Chapter 60
A robotic voice spoke into the realm of the gods, “Morfran Journal entry. System recording. System storying details into hidden library. Access Granted to users.”
The chamber deep within the heart of the insect kingdom buzzed with the constant hum of activity. The Insect Queen, Morfran, her towering and elegant form adorned with a shimmering carapace, sat atop her throne, her multifaceted eyes surveying the bustling throng below. Her antennae twitched as she received updates and reports from her loyal subjects.
The queen ruled her domain with a wisdom that came from generations of existence, and her realm was known for its organized efficiency.The war with the wolves had drawn to a passive stalemate. She was thinking over calling for peace talks with the wolves’ Alpha. She didn’t need to expand her borders, if those foolish wolves would just leave her boundaries at peace.
But on this day, the queen sensed an unsettling disturbance among her courtiers. She observed her esteemed Scorpion Knight Commander, a formidable warrior, and in charge of her legion of scorpion knights, who had always been her most dependable forces, was noticeably absent from their usual posts in the Royal Hive.
Concerned whispers of the missing scorpion began to reach the queen's ears. She motioned for her most trusted advisor, the Ant Diplomat, to approach. The elegant diplomat bowed gracefully before the queen and slowly raised its head.
"Your Majesty," the red ant began. "It appears that our revered Scorpion Knight Captain that was sent out with a few fire ants and ladybug riders, has gone missing. We have received no word from them, and their Commander’s presence in the hive is notably absent."
Morfran’s mandibles clicked thoughtfully as she considered this alarming revelation. Her scorpions were known for their unwavering loyalty, and the queen had always been able to rely on them without question. She knew that their absence could only signify a grave and unexpected development.
"Dispatch scouts," the Queen ordered, her voice a command that resounded through the chamber. "Find our Scorpion Knight, send a runner to the Commander and his legion. I want to know what has befallen them."
The Ant Diplomat nodded and buzzed away, carrying out the queen's orders. The queen watched as her courtiers continued their duties, the undercurrent of unease spreading among her subjects. Her antennae quivered with a mixture of worry and determination as she awaited word from the scouts.
For the first time in centuries, the Insect Queen felt a ripple of uncertainty in her orderly realm. Something sinister had befallen her forces, and she was determined to uncover the truth. Her hive would not rest until the darkness that had cast its shadow over her kingdom was exposed.
As the queen's scouts dispersed into the vast expanse of the insect kingdom, searching for any trace of the absent Scorpion Knight and his forces, the tension in the hive continued to mount. It was odd that the commander of the knights wasn’t there. His support had been the bedrock of the queen's might, and their sudden disappearance had cast a pall over the normally industrious insects.
In the depths of the Royal Hive, the Ant Diplomat returned with the first piece of news. His legs buzzed audibly as he raced before the Queen once more.
"Your Majesty," he reported, his voice edged with concern, "our scouts have found the last location where the Scorpion Knight's legion was reported. There were no signs of a struggle, with no definitive evidence of their fate. They entered the Badlands as planned."
The Insect Queen's antennae twitched, conveying her growing unease. She knew that the scorpion captain and the forces she supplied wouldn’t be not easily defeated, and their absence could only mean that a formidable adversary or calamity had befallen them.
"Continue the search," Morfran commanded. "Our Scorpion Knight and his warriors are not to be underestimated. Their loss is a grievous one, and we must leave no stone unturned to recover them."
The hive's workers and soldiers, usually so disciplined, now exchanged worried glances. They couldn't help but wonder what could have challenged their mighty Scorpion Knight and the forces he led. Rumors and speculations swirled through the hive like a noxious fog.
As the queen contemplated the unfolding mystery, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of dread. In her millennia of rule, she had never encountered a situation so dire. Her instinct told her that unraveling this enigma would require not just her traditional might but also a cunning strategy.
