You have discovered a [Unique] Dungeon: The Spiral of Ara!
Level: 3-9
Description: The Eternal Enemy attacks one of the last bastions of Hope.
Complete Trial: Eliminate all enemies by any means.
SPECIAL Quest: Locate {3} hidden pieces of Lore. This quest can only be completed within the Spiral of Ara.
Reward: Skill (Unique)
Groggily I returned to my senses. I only barely registered the soul windows as I tried and failed to stand instead sagging back onto my knees to throw up what little food I had left in me. This was not what I had heard entering a Dungeon was like at all. Glancing around revealed I was in a square chamber of gray stone. I made a quick note of the floors, walls and ceiling all etched with glittering spiral patterns. They gave off a soft yellow glow that illuminated the room. Forcing myself to my feet, I moved away from the area where I had landed. I saw no sign of the vortex that had brought me here.
“That was most disagreeable,” I groaned, clutching my stomach.
Other than the glowing spirals, there was no other light source in the chamber. There was a corridor leading downwards at the room’s far end, spirals illuminating the way. I sighed in relief that I had hit upon a small bit of luck in that the room was empty. Starting zones in Dungeons must be safe areas, I reasoned. The tension in my stomach eased a bit and I forced my fists to unclench. At the moment, I was safe. In a Dungeon.
I ran a hand through my shoulder length hair and pulled a hitchhiking chunk of mold covered muck from it. I would probably have to cut my hair when I became a full Priest. Noblemen in Aramyr typically wore their hair long and I was no exception. My clothes were made of wool and flax, but of a higher quality than one would find worn by a commoner. Not that my clothing’s quality would be noticeable covered in filth as it was. Likely this set would have to be discarded to the rubbish heap, knowing my mother’s dislike for anything dirty. However, I had more pressing issues at the moment than my attire. I looked at the quest I had been given.
SPECIAL Quest: Locate {3} hidden pieces of Lore. This quest can only be completed within the Spiral of Ara.
Reward: Skill (Unique)
“What a strange quest? Why is it ‘Special’?” I felt frustrated by my lack of understanding. The thought of getting an actual skill for completing the trial filled me with excitement, but I tamped it down with the realization that I didn’t have any detection skills as a Rogue or Scout class may have. I should have studied more books on Dungeons.
An actual Dungeon! My brother Alaric had delved one located near Ordheim, the Creeping Bog, but with highly trained veterans at his side that had included a rare classed priest, a Silverward of Ord. Despite the rewards he had won for successfully clearing it, I had heard him tell our father it was the most terrifying experience of his life. How was I to survive one alone? Exactly how much danger would I have to face?
I had no choice but to rely upon my wits and newly gained spells.
I walked to the edge of the chamber and peered downward. The spiral lit the way but disappeared into darkness at the limits of my vision. I reread the soul window with the dungeon description. The Spiral of Ara.
“Ara,” I whispered aloud, “is dead. Does this Dungeon hold some artifact that belonged to his priesthood, perhaps?” That would certainly be exciting to find. It would almost be exciting to calculate the tax on in it too. Technically, anything recovered from a Dungeon could be taxed. The entrance to this place had been so well hidden that likely its existence had been forgotten about. Strange that the portal had been colorless. I had always heard that dungeon portals had different colors and this one had been colorless. Was it because it was Unique? If a new Dungeon was found, its location was always marked and guarded. It wouldn’t do for random people to be sucked inside without preparation beforehand. I groaned. Why had the Gods placed so heavy a task upon a mortal who had no time to prepare?
I turned in a slow circle and took in the room, but there was nothing else here of any use that I could see. I sighed and squared my shoulders. It was time to move on. Crouching down, I slowly moved into the corridor, one step at a time. Patience would be my ally. I needed to move slow and steady rather than frantically trying to find my way to the dungeon exit. The trial was straightforward. I needed to eliminate each of the hostile enemies any way I could in order to succeed. I would have to trust that the Gods would guide my steps and aid me in finding a way to escape this Dungeon with my life.
“‘For even in despair, do I gird myself in the armor of faith and trust in the Light’, First Gospel of Ord, Verse 10, Paragraph 3.” I quoted aloud. Mother would be proud.
The corridor traveled down several hundred yards before finally leveling out, the light of the stone-etched spirals above, below and beside me providing what little light they could. The spirals led me at last to an iron door, also imprinted with spirals, but without the magical light. I gingerly placed an ear against the door but heard nothing within. My palm rested against the door as I listened, so I did not immediately notice a glow which began to emanate from beneath where my hand rested upon the door. With a barely audible click, the door opened inward barely an inch and I froze. I didn’t move a muscle, continuing to listen for anything that might have been disturbed by my mistake. What was it Tutor Eustace had said during one of the rare times he had deigned to answer one of my questions?
To put it rather bluntly, Master Kenric, nothing in a Dungeon is as it seems. They exist as challenges, tests if you will, created by semi-sentient artifacts known as Dungeon Cores. Why are they created? None really know. Who creates them? Do the Gods have a hand in it? Strange if that is so, for the Gods grant rich rewards for cores offered up to them upon their altars. Why create and hand them out if only to want them given back?
Rather, let us consider that Dungeons are a hyper-intelligent construct of unknown origin that recognizes neither good nor evil. Shaped by intent and populated by creatures born of mana that when defeated are replaced by precious metals, expertly cut gems and mana wrought weapons and armor that have been known to bear enchantments that can turn the most basic of bean farmers into formidable heroes. The dungeon cores themselves? Claim one and you claim an item every Guildmaster and Archmage in Aramyr would shower you in wealth to possess not to mention the favor the Gods will show you.
Thoughts of wealth and power aside, I waited to the count of a hundred before I dared to slowly push the door open wider. This new room was larger than the last, rectangular and appeared empty of threat.
Manastone torches affixed to the walls along both sides of the passage gave off soft blue light. The glowing spirals continued their whirling path across every surface of the room. I sighed in relief. So far, this dungeon seemed fairly mundane and gave off no sense of dread the way stories said they often did. Perhaps that meant the enemies here would be easy to overcome? I was no Rogue able to conceal my presence to backstab anyone and I was no Fighter with weapons and armor expertise. The spells I had been given suggested a support role. Perhaps the Dungeon Core would send forth bunny rabbits armed with carrots just like in one of Gwyneth’s old children’s stories?
“Speaking of spells, it would help if I could learn more about what they actually did. What was it Erobar’s Book of Skills said about Status descriptions?” One had to will the Status window to open first of all. Easy enough to do once you understood the method and after I once again had it floating before me it was easy enough to focus upon Spells and from there go down my spell list individually one at a time.
Minor Heal
Mana Cost: 5 per second
Description: Channel healing mana by touching the distressed area upon the recipient. Restore between 2 to 7 HP per second.
Cool down: None
Minor Cube of Confusion
Mana Cost: 10 mana
Description: Creates a perfect cube that will appear before the target and mesmerize for up to 10 seconds. Chances of success on targets above Level 10 are greatly reduced.
Cool down: 10 seconds
Lesser Barrier of Light
Mana Cost: 10 Mana
Description: Summon a temporary shield of Holy magic that provides protection against non-enchanted weapons and natural flame. Provides no damage reduction from magical attacks and spells above Level 10.
Cool down: 30 seconds
Caretaker’s Guidance
Mana Cost: 10 Mana
Description: Imbue a target’s sight with Holy mana to see through minor illusions. Lower chance of success against spells greater than Level 10.
Duration: 5 minute
Cool down: 5 minutes
Vow of Denial
Mana Cost: 15 Mana
Description: Target any Undead/Eldritch/Infernal target to interrupt their mana channels. Results may vary from Turning, Banishment or in rare cases directly reversing mana from Negative to Positive energy. Lower chance of success against target’s greater than Level 10.
Cool down: 10 minutes
Lesser Shadow Leech
Mana Cost: 5 mana per second
Description: Conjures a shadow leech which invades and drains the target for 7-10 points of health over 5 seconds and restores half the health gained to a designated target not exceeding target’s total health.
