The Gate: Entrance [Bifrons]

After traversing miles of rocky terrain and badlands one might find themselves following a set of red markets pointing down a safe path through the craggy Western Front leading to a mysterious ruin. The grand structure emerged from the wall one day without warning and the large gate at its entrance which seemed to consume all who touched it marked this place as a Dungeon. Instead of being visible even at a great distance like most dungeons, this one was hidden and well guarded by a maze of earth and stone.

For those lucky enough to make it through the harsh dry climate and unforgiving terrain to find themselves knee deep in the pool of water just outside the dungeon gate, there was one last threat. A detachment of Fanalis Corp members stood at the edge of the pool with orders not to let anyone without a dungeon ticket pass. These stalwart warriors had stood firm against several bandit attacks recently as evident by the pile of bodies stacked several dozen meters away from the precious source of fresh water and the dangerous dungeon standing next to it.

Thirsting for adventure Azix had got it in his head to attempt a Dungeon, the rumors of riches didn't hurt. With Garret recently free from prison, Azix had asked his partner to join him on his quest. Garret had agreed and the matter was settled. They gathered some supplies for the long journey, making their own preparations. Azix took the time to wear a wide, black cloth sheet that covered his face except for his eyes. His eye patch that covered his right eye, rested underneath the mask. He wore a black outfit, with matching gloves and boots. His trusty black cloak hung off his shoulders.

They made their way through the badlands of Reim, crossing rocky terrain until they found a set of red markers pointing to a path. Following the path they came to a large gate in front of a pool of water. Guarding the large gate, stood a group of the Fanalis Corp. He reached into his robes to produce a Dungeon Ticket that he had purchased before leaving. Ignoring the bodies he stepped forward, handing the closest guard his ticket.

He turned to Garret with a determined look on his face, “Are you ready to face unimaginable threats for rumors of riches and glory?”

Garret had followed Azix. The man wanted to challenge the dungeon, and Garret knew that he had done a bit of research on the one in Heliohapt. He assured Garret that it would provide a wealth that will assist them in their operations in Reim.

It was all it took to get Garret to agree on the journey. He had just gotten out of prison, and it was time to stretch himself and see exactly what he could do. He, too, wore a similar equipment set as Azix. They had agreed to go by code names, for this, in case they ran into anyone who might recognize their names, or keep their names in mind; such as the guards, who they were approaching just now.

Garret had two eye patches upon himself, one was resting above his left eye to provide him sight, while the other was resting on top of his right. His mask covered his face, leaving only the eye sockets open for view. Garret stuck close to Azix, like a bodyguard would his charge. His Hex Gauntlet was clasped firmly on his right arm, with a covered gem hidden beneath the cloth. The men were almost glued together. "James," Garret spoke to Azix, using the codename they would be using for this mission. "If you remember what we went over: Teamwork is essential. It will be fine. I'm ready for this."

As the pair of men approached every red haired fighter readied themselves to dispatch more bandits and crush yet another group of illegal dungeon conquerors. The surprise on the captain's face when Azix produced a legitimate Dungeon Ticket was evident as he rose a hand ordering his troops to stand down. "You paid for a ticket huh? Must be quite the rich men, I hope you don't squander your fortunes and waste your lives..." There was a bit of resentment in the Fanalis Corps captain's voice as he stepped aside and gestured for the company to proceed. He'd lost a great number of men to the dungeon already and found the prospect of civilian's, only two of the at that, challenging the dungeon to be an insult to his unit's efforts. But the man had his orders and would not give the two any more trouble than that.

Garret seemed confident, telling Azix that with teamwork they'd be fine. Azix nodded, "Alright Jesse, let's do this." They approached the group of Fanalis Corp, who at first seemed ready to fight until they saw Azix's ticket. After glancing at the ticket to make sure it was official, he waved them through. Azix noted a hint of something near mild agitation but paid it no mind, before him loomed the door to the Dungeon. He slowly extended his hand and touched the door, as if he were reaching out to grasp his fate firmly in his grip. As he touched the door, his surroundings vanished.

Garret smiled under his mask as the guards casually dismissed their abilities and spoke with a hint of scorn. The man seemed petulant, but Garret forgave him his mood. They had more important things to worry about, with the dungeon coming up. While he had projected an air of confidence to Azix, he still had his own reservations about entering the dungeon itself. It didn't show, as the mask kept his face hidden and harder to read. Garret looked over his shoulder one last time before turning towards Azix. He nodded to the man and reached out towards the door at the same time, surroundings vanishing about him...

The moment the two men touched the gate there would be a bright flash of light as it began to pull them inside as if the door were made of quicksand. Another great flash of light would prelude the appearance of a large golden tube of light. All signs of the Fanalis Corps soldiers and the Western Front were gone and now Azix and Garret were simply falling through this golden tube as it snaked is way through space. When the tunnel finally opened up there would be an unbelievable sight of the planet in it's blue glory sitting there in space slowly turning. There were many beams of light shooting out into oblivion from the planet and as one of these beams reached the men it would swallow them whole much like the dungeon had. For a time there would only be black however once the men awakened they would find themselves inside the dungeon's main hall.

word count: n/a
thread status: dungeon entry |
tags: zadi, bifrons, dungeon
character mood: excited

It was early in the morning and Zadi didn't have the motivation to get up...until he got the motivation to get it. He got up, got his fan and potion, groomed Syma, polished his Gawking Heron staff, and headed out to the location that was on the note that Tai had given him. It was hot but the strange thing about the climate in the area was the humidity. It was the desert yet it seemed very wet and damp in the air. Probably some sort of dungeon thing like the ominous feeling he had gotten from his first dungeon encounter and the righteous feeling from his second dungeon encounter. Zadi temporarily got out his fan...the one with Vassago stored within it...so beautiful. Zadi then tucked it back into his kimono sleeve for later use, mostly healing. However, Zadi had been lazy about his Djinn Equip Training and didn't learn anything new about Vassago's powers. All he could do was heal and only in his Full Body Equip! PATHETIC!!! Erhm, anyway, Zadi eventually met up with Tai and the two of them started to walk.

Eventually, Tai and Zadi encountered a group Fanalis that seemed to be waiting for suckers to come along and give them dungeon related things. Tai then handed Zadi a strange ticket and the two of them were able to slip past the Fanalis group. Tai probably figured that if he had the ticket he wouldn't be able to lie about not having it. He did look like the type to challenge a dungeon...unlike Zadi...his purple snake...his bird-looking staff...and his pink kimono...shirtless. Yeah, not the toughest looking dude, but hey!

"I should probably tell you that- Oh hey! Is that the dungeon? Feels murky...awesome!"

Just as before, when the pair of challengers approached the entrance to the gate the Fanalis Corps members drew their weapons and readied themselves for combat. But none would make a move to attack without orders from their leader, the captain. It didn't look like they were about to attack, but none of the fighters dropped their guard until the dungeon ticket was offered. The Captain sheathed his sword and accepted the token of passage before eyeing the two carefully. "More of you ticket buyers...Do you know how many people have gone into that thing without coming out? 20 of my best fighters. You sure you don't want to turn around and get your money back?" It was a serious question, but the captain would make no efforts to stop the challengers if the chose to forge on.

[You both have to touch the gate now to enter the Dungeon]

word count: n/a
thread status: dungeon entry |
tags: zadi, bifrons, dungeon
character mood: determined

Zadi and Tai went past the guards without a care for what they had to say. Sure Zadi bowed his head a little in respect for the possibly deceased, but he knew it was destiny to die at some point in time. If not, then what's the point? Wait, Zadi changed his mind about death...or rather...he's still afraid, much like the other two dungeon-adventures. However, his fear was suppressed by the untol knowledge that he could attain from just touching the door of a dungeon. It would never end up being a waste...NEVER!!!

"Seems that you know about the door. Well I might as well say it now or never...I, too have- and he's gone. Alright, better follo-"

Once again, there would be a bright flash of light as the door acted slowly sucked them into its surface as if it were living clay. Another great flash of light would prelude the appearance of a large golden tube of light. All signs of the Fanalis Corps soldiers and the Western Front were gone and now Tai and Zadi were simply falling through this golden tube as it snaked is way through space. When the tunnel finally opened up there would be an unbelievable sight of the planet in it's blue glory sitting there in space slowly turning. There were many beams of light shooting out into oblivion from the planet and as one of these beams reached the men it would swallow them whole much like the dungeon had. For a time there would only be black however once the men awakened they would find themselves inside the dungeon's main hall.

[Bifrons will post your Hall Thread. Post in it and don't forget to roll]