Dungeon Keeper (LitRPG/Monster Evolve)

[Chaperone]

Little disturbed the water's surface. Moss paddled across the inky mirror with an eerie silence as company. And the Doul. Its tiny candle allowed him to see barely three keepers out.
He hugged the shore, saying nothing to his mute companion so as not to attract the attention of any hungry MonarchWorms. Especially as the blue pollen was a part of his cloak now. Even scrubbing with a rough bone and water couldn't wash it off.
As they drifted along, Moss noticed a dull twinkling beneath him. He leaned down to get a closer look letting his boat drift. As the ripples died a star scape revealed itself.
Thousands of lights danced in the depths. Nestling on the riverbed in a murky jade that reminded him of the Graveyard's sky. Except these moved and flowed with the water. A festival played out before him, filling him with a sense of wonder. Only Pools could produce such beauty in a dismal place like this. He thanked her for sharing a moment like this with him, even if he had merely chanced upon it.
The lights slowly faded away. Leaving him staring at the reflection of his stitchless cloak, his thin cloth and stumpy claws. He felt disconnected from the dungeon, lost in its darkness. How am I supposed to stand up against the Supreme? What if she has me killed on the spot?
Moss sat back, thinking he should focus on the present and its more immediate dangers. Where's the shoreline gone?
With a hint of desperation, he pumped the paddle towards the festival..
But he couldn't find any lights, not even a hint.
A strange coldness brushed his face.
He turned to find the Doul poking him and shaking his head with the pace of a FortSnail.
"Well which way is it?"
It didn't answer. But the river did. Gripping them with a current.
The river was moving and pulling the boat. A turbulent gurgling came from the darkness ahead. Growing louder and more violent with each flicker.
"Pools! Save us!" Moss yelled. "I'm sorry for doubting you!"
Paddling with all his might. He looked over his shoulder as the waterfall revealed itself. It drank the waters like a greedy dragon. Chugging away as the keeper's tiny arms tried to resist it. Desperate, he looked for an escape and spotted a purple rune. It was huge and engraved into a black totem that protruded from a rocky bank. Moss rowed towards it with all his might. The bone paddle had activated his CorpseCarrier ability. Allowing the weak monster to fight the force of the current with improved strength.
The keeper praised himself for making the right choice when his breath grew heavy. His arms sagged.
Stamina wasn't the keeper's strong point, yet he had the determination to force the bank closer. Each stroke brought him within claw distance. He could almost touch-
Crack.
The paddle hit a rock and snapped. Its end was whisked away immediately, leaving Moss with the handle and no hope. His claws sank into Fangor's body as the torrent flung them over. He screamed into the Doul's face, seeing a reflection of his own terror in its warped eyes.
The boat flipped. Cold water soaking and blinding him.
Then light. Overwhelmingly bright after their time in the bleak Passage.
A kaleidoscope of greeny brown smothered his vision as he struggled to open his eyes. Then impact. Back into a watery doom. No barrel this time. No body boat within his grasp. The keeper was rolled and tussled. And just as Death pursed her lips for his last kiss. He was spat out and onto dry land.
Sweet, beautiful land. I'll never leave you again.
Exhausted, he passed out.


Moss awoke in a groggy state. His Doul remained perched on his shoulder. Seemingly mocking his sleepy demeanour with a crazy grin - Or was that just his imagination.
They were in the Watcher's Woods. Now he knew where the Infinite Falls got its water from. Having almost drowned several times in it, the keeper was done. His boat, that was Fangor, was also washed up close by. He wobbled over to the gnoll's remains and remoulded it back into a ball.
His abilities were increasing nicely. It didn't take long to manipulate the dead remains thanks to his improved VenomClaw. As he worked, Moss felt a chill in his cloak. The keeper scanned the mists. Feeling exposed. Feeling watched.
It's just exhaustion, not maddness.
Every dweller knew not to stare into the mists.
Just watch your feet while Pool watches your back.
That old saying didn't feel as reassuring as normal. But Moss followed the advice while rolling Fangor to the floor's entrance to deposit him into a well. With the fatigue kicking in he decided rest was a priority, and not the liquid potion type, but an actual bed. He always felt terrible after a vial of the green stuff wore off.
Plus 4 scrips added.
Wendy told Moss as he wobbled to the Village's hidden pulley system. Tugging on a series of ropes that activated the weighted mechanism and flung him upwards into the misty canopy.
The settlement among the great trees bustled with dwellers. The main bazaar in the whole dungeon offered almost any item or service a monster could afford. Though most spent their scrips in the Quarter - where enhancing stimulants were sold at a reduced price - not all had access.
Moss wasn't used to being awake at this time. In fact he couldn't remember the last time he'd slept. He weaved through the loud crowd of creatures. Trying not to get stepped on and already dreaming of his bedroll. He skirted two young HowlerBears having a chuckle to each other.
"I heard raiders got in and put holy water in the kegs." One said.
The other scoffed. "Nah my mate was there, said as he heard the bells go off. Then Hell's ghost rose out the stage and slaughtered them all. That's why so many went missing."
"How'd your mate get out then?"
"Stood perfectly still, ghosts can't see movement."
"Course, basics. I'm glad it went to shit, my brother's stall has been heaving for shifts now."
For shifts? How long was I asleep?
Moss started to rush, getting beyond the stalls, away from the noise and into the keepers' Grotto. The mounds were dark, their residents slumbering.
He found his hovel, the front door left open to welcome him home.
That's nice of them to think of me. Moss crept in and collapsed on the floor, too tired to climb into his bedroll. The meagre light of the Doul's candle didn't even phase him.
Events played out in his mind. So much was happening so fast to the little keeper that he couldn't keep up. He just wanted to do a normal shift, go back to routine and not have to dodge death at every turn. The fatigue was awful, but it also smothered his anxious mind.
I'll find Tink and the others tomorrow after work. Introduce them to Rene. I'm sure he'd-
Ombay's roar brought the howling winds and a flurry of parchment. Fresh from the Herald of Truth.
It swept into the hovel, rolling Moss into the wall.
"Holy Pools!" He yelled, snapping awake.
Franc's head poked out from his nook. "Moss? You're alive-" His red eyes grew. "Is that FairyDust?"
A pink tongue flicked out another bunk and licked Moss's shoulder, right where the Doul sat. It screamed in horror, but remained.
"Nah, not sure what it is?" Dill said.
"Hey, I thought Stew was taking that bunk." Moss said to him.
"We haven't seen him since..." Dill motioned to the state of the hovel.
It was trashed. Light streamed through grooves in the wall. Fabric and rubbish were piled beneath the white parchment. The bunks had been destroyed and licked back together. And the front door hadn't been left open for him - it was missing completely.
"What in the Hells happened here?" Moss asked.
They shrugged and started climbing out of bed. Franc passed Dill an ebony to crush up with the last few nuggets of LowGrade herb he had left.
"Are none of you even a little concerned your home was trashed?" Moss asked, perplexed by their casual reactions. "We're keepers for Pools sake. Why would anyone do this?"
Franc shook his head. "It's simple, dwellers hate us."
"Dwellers don't hate us, they would have to notice us first." Moss pointed out.
"True. But keepers hate other keepers. Maybe it's one of the blue cloths."
"Holy shit!" Dill jumped up. "It's fucking Stewy going after Moss. It all makes sense."
"No, Stew loved his job more than he hated me. He wouldn't risk it. But maybe he was here when it happened."
"There wasn't any blood. Not a drop." Franc said. "He's just missing."
"Probably dancing in the mists with Pittons and your cousin Twig." Dill giggled.
"That's not funny." Moss snapped. "We know Pittons has a few loose stitches, he could actually be lost out there. Has anyone looked for him?"
"The dungeons got him now." Franc claimed. "I looked for cousin Twig for three seasons and never found a scrap of him. Checked everywhere and let me tell you, there are some dark places out there that not even a monster should go." He suddenly yanked Dill's hood around to stare deeply into his eyes. "Promise you'll never try and climb down into the Abyss. Promise me."
"I promise." Dill said, shaking him off. "Now stop acting like such a den mother and light this." He handed over the rolled parchment containing the mixture. It was a copy of the Herald of Truth.
Moss could only see part of the headline, 'Quarter closed for refurbishment.'
How are three keepers missing and no one cares?
"What is happening here?" Moss wondered aloud.
Franc poked his glittery cloth again. "Could ask you the same question?".
"I fell in a crevice on the Third floor. It's some sort of fungal spore."
"Actually, now that I think about it, it looks more like MoonSugar." Dill stated.
"MoonSugar." Another voice groaned from the top bunk.
Kole poked his hood over the top.
"Hey, that's my bedroll." Moss snapped, annoyed he'd been replaced in less than a shift.
All the keepers were poking and sniffing him now. More concerned with free enhancers than their chainmates feelings.
"It's not spores. There's no smell." Franc pointed out.
"Hhhmmm, did you meet a ManaLich?" Dill asked. "Gotta bit of a tingle to it. Where abouts is this crevice?"
"Graveshifts on the second floor. Minor's Quarter. Hustle up keepers!" The new keeper Orderer shouted from outside the hovel before stepping in. Moss's mouth was agape, the bastard had finally taken the job. Working both key and manager positions now. He must be confident in himself, Moss thought. The others looked happy to see the 'pride' of their race enter their trashed hovel.
But Kai only had eyes for Moss, he squinted at him. A moment of confusion painted his usually stoic face. Then all the keepers were all staring at him. Waiting for an explanation.
But he couldn't say it. He'd have to admit he'd been in a restricted area and how he'd gotten there. Which would connect him with the Quarters brawl.
Where Kai had also been. Moss knew he'd got out using his loot, for he was an annoyingly illusive keeper.
The Oracle's wisdom was meant for moments like this.
'The wool is soft for a reason'. Moss thought as he looked around his chainmates. He couldn't show them the truth without endangering their lives.
"Like I said, I got lost in the Trenches and fell in a hole." He lied. "It happens to the best of us."
"Does it Kai?" Kole asked.
The Key keeper cleared his throat. "Shift starts soon lads, and we've got a lot of work to clean up. Let's get to it"
They all piled out, even Moss hoping he could help tidy up the mess he'd made.
Kai stopped him. "JunkDuty is needed in several other areas." He pushed a rolled scroll into his chest. Lingering there for a flicker before pinching his cloak. Nothing came off, but Kai remained unsatisfied. He leaned in, inhaling deeply. "You smell Moss-"
"That's fucking rude."
"-Of cinnamon."
His accusation was clear. The suspicion laid out. But the heavy coating of glittery pollen was difficult to place. Though Moss was surprised that even with all his recent water plunges that the smell of smoke had clung on.
"You think I've been baking treats with all that spare wax I've got?"
Kai tutted and went to leave. "Stews… missing. You are to report to Guk now, every four candles at the entrance of each floor. That will line up perfectly with the job listings. You're allowed to clear HolyRelics again. But to save candles, Guk will be disposing them for you. However he will give you the scrips at the end of each shift. No more crevice diving, keeper. We all have to do our part." He left.
Moss almost tore the scroll where he stood.
That demon loving shit expects me to find holy items for him. He can suck on my cloth.
Moss stormed out of the hovels. The list was dauntingly long, essentially covering every part of the dungeon. Except for the Sixth floor, nobody went there these shifts.
"Back to the grind."
When did I start hating work?

 

[Chaperone]

Moss poked the goblin with his foot. Its yellow eyes stared blankly into the graveyard's night sky. All seven of them looked quite peaceful in death. Except for the bloody froth bubbling from their mouths. The golden apples from DarkPines orchards lay nearby, only a few bites missing from each.
"There's a metaphor." Moss said to his new carer.
Guk spat a globule of EbonyBark on the goblin's body. "Metaphors are for WoodElves." He flicked Moss's glittery cloak. "You fit the scroll then. Wait for that poison to run out before you clean this mess, I'm not licking any dead cloths today. I'll be at the entrance." He said already walking away.
Can't believe I miss working for Stew.
The goblins always loitered around the graveyard floor causing mischief. Typically attempting to steal the golden apples without success. Both the FruitBats and DarkPines would scare them off before they got close. Annoyingly Gala and her warriors hadn't been present to discipline the skittish monsters, resulting in the entire tribe's death. But more importantly, Moss was hoping to talk with the OverSeer about the Believers. The only benefit of working JunDuty was knowing he'd eventually be in her territory. But where is she?
He kicked the greenskins in frustration. Goblins had always been a pest in the dungeon, never quite sticking to a floor or point of interest. Some dwellers believed the green kind were an old monster race gone mad due to a GreedCurse. Others say they're born from the shrooms in the trenches and are walking spores, used to spread the fungal forests. Whatever the case they only really become an issue towards the end of the season - when LootGoblins appear and the Hunters come for them.
Right now Moss had this group on his job list. Of all the menial tasks their kind had to do, this was the most insulting.
The goblin gang's smiles were partially covered with the frothy residue that continued to pour out. As if mocking him from the dead.
They're only going to hop out the well and head straight back for the orchard.
"We've got better things to do, aye little Doul?" He asked his companion. No other dwellers were able to see the strange creature. Moss had no idea why, but assumed it was because of the glittery spores still attached to him. Through his friend's ghostly body, Moss spotted a flash of gold. Not the polished gleam of the apples, which were unnaturally coloured. But the dark yellow of real treasure.
Beneath the skinny frame of a goblin, was a purse of coins. They always had gold on them. Where they stole it from, no one knew. But Moss wasn't going to waste an opportunity, since technically the anti-looting policy strictly applied to HolyRelics. He pillaged all their remains, hopping between each one deftly to avoid the toxic spilling out.
32 pieces filled his pouch. That was more wealth than he'd ever owned before, he assumed. The keeper had never actually got his hands on GoblinGold before. Heroes and demons seemed to love them just as much and always looted the bodies. He now had something on top of his scrips to spend at GaDiver's shop. With all the events that had played out recently, Moss decided that the bastard cheater Kai was right. He needed enchanted items to survive instead of leaving it all to chance. The keeper's new abilities were helping, but mostly in terms of work related situations.
Moss laid each Goblin out flat. Then with a quick lick and his CorpseCarrier, he piled them atop each other to make a log. That way he could avoid their smiling faces and the nasty aftermath of the apples. With a heave, he started to roll the goblin log to the nearby well. Flattening the blue grass as he went, until a small bump rocked the log. Moss looked back to find an old body lost amongst the foliage. He couldn't identify the race from the mere bones that remained. But the keeper was more interested in the silver bracelet around it's wrists. A HolyRelic. This is my chance.

