#guess they had giant unwieldy claws in my head

[zaph1337]

Monster Hunter Rating 58: Daimyo Hermitaur, the Shelled Sovereign

I keep hearing that everything is evolving into crabs, but I honestly have no idea what that’s all about. If it’s true, though, then here’s something we may see in the future: the Daimyo Hermitaur!

(How it appears in the Second Generation)

(How it appears in Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak)

Appearance: While Daimyo may be little more than giant Hermitaur, that design works well with the increased size to make something truly imposing, especially the mouth. You might have noticed one other, tiny, honestly insignificant detail: that’s not a shell, that’s a Monoblos’ skull. I’ll discuss that more in the next section, but appearance-wise, a crab using another creature’s skull as a shell is a powerful image, and it makes the Daimyo Hermitaur several times cooler than it would be if it just had a normal shell. This monster certainly leaves an impression.

Behavior/Lore: When a Hermitaur reaches adulthood, it becomes a Daimyo Hermitaur. They keep their habits of burrowing underground, wandering for food, and occasionally eating people, but they’re actually not very aggressive; sure, they’ll lash out when they feel threatened, but animals choose between that or running away anyways. You can stand right in front of a Daimyo and--provided it’s not hungry--it’ll leave you be so long as you do the same for it. This relaxed behavior is probably due to the carapaceons’ armor, which protects everything but their backsides--which are where most of their major organs are located. I can’t tell whether this is a failure on evolution’s part or its idea of a sick joke. But like the hermit crabs they’re modeled after, Daimyo have a solution for this...one you’ve already seen, but let me pretend there’s suspense.

To cover their Achilles’ rump, Daimyo Hermitaur will take the skulls of large wyverns (mostly Monoblos) and wear them like a shell. This comes with the addition advantage of being totally metal, but it’s not a perfect system; when you rely on something else’s body parts for protection, you’re gonna run into the fact that those parts weren’t made with you in mind. As a result, it’s not uncommon to see Daimyo running around with skulls too big or small for them. Kinda makes you wonder why they don’t go for something else’s skull in that situation, but my guess is that Monoblos heads are particularly durable, making them the preferred choice.

While I get that Daimyo are just the mature form of Hermitaur and therefore won’t be very different, I do wish there was more to talk about than their temperament and skull shells. That last one’s a pretty big point in their favor, though, so I can’t say I’m terribly disappointed.

Abilities: You wouldn’t expect a crab to have particularly strong legs, yet Daimyo Hermitaur are capable of jumping high into the air in attempts to squash their enemies, and use their legs and forelimbs to dig underground to launch attacks from below. You would expect a crab to make use of its claws, and Daimyo do that, too, though not in a traditional way; while yes, the pincers can grab things, they’re also so thick and armored that they serve as effective shields against most weapons. Finally, reaching adulthood grants Daimyo Hermitaur a brand-new power: pressurizing water into jets that allow the colossal crustacean to attack from a distance. Hermitaur didn’t do a lot before, so it’s nice that growing up bestows them with new tactics and abilities.

Equipment: Have you ever thought that using scythes as weapons was too practical an idea? Do you want to fight using only the most inefficient and unwieldy objects possible? Then look no further than this “Long Sword”: the Crab Cutter!

With ordinary scythes, you only had to deal with the measly difficulty of actually cutting someone with the blade. Now, with this revolutionary new weapon, you can push the challenge further by forcing yourself to line up your attacks with the serrated gap! It’s the ultimate in combat inefficiency!

What do you mean you can just use it as a blunt beating object

Okay, jokes aside, this is a pretty interesting take on a scythe...and a morbid one, too, considering the description claims “[t]he giant claw's gap devours meat.” I don’t think I want to know if that’s a metaphor or not. Maybe the next weapon will be less disturbing? Let’s find out--this Insect Glaive is called the Shell Intoner:

This is “[a] rod used by a river people to channel their god and receive oracles.” Why is it a weapon, then? Who knows? But it looks cool, it’s got a cool description, and as an Insect Glaive, it gets bias points from me. I would definitely use this--provided the stats are decent.

Onto the armor, the Blademaster set is...interesting:

It was the first thing I thought of, okay?

Seriously, I get the idea: crabs are armored creatures and football players have to wear heavy padding and helmets to make up for playing one of the most violent sports in the world, but it’s still weird to see, especially in a fantasy setting like Monster Hunter. Granted, that’s only the men’s set; the women’s set is way less bulky to the point where it’s almost comical. It still looks defensive, but it serves as a surprisingly modest example of the priorities game devs give to female armor. Overall, I don’t hate these designs, but they’re hard to take seriously.

