“Oh yeah dude,” Glub broke off singing, and pointed to a pot, set next to the fire. “Some kinda furry critter stew. Kayin killed the fuck out of it.”

  Graves had been afflicted by the kiss of a succubus. It had essentially withered his strength, and he needed help with a lot of things. Teaching him animator levels let him move around without too much pain, by dint of turning his clothing into something like temporary golems, but hunting and foraging his own food was a lot to ask of the guy. Especially since he’d been born a street rat, and thought the woods were something you moved through as quickly as possible when you traveled to different settlements.

  “I’m going to need to work on soulstones more,” Threadbare said finally, “before we do any more spirit transplants. Otherwise you’re going to lose levels you’ll need later.”

  “And I’ll keep working on that refine soulstone skill,” Graves promised. “Fortunately we’ve got a lot of volunteers to experiment with, and extra soulstones to transfer them to when I get failures.” He jerked a thumb spasmodically back at the wagon, and the crate of soulstones within it. “It worked, didn’t it?” He said, worried, looking to Cecelia.

  “Level five across the board, in three adventuring jobs. Also got all my crafting jobs.” She smiled, and Graves sagged in relief. “But I’m not a scout, so three’s the maximum, I’m guessing.”

  “It might be that a higher soulstone skill affects that,” Threadbare said. “At any rate, no one die again until we know more about it, okay?”

  Everyone promised to do their best.

  “Are they doing all right?” Threadbare glanced over at the crate.

  “Some grumbling, but yes,” Graves said. “An advantage of them all being cultists, I suppose. They’d expected some form of weird afterlife down the road, this is actually probably a bit better than their prior expectations. They do want to get into new bodies as fast as possible, though.”

  “Once we get more reagents, yes,” Threadbare said. They’d burned through all the rest of the yellow dust animating wooden shells for Kayin and Garon and Madeline.

  “And there’s only one likely source for that and all the other things that we’ll need, so we need to figure out our approach,” Cecelia said. “Garon, could you?”

  The minotaur nodded. “Secure the Perimeter,” he said, and glanced around. “Yeah, we’re good. Or they’re good enough at hiding that it doesn’t matter and we can’t stop them anyway.”

  “Good.” Cecelia scooted in closer to the fire. “We need to ally with the dwarves. There’s only two real points of resistance left in Cylvania, and they’re the bigger side.”

  “Easier ta find, too. Not like the othah guys. The ranjahs are all over the place,” Madeline said.

  “And there’s no guarantee they’ll talk to us, since they don’t need help as badly.” Cecelia nodded, her frizzy red hair swaying against her porcelain scalp. She reached up and touched it. “What is this stuff, by the way?”

  “Blisterweed pod silk,” said Zuula. “Relax. We boil it to make it frizzy, get de poison out. Zuula got better uses for dat stuff.’ She indicated a barrel in back of the cart. “Added it to de poison stores.”

  “I’m going to have to have a long talk with you later about those poisons,” said Kayin, ears twitching. “Sorry to interrupt, desu. So, dwarves?”

  “Dwarves.” Cecelia spread her arms. “I’ve spent the last half a year reading the intelligence reports and preparing to battle them. They’re sturdy, they’re stubborn, but they’ve been hard pressed by the last five years. If we approach them the right way, they won’t turn us down. Especially when we tell them we can convert reagents into troops. Three hundred and some golems can turn the tide in just about any battle on that front, with four exceptions.”

  “The Hand,” Graves said, and Madeline and Garon whistled, low and worried.

  Cecelia nodded. “Right. We’re not set up for open battle against any of the Hand. Not yet.”

  “What hand?” Threadbare asked.

  “Ah, right, you ignorant,” Zuula said, patting his paw. “Four of de King’s most elite servants. Powerful adventurers. Maybe.”

  “Or they might be demons in disguise. There’s always been talk,” Garon said. “That Melos killed his old adventuring group, murdered his friends, and traded them in for high-level demons.”

  “My father insists that he didn’t kill them,” Cecelia said. “But I wouldn’t put it past him to recycle their corpses if someone else did. If he did it to my mother, he wouldn’t hesitate to do it to anyone else. He’s pragmatic that way. But yeah, the Hand are the reason that the dwarves can’t win without help, and they’re a problem we’ll have to face sooner or later. There’s four of them. And that’s one advantage we can give them straight away.” The ceramic doll grinned.

  “Oh?” Graves asked.

