CrawlWiki - User contributions [en]

The Arena

2021-01-28T23:04:25Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{stub}}
The Arena is an automated fight mode where two groups of combatants can be specified and set against one another. To access it, [http://crawl.develz.org/wordpress/downloads download] and install the latest version of Crawl and select 'The Arena' from the main menu.

Can be an entertaining way to get back at that monster that just killed you and ended your game (i.e. pitch The Royal Jelly against 99 pandemonium lords and watch it diiiie...).

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T22:47:31Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Main Dungeon==

===Dungeon 1===
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

----------------------------------

I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

----------------------------------

Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

===Dungeon 2===
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

===Dungeon 3===
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

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===Dungeon 4===

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

===Dungeon 5===

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

===Dungeon 6===
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

===Dungeon 7===
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

===Dungeon 8===
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

===Dungeon 9===

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

===Dungeon 10===
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

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I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

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Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
===Dungeon 11===
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

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I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

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I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

====Orcish Mines====

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

===Dungeon 12===
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

===Dungeon 13===

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

Later as we explored the level we found the place where all the monsters had emerged from: a series of interlocking rooms that eventually led to a mystic gateway to another place: the Vaults. Flushed with victory, I considered for a moment going down. My orcs, however, had heard tell of the place and told me that it was far too dangerous currently for me. Instead we cleared the rest of the level and, leaving most of the orcs to make camp here until I had need of them again, I took a small band (three grunts, one warrior, one priest) and headed down.

===Dungeon 14 ===

Found a room full of beasts like manticores, hippogriffs, yaks, and basilisks. Killed them all. Also found a vault with zombies, simulacra, and a ghost. It was of Mordak clan Eschpra, a Hill Orc who followed Qazlal. I was furious at the idea that an orc would spurn Beogh and follow one of the other gods, and in my rage I charged forward and slew the ghost in a vengeance. Gained a few more orcs, and got a +4 plate armor “Ioohoot”, which grants the power to see invisible things. I granted it to my high priest, Boldo.

Also met a horde of bizarre creatures, exceedingly ugly things that changed and pulsated. They were worthy foes but my orcs and I slew them and found some nice loot.

===Dungeon 15===

Encountered two fire dragons guarding gold and other treasures. I rashly charged them, drawn in by the promise of gold and glory, and paid for my folly: I lost one grunt and my priest, and came closer to death than I have ever been before. I truly did not think that I would survive, despite using the potions and abilities available to me, but Beogh granted my failing limbs strength to hew the dragons asunder. After chopping the meat from the dragon corpses I and my orcs ate and rested. Then, retreating up to the fourteenth level temporarily, I added a warrior, a priest, and another grunt to my little band before going back down to fight again.

The rest of the level was handled with relative ease. I found an archway to an ancient ossuary but declined to enter; some shops that held nothing I wanted to pay their prices for; and a staircase to the Depths, another branch that my orcs warned me against attempting now.

Once I cleared the entire level, I went up to the fourteenth and held a council with my orcs (the warlords, sorcerers, and high priests). We worked over the options available to us and in the end determined that we would venture into the Lair of Beasts. As Beogh’s power enables me to call my orcs from wherever they were, we decided to leave the camp in the main dungeon where it was. I am bringing with me two grunts, two warriors, and three priests, and we will travel to the Lair and whatever it may hold.

==Lair of Beasts==

This is a very different experience than the main dungeon. The air is thicker, and sounds of wild beasts screeching, hooting, croaking, roaring, and others are constantly around us. The floor, instead of the bare stone of the Dungeon, is thickly covered in moss. In places, it is actual grass. Plants and trees grow here, although they are eerie and somewhat… deformed. Stone walls still hem the Lair in at the edges, and turn the middle into a mix of passages and open spaces. The ceiling is much higher here, at least three times as high, and is hung with moss, cobwebs, and dripping water. The lighting is also strange, darker and lighter at the same time. While I can’t see as far and the ceiling is, for the most part, lost in shadow; what I can see, I can see well. Most peculiar.

There are many strange creatures here. Massive frogs. Herds of yaks. Drakes, relatives of dragons. Wolves. Giant hornets. But most of them are relatively easy to kill; so far, this has not been a terribly difficult journey. Of course, that can change in an instant…

Despite the ease of the branch so far, there is something that sends a cold shiver up my spine. Perhaps it is the fact that this strange place bears an eerie resemblance to the world above.

I just realized that I am no longer concerned about whether it is day or night, what time it is, and other surface concerns. Here in the Dungeon time is almost nonexistent. Rest when the need calls, eat when hunger gnaws, explore constantly… I wonder how hard it will be to adjust back to above customs if I ever escape this dungeon?

----------------
I am on the second level now. I have just realized that in my inventory I have two scrolls of enchant weapon; reading them makes my axe’s enchantment level +6.

My orcs and I found a staircase surrounded by shallow water. Through this gateway, a salty breeze blows and faintly, the sound of tides can be heard. Runes over the stair identify it as the entrance to the Shoals, ancestral home of the merfolk. And there on the side of the arch, cunningly hidden in other carvings, I found the Sign of the Rune.

Shards of power, created in the same age as the Orb itself, the Runes are remnants of the Orb’s counterpart the Sigil. While the Orb was a threatening weapon created by the gods of darkness, the Sigil was a thing of unstable power from the gods of light. When The Shining One locked away the Orb, he used its power to shatter the Sigil into fifteen Runes, more stable shards of the original whole. Although their power is much diminished, and indeed all but unusable for mortals, they have one important function. They serve as keys to lock the gate that leads to the Realmhold, the only place in all of the Realm that has some semblance of order imposed on it. At the bottom of the Realmhold is the Orb… and if you have enough power, as the gods themselves do, then you could break through the enchantments binding the Realmhold and venture out into the Realm itself. And woe betide any who attempt it…

I know that the Runes are scattered across the dungeon, guarded by terrifying creatures, but little beyond that. The one thing I am familiar is the Sign of the Rune that marks the certain presence of a Rune in a branch. And here, on this gateway to the Shoals, it is: surely a Rune is contained therin.

I was tempted to enter, but decided against it. My orcs and I will continue on through the Lair.

--------------

Found some treasure, including two amazing things: a scroll of acquirement, and a mask in the likeness of a dragon. When I don it, it makes me more mighty in battle, and it allows me to see things that are invisible! An amazing thing. Sadly, I cannot wear it with my Lear’s Hauberk, since that already comes with a helmet. Ah well.

My grunt leveled up to a warrior, and Boruk and the other warrior became knights. We have battled mostly porcupines, elephants, yaks, and frogs thus far. Moved down a level.

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On the third level now. We met a strange creature indeed: a giant slug, with magical powers and a pointed hat perched on his head. We killed him with relative ease and declined to take the hat. Also found another scroll of acquirement. Moving down again.

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On this, the fourth level, I found a dark and narrow hole surrounded by choking webs. A marking stone identified it as the Spider Nest, once home to the Queen Arach, now no better than a hiding-hole for crawling things. We flipped the stone with some effort, and there on the underside, covered in dirt and surrounded by meaningless scratches, was the Sign of the Rune again. Deep in the belly of this foul place another rune lies.

Again, my orcs and I went on to the rest of the lair rather than descend into the Nest. We found a small room that was packed with foul, slimy jelly-like creatures. I slew them fairly easily, and then encountered a most unusual plant: a virile green thing that spat corroding acid. I rushed and killed it; as my orcs and I were resting one priest told me that they were called “oklob plants” and had been the bane of many an adventurer.

We also encountered a pond, edged with shallow water but with deep water in the center. In it were no fewer than six electric eels. They were starting to take their toll on us when I felt something stir in me. Somehow I knew that Beogh was protecting me, and under the eyes of my astonished orcs, I walked on top of the water and slew the eels that had been pummeling us with electricity. Beogh has granted me another gift – walking on water.

-----------------

Encountered two more oklob plants on the fifth level. They nearly killed me the first time. We retreated, and I set my orcs to guard the area while I went back alone, quaffing a potion of invisibility. In this way they were quickly disposed of, and I gathered the gold and rations they had been hiding before going back to gather my orcs and st off once more.

Enchanted my weapon further, to +7. Also found an amulet that I cannot identify. I will put it on and see… it is an amulet of the gourmand. I have no use for this. Instead I will don the other amulet, which is… an amulet of faith. I feel that Beogh is pleased with me.

I accidentally stumbled into a shaft as my orcs and I were exploring, and was drawn down to the sixth floor. I was immediately set on by a large pack of elephants, frogs, hydras, basilisks, and other unpleasant creatures. I made away in haste and found a stair up just around the corner where I was able to go up. Two spiny frogs followed me and I killed them, then went and found my orcs.

There was also a vault with undead therin, and my orc warrior perished there. He left no corpse. But all of my priests are high priests now, and all my other warriors became knights. In addition, we found a staircase to a place marked as the Slime Pits. The marker glowed a corrosive green, and when I touched it it ate away at my hand. But when I moved it with my axe (corroding the edge) it revealed the Sign of the Rune etched into the edge of the stairway.

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The sixth level has been a hard one, and we are not done yet. I sit with my orcs in a secluded cave and write as we heal and rest.

Coming down, this time on purpose, we were beset by many creatures. Then as we were fighting, I stumbled into a teleport trap and was brought to the other side of the level. I managed to fight my way back to my orcs. To my amazement, all but one priest had survived. We battled off the remainder of the creatures in the vicinity, and then retreated to find a place to recover. This small cave, its opening barred with a door, is perfect.

Once we are all better we will continue.

------------

I have finished the Lair, Beogh be praised! Lost a priest, but my other priest Gorg, along with my three knights (two of which are named Bogbarth and Boruk) are doing well. We are exultant over our conquest of this place and the subsequent treasure that we found. I granted better weapons to Boruk, leaving him with a +5 vampiric glaive in place of his +0 hand axe. We also met another orc, Urug, a lanky female with a missing eye and a terrifying battleaxe of freezing. She was quickly converted and joined our forces. She is very knowledgeable about the Lair and its branches and will no doubt prove invaluable.

This sixth floor of the Lair is rather a good place. My orcs agree with me that it would be a good spot to relocate the main camp to. A change of scenery will benefit the other orcs. In addition, there is plentiful water and plants, as well as food, so they will not have to deplete their supplies overmuch.

I am going to summon all my forces, and then I will counsel with them as to where I should go. Then we will leave them here in the Lair, where they may even journey to different levels if they need or desire. My orcs still wish for the Mines, though. All except for Urug, who has lived in the Lair and its branches since she was very young and loves no place more.

-------------

I have counseled with my orcs, most especially Urug, because she knows these branches, and we have decided to travel to the Spider Nest and retrieve the Rune therof.

Urug will come with us. She is a most useful ally and guide.

----------

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

==About the author==

I am solidly addicted to DCSS, have been since I first played it (with version 0.19.). I play almost exclusively ASCII, and will long extol its virtues to anyone who will listen (cleaner look, more compact and easier to follow, HAS LIKE NO LAG AT ALL which is HUGE when you compare it to the tile version, and it just leaves so much more to the imagination than having the little things drawn out for you...) but most people still just look at me like I am a babbling idiot and say "But you don't like the tiles?"

I am particularly attached to HOMo of Beogh characters (like this one) but am also fond of anything with Makleb, and the good old Minotaur Berserker of Trog. I once tried playing as a vampire exclusively in bat form but survived for so little time it was pathetic even for a bat.

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T06:05:29Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Main Dungeon==

===Dungeon 1===
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

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Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

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I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

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Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

===Dungeon 2===
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

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After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

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I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

===Dungeon 3===
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

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Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

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Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

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===Dungeon 4===

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

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Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

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===Dungeon 5===

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

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Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

===Dungeon 6===
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

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Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

===Dungeon 7===
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

===Dungeon 8===
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

===Dungeon 9===

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

===Dungeon 10===
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

-----------------------------

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
===Dungeon 11===
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

====Orcish Mines====

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

===Dungeon 12===
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

===Dungeon 13===

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

Later as we explored the level we found the place where all the monsters had emerged from: a series of interlocking rooms that eventually led to a mystic gateway to another place: the Vaults. Flushed with victory, I considered for a moment going down. My orcs, however, had heard tell of the place and told me that it was far too dangerous currently for me. Instead we cleared the rest of the level and, leaving most of the orcs to make camp here until I had need of them again, I took a small band (three grunts, one warrior, one priest) and headed down.

===Dungeon 14 ===

Found a room full of beasts like manticores, hippogriffs, yaks, and basilisks. Killed them all. Also found a vault with zombies, simulacra, and a ghost. It was of Mordak clan Eschpra, a Hill Orc who followed Qazlal. I was furious at the idea that an orc would spurn Beogh and follow one of the other gods, and in my rage I charged forward and slew the ghost in a vengeance. Gained a few more orcs, and got a +4 plate armor “Ioohoot”, which grants the power to see invisible things. I granted it to my high priest, Boldo.

Also met a horde of bizarre creatures, exceedingly ugly things that changed and pulsated. They were worthy foes but my orcs and I slew them and found some nice loot.

===Dungeon 15===

Encountered two fire dragons guarding gold and other treasures. I rashly charged them, drawn in by the promise of gold and glory, and paid for my folly: I lost one grunt and my priest, and came closer to death than I have ever been before. I truly did not think that I would survive, despite using the potions and abilities available to me, but Beogh granted my failing limbs strength to hew the dragons asunder. After chopping the meat from the dragon corpses I and my orcs ate and rested. Then, retreating up to the fourteenth level temporarily, I added a warrior, a priest, and another grunt to my little band before going back down to fight again.

The rest of the level was handled with relative ease. I found an archway to an ancient ossuary but declined to enter; some shops that held nothing I wanted to pay their prices for; and a staircase to the Depths, another branch that my orcs warned me against attempting now.

Once I cleared the entire level, I went up to the fourteenth and held a council with my orcs (the warlords, sorcerers, and high priests). We worked over the options available to us and in the end determined that we would venture into the Lair of Beasts. As Beogh’s power enables me to call my orcs from wherever they were, we decided to leave the camp in the main dungeon where it was. I am bringing with me two grunts, two warriors, and three priests, and we will travel to the Lair and whatever it may hold.

==Lair of Beasts==

This is a very different experience than the main dungeon. The air is thicker, and sounds of wild beasts screeching, hooting, croaking, roaring, and others are constantly around us. The floor, instead of the bare stone of the Dungeon, is thickly covered in moss. In places, it is actual grass. Plants and trees grow here, although they are eerie and somewhat… deformed. Stone walls still hem the Lair in at the edges, and turn the middle into a mix of passages and open spaces. The ceiling is much higher here, at least three times as high, and is hung with moss, cobwebs, and dripping water. The lighting is also strange, darker and lighter at the same time. While I can’t see as far and the ceiling is, for the most part, lost in shadow; what I can see, I can see well. Most peculiar.

There are many strange creatures here. Massive frogs. Herds of yaks. Drakes, relatives of dragons. Wolves. Giant hornets. But most of them are relatively easy to kill; so far, this has not been a terribly difficult journey. Of course, that can change in an instant…

Despite the ease of the branch so far, there is something that sends a cold shiver up my spine. Perhaps it is the fact that this strange place bears an eerie resemblance to the world above.

I just realized that I am no longer concerned about whether it is day or night, what time it is, and other surface concerns. Here in the Dungeon time is almost nonexistent. Rest when the need calls, eat when hunger gnaws, explore constantly… I wonder how hard it will be to adjust back to above customs if I ever escape this dungeon?

----------------

I am on the second level now. I have just realized that in my inventory I have two scrolls of enchant weapon; reading them makes my axe’s enchantment level +6.

My orcs and I found a staircase surrounded by shallow water. Through this gateway, a salty breeze blows and faintly, the sound of tides can be heard. Runes over the stair identify it as the entrance to the Shoals, ancestral home of the merfolk. And there on the side of the arch, cunningly hidden in other carvings, I found the Sign of the Rune.

Shards of power, created in the same age as the Orb itself, the Runes are remnants of the Orb’s counterpart the Sigil. While the Orb was a threatening weapon created by the gods of darkness, the Sigil was a thing of unstable power from the gods of light. When The Shining One locked away the Orb, he used its power to shatter the Sigil into fifteen Runes, more stable shards of the original whole. Although their power is much diminished, and indeed all but unusable for mortals, they have one important function. They serve as keys to lock the gate that leads to the Realmhold, the only place in all of the Realm that has some semblance of order imposed on it. At the bottom of the Realmhold is the Orb… and if you have enough power, as the gods themselves do, then you could break through the enchantments binding the Realmhold and venture out into the Realm itself. And woe betide any who attempt it.

I know that the Runes are scattered across the dungeon, guarded by terrifying creatures, but little beyond that. The one thing I am familiar is the Sign of the Rune that marks the certain presence of a Rune in a branch. And here, on this gateway to the Shoals, it is: surely a Rune is contained therin.

I was tempted to enter, but decided against it. My orcs and I will continue on through the Lair.

--------------

Found some treasure, including two amazing things: a scroll of acquirement, and a mask in the likeness of a dragon. When I don it, it makes me more mighty in battle, and it allows me to see things that are invisible! An amazing thing. Sadly, I cannot wear it with my Lear’s Hauberk, since that already comes with a helmet. Ah well.

My grunt leveled up to a warrior, and Boruk and the other warrior became knights. We have battled mostly porcupines, elephants, yaks, and frogs thus far. Moved down a level.

--------

On the third level now. We met a strange creature indeed: a giant slug, with magical powers and a pointed hat perched on his head. We killed him with relative ease and declined to take the hat. Also found another scroll of acquirement. Moving down again.

---------

On this, the fourth level, I found a dark and narrow hole surrounded by choking webs. A marking stone identified it as the Spider Nest, once home to the Queen Arach, now no better than a hiding-hole for crawling things. We flipped the stone with some effort, and there on the underside, covered in dirt and surrounded by meaningless scratches, was the Sign of the Rune again. Deep in the belly of this foul place another rune lies.

Again, my orcs and I went on to the rest of the lair rather than descend into the Nest. We found a small room that was packed with foul, slimy jelly-like creatures. I slew them fairly easily, and then encountered a most unusual plant: a virile green thing that spat corroding acid. I rushed and killed it; as my orcs and I were resting one priest told me that they were called “oklob plants” and had been the bane of many an adventurer.

