96 rooms · levels 50–59
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The flaming chute seems to deposit all it devours in a large heap in the middle of the room. Bits of singed debris and tiny rocks lie scattered amid the room, as if exhausted from their long descent. Tiny flames dance across the granite path. The walls are completely engulfed in white flame. To the south an immense lake of fire spreads out as far as the eye can see. Although flame stretches over the vast lake the heat is strangely tolerable.
The granite path splits four ways at this junction. To the south it descends into the middle of the lake of fire. To the east and west the path wraps around the perimeter of the fiery chasm.
The path begins here as it traverses the eastern portion of the lake. The skies above are a deep crimson hue, its vastness interrupted only by a few blotchy sections of cumulus clouds. The light, fluffy clouds are a striking contrast to the blood shot sky.
The path takes a gradual turn to the right as it continues to follow the perimeter of the chasm. Down below the hot lava bubbles and boils as if alive.
The path continues to follow the natural curve of the lake as it twists around to the easternmost point. The large phoenixes that navigate the skies above seem to hover just over the fiery chasm, as if waiting for something to happen.
An immense structure made entirely of black marble stands perched above the lake of fire. A large granite door carved into the tower swings freely on its hinges, almost as if it is inviting passersby to enter. The long ascending staircase twists its way up to the pinnacle. Guarding each stair are two tiny black flames, that flicker with each passing gust.
The granite cobblestone continues to wind its way around the eastern side of the fiery lake. Great gusts of winds created by chasm structure blow the heat off the flames below, and keep this section of the land from being unbearable. Sometimes the eddies are strong enough to knock a small gnome from his feet.
The path forks here, with one arm continuing its way around the lake and the other heading down into the fiery chasm. Large shadows cast from a nearby hill smother the path at this junction, creating a most ominous atmosphere.
The path runs north-south as it hugs the curves of the shores below. Large amounts of phoenix guano litters the path here, nearly covering it. Perhaps these are the chosen ceremonial defecating grounds for the crimson beasts.
A crimson tower reaches for the sky just off the granite cobble pathway. This tower is significantly larger than the others at its base, suggesting somehow that it houses the most critical of all the flames. White marble stairs follow from the path to the entrance of the tower. On either side of each step tiny crimson flames seem to stand at attention. There are no visible windows or structures imbedded in the tower itself. The simplicity of it all is quite astounding.
The path curves slightly to mirror the southwest corner of the shores below. The macabre call of a phoenix rings out across the lake, reverberating off the rocky walls of the chasm. Nearby to the east a magnificently crimson tower shoots up out of the ground.
A long silence is finally broken as a phoenix shoots out of the fiery lake below and is born. Many questions concerning these strange marvels come to mind. What do they eat? Judging by their droppings something in large quantities. What mechanisms lie behind their incredible creation? Perhaps the answers lie ahead.
The path flattens out as it nears the southernmost point of the fiery chasm. Other than the litterings of a large phoenix the cobblestone is quite clean and hardly worn. Could this possibly be uncharted territory?
The path splits into four distinctly separate directions at the most southern point of the fiery chasm. To the north, the cobble descends deep into the fiery pit, while east and west follow the precise outline of the shores. The south presents a more treacherous choice, as the cobble has eroded quite significantly. In its place large flames have emerged. One must wonder if such a path is even navigable.
The path seems to flatten out as it nears the southern most point of the lake. Off in the distance long howls can be heard emanating from some beastly creature. Although comfort lies in fact that other living creatures roam this part of the land, their ghastly cries seem to negate that feeling of security.
The cobble granite path runs north-east as it follows the shores of the chasm. More prolific on this section of walkway are the flames of blue, red, white and black. They dance in nonsensical patterns, darting in and out of each other, never touching and full of life.
Suddenly a large eruption of lava spurts forth not more than five trolls lengths from the pathway. Up from the fiery lake rises a phoenix. Bits of molten lava drip from its feathery body as it ascends into the upper reaches of the atmosphere to join its brethren. At work here is the miracle of life, albeit quite unusual.
