As Tarn walked through the door into B-2 Redemption, he had to blink against the sudden bright lighting. The room was still lit by torches, as all of the dungeon seemed to be, but here they seemed to be brighter and burning with a white sparkling fire, the flames hissing with their intensity.
The room itself was circular and about fifty feet wide. The walls were constructed of the same gray stone Tarn had seen throughout the Axe, but these were also adorned with colorful tapestries depicting abstract shapes. Weapons like swords and polearms were crudely represented, along with shields and axes.
In the center of the room were four simple pillars, each about three feet high. Upon the side of the left most the shape of an axe had been carved into the stone. The others were decorated with similar markings, showing a shield, a cloud, and a single question mark on the far most of the pillars.
The four altars were surrounded by a shimmering red field of energy, a perfect cube with a single door-sized opening. Lash scampered forward toward the doorway, almost too quick for Tarn to grab the gremlin and pull him back.
“Hold on there, buddy.” He kept his pressure on Lash’s shoulder gentle, and felt the small creature relax. “I know you’re excited, but let’s allow Narsol to fill us in first.”
“Indeed.” The orc stepped forward, taking a place directly next to Tarn. His large form towered over Lash as he gestured toward the shimmering field of red energy.
“Only you carry the party’s Blood,” Narsol said. “Thus, the dungeon will only permit you and one advisor to enter the redemption center.”
“Pheh.” Jental spat upon the stone, turning away from the group. “Too many rules in these dungeons. Who needs all these restrictions, anyway?”
“There is some validity to-“
“Just talking out loud, Urthin!” Jental shook her head at the monk.
“To continue…” Narsol let out a sigh, then nodded at the axe-marked pillar. “The first pillar offers a weapon for purchase. The next one will grant you a choice of armor or clothing. The third is usable items such as potions, and the fourth allows you to pay the dungeon to offer three new choices.”
Tarn heard the now-familiar woosh of the door leading back to A-1 fading away. Looking past the pillars, he could see the exit from the chamber, barred and locked as always.
“Maybe these are examples of what they sell here?” Aryo asked, looking at one of the hanging artworks. The color of the threaded work was striking, bringing out blues and reds that seemed to dance in the bright flickering light of the sparking torches.
“Or they could be the different dungeons.” Isca had her hands together, wringing them slowly. “There is an Axe and a Sword here.”
Tarn took a step closer to the opening. He needed an advisor, someone he could bounce his ideas off of. Urthin was his first instinct, and he could see Bog’s eyes upon him waiting for his choice. Aryo hung back with Lash on his shoulder, two more pair of eyes watching him with intent. Other than Jental and Isca, most of the group seemed interested in seeing what the dungeon had to offer.
“Isca.” He called over to where the Kithikin was staring at the colored tapestries. “Come in here with me, will you?”
She gave him a confused look, then nodded as an expression of understanding crossed her face. Stepping quickly forward, Tarn held his hand out and ushered her through the crimson doorway.
“Safest choice is to pick me, eh?” She winked as the doorway closed behind them, sealing the pair inside the red translucent chamber.
“I mean,” Tarn began to blush. “I do value your opinion of course! I just was thinking about team morale and-“
“Don’t worry, fearless leader.” She grinned and put her hands on his shoulders, turning him towards the trio of pillars. “This isn’t my first team you know. Now let’s focus on what’s to offer here.”
Nodding, Tarn took a step closer to the group of four pillars. As he did so, his interface began to interact with his vision, outlining each in a thin green outline, and giving him a selection cursor. As he focused on the left-most of the pillars, a description of its offering came forth.
//Weapon: Iz Asturian’s Cruel Blade (Barbed Sword)
Usable by: Captain, Bruiser, Obelisk
Cost: 200 Blood
Enhancement: 50% chance for [bleed] to be added to any melee attack. If the attack already contains guaranteed bleed damage, the effect of that bleed is doubled.
Limitations: Two Combats. Binds on assignment.
The wind carries, but it also cuts.
“The Iz Asturian?” Isca’s surprised voice came from Tarn’s side, as she studied the same pillar he did. “A great warrior in my people’s history, one who fought on all three sides of the Unification Wars. But how does the Axe Dungeon know of him?”
“Certainly interesting,” Tarn said, nodding. In the moment, his mind was focused more on the tactical use of the weapon than its name and history. A way to make current abilities better was unexpected, even if it had limited uses. Something like this blade could turn the tables in their final fight with Yarex.
Of course, Yarex would be visiting redemption sites too. Tarn shifted his attention to the armor pillar, watching as the green text began to detail the offering there.
