Inactive [LP CYOA] Overlord

[Kipeci]

Treave mentioned something about grappling the pink slime with frost to capture it earlier, I imagine that if Erdrick doesn't want to provoke the black slimes too much then he would lean on ice magic to freeze them solid rather than torching them. I don't know how effective regularly punching them is... Barbatos said that he likes slimes because they last longer than other monsters when punched or something to that effect, which would seem to indicate that that's not too effective a strategy.

 

[Nevill]

I don't think the safety of black slimes is our concern in any way. The text is pretty clear on that we'll be helping multi-colored ones in B.

I am fairly certain the retaliation will be lethal, although less sure of the method now that everyone is entangled in a fight.

Perhaps electricity spells to shock and separate them, followed by something fiery to evaporate the offenders.

 

[TOME]

Gigadyne!

 

[treave]

How does Erd plan to engage the black slimes if B wins?

A good blast of wind will toss all of the slimes into the air and pull them apart long enough for him to target the black slimes.

Also, how much mana would be required to maintain these shields active during the entire battle?

For five people? Negligible. He'll be using defensive spells of Rank D and below, and their cost is low enough that he has enough mana to comfortably protect five hundred combatants against low-level monsters such as these. The advantage of being an angel is that you have quite a bit to work with. It's just a matter of whether you want to be stingy or not.

I don't think the safety of black slimes is our concern in any way.

He'll try not to be lethal, but if they attack him too while he's attempting aggressive pacification, then they are asking for it.

 

[Nevill]

Well, if the corruption of black slimes is reversible (and I do think this is a corruption, seeing how no one recognizes the new color), it would make sense to show at least some mercy.

I doubt they can be reasoned with in their current state, though.

 

[lightbane]

We don't even know if one can effectively "talk" to slimes, at least not without telepathy or tentacle-probing. However, the latter is what some Codexers wanted during the previous episode, so it's okay.

Same reasoning for if the black slimes attack Erd, although chances are they will be way too rough for his liking. Speaking of which, it seems the rookies knights can actually be in danger during these expeditions, Nevill. I'm sure the pink slime was attempting to kidnap the Ollie-boy when it tried to retreat and go back to its lair. Even if he wasn't going to be killed, ending up as a sex slave for a bunch of sentient puddings for the rest of his life, or for an undetermined period of time (dozens of years if not more, I bet), is not what I would call a pleasant fate.

Also, I believe you haven't counted the C3 votes in your tally.

 

[Nevill]

Also, I believe you haven't counted the C3 votes in your tally.

Because there are none.

Or rather, they are all secondary. With just 3 potential votes, they are not coming into play.

As for the danger present... perhaps. I suppose there may be a rescue mission if a kid goes missing. Regardless, the fact that they use this territory as rookie training grounds makes me think that the risks are negligible. You could break your neck even in a gym if you are unlucky and do not take precautions, so nothing is absolutely danger-free.

 

[Karwelas]

B2>B3

 

[Nevill]

“Ah, the virility of youth,” chuckles Barbatos. “That makes it three times in a row. I had almost forgotten that pink slimes love to drain their victims of nutrients in this manner. Why, it almost reminds me of the time I battled the Pink Slimelord of Passion Peak…”

They have come in a mixture of colours; pink, blue and green

BRObatos lore to the rescue. How do blue and green slimes feed? We've established that pinks are mostly harmless, but what about those?

inb4 'too much information'.

 

[treave]

Blue slimes are omnivorous, green are vegetarian, red are carnivores and purple slimes subsist on clothing. These are just their preferred food, however. If they're hungry enough they'll try to eat anything anyway.

 

[Nevill]

Pink and purple ones are definitely going with us. The perversion potential is unlimited!

Tally

Nevill B2>B3>C3
asxetos B2>B3
lightbane B3>B2>C3
Azira B1>B2
Baltika9 C1
Kz3r0 B1
Elfberserker B3
Jester B1
Kipeci B2
Gobblecock B3
TOME B2>B1>!B3
Grimgravy B1>A1>C1
archaen B1>C3
ScubaV C2>C1>B2>B1
Karwelas B2>B3
Lambchop19 B2>C2>D1

B1 - 5 [potential 7]
B2 - 6 (8) [potential 9]
B3 - 3 (2) [potential 6] lightbane -> B2
C1 - 1
C2 - 1 (0) ScubaV -> B2

 

[lightbane]

These slimes do have a great potential after all, especially if some can be trained to eat armor and/or weaponry, or even protective spells (although the latter is unlikely unless Miss Z tampers with their genetics somehow... Which she will anyway). Erd could also attempt to train one to devour shadow-molded clothing, for these times he has the need to punish Rin and/or troll her for one reason or another.

