Lillene
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Chapter 528 - Tier Four Species Path
🕑 Added 2022-10-19 23:05:32 +0000 UTCEnjoy!
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The only changes I have found so far, other than the format change, are located in your eyes and your hands. Your visual sensors now natively observe a far larger portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and there appear to be secondary sensory modes that I do not yet understand. The alteration to your hands appears to be significant, as there are many strands connecting to it, but its purpose is unknown.
Serenity looked down at his arms. They weren’t unchanged at all; there was clear crystal braided around his arm, through his skin. When he looked up high enough on the arm to see his scales, it continued, but it still ran through the skin and was far less obvious since it was mostly covered by scales. It wasn’t until he realized he was looking at where it ran to a knot on his chest near the sternum where the crystal had entirely replaced some of his scales that he realized he was no longer wearing anything.
His armor-self was neatly folded sitting on top of his similarly folded clothing nearby; all of his weapons and other gear for the dungeon sat next to the clothing. Serenity supposed he should thank the Voice for the consideration.
The crystal lines ran all over Serenity’s body. It was as intrusive a change as his scales, though overall it was less overt ro someone who simply looked at him. They were even on his wings. He couldn’t see his face without a mirror and there was no tactile difference between the crystalline-appearing lines and his skin, but he was sure they were visible there too.
Serenity hoped the change would be even less obvious in his other shapes. It would be very difficult to blend in with humans if he looked obviously different, though at least most people would probably take it as some odd scarring rather than inhumanity.
The back of his hands simply had crystal running across it, but when Serenity turned his hands over there was a clear runic structure emblazoned in multiple colors, including some that were clear crystal. It was incredibly complex; Serenity couldn’t immediately know what it did from simply looking at it.
Despite that, he somehow knew what it was. It was the outward physical manifestation of his ability to absorb technology.
Serenity tapped the back of his neck. The patch Tek had put there was gone; he could feel only his neck and spine now.
The changes were clearly not solely visual, but they were quite obvious. Serenity had hoped that they would be less blatant since he was evolving into something he already was, but either it didn’t work that way or he was once again being affected by his own subconscious beliefs. This time, it would be the belief that a cyborg was visibly different from a human. He knew that didn’t have to be true; in fact, the goal for most technological replacements was to visibly mimic the human norm as much as possible to avoid standing out.
Knowing that didn’t seem to overcome his movie-induced belief that cyborgs looked different.
Serenity sighed; he’d just have to hope that it was only this obvious on his chimera form. It seemed likely; his draconic changes were far more muted on his human form. He turned his attention to the next task on his Tier Four list.
It’s Path time, isn’t it?
[Once you are ready]
I am. It’s a Species Path, isn’t it? Do I even get any choices?
[There is a choice. There are three options for the Species Path]
I didn’t know there were ever choices in Species Path.
[They are rare, but they exist]
The Voice seemed to consider something for a moment before it continued.
[A Hybrid like Rissa’s current species would normally receive a Path Choice for their Species Path. It sets an initial direction for their Path development and can affect the realization of Species abilities that may not be present at Path initialization]
Serenity took that as “take this choice seriously” but wasn’t sure what else to think of it. Maybe it was simply for Species where the Voice had more than one Path that was equally valid? Giving a choice under those circumstances seemed like something the Voice would do.
[You have three choices. There is no additional information that I can provide to assist you in choosing your Path]
Cyborg
Sapient Magic Item
Magitech Abomination
What. The. Hell.
Serenity was about to reflexively select the third one because it was the only one that covered both magic and technology before he registered the second word. Abomination? Really?
Cyborg was obviously the safe default technological choice, while Sapient Magic Item seemed to be a bit off the wall; while he was clearly magical, Serenity wasn’t a magic item. At least, he didn’t think he was. He managed himself, he wasn’t for anyone else to use.
At least, not in his normal forms. As a sword or armor, the Voice might have a point after all.
Sapient Magic Item was still not the one Serenity was going to choose; he’d pick the safe Cyborg option first.
