Sitting on her bed in one of the Domain's rented rooms, Lyota stares at Lionel with a look of disbelief on her face. "The dungeon admitted that it was tricking Challengers? To your face?"
"Indeed it did, via one of its floor bosses as a mouthpiece, of course. Oh, and incidentally, we can confirm that report about the dungeon bosses being able to exit the dungeon, at least in limited numbers. That was rather a surprise of its own, I must say."
Lyota stares at the incubus for a moment before changing her line of questioning. "Now, first of all, explain to me why it was you were going into the dungeon with another party? Were you hiring out your services?"
The man chuckles at the accusation. "My services are always free of charge - at least, to those with a pretty face." As the fury continues to give him a blank stare, he sighs and changes his answer. "I was testing a theory - a related one, as it happens. You see, I discovered that the team in question - The Miserables - have been cursed to have bad luck. Yet oddly enough, they had notable success for their rank here, at Worthy Dungeon. Now, given the reversal of my own luck spell the other day, I thought there might be opportunity to learn a few things by working together. A quick test, one or two floors only."
Lionel turns his head and gives a rueful laugh before continuing. "And then the dungeon went and confirmed my theory before we even stepped inside! I swear, if I thought the dungeon had some way of knowing, I might almost guess it did it on purpose."
Lyota snorts, crossing her arms. "You think the dungeon has a grudge against you, personally?"
"No, no, far from it." The man rolls his eyes. "I mean that if we discovered the trick independently and reported it, it would create ill will towards the dungeon. Now? Certainly, there will be some, I'm sure there are some Challengers who were slain or maimed thanks to that little ploy with the luck charms. But announcing it on its own, and doing it at the same time as an announcement about it moving...well, slightly more pacifistic, that's quite the bold public relations move. Very lucky that it did so today, ironically enough."
"Hrmm...even if it can send its bosses out of the dungeon, none of them would have been stealthy enough to spy on you. So what did provoke the dungeon to act now? Is it entirely a coincidence?"
Lionel thinks on that for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't believe it is. Now, it was nothing that was said, but I consider myself a professional when it comes to reading body language and the use of words, you understand. Going by the way the banshee made the announcement...I think the dungeon felt bad." He smirks as he points an accusing finger at Lyota. "Which means I'm pretty sure this is your fault."
"Mine!? I...ugh. Well, fortunately, this doesn't immediately strike me as a sign that the dungeon's gone weak - I was told to evaluate its lethality to Expert-level Challengers and above, specifically, ignoring the lower levels, and this supposedly only affects them. So this isn't problematic from an orders standpoint. But personally...now I wonder even further. What could a dungeon feel guilty about?"
"Too many options really, and yet none seem quite satisfying." The incubus smiles. "I have to admit, I'm curious enough to want to find out."
"Xenia said what!?" Alizz shouts in surprise at Sely, sitting across from her desk in the Association office.
"It was Taly that said it, according to the half-elves who came by. But yeah, an official announcement from the dungeon. They're revealing the luck charm trick, and sparing the life of one newbie a day."
Alizz isn't entirely sure whether to laugh or shout. "They're doing this now!? We told them we weren't happy about them keeping that luck charm trick secret months ago! And...I mean, these are both good news for us, I ought to be happy, but what changed!?"
Sely shrugs. "Maybe Taly had some impact on the place? I'm not sure I would have thought her one to try and make those sorts of changes, but perhaps things look different after you start living that kind of life."
"Maybe. Maybe it's time we had another talk with the dungeon master ourselves. If the place is changing, we need to know about it."
Sely raises an eyebrow. "Should we prep for another inspection? We never technically did a proper one last time."
The drider shakes her head. "I filed that one as being complete enough, and another full one a week and a half later would be quite soon. But more importantly, although Renter's agreed to hire on as our Rogue, this is going to be a visit concerning Xenia's secrets and I'm not a hundred percent sure I'm ready enough to bring him in on those yet. I'd like to ease him in a bit more, and ensure he's actually here for the long haul."
"Fair enough. What's the plan then?"
"I'll just make this a personal visit, have a chat with Lollyp, perhaps." Alizz glances at Sely, and makes a quick recalculation. "Though of course, it might be a good opportunity if you wanted to visit with Taly as well. Tomorrow morning?"
The Masochist gives a grin. "Tomorrow morning it is, then."