PS: Seeing how Erdrick's personality is, I wonder how did he manage to reach the Demon King's castle. All he had to do to dispose of the "Hero" at any time was to send a Succubus assassin/seducer after Mercant (I'm sure the King had some of these lying around, considering how the Demon Army had so many generals, liutenants and troops of all kinds and shapes). Said demon would then promise him a lifetime of pleasure in exchange of giving up his Hero title, something he would do with no hesitation. I bet not even the medallion would have been enough to restrain him if that happened.

EDIT: I just thought of one way to increase slimes' effectiveness in our army: use them as projectile weaponry! Even better if they can be somehow kept inside a small container which has stunning/hallucinogenic gas (which should not affect the slimes themselves, of course). That way they would be able to become a deadly and unexpected trap. Speaking of which, certain traps such as pitfalls could be "improved" with slimes as well.

 

[a cut of domestic sheep prime]

B2>C2>D1

 

[treave]

Turbulence

First things first: you cast an invisibility spell over Lucy. Though you are unsure whether she can understand your actions, you put your finger to your lips and shush the cow. As if on command, she lays down in the tall grass quietly, not even swishing her tail. With that done, you turn your attention back to the battle.

You walk out from the bushes, your face morphed into that of a wrinkled, crotchety old man, your back hunched. Eileen notices you and shouts out a warning. “Hey! Sir! Don’t get close, these monsters are dangerous!” Quietly laying down a set of protective spells on Aria and the other two girls – the boys can take care of themselves, you didn’t learn these spells to use them on men – you turn to the battling slimes. Slimes. They do not seem very strong. Barbatos does not seem concerned either. These should not take long. You stretch out your hand. A simple spell like Whirlwind should do here.

The wind stirs, nudged into motion by the force of your magic and the intent of your will. It swirls, spins, and gains in speed so suddenly that the slimes have no time to react. They are flung into the air in a circling eddy of rushing air, along with pebbles, sand and droplets of water. As they spin, the entangled slimes detach. You note, with slight curiosity, that the black slimes appear to be denser: they sink towards the bottom of the spinning column of wind while the lighter-coloured ones float apart. This is not your intention, but it works just as well.

“Spell Maximize. Icebolt.” You cast your next spell. Small, icy spheres form in front of your fingers and shoot outwards. As soon as one has left, another appears almost immediately to take its place. Each one of them homes in on a black slime, trapped helplessly in the whirlwind. The bolts slam home, their effect instantly seen as the slimes solidify, their black jelly taking on a shining obsidian sheen.

“If you want to investigate the black slimes further, they should be able to thaw out later with no problem,” says Barbatos. “One of my former wielders was a slime. He got himself trapped in an ice dungeon for two centuries. Unfroze later when a fire dragon moved in and melted all the ice, and was still as healthy as ever. Well, up until the dragon melted him too.”

“Good to know,” you say. Just then, the frozen black slimes start shuddering and shaking violently. With a blinding roar of light and sound, they explode.

Behind you you can hear the rookies shout as they are blown off their feet. The boys, at least; the girls remain untouched behind your spells. Eileen and Nina look around in surprise as they finally notice the magical protection around them. The black slimes that have survived the battle with the young knights are retreating. “Percy? Percy!” cries Nina. It looks like one of them took a fatal tumble onto his own sword. How unfortunate for him. As his comrades begin to grieve, you look at the other slimes, who are sliding about at a cautious distance from you, but making no move to run.

Aria walks over to you tentatively. “I’m sorry, are you…”

“Just a passing mage,” you wheeze.

She scrutinizes your face and frowns, before nodding as she glances over your cloak. “Okay,” she says.

“Heavensell, do you know this man?” says Eileen as she joins the conversation. Her eyes are still red, but as leader of her squad she seems to have elected to address the strange newcomer first rather than spend time mourning her recent loss. How dutiful.

“I… don’t,” says Aria carefully. “Nope. Never seen him before.”

“Well, regardless, we are grateful for your assistance, sir mage,” bows Eileen. Her chainmail hangs loose, offering you a good view down her front. Even though she can’t be much older than Aria, there are a couple of rather significant differences between the both of them. “Unfortunately it was not enough to save all of my squad.”

You shrug, still staring, and offer what you hope to be a consoling grunt.

“You seem well able to take care of yourself, but still, these woods seem too dangerous to travel alone,” continues Eileen helpfully and obliviously. “Would you like us to escort you out of the forest?”

