A woman levitated gracefully down crypt halls. An ephemeral blue energy furled and unfurled about. She passed by tombs and alcoves of bones packed with clay. There was a chest of jewels hidden behind one of them. Why? The Honorable Lady Evelyne d’Argent, Daughter of the Marquess of Silvermere, Angel of Tartarus- was unsure.

  She would often find treasure in a precarious place, and roll her eyes each time. What purpose did the compulsion to do such things serve? Certainly her master needed fresh corpses for his necromancy. But this seemed to attract much more attention than necessary. The surface levels of the dungeon have been pilfered multiple times by the same adventurers, whom were content to go as deep as they have.

  Perhaps it was tradition at this point. Evelyne was often amused by some of the adventurers who test themselves here. In life, she was a bit of a adventurous girl. It wasn't entirely unusual in a noble family to have members who desire adventure in their young lives. Though her father had not always loved what power the gods had gifted her.

  She was a [Beast Master] then- in life. But in undeath- she was now a [Vampire], and [Necromancer]. Though she had retained much of her abilities in life as well as is the vampires curse. It was all a part her masters objectives.

  Perhaps one would think she should be resentful of her murderer- he had taken her from her family after all. Her adventurous life using various beasts to combat the forces of evil. But she appreciated the immortality and power. Of it was ironic that she was the heart of a dungeon. It would often cause her to smile when looking at the adventurers above, trying so desperately against such weak opponents.

  The ages have come and gone, thousands of years. Her family had hired adventurers to try and reclaim her, the fools. The first adventuring party of many to fall here... At some point her family line was lost to history. As far as she could glean the great d'Argent line ends with her.

  She kept the titles and insisted the speaking beasts use it. They were a vestige of her living self. A memory of a time where she lived in regal estates, surrounded by a sea of green manicured gardens. Of dances and royal politics.

  Which stood in stark contrast of commanding legions of the undead and natures horrors. From the safety of a stone fortress the size of a city submerged in the ground below a system of caves.

  This was better, besides the dreary aesthetics. If she were human she would have dried up and become a withered old hag a long time ago. She stopped in front of a mirror, cursed to send the viewer into madness. And smiled. Her silver hair draped over tan skin. A pair of red eyes and pointed fangs reflected back at her. A twisted malice in her eyes.

  Evelyne had a sudden desire for a social event. It's been so long, and she hasn't seen the surface for ages at least. In a flash of blue she disappeared.

  And reappeared in a dark version of her estate. It was rebuilt inside of the dungeon, the garden even grew beneath the magical stones that shone like a constellation of stars across the vast ceiling. Mimicking the night sky well. A vampire could not exist in the sun after all.

  She stood beneath a Rotunda, a domed circular platform for tea ceremonies. It was calming to be surrounded by the roses of the garden.

  Evelyne clapped her hands; "Sako~" she said as if she was calling a pet to the room. "Yes Lady d'Argent." a latino man stood in the door.

  He had a white long sleeved shirt on with a lavender vest and black pants with shoes that shined brightly in the green light of the wall sconces. Sako bowed slightly.

  Evelyne stood there as if she was still waiting for him to enter the room. He stirred as he remembered; "HonorableLadyEvelyne d’ArgentDaughteroftheMarquessofSilvermereAngelofTartarus." he said quickly.

  She turned as if suddenly delighted. "Ah! There you are! Could you fetch me the red sequined dress please?", he looked at her in confusion. "Do you mean the sparkly one Lady Evelyne?"

  Her face went from a polite smile to a flat expression.

  "Of course my lady! Right away, excellent choice my lady!" his voice faded as he turned the corner leaving the room.

  Some of her servants have acted odd lately. She's heard them talk about strange matters. Some of them claimed this place was a 'necromancers starting area', or something of the sort. It matters not- she'd allowed them their delusions so long as they perform their duties.

  After a few moments a hurried Sako entered the room displaying a red dress in his arms. It did sparkle red as if covered in rubies and hugged the form tightly.

  Sako looked at her as if to say 'It clashes with her skin tone.' or something of that sort. Evelyne was certain. Evelyne scowled at him and pulled the dress away. "Away with you." she waved dismissively and the man left without a word.

  ---

  After she had dressed she teleported to the first level. The weaker monsters here served her out of fear, not blind loyalty like they did on deeper levels. They cowered and fled to the surface the moment she appeared.

  Large centipedes and mosquitos flew out of the cave system in swarms. The adventurers camped outside were surprised to see them. They died quickly.

