This Was a Triumph - RPLOG
Participants
Date
17/8/477
Log
The tournament grounds are taken up mostly by a large Creator vessel, it's hold open wide for a stream of the curious to flow in and out of the ship! A number of creators wearing their strange, uniform like clothing stand guard over everything, making sure that no beings go where they don't belong. A plethora of wonderous contraptions lie scattered around an open area the size of a jousting field, awaiting those who wish to test their mettle! A Creator wearing a rather silly looking chain of office stands with a clipboard at the entrance to the field, taking names and information on those who wish to enter.
Kalt makes her way up to the tournament grounds, dressed in her armor with her sword at her side. The Vixen's gaze traveling to all the contraptions as she frowns for a moment, remembering her new duties for the moment at least. All the same, she soon bows deeply to the Creator at the entrance holding the clipboard before speaking. "Evenin' heard you lot were goin' an' testin' folks round here an' all?"
Cassidy reaches up to adjust her hat, whistling merrily as she saunters onto the tournament grounds. "Kalt! Good to see you. Yes, I am curious as to just what's going on here! Tests and challenges? I'd be happy to participate!"
Natska enters the tournament grounds at Cassidy's side, the jaguar looking around and taking in the scene. She nods her head towards the Creator with the clipboard and taps her fingers to her hat brim, then gives him a smile, and waits to hear his spiel.
Thelergramor walks slowly into the tournament grounds, not far from Cassidy and Natska. Ignoring the pain from his injuries for now. The wolf brought all of his weapons and equipment; a recently aquired chainmail shirt is worn under his torn and bloodied coat. Stepping up beside the two he followed, he looks to the creator. Makes no bow nor gesture to him. Just stares at him from behind his mask.
Rainer is standing tall and proud, fists on his hips and chest outthrust, with his tail swaying in a continuous, but casually-paced wag. Casting a glance back over his shoulder, he remarks to the poor sap that happens to be behind him in line, "I was the first person to set eyes on a Creator since they left us here, y'know." He starts to turn his attention forward again, but then looks back again, conceeding, "Well okay, there were some others there with me, even still~" The line shuffles forward, and he with it. "They taught us this weird Creator greeting, wait 'til you see it!" And so, when his turn comes up at the registrar, he ... extends a hand to rub the poor human's nose with his palm.
Jendayi arrives to the grounds in all her towering glory, sphinx rubbing her hands together and smiling broadly as she makes a beeline towards the Creator taking information. "Excuse me," she asks at as delicate a tone as she can muster, "Do you happen to know where I may sign up for the... the..." She rolls her hand in gesture, trying to find the right word, before giving up and just waving at the area in general. "This thing you are asking for Beings for?" At the sight of Rainer reaching out for the human, every muscle in her body tenses up like steel, and she draws a sharp breath in through her teeth as she grimaces.
Adolphus had of course head the Creator vessel hand landed. The big hippo does wander in with his mail and leather, and his war hammer strapped to his back. Military rank upon his shoulder, the royal would first stop with whoever looked in charge. "Greetings." he rumbles "I welcome you to Firmament and the nation of Sweetwater. Though I have to ask formally, you have permission from Commander Parson to be here, and none of your experiments will interfear with the Beings here ,or cross any of the treaties already signed and witnessed?" the offical looking Good has to at least ask first.
The creator looks up from his clipboard, at least it looks like a clipboard, but it seems to have no paper on it! More creator magic, no doubt. He looks over those who have come to show what they can do. "Thank you all for-" he breaks off as Rainer puts a hand directly in his face! He blinks in confusion for a moment, but decides to act as if the action didn't bother him. "Thank you," he says to Rainer, probably setting a dangerous precident. He then turns to address Adolphus, hesitating a moment before bending awkwardly at the waist. "All of our paperwork is in order YOUR HIGHNESS," his translator inserts the proper honorific and he makes a few motions over his clipboard before turning it to the hippo, "You will find all of the proper permissions here."
"As for the rest of you," he says as Adolphus looks at the little screen, "Thank you for volunteering! We hope to learn more of your people and have a better understanding of one another by seeing what you are capable of." The man points back at all of the equipment. "These machines will measure your strength and speed as you use them," he says, "If each of you would please step forward to state your name and allow us to scan your vitals." He holds up a small white box that glows with a soft white light.
Kalt blinks at Rainer's actions, but it seemed the creator approved! She'd have to take note of this for the future, good things to learn after all. As the Creator addresses them, she gives a slight nod and steps forward, pointing a thumb at her armor. "You gonna be needin' me outta this then an' such?" Before she clears her throat. "Ah, Kalt Tiefkuhl." She says while looking at the small box as she leans forward slightly.
The little box glows and a gridwork of light is projected onto Kalt as she stands before the Creator. There is a sense of warmth for a moment, then the box dings! and the machine spirit burbles something friendly sounding before the light vanishes, making ready for the next being!
Cassidy raises her brow and glances at Natska for a moment before she approaches the box, adjusting her mask. "Cassidy Solacious. I'm not the strongest around, but I'm quite fast! Speedy and mobility is my strong suit!" Even when wearing her suit-suit.
Natska tilts her head to the side, watching the process as it unfolds, hands on her hips. Her ear twitches as the box dings and gibbers, and she waits for her turn to introduce herself. "Natska," she states, tail swishing.
