Runt's adventure

It was a bright, sunny day. In fact it was too much light, causing our young goblin to squint his eyes and pause until he could adjust to this new world. He'd never been exposure to so much sunlight before and it was utterly blinding. After a few seconds, he was able to peer around at the surroundings, almost falling off his feet as he saw all the colours and vibrance of the forest for the first time. It was a strange place, but he was prepared to face whatever this place could throw at him. Maybe not physically, or mentally, or... He's outside for the first time, and that's all that matters.

Runt kept his posture down low, looking around first to see if there is any danger, before glancing back to see if he was followed. Seemed to be safe, for now. He continued to stay low to the ground and careful of his step as he began his journey away from the cave, staring at the floor before each step to see what made sounds and what didn't, jolting his head upright every now and then to survey his proximity.

Once he'd travelled a decent distance, he knelt down to the ground and pulled the water stone from his cheeks. "Feel the power..." He whispered to himself, perfectly capable of speaking now that no one was listening. He'd try to wet the dirt on the floor beneath him, praying that it would be enough. If successful, little Runt would start mixing the dirt around with the water to create mud, before rubbing it all over his body, hoping to both camouflage and hide his smell. I need to hunt...This is a smart gobumove. His next step, look around to find something that he can use as a weapon. He leant down to pick up a ball of mud, just in case, before going off in search of a rock or stick, or anything for that matter.

Spoiler:

It would seem while he was attempting to feel the power he wouldn't be able to truly tap into it but instead triggered it's ability to deposit water on the ground but when he used the mud to cover himself he learned something new namely the Basic Camouflage skill as it would be something to help him blend into his surroundings. He would move on and would end up finding a muddy rock as in his exuberance he had spent a lot more water than he really needed to spent and thus there was a decent pile of muddy ground. Still now that he was hidden and had a rudimentary weapon now he needed to figure out where he wanted to go, North, South, West or East.

Spoiler:

Runt would curse silently as the water flow messed up and he ultimately released too much, but otherwise, everything else seemed to go according to plan. It was only now that he began to think deeper about how the stone works. Did it last forever, or were there a limited number of uses? He'll have to ask Gobugramps about how he can better control the stone when he gets back. Speaking of stones, his trusty new rock seemed to have a bit of weight behind it. He weighed it against his bare hand, deciding it could potentially do some damage to an unprepared foe. Keeping a firm grasp, he dropped low and once again began to scurry through the forest in search of his first victim.

He headed North first, blindly choosing a direction and making his way through, ensuring he remember his way back home. Runt was little, so there was no way he could fight a monster head on. His only real chance at this would be using stealth and guile. He needs to sneak up and get the first hit in, and make sure its a very, very good one. He kept checking behind himself and stopping frequently to listen out for any sounds of movement...If something managed to sneak up on him first, that would be the end of our young goblin. He had to be diligent.

Spoiler:

It was fortunate that this particular Goblin was moving stealthily as after walking quite a distance ahead he would spot a lone Stamp Hog grazing on some grass in a small clearing between trees. This monster was considerably bigger than the small goblin, in that it was taller and wider than him and built like it could be about 3 of him in terms of density. Still it didn't seem to have spotted him so there was a chance that he could plan something or escape before being noticed. Truly it was a find that was both appealing yet very dangerous as this single monster could feed him for quite some time.

Spoiler:

A good well known fact about Goburunt. He is a coward. It's quite a fair trait, given his stature and and lack of physical ability. Perhaps coming outside wasn't a good idea after all. He was hoping to run into one of those little creatures that goblins sometimes bought back, not this. This was a whole other level. It was 3 times the size of him, higher, wider and stronger. It took everything he had not to tremble and give himself away. It hadn't noticed him yet, if he was careful, he should be able to sneak away safely.

Runt was a coward, but he was no fool, at least as much as a goblin can claim not to be. He knew that running into one of these in the future would probably get him killed, so he needed to know how to avoid them. Before he sheepishly turns tail and crawls away, Goburunt would summon as much courage as goblinly possible and search around for the creatures tracks, droppings, past meals, anything that he could use one day to know if another giant monster hog was in the area. He wouldn't look for long, sticking to the cover of the trees and the forest as he searched. But if after a minute passes and nothing was found, he'd turn his back on the creature, knowing that walking backwards would be more dangerous as he couldn't see where he was stepping, and disappear back towards the direction of the safe cave.

