2000/02 - The Gauntlet

The Gauntlet

 * Invitation only event that was was held during the Shadows of the Past.
 * Candidates for 'The Gauntlet' included high level, high ranking monarchs. Potential candidates were challenged by "a presence" and if accepted were sent to the Singularity Caul.
 * The challenge was to run to the top of a distant hill and claim the Shadow Stone within 30 minutes whilst avoiding dangerous creatures such as: Shadows, Shadow Lieutenants, Panumbris Shadows, Umbris Shadows and Lag Beasts.
 * To successfully complete the challenge, a high run skill was needed to avoid the mobs and also a high jump skill to reach the stone itself.
 * Monarchs that completed the challenge received a Shadow Stone, used to improve Atlan Weapons, and the title of Dark Master.
 * There are only two known monarchs to have completed the Gauntlet and they were both based on the Thistledown server: Vidorian and Blackthorn.
 * Two monarchs also refused to take part in the test: Fafhrd of Thistledown and Killean of Morningthaw.
 * During the Should the Stars Fall event, the two Dark Masters were called upon to help free the Hopeslayer; however, Blackthorn had defected and was now part of the Shard Vigils leaving only Vidorian to assist the Shadow Generals.
 * The two monarchs who refused to take part in the Gauntlet were called upon by Asheron during the live event when Bael'Zharon was defeated.

Lore & Dialog
Town Crier Rumor (Darkness Ascendant)
 * Town Crier tells you, "High-ranking monarchs have been approached by an unknown presence and subjected to grueling tests on a distant island. Apparently this entity, whatever it is, does not think much of our monarchs.  Might this have something to do with the frightful apparition in the lightning flashes?"

Samuel, Former Guardian
 * Samuel, Former Guardian tells you, "A few years back - you see? A few years back, this island was found. Apparently, Monarchs had gone there before Bael'zharon walked the world, as a test. Something like that-"