Michael Clark
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The Butcher of Gadobhra Chapter 476
🕑 Added 2025-02-01 04:01:40 +0000 UTCAfter their latest adventures in the Pit of the Butcher, the group split up. Rolly and Squirmie were off to play Shepherd to the growing flocks around Sedgewick. Ozzy was heading to the Butcher's Guild and Suzette to her tavern.
Ben was escorting Ricardo to Hungrytown for coffee and pecan pie. The Courier was curious about the Rogue's group and their tactics in the pit. Learning about the different dangers and bosses went a long way toward not dying horribly, as Ben had so recently found out. The promise of pie and a good cup of coffee steadied Ricardo as they walked casually through the graveyard. One time, Ben turned suddenly, and shouted, "Boo!" at the three ghouls sneaking up on them. The nervous undead turned and fled. Existence had been tough for them lately, and Billy still held his grudge.
Ricardo was impressed, "What skill was that?"
"Oh, nothing. Their just cautious now. They've been hunted nearly to extinction and the survivors forced into the dungeon. Been a rough few months since they pissed off the Baron."
"Wait? What? What happened?"
"One of the ghoul bosses tried to intimidate the Baron, and told him he didn't matter, and the ghouls were taking over." Ben held the gate for Ricardo and waved to the ghouls once they were in Hungrytown. "Baron William has a lot of pride and doesn't take well to threats. And he'll hold a grudge forever. He's not going to stop his crusade until the last ghoul is gone. He even cut a deal and sold a wagonload of them to a ruler of another city that collects undead. Turned a good profit."
Ricardo filed away the information while trying to deal with the prospect of what would happen if he upset Billy. And sheer admiration at the idea of selling monsters to turn a profit. He decided those were concerns for other days, and concentrated on the coffee and pie, thankful that he wasn't a sausage hanging in a larder.
===
Ozzy only had a small walk to the Butcher's Guild and a visit with Gristle. To his surprise, the Guild Master was waiting for him, with what counted as a smile on his scarred face.
"Congratulations on your victory! I saw your icon on the challenge board overlap with Grinder and then take his position. How exciting! I'm happy you are taking a traditional approach to becoming a Butcher in the Pit. But take your time. You have decades to fight them all and then pick out which piece of real estate you prefer to make your lair in."
"I agree with you on that. I'll be taking a long time to pick out a spot. No hurry as far as I'm concerned. I met another Butcher while I was in there. Molniqog said hi and gave this to me to take to you." He set the large journal on the counter."
"Oh my! Did they find it? I thought it was lost long ago." Taking out a tarnished key he unlocked the clasp and opened the large book on the counter, carefully turning the pages one by one, "Oh, this takes me back, yes it does. The names of so many junior Butchers are here, along with how they died. Who knew that the exploding Fire-Sheep would claim so many lives? Or the Ripper Geese? That was a great summer if you wanted to advance fast and could be one of the lucky survivors." He kept reading through it until Ozzy coughed and answered a question.
"There wouldn't happen to be a list of abilities or perks in that book? Things appropriate for a Tier Four Butcher?"
Gristle looked up, "Oh, yes, that would be of interest to you. Let me just find the page." He turned the book to the last page and began reading as if he hadn't seen it before. "This is new! I'm excited, we haven't had an update in a millennia!"
The Guild Master flipped the book around for Ozzy to read.
Big Boy Rules. You want a new perk? Go fight for it! Expand the Dungeon or Create a Lair!
Beating another Butcher in a Fight
Taking a Butcher's Brigade into Battle against something worth fighting
Building your own Lair
Slay 100 Tier 4 or higher players who come to visit.
Kill something worth killing and bring me a piece to chew on.
Perks:
Armored Apron 4: Sometimes the meat fights back and you need some protection. A reinforced Butcher's Apron or Belt now gives you +100 physical mitigation
Bug Stomper: If your hands are busy, use your feet. Bugs take triple the normal damage from your kicks and stomps.
Finishing Blow: The Fat Lady is singing. When a creature is more than half dead, your critical hits do four times the normal damage, instead of double.
Meat Shield: Grab someone and use them as a shield. They take all the attacks aimed at you until dead.
