“Pax? What the hell is a Dungeon? I’m pretty sure you don’t mean a prison or that BDSM stuff, right?”
No, Darius. A Dungeon in this context is not a Prison or Sexual domain. Here is the Description of what a Dungeon is from the Adventurer’s Encyclopedia 42nd Edition.
“Dungeon
Definition:
A dungeon is a unique and complex structure characterized by the phenomenon of folded space. It represents a manipulated segment of reality, creating an expanded, bubble-like environment that exists independently within the greater dimensional framework. Access to a dungeon is achieved through an aperture, which serves as both the entry and exit point. Upon entry, individuals are confined to the dungeon until specific conditions are met for their departure.
Function and Purpose
Dungeons play a critical role within The System, an overarching framework that governs the environment. They are designed to refine ambient Essence, a raw, chaotic form of energy that exists in the surrounding world. By drawing in adventurers and various entities, dungeons accumulate this Essence, converting it into a higher quality substance that fuels their development and sustenance.
Rank and Growth
Dungeons are classified on a ranking scale from G to A, with G representing the weakest and A, the strongest. It is notable that even low-ranking dungeons can develop and grow more powerful over time, enhancing the challenges faced by adventurers. A rare S-ranked dungeon exists as the pinnacle of this hierarchy, presenting unparalleled difficulties.
Dungeon Core
At the core of each dungeon lies a Dungeon Core, a crystalline structure that possesses a rudimentary form of intelligence. While lacking full sapience, the Dungeon Core serves as the cognitive center of the dungeon, allowing it to learn from the actions of intruders. When adversaries are defeated, their Essence is absorbed by the Core, enabling the dungeon to strengthen its defenses, upgrade its inhabitants, and enhance its overall threat level.
Notably, the Dungeon Core can be removed, resulting in the destruction of the dungeon itself. This action grants the conquerors access to the Core, which can be repurposed for various functions, including but not limited to crafting unique items, Settlement Enhancement, or serving as a source of refined Essence.
Monsters, Traps, and Puzzles
Dungeons are populated by a variety of monsters, each uniquely designed to challenge adventurers. These creatures can range from minor adversaries to formidable foes, adapting and developing as the dungeon grows stronger.
In addition to monsters, dungeons feature an array of traps that test the skills and awareness of intruders. These traps can be mechanical, magical, or a combination of both, often requiring keen observation and quick reflexes to avoid.
Adventurers may also encounter puzzles designed to impede progress or unlock hidden pathways. These puzzles vary in complexity and may require critical thinking, teamwork, or specific knowledge to solve.
Mini-Bosses and Dungeon Bosses
Within a dungeon, there are often designated Mini-Bosses, which serve as significant challenges but are not the final obstacle. Mini-Bosses typically guard crucial areas or treasures, and defeating them is necessary to progress further into the dungeon.
The culmination of a dungeon's challenges is the Dungeon Boss, a powerful entity that represents the ultimate test of skill and strategy. Defeating the Dungeon Boss is required for full clearance of the dungeon and often grants substantial rewards, including rare items and significant quantities of refined Essence.
Operational Mechanics
Dungeons operate under specific rules and restrictions. Each dungeon is uniquely categorized by its theme, layout, and difficulty, presenting distinct challenges to adventurers. Furthermore, they impose limitations on entry conditions, including participant numbers and technology restrictions.
Adventurers enter dungeons primarily to grow stronger and acquire valuable resources, including refined Essence and rare items. Objectives often include eliminating certain threats or completing specific tasks to achieve clearance. Failure to meet these requirements may result in entrapment until conditions are satisfied. As dungeons absorb Essence from defeated entities, they become increasingly powerful, complicating subsequent attempts to clear them.
“Damn, if it’s all that, then we really need to go in there. Hold on a second, I’m going to try to Identify it.” Darius then focused on the strange portal and triggered his Identify Skill.
Whispering Grove
Ancient Tribal Forest
Rank: E
Zones: 3 (Hobgoblin - Ironwood Clearing, Orc - Bloodroot Grove, Gnoll - Shadowfern Thicket)
Departure Requirements: Defeat or Control at least 1 Tribal Zone
Dungeon Clearance: Defeat or Control all 3 Zones & Eliminate the Final Boss
Max Party Size: 5
Max Parties: 2
Current Parties in Dungeon: 0/2
Restrictions: Advanced Technology Disabled
“Pax? Does this mean what I think it means?”
If you think it means that I, and any E-tech based equipment, will be disabled upon entry, then yes, with a 94% certainty.
“Mother fucker!” Darius swore. All of his abilities were built around his power armor. most of his current Eidolons were based on the idea that they would be equipped to his suit. He wasn’t even sure he could use his Titan’s fist without the Power Armor. shit! I need to test this. Otherwise, I’ll need to make all new gear if I want to go in there. suiting thought to action, Darius dismissed his Eidolons and his Power armor.
Standing there with just his regular clothes, he focused on his Titan’s Fist Eidolon and spent the next twelve seconds conjuring them. They appeared in the typical silvery flash of light, but they did not automatically equip themselves like they usually did. Instead, they appeared in his hands and he nearly dropped them from the sudden weight. When he tried to slide them over his hands, they were way too large for him to even fit his fingers in properly. With a shake of his head, he dismissed them and looked over the Eidolons he had available.
Spiked War Gauntlets
Quality: Well Crafted
Rarity: Uncommon
Base material: Titanium
Damage: 16
Defense: 20
Durability: 48/48
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Duration: 13 minutes
Traits: +10 armor penetration
Cast time: 10 seconds
Mana Cost: 66 MP
30 caliber Riffle
Quality: Above Average
Rarity: Common
Base material: Steel
Damage: 22
Range: 330 Ft
Durability: 33/33
Duration: 5.5 minutes
Ammunition Capacity: 22 rounds
Traits: +11 armor penetration
Weight: 7.2lbs
Cast time: 9 seconds
Conjuration cost: 70 Mana
Magic Effect: Reload (90 Mana to add 22 Rounds to Riffle)
Mana Pool: 186
Regen: 19/minute
Mana Cost: 70 MP
Cast time: 9 Seconds
Skyblade
Winged jetpack, Power Armor Mounted Equipment
Range: Self
Duration: 16 minutes 21 seconds
Quality: Well Crafted
Durability: 240/240
Base Material: Orichalcum
Weight: 192 lbs.
Mana Pool: 678/678
Flight Speed Boost: +48% flight speed, 156 Mana per minute.
Mana Efficiency: -22% Mana cost for flight operations.
Flight Stability: +12%.
Altitude Limit Increase: +720' maximum flight altitude.
Mana Cost: 138 MP
Cast time: 11 Seconds (14 -20%)
Upkeep cost: 110 MP
Doom Bringer 3000
Plasma Blaster, Power Armor Mounted Weapon
Quality: Exceptional
Rarity: Rare
Base material: Titanium
Damage: 52
Range: 293 Ft
Rate of Fire: 1 per second
Durability: 65/65
Duration: 15.5 minutes
Power Bank Capacity: 65 shots
Traits: +13 Burning Damage, Secondary effect 5% to inflict Burn status for 62 damage over 60 seconds
Accuracy bonus +20%
Weight: 4.8lbs
Cast time: 7 seconds
Conjuration cost: 132 Mana
Reload cost: 5 P.P./shot
Hard Points required: 1
Mana Cost: 132 MP
Cast time: 6 Seconds (7-20%)
Upkeep Cost: 106 MP
Rain of Fire
Missile Launcher, Power Armor Mounted Weapon
Quality: Exceptional
Rarity: Rare
Base material: Steel
Damage: 130
Range: 650Ft
Rate of Fire: 5 seconds
Durability: 65/65
Duration: 15.5 minutes
Missile Capacity: 4
Traits: Incendiary explosive (50/50 Kinetic and fire Damage), 20ft radius. 20% chance to cause Burn Status dealing 130 damage over 60 seconds
Lock on speed: +20%
Magic Effect: Reload (130 Mana to Replace 1 Missile)
Mana Pool: 262/262
Weight: 15lbs
Cast time: 11 seconds
Conjuration cost: 117 Mana
Hard Points required: 1
Upkeep Cost: 94 Mana
Titan’s Fist
Spiked War Gauntlets, Power Armor Mounted Armor
Quality: Exceptional
Rarity: Rare
Base Material: Orichalcum
Damage: 46
Defense: 30
Durability: 55/55
Duration: 15 minutes
Traits: +25 armor penetration
Magic Enhancement: +10 Strength
Conjuring Cost: 155 Mana
Upkeep Cost: 124
Casting time: 12 Seconds
Hard Points Required: 1
“Pax, what about my 30 Caliber riffle Eidolon? Would that still work in there?”