We also encountered a pond, edged with shallow water but with deep water in the center. In it were no fewer than six electric eels. They were starting to take their toll on us when I felt something stir in me. Somehow I knew that Beogh was protecting me, and under the eyes of my astonished orcs, I walked on top of the water and slew the eels that had been pummeling us with electricity. Beogh has granted me another gift – walking on water.

Encountered two more oklob plants. They nearly killed me the first time. We retreated, and I set my orcs to guard the area while I went back alone, quaffing a potion of invisibility. In this way they were quickly disposed of, and I gathered the gold and rations they had been hiding before going back to gather my orcs and set off once more.

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

==About the author==

I am solidly addicted to DCSS, have been since I first played it (with version 0.19.). I play almost exclusively ASCII, and will long extol its virtues to anyone who will listen (cleaner look, more compact and easier to follow, HAS LIKE NO LAG AT ALL which is HUGE when you compare it to the tile version, and it just leaves so much more to the imagination than having the little things drawn out for you...) but most people still just look at me like I am a babbling idiot and say "But you don't like the tiles?"

I am particularly attached to HOMo of Beogh characters (like this one) but am also fond of anything with Makleb, and the good old Minotaur Berserker of Trog. I once tried playing as a vampire exclusively in bat form but survived for so little time it was pathetic even for a bat.

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T03:44:50Z

SallyTheGreat: /* Dungeon 15 */

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Main Dungeon==

===Dungeon 1===
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

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I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

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Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

===Dungeon 2===
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

===Dungeon 3===
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

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Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

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===Dungeon 4===

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

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Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

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===Dungeon 5===

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

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Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

===Dungeon 6===
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

===Dungeon 7===
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

===Dungeon 8===
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

===Dungeon 9===

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

===Dungeon 10===
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

-----------------------------

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
===Dungeon 11===
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

====Orcish Mines====

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

===Dungeon 12===
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

===Dungeon 13===

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

Later as we explored the level we found the place where all the monsters had emerged from: a series of interlocking rooms that eventually led to a mystic gateway to another place: the Vaults. Flushed with victory, I considered for a moment going down. My orcs, however, had heard tell of the place and told me that it was far too dangerous currently for me. Instead we cleared the rest of the level and, leaving most of the orcs to make camp here until I had need of them again, I took a small band (three grunts, one warrior, one priest) and headed down.

===Dungeon 14 ===

Found a room full of beasts like manticores, hippogriffs, yaks, and basilisks. Killed them all. Also found a vault with zombies, simulacra, and a ghost. It was of Mordak clan Eschpra, a Hill Orc who followed Qazlal. I was furious at the idea that an orc would spurn Beogh and follow one of the other gods, and in my rage I charged forward and slew the ghost in a vengeance. Gained a few more orcs, and got a +4 plate armor “Ioohoot”, which grants the power to see invisible things. I granted it to my high priest, Boldo.

Also met a horde of bizarre creatures, exceedingly ugly things that changed and pulsated. They were worthy foes but my orcs and I slew them and found some nice loot.

===Dungeon 15===

Encountered two fire dragons guarding gold and other treasures. I rashly charged them, drawn in by the promise of gold and glory, and paid for my folly: I lost one grunt and my priest, and came closer to death than I have ever been before. I truly did not think that I would survive, despite using the potions and abilities available to me, but Beogh granted my failing limbs strength to hew the dragons asunder. After chopping the meat from the dragon corpses I and my orcs ate and rested. Then, retreating up to the fourteenth level temporarily, I added a warrior, a priest, and another grunt to my little band before going back down to fight again.

The rest of the level was handled with relative ease. I found an archway to an ancient ossuary but declined to enter; some shops that held nothing I wanted to pay their prices for; and a staircase to the Depths, another branch that my orcs warned me against attempting now.

Once I cleared the entire level, I went up to the fourteenth and held a council with my orcs (the warlords, sorcerers, and high priests). We worked over the options available to us and in the end determined that we would venture into the Lair of Beasts. As Beogh’s power enables me to call my orcs from wherever they were, we decided to leave the camp in the main dungeon where it was. I am bringing with me two grunts, two warriors, and three priests, and we will travel to the Lair and whatever it may hold.

==Lair of Beasts==

This is a very different experience than the main dungeon. The air is thicker, and sounds of wild beasts screeching, hooting, croaking, roaring, and others are constantly around us. The floor, instead of the bare stone of the Dungeon, is thickly covered in moss. In places, it is actual grass. Plants and trees grow here, although they are eerie and somewhat… deformed. Stone walls still hem the Lair in at the edges, and turn the middle into a mix of passages and open spaces. The ceiling is much higher here, at least three times as high, and is hung with moss, cobwebs, and dripping water. The lighting is also strange, darker and lighter at the same time. While I can’t see as far and the ceiling is, for the most part, lost in shadow; what I can see, I can see well. Most peculiar.

There are many strange creatures here. Massive frogs. Herds of yaks. Drakes, relatives of dragons. Wolves. Giant hornets. But most of them are relatively easy to kill; so far, this has not been a terribly difficult journey. Of course, that can change in an instant…

Despite the ease of the branch so far, there is something that sends a cold shiver up my spine. Perhaps it is the fact that this strange place bears an eerie resemblance to the world above.

I just realized that I am no longer concerned about whether it is day or night, what time it is, and other surface concerns. Here in the Dungeon time is almost nonexistent. Rest when the need calls, eat when hunger gnaws, explore constantly… I wonder how hard it will be to adjust back to above customs if I ever escape this dungeon?

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

==About the author==

I am solidly addicted to DCSS, have been since I first played it (with version 0.19.). I play almost exclusively ASCII, and will long extol its virtues to anyone who will listen (cleaner look, more compact and easier to follow, HAS LIKE NO LAG AT ALL which is HUGE when you compare it to the tile version, and it just leaves so much more to the imagination than having the little things drawn out for you...) but most people still just look at me like I am a babbling idiot and say "But you don't like the tiles?"

I am particularly attached to HOMo of Beogh characters (like this one) but am also fond of anything with Makleb, and the good old Minotaur Berserker of Trog. I once tried playing as a vampire exclusively in bat form but survived for so little time it was pathetic even for a bat.

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T03:42:00Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Main Dungeon==

===Dungeon 1===
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

----------------------------------

I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

----------------------------------

Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

===Dungeon 2===
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

===Dungeon 3===
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

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===Dungeon 4===

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

===Dungeon 5===

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

===Dungeon 6===
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

===Dungeon 7===
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

===Dungeon 8===
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

===Dungeon 9===

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

===Dungeon 10===
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

-----------------------------

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
===Dungeon 11===
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

====Orcish Mines====

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

===Dungeon 12===
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

===Dungeon 13===

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

Later as we explored the level we found the place where all the monsters had emerged from: a series of interlocking rooms that eventually led to a mystic gateway to another place: the Vaults. Flushed with victory, I considered for a moment going down. My orcs, however, had heard tell of the place and told me that it was far too dangerous currently for me. Instead we cleared the rest of the level and, leaving most of the orcs to make camp here until I had need of them again, I took a small band (three grunts, one warrior, one priest) and headed down.

===Dungeon 15 ===

Found a room full of beasts like manticores, hippogriffs, yaks, and basilisks. Killed them all. Also found a vault with zombies, simulacra, and a ghost. It was of Motrha clan Eschpra, a Hill Orc who followed Qazlal. I was furious at the idea that an orc would spurn Beogh and follow one of the other gods, and in my rage I charged forward and slew the ghost in a vengeance. Gained a few more orcs, and got a +4 plate armor “Ioohoot”, which grants the power to see invisible things. I granted it to my high priest, Boldo.

Also met a horde of bizarre creatures, exceedingly ugly things that changed and pulsated. They were worthy foes but my orcs and I slew them and found some nice loot.

----------------

Encountered two fire dragons guarding gold and other treasures. I rashly charged them, drawn in by the promise of gold and glory, and paid for my folly: I lost one grunt and my priest, and came closer to death than I have ever been before. I truly did not think that I would survive, despite using the potions and abilities available to me, but Beogh granted my failing limbs strength to hew the dragons asunder. After chopping the meat from the dragon corpses I and my orcs ate and rested. Then, retreating up to the fourteenth level temporarily, I added a warrior, a priest, and another grunt to my little band before going back down to fight again.

The rest of the level was handled with relative ease. I found an archway to an ancient ossuary but declined to enter; some shops that held nothing I wanted to pay their prices for; and a staircase to the Depths, another branch that my orcs warned me against attempting now.

Once I cleared the entire level, I went up to the fourteenth and held a council with my orcs (the warlords, sorcerers, and high priests). We worked over the options available to us and in the end determined that we would venture into the Lair of Beasts. As Beogh’s power enables me to call my orcs from wherever they were, we decided to leave the camp in the main dungeon where it was. I am bringing with me two grunts, two warriors, and three priests, and we will travel to the Lair and whatever it may hold.

==Lair of Beasts==

This is a very different experience than the main dungeon. The air is thicker, and sounds of wild beasts screeching, hooting, croaking, roaring, and others are constantly around us. The floor, instead of the bare stone of the Dungeon, is thickly covered in moss. In places, it is actual grass. Plants and trees grow here, although they are eerie and somewhat… deformed. Stone walls still hem the Lair in at the edges, and turn the middle into a mix of passages and open spaces. The ceiling is much higher here, at least three times as high, and is hung with moss, cobwebs, and dripping water. The lighting is also strange, darker and lighter at the same time. While I can’t see as far and the ceiling is, for the most part, lost in shadow; what I can see, I can see well. Most peculiar.

There are many strange creatures here. Massive frogs. Herds of yaks. Drakes, relatives of dragons. Wolves. Giant hornets. But most of them are relatively easy to kill; so far, this has not been a terribly difficult journey. Of course, that can change in an instant…

Despite the ease of the branch so far, there is something that sends a cold shiver up my spine. Perhaps it is the fact that this strange place bears an eerie resemblance to the world above.

I just realized that I am no longer concerned about whether it is day or night, what time it is, and other surface concerns. Here in the Dungeon time is almost nonexistent. Rest when the need calls, eat when hunger gnaws, explore constantly… I wonder how hard it will be to adjust back to above customs if I ever escape this dungeon?

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

==About the author==

I am solidly addicted to DCSS, have been since I first played it (with version 0.19.). I play almost exclusively ASCII, and will long extol its virtues to anyone who will listen (cleaner look, more compact and easier to follow, HAS LIKE NO LAG AT ALL which is HUGE when you compare it to the tile version, and it just leaves so much more to the imagination than having the little things drawn out for you...) but most people still just look at me like I am a babbling idiot and say "But you don't like the tiles?"

I am particularly attached to HOMo of Beogh characters (like this one) but am also fond of anything with Makleb, and the good old Minotaur Berserker of Trog. I once tried playing as a vampire exclusively in bat form but survived for so little time it was pathetic even for a bat.

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T03:37:53Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Main Dungeon==

===Dungeon 1===
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

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I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

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Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

===Dungeon 2===
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

===Dungeon 3===
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

----------------------------------

===Dungeon 4===

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

===Dungeon 5===

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

===Dungeon 6===
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

===Dungeon 7===
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

===Dungeon 8===
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

===Dungeon 9===

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

===Dungeon 10===
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

-----------------------------

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
===Dungeon 11===
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

====Orcish Mines====

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

===Dungeon 12===
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

===Dungeon 13===

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

Later as we explored the level we found the place where all the monsters had emerged from: a series of interlocking rooms that eventually led to a mystic gateway to another place: the Vaults. Flushed with victory, I considered for a moment going down. My orcs, however, had heard tell of the place and told me that it was far too dangerous currently for me. Instead we cleared the rest of the level and, leaving most of the orcs to make camp here until I had need of them again, I took a small band (three grunts, one warrior, one priest) and headed down.

===Dungeon 15 ===

Found a room full of beasts like manticores, hippogriffs, yaks, and basilisks. Killed them all. Also found a vault with zombies, simulacra, and a ghost. It was of Motrha clan Eschpra, a Hill Orc who followed Qazlal. I was furious at the idea that an orc would spurn Beogh and follow one of the other gods, and in my rage I charged forward and slew the ghost in a vengeance. Gained a few more orcs, and got a +4 plate armor “Ioohoot”, which grants the power to see invisible things. I granted it to my high priest, Boldo.

Also met a horde of bizarre creatures, exceedingly ugly things that changed and pulsated. They were worthy foes but my orcs and I slew them and found some nice loot.

----------------

Encountered two fire dragons guarding gold and other treasures. I rashly charged them, drawn in by the promise of gold and glory, and paid for my folly: I lost one grunt and my priest, and came closer to death than I have ever been before. I truly did not think that I would survive, despite using the potions and abilities available to me, but Beogh granted my failing limbs strength to hew the dragons asunder. After chopping the meat from the dragon corpses I and my orcs ate and rested. Then, retreating up to the fourteenth level temporarily, I added a warrior, a priest, and another grunt to my little band before going back down to fight again.

The rest of the level was handled with relative ease. I found an archway to an ancient ossuary but declined to enter; some shops that held nothing I wanted to pay their prices for; and a staircase to the Depths, another branch that my orcs warned me against attempting now.

Once I cleared the entire level, I went up to the fourteenth and held a council with my orcs (the warlords, sorcerers, and high priests). We worked over the options available to us and in the end determined that we would venture into the Lair of Beasts. As Beogh’s power enables me to call my orcs from wherever they were, we decided to leave the camp in the main dungeon where it was. I am bringing with me two grunts, two warriors, and three priests, and we will travel to the Lair and whatever it may hold.

==Lair of Beasts==

This is a very different experience than the main dungeon. The air is thicker, and sounds of wild beasts screeching, hooting, croaking, roaring, and others are constantly around us. The floor, instead of the bare stone of the Dungeon, is thickly covered in moss. In places, it is actual grass. Plants and trees grow here, although they are eerie and somewhat… deformed. Stone walls still hem the Lair in at the edges, and turn the middle into a mix of passages and open spaces. The ceiling is much higher here, at least three times as high, and is hung with moss, cobwebs, and dripping water. The lighting is also strange, darker and lighter at the same time. While I can’t see as far and the ceiling is, for the most part, lost in shadow; what I can see, I can see well. Most peculiar.

There are many strange creatures here. Massive frogs. Herds of yaks. Drakes, relatives of dragons. Wolves. Giant hornets. But most of them are relatively easy to kill; so far, this has not been a terribly difficult journey. Of course, that can change in an instant…

Despite the ease of the branch so far, there is something that sends a cold shiver up my spine. Perhaps it is the fact that this strange place bears an eerie resemblance to the world above.

I just realized that I am no longer concerned about whether it is day or night, what time it is, and other surface concerns. Here in the Dungeon time is almost nonexistent. Rest when the need calls, eat when hunger gnaws, explore constantly… I wonder how hard it will be to adjust back to above customs if I ever escape this dungeon?

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

==About the author==

I am solidly addicted to DCSS, have been since I first played it (with version 0.19.). I play almost exclusively ASCII, and will long extol its virtues to anyone who will listen (cleaner look, more compact and easier to follow, HAS LIKE NO LAG AT ALL which is HUGE when you compare it to the tile version, and it just leaves so much more to the imagination than having the little things drawn out for you...) but most people still just look at me like I am a babbling idiot and say "But you don't like the tiles?"

I am particularly attached to HOMo of Beogh characters (like this one) but am also fond of anything with Makleb, and the good old Minotaur Berserker of Trog. I once tried playing as a vampire exclusively in bat form but survived for so little time it was pathetic even for a bat.

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T03:26:58Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Main Dungeon==

===Dungeon 1===
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

----------------------------------

I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

----------------------------------

I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

----------------------------------

Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

----------------------------------

Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

----------------------------------

Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

----------------------------------

I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

===Dungeon 2===
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

===Dungeon 3===
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

----------------------------------

===Dungeon 4===

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

===Dungeon 5===

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

===Dungeon 6===
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

===Dungeon 7===
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

===Dungeon 8===
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

===Dungeon 9===

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

===Dungeon 10===
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

-----------------------------

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
===Dungeon 11===
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

====Orcish Mines====

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

===Dungeon 12===
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

===Dungeon 13===

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

Later as we explored the level we found the place where all the monsters had emerged from: a series of interlocking rooms that eventually led to a mystic gateway to another place: the Vaults. Flushed with victory, I considered for a moment going down. My orcs, however, had heard tell of the place and told me that it was far too dangerous currently for me. Instead we cleared the rest of the level and, leaving most of the orcs to make camp here until I had need of them again, I took a small band (three grunts, one warrior, one priest) and headed down.

===Dungeon 15 ===

Found a room full of beasts like manticores, hippogriffs, yaks, and basilisks. Killed them all. Also found a vault with zombies, simulacra, and a ghost. It was of Motrha clan Eschpra, a Hill Orc who followed Qazlal. I was furious at the idea that an orc would spurn Beogh and follow one of the other gods, and in my rage I charged forward and slew the ghost in a vengeance. Gained a few more orcs, and got a +4 plate armor “Ioohoot”, which grants the power to see invisible things. I granted it to my high priest, Boldo.

Also met a horde of bizarre creatures, exceedingly ugly things that changed and pulsated. They were worthy foes but my orcs and I slew them and found some nice loot.

----------------

Encountered two fire dragons guarding gold and other treasures. I rashly charged them, drawn in by the promise of gold and glory, and paid for my folly: I lost one grunt and my priest, and came closer to death than I have ever been before. I truly did not think that I would survive, despite using the potions and abilities available to me, but Beogh granted my failing limbs strength to hew the dragons asunder. After chopping the meat from the dragon corpses I and my orcs ate and rested. Then, retreating up to the fourteenth level temporarily, I added a warrior, a priest, and another grunt to my little band before going back down to fight again.

The rest of the level was handled with relative ease. I found an archway to an ancient ossuary but declined to enter; some shops that held nothing I wanted to pay their prices for; and a staircase to the Depths, another branch that my orcs warned me against attempting now.