  “Remember I told you I read up on intelligence reports? The best ones were from the Lurker. He’s infiltrated the dwarves, and he spies on them nonstop. We were well on our way to losing before that, even with the Hand’s help. Since then, things have been turning around. But I know enough about him that if the dwarves believe us, we can probably help them ferret him out.”

  “But first we have to reach the dwarves,” Kayin said. “How are we gonna do that?”

  “We’re not far from the main roads,” Garon said. “This is the outskirts of Grubholm, so a couple days north should get us there. The front’s only another day or two east, unless it’s moved on us.”

  Cecelia rubbed her hair. “It’s not enough. We could get to the front, but we can’t approach the moats without the army noticing. They’ve got observation posts every mile along there, with people looking west watching for rangers, and people listening east, for sappers. If we want to break the lines we need to get up to one, disable the watchers, then scoot before they notice. Otherwise they’ll call in fire support, and that’ll mean anything from Wark Riders to Dragon Knights to Steam Knights to one of the Hand themselves. We’re not really set up to survive most of that.”

  “So we need to sneak in among them?” Threadbare asked.

  “Yeah. But we need to do it against folks who have a good chance of spotting rangers in the wilderness.” Kayin sighed. “Even at my old levels, I don’t know if it’d be doable. At level five? No. And not with you guys along, no offense. Most of you are no good at it.” She shot Madeline an envious look. “Except you, you’re scary quiet for what should be a big clattery wooden toy. What’s up with that?”

  Madeline’s carved reptilian jaw fell open in a smile, and she lifted a paw to show Kayin the cloth pads sewn on under it.

  “Fucking sweet!”

  “Inorite!”

  “Eeeeee I’m totally doing that!”

  Threadbare cleared his throat. The catgirl and dragon fell silent, and the rest of the group looked to him. “Who goes to these observation posts, normally?”

  “Supply shipments,” Graves said.

  “Personnel rotations, groups of infantry and specialists cycling in and out,” Cecelia considered.

  “Regular patrols,” Kayin said, eyes still on the sweet little sneaky dragon feet, her tail and ears twitching.

  Garon shook his wooden-horned head. “I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that the guys at the observation posts know the schedules for all three of those types of visitors.”

  “Oh yeah,” Cecelia said. “The rangers are sneaky, so the staff on duty know to keep security tight. As soon as a convoy is ready, coded messages get flashed up along the line with semaphore flags with the rest of the day’s messages, telling them what’s coming, who’s with it, and when it’ll arrive. And the code changes weekly.”

  “No shit?” Madeline peered at her. “That’s some pretty smaht stuff. We talkin’ about the same Crown that overreacts and slaughtahs villages over minor shit?”

  Cecelia rubbed her hair, Graves sighed, and Kayin shook her head. “The thing to realize,” Cecelia said, “is that the Crown forces, for the most part, are people who have put a lot of faith in my Father because to do otherwise would be to admit that they’ve been wrong for years, and they’re very afraid of what would happen if he fails. He’s the devil they know. And…” She looked out into the darkness, gathering strength. “…and some of them have been fooled pretty thoroughly. I was. And it only took a few years of him and… her… working on me. So a lot of the soldiers and a good part of the officers are smart, motivated people trying to make the most of a bad situation and win the war quickly so that everyone can go home.”

  “But it won’t work that way,” said Threadbare. “There will always be an enemy, won’t there?” He’d spent a great deal of time thinking this over, trying to figure out how a very bad King and some obviously evil demons could keep making good people do what they wanted them to. “As long as there is some other enemy to fight, then most people won’t fight the King. So he has to keep making enemies or keeping some around or else his own subjects will be very upset with him.”

  “They already ah,” Madeline said. “But yeah. People get restless in peacetahm, and forget about how horrible wah is. They go lookin’ for fights, and the King’s a big faht tahget unless he shifts blame like a propah cowahd.”

  “Yes,” Cecelia said, picking up a stick and poking the fire. “I see it now. I fought for peace, but any peace we could win was a lie. It wouldn’t last. We need a good one, one without demons and murders and skipping trials, and we won’t get that with my Father in power. Heck, it might be a moot point even with him in power. We’re running low on food, have been for…” she stopped. “Supplies.”

  “Yes?” Threadbare knew this tone. This was her ‘idea’ tone. And he smiled to see the beautifully-sculpted face he’d given her twist in joy. She’d figured something out!

  Evidently Glub recognized it too, because he switched from soft humming to dramatic drumming on a nearby log, knocking out an uplifting, hopeful beat.

  “All supplies go through Fort Bronze,” Cecelia said, slowly, eyes gleaming. “Which is a hell of a lot easier to get into than the observation posts, and has people and things coming and going all the time. Garon, Madeline, how far is Pads Village from here, do you think?”