“Leaving so soon?” says Aria.

Eileen catches on to the hopeful tone in her voice and scowls. “One of my men is dead. I need to bring him back and report to my superiors before attempting anything else. In fact, you would do well to come with me, Aria Heavensell. You might be a bit strong, but wandering this forest alone, as it is, is suicidal.”

“Oh, I’ll manage,” replies Aria breezily. “Maybe I’ll ask the old man to keep me safe since knights like you can’t cut it.”

Eileen bites back a retort, her brows twitching. Instead, she says, “Fine. We can have reinforcements here within three days to subjugate the out-of-control slimes. Perhaps if you are still alive then, they can pick you up. To you, sir mage, I wish the best of luck.” She stomps back to her team. As they prepare to leave, Oliver waves at Aria politely. She ignores him.

Once the knights are out of sight, you release the spell maintaining your disguise.

“Well, how did I do?” grins Aria.

“It was a failing grade,” you say nonchalantly, beckoning Lucy out of the forest. The slimes are still bobbing about a fair distance away, not approaching but not leaving either.

“What? Why?”

“Because,” you add, as Aria’s stomach grumbles and she pulls her cloak tighter around herself in embarrassment, “I sent you out to get fish, and you don’t have any.”

***

That night, you have Aria grill the fish. When fishing with lightning spells, all you need to do is to collect the largest, juiciest fish while they are still stunned. After dinner, she sighs contentedly and leans back before realizing that she is still wearing nothing but a cloak. “M-Master?” she asks.

“Yes?”

“Can you teleport me back for some clothes?”

“You look great like this. There’s no problem,” you say, munching on some of the leftover fish.

She blushes and – uncharacteristically – says nothing.

“Speaking of which,” you continue. “How did you learn that particular lightning spell you used against the girl knight?”

“I… I saw you use it at Erise, Master.”

“And you picked it up immediately?”

Aria scratches her head. “I’m not sure how myself. I just understood how it worked… but I don’t think I can explain it. Am I in trouble?”

“You will be if you continue to use it carelessly,” you say, pointing out her fatigue. “You are aching all over right now, aren’t you?”

She nods nervously.

“Do it wrong and you might lose a limb or worse next time. It looks like I will have to spend more time in teaching you.”

She nods again, faster and more excitedly this time.

***

The slimes are still around the next morning. As you move, they move along with you. Soon, you realize that they seem to be pointing you in a particular direction. It looks like they want you to follow them.

“Won’t it be a trap, Master?” asks Aria.

“Can slimes fly?” you ask Barbatos.

“Not that I know of,” he replies.

“Then we’re safe,” you say.

As you progress deeper into the forest, you come across more groups of slimes engaged in skirmishes. Blue, pink, green, even red and purple slimes are battling the black slimes all across the forest. Your slime guides carefully lead you away from those skirmishes however – their intent seems to be to convey you to your destination without getting into any more fights. Finally, you arrive at a spring deep in the forest, hidden by thick foliage. The water is sparkling clear, and you can see slimes of all colours lounging happily at the bank. At the center of the spring, on a throne of jelly, sits a beautiful woman in crystalline armour. “Ah, so these slimes were spawned from a queen,” comments Barbatos quietly. Her blue flesh is as jelly-like and translucent as that of her subordinates, and her long hair undulates like the tentacles of a sea creature. Peering closer, you can see that her form-fitting armour is actually an outgrowth of her body.

“Welcome,” says the slime queen calmly, her melodious voice reminiscent of an icy, refreshing brook. “We are Brunnen. This is our main body.” She stands up and walks across the water, ripples spreading wherever her toes touch the surface. Then, to your surprise, Brunnen kneels to you. “Please do not kill me,” she pleads in that same, calm voice.

“You brought me all the way to you just to ask me not to kill you?” you ask. That seems to be a little counter-productive.

“If I did not? Forest destroyed? Just to get to me,” says the slime queen. “Your kind. Dangerous.”

“You don’t even know me,” you sigh. “I am only here so that you can do me a favour. Killing you was not on the books. That and burning down the forest would not profit me one bit.”

“I see. That is good. Good to hear. If so, I ask that you wait,” says the slime. She appears to be relieved, although it is hard to tell from that impassive face and unchanging tone. “Crisis currently. Invasion of foreign slimes. Territory war. Will hear you out afterwards.”

“Ah, the black slimes?”

