The first of the brave few looked upon the paths, some already beginning the climb.  Whether driven by deep desires, or simply a thirst for battle, they all had the strength and the tenacity within them to begin the long and arduous ascent.

For hours, they would take their roads alone.  Over sharp crags, through dense woods, past fearsome volcanic vents that belched steam like the maws of some terrible beast.  Much of nature's beauty and ferocity was on display here, plain to see- but there was little sign of life.  A few stray notes of birdsong, perhaps, or the sight of a small furred creature darting away into a hole, but only rarely, and only if one were watching for such things.  The animals were hiding, perhaps sensing what now crawled up past their homes.  The very air, cool and still, seemed to be holding its breath in anticipation.

The paths wound and turned, bringing the climbers higher and higher, and drawing them closer and closer.  Then, just as they'd be getting used to the quiet, perhaps thinking that there would be no challenge after all, the paths would veer sharply, crashing into each other like blind snakes, forcing the climbers together.

The dragon-slayer [b]Sigurd Stoneheart[/b] would be greeted by the fearsome sight of [b]Iolanthe Adastreia[/b],

even as the elite specialist [b]Gigue Lagace[/b] found his path crossed with that of the swift [b]Shen Chung Gong[/b],

while a vile stench filled the nostrils of [b]Guzman Galliard III[/b], as his mighty footsteps drew closer to the smelly [b]Gonad Yakspitter[/b],

and deft-footed [b]Nicoli D'Angelo[/b]'s winding way guided him straight towards the hunter of monsters, [b]Trixi Hex[/b].  

By magic or stone or iron, the ways were shut to them, and would not open for either pair.  Only one could pass each barrier- and there was no doubt as to how this one might be decided.  High on the slopes, the climbers would clash, the chorus of their power and their pain awakening the sleeping power deep within the Mountain.

[i]
Begin.[/i]