Yet another massive tower extends up from here into the stratosphere. It is quite peculiar that this impressive structure, made entirely of white marble can support its own weight, given its minuscule diameter. Perhaps there are other forces at work here. Small white flames stand at attention on either side of each step as they wind themselves up into the sky. The flames seem to dance with the excitement at the arrival of visitors.
The granite cobblestone extends further to the south as it twists its way around the southwest corner of the fiery lake. Upon further inspection you notice small organisms scurrying about in the primordial soup that fills the massive chasm. Whether these microorganisms are our most ancient ancestors is questionable, what is clear however is their incredible ability to withstand the most elevated of temperatures.
At this point the path splits into a 'Y', with one arm heading straight into the bowels of the fiery chasm and the other following the circumference of the lake.
The path continues to follow the nearly perfect circular shape of the lake of fire as it takes a turn to the south. The area appears to be completely devoid of vegetation, perhaps dictated by the complete lack of hydration. The granite continues to extend further to the south.
An immensely high marble tower stands perched above the granite pathway. Oddly enough it seems to be no more than a few trolls length in diameter. A large staircase winds its way up endlessly into the heavens. On either side of each step burn tiny blue flames, perpetrating a most welcoming invitation.
The lake of fire burns furiously at its center. Every so often large geysers of flame rocket upwards high into the air and almost out of sight. The phoenix birds seem to pay no attention however. Perhaps they are used to their surroundings, or perhaps they find great amusement in flirting with death. A tall but slim tower lies to the west.
The path takes a mild turn southwards as it follows the shores of the lake with incredible precision. Large phoenix birds fly high overhead, casting small shadows on the fiery mass. Every few minutes one will swoop down to within a few trolls length. Although they do indeed seem curious, their main focus of attention does not seem to be on the new travellers.
The path seems to outline the circumference of the lake of fire in near perfect fashion. As before, small flames of blue, red, white and black dance feverishly to and fro. Although inanimate they seem to dance with lifely agility. The granite path continues on further to the west.
The path begins its descent south into the fiery chasm. The temperature rises significantly as the lake of fire draws nearer. This does not seem to affect the phoenix birds however, as they quite frequently swoop quite close to the surface of the lake.
As the granite cobble nears the surface of the lake its yellow-brown surface fades to black. The charcoaled surface does however seem to provide ample traction, perhaps more than the granite path itself. Although heat radiation emanating from the lake blurs the vision, it is possible to make out a small platform at the very bottom of the path.
A tiny platform floats restlessly upon the surface of the massive lake of fire. To the east, west, north, and south, tiny cobble pathways drenched in soot lead up to the rim of the chasm that surrounds the lake. Perched upon a mount in the center of the platform, a large phoenix surveys the scene. Upon noticing company, he rustles his feathers, bares his talons, and prepares for battle. It is clear he will not surrender his position easily.
The granite cobble path is nearly pitch black at this point, covered from the soot and ash of the approaching fiery lake. On either side of the narrow trail flaming molten lava bubbles and boils with a natural splendor. Strange how something so magnificently beautiful can incur such deadly harm.
The path narrows significantly as it meanders its way down towards the middle of the fiery lake. Closer inspection of the chasm walls reveals small grooves that seem to align in a single direction. No doubt a glacier has carved this natural phenomenon millennia ago at the dawn of time.
The noise of the lake close to the surface is almost deafening. From a distance it is difficult to accurately gauge the amount of cacophony the bursting bubbles and the rolling lava waves actually create. It is strange how the same scene can be either serene or turbulent, depending on one's proximity.
The trail here hugs the side of the chasm walls as it twists its way towards the glowing liquid below. Halfway down the path a large phoenix stands perched on the edge of the cobble, giving a rest to its magnificent wings. Startled by the nearby intruders, it leaps from the path and ascends back into the sky.
It is difficult to maintain a sure footing on this steep section of the descending pathway. The charcoal residue caked on the granite does however aid in maintaining a secure balance. The temperature is quite unbearable, and seems to be rising at about the same rate as the path is dropping.
The path here is still quite high above fiery lake. Quite near to the east however it drops sharply as it heads into the center of the lake of fire.
As the path continues up the face, the trail becomes more treacherous and the footing less secure. To the south the face takes a steep incline, rendering it unscalable. There does however seem to be alternative paths leading both to the east and west. Each wind their way out of sight as they round the face of the mountain.
The eastern path appears so treacherous that it would be quite foolish to even attempt to continue further. In fact, the gravel and tiny rocks that line the ever narrowing path make attaining a sure footing impossible. Continuing to scale upwards would most certainly entail plummeting to one's death.
Braving the most treacherous of conditions has proved a most foolhardy choice. The vibrations from the walking of travellers has loosened a few large boulders near the summit causing them to cascade downwards. In turn other tiny pebbles make their way downwards causing even the most dextrous of adventurers to lose their footing and plummet onto the rocky crag below. Perhaps next time you will act conservatively when assessing your climbing skills. Death becomes you!
Upon further inspection the mountain appears to be more of a volcano. At the very summit a large hole is cut into the rock exposing the magma and smoke contained within the heart of the mountain. The muffled moans and grunts are now more vociferous than ever. The vast amount of smoke and steam billowing from the peak make looking down into the belly of the mountain impossible. The only passage down seems to be to the west, as the eastern path is definitely treacherous to the point of death.
The pebble laden path twists its way around the mountain once more as it nears the summit. The steam here is so thick that visibility has been reduced to near nothing. Grunts, moans and snarls that seem to be coming from the belly of the mountain fill the air. They are enough to turn even the bravest of adventurers away.
The trail winds its way around the rocky mountain. Although the path becomes quite narrow it is wide enough to allow even the largest of trolls a sure footing at every point. The majestic view becomes slowly clouded as the steam from the heart of the mountain flows from the apex and envelopes the entire summit.
The inside of the volcano burns with a grandeur never before seen. Hot molten lava drips steadily from the ceiling in a monotonic fashion. At the northernmost point a large dragon sits regally upon a throne of fire. Embedded within the throne are thousands of jewels of every kind, that sparkle incessantly with the crackling of each flame. The dragon turns his head, and is now aware that intruders have invaded his sanctuary.
The endless stairs open up into a rather tiny room. In the center of the room a large blue flame burns with piercing brightness completely coloring its surroundings. A larger replica of this flame burns directly in front of it, though not nearly as bright. Small rhombic patterns have been burnt into the wall creating a most dizzying effect. The only other noteworthy feature in the room are the four large windows that have been cut out of the northern, southern, eastern and western walls. The view from here is astounding.
The stairs open up into an open room with no walls or ceiling. Directly in the center of the room burns a deep dark flame. The flame burns with such intensity that it actually appears to be drawing in the light from its surroundings. A larger, less menacing flame burns directly in front, as if guarding its more powerful counterpart from outside harm. Each sway to and fro with the passing breeze.
Atop the majestic tower rests a large room cut out of a single piece of crimson marble. Clusters of rubies line the walls forming intricate fractal patterns that seem to go on endlessly. A white pedestal stands humbly in the center of the room. Atop the altar burns a crimson flame. So intense are the rays emanating from the fire that even a glance in its general direction proves to be harmful. Guarding the mother of flame stand two unfathomably hideous gargoyles, carved from the purest of agate. Upon entering the room the gargoyles burst into flame and begin to shake. Clearly they mean business.
A small trapdoor, cut into the white marble, separates this room from the rest of the tower, almost as if guarding a secret. In the center of the room a white flame burns with incredible intensity. As with each of the other flames, it is guarded by a larger replica of lesser intensity. The temperature in this room is almost unbearable, as there are no windows or openings to vent the heat. The featureless room is quite eerie.
