Artifact Tournament 6: Puzzle

From On the Holovid, The image of the ICS logo appears in the glowing particles, then shifts to the scene of a Llivori commentator in a soundstage. "Welcome to the latest round in the Interverse Combat Series tournament! For those keeping score at home, we've had three bouts in favor of the allies of Comorro Station and two in favor of the allies of Zar Hideg Fekretu. Can the Zar even the score today? We'll find out soon enough!"

From On the Holovid, The scene shifts to a pitch black bubble that's about a thousand feet in diameter. Norran Lomasa materializes in a flash of blue light on a clear plasteel platform that's floating above the bottom of the bubble. A Lotorian competitor materializes on another platform at the same altitude as Norran's. The familiar cambot orb whirs toward Norran. Through it, the commentator inquires: "So, outverser, tell us who you are and why you've chosen to fight against Zar Hideg Fekretu in this competition!"

From On the Holovid, Norran seems a slight bit disoriented by the sudden appearance, something hard to get used to no doubt, blinking a few times and rubbing his brow before he perks up at the voice of the commentator. He bears a wide, proud grin as he straightens himself, "My name is Norran Lomasa, proud son of the honorable House Lomasa of the Empire of Fastheld, and currently gracious denizen of Comorro." He performs a deep, flourished bow toward the commentator before rising. His grin widens somewhat as he answers further, "I come only for the honor and thrill of the competition and the fight, I care not who my opponent is other than I hope he be challenging enough to keep my interest."

Umishi walks in from the tradport and tries to find a spot next to the holovid.

Dyopheteia is sitting in the tavern, listening to the holovid. One ear holds an earplug. The Atlantean moves her lips, but no sound comes out.

From On the Holovid, The cambot then whirs across the chasm to the other platform, where the Lotorian waits, twitching his tail back and forth. "I'm Yzazz," the combatant replies. "Zar offer good money, so I take, yezyez! Hekkers buy me-I good engines for ship. So, me-I here this place." He peers across the gap toward the outverser. "I-me try not to kill that one."

The voice of the cambot says: "A good thing that you won't try to kill, because in today's competition, it's a battle of wits and patience rather than brute force." Narrow holoconsoles rise from the platforms supporting the combatants. "You will enter sequences in those consoles to activate ramps leading to higher platforms. Succeed, and you eventually reach the highest platform with the Hekayti Worthing totem. Is this understood?"

Sanhitlon floats into the tavern with its child in tow, and they float to an out of the way spot to settle in and watch the proceedings.

From On the Holovid, The outverser bows his head politely to the Lotorian as he appears, his expression unchanging. However, Norran's confidence dims noticably at the rising of the holoconsoles, to which he peers at as he strokes his chin. "A puzzle, then? An odd sort of game for a tourney - but yes, I understand."

From On the Holovid, The Lotorian bobs his snout. "I-me like gamezz, yezyez! Gonna like thiz."

Umishi watches the holovid again after double taking at the floating creature a moment.

Subhan rests by herself at a table near the Holoviewer - a good view guaranteed. She's a vested interest in the outcome of this event, you see, being that her favourite cousin is one of the combatants. Despite that no violence is allowed, the Baroness remains nervous - shaken still from yesterday's events and clearly afraid of what might occur, having come this far from the enclave.

From On the Holovid, Both holoconsoles display a series of varying squiggly symbols. The cambot says: "Use your fingers to relocate those symbols into the correct logical order."

From On the Holovid, Norran steps forward to give an eye to the symbols as they appear. His unsure expression brightens into a confident smile, an hand carefully reaching to shuffle the pieces about in their correct order precisely and without much trouble, except for a few mishaps of his hand missing a symbol every now and again.

From On the Holovid, Yzazz is similarly confident as he approaches the holoconsole on his platform. His fingers slide across the console, moving symbols with deft assurance. Almost simultaneous with Norran, he completes the correct arrangement. Transparent ramps start extending from both combatants' platforms to the next level, which becomes illuminated by a pair of blue-green hoverorbs.

Umishi is sitting at the bar watching the holovid.

