Dungeon Keeper 2 Quest: The Sequel

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Dungeon Keeper 2 Quest

"Uugh..." You groan as you stumble down the mountain path, sheer stone...
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LordPanther14

The Definition of Insanity
Location
Land of the Free
Dungeon Keeper 2 Quest​

"Uugh..." You groan as you stumble down the mountain path, sheer stone face to your right and the howling frigid winds and drop to the abyss to your left. Despite it being the last days of spring, the peaks of Griffon's Aerie show no signs of shedding their snowy caps. It is no wonder that despite the rumors that lured you to this corner of the world that few others would dare risk the dangers and come up where the air was thin and a single misstep could be their last. Even with that being the case, you know of a few mountaineers that decided to brave the harsh conditions any way and disappeared from the face of the earth. Perhaps they had already discovered what you were looking for?

That thought gives you a shiver that is unrelated to the chill and looking for some form of shelter, you stumble upon a cleft in the rock and hide there waiting for the wind to die down even a little bit before proceeding further. Pondering how you got here you recall that you were:

Name: [] Write-in

[] An Exile of the Flint Edge Clan - Forced to shave your beard, abandon your forge and home for a crime you did not commit, you look for a new place underground to call home. You likely would have be in even worse shape if not for your dwarvern fortitude and strength.
Gain Trait: Dwarven Blacksmith
Gain Trait: Outcast

[] Paladin of the Light - Hearing the rumors that an artifact of great evil was in the area you were adament that it must be found and destroyed before it caused a blight on the world. Your retinue thought it a grand adventure at first but as you dogmatically continued to comb these mountains for months, they abandoned you and called you mad but you know the light shall reveal the way.
Gain Trait: Faithful
Gain Trait: Maddening Zeal

[] Beastman - Ever since you were a child, the power of the dark gods has called to you but you were able to resist and survived independant and free. The stigma against your kind led to a tragedy however and you now seek some way to make things right.
Gain Trait: Animal Instincts
Gain Trait: Dark Touched

[] Slider - You don't know how but for some reason something ended up sending you to this world. Hoping to find a way home, you decided to take a chance in finding a dungeon because there was no other way for you to survive.
Gain Trait: Outsider
Gain Trait: OCP

[] Write-in (Subject to QM Approval)

Huddling against the bare stone, your numb fingers push against the rock and you are pleased to learn you have discovered a crevice in the rock you hadn't noticed before. Hoping this will lead to what you're seeking, you slide down the natural contours of the rock, bracing yourself so you don't go down to fast. Eventually you reach the shadowy depts and enter in to a natural looking cave system. You light a torch and begin to explore the tight confines that you've found yourself in. Cold, befuddled and exhausted you wander the caves till your torch has nearly extinguished itself with no sign that you are any closer to your goal. Your musings on whether you should return back the way you came or continue through the tunnels in the dark is cut short when you hear the sound of creatures screaming and screeching. Standing in a natural cavern, realizing that you were not alone with an unknown number of enemies coming you decided to:

[] Run towards the noise
[] Run towards the entrance
[] Stand your ground
[] Find someplace to hide
 
Bestill My Beating Heart
Smaug sniffed the air, trying to determine the source of the noise but the stink was new, different from what Smaug remembered from the dungeon he had been raised in before. Well, it was unlikely that whatever it was could truly threaten him. He was super tough after all. Moving forward he found a chamber that was different from the unfinished walls of the tunnels he had moved through before. Embossed in the ground was the seal of evil and around the walls stood creatures made out of shadow that hooted and hollered with delight at the appearence of the Dark Drake before them.

Smaug did not know what danger they posed but for now it appeared that they showed no inclination to stand in his way. Resigned to entertain the audience surrounding him, Smaug lowered his head to his paw, and bit down to draw forth his bilious black blood and smeared it along the seal. There had been some concern that Smaug would not prove an acceptable candidate but as glowing purple flames began to form and the seal cracked beneath his claws. Smaug tried to back away as the floor dropped away, not that it really mattered for this part as the further he tried to way the more he could feel the pull taking him in to the awakening dungeon heart. It sapped his strength and energy.
Thump
Smaug growled as he felt clawed hands grab at him and push him forward. He felt himself falling and even as he tried to slow down his fall by spreading out his wings, the effort was torture. Below him was a neverending abyss with out direction or light. An endless void that knew no end.
Thump
This was as far as he would make it. No wind slowed his descent or lifted him.
Thump
That's when he hit a stone wall and shattered through it. Smaug was bathed in light and the wind had returned to bouy him up above his dungeon heart. The beating heart pounding just like his own, a steady and reassuring rythm that reminded him of his formative years. Seeing Smaugs survival, the shadow creatures let out cries of distress and fled from his sight, leaving him alone with his new domain.

The first thing that Smaug desired was to: (Choose 2)
[] Summon Imps
-[] To Defend the Heart
-[] To Dig for Gold
[] Chase after those Shadows
[] Search for a Portal to the Underworld
[] Write-in
[] Attempt to Contact Keeper Overwraith
 
Smell of Lilacs
Smaug considered chasing after the strange creatures briefly but whatever they were, they posed little threat to him and as long as he remained near the Dungeon Heart to protect it, they would do no harm. At least that was the hope and so he decided to let the creature's existence lie for the the time being and called on the powers of darkness to bring forth a small bald green creature with buglike black eyes that appeared to be oversized for its face, wearing a dirty loincloth and wielding a small jagged pick in its hands.

