Dig Site 69

**Dig Site 69**, also known as **Dig Site 96**, is an expansive man-made cave system in central Aphelion lined with cutting-edge technology devoted to human and animal experimentation, as well as experiments in overcoming and breaking the laws of chemistry and physics. Created by Clockwork toward the end of the 48th century, its primary objective was the raising of a small yet incredibly powerful army that would sail with him through the multiverse and conquer numerous worlds for personal gain. Upon the failure of multiple experiments, Clockwork abandoned the testing site and it fell into complete destitution following his apparent death. Since, the rotting science lair has become the home of some of Aquila's most powerful creatures and mutants, all guarded by two unbelievably mighty beings.

## Name Meaning

The numerals 6 and 9 are horizontal-axis reflections of one another. Within the site, Clockwork's aim was to manipulate and master the powers of good and evil, order and chaos, joy and misery to unlock ultimate strength. The dungeon will also test the strongest of adventurers and serve as a lesson that polar opposites are not always both good; indeed, sometimes there is evil all around. The Dig Site labeling is shared with the rest of Clockwork's facilities around the world, some of which were looted and decommissioned by The Outlanders.

## Story

Clockwork, mostly known for being a mortal enemy of the Outlanders and also the modern-day name of all Sivellan CDR leaders, was a mad scientist who conducted experiments throughout Aquila in bending scientific rules as well as the moral fabric of humanity. Some of his gadgets and laboratories were destroyed by the aforementioned Outlanders, but the vast majority remained untouched and lost to time. Many facilities self-destructed with disuse, causing their contents to be forever lost and also spurring some civil terror. However, Dig Site 69's implosion mechanism was impossible to activate as Clockwork was ejected from the facility by his own failed experiments.

The site was all but forgotten until the ACS, in conjunction with numerous central Aphelian scholars, detected a quintessential anomaly in the area and decided to investigate. Upon breaking through the pailing set up by the charitable Clockwork to keep people out - or maybe his monsters in - ACS explorers repossessed the site key and began a foray into the cave system. Within, they found the most fearsome monsters they had seen in millennia, many drinking their power straight from lakes of pure void and the cries of lost souls. With much effort and numerous researchers driven to insanity, the Society was able to shakily secure most of the top four levels of the site. Throughout, they found a plethora of lab equipment, otherworldly substances, decayed skeletons of humans and animals, and what seemed to be torture machines.

The fifth sublevel housed the two deadliest creatures in all Aphelion and indeed some of the most dangerous in all Aquila itself. Although neither desired to leave the Site, they are monitored closely and termination is an option should they become hostile to the outside world. As of 4852, the Site has been resealed and almost all records of its existence have been expunged. It is protected by a pailing and an illusion that hides the roofed forest clearing it is located in. The Society has divided the key, yet they still hope that perhaps some mythically powerful warriors will one day come and cleanse the site for good. Until then, the Site will live on as a testament to the dangers of unchecked ambition and the dark side of science.

## Gameplay

Dig Site 69 is the final optional dungeon of the game, hosting its most powerful enemies as well as its two final superbosses. It is composed of six sublevels, the first five being inhabited by extremely dangerous monsters and traps as well as unique otherworldly treasure. The recommended level to venture into the dungeon is 100, the max. However, it is possible to open as soon as the final boss is defeated and the prerequisite quests, "Moral of the Story" and "Emanation's Call" are received from the DCS and the Iris mage coven respectively. The enemies within, while intimidating and deadly, drop treasures and riches almost as impressive as those they protect.

### Enemies

* King Arthur
* Azathoth
* Mephistopheles
* Lost Soul
* Asmodeus
* Void Gel
* Yurlungur
* Towerfiend
* Mammon
* Necromancer
* Obsidian Dragon
* Rotting Warlock
* MARK-α
* Paleodragon (miniboss)
* Null Hydra (miniboss)
* Ghastly Gibous (boss)
* Queen Candace (boss)