Pawstruck: Rise of the Loafblade (A Progression LitRPG)

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Most dogs don't get a System.

But most dogs aren't the Loafblade.

The Kingdom of Arwyll teeters on the brink of collapse.

A great evil has awoken. Served by legions of deformed monsters, it is intent on nothing more than the corruption and devastation of all sentient life. It is The Darkseed. The Endbringer. And it will not stop.

There's only one hero brave enough to stand against it.

And his bark's just as bad as his bite.

What to expect from Pawstruck:

+A Skills-centric LitRPG (Level ups on use, Morphs at specific levels)

+Battles that emphasize synergy between non-combat + combat related skilltrees

+A globe-trotting adventure through a world on its last legs.

+Comedic tone with darker moments as the story progresses.

+Continuous skill progression.

+Non-human + human companions.

+A canine protagonist with a big mouth

...whoreallywants headpats, now.

Schedule: Mon-Thurs. +20 chaps ahead on Patreon

Cover art credit: @moonlightcactus

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2024
Author: Traversing the Dark

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.3/ 5.0
Followers: 867
Views: 152,881

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

keeganashleyliveRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I’m not sure exactly what I expected going into this read, but it is a bundle of unexpected comedy and a literal ‘rooting for the underdog’ situation. A corgi shaped like a loaf of bread who gains powers? I mean, you have to read it to believe it. I love how playful and creative the system is; it made me laugh out loud several times!! And, if you think comedy comes with no plot, think again ‘cause this one is jam packed with action and suspense as our favorite pup levels up and learns more about his power.
First off, the main thing I loved about this story is how fun it is; the author is clearly having a blast. Group that with an interesting and, sometimes, downright hilarious LitRPG system and you get pure joy. It’s a treat to read.
I didn’t notice any glaring grammatical errors that took away from my enjoyment of the read. The narrative has a nice kind of jovial bounce to it as you read through—much like the MC. If you’re into quirky non-human MCs and a dash of fun and intrigue, this should definitely be your next read. I know that, personally, I’m just going to be thinking about corgis for the rest of the day…just popping in and out of my head randomly due to this story. What’s not to like about that? Followed and favorited!!
FJBRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I’d like to say this is an unbiased review, but that would be a lie. Why? Because I absolutely adore corgis. From Ein in the original Cowboy Bebop to watching the late queen’s little army of stubbly legged floofs gambol across the grass, there’s just something about a corgi that you can’t get from any other dog. Maybe it’s the stupid grins. Maybe it’s the easily accessible bellies. Or the ginormous ears. Or the lolling tongues.
Sorry, there’s just too much to love.
As for this story and its own stub-legged protagonist, does it scratch the same itch? Does it provide everything that is wonderful about corgis while also delivering an engaging story, believable characters, and a sense of advancement, all in one neat little package? Yes. Yes it does.
Style: The writing is straightforward and easy to read. Told in first person perspective, present tense, there might be some people that take issue with this, but I implore you to give it a read regardless. The story flows both smoothly and quickly, to the point where I barely noticed either perspective or tense, and when I did it was always in a positive light. The story also has a nice mix of both dramatis and humor, helping to both leverage the setting and keep the MC from never being either maudlin or nonsensical.
Story: In the world of Arwyll, light and darkness are constantly at war. On one side, the darkseed. On the other, the Grey. In the middle... a dog who is trying very hard not to end up as someone’s lunch.
Beyond the standard fantasy epicness, there is also a robust progression system on display here. Right out of the gate there is an explosion of abilities, titles, and other various paraphernalia to keep any litRPG fan hooked. From the hints that have been laid so far, it feels like the groundwork is there that this should remain an engaging mechanic for many chapters to come as well.
Grammar: This category... look, the writing is fine. It’s great. It’s stupendous. I don’t think I caught a single spelling mista
juneamoeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Dogs are adorable, there is no contesting that. But a short loaf of a dog with the sass of a teenager, and the moves of a human warrior is much much more than adorable.
This story follows along our unnamed corgi (pup?) and the quest that has been forced upon him. Like all unwilling heros he too struggles and resists this burden thrust on his unbelievably tiny (and furry may I add) shoulders. From twisting intestines to glaring carnivores, malicious elves to hungry demons, enchanted alcohols to steaming trees, brainwashed traitors to zombified kinsmen... this book has it all. Mother nature appears in both her kindest and fiercest form.