Smaug had been secretly hoping he'd get super special imps but this one appeared to be terribly ordinary, though at least by the chittering he was picking up and the imp's mental imprint, it looked like it was going to be deliberately offensive as imps could sometimes be.

"Bring me Gold, lots and lots of gold." Smaug grinned as the imp took his challenge and then ran off, hopefully it would find lots of it quickly as Smaug was a Dark Drake and his bed had been of gold since before he was born. Being without it as he'd been forced to find a Dungeon Heart, had been draining for him, physically and mentally weakening him. That would soon end and now for him to test a very vain hope, and he pulled out a small medallion, created by the trolls and mentalists of Overwraith Industries, it had allowed Keeper Overwraith to speak with minions even in the heart of enemy territory held by the light and all of its sensors. It's power had wained however after things had become desperate enough for his mother to enact a decades old scheme to become not just a goddess in name but one in actuality. When the ritual was completed however, all of her hearts went dark, her minion bond was broken, and there had been no word from her since. His mother dead, Smaug had:

[] Blamed the Unraveler Gain Trait: Heretic
[] Blamed the High Priestess Gain Trait: Justice
[] Blamed Himself Gain Trait: Broken
[] Blamed Mother Gain Trait: Family Division

Most of the underwold viewed her hubris as foolishness and both the surface and rival keepers took this opportunity to decimate the once tainted penninsula of Davos Hieghts, the Island of Ink, and the Craters of Devestation, and where the light had prevailed they had begun the lengthy process of purification. The war had been bloody and brutal and Smaug still was not sure of who had survived that mess, still he had clung to his medallion in the thin hope that he might be able to reconnect with any of the other talented survivors that still considered his Mother a worthy Keeper and would join with him. Using the bond to the Dungeon Heart to power the amulet, Smaug spoke, "I am Keeper Smaug, Son of the Overwraith, Devourer of Lords, The Sleeping Death. The Dungeon Heart is mine, join me and get much meat and gold."

Smaug listened for any response but he heard nothing, not with his ears or with his head. No one was going to respond it appeared still, even going to this length, and he was about to throw the amulet away, when he smelled fresh flowers, a fragrant orchard of scents that reminded him of flights over a land that the weak could become forever lost in.
Gain Favor from ?????? +10
Eventually the scent disappeared as quickly as it had come and considering it still a failed venture, Smaug decided to:

[] Toss it into the heart where it could be converted to treasure
[] Hold on to the memento

With nothing better to do, Smaug continued to summon more imps until he hit his limit at nine of them and had them search for Gold to bring to him. As the day ended they had proven successful and were able to bring enough gold to surround half his dungeon heart in one day. Smaug happy with his wealth decided that it was time to start building his dungeon further with this much gold to start with.

[] As a maze of looping paths and tunnels that would make it easy for even the casual resident to become lost in.
[] As a Fortress of progressing layers with the first rooms close to the heart and later rooms further out.
[] Write-in

That decision made Smaug next determined what he should do the following at this point:
(Choose 2)
[] Hunt for the Shadows
[] Search for a Portal to the Underworld
[] Explore the Mountains further
[] Explore the Cave system
[] Fly over the nearest town

(Game Over if Winning Build Plan Exceeds Treasury)
Treasury: 530/1000
[] Hatchery lvl 1: (Cost: 300)
[] Lair lvl 1: (Cost: 300)
[] Training Room lvl 1: (Cost 500)
[] Library lvl 1: (Cost: 600)
[] Treasure Room lvl 1: (Cost: 50)
-[] Treasure Room lvl 2: (Cost: 150)
--[] Treasure Room lvl 3: (Cost: 450)
[] Workshop lvl 1: (Cost: 600)
[] Strong Doors lvl 1: (Cost: 100)
 
Vendetta Against the Light
(5/100 Critical Failure Tight Confines
A new day had arrived and the imps were still steadily bringing in Gold down the established pathways they'd created, claiming the territory and widening the narrow tunnels so that Keeper Smaug could traverse through his own dungeon. They were only able to travel so far however off the beaten path before they ran into more of those shadow creatures. Harassing them so that they couldn't look for any new veins of gold, sneaking up on them and killing them in the dark corners has made progress in the dungeon extremely slow as Smaug has to continually re-summon the imps and keep them grouped together in larger and larger bands the further out they move along the natural pathways of the dungeon towards the heart of the mountain. Smaug attempts to explore the caves by himself but his size is hampering to him to get into the pathways that his imps can get too. If he really wants to get to these Shadows and where they live he may have to possess the body of an imp if he wants to get into the depths these shadows are rising from.
(15/20 Respect the Dangerous Beast)
The shadows on the other hand at least seem to respect the areas that Smaug has claimed and refuse to cross into the areas that the imps have claimed. When the Dark Drake finds an area wide enough to go through to an unclaimed part of the underground the mocking laughter of the shadows still and within minutes their shadowy forms flee from his presence and ignore any requests he has to speak to him or for them to present themselves before him. Smaug bared his fang filled maw, it was not ideal but it should serve as a temporary measure at least and at least the gold coming in to the heart would remain standing. It appears that if Smaug wanted to get anywhere then he would have to rely on his imps to carve out new paths. A necessary plan in itself as Smaug's mind was filled with taking his hearts lowly location and using the building expertise of the Imps to construct a hard shell of a fortress for his enemies forces to gnaw on should they ever get to close combined with an expansive maze further out with vertical pits that would only be scalable with expert climbers, rope ladders, or teleporters. A hundred ideas flittered on the defenses he would construct to turn an army of thousands into the struggling hundreds that would fall to his legion of minions. He would start with protecting his heart and make defenses that none would take lightly.
Blamed the Light Gods: Trait Gained - Blinded by the Light
With his time exploring the caves being a complete bust, Smaug was forced to recall how his mother died struggling against her enemies. None being more persistant then the Light Gods, beings who professed their goodness in protecting the world from chaos and evil as if such things should not be allowed to flourish. They had killed the Second. They had imprisoned the First. They were deserving of his hate for crimes both ancient against his blood and present against his family. He would kill those gods that would stand against him and every one that dared claim them as their patrons. In the darkness, Smaug seethed, his potent breath coating the ground and rendering a passing imp unconcious. Smaug was able to calm down though as he saw another imp pass out as it tried to haul its fellow imp out of the way. Smaug once again looked at the Memento of another time that still lay around his neck, useless trinket that it was at least it gave him that nice smell and reminded him of a better time.

Feeling a regular growl from his stomach, Smaug decided now it was time that he took care of the necessities. Where to stick the gold and food. Having been raised in a dungeon for his whole life he knew that he could get those things by building a Hatchery and a Treasury Room. Blueprints were provided to him by the dungeon hearts link to him and had the imps partition areas in the large chamber he'd instructed them to construct around his heart. The gold was disappearing in green motes that floated off the piles and into the heart but the size of the gold pile did not diminish as the Imps restored the pile as fast as it was shrinking, in fact it was still able to grow a little. Standing near the area deemed his hatchery, he called up rickety chicken coops that let loose some thin looking chickens that stared dumbly at the dragon before them before pecking at the ground. Their disinterest proved no protection as Smaug feasted on the lean birds to his hearts content. They were not tasty but atleast they were filling. Next Smaug focused on the area which would be his treasury and which would serve as his resting place as it was only fitting that a Dark Drake of his stature nest in Gold. The walls were covered in a green wallpaper with images of spiders and insects in golden silk crawling along the borders and wooden pillars extended from various parts of the floor in a haphazard manner. Happy with the result and tired from all the work, Smaug returned to his heart to sleep and ponder his next move.

(Choose 2)
[] Have Imps Dig Down
[] Have Imps Dig Up
[] Have Imps Dig North
[] Have Imps Dig South
[] Have Imps Dig East
[] Have Imps Dig West
[] Search for a Portal to the Underworld
[] Explore the Mountains further
[] Fly over the nearest town

(Game Over if Winning Build Plan Exceeds Treasury)
Treasury: 560/4000
[] Hatchery lvl 2: (Cost: 900)
[] Lair lvl 1: (Cost: 300)
[] Training Room lvl 1: (Cost 500)
[] Library lvl 1: (Cost: 600)
[] Treasure Room lvl 3: (Cost: 450)
[] Workshop lvl 1: (Cost: 600)
[] Strong Doors lvl 1: (Cost: 100)
 
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Raise the Roof/Lower the Floor
Smaug ordered his imps to dig up and down and let them do their work. Carving staircases and tunneling in a spiral moving upwards there was some small success in finding minerals that could be added to the treasury and the areas that were opened up as they moved proved to be out of the way of the shadow creatures at the level Smaug's heart resided. In contrast the digging that went further down in to the depths of the mountain discovered multiple lodes of gold and gems that Smaug would be able to harvest for a long time. Even better his imps had managed to discover a portal to the Underworld. During his time with Keeper Overwraith, Smaug had learned that these crystals were relics created by one of the first Keepers. Creating a vast network that would aid in his fellows survival in what he believed was the grand war between the forces of the light and darkness that would end quickly. It is perhaps not surprising that as the war dragged on past its first century, other Keepers used his own network against him and the ability to create more gates was lost.
Portal found +700 income
With all the gold coming in, Smaug decided it was time to create a lair in the central chamber around his heart. The area remained barren but Smaug knew that it was possible for any minion that came in would be able to claim a small area and they would be provided with a rickety cot and threadbare blanket if they were human. Other species that chose a spot would find equally poor living condition though for some that mattered little compared to their living style they'd expect outside a dungeon with the common goblin. Finding the situation acceptable, Smaug also decided it was time to create some doors, he was unsure how effective it would be in stopping the shadow creatures out but it was worth finding out. Sticking the doors around his heart and around the furthest reaches of his dungeon so far, they were flimsy slabs of wood that looked like they could be broken down easily.

All in all another good day for the Dark Drake Keeper.