From On the Holovid, Norran's brows raise as the ramp lights up, seemingly taken aback by it though he calms as he observes it for a bit. Pleased with the result, he strides his way up the ramp to the next console, offering some applause toward his opponent when he notices he's succeeded in the same time.

From On the Holovid, The Lotorian scampers up his ramp to the next level, scowling in disappointment as he sees the outverser has succeeded to get the ramp activated for his platform.

"~This shall be an interesting challenge.~" Sanhitlon notes as he watches the competition commence. "~Indeed a turn from the earlier events... logic over strength.~" Darsan is kept on a tight reign by one of Sanhitlon's tentacles. "~Pretty pictures.~" it comments with a childish giggle.

From On the Holovid, Though this one seems a bit more complicated, Norran takes only a couple extra seconds of thinking before his face beams another sure grin and he rearranged the symbols without much trouble at all, adjusting his hat after he finishes.

From On the Holovid, Yzazz struggles more with the puzzle this time. His frustration is only amplified by the fact that Norran manages to finish sooner. Still, the Lotorian does succeed. His ramp connects with the next level just a few seconds after Norran's.

Dyopheteia motions her lips some more, and seems to think. Eventually deciding not to take a bet on the situation. Dyopheteia: "This reminds me of the gladiatorial fights back home." Alexandros: "Except the loser is denied his honour of death, of course."

From On the Holovid, Norran gives a few loud claps for the Lotorians as he notices him succeed after him, gingerly making his way up the ramp as he glances down to the new console. After a few seconds of thought, much like the previous challenges Norran reaches a hand out to shift about the symbols aptly into place with little difficulty.

Subhan wrings her hands, a glance spared back towards Sanhilton, with a smile for his young's expression, "Your ah, child is rather endearing, Master." The Baroness calls back tentatively to the Centauran, eyes glued to the holoviewer.

From On the Holovid, This time, Yzazz peruses the arrangement of symbols and manages to reorder them properly ahead of Norran. He's already scampering up the ramp before it even connects with the next level, yelling across to Norran: "Too slow, outverser! Too slow!"

Umishi ears flatten as considers Sanhitlon again then turns back to the holovid "There has to be some sort of catch to it though.."

Varal slowly walks into the tavern, quietly finding a seat.

"~Yes.. curious as ever, and eager to learn.~" Sanhitlon says with a hint of pride. "~I have been trying to expose the young one to as much as I can.~" As the two contestants make their way through the puzzle, it watches intently. "~They appear to be evenly matched, with a slight edge to Mr. Norran.~" it vocalizes. "~This will be a close contest it would appear.~" Darsan is also intently watching the picture, a tentacle pointing at Yzazz. "~Funny weasel.~"

"Quite admiralble traits in a child." Subhan replies back, voice wavering with nervous energy. Peripheral vision grats her sight of Varal, the woman a bit too hastily rising and causing her chair to clatter to the ground. A small, timid squeak and she rights it before making way to the other Palisadian.

From On the Holovid, "You're quite the opponent, Master Lotorian! It's good to have an equal match. I can only wonder if your swordhand is as swift as your mind, perhaps another time. For now, let's hope your confidence doesn't get the better of you, hm?" retorts Norran, politely clapping as he speaks and makes his way to the next console.

This one is definitely a challenge, Norran going through several combinations without very much success. His brows knit in slight frustration after awhile, before he attempts once more and breathes a great sigh of relief as he finally finds the right combination. Removing his hat and wiping some sweat from his brow, he puts it back on with a reassured smile as he makes his way up the ramp once more, peering over to his opponent curiously.

From On the Holovid, The Lotorian apparently meets his match with the puzzle on the next level. Over and over, he rearranges the symbols, but they keep flashing red and resetting. He growls, a snarl stealing across his face as he watches the outverser progress to the next level. He's left behind to continue struggling with the puzzle.

"~Excellent.. it appears Mr. Norran is taking a lead against the inverser.~" Sanhitlon vocalizes. "~I hope that he is able to win the day.~"

Umishi blinks "There seriously has to be a catch to this somewhere.."

