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A (pseudo-)LitRPG subgenre, where the main character is a 'Dungeon' or, in a more general sense, a powerful being that is bound to one place and has a great influence over that place by supernatural means (in a fantasy setting) or technological means (in a sci-fi setting). 'Dungeon Core' (a physical vessel where protagonist's mind and/or soul resides) is often referred to as his 'soul', and the 'Dungeon' itself (a surrounding area that is over protagonist's control) is often referred to as his 'body'. The main character has the ability to change reality around himself to improve his 'body' in various ways, which can include changing layout of the area; creating or improving its dwellers (plants, animals or magical/technological beings); any items etc. As the plot develops, protagonist improves himself and his domain, expands his territory and establishes contact with outside world.
While the term 'Dungeon' (in the meaning it is used here) derives from computer games, books with this trope do not necessarily have LitRPG elements. In most of the books 'dungeon' is a classical underground cave system, but it can be a high-tech research facility, or anything in-between. As of now, most of the dungeon books belong to the fantasy genre and a few belong to the sci-fi genre. Dungeon books have experienced a rapid growth in popularity over the last few years and now there are dozens of them, most of which are in the form of unpublished web novels, though.
While the term 'Dungeon' (in the meaning it is used here) derives from computer games, books with this trope do not necessarily have LitRPG elements. In most of the books 'dungeon' is a classical underground cave system, but it can be a high-tech research facility, or anything in-between. As of now, most of the dungeon books belong to the fantasy genre and a few belong to the sci-fi genre. Dungeon books have experienced a rapid growth in popularity over the last few years and now there are dozens of them, most of which are in the form of unpublished web novels, though.
Tags:
adventure, building, development, dungeon, evolution, exploration, fantasy, fiction, gardening, identity, litrpg, location, magic, magical, monsters, non-human-pov, parody, protagonist, rpg, rule, ruling, settlement-building, strategy, unusual
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It's a complicated question because it is not easy to define what 'dungeon' is. Sometimes it is hard to determine when a dungeon stops being a dungeon. I don't think that dungeon trope should be limited by fantasy genre. It is true that almost all dungeon stories are fantasy (at least at this moment, another possible exception is Dungeon Brain, but I have not read it and thus I don't know if it fits this category), but it does not mean that dungeons in all other settings are not dungeons. Bob changes reality via scientific means. After all, it's not so important what are the means of 'warping' reality, mana or 3D printers. However, there are some other things, which precludes me from labelling Bob as a dungeon story:1. He changes his location without any restrictions (speed of light limitation is just the matter of time, and he has the all time in the universe, as he said). Dungeon core should not be able to travel outside of its influence. However, it can be viewed as a way to claim a new territory. While fantasy dungeons need to permeate the area with mana, he needs to travel there and to build a space station.
2. His behaviour is not defensive like the behaviour of other dungeons. He does not stay in one place when he fights against invaders. Defensive tactics, building and developing in one place, and tentatively contacting the outside world is what makes the dungeon stories. Also, he does not have minions that fight for him and does not aim to create any. Even his drones are chiefly for mining and exploration while his ship is his main weapon. Dungeons always fight by using their creations, be it living beings or golems/machines. And it is the main reason why Bob is not a dungeon story, IMHO.
3. He can copy himself. Dungeon core is the focal entity in all dungeon stories. If a dungeon core could easily create another dungeon core, it just devaluates the idea of a dungeon core, which is supposed to be a supreme existence in dungeon stories.
Should books about Von Neumann probes be called dungeon stories? I think, no. While they have some similarities to dungeon stories, they are different. They deserve their own separate lists.
Is there separate list for Von Neumann probes? Where?
Not yet, but probably it should be created and separated from this one.
It's supposed to be only the first one in a series but there are the others up there.
Ryan wrote: "It's supposed to be only the first one in a series but there are the others up there."Somebody didn't read rules or choose to ignore them. If you have Librarian status and agree books doesn't belong here, you delete them. System will give you warning message "Note: Only delete books from the list that are totally miscategorized. Deleting books that aren't will result in a loss of librarian privileges, and possible deletion of account. We're super serious!".
I personally think it's up to original list creator to delete books
I am the creator of this list but I am not a librarian. I cannot delete books from the list.
Alm wrote: "I am the creator of this list but I am not a librarian. I cannot delete books from the list."Somehow -:) 'not first one in series' which directly violate stated rules got deleted.
I removed the books that were in violation of the first book rule, and a couple of others that appeared to be spammed to a bunch of similar lists. Investigation showed they were trippy graphic novels with no litrpg or dungeon elements anywhere. The list is even more useful now! :)
Can anyone point to a "First" in this sub-genre? I'm checking publication dates and it looks like Dungeon Born - Dakota Krout wins with Oct 2016. Anyone know of a forerunner?
that is gonna be either one that is only on RRL or a Japanese one that was translated.
Dave wrote: "Can anyone point to a "First" in this sub-genre? I'm checking publication dates and it looks like Dungeon Born - Dakota Krout wins with Oct 2016. Anyone know of a forerunner?"
I added the 1955 sci-fi novel Mayflies to the list. It fits the genre surprisingly well.
The protagonist is a schmuck who dies and has his brain used as the central controller for an interstellar generation ship. He's not supposed to be conscious, but he wakes up early on, but with very little ability to control the ship. He unlocks more and more control as the book progresses.
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Anyone can add books to this list.
Bob is not able to warp reality via magical means (worlds in which Von Neuman probes exists usually don't correspond with ones in which magic exists at all)