A fantastic variety for differing purposes.

Very few is the army that succeeds by the might of one unit type. That's just asking for somebody to realize what's up, and counter whatever you focus on. . Even the one that was here appeared to have some decent mixed-arm capabilities, in that it featured crossbowman, infantry, and cavalry that I saw. I assume a unit of devoted casters was probably somewhere around, if the amount of magic I saw in random middle of nowhere was any indication, but I hadn't seen obvious signs of it yet beyond my squad.

The burgeoning little **** I intended to create would be no different. What I may lack in ability to differentiate in terms of equipment and training, I would compensate for in variety of differing species, which would amount to something similar. Thirteen breeders in total mean that's how many different types I can add each day. I had considered more, but supplies and that frankly, working my way through a low triple digits of women sounded mentally exhausting (even with a body that is up to the task), both kept that ambition in check. I guess that last point would explain why more natural seedbeds are mindless-no need for any intellectual stimulation to distract from their duties of 'horrifically exponential population growth'.

I'm starting with the basics of what I'll need for them-food to eat, and shelter to muster within. The river provides water, thankfully, but I'd like to not have to use up all my mana on Fruiting body when I could experiment instead. To that end, the soft, pliable flesh that comes forth from a half-dozen these broodmothers soon dries and unfurls to reveal the vaguely fungal form of Myconids. Their spores could produce various lesser fungi that were more able to grow in this ground than the berry berometzes could have, providing a proper food supply once I have a place for them.

Of course, for that, I'd need a special area. Spores won't properly grow on the surface, where the harsh rays of the sun will destroy them during the day. No, they need cover. Like the kind that tunnels could provide. For that, two clutches of insectile abominations came forth. They would need time to grow to their full size-like that of a minotaur, and with a solid carapace to protect them. But even before then, they'll prove useful-their capacity to dig through stone at a terrifying rate forms the center of my plans-both for the inevitable offence, and for creating shelter for the rest in the meantime.

Tunnels dug by hard claws aren't a camp make, though, and it would certainly help to have a group who could dedicate itself to some of the less specialized, menial labor needed to keep this place running. Especially with the help of rearing their fellows in their short infancy-or attending to ones with peculiar needs. Two clutches of kobolds are brought forth for this. Not strong, but natural warren-makers and with little metaphorical spine means that getting them in line should be relatively straightforward-a problem that I'll definitely have to deal with once I can devote wombs to more combat-capable creatures.

While there was a variety of ground forces already present, there was one thing I hadn't seen any indication of: Aerial forces. The eggs that Ichika manages to lay will change that, however-soon, they will hatch into owl-harpies. And even before they'll provide air support, their more silent flying will let them be my eyes in the sky-hopefully, they can be wrangled to cooperating with Arete, letting him move from observing closely from outside, to outright sneaking about inside by going over the walls.

And for the last couple, I give myself permission to play around a little. I'm not sure if the process of having Holstaurus produce milk to provide for the others would be actually food-positive after they take what they need-but I'm willing to give them a chance to find out. After all, this whole thing is mostly one grand test run-no reason to not take a few extra risks. But at least, it'd probably be at least good for morale to have a bit of variety in the diet. Plus, cowgirls. Hey, if I'm going to be stuck here, I may as well treat myself with little frivolities now and then.