Welcome to Belia, new Dungeon Core, and Dungeon Guide!
This will be the Tutorial for your beginning Dungeon experience. Once finished, all menu powers will be delegated to the designated Dungeon Guide. Before we begin, please choose the name you will be referred to for the rest of your existence. (No pressure!)
"Finally!" the Core's Guide screeched. "I've waited 22 years to get my own name and Dungeon powers, it's about damn time!"
"I'm guessing this means you already have your own name picked out?" The Core asked, a little more jealously than it intended. Why don't I get as much time to think about this kind of thing! It seems pretty damn important, and PERMANENT.
The Guide cleared her non-existent throat and very clearly spoke, "Annabelle."
The Core wasn't happy to admit it since it was still stuck figuring out its own name, but it liked the sound of Annabelle. Swallowing the meager beginnings of its pride, "I like your new name, Annabelle. It sounds really pretty." Flattery seemed like a good way to go when in doubt, at least that's what one of its memories seemed to insist on quite heavily. Apparently, that one was married and had lots of experience in flattery.
Annabelle turned a shade lighter and seemed to withdraw into herself, "Thank you...I've had that in my head for years now but us Guides can't go by any other name until we find a Core to bond with. It means so much that I found you, and you're such a sweetheart too! A big ol' softie!" The Core did not like being called a softie when it was pretty sure its primary purpose was manslaughter, but it would let that one slide.
"Okay, Belle-" It paused and looked to see if the nickname would be here to stay, as she turned an even brighter shade of grey it seemed to be a resounding yes. "Will you help me pick my own name? I have a few ideas but i'm pretty sure the name Death Laser was already taken by one of the other Cores. How did I know there were other cores? I wonder if I'll have neighbors!? I hope not. Unless Death Laser is my neighbor, that guy is probably super popular.
Belle just looked down at the Core with a gaze that was equal parts pity and unrestrained laughter, many of his memories had seen that same look. It makes me feel like she knows something I don't, which I guess is probably true... but still!
"It's okay, I've had time to think of names for both of us! Now all you need to do is tell me if you feel more like a boy or a girl." This was a curveball for the Core, as far as it could tell it had memories of both sexes. So it just came down to personal preference.
Personally, the Core would have preferred an option in the middle, but the weak-minded two-legs only had one or the other. Since Belle was already a female, it seemed only fair to give the other sex a fair shake. "I choose to be a boy, what are the benefits to this choice?" The Core asked with more confidence than it felt.
Belle laughed, in the now male Core's face, for five minutes straight. "For you, the- Hahaha! For you, the only benefit is a boys name. You don't have any of the corresponding parts-" By the time she got the rest of her sentence out she was wheezing in mid-air. The Core, now a boy, if only out of spite, shone as bright as he could to try and blind his bully of a Guide. Sadly, she was just as resistant to bright lights as he was.
After a few more minutes of half-laughter half-sobbing, she finally said, "If you want to be a boy, what about the name Wilcox? It's perfect! We can shorten it and call you Wil, and it is definitely a boys name." She was nodding vigorously at the last statement as if to reassure him.
"Also, it can serve as a reminder of the missing parts.." She whispered this last part to herself, but she forgot that it was just her and Wil in the sky. So he heard and sulked for another few minutes about the joke he didn't understand.
Have you decided on your names for the conceivable future?
When you have picked out your names, clearly state them with confidence and intent to solidify them into your being.
"A bit impatient, aren't we, Mr.Blue?" Belle said with a smirk.
"Maybe it's because you laughed in my face for five minutes instead of moving us forward..." Wil quietly grumbled to himself, but Belle heard him anyways. Mainly because it was still just the two of them hovering over the entirety of the world with nobody else in earshot.
"Don't be in such a rush to get going, these kinds of decisions can only be made once, and after that, there are no take backs!"
Wil felt a strong memory resurface of a small animal child speaking of an immutable law. "No Take Backsies!"
"I understand, you're right Belle, but I am happy with the names we both chose. If you're ready to move on, I am too." Wil offered.
"I am, let's get this show on the road! Go ahead and say your name to Mr.Blue."
"Wilcox"
"Annabelle"
Chime
Welcome to Belia, Wilcox, and Annabelle!
Before you can begin to test the people of Belia with your prowess, you must first decide on the starting location for your Dungeon! Choose wisely, as each choice comes with advantages and drawbacks that may not be visible at first glance. Each available option has yet to be claimed by another Dungeon or has enough space within itself to provide enough room to support multiple Dungeons.
Andel Mountains
A vast expanse of mountains surrounding the borders of multiple races.
Area Bonus - Provides camouflage during the formative months of the Dungeon. Granting the potential for much longer preparation time.
Area Negative - Depending on where on the mountain range the Dungeon is placed (Random), it may be near impossible for the Sentient Races to find your Dungeon naturally.