//Armor: Odan Zuren’s Shimmering Cloak
Usable by: Any class
Cost: 100 Blood
Equipment: This cloak creates a sparkling effect that is only visible to enemies of the wearer. Any enemy who targets the wearer gains the [dazzled] status effect
Dazzled: The enemy must choose another target than the wearer. Their next attack will do 50% less damage, regardless of who the target is.
Weight: 1
Limitations: The cloak has 80 AP worth of durability. Any damage to the wearer is also taken by the cloak. The wearer may repair the cloak as a [camp] action
“Odan -- I don’t know that name.” Isca spoke again, but Tarn's attention was still split. The cloak seemed very powerful, and unlike the sword they could keep it around if they were careful. The fact that it could be equipped by anyone only added to its value.
But it was expensive as hell. If they purchased the cloak, there likely wouldn’t be much left for the other options. Tarn turned his attention to the final pillar, the one with the cloud carved onto its side.
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//Dungeon Item: Clarity Potion (3)
After consuming this potion, the team leader will be able to determine the exact nature of an unrevealed tier on their map.
Cost: 100
Straight forward, and very powerful. He knew what was present in the “D” tier rooms above them, but to be able to see farther than that would really take the guesswork out of planning their route. It was cheaper than the others, but in Tarn’s mind this was the most critical of the items. If he only bought one thing here, it would be this.
Tarn focused on the pillar’s representation in his mind, and was rewarded with a soft sound, like the ringing of a bell. He felt a small, lightweight object attach to his belt, and looking down saw a thin blue vial of liquid attached there.
“Well, that was easy.” The trio of blood vials on his belt looked lighter for the trade, but he was confident the purchase was worth it. Tarn reached down to his belt and brought the thin glass tube to his lips, popping off the cork. The scent of the potion wafted up to his nostrils, sitting within them and smelling vaguely of mint.
“Though I doubt the dungeon would try to poison you…” Isca stared at the vial in his hands, frowning with suspicion. “Are you certain its safe?”
“One way to find out!” Tarn grinned and downed the liquid in a single gulp. The drink felt thicker than it looked and was strangely warm as it slid down his throat.
“Tarn are you crazy?” Isca stared at him wide-eyed, antenna pointing straight up in alarm.
As the potion reached his stomach, his interface sprang to life.
//Clarity Potion used
//Row D details revealed.
D1: Combat
Enemies: Shockrats (x3), Vampiric Capybara (x1)
Doors to: E1 (Campsite)
D2: Elite Combat
Enemies: Bonded Crystals (x3) ELITE
Doors to: E1 (Campsite), E2 (Combat), D3 (Campsite)
D3: Campsite
Modifiers:
Cozy Environment: Heal restores 10 extra AP.
Poor Equipment: Training requires 10% more Blood
Doors to: D2 (Elite Combat), E2 (Combat), E3 (Redeem)
D4: Combat
Enemies: Vapor Tigers (x4)
Doors to: E3 (Redeem)
Definitely worth it, Tarn thought. Even though there was no choice but to go to C1 from here, the path beyond had several options. Knowing the numbers and descriptions of what they would face in D1 and D2 was helpful, but even better was being aware of what was beyond those rooms.
D2 was an elite, and he was pretty sure an elite fight would lead to elite loot. The sort of thing that could tip the scales when they faced Yarex. Knowing he could then slide into the D3 campsite and have his choice of an easy combat or a redeem was even better.
“I take it you are happy with the results?” Isca asked, a slight smile coming to her face. “Or was it just tasty?”
“Texture is a bit syrupy.” Tarn swallowed again, trying to purge the remnants from his mouth. “Kinda nasty aftertaste, too. But yeah, that was a good call. Knowing what’s ahead of us is great. Now I just have to decide if I want to spend more.”
“A hard choice. Perhaps you can talk it out with me?” She smiled shyly, before turning away to look at the pedestals again. “The cloak and the sword both seem like useful upgrades.”
“Oh no question – definitely useful. But are they useful enough to give up what might come ahead, like another map potion? The sword gives us more damage, but I’ll take something we don’t have – like knowing the map – over more of what we already have in abundance.”
“Good thinking, and I agree.” She turned and looked over at Bog, who was pacing outside the enclosure. “Though I am sure some will be disappointed. If the sword is out, what about the cloak?”
“Harder choice.” Tarn rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the knotted tension there. “That one could be the difference between losing someone, and I like the fact it can be repaired. While I want to save our Blood for future choices, we do need to make sure we live to make those choices. Okay yeah – that one is worth it.”
