Prolog

6 months ago.

Keeper Marc folded the letter he was writing and sealed it with wax. It reminded him of another letter he had prepared for his daughter Gen tucked away in the back of his desk drawer. He pulled it out and rolled the contents of it around in his mind. Still unsure if he wanted to push Gen down the path this letter would open up for her.

A loud bang interrupted his thoughts as the daughter in question burst into his office. “Dad, why did you let me sleep so long! I wanted to study before the examination!”

With an exasperated sigh, he pushed himself up from his chair. “Gen you know the material backward, forward, daisul, and widdershins. You have known it for the past 6 months. The only reason we waited for the test was so you would be old enough-.”

“Yes yes,” Gen cut in. “I know, so I could take over the dungeon if anything happens to you.” She sighed. “You are all doom and gloom about the future, and I am quite sick of it." She stated flatly. "You are going to be around for longer than anyone will be able to stand. You are too stubborn to kick the bucket.”

“Alright enough about that. Are you ready to go take your exams? You know I could come with you.”

Gen shifted from foot to foot and irritatedly responded. “No, you have enough work here, I can handle myself without your help." She cracked a smile. "I'll see you when I get back.”

“Here take these letters. You will need to turn them into the guild office after you pass your exams.” Gen took both letters and stowed them. “I love you Gen. Good luck! I know you will do great.”

“Thanks, I Love you too.” And with a cresting silence, she was gone; soon she would be riding to the closest Guild branch 3 days away.

Keeper Marc turned to the other door that led to the tavern room of the inn outside his Dungeon. Peeking through the door he saw the place stuffed with Adventurers. He spied the one man he knew would be there.

Kaers, a tall Querreling with a mane of long brown spines, wearing a black cloak leaned against the bar. A glass of green wine in his hand. His sleeves were rolled up showing the hedgehog-like quills running up the outside of his arm. Any other night Marc would have berated him for leaving his weapons exposed. Be they natural or otherwise. Out in the open where any clumsy oaf could harm themselves just by stepping the wrong way in a crowded room.

Pointedly ignoring the man, Marc entered the tavern room and locked his office door. Making a show of it, he crossed the room and warmly greeted many of the regulars and repeat adventurers.

“Bertram! When did you get back? - Ah Adela, you best keep your friends in line! They can't enter the Dungeon 3 sheets to the wind! - Ah next time! I've got Keeper business to attend to!”

He reached the exterior door and exited making his way to his Dungeon, The Dungeon Of The Fungal Mine. Marc never looked back as a shadowy figure followed him at a distance from the tavern.

Chapter 1

New Beginnings

Present-day

Genevive Del Marc stood across the road from the Dungeon Keeper Guild’s office in the small town of Kennerec, working up her nerve to enter this “Lion’s den” as her father used to call it.

It was a plain two-story building made of uniform quarried stone blocks with a slate roof. The old iron sconces no longer held the classic dungeon flaming torches but glow stones. The more expensive yet less maintenance-intensive option indicated this branch was doing well for itself.

Genevive took a deep breath, It was an overcast day and the bell in the town square just rang the hour. “2 o'clock… It’s time. You can do this Gen.” She whispered to herself, working her anxiety away. With a sigh, Gen squared her shoulders and marched forward to her future.

Her Mother used to pester her about her 'Man’s walk' “It's not ladylike to march about like you are going to bowl people over Gen!” But she would be damned if it didn’t make her feel powerful, and give her the confidence to confront the guild. She crossed the road quickly pushing the large iron-bound wood door open, entering the guild’s reception hall.

Gen Glanced around the spacious room noting the tall ceilings and cushioned benches along the walls. On the far end of the room stood the receptionist's desk, and to Gen’s dismay, it was empty.

The empty room deflated Gen’s confidence as her shoulders drooped. As if to say: “All that buildup for nothing!?” Undeterred from the disappointment Gen approached the desk and rang the bell.

“One moment” called a gruff voice from the cracked door behind the desk. A minute later a blond Dwarf came out of the room and stood behind the desk. He was a bit tall for a dwarf. That in combination with Gen being short for a human they were almost looking each other in the eye. He had a kind face with a well-kept beard.

Smiling, the middle-aged Dwarf said, “Hello, I am Keeper Kronbe what can-a do for you lass?”

“Greetings Keeper Kronbe, I am Apprentice Keep…” Gen trailed off forgetting her new title. Starting again “I am Keeper Genevive Del Marc. I have an appointment to finalize my application to start a new Dungeon.”