“Uncertain. As it is a weapon conjured with a spell, it may work.”
Darius thought for a moment. He wasn’t too concerned about if the rifle worked or not, since he was never a great shot without Pax’s targeting software anyway, but he couldn’t go in unequipped. His old spiked gauntlets were weak as fuck now and needed a serious upgrade. After pacing back and forth for several minutes, he settled on a course of action.
“Pax, connect me to Xavier and Chad, please.”
“Yes, Darius. Initiating group call, please stand by.”
Darius waited for a handful of seconds before he heard a quick buzz then a faint click.
“Hello, Darius?” Xavier answered. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”
“Everything’s fine. I just need to have a word with you a Chad real quick.”
“Hey, Darius. What’s up?” Chad said once he was connected.
“Great, I’ve got both of you on the line. Do you remember that announcement when this Initialization shit hit the second stage?”
“Yeah?” Chad answered, a questioning tone carrying through clearly.
“There was mention of these dungeon things, and guess what I just found?”
“You’re kidding right?” a new voice popped out over the comms.
“Ethan, you’re there too?” Darius asked.
“Yeah, Bossman. I was just delivering the next batch of enchanted equipment to Chad here when you called. Tell me you aren’t joking. You actually found a dungeon? No cap?” Ethan asked excitedly.
“I did. That’s why I called. I need-“
“Bro, that’s so Gucci. Where are you?” Ethan interrupted. “We need to go dungeon diving. Imagine the loot we can get!”
“Calm the fuck down, man. God damn! Look, the Dungeon says we can have up to two teams of five go in at one time, but no advanced tech will work in there. That includes Power Armor, probably our comms too. I’ll send y’all my location. I need you to bring the Guard, except for the NPC’s leave them on guard duty. Also, I need you to bring me one of the spare suits of armor. I can't go in without protection.”
“Dude, can I come too?” Ethan practically begged.
Darius groaned, then answered. “Yeah, you can come too. We need enough people to go in and also to secure the area around the dungeon portal. So both the Infantry and ranged squads all need to come along.”
“What about the NPC gatherers?” Xavier asked.
“They can take a break from gathering until the Guard get back. I think this is a higher priority. Also , make sure you all bring every storage item we got. Apparently, there’s a lot of resources that we can get from the dungeons and we don’t want to waste a thing.” Darius then focused hard on sending a thought just to Pax. He wanted her to send his location Chad’s comm so they could find him easily.
“Yeah, we can do that. I just nee- never mind, I just got the Data packet,” Chad said. “Give us an hour or so to bring everyone in and get organized, then we can head directly to you.”
“Sounds good. That will give me plenty of time to sort out my other equipment while I wait. See y’all soon.”
After everyone made their goodbyes, Darius ended the call and re-equipped his Power Armor. while he wouldn’t be able to wear it in the dungeon, he could still make good use of its Mana supply to upgrade his old Eidolons.
Darius conjured a simple chair with his Create Utility Eidolon and made himself comfortable. Once he was settled and had Pax monitoring his surroundings, he focused on his Eidolons again. He saw that he had three of his five regular Eidolon slots taken up and all three of his Power Armor specific Eidolon slots used. He left those alone. Of the three regular slots, one was taken up by his Titan’s Fist, and he didn’t want to mess with that one, but he did want to start over with his spiked war gauntlets, and really didn’t need the rifle. Darius exerted his will and saw the two spells vanish from his status screen. With those gone, he knew he could create three new Eidolons.
“First things first. I’m going to do what I should have done a long time ago.” Darius thought about the stud in his right ear. Even though every old injury went away when the System came, his ear remained pierced. He could only assume it was because he had that stud in when everything happened. His new idea was to get rid of that stud and replace it with one of his Eidolons.
