The Southernmost Crossroads between Western Theros and Central Theros... A Trade town is firmly grown and lived here since before the Shadow Wars... These hardy and cunning Merchants and Mercenaries have been known to occupy the Southern Tip of Theros... Some say they have ancestors that can trace their lineage to one of the Sions of Creation... The legend goes that the Scions of Sion came to this land to repopulate and diversify their species. This led to the founders landing in a holy site somewhere on the Southern tip of Theros... Scion of Eternal Flame was the first to arrive on this land, purifying it by fire, burning and rejuvenating the land in order to diversify their crops and foliage. Scion of Eternal Water followed after and doused the lands in a monsoon of rain, washing the destruction away creating a livable habitat of creatures to grow and mature the land... Then the Eternal of Water called upon her counterpart, Eternal of Nature, who then cultivated the land, working it into lush gardens and forests full of nutrients and sustenance. Once The Eternal of Nature was satisfied with such divine beauty, called upon its counterpart, The Eternal of Wind to breathe life into the land, and record the secrets to their success that made such a lush and bountiful land that enabled the indigenous to become natural evolutions from all of their creations...

The Eternals had become satisfied with their creation and began to share their energies in order to give their genes to the indigenous making them hardier, healthier, and much more agile than most average beings that set foot upon this planet. Zex and Seraphine created the lineage of warriors that became the protectors and stewards of their creation, Forrester and Scrirocco created the lineage of mentors and teachers of the masteries they imbued into their genes creating keener minds and more fluid manipulators of their creations... These peoples became known as the Frezenites, founders of Grande Fresen.

Markus was nervous to visit Grande Fresen, as he was a descendant of one of the Founders of the Frezenites. His legend and lore as ‘Gatekeeper’ is well known in these parts and some may see the Alistar clan as an outcast house, due to the actions of Ewan in his younger years. Markus’ father was once a hero to the Frezenites but they also painted the legend of Ewan as a betrayer. Simon was well aware of Markus’ lineage and was concocting a plan to bring favor back to the Gatekeeper title and gain rapport for the Death Hunter Corps.

“Say Markus, don’tcha have relatives out in these parts?” Simon asked curiously as this connection could be pinnacle to gaining favor with Grande Fresen once more.

“Yes… My uncle, Jack. He’s more of a friend of the family but has served my father loyally for his entire life.” Markus replied, noticing that Simon may be concocting a plan. “You’d get along with him Simon, Jack Bruce is a weapons enthusiast like yourself.”

“Excellent! We will rendezvous with good ol’ Brucey and his gang. That way we have some protection from the extremists of Scion.” Simon gave the order, pressing the pedal to the metal.

After several hours of driving, they finally reached the outskirts of Grande Fresen. They headed off toward Jack’s Compound that lay in the hills to the North of the city. After a few minutes of backroad driving, there was a sight to behold. Many barracks and hangers with men crawling all about. There was one particular structure in the center of the compound that really took the men’s breath away.

“Is… that… Jack’s headquarters??” Stunned by the immense structure that only seemed to have three storeys and squared off with a courtyard in the middle of the structure. Pulling up to the entrance was almost straight out of a steampunk novel. Mechanical equipment that moved entire buildings. The three men looked upon the huge sign that hung above the entrance to the main gallery, ‘Dune Prowlers’. There was a smaller sign that hung just below the building name ‘Headquarters of the Trion Titans’.

“This place hasn’t changed much,” Markus spoke up, showing the least excitement of the three men. “We spent many weekends at this compound when I was a kid.”

“Well looks like we have our local guide,” Vance added, “That saves us the hassle of brainwashing someone.” Vance sighed with a hint of disappointment.

Simon slammed the jeep into park and shut the engine off. “Alright boys, let's go have a party!” Simon was the most excited of the men, he had only read about Master Bruce in his studies as a weaponsmith. You could say that Simon may idolize Jack a bit too much, yet with the best of intentions.

“Dude you just wanna goggle over your idol!” Vance could read Simon’s mind like an open book when he was in this state. “Get ahold of yerself man!”

“Wow Simon, never thought you would respect my uncle so much!” Markus commented on the other’s shenanigans. “I would more than gladly introduce ya to him.”

“Please do!!” Simon’s eyes lit up and had a glow of appreciation in them. “You’d be me best pal! Master Bruce is a legend!”

All three of them jumped out of the jeep one after the other, Vance opened the trunk and pulled out the gear and equipment, slinging them over his shoulder.

“Showin’ off much? Ya bloodsucker!” Simon sneered as he teased Vance. ”I suppose Vampires are good pack mules, hahaha!”

