Pebble Beach
From FiranMUX
The Liberator Trireme - Main Deck
The deck of this trireme is made of solid planks of wood, carefully
crafted together to be seaworthy, though like all decks on vessels
such as this, they require constant scrubbing to keep clean. The sides
of the ship have been freshly painted with a variety of colourful
symbols, one for each clan, one for the Republic, and one for the
liberated city of Ellish. In the farground, the figurehead of an angry
Zin can be seen at the front of the vessel, seemingly made of solid
gold, with eyes of finest sapphire. A skeleton crew exists below deck,
but they are under orders not to interact with any of the 'newcomers'.
They are here strictly to man the oars.
Mamoon strolls out of the shadows, looking quite a bit more animated than he has in nights before. He espies his final four on the deck of the ship and shouts, "Ahoy there, pirates! It is time for your final challenge! There is no captain, there is no officer, there is no immunity. There is only a winner - and a pirate master." He stomps on the wood below him. "SET SAIL TO PEBBLE BEACH!" *Firan*
Mamoon adds, "Er, Supreme Pirate. You knew what I meant." *Firan*
Aeryk is pacing, pacing, pacing. And he ceases pacing upon the first ahoy, coming to that partial parade rest and slipping his heels in a series of half-steps until he's facing Mamoon. Perhaps a bit distracted. "Understood," he projects back. *Firan*
Marsalos smirks a bit at Mamoon. "Ahoy, Dread Pirate Mamoon!" He calls over, before straightening up. He sets a hand on the railing, turning to look in the direction they're going to. Whee! *Firan*
Srenni -- tugs her boots back on. Especially as the name of the island is announced. She shakes her head, to get some water out of her hair and stuffs her leather helmet back on. Runagate strides away from the railing, towards where people are gathering.
As usual, the area below the deck seems to spring to life at the pirate's shout, and the boat is again on the seas in only moments. The old man adds, "This is not a long trip, so get ready. This contest will test /all/ that you have learned here."
Still leaning quietly against the railing, Davonos pushes off when Mamoon appears. Aside from that, the only other thing he does is reach up to drag the captain's hat off of his head. He has hat hair. A sweep from his left hand does a little to help, at least.
"As it should," Aeryk states, his hand finding, not a railing, but his other hand, behind his back. He puts his face upward, to the wind, and murmurs something under his breath.
And in mere moments, a beach is visible - though it is not an ordinary beach. It is an area that is seemingly made entirely from round polished stones, each shaped perfectly by the ocean water. The anchor goes down some distance from the beach - a bad sign, perhaps, as no canoes have been lowered.
The murmuring finished, Aeryk lowers his head and proceeds long-strided toward the edge of the ship. "I see we will be swimming?" he queries. He does not sound concerned. One is not an IstaNydiam without knowing how to swim.
Marsalos doesn't even attempt a guess as what they'll be doing. He raises an eyebrow, squinting a bit as they come up towards the island as his eyes flicker about the horizon.
Davonos does not sound concerned, because he doesn't say anything, but his brow does crease as if he suspects that he is about to invite an unfortunate amount of water into his lungs.
"You will swim," Mamoon grins somewhat savagely. "First, you will swim to the beach (reflex + swimming at 7, 5 successes needed - one roll and a pose per round when I say go)." The old man gestures, and a canoe - presumably for him alone, splashes into the water. "At my call. Get ready."
Srenni too, squints towards the island, moving back towards the railing. Her hands rest on it lightly, and she nods mostly to herself. She hops up onto the railing, to prepare to swim.
Marsalos nods sharply to Mamoon and heads for the rail, rubbing his hands together. He braces a foot up on a ledge for some diving leverage, setting his fingertips down on the edge.
Aeryk follows Srenni's suit, if slower and less readily. His motions have that awkwardness most normal folk have trying to stand on the raggedy edge of a ship. All right. Ready now.
Davonos clears his throat and shifts his weight as if prepared to leap in despite himself. He tries not to frown too much, but he's definitely looking down at the water more than he is anything else.