Next up is the Gunner set, which is similar to the Blademaster’s, but a bit more...intense:

I’ll admit, “Mad Max the Quarterback” is an...original look. Don’t know what the mask has to do with crabs, but then again, football doesn’t have anything to do with crabs, either. Can’t say much about the women’s set, though; it’s very similar to the Blademaster armor, save for the helmet, spiked greaves, and the pattern on the breastplate. I wish I could say more about these, but other than their oddities, I’m struggling to find anything to talk about. Both armor sets have aspects that interest me, but overall, I feel very lukewarm about them.

While I like the crustacean aesthetic and how it’s applied to the Daimyo Hermitaur equipment, I can’t really say too much about it. I can’t tell if that’s due to the equipment itself, or if I’m just running out of steam writing these reviews again; maybe it’s both. All I can really say is that the equipment is okay, with a few interesting touches added that keep them from being bare-bones.

Final Thoughts: Daimyo Hermitaur vastly improve upon their adolescent forms; they’re cooler thanks to their skull shells, they’re more imposing thanks to their size, and they’re more interesting to fight since they can do more than snip at you. Their equipment is decent, too, so overall, I think they’re neat.

[calmexhale]

Model I made in Sculptris 3 years ago or so, based of the clannfear from  Morrowind. Stuck it in Blender and thought I’d upload it

[transjinako]

Hey! Another servant and this time is Fenrir! 

Avenger: Fenrir 

Alignment: True Neutral 

Parameters: 

Strength: A++

Agility: A

Endurance: B+

Luck: E

Mana: B

NP: A-

Traits: 

Divinity A Madness Enhancement C Oblivion Correction (Gleipnir) C-  Self Replenishment (Magic) A

Skills: 

Divine Jaws A-: Fenrir is said to be the being that will end the world in norse mythology, who will devour both Odin and the earth and sky whole. Due to their ribbons however, their jaws cannot extend that far, however they do still contain traits of anti divinity in them. More applicably, whatever these jaws bite down on can only be destroyed at the end. 

Hopeless Howl B: A bone chilling roar from when Fenrir was bound, any and all who hear this cry become completely demoralized and will feel as though they are being weighed down, leaving them helpless to the wolf’s assault 

Shapeshifting C: A rather simple form of Shapeshift that just allows for Fenrir to grow parts of their body closer toward their original world ending size. 

Presence of the End (Fenrir) A-: A personal skill of Fenrir that marks them as a world ending being. Upon activation all things that Fenrir attacks has a higher likelihood of being mortally wounded to killed, they break through most magical defenses with ease and release a sort of energy into the air, degrading anything it touches physically. However, with the ribbons, this skill can’t truly reach it’s pinnacle, otherwise any non divine or protected thing would simply crumble away in the presence of Fenrir. 

Noble Phantasm(s) 

Gleipnir, Gjoll, Thviti: 

Type: Anti Self

Rank: EX

Description: The chains disguised as ribbon that bind Fenrir. With these strange colored ribbons wrapped around their body Fenrir’s parameters are lowered as well as their skills. If these were to somehow be broken, Fenrir’s Oblivion Correction would spike to EX, forgetting about all that they have experienced and move to end the world. 

Gjoll and Thviti are the stake shaped rocks that can be used to hold Fenrir in place if needed. While an enemy could possibly get close enough to use this against them, Fenrir capitalizes on their bindings. In battle, they make good use as both blunt and piercing weapons, the ribbons can be used as well, as they are much heavier than they would appear. 

The River Van 

Type: Anti Humanity Anti Army

Rank: B-

Description: When Fenrir was bound, their spit created the sea known as the River Van in norse mythology. As a being that brings forth the end, this spit becomes more volatile and eats away at life in a matter of seconds, akin to the Chaos Tide. While under the effects of Gleipnir, this is weakened considerably but can still be used as a deadly attack. 

Description of Servant: 

Fenrir is a massively sized wolf like creature, though definitely not your average wolf, its teeth are like trees, rows of razor sharp teeth that have thorn like bone protrusions coming off of them. Their fur is like clouds, billowing, stormy flowing in all directions as if it has no form and there is only a will keeping it together. Their paws have two sets of claws, one on each toe and 5 above it made for mauling and maiming. Along side that, bright yellow eyes within dark irises that dig into the soul. Despite the fear one might feel in their presence, the wolf is definitely beautiful, though its clear that time has worn on them. 

Fenrir is also able to use a human form if they should so please, large imposing androgynous human with hair flowing down their back reminicent of their fur and the same eyes. Their limbs are still animalistic and hold the traits of their clawed paws, except now theyre hands. A bit unwieldy with their claws but they get the job done. This form as well holds the god like beauty one could find in Fenrir’s wolf form, but its only more clear on a human face how worn down they are. 

