“Double tug.” RaiderDave said, not even a minute after King disappeared. “What? Triple tug afterward?”

“Something from our raids. He can’t advance, needs everyone down there. Come on.” I said, leading the raid down. King was lounging against the wall in a square room, pointing to the sign in the middle.

Welcome friends!

Monkey see, Monkey do!

Divide the raid into three branches of challenges. There will be enemies and puzzles for you to defeat along the way. As a benevolent overlord, I’ll allow you to divide the raid how you see fit. Just know that at least one person must travel down each path. There are dire penalties for breaking the rules, but I’m sure you’ll figure that out on your own. Good luck!

“Damn. I didn’t think we would have to split the raid so quickly, but at least he’s letting us do it our own way. What have we got to give us clues to these rules?”

“Markings by each doorway.” King said, pointing to his right. “That way has a flexing arm, obviously brawn. Middle path has a staff and wizard hat. Last path has a brain.”

“Lucy, Dave, got any suggestions?”

“Physical fighters with the brawn side, magic the middle path. I think the last path will be fun puzzles.” Lucy said immediately, and Dave nodded.

“Sounds about right. Send a healer with each group, but which one gets two healers?”

“Magic path.” Lucy called. At my raised eyebrow, she explained, “Squishier. They’ll need the healing, especially without a tank.”

“Should we send a tank just in case?” Dave asked.

“Probably for the best. I don’t like the name of the floor. Make sure the tank is defending only.” I answered.

“What if we send the paladins with the mages? Think divine attacks would count as magic?” Lucy asked the question I had been dreading.

“I don’t know. If they are, then that is fine. If not? I think we shouldn’t risk it, and send them down the brain path with me.”

“You’re on the puzzle path?” Dave asked.

“Yeah. I’m fairly confident in my abilities there.”

“What am I supposed to do then?” Dave asked, and I slapped my head. I had forgotten he was a paladin.

“Exactly.” He said. “I’ll take the paladins down the puzzle path, but send the scouts with me as well. I’ll feel better if I had King to consult with on a few things.”

“Alright, just make sure you guys make it through.” Turning to the raid, I called out, “Everyone, attention please! We are being forced to split our group. Physical fighters will go with me down the might path, and for a healer we will be taking NotABandaid. Paladins and rogues, you’re with RaiderDave. Dr. HealYaButts will be your healer. Magic people will be with Lucy down the middle path, Citadel will be your tank. He will be defense only. We’ll see you all on the other side, good luck.” The raid efficiently split up, and I led my group down a four-person wide hallway.

The group was as silent as can be with several people wearing plate and chain mail, and after about a hundred feet the hall turned to the right before immediately opening up into a massive cave. I walked up to the sign, behind which was a massive red line.

Test your might!

Beyond the red line, your group will face a series of physical battles. You will have five minutes to defeat each wave, before the platform you are on moves to join the next. The raid leader, or duly elected battle leader should the raid leader be on a different path, can start the next battle early at their discretion. Six battles, and victory will be yours. Good luck!

“Alright everyone, looks like we get a straight up brawl. Physical attacks only, looks like things will start when we all cross the big red line.” I said, moving around the sign and stepping into the active area. There was a fifty-foot gap between each thirty-foot wide platform, and it looked like each battle would increase our fighting area. Once everyone was in place, several summoning circles appeared. I only paid attention to the three in our area, which revealed three groups of five orcs, with a war leader.

“Shield wall, rangers focus fire on the big guy in the back. Berserkers take the wings, rotate in and out depending on your health.” I ordered, and heard chuckles as everyone took positions. The orc leader roared, pointing his oversized maul at us with one hand, and his subordinates charged. Arrows started appearing in pairs, but the massive orc just ignored them.

There was a massive crash as the two lines smashed together, but the tanks held. The wings of berserkers folded around the orcs, and havoc ensued. The orcs all wanted individual battles, but the players were more than happy to slip back and forth between targets, exploiting turned backs for vicious critical hits. As the war leader looked on with a frown on his face, I snuck around behind him. While I didn’t activate stealth, it didn’t matter as his entire focus was on the battle raging in front of him. That was until I used both daggers to shred his right calf.

“Rrrrrooooaaaaaahhhhhh!” His roar of agony caused several of the orcs to hesitate, an error swiftly capitalized on by the players. The war leader also threw his head back, and two arrows sprouted from his throat before he tried a massive backhanded swing with his maul. I stayed in close, ducking under his hand, and slashing at the thigh on his good leg as he unbalanced himself with that poor swing. He toppled over, crashing down with a grunt. I stepped onto his chest, and double slashed across his throat before plunging a dagger into his eye and killing him.

After his death, the slight red glow that I hadn’t noticed the regular orcs had faded, and their ferocity and the rapidly growing numbers advantage made the fight an easy one.

“Yaaaaaah!” Several of the tanks yelled in elation, rattling their blades in the air. I just chuckled, and turned to see what else we were up against. I was going to use the majority of the time left for recovery, and to plan out our next attack.

The next group was a mixture. Three orcs with two hobgoblins, all heavily armored and backed by six hobgoblin archers was our next wave. To make things even better, the archers were on raised platforms with no entrance from the front side. Wave three was ten minotaurs, all wandering around. Wave four looked to be trolls, luckily only four. Wave five was too obscure to see clearly, but I could easily see the massive golem for wave six. Fighting that without magic was going to suck.

“Listen up, GotYerBack, Shieldwall, and HitMe will all take an orc. Berserkers will split up and take the hobgoblins down for GotYerBack and Shieldwall. HitMe, I’ll be with you and the elemental rangers, we’ll try and take them down quick but you might have to do a bit more of a defensive battle. We’ll try and stay out of range of the archers for now. After the groups are down, we can split up and get around behind the platforms to climb them and take the archers down.” Everyone nodded with the plan, though HitMe looked a little glum.

The time ran down, and our platform slowly creaked forward until it clanged into position with the next one. The orcs wasted no time, charging forward. They split exactly how we planned it, and I was able to peel off one of the hobgoblins targeting HitMe. His slow axe attacks were easy to avoid, and I would dart in and out harrying him while the archers peppered him in the back with arrows. He fell quickly, and I switched to the other hobgoblin that was taking turns smashing HitMe’s shield. One of my skills procced, and I was able to get a decapitation on the unsuspecting monster. Just in time too, as when the final orc fell HitMe had dropped down to about a third health.

“Heh, just in time.” He said, giving me a slightly manic grin.

“[Greater heal].” I turned to watch in horror as NotABandaid healed him up to full health.

Disqualified!

For using magic on the might path, you have incurred a penalty.

Monster damage +500%

Monster attack rate +500%

Monster health +500%

All waves automatically started.

I turned back to see the archers and the rest of the monsters all had eyes lit up with blazing red, and all the platforms were moving to combine. “Fuck, take out as many as we can. Use all skills but try and save your daily skills. I’m sure someone will be along to revive us eventually.” I said, just before chaos descended. The minotaurs charged and smashed people over the edge, shattering what little remained of our formation. Several of the berserkers turned to whirlwinds of death, spinning and lashing out in all directions.

“Poor bastards have us surrounded! I can’t possibly miss no matter where I swing!” At least someone had a sense of humor about the situation, as I tried to stealth into a more favorable position. Getting smashed by a troll let me know stealth wasn’t working, and I quickly got a popup I was expecting.

You have died.

If someone fails to resurrect you in ten minutes, your body will be respawned at the beginning of the dungeon. If you haven’t been resurrected twenty minutes after being transported to the beginning of the dungeon, you will have the option to quit the dungeon or respawn for additional penalties. If all members of the raid are killed at the same time, the dungeon dive will be considered a failure.

Total raid deaths: 39

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Darkmoon Lucy’s POV

Our group took the middle path, and Brosef immediately cast a magelight as we entered a tunnel. It was wide enough for four people, and we spread out with Citadel leading the way. “I doubt there are traps, but keep a few feet between groups just in case. And make sure our healers aren’t walking side by side.” I called over my shoulder, not wanting to lose both of them in a freak accident. A few minutes later and I looked across a long cave. There were four platforms separated by gaps, and I walked up to read the sign that Citadel was standing next to.

Test your magic!

Beyond the red line, your group will face a series of magical battles. You will have five minutes to defeat each wave, before the platform you are on moves to join the next. The raid leader, or duly elected battle leader should the raid leader be on a different path, can start the next battle early at their discretion. Six battles, and victory will be yours. Good luck!

“Thoughts?’ I asked the oddly quiet Citadel.

“Cut loose. I’ll hold back any that try and close.”

“Good enough.” I said with a sigh. I turned to the rest of the raid and spoke, “just like we thought, magic attacks only. That goes for summoned creatures as well, so it might be best if we switched to ones that only buff ourselves. Try not to use the really big moves, but there’s no rules against mana potions so feel free to go all out. Once we cross the line, battle will begin.”

Several people started swapping equipment, most likely going for additional mana regen or magic damage. I dismissed my currently summoned beasts, going for buffing to the raid instead of damaging on their own. “[Summon: Mana wisp][Summon: Arcane sprite][Special summon: Sprite Queen]” Losing over three quarters of my mana was worth it. Mana wisps boosted mana regen within her sphere of influence, while the arcane sprite boosted spell damage. But the sprite queen was the best. She boosted all sprite and wisp effects, and could cast her own spells as well.

“Queen Meridia, thank you for answering my summons.” I said with a bow.

“Twas my pleasure Miss Darkmoon. Oh my, are we where I think we are?” She asked, placing a hand on her chest. “To think I would be summoned to the dungeon of the Progenitor King.”

“You’ve heard of him?” I asked, quite surprised. The sprites inhabited a rather remote plane.

“Oh my yes dear. He and a giant friend of his dropped by to enlist our aid. Not as denizens of course, but we did send a few enchanters. While they mostly did the mana absorption to power the unique enchants, they did manage to learn a few things.”

“Soooo, I don’t suppose?”

“Oh my, we could never reveal information about a client, I’m sure you understand. Just,” She spoke, pausing to take a deep breath. “Ah, the path of magic? Just make sure you follow the rules and you’ll be fine. Hmmm, your group seems well managed enough, but I think I’ll help out your fellow. [Courtly summon: Amethyst guard].” She made a sweeping motion, and two sprites in purple crystal plate appeared.

“My Queen!” They spoke in unison, clasping hands to their chests.

“My guards. I have summoned you to assist in defense. You will not attack, and will follow direct orders from myself and Miss Darkmoon here.” She ordered, motioning to me.

“Your will!” They said, and moved off to flank around Citadel.

“Now, let’s see here. Cryomancer, photomancer, geomancer, oh what a lovely array. You even have a pyromancer. One moment dear.” She said, smiling at me. I couldn’t help but smile back, as she was easily distracted by things outside of combat. I think she secretly enjoyed being pulled away from court, where she could let her mask drop. “Yoo hoo! Mr. Flame lord!” She called to Cinderfy.

“Hmm? Me?” He asked.

“Of course dear. Could you come over here for just a minute? I need your assistance with something.” Shrugging, he walked over.

“Cinderfy, may I present the sprite queen Meridia. Queen Meridia, the pyromancer Cinderfy.” I made a quick introduction so Cinder would know who he was talking to.

“A pleasure.” He said with a regal bow that impressed me with its fluidness.

“Indeed. Now, I have a combination I wish to show you. First, [Vulcan hedge].” Meridia cast a spell, and a thorny vine with massive closed flower buds erupted from the ground. “If you would be so kind, when the flowers bloom hit it with your weakest fire attack.” She said, and I noticed we were gathering quite the interested crowd. Five seconds later, the buds opened to reveal orange flowers with a white core.

“[Firebolt].” Cinder spoke calmly, forgoing the chant to weaken the spell as much as he could. A fireball the size of a baseball rocketed across to strike the opened flower, which had been exuding a light purple gas. The entire floor rumbled as the gas ignited, turning the small fireball into a raging pillar of flame.

“GOOD GOD!” several people shouted, quickly shielding their faces from the intense heat.

“HAHAHAHAHA!” Cinder burst into laughter. “Oh, M’lady, that is the most wonderful crowd control spell I have ever come across. Thank you for the opportunity to work with this.” He said, giving her another deep bow.

“Everyone ready?” I asked, getting nods from everyone. “Then let’s go. Cross the line, let’s get this shindig started.” Leading the way, I moved behind Citadel and the two guards. Once everyone was across, three summoning circles appeared. Each one had three hobgoblin shamans, and one hobgoblin warlock.

“[Earth wave].”

“[Ice lotus].”

“[Prismatic blast].”

“[Ignis potens].”

Each of the specialized mages unleashed their spells, obliterating the enemies. Brock’s earth wave actually sent the entire targeted group plummeting to their doom. Ice Queen froze her enemies solid, and Brosef’s multicolored lights blasted into them, getting boosts from the crystals of ice. Cinder changed one of his spells to Latin, but the explosion of flame sent most of the enemies plummeting to their doom and left a single singed shaman on his face.

“[Lightning].” Grandelf sent a bolt of normal lightning to finish the monster off. “Well, that went rather splendidly. Let’s see what else we have to deal with.” We all walked toward the edge of the platform to see what awaited us. The next platform was filled with imps floating around, occasionally shooting a fireball at each other. The third wave looked to be ghosts or spirits, the fourth was some sort of robed figures, and the fifth and sixth waves were too far away too make out.

“Well, are we ready for round two? Or do we want to wait another four minutes for mana regen?” After getting a round of affirmative responses, I went ahead and activated the early wave option. As we slowly moved forward, Brosef started blasting away with light since he had the longest range. I smiled when I saw that he was gradually herding the imps into more or less a single corridor for the others to blast away.

“I’ll line ‘em up, y’all knock ‘em down.” He drawled, and as soon as the platforms combined our sages got to work.

“We got this.” SpiceMix said, and all three sages grabbed each other’s hands and formed an open ended triangle pointing at the line of imps. “Purple lightning dances amongst the shards of clear is in the watery destruction. [Elemental linkage: Thundering Frozen Deluge]!” An absolute torrent of water burst forth, and clear shards of razor sharp ice reflected the terrifying visage of multiple purple lightning serpents within it. Every single imp was caught within the spell, and they were all destroyed instantly.

“Alright everyone, I know we all want to show off but remember we are in a dungeon. We can take the five minutes to let our sages recover, but unless things start turning dire I want you to rest for the next fight. Druids take the lead and mages back us up. Brosef, go ahead and blast from a distance as your light will be effective against the spirits.” People grumbled a bit, but it was more good natured grumping and not actual complaints. I pulled the three sages aside and asked, “That spell was quite impressive. Do you have any other combinations that you can use?”

“Yeah.” SpiceMix answered. “Three waters, three fires, and an earth and two fires all make rather spectacular combinations. That’s all we’ve really worked out.”

“Great. If need be, we might have to use them against the bosses, so I want you to talk to Whiskers when we meet back up and let him know. He’ll know how best to use it.”

“You got it.”

I settled in to wait, making sure my mana wisp was hovering near the sages. To my delight, they all sat down and started meditating to boost their mana regen. Looking out, I still couldn’t make out the fifth wave, but I could tell that the platform was shrouded in mist. There was time yet, so I didn’t worry too much.

After five minutes, the platform moved on to the next one and the battle went smoothly. Brosef was picking off lone spirits from a distance, and had taken down almost a third of them by the time we arrived. The rest were crowded around the back edge of the platform, afraid of his light attacks.

“You sure the druids are going to be ok against ghosts?” Ice Queen asked.

“Yeah. It’ll give them a good reason to use some of our lesser known spells. Brosef’s gathering them like that is going to help, as [Purging rain] doesn’t have the widest of areas.”

“Purging rain? Thought that only got rid of group curses?”

“That and negative spirits. Get enough druids and a long enough time, you might even be able to break some minor curses on equipment.” I explained. Most people didn’t realize that druid spells covered a wide array of afflictions, they just worked over time instead of immediately like cleric’s spells.

After the purging rain eliminated the ghostly enemies, I called the raid over. “Ok, looks like robed mystery figures. Druids are on crowd control. Sages and mages, try and limit your mana expenditures as I’m worried about that misty platform up ahead.” Plan set, I went ahead and activated the wave early.

“[Prismatic bolt].” Brosef again started us off early, targeting a lone figure.

“[Dark bolt].” The creature fired back at Brosef, who easily dodged the return projectile.

“Looks like it’s mages. I always wanted a good old fashioned wizard’s duel.” I heard PeppermintYork say. “Let’s see if their elements are set. [Lightning bolt].” She fired at the same wizard Brosef had initially targeted.

“[Stone shot].” It fired right back.

“Listen up everyone, these things counterattack with the opposing element of what you used, so be prepared.” I called out loudly. Looking back, I saw several members of the raid nodding at my words as they chanted spells for boosted damage. As soon as the platforms got within range, chaos was unleashed. Each druid had at least one fire expert with them, taking advantage of the plants that were used to limit movements. Ice Queen would lock enemies inside a frozen coffin where Brosef would use the crystals to turn his light blasts into multicolored shotgun blasts to the chest. SpiceMix and Grandelf used a water and electricity combination, and the multiple elements seemed to confuse the enemy so much that they couldn’t decide on what element to counter with. “Keep going with combinations! Multiple elements confuse the enemy!” I shouted.

It was a busy three minutes, but we managed to clear out the platform. “Anyone find out what those enemies were exactly?” SpiceMix asked.

“Mystic inverters.” Meridia answered when none of the raid did. “Simple constructs that attack with the opposing element of what initially attacked them. They depend on a high magic defense and the hope that using the opposing element will guarantee critical hits. Annoying, but manageable if you know their tricks.”

“Well, what do you think the chances are that the next platform is going to be a major annoyance?” I asked.

“Almost guaranteed.” PeppermintYork replied. “I still can’t see anything in that mist. Anyone got any ideas?”

“I think Queen Meridia and I should handle this.” Cinderfy said. “My lady, do you think you could cover the next platform with those wonderful flower hedges?”

“I think I could. Are you thinking what I am?”

“That enough hedges will blow away all the mist on the platform, along with anything alive on there?”

“So bloodthirsty, I love it. Miss Darkmoon, is this plan acceptable?”

“Sounds good to me. Will you be ok with the blast from an explosion that big?”

“The guards will step in front to protect us. I can even cast the spell from here, giving us enough time to retreat a bit.”

“Then do it. Everyone else, I want you three quarters back. Brock, a quick earthen shelter if you would. Leave them a small one up here to shelter in as well.”

“You got it.” He responded, making a quick domed shield they could hide behind. The rest of the raid got a much larger one.

“Ready when you guys are!” I called out.

“[Royal summoning: Grand Vulcan hedge maze]!” Meridia’s spell was so powerful that several of us shivered as the wave of magic passed us.

“Damn, she cast a spell that powerful without an incantation? I do NOT want to get on her bad side.” NaughtyNurseJess said. “I almost wish we could film this explosion though. Cinderfy’s going to absolutely love it.”

As she spoke, we heard a shout from said pyromancer, “[Pyroclasm]!” Several of us managed to widen our eyes in horror just before the entire dungeon shuddered under the massive explosion. Even with the distance between the raid and the explosion, I still saw several cracks form in the defensive shell Brock had raised.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA! OOOHHHHH YEAAAAAAAH THAT WAS AMAZING!”

“Looks like he survived just fine, shall we check the damage?” Brock asked with a chuckle. With a snap of his fingers, the shield in front of us crumbled and allowed us to see the devastation. The next platform was completely empty. The entire thing had been reduced to scorch marks, and we all started laughing as Cinder was dancing around in joy looking at the aftermath.

“Hey, Ice Queen and anyone who has water spells. Mind launching a few? I can feel the heat from all the way over here, I can only imagine what it would feel like if we had to cross the wasteland.”

“WAIT!” Cinder called out, stopping the four mages who had stepped forward. “Hold on a second, we can use this to our advantage. Look over there!” Pointing across the way, I could barely make out what was on the other side.

“What is it Cinder? I can’t tell through the heat waves.”

“The last wave. It’s a manabane swarm.” Everyone deflated at that. “Calm down everyone. Yes, they are immune to magic but can still be damaged by indirect effects. And we have a thirty-foot field of indirect heat. So hit the next wave button, and we can watch them fry as they try to get us. Maybe have a few hedges summoned in the middle to light up and slow them down?”

“Idiot savant. He’s gotta be an idiot savant.” Brock muttered. “But it just might work. Let’s do it.” Shrugging my shoulders, I hit the next wave button and watched as we moved closer to the swarm. The small insects used their incredibly limited flight to try and get across, but most dropped into the chasm below. It seemed the heat was having an effect, as their fragile wings burnt away rapidly. Once the platform clicked into place, the swarm surged forward. Screaming in agony as they burned, they nonetheless carried on over the backs of their fallen comrades as they attempted to get to the concentration of magical energies our group was throwing out.

“HEDGE ROWS, NOW! SPACE THEM OUT EVERY THREE FEET!” I yelled, stepping forward to work together with my fellow druids. “START NEAR THE HORDE, AND GRADUALLY SUMMON CLOSER TO US!” Rows of hedges started going up, immediately bursting into flames under the intense heat. Each one would burn for about two minutes. Two minutes that the horde would burn to death within. Still they pressed on. “START CASTING IT IN THE SWARM ITSELF!” While the druids were busy slowing down the inexorable advance of the swarm, those who had access to fire magics were busy building up our heat sink. Flamethrowers, fireballs, and flame pillars. Anything they had that wasn’t on cooldown was used. I swear the raid went through mana potions like water jugs at a rave. We even had the lightshow to match, only needed a thumping beat.

For nearly ten minutes we battled, constantly draining our mana. As with all battles of attrition, something had to give eventually and luckily for the raid it was the swarm. The screeching went from an angry constant to a more subdued drone. After another five minutes it cut off entirely, and the panting and exhausted mages collapsed where they were. I cheated, and grew a small sapling right next to me to lean on, watching as the smoke cleared to reveal several inches of charred husks and blackened hedges. “Everyone ok? I need a clear path forward. Ice Queen, you’re up.”

“What’s the rush?” She asked, looking drained herself.

“What if the trap resets if we don’t cross it in a specific amount of time?” Her eyes got big at the implications, and she downed a mana potion, gagging a bit.

“Ugh, still tastes like crap. Ok, one corridor through hell, coming right up. [Ice beam].” While she conjured her beam of ice, blasting through the heat with the sustained spell, Cinderfy came up and whispered to me.

“Poor thing. She was channeling mana to at least three of us, while trying to meditate.”

“Serious? No wonder she’s so drained. I sincerely hope when we get through this that there is a rest area.”

“You and me both.”

Five minutes of steam blasting later, and Ice Queen had cleared a path three feet wide. The raid members darted through one by one as Meridia pulled me aside. “Congratulations on clearing the path, but this is where my summoning must end for now.”

“Is it time already?” I asked, confused. I could swear I had at least another hour with her.

“The massive expenditure of mana for the hedge maze lowered our time.” She reminded me, and I nodded at her.

“That’s understandable. Queen Meridia, thank you for your impeccable service. I do believe your legend will grow, as the majority of the adventurers in this world were watching your performance.” I said, giving her a deep bow of gratitude.

“And I thank you as well, Miss Darkmoon. To see such magics unleashed has been a wonder. Do call on me again should you go on any more interesting adventures.” With that, she and her guards disappeared in a transport circle. I turned and followed the raid, trying not to cough at the swirling ash as I crossed the platform. Once everyone was accounted for on the other side, we entered another tunnel the same width as the one we originally entered from.