Challenge Zones

[lynchpin_castle]

Challenges and Challenge Zones

Challenges between Champions will take place in designated areas at designated times, since this is ultimately a formal contest and competition between the Forces of Creation, and the Forces of Unmaking. The landscape in the void will and can adapt to provide these designated areas. Sometimes, a designated area will have a ‘base’ form, and be used again and again in various ways, with different options. These specific zones are listed below.

The Labyrinth (Primarily Mental)

The labyrinth is, in its simplest form, a complex maze. Long have beings used it as a tool of mediation and focus, navigating its walls whether in the physical or mental realms. The Labyrinth is one of the main challenge-zones that always exists, but what form it takes depends on what the current challenge is. What form it takes may also have limits and restrictions to provide a proper challenge to the champions.




The base form of the Labyrinth is an enclosed and complex maze that resists attempts to break out via any means other than navigating it from start to finish. It’s layout-changes every time, but there are ways to help one learn one’s way. (String, marking the walls, etc)

The Labyrinth Zone may be reached via a teleportation pad within the Observation room of the Castle.


The Mirror Gallery (Primarily Spiritual)

The Mirror Gallery has many names, but this is the most common. Mirrors are reflections, and reflections can be distorted or far too accurate for comfort. This challenge zone also takes different forms, but the theme always remains the same in that champions have their spiritual mettle tested, be it facing their worst fears and flaws, temptation fulfilled but with great cost, or making choices that are life-altering.




The base form of the Mirror Gallery is a small building full of mirrors of various shapes, sizes, and types. Depending on what one wishes to gaze on, one may find the mirror they wish to test themselves and attempt to learn what challenges they may face. (i.e: fun-house mirrors, mirrors that show your opposite, mirrors that show what you desire most…)

The Mirror Gallery may be reached via a teleportation pad in the Tapestry gallery of the castle.

The Field (Primarily Physical)

The Field is a designated challenge zone, that adapts and changes as needed for the challenge provided. It is an interdimensional space which may resemble a racing track one time, or a sparring ring another. It can be a vast prairie, or an arctic wasteland. Depending on the climate/atmosphere of the zone, there may be additional challenges for champions here.



The base form of the Field is a large area with mountains, plains, some rivers, and plateaus. It is reachable via a teleportation pad outside of the Castle-grounds along a set path. Where it exists otherwise is not known.

Comments

Training--first exposure

[lynchpin_castle]

Once both champions were ready and met at the Entry Hall, it wasn't hard to find the path indicated. A decent walk--maybe half-a kilometer at most--from the Castle, before they found what they were looking for. The teleportation pad was large and situated atop a small stone patio with 8 pillars surrounding the edges of the structure. 2 steps lead up to it, and when they moved up, it was clear where the borders were. It swirled in a lazy spiral, all colors and light.

Once they stepped on the pad, a coruscation of light and energy flowed over them and brightening to blinding levels. When they were able to see or hear again, they found themselves on a similar teleportation-pad and structure. The view stretched for many kilometers in either direction, made up of mountains and plains, with some plateaus and rivers seen as well. In the distance, small forests were seen at the edge of the mountains.

Stepping off the pad, the Master was waiting for them.

Remember to be calm, single mindedly...

[lynchpin_castle]

The “Labyrinth” was reached via the Observation room, where a small white frame held a picture of the teleportation pad. Running their fingers over the picture, caused the image within to swirl. The lights within the Observation Room to brighten then dim again, as a spiral of light in the same shades as the pad alighted in the center of the room.

Walking and entering the swirling light transported one to a square platform 10m by 10m. Four pillars stood at the corners, as the teleportation pad was placed in the center, and one edge lead down a few steps to the ground. Stretched out before them was a vast prairie, sparse bits of vegetation occasionally fluttering in a light breeze, all under a perpetually twilit sky. What dominated the view however, was a large and spread out structure, easily large enough for about 3 of them to walk side-by-side through the entrance. Parts of it were closed to the sky, with a stone ceiling. It seemed as though there wouldn't be much trouble 'moving' within the structure either, due to height or if they wished to spread out.

The Steward was waiting for them. “Welcome to the Labyrinth Challenge zone. This place has been designed primarily to test and train your mental acuity and skills. While there are puzzles and riddles, traps and tests, the physical threats are few but dangerous. The Labyrinth itself resists attempts to be broken apart or destroyed outright on all its walls, floor, and ceiling. That does not mean there are not ways to help find your way or track your path.”

Gesturing with their sleeve, the grey-robed figure produced a small crystal structure in what would be their palm. “Should you wish to leave at any point, simply tap this 3 times deliberately and it will glow. The light will envelop all those touching whoever is holding the crystal, and it shall transport you back here to the teleportation pad.” A pause, measuring them, studying them.

“There are several small 'goal' rooms within, in addition to the center of the Labyrinth itself. They will help you measure your progress. For now, the Labyrinth's layout shall not change, although any marks or alterations you produce will vanish between sessions.” Another pause, before continuing. “There may be commonalities among the interior you might use to help yourself navigate. Certain doors, for example, will always lead to dead-ends.”

All the clue that the Steward could give them. "For this first foray, your 'goal' is to retrieve a small chest that bears the same symbol as the teleportation-pad." There is a hint of smile, even if only shadows can be seen in the deep cowl. "Also it has been brought to our attention you would like a way to communicate when separated. We have devices that will stand up to any punishment they might come under, while worn." Spreading the sleeves of their grey robe a tray with small communication devices appeared. "We don't recommend them for any use other than simply communicating however. No taking them apart." Still with that hint of amusement, before wishing them luck on their training exercise.

New Toys

[lynchpin_castle]

Dinner had gone fairly well with a lack of tension. At least no more than usual. Most of the conversation centered around the Den's new video-games (and it turned out a small movie-library was available as well). As usual the food was plentiful and delicious, as the unseen servants seemed in an excited mood as well.

Tamaki escorted Ahsoka down, and pulled out her seat--trained as he was as a gentleman. Any tension Trunks had shown at all (which he had tried to not show as well) was nowhere to be found thankfully. Ty Lee waved, and teased lightly about how they'd have to find some fancy occasion now, take Ahsoka to a party. Which prompted discussion of a party there, with someone pointing out it was only 6 of them... Playful back and forth banter, but the bonds were more eased than they had been in the Labyrinth.

After dinner the Steward appeared briefly, to check with everyone and make sure the new systems in the Den were understood. Pleased as well, and letting them know to also be warned--gently. If they passed by and the systems were running as if someone was playing, but they couldn't detect anyone, please do not be worried. Several of the servants were excited as well, and likely would be indulging in the new toys too.

A note was dropped off for Ahsoka as well.

Ahsoka Tano, We understand you have had a request, and so we have attempted to fulfill it. For testing purposes, please find it at the Field challenge zone. The access code for use is given below. We understand it is recommended one wear goggles at least when riding--they will be in your room.

Whenever she went to the field (whether stopping by her room first or not), just outside of the teleportation pad waited a hopefully not unfamiliar vehicle. It might've been a bit more advanced than she was used to, but just what it was should be clear anyways.