Egress

For as long as people can remember portals known as Thresholds would appear, no-one could enter the portals and nothing would happen to begin with. But after 2 weeks, small amounts of weak monsters would escape and wreak havoc. The only way to close the Threshold would be to defeat the 'boss' which would also come out and would be stronger than the other creatures.   In cities these Thresholds were usually pretty safe with the low levelled monsters because even civilians with 2 weeks to prep could set up traps and such to end the threat quickly   In the countryside if a small village got a Threshold they would try and get help from a city, sometimes they would be unsuccessful and people would die.   Around 60 years ago, larger Thresholds began appearing, letting bigger and more dangerous creatures into the world.   But with this extra magic that was being released it also started awakening people, as if to provide balance.   Awakened people are able to gain levels, thus gaining the name "Levellers "   Levellers were able to enter the thresholds before the monsters were released meaning that they could kill the boss in the Threshold and close it before the monsters could escape an harm the commonfolk.     This is full of danger as there is no guarantee what lies on the other side, but with the risk, came a great reward. On the other side of the Thresholds were dungeons of different sizes with different powered creatures. Killing these monsters grants experience which enables levellers to grow and gain more power letting them face even stronger Thresholds which will give greater experience.   The other reward are the magic crystals. In each dungeon created by a Threshold there is a variety of magic crystals which can be used to create magic items or potions or used as power sources.   The discovery of the uses of these crystals quickly caused a boom in the worlds economy. Cities now have power, power Levellers with the ability change the shape of the land or create items out of nothing.   Guilds quickly formed to capitalise on the Thresholds.   "The Association " a government body was formed to track an monitor Levellers to ensure they did not get out of control.