Goburunt wouldn't be able to piece together much details about the creature perhaps his fear of it was clouding his mind with nervous energy either way eventually he would sneak away rather than risk it noticing him and fortunately for him he would manage to do so without it even moving from it's spot. Clearly it was a lucky break and what not because like he correctly discerned that could of ended quite badly for the small goblin. Either way now he had a decision to make did he keep sneaking about in hope of easier prey, did he change location and try to start afresh, did he return home with his head down and belly empty or did he do something else not already listed?

Spoiler:

Maybe it would be best to go back to the cave for now. Surely the closer he was, he safer he would be, right? As he had done for most of his life, he was sure of his step and sneaking as he made his way back, stopping little by little to listen out for predators before continuing on. He was getting more and more hungry, going back empty handed wasn't going to be the best situation, but maybe he can convince some of the older, kinder goblins to share a small portion of their hunt in exchange for his rock. He'd try to move silently and blend into the environment, hiding by bushes or mounds of dirt, staying close to trees and peering around for any signs of life. Even a bug would be enough to lift his spirits. Perhaps leaving the cave was a bad idea after all...He could've just dug around for worms like gobugramps did. Hopefully he'll get back safely.

{Goburunt exits}

It was still nice outside, but also still terrifying. Though Runt had to admit, it was a hell of a lot more comforting when you have an armada behind you with the sole intent of not letting you die. Just like before, for whatever stange reason, his speech wasn't impaired while outside. What a weird hangup."Okay, so we shouldn't need to go far, plus I am sure you lot would like to get back to mining. Gobutyke, can you go look for some stuff we can use to make things and other stuffs? Things like sticks, or bigger woods, long skinny leaves, or anything else that might be usable." He would smile at her as she began to forage for some materials to use. He would then turn to Gobujack and his crew. "You guys are the boss out here, we are not good at fighting so we will follow your lead. If you see anything cool or useful, let me know."

He'd look at his rock, still clutched in his hand. The mud was all dry now, so it was simply a dirty rock. As it was now, it was useless. But none the less, he would study it, smack it against trees, smack it against the entrance of the cave, lick it...Whatever he could think of to find out more. Then he would try to find materials as well.

Spoiler:

Gobujack would emerge from the cave flanked by Gobujinx and Gobuquin who would look around and wait patiently for Gobutyke to search around for usable stuff and she would come back with two oddly shaped fruit husks whereas it would seem that Goburunt wasn't good at looking for stuff as he would find nothing. "We are heading South easier prey yet not too easy that it's boring." Gobujack said not wanting to really get into too dangerous of a hunt and would proceed to head south followed by the two females and most likely Goburunt and Gobutyke. Eventually they would arrive at a clearing and ahead of them were a collection of beetles, two of them were small in height but pretty wide about the same width as a Goblin and the last was much larger about the same size as them in height but wider and with a powerful looking horn on it's head. They would graze on the grass peacefully though the larger beetle seemed to be keeping watch it hadn't noticed them yet.

Spoiler:

"Great job." He would say to Gobutyke, as she bought back the two weird things. He would go through the same routine of smacking, licking and tapping for the husks, before slipping one down his rag and given the other back to Tyke so she can do the same. They followed Gobujack of course, knowing they'll be as good as dead out here without him. Sticking close behind, Runt would perk up as they neared the clearing, walking out in front and squatting down. "I wanna watch them for a second before we attack...is that okay?" He'd whisper to Gobujack. Hopefully so, as Runt would move out ahead, using his sneak and camouflage to get closer by crawling along the ground, observing them and their behaviours closely. While he was busy doing that, Tyke was hanging back out of sight of the insects, looking for more materials for Goburunt.

Once he'd gotten board of that, Runt would turn around and return to the group, looking eagerly at Jack. "What should we do?" He was genuinely unsure on how to proceed. He'd never attacked anything before.

Spoiler:

Gobujack would let the weird little goblin do his thing but he knew in his heart of hearts that he wanted to wear that big beetle's head like a helmet and when he killed it he would be sure to do just that. Behind him the two female Goblins were also interested in the ornamental function of the beetles as everyone on this trip would be eating the meat regardless. Still rather than approach from the same area Gobujack would tell the two females to split up and he wouldn't move until they were properly in position.

From there they would burst out both of them heading straight towards one of the Messenger Beetles before using their weapons. Gobujinx would stab forward with her Horned Rabbit Spear while Gobuquin would slash horizontally with her Sickle Mantis Claw. This would cause the Rhinoceros Beetle to grow angry letting out a hissing sound which would be cut short as during this time Gobujack would rush up to it and bury his pickaxe in between it's wing joint. All three would essentially ambush the beetles landing powerful blows on each of them, Gobujinx would impale the poor beetle in it's side the horn going very deep and when she pulled back the insect's goo would ooze out, Gobuquin's sickle claw would slice deep into the side of her target causing goo to spurt out even more than Gobujinx's whereas Gobujack would actually deal the most damage judging by the meaty squelch as goo would burst from the impact and coat some of his face.

"Yeah that's more like it! Die for me!" Gobujack shouted licking some of the beetle goo off his face with an unsettling grin as the battle truly began. Gobutyke would frown as she couldn't find anything this time perhaps it was due to the battle taking place nearby.

Spoiler:

Wow, they all just fucking went for it. The utter confidence was actually kind of inspiring. So much so that Goburunt would shrug with a ‘Fuck it’ attitude and start sneaking his way around the battle to the back of one of the remaining beetles, using all of his skill in moving silently, belnding in and ambushing to sneak up and bash the beetle’s head with his rock. Hopefully it was at least stunned, as he would continue smacking it over and over again, hoping to settle this one before it had a chance to fight much back. It was actually quite exhilarating, even if he was banking on Gobujack and his girls to come save him.

Meanwhile, Gobutyke, disheartened by her failure, would watch on as the runt took his first steps towards hunting properly, growing inspired by the bravery. With the hopes of not letting him down, she’d turn around and look for more shit to find once again, this time being brave enough to search closer to the battle.

Spoiler:

In response to the sudden attack the Rhinoceros Beetle would rear back before stabbing Gobujack in the chest with it's horn and lifting him up into the air before throwing him behind it. It was a severe blow but rather than be hampered by it Gobujack would let out pained laughter before springing up off the ground and burying his pickaxe into the beetles behind causing more goo to ooze out resulting in it dying. Meanwhile Goburunt's first attack would do enough damage to kill the messenger beetle that Gobuquin was fighting, she didn't mind all that much because he had intercepted it before it could try and attack her. As for Gobujinx the reach of her weapon allowed her to stab the Messenger Beetle she was fighting before it could attack her giving her a swift victory.

"Ah now that was fun, my chest fucking hurts, let's drag these back to the mine and have a little feast! Goburunt you and Gobutyke are invited haha!" he said holding his chest as blood trickled down it before putting his pickaxe in his mouth and using the other hand to start to drag the corpse of the Rhinoceros Beetle back to the Goblin Cave. During this Kobotyke would miraculously find a rusty hammer what a find, and would immediately run over to Goburunt because she didn't know what to do with it.

Spoiler:

[/spoiler]

It took a moment to come back to reality as he continued to beat the beetle long after it was dead. By the end he was out of breath and borderline frantic. Even though his heart was beating through his chest and his adrenaline was off the charts, Goburunt still couldn't help but feel a little proud. He actually did it. He hunted. It had to be the proudest achievement of his life, and yet, it didn't feel like this was where he's meant to be. He'd turn to Gobujack and smile as he mentioned a feast. Runt had never had a feast before...hell, he's probably seen more food today than he had in his whole previous life. Who knew his life would change so much in such a short period of time. It was almsot too much as his eyes started to water, but he quickly turned away and wiped away whatever it was building up before Gobutyke ran over with her find.

"Wow. This is perfect." He'd say excitedly as he saw the hammer in her hand. Gently taking it off her, he begin to inspect it as best he could. What a useful tool, this will definitely come in handy. Once he'd studied it enough, he would tuck it into his ever grow rag and begin to drag his beetle back to the cave. He'll cut it up when he gets there, but there is a lot of shit to study about the carcass. Sure the meat will be nice, but I'm sure there's more the body can provide beyond just food.

[Goburunt exits]

Spoiler:

Goburunt and Gobutyke were outside once again. This time, alone. Once again it was a bright, sunny day in the dangerous forest, a light breeze, slight rustling of leaves, but overall, nothing scary in clear sight. Goburunt would turn to Tyke and say, "Lets have a look around and see if we can find anything before we go hunting." The two would seperate near the front of the cave to go off in search of anything that might be useful, Runt armed with the hammer, and Tyke with the rock, just in case either ran into anything. Of course, neither of them went far, keeping the other in plain sight as they looked, before coming together once more with whatever they found, if anything.

From there, they would head East, looking for their next prey. Runt was up front, sneaking around and using his Observe to carefully watch out for any creatures, while Tyke was a little behind, trying to sneak as best she could, but even if she wasn't successful, hopefully she won't be spotted from the back.

Spoiler:

during their travel goburunt would lead the way occasional gobutyke would trip over herself, falling to the ground to get her body covered in dirt. goburunt would turn around to help her up, but would end up noticing a the horn which came from a horned rabbit; how lucky the two of them were to stubble upon such an item. After picking it and traveling a further they would find a ore of iron laying on the ground the findings were getting to good to be true, as they traveled the irritating sound of a pair of feet walking as they move could be heard and it was obviously not gobutyke since hers were coming from behind him rather from the right of him.

Once he paused to take a better look at what it was, the kobold would jump from the bushes with an organic barb in one of his hand aiming for the shoulder blade of gobutyke.

Spoiler:

As Runt already had a perfectly useful hammer, he gave the horn to Tyke as they travelled so she could remain better protected. It really was an unfortunate, yet fortunate situation to be in. On one hand, they both found some pretty damn cool stuff, on the other, poor Gobutyke was being attacked. But even then, on one hand, she got hurt, on the other, Goburunt was relatively unhinged and easily about to react. Fortunately, it wasn't a strike that could kill, which meant there was a way for Gobutyke to take advantage of this, and that was exactly what she did.

Upon hearing the scuffle, both Tyke and Runt would turn rapidly, seeing the barb coming in. There was little she could do to avoid the strike at this distance, so instead she would embrace it, wrapping herself around the Kobold as he stabbed into her shoulder. Her right hand was clutched to the horn, her left wrapping itself around the Kobolds neck. Her legs would hop from the floor and wrap themselves around the dogman's waist and the weight of her on him should pull them to the floor on top of her. While she was wrapping herself up however, she would use her free hand to reach around and stab him in the back, trying her best to ignore the pain as the barb would be stuck in her shoulder with their bodies so close.

Runt, would grip his hammer tight, running behind them as they would fall (or not fall, regardless he would run behind), putting himself in the beasts blindspot so he could unleash his sneak attack. He would attempt to smash the hammer into the back of the Kobolds neck, not once, but as many times as it took to kill it.

Spoiler:

gobuana would be able to hold the kobold with her legs, then would topple him with her weight, being that she hesistated a bit before pushing the blade into him it wasn't as effective as it could been. yet due to the kobold went for whom he though was the weakest he he'd made a grave mistake in picking gobutyke as she was quick to pick things up. once his body hit the floor the horn would go a bit deeper in his lower back, he would struggle a bit seeing that she had a decent grasp of him he was on the floor.

Goburunt  would intercept as quickly as he could with his hammer, before swinging his hammer downward onto the head of the kobold but it wasn't enough to kill him thus he would swing another time before the crackling sound of something broking could be heard and echoed around him.  

Spoiler:

Runt would quickly pull the dead Kobold off his companion, quickly rushing back over to her to check on her status. She was hurt, but it seemed like she would live. He would inspect her would, observing the damage, before helping her to his feet. It seems like a lot has happened already, and they've only been outside for a short while. Perhaps for Tyke's sake, they should head back and drop off their booty, letting her get some rest. "I'm glad you're okay." He would say to Tyke, who was the true MVP in that battle. With her shoulder hurt, it meant it was up to him to carry the carcass back to the cave, but before that, there was some stuff he needed to do. He would first inspect the two items they found, the iron ore and the horn. Then, he would pick up the dead Kobolds barb and observe that. Finally, he would observe the kobold before searching it for anything else it may have. Guess the only thing left to do is collect everything they found and stash it down Tyke's pants. After which, Runt would heave the Kobolds body onto his shoulders and carry it back to the cave.

Spoiler:

{Goborunt Party exits}