Choice Results are at the bottom of the page. Goodluck.
Blood rushes up into your ears as you madly dash through darkened hallways, covered in strange pulsating veins, and quickly leap up several flights of steps before slowing down to a crouch. A single patrol of heavily armored guards in black steel caps and chainmail appear to your right, their eyes scouring the corridor. You haven't been spotted yet but it is only a matter of time. There is a room to your left you could duck into, but there was a chance you could be rushing headlong into more danger. In which case you're probably be better off dealing with this fairly small group quickly.
"It appears that you are safe for the moment, master. The guards have yet to realise you've escaped, but that will not last long. Might I suggest we continue moving on," said Daedalus.
Nodding your head in agreement, you reluctantly pull yourself upright and scan the room when you spot a dust laden chest hidden away at the back of the room with only a single dim gem attached to the wall providing light.
Excitement bubbling in your chest at the thought of discovering possible riches, you cautiously advance towards it, pull aside the carpet that lay strewn over it before inspecting the chest covered in ancient runes. "Daedalus do you know what this says?"
After a brief momentary pause, he replies, "Erie almerhurse. Efierfeat nuiforld. Here lies Balmera the Cursed. Defier of death and ruin of worlds."
Well, that didn't sound good. You've not heard of this Balmera, but the fact that the mages had collected her remains and placed them inside a chest, which was more than likely enchanted did not bode well for opening it. Although, if this Balmera was truly an enemy of the dark mages would it not prudent to at least take a peek inside?
Hands hovering over the chest, you move your fingers towards the clasp and hear a slight hum at the back of your mind, that grows stronger the closer you get, until finally unable to resist the temptation, you blast open the lock with a firebolt and heave it open. (- 4 Mana)
Inside lying at the bottom of the chest are a pair of gloves made up of the same fabric as the cloak as well as the ashes of the dead.
Daedalus lets out a thrum of exultation that vibrates through you. "I had hoped this tower would contain a piece of me, but I had not dared to think they would risk bringing it here, away from the island. Come now master, let me show what true power is."
Wary of Daedalus eagerness to be reunited, you wonder if you should wait to put it one, but can't help but be feel an insatiable curiosity yourself at the capabilities that could be unlocked by these gloves.
Soft as velvet and black as night, you pick them up and slowly slide them on, feeling awash with new energy that fizzles inside of you. (+50 Mana. Mana regeneration now increases at a much faster rate. Add +5 each time you complete a scenario without using any mana in that scenario. Converting Life Energy to Mana, also occurs at a greater rate with 5 Health points = 5 Mana.)
Level 2 Spells
Storm of Light
Mana cost: 5
Daedalus, "Distract enemies with a light display that will be truly blinding."(Option will occasionally appear throughout the story.)
Enchanted Blade
Mana cost: 10
Daedalus, "Lighter than a feather and sharper than steel, this blade can cut through most everything with a single wave."(Enchanted Blade -20 damage.)
Heal
Mana cost: 15
Daedalus, "A simple if elegant, that transfers mana into health."(15 Mana, restores 5 Health points.)
Iron Skin
Mana cost: 20
Daedalus, "Become a weapon of unimaginable power, able to charge through walls and crush enemies in your fist." ( +20 Resilience)
Fireball Barrage
Mana cost: 30
Daedalus, "A personal favorite of mine, able to wipe out entire groups of enemies with a single blast."
Undead Bodyguard
Mana cost: 50
Daedalus, "Given life from death, it will serve you loyally without question and protect you for as long as it still lives."(Once summoned, the Undead Bodyguard will temporarily act as your companion for a single scenario and will take all the damage meant for you. However should it be destroyed or it is unable to adsorb all the damage, some of the damage will leak to you.)
Unable to help but smile at the incredible power that flows within you, you open and close your fists, feeling the magic bubbling inside of your veins eager to be released. So this was what it meant to be a mage. Power at your fingertips and a whole world ripe with opportunities.
Clenching your fist, you stride towards the doorway to test your new found powers when you hear something rustle behind you.
Half turning, you gape in awe as the ashes from the chest stir and begin to form into flesh and bone. The ashes flowing up into the air to take shape, revealing first a slim torso, limbs, than skull, until finally a woman emerges to stands before you, completely dressed in fine blue robes that are cinched at her waist by a golden belt, her dark brown hair curled up into ringlets and startling green eyes staring at you with keen interest.
