Chapter 17
Mini-Chaos
"Let's see what we are up against," Reginald said as he opened the door slightly and peeked inside.
The room was similar to the last time they had been there with a few changes. It was still circular, though it appeared much larger. Stone pillars ringed the edge of the room. The central area had a recreation of an open field complete with tall grass and wildflowers. A large glowing orb on the high ceiling was doing a fantastic homage to the Sun. The atmosphere still felt the same, cool and slightly damp so Reginald could tell for certain the room was still underground.
He shut the door and reported to the others. "Looks like an open field, no boss as far as I could detect."
"Such a large room… it could be anything," Riveriara said.
"High ceilings could mean a flying creature," Tiffany mused, "Or it's a true field, and the soft soil could allow for something that burrows?"
Fairlin looked around, crouched low, and took a closer look at the ground. "No. The soil is only a few inches deep here and slopes down toward the room. It's deceptive. This is very tall grass." He demonstrated by wading forward the grass coming up to mid-thigh.
"And it still gets deeper?" Reginald asked.
Fairlin nodded.
"Whatever is in there, it will be hiding in the grass," Riveriara said.
"Do you hear that?" Tiffany asked
Everyone got quiet and started listening intently. Slowly a soft rumble was heard
"Well that can't be good," whispered Reginald.
"Must be something huge," Riveriara commented. "Let's move up slow and quiet. We can't see anything from here.”
As the group moved forward the top of the grass rose up to waist height on Fairlin and Tiffany could completely hide with just a small crouch. The group proceeded slowly and was nearing the center of the room when the rumble from before started to get louder.
Casting their gaze in all directions it was Maggie who saw them first. “The grass over there is moving!” She shouted over the din.
Fairlin spun and readied himself to stop whatever was coming for them. But he still couldn't see anything even as the disturbed grass got closer. Then as it reached the group his fist shot forward expecting to connect with a creature ducking below the grass. His fist caught only air as his knee exploded in pain.
Mini-taur has struck Farlin for 10 Damage in the leg. Movement speed is reduced by 25% till healed.
Looking down Fairlin could see a small humanoid creature the size of a gnome but with the head and horns of a bull had rammed his kneecap with its thick skull. If fairlin had been unready the blow would have driven him to the ground. It was a miracle his leg had threaded the needle between the sharp forward swept horns. Taking all this in within moments Fairlin brought his fist down onto the top of the creature's head with a loud crack.
Fairlin strikes Mini-taur 1 for 25 Damage. Mini-taur 1 is Dead.
The grass was impeding their vision but Maggie had a solution. Whispering a few words of power and an exertion of mana bound with will she took control of the grass around the group and flattened the thin reeds down to the ground.
Maggie casts control plants on all grass within 30 yard radius.
With clear vision, the group finally got a good look at their opponent.
“Tiny bull men?” Cried Tiffany as more of the monsters came rushing through the grass charging the group.
“What the hell are they?” Reginald managed to dodge between several charging Mini-taurs landing some slashes with his rapier on them as they passed before he was knocked into the dirt.
Reginald strikes Mini-taur 2 for 10 Damage.
Reginald strikes Mini-taur 3 for 12 Damage.
Reginald strikes Mini-taur 4 for 12 Damage.
Mini-taur 5 Strikes Reginald in the legs for 10 Damage. Reginald is knocked prone.
As Reginald lay face down he felt the hard hooves of the little bastards digging into his back as a few stragglers raced across his body.
Mini-taur herd tramples Reginald for 14 (2x7) Damage.
Maggie quickly cast her entangling roots spell in the direction the Mini-taurs were running catching a small group between her and the front line duo, Fairlin and Reginald, halting the mini-taurs advance toward the ranger and mage
Maggie binds Mini-taur 3, 4, 6, and 9, with Entangling Roots spell.
Quick on the uptake Riveriara fires several shots at the herd members not snagged by the spell. Of the 3 arrows only 2 found their mark, but they made up for their companion's failure.
Riveriara shoots Mini-taur 2 for 15 damage and Mini-taur 5 for 25.
