"Horrors of the Red Cathexus!" Take two!

[Eliasdagood]

Cortova steps forward, cringing internally at the state of this place. “Went to bone lake. Found shinies in bones. Then spiders eat others. We kill them. Then big lizard hunters come. We get hurt. Take shinies and run.” She absolutely detests the way she’s having to speak. It makes her want to get out of this body as soon as possible.
(23 to bluff.)

 

[Beckoncall]

The goblins believe every word. The pouch of "shinies" is raised up to the Chieftain and the shaman takes the lesser treasures while examining the spiky ring (Thorn) before grinning evilly and passing it to the chief. "Ring of strength, yes."

The east and west portcullis remain down while the north portcullis opens to reveal a T-junction and the inner warrens of the goblins. Consisting of a single hallway full of cramped rooms alternatively filled with junk, beds, and that which is indistinguishable from either, the ends of this east/west corridor terminate in stairwells that in all probability lead to the upper deck where the chieftain, shaman, and majority of the warriors of the tribe are.

Upon slipping onto the chieftains finger, Thorn vibrates with the energy of the cathexus. Supplanting the chief's will, The horrors now have a stronghold -- and a following. No fewer than 30 goblins with 15 goblin dogs, all are now subject to Thorn and the Cathexus.

The horrors immediately feel a surge of power...
(CHARACTERS NOW LEVEL 2!)

 

[SpiralErrant]

Ooooh this felt good! Thorn's spikes sunk in once again, smothering the natural thoughts of this goblin chieftain in fire and wild bloodlust. Not a big challenge given what this host was like by the feel of it, as the chief was washed away, running with the tidal wave that was Thorn's personality.

Flexing out his new bony hand and rolling his knobbly shoulders under their rancid furs, with a twisted smile ruthlessly pulling at the corners of his new mouth.

"Is a good strength ring, yeah." Thorn smiled, offering a cheeky wink to his new friends as he tried to hold back a wave of laughs and the joy of having his clever plan work. Thorn couldn't really remember what that plan was but clearly it worked cus everyone was smiling!

Now he wanted to explore his new castle, and his new weapons, and the new goblins who'd do what he said! "I want to go fighting with my new ring! Gotta go somewhere!" The Thorn-Chieftain cried, springing up to his feet and running through the hallways like a child on their birthday as he went looking for the biggest weapon he could find and goblins to go fighting with him.

 

[Beckoncall]

The goblins, with their leader supplanted invisibly -- have fallen under the control of the horrors.

The present community is approximately 20 goblins strong, with 15 goblin dogs.

The lair consists of two goblin dog dens, two barracks and two messy general living areas, and an upper level where the chief and the shaman make residence.

West of the goblin warren is a deeper sewer area, there are open caverns known for warring humanoids to the north, and the sandy caverns you came from to the east.

 

[Beckoncall]

What would the horrors of the Cathexus seek to do next? With the cathexus safe and revered by the goblins, all the horrors suddenly felt increased in power... their old weak forms felt heavy on them, they needed to grow into greater creatures if the cathexus was to gain more power.

What would they order the goblins to do? It was known the Goblins sometimes sought to fight in the terrain struggles of hobgoblins, orcs, and gnolls to the north in the larger caverns, but they were too weak to be influential players, until perhaps now.

But the question of form was more pressing -- the cathexus called to them to take stronger forms, and through their spirits perhaps strengthen the cathexus itself...

 

[Eliasdagood]

Cortova certainly isn’t happy with her current form. She detests goblins, and all of their filth. She can’t even find a suitably clean place to bathe. Hm, she should check with one of her slaves to see if she can possess them, or if they know something stronger. Female, preferably. Being stuck in a male form for this long disgusts her. But it’s about time to feed the slaves anyway, so she should find a pair of goblins for their meal.

 

[Demonsoul]

Vasilissa felt a desire for a stronger host, goblins lacked as a predator. However those bats seemed like a perfect choice. Darb exited the goblin base and began to head back towards where they came from. This time there wasn't need for stealth. Like a parasite manipulating their host to get eaten, the Abrather headed towards the nearest bat.

(Perception, and Study bat when in range)

 

[Beckoncall]

"Not much farther..." was all cortova had to say to one of the other goblins to get it far enough outside the compound to where the stone troglodytes would be waiting.

Shedding her useless husk, it was a simple formality to feed her former husk and the accompanying goblin to the nearest stone troglodyte -- and a female no less. Though far from elegant a form as she was accustomed, the contours and frame of this creature were far stronger and more desirable.

Upon claiming the form of the stone Trog, the other Troglodyte was utterly horrified. She would have to fool it, or scare it, or both to avoid a conflict with it -- as it seemed teetering between submission, fight, or flight.

Eliasdagood : Make a bluff and an intimidate check!