  “Pads? That craphole? A couple of days in the wrong direction, through some bandit-filled wilderness,” Garon said, consulting his knowledge of the local geography.

  “Less bandit-filled now,” Graves grinned. “I see where you’re going with this.”

  “I know how we’re going to get in,” said Cecelia. “And once we’re in, we can get ourselves assigned to an observation post shipment. All we have to do is get a look at the logistics records, and find a good one.”

  “That’ll be the hard part, desu,” Kayin threw in. “Probably have to break into General Mastoya’s office, for that.”

  “Wait,” Zuula said, whipping her head around, and putting down the makeshift drumsticks she’d been using to backup Glub. “What you say?” her voice was hoarse and tense, and her button eyes practically burned as she stared at the little catgirl.

  Kayin shrank back from the little shaman’s sudden intensity. “That we’ll have to break into the General’s office, and-“

  “General Mastoya,” said Garon.

  The circle of friends went silent, staring as Garon and Zuula shared a long glance.

  “You know her?” Cecelia said, confused. “She is a half-orc too, I guess. But I didn’t want to assume.”

  “Yeah,” Garon and Zuula said, simultaneously. “We know her…”

  THREADBARE’S CHARACTER SHEET

  Name: Threadbare Age: 5

  Jobs: Greater Toy Golem Level 15 Cave Bear Level 12 Ruler Level 11 Scout Level 7 Tailor Level 11 Model Level 8 Necromancer Level 11 Duelist Level 6 Animator Level 12 Enchanter Level 10 Golemist Level 12 Smith Level 10 Sculptor Level 12

  Attributes: Strength: 124 Constitution: 138 Hit Points: 330(410) Armor: 52(59) Intelligence: 216 Wisdom: 201(208) Sanity: 417(550) Mental Fortitude: 42 Dexterity: 147(154) Agility: 112(119) Stamina: 269(363) Endurance: 62 Charisma: 110(138) Willpower: 199 Moxie: 309(417) Cool: 20(47) Perception: 119 Luck: 89(96) Fortune: 208(295) Fate: 15(22)

  Generic Skills Brawling - Level 35 (+8) Climb - Level 13 Clubs and Maces - Level 9 Dagger - Level 9 Dodge - Level 8 Fishing - Level 1 Magic Item 1 - Resist Fire 12 Ride - Level 8 Stealth - Level 13 Swim - Level 5

  Greater Toy Golem Skills Adorable - Level 30 Bodyguard - Level 7 Gift of Sapience - Level NA Golem Body - Level 26 Innocent Embrace - Level 14 Magic Resistance -Level 7

  Cave Bear Skills Animalistic Interface - NA Claw Swipes - 24 Darkspawn - NA Forage - 13 Growl - 2 Hibernate - 37 Scents and Sensibility - 20 Stubborn - 8 Toughness - 19

  Ruler Skills Appoint Official - Level NA Emboldening Speech - Level 16 Identify Subject - Level 10 It’s Good to be King - NA King’s Quest - Level 6 Noblesse Oblige - Level 26 Organize Minions - Level NA Royal Audience - Level 17 Simple Decree - Level 8 Swear Fealty - Level NA

  Scout Skills Alertness - Level 2 Best Route - Level 2 Camouflage - Level 2 Firestarter - Level 4 Keen Eye - Level 5 Sturdy Back - Level 6 Wind’s Whisper - Level 5

  Tailor Skills Adjust Outfit - Level 4 Clean and Press - Level 13 Recycle Cloth - Level 1 Tailoring - Level 51(65)

  Model Skills Call Outfit - Level 1 Dietary Restriction - Level 40 (+80 to all pools) Fascination - Level 4 Flex - Level 16 Makeup - Level 1 Self-Esteem - Level 16 Strong Pose - Level 5 Work it Baby - Level 40 (+40% to raw item bonuses)

  Necromancer Skills Assess Corpse - Level 12 Command the Dead - Level 28 Deathsight - Level 8 Drain Life - Level 1 Invite Undead - Level 12 Mana Focus - Level NA (+11% to sanity) Skeletons - Level 19 Soulstone - Level 45 Speak With Dead - Level 20 Zombies - Level 3

  Duelist Skills Challenge - Level 4 Dazzling Entrance - Level 8 Fancy Flourish - Level 7 (14) Guard Stance - Level 8 Parry - Level 6 Swashbuckler’s Spirit - NA (+13 to cool) Swinger - Level 2 Weapon Specialist - Level 17 (Brawling +8)

