The most frequent excuse offered by those venturing into the darkness of Mundus Mortis is the legend of life-altering wealth, hidden deep within its cursed halls. It’s not hard to imagine why, given the proprietor of this haunted fortress: Grizelda, the dread lich queen, has been residing there for generations. A sorceress is certain to have all sorts of rare metals, alchemic instruments, and magic bric-a-brac laying about, after all, and any treasure hunter worth their salt knows a merchant or two that deals in such esoteric wares.
Surely just a peek inside wouldn’t be too dangerous? As long as one was careful not to rouse any of the tomb’s denizens, one could very likely make a small fortune in a single evening… Or so it’s been said.
✶ ✶ ✶
Talia Goodgrave decided to press her luck, despite a satchel already brimming with thick gold rings. Each had a small slit straight through, rounded gently on both sides. What were they supposed to be for, she wondered? No telling with a lich. They were heavy, though, and that meant they’d fetch a high price with the metallurgist. There were easily fifty of them jingling cheerily in the bag, and each time she peeked inside to admire them, they caught the light in a way that made her giddy. It was almost a shame to sell them. Perhaps if she delved a little deeper, she could find a few more alchemic baubles to hock, and still be able keep a ring or two as proof of her daring adventure on the next hard-drinking night at the tavern. Just a little further.
She was lightly armored, in her usual fashion. A simple breastplate, gauntlets, and greaves kept her light on her feet, able to deftly avoid the tricks and traps set to punish clumsy treasure hunters. She’d already slipped past four, all easily spotted by a trained thief. Less is more, as they say, and she knew that less steel weighing her down meant more gold filling her pockets. Her eyes had mostly adjusted to the gloom of the compound, which was a boon, since a lit torch would likely draw the attention of every creature in the area. She hadn’t seen any yet, but she knew they lurked nearby. Better not to think about it.
As she rounded the corner and stared down yet another long hallway, the already still air began to feel thick. Her skin crawled, and she had the distinct feeling of a pair of eyes on her. She stopped in her tracks, straining her ears for a sign of danger in the inky dark. As she did, her satchel slapped against her hip, startling her and freeing a single ring that tinged merrily against the stone tile at her feet before bounding away. Talia watched it blink into the darkness as heat poured into her cheeks. The walls of Mundus Mortis groaned, and just as soon as it had come, the moment passed. Jumping at shadows like a child? She huffed as she marched in the direction of the stray ring. She was glad no-one was here to see.
Where had it rolled? It couldn’t have gone far, she thought as she scanned the loose stones and ancient detritus scattered across the floor. She kicked a pebble and sent it sailing, and as it clattered down the hall, a faint glimmer caught her eye. She grinned and hastened her stride, the elusive thing finally coming back into view. She stood over it, sighing at the sight of a few scuffs from its short journey. She knelt, running her gloved fingers over its lightly pocked surface. It had a strangely calming effect, and she suddenly felt a soothing warmth wash over her from the back of her head. What an odd sensation, she thought as the floor rushed up to greet her.
She felt her face hit the stone. She slept.
✶ ✶ ✶
Some time later, Talia awoke with a start. The dimly lit chamber was spinning as she frantically tried to take stock. She was somewhere else. Her skull ached. Her chest throbbed. She couldn’t move. She could taste blood. Her muscles burned. Her breathing quickened as she realized that her worst fear had apparently come to pass while she slumbered.
A sharp fingernail traced the lines of her ear. As she whipped her head around to behold her tormentor, searing pain gripped her entire face. Tears welled, blinding her as a gravelly voice split the silence.
“Gently, pet. They’re still fresh.”
Her vision focused, and she saw the lich queen’s piercing emerald eyes staring back. Her blood froze. Grizelda was pleased with the reaction. She leaned over Talia’s stretched body, observing the sweat beading across her flesh with an approving smile. With a sweep of her hand, she cupped a quivering breast, sliding an icy finger into the brilliantly shining ring now running through her swollen teat. The slit was gone, replaced by a thin, dimpled band of melted gold. Talia shuddered as the depth of her plight became clear.
“These aren’t yours,” Grizelda clucked, giving the ring a sharp tug. Talia wailed, her eyes rolling as the pain rocked her. Clenching her lids shut, she desperately wished that she was home again, tucked safely in her downy bed, and that this was all just some awful, vivid nightmare that had gone on for a bit too long. Grizelda twisted, thrusting her back into the moment with agony that shot through her entire body. Every wound smoldered on her raw nerves.
“You helped yourself to quite a few,” she continued, sniffing her captive. “I counted fifty in that plump little sack of yours. Ambitious, aren’t we?” Tears flowed freely down Talia’s cheeks as Grizelda moved her frozen touch from ring to ring, taking silent count. Talia began to tremble against her will, and the rings sang in response, making Grizelda’s grotesque grin stretch even wider.
“I’m sorry,” Talia whimpered through jangling lips, but no sooner had she opened her mouth than she felt her tongue yanked from between her teeth. Grizelda clamped it firmly with glistening forceps as Talia looked on helplessly, her eyes wet with fear.
“Don’t be,” she laughed. “Fortune favors the bold, thief! For your bravery, I’ll send you on your way with the whole lot… Only thirty-nine left to go.”
Talia Was Defeated By: Grizelda, Mad Surgeon
New Dungeon Rules Revealed:
- Thieves can identify all traps on sight
- Enemy combatants can see in darkness
- Helmets protect against one-hit KO attacks
- Mission failure doesn’t necessarily result in lost inventory…
New Items Unlocked:
- Alchemic Ring: A heavy metallic trinket made through ancient science. Has a high resale value.
- Thief’s Armor: Light leather padding reinforced with steel plates, for agile adventurers. Does not provide head protection.
- Surgical Tools: Curiously sharp medical instruments pilfered from the laboratory of Mundus Mortis. Look new, but are likely centuries old.
Damage: ✶ Range: ✶ Speed: ✶✶✶✶✶
New Trait Unlocked:
- Pierced: Inventory room increases, maximum HP decreases.
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