"Well, here's the temple. Jabba's treasure should be inside that door. All you have to do is figure out the carvings that tell you how to open it."
"We paid you fifty thousand credits to get us in the temple, not just up to the doorstep. I expect you've already decoded the carvings..."
The freelancer in the leather jacket barred her teeth in a predator's grin. "You expect correctly. But my father didn't quote you for decryption or translation. Those would be extra - another fifty thousand extra, if we're being precise. And when it comes to business..."
A scowl broke on the Mirialan's face. "You're always precise. This is extortion, Mirax."
This time the smile was saccharine sweet. "No, my dear Lieutenant. This is business."
"Fine." The New Republic officer in charge of the excavation grabbed a datapad and started tapping. "And it's Captain Swve. There, it's done. Now can you tell us how to get in the vault?"
Behind a collected facade, Mirax was bouncing with delight. Fifty thousand had been her starting position, and she'd expected to walk away with perhaps another twenty on top of the original contract. But he'd caved immediately.
The New Republic must really be desperate to keep this treasure out of the hands of the pirates and Imperials she thought.
"Sithspit, I'll call you General if you'd like. The answer is blood. Typically Hutt excess, but what can you do?" In one fluid motion, she strode over to the stone door, drawing a knife from a hidden pocket in her jacket. Opening a thin cut in her palm, she pressed her hand into a shallow recess.
With a dusty rumble, the door slid back...
A happy technician tends the power supply for the dig lamps.
Overviews for judging:
Incredible and full of detail! I can't get over how much texture is present throughout, it really is wonderfully executed! I especially love how you achieved the doorframe. The lighting is great and is convincing me to look into some lights as well. The story is also a wonderful display of personality, their characters' easily understood in a short time. Great stuff!
Thank you! I was particularly happy to be able to work the lights in in a way that the wires contributed to the scene rather than detracted from it. And I hope the hints as to who the freelancer is are picked up on... she'll be back later.
The texture on the wall and on the ground is a texture master-class. It's almost a shame that the top of the ruin is just plants. A tower, or a taller ruin would have taken this build to the next level. My guess is you ran out of time? 😀
Anyways - truly inspirational texture!
GM / Faction Leader of ARGO Industries