Lets Roleplay! (Floor 1 Update 1)

[Dagon]

(This in-character Blind Let's Play will contain spoilers)

My compatriots have elected me to record our journey into the depths of mount Grimrock. I am far from a scribe, I have even been told that my writing is hardly legible to anyone but myself. This has suited me just fine in the past, as I never really expected anyone other than me to actually read my inconprehensable scratchings. But alas, you are reading this, so I will assume one of two things has occured:

You have come across this pile of papyrus on my rotting corpse in the dungeons of Grimrock (the more likely possibility).
Or
I have published this account as part of my memoires after successfully escaping the bowls of this dreadful mountain.

If the latter, I thank you whole heartedly for purchasing this tale of grand adventure. If the former, then I hope my ramblings will at least let you forget your troubles for one night while you read of mine. And, if any of this aides you in overcoming the trials of this cruel and unusual punishment, so much the better. I dont care what you have done. If you survive this place, you deserve to live. In any case, you at least possess the gift of literacy (a rare talent these days) so I will treat you as I would any fellow scholar.

I am Dagon, and this is The Legend of Grimrock.

FLOOR 1

I have heard that often when you go through a terrible ordeal, you may form a bond with those who share the experience. I doubt our captors realized this when they never bothered to unlock the chains that bound me to my companions before plunging us into the abyss. Now though, the irony is not wasted on me; that our initial bond is such a literal one. I suppose I should introduce them to you, so that their names may at least be remembered. I have only met them today, but I shall tell you all that I have gleaned so far.

Jurgen leads our little group, or he likes to think he does. None of us are particularly eager to argue with the minotaur, and it is easy to convince him to think our way, so long as we take care to make sure he thinks it was his idea. He is proud, strong, and particularly dextrous for one of his kind. He did construction work in various cities before being condemned (excuse me, "pardoned"), and was apparently well known for his sturdy masonry. He was being contracted to construct cities walls before he committed his crime. When we asked him of it, he shamelessly boasted that he had gored a high ranking official who had attempted to steal his mate. Overall, nobody has qualms with him being in front.
Note: Jurgen has insisted that I mention that he has very large horns.

Wistala is lizard-kin like myself, I do not know what she did before this, but I suspect that it was not very pleasant work. She is quick and sturdy, possessing a surprising and compact strength. She knows her way around a blade very well, and I have no doubt that she has killed before. I suspect she was a soldier of the swamps, or some sort of mercenary. She seems far too cultured to be some sort of underworld scum; but she cannot read, so I could be mistaken. She is a mystery so far, but I've cracked tougher shells than hers before.

And last, Teradrim. He can barely speak our language, and possesses the dark skin and strange face of some breed of human. I think he is human, but I cannot be sure. I have not seen his like before. I greatly suspect he a shaman of some kind, as I have seen nature bend to his will on multiple occasions, and his strange aura compounds this hypothesis. It is somewhat akin to my own magic, but much more primal in nature. He evokes his powers more through forceful motion and fluid dances, rather than the incantations and complex gestures that I use. We both still use runes though, which has created some common ground for us both. If I can overcome the language barrier, I think I can learn much.

After our initial fall, both Wistala and I had to rest for a while. In addition to being exhausted from our long trip here, both of us had been injured from the fall. There were several racial slurs about lizard folk being weak tossed around by Jurgen, but eventually he agreed it was in everyones best interest to at least have a look around before setting off. Teradrim found this paper, though I really dont know what he was planning to do with it, considering he cant read. Jurgen spent his time forging makeshift weapons, the largest of which was a massive club made from a gnarled root and two loose bricks tied together with what had remained of Jurgens clothing. It smelled rather foul, but nobody could doubt its effectiveness when he wielded it. Both Teradrim and I accepted some sturdy roots to use as staff-like implements, good defensive weapons we were pleased to take. Wistala seemed to prefer to use her claws until we found something a bit more fitting.

a few hours passed with Teradrim tending to our wounds, and we tried to get some rest over the sound of Jurgen's impatient pacing. We tried passing the time by asking each other questions about our pasts crimes. But Wistala would not speak of either; and Teradrim did not understand, so we fell silent again after a time. Eventually something seemed to catch Jurgen's eye, and he stared intently at one of the walls of our chamber. I payed him no mind as he approached the wall beside me, and continued to simply rest. There was a soft "click" and suddenly the wall I was resting against began moving. Needless to say I was on my feet and at the other side of the room so fast even I didnt know how I got there. Apparently Jurgen is a more skilled mason than anyone gave him credit for, and had noticed an irregularity in the wall that turned out to be some kind of hidden switch. The wall I had been resting on had risen away to reveal a small secret alcove and a disturbing statue. Among the items in there was a pair of enchanted boots, a shuriken, and and inkwell! After my mad reflex dash across the room, Jurgen decided that I was more than fit to be up and about, and wouldnt take no for an answer.

We came to an understanding regarding our duties as we traveled through this first floor. Jurgen is in charge of carrying the heavy loads, and of defending me and Teradrim. Wistala manages our food and light resorces, carrying the keys and torches, but most importantly making sure everyone's rations are appropriate. Teradrim as we soon found out, is actually a skilled alchemist and healer; much to our delight. And I, being the only member of our party who can actually read and write, was on scribe duty. I document everything I can remember, and translate the various scrolls and riddles this mountain throws at us. Considering it would be nearly impossible to escape this place without someone literate, I like to think that my companions are more inclined to shield me from harm. As selfish as that may seem, it certainly helps me sleep at night. Or whatever time we tend to sleep, It's impossible to tell.

It wasn't long before we encountered one of the dungeons inhabitants. I don't think any of us expected this place to be devoid of life, but I think we were more prepared to fight other prisoners like ourselves. Instead, our first battle was with the largest snail I have ever seen.
I didn't even think snails could get that large, and I dont think anyone else did either, considering how we all simply stood and stared for a few moments before doing anything. It occurs to me as I write this that I have heard of fish growing to absurd sizes after gorging on the corpses of men dumped in rivers. Perhaps something similar happened here, with the snails feeding on the unfortunates who were "pardoned" here. Pure speculation of course, snails and fish are quite different beings. Anyway, this was the first time any of us had ever encountered a snail of the predatory variety, and none of us had even expected the snail to be here, let alone to be attacked by it. judging by the howl of pain and Jurgen's melted grey fur, I think that the slime congealed on the snails body and mouth is acidic in variety. Once we were all applied to the task, killing the snail was not difficult. We were much more aware of how dangerous our situation was after that. There was much more than simple traps and riddles lurking in the dark here, and I wondered what other monstrosities had decided to make this place its home. As we progressed, I amused my fellows by telling them stories I had heard of rich Barons creating dungeons like this to torture their prisoners, or to entertain guests as they watched the unlucky souls scurry about the maze like rats, attempting to navigate its perils. Apparently there were even coveted "Dungeon Makers" who specialized in designing deathtraps and labyrinths for those who desired them; sick individuals to be sure. I think my tales also had the effect of making everyone paranoid, which was just a bonus.

(I will be posting scans of my maps and notes at my earliest opportunity, until then, Dagon's writing skills will have to suffice. Enjoy!)

[Dagon]

-Reserved-

[Jack Dandy]

Looking forward to reading this (after finishing the game!)

[Nockar]

Nice read.

[PaleFire]

I am looking forward to the next entry of Dagon's journal

[Brail]

Needs more updates