The Dungeon Keeper

[Antega]

This is a (relatively) short story - one of many to come - of a Runescape warrior named Verin, who ventured into Taverly Dungeon in search of the 'Dungeon Keeper', a strange, mysterious legend who rumours to guard armour of the Dragon, along with numerous other riches...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dungeon Keeper

 

 

 

By Antega

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amber sun rose up from behind Ice Mountain in the far east, casting the usual whitish glow over Taverly, the village of the Druids. Verin reigned in his horse, taking in the fabulous site of the place. He was tired after his early journey from Falador, but forgot about that as he took in the peaceful tranquility that seemed to hang around this area like a blanket. However, wanting to waste no time, Verin, went to the Herblaw shop, buying some food and some potions to increase his strength and revitilise his exhaustion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After that he went south, leaving the village and heading into a small woodland area. The ground went dark and muddy, compared to the grassy ground that surrounded Taverly. Suddenly he came to what he was looking for: an ominous, rotted ladder that went down a narrow hole. Taking his supplies and equipment, Verin climbed down the ladder, checking his Runite Armour and his priceless Dragon Sword.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verin, somewhat of a legend amongst the common folk of Falador, was a strong, mighty warrior of pure heart. Having conquered many places, including the Demons of Karajima and the Dragon of Crandor; Verin was no warrior to be underestimated. With him he carried Rune Armour, his Dragon Sword, Red Dragonhide Armour and his prized Yew Longbow, along with plenty of Mithril Arrows, of course. He also had various potions, food, and his Dragonstone Amulet - worth over one hundred thousand gold pieces. Verin had hoped that the teleportation that it possessed would work, but some force inside the dungeon prevented it from working. Verin hadn't relied on it, but now knew that if he needed to quickly escape, he would need wits and talent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But why was Verin venturing into one of the most dangerous dungeons in Runescape? Well, he had heard rumours in the Rising Sun Inn at Falador, which told of a mysterious figure known as the 'Dungeon Keeper' who created the cave under Taverly, yet no one knows why. Being the bold, fearless adventurer he was, Verin hoped to solve the mystery, and discover just what else was down there. But all knew of the ferocious creatures that dominated the dungeon: Dragons, Demons, Scorpions and Chaos Dwarves to name a few, but Verin was a strong warrior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As he reached the bottom of the ladder, two skeletons immedietely jumped at him! Quickly he raised his Dragon Sword and smashed them to pieces: they were only weak. He knew they would soon reform, so he hurried on, past some dark, looming suits of armour and down a cavernous corridor. He paused before he went down. Something wasn't right: there was a slight shimmer in the air. Ghosts! Immedietely he ducked as one whooshed over his head. He slashed upward, tearing through the Ghost's ethereal skin. The Ghost howled in pain and retreated back, as did its kin, fearing the warrior in Runite. Verin smiled to himself and headed onward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The corridor veered south and he scouted some Black Knights ahead. Black Knights? Why would they be in Taverly Dungeon? Something definitely wasn't right here. He might as well find out, so he walked boldly up to them. They confronted him, hands on their hilts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Halt!' said the leader sharply. Verin stopped, standing over them. 'What is your business here?' the leader asked.

 

 

 

'I am merely exploring this cavern,' Verin replied.

 

 

 

'Turn around and head home,' said the leader, 'there is nothing you should hope to find here.'

 

 

 