Mini-taur 2 and 5 are dead.
After dispatching the first, Fairlin was ramed by two more Mini-taurs who successfully toppled the towering pugilist.
Mini-taur 7, and 8 strike Fairlin for 16 (2x8) Damage. Fairlin is knocked Prone. Mini-taur 7, and 8 strike Fairlin for 7 (3+4) damage
The diminutive mini-taurs began stomping on the large querreling leaving hoof prints on his armor.
Mini-taur 7, and 8 strike Fairlin for 7 (3+4) damage.
While the others were fighting the main force of the little horned herbivores and the two straggler Mini-taurs were distracted stomping on Fairlin, Tiffany took her chance to sneak up behind the pair and slid a dagger across the one ankle each causing the small creatures to collapse as the one leg they were using to support themselves through the attack crumpled as vital tendons were severed.
Tiffany Strikes Mini-taur 7 for 10 Damage, and Mini-taur 8 for 9 Damage. Mini-taur 7, and 8 are knocked prone and lamed: -25% movement speed till the injury is healed. Fairlin throws Mini-taur 8 for 12 Damage. Mini-taur 8 collides with Mini_taur 9 for 16 Damage.
With the break in the assault, Fairlin was able to roll to his feet unhindered. Taking one Minitaur by the damaged ankle he lifted the small creature into the air causing it to scream with pain. Glancing about Fairlin chose his targets.
Maggie watched as Riveriarra dropped two Mini-taurs that were charging them. As she looked back to her entanglement spell the form of a new screaming Mini-taur came sailing through the air and landing on top of its snared allies with a meaty crunch.
Fairlin throws Mini-taur 8 for 12 Damage. Mini-taur 8 collides with Mini-taur 9 for 16 Damage.
With the extra creature inside her Entangling roots spell Maggie uttered a few words of power and gestured at the group. The roots began to writhe getting thicker they began to crush the Mini-Taurs caught in their grasp. As that casting ended Maggie chained the spell into a third causing the roots to grow sharp thorns that stabbed and tore into the tender taur flesh.
Maggie Casts Empowered Growth on Entangling Roots. Maggie Casts Brambles on Entangling Roots. Entangling roots crush and shred Mini-taurs 3, 4, 6, 9, and 8. Mini-taurs 3,4, 6, 9, and 8 are dead.
Reginald extracted himself from the soft loamy soil to find the group had faired well after he as knocked to the ground. Only 1 Mini-taur remained and he ended it with a lunge as it was struggling to hobble away from Fairlin before it got tossed like its comrade.
“Is that all of them?” Reginald called, “For a boss room it didn’t seem that scary.”
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“Maggie was in her element,” Riveriara commented. “If she hadn't flattened the grass we would have been ambushed by their charge a half dozen times before we slew half their number.”
Throm spoke up “Yes this could easily have gone poorly.”
“Is it worth our time to search this room?” Maggie interjected.
“Probably not,” Throm admitted. “Singular bosses tend to stay near chests if there are any. With a roaming boss group, the valuables should be on them.
“Hey! These have some actual coins on them.” Reginald said excitedly.
“And the usual herbs as well,” Tiffany added.
Fairlin stood off to the side as the others searched the Mini-taurs and chatted about the Dungeon. Maggie approached the brooding Querreling.
“Fairlin, you’ve been kinda quiet. Is something the matter?” Maggie asked him.
“I have an… unusual notification. I'm just contemplating it.”
Intrigued Maggie pried further, “What does it say? Is it bad?”
“Hmmm, no not bad. Just… Don’t tell Reginald it will upset him.”
“How could it upset him?”
“Here,” Fairlin willed the notification to be shared with Maggie.
Congratulations, you are the first to slay a unique monster the Mini-taur. As the first to do this you have been granted +1 to each stat and the Title: First Monster Slayer.
Maggie read the notification, and then re-read it. Then she looked at Fairlin and read it a third time.
As quietly as she could she whispered, “Yeah best not tell Reginald about this with how concerned he was with clearing this dungeon first.”
