To The main Gate

You step out into the bustling street, your heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and excitement as you navigate through the festival crowds toward the main city gates.

{if game:Basic_Kit = true}

With the light Basic Kit fitted to your frame, you move with effortless speed. The minimal leather bracers and lightweight leather barely feel heavier than your everyday clothes, allowing you to slip through the dense throngs of people like a shadow. You might look modest compared to the heavily armed guards, but your steps are entirely unburdened.

{endif}

{if game:Balanced_Kit = true}

With the reliable Balanced Kit strapped to your torso, you move through the crowd with an easy, measured stride. The oil-treated leather chestplate and solid shoulder pauldrons flex naturally with your movements, offering a reassuring sense of protection without overly constricting your breathing. You feel sturdy, capable, and ready for whatever lies beyond the walls.

{endif}

{if game:Expensive_Kit = true}

With the magnificent Expensive Kit weighing upon you, you draw plenty of lingering stares from the festival-goers. The heavy vest and internal metal plates give you a broad, imposing silhouette, while your steel-toed boots clack loudly against the cobbled road. You have to work a little harder to push through the crowd, but the raw, defensive power surrounding your chest makes you feel absolutely bulletproof. The lingering glances from women along the street only reinforce the power and respect that comes with this kit.

{endif}

Up ahead, the massive stone archway of Dragonia's main gate looms over the horizon, where Jess is already waiting. She is practically vibrating with nervous energy, tapping her boots against the stone.

"John, you're finally here!" she calls out, her eyes locking onto you. "I'm so excited to finally be heading out to make a name for ourselves. Come on, show me, what gear did you get?"

{if game:Basic_Kit = true}

"Just the basics," you admit, gesturing to your light armor. "I'm trying to save coin for later on. You never know when we might need it."

Jess gives you a brief side-eye, clearly questioning if you're taking this dangerous journey seriously enough. But the doubt doesn't keep her down for long. "Fair enough," she shrugs. "Speed has its own advantages."

{endif}

{if game:Balanced_Kit = true}

"I went for a solid balance," you say, showing off the leather chestplate as well as your packed rucksack of rations and tools.

Jess flashes you a warm, approving smile, nodding as she inspects the sturdy straps. "Smart choice. Practical, protective, and you won't pass out from exhaustion three miles past the gate. You look ready."

{endif}

{if game:Expensive_Kit = true}

"Only the best for our trip," you say confidently, rolling your shoulders to settle the heavy plates. "I've got the finest armor and top-tier rations to keep us safe and healthy throughout the journey."

Jess flashes an admiring smile in your direction, looking you up and down with wide eyes. A slight flush touches her cheeks before she quickly shakes it off. "Wow. You aren't kidding. If an outlaw tries to stick a blade in you, the blade's going to break first. I guess I'm traveling with a noble bodyguard now."

{endif}

She steps closer, her expression shifting into something more focused as she looks out toward the open horizon beyond the stone archway.

"Alright, let me fill you in on the plan. As we both know, twenty years ago the Gods disappeared, and nobody knows where they went. The world has fallen into despair, and it needs every bit of help it can get. I don't expect the two of us to save the world, but stopping bandits and helping travellers along the road sounds like a pretty good place to start."

"That sounds like a great plan to me, too," you reply, feeling a sudden surge of adrenaline. "Maybe we'll even hunt down a demon if we're lucky."

Jess lets out a sharp laugh, punching your arm playfully. "Whoah, let's not get ahead of ourselves! Let's stick to the road before we go chasing monsters. So, partner... where should we head first?"