Rolled 17, 4, 19 + 12 = 52 (3d20 + 12)
>>5828694Descending from the galley's bow ladder in the pre-dawn gloom of the next morning, you’re alarmed to find that Ajax has organized the delivery of two large ballast-stones from the holds– the crews that delivered them are still sweating breathlessly, seated in the damp sand of the beach. He greets you solemnly as you approach, but your eyes are drawn to the ballast-stones – they are large, smoothly round in shape, and of equal dimensions – they rise above your waist, but not as high as your chest. You already have a sinking sensation – Ajax means to test your strength, your resolve – perhaps both. The stones themselves are enormously heavy, but with their rounded shape, it should be possible for a man of great personal strength to drive them across the sands…
Ajax wordlessly signals to one of the Salaminians, and a rigging rope is drawn out perpendicular to the surf – by your guess, about 50 strides in length.
Ajax says to you simply –
“I wish to test your strength against mine, Nikandros. We will push the stones to the end of the rigging line. The first man to cross beyond the line is the victor.”
You have the unsettling sense that this is a mistake for you, but you don’t truly consider rejecting Ajax’s proposal – to decline would be tantamount to shameful and unmanly behavior. Following Ajax’s lead, you disrobe entirely – in the typical style of the athletic games, you are each unclothed.
Turning about, you are somewhat relieved to see that there are few spectators, given the early hour – only the small number of crewman who moved the stones to the beach. You don’t have much additional time to consider the implications of success or failure here – Ajax summons you to your stone, and each of you brace in preparation for the challenge. Ajax, in a show of good sportsmanship, waits for your nod before shouting “PUSH!” – and you each strain against your stone.
>Okay, /qst/ - I need THREE rolls of dice+1d20+6 – this is a pure STR check. >I’m rolling for Ajax – his natural STR bonus is +12 - yes, I am serious. Don’t be disheartened if Nikandros loses badly – Ajax is a phenomenal hardass and this is only “part 1”.