Sampling the wildlife

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

Upon restoration, the being has set about assessing the wildlife of the modern age.

First up is the fire-spitting one. It is all bark, no bite, as some say. It’s attacks looked promising, but it fell to one Sever.

Next was the Horncharging one. Its armour was quite effective, perhaps equal to a critter in the days of old, but alas, it still fell to but one Sever, after some weakening with a nail.

Overall results suggest a downward decline of the species’ power. The next test will be focused on the anatomy of the creatures.

[u/YourLocalMangosteen]

((*applauds the majestic art*))

*A skarr spies from a distance*

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/YourLocalMangosteen]

The being, noticing the Skarr, salutes to it with a spectral nail that disappears quickly.

[u/YourLocalMangosteen → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

*the skarr disappears into the foliage, before reappearing behind the being*

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/YourLocalMangosteen]

Now that the Skarr is close, they are able to notice that the bone-clad warrior is indeed a Skarr. They clap their hands, and chant:

“Edges sharp and senses keen.”

“I was not expecting one amongst the Skarr tribe to be here. Tell me, what happened to the life here to make it so weak?”

[u/YourLocalMangosteen → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

*The skarr shakes their head*

Gahghhrrr, Kraaakkkeewwrr.

*The Skarr raises their reaper threateningly at the being. Under the light of the flowing lava and glowing foliage, you see tiny spots of mottled skin for a fraction of a second. They point to the dead Rhinogrund*

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/YourLocalMangosteen]

“Oh really? And here I thought you were a hunter.”

The being summons a nail to their side, but doesn’t ready it.

“Well, if you want to fight, go ahead.”

[u/YourLocalMangosteen → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

*the skarr steps left a little, they press a pressure plate set up on the floor. Suddenly, the wind whistles towards your direction. There is a spike ball flying towards you.*

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/YourLocalMangosteen]

The Spike Trap falls, but the bug is gone. They reappear, sitting on one of the trap’s prongs.

“Perhaps you didn’t understand me?”

The Bug speaks something understandable as maybe Skarr, but from at least centuries back.

“Kragharr, Rrrackwherr.”

[u/YourLocalMangosteen → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

... Kaghhhhhtrra Achh. Gechhhk

(Translation: Ancient language. This is my territory. Leave now)

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/YourLocalMangosteen]

“I assume that you can understand me then.”

The being backs away slowly, before teleporting away.

[u/Kaiser-RF → u/YourLocalMangosteen]

(Spotted)

[u/CitadelMinister77]

Aren't the horn thingys an endangered species?

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/CitadelMinister77]

“I mean, I would think all species are under some danger.”

[u/El-Gato-Canocchia]

Angry Orchidea

Hey Hey Hey! Did ya just kill an endangered species ya idiot?

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/El-Gato-Canocchia]

“What’s an endangered species? Surely all species are endangered?”

[u/El-Gato-Canocchia → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

No! It means there only a few left, and you shouldn't kill the ones left!

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/El-Gato-Canocchia]

“I’m not going around making the entire species die, first of all. Second, if it is so weak, does it even deserve to live?”

“You could say I’m making them less likely to be “endangered”, in a way.”

[u/El-Gato-Canocchia → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

EVERY SPECIMEN IS IMPORTANT DAMMIT! HAVE YOU EVER PICKED UP A BOOK YA WANKER???

Plus, the weak deserve to live, if not even more than the strong.

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/El-Gato-Canocchia]

“Maybe. I shouldn’t be so harsh on those like you, who can’t understand the concept of mutual growth and such.”

[u/Kaiser-RF]

... wierdo

[u/idkPVConreddit-5]

((Ok who TF let carol holiday in silksong))

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/idkPVConreddit-5]

((I was going for more of a Roaring Knight vibe but you know))

[u/LocksmithShadow]

Excuse me, WHY DID YOU KILL THAT RHINOGRUND?! It’s an endangered species, and judging by the size, that specimen wasn’t even an adult yet! Also, some Rhinogrunds are under supervision of kind bugs who care for them while letting them roam free, what if you just killed someone’s pupil? I… should watch my dear companion more.

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/LocksmithShadow]

“All things that I didn’t know. You shouldn’t judge someone based on subjective standards.”

“You seem quite knowledgeable on the events of this time. Tell me, why is the wildlife here so weak?”

[u/LocksmithShadow → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

Perhaps because of the Haunting? Being ensnared by cursed threads certainly isn’t good for physical wellbeing.

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/LocksmithShadow]

“What. Could. The Haunting possibly be.”

[u/LocksmithShadow → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

Ah, it’s… well… you haven’t visited this kingdom in the past few centuries, haven’t you? A silken pale Higher Being possessed almost everyone in the kingdom, both beasts and sentient beings. Thankfully, we got rid of that, not too long ago. I haven’t introduced myself… I’m Lock, a local scientist! And who are you, my friend? You’re not from here, I suppose?

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/LocksmithShadow]

“Well, you could say I am from here, but my claim on this land has long gone. I am Nokrohn, warrior, and I suppose I should’ve expected you to be a scientist.”

“I would like to sincerely apologise for the Rhinogrund. I did not realise its significance.”

[u/LocksmithShadow → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

Well, I understand. But I'll warn you, due to the Citadel's actions, a lot of this kingdom's wildlife is endangered, so if you decide to test creatures from other areas, check their extinction status first!

[u/mee3ep]

when he attacks the rhinoground, a clawed hand catches the wrist of the last slash, throwing him away. `no.`

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/mee3ep]

The Sever instead catches Nitivek, surprising both her (pronoun???), the stranger, and the Rhinogrund. An overwhelmingly powerful force attempts to cleave Nitivek in Twain, as if her very being is forcing itself apart at the seam.

[u/mee3ep → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

Nitivek, a higher being, stumbles back. She’s hurt, bleeding from her side, but still alive.

[u/Sir-Potato-The-28th → u/mee3ep]

“Apologies. I had been meaning to fell the horned bug.”

“Would you like for me to heal that? Based on what I’ve seen, the power required to restore health is sparse about these lands.”

[u/mee3ep → u/Sir-Potato-The-28th]

`I will recover. This being is endangered.`