The Orm'del Sea is an ocean that separates Eastern and Western Idalos. It is said to have many horrors awaiting those that wish to travel through its waters.
The woozy, vertiginous swoon was more intense this time as the numbers registered into whatever divinely-powered mechanism Mastes was employing in his maze. It seemed, however, that the malice that defined all the previous chambers the contestants had encountered thus far did not extend to the next room Yndira found herself.
This is not to say that comfort and opulence awaited her there. All that came to greet her vision was the same room that had been instrumental in her initial entrance into the maze. The appearance of wooden walls, painted with depictions of sparrows now returned to her vision as her naerikk eyes grew accustomed to the dark.
The door that had initially betrayed her with its disappearance as she'd passed through it now stood open before her; the unsettled stone that had turned beneath her foot still lay uprooted from its indentation. There were no screams echoing about, though a voice sneered from beyond the plane of walls now encompassing the reality of Etzos' Underground.
"Go then, little girl. Enjoy your baubles. And be sure to tell your mother that I played fair next time you see her. She was probably convinced I would see your exit restricted to Desnind. I could have, you know. But I still have your friends to entertain me. No small feat that you garnered such good fortune without even using that necklace. I expected to see its charge expended by your last move; but it seems you simply guessed correctly without Chrien's aid."
Mastes' voice rang off into the dark as Yndira crossed the threshold of her childhood doorway. It changed back into indifferent stone behind her as she cast a look back. The familiar smells of the City of Stone came back to replace the oddly maritime odors that had permeated the maze. A smirk displayed all the sympathy she felt for those remaining behind; as well as demonstrating the level of respect she felt for the Immortal trickster. The embrace of the flickering shadows generated by the stark torchlight was more of a home now than the room she'd just left.
Off Topic
A disappointing end to have no one for Mastes to have played you off against. But you got some rewards from it. I will list them when I grade this. But you may give a parting shot entry if you choose. If not, let me know.
Detection: Different shades of shadow can reveal a presence.
Endurance: Suffering extreme cold in a small room made of ice.
Endurance: Suffering increasingly powerful electric shocks.
Engineering: A stone floor toggle to both trip you and open a door.
Engineering: Buttons panels that trigger room-to-room transport.
Intelligence: Harp spiders have a treasure hoard in Mastes' Maze.
Intimidation: Magic is not such a risk when death is the alternative.
Intimidation: Push buttons and play the game, or drown.
Politics: Even allied Immortals mess with each others' followers.
Psychology: Being drawn in by childhood memories.
Psychology: Resisting anger when it is being manipulated.
Stealth: Care must still be taken in the Etzos Underground.
Non-Skill Knowledges:
Immortal: Mastes: As much of an ass as everyone says.
Location: Mastes' Maze
Mastes Maze: Has a room that shocks you with electricity.
Mastes Maze: A voice tries to create animosity between contestants.
Mastes Maze: Was connected to Etzos' Underground.
Monster: Harp Spiders: Greatly dislike things that are made of silver.
Monster: Harp Spiders: Play enchanting music on their webs.
Loot: Magic stuff:
A torque that will generate clothing to cover the torso.
It can be an hooded item as well.
It is triggered by the thought of what item you would like to wear.
A Belt to generate clothing for the legs.
Anklets and Bracelets to generate gloves and footwear.
The belt and torque each have 4 charges.
The anklets and bracelets only 2, but you have two of each.
3 Hairpins that reveal the location of solutions to current puzzles.
Powered by the Audnev blessing ability: Revealing Ink.
They each have only one charge
Ring of the Elements - a single charge of elemental power manifests at the start of each season. It shifts from Fire, to Wind, to Sandstorm, to Ice attacks, in that order, one each season.
Tides of Fortune - a necklace with a die fashioned from a single pearl. When used, either by the wearer's wish, or by dire circumstance, which the wearer may not even be aware of, a beneficial turn of events will occur. There is only a single charge.
Any one of these items may be recharged by the power gleaned from an act of flaying.
One silver-bladed dagger - which is primed to receive alchemical enhancement.
Loss, injuries:
No serious injuries, just a few slight burns from electric shocks.
Fame/Renown: 0
Sorry, too remote for anyone to know, unless one of the others comes back and starts blabbing.
Comments:
Well, not a skill heavy thread, I guess. But the loot should be fun.
Watch out world! Girl's gonna do some flaying.
Acrobatics: Climbing a "ladder" of sharp blades to escape
Acrobatics: Contorting your body to avoid being stabbed
Climbing: Going down is often harder than going up
Climbing: Very slow going on a smooth cliff face
Discipline: Keeping cool when you know you only have trills to think
Discipline: Should have resisted the urge to tail the naerikk
Endurance: Keeping your balance in a tumbling room
Engineering: A tumbling room with blades in the walls
Engineering: A trap trigger made to look like a doorknob
Intimidation: Push buttons and play the game, or die horribly
Politics: Even allied Immortals mess with each others' followers
Psychology: Your anger with Audrae can be used against you
Ranged: Sling: Need more practice to hit a button on a far wall
Stealth: Keep some distance from whom you're tailing
Strength: Beginning a climb from upside-down with only your arms
Non-Skill Knowledges:
Immortal: Mastes: As much of an ass as everyone says.
Location: Mastes' Maze
Mastes Maze: is full of trap rooms
Mastes Maze: A voice tries to create animosity between contestants.
Mastes Maze: Was connected to Etzos' Underground.
PC: Yndira: Naerikk
Yndira: Was used as a lure against you.
Loot: Magic stuff:
Nothing to speak of.
Loss, injuries:
Managed to avoid them.
Fame/Renown: 0
Sorry, same reason I didn't give Yndira any.
Comments:
Well, not a loot-heavy thread in the few chambers you encountered. Perhaps if you'd gone further with this, I'd have found some means to have you stumble on some treasure. But you did get away alive. I actually had a number combo that would teleport you out. We'll just assume you got lucky your second time on the cliff platform.