'Then why are you here?' Verin asked cooly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The leader's eyes narrowed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'That is the business of the Black Knights,' he answered coldly. 'Now please leave here and you will not be harmed.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verin smiled, and drew his Dragon Sword. The Black Knights, carrying mere Black armour and weaponry, stepped backward. The blood-red Dragon Sword glistened in the torchlight that lined the corridor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'You will regret this hostility towards our clan,' said the leader harshly, turning and leading his platoon into the gloom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verin smiled again, and went onward. The corridor turned left into a large room that was man-made out of brick and steel. Strange, to be made in a natural cavern? He ventured into it, and all of a sudden an axe came flying at him! Verin raised his Rune Kite Shield, reflecting the axe away, but more came shooting towards him. Verin turned and ran away, out of the large room, and nearly falling into a river of lava!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He was in a large, open cavern now, filled with lava. Only a small path lead through it, breaking off at various points to go into different other areas. Verin was too busy looking at it, that he missed the massive Scorpion poised to poision him! He saw it just too late, and the sting hit him, penetrating his Rune Plate Mail. Pain went through his body like a shockwave as the poision spread. Verin just managed to chop the sting off the Scorpion, killing it instantly. Wasting no time, he dug into his bag and pulled out an Antidote Potion he had bought at Taverly, gulping it down. Shortly after the pain went.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He carefully trod down the path, and went south into another immense room, similar to the one with the flying axes. Being as quiet as he can, he tiptoed forward and peered into the gloom. It was a large hall, filled with two long tables. Patrolling were lots of Black Knights!! Verin was confused. Why would there be so many Black Knights in a dungeon? He crept forward, getting a better look. Although still armed in Black, these wielded Runite Battle Axes, making them all the more deadly. Why were they armed so heavily? It made sense that they were guarding something - but what?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He crept forward, keeping to the wall, hoping to stay out of the Black Knights' sight. As he was reaching the middle, a cry went out - he had been discovered! Quickly he leapt up, but it was too late: dozens of Black Knights were rushing towards him. He drew his Dragon Sword, and held it high. The Black Knights stopped, eyeing him suspiciously. One, the same leader Verin had encountered before, stepped forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Our master wants to see you,' he declared. 'He demands your audience immedietely.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verin was speechless. The leader of the Black Knights had remained a mystery, as they never released their prisoners. They stripped him off his Rune armour and his Dragon Sword, and took it away. Verin didn't wnat to part with them, but he had no choice and besides - this was an oppurtunity no adventurer could miss. Besides, the Black Knights weren't skilled enough to use his equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without word they led him to the back of the room, and into another, yet smaller, hall. Lava filled this room, but a path went down to the middle, where there was an altar, a man dressed in a hooded black robe knealt before it. He was an average sized man, if a little small in the shoulders. The Black Knights bowed, and hurried out of the chamber, closing large black doors behind them. Verin studied the altar. It beared no resemblance to neither Saradomin, Guthix or even Zamorak. Slowly the figure in black rose, and turned, lowering his hood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He had a handsome face. His hair was completely black with no hint of lightness. Otherwise, his features were perfectly formed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'I have been expecting you, Verin,' he said calmly.

 

 

 

'Why have you brought me here?' Verin demanded.

 

 

 

'I have many things to tell you. My name is Zorak, and I am the leader of the Black Knights.'

 

 

 

Verin tried to keep the surprise from showing on his face. Zorak! So that was the leader behind the terrorism that plagued Asgarnia. He had to report Amik Vase, the leader of the White Knights, and tell him of this hideout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zorak laughed at Verin's surprised face. 'I know why you are down here, Verin. You are looking for the Dungeon Keeper, who resides further down in this dungeon. Along with countless treasures, he guards the last of a type of rune thought gone from this world for millennia: the Spirit Rune. When it is activated the user gains impossible power, enough for him to challenge even the Gods!'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verin understood now. It was mockingly simple. 'You want it.'

 

 

 

Zorak nodded. 'I do. I can defeat almighty Zamorak himself, and dominate the other Gods. But the Dungeon Keeper is strong, and even all of the Black Knights here couldn't destroy him, which is why I need your help. You see, you are a strong warrior, and with your help together we can sieze the Spirit Rune.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Only one may use the Spirit Rune,' Verin replied. 'I will take no part in this. I would rather die than pass over the power of the Gods onto you.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zorak's eyes narrowed dangerously.

 

 

 

'Then die you shall,' he said softly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Knights grabbed Verin from behind, dragging him away. Zorak turned back to the altar, covering his head with the hood once again. The Knights took Verin into the main hall, where more took him into another, smaller room to the east: a prison. They threw him in, locking the cell door behind them. Laughing, they strode off, and Verin sat, without armour or weapons, no longer a mighty warrior, but caged inside a cell, awaiting his doom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But he was not alone in the cell...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

----

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's the end. Look out for Dungeon Keeper 2!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you guys think? Rate out of 10 if you want...

[sragral]

I give it 10/10, but I didn't read it.

[Antega]

Oh... thanks anyway :P

[Antega]

Dungeon Keeper 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verin groaned, his head hurting against the cold, hard floor of the cell. There was very little light, and he could barely make out the burly jailer at guard outside. He heard a low breathing to his right, and saw that there was a small man there! He was small and slim, no doubt caused by the days of his containment. He was bold, but had a small, light grey beard on his chin, and Verin guessed him to be about forty or so years of age. He also beared a resemblance to the Druids up at Taverly. He was staring at Verin warily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'I won't hurt you,' said Verin, raising his hands in a peaceful gesture.

 

 

 

'I... I believe you!' stuttered the man, his voice panicky.

 

 

 

'Tell me your name,' said Verin patiently.

 

 

 

'H... Harold...' came the shaky reply.

 

 

 

'Why are you here?' Verin asked.

