Floor 4, Part 2
Previously on Wizardry, we were just about to take the elevator down to B4 to face the mysterious trial the evil Andrew/Werdna had in store for us.
Laidlaw presses the B4 button, and we're instantly taken down to level four.
Welcome! Now lift your arms up and down! One two three four... Put more into it! Lift your arms higher!
Stretching your entire body is great to get that energy flowing! Exercise is good for the soul! Don't you feel your body and soul start to rot when you stay in the dungeon all day long?
Have we come here just for the exercise?
Just for the exercise? Did you say "just"?! Don't make fun of exercises... you'll make exercises cry!
We are currently at (10,8), which means we can now explore the second, more interesting part of B4.
There's another elevator at (10,0), but we can't access it yet.
No entry! We're working our butts off making repairs! SOMEBODY - or perhaps multiple somebodies - broke the elevator, the idiot(s). It doesn't work.
Ugh... I feel sick, Todd.
It's foul magicks, I'm telling you, Pete!
Stupid bastards! You thought I'd let you in without a trial? Tee hee.
There's nothing we can do about this door at the moment, so let's rather head north.
So naïve, so clueless! Aaaahhhh, your naïveté turns me on! Quicker, quicker, to the north!
Look what I've prepared for you! A testing ground! I'm sure you'll appreciate it. *giggles*
Oh no, intruders! Someone broke into my testing grounds! So unexpected! Unleash the monsters, tee hee!
Didn't I warn you about the monsters? What, I didn't? Eh, let's not worry about the details... That's my motto in life.
The alarm has sounded, and that means the encounter rate is going to be pretty high in here.
Whoa, this game has dragons?! Man, so it isn't so bad after all.
Sure, it lacks visceral action...
...the romances...
...or the button of awesome.
But hey, that's a start!
A step in the right direction.
Yeah, it's something we could work with, at least. And with our talent, I think we could just make something out of it.
Something more... majestic.
Something more... awesome.
We want to be dragons!
Gas dragons appears in groups of 1D4, have 5D8 HP each and armour class of 3. A Gas dragon can do up to 3 attacks per turn, dealing 1D4 or 3D6 damage. As their name indicates, they can breath gases that may poison your characters.
Dragons are also spellcasters. Gas dragons, for instance, can cast all Lvl 1 Mage spells.
Thankfully, we managed to surprise them this time, no doubt with our enthusiasm and wild outcries, and even though we don't really stand a chance of wiping them out before they can do all kinds of nasty things to us, we can at least hurt them real good.
Next turn we prepare some spells to help us make it through this fight: Sawyer casts Bamatu to lower our AC by four, and MCA goes for a Katino in an attempt to put the monsters to sleep.
Todd leaps at a Gas dragon and finishes it off. If there's one thing Skyrim has taught him, it's how to slay dragons in style.
Gaider's thieving skills must have really improved: his ambush is now pretty deadly.
Pretty
and deadly, honey.
Thankfully, the remaining dragon decides to cast Halito instead of breathing poison at us. A dragon kamikaze, no doubt.
Being no less experienced in fighting dragons than Todd, Pete easily deals with the last of the dragons, which earns us 1037 experience points. Not bad at all.
There's supposed to be a treasure repository at (8,16), but alas, the room is empty.
You thought I'd just let you claim my treasure that easily? Think again!
So let's rather go to (12,15).
Along the way, we run into a group of
Ogres. Ogres tend to come in groups of 1D8, have 4D8+1 HP and AC of 5. They only attack once per turn, for 2D6 damage, but they can put you to sleep sometimes.
This time, everything goes smoothly, and we gain 800 exp.
Then we finally reach (12,15).
The Monster Allocation Centre has the game's most challenging encounter so far (at 12,14), which can be safely called our first
real boss fight. It took me a lot of effort, and lots of TPKs, to pull it off at our current level (lvl 6), and I'll only be showing off the last and successful attempt. This fight can't be avoided if you want to access the second elevator at (10,0).
The encounter is fixed and pits our party against 7 foes: two Lvl 7 Fighters, two Lvl 7 Mages (3), two High Clerics (3), and a High Ninja. And yes, it is as bad as it sounds.
High Ninja always appears alone (technically, in a group of 1D1), has 12D4 HP and AC of -1, which makes him pretty hard to hit, especially at our level. He can attack up to 3 times per turn, hitting for 3D8 each time. Like all Ninjas, he also has a chance of delivering an Auto-kill attack.
High Priests (3) know the Priest spells up to level 5, appear in groups of 2D2+3, have 8D8 HP and AC of 2. They can also hit in melee for 1D8+4 points of damage.
Lvl 7 Mages (3) appear in groups of 2D1, have 7D4 HP and AC of 8. They can cast all the Mage spells up to level 4. Finally,
Lvl 7 Fighters have 7D10 HP, AC of 0, and can hit up to 2 times per turn for 1D12 damage.
Long story short, this fight definitely isn't a walk in the park.
Please enter the ring... of death!! Mwuahaha. And let the show begin!
Here in Monster Allocation Centre, Mad Overlord's dungeon, we have a big night of action in store for you! Brought to you by Origin Systems along with Westwood Studios and sponsored by Electronic Arts!
Introducing to you our two impartial and highly experienced judges scoring this bout from ringside. From Sosaria, Shamino Sallé Dacil, a solemn ranger.
I'm glad I do not look as aged as
he does!
I'll pretend I didn't hear that.-- From Earth, Sir Dupre, a knight and a handsome fighter.
It's Du-pre! Sounds like dew pray, dammit!
And now we have a woman at ringside who knows quite a bit about boxing. From Sosaria -- or was it Britannia? -- we have Julia, an agile and kindly tinker.
Aye, and wha' can ye be askin' of me, ya prick?
(Hey, thou! Yes, thou! Just between thou, myself and the lamppost, thou hadst better watch Julia. She hath a temper!)
What are your thoughts on today's match, Julia?
Wha' be I thinkin' of today's match? I be thinkin' self-preservation's the first of nature's laws, self-sacrifice bein' the highest rule of grace. An' I sure hope the developers will be graceful tonight! Khekhekhe.
Words of wisdom from Julia.
Hey, what did these scary freaks come here for?!
...Ah, yes. We came here to laugh at you. Gahahahahahahahaaa!
Ahahahahahahahaaa!
Gahahahaha, gahahahahaaa! Gahahaha, gahahaaa! Hoo.
Ahem, anyway. Alongside me here, my co-host, Mr. Iolo FitzOwen, a most charming bard.
Yes, it's always been a hobby of mine. Have you heard the piece "Stoning" that I composed some years ago?
Introducing to you first the challengers on my left, fighting out of the blue corner, entering the ring wearing gold trunks with black trim -- Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... The Developers!
[applause]
And their opponents across the ring, the defending champions on my right, fighting out of the red corner, wearing light blue trunks... Introducing High Ninja, two High Priests, two Level 7 Fighters, and two 7th Level Mages -- known collectively as the Monsters!
[applause]
So what do you think about the affair tonight, Iolo?
Though there is still need for the instruments of war, as I grow in years I would now take up those of peace. ... Oh, the affair tonight? Well, I think the big thing that you should look at when considering this fight is the fact that the fellas involved are all in peak shape.
There is no doubt about that. The Developers have that singleness of purpose, those minds of, er, mixed brilliance, and of course the experience of popping moles. They have all that going for them. The Monsters have the levels on their side, top notch agility, certainly tremendous strength.
I think one big story that we haven't mentioned could be the heat here tonight. IT'S PROBABLY IN THE 80s, and the humidity is probably IN THE 90s. It's got to take an effect, and which one goes first could be the answer to this fight. ... Me? I'll just play my lute and receive the good wishes of the people.
A great scene going on on the stage there now, at this very moment. I don't think we can catch it with our microphones, but... Gaider and Laidlaw, obviously, yelling across the way at High Ninja trying to psyche him and taunt him.
You think you're better than ME, huh? Think again, shithead. I'm the best motherfucking ROMANCE writer this side of Japan! I've been working my BUTT off to get to where I am now! You're NOT gonna stop me now! I'll make you go all EMOTIONAL and then romance the SHIT out of you!
D-don't come any closer, you freak! Or else... I-I'm gonna push the button, I swear!
This is all part of their tactics. This is something we're going to have to see, the Monsters, whether they can tolerate this, whether they will.
