by Adam Myhr
My mind made up I let loose a kick and jumped into the room, landing on the door.
I found myself in a little room with two other doors. Light came from a lantern hanging in the middle of the ceiling. The stench in the room made me wish I was still with the two rats. The smell came from a grubby little creature. It was similar to the gnome but had a smaller frame and a long, thin nose. There was a sword, more of a long knife really, on its belt that scraped along the ground as it walked. From what I could see it had been moving a pile of stones from one side of the room to the other before I interrupted it. It was now half-turned to me, it’s mouth trying to form a sound as it stumbled in place, a stone precariously balanced at the edge of its fingers.
Not sure what to do with the thing I let a turn pass to see what its intentions were. It dropped the stone and drew the large knife, pointing it at me while letting out what I can only describe as a loud howl.
I jumped at it, swinging my ax down hard as I went. Some rational part of me feared more would come to investigate the howling. I’m not sure where that part was though. All I could think of was stopping the infernal howling noise it was making.
You chopped an imp! 7 Damage
My blow gouged a chunk from its arm, missing the grubby little things neck by mere inches. It responded by stabbing up at me. Pain seared across my chest as the rusty blade pierced my skin. Thankfully my height prevented it from sinking deep into my flesh, leaving me with a shallow wound.
An imp stabbed you! -3 HP
Instead of trying to recover the ax I decided to kick the thing hard, attempting to throw it across the room and prevent another attack before I was ready.
You kicked an imp! 3 Damage (Knockback)
The imp went flying into the wall, landing on its face with a thud. It scrambled to its feet, the knife still glued to its tiny fist. It glared at me with a hatred I didn’t think existed outside of storybooks. But then, this was a simulated world, so essentially a storybook. A storybook that delivered pain.
I readied the ax while I backed up a step, putting more distance between us than I figured it could cover in one turn. It responded by throwing a rock at me! It missed, cracking off the wall next to me like a gunshot.
Unsure how this thing could possibly put that much power into a throw I circled closer to it, trying to stay just outside of its knife range while preparing to dodge the next rock. I failed, the rock catching me on the shoulder.
An imp threw a rock at you! -1 HP
Close enough to rush and hit it I snarled and charged, ax held tightly. When I came close, I swung the ax like a baseball bat, cleaving through its neck, separating the head from the body and sending it flying into the wall, a dark red spot left behind when it fell to the ground.
You cleaved an imp! 8 Damage (Dismemberment)
You defeated an imp! +9 Exp
The knife slipped from its lifeless grasp, clanging on the ground briefly before being muffled by its body. I stooped down to check out the knife, a couple of silvers falling out of its pockets as I moved the body.
+2 Silver
Rusty Machete
That’s not a knife! Neither is this! Normal, Damage 2-5. +1 Exp
The machete felt pretty good in my hands. Not that I had experience, but it felt more like a weapon to me than the ax. I decided to switch it up for a bit, see how things went with the new weapon.
I stood up and examined the lantern. From what I could tell it was stuck to the ceiling. I could barely reach it, which made no sense. Why would these things build such large rooms for themselves? I examined the remaining doors. They were both unlocked, and I heard no sounds from behind either one. I cautiously opened the door to the left of the entrance, seeing a long hallway with lanterns regularly hanging from the ceiling. Through the door across from the entrance, I saw a shorter hallway, turning right a few steps down, similarly lit. With no apparent need for the torch, I extinguished it, saving it for later.
I liked the idea of seeing what was coming at me, so I started down the long hallway. There was no glory in the craftsmanship of the tunnels. There were places the natural pockets and curves of the cave were left in place, not because it was fancy, but because it would’ve taken effort to change. The hallway curved to the right slightly as I went down, eventually ending at another door. This one was a real door, like the one I had left the last room through.
I paused to listen at the door, hearing nothing. Cautiously, I crouched down and pushed the door open. The room butted up against an underground lake. I was reminded of the food meter on my HUD by evidence of fishing along the rocky shore. I ate a carrot, following it with half of a fish to see how many hit points I could heal.
+5 % Food
You have learned the effect of dried fish. +1 Exp
I felt better, still 2 hit points from full though. Deciding to save my resources I turned to the right, the only other way out of this room.
Frank: Average Human
Str:6
Dex:6
Con:6
Int:6
Wis:5
Luck:5
HP:14 (16)
SP:0 (0)
Food:100% (60/60)
Turn:1052
Exp:93
Lvl:1
Weapon:
Rusty Machete
Normal, 2-5
Armor:
Dirty Farmer’s Overalls
0
Equipment:
1 cucumber, 1 ear of corn, 1.5 dried fish, flint & steel, 2 torches, 1 torch (152), kindling, dull old rusty ax, old iron dagger
Silver: 3
Skills:
Ax Wielding (1)
Dodge (1)
Firestarter (1)
Fishing (1)
Medicine (1)
Magic:
Nine
A few steps down the passageway the wall to my left opened. The room beyond was more a cavern than a room. The lights only illuminated the first few feet. Stepping into the cavern, the echoes suggested it went on for much further than a few hundred feet. I got my torch out, and in that time, I heard something move. Something big.