Pebble Beach Island
This lovely island is quaint yet dramatic. Thousands upon millions of
pebbles and small rocks, smoothed by years of sea currents, line the
beaches - no sand in sight. The rocks are a profusion of color, in
tones ranging from samite to crimson, and are various shapes and
sizes. Away from the beach, rolling hills hold the key to
understanding this island, punctuated by strangely large rocks that
seem almost carved into faces. It's unnerving, standing by a rock
fifteen feet high that seems to be staring down at you! Overhead, the
light filters, making everything appear sharper in contrast. The
sounds of the sea rushing at the shore fill the air with presence.
@check reflex + swimming at 7 (to 5)
Mad Mars: 4 succs
Runagate Ren: 2 succs
Dull Hatchet Davy: 2 succs
Stormborn: 1 succ
Aeryk manages the initial dive without forcing too much water into his nostrils and his strokes keep him afloat, but there's an unfortunate delay between each of those strokes. He's certainly lagging behind.
Marsalos launches off the side of the ship with ease, arms stretched up over his head as he hits the water at a perfect angle. He glides under the surface for some time before his head appears, arms pulling water out of the way and leaving a wake behind him.
Srenni springs into the water with a smooth dive, and begins to head towards the beach. She is not, mind you, a fish like Marsalos. Still, she holds her own in the water.
Davonos hits the water hard, and just...starts moving. Fortunately doggy paddling seems to be instinctive enough for the Hydran that he can stay on the surface and make some (inelegant) forward progress. It's pretty laughable. But he's still breathing mostly air!
@check reflex + swimming at 7 (to 5) Mad Mars: 4+2=6 succs Runagate Ren: 2+1=3 succs Dull Hatchet Davy: 2+1=3 succs Stormborn: 1+0=1 succ
Davonos fumbles a little when his dubious rhythm fails, and his progress slows. He bobs in the water a bit, gasping for air, if still moving forward, and tries not to think about what he's doing.
Srenni continues to stroke, though she slows slightly due to a -- wave, perhaps. But she keeps on; at least she is only behind Marsalos, for now, if she's tied with Davonos.
Marsalos slows down as the drag of the water gets to him, but keeps a steady pace as he cuts through the water towards the beach. As sand scrapes his legs under him he puts his feet down, dripping saltwater.
One cannot be an IstaNydiam without being able to swim, but Aeryk seems set out to disprove this. As the others stretch out ahead, he pauses to tread water a moment and get his bearings. He notes, with self-disgust, he's still practically by the boat.
Mamoon paddles to shore quicker than the swimmers can make it - but only just ahead of Marsalos. The old man squints and shouts, "You there, boy! See those statue-rocks there? You're going to have to climb one of those big head-doodads and get the key off the top! (Coord+Climbing at 8, 10 succ needed to get up to the first key). Oh, I should mention. There are /four/ keys in total for the chest! You need /all/ of them to win." *Firan*
@check reflex + swimming at 7 (to 5) Runagate Ren: 3+2=5 succs Dull Hatchet Davy: 3+3=6 succs Stormborn: 1+2=3 succs @check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Mad Mars: 2 succs
Bearings got, Aeryk strokes forward again, but as the others reach the shore, he's still stroking toward it. Come ooon.
Marsalos eyes the heads but nods to Mamoon. He turns on the ball of his foot and sprints for the first one nearby, fingers latching onto a piece of jutting rock. He starts to pull himself up, swinging one foot up to the next ledge.
Srenni gets a burst of speed once again, and reaches the shore! Perhaps she shouldn't have been swimming earlier, as she may be worn out. But she pulls herself to her feet, heading up the beach with squishing boots.
There is really no rational explanation for the speed with which Davonos manages to get through the water to the pebbly beach. Reflex and instinct tells him when to stroke, and his feet are scraping the bottom before he even realizes he's there. It's when definite relief that he forges his way the rest of the way up onto land.
@check reflex + swimming at 7 (to 5) Stormborn: 3+0=3 succs @check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Mad Mars: 2+1=3 succs Runagate Ren: 1 succ Dull Hatchet Davy: 1 succ
Marsalos has a little more trouble as he gets higher, his foot skidding a little bit. Pebbles are knocked loose under his boot, tumbling down below. But he keeps on, gritting his teeth as he pulls himself higher.
Aeryk is unfortunately back to treading water again, dripping and further disgusted with himself. He can catch his competitors up ahead as flecks on the rock wall. Darn it! He's swimming.
Srenni spots Marsalos scaling a -- statue thing. And as such, she heads for another. But, unfortunately, her climbing skills are rather sad compared to the other day; the wet leather is weighing her down a bit.
Davonos does not have long to dwell on the fact that he has been tasked to climb a giant head. He digs his fingertips into a shallow nostril and pushes himself up, getting off to a slow start.
@check reflex + swimming at 7 (to 5) Stormborn: 3+2=5 succs @check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Mad Mars: 3+1=4 succs Runagate Ren: 1+2=3 succs Dull Hatchet Davy: 1+1=2 succs
Though the statues are made of rock, they are surprisingly smooth, and bereft of handholds - except for the ears, nostrils, and suchlike - it is very hard to scale effectively. Mamoon watches with a detached eye.
Marsalos isn't going any faster, here! But at least he hasn't gone tumbling off. Determination on his face, he keeps on pushing it, struggling a bit over a section of the face that juts out parallel to the ground.
Slooow, Davonos is slow. The nostril turns out to be not such a good grip after all, and he has to think before he can find a better grip, limiting him to only one or two decent upward pushes.
Aeryk drags himself out of the water and doesn't spare any time at all with shaking himself off or finding his feet more than perfunctionally. He's darting toward the statue that's left.
Oh, there she goes. Srenni's ascent grows slightly faster, although she is wet and the rock is smooth. This does not make for great climbing, but she somehow continues to drag herself up, using the ear.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Mad Mars: 4+1=5 succs Runagate Ren: 3+0=3 succs Dull Hatchet Davy: 2+1=3 succs Stormborn: 0 succs
Ooooh. Nope. That's not a handhold, and Srenni slides back down to the ear. "Tch." Her green eyes scan the head, trying to find a good way to go.
Davonos grunts, and gets a decent enough grip to push himself up a few more inches, making slow but steady progress upward, still.
Alas! Aeryk commits a minor hubris in making such a rush. He flat foots it, nearly trips, and ends up leaning against the head to catch his breath, while his fingers explore the lower part for handholds. Which he'll use in a minute.
Marsalos grabs his fingers right up the statue's nose! Rar. His foot slips, leaving him dangling high above the ground for a heartpounding moment, but then he swings a foot to the side and catches onto part of the statue again. Heave HO.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Mad Mars: 5+2=7 succs Runagate Ren: 3+1=4 succs Dull Hatchet Davy: 3+0=3 succs Stormborn: 0+0=0 succs
Aeryk is still - catching his breath. But that breath is coming a bit tight and frustrated now as his fingers keep exploring, now with a hint of franticness. He's done this under more terrifying situations. Why is it impossible now?
Slow and steady fades into none at all. Davonos looks baffled at his current predicament, and eventually zeroes in on the nearest ear. Maybe he can...go that way.
Srenni starts to drag herself up the head once again, and she pretend there are footholds at times, toes pushing against the rock. But -- they aren't there, so she hasn't gained the speed of earlier.
Marsalos finds a good handhold with both hands, making a sound low in his throat as he wrestles his way up onto it. His chest pressed to the statue, he jumps a bit to grab the next part.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Mad Mars: 7+0=7 succs Runagate Ren: 4+2=6 succs Dull Hatchet Davy: 3-1=2 succs Stormborn: 0+2=2 succs
Crap. Not a foothold. Marsalos' foot slips a bit and he mutters under his breath, having to pause a few seconds to find a new route. Dammit.
Davonos stretches and reaches for the ear, fingertips brushing nearly there before he loses his grip and slides down a bit, thumping his belly against the rock when he does so. "Frghh." *Firan*
Finally, Aeryk can't put it off any longer, exhausted or not. He heaves himself upward, fingers splaying over the smooth stone and feet extended, kicking for toe holds. Come on, come on.
Srenni exhales and grunts as she tries to pull herself up. This lets her find a good hold, somehow (perhaps the ridge of the eyebrow?), and she presses upwards slightly faster!
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Mad Mars: 7+1=8 succs Runagate Ren: 6+2=8 succs Dull Hatchet Davy: 2+2=4 succs Stormborn: 2+2=4 succs
Frustration compells Davonos to finally make the grasp he was reaching for, and he claws his hand into the ear to push himself up just a little faster.
Marsalos finds a spot finally to work his way up again, but it's slow going. Frustratingly slow. His jaw is tense as he works upwards, trying to concentrate.
Srenni keeps her momentum, jumping for the next place she can pull herself up with. Her face scrunches, teeth gritting. Almost there! Maybe.
Slow and steady. Leaps and jumps, followed by valleys of activity where you're too pooped to plow forward, are not as good as slow and steady, right? Aeryk just wishes he'd slow and steadied /earlier/. He's hugging the rock in some parts, pulling himself by tight fingers in other, but progressing.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Mad Mars: 8+2=10 succs Runagate Ren: 8+3=11 succs Dull Hatchet Davy: 4+1=5 succs Stormborn: 4+0=4 succs
Slow and steady was a good policy. But Aeryk is stopped short by an inability to get his hand into a certain handhold, his palm too slick with wet, both sea water and sweat. Come ooon.
Davonos is slow shifting the rest of his weight over onto the ear grip so that he can push off of it, and not confident enough to rush. He's only about halfway there, still.
Marsalos hauls himself up over the top of the damn statue, FINALLY. Rock scrapes his leather breastplate and leaves dusty trails over his knees as he pulls himself up and heads for the chest (?) grabbing up the key.
Mamoon shouts at the pair who are very close to their first objective, "That's only /one/ of the keys. Don't dawdle, jump off there. Go over there, to that wire fence. Inside there are four rabbits, and four keys. Grab one of them and kill it, butcher it and get the key from its guts. You've been there before. ((OOC: Just roll muscle+combat skill at 6, 5 successes required, to find the key, no actual code rabbits required)). *Firan*
There's the climbing skills Srenni displayed on the cliff. She suddenly /launches/ herself up to the top of the face, snagging the key. She manages to catch up to Marsalos, despite his lead swimming, and then jumps down.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 5+0=5 succs Stormborn: 4+2=6 succs @check muscle + combat at 6 (to 5) Mad Mars: 2 succs Runagate Ren: 2 succs
Screw blades, that climbing frustrated Marsalos enough to head for this with bare hands. He sprints for one of the cute fwuffy bunnies!
Aeryk is hauling himself up again, the handhold, slight as it was, finally no longer frustrating him beyond movement. His teeth are /quite/ gritted. Come on, come one!
Davonos is stuck again. This is fairly obvious from the fact that he doesn't move. Aand he is sweating, now, muscles straining just to hold his current position.
Srenni grabs up her sword from her belt, running towards the wire fence and hoping over it. She lunges for one, but -- well, they're fast little buggers, and she doesn't quite get one.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 5+0=5 succs Stormborn: 6+0=6 succs @check muscle + combat at 6 (to 5) Mad Mars: 2+5=7 succs Runagate Ren: 2+3=5 succs
Aeryk is stuck again. Really. If he were a man to cry, he would start crying. Just a little bit.
"I hate climbing," Davonos calls grouchily over to Aeryk. He has, ah, still not moved.
Er, was that the rabbit's head that just went flying over Marsalos' shoulder? Let's not think about it. He's left with a bloody rabbit in his fists, tearing at it to grab the equally bloody key. His arm raises to show it aloft.
Srenni /skewers/ a rabbit. Yum. Well, that works. She stops her lunging and grabs up her knife from her boot to butcher it. Her hand plunges in, to grab the key, and she comes out with a bloody hand. Whatever. Doesn't bother her.
"Those with bloody keys," Mamoon calls out. "Run with them to get your THIRD key! Across the bluff are a few 'villagers'. You must convince them to hand it over to you! Do whatever you can to make them do it. (OOC: Shrewdness OR Command + any social-imp-tied-skill at 8, 5 successes needed to get them to turn it over. Feel free to pose their reactions based on your roll too.)
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 5+2=7 succs Stormborn: 6+1=7 succs @check shrewd/command + imp at 8 (to 5) Mad Mars: 2 succs Runagate Ren: 1 succ
Oh, there. Aeryk managed to push himself a little higher. "Me too," he manages to grunt in a moment of openness. Gee, what openness.
Davonos finally, finally pushes himself up a little further, hand over hand. He grunts at Aeryk, acknowledging his extreme openness in a manly fashion, as is proper.