 

 

 

'I was just... collecting herbs, ya know? The Chaos Druids have plenty, and I can easily take a few down with me sword and nab a few. Then the Black Knights found me, and took me down here. I've been here ever since!'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There wasn't much Verin could say in reply, so he just nodded sympathetically. However, he was thinking furiously for a way of escape. He couldn't let Zorak get hold of the Spirit Stone, or chaos would grip the world of Runescape. Only he knew of his plans, and only he could stop him. But how? He was in a fortress full of armed Black Knights, and he had neither his weapon or his armour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He gloomily leaned back and brooded on this problem. Verin had escaped such places before. He himself had infiltrated the Black Knights' Fortress, far north of Asgarnia, and had sabotaged their secret weapon singlehandedly, which they were going to use to destroy the White Knights. That was just one of the many quests he had embarked upon; one of the chapters in his epic story. He hadn't got into the Legends Guild by giving up at problems. He overcame them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suddenly he heard a cry, and the sound of a throat being cut. Immedietely yells and alarms sounded through the place, and Verin stood up, peering out of the cell, trying to discover what was happening. Harold, sat up in interest, but didn't seem quite as excited as Verin. The Jailer sprang to his feet, drawing his Black Scimitar. All of a sudden a Mithril-clad warrior advanced upon the Jailer, quickly running him through. Verin recognised the man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was Antega, the rising warrior of Misthalin. After slaying the Delrith that threatened Varrock, and recovering the lost Shield of Arrav, and Antega became fairly famous. But Verin had seen the type before. They had a lot to learn, and they usually became too complacent and died on some quest or another. Verin wondered how Antega knew he was here, but saved that for later. Verin and Antega had met before, and were friends. Verin was a sort of teacher to Antega.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Thought you'd need a hand,' grinned Antega, unlocking the cell.

 

 

 

'Thanks,' said Verin, choking back a haughty reply at Antega's cockiness. 'Harold, come with us. The Black Knights will only torture you - or worse. Antega, do you know where my armour and weapon are?'

 

 

 

Antega shook his head. 'No, but this place isn't big.'

 

 

 

'Yes, but there are thirty of them here.'

 

 

 

'No problem for us, my friend. Come on, we don't have much time.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verin followed Antega out, Harold close behind, whimpering frighteningly. Outside the jail room (and into the main hall), were only five Black Knights. Still, they advanced menacingly upon Antega.

 

 

 

'I'll hold them off!' he said. 'Go and find your equipment!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without word Verin shot off, sprinting across the hall, jumping over a table and into a side-room. There were lines of beds - the Barracks. He tried another. In it he found a chest. Inside was his equipment! His Runite armour, his trusty Dragon Sword, and the food. Quickly putting them all on, he ran back to help his comrade. Antega had taken down one, but he was quickly being overwhelmed. Shouting one of his old warcries, Verin charged at them from behind, cutting down two. In their surprise, Antega took the advantage and slayed another. Verin took out the last one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'I could have taken them,' Antega told him.

 

 

 

'After this, Antega, I am going to buy you that Adamantite Battle Axe you've been asking for,' said Verin with a smile. Antega's face lit up immedietely.

 

 

 

'But, we have some business to attend to first.' He told Antega of his meeting with Zorak, and the Spirit Rune.

 

 

 

'That must be where all the Black Knights are!' Antega exclaimed. 'Are you sure you want to go? I've heard rumours that there are Demons and Dragons further down!'

 

 

 

'Its our only choice,' said Verin, 'we have to stop them from getting the Spirit Rune. Lets go.'

 

 

 

'Before you do,' Harold said, 'I wont be joining you. I'll head back to Taverly, and warn everyone about what's happening.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They left the Black Knights hideout, back into the lava room, Harold heading back to the entrance. This time they followed a path to the north, taking them into a narrow corridor, dimly lit by torches upon the walls. Suddenly, a large, red, monstrous beast rose up over them, joined by another two. Antega and Verin stepped backward, dodging out of the way of a savage claw attack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Lesser Demons!' Verin said. 'Antega, can you take these?'

 

 

 

'Piece of cake,' Antega said, 'I slayed the Delrith remember? And I brought along a little helper as well. He pulled out a long sword that shone more silver than steel and glistened brightly.

 

 

 

'Silverlight!' Verin breathed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antega thrusted it at the head Lesser Demon. As it touched, the beast melted, shrivelling into ash. He did the same with the other three.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Nice work,' observed Verin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They followed the corridor left, and it opened into a medium-sized cavern. There were two large Blue Dragons on the floor, dead. There were also five Black Knights, dead also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Ouch,' winced Antega.

 

 

 

'Look out!' yelled Verin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Blue Dragons flew at them. Verin pulled Antega down with him so they just avoided their firebreath. They were smaller than the Blue Dragons, and Verin guessed them to be offspring, but still deadly. Verin leapt up, pulling out his Yew Longbow, firing out a dozen Mithril arrows. The Dragons screeched, and charged at the two warriors. Antega waited until the last minute, and jumped onto the back of one, plunging his sword into the Dragon's neck. Before it dropped to the ground he had jumped to the other, and was methodically slaying them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In five short minutes they were all dead, and Antega jumped down beside Verin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'So that's what you did last Winter,' Verin remarked.