TRIPLE PEAK MOUNTAIN BASE CAMP, THE FOLLOWING MORNING
Sable turns from her conversation with one of the Rainlander guards securing the path at the base of the mountain, and gives a shout of surprise. "Oh! Field Agent! Was there going to be an inspection today? I didn't realize."
Alizz is a little surprised herself as she recognizes Sable and Elance among the group of soldiers, as well as a one-armed orc who seems slightly familiar. "Oh, not a full inspection, Paladin, Sely and I just wanted to, ah, pay a visit. And you?" As a realization hits her, she continues. "Oh...you, aren't you...Trush? The, ah...the applicant?"
The orc nods. "That would be me, Field Agent. Sorry, did we need Association permission to do this? Seemed to us the arrangement was just between the dungeon and the Church of Bounty."
"What? No, but...you mean you're...going through with it then? You're joining the dungeon? Today?" Alizz had had enough on her mind this morning that she'd nearly forgotten about this particular program, and her mind takes a few moments to add it back to her list of ongoing concerns.
Elance answers her question. "Couldn't think of any reason to delay it further, and the dungeon does have two boss slots open, or so I'm told. Sorry for not informing you, I thought we'd take him up and then let you know how things proceeded after. It's possible the dungeon might have reasons to delay of its own. Will we be interfering with anything by doing it today?"
"No, I don't think so. Actually...maybe I wouldn't mind being around to see it myself, if that's alright? Would we be intruding?"
Trush grins widely, his broad teeth gleaming white. "Hells, I've never minded an audience before. More the merrier! Unless the dungeon tells me to fuck off, that'd be a right embarrassment, haha!"
"Haha, that would be kind of funny - what? No! What are you doing here!?" Sable looks over Alizz's shoulder in shock as yet another Challenger approaches the camp. If Lyota is surprised to see Sable however, her narrowed eyes don't show it.
"I am here to explore the dungeon, as a Challenger does. Good morning, Paladin, Bountiful Mother." She turns her head and recognizes the other pair standing nearby, and although this time she does seem slightly surprised, she covers it quickly. "Ah, and Field Agent Alizz and Divine Masochist Sely, yes? Good morning to you as well."
Alizz's face indicates that she has a few questions of her own. "Good morning...Soul Lasher Silverstar, I believe it was? You say you're here to explore the dungeon this morning...all on your own?"
"...It would have been a brief exploration."
Elance joins in on the verbal prodding. "And what would you have been hoping to find, lass?"
Although Lyota is extremely doubtful the dwarf woman is actually older than her, she keeps her response respectful. "I am hoping to find the origin of this mountain of sin, Bountiful Mother."
Off to the side, Alizz facepalms. "Oh, boy."
"Would that be an issue, Field Agent?"
Alizz turns to eye Sely for a moment, but the Masochist has no help for her. "...I have no reason to bar you entry from the dungeon, Soul Lasher. If you were hoping for some sort of...conversation, however, it seems the dungeon might be slightly occupied this morning."
Lyota nods, ignoring Sable's not-so-quiet prayers that she'll turn around and go home. "Then perhaps my timing is good, as I hope to see more about how this dungeon...interacts with the world. Shall we?"
"...Right. Let's get to hiking, then."
"Well, well, well, now this is a party! Six of you, most of you quite high-level...though I don't believe I've seen you all teamed up exactly like this before." Doorman looks down at the assortment of Challengers standing before him, with a pleased look of surprise on his wooden face. As the one with the most pressing 'official' business to deal with, Elance speaks for the group.
"We're not exactly here today for typical reasons, Guardian. We're here to introduce the dungeon to its first proper applicant - or at least, the first one to pass our particular system of testing. I do have a few names of failures to pass on as well, to let you know not to accept them. But this one here is Trush of Tash'narc, level 26 Shieldbreaker, looking to join your crew."
"Oh, oh my! And he's ready to sign up today? I don't believe we're ready for this - please, give me a few moments to make sure our master is alerted and see how they wish to handle matters." The group dutifully waits, and after a minute Doorman's attention is pulled to the side, as he listens to an unheard voice. After another few minutes of that, he refocuses on Elance.
"We'll go ahead and clear out a space on Floor Four so everyone can have a chat, if he's passed the Church's requirements this should be mostly a formality. I see everyone but Mr. Trush has been to Floor Four before, but in this case we'll make a special exception and allow him to skip ahead. Although just to confirm...you are all here as part of his party?"