  Animator Skills Animus - Level 35 Animus Blade - Level 10 Animus Shield - Level 4 Arm Creation - Level 7 Command Animus - Level 19 Creator’s Guardians - Level 26 Dollseye - Level 18 Eye for Detail - Level 20 Magic Mouth - Level 18 Mend - Level 40

  Enchanter Skills Appraise - Level 30 Boost+5 - Level 9 Boost +10 - Level 2 Disenchant - Level 5 Elemental Protection - Level 8 Glowgleam - Level 26 Harden - Level 28 Soften - Level 30 Spellstore I - Level 9 Spellstore V - Level 4 Spellstore X - Level 1 Wards - Level 2

  Golemist Skills Clay Golem - Level 2 Command Golem - Level 10 Golem Animus - Level 47 Golem Guardians - NA Invite Golem - Level 11 Mend Golem - Level 15 Program Golem - Level 40 Toy Golem - Level 56 Wood Golem - Level 12

  Smith Skills Adjust Arms and Armor - Level 7 Refine Ore - Level 10 Smelt Down - Level 1 Smithing - Level 46

  Sculptor Skills Detect Clay - Level 8 Mend Ceramic - Level 5 Refine Clay - Level 16 Sculpting - Level 58

  Equipment Journeyman Tailor’s Apron of fire resistance (+6 Armor, +10 Tailoring, Resist Fire 9)(+2 Armor, +4 Tailoring, +3 Resist Fire from WIB) Okay Quality Bling Ringtail Master’s Coat (+5 CHA, +5 LUCK, +5 Armor, +5 Fate)(+2 CHA, LUCK, Armor, Fate from WIB) Rod of Baronly Might (+5 CHA, +5 WIS, +10 Cool)(+2 CHA, WIS, +4 Cool from WIB) Yellow Belt of Bravado (+5 AGL, +5 DEX, +5 to the Fancy Flourish skill)(+2 AGL, DEX, Fancy Flourish from WIB) Toy Top Hat (CHA +10)(+4 CHA from WIB)

  Inventory A Finely-Made Dagger (Dagger Level 5) Tailor’s Tools A small jewelry box with a few reagents and crystals, most minor. 1 bead of Mend Golem (Level 15) Minorphone (Enhances voice and social skills focused through it twice per day)

  Quests

  Unlocked Jobs Berserker, Cleric, Cook, Cultist, Grifter, Spirit Medium, Tamer, Wizard

  Surviving First Contact 2

  “…and then Madeline found me, and vamped me. Then that got resolved…”

  “Messily,” Madeline added, “but it worked out okay in the end so whatevah.”

  “…And now I’m here. And I know what I have to do.”

  The friends looked at Garon, who spread his hands. “The thing I told you about? You don’t remember? Come on, guys. Well not you new guys, so I guess I should remind you anyway. My reason for keeping on here, is to talk with Mastoya again. To let her know I forgive her. To let her tell me she’s sorry, if that’s what it takes, because I know it’s eating her up inside.”

  “This might not be the best opportunity,” Graves said. “We’re trying to run a covert mission, here. At least, I’m assuming that’s where you were going with this, Cecelia?”

  “Yes. The Alderman of Paws owes me a favor. It’d be easy to get a wagonload of food from them and take it to the front, and pack us in with the food. You’d be driving, of course. Posing as an older teamster, since, well…” Cecelia indicated his wasted frame. “Sorry.”

  “No apologies needed. I’ll need to shave,” Graves said, rubbing his goatee. “Pity. But this doesn’t change my point. Talking to General Mastoya at this time, General Mastoya, the High Knight of the Empire herself, is a really, really bad way to stay covert.”

  “But what if I can turn her?” Garon asked.

  “No,” Zuula said.

  “Mom, look. I know what you think of her—”

  “No you don’t,” Zuula said, and the toys and their token human looked at her in surprise. Even through the voicebox that she used to speak, her words held raw pain. “Zuula failed her. She grew up wrong, but she grew up strong. She will not change.”

  “She seemed strong to me, when I met her,” Cecelia mused. “But tired. And a little sad. Right in the middle of a briefing, she hauled out a bottle of booze and started drinking.”

  “Wait, you’re serious?” Garon said, leaning forward, and studying her with bovine carved eyes. “Yeah, something’s wrong. The Mastoya I used to know would never drink.”

  “Yes. Which is why you idea is bad idea now,” Zuula said. “She is not Mastoya you used to know. She is Mastoya of now, General Mastoya, and Zuula got no idea how you talkin’ with her would go.”