Ilvan Forest
A large forest surrounding the Races of Elves and Gnomes. It is the source of a longstanding feud between the two Races. Boasts the largest variety of nature and wildlife in all of Belia.
Area Bonus - Access to more species of animals, and Resources that are available to most other Dungeon Locations.
Area Negative - When discovered (Because you will be if this location is chosen) the Dungeon will be forced into the politics of two different races.
Ferst Plains
A grassland with small villages dotting the landscape, mainly occupied by the more barbaric Humans and savage Beast-men.
Area Bonus - Bonus evolutions to all Beast type monsters.
Area Negative - Potential for Dungeon to be spotted early increased. Increasing the likelihood of early destruction.
Oceanic Depths
Deep below the shore, far from all land Races. This area is inhabited by the Fish-Folk, as well as the Great Beasts that call the Ocean their home.
Area Bonus - Some of the Greatest Beasts of the world are available in the Depths if the Dungeon has the capability to control them.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Area Negative - Until the Dungeon can create routes to land, it will be limited to the semi-resource starved ocean.
Krates Ravines
A series of 1000+ meter deep ravines threading between the Andel Mountains and the Ferst Plains, few to no Sentients call this land their home. All except the hardy Cave-Men.
Area Bonus - Protection on all sides provides easily defensible locations, as well as providing greater than average Mana access due to the few Sentients in the Ravine itself.
Area Negative - The Cave-men in the Ravines live alone for good reason. If found, the Dungeon will almost certainly be destroyed on sight.
Mt. Varnir
A land of lava, brimstone, and all that fiery fun. A wasteland of obsidian and perpetual ash surrounds Mt. Varnir, the worlds largest active volcano. (No Dungeon Core has picked this location yet and I just can't figure out why!) Inhabited by the Dragons.
Area Bonus - Monsters will have a natural fire affinity. Access to some of the strongest beasts in the world, if the Dungeon has the capability to control them.
Area Negative - Almost all spawned monsters die in the harsh environment, those that do survive must contend with the territorial beasts of the wastelands.
"Well, that looked like it took a long time for Mr.Blue to make." Belle said appreciatively.
"No kidding, I don't envy that guy." He exclaimed. Now that he could finally get to the meat of being a Dungeon though, he felt overwhelmed. Who knew there were so many different kinds of places in this world? Not to mention all the different races and monsters the menu hinted at, just by virtue of explaining the choices. This Dungeon Core felt spoiled for choices.
"Well, I think we can both agree that the Volcano and Ocean are out, right Wil?" Belle looked at him expectantly.
For once, though, he completely agreed with her. "Yeah... I don't want to have to contend with Dragons or weird Fish people, it'd be better if we could just stay on solid and safe ground where we belong." That being said though, I wonder what a Dragon is? None of the memories I gained have a mental image and I don't think showing interest in a choice I just declined would be a good decision. Best to just smoothly slip the question in at a later conversation.
Belle hummed at him, and it filled him with such warmth that he briefly forgot he was making the most critical decision of his fifteen-minute lifespan.
Wil coughed to clear his non-existent throat, "I think it's going to come down to between the Forest or the Plains." Belle was nodding vigorously at his conclusion, and that was all Wil needed to know he'd made the right choice.
"We have to decide if the benefits outweigh the negatives." Belle started, "If we think about it in terms of our neighbors, we will either have the Humans and Beast-men, or the Elves and Gnomes. When it comes to civility the Elves and Gnomes are leagues above the Humans and Beast-men. Both of the Plains dwelling races are well known for their savagery."
"But while they are savage, it may also make them easier to control." Belle added, to which he tried to nod to as well, but really only managed to blink his light a little brighter. She continued, "While this is true, it's also true that the Elves and Gnomes have been at each other's throats for centuries now. While I don't think they are embroiled in a war right now, you never know when one may happen. It wouldn't hurt to be the Dungeon in the middle of a battlefield, lots of Two-legs to eat after all."
At this, Wil began to blink rapidly, the idea of eating Two-legs appealed to him like nothing else ever really had. The only thing tempering his hunger was the idea that he may become the focus of the two races if he did not play his cards right.
"How important is having Resources close to us, Belle?"
"Next to having a safe spot to place your Core, it is the most important thing. Resources are, in essence, everything to a Dungeon. You will see when we start building, but Resources are how you purchase Traps and upgrade the Dungeon. Mana also plays a part in that, but we can get to that when we have Mana to spend." Belle replied almost automatically.
"What about being able to evolve my monsters?"
Belle was getting excited at being able to flex her Dungeon knowledge, "Evolution is one of the main ways you can get stronger monsters, aside from just creating or taming them yourself. It isn't as important as Resources since they can help you evolve your monsters. Among other things. Having an initial evolution would definitely help boost our power in the early months our dungeon is active."
"Okay. I think I'm starting to see the bigger picture here..." Wil said with as much confidence as he could muster. While he really wanted the Forest, he was concerned it was for the completely wrong reasons. He wanted the Ilvan Forest because he was positive more of those Great Beasts were hiding in there.