Her red lips curl into a delicious smile as crooks her head to the side, before gliding past you to exit the room without a single word. Soon shouts, screams, guttural moans of agony shatter the silence, followed by the clamor of battle as steel rings on steel.
Trembling at the way she had frozen you in place with a simple glance, you shake your head and tentatively wonder what the hell just happened, although you are fairly certain you don't want to find out but it's too late for recriminations now. Whoever she was, she was free now and wreaking havoc within the tower. All of which would play to your advantage, with the dark mages distracted you could freely explore the tower. But where to go?
Daedalus ever present in your thoughts, chimed in, "Well from what I can remember master, there are several areas of the Tower, I would say were worth exploring. There's the armory which is located just above us, presumably this is where they store their weapons. The enchantery two or more floors above us, where they imbue items with magical abilities and store potions and what not. The slave quarters which should be fairly close to the armory, and the treasury room, which resides at the bottom of the tower and is usually guarded by a dragon. At leastwise that's how they were usually guarded during my time. Although I hear mages have become quite fond of demons. Folly if you ask me, there are only a handful of demons you can trust and most of those are dead."
4. Do you make your way to the Treasury?
The challenge and reward of facing a dragon was simply far too tempting for you to let pass by. Distant memories of your previous encounter with a dragon run through the back of your mind, reminding you of your past failure, but this time you assure yourself that it would be different. You were not the weakling that you were before, months of travelling on the road and facing danger had seasoned your skills and turned you into a formidable warrior able to cast spells that would aid you in battle. No, this day would be different and by day's end you would drink the blood of a dragon.
Asking Daedalus to guide your steps, you slip out of the room and back into corridor to see dozens of guards armored in black fighting huge, bestial creatures with crimson red skin, thick black horns growing out from their skulls,and pointed spikes protruding from their bare backs, wielding massive battleaxes.
But even with the odds so far stacked against them, the three demons were tearing through the black armored guards, obliterating skulls and chopping them in half. Shredding their ranks apart. But all of that could change once the dark mages entered the battle, so it might be best too hurry along. Although, you wouldn't mind staying back to see what happens next and loot a few corpses.
(Click here if you wish to wait and loot the corpses.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Deciding you'd rather not let an opportunity go to waste, you press yourself closer to the walls, feeling it's oily surface on your skin and hope the shadows are enough to conceal you.
With barely a handful of guards left, the demons though wounded advance upon the remaining warriors, stepping over the mutilated corpses of the dead, hefting their battleaxes with bits of red flesh still attached to the jagged edges.
The guards even in the face of death move in to meet them when a group of dark mages barrel around the corner to confront the demons. Arms waving, they let loose a barrage of fireballs, lightning and ice shards to drive the demons back, slaying one of them outright and sending the other two falling back.
One of the dark mages, a tall stately woman in silk black robes, barked fresh commands to her companions and soon more than half of the mages along with the remaining guards give chase with more than a few dark mages splitting off from the rest to head in your direction.
With no chance to loot the dead, you decide it would be best to not linger here any longer and quickly edge your way back along the corridor before sprinting away. Shouts and blasts of magic come from behind you as one of the mage's catches sight of you, a fireball smacking solidly against your back.(-50 Health points. Elemental Damage.)
Reeling from the pain, you put on another burst of speed and manage to lose the mages in the twisting corridors, before leaning down to gasp for air, the wound on your back throbbing.
(Click here if you wish to continue towards the armory.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Preferring caution to rashness, you continue along the winding corridor catching glimpses of demons battling armored guards with dark mages joining the turmoil of battle, adding their magic to the overwhelming noise that crashes over the tower. Daedalus carefully guiding your steps to avoid them.
Down and down you go, the ring of battle following your every step as you make your way down the tower using stairs, ladders and a strange contraption that allows you to float downward. The bottom of the tower, mostly empty of all life with a tunnel chiseled into the crevice of a wall that goes deeper into it's depths, the darkness here almost palpable and alive.
Not wishing to break your neck tumbling down, you summon a ball of flame to light the darkness and start down into the inky black darkness, your footsteps tapping loudly against the stone. (-1 Mana.)The heavy stench of decay, death and dust filters through the air to clog your mouth and nose, causing your eyes to water.
Rubbing a hand across your face, you try to cover up your mouth as you continue down into the tower's fathomless depths, your head swiveling from side to side at the slightest sound. The air growing more humid, sweat sliding down your back, and a slight rumble vibrating through the stones beneath your feet.