Alizz speaks up. "I wouldn't mind observing proceedings, but I do have some additional business I'd like to discuss afterwards."
"I as well. I recognize that I have no particular authority to ask this of you, but if the dungeon spirit is in a communicative mood, I would like to request the opportunity to speak with them, or a representative." Lyota gives the door a respectful bow as she makes her request.
Doorman hesitates for a few moments as he glances at the fury demon, but eventually nods. "In the words of my master, 'this meeting can't get any weirder than it already is', so come on in, if you like. I, ah...look forward to working alongside you, Mr. Trush?"
The orc in question answers with a laugh. "I as well, but you can drop the Mister! Heh, folks started callin' me One-Armed Trush a bit back, but if all goes well I guess that name won't be accurate soon either!"
"Likely not! The portals are there to your right, enjoy your visit!"
When the group makes their way onto Floor Four, they find something of a party arrangement set up in a meadow clearing in the forest. The conference table from the Association inspections is gone, but a few long tables with refreshments have been set up, and a greeting party large enough to match the Challengers is there to meet them. Lollyp, Taly, Sincere and DEATH are all present to represent the floor bosses, and even the water elementals have worked their way out of the river to see what all the excitement is about.
The arrivals stop in their tracks however when Xenia herself appears in the middle of the meadow, her monochrome form giving the Challengers a warm smile. "Well, welcome to the dungeon! Good timing on one hand, at least, my avatar spell was all nice and recharged in time. But did I hear right, we've got ourselves an, ah...'applicant'?"
"That would be me, aye. Have to say, neither you or this dungeon looks quite like what I expected, though I was warned. I'm - " Trush's introduction is cut short by a sudden groan from Lyota, who was wincing as she began to approach Xenia's avatar, and the woman eventually needs to start backing away a few steps. "...Not feeling well back there?"
"I...I shall observe from back here. Please, ignore me."
Xenia eyes the woman warily. "...Will do. For now, anyhow. Anyways, Shieldbreaker Trush, right?" She gives the orc a toothy grin. "Tell me about why you want to die today!"
Sitting on her bed in one of the Domain's rented rooms, Lyota stares at Lionel with a look of disbelief on her face. "The dungeon admitted that it was tricking Challengers? To your face?"
"Indeed it did, via one of its floor bosses as a mouthpiece, of course. Oh, and incidentally, we can confirm that report about the dungeon bosses being able to exit the dungeon, at least in limited numbers. That was rather a surprise of its own, I must say."
Lyota stares at the incubus for a moment before changing her line of questioning. "Now, first of all, explain to me why it was you were going into the dungeon with another party? Were you hiring out your services?"
The man chuckles at the accusation. "My services are always free of charge - at least, to those with a pretty face." As the fury continues to give him a blank stare, he sighs and changes his answer. "I was testing a theory - a related one, as it happens. You see, I discovered that the team in question - The Miserables - have been cursed to have bad luck. Yet oddly enough, they had notable success for their rank here, at Worthy Dungeon. Now, given the reversal of my own luck spell the other day, I thought there might be opportunity to learn a few things by working together. A quick test, one or two floors only."
Lionel turns his head and gives a rueful laugh before continuing. "And then the dungeon went and confirmed my theory before we even stepped inside! I swear, if I thought the dungeon had some way of knowing, I might almost guess it did it on purpose."
Lyota snorts, crossing her arms. "You think the dungeon has a grudge against you, personally?"
"No, no, far from it." The man rolls his eyes. "I mean that if we discovered the trick independently and reported it, it would create ill will towards the dungeon. Now? Certainly, there will be some, I'm sure there are some Challengers who were slain or maimed thanks to that little ploy with the luck charms. But announcing it on its own, and doing it at the same time as an announcement about it moving...well, slightly more pacifistic, that's quite the bold public relations move. Very lucky that it did so today, ironically enough."
"Hrmm...even if it can send its bosses out of the dungeon, none of them would have been stealthy enough to spy on you. So what did provoke the dungeon to act now? Is it entirely a coincidence?"
Lionel thinks on that for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't believe it is. Now, it was nothing that was said, but I consider myself a professional when it comes to reading body language and the use of words, you understand. Going by the way the banshee made the announcement...I think the dungeon felt bad." He smirks as he points an accusing finger at Lyota. "Which means I'm pretty sure this is your fault."
"Mine!? I...ugh. Well, fortunately, this doesn't immediately strike me as a sign that the dungeon's gone weak - I was told to evaluate its lethality to Expert-level Challengers and above, specifically, ignoring the lower levels, and this supposedly only affects them. So this isn't problematic from an orders standpoint. But personally...now I wonder even further. What could a dungeon feel guilty about?"
"Too many options really, and yet none seem quite satisfying." The incubus smiles. "I have to admit, I'm curious enough to want to find out."
"Xenia said what!?" Alizz shouts in surprise at Sely, sitting across from her desk in the Association office.
"It was Taly that said it, according to the half-elves who came by. But yeah, an official announcement from the dungeon. They're revealing the luck charm trick, and sparing the life of one newbie a day."
Alizz isn't entirely sure whether to laugh or shout. "They're doing this now!? We told them we weren't happy about them keeping that luck charm trick secret months ago! And...I mean, these are both good news for us, I ought to be happy, but what changed!?"
Sely shrugs. "Maybe Taly had some impact on the place? I'm not sure I would have thought her one to try and make those sorts of changes, but perhaps things look different after you start living that kind of life."
"Maybe. Maybe it's time we had another talk with the dungeon master ourselves. If the place is changing, we need to know about it."
Sely raises an eyebrow. "Should we prep for another inspection? We never technically did a proper one last time."
The drider shakes her head. "I filed that one as being complete enough, and another full one a week and a half later would be quite soon. But more importantly, although Renter's agreed to hire on as our Rogue, this is going to be a visit concerning Xenia's secrets and I'm not a hundred percent sure I'm ready enough to bring him in on those yet. I'd like to ease him in a bit more, and ensure he's actually here for the long haul."
"Fair enough. What's the plan then?"
"I'll just make this a personal visit, have a chat with Lollyp, perhaps." Alizz glances at Sely, and makes a quick recalculation. "Though of course, it might be a good opportunity if you wanted to visit with Taly as well. Tomorrow morning?"
The Masochist gives a grin. "Tomorrow morning it is, then."
TRIPLE PEAK MOUNTAIN BASE CAMP, THE FOLLOWING MORNING
Sable turns from her conversation with one of the Rainlander guards securing the path at the base of the mountain, and gives a shout of surprise. "Oh! Field Agent! Was there going to be an inspection today? I didn't realize."
Alizz is a little surprised herself as she recognizes Sable and Elance among the group of soldiers, as well as a one-armed orc who seems slightly familiar. "Oh, not a full inspection, Paladin, Sely and I just wanted to, ah, pay a visit. And you?" As a realization hits her, she continues. "Oh...you, aren't you...Trush? The, ah...the applicant?"
The orc nods. "That would be me, Field Agent. Sorry, did we need Association permission to do this? Seemed to us the arrangement was just between the dungeon and the Church of Bounty."
"What? No, but...you mean you're...going through with it then? You're joining the dungeon? Today?" Alizz had had enough on her mind this morning that she'd nearly forgotten about this particular program, and her mind takes a few moments to add it back to her list of ongoing concerns.
Elance answers her question. "Couldn't think of any reason to delay it further, and the dungeon does have two boss slots open, or so I'm told. Sorry for not informing you, I thought we'd take him up and then let you know how things proceeded after. It's possible the dungeon might have reasons to delay of its own. Will we be interfering with anything by doing it today?"
"No, I don't think so. Actually...maybe I wouldn't mind being around to see it myself, if that's alright? Would we be intruding?"
Trush grins widely, his broad teeth gleaming white. "Hells, I've never minded an audience before. More the merrier! Unless the dungeon tells me to fuck off, that'd be a right embarrassment, haha!"
"Haha, that would be kind of funny - what? No! What are you doing here!?" Sable looks over Alizz's shoulder in shock as yet another Challenger approaches the camp. If Lyota is surprised to see Sable however, her narrowed eyes don't show it.
"I am here to explore the dungeon, as a Challenger does. Good morning, Paladin, Bountiful Mother." She turns her head and recognizes the other pair standing nearby, and although this time she does seem slightly surprised, she covers it quickly. "Ah, and Field Agent Alizz and Divine Masochist Sely, yes? Good morning to you as well."
