I've been a dungeon keeper fan for a long time (original over second), a while back I had a few stories which I unfortunately didn't finish and regret. I have considered returning to them but I'm not the same person and therefore my writing style isn't the same plus picking up a story again after so long would be tricky to do anyway. However, my 'creatures of the dungeon' story is something I could and did pick back up because its small silly bits of fun that are mostly nostalgia triggers for people. It got me to thinking that the few stories I've read are usually about a keeper or some person who becomes a keeper and while I have certainly enjoyed those stories I wanted to look at something a little different. This story looks at a band of heroes but while they are the starting point I aim to cover all sides of the dungeon keeper experience: heroes, keepers, heroes vs keeper/s and keeper vs keeper.
I also find myself in a situation where I have a lot of time to write so while thinking about this concept it just started pouring out you might say and knowing that I'll have more time to keep writing I decided hey why not, let's publish it and see what people think. I think I'm supposed to do something along the lines of: I don't own the dungeon keeper franchise; so there we go. I hope you enjoy this story and please I do enjoy getting feedback. On a final note I expect updates to come at least 1, usually 2 chapters per week at least. Thank you for your time, on to the story!
"Ok men, we will be moving out soon. We have received word that a new Keeper has created a heart in this realm. There's already enough problems with the two well established dungeons here. Our fortress will not be able to withstand a third. It's our job to get rid of this one before it gets too powerful." A man wearing light leather armour spoke as he leaned over a table with a map of the hero fortress and the tunnels leading to the two enemy Keepers as well as the suspected location of the third new dungeon. A second older man dressed in wizard garb nodded in agreement before pointing at the marker for the new dungeon heart.
"Scouting tunnellers, as well as my own divinations, were able to detect the inflow of evil energy into this area which we believe can only be the result of creating a new heart." He stroked his beard in thought before adding, "I do not think this new Keeper is very experienced. In the time it has been here it has not made any attempt to secure a gem source, merely tapped a small gold seam. The expansion of its dungeon must therefore be stunted and any creatures will likely not be capable of handling us."
"A milk run for once, the people here could use a victory, even a small one after everything that's happened." The priestess of their little group was always keeping an eye out for everyone, trying to keep their spirits up.
"I completely agree Thesia; but for now let's focus on how we're going to do this," the first man said before addressing the rest of the group. "Gerick, you will scout the way while Haldrun and Phineas follow up and open a path for the rest of us," he was speaking to a diminutive dwarf and his two larger mountain cousins. He then turned to a pair of tall, muscular men; they looked like brothers. "Thurg and Hurg keep an eye on them and be ready to cover them as soon as they break into the dungeon. Eira, Alistair and Fredrick, keep close behind and have those bows ready to provide fire support. Finally, Thesia and Anrakis, if Thurg and Hurg get overwhelmed be ready to catch any creatures that break through."
They all nodded as they received their orders before Anrakis said, "And you Farish?"
"As if you need to ask. I'll sneak around and catch the enemy from behind," he replied.
"Hah, after ye get yer hands on some o' the shinies in their treasure room no doubt," Haldrun chuckled.
Farish threw his hands up in mock defeat, "You got me. I'm giving you guys the hard work while I loot the place."
Anrakis eyed both of them sternly. The two couldn't help but smirk at their companion's serious demeanour.
After a moment Farish's smile faded and he spoke again in a sombre tone, "I know some of you are new to our group. Our last mission … well it went badly as you probably heard. After training with all of you though and seeing how you all fight, I know that we'll be able to handle this. So everyone get a good night's rest and assemble at the eastern gate in six hours. That is all." They all nodded and split off to do whatever it was they wanted before heading to their bunks. When all had left save Farish and Anrakis the two looked at the map for several minutes before either spoke.
"So what do you think?" Farish asked.
Anrakis looked up and said, "The formation is fine, I don't foresee any difficulties."
"You know I'm not talking about the plan," Farish huffed.
Anrakis closed his eyes in thought, "I feel their loss too, but these new recruits will do well."
"If they survive …" Farish mumbled.