A chittering sounds precedes the arrival of a spidery B'hiri. Camera in one of her hands, she heads forward, giving a polite nod to the people present. "This mister Norran seems like quite the interesting fellow, anyone rooting for him?" She makes her way to the bar while asksing, then moving the camera around and speaking, "The Last Orders Tavern, a nice establishment in one of the regions most populated by outversers. The patrons are currently watching the artifact tournament on the holovid."

Varal looks over towards Sanhition with a frown. A brief look of disgust flashes through his eyes before looking back towards the holoviewer. "Norran doing puzzles. This universe gets stranger every day."

From On the Holovid, "No need to be so angry, Master Lotorian! Just a game, you know," calls Norran with a seemingly genuine conciliatory tone, though the grin on his face somehow betrays the mocking intent.

This console offers a similar challenge to the last, and Norran takes his time in carefully rearranging the symbols. He's not as swift with the first bunch and fails with several combinations, but maintains a calm demeanor and patiently perseveres. A little quicker than last time he find the right hitch, finishing the puzzle correctly and eliciting a cheerful chuckle.

From On the Holovid, Yzazz watches helplessly as the outverser succeeds at activating yet another ramp, getting two levels ahead of him. Setting that frustration aside, however, he resumes deciphering the puzzle on his current platform. After several more failed attempts, the combination finally glows green and the ramp ascends, granting him access to the next level. Just one behind Norran!

Subhan lightly touches Varal on his shoulder as she comes up next to him, the Palisadian woman cringing away from the inquisitive B'hiri with the camera, "M-Master Varal." She inquires quietly, "May I s-sit with you?"

Dyopheteia: "Alexandros, full scan report of the spider-like being, please." The Atlantean is sitting on the bar, sipping a glass of good old H20. Alexandros: "Of course, mistress."

"~Indeed, I am supporting Mr. Norran and wishing him success.~" Sanhitlon vocalizes in response to Djikotich. Darsan's focus is still on the screen, still watching the Lotorian do his thing.

From On the Holovid, This puzzle is definitely the hardest yet. Norran strokes his chin thoughtfully, trying out several combinations that don't seem to make any progress. He raises an eyebrow as he seems to think he has something, quickly moving the symbols in a particular order and frowning somewhat as that doesn't work either. He stops trying them for a moment, giving a bit of a lopsided expression as he tries out yet another combination, eyes widening as the confirmation sounds as the ramp appears. He gives a pleased laugh, offering a wide grin and a polite bow of his head toward the Lotorian as he climbs up to the top level.

Razorback steps silently into the tavern, his brow furrowed tightly. He pauses just inside, his gaze swaying towards the holovid. His ears sway back, folding tightly. He glances away, his nostrils twitching just before he spots Varal. He strides quietly up beside the Fastheldian, his eyes going back to the vid. "Good evening," he rumbles softly.

Umishi ears twtich, "As polite as it is..he does loose time by bowing to his opponent like that"

Varal motions towards a few empty seats. "Please, join me," he says to both Subby and Razor. He also takes a moment to shoot the B'hiri an angry look that seems to indicate a desire to be left alone. He points at the holoviewer. "If I had to bet, I would not expect Norran to win much of anyting tat didn't involve beating in someone's head or chopping them to pieces. Perhaps the chosen of the Zar aren't so formidable after all."

From On the Holovid, Upon reaching the top level, Norran sees the Hekayti Worthing totem perched atop a low pedestal beneath a glowing hoverorb. As his foot comes down on the platform, however, a shimmering energy field pops up to encompass the totem and pedestal. Four more holoconsoles rise from the top platform, arranged around the totem. Each displays an intricate series of symbols. The cambot zooms up to the platform and explains: "The totem is now locked. You must unlock all four consoles to cut power to the energy field." Below Norran, all the ramps from the various platforms start pulling back. "If you fail at any of them, you will be teleported to the bottom. You will have to solve the puzzles again to reclaim lost ground."

Yzazz, meanwhile, has hit a brick wall with the puzzle on his platform. He gazes up at the turn of events on the highest platform, hisses to himself, and resumes pondering the display.

Razorback glances over at Varal for a moment and nods in absent agreement. "He does sseem to be morrre of the 'Sstrrrike firrrsst, assk quesstions laterrr' type," he says.