“Yes. Strange… slimes. Not of my family. I-”

A loud explosion blows apart the trees concealing the spring. The slimes scurry for cover, chittering loudly as they do so. Black slimes begin to flood in through the opening. Along with them, a larger slime enters. This one appears to have taken on the appearance of a male humanoid. Muscles flow and reform all along a body that appears surprisingly solid for something so gelatinous in nature. Definitely their leader, you judge. “Worthless queen. Your place of refuge is no more. Submit,” says the black slime. His voice is deeper, like the undercurrent of a large river. “Relinquish this land and this water to me.”

The queen shies back, and the black slime notices your presence. “A human, here? No. No.” The slime’s form agitates for a moment, losing all semblance of shape, before consolidating again. “Not human… the one who attacked me. Why are you here?”

“I didn’t attack you,” you say defensively. “I’ve never even seen you before.”

“You did. You froze me,” growls the black slime. “And now you are here. Tricked by her, to take her side? She lured you here.”

The slime queen’s posture becomes even more subdued, though she remains quiet.

“Nevertheless… you. You are strong. You could go far. Yes.” The featureless black expanse of the invading slime’s head bobs up and down. “I am Quekquek, Lord of the Black Slimes. Right-hand slime of the Dark Lord. Fight by my side, he will reward you amply. Fight against me, I will crush you.”

“Hm? That sounds promising,” you say. Turning to the slime queen, you ask, “Do you have a better offer?”

She shakes her head stoically. “None. My apologies.”

“Right, now, if the both of you would just wait a second... Barbatos, a question, if you please,” you say. “It’s a very important one.”

“What is it? The Wise Fist shall answer, to the best of my capability,”

“Why do some slimes take on a female humanoid form while others take on a male form?”

“Uh… Er… what?”

“You heard me.”

“It’s… up to their preference… I think?” says Barbatos, sounding unsure.

“So they can change forms as they wish?”

“I… think so, yes?”

“That is correct,” says Quekquek. “But irrelevant.”

"Irrelevant," agrees Brunnen.

***

A. You side with Brunnen and attack Quekquek. You will be the one doing the crushing, not him. Letting a second-hand account of the existence of some mysterious, nebulous entity called the 'Dark Lord' tempt you away from your purpose here would not be wise.

B. You side with Quekquek and attack Brunnen. A reward from a Dark Lord sounds quite good, and it might be smart to get some connections established with this particular enterprise that you are only hearing of for the first time. It seems more profitable than siding with the slime queen.

C. You attack the both of them. You need to establish dominance here, and the best way to do it is through demonstrating your claim on the monopoly of violence in your immediate vicinity.

D. You sit it out. You can negotiate with the victor afterwards. There is no need to get your hands dirty fighting these slimy creatures.

 

[Nevill]

Ah. It went more or less as expected. I was hoping that the half of squire squad will be beat up enough for them to withdraw. Didn't think a kid would get killed, but that one isn't on us, and without us they all would've been dead anyway. And it was a boy, so who cares?

Aria looks great in a cloak and all, but a weapon would be nice to have for a situation like this. I wonder how many spells did she pick up along the road. Could she cast a few wolves on her own? Any protective spells? Or was it Gigadyne's unique and extremely flexible power requirements that made it easier for her to learn it? In any case, more interaction with our apprentices would be welcome.

This one appears to have taken on the appearance of a male humanoid.

Here comes the enemy. We need not know anything else.

“I am Quekquek, Lord of the Black Slimes. Right-hand slime of the Dark Lord. Fight by my side, he will reward you amply. Fight against me, I will crush you.”

Really, now, who introduces themselves like that? It is just asking for ITZ.

Right-hand slime of the Dark Lord, eh? We've got a rival or something? I'd say, never trust someone who has a slimy right hand. It underwhelms the impression.

“That is correct,” says Quekquek. “But irrelevant.”

"Irrelevant," agrees Brunnen.

No, this is very relevant. It is indicative of their preferences, and thus of our perception of them.

It is much easier to ask a perceived female slime about a favor that we want, than a male one. Although this is the Codex, you'll never know.

That said, kicking Quekquek's ass is the only acceptable solution for me. I need those pinkies and purples. A.

 

[Kz3r0]

A.

 

[Nevill]

“Fine. We can have reinforcements here within three days to subjugate the out-of-control slimes. Perhaps if you are still alive then, they can pick you up. To you, sir mage, I wish the best of luck.”

It looks like we are on a kind of a time-limit here. The reinforcements will arrive soon, and by then we should either be done with our task, or prepared to meet them. Don't know if that's an argument in favor of any decisions.

Also, our companions:

Spoiler

Aria Heavensell
Lv. 15 Fighter
Vitality: F+++
Mana: E
Physical Attack: F+++
Physical Defense: F+++
Magical Attack: E+
Magical Defense: E
Agility: F+++
Charisma: C

Lucy
Lv. 10 Cow
Vitality: E
Mana: E
Physical Attack: E
Physical Defense: E
Magical Attack: F+
Magical Defense: F+
Agility: F+
Charisma: C

To compare, this is what their stats were last time (plus signs in brackets indicate gains):

Spoiler

Aria Heavensell
Lv. 8 Fighter
Vitality: F++(+)
Mana: F+++(+)
Physical Attack: F++(+)
Physical Defense: F+(++)
Magical Attack: E(+)
Magical Defense: E
Agility: F++(+)
Charisma: C

Lucy
Lv. 6 Cow
Vitality: E
Mana: E
Physical Attack: F+++(+)
Physical Defense: F+++(+)
Magical Attack: F+
Magical Defense: F+
Agility: F(+)
Charisma: C

Interesting. 3 levels from 5th to 8th made Aria progress almost as much as 7 from 8th to 15th. Looks like she may hit a potential cap at around 50 levels with D stats if the rate of progression continues. But humans clearly can achieve better results, as our adventuring party in the beginning have shown. Is it because she is just a teenager?

 

[lightbane]

Yay, an update! Oh God, a Slime Queen, for real. Just like that game *shudders*. Fortunately, this one seems to be way more reasonable. Moreover, they seem to have a hivemind of sorts. It could be useful for spying. Also, I believe both Brun and Kek Quek immediately noticed we're not exactly human, but they're not sure if we're an Angel. Is it because they never saw one of these during their lives? Or is it because of Erd's "strange soul"?

Either way, I vote A. Rance-boy Erdrick doesn't want to do anything with a male if he can avoid it. Doubly so if it's a evil-looking slime who serves a Dark Lord (could it be Athos?). We don't want any competition, don't we?

Nevill
Well, to be fair, these were Hero material, so it's natural they would be that strong. However, I'm sure Aria can and will grow stronger once she's able to switch class to Sorcerer/Magus/Mystic Knight/Whatever equivalent this world has. And that's not counting whatever spells and special skills she has. However, I believe Erdrick should try to give her some clothes before we return to Grahferde, lest Rin and Arlin see this and react poorly.


EDIT:

“If you want to investigate the black slimes further, they should be able to thaw out later with no problem,” says Barbatos. “One of my former wielders was a slime. He got himself trapped in an ice dungeon for two centuries. Unfroze later when a fire dragon moved in and melted all the ice, and was still as healthy as ever. Well, up until the dragon melted him too.”

Wait, how the hell did a slime become a wielder of Barbatos? It doesn't even have arms to begin with. I'm sure there's a funny story behind this one.

Also, did both Erdrick and Aria slept the entire night close to a bunch of slimes, without being bothered by this issue at all? I think that's being too overconfident, even for Mercant.

 

[Kipeci]

I like C. More XP, certainly. It probably inspires much less success in terms of slime loyalty than by choosing a side, and the Dark Lord won't be happy, but my goal is to bludgeon everyone into peace and harmony as components of Trider's eventual angelic empire and this is the closest option to that.

If folks betray us later due to bitterness about this sort of thing, that's all the more chance to harvest XP.

 

[Nevill]

Pah.

If the 'Dark Lord' (what a faggy name!) had any power to begin with, he'd have some demons or Minotaur Lords as his right hand, not some filthy male slime.

We came here to cure our condition, and contrary to what some may expect, converting to homosexuality in NOT the solution.

 

[Jester]

Hmm Lucy sound like smartest of our all travel companions. Why I am not surprised?

C>A

 

[Nevill]

Also, did both Erdrick and Aria slept the entire night close to a bunch of slimes, without being bothered by this issue at all? I think that's being too overconfident, even for Mercant.

Lucy was on the watch, so it's alright.

 

[treave]

It is much easier to ask a perceived female slime about a favor that we want, than a male one.

Rance-boy Erdrick doesn't want to do anything with a male if he can avoid it.

Since they can change their form, you could always make Quekquek female.

 

[Nevill]

Since they can change their form, you could always make Quekquek female.

Yeah, but he presents himself as male. Deep voice, masculine traits, calls himself a Lord.

It's like casting a polymorph spell and pretending that you are not gay afterwards. Yuck.

As entertaining as making him our bitch would be, it just wouldn't be the same...

 

[Baltika9]

C>A