This is set not in the planet we know, but one who's shadows we can empthais with. This land of Arwyll has been through apocalyptic tragedies and has more in store. Who knows if this land is merely cursed... or a playground for higher forces?
When it comes to system and RPG based novels, this checks most of the boxes. A coherent, yet mysterious system that seems to be fairly transparent on what it offers and demands; Steady level progressions; Wide assortment of sidekicks and journey companions and friends made along the way; tragic sacrifices; elvish tropes; the usual...
Except the hero. He's as unusual as it gets. Fluffy, adorable, and very much out of place in a dystopia, our little corgi (Now christened Raziel) must not just survive, but also become the hero the world demands he become.
But corgies are meant to sit and loaf around, act cute and eat treats. They're meant to be gifted soft beds, not harsh blades. And they're certainly not meant to be cooked. How harsh is a world that would curse a doggie with a headpat debuff?!
Strap on, because there are harsh battles and sweet head pats to be won! In name of Raziel, in name of the light born. .. we need belly rubs.
Style: Primarily written in first person, the narrative flows smoothly and leaves no gun unfired. The occasional shift to a second prespective not only adds to the anti
-Werewolf14-Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
(I have read other stories by the author)
A fun and entertaining story with the right amount of humor to contrast with the dark elements
The protagonist is a corgi dog named Raziel. And, of course, who wouldn't root for a canine protagonist?
It's a great adventure-type story thus far, and there's the unique element of a canine protagonist- not a human protagonist. He's got powers that revolve around abilities the average dog would have- barking, running, biting, etc... just with a little extra added in for the power side
And there's the added bonus of some... unfortunate foes that show up, including some hungry and rather evil foliage. I'm always a fan of fantasy monsters, though they can be tricky to defeat when they're opposing the protagonist, like these ones have been. There’s lots of creativity with the monsters in Pawstruck thus far, and I’m curious to see what foes the corgi hero in Raziel will encounter in the future.
I feel the author has done a good job of writing the story through the eyes of a dog. Raziel feels convincing to me that he is a dog who reacts/acts accordingly, not how a person would respond in the same situations. I’ve enjoyed the story thus far, and I look forward to seeing what’s in store!
LovedifferentRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Loved it. Number 1 is a doggo even more a Corgi!!!!
Number 2 the world actually feels like an apocalypse you can feel the despair of the world and how he got his powers is another reason why we don't deserve dogs.
The mc is an actual corgi that acts like a dog and like modern dogs he wants to be pampered but like Alex rider he gets pushed(coerced) in becoming a hero then starts to grow to be the hero everyone wants him to be. And hopefully he will get all the head pats and bellyrubs in the world.
MarindaMannRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm enjoying this wonderful little story, So far it has me feeling happy even though I am sick at the moment, so thank you and please give us more cute corgi!
It's nice to see him. Growing as a character, not just combat but as a person realizing that he is not alone in the world and starting to care for others and how his actions and words effect those around him.
RavenWolfNorthRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
From the start, our hero is tasked to defeat evil. This is very much like Frodo being asked not to take the ring to Mt. Doom but instead to be Aragorn, hacking and slashing his way to victory.
Our pup-agonist is incredibly relatable. He is built for relaxation and companionship. There is clear signs his current powerset is good but he holds himself back. I am looking forward to Raziel giving at least one inspiring speech while being held in viewing range by a trusted human.
RyplinnRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is the tale of Raziel the Loafblade, the hero the world needs and that it deserves, because he is the bestest cutest deadliest boi. Watch him escape goblins, befriend wolves, wag his tail, and try to run away from everything including his problems, all in the service of defeating some sexy plant lady!
He's so cute give him headpats and a sword and get out of his way.
MaersikaiRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
Never seen a litRPG with a corgi as the protagonist. All sorts of ani.als or people, or people reincarnated as an animal bit not just a fluffy-butt corgi. Good puppy gets the best system.
I'm excited to see where you go with this and the idea of a domesticated dog interacting with wolves is a novel idea. Whe where are you taking this story good author?
FaercesRoyal Road
★★ 1.5
I was initially pleasantly surprised by how much of an identity this story had. It truly just is a dog getting a system, but unfortunately just stayed like that.
The best bits of this story were when it didn't take itself seriously, but now it really shoots over the top and misses in what made this story so loveable the first time around.
The best bits of this are in the initial portions, with every new chapter just feeling consistent and samey in it's themes and ideas that it quickly got tiring.