Why is the only Magitech option an Abomination?
[No additional information on these Species Paths is available to you]
Argh.
Well, what did he already know?
First of all, he knew that the Voice’s information was unusually restricted. It was always limited, but the Voice was usually able to give at least a description or a guess. The fact that the Voice said it was unavailable to him meant that more existed but he couldn’t have it.
Serenity wasn’t sure that helped.
Second, he knew that the Voice had told him something he hadn’t known before, since he really didn’t know much about choices in Species Paths. Had Rissa gotten a choice it would have affected both her Path’s “initial direction” and what choices she could get later. It was almost certainly true that the same applied to his own choices.
The Voice seemed willing to hint at things it wasn’t allowed to actually say. Serenity didn’t understand the restriction, but there clearly was one. On the other hand, its statement about Rissa was clearly meant as information for Serenity.
However much he’d have liked to look into it, he didn’t know where to start and it was one more thing he didn’t need on his list. Maybe in the far future he’d actually be able to look into the Voice and why it had the weird restrictions it did; for now, he was simply going to be grateful that it tried to work around them to Serenity’s benefit.
He’d almost chosen Magitech Abomination without even thinking about it, because it was the only one that wasn’t limited to one side or the other. Even now, the only thing holding him back was the concern about what “Abomination” might mean. He was already strange; the new patterns he’d gained with his Evolution didn’t mesh well visually with his draconic nature, even though they didn’t seem to compromise his scales so far. If that was all it meant, then there wasn’t a problem.
Cyborg would probably be straightforward, allowing or encouraging him to add technology to his body. It would almost certainly not support any magical aspects at all, but it might well be useful for Aide.
Sapient Magic Item, on the other hand, promised improvements for his armor and sword forms. It wasn’t clear what it would do for his chimera self, but he was certain it would affect him when he was more of a magic item than a traditional being.
Really, either of them would be fine, but both would leave him wanting to fix their limitations. Magitech Abomination didn’t have the limitations but it held the chance that it would change him even farther than his evolution had; Paths could change people, and he wouldn’t be surprised if this one did.
Whichever one he chose, it was likely that they would lead to different abilities beyond those simply on the Path; it was obvious that the Paths themselves would be different. He wouldn’t have gotten a sideways warning from the Voice if that was all it was.
Magitech Abomination probably wouldn’t change him too much, surely, since he already was one. Or at least he could be counted as one, couldn’t he? He wasn’t alive in the sense of having a Life Vital Affinity; while he considered himself an elemental, some people considered anything that moved and wasn’t alive to be a monstrosity; between that and the fact that he was already a combination of different things, it was probably just a bad name rather than a prediction.
Serenity hoped that was true, at least, because it was definitely the one he wanted.
He was just about to choose it when he realized he was making the same mistake he had during his evolution. “Aide? Do you have any preferences?”
Cyborg appears the simplest; I do not have any idea what it can provide that I cannot. I suspect it would be a waste. Either of the others should give you options I cannot currently provide. I am still investigating the changes from your evolution and cannot yet estimate my skill with magitech; additional samples would be useful.
Aide seemed to have used entirely different logic from Serenity’s to arrive at the same conclusion, which reinforced his decision.
Magitech Abomination, please.
[You are certain?]
It was the same question it asked about his Evolution.
Yes.
[As you choose]
Serenity didn’t feel anything, but he could see his new Path.
Magitech Abomination
Level 10 - Synaesthesia - You have gained many new senses that do not quite fit the ones you are accustomed to. You must choose: do you represent them as another form of a familiar sense or do you learn to meet them on their own terms?
Aide was taking care of that for Serenity, providing perceptual filtering and managing the data. This seemed to suggest that Serenity should be doing it himself.
It was probably right, but he didn’t really look forward to learning.
Level 25 - Subconscious Synchronization - You have been growing closer and closer to Aide. Allow Aide to take over for your autonomic functions, consuming a fraction of its processing power to free the space for additional cyberware and expansions for Aide.
That was disconcerting to see as a Skill, but there really wasn’t much to say about it.
Level 50 - Skill Integration - Senses require attention; so do many Skills. Attention is a limited resource for most, but you have the ability to use the next best thing: processing power. Figure out how to integrate your Skills with either your own additional processing or hand them over to Aide.
The first skill that sprang to mind was Time’s Eye. Serenity still couldn’t use it worth much; it simply took too long to distinguish the different scenes it presented into anything useful. He’d hand it over to Aide; he didn’t have any additional processing power to put it into.
Or did he?
You do. You have been using a very small but increasing fraction (currently < 1%) of the installed memory and processing power for months. It does not appear to have significantly altered your normal reaction speed, but I believe it is part of why you were less affected when the filters were disabled than before they were established.
Also, Aide could apparently hear his thoughts now. Serenity couldn’t bring himself to be too bothered by that, even though he suspected he would have been when they met. He knew Aide now and that made all the difference in the world.
Level 75 - Quickrune - As an Evoker, you can store a spell to be cast later. As a creature of Magitech and (former) Runemaster, you can now build a rune of your own flesh to be triggered when needed.
Disgusting, probably painful, and likely to be extremely useful was probably a good summary of that one. There wasn’t much to say.
Level 100 - Abominable Absorption - One of your basic abilities is the absorption of technology, changing it to fit within your body. As a magitech abomination, you may absorb magic or technologic items, altering your body to fit its new needs.
Serenity was actually reassured to finally see what the “Abomination” in the Path’s name was. He could certainly see how the ability could turn the being using it into an abomination if they didn’t keep whatever they absorbed within reason.
It was something to watch, but it wouldn’t prevent him from using the Skill.
Serenity took another look over the Path. It was going to be terrible to level. It was completely based around learning the changes to his body, and that would simply take time and practice; there would be no shortcuts.
General
Magic
Resistances
Heritages
Chimeric
Pure (Innate)
Essence Dragon (Primary)
Asura
Child of Time, Unbound
Dhampir, Essence/Mana
Draugr, Sage
Elemental, Essence
Elemental, Mana
Godling
Human, Earth
Lich, Paramount (Primary)
Vampire, Daywalker
Potential, Sovereign
Wraith, Nightmare
Other Known Heritages
Azata, Lightning
Curse Witch
Healing Light
Hexen
Heavens’ Fire
Jiang-Shi
Knight of Blood
Malevolent Spark
Mote of Decay
Mote of Stasis
Mummy
Remnant Wisp of Life
Revenant, Star
Sea Lion, Earth
Abilities
Monster Biology
Eyeless Sight
Colorless vision that does not require light; no visual effect
Vital Sight
Shows the primary animating Affinity, usually Life, for creatures. Makes the eyes glow with blue-white fire
Blossoms’ Sleep
Can induce sleep on self with a defined wakeup time
Runic Shielding Tattoos
Resists one attack of any sort. Does not require preactivation if the attack will kill or disable. Fully drains current MP to establish, drains SP to maintain, ends when hit. MP drained determines strength of blow that can be resisted, will fail if strength is exceeded but may reduce the power of the attack even if it fails. Effect is better with automatic activation
Crystal Seed Remote Link
Allows Serenity to access the World Core features as though he were at a Node, even when he isn’t on a ley line. Functionality may be limited inside dungeons.
Dhampir’s Default
When a Dhampir is casually examined, he or she appears to be a normal member of the living population.
Down to the River
When you physically envelop a being with a soul, you may choose to send their soul to the River of Souls. The soulless body will remain if applicable. Success rate depends on Ambit. When you do this, you will gain some of their knowledge but not personality. Decreased chance of success in any form other than Sovereign of Potential.
Link Core
While touching an Essence Core, you can attempt to create a Sovereign Link. Enhanced by Ambit.