Fear and worry curl up inside of you, but it is nothing compared to your hunger for glory, power and riches. For to face a dragon, and survive, would make you a living legend, the embodiment of all that was lost. For centuries the guild of dragon hunters had been renowned all across Coroleya for their skill in battle, but with so few surviving members the guild has slowly vanished from the face of Coroleya, leaving behind only rumors and legends.
It was said, that to drink the blood of the dragon would make you invincible in battle, and the taste of their heart would give you immortality. If true, this might be your chance to free yourself of the demoness and if not...well only time would tell what would happen.
Flame flickering, you continue to descend downward, the smell of death and sweltering heat growing stronger and stronger when at last you reach the bottom. There standing a few feet away from you is an archway made of glistening white stone that gleams in the darkness.
Worried this may be a trap, you search the darkness for a way around, but the only way forward seems to be through the archway. Having never come across anything like this before, you unsure whether or not to cross it's threshold.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
(Click here if decide instead to turn back.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Worried you might be taking too great a risk, you pull back from the archway and return the way you came, a part of frustrated at missing such an opportunity. (Return and select Choice 5. as you have no more time to explore.)
(Click here if you try to destroy the archway with a Fireball Barrage.-30 mana)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Unwilling to give up on your prize, you lift up your arms and send forth a barrage of Fireballs that slam into the archway, the flames bursting apart on contact, the heat blowing back into your face with sparks of flame singing the skin.
But once all the smoke and dust settles, you see that the attack has done nothing to mar the archway which stands untouched. (Select another option to continue.)
(Click here if you step inside the glowing archway.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Unwilling to turn aside, you cross into the archway, your heart pounding like a drum and feel something warm wash over, your body becoming frozen in place and limbs pressed to your sides.
Surrounded by darkness, you hear a voice rumble out from the darkness. "Ahhh it's been so long since another warrior has come seeking my treasure. Not even the mages of the tower dare to face me anymore. The cowards thought to use me as a test for their young, but I quickly showed them the error of their ways. None who've have entered have lived long enough to face me. So tell me warrior, are you still willing challenge me?" (Choice continues below.)
(Continuation of above choice - Click here if you wish to go back.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Shaking your head, you feel your body being pushed back out of the archway, the magic that held you upright releasing you. Frustrated and angry at having missed such an opportunity, you return back the way came. (Return and select Choice 5. as you have no more time to explore.)
(Continuation of above choice - Click here if you say yes.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Face hardening, you reply loudly, "Yes!"
"Very well warrior, come and face me. Let us see if you have strength to survive the trials ahead."
The magic that holds you fades away, leaving you temporarily weak before the chamber around you brightens with braziers all around the room coming to life, and a pathway made of shimmering blood red stones appears ahead of you, leading towards another archway that has been infused with a soft blue light.
Suspecting you need to move along the path towards it, you warily take a step forward when the ground to either side of the red brick column falls away to be replaced with magma that foams and bubbles in swirling white hot heat that bursts apart flinging lava up into the air. The path ahead transformed into roaring pits of fire that dot the road ahead.
"Your first test warrior, let us see you come untouched through the flames."
(Click here if wish to try to use your speed and skill to avoid the flames and lava.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
This will rely upon luck. To try this toss a coin by using the provided link below and read the results below. (Choice continoues below.)
(Continuation of above choice - Click here for heads.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Racing forward, you leap across the flames and roll forward, spinning sideways to avoid lava that flies through the air. Pivot to the left and press forward, breaking into a jog and jumping again when you're struck by lava burning through the small of your back.(-80 Health points.)
Groaning, you struggle on and leap the last few feet avoiding the scolding hot flames and enter the archway.
"You've failed to come through unharmed, but you have survived."
(Continuation of above choice - Click here for Tails.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Racing forward, you leap across the flames and roll forward, spinning sideways to avoid lava that flies through the air. Pivot to the left and press forward, breaking into a jog and jump again narrowly avoiding lava and leap the last few feet avoiding the scolding hot flames to enter the archway.
"You have survived your first test. The next will not be so easy."
(Click here if you wish to invoke Iron Skin. -20 Mana)
Spoiler: Spoiler
The voice made no mention of you using magic, so why not make things simple. Magic bubbling in your veins, you cast Iron Skin and smile as your skin turns grey.