Darius activated his Create Eidolon spell and concentrated on channeling as much Mana as he could into the spell. Channeling one mana per second, from both his Power armor and his own Mana pool was tricky, but after all the practice he’d had, and his growing Meditation skill, he managed to maintain the flow for twenty-three minutes before he felt it slipping. Before he lost the connection, he dumped all four hundred Mana from his Power Armor’s pool into it and then cut the flow, letting the next part of the spell trigger.
You have invested 1780 Mana into Create Eidolon.
Converting Mana to Creation points.
You have 2,243 CP available. Please select a template.
Darius searched through the template list, narrowing the search to single stud earrings. He looked over a bunch of them until he found one he liked. It was a gold stud earing with a one-carat diamond set in it. The template’s cost started off at five hundred Creation Points, but he remembered talking to Ethan about the Mana properties of materials and understood that while gold was one of the better metals for enchanting, Diamond was top-notch. It was expensive, but that also meant he didn’t have to worry about upgrading the materials.
Gold and Diamond stud earing
Type: Accessory
Subtype: Jewelry
Template cost: 500 CP
Would you like to use this Template?
Y/N
Darius confirmed his selection and moved on to the next window.
There he spent two hundred fifty CP to increase the Quality directly to Masterwork, then he did his standard cost reduction and duration extension. Once those were out of the way, he went directly to the Magic effects section. In there, he chose to enhance his intelligence and his wisdom. They each provided plus to the attribute for a hundred CP, so he dumped four hundred into each option, giving him plus eight to each. After all of that, he still had two hundred ninety-three creation points left, so he went digging through the options. He wanted to see what else he could add to it. Worst case, he could add a mana pool to the item for emergencies.
As he dug around, he found something he hadn’t noticed before. There was an option to reduce the Mana upkeep cost. It was twice as expensive as the general Mana cost reduction, but it would mean he didn’t have to spend as much every time it refreshed itself. At forty CP per five percent reduction, Darius spent the last of his points on it. It reduced the upkeep by thirty-five percent, and he had thirteen CP left over. Satisfied, he finalized his choices and looked over the Items stats.
Gold and Diamond Stud Earing
Quality: Masterwork
Rarity: Epic
Base Material: Gold/Diamond
Durability: 28/28
Duration: 17 Minutes
Magic Enhancement: +11 Intelligence, +11 Wisdom
Conjuring Cost: 223
Upkeep Cost: 145
Cast time: 11 seconds
Starting CP Available: 2243
* Template Silver/Diamond stud earing
* 500 CP
* Quality: Masterwork
* 250 CP
* Reduced Mana Cost -50%
* 200 CP
* Reduce Cast time -50%
* 100 CP
* Add Magic Effect: Intelligence x 4 (+8)
* 400 CP
* Add Magic Effect: Wisdom x 4 (+8)
* 400 CP
* Increased Duration x10
* 100 CP
* Reduced Upkeep: x7 (35%)
* 280 CP
Total CP used: 2230
As he’d hoped, the Masterwork quality gave a forty percent bonus to both the durability and the magic effects, giving him three free attribute points each, something that would have cost him an extra three hundred CP, saving him fifty CP over all.
Darius smiled as he named the item Mental Mojo. He then retracted his Helmet fully and removed the cheap steel stud from his ear. Once it was clear, he used his own Mana pool and conjured Mental Mojo for the first time. Eleven seconds and two hundred twenty-three Mana later, he felt the new stud fill the hole in his ear. He looked at his status screen and, even though he had a mild throb between his temples, his smile became a grin. He’d managed to increase his Mana pool by one hundred sixty-five, and his Mana regeneration by seventeen points per minute. With Mental Mojo lasting seventeen minutes, he would net an extra eight and a half Mana per minute after the upkeep is accounted for.
Baron Darius Williams, the Conqueror
Modular Mechanist Level 16
Stat Progression: Mage/Warrior Hybrid
Xp: 13,900/14,050
Credits: 0
Str 18
Dex 21
Agi 21
Con 18
End 18
Int 29*
Wis 29*
Attribute points available: 0
Hp: 144/144
Regen: 29/day
Sp: 270/270
Regen: 27/min
Mp: 47/435
Regen: 44/min
*Equipment Bonus: +11 Intelligence, +11 Wisdom