Cryptic_Dude

Dark shadows surround the one known as the Cryptic Dude, swirling lazily about, lightly, as if it were hair in the wind. His robes are dark and impenetrable, the continuality of it broken only by the embroidery on the hems. As you look closer, you notice that the embroidery is strung of golden thread into runic symbols of the darkest magic. You try to concentrate upon them, desperate to make out what they might mean, but they seem to change shape even as you watch! His cowl is pulled low, covering his face in darkness so complete that only his crimson lips are revealed, highlighted only by the creamy pallor of his chin. It is then that you notice them rising slightly on the right side. The soulless chuckle which emits from within rocks you to the very core.

‘All hope abandon ye who enter here’.

Through me you pass into the city of woe:
Through me you pass into eternal pain:
Through me among the people lost for aye.

Justice the founder of my fabric mov’d:
To rear me was the task of power divine,
Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.

Before me things create were none, save things
Eternal, and eternal I endure.
All hope abandon ye who enter here.

Such characters in colour dim I mark’d
Over a portal’s lofty arch inscrib’d:
Whereat I thus: Master, these words import.