Done, you simply walk across with a smirk on your lips as you reach the other side practically unharmed by both flame and lava.(-80 Health points.)
"An impressive feat. The next will not be so easy."
Exiting the blue archway you find yourself in a wide circular chamber where a huge demon in gilded red plate armor, carrying a greatsword stands before, the archway behind it glowing red.
(Click here to face the creature in combat sword in hand. -10 Mana if using Enchanted Blade.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Of all the things you half expected, this to you was simple, fighting blade in hand was as natural to you as breathing.
Crossing the gap at a run, you let lot a roar and strike, the demon surprisingly fast for it's size, steps aside to swirl forward and hammer you with strikes that vibrate up the arm.
Strength against strength, you stare into eyes of the demon, seeing it's cool detachment, and smile at finally meeting a true warrior.
Back and forth you fight, the chamber ringing as steel meets steel, your blade a whirl of motion as you both attack and defend, lunging forward to draw first blood along the demon's chest, the greatsword sweeping your blade to the side to cut your shoulder in exchange. (-20 Health points.)
Stepping back, you wearily eye each other, before springing forward again and again, the rage held deep inside of you fueling you with new strength to drive the demon back, but as skilled as you are this demon was no novice to battle either and staves off your assault to launch one of his own. (-110 Health points.)
Two masters of the blade, flowing back forth like warriors dancing on water, you hack and slash, your sweat mixing with blood, until by sheer luck alone the demon slips and your blade slides into his chest.
Mouth twisting into a smile, the demon silently falls back off your blade to lie still upon the cold stone, black blood pooling all around him.
"A true mage does not rely solely upon magic, but the skill of his blade."
(Click here if you hurl fireballs at the demon. -30 Mana.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Laughing like a half crazed berserker, you shoot fireball after fireball towards the demon, who at first attempts to avoid them before realising there were too many and charging with hate filled eyes as each fireball knocks him back, burning him alive to fill the room with the sweet aroma of burnt meat that makes you hungry.
"A cowardly move, but I expected as much from one of your kind."
(Click here if you use Iron Skin charge.-20 Mana.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
Laughing like a half crazed berserker, you charge forward, your skin turning to ashen grey and slam into the demon who attempts to cut you with his blade, before you plow into him, shattering bone and spilling blood. The demon tumbling to the ground as you stomp down on his throat to end his life.
"A cowardly move, but I expected as much from one of your kind."
The demon slain, you enter the next archway and find yourself back in the tower. Braziers burning all around the colossal chamber to reveal mounds of treasure, piled high into small mountains. The glittering golden heaps, covered in jewels, gems and armor, as well as the pale white bones of past adventurers.
But before you can take a step towards it, the ground quakes and out of the darkness, looms an monstrous black dragon with wings the size of massive trees, long elongated neck and yellow lizard eyes that stare down at you inquisitively, it's mouth releasing puffs of smoke that seem to drift through the room.
"You've done well to make it this far warrior, but now the true test begins." (Elemental resistance is halved due to the intensity of a dragon's flames. Watch your Health points, and if you fear you will not survive the battle. Scroll to the bottom and click the retreat option. Goodluck.)
(Choice continues - Battle the Dragon and live.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
With little time to prepare you cast spell after spell upon yourself,(Awareness, Iron Skin, Shield and Enchanted blade to cut through the thick hide. -38 Mana. -53 Damage overall.) when a stream of fire bursts out from between the dragon's lip, forcing you to shield yourself with the cloak which soaks up most of the damage, but even then you could feel the ferocity of the flames that somehow emanate through the cloak to burn your arm. (-100 Health points. Elemental damage.)
Grunting in pain, you wait till the stream of fire ends and rush forward with a snarl, the dragon's tail whipping forward at a blistering speed to send you flying hard against the wall. (-140 Health points.)
Stumbling to your feet, you jump aside as more flames scorch the air, it's flames darkening your skin with blackened smoke as you throw yourself out of the path.
Body aching, you focus the energy inside of you and flood the chamber with beams of light before slipping behind a mound of gold and sprinting around to try and flank the terrible beast. (-5 Mana.)
The dragon's voice booms across the room, laughing at your attempts to evade it. "Hiding will not save you."
Wings spreading wide open, you hear a flutter and are soon buffeted backwards as a powerful wind blows aside the mounds, throwing you back against the wall once more. The dragon's maw opening again to release another surge of fire as it stopped flapping it's wings. (-80 Health points.)