 

[Eliasdagood]

Cortova takes in an eager breath, feeling this form out. Oh, that is so much better… she turns her head, grinning wickedly at the second troglodyte, and taking a step forward. “Oh, come on, now.” She growls, flexing her new claws. “You know better than to cross your queen, don’t you? Your companion should be honored that I chose her flesh to inhabit.”
(23 to intimidate)

 

[Beckoncall]

Vasilissa too, exited the goblin encampment to enter the sandy caverns... in it's piteous goblin form it searched carefully and stealthily for it's chosen prey -- a dire bat: Bat, Dire – d20PFSRD

but the Abrather would have little time to study it before even with it's considerable stealth it was spotted by it's quarry. Swooping down, with a wingspan of over 15 feet, the abrather-in-host barely avoids the bats attack as it passes!

(can counterattack)

 

[Demonsoul]

The Abrather grinned. Its prey found it first. Vasilissa felt the rush of the hunt that came from the bat narrowly missing her. The goblin body drew its bow and fired at the bats wing.

(Full round action: called shot, Total attack bonus counting the penalty for the called shot: +3. Effect on hit normal damage and bat must make a fly test at -2 DC equal to attack roll.)

 

[Beckoncall]

Vasilissa misses, and the bat comes in for another pass. This time successful, the bat in one bite snaps the head off of the goblin and lands nearby to collect the rest of it's meal. The abrather, it's host body dead, stumbles once then falls pouring it's blood into the cold cavern sands.

The Abrather is expelled from the dead goblin in a gush of blood, laying on the ground near the goblin as the dire bat feeds, and prepares to take off...

(chance to possess creature before bat flies away or detects vasilissa)

 

[Beckoncall]

Cortova's will was iron. The remaining trogs, two males -- sat cowed in the darkness, eating the flesh of the goblins. The other trogs had run off presumably for good but these were content to remain slaves, their will crushed under the terrifying presence that was Cortova.

"Want eat all goblins. We massacre?" one of the trogs said of cortova's slaves, perhaps she still had plans for them other than fodder. It was impolite for them to presume, so they averted their gaze from the new and mightier form of Cortova...

Eliasdagood

 

[Eliasdagood]

Cortova grins, enjoying this. Even if it’s just these low creature, the feeling of being able to force another to her will once more is so exhilarating. She considers the one that asked to kill all of the goblins, humming thoughtfully. A strange sound in this form, to be sure.

“Remind me to teach you agriculture at a later date.” She mutters. “Once there is a new source of food secured, then yes, the goblins will have lived out their usefulness. But for now, it is better to let them live long enough to reproduce before harvest.”

She doesn’t particularly care that much of that vocabulary probably didn’t catch in their dull minds. They don’t need to understand, only obey. Now to get in touch with the other horrors to continue their conquest. She turns to go back to the village, not particularly caring that her new form could easily spook some of the goblins. Thorn will see to them, she’s sure.

 

[Demonsoul]

The Abrather was in shock for a moment, its host so easily slain. But the bat came to the ground, perfect chance to make it Vasilissa's new host. The Abrather stealthily attempted to burrow down the bat's thoat.

(Stealth (probably a bonus due to the bat being distracted) Attempt to claim as host (Reflex saving throw, auto succeed if the bat is flat footed).)

 

[Beckoncall]

Vasilissa was still learning the limitations and lack therof of her hapless hosts -- The goblin, decapitated, was still a viable host while she yet had fight in her -- but now it was time to change.

The distracted bat, preoccupied with going to ground and devouring the twitching head of the goblin, was ripe for a surprise attack. The abrather followed the head down the Dire bat's throat, the bat realizing all too late as the tendrils of control spread throughout it's body -- throughout it's brain.

The Abrather had a new host, and it's new strange senses were remarkable -- blindsight flooded Vasilissa's senses and after a couple of flailing attempts the horror managed to coordinate the bats wings and take it aloft...

 

[Beckoncall]

The Cathexus called out for slaughter in it's name, or souls sacrificed to it. the horrors minds burned slightly at the longing of the cathexus, the source of their power. They had subjects now -- goblins and their mounts... and it was time they were used, applied.... SPENT.

 

[Eliasdagood]

Cortova growls lowly in her new voice, flexing her claws. She can feel the hunger of her hapless host, and she’s half tempted to just go back and inform her slaves that it is time. It would be better to consult the others first. She wants to feast, to slaughter, to enhance her power by offering these wretched souls. She’s going to enjoy every moment of this.

She stalks into the camp, towering over the goblins. “I believe it is time to cull the herd. We should save some to farm them. Useless as they are, they serve a purpose. But those that are unnecessary… perhaps we should start with the males. We need fewer of them for breeding.” She calls out in the language of elders, a vicious grin on her reptilian face.