We Were Soldiers: We are monsters now, but once we were soldiers. Remind yourself by training with real soldiers and sharpening your skills.
Not Just a Trophy: You kicked their ass and stole their toy. It's yours, so you might as well use it. You gain the skills needed to wield your trophy.
Everything is Meat: If it lived and moved, you call it meat. Butcher it up and toss it in the cooking pot. Slimes, elves, talking trees... it's all meat to you.
Terror: Beyond fear, beyond intimidation...there is Terror. Remind them we are monsters.
Minion Master: No one likes to share, and why should you? Your minions work for you alone and won't heed the call of another Master. When you win a fight with another Butcher, you can't take a few of theirs.
Intermediary Form: Start as a Butcher, and end as a Boss.
Final Form: You don't use it often, but when you do, it's Epic!
Down at the bottom, written in big, blocky letters was a further sentence:
"Gristle, tell the new kid he gets four points for beating Mignik's head soft, grinding up Grinder, taking the Brigade on the road, and making that smoking chain daemon. And tell him to get mean. Things are about to get bloody."
"Well, wasn't that sweet of him to send a personal note along with the book? Although, I'm a little worried about that last line and don't want to see what the big guy considers bloody."
Gristle nodded, seeing the implication, and remembered the old days when they marched through fields of war with blood ankle-deep. Granted, a lot of it wasn't red. "Yes, you should be worried. All of us should be."
Ozzy was looking at the list. "You said this was new?"
"Oh, yes, more the method than the rewards, although I don't remember some of these. Then again, I often forget my own name. Early methods of competition did reward killing visitors, after all, dungeons are meant to be a challenge to winnow out the weak and reward the strong. But this also emphasizes competition between the Butchers of the Pit."
Ozzy said, "As if he wants to challenge them and winnow out the weak and reward the strong?"
"Oh, I see the point! Yes, stronger Butchers mean a stronger challenge. I'm sure that's his goal."
Ozzy wasn't convinced. "Well, let's assume that for now. Give me your advice on some of these. Does Not Just a Trophy apply to this hung of metal? I was going to hang it in front of the Sedgewicke Butcher Shop as a sign. It's big enough to be one. But if I can use it? That might be fun." He pulled Grinder's Hogsplitter and set the heavy weapon on the counter.
"Oh my missing gizzards, I recognize that one, I do. I think I remember him separating my skull in two with this. Thankfully, someone put me back together correctly. He hates to lose at cards. Hmm, no, he hates to lose, period. But as to that weapon, yes. If you aren't skilled with it, you will be once you acquire that ability and swing it around for a small amount of time. Especially if you're swinging it at something you can toss into the dungeon. We can't forget our duty to keep it filled up. I got a notice that someone was stealing meat from the carcasses."
Ozzy gave Gristle his best poker face, not that the Guild Master would notice an anvil landing on his head, "Yeah, some people are simply rude that way. Don't worry, I'll clear out some pens before I go home. But, for now, you can put me down for Armored Apron and Not Just a Trophy. I'll think about my other two points and how I want to spend them."
"Splendid. I've noted your choices in the book.
Further discussion was put off as three minions knocked politely on the door of the Guild Hall. Gristle smiled, "Oh, excellent! Is this another surprise for me? A trio of hard-working minions to help me here in my busy Guild Hall? I've missed Runt terribly and have so many small tasks to get done."
The three looked at Gristle, and one said, "Nope, we could never replace Runt and we're not going to tarnish his memory by trying and failing. You deserve better." and then walked over in front of Ozzy. "We hear you might be hiring. Things are a little slow over in Grinderland. Shut down until he pulls himself together. By guild rules, we can transfer to you and stick around as long as you keep us busy."
"Refugee minions? Three of you? I'm not sure about that. I heard the Big Boss was ticked when I pulled Runt out of the dungeon."
One was cleaning his ear with a finger, the other elbowed him in the stomach. The one who was talking ignored them and kept going. "We've heard some good things and bad things about that deal. Plentiful muffins sound great, but sinking so low as to owe allegiance to a mere Baron is a raw deal. Good for Runt, but we're shooting higher and you seem to be going places. Shaking things up. You should grab a few high-quality minions to do your scut work." He stuck his chest out, proudly.
Ozzy cocked his head in the direction of the other two minions who were fighting on the floor over who got to eat a roach they'd caught. "Yeah, and where might I find those?"
The third minion slapped his hand to his forehead and grimaced, "I see your point, but trust me, I'll keep them working. They're only acting out because no one is cracking the whip on them. Idle minions are a recipe for disaster."
Ozzy considered them. He did have a big sausage factory to get running, and at the least, they could sweep up scraps and scrub floors. He spit a ball of fire at the two on the floor to get their attention. It worked wonderfully. The other two scrambled to attention, sketching salutes.
"Ok, this is the deal for now. Every night people come here and Butcher. Your job is to help get the parts that go in the dungeon chucked down the hole, and the rest get carted to my sausage factory. Screw that up, and you go down the hole. You'll help out in the factory, and when you don't have anything else to do you'll help the Guild Master with jobs. Gristle gets you for an hour a day each, regardless. I'll make sure you're fed and supply the muffins and other food. You live in the factory and I'll make a room for you. Some place to put your beds and keep your stuff."
That was a better deal than the minions had in the dungeon. They smiled, said "Yes Sir", and started groveling to show their appreciation.
Ozzy rolled his eyes. "Get up. I don't need your pitiful groveling. I want to get some work out of you. Follow me. We're going to clear out the pens. I kill, you drag. What do you three go by?"
The one without his finger in his ear spoke up, "I'm Inky, that's Blinky. We're the smart and handsome ones. And that's Nod, he talks the most and thinks he's in charge."
"Sounds good. Nod, you're in charge of those two. Now, be careful. I'm going to start with the Fire-Sheep."
Comments
Janny
"Oh, nothing. Their just cautious now” -> They’re*
JohnHarris
Kensai, Yes, an interesting idea. New Guild members, excellent part time workers, with very good potential plot lines, and potential guards for the Baron's villages. This would also stand Ozzy in good stead with several layers of the Local Dukes military forces, who would be very appreciative and equally impressed. Also likely terrified at the potential eventual outcome, but hey, it's Ozzy.
JohnHarris
Tim, A new corporate position has just opened up in the Gadobhra Butcher's business. Chief Overseer.
JohnHarris
We all hail the Walrus King. The story is getting better and more interresting with each new chapter. Thank you.
JohnHarris
Konrad, Sadly for Ozzy, it means he's now an aspiring and official Boss. Now Ozzy has another problem, employees and overseer's. Well, one less overseer. We can also see that one day, Ozzy is going to need a small Army, and/or his own Dungeon, as he's now officially his own Tier 4 Monster. This means every other idiot Player and Adventurer is going to want to test themselves against the Gadobhra Butcher.
Tim Nash
I’m not sure how I feel about Ozzy taking on actual minions… or how runt is going to feel about it.
Tim Nash
“Trophy apply to this hung of metal?” Should that be ‘hunk of metal’?
Konrad2
you can't take a few of theirs. -> you can take a few of theirs. (I might be wrong though, but in that case I'm not sure what the ability does)
Konrad2
the survivors forced into the dungeon. -> the survivors were forced into the dungeon.
Konrad2
Their just cautious now. -> They're just cautious now.
MadRat
Thx for the chappie 👍👏👏
Engineer4God
Tank oo fur da chap!
Kensai
Ender419’s comment about sashimi gave me an idea about more Skills, thanks. Elegant Knifework - give them not only pork chops, but give the customer a show. Filet, Slice, and portion with a Showman’s flair. Excellent for gaining that extra coin as you showcase the skills needed to transform mundane fare into quality cuisine. (DEX) - Inspired by Salt Bae, Benihana chefs on their Teppanyaki table/grill. Some flash to spice up dinner Dare you to eat that - Combines high levels of monster anatomy with precision cuts, allowing normally poisonous meat, such as blowfish, manticore liver, or basilisk kidney, to be safely butchered for a one of a kind dining experience. (INT) - Inspired by what I call Macho Sushi, Fugu or blowfish, so easy to poison the meat with improper preparation with the blowfish’s neurotoxin, preparation requires special license and certification. Zen Butchering Mastery - Young Butchers wear out knives and cleavers, with sharpening and excess chopping. The Master Butcher never sharpens, never chops. Their intent flows, separating the meat easily along the joint, slices with the grain, giving the most delicate of slices. In a demonstration, the Zen Butcher was led to a live cow, and with a few taps, it fell apart as the grossest jigsaw puzzle ever. (WIS) - old Zen story about a butcher whose love and respect for the animal was such, they felt no pain in their passage, and the knife used hadn’t been sharpened in three generations. To sharpen the knife meant they failed in the Art.
