Dungeon Master (Walkthrough)
DUNGEON MASTER
1 Introduction, Mapping, Balance, Hall of Champions
2 Levels 2 and 3
3 Levels 4 and 5
4 Levels 6 and 7
5 Levels 8 and 9
6 Levels 10 and 11
7 Levels 12 through 14
8 Spells and Items
DUNGEON MASTER: Part 1
INTRODUCTION
From the Chronicles of Theron
Now that the Grey Lord has been restored, he has asked me to document the means we used to defeat Lord Chaos. It is our hope that others who read this tale may gain the wisdom that would be sorely needed should the menace of Chaos ever return. Since one never knows which scraps of information will prove most valuable to others, I will attempt to cover as many details of our adventure as possible. In addition to describing the monsters we faced and the mysteries that were solved, I am also including general information on the items we found, as well as the spells that were discovered.
Before recounting the events that transpired in the dungeon, I will cover some general areas of importance. These are topics that proved to be significant -- not in specific instances so much as they were keys to the group's success throughout their ordeal.
MAPPING
As the party progressed, they made a painstakingly detailed map of each level of the dungeon. Making this map was extremely difficult due to the twisted nature of the mazes. There were illusionary walls that could only be discovered by walking into them, as well as sections of wall that would disappear after we activated the proper mechanisms. There were dozens of devices that served to trigger various traps or other hidden mechanisms. The group quickly learned that virtually every section of wall and floor would need to be examined in order to successfully explore the dungeon. Whenever a new item, trap, or device was found, the location was marked on the map. This map constantly served as a guide through the labyrinth and saved their lives many times. Any individual embarking on a similar venture would be advised to make a similar map of their own surroundings.
BALANCE
Perhaps the most basic concept in all of this world is that of balance. Only those who have achieved balance are truly whole. The Grey Lord's lack of balance nearly destroyed the world. Only by seeking balance were the champions who undertook this quest able to gain the power to overcome Chaos. Each individual needed to advance in the four classes: Fighter, Ninja, Priest, and Wizard. Only a champion skilled in all these areas realized his true potential. If one advanced only as a Fighter, for example, he would soon find that by ignoring the other three skills, he had made himself a much weaker warrior than he might have been. Such a man will find that the dexterity and health he gains when he progresses as a Ninja will aid him greatly.
There are also times when force of arms is not sufficient and the spells of a Wizard are needed. Likewise, an aspiring Wizard will find great comfort in the added strength and vitality that advancement as a Fighter will grant him, as well as the healing powers of priesthood. True understanding only comes to one who ceases to think of himself as a Fighter or Priest and who wishes to augment his abilities with powerful champion, indeed.
Once a champion has chosen to strive for balance he must learn how to attain it. Gothmog, Hissssa, Leif, and Sonja provide outstanding examples of people who did what needed to be done in order to succeed. These four individuals came together to form a team. The needs or wants of each was made secondary to the needs of the group. If Leif and Hissssa were up front doing the hand-to-hand fighting, Gothmog and Sonja would throw darts, shoot arrows, or cast spells to soften the enemy. The party used many methods to help them achieve balance; the more basic ones are described below.
The easiest class to maintain balance in was that of Fighter. When one of the front line members would advance a level as a Fighter, that person would immediately trade places with one of the members in the back row. In this way, no member would be more than one level higher than the others. Spellcasting was also relatively easy in which to achieve balance. Each member constantly practiced spellcasting, even as they walked through the halls of the dungeon. In the beginning, two members practiced Priest spells while the other two practiced Wizard spells. When a person advanced a level in one of these skills, he would immediately switch to the other class.
Spellcasting is such an intricate task that the group quickly learned to practice spells whenever the mana was available even if it meant "wasting" attack spells on the dungeon walls. The champion who had the most difficult time advancing as a spellcaster was Sonja. She carried only a minimal amount of mana at the time of her reincarnation. Because of her exceptionally low mana, virtually all of even the most simple spells were denied her. Through experimentation, she did learn that she was able to invoke the syllables LO-YA if she rested between syllables. By attempting to cast this spell over and over, she eventually gained some small skill as a Priest.
Through continued perseverance, Sonja became as powerful a spellcaster as any champion in the group. While it seemed almost obsessive, this practice was well rewarded. Each of the four champions grew quite powerful both as Wizards and Priests. This power served the team well when it encountered the monstrosities in the lower levels of the dungeon. Healing potions were consumed in great quantity, and the powerful attack spells they rained upon their opponents saved them on several occasions.
The most difficult skill to continue advancing in was the path of the Ninja. During combat, the two members in the rear would shoot arrows or throw objects. As time went on, however, missile combat alone was not enough to provide sufficient practice to advance at the same pace as the group was progressing in the other skills. Against weaker opponents, the champions on the front line would sheathe their swords and fight barehanded to hone their Ninja skills. Since this practice was not advisable against many opponents, the party was forced to engage in training sessions to gain enough practice in the Ninja skill.
To begin a training session, the party would find an area that was relatively safe from surprise attacks. The sessions were essentially a lengthy mock combat. The group would begin by practicing spells until each member had exhausted their mana. While the group was waiting to recover mana, the members would begin throwing objects against a nearby wall (to practice Ninja skills) or swinging a weapon through the air (to practice Fighter skills) until the mana was fully restored. They seemed to learn more slowly from this type of practice than from actual combat, but they did progress. The group would repeat this cycle until the members felt they had learned enough. These training sessions tended to be somewhat lengthy and the party always made certain that there was plenty of food and water on hand before beginning.
LEVEL ONE
With the words of Lord Librasulus still ringing in my ears, I proceeded into the dungeon. The burden of choosing which champions would live again was a heavy one. After studying each of the individuals enshrined in the Hall of Champions, I began to form some opinions on which champions would prove most able to complete the quest. Halk looked to be a powerful warrior but his complete lack of mana meant that he would be far too limited to be of any real help. Tiggy was the exact opposite of Halk. Tiggy had outstanding potential as a Wizard and Priest but was so weak physically that I knew another champion would be better suited to the task ahead.
After eliminating those champions that were essentially one-dimensional, there were many that still looked promising. After much deliberation, the four champions were finally selected.
Hissssa was chosen because he possessed the greatest physical strength and showed sufficient potential in other areas as well.
Sonja was selected for her strength as well as outstanding overall balance in her other attributes. Sonja's very low mana almost dissuaded me from selecting her; however, through constant practice I knew that she could quickly match the others in spellcasting ability.
Gothmog was selected for his resistance to spells in addition to his overall attributes in the other areas.
Finally, Leif was not outstanding in any one category but was well above average in all of them. This balance made him well suited to contribute to any needs the party might have.
For those who may be interested in the champions that rested in the hall, I have compiled the following list. While the champions I selected proved their worth admirably, there were many legendary figures in the hall that might have served equally well.
LEVEL
NAME H S M St D W V AM AF F N P W ITEMS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex 50 57 13 44 55 45 40 35 40 0 3 0 2 Leather Pants and Jerkin, Boots, Sling
Azizi 61 77 7 47 48 42 45 30 35 2 3 0 0 Barbarian Hide, Halter, Hide Shield, 2 Daggers
Boris 35 65 28 35 45 55 40 45 40 0 2 0 3 Leather Boots and Pants, Tunic, Rabbit's Foot
Chani 47 67 20 37 47 57 37 47 37 2 0 0 3 Moonstone, Shirt, Sandals
Daroou 100 65 6 50 30 35 45 30 45 3 0 0 1 None
Elija 60 58 22 42 40 42 36 53 40 2 0 3 0 Magic Box, Robe, Sandals
Gando 39 63 26 39 45 47 33 48 43 0 3 0 2 Leather Pants and Jerkin, Boots, 2 Poison Darts
Gothmog 60 55 18 40 43 48 34 50 59 0 0 0 4 Cloak of Night
Halk 90 75 0 55 43 30 46 38 48 4 0 0 0 Berserker Helm, Sandals, Barbarian Hide, Club
Hawk 70 85 10 45 35 38 55 35 35 2 0 3 0 Leather Pants and Jerkin, Suede Boots, 2 Arrows
Hissssa 80 61 5 58 48 35 35 43 55 3 2 0 0 None
Iaido 48 65 11 43 55 40 35 45 50 3 0 2 0 Samurai Sword, Ghi, Ghi Trousers
Leif 75 70 7 46 40 39 50 45 45 3 0 2 0 Leather Jerkin and Boots Leather Pants
Leyla 48 60 3 40 53 45 47 45 35 0 4 0 0 Leather Pants and Boots, Silk Shirt, Rope
Linflas 65 50 12 45 45 47 35 50 35 3 0 0 2 Elven Boots and Doublet Elven Huke, Bow
Mophus 55 55 19 42 35 40 48 40 45 0 0 4 0 Sandals, Robe, Apple, Cheese, Bread
Nabi 55 65 15 41 36 45 45 55 55 0 0 3 2 Tunic, Pants, Sandals, Staff
Sonja 65 70 2 54 45 39 49 40 40 4 0 0 0 Halter, Gunna, Choker, Sandals, Sword
Stamm 75 80 0 52 43 35 50 35 55 4 0 0 0 Leather Pants, Tunic, Axe, Suede Boots
Syra 53 72 15 38 35 43 45 42 40 0 0 2 3 Elven Doublet, Tabard, Apple
Tiggy 25 45 36 30 45 50 35 59 40 0 2 0 3 Gunna, Kirtle, Sandals, Wand
Wu Tse 45 47 20 38 35 53 45 47 40 0 2 3 0 Silk Shirt, 3 Throwing Stars, Sandals, Tabard
Wuuf 40 50 30 33 57 45 40 35 40 0 3 2 0 Leather Jerkin, Flask
Zed 60 60 10 40 40 40 50 40 40 2 2 2 2 Mail Aketon, Hosen, Pants, Torch
The key to the above table is as follows: H=Health, S=Stamina, M=Mana, St=Strength, D=Dexterity, W=Wisdom, V=Vitality, AM=Anti-Magic, AF=Anti-Fire, F=Fighter, N=Ninja, P=Priest, W=Wizard.
Levels of Advancement:
1 - Neophyte
2 - Novice
3 - Apprentice
4 - Journeyman
5 - Craftsman
6 - Artisan
7 - Adept
8 - Expert
9 - LO Master
10 - UM Master
11 - ON Master
12 - EE Master
13 - PAL Master
14 - MON Master
15 - Arch Master
Having decided which champions would pursue our goals, I was now faced with the choice of how to revive them. Resurrection had the advantage of allowing the heroes to retain their prior knowledge and experience, thereby making the group more powerful at the beginning of the quest. Reincarnation, on the other hand, had two significant advantages. First, the attributes of each champion are raised at the time of reincarnation to compensate for the loss of experience. Second, as the heroes regain their prior levels of experience, their health, mana, and other attributes will continue to rise. The net result is that in a short period of time not only will a reincarnated champion regain his prior level experience, but he will be far more powerful overall than if he had simply been resurrected. The choice seemed clear. While resurrection would serve the party well initially, only reincarnation would allow the group to realize its full potential in the long run.