 

[Demonsoul]

The abrather stretched her new wings. It felt good being free of a weak humanoid body. The body of a predator fit much better. But for now she would need to stretch and get accommodated to this new form. Those crabs from earlier would make perfect prey to get accommodated to this large form. Vasilissa expanded her wings and began soaring through the cavern. Dire bats weren't especially fast however the ability to ignore terrain was delightful. And the fear that the lesser races of these caves felt from the bat was delightful. She searched the cavern for a crab. The abrather's strength and dexterity weren't much higher than the bat's but they still shown through. The crab's shell may be strong but she was stronger, and the thrill of the hunter was building her confidence.

(Perception (+12) to find cave crab or survival to track (+7), stealth to remain undetected (+6), stat differences from normal dire bat- AC 16, Bite damage 1d8+5)

 

[Eliasdagood]

Cortova growls, hearing nothing from her compatriots. They’re either elsewhere, or they didn’t hear her. Either way, the call of the Cathexus is too strong for her to ignore any longer. She turns back, a vicious grin on her reptilian features as she speaks to her slaves. “We attack today. Do not kill them all, we want as many captives as possible. Block off the entrances, do not let them escape. If you must eat, kill the males first. They’re less needed, and from what I can see there are far more of them than we require for a breeding population. Am I understood?” She growls, flexing her claws excitedly.
Beckoncall

 

[Beckoncall]

Vasillisa was quick to find her chosen prey -- there was no eluding her new senses... at least not now.

A lone giant crab waited underneath a funnel of water draining from the ceiling doing some form of posturing to attract a mate -- unfortunately it's movements attracted a different kind of attention... the abrather's predatory nature.

The first strike was quick and brutal (13 damage) shocking the crab utterly it pulled all it's limbs towards itself in full systemic shock -- bluish blood seeped from a great crack in the creature's carapace, but one of it's claws instinctively snapped at the giant bat form as it passed... (inflicting 4 points of damage) -- it attempts to grab the giant bat, but the size difference is too extreme, and Vasillisa slips away and winds around for another attack...

The attack on the second pass is quick and lethal -- overkill in the extreme striking the already open wound in the giant crab's armor.

Sure, the Abrather had sustained a minor wound, but it made quick work of it's prey, just as expected...

______________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, Cortova's reign of blood was well underway. The goblins were no match for the troglodytes, especially without the capacity to release their hounds to fight with them. By the end of the rites of slaughter, the cathexus, and indeed the entire area was dripping with greenish blood.

Most of the goblins gave a pathetic resistance, but it did not last long until it was simply chasing down fleeing prey and devouring their meat and smearing their ichor on the walls, floor, ceiling, everywhere.

The Cleric prostrated herself in front of the cathexus praying not to be slain, and it seemed she had been spared, for now... the same could not be said of all but a handful of fighting goblins and the women and children who would serve as chattle to be bred for more slaughter.

The Troglodytes were goblin killing-machines -- in the initial resistance the ability of the stone trogs to spray rubble at whole arcs of would be defenders, cortova quickly demonstrated the supremacy of her new form.

By the end, the Cathexus hummed -- almost purred in it's vibrations. The horrors from beyond the veil could feel it's power -- it was sated... for now... but it's appetite would return. More sacrafice. More bloodshed was needed.

Eliasdagood

 

[Eliasdagood]

Cortova tilts her head back, letting out a long, pleased sigh. That felt really good. She was never really exposed to this as a princess. The raw slaughter was the work of soldiers. Feeling the power of the cathexus humming through her is immensely satisfying. She instructs her slaves to watch over the prisoners, and follows the cleric to the cathexus.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” She rumbles, looking down at the goblin. “You are the only one of them to display any intelligence. You could be useful.” It’s not hard to tell that she’s more powerful and intelligent than the other troglodytes, she’s sure. “What do you think of it? I’m curious what it could mean to you that you came here on threat of death.”
(12 to diplomacy to try and make the cleric helpful to Cortova)
Beckoncall

 

[Beckoncall]

The cleric remains prostrate, fearful.

"Blood gem beautiful. Evil. Must respect it."

It looks sideways at cortova's stony form and closes her eyes, fearful.

"It needs reverence. Greegee Revere. Greegee life may be spared. Maybe."

Eliasdagood

 

[Eliasdagood]

Cortova sighs. “So Intelligent enough to use magic, and that’s about it.” She mutters, very irritated. She’d at least like to be able to talk about things with someone of a decent vocabulary. “But yes, you are correct. And the blood stone, true to its name, demands blood. While I regret that it was necessary, this attack on your home saved your people from a much worse fate. Sacrifices must be given to the blood stone every so often.”
(23 to bluff to convince cleric that the deaths are neccessary!)

 

[Beckoncall]

Eliasdagood

The cleric rises and bows to the gem, then to Cortova.

"Kobolds to the North -- kill kobolds instead and get more blood for gem. Greegee can release the hounds on command!"

"Stone need blood. Sacrifices must be made, yes."