The escape room rules

The group finished introducing themselves.

"So how does this work?" Alyssa asked afterwards.

"According to Kurt, its a reverse escape room or something. The goal is not to escape but to end up in bondage," Alex explained, reciting something she had heard earlier.

"Of course there's a twist," Alyssa laughed. "Well, what's the room?"

At around that point, the staff member returned. Now that no-one was blindfolded, they could actually see that he was tall, blond and suave, wearing a suit.

"Ah good, it looks as if everyone is all ready. In which case, I could explain the rules?"

"I think we've been given the rundown," Vanessa replied.

"Of course. But let me give my spiel regardless."

Grace motioned for the man to continue. He did so.

"As you are no doubt aware, the goal of this room is not to escape it, but to rather fully integrate yourself into the theme of the room. That means you must find all of the restraints and apply them. Now, obviously, there would be no challenge if you could just find all the items and then apply them all at once at the end. So therefore, as a rule, when you find a restraint, you must immediately add it onto the relevant participant. Each of you will have a theme between your restraints, so try to match the restraints if you want bonus points. We do have cameras, so will be able to see if you do not abide by the immediate application rule."

Alex raised a hand. "Couldn't we just solve all the puzzles but not open anything until we want to apply the restraints?"

"Well by doing that you wouldn't be able to complete the room. There are clues not only in the places you find restraints, but also integrated into the restraints themselves. Adds an extra element of puzzle solving."

"Ok, sounds pretty straightforward," Vanessa said. "What do we win?"

"Well, if you fail to complete the room in the specified time frame, you will be stuck in the restraints for the remainder of your stay here. If you win, you either have the choice to change back into your previous restraints, or stay in the finished looks from the room."

"I see..." Alex bit her lip.

"And is there a top prize?" Vanessa pressed.

"There is. If you end up in the top five, you are given some extra restraints, your group photo will be displayed throughout the resort, and you will stay in your restraints for a full day."

"That doesn't...sound like much of a prize," Alex gulped.

"It sure does!" Kate countered. "The extra restraints are always worth it. Trust me, we need that leaderboard spot."

"We have an unbroken streak, me and my wife," Kurtis explained. "I'd like to keep that going."

Vanessa cheered. "Of course! Look at this team! We're going to do great!"

The staff member nodded. "In that case, I can now let you into the room."

He went over to the side of the room an pulled a cord, opening the curtains against the wall. Behind the curtains was a very intricately designed brick wall with an Egyptian sarcophagus lying against it. The sarcophagus was lined with hieroglyphics, and as the group watched, it creaked open, revealing a hallway beyond.

"Have fun!" The staff member called out, as the group climbed into the hallway.