Ender419
Great chapter! Looking forward to Runt meeting the 3 stooges. I think there also potential for his interns in Wolfsburg to work alongside these three to learn a few tricks to the trade. Can’t wait to see what the other two perks will be selected. I really like everything is meat. Curious to know what dragon sashimi would taste like for Rolly & a Squirmie
Kensai
“We Were Soldiers” and the retired/wounded Legionnaires at Rowan have Synergy written all over them. Some of the slowed-down Drill Sergeants may be suffering from a buildup of bile that needs releasing upon some likely new Butchers. While a Chef is Boss in their Kitchen, a Mess Sergeant/Butcher makes Generals step lightly.
CentaureHeart
Finishing blow and meat shield look great to me
Douglas
I mean I would think that it has the limitation of coming from a creature ie you can use a dead treant as meat but you can't use a tree you cut down, so I think it only counts if it comes from a killed creature and not just some random odd and ends laying around
Douglas
The reasoning for each one being that - we where solders - may lead to getting new skills/by passing contract worker restrictions and maybe help with getting access to the imperial legion skill list/ make dealing with the empire easier then it already is - Finishing blow - stacks with the slaughter skill and can lead to some insane damage - Everything is meat - more meat = more sausage/exotic sausage ingredients
Kensai
If I might suggest a new Skill, inspired (stolen..shh) by Sir Terry Pratchett, The Judas Goat. Train a stockyard animal to lead the new arrivals to the pens along the final path, another animal to calm the masses. I’m sure Rolly and Squirmie agree, Ozzy needs a pet :)
Findell
Would that Everything is Meat, skill allow all his skills that only apply to meat apply to everything? for cooking, cutting, smoking etc.?
Findell
I'm spurised he didnt retroactively get atleast one point for killing something worth killing. He did kill a few huge things solo like the Queen Croc in Smoke.
Exrotes
Meat Shield sounds pretty great, doesn't actually specify friendly so in his upsized form Ozzy can probably grab some minibosses and elites and use them as a shield against the attacks of all the lesser enemies. I don't think he has any real grapple abilities right now so it fills a slot he doesn't have.
Michael Clark
One secret to my writing: I give myself room for more stories and leave things open to think about them. "Kill something worth killing" is one of those. Something like that will certainly start bouncing around in my head and get to the paper eventually.
NameGame
Well, now I find myself in a predicament. I'd like to have some minions to do the scut work, but there's no dungeon around here. Unfortunate, but on the up side, no angry demonic pit out back, so I'll call it a wash. I'm impressed with your perk list. Most stories the list is like Must Take, Will Take, Gonna Take, filler, filler, filler, trash filler, why is this here. I can't figure out which ones you have in mind for Ozzy's next picks, lots of good choices there that would be worthwhile to pick. I DO suspect that "kill something worth killing and bring me a piece to chew on" is on the agenda though. Thanks for the chapter!
Michael Clark
Thanks, fixed.
Corwin Amber
thanks for the chapter 'Roll and Squirmie' Roll -> Rolly (right?) this line is repeated: Ozzy gave Gristle his best poker face, not that the Guild Master would notice an anvil landing on his head
Marcus
This in there twice "Ozzy gave Gristle his best poker face, not that the Guild Master would notice an anvil landing on his head, "Yeah, some people are simply rude that way. Don't worry, I'll clear out some pens before I go home. "
Douglas
That is a very intristing looking skill list ozzy got acess to, we where soldiers, finishing blow and everything is meat are all intristing