Mamoon shouts, "You guys can still make it - those keys are /hard/ to get into the chest. Pull the sticks out of your bums and CLIMB!"
Dusty and bloodied, Marsalos strides over to the edge of the bluff, calling out in a clear, loud voice. "YOU THERE! Across the way! I am the Maelstrom, the greatest pirate upon these waters! That key belongs to me, and you will hand it over!"
Marsalos' villager is not yet convinced. She squints at him hesitantly, clutching her key to her breast.
Srenni grabs her two keys tightly in her hands and takes off towards the 'village'. She is, perhaps, not as loud as Marsalos (Are we surprised?) and stops to take a breath before ordering, "Give over your key this instant." Her villager eyes her, but at least he's not snorting at her? *Firan*
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 7+1=8 succs Stormborn: 7+2=9 succs @check shrewd/command + imp at 8 (to 5) Mad Mars: 2+3=5 succs Runagate Ren: 1+0=1 succ
Davonos keeps turtling on up his rock, teeth grit against Mamoon's encouragement. He will make it there. Eventually.
"Surely you don't want some floof in magenta to win," Srenni attempts to persuade her villager but -- ah, shoot. Said male villager is a floof in magenta.
Aeryk is keeping that stick firmly in place, thanks! He does not shout back to Mamoon, but he does screw his fingers tight and his attention tight and tight, tight, tightly he draws himself almost to the talk. His foot is planted on the high bridge of the statue's nose.
Marsalos tilts his chin down, looking at the pretty mes with the key. "Mes, come! Live the honour of being in the presence of the Maelstrom. Give me the key and take this touch of my hand back to your people." *Firan*
The old woman titters, and releases her key - and her honour - to the Magenta Maelstrom.
Oh, she's old. marsalos coughs, but yeah. It worked.
Mamoon shouts, "Now you will have to run with the keys you have earned and race across to the edge of a field. In this field you will find the last key - and the chest is there as well. (First you have to @check reflex + endurance at 8, 5 successes. Then you have to check perception at 9, and get 1 success or more to find the key).
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 8+0=8 succs Stormborn: 9+2=11 succs @check shrewd/command + imp at 8 (to 5) Runagate Ren: 1+0=1 succ @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Mad Mars: 2 succs
In the field, in fact, are four separate chests - each on a very high stump, visible in the grass - whereas the keys are not.
"Just give it over!" Srenni practically growls but, no. He is a fan of magenta. She moves on.
Aeryk hauls himself up and his fingers snap out into open air before he realizes he's at the top. He snatches the key and hurries forthwith toward the bunnies.
Davonos grimaces, and cranes his head back to squint up the side of the face. He is stuck again. This is slightly embarassing.
Marsalos starts his sprint across the field, toes of his boots digging into the ground and kicking up some dirt as he goes. Come on, come ON!
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 8+0=8 succs @check muscle + combat at 6 (to 5) Stormborn: 7 succs @check shrewd/command + imp at 8 (to 5) Runagate Ren: 1+2=3 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Mad Mars: 2+6=8 succs
Marsalos gets his back into it. Like, seriously. He cuts a streak across the field, zooming towards the spot indicated like greased freaking lightning. As he reaches the area he falls to his knees, starting to search.
"You there!" Srenni comes upon /another/ person. Her hand is at the hilt of her sword, as she is slightly agitated. "The key. Now. I've things to do."
Oh man, Aeryk is all brutal business now. In a kinder, slower paced time, Aeryk might have tried to persuade the rabbit to puke up the key (which would not have been likely), but today, he sets arrow to bow and lets it fly. In the next second, it's ripped through the rabbit and ripped it apart, leaving the key scattered in the guts. It is the most spectacularly nasty shot he has ever accomplished, and he hardly notices. Pick up the key and /go/.
Nooo progress from Davonos, and he even looks back down at the ground again, as if he's considering giving up. But then he looks back at the rock, considering.