Thelergramor shrugs, steps up and speaks: "Thelergramor Alverriss." Yep. Definitely his real name. No reason to lie to the creators, as much as he wanted to. He waits to be 'scanned' or, however he puts it incorrectly in his mind.
The same grid appears across Thelergramor's front as has the others but after the little machine makes its bell tone, the machine spirit murmurs something and the Creator man frowns. "I am sorry, sir," he says through his translator, "But my readings indicate that you are unfit for these tests. Please step out of the line." He smiles a bit shakily as Rainer takes his spot and returns the wolf's surprising gesture, rubbing his pointed lupine muzzle.
Rainer bears a told-you-so smirk as he steps back from the Creator and returns his hands to his hips. "They're kinda oily, though." he remarks in a lowered tone, with his head turned away from the gentleman addressing the gathering, immediately following the comment by wiping his hands on the legs of his pants a few times. When it's his turn to steps forward again he of course is pleased as punch when the nose rub is reciprocated, as evidenced by the wag of his tail ramping up from gentle to hyper. Thumbing his chest and announcing, "Name's Rainer, Explorer Extrordinaire! Quick as a whistle, sharp as a thistle, best swordsman the Lightbringers ever saw," The device is surely done by then, given how brief the other scans were, but he prattles on, "Cliffside war veteran, -Shadow- war verteran, and I've probably kicked more Cultist butt than anyone else you'll likely meet today, too! Then there was the time I rescued those kids being held for ransome in an old fort -filled- with bandits..."
Jendayi steps up to the box after the rest, leaning her all too human face down towards the box a bit and speaking out firmly to it, like a tutor. "Jendayi." She rises up, standing stock straight and relatively still for the light- she's at a solid 8'5" and it really shows. "So, is there... some manner of contest? The details were very unclear to me- one cannot trust rumors too much, after all."
Adolphus squints, looking at the clipboard. He accepts the honorific gracefully and offers a slight incline of his head as he reads and makes sure it's all prim and proper. "Very good." he rumbles. "So we're testing our limits as it were?" He nods and will allow the machine to scan him, big hippo starting to unstrap his armor and his hammer. Not wanting anything to hinder the testing. "Adolphus Reginald Good." he says in his overly loud voice. The deep bass of his voice rumbles, not really able to regulate the volume coming from his figure. Underneath he wears some simple linens, hugging tight around his immense belly, good exercise clothing though, since they were made to be worn under armor and in combat.
Finding everything in order, the creator man nods and tucks his magic clipboard under his arms. "I will be responsible for the testing of this group," he says with an easy smile, nudging Rainer along as he continues to try to tell his story, "You will simply need to put forth your best effort on each of these fitness measuring machines so that we may measure your capabilities. Please do not over exert yourselves, this is only a general measurement." He leads them up to the first set of machines, a line of transluscent ball structures, open on one side, that seem to hover just above the ground with a black box on the closed, grounded side. "These RUNNING MACHINES will measure your speed and stamina," he says, "We ask only that you run as fast as you comfortably can for 10 MINUTES." He then waves his clipboard over each machine as the beings enter and a series of numbers and symbols appear on the black boxes.
Kalt takes the time when the others and being scanned, to remove her armor and pile it neatly to the side. Leaving her in the brown shirt and shorts she wears below, and her prosthetic left arm out for show as she follows along. Nodding slightly to the Creator, before making her way into one of the bubbles as she begins to run, focusing on going the whole ten minutes first while still maintaning the running pace with greater ease now that she was out of her armor!
Cassidy closes her eyes and takes a breath before stepping onto one of the machines. After taking a moment to adjust her hat, she starts into a quick run. Not quite a sprint, since she was doing for time, too, but the scout-fox was certainly intent on proving her talents at running!
Natska spends a few moments peering at the ball and the device under it as she considers the device. She takes off her hat and her gloves, setting them just to the side, then gets herself situated in the running machine and sets off at a brisk jog, pushing her speed up gradually as she warms up.
Thelergramor follows after the creator, once everyone was scanned. "Hold on one second here. I'm not one of you fragile creators. I can run with injuries. Hell, I can fight like this. Thought you wanted to test 'limits'? What better way to test that than on one who is injured to the point where one of -you- would be in bed crying?" He chuckles, crosses his arms, leans back, eyes the creator from behind his mask. His tone is more 'matter of fact' than angry.
"...I mean, it was like standing room only in the whole fort, wall to wall bandits and their boss was this -big guy- who was all--eh?" Rainer finds himself shuffled along. "Oh, right, yeah." Spitting into each of his palms and rubbing them together, he approaches the marvelous Running Machines! Not a moment's hesitation given before he steps inside, looking all about the enclosure with the expression of a child in a candy store. Only Theler's talking big to one of those People That Made Us All pulls his attention away, but all he contributes to the debate is a long whistle, watching with widened eyes and raised eyebrows. Running Commences! ...and naturally he completely defies the instructions by going full tilt from the outset, burning himself out in the first couple minutes, and by the time he actually finds a pace for himself, he's barely managing a jog. "Ah-hah... ah-hahah... who knew ten minutes was... such a long time? Hahahaha... aaauuuuwuuuhhhhisitoverrryeeet?"