"~Dear me... that shall prove a challenge. I hope Mr. Norran is up to the task, for if he is returned to the bottom his chances of winning will be severely reduced for it will take time to re-do all the puzzles and ascend.~" Sanhitlon vocalizes.

Subhan chooses a seat at Varal's side, the Baroness insisting on remaining fairky close to the one person in the crowd she knows fairly well, "Good evening M-Master Demarian." It's tentative as it's offered across, hands resuming to be wrung in her lap once she's settled, "This bout is not so s-startling as one had expected."

The B'hiri is unfazed by that look. The road to great TV-documentaries is not a path that allows her to neglect putting events like this to disk. Dji notices Razorback and the camera moves over to take a look at the felinoid. "Good day, sir. Am I correct in my assumption that you are an outverser? And if yes, would you like to star in an episode of Outversers Onscreen, the latest documentary of Djikotich Studios?"

From On the Holovid, Norran looks absolutely awestruck, before giving a loud laugh. "Oh my! It's certainly gotten more interesting, I might end up being here for quite awhile," he surmises, shaking his head as he offers a quiet prayer to the Light. Cracking his knuckles, Norran makes his way to the first console to begin his attempts.

With surprisingly little difficulty, Norran goes through a couple failed combinations before clinching a success of his third attempt and solving the first puzzle. Filled with a rewed vigor, he gives a single clap at the victory and adjusts his hat as he proceeds to the next console.

From On the Holovid, The Lotorian, on the other hand, continues getting the flashing red failure glow from his console. He's still two platforms below the final with the four consoles. If he's having this much trouble now, one can only imagine how many times HE would end up teleported to the bottom. Nevertheless, he trudges onward, rearranging the symbols.

Razorback's ears swing towards the B'hiri, his eyeridges rising a few notches as his ears flatten out somewhat. "Ssirrr, unlessss you have the perrrmissssion of the prrroprrrietorrr to be filming in his esstablisshment," he growls quietly, "I do sstrrrongly ssuggesst that you sceasse to do sso. I am ssurrre that he would prrreferrr not to have an alterrrcation occurrr because you inssisst on invading the prrrivascy of otherrr cusstomerrrs."

The voice of Comorro speaks from overhead: "Djikotich is permitted to film and inquire on the premises."

From On the Holovid, Again, Norran goes through a few rounds of trial and error before decisively unlocking the second console's puzzle. He breathes a great sigh, wiping his brow as he glances down to the Lotorian curiously. He maintains a somewhat amused smirk, rubbing his hands together as he makes way for the third console.

Dyopheteia stifles a yawn. Boring puzzles. Dyopheteia: "Technology's glory, can't they even pretend to make it interesting?"

From On the Holovid, Success! Yzazz gets the green glow from the display, then capers merrily up the ramp to the next to last level. He's all grins until his eyes light upon the next console, with its triplicate combinations and rows of symbols. His tail slumps.

As Razorback settles into the bar, the flashing images on the screen lose young Darsan's interest, and the young Centauran manages to float free from Sandy's tentacle as it is still focused on the screen. Darsan floats up near the Demarian, stopping in front of its face. "~Kitty...~" it says with a youthful voice. Sandy's attention is drawn to Darsan's voice, and it floats towards it. "~You must not run off from me, young one.~" it scolds as it floats over.

Umishi turns from the holovid to the floating creatures again, ears flattening to the side and she just blinks.

Varal's tension can almost be felt rolling off him in waves as there's a camera-wielding spider and a pair of Centaurans nearby. One with acute hearing might be able to hear him grinding his teeth, but the muscles bunching in his jaw is an obvious sign.

From On the Holovid, Norran's previous successes do not certainly mirror this attempt. After several failed combinations, he gives a frown as he now sees that red failure glow. In a flash of light, he's back to where he began on his first failure of the tournament. He stumbles somewhat at the surprise of it, giving a deep sigh as he realizes what happened. Removing his hat, he makes way to try to get back to where he was once more.

Subhan cringes further as Djikotich swings the camera around to Razorback, whom shares the table with herself and Varal. She reaches for Varal's arm, to loop hers through so that she might be able to cower and hide behind him, so to speak, "Please." She utters timidly, "I do not wish to be caught by such a device."