“Oh Heh heh! I thought you might be the newly minted Keeper.” Kronbe smiled as he teased the youngster, and he motioned for her to follow him back to his office. "Please sit. Yes, I have your application here” Kronbe pulled some papers out of his desk. “I just have a few questions. Before I officially approve you.”

Genevive was moving to sit when she tensed, pausing mid-motion. she knew she had met all the requirements and there shouldn't be anything stopping her approval. She continued to take her seat as she voiced her concern “What sort of questions? I thought I had met all the requirements.”

“Aye, you have,” Kronbe said cautiously. “There just be some concern over your father and your age. He trained you himself, yes?”

“Yes.”

“But you weren’t present at his death?”

“No”

“Nor were you there when The Dungeon of the Fungal Mine died?”

“No, I wasn't,” Gen sighed “And what is the concern about my age? Has the requirement changed?”

Quickly Kronbe answered, shaking his head “No! No… You are just fairly young to have all the necessary skills and training. So I wanted to get your measure myself. Would you mind if I do a level check?

“Not at all.” Gen was relieved this wouldn't be anything complicated.

“Alright please hold still.” Kronbe pulled a small monocle from his pocket and placed it over his right eye and chanted "Lesser level check" as he placed his left hand on a blank sheet of paper and turned his spectacled gaze upon Gen. Looking down Gen watched as the familiar words began to appear.

Dungeon Keeper Genevive Del Marc

Human - Level 4 Health 98/98

Ability scores:

Strength 8

Dexterity 11

Constitution 10

Intelligence 15

Wisdom 10

Charisma 14

Skills:

Cooking 2

Daggers 5

Dungeon Keeper 25 (Professional)

Spellcraft 4

Medicine 3

Alchemy 8

The lesser Level check is exactly what it seemed to be. A spell that told the caster basic information about the target digging into the Hidden Knowledge.

Higher levels of spellcraft can enhance the spell granting more information. Gen was surprised the lesser version Kronbe was able to cast even listed her ability scores, though noted it omitted any skills that weren’t Trained.

Kronbe looked over the sheet after it finished scribing itself. "Yes, level 4, decent Ability Scores, a trained combat skill at level 4 or more, the Keeper skill minimum of 20 and spellcraft at 2. Good, good. A few more questions and I'll be fully satisfied."

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Gen braced expecting this to be the other shoe. “What was this?” She thought to herself. She had passed all the tests. “Why was this coming into question now?”

Kronbe smiled reassuringly "Don't look nervous, just some basic knowledge questions."

"Alright."

"What was used in the ritual to create the dungeon core of the dwarven city of Benremore?"

Gen eyed Kronbe suspiciously but answered. "It was built on a layline, the Source used was a Marble bust of the king with citrine eyes and a gilded beard. The Lifeblood used was the king's favorite hunting dog. The legends say he got the dog drunk on ale before taking the blood, and that explains why small flasks or even kegs of dwarven ale can be found in The Dungeon of the Mad Hound King''

"Ha! Yes yes… that is what the legends say, that was an easy one. Now... what is Lifeblood?"

"Any fluid that travels through a being that gives it life. Blood is the most common, but Sap from Dryads or the ichor of a spirit have been known to work as lifeblood as well."

Kronbe smiled again "Very good, I will be happy to approve your application. Do you have a location picked out yet?" The dwarf took the application and began signing it in several areas.

"Not yet, I was hoping a village or city would petition for the dungeon. While I have some savings, I don't have a great deal of funds. Having a settlement in place would make growing the Dungeon easier."

"That is a wise course of action. Though I do like the wilder dungeons that can be found farther afield on occasion." Kronbe paused halfway through completing the Writ and stroked his beard. "Though if it is too large of a city you may find the fledgling dungeon too heavily taxed with Adventurers and stunt its growth.

“I'll keep that in mind...” Gen could tell Kronbe was beating around the bush about something. All these questions were Beginner/Journeyman rank Dungeon Keeper information and she had raised her Skill to Professional at 20 and was halfway to Advanced… “Is there something else worrying you Keeper Kronbe?”

"No…" replied the dwarf shifting uncomfortably, "Not worrying, but just a delicate matter to bring up. But I suppose I can't put it off any longer, there is one last thing. The Guild has decided that you will need to take on an apprentice as the last condition of receiving your writ."

“Excuse me?" Surprised by this, Gen was dumbstruck. She hadn't ever heard of a new Keeper taking on an apprentice, let alone one without a Dungeon, or an as-yet-to-be-established Dungeon as the case may be.

“Don't look so flabbergasted, this is a new rule for all new Dungeons. When they are established an Apprentice is to be present to learn the process firsthand. Reading about it or being told about it is one thing, but seeing the process is quite another. It would be an invaluable learning experience that the guild has made mandatory for those that found a dungeon. Normally this would not be a problem as typically only older Keepers start a new dungeon, and would likely have had an apprentice already.”

Slowly Gen spelled it out. “So… you want me… to select an apprentice… evaluate their trustworthiness… and educate them to the point where they are ready to see the ritual and then establish my dungeon?”

Once Kronbe replied, “Aye” A notification appeared in Gen's vision.

You have been offered a Quest! Educating the Young

Keeper Kronbe wants you to take on an apprentice and include them in your rituals when you establish your Dungeon.

Reward: Increased relationship with dungeon keeper’s guild.

Failure or refusal of quest: Decreased Reputation with the dungeon keeper’s guild. Loss of Writ of Dungeon Creation.

Do you accept? Yes / No

Gen Selected “Yes” as she saw no other viable option as the magic of the guild wouldn't allow her to plant a dungeon without the writ. “You know changing the rules on people doesn't seem very fair. I don’t suppose you just so happen to... coincidentally, have an apprentice in mind? You know… through some odd happenstance.” Gen could see right through this Dwarf and used her sarcasm like a club to drive it home that she knew she was about to be manipulated.

Kronbe paid her no mind, however. “Oh well now that you mention it, yes it isn't very fair But I think I can do you a favor. I do happen to know of a lad that needs a master." Kronbe perked up as he was able to get to the part of this that he was particularly looking forward to, but continued with a bit more seriousness "One of the Guild council members has a son that wishes to learn the trade.”

Gen thought to herself: "Kronbe seems like a Dwarf that likes being the cause of and solution to other people's problems all while getting everything he wants… but aloud asked. “Why wouldn't he want to train the boy himself?”

“He has 3 sons, and 1 other apprentice already. The Council has refused his request for a special dispensation to take on his youngest son now that he is of age. A Skill trainer can only adequately train 3 students in a specialist skill at a single time. it's not possible to take on more. To do so would be a disservice to all the apprentices.” Kronbe said with a sour look on his face. “I am suggesting this because The Counselor in question, Keeper Avernafey, is a good man. But all his apprentices are fairly young, an’ It'll be several years before they are good an’ ready to take the Keepers’ test. Years that boy shouldn'ta have to sit a-round twiddlin’ his thumbs.” Keeper Kronbe slipped further into his Dwarven Accent as he got a bit more ruffled by his explanation, and as he ended another notification appeared in Gen’s vision

Quest update: Educating the Young now has an optional objective.

You have sussed out Kronbe's desire for you to train a particular apprentice.

Success conditions: Take on the son of Keeper Avernafey as an apprentice.

Reward:

Increased relationship with The Dungeon keeper’s guild.

Increased relationship with Dungeon Keeper Kronbe.

Ignoring the Notification for now Gen asked “Just coming of age would make him what, 13? hmm,” Gen paused, appearing to mull it over, even though she knew full well an apprentice was very useful in running a dungeon having been one herself not one year ago. “May I meet this boy before I decide? ”

“Aye, 13 last month, and I wouldn't have it any other way,” Kronbe said jovially. Come by tomorrow afternoon and we can discuss potential Dungeon locations, and figure out when you can meet this lad.” The dwarf signed the last few blanks on the writ and placed the Council's Seal at the bottom. “Here you are, you're Writ of Dungeon Creation."

"Thank you," Gen said as she took the Writ and stood. The dwarf waved goodbye as Gen left the Guild Office.

* * *

Several days later, Gen sat at a table looking over papers and Ignoring the sunny countryside as the train carried her toward the Capital. Keeper Kronbe had found many locations that desired to have a local dungeon. As it turns out there is a bit of a waiting list, though that's not exactly right.

To be more precise there is one list, a test, then a bidding pool. The first is a waiting list to have your local area evaluated by a guild representative for a potential dungeon. A city with enough money can bypass this list by paying for a Geomancer to evaluate the mana of the local land. But that can be quite expensive.

If the local land is viable for a dungeon then you get placed in a pool where Keepers like Gen can pick where they want to establish a Dungeon. Of course, the big cities have an advantage there as well. Each application lists an offer to the keeper. Some provide housing, food, and other benefits. Others choose to provide financial compensation. But all are legally obligated to only support the Keeper for 1 year. After that, the Keeper must support themselves. To further muddy the waters the King and Guild both agreed to limit the number of dungeons in the lands, it's not a set number but only 1 or 2 new dungeons pop up each generation, about 1 every 10 years. Some would call Gen lucky to be granted one at such a young age.