Having settled on a definite course of action, I immediately reincarnated the party. It quickly became obvious that the group was oblivious to my presence. Since they had lost all memory of their prior lives, there was a great deal of confusion at first. Desperate to get the expedition moving toward its goal, I attempted to tell Gothmog what needed to be done. I failed to communicate directly but I somehow managed to project a few fragmented images directly into his mind. While the message was very confused, he did manage to pick up the two most important elements of the quest. He explained his sudden vision to the group and related to them the need to recover the Firestaff and warned of the menace of Lord Chaos. The others interpreted his vision as an omen and promptly named him leader of the expedition.
Upon settling things in the Hall of Champions the group stepped on a pressure plate that opened an iron gate. Beyond the gate they found several pieces of food and an Altar of Vi. If one of the champions were killed, placing his bones on the altar would serve to resurrect him, although the revived champion would find himself somewhat weaker than before his death. No foes were found on this floor so the group was free to explore the area quickly. Having accomplished this, the party descended the stairs, little imagining the terrors awaiting them below.
DUNGEON MASTER: Part 2
LEVEL TWO
As the party descended the stairs, they could see nothing but darkness ahead. The gloom before them was completely impenetrable. After a moment Hissssa began to light the torch we had found upstairs. Upon seeing this, Gothmog advised Hissssa to extinguish his torch. The others cried out in dismay until Gothmog explained to them that they should use the information on the scroll they had found upstairs. After all, the group possessed only one torch, had no way of knowing if they would find any additional ones, and it was certainly doubtful that there would be enough brands to see the group safely through the entire dungeon. Further, Gothmog argued, casting the magic torch spells would help the party begin to learn the art of Wizardry. Since such power would doubtless come in handy, the sooner they started the better. The others immediately saw the wisdom of his arguments and acquiesced.
The first area explored was that to the right of the stairway. Almost immediately the group noticed two things. The first was a club lying in front of an iron gate. Since only Sonja had been armed at this point, Hissssa felt much more confident now that he had a weapon in hand. Unfortunately, they also saw that there was a mummy waiting for them on the other side of that same gate. The sight of the gruesome creature filled the group with a feeling of dread and loathing. Despite their obvious fear, Sonja opened the gate and the party immediately attacked. The battle was brief but furious. The mummy groped for Hissssa and staggered him with a powerful blow. Sonja hacked away at the undead thing with her sword; Hissssa quickly recovered his balance and began battering it with his newfound club. As the two warriors pressed the attack, it soon became apparent that the mummy was no match for them. Suddenly, the mummy burst into a cloud of ash leaving all four champions momentarily dumbfounded.
As the ash settled to the floor, they realized that they had utterly destroyed the creature. Elated that they had emerged victorious from their first battle, the group let out a shout of exultation. Their jubilation was short lived as they heard their shouts echo through the lonely corridors beyond. As the four champions looked at each other, they all realized they had just alerted every creature within hundreds of yards of their presence. Feeling somewhat subdued by their folly, the party resolutely searched the area and found more weapons as well as food. As Hissssa removed a sword from its secret alcove, his confidence was bolstered still more. Not only had the party made its first kill, but now everyone in the group was armed. Buoyed by their new weapons as well as their successful initiation into battle, the champions left the area not only with higher morale but also a greater maturity.
The group found many apparently impassable doors as they wound their way through the maze. As they continued to explore and map the maze, they discovered the keys to these doors could be found in nearby areas. Through continued exploration and returning to these locked doors, the party eventually penetrated all of these passages. It was in this area that the party first encountered a creature that would prove to be very significant. The creature looked like a giant green mushroom and was known as a Screamer. When these monsters are killed, they disintegrate into a pile of edible screamer slices. These slices were an extremely useful supplement to the other food found as the champions traveled through the dungeon.
Shortly after passing through one door, the champions encountered a room 30'x30' that had a pressure plate on each of the 9 sections of floor. Beyond the room was a pair of iron gates. Stepping on each plate would activate one of the gates. The party took the following path through the room. Upon entering the room they stepped on the first pressure plate, then took a step backward, then stepped forward into the room once again. They then took a step to the right, then forward twice. Finally, they stepped to the left and then forward to exit.
"Step inside; take a ride." The party found a shimmering blue field near this message carved into the wall. Needless to say, all were skeptical about blindly following the instructions. Their fears were not eased when they threw a torch into the field only to have it disappear before their eyes. Unfortunately, the group was at an apparent dead end with a locked door nearby and no key to open it. It was clear if they wished to continue exploring, they would have to take a chance on the blue field. They could only pray that it would not prove to be some sort of lethal magic. Gathering their courage, the four champions joined hands and jumped into the field. They experienced great relief when they emerged on the other side of the teleportation field. The group picked up the torch they had thrown as well as a key and an apple. Since there was nothing else in the small room, they stepped into another blue field identical to the one that had sent them here. The group was not surprised to emerge back at the initial field. Using the key they had found, the party continued on its way.
After passing through the door, the party found a pressure plate and a pit shortly after that. When the group stepped on the pressure plate the pit closed. When the group stepped off the plate to continue, the pit immediately reopened. The group was briefly puzzled as to how to proceed. After a moment's thought, Gothmog removed a scroll from his pocket and set it down upon the plate. With the weight of an object resting on the plate, the pit remained closed and the party made its way safely past.
As the champions made their way through a hallway, they stepped on a pressure plate from which they could see writing on a wall ahead. However, the inscription disappeared when they stepped forward to read it. Remembering that they had found it necessary to leave items on two earlier pressure plates to open passageways, Leif suggested they drop an item on this one as well. As he suspected, they found that when they dropped a torch on the plate the writing remained on the wall when they stepped forward. They read the message there with some chagrin before retrieving their torch.
The party next entered a large room with several valuable items in it. While the exit door was closed, they found a large button that opened the way out. In their haste to leave, the group stepped on a pressure plate between the button and the exit. The exit door closed immediately when the plate was stepped on. The group pushed the button again and was careful to avoid the plate on the way out. The party next found a hallway with levers on each end. The way was cleared only by pulling both levers. Upon leaving this hallway, the group was faced with a hallway branching off into two different directions. Taking the path to the right, the champions made their way to a blue field identical to the one they had seen before. They stepped into it and were surprised that there was no apparent affect. On a hunch, Sonja tried dropping a dagger she was carrying. The dagger disappeared and a passage opened up nearby. As the group explored the newly opened area, they recovered the dagger as well as two other items that would prove to be very useful.
"This fountain accepts one wish." Gothmog was certain this riddle was some kind of trick. The answer seemed so obvious, he couldn't believe it was really true. Nevertheless, he dropped a copper coin into the fountain. The door immediately opened much to Gothmog's surprise and delight. As the group entered this new area they immediately passed a closed gate with a sword behind it. Passing on, they came to a room with a lever in the wall. Hissssa pulled the lever and the sound of a gate was heard by all. The party returned to the gate they had just passed to find it open. They entered and took the sword. They also found a lever on the wall near the sword. They pulled on the lever, but there was no apparent effect. Somewhat disappointed they returned to the room with the first lever. They were surprised to find that a section of wall had disappeared revealing a new passageway. Obviously, pulling the second lever had had an effect after all.
Once the party had gathered all the treasure in the vicinity, they journeyed on. They found that it was only a short way to the stairs leading to the next dungeon level. The group made it to the stairs without major incident and prepared to descend.
LEVEL THREE
Each of the four champions felt a surge of pride as they descended the stairs into this new level. Leaving behind the prior level gave the party a sense of real progress and accomplishment. The group found a long hallway waiting for them at the foot of the stairs. After taking several steps down the hallway, they found a small button on the wall to their left. When they pushed the button, a nearby section of wall disappeared revealing a passageway beyond. In this passage were numerous food items as well as armor. In addition, there was a blinking blue field at the end of the hall. The party tried to walk through it but they were instantly teleported back up the hallway.
Moving more cautiously this time, they approached the field again. This time they watched the field blink in and out of existence until they had a sense of its timing. Waiting for the perfect moment, they rushed forward and passed through the area of the field before it could reappear. In the space beyond they found a compass that proved to be of tremendous value in navigating the dungeon corridors as well as mapping them.
CHAMBERS OF THE GUARDIAN
After entering this area, the group encountered an unfamiliar monster that appeared to be living rock. This rock monster was very resistant to their weapons and inflicted poisonous wounds with its bite. The party patiently whittled away at the monster while drinking healing potions. When the two healing potions on hand were both consumed, Hissssa created more so Gothmog and Leif could continue to press the attack. When the fight was over, they quickly drank an antidote to the creature's poison and continued.
The group discovered a long hallway with many closed gates. Behind one gate was a chest. The party pressed a button on the wall in an effort to open the gate and claim the chest. To their surprise the chest disappeared in a flash of blue. They quickly discovered that the chest had reappeared behind another gate. Pushing the button to the left of this gate caused the chest to disappear a second time. The group continued this process and the chest disappeared several times before finally appearing at the end of the hallway. The group found a mirror in the chest. They held this mirror up to the "eye" on the north wall of the hallway. This opened up a new area in which they found one of the keys needed to leave this level.
THE VAULT: CAST YOUR INFLUENCE, CAST YOUR MIGHT
This was a two step puzzle. To cast influence, Leif threw a ZO spell at the gate ahead. To cast might, Hissssa threw a torch in the same direction. The torch landed on a pressure plate that closed the pit and the party was free to continue. They immediately found a silver coin in a small alcove. When Sonja took the coin, the door leading further in closed immediately. She tried placing a torch into the alcove and the door reopened. With the way cleared, the group delved further into the area and found a chest with some coins and a magical box. Gothmog took one of the copper coins and inserted it into a slot on the wall. A new passage appeared and they discovered a button on the wall inside. Pushing the button opened up a second secret area to the southeast. In this new area they found several useful items including the second key that would help them leave this level.
THE MATRIX
This area was a peculiar maze that held many areas which would magically "spin" the party to face a different direction than they previously had been. While this confused the party immensely, Gothmog eventually managed to map out a path through all of these "spinners." The group found an arrow directly to the south upon entering the maze. They proceeded south and discovered an illusionary wall hiding some food and a shield. Since there were no "spinners" along the east wall, retrieving these items proved to be a simple task. The party returned to the maze entrance and prepared to explore its remaining areas. After considerable experimentation, they finally found the following safe path through the maze. First, they took two steps north from the maze entrance. They then proceed to the west six paces where they found some food. From there, they went four steps south and entered an alcove to the west. In the alcove was a button that revealed a secret area to the south when pushed. The group left the alcove and continued south to the newly opened area where they discovered another key as well as a powerful sword.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
Following the instructions on the wall, the party pushed a large blue button and ran down the hallway. Just before they reached the passage at the end of the hall, a wall suddenly materialized in front of them to block the way. A determined group marched back to the button to try again. This time they started running the instant the button was pushed. They rushed through the portal mere moments before the wall materialized behind them. Shortly after this, they found another large button that caused a blue field to appear to the north. After pushing the button, Hissssa quickly threw a torch into the field and a trapdoor that had been blocking the group's progress closed. Next, the group found yet another blue button that briefly closed a pit when pushed. They found that the only way to get past the pit before it reopened was to run backward the instant the button was pushed. The remainder of this area was explored with little incident, and the group easily recovered the key that lay in the most distant passages.
