How long have monsters inhabited the planet of Tironia?
Not many documents can be found relating to a time before monsters and after searching for answers, in the many different libraries around the world, this is what I have learned.
Monsters have inhabited Tironia for as long as man, or so we are to believe if we read the teachings from the two religions of the largest continents. The holy book of Tira teaches us that Kai, a descendant of Ao and the God who birthed life on our planet, created dungeons to help the people grow stronger and to reward their efforts. However, the holy book from Cair states that it was not Kai who created them, but a different God altogether.
Cair's church states that it was Gela, a descendant of Lo and the creator of monsters, who made the dungeons. They say she made them so that they could kill Kai's followers faster and on two fronts. Luckily for us, the inhabitants of Tironia, there are not many religious fanatics and most people choose the life of adventure over the work of a priest. Churches around the world are still quite small in stature because they lack members.
So, what evidence can be learned from these two texts, that differ so much from each other in their teachings?
Regardless of which God did what, and for whatever reason, both books clearly state that monsters have been on this planet just as long as people have, therefore answering our original question.
A short article aptly named, 'How long have monsters inhabited the world of Tironia'. The Year 1921.
Pali Patiti. Adventurer, Scholar, self-named Documentarian and now Explorer.
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Why!?
Why? Why? Why?
Why did it have to be Goblins!?
It's been 30 minutes since I opened and eight out of the nine Rogues that left have already arrived back at the Dungeon. Only Ali is still yet to return.
Each Rogue brought back a different type of Goblin, which is a little confusing because I only thought there were five. Also, how good are these Rogues? They're capable of taking out Goblins that cost more DP than they do.
To say that I hate Goblins, I seem to know a lot about them. You've got regular Goblins. They're ugly, smelly and carry crude weapons. Not much of a threat to everyday adventurers.
Then there's the Defender Goblins. They're similar to regular gobs except they carry handmade shields and are usually paired up in groups.
You've got the Archer Goblins. They're also like the regular gobs except they use ranged weapons. They don't smell as bad, but that's only because they're further away. As soon you're close enough for the kill, they reek.
Hobgoblins are the uglier, smellier and upgraded versions of regular Goblins and I've also read about Goblin Mages. Not that I've ever encountered one before today.
Oh. There's apparently a Goblin King as well. But that's just a rumour that no one has ever confirmed.
Is it because Goblins are stupid?
That's probably it. There's no way they could elect a King.
Back to the point.
What the hell guys!?
I wish I could ask where they're getting these Goblins from, but I was lucky Dropper told me her story.
I send the Rogues back out to acquire more suitable materials to help with my growth. I swear that when I get a voice, or form, this lot are gonna get a mouthful. Once they've left, the feeling of stupidity creeps over me as I realise that I could probably will them into telling me what happened. That's more than likely what happened with Dropper.
Stupid, stupid, stupid, Abi.
When they get back I'm going to will the hell out of them!
All in all, what they've brought back has opened up a lot of new monsters on my list. What's frustrating is that I don't want to summon a single one of them.
Monsters:
Goblin: 3DP
Goblin Warrior: 6DP
Goblin Archer: 6DP
Goblin Defender: 6DP
Goblin Scout: 6DP
Hobgoblin: 12DP
Hobgoblin Mage: 25DP
Hobgoblin Healer: 25DP
Goblin Shaman: 50DP
Wolf: 5DP
Alpha Wolf: 10DP
Rogue: 10DP
Vagabond: 20DP
As bad as my growing list of Goblins is, they're a great boon at the same time in the form of XP. Even though I'm slightly reluctant to admit it and I'll deny it if anyone asks.
Each one provided me with a first-time acquisition bonus. That means I earn half of what they would cost to summon with DP as XP. That's also why I earned so much from the shaman when Dropper dropped him off. Least to say the other Rogues took me over the threshold with their tributes and now check out this hot mama jama.
Dungeon Core Abi Level 6:
25/40 XP Until Next Level
9 Rooms
8 Tunnels
22 Monsters
34 Traps
DP: 201/120
Even though they were horrible, smelly, dirty, little Goblins, at least they contributed in some way to my advancement and I can continue to grow with the points they've provided.
I will not, however, say thank you.
With Stockpile, I can now hold over 200 DP. That's more than ten times the amount I started with! I knew this skill would come in handy. I could even purchase Veris's upgrade if I wanted to. It would be better to finish my floor first and then create the next one, just like Me suggested.
Dropping points like it's Solstice, I place rooms ten and eleven with a tunnel between them. This earns me another 4XP before I'm blocked off again.
Error:
Unable to place tunnel in the specified location.
I was actually expecting the error this time. Same as the last two I've seen, I ignore it and continue. Heading right once again, I place tunnels as well as rooms twelve and thirteen. At this point, my dungeon overview looks like a square and I'm only 50 feet away from reaching the very first room that I created.
Doing that also net me another 4XP leaving me 7 points away from the next level.
Sweet.