Jendayi gives one of the machines a quick looking over with a broad smile, stepping as gingerly as she can into it, glancing about at the inside and quickly getting to work. She starts out at a calm, paced walk, quickly speeding up into a speedwalk, a run, then all but a sprint. She maintains that speed, gritting her teeth a bit as she quickly feels her muscles start to burn- perhaps overestimating her actual capabilities a bit, but she's managing, more or less. Perhaps a bit too eager to impress, though.
Adolphus ughs...of course it has to be running first, the huge hippo just gives a shake of his head. He's going to be sweating for this one of course. He tries to wedge himself into one and starts. A slow, long, heavy plodding. The hippo does NOT run fast, it's more like a brisk walk, though his stride does cover some ground. But at this pace he can go for quite a while. Belly jiggling and wobbling all over.
The little creator with the clipboard shakes his head at Thelergramor. "I am sorry sir," he says, "I cannot permit you to be part of the tests, as it is against protocol to risk aggravating injuries of a participant. Besides, the results from your examination would be tainted." He frowns as the wolf follows him. "I must ask that you leave the testing area immediately," he says, hand straying to a spot on his belt.
Another Creator, this one a woman, walks along the row of running machines. "There are 5 MINUTES remaining of this test," her translator says, "But please do not over exert yourselves. Please stop if you feel over extended."
Kalt keeps her attention forward as she runs, tail flicking behind her as she focuses on her breathing without over exherting herself. In all honesty, the Vixen was cursing herself for wearing the heavier metal arm today, instead of the lighter wooden arm!
Cassidy keeps her breathing steady, doing her best to keep her pace all the way through the test. She wasn't too concerned about it, though, all things considered. This was what she was good at, after all! A test of strength, on the other hand...
Natska may not be running that fast, but her pace was smooth and steady, the jaguar's fluid strides propelling her along at an even pace. She is tempted, very tempted, to give herself an assist; she resists, though, keeping things relatively tame for now.
Thelergramor shrugs, chuckles again. Ordinarily he may have spat upon the hairless ape. But, he's supposed to be respectable now. "Watch it, creator. Don't threaten me." The word creator sounds almost like an insult coming from the wolf. His arms uncross as he laughs. "Sure. I'll leave the testing area." Dick. "But, I'm staying close enough to watch. Unless you have a problem with that." Proceeds to speak more to the creator. Purely gibberish, trying to give the man the impression that his translator stopped working. Creator bastard. Thel proceeds to head back to... somewhere where they stop complaining, hopefully somewhere he can still watch from.
Rainer verbalizes his dismay at learning they're only halfway done with a long, drawn out, drawling groan, knitting his brows and rolling his head from one side to the other, back, then permitting it to swing forward and just... hang. However, in the face of adversity, he does what he always does: the opposite of what a sane, rationally-minded person would do: he keeps going. "Heeeeeeeey Kaaaaaaalt~" He must have spotted her during his whine. "How're you holdin' up over there~?"
Jendayi just keeps pushing herself onwards, panting slightly, the parts of her with bare skin glistening with sweat. She's determined, that much can be said, but her exertions are quickly taking their toll, sphinx nearly stumbling a couple times. "Just a little longer," she huffs to herself, doing her damndest to maintain that sprint.
Adolphus continues his fat and heavy plodding, the machine shaking a bit, and of course he's starting to sweat. He continues though without stopping or faltering, his slow steady pace un broken. Slow and steady wins the race!
The Creator male that Thelergramor is pestering frowns and reaches up to touch a spot on his collar. He mutters something and momentarily a pair of creator security guards are there almost immediately, flanking the wolf and leading him out of the testing area to the spectator stands.
The female creator smiles and makes a few motions over her own clipboard as a loud chime signals the end of the running test. "Congratulations, Beings of PROMISE," she says, "For completing this first test." The bubbles of the running machines lock back into place, allowing the runners to descend with no trouble. "Please, take this time to refresh yourselves before the next test," she says, pointing out a table laden with treats and with water.
The next crew of beings is being led onto the field toward the running machines even as those who just finished are being led to the break area. "We will be able to proceed to the strength test momentarily," the original guide says as he reappears, his smile firmly back in place, "Please, relax."
Kalt lets out a tired sigh, moving behind Rainer to give him a heavy handed slap on the back with her prosthetic hand. "M'holdin' up like a virmin in a house'a food. Ain't no big... But water an' a snack, now I ain't turnin' that down." Leading the wolf with her to the snack table as she gets a cup to drink, and begins to chow down on anything edible she can!
Cassidy abstains from the snacks, after such a run, but she does help herself to a generous amount of water! "Well, I hope I did well enough on that one to make up for whatever disgrace I end up doing on the strength test." She snickers softly and scoots over to Natska's side, still sipping at her water.
Natska slows to a stop in the running machine, then gets out and stretches. She gives Cassidy a happy grin, and calmly paces the length of the table, cooling down. "I don't think they're grading us, love," she tells Cass. "Or awarding scores."
Thelergramor laughs at the escort. Complies with whatever they want of him, though, seems they just want him to sit down. It finally ocurrs to him just how frail these -things- are. Could probably kill one with a punch. So, must restrain himself if he ever needs to bring one down. Arriving with the spectators; Thel sits, amused. Another laugh, so touchy the creators are. Glances at the other spectators; wonders if he knows any. Probably not.