Who knows what kind of fearsome creatures existed in a Forest? One memory of his depicted a horrifying monstrosity known as a Deer. Wil could see it now, a 15ft tall Beast stomping on feeble Two-legs with its superior four. He was nearly drooling, if it was physically possible, at the thought of such an animal. Or even the potential of an army of the creatures.
Belle was snapping in his face, "Wil? You there?" How long was I daydreaming about my unstoppable Deer empire?
"Yeah, of course I am Belle, I've made my decision. I want to start our Dungeon in the Ilvan Forest!" Belle's concern was quickly wiped away at the mention of 'our' Dungeon.
"Great! Mr.Blue, we want the Forest!"
A perfect chime sounded out and suddenly Wil's vision was once again assaulted by the floating box.
Congratulations on choosing the Ilvan Forest as your starting Dungeon location!
Only one choice remains before you may begin your adventures as Core and Guide. Please choose your starting monster. Know that you cannot choose another monster to exist within your Dungeon until you reach the required level (Information Locked). Each choice available can only be chosen if the Dungeon location Ilvan Forest has been chosen first. Choose wisely, as each choice comes with advantages and drawbacks that may not be visible at first glance.
Beasts
The beasts of the Forest can be vicious and gentle all at once, beginner Dungeons can command the Lesser Beasts of the Forest. While the more experienced can call upon Imbued and Enhanced Beasts with enough time.
Monster Bonus - Dungeon Beasts are able to breed with different species, creating Hybrid Monsters that can be summoned for an additional Mana cost.
Monster Negative - Lack the intelligence some of the other Forest Monster choices present, will never have the ability to speak, aside from the Greatest of Beasts.
Nature Spirits
Sprites and Fairies who call the Forest home will pledge to fight for the Dungeon. Beginner Dungeons can command the small Forest magic the children know. While the more experienced can call upon the great works of the Sprite and Fairy Elders.
Monster Bonus - Access to nature magic that boosts dungeon growth in relation to plants. All Nature related Resource costs further reduced.
Monster Negative - Perhaps the frailest of the Monster choice. While their magic is formidable, they have little in way of physical protection if cornered.
Forest Pygmy
The Pygmy is a nimble creature that walks on two-legs and runs on all four. A very primitive species that are fiercely loyal to their chosen deity. If they choose the Dungeon as their God they will protect the Core until their dying breaths. Beginner Dungeons can command small troops of the Pygmies while the more experienced can create vast cities and sprawling underground labyrinths supporting the small humanoids.
Monster Bonus - The more Pygmies a Dungeon has, the stronger they become. So much so, that if enough are gathered they could petition to become a recognized Sentient Race of the world.
Monster Negative - The other Sentients do not take kindly to competition, and if found, these Pygmies will be considered invaders. When discovered they will almost certainly be destroyed.
Skeletons
Skeletons don't belong in a Forest you say? Why not? These piles of bones require no sustenance and can take the shape of any absorbed beast or man the Dungeon comes across. Beginner Dungeons have access to Lesser Beast Skeletons and Basic Humanoid Skeletons. While more experienced Dungeons have access to Custom Creation, capable of creating some of the most dangerous Monsters the world has ever seen.
Monster Bonus - Dungeons have the ability to choose from a wide variety of workable materials to create their Monsters.
Monster Negative - Universally hated by the collective Churches of Belia. Will take a *cough* Miracle, to not be destroyed on sight.
Okay, Wil play it cool, don't stare too hard at the Beasts. Make the Blue Box think you're actually reading all of the other choices so you don't hurt its feelings.
"What do you think Wil?" Belle asks the question he has been preparing for over a quarter of his life for.
"I think the Beasts seem like a good choice." I did it, I didn't stutter or anything! Deer you are as good as mine!
"Oh wow, really? I thought for sure you would have gone for the Pygmies, what made you want the Beasts?"
Oh fuck.
"Well, the Pygmies do sound nice, but I really like the idea of being able to... breed my Monsters and have little Monster children running around the Dungeon...?" Oh, who am I kidding, who would buy that garbage? At least I don't have to pick the ske-
"THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING!" Belle was purposefully moving right next to him to scream. Wil blinked hard at her to try and get her to back off.
"I knew you and I thought alike! Oh, Wil, it's going to be just perfect! We are going to have cute little fur babies together!" Belle was in hysterics at this point, and so was Wil. Although he was mentally crying because his goal of Deer Domination was one step closer to fruition.
"Allow me, Belle." Wil said with more confidence than he had ever felt in his entire existence.
"Mr.Blue." Wil decided the nickname was cute enough to stay for the Tutorial. "We pick Beasts as our starting Dungeon Monster!"
A perfect chime sounded out and Wil and Belle once again felt their minds go blank as everything changed around them.