Once I cleared the entire level, I went up to the fourteenth and held a council with my orcs (the warlords, sorcerers, and high priests). We worked over the options available to us and in the end determined that we would venture into the Lair of Beasts. As Beogh’s power enables me to call my orcs from wherever they were, we decided to leave the camp in the main dungeon where it was. I am bringing with me two grunts, two warriors, and three priests, and we will travel to the Lair and whatever it may hold.

==Lair of Beasts==

This is a very different experience than the main dungeon. The air is thicker, and sounds of wild beasts screeching, hooting, croaking, roaring, and others are constantly around us. The floor, instead of the bare stone of the Dungeon, is thickly covered in moss. In places, it is actual grass. Plants and trees grow here, although they are eerie and somewhat… deformed. Stone walls still hem the Lair in at the edges, and turn the middle into a mix of passages and open spaces. The ceiling is much higher here, at least three times as high, and is hung with moss, cobwebs, and dripping water. The lighting is also strange, darker and lighter at the same time. While I can’t see as far and the ceiling is, for the most part, lost in shadow; what I can see, I can see well. Most peculiar.

There are many strange creatures here. Massive frogs. Herds of yaks. Drakes, relatives of dragons. Wolves. Giant hornets. But most of them are relatively easy to kill; so far, this has not been a terribly difficult journey. Of course, that can change in an instant…

Despite the ease of the branch so far, there is something that sends a cold shiver up my spine. Perhaps it is the fact that this strange place bears an eerie resemblance to the world above.

I just realized that I am no longer concerned about whether it is day or night, what time it is, and other surface concerns. Here in the Dungeon time is almost nonexistent. Rest when the need calls, eat when hunger gnaws, explore constantly… I wonder how hard it will be to adjust back to above customs if I ever escape this dungeon?

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T03:24:27Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Main Dungeon==

===Dungeon 1===
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

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Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

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After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

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I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

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Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

==Dungeon 2==
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

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Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

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After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

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I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

==Dungeon 3==
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

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Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

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Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

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==Dungeon 4==

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

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Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

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==Dungeon 5==

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

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Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

==Dungeon 6==
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

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Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

==Dungeon 7==
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

==Dungeon 8==
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

==Dungeon 9==

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

==Dungeon 10==
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

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I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
==Dungeon 11==
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

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I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

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I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

==Orcish Mines==

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

==Dungeon 12==
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

==Dungeon 13==

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

Later as we explored the level we found the place where all the monsters had emerged from: a series of interlocking rooms that eventually led to a mystic gateway to another place: the Vaults. Flushed with victory, I considered for a moment going down. My orcs, however, had heard tell of the place and told me that it was far too dangerous currently for me. Instead we cleared the rest of the level and, leaving most of the orcs to make camp here until I had need of them again, I took a small band (three grunts, one warrior, one priest) and headed down.

==Dungeon 15 ==

Found a room full of beasts like manticores, hippogriffs, yaks, and basilisks. Killed them all. Also found a vault with zombies, simulacra, and a ghost. It was of Motrha clan Eschpra, a Hill Orc who followed Qazlal. I was furious at the idea that an orc would spurn Beogh and follow one of the other gods, and in my rage I charged forward and slew the ghost in a vengeance. Gained a few more orcs, and got a +4 plate armor “Ioohoot”, which grants the power to see invisible things. I granted it to my high priest, Boldo.

Also met a horde of bizarre creatures, exceedingly ugly things that changed and pulsated. They were worthy foes but my orcs and I slew them and found some nice loot.

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Encountered two fire dragons guarding gold and other treasures. I rashly charged them, drawn in by the promise of gold and glory, and paid for my folly: I lost one grunt and my priest, and came closer to death than I have ever been before. I truly did not think that I would survive, despite using the potions and abilities available to me, but Beogh granted my failing limbs strength to hew the dragons asunder. After chopping the meat from the dragon corpses I and my orcs ate and rested. Then, retreating up to the fourteenth level temporarily, I added a warrior, a priest, and another grunt to my little band before going back down to fight again.

The rest of the level was handled with relative ease. I found an archway to an ancient ossuary but declined to enter; some shops that held nothing I wanted to pay their prices for; and a staircase to the Depths, another branch that my orcs warned me against attempting now.

Once I cleared the entire level, I went up to the fourteenth and held a council with my orcs (the warlords, sorcerers, and high priests). We worked over the options available to us and in the end determined that we would venture into the Lair of Beasts. As Beogh’s power enables me to call my orcs from wherever they were, we decided to leave the camp in the main dungeon where it was. I am bringing with me two grunts, two warriors, and three priests, and we will travel to the Lair and whatever it may hold.

==Lair of Beasts==

This is a very different experience than the main dungeon. The air is thicker, and sounds of wild beasts screeching, hooting, croaking, roaring, and others are constantly around us. The floor, instead of the bare stone of the Dungeon, is thickly covered in moss. In places, it is actual grass. Plants and trees grow here, although they are eerie and somewhat… deformed. Stone walls still hem the Lair in at the edges, and turn the middle into a mix of passages and open spaces. The ceiling is much higher here, at least three times as high, and is hung with moss, cobwebs, and dripping water. The lighting is also strange, darker and lighter at the same time. While I can’t see as far and the ceiling is, for the most part, lost in shadow; what I can see, I can see well. Most peculiar.

There are many strange creatures here. Massive frogs. Herds of yaks. Drakes, relatives of dragons. Wolves. Giant hornets. But most of them are relatively easy to kill; so far, this has not been a terribly difficult journey. Of course, that can change in an instant…

Despite the ease of the branch so far, there is something that sends a cold shiver up my spine. Perhaps it is the fact that this strange place bears an eerie resemblance to the world above.

I just realized that I am no longer concerned about whether it is day or night, what time it is, and other surface concerns. Here in the Dungeon time is almost nonexistent. Rest when the need calls, eat when hunger gnaws, explore constantly… I wonder how hard it will be to adjust back to above customs if I ever escape this dungeon?

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

Hubertus XLIII the Ruinous (Demigod)

2020-11-19T02:54:51Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
For Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup 0.13.1

(Should in fact be named [[Hubertus XLIII the Ruinous (Demigod)]], since I recplaced the FE with a wanderer, but just mistook the Wiki-tab)

'''The Character'''

The ancestry of the line of Hubertus has it's origins in Xom.
Unpredictably, he coupled pretty often. Sometimes he mated with humans or other species, sometimes he gave birth somehow by himself.
I play many of his afterlings, one by one (so this is currently the 43th try to win the game with a demigod) and tried melee fighters, ranged fighters and casters, mainly I just tried out what works best by using wanderers. This background in fact also seems to fit into the storyline best and it gives me the creeps to see what kind of start I'll have.
I kind of like demigods, because they have a rather hard midgame, because of no god and their slow leveling, but I always hoe to make it to the point, where I can travel to the abyss and level up as long as I want. After some training, their high stats should compensate everything and make them pretty untouchable - that is - at least- what I am hoping for.

Basically, this one is a wanderer given the following:
Stats: Str 15 Int 17 Dex 14
Spells: Magic Dart recognized
Items: Bread ration, +0+0Club, +0Robe, book of Geomancy
Skills: Spellcasting 1,7 | Conjurations 2,6 | Air Magic 1,0 | Earth Magic 1,7 | Evocations 1,7

A funny thing, that he has already some air magic, while training it at a -5 aptitude, maybe it will come in handy.
Of course I first saw what this character had, then I decided to try a new diary - Earth magic seems next to fire magic to give the best possibilities of making it through the early game.

Hubertus XLIII is pretty self-convinced. After hearing like the most fearsome stories about this place, he decided to make himself immortal by owning the place completely. Thus he plans not to go before everything in the dungeon is his or at his feet.

'''Dungeon 1'''

Magic Dart and Sandblast seem to make a good starting combination.
Both still have a hunger cost of #, but are at 10% and 12% success rate.
I will first train both Conjurations and Earth Magic.
After the lava-surrounded hallway and the 2-tile-gate I find an orange and a murky blue potion, a +0 leather armour, a scroll, 11 darts of dispersal, an amulet of guardian spirit and some bolts.
Nice starting! I think the amulet is a bad idea with 5 MP, but I'll take it and the bolts with me.
Also, that reminds me of my long-term plans about having a really long game with Hubertus this time, so I firstly turn on the autopickup for almost everything, as long as I can carry it. Another scroll even before the first enemy. A Dwarven Hand axe, which replaces my club while only doing more damage, no downsides (and dwarven = often enchanted, right?).

Then finally a Hobgoblin, sleeping next to his hard earned money of 13 gold pieces. Magic darted before coming into sandblast range. He left another club. I don't think I'll need it for throwing, but who knows?
A one-shot cockroach. Next a goblin with 10 gold and an elven dagger.
Even though it seems that nothing can stand in my way, I rest after everything - there is enough food for that around.
I Dart a bat and then a kobold with together three shots (2 for the bat, one for the kobold) and try to grab the dwarven cloak as a hobgoblin appears. This one just won't die. I shoot my MP out, I hit him several times, I shoot when MP is restored, then I run away and shoot when I can, since my melee sucks. In the end I manage to shoot him dead with 2 remaining HP out of 15 and no MP - a reminder, that not everything is so easy as it seems? But Conjurations got to level three, like a prize. The cloak is +0, but at least not corrosive.

After Magic Dart is now at 6% I turn Conjurations off to get my Sandblast better, and after a Kobold Earth magic moves to 2. Still 12% chance.
I find a ring of ice, but take it off again.

'''Dungeon 2'''

After some time I find a room with gnolls and more, which I firstly skip (thank gramps they did not notice me). I ran into Terence then. Tough nut, it took a lot of kiterunning, restoring mana, throwing of clubs and darts of dispersal, but I managed it.
I take his mace and wield it, a chain mail explained why he was so tough
(Could have seen that earlier).
I find the pack of four gnolls somewhere roaming aroung in search of me, after I fully explored the leven.
I kitekill three of them, until I have to flee to level 1 and rehab while killing a giant newt.Nice experience, now my Conjurations and Earth Magic are both three, and my Spellcasting 2.9, but already reducing the spell hunger of level 1 spells to 0. I'll get it to three, then I'll get Stoneskin and Stone Arrow to under 10%.
Wow, after finishing off the gnoll a pack of jackals and a giant gecko appear - this level still had much to find after fully exploring it.
But I didn't find any stones up to now, so I rely almost entirely on Magic Dart.

'''Dungeon 3'''

I manage to kill an adder, a ball python and an orc in a narrow hallway supplied with stoneskin.
The orcish leather armour was -1 and cursed, so I burnt all 4 of my scrolls to remove it. In the process I fount out, that one of them must have been enchant armour or recharging and one was a scroll of noise, bringing me another adder. So one of the scrolls just did nothing, who knows?
After resting a goblin moves in, complemented by a hobgoblin, which carried two unidentified scrolls of the same type.
Could easily be identification, so I try them out: Nope, teleport!
Oops, I went up like 4 tiles :P
But nice, another one left, so finally a good chickening out possibility.
Oh wow, after another hobgoblin I found a Book of Ice! Not my favourite choice, I'd like to go on more destructive magic (fire 'em up!), but still all spells but Ozocubu's Refrigeration have two magic schools in them, so I might use some of them after a while. For example Bold of Cold sounds nice. Ensorcelled Hibernation could also come in handy, since it is easy to learn and use. Could go for a stab-way of life for the near future... but it is on 28% and low spellpower, so I would have to put big effort into training both Hexes and Stealth, and then supposedly even in Short Blades - that seems like a whole load of effort, so I'll just stick to the damage spells for now and a little Transmutations for stoneskin and later Statue Form.
Experience is at this point of the game really rare and should not go to waste for anything that is not in for an immediate bonus of survivability.

I walk and stumble upon an altar of my gramps, Xom in a narrow hallway. as I want to go through his excluded area of possible flames to say hello (and by the way getting that glowing orcish short swort lying around halfway) I get caught in a net fired from a hole in the wall. I rip it apart and take the rest of it... maybe it will be of use. Behind me I found a needle trap, which I manage to disarm directly - my way back from my anestor should be safe now. One step before the glowing short sword (which made me think of maybe rethinking the stabbing way of life) I fell through a shaft and am right now landing in dungeon level 5, not far from a giant gecko skeleton. I think I should blast that with the stones lying next to me and thenn get the hell out of here upstairs!
Oh... it didn't even make it in range. But the scorpion behind the next corner did. Thanks for the stones, Xom, if it weren't for them maybe I would have died here. This scorpion looked pretty tough and poisoning. Still I am a mere mortal. See you in a month or so, when I'm through with this dungeon.
Ah, and there is the stairs up a level - just have to find the next ones now, I still want that glowing sword.
Argh, poisoned by a worker ant. Smash with Sandblast and move on.
ARGH, centaur behind bushes - not that way, but lure the worker ant out there.
Killed the worker ant after taking one shot. Killed the hound with Sandblast too. Rested. Ah, should have gone back down the stairs for regenerating! While I try to, the centaur destroys his bush and comes at me. He shoots 2 times, I use my scroll of teleport while I'm at 1 HP and manage to dodge. Now how to survive the next rounds until it kicks in?
Can he shoot through a throwing net (if I don't miss him)? Suppose so.
Stoneskin won't be enough - I will pray that one of my two potions (the one I drink) can save me or I just dodge.
The potion of brilliance did nothing but enhance my mind in the moment of crossing the river.

'''Epilogue'''

''Somewhere in between''

"Fuck you, gramps, I know that was your doing. Piss fucking off!"

''While demonic laughtering crosses through the room with lightspeed instead of soundspeed''

"You are merely my randomness, did you really believe you would be able to surpass mortality and get on a level with me, your creator? Don't make me laugh and be quiet now for I will erase your finities and give your eternal a new form... maybe as an oklob sapling?"

''Indeed this could either offend or please Fedhas Madash, or kick in the planet's route a little bit...''

P.s. Maybe there is coming more. Maybe I'll try some more Xom ancestry while typing it down ; )

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T02:48:06Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Dungeon 1==
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

----------------------------------

I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

----------------------------------

I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

----------------------------------

Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

----------------------------------

Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

----------------------------------

Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

----------------------------------

I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

==Dungeon 2==
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

==Dungeon 3==
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

----------------------------------

==Dungeon 4==

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

==Dungeon 5==

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

==Dungeon 6==
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

==Dungeon 7==
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

==Dungeon 8==
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

==Dungeon 9==

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

==Dungeon 10==
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
==Dungeon 11==
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

==Orcish Mines==

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

==Dungeon 12==
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

==Dungeon 13==

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

Later as we explored the level we found the place where all the monsters had emerged from: a series of interlocking rooms that eventually led to a mystic gateway to another place: the Vaults. Flushed with victory, I considered for a moment going down. My orcs, however, had heard tell of the place and told me that it was far too dangerous currently for me. Instead we cleared the rest of the level and, leaving most of the orcs to make camp here until I had need of them again, I took a small band (three grunts, one warrior, one priest) and headed down.

==Dungeon 15 ==

Found a room full of beasts like manticores, hippogriffs, yaks, and basilisks. Killed them all. Also found a vault with zombies, simulacra, and a ghost. It was of Motrha clan Eschpra, a Hill Orc who followed Qazlal. I was furious at the idea that an orc would spurn Beogh and follow one of the other gods, and in my rage I charged forward and slew the ghost in a vengeance. Gained a few more orcs, and got a +4 plate armor “Ioohoot”, which grants the power to see invisible things. I granted it to my high priest, Boldo.

Also met a horde of bizarre creatures, exceedingly ugly things that changed and pulsated. They were worthy foes but my orcs and I slew them and found some nice loot.

----------------

Encountered two fire dragons guarding gold and other treasures. I rashly charged them, drawn in by the promise of gold and glory, and paid for my folly: I lost one grunt and my priest, and came closer to death than I have ever been before. I truly did not think that I would survive, despite using the potions and abilities available to me, but Beogh granted my failing limbs strength to hew the dragons asunder. After chopping the meat from the dragon corpses I and my orcs ate and rested. Then, retreating up to the fourteenth level temporarily, I added a warrior, a priest, and another grunt to my little band before going back down to fight again.

The rest of the level was handled with relative ease. I found an archway to an ancient ossuary but declined to enter; some shops that held nothing I wanted to pay their prices for; and a staircase to the Depths, another branch that my orcs warned me against attempting now.

Once I cleared the entire level, I went up to the fourteenth and held a council with my orcs (the warlords, sorcerers, and high priests). We worked over the options available to us and in the end determined that we would venture into the Lair of Beasts. As Beogh’s power enables me to call my orcs from wherever they were, we decided to leave the camp in the main dungeon where it was. I am bringing with me two grunts, two warriors, and three priests, and we will travel to the Lair and whatever it may hold.

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T02:46:07Z

SallyTheGreat: /* Work in Progress */

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Dungeon 1==
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

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I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

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Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

==Dungeon 2==
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

==Dungeon 3==
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

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==Dungeon 4==

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

==Dungeon 5==

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

==Dungeon 6==
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

==Dungeon 7==
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

==Dungeon 8==
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

==Dungeon 9==

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

==Dungeon 10==
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
==Dungeon 11==
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

==Orcish Mines==

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

==Dungeon 12==
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

==Dungeon 13==

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.
Pretty much everything that transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-19T02:45:35Z

SallyTheGreat: /* Orcish Mines= */

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Dungeon 1==
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

----------------------------------

I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

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Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

==Dungeon 2==
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

==Dungeon 3==
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

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==Dungeon 4==

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

==Dungeon 5==

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

==Dungeon 6==
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

==Dungeon 7==
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

==Dungeon 8==
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

==Dungeon 9==

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

==Dungeon 10==
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
==Dungeon 11==
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

==Orcish Mines==

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

==Dungeon 12==
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

==Dungeon 13==

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.

Most of what transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-18T23:43:45Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Dungeon 1==
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

----------------------------------

I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

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Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

==Dungeon 2==
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

==Dungeon 3==
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

----------------------------------

==Dungeon 4==

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

==Dungeon 5==

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

==Dungeon 6==
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

==Dungeon 7==
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

==Dungeon 8==
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

==Dungeon 9==

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

==Dungeon 10==
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
==Dungeon 11==
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length; have more gold than I have ever seen before; and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

==Orcish Mines===

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

==Dungeon 12==
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

==Dungeon 13==

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all my forces were orcs; proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.

Most of what transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-11-03T17:08:13Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{diary}}
{{version024}}
I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hundred years ago and returned with many orcish followers and the Orb of Zot for the glorification of Beogh, our god. However, not too much time passed before the Orb was stolen from him and taken into the Dungeon by an unknown entity, where through it’s power it was reinstated in it’s former place. Many orcs have ventured into the dungeon over the years to try and win the Orb back. None have returned. My father Noloj was one of those.

I am determined to succeed where all others have failed, save the founder of our clan. I will go down into the dungeon and retrieve the Orb of Zot, or die in the attempt. My mother is saddened by my desire, especially because we lost my father to the Dungeon already, but she knows that I have to do this and bring honor to my family.

==Dungeon 1==
Today is the day I go down…

I spent much of the night speaking with the elders of the clan, as they prepared me for what would come. I was blessed with the mark of piety, so that if I met a priest in the dungeon and was blessed to enter into Beogh’s holy service, I would be already favored by Beogh. They told me that there is no need for light as the dungeon is perpetually, if gloomily, lit by a dim and sourceless light. I was given the weapon of my choice, and by tradition, a simple robe – the only thing that Ruasch the Mighty wore when he descended into the dungeon. I chose to bear an axe, my childhood weapon. I am already proficient in the usage thereof and am eager to use my skills to serve Beogh.

At noon the clan gathered around the stairs down. About half a mile away, covered by a simple shack, the stone stairwell looked gloomy and foreboding. Not wanting to prolong the farewell, I said goodbye to the clan and headed down. I looked back once to see my lone shaft of sunlight disappear as the shack door was closed. Gloom overtook me, and it was with unusual trepidation that I descended the rest of the way.

I arrived in a area of close stone walls and winding passages, It is as the elders said – there is a mysterious light that is everywhere but comes from nowhere. Although hard to see at first, my eyes got used to it fairly quickly and I began to explore.

Almost immediately I found a stack of gold coins… but they seemed to be guarded by a cockroach grown to massive proportions. I moved towards it to slay it, and saw another creature – a goblin with a club. I moved back to a more strategic position and slew them one at a time. I also butchered the cockroach corpse, as the meat did not seem to be inedible. Then I collected the twelve coins. I wonder why they were just laying there – left by some hapless wanderer perhaps?

Soon afterwards, I came upon two golden potions laying in the center of a large room. I have collected them in case they may be useful.

--------------------------------

Found a scroll. It is labeled in a tongue that is not Orcish or Common – I cannot read it and know not what it means. I am reluctant to break the seal and read the magic words inside for fear of harm. Also found a purple potion.
Have decided – will read the scroll.
As I read it, it turned to dust in my hands and a cloud of seemingly harmless fog filled the air around me. Strange…

---------------------------------

After a brief rest I continued to wander. I found a small jade ring in a corner. Rather like the mysterious potions, I will carry it until I find some way to determine what it does. I could put it on, but I am reluctant to do something so foolhardy so soon; it could spell my death if the ring is laid with a terrible curse…
Venturing a little ways further, I was ambushed by a constricting snake, a small kobold with an arsenal of stones, and a bat. I retreated a little ways and slew them all, taking what meat I could. I found nothing of value in their possessions and left them there.

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I slept for some time. I no longer am sure of night and day, or indeed the passage of time. Here in the dungeon it is dim, with no change of light. Already the strangeness of it all is starting to wear on me and I am not certain that I can complete my task without going mad. Was this how my father felt?
No. I am strong. I come from the line of Ruasch the Mighty. He succeeded and so will I.

----------------------------------

I killed another bat. I hate those things, darting in and out, swooping down suddenly and then fleeing away. I also found some stairs that lead down, although I think that I will stay here for now, until there is nothing left to explore up here.

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Killed a bright green lizard with a frilled head; also a hobgoblin. He guarded a murky amethyst potion, some gold, and two throwing nets. I left the nets, but took the gold and the potion. Soon after that I slew a goblin and a rat, taking their gold.

----------------------------------

Have found a most strange thing: an area with plants and trees and shallow water. I did not expect to find anything of the sort here, but here it is, right in front of me as I write. It is somewhat comforting, as it reminds me of the outside, but in this dim light, with the strange plants and murky water… there is something terrifyingly eerie about it. I do not think I will linger long by this place.

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Have stopped for a rest. Killed several goblins and hobgoblins and am wounded lightly; need to recuperate. Also found more gold. I have 57 pieces now. I am going to put on a suit of scale mail that I found for better protection.

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I am done exploring this first level and am going to venture down the stairs to see what awaits me…

==Dungeon 2==
Found a spear and a hand axe like mine. I have no use for spears, and already have an axe, so I left them both. Just past the stairs I encountered a pack of jackals; I lured them into a narrow corridor and slew them all. I found more gold and a ration of bread, although I had to kill a goblin to get them. Also found a plain wooden ring.

----------------------

Something very peculiar just occurred. I rounded a corner and found myself face to face with an ugly-looking imp. Behind him was another imp, and then a catlike creature that yowled “I am Natasha! Fear me!” I fought the imps and got to Natasha. I thought I was going to die, but managed to slay her and rest. But before I had fully recovered… around the corner came Natasha! I slew her a little more easily this time, but I am exceptionally perplexed. I was certain I had killed her! These dungeons are enough to drive a soul mad.
Soon after, I came across another strange scroll and read it, to be treated to the sound of a witch cackle. Truly a scroll of random uselessness. However, not all here is useless – I just picked up a wand of iceblast that I can use against my foes.

----------------------------

After resting I continued on and met Jessica, an evil human who tried to kill me. I resisted her magic and slew her instead. I took a moment to marvel at how truly ugly humans are. Not long after, I met a band of goblins and hobgoblins, led by a nasty one named Robin. Fortuitously, the meeting occurred in a narrow corridor and I slew them with relative ease, although I was moderately wounded and had to rest for some time before continuing on.

--------------------------------

I do not understand this! I met Natasha again, even though last time I know I killed her, even butchering her corpse! And yet there she was, along with a decaying zombie that appeared to be some sort of a snake and a couple of frilled lizards. I killed them all, and for some reason I believe that this time Natasha is gone for good. I suppose only time will tell, though.
Also found another potion and a scroll of teleportation. That could come in handy for a tight spot.

==Dungeon 3==
Descending to the third level, I met a number of creatures including three gnolls and several adders, one of which almost proved to be the undoing of me; also an ogre that very nearly slew me. I heard a drain rusting, the entrance to a sewer, but even if I do find it I’m not sure I want to go in.

----------------------------

Met an orc… had to kill it. A very sobering experience. I hope to find a priest and convert fully to Beogh’s service so I can gain followers. I wonder if my father had to kill orcs?

----------------------------

Found a ghost of a previous adventurer, named Xanthe. Had to destroy it. Made me unhappy.

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==Dungeon 4==

Went down a level – now on the fourth. I wonder how many levels this dungeon has? Met and destroyed a centaur skeleton without much difficulty. Had more trouble with the scorpion, which nearly did me in with poison. Later I met Blorc, a rather disagreeable and very fat orc who was wearing rainbow colored suspenders, of all things. He had a rather nasty trident of piercing and I had to teleport away by use of a scroll once, but killed him in the end. I think I will keep the trident, though.

-----------------------------

Met a rather nasty chap named Eustatcio who kept summoning up all sorts of nasty things to kill me. Used up my remaining teleport scroll escaping. If I meet him again he will die…

------------------------------

==Dungeon 5==

Killed Eustatchio, a centaur, more rats. Went down another level. Killed some ants and another orc, as well as some more zombies and skeletons. Good news – found a scroll shop. Now I know what to do with all that gold! I bought a number of scrolls of identify, as well as one of teleportation and one of remove curse. I then proceeded to identify some of my jewelry and potions, ending up with some potions of curing and useful rings, such as a ring of see invisible and a ring of magic resistance. Killed an ice beast.

-------------------------------

Met an unusual giant frog with a crown who called himself Prince Ribbit. Zapped him with a wand of polymorph… he turned into an unseen horror. I could see him thanks to my ring of see invisible, but I rather would have him turned into something less threatening. Couldn’t zap him again because his MR was too high. Survived and killed him, but I need to be more careful next time. Also found a spriggan baker and some rations. Killed the baker and took the rations gladly, with only a twinge of conscience. Need to move down a level…

==Dungeon 6==
I have found my first orc priest! The orcs were lying in wait for me as I came down the stairs to the sixth level, but when they saw that I was also an orc, the priest yelled that they would let me live if I accepted Beogh as my god. I have since I was a child, but I have never found a true priest to formally convert me. I gladly knelt at the priest’s feet, and converted fully to Beogh. The orcs roared in approval and spared my life. Beogh is generous indeed – immediately upon converting I gained the divine ability to smite my foes with the wrath of Beogh. Am very satisfied and feel that Beogh is smiling upon my journey.

--------------------------

Have cleared the sixth level without too much difficulty. Found a ring, put it on, it was a cursed ring of teleportation. Luckily I had a scroll of remove curse and got rid of it quickly. Had to teleport away from and then smite a nasty two-headed ogre that was taking massive chunks of my HP. I want to save my piety so Beogh will consider me worthy of gaining followers. Rested often, consumed a disgusting meal of raw ogre steaks. Found an amulet and more potions and scrolls. Ready to move down again.

==Dungeon 7==
This has been a challenging level, mentally and physically. I found my first spellbook, a book of burglary, and memorized Passwall. Also, I read through some of my scrolls. Found that I had two scrolls of teleportation when I read the third and landed in the middle of a pack of zombies. They were not too difficult to defeat, though, and I didn’t travel far from the safety of the stairs. I retreated back and continued. Had some scrolls of remove curse, blinking, one of immolation, and three of identify, which I used on a ring (positive energy) and two stacks of potions (heal wounds and haste). Set off again.

Not too far in I found a peculiar golden staircase in the middle of a diamond-shaped room. It was identified as a temple, and I went in out of curiosity. A wave of strange energy hit me as I entered, and I quickly saw why. The temple was filled with altars to many different gods. I wandered for a moment, feeling a strange reluctance to be here, as if I was betraying Beogh by being here. Just in case, I paused and offered a prayer to the great and powerful Beogh before continuing. I saw a variety of altars, but nothing was truly disturbing until I started exploring the small chambers off the main one. As I opened a door, I was almost knocked backwards by a wave of wrathful feeling. As it dissipated, I looked and saw that there was an altar there, and it belonged to Zin.

Zin! What orc child doesn’t know the story of Zin! Zin the traitor, Zin the coward, Zin the despicable! My mind involuntarily flashed back to the story, just after the end of the war...

''Some of the gods had sided with The Shining One and his immortal daughter, Elyvilon; some with Yredelemnul, his second-in-command Beogh, and his necromancy-dabbling accomplice, Makhleb (who gained godhood during the war). But at the end of it, the gods had gathered to speak together. Yredelemnul had created, from the chaotic energies of the otherworld, and the quiet peace of the earth, and fire and wind and water, a most wondrous artefact, far greater than any that had been seen since the days of Zot. And because he took the secrets of the artefact making from the works of Zot itself, he hid it’s true name to keep others from gaining power over it and simply called it the Orb of Zot. And it was such a great and terrifying artefact that it ended the war, because they all saw that destruction lay close at had if they kept using such terrible powers. In those times Zin was a powerful leader in the armies of the dark, second only to his brother Beogh. They seemed to have a close relationship, but Zin secretly hated his brother and schemed for his downfall and destruction, while Zin himself would be exalted. ''

''Zin’s chance came when Beogh was guarding the Orb of Zot, an incredible honor reserved for the greatest. The details have been lost in the fog of time, but Zin somehow got by the outer guards, Beogh’s honor guard of orcs; and into the inner chamber itself, where Beogh guarded the Orb. Beogh, believing and trusting his brother when Zin said Yredelemnul had sent Zin to take Beogh’s place because Beogh was desperately needed, went to go. Zin, as soon as his brother was out of the chamber, shouted to the guards that Beogh was trying to steal the Orb, closed and barred the door, and departed with it. Beogh was mighty indeed, but even he could not stand to the handpicked elite of the army, and was captured. When Yredelemnul heard, and found that the Orb was missing, in his fury he smote Beogh and stripped him of his powers. Where once Beogh was equal to the mightiest of warriors, he now had nothing. And this was something that could not be undone. But Zin went to the other side, and he gave the Orb of Zot to The Shining One, and a council was called. Now The Shining One held all the power, and he also had Zin.''

''Now when Yredelemnul discovered what had truly transpired, he was stricken, for he had smote his most powerful and trusted follower, and all for naught. And The Shining One took away the greatest powers of Yredelemnul, and his followers, and commanded them that they should never rise up in rebellion again lest they also be stripped of their powers and slain. And then he stripped Zin of his dark powers, and made Zin alike to a mortal, but then granted Zin new powers, and godhood, and placed him on the ruling council, and he was called a “good” god. And Beogh wept bitterly, for his betrayal and what Zin’s reward was for disloyalty.''

''But The Shining One said “I will not have loyalty go so severely punished, however, even in those who have worked against me.” And in a fashion similar to what he had done to Zin, he used the Orb to endow Beogh with new powers, although a fraction of what he had before. He also gave Beogh the choice of one thing that he wished to have as a god. And Beogh desired to be bound to his people that he had come from, the noble orcs. And The Shining One made it so, and it was done. Beogh became a bloodthirsty god, demanding kills and bloodshed in his name, but he swore that he would never betray his people; and while all other races were forbidden the worship of Beogh, all orcs were granted a place in his religion. And should any orc imitate Zin, abandoning and spurning their god, then Beogh’s wrath comes down swift and hard.''

''And The Shining One took the Orb, lest any be tempted to use it, and placed it where no one would get it, with fearsome guards and powerful wards. But over the years he has changed his mind, and many of the other gods also, and they send adventurers into the dungeon to find it and bring it back before any one else does.''

''But Beogh never forgot the betrayal of his brother, and Zin never forgot that Beogh was still a god, still an equal, and their hatred only festered and grew in the passing years…''

I was an orc, one of Beogh’s sworn followers. Being in the presence of a place sacred to Zin was awful, and I could feel his malevolence turning towards me. I slammed the door shut as soon as movement returned to my limbs, and ran out of the temple with my heart hammering. I had sneered at the tawdry altars to other gods before; now they could have been old chairs for all I cared. I just needed to get out as fast as possible.
I rested until I felt better, and slowly returned to exploration. Found an amulet; turned out to be an amulet of harm. Didn’t need such a thing and left it. Killed more creatures, nothing particularly noteworthy. After a rest I will go down to the eighth level.

==Dungeon 8==
Praise Beogh! May His great name live on forever and His glory be endless! I have gained four followers through His power. As I was exploring the eighth level, I ran into a band of wandering orcs. To my astonishment, more than half of them fell at my feet and, with expressions of awe and joy, proclaimed me the messiah and swore to follow me forever, then turned and attacked their fellows that had not joined them. Two of my followers were slain in the skirmish, but I have two orc “grunts”, or ordinary orc soldiers, a priest, and a magician. They all follow me wherever I go and are most useful. We catch our enemies in open areas, then the grunts and I hack away at them while the priest heals us and smites them, and the magician turns invisible and fires spells at them. It is a wonderful system. I am not so sure about this messiah business, however. I don’t know that I am truly who they think I am. Every orc knows the signs and portents, and we often speak of it, but I never dreamed that they might think me the chosen one of Beogh. But He must have converted these orcs to the cause, so who am I to argue? I am most troubled, and devote myself entirely to the business of clearing and exploring to avoid too much thought.

==Dungeon 9==

I am on the ninth level. I met some nasty monsters, but my orcs and I killed them all. To my sorrow, both soldiers and the magician were slain, leaving just the priest and me. He has a name – Ugrim. But Beogh looks after his own. I opened a door and found a small room completely packed with orcs. They kept seeing me and converting. Some of them were killed because they would not convert, but in the end I had eight grunts, three priests, three magicians, and two warriors. I was extremely pleased. Perhaps Beogh has chosen me after all.

We disposed of everything else on the level with ease. I found some nice loot, including a nameless scroll. I read it, and it turned out to be a scroll of acquirement that landed me a +2 executioner’s axe of flaming. I am overjoyed.

==Dungeon 10==
My hand is shaking so hard I can barely write. Even now, long after the encounter, I cannot rid myself of the awful images that replay inside my mind…

The tenth level was going all right. I lost a few orcs, but nothing too terrible, and two grunts became warriors. Things were fine. Then we found a strange room in the open, it’s walls made of crystal. The gate was translucent, and inside… inside… oh, I can’t bring myself to write it… but I must. Beogh grant me strength, I must. Inside was my father.

But not my father. No, this was the ''ghost'' of Noloj clan Ruasch, a cruel thing indeed. My own father’s spirit, caught here. Now I know that he did die down in these terrible dungeons, his blood spilled on the ground… It was my father without a doubt, but in a terrible ghostlike form, and with an ugly expression painted across his face.

I didn’t see it until too late.

Madly I rushed the vault and opened the gate, blind to anything except my father. But as soon as I opened it… as soon as I opened it he rushed forth and savagely attacked. I was stunned and uncomprehending. If it hadn’t been for my allies, I would have perished – if not at the hands of my father’s spirit, then from the three decaying zombies that had been entombed with him. But the other orcs rushed forward and attacked, giving me time to recover. My father’s spirit attacked with a vengeance; I retaliated numbly, tears streaming down my face. And then he was terribly wounded, and I raised my axe for the final blow, and something changed in that ghostly face of his, a look of sudden dawning realization, something pulling away from his eyes..

“My son,” he whispered as the axe came down, and I could not turn it away in time.

There was loot, piles of gold and armour and potions and scrolls. I saw none of it. I collapsed in the doorway and stared vacantly at the place where I had killed my father. I dimly heard one of the priests praying to Beogh to heal me, felt my physical pain lessen. It was nothing compared to the rent that had torn open inside of me. Why, Beogh? Wert Thou testing my loyalty? Was this all a terrible joke? I could only sit and stare, and weep.

My orcs gathered respectfully, not bothering me. Eventually I fell asleep there. When I awoke, I staggered to my feet and gathered the loot, but numbly. Now I sit against a cold crystal wall and wonder if I will ever be the same, and know it is a foolish wondering. No one ever leaves the dungeon unchanged… if they ever leave at all. My father died here. Will I do the same? What am I doing here? Why? Why?

------------------------------

I slept, and while I slept something incredible happened. I heard Beogh in my dreams, heard Him speak to me in a voice like terrible thunder. He said ''“DROWN THE UNBELIEVERS IN A SEA OF BLOOD.” ''

I have a purpose, and a life. I know without a doubt that I am the chosen Messiah of my people, and Beogh has sent me to restore the Orb and the honor of Him and all my people. He has given me a mission, and I know that He will help me fufill it. I am reborn. My father’s ghost is behind me. Beogh needs me to be my people’s messiah, and I will be. My orcs are ready for battle; I am at the head. I shout “Drown the unbelievers in a sea of blood!” and we are off.

Found a couple of scrolls that I hadn’t seen before. I warily read them and discovered they are scrolls of weapon enchanting, bringing my axe up to +4. Killed a bullfrog and ate the meat; it was surprisingly good. Also killed three killer bees and found a wand of flame.

The most interesting thing I found was a staircase that was different from all the others. It was marked as descending to “The Lair of Beasts.” One of my magicians, Norbak, told me it was a branch of the dungeon inhabited by all manner of beasts and monsters, but not much in the way of sentient life. I decided that I would visit it at a later time, as I did not feel prepared for it.

Time to move down again…
==Dungeon 11==
So far, so good. Lost a grunt to a centaur but another, Okrist, became a warrior; Norbak became a sorcerer, and Beogh blessed my other warrior, Morbeogh, with better armour. I also have an orc knight, although as of yet I do not know his name.

We were menaced by a repulsive ogre magess named Erolcha, who almost killed me, but I quaffed a potion that restored health to my limbs and thusly slew her. Gained a couple more orcs, one warrior and one magician. Gave Okrist a halberd so he can stand behind me and attack enemies from afar.

We were exploring and came across a large band of assorted enemies: no less than ten kobolds, several big kobolds (larger and meaner), many zombies, and something quite peculiar: three ghosts that made me more and more hungry when they hit me. I had to consume food in the middle of the battle to survive. At the end of the horde, I found something that astonished me: a staircase to the fabled Orcish Mines. I and my orcs were very excited! Here was the stronghold of orcs, the very place that many of the Dungeon’s orcs had come from.

However, we did not descend. I wanted to have the full measure of Beogh’s power about me when I entered, the better to convince the orcs that I was the chosen messiah. Instead we rested by the staircase for a time, recovering and swapping stories, then I led my band of orcs on.

I have come far since the day I descended into the dungeon. I remember being startled by large cockroaches and fearing the goblins that roamed with their clubs and daggers. Now I have bested mages, hydras, centaurs, zombies. I have gained the approval and blessing of Beogh, and followers through his power. I have collected a weapon the likes of which I have never seen before, flames dancing along its length, have more gold than I have ever seen before, and lead a band of warthirsty orcs. How things have changed!

------------------------------

I feel sad. As I came around a corner, a human surprised us. Dressed in green, he looked to be middle-aged. As he trapped me in a net, with my orcs behind me where they couldn’t get at him, he conversationally told me that he was a bounty hunter planning to retire after this last job and live a quiet life with his sweet wife and four children, using the money from his last bounty: me.

I broke free of the net and managed to kill him. As he lay dying, I asked him who had placed a bounty on his head. He didn’t reply, only whispered “Lauren” and died.
I imagine Lauren is his wife. It saddens me that I had to kill this man who had a family waiting for him. But I too have family that waits for me, and a father that I must avenge.

I wonder if it is Zin who is reaching down to hamper my journey?

------------------------------

I have cleared the level and feel that Beogh is smiling on me. I have decided – my orcs and I will descend into the Orcish Mines…

==Orcish Mines===

This has been an amazing level! As I descended, I was greeted by a rabble of orcs lying in wait for anyone who would come down the stairs. However, almost all of them were converted upon seeing me, two more converted when they saw my might in battle, and the rest of the infidels were slain. I and my orcs traveled on, meeting many orcs and converting many. There was also a great deal of gold, and some shops. There wasn’t much useful in the shops, but I did find a scroll of acquirement. Bought it with a large chunk of my money and asked for armor… got the +27 Lear’s Hauberk, an enchanted golden suit of armor that includes helmet, gloves, and boots! Beogh is guiding my quest.

Got more orcs, including several knights and five or six high priests. Morbeogh became a knight. Found an altar and prayed to Beogh thereon. Got more gold and orcs. In the end, I had probably thirty or forty orcs. I also, through Beogh’s goodness and power, resurrected an orc knight of mine that fell during the fighting. He rose with cries of gratitude and praise, and said that surely I was the messiah. It also erased any remaining traces of doubt in the other orc’s minds as to the veracity of my claim.

Will rest and then journey back to the dungeon with some of my orcs.

==Dungeon 12==
This is the twelfth level of the dungeon. Met a strange human named Rupert who screeched and roared in a berserk fury. He had a nasty +3 war axe of electrocution. I killed him without overmuch difficulty. However, to my sorrow, Norbak was slain. It was not Beogh’s will that he be resurrected, because he left no corpse that I could raise. Norbak has been with me since the ninth level. Although four levels doesn’t sound like much, we also took on the Orcish Mines together. And it’s amazing how much you bond after many life-or-death fights together. Besides, Norbak had a level, steady mind, was competent in battle and with magecraft, and reminded me of my uncle Dalog. I am saddened to lose him.

Most of my orcs had not seen a human before, and, like I with my first human kill Jessica, stopped to marvel at the hideous features of humans. One grunt said fervently that he was grateful to be an orc, for were not orcs the most handsome of all the races, and if he were to have the appearance of a human he would tear out his throat in shame.

==Dungeon 13==

I was exploring with five of my orcs when I stepped on a hidden trap that made loud noise and placed a Mark upon me, so that any monster in the level would know my location. We were swiftly beset by monsters of many kinds, including a nasty centaur called Nessos and a pig-making witch named Kirke. In addition, there were humans, zombies, centaurs, and ogres. My orcs and I were beset from all sides and were in danger of being overwhelmed. So, I used Beogh’s granted power to summon all of my orcs from wherever they were in the dungeon. With all my summoned forces, I outnumbered the forces amassed against us – and, if sheer numbers were not enough, all mine were orcs – proud, skillful, terrifying warriors. Little wonder the enemy crumbled and their minions were killed!

==Work in Progress==
I am not done with this. As I continue with this game I will add more on.

Most of what transpired in the story actually happened, down to me nearly being killed by the ghost of one of my previous crawlers... had such great hopes for him, too...

Choosing a god

2020-10-24T01:43:55Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{Advice}}

In Crawl, one's choice of [[gods|god]] has the most significant impact on the progress of the game other than choice of [[race]] and [[class]].

==How Do I Choose a God?==
There are two ways to choose a god. The quickest is to begin the game with a background that worships one by default: [[Berserker]]s, [[Chaos Knight]]s and [[Abyssal Knight]]s all begin the game serving a particular god and receive a small head start on [[piety]] gain.

Alternatively, you can find an [[altar]] dedicated to a god along the way, stand on it, and pray (with the < or > keys, or '''p''' for versions [[0.18]] or older). When asked if you want to join its religion, press '''y''' to accept. They can be found as follows:
*Most gods will have an altar in the [[Ecumenical Temple]], a harmless branch located between Dungeon floors 4 and 7.
*If the temple lacks a particular altar, it is guaranteed to be located between floors 2 and 9, with the following exceptions:
**[[Beogh]]'s altar can be found in the [[Orcish Mines]], but having a conscious (i.e. not asleep, paralyzed, etc.) [[orc priest]] or [[orc high priest]] in view grants [[hill orc]]s the ability to convert to Beogh on the spot.
**[[Lugonu]]'s altar can be found in [[the Abyss]] or occasionally in a corrupted version of the Ecumenical Temple.
**[[Jiyva]]'s altar can be found on the sixth floor of the [[Slime Pits]], occasionally in [[the Lair]] and the lower dungeon floors, and very rarely in an early [[jelly]] vault.

You can only worship one god at a time. If you abandon a god's religion or switch to another god, you'll incur [[Divine retribution|penance]] (unless you worship one of the three [[good gods]], [[Zin]], [[Elyvilon]], or [[The Shining One]]: they only react if your new god is [[evil]], or [[chaotic]] if your god is Zin). Note that if you do switch from a [[good god]] to a non-evil one, and ''later'' switch to an evil god, you will face penance from ''both'' abandoned gods.

===What do all the *** mean?===
The asterisks are an indication of your [[piety]], or your current standing with your god. Higher piety generally means more and stronger god-granted powers. See the [[piety]] article for more details.

==Primary Melee Fighters==
These gods work best for characters who primarily kill monsters with weapons rather than with spells.

===[[Okawaru]] the Warmaster===
Okawaru is the "default" god for melee characters.

His simple, straightforward effectiveness has made him one of the most popular yet criticized gods in the Crawl pantheon. He provides only two activated abilities to the player: [[Okawaru#Given_abilities|Heroism]] (gives bonus to combat skills), which can be invoked at *, and [[Okawaru#Given_abilities|Finesse]] (increased attack speed) at *****. Used in conjunction, this will allow three or four extra attacks per turn, making any non-magical enemy trivial. These enhancements come with no downsides but [[glow]], so one can also use magic and abilities if they wish.

After the activated abilities come the gifts of weapons, armour, shields, and ammo. Since these behave like a slightly nerfed [[scroll of acquirement]], many of these will be of little permanent use, but by the end game you will likely find yourself using mostly god given equipment. While [[#Trog_the_Furious|Trog]] will also provide ammo and weapons, Okawaru is the only god who bestows armour and shields as gifts.

Players going for an all-rune win can often benefit from abandoning him in favor of [[The Shining One]] before [[Crypt]].

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Melee characters who rely or plan to rely on magic, such as [[High Elf]] [[Skald]]s, [[Merfolk]] [[Transmuter]]s, and [[Naga]] [[Warper]]s. Any character who needs rare equipment ([[quick blade]]s, rare [[needle]]s), as like Trog, he also gifts ammunition.

===[[Trog]] the Furious===
Trog is the most offensive-minded melee fighter's god. [[Piety]] is gained by killing living monsters, demons, holies and spellcasters.

His abilities are tremendously useful early on - Berserk, which temporarily boosts damage, speed, and HP. At high piety it is extended for every kill, though its end brings an exhaustion effect which slows and hungers the user and prevents them from berserking for a while, so make sure that you've either killed every monster in that short time or have some means of escaping the survivors. Trog's Hand adds temporary regeneration and magic resistance, and is one of the few ways for a [[Deep Dwarf]] or bloodless [[Vampire]] to heal.

Brothers in Arms summons always friendly, always berserk ogres, trolls, bears, and giants, which in numbers are more than a match for nearly every enemy in the game, and are a great way to take down tough but stationary enemies like [[oklob plant]]s. None of these require training of the [[Invocations]] skill, just piety and food, so experience can be focused elsewhere, usually [[Fighting]], weapon skill of choice, missile skill of choice, and [[Armour]]/[[Evasion]]. At highest piety he will gift weapons weighted toward brute damage and the [[antimagic]] brand, and also branded [[javelin]]s, [[sling bullet]]s, [[arrow]]s, and [[bolt]]s if you have at least 8 levels in a ranged combat skill, and the respective launcher on hand. If your best ranged skill isn't throwing, you can drop your [[crossbow]], [[bow]], [[longbow]], or [[sling]] if you want melee weapon gifts.

However, learning, training, or casting magic of any kind will offend Trog, so you must specialize only in physical combat. Note that he doesn't mind use of magic scrolls, potions, staves, wands, or rods. In addition, his non-training of Invocations can be a mixed blessing, since if you plan to switch to another god, you'll have to spend time working on that as well.

Trog is a great god for a player new to Crawl, or for any melee character who plans only for a three or four rune run.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any character with zero short term interest in magic. [[Troll]]s, [[Ogre]]s, [[Minotaur]]s, [[Merfolk]], and [[Hill Orc]]s will have the easiest time due to their excellent melee aptitudes. [[Kobold]]s are also an excellent choice, since they have few food issues early on and so can berserk rather freely. He also works well for sturdier ranged fighters such as [[Halfling]] and [[Centaur]] [[Hunter]]s due to his ammo gifts.

===[[The Shining One]] the Righteous===
The Shining One is a more defensive-minded god who crusades against evil. He will protect you from negative energy and may intervene to save your life. You'll gain piety gradually from discovering monters, and also when you destroy evil or unholy monsters such as the undead, demons, or priests of other religions.

[[The Shining One]] is tremendously useful for the [[Hells]], [[Pandemonium]], and [[Tomb]] because he allows you to add the holy wrath brand to a weapon (the best for those areas), grants you [[HP]] and [[MP]] for demon/undead kills (often allowing you to avoid having to rest in those areas), gives you rN+++, and gives you [[Angel]] and [[Daeva]] summons that are extremely effective for killing the lords of [[Pandemonium]] and [[Hells]] and killing everything in [[Tomb]] (allowing you to avoid curses).

You will also be surrounded by a halo that, within its range, increases your to-hit roll and reveals all invisible enemies around you. His [[Divine Shield]] ability grants you a floating shield (and stacks with your existing one), and you can eventually conjure [[Cleansing Flame]] to destroy undead and demons around you. Finally, holy beings you encounter will be peaceful at high piety.

Worshipping him has some downsides. You will not be able to use necromancy or poison related items and spells (including the [[Regeneration]] spell, usually the biggest downside), have much less stealth due to the halo, and are unable to stab anyone sentient natural beings due to the paladin code (but demons, undead, and animals are valid targets).

Although a great choice for late-game because of the prevalence of undead and demons, gaining piety with [[The Shining One]] is painstakingly slow outside of the demonic branches, and his abilities only shine when your Invocations skill is high. Many experienced players start off with a different god with which they train their [[Invocations]] skill, then switch to [[The Shining One]] when they are about to enter some of the later branches where holy powers are most useful. [[Elyvilon]] is the best choice if you want to switch to [[The Shining One]] early, because you won't suffer her wrath and you can quickly gain piety by pacifying monsters.

Starting with [[Okawaru]] is also a great choice, because he is helpful in the early game and offers great armor gifts. Once you have all the artifact armor you feel you'll need and get your Invocations skill up to at least 10, switch to [[The Shining One]] and head for the Crypt (where you'll probably reach maximum piety with TSO). You will suffer Okawaru's wrath, but you should be able to survive at this point (just cast Blink and run away when he summons giants around you).

Make sure you bless a weapon before taking on the Hells or Pandemonium: the best choice is usually one of a [[claymore]], an [[executioner's axe]], a [[bardiche]], a [[demon whip]], a [[demon trident]], or a [[demon blade]]. Blessed demon whips ([[holy scourge]]s) and blessed demon blades are the best one-handed weapons in the game against demons (except for weapons of speed). For [[ogre]]s or [[troll]]s, bless a [[giant spiked club]] instead.

Undead and Demonspawn characters may not follow him, and casting Necromutation will result in excommunication.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Melee characters with dreams of the fifteen [[rune]]s that lie in undead/demon heavy branches, such as the Abyss, [[the Crypt]], [[the Tomb]], [[Pandemonium]], and the [[Hell]]s. Those with good Invocations aptitudes, such as Hill Orcs, High Elves, Merfolk, and Deep Dwarves, are particularly well-suited.

==Primary Spellcasters==
On the other hand, if magic is your character's planned forte, you'll find [[Sif Muna]], [[Vehumet]], or [[Kikubaaqudgha]] more to your liking.

===[[Sif Muna]] the Loreminder===
Sif Muna is the "default" god for spellcasters. Of the three, she is the least demanding, and the most predictable. Her primary ability is spellbook acquirement: as you gain piety, she will gift you spellbooks, each guaranteed to have at least one spell you haven't yet found, weighted toward your magic skills. You will eventually have access to every spell in the game.

Also central is the * ability that gives you MP at the cost of a turn and some hunger (only of a turn if in [[Necromutation|lich form]], or using a race not on a food clock i.e. bloodless Vampires, [[Mummy|Mummies]]). This allows easy correction of mistakes if you get cornered with no MP left. It is more powerful than the staff of channeling, and is reliable unlike the [[Crystal ball of energy]]. At *****, you can forget spells similar to the [[scroll of amnesia]] and you will acquire protection from all miscasts.

Piety gain is straightforward: train magic-related skills ([[Invocations]] and [[Evocations]] don't count) and it will rise. Although you'll need to train Invocations to improve the MP channel, all other benefits are passive. Note that the only ways to lose piety are to "forget her," which is difficult to do as your piety decays extremely slowly (about one point every 2000 turns), or destroy spellbooks (which you won't need to do since she gives you the ability to forget spells).

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any and all magic users, though pure casters will gain piety (and usefulls spellbooks) much faster. If your primary target is to just gain destructive spells consider Vehumet. If you want to focus on Necromancy Kikubaaqudgha is a more straightforward choice. Over an infinite time Sif Muna will give you all spells, but that won`t help you if you need these [[Conjuration|Conjurations]] or [[Necromancy]] now.

===[[Vehumet]] the Battlemage===
Vehumet is the god for offensive mages, for whom piety is gained through the bringing of death, which his rewards further supplement.

Killing monsters will grant you piety and may restore some MP. Later, [[Vehumet]] will reduce the chance of conjuration miscasts and increase your conjurations' range. He'll also gift you with Destructive spells after you reach *..... piety. All of [[Vehumet]]'s benefits are passive, making him a great, low-management god if you're new at playing a spellcaster. Also, you can ignore Invocations!

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': [[Conjurer]]s and dedicated nukers of all kinds. Common ones include [[Demonspawn]] Wizards, [[Deep Elf]] [[Fire Elementalist]]s, and [[Spriggan]] [[Venom Mage]]s. [[Tengu]], with good aptitudes for [[Conjurations]] but a poor aptitude for [[Invocations]], are especially suited for Vehumet.

===[[Kikubaaqudgha]] the Soulstealer===
[[Kikubaaqudgha]] is the god of the necromantic arts.