THUNMPK. Rainer was not expecting the ball to stop. Rainer was not expecting the ball to stop at all. He spends a little time smeared against the inside of the bubble, lips contorted to the curved surface showing off his canid teeth and his lolled tongue, drool, breath condensation, and puppynose wetness forming little trails as they streak down the interior. But at last he pries himself off and stumbles out... only to get his face planted in the dirt when Kalt gives him a flyby slap on the back. Yet he springs right back upright, as if there'd been a trampoline right there under him, and aside of looking dazed for a moment he shakes it right off. How can he stay down and out when there's -food-! Free food, the best kind! All the wolf can do is "mm-hmm" and "uh-huh" along with the conversations of the others, as if he were even paying attention, so full does he keep his gob at all times his cheeks are puffed out to the point he could easily be mistaken for a chipmunk. He takes a moment to toss a sizable scrap Theler's way, too~ Wolves gotta stick together, amirite?
Jendayi steps out of the machine looking more than a little winded, huffing and puffing, but she has enough in her to stumble on over to the treat table. She partakes of her fair share of the snacks, at least she certainly hopes all that was her fair share. She makes the most of the respite she can, leaning against the table as she recovers. Wiping some sweat from her brow, she furrows a brow at Rainer.
Adolphus phews a little and he moves to take some water. downing a whole bucket worth of water into his mouth he drinks deeply and fully. "Ah good. Nothing like a cool glass of water." he rumbles hard. Looking over at all of the various snacks. He'll take one of each to try. Creator snacks are raritys after all.
The water is cool and clean, and the snacks are pretty good! Some kind of cake made up of toasted grains baked together with honey, or whatever the space aged equivalent is. Maybe they even had them made with local ingredients. Either way, not too shabby! There are even a few different kinds! The female creator watches the beings gathered around the table, seeming to make a few notes while they eat and drink.
A mild chime rings out from the guide's clipboard and he waves a hand to the group to gain their attention. "Thank you for waiting," he says, "Let us proceed to the strength test!" The creator man walks along a line of lit tiles on the hold's floor to another testing space. This area seems to be less elaborate than the last. All that seems to be here is a row of light metal bars. The creator guide turns to face his charges with a smile. "In this test, we will be gathering information on the raw strength of BEINGS from PROMISE," he says, "Please take up a bar and begin lifting it like this." The guide sets down his clipboard for a moment and picks up one of the slivery bars, lifting it first to his chest, then from there, over his head before repeating the motion in reverse. He then sets the bar down, and takes up his clipboard once more. "The bar should grow heavier with each repetition," he says, "Please continue until you feel that the weight has grown too heavy." He then procedes to wave his board over each bar in turn as each being takes their position. "Again," he says, "Do not overexert yourselves, we do not wish anyone to injure themselves, after all."
The security guards leave Thelergramor in the seats, moving back to their stations. Their clothing is worth noting, as they seem to have adopted a sort of helmet that earlier visitors have not worn. One of them puts a finger to one side of the helm and mutters something, shooting one last look at the wolf before walking away.
Kalt follows with Creators to the area, stretching her arms out before moving to pick up one of the bars as she begins to perform the repetitions... She doesn't focus on blowing it out with speed, instead giving it steady repetitions, going up to roughly thirteen reps before she sets it down with a huff. "Hrngh... Need to carryin' more."
Cassidy rubs her gloved hands together and takes up one of the silver bars, grimacing a little. She starts her lifting, and, for a while, she's doing pretty good! Better than she had expected. Then she starts to struggle. A few more, and she barely manages to lift it over her head one more time before setting it down with a soft huff of exertion.
Natska spends a moment getting herself ready, then picks up the bar. She hits the first two lifts quickly, then paces herself as she keeps moving the bar up and down how the Creator scientist had indicated. She doesn't try to push herself hard, just working at the repetitive motion until the bar gets too heavy to smoothly lift up again. She gently sets it back down, then brushes her hands together.
Thelergramor shrugs, the food Rainer threw didn't even get close to where he was sitting, apparently. Doesn't want anything from the creators anyway. As the wolf looks around, he notices that the testing area is... Shielded? Similar to what Joe used. Knowing that, well, it doesn't stop magic, and growing paranoid by its presence, Thel looks more intently at it. Barely registers that the guards are probably watching him. Screw them anyway, right? Finds that the shield is open where the security guards are stationed. Well, that's all good to know if they freak out and try to kill him. Growing slowly disinterested, the wolf takes a photo from a pouch on his belt, looks at it. A calming influence. Possibly.
Rainer's expression blanks when his eyes meet Jendayi's. "Whuht?" he sputters out through his mouthful of sweetcakes, hefting one of the intact morsels he's holding to her line of sight, "Yuh shuhd tryh theehfs! Thuhr guhd!" He might also shove a few down his pants for later when they're ushered onwards... which doesn't really work, given the bagginess of his attire, as they all tumble right down to the cuffs at his ankles. He keeps alternating his feet while he's observing the Creator's demonstration, lifting one, giving the leg a little shake, setting the foot down and doing the same for the other. Apparently having learned his lesson from the first test, he takes his time with the bar, though he seems dubious of the challenge it could present at first, by the 6th rep he's puffing and panting again, and as he attempts his 9th his strength gives out and he drops it, jumping back as it lands dangerously close to his feet. "Yowza! ...Sheesh, that thing's gotta way more than the Kiii-iiii-iiiind of heavy stuff they're always loading on boats. Down at the docks. Yup, those big crates. Y'all know the ones I'm talkin' 'bout." He shuffles off in the opposite direction of Adolphus, eyes averted.
