Averix: Call of the Everloft (Progression Fantasy LitRPG)

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

*Please note: this story and all its characters/terms are owned by IronLung (the new author account of JS Boyd)

Female MC/Multi-POV

Psychologically focused LitRPG

A character-driven Dark Fantasy narrative

Come chat Everloft atThe Darklands

Three Warriors.One dungeon.Limitless darkness...

In the land of Averix, one threat looms large over the entire realm: the great gaping pit in the earth known as The Everloft - a sentient dungeon with ten floors, all more gruesome than the last. For centuries this rot-infested chasm has lured adventurers to their doom with promises of riches beyond belief, only to swallow them one by one.

Now, against the cold breath of winter, three more unsuspecting mortals shall vow to traverse the darkness of the dungeon. And, while their motives might be quite different, one truth remains:

The Everloft hungers. And they shall be its finest meal.

UPLOAD SCHEDULE: Twochapters/week (Monday and Friday)

Read up to 15 chapters ahead on Patreon

NSFW scenes available on Patreon.

Cover by @cchaos

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2023
Author: Traversing the Dark

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.2/ 5.0
Followers: 902
Views: 124,994

Chapters(82 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

C. SpillerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Memorable characters and a number of cool fantasy races that aren't bogged down with exposition, and a complex world that never seems forced. Character and setting development are well placed. Just enough is revealed about the characters and the mysterious Everloft. I wasn't even sure if I would really like the litRPG genre- but in the hands of a good writer I found it totally accessible. Looking forward to the next chapter.
CT JohnsonRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall
Powerful from the first and all the way through. This story saysbdark fantasy and it goes really dark. From the beginning the world is painted with vivid detail, that only serves to rip away whatever hope that you have in this being "cheery". It's very bleak, but it captivates you. Especially as it introduces a cast and characters that come to life naturally and quickly.
Style
The author knew what they wanted and went for it. The dark gritty world comes to life as the author paints it with a flair, and every aspect shines because of it.
Story
Compelling. The author consistently tugs at our emotions allowing to connect with every scene while telling a progressive narrative thay keeps building on itself and moving forward.
Grammar
There was nothing I noticed grammar wise. The sentences, and paragraphs were well crafted
Character
This is truly the pinnacle of the fiction for the author. Getting characters to feel vibrant and real is one of the toughest challenges an author can face. But with the combination of style, setting, and story, when a character is introduced they feel like a natural development and integral part of the world. As dark as tbis story is, it's the characters that will keep you coming back for more.
Overall this is an excellent read. While I usually avoid the darker side of fantasy I have to say this is splendidly well done and has earned my follow.
CoffeeInMyDreamsRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Averix: Call of the Everloft was an instant win for me. I really appreciate the unique approach this LitRPG takes as it embodies the essence of classic 'High Fantasy' storytelling. The system in place is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the overall experience rather than hindering it (as of Chapter 10, I think there was only one chapter with blue boxes —which wasn’t intrusive at all). I’m glad to have started reading.
For those seeking a quick overview of the work's main strengths, here are a few that stood out to me (there are many more not listed below):
-EPIC world-building (really… that Epic feel —if you know, you know).
-Character-centric (3 protagonists).
-Enthralling, often witty, and believable dialogue.
-Hints at Deep lore.
-Immersive storytelling.
*Readers should be aware that the warning tags are there for a reason; however, the heavier themes are tactfully delivered and serve to deepen and bring our three protagonists to life —their motivations and reactions are given weight by the cruelties they experience— and are by no means there for shock value.
The story's excellent foreshadowing and engaging tone kept me captivated and eager to continue reading. I’ll breakdown my opinions on the work as per the Royal Road scoring criteria:
The style is pleasant to the eyes. The author uses a good blend of third-person limited with omniscient interspersed throughout to flesh out scenes —which is not an easy thing to do at all, yet it is done very well here. The prose is efficient and the use of descriptive language paints vivid pictures of environments, action, and darker scenes. Excellent. It has been and will be a pleasure to continue reading.
The story was the main aspect that hooked me (*Characters a close second). I’m a sucker for those ‘And the world trembled’ kind of Fantasy stories, à la Sanderson. The Everloft is a dark, dark place that calls out to those destined to delve into its depths, and I found myself with a tingle running down my
D.J. RintoulRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is an extraordinarily thoughtfully crafted tale. It's clear that a lot of planning has gone into this world and this narrative, and you are in the hands of an author who knows everything important about his/her own world at the time of setting pen to paper.
Thematically, Averix is a dark story. Each of the primary characters so far is an outcast, a criminal, or likely to suffer a horrible death. That's not to say anything against the rewards of reading it, though. There's a rich world to be explored, interesting lore that's being expanded as the story unfolds, multiple plotlines that may intersect in interesting ways in the future, and all of the characters are crafted with love. The antagonistic characters are easy to hate. The point of view characters, even the arguably evil ones, are easy to love.
This is also quite difficult to read in places. The reason is that this is one of those stories with incredibly dark passages in some parts and incredibly sweet character-driven passages in other areas. There's a bit of mood whiplash you can get, when the story alternates between a POV character being thrust into the probability of a horrible death, to a character receiving comfort from her friends, to a bleak chapter spent entirely inside the perspective of a horribly abused minor while she undergoes the abuse. That felt very unpleasant to read, which was undoubtedly the author's intent. On the other hand, the author isn't hiding the ball exactly. The first chapter establishes the tone, which is almost grimdark in places.
The most impressive thing to me about this work so far is that I have a strong sense of the building story. There's a complex narrative that the author is weaving in parallel among several point of view characters. There are false understandings of the way the world works that characters are working through based on information passed down. And you can tell that this is all building to something bigger in the future, some grand intersection of th
TheQueenofGremlinsRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall
This was my first time sitting down to read LitRPG and boy am I glad I did! The abilities and mechanics were explained in a way that was not overwhelming and were woven into the action of the story as well as the development of the characters we are following. It became part of the immersive experience as we learn along with the characters how the world and abilities work. The characters start off at a realistic level which makes for tense fight scenes as well as for plenty of internal tension within the characters as they learn about their abilities.
Style
This author is a pro at rich descriptions that allow us to visualize the world and the people while still moving the plot of the story forward. Action and darker sequences are followed through in gritty detail without being gratuitous, and remaining true to the characters involved. I truly appreciate and commend an author willing to dive into darker, uncomfortable themes and elements.
Grammar
This story is well edited without any glaring mistakes.
Story
It's evident how much thought and care has gone into the story's worldbuilding and lore, as well as the RPG mechanics. Its rich with diverse characters and belief systems. The plot moves forward at a steady pace while also allowing time for character introspection and reflection. Each POV has a complex set up with mysteries to uncover at every turn and foreshadowing to keep us guessing along the way. The story keeps us on our toes throughout the journey.
Characters
The story follows three compelling characters; Yelena, Marius and Amara. Each are strongly developed with their own unique plot, yet there is still a sense of unity. The Yelena and Amara chapters are introspective and intense as they deal with their inner turmoil and trauma. The Marius chapters offer a brief reprieve from the darker, heavier tone of the other two with his charismatic and quippy nature while still remaining tense and action packed.
If you're a fan of dark fantasy similar to 'Made
XeinzoRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm pretty new to the LitRPG genre, but I had a blast reading this. Off the bat, the cover, the story(or stories), and the writing as a whole put me in the mind of a light novel. The world itself was engrossing as well, and I loved being able to spot the various inspirations as well. Your characters, I'd say, were the strongest point overall, however. I'd say Marius is my favorite, though--- in a world as dark and gritty as Averix, it was nice to have a more lighthearted and humourous POV to ease things a bit, even in the rather shitty predicament he found himself in. Regardless, I look forward to seeing where all three characters end up and if anyone will get a happy ending. Definitely will continue reading this one.
pengabtRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A very well-written story that is obscured behind a wall of darkness. Does this mean anyone will be able to read it? I personally don't think so, but while this is a story not for the faint of heart, it's a story I believe anyone with a keen sense of readership would concur with the fact that this story is written superbly. Everything from the description details to the characters (my favourite part) is written up to amazing standards. I won't go into too much detail, but I must tell you I've been rather surprised by how well the author has taken care of writing some particular scenes.
The characters are the manifestation of three-dimensional characters. I personally felt compelled by all of them. I feel like this specific aspect of the narrative is not only my favourite, but is also where the narrative shines the brightest. The people that have actually read this story will understand what I mean by this. Some of the best works I have seen on RR character-wise.
As for grammar, I have found no errors whatsoever.
Overall, while this may not be a story for everyone, it is certainly a story undoubtedly well-written. And despite its dark setting, it is not enough to veil the masterful storytelling shining through its mask. Very well-written story. 5/5 from me.
FiniteVoidRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Averix Call of the Everloft is a tale that combines suspense, moral dilemmas, and psychological depth in a compelling narrative.
It is a captivating narrative that masterfully blends elements of dark fantasy, psychological horror, and LitRPG. The story is set in a richly imagined world where magic and moral dilemmas coexist. Each chapter introduces new challenges and mysteries, keeping the reader engaged and eager to turn the page. While the narrative is complex, it's clear that it's building up to something significant, leaving the reader curious and invested (I've yet to get to the payoff myself, but it's tasting sweet).
The writing style is polished and evocative, successfully combining suspenseful sequences with quieter, emotionally charged moments. The author's meticulous attention to detail adds layers to the world without bogging down the pace. The narrative is well-balanced, offering both action-packed sequences and introspective moments that add depth to the characters and the world they inhabit.
The characters are the real gems of this story. Yelena, Amara, and Marius are particularly intriguing, each with their own set of challenges, motivations, and internal voices guiding them. Yelena is a studious acolyte, while Amara is a wanderer with magical abilities, and Marius appears to be an adventurer of sorts. These characters are complex and well-developed, making them relatable and memorable.
The writing is clean and well-edited, with no noticeable grammatical errors. The dialogue is crisp and serves to flesh out characters rather than just move the plot along. This adds to the overall readability and enjoyment of the story.
Averix is an engaging and thought-provoking read that successfully combines elements of fantasy, horror, and moral philosophy. It's a story that respects its audience's intelligence and emotional range, offering no easy answers but plenty of food for thought. The characters are complex and the world-building is rich, making it a rewardi
HippioScipioRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall - I really like this story. The writing is well-paced and structured and the characters are just marvellous. Beyond some minor issues, I genuinely couldn't recommend reading this any more than I do.
Character - Very well done. Human characters that made me feel all kinds of stuff. I found no issue with this work in this domain.
Style - Exquisite, bar some aesthetic peculiarities.
Grammar - No issues.
Story - Just great.
KeeperAbraRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
TL;DR Wow, that's properly dark.
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Grammar. No errors hazarded!
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Overall
Yep, overall goes first.
—Because the first thing that strikes me is that all the elements play together seamlessly to create a cohesive and deep experience of the world.
Everything harks back to a gloomy, doomed overtone, constantly casting upon the reader the feeling that all are fated to be claimed by something unknowable.
The monsters feel truly monstrous—that they can kill and threaten everything you know; even a first-layer monster feels like it'd murder a whole village if it found one! The prose has this kind of flow to it that feels like a slow, thick stream that drags you along, and the characters are all different flavors of tragedy, so wildly different from each other.
10/10 get swallowed by the Everloft.
Also, the author has got quite the courage. (I'm looking at you, ch4. I never thought such a theme could be handled in that way before today.)
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Style. The words feel so doomed that I can almost see the specters of a writhing abyss projecting out of the page's source code.
The paragraph lengths provide just the right pacing for this sort of story, and the word choices and rich use of complex sentences are reminiscent of old-timey Lovecraftian language without being so difficult—which is, well, very much appropriate.
I feel that it would read nicely as an audiobook. It just has that kind of storyteller behind it.
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Story. There's plenty of POVs, and through these POVs, I feel like I've gotten to understand how the world of Averix works on a level that simply wouldn't be possible with just one POV, or even with an omniscient narrator.
None of the POVs are wasted at all. They just work.
I think the best thing I can praise is how information is slowly released to the reader. Exposition dumps don't exist here, and yet, you still get a coherent sense of how the world works without having to know everything about it.
Heck, I found myself wanting not to know. Everloft sker