Tarn pulled up the interface in his mind, selecting the Shimmering Cloak and focusing on the
Nodding her approval at the choice, Isca stepped forward and gathered up the item. As she did so, the interface shifted again, moving back to the completion request. Taking a deep breath, Tarn selected the [selection complete] option.
The crimson walls around them shimmered for a heartbeat, then faded away as if they had been mist in the wind.
“Finally!” Bog pounded her way forward, stretching her arms out wide as if she had been encased in a box. “I do not understand why this Axe will only let one person in with you. Do you know how hard it was to just sit around out there?”
“I don’t make the rules, Bog.” Tarn gave her a playful tap on the bicep. “But I promise you can be my shopping buddy next time.”
“On more important matters.” Urthin gave a sigh. “What selections did you make?”
“Yea Boss!” Lash scurried forward, scrambling up his leg and onto his shoulder. Thin green fingers began rummaging through his pockets. “What choices? Where goodies?”
“Lash, that tickles!” Tarn gently lowered the gremlin back onto the ground. “There’s nothing in my pockets to find. We got a potion that let me see farther onto the map, and a defensive cloak that I have to hand out.”
Tarn watched the sets of eyes as he pondered the decision. Isca had the least AP of any of them, but she was also one of the most agile and was rarely targeted. This item benefited someone who got hit enough to make it count, but could still use the defensive boost.
“Jental.” He looked across the group, catching the surprised woman’s eye. He tossed her the cloak, watching it land in her surprised hands. “It’s all yours. Make sure you read up on it.”
“Ahm – uh, yes. Yeah, right.” He allowed himself a moment to enjoy seeing her caught off guard, and finally without a cutting comment to say.
“And our next destination?” Narsol looked toward the lone door in the far wall, now unbarred. “I assume the potion provided insight into what awaits us there – and beyond?”
“It sure did,” Tarn said. He tried to push away his memory of the potion’s bitter taste. “We knew what was next up – Room C-1 is a combat room. But now I know more about what’s in there. More importantly, I know up to two levels beyond.”
“Excellent.” Urthin folded his hands behind his back. “Do you intend to carve the fastest route to the final chamber?”
“Yes!” Bog jumped in. “Beat Yarex there, and we will have the advantages.”
“That is true.” Narsol stepped closer to Tarn. “Being first to the final room does allow you to select several components of the fight, which might tilt the odds in our favor.”
“I concur.” Urthin folded his hands behind his back. “We have seen from Yarex a desire to dictate the terms of battles to better offset his team’s lower experience. It would be dangerous to allow him to do so again.”
Tarn looked the group over, seeing the eagerness on their faces. It was a compelling idea – race to the finish and be able to have greater control over the final conflict. They had a head start after all, they had entered the Axe ahead of Yarex, and he would have to face all the same challenges they did.
But it felt like a mistake.
Tarn looked across the map in his mind – seeing all the rooms, all the interconnected paths. Standard combats, elite combats, redemption rooms. They all represented opportunities to get stronger, not just for Yarex, but for the job that lay beyond.
“Yarex will race for exit.” Tarn looked across them. “I’m sure of it. He’s been on our ass all the way through, chasing us. So, we’ve got him moving, running. Let’s use that and not take the direct route.”
“Let him get there first?” Bog narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure, Tarny?”
“Damn sure.” Tarn said with a smile. “You haven’t played as much King’s Squares as I have. It’s not about who gets there first, it’s who gets there strongest. That’s going to be us. Yes, we could get there ahead of Yarex, but we’d be passing up too many chances to improve. I think loot like Jental’s cloak will make more of a difference.”
Tarn left no room for discussion in his tone, and was glad to see that while many looked surprised, no one from his team challenged him.
But Narsol wasn’t really part of the team.
“Foolish.” He said, folding his arms. “You asked me to contradict you, and I do so here. In giving up a certain advantage in a gamble for a potential greater one, you risk all our lives and our success.”
“I sure do.” Tarn nodded towards the orc. “And I’m glad you’re telling me what you think. I think this gamble, as you call it, is worth it. You’re free to correct me later, if I end up being wrong.”
“I shall do so.” Narsol tone contained no humor, only a faint hint of satisfaction.
The debate was over. He could see in the eyes of the rest of the group they were simply waiting for him to move on. Bog and Urthin had said their peace, but their trust in him was greater than their need to be right.
Now he just had hope he was right.
“There’s a fight in the next room,” Tarn pointed toward the doorway. “Crystalline Jellies? I see status effects of ‘viscous’ and ‘shifting’. Beyond that, we’ve got chances for more fights, including some elite ones.”
He put his hand out onto the knob of the door to C-1.
“Let Yarex race to the end,” Tarn pulled the door open. “Let’s go crawl.”