Jendayi makes a mental note of the Creator's advice this time around, feeling a bit foolish for not doing so in the first place. She takes hold of one of the bars, looking it over curiously for a moment before beginning reps. "Need to excersize more," she grunts to herself, taking it slow and counting her reps. At five, she really starts to feel the burn, grimacing slightly and adjusting her stance. By nine she's starting to have trouble with lifting it, and by twelve she's groaning aloud trying to lift it. A thirteenth is the best she manages with one last great haul up to her chest before she decides it's enough, rubbing her arm a bit. "That is, ah, not bad, yes?" The sphinx grins up at the Creator hopefully.
Adolphus moves to the heavy bars and he nods his head, "At least this time it's somthing I can do." he rumbles and sets his legs. The huge hippo has good form, a good stance and soon he dips down, hefting the heavy bar up, and over, up and down with fluid motions. The hippo can lift all day it seems. Muscles rippling under his fat.
Both creators nod and wave their hands mysteriously over their odd clipboards. "Excellent work all of you!" the male says, smiling, "You are a fine, healthy group!" He starts to walk away along another line of lit tiles. "Come along this way," he says, "And we shall get you ready for the last test." The man leads everyone to a large doorway, that slides open with a hiss to reveal a room divided up into smaller cells. Remarkably, each cell is marked with the name of one of the participants! Not necessarily spelled correctly, but the letters sound out correctly. "Would each of you please enter the space marked with your name?" the guide asks, "You will find a set of clothing fitted to your specifications, we ask you to dress quickly and await further instructions."
The provided suits are strange. They seem to be made of some sort of stretchy fabric or hide. Certainly different from anything to be found on Promise! The suits seem to be of a single piece, made to fit over ordinary clothing, but still quite form fitting. Included in the pile of clothing is a helmet, modified to fit over the head and face of each being.
Kalt sets off to join the creators as she follows them, grinning at Rainer as she points a finger his way. "Second time I went an' beat ya in a contest of strength, ain't it?" A teasing tone to her voice as she winks, before heading into her room. She blinks slightly at the outfit awaiting her, but doesn't seem to really need to ask as she puts on the jumpsuit, before fenagling the helmet onto her head. "... Uh.... This helmet supposed to be doin' sumptin?"
Cassidy steps into the little room and peers at the jumpsuit for a moment. She frowns softly but steps into it all the same, pulling it on over her suit before taking up the helmet. "What an unusual thing!" She hums softly, giving a little twitch of her tail before removing her hat and mask, replacing them with the helmet.
Natska enters her room, and gives the suit a curious stare. She spends a few moments running the fabric through her fingers and checking it over, then quickly changes into it, then slips the helmet on and waits for the next test.
Thelergramor continues to look over the picture of his woman, ignoring the slight, well, moderate pain coming from his ribs. Grows slightly concerned as the beings are moved into other rooms. Yep, they're about to be killed or something. The wolf remains sitting, but switches out his soulgems simply to be prepared. Glares at what creators can be seen from behind his mask, putting away his photo.
Oh no. Rainer nearly trips over his own feet, and it's not his sweetcake-lined leggings at fault. He stands there with a look of abject horror painted on his face, eyes scanning left and right along the markings on the cells. "Um. Well. Would you... would you look at that. I guess it's easier for them to learn how to read our language than it is for us to learn theirs, eh? Ha ha, haha... Creators, and all..." Wringing his hands together, he just loiters out of the way, quietly fretting... until the obvious occurs to him: process of elimination! He's all smiles again, after that, of course entering his designated 'cell' at the very last. Not really considering the 'put it on over what you're wearing' angle, he ends up all suited up with his own attire slung over his shoulder in a makeshift bindle formed from his pants, looking all about the cozy little chamber as he awaits further instruction.
Jendayi wastes no time in stepping into the cell with the mark that sounds the most like her name, besides having to mouth it out briefly to be sure. She struggles only very slightly with the clothes, to her great surprise, easily and quickly dressing in the suit. She taps the side of the helmet a couple times and peers about the cell. "Intriguing... What is all this for?" she mumbles to herself, slightly bewildered.
Adolphus stares a little at the suit, just sort of giving it a poke, and a helmet? An odd palstic thing? he shrugs a bit and strips naked. Not embaressed of such things. Still he's doubting the integrity of the garment to fit across his bulk. Rumbling he tries to fit his legs and thighs in, into the outfit, getting his gut in and sealing it up. Looking very much like a gumball in a wrapper now. Especially once he hadds the helmet.
The pair of Creators smile encouragingly at everyone as they emerge wearing their unusual suits. The two of them carefully check the suits and helmets, then stand side by side as the male explains. "This next test will be one of agility and skill," he says, "Do not worry too much about performance, only do your best. The suits and helmets are only a safety precaution. You are, of course, welcome to leave your belongings here, as we shall return after the testing." The woman walks over to a panel on the wall, pressing a few buttons and the tiles of a large section of the floor rise and fall to create an area of wild terrain! Incredible what these Creators can do with their magic!
