Re: The Phenomenal Fracas! (GBS2G6): [Round Four: The Warped Edifice]
07-23-2011, 02:27 PM
Originally posted on MSPA by whoosh!.
The remaining five contestants were ripped from the world of the Drenwellian Empire just as the heirless Empress died. This death would mark the beginning of a century-long power struggle that would ultimately end in revolution, and the fall of the Empire.
But that is another story, and not one that the combatants would likely ever know of.
Instead they found themselves not in the gloom of the Prestidigitator's quarters, but what appeared at first glance to be a building of sorts. Throughout this place they were scattered, immobile and silent.
“Greetings,” a quiet voice remarked. It was heard by all those included in this fight to the death. However, it was not the booming, confident vocalisation of the Prestidigitator. This voice was far more solemn and slow, but no less impressive.
“My name is Third. We have met, briefly. The Prestidigitator has shown more interest in other matters than this game of his, and so I am afraid that I must be the one to introduce this round. The more canny amongst you will have noticed the distinct oddness of the architecture and décor of the location. Those of even keener intelligence will notice the lack of weapons upon your person.
“The reason for this is an item in the centre of this place. It's nothing interesting to look at, perhaps of mild interest as an ornament, but it was set in this place by myself many days ago. Back then the building was quite ordinary. Sensible. Practical. Unutterably dull. Since then, however, the item in question has expanded and warped the building beyond it's external boundaries. Innumerable new rooms have been created, each attempting to mimic the style of the building, but fortunately this became harder for the item as its effects grew more widespread. Everything became more labyrinthine, more puzzling, and infinitely more intriguing.
“But forgive me, I'm rambling. The point of this round is to strip you down. This is why your weapons were removed. They will be returned upon the death of one of you. Your powers have also been crippled, due to the interfering influence of the item I mentioned. You may be able to get some use out of your respective abilities, but all non-physical actions will be very difficult to complete indeed.
“However, do not believe that we intend for you to tear each other apart with your bare hands (although that is an option) as there is a dagger embedded in the item at the centre of this maze. A very special dagger. Anyone cut by it will immediately die.
“One more thing before I leave you to it: I left a couple of documents explaining the item in more detail around here somewhere. I don't remember where, but you might find them illuminating. I also don't know what sort of building you're standing in. I don't care to know.”
The voice paused for a moment, before finally adding: “Good day to you.”
And then they were free to move.
The remaining five contestants were ripped from the world of the Drenwellian Empire just as the heirless Empress died. This death would mark the beginning of a century-long power struggle that would ultimately end in revolution, and the fall of the Empire.
But that is another story, and not one that the combatants would likely ever know of.
Instead they found themselves not in the gloom of the Prestidigitator's quarters, but what appeared at first glance to be a building of sorts. Throughout this place they were scattered, immobile and silent.
“Greetings,” a quiet voice remarked. It was heard by all those included in this fight to the death. However, it was not the booming, confident vocalisation of the Prestidigitator. This voice was far more solemn and slow, but no less impressive.
“My name is Third. We have met, briefly. The Prestidigitator has shown more interest in other matters than this game of his, and so I am afraid that I must be the one to introduce this round. The more canny amongst you will have noticed the distinct oddness of the architecture and décor of the location. Those of even keener intelligence will notice the lack of weapons upon your person.
“The reason for this is an item in the centre of this place. It's nothing interesting to look at, perhaps of mild interest as an ornament, but it was set in this place by myself many days ago. Back then the building was quite ordinary. Sensible. Practical. Unutterably dull. Since then, however, the item in question has expanded and warped the building beyond it's external boundaries. Innumerable new rooms have been created, each attempting to mimic the style of the building, but fortunately this became harder for the item as its effects grew more widespread. Everything became more labyrinthine, more puzzling, and infinitely more intriguing.
“But forgive me, I'm rambling. The point of this round is to strip you down. This is why your weapons were removed. They will be returned upon the death of one of you. Your powers have also been crippled, due to the interfering influence of the item I mentioned. You may be able to get some use out of your respective abilities, but all non-physical actions will be very difficult to complete indeed.
“However, do not believe that we intend for you to tear each other apart with your bare hands (although that is an option) as there is a dagger embedded in the item at the centre of this maze. A very special dagger. Anyone cut by it will immediately die.
“One more thing before I leave you to it: I left a couple of documents explaining the item in more detail around here somewhere. I don't remember where, but you might find them illuminating. I also don't know what sort of building you're standing in. I don't care to know.”
The voice paused for a moment, before finally adding: “Good day to you.”
And then they were free to move.