Somewhere in an unknown location deep underground, a soft [i]poof[/i] sound was heard as a shadowy figure appeared in the middle of a dark dungeon room. The room was about 20 by 20 feet in size, with one dungeon cell embedded in the northern wall and two in the eastern and western wall each. There was a high ceiling, with a few torches hanging well out of reach, though the flames were so dim that they might as well not have been there. The southern wall was featureless solid stone, with no door in sight. Inside each of the cells was a particular mortal being, chained to the wall with steel shackles, only just regaining consciousness. All of them were nearly naked, as their equipment and most of their clothing had been taken from them before being brought here.

The humanoid creature in the center of the room, little more than a silhouette due to the lack of lighting, looked over the bunch of them. [i]Fodder, just like all the rest.[/i] Yes, it was time. “Mortals,” the figure said in a calm voice that seemed unnatural in some way. “You may be wondering where you are.” He spoke to no one in particular, but knew each of them could hear him. “You are in the dungeons of Lord Asmodeus. How you came here is irrelevant. What matters is that you will fight and die for the Master’s enjoyment, like many others before you. But hope is not lost for you. The Master is merely offering you… a challenge of sorts. There is a single exit to this labyrinth. Reach it, and you will be free to go.”

Behind the figure, a glowing-red rune appeared on the wall, about 1 by 1 foot in size. “When you’re ready to leave, touch this rune to advance towards your demise.” The figure snapped his fingers. Suddenly, the torches on the walls grew in brightness and lit up the room, to reveal that the dark figure had disappeared again. With a metallic rattle, the shackles binding the prisoners opened by themselves and their cell doors unlocked and slowly swung open.