other side of the village.

Faster than he should be able to move, Leofric sprinted away. Without hesitation, the Crew followed him.

Klaw

True Name: Klaw Soul: Mortal/Monster Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size] Genbloom: Bugbear [ +3 Str, +1 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Rough Fur; Small Size]

Monster Level: 8 Paladin Level: 2 [+2 Str, +2 Con, +2 Wil; Smite, Righteous Aura]

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 21 (22, +1 belt) Dexterity: 10 Constitution: 13 (14, +1 belt) Intelligence: 8 Will: 11 Charm: 8

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Devotion [Layered feats] Ability: Mighty Strength Act: Arsonist

Skills(0/3): System Aptitude: 1 Burst of Strength: 1 Attribute Boost: Strength (+2) Flame Affinity: 1 [Source: Arsonist] Smite: 1 Wind Slash: 1

Notable Natural Skills: Savagery: Apprentice

Biotraits (0/8): Base size: Standard [Source: Gremlin] Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Claws [Mutations: Forged, Retractable] Dense Muscle Fibers Rough Fur [Mutations: Insulating Fur; Source: Bugbear] Dense Bone Cardiovascular Control

Transformations: Drakeheart Form: +2 strength +2 constitution Fire-proof Scales Claws [Mutation added: Burning]

Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity +2 constitution Dark Vision

Notable Gear: Mountain Heart Armor Belt of Last Stand

Elyndris

True Name: Elyndris Soul: Monster Genseed: Larva [ 1 Str, 1 Dex, 1 Con, 1 Int, 1 Wil, 1 Cha; miniscule Size]

Monster Level:

10

Attributes (0/12):

Strength:

10

Dexterity:

8

Constitution:

8

Intelligence:

15

Will:

7

Charm:

7

Feats:

Encounter: True Angel

Knowledge: System Knowledge

Act: Devotion

[layered feats]

Act: Blasphemy

Ability: Mighty Intellect

Act: Vile Concoction

Act: Fledgling Mage

Skills (0/3):

Burst of Strength: 1

Pounce: 1

Construct Capacity: 1

Spellcraft: 1

Biotraits (2/10):

Base size: Miniscule

Jaws

Thaumic Sense

[Synergy: Tremor Sense + Magic Sense; Mutations:

Refined Sense

]

Complex organs

Limbs [Mutation:

Lesser Wings

]

Disease Resistance

[Source: Vile Concoction]

Force Distributing Flesh

Transformations:

Night Stalker form:

+2 strength

+2 dexterity

+2 constitution

Jaws [Mutation: Powerful Jaws]

Known Magical Components:

Engines

: Force, Energy, Beam

Drives

: Focus

Notable Gear:

5 Refresh Pills

Hero Scroll

Other:

Curse: Ungenesis

Hunter

True Name: Hunter Soul: Mortal/Monster Genseed: Ogre [ 8 Str, 2 Dex, 6 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Ogre's curse; Large Size]

Hearth Tender Level: 8 [+1 Str, +1 Con, +4 Wil; Invoke Torch, Hearth Fire] Monster Level: 2 [Source: Ichor of the Beast]

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 14 Dexterity: 7 Constitution: 13 Intelligence: 9 Will: 15 Charm: 8

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Vile Concoction Act: Devotion [layered feats] Act: Slayer Ability: Unshakable Will Act: Gluttonous Feast

Skills (1/10): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] Invoke Torch: 2 [Perks: Mighty Torch] Hearth Fire: 2 [Perks: Healing Warmth] Sacred Flame: 2 [Perks: Debilitating Warmth] Encompassing Warmth: 1 Brilliant Bash: 2 [Perks: Hearth Flame] Bounty Hunter: 1 [Source: Slayer] Seek: 1 Fearless: 1 Peaceful Presence: 1 Condense Aura: 1

Notable Natural Skills: Healing: Apprentice

Biotraits (1/2): Base Size: Large Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Vile Concoction] Hunger Core

Other: Curse: Ogre Curse Boot of Rashail

Zuss

True Name: Zuss Soul: Monster Genseed: gremlin [ 3 Str, 4 Dex, 3 Con, 2 Int, 3 Wil, 3 Cha; Regenerating Teeth, Rot Resistance; Tiny Size] Genbloom: hobgoblin [ +1 Str, +3 Dex, +2 Con, +1 Int, +1 Wil; Nimble Fingers; Small Size]

Monster Level: 10

Attributes (0/6): Strength: 10 Dexterity: 16 Constitution: 8 Intelligence: 8 Will: 10 Charm: 9

Feats: Knowledge: System Knowledge Act: Devotion [Layered feats] Ability: Mighty Alacrity Act: Shadow Born

Skills(0/2): System Aptitude: 1 [Source: System Knowledge] Deep Shadows: 1 Path Finding [Type: Climbing]

Notable Natural Skills: Stealth: Apprentice Climb: Apprentice

Biotraits (1/10): Base size: Small [Source: Hobgoblin] Regenerating Teeth [Source: Gremlin] Enhanced Night Vision [Mutations: Dark Vision; Source: Gremlin] Disease Resistance [Mutations: Rot Resistance; Source: Gremlin] Improved Body Control [Synergy: Improved Balance + Improved Nerve Conduction + Improved flexibility; Mutations: Autonomous Reflex] Nimble Hands and Feet [Synergy: Nimble hands + Prehensile Feet; Mutations: Mighty Grip] Cold Resistant Skin Enhanced Visual Acuity Shadow Core [Source: Shadow Born] Shadow Smith

Transformations: Drakeheart Form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Smoke Aura Lesser Wings

Night Stalker form: +2 strength +2 dexterity Enhanced Scent Deepen Shadow+, Widen Shadows

Notable Gear: Blade of a Thousand Screams Knife of the Traveler Mana Crystal Set Tiara

Pet: Name: Birdy Genseed: Cat

Attributes: Strength: 2 Dexterity: 4 Constitution: 2 Intelligence: 2 Will: 2 Charm: 3

Biotraits: Lesser Wings

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.