 

 

 

'Did what last Winter?'

 

 

 

'Trained your Agility.'

 

 

 

'Oh, yes,' Antega grinned. 'But it sure paid off.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They carried on, past the large cavern and south. They were back in the lava room, but the path carried them westward and then northward up another corridor. It opened into another large cavern, containing Black Demons! These were deadlier than the Lesser Demons and the Baby Blue Dragons put together, but Antega dispatched them easily with his Silverlight. They proceeded northward, down another corridor, and then westward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They arrived in a large cavern, the largest yet. Moreover, it was filled with dead Black Dragons: the second most deadly creature in all Runescape. It was also littered with Black Knights. At the end was a shiny white door cut into the brown rock. Slowly, Antega and Verin went through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the floor, was a tall figure in a white robe, he was wounded, possibly dead. Upon a pedastal was Zorak, holding above him a tiny, grey stone. Engraved on it was a golden single, and two diagnonal lines on either side, like arms holding it up. A golden aura surrounded Zorak, and he was laughing triumphantly, but with it was a dark, menacing evil. Verin and Antega alike sensed the sheer power radiating from him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'NO!' yelled Verin, raising his Dragon Sword and launching himself at Zorak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zorak smiled and raised a hand. Verin stopped in his charge, as if hitting an invisible wall. Then he lifted up, so his feet weren't touching the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'I offered you my allegiance, Verin,' Zorak hissed. 'Now you shall die.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He squeezed his hand into a fist, and Verin dropped his Dragon Sword to the ground, gripping his neck as if being strangled. All colour drained from his face. Zorak opened his fist, and Verin dropped to the floor, dead. Antega gasped. One of his best friends had just died before his eyes. He stepped back, terrified of this being of power that threatened to destroy him. Zorak raised his hand again, but then lowered it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'No,' he said softly. 'I shall let you live. Spread the word that Zorak, Leader of the Black Knights, has become a God, and I alone shall rule Runescape, and send it into the Age of Darkness!'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zorak faded away and then vanished completely. Antega yelled out in despair, crying freely for his friend's death. Then, resolve gripped him. He picked up Verin's Dragon Sword, put it into his pack, and journeyed back to the entrance of the dungeon. He would get his vengeance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That, and Dungeon Keeper 1, are both the Prologue for the Runewar, in which great times of despair will come to Runescape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The stage is set for war. A war that will surpass the ferocity of any war fought on Runescape before. Evil is coming, with death along with it. Is there any hope for the peoples of Runescape?

[DevilKiller]

Spirit Rune...wonder where it came from...10/10!

[hurl]

very nice! so many authors on this forum that i can learn from :lol:

[Cloaked_Shadow]

thats really good! you should write a book!

[Antega]

That's what I'm doing ;) Along with this I'm writing another, its 100 (A4) pages long with no end in sight :D

[Kold_Kill]

9/10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awesome

[Kold_Kill]

very, very, very nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cant wait for the rest :)

[Guest Gon]

nice you totaly rock dude!!!!

[Guest Gon]

nice you totaly rock dude

[Cloaked_Shadow]

9/10! its quite good!

[Cloaked_Shadow]

quickly, make 3!

[JIMMIE]

8/10

 

 

 

Very original...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[JIM]

[bb_bart]

I give it 10/10, but I didn't read it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

lol, sorry i cant get quote to work, pm me if u can gimme some help :?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i also give 10/10 even tho i didnt read :P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i read first paragraph, looked at length, so i judged from that

[hurl]

please hurry! this is like the best story iv ever read!

[Gattree]

Searching in the depths of the Library I kneel down looking on the bottom shelf. There a thick green book grabs my attention entitled 'The Dungeon Keeper'. With my candle stick burning bright I glance through the pages and after not to long I start reading intensely the action packed book.

 

 

 

The story was great and like others have said it's very original. I hope others have the time to read the great piece of work. I rate it an 8/10.

[Gattree]

It was an ok story. I preferred the first much better. It seemed like this Prologue had obstacle after obstacle for the two warriors. Also the fact that your character lives and Verin dies is all too typical. 5/10

[dragoncmd]

I ive it an 8 out of 10 cause I'm a spoiled brat. Pretty good, I didn't notice anything bad about it, but nothing good stood out either.

[HARRYPOTT614]

you rock dude keep up da good work...it was pretty good :D =D>

[caseye0]

OMG i just read the whole thing and i loved it. Great Story 10/10 and can't wait for rest :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: