The Wild Side - A Fodderlocke

[Ana]

I just like to keep watch
I yell if I see a 6 digit or gen one I like though

[Varethyn]

Day 32
Failed recruits: 1

It had been some time since the first large incident, but during the journey to find a new home a familiar scent greeted the Pack's noses. The scent of freshly crushed poisonous berries. Flashbacks of Adara suddenly going mad after Arrix picked the wrong bush to forage from came to mind and they walked carefully.
As they did so the still-recovering Vegasah tripped over what at first looked to be a fallen branch, but was discovered to be the tail of an unconscious Wildclaw. Given their state and the berries nearby it was very suspicious. Nonetheless they decided to nurse the dragon back to their feet at least.

Maple joins!


---
19. Blood Frenzy! Choose a random dragon, including the leader. They have lost control of their instincts and is killing anyone who gets in their way! Flip a coin:
Tails: The dragon snaps out of their frenzy and nothing happens.
Heads: Randomise another dragon, including the leader. They have been killed. Flip another coin and repeat until the frenzied dragon comes to their senses.


Turns out it wasn't a good idea to look out for the sleeping dragon after all. Not longer after she woke up she let out a shriek and launched herself at Watcher. The Coatl had no idea what struck her.

Thankfully that was the extent of the damage before Maple was restrained. The Wildclaw was pinned until the effects wore off, after which she pleaded forgiveness - she'd been chased by hunters and was desperate for food, and didn't realise what she'd eaten until too late. Out of the goodness of Daleth's heart Maple was given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to stay.

DEAD
Watcher (level 7) (Day 27-32)

---
Rejected dragon(s):


---
The Deceased:

[Varethyn]

Day 33
Failed recruits: 3

It had always been a guess if Snappers could also become lycans of some form, what with their thick scales and all. They seemed so rare if they existed. Today, it was proven that they do in fact exist as the Pack stumbled across one on their journey. She seemed to be in a trance, just ambling along without a care, Well, the Pack didn't know where they were going yet so why not travel together?

We joined Aralicien!


---
7. Hunting Party. Pick two dragons at random to patrol the pack's range for trouble and supplies. Raise both of them a level. Roll a 6-sided die for each. If it’s a 1, exalt them as they were lost on the hunt.


Supplies were beginning to run low so Daleth decided to go for a hunt. Rosen opted to join her, eager to get to know the Pack's origins, story, goals and so forth. The pair chatted for some time about the early days' drama, the attempt at building an inn, poison-induced madness, the building collapsing after hunters attacked... it was a very colourful history for such a short amount of time.

Unfortunately they were so busy talking that neither noticed the cliff hidden behind the shrub they were checking for berries in and Daleth went careening over the edge, bouncing off of every rock and outcropping possible on the drop before disappearing into a thick rose bush at the bottom. Rosen, panicking, dived down to check if she was okay, calling her name. Eventually a shaky thumbs up appeared above the plants.

Daleth's okay; only her pride was wounded.

Daleth loses a life!

Rosen > level 8
Daleth > level 17

---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Ana]

Are Snappers the malemutes of fr hmmm

[Varethyn]

They could be!

---
Day 34
Failed recruits: 5

You look away for a minute and things change. As the Pack stopped for a rest Aralecian kept going, oblivious to her new companions. When everyone caught up there was suddenly a tired Fae sitting on her back. Guess he's coming along now, too.

Alethios joins!


---
18. Leader's Ambition. Pick your leader and then two dragons at random. They have to go on a quest now. Raise them a level. Roll 1d10 for each. If it’s a 1, they they’re exalted as they were lost in the hunt. If your leader is exalted, choose a new leader from the remaining Coli party.
~8~ ~9~ ~3~

Possibly in a fit of pride Daleth decided it time to explore their new surroundings. It was high time they found a new den site after all. Also possibly to prove she was still a worthy leader she recruited the new member, Alethios, to show him what she was capable of. Lastly, it had been a while since Merrol got to do much since her siblings left so the Ridgeback was brought along as well.

As the trio poked and sniffed around Alethios called out for the others' attention. Once they'd gathered the Fae excitedly pointed out a small hole and vanished inside of it.
Well. Great. Very helpful. How were the others supposed to--

"Over here!" a tiny voice squeaked and Merrol shoved aside a fallen tree and a few boulders to reveal a cave entrance.