  "Hmm... Should I return to my estate? Oh my~, this is so exciting! What could've brought this sudden adventurous urge?"

  She pulled an extravagant red cloak over her dress and ascended, the moon light was bright- illuminating the cleared landscape around the cave entrance in a pale white light. She basked in the light and smiled toothily. 'Yes, let me be seen. So long have I been buried.'

  The sounds of combat were heard around, this make shift camp was in ruins. As she went to the surface the monsters fled even further, to the forests on the horizon.

  There were some survivors observing her. Clutching wounds and limping out of the wreckage of tents and burning wagons. They saw the red glow of her eyes, the glint of her fangs and shuddered.

  "Hello..." she began to say, she would usually launch into a monologue about how they were doomed and darkness would swallow the world. But, she had an odd feeling. She didn't want to say that this time.

  "How are you?" she said instead. They exchanged looks. "I-its h-ha-rd t- spe-ak-" a roguish looking man said to her.

  "Ah. That's right." she quickly realized, and contained her aura. The survivors let out a breath as if they've been holding it this entire time. They probably were.

  "Are you going to kill us, monster?" a elderly man with a royal blue robe lined with shiny gold runes asked her. A mage or sorcerer of some sort most likely. He seemed the bravest of this lot.

  She put a finger to her lips. "Hmmm... I haven't decided yet. Also, don't call me monster. You are to address me as 'Lady d'Argent'. Also when you first address me I demand you use my full title which is; 'Honorable Lady Evelyne d’Argent, Daughter of the Marquess of Silvermere, Angel of Tartarus.' "

  The old man was confused at that.

  "Then we throw ourselves upon your mercy Lady d'Argent. We did not know this dungeon was occupied by a lady, and we humbly beg your forgiveness.", a man with a lute had stepped forward. 'What sort of buffoon would use a lute on the battlefield?' Evelyne thought.

  "You are hardly capable of inconveniencing me mortal, if you'd like you could test yourselves against my masters dungeon. I care little what you do."

  The tension was slowly fading from the group of survivors, and now they began to mourn those who had died. Tend to the wounded, and fight the few fires that had started. Evelyne just observed them. It was curious to her. She was experiencing new feelings she hadn't felt in a millennia. Was it... Sympathy? For these human mongrels?

  "Lady Evelyne!" a voice shouted from cave entrance. "Why did you leave the dungeon, didn't you say the master wanted you to protect it?" Sako asked as he rushed over. A group following him. The odd servants.

  Evelyne didn't have an answer for him. She felt compelled to leave the dungeon, she did not appreciate her masters chosen aesthetic. She suddenly found herself questioning much of her masters choices. Hoarding treasure out in the open? The layout of traps and monsters? His was as if he was challenging the adventurers to better themselves.

  She had a different idea. She was one of the most powerful beings alive, immortal with many lifetimes worth of knowledge of magic and battle.

  "My masters dungeon can defend itself. I believe I may better serve Typhus as an independent agent. Good luck to you servants.", Sako and the group of servants looked flabbergasted.

  She turned back to the adventurers. She walked to the pile they had created of the casualties. And lifted her hands.

  [Raise Dead]

  Blue energy slammed into the pile like a pool of water dropping from the sky.

  "What are you doing Lady Evelyne!?" the mage demanded to know. "I'm returning your friends to you. Would you not desire that?"

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  He blinked at her, and gripped his staff uncertainly. "You'll bring them back as monsters?"

  "Yes. They'll retain a portion of who they were in life, but they'll be gifted the [Undead] class by our God, Typhus. You are welcome."

  A man in blood spattered armor pushed through the crowd of survivors- "Heresy! Typhus is a betrayer god! A lesser entity, a being of depravity- twisting nature for his sick purposes!" he drew a bastard sword and charged at her. "For glory! For all that is good! For- ARH!"

  A green ghostly arrow pierced his shoulder. Then another. Then a bolt of fire, a sigil of some ancient language and design appeared floating above his head in black mist. All these magics killed him almost instantly.

  The other survivors flinched, and wondered if they should attack as well- but it would mean certain death. Some did flea into the forest, likely others who held allegiances to other gods and didn't want to put their after lives in danger for affiliating with her.

  The servants approached Lady Evelyne. Their various fine clothes began to ripple as if blown by wind. It was they who blasted the paladin into a pulp.

  "Oh, perhaps you desire to enact our masters will upon me for my desertion?" she smiled coyly as they approached.