(Choose 2)
[] Have Imps Dig North
[] Have Imps Dig South
[] Have Imps Dig East
[] Have Imps Dig West
[] Explore the Mountains further
[] Fly over the nearest town
[] Activate the Portal
-[] Call for Minions
-[] Enter the Underwold
--[] For Information (on what?)
--[] To meet the local Underworld Lord

(Game Over if Winning Build Plan Exceeds Treasury)
Treasury: 1390/4000
[] Hatchery lvl 2: (Cost: 900)
[] Lair lvl 2: (Cost: 900)
[] Training Room lvl 1: (Cost 500)
[] Library lvl 1: (Cost: 600)
[] Treasure Room lvl 3: (Cost: 450)
[] Workshop lvl 1: (Cost: 600)
[] Strong Doors lvl 2: (Cost: 300)
 
O Unraveller Where Art Thou?
Smaug looked for another day in his dungeon and there were two things that were absolutely necessary for him to have the dungeon that he required. With the gold flowing in to his dungeon he reinforced the doors right away, their frailty replaced with thick wooden doors with iron bands around the edges. Smaug could still tear through them with relative ease though it would probably take some effort for a grown man with an axe to break through. The ability to lock these doors as well such that it would actually take someone with skill in lockpicks to open the things. Smaug still wasn't sure if they would be any deterrant to the shadow creatures but at least they would serve well should any other creature attempt to gain forceful entry in to his dungeon.

Secondly, he spent his time constructing his library, watching with enjoyment as bookcases lined the the back walls and began to fill with books that contained his knowledge in there. With his 14 years of training in a Keeper's Dungeon dedicated to the Unraveller of Mysteries, there were quite a few tomes that should serve as interesting to the magic practitioners and scholers of the Underworld. Still, in order to expand his library further Smaug would have to purchase books and study them the usual way. It would slow his growth in the matters of the Arcane and it confirmed to him that he did not have the blessing of the Unraveller in his dungeon. That his soul was in the hands of another Dark God.

Smaug was disquieted to be seperated from the God and Corruption of his birth and considered investigating ways to return back to that hallowed patronage but he was not familiar with the dealings of the Dark Gods to such an extant as to know where to begin such a task. Still it was possible that he might have read something on the matter, considering his upbringing, and searching through the stack of tomes might provide some clues. Smaug was also interested in the Keeper's ability to teleport, his Mother's skill with this ability had been legendary. Allowing her access that few others could have gained to hallowed and protected spaces that other keepers had called her a savant on the matter. Illana had tried to explain to him how she did it but he'd never understood before, not having the capability to teleport like her.
Gained Favor from *?????????* +10
With the dungeon more secure and one of the foundational rooms of his dungeon created, Smaug decided to determine how his imps were doing in expanding his dungeon to the North and South. It appeared to be a case of extremes as the Imps to the north struck no valuable viens of ore and in fact appear to have broken in to a series of caverns that are populated with a race of blue slimes that are attracted by light. They are slowly moving towards the claimed area of the tunnel and if not stopped may make it to your dungeon within a day's time. Smaug considered how to best deal with the creatures:

[] Place a door in their way
[] Collapse the Tunnel
[] Have the imps attack the Slimes
[] Attack the Slimes himself
-[] With Claws and Fangs
-[] With Breath

One the other claw, his Imps to the south had discovered a literal treasure trove of gold. Coins stamped with bearded faces, high quality weapons and armor that would fit a stocky profile, and large casks of a heady amber liquid were heaped around the a stone pillar covered in runes that defied Smaugs attempts at translation. With the influx of gold from the mines below his heart and this new treasure trove, Smaug was feeling much more comfortable with his situation and even found himself able to expand the number of imps he could run at a single time.Dwarven Tomb discovered Heirloom Armor and Axes Gained +900 Gold/income
(Choose 2)
[] Have Imps Dig East
[] Have Imps Dig West
[] Explore the Mountains further
[] Fly over the nearest town
[] Activate the Portal
-[] Call for Minions
-[] Enter the Underwold
--[] For Information (on what?)
--[] To meet the local Underworld Lord
[] Research in the Library
-[] Teleportation
-[] Changing Gods
-[] Dwarves
-[] Dwarven Text
-[] Shadow Creatures???
-[] Blue Slimes???
-[] Bedtime Stories
-[] Something Else (What?)

(Game Over if Winning Build Plan Exceeds Treasury)
Treasury: 2620/4000
[] Hatchery lvl 2: (Cost: 900)
[] Lair lvl 2: (Cost: 900)
[] Training Room lvl 1: (Cost 500)
[] Workshop lvl 1: (Cost: 600)
[] Library lvl 2: (Cost: 1800)
[] Treasure Room lvl 3: (Cost: 450)
-[] Treasure Room lvl 4: (Cost: 1350)
[] Strong Doors lvl 3: (Cost: 900)
 
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The Once and Broken King
Traveling all the way to the caverns would take to long before the slimes would find their way into the dungeon and so Smaug constructed doors at those areas that the Imps had broken in to the caverns. Watching their movements with his Keeper Sight, Smaug saw that the Slimes clustered around the doors, pushing themselves up against them and just resting there for all intents as they could make no further progress. It was galling to cut off his progression any further in that direction but it was a concern that quickly left him as the next day arrived and he directed his Imps to set out to start digging to the East.

Smaug marveled at the flow of wealth that was being discovered in this particular mountain was extraordinary. The mineral deposits below, the trove to the South and now the imp carved paths to the east were overflowing with ore that was nearly impossible for the young keeper to believe. As his treasure room filled up with enough gold almost to the point of overflowing his current treasury he knew that he needed to spend it lest it spill out in to the halls of his dungeon where any future minion might pick it up and claim it as their own. Growling at that distressing thought, the matter became of little concern as the Imps tunneling broke through to a large chamber, the walls made of onyx and diamond and sitting on a throne of Crystal with the sign of the Unravellar sat a young man wearing a crown that pierced his skull. He appeared ignorant of the imps not following them with his eyes but Smaug did not feel comfortable disturbing this place further with out greater thought on the matter. From his lessons on the Unraveller in his Mother's Dark Temple Smaug knew that this was one of the Caches of the Dark Gods. Powerful tools and weapons hidden till they might be used in just the right moment against the another Dark God or the Forces of Light. Such a discovery was a miracle to behold for the young drake and he looked upon the Broken King that resided here with awe.
Gain +1000 Income Discovered Cache of the Unraveller
In such good spirits Smaug decided that he would research the powers of Keeper Teleportation as the last thing he wanted was for him to test the skill and find himself teleporting in to a wall and killing himself. Researching in his library, Smaug discovered multiple texts that explained mental exercises to center himself and prepare for the transition that would occur when he used his link to the Dungeon Heart in such a manner. To Smaug's great pleasure he was also able to find a small leatherbound journal holding Illana's personal notes and thoughts as to the movement through space that even for Smaug's enhanced intellect mostly goes over his head but the few practical measures with in have him take a second look at what he was trying to accomplish. It was only to be expected he would pick up such difficult concepts after all he was his Mother's son.
+5 Favor from Diety ******** 24/20 Critical Success Trait Gained *Natural Teleporter*
Finally there was the matter of building his dungeon up to even greater levels so that when Smaug reached out to the Underworld they would not only side with him due to his reputation but also see that he was well established as well. Powering more gold into the Heart to increase the quality of his hatchery and lair, the chickens that wandered around their coop became plump with meat and the the lairs would now provide a solid wooden bed with a wool blanket to keep off the cold for those that served him. Smaug did not bother with a lair of his own so far as he far more enjoyed residing in the treasury room where the Imps would pile the weight of gold around him. It was comforting to him but he wanted to build one last thing before he called it a day and constructed a training room in another corner of the chamber that surrounded his Heart. The place was crude with sticks coming out of the ground with thin wooden shields and helmets positioned on them. Along the wall crude targets and bullseyes had been carved in though actually using them would probably break any weapon thrown at them at this stage.

(Choose 2)
[] Have Imps Dig West
[] Explore the Mountains further
[] Fly over the nearest town
[] Show off your ability to teleport to your imps
[] Approach the Broken King
-[] As a Powerful Keeper
-[] As a Humble Believer
[] Activate the Portal
-[] Call for Minions
-[] Enter the Underwold
--[] For Information (on what?)
--[] To meet the local Underworld Lord
[] Research in the Library
-[] Changing Gods
-[] Dwarves
-[] Dwarven Text
-[] Shadow Creatures???
-[] Blue Slimes???
-[] Bedtime Stories
-[] Broken King
-[] Something Else (What?)

(Game Over if Winning Build Plan Exceeds Treasury)
Treasury: 3450/4000
[] Hatchery lvl 3: (Cost: 1800)
[] Lair lvl 3: (Cost: 1800)
[] Training Room lvl 2: (Cost 1500)
[] Workshop lvl 1: (Cost: 600)
[] Library lvl 2: (Cost: 1800)
[] Treasure Room lvl 3: (Cost: 450)
-[] Treasure Room lvl 4: (Cost: 1350)
[] Strong Doors lvl 3: (Cost: 900)
 
Fun with Teleports
Smaug grinned as he called all his imps before him. They were chattering to each other but silenced themselves as he entered the main chamber, striding in with his head held high. Standing before them, Smaug posed for them, showing off his coiled strength and letting out a roar called on the bond with his heart to teleport behind the gathered imps. The imps watching with interest as the dragon began shedding a stream of black motes that leaked a black fog of smoke that obscured Smaug's position from the watching Imps eyes in a matter of seconds.
(24/20 Critical Success ************ Unlocked)
Smaug was surrounded in black smoke that obscured everything for a brief moment before reassembling, a pin hole of darkness opened and his form back in to the world right where he wanted to be. The imps were cowering as the smoke before them was sucked in to a pinhole of darkness, so focused on the action happening in front of them that they hadn't caught on that the dark drake was now behind them till Smaug gave one of the imps a little tap with his claws. Greatly restraining himself from splitting the imp in half, it still shrieked and called thier attention to him. Letting out a cry they all scattered, no longer compelled to remain in the room with him, and returned to thier work. Smaug laughed at their antics though he was interested to see that before one imp had fully escaped it was standing near the exit, frozen in thought. Smaug wondered what had happened when the little creature shook its head and fled with its fellows.
(23/20 Critical Success Broken King Revealed)
With his bit of fun managed Smaug decided to visit the Library to see if it might have information on what had been discovered in the Unraveller's Cache. Pouring over the religious texts of the Unraveller and histories of past conflicts eventually Smaug was able to piece together what he believed was the full capabilities of what sat so close to his dungeon heart. Perhaps a dangerous belief when dealing with anything connected to the Unraveller of Mysteries but at least he had that. Perhaps the most helpful text was the one that lay before him right now.