Cool down: None
Command Minor Beast
Mana Cost: 30 Mana
Description: Forcefully dominate a lesser beast with your will and gain temporary control over its abilities. Chance of success reduced based upon creatures’ WIS score and if above Level 10.
Cool down: None
Minor Mana Tap
Health Cost: 1 HP per second
Description: Places a Mana Curse upon a target that drains 2 MP per second at the cost of Health.
Duration: 1 minute or until Target is drained of Mana.
Cool down: 1 minute
Innervation
Mana Cost: 40 Mana
Description: Increase target Stamina Regeneration by 5% for 1 minute.
Cool down: 5 minutes
“Hmm, probably more Utility than Support in some ways.” Many of the spells were straightforward, like with Innervation and Minor Heal. Others would take some practice to figure out like Minor Shadow Leech and Vow of Denial, for example. The spells were just so different from one another. “That makes sense since the Gods themselves are so different from each other. It can’t hurt to test a few of them.”
Casting Caretaker’s Guidance felt as natural as breathing. The holy mana flowed through me and I felt it settle over my head like a soft bed cap. I let out the breath I had been holding. Would I now be able to see through illusions or would they not even show up to my sight at all? I didn’t feel it, but my Status had updated with the icon of an open eye showing the buff was working.
Caretaker’s Guidance
Duration: 4:57 remaining
I’ll take it. Thank the Gods. Time to get moving again.
I felt a great deal more confident after the protection settled into place, but there was still a lump in my stomach that wouldn’t go away. The Gods are watching you, remember? A nauseating stench filled my nostrils the closer I drew to the large double door at the end of the hallway. It looked out of place with its ornate carvings of rearing horses, slithering alligators and what looked like cranes with their wings outstretched as if to take flight. It was a door that would not have been out of place back home, but my feelings of dread grew the closer I came to the door.
“Is that…blood?” I grimaced and pressed my tongue to the inside of my teeth. The scent had invaded my mouth, and I could practically taste the coppery liquid itself.
I leaned over and put my ear to the door, but I could hear nothing from the other side. I briefly considered turning back and finding another way, but this dungeon had so far been linear with only a single path forward. If there were hidden passages my current lack of any location skills would make it extremely difficult for me to find them.
“The door it is then,” I whispered and before I could talk myself out of it, I yanked hard on the metal ring and pulled. A gust of foul wind flew into my face, which made me gag. The stench was nothing compared to what I saw within. I felt my gorge rise as I examined the aftermath of a massacre.
The brightly lit room illuminated bloodstains splashed liberally upon the floors and walls. Red blood from the corpses of armored figures and bright purple blood from a host of strange, red skinned creatures with needle-like teeth. Demons? It was a horror. I tried and failed to avoid stepping in viscera within moments of tip toeing into the room. It wasn’t my lack of dexterity, but rather that there were no areas of the room that had avoided the violence that appeared to have only just recently occurred.
I understood now. This was real. Looking at the bodies, it hit me just how much trouble I was in. I shouldn’t be here. I was no adventurer! Yet, how to get out of here? How else could I escape, save by finishing the dungeon?
The room itself was rectangular shaped, with stone pillars set at regular intervals leading from the door I had entered to a set of stone stairs up to a dais where a high-backed chair sat. White banners trimmed in gold hung everywhere, those that hadn’t been torn, burned or covered in blood and were now strewn upon the floor. Was this a throne room? I looked around and tried to imagine the room without the bodies. Yes, this room could easily have been a receiving chamber at any noble’s palace. A place for petitioners to come and give testimony to their lord. Behind the throne, one of the banners had a familiar symbol sewn onto it.
“Ara,” I whispered.
The sound of coughing made my back go stiff. Eyes wide, I looked from side to side and turned a complete circle. Another cough. There! I ran towards the steps leading to the throne not bothering to dodge any of the filth or pools of blood. My boots, formerly brown, were now stained black with blood stains.
