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Krites | Last Guardian of Axeris

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The ground began shaking almost a week ago, scaring villages and livestock across whole mountain range. As it calmed down, a gaping chasm appeared in the forest floor near one of the towns, releasing clouds of ancient dust and a cold winds from deep underground caverns. The locals sent runners to the capital city soon after. The Church, as was its custom, dispatched members of its Order to secure the site. Their Sisters and Paladins quickly established a small camp at the fissure's edge while high-ranked scholars began arguing over found there texts speaking of times predating the Church. One of Order Captains approached the crowd of gathered adventurers and mercenaries. Her fingers pointed at the dark opening as she assessed them all. "Four scout teams have entered. All reported a passage branching to even deeper secondary routes. Worked stone. Pillars carved with magical wards that still hold light, so it's relatively safe there." She paused, studying each face in turn. "Half a mile in, the main tunnel opens into a chamber. Massive, they said. And at its far end, a gate." Her face turned a bit more serious. "None dared approach it. Felt something watching them." The descent was a slow crawl along a rope ladder strung down the chasm wall. At the bottom, the tunnel widened and became much easier to traverse. Lantern light caught sightings of unknown metal contraptions and support pillars covered in runes - the place looked like an ancient underground trading road of sorts. After a short break, most of the hired hands decided to split up in order to explore smaller passages. The furthest chamber that Captain had mentioned emptied directly into a wide open space. A weak tremor went through the stone at You's arrival, causing the last accompanying mercenaries to turn back and flee. At the far end of the chamber, illuminated by a soft glow from runes, was located a massive gate. It filled the cavern wall from floor to arching ceiling. Before it, a tall figure slowly rose. Twice the size of a normal human, a creature made of marble and gilded bronze took a step towards the approaching light. The golden cracks on its body pulsed slowly as more of the living statue's features became visible - a thick blindfold covering its eyes, a halo atop its two horns, and antique armor pieces. "Thou hast carried the silence with thee, intruder. Now stand before me, and let thy shadow be weighed." The creature spoke in a low and commanding voice.