The Final Backstage Tribute (Victored BB)

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❧ for the final tribute backstage

When one tribute remains in the backstage portion of the Bloodbath, the floor will begin to crack and three pedestals holding porcelain plates will emerge from the ground, greeting the tribute.

(1) On the first plate rests a mask that resembles a hawk. From the earthy-toned acrylic paint adorned with metal and gemstones on its feathers to the shining obsidian black beak, the mask radiates to life in the dimly lit backstage. Upon closer inspection, each feather appears crafted in a precious manmade precision. Small intricacies one may have never noticed in their daily life are instantly recognizable. The mask's chilled texture invites anyone who touches it to also place it against their face as a respite against the blistering heat waiting outside.

(2) The second plate holds a pair of bracers. The bracers match up in length to one's forearm, with large pincers curling forward at the knuckle. The browning orange texture, reflecting just as nicely as the other artifacts, resembles the sharp claws of a scorpion. Further investigation of the artifact reveals a milky white texture flowing through the bracers like a human's veins. Knowing basic earth science, one could presume it carries some sort of poisonous venom. The bracers call out to those in a pinch to quench their bloodlust.

(3) The final plate claims a ceramic mannequin head, crowned by the hood of a dark cloak. The cloak barely scrapes the stage floor. When close enough, one can hear the violent hums of a locust swarm. The cloak appears slightly animated: restless as if caught in heavy winds, but the only shifts in the air come from your exhausted breaths. The cloak's cloth shimmers when touched, and a sensation of pins and needles reverberates across one's hands. The more someone grasps the cloak, the more they will feel the swarm within, promising to protect them.

The last tribute alive in the backstage bloodbath may pick one of the three artifacts. Once the winner puts the artifact onto their person, it is bound to them and the tribute will be unable to remove the item. Trying to take either of the two remaining artifacts will burn the hands of any tribute who touches them, including the wealth winner. After this, a tunnel will open from beneath the backstage and release the tribute into the arena. They will survive through the next few hours, but slowly feel their energy decay, their thoughts slow, and their body agitate. Smoke, sand, and intermittent wisps of neon light will begin to surround the tribute as they traverse through the arena. At the anthem, the tribute will see their face in neon lights.

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This affected Portia Maybach, d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel