Stone Daises
The Stone Daises appear in Tomb Raider Legend. It is unclear exactly how they work, but they appear to teleport the user into an alternate dimension known as Avalon. It appears that the daises are linked, because when one is activated, does the other, but in a different part of time.
Lara first came across a dais when her plane crash landed in Nepal when she was a child. Found in a monastery, Lara activated the dais by pushing a strange sword into it, although it was her mother who was transported to Avalon. The portal opened and blurred images from the future appeared, although nothing was distinctive enough to properly make out. Her mother removes the sword, and in a blinding flash of light, vanishes.
Her disappearance struck a terrible blow on Lara's father Richard Croft who took to travelling the country in search of a way to get her back. He must have been on the right track, however, because he was correct in his assumption that there was a second dais, discovered by Lara in Bolivia (first level of Tomb Raider Legend). She realises that it is activated using a sword like the one that she used all those years ago, and sets about trying to find it. Soon, she realises that the sword is none other than the mythical Excalibur and when reforged, she takes it back to the dais in Bolivia. When she activates the dais, she receives a shock - her mother appears in the portal. Lara tries to alter the events of the past, but this proves impossible when Amanda tells Lara to remove the sword or it will explode. Thinking that these words are meant for her, Lara's mother wrenches the sword out, activating the dais and destroying both of them.
In Tomb Raider Underworld[1],Natla reveals that they are actually part of an ancient transport network and that,on the contrary of what Richard believed,it didn't take Amelia to niflheim,it took her to helheim.It also plays a vital role to Lara and Amanda escape Helheim at the end of the game,they find the very portal that transported Amelia into Helheim.Lara says that her mother tried to use it to exit the place,but was unsuccessiful due to a piece that was missing.However Lara is able to piece it together again and activate it,as Amanda pulls the sword and hold Lara's hand,they both make it.Back in nepal,the dais activates itself and Lara and Amanda come trought.Lara keeps the sword that activates the dais to herself.
Other Daises
It seems that there were more than just the two daises. In the level England - King Arthur's Tomb?, there is one standing before the body of King Arthur. Perhaps this is the direction that the developers want to take Tomb Raider: 8 in; sending Lara on a quest to find the others.
A List of all Daises
- in Nepal, (in a temple), where Lara's mother died or at least disappeared
- in Bolivia on a circle platform
- in England, Cornwall, in the tomb of King Arthur
- in Helheim,at the chamber of the Midgard
