In a dimly lit chamber, Raiya sat deep in thought, reviewing the knowledge he had just acquired from the ancient tomes. After all, tomes aided in faster memorization, but understanding the profound wisdom within was a whole different challenge.
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The DM Perk:
1. Dungeon Building Resources: DMs have the freedom to construct and develop their dungeon with basic resources and time.
2. Race Selection: DMs choose the race they rule over, each with diverse strengths and attributes.
3. Specialized Races: Each race possesses distinct skills, making them formidable and strategic.
4. Job Class Selection: DMs can select a job class based on their race, gaining specific abilities.
5. Limited Perk Slots: DMs have up to 10 perk slots, requiring thoughtful decision-making.
6. Immortal Endurance: DMs can only be defeated by destroying their dungeon core.
7. Shared Meeting Space: DMs can convene to discuss alliances, transactions, and influence the realm's balance of power.
The Heroes Perk:
1. Enhanced Attributes & Experience Boost: Heroes have enhanced attributes and gain experience at an accelerated rate, making them formidable and quick to grow stronger.
2. Perk Sharing: Heroes can share their first perk with allies, fostering teamwork and cooperation.
3. Bypassing Advancement Trials: Heroes skip usual trials to unlock their potential, accessing greater power immediately.
4. Versatility in Skills: Heroes can master physical and magical skills, adapting to any situation.
5. Resurrection with Penalties: Heroes can be resurrected but face penalties like attribute reductions or perk loss.
6. Mortal Fate: True death awaits if killed by the Dungeon Master or special props, adding risk to their encounters.
7. Ethereal Connection: Heroes can leave shadow messages, guiding future adventurers and ensuring their legacy lives on.
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While Raiya immersed himself in this information, Auriel entered the room, breaking his contemplation. "Raiya, the buildings are all built. Now, we should build an army for dungeon monsters, scouting, and hunting to aid in your leveling up."
"Alright, Auriel. You arrived at the right time. Since everything is ready, I can now summon some basic troops and a hero," replied Raiya, preparing to summon a hero using a specific token.
With a soft "Ding!" the token appeared, shining brightly. Raiya selected "Yes" to proceed with the summoning.
After the token's radiant display, a figure dressed in a dark mage robe materialized above the floor. The bone structure was devoid of flesh, yet a constant aura emanated from it.
Upon seeing Raiya, the figure immediately knelt in respect. "Greetings, master. My name is Valthorian Darkspire. I am ready to serve you in your endeavors," he spoke with an archaic tone.
"You may stand up. There's no need to kneel from now on," Raiya instructed.
"As you wish, master," Valthorian acknowledged.
Raiya then proceeded to check Valthorian's status:
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Name: Valthorian Darkspire
Age: 178
Race: Undead
Job: Soul Lich
Tier 1 Class 1
Skills:
1. Soul Disruption - This skill is used by the Soul Lich to confuse and disrupt the enemy.
2. Soul Calling - The Soul Lich can summon his own undead units, taking on the form of ghosts or wraiths based on their strength and level.
3. Soul Manipulation - This skill allows the Soul Lich to use magic-based attacks that damage, confuse, or even manipulate the souls of their enemies.
4. Phylactery - This is both the weakness and greatest strength of the Soul Lich. The core can be used as a soul container for worthy souls to become his subordinates, allowing him to call upon them during battle.
Attributes:
Strength: 24
Stamina: 20
Dexterity: 18
Intelligence: 12
Wisdom: 10
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After a brief moment of examination, Raiya ordered Valthorian to stand aside, preparing to summon the troops that would accompany him.
Upon opening the troops section menu, Raiya reviewed the first-tier units:
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1. Skeleton Soldier
Cost: Gold 30 per unit, Souls: 80 per unit
The Skeleton Soldier is the backbone of the undead army, a reanimated warrior from ages past. Armed with rusted blades and tattered armor, they display unwavering loyalty to the Dungeon Master.
2. Skeleton Archer
Cost: Gold 40 per unit, Souls: 120 per unit
The Skeleton Archer is a ranged unit, equipped with ancient bows and quivers of spectral arrows. They are skilled marksmen, capable of raining down a barrage of enchanted arrows upon the enemy from a distance.
3. Wraithling
Cost: Gold 25 per unit, Souls: 100 per unit
The Wraithling is a spectral being, swift and elusive,
capable of phasing through walls and obstacles effortlessly. Their ethereal form makes them perfect for reconnaissance and espionage missions.
4. Skeleton Guard
Cost: Gold 50 per unit, Souls: 180 per unit
The Skeleton Guard is an elite frontline defender, clad in enchanted armor and wielding formidable halberds. These undead warriors exhibit heightened combat prowess and serve as the first line of defense for the Dungeon Master's domain.
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Raiya decided to summon the Skeleton Guards to accompany Valthorian. Upon selecting "Yes," the room grew colder, and a black portal appeared before Raiya. Three Skeleton Guards carrying tower shields and spears emerged from it.
Raiya inspected the attributes of the Skeleton Guards:
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Name: Skeleton Guard
Level: 1
Skills:
1. Spear and Shield Mastery: The mastery of the spear and shield ensures the user can hold their ground against formidable opponents with both offensive prowess and adept defense.
2. Protection: The Protection skill enables the user to become a stalwart guardian, focused on shielding allies from harm. It enhances the user's ability to block, deflect, and absorb incoming attacks, reducing the damage taken by themselves and nearby allies. This skill is vital in preserving the safety of the user's party and ensuring their survival in the heat of battle.
3. Phalanx: The Phalanx skill emphasizes teamwork and formation tactics. When activated, it allows the user to organize allies into a formidable defensive formation, known as a phalanx.
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Having successfully summoned the units, Raiya proceeded to give them their initial orders.
"Valthorian, I need you to hunt the surrounding wildlife, collect their souls and materials. Additionally, use your Soul Calling to create a ghost unit for scouting the area. Try to find the position of the town and other dungeons, gather information, but ensure utmost secrecy. From now on, you will lead my troops."
"Thank you for your trust, master. I shall not disappoint you. Should I report to you immediately after I find information?" Valthorian inquired.
"No need. Report your findings to Auriel. She will help me organize your report as I prepare to visit the Nexus Realm next," Raiya said, signaling Auriel to coordinate with Valthorian.
After their coordination, Valthorian bowed to Raiya and requested, "Master, I will be on my way. Please allow me to excuse myself," as he left, accompanied by the three Skeleton Guards.
Raiya then turned to Auriel and inquired about the resources available. "How many resources do we have?" he asked.
"We have a total of 650 units of Wood, 340 units of Stone, 2590 units of Gold, and 11,160 Souls," Auriel responded.
"Hmm, we should make Soulbinders to collect wood, mine some rock, and assist us in processing animal materials," Raiya decided, proceeding to create five Soulbinders.
"I will leave their management to you. If we need more workers after Valthorian's return, you can make the decision. I will be visiting the Nexus Realm next, so I will leave this place in your capable hands for a while," Raiya stated.