One of the armored figures lay shaking in a pool of blood as they coughed and gagged. I rushed to their side and gently propped up the armored head. Their breathing was raspy, and I saw one of their armored hands was held ineffectually over a gaping wound that had torn the armor away at the hip and left a terrible gash that leaked blood. Whomever this warrior was, they were dying.
“Easy now. I’ll help you. Just lay still,” I said gently. I needed to lift the visor of their helm. Better yet that I should remove the entire helm, but I didn’t want to risk hurting the warrior further. They needed air and even if the air inside this abattoir was foul, it was still better than a blood-soaked helm.
“Wh…who are you?” The warrior asked, voice weak. Brow furrowed, I slowly lifted the visor of their helm and found that it detached itself by lifting it up fully and pulling forward. A woman! I set her visor aside. She was quite attractive, but her face was a mask of pain and delirium. It was a youthful face and I estimated her to be around Alaric’s age. Eyes rolling back in her head she mumbled nonsense and tried to focus upon my own concerned face.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
“The Lady? Where is the Lady?” she gasped.
“What Lady? Madam, how did you get into this Dungeon? What happened here?”
The warrior shook her head, either from trying to clear her head or in response to my questions. “Find the Lady. Protect her!” She gasped and coughed, spattering more blood onto my clothes, but I didn’t care. She was dying and we both knew it. “Take my sword. It is too late for me.”
“You are bleeding on the inside,” I said, looking at her bloodstained lips. I tried to think positive even as her life bled out. “I may be able to help you yet. Don’t give up!”
Her eyes cleared and she stared into mine. “I do not fear death for I shall transcend to the Heavens and be reborn in the Light.” No fear, only sadness. There was a heavy burden upon her shoulders, and I wanted her to share it with me, but as her eyes started to look past mine and towards some far away place, I knew there was no time to spare.
You have been offered the Quest: Rescue!
A servant of the Infernal Pantheon has taken a former Hierophant of Ara captive. Rescue the Hierophant and defeat the servants of the Infernal Realm!
Success: Hierophant Lives. Hellblade defeated.
Failure: Hierophant Dies or Hellblade successfully corrupts Hierophant.
Reward: Unique Item
Do you accept? Yes/No
I quickly accepted ‘Yes’ and shoved the message aside. I needed to save this Warrior and so ignored the other soul windows that opened, willing them away for now. Her face was turning white from the blood loss, and I could no longer make out what she was saying, but it sounded as if she was whispering a final prayer before death. Not if I could help it!
I placed my hands upon her wound and cast Minor Heal once, twice and then again. Each time, a golden light suffused my palms, and I willed the healing into her body, each time feeling a bit of my mana drain away.
You have healed Amara for 2 health!
You have healed Amara for 3 health!
You have healed Amara for 5 health!
I gasped and groaned as I cast my healing again and again, but it wasn’t enough. My spell wasn’t enough!
“I’m not strong enough. I’m not going to make it!” I looked at the Warrior. Was her face less pale? She was still unconscious and her wound was leaking blood. Minor Heal wasn’t strong enough to be of use with a wound so serious. This woman was going to die, because I had been thrown into a Dungeon I wasn’t prepared for. I had failed her and the Gods’ expectations at my very first challenge! As I gazed at her, agonizing over her fate a soul window opened over her head.
Amara Silverdrake
Class: Guardian Soldier
Title: Hope’s Warrior
Level: 7
HP: 12/108
MP: 0
Status: TRAUMA (Inner Bleeding: 3HP a minute)
“No,” I growled. “There has to be something. Some way I can turn this around for both of us. Don’t die!” I shouted, but if she heard me she gave no sign. I felt tears fill my eyes and I wiped them away angrily. Why was I so weak? Why had the Gods brought me here if I couldn’t save her?
What can I use? Think! What magic do I have that might help?
A growling sound from behind made me slowly look over my shoulder. The moment I saw the Demon I froze up and my mind went into shock. It was over six feet tall, red and covered in a scaly hide. Swept back horns on its head shone a fiery red at their tips. Eyes like two pinpricks of blood in a sea of black stared at me and a snarl showing rows of jagged teeth set into blackened gums gnashed together in an elongated skull that reminded me of a horse.
