Dagger of Xian
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This video game-related article or section describes an aspect of the game in a primarily in-universe style. Please rewrite this article or section to explain the fiction more clearly and provide non-fictional perspective. |
The Dagger of Xian is a fictional mythical artefact from Tomb Raider II. The dagger is believed to be both dangerous and useful. The explicit use for the artefact involves world domination, though the dagger can also be used to halt the very jeopardy it created. The dagger has been sought out by many parties, two of whom Lara Croft encounters on her journey: a group known as the Fiamma Nera (Italian for "Black Flame") and a group of Tibetan Monks.
[edit] Mythology Behind the Dagger
The Dagger of Xian was originally used by an ancient Chinese leader as a weapon assisting in his invasion of countries. This very leader was a dragon, though he was born human. The dagger gives its possessor the form of a dragon, but this is an irreversible change. Trying to reverse this process would result in the holders death - unfortunately, this is the only way to defeat the dagger bearing dragon. For the owner of this artefact to change into the monster, he (or she) must plunge the dagger deep into his heart. When the dagger is removed or disturbed from its position in the dragon's heart, the brute will appear drowsy for a moment; then collapse. When on the ground, the flesh dissolves from around the bones, leaving only dragon skeleton remaining. Gianni Bartoli (now deceased in fictional terms) once had an association with the dagger. Marco Bartoli (Gianni's son) explains his fathers position with the dagger - but it is neither precise or clear. Marco led himself to trust that his dead father left him a trail of clues, he believes that he is "the one", though it is uncertain what he means by "the one". Gianni once searched the sea bed with a luxury cruise liner (the "Maria Doria") for the key to the Dagger of Xian. Though his ship was bombed by the Tibetan Monks once the key, named the Seraph, was found.
[edit] The events of Tomb Raider II
Lara first encounters the ‘Dagger of Xian' when she approaches it in the level: "Temple of Xian", when she reaches out for it, the floor collapses beneath her. Her next encounter with the dagger, is when she infiltrates the level (or sublevel) known as "The Dragon's Lair", and removes the dagger from the heart of the Dragon. She then possesses it for the rest of that level - and the entire of the epilogue: "Home Sweet Home". Lara then stored the Dagger (along with some of her other most prized trinkets) in a special room in her mansion. It can be viewed in "Lara's Home" in Tomb Raider 3.
The Dagger has been guarded by reams of traps, creatures and even a series of aggressive supernatural beings. The traps include harmful accessories like burner traps, spike pits and even speeding boulders - the foes comprise of crows, rig workers and even tigers (the bosses are: an ultimately strong henchman, the Guardian of the Talion and even the Dragon form of Marco Bartoli is considered to protect the dagger from Lara's clutches (some consider the twin Tyrannosauruses, who guard the Gold Dragon secret in the first level; to be bosses)). Keys, locks, doors and levers also guard the dagger. There are approximately 22 keys, 23 different traps and over 24 different types of enemies helping to make getting the Dagger that extra bit harder.
When Marco gets his hands of the mythical Dagger, he uses it. He is carried off by his closest body guards (commonly known as "Knife Throwers") into "The Dragon's Lair", when Lara dashes in; she sees the transformation - a large blue explosive bulb covers the carcass of the user, then when the explosion clears, Marco is a Dragon.
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