Heart racing, you barely have time fumble up the cloak for protection as you are slowly roasted alive for what seems like an eternity, the cloak becoming so hot, you scream as the flesh on your fingers becomes red and raw. (-150 Health points. Elemental damage.)
Wounded and badly hurt, you grit your teeth and stumble forward towards the dragon who allows you to get closer.
"You've done well to survive this long warrior, but you won't last much longer."
Casting Storm of Light to blind it, you gather the energy in your arms and let out a scream as you let loose a barrage of fireballs. The dragon's huge yellow eyes twinkle with amusement as it buffets aside the balls of flame with it's wings, before launching another stream of fire, even longer than the one before. (-35 Mana. -180 Health points. Elemental damage.)
If not for the cloak and Iron skin, you fear you would have been cooked slowly alive or battered to death against the stone walls. Not that it was offering you as much difference protection as you'd hoped in this fight.
Daedalus grown silent during the course of the battle, warns you to prepare for much worse ahead, the former mage no doubt peeved off at being used as a shield again. But now was not the time to think about him. You needed to find a way to get close to the dragon. It was only way to stop the it from burning you alive.
Releasing a inward sigh at what was to come, you race forward once more, the cloak raised overhead as the dragon's flames sweep across you, licking your skin and turning the cloak into a piece of red hot metal that melts through your skin. (-200 Health points. Elemental damage.)
Arms filled with pain, you wait for the dragon to bring it's tail forward, ready to strike, when again the dragon knocks you back with a blast of wind that pushes you back.
Using the enchanted blade as an anchor, you thrust it into the ground and hold onto it for dear life, when abruptly the wind drops away and flames surge forward towards you.
Snarling like an animal, you curse the beast, drawing the blade as you press ahead once more, enduring the great beast's withering flames. It's tail whipping forward in a blinding sweep that almost catches you off guard again, when you pounce forward to drive your blade into it's flesh, the dragon roaring in shock.
Driving the blade deep, you hold on as the beast tries to shake you lose, the blade carving open it's flesh with each movement.
Furious the dragon let's out a bellow of rage and rains down fire upon you as you hack deeper into it's scales, wedging the weapon deeper and tearing loose a scale to clatter to the ground.
Blinded by pain, the great scaly head swoops down, razor sharp teeth flashing, but whether it was instinct or muscle memory, you attack with a barrage of fireballs that blasts into the back of the dragon's gullet, burning through the exposed vulnerable flesh to burn a whole through the back of the dragon's throat.
Rearing up on it's hind legs, the dragon manages to toss you free before trying to release another stream of flames, only for blood to spill out from its jaws as it collapses in heap at your feet, the glands inside of it's throat rupturing apart to tear half it's jaw askew. (-30 Mana.-160 Health points.)
Exhausted beyond believe you lay there beside the dying dragon, panting for breath, bruised, battered, burned but victorious.
When you finally find the strength to stand up once more, you slowly walk towards the dragon's still form, kneel down to cup your fingers together and fill your hands with it's blood, and drink deep. The blood burning like alcohol down your throat.
Battlefield Results
Depends on choices made.
Health Restored to Full Amount.
50% Resistance against fire gained.
+20 additional Health Points permanetly added.
Title gained: Blood of a Dragon.
Companion Reputation, (+5 Daedalus is extremely impressed.)
Loot
Amongst the treasure you take several pouches stuffed full of gold pieces. +5,000 gold pieces, and half a dozen gems worth +800 gold pieces each.
You also find an Broadsword with ancient ruins carved into the blade.(Acquired Blade of Heroes, -15 Damage.) A kite shield which adds +3 Resilience and chaimail +3 Resilience.)
There are many other items of great worth but you must decide which one you'll take with you as you don't want to overburden yourself.
1. A chest filled with 10 healing scrolls, restoring +20 Health points each.
2. A small chest filled with gold and rubies, easily worth another 3,000 gold pieces.
3. Take one of the dragon scale's as a memento of your fight, which can then be turned into dragon armor once you reach a marketplace and find an armorer.
(Click here if you choose to retreat.)
Spoiler: Spoiler
No longer able to withstand the punishment, you turn heel and flee back the way you've come to the sounds of mocking laughter that cut at you like bitter knives. (Return and select Choice 5. as you have no more time to explore.)