Chrysalis

Chapter 689

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.

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

the council member for a moment, her antennae scratching the top of

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

long. Monsters would be storming up the tunnel in less than an hour! The carver clacked her mandibles to settle

nasty. Stand up what's left of the old gates, patch them up as best we can and mould the rock around them to hold

it looked somewhat disgusted. If there was one thing the entire caste hated, it was sloppy

the mage caste, make sure you put in a request quickly, they've been cooking

of the carvers

we can," she said, "I'm

in an unsightly angle). "If the extra mage support will get the job done faster, that's what we care about right

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 relatively minor fire put out, she was able to

Right! The council meeting!

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

department. She rushed to her seat and no sooner had she plopped herself

the gate?" she scented

think we'll be able to hack together a rough solution in a few hours

a face and Tungstant had to stifle a laugh. Some

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