As soon as I finish admiring my work, I'm assaulted by a gut-wrenching pain. A nauseating feeling accompanies it and makes it hard for me to concentrate. I'm not sure what's happening to me.
Me?
A monster has entered your dungeon.
There we go.
Is that why I feel like I've just downed four bottles of Lightning Jacks?
No, that feeling is because the monster is on the same floor as your Core. Hence why you should have created the second floor as I stated on numerous occasions. You would not feel like this now if you would have followed my advice.
Alright, Me. I could do without the 'I told you so' attitude, please. What do I do?
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
At the moment, there's nothing you can do. You're unable to spend points whilst there is an intruder on the floor. You will have to wait until it dies in the dungeon before you can do anything.
What?
Why?
Can't I just do what I did with Barry and try something new?
I... Do not know. You can certainly try. Usually, a Dungeon's will is separated from the floor due to anything hostile entering it. Your monsters should not be able to perceive you because of the intruder in the dungeon.
Hopefully, what's arrived won't be strong enough to kill any of my summons. I can't really afford to lose them right now.
Viewing my dungeon is usually as easy as a thought. Whatever I want to see, I can. It's that simple. I can even view more rooms than one if I concentrate. Right now though, it's more challenging than it usually is due to my intruder. It makes me wonder what type of monster has entered my Dungeon.
I have to will some real effort up just to be able to swap what room I'm viewing. I suppose this is my first time trying this while under threat, but is it meant to be this difficult? I eventually succeed, but am now staring at the invader in complete disbelief.
At less than a foot tall, an abnormally vibrant and extremely cute, pink Slime is wobbling its way towards my Trap Room.
No!
Don't go in there.
I don't want this little beauty to die...
... Or do I?
Me. If I absorb the Slime when it dies that means I can summon it, right?
Quite. Provided you have the DP, that is. After the Goblins, I hardly see the need for you to ask such questions.
Please don't remind me about the Goblins. If only I could shiver at the thought.
Imagining such a cute monster dying to my traps, I promise to summon it back as soon as possible.
OK, Slime. Time to become summonable.
Let's see how far you can get first though.
It ignored my attempt to dissuade it from entering the Trap Room, just like it ignored my promise of rebirth. I'm not surprised though. I still can't speak to my own monsters yet, never mind ones that don't belong to me.
The Slime is either very lucky or is somehow cheating as it sails through my trap room at a mediocre pace. At one point, it stopped in front of a fire pit. Literally stopped. Reaching the edge, the little bugger shivered and then proceeded to make its way around.
It's gotta be cheating!
Slime 1, Abi 0.
10 minutes later, I'm wondering why Ali and the others haven't returned yet as the Slime reaches Rogues' Corner. All the aforementioned Rogues are out except for Tavernkeeper Talia. She never leaves the bar, but for some unknown reason has chosen now to do so and is currently in the process of feeding the Slime her weak ale.
What the hell, Talia?
Why is she giving it booze, Me?
I... You ask a lot of questions that I don't have the answers to, Abi. I told you before that Rogues are new, just like yourself. So, you don't know, I don't know and the gods damned System doesn't know.
Whoa!
OK.
What was that, Me? I know I ask some stupid stuff, but this dungeon life is still new to me, remember? I'm sorry for upsetting you. Are you alright?
I am what I'm supposed to be.
Yeah, you said something like that before. Are you sure though?
Yes!
Fine. Back to Slime watch then.
Slime 2, Abi 0.
Seeing how it managed to drink its way past Talia, the next obstacle should definitely be a point in my favour. Slimes don't have hands, is what I thought as I watched it squeeze itself under the wooden door and enter the Shady Tunnel.
Does it actually think it can reach my core?
Well, it is winning 3 - 0, but it's still unlikely. The poison traps are next. Plus, it doesn't stand a chance against Trixie or Veris. They are both much faster than this cute, little moocher of a Slime.
Almost like it had heard me mocking its speed, which is extremely unlikely, the Slime disappears into thin air. Vanishing before the door at the end of the tunnel, the poisonous gas does nothing.
What?
Where's it gone?
I've never seen a slime teleport before. Or is it invisibility? Was it because of the Ale Talia gave it? Although, I've never seen a Pink Slime before. It could be a natural characteristic of its species for all I know.
Hard as it is, I manage to search all the rooms in my dungeon but come up short. I know it's still here because the feeling of being intruded upon hasn't left me yet. When the Slime reappears, instead of being trapped inside the Shady Tunnel as I'd hoped, it has managed to skip two more rooms and is now quivering before Trixie in the Wolves' Den.
This Slime's almost at the end of my Dungeon!
How did it move that fast? It's barely been a minute.
All of a sudden the slime stops moving completely. It isn't even wobbling anymore. Has it run out of whatever magic? Or can it sense the Alpha waking from her slumber? Either way, your time has come cutie pie.
I can't wait to see what you'll give me, or how much you'll cost to summon.
Please don't be a lot.
