A Brief Introduction to Dungeons
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Professor Nisle strode soft and deliberate across the enchanted planks of the backstage. This was the College of Adventurous Magery. It was a truly revolutionary facility aimed at educating future generations of adventuring mages of all walks — wizards, witches, sorcerers, and all the things between. It would help them survive out in the world. It would help the world survive the ever-present threat of the monsters, constantly waiting for a chance to to lay Nerethinians low. But he couldn’t shake a pang of worry deep in his gut. Perhaps a pang of guilt. He heard the eager whispers of a thousand keen young faces on the other side of the curtain. As the Headmaster announced tonight’s guest speaker, a disturbing thought settled on Nisle’s mind.
I’m sending these kids to die, aren’t I?
The curtain swept away to either side, and he beamed a kindly smile.
“Greetings, students, greetings! I cannot describe what an honor it is to stand here today.”
He did his best to steel himself as he began the speech. The auditorium was silent but for his aged breaths.
“Now, I’m sure most of you have already heard what we’re going to be talking about today…” He took a breath. “… Dungeons.”
Excited chittering and whispers flew across the mass of students, but fell silent again as he opened his mouth to continue.
“Let us start with a brief introduction to dungeons, just for those who may not be up to speed.”
“…”
“Dungeons are a type of monster. They are magical beings, and while not inherently evil, their nature often leads them to unavoidable conflict with people and the ecosystems that support us.”
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“…”
“However, even among a category as broad as ‘monsters,’ dungeons are unique, and often uniquely dangerous.”
“…”
Professor Nisle took a slightly raspy breath, and immersed himself in the words,
“Dungeons are called as such because they often form labyrinthine constructs filled with devious traps and monsters of their own design to protect themselves. This is part of what makes them so unique; their ability to create other monsters and bind them to their will. Because of this connection to the dungeon, monsters bound to it essentially have an inherent hive-mind with other dungeon monsters. This, combined with the labyrinths they’re known to favor, and the traps they place within make them a nightmarish foe. The only reason they’re remotely possibly to kill is the use of soul-enchanted talismans that can disrupt their control over their mana. Without these talismans, a dungeon could simply create a monster behind the unwary adventurer, and be practically immortal.
“But there is another quality which makes them unique: their souls. While I’ve described to you what a dungeon can do, I haven’t said what it is. A dungeon’s Core is in fact nothing but a soul made manifest. It is unknown for what purpose this is so, but the same as the Manifestation of Life reincarnates souls into new bodies, the Manifestations of Life and Will work together to reincarnate damaged souls as well. Sometimes they are nearly whole, others they are nearly nothing it all. And very rarely, dungeons are thought to be made of pieces from multiple souls. In all cases, the souls are anchored to a physical form, the Core, which provides necessary stability to the damaged souls. However, this is exactly what makes them so dangerous.
Nisle sighed. “Every dungeon is intelligent. Sentient. Many are even sapient, as people damage their souls much more frequently than monsters and animals.”
The many young magi waited with bated breath.
“While some can be reasoned with, the damage to their souls often results in… insanity.”
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“The only way I know of to describe such dungeons… is to say that a cruel and wicked intelligence guides them.”
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“This, above all, is why they are so dangerous. Not the monsters. Not the traps. Not the labyrinths.”
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“They are smart creatures, and hateful ones. While they are frequently sought out for the power their Cores can generate…”
“…”
“This is why, if you ever stumble upon an undiscovered dungeon, even if you believe it young and undeveloped — run away. It is not worth it.”
A heavy silence loomed over the auditorium.
“Now, before we move on to discussing the potential powers and properties of dungeon Cores, are there any questions?”
At least fifty hands shot up immediately. Professor Nisle stifled a weary sigh. He was too old for this shit.