“Shut up Simon!” Vance snapped at his superior, “I know my role as the new recruit.”

Markus only smirked and shook his head at his colleagues. “Now fellas, hold the trash talk for the party!” Markus smiled as he took point, leading them into the Dune Prowlers headquarters. Simon remembers from his studies, Jack Bruce had many masteries under his belt. There was one particular article that talked about the Trion Titans that Simon would remember vividly…

Specialized in demolition, Jack Bruce, had a terrifying admiration for heavy weaponry. Such things as chain-guns, gatling guns, bazookas, grenade launchers... basically anything that made an explosion and impressive hardware for devastation. Jack trained using clubs, bats, hammers, maces, and axes. Most times Jack would dual wield during training to balance his strength throughout his body. Jack Bruce never approved of magicks, and had little to no skill with it. Jack relied on technique and balance. He was a true master of such things, being the dominant power in the Trion Titans, Jack was always challenging Ewan in order to better themselves. Though this was always a fight to see, Jack would often beat Ewan. Though Jack's strength outmatched Ewan's, Ewan would tend to have the upper hand due to his agility. Supreme Commander Jack trained and mastered Pankration, the technique combined from India and Greece. Very physically demanding and power oriented. Considered a derivative from Hercules fighting style.

Truly, Simon was a nerd when it came to weaponsmithing. None who follow the trade have not heard of Master Jack Bruce - The Demolition Man. Vance was beginning to get a headache from Simon’s explosion of thoughts, he massaged his temples dullening the chatter. Markus walked up to the counter and could see the glow in the receptionist’s face.

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“Master Markus! You’ve come for a visit! Let me inform the Commander.” the receptionist hurried off into the back hallway where Jack’s administration offices were strewn about. Moments later, there was a muffled roar in back and footsteps hurried out to the gallery.

“One of the few places in Grande Fresen that welcomes me with open arms.” Markus commented on his colleagues' reaction to the members of the Dune Prowlers.

“Like an age old fairytale would say… There’s no place like home.” Vance answered as the rest of the administrative assembly lined up at attention waiting on the Commander.

“This is the best part mateys!” Simon could hardly contain his excitement. “The one, the only Supreme Commander of the Dune Prowlers and a Trion Titan, Master Jack Bruce!” Simon’s voice was like a ringside announcer, which made the members of Dune Prowlers smirk but quickly regained their composure.

Jack lived up to all the hype that Simon would rant about, with battle scars and age showing his wisdom, Master Bruce changes the atmosphere as soon as he enters a room. “Ahh nephew… It's been almost a year since last we met!” Jack was a jolly and raspy man who carried his dignity about him. “Come boy! Introduce me to your friends!”

“Haha… Uncle these are my colleagues from Death Hunter Corps, Simon J. Romero and Vance of House Kaine.” Markus announced his colleagues' families, as Jack would have asked many questions just to learn a man’s name; it was a quirk of Jack’s that Markus admired.

“Ahh the famous Deathunter Tinkerer, and a member of a royal family of Vampires…” Jack pondered the introductions while looking his nephew over. “You mess with my men, Deathwalker, I’ll have you strung up on a post so fast your kind would be scared.” Jack had a disdain for those who discarded their mortality, yet his attitude may be from the old generation, Jack’s generation were the ones who freed the mindless reavers of the Chaotic Wars gone passed. “I see you have made a contract with a special creation…” Jack walked over inspecting Vance’s right arm.

“Yes sensei, I have studied your works for years… this one was inspired by your Bayonetta Bloodthorn.” Simon spoke up barely able to contain his energy as his role model complimented his creation. “I call it Crimson Thorne.”

“Very well crafted Mr. Romero, I see the detailed work you did… Tell me how you binded the spirit to the blade?” Jack asked his apprentice quizzically, “I spoke of five techniques of Sion…” Jack gave Simon a hint.

“Ahem…” Simon cleared his throat as he began to recite the five pillars of Weaponsmithing. “Knife and Dagger; kills a swagger, Sword and Shield; never yields, Staff and Spear; makes it clear, Mace and Axe; shows the facts, Wand and Relic; shares its ailments.”

“Very well spoken, Mr. Romero!” Jack complimented his apprentice knowing how Simon viewed him.

“I’d like to see your workshop and how it’s run.” Simon stated as Jack finished complimenting him. “I hope to find some inspiration during our stay here!”

“Terrance! Come, show Mr. Romero to the shop, I have some quality time to spend with my nephew.” Terrance was a younger man that served as retainer to Jack; the one who some day may inherit the Dune Prowlers.

