8 Chapter 8 (1/2)
Chapter 8
”So, quick question Rue.” The two were flipping through the Dungeon Creator screen for what felt like the hundredth time. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the clock counting down. They had less than 18 hours remaining, before the adventurers could enter the game. So far, all the dungeon had was the basic room.
”What is it?” For the past few hours, they had been brainstorming countless layouts and possibilities for the dungeon. How many rooms it should have, what the hallways should be like, how they should modify it. However, no matter what they thought of, James always hesitated, and changed his mind. He was limited on resources, he couldn't afford to commit to a dungeon layout he wouldn't like.
”Does my first floor actually need to have multiple rooms?” He had been slowly mulling over an idea as he flipped through the Dungeon Creator options, eying all the possibilities before him. If he had to be honest, his Mad Cow mob had also helped inspire him. After he got over the initial anger of his misfortunate mob types, his mind had reminded him that this wasn't the first time he had come across demonic cows in a game.
A couple months ago, during a lull in action in Warcraft Universe, James had started looking into old school games. One such game he came across, which he had spent a few nights playing, was called Diablo, specifically its second version, Diablo II. He had decided to play it after reading a few forum posts calling back to what people were claiming was a golden age of PC gaming, and because it created by the same company that had put out Warcraft Universe. What's more, James had managed to find a 25th anniversary version of Diablo II, which had been remastered with much better graphics.
After lovingly conquering the game in solo mode, playing as a necromancer, he had dived deeper into the forums on the game, looking for fun things to do. One such thing he came across, was simply referred to as the Cow level. After following the instructions outlined in the guide, which involved combining a wooden leg with a magical tome in a certain area, he had opened a portal into a literally cow level. This cow level was filled with bipedal cows wielding polearms, and a boss known as The Cow King.
While James doubted his Mad Cows would be anything like those mobs, the level design had sparked an idea in his mind. An idea that he needed Rue's approval on to initiate.
”Well dungeons usually have floors filled with various rooms and paths, right?” Rue was staring at him, observing him. For once, James was pretty sure she didn't have any idea where he was going with his thought process.
”But, they don't have to, right?”
She shook her head. ”Well, no. As long as they have mobs and a boss mob-”
”-thanks.” He cut her off, turning back to the Dungeon Creator. As much as he wanted to ask her about boss mobs, something that hadn't yet been described to him, he wanted to see if he could create a basic layout for his floor first. Especially because if he didn't act now, he knew he would start doubting himself, and wouldn't act at all.
”What are you doing?” She whispered as she watched him flipping violently through the Dungeon Creator, while simultaneously tearing away large expanses of dirt and earth.
”Creating my first floor.” James responded nonchalantly, as he continued to create a large, empty cavern, even destroying the walls of his basic room that he had created, to connect it all. In his mind, he could imagine it. Players opening that small door, expecting to lead finally into a dungeon, but instead being met with a massive open expanse. It was simple, it was unique, and it was brilliant.