Name: Blood Fiend
Level: 4
The Blood Fiend snarled something in its own language and its form grew hazy and indistinct to the point where I almost lost sight of it, but then its form became outlined in a reddish flame and I could again see it clearly.
Your Caretaker’s Guidance successfully pierces [Cursed Illusion]!
I broke myself out of my horrified stupor and moved. The success of my spell galvanizing me into action. The soul window that had appeared above the demon’s head was red and lined in black flame. There was no time to formulate a plan as it stalked towards me. I had only one possible offensive move I could make.
You cast Minor Cube of Confusion on Blood Fiend!
Blood Fiend is Paralyzed!
The demon froze as if turned to ice. A glowing blue cube of flickering light appeared before the monster’s face rotating clockwise vertically before shifting to rotate counterclockwise horizontally until it shifted back again. Its beady eyes stared, its jaw hanging slack as it observed the cube mesmerized. I breathed a sigh of relief. I had ten seconds to act and the spell would come off cooldown by then. I needed to act fast.
“Okay, now what?” I needed to hide. I would run back to the safe zone at the start of the dungeon and take some time to come up with a new plan. “No, I can’t leave her!” If I left, the warrior would surely be discovered by the Blood Fiend and killed for certain. The seconds ticked down and the beast began to stir. “C’mon Kenric, use your…of course!” There was a way…just maybe…I could handle the demon and save the warrior! To think if it worked, I would have the God of Vengeance to thank for it. First, I needed to renew the Cube.
You cast Minor Cube of Confusion on Blood Fiend!
Blood Fiend is Paralyzed!
You cast Minor Shadow Leech on Blood Fiend!
Blood Fiend is infected with Minor Shadow Leech!
Minor Shadow Leech drains Blood Fiend of 10 points of Health!
You have designated [Amara Silverdrake] as Health target!
[Amara Silverdrake] is healed for 5 points!
“It worked!” I smiled. Now I just had to keep the Blood Fiend paralyzed and keep transferring its health to the warrior and I would accomplish both goals!
You cast Minor Cube of Confusion on Blood Fiend!
Blood Fiend Resists Paralyzation!
“Oh no.”
With a roar the Blood Fiend charged towards me and I quickly backpaddled and dodged behind one of the pillars, the claws of the Blood Fiend tearing a furrow into the stone of the pillar as I tried to keep the pillar between myself and the monster.
Minor Shadow Leech drains Blood Fiend for 6 points of Health!
[Amara Silverdrake] is healed for 3 points of Health!
At least Minor Shadow Leech is still working and I still have another tool I can try.
You cast Lesser Barrier of Light!
A concave shield of golden light formed in front of me and as the Blood Fiend tried to slash its way through the shield, it screeched in pain and jerked back a smoking claw. The holy magic of the shield damaged it!
“Ha! Take that hellspawn! You are an offense to Mighty Ord! Begone! The wrath of Qas, Tek and Wik be upon you!” What I knew of the other Gods besides Ord was limited, but I would honor those Gods who had granted me the power to fight against this hells spawn!
Minor Shadow Leech slowly whittled down the Blood Fiend’s health and I alternated between maintaining Lesser Barrier of Light and paralyzing with Minor Cube of Confusion, which it resisted about half the time. I was able to fall into a rhythm only just keeping myself from running out of mana before remembering to cast Minor Mana Tap. This returned mana to me at the cost of my own health. Fortunately, the Blood Fiend finally collapsed and died and I was able to heal myself back to full health.
You have slain a Blood Fiend!
250 Experience points awarded!
Experience points banked until Class chosen.
You have gained +50 Faction with Wik!
You have gained +50 Faction with Qas!
You have gained +50 Faction with Tek!
You have gained +25 Faction with Sul!
There was no time to celebrate my gains just yet, but when the Blood Fiend collapsed I noticed a glowing staff dropped next to the body that I quickly scooped up. I then rushed to the side of the warrior who was stirring upon the ground with a groan. The area on her side where the deep gash had been was now sealed completely and not even a scar remained.
Oh, praise Ord and…Wik too.
