RL: Go through DAT GATE.
You hop on through your gate, and are quickly surrounded once again on all sides by thick, oppressive and steamy jungle.
As the note implied, you are met with two paths. Plus one of your snakes is wiggling excitedly by the right one.
>Alex: Blast off.You stop to tell Kaminasprite you are leaving again before you head out.
AL: HEY. I'M HEADED TO RL'S PLANET. SO, I GUESS I'LL SEE YOU WHEN I GET BACK?
Kaminasprite: Are you kidding? I'm finally allowed to come with ya, buddy! Besides, I think your other bro would rest easier knowing I'm keeping an eye on you.
AL: YEAH. I GUESS HE WOULD. I WISH HE'D OF STUCK AROUND. I KNOW YOU THINK A LOT OF ME KAMINA, BUT-
Kaminasprite: Aw, c'mon Alex! I'm telling you, you're stronger than you realize. Just believe me when I tell you this: I believe in you.
AL: THANKS KAMINA. LETS GO PAY RL A VISIT!
Sprite in tow, you blast off toward, and through, your second gate. After a few short moments of disorientation, you take note of a convenient grouping of volcanoes you'd seen in the cloud vision, and speed off in their direction.
Didja ya know some days I herp an entire derp? I do.
WESTWARD HO! TOWARDS THE NEXT CRYSTAL FORMATION
You strut heroically into the darkness. Or, it would be darkness, had you not had the foresight to smash a chunk of glowing crystal and carry it around like a torch. You still here scuffling feet somewhere, but beyond 'not too close', you can't judge how far very well because the cave produces echoes.
Guardian stats? I'm thinking 20+ of every stat, a trait that gives them a free +5 or more on everything, more speed than usual, a fucking incredible AC.. the list goes on.
I'm going to make Guardians exactly as powerful as the plot needs them to be. Except for Mikhael's, who is a sprite and gets an actual statblock. Also, if anyone has particular subplots in mind for their guardians, or even just general ideas, give em up. I want them to be more involved, and I'm taking steps with Al's bro already.