The male holds out his clipboard and a slowly rotating image of the field ahead appears above it. "This is the testing field," he explains, "All you must do is reach the flag here," he indicates a marker situated at the center of the field on a small rise. "There are, of course, a number of obstacles and these," he points to four red markers around the field, "Are MAGIC turrets that will be firing LIGHT FIRE MAGIC at you. It should not even be noticeable except as light." The Creator woman picks up where the man leaves off. "If you are struck by the light," she says, "The simulation will continue, but you will lose points on the scale for each time you are struck. You will each attempt the course alone." She looks around at the suited up beings. "Are there any questions?" she asks.
Kalt blinks, and raises a hand slightly for the creators. "Yeah, we able to go fightin'em with weapons we find in there an' all? Or is that bad an' such?" The Vixen's tail flicking as she debats if any of the created terrain could be used as a weapon even...
Cassidy folds her arms and looks over the course, and at the fire 'turrets', humming. "Would I be allowed to use my own magic to assist me with avoidance?" If not, this might be a little tricky. If so... She was feeling more confident. "And we simply have to reach the middle? That's all? I suppose I can do that."
Natska runs her fingers along the fabric of her suit, smiling. "I like this. And it is protective? Is it suited to regular wear, or would the fabric snag and tear?" she asks, tail swishing back and forth. She flashes Cassidy a grin. "If they let you just jump over everything that would make it pretty easy, wouldn't it?"
Thelergramor scoffs at the terrain, thoroughly unimpressed. Speaking aloud, mostly to himself, and whoever happens to be next to him in the stands: "Heh. Look at that. Too lazy to explore and find real terrain. This is just sad." He chuckles, looks around, still ready to intervene if necessary. Likely won't be, but, doe not trust these creators. Then, a thought occurs to him: They just tested their combat capabilities... "...Fuck."
Rainer is all set to toss his things aside for later when a thought occurs! He hastily retrieves his belt from the bindle and reaffixes it upon his middle, Soul Pendant gleaming in place of a standard buckle. That could have been unfortunate. Properly preared, he thus drops the rest of his belongings and steps up to admire the course, the face-covering helmet concealing much of his reaction but for his wide, awe-struck eyes. "Woah." He turns to inspect the other participants, rubbing his chin... then pulling his hand back and staring at it, something about the feel of the fabric - both on his hands and on his chin - putting him off. "...So I know this isn't a race, but I'll totally buy a drink for whoever can do it the fastest." Turning back to the course, the canid adds, "Of course, when -I- finish it with the best time, I expect alluv ya to buy me~ a drink, haha." ...Up in the bleachers, a svelte iguana wearing plate armour and priest vestments aims a silent, disapproving frown at the grouchy mutt, but he's seated a few rows behind Theler where it's more likely than not the stinkeye will go completely unnoticed.
Jendayi jerks her head back in brief surprise when the surroundings change, laughing to herself a bit in excitement and clasping her hands together. "I have no questions. I wish only to begin." She's practically bouncing in place, eager as can be to test her prowess, though in all honesty the sphinx has no idea what to expect out of those turrets, or the mentioned obstacles.
Adolphus strokes his chin as he tries to figure out the best way to go about this. "This is...well. Unique. A unique challange. Fire magic turrets?" he considers the applications and how to make them rather unoperable. "All right...." he finally nods and is ready to go.
The male creator shakes his head at Kalt's question. "No," he says, "There will be no weapons, the goal is to show agility, speed and strength in avoiding the obstacles and the light beams, not to destroy them!" The female fields Cassidy's question, "Of course miss, if you think that you can your MAGIC will help you, you are welcome to use it." One has to wonder what the Creators are hearing when a being talks about mathemagic.
"And I am sorry," the female says to Natska, "But I fear we cannot allow you to take this gear off the ship, it is only approved for one time use, and is as much for our research as for your protection."
Out in the stands, Thelergramor's comments have cause more than a little grumbling and drawn more than one angry glare. An otter in priestly vestments, if a little dim looking to be a full priest stands and turns to face the wolf. "You have something to say about the Creators," he says in a say-that-to-my-face tone.
The two guides line up the competitors. "You may begin whenever you are ready," the male says, "And as soon as one finishes, the next may begin."
Kalt doesn't hesitate once the call to begin is given, the Vixen side stepping a shot before she cocks back her left arm and sends it into the floor infront of her! They said no destroying the beams, so she'd go for a more defensive plan, pulling up a piece of a the flooring she begins to use as a shielf while she runs. Blocking one beam, while dodging the other as her main tactic! Sadly for her, before she can complete the course, one of them manages to smack her right in the hip, causing her to growl and push farther, finally completing with just one mark! The Vixen depositing the section of flooring upon her completion for the creators to take back.
Cassidy rolls her shoulders and takes a deep breath. As soon as it is her turn to begin, she darts into action. She's not even taking proper steps as she crosses the field, but rather a series of long air-magic skips over the ground, dodging each laser, first with two gracefully acrobatic feats, and thirdly with a more practical leap. Sadly, she's not quite fast enough on the recovery and takes one of the lasers to her shoulder before she makes it into the middle with Kalt. "Well. One isn't bad."