Multiform
You may assume the shape of any Form you know. All Forms reflect yourself and all Forms are reflected in some manner in your Chimera Form. Detailed control of Forms increases with familiarity. Any Forms above the minimum require a continual maintenance cost of both Mana and Essence. Minimum number of Forms: 2. Maximum number of Forms: 4. Forms may be repeated.
Forms passively return to their normal condition.
Current known forms: Chimera, Hatchling Essence Dragon, Sovereign of Potential (Kernel), Human(?), Crystal Hilt, Armor, Sterath(?)
Rift of Potential
You can manifest a small rift between your location and the Origin Point.
Path Abilities
Loot Core
Teleports a monster core from touched monster body to the user. Usable on any dead monster with a core. Costs mana
Resilience of the Dead
Slightly increased resistance to certain status alterations
Eat Death
Absorb Death energy found within the Death Eater’s aura. Absorption based on Affinity. Intensity of absorption can be varied but the ability cannot be completely disabled. Absorbed Death energy may be used as if it were Death mana. Dissipates with time.
Ability damaged
Basic Analyze
Analyze a being for basic information. The being may be animal, Pathed, or monster. Other beings may be analyzed if they have any appropriate features. Items may not be analyzed
Intermediate Unarmed Combat (Claw Variant)
Losing your weapons is not a disaster when you have weapons attached to your hands. Your expertise with claws is nearly nonexistent, but your general training with unarmed combat is transferable
Adept Aspect Form
Instead of infusing an Affinity into your weapon, infuse your Aspect into yourself. Limited time, consumes both stamina and mana, induces unconsciousness when the Form lapses
Basic Sense Raw Magic
Detect background, non-attuned energy. This sense is always active
Linked Sight
You may share your vision and vision-based abilities with your Seer or anyone whom you share a similar Link with. They may also share their vision and vision-based abilities with you. Consumes Stamina per vision or vision-based ability shared in either direction. Vision ability costs are paid by the user instead of the originator of the ability, if applicable
Moment of Prescience
Know a moment ahead of time when something will kill or disable you or someone you wish to protect. Activation is automatic. Cannot be activated more than once a minute. Consumes stamina in inverse proportion to the threat
Time’s Eye
Your eyes see the motions of Time as it stretches and changes. The hidden is easier to see and the false easier to see through. Consumes Stamina
(Note: the Stamina cost is low enough that it can be maintained for hours at a time, though that will significantly reduce Serenity’s available Stamina for other uses)
Unbound
Time does not quite have the same hold on you as it does on others, and Fate does not rule you. You can slip between the lines of the future and past or even blur them if you have the desire and the strength. That which will be has no power over you, and you can break the strands of Destiny for others if you dare. This ability is always active and has always applied to you
Basic Identify
Identify an object to gain basic information on it, such as its name, basic properties, materials, and/or minor enchantments
Scale Hardening
Use Essence or Mana to reinforce your scales, making them harder to damage and more protective. Costs Stamina to maintain
Wait for an Opening
Study an opponent’s actions in combat to gain an intuitive understanding of the right time to strike
Second Wind
Convert some of a more filled resource pool (Mana, Stamina, or Essence) into an empty one. Consumes some of the converted resource
Stand Tall
Whether you are the last wall between your loved ones and your enemies or you simply love to fight, your ability to take a beating is exceptional. Blood loss, bruises, injuries, and even broken bones will not stop you. You can fight at the full effectiveness your body is capable of despite your injuries
Essence Sight
You can already sense Essence with your Aura. Sight adds precision and distance to your detection capability. This may be enabled or disabled at will. A visual effect may be present
Physical Storage
You can store spells inside your own body to be evoked later. Stored spells may be evoked only by you and may be triggered at any time. All variable effects must be determined prior to casting. Stored spells will degrade with time and use of mana or essence in the area the spell is stored.
Spell Conversion
You can convert the power of any spell you can Evoke into a ranged mana or essence strike. The power of the strike depends on the stored spell power.