Terrance escorted Simon through the back door and across the courtyard to where the workshop resided. Markus and Vance accompanied Jack into a side meeting room that could hold a buffet. The long table was being prepped for the evening's events. There were a couple of sitting benches opposite each other with a small coffee table between them. A large desk sat at the back of the room with two floor to ceiling windows that peered over the courtyard. Memories of this place would flood Markus’ mind as they made themselves comfortable and a maid walked in with a service cart, offering some refreshments.

“Would any of you gentlemen like some tea or drinks?” The maid pushed the cart to the end of the coffee table setting up the tea set.

“Ah yes, my dear! I would like a snifter glass of your red stuff.” Vance immediately entered into a charming state, hoping to influence the maid.

“Knock it off Deathwalker!” Jack ordered, his voice stern and piercing.

“...Sorry good sir! Won’t happen again.” Vance answered immediately, feeling the pressure from Jack’s command.

“I’m fine with the tea, milady.” Markus’ charm was much more tamed and respectable.

“Very good, Master Alistar!” The maid seemed excited to serve Markus, she was of the same age and generation as Markus. She seemed familiar to him, pondered Markus as she poured a cup for him.Jack had a mini bar just attached to the wall behind the desk, pulling out a bottle of brandy and some cups, Jack placed them on his desk and sat down.

“Thank you Scarlett, please check on us in a bit, I must discuss some business with the representatives from Death Hunter Corps.” The maid Scarlett, nodded and turned to Markus, gave him a wink and headed out of the room.

“Nephew… it’s so good to see you’re doing well! Are you eating healthy?” Jack would have moments of Fatherly responsibility towards Markus. “That crazed Doc friend of yours not working ya too hard?”

“Nah uncle! They've been treating me well at HQ.” Markus replied, reassuring Jack of his treatment at Markus’ work. “I even have my own office, just down the hall from our library.” Markus added.

“Sounds like a nice place for ya, my boy!” Jack added. Pouring a glass of brandy, Jack then picked up his cup and took a deep drink, the man could really slam them back.

“Now… before we join the rest of the gang for the evening festivities, I have some business to discuss with you, Markus.” Jack swirled his drink as he began. “We have received reports that a group of mobility units from the Unknown Kingdom have sent word to the Mayor of Grande Fresen… Their Emissary is to arrive in three months or less, from the Western continent.”

“Always a surprise with you, uncle.” Markus answered not surprised that Jack was so well informed. His uncle was a former council member of Grande Fresen’s government. “Yes… My contacts from the other branches of the Death Hunter Corps have reported similar actions taking place in Western Therös.”

“Indeed… my informants have been doing this kind of work for years, nephew.” Jack stated, showing Markus his experience. “My sources tell me that the head of House Kunjiro will be accompanying the Emissary. Lord Kunjiro Arbor-Kai, is a kind man with a terrible curse… we must show him our utmost respect no matter the cost.”

“I would not have guessed the Lord of House Kunjiro would show himself in public, and in Grande Fresen of all places.” Markus knew there were some behind the veil schemes that had haunted the Frezenites. “A merchant city of all places… Neutral ground… We may not have all the answers but we do have the homeland advantage.”

“Yes nephew, we have been part of this city since its founding. There is always a way when coin is involved.” Jack knew all too well how the merchant city worked. “We have a few months to prepare any counter-measures to prevent Grande Fresen from becoming a puppet state of the Kunjiro Empire.”

“Enough of the serious talk, there is a party to enjoy!” Vance broke the ice and the tension that built from the discussion. “I’m hoping you have some animal blood for me Jack.” Vance chuckled as he tempted Jack with his gruesome preferred beverage.

“Not to worry Deathwalker… we know how to treat our allies… even if yer a soulless bag o’ bones.” Jack mocked Vance with a sarcastic tone. “It’ll be a night you’ll never forget boys!”

With a huge grin on his face Jack pushed up from his desk, poured another glass of brandy and pushed his nephew and his colleague back to the main gallery. “The party is about to begin!” Jack may have been a stubborn crusty old man but he really knew how to party. Markus was not looking forward to the next morning, but he was going to celebrate to the fullest just for his uncle, Jack Bruce - The Demolition Man.

Heading back to the main hall, Markus followed behind his uncle Jack, while Vance kept mostly silent until he could clear the area of the nuisance called Jack; Vance could only tolerate his kind for so long, he was off to celebrate Deathwlaker style. After a few greetings Jack silenced all the members of the Dune Prowlers. "Now this will be a night to remember boys! Our greatest ally and closest family member has come to stay! Let him feel welcome along with his comrades!" The crowd gave a huge cheer and began to fill glasses and steins full of liquor giving Markus the tallest drink they could make! This would be a long night for the Guardian many would think but they reveled in it.