The last obstacle is clearly the chest itself. The locks are incredibly convoluted - and it is clear that only one key fits each lock. One has to puzzle out which one is which - and to make matters worse, there are clearly several dummy locks meant to confuse and derail the pirate wannabe. Shrewdness+Coordination at 9, 10 successes needed to win.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 8-2=6 succs @check shrewd/command + imp at 8 (to 5) Runagate Ren: 3+2=5 succs Stormborn: 2 succs @check perception at 9 (to 1) Mad Mars: 0 succs
Dammit...key, key, WHERE IS THE KEY? Marsalos grits his teeth, searching quickly for it, but to no avail just yet!
Aeryk proceeds to the villagers, bow still in hand. He's projecting his voice even as he approaches. "Villagers! I am Aeryk Stormborn, the son of Nydiam, Lightening Lord, a grand pirate in his days and now passed to Unot. I am here to honor him - and it would not honor him did I not at /least/ make a decent showing tonight." *Firan*
"I am the daughter of High General Zayes Vasen-Darkas. I do not have /time/ for this. Hand over the key immediately," And, finally, Srenni convinces someone to hand it over! Woot! She takes off immediately! Gogogo!
No progress trails into accidental downward progress, perhaps triggered by his doubt. Davonos bangs his calf against the rock when he falls, and curses.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 6+1=7 succs @check shrewd/command + imp at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 2+1=3 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Runagate Ren: 2 succs @check perception at 9 (to 1) Mad Mars: 0 succs
Davonos is stubborn, at least. That is...something! He digs his toes in and half makes up for lost ground.
Marsalos is still looking. La dee da! He's getting a bit frustrated now, searching around on the grassy ground for the stupid thing. "Come ON!" *Firan*
Mamoon shouts, "SO CLOSE NOW!" *Firan*
Zoom! Srenni takes off, dashing across the field, to try to get to where the keys are. But she is not far enough, it seems, so she keeps on running.
Aeryk clears his throat and watches Srenni dart off down the field. Bother. The villagers are still not sufficiently convinced. "I will have you know that my father died to save many." It is not exactly the best appeal to pirateyness ever. *Firan*
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 7+0=7 succs @check shrewd/command + imp at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 3+2=5 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Runagate Ren: 2+5=7 succs @check perception at 9 (to 1) Mad Mars: 1 succ
Marsalos finally spots the key! He snatches it up, the key jingling against the others in his hand. Moving quickly to the chest he stares at the locks a moment before his jaw clenches and he flips quickly through them, puzzling this out.
Srenni TURNS UP THE SPEED when Marsalos grabs up a key and head for a chest. Her boots might be squishing from the swim earlier, but off she goes! Realquicknow! When she reaches the field, she gets down immediately for the search.
Davonos stops again, shoulders trembling with the effort required to hang on well enough not to fall again.
Not sufficient. Aeryk steels himself and "If I do not obtain this key at this moment, I will perhaps bring shame to my family by not performing better--" Aeryk is staying this with a stark darkness that wins the villagers over enough to pass on the key. He seems almost embarrassed by making /that/ much of a perfomance, and off he darts.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 7+0=7 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 0 succs @check perception at 9 (to 1) Runagate Ren: 1 succ @check coordination + shrewdness at 9 (to 10) Mad Mars: 0 succs
Or, uh, maybe Aeryk doesn't dart. Maybe it's more of a still-embarrassed, over-inward stroll. Did he overstate things?
No progress yet. Marsalos narrows his eyes at the various locks, trying one key on sheer guess...and that gets him nowhere fast.
Srenni is lucky! She just happens to end up right near a key, and grabs it up immediately -- and begins to head for the chests. "Come on..." *Firan*
Maybe Davonos secretly likes clinging to the side of a giant face. He doesn't really look like he does, though! No further progress.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 7+1=8 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 0+1=1 succ @check coordination + shrewdness at 9 (to 10) Mad Mars: 0+0=0 succs Runagate Ren: 1 succ
Davonos pushes off of one leg, and gains a little bit of ground, if not much. This is still better than not moving at all.
Aeryk starts off at a rather uninspiring jog, but at least he's jogging, squinting up ahead at the blasted older nobility that keep /out-doing/ him. Mild peeve, here.
Marsalos is still fumbling with the first lock. Not fun, here!
Srenni heads to one chest, and checks out the locks, eyeing her keys. But it seems that, perhaps, she may not have found the right chest.
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 8+1=9 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 1+1=2 succs @check coordination + shrewdness at 9 (to 10) Mad Mars: 0+1=1 succ Runagate Ren: 1+0=1 succ
Nearly. There. Davonos is /nearly/ there. Slight progress is made, though his breaths are wheezing a bit.
Aeryk is still - jogging. Trying to get up his breath to do more than jog. Persuasion is exhausting!
Marsalos finally gets...somewhere with this. Somewhere. Two of the keys look right for this here lock, so he sets about trying them quickly.
Srenni fumbles with the keys a bit, to the point that she can't check the locks as much. Too many keys to look at!
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 9+0=9 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 2+0=2 succs @check coordination + shrewdness at 9 (to 10) Mad Mars: 1+0=1 succ Runagate Ren: 1+3=4 succs
Marsalos is very frustrated by now, fumbling with the keys rather than doing anything useful with them.
Davonos chuckles through his teeth. It is not a very nice sound, really. So close! With one foot planted at the bridge of the nose, he just stays where he is.
Aeryk stops - running again. Bebother and blast it, his hand is even propped against a stitch in his side.
Srenni gets herself sorted out, and checks keys and -- nope! Not this one! She gets up, gathering her keys, and heads to check a different chest!
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 9+0=9 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 2+0=2 succs @check coordination + shrewdness at 9 (to 10) Mad Mars: 1-1=0 succs Runagate Ren: 4+2=6 succs
The stitch is practically doubling Aeryk over now and he's hissing a prayer through his teeth. Now is not the /time/.
Obviously, Aeryk shouldn't have been eating before he went swimming. (Srenni)
Marsalos scrapes his hand against the chest, hard. Blood wells up on his skin and he sits back for a second, rubbing a hand over his face in frustration.
Davonos does not chuckle this time. He just breathes, which -- breathing isn't exactly speeding things up for him.
Srenni checks locks! "Come on..." And a few of the keys fit, but not the last! So, off she goes to another chest. Two down, two to go. *Firan*
@check coordination + climbing at 8 (to 10) Dull Hatchet Davy: 9+1=10 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 2+0=2 succs @check coordination + shrewdness at 9 (to 10) Mad Mars: 0+3=3 succs Runagate Ren: 6+2=8 succs
Yeah, prayer does no good. Aeryk can't move.
Marsalos gets himself back on track finally, going back to sorting through these keys. But he's way behind now.
Davonos flops up onto the top of the statue head, just rolls to get the key, and drops off the backside without thinking. He sort of has a lot to make up for, here.
Srenni moves on to another chest again! Gahhh. Why must they not have the same locks!? What's with the dummy locks? Luckily, the key-checking is getting a little automatic now. But there's only one she hasn't tried left, so she heads that way.
@check muscle + combat at 6 (to 5) Dull Hatchet Davy: 3 succs @check reflex + endurance at 8 (to 5) Stormborn: 2+1=3 succs @check coordination + shrewdness at 9 (to 10) Mad Mars: 3-1=2 succs Runagate Ren: 8+3=11 succs
Fantastically, Aeryk does struggle out of the sudden onset exhaustion, back to the underwhelming jog. But even this is a small victory for him and he chances a wry kind of half smile as he does it.
Davonos draws out his bow, and an arrow, snatches a rabbit by the scruff of its neck, and throws it roughly onto the ground. He is somewhat lacking in patience, and shoots it at point blank range. Unfortunately, it's still alive after.
Marsalos finally just kind of drops the keys altogether. He knows it's over. They fall from his hand onto the grass and he sits back on his heels, silent and watching the ground.
Srenni settles down beside the last trunk she hasn't checked, and quickly starts inserting and turning keys, one by one and-- and-- CLICK! They /all/ work! Runagate just -- drapes on the chest. "Yes." Done. *Firan*
Mamoon rushes forward and shouts out loudly, "WE HAVE A NEW SUPREME PIRATE! CAPTAIN RUNAGATE REN, SUPREME PIRATE AFTER THE DREAD PIRATE MAMOON!" He rushes over toward her, gesturing that the other participants stop what they are doing and come over as well. *Firan*
Odd that after it's over and the silent pressure to win is no longer present, Aeryk's limbs move easier. He's hurrying forward, the half smile actually turning briefly brighter, in fact. But he doesn't speak yet.
