“Speak, friend, and enter.”
Elvish riddle on the Gate of Moria, Lord of the Rings
“Circles and Rings, Dragons and Kings...”
Neon Knights, Black Sabbath
“They’re brave, adventurous, ready to fight! And they fit in your wallet!”
Wallet Warriors, Epic Age Media
HIGH LORD SHADE
You seem despondent, young disciple.
DISCIPLE
I am sorry, Master. Sometimes I wonder if I am cut out for this life of study and meditation.
HIGH LORD SHADE
You are feeling restless? Impatient?
DISCIPLE
Somewhat.
HIGH LORD SHADE
Have you performed your stretches and exercises?
DISCIPLE
Of course. And that is what leads me to think that I must become more physical, more active.
HIGH LORD SHADE
In what manner?
DISCIPLE
Perhaps I would do well as a warrior!
HIGH LORD SHADE
Ah, yes. The urge to conquer one's foes and to prove his courage.
DISCIPLE
Exactly! How I desire to defend the righteous and slay those who commit evil acts!
HIGH LORD SHADE
A noble pursuit. But I daresay that you do not fully realize this course that you would undertake.
DISCIPLE
I can wield a sword! It shall be easy!
HIGH LORD SHADE
Hmm. Allow me to show you this small simulation.
DISCIPLE
Another one of your masterful designs, my lord?
HIGH LORD SHADE
Quite.
DISCIPLE
Wallet Warriors. It does have a funny name, Master!
HIGH LORD SHADE
And aptly so, for it was created to fit in your pocket that you may carry it everywhere as a reminder.
DISCIPLE
A reminder of what?
HIGH LORD SHADE
The true nature of an adventurer's life.
DISCIPLE
I see. It looks fascinating. And there are many roles to choose from; barbarian, knight, sorceress, thief...
HIGH LORD SHADE
Yes, there are many aspects.
DISCIPLE
I also see that there is a maze to navigate.
HIGH LORD SHADE
Several. You will never want for places to explore.
DISCIPLE
And there are many quests to undertake. I am all the more intrigued!
HIGH LORD SHADE
As you should be. There are many rewards as well; from gold to finely crafted weapons to magical spells and items.
DISCIPLE
Fantastic! May I begin right away?
HIGH LORD SHADE
If you like. However, a wise strategist and tactician always looks ahead and sizes up his enemies and obstacles.
DISCIPLE
There are pits and darts and bear traps. Certainly I can avoid those.
HIGH LORD SHADE
Continue.
DISCIPLE
Poison needles, acid sprays and crushing walls?! That sounds rather lethal...
HIGH LORD SHADE
Indeed.
DISCIPLE
Well, at least I can slay dangerous creatures. Giant rats, bats and snakes are no match for me!
HIGH LORD SHADE
And the others?
DISCIPLE
Minotaurs?! Demons?! Dragons?!
HIGH LORD SHADE
Do you still wish to pursue the life of a warrior?
DISCIPLE
Ummm...perhaps after a bit more study. For now I will be content with this clever card game.
HIGH LORD SHADE
And so it goes....