Spellcasters who dabble in darker domains can opt to worship [[Kikubaaqudgha]]. This demon-god appreciates the slaying of living things and demons. You'll learn how to summon multiple corpses for your own nefarious uses (requires [[Necromancy]] instead of Invocations); later on, she will reduce [[torment]] damage, and protect you from Necromancy miscasts, grant you the ability to invoke torment using a corpse, and finally, gift you either the [[Necronomicon]] (the most powerful necromantic spellbook in the game) or the [[Pain]] brand on a weapon of your choice. The torment resistance and the spells you'll learn from the [[Necronomicon]] will make any spellcaster extremely powerful in the late-game. Anyone who uses melee should opt for the pain weapon, as it virtually kills everything in a three-rune game, bar undead, which you can easily [[Dispel Undead|dispel]]. (Watch out fot the occasional demon and golem though.)

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any character with a need for corpses aka Trolls, Ogres, Vampires, Ghouls and Necromancers. Also any character aspiring to become well versed in Necromancy for differing reasons. The undead races especially profit from an easy way to [[torment]] your enemies, without hurting themselves. Any character build that must have [[pain]] or the [[Necronomicon]].

=="General" Gods==
Instead of choosing a god who will simply enhance your character's specialization, you can also go with a god who shores up your weaknesses or who'll provide some emergency help.

===[[Makhleb]] the Destroyer ===
Makhleb is the god of violent death. Followers earn piety by killing enemies and sacrificing their corpses to the Destroyer. Doing so will eventually grant you a chance to heal some HP when dealing a killing blow, the ability to hurl minor/greater destruction, and finally the power to summon minor/major demons. This makes [[Makhleb]] a solid choice for characters with healing issues (Deep Dwarves and Vampires, among others) or those who want to have access to an easy-to-train ranged ability. The demons summoned are perfect fodder to cover your escape but can also overwhelm weaker enemies.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Anybody who can't heal naturally, or heals slowly. Besides the obvious [[Deep Dwarves]] and [[Vampires]], [[Ghouls]] can do well with Makhleb.

===[[Yredelemnul]] the Reaper===
Yredelemnul is the dark god of death. By following him, your character can learn various necromancy-related powers without having to train spellcasting or necromancy. Like [[Makhleb]], [[Yredelemnul]] grants you a way to heal (by sucking the life force out of every monster around you!), but he also brings some unique tools to the table, such as the power to reflect damage inflicted to you. [[Yredelemnul]] will regularly send his undead minions to help you (an early [[bone dragon]] buddy is great fun!). Somewhat redundant for spellcasters already versed in necromancy, but still far from useless. Be aware, however, that in the extended endgame (i.e. Tomb, Pan, Hell), gaining piety with Yred is very difficult, and his servants will usually be outclassed, rendering him considerably less useful in those places. Luckily, his wrath is relatively light, making a switch easy.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any sort of character who wants some free, powerful allies and some potent panic buttons. Some, but decidedly not all, of his abilities are redundant to [[Necromancy]] or [[Summoning]], meaning it is more often melee characters who favor Yred.

===[[Beogh]] the Brigand===
Beogh can only be worshipped if your character is a [[Hill Orc]], but grants many useful passive powers and bonuses. You'll get more mileage from using orcish gear (i.e. better offensive and defensive bonuses), and the orcs you encounter in the dungeon may become allies (who may follow you between floors) upon meeting you! Worshipping [[Beogh]] also gives you access to a powerful Smite spell that uses Piety but is well worth it. The [[Orcish Mines]] will never get easier than this... although by late-game your orcish followers probably won't be up to the task of taking over [[Hell]] or [[Pandemonium]] by themselves.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': If you're planning on playing Beogh as a melee character, there is virtually no reason not to start as a Hill Orc Monk, given that altars to Beogh can be difficult to find, setting your character way behind on piety. However, a player who wants to use magic to support their orcs (i.e. [[haste|hasting]] them and making them [[invisibility|invisible]]) might consider a casting or hybrid class, but even that is likely to be suboptimal: a better option would just be to train Int on a HOMo.

===[[Elyvilon]] the Healer===
Elyvilon provides healing, rot curing/stat fixing and divine vigour. As one of the "good gods", she does not accept undead or demonspawn worshippers.

Elyvilon followers play similarly to fighters, except they can heal themselves virtually anytime and can avoid fighting some difficult enemies, such as hydras, by pacifying them and turning them into neutral monsters. Pacifying demons and undead this way is less effective, but the ability to heal yourself in the middle of a fight can add tremendous lasting power to any tank. On top of that, as a last resort you can activate Divine Protection, letting you survive fatal blows for a time in exchange for piety.

Formerly, Elyvilon was popular for training invocations before switching to another non-evil god. As Invocations training no longer requires spending much piety, she is now significantly less popular.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character with trouble surviving in combat can make use of her healing abilities. Good candidates include Deep Dwarves and Felids (who have the added bonus of not requiring weapons of any sort).

===[[Lugonu]] the Unformed===
Lugonu allows you to instantly banish yourself and depart to/from the abyss. This can instantly save your life. In addition, the corruption ability makes Zot:5 and many branch final levels much easier since you it allows you to create walls in areas that would otherwise be open. Getting the orb is easier, since you can corrupt the walls or immediately banish yourself to the Abyss if needed.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character seeking alternative means for dealing with particularly meddlesome monsters and levels. Outside of the abyss, an altar to Lugonu can only be found on a corrupted temple layout, often making Lugonu more of a situational and opportunistic choice, rather than a pre-planned one. This situationalism extends to the Abyss as well, where conversion can offer rare means for reliable and relatively quick escape.

==Exotic/Challenging Gods==
The following gods grant unreliable benefits or are simply more challenging to worship than others.

===[[Zin]] the Law-Giver===
Zin provides followers with the ability to boost their stats and resist various physical effects, such as sickness, rot, poison, and mutation. His Recite ability can be greatly helpful in dealing with particularly dangerous demons, undead, or priests. At higher levels of piety, he provides the powerful defensive abilities Imprison and Sanctuary, and especially pious followers may receive a one-time cure for all of their mutations. Zin's piety gain requires donating gold, so expect to have considerably less money than usual. His dietary restrictions are also the most stringent of any god, as he forbids the consumption of sentient creatures. A great "ninja" god.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Zin works well for any characters that highly benefit from increased stats, be it spellcasters who want to improve their spells or stealthy characters who can benefit from increased dexterity.

===[[Fedhas Madash]] the Natural===
Fedhas Madash allows you to alter the terrain around you and create plant allies to aid you in battle. This god isn't well suited for a 15-rune game, due to the rarity of corpses in the extended end-game. Fedhas can significantly help you in Zot:5 by allowing you to create a large Oklob farm, which can be quite effective in clearing the Orb chamber, by luring monsters into it.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Merfolk and tengu are well-suited to Fedhas, as they are least hindered by his rain invocation. Other good candidates include grey or black draconians and octopodes.

===[[Jiyva]] the Shapeless===
Jiyva constantly alters your body with (usually) good mutations and stat shuffling. In exchange, worshipers have to frantically run around grabbing items, before jellies devour them. Typically, you'll have very few items to use in the end-game. Jiyva is best for brawny unarmed fighters.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Ogres, trolls, felids, and octopodes can't wear boots, gloves, or helmets, so the Unarmed Combat mutations and potential resistances offered by Jiyva are exceptionally useful for them.

===[[Xom]] the Unpredictable===
Xom is an interesting god that'll likely cause you to die in a hilarious way. Most of his actions are either harmful, flavourful, or somewhat helpful. Xom rewards high risk play-styles.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': [[Chaos Knight]]s start off worshiping Xom. This is considered a "challenge class", and the game does not recommend it for any race.

===[[Cheibriados]] the Contemplative===
Cheibriados is a deity who rewards you for moving slowly and killing fast creatures, but detests seeing you haste yourself. Being slow is a big disadvantage, but possibly worth it in exchange for massive stat boosts, the abilities to slow adjacent enemies or to deal huge amounts of damage with the Slouch ability.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Nagas are slower than most everything else in the dungeon, letting them gain piety at lightning speed with Chei and enhancing the damage output of Slouch even further. Transmuters of all stripes are best suited for worshiping Chei, due to the odd fact that he doesn't seem to mind you transforming into a fast creature and that his stat boosts give tremendous bonuses to the [[Blade Hands]] spell.

===[[Nemelex Xobeh]] the Trickster===
Nemelex Xobeh allows you to use powerfully magical decks more safely. Playing with cards is time consuming and risky, but offers great utility and even more power than spells. Decks of summoning provide powerful allies, legendary decks of dungeon have the Trowel card (makes portals to bazaars and ziggurats), and decks of escape provide life-saving effects more powerful than anything else in the game (Tomb, Portal, and Warp).

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character who can use some powerful magic can usefully worship Nemelex Xobeh. Greater benefits fall to characters who are otherwise lacking magical options, or those with good Invocations. Melee oriented Deep Dwarves, Hill Orcs and Formicids especially can benefit.

===[[Ashenzari]] the Shackled===
Ashenzari is the bound god of Divination, and lets players identify items, see through walls, and gain knowledge of their equipment as you gain piety. Piety gain is easy; simply explore new areas and collect runes to access his powers. However, in order to access these gifts you must be as bound as he is, allowing your equipment to be cursed. How dangerous this trade-off is depends on your character and play style. Fortunately, Ashenzari doesn't mind if you uncurse yourself on occasion to switch gear.

However, Ashenzari is a great god for Pandemonium scumming/Ziggurat raiding. At that point you will likely have the best gear you can find, so you're fine to curse yourself permanently. Piety gain is extremely quick in the Abyss, so you can transfer XP constantly while there (as you will be frequently, between Pan trips.) Instant Ziggurat portal detection upon entering Pandemonium levels and free IDing for everything you find in there reduce the headaches involved tremendously.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Ashenzari works well for characters that could use a boost in their abilities. He can help mediocre spellcasters cast things they would normally have trouble with, and average melee fighters can perform considerably better than average with his help.

[[Category:Strategy Guides]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Gods|*]]

Choosing a god

2020-10-24T01:42:26Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{Advice}}

In Crawl, one's choice of [[gods|god]] has the most significant impact on the progress of the game other than choice of [[race]] and [[class]].

==How Do I Choose a God?==
There are two ways to choose a god. The quickest is to begin the game with a background that worships one by default: [[Berserker]]s, [[Chaos Knight]]s and [[Abyssal Knight]]s all begin the game serving a particular god and receive a small head start on [[piety]] gain.

Alternatively, you can find an [[altar]] dedicated to a god along the way, stand on it, and pray (with the < or > keys, or '''p''' for versions [[0.18]] or older). When asked if you want to join its religion, press '''y''' to accept. They can be found as follows:
*Most gods will have an altar in the [[Ecumenical Temple]], a harmless branch located between Dungeon floors 4 and 7.
*If the temple lacks a particular altar, it is guaranteed to be located between floors 2 and 9, with the following exceptions:
**[[Beogh]]'s altar can be found in the [[Orcish Mines]], but having a conscious (i.e. not asleep, paralyzed, etc.) [[orc priest]] or [[orc high priest]] in view grants [[hill orc]]s the ability to convert to Beogh on the spot.
**[[Lugonu]]'s altar can be found in [[the Abyss]] or occasionally in a corrupted version of the Ecumenical Temple.
**[[Jiyva]]'s altar can be found on the sixth floor of the [[Slime Pits]], occasionally in [[the Lair]] and the lower dungeon floors, and very rarely in an early [[jelly]] vault.

You can only worship one god at a time. If you abandon a god's religion or switch to another god, you'll incur [[Divine retribution|penance]] (unless you worship one of the three [[good gods]], [[Zin]], [[Elyvilon]], or [[The Shining One]]: they only react if your new god is [[evil]], or [[chaotic]] if your god is Zin). Note that if you do switch from a [[good god]] to a non-evil one, and ''later'' switch to an evil god, you will face penance from ''both'' abandoned gods.

===What do all the *** mean?===
The asterisks are an indication of your [[piety]], or your current standing with your god. Higher piety generally means more and stronger god-granted powers. See the [[piety]] article for more details.

==Primary Melee Fighters==
These gods work best for characters who primarily kill monsters with weapons rather than with spells.

===[[Okawaru]] the Warmaster===
Okawaru is the "default" god for melee characters.

His simple, straightforward effectiveness has made him one of the most popular yet criticized gods in the Crawl pantheon. He provides only two activated abilities to the player: [[Okawaru#Given_abilities|Heroism]] (gives bonus to combat skills), which can be invoked at *, and [[Okawaru#Given_abilities|Finesse]] (increased attack speed) at *****. Used in conjunction, this will allow three or four extra attacks per turn, making any non-magical enemy trivial. These enhancements come with no downsides but [[glow]], so one can also use magic and abilities if they wish.

After the activated abilities come the gifts of weapons, armour, shields, and ammo. Since these behave like a slightly nerfed [[scroll of acquirement]], many of these will be of little permanent use, but by the end game you will likely find yourself using mostly god given equipment. While [[#Trog_the_Furious|Trog]] will also provide ammo and weapons, Okawaru is the only god who bestows armour and shields as gifts.

Players going for an all-rune win can often benefit from abandoning him in favor of [[The Shining One]] before [[Crypt]].

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Melee characters who rely or plan to rely on magic, such as [[High Elf]] [[Skald]]s, [[Merfolk]] [[Transmuter]]s, and [[Naga]] [[Warper]]s. Any character who needs rare equipment ([[quick blade]]s, rare [[needle]]s), as like Trog, he also gifts ammunition.

===[[Trog]] the Furious===
Trog is the most offensive-minded melee fighter's god. [[Piety]] is gained by killing living monsters, demons, holies and spellcasters.

His abilities are tremendously useful early on - Berserk, which temporarily boosts damage, speed, and HP. At high piety it is extended for every kill, though its end brings an exhaustion effect which slows and hungers the user and prevents them from berserking for a while, so make sure that you've either killed every monster in that short time or have some means of escaping the survivors. Trog's Hand adds temporary regeneration and magic resistance, and is one of the few ways for a [[Deep Dwarf]] or bloodless [[Vampire]] to heal.

Brothers in Arms summons always friendly, always berserk ogres, trolls, bears, and giants, which in numbers are more than a match for nearly every enemy in the game, and are a great way to take down tough but stationary enemies like [[oklob plant]]s. None of these require training of the [[Invocations]] skill, just piety and food, so experience can be focused elsewhere, usually [[Fighting]], weapon skill of choice, missile skill of choice, and [[Armour]]/[[Evasion]]. At highest piety he will gift weapons weighted toward brute damage and the [[antimagic]] brand, and also branded [[javelin]]s, [[sling bullet]]s, [[arrow]]s, and [[bolt]]s if you have at least 8 levels in a ranged combat skill, and the respective launcher on hand. If your best ranged skill isn't throwing, you can drop your [[crossbow]], [[bow]], [[longbow]], or [[sling]] if you want melee weapon gifts.

However, learning, training, or casting magic of any kind will offend Trog, so you must specialize only in physical combat. Note that he doesn't mind use of magic scrolls, potions, staves, wands, or rods. In addition, his non-training of Invocations can be a mixed blessing, since if you plan to switch to another god, you'll have to spend time working on that as well.

Trog is a great god for a player new to Crawl, or for any melee character who plans only for a three or four rune run.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any character with zero short term interest in magic. [[Troll]]s, [[Ogre]]s, [[Minotaur]]s, [[Merfolk]], and [[Hill Orc]]s will have the easiest time due to their excellent melee aptitudes. [[Kobold]]s are also an excellent choice, since they have few food issues early on and so can berserk rather freely. He also works well for sturdier ranged fighters such as [[Halfling]] and [[Centaur]] [[Hunter]]s due to his ammo gifts.

===[[The Shining One]] the Righteous===
The Shining One is a more defensive-minded god who crusades against evil. He will protect you from negative energy and may intervene to save your life. You'll gain piety gradually from discovering monters, and also when you destroy evil or unholy monsters such as the undead, demons, or priests of other religions.

[[The Shining One]] is tremendously useful for the [[Hells]], [[Pandemonium]], and [[Tomb]] because he allows you to add the holy wrath brand to a weapon (the best for those areas), grants you [[HP]] and [[MP]] for demon/undead kills (often allowing you to avoid having to rest in those areas), gives you rN+++, and gives you [[Angel]] and [[Daeva]] summons that are extremely effective for killing the lords of [[Pandemonium]] and [[Hells]] and killing everything in [[Tomb]] (allowing you to avoid curses).

You will also be surrounded by a halo that, within its range, increases your to-hit roll and reveals all invisible enemies around you. His [[Divine Shield]] ability grants you a floating shield (and stacks with your existing one), and you can eventually conjure [[Cleansing Flame]] to destroy undead and demons around you. Finally, holy beings you encounter will be peaceful at high piety.

Worshipping him has some downsides. You will not be able to use necromancy or poison related items and spells (including the [[Regeneration]] spell, usually the biggest downside), have much less stealth due to the halo, and are unable to stab anyone sentient natural beings due to the paladin code (but demons, undead, and animals are valid targets).

Although a great choice for late-game because of the prevalence of undead and demons, gaining piety with [[The Shining One]] is painstakingly slow outside of the demonic branches, and his abilities only shine when your Invocations skill is high. Many experienced players start off with a different god with which they train their [[Invocations]] skill, then switch to [[The Shining One]] when they are about to enter some of the later branches where holy powers are most useful. [[Elyvilon]] is the best choice if you want to switch to [[The Shining One]] early, because you won't suffer her wrath and you can quickly gain piety by pacifying monsters.

Starting with [[Okawaru]] is also a great choice, because he is helpful in the early game and offers great armor gifts. Once you have all the artifact armor you feel you'll need and get your Invocations skill up to at least 10, switch to [[The Shining One]] and head for the Crypt (where you'll probably reach maximum piety with TSO). You will suffer Okawaru's wrath, but you should be able to survive at this point (just cast Blink and run away when he summons giants around you).

Make sure you bless a weapon before taking on the Hells or Pandemonium: the best choice is usually one of a [[claymore]], an [[executioner's axe]], a [[bardiche]], a [[demon whip]], a [[demon trident]], or a [[demon blade]]. Blessed demon whips ([[holy scourge]]s) and blessed demon blades are the best one-handed weapons in the game against demons (except for weapons of speed). For [[ogre]]s or [[troll]]s, bless a [[giant spiked club]] instead.

Undead and Demonspawn characters may not follow him, and casting Necromutation will result in excommunication.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Melee characters with dreams of the fifteen [[rune]]s that lie in undead/demon heavy branches, such as the Abyss, [[the Crypt]], [[the Tomb]], [[Pandemonium]], and the [[Hell]]s. Those with good Invocations aptitudes, such as Hill Orcs, High Elves, Merfolk, and Deep Dwarves, are particularly well-suited.

==Primary Spellcasters==
On the other hand, if magic is your character's planned forte, you'll find [[Sif Muna]], [[Vehumet]], or [[Kikubaaqudgha]] more to your liking.

===[[Sif Muna]] the Loreminder===
Sif Muna is the "default" god for spellcasters. Of the three, she is the least demanding, and the most predictable. Her primary ability is spellbook acquirement: as you gain piety, she will gift you spellbooks, each guaranteed to have at least one spell you haven't yet found, weighted toward your magic skills. You will eventually have access to every spell in the game.

Also central is the * ability that gives you MP at the cost of a turn and some hunger (only of a turn if in [[Necromutation|lich form]], or using a race not on a food clock i.e. bloodless Vampires, [[Mummy|Mummies]]). This allows easy correction of mistakes if you get cornered with no MP left. It is more powerful than the staff of channeling, and is reliable unlike the [[Crystal ball of energy]]. At *****, you can forget spells similar to the [[scroll of amnesia]] and you will acquire protection from all miscasts.

Piety gain is straightforward: train magic-related skills ([[Invocations]] and [[Evocations]] don't count) and it will rise. Although you'll need to train Invocations to improve the MP channel, all other benefits are passive. Note that the only ways to lose piety are to "forget her," which is difficult to do as your piety decays extremely slowly (about one point every 2000 turns), or destroy spellbooks (which you won't need to do since she gives you the ability to forget spells).

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any and all magic users, though pure casters will gain piety (and usefulls spellbooks) much faster. If your primary target is to just gain destructive spells consider Vehumet. If you want to focus on Necromancy Kikubaaqudgha is a more straightforward choice. Over an infinite time Sif Muna will give you all spells, but that won`t help you if you need these [[Conjuration|Conjurations]] or [[Necromancy]] now.

===[[Vehumet]] the Battlemage===
Vehumet is the god for offensive mages, for whom piety is gained through the bringing of death, which his rewards further supplement.

Killing monsters will grant you piety and may restore some MP. Later, [[Vehumet]] will reduce the chance of conjuration miscasts and increase your conjurations' range. He'll also gift you with Destructive spells after you reach *..... piety. All of [[Vehumet]]'s benefits are passive, making him a great, low-management god if you're new at playing a spellcaster. Also, you can ignore Invocations!

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': [[Conjurer]]s and dedicated nukers of all kinds. Common ones include [[Demonspawn]] Wizards, [[Deep Elf]] [[Fire Elementalist]]s, and [[Spriggan]] [[Venom Mage]]s. [[Tengu]], with good aptitudes for [[Conjurations]] but a poor aptitude for [[Invocations]], are especially suited for Vehumet.

===[[Kikubaaqudgha]] the Soulstealer===
[[Kikubaaqudgha]] is the god of the necromantic arts.

Spellcasters who dabble in darker domains can opt to worship [[Kikubaaqudgha]]. This demon-god appreciates the slaying of living things and demons. You'll learn how to summon multiple corpses for your own nefarious uses (requires [[Necromancy]] instead of Invocations); later on, she will reduce [[torment]] damage, and protect you from Necromancy miscasts, grant you the ability to invoke torment using a corpse, and finally, gift you either the [[Necronomicon]] (the most powerful necromantic spellbook in the game) or the [[Pain]] brand on a weapon of your choice. The torment resistance and the spells you'll learn from the [[Necronomicon]] will make any spellcaster extremely powerful in the late-game. Anyone who uses melee should opt for the pain weapon, as it virtually kills everything in a three-rune game, bar undead, which you can easily [[Dispel Undead|dispel]]. (Watch out fot the occasional demon and golem though.)

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any character with a need for corpses aka Trolls, Ogres, Vampires, Ghouls and Necromancers. Also any character aspiring to become well versed in Necromancy for differing reasons. The undead races especially profit from an easy way to [[torment]] your enemies, without hurting themselves. Any character build that must have [[pain]] or the [[Necronomicon]].

=="General" Gods==
Instead of choosing a god who will simply enhance your character's specialization, you can also go with a god who shores up your weaknesses or who'll provide some emergency help.

===[[Makhleb]] the Destroyer ===
Makhleb is the god of violent death. Followers earn piety by killing enemies and sacrificing their corpses to the Destroyer. Doing so will eventually grant you a chance to heal some HP when dealing a killing blow, the ability to hurl minor/greater destruction, and finally the power to summon minor/major demons. This makes [[Makhleb]] a solid choice for characters with healing issues (Deep Dwarves and Vampires, among others) or those who want to have access to an easy-to-train ranged ability. The demons summoned are perfect fodder to cover your escape but can also overwhelm weaker enemies.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Anybody who can't heal naturally, or heals slowly. Besides the obvious [[Deep Dwarves]] and [[Vampires]], [[Ghouls]] can do well with Makhleb.

===[[Yredelemnul]] the Reaper===
Yredelemnul is the dark god of death. By following him, your character can learn various necromancy-related powers without having to train spellcasting or necromancy. Like [[Makhleb]], [[Yredelemnul]] grants you a way to heal (by sucking the life force out of every monster around you!), but he also brings some unique tools to the table, such as the power to reflect damage inflicted to you. [[Yredelemnul]] will regularly send his undead minions to help you (an early [[bone dragon]] buddy is great fun!). Somewhat redundant for spellcasters already versed in necromancy, but still far from useless. Be aware, however, that in the extended endgame (i.e. Tomb, Pan, Hell), gaining piety with Yred is very difficult, and his servants will usually be outclassed, rendering him considerably less useful in those places. Luckily, his wrath is relatively light, making a switch easy.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any sort of character who wants some free, powerful allies and some potent panic buttons. Some, but decidedly not all, of his abilities are redundant to [[Necromancy]] or [[Summoning]], meaning it is more often melee characters who favor Yred.

===[[Beogh]] the Brigand===
Beogh can only be worshipped if your character is a [[Hill Orc]], but grants many useful passive powers and bonuses. You'll get more mileage from using orcish gear (i.e. better offensive and defensive bonuses), and the orcs you encounter in the dungeon may become allies (who may follow you between floors) upon meeting you! Worshipping [[Beogh]] also gives you access to a powerful Smite spell that uses Piety but is well worth it. The [[Orcish Mines]] will never get easier than this... although by late-game your orcish followers probably won't be up to the task of taking over [[Hell]] or [[Pandemonium]] by themselves.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': If you're planning on playing Beogh as a melee character, there is virtually no reason not to start as a Hill Orc Priest, given that altars to Beogh can be difficult to find, setting your character way behind on piety. However, a player who wants to use magic to support their orcs (i.e. [[haste|hasting]] them and making them [[invisibility|invisible]]) might consider a casting or hybrid class, but even that is likely to be suboptimal: a better option would just be to train Int on a HOPr.

===[[Elyvilon]] the Healer===
Elyvilon provides healing, rot curing/stat fixing and divine vigour. As one of the "good gods", she does not accept undead or demonspawn worshippers.

Elyvilon followers play similarly to fighters, except they can heal themselves virtually anytime and can avoid fighting some difficult enemies, such as hydras, by pacifying them and turning them into neutral monsters. Pacifying demons and undead this way is less effective, but the ability to heal yourself in the middle of a fight can add tremendous lasting power to any tank. On top of that, as a last resort you can activate Divine Protection, letting you survive fatal blows for a time in exchange for piety.

Formerly, Elyvilon was popular for training invocations before switching to another non-evil god. As Invocations training no longer requires spending much piety, she is now significantly less popular.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character with trouble surviving in combat can make use of her healing abilities. Good candidates include Deep Dwarves and Felids (who have the added bonus of not requiring weapons of any sort).

===[[Lugonu]] the Unformed===
Lugonu allows you to instantly banish yourself and depart to/from the abyss. This can instantly save your life. In addition, the corruption ability makes Zot:5 and many branch final levels much easier since you it allows you to create walls in areas that would otherwise be open. Getting the orb is easier, since you can corrupt the walls or immediately banish yourself to the Abyss if needed.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character seeking alternative means for dealing with particularly meddlesome monsters and levels. Outside of the abyss, an altar to Lugonu can only be found on a corrupted temple layout, often making Lugonu more of a situational and opportunistic choice, rather than a pre-planned one. This situationalism extends to the Abyss as well, where conversion can offer rare means for reliable and relatively quick escape.

==Exotic/Challenging Gods==
The following gods grant unreliable benefits or are simply more challenging to worship than others.

===[[Zin]] the Law-Giver===
Zin provides followers with the ability to boost their stats and resist various physical effects, such as sickness, rot, poison, and mutation. His Recite ability can be greatly helpful in dealing with particularly dangerous demons, undead, or priests. At higher levels of piety, he provides the powerful defensive abilities Imprison and Sanctuary, and especially pious followers may receive a one-time cure for all of their mutations. Zin's piety gain requires donating gold, so expect to have considerably less money than usual. His dietary restrictions are also the most stringent of any god, as he forbids the consumption of sentient creatures. A great "ninja" god.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Zin works well for any characters that highly benefit from increased stats, be it spellcasters who want to improve their spells or stealthy characters who can benefit from increased dexterity.

===[[Fedhas Madash]] the Natural===
Fedhas Madash allows you to alter the terrain around you and create plant allies to aid you in battle. This god isn't well suited for a 15-rune game, due to the rarity of corpses in the extended end-game. Fedhas can significantly help you in Zot:5 by allowing you to create a large Oklob farm, which can be quite effective in clearing the Orb chamber, by luring monsters into it.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Merfolk and tengu are well-suited to Fedhas, as they are least hindered by his rain invocation. Other good candidates include grey or black draconians and octopodes.

===[[Jiyva]] the Shapeless===
Jiyva constantly alters your body with (usually) good mutations and stat shuffling. In exchange, worshipers have to frantically run around grabbing items, before jellies devour them. Typically, you'll have very few items to use in the end-game. Jiyva is best for brawny unarmed fighters.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Ogres, trolls, felids, and octopodes can't wear boots, gloves, or helmets, so the Unarmed Combat mutations and potential resistances offered by Jiyva are exceptionally useful for them.

===[[Xom]] the Unpredictable===
Xom is an interesting god that'll likely cause you to die in a hilarious way. Most of his actions are either harmful, flavourful, or somewhat helpful. Xom rewards high risk play-styles.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': [[Chaos Knight]]s start off worshiping Xom. This is considered a "challenge class", and the game does not recommend it for any race.

===[[Cheibriados]] the Contemplative===
Cheibriados is a deity who rewards you for moving slowly and killing fast creatures, but detests seeing you haste yourself. Being slow is a big disadvantage, but possibly worth it in exchange for massive stat boosts, the abilities to slow adjacent enemies or to deal huge amounts of damage with the Slouch ability.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Nagas are slower than most everything else in the dungeon, letting them gain piety at lightning speed with Chei and enhancing the damage output of Slouch even further. Transmuters of all stripes are best suited for worshiping Chei, due to the odd fact that he doesn't seem to mind you transforming into a fast creature and that his stat boosts give tremendous bonuses to the [[Blade Hands]] spell.

===[[Nemelex Xobeh]] the Trickster===
Nemelex Xobeh allows you to use powerfully magical decks more safely. Playing with cards is time consuming and risky, but offers great utility and even more power than spells. Decks of summoning provide powerful allies, legendary decks of dungeon have the Trowel card (makes portals to bazaars and ziggurats), and decks of escape provide life-saving effects more powerful than anything else in the game (Tomb, Portal, and Warp).

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character who can use some powerful magic can usefully worship Nemelex Xobeh. Greater benefits fall to characters who are otherwise lacking magical options, or those with good Invocations. Melee oriented Deep Dwarves, Hill Orcs and Formicids especially can benefit.

===[[Ashenzari]] the Shackled===
Ashenzari is the bound god of Divination, and lets players identify items, see through walls, and gain knowledge of their equipment as you gain piety. Piety gain is easy; simply explore new areas and collect runes to access his powers. However, in order to access these gifts you must be as bound as he is, allowing your equipment to be cursed. How dangerous this trade-off is depends on your character and play style. Fortunately, Ashenzari doesn't mind if you uncurse yourself on occasion to switch gear.

However, Ashenzari is a great god for Pandemonium scumming/Ziggurat raiding. At that point you will likely have the best gear you can find, so you're fine to curse yourself permanently. Piety gain is extremely quick in the Abyss, so you can transfer XP constantly while there (as you will be frequently, between Pan trips.) Instant Ziggurat portal detection upon entering Pandemonium levels and free IDing for everything you find in there reduce the headaches involved tremendously.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Ashenzari works well for characters that could use a boost in their abilities. He can help mediocre spellcasters cast things they would normally have trouble with, and average melee fighters can perform considerably better than average with his help.

[[Category:Strategy Guides]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Gods|*]]

Choosing a god

2020-10-24T01:39:53Z

SallyTheGreat:

{{Advice}}

In Crawl, one's choice of [[gods|god]] has the most significant impact on the progress of the game other than choice of [[race]] and [[class]].

==How Do I Choose a God?==
There are two ways to choose a god. The quickest is to begin the game with a background that worships one by default: [[Berserker]]s, [[Chaos Knight]]s and [[Abyssal Knight]]s all begin the game serving a particular god and receive a small head start on [[piety]] gain.

Alternatively, you can find an [[altar]] dedicated to a god along the way, stand on it, and pray (with the < or > keys, or '''p''' for versions [[0.18]] or older). When asked if you want to join its religion, press '''y''' to accept. They can be found as follows:
*Most gods will have an altar in the [[Ecumenical Temple]], a harmless branch located between Dungeon floors 4 and 7.
*If the temple lacks a particular altar, it is guaranteed to be located between floors 2 and 9, with the following exceptions:
**[[Beogh]]'s altar can be found in the [[Orcish Mines]], but having a conscious (i.e. not asleep, paralyzed, etc.) [[orc priest]] or [[orc high priest]] in view grants [[hill orc]]s the ability to convert to Beogh on the spot.
**[[Lugonu]]'s altar can be found in [[the Abyss]] or occasionally in a corrupted version of the Ecumenical Temple.
**[[Jiyva]]'s altar can be found on the sixth floor of the [[Slime Pits]], occasionally in [[the Lair]] and the lower dungeon floors, and very rarely in an early [[jelly]] vault.

You can only worship one god at a time. If you abandon a god's religion or switch to another god, you'll incur [[Divine retribution|penance]] (unless you worship one of the three [[good gods]], [[Zin]], [[Elyvilon]], or [[The Shining One]]: they only react if your new god is [[evil]], or [[chaotic]] if your god is Zin). Note that if you do switch from a [[good god]] to a non-evil one, and ''later'' switch to an evil god, you will face penance from ''both'' abandoned gods.

===What do all the *** mean?===
The asterisks are an indication of your [[piety]], or your current standing with your god. Higher piety generally means more and stronger god-granted powers. See the [[piety]] article for more details.

==Primary Melee Fighters==
These gods work best for characters who primarily kill monsters with weapons rather than with spells.

===[[Okawaru]] the Warmaster===
Okawaru is the "default" god for melee characters.

His simple, straightforward effectiveness has made him one of the most popular yet criticized gods in the Crawl pantheon. He provides only two activated abilities to the player: [[Okawaru#Given_abilities|Heroism]] (gives bonus to combat skills), which can be invoked at *, and [[Okawaru#Given_abilities|Finesse]] (increased attack speed) at *****. Used in conjunction, this will allow three or four extra attacks per turn, making any non-magical enemy trivial. These enhancements come with no downsides but [[glow]], so one can also use magic and abilities if they wish.

After the activated abilities come the gifts of weapons, armour, shields, and ammo. Since these behave like a slightly nerfed [[scroll of acquirement]], many of these will be of little permanent use, but by the end game you will likely find yourself using mostly god given equipment. While [[#Trog_the_Furious|Trog]] will also provide ammo and weapons, Okawaru is the only god who bestows armour and shields as gifts.

Players going for an all-rune win can often benefit from abandoning him in favor of [[The Shining One]] before [[Crypt]].

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Melee characters who rely or plan to rely on magic, such as [[High Elf]] [[Skald]]s, [[Merfolk]] [[Transmuter]]s, and [[Naga]] [[Warper]]s. Any character who needs rare equipment ([[quick blade]]s, rare [[needle]]s), as like Trog, he also gifts ammunition.

===[[Trog]] the Furious===
Trog is the most offensive-minded melee fighter's god. [[Piety]] is gained by killing living monsters, demons, holies and spellcasters; sacrificing their corpses, and burning books.

His abilities are tremendously useful early on - Berserk, which temporarily boosts damage, speed, and HP. At high piety it is extended for every kill, though its end brings an exhaustion effect which slows and hungers the user and prevents them from berserking for a while, so make sure that you've either killed every monster in that short time or have some means of escaping the survivors. Trog's Hand adds temporary regeneration and magic resistance, and is one of the few ways for a [[Deep Dwarf]] or bloodless [[Vampire]] to heal.

Brothers in Arms summons always friendly, always berserk ogres, trolls, bears, and giants, which in numbers are more than a match for nearly every enemy in the game, and are a great way to take down tough but stationary enemies like [[oklob plant]]s. None of these require training of the [[Invocations]] skill, just piety and food, so experience can be focused elsewhere, usually [[Fighting]], weapon skill of choice, missile skill of choice, and [[Armour]]/[[Evasion]]. At highest piety he will gift weapons weighted toward brute damage and the [[antimagic]] brand, and also branded [[javelin]]s, [[sling bullet]]s, [[arrow]]s, and [[bolt]]s if you have at least 8 levels in a ranged combat skill, and the respective launcher on hand. If your best ranged skill isn't throwing, you can drop your [[crossbow]], [[bow]], [[longbow]], or [[sling]] if you want melee weapon gifts.

