Chrysalis

The fourth stratum is considered by many to be the true world of Pangera. An incredible land of abundant mana, rich resources and verdant forests. Those strong enough to contest with the powerful monsters that spawn here can live an incredible life of infinite possibilities. For this reason, territory on the fourth is desperately sought and fiercely protected. Many of the great powers of the world have established their centre of government in this layer, their surface kingdoms existing merely to funnel people and resources to this, more important battleground.

If one looks deeper, there are multiple reasons for this, but perhaps one of the most overlooked is the nature of the fifth stratum. There is a great deal of focus on the positive qualities of the fourth, but in reality the inhospitable wasteland that is the fifth is a major reason why the fourth is so populated. First, it means an entire stratum is completely unsuitable for habitation, which puts a premium on land within the fourth. Unlike the third, which is merely unpleasant to live in, the fifth is completely hostile to life to an almost absurd degree.

The other consideration, is that the best place in the Dungeon to establish a powerbase to launch expeditions deeper is the fourth. The closer you can establish your safe zone to the fifth, the more likely you are to be able to push through and reach the sixth. For this reason, many consider the fifth stratum, the 'world of decay' to be the great dividing line of the Dungeon, even a halfway marker, of sorts. Of course, it is unknown, at least to this scholar, how many strata there are to the Dungeon, so this is more of an unofficial title than an accurate descriptor, but the sentiment remains a powerful one.

As to what powers and wealth reside in the sixth for those strong enough to reach it, it's a little galling to admit that this humble researcher does not know. Such things are the closest kept secrets of the great powers and any speculation on my part would be purely baseless.

• Excerpt from 'The great dividing line: The fifth stratum' by Elric.

Commander Myriam wasn't happy. In an unfortunate quirk of her character, at least in the context of the role she served within the Legion, when she wasn't happy it tended to show clearly on her face. Not the best trait for an ambassador to have, but as long as the consul didn't care, then neither did she.

In truth, the Legionem Abyssi didn't seem to value tact in its representatives. The Legion didn't value pretty words, they valued powerful actions, which was likely why all of their missives to foreign powers were carried exclusively by the immensely powerful.

It was difficult for the faces of the kaarmodo to show strong emotion, but she could tell from their stillness, their unblinking stares, and the defensive posture of the setsulah, that they could feel the anger rolling off her in waves.

Good.

feel her anger. When she felt she had a good enough grip on her temper, Myriam turned to the ancient creature beside her and looked

Consul to say when I bring her

her withering glare and the setsulah attendants reacted as if she'd punched the fool in the snoot. She shifted her glare onto them and they froze as the weight of her displeasure fell upon them as a physical

understand you more clearly,] the deep tones of Parron'tep rang in her head, [it

of the oversized gecko. Who in the hell did he think he

she will flatten it, along with you and everyone else

threat in her words riled the kaarmodo and they reacted strongly. The enormous creatures peeled back their lips to reveal dagger like teeth dripping with venom as the human in their midst threatened their lives with open contempt. All around the room the attendants reached for their weapons, needle pointed teeth bared in anger as their master's indignation boiled across their bond. Despite all of their anger,

response from the Mahaan. Still, none of the kaarmodo moved. She could not be harmed, of this they were

I have taken the responsibility of seeing this plan through to its completion, all that we ask is the Legion leave us to execute on our

possible, the commander's face grew even

to look aside from a clear breach of everything the Legion has ever stood for? Three thousand years of martial tradition and sacrifice?

have not ceased,] the Mahaan replied. [Surely the Legion believes, as we do, that the possibility of a second cataclysm exists? We cannot wait for such an event without taking measures to prepare. If we are able to remove the

to kill the Tree then rally your forces, contact your allies and attack it. Why resort to this…

we are to survive another Rending. Would the Legion throw

it was clear that

problem, bigger than the one

perfectly under control. There is no chance