ROOM OF THE GEM
"Step right up." The champions stepped forward off the pressure plate with some trepidation and found that a pit had opened beneath their feet. Their only consolation for this blunder was finding a drumstick on the floor of the pit. After leaving the pit, the party left a torch on the pressure plate and stepped forward again. This time, the floor remained firm and they passed unharmed. They explored the corridors beyond this area for some time before finding a button on the wall of an alcove. Pushing the button opened the way to a large gem. Taking the gem back to the area where they first entered the "Room of the Gem," they placed the gem into the hole in the wall. The nearby door opened and the group gained the treasure that lay beyond which included a gold key.
CREATURE CAVERN
There were no tricks or puzzles to solve in this area. Unfortunately, there were numerous monsters that the champions had to defeat. After several trying battles, the party claimed the final gold key, and left the area.
Having gathered all the gold keys and explored each of the six areas adjacent to the central hub of this level, the group returned to the corridor off of the entrance stairs. Proceeding east down the corridor led to a series of doors which the gold keys unlocked. Immediately after these three doors, there was a small alcove which held a RA key. The group was unaware of it at the time, but this was one of four RA keys that would be needed to free the Firestaff from its resting place.
Near the exit stairs to this level was a door that opened into a small room. On the east wall of this room was a button. Pushing the button had no visible effect, but when the champions left the room, they discovered a passage had opened to the east. They happily claimed some food and a sword from this secret area.
Finally, the party decided to take stock before descending the stairs to the fourth level. The party had more than three full chests of food accumulated, more than enough to allow them to tarry for while. However, the water was beginning to run low. The champions decided to make a quick visit back up to the second dungeon level to use one of the fountains there to replenish their water supply. They also decided they could have performed better in the numerous combats in the Creature Cavern. Since they had plenty of food and water, they decided to do some training to try and improve their combat and spellcasting skills. After they had made some real progress, they restocked their water supply once again, and made their way down the stairs to the next level.
DUNGEON MASTER: Part 3
LEVEL FOUR
Upon entering this level, the party found a crossroads with one passage leading north and the other leading west. They decided to explore to the north first and then return to see where the other path led. The north path quickly moved west and they learned in fairly short order that the path was a dead end. After exploring the entire area and gathering the items they had discovered, they returned to the crossroads. Taking the west path this time they came to a closed wooden door with an axe lying nearby. With a wicked grin on her face Sonja snatched the axe from the ground. She swung the axe with all her might and the door exploded into splinters.
The group passed into a long hallway with a closed gate at the end. As the party walked down the hallway, they stepped on a small pressure plate that opened the gate. Unfortunately, as they stepped forward they triggered a second plate that closed the gate. Taking a step backward, the gate reopened. The champions looked around and discovered a button on the south wall. After some experimentation, they discerned the button's purpose. They pushed the button and dashed down the hallway without delay clearing the gate just as it closed behind them.
While the party was exploring the area beyond the gate, Leif thought he saw something out of the corner of his eye. The party was only three steps west of the gate and one step north when this happened. Upon closer examination, he found a gold key lying in the drain on the south wall.
Immediately after finding the key, the party was startled to see a floating apparition approaching them. Panic held them for a moment as they saw their weapons pass through the ghost with no apparent effect. Suddenly, Gothmog recalled a scroll they had found earlier and cast the DES EW spell. The creature was instantly dissipated much to the relief of everyone in the group.
The party continued to explore and headed south. After going a short distance, they discovered a pair of giant purple worms. After the encounter with the ghost, the group was relieved to see solid foes they could strike with weapons. This relief turned to terror as their blows seemed to have little effect, while the worms were inflicting horrible wounds with the razor sharp teeth in their huge maws. Gothmog and Leif had been at the forefront in the beginning of the battle and they staggered back to let Sonja and Hissssa take a turn at these monsters.
This proved to be a fortuitous move, not only because the first two were near death, but also because the crafty Hissssa had devised a strategy to deal with these beasts. He and Sonja each struck at the worms and then jumped to the left before the monsters could retaliate. The champions then made a quick turn to the right and waited for the worms to step into the range of their weapons. They again made a quick strike and stepped to the side. As I watched this battle progress it seemed to take on the quality of a dance. The champions would strike, step, and turn. The monsters would step forward and the cycle began again. The longer the fight went on, the more firmly the rhythm of the cycle was established and the more sure-footed the party became.
Finally, the worms were destroyed and the party was pleased to find that the remains of the worms proved to be edible. While these "worm rounds" were heavier than most food and not as filling, they were grateful for a new food source nonetheless. After quaffing a few healing draughts and poison antidotes, the weary champions rested for a few moments. As they prepared to move on, they could hear something moving a short distance ahead. Secretly, each of the champions prayed that whatever was moving ahead was anything but more of these cursed worms. To be prepared, each member readied a fireball spell and they moved forward. They saw a glimpse of purple in the shadows ahead and they had just enough time to loose a volley of fireballs before closing with the beasts.
The party slowly battled its way through this treacherous maze one step at a time. Behind almost every door was another pair of worms, although some concealed less fearsome monsters. A few times, the party was forced to flee and rest in the relative safety of a locked room after which they would return to the battle. One battle nearly proved to be fatal, however. The party had cleared a number of areas and had closed the door behind them as they moved on. After defeating one pair of worms the party moved into the next area and left the door open behind them without thinking about it. They pressed on and engaged yet another pair of worms. As they battled these worms, they were horrified when a second pair approached from behind the party and attacked.
Caught between two groups of these deadly foes, the group seemed destined for certain death. Screaming with desperate rage, Gothmog cast a fireball more powerful than any he had ever tried directly at the pair of worms the beleaguered party had been fighting. The spell exploded into the monsters with a deafening roar. When the smoke cleared, the only thing remaining was a few charred worm rounds. There was no time for celebration as the party was still faced with a pair of murderous foes. There were only two now, however, and just as the champions had slain the pairs they had fought earlier, they defeated these two as well.
When the battle was over, the four champions tried to figure out where the second pair of worms had come from. They knew that they had thoroughly explored the area behind them and had killed every creature in that area. The only explanation was that these worms had somehow been created after the party had left the area. None of the four champions could explain how such a thing could happen, but the evidence was undeniable. Needless to say, the group was very, very careful to close doors behind them from that point on as they continued deeper into the dungeon.
The group continued to explore the maze and made its way toward the northeast corner of the level. They found an iron gate that opened into a small room filled with screamers. The party entered the room and gathered all the screamer slices after dispatching the creatures. What the party would later discover is that the screamers in this room were recreated every time the group left this level and returned. Essentially, this room would create an endless supply of screamers and, more importantly, an endless supply of screamer slices. This unlimited source of food allowed the party a kind of security it had previously only dreamed of. While they could still only carry a limited amount of food, they could return here at any time to replenish their stores if needed.
Immediately after leaving the screamer room, the party found a pressure plate that closed the door to the room if it was open. Two paces north from this plate was an illusionary wall. They gathered the items concealed by the illusion and continued.
The group came to a pit with a mummy on the other side. A message on the wall warned not to harm the "prisoner." Knowing that the message had to be from Lord Chaos, the champions sensed they would have to ignore the message if they were to succeed. Hissssa threw a fireball at the mummy and watched it go up in a puff of smoke. Immediately, they heard a gate opening in the distance. They later discovered that the gate had blocked the stairs down to the next level. They would not have been able to descend without killing the mummy. Unfortunately, when the group chopped down the door leading to the exit, they learned the price of defying Chaos. Behind the door were several pair of hungry purple worms.
When the last of the worms were defeated and the path to the stairs was clear, the champions could scarcely believe it. They were running very low an water and there was some disagreement as to whether or not they should try to return to the second level to get more before braving the unknown fifth level. Gothmog finally convinced the others to enter the fifth level just a short distance to see if any water was readily available. They could scarcely believe their good fortune when they found a fountain at the very foot of the stairs.
After drinking their fill and refilling their skins, the party found a stairway leading up just five steps south of the stairs and two steps east. Curious to find a stairway leading back up to the level from which they had just come, the group ascended the stairs. They found themselves in a very small room with a button on one of the walls. Pushing the button caused a section of wall to disappear. The group found that the newly opened hallway was just of the east of the room containing the screamers.
Since the party now found itself in an area with an unlimited amount of food available as well as a fountain just a short distance away, they decided to stay here for a while and train. First, they practiced spellcasting and Ninja techniques. Finally, they decided to see just how many of the monsters on this level were renewed after the party had left the area. They were only slightly surprised to find that the majority of the areas were once again inhabited. The group made their way back to the beginning of the level and then back again. As they did this, they grew in power and experience. The purple worms that had seemed invincible when they had first encountered them, now seemed almost easy to kill. Finally, the group had had enough of the killing and decided to continue to the fifth level of the dungeon. The considerable amount of time here was well spent, however. The endless combat had transformed each of the champions into a powerful warrior and all of their skills had reached a considerable level.
LEVEL FIVE
Upon descending to this level, the party soon found a hallway that led to a somewhat large room with one door on each of the four walls. They opened the door to the south and decided to explore it first. As they proceeded down the hallway, they came to an offshoot heading east. The group took the offshoot and made it to a large, irregularly shaped room. This room proved to be something of a puzzle. It seemed that there were various buttons, most hidden by walls. However, hitting one button would cause some walls to disappear and other walls to reappear. In time, the champions discovered a pattern, and pushed the proper buttons in sequence to reveal a new area containing treasure.
First, they pushed the button on the south wall. They then took three paces north and one step west and pushed the button they found there. Finally, they took one step north and four steps east and pushed the button there. This opened a new area in the southeast corner of the room. The party was pleased to find a full suit of chain armor in this new area. Having fully examined the offshoot area, the group returned to the main corridor. They continued to the south and found a door with no apparent means to open it. Upon closer examination they discovered a device on the section of wall to the south of the door. Manipulating the device took only a moment and the door opened revealing the treasure beyond.
Through the west door, the group came upon a room filled with the mysterious blue teleportation fields. They stepped into the room and found themselves surrounded by the fields on all three sides leading further into the room. Taking a deep breath the party took a step to the right. In a flash they were teleported and found a mirror lying at their feet. They picked up the mirror and took a step backward, then forward, left, right, and finally back. The champions covered the rest of this area with few events of import.
Entering the east door, the party soon entered a large room. The group started south down the western wall and found a button in the corner. Leif pushed the button but it had no visible effect. The party tried to go east along the southern wall but soon found that they were somehow prohibited from making progress beyond a certain point. Since they couldn't proceed east, they decided to see which directions they could move in. The group went back to the southwest corner and started north along the eastern wall.
They reached that corner and went east along the northern wall. They were somewhat surprised to make it to the northeast corner of the room. Apparently, the magic keeping them from progressing east, did not work along the northern wall. Finally, the group went south along the eastern wall and found an exit from the room in the corner.
The party found numerous caverns to explore as well as several valuable items to recover in the area beyond. After exploring the last of these passages, the champions started back out of the area. As they drew closer to the magical room, they were startled to find that a new passageway had appeared. While the passage only extended a short distance, it contained a rare Illumulet.