Marsalos has already stopped. He rubs a hand over his face and remains silent, listening but not looking over towards Mamoon as he jsut stares at the grass.
Mamoon grabs the ratty old hat that had served two captains over the course of the entire voyage and he returns it onto the first's head, as she is proclaimed the victor. He smiles at her proudly and notes, "I think any one of you would be a great Supreme Pirate, but this lass has won the title, and she deserves to keep it." He adds, keeping a hand over the chest for now, "You will get what is inside this chest, but also know that, while I am not long for this world, my nephew Nanoom will always have this ship for your use, should the ocean ever require you take a voyage across it. The islands, they are yours to visit as well, so long as you do not abuse them." *Firan*
Davonos stoops down after his damaged rabbit to break its neck before he heads over. It pops wetly, and he drops the thing into the grass, still breathing hard and sweating when he drags his way over to the chest area.
Mamoon releases his hand over the chest, so that it can be opened at the winner's leisure. "Congratulations," he beams at her. *Firan*
Aeryk comes down into a crouch once he's made that last, belated rush and then - thinks better of holding the crouch. He accords for Srenni a half-bow, rather slightened for the remaining exhaustion. "Congratulations, Runagate. You deserve the title," seems quite heart-felt, if wheezed. *Firan*
Srenni -- bows her head, to accept the hat again, letting the old man place it upon her head. She's breathing deeply, having held her breath too much while checking keys but -- a smile cracks her features. For just a moment. And then it is gone for a somber, "Thank you, Dread Pirate Mamoon. I will take good care of them. It has been -- quite the adventure." *Firan*
Marsalos looks up and over at the group, still sitting in the grass where he stopped. His face is a mask, expressionless.
Mamoon squeezes the winner's shoulder affectionately. "I am glad it is someone that has proven their worth that succeeds me. I could not be happier with the result." He gestures to the box with the convoluted locks and bids, "Open it - and then we will find you griffon rides home, eh?" *Firan*
The quiet congratulations given, Aeryk seems divided between brooding or not - but the mention of griffons actually draws an audible sigh of relief from him. He blinks, twice, glances skyward, and only then looks to Srenni and the chest.
Davonos nods along with Aeryk's words, though he doesn't seem to have enough breath to say much for himself. He is pale, and his eyes are dark with frustration -- but it is aimed inward, at himself, and he too slumps a little in relief at the mention of griffons.
Marsalos stands up finally, leaving the keys in the grass. He says nothing still, staying on the fringe of the group.
All the locks have been undone, so all Srenni needs to do is lift the lid -- and she stares at it, lips parting slightly. That is a /lot/. Remember to breath, Runagate! "Ah." A pause. Oh, griffons. "Yes, of course, though we must pick up the iron ore and dog from the ship?" But, before the answer, she turns to her opponents, and dips into a partial bow, stating, "I am honored to have taken this voyage with you all. Thank you."
"We have to take the ship back to Lurashar to get the griffons," Mamoon says sagely, grinning with pride at Srenni. He slaps her back, too hard, and says wistfully, "Supreme Pirate Captain Runagate Ren. Of the Griffon Clan, won aboard the Liberator. Fitting, I think."
Marsalos nods slightly to Srenni, a slow movement of his head before he tucks a cyan pebble away into his backpack. Turning slowly on one boot, he starts to walk back through the grass.
Aeryk has never known want, but the sheer magnitude of riches presented here leaves even him carefully stunned. But he can breathe. He is still managing. "Thank you," he returns, and falls in behind, that half smile making a reappearance. "It is fitting." *Firan*
Mamoon begins to shuffle off toward the ship, suddenly. "I guess we should get going, eh? No need to dawdle. The deed's done." *Firan*
Davonos returns Srenni's bow with a muffled cough, brows adopting their usual knit when he straightens again. "It is fitting," he agrees, voice low, and nods to Mamoon, ready to head back. *Firan*
Srenni is, perhaps, not expecting the slap on the back, and it causes her to step forward slightly. Though she presses her lips together after Marsalos. "Ah, yes." She, too, heads for the ship. *Firan*
Aeryk is just still trying to get his legs to work. Ah, there they go. A better stroll now, far better. He pauses to scoop up a pebble with slightly numbed fingers, and off.
