In general that's probably true, but I wouldn't say so with Lillith; the path still went through the Serpent's Mouth Cavern in season 3, but Lillith had gone. Oh true she was a bad example haha. Maybe she was in the toilet.

How dark! And as the OP said, a little inconsistent with what we're told/shown happens to dungeoneers. But not REALLY because it can simply be explained away as a different reality.

I did - thanks to some lucky dice rolls! Yes, I tried several routes. I did wonder whether some of the choice options were deliberate traps (like in the first KM book where it tries to catch you out with "turn to page x to use [item you can't possibly have picked up]") but they all seemed legitimate! Still can't find the MOUSE spell though. I hope you continue with level 2 and 3! Thanks for the feedback! Oh yes - there was one where you're invited to use a pair of sunglasses to see in a room with a... sun lion, I think? Sorceress Orphia gives you the MOUSE spell under some conditions

As an older teenager myself, I think this sounds awesome. The characters seem pretty intriguing. I especially like the idea of leaning more into the dungeon as an entity, and the idea of trying to communicate or reason with it. The dungeon is dangerous enough as just a place, but it's always thrilling when the land around you consciously and actively wants you dead. Thank you, this is really helpful!

Welcome back, have fun and enjoy your stay.