My tutor Eustace had always said that Wik was diametrically opposed to Ord and was therefore the ‘bad guy,’ but I wasn’t about to ignore the fact that the spell he had granted me had saved not one, but two lives. The damage Minor Shadow Leech had done and the subsequent healing had turned certain death into victory and I wouldn’t forget it.
Wik, Lord of Vengeance and Oaths, I deeply thank you.
The warrior, Amara, groaned and her eyes fluttered open. She stared at me uncomprehendingly for a moment and then she sat up on her own, armor creaking.
“What has happened? Who are you? I am alive?”
I smiled, glancing over the updated soul window that allowed me to see her Status.
Amara Silverdrake
Class: Guardian Soldier
Title: Hope’s Warrior
Level: 7
HP: 100%
MP: 77%
Status: Healthy
“I am…Brother Kenric of Ordheim. A Priest, my Lady.” I quickly added. What else could I say to set her mind at ease? It was a small lie, in my mind and a necessary one at the moment. “I managed to heal your wounds and…”
“The Lady!”
Amara leapt to her feet. I marveled at her quick recovery and the ease in which she moved in her heavy armor. A miracle! I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as she retrieved her sword, a curved blade with runes etched upon its silvery steel that she slid into the sheath at her side. There was still blood upon her armor near the rent where her near fatal wound had been, but by the determination I saw on her face it was clear that she had already moved past her brush with death.
“Um, my Lady Amara…”
“You know me?” She asked, finally deigning to look me in the eye.
“Well, yes I can see your Name window.”
“My what?” Her brow crinkled in confusion, then she shook her head. “It is no matter Brother…Kenlick was it?”
“Kenric,” I said, forcing myself to remain smiling. She didn’t know what a Name window was? “You were unable to answer before, but are you from Ordheim or from one of the more westerly towns?”
“Never heard of it.” She turned and started walking towards the throne.
“Alright, well allow me to accompany and aid you. I have some small ability in healing. Together, we should be able to overcome this Dung…”
“That is clear enough,” she interrupted without turning around. “I don’t remember much, but I know my wound was deep.” She sighed and looked at me over her shoulder. “I do thank you, Brother, but there is no time for us to know each other better. A creature has taken the High Lady Eliana and its minions have slaughtered their way through the temple. I call upon you as a servant of the Light to aid me.”
She believed the Priest story, even if I’m not actually a real one. I couldn’t actually tell her about how I found this place. She must be from a Dungeon party that was killed by the demon. I must have found a back door to the Dungeon. Yes! I believe I did read that some dungeons have more than one entrance. Or was it exit? Anyway, should I about how she and this ‘Eliana’ came to be in this dungeon? She seems too distracted for questions right now. Best to just go along with her for now.
“Naturally, I will help.” Amara nodded once and reached behind the throne to twist something I couldn’t see. There was a clank and a door disguised as part of a decorative wooden panel opened. A secret path!
You have gained +75 Faction with Sul!
“Come. This will allow us to bypass most of the rooms between here and the upper floors. Hopefully this will allow us to avoid the bulk of the Tartaroi.”
I blinked at the unexpected Faction notification, but quickly willed it away, my attention upon what Amara was saying. “Tartaroi? What are they?” Amara shot me a look, her hand poised upon the doorway.
“Infernals, of course. Minions of the Lords of the Hells.”
Amara didn’t spare me another look as she started stalking up a stone staircase and I cautiously followed. I had never heard Infernals referred to by that name before, but no matter. The wooden panel slid back into place when Amara paused to pull another lever at the bottom of the steps after I followed her inside. I was about to ask her another question when a series of windows opened that answered most of my immediate questions.
You have discovered hidden lore! [1 of 3]
Dungeon First! Congratulations! You are the first to unlock the Hidden Quest: An Oath Fulfilled!
You are awarded 100XP!
Experience points banked until Class is chosen.
Quest: An Oath Fulfilled
Description: Amara Silverdrake swore to protect Ara’s last Hierophant from all enemies. Aid her in fulfilling her oath to Ara.