However, learning, training, or casting magic of any kind will offend Trog, so you must specialize only in physical combat. Note that he doesn't mind use of magic scrolls, potions, staves, wands, or rods. In addition, his non-training of Invocations can be a mixed blessing, since if you plan to switch to another god, you'll have to spend time working on that as well.

Trog is a great god for a player new to Crawl, or for any melee character who plans only for a three or four rune run.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any character with zero short term interest in magic. [[Troll]]s, [[Ogre]]s, [[Minotaur]]s, [[Merfolk]], and [[Hill Orc]]s will have the easiest time due to their excellent melee aptitudes. [[Kobold]]s are also an excellent choice, since they have few food issues early on and so can berserk rather freely. He also works well for sturdier ranged fighters such as [[Halfling]] and [[Centaur]] [[Hunter]]s due to his ammo gifts.

===[[The Shining One]] the Righteous===
The Shining One is a more defensive-minded god who crusades against evil. He will protect you from negative energy and may intervene to save your life. You'll gain piety gradually from discovering monters, and also when you destroy evil or unholy monsters such as the undead, demons, or priests of other religions.

[[The Shining One]] is tremendously useful for the [[Hells]], [[Pandemonium]], and [[Tomb]] because he allows you to add the holy wrath brand to a weapon (the best for those areas), grants you [[HP]] and [[MP]] for demon/undead kills (often allowing you to avoid having to rest in those areas), gives you rN+++, and gives you [[Angel]] and [[Daeva]] summons that are extremely effective for killing the lords of [[Pandemonium]] and [[Hells]] and killing everything in [[Tomb]] (allowing you to avoid curses).

You will also be surrounded by a halo that, within its range, increases your to-hit roll and reveals all invisible enemies around you. His [[Divine Shield]] ability grants you a floating shield (and stacks with your existing one), and you can eventually conjure [[Cleansing Flame]] to destroy undead and demons around you. Finally, holy beings you encounter will be peaceful at high piety.

Worshipping him has some downsides. You will not be able to use necromancy or poison related items and spells (including the [[Regeneration]] spell, usually the biggest downside), have much less stealth due to the halo, and are unable to stab anyone sentient natural beings due to the paladin code (but demons, undead, and animals are valid targets).

Although a great choice for late-game because of the prevalence of undead and demons, gaining piety with [[The Shining One]] is painstakingly slow outside of the demonic branches, and his abilities only shine when your Invocations skill is high. Many experienced players start off with a different god with which they train their [[Invocations]] skill, then switch to [[The Shining One]] when they are about to enter some of the later branches where holy powers are most useful. [[Elyvilon]] is the best choice if you want to switch to [[The Shining One]] early, because you won't suffer her wrath and you can quickly gain piety by pacifying monsters.

Starting with [[Okawaru]] is also a great choice, because he is helpful in the early game and offers great armor gifts. Once you have all the artifact armor you feel you'll need and get your Invocations skill up to at least 10, switch to [[The Shining One]] and head for the Crypt (where you'll probably reach maximum piety with TSO). You will suffer Okawaru's wrath, but you should be able to survive at this point (just cast Blink and run away when he summons giants around you).

Make sure you bless a weapon before taking on the Hells or Pandemonium: the best choice is usually one of a [[claymore]], an [[executioner's axe]], a [[bardiche]], a [[demon whip]], a [[demon trident]], or a [[demon blade]]. Blessed demon whips ([[holy scourge]]s) and blessed demon blades are the best one-handed weapons in the game against demons (except for weapons of speed). For [[ogre]]s or [[troll]]s, bless a [[giant spiked club]] instead.

Undead and Demonspawn characters may not follow him, and casting Necromutation will result in excommunication.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Melee characters with dreams of the fifteen [[rune]]s that lie in undead/demon heavy branches, such as the Abyss, [[the Crypt]], [[the Tomb]], [[Pandemonium]], and the [[Hell]]s. Those with good Invocations aptitudes, such as Hill Orcs, High Elves, Merfolk, and Deep Dwarves, are particularly well-suited.

==Primary Spellcasters==
On the other hand, if magic is your character's planned forte, you'll find [[Sif Muna]], [[Vehumet]], or [[Kikubaaqudgha]] more to your liking.

===[[Sif Muna]] the Loreminder===
Sif Muna is the "default" god for spellcasters. Of the three, she is the least demanding, and the most predictable. Her primary ability is spellbook acquirement: as you gain piety, she will gift you spellbooks, each guaranteed to have at least one spell you haven't yet found, weighted toward your magic skills. You will eventually have access to every spell in the game.

Also central is the * ability that gives you MP at the cost of a turn and some hunger (only of a turn if in [[Necromutation|lich form]], or using a race not on a food clock i.e. bloodless Vampires, [[Mummy|Mummies]]). This allows easy correction of mistakes if you get cornered with no MP left. It is more powerful than the staff of channeling, and is reliable unlike the [[Crystal ball of energy]]. At *****, you can forget spells similar to the [[scroll of amnesia]] and you will acquire protection from all miscasts.

Piety gain is straightforward: train magic-related skills ([[Invocations]] and [[Evocations]] don't count) and it will rise. Although you'll need to train Invocations to improve the MP channel, all other benefits are passive. Note that the only ways to lose piety are to "forget her," which is difficult to do as your piety decays extremely slowly (about one point every 2000 turns), or destroy spellbooks (which you won't need to do since she gives you the ability to forget spells).

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any and all magic users, though pure casters will gain piety (and usefulls spellbooks) much faster. If your primary target is to just gain destructive spells consider Vehumet. If you want to focus on Necromancy Kikubaaqudgha is a more straightforward choice. Over an infinite time Sif Muna will give you all spells, but that won`t help you if you need these [[Conjuration|Conjurations]] or [[Necromancy]] now.

===[[Vehumet]] the Battlemage===
Vehumet is the god for offensive mages, for whom piety is gained through the bringing of death, which his rewards further supplement.

Killing monsters will grant you piety and may restore some MP. Later, [[Vehumet]] will reduce the chance of conjuration miscasts and increase your conjurations' range. He'll also gift you with Destructive spells after you reach *..... piety. All of [[Vehumet]]'s benefits are passive, making him a great, low-management god if you're new at playing a spellcaster. Also, you can ignore Invocations!

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': [[Conjurer]]s and dedicated nukers of all kinds. Common ones include [[Demonspawn]] Wizards, [[Deep Elf]] [[Fire Elementalist]]s, and [[Spriggan]] [[Venom Mage]]s. [[Tengu]], with good aptitudes for [[Conjurations]] but a poor aptitude for [[Invocations]], are especially suited for Vehumet.

===[[Kikubaaqudgha]] the Soulstealer===
[[Kikubaaqudgha]] is the god of the necromantic arts.

Spellcasters who dabble in darker domains can opt to worship [[Kikubaaqudgha]]. This demon-god appreciates the slaying of living things and demons. You'll learn how to summon multiple corpses for your own nefarious uses (requires [[Necromancy]] instead of Invocations); later on, she will reduce [[torment]] damage, and protect you from Necromancy miscasts, grant you the ability to invoke torment using a corpse, and finally, gift you either the [[Necronomicon]] (the most powerful necromantic spellbook in the game) or the [[Pain]] brand on a weapon of your choice. The torment resistance and the spells you'll learn from the [[Necronomicon]] will make any spellcaster extremely powerful in the late-game. Anyone who uses melee should opt for the pain weapon, as it virtually kills everything in a three-rune game, bar undead, which you can easily [[Dispel Undead|dispel]]. (Watch out fot the occasional demon and golem though.)

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any character with a need for corpses aka Trolls, Ogres, Vampires, Ghouls and Necromancers. Also any character aspiring to become well versed in Necromancy for differing reasons. The undead races especially profit from an easy way to [[torment]] your enemies, without hurting themselves. Any character build that must have [[pain]] or the [[Necronomicon]].

=="General" Gods==
Instead of choosing a god who will simply enhance your character's specialization, you can also go with a god who shores up your weaknesses or who'll provide some emergency help.

===[[Makhleb]] the Destroyer ===
Makhleb is the god of violent death. Followers earn piety by killing enemies and sacrificing their corpses to the Destroyer. Doing so will eventually grant you a chance to heal some HP when dealing a killing blow, the ability to hurl minor/greater destruction, and finally the power to summon minor/major demons. This makes [[Makhleb]] a solid choice for characters with healing issues (Deep Dwarves and Vampires, among others) or those who want to have access to an easy-to-train ranged ability. The demons summoned are perfect fodder to cover your escape but can also overwhelm weaker enemies.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Anybody who can't heal naturally, or heals slowly. Besides the obvious [[Deep Dwarves]] and [[Vampires]], [[Ghouls]] can do well with Makhleb.

===[[Yredelemnul]] the Reaper===
Yredelemnul is the dark god of death. By following him, your character can learn various necromancy-related powers without having to train spellcasting or necromancy. Like [[Makhleb]], [[Yredelemnul]] grants you a way to heal (by sucking the life force out of every monster around you!), but he also brings some unique tools to the table, such as the power to reflect damage inflicted to you. [[Yredelemnul]] will regularly send his undead minions to help you (an early [[bone dragon]] buddy is great fun!). Somewhat redundant for spellcasters already versed in necromancy, but still far from useless. Be aware, however, that in the extended endgame (i.e. Tomb, Pan, Hell), gaining piety with Yred is very difficult, and his servants will usually be outclassed, rendering him considerably less useful in those places. Luckily, his wrath is relatively light, making a switch easy.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Any sort of character who wants some free, powerful allies and some potent panic buttons. Some, but decidedly not all, of his abilities are redundant to [[Necromancy]] or [[Summoning]], meaning it is more often melee characters who favor Yred.

===[[Beogh]] the Brigand===
Beogh can only be worshipped if your character is a [[Hill Orc]], but grants many useful passive powers and bonuses. You'll get more mileage from using orcish gear (i.e. better offensive and defensive bonuses), and the orcs you encounter in the dungeon may become allies (who may follow you between floors) upon meeting you! Worshipping [[Beogh]] also gives you access to a powerful Smite spell that uses Piety but is well worth it. The [[Orcish Mines]] will never get easier than this... although by late-game your orcish followers probably won't be up to the task of taking over [[Hell]] or [[Pandemonium]] by themselves.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': If you're planning on playing Beogh as a melee character, there is virtually no reason not to start as a Hill Orc Priest, given that altars to Beogh can be difficult to find, setting your character way behind on piety. However, a player who wants to use magic to support their orcs (i.e. [[haste|hasting]] them and making them [[invisibility|invisible]]) might consider a casting or hybrid class, but even that is likely to be suboptimal: a better option would just be to train Int on a HOPr.

===[[Elyvilon]] the Healer===
Elyvilon provides healing, rot curing/stat fixing and divine vigour. As one of the "good gods", she does not accept undead or demonspawn worshippers.

Elyvilon followers play similarly to fighters, except they can heal themselves virtually anytime and can avoid fighting some difficult enemies, such as hydras, by pacifying them and turning them into neutral monsters. Pacifying demons and undead this way is less effective, but the ability to heal yourself in the middle of a fight can add tremendous lasting power to any tank. On top of that, as a last resort you can activate Divine Protection, letting you survive fatal blows for a time in exchange for piety.

Formerly, Elyvilon was popular for training invocations before switching to another non-evil god. As Invocations training no longer requires spending much piety, she is now significantly less popular.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character with trouble surviving in combat can make use of her healing abilities. Good candidates include Deep Dwarves and Felids (who have the added bonus of not requiring weapons of any sort).

===[[Lugonu]] the Unformed===
Lugonu allows you to instantly banish yourself and depart to/from the abyss. This can instantly save your life. In addition, the corruption ability makes Zot:5 and many branch final levels much easier since you it allows you to create walls in areas that would otherwise be open. Getting the orb is easier, since you can corrupt the walls or immediately banish yourself to the Abyss if needed.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character seeking alternative means for dealing with particularly meddlesome monsters and levels. Outside of the abyss, an altar to Lugonu can only be found on a corrupted temple layout, often making Lugonu more of a situational and opportunistic choice, rather than a pre-planned one. This situationalism extends to the Abyss as well, where conversion can offer rare means for reliable and relatively quick escape.

==Exotic/Challenging Gods==
The following gods grant unreliable benefits or are simply more challenging to worship than others.

===[[Zin]] the Law-Giver===
Zin provides followers with the ability to boost their stats and resist various physical effects, such as sickness, rot, poison, and mutation. His Recite ability can be greatly helpful in dealing with particularly dangerous demons, undead, or priests. At higher levels of piety, he provides the powerful defensive abilities Imprison and Sanctuary, and especially pious followers may receive a one-time cure for all of their mutations. Zin's piety gain requires donating gold, so expect to have considerably less money than usual. His dietary restrictions are also the most stringent of any god, as he forbids the consumption of sentient creatures. A great "ninja" god.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Zin works well for any characters that highly benefit from increased stats, be it spellcasters who want to improve their spells or stealthy characters who can benefit from increased dexterity.

===[[Fedhas Madash]] the Natural===
Fedhas Madash allows you to alter the terrain around you and create plant allies to aid you in battle. This god isn't well suited for a 15-rune game, due to the rarity of corpses in the extended end-game. Fedhas can significantly help you in Zot:5 by allowing you to create a large Oklob farm, which can be quite effective in clearing the Orb chamber, by luring monsters into it.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': Merfolk and tengu are well-suited to Fedhas, as they are least hindered by his rain invocation. Other good candidates include grey or black draconians and octopodes.

===[[Jiyva]] the Shapeless===
Jiyva constantly alters your body with (usually) good mutations and stat shuffling. In exchange, worshipers have to frantically run around grabbing items, before jellies devour them. Typically, you'll have very few items to use in the end-game. Jiyva is best for brawny unarmed fighters.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Ogres, trolls, felids, and octopodes can't wear boots, gloves, or helmets, so the Unarmed Combat mutations and potential resistances offered by Jiyva are exceptionally useful for them.

===[[Xom]] the Unpredictable===
Xom is an interesting god that'll likely cause you to die in a hilarious way. Most of his actions are either harmful, flavourful, or somewhat helpful. Xom rewards high risk play-styles.

'''Recommended Race and Class Combinations''': [[Chaos Knight]]s start off worshiping Xom. This is considered a "challenge class", and the game does not recommend it for any race.

===[[Cheibriados]] the Contemplative===
Cheibriados is a deity who rewards you for moving slowly and killing fast creatures, but detests seeing you haste yourself. Being slow is a big disadvantage, but possibly worth it in exchange for massive stat boosts, the abilities to slow adjacent enemies or to deal huge amounts of damage with the Slouch ability.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Nagas are slower than most everything else in the dungeon, letting them gain piety at lightning speed with Chei and enhancing the damage output of Slouch even further. Transmuters of all stripes are best suited for worshiping Chei, due to the odd fact that he doesn't seem to mind you transforming into a fast creature and that his stat boosts give tremendous bonuses to the [[Blade Hands]] spell.

===[[Nemelex Xobeh]] the Trickster===
Nemelex Xobeh allows you to use powerfully magical decks more safely. Playing with cards is time consuming and risky, but offers great utility and even more power than spells. Decks of summoning provide powerful allies, legendary decks of dungeon have the Trowel card (makes portals to bazaars and ziggurats), and decks of escape provide life-saving effects more powerful than anything else in the game (Tomb, Portal, and Warp).

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Any character who can use some powerful magic can usefully worship Nemelex Xobeh. Greater benefits fall to characters who are otherwise lacking magical options, or those with good Invocations. Melee oriented Deep Dwarves, Hill Orcs and Formicids especially can benefit.

===[[Ashenzari]] the Shackled===
Ashenzari is the bound god of Divination, and lets players identify items, see through walls, and gain knowledge of their equipment as you gain piety. Piety gain is easy; simply explore new areas and collect runes to access his powers. However, in order to access these gifts you must be as bound as he is, allowing your equipment to be cursed. How dangerous this trade-off is depends on your character and play style. Fortunately, Ashenzari doesn't mind if you uncurse yourself on occasion to switch gear.

However, Ashenzari is a great god for Pandemonium scumming/Ziggurat raiding. At that point you will likely have the best gear you can find, so you're fine to curse yourself permanently. Piety gain is extremely quick in the Abyss, so you can transfer XP constantly while there (as you will be frequently, between Pan trips.) Instant Ziggurat portal detection upon entering Pandemonium levels and free IDing for everything you find in there reduce the headaches involved tremendously.

'''Recommended race and class combinations''': Ashenzari works well for characters that could use a boost in their abilities. He can help mediocre spellcasters cast things they would normally have trouble with, and average melee fighters can perform considerably better than average with his help.

[[Category:Strategy Guides]]
[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Gods|*]]

User:SallyTheGreat

2020-08-29T21:02:16Z

SallyTheGreat: Created page with "==About me== I just recently discovered DCSS, but it has quickly become a bit of an addiction and I am excited about it! As of yet I haven't actually gotten any characters out..."

==About me==
I just recently discovered DCSS, but it has quickly become a bit of an addiction and I am excited about it! As of yet I haven't actually gotten any characters out of the dungeon alive and with the Orb, but I can always hope.

I am an amateur programmer, enjoying JavaScript, making webpages with way too much CSS styling, and am learning some Ruby just because.

My two biggest obsessions in life, aside from Dungeon Crawl, are dragons and ''Calvin & Hobbes.'' Kind of sad that my biggest fixations in life have absolutely no application in the real world, hey? But I also enjoy getting outside and exercising, animals of any kind, biology, and talking with people about how lousy the government is these days.

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-08-29T19:44:09Z

SallyTheGreat: /* Dungeon 10 */

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-08-29T19:42:31Z

SallyTheGreat:

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-08-29T19:37:53Z

SallyTheGreat:

Dagh clan Ruasch, Hill Orc Monk of Beogh

2020-08-29T19:25:43Z

SallyTheGreat: Created page with "{{diary}} {{version024}} I am Dagh son of Noloj son of Motrha clan Ruasch. Clan Ruasch was founded by Ruasch clan Urbeok the Mighty, who descended into the Dungeon nearly a hu..."