Natska watches as Cassidy take off, then tenses and gets ready to sprint; when the signal is given, she takes off at a dead sprint. The jaguar darts around corners, slips under one turret's field of fire, and jukes past a second with a sudden turn, making her way into the middle. There, she removes her helmet, and gives Cass and Kalt a grin. "Oh that was fun. We need a room like this for our castle, Cass."
Thelergramor laughs, greatly amused by these stares and grumbling. And by the otter who got so offended. "Yes, I could say a lot about them. Just words. Not hurting anyone." A wicked smile forms behind his mask. "They are the single greatest threat to our existance, for one. Two, they think they're all high and mighty. Creators my ass. Three, they just tricked a bunch of soldiers, or, former soldiers into demonstrating strength, agility, speed. Sound benevelent to you? They are studying us. Don't care why. Last, well, have you seen them? Can't get anything done without their tools. Probably couldn't even walk with all the equipment I have on me, weak, they are." He laughs again, waits to be assaulted. "Now, sit down." Turns back to watch the beings who were not excluded for injury. Doesn't care how many creators or spectators he just offended.
Rainer leans out from his place in line to watch as those ahead of him take their turns on the course. He hoops and hollars the whole time, cheering his fellow beings on - by name, when he can! When his turn comes up he takes a moment just short of the starting line to wave and blow kisses to the audience and give a couple flexes of his biceps, momentarily grimmacing at the hostilities erruptingin the bleachers. "Hey! The excitement's -this way-! Ah, forget it." A dismissive gesture, and away he goes! Leaping, bounding and sprinting it seems he's fully recovered from his earlier exertions on the hamster wheel and weightbar. The way he ducks and weaves around, and on one occassion even jumps clear over, the turret's fire akin to a master of the martial arts, and every time he clears a beam he can't help laugh triumphantly, even turning around, after a near miss, backpedalling while he wags a finger and clucks his tongue disappointedly at the weapon platform. His final bound, onto the goal zone, sees him doing a frontwards roll, landing 3-point and thrusting his fist into the air with a triumphant bellow. The wolf: unscathed. Though he's seriously winded from the effort, he still bounces up and down energetically as he greets the preceeding competitors, then turns to cheer on those coming.
Jendayi is the next up; right from 'go' the sphinx is bolting like hell, making leaps and bounds past obstacles and even managing to avoid most of the turret shots, but alas, halfway there she's hit by one right to the face, and in a moment of frustration and slight startling she stumbles forwards and is nailed dead center by a second. From there, disgruntled as she may be, she manages to get to the middle otherwise unscathed and in good time, at least.
Adolphus grunts a bit as there's no way he's going to be fast, or sublte about this. He is a Good. He does not duck and dodge, he will crack his huge knuckles and then roll his neck with a pop. Flexing, and then jogging into the arena. He actually manages a leap! And then comes crashing down onto the floor, sending a shockwave he hopes will throw off the magic fire shooters, rocking and rolling through the hull as he begins to sprint as best he can towards the flag. Fortunetly his seismic stomp turned the controls of the turrents a little wonky. Their fire scatter shot and not effective. He practically strolls to the flag hill without a single hit! Reaching his goal he raises his hand high.
The two Creator guides are waving their hands wildly over their clipboards, painted on smiles disappearing with the intensity of their concentration and speed of their work. The most frenzied flurries of activity seem to be when Kalt tears up a piece of the hold floor to use as a shield and when Adolphus stomps his way to victory. The crowd also seems to approve of the Hippo's achievement, cheering on a member of their royal family! Though they seem no less excited by the acrobatic and athletic displays put on by the others.
"Excellent! Excellent!" the male cries, "Certainly the best showing we have had all day!" The female is a bit more restrained, but obviously very pleased by the success of the beings. "If you will return this way," she says, pointing to the lit path again, "You may remove your training suits and reclaim your belongings. Then we will see to your promised payment." While she speaks, the male Creator goes back to fiddle with a panel and the terrain of the floor melts back down to the flat surface it had been before. Even the panel that Kalt tore up has returned to clean, flat tiles.
Things are decisively less peaceful in the stands as the surly otter dives at Thelergramor, slamming him HARD against the metal bleachers! "I oughta break your heretic nose!" the otter snarls at the wolf.
Kalt blinks as the tile disapeers, before nodding to Cassidy. "Oh yeah, could'a been a lot worse. M'figurin' it's interestin' how they can just... Fix it with a lil'wave an' such..." The Vixen making wishy washy motions with her hands, before follwing back to the lit path to strip out of the training suit and reclaim her gear.
Cassidy smiles and gives a little applaud to Natska, smiling. "Very nice, love. And thank you, Kalt! I did my best, yes. Without trying to break a sweat anyway. I'm still a little worn from all the earlier testing, you know?" She starts to move off back towards her cell, intent on reacquiring her hat and mask, while returning the jumpsuit and helmet. The suit was okay, but she didn't care for the helmet!
"I like this. Think I should try and get a few made?" Natska asks as she unzips the front of her suit juuuust far enough to keep her bra hidden, then gives Cass a small wink and a happy grin. She follows along behind the fennec, glancing at the other Official Test Subjects, walking with a light step and a slight sway to her hips. Back in the cell she changes into her dress once more, makes sure her things are accounted for, then waits outside for the others.