Oh. Right. Of course. Daleth coughed, just glad she hadn't voiced her displeasure out loud. But hey, a possible new place of residence! It didn't smell of anything in particular so it was free for the taking.

Daleth > level 18
Alethios > level 7
Merrol > level 7

---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Varethyn]

Day 35
Failed recruits: 7

Screenshot 2025-05-10 131057.png (308.73 KiB) Viewed 4285 times

Skin/Scene: Admiring the scenery led to a fortuitous encounter. You meet another dragon on your current hunt, and speak with them for a while. They wish to join you on your endeavours. Buy the cheapest adult dragon off the auction house and level them to 6; they automatically become part of the pack.

Living in a cave wasn't the most glamorous and the Pack yearned for dense forests and clearings under moonlight. Still, this was better than nothing. Though it was a chore keeping Aralicien in the general vicinity.
It made for good shelter when the heavens opened and drenched the land with heavy rains. And they weren't the only ones to think so as a sodden Wildclaw suddenly darted in.
"Uh, hi. Hope you don't mind us staying here for a bit."
Wait, "us"?
That's when a small Everlux poked their head out of a pack at the Wildclaw's flank. Ah, I see.

Pompom and Thylapoint join!


---
15. Bad Weather. Even the forces of Nature turn against you. Torrential rains, blistering heat, powerful winds or heavy snow make it impossible to complete any task. Nothing happens.

---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Varethyn]

Day 36
Failed recruits: 1

"They say that if you listen closely you can hear voices in the rain." Luxuria whispered to a jumpy Chorisma, who was not at all enjoying being cooped up in a dusty cave. The Skydancer tried to shrug that off as she sat wistfully by the cave mouth, waiting for the downpour to end so they could leave.
"It's coming."
Chorisma whirled around, fully expecting to see a smirking Tundra. But no one was there.
"It's coming."
"What is?" Chorisma turned to the opening. Was it true? Are there really words in the rain? "What is coming?" She shivered involuntarily.
"RUN."

A pale blur shot past the Pack, making them all look up in confusion. Except for Luxuria, who was indeed smirking to herself. A head popped out of a crack in the cave wall next to her and the pair shared a discreet high-five.

Dragza lives here!


---
6. Hunting Party. Pick two dragons at random to patrol the pack's range for trouble and supplies. Raise both of them a level. Roll a 6-sided die for each. If it’s a 1, exalt them as they were lost on the hunt.


To alleviate Chorisma's fears Alun offered to perform a druidic ritual to cleanse the cave of ghosts. The Skydancer wasn't entirely convinced but what was the harm?
Maple, still wary of her previous actions, decided to tag along to ask about the berries she'd found and if the Nocturne could check to see if she needed purifying or something. Alun assured the Wildclaw that nothing was wrong with her and that the madness had long passed. That didn't stop her from accidentally-on-purpose getting in the way whenever Alun scattered powder. You know, just in case.

Once the ritual was complete Alun announced that the cave may actually be haunted as while it wasn't talking it did sneeze a few times.

Chorisma is now paranoid of talking rain AND haunted caves. Thanks Alun!

Alun > level 7
Maple > level 7

---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Varethyn]

NOTE: Forgot to mention that Veil is Gen1, so holding onto her another day in case anyone wanted to look at her.

---
Day 37
Failed recruits: 4

Screenshot 2025-05-12 135449.png (309.51 KiB) Viewed 4208 times

Rally: The current party is motivated! If they would have to roll as to whether or not they'll get exalted at the end of this coli event, they automatically succeed and return safely to your lair.
NOTE: Not entirely sure whether to include these for the recruitment phase so throwing this in as a test run. All the bonus drops can work for both phases if worded right, so might do that if I'm happy with the outcome. Let me know what you think! Bonus drops can be found in the first post.

---
Apparently the rains had encouraged the vegetation to grow spectacularly overnight as the cave entrance was blocked by thick, green vines covered in colourful flowers. As the Pack worked to clear the way a couple of the vines started giggling and writhing in strange ways. It didn't take long to figure out what was going on, though coupled with the events of the past days Chorisma is in complete shambles. Why can everything talk?!