And all of this is what Gen was absorbed in today. Kronbe had pulled out several potential Dungeon locations for her. Well “several” was definitely an understatement. There were easily dozens of cities, towns, and even hamlets that wanted a dungeon nearby. And all had tempting offers. Before Gen left the guildhall she had finally narrowed it down to 3 choices but was still torn on which to choose.

Gen picked up the first paper and began to read them again. The first option was The large city of Timbervale. It was a predominately Elven city, unique in its own way due to the logging operations. Generations back the elves and humans in the area fought a war over the trees. The Elves wanted them protected as they tended the trees sculpting them into living works of art. While the humans wanted to build with them or use them for all the practical necessities of cooking and heating their homes.

In the end, most of the trees were destroyed in the conflict. Unsure of whose magic started the fires they were able to make peace. They agreed, planting anew and tending the growing trees for both groups to use was for the best. It turned out many Elves liked carving wood into art as much as they liked growing it.

They were willing to offer her 1 Platinum Crown a week to start a dungeon there. It was a generous offer. The average family would only need 2 Silver Ox a week to live quite comfortably. Peasant farmers could feed their families and all their livestock on 1 copper Wheel a week if times were tough.

Setting the first aside, Gen picked up the next paper. The second option was a small town in the western mountains named Heil. They were a small community of mostly shepherds, hunters, and a few farmers. The only interesting thing about the town is it was located on a reasonably sized trade route and was not too far from a Ley Line. Making it an appealing location for a Dungeon.

They couldn’t offer any substantial salary. 1 gold Eagle a month, and free room and board at the local Inn till the town could build a proper house for the keeper to live in closer to the dungeon location. Gen had to admit having her own home sounded quite nice.

The last paper Gen brought with her on the train to the capital wasn’t a choice. Not really. She brought it as a reminder that the world keeps turning even after something monumentally catastrophic happens to you.

Her hometown of Kendleshine petitioned for a new Dungeon. It made sense. They were famous for having a Superior Rank Dungeon. Though now they were more famous for having HAD a dungeon that drove its keeper insane or so the rumors go. It was the Dungeon her father tended. His Dungeon. Gen’s first Dungeon as an Apprentice. Gen couldn't help but think back on that day.

The day the Dungeon killed her father. The only witnesses were a small group of adventurers. They said her father had gone mad and was beating on the wall with a pickaxe. He was trying to carve a diamond from the wall. He struck the diamond with the pick and it exploded. Then the whole complex started to crumble and fall apart. A few of the adventurers managed to escape but the dungeon swallowed Gen's father down its rocky throat burying him and many others under a mountain of boulders. Even the dungeon's Mind must have been damaged in the collapse because the keepers excavated but never found an entry to the old dungeon.

During the guild’s investigation, they found out about her father's gambling debts and his drinking. Two things that had started after her mother died. They determined he must have abused his connection to the dungeon forcing it to grow diamonds so he could pay off his debts.

Gen didn't know what to believe. While it's true the keepers can influence the dungeon, forcing it can harm the dungeon. It’s one of the first things Keepers are taught. “Tend, prune, and guide.” aren't just suggestions. And her father always impressed upon her to respect the dungeon. Ironically he always said, “If you don't, it will eat you alive.”

Gen sighed and looked out the window. The sun was shining, the grass and trees were vibrant, and she was on one of the only trains in the nation hurtling toward the capital at an incredible speed. But she was more nervous now than when she applied for her Writ of Dungeon Creation. When she bought the ticket she was surprised at how cheap they were. It turns out it's the fastest and deadliest way to travel.

Not due to any flaw in the design. It just turns out a fast-moving, long shiny object full of food, money, and people is exactly the kind of thing Dragons find fun to chase and eat. The company that built this first line as a proof of concept had been trying to stay in business. But as it turns out, no matter how many dragon countermeasures you install, or wizards and knights you hire, you can't beat the bad first impression of having your shiny new toy devoured by a monster. Then a second one was destroyed shortly thereafter because the dragon had so much fun it invited another dragon along to see the new toy the gnomes had made. The dragons didn't even eat much of anything the second time. Dragon experts were quoted in newspapers as “it was just the thrill of catching the fast shiny snake.”

No merchant or upper-class citizen was willing to use the train to move goods or people. The Crown was likely to shut down the company soon due to delinquent taxes. Which made this a very cheap and fast trip. Even cheaper since she wasn't even going all the way to the capital. Her stop was in the small city of Razeton. She had an appointment to meet with Keeper Avernafey, and his son Byron.