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Heroes whisper of a secret temple, standing at some distant edge of the world. Its location, its image, its very existence meant to be a secret to the wider world. Yet, the heroes whisper still, wishing to find this elusive place, this final challenge to claim.
It may be a temple, but it was no simple place of worship. The faithful do inhabitant the temple, and they do worship their gods within it. However, it is also known as a den of adventure, treasures, and dangers. Lost relics, legendary weapons, and armors forged for the divine are said to litter its halls. To speak nothing of the mountains of gold, jewelry, and priceless artifacts that line the walls.
All heroes thirst to find this hidden temple. All wish to claims its treasures for themselves. Alas, the first challenge is to find the temple, the second is to be allowed entry, and the third is to leave alive. The temple is a place of worship, a sacred place, a sanctuary for its faithful. Thus, they don’t take kindly to invaders claiming its treasures for themselves. Do not mistake the faithful as only followers or preachers. They are protectors ready to smite those who would defile their temple.
However, before you may even be threatened by the faithful for trampling upon their sanctuary, you must pass the gatekeeper. Much has been said about the gatekeeper, at least relative to the rest of the temple. Some call it a monster, others say it is a beautiful woman, more still say it is a monster disguised as a woman. Regardless, one must pass this gatekeeper to enter the temple; however, few speak of what this entails.
The strongest of heroes insist there is a test of power. Challenge the gatekeeper to contest of strength or a duel, and you shall be allowed entry. The smartest of heroes assure there is a test of wit and intelligence. A riddle must be answered, your character would be tested, or you must simply make the gatekeeper laugh. The fastest of heroes insist there is no test. You must outrun the gatekeeper, trick them or sneak by. Many a method is proposed to pass the gatekeeper. But among the scant few who have claimed to return from the temple, none have been confirmed.
Of course, before you can cross paths with the gatekeeper, you must find the temple. However, no amount of long-lost maps or whispered rumors shall lead you the way. They say the temple can only be reached in two narrow ways. To discover it yourself or to have someone else guide you to it.
If you insist on the latter, finding the temple may be more possible, but your chances after are slim. For you see, like I’ve said before, there are a few who have returned from the temple. There is one man, in particular, living in a certain village at the foot of a certain mountain who knows the temple well. He’ll lead any who ask to the temple, free of charge, in fact. He’ll only offer a warning that it is a mistake to enter the temple expecting riches or fame and that all those he has led inside are fated to fail.
His warning must be headed, as it can’t be said for sure if any he’s led inside the temple have returned to tell the tale. One may think he is a con-man leading them to their deaths, but some get cold feet at the last moment and listen to him. They returned, assuring everyone that the temple was there, but they were not brave enough to step within.
Why those who follow him perish is yet another mystery of the temple, but there are always theories. The most hushed whispers insist that he knows the gatekeeper very intimately. Rumors of an affair, a twisted partnership, or that he is their servant are constantly perpetuated. Like all things surrounding the temple, it can’t be said for sure, but it can be assumed that his presence somehow alerts the temple.
After all these warnings and murmurs of terror, do you wish to see this temple for yourself? Are the ideas of treasures and relics beyond imagination too tempting? Perhaps the faithful or the gatekeeper piqued your interest? Or maybe, you think of it all as one big challenge? If you’re genuinely willing to try, I won’t stop you, but like that guide, I must warn you, like many before you, you may simply be fated to fail.
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They say the greatest challenges have the best rewards, but could this one be worth it?
Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy
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