"I shall take that as a no, then sir?" The B'hiri responds politely to Razorback, "In addition, it would be Miss. Currently, at least." Skittering around, the camera's view goes almost everywhere. The next target of Dji's query would be Varal, in fact, "Sir, would you like to star in Outversers Onscreen, the next documentary by Djikotich Studios?"

From On the Holovid, Yzazz slides the symbols around on his holoconsole before activating the lock/submit button. He winces as if he expects the red glow, then opens a single eye just a little bit to take in the cheery green glow as the ramp opens his path to the final platform. He sees that the upper platform with the totem is now lacking the outverser. His jaw drops. He looks down and sees the speck that must be Norran starting to work on the lowest puzzle console. A laugh, then he scurries up to the totem. The cambot whirs up beside him: "Two consoles remain locked, Lotorian."

"My apologies forrr the misstake," Razorback tells the arachnidoid. His ears flick upwards towards the sound of the disembodied voice. He snorts in disgust, shaking his head. "How unforrrtunate ..." he growls, "I actually was interrressted in viewing thiss sspectacle." He turns towards Varal and Subhan with a shrug, his eyes swinging past the Centauri with a slight curl of his lip. "I believe that I sshall be moving elssewherrre," he says, "My prrresensce herrre will not alterrr the event, and I can find out the outcome at anotherrr time. If eitherrr of you would carrre to join me ..."

From On the Holovid, This console seeming a refreshing respite from the ones he was dealing with previously, Norran gets it right on the first try and gets his confirmation. Glancing up to the Lotorian, he jogs up to the next platform to work on the next console.

Another console, another puzzle. "It'd be nice if the scenery weren't so depressing," he idly muses as he works at the puzzle. It takes awhile, but he eventually manages to get that elusive green glow as a new ramp appears. He walks quickly to the next console, setting to work with an idle glance to the top platform.

Sanhitlon grabs hold of Darsan and brings it closer. "~My apologies.~" it vocalizes to Razorback as it settles back in to watch, keeping a much tighter grip on the young Centauran.

From On the Holovid, The Lotorian moves to the third of four consoles on the final platform. He struggles, worrying at the various symbols without locking them in until he finally, reluctantly, taps the submit sigil. The display glows green. Only one console remains locked. If Yzazz can unlock it, the prize is his.

Varal looks once at the camera, then at the pair of Centaurans, and then back at Razorback. "Perhaps that would be prudent," he states, almost a growl.

From On the Holovid, Norran's next puzzle is solved in seconds, the outverser effortlessly arraying the symbols as he finishes, glancing up as he prepares to proceed. "A shame I had to do most of the work for you, Master Lotorian! Let's hope you remain consistant!"

Subhan merely nods her aquience, the woman's nervous air incresed to downright anxiety for the time being. Lest Varal stop her, she'll keep hold of his arm as they move elsewhere.

From On the Holovid, "Half the work!" Yzazz snaps back, working on the final holoconsole. He rearranges the symbols. "Me-I able to finish, though. All about closing the deal, yez-yez." Submit. The symbol arrangement glows green. The energy field drops, leaving the Hekayti Worthing totem open for the taking. With a smirk, the Lotorian grabs the totem and holds it up for Norran to see. "Just biznezz!"

Umishi 's ears drop again..."I don't like how some Lotorians act."

"~A pity. I was hoping that another one would be snatched from the Zar's grasp, but alas.~" Sanhitlon vocalizes.

Razorback's eyes swing towards the holovid and his brow lowers darkly. "Interrressting," he growls out before turning to slowly to pad his way towards the door of the establishment. His ears are folded tightly, and he seems unsure of something.

From On the Holovid, The image shifts back to the ICS studio and the Llivori commentator: "Another strong challenge from the outversers, but luck was on the Lotorian's side. Zar Hideg Fekrety can breathe a little easier now that his representatives have tied the score in the first round of the competition. Only two bouts left before we move on to round two. Can the Zar take the lead? Will the Comorrites prevail? Stay tuned." The image then fades.

Umishi rises from her place at the bar and walks toward the tavern's door.