The Wild Side - A Fodderlocke

[Varethyn]

I'm glad you're still enjoying it despite my flailing with my own rules

[Ana]

heh i never obey to my own rules either

[Varethyn]

Day 46
Failed recruits: 1

It had been some time since the Pack encountered monster hunters, which had been a blessing. Now however they found themselves staring over a small camp after breaching the treeline. Small enough for a group of their size to dismantle, so they did and in doing so freed a Fathom that had been recently captured. As thanks he joined the Pack and vowed to hunt down the hunters in a bid for vengeance. Because vengeance hasn't gone wrong in the past.

Angron joins!


---
9. Abandoned Cub. A tiny lycan-cursed cub was discovered by a pack member. Grab the cheapest hatchling off the AH. Level it to 5 when it comes of age.

As it turned out Angron wasn't the only captive in the camp. After a quick scavenge for supplies what had been passed off as a statue began to shake and mewl desperately, revealing itself to be a frightened Obelisk cub in Stoneshape. Of course there was no way they were going to leave her behind.

Eryl was rescued!


---
Rejected dragon(s):

[Varethyn]

Day 47
Failed recruits: 0

Thylapoint had been particularly jumpy the past while, so Maple and her self-proclaimed charge, Kindred, offered to keep watch when the Pack stopped to rest next. Kindred, who had most certainly not volunteered and was very much still being kept here against his will, protested the entire time. Maple attempted to hush him, but he kept yapping. Further attempts likewise failed.
"Ugh, why did I think it was a good idea to bring you along?" the Wildclaw sighed aloud. "I wish you'd drop dead."
Suddenly, the Pearlcatcher did in fact drop. Maple leapt to her feet and stifled a scream. Oh gods, oh gods she hadn't meant it literally! Now what does she do?!
"Finally some quiet." Murmured a voice from the shadows.
"Hard to focus with that racket." Agreed another.
Maple inched towards the source warily. "Who's there?"
"Fear not child." One voice croaked.
"He is merely sleeping." continued the other. Then two crones stepped out into the light, hunched, elderly yet supernaturally healthy.
Maple drooped in stunned awe. "Are... are you my fairy godparents?"
The pair cackled, high and wheezy. "In a sense." They replied in tandem.

Twins Aleksey and Nadya join!


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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.

(Why does Daleth keep getting rolled for these?? I'll level her up after the post.)

A nagging feeling reentered Daleth's mind and her attention fell on Sidonia, the Spiral who insisted she'd massacred her clan when she Turned. Daleth had hoped that by not mentioning it and supporting her would be enough, yet she couldn't help but feel that more needed to be done. Gently the Imperial invited Sidonia on a patrol around the current area to talk it out.

Everything Sidonia said was promised to be kept confidential unless she asked otherwise, so it was unknown exactly what transpired between them. However, they did locate a potential new den site! Happy days for all!

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Level Check
--------------

Daleth > level 20
Sidonia > level 7

[Ana]

Daleth is such a survivor love the twins

[Varethyn]

Day 48
Failed recruits: 1

Progress in setting up the new den was going well. The only real downside was that it wasn't far from a large bog, which wasn't a bad thing per se as it could help dissuade or at least reduce attack from that side.
It was a welcome location for the two curious new members however as they gleefully set up their own den closer to the marsh. As they did they began chanting in a strange language. Unnerved, the rest of the Pack gave them a wide berth. It wasn't until a third voice joined the chorus that anyone came back to see what was up.

Seems we inadvertently formed a bog-witch coven.

Ania joins! More for the cult than the Pack, but joins nonetheless.


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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.

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Rejected dragon(s):

[Varethyn]

Day 49
Failed recruits: 15

The sudden downpour put a literal damper on progress, so now that things have dried up enough things resumed in earnest. The site turned out to be fairly rocky underground so a good many rocks and boulders were excavated and deposited as a rudimentary barrier around the lair. While Angron was hefting another armful to the growing pile one of the rocks began to wiggle and protest.
"Oh my Deities!" The Fathom commented, carefully placing the rocks on the ground. "I found a galeb-duhr! I am so sorry!"
There was a pause as the living boulder sat there seemingly in confusion, then it unfurled into a more draconic shape. "...I'm sorry, what?"
Oh. Angron needed to lay off the roleplay games.

Cora was unearthed!

And with that, aside from the new Cirrus we have had one of each breed to join the challenge! Do we consider that an achievement? It could be a little while before Cirrus hit the fodder floor.

However!

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 11, Vegasah 9, Alun 11, Maple 1, Aralicien 6, Alethios 9, Thylapoint 4, Dragza 1, Bolbec 5, Bahar 12, Sidonia 6, Kindred 1, Nifty 4, Angron 9, Aleksey 4, Nadya 4, Ania 7, Cora 12)

All of a sudden there was a bellowing, gurgling roar from the swamp! Everyone was instantly on alert as a giant, shambling thing lumbered towards the den. The twin crones were setting up wards to deter the beast, though interestingly the new Fathom, Ania, was missing... Panic broke out as no one had ever seen anything like it. Within moments there was a burst of activity as important supplies were collected, Maple whisked up the young Eryl and Daleth and Piccante worked to keep Aralicien out of harm's way.