Alizz's face indicates that she has a few questions of her own. "Good morning...Soul Lasher Silverstar, I believe it was? You say you're here to explore the dungeon this morning...all on your own?"
"...It would have been a brief exploration."
Elance joins in on the verbal prodding. "And what would you have been hoping to find, lass?"
Although Lyota is extremely doubtful the dwarf woman is actually older than her, she keeps her response respectful. "I am hoping to find the origin of this mountain of sin, Bountiful Mother."
Off to the side, Alizz facepalms. "Oh, boy."
"Would that be an issue, Field Agent?"
Alizz turns to eye Sely for a moment, but the Masochist has no help for her. "...I have no reason to bar you entry from the dungeon, Soul Lasher. If you were hoping for some sort of...conversation, however, it seems the dungeon might be slightly occupied this morning."
Lyota nods, ignoring Sable's not-so-quiet prayers that she'll turn around and go home. "Then perhaps my timing is good, as I hope to see more about how this dungeon...interacts with the world. Shall we?"
"...Right. Let's get to hiking, then."
"Well, well, well, now this is a party! Six of you, most of you quite high-level...though I don't believe I've seen you all teamed up exactly like this before." Doorman looks down at the assortment of Challengers standing before him, with a pleased look of surprise on his wooden face. As the one with the most pressing 'official' business to deal with, Elance speaks for the group.
"We're not exactly here today for typical reasons, Guardian. We're here to introduce the dungeon to its first proper applicant - or at least, the first one to pass our particular system of testing. I do have a few names of failures to pass on as well, to let you know not to accept them. But this one here is Trush of Tash'narc, level 26 Shieldbreaker, looking to join your crew."
"Oh, oh my! And he's ready to sign up today? I don't believe we're ready for this - please, give me a few moments to make sure our master is alerted and see how they wish to handle matters." The group dutifully waits, and after a minute Doorman's attention is pulled to the side, as he listens to an unheard voice. After another few minutes of that, he refocuses on Elance.
"We'll go ahead and clear out a space on Floor Four so everyone can have a chat, if he's passed the Church's requirements this should be mostly a formality. I see everyone but Mr. Trush has been to Floor Four before, but in this case we'll make a special exception and allow him to skip ahead. Although just to confirm...you are all here as part of his party?"
Alizz speaks up. "I wouldn't mind observing proceedings, but I do have some additional business I'd like to discuss afterwards."
"I as well. I recognize that I have no particular authority to ask this of you, but if the dungeon spirit is in a communicative mood, I would like to request the opportunity to speak with them, or a representative." Lyota gives the door a respectful bow as she makes her request.
Doorman hesitates for a few moments as he glances at the fury demon, but eventually nods. "In the words of my master, 'this meeting can't get any weirder than it already is', so come on in, if you like. I, ah...look forward to working alongside you, Mr. Trush?"
The orc in question answers with a laugh. "I as well, but you can drop the Mister! Heh, folks started callin' me One-Armed Trush a bit back, but if all goes well I guess that name won't be accurate soon either!"
"Likely not! The portals are there to your right, enjoy your visit!"
When the group makes their way onto Floor Four, they find something of a party arrangement set up in a meadow clearing in the forest. The conference table from the Association inspections is gone, but a few long tables with refreshments have been set up, and a greeting party large enough to match the Challengers is there to meet them. Lollyp, Taly, Sincere and DEATH are all present to represent the floor bosses, and even the water elementals have worked their way out of the river to see what all the excitement is about.
The arrivals stop in their tracks however when Xenia herself appears in the middle of the meadow, her monochrome form giving the Challengers a warm smile. "Well, welcome to the dungeon! Good timing on one hand, at least, my avatar spell was all nice and recharged in time. But did I hear right, we've got ourselves an, ah...'applicant'?"
"That would be me, aye. Have to say, neither you or this dungeon looks quite like what I expected, though I was warned. I'm - " Trush's introduction is cut short by a sudden groan from Lyota, who was wincing as she began to approach Xenia's avatar, and the woman eventually needs to start backing away a few steps. "...Not feeling well back there?"
"I...I shall observe from back here. Please, ignore me."
Xenia eyes the woman warily. "...Will do. For now, anyhow. Anyways, Shieldbreaker Trush, right?" She gives the orc a toothy grin. "Tell me about why you want to die today!"