The lazy wolf, who to be fair has had nothing to do until now, opens her eyes. Golden moons take in the pretty pink arrival and my Alpha eyes up the competition, not looking impressed. As though she's saying no one but the Wolves should inhabit this space in the dungeon, she huffs. Raising herself off the floor, she towers over the still-motionless Slime.
Yes, Trixie. Kill it so I can absorb it.
Willing my Alpha to squash her prey, I put my plan into motion. However, it would appear that Me was correct once again and Trixie doesn't seem to be able to sense me. She does look to be scanning the room though, rather than the Slime. Almost like she's trying to see if I'm watching.
Who's a good wolf?
She then clamps her mouth around the Slime and swallows it whole.
No! Bad girl! Spit it out, right now.
...
Me? Is it gone?
Yes.
Can I still summon it even after she's eaten it?
No. There is nothing left for you to absorb.
Why, Trixie!?
That slime was mega cute and it was pink as well.
Now that the Slime has gone and my connection to the floor has been reestablished, Trixie senses my sadness and lowers her head knowing that she has somehow wronged her master. Feeling regret, or maybe it's because the Slime didn't taste too good, she lays down and begins to whimper.
It's okay, Trixie. I'm not mad at you. I'm just a little sad, that's all.
I'm sure we'll find another one. Don't worry about it.
Pink Slimes are extremely rare monsters just like Mythril Golems. Especially wild ones. The chances of seeing another are less than 0.1%.
I begin a new wailing session with Trixie howling alongside me.
At some point, Ali returned which brought me and Trixie out of our slump. Well, I suppose it was just me really. The moment I stopped, so did the Alpha.
To my surprise, Ali has a bulging sack of goodies to brighten my mood.
Where did she get all that from and the sack for that matter?
She engages me in conversation as she starts removing items and I find myself soothed by the casualness in her voice. Although, it's strange to be spoken to while not being present in the room. It's even worse that I'm only able to reply with my will.
Apparently, she found a Boar in the forest and the sack was caught on its tusk. She repaired the tear and earned a skill in the process before filling the sack before goodies.
Awesome, way to go Ali.
I convey gratitude through my will, which is getting easier now that I'm doing it more often. It's also easier now that there isn't an adorably cute invader on my floor right now.
Oh crap, floors!
Hold on for a few minutes, Ali.
Using my will, I urge Ali to wait and not deposit the bag full of goodies yet. Just in case she has more than I can handle. I don't want to lose any DP this time.
Me, can I see my status, please?
You can always will your status up yourself, you know? You do not have to ask me every time. Although, I suppose it is nice when you use pleasantries on me.
You're weird sometimes, Me. That's a conversation for the future though.
Status.
Dungeon Core Abi Level 6:
33/40 XP until next level
13 Rooms
12 Tunnels
22 Monsters
34 Traps
DP: 131/120
Beast.
I place the entrance to the second floor in the last room, edging closer to my next level. This is going to be my Boss Room, that's why I waited to place the second floor at what-I-now-know-to-be my own risk.
As soon as I confirm my purchase, a small hole appears in the wall opposite the entrance. It grows in size, stretching and pulling itself, digging deeper into the wall. The earth shapes and contorts as it opens wider and the ground changes into stairs that spiral down to the floor below.
The first room on the second floor seems to be a freebie as I didn't have to pay any extra DP for its construction. Just like my entrance. I'm not grumbling though. Looking at my new floor, I feel as though I've grown in some way.
Second Floor has been created:
5XP Awarded
New Monsters have been unlocked:
Weak Darkness Elemental: 10DP
Darkling: 20DP
New features have been unlocked:
Wall Torch: 2DP
Wooden Door: 2DP
Weak Wooden Walls: 5DP
All rooms and tunnels can be doubled in size for no extra cost
All rooms and tunnels can now be customised with the woodland effect for no extra cost
Passive Skill Regeneration has reached Level 2:
DP has increased to a rate of 1 per hour
Yes, yes, yes!
New monsters, slightly better Regeneration and upgraded items that I didn't even have to fork out for. That's just the boost I needed to keep me far away from another wailing session.
I move my Core to the new floor and revel in the safety it offers. Hopefully, this should mean I won't feel as shitty if, or when, I'm invaded again. Using my will, I bring Veris to the last room of the first floor. Any self-respecting Boss is always sat before the door to the next floor.
Although Veris is technically the Boss of the entire Dungeon, we'll let it slide for now that she's been downgraded to Floor Boss for the moment. At least she's still guarding my Core. That's what counts.
I try not to let the wasted points that I spent on Weak items get to me since I've just unlocked better versions. I suppose I will automatically unlock certain upgrades whilst building and levelling up, without actually having to upgrade them myself.
With my DP spent and my new floor ready to go, let's find out what Ali has waiting for me in her big bag of goodies. Then I can continue building my dungeon.
Hehe. My dungeon.
I've said it a few times now, but it still feels strange.
My dungeon.
Yes. My dungeon and I am not going to die here.
I've definitely still got a lot to learn though. Good job I've got Me.