Whew, just made it.
First and foremost, I apologize for adding to the influx of "Tales of EO" posts, but I'll try to make this interesting and a little more different than other posts.

To me, the most interesting aspect of Etrian Odyssey is the ability to create a totally unique story for your characters, as well as the characters themselves. Here would be an excerpt of the introduction to MY Etrian Odyssey.
**Yes, all art was done by me, except for the backgrounds. They were too amazing to not use**

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May 16, of whatever year we're in right now. I've lost track.

I'm traveling to Etria where there have been rumours of a mysterious dungeon. Anyone who ventures in will not return...

SOUNDS LIKE A JOB FOR CLESS, MASTER OF THE LANDSKNECHT.

Along the way, a bard plays this song, who sounds like he is in need of lessons...

Anyway, as I arrive, the first thing to catch my eye is this huge-ass tree accompanying the town. I figure that must be the dungeon. As I enter, I notice the town has a designated "square" (except, its not much a square as it is a CIRCLE). I familiarize myself with the inn, tavern, apothecary, armory etc. Then it was on to business at the guild headquarters.

I'm thinking of starting a brand new guild. Something to be recognized. Something bold, stunning...

CLIMAX

Together, my guild and I will conquer the dungeon and gain fame and riches!

So on to the recruitment. I make up a poster calling for anyone willing to join and set up a meeting time and place for those interested. I think I'll leave it up for a week and see who signs up. (Everyone in Etria of course!)



May 23
Er...maybe I'll leave it up for another week...

May 29
WE HAVE NAMES!!!!
I met with the four who signed up to go with me on our journey.
This will be our dungeon party.


Cless
The one, the only. I AM THE BEST LANDSKNECHT OUT THERE AND THE LEADER OF THIS AMAZING GUILD THAT WILL BE THE ONLY GUILD TO PASS THROUGH THE LABYRINTH. I will be the greatest leader ever, and will be recognized by all people that walk this Earth.


Jan
Our essential Medic. He says he's really good, but I dunno... He's probably dropped 14 potion bottles and tripped 6 times since we got to the inn. He's clumsy and makes a lot of mistakes...


Whistles
Yeah, he told me his name is Whistles. (Who names their kid that, let alone a would-be bard?!) This troubadour has sung us some pretty decent songs. At least a lot better than the dude I saw on my way here two weeks ago. But this guy won't stop singing...


Vin
Is this guy creepy or what? Always looking like he's going to stab me, this dark hunter may actually have some skill. His skill cowers in comparison to mine however. But his gear frightens me a little. Whips and bondings? I wonder what his real intentions are...


Craig
Wow this guy doesn't say much. Only says what he needs to then keeps to himself. Real mysterious guy, this one. But he is a protector, meant to protect my little guildies. Try lightening up and smiling more often, eh?

So, this is our gang. We drink all night at the tavern and prepare to set out in the morning.
Before we embark on our journey tomorrow, we took a photo.



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May 31
Whistles wouldn't stop singing last night. I think he had one too many. His pitch was cracking (the windows). Our leader is still sleeping at 8AM in the morning. I should kick him awake, that idiot.
Vin's being creepy.
After checking out, we head to the apothecary and weaponry to grab some gear. But with our limited budget, we soon find we cannot afford anything past basic gear.
So instead, we head straight to the entrance of the dungeon. Nervous as we are, we are reassured by the guard that we will not come out alive.

So we step in...

Strangely enough, it looks exactly like a forest. Lush green vibrant fauna complete with a...a mole.
The thing isn't tiny and actually looks ferocious.
Uhoh... Cless is starting to act funny. Maybe he had one too many last night too. He leaped in front of all of us, without realizing that he forgot to take out his axe...



Needless to say, he was down in less than a minute. He tried to take my role and ended up where he ended up. So all that was left was the protector, medic, troubadour and dark hunter. So I take charge.
I tell the dark hunter to attack, as his attack power is moderate at this low of a level. I try to defend to keep our party alive, but we don't have any skills at our disposal. All we can count on is our dark hunter.
We unfortunately lose the battle. We were found by the guard unconscious. (We took only 6 steps into the labyrinth before attacked and brutally slaughtered by a measly mole.)
The next day we wake up in the inn...And we head for the labyrinth to try again...