That was when the Scorpion Commander entered the chamber with a purposeful stride. His chitinous exoskeleton glistened under the soft, iridescent glow of the chamber's bioluminescent crystals. His pincers, often used for battle, were now folded with a respectful nod to the queen, a gesture of acknowledgment to her authority.
"My Queen," he rasped in his deep, resonating voice, "I've returned from a reconnaissance mission to the area where our Scorpion Knight and his warriors were last spotted."
Morfran, her multifaceted eyes keen with anticipation, extended her antennae in a gesture urging the commander to continue. The entire room held its collective breath as they waited for his report.
"Myself, and a few scouts followed their trail into the Badlands, but we soon lost their trail due to the weather and nature of the Badlands,” the Scorpion Commander continued. "There wasn't any evidence along the path that we followed of any conflict."
A hushed murmur rippled through the room as the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on all present. It was clear that they were dealing with a formidable adversary.
"Furthermore, my Queen," the commander continued, " I know that I have arrived late, but I didn’t want to return empty handed. We did find signs of what I can only describe as new growth in the Badlands. I think there might be a new dungeon there, because the wolves wouldn’t have helped the small forest to grow. I also felt an increase in the local mana. I am afraid that the forces might have been killed in the dungeon, including our Scorpion Knight."
The Insect Queen's antennae twitched with a mixture of relief and concern. The wolves hadn’t destroyed her forces, and the possibility of this dungeon brought a glimmer of hope to the hive. However, the knowledge that the captain had been killed posed an unprecedented challenge.
"What is the enemy's identity?" Morfran inquired, her voice heavy with the weight of her kingdom's uncertain fate.
The Scorpion Commander paused, a rare expression of frustration evident in his posture. "My Queen, I cannot discern the nature or origin of the possible dungeon. There was no trace but of the signs I have mentioned. I suggest we send a more stealth, or adventure focused group. If it is a dungeon they can enter, review the enemy and pull out because the core won’t be feeling as threatened."
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
In the hive's dim chamber, the air grew thick with tension. The unknown enemy posed a threat that transcended their understanding, and the fate of the Scorpion Knight wasn’t an easy loss to bear. The queen knew that the struggle to recover her forces and unveil the identity of their adversary would require all of her wisdom, cunning, and the unity of her subjects.
Morfran spoke directly at the Commander, “Just like the humans used to do, you are talking about a dungeon dive. Am I correct?”
“You are my Queen.”
With resolve in her heart, she turned to her loyal Scorpion Commander. "Prepare a dungeon mission, gather five of our strongest forces. We will recover our warriors or uncover the mystery behind this threat. Until then, we shall remain vigilant and unified."
There was a cheer among the crowd.
“Oh, and prepared a treaty delegation to send to the wolves. I think this war has gone on long enough.”
As the commander saluted and exited the chamber, Morfran knew that the trials her hive would face were unprecedented. Yet, she was determined to face them head-on, for her dominion, her loyal subjects, and the indomitable spirit of their Queen.
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Violet
Deep in the heart of a bustling workshop, I watched over a span of a few months, a team of skilled craftsmen, working dolls, and engineers labored tirelessly to bring a fantastical airship to life. Their workshop was filled with the hum of machinery, the clang of hammers, and the crackle of magic as they meticulously crafted each component of the airship.
The airship hangar was a sight to behold, hidden away underground. It was a mishmash of mechanical contraptions, arcane apparatuses, and alchemical concoctions. The air was thick with the smell of oil, the crackle of sparks, and the faint scent of wildflowers that wafted through the air vents above.
The airship was a work of art, designed with precision and creativity. Its frame was constructed from a combination of sturdy ironwood and lightweight enchanted materials, carefully shaped and forged into intricate curves and angles. The craftsmen paid painstaking attention to every detail, ensuring that the airship was both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
The airship's propulsion system was a marvel of engineering. The engineers worked tirelessly to develop an innovative combination of steam-powered engines and magical crystals, supported with runes, carefully calibrated to provide optimal speed and maneuverability. The engine room was a labyrinth of pipes, valves, and gears, each component meticulously crafted and meticulously fitted together to form a seamless whole.
The airship's wings were a true work of art. The fox smith worked tirelessly, meticulously assembling each component of the airship by hand. They fashioned a sturdy frame from enchanted ironwood, painstakingly shaping it into a sleek, streamlined form that defied the laws of physics. They added layers of magically treated fabric that could repel rain, resist fire, and even deflect arrows.
I watched as the craftsmen carefully crafted them from enchanted wood, meticulously carving intricate patterns and designs into the surface. The wings were reinforced with metal bracing, intricately woven with glowing crystals that added both strength and magical propulsion.
The airship's gondola, which housed the living quarters and command center, was a masterpiece of design. The craftsmen adorned it with exquisite carvings and ornate decorations, creating a luxurious and comfortable space for the crew. The command center was equipped with a vast array of levers, dials, and enchanted crystals that controlled the airship's movements, and a navigation station with maps and charts of uncharted lands.
The airship's gondola was a marvel of ingenuity, filled with gears, levers, and enchanted crystals that controlled the airship's movements. I crafted a navigation station with ancient maps and charts that revealed uncharted lands and hidden realms. The living quarters were adorned with cozy furnishings, tapestries depicting mythical creatures, and shelves lined with books on engineering and magic.
As the construction progressed, the airship began to take on its distinctive shape. The craftsmen carefully painted the exterior with vivid colors, using enchanted pigments that shimmered and shifted hues as the airship moved through the skies. They adorned it with gilded accents, intricate scrollwork, and delicate runes that bestowed protective enchantments upon the vessel.
Time progressed, I watched as Nightmare and her dolls added intricate details to the airship's exterior. They painted elaborate murals depicting epic battles and soaring dragons, using enchanted pigments that shimmered with life. They adorned the airship with gilded accents, ornate carvings of mythical creatures, and glowing runes that bestowed protective enchantments upon the vessel.
Finally, after months of tireless effort, the airship was ready to take flight. The crew, dressed in their finest uniforms, gathered on the deck, their eyes filled with awe and anticipation. The craftsmen, proud of their creation, looked on with satisfaction.
With a resounding hiss of steam and a chorus of cheers, the airship lifted off the ground, soaring into the sky. It glided through the clouds with grace and majesty, a true masterpiece of engineering and magic. I took my most advanced body and walked into the airship followed by my new friends and we embarked on our maiden voyage. We are ready to explore new frontiers and embark on thrilling adventures aboard our fantastical airship, a marvel of fantasy and imagination.
The airship soared through the clouds, a marvel of innovation and wonder.
Now wait for a moment. But before I jump ahead, in my journal, I also need to record the new trap rooms I created while the airship was being built. I will save those details for my next entry.
System notification: Congratulations you were the first to create a Beginner's Skyship.
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Item
Beginner's Skyship
Description
A modest-sized airship designed for beginners and novice pilots. It's a simple yet functional vessel suitable for short-distance travel and exploration. The airship consists of several key components and features.
Hull
Gas Envelope
Engine
Navigation Instrument
Cockpit
Passenger Compartment
Storage
Safety Features
User Notes
This beginner's airship is an excellent choice for those learning to navigate the skies. It's affordable, easy to operate, and provides a gentle introduction to airship piloting. However, it's not suited for long-range travel or heavy cargo transport. As pilots gain experience, they may choose to upgrade to more advanced airships with additional features and capabilities.
Name:
SkyWanderer
Type:
Beginner’s Skyship
Level:
1
Class:
Light Scout ship
Hit Points
100/100
Armour Class
12 (Light)
Speed
30ft Flying
Maneuverability
+2
Cargo Capacity
500lbs
Passenger Capacity
4
Crew members
3
Fuel Capacity
12 hours per fill- under normal operations
Altitude Range
0-2,000 ft
Additional Features
Emergency Ropes, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit
Notes:
See item description