Guk hucked a black globule from his patch of grass, then scanned Moss's work order.
"Sure, did this. Done that… maybe. That one… Who care's." He smeared phlegm across the scroll as he went. Using his ebony stained mouth like an ink pot and his claw the quill.
"You know I'm not going to miss anything. I always do my work to the letter." Moss said.
"I always do the work to the letter." Guk mocked him in a youngling's voice. "You're such a cloth sniffer. I'm surprised Stewie hated you. You would have made such good bedroll buddies."
Moss glared at Guk while he 'worked'. Kai was a lot of things, but the keeper had style and decorum. None of that had licked off onto his chainmate. Guk found very little interesting about JunkDuty. There were practically no scrips in it, no exciting events or laughs with his chainmates. He was miserable.
Guk scrunched the work order into his cloak. "I bet the boys are already shooting dice at the KeyHouse. They'll actually be winning scrips for once since I'm doing all the hard graft now. Obviously not including Kai. That keeper's got Elite work ethic. Wakes up at the 2nd candle everyday and trains. Only eats the best. Minotaur calf's, LionsMane, you know. None of that magic in a bottle poison you grubs chug all day. It's a mindset, it's why we're the best chain in the dungeon."
Moss wasn't in the mood to hear about Kai's DragonDung routine. He hadn't stopped since speaking with the key. He'd wanted to break away and meet up with the QuestGivers in the Shifting Sands, but Guk was latched onto him like a parasite. Following him around each floor, always in his shadow.
Ensuring Moss got all the rubbish and bodies from recent scuffles. Not raids, but dweller on dweller crimes, which were starting to peak with the closure of the Quarter. This led to many back alley taverns and alchemy labs popping up and seizing the demand. Enhancers were being sold on each floor. Grog was flowing without watchful gnoll guards and peaceful music to subdue the rowdy lot. Guk had found it comical, saying the dogs suppressed our freedom, yet he never helped clean up after so many died from expressing their freedoms.
In fact his new manager did little else but complain and brag. Moss was sick of hearing his self proclaimed title of 'second' key. He never thought JunkDuty could get any worse and yet Kai had found a way.
I'm a Custodian, a QuestGiver and a highly ranked keeper. I don't need a DenMother to watch over me while I pick up rubbish. I have my own quest to get on with.
But none of those achievements were going to get him out of JunkDuty.
Moss needed to look past the petty numbers and dig deep, just as Fangor had said.
The keeper had a plan. He'd considered how little Guk disrespected and loathed him. His carer looked down on Moss like he was a literal grub - that couldn't be trusted to his normal job.
"I found a HolyRelic." Moss said, pulling out the bracelet. "It burns so bad that I keep dropping it though. Maybe I should go hand it in now."
Guk spat out a black globule and snatched the item. "Not a fucking chance in hell. Keys' orders."
His smile reminded Moss of the dead goblins. He's already thinking about how happy this will make Kai. And all the scrips he'll get for it. Now to poke his ego. Let's see how long the 'second' key can oversee the real JunkDuty.
"I've cleared the Graveyard now." Moss pointed out.
"Wow, congratulations. You want a colourful ribbon for your cloak?" Guk snapped, spitting again.
Moss tried not to let his irritation show. "I just meant, I'll be heading back to the other floors now and sweeping the back passages. But before that, I have to sort my bags out." He tipped out one of his rubbish bags beside Guk.
"Banish me!" The carer yelled as he rolled away from the sudden mess "Are you stitched in the head? That's a whole shift's worth of shit. "
"This is the best part Guk. I'll show you."

 

[Chaperone]

Moss sat amongst the pile of rubbish.
"I'm going to sort out the common items from the junk now. Get any scraps of BlancMaterial for the wagons, probably burn the rest." Moss pulled out a slither of heel. He nibbled the end, licked the side then carefully inspected each crack. "Yep, almost certain it's junk. But only Pool knows the truth, I can only pray she offers me a glint of her wisdom. Will you pray with me." He asked the carer.
"Fuck no."
Moss got on his knees and silently prayed for several flickers. He opened an eye at the sound of leathery wings beating through the air. The mighty crack could only belong to one FruitBat.
Finally.
Gala blocked out the moonlight as she circled overhead. Not once did she look down at the keepers. But Moss wasn't worried, he was getting far better at catching the attention of giant monsters.
As Guk started to grumble, Moss decided to hold the prayer a little longer.
"Come on." Guk snapped. "She doesn't give a toss about you or your junk."
Moss finally stood and placed the heel by itself.
"Thank you Pool's for your clarity, she told me it's a… maybe. This is the maybe pile."
"It's trash you stupid grub. All of it." Guk was on his feet now, hopping in frustration.
"Wait!" Moss shouted before clawing through the pile to reveal a shiny shard. "BlancMetal. One keeper's junk is another Ke-"
"That's literally glass!" Guk howled. "Even if it was BlancMetal you're only holding a shard, no one's going to pay for it! Holy Pools!" He pulled the JunkDuty work order from his cloak and tossed it at him. "Make sure you tick off all that crap in the next several shifts then find me at the Grotto." He ordered before rushing off.
Moss cleared the rubbish pile, shoving it all back into his bag.
Fangor was right, the numbers don't show all your strengths. Like being the most annoying keeper in the whole dungeon.
Moss knew his usual overenthusiastic self was enough. Guk was lucky he wasn't chained to this duty. Otherwise escape from Moss would require a painful 'accident' to take place. Now alone and ready to go, he headed away from the exit and made for the orchard once again.

"Gala! Do you remember me? It's Moss." The keeper yelled into the trees. The great bat hung from the upper branches. Awake, vigilant and ignoring him.
Tear my cloth. Why is it never simple?
The keeper didn't want to shout any louder and attract Happy Howl's attention. He peaked through the orchard to the hut nestled at the back. It was home to a monster that matched Pitton's level of maddness. Furrys used to throw stones at his door, thinking they were safe amongst the trees.
Took us a whole shift to get all the pieces out of the branches. And here I am climbing them again.
Moss dug his claws in and started to climb the apple tree. His body shook as he got higher and higher. The soft grass below started to look a lot harder at a distance. It wasn't his climbing ability he doubted. But appearing as a thief to the winged monsters.
"Gala! It's Moss. The keeper you spoke to!" Her ears twitched but her oval orbs looked everywhere but at his blue cloak.
How could he appear as anything but a grub in the trees. Shouting you're a Believer is one thing. Convincing a dweller you see the truth is another. He knew what would convince him.
"I'm here to talk about our freedom, my freedom! From bloody Pool's and her fucking rules!" He shouted, looking to grab the next branch.
It swayed before his claws. Causing him to miss and fall.
The keeper scrambled for branches but couldn't grasp any. The hard graveyard floor rushed towards him. Eager to catch his body and drink his blood.
A gust of wind blinded him as he was wretched back into the air.
A sharp pain cut into his leg from Gala's claws. He didn't have time to think before she dumped him back at the exit and flew off into the night sky.
"Banish my life." He moaned.
But more wings flapped over him. Causing the keeper to cower on the spot. He sunk into his hood and held his cloak in fear completely. Any bravery he felt climbing the tree was gone, any pride after tricking Guk had vanished. He was a monster for the shadows and crevices, not an open plain.
But it wasn't claws or poisonous apples that brushed against him, but a scrap of parchment. A symbol filled most of the paper. The red ink showed a shield imprinted with a clawed hand. Underneath was written 'Hide behind our shield and unite, for Pool's is watching'. In tiny writing was a location with four candles beside it. The Abyss, an endless pit located in the Fungal Trenches. As Moss read the parchment, small runes on its side started to smoke.
Why would they put runes on-
It burst into flames. Engulfing the dry paper as he cried out and tossed it away.
The keeper had been invited to attend a meeting. He presumed it was the same one the Lesser mentioned in the Quarter. This was his chance to gather actual information.
Moss looked at his bloody leg and dirty cloak. If he was going to infiltrate a secret rogue organisation, he needed to prepare.


The gold rattled onto GaDiver's counterspace. Rolling and pinging off jar's full of oddities and elixirs. The HowlerMonkey hung from a rafter, his long legs dangling down to inspect the coins. Picking up several pieces to sniff and lick was his methodology of choice. The keeper was impressed by his recently accumulated wealth. The shop owner wasn't. "GoblinGold. Cheap stuff. It's more BlancMetal than actual gold."
Moss, who was already browsing on how he'd spend his riches, snapped around at the obvious false accusation. "That's true dungeon tender right there. Everyone trades with it."
GaDiver rolled his eyes. "Listen keeps. We both know you had fun 'acquiring' this wealth. You can't have both."
"Fun? What are you accusing me of?"
"When my balls were higher than my howl, I used to go goblin bashing with the troop. It's a laugh. We'd impress upon the LadyHowlers, competing with each other. They're walking training dummies." He tapped his head and made a knocking noise. "Head's full of SoftWood. That's the point of them. To be killed and looted. But these crappy coins could be melted down into a nice knife or doorhandle. They aren't life changing."
Moss was a little shocked by GaDiver's casualness to simply kill them for sport, it was demonic behaviour. At the end of the shift they were fellow monsters, just suffering from a persistent SlowSpell. But the HowlerMonkey's confession showed his honesty, he wasn't trying to swindle him. Moss's imaginary wealth just took a dive. Now he couldn't afford most of the shop's stock, he wanted it so much more.
"So what can I get for my 'fancy door handles'?
"A handful of LowQuality herbs or a thimble of elixir."
Moss groaned, this wasn't going to help him during the meeting. A claw full of herbs against the rebelling OverSeers of the dungeon. He was going to get laughed at then boiled alive. It was just the same muk, different day.
"I've got about sixty scrips as well." Moss offered. To the keeper, that was a lot. But looking at the prices on the products was a harsh economical reality slap.
GaDiver saw the defeat in his eyes. "Hhmmm, I'm sure we'll find something for you. But all this dungeon turmoil isn't great for the supply lines you see. The SnailWagons haven't been coming through as often."
"The Core suppliers? Is this because of what happened at Minors?"
"Who knows, bloody rumour mill is all you get. My mad neighbour thinks raiders are hiding on the Sixth. Some dwellers reckon it's the Core punishing us for destroying the Quarter. Others blame Queenie, but she's always had sand in her clam." He clicked his fingers together with sudden realisation. "Some Furries saw a Ghoul in the mist. Swore on their litter it was true. But that means nothing, they'll eat younglings if they're closer than the pantry."
"A ghoul. They're just a myth, right?" Moss said, chewing on his claws. He was just in the mists.
GaDiver hopped down from the rafters and leaned close to Moss. Whispering in a hushed voice. "I wish, little keeper. I've seen one, a real terror of our world. Was like a DreamCurse mixed with a bad batch of ManaCrystals. That shit never leaves you."
Moss remembered the noises on the second floor. The feeling of being watched in the mists. He was scared to know. But he had to ask.
"Tell me, what you saw."

 

[Chaperone]

GaDiver took a handful of LowQuality herbs and packed them into a pipe. Smoking it for a flicker before beginning.
"It was many seasons ago. I was barely off my mother's tit and reaching for branches alone. The dungeon's last Core, Hells, had just retired. But a lot of dwellers forget that a change in leadership isn't always a smooth transition. Lost the whole of the Sixth because of it. All the floors were wild in those shifts, hardly a structure to stand on let alone support a monster. There was a lot of infighting back then. Nothing crazy like war, but more tribal chest banging and howling. Led to a few deaths - like that matters. Anyway I was joining my Dad for work, gathering the fruits in the Woods. Was fun, simple work. He was great at it. Made it into a game to see who could gather the fastest, racing each other through the trees. I miss that monkey, he was a good one. When we heard the screams. I knew they were bad because he stopped swinging. Just stopped like a frightened youngling. But the screams kept going and going and going. And then… nothing. We waited there in the branches for what felt like a whole shift. Then it came. Not from below, not from where the screams were. But in the branches above. Moving through the canopy with such speed. It passed right by us. I could see its arms were too long. Too many of them as well. It had these huge fangs that split through its cheeks and passed its jaw. That wasn't what scared us though, it was the insanity behind those eyes. I can see them now. But it just glanced at us and kept going. Like we were critters to it. I think Pools was watching us that shift." GaDiver's hit his pipe deeply. Looking out the window in a trance. "Turns out it had killed a whole family of SwampBears. Just tore them limb from limb, and they were mighty monsters. Unlike their lanky ancestors you see around the Village. Demons didn't mess with those green giants. It was a ghoul alright, a real fiend."
"Limb from limb." Moss repeated.
He thought about the demons at the Oasis. Their shredded remains. Could it really be a ghoul or are dwellers just scared.
The keeper looked through the floorboards to the curling mist below. He'd been dumped down there after passing through the waterfall. Casually resting on the bank while a true fiend lurked nearby. A HellHare was one thing, an apex predator but also a monster with normal behaviour. It slept, ate, got bored, walked around, slept some more, and got angry when you shove a HolyRelic in its asshole. But a Ghoul was more than a monster, it was wild and mad. The myths talk of its unparalleled strength and ferocity. If both creatures met in a dark alley, the HellHare would run for the hills and pray to its god.
"I heard they're completely unpredictable. Appearing from the shadows when you least expect it." Moss said, shaking at the mere idea of walking through the dungeon. There were a lot of shadows. "They're supposed to tear your soul apart, piece by piece. For seasons, leaving you stuck between life and death until madness consumes you."
The HowlerMonkey chuckled. "I don't know about that. I think they're just mad. Running on primal instinct."
"Then why didn't it kill you?" Moss asked.
GaDiver picked his teeth. "Who knows. Dad said it was because I didn't use Holy words. But he swore like a drunk cultist. Anyway, tis only a rumour. Words will have you reaching for rotten branches in a hurry. Clear your head and the right path will present itself. Now." He wiped the coins off the counter and onto the floor. Then slammed something down in its place. "If you gotta face a Ghoul than this Ring of Silence will sort all your problems."
The brass coloured ring was smooth and spotless. Not a scratch or ding on the BlancMetal. Moss's heart skipped in excitement, washing away his fears.
This is it.
"Silence. I'll be undetectable? Invisible?" He asked. Thinking of his UnseenRunt ability paired with this item, it was a perfect match.
No raiders will catch me. No keepers will judge me.
Moss thought of the endless possibilities. Toiling away in secret. Building his scrips and improving his rank. Even Kai couldn't stop him then.
"Exactly." GaDiver said. "Well not exactly. Actually not at all. Silence will disrupt abilities and effects. Whoever it touches will be rendered useless. It doesn't stop people from talking, as I found out with my old partner…." He looked at a lock of hair hanging near his hammock. "I suppose it did get quite quiet in here after she left. So I guess it did work in the end."
Moss tossed the ring back onto the counter, unimpressed. "Why would I want that? I wouldn't be able to use my abilities at work. It's useless. What happened to treat thy neighbour?"
"I am, this is an absolute bargain. Plus I'll give you a thimble of that enhancing elixir your mate drinks."
"Which mate?" Moss asked.
"You know Kai, that key keeper. Gaggle of lackeys in toe. Real smooth talker. Gotta a great cloth on his shoulders."
GaDiver placed the teardrop bottle down on its flat bottom. Its contents swirled with a glorious blue glow. A tacky label was plastered on the glass that said 'GooodStuff'. The liquid barely rippled as Moss kicked the counter in frustration.
"Oi, none of that. We have rules in here." The HowlerMonkey snapped, pointing at a makeshift sign on the wall. 'Hurt yourself in your own home'. Beneath that in smaller letters was, 'No product testing allowed'.
Moss was too livid to respond.
That cheating fuck uses loot AND enhancers. I'll never catch his cloth at this stage.
But he knew he had to take any ledge to raise himself up, no matter how thin it appeared.
"A full swig and another item for the gold and sixty scrips."
The store owner rolled his eyes. "Fine, but your only other option is that." He pointed a long finger into the corner where a sunset coloured cloud slowly rolled off the ground. Billowing from a central point, it looked unbelievably soft like the tail of a BunnyLamb, before they moulted and turned carnivorous with age.
"It's called a CloudMount."
"Yes, yes, yes, yes." The keeper yelled as he sprinted and leapt onto the cloud.
The wind left him as his chest smashed the floor. He shivered as he gasped for air, his cloak soaked from passing through the cloud.
"Yeh, never worked out why it's called that." GaDiver said. "Terrible mode of transport really. So you'll take the ring?"
Moss gave him a thumbs up.
Any ledge will do.

Moss was wandering back to the hovel, reading through the effects of the enhancer. He was gonna try for a full gulp, but GaDiver had seen it all and had filled a small cup for him to drink from.
GooodStuff (Common):
+5% rate of ability advancement (24 candles)
He needed to get his claws on a full bottle one day. Then really go to work. Wearing the ring was pointless so he pocketed it.
Maybe I can sell it to one of my chain-
A small sea of blue came into view. The keepers had a massed outside their homes and were anxiously mumbling to each other.
Moss found Franc amongst them. He looked more tired than usual. But the real oddity was his obvious anxiety. The keeper was licking his claws in haste. A strange orange paste was caught beneath the tips.
Some sort of calming tonic?
"I didn't hear Ombay." Moss said.
His roommate jumped out of his cloth at the sight of him, before turning back to face Kai, who was standing on a hovel reading through a scroll.
"It's to do with the last shift." After seeing Moss's lack of understanding he continued, reluctantly. "There wasn't any work. No bodies, nothing. Was like a shift had already passed through. Have you seen many during your JunkDuty."
"A few in the woods and goblins on the first. But not loads."
"Hhhmmm." Franc said, his concern was evident.
Keeper's were paid by the body. This was their main mine, their fruiting tree. It wasn't like they depended on seasons of Flow like other dwellers. Dwellers always died, raiders always raided. Moss knew the Quarter had been hit by the HellHare, which removed monsters indefinitely. But had it gotten into the rest of the dungeon? That would be cause for alarm and require Queenie to mobilise all her troops.
"What are others saying? Have they seen any weird… things?" Moss questioned, not wanting to give away too much.
"Yeh, yesterday Kai's chain were sent to recover these odd monsters. Apparently they'd been torn apart at work or something." Franc answered. "Someone said they were ParchmentPushers, whatever that means."
More monsters torn apart. Moss felt the fear creep over him again. As if the shadows in the Grotto were watching, waiting for him to be alone.
Are the rumours true? Are there ghouls in the dungeon?

 

[Chaperone]

Are ghouls real? Moss wondered.
Before he could ask Franc anymore questions, Kai scrunched up his scroll and raised his claw. To Moss's disappointment, everyone grew silent immediately.
"Our castle is crumbling." Kai said softly. "Its walls are assaulted, it's gate splintering and the holy hordes are taking our people, our friends, our family and condemning them to a painful death. That most will never recover from." Kai stepped into the crowd, and grabbed a young keeper. "What is your name?"
The kid mumbled before finding his voice. "Wick."
"Will you mount the ramparts and face them? Do you have the strength to stop their golden armies?"
"I'm… I'm not sure I do. I'm just a keeper."
"Exactly. We keep the cycle going. Even the soft cloths with only a few seasons behind them know our place. As appointed by Pools herself."
"I'm honoured sir." Wick squealed out.
Sir? Who's this little shit think he's talking to?
"We all wear the cloth. So when the dungeon calls upon us, will we respond?"
"Yes!" The crowd cheered.
Kai hopped back to his rock with his fist high. "And when our castle needs more out of us than ever before, can we do it?"
"Yes!" They cried in joy.
Franc's groan reflected Moss's own attitude, though he imagined for different reasons.
"That time is now. We'll be working double graveyard shifts from now on. Followed by JunkDuty to help restore our numbers. Bodies have been left and forgotten for too long. That ends now. Chain leaders to me."
The crowd dispersed with an excitement not usually felt amongst his kind.
Moss felt it too. "Guess that means the old chains back togeth-"
A hand landed on his shoulder. His innards lifted as he was wrenched behind a hovel and smashed against the wall.
"Oops. Didn't mean to be so rough which ya." Lui said with a broad smile. "Sorry, Mossy."
"Don't frolic with the fairies, lad. They'll show you happiness then rob ya blind." Tink flicked his glittery shoulders.
The keeper went from mild terror to joy in a wing beat. His mates had survived the watery depths and made it back in one piece. The blind musician felt the look of confusion on his face. "Wait till you hear our tale."
"Aye, it's madness. But not here. Not with that fella knocking about." Tink nodded towards where Kai stood upon his rock.
"Let's get out of here."
Moss led them through the Grotto. Sneaking between the alleyways and over hovels until he was back at home. Safe inside, away from the other keepers. They caught him up with their experiences after the fall.
"Thanks to Lui's quick thinking I didn't drown." Tink said, slapping the MolePede on the shoulder with respect. "Not many places to swim in the maze so I never learnt. He saved my greasy hide from a wet death."
"It's all in the fur. Light as air." Lui lifted his bandana to wink with a glossy eye. "Six arms help though. Like I said on the Sixth, I'll be teaching you the ways of water after our quest."
Moss gasped. "Quest? What qu- No wait. The sixth? You guys went there?"
"Aye, we washed up on this bank-"
"Full of bones?" The keeper cut him off. Hoping to share his trauma with another monster. "Like a white beach covered in-"
"Moss, shut ya yap and I'll tell you. We washed up on a rocky bank. There was this purple pillar with a rune." Tink explained.
The keeper wanted to say he'd also seen that but held his tongue.
"We could see another in the distance so we followed it, then another until we saw actual sunlight. I'm used to dark spaces, but that cave was wrong, like a cold wind creeping into your inner parts."
"The Sixth thawed us quick like." Lui said, taking over the tale. "You must see it Moss. Rolling hills of soft grass. Pieces of land hanging in the blue sky."
"Hanging?" Moss asked, he couldn't help it.
"That's right, suspended by the Flow. Like small islands. And the statues, monsters made of stone. They were every which way, not a spot of land without at least one. We were actually in one. The cave mouth was a giant's mouth."
"Aye, didn't realise till we jumped down the waterfall. Looks like it was spewing after too much grog." Tink added. "Been there."
Moss couldn't believe they'd made it to the Sixth. He'd never gone there himself, few dwellers were even allowed. It was said to be haunted and full of wraiths. The lost spirits from the doomed HiveSects that once called it home. He was a little jealous of their adventure, but the keeper wasn't about to risk his life to see some floating rocks.
Lui scratched his chin and turned to Tink. "Do you think the giant lived in that big castle on the hill you described?"
"Nah, the walls were massive but not giant size. Shame we couldn't get in."
"What castle?" Moss asked, suddenly intrigued with the sixth.
"More of a ruin." Tink said. "But I couldn't see a way in except through these huge doors, but they were locked."
Moss summoned his key, making the others step back in alarm. The large rusty teeth stuck out towards the gnome. He leaned in to inspect the ornate design on the handle. "Never seen work like that before. What is it?"
The keeper went on to explain the rune Rene had given him. Quickly catching Lui up with the series of events that led to the secret area's discovery.
Moss was practically buzzing with excitement. Barely able to ask the question. "Do you think the castle is my temple?"
"I didn't see any windows like you described. The walls weren't exactly built for my kind to look over. Only one way to find out." Tink said.
Moss looked at the broken insignia, it whispered promises of a deeper purpose. Another path in his journey as the Custodian.
He was itching to go but the Believer's meeting was starting soon and the graveyard shift.
Moss groaned. He was happy to go back to work with his chainmates, But he had more important places to be. Which he quickly explained to the others.
Lui and Tink both shared a look.
"Only the lonely and mad willingly swim in a swamp. You're neither Moss." Lui said.
Tink shook his head. "Aye, lad. Tis dangerous. I wanna hear what Queenie's lot have to say but what if Pool finds out? Attending is treason. You'll be called.." The gnome looked over his shoulder before whispering. "A rogue."
"If I get caught I can always use this." Moss showed them the QuestGiver token and explained what Sir Quetin had told him.
Lui scoffed. "The gnolls will pull that off your dead body and then start asking questions. They enforce the law, but only in the order they see fit."
Moss nodded in agreement, but it didn't change his mind. He had to know, he had to take this leap.
"I'm going, I have to." He confirmed, to them and himself.
The gnome unsheathed his shifter. "So am I."
"No, I think this is invitation only. The OverSeer Gala knows me. If they see an outsider then claws will start flying, I don't wanna see your cloth getting torn because of me." The keeper said.
Lui whistled in agreement. "This is Moss's quest. You have your own Tink."
Moss was already heading for the door, but stopped at hearing this.
"What's this?"
The gnome pulled his polished goggles down and started wiping them excessively. "Me and Lui have been talking… about family. I think it's time I spoke to mine."
"And I'm gonna search for mine at the Quarter as well." The MolePede added.
Moss slapped Tink on the arm. "That's a monster you can face, I believe in you. And Lui, I'm sorry, but I heard there were no bodies left at Minor's. And your band were right in the middle of it all." A twinge of guilt started in the keeper. He'd saved their lives by releasing the HellHare, but sacrificed a good clawful of dwellers in the process.
"Nah, those string pluckers weren't my family. They were Katz. That loot goblin wanted me to teach them and go touring the floors. I'm searching for Ruffles, my HareHound. She'd outpace any monster so I know she survived."
"You'll find her." Moss told him.
The last Keepers were spilling past his hovel by now.
Moss had to get amongst them if he wanted to sneak out early.
"I'm going to check on Rene after my meeting. But Good Flow to the both of you. We'll meet back here after our quests." Moss said.
But before he could leave, Guk walked into his hovel.
"Oi, SoftCloth!" His eyes went wide at seeing the other two. Lui's hunched form still towered over the others, while Tink whipped out his shifter.
Guk cleared his throat. "Sorry dwellers, can you rob him after his shift? He'll have more scrips by then anyway."
"He's our mate." The gnome spat.
Guk laughed before seeing they were serious. "Right. I've heard some odd shit flowing around the dungeon, but that's the maddest. Your back with your chain, Moss. I'm out."
"Do you have my scrips for that HolyRelic I found?" Moss sneered.
"Fuck no! You grubs are always trying to live off the crumbs of real monsters. Try working a bit harder next time." He said, flicking him the HolyV as he turned to leave.
But a hulking figure blocked the way, a deep snarl escaping its snarl.
"Oh pools no." Guk cried out.
Long claws slashed out, tearing cloth like MothWings and splashing gore across the others.
In the dim torch light. Moss could only see red blood and its large white fangs.

