Chrysalis

The process of 'peeling', or 'folding' Dungeon veins in order to create low mana density zones within the Dungeon was possibly the most important technique developed in the history of sapient habitation of the world below. Without this method, it would be difficult enough to live at any depth during times of normal mana concentration. During a wave, it’s impossible to exist as any settlement would be forced into a constant state of warfare as monsters leap from the walls, roof and floor.

Though expensive, labour intensive and requiring specific materials to achieve, the technique has been a foundational pillar of every major city and gathering place within the Dungeon, even in the upper strata. The method itself makes use of the Dungeon veins' own behaviour, wherein they invade and extend themselves into every available space.

Evidence exists that societies were performing the 'folding' technique during the latter stage of the Rending, as the various surviving empires and militaries began to extend their reach into the lower levels. It isn't known if the factions spread the knowledge amongst themselves or if the method was derived separately by each, but those who were able to first grasp the process and make use of it enjoyed a significant advantage in the territorial struggle that followed.

• Excerpt from page 25 of 'Territorial disputes and sovereignty in the Dungeon', by Cicero.

Tungstant's brain was spinning with a heady combination of exhaustion, exhilaration, grief, relief and worry. There was so much work for the carver caste to do and so little time in which to accomplish it that she honestly didn't think there was much chance it would be completed in time. What she needed to know yesterday, was exactly how much they could get done, and exactly what state the nest's defences would be in by the time the wave hit for real.

"How long until the gate is ready to go?" she asked with as much patience as she could muster.

The team in front of her launched into a long and detailed explanation of the structural integrity of the gate, the need to forge new brackets and anchor them to the wall, the re-shaping and compacting that needed to be done to the rock until she cracked.

know there are challenges, I know it's complicated, and I know you're working as hard as possible, just give me your

the job sized up the council member for a moment, her antennae scratching

in any proper way," the ant said finally, "there's just too much damage to the brackets and getting new ones

up the tunnel in less than an hour! The carver clacked her mandibles

gates, patch them up as best we can and mould the rock around them to hold them

was one thing the entire caste hated, it was

make sure you put in a request quickly, they've been cooking up something big over there and you'll need to get in

of the carvers flicks

as we

work," Tungstant grimaced (which for an ant, involved flexing the mandibles and tilting the antennae in an unsightly angle). "If the extra mage support will get the job done faster, that's

the end. A renewed frenzy takes over the worksite as the new direction is adopted and the carvers get to work establishing the leverage they'll need to get the gates standing again. With that

Right! The council meeting!

that she had that chore to deal with, she changed direction sharply, making her way to the designated council chamber as quickly as she could. A part of her was irritated at the idea that important work was being delayed for a meeting of all things, but she understood the necessity of it. Without proper coordination, the complex machinery of the Colony couldn't function properly, especially in a crisis like this. Most of the time the Colony ran itself just fine, her siblings were perfectly capable of making decisions regarding what needed

members already gathered. Even the Eldest was there, although they were still somewhat lacking in the leg department. She rushed to her seat and no sooner had she plopped herself down in it, her thorax resting comfortably in the carved grooves than Cobalt

things looking with the gate?" she scented

great," she replied, just as softly, "but I think we'll be able to hack together a rough solution in a

and Tungstant had to stifle a