After checking his map, Asari made his way through the twisting maze of corridors to where Lianus and Gem were waiting.

“Check this out,” the tall Bard said, stepping aside to reveal a heavy wooden chest in the corner of the room.

“Oh, wow,” Asari said, standing back and regarding the chest.

“Well?” Gem asked. “Aren’t you going to open it? Then we can go find the monsters and get the hell out of here.”

“Yeah...okay,” Asari said, taking a hesitant step forward. “The last time I opened one of these, a Nagara jumped out and poisoned me.”

“I already checked it for traps,” Gem said. “It looks clean, but just in case…” He strung his bow and drew an arrow from his quiver, standing at the ready. Lianus pulled his lute around, his fingers poised over the strings.

“Thanks,” Asari said. He walked over and placed his hands on the lid. “Before I open it, we’re splitting this three ways, right?”

“No, you go ahead,” Lianus said. “As thanks for your troubles. Not to sound elitist, but I certainly don’t need the money, and I pay Gem enough that he doesn’t need it either.”

Asari glanced at the Archer, who nodded. “Well...thanks.”

Do they seem sketchy to you, or is it just me? Thalon asked. I mean, nobody is rich enough to turn down Dungeon treasure.

“Do you think it’s a trick?” Asari whispered under his breath.

I don’t know, just be ready in case something nasty pops out of this chest.

Asari took a bracing breath and lifted the heavy lid.

The hinges squealed with rust and disuse, and he scrambled back, but no monsters appeared. He breathed a sigh of relief. Not a trick. Curious, he stepped close and looked over the rim of the chest. The bottom was littered with the usual loot—lots of coins, a couple of potions, and an ornamental dagger.

“Hey, nice haul,” Lianus said, stepping up beside him. “What kind of potions are those?”

Asari picked up one of the small bottles. He turned it back and forth in his hands, but it wasn’t labeled. He jumped as a System notification popped up.

Perception Check: Failed

“I can’t tell,” Asari said. Gem took it, looked hard at it, and handed it back.

“It’s a weak healing potion, good for 20 HP. This one—” He fetched the other bottle out of the chest. …