Reward: XP
There was no time to celebrate my success, but I breathed a sigh of relief that I no longer had to worry about clearing the Dungeon alone. While I hadn’t yet seen her in action, I felt a great deal safer with Amara’s armored, Level 7 body walking before me. I was also curious as to what a Hierophant of Ara was? Perhaps she and Amara were members of some Historical Society or some sponsored Guild was trying to recover relics of Ara from this dungeon? I frowned. If the main entrance to this Dungeon was anywhere in the Duchy of Ordheim they were going to owe my Father a hefty fee for anything they recovered. I would keep my eyes open and mouth closed.
Tax dodgers, maybe? I need more information.
“Lady Amara,” I called out to her when I started falling behind, my low Constitution not allowing me to keep pace with her.
“Amara will suffice, now hush! These walls are not so thick that our voices might not be heard by patrolling Infernals!”
I nodded sheepishly and kept quiet as I forced myself to keep trudging up the steps. Following her lead was easy. She seemed to know every step to pause upon while she cocked an ear to listen. Not satisfied to move until it was safe, yet clearly in a hurry, I could only do my best to not distract or disturb her concentration. When we finally reached the top of the stairs, she again turned to me, eyes tense.
“This door opens directly to the Arboretum. From there we just have to cross the hall to another set of stairs leading to the Lady’s private apartments. It is likely that we will encounter resistance.”
“How do you know she is in her apartments? I thought she had been taken by someone?”
“Something would be a more appropriate description. Her captor is a Cambion, a Hellblade lieutenant and a wily opponent. If it seeks to corrupt the Lady, then it will first need to desecrate the Inner Chapel where the Lady once communed directly with Lord Ara.”
I stared at her uncomprehendingly. What she said made no sense.
“Amara, I do not understand. Ara was slain long ago. What do you mean…?” Then it dawned on me. Amara was neither a tax dodger nor a dungeon delver. My eyes widened as I struggled to comprehend the truth I had just discovered.
This Dungeon was set in the past! I was experiencing a series of events that had already happened. I had saved a warrior who had already been dead for over a thousand years! She, and this entire dungeon, were nothing more than a Core created memory.
“What is wrong? You look as if you are ready to collapse, Brother!” Amara laid a hand on my arm and looked at me with concern. I winced, feelings of guilt welling up. How could I tell her that all we were doing had already happened? That her desire to save her Lady was for nought? I shook my head. What sort of Dungeon was this? I had never heard of anyone ever mentioning being transported to another time inside a dungeon before? Was there even a way to succeed? The past cannot be changed!
“I am alright,” I forced a smile. “Might we pause a moment so that I might prepare? When we do encounter enemies, I would wish to support you properly and at full strength.”
Amara slowly nodded and chewed her lip. “Yes, that would be best. The Cambion alone will be formidable, and I know not how many minions he will still have at hand. We must proceed fully prepared and hold nothing back when we face them. Saving the Lady is paramount.”
I turned away so she could not see the guilt on my face. I felt a fool now for thinking she may have been another adventurer. She was a part of this dungeon, the shadow of a warrior who had been dead for a millennia and was merely going through the motions of existence at the behest of the Dungeon Core. How many times had she been cut down here? How many more?
Still, had I not done something new? I had an achievement for unlocking a new quest. I had done something to this dungeon that had never been done before. Amara lived. Perhaps not after I left the dungeon and perhaps never again, but for now, this time, she and I together had a chance to find a different outcome. I watched her put her ear to the door and I sat cross legged upon the floor and opened my Status window.
Name: Kenric Ordheim
Class: None
Title: 4th Son of the Earl of Ordheim, Squire of Eastcheap Manor
Professions: Scribing-9, Treasurer-7, Alchemy-2
Level: (Experience Banked: 350XP)
Divine Domain: TBD
Attributes
Strength: 5
Dexterity: 5
Constitution: 4
Intelligence: 6
Wisdom: 7
Perception: 5
Charisma: 6
Spells:
Minor Heal
Minor Cube of Confusion
Lesser Barrier of Light
Caretaker’s Guidance
Vow of Denial
Minor Shadow Leech
Minor Command Beast
Minor Mana Tap
Innervation
Equipped:
Weapon: Warden’s Staff
Body: Noble’s Gray Attire
Legs: Noble’s Leggings
Feet: Noble’s Shoes
Back: Noble’s Cloak-Hooded
After looking over my Status I focused upon a new tab that had appeared near Spells titled Faction and willed it open.
Mir: 0
Wik: 50
Eui: 0
Qas: 50
Sul: 100
Tek: 50
Hul: 0
Gor: 0
Cel: 0
So I had impressed Qas, Tek and Wik in the fight against the Blood Fiend. Likely because I had used their spells to win. Each had granted me 50 points in their Faction. As to whether that was good, bad or unimportant remained to be seen. I chose to look at it as a sign of the Gods’ positive favor. I wasn’t certain what I had done to impress the God of Chance, however. Wait, I had received it after Amara had opened the hidden door. Did Sul like the fact that I had inadvertently found an easier route with Amara to bypass enemies?
Making further gains with the Gods during this Dungeon may determine what Class I’m granted if I survive to the end. I need to prioritize using as much magic as possible. I wonder why Cel didn’t grant me anything for using Minor Mana Tap?
Next, I examined the Warden’s Staff the Blood Fiend had dropped. It was about five and a half feet long and had iron caps set upon both its top and bottom. I imagined if I hit something with it, it would be a vast improvement over one of my weak punches or kicks.
Warden’s Staff
Grade: Uncommon
Item Level: 3
Damage Type: Magical/Blunt
Attack: 5 Physical
Speed: Slow
Primaries: +1 Wisdom
Secondaries: +1% Chance to Hit
I imagine Amara may appreciate a bit of backup should the need arise. A point in Wisdom is nice too!
“Amara, might I ask a question?”
“If it will help you prepare faster, then yes,” she answered.
“What sorts of attacks can we expect ahead? I mean, my experience with the minions of Hell is limited and I don’t know what to expect?” Amara slowly nodded and crossed her arms as she seemed to contemplate the question.
“Many lesser demons, such as Imps, can be expected to attack with tooth and claw. Some may have the ability to cast minor illusions.” Amara eyed the edge of her blade and frowned. “It was a small army of Imps that attacked us in the receiving hall where you found me. They were controlled by a Blood Fiend that managed to get past my guard and well you saw my wound.”
I nodded and shuddered. Don’t get close to any more Blood Fiends, got it.
“The Cambion itself fights with a sword, but it can also cast illusions and necrotic bolts that can weaken or even paralyze an opponent. We must be very careful when we finally engage him.”
“I see, thank you. That helps a lot.” Amara nodded and I rubbed my hands together. As much as I knew it was important for a Priest to be able to heal their allies, I also knew I needed to bring an extra edge to be able to complete the dungeon. That edge, was Amara.
“That you came here alone speaks well of your bravery, Brother Kenric, if a bit ill-advised. You must have an interesting selection of magic at your command as well.” Amara whispered. She had seen the self satisfied smile on my face and raised a questioning eyebrow. “Which Church are you affiliated again?” I shook my head.
“I serve the Light, as you do. I’m feeling a lot more confident in our chances now. I’m ready to move forward.”
Amara nodded solemnly and slowly closed the visor of her helm. She looked quite intimidating, and I told her so. She chuckled.
“My father used to say I looked like I was wearing someone else’s outfit. He said that this armor didn’t suit me and I should have taken a different path.”
“I would imagine if he could see you now, he would believe differently,” I said. She shrugged.
“Perhaps. He felt I should have returned to Elion after the church restructuring, but I couldn’t abandon my comrades or the commitment I made to the Lady. Even though Ara is gone, his message remains. Never let the flame of hope go out or all other lights shall wither and die as well.”
I didn’t know what she meant by ‘church restructuring,’ but that was a mystery that could wait. What had bothered me was the word ‘Elion.’ Where had I heard that name before and why did it give me an uneasy feeling? There was no time to ponder it as Amara, sword drawn, pushed open the door to the Arboretum.
