Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Dungeon Crawler Carl
Books of the Month
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Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, August 2026 BOM- Start 9 August 2026
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(last edited Aug 16, 2026 12:09AM)
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Date Chapters MPDQs
Aug 9 Chap 1 – 9 Kaley (Sinai)
Aug 10 Chap 10 -21 Erin (Chimborazo)
Aug 11 Chap 22-30 Namita (Elbrus)
Aug 12 Chap 31-40 Midu (Pico de Orizaba)
Aug 13 Chap 41 – Epilogue Lexi (Denali)
Guidance for DQ setters
1. Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
2. Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
3. Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
4. Please don't use AI to generate your questions. It is fine to get it to help out with your wording, but we want a genuine conversation and not a literary discussion with a robot.
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?
Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here
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(last edited Jul 23, 2026 02:43PM)
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You don't need to be participating in the team challenge to participate in the BOM.
If you are in the team challenge, please note your team name when volunteering.
Where we have more volunteers than DQ days;
>If we have more than one volunteer from the same team, only one team entry will go into the randomiser to be selected to write DQs. (the other volunteers will be 'back ups')
>The nominator of the BOM is automatically assigned a DQ day
DQ volunteers are randomised around 3 days before the start date of the BOM. Please confirm your participation if you are selected. We reserve the right to go to the next person in the list if we don't hear from you
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(last edited Oct 03, 2026 02:22AM)
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Lexi - Denali - Nominator (last day)
Karen - Olympus
Namita - Elbrus
Lisa - Ben Nevis
Lisa - Ben Nevis extra entry
Midu - Pico de Orizaba
Erin - Team Chimborazo
Angie - Sinai (day 1)
Angie - extra entry (day 1)
Vicky - Puncak Jaya
Catherine – Aoraki
Catherine – Aoraki (extra entry)
Melissa- Drakensberg Ampitheatre
Randomizer: (view spoiler)
Back Ups: (view spoiler)
==================================
Participation Verified
Catsalive
Lisa (Aussie Girl)
Judith
Catherine
Preeti
Karen ⊰✿
Christina
Angie
Rosaline
Mod
Mod
volunteering for Olympus
Volunteering for Elbrus!
Volunteering for Ben Nevis
I'll be a back up for Lisa (Ben Nevis)
Reporting for duty from Pico de Orizaba
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I think Princess Donut should write questions for us. I'm sure they would be insightful. Barring that happening- volunteering as backup for Sinai as well.
Volunteering for Team Chimborazo
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If anyone else from Sinai volunteers other than me and Jenny, we can duke it out amongst ourselves!
Also, could I use an extra entry, please?
While I'm asking... could we have day 1 if chosen, please?
Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Ok I don't have KU, but this is only $6 plus $4 for audible if i want to add it... so I guess I will be in and see what all the hype is about!volunteering for Olympus"
Go for the audio!
Mod
If anyone else from Sinai volunteers other than me and Jenny, we can duke it out amongst ourselves!
Also, could I use an extra entry, please?
W..."
done. You have 9 left
I'll volunteer for backup Sinai too :) (Unless Angie really doesn't want to be main and would rather kick it to me, in which case I'm fine with that too)
Team Elbrus - Volunteering as backup for Namita
Mod
Has been updated to include:
Please don't use AI to generate your questions. It is fine to get it to help out with your wording, but we want a genuine conversation and not a literary discussion with a robot.
Can I use one of my tokens thank you (Ben Nevis)
Mod
Done. You have 4 remaining
Volunteering for AorakiBonus if I have any left
Volunteering for Drakensberg Ampitheatre
Ill be back up for Chimborazo
VOlunteering for Olympus
Mod
Bonus if I have any left"
You have three left now
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(last edited Aug 07, 2026 05:50AM)
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HERE
If you want to switch the DQ writing with another member from your team, you can do so, provided they have also volunteered for writing discussion questions.
Thanks. I'm good with my day.
Mod
Yes I’m taking it for Sinai! Good with my day.
Mods, my spelling mistake in my name. :D
I'm good with my day too, thanks
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
It was recommended to me, and I am now on the fifth book, I think. I am not sure why it gained so much popularity. Maybe it just reached critical mass when enough people were laughing out loud on the subway while reading it or something. Or social media.
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
I tend to like my adventures to be on the page rather than in reality, so I don't think I would enter the dungeon. Unless, my kitties ran in there, and then I would go in to try to get them back.
Also, since there are no structures to shelter in above, I don't quite know what I would do if I didn't go under.
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
Snark. Being able to recite "A Wish for Wings that Work" verbatim. Whiskey tasting.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
Of course things are not always what they seem. Also, I have read the book, so I will not comment.
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
I had never heard of this series. Once it was a BOM I signed up to read. I got the whole series on Audible. I am doing an immersive read and loving it.
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
If I was with a group of people I would head down to the dungeons. I am a bit of a scaredy cat but my resourcefulness and intelligent should do me well.
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
Using a universal remote would be high on my list. In our building people are always asking me to fix their tv remotes. I also can burp the alphabet and shove my whole fist in my mouth. Not sure what that would be good for. LOL.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
I am believing that everything is as it seems. I don't have any other theories. I am so loving the audio.
This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?It was on my TBR, so I must have heard of it somewhere ;) The cover art made it look fun too.
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
Having read Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy where he only escapes because an alien friend gets him, I'd probably look around for a spaceship first and then scuttle downstairs.
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
I'm pretty good at retracting the retractable lead off my dog without getting injured. I'm pretty decent with using cling wrap - like even when the serrated edge to cut it is garbage.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
Hmmm.. It seems like things get really difficult with the lower levels, so it seems that there are buy-outs along the way that make it worth it.
Jenny wrote: "DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywher..."
I believe A Wish for Wings that Work will be first on my Santa list this year!
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
I actually saw it on the 7 days no extension shelf of my library before it became BOM and I thought what an intriguing title. So was happy to read it for the BOM
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
Don't think there was much option but to head to the dungeon because everything above ground was stripped of resources. But I'd be dead in a minute or two either way. I don't think quickly on my feet.
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
If overthinking got you ahead in the game, I'd be the winner, LOL. I'm pretty good at laundry too if that ever came up.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
None at all, I'm just trying to keep up with all the information thrown at us pretty quickly. And smiling at the cat antics. I'm not really into gaming stuff so I'm really glad there is a fair bit of humour throughout the book.
Melissa wrote: "Jenny wrote: "I believe A Wish for Wings that Work will be first on my Santa list this year! ..."The book is lovely, but if you want to get a good laugh in before xmas, the animated show is on YouTube, and about twenty minutes long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWdf8...
Mod
1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
It wasn't on my radar at all! Last year, it was highly recommended so a group of us read it for a challenge. I wouldn't have picked it up without the rec....until it became a BOM and then I would have!
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer and I'm not all that brave, but in this situation I feel like I will die regardless so why not take a chance on going into the dungeons. I'm totally teaming up with Carl and Princess Donut though!!!
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
Let's see... my superpowers are shelf-stalking and spreadsheet tetris. Oh, and sarcasm is my gift to everyone.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
Wait now - are things every what they seem?? No theories as this is a re-read for me.
1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?~Yes, I’ve had it on my TBR for a while but I hadn’t gotten around to reading it yet! I’m trying to get back into reading more consistently so when I saw it was the BOM I decided that it was finally time to pick it up!
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
~I think that I would head down- simply because all of the structures on the surface collapsed and I wouldn’t know what to do if I did stay LOL
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
~Like Carl, I think one of my skills would be about playing video games- I have been playing a lot of Stardew Valley lately haha
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
~Everything is definitely NOT as it seems… not exactly sure what is going on yet. I’m excited to keep reading and see!
I am soooo loving learning about everyone’s skills. The only one I can think of for myself is I am exceptionally skilled at accidentally spraining my ankle while walking down stairs at movie theaters. (Both times in my life I’ve sprained my ankle it was doing this?!) I would receive some sort of clumsiness achievement for sure, if that was a thing.
Absolutely jealous about the cling wrap, Melissa! I usually have some harsh words for cling wrap when I need to use it because I can never get it to stick properly.
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
Never heard of it before this, but it sounds like a bit of a laugh.
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
I'd probably run for shelter, especially if I was in the middle of a blizzard with no trousers or shoes on.
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
Cat maintenance, wine appreciation, map reading or just reading.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
I have no theories but it sounds like someone pushed the button early so everything wasn't quite ready. Maybe this company was trying to beat another to it. Things are never as they seem.
D2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
I read this for the first time back in December. What sold me on these books was the audio sample, really. And I think a lot of the credit for the explosion in popularity goes to the narrator. There are videos of an interview of sorts between Jeff Hays and Matt Dinniman. His normal voice is crazy different from anything in these audios! It is closer to Donut's voice than Carl's!
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
In Seattle in the winter? I might go in to keep warm. And then just wait around like the people in the safe room who were waiting for the collapse. In a more tropical setting, I would probably stay out and take my chances because I would 100% die in the dungeon within 5 minutes.
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
Nursing babies while lying down in my sleep. I'm actually a bit proud of this accomplishment.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
I'm not going to answer this one as I've read past this section (and this book) and anything I theorize runs the risk of being a spoiler.
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
I had heard of it before it becoming BOM (someone I follow on youtube has read the series) and I saw the series in the bookstore and was very tempted. So this BOM was a good excuse to get the book and start reading. The game aspect intrigued me and the cat of course.
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
There isn’t much of a choice is there? I guess I would take my chances and go into the dungeons. But I would probably already be vapourised in a couple of seconds.
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
Acquiring more hobbies than I need. A can always toss an alcohol marker to the goblins or a diamond painting pen.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
No theories.
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
So true, I never heard about it before Feb and now it's all I see.
I love reality tv, so the idea of an apocalyptic Survivor appealed to me.
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why?
I won't survive above ground, that's for sure lol (especially in the cold). I'd choose to go down into the dungeons and convince myself it's just a video game.
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in?
Watching DIY videos but not DIYing anything.
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories?
That was very weird indeed. Also, Princess Donut's perfectly timed escape from the house, and then not answering why when Carl asked.
DQs Day 1 (Ch 1-9)1. This series has been out for almost six years now, but I feel like it just recently exploded in popularity. I first heard of it back in May and now I feel like it’s everywhere! Before this became BOM, had you heard of it? What about the description of the book appealed to you?
Yeah this one has been on my radar for a couple years, but with the audio only available on Audible, I hadn't rushed to get to it.
2. This book starts with intense action — all interiors being destroyed (RIP Mrs. Parson) and survivors given the choice whether to try to survive above ground or to head down into the dungeons to get your resources back . . . With the knowledge that if you run out of time, the level will be “reclaimed” and collapse. If you were in this situation, which option would you choose and why? I would go down to the dungeon
3. Part of each Crawler’s stats include a very extensive list of both useful and dare I say ridiculous skills, such as using a universal remote. If you were crawling, what random (perhaps seemingly useless) skill would you rank very highly in? I play a lot of RPGs and my spealty is usually rogue skills and distance attacks
4. We’ve now had two non-combatant NPCs reference not being ready for the dungeon to open, even though supposedly this organization has a very set schedule for how they do things, which combined with the fact that no one has ever made it past level 13, seems suspicious to me. Do you think everything is as it seems? Do you have any other early theories? Seems like this is a bit of a shit show reality TV world make by a teenager
Kaley wrote: "I am soooo loving learning about everyone’s skills. The only one I can think of for myself is I am exceptionally skilled at accidentally spraining my ankle while walking down stairs at movie thea..."
😆😆
I, too am loving these skills! Together we would all make a formidable opponent 😆😆😆
The apocalypse will be televised! Welcome to the first book in the wildly popular and addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series—now with bonus material exclusive to this print edition.
You know what’s worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what’s worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction of all man-made structures on Earth, and the systematic exploitation of all the survivors for a sadistic intergalactic game show. That’s what.
Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world—or just get to the next level—in a video game–like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon. A dungeon that’s actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy. Exploding goblins. Magical potions. Deadly, drug-dealing llamas. This ain’t your ordinary game show.
Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the Dungeon. Survival is optional. Keeping the viewers entertained is not.
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Nominator: Lexi (again again 😉😂)
Official Page Count: 464