  They marched up in silence, and kneeled.

  "Interesting, so you would like to serve me, why? What need would I have of you?" she asked.

  Sako stammered as he spoke. "H-honorable Lady Evelyne d’Argent, Daughter of the Marquess of Silvermere, Angel of Tartarus- it is not the master who teaches us our craft. If you are not in the dungeon, neither should we be. We're [Necromancers]. We have little choice in the matter, and besides- shouldn't a Lady of noble birth not have servants?" he pleaded with her.

  At this point the dead began to rise. Their eyes shot open, showing pale blue orbs in their place. Their skin paled, but mended itself. Many of them looked down at their hands, others looked around at the sky in shock. They were likely hearing the God Typhus tell them their new fate. They were now [Undead].

  Higher undead, left with their mental faculties intact but still undead. Raised by a powerful necromancer capable of creating sentient undead servants.

  "Br-bryce?" a woman asked, stepping towards an undead. She put a hand on the side of his face, and a tear fell from her cheek. He placed a hand over hers, and embraced her. She wept as he cradled her in his arms. Numerous reunions like these were had.

  "My servants, observe. I have created numerous high class undead in minutes- this is the true threat of our powers. Creating soldiers with total loyalty.", though, given her new attitude towards her master she was becoming skeptical of the loyalty. Perhaps if an Undead become sufficient level they could attain their own free will as she did.

  The undead hoard looked at her. Their creator, their new master. Their loved ones looked as well, in confusion.

  Evelyne stepped into the open, away from her servants.

  "My undead- my beautiful creations, rejoice! For you have been raised by I, and not a lesser necromancer! For you are greater undead, immortal and powerful!" she pumped her fist.

  Then she turned more serious;

  "That being said, there are some things that are best avoided in your new forms. Salt, silver, iron, fire, exposure to direct sunlight or fresh water for extended periods of time. Also prejudice, as most villages will destroy you on sight. As for your lovers, you may find intimate actions more difficult, but that will change as you increase your power. Which you can do by sleeping in desecrated soil, fertilized by the remains of other humans. Also combat and training so you know how to best use your enhanced powers. Know this, if nothing else- being undead comes with dark urges. Urges to rend flesh and kill. You can control these urges, if for no other reason but to avoid capture. You are compelled to follow your masters will, and my will is thus; 'Live your desires that you once had in life, and live by the morals and values you once had. If you are pursued to no end, find me and together we will destroy your enemies',"

  She then turned towards the adventurers; "If you tell anyone about these undead, I'll take it as an act of war upon my empire."

  "Understood, Lady Evelyne." the bard bowed awkwardly, and gestured for the others to do so as well.

  The servants murmured anxiously in the distance.

  "Sako, what the hell?", "What? We're necromancers, and she's our class trainer!", "But ever since we got trapped here, killing seems so... Real. It all seems so real. Are we the baddies?" a teen girl asked. "She resurrected the dead adventurers, kind of. She can't be that bad." another said. "This is a good opportunity, did you want to live in that dungeon forever?" they all got quiet after that.

  "True. But what about daylight? We'll be fine, but Evelyne needs to be inside. Where do we go?"

  Lady Evelyne approached them. The undead began helping the adventurers pack up, awkwardly resuming their lives. She would allow them their autonomy, at least until their significant others pass.

  "Servants." she said sternly. They all flinched and faced her. "Yes mistress?" Sako bowed again.

  "We will be going to the nearest city first. Prepare for the journey, you have thirty minutes. Do not dally." she said and floated up into the sky.

  The group of servants in fine clothes all looked towards Sako.

  "Uh... Can anyone [Raise Dead] a horse? Also, maybe we can fix this wagon- it seems the most salvageable.", "This one still has a wheel." another person said. They began to piece together a caravan. The undead horses weren't higher undead like Evelyne's, but they moved. Though every other step they would limp. Their wounds still visible.

  After 30 minutes they were on the dirt path that had been carved by all the adventuring caravans over the years. And it led straight to the place they wanted to go.

  ---

  Theo had a strange dream that night on the ship. He saw a vision of a familiar amulet with an ember gem. Fire. Blood. Smoke. A man with a receding silver hairline watched from beyond the flames.

  'Wake up.'

  He woke in the middle of night with cold sweats. Vaz was sleeping soundly at his side.

  The waves splashed heavily against the porthole to the side. It was partially submerging below the waves- a storm. Weren't they just off the coast though?

  It was beautiful though, the deep waters. Seaweed held glowing golden orbs like seed pods, and it lit the water like a city horizon. He just stood there mesmerized by it. every now and then the ship with lean upwards and the porthole would show the turbulent surface. It was an interesting contrast.

  Dipping back into the water, you would see the calm forest of seaweed.

  Then a shadow swam past. Theo squinted, was it just a trick of the light? It was too big to move so quickly.

  Then it rushed by again and the ship leaned away from it.

  "Vaz." Theo said. He looked over his shoulder, Vaz was sleeping still. "Vaz!"

  He rolled over; "Come back to bed..." he mumbled.

  Theo ran over and kicked him. "Get the hell up!", "W-what!?" he wiped at his eyes. Theo pointed towards the porthole. As Vaz got up and approached the small window the ship groaned. The wood made a cracking sound and a bolt fell from the porthole.

  "What in Tartarus?" he asked looking out and around the porthole. "Fuck. Not again." he said, and ran from the brig, pulling on his coat.

  "ALL HANDS ON DECK!" Theo heard through the ceiling, slightly muffled. Shouts of command and the thuds of many footfalls.

  Theo made for the rope ladder up, but the ship leaned to the side so much that he slid into some massive barrels. It leaned back and he slid across the opposite direction. "SHE'S TRYING TO CAPSIZE US!", a muffled voice shouted above.

  As Theo slid away from the large barrels a fourth time, he heard the ropes holding them start to crack.

  [Sticky Jump]

  The second he found his footing he launched up and grabbed the ceiling. His hands stuck firmly to the wood.

  'SNAP!'

  A thousand pounds of whiskey exploded out of the barrel as it slammed into the wall across from it. Flooding the floor with hard alcohol. The fumes burned his nostrils.

  "FIRST CHARGE! BRACE!"

  A bassy 'thump' was felt from the center of the ship and Theo popped off the ceiling and fell into the liquor.

  A blue light shone through the porthole- lightning was rippling throughout the ocean around them. A whale like hum was heard, the deep ton also had a lot of bass to it. It sounded in pain.

  Theo splashed out of the liquor and onto the rope ladder. The ship had stopped leaning left and right so much.

  He made it to the deck, people were running about. He took off his shoes- he could use his changeling abilities to prevent being cast over board. As the ship was also being pounded by massive waves.

  Vaz was weaving signs in the middle of the air, like he did before at the cavern. But this time he was mending the mast. It had cracked and was leaning, but somehow as if the wood was moving backwards in time it slowly healed.

  A man slid past Theo and grabbed his shoulder. "Thanks brother! That's a sailors skill!" he cheered. Theo felt a slight tug at his feet, but he was still held firmly in place. "Can you take me to the helm?" he asked Theo.

  Just then something rocketed out of the water- the shape of a whale, but the size of a carrier ship. It had multiple sets of fins along its body.

  A wave several stories tall erupted as it splashed back down into the water. As it struck the side of the ship there was a flash of white light. "Crap! The storm shields down! Kill the damn thing, Charge Two!"

  Theo was slowly guiding the pilot to the ships helm, while a crew on the opposite side of the ship spun a massive wooden crank. It clicked after so many rotations- it took several men to muscle through it. The ocean flashed with blue tendrils of lightning once more, but this time the 'bang' was defening.

  The ocean was still stormy, but the massive whale had stopped harassing them.

  "I think I got it from here." the pilot said and let go of Theos shoulder. At the worst possible moment. As suddenly the whale collided with the side of the ship. Theo grabbed for him but it was too late- the pilot was launched from the ship into the ocean.

  "Gregor's squall, fuck! We lost another Pilot! You there!" a man hanging from some ropes swung about while he shouted orders, and now he was pointing at Theo with a drawn saber. "Get to the helm!", "I never did that before!" Theo shouted back. "Just keep her level long enough so that we can send this bitch back to Tartarus!"

  The ship took another impact- the whale was hitting the ship directly now, and whatever shield it had before was no longer absorbing a portion of the force.

  Theo ran up the stairs to the second level of the deck. Everyone else was firing cannons below and the few that could were casting spells into the water. Theo saw the helm, the wooden wheel had many pegs. They blurred as the wheel spun sporadically. Theo grabbed it and instantly he felt the rudders jerk the ship upright.

  "Aha! That's it lad, that rudder is dwarven make- that sea bitch won't sink us yet!"

  The crew cheered.

  The whale emerged again- high up into the air- a ball of fire launched at it and was blocked by the ocean spray. Arrows and other spells bounced off it's thick blubbery hide. It crashed back down and Theo felt the wheel fighting to spin, the rudder straining against the force.

  Then another whale right after that one emerged- had they timed their attacks? It splashed in quick succession, emerging in front of the ship. Trying to slow their progress.

  "Gregor right our sails! Third Charge!" the captain shouted.

  The world turned white for several seconds, and Theos vision gradually returned. He was still holding the wheel. But one of the whales was floating on the waters surface.

  The hum of the whales calls emerged again. Mournfully -It was receding into the distance as the remaining whales surrounded their brothers corpse.

  The crew cheered again- now they only had the storm to contend with. "Good job lad, you have a fine pair of sea legs." the captain swung down and leapt near Theo. He shook his hand. "Glad to be of use sir.", then a flash of recognition passed his eyes. "Ah! You're that shipwrecked lad! My, if that turned out worse I'd be blaming your luck! Ha!" he laughed patting Theo on the back.

  Vaz walked over. "Seems we live to see another day.", "Ay, just a bit of Gregors Squall. You two handled yourselves well, if you'd like to earn a honest living sailing with us, a few positions just opened up."

  "I'm afraid we sail different waters my friend, but speaking of sailing, where are we? This is deep ocean."

  The captain smiled; "Tis' true. My employer had contacted me and requested I sail to Malta, a godless island teeming with goblins. It's just a brief voyage I assure you. The Black Hand only steals the fastest of ships."

  "You sail for... The Black Hand?" Vaz said turning white. Which said something, as he seemed latino. Or perhaps native american.

  "Heard the stories have ye? Well, some of them are true. Perhaps you could join our crew, or we can find another arrangement for you."

  "No, we'll join." Vaz said instantly. The captain laughed; "I thought you might reconsider!"

  'Thud,thud,thud', Theo heard a thumping sound from the side of the ship. A fish emerged over the side of the railing and ran towards the captain. The fish ran. It had a finned tail, gills, and fins on their sides and head- but they also had humanoid limbs and it ran like a Olympic athlete.

  Theo was stunned by its appearance, if it had chosen to stab him instead he might of let it. But the captain reacted instantly and bisected the half-man sized creature.

  "Drekthys. Gregor must be pissed. But while on this ship, I command the seas!", sounds of fighting broke out around the ship. Many of the fish-men were climbing over, and in through the cannon windows.

  "We're out of charges captain!", Vaz said, picking up the barbed spear the fishman had.

  "Tis but one line of defence! Release the Nymarion!" he commanded.

  A nearby sailor nearby nodded and went below deck.

  "Watch out!" Vaz said and slashed behind Theo- a fishman gurgled and flopped a few times on the ground clutching a wound to the chest before going still.

  "Thanks!", "Don't thank me, get behind me!" he grabbed Theo by the arm and stood in front protectively.

  The fight went on, for every 1 fishman cut down, two seemed to emerge. They were rocketing out of the water and splashing onto the ships deck at this point. Many sailors were dying.

  Then a turquoise blur curved around the ship. Purplish dark fishman blood splattered the deck as a aqua colored woman appeared. Below her waist, was a mermaids tail. The transition was covered with flowery fins, that were also on her shoulders, hips, and acted as the hair on her head. Folded neatly behind long pointed ears. Her breast were covered with bandage wraps.

  She scanned the ship for other fishmen, her large reflective eyes didn't move, instead they followed her head as she turned about.

  'Splash' another fishman leapt over and she didn't even turn to face it. She simply twirled her impossibly long glaive around and chopped off it's legs. He cried and flopped about holding it's stumps- but she was no longer concerned with it- she was searching for threats.

  "Damn. Why isn't she killing us? If shes your captive?" Theo asked. "Company secret." the captain said with a satisfied grin.

  The following morning the ship stunk. The smell of rotten fish was everywhere, and bisected corpses of the slimy fishmen were everywhere- their bulbous grey eyes had no life in them.

  The Nymarion went back below deck, Theo wondered what kind of arrangement they had. The Black Hand seemed like a shady organization.

  Apparently one he now worked for against his will. But they were going to the island his grandmother was, so he wasn't so worried. He didn't want to live his life on the sea. Forced to be a pirate like that Nymarion.

  He pushed a broom, pushing fishmen off the side of the boat. Wiping up their blood. He sighed, and looked out at the orange sunrise. The sea was dangerous, but so was this crew.

  [Level Up]! Theo heard in his head suddenly.