This Used To Be About Dungeons полностью

“I didn’t realize there was a mana mine so close,” said Mizuki. “You’d think we’d get more wizards in the region.”

“Nah,” said Hannah. “Wizards need the mana stones, but bein’ close to a mine does nothin’ for them. Besides, none of the processin’ is close by.”

“And the woods?” asked Alfric. “What variety are they?”

“Nothin’ major,” said Hannah. “Thought to be a dungeon escape, but they’re slow growin’. Fractalwoods, I think they’re called, both the forest and the trees. So far as I know, there’s an outpost of scientist types there tryin’ to figure out somethin’ useful to do with them, but the town is so small that it’s mostly scientists.”

“Either of those might be valuable dungeons then,” said Alfric, rubbing his chin. “But best saved for later.”

“Fractalwoods are neat,” said Mizuki. “I went up there a few years back to see whether I could make anything of them and came back with a souvenir, which is probably still around here somewhere.”

“But there was nothin’ to be made of them?” asked Hannah. “No aether manipulation or what have you to be done?”

“Oh, I was a time god there, which was neat,” said Mizuki. “But nothing that anyone would pay me for.”

“It’s not polite to compare yourself to a god,” said Hannah, scowling. “Least of all in front of a cleric.”

“Sorry,” said Mizuki, though she couldn’t tell whether that was honest offense or good-natured ribbing. Either way, the scowl left Hannah’s face quickly, replaced by a smile. “For a while I had a standing offer out to any artisans who wanted things rapidly aged or wanted things cast forward in time or for people who wanted themselves cast forward in time, but I never had any takers. If we went into a dungeon, would it have some of that flavor to it? Or some kind of space manipulation aspect?”

“Hard to say,” said Alfric. “It would be best if we could speak with another team who had gone in. There’s supposed to be a tradition of leaving notes for other dungeoneers, but there was nothing at the Pucklechurch dungeon, and I’m actually not sure where the local Adventurers’ League branch is, but especially out in an area like this, they’re essentially useless.”

“They’re in Liberfell too, same as the druid,” said Hannah.

“Well, that suggests a course of action,” said Alfric with a sigh. “We go southwest, tackle the dungeon there, then Isra and I, or whoever likes, can take a trip further to the southwest, and find an inn for the night there. I think we could have come back from Tarchwood the same day, but there’s an unfortunate hill at the hex boundary, and I didn’t want to push it. Better to get things done quickly, so I think we’ll push for that dungeon in short order.”

“Another, so soon though?” asked Verity.

“You said a few days,” said Alfric, frowning. “Best to make plans for it now.”

“When I said a few days, I was thinking… well, that it sounded like more time than I think it actually is. Why not wait for the week to finish on the party so we can have the channel?”

“We don’t need the channel,” said Alfric. “The channel doesn’t do anything for us when we’re all in a dungeon together. It’s only marginally better than just talking and then mostly for clarity and because it’s quiet.”

“I think it might be more the idea that this is somethin’ we’re gettin’ ready for,” said Hannah. “So maybe we’ll plan on two days, but play it by ear, and see where we stand as far as trainin’ and equipment go. We got in some practice together yesterday, and we’ll do some more tomorrow, then have a day of true rest where we do nothin’ at all but eat and shop.”

“Sure,” said Alfric.

“Sounds good to me,” said Mizuki. “But obviously we’ll need Isra, especially if it’s going to mean another long trip for her.”

“Even with the stride boots I felt like I was at risk of falling behind her,” said Alfric.

“I’ll accept three days from now,” said Verity. “But we do need to spend some time practicing. Alfric, do you have time tomorrow? I’d like to see what pushing the limits on strength does.”

“I’ll need some time with Isra too,” said Mizuki. “I don’t know what kind of impact druids have on the aether, but hopefully there’ll be something to squeeze from it.” She reached over and stroked Tabbins, who was still up on the counter. “Maybe we can take Tabbins with us so she has someone to talk to.” She scratched his head. “Wouldn’t you like that, Tabbins?”

“Maybe,” said Alfric, who seemed like he was seriously starting to consider it. “At any rate, I’m quite hungry.” He looked at the stove, where the pot was bubbling. “Is the stew done?”

“Stew is a funny thing,” said Mizuki as she got a stack of bowls down from the counter. “It can be done, but the longer it has to meld, the better it tends to be. A stew is never truly done, in my opinion, because part of the process of stew is letting it sit for an hour or two so the herbs and the flavors can work themselves together and the sauce can develop a proper richness.” She smiled. “But yes, to answer the question, the stew is done.”