High Ninja looks pretty serious himself right there, cracks a little smile as he looks towards our camera. There's the face of determination.
They all seem like they're in good spirits. Everybody kidding around with each other. I actually see it a good fight. Nobody looks like they're afraid of each other, that's for sure!
It's getting very close to fight time.
I think it should be a real good fight.
Look at this now, as they stare. The Developers beginning to talk to the Monsters. They're really putting the stare on each other. Laidlaw has that serious look. MCA definitely talking to High Ninja, trying to solve this peacefully. Doesn't look like he'll succeed. Look at High Ninja give him the word.
So the stage is set. We're just about ready to begin round one.
Monsters ready. Developers ready. We're waiting for the opening bell.
[bell rings]
Here we go!
Sawyer starts off with a Bamatu trying to soften the Monsters' blows.
Todd quickly across the round getting the first punch.
Pete moves slow, bouncing around shifting left to right, certainly dancing slipping punches.
Pete lashes out with a light left, too much for Mage to take.
Gaider dances seductively now moves into the shadows. He may look bulky, but this man sure knows his trade when it comes to role-playing an assassin.
Laidlaw drops that Mahalito, taken on the forehead by Lvl 7 Mage.
High Priest discovering Gaider has him slightly confused, hitting him for fourteen with that Badial.
High Priest silences the group making obscene gestures, MCA cannot speak now.
Mage enveloping the Developers in darkness backing them to the far corner.
High Ninja taking advantage of that. There's that left upper cut and jabs to the body of Sawyer.
Pete still sliding around both ways, Fighter's punches missing him.
Six monsters left standing now. What do you think, Iolo?
All these fellas are still capable of dishing out tremendous punishment. The Monsters do it with a punch, the Developers do it over a period of rounds. It can go both ways.
Laidlaw's idea is to mahalito High Ninja backing up him and his henchmen in the corner and when they get tight let Pete whale away that vicious hook knocking Mage off his feet forever.
Laidlaw wasted his last energy on that move and cannot speak now.
Sawyer trying to hold High Ninja but failing. High Ninja moving cautiously.
A wild left hand stab thrown by Todd taken on the side of the head of High Priest.
High Priest's Badios scratching MCA for 2, MCA laughing it off.
Five opponents left now, the Developers sure getting the hang of it! But the Monsters still strong, still fighting!
Go on, show them!
Fighter, with a vicious uppercut, misses, ticketed for the head of Todd barely touches him.
Your mother would be ashamed!
High Ninja ties Todd up landing two heavy strikes for eighteen damage!
Your pain is my pain, Todd!
High Priests hyped up, stand back, eye Todd and Laidlaw up, hurl Badials.
Gaider having his problems, failing ambush check.
And the fight goes on, still five opponents left. Monsters looking better now, looking fresh!
Pete thrusting violently at High Ninja, his punch slips by the left ear.
With a sweet right hand to High Ninja's forehead, Todd knocks him out. Tide of battle turning in the Developers' favour!
Such an unexpected tragedy!
Lowly brats!
Come, my Fighters, kill the role-playing upstarts!
Laidlaw confused, forgets he's been silenced. What a scene!
Two wild right hands taken on the side of the head of High Priest! There's a real strong right hand just underneath the heart.
Come now, felicitate me!
Fighter fakes left, throws the straight right hand but misses pathetically, Sawyer barely noticing it.
What a tremendous, tremendous pace this round.
High Priest dances back, hangs on, then scores five with a Badios.
Only four of the Monsters left standing, their thirst for blood higher than ever!
Psst, my lord. I thought I saw Shamino root for the Developers.
Thou art a swine, Iolo!
Todd picking up steam, unleashing a majestic straight left at High Priest.
Sawyer gets a quick, short jab at High Priest. Not a big deal, but every blow counts! High Priest returns the favour.
Pete dances crazy looking to deliver the real heavy blows.
In a stunning finisher, knocks High Priest to the floor! Doesn't look like he's going to stand up any time soon.
This cannot be! Just three of the Monsters left! Four mighty foes already slain by the Developers! Are they really more than they seem? Do they have it in them to win the fight?
Good right hand thrown by Sawyer. High Priest bouncing back, almost falls out of the ring.