Day of the Split Moon - The battle against Keeper Ultear has now extended to its fifth year. We have shattered her hearts three times and thrown her in to the abyss she has deserved but she has not remained there. Always she has another heart, a sacrificial ally forced to take her place. She is charismatic and has gathered those that serve her not out of greed or fear but out of some misplaced devotion to her cause. Still I have hope that this time we have discovered her last heart, and so we have pushed forward quickly in hopes of avoiding any chance of providing her the time to construct any measure of escape. The dwarves have even provided an expedition to collapse any tunnels radiating from where we believe the central dungeon to be residing.

Day of the Torn Hare - Our countermeasures are proving effective against Keeper Ultear, he has lost most of his minions and our spies report the underworld cities refuse to provide any more support. This Siege is a bitter drain on our resources but this news brings hope to all the members of command. A dungeon is no place to charge into like mad, lest we put our hand in and remove it only to find our whole arm become missing. We must continue the pressure until this heart cracks like a nut before our overwhelming might.

Day of the Dark Moon - The job is nearly done and we believe that Keeper Ultear has lost his last leg of support. High Priest Eli has informed me that the pall of corrupting madness has lost whatever elements contained it from growing stronger and spreading. A victory of our last skirmish and proving that Ultear is surviving on borrowed time. Ultear has made diplomatic overtures asking for protection in return for revealing the location and capabilities of other Keepers but such words from a vile snake can't be trusted.

Day of the Dark Moon - It is done Ultear is dead. His heart shattered and hopefully his name never to be spoken again. It was odd though, soldiers report that on his head was a crown of crystal that peirced his flesh and despite being a mystic keeper, his ability with the sword was so great that he fought Prince Hycinth to a standstill. If not for the power of High Abbot Gon he might have won that fight. Still I rest easy knowing that the Sweet Berry Lands will not be further threatened by such a malicious Keeper.

Day of the Proud Standard - Something is wrong, Prince Hycinth has barred the church from appearing in his lands anymore. Rumors abound that he has sent his soldiers to pull the the faithful in their home and marched them into the darkness where they are never heard from again. I have returned to this land to verify the truth of these rumors and found the abbeys abandoned where they are not burned to the ground. A black market of the blackest magics and curses that I would not expect out of one of the cities of the Underworld has found its way to the surface. It's entryways guarded by the royal guard.

Day of the Maiden's Tears - I have made my way to the capital and I am filled with horror as I see cultists of the Unraveller walk unhindered through the streets in broad daylight. The people showing them deference, even as they go to private gatherings voluntarily in hopes to join their ranks. I have gone to the audience plaza and seen Prince Hycinth speaking to the people, a crown of crystal now grows from his head, similar to the one that was reported of Keeper Ultear. I have sent my reports to the Church and they will cleanse this land. I must do my part to remove the source at the top.

Day of Screaming Oak - I have been so blind, Prince Hycinth has opened my eyes to the truth. The Gods of Light are the enemy. Why couldn't I see that before? I must have been mad before but now I am clear. I shall hunt them all and free them of their lives. There are 1431 people living in the village across the border, I wonder how many ways I can come up with to kill them? I must find out, for the Prince.

The following entries are a clinical presentation of details and methods and targets.
Broken King: Melee Attack: Exceptional, Defense: Exceptional, Speed: High Special: More Suitable Host, Cutting Blade, Maddening Speech
Smaug grimaced, it was but one of many counts but the constant theme held through that those that killed a Broken King became the new host for a Broken King and would use their new position to serve the interests of the Unraveller. Useful tools, it appeared the Unraveller only used them when she felt she might get at least a Prince out of the deal and claim one of the Surface Kingdoms. The only example of someone killing a Broken King and not becoming the Unraveller's pawn within a period of months is when the Avatar fought one during the 38th Dark Crusade.

Smaug grinned as he continued to expand his library, the stacks becoming more opulent and while the shelves were currently bare of any additional knowledge, Smaug knew that this should have given him something more but whatever is supposed to trigger with the change isn't currently in effect. Shrugging he decided to expand his treasure room, and was relieved as more room opened up for all the gold that was flowing in, sheltered under flowering trees with the walls coated with bejeweled spiders spinning golden threads. Smaug felt quite comfortable in the room surrounded by the Gold and Greenery even if it wasn't the purples that he'd grown up with in his Mother's Dungeon. Finally in the Main Chamber surrounding his heart he constructed his workshop, provided with bellows, anvil and several benches filled with tools, the forges along the back wall remained dark as there was no one to currently tend to them. The foundational rooms built, Smaug felt the heart surge with power and access to other rooms entered his mind.

(Choose 3)
[] Have Imps Dig West
[] Explore the Mountains further
[] Fly over the nearest town
[] Seal the Broken King
[] Approach the Broken King
-[] As a Powerful Keeper
-[] As a Humble Believer
[] Activate the Portal
-[] Call for Minions
-[] Enter the Underwold
--[] For Information (on what?)
--[] To meet the local Underworld Lord
[] Research in the Library
-[] Changing Gods
-[] Dwarves
-[] Dwarven Text
-[] Shadow Creatures???
-[] Blue Slimes???
-[] Bedtime Stories
-[] Something Else (What?)