"Ah-ha!" Angron declared, brandishing a large stick like a sword. "Everyone, roll for initiative!" A very confused Cora curled up into a ball and rolled towards the threat. "Not literally!" Too late, the movement was enough of a distraction that the crones dropped focus just long enough for the swamp thing to break through, engulfing the Dusthide. At seeing Cora completely disappear inside the monster Angron decided that he was not, in fact, the main character and decided this encounter was too high level and he needed to "do side-quests" elsewhere. In other words, he ran away like a coward.

At the sight of the disgusting creature and its abhorrent behaviour Chorisma basically threw up her arms and declared, "I quit!" then gathered up her belongings and simply left. Likewise, Bahar decided this was just too much to deal with and followed suit.

Vegasah and Alethios teamed up to bombard the swamp thing with magic, while Alun went to aid the crones in bolstering their wards. Unfortunately Alethios got slapped by a well-placed limb and was struck into the ground.

Alethios' Blood Bond with Dragza activates!

Dragza shrieked in despair and rage as she latched onto the thing's face and began scratching and biting profusely, ignoring all warnings as a massive hand came up and grabbed her. The Spiral's shrill cries could still be heard after she was absorbed into the muddy exterior. Vegasah flew over to attempt to dig her out, only to also fall into the monster's grasp.

Overcome by the horror of it all Alun sacrificed his innate magics to super-power the hags, who were able to banish it elsewhere. Where? No one knew but it wasn't here any more.

So much for this being an ideal den site.

DEAD
Chorisma (Day 22-49) (Level 9)
Vegasah (Day 28-49) (Level 8)
Alun (Day 30-49) (Level 8)
Alethios (Day 34-49) (Level 8)
Dragza (Day 36-49) (Level 7)
Bahar (Day 42-49) (Level 6)
Angron (Day 46-49) (Level 6)
Cora (Day 49-49) (Level 6)

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Level Check
--------------

Daleth > Level 21 (send help)
Piccante > Level 14
Maple > Level 9
Aralicien > 8
Thylapoint > 8
Sidonia > 8
Kindred > 7
Nifty > 7
Aleksey > 7
Nadya > 7

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13. A coup! Exalt your leader. Their position was challenged and the aggressor had backup from within the pack, either killing or chasing the previous leader off. The highest level dragon will become the new leader. If there is a tie, the oldest tied dragon shall be the leader. Level the tied dragon one level to make it better than its peers.

Daleth's Blood Bond with Bolbec activates!

Within the chaos a pair of gleaming green eyes watched Daleth with great intent as the Imperial struggled to keep the errant Snapper in place. At the opportune moment Ania unleashed a powerful magic blast, slamming into and knocking Daleth over. Panicking, Piccante let Aralicien go to support her leader as Ania leapt out to double down on her attack. Unbeknownst to her however, she was being watched in turn.

As the Fathom drew in energy a thick tail swatted her in the side of the head, stunning her. Then strong jaws clamped around her neck, cutting off the airflow. Unable to breathe Ania writhed in Bolbec's grip, attempting to overpower and flip the Bogsneak. While she couldn't escape Ania did manage to lock her teeth in Bolbec's neck, eliciting a muffled hiss. The pair tumbled around in a crocodilian death-roll, neither one giving the other any chance to maneuver. Even when Piccante, content that Daleth was going to be okay, began body-slamming the Fathom.

Eventually Ania was forced to let go, stunned and starved for air. Bolbec reluctantly let go in turn, coughing and spluttering. "We'll take her from here." A voice croaked as Aleksey and Nadya, worn out from their exertions, approached. And so Piccante surrendered the deceptive witch into their care. They'd best know how to deal with it.

Sadly for Bolbec the damage had already been done, the injuries to her throat was too great. "I'm just glad... I could... protect the Pack." she managed to wheeze before falling still.

A memorial was later held in her honour.

Daleth loses her last extra life!

DEAD
Bolbec (Day 39-49) (Level 7)

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Rejected dragon(s):



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The Deceased:


Note: Reminder that Chorisma is triple Pearl and that Alun is G1.

[Ana]

Ohy defo an achievement ! GJ

[Varethyn]

Day 50
Failed recruits: 1

A lot of discussion had transpired as to whether this really was the best place to settle after the recent tragedy. Aleksey and Nadya insist it was because Ania had ulterior motives and that the bog is actually quite safe, and even if it weren't they would manage it. Reluctantly the Pack rearranged their belongings and set about resuming their new dens, some shallower than others in anticipation of having to leave again.

All the activity caught the attention of a passing Skydancer who had been sent out to find out what had happened. After hearing an explanation from Daleth the newcomer decided to stay and document the on-goings in the swamp. She was particularly concerned about the potential presence of a hatchling in such dangerous conditions, though as she went around greeting everyone the Skydancer was content that Eryl was old enough to fend for herself.

Casalain joins!


And Eryl grew up into a fine young wolf.


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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.
~2~ ~5~ ~9~
DALETH QUIT TOYING WITH MY EMOTIONS

As a precaution Daleth decided it still best to explore the swamp and make absolutely certain nothing like the monster was living here. As back-up she brought second-in-command Piccante, and also put Kindred to work to earn either his keep or his freedom (though honestly she still wasn't sure what was going through Maple's mind to bring him with them).

Despite the Pearlcatcher's constant complaints jeapordising their safety it turned out nothing was amiss after all. The crones were correct and the wards they'd set up were holding well with Alun's sacrifice. The worst thing to happen was Daleth getting her foot caught in some vines and tumbling into the mud. Nothing more than a bruised ego.

---------------
Level Check
---------------

Daleth > level 22
Piccante > level 15
Kindred > level 8

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Rejected dragon(s):

[Ana]

can i just say how well Eryl´s color matches with her wolfpelt?

[Varethyn]

It really does!

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Day 51
Failed recruits: 30!!!

Screenshot 2025-05-29 160842.png (320.98 KiB) Viewed 260 times

Uhhh. Uhhh. There's no rule for vistas. Uhhhhhh. Heck it, it's going in with skins/scenes.
Skin/Scene (/Vista): 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.

In the middle of the night a Ridgeback and a Ridgeback skeleton entered the camp! Ahh! Necromancy!
...oh wait, they're both alive. We... think? The 'skeleton' was a pearlescent skeletal tattoo on an otherwise pitch-black hide. Pretty sure he's alive...
"I'm telling you, it'll be fine!" the blue one said in an encouraging hush to the other, who appeared to be oddly nervous.
"Uh yes. Completely fine." the dark one replied, clearing his throat. "Totally fine. I'm a completely normal drag-- I mean, lycan. Yes. This very much a real pelt. Definitely not a vamp-- Oof!" he was cut off by his companion shouldering him forcefully.
Yes, there was absolutely nothing wrong with these two in the slightest.

Ghassan and Whistler join!


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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.

"Oh yeah, you can trust them!" A new voice called from behind the now-gathered crowd, who spun around to see a very vibrant Coatl helping himself to someone's food stash. "Just like you can trust me!"
The two Ridgebacks exchanged a look that said they had no idea who that guy was. He must have snuck in while the pair distracted everyone. Things just keep getting weirder and weirder.

Harmonics decided to crash here!


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Rejected dragon(s):




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NOTE: I had so many rejections that I ran out of space and had to exalt a bunch straight away. My restoration is available so if anyone sees someone they like and they were exalted, I'm happy to bring them back!

[Ana]

Harmonics is such a weird but lovely combo

[Varethyn]

Day 52
Failed recruits: 1

"Looks good to me, Cassie. No sign of trouble that I can see. Not sure about Bone Boy over there though."
"Very god, Nia. Thank you."
Apparently Casalain had a partner scouting the swamp while the Skydancer investigated the Pack. Aside from wary glances toward Whistler, who very much shyly balked away from the attention, it was good to know that it was actually safe here. Not sure why these two are still hanging around though. More confusingly, the new Fathom is named Sydonia with a 'y'. Resident Sidionia is happy to go by Sid to Sydonia's Nia. Phew.

Sydonia joins!


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13. A coup! Exalt your leader. Their position was challenged and the aggressor had backup from within the pack, either killing or chasing the previous leader off. The highest level dragon will become the new leader. If there is a tie, the oldest tied dragon shall be the leader. Level the tied dragon one level to make it better than its peers.

The problem did not lay without
Out in the marsh where witches roam
Nor the waters with soft sea foam
And yet it is without a doubt
Beneath the darkened star-specked dome
Did the trouble lay within the home.

As with the sun did an anguished cry wash over the lair. Panicked, worried or simply curious, everyone gathered around where it had come from, finding the large green form of Piccante stooped over the equally large, yet very still blue form of Daleth. Pink eyes stared into nothingness as crimson blood dripped, half dried, from her neck.
Almost immediately all eyes snapped to Whistler, whose maw was also lined with red. "W-what? No, you have it wrong! I j-just had a snack! It's fish blood! From the swamp! I swear!"
Piccante siliently regarded his cohort, Ghassan, then Casalain and Nia. All three nodded in understanding and shepherded the suspicious Ridgeback away for questioning.

Well.

This sucks.

DEAD
Daleth (Day 6-52) (Level 22)

Piccante is the new leader.

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Rejected dragon(s):


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The Deceased: