A8.
This is part of the #Dungeon23 challenge in which you make one room to a dungeon every day for a year. In an effort to link my memories to the creation, I am also writing a personal journal entry with each room that may or may not be related.
You don’t have to read that part.
A8.
The caves open up to a large cavern with high ceilings. A river runs down the river. Astute survivalists will most likely figure out which river this might be.
If you came from room A5, the northernmost entrance you are on a ledge 15 feet off the ground, and must climb down to reach the river bank.
If you came from A7, the southernmost entrance, you are level with the bank.
There is a single rope bridge that crosses the river. And plenty of rocks to hide behind.
Beyond the rope bridge is a small camp for Trogdars.
Looming over that camp is an incredible sight. It appears as though the top half of an ancient fortress is emerging from the earth. This is the top level of the fortress Kik’ina Kir.
It is clear that fortress is in use, as windows are alight with torches. Who is inside? Only one way to find out.
The River
Going down river is difficult as the water disappears into a tight tunnel, and may require you to hold your breath. HOWEVER, if via some miracle (or a luck roll?) someone tries to escape this way, they will fall out in a nearby lake. Put it next to a small town or village.
What the hell is going on?
There is a evil wizard living in the top half of Kik’ina Kir. Trogdars guard the outside of his fortress. He has given one of the Trogdars (the Shaman) rudimentary lessons in the necrotic arts, mostly for entertainment purposes.
1/8/23
So I believe the plan is to have the top half of a buried fortress help connect the first level to the second level of this mega dungeon extravaganza. That gives me an idea of how the next month or so should go.
But that seems so far away, who knows where my mind will be at by then. But I like where we’re headed.
…
The bridge of my nose feels bruised and hurts to be touched.
We sat at dinner trying to solve this mystery. I wrestle with my kids, and couldn’t remember catching a stray knee to the face. We came to the conclusion that Gail beat the shit out of me while we were sleeping and I just didn’t wake up.
For whatever reason this felt more plausible than having a sinus infection, which is the real answer.
I’ve never had one that felt like this, so I had no frame of reference. Does anyone else have that issue?
Like for decades I had zero idea what “heart burn” felt like. Maybe I’d had it before, but I just didn’t know that’s what it was. I “think” I’ve had it now, but even then I can’t be sure.
…
Watched most of National Treasure today, which, like heart burn, I managed to avoid for all these years.
I think mindless action star Nic Cage is a gift, and I wish even more films had been made during that period. Con Air. Face Off. The Rock. Good times. I’m happy he’s getting a resurgence with people making absolutely gonzo movies. Color Out of Space and Mandy being particular stand outs.
…
Been also exploring some of the David Bowie albums I never ventured into. 90’s Bowie is kind of my dark period as a fan. It’s just a different vibe from the 70’s rock, and 80’s art pop.
Currently I’m into Black Tie White Noise, which I’d avoided for years. I wasn’t ready. But listening to it now, there’s a lot to get excited about. Certainly Jump They Say is a stand out, and the opening track that he composed for his Wedding. Then there’s the clubby Pallas Athena.
There’s something about the electronic music of this period that takes me to a different place. It makes me think of the big Playstation 1 cases before they went to the square jewel cases.
See you tomorrow.
-Jae
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