(Game Over if Winning Build Plan Exceeds Treasury)
Treasury: 3730/10000
[] Hatchery lvl 3: (Cost: 1800)
[] Lair lvl 3: (Cost: 1800)
[] Training Room lvl 2: (Cost 1500)
[] Workshop lvl 2: (Cost: 1800)
[] Library lvl 3: (Cost: 5400)
[] Torture Chamber lvl 1: (Cost: 1500)
[] Prison lvl 1: (Cost: 750)
[] Casino lvl 1: (Cost: 750)
[] Dark Temple lvl 1: (Requires active worship of a Dark God) Cost:????
[] Treasure Room lvl 4: (Cost: 1350)
[] Strong Doors lvl 3: (Cost: 900)
 
Minions Wanted
Considering how dangerous the Broken King was, Smaug decided that it would be best if he didn't make contact with it but rather had his imps collapse the earth around the entry. For added measure he had the imps carve the mark of the Unraveller of Mysteries in the freshly moved soil. It was probably for the best considerin that his mother had told him of another time she had entered a Dark God's cache and had been sent to the abyss for her foolishness. There was no garauntee that the same wouldn't happen to him or even worse should he be in the same chamber as that Godly Monster. Still Smaug couldn't help but feel like he was trying to put together a cracked egg.

With that task completed, Smaug noticed that any imp he sent to the west to dig was not coming back with any gold. In fact the imps were not coming back at all. Calling on his Sight of Evil to view his area of claimed territory he was able to determine that the imp's efforts had cracked in to the natural cave system of the Mountain. The shadows were twitching at the exposed edges of Smaug's vision, clawing at the walls and ground and breaking the tiles in the earth itself. Not wanting to lose even more ground to these creatures, Smaug threw up a door like he had done in every previous incursion and he can see them clawing at the door, the wood splintered and cracked and Smaug feared he might have to take more drastic measures but the scraping had stopped. Their anger at Smaug's invasion in to their tunnels spent for now. As fierce as the shadows attack had been, it had distracted Smaug from realizing the door to the North was also breached as the blue slimes had absorbed the wood from the within the door's iron frame, and were slowly making their ponderous way forward down the tunnel and devouring the torches. At their current pace Smaug believed the slime would reach the main chamber within the next day if nothing was done about it, still the last door had delayed them and more doors summoned in thier way should be enough to buy the new Keeper more time but it was clear that he could not ignore either issue for much longer. Luckily this was coinciding with his desire to populate his dungeon with suitable minions.

Make some last minute changes before sending out the call, should make his dungeon even more attractive and so that's why he decided to upgrade his Training Room, the dummies gaining heavier shields and helms grafted on with the ability to rotate when given a strong enough blow. Proper targets hung on the wall with pictures of bullseyes and various silhouttes of people and monsters painted on. In another area of the chamber Smaug constructed his prison, at its current level it would only hold a few souls and the drain on them would be so great that they would not last long within its bars. Finally he took the last unoccupied section of the dungeon's main chamber and placed his casino there. A few tables were conjured into being with decks of cards and dice with a giant lockbox where the losers would drop their losings in and possibly recover should they ever hit the jackpot. A situation that was:

[] Likely (+Bonus to Morale)
[] Not going to happen (+Bonus to Income)

With that settled Smaug activated the Portal to the Underworld and sent forth the call for minions. Eagerly displaying the capabilities of his dungeon, advertising the strength of his heart and then he waited for the response back. He was grateful to see that he did not have to wait long for the flood of bodies that eagerly wanted to connect themselves with the Son of Overwraith and his Dungeon. Not in any great number but all the various groups was impressive to the young drake.

Treasury: 3840/10000
[] 10 Warlocks are eager to delve the secrets of Smaug's dungeon in hopes of recovering some hints of the discoveries of Keeper Overwraith at the price of 250 G
[] Always eager to join a dungeon as soon as it opens, 25 Goblins have banded together and ask to join your ranks for 200 G
[] 5 Orcs wish to wrestle with the Dark Drake and compete for the right to lead Smaug's armies for 175 G
[] 4 Trolls are interested are working with the ores that are persistant in the mountain's of Griffon's Aerie for 175 G
[] 3 Giant Flies will serve as scouts for Smaug and be his eyes for hundreds of miles around his dungeon for 15 G
[] 10 Beetles are interested in working in the workshop where they are skilled in the making of fine cloth and leather for 50 G
[] 5 Rogues like the look of the casino and the depth of the treasury and feel they could get places Smaug could not with out them for 100 G
[] 4 Skeletons were released from service by their former master and seek someone to claim them before their ability to move ceases for 80 G
[] 5 Hivebearers wish to set up a colony on the surface above and provide assistance in cultivating a breed of wasp that survives in cold weather environments for 200 G
[] 1 Salamander wants to bath in lava and and fight for 25 G
[] 10 R.O.U.S. wish to make dens and feast on the flesh of the fallen 45 G
[] 6 Giant Spiders, skilled in creating strong webs and filled with poison they will serve for 70 G
[] 1 Shambling Horror served with Keeper Overwraith and wishes to attach his service to her son 200 G
[] 1 Necromancer wishes to learn of the powers of life and death and will even share his knowledge for 100 G
[] 2 Ogres want combat with the dwarves and wish to be paid 300 G
[] 2 Priests of the Unraveller have approached Keeper Smaug and wish him to renew his faith and enlist them for 200 G
[] 2 Priests of Azzathra have heard rumor of Smaug's prowess in combat and of his many victories and wish him to join with the God of Might for 250 G
[] 2 Priests of Murdrul are intrigued by the great amount of wealth he has pulled from this mountain and wish to impart the blessing of their God for 400 G
[] 2 Priests of the Vermin Lord wish Smaug to make amends for her Mother's Offenses against the Vermin Lord and pledge fealty and 100 G
 
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Minions Hired
Smaug was pleased to see all the minions available to him but he had no desire to hire them all. Some of those that had applied, their service would mean messy entanglements that he dare not involve himself with at this time. He was of course thinking of the many priests from the various gods that had appeared. While he was flattered by the Dark Gods interest, if he had chosen one of them it would have been sure to him creating enemies. Far better for him to dismiss that whole lot so they might all be kept guessing where his true loyalties lie and granting him more time to gather his strength.

Smaug felt like he had enough enemies without so blatently painting a target on his back.

Still despite not pledging himself, Smaug felt no issues in hiring several minions that would claim or fall under the other Dark Gods then would be expected of him. Further muddying the waters he would even include the services of those that had not even bothered sending their clergy to him. Yes, Smaug patted himself on the back with his tail, it was perfect.

First up were the Goblins, a filthy bunch dressed in rags they were weak and cowardly but with this group they should atleast feel comfortable against any hikers that might pass through the area and even if they were discovered the warrens of goblins were common enough above and below that their presence would draw no serious attention if they were discovered in their current state. Not that Smaug would ever consider letting them be so worthless if they manage to survive in his service. Wielding an assortment of clubs, knives, and forks they looked like an unruly mob.

Next were the Orcs, large as a man and wearing a dirty loincloth, they were capable fighters and Smaug looked forward to demonstrating just how outmatched they were, thinking that they could possibly take him on was laughable. Their iron swords barely were worthy of the name, still they bore scars from previous fights.

The warlocks were an oily bunch, dressed in their fancy robes and holding their staves, Smaug didn't anyone of them could muster the magical might to pass his protections. Still their ability to research and discover the mysteries of this world could not be ignored. They assured him that they were at least capable of casting the basic fireball spell should he require it.

The trolls were a surly lot, eager to prove themselves against the dwarves in the area and upon discovering that Smaug had even recovered some prized pieces from the tomb asked for permission to dismantle them in order to discover some of their secrets if they could.

The power over Life and Death had always intrigued Smaug, and so he saw no reason not to take advantage of the Necromancer's offer. The ability to turn even the fallen dead in to useful tools, reminded Smaug of his mother's methods that every thing of value should be taken and used to its fullest measure.
Gained +10 Favor from ************
Smaug was also interested in what exactly the Beetles might be able to provide in his service, he had seen the work of trolls often but their claims had intrigued him and he could not deny the fact that their relative cheapness had not motivated him a little bit.
Gained +5 Favor from **********
The Salamander's desire to live in these mountains and plumb its depths for lava is in line with Smaug's own, though he considers that bathing his enemies in lava would be a far more productive use of the dangerous earthfire, he feels that the Salamander's natural talents should make it easier to discover such veins.
Ganed +5 Favor from **************
Lastly, in a fit of nostalgia and hoping to reconnect with the monster that had served as guardian to Nevermeadow Haven and occasional playground for the town children, Smaug accepted the giant of moss, roots, and branches in to his mountain lair. The environment was exactly fitting for such a creature but Smaug didn't wish to turn away such help when it was being offered to him.
Gained +10 Favor from ********
Smaug was glad to see that he had expanded his dungeon enough that each of his new hires was able to claim some ground and be provided with comfortable bedding and food. The goblins ignored most of that as their first stop was to the dungeon's casino to play with the cards.

Now that Smaug had all these minions he needed to decide what he would have them do.
Still there was time enough for them to get situated at least and he needed to rest for the new day was coming.

(Choose 3)
[] Have Goblins Explore the Mountains further
[] Attack the Slimes
[] Attack the Shadows
[] Training Room for the Orcs, Goblins, Trolls, Salamander, and Beetles
[] Workshop Time with the Beetles and Trolls
[] Appoint Warlock Head of Research
[] Appoint Necromancer Head of Research
[] Training Room for Warlocks and Necromancers
[] Fly over the nearest town
[] Enter the Underwold
-[] For Information (on what?)
-[] To meet the local Underworld Lord
[] Research in the Library
-[] Changing Gods
-[] Dwarves
-[] Dwarven Text
-[] Shadow Creatures???
-[] Blue Slimes???
-[] Bedtime Stories
-[] Something Else (What?)

(Game Over if Winning Build Plan Exceeds Treasury)
Treasury: 2665/10000
[] Hatchery lvl 3: (Cost: 1800)
[] Lair lvl 3: (Cost: 1800)
[] Training Room lvl 3: (Cost 4500)
[] Workshop lvl 2: (Cost: 1800)
[] Library lvl 3: (Cost: 5400)
[] Torture Chamber lvl 1: (Cost: 1500)
[] Prison lvl 2: (Cost: 2250)
[] Casino lvl 2: (Cost: 2250)
[] Dark Temple lvl 1: (Requires active worship of a Dark God) Cost:????
[] Treasure Room lvl 4: (Cost: 1350)
[] Strong Doors lvl 3: (Cost: 900)
 
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