“But I have to tell Throm, this means these are unique monsters that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. They may not be of any value but that alone is at least noteworthy.”
“Yeah… well just wait till you can get Throm alone.”
Fairlin sighed “But he won’t be able to keep this quiet. Once the guild knows it will become huge gossip.”
“Yeah but no one needs to know you got anything more than a Tittle out of the feat,” Maggie reassured him.
“Then I need to say something now, if I wait Reginald will think I kept it from everyone on purpose.” Fairlin took a step forward and called out “Throm!”
* * *
“All Hail the conquering hero!” Reginald bellowed as the group entered the tavern room.
The party entered and sat at an empty table in the center of the room looking exhausted from the delve and the long walk back to town.
“Knock it off Reg!” Riveriara berated him as she took a seat between Farilin and Reginald.
Food and drinks please!” Called Maggie to Samson who was behind the bar pouring a couple of drinks for Felandria and Clint.
“He should be proud of his achievement!” Reginald replied. “When is the last time someone slew an entirely unique species of monster!? If Fairlin won’t shout it from the rooftops then I will!”
“There is a difference between being proud and being a braggart.” Tiffany pointed out. “And besides it's not like they were particularly strong or fierce. No one even knew they were special till after the boss room.”
“Fine…” Reginald conceded “I suppose you are right, But still! A title! Not many people have those. Fairlin, I know I was a bit dramatic back there, but I am happy for you. A title can open up doors for you.”
“What's all this about a title?” Clint said to Throm when he join the other team leads at the bar.
“The new boss room mobs are Unique,” Throm stated as he walked up to the bar. “Unique in the whole world. Fairlin received the First Monster Slayer title to confirm it.”
“Well, that will be the buzz around the guild for months,” Felandira stated. “I bet even high-level groups will come out for unique monsters.
“They aren't too special,” Throm said. “Mini-taurs: pint-sized Minotaurs. Hiding in tall grass they stampede at you.
Gen sat and listened to the gossip as she contemplated her dungeon's new monsters. A unique monster likely had at least something valuable. Though thinking back her notification did say the monster could be designated as a “Boss.” Gen pulled up her Dungeon interface.
Dungeon Keeper Interface
EXP: 50/200 to level 2
Mana: 25/100
AP: Current total 150 (30 available)
Skills: (Unavailable)
Map: Select for options
Monsters Select for options
Traps: Select for options
Monster Customization: (Unavailable)
Loot Table: Select for options
Gen saw she had 30 AP available for her own use, and it seemed like the dungeon was spending its allotment as it only had 150 left. She pulled up the monster options.
Monsters: Available Options Only
Goblin:
Increase max spawn allowance (10AP) In use 9. Max 10
Dire Pheasant:
Increase max spawn allowance (10AP) In use 10. Max 10
Mountain Goblin:
Increase spawn allowance (10AP) In use 1. Max 2
Mini-Taur:
Increase spawn allowance (20AP) In use 9. Max 9
Unlock Boss type (25AP) In use 0. Max 0.
It appeared that not only did a dungeon have to earn a Monster that could be used as a Boss type, but it later had to be unlocked. Gen chose to leave the boss type off the table for now. She didn’t want the dungeon to change too much over the next few weeks. Already a unique monster and a rare monster spawned, too much of that sort of thing and the guild might be forced to step in. She was just glad she had never opted to install the heart crystals of the other monsters she had.
Instead of spending her points on monsters or traps, she decided to put them towards something else. Opening up the map options she selected rooms. Selecting the barracks room It appeared she only had enough AP to make small changes.
Map: Available options only
Room:
Barracks:
Add Item: Base cost 5 AP
Add Loot: Base cost 15 AP
Replace Item: Variable cost
Move Item: 1 AP per linear foot moved
Remove Item: -1AP
Even though these changes were small, if she wanted to micro-manage the dungeon it would get prohibitively expensive. When Gen selected “Add item” A list of choices appeared. She scrolled through the myriad of furniture and items they had taught the dungeon to make and eventually found what she was looking for.
Do you wish to add a Locked Wooden Chest to the room: Barracks for 16 AP? Yes/No
Gen Selected ‘No’ and decided to go a different route.
Do you wish to replace a Wooden Chest with a Locked Wooden Chest in the room: Barracks for 10 AP? Yes/No
It appeared she got a discount for using a chest already placed by the dungeon. After selecting ‘Yes’ she was given a few more options. She could replace any of the chests that were at the foot of the beds or move them to a separate location without spending any extra AP.
Which chest do you wish to replace? Please select on the map.
Gen didn’t really care where it went so she just thought “any is fine.” no sooner had she thought that she got a new prompt.
Do you wish to randomize the locked chest location with the other chests in the room Barracks for a one-time setup cost of 2 AP? Yes/No
“Randomize?” Gen said to herself under her breath. She had heard of dungeons that had an item in a new location every time a new group entered, but didn't know it may have been an automated process. She had assumed the dungeon just liked moving things to mess with adventurers. But knowing it was something she could implement was fascinating.
Gen chose “Yes.” She figured it wouldn't really make anything that more difficult. One of the eight chests would be locked, easy for the adventurers to find.
Next, she went back and chose “Add loot.” This time the first thing that was listed was “Random loot.”
Do you wish to add one loot drop to the Randomized Locked Wooden Chest in the room: Barracks? Yes/No?
Gen chose “yes” again and a new choice appeared.
Please select a loot table.
Level 1 Table: 15 AP
10% 1 Common Item
50% 2 common items
25% 1 uncommon item
10% 5 Iron Coins.
5% 5 Iron and 1 copper coins
Level 2 Table: 20 AP
5% 1 Common item.
50% 2 common items
30% 1 uncommon item
10% 9 Iron Coins.
5% 5 Iron and 1 copper coins
Looking at the items the dungeon could create Gen perused the lists. Common items would be low-level herbs or a few simple tools like a rope or a bag of marking sand. Uncommon would be a few of the simple weapons like daggers, more specialized tools like a mirror, climbing pitons, and any of the low-level potions Gen had fed to the dungeon. Nothing was displayed for rare items as her dungeon didn’t have anything truly rare in it.
While Gen didn't have enough points for the level 2 table she liked the idea that she could skew the random loot at least a little. She chose table 1.
Loot drops set in Barracks will have a higher chance of manifesting as weapons.
Do you wish to add an additional item drop for 3 AP from the same loot table? Yes/No?
She selected yes and was presented with one final prompt.
Congratulations you have altered the interior of your dungeon with Action Points for the first time. Dungeon Keeper Skill has advanced by 1 level.
With that Gen was all out of points to spend. When she looked up at the tavern all the teams had pulled the tables together and were swapping information. The next day Clint’s team was first up for the dungeon. Tiffany was giving Clint a rundown on the traps they came across in the new side passage.
“Most of the floor of the hall is covered, but there is a five-foot gap at the end before the last trap.” She explained. “It nearly fooled me into thinking we were done.”
“Ha! A wily little dungeon we got here.” Clint exclaimed, “It's never good to get complacent in a dungeon.”
“What was in the room?” Daerock a warrior from Clint’s team asked.
“One of the mountain goblins and a few little ones,” Fairlin explained.
Reginald cut in. “It was set up like a bunk room with beds and chests. That's where we found the boss room key too. It wasn’t in the water room.”
Gen was tired from her day, she left the teams to their chatting and headed to bed.
In the dungeon, a soft grinding of stone and the dripping of water could be heard, but the only ones with ears to hear were the creatures preparing to defend their home from invaders.
A mountain goblin sprang into being with its large club. It looked about curiously not familiar with this particular room. A stone bench was set in the center of the floor and a large waterfall ran down the corner into a large pond.
Urged to action by the dungeon the goblin pushed through the water and into the alcove behind the waterfall where it found a nice space to sit and rest. Looking back it could just make out the bench in the center of the room when it gazed between a small part in the water that cascaded down. The goblin decided this would be the best place to hide and wait.