 

[Chaperone]

Guk's remains dripped off the bedposts, the walls, their clothes. The hulking figure stepped into the hovel's torch light.
Lui melted back. "I wont! I wont go back!"
Tink lifted his shifter out, ready to die for his friends, again.
While Moss just shook his head. "For Hell's sake."
Between sharp fangs, it growled. "Life for a life, pack brother."
"Fangor your smile is terrifying. Guys, this is the gnoll I mentioned."
The keeper's words did little to bridge that trust between dwellers and guards. He also didn't have time to start now.
Moss started licking his hovel clean, gathering Guk into a manageable boulder. "I know he was an arsehole but why? Why cut him down?"
"Few may disrespect the pack and live. He shall return from Pool's waters knowing his place amongst us now." The gnoll licked his own claws clean. Pleased with himself. Moss noted his own time in the well. A large section of fur across one shoulder was now thin and dull. He could see warped scars where it had been torn free by the MonarchWorm.
The keeper rolled the body out the door. He had to admit, it did feel good watching Guk die. Plus no one was going to punish a guard for his actions. They were the Core's muscle, her enforcers. Their actions were accepted as her own. It was their job at the end of the shift to maintain order. Guk's personality could be conceived as an offensive to public wellbeing. A small smile crept across Moss's face. His Flow was starting to change for the better.
"Right, I'll see you guys back here after my shift."
They timidly waved him off.
"I shall join you." Fangor announced, following his shadow.
"HHmmm, you don't have to. You were never in my debt. But, well we're even now anyway." Moss pointed out.
He had a good excuse for being late now. Even Kai's lot couldn't deny the action of a guard. But having the same gnoll following him around would look a little suspicious.
"My oath to you isn't repaid, brother. The fiend left nothing for the grubs." Fangor said.
The keeper noted both the respectful familiarity and derogatory title. No matter what he did or achieved would never overcome his race's prejudice.
They'd reached the swinging bridge that led from the Grotto to the Village. It bounced and swayed with gnoll's weight. Causing Moss to almost lose his 'excuse' over the side and into the mist.
Maybe I should just let him go. Who's going to miss the pest anyway?
The temptation was sweet. But the Orderer's lash would be waiting.
Moss reluctantly accepted he needed both of them, for now. Once his shift started then he could use his UnseenRunt and slip away.
Eventually they caught up with the keepers, who trudged along the platforms of the Village. Fangor had brought up the glittery spores. Moss had explained his great escape from the passage. Then subtley asked about the Doul on his shoulder.
"Do you notice anything else different about me?"
The gnoll glanced at him as the keepers formed a huddle. "You are… taller."
It was a statement, not a question.
"Yeh, must have been the blue mushrooms."
So no one can see it. Interesting.
Two keepers got on their knees, allowing Kai to hop onto their backs and be seen above the crowd. Where he spotted Moss and his new 'chainmate'. A poster hung off the tree trunk beside him. Most of it was covered in dye, but Moss knew all of the Core's sayings by now.
It read; 'Some Heroes have fangs. Watch thy neighbour. Do your part for Pools.' Monsters had always been suspicious of each other, especially between races.
The message painted over the top fought against that notion.
"This." Kai slapped the orange dye. "Is an offense to Pool's and an attack against our dungeon. Any such symbolism is illegal and punishable by immediate exile."
Moss was attuned to seeing mess for what it was, not hidden creative subtleties. The orange liquid had dribbled badly after being quickly slapped on. But it was certainly there. A flame in the shape of a shield wearing a crown. Not many monsters walked around in a perpetual blaze - or wore crowns.
Not your smartest move Queenie. But that orange… where have I seen it?
Moss looked around the crowd. All looked bored, except Franc.
"Unionists are not dwellers. They're a curse that needs banishing." Kai finished.
Fangor growled at the name, causing Moss to flinch. Several other keepers turned around then quickly scuttled away at the sight of him. That wasn't a good sign for a dweller hoping to attend their meeting.
"Not a fan of Unions?" Moss whispered.
"They're a festering plague on dungeon society. A rot that must be cut out and burnt before the masses. We shall route them out when the time is right." Fangor answered.
The crowd began to disperse, setting off throughout the Watcher's Woods and beyond to clean the vandalism.
Kai appeared from the masses.
"You're late." He said. Addressing Moss but looking at the gnoll.
"Yes, unfortunately Guk died. And I couldn't leave his shredded remains behind."
The Key keeper seemed to understand the hint. He put a claw on the boulder. "I'll recover him myself."
"And the scrips?" Fangor growled.
Kai looked between the two of them. "Will be delivered to Moss by Guk."
The gnoll nodded. It's nice having a bit of muscle, Moss decided.
Kai asked, politely, for Moss to find his chainleader and clean their appointed zone.
Instead of dismissing them, the key keeper simply stared at the gnoll.
It reminded Moss of the time he saw a monster, who'd just travelled across the Shifting Sands, seeing a cold brew that he couldn't afford.
The keeper left to start his work order and looked for his chain. They were already positioned at their station, and rapidly dispersed at his approach.
Moss felt like he was wearing Holy armour. But he knew what the real issue was.
"Fangor, while you're here could you reach that top part of the paint. If that's okay?" Moss asked, pointing up a great tree where his tiny frame couldn't get to. The gnoll tore his eyes from the mist for a flicker to regard the vandalism with disgust.
"Duty bound I am. But the dens taught us our place in this dungeon. I cannot." Fangor admitted. Once again vigilant for unseen foes that didn't exist.
Bloody brilliant. Does he think rogues are going to drop from the trees at this very moment.
"That's fine. I'll just climb up." Moss scaled the trunk with his claws and started licking it clean. "So… which den… are you… from?"
"ThreeClaw. We resided beside the Quarter. All gone now. Everyone I know."
The keeper was glad he was facing his work at the moment. Any monster would see the guilt across his face. "Hells bells. I'm sorry to hear that."
"It is the way of my Flow. When Hallowed Eve arrives I shall be rewarded with the Lover'sFruit and rebuild my den." The gnoll stated.
The Lover'sFruit was gifted to the high achievers. The keys of each races to be used or sold as they saw fit. This was for Minor monsters and above only. Keepers didn't make the cut.
But with so many dens spread between each floor. And the ThreeClaws beings obliterated while failing at their duty of maintaining order. Moss couldn't see why Fangor was so confident.
"What happens if the fruit goes to another den?"
"It shall not. All dens are given a mandatory supplement each season to maintain our numbers. I will receive a SnailWagon all for myself by the festival's end."
"At least get to start a whole new den. You could even give them a good name this time."
Fangor growled and held up his hand. Three claws curled out from his to make his point. "My ancestor's blood gave me these. My DenHead welcomed me with a name and added their own. It is our warcry, for we are proud to bear it into death. They taught me discipline and control, as condoned by our Core. It is the reason I am oath bound to you now. So please, if you have nothing important to say to me. Silence will suffice."
"Sorry. That was…" Moss cut himself off. He was about to mention how he'd love the idea of starting a new chain of keepers. Building them up, training in the best methods and work ethic. But the keeper could see a pain in Fangor. Even when the gnoll held himself high and growled at the mist.
He's hurting, and feels that he must repay me. When really we both don't want him to be here.
Moss looked over to his chainmates and saw Franc working alone. Sulking or angry. He usually hung around the others. But not this shift.
"Hey Fangor could you find out what candle it is?" Moss asked.
"At once." The gnoll charged on all fours into the mist and headed for the nearest platforms. Most shops held shift long candles burning inside. On a shelf beyond all their wares. The merchants claimed it was an expense they were happy to front for the community. But all dwellers knew the truth. You had to enter their shop to find out the time and then you'd get hit with some deal offer or sales pitch.
The mists swirled as the bounding figure disappeared. Moss had to rush. He ran at Franc who was currently cleaning the side of a SnailWagon stable. The large barn had been hit with a huge message; 'Together we are strong!'.
As Moss ran, he passed Dill and Kole. Who were lounging on thick shrubs and smoking ebonys.
"Yo, Moss. You running from those demons?" Dill asked, causing Kole to sit up and look around. Satisfied with mediocre inspection of the area. The keeper squirmed back into the foliage.
Moss skidded to a halt.
"Demons in the woods?"

 

[Chaperone]

Moss skidded to a halt. "Demons in the woods?"
"Yeh bro. They just tore up a whole chain about three trees back. There's bits of blue in the branches. Blood and guts and cloth and shit. It was terrible." Dill said.
"So terrible. We just had to have a break." Kole admitted as he handed his companion a smoke. Moss now smelt it for what it was - LowGrade Herbs.
Why would demons come onto the fifth when there were no raiders? Queenie always kept her warriors training in the ShiftingSands. Strange.
"Thanks for letting me know. Could you shout out if you see them?" Moss asked.
"Fuck no! I'm running." Dill said.
Kole shifted even deeper into his shrub. "I'll shout out for you Moss. You can hide in my bush castle with me."
Moss just nodded and headed for Franc. Now with less wax than before, he had to be faster than a gnoll.
"Holy hell, Moss!" Franc snapped, almost falling off the side of the stable. "I thought you were a ghoul!"
"Sorry about that. Look, I need to talk to you about that orange dye on your claws."
"Well… I'm cleaning it. So, yeh. It gets everywhere. There's some on your cloth too."
Moss didn't need to check his own cloak. He cleaned with his tongue and did it well.
"I saw it on you before the meeting. We've worked together for seasons Franc. So I know when you aren't yourself." Moss told him.
Franc's claws were trembling then. He couldn't help but look over his shoulder.
"I had to do it, Moss. They said I had to prove myself or Purry would be taken. Please don't report me. That gnoll-"
Moss took a step back. "It's not like that. He's only gone for a flicker so listen. I got the invite for the meeting. I have to go but it's by the Abyss. Can you cover my shift work?"
The other keeper stopped still. "You're skipping work to attend a Union meeting. Are you on ManaCrystals?"
"No. I'm on a quest. But I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important."
"I know. I know you've never missed a shift ever. But, Moss. You can't go. It's-"
A wave of cold mist wafted over them as Fangor landed. He breathed softly behind Moss as the keeper turned. The gnoll stood still like he hadn't just sprinted through the floor.
"Candle ten and a half." Fangor announced. His predatory gaze regarded Franc as he sniffed the air. They say gnoll guards were trained to smell rogue dwellers through walls. Both keepers waited while his nostrils flared.
Then the air puffed between them. And Kai appeared.
Moss wasn't surprised that the key keeper was no longer hiding his loot ability. As Orderer and leader, few could challenge him now.
Though I do have a gnoll whose life is dedicated to maintaining the law of the dungeon. Which Kai has broken.
"Great work team." Kai said, inspecting the nearby trees and stables. "You're progressing nicely."
Franc thanked him. Moss didn't.
Fangor growled.
The key regarded the gnoll once again before turning to him. "Moss, can we talk for a flicker?"
He nodded as they separated themselves from the others.
Kai sighed and shook his head. "You know, I never thought I'd say this but I miss Stew. He could be a real HolySword up your clothside most shifts. You know?"
The question sounded rhetorical but Kai let it hang between them. Moss needed this to be over so he could go. So he tried to fill the space with whatever came to mind.
"A real troll tosser."
Kai laughed. "Yeh. A mad goblin for work scrolls."
"No, he was a HarpyBanshee but every shift was his RedMood." Moss said with a giggle.
"Exactly. You know my pain. But you wouldn't believe how much I miss him now. Getting all these orders done each shift is more painful without him."
"Right. Well, I've got to actually finish my section too." Moss pointed out.
"You'll be fine. Your lot are one of the better chains." Kai stated even as they heard Dill and Kole chuckling from their shrub castle. "The others are useless or dead."
"Oh I heard. Demons in the woods?"
"It must be linked to these Union messages. But the guards won't leave the platforms just for keepers. It fucking pisses me off. No respect for us even when we maintain their entire world."
The constant fire in Moss bloomed. This was the reason for his ascension. The respect he'd bring the keepers once he held Kai's position. But right now he was getting a glance through the window. The struggles it brought. What they needed was more power. Both in council meetings and a seat with Pools herself. Once Moss claimed that, he could petition for greater punishments against keeper killers. Or armed gnolls to protect them on their shift.
Just like I have.
"What about Fangor?" Moss asked.
"The gnoll."
"Well he's kind of my gnoll now. Duty bound to me. It's a deep seeded practice taught within den culture, I'm sure you haven't heard about it. But I could ask him to protect the other chains during their shift." Moss offered.
"Seriously? And he'd go along with it, just like that?" Kai said.
Moss stood straight. Feeling bigger than the mighty key Kai for a flicker. "Of course. He'll do anything I ask."
"That would be huge, Moss. I'd have to find a way to repay you."
"Scrips usually work." Moss considered the numbers. "Say twenty for each candle he works."
"For a gnoll? I'd pay at least fourty."
"Deal." Moss said, shooting his hand out to seal the deal.
Kai hesitated. "Well, the only issue would be that we only have one gnoll and so many chains. All spread throughout the floor each shift. So to maximise Fangor's protective capabilities, he would have to know where they all are at all times."
"What are you saying?"
"Just that I know these things, but only because I'm the Orderer. Believe me, I've been key for a few seasons and I never paid attention to this scroll licking work. It's so dull. Would you wanna do it?" Kai said, offering his hand.
Orderer? Hell no. Parchment pushing dragon dung. I'd have no candles for my actual work as custodian or my quest.
"I'll have to pass. I like to get my claws dirty when I work." Moss told him.
"A real salt of the dungeon kind of monster. I respect that. I'll have to hold onto the position until we find Stew or you change your mind. Shame, the other keepers could have done with that gnoll." Kai shrugged and started to leave.
"Wait. Hey Fangor!" Moss waved over the gnoll. He then grabbed Kai and shook his hand. "40 scrips a candle." He whispered before the gnoll arrived.
"You summoned me." Fangor grumbled.
"Yes. Since your duty bound to me and I am a keeper of the cloth. Could you work with other keepers? Just to protect them. No cleaning or what not." Moss asked.
The gnoll thought for a flicker before shaking his head. "Shusky, the matriarch of the ThreeClaws spoke of a single bond that cannot be broken. This I share with you and you alone."
Banish my soul.
"How about I take our special 'bond' and pass it over to Kai here. He's the key keeper so similar to your den leader. So helping him is like helping me." Moss suggested.
The gnoll nodded.
"Excellent." Kai said. Once again offering his hand to Moss.
The keeper had rushed this part earlier so Fangor didn't have to see. But now it was out in the open and the others were both watching him.
Moss took it and felt a little bite in his palm.
He pulled it back to see red.
"Sealed in blood like the ThreeClaw's late Alpha Shusky SilentFang would trust. Order above all." Kai stated, showing the gnoll his own bloody hand.
"Order above all." Fangor repeated. "What do you need of me?" He asked, following Kai into the mist.
What in the hells just happened?
A hand landed on his shoulder causing Moss to jump.
"I think you just got swindled." Franc told him. "But if you're going to make that meeting I'd leave right this flicker."
Moss agreed and rushed off. He had more important things on his mind than scrips and hierarchy. He had to find out what Queenie was doing with the HolyRelics or no one was getting paid.
The keeper needed to spy on one of the dungeon's most dangerous enemies.
A Union of Rogue dwellers.