Fighting the urge to grab the otters head and twist it off his shoulders, Thel laughs, continues to smile behind his mask, a direct result of being attacked; the pain from his cracked rib shooting up through his whole body and blurring his vision. "Heh... Forgive my herecy. I repent. Pfft. Go sodomize yourself with a guisarme, jackass. Calm yourself before you get us in trouble." Another cackle. Awaits another attack. Will not fight back. Thel is not the bad guy here...
Rainer doesn't even think (not like that's anything new), he steps forward and delivers a resounding SLAP to Adolphus' ceiling-stretched hand. "Hey, way to go! Y'know you almost knocked us all off up here with that trick, right? Haha, I'm kiddin'! Yer alright!" All this spouted as he further gives the hippo a couple congratulatory pats on the back while they wait for the terrain to resettle, then saunters on over to reclaim his belongings. "Wait, we're getting -paid-? ...Bonus!" Up in the stands, a feminine voice pleads "Won't somebody PLEASE think of the children?!" as violence breaks out. Rainer pauses, just short of ducking into the wrong changing room, "Sheesh, I nearly forgot ... who had the best time? ... ... ...someone was keeping time, right?"
Jendayi stretches out a bit and makes her way along the path and into her cell, not having left anything behind so only needing to strip down, her usual clothes beneath the suit. She returns the suit and helmet swiftly, then exits, peering out at the stands in confusion. ".. Alright then." She carries on, confident that if a conflict is breaking out the Creators will deal with it.
Adolphus looks a little confused as he gets slapped upon the hand. He tilts his head and looks at Rainer, not sure about the man. But he will go and take off his fancy suit and put his armor and leathers back on. Not sure about any sort of paid thing, but at least he's made a good showing of himself. THe people enjoy it, that's all that matters.
The angry otter spits in Thelergramor's face then turns away. "You're not worth my time, scum," the mustelid says, returning to his seat just as a pair of security guards arrive. "Is there a problem here GENTLEMAN?" one of them asks, his voice emerging from his helmet in a disjointed way, his actual words jumbled up with a projected translation. The helmet is open, showing a broad, slightly brutish face with a nose that has been broken at least once, his broad frame stretches the material of his jumpsuit over the muscles of his chest and shoulders. He looks from the otter to the wolf with a frown. The Otter drops his eyes to the floor. "No your eminence," he says humbly, "I have said my piece to the heretic." The guard snorts and looks over at Thelergramor. "What about you NO TRANSLATION FOUND?"
The two creator guides are all smiles as the group returns from changing their raiment. "We are grateful for your contribution to Scientific Progress," the female says, "And we hope that we will see some of you again soon!" The male chimes in. "We have so much yet to learn about your people!" he says, "And we hope that what we learn can benefit you as well!" They lead the way to an exit from the testing area where another smiling creator waits with pouches of carefully counted crowns which are handed out to each of the beings.
Kalt nods as she looks to the Creators with a smile. "Yeah, an' hopefully we can go learnin' from all of ya'll so we can all be enjoyin' ourselves. Thank you for the pay though, an' go takin' care!"
Cassidy peers at the Creators for a moment, nodding. "Yes, this was certainly an... Interesting experiment! I hope to learn more in the future, yes!" She gives a little smile to Natska and hums. "Maybe... I'm not entirely sure! But perhaps. They might be interesting, but I kind of like my suits and dresses!"
Natska finishes making sure her gloves are on snug and that her hat is aligned perfectly -so-, then gives the creator scientists a small curtsey. She smooths down her skirt, and grins. "That was fun. And I am very curious to know your results as well! Would it be allowed to let us see your results when you have them? I know a few doctors and trainers that might be interested." She looks over at Cass, then, smiling wider. "Oh, I know. Me too. Maybe if I needed something to sneak around in, though, or for those social events that involve a lot of running and dodging across the roof tops."
"Hmm? Me and my friend here were just having a theological discussion is all. that wasn't a fight, it was a hug." Thelergramor laughs, wipes the spit off his mask. Internally seething, pain not subsiding. "But, no. No problems here." Thinks to himself: that's right, creator bastard, I'm being good. Another chuckle, really just trying not to double over in pain right now. No, that comes later. Once he's home.
Rainer spares the Creators the embarassment of having to endure more nose rubbings and only offers each of them a casual salute as he parades past, nearly forgetting to snag the coin pouch being proffered to him. His attention is still focused largely on the bleachers full of, what he believes, are now his legions of adoring fans. "Hey, great stuff, call me any time, I'll show alla ya how it's done again! Ha ha! ...SeriouslyIknowoneofyou must have been keeping track. C'mooon, don't be sore losers~ You -all- did great today! ...I just did a little greater!"
Jendayi accepts her crown happily, tucking them away safely and bowing to the Creators slightly. "I am very glad I could be of assistance," she pipes up cheerfully, and having said her peace, moves along to wherever it is she's off to next.
Adolphus blinks as it's coin! All right, sure. He inclines his head politely, "I am more then happy to help. And if you mind, could you deliver what your findings are to the library here in Firmament? After all we helped give hte knowledge we should recieve some of it too..."
The Creator guide smiles and nods to Natska and to Adolphus. "Of course!" the male says, "Our findings will certainly be made available to you as soon as we have collected all of the data." The two guides smile and wave as the group moves away, then goes back to start the whole process over again with a new group. Wonder what they think they will learn?