In a violent thrust, Todd bends him over.
Just look at that, Dupre!
That's
Sir Dupre to thee!
Sir Dupuke? Didst thou say Sir Dupuke?
Du-pre-!
Pardon me, Sir Dupuke!
I'm not going to listen to this anymore!
Next round, both groups now very much more fatigued than they were a round or so ago.
I caution you to look to the one punch that Fighter can deliver at any time; this man is devastating to say the least.
Alas, these punches aren't there at this particular time. Fighter's left hand not effective. Meanwhile, Pete tries to pull a sneaky right hand but misses.
In a dramatic knockout, Todd kills the remaining High Priest!
Only the two Fighters left now! It seems that, well, the match is going the way the Developers want!
Hey, first boss, you're screwed. Screeewed!
Gaider, Todd and Sawyer all throwing more punches at Fighter now. These punches will hurt. Fighter just takes them.
30 seconds into the round, Pete finishes Fighter off. Overwhelmed, his partner misses.
Not much to be said about the fate of the bout any more...
Pete lands a heavy devastating blow at Fighter.
That was no phantom punch.
Hell yeah! I'm invincible! I'm the BEST!!
You're so cruel, Pete... But that's why I love you so...
And the Monsters are all on the ground! The Developers have done it!
The Developers have done it!
They have done it!
We... have done it?
This is the most impressive scene ever seen in the history of dungeon crawling.
The most heartbreaking scene, an incredible scene. The place is going wild.
Them Developers ha' won. Impossible!
The thing you said was impossible they've done.
Absolutely unexpected.
I have to admit you put up a good show, you bastards.
.......
The treasure is yours!
The chest is protected by an Exploding Box trap, which Gaider easily disarms.
Wow, what a crappy trap! A craptrap!
Todd found Potion.
Only one question remains... can you take it? Can you
bear it?! Ahahaha.
What is he on about?
*shrugs*
MCA identifies the rod as
Rod of Flames, the potion as
Potion of Neutralizing, and the ring as
Ring of Death, then hands the ring over to Pete. The problem with the Ring of Death is, it reduces the carrier's HP by 3 with every step we take! Another nasty thing is, the more HP you have spent fighting and the fewer healing spells you have left, the less of a chance you have to carry the ring back to town.
Will we be able to make it back to town without having to drop the ring?
For now, however, let's explore the now accessible room at (11,11). (Note that Pete's HP is being depleted as we explore around.)
Ah! My old laboratory. Make yourselves at home!
Looks like we have no way but to take the orange-glowing door, finding ourselves at (11,10):
Yes, "brave adventurers", slay me! Take my amulet! And may the gods guide you. *giggles*
We find the Blue Ribbon, which lets us access the second elevator. But we have another problem on our hands currently!
Namely, the problem of our HP drastically decreasing! (Degenerating health! Only in Wizardry!)
We hurry back to B1.
Carrying the treasure, doesn't it feel good! Haha, carry it! Carry it!
Pete's HP hits 6, and we have to hand the ring over to Todd.
Lost and lonely children, although in despair, gathering up all their strength to go ahead, tee hee.
It doesn't take long for Todd's HP to be reduced to 3, and the Ring of Death is now Gaider's.
...Oh, nooo... The dryness is too much! We're gonna DIEEE! Hurryyy! Wateeer! Foooood!
Haha! Feel your HP drop! Think you can handle it?!
You HUGE JERK!
Next it's Laidlaw's turn to be carrying it.
So, so tired...
I'm tired... no more...
Stop whining, crybaby! We'll figure something out! I mean, sure I'm scared...! But we're REALLY doomed if we just give up!
Not much left now...
So they made it, my dear. They made it. But I won't let them ruin my dream. We're well-protected, my dear. Oh yes, we are! I shall RECLAIM my HONOUR!
Phew, we've barely made it. But the reward is worth it!
The Ring of Death sells for 250000 gold!
I love gold!
We're dirty rich now! Like back in the real world!
As to the why, it is of course a peculiarly Japanese mystery.
Still, I had to do a turn-by-turn commentary for the boss encounter, and I had to find a way to present it in a non-boring way. Otherwise most of the readers would've fallen asleep in the middle of the update. 
Has the quality dropped much?