 

[Chaperone]

Moss crawled through the fungal foliage, it was dense and gloomy. Just like the mists, monsters were told not to stray from the paths. Unknown creatures lurked in the shadows. Strange noises and birds called from the hanging caps above. Their glow was dull now, making the journey slow and difficult. But the frightened keeper had the Doul's light, allowing him to push on. The wax was burning and the Believer's meeting would start soon.
"Mosssssss." A voice whispered.
He spun on the spot. Looking into the lights of the spore patches and shroom shrubs. Two blinked back at him.
Fuck this.
Moss dived between two fat caps, squeezing his body beneath their gills and wriggling his way through, towards a clearing on the other side.
It was wet inside, allowing his cloth to slide through with no issues.
Oddly warm too, and what is that sweet smell?
Having not eaten or drank any stamina potions in a few candles. The keeper couldn't help himself. His tongue probed the damp surface.
Wow, it's like MoonSugar and SwampTea all at once.
He licked again. This time across the gills where it dripped from. It worked wonders to his tired mind, killing the anxiety of going to the meeting. The stress of leaving his shift early was gone. Moss just wanted to curl up and stay in this dreamlike bedroll forever.
Pools must be smiling down on me to lead me to such a wonderful place. Why have I never heard of this shroom? I've never felt so safe and loved.
The keeper licked the gills again.
It was less sugary now, leaving only the bitter SwampTea flavour along with something else.
Bit of spice in there. And why is it more like syrup?
The keeper crawled forward, trying to find the delightful treat again.
When his claws grabbed a hard object. Even in the near darkness, Moss knew what this was. He'd worked with them his entire life - a bone.
The gloop was hot now, dripping over his cloak and wrapping him in a cosy blanket. Reminding him of the peace and quiet at the Oasis.
I promised myself to enjoy these moments. Why would I leave so soon? I can't even see the clearing now.
The mushroom embraced him, cuddling him so tightly that it blocked out the light.
I've never heard of such a loving plant? What is this? He asked Wendy.

SleeperShroom (Greater) - Rank 25

Full of pain? Regret? Trauma? Make it all go away in a SleeperShroom. These stationary beings are planted throughout the dungeon and offer a loving embrace in your final moments. Known in certain cultures as mind healers, SleeperShrooms release a powerful toxin that removes all emotional damage. Helping to relax their prey before slowly digesting them for several seasons.
There are more notes here. Hhmmm lots of detailed findings on experimenting with their toxins for remedies and elixirs. Trials went poorly due to losing too many researchers. Results recommend relabelling them as DeathBeds along with warning; avoiding their gills at all costs.

DeathBeds? I work with death. Pools must have created them for me. No wonder we fit so well together.
No, no, no. Shut up and listen you little idiot. It's tricking your mind. The toxins have infected you, making you believe you're happy while the shroom dissolves your body. You have to get out.

Moss rolled over, tucking himself deeper into the gills. He didn't like the way she was speaking to him. It reminded him of his old Chronicler.

It's not like that Wendy. It's all love in here. You should come join me.
Focus, Moss. Concentrate on your cloth. Do you feel that? The burning sensation as its acids chew away at you.

The keeper half listened. He didn't want to hear her nasty words anymore. She was treating him like a grub. Ordering him around like every other monster did.
But Wendy's never been mean before. Why now? What did I do?
He couldn't work it out. His head was full of BunnyLambs and clouds. They mushed his thoughts into waves of joy. But Wendy had always looked out for him. So Moss pushed, and pushed through the warm love. As he got deeper, it got warmer. Then hot, so hot it started to sting.
The keeper felt his body burning.
Is it really eating me? I thought it loved me?
Get out you fool. Fight it, Moss. Fight it like the keeper you are!
Moss started to dig his claws in. But the tiny points weren't sharp enough to break the surface. The shroom fought him with more love, embracing him. Forcing Moss into the gills and covering him in the spicy juices.
He couldn't reach for his rubbish bag, not that he had any decent weapons in there.
"Oh Pools." He giggled. "I think I'm gonna die in a mushroom."
He still held the bone, which he tried to swing around but couldn't find the space. It felt like the leg bone of a goblin.
Moss laughed. "Ahaha I'm as stupid as a greenskin."
His cloth was burning so badly now that he almost gave in back to the happy place.
The keeper considered his new abilities. All of them were useless in this situation. But he did have loot now.
Moss pulled the ring of Silence out and pressed it against the shrooms side.
"A gift for my new love." He cooed to the SleeperShroom.
Nothing happened.
The goop created a thick layer, stopping the ring from touching. Moss pushed against it. He struggled with all his might, but it wasn't enough.
"Take my gift! I got it for you!" Moss yelled. He braced himself against the other side. Using the bone for purchase against the slippery surface.
Crack.
The leg bone cracked beneath his grip, giving him an idea. He placed the ring near the knee joint, then pushed the bone against the gills above him. With CorpseCarrier activated, the surface began to bow out. A cold draught washed over the keeper. A tiny slither of light breaking through the darkness.
It's workin-
Snap.
The shroom closed as the bone broke in half. The ring landed on Moss, having no effect. He pocketed it.
Well, I tried. At least I wasn't eaten by the HellHare or torn apart by demons. Moss thought. In his final moments, Moss went to his happy place. Imagining himself working beside his chainmates. Teasing Pittons, bantering with Franc, hearing Dill and Koles most recent adventures.
Life was good at work. Why didn't I just stay there?
He thought of his last shift, with the Unions orange messages. Then he puffed into the frame, Kai, he appeared in Moss's imagination.
Kai will be key forever and he'll waste it. Just like I wasted being the custodian and a QuestGiver. None of them even knew. I never got the chance to show them all how high a keeper could go. And now I'll sleep here forever in a fucking mushroom.
Moss tore through the loving embrace that wrapped his mind. He thought of the demons pissing on his mates. Being called a grub or HoodRat. Being told to clean up after a party or seeing his chainmates killed for fun.
"Aaaahhhhhh!" Moss stabbed up in frustration. "Fuck you shroom!"
He stabbed again and again. More of the spicy syrup fell, but he didn't care anymore. Moss just kept stabbing and stabbing.
Then sweetness landed on his lips. It was cold and delightful.
Wait a flicker.

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