I walked a little further into the cavern, staying within the light and listening. I wasn’t disappointed, hearing something in the dark moving again. This time I heard chains as well, large chains clinking and clanking. I moved closer to the side wall, where the last lantern was set. As I closed in on it a roar sounded from the dark, a roar so loud it shook me to the very core. I froze, staring into the inky blackness.
I heard something charging at me. I was frightened beyond belief, unable to move as a shadow appeared in the darkness. The sound of something huge running on the ground was matched by the clanging and clinking of chains getting closer. A massive lizard snout faded into view, followed by reptilian eyes glowing gold. It let out another huge roar as it jerked to a stop, mere feet from me.
This roar was all I needed; I ran as fast as I could back to the lake, and then down the hallway to the first room. Shaking and weak I stopped to catch my breath. I was unwilling to let this be the end of my journey. I looked at the other door, the one with a turn just down the hallway. Readying the machete, I peeked around the first corner, seeing a left turn just ahead. Creeping up on that one I peeked again, seeing a room through an open door. Inside the room, I saw more of the imps.
I let a turn pass and saw them hurrying off to the left. I waited for two more turns, all but two of them leaving. The two remaining ones seemed nervous, pacing back and forth while looking off to the left repeatedly. I crept forward, hoping to sneak in and get the jump on one of them, keeping the fight fair - for myself anyhow.
You have earned the skill Stealth.
Quieter than an elephant, harder to see than the sun! +5 Exp
I almost jumped up at the appearance of the message. I hadn’t realized how wound up I was. The place was really starting to get to me, and I hoped they could get the exit figured out soon. I paused at the threshold of the room.
There were two inside. The one closest to me carried a machete just like the one I held, and the other a hatchet smaller than the ax I had. I could probably get to the one closest to me in one turn. If things went well, I’d have it down before the other one attacked. Steeling myself for a fight, I jumped into the room, swinging my new machete as I went.
You slashed an imp! Sneak Attack! (x2) 10 Damage
The imp let out a yelp of pain and surprise after I slashed a gouge into its arm. The other imp hadn’t even reacted yet, still showing its back. Unlike with the ax, I already had the machete in position to take another good swing, which I did without hesitation.
You slashed an imp! 3 Damage
The imp drew its machete as it turned to face me. The other imp finally caught on to the noise and jumped in surprise. I pressed the attack, lunging at the imp in front of me.
You stabbed an imp! 2 Damage
The imp staggered back under my onslaught. It made a weak swipe at me but missed. The other one drew its small ax and advanced, unable to get a good angle to attack with its companion in the way. I put everything I had into another slash, turning to face the imp with an ax as I hit.
You slashed an imp! 3 Damage
You defeated an imp! +8 Exp
The other imp closed the rest of the distance and swung down faster than I expected, hitting my foot in the process.
An imp chopped you! -3 HP
Committed at this point I swiped at the imp, trying to put myself in a position where it would have trouble hitting me at the same time.
You slashed an imp! 2 Damage
It pulled the ax back, readying it for another swing. Not needing the time to prepare as the imp did I slashed back across, aiming for the arm holding the ax.
You slashed an imp! 4 Damage
It swung the ax at my leg like I was a tree ready to be chopped down. The swing left a hole in the overalls, my swing having turned me just enough to be missed by the imp. I brought the machete back around, missing my swing and watching the imp get in position for another chop. I decided to try using my weight to my advantage, stabbing and pushing through the imp with all my weight in an attempt to skewer it.
You stabbed an imp! Critical hit! (x2) 10 Damage (Weapon stuck)
It staggered back from the force of my hit, taking my machete with! Even as the imp stumbled, it somehow managed to land a blow on my arm.
An imp chopped you! -2 HP
I pulled out my ax, giving it time to regain its balance. I sneered at it as I raised my ax, daring it to avoid my attack. I brought the ax down hard on the imp’s head, taking off half its face in the process.
You chopped an imp! 8 Damage
You defeated an imp! +10 Exp
I quickly searched the imps, finding another four silver pieces, another machete, and a hatchet. The hatchet was essentially a weaker version of my ax, so I left it behind. With the imps out of the way, I looked around the room. The opening I came in had no door. To the left of that was the passage a bunch of other imps had rushed down. Roaring and faint metallic noises could be heard, likely the beast I had fled from earlier. In front of me was another door, this one open and showing a hallway veering off to the right. To the right was a staircase leading down.
I ate my last cucumber and another piece of fish before pressing on. Not wanting to find myself in a place I couldn’t handle, I went forward instead of down or left. I closed the door behind me, adding as many obstacles as possible to any imps wanting to follow.
I followed the curve to the right, the stench of death getting stronger with every step. A large chamber waited at the end of a short passageway. I snuck up to the chamber’s opening and peeked inside.
Unlike the last one, this chamber was well lit. The ceiling was covered in shimmering crystals amplifying the light presented by torches lining the walls. The floor was polished smooth, the dark rock presenting a blurry reflection of the room. In the back of the chamber, I saw a small door off to the right.
An ugly humanoid creature, bigger than the imps, was pacing back and forth near the back wall. Its greasy black hair hung half-way to the floor, framing a green-skinned face sporting a nose shaped like a bubble. The rotting teeth in its mouth accentuated the permanent sneer. A black sword was hanging from its belt, glinting when the light hit it just right. Its wart covered bare feet slapped on the floor with every step, echoing in the empty chamber.
Behind it was the grisliest sight I had seen in this world, or the real one. It appeared as if someone had taken a giant lizard, like the one in the other chamber, dismembered it, and assembled the parts into something that some creature might be able to perch on precariously. It was all I could do not to gag at the smell coming from the carcass. It sat in a puddle of its own rotting blood and discharged fluids. I could see small scavengers and clouds of insects on it, as well as the place obviously used as a throne.
I leaned back, trying to catch my breath in the face of such a grisly display. Rushing this thing wouldn’t work. There was no way to close the distance before it noticed me. Likewise, sneaking didn’t seem to be an option. The chamber was empty and well lit. Seeing no other option, I turned and strode into the chamber.
As soon as I entered, the creature stopped and turned to me. The surprise on its face quickly turned to hatred. On my second step towards it, the sword was drawn. The third step saw it approach me. Another step and I could almost taste the filth behind it. I drew my machete and prepared for it to get in range, allowing it to close the gap over a couple of turns. As soon as it was in range, I struck, swinging in hard at its sword arm.
You slashed a goblin! 4 Damage
The goblin got its arm out of the way, instead getting a small cut along its ribcage. It responded by stabbing forward, the sharp point of the dark blade getting caught in my overalls and barely missing my stomach.
The stab brought it in closer, and it was open to my weapon side. I brought the blade up across its body, attempting to spin myself out of range at the same time.
You slashed a goblin! 5 Damage
My plan worked, the goblin needing to turn and step towards me and unable to attack at the same time. I lunged at it, trying to hit it off-center so I wouldn’t get the machete stuck again.
You stabbed a goblin! 3 Damage
You have earned the skill Short Blades.
You can control your blade better, preventing it from getting stuck in combat. Keep at it, and someday you’ll successfully slice a tomato! +5 Exp, +1 Dex
My blow glanced down across the side of it, pulling me in close. The goblin took advantage of my position, driving its sword into my off arm.
A goblin sliced you! -5 HP
I wouldn’t be able to deal with much of that! I followed the momentum of my previous attack, slashing down at its leg while continuing past it as far as one turn would let me go.
You slashed a goblin! 4 Damage
I heard a yelp of pain and felt the presence of the thing behind me, but it wasn’t quite close enough to strike. I glanced back and saw it was favoring the leg I had slashed. I didn’t see a good opportunity to attack, so instead I sprinted away from it, hoping I was right about the leg.
The goblin chased me, angrily snarling as it limped after. I was moving faster than it now, glad for the chance to catch my breath. I stepped away once more, this time turning towards it and readying for it to get in range.
It charged, getting close enough to swing at me this time, but not close enough to connect as I side-stepped its swing. I responded by slashing down across its body, stepping back as I did to keep it at bay.
You slashed a goblin! 5 Damage
The goblin turned to me, stumbling a little on its bad leg, but connecting anyhow.
A goblin stabbed you! -7 HP
The edges of the world faded a little from the pain. This was going to end now, one way or another. I lunged at the goblin, committing everything I had to stabbing through it.
In our fight, I had lost tra
ck of where we were. As I lunged, I slipped on some of the bile from the throne, stumbling past the goblin and landing on the floor. I turned to see it grin madly as it swung down at me from above. The world slowed around me as I instinctively scrunched up anticipating the blow.
In the move my foot brushed against the wound in its leg, causing it to wince from the pain. The wince caused his swing to break to the side just a little, slamming the sword down on the stone floor beside me. The sword shattered in the goblins hands, splinters flying off in all directions.
You should have died you lucky bastard! +1 Luck
The goblin was off-balance, surprised at the miss and shattered sword. It was obvious to me it would fall on its next turn. Somehow, I was still holding my machete, so I brought it in place, stabbing up at the falling goblin.
You stabbed a goblin! Critical hit! (x2) 12 Damage
You defeated a goblin! +13 Exp
The surprise in the goblins eyes faded to nothing as it collapsed on top of me. Its last breath expelled into my face causing me to turn and vomit as I pushed it off me.
The chamber was still empty, and now silent save for the buzzing of insects in the background. I searched the goblin to see what surprised it may have for me. I found flint and steel in its pockets, along with seven pieces of silver and a tarnished brass key.
I stood up, immediately regretting the decision. I was in some serious pain. The edges of the world constantly threatened to fade on me as I made my way to the doorway in the back of the room. When I finally made it, I collapsed against the door.
This door was nicer than the other ones had been. The handle was higher up, designed for the goblin instead of the imps no doubt. No sounds came through when I pressed my ear against it. I pulled myself up on the door and decided I didn’t care what was on the other side; I was going in.
My attempt at charging into the room failed miserably as I stumbled through the door. Luckily, nothing but silence greeted me. I allowed the door to shut behind me, closing off some of the smell from the rotting carcass.