Deep within the fiery lake lies a magnificent dwelling, with walls of emerald. One cannot even begin to comprehend how such a lair could even exist nestled deep within the bowels of the lava filled chasm, perhaps it existed from a previous era. Although the room contains no windows, save an exit up, it is well lit. Its decor is sparse, as most objects are unable to withstand such extreme temperatures. In the center of the room rests a diamond crusted case, covered in soot. Encircling the case is a ring of fire, extending from ceiling to floor. In the center of the flames a small crackling mass stands guard, chuckling silently to itself.
Small fluffy clouds swirl around aimlessly with each passing gust of wind. Although they are soft to the touch the cumulus clouds are somehow able to act as a stable stepping ground. The sensation is completely euphoric.
The formation of clouds seems to take a twist south here. With each step a small cloud is kicked loose, only to be lost with each passing current. Blue sky stretches out as far as the eye can see. What a magnificent view.
You hear a voice exclaim:
"Congratulations. We smile upon those who are able to use both their brain and their brawn. May the rest of your travels be fruitful."
A small cloud then whisks you away carrying you high into the sky.
Open space abounds in every direction. Directly underfoot a soft layer of cloud seems to act as a floor, although the feeling of floating is unmistakable. To the east a knight in brilliant armor stands tall with his mighty sword in hand. He smiles knowingly at his glinting sword.
A sign planted firmly in the clouds reads as follows:
Before you now, a riddler stands React correctly to explore the lands. You have but only a minute's time Before you die by severed spine. Use your brain, that's why it's there Quick, make haste now, if you dare.
"Only the penitent man shall pass"
A large updraft catches the cumulus path and kinks it off to the east. Although such a sudden change in path direction would normally seem startling, the serene atmosphere and euphoric feeling completely wash away any fear that might normally be present.
Off in the distance to the south a flock of birds caw as they travel the open sky. The softness of the clouds is enough to put a spring in anyone's step, almost as if there was a lack of gravity in these parts.
It appears the end of this cumulus section of clouds grows near to the east. The sun is directly overhead, and seems to smile upon all the world. Although the rays are strong they are not too warm, in fact they are almost perfect. Hopefully the serenity of this section of cloud will not end with their end.
The cumulus clouds seem to end abruptly here. Strangely enough another set of clouds floats in and settles directly overhead, blocking the view upwards. They do not seem quite as inviting as the clouds underfoot.
The cumulus clouds give way to a whole new section of the stratosphere - the ozone layer. The ozone layer is not nearly as peaceful or serene, as it seems to be in constant battle with its environment, almost as if protecting someone or something.
The temperature in the ozone is drastically different than that below. The sun's rays on this layer are intense, and burning, and seem to produce a nasty reaction on even the toughest of skin. It may be best to remain fully clothed.
The ozone layer does not seem to be quite as fluffy as its cumulus counterparts below. The spring the clouds below exerted is all but gone now. Each footstep now produces a resounding 'thud'. This is a most uncomfortable place indeed.
The ozone takes a sharp turn to the south at this point as a powerful gale pushes heavily on its phantom structure. The serene feeling that once abounded below is almost entirely gone.
There seems to be a large chunk of the ozone layer missing from this section of its structure. How such a thing could happen remains a mystery. Oddly enough it appears as if something has eaten its way through. How bizarre.
A strong gust of wind blows through bringing with it rain, thunder and hail. It would be wise to grab something to hang onto until this gale passes. As the storm comes to a close a magnificent rainbow forms overhead. The colors shine with renewed brightness and energy.
The rainbow seems to stretch out as far as the eye can see to the west. On the horizon the colors seem to blend together to form a magnificent spectacle indeed. Directly underfoot a bright band of brilliant red flows freely to the north and south.
The pathway running north-south appears to be paved with the most intensely colored red possible. Staring directly down for an extended period of time could even render one blind. Off in the near distance a tiny leprechaun dressed in a red tunic chuckles silently to himself as he eyes your gold.
Flowing almost flawlessly from the red path to the east emerges a succulently paved road of orange. The path radiates with such intensity that everything in the vicinity appears orange as well. Orange extends as far south as the eye can see.
Another leprechaun grins evilly as he sits upon his pot of gold. He is dressed from head to toe in orange garb. His green skin clashes fiercely with his clothes, making him all that much more prominent. His eyes seem to dart back and forth shiftily, until they come to rest on the money pouches. It would be wise to draw the strings tightly.
Crouched in the middle of the paved yellow road a rather large leprechaun hums noisily to himself as he chews on an old piece of bark. Unlike the previous leprechauns his skin is that of a pale lavender and he is almost naked, save a tiny yellow loincloth. Although this oaf does not appear mean and beguiling, his size alone makes him a veritable threat.
Emerging from the brilliant orange a canary yellow road appears. It is difficult to see as the yellow radiates from every piece of armor, sword and container. Through squinting eyes however it is possible to make out a large leprechaun to the north.
The yellow streaks to the east fade slowly giving rise to a road paved with the purest of emeralds. The glinting rays from the sun strike the precious gems and fray out in all directions coloring the immediate surroundings a marvelous forest green.
Standing on the edge of the emerald path a tiny leprechaun stands hunched over a crystal ball. He seems deeply enthralled with his find as he mumbles and chatters incessantly to himself. Donned on his head is a large, green pointy hat with yellow stars. His body is covered with a bright green cloak that almost seems to absorb the emerald's rays. The emerald path seems to change hues as it heads west.
The sapphire paved road shines with a brilliant hue in every direction as the sun shines down on it from above. Directly ahead a tiny blue leprechaun stares dreamily up into the heavens, as if daydreaming. He is covered with a long, dark cloak of the deepest blue and wears a tiny turban set with a sapphire upon his head. Every so often he lets out a long, dejected sigh, and seemingly pays no attention to his surroundings.
The emeralds that once abounded to the east are slowly replaced with the purest of sapphires. The deep blue path extends as far to the north as the eye can see, until it loses itself in the horizon. The deep rich colors of the sky coupled with those of the path produces an almost overwhelming sensation.
The sapphire set pathway to the east blends slowly into a solid indigo as it moves westwardly. The indigo seems to draw the sun's rays closer, trapping them permanently in its hypnotizing hue. Off in the distance below the macabre caw of a flock of ravens rings out, penetrating the long silence.
Directly south a medium sized leprechaun clad completely in dark colors dances joyously across the path. His indigo robe and cap seem to match exactly the colors of the rainbow underfoot. There seems to be a theme to this section of the land although it is quite difficult to place.
The last segment of the rainbow seems to be guarded by a violet colored leprechaun. Unlike the others, this one is completely naked, save the flames enshrouding his body. There appears to be a disturbance in the cloud above him.
The rainbow seems to come to an abrupt end as the indigo off to the east fades into the final violet hue. Peering over the edge of the rainbow reveals an almost nauseatingly beautiful sight. Nothing but blue sky peppered with clouds for miles in every direction. Many a foolish traveller has been captivated by this scene, and entranced, was sent plummeting to the grounds below.
The air in the section of the atmosphere is quite thin. Quick movements are ill advised, as there simply isn't enough oxygen up here to enable such acts. A deep, dense fog seems to swallow the stratosphere, drastically reducing visibility.
A great many grunts and moans permeate this area, although the thick fog seems to hide their exact location. It may be best to stick with numbers, as whomever or whatever is on the other end of these horrid sounds seems ferocious.
The fog rolls through the stratosphere almost severing visibility completely. The mist brings with it a tropical feel and the strange sounds emanating from within are almost jungle-like.
