[center][i] At the center of the world stood a great city, a beacon of light, a representation of mankind’s resolve. Against all odds, they rose from above and with the gift of god fought their enemy. Now at the start of the fifth crusade, King Baldwin calls out to those from around the world to join in the descension of the abyss. Proclaiming holy words he offers sanctuary and training to those who volunteer intending to descend. [/i][/center] [hr] [center][h3][b][i]Chapter 1 : The Descent [/i][/b][/h3] [i]In the center of the world stands Zion and the abyss. Lining the abyss is the city of Zion spanning a few hundred miles holding millions within its walls. As to the March of Fate where many gathered on a path towards Egypt, Zion was the offspring of a successful battle. And within these walls is a culmination of human cultures and prosperity. From within the magically-enhanced walls that protect Zion are humans bearing gifts and constantly giving life and protection to its walls. Known as the city of life, every citizen within Zion is constantly innovating and creating new ways to go about life due to the product of God’s Gift. But also death, thousands still die from waves of demons but in human death comes more ways to defeat the demonic surges. [/i] [/center] [hr] You and a band of recruits are heading towards Zion. After finding your way into Egypt a long stone road stretches across its sandy dunes. Hundreds of others following this path, merchants, travelers, and the recruits follow it. Day’s pass before you finally sees Zion in all its glory. In a blinding light, the sun creeps over the horizon, shining its rays down onto the land revealing Zion’s walls that rose to the sky. A great shade covers the end of the path. And as you near closer to Zion's wall you feel its purified energy pass through you like a heatwave but once it passes you feel a surge of cool air. The path ends in between two tall towers connecting the sandstone wall and for a few moments, the crowd of restless recruits, adventurers, and merchants are silent but then from the end of the pathway which touches the wall, a rumbling noise emerges from within. The crowd startled they see the wall shake, sand falling from its structure as it suddenly splits into two, two guards in a synchronized dance are seen inside hands moving in an articulated fashion as the split wall turns into a large arch. They yell to the crowd, [center][b]”Enter!"[/b][/center] The crowd moves and shifts, forming a single file line as two guards take note of each of the travelers passing through, and then suddenly they stop you… [hider= You’re stopped by the guard!] [i]To Fiona : [/i] The two male guards size you up, you can feel their eyes looking up and down at your form before one speaks up, “Valencourt? You must be a recruit! Step cautiously woman, the abyss isn’t as it seems. “ The secondary guard moves you along and then you enter the city. [i]To Braska : [/i] The taller male guard takes a look at you, “You seem young? Are you here to see family? “ The man squints before coughing, taking a closer look as he sees a sign of God’s Gift, “Oh… “ Almost disappointed the guard moves you along. [i]To Ioexia : [/i] The guards are taken aback as you step forward, “Jeez! “ The smaller guard shook, “You look like a demon! “ The two men laugh, “Recruit I suppose? “ The taller guardsman says, “Go forward then. “ [i]To Alistair : [/i] The two guardsmen nod their heads at you as they move you along, taking note of your priestly attires. They say nothing to you. [i]To Amelie: [/i] The taller guardsman looks at you with thirsting eyes as he steps forward but not too close, “You here for fun, lady? “ The guard shakes his head before laughing signaling you to move along. [i]To Petra: [/i] Both the guardsman eye you down, the smaller guard asking, "Where are your parents little one? " They both laugh before signaling you to move forward. [i]To Genor: [/i] The guardsman say nothing to you and as you pass by the smaller guard takes a step back, almost in fear. [i]To Saul: [/i] Both the guardsman give you a sharp look, while not entirely disrespectful you can hear them whispering behind you as you leave. [/hider] You enter the city of Zion and a rush of fresh air and sounds from the thousands within the frontal area of the gate invade your mind. Unlike the nations that were destroyed by the insurgence of demons, taking almost years to financially recover Zion was different. Beautiful in architecture and ripe with greenery, it was alive! In front of the opened gates where three-wide pathways filled with hundreds of civilians tending to their market stalls which many went to buy an assortment of foods, weapons, and equipment. The energy of God’s Gift was potent in the streets, you could tell simply by feeling that almost all citizens of the city were gifted in some way. Lining the edges of the streets were tall poles and at its end were empty iron lanterns, tropical trees in the middle separating the two crowds. From the left, the crowd moved downwards and from the right, the crowd moved forwards. Packed as it was, you mindlessly wandered for a few hours or so around the city attempting to find where you were supposed to go, or maybe you were off spending your money on foods and extra equipment. But soon you would suddenly hear a loud echoing voice that seemed to originate from the sky… [center][b] “The initiation of the abyss is about to begin! Recruits head to the castle to be enlisted into Baldwin's great army! Come see the ten great generals! [/b][/center] The voice disappeared just as soon as it came, the crowd stopped for a moment to listen to the message but as soon as it ended the crowd returned to life. You see the guards from the gate and other guards that stationed themselves at the corner of the streets yell, [center][b] “Onward recruits! Down the center lane! “[/b][/center] [center]You see a few clad in armor or robes head down to the central street walking on its right side as they hurriedly weave through the crowd. [i]You are beckoned to head to the castle.[/i][/center]