Store Spell
You may temporarily store spells in items to be evoked later. The item must be strong enough to hold the spell, and synergy with the spell will slow spell degradation. Stored spells will degrade with time and nearby mana or essence use. Storage of spells can damage items used.
Designate Evocation Conditions
You may designate conditions on when a stored spell can be evoked. You can bypass any conditions you set, but you cannot bypass conditions set by other Evokers. This allows you to set conditions that will allow non-Evokers to Evoke stored spells, but spells Evoked by the untrained will be significantly degraded during the evocation.
Entwined Magic
You can mix Mana and Essence magic freely, to achieve effects not possible with Mana or Essence alone. Passive.
Gaze of the Origin
When you choose, you can infuse your gaze with the power of your connection to the Origin. Effects vary. Power depends on Ambit.
Aura of Magic
When you choose, you can reveal your Mana and Essence pools with your aura. Passively increases the maximum size and regeneration of your Mana and Essence. Increases the regeneration of others’ mana and essence at a slight cost to your regeneration rate. Easily sensed. Power depends on size and regeneration rate of mana and essence pools.
Mold Magic
You can alter magic that has been given a steady form. Passive.
Potential of the Rift
Your Rift to the Origin will allow you to move items or creatures to the Origin and retrieve them later. Items or creatures stored in the Origin will be exposed to it. You may travel to the Origin using the Rift.
Rift Control
You may control the Potential that leaks from your Rift to the Origin as long as it is within your aura, including increasing or decreasing the amount that leaks.
Call on the Origin
The Origin is just that: the beginning of all things. Bring something temporarily into the real world, limited only by your imagination and power. Variable Cost.
Revivify
Potential can become warped in many ways. Restore something to its original Potential. Quality of repair affected by the level of understanding of what the repair requires, the amount of damage being repaired, the time since the damage occurred, and the Time Affinity, Concept, and Aspect of the user.
Realize Potential
Use Potential drawn through the Rift to temporarily gain something from your Heritage. Variable Cost.
Death Magebolt
Throw a mass of Death-attuned magic at your enemy.
Magesight
Advanced Sight Skill that combines Mana Sight, Basic Sense Raw Mana, Essence Sight, and Vital Sight into a single improved Skill. Passively view all forms of magic. Observe how they affect each other and can transform from one to another. When used actively, additional details can be observed such as Affinities and faint traces of spell residue.
Fireball
Place a ball of Plasma where you want it within your sight range. Maximum expansion size varies with mana used.
Cone of Lightning
Emit Energy starting from your hands in a cone shape. Spread in height and width may be controlled by hand position; maximum length depends on mana used and height and width selected.
Spot Nullification
Use Nihility to destroy what you can see. Roughly shapeable. Potentially explosive.
Death Field
As Death’s Incarnate, you radiate Death through your aura. You may choose creatures to include or exclude at any time. Toggleable, Easily Detectable.
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Author's Note: If you compare his new Path to the Human Path (See Chapter 10), you’ll see that although this is more customized, it’s still more like a normal Species Path than many of the ones he’s gotten so far - the fact that he’s gone from one similar Species to another has made the Voice stretch farther for Path options, but it wasn’t as necessary for this one. There are a lot of things he needs to learn that are simply a basic part of what he now is and how he’s developed to this point; the Voice is going to make sure he learns them before he moves on.
A Species Path helps, but it also requires that you work towards the Skills it “gives” in order to level it.
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Also, it still sucks that Patreon won't let me have tables. Posting Serenity's Status is really annoying and takes more than fifteen minutes just to format between Patreon and RR. There are reasons I don't put it up all that often - but it's called for here.
Comments
I was on the fence about that; it kind of fits but it also kind of doesn't. I haven't used the Features section the way I thought I originally would, so chances are good it will get heavily edited or removed if/when I do the rewrite I've been muttering about. (Which will not start until the story is complete - I'm not going to leave this half-written).
ShadeByTheSea
I'm surprised magitech didn't become a feature of his core.