A small niche in the thick stratospheric fog is home to a tiny cloud dragon. She hovers slightly above the surface, surveying the scene. Her scales shine with a brilliant flash, despite the lack of sun. She is a most beautiful creature.
Far off to the east, a massive gate structure stands tall, preventing passage onwards. The thick fog makes navigation in this section of the atmosphere quite difficult. Fortunately, the gates are large enough to be seen in such limited visibility.
Although the fog here is dense, it is almost impossible not to see the massive white marble gates that block the passage up. Extending high into the endless skies above, they seem almost impenetrable. Large golden pillars lay overturned at their base, almost as if someone had attempted to barge their way in. The gates however are immaculate in their appearance. Clearly the intruders did not succeed.
Above the pearly gates the skies seem to go on indefinitely. Nothing but a blue and orange mixture of color for as far as the eye can see. Only now is it possible to understand how insignificant one is to the whole.
Off in the distance, blended in with the horizon, a tiny speck of cloud attempts to be seen. Upon further inspection, two shadows become apparent. At this, the highest point in the realms, two figures are resting upon thrones of cloud. They are the rulers of the atmosphere.
Upon immense cloud thrones sit two figures, a queen and a king. Scepters in hand they discuss amongst themselves the affairs of this part of the realm. A red carpet extends from the foot of each throne and gathers in the middle of the platform. Light shines in from all directions. From here, the view is breathtaking.
At the end of the small passageway an immense wooden door blocks any chance of continuing south. The massive oak door burns with the brightest flame yet still manages to remain unsinged. A large tapestry covers the exit north.
To the south an invisible barrier prevents further passage. Although there is nothing visible, a quick feel of the ethereal door reveals a tiny keyhole.
An immense wall of stone masonry blocks the passage south. The tower extends from floor to ceiling and appears almost impassable. Further inspection reveals a missing stone. Perhaps this is a keyhole.
A thin wall of water blocks the tunnel to the south. The ripples of the tiny waves break the monotonous silence down in the long forgotten passageway.
You hear a voice faintly in the distance:
Daring adventurers, you have broken the curse I have placed on the powerful Elemental Dragon Lord. There was a time when his powers were far enough dissipated throughout these realms where he could no longer pose a threat. Now however you have brought the Souls of the Lords together, and Zaxxon has wakened from his magical slumber. You must destroy him before the power of the Elemental Souls is once again used for evil. Good luck adventurers!
A tiny alcove lies recessed in the walls of a giant chasm. The depth of the cavern is undeterminable as the floor extends much further down than the longest visible distance. In the center of the chasm a massive platinum disk rotates counterclockwise. The light above radiates down onto the disk, spinning the light in all directions, creating a prism type effect. In the center of the prism a large dragon flaps his wings just above his golden throne. The Elemental Dragon Lord is protected on four sides by what appears to be one of each of the four elements. They are alert and watching for signs of danger.
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A massive platinum disk spins slowly in the center of this large chasm. The light from above is blinding as it scatters off the disk, radiating in all directions. The evil Elemental Dragon Lord glances quickly then orders his band of elements to attack. A mound of earth, a ball of fire, a tsunami, and a hurricane charge forwards. A veritable battle this will be.
Cut into the depths of the shadows a sort of meeting room for a secretive society of elite warriors emerges. A massive octagonal table cut from the purest black marble fills the majority of the room. Brilliant golden thrones covered partly by plush crimson velvet lie at each side of the octagonal table. Out of the center of the table a magnificent altar constructed of the purest darkness radiates immense waves of energy in all directions. There appears to be a strange inscription carved into the darkness. Save a plaque mounted on the base of the altar the rest of the room is bare.
Without warning a large flurry of clouds rushes in and surrounds the rainbow. Eventually the gales become so intense that it is no longer possible to remain standing. Like ragdolls, bodies and other assorted debris are sent flying, left to the mercy of the skies.