The Sprout Twins join!


---
3. Blood Bond. Pick two dragons at random. They are now in a relationship. If one gets exalted, so does the other. Their fates are bound together.


Being small himself Alethios decided to explore the cracks and crevices of the cave for the source of the laughter from before. It didn't take long for him to bump snouts with Dragza, the Spiral who had been causing the chaos. Now that he knows the truth the Fae started to crawl back out to report when Dragza explained what she had been doing and, between snorts of laughter, asked him not to reveal her to the others. Alethios decided, you know what? This actually sounds funny and seeing the prissy Skydancer the way she is caused him to vibrate in amusement.
The walls have gained a new voice.

---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Ana]

Tried to scry your gen one


Not for me but maybe salvageble for someone else?

[Varethyn]

Day 38
Failed recruits: 1

Now that weather conditions had finally improved enough to continue their journey, the Pack has set out once more. Vegasah set about freeing Aralicien, having managed to trick the Snapper into wandering around in circles by surrounding her with a thick line of salt and twigs. It was concerning how easy that was to accomplish. Dragza was a little reluctant to leave her home, but the shenanigans she and Alethios caused were too good to let go so she tagged along. There was a lot of, "wait, who is that?" at her sudden appearance.

Speaking of sudden appearances, not too long after setting out did another Wildclaw dart out in front of them. There was a collision, there was a scattering of paper, there was much apologising, there was much gathering of paper. The Wildclaw claimed to be the chef of her (previous) clan but had managed to invent possibly the tastiest dish ever and was forced to flee because her clanmates demanded more. In exchange for shelter she offered to make the recipe for the Pack.

Ynes joins!


---
5. Freeloader. Some random dragon has decided to hang out with the pack. Who is this guy???? Grab the cheapest adult off the AH. Leave them at level 1. For bonus points, try sniping an under-priced adult.

Whoops, apparently one of Ynes' clanmates was so enamoured by her cooking that they followed the Pack until they settled down to rest. Ynes prepared the dish as promised, but as soon as backs were turned they made their move.

There was still enough to go around thankfully. She just hoped there wouldn't be a repeat performance.

Hourglass is sticking around apparently.


---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Varethyn]

Day 39
Failed recruits: 1

Puffing from exertion a Bogsneak came running up to the Pack. It was a good couple of minutes before she got her breath back enough to speak. Her name is Bolbec, she came from the same clan as Ynes and have you seen the Wildclaw in question?

Bolbec joins!


Pack Limits. When the pack reaches or exceeds 20 adult members, or you run out of lair space, it becomes too much to manage. Roll 1d12 for each non-leader dragon. If it's higher than their level, exalt them. Raise all survivors by one level. Repeat if desired.
(Daleth and Piccante IMMUNE (12+), Chorisma 6, Merrol 12, Yinei 10, Vegasah 3, Rosen 11, Alun 5, Luxuria 4, Maple 7, Aralicien 4, Alethios 2, Pompom 10, Thylapoint 2, Dragza 2, Sprout I 9, Sprout II 4, Ynes 3, Hourglass 2, Bolbec 5)

Upon learning that Ynes was not only here but also serving her special recipe Bolbec bellowed, "Stop! Don't eat it!"
She was quick enough to warn most of the unwary lycans but some weren't so lucky. No, it wasn't poisonous or anything. They didn't die or fall ill. Rather it was just so good that they practically went mad begging for more.

The best that could be done for them was to make bulk extra, let them gorge and run like hell. It was a shame to abandon them like that, but it was for the best. With luck, after enough time without the food they'll come to their senses and find a new home.

So run they did. They all ran as fast as possible. Except Aralicien in her her endless, wandering trance. So Daleth and Piccante picked up the Snapper and ran with her. It was an amusing sight seeing Ara's legs still moving like a wind-up toy.

When finally they all ran out of energy Ynes swore to never prepare that meal ever again and made a point of burning the recipe.

LOST IN THE SAUCE
Merrol (Day 23 -39) (Level 7)
Yinei (Day 25 -39) (Level 6)
Rosen (Day 29 - 39) (Level 8)
Pompom (Day 35 -39) (Level 6)
Sprout I (Day 37 - 39) (Level 6)
Hourglass (Day 38 -39) (Level 1)

Daleth > Level 19
Piccante > Level 13
Chorisma > Level 9
Alun > Level 8
Vegasah > Level 8
Luxuria > Level 7
Maple > Level 8
Aralicien > Level 7
Alethios > Level 8
Thylapoint > Level 7
Dragza > Level 7
Sprout II > Level 7
Ynes > Level 7
Bolbec > Level 7

---
19. Blood Frenzy! Choose a random dragon, including the leader. They have lost control of their instincts and is killing anyone who gets in their way! Flip a coin:
Tails: The dragon snaps out of their frenzy and nothing happens.
Heads: Randomise another dragon, including the leader. They have been killed. Flip another coin and repeat until the frenzied dragon comes to their senses.


Apparently cravings don't always happen instantaneously, or else Dragza had done a very good job of hiding hers. She seemed even antsier than usual, even for a Spiral, and was caught periodically checking Ynes' packs.
Sprout II, missing their twin, offered to keep tabs on their fellow noodle to try and calm her down. Not long later they found Dragza coiled tightly around Sprout II's neck and chewing on their tail, probably mistaking it for a giant actual noodle in her craze. In a surge of guilt Ynes rushed in to untangle the mess only for Dragza to recreate the Facehugger scene from Alien.
Out of sheer horror Luxuria, secretly carrying some leftovers, attempted to make a break for it. Dragza caught the scent however and chased the Tundra down. That wasn't just sauce the Spiral was covered in when she returned. The others were waiting for her to reappear however, with everyone jumping on her at almost the same time to prevent further harm. Piccante got the best grip and held Dragza out like a rabid eel.

During the madness Alun had done some research and went out foraging. Some time later he returned and forcefully made Dragza eat some kind of herb, causing her to conk out fast asleep. Fingers crossed she'll have calmed down by the time she comes to.

DEAD
Sprout II (Day 37 - 39) (Level 7)
Ynes (Day 38 -39) (Level 7)
Luxuria (Day 31 - 39) (Level 7)

---
Rejected dragon(s):


---
The Deceased:

[Varethyn]

Hey all. Ended up taking the last few days off cos of mental health troubles again. Not fully up to snuff but enough to get back to this!
Also quick note that Daleth hasn't been levelled up from previous events purely cos of how long it takes to do so now. Not sure how to rule any drops that occur while I finish getting her up.

---
Day 40
Failed recruits: 11

"A chance to learn your future for only one gem?" A youngish-looking Pearlcatcher sidled up to the Pack one morning, flourishing a crystal ball for them all to see. Though the most observant (and some of the less observant) could tell it was just her pearl inside a plastic ball with a cloth stuck to the bottom.

Very concerned gazes were shared amongst the gathering until Alethios zipped up and claimed, "All right, bet."

Rolant might be scamming everyone!


---
11. Cull the Weak. Whether by injury, illness or sheer insensitivity the weak serve only to burden. Roll 1d10 for each of your lowest-level dragons. If it's higher than their level, exalt them. They were not good enough. Raise the remaining low-level dragons by one level.

"BUT!" Alethios continued, "You gotta tell everyone their future." He gestured to the rest of the Pack, noticing her stiffen ever so slightly when she realised how many dragons were here. "Cos our leader," he buzzed, putting a small arm around Rolant's shoulder and pointing to Daleth, who was flanked by Piccante and both were looking very sceptical, "is very intent on finding us a safe home."

"Ah, o-of course!" The Pearlcatcher stammered. "A-Allow me a moment to, ah, centre my chakras and connect to the weave. Yes. I'll let you know when I'm ready!"

She scurried off to "prepare".
She did not let them know she was ready.

As the Pack resumed their journey they found a discarded cloth and two halves of a plastic ball laying on the path.

---
Rejected dragon(s):


---
The Deceased:


---
NOTE: Scarecrow. Nenet AND SalKlei are all from Lineage project/challenges if anyone's into that sort of thing. ...Kinda tempted to keep Nenet.

[Ana]

[Varethyn]

Quick note: a couple of posts ago I mentioned being unsure how to apply bonus effects via coliseum drops. I've decided, having realised I ignored some gene scroll drops previously, to only apply them during the Drama Phase and not the Recruitment Phase. The one exception will be Scenes/Vistas.

---
Day 41
Failed recruits: 3

Energy and morale was flagging after being on the road for so long, so it was decided that they'd set up camp and rest for a while. As the area was being cleared out a small, surprised squeak was heard from inside a log as Vegasah shifted it, causing the Imperial to drop it in shock. A tiny, dark Fae scurried out of her hiding place, frills wavering in a mixture of fear, confusion and slight annoyance.
"Ah! I'm so sorry!" Vegasah apologised softly. "I didn't realise someone was living here."
The Fae drooped at that. "I... don't. Live here, I mean." She clasped her hands together and sighed. "I'm... lost. I was travelling with friends but they've... gone. Left me behind. So I've been hiding in places like this until I can find help."
Vegasah gave the Fae a sympathetic smile and brought her over to meet Daleth. She was welcomed to join the Pack for as long as she needed to.

Veronica joins!


---
19. Blood Frenzy! Choose a random dragon, including the leader. They have lost control of their instincts and is killing anyone who gets in their way! Flip a coin:
Tails: The dragon snaps out of their frenzy and nothing happens.
Heads: Randomise another dragon, including the leader. They have been killed. Flip another coin and repeat until the frenzied dragon comes to their senses.
Good grief, again?



It's always the quiet ones. Or so one would think. Thylapoint, having largely kept to himself after leaving Pompom behind, had started pacing restlessly and wringing his hands together. Something was wrong but he couldn't quite put a claw on what. He kept glancing over at the rest of the Pack, from whom he'd chosen to keep a small distance from in his grief. Maybe it was the anxiety of being alone. Maybe it was the nervousness of relying on others.

Maybe he was just overthinking it. With a sigh he lay down to sleep. Perhaps he'll feel better when he woke up.

He did.

Nothing happened.

---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Varethyn]

Whoops got distracted.

---
Day 42
Failed recruits: 3

Another day, another strange situation. The sound of someone crying during the journey caused the Pack to stop and investigate, finding a bright purple Sandsurge sobbing to herself in a circle of flowers. Daleth approached softly and asked what was wrong, to which the Sandsurge explained that she was to be mated to her beloved but the ceremony was attacked by wild lycans and she was bitten. When her betrothed found out she was infected he ditched her.

Wow, rude.

Daleth invited her to stay with them for protection and she accepted.

Bahar joins!


---
3. Blood Bond. Pick two dragons at random. They are now in a relationship. If one gets exalted, so does the other. Their fates are bound together.


It had been a few days since the Food Incident and Bolbec had silently been blaming herself for it. If only she'd gotten here sooner! To be honest she wasn't sure why she was still here. Yet every time the Bogsneak turned to leave something held her back. The guilt. A determination to make sure nothing like that happened again. Yes, that's it! As of today Bolbec swore to protect the Pack with her life. Was that too much? Daleth at least? She was a strong leader who had been through a lot. That felt right.

---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Ana]

uhh you got it done just before maintaince hugs

[Varethyn]

Day 43
Failed recruits: 7

More crying, this time more hysterical. Preceded by the discovery of a small lair recently ransacked the Pack stumbled across a near inconsolable Spiral in the centre of it all, covered in blood and screaming in anguish. After some time Alun was eventually able to calm her down enough to ask what happened.
"I... I killed them. I killed all of them!"
With Alun and Vegasah comforting the distraught dragon everyone else split up to investigate the area. She might have been involved during Turn-based combat madness but it was clear that more had happened than one Spiral.
Offering a safe space and shelter the Pack took her in and moved on swiftly.

Sidonia joins!


---
1. The Plague! A great sickness comes over your pack's range. Roll a 1d12 for every dragon including your leader. On a 1 the dragon does not survive. Raise any remaining dragons by 1 level.
(Daleth 3, Piccante 10, Chorisma 12, Vegasah 4, Alun 12, Maple 9, Aralicien 8, Alethios 8, Thylapoint 4, Dragza 3, Bolbec 5, Veronica 8, Bahar 6, Sidonia 10)

There was a brief moment of panic when Daleth began coughing uncontrollably and Dragza became physically ill, wondering if maybe the More that had happened in the destroyed lair might have affected them as well.

Turns out Daleth just swallowed water wrong and Dragza had eaten some rotten food by accident. Crisis averted!

Nothing happened.
NOTE: I am skipping the levelling part of this as I feel it should only apply if someone dies. As it is I'm debating rewriting the rule entirely to fit this current challenge. Many of the rules I have in place I picked from various different challenges, including non-Fodderlockes, as a means of diversity and challenge. This one is fine, just needs an adjustment.
It also made me realise I done fudged it up on the very first post as I misread the rule and went by "if the number is greater than the dragon's level" like with Grand Hunts and Pack Limits. Whoops!

---
Rejected dragon(s):


Note: Aludra is triple Rose.

[Varethyn]

Day 44
Failed recruits: 1

Having been on the road for some time the Pack was beginning to run low on supplies. Straws were drawn to see who would sneak into a nearby clan and barter, with Maple drawing the short straw. Nervous but still wanting to redeem herself for her madness before, she agreed and trotted into town.
While browsing various stalls in her dragon guise a cry was suddenly heard in the crowd and a Pearlcatcher came cantering out followed by cries of outrage. They were grasping a very expensive-looking handbag and wearing a determined expression, leading Maple to the conclusion that they'd stolen it. In a fit of bravery she launched herself at the Pearlcatcher, knocking him over and pinning him down.
"Thank you so much, stranger!" an elder Skydancer dressed in furs and pearls panted, picking up and inspecting the bag. Then she furrowed her brow and began to ask, "Wait, aren't you--?" only to find them both gone. Odd. For a moment she was sure that was a lycan.

Daleth was extremely confused why Maple had brought back another dragon instead of supplies.

Kindred is our prisoner now!


---
10. Honourable Brawl. A disagreement in ranking flares up and the two initiate trial-by-combat. Take two random non-leader dragons into the coliseum and exalt whoever faints first, as they were defeated and leave in shame.


Ever since she was allowed to travel with them Veronica had secretly been trying to buddy up with Daleth. Not out of wanting recognition or anything, simply as a thanks and means of security. Unfortunately Bolbec noticed these efforts and saw them as an affront to her own secret vow to protect Daleth. Well, the whole pack but mostly Daleth. Taking this as an affront to her, admittedly not very obvious, intent the Bogsneak took this personally. Watching the Fae bringing a gift to the Imperial Bolbec made her move.

Later, when Daleth was doing a headcount she asked where Veronica had gone. Matter-of-factly Bolbec said she'd decided to go back and stay in the clan they'd just passed by. When Maple tried to interject with the suspicions she'd received prior, Bolbec whipped her sharply with her tail. Daleth merely shrugged, after all Veronica was looking for a new home.

Maple narrowed her eyes at the Bogsneak.

DEAD
Veronica (Day 41-44) (Level 6)

---
Rejected dragon(s):


---
The Deceased:

[Varethyn]

Day 45
Failed recruits: 9

It was a peaceful, though chilly night so a campfire was built for everyone to curl up around. The light attracted moths, which was bothersome to some, entertaining to others and soothing to yet more.
Then bigger moths showed up, which proved frightful to some, intriguing to others and bothersome to yet more.
Then a really big moth appeared.
Wait, that's not a moth.

Nifty was attracted to the light!


---
12. Grand Hunt! Either a known group of monster hunters has been located or food stocks are low and a herd of animals is migrating through the range. Neither can be ignored, both will be dangerous. Roll 1d12 for every dragon. If you get higher than their level, exalt. Raise all survivors by one level.
(Daleth and Piccante Immune (12+), Chorisma 7, Vegasah 7, Alun 3, Maple 1, Aralicien 3, Alethios 8, Thylapoint 7, Dragza 6, Bolbec 2, Bahar 6, Sidonia 1, Kindred 5, Nifty 5)

He came careening in far too fast! Everyone scattered as the entranced Aether flew directly into the campfire, sending cinders and burning wood hither and thither. There was panic, screams of pain and general confusion as the woods got set alight!
Somehow within all the chaos no one was hurt more than slight burns. Even Nifty, the overzealous Aether, escaped only with singed fur. As Alun tended the wounded the others set about stymieing the blaze.
So much for a peaceful night. at least everyone gained some experience in managing forest fires.

---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Ana]

Still following