The party opened the north door last and was confronted by a room full of pits. As the group studied the room, they saw that the pits would open or close depending on where they stepped. Taking a deep breath, they prepared to navigate the room. They turned around and closed the door to be certain that they would not be attacked while on such treacherous footing. Then, they took steps in the following directions:
Two north, two east, two west, and south. North, east, four north, south, and west. Two south, east, north, east, two north, and finally east to leave the room. After retrieving the items in the room beyond, the group returned to the pit room. They stepped onto the first plate and took the following path from there.
Two west, east, south, west, two south, and two west. North, south, three north, and west to exit. The champions entered a hallway and explored to the south. They found a drumstick and discovered an illusionary wall to the west of it. They discovered some potions in this hidden area and found a second illusionary wall on the southern end of the corridor. The group returned to the main hallway and began to search toward the north. The party hit a "spinner" as they progressed down the hallway. They quickly reoriented themselves and continued.
Finally, they came to a set of stairs descending down to the next level. On the wall to the left of the stairs was a button that opened a passage to the southwest. The champions were pleased to discover this passage would allow access to the corridor containing the stairways back up to the fourth level. Faced with two downward staircases, the party arbitrarily selected the one in the northwest section of the level.
DUNGEON MASTER: Part 4
LEVEL SIX
The party descended the stairs and found themselves in a small room with a passage leading to the east. After gathering the items in the room, they started down the passage. The passage ended almost immediately but a quick search revealed a button on the wall that cleared the path to the east. The party found itself entering a large room with a blue field in it. This room was obviously directly beneath the "pit room" on the fifth level. The champions avoided the blue field and searched the room. They discovered an illusionary wall two paces to the north of the corridor that hid a small treasure room. After a complete search of the remainder of the room, the group found only a piece of food. Since there were no doors and no apparent devices to open a new passage, the group could proceed no further. They decided to go back to the fifth level and try the stairway in the southwest area.
After using the second set of stairs the party entered a large room with several small alcoves. The champions examined these alcoves and found that each alcove had a riddle engraved on the wall near it. The answer to each of the riddles was an object in the group's possession. After a moment's consideration, Gothmog placed the Mirror of Dawn in the first alcove. He then placed a gold coin in the next one, and a blue gem and a bow in the final alcoves. After placing the items in the alcoves, the gate on the east wall opened and a new alcove appeared next to it. The party found a key in this new alcove and claimed it as their own.
The champions left the riddle room and entered a long corridor. The corridor had three doors on the east wall, one at the southern end, and one passage leading from the west wall. The party went to the southernmost door and opened it. They found a room with three pressure plates on the floor, a blue field, and a pit. There was also a closed door in the southwest corner of the room. It was readily apparent these objects formed a twisted puzzle. The object was to open the door and enter the area beyond. After several failed attempts to do so, Gothmog discovered the solution. First, he pushed a button on the wall near the door. Next he dropped a torch into the field and the door opened. The group took the key they found in the room, went back to the field, and stepped into it. They reclaimed their torch and pushed a button on the wall. This closed the pit and allowed them to exit the room.
The party moved north up the corridor and entered the grave of King Filius. The champions explored the room thoroughly and discovered a number of buttons on the walls. They pushed a button on the north wall of an alcove in the southeast corner, then pushed one in the northeast alcove of the room. This opened a secret passage on the east wall where they found another key and some armor.
The champions continued northward along the corridor and entered the grave of King Milias. They found a hole in the southwest corner of the room. They read a message on the wall and considered its meaning. After a moment, Gothmog stepped forward and placed a gold coin in the hole. A passage to the east appeared where they found the final key needed to continue.
The champions came to a crossroads with a bold message engraved on the wall. This writing proclaimed: "If you want to stay alive, you better turn and run." Sonja let out a loud snort of derision and the party proceeded into the southern path. The passage led to a cavernous room with many twists and turns. The group explored immediately to the east of the entry area and found a button on the wall. Pushing the button caused an audible clicking sound but no visible effect was immediately obvious.
Continuing deeper into the room, they followed the east wall toward the southern end of the room. In the southeast corner of the room they discovered a magical box in a small chamber. Each of the champions had a strong suspicion that this area had probably been closed until they had pushed the button. Their suspicions were strengthened when they found a second button near the box. After pushing the button, they went back to the first button and found that the section of wall had disappeared to reveal a secret area.
Inside this new area they found a key and a valuable piece of plate armor. Hissssa eagerly donned the new armor and they renewed their search of the room. As the group explored the western portion of the room, they stepped on one particular area and heard a noise as if they had stepped on a pressure plate. They looked down, but could see nothing unusual at their feet. Puzzled, they took a step forward and noticed a wall appear to the south. They slowly stepped back on the invisible plate and saw the wall to the south disappear again. Using a trick that had worked many times before, they stepped off of the plate and placed a torch on it. Unfortunately, the torch did not trigger the plate. Undaunted, they placed several heavy chests onto the area, but still the device was not activated. Finally, they realized that objects alone would not trigger the plate. The device was only triggered when all four champions stood in the area. The party stood there for a while trying to discover a way to enter the hidden area. As they stood there, they heard noises in the distance. As the sounds came closer, it soon became clear that a group of enemies was approaching.
Almost immediately, a group of skeletons came into view. As they approached, Hissssa's face slowly broke into a wide grin until he burst out with an eerie reptilian laughter. The others looked at him in shock as he laughed, but he continued and motioned them to stand back away from the plate. The skeletons moved forward until they had stepped onto the plate and were directly in front of the party. Leif took a mighty swing at the closest one, causing Hissssa to laugh even louder. Just as everyone was certain that he was crazed, he pulled the magical box they had just found out of his pack and opened it while pointing it at the skeletons. Instantly, the monsters were frozen into place like statues. Laughing harder than ever, Hissssa made a grand gesture toward the south wall. As the party turned and saw the south wall now held open by the paralyzed skeletons, they could not help but join in Hissssa's good natured mirth. Hurrying forward, lest the spell wear off and the way be closed again, they ran into the secret area. As their laughter subsided, they all congratulated Hissssa on his ingenuity. They gathered up the treasure there and prepared to go out and deal with the skeletons on a more permanent basis.
The champions found no new exits from the large room, so they made their way back to the crossroads. Taking the northern path, they unlocked one door and came to a hallway going north. As they entered the corridor, Leif suddenly tripped and began to fall. Arms flailing, he reached out to grab a metal ring on the wall in an effort to stop his fall. As he grabbed the ring, he was surprised to see that it came off in hands. Everyone in the group was even more surprised when a section of wall right next to where the ring had been, disappeared. Obviously, the ring had been the means to enter this secret passage and they had almost passed it by unknowingly. The champions explored this new area thoroughly, discovering a number of useful items. In the northernmost hallway of the area they found a button on the south wall. Pushing the button revealed yet another secret area to the north where they found a vorpal sword.
The champions opened a door leading into a hallway. After they had taken just a couple of steps into the passage, the door closed behind them, cutting off all retreat. At the other end of the hall was a locked door which none of their keys would open. The only unexplored area was a side passage with a blue field in it. The group approached the field and saw that it was blinking in and out of existence at a rapid but steady pace. Watching it a for a while to get the timing down, they leaped forward at the right moment and ran through.
They escaped the area of the field before it reappeared but they kept running forward just as another field materialized ahead. The stunned party was immediately teleported back to the outer hallway to try again. This time, they managed to stop short after clearing the first field and gathered themselves for the attempt to clear the second. Finally, when they were sure the time was right, they rushed through into the room beyond. In the room they found a key and a button on the wall near it. Pushing the button, they left the room and reentered the hallway. The button had reopened the door that had closed off their retreat. They tried the newfound key on the locked door and were pleased to find that it fit perfectly.
The party passed through the door and were immediately confronted with a challenge etched into the wall to "test your strength." Seeing a long hallway filled with blue fields, Hissssa confidently stepped up and hefted a torch in his powerful claws. Grinning, he threw the torch forward with a flick of his wrist. The torch flew down the hallway until it hit the far wall and fell to the floor. The instant it fell, the sound of a gate opening was heard. The party went back to the main hallway and traveled down it until they came to the open gate.
They explored the area beyond and were gratified to find some powerful weapons and armor. After thoroughly examining this area of the dungeon level, the party took the sole remaining path into the northwest area of the level. They entered a fairly long hallway and discovered a button on the north wall. Pushing the button opened a path into a new area. Upon entering this hidden passage, the group immediately realized these were the same rooms they had discovered when they had come down the first set of stairs from the fifth level. Since they had already explored this area, they left it and returned to the main hallway.
Slowly, the champions wound their way through the mazes of this dungeon level. They found some rooms with treasure and others that were empty. Finally, they made their way to the southwest area of the dungeon where another puzzle presented itself. They pulled a lever on a wall which opened a gate to the north. They moved north to enter the portal but just as they stepped in front of it, the gate came crashing down. They went back and pulled the lever again, then made their way back to the door, carefully avoiding the plate. They knew they could not enter the door without stepping on it but they hoped to do it in their own way.
Standing two paces back from the door, the champions sped forward onto the plate and continued rushing forward. The gate came thundering down closing just behind the party. Inside the room, they gathered the treasure inside and searched for a means to leave. They found a large button that opened the door when pushed. Unfortunately, there was another pressure plate on this side of the door so they were forced to make the same kind of mad dash to get out safely. The group left this room and continued to follow a long corridor leading east. Finally, it led them to a set of stairs leading down. They smiled knowing they had completed another step of their quest. However, their smiles were decidedly weary ones. This level had seemed like an endless array of riddles and the champions were beginning to tire of such constant deceptions. They paused for a while to rest and eat, then descended the stairs to the next level.
LEVEL SEVEN
After a brief exploration, the party found that the way to the main areas of this floor would not yet be possible. They found a door that was opened by the RA key they had found on the third level. After passing through this door, they came to an identical obstacle just up the hallway. Near this second door, they found a scroll. The contents of the scroll convinced every member of the group that the keys to continue exploring this level would only be found on the lower floors.
Before taking the stairs down to the eighth level, however, the champions decided to set up a camp of sorts on this level. The location would be ideal for resting since there were no monsters in the small area that was open to them. The location was further attractive because it was not too terribly far from the water on the fifth level or the food on the fourth, nor would it be too far to retreat back to from the lower levels they were preparing to enter. The group carefully divided their belongings into categories and placed their excess items into neat piles. A great quantity of food was left here as well as many magic items for which the party had no immediate use. Feeling greatly unburdened, they descended the stairs to the eighth level.
Having collected the two RA keys from the ninth and twelfth levels, the party returned to explore the remainder of this floor. They used the keys on two doors in short order and proceeded up the hallway beyond them. They came to a series of highly ornate, locked doors. Taking advantage of my incorporeal state, I ducked into the rooms to see what was inside. In the first room I found the Scepter of Lyf, an Illumulet, and the Gem of Ages. In the second room were the Dragon Spit and Boots of Speed. The third room contained the Crown of Nerra and a magical box. Finally, the fourth room held Flamebain and the Lightning Sword.
Since the party had no key to open these doors, they continued their explorations. Immediately after these doors they came upon a door that was unlocked by the ruby key from the eleventh level as well as a passage leading south. They decided to explore to the south first and entered the passage. They came to an energy barrier with a massive stone golem on the other side of it. They opened the barrier and immediately began shooting arrows at the creature and threw all of their missile weapons at it. The lumbering hulk kept coming so they cut loose with a furious barrage of lightning bolts and fireballs. The spells did nothing to slow the advance of the golem. Despite the creature's durability, the party waited with confidence to engage the creature in close combat. Hissssa and Sonja stood up front wearing their finest armor and wielding their most powerful weapons. When the golem approached, they whirled into action attacking with their usual ferocity.
The slow-moving golem finally swung his massive club and landed a pulverizing blow directly on Hissssa's shield arm. Despite the protection of the Shield and Armor of Darc, Hissssa's shield arm was smashed instantly and hung uselessly by his side. Sonja, amazed at what had happened to her comrade, redoubled her attacks but the golem barely seemed to take heed. Furious, she screamed in rage and rained blows upon the golem that should have caused utter destruction on any living thing. In response, the golem swung its club once again and smashed Sonja in the midsection. Sonja, hurled by the force of the blow, flew back 10 feet through the air before smashing into the ground. Her ribs crushed, she struggled in vain to rise and continue the fight.
At this point Gothmog ordered Hissssa, who was still trying to carry on the battle swinging Hardcleave with his one good arm, to stand behind Leif and himself. As soon as Hissssa was safely out of the way, Gothmog pulled a magical box out of his pack and turned it on the stone creature. Fortunately, this magic had its desired effect and the monster froze in place. Gothmog and Leif pressed the attack with vicious blows against the immobile creature. Finally, the stone monolith began to crack and then crumbled to dust.
Gothmog carefully administered healing potions to Sonja and Hissssa and the two champions recovered fully. The struggle against the golem had been by far the most grueling battle in which the party had yet engaged. While no one voiced the thought, each of the four champions knew this was the closest they had come to death. Exhausted, the group collapsed on the floor and slept.
When the champions awoke, they realized with some chagrin they had not even bothered to explore the hallway beyond where they had first encountered the stone golem. They approached the second door in the hallway and were more than a little apprehensive when they saw a second stone golem waiting behind the door. The champions stopped and worked out a plan of attack they felt would give them a good chance of defeating the golem without taking the same kind of punishment the first one had inflicted on them.
They opened the door and waited for the golem to approach. As soon as the creature stepped into the doorway, they pushed the button to close the door and attacked the monster vigorously with all of the weapons in their arsenal. The combined punishment of the door pounding at the golem as well as the group's attacks finally drove the golem back a step. With the golem out of the doorway, the door finally closed. The champions took a few moments to heal their wounds and reopened the door. This cycle was repeated several times before the golem was defeated.
When it finally fell, the relief that washed over the party was almost tangible. They continued down the hallway and found several useful items and one of surpassing value. At the end of the hallway, in a small alcove lay one of the most powerful weapons in all the world. The Inquisitor lay there, dazzling all who beheld its beauty. Sonja picked the sword up lovingly and caressed the blade. With the Inquisitor and Hardcleave both in the group's possession, their confidence was restored somewhat from the beating they had taken at the hands of the stone golem. While the champions felt far from invincible, they did feel better about their chances of survival.
They returned to the main passage, used the ruby key to open the door, and found a wizard's workshop. After examining the contents of the room, they took the passage on the eastern side of the room to explore further. The passage was a long corridor with four small side passages off the main hallway. Three of these side passages contained useful items. They continued and entered a room with two small alcoves. In one of the alcoves was a turquoise key that would open any one of the ornate doors in the main hallway. As it turned out, this was to be the only turquoise key in the dungeon, so the party would only be able to enter one of the four rooms and claim its treasure.
Upon exploring the remainder of the room carefully, the party found a button on the south wall that opened a secret passage in the southeast corner of the room. The party read the scrolls there with great interest and claimed the final RA key. Upon reading these scrolls, Gothmog paused in thought. The party discussed the possible meanings of the messages, but they all agreed that the meanings were clear. They would not take the Firestaff back to Lord Librasulus. When they recovered the staff they would attempt to attach the Power Gem to it and attack Lord Chaos.
The party left this room and began to make its way back down the corridor. As they walked along, something caught Leif's eye. He stopped and looked more closely at an area on the north wall. He found a small button there and pushed it. While pushing it had no apparent effect at the time, they soon learned what it had done. As they returned to the entrance room of the workshop, they found a passage had opened in the northwest corner of the room. Before entering this area, the party decided to use the RA key on the locked door just outside the workshop.
The champions tried the RA key in the locked door and were pleased to discover that it did indeed open the door. They passed through the doorway into a series of long corridors. They followed these passages with little difficulty until reaching the central area. They discovered a small chamber with two locked doors leading into it. Near each of the two doors was another stone golem. While the golems did not seem to react when the party drew near, they decided not to wait for something to rouse the creatures. It would be far better to kill both of them now than to wait for the monsters to attack, possibly at the same time.
None of the champions harbored any illusions about their chances to survive a battle against two of these juggernauts at one time. The group was able to defeat the two golems by using a magical box on each of them, although not without absorbing some punishing blows. After disposing of the guardians, they used the master key from the twelfth level to enter the small chamber. The champions entered the room and their spirits soared as they saw what lay before them. Gothmog stepped forward and grasped the Firestaff with both hands. Immediately, he seemed to draw new power from the staff. With the Firestaff in their possession, they had only to find the Power Gem and they would be ready to face Lord Chaos.
Firestaff in hand, the champions returned to the secret passage in the wizard's workshop. After a short twisting corridor, they entered a very long hallway leading south. They began walking down the corridor, but found a button on the east wall after a short distance. When they pushed the button, they heard a noise to the north. The party backtracked up the hallway and found that a secret passage had opened up at the northern end of the corridor. Inside, they found a winged key. They took the key and continued back down the hall. The hall led them to an area where they encountered yet another stone golem, and then to a stairway leading down. The party descended the stairs, eager to see where they led. They traveled down a series of stairs before they finally landed on the thirteenth level.
DUNGEON MASTER: Part 5
LEVEL EIGHT
The party entered the eighth level and was immediately confronted by a ghost. Gothmog and Sonja fumbled in their packs attempting to pull out the vorpal blades. As soon as the weapons were in hand, they struck the wraith with the blades and watched it dissipate into nothingness. As the champions began to explore the area, they found they were constantly accosted by a number of skeletons, mummies, ghosts, and even giggling thieves who would snatch an item and run away laughing. The group patiently dispatched these enemies as the need arose. The battles on this level were of little consequence for the most part. Most of the challenge that this floor of the dungeon presented related to the numerous secret mechanisms scattered about. The champions had to find the buttons to open the secret doors that were so numerous on this level.
The party began searching to the south of the stairs. Continuing to the south and east, they passed between a pit an a blue field. Just to the south of the pit was a button on the wall. Leif pushed the button and the party thought they heard a noise to the west, on the other side of the wall. They retraced their steps and found that a section of wall to the west of the pit had disappeared.
After gathering the treasure in the hidden area, they returned to the place where they had found the button and continued. As the champions traveled east along the south wall, they came upon another blue field. They entered the field and found another button on the wall. Pushing the button revealed a secret passageway. The party entered this new area and explored the winding passage until they came to a very long hallway. They stood at the beginning of the hall and began walking forward. After proceeding a total of 26 paces, the party paused momentarily so that Gothmog could take a drink of water. After they had stood there for a few moments, the group was surprised to see a section of wall suddenly disappear just to the east. They hurried through the opening and found an empty room with an exit door on the east wall. They opened the door, and traveled down a short passage into a small room. Pushing a button on the north wall revealed a secret chamber containing two magical weapons. The group discovered no other exits, so they made their way back to the main area of the level.
After returning to the main area of the dungeon level, the group continued along the outer wall. After taking several steps both east and north, another button was found on the wall. The button revealed a secret passage nearby in the east wall. The champions gratefully gathered the weapons there and continued. They made their way to the northeast corner of the level and found a blue field. They passed through the field and found a button on the wall to the south. Pushing the buttoned opened a passage to the east in the area they had just left.
The party found the Staff of Manar in the passage and returned to the button. From there, they continued to follow the outer wall north and west. They had gone a fair distance when Hissssa suddenly stopped and faced south. Staring intently, he moved forward slowly and picked up an object from the floor. He turned and showed it to the rest of the group, and it was revealed to be a key. It was fortunate that Hissssa had seen a flash of light reflect off the key as he was walking past it. The rest of the group had failed to see it and, as it turned out, the key would be needed to leave this level.
The party continued west along the north wall and finally found another button just to the west of a blue field. The button opened a secret alcove off the north wall, through the field. There was a large green button in the alcove that deactivated the field. The group later realized that eliminating this field also removed the threat of the fireballs that had been plaguing the group during the time they had spent on this level.
They continued west into a short passage and found a chest containing a skeleton key. Pocketing the key, the group began moving southward along the west wall and found a passage leading to a door. The solid key opened the door and they continued into the passages beyond. After making their way through the twisting passages, the champions found a downward staircase. On the wall opposite the stairs was a large skull. Taking the skeleton key, Gothmog approached the figure and pushed the key into one of the eyes. This caused a section of wall to the north to disappear.
Entering the new area, they found a second descending staircase as well as a passage leading back out to the main area of the level. The party tried descending the set of stairs they had found in the secret area first. Unfortunately, they found only another set of stairs leading down with walls on both sides prohibiting them from exploring anywhere else. After descending several flights of stairs before finally hitting a dead end, they returned to the eighth level. This time, they used the first set of stairs they had found, and descended to the ninth level.
LEVEL NINE
When the party first began exploring the area around the stairs, they wondered if they had not reached another dead end. They discovered a small room to the northwest of the stairs that contained an informative scroll, but no exits were visible. Finally, their attention was drawn to an inscription on the wall reading "When is Rock not Rock?" While this question seemed almost meaningless at first, the answer eventually became clear. A rock is not rock when it is only an illusion. The section of wall to the east of the message was just such an illusion.
After passing through the illusionary wall, the party was faced with a corridor that led both east and west. Taking the east path, they found a door and entered a large, irregularly-shaped area. In the northeastern most section of this new area was a short corridor. On the west wall of this corridor they discovered a button that opened a secret wall to the southwest. The champions were pleased to find that the hidden area contained some useful treasures to help them on their way.
Finding no further avenues of progress, they made their way back to the illusionary wall to explore the passage bearing west. Almost immediately after passing the illusionary wall, the group entered a short corridor. After walking to what appeared to be the end of the hallway, they found themselves back at the beginning of the hallway near the "When is Rock..." puzzle. Sensing a strange magic at work, Gothmog cast a magic footprints spell. The party reentered the short hallway and after taking two steps found that they were suddenly facing their trail of footprints. Before taking another step, they turned around and continued down the hall. This time they made it safely through to the other side. The champions then made their way to a door that opened into a large maze-like room. In the northwest corner of the room, they found a button on one of the walls. A secret chamber was revealed to the north and once again they gathered hidden treasure.
As the champions continued their exploration, they came to a locked gate with a lever next it. They could see that a chest lay on the other side of the gate. Hoping to open the gate and gain access to the chest, Leif pulled the lever. Instead of opening the gate, however, it opened a pit under the chest and it disappeared from sight. They pulled the lever again to close the pit. Still hoping to find the chest, they entered a new area through a door to the southwest of the gate and found a set of stairs going down in the northeast corner of the room. The stairs led to a small room where the chest had fallen.
They took the chest and found a small gem inside it. Going back up the stairs they found that the gate was still locked and the only path left to explore was to the east of the gate. Making their way through the twisted corridors, the party found a stairway leading up to a small room containing two items of importance. First, they found a button that opened up a secret area in the southern portion of the room. Second, they found a pit at the northern edge of the room with an inscription that stated "Put the Gem Back." Since there could be little doubt as to what was required, Leif stepped to the edge of the pit and dropped the gem into it. The party went back downstairs and found that the locked gate was now open.
The group next came to an a room twenty feet wide with two rows of three pressure plates. Not knowing what to expect, they stepped onto the first plate and all were stunned to see a fireball suddenly rushing toward them from the wall thirty feet ahead. Their hesitation almost cost them dearly, but at the last moment they managed to jump aside as the flames went roaring by. The champions sat back for a moment and discussed ways they might pass these plates without suffering the effects of the fireballs. They considered casting a number of Fireshield spells to protect them as much as possible and then simply walking through the fireballs. However, none were eager to subject themselves to the flames unless it was necessary. Instead they carefully approached the first plate and placed a scroll on it. Immediately, they jumped to the side and watched the ball of fire sail by with time to spare. Next they approached the plate to the left of the one with the scroll resting on it and did the same thing. With a scroll resting on each of the two plates closest to them, they now had to step forward onto the plate to see if the scrolls had been effective in keeping the mechanism triggered. Gingerly they stepped forward and found that the plates were no longer activated by their presence.
Carefully, they placed objects on each of the remaining plates in a similar fashion. Soon, they had made it safely to the far side of the room and hurriedly made their way north to escape the line of fire in the room behind them.
After leaving the fireball room, the party continued north and made their way westward through a series of caverns. Finally, when they seemed to hit a dead end, they found a button in an alcove located in the far western area that opened a secret door leading still further west. The group found a skeleton key inside the revealed room as well as several pieces of food. Finding no further avenues of progress, they made their way back to the fireball room to explore the passage leading south from there.
In the northeast corner of this level, the champions found a room with its gate sitting open. The party soon learned that this room was a magical area that created an endless supply of the giant rats that had been attacking ever since they had entered this level. Finding nothing of value in the room, the party made certain to close the door as they left the area in order to restrict the movement of the huge rodents.
Next, the group came to a door with an inscription reading "Lighter than a Feather," and a small alcove next to it. They placed the corbamite that had been found in the northwest area of the level into the small alcove and the door opened immediately. Beyond this door was a set of stairs leading down. Passing the stairs by for the moment, they next found a room just to the west of the stairs that contained a RA key. Excitedly, they claimed the key knowing they were one step closer to claiming the Firestaff, and returned to the descending stairway.
DUNGEON MASTER: Part 6
LEVEL TEN
The party entered this level and was immediately confronted by this challenge engraved into the stone wall: "Beware my Twisted Humor, The Deceiver, The Snake." Beyond this challenge lay a maze with numerous passages. Most of these passages contained invisible teleportation fields. Stepping into any of these fields teleported the group back to the entry stairs. Taking their cue from the message on the wall, the champions decided to take a serpentine, winding path through the passages. First, they went to the far south and took the passage there. Next, they followed the corridor to the far north and went through that hall. Finally, they went to the far south once again and continued.
The party next came to a pair of locked doors with a single key lying on the ground between them. A message on the wall instructed them to "Choose One Door." They arbitrarily chose the south door and used the key to open it. After entering the corridors beyond the door, the group was confronted by four skeletons. After killing the last of the undead creatures Hissssa found a second Key of B among their possessions. They continued and came to a second locked door. They used the Key of B to open the door and were almost immediately confronted with another puzzle.
Etched into the wall in front of them was the word ZOOOOOM. Beyond the word on the wall was a series of pressure plates on the floor in a series of hallways that formed a rectangle. The group stepped forward and was immediately whisked away down the corridor. Somehow, the plates held a magic that propelled the champions irresistibly around the rectangle of pressure plates over and over again.
While they were stunned initially, the champions quickly recovered their composure and began to try and escape from the corridor. As they were traveling down one of the hallways they could see an area beyond the pressure plates. Unfortunately, when they tried to jump onto the safe area as they passed by, nothing happened. Despite repeated attempts to jump to solid ground they remained trapped in the corridor. Finally, they began to realize that more than the speed of their progress was involved with their difficulty. Magic must somehow be working to their detriment. To test their theory, the champions tried leaping to their right while approaching the solid ground. Suddenly, they lurched forward and found themselves standing once more on firm footing. They rested for a few moments to recover from their dizziness before exploring further.
After leaving the ZOOOOOM area behind, the party explored a winding corridor leading southwest. They came to a door and opened it. After entering the room, they found a button in the shape of a cross just inside the doorway. They decided not to push it unless it became necessary (we later learned that they would only have freed monsters to attack if they had pushed the button). As the champions tried to explore the room, they were repeatedly attacked by a series of beholders, skeletons, and thieves. After dispatching all of these creatures, they discovered a button on the north wall that revealed a small chamber nearby.
Finally, there was nothing left to do in this room so the group exited through a corridor on the south wall. A short distance down the hall, they found a door on the north wall of the corridor. Weary from the battles in the previous room, they decided to enter this new room and rest. They slept for several hours before finally awakening. Taking care to search the room before taking their leave of it, they found a button that revealed a chamber on the south wall. They were quite pleased to find the legendary Moonstone inside the chamber.
The party reentered the corridor and continued eastward. Before long, the hall opened up into a small chamber. In the northwest corner of this chamber they found a button. Pushing the button opened a secret passage in the southeast corner off the room. After searching the hidden chamber, the group discovered a second button. Pushing this button revealed a second hidden chamber adjacent to the first button in the northwest corner of the room. Exploring this chamber revealed that the western wall was only an illusion hiding more treasure. Next, the champions began exploring the passages beyond this room, mostly heading east and then north.
After traveling north for no small amount of time, the party discovered first one door, and then another to the north and east of the first one. Both doors were exits to the area that the group was currently in. Neither of the doors were particularly distinctive, so they selected the first door and opened it. Immediately after passing through the doorway was an alcove to the east. Inside the alcove, they pushed a button that revealed a secret chamber. Inside the chamber they found another button. This button opened a second chamber a short distance to the northeast. The champions found it necessary to search for a short time until they found the location of the chamber.
Inside the chamber lay one of the most powerful weapons known to exist in the world, Hardcleave. The ebon axe lay before the group fairly challenging each of the heroes to see who would have the courage to claim it. Hissssa stepped forward and grasped the axe in one of his powerful hands. The others watched in silence as he slashed the air with his new weapon. He already moved as if the axe were an extension of his body. No one even suggested that another might be better suited to wield Hardcleave than Hissssa.
The group searched westward from the location where they had found Hardcleave. They came to a small chamber containing a magnifying glass as well as a button on the wall. The button activated a blue teleportation field inside the room. Stepping into the field sent the party back to the room where they had rested earlier. Fortunately, a field had also been activated in that room so they were able to return to the first teleporter without having to walk all the way back. Continuing westward, the champions discovered the set of stairs leading down to the next level.
LEVEL ELEVEN
The champions entered this level only to be confronted by perhaps the most twisted puzzle in the entire dungeon. At the foot of the stairs was a series of four corridors that formed a square. This area (known as "The Clockwise Room") appeared to be a single square room. In reality, it was a collection of four identical rooms, each with an invisible teleport field. After several unsuccessful attempts to escape this area, the group finally hit upon a winning strategy. They began at the entrance to the first room just to the west of the entry stairs. Then, they turned around and began to walk BACKWARDS, in a counter-clockwise direction.
As they progressed through the rooms they spotted an iron key on the ground that they had missed before. The key was difficult to see due to the similarity of its color to that of the floor. Taking the key, they continued walking backwards until they came to a closed gate with a keyhole next to it. The iron key opened the gate after a brief delay and the party entered the short passage beyond the gate. They opened the chest there and found a solid key. They returned to the room and once again began their backward march. Finally, they found a gold keyhole on the wall and they inserted the solid key. They continued marching backward until they made their way back to the corridor with the chest. The solid key had apparently opened a secret passage at the end of the corridor because the way was now open to leave the Clockwise Room. Relieved to finally be walking in the normal way again, the champions entered the corridor to explore the area beyond.
The group took a southern path after leaving the clockwise room. They followed the hallway south and west until they finally reached a small alcove that held a magic sword, Diamond Edge. Leif approached and took the sword. Immediately, the hallway was flooded with poison gas. The party waited while it slowly dissipated. Since holding the sword seemed to trigger the gas, Leif threw the sword to the end of the hall. They stepped forward cautiously but no more gas was released. They made it to the end of the hall safely and picked up the sword on the way out. Finding no further exits, the party returned to the area outside the Clockwise Room and took the northern path.
Almost immediately they found a closed door. Opening the door revealed a small room containing a magic sword, Fury. The party continued to the north and east, bypassing a corridor that led to the south. When the party had progressed as far to the east as possible, they found an alcove to the south. Finding nothing after entering the alcove, they began to leave. However, after taking just one step north and a second step to the west they heard a distinctive click behind them. They stopped and returned to the alcove. They found that a section of wall had disappeared. The group entered the new area and found a button on the wall. Pushing the button revealed a secret chamber, this one holding a skeleton key.
The champions returned to the southward branch that they had passed earlier. They quickly found a room with three locked doors and a single key. The group took the key and chose to open the middle door. They entered this new area and quickly discovered a creature that appeared to be living water. This creature caused the heroes considerable consternation at first, as their weapons seemed to pass through the monster with no effect. Noting how similar the situation was to their first fight against ghosts, Gothmog cast a DES EW spell. As he expected, the spell ripped into the creature causing it to recoil. Now that they knew how to fight it, the champions made short work of the water elemental. They continued to explore the area and found two copper coins. Finally, they stepped on a pressure plate that opened an exit door.
The party continued down the hallway to the west until they found an alcove in the southwest corner of the level. Inside the alcove was a button on one of the walls. Pushing the button opened a portal two paces on the other side of a wall south. Inside the secret chamber the group found a suit of the most powerful armor they had yet discovered. Sonja gladly donned the armor, and the group went back to a passage they had bypassed to the northeast.
The group proceeded down the hallway, first heading south then east. They traveled down the corridor until they came to a series of three halls branching off the north wall. The first corridor led to a hallway with the words "Enlarge My View" on the east wall. Next to the words was an eye on the wall. Gothmog stepped forward and held the magnifying glass they had found on the tenth level up to the eye. Instantly, a secret passage was revealed to the north.
As they stepped forward onto a pressure plate inside the newly opened area, they were propelled down the hallway until they were dropped in front of a small alcove holding a ruby key. After taking the key, they were hurled around the corner and back out into the hallway. On the west wall of the hallway was another lock opened by the skeleton key. The champions opened the passage to the central staircase. Since they were running low on water, they made a quick trip back to the 9th level to restock their supply.
After returning, they went back to the main corridor to see what the other two offshoots held. The second hallway led to a downward staircase. The final passage led to a small room with several coin slots. Sonja took the two copper coins they had found earlier and inserted one into the first coin slot. Near the slot a small alcove appeared holding a VEN potion. She inserted her final coin into the second slot and more treasure was revealed.
I decided to take advantage of my etherealness to see what was in each of the alcoves. Starting with the one on the south wall and continuing in a clockwise direction, I found: VEN potion, FUL Bomb, FUL Bomb and Green Magic Box, 2 Copper Coins, Cross Key, Chest full of food, Green Magic Box. Finally, having explored the area fully, it was time to move on. The group rested briefly, then took the stairs down to the twelfth level.
DUNGEON MASTER: Part 7
LEVEL TWELVE
The four heroes arrived on this level and were greeted by the sound of clanging metal in the distance. The sound was incessant and the champions found it mildly unnerving. Brushing aside the unease all of them felt, Sonja pushed ahead into the corridor where the stairs had led them in and continued. Roused from their disquiet, the others quickly followed her.
The hallway progressed to the south and ended as it opened up into a large room. Just before the hall ended, a large pressure plate filled a section of floor. The champions had no choice but to step on it before entering the room.
Once inside the room, they decided to search to the west first. Just as they stepped forward Hissssa shouted for them to stop. The others were stunned by the sudden noise and looked at him in alarm. Hissssa quickly showed them the nearly invisible lines on the floor that outlined a series of pits. It was impossible to continue west without stepping into one of the pits. The group tried stepping on the pressure plate at the end of the hallway a second time and they soon saw that doing so closed the pits. They left the room through a hallway on the west wall. The hall led to a locked door which the party was unable to open.
Bypassing this room for now, they found a small chamber to the southwest that contained a large button on the wall of an alcove. They pushed the button but saw no discernible effect. They continued to the north and found a button on the west wall of the corridor. The button revealed a secret chamber just to the south. The group tried to continue, but after going just a short distance, they encountered another locked door. With two locked doors and no further avenues of progress, the heroes decided to go back and begin exploring the eastern half of the dungeon.
They went back to the large room that had held all of the pits and exited through the corridor on the eastern wall. They soon entered a large chamber with a small room in the center of it. The group was unaware of it, but the door to the room was open only because they had pushed the button in the western area they had just left. Coming out of the room and toward the champions was a knight clad in full plate mail. Gothmog cast a fireball but the knight continued to approach as if it had felt nothing. Since the armor appeared to impervious to flame, Gothmog decided to try electricity in its place. He cast a powerful Lightning Bolt spell and it seemed to have a small impact.
By now the knight had reached the party and Sonja leaped to the attack with Leif charging right behind her. Both of their weapons struck the armored foe squarely but did little real damage. The knight then retaliated. Swinging two swords with ease, it struck Leif twice in rapid succession and wounded him sorely. The battle continued with Sonja and Leif striking to little effect while the knight concentrated its attacks on Leif with great success.
Finally, with Leif near death, Hissssa surged forward while Leif retreated to the rear. The lizard man swung Hardcleave with all of his might and landed a crushing blow on the knight's head. The armor clad fiend was rocked for only a moment before it recovered and returned the attack twofold. As the fight raged on, Hissssa and Sonja both gulped down several healing potions to preserve their lives. Ultimately, the combination of numerous Lightning Bolts thrown by Leif and Gothmog and the relentless pounding that Sonja and Hissssa subjected the knight to took its toll.
After Hissssa landed one final blow, the armor suddenly collapsed into a heap on the ground. If there had ever been a man inside the armor, there was certainly no sign of it. The armor that lay before them had been proved painfully effective but none of the champions had any desire to claim even a single piece of it to wear for themselves. The armor was obviously cursed and none of the heroes had any intention of entrusting their lives to the evil magic of which the armor fairly reeked.
With the knight defeated, the party was free to explore the small room in the center of the chamber. They found a Topaz Key inside. Remembering the two locked doors in the western area they decided to try this new key and see if it would open one of them. The group returned to the first locked door and found that it did indeed open it. They were forced to dispatch another knight but they found an Emerald Key where the armor had fallen. Taking this key, they went on to the second locked door and discovered that the Emerald Key unlocked it easily. In the room beyond this door was a small alcove that held a RA key.
Next, they took a corridor on the north wall. Just two paces north, a hallway branched off to the east. Exploring this passage led to a small chamber. In this chamber was another button. Pushing this button had no obvious effect although it actually opened up access to a room in the northeast corner of the level. At this point Gothmog decided they had explored enough of the western half of the dungeon level for the present. His instincts told him they were meant to fully explore the eastern area before proceeding any further in the west.
The others accepted his wishes with a shrug. While he tended to act a bit strangely, Gothmog had yet to lead them astray. For my part, I, too, was amazed at the way Gothmog had led the party through the maze of traps and puzzles in the dungeon. I can only guess that when I communicated with him at the beginning of the quest, a lot more information must have been passed to him than I realized. It is possible that he absorbed everything I know about these dungeons. While he does not seem to be aware of this information, he could have retained it deep in his mind. Of course, Chaos has altered these caverns immensely, but a knowledge of what his puzzles are based on and twisted from can aid one greatly to determine the solution.
The champions returned to the large cavern where they had found the Topaz key and exited through a hallway in the southeast corner of the chamber. They found a long hallway leading north with two doors on the east wall of the corridor. On the wall between the two doors was a button. Pushing the button opened a secret passage in the room behind the southern door. They explored the new passage and saw that it led to a series of hallways.
After the champions had gone a short distance to the north and east, they were faced with a hallway leading both north and south. The party decided to explore the southern segment first. In the hallways and alcoves beyond, they found the most powerful suit of armor known to exist. The armor of Darc was a most welcome discovery although only Hissssa possessed the strength to wear the armor without becoming seriously encumbered. The group then returned to the crossroads and took the northward path. They continued without incident and passed through a door. After passing through the door they were faced with a second crossroads. They took the western path and quickly came to a corridor that appeared to be a dead end. Despite searching the area for a time they could find nothing, so the party began walking back down the hall to leave.
Suddenly, they heard a noise behind them and saw that a secret passage had opened up back at the end of the corridor. After defeating the knight inside the secret chamber the champions discovered a number of valuable items. They returned to the doorway next and took the eastern passage. They soon came to a room that they were only able to enter because they had pushed the button in the western area of the dungeon. After a near fatal clash with the guardians of this room (two more of the armored knights), the champions collected the numerous useful items inside. Hissssa claimed the final piece of the armor of Darc while Gothmog gathered up the remaining items including the skeleton key for this level. With no more avenues left to explore, the party realized that it was time to return to the eastern half of this dungeon level.
The party returned to the room where they had found the RA key and once again exited through the corridor on the north wall. They followed many twisting passages up to the northwest corner of this level and then found a long hallway leading to the east. Off the south wall of this hallway was an alcove with a button on one of the walls. The button caused the section of wall to the south to disappear, opening a shortcut of sorts back to areas the group had already explored.
Since there was no need to revisit these areas, they continued eastward down the long hallway. The corridor twisted, first to the east, then to the south. Finally, it headed back toward the west. After going only a short distance to the west, the champions saw that the hall led to a large chamber. Just at the end of the hallway, before entering the chamber, was a button on the wall. They pushed the button and heard a noise back to the southeast in the area they had just left.
They went back up the corridor and found that a new passage was open leading to three doors surrounding a pressure plate on the floor. The heroes stepped forward onto the pressure plate and all three doors opened at once. Giant creatures that vaguely resembled spiders came streaming out into the corridor and attacked viciously. The champions were being attacked on three sides and could see that the battle would be lost if that situation remained unchanged.
They hurriedly stepped back into the narrow hallway, limiting the number of monsters that could approach at one time. They still found it necessary to swallow a number of healing potions, but eventually the last of the abominations had been destroyed and the path forward was clear. In the room beyond, the group found several useful items including the Helm of Lyte.
The party returned to the button that had opened the secret passage and went into the room beyond. Just past the room, they found a door that led to a short hallway. At the end of the hallway was a second door and a button nearby. This button appeared to control both doors. Beyond the second door was a cluster of four pits that formed a square. Each of the pits was opening and closing at a rapid rate. As they watched, a pattern seemed to emerge. It became clear that if they could time the opening of the pits correctly, they would be able to make it across safely. Finally, they charged across the floor and were on solid ground before any of the pits had time to collapse under their feet.
Immediately after the pits, they found a small alcove containing a Master Key. To the north of the alcove, they found a staircase leading down. To the south they discovered the now familiar skull on the wall for the skeleton key. This time, however, Gothmog opted to keep the key instead of using it. He believed that the quest was nearing its completion. The next levels would certainly be the most dangerous and they might have need of a skeleton key but not have the time to search for one. The group also decided that they would take the two RA keys they had discovered since leaving level seven and return there. These two keys would hopefully allow them to fully explore the areas up there that had been denied them so far.
LEVEL THIRTEEN
The four champions immediately sensed the presence of Lord Chaos when they entered this level. This was a matter of no small concern because even though they had recovered the Firestaff, they had yet to attach the Power Gem to the staff. They would not be ready to face Chaos until this was done. Since they had thoroughly explored all the levels above this one, they could only assume that the Power Gem must rest on a floor lower than the thirteenth. They carefully began searching for a stairway leading down and found one to the southwest. Before them was a skull on the wall just waiting for a skeleton key to open the passage to the stairs it guarded. The party members were grateful that Gothmog had kept the skeleton key on the twelfth level for future use. He calmly pulled out the key and used it. The group stepped forward and descended to the fourteenth level.
The four champions returned to this level with the transformed Firestaff in their possession. Each of the heroes seemed ill at ease, but none spoke openly their fears. They were near the fulfillment of their long quest, but the oppressive presence of Lord Chaos so permeated this level of the dungeon, it was impossible for them to resist having some feelings of apprehension.
Showing their true courage, they moved forward and found a passage leading east. This passage led to a large, open room with black flame dotting the floor and demons roaming in large numbers. The group quickly cast a number of Fireshield spells and moved into the room. Since the area to the north seemed to hold the greatest concentration of monsters, the group headed south. They were not here to waste time with lesser evils; Chaos was their chosen target. They would look to the south and hope to fight him away from the other creatures that might support him in battle.
The party walked along the southern wall when Chaos suddenly appeared before them. The master of Chaos was adorned in pitch black robes and a horned helmet. The heroes knew they had to surround him with a Fluxcage before attempting to Fuse him. Gothmog, had an idea that the wall would probably work as well as a Fluxcage and would be easier to work out. Since Chaos was approaching them along the southern wall, they quickly stepped away from the wall and forward so that Chaos was standing directly between the heroes and the south wall.
Not bothering to strike any physical blows at Chaos, the champions leaped to the left and cast a Fluxcage in front of them. Next, they immediately leaped back in front of Chaos before he could move. Then, they jumped to the right and cast a second Fluxcage. Once again, they charged back in front of Chaos before he could follow them. They now had Fluxcages on either side of Chaos with only the front left to cover. The heroes stepped back and cast the third and final Fluxcage. The cage appeared in front of them and they immediately stepped forward into the cage to bar Chaos's escape. He was now completely encircled by the cage.
With great exultation, Gothmog cast the Fuse spell from the Firestaff and it struck Chaos squarely in the chest. There was a series of exploding lights and great noise that forced each of the heroes to turn their heads. When they were able to see again, the Grey Lord stood before them fully restored. I was also returned to solid form, although no one noticed my presence at first. The Grey Lord praised the four champions for their unswerving devotion to defeating Chaos as well as their unquestionable valor. Finally, I introduced myself to these four people that I had come to know so well. Our problems were over. At least for the present....
LEVEL FOURTEEN
The champions descended the central staircase to this level only to find a locked door in front of them. The winged key from the seventh level unlocked the door and they entered the hallway beyond. The corridor made its way to the east and then came to an end with a lever on the wall. Leif pulled the lever and a passage opened in the south wall that revealed a spacious cavern.
The party began exploring to the west when a large ball of flame burst into their midst. The group turned to find the source of the attack and were stunned to see a huge red dragon lumbering forward. They saw a large, square column in the center of the room a little further to the west and ran for it. They positioned themselves so that the column was between the dragon and themselves. The column was fully ten feet wide and would provide a perfect shield against the dragon's fiery breath. Still, the dragon was coming and the heroes had little doubt that if they attempted to stand toe to toe with this monster, it would make their earlier fights against the stone golems look easy in comparison. They simply had to use hit and run tactics, or there was no hope of survival.
Since none of the heroes was particularly interested in committing suicide, they listened intently while Hissssa outlined his plan. Once again, the sly lizardman had hatched a battle plan that held great promise. They waited patiently behind the column for the dragon to approach. When it finally came around the corner of the column, Hissssa and Sonja quickly struck the beast with Hardcleave and the Inquisitor. Then, before the dragon could retaliate, they quickly stepped backwards and then to the side behind the column once again. Once again they waited for the dragon to round the corner and they struck again, retreating before it could strike any blows of its own.
They continued this process for what seemed like hours. When they had the chance, the champions would prepare their most powerful Lightning Bolt spells and cast those at the great beast as well. The dragon withstood all of these attacks for a very long time but, ultimately, the damage began to have an effect and the behemoth finally fell dead.
With the dragon defeated, the party began to search its lair. They found a number of worthless items as well as some that were more valuable. The only really important item was just one step to the south and east from the hallway they had used to enter the cavern. Hidden under some ashes was a Square Key.
The key opened the door to the west and the group eagerly entered the room. On the northern wall of the room was the Power Gem held in an energy field. A scroll nearby advised that the only way to free the gem was to use the proper spell. Gothmog thought for a moment before chanting a ZO KATH RA spell and placing it on the gem. The energy field immediately changed its appearance but the gem remained in place. Gothmog thrust the Firestaff into the field and aimed directly for the gem. As he pulled the staff back, the Power Gem was firmly attached to the staff. The staff was now transformed and there was nothing to stop the heroes from confronting Lord Chaos.
Before leaving the room, however, Gothmog stopped short as if he sensed something was amiss. Suddenly, he threw the staff to the south through the doorway into the dragon's den. I was now certain that he must have absorbed my knowledge of the dungeons. Only the Grey Lord and I knew of the protective spells that would cause all stairways above the thirteenth level to be closed off if anyone were to carry the Power Gem out of its storage room. By throwing the staff out the door, Gothmog had evaded the alarm and would be free to return to the upper levels if necessary. He quietly retrieved the staff and the group took the stairs back up to the thirteenth level for their final battle.
DUNGEON MASTER: Part 8
SPELLS
During the course of their journey through the dungeons, the heroes discovered many spells that proved invaluable to them. The following is a complete list of all those spells as well as the syllables needed to invoke them.
PRIEST SPELLS
Darkness (DES-IR-SAR): Reduces the level of light available. It has been claimed by some that certain monsters need light to see and are hampered by total darkness. Unfortunately, the champions were unable to find any monsters that were effected. They also found that they were handicapped themselves by the darkness. As a result, the spell went largely unused.
Fireshield (FUL-BRO-NETA): Reduces the amount of damage taken from fireballs and dragon flame. These spells provide cumulative protection if more than one is cast.
Shield (YA-IR): This spell should reduce the damage absorbed from normal weapons.
BRO Potion (VI-BRO): Cures the poisoned.
DANE Potion (YA-BRO-DAIN): Temporarily raises one's wisdom.
EE Potion (ZO-BRO-RA): Restores some used mana.
KU Potion (FUL-BRO-KU): Temporarily raises one's strength.
MA Potion (YA): Restores some lost stamina.
NETA Potion (YA-BRO-NETA): Temporarily raises one's vitality.
ROS Potion (OH-BRO-ROS): Temporarily raises one's dexterity.
VEN Potion (ZO-VEN): Poison bomb will create a cloud of poison when thrown.
VI Potion (VI): Restores some lost health.
YA Potion (YA-BRO): This potion should have an effect similar to the Shield spell except that it will only protect one person.
WIZARD SPELLS
Cloud of Poison (OH-VEN): Casts forward a cloud of poison. The cloud will continue forward until it strikes a creature or wall. After impact the cloud hovers in place while slowly dissipating.
Fireball (FUL-IR): Casts forward a ball of flame. The flame will continue until it strikes a creature or wall.
Harm Non-Material Being (DES-EW): Harms all immaterial or "summoned" monsters such as ghosts, water elementals, and black flame. The spell travels forward as a bolt and continues until it strikes a creature or wall.
Invisibility (OH-EW-SAR): Makes you invisible for a brief period of time. Certain monsters do not use sight to find you, and will be uneffected. The groups attempts to use this spell met with repeated failure. This spell is highly unreliable, and the party quickly learned not to depend on it.
Light (OH-IR-RA): Will increase the available light. Longer lasting than the Magic Torch spell.
Lightning Bolt (OH-KATH-RA): Casts forward a bolt of lighting. The bolt will continue forward until it strikes a creature or wall.
Magic Footprints (YA-BRO-ROS): Leaves a temporary trail of footprints behind the caster.
Magic Torch (FUL): Will increase the available light.
Open Door (ZO): This will open some doors.
Poison (DES-VEN): Casts forward a bolt of poison. The bolt will continue forward until it strikes a creature or wall.
Thieves' Eye (OH-EW-RA): Will allow you to momentarily see through a section of wall or a closed door.
Zokathra (ZO-KATH-RA): Will create a ball of weightless plasma. It was necessary for the heroes to use this spell just once during their quest.
Virtually all of the spells listed become more powerful as the power of the first syllable is increased. The exceptions to this rule are the BRO Potion, the Open Door spell, and the Zokathra spell. All of these perform their normal function regardless of the power syllable spoken. A fireball, on the other hand, will do far more damage if you speak the MON symbol than if you choose LO. Increasing the power also increases the difficulty level of casting. The inexperienced spellcaster will have to be content with relatively weak spells. Fortunately, the dedicated student can quickly cast spells that grow more and more potent.
ITEMS
As we traveled through the dungeon, we found a great many items of varying usefulness. Some had an obvious use while others had a more subtle effect on the champions. The following list details each of the more unusual items that were found, and briefly discloses what we believed its function to be. Some of these items were left behind, although the heroes were always careful to leave them in a place where they could be retrieved if necessary. They found the area outside the screamer room on level 4 to be a good place to store items at first. After they had progressed further, they moved their base camp to the seventh level for easier access. Keeping both their excess food as well as excess magic items greatly aided the group in retrieving things that they had not thought they would need. The following is by no means an exhaustive list of everything we found, but it does include all of the more unusual items and those whose function were not immediately obvious.
Armor of Darc: Heavier than normal plate armor but also the strongest armor in the world. Only a very strong champion would be able to wear the complete set without being encumbered.
Armor of Lyte: Lighter and stronger than ordinary plate armor.
Boots of Speed: Will significantly increase the speed of the wearer. Unfortunately, no group can move more quickly than its slowest member. Unless everyone in a party has a pair, there will be no impact on that group's speed of movement.
Calista: This crown has no apparent use or function.
Choker: This device has no known function.
Cloak of Night: Increases the wearer's dexterity 15 points.
Crown of Nerra: Increases the wisdom of the wearer 10 points.
Dragonspit: Raises the maximum mana of the bearer.
Ekkhard Cross: This talisman is reputed to protect the wearer and lessen the amount of experience needed to advance as a priest. After testing this item extensively I have been unable to confirm that it has any effect on the wearer at all.
Elven Boots: Adds to the maximum load a champion may carry.
Firestaff: Before attaching the Power Gem the Firestaff could be used to Parry attacks, Brandished to frighten monsters, and create a Fireshield. After attaching the gem the Firestaff will Invoke a random attack spell, create a Fluxcage, or Fuse an opponent. Finally, the Firestaff will add one level of achievement to each class of the champion wielding it before the gem is attached and it will raise each class two levels after the gem is attached.
Flamebain: This mail raises the wearer's Anti-Fire score by 12 points.
Flamitt: This ring can cast a limited number of fireballs.
FUL Bomb: Acts like a fireball when thrown.
Fury: In addition to acting as a normal sword, it can cast a limited number of fireballs.
Gem of Ages: Reputed to increase the mana of the wearer. In truth, the gem has no effect that I can determine.
Hardcleave: This axe is one of the two most powerful weapons known to exist along with the Inquisitor.
Hellion: Reputed to combine psychic, magic and energy interchangeably into any form you wish. While the legend is very impressive, I could not discover any use or function for this amulet.
Horn of Fear: Will sometimes frighten monsters into fleeing.
Illumulet: Increases the available light but only from total darkness.
Inquisitor: The finest sword in the world. Also raises the maximum mana of the bearer.
Jewel Symal: Raises the Anti-Magic score of wearer 15 points.
Mace of Order: Increases the bearer's strength 5 points. While this is useful for allowing a weak hero to carry a heavier burden, the mace is not particularly effective in combat.
Magical Box: Freezes enemies in place during combat for a short time.
Magnifier: Used to solve a couple of puzzles but otherwise useless.
Mirror of Dawn: No apparent use other than to solve a puzzle or two.
Moonstone: Adds 3 to the wearer's maximum mana.
Pendant Feral: Adds one level to a champions's wizard status.
Rabbit's Foot: This item is reputed to increase the luck of the champion who wears it in certain situations. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine which situations these might be and how effective it is.
Scepter of Lyf: Restores all lost health to a champion at the cost of 1 point of mana per 5 points of health restored.
Snakestaff: In addition to possibly frightening monsters, the staff can be used to Heal champions or Calm enemies. Also adds to bearer's maximum mana.
Staff of Claws: Will sometimes frighten monsters into fleeing. Also adds to the bearer's maximum mana.
Staff of Manar: Can be used to dispel non-material beings or create a Fireshield. Also adds to bearer's maximum mana.
Stormring: Can cast a limited number of lightning bolts.
Teowand: Casts Calm, Spellshield, and Fireshield. Also adds to the mana of the bearer.
Vorpal Blade: The only sword that harms non-material beings. Also adds to the bearer's maximum mana.
Wand: Can cast a Calm spell on monsters, Spellshield, and Heal. For most champions the wand will also add to the maximum mana of the bearer although for some champions it may actually lower mana.
Yew Staff: Can be used to Parry attacks, cast a Light spell, and dispel non-material beings. Also adds to the bearer's maximum mana.
DUNGEON MASTER is published and distributed by FTL Games.