Fenrir can talk in both forms in an imposing yet intelligent manner, they don’t boast often but they are prideful and will take any challenge that would grant them more fame head on. While they are smart, Fenrir is a wolf through and through and will usually go with their instincts on most issues, although they don’t like that about themselves. The reason for that is because they are naturally trusting, even when it has burned them horribly in the past, when first meeting someone Fenrir will always try to be cold before allowing affection to shine through. 

Interactions with other servants:

Hessian Lobo: That wolf that calls himself king is glaring yet again. Its a little annoying to be honest, what fame is there to be gained from kicking this poor dog, hm? I feel some sort of connection though, so, maybe we should allow our teeth to do our talking. 

Gorgon and Kingprotea: The extremely large snake woman is something to behold, I had to stop myself from seeing how her snakes tasted...ah, you saw when….well. It would be...poor of me to act like an animal in front of a child, a giant one at that. It was quite a sight though, a massive snake woman and a massive mossy child trying to pet me. In the end, I guess me and the snake woman have an...agreement, when it comes to that child. 

Martha: Rise up, brother! Will you simply allow this holy woman to keep you in her chains? Will you endure her bondage any longer?! Come, I will snap you free my-ah, huh? Oh? You...like her? I...hrm...thats...a little disappointing, you know... 

Red Hare: ….Master. While I understand your wish of not having me challenge the other chaldeans….that...that thing...if you bring him near me, I will eat him. Whats my problem? Hes completely strange is the problem! Its creepy! 

Atalante Alter: *Sniff sniff* *Sniff sniff* Hmm, I smell that woman again. She’s just plain senseless, instead of backing off already she keeps challenging my space. Tch, I’m itching to fight now…huh? Oh...! Fine, I’ll play nice yet again. Don’t blame me though, if I have to knock an angry kitty down a peg.

5+ servants that are animals/have animals with them: Are you by chance amassing a Zoo, master? Everyone in the animal quarters are just as odd as their owners, I swear, and I’ve had to fight for my space against the oddest things. Oh, though it was rather unexpected, the service here is nice. Even I enjoy being lavished like a god~

[osmw1]

Poison-Wielding Fugitive   Chapter 72

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“What? Veno? Never mind that! Hurry and escape, Cohgray!”

Celes looked confused when she saw Virage and I exchange glances. Oh, she probably can’t hear Veno.

‘‘tis quite strenuous make myself heard by elves, but I have so much to say to him.’ “Hah, hahahahahahaha! I did not expect to guess correctly. You look so differently than back then; I could not recognize you.”

Veno’s enemy from a time long past stood there staring and arrogantly laughing.

‘I could but say the same myself. I expected not to see thee alive. We have both aged so much that we could not recognize each other.’

Veno speaks calmly, just barely holding back his murderous intent.

“Still… I did not foresee his phantom appear holding the same sword as he did years ago…” ‘Perhaps it would be best for thee to give up. Thine secret weapon would easily be slaughtered by the sacred sword. ‘tis unmistakable the sword glows for it is ready to punish thee for thine sins!’

So, what? Was I supposed to smack them with the sword? Not that it’s unwieldy or anything, but I wasn’t confident with the Karma Blaze since I’ve never used it before. The Bio Corpse Hydra approached us to attack with his miasma breath, but I zipped off to avoid getting hit by it. I felt super quick on my feet, almost as if I had wings.

“D-Did he just teleport?!”

The dragonslayers shouted out in astonishment. However, not only was the hydra able to, even Virage kept up with me.

“Hmpf. You think you can turn this around simply with a hero’s sword? My monster is strong enough to even defeat the monster general of yore. You are sorely mistaken to think you could be victorious with that sword.”

Virage, blinded by his greed and grudge, raised his hand.

“This is all his fault! Despite the world tree originally belonging to us elves, this only happened because he blabbered on about sharing the tree’s graces! If only he didn’t get in my way, none of this would have happened! The man who wielded that sword is all to blame!” ‘Spoken truly like a sore loser who lost all his might. Thou art truly petty, always shifting the blame onto others.’ “You dare ridicule me?!” ‘Ridicule thee? I merely speak of the truth. But for trampling over our dreams… do not think thou shall die a good death!’ “Haha… you talk big for someone trapped in the body of a frail human being. Now, hurry and die already!” With a smile on his face, Virage was filled with a sense of false confidence as he ordered the monster to attack us. However, right as he did so, Karma Blaze began to shine again… so did I as I floated up into the air. What in the hell…?

“Ah…” “Muu.”

Arleaf and Muu clasped their hands together as if they were praying to me. Finally, Karma Blaze left my hand and just as soon as I thought it would fly around…— A great flash of light burst out from my chest, disorienting me for a moment.

—Veno Yveval… slaughter the culprit who committed this unforgivable sin.

A rageful voice—neither the voice of Veno, me, nor the man who dreamt of reclamation—resonated with a command. The next thing I knew… my body had disappeared. I was viewing the world through Veno’s eyes. Veno was not the blackish, purplish dragon I knew, but rather a divine white dragon clad in light.

“Aye… this is… longevity?” ‘What the hell is happening? Am I just spectating?’

I was able to move my body, but Veno’s didn’t move at all. And if I was watching from Veno’s point of view, where did I go? Veno stretched open his wings, clenched and unclenched his claws, and gave his body a quick check-over.

‘Aye… thou art now in the space where I had been trapped.’

Hey, don’t just speak to me with telepathy. I almost thought I went by to my world in this state.

‘Hmm… if thou were to suddenly leave, I would be panicking too. In any case, I shall do what I am supposed to do. It seems like Karma Blaze has a lot of both Mana and frustration pent up inside it.’

Veno speaks to me as he looks on over to Virage.

“What thinkest thou, Virage? Thine magics seems to be working against thee.” “Impossible!” “However, ‘tis quite humorous. To have the sword activate like this… means that thou art as evil as the monster general. But perhaps that is why thou hadst engaged in petty tricks to prevent more heroes? Is that why thou hadst also worn such an odd headdress?”

Sounds about right. Virage most likely changed his name, shirked all responsibility, and lived as a fugitive as well.

“This sacred sword that contains the hopes of the people is granting me—a monster—its power. It spells ill omens for thee. But I shall let the sword and the dragonslayers pass their judgement.”

Celes’ jaw dropped.

“C-Cohgray, you really are a dragon… but this changes nothing. I have already made up my mind.” “If you think about it, that dragon is only defending itself… it hasn’t even killed any innocents. You could say it was even being nice…”

The dragonslayer muttered out as he looked down at his fallen brethren.

“… we’d best hurry and save the townsfolk. Don’t want any more casualties than this…” ‘I had been so restricted with my energy that I was not able to chant many of the spells I had wanted to try. With so much Mana, I could cast any magic I want now.’

Hey. What, did you think I was going to ignore what you just said?

‘Oh, whatever! I only have this one chance! What great timing too! I have been chosen by the sacred sword… I am the world’s only dragon hero!’

Will you stop acting like a child, Veno?! What the hell is a dragon hero anyway?!

“Activate Holy Magic… Ancient Language Interpretation.”

Never have I been bombarded with more visual information… ugh. Just looking at the geometric models and formulas that popped up made my head hurt.

“Your attention please, everyone… I cast the mass curing and purifying defensive barrier… Yggdrasil!”

As Veno activates his spell, our surroundings were smothered by a green light. A giant tree rose from the ground by magic and then its roots spread over the whole town of Lif’el. The roots passed through walls and buildings, guarding the whole town. Except for Virage and his Bio Corpse Hydra of course. The hydra began to claw at the roots that extended from Veno’s magic tree, but the tree didn’t budge one bit.

“Whoa… I feel… so much better. The miasma is getting purified!” “Ugh…”

The fallen dragonslayers began to rise from the ground.

“Even the seriously wounded are recovering… with this much range, maybe even the dead will be…” “Oh, that miraculous magic here… is the exact one from the legends…!”

The dragonslayers clasped their hands together in prayer. Lif’el was just plagued with miasma, but through Veno, the town was being purified right before my eyes. Lif’el could even be called holy ground.

“Hmm… let me sustain that healing barrier… and cast another spell.” ‘Oh, I wanted to try this one out too!’

Aw, geez. I can hear exactly how he feels. But to think that Veno was also able to hear me so clearly…

‘Oh, keep quiet. I cannot hold myself back any longer.’ “And for the target…” “Wha—”

Veno carved a cross into Virage. Not only was it visible to me, but everyone else could too, judging by their shocked expression.

“Now… face thine punishment for ruining the man’s dream and for causing the families of countless dragonslayers to suffer. I have avoided killing people to the best of my ability… however, you shall receive no such mercy.”

Veno started casting again. The geometrical patterns of many magic circles surrounded them and began to form a powerful spell.

“Five minutes. I shall grant ye all five minutes’ time to escape. After that, anyone left in a 20